What day is it?

 Do you ever get confused at times - like early in the morning - on what day it really is?  Yeah, I do.  Sometimes.  Good thing I take mine every day - cause when I pick up that 'pill case', I can see what day it is. Ok, I can also look at my phone, or my watch and it tells me as well.  Some days I just wish it was Saturday again.  Do you as well?  Not wishing it today, but it is only Wednesday.

Had training last night with Morgan and she kicked my butt!  We did HIIT - high intensity interval training.  She wore me out - and I was sweating - which I rarely do - even on HIIT days!  I know my strength was on the downhill side by the time we got done!  I'm not sore - yet - but I am pretty sure I will be getting sore by the end of the day.  No training today - but tomorrow night I do.

Last night was so nice.  Hubby went to church for the men's bible study.  I stayed home. Left the TV off (no, did not care to watch the 'state of the union'.  I'm not a big political person.  Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. My opinion is that if a person gets elected, God has allowed that person to be in authority for that moment in time. You don't have to respect the person, but should respect the office. And I will leave that there.  Anyway - I worked on my diamond art project (almost done!!) for a long while before moving back to the couch to crochet.  Hubby came home shortly afterwards.  He enjoyed the study and being out with the men of all ages.

Tonight is a women's study - which I am not going to.  We have our group meeting tonight.  I would like for us to meet every week.  We currently meet every other week - and in December we only met once I think.  We are finally getting to the last chapter in Revelations tonight.  We should have finished it in November or December!  I'm not sure what we are going to discuss doing tonight.  I had thrown out a couple suggestions, but it isn't 'my' group; I am not the leader.  I get antsy at times for I'm not used to just sitting there - with occasional comments - but I try to behave myself.  Will see what they decide to do.  I talked with hubby and we will offer to have it weekly here at our house - we seem to be centrally located for everyone.  I'd rather get in the mode of meeting weekly.  We don't have contact other than that every other meeting and how can you really get to know someone if you only meet twice a month?  I want a small group that I can contact anyone when something is going on and ask for prayer.  Or will be there for us (and us them) when there are times of need.  That's what a small group does.  Not to criticize our leaders - they leave things up to the group and every other week was what was decided.  But the holiday season is over and we need to put the small group first and meet each week now. In my humble opinion.  Will see what is decided tonight.  

The Bible dos not teach unconditional obedience to authority; it does teach unconditional submission. - John Bevere.

What do you think about that statement?  I read that this morning in the book I'm reading by John Bevere - How to respond when you feel mistreated.

Have you ever felt mistreated?  By your spouse? By your children? By friends? By others?  John goes on to explain that we are to obey the Bible. Period.  For example, when Shadrack, Meshack, and Abed-Nego refused to bow down to the king as commanded, they were thrown into the firey furnace.  Heated 7 times hotter (how do you measure that, anyway?).  God says you are not to have anything (or anyone) before you.  You are not to worship your spouse, your child(ren), (nor even your grandchildren!) - you are not to worship anyone or anything but God.  Do not put anything before God.  When you refuse to 'bow down' to worshipping anything or anyone else, God sees that and He will bless you for it.  

The thought has entered my mind at how some people 'worship' their cars.  Yes, cars.  They get a new car or a special kind of car and they think they are pretty hot.  They refuse to drive it in the rain, or snow, and they are constantly dusting it off.  Doesn't that sound a bit silly?  The car will eventually rust and fall apart - and who will care?  

Worshiping and honoring God first in all things is the best way to live.  Honor Him in your daily life. Before your meal - even if you 'don't pray' - pause and just tell Him 'thank you for providing this food'.  He provided it for you. You may have prepared it - but God provided it.  When you have an empty tank of gas - and you are 'hoping' you get to the gas station before you run totally out - what are you doing? Me, when I can remember it happening to me, I was begging God to just give me one more fume that can get me there.  I can remember making it to the turn-in before the car died.  Had to get others to push it to the pump.  That was a long time ago - I don't let it get that low anymore.  Try to fill up at 1/2 tank.  It doesn't cost as much (it seems) and I always have gas for wherever I need to go.  True, there are times that I call out to God more often - and yes, I remember to thank Him for providing whatever it is I need or request.  

And sometimes we need to thank Him BEFORE He provides what we ask for. If you ask for healing, thank Him for the healing He will provide.  It may not be immediate, but God will answer your request. It may not be the answer you are seeking - but don't stop asking.  God sees the big picture and all the circumstances surrounding - He knows what is best.  It may be painful. It may be hurtful. But you can trust that God knows exactly what He is doing - whether He answers the requests - or not.  But thank God for the answers you don't see - and the answers that you do.

God is good - all the time, God is good.  Acknowledge His faithfulness to you.

And.... my time has gotten away from me again this morning - not that I have much to talk about. Seems all I do is ramble anymore.  Perhaps I should take a break; maybe I would come up with things to talk about.  Hmmmm.  In the meantime - may your day be full of His

Blessings!

Still working on that 1%...

 I had really planned to apply that 1% yesterday to my work.... like the minutes I still have to type... well, I am guessing it was the flu shot I got the day before.... but I felt yecky all day.  I still have the 6" round circle under the shot site on my arm although it isn't as hot or hard as it was yesterday, and I don't have that queasy feeling in my stomach.  Just didn't feel real good yesterday.  Hate to give the flu shot credit for it but that had to be the reason.  I'm feeling better this morning, thank goodness.

Hubby is going to the men's breakfast at church (I hope) this morning, and after having a little time to myself, I will head up to the Farmer's Market.  There is no rush; it goes from 9-2PM, but hubby seemed to think I needed to be there at 9AM.  Uh, no.  Going to enjoy some alone time, even an hour since I'll be alone, before heading up there.   

Maybe in that short time I am here at home alone, I should apply that 1% to exercise.  Maybe get on my treadmill for ten minutes or use my hand weights and start to build my muscles again.  I know I need to do it, why not this morning.  At least I can think about it.  Maybe I'll make a grocery list and stop at the store on the way home from the Farmer's Market.  Soooo many things I can apply myself to... productive things.  I just don't get how hubby can sit day after day after day... and do nothing but look at his phone.  And he has no desire to do anything else except go to breakfast or lunch if he gets invited.  Maybe I should get him to read this book after I'm finished!  

I had bought tickets way back in January to attend a Divine Conference put together by Free Chapel church in Gainesville, GA... for my little sister and I.  She never saved for it, although I told her I had bought us tickets.  I can get the money together to go but it isn't right that I pay her way too when she hasn't even tried.  And after being with her some this year and her response after I came home, I'm not sure I want to be alone with her just yet.  The original plan was to fly to where she lives, then we drive together to GA, stay at a hotel, attend the conference, drive back to her place, and I fly home.  I would be out the most expense, obviously.  And airlines aren't cheap right now.  I opted out and wrote Divine Conference a note and rather than a refund, requested they give the tickets to two women who really wanted to go but could not afford the tickets.  I really wish I could go; I need a 'Divine' worship time with God.  

I feel like I've been in a sort of 'funk' for awhile.  Not sure what it is... sometimes really down... sometimes so-so.... it is as if my life has been sucked out of me and there isn't much left.  Ever feel that way?  Sometimes we bring it on ourselves; sometimes it hits us because of others and the things they do.  Not going where I feel it is coming from, I just know that I need to cut the line of 'funk' and get my life back.  I know losing my big sister has a lot of to do with it; I still miss her, and I probably always will, but in a lesser sense.  I still miss my big brother, and my little brother.  A lot has to do with my little sister's attacks on me that come and go... I never know when she will 'overthink' something and attack me with her words.  Most of the time I have no idea of where she is coming from.  But I have to forgive her and let it go or it would destroy me.  I don't retaliate.  

Remember the story of Nabal in the Bible?  And David and Abigail?  I was reading in I Samuel this morning and reading the story.  Nabal means 'fool', and a fool he was!  God avenged David by causing Nabal to have a stroke and then he died, and then David proposed to Abigail and married her.  David was so angry at Nabal because David and his men had protected Nabal's shepherds and sheep out in the plain and when the sheep were being sheared, David asked for some food for his men, and Nabal refused him and said some very unkind things.  David was ready to kill every male in that household.. until Abigail heard about what had happened... and gathered food and met David enroute.  She bowed to the ground and spoke wise words to David.  And David listened and heeded her words.  How different things could have been if Abigail had not interceded!  And what was David's response to her?

I Samuel 25:35 (NIV):  "Then David accepted from her hand what she had brought him and said, "Go home in peace. I have heard your words and granted your request."

That is how our God is.  When we intercede for others; when we step up and ask God for specific things, He does hear us and He does listen.... He may not answer us the way we want Him to, but He always answers.  Sometimes the answer is No.   But once we go to God and ask for that healing, ask for that restoration, ask for (whatever), we are to leave it there and 'go home in peace'.  God is always in control, no matter what the circumstances, the trials, or the times.  He will always be there for us.

Isaiah 46:4 (NIV):  "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you."

Even in my 'old' age and gray hairs, I know that He will always sustain me.  I know He will always be there for me.  I know He will always have my best interest in mind.  I know He will always hear my prayers, and He will also never leave me.

Do you have that confidence in Him?  Do you really believe that in spite of everything you have done, that God can forgive you and toss your sins as far as the east is from the west - and remember them no more?  I do.  I've done a lot in my life that I am ashamed of and the enemy will occasionally bring them to mind and remind me ... but when he does, I just remind the devil that God doesn't remember those sins and therefore I don't either.  My sins do not define who I am in Christ.  And they don't define you.  

God loves you so much that He sent His only Beloved Son to die for all the sins that we could ever do.  When we confess our sins - we lay that sin at the foot of the cross (sometimes again and again cause we keep picking it back up)... and He remembers it no more.... cause the blood of Jesus has covered it all.  Life doesn't get any better than that.  Some of us have to pray this every morning...

Psalm 51:10-12 (NIV):  "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."

His steadfast love is everlasting.

Blessings!

Love my time alone....

I got to stay home alone last night while hubby went to meet his friends for their Tuesday evening study. My daughter and I decided not to meet up so that left me at home.  I actually enjoy these times.  I can do what I want.  And that is always a good thing.  And I did what I wanted.  I watched "Heaven's War" on my Kindle Prime Video.  Interesting that I can bring it up on the TV Prime Video, but watched it on my Kindle.  And I didn't have to wear the ear plugs.  I was home alone, so could listen without them.  I crochet'd as I watched it and nearly have that blanket finished.  After the movie I chose to read some more, and was reading when hubby got home.  It was fun that I got to do what I wanted to do without interruption.

Sorta like why I love my alone time with God in the mornings.  It's just me and Him.  I read some, most days type something in here (even when I don't have anything to say), and spend my time talking with the One who loves me most.  I don't want to even imagine my day starting without taking some time to talk with Jesus.  He helps me sort out some things and reveals other things, and He always helps me get my feet back on solid ground.

I'm having trouble getting warm this morning and I blame it on my Wednesday pill.  It always gives me chills when I take it, and of course it makes my neck and head hurt, and wears me out.   By evening I am more than ready to go to bed.  I haven't been walking like I should (and Hubby hasn't gotten out to walk AT ALL since his surgery, although his doctor told him to!) but have gotten on my trampoline some during the day.  Not for great lengths of time, but some.  I can't wait for my treadmill to get moved in the back room.  Hoping it will be this next week I can get it moved into the house.  Then it will be easier to get on it throughout the day for even ten minutes at a time.  I'm supposed to be doing weight-bearing exercises too (talk about not doing what the doctor says!) and I have moved my weight bench out of here - and can't believe I haven't stopped to use it. I need to make a determination to start - and today will be a good day.  I don't like hubby watching me and offering suggestions that he doesn't use..... but today he has a doctor's appointment so maybe, just maybe, I can get back there.

I heard something in a message last night by Mario Murillo.  It was about the woman at the well and Jesus.  Jesus offered her 'living water' so that she would never thirst again.... and she starts off being more concerned that a Jew was talking to a Samaratian - a Jewish man and a Samaratian woman at that!  After more dialog (see John 4) Jesus tells her to go call her husband.  And this is where her shame comes out - with the words "I have no husband".  And Jesus tells her that she has had 5 husbands and the man she is living with her now is not her husband.  So she perceived he was a prophet, and decides to get the attention off herself (isn't that what we do when confronted with truth?) by telling Jesus we Samaratians worship here, but you Jews say that Jerusalem is where one should worship.

John 4:23-24 (NKJV)  "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.  God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."

Then the woman comments that the Messiah - when He comes - will sort things out.... and Jesus tells her... "I am He".  

John 4:25-26 (NKJV)  "The woman said to Him, "I know the Messiah is coming" (who is called Christ). When He comes, He will tell us all things."   Jesus said to her, "I who speak to you am He".

And that changes everything.  If you look up John 4 in your Bible (or on BibleGateway.com), you will read that the woman went into the village and told everyone what Jesus had said to her, that instead of shaming her, He was giving her the Living Water of life.  And the town believed her and went to hear Jesus.

If you sat back in your chair right now and things came to your mind that you were ashamed about (they do have a way of creeping in - before we go into denial).... what would you do with those thoughts?  Would you push them aside and continue to carry them on your shoulders?  Words said that shouldn't have been, actions taken that you wish you had done differently..... so many things.  But you know what the good part it?

When those thoughts come to your mind, all you need to do is say "Jesus, please forgive me for doing such and such, forgive me for the things I've done.... and help me to live differently. Take control of my life and help me to live as You would want me to."  And you will feel such a peace come over you.  The burden of shame and anger will be lifted from your shoulders.  Then, if you need to make things right with someone, go to them and tell them that you are sorry.  They may or may not forgive you.  That's their choice.  But you need to do your part.  Get right with Jesus, and you too, can have that Living Water that refreshes and restores you.

Blessings!