I know I have emails/meetings to read and schedule this morning as I have 'peeked' at some of the emails that have come through while I have been off work. I may have felt a bit frustrated I had to use another 8 hours of my 'pto' time to be off Monday, but the offices were closed (although my bosses were obviously working) and I had no reason, no project, to work. And I'm grateful. I really did need the 4 day weekend because I have been just so exhausted pysically and mentally. Some caused by working out, yes, but this was more of a mental exhaustion, I think. I doubt seriously if it was from mental exertion, other than stressing over finding times for meetings, but just plain tired. Do you ever feel that way? When all you want to do is hibernate and sleep until you finally feel rested? Well, I DID take a few naps over the time off, even though some may be only ten minutes. It was enough to revive. Hopefully, my Wednesday will not be a Monday!
I finished another book last night and met my goal for the year. YAY me! LOL I set the bar low because I hadn't really kept track before... and only listed 36 books. That still sounded like a lot to me! But I have already done it by July 4th! Could I possibly read another 36? Maybe... it would really depend on the size of the book. But the fact remains.... I did meet by goal, and what I do from now on will set the bar for what I will put down as goal for next year. My son alwsays goes way over his goal ... I think this year it was 200 and he has already surpassed it. I don't know how he can read so fast!
Which reminds me, I received a new book in the mail from an author I don't know. I have a friend who writes split romance novels.. I forget what it is exactly called. I don't read her books often for I just don't usually read novellas or romance novels, but occasionally it is a welcome thing to read. I forget how my name got put in the hat, but she interviews other authors and sends an email out with the interview. I think it is if we respond to a question, our name gets put in a 'hat'. I must have responded because I won! It came on Monday so I may just go ahead and read it next. I did have my friend bring me several of her books last Saturday. The physical books. Some I have, but most I have on my kindle. But, I enjoy giving books away that I like and it helps her too. Yes, I paid for the books, therefore I can give them away. I have one that I think my son would enjoy as it is based in Kokomo, Indiana. Tales of the Hob Nob Cafe by Jennifer Lynn Cary. It's not his typical style of book, and it's a 'stand alone'... thin... and an easy read. I liked it anyway. He can look it up and let me know. :-)
Yesterday was a relaxing day even though we were with others. While hubby slept after lunch, I got in the pool with my daughter, son-in-law and the great-granddaughter. She was so much fun. I did get a little bit of sun, but we only stayed out about 40 minutes. I laid back on the raft and just enjoyed watching thre three of them play. I had my time of playing too and it was fun. It was refreshing to just 'let everything go' and not think about anything and just float on the water. I really did need the 4 day weekend more than I thought I did, I guess.
This week and next will be somewhat busy as we finalize our plans to go to California for the grandson's wedding. An RV has been rented because there is no way hubby could drive it now. Don't know that I could. I have my dress for the wedding; still haven't decided on what to wear to the rehearsal. All the hopes, dreams, and plans of my losing weight to look elegant didn't happen so 'it is what it is'. At least I am now working out for my health! But my fat will be going with me. Need to buy some nylons though... yes, I still wear them, although not many do anymore. I just think legs look better with a covering.
Hubby kind of goofed up and has a full day of appointments today. He has his workout this morning. Then he has lab work to get drawn at his doctor's office, then off to the eye doctor, and I think he also has a haircut today... or does he. Seems like there is something else after that. He will be tired tonight forsure! I have a feeling we may stay home from church prayer meeting tonight. It was kind of interesting on Monday... he came home from his workout, sat down, and his phone rang - it was a former pastor/friend who he meets with on occasion.... he asked hubby if 11AM was the right time they agreed to meet - hubby didn't have it written down! So he went as he was in his workout clothes (as it was about 20 til 11) and headed over to meet him for brunch. He has such a busy social life. Another friend called Monday morning and asked if they were meeting for breakfast... but hubby told him no, they didn't have anything this week (he normally meets him on Tuesdays)... but this man has the beginning stages of Alheimers so gets confused at times.
I was reading in one of my devotionals about Manasseh in II Chronicles 33 this morning. He was an evil king and the Bible says he shed so much innocent blood that he filled Jerusalem with it from one end to another (@ Kings 21:16). God abandoned Judah because of the evil this king did. But you know what? We are never too far gone from God's grace.
2 Chronicles 33:12 "When he was in distress, he entreated the Lord his God and humbled himslef greatly befor ethe God of his fathers."
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in loving kindness. He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor reward us for our iniquities.
Psalm 103:11 (NKJV): "For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His mercy to those who fear Him."
Even when we have made unwise choices, even when we have been so stubborn to do things our way, He expersses His beautiful character to us by His forgiveness. He longs to receive the rebellious back in to His arms. He loves to give us His grace and see us blossom and grow from it. T
There is nothing we have done, no matter how devastating and devious, can push us so far out of His love to reach us, rescue us, and restore us. When we call to Him, He hears us. He's waiting for us to call on His name, no matter what the problem is.
Even when we don't have problems, He loves to hear from us. He loves us to call His name. Want to know my favorite name to call Him?
He is my Nail in a sure place. I know that sounds weird. Several years ago I was reading a book about the Names of the Lord... and that was there. It has stuck with me. He is like a Nail that is put in a piece of wood, or in the wall, and it is secure to hold whatever we put on it to hold. It is secure for our treasured item to hold. He is my 'nail in a sure place' because I know that no matter what, I can depend on Him to right wrongs, to tenderize the tough, to calm the raging storms of life. He is my 'Nail in a sure place'.
What is He to you? What would your favorite name for God be? Think about it. He has so many names. Sovereign, Holy, Father, Lord, ... and so many others besides those... He is the River of Life, He is our Hope, He is.... Take a moment and tell Him. Think of the names you know Him by. Rescuer? Redeemer? Friend? Restorer? Provider? Banner? Refresher?
Thank Him for who He is.
Blessings!
