Yes, I did go and get my nails done with my daughter and granddaughter last night. I actually arrived before they did and had already a good start on my nails before they got there. You know I prefer getting anywhere at least 10 minutes before my appointment. :-) They opted to also get pedicures, but because I hadn't talked to either of them about it all week, I didn't know they had planned it. No problem, I could have gotten it done too as there were people available to do it, but I opted out. I hadn't brought flip flops or sandals so was ok with not doing it. But my nails look great! I just have to learn to type again because I'm used to my fingers hitting the keys and now my nails are getting in the way. Not that they are long, but they are longer than they were; but they do look so nice! Came home after that and of course I had to fix dinner cause hubby was still sitting and watching TV.
I did have a great time sitting and chatting with my granddaughter after our nails were done. For some reason the person doing my daughter's nails was r-e-a-l s-l-o-w. Seriously. I had a full set of tips done and he was done in maybe 40 minutes. I think hers took over an hour. Anyway, I was able to share a little about my mom and Granny to my granddaughter; about their crocheting/knitting, and she showed me a video she was putting together saying she was a 'fifth generation' crochet-knitter. They make those videos to move so fast I don't have the ability to read all they write on them!
Yesterday was a busy day with scheduling meetings and all. Today will be almost as busy as I had sent out emails regarding other leaders availability, and as I left at 3PM yesterday, I checked when I got back home and I had gotten some responses. Will be working on those this morning. So glad today is Friday. The only thing planned for this weekend that I'm aware of is a memorial service at our former church on Saturday for a friend, and then church on Sunday.
I do need to get started on typing the message I have left for this season up north. I have the topic and the scripture...it's just getting it typed up. Hopefully I can get started on it this weekend. I've already got the schedule for the 23-24 season. Five times at one RV park, two times at another. Hubby, as I mentioned before, 'retired' from speaking at either place. He always stressed out a lot whenever he was to speak. And everyone tells him he is a teacher, not a preacher.
Looks like our anniversary vacation plans are made for this year. Hubby found a cabin in an area we have stayed at before. It looks really nice, so after getting my approval, hubby put down the deposit and we will be on vacation 8/11 - 8/16. There isn't much around that area so will need to drive 30 minutes to wherever we go... but plan to get a lot of reading/crochet/knitting done while there. And a lot of rest. Hopefully some walking, if I can talk hubby in to it. And as we are going northeast(?) we will be able to meet two of the grandsons and a great-granddaughter halfway so we can see them this year. Not sure if we saw the boys at all last year, but the great-granddaughter did spend some time with her grandpa so got to see her.
I read a chapter in the book A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by Phillip Keller this morning and as he shared about sheep (he was a 'real' Shepherd at one time), he shared how much we are like sheep. Guess that is why Jesus referred to Himself as our Shepherd and we His sheep. We are really stupid. Sheep do what they want to do, unless the Shepherd keeps them in line. As long as they follow a good Shepherd's leading, they will be free of parasites, pests, hunger, and running away. They will be led to green pastures. Did you know that a good shepherd keeps an eye on the pastures he takes the sheep to, and when he sees they are devouring too much of the grass (some sheep will even pull the grass up by the roots and that leaves the pastures bare and open to erosion), they will move them to another pasture, sometimes it is after a few days, sometimes it is a weekly thing. I guess it depends on how many sheep one manages. But unless you have a good shepherd, you will destroy the pastures; sheep go in continuous paths, which means the ground gets rutted and erosion happens and the sheep, when allowed to stay in the same area, become sickly. It's really interesting how the shepherd must watch over every aspect of the sheep to make sure they are well fed and taken care of, with amply water supply and free of pests and things that can hurt them.
Psalm 23:3 (NKJV): "He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake."
When we allow our Good Shepherd to lead us (i.e. Jesus), we will stay on the right path, we will feel His Presence (and that is so wonderful to feel!) and He will never leave us nor forsake us to become overcome with the world. He keeps our paths straight. Oh that everyone would follow Jesus and accept Him as Lord! Your life would never be the same!
Jesus never asks you to give up your lifestyle. You want to do it willingly to please Him. When we allow Jesus to fill us with His Holy Spirit, life is never the same. It may not all be perfect (it usually isn't) and it may not solve all our problems (financial or personal), but you will be at peace when you follow the path He has for you.
Ever wonder why your life is full of strife and troubles? It's because as a sheep, you are following the wrong shepherd! Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He will always lead you in paths of righteousness. He will always do good to you. It's when we do things without Him, and do things our own way, and shut Him out of our lives, that we become discontent and without hope.
So where is your hope today? In the gutter? Turn to Jesus and seek His face, His love, His forgiveness. He IS your Hope. He is all that you need. He truly is our Great Shepherd, one who loves us more than we can ever imagine. Choose Jesus as your Shepherd. He really is a good Shepherd who loves and forgives you when you go astray. No.matter.what. You have not done anything that He could not forgive you for. Follow the Good Shepherd.
Blessings!
