We went to bed at our usual time, but daggone it, I was awake at 2AM and could not go back to sleep! Today is our 'We Pray All Day' for the state of Arizona, and I 'thought' I had signed up for 3AM slot to pray. Yes, I signed to get up before I do my quiet time, for I have my own routine, and if I'm already up, it's (for me) not the same. If I am sacrificing sleep to spend time with God, i.e., fasting sleep, I feel I am making more of an effort. But, here I am awake at 2AM and tossing and turning until it is almost 3AM and finally I get up and come in here to spend my hour praying. I had a great time with the Lord and it was after 4AM before I realized it! I've gotten through my 'routine' I have of reading my devotionals, books, etc. and here I am.
God does answer prayers In many ways. Yesterday I was able to easily get through those termination contracts that I was dreading. I did the first one, did a screen print and sent to my boss to review to make sure I had done everything correctly. He said yes, so I hit submit. Then I finished the remaining 5-6 that I had to do. THEN he emails me I made a mistake. And I had. Sigh. His area code is 330 and I had written it down 303 - and put it on each of the forms. I had to go back and create a correction on each one as I had typed the same telephone number on each one. OH well. I made my apologies to Legal as I did it and made the corrections. And I got them all done! For that I am grateful and happy about. Thank you, Lord!
I went to the gym last night and did my trainer ever work my legs! I feel stiffness this morning, but if it goes as it normally does, by this evening the pain will start. But, if I can keep active and perhaps get some walking in today, and maybe some stretches, I can alleviate the pain. It does work. Sometimes I ask myself 'why do I put myself through this?' 'Why do I try to eat healthy (most of the time)? And the answer is the same. I want to live a long life so that my great-grandchildren will know me, and who knows, God may be gracious enough to me that I will live to see my great-great grandchildren. Most families can get photos of 4 generations, but there are few that can get 5 generations or more. I want to be one of those. I want to be a living part of their lives.
And that's why I do it. That's why I do my doctor appointments, why I go to the dentist, why I go to the gym, why I do the things I do. My children, and their children, and their children, and their children. They are my priority. Living my life for Jesus is #1, of course, but staying alive to be able to bless my family, that is priceless.
Until you have a child, a grandchild, or even a great grandchild, tell you that your example has made a difference in their life, you will not know the joy that it can bring. The hope of more.
The song titled 'The Blessing' just came to mind. It is based off of Numbers 6:24-26. The song was written I think by Cody Carnes, and sung by Kari Jobe originally. And I know that I have put it on here before. How many times have you prayed that blessing over your family? Over your children? I must admit, I haven't done it enough - and yes, I have done it. We are to bless our families. I love this song and often find myself singing it. So google it (humor me!) and listen to it.
It's Tuesday and not much is planned for today for me - other than work. Hubby has his Bible study, then going to lunch with a former pastor friend. I get to work. But I have some time alone with work. (Still need to do minutes from the board meeting last week) Tonight I plan to stay at home... and hubby has told me he is home tonight as well. sigh. His buddy is dealing with his mother moving down here from Flagstaff and getting her medical care in order as she had a stroke. So we both may be home.
And, I need to get off here and start getting ready for work. I had my 2023 yearly review with my boss yesterday morning. She always makes me look good. AND, she said she is marking me 'exceeds expectations' - which means I will get at least a 3% raise in March or April. I think. Haven't heard what the raises are this year. With us losing the ALTCS contract, we may be pulling reins back on spending.
So - with this, I will leave you.....
May the Lord bless you and keep you, Make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.
May His favor be upon you, for a thousand generations, and your children, and their children, and their children.
Amen. Amen. Amen.
Blessings!
