Yep - just went through my second (in the last many years) juicer. I think I mentioned the other day that I had gone to Ms. Amy's and picked a lot of fruit - grapefruit, tangelos, oranges, lemons. I took several bags to Needles of Hope yesterday and got rid of some. My daughter picked up some. But I still had a lot left - so I started juicing. I went through about 3 bags when it just wouldn't 'go' anymore. It wouldn't juice anything. I unplugged the juicer, waited about an hour, and tried again (yes, I plugged it back in) - and nothing. So in to the trash it went. Many years ago my oldest son had bought my first juicer I had. I used it for about 5 years or so - when the same thing happened. I had a lot of things to juice - and just wore it out. So I bought another one, just like it. And now it has died. They really do last a long time; I am sure I've used this one every year several times for about 5 years. But - because it died, I went to Amazon and found one similar to what I had - couldn't find the one I had before - and ordered it. I just heard them deliver it. Thank you prime delivery. So this afternoon I will try this new one out and see how it juices. I bought another kind a year or so ago and tried to use it - but did not like it and returned it, and went back to the old one. Crossing my fingers this will work well.
The son of Ms. Amy contacted me again last night, asking about when should the trimmers come... and it was smooth... but I will be working on getting tree trimmers out here next week.... I will be contacting and trying to get estimates to submit to the son and then arrange it all. And then he tells me how much he appreciates me. If our houses were not connected, if we didn't have an HOA, this would not be my problem... well, it's not really a problem, and I'm happy to help.... but hubby is president of the HOA and he is the one who contacted the realtor about the trees and the realtor contacted the son. Interesting. I thought the realtor would take care of it, and then take it out of the price... like they do the painting. Oh well. I'll make a couple calls; send the videos I took of the trees, and I can make sure hubby and the rest of the board will be 'happy' with the trees.
Today we go to the RV park for church. We've gotten a lot of prayer requests from them lately (I'm on the prayer chain since a couple years ago some people died from covid and we didn't know and asked about them) and some of our close friends are sick and we won't be seeing them today. It sounds like covid is once again making the rounds in the RV park, and I know two of our friends have been in the ER this week diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs. Crossing my fingers I don't come across anyone who is sick - I have my oral surgery on Tuesday and definitely cannot be sick or it will be rescheduled.
As you probably guessed with my talking about juicing yesterday, the Christmas things did not get put away. I really meant to, but with all the fruit sitting around, needed to get it juiced. Then I took a decanter and some bread over to Ms. Diane and visited with her for a bit. I have a decanter and some bread for Ms. Vicky and will probably stop over there this afternoon for a little while, then come back home and juice the rest that I have decanters for. I love fresh orange juice and generally drink a very large glass of it. Sounds good this morning and it is fruit.
And our fast starts today. Hubby and I were discussing it last night - he commented he hadn't decided, other than TV, what he was going to give up. I just looked at him. I'm not going to tell him what he can or cannot do. It has to be his decision, his choice. He did say he could give up beef and pork and just eat chicken, but didn't want to mess me up. I told him that I could still fix meat for him; it doesn't bother me to not eat it. Sounds like he won't push his fear on me that I will disintegrate by fasting. Trust me, I have enough fat on this body it could live without food for several day. And I will drink my water and juices so I'm good. :-) My sister who is doing the fast as well, told me she would be doing juices the first three days and then vegetables the remaining. Everyone is different and everyone is to do what is on their hearts to do. The fasting isn't for 'us', it is to refocus us on Jesus and get ourselves tuned in to Him.
The notice for our Discipleship class was put on the website yesterday. I'm hoping we get three couples, but it doesn't matter. Got to work on the lesson after today and get prepared. I speak at both RV parks next month so only need to pull one message today, and then one for March. Classes aren't to start until January 22nd so have time to work on both.
Ephesians 5:1-2 (NLT): "Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God."
Have you ever stopped to think that our lives are an aroma to God? If we are mean and grumpy, sarcastic, cynical, etc. - that is a stinking aroma. But if we show love to others, and compassion, and do good, it is a sweet fragrance unto God. Which would you rather be? In actuality, we are that to our families as well. Think about it. When we do things our way, say what we want, when we want, and we hurt those we love, it is a stinking fragrance on our families. But when we treat them with favor, show them compassion, kindness, and love, it is a sweet fragrance unto them. Hadn't really thought about that before. Hmmm - maybe I need to change my attitude some towards some people? sigh. It won't be easy. And it probably won't be easy for you. But it is what we are called to do, as children of God, to be kind and loving and compassionate to others.
Maybe we should try it today and let some of that rub off on those around us.
Blessings!
