What will I forget?

 Today we will be heading out to Payson for our little vacation time.  Neither of us have even begun to pack yet.  I will get started once I finish this, I imagine.  Hubby will start on his soon as well.  He is much more excited about this trip than I am - and I am the one who is taking the week off work!  

Found out Saturday that Ms. Diane is in a rehab center - in fact, the one that my daughter-in-love works at.  I txt'd the DIL over the weekend, but no response, so don't know if she didn't get the email or just chose not to.  What could she say, anyway, right? I did go visit Ms. Diane on Saturday, and ran back up there again yesterday for about an hour.  Found a photo and a note about my DIL on the 'honor wall'.  Pretty cool.  Took a photo of it to keep. :-)  Ms. Diane should be there about 3 weeks from what she has told me, so will go back to see her when I'm back in town.  I probably should give her a call or two if I think of it while we are gone.  

Part of me is looking forward to getting away and seeing a different view.  Our room - because I chose the deluxe king (I think it is), it has a furnished patio - whatever that means.  It should be somewhat cooler there in the mornings and evenings so hope we will be able to sit outside and do some reading - if the mosquitos don't attack.  There is a fire north of there, so hopefully as well there won't be smoke in the area.  I'm not really dreading the drive itself, but am dreading the driving within the town.  People are stupid when driving most of the time (me included).  Usually we only go to the grocery store and finding a place to eat. But I hope to find a 'thrift store' or an 'antique shop' - not that I need anything at all, but I do love to look at the 'old' things.  Many bring back good memories of my mama or family members.  You never know what treasure you can find when you really look.  It's been awhile since I've gone 'thrifting' or 'antiquing'.

We went to church yesterday and the message was great.  Pastor John is speaking on the Unshakeable Promises of God.  Two great messages thus far - and he is doing a series so I'm guessing there will be at least two more.  Pastor Lindsay hasn't gotten back to me yet on us meeting up and I told her we'd be out this week so will touch base again when we get back. I know how txts and emails can be buried when you receive several in a day.

I have been eating like I'm on vacation - ice cream and cookies - and would you believe I've lost a pound? Figure that out! LOL  I haven't cooked but once (breakfast) all weekend.  We had TV dinners for lunch yesterday and hubby fixed himself a sandwich for dinner; (all by himself!) and I ate some cookies. Got to get focused on healthy eating and stop this junk food.  

I did go to Walmart yesterday and bought a small cooler (along with the Oreos) to put some things in to take with us.  We have cuties and a few things to put in it. Bought a case of water to take for I do like having my water available.  Also got me some popcorn to munch on (already popped) as a snack. Beef sticks/jerky for (me) Hubby.  Once there, we'll figure out what to do about food.  Supposedly the hotel is serving breakfast - but what is the question.  A hot meal or continental with bagels and donuts?  I reckon we will find out soon enough tomorrow morning.  Depending on what that is, we can snack during the day and then eat around 4PM and that will get us through the rest of the evening.  Hubby does want to go to the steak restaurant next to the hotel at least once.  I think there is a Denny's there as well and that will work for me. :-)

Philippians 1:21 (NKJV):  For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

As I was reading this morning I thought of several things that I could add to my ramblings.... but this is the one that comes back to me at the moment.  You can read it different ways - or rather, look at it in different ways.  But I read it as I (desire) live for Christ, if I should die (however that might happen), it would be a gain for me, for then I would be with Him.  As long as I'm here on earth, I will keep proclaiming Him as Lord.  But if I should die, then I could be with Him, and proclaim Him as Lord as well.  Win-win for me.    

Do you believe you will be with Jesus in Heaven for all eternity?  Will those you love be there?  It takes more than just saying the words. One has to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He came to earth to live and to die for our sins, and that on the third day He arose and ascended to His Father in Heaven after 40 days with His disciples.  Do you believe?  Do you live for Him?  Have you chosen Jesus?

Those are important thoughts/questions.  It can determine where you will be for all eternity.  I can't answer for you, for hubby, or for anyone else.  I can 'think' someone 'good' will be going to heaven, but unless they have given their lives to Jesus, no matter how 'good' they are, they won't make it.  I want to be better than just 'good'.  I want to be His.  Something to think about.

Guess I need to jump off here, remember to grab cords to phone, watch, and computer, and start my packing.  Will see if I have anything of value to share tomorrow morning - if I will have a chance to write.  If I don't... will catch up when I can.

Blessings!

It's the weekend, but - it's a day off work!

 I slept until my usual 4AM and struggled out of bed about 4:30AM because hubby was starting to stir.  He is never still nor quiet when he starts waking up, so I knew I would not be able to go back to sleep. Into 'my' room I came and snuggled into my chair, but sleep evaded me.  I did sleep good last night, and deep, so all is well.  

I was so frustrated as 4PM approached yesterday.  Someone I do NOT support sent me an IM at 3:50PM (and I get off at 4PM) that she needed me to schedule a meeting with about 8 other people, she wanted it next week, and she wanted it from my male boss' calendar. She also said he and two others were critical. I was annoyed. I was irritated.  I don't support her, she is 'only' a director and admins were told that only SENIOR director and up were supported, the others had to do their own meetings - AND she isn't even in my department!! But she wanted the meeting from my boss' calendar because 'people will make more of an effort to attend if it comes from his calendar."  I was not impressed.  I had one day to work with next week for this boss, and it is back to back meetings.  I sent out requests to the other two 'required/critical' and none were available when I could possibly find 30 minutes.  By 4:30PM I made an 'annoyed' comment to this person along the lines of "if you had waited ten minutes to send this IM, I would not have to work into my PTO time to take care of it."  (Was I wrong? Should I just shut up and do it? Well, I didn't. And she apologized for taking up my time.)  It wasn't so much that I had to 'work over' - that's not a big deal. The big deal is she isn't even from my area; she just wanted to ensure my boss was going to be available.  When I couldn't get the other critical people, I emailed my boss, and text'd his phone and told him to read his email, what was going on.  He said move it out a week or two.  Hello?  THAT I could do and did within five minutes after receiving his text!  It was 4:45PM when I finally sent the meeting, and shut down my computer.  I could have told her to do her own meeting, and the other admins would do that. Not because of the time, but because we don't have to schedule their meetings.  I have about 4 other 'director level' people who do this to me as well.  But, I find it is easier to just do the meeting and be done with it.  And I did. And now that computer is shut off.  Unless I get a text from one of the Sr directors they have a critical meeting. I gave them permission to text me Thursday-Friday next week if they have something. They normally leave me alone.

So as of today, I am officially on PTO. Nothing is planned for today other than going to church at 5PM. We are going to try a 'new' church we have discussed going to.  Rather than watching the service online, we thought we would just go in person. It IS Easter weekend, after all.  Tomorrow morning I will be putting deviled eggs together to head over to my daughter's for Easter brunch and then after we will head to Tucson for a few days, coming back on Tuesday, which is hubby's 88th birthday.

Speaking of, nothing is really planned for his birthday as we come back during the day, and he has his bible study that evening that he doesn't like to miss with his friend. They have missed several lately due to issues going on with his friend.  I am more than willing to give him that night.  Besides, I have a 5:30PM training appointment scheduled.  Since I'm off next week, we can go 'out' anytime.

My daughter and I finished the diamond art project of The Last Supper last Tuesday evening.  It 'only' took us nearly 10 months of Tuesday evenings (although there were some that we didn't get to work on it).  I took it Wednesday to be framed - and Hobby Lobby actually called me yesterday it was ready.  I didn't get the original framing they showed me.  When they told me $308, after choking I said no, it had to come down.  We finally decided on a frame and then the matting - and I got it down to $115 with tax.  It does cost more than you think to have it professionally matted and framed.  I learned that last year when I took something to Michaels (Aaron Brothers) to have framed.  After picking up The Last Supper and bringing it home, I got it hung on our wall and it really looks nice.  I was hoping to send the photo to my email and post on here, but it won't come through - or at least not yet.  Maybe tomorrow.

YAY! I kept trying and here is the photo - ignore all the reflections on the glass.  Didn't we do a great job?

Today is a great-granddaughter's 8th birthday.  Where does the time go!  I have let our granddaughter know we will be in her area tomorrow through Tuesday morning; I'm hoping we will be able to get together. I am almost finished with the new great-grand's quilt, and I have gifts for the birthday girl. Hope I don't forget them!  At least we can take our time going down after lunch tomorrow.

Proverbs 35:6-7 (NKJV):  Trust in the Lord with all your heart.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall guide your path.

I'm taking myself on a new journey.  Well, it's not new, and I have done it before, but I'm going about it a bit differently this time.  I'm wanting to do a 'deep dive' on trusting God for all things.  What does that mean?  I'm not sure.  But I have let go of some things I have held on to.  Things that even though some are good, and some bad, they need to be let go of.  It is in these times I stretch out my hand and turn it palms down and just say, "Lord, I let it go.  Anger, bitterness, frustration, hurt, pain, sorrow, grief, I let go of it all.  I trust You, Lord, and I choose You to meet every need that I have.  Take from me those things that have no value in me, and replace it with Your love and compassion.  In all my ways I will trust You, and let You guide my path. Help me when I fail; pick me up with I fall.  Set my feet on a solid path - straight to Your heart."

Sometimes we all need to pray that prayer.  Not that things are bad, or that we are going through rough patches, although those are times that we seem to turn to Him to help us.  But, sometimes it is good just to sit back and say 'God's got this' and let Him lead us where He wants us to go.

When I pass, I want those that know me best to know that Jesus is first and foremost in my life.  Not by the words I say, but by the way I live my life.  I'm not perfect, and I know I will sometimes fail.  But by the grace of God I live and move and breathe.  To Him be the glory forever.

Blessings!

Angels unaware?

 I always check to see if my son has written in his blog, and even though he has chosen to step away for awhile, I still check.  This morning I read about an incident he had and how angry he was about it.  Justifiably so.  Totally get it.  But I am so proud of him for doing what he was nudged to do.  Even gave up his drink, which the man probably needed desperately.  Liquid.  Cold.  Tasty. Sweet Tea.  Something my son loves.  He gave it up, along with food.  I wanted to comment on his blog and tell him how proud I am of him, and did so, but then deleted it.  I miss him, but I will respect his wishes and leave him alone right now.  He used to read my blog, perhaps he still does, to figure out what in the world is mom up to now... and if so, perhaps he will read this one.

The thought has come to me of the scripture about 'entertaining angels unaware'.  We don't know who the man was my son gave food and drink to, but we do know that he was created by God.  His circumstances may be such that he fell on hard times and was evicted, homeless.  We don't know.  It is not our job to judge others and what happens to them whether it is by their wrong choices, or by life circumstances.  But this man could also have been an angel sent by God to see who would look upon him and help him; giving of himself versus taking away.  My son could have driven around that building after he had given him food and drink and find the man totally disappeared.  He could have been an angel.  Regardless, a man was helped without any thought of getting anything in return.  I'm a proud mama.

I can remember when an angel stopped to help us.  I am confident it was an angel.  My suburban had overheated late one night coming home from Prescott Valley.  We had pulled off the side of the road - no lights around anywhere.  We sat in the car and prayed for help.  Immediately a truck pulled up behind us and a man walked up and told us that the Holy Spirit had told him to stop.  Did we need anything?  We told him the sub had overheated.  He popped open the hood, with a flashlight saw what the problem was, and imagine this - he took a trimming off a tree, whittled it to fit, and rerouted the hose and plugged something with the tree piece, and sent us on our way.  He followed us all the way to a mile away from our home, (he had told us where he was going to turn off the freeway before we left) and was gone.  Would not accept pay, would not take anything but our thank you, and went on his way.  We definitely believe he was an angel.

Reminds me of a movie we watched recently on Netflix.  I think it was Full Count....  the youngest son had recommended it.  Great movie.  

God sends his angels everywhere to see how we will react around them.  Will we ignore them?  Will we help them?  Will we be kind, be gracious?  God will reward those who take care of His own.  How do we know who are angels and who are not?  Can't say/  I'm sure I've missed some good opportunities for various reasons to help someone in need.   And sometimes we are the ones who are in need.  Maybe not material wise, but spiritual wise.

Maybe it is you or I who need someone to come along side us and tell us that we matter, that we are loved.  Sometimes it is you or I who just need someone to notice us, and to give us value.  And sometimes God will bring those people in to our lives to lift them up and help them along the way.

May we all become more aware of those around us, those that need a helping hand.  We hear those stories all the time where groceries are bought for someone who doesn't have enough money to pay, or a house payment is made, or a special need is left in front of the house, a yard is landscaped, a house is painted, a roof is fixed.... the list can go on and on.   There are some who are takers, and there are a lot that are givers.  And, there are refusers who do not want anyone to help them.  They are the ones who push God's blessings upon them away.

Which are you?  Are you a giver, giving out of what God has given you.... or are you a taker, always having your hand out for what people will give you - whether you need it or not?  Or a pusher - don't need nor want anyone's help - for whatever reason?

I've learned that everything I have does not belong to me.  I can't take it with me.  If anyone wants something, let them tell me.  If I'm not needing to use it, they can have it.  If someone has a need, let me know, and if I can help, I will.  God has blessed us with so much; how can we not share it?  

I would rather entertain an angel unaware however I can, than hold on to things and mind my own business.  I could definitely miss a meal or two.  Lord, if someone is in need, would You bring them to us that we may entertain Your angels unaware.  Let us be Your hands and feet in this crazy, hurting world.  So many people have their hands out to take from others.  Help us to see who really needs something; tug at our hearts by Your Holy Spirit, that we will know it is 'that one' You want us to help. But by Your mercies O God, it could be us there.  Thank You for taking care and supplying our every need.  We have been in need before, and You sent Your angels to provide what was needed, even without our asking.  Thank You.

This may be my last post for awhile.... I debated about writing this morning, but I love to share things and decided to 'just do it'.  I will be praying while I'm away.... no vacation from that.  I pray, too, that God will bless you and keep you, and keep you safe and from harm.  May you be His instrument to help others along the rough path.  May you always entertain strangers, unaware they may be angels.

Hebrews 13:2 (NKJV)  "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing some have unwittingly entertained angels."

Blessings.