No, no one hit me in the mouth. Didn't see the dentist and have anything done. BUT, I did go to the orthodontist yesterday. If I had known ... would I have started this 'thing' that I am doing with the invisalign? Those of you who have had braces probably know all about this stuff, and the pain involved, but me, I had no clue. I go yesterday, thinking just getting some new liners.... but no. Now my liners had places on them, not sure how to explain it, and I wondered about it, but they have like, for lack of knowledge, 'bubbles' on the 'teeth' outline in different places. Well, yesterday they filled in four of those 'bubbles' with a hard solution, like glue, right on my teeth. NOW I get to tug and pull even more to get these liners on and off. And I tell you what - it hurts! When they are off, the filler on the bottom front teeth cut into the inside of my lower lip. When they are on, it's not a problem. Except getting them on and off and going over that glued on bump. I tell you what, I will be losing weight over this. How? Because I am NOT going to take them off to snack! In fact, I debated on giving up my coffee in the mornings so that I don't have to take them off (I am not to drink anything but water with them in; it could discolor the liners). But I did get them off this morning and had my coffee. And I will leave them off until I decide about breakfast, brush my teeth, and make sure I've had my tea BEFORE putting them back on. Once the liners are on, it's no problem. It's the putting on, taking off, and while off, dealing with the glued parts scraping on the inside of my lip. Ok, enough complaining. I knew you needed to know all that - even if how I put it doesn't make sense. However, I'm sure that those who have worn braces can somewhat sympathize with me.
We made it down to the dental lab in record time yesterday - went in, sat down, and hubby was called back. Nice place too. Five minutes later he came back out. His appointment was at 11a; he was done at 11:08a. Coming back I decided I was hungry so we swung by Mr. Goodcents. I love their sandwiches - usually get the #5 Ultimate. Yesterday I got the 8" instead of the 6" cause I was hungry! Hubby, of course, got the same thing. I meant to get and bring home, but hubby makes himself at home at a table. I tried to explain I am still working.... sigh.... but gave up and we ate there before heading back home. Filled up at the Chevron by there @ $4.59/gallon. We got good mileage coming back from Heber... and although I hadn't filled up until now, when I checked the mileage, it was down to 29.3 mpg. Still not bad. Street driving I usually get 23.
Hubby has headed to his bible study, stopping to get gas on the way. He will be going to visit his friend Chuck. Joyce, Chuck's wife, told him that he isn't doing well. This will be a tough one for hubby, when the time comes. We've known them for over 40 years.
I reached out to two couples in our life group last night. I've tried to touch base periodically just to keep in touch. Our life group broke up for the summer. It will be interesting if it continues after a month or so this fall as I know the lead couple have a trip to Europe planned in December, I think it is. They travel all the time. Anyway, the two couples I checked with have a lot of issues going on in their families, and even themselves. I'm hoping to connect with one wife over dessert this next week. When one is going through struggles, many times they just need an outsider to sit with them. I can't fix anything; but I can pray. I can be a listening ear. I will wait for her to reach out; but will check back on the health of the family later next week too. I reached out to them as a friend, not as a member of the life group. Does that make sense? I didn't do it on our group chat, although I have in the past, and then everyone chimes in with comments. Sometimes we need to share in private. Does that make sense?
Hubby tells me last night that he can drive to Dr. Mark's by himself to get a blood draw next week. And you know what? I'm going to let him. It's not a doctor visit. I am concerned about the driving, but until something happens, or we can convince him to quit driving, he isn't going to quit. It takes a minimum of 1.5 hours away from work... and that's just driving time. Sue doesn't give me any problems about being out, but when they hire a new boss, will they be as kind? I usually do not mind driving him, but when I have work to do, it does make me a bit anxious, although I do manage to get things done.
Romans 6:1-2 (ESV): What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace can abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?
Have you ever noticed all the rules and commands listed in the bible? Some seem demanding, some difficult, some even guilt-producing. These laws are God's perfect standard of holiness for us, and they show us how far we miss miss that standard. The law was added so that the sin, and our awareness of it might increase. And where sin is increased, grace increased even more. In other words, the more we are aware of our sinfulness, the more we will be aware of God's grace for us.
Some people may think they don't sin much, therefore they are 'good'. They don't have the appreciation for the forgiveness and kindness of God. But those of us who are very much aware of the dark parts of our hearts, and lives, we are very thankful for God's grace.
Paul asked the question in Romans 6:1-2. But he continued in verse 3 to say "By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer!" Paul's comment is very similar to Jesus's statement when the woman caught in adultery was brought before Him. When we are gripped with the grace of God, we won't take forgiveness, and His grace, for granted. As Jesus told the woman caught in adultery, "go and leave your life of sin." Or, in other words, "Go, and sin no more." (depends on what version you are reading.
No matter what you have done... and I truly believe this with all my heart.... God's grace is greater. No matter how big or how bad your sin may be, God's grace provides forgiveness, hope, and restoration. His grace is unlimited. And for that, I am very grateful.
Reminds me of a book by Kyle Idleman. If you have not read 'not a fan', you need to. It's funny, but a great book to help you find your way. But Kyle Idleman also wrote a book titled 'Grace is Greater'. It's interesting that this last book came out in 2012, I think it was, right when my sister went into one of her meltdowns against me. I read the book, and when she decided to 'forgive me'... for whatever it was... I was able to respond to her 'God's Grace is Greater'. Interestingly, that became her motto. I never understood all that happened, but God took care of it so that I didn't have to. I was made stronger in standing up for myself. But, that's in another lifetime ago. Anyway, I love Kyle Idleman's books and we have several of them. Think I may reread Grace is Greater.
And with that ... I need to jump off here and get the work computer turned on. What is a fun thing you plan to do today; tomorrow? Take sometime to thank God for His grace towards you. Never become ungrateful.... His grace is unforgetable. You never want to let it go.
Have an amazing day! Be kind to others; you don't know what they are going through.
Blessings!
