I took some time to go over the message that I will be sharing the next two Sundays at the two RV parks - and as I'm reading, I said the word 'money'. No, I did not say 'Alexa', but she seemed to think I did. All of a sudden Alexa says, "The currency in the United States is the dollar." I looked over at 'her' and just shook my head. After her statement, she was quiet. Sometimes I think she listens a little too much. She usually 'turns on' at 6AM; I hear her little 'ping'. She doesn't say anything. She just 'listens'. Yeah, I know they have people listening in... I have turned her off for a time ... but I do like for her to play music on occasion.
Yesterday was a 'different' day. We had three town halls, of which people only needed to attend one. Except I needed to attend all three as I was a back-up should something go wrong with the powerpoint. Now mind you, I haven't done this before, but I'm learning as I go on how to do sharing screens, etc. No, I still don't like it as I'm still nervous about doing it wrong - but it is what it is. Gratefully, God answered my prayers, and I didn't have to share my screen. I really have no idea what was said - as they talked I tried to clear off the bed in here, wrap some gifts, work on my list, etc. while keeping an eye on the computer screen and listening to make sure I wasn't needed. I did get some things done. I even jumped on Amazon and ordered a couple more things as I realized I forgot a couple people. I have spent way too much money this year. I haven't been too successful in the 'cutting back' area either. Except on some. I am going to 're-evaluate' where I am this weekend, going through everything, and see where I can eliminate or take back some things. It's not a biggie... it's all paid for... but I like to keep things equal.
I still haven't figured out how I did this - I bought a Christmas sweater. I ordered a large. It is a BIG large. So I'm trying to figure out who I can give it to - and ordered a medium. I thought it was just one. But somehow, when things were delivered yesterday, I received two of them, medium, and I go to my order and it does say I marked it two. Now what am I going to do? I'm starting a 'stack' of returns. I decided to take a day off work (the 18th) to finish up Christmas. I am going to return some things that I ordered and don't need. Including one of these sweaters. Maybe even the large one, if I don't think of someone to give it to. I am going to have my list together with who else I need to get for and finish up on that day. Hopefully, it will not be a day others are taking off to finish their shopping. Grateful that something is too big.... but still..... it's now a pain to deal with.
I'm hoping to finish up my brothers' boxes today and even the granddaughter's who lives in Nebraska - and get them in the mail today. Or I may wait until Monday - but then, the longer I wait to mail at the post office, the longer that line is. When I mailed my sister's packages last Monday, there were only 3 in line ahead of me. I've gone in the past when the line was all the way down the hallway. So, yeah, want to get these in the mail fairly soon. If I send out today, they should get on Monday or Tuesday, and that's fine.
Work has been really busy with scheduling meetings this week. I have a couple to work on already this morning. The house cleaners are also to come this afternoon. Last month I had them skip this room - and I just may have him run the sweeper on half of the floor in here and let it go. I have things everywhere. They do a great job though. Next month he can do a deep dive in here.
Hubby had a minor check-up yesterday. He will actually go for his physical in March, I think he said. His doctor does a review of his medications, checks his blood work, etc. two or three times throughout the year and this was one of them. His Hemoglobin A1c had jumped from 5.7 to 6.0 so the doctor told him to cut out his breads, pasta, rice, and potatoes. In other words, anything made with flour and potatoes. He came home sad because he does love his sandwiches. And potatoes. He was already moaning about having to have breakfast without 'home fries'. I told him that he could have a few - just don't eat them all! The doctor wasn't specifically saying to cut all immediately out of his diet, but cut back - which is a different terminology. Instead of eating two cups of 'home fries', eat 1/2 cup. Instead of two slices of toast, have one or even half of one. Unless it is critical to stop completely, do it in moderation is my determination. Right? Other than that, he is healthy and will live to 100. Or over.
The doctor also told him that he was glad he was working out - but he needs more cardio. The first 20 minutes of exercise just gets you going; I forget what he said it does. But after 20 minutes, exercise starts to work on the fat. So if I workout more than 30 minutes a week, and do at least 30 minutes a couple more days a week, I should be able to reduce some of my fat, right? But, my life is not my own, and it is going to get busier after the first of the year when I start teaching as well. I used to work in an office, go to college, teach two classes - and still get things done! Now I'm in bed about 8:30PM and don't get anything done. I've not only gotten older, I've gotten lazier, I think. And that's sad. And I have the same excuses you have.
Colossians 3:23 (NKJV): "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to man."
Everything we do should be a blessing, an offering, unto the Lord. Whether it is creating something, completing a task, writing something - doing an errand - whatever it is, do it as if we are doing it for Jesus. Want to bake a meal? What if you were preparing it for Jesus? Running an errand? What if you were running that errand for Jesus. Think about what you do and do it for Jesus. You won't regret it. Life is all about Jesus. Everything you do is about Jesus. Whether you honor Him by serving Him, or just take Him for granted, everything is still all about Jesus.
Blessings!
