Went to Sam's Club and Fry's yesterday and spent way too much money - and still feel that I did not buy very much. Hubby doesn't like the breakfast blend coffee we have been drinking - and I like strong coffee - so bought a bag of Verona yesterday. Abit pricey, but drinking it this morning, it is well worth it. But I do have a question. Of course I look at the 'directions' when buying something new.... and it said to use two tablespoons for each 6 ounce cup. My cups are at last 8 ounces; where did they get that a cup is 6 ounces? So, in preparation for good cup of coffee this morning I am measuring it out last night, trying to calculate and think it through. I THINK I put 15 tablespoons in the filter and told hubby to push the 8 cup button (according to their 6 ounce theory, that should be 7 1/2 cups. Knowing it would be strong (because Starbucks always is), I told hubby to just push the 8 (8-ounce) cup on the coffeemaker. Well, he believes I said 10 cups - and I may have because by then I was way confused. And you know what - the 10 cups water and 15 tablespoons of Verona seem to work perfectly. It tastes great this morning - strong enough to wake me up some, and tasteful too. Coffee. It's what is good each morning first thing. Jesus and Coffee always go together. :-)
I am finally starting to recover, but I'm not sure if it is from our trip and the time difference, 'jet lag', or my new prescription I have to take. All I know is that since we have been back I have been exhausted. I've been going to bed earlier, and although getting up at my usual 4AM (5AM on weekends), I have still fallen asleep for at least 30 minutes while sitting here reading. Today I feel like I am starting to come out of it, whatever it was. I will find out if it is my medication come the middle of this week. I started taking it last Wednesday.... since that time I have had severe leg aching (not cramps) in the middle of the night; my neck has hurt bad enough I spent the $$ to buy cream to put on my neck to dull the pain enough I could sleep. I take my second dose this Wednesday morning so will see how it affects me. I am praying for God to intervene with any reactions and will help me get through any that I have. And I believe that He will. Just as I am asking for His complete healing of my osteopenia (which means I must also do my part - exercise with weights and walk). I believe He will heal me, just as He has healed my big brother of osteoporosis. Yes, He no longer is classified in that range; he is back into the osteopenia range (the beginning of osteoporosis) because he has used weights, walked, and eaten better so that his bones will strengthen.
We have joined a small group nearby through our new church. It meets on Thursday evenings at 6:30PM I think it is. We really need to get plugged in so just 'went for it'. We haven't gone yet and will probably start this week (just signed up last week). It will be good to be 'in community' with others again. Perhaps I can get a woman from that group to walk with me on occasion and become good friends.
I am reminded this morning in my devotions that everything is in God's timing. I have prayed many years for many things. Some have been answered, some have not as yet. Some I am grateful to God that He didn't answer the way I asked for them. And in other answers I have praised Him alone for what He alone could have brought about.
I will only say this to you.... if you are reading this.... and you believe in the power of prayer.... be ready. God is going to do something mighty and great in your life. It doesn't matter how I pray, or what I pray, when you are mentioned, God is in control. You can't fight it forever; you can't really fight it at all. Be watchful, and see the hand of the Lord intervene in situations you never thought possible. He will restore what the locusts have taken away.
Joel 2:25 (KJV) "And I will restore to you the years the locusts have eaten......"
Do I believe the Word of the Lord? Absolutely. Do I really believe that years that have taken life away will be restored? Yes I do. They will not go back to what they were; they won't even be the same, and perhaps not even as long. But I believe that the things that took life away will be restored and a New Life will be born. Yes, I believe it. And when the Lord restores you, He will bless you and keep you. You will know beyond all doubt that it is by His hand that you are rescued from disaster and that your feet are on solid ground.
As we begin a new week, take a moment and think of the times that God has already rescued you from disaster, from distress. Perhaps it was a health issue. Perhaps it was a financial issue. Perhaps it was a relationship issue. It could be anything.
Listen..... do you not hear it? Jesus is calling your name..... the time is now... do not delay. Come quickly to the Throne of the Most High God.... the One who loves you more than He loved His own life. He's calling your name.... and He's waiting on you to make the move to Life and to Freedom in Him.
Blessings.
