Encouraged and loved.....

It has been a semi-busy weekend and it was all good. I love it when weekends work out where I am able to accomplish things I want to, and get to enjoy it as well. Saturday was the Arthritis Walk at which hubby and I particpated. We only did one lap and then headed out. We could have done two - but we had other things to get done as well. I did go to the grocery after lunch and got that accomplished. Visited my neighbor that evening, then we started to watch a movie, but since we had technically gotten up early, had exercise out in the fresh air, we both were getting pretty sleepy so turned it off about half way through.

Yesterday was church, of course. Service was good, message started out good, but then seemed to grow 'wordy' and 'lengthy' so we were a little late getting out of there. On the way home hubby asked if I wanted to stop for lunch somewhere. My comment back? "Depends on who is having to buy" - so we went home. I'm trying hard to not spend money just because there is some in the bank. Here it is May already and there is a lot going on this year - two weddings, two graduations, birthdays, etc. - so spending it on things to make it convenient, well, I'm TRYING to not do it as much. Especially since I had just been to the grocery and bought food. So we ate at home.

It was also time that I do something I have done for the last 30+ years.

Once upon a time there were four sisters, and they lived side by side. Once we met these sisters at church, they adopted us as neice and nephew - and the same with our children and grandchildren. None had children of their own, for various reasons. Two have since passed away, and our dear Aunt Mae is now 102 and is ready to go 'home'. Her sister, Sue, has had the responsibility of seeing after Aunt Mae for the past few years as her health deteriorated. Anyway - many years ago, because they had no children of their own, I took to giving each one a rose for Mother's Day. I have continued every Mother's Day buying roses for the remaining two sisters. Yesterday I picked up two dozen roses and headed to visit. Aunt Mae wouldn't even open her eyes; they say she is blind now. She is confined to bed, and has lost a lot of weight. She wasn't very alert and no one could get her to wake up enough to acknowledge that I was even there. So I visisted with the youngest sister, Sue, for awhile. When I was ready to leave, I told Aunt Mae that I loved her, and she responded, 'I love you too', which surprised everyone. She will be moved to a group home tomorrow as the cost of keeping her at home with a caregiver is getting financially difficult. Aunt Sue has asked hubby to be a pallbearer, and asked me yesterday to speak at the funeral. I looked at her and said I didn't think I could without crying, but she wanted me to anyway. At least I have some time to think about what to say and can write it down. It will be difficult to say goodbye, but she has lived a full life.

Then, we ended the day well. Our dear and cherished friend, Pastor Steve, had a two hour layover at the airport and had arranged with us to come to the airport and have dinner with him. He wouldn't even let us buy! We got to visit and share what is going on in our lives, and hear what is going on in his and his family, and what is happening at the church he pastors. I so want to go visit him at his church. I've told him since he left us that I wanted us to go - but unforeseen - or foreseen - circumstances always keeps us from it. I will make it sometime. I am just not sure when. When we finally said our goodbyes and he headed to the plane, I felt encouraged and loved, for sure. That is one of Pastor Steve's gifts, I think. He encourages you right where you are, and then you want to achieve more. He is such a blessing.

It was a good weekend. Can't always say that, but this weekend, I can. I hope you had a good weekend as well.

Blessings!

Kept out of the loop.....

My first assignment when I come in to the office is to send out two reports to specific people. I was told of one report that was moving to microstrategy from business objects. Well, I heard it through someone who heard it from another person. I don't get information from Corporate on these things either, although I am the one who sends the report.

I asked the person who was doing the moving (who sits on the other side of the cubicle wall from me) about a month ago to show me where it was going. He told me it wasn't moved yet, it was still in process, he would get back with me. That hasn't happened. Two weeks ago I wrote his manager and asked the same information, and if he was going to designate someone else to send the report as I had not been advised of anything. No response. I sent some people in Corporate IT an email and asked them to include me in the information as to the moving of the report, how to access it, etc. No response.

So this morning I come in to send out that report - and there is nothing. Where I usually get it from (business objects) is no longer there. I went to microstrategy and checked everything I have access to. The report is not there. I went to my back-up (a director), and she can not find it either.

Did it not make it to the new reporting section? Who knows.

I sent an email out this morning to the director of the department, the two managers, AND the person who was to move the report, and I told them I was unable to access it. I have not been shown where it is. The manager has not responded to my email. Corporate has not responded to my email. I told them I was going to assume this person, who was to have moved the report, is going to be the designated person to send out the report daily since I had been kept out of the loop. And copied my boss (a VP). I wonder how long it will take after my email gets read by the different ones on how fast I will be shown where the report is.

The interesting part? I sit smack dab in the middle of this department. They report to my boss. I don't want anyone to get in trouble. I just want someone to do their job. Just like I do mine.

And you do yours. You want to do your best. You want to complete the tasks you have been assigned - and do them well.

Keep doing your best. I will keep doing my best. These things are minor issues in the big look at life.

Blessings!

Trying to be BOLD

Now that title should leave a lot to the imagination! But it only applies to me doing things that I haven't done before - you know that 'get out of your comfort zone' mode. I like comfortable, and when I make myself get out of it, it's awkward for awhile. Even if it is no big deal sounding - changing what I usually do is a big deal.

I've stepped out here at work and volunteered to be on a 'New Hire Orientation Committee'. Actually, the email came out yesterday and was sent to about 10 people in each department with a 'if you are interested, send response' note. Well, I waited awhile then sent an email that if no one else in our department volunteered, then I would step up. Well, good thing I did, for no one else volunteered. So I got the email last night that we have a meeting scheduled the sixth of May, and I had an email in my inbox this morning of what they want this meeting to be about. Good things, and I've already written down my thoughts on what I think it should be. I have a couple weeks yet to ponder and I will come 'prepared' to discuss my ideas.

AND, since our parking lot overflows frequently when it is mandatory for people to come in for meetings (those who work from home) and since there are 3-4 other companies in this building and they also have people come in for meetings, etc - we have been advised of a couple other areas that we can park nearby. I went investigating. I can get free covered parking about a block away. Since I park the farthest I can in the parking garage anyway so it is about a block away, I decided that I wanted to check this out. Last week I went to our facilities manager and verified exactly where this parking area was (didn't want to get towed away!). I learned how to get in there (there is only one entrance, and it isn't where I thought it was). So - this morning I parked in that area and walked to the office. It is only a little farther - maybe - than I was walking before but it is cool and beautiful out right now. When it rains, I may still park in the uncovered area in the garage - but then again - I'd still have to use an umbrella.... I don't mind the walking and it's all sidewalk. Will see how it works out. When I leave, it will be nice not to have to do the roundabout in the complex, but will be able to pull out on the street that takes me to my turn.

Being BOLD. Out of my comfort zone. Sometimes we do have to step out of our comfort zone of doing the same thing. Doing what is comfortable for us. Doing something we haven't done before.

I am smiling right now for I know my middle child does not like to be in the limelight - as a rule - and in less than two weeks he will definitely be out of his comfort zone as he walks his beautiful daughter down the aisle to marry her best friend. He will be out of his comfort zone. He will be BOLD.

And that is what we should be when we live the Christian life. We should be BOLD in what we believe. I found it interesting yesterday a co-worker came to me and asked what she should do. The reason she gave for asking me? 'Because you and I are the only ones who believe in Jesus out here'. We have rarely talked, so I'm happy to hear that I am living the way I should be living that it is noticeable that 'I'm different'. The issue? Several of our overhead lights had been turned off because one of the women had complained it triggered miagraines for her. So I had two lights installed under my overhead cabinets to get some light on my desk. When that person left, this other co-worker had facilities come and turn the lights back on. So what happened? The 4 others knew what the plan was - they knew the lights were going to be turned back on. One is now complaining 'it's too bright' and "whine".... and my coworker wanted to know what to do. She was feeling very frustrated. So I suggested she get lights under the overhead cabinets in her cubicle - and reminded her that we are to serve - no matter what. She agreed; she just wanted my opinion if she had to give in to this person and have the lights shut off again. It's not giving in - it's making others comfortable - even at our expense. I suggested also she see about moving to another cubicle so that she will get more light.

What is a way you can (nicely) be BOLD today? What will put you out of your comfort zone? If you do it repeatedly, it will soon become 'usual'. That's what I'm counting on with my parking elsewhere. I just hope I don't forget where I parked my van!

Blessings!

Another week already?

Good grief! Here it is Monday already and I wonder where the weekend went! Not because we did anything - other than getting photos of one of our Princesses for Prom. We hung around the house most of the weekend, I think. Oh yeah - unexpected $$ expenses of having to get the water pump fixed and hoses changed out Saturday morning took us off guard. And I went ot the grocery yesterday. So much for a paycheck, huh! But, alas, most of it was already spent as well. Same with yours, I'm sure, when unexpected expenses come up. But we got through it and all is well.

Looks like another slow week for me. My boss leaves for Tucson this afternoon and won't be back in the office until Wednesday. I have one big meeting on Thursday - but that's it. I do have minutes yet that I need to transcribe and will get on those probably some time today. I've asked my boss for more work so she gave me a report to work with for her. I've been learning how to design charts, etc from that information. Maybe I can come up with something that will give them accurate information and just what they were looking for. :-)

MMmmmmm - good coffee this morning. Yes, of course I made it. I'm about done with this cup so think I will go get another. I have nothing to share this morning anyway. Maybe later, maybe tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Hope you have a great day!

Blessings!

Life Changes...

This morning on the way in to work I was thinking about 'life changes'. Moreso on my part, of course, but as I sat here thinking of what to write this morning before everyone else gets into the office, I thought of all the life changes that are going on not only within my family, but around me.

I see some areas of my life that I want to change. I want to give more. I want to let go more. I want to listen more. I want to do more. And so much more of other things. Lots of I wants - and the question comes about to 'will I'.... when I need to make it 'I will'.

We have a granddaughter getting married in three weeks. We have two granddaughters graduating from high school this year. We have one granddaughter making her third (I think) trip to Nigeria this summer for a missions trip. We have one grandson who started a job recently. And a granddaughter who not only started a job, but has already changed jobs. We have a daughter who found another job.

There are many other changes going on within the family units, I'm sure, but I only listed the above to show that everywhere there are life changes.

Some times life changes involve moves. Some times life changes with jobs. Some times life changes with circumstances. And some times life changes - are lives changed.

I don't want to just have a life change. I want to live a changed life. Jesus didn't say when we choose to follow Him that our lives would be easy. He just said 'Follow Me'.

Jesus didn't say we had to change our lives and be perfect in order to follow Him. He just said 'Follow Me'. He didn't say we had to be in church every Sunday, we had to quit doing some of our bad habits to follow Him. He just said 'Follow Me'.

And that is what I choose to do. I'm not perfect. Some Sundays I would just as soon stay home from church than go. Sometimes I mess up and say things I shouldn't say. Sometimes I get angry. Sometimes I do things I shouldn't do. I'm far from perfect. But Jesus still tells me 'Follow Me'.

No other person will accept us right where we are. No one can love us more. I'm choosing to make my life changes to align more with His.

You can do that too. You don't have to be perfect to follow Jesus. As you follow Him, He will give you the desire to let go of the past, let go of things that don't honor Him. But that's between you and Him. Choose your life change. Make it count.

Blessings!

Life in General...

Has it really been a week since I've put anything on here? Seems like I go in spurts anymore. I rarely get on my computer at home and some mornings here at work after I get my reports done, I get caught up in talking with my boss or someone else and run out of time. After all, I do come into the office to work.

Next week is Employee Appreciation Week. By that it means that the 'Fun Committee', of which I am a part of, plans activites for the 5 work days next week to "appreciate employees". I will probably repeat this in a few postings down the road, but from our meeting the other day, this is what we have on the agenda - and it is free Jeans Day all week.

Monday - Create an employee appreciation wall in which post cards of all colors will be placed along with pens - and people can write appreciation notes to each other (or to themselves!). In the afternoon we will pop popcorn and distribute to the employees.

Tuesday - We plan a scavenger hunt throughout the offices and there will be Diamondback Tickets and $50 gift cards as some of the prizes.

Wednesday - This is also Administrative Professional Day (aka Secretary's Day) so there will be a 'home cooked breakfast in one of the conference rooms - cooked and served by our Executive Staff. Last year some of the waffles got burned so they won't let that person do those this year. It will also be 'Hawaiian Day' - which means we can wear Hawaiian shirts. Which means I borrow from hubby. We usually have bacon, eggs, waffles, biscuits and gravy, juice, coffee, etc.

Thursday - Word Search games with prizes for gift cards. This is where I come in - I'm creating the Word Search games. I've already created one and want to create a couple others so that we can have some challenges. It really isn't as easy as it looks. I created a sentence, put the words in the spaces, then filled up the other spaces with other letters. When I had someone do the puzzle to determine if it was challenging enough - we found one word in the puzzle about 5 times and it should have only been there once. Just the way the letters fell. I need to work out from the words I think, rather than just filling up the spaces. Cake and ice cream will be served in the afternoon.

Friday - Mexican luncheon - which means we order Mexican food - but what they have planned, I think, is get this cart vendor (it's what they did last year) and they do tacos, beans, etc. If I recall correctly, I was not impressed at all with it last year so if they bring them back, I may not participate. I recall the meat just had a taste I didn't care for. But, will see. I may give them another try. After all, it's Mexican food, right?

Appreciation - Employee appreciation. That's all well and good - but what about FAMILY appreciation? When was the last time you told a family member you appreciated them? Or just told them that you loved them? In church yesterday our Pastor asked for two couples to come up front to define what love is. One couple hugged and kiss - the other hugged, but commented, love doesn't mean you have to always have a public display of affection. It's knowing what one's heart is saying to the other.

It's like with God - He doesn't (always) give us a public display of affection showing His love for us (after all, He gave the greatest public display with He allowed His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins - like in, mine and yours) - but He gives us His love in other ways - and most of all, we know we have His love and affection. Sometimes we can actually feel it. It doesn't have to be a material blessing, but sometimes it is just the peace that reigns in your heart that all is well.

Take some time to appreciate someone today - whether family, a co-worker, a friend. They may do the same to you.

Blessings!

Today is a good day

Yesterday was Easter Sunday - and what a beautiful day it was. God blessed us so greatly with very beautiful weather - cool, sunny, and just delightful. We went to church early and ate breakfast there with friends. Church service was good. We had been invited to lunch at our daughter's ... our youngest son had invited us for dinner - and we decided to do that. Had a great time being with the grandchildren and having conversation. It was a good day.

Today is also a good day - it is cool enough out that we have both the front and back doors open. The sun is shining and the birds are chirping. I have taken the day off work to spend with hubby. I fixed breakfast, so he is doing the dishes while I write this. Then we both need to brush our teeth, comb our hair and get ready to head out. We were discussing what we should do today. Hubby asked me what I wanted to do today because it was my day off work. I told him he really didn't want to know~ I love the hiking and walking long distances. He doesn't. So that brought up the conversation of how we need to get out and walk at least 3 times a week for exercise (since I don't get a lot of exercise). That comment brought up the question of when that could happen.

I already get up at 4AM when I work. And I refuse to give up my quiet time - but am willing to relinquish perhaps 1/2 hour of it. So if we get up around 3AM, and walk 3:30 - 4:30AM - I can still get 1/2 hour of Bible reading in and I can pray on the way to work - which I do already. I am NOT a morning person so getting up earlier to walk does not really appeal to me. Hubby suggested when I get home from work around 6PM for us to walk - but the problem with that is he has something on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings - and we are beginning to move into our summer weather of 90 and 100 degrees. He won't last in that weather at all. So I'm not sure where we will go with that.

And then there is Marley. We got her so that I could walk her - but she pulls on my arms so badly, and I haven't gotten her trained to walk with me - until we have gone about a mile, then she will walk next to me. In the meantime, my arms are strained and sore. I need to get something that I can get her to stay with me and walk/run with me. I really do want to learn how to run.

What is it about running that draws me so? I see men and women much older than I running marathons successfully. I feel so lazy next to them. I just need to follow my heart and allow my self to run.... it reminds me of the movie Flica - where they say when you (riding the horse) run, you feel 'free'. I'm there.

Back to our day today... hubby had mentioned he wanted to go to Cave Creek - or was it Carefree? I don't remember, but I reminded him he has mentioned it several times this past month. So I think I will encourage that thought and we can head up that way. I have a brisket in my crockpot that we can have for dinner. I hope that today will be a nice, relaxing day for us both.

As I wrote in my journal today I was reminded of things I have not done, for one reason or another. The pain I carry in my heart because of not fulfilling dreams. The hurt I feel when I feel less than that I should/could have been. Some things one can not change - other things are too late to change. So for today, I will focus on today, for we are not guaranteed tomorrow. What memory can we make today that will make a difference for someone? What if tomorrow for one of us never comes? For me, it would be rejoicing in the Presence of my Savior. What about you? If tomorrow didn't come for you, what / where will you be? We never know.

For today we are alive and well and loving this 'free' day from work. Hope you have a good day as well.

Blessings!