Well, after looking at the directions to the hotel, I discovered the hotel is not as close to the shopping area as I thought it was - but that's ok. We're about 25 minutes closer than we were from home! Not that we will do a lot of shopping, but that is on the agenda for today. The hotel is nice as is our room. Love getting the suites and having the extra room where it is set apart from the bedroom. Hubby is loving having the thermostat set around 73-75 (at home he keeps it at 80 during the day, which is fine with me). We got our room yesterday, unpacked the car, and then just walked around the hotel to find out where everything is. Not so sure we will use the pool after all. One has to go down the side of the lobby to get to the door to it. You know how I like my privacy, and even with a cover-up on, no one wants to see a blimp head to the pool. But then again, the lobby was empty when we arrived yesterday; maybe there are too many people staying here. Will see if I change my mind. We found the workout room too and it looks useable for our needs. I do need to work out; just because my trainer has been gone this week doesn't mean I get the week off. Will see about that too.
Mid-day yesterday we went to Sonic to grab a quick lunch. I ate a cheeseburger and onion rings - which was really too much for me cause I ate the whole thing. We didn't eat for the rest of the day, although hubby did drink one of the premier protein shakes I brought with us. I do that for these 'just in case' we get hungry times. We haven't gone down to break fast yet - but may soon. I couldn't believe it! I asked at the desk when we checked in for I had read somewhere that there was a 'continental' and a 'hot meal' for a 'small fee'. I asked what the 'small fee' was. Wow. Later, when we were walking around we found the 'menu' for breakfast. Oh they have a lot of items - eggs, chef made omelets, pancakes, waffles, potatoes, etc.... for prices ranging from $13 for pancakes or waffles to $15.95 for the breakfast buffet! YIPES! Then we talked about it. We'd spend that much if we went out to a restaurant for breakfast so why am I complaining so much? I'm spoiled, what can I say? When we go to the Wyndham or IHG hotels there is no fee for their breakfast and most of them have a standard made hot breakfast. Oh well. We also saw there is a Bosa donuts right across the way (within walking distance) and we do like their breakfast sandwiches too! Today, though, I think we may go downstairs. After I finish this and get dressed, that is. Which won't be long.
As mentioned, today I think we will eat breakfast, get dressed, and read a bit before heading to the shopping center just a few miles north of us. When we come back (probably after we grab lunch), we will either do workout or the pool (and/or). I am not planning on staying in the room and reading as we do on our retreats. Nope, this is VACATION and I want to do something, although I don't want hubby driving all over the place. Yep, he drove up here. Better for his car to sit outside than mine, right? :-)
I'm re-reading a book I read many years ago called Absolute Surrender by Andrew Murray. He was an 'old-time' preacher from many, many years ago - but I love his books. This is an old paperback I bought probably 20 years ago and read it then. It made a mark on me, and it has already begun its work in me as I started reading it last night - but definitely this morning. In fact, the chapters I read this morning really showed how 'carnal' I have gotten over the years. Some of my attitudes have not been Christ-like. I knew it then, but chose to ignore it. But I'm sure you have seen it active in me with the things that I write in here. Especially in my anger at people or things. My frustration. My attitudes. It won't be easy, but I am going to change. To admit I have faults is difficult... these kinds of faults are some one can't just laugh about and say 'oh well'. These faults will take a lot of prayer and work to overcome.
When we don't act in love, when we push people away because we don't like them (regardless of the reason), we are being carnal. Did anyone pop into your mind when I said that? As I was reading what Andrew Murray wrote, there was one, and possibly two, people who came to mind. I argued mentally with myself that the 'thing' I read yesterday was that we need to set boundaries with those kinds of people and stay away from them if possible.
But Jesus says.... we are to love those people as He loves them. We are to forgive those people as we want Him to forgive us. In all the movies about Jesus - and in the Bible, of course - Jesus never turns away anyone because of their behavior. Think about the Pharisees and the Sadducees who spoke against Jesus every chance they got! And Jesus loved them. He didn't ignore them and set boundaries for them. He loved them. And on the cross, He forgave them all. Ouch.
Even as much as hubby drives me crazy, I am called to love and respect him. It doesn't matter how I feel I am treated or loved or respected by him...... Jesus says I am to love and respect him. As you know, I (maybe) overreact sometimes with hubby, as he does things (I feel on purpose) to make me question his sanity as well as his 'love' or whatever for me. Why does he do the things he does? But then, why do I do the things I do? No catch 22 there, we do, we react. But do we react in love. Lord HELP.
I am believing that with God's help that I will be able to change my attitude toward the unlovely, let go of my frustration and anger at those who speak against me and those I love, to choose to forgive the past and move on to the future that God has for me. It won't be easy, for some feelings will be hard to let go of, but I am believing that God wants me to 'forget the past and press on towards the goal for which Christ Jesus took hold of me'.
I want to be all His, and to do that, I have to let go of me. My rights are nothing. My opinion doesn't matter. What matters is Jesus. He said to love others as we love ourselves. How much is that? Got some thinking and processing and changing to do. Something to think about.
Time to get ready for breakfast - have a blessed day!
Blessings!
