What is it about 2:15AM time frame?

 Once again I was awakened around 2:15AM and could not go back to sleep.  We went to bed around 8:45PM, which is not unusual.  Is it that my body is now deciding 5-6 hours of sleep is all it needs?  This isn't the first time, and I'm sure I've written about it before.  Personally, I'd rather sleep to 4AM as usual... but, after lying in bed another 30 minutes, I got my body up and brought it in here.  Thought about trying to go back to sleep, but decided to spend it praying for awhile before I get started on my morning readings.  

One of my readings this morning was being 'all in'.  What does that mean?  Am I (or are you) all in - to the death, if necessary - to follow Jesus?  It was interesting that I read about being 'all in' in two different books today, by two different authors.  So yes, it has given me pause.  I know I have mentioned many times that Jesus is my All in All - and He is.  Or should I just be honest enough to say, "I want Him to be my All in All", for you know as well as I do, that I fail many times to do the right things. Not from lack of 'want to', but because I'm human and I choose the wrong thing at times.

I read one story of two young girls who lived in a country that hated Christians.  But they were Christians, and they have driven out of their country to another, to attend a conference by Christian leaders.  After the conference they ran into one of the leaders at a cafe and they shared that the authorities in their country were tracking them down.  They were asked, "Why don't you defect?"  Their response?  "Who would tell our people about Jesus if we did?"  If captured, they would be imprisoned, or killed.  It didn't matter. They wanted to tell the people about Jesus.

Wow. They were willing to put their lives on the line for Jesus.  And many of us are afraid - because of the 'authorities' here in our own 'free' country to even mention His name!  The name of Jesus .... are you afraid to say it in public?  Are you hesitant to pray in public because you are afraid people are watching you and don't want them talking about you, ridiculing you? 

I called out a pastor one time.  Several years ago my daughter went to McDonald's on a Sunday morning to grab breakfast, and she saw this pastor get his order inside McDonald's, sit down and start eating.  He didn't pray.  After she told me about it, I confronted him and told him that it doesn't matter if it was 'just' a McMuffin - he is being watched and when he didn't pause to pray, even over his egg sandwich, it was noticed.  Are we not thankful for even a small morsel of food?

Hubby and I always pray before our meal, whether in a restaurant or fast food place, or at home.  We are thankful that God provides for us.  One time at an Arby's restaurant, of all places, we prayed and started to eat and an older gentleman came up to us and said that he watched us and when we prayed, he realized how easy it is NOT to pray in a public place (because he hadn't).  Fast food is still food, right?  

My friends and co-workers whom I meet for lunch on occasion, they know I will interrupt conversations once our food is delivered and will pray before I will 'allow' them to eat. They never ridicule me.  I have done it enough they don't even start to eat; they wait for me to pray.  It only takes a moment to say, "Lord, thank you for this food. Bless it to our bodies. Bless the hands that prepared it for us. In Jesus' name, Amen."  Does it feel awkward sometimes?  Yes. Depending on whom we are with, hubby and I will sometimes look at each other and just nod, meaning, 'say it to yourself'.  Some people just dive in and don't wait, especially at a long table where you don't know everyone and they don't know you.

Changing the subject, last night we had a nice evening at the daughter's.  We took pictures of those relatives that had passed away and we shared who they were and a story about them. I hadn't thought much about how many of those close to me had passed away already.  My mama and dad, my oldest brother, my older sister, my youngest brother and his three children. (I still choke up when I share about the children.)  I took photos and told our 5 year old granddaughter who they were to her. Oh yeah, I had also found a photo of my dad with his parents - her great-great-great grandparents.  I will scan those photos over to my granddaughter later as she wants to create a generation page to help her daughter know 'from where she came'.  Sounds like they are getting into genealogies.  I'm always happy to share photos and any stories I can remember, which, unfortunately, aren't many.

Genealogy is important.  In fact, Matthew 1:1 starts off with:

Matthew 1:1:  The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:

And, of course, Jesus is the Son of God, but to show He was the Son of David, Matthew started his book this way.  Genealogy was important back then.  Remember that the men were called 'son of their father's name' -  for example, Simon, Bar-Jonah.  Bar is 'son of' and Jonah was his father.

Matthew 16:17 (NKJV):  Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven."

Your father's name identified who you were.  Genealogy is important. It tells you not only from whom you came, but who you are and why perhaps, you are the way you are.  Curses of the past are sometimes carried down the line.  I don't know who put alcoholic curses within my family, but it has come down through my siblings into some of our families.  I have prayed many times for that curse to be broken.  And I will continue to pray, that the curse will be broken in this generation.  There are other 'quirks' I've noticed but at the moment, my mind can't think of them.

I think back to my grandparents, how different they were.  My dad's parents were involved in the church (my dad helped build the first church of God in Tennessee at which he was the pastor).  Big families back then.  My dad had 5 brothers and 3 sisters, I think.  They lived in the city and were 'city folk'.  My grandparents were very poor in money, but rich in love and in love for Jesus.

My mother's family were farmers and store owners.  Mama had 6 sisters and 1 brother.  The sisters (all but one) married and worked farms (but 1, and they had a small store in Pikeville).  Granny lived until 1968 and I loved her dearly, but do not remember her talking much.  My grandfather passed away before I was born.  They had a large farm that one of the daughters and her husband lived there with Granny and took care of her.  Sadly, the farm is gone now, as Aunt Margaret and Uncle George's two boys did not want it and have both passed away, without children. I believe an Amish family bought the farm at the auction.  My grandfather built the house Granny lived in when they got married.  The Amish people now use it as a chicken coop.  Unless they tore it down; I don't remember and haven't been back there in over 40 years.  Special memories there with Granny, though.

Maybe someday, if I ever retire, and remember, I should write down some of those memories of visiting Granny (I have the most memories with her) each year on vacation. Ah, my thoughts are seeing Granny sitting in her rocking chair, reading her Bible.  

And with that, I'm going to jump off here and get started on my day.  Wishing you time to think back over special memories of years gone by.  Some memories are hard to get through, but the good ones last forever.  Treasure them, for they have made you who you are.

Blessings!

And they are off....

 My youngest son and his wife have already hit the road this morning for their l-o-n-g roadtrip. I think they plan to be back like around October 2 or 3.  Home for a couple days and then head out again.  "Must be nice", huh.  Not envious - well, maybe I am, in a way.  I've never been a traveler - or even wanting to travel much - unless it is to visit family or to visit a granddaughter 'south'.  Just going to a state to say I've been to that state, even if it is to see something there, is not my thing.  Why?  Probably because when I was growing up, the only place we went was Tennessee.  Once I left home my parents and those still at home would head to Florida for a getaway.  I was never included.  My traveling has always consisted of visiting family. I'm ok with that.  With hubby and I, in the first 40 years of marriage, we never had any money to travel. Yes, we made a few trips back to Indy - but very few, and usually it was because we had to go to court, or a funeral. Hubby has pushed for us getting away on our anniversary for the past several years.  I told him that this year was the last year.  I refuse to let him drive, and there is no reason for me to drive us somewhere away from family and everyone else - and then just stay in the room pretty much. I'm not a sight-see-r.  Just never have been.  Seen it once - you've seen it.  I may travel again at some point, but for now, I'll save my money and vacation at home.  Now if someone wanted to take us somewhere with them.... I'd seriously consider it!  

We watched the entire Charlie Kirk memorial yesterday on TV.  I did ok (with a little grumbling about some of the speeches) until Erika Kirk spoke.  Her grief just broke my heart.  Yes, I cried - not cry cry - but I did have to wipe tears away.  Personally, there were too many speakers, but it was good that many of them shared the gospel and encouraged everyone to turn to Jesus.  Some people may have heard it for the very first time.  I still just can not get over the hate.  The indifference toward it all is to be expected.  People were not involved in this ministry and probably had heard of Charlie Kirk, but had not followed him.  And indifference is ok.  But the hatred and the words spoken by those who did not even know him, is unreal.  I haven't heard of the actual funeral... don't know if they have already had it - or if it will be this week.  Regardless, it will be very painful for that last goodbye, and I my heart breaks for Erika and the family.  

Not sure what my workday is going to be like today.  I keep feeling like I should take tomorrow off work. I do have my follow up appointment with Dr. Mark, but why do I feel like I need to take a vacation day? I need to make that decision today and put in for it, making sure I have back up.  Now that we know hubby's lab tests are in, I'm hoping they will schedule him for tomorrow to come in to talk with Dr. Mark - or they may not even need to have him come in.  I know Wednesday morning I plan to meet my favorite boss for breakfast - and hubby has a simon med appointment for an ultrasound - which he does not need me to attend with him.  Maybe I just need to take the day off tomorrow.  For me. I want to bake some strawberry bread for my boss; I've told her about it and she wants to try it.  I need to get started on my other baking too.  Need to hit the grocery store.  Yeah, maybe I will.  A day for me. :-)

I talked with Ms. Diane the other day. I still have not gone to visit her at this facility.  She said they haven't gotten her up for rehab in over a week.  So now her children are moving her to a group home and are packing things up to put her house up for sale.  One of the houses up for sale sold the other day - only 1200 sq ft so it was a small one.  But we have one with the sign still up, one that may still be 'on the market' without a sign, and one that will be going up soon.  I wish ours was  Yes, I want a house. With a back yard.  A place that we can call our own without other people managing it. Hubby refuses to leave.... but prayer changes things.  He also refused to leave our last house - which now is 'dead' if you drive by it.  Trees and grass and flowers are all dead.  So sad; we used to have the best lawn in the entire area as we had a landscaper come every other week to take care of it.  He was cheap too.  $25 for the entire front yard.  $50/month - grass cut, trimmed, weeds pulled, trees trimmed - it was well worth it.  I loved that house; I loved the space I had.  I loved the cabinet space I had!  I need to either get rid of things here or quit buying!  (or get a bigger place, which would be nice!)

It's cloudy out this morning, and cool, -  79 degrees according to my computer.  Would love to take the time and go sit outside this morning.  But, work does call and I will need to get on the work computer soon.  Someone must have hired someone to do work - I keep hearing a buzz of a power tool but don't see it in the immediate area, so wonder who is doing what.

Romans 15:7 (NIV):  Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

Sometimes it is hard to accept other people, isn't it?  They aren't like us; they don't have the same values we have. Some are narcistic and want all the attention on themselves.  Some are drama queens.  Some think it is all about them.  Some are God-filled; some are evil filled.  There are all kinds of people out there and many are hard to accept. 

But God.  He says we are to accept one another.  Look at what a mess I am, and Jesus has accepted me as one of His own.  How can I not lay down my thoughts, my feelings, my intuitions, my anger, etc... about certain people.... when He has accepted me - just as I am?  I'm a mess, which you already know. I don't even have to go into detail and you know what a mess I am.  I am called to love others, just as Christ loves me.  That's hard.  Sometimes it is really hard.

But it is also a choice.  It takes choice; it takes prayer.  I would love to tell some people off and set them on their path I think they should be heading.... but that is not my position. I am not to 'tell them where to go'... but to show them how to find Jesus.  And then it's their choice - regardless of what they 'say', to  follow Him.  I mean really follow Him.  I'm not talking about going to church occasionally or watching a service online.  I'm talking about FOLLOWING JESUS.  He went to the synagogue every week.  He lived what He said.  Shouldn't we if we are Christ-followers?

And yes, as you know, I fail many times.  I am so grateful for a loving and kind Father who will forgive me for ALL my past, when I ask for forgiveness and confess it to Him.  He helps me to let go of the pain, the guilt, the shame.  Yeah, the devil tries to stir it up many times, but I am learning to ignore him. I know hubby is working on areas of his life as well.  In fact, as many of you may know, we have one family 'member' who hates our family and usually tolerates any being around - which is rare. We all tend to shut down around them.  Hubby used to be one of the outspoken ones, but even he has changed in that area. In fact, it was noticed the last time we were around them that he didn't say much and actually gave a compliment.  That's all God.  Trust me. I live with this man.  It doesn't mean he likes this person or wants to be around them, but he wants to be more like Jesus.  And that's what Jesus would do. Some say 'I forgive them' for what they did, (or didn't do) but then they are constantly bringing it up on social media and calling veiled names.  Is that forgiveness?  

When Jesus forgave me, He doesn't remember it anymore.  When Jesus forgave you, He doesn't remember it anymore.  And that is what we are called to do. Forgive (even when not asked for forgiveness), and then let it go.  Include those people who hurt you.  Let them get to know you better. If they stay away, it's their choice.  True, there are many that would argue that point with me, but if you want to be LIKE Jesus, you want to live like Him as well.

Ok - mind is rambling and I'm not pointing fingers at anyone.  Forgiveness is crucial to live a Christ-filled life.  How bad do you want it?  

I am mentally making plans to go on a three day fast to pray for specific family members who do not follow Jesus.  My heart is broken over those I always believed would be His - but they have rejected Him for the world.  I am going to be specifically praying for them.  If you have someone you want prayed for, please send me their name - and I'll add to my 'list'.  If YOU want on it for any reason, let me know as well.  In the meantime, you are in my general prayers.

Blessings!

It was a little different....

 Yesterday afternoon I took off work early and we headed up north for a grandson's GED graduation.  I'm proud of him for sticking with it and FINALLY getting his diploma.  It was really a unique and strange 'presentation'.  There were about 40-ish on the list that 'walked', and about 20 more that chose not to.  There were caps and gowns for them to wear.  We met in a gym.  Extremely crowded for the number of graduates' guests.  I think a couple groups had over 20 in their group based on the yelling when their name was called.  The processional was played as the graduates walked in to take their seats.  They had been standing - in caps and gowns - for about an hour, waiting for 5PM to get here.  Then the leader said there were going to be no speeches; they were going straight to calling the graduate's name and getting it done.  My youngest timed it.  The entire graduation ceremony lasted 12 minutes.  Thereabouts.  My kind of graduation. LOL  Took us longer to get there!  But the grandson now has his diploma and can join the US Army, which I have heard may be in a week - 10 days as the son wants to take him - but he will be traveling about next week.  None of my business.  Anyway - the graduation was short and sweet.

I noticed that hubby seemed really tired from the drive up there, although it wasn't that far (less than 100 miles).  I suggested we stay the night at a hotel and come back home early this morning, as I am still working today.  He seemed a bit confused as we came into town, but it wasn't all his fault.  Siri could not find EAST Holloman St - only WEST Holloman St and the confusion grew when we would go one direction when we should go another.  Finally the son and I connected and he watched us and gave directions on where to turn.  Hubby was stressed.  At the gym, the son called the hotel and got a room for us - a really nice room with a king bed and a lot less than we normally pay for a room!  But then, it was at a casino, which we don't usually frequent, and they make their money off the gambling.  No, we didn't gamble at all.  We did join the son and his family (spouse, son, grandson) for dinner before we retired and they did their own thing.  

It was an odd feeling - I did get us each a complimentary toothbrush and toothpaste.  We had no extra clothes with us.  I did take a shower this morning there and loved the rainfall shower!  But, had to put the same clothes back on - and changed when I got home.  Hubby waited until we got home to shower and change.  I know staying messed us him meeting with his friends this morning, but he was also glad we stayed overnight rather than him trying to drive back last night.  I was only about 45 minutes 'late' signing in the work computer this morning - which isn't a big deal.  I work through lunch anyway.  I had txt'd my boss last night and she said to just take the day off, but I didn't want to on short notice.  Good thing, I had two invoices, flyers, and several meetings to take care of already today.  

We made good time coming home and I've been on the work computer ever since, getting caught up.  Taking a few minutes here to write a few lines.  I know my oldest son reads this the most - and I even txt'd him last night that it'd be late today. :-)

A side note... I guess it is because every time I do it, my thoughts wander.... I wore a pair of jeans yesterday and I thought as I put them on that they felt 'comfortable' - you know, a little loose, and not tight.  I thought to myself that finally!  I've lost enough of an inch that my jeans are feeling good. Sigh. I looked at the tag this morning.  They were the 14 that I was 'growing into' when I started this plan of getting this extra weight off.  I generally wear a 12.  Which is what I have on now, and no, they aren't loose.  Sigh.   Anyway, back to my thoughts.... and this is for my children..... their dad taught me this years ago and I have always done it - but I don't know if they had ever known it, or had noticed it with their dad.  I do weird things so they wouldn't necessarily notice it on me.  But their dad told me years ago to skip the first belt loop when I put on the belt, so that the buckle is on the side, versus right at the belly button.  The reason?  The belt buckle cuts into the belly if you are bending over if it is at the center, under the belly button.  At the side, it doesn't do that.  I've always worn my belt buckled on the side.  Anyway, it came to mind again this morning as I buckled up my jeans, and I thought about putting it in here, in case one of them had not known this about their dad.

There was something else that came to mind earlier, but it has slipped my mind now.  Something to write for another day, I'd say.  

Don't have time to sit and ponder here this morning as I'm trying to get work done as well.  It was odd being at the hotel - no books to read, nothing to do but 'talk'.  Gasp!  But we did talk for about an hour last night as our food settled down (eating much later than we normally do - which is usually 4-5PM.  Not that it was a big deal, but I had a big hamburger and fries and I was stuffed!) The graduation started at 5PM - and although only 12 minutes long, we still had to get out of the parking lot which was crazy. Threw my entire diet off for sure! And it was so good.  I keep thinking about maybe doing ribs on Monday ... we are to come back on Sunday and I still took Monday off... so we'll see how that goes.  I want to do some baking tomorrow; probably brownies and cookies to take on the trip.  

Opa and I will be staying with the grandson while the others will be staying at the airbnb.  So as I'm baking, I'm putting in two bags so both places will have.  Taking recipes for other things they might want to have.  I think we are having burgers on the grill for the 4th. Probably brots or hotdogs as well.  Not my house; not my meal to plan.  Hmm wonder if I should take my recipe for potato salad.  Doesn't hurt, I guess. I do love holidays when I can cook to my heart's content - and even if I get tired from it all, for me, it is pure joy.

And - with all this rambling about the trip, trying to get work done in between thoughts, I probably ought to get off here and focus on work.  It's 11AM already and the day is going by fast.  YAY!  I will make sure all my stuff is done before I leave, but I am tentatively planning on taking both computers with me on this trip - in case we end up staying over until Monday.  It's not all our decision, but since I have timecards to approve on Monday, want to be sure I have that covered.  And of course my personal computer.... and I'm hoping I will have 'alone' time to write in it without questions as to what I am doing, if you know what I mean.  It may be sketchy starting on Thursday - depending on what time they plan to leave will depend on when and IF I can even write in here at all on Thursday.  Only time will tell, I guess.

And now I need to get back on the work computer so am truly closing this off.  Hope you have an amazing rest of the day.  I glad ONE person misses my blog when I don't get it done.

Blessings!

I have a girl friend...

 who sometimes can just crack me up.  Lori.  Those of you who know me, know who I am referring to.  Needles of Hope Lori.  I saw an email from her this morning and it mentioned that we have 'Needles of Hope' on Saturday morning.  Then she adds the comments:

"Me in November:  I will make a beautiful handmade gift for everyone I love!

Me in December:  I love two people."

Aw, come on, didn't that at least make you smile?  I think that way in January each year - and there have been a few times that most did get a handmade gift from me for Christmas.  But - now no one needs another afghan, another quilt, another blanket.... not much left that I can make!  I do have a thought and it has rummaged through my mind for actually several years.  But, never has made it past the thought life.  I'm too caught up in one hobby to start another.  

Which makes me think... I recently 'joined' a 'Declutter Group' on Facebook.  Why did I do that?  I have no idea.  Hopefully for motivation, I think... but, regardless, every single day I see numerous posts about people giving 15 minutes a day to start decluttering a closet, a desk, a drawer, a room, etc.  They add a photo of 'before' and 'after' and it is amazing of what some of them have been able to accomplish.  I hide my 'stuff' much better than they do, apparently.  The only room that looks really bad is this room - with my desk, and now Christmas packages being received over on the floor.  And the bed starting to get piled high.  My closet, well, I really could go through it... but... not that motivated.  Some day I may fit in to those clothes, right?  If I got rid of clothes too little for me now, I may only have two outfits to wear!  You get my drift?  I have two suits (now who even wears suits any more?) that I really love but haven't worn in probably close to ten years now.  Yeah, I still have them.  They are nice suits.  I don't want to get rid of them.  But unless I lose 30 pounds, I will never wear them again.  Yeah, I probably SHOULD get rid of them, right?  And the dresses I wore to grandson and granddaughter's weddings I will never wear again, most likely.  But I'm just not ready to let go of them.  Any of them.  Why?

Memories.  I bought the two suits with a couple girlfriends.  Remember way back when I would meet my boss and a girlfriend in Tempe and we would walk 3-5 miles and then go to Einstein's for a bagel and chat before heading back home?  Our girlfriend died of a brain aneurysm about ten years ago.... I still miss her. One day we three went shopping at Ross after a walk.... and she talked me in to getting these two suits.  I wore them a lot when I got them.  But they still look brand new.  These suits always remind me of her.  But, they are something I should let go of, right?  Suits are 'out of season'.  

I did chuckle at one comment made yesterday... I read "I joined this group because I thought the declutter you meant was clear off a cabinet and remove that clutter.  I didn't realize you meant to declutter the entire house!"  People are getting rid of 6-15 black trash bags of things - taking to Goodwill or some even putting in the trash.  I may be surprised at how many bags I could come up with, but surely not that many!  I still need to work out in the garage cabinets.  I feel safe doing that - why?  Because I haven't used most of that in at least 3 years, so I know I can get rid of some of it.  Which reminds me, I need to check with some of the grandchildren to see if they want some things... I have several small appliances that I could possibly let go of.  To my grandchildren, I can easily let go of them.  To Savers or Goodwill, not so much.

Need to get up and get dressed - just remembered too that today starts the estate sale 8-1PM I think next door and I want to go look.  See, I talk about decluttering and then want to go see what else I don't need!  I just want to go see, right?  I'm sure there is nothing I need.  Nor want.  I'm safer staying away.  But I'm nosey too.  I want to know what all they have to sell.  There have been pick up trucks off and on all week, picking up furniture as they were posted on a website.  I wonder what could be left.  Will have to go check it out. :-)

Hope that you have a blessed day and perhaps do a bit of decluttering on your own.

Blessings!

And I don't have to do it again!

 Whoo hoo! Those were the words I heard from the doctor yesterday after my procedure.  And in case my mind started playing games with me as in 'did I really hear that or did I just want to hear it' - I have it on my discharge papers as well.  Typed out.  "You do not have to do this again".  Thank you, Jesus!

Aw.. it really wasn't that bad, and in taking care of my health, it is one of the preventive things I had to do.  I should also eat better as a preventive thing.... and I don't do that too well... but I'm trying to do better.  Somewhat.  Hold that thought.   Speaking of food... I didn't get my pizza yesterday (the nurse told me that wasn't a good idea; hold the spicy for a day or two) and hubby really made me angry.  Why?  Before I tell you.... let me tell you about this....

This time, the nurse messed up in hitting my vein in my hand for the anesthesia... she blamed it on the needle. It hurt really bad going into the vein and she had to adjust it alot... and I was afraid to look - but I did take a peek and there was blood all over my hand, dripping onto the floor.  She cleaned my hand up, taped the needle down, and cleaned up the floor.  The anesthesiologist had to readjust the needle as the flow of the anesthesia wasn't getting through.  They gave me lynocaine (sp) before they gave a poly drug to knock me out.  This morning the spot in my vein where the needle had been is still all puffed up - which is unusual, based on previous experience.  As long as my blood keeps flowing I guess it's ok and that it will go down to normal size.  I'm partly afraid I might hit it and the weakened spot pop open.  It's about the size of a big fat fishing worm, about a 1/2 inch long.  Those of you who fish know that size.

Anyway... why was I mad at hubby afterwards?  He didn't eat breakfast before we went and he was hangry.  He didn't listen to me... in the past we always went to Dennys and got breakfast...  I suggested Bisccuits as it was just a couple blocks away.  Oh no, he was thinking about Haystacks or Black Bear.  So he drove on by Biscuits and went to Black Bear.  In my mind, I'm not hungry, I just want to go home and sleep and eat later.  So we go to Black Bear and it is full - with lots of people waiting in the lobby.  I told him I was not going to wait.  So then he wanted to go to Mimi's.... by this time I'm frustrated for I just want to be sitting down and quiet and still.... afterall I am still 'recovering', right?  I didn't want to go to Mimi's.  It was like he wasn't even listening to me.  I didn't want to be waited on at a restaurant; I wanted to go home.  I finally suggested we go to Einstein's - he likes their bagel sandwiches, and we both enjoy their coffee.  Grumbling, he finally went to Einsteins when I made it clear I did not want to go to Mimi's either. So we went there, ate, and I finally got to go home and I went to bed and slept for two hours.  But I was angry at him for he wouldn't listen ... all he could think about was getting something to eat.  I didn't want food; I wanted rest. 

The rest of the day was fairly quiet... and of course we had to watch movies last night.  He slept through part of the second one. One positive, I finished a baby blanket I had started the other day, plus I finished an afghan I had been working on.  I crochet when the TV is on.  Win-win, right?

Which reminds me,  one of my granddaughters surprised me with a gift yesterday and I just love it!  I love the surprises that are 'just because I love you'.   She crochet'd for me four coasters in a 'bowl' - but the coasters are in the shape of daisies!  My favorite flowers!   She crochet'd them for me - and I absolutely love them.  I asked her to make some of sunflowers as a gift.  I can't wait to see them - she sent me a photo of one she did last night.  LOL she offered to teach me how to make them - but I know I can't do them justice.  I know that two of my granddaughters are so talented with crafts and I am so proud of both of them.

Which reminds me, my other 'crafty' granddaughter sent me a photo last week - she was doing the creative memory scrapbooks with her mother in law, and sent me a photo of the fold-up she had made of her daughter and I baking cookies last year.  Or was it the year before.  It was such a special surprise to receive that memory.  

2 Peter 1:13 (NIV):  "I think it is right that I refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body."

I pray that I am often reminded of memories with my loved ones, as well as of the goodness of God.  Sometimes we get so caught up in life that we forget how loved we are.  We get buried in ourselves and forget that we have a choice to make memories, or to forget them.

I want to remember the memories, the good times.  The special things.  I want the things I did with the grandchidlren years ago, to be remembered and that they know how loved and cherished they are in my heart.   I know I was a much better grandma than I was a mom... that's why it is so important that each one of us be a person that our children or grandchildren can look up to.  Do we want our children and grandchildren to imitate us?  There is a lot that I don't want my chidlren and grandchildren to remember, but I do hope they remember the good things, especially how dearly they are loved by me.

Refresh your memory... think about the good times, and rejoice in that memory.  Most of all, pass that memory on; write it down so that it will live.  Let it encourage not only yourself, but those you love.

Blessings!

Not really a holiday....

 yet it is celebrated as one.  Memorial Day.  A day of remembrance of those who have given the greatest sacrifice; their lives for this country.  I can remember 'way back when' and how we 'celebrated' Memorial Day when I was growing up.  For many it was going to the cemetery to put flowers on a grave of a loved one.  At that time, my relatives graves were all in Tennessee, so we didn't do that.  Back then the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race was also ran on Memorial Day, so the step-father was always at the track as he was one of many 'safety patrol' (as they called them then) who directed traffic for the 500 mile race.  I can see in my mind, after I was married and moved away, of doing my ironing (yes, back then I did iron!) and watching the race on TV.  It was - and still is - big in Indianapolis - although probably not as big as we it was in 'my day'.  

Speaking of race day, during the month of May, each weekend was trials and my step-father had to go each Saturday and Sunday to direct the traffic for those who attended.  On Sundays, Mother would get up early and fry chicken and fix food to go with it and we'd pack it in a picnic basket and immediately after church we would head over to the racetrack.  My stepfather had a section he was responsible for and a place was reserved for his vehicle to park on the grass next to the track.  We always parked there, ate our lunch, then my little brother and I would take off and roam the racetrack grounds, picking up bottles and cans to cash in.  We never feared for our safety and roamed all over that place.  People would sit on their cars to watch the qualifications - women in swimsuits soaking up the sun and men sitting around drinking their beer.  We did that every year, as long as my step-father was involved with the safety patrol.  Seems like he did it for 25 years so he was doing it before he and my mother got married in June, 1959.

One special memory I have of the qualifications at the 500 Race Track.  I had met my first husband at a church youth event at a friend's house.  We 'clicked'.  I wasn't 'allowed' to date, and was actually seeing someone else who didn't come to church with me, but I worked with at W.T.Grant.  We got him a ticket so that he could meet us at the racetrack.  He rode a motorcycle and my step-father thought he was being funny by driving real slow through the gates and through the land to get to where we were to park.  May 7, 1967 was the first time my first husband and I were actually 'together'.... in that I mean he had lunch with us and he and I got to walk the grounds together.  I always considered that our 'first date'.  We had met in January 1967 at the church youth party and had seen each other at church... oddly, I don't remember much between January and May of seeing him.  Perhaps he didn't come that often.  Anyway, that was our first time together and ... by May 29th we were 'going together'.   I've always said we met in January, had our first date May 7th, engaged in October, and were married December 9th... all the same year.  Ah.. the memories of that time; many good, many bad.  But enough of that.  Interesting that thinking about Memorial Day has brought back that memory.  Of course it seems I often have memories come back at odd times.  Little triggers will start something. 

We didn't do 'get togethers' for Memorial day back in 'my day'.... many people were at the race track so the thought of a cookout didn't happen, at least not that I can remember.  But today, there will be a cookout at my daughter's and we have been invited to go over there.  They put up their swimming pool a few weeks ago so hopefully it has warmed up enough to where I might get in it.  Got to be at least 90 degrees or I freeze.  Yeah.  I was not cut out to be a fish.  My youngest son and two of his chidlren and his wife will be there too, so I may not get in at all. I prefer laying on a raft and just relaxing as I float and not have a lot of splashing about me, which is what will probably happen.  Have I gotten so old that I just don't enjoy those things anymore?  Or is it that I have allowed life to be sucked out of me to where I can't do them anymore...........

We had a great service yesterday at church.  Powerful.  I may listen to it again some time this week if I have a chance... which may not happen.... I haven't listened to the last one that I wanted to listen to again.  When I could listen to it, I forget about it.  

Yesterday was a quiet day after church.  I heated leftovers for lunch and hubby wanted to watch the baseball game (and sleep).  He offered to put on the headset and I agreed - which allowed me the opportunity to read.  I finished up two of the books that I had been reading - which made me feel like I did get something done yesterday!  We did watch a movie last night.  Sigh. I know he offers to keep the TV off if I prefer... but his tone of voice is one that shows he really would rather watch a movie.  We watched 'A Man Named Otto' starring Tom Hanks.  My daughter kept telling me it was a good movie to watch.  Well, the language alone was nearly enough for me to turn it off, but we watched it.  I tried to look past the language and the attempts Otto made, and look at his heart and what he was doing for his community.  Don't want to say too much about it.  It was a good movie... and a true story, I hear... but I also see how God intervened many times in his life, although it was never mentioned.  And yes, I cried at the end.

Hubby has gone to the gym this morning for a training session.  He will be going Mondays and Wednesdays, and I will go Tuesdays and Thursdays... but I don't start until next week.  I decided to wait for the first full week in June to start.  Procrastination?  Probably.  Once I get off here and get dressed, maybe I'll get on the treadmill for awhile here.  

Psalm 103:17-18 (NLT):  "But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear Him.  His salvation extends to the children's children of those who are faithful to His covenant, of those who obey His commandments."

God gives us promsies, like the one above, when we choose to follow Him.  He loves us. Each one of us.  Yeah, even you, who choose to perhaps believe that He is, but choose also not to follow Him, instead, following the ways of the world.  But because someone in your lineage followed Jesus, the Lord promises that His love will remain forever to the children's children.   Since I choose Jesus, my children's children are included in this covenant.  Because you or your spouse have chosen Jesus, His love is extended to your children's children.  That may be all you have right now... but some day, there will be additional little ones added to your lineage.... will they also have the love of the Lord forever, because you followed in His footsteps?  Will your childrne's children's children come to know the love of Jesus if we don't start at the very top to teach it to our own children?  Taking the children to church isn't all there is.  We need to live the example we want them to follow.  We can teach them all about Jesus.... but if we don't show them how to live with Jesus in the heart; keeping Him on the outside, and in our head knowledge and not the heart knowledge... we have failed.  There are so many years that I regret.  So many things I've done that I failed to show Jesus to my children.  I know that I am forgiven for not knowing Jesus as Lord and not teaching my children about Him... I just did what I was taught growing up.  I took them to church.

But it took one Sunday morning for me to realize my sinfulness and that Jesus is the only way to a satisfying life, and I knew I had to change.   What will it take for you?

As we 'enjoy' this day off work (for some of us) and gather with friends and/or family - or even just stay at home....  take a few minutes not only to thank those who died serving our country....  but re-evaluate your life and where you stand with Jesus.  Today may be the best decision you ever make...if it is to follow Him.  He made the greatest sacrifice of life.  He took all my sins - and all your sins, and bore the burden of them as a sacrifice of His body was made.  

Blessings!

It was a fairly good day....

 Hubby and I did get out some yesterday and did some walking and looking at things.  But, before we left, we did have a bit of conflict.  I can't even remember what he said to me now, but I do remember how I responded - "I'm doing this for YOU, not for me, to get YOU out of the house."  And that made him feel privileged, I guess.  We went to the farmer's market and walked around.  Saw the granddaughter and her hubby who was helping her, and happened to run into the the daughter, SIL and great-granddaughter who had come as well.  We went on our way from there to Ross, where we picked up a few things and hubby got his journals.  After that we decided to check out a coffee shop that we heard about Monday evening at Bible Study.

It's called Strange Brew and it's at 43rd Ave & Bell... west of Frys (in that strip)... where the building curves.  Wow. It was not like anything I expected!  Tish is the owner/manager and this place is really nice. They make several different kinds of coffee, and have a few pastries.  But what is cool is the set up.  The have comfortable arm chairs and love seats scattered in circles - probably 3-4 of them - big circles too!.  A couple tables where people can work if they want.  Some Christian items that can be bought, and Christian music being played.  It's a place where people can meet and comfortably chat.  Even with the number of people there, we had to look for a seat, it was quiet.  In one location two young men were doing a Bible study.  There were a few couples sitting and having their coffee together and chatting.  There were two women spaced throughout the room, chatting and had books laying on their laps.  It was such a good atmosphere, I wish we had something like that closer!  It is open 8AM-5PM Tuesday through Saturday.  

From there hubby was wanting lunch.. my choice, he said, but no fast food.  As I drove along Bell, Oreganos came to mind and he said ok.  He got the shrimp scampi and the shrimp was nearly as big as half of my palm!  He said it was good.  I got their salad and could only eat about 1/2 of it so guess what I had for dinner!  The other half!  Hubby did thank me for getting him out of the house for a few hours.  What surprised me more than anything was that he didn't complain about anything.  He ALWAYS has something to complain about; the heat, the walking, etc. and this time he remained silent.  Grateful.  We still didn't find him anything to do; he was more interested in getting back to watch the ND game.  So I dropped him off and went back out, meaning to pick up wrapping paper but totally forgetting it and just strolling through the store, picking up a few other things.  And that was yesterday.

This morning hubby woke me by sliding his feet across the floor to the bathroom (he doesn't pick up his feet much anymore, it seems) about 4:15AM.  I laid there for a little while, wanting to go back to sleep, but unable to do so.  I came into my room, wanting to sleep just a little bit more, but soon gave up.  I just love my time in the morning with God.  I love being able to shut the world out, just for a little while, and just come and sit with Him.  There is something special about doing that.  Starting in I Kings today I read about some history of it, and about King David making Solomon king of Israel.  David always inspires me; he loved God and sought Him with all his heart.  Yes, he made mistakes, but always repented (pretty much like me and you), and was deeply loved by God.

Matthew 6:6 (NKJV):  "But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."

That has been one of my favorite verses since I heard it many years ago.  I love getting in here and shutting the world out by closing my door.  There have been times when, at at least one of our other houses, that I couldn't go into a room and shut the door.  I remember sitting at the couch and doing my quiet time, and kneeling beside it to say my prayers.

In fact, I am reminded as I think of that, of one time God spoke to me and told me to send my sister $20.  I remember having a little bit more in my wallet at that time, but I was not usually sending my sister any money, but God definitely told me to send her $20.  Without questioning, and without telling her, I put $20 in the envelope and mailed it to her....all because God had told me to. I later found out that she had been praying for help in a financial situation; she needed to fill several prescriptions and had no money to do so.  The money I sent was just enough to cover the prescriptions.  Now I don't share that to brag I did something.  I share that to brag on God.  And to show you that is how He is.  He hears our prayers for help.  Sometimes He doesn't answer the way we think He should, or even answer us at all!  But, in this case, God spoke to me, and impressed it upon me, and I acted.  I didn't know about the need.  I only knew I needed to be obedient.  And God has blessed me many times over because of my obedience.  And my sister was able to tell her boys how God provided just what she needed because she prayed and asked Him.  God gets all the glory.  We all need to be mindful of the nudges that God sends us to help someone in need.

But, back to the quiet times and the secret places I love, I think the one I loved the most was at our first house.  We had windows that came nearly to the floor; long, narrow windows.  That bedroom wasn't used, so I was able to go in that room and I would kneel at that window, looking out at the stars and praying.  I always felt so close to God because I could look up into the heavens.  Windows we had after that were too high to kneel before.  I loved that time and that space holds special memories for me.  

God loves for us to 'step away' from the world for awhile and just spend time with Him.  Even if you just sit before Him and turn your thoughts to Him, it is a start.  Give yourself a minute to start, if you must, but never neglect Him.  Start and/or end your day with Jesus.  It changes everything.

Start today.  You won't regret it.  Go into your room, and shut the door, and pray to your Father in the secret place.  he will meet you there.

Blessings!

So far, so good......

It was a good day yesterday.  We watched a few movies.  We managed to go to a couple thrift stores and do some 'thrifty shopping'.  We got a facial.  We watched more movies.   I have no idea what to do today but it may involve watching more movies (she actually enjoys the 'up faith and family movies' we have been watching!).  

I have already decided what we will have for breakfast this morning.  Oatmeal.  Yes, Oatmeal.  Why?  Because I make good oatmeal.  AND, because we were talking about oatmilk in coffee (Dutch Bros has one but I don't remember the name of it.  Another granddaughter gets it and I tasted it once - and it was good).  Actually, I think the conversation about oatmeal really started because this granddaughter and I stopped at Starbucks while wasting time before our facials.  I wanted my unsweetened green tea - only to be told by Starbucks that they didn't have any.  It was like 'what? what do you mean you don't have green tea?'  Seems that they have been unable to get green tea from their producers.  Seriously?

Has the brokenness of this nation of the past year started to filter down to food and supplies and the inability to get them?  It can be scary if something as simple as unsweetened green tea has become scarce.  I ordered a 'brown sugar oatmilk.... something or other.  LOL  My first taste of it reminded me of a burnt oatmeal cookie - but it was actually so good!  Glad that I got a small cause Starbuck prices are getting way out of line.  I guess that is another reason I don't frequent these coffee places and I don't usually order a 'flavored drink'.  I drink real coffee.  I just don't care that much for Starbucks coffee so don't go often.

Anyway, two paragraphs later.... we got on the subject of oatmeal because of the oatmilk in my drink, and the granddaughter mentioend that she does not remember ever having oatmeal!  Seriously!  She will get a taste of oatmeal this morning.  I'm just hoping I can find some raisins in the cabinet cause I used all that was in one bag last weekend when I fixed us oatmeal for breakfast.  Just a pinch of brown sugar, raisins, unsweetened almond milk, and then I throw in raw sunflower seeds and chop up some walnuts to put in it.  Yum!  Have to leave the walnuts out of hubby's cause he doesn't like them.  But I do.

When was the last time you had oatmeal for breakfast?  Or for any other meal?  I use the good old fashioned oats to make it.  Try it...you just might decide you like it ... and it is good for you.

Sheeba is sitting in her crate looking at me, wondering when I'm going to let her out.  Usually she doesn't even see me until I come out of my room, but since I'm having to do my quiet time in the living room, she is wondering why I can't let her out.  Aw, there, she laid back on her back again - feet up against the side of the crate.... she's going back to sleep.  Hubby is in his 'office' that he claimed.....

I slept late this morning and could have slept longer but I didn't want to go back to sleep.  We were up until after 10PM watching movies and the fact I slept until almost 6AM says something of itself.  Of course my Fitbit alarm went off at 5AM and again at 5:30AM as that is what I set it for on weekends, but I didn't want to get up.  Finally did at 5:55AM.  I can't let my time alone with God go in the mornings; it is too important to me.  I could spend all day alone with God... but most days anymore it just isn't possible.  He knows my longing; he knows my heart.

I was reading in Matthew this morning about Jesus healing a man's hand on a Sunday.  'Don't work on a Sunday or you are sinning' was the rule of the day.  And Jesus gave the story that if a man had an animal that had fallen into a well, wouldn't he, even tho it was the Sabbath, get it out?  Isn't that work?  They didn't like that response - especially when Jesus healed the man.

That story triggers a memory of my former in-laws.  I loved them dearly.   But I remember being confused and surprised when I discovered they would not go out to eat after church on Sundays because they were causing others to work (cooks, waitresses, etc.) if someone prepared food for them.  They should be in church, not working.  I don't know if they held out for that all the years they lived, but I know they did when I was first married into that family.  Mom always cooked on Sundays.... and her roasts were exceptional.  Dad didn't care for chicken - even fried chicken - so that was a rare meal.

Now it was nothing for my parents to stop by hamburger joints on the way home - 'Satellite' was the name of one (39 cent hamburgers); A&W Root beer where we always got a root beer float; Burger Chef; and the one and only... White Castles.  Oh my goodness!  My step-father would buy 4-6 white castles for each of us.  And we ate them all.  We didn't care about fries or onion rings... in fact, I don't even remember getting them at that time.  I think White Castles were either 8 cents or 10 cents each.  So for a buck a piece, my parents could feed their many children until they were full.  I still love White Castles but can usually get only 2-3 down until I can't eat any more.  Of course I usually have fries with those.  White Castle is out here now... when my youngest son or daughter goes over, not every time, for sure, but will sometimes bring a case of White Castles over to us and we will eat them for a couple days.  But then I don't want any for awhile.  Some people talk about adverse effects of White Castles, but I don't recall having any.

Making memories, or remembering memories of things past is always a good thing.  I'm hoping the things we do this weekend - even just sitting and watching romantic movies - will be a good memory for this granddaughter when she gets older.   And yes, I can compare it to my memories of White Castles.  It's still a memory!

Take some time today to make a memory with someone you love.  You may think it is nothing; you may even forget all about it.  But they won't.  Start today.  Leave a legacy.

Blessings!