Words spoken are still in the bubble. Words written can be erased, or deleted, but they are always 'out there' whenever they are read. Especially things put on the internet - though deleted - I hear remain 'out there' forever. Thinking about that, I realize how frequently I write (erase, erase, erase) when I don't want to have anyone read what I have written. And I try hard never to send an email when I am angry or upset. I always try to word what I feel, but do it in a nice way. I don't want regrets over something that I wrote when I was upset; angry, perhaps. It doesn't matter how justified I think I am in writing or saying what was said, sometimes no defense is better in order to defuse any situation. I have a delete button on my computer, and I am going to assume it is on most computers and ipads and phones. Even if we write out the hateful note, the condemning note, put it in a save file if you must. But don't send it, and then tell someone to delete it because you changed your mind about sending it. And don't tell them not to read it; you know they will. And that's all I'm going to say about that.
Philippians 2:5-8 (NKJV): "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross."
Powerful words. A reminder, perhaps. Of what? To be humble and obedient, to the point of death. It doesn't matter what words or actions are said at you or to you; how you respond is of upmost importance. Jealousy of others is an ugly emotion. Guard yourself. Do you feel hurt? Give it to God. Do you feel angry? Give it to God. Do you feel unworthy? Give it to God. Do you feel infuriated? Give it to God. Do you feel humbled? Praise God. O that we all would be humbled in our walk that we would not consider outselves greater than any other, but in all things give praise to God our Father, who gives us life, and Jesus, who brings us salvation through His blood. Hallelujah.
We watched a movie last night starring Dennis Quaid that was so good and I will highly recommend it to you to watch. I shared it with a few after we watched it and was advised they had already seen it. And they didn't bother to share with me it was a good movie? Rude! On a wing and a prayer is the name of the movie and right now it is free on prime video. I would watch it again. I was spellbound and wrapped up in it; many times feeling what was going on. Nothing like what I expected; and yet, hubby and I figured out what would happen before it did. Loved the movie and highly recommend it. Not a love story; but sit on the edge of your seat at times movie.
I am off work today as my daughter and I are going to a women's conference this evening. I have my eye doctor's appointment this morning; a follow-up to my eye surgery 4 weeks and 6 weeks ago. My eyes have been doing great and I'm getting good at remembering that I need to wear 1.25 readers to read; to work on my computers; to do anything close up..... but for distance... I don't need glasses. It's awkward as my driver's license says I need corrective lens - so I still have to wear glasses while driving. I think they will take my glasses and remake them today. Little do they know I have prescription readers, prescription sunglasses, prescription regular glasses. This may cost me a little. But the plus is I don't have to buy frames; I can just have the lens changed. I hope. AND, I will get to see much better. Grateful it turned out so well. I'm not opposed to wearing glasses; but may look into wire ones if I have to wear more of the time. These plastic ones get heavy after awhile.
Hubby is taking me, of course, as this office is downtown. Afterwards we will probably go to lunch. Then I'll need to pack my overnight things and be ready when time to leave. Looking forward to a good conference and learning new things and possibly making new friends. I have friends, and it is hard to find time to cultivate deeper friendships, but I need to. Every woman should have at least one person they can share life with that knows her heart and can encourage in this crazy walk of life. Men need them too, and most have them. I know hubby does. And he is able to cultivate his by going out to breakfast or lunch at times with them; or doing the weekly Bible study. I do have an 'old' friend and it's been a couple months since we met for lunch; need to get that on the calendar soon. But even so, with seeing infrequently, it is usually just catch up when we see each other. Melonie and I have known each other over 50 years now.
I found a photo of me yesterday that I think is about 4th grade.... showing the wonderful cowlick I have. Isn't it amazing how when we find an old photo we tend to examine it, to see how we have changed. And start wondering if we have any chidlren/grandchidlren that look like us. I know my daughter and I share a resemblance. I saw a photo of her recently with our great-granddaughter - and I did a double-take. The angle her head was, at first glance, I thought it was me and wondered when that photo was taken. I have compared my photos against granddaughters; against great granddaughters, and when I can imagine a slight resemblance, it brings me joy. Why? Because it feels like I will still live, even when I'm gone.
Yes, the reality that I wil be 74 years old this year; and although I am in good health; things happen. Yes, I have asked God to let me live to 100... and then die in my sleep peacefully. But that doesn't mean that I will get what I wish for. Especially because I want to be healthy at 100. Which means I try to eat better (does eating Taco Bell power box mean I am not eating healthy? I didn't eat it all!), and for four days this week I have managed to get on the treadmill for 30 minutes. I'm hoping to find the time to do it again today for I am trying to get some exercise again. Ms. Vicky next door reminded me when she returned from her vacation that I am to go with her to the swimming pool at the rec center when I get clearance from my eye doctor (have to keep water out of the eye as it heals). Swimming is exercise too; it just hasn't been 'my thing'.
And now, I'm starting to ramble so will hush and jump off. I've got time to read more; which is always a good thing. I've been reading a book in my 'quiet time'; about a chapter a day. The last two chapters have had me in tears. This man is telling the story of his 5 year old daughter dying from an asthma attack..... and how they have coped by leaning into God. Yeah, he's a pastor. He has shared their tears, their anguish... today I read the story of 3-4 days before she died that she was dramatizing the story of Snow White. She was even dressed in the gown. She took the apple, she took a bite.... and she says "I die..." and she lays down and is still .... then jumps up and says "and then I go to heaven and am with Jesus!" They never imagined that scene being portrayed in real life; only it was much more real.
I pray we all realize we have that choice. Will we just 'die' and remain dead? Or will we choose Jesus and be raised to life with Him; to live with Him eternally.... it's a choice. Things here on earth are just temporary. Things we do, things we say, will have no value in eternity. It's Whom we choose to live for. I choose Jesus; I pray you do as well.
Blessings!
