It was a strange dream...

 I was really tired last night and fell asleep quickly when I went to bed.  Hubby said I was 'sawing logs' when he came to bed about 45 minutes later.  I feel like I sleep good, and according to my 'tracker', most of my sleep was core sleep.  So why am I still feeling tired and sleepy?  Anyway - where I am going with this - I had the strangest dream last night.  I'll try to be brief and accurate, but as the day goes by, so does my memory of such things.

My friend, Barb, needed a ride downtown.  I offered to take her (and you know I do NOT drive downtown if not necessary!) and I drove hubby's car (which I never drive) and we get downtown and I park in an 'outside' parking lot.  Meaning, not covered parking.  We get out of the car and we are walking about four blocks away when I realize I didn't check to see WHERE I had parked the car.  (You know when you get out of the car at the mall or store you always look for something to trigger what row, what area, you are parked in.)  So I tell Barb we need to go back to find the car, so that I know where it is.  We are going through numerous parking lots - and can not find the car!  Finally I tell Barb to go on to wherever it was she was to be and I'd get ahold of her later.  I think I was on my way to the Corporate office downtown (which I never go to on purpose - in 9 years I have been there maybe 3 times at most and I didn't drive at any time).  So Barb goes on .... and I realize I am not carrying my purse.  I need my badge to get into the office, so why don't I have my purse?  I still haven't figured out where the car is either.  I'm walking around, trying to get my bearings when I see a police station.  I go in and tell them I can't find my purse, and I can't find the car.  Did I leave my purse in the car?  Did I totally forget it and leave it at home?  

So the police graciously drive me home and I go into the house and I find my purse sitting on the counter!  Then I woke up!  A very strange dream.  I still don't know where I left hubby's car downtown in an open parking lot.... and I obviously left my friend Barb downtown alone as well!  I couldn't go back to sleep after that cause I was reviewing the dream in my mind, trying to figure out WHY was I driving Barb downtown, and WHY would I have offered to do something I don't like to do?  And WHY was I driving hubby's car?  Dreams that make no sense at that time!  If ever!

The town halls that were scheduled today for work have been moved to the 20th.  Trying to figure out what is going on, I get an email from one of the executives that had an attachment from the President, that his EA, whom he has not heard from since Wednesday, was apparently in the hospital - her brother had called to let him know. He doesn't know any information other than she is needed to take a leave of absence for awhile.  I haven't talked with her since last week either, so not sure what could have happened.  Sickness? Injury? Who knows - even her closest friend at work knows nothing.  I'm sure she has contacted her - but it is none of my business.... so I do what I know to do.... pray for her that all is well, that whatever is wrong, she will heal.  

I have a board meeting at 6AM tomorrow morning so I may or may not remember to write in here later in the day.  Just saying.... you know how when I get busy I forget things!  I do not like these 6AM board meetings and if I could give up all the board meetings, I would in a heart beat!  Oh - yeah - as for the town halls - I was told, along with another EA - that we are to work on the slides from the other executives that still need to insert into the deck.  I'm 'just' the back-up for the slide presentation - not the creator!!

This is 'nurses' week' and I need to get some things ordered for our nurses and get them mailed out.  About 230 items.  I have it on my list to order today. We were going to order from another place, but yesterday was told to order from the company store.... sigh.... and guess who gets to do it.  Oh well. When they get here, I'll get it done and get them sent out.

Our Bible study group is to meet here tonight - which means I need to put my crochet stuff away and straighten up the living room and make sure the bathroom is clean.  Also need to pull together some snacks.  I think I might make some pinwheels - Oh pickles!  I'm out of tortillas!!  So fall back is the remaining few boxes of Girl Scout cookies, some cheese and crackers maybe, well, maybe I'll do a run to the store and just pick up a few Little Debbie cakes and cut them in small bites and put out. Maybe I can find some things already together.  I don't plan to spend a lot of time on it!  I will have time after work - but may take a 'lunch break' and run to the store as well to pick them up.   I asked our leaders last night if 'we' want to take a break for the summer.... and they said "we'll get a group vote"...  I would like to meet weekly, but some want every two weeks - and with people taking off it seems like it has become monthly at best.  Will see how tonight goes.

Psalm 14:2  The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.

Have you ever sent someone a gift and then waited - and waited - and waited - for them to acknowledge the gift?  Some of you will know what I mean.  I am not saying that a 'thank you' note must be written right away - but a text message or email, a phone call - anything to let them know that your gift has arrived and thank you.  I will occasionally send someone a gift and as a rule, they acknowledge right away with a 'You shouldn't have!".  Right?   We get to the point that after a few days - and we know it has been delivered, that we will ask them "did you get it?"  I know it has happened to me a few times - and yes, it is frustrating to have to 'ask' if they received a gift that I wanted to surprise them with.  And yes, it has happened to me recently.  I waited a day and finally sent a text, asking if they had received the gift.  Oh yes, they had, but they had been to busy to pause to let me know.  Ok.  In this one instance, it has been a few days now, and I still haven't heard from them.  I kind of expected a follow-up "sorry, been real busy, but want to let you know I do appreciate your thoughtfulness".  Am I being picky here?  I just wanted an acknowledgement the gift was received - and I guess I did get that so need to let it go, huh!

How many times do we do that with God?  When He blesses us with an unexpected blessing.  Perhaps it is a rosebush that blooms and we walk by it without pausing to appreciate the fragrance of the roses.  Or perhaps we get an unexpected money gift, or a repayment of a loan we thought was gone forever....  or perhaps we have something special happen that we weren't expecting.  What do you do with that?  Do you just settle into the moment - or do you pause and look up, and just say "thanks, God"?   Maybe you were driving and a car ran the red light and just missed you, causing you to swerve.  Do you sit there and cuss the guy out (yes, I said guy; surely gals do not drive that way, right?) (Just kidding!) or do you pause and thank God that you weren't hit, that you are ok, that there wasn't an accident?

God does so many things for us - and we are so busy with our lives that we keep our eyes on what is going on - and not the One who takes care of us in all circumstances.  As Paul has said, 'I know what it is to be without, and I know what it is to have plenty....'  and God knows exactly what our needs are; He knows what is going to happen while we are out driving. He knows all things.  

God loves you 'more than you will ever remember'.  Whether you KNOW Him intimately, or know Him with head knowledge, He sees you.  He loves you. No matter what you are going through, whatever the fire is, He will walk with you all the way through that fire.  He is the only One who can help you with whatever comes against you.  Our Lord loves you more than life itself.  Oh yeah, He proved that, by giving His life up for you.

Pause for a moment and look up, and tell Him "Thank you", for bringing you 'thus far'.  We don't do that enough.

Blessings!

It was a strange dream

 which I will share in a bit.  But first; our great-granddaughter - our #12 great-grandchild - arrived 12:09AM our time (2:09AM CT) yesterday morning.  The complication, I believe, was she was head down, but face up.  I understand that they called the doctor in to turn her, to make her face down, and the doctor did, and left.  So the baby turned over again and was face up. They had to do this four times before the baby stayed face down and then was born.  She's going to be a stubborn one, right?  Oh - the details, in case one is interested, 7# 9 oz, 20 inches long. Lots of hair. Cute as a button.  And there you have it.  Yes, I have received photos but will not put on here. Congratulations to the new mom and dad!

I did have a great-granddaughter yesterday afternoon for a few hours.  Work was practically nothing with all four of my bosses at the conference.  I frequently checked the computer to handle other messages, but overall, was able to enjoy the time.  We played games, we read books (I don't think I ever got through an entire book and we were in another), we baked cookies (after one tray she lost interest - she had her sprinkle cookies), we made ice cream (I had found this interesting recipe on facebook and tried it.  I sent most of it home with them, but of course kept some to try.  I haven't tried it yet).  She jumped on my trampoline for a few minutes.  She walked on my treadmill a few minutes.  

Then my trainer text'd me and wanted to move my time up to 4:30PM versus 5:30PM - which was ok with me, so I contacted one of the parents and asked to have the great-granddaughter picked up about 15 minutes earlier than we had planned.  I had to laugh.  Dad came to pick her up and he sent me a message on the way home that I must have worn her out - she had already fallen asleep on the way home!  She was so much fun and I loved having that time with her.  Sure do wish I could have the other great-grandchildren at times, but grandpa isn't always as willing.  Not that he doesn't love them, he's old, and sometimes old people don't have patience.  Of course he never has, but that is an entire 'nother story!  Right?  I understand why our grandchildren don't want to come to visit anymore.  It hurts, but I get it.

Oh - my dream?  It was really strange.  I'm surprised that I remembered it.  I'm somewhere in the stands, like at a sports game.  Sitting on a bleacher.  (why do we call them bleachers?)  Two little Japanese boys, cutest ever, come and sit a bit down from me.  They are probably about 3 or 4 years old.  Cute as can be. They are sitting there and I notice it looks like they have some sort of seeds in their eyelashes and in places on their face and skin.  I looked behind me and there was a young man who I assumed was the father.  He wasn't smiling and I commented on his non-committed face.  He smiled slightly.  He was just standing there.  I got a sharp pain in my leg (the usual that I have felt since the bug bites).  First I commented to him about the seeds in the boys' eyelashes.  He said they were sesame seeds.  (HUH?)  But when I commented on the pain in my leg, he immediately sent one of the boys off to get some sesame seeds.  Then my alarm went off.

So, out of curiosity this morning I have looked up the benefits of sesame seed.  I never knew this; and I find it interesting enough that I will be incorporate sprinkling of sesame seeds in our food.  What did I find?

Good source of fiber / may lower cholesterol and triglycerides / high source of plant protein / may help lower blood pressure / may support healthy bones / may reduce inflammation / good source of B vitamins / may aid blood sugar control / rich in antioxidants / may soothe arthritic knee pain / may support immune system /  and more...

Tahini is sesame seed butter.  I didn't know that! It says use that instead of peanut butter.  Hmm. Would have to think on that one!  I had no idea that little bitty tiny sesame seed could do all that - and more than I listed.  Very interesting.  So much so that I will be incorporating sesame seeds into our diet - just a sprinkling of seeds in our salads is good.  I may need to do a little more research.  As I have aged and my arthritis kicks up in various parts of my body, it would help to have a natural remedy rather than having to rely on a pill to ease the pain.  

A very interesting dream, you think?  I have no idea as to what it could possibly mean - if anything - other than perhaps I need to start adding sesame seeds to our diet?  I never would have thought about it - but if it will remove the pain in my hip, I will most certainly add to our diet!  Maybe you ought to do some research as well.  We all want to be healthy enough to not be a burden on our spouses as we age.

I have a 'special' dinner over in Scottsdale that I have to go to tonight for work.  I have asked my boss to not have to attend, but she said she needed me there.  Fine.  I'm sure I will enjoy it, but it is at a fancy restaurant and when I looked it up, the valet services are $8!  And yes, I will use them as I will be there from 6-9PM and I don't want to walk in the dark to find my car in the parking garage.  I can also bill for my mileage and valet fee because it is a work event.  I'll take that.  I don't want to go, but do not have a reason to not go.  Just because it is unfamiliar to me, I don't go to fancy places, doesn't mean I don't deserve a good meal.  You know there will be dessert as well.  And that is usually soooo good.  Oh well.  Stay tuned on how this goes.  And yes, I'm going alone.  It's a work event.  

I Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV):  Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Yes, I have kind of taking that out of context.  But in reality, it is a stand alone sentence.  Everything we do should be done to glorify God.  He created us.  He made all things around us.  We should take all in moderation, and give Him thanks, and do it for His glory alone.  Whether I eat sesame seeds or not, whether I run a marathon or not (probably not), whatever I do, is to be for His glory alone.  To God be the glory, great things He has done!  He created the world, He gave us His Son, that we might live again.  To Him be all the glory.

Blessings!

I'm going to have to research more

 I heard from a friend earlier this month about the benefits of rubbing castor oil on the body. I may have written something about it; I didn't stop to go back and look before I started typing this morning.  I've put it on the bottom of my feet and I feel there is a noticeable difference.  Of course, lotion or oil on the bottom of feet make it smoother - I get that.  I had sort of set it aside other than using it for that.  Lazy is the only reason I have.  It takes a little time to make sure it is all rubbed into the skin so that I don't get oil on my clothes.  The castor oil to buy is organic and really, really thick.  You can dilute it with coconut oil and make it thinner, but I would think it would be more effective as is, although coconut oil is good for things as well.  I used to use it as a moisturizer and when I run out of the expensive stuff I was 'talked into' buying for my face, I will go back to it.  Anyway, I was talking with my trainer last night and she was telling me of some things that her doctor had told her.....and I remembered some of the things I read about castor oil.  I told her, and she knew about the health benefits; after she had her baby, she used castor oil on her tummy and it not only settled everything down, it removed any scars she had.  We talked about the area her doctor had discussed with her, and she was going to try to remember to put some on that area and see what the next tests show.  

I think I need to do more research on the positives about rubbing castor oil on your skin.  I've heard it helps with arthritis and even diseases of the kidney and liver.  I told my daughter about it, but I don't think she has remembered.  I had put the oil away in a cabinet when our house cleaners had come out - and forgotten about it.  I brought the castor oil back out last night and rubbed on my feet.  I may try to rub on my body when I go to get dressed for today.  Take the time to rub it in and if I do it daily, would love to see what tests show when I do blood tests in another month or so.  I read articles before where it helps with arthritic fingers and knees, believe it or not.  Tell you what; I'm willing to try it if I'm in pain.  What do I have to lose?  If I do it correctly and it doesn't work - I'll at least have smooth skin.  But if I use it correctly and it does work - hallelujah, right?  Need to do more research I think.  Surely there is a book out there somewhere on castor oil, right?

I finally got the first quilt pinned with the lace I plan to put on it.  I need to check it again tonight to make sure I have it where I want it, and then I can start sewing it down.  It will be nice to get at least one completed, but I do want to get at least one more made before Christmas.  But it's not critical; that baby isn't here until January, and I can always mail it - not that they are waiting on a quilt from Oma.

Since my male boss was going on PTO yesterday at noon, he didn't send me a lot of work.  I spent most of the afternoon wrapping Christmas gifts and have just about all of them wrapped and under the trees.  Realized I am 'done' with three of the smallest great-grandchildren.  It is so easy to buy for the little ones.  Most are just getting an outfit or two.  Maybe one toy of some sort. I wrote things down as I wrapped them, but I think I missed a couple things.  I have scanned the lists and occasionally will remember something I wrapped for a specific person.  Between trying to work and wrap and keep an eye on emails, I could easily get distracted.  

Made lunch arrangements the first part of December with a dear 'old' friend.  Met her with I was pregnant with my first child. Her husband was in Korea; mine was in Viet Nam.  We have remained friends all these years.  I have bought her a few things for Christmas and hope that she will enjoy them. Anyway - was able to get that scheduled and on the calendar for one of the days I am off work.  That way we don't have to keep an eye on the clock and can talk as long as we want to.  

If you stop to think about it - Thanksgiving is NEXT WEEK!!  One week from TODAY!!  This entire year has gone so fast and now the holidays are quickly approaching.  Once Thanksgiving hits and goes past - Christmas will be sitting in our laps!  And this is why I have already started buying and wrapping and have my trees up.  I buy for so many I would never get all done before Christmas!  I don't have one scheduled, but I think I may have to take a 'shopping day' off work so that I can finish up.  There are a few gifts that I need to go out and purchase.  

I also want to make a run over to Home Depot or Lowes this weekend.  I think I'll buy real poinsettia plants to put in my pots outside for now.  After Christmas I can plant them in the courtyard.  They will grow after Christmas - at the end of January you cut them back, but the morning sun will cause them to grow into a big bush, and come December again, the flowers will come out and turn red.  The first house we had out here had an area that caught only the morning sun - and it was perfect.  I loved having real poinsettia plants growing next to the house.  Tried it here, but it didn't work so well. Hubby and I don't agree on the watering timing.  I want to do the watering, and if they die, it's my fault.  But he won't relinquish 'control' of the watering (except when I sneak out when he's gone and tell him I've watered when he gets back - and then hear about it being his job!).  Sometimes I just let the plants die.  And every year I complain that I spent about $200 on plants, and he lets them die - but of course it is never his fault.  I did buy small artificial trees that I was going to set on the posts outside in lieu of the pots, but I think I will fix them on the ledge behind my sink and use as decorations inside the house.  Will have to think that through.  End of that story.

The Bible is a mirror that shows us our desperate need for God.  Jesus said, "He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father's who sent me" (John 14:24).  In this world of postmodern, relativistic thinking, we need a clear word. We're investing tons of our time, money, and energy into being current and trendy, but the problem of man is as old as the Garden of Eden. The answer is where it's always been - in the pages of God's Word.

The above paragraph sums up where this world is, don't you think?  It is from the book I am currently reading titled "The Power of Surrender - Breaking through to Revival' by Michael Catt.  I've had it for a few years and hadn't read it.  When I finally picked it up to read, I am wishing I had more time to read in it.  For now, I've just been reading it in the mornings.  Michael Catt doesn't pull any punches.  I only have this book by him, and after Christmas, may look to buy a few more.  I noticed he has several other books out.  He is the pastor of the Sherwood Church where the Kendrick Brothers (who have created a few movies now) have attended.  I think Sherwood also provides some finances for the movies; definitely some people, I think.  Anyway - this book really makes me pause and think about where I am.

Which reminds me; I had a strange dream last night.  I was transporting two older teenage boys to church.  We arrive and they are having a meal, so we ate together.  Then we got up for church; the boys taking off to get to class, and I'm walking through the tables when a woman I do not know steps in front of me, touches my forehead, and begins praying over me.  I don't 'hear' what she is praying (or don't remember, just remember the scene), and I feel electric shocks (just things flowing gently) going through my body.  I tell myself to stop trying to fight it, and I fall down to the floor. (slain in the Spirit?) I remember getting up off the floor and walking to the classroom where the two boys are being disruptive by humming loudly.  I sit in front of them and turn to tell them to be quiet.... and they do.... and then I wake up.  I wrote it out in my journal as we should do when we have a dream, but I have no clue what it could mean.  All I had for dinner last night was a salad so surely it wasn't from that!  Interesting, huh?  Any ideas?

And, if you haven't gone to see 'The Best Christmas Pageant Ever' - you simply must go see it!  It is a great Christmas movie and I love it.  May try to go see it again.

I will probably mention this again tomorrow, but I am looking forward to Saturday morning when I can meet up with my favorite boss, my favorite doctor, and my favorite CFO for breakfast. Oh yeah, I remember I have already mentioned it. Oh well.  Today is Thursday and I will need to make decisions on what I am going to give to my friends for Christmas.  For the past 3-4 years Dr. Krauss has given me a flower.  I planted them this past year and they grew to about 4 ft before faltering in the hot son. They are still growing too, although only about a foot tall now.  It's one of those plants that are encased in wax and the flower doesn't need to be watered.  I don't know how it does that - it goes months without water; something inside the wax I guess.  They always get my bread but will also give them jam and will see if I have a decent jar of pickles to give them as well.  

Speaking of pickles, they look ugly now!  The ones I cut in half, I mean.  I still think - and will try it later today - that if I dump the liquid and then put the (cut in half) pickles on a plate, we can just eat them.  Maybe Thanksgiving would be a good time to open up those jars.  They are 3/4 liquid and the cucumbers have shrunk and are in the upper 1/3 of the jar - and shriveled.  Maybe I'll run to the store today and pick up two-three REAL cucumbers and make a few jars for these.  My boss wont' get her gifts until the 19th of December as we will meet and exchange gifts before the male boss' department party.  She gets a bit of everything I make - and then uses them for Christmas. She says her kids always ask if I made something - and when she says 'yes' - they dive in to it.  I've known her for over 30 years so I guess her kids know me well, huh.  Well, I did do all three of their weddings, and her father's memorial service so there is that as well.  Yeah, we're friends.  Real friends.

Got to go - hope that you have an amazing day!

Blessings!

I got a nice response

 Yes, I checked my emails yesterday afternoon and Pastor Pat had responded to my email that we were leaving that church.  It was a very nice note and said that they were praying blessings upon us, that hubby and I would be welcome wherever they were (which makes one question if the rumors we had heard are right), and well, it was short and nice.  We do love these people; we just couldn't get them out of their culture to be close friends.

Which is interesting.  We went to church at the Salvation Army church yesterday and the message was on Genesis 18, where God tells Sarai and Abraham they will have a child - and they laughed.  And about 25 years later, they did have a child and they named him Isaac.  It was a good message and kept my interest.  We did stay for lunch - chicken stroganoff, corn and something they called peach cobbler but it was unlike any peach cobbler I had ever had.  Didn't care for it - and it was dessert!!  Again, several people spoke to us and introduced us.  The major (pastor) I spoke to as I was walking out of the sanctuary (hubby had to run to the potty) and he came over to our table to personally meet hubby and we chatted. They are gathering funds to build a community center right next to the church.  The major told us all about it and it was really interesting. They haven't started a fund-raising for it yet, but prominent people have donated over $2M already.  It sounds like they will need about $8M to complete all they want in it - walking path indoors for seniors, basketball courts, pickleball courts, gym, fitness center, and I don't remember what all else.  It will be a few years down the road before they can even break ground on it. What I didn't realize is that this SA covers several 'cities' here - El Mirage, Surprise, Peoria, all the Sun Cities, and one other, can't remember what it was.   I really liked Major Mark and his wife Cathy - and feel we could be good friends.  

Got some things on my mind this morning.  I awoke at 2:25AM tis morning and couldn't go back to sleep.  I finally got up just before 4AM and came in here, asked God to let hubby sleep a bit longer so that I could sleep some in here.  But my sleep has somewhat disturbed me.  I need to make a couple calls this morning. Oh - one thing that came to mind was 'Major Mark is a 'teacher', not a 'preacher'.  And so he is. The two services we have attended have no 'altar calls' and the messages have not been teaching people how to live for Jesus.  I listen to other pastors during the week so I can get that, but this is a slow Biblical teaching - and it's actually good.  But we really need to lead people to Jesus.  Then I think, we don't do altar calls at the RV park either.  Of course there isn't an altar in their community center.  Something to think about.  I do have them repeat the 'sinners' prayer' at times (not always) at the end.  

But here is the part of the dream that was weird.  In this dream, I was here in my room, but not this house. I got up out of my chair for some reason, and when I turned around, my youngest granddaughter was sitting in it.  She starts talking with me, and I asked her if grandpa knew she was here, and she said no. She had a key to the house and implied she had been living with us, and got up to go down the hall to her room.  She has never lived with us and now I'm concerned about her well-being.  She doesn't always text me back, but I think I will text her in a bit to see if she is ok.  It was a very strange dream. At first, when I tried to hug her, my arms went through her, but then, it was normal.  So I do all that I can do - pray.

Hubby didn't get up until nearly 5AM so I did get a little more sleep in, albeit was the dreams above.  

We watched the Revival happening in Gainesville, GA at Free Chapel last night.  Perry Stone is speaking and I admit I was having trouble following last night - but by the end of the service, I was in tune and praying over my boys, and others.  He will be speaking tonight through Wednesday.  I think you would want to watch tonight - You Tube 'Free Chapel with Perry Stone October 7th' should bring it up (it has the word 'Revival' on the front of the icon.  Tonight he is going to speak on the end times and what we can expect.   It's on You Tube 'live' and will start 7PM EST - which is 4PM where I am, so as soon as I get off work we will be watching tonight. (no training for me until Wednesday).  Hubby is upset with me - he wants to cancel tomorrow night and watch it - but I told him we can watch it later; I'm not giving up my Tuesday night with my daughter.  Since I have training on Wednesday night at 4:30PM I will miss it then and have to watch it later anyway.  Jesus is coming back - and it is going to be soon.  Everything is lining up.  Check in and listen to see how it all lines up according to the Bible. Earthquakes, floods, wars, and rumors of wars - they are all happening.  And in Isaiah (I think) it talks about Israel being surrounded by the enemy and the destruction of Israel will happen.  The 'End Times' are quickly approaching.  Are you and your family ready?

My male boss is back to work today and I saw last night that he was already 'working' and sending me emails to schedule meetings.  Last week was so nice.... I did only what I had to.  This week I have to do it all!  Want to or not!  I am tired just thinking about it!

Genesis 18:13-14 (NIV):  Then the Lord said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Will I really have a child now that I am old?'  Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son."

The question is 'out there' - Is anything too hard for the Lord?  I would say NO.  Nothing is too hard for the Lord.  But many people would still doubt and question what God can do.  I tell you what, God has not always given me what I've asked for; He hasn't provided all that I wanted..... but without a doubt, God has always met our need.  We have not been begging for bread, nor been in want or need, for He has always provided for us.  Nothing is too hard for the Lord.  Absolutely nothing.  Do I still believe He will answer my prayers even when I ask amiss?  Yes - but it will be in His timing and if it is good for me.  God sees the big picture and I do not.  I simply need to trust Him in all things.  My job is to pray.  In His time, He will provide - and it will always be better than what I asked for.  

As Major Mark and I chatted yesterday about the community center, he expressed a little doubt about it all coming together.  I just looked at him and said, "Is anything too wonderful for God (i.e., is anything too hard for the Lord)?  He agreed and walked away.... but came back and said 'thank you for reminding me that if God is in it, it will happen; nothing is too wonderful for the Lord." 

Never give up on God, He's got you!

Blessings!

It was a strange dream...

 Yeah... I had a really strange dream last night and I'm actually grateful that hubby doing his midnight nightly ritual of going down the hall woke me from it.  Let's see what I can remember of it.....  My children were small.... there was a man there (unknown who it was) who was arranging airlines for me to go somewhere. All of a sudden, we heard a loud noise and I run to a window and look out - and see what appears to be a flock of 'birds' - only they aren't birds!  I'm talking like about twenty rows with 8-10 across!  Lots of these things!  We are watching out the window when they hover near the ground and then start running across the ground - and working their way into the house!  THEY ARE RATS!!  (Yes, I know, rats do not fly) (I don't think)... They are coming into the house and under the door.  We try stepping on them, but it doesn't do anything .... and then it came to me.... "these are lies that will come up against you.  The rats are the lies."  Then hubby got up and I awoke.

Now that is a scary thing to dream, and I have no idea what it is about.  Is someone going to start spreading lies against me and my children, my family?  I was actually afraid to try and pull that dream back up to continue it.... but I did lay awake for a bit and ponder what it could mean.  And, again, I felt what I heard was the rats are lies that will come against us.  What in the world could that be all about?  I have no clue.  A very strange dream.

I got a reminder from the church administrator yesterday that our classes start on Monday night.  I checked, then sent her a note back that no one has signed up for our discipleship class, so no, I do not have a class starting on Monday.  I checked again this morning, and still no one has been added.  I did ask that I meet with her 1:1 and talk about this.  I have a couple ideas that might help to get people involved, such as a 'ministry fair' where all of the small group (heart crew) leaders could meet people and explain what their group is about.  I think there is only two of us at our location who are doing book studies; the others are doing the message the pastor gives.  Another thought I had was type out all the heart crews our location is having and hand out the paper as people came in on Sunday so that they could see who to contact if they would like to join a group.  I have mixed emotions, really, now that the date is here and no one has signed up.

1) Is the timing wrong and God doesn't want us doing it right now?

2) Is the cost of $28 for the year's book pushing them away?

3) Because I am asking for every week attendance versus ever other week as the others are doing heart crew - does that make a difference?

4) Our home location - is 20 minutes from the church too far for them - or they think it is too far?  Yes, I'd rather be at the church, but I got told there were no rooms available on Monday nights.  

So maybe I'm not to facilitate a group at all.  Maybe something is in the future that will take up my time (I do still have messages to prepare for the RV parks) that I need to be available.  I don't know.  But - it's all good and I'm not going to stress about it.  And, moving on...

Today I am having lunch with a friend from my office.  We met once last year and last fall we had to cancel due to meetings and never got back to it.  So just before the holidays we chose this date to meet - and confirmed it yesterday.  It will be nice to catch up and get out of the house with my friend.  

I Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV):  "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."

All of us deal with times of temptation.  How many times have you been 'tempted' to 'speak your mind' to someone and tell them exactly what you think?  LOL  I know, lame example, but that is the thought that came to my mind first.  Often we see or hear something from someone and think "oh no, you aren't going to get by with that comment!" and we voice our opinion.  When, in reality, all our response did was lead to an argument that escalated into far more than it needed to. We both are guilty of that.  Instead, hold your tongue.  Pause and process what words you want to say.  Ask yourself, are then encouraging?  Are they correcting? Are they loving words and am I saying them in a loving tone?  If I just blurt out what I'm really thinking..... it creates chaos.  But if I pause, and think about what to say, I can (sometimes) change the way I say what I want to say, and it doesn't escalate into WWIII.  Know what I mean?

We parents are really good at telling our children what they should - or shouldn't do.  I learned a long time ago to just keep my mouth shut.  They will do what ever they want to do and it doesn't matter what I feel or think.  That's how they learn what is good and true, right and wrong.  But I can pray for them, and that - at times - can be more effective than my voicing my opinion.  And I don't feel hurt because my words were not acknowledged.  

Just got notification that Cafe Zupas just opened (today) a new place at 3225 W Peoria.  They have great salads, sandwiches and soup.  The one up in my area seems to not be too busy at times. I like it - I always say they have 'foofoo salads' as they cut the lettuce thin.  But they are delicious.  Their sandwiches are great too. It's a little pricey, but you get what you pay for.  I enjoy going there some times.

And.... I need to quit talking about food.  (sorry, Ralphd00d).  I need to get the body moving and start getting ready for work.  Hope that you all have an amazing day!

Blessings!

What could it mean?

 I need a Daniel (as in OT) to interpret a dream for me I had last night.  I can ponder it all I want, and probably still will not understand the dream.  It's interesting I had a dream like this, for I am reading the book of Daniel now, and he is interpreting King Nebuchadnezzar's dreams.  My dream?

I am at work in a building that is under construction.  I wanted to know about a person's test results and were looking them up.  A little later, HR calls me to an office.  I think I'm in trouble for looking at the person's test results, but it doesn't seem like that is the reason.  I have been called to the HR office because I do research and am accurate in my work and they need someone who will pursue until they get the right answers.  There is another person in the office with us but I cannot see them, only a shadow.  Then we walk to another location where the 'job' is for me to work on.  We go through four other buildings (about the size of monuments) that are also under construction.  

All this time, I am worried about the time as I had left my phone in the original location, and I needed to get to the gym by 7:30AM for my appointment.  It was nearly 7AM at that time.  By the time we reached the 4th building, I'm totally lost as I am directionally challenged.  But I speak up and tell them I must go get my phone and call my trainer that I could not make it to the gym and cancel my appointment.  I was wandering through the buildings, trying to find my way out, knowing I had 3 other buildings to get through before I could get to the original building.... my watch buzzes.  I think it is the alarm and I didn't even look but shut it off.  

After all, it's Friday after Thanksgiving and I don't have to get up, right?  But my watch buzzes again and I finally look at it.  4:04AM.  Why was it buzzing if it wasn't the alarm?  No, it wasn't a call.  I could see there is a message on my phone and even in my difficulty to read it without glasses, I finally figured out - for the first time ever - my watch was telling me it was down to 10% battery.  I went ahead and got up so that I could plug my watch in.  

No, I haven't figured out the dream - and isn't it weird my watch would tell me it's down to 10% battery?  The only reason I can think of the battery ran down (as I charge it every morning) is that I took a walk yesterday morning - aka Turkey Trot - and used my watch to track.  It doesn't take long to recharge but it did get me up out of bed at my usual time.  Which is ok.  I DO have a 7:30AM gym appointment, which I do intend to keep..... somehow I'll find my way through all those buildings.  Really weird dream, huh?!

Yesterday was a good day.  I baked the turkey, dressing and giblet gravy, and baked a pumpkin pie and made a key lime pie to take to my daughter's.  Lunch was delicious with the yams and green bean casserole, ham, deviled eggs, and rolls.  Oh - and cranberry salad - which was really good.  I think that was it.  I was good - ate a bit of everything - even a bite of chocolate brownie cheesecake and key lime pie.  Maybe a couple pieces of chocolate covered cherries that were so good.  It was a nice day and we headed back home around 5PM, I think.  No, I did not bring any leftovers home, and cleaned the dishes up when I got home and then we sat quietly until going to bed.  Hubby was on his phone going through this stuff and I crochet'd as I knew I couldn't' read and stay awake.  It was a good day.

Was able to discuss Christmas time and food for that part of the family  They will come over Christmas Eve at noon and I'll fix 3-4 different kinds of soup and a couple salads.   I need to talk with my oldest son and see about food, but I have another question.  Since Christmas Eve is on Sunday.   And Christmas is on Monday.  He and his family usually come over on Christmas Day for dinner and we open gifts together.  But I got to thinking about the boys working nights and the granddaughter and her family coming up to celebrate with them and us too.  I just erased all my ramblings...  it may be easier to just talk with him and let him discuss with his family. 

I also need to check with the youngest son as I don't know his schedule with his kids, grandkids and stepson.  Life is complicated sometimes.  

Hubby has his Bible study this morning and I have my 7:30AM gym appointment... feels good not having to jump on the work computer.  I'd be bored out of my mind if I didn't have my job, I think.  Hubby already clings to me and if I was not working, it would be worse.  Even cooking yesterday, knowing I don't want him in the kitchen, he was coming in with 'what can I do to help?'  I appreciate the offer, but get out of MY kitchen (to which he informs me it is OUR kitchen!).  Yet, I can't remember the last time he offered to cook a meal for us.

Colossians 2:6-7 (NKJV):  "As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving."

This verse actually is two parts.  People come to faith with empty hands and nothing to offer, but at the foot of the cross, they receive Jesus Christ our Lord and that motivates them to live life as Christ did.  We abound with thanksgiving as the results of living a Christ-centered life.  Counting blessings is the greatest mathematics exercise in the universe; it helps Christians understand that the sum total of every good and perfect gift comes from above.  A thankful heart adds clarity to the believer's life... it will never confuse them.

So have you paused your life long enough to count your blessings lately?  Do you have a roof over your head?  Do you have food to eat?  Are you and your family healthy?  Things that we take for granted - these are things we can be thankful for.  You may think you did it all by yourself, but you didn't.  It is by the grace of God.  He loves you, even if you choose not to follow Him, He still loves you, and yearns to have you turn back to Him.  We celebrate the birth of Jesus in a little more than a month... wouldn't it be a good time to reflect on how good God has been to you, and turn your heart back to Him.  What a celebration that would be in heaven (and on earth!).

Blessings!

I don't wanna!

 Today I 'go' back to work - and I don't wanna!  I'm thinking I need to shake that attitude, for hubby is not going to let me 'retire' any time soon.  Which causes a lot of problems between us.  It certainly would mess up the lifestyle to which he has become accustomed.  Ok - enough complaining.  I'll always work at something; I just don't enjoy this anymore since we aren't in the office.  24x7 with hubby makes me a grumpy person like him sometimes.

Yesterday was a blast.  My oldest granddaughter came over with her daughter and it was so fun as we baked cookies and made donuts!  The little one was a hoot all day and I enjoyed her so much.  My granddaughter managed to get a few candid shots.... I really am fat!  And, when I watch, I'm so serious!  LOL  Isn't it interesting that when we look at photos of ourselves, most of the time it is at our size and/or how our hair or facial expression is.  I had so much fun with the two of them... don't know why my face didn't reflect it!  

It's kinda like what they say about Christians.  If loving and following Jesus makes you happy, why don't you tell your face that?  Christians are sometimes some of the most grumpiest looking people!

Our prodigal granddaughter read my message back to her, but she did not respond, nor did she come over.  If I haven't seen her by the weekend, I will pack up her gifts and store them.  Someone will have need of them at some time and I will pass them on.

I had the strangest and oddest dream last night and was awakened at 10:30PM with this vivid dream of my youngest child around the age of 5-6, screaming in the hospital, "mommy, don't let them hurt me again!" and I was running to his room and fighting people who were trying to keep me away.  I don't know what happened, I don't know what was going on in this dream..... all I know was my child was screaming for me and I was going to get to him.  When I awakened, I was praying hard for this child and asking our Heavenly Father to send His angels down to guard and protect him, and commanding the demons to flee from him that was causing him pain.  I have no idea what this dream - which came out of the blue - was about.  But it was intense and totally unexpected.   I didn't sleep well after that and dozed some here in my chair this morning.  

Philippians 4:7 (NKJV):  "and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NKJV):  "But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one."

The best thing I can do when something so intense like this dream comes upon me, is pray about it and give it to God.  I may ponder it, and wonder why I had the dream, what could possibly be the meaning of it, if there even is a meaning I am to understand... but I cannot allow the dream to overwhelm me - especially with fear.  My son is no longer 5-6 years old.  I have no control over his life.  Lord know that he does need guidance from time to time!  Just as we all do.

When I pause and give these things to God, or actually, anything that does trouble me, I do receive His peace and if I am to see the bigger picture, or even understand why things happen the way they do, I can depend on the Lord to protect me from whatever the situation is, and He will take control of it as long as I give it to Him and allow Him to take care of it.  It's when we 'take it back', that He lets us deal with our own things.  I think I prefer Him taking care of it.

I will be working on my message for Sunday from time to time the rest of this week.  At least I got the title and scripture; now I need to pull it together.  And, I need to start putting my Christmas gifts away and getting these boxes back in storage out in the garage.  Then the task of breaking up all these amazon boxes that are setting in the garage.  LOL  I keep the big ones to put our recycle in.... but there sure are a bunch of little ones that need to be broken up.  This room looks like a Christmas cyclone hit it - and I need to get cleared out.  Hubby asked me yesterday if we could leave the plaid (Christmasy plaid) comforter on the master bed instead of packing it away. Why?  Because he says it brightens up the room where as the gray comforter does not.  No big deal.  I think it is more he just doesn't want to deal with changing it out.  It doesn't look 'Christmasy' except the plaid is in red/green.  The comforter in this room has the Christmas trees and designs so yeah, it will come off the bed and get boxed up until next year. 

I'll get our tree down this next weekend - no rush.  I love the colors on it this year.  Very few ornaments so very few to put away.  When the lights are on, it really looks nice.  I can't do like the youngest does though - wrap saran all around it and set it in the corner.  sigh.  I'll take it apart in the 3 pieces  and put away the garland around it.  Next year I may change my mind on what to do with it.  But for this year, it looks nice.

Guess I need to get up and get dressed; nearly time to turn on the computer for work.  I did jump on for a short time yesterday - 'timecard Monday'.  I was pretty sure I had approved everyone's time card last Friday, but wanted to go through them and double check - and I did.  Payday is Thursday.

Hope that you are happy with all the Christmas gatherings and made special memories this year with those you love.  I know I did.

Blessings!