Yes. I am convicted by a blog. A granddaughter's blog, no less. A granddaughter who I have probably only seen three times in the past 20 years. She is my husband's granddaughter, actually. But her blog, of which I have recently found out about, is very touching. Convicting. Full of passion. Filled with Commitment.
This granddaughter is currently serving as an intern (4th mission trip) in Haiti. She has fallen in love with the children there and has signed on this year as an intern for six weeks, helping the children and the people. Here are some of her comments over the past three weeks....
Week one - The children’s home is on campus and it holds 11 children who are orphaned or have families that are unable to care for them. It is not an orphanage and the children cannot be adopted. This summer here will be hard, there is no doubt in my mind, but every day I have felt reassurance that this is exactly where I need to be.
Week two - I had three of the kiddos who I have loved for four years now tell me their stories. In broken English they told me stories about the day of the earthquake and the days they became orphans. They all told me very casually as if they knew I was in for a longer haul with them and they figured it was simply something I should know before proceeding with our friendship. However, as I spend more time with the little ones and they realize I have a different role, they realize that they can seek me for comfort. It feels good to build trust with them as they see that I am not leaving as fast as usual, even if it is just reaching out for a hug after they scrape their knee. Beauty and deep pain seem to go hand in hand here. The work is hard and seems very menial to me, and I need prayers for a servant’s heart even when I have cuts on my arms from carrying cinder blocks and an aching body from lugging bags of cement around or when I am not sure how I can help.
Week three - It is Jesus we are chasing and He is found on the path He laid out for us. Joy is just a really nice side effect that I could use more of. I know after this is all over I will look back and realize I have been re-aimed to launch toward Him and nothing else. I know that. This is a mess, but it is a glorious one. Hard days followed by afternoons where my heart could burst from joy because I hear laughter from one of the children I love. I know that this is where I am supposed to be this summer. Even as I envy my friends who are hanging out by the lake and eating anything but rice and beans, I know that God sees me and He sees this ministry in Haiti and He needed the two to collide right at this time.
I am blown away by her passion for Jesus, and her compassion for others. I feel like I have kind of withered away from what my passion was.... and I have. I don't get involved like I used to. I don't teach anymore. Yes, I do still "preach" from November to March, but it isn't the same. I want my passion for Jesus to 'rise up' and serve others with love and compassion. I thought over the past few years that God put me in a holding position.... because I had so much to learn. And I have learned. But I also long for days where I am busy serving others and compassionately meeting their needs.
I would give up my job if I could serve others (and not have to worry about the bills being paid)with compassion and commitment. I used to think that God had a place for me as paid staff at a church where I could be involved in His work and give myself to it. But apparently that was not in His plan. I continue to work and see no chance of achieving my dream. Not that I feel sorry for myself, I don't. God has been gracious to me and has given me a good job which I enjoy. And I can serve Him here as well. But it wasn't my dream.
But then, God never said He would give us our dreams. We fulfill what he has for us. In His time. In His place.
Convicted by our granddaughter's blog, I still wait for assignment. Surely God has something for me that I can serve Him passionately. Are you still waiting as well?
Blessings!
Friday, July 22, 2016
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
I've lost color....
How odd it looks - my blog without color. I do some editing, some changes, but nothing brings it back. Yet - if I look elsewhere, the color is there. Perhaps the blankness is a reminder of what my life has felt like lately.
Empty. Barren. Void of color. Quiet.
What about you? Have you been feeling that way as well? Perhaps Alone. Separated. Overwhelmed with Life. Just Plain Overwhelmed. Sad. Hurt.
So many emotions and they each can convey something else. And this all came about because my color is gone from my blog as I write this. Are they emotions that I have felt recently? Yeah, I'm sure of that. Are they emotions that perhaps even you have felt recently? More than likely.
What do you hold on to during these times? What keeps you going each and every day? What gets you out of bed (besides your job!) to live life - even with the above emotions.
For me, it is Jesus. Don't shake your head at me. Each of us have a need to hold on to something. Or Someone. For me, I shudder to think what my life would be like if I did not choose Jesus several years ago. I definitely would not be where I am now. I truly believe that God, in His mighty mercy and grace, reached down and pulled me from the pit that I was heading into.
I made so many mistakes. I did so many stupid and naïve things. Many things I am ashamed to even think of now. I was so so stupid.
But Jesus reached His hand down and pulled me up out of the miry pit and set my feet on solid ground. Thank you, Jesus.
Do I sometimes still make mistakes or do stupid things? Yes I do. Sometimes I am so broken by life that I don't know why He pulled me from the edge. Or why He still does.
But He does. His love for me, and for you, is unending. There is nothing I can do, nor anything that you can do, that would turn Jesus away from you. He loves you more than a mother could. In fact, if you were the very last person on earth, Jesus would still go to the cross for you. He would still die for you.
And that's pretty amazing. When I feel all the above emotions, I know that I am still not alone. Jesus is with me. He sits and waits for me to talk with Him, no matter where I'm at. I not only talk with Him in the early morning, but He is Whom I talk to on my way to work. I can't imagine not having Him to talk to.
Why not take the time to talk with Jesus? It's just like talking to a friend sitting in the seat next to you. And it's all confidential! Talk to Him about what you feel, how things are going. Tell Him what you need. And listen.....He just may answer you.
Blessings!
Empty. Barren. Void of color. Quiet.
What about you? Have you been feeling that way as well? Perhaps Alone. Separated. Overwhelmed with Life. Just Plain Overwhelmed. Sad. Hurt.
So many emotions and they each can convey something else. And this all came about because my color is gone from my blog as I write this. Are they emotions that I have felt recently? Yeah, I'm sure of that. Are they emotions that perhaps even you have felt recently? More than likely.
What do you hold on to during these times? What keeps you going each and every day? What gets you out of bed (besides your job!) to live life - even with the above emotions.
For me, it is Jesus. Don't shake your head at me. Each of us have a need to hold on to something. Or Someone. For me, I shudder to think what my life would be like if I did not choose Jesus several years ago. I definitely would not be where I am now. I truly believe that God, in His mighty mercy and grace, reached down and pulled me from the pit that I was heading into.
I made so many mistakes. I did so many stupid and naïve things. Many things I am ashamed to even think of now. I was so so stupid.
But Jesus reached His hand down and pulled me up out of the miry pit and set my feet on solid ground. Thank you, Jesus.
Do I sometimes still make mistakes or do stupid things? Yes I do. Sometimes I am so broken by life that I don't know why He pulled me from the edge. Or why He still does.
But He does. His love for me, and for you, is unending. There is nothing I can do, nor anything that you can do, that would turn Jesus away from you. He loves you more than a mother could. In fact, if you were the very last person on earth, Jesus would still go to the cross for you. He would still die for you.
And that's pretty amazing. When I feel all the above emotions, I know that I am still not alone. Jesus is with me. He sits and waits for me to talk with Him, no matter where I'm at. I not only talk with Him in the early morning, but He is Whom I talk to on my way to work. I can't imagine not having Him to talk to.
Why not take the time to talk with Jesus? It's just like talking to a friend sitting in the seat next to you. And it's all confidential! Talk to Him about what you feel, how things are going. Tell Him what you need. And listen.....He just may answer you.
Blessings!
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
Life goes on...
It has been a lazy few days, I think. Today I'm in Tucson with my boss meeting up with our Tucson staff in their new offices. So far so good - except I was busy working on my laptop when all of a sudden it died. Whew. I did bring my cord so plugged it in and I was able to get started on stuff once again.
It is more difficult for me to work off the laptop itself because it is just one screen. At my office I have two large screens. But nothing compares to the 3 ft. screen my grandson bought himself! AND he can make it two screens if he chooses! So jealous of his new setup - he put together his own computer AND bought the parts himself. But it has speed... oh well.. there I go again... squirrel!! (as my dil says!!)
As I said, I'm in the Tucson office, hopefully leaving soon to head back to Phoenix. It is already 2:16 and it is about 1 1/2 hours drive.... and I usually get off at 3:30.... don't think that is going to happen today - but at least they will be paying me for it! I'll have to check with my boss soon and remind her that she has to drive back to the office so that I can get my vehicle - and then she has to back track to go home. I'll have to check when her last meeting is. It's been fun being here - and they bought us lunch!
My foot is doing better. Oh. Maybe I hadn't said anything. Went to Urgent Care last Thursday because it was swollen and hurting so badly I could hardly stand to wear shoes. After x-rays to ensure nothing had been broken, it was decided I have some type of tendonitis on the upper part of my foot. Still haven't figured that one out. So, I got a boot to wear for a few days. I went without it yesterday and today - it's starting to swell today a little so will get it back on when I get home. I did wear flats but that hasn't helped. I'm doing better overall. I think. I just can't get my walking in as I have had to elevate my foot. And ice it. But I haven't iced it for a few days.
It's all good. And once the tingling stops going up my leg I'll be fine.
The Bible says 'cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you." I believe that. I asked Him to heal my feet. I'm still waiting on the spurs to go away - but at least my foot is getting better where I can walk.
Hope things are going well for you. Problems? Ask Jesus to help you. He will, you know! Just remember, the answers may not always be what you want them to be. He sees the BIG picture and we only see what is in front of us.
Blessings!
It is more difficult for me to work off the laptop itself because it is just one screen. At my office I have two large screens. But nothing compares to the 3 ft. screen my grandson bought himself! AND he can make it two screens if he chooses! So jealous of his new setup - he put together his own computer AND bought the parts himself. But it has speed... oh well.. there I go again... squirrel!! (as my dil says!!)
As I said, I'm in the Tucson office, hopefully leaving soon to head back to Phoenix. It is already 2:16 and it is about 1 1/2 hours drive.... and I usually get off at 3:30.... don't think that is going to happen today - but at least they will be paying me for it! I'll have to check with my boss soon and remind her that she has to drive back to the office so that I can get my vehicle - and then she has to back track to go home. I'll have to check when her last meeting is. It's been fun being here - and they bought us lunch!
My foot is doing better. Oh. Maybe I hadn't said anything. Went to Urgent Care last Thursday because it was swollen and hurting so badly I could hardly stand to wear shoes. After x-rays to ensure nothing had been broken, it was decided I have some type of tendonitis on the upper part of my foot. Still haven't figured that one out. So, I got a boot to wear for a few days. I went without it yesterday and today - it's starting to swell today a little so will get it back on when I get home. I did wear flats but that hasn't helped. I'm doing better overall. I think. I just can't get my walking in as I have had to elevate my foot. And ice it. But I haven't iced it for a few days.
It's all good. And once the tingling stops going up my leg I'll be fine.
The Bible says 'cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you." I believe that. I asked Him to heal my feet. I'm still waiting on the spurs to go away - but at least my foot is getting better where I can walk.
Hope things are going well for you. Problems? Ask Jesus to help you. He will, you know! Just remember, the answers may not always be what you want them to be. He sees the BIG picture and we only see what is in front of us.
Blessings!
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Aches and Pains...He still cares....
Aches and Pains. I think the majority of us have them. Every so often I will get an ache (usually in my left shoulder!) or a pain somewhere. Right now I'm battling with foot pain.
A few months ago I finally went to the podiatrist about my foot pain. I thought I knew what the reason was. Afterall, I had googled it. And it had told me what I thought it was. And I had a pretty good idea of how I had injured it. That was the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis in both feet, AND two spurs in my left, one spur in my right foot. Hadn't expected the spurs. However, there was no "cure" other than buying expensive inserts and flip flops ($125!!) so that I could get relief. I refused to get the shots in the heel. The plantar fasciitis has pretty much cleared up, the spurs hurt pretty bad sometimes. But the pain in the foot I'm dealing with today is not the spurs.
It's on top of my right foot. Just by the toes. One time I had some problems and the doctor just pulled my toes and the pain went away. So I thought I would try that. I began to pull my toes the other day to get some relief from the pain on the top of my foot, thinking it was just in a cramp. Well, now. I guess I got over enthused about pulling my toes, for when I pulled one, it popped. You know, like when you pop your knuckles. It didn't hurt, but I felt the pop when I did that. So I got to thinking, ok, I have either straightened that toe after it had been broken at some time or just popped it.
The top of my foot has been swollen now for two days. I put ice on it yesterday and today, and am having to take ibuprophen because of the pain. Yep, it hurts. Constantly. I figure I will give it until Monday. If it still hurts on Monday, I will call the foot doctor and suck it up - and pay a big bill. Sometimes I just don't like my insurance. I love not having big premiums to pay, but with the low premium, I get stuck with everything except well check-ups. Up to a limit of course, and I think I have about $1000 to go by the end of the year. I just try NOT to go to the doctor. But for this - it is annoying enough and constant enough that it drains me. But I'm going to believe it will go away within another day or so. Surely all this ice will cause it to get better. I don't do 'cold'!!
I Peter 5:7 stays 'Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you'. I believe that. Yes, I have prayed for healing in my feet. I believe that God can heal me. I don't know if He will heal me the way I want Him to. One day I may just realize that my feet don't hurt anymore. But I believe it will happen. I want healing NOW. I just don't know if He will heal me NOW. It is in His time-table, not mine.
So I wait, and I keep trusting, and I keep asking. Kind of like the woman who constantly went to the judge to get relief and he grew weary of her constant banging on his door, finally giving her relief from those who were causing havoc in her life. If I keep asking, God will grow weary (NOT!) and give me what I ask for.
When was the last time you seriously prayed to God for deliverance? for healing? Did you pray once and give up? Was it a sincere prayer? Was it a 'oh God, please heal my pain' prayer? Not that it makes any different to Him HOW we pray.... but do you ask believing that you will receive an answer? I do. But again, it's in His time.
So for now, I ice my foot and take a pill. It's all good. I can still walk. Soon I won't even think about it. What are you praying for?
Blessings!
A few months ago I finally went to the podiatrist about my foot pain. I thought I knew what the reason was. Afterall, I had googled it. And it had told me what I thought it was. And I had a pretty good idea of how I had injured it. That was the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis in both feet, AND two spurs in my left, one spur in my right foot. Hadn't expected the spurs. However, there was no "cure" other than buying expensive inserts and flip flops ($125!!) so that I could get relief. I refused to get the shots in the heel. The plantar fasciitis has pretty much cleared up, the spurs hurt pretty bad sometimes. But the pain in the foot I'm dealing with today is not the spurs.
It's on top of my right foot. Just by the toes. One time I had some problems and the doctor just pulled my toes and the pain went away. So I thought I would try that. I began to pull my toes the other day to get some relief from the pain on the top of my foot, thinking it was just in a cramp. Well, now. I guess I got over enthused about pulling my toes, for when I pulled one, it popped. You know, like when you pop your knuckles. It didn't hurt, but I felt the pop when I did that. So I got to thinking, ok, I have either straightened that toe after it had been broken at some time or just popped it.
The top of my foot has been swollen now for two days. I put ice on it yesterday and today, and am having to take ibuprophen because of the pain. Yep, it hurts. Constantly. I figure I will give it until Monday. If it still hurts on Monday, I will call the foot doctor and suck it up - and pay a big bill. Sometimes I just don't like my insurance. I love not having big premiums to pay, but with the low premium, I get stuck with everything except well check-ups. Up to a limit of course, and I think I have about $1000 to go by the end of the year. I just try NOT to go to the doctor. But for this - it is annoying enough and constant enough that it drains me. But I'm going to believe it will go away within another day or so. Surely all this ice will cause it to get better. I don't do 'cold'!!
I Peter 5:7 stays 'Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you'. I believe that. Yes, I have prayed for healing in my feet. I believe that God can heal me. I don't know if He will heal me the way I want Him to. One day I may just realize that my feet don't hurt anymore. But I believe it will happen. I want healing NOW. I just don't know if He will heal me NOW. It is in His time-table, not mine.
So I wait, and I keep trusting, and I keep asking. Kind of like the woman who constantly went to the judge to get relief and he grew weary of her constant banging on his door, finally giving her relief from those who were causing havoc in her life. If I keep asking, God will grow weary (NOT!) and give me what I ask for.
When was the last time you seriously prayed to God for deliverance? for healing? Did you pray once and give up? Was it a sincere prayer? Was it a 'oh God, please heal my pain' prayer? Not that it makes any different to Him HOW we pray.... but do you ask believing that you will receive an answer? I do. But again, it's in His time.
So for now, I ice my foot and take a pill. It's all good. I can still walk. Soon I won't even think about it. What are you praying for?
Blessings!
Monday, July 11, 2016
ReLiving...
As we were heading to church yesterday I saw a license plate that said "RELIVING".
I thought about that as we passed the vehicle, and wondered how this person chose those words for their license plate. It obviously was to hold great memories for them. It probably was a change in their life, or something happened to give them the feel of 'start-over'.
I wondered what the word "Reliving" could mean to me.
I have no desire to relive my life prior to 1967. Time prior to 1967 is painful, disturbing, and I choose to forgive and forget. Some people can not let go of the past and move on, but I choose to. Yes, occasionally something will rear its ugly head, but by the grace of God, I am able to tell it to move on out of my memory and allow me to continue living life. I don't want to live in the dead part of my life, but in the 'alive'path.
Why is it that some people refuse to give up the past and want to continue to live in it? It usually is a past filled with pain, with hurt, with turmoil. Why would one want to live in it? All I can think of is that they want to. I realize that sounds harsh, but if they can get sympathy or attention by wallering in the past, why not? I know people who live in the past. Oh, you wouldn't know it as a rule, but by their actions and words and behavior, you know they do. They give all kinds of excuses as to why.
I don't want to be that way. Paul says in I Thessalonians 5:16 to "Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." That doesn't mean that what happened to you, or what you went through was God's will. But He allowed it. Why? Some of us will never know that answer.
But I believe what I went through, painful though it was, gave me a heart for others who have endured the same abuse. I am more sensitive to others who feel worthless and unloved. My heart cries for those who feel they are all alone and no one understands or cares. It doesn't have to necessarily be from abuse, but just situations of life that hurt and affect our heart and mind and emotions. We all go through things. I feel I have come a long way from the young naive little girl who didn't understand what was going on. But as I grew older, although no one told me, I knew it was wrong, and I fought for myself. It cost me some things I wanted to do, but I knew I was right to say STOP! and ENOUGH! And I had to do it on my own for no one else would protect me.
Am I thankful for what happened to me? No - and I wouldn't wish it on anyone else. But by the grace of God, I believe He allowed these things to give me a tender heart and understanding for those who have to endure such things. Life isn't easy for most people. Even though we think people are perfect and families are perfect - no one knows what goes on in the inside of the family. When it is your family, you think it is the norm for such things. You don't realize until you are with other families that no, it is NOT the norm.
So I chose several years ago to learn how to 'relive'. Yes, it has taken me awhile. My past pops up every so often and I am in a battle. I can't blame it on "that's how I was raised". I am above that. I do not have to let the abuse and things of the past control my life now - or my future. I know of too many people who like living in the past, being angry and bitter. Or they go to the extreme and become "religious" as if that overcomes the past. Forgiving means letting go.
And it means RELIVING - starting your life over. I choose to live in the present. I have three children who are different in every way. Unfortunately I didn't understand a lot of things when they were small. Hopefully I am much smarter now. Ok, at least a little. I can only pray now that their past does not define their future and that they will choose to live whole and complete lives. How they do it, is their choice.
Paul says in Philippians 3:13-15 -"Brothers and Sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
2 Corinthians 5:17 says "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
Galatians 2:19-21: "For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"
I choose to 're-live' my life with Jesus. He makes life much better!
Blessings!
I thought about that as we passed the vehicle, and wondered how this person chose those words for their license plate. It obviously was to hold great memories for them. It probably was a change in their life, or something happened to give them the feel of 'start-over'.
I wondered what the word "Reliving" could mean to me.
I have no desire to relive my life prior to 1967. Time prior to 1967 is painful, disturbing, and I choose to forgive and forget. Some people can not let go of the past and move on, but I choose to. Yes, occasionally something will rear its ugly head, but by the grace of God, I am able to tell it to move on out of my memory and allow me to continue living life. I don't want to live in the dead part of my life, but in the 'alive'path.
Why is it that some people refuse to give up the past and want to continue to live in it? It usually is a past filled with pain, with hurt, with turmoil. Why would one want to live in it? All I can think of is that they want to. I realize that sounds harsh, but if they can get sympathy or attention by wallering in the past, why not? I know people who live in the past. Oh, you wouldn't know it as a rule, but by their actions and words and behavior, you know they do. They give all kinds of excuses as to why.
I don't want to be that way. Paul says in I Thessalonians 5:16 to "Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." That doesn't mean that what happened to you, or what you went through was God's will. But He allowed it. Why? Some of us will never know that answer.
But I believe what I went through, painful though it was, gave me a heart for others who have endured the same abuse. I am more sensitive to others who feel worthless and unloved. My heart cries for those who feel they are all alone and no one understands or cares. It doesn't have to necessarily be from abuse, but just situations of life that hurt and affect our heart and mind and emotions. We all go through things. I feel I have come a long way from the young naive little girl who didn't understand what was going on. But as I grew older, although no one told me, I knew it was wrong, and I fought for myself. It cost me some things I wanted to do, but I knew I was right to say STOP! and ENOUGH! And I had to do it on my own for no one else would protect me.
Am I thankful for what happened to me? No - and I wouldn't wish it on anyone else. But by the grace of God, I believe He allowed these things to give me a tender heart and understanding for those who have to endure such things. Life isn't easy for most people. Even though we think people are perfect and families are perfect - no one knows what goes on in the inside of the family. When it is your family, you think it is the norm for such things. You don't realize until you are with other families that no, it is NOT the norm.
So I chose several years ago to learn how to 'relive'. Yes, it has taken me awhile. My past pops up every so often and I am in a battle. I can't blame it on "that's how I was raised". I am above that. I do not have to let the abuse and things of the past control my life now - or my future. I know of too many people who like living in the past, being angry and bitter. Or they go to the extreme and become "religious" as if that overcomes the past. Forgiving means letting go.
And it means RELIVING - starting your life over. I choose to live in the present. I have three children who are different in every way. Unfortunately I didn't understand a lot of things when they were small. Hopefully I am much smarter now. Ok, at least a little. I can only pray now that their past does not define their future and that they will choose to live whole and complete lives. How they do it, is their choice.
Paul says in Philippians 3:13-15 -"Brothers and Sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
2 Corinthians 5:17 says "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
Galatians 2:19-21: "For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"
I choose to 're-live' my life with Jesus. He makes life much better!
Blessings!
Sunday, June 19, 2016
Getting ready to start a busy week.
I can use one of those captions "I'm Back"! With being on vacation last week - it seems like I have been gone forever. I decided to jump on the computer tonight to see what is going on before I go back to work tomorrow morning. My boss had already text'd me on Friday that she had ordered breakfast for Monday morning as we have a bunch of new people moving into one of our departments and we have about 20 people moving around. Looks like I will need to be at work by 6AM so that I can figure out what is going on.
It was nice being off last week, but I am already wishing that I hadn't taken all week off. Five days at one time has really set me back - I had 200 emails waiting on me tonight - took me nearly an hour to just get through them - and that is putting some in secure print so that tomorrow when I go in I can just hit print and my code and they will all print out - but then I have meetings to make, calls to return, minutes to type - and whatever else has gone on.
I did get a shock when I read one email. I'm still stunned and couldn't keep from shedding tears. One of my friends - probably about 50-ish - I don't know what happened, but I read an email where she passed away. No one told me - I read the email and just sat here thinking, no, it couldn't be my friend - I just talked to her last week! But, alas, an email from her daughter confirmed her death - and that they donated her organs to three people. Which is pretty cool. I hope when I die that my organs will be acceptable to someone that they can have a better quality of life. Yes, I am an organ donor and carry the card, and have the sticker on my driver's license.
Tomorrow will be an extremely busy day, I'm sure. I'm debating on wearing jeans and tennis shoes, but I also have meetings so think I will go ahead and wear a dress or skirt/top. I hope I can get on top of things right away, but looking at all my emails, I have a lot already on the calendar for tomorrow. I may be working late.
The week's vacation was ok. I really feel we didn't do much. We did have a cookout at my daughter's on Sunday evening so that everyone could see my sister and her husband. Monday my sister and I got a pedicure and nail tips. Will see how long either of us leave them on - but in the meantime, my nails do look nice. I like the nails because my princess granddaughter can really decorate my nails when she has time - I love how she does some of the scenes. But, since she doesn't live here, it makes it more difficult to get done.
We went to Sedona, then Prescott on Tuesday, toured the town square in Prescott on Wednesday then headed back home. We did what we could, but my BIL couldn't do some things (like get in the spa because his immune system was low) - reckon we could have gone ahead, but felt guilty since we were there with them. Thursday and Friday it seems we did nothing. Sis and I did a couple Sam's club runs but didn't buy much. I definitely rested all week because I couldn't get her to get up early and go walking - and then Friday she tells me she would have gotten up. I quit asking after a couple days of no response. I definitely didn't get any exercise last week and I really feel it.
I had invited my middle child and boys over for a swim today because it was to be really hot - thought they could swim and I'd fix hamburgers for dinner - but they never responded back. So, hubby and I got in the pool by ourselves after the sun started to go down; fixed a shake for dinner and I jumped on the computer. It's been a very quiet day, other than we went to church this morning.
I guess I need to quit my rambling and get my things ready for tomorrow. I'm actually looking forward to getting back to work - I feel like I've been gone forever. God and I have had a lot of talks this week. It's been interesting, to say the least. I often wonder what He is trying to teach me. Probably to keep my mouth shut and don't suggest to anyone they need to do something. I get in so much trouble.
Today being the end of Father's day, I reckon I best put this computer away and spend some time with hubby before heading to bed. It's getting to that time. Hope you have a good week.
Blessings!
It was nice being off last week, but I am already wishing that I hadn't taken all week off. Five days at one time has really set me back - I had 200 emails waiting on me tonight - took me nearly an hour to just get through them - and that is putting some in secure print so that tomorrow when I go in I can just hit print and my code and they will all print out - but then I have meetings to make, calls to return, minutes to type - and whatever else has gone on.
I did get a shock when I read one email. I'm still stunned and couldn't keep from shedding tears. One of my friends - probably about 50-ish - I don't know what happened, but I read an email where she passed away. No one told me - I read the email and just sat here thinking, no, it couldn't be my friend - I just talked to her last week! But, alas, an email from her daughter confirmed her death - and that they donated her organs to three people. Which is pretty cool. I hope when I die that my organs will be acceptable to someone that they can have a better quality of life. Yes, I am an organ donor and carry the card, and have the sticker on my driver's license.
Tomorrow will be an extremely busy day, I'm sure. I'm debating on wearing jeans and tennis shoes, but I also have meetings so think I will go ahead and wear a dress or skirt/top. I hope I can get on top of things right away, but looking at all my emails, I have a lot already on the calendar for tomorrow. I may be working late.
The week's vacation was ok. I really feel we didn't do much. We did have a cookout at my daughter's on Sunday evening so that everyone could see my sister and her husband. Monday my sister and I got a pedicure and nail tips. Will see how long either of us leave them on - but in the meantime, my nails do look nice. I like the nails because my princess granddaughter can really decorate my nails when she has time - I love how she does some of the scenes. But, since she doesn't live here, it makes it more difficult to get done.
We went to Sedona, then Prescott on Tuesday, toured the town square in Prescott on Wednesday then headed back home. We did what we could, but my BIL couldn't do some things (like get in the spa because his immune system was low) - reckon we could have gone ahead, but felt guilty since we were there with them. Thursday and Friday it seems we did nothing. Sis and I did a couple Sam's club runs but didn't buy much. I definitely rested all week because I couldn't get her to get up early and go walking - and then Friday she tells me she would have gotten up. I quit asking after a couple days of no response. I definitely didn't get any exercise last week and I really feel it.
I had invited my middle child and boys over for a swim today because it was to be really hot - thought they could swim and I'd fix hamburgers for dinner - but they never responded back. So, hubby and I got in the pool by ourselves after the sun started to go down; fixed a shake for dinner and I jumped on the computer. It's been a very quiet day, other than we went to church this morning.
I guess I need to quit my rambling and get my things ready for tomorrow. I'm actually looking forward to getting back to work - I feel like I've been gone forever. God and I have had a lot of talks this week. It's been interesting, to say the least. I often wonder what He is trying to teach me. Probably to keep my mouth shut and don't suggest to anyone they need to do something. I get in so much trouble.
Today being the end of Father's day, I reckon I best put this computer away and spend some time with hubby before heading to bed. It's getting to that time. Hope you have a good week.
Blessings!
Friday, June 10, 2016
Breathe, Just Breathe
It's my last day before a week's vacation. Yes, that time off is finally here. And, I must say, I am looking forward to it. This week had been extremely busy and extremely crazy - and I have gotten nothing done that I wanted to. I had three sets of minutes I needed to do on Monday - and I still have three sets of minutes I need to get done. I simply must focus and get at least one of them done today.
Yesterday was very chaotic - we had a meeting with about 28 people - and I had lunch ordered - which came about 20 minutes late, and because the meeting had already started, they continued for another hour before they let the staff go get the food - baked ziti with sausage, garlic knots, buffalo chicken salad, cookies.... yum... - so I was busy trying to take care of that, make sure they had water and soda, enough chairs, etc. Then there was another big meeting and Mexican food was ordered for it - and it was crazy. I felt like I was running from one side of the building to another - in heels - and before I left the office yesterday I had already hit my 10,000 steps for the day - that's how busy it was for me.
But, here I am once again, at work, sitting here drinking my chocolate Shakeology shake for breakfast and trying to get a short post in before I must get on today's stuff. Had to get a check in the mail to a grandson of my best friend - hadn't gotten around to it yet. I miss my best friend. No one has ever taken her place, although I am very close to my boss (as a friend). But we aren't 'best friends'. In fact, in thinking about it, I don't think I have a best friend anymore. Besides not having the time to cultivate a deep friendship, I don't feel the freedom to have a close friend. Long story and not going into it.
My little sister and her husband arrive on Sunday morning and we will probably go out for breakfast once they arrive. Later in the afternoon we will head over to my daughter's house to have the first in a long time of family cookouts. I've really missed my family get-togethers. I feel we have all lost touch with each other and what's going on. The bond of family has been broken over the past couple of years and indifference and attitude had replaced love. It breaks my heart, but all I can do about it is pray.
We are having one of my favorites - next to hamburgers and hotdogs or chicken, of course - carne asada. I gave my daughter a check to help with some of the preparation as I know I could not pick up all that was needed and exactly what was needed. I don't mind doing that. I asked last night what she wanted me to bring - I hate to come empty handed - and my granddaughter piped up "your salsa"! So although we are having "white girl salsa", I guess that I will make up a couple quarts of my salsa for us to have. And I will grab an extra bag of chips cause I know we'll need them!
One of my sons is bringing - I think - cherry delight. That is, if he is up to making it. Hard pain in the back so he isn't getting around too well. Hopefully he can get into PT and get it helped. When one's back is out of sorts, the whole body feels out of sorts. I've had back pain before, but not like what he is having. Praying for his healing as well.
On the way in to work this morning I was thinking of all that I need to get done today, and the thought occurred to me to "Breathe, Just Breathe" - which is a song, by the way. I can only do and only accomplish what I set my hand to. Wishing it to get done won't happen. Praying for it to be completed won't happen unless I at first do my part and start it. Which is what I need to do right now.
Hopefully I can get my thoughts back together this next week and will find the joy in telling how God is working in my life. I have been broken and on a painful journey the past few years. But God hasn't given up on me, nor has He turned His back on me. I sit and wait, and rest, waiting on His timing to renew and refresh my spirit. Come, Holy Spirit, I need Thee.
Blessings!
Yesterday was very chaotic - we had a meeting with about 28 people - and I had lunch ordered - which came about 20 minutes late, and because the meeting had already started, they continued for another hour before they let the staff go get the food - baked ziti with sausage, garlic knots, buffalo chicken salad, cookies.... yum... - so I was busy trying to take care of that, make sure they had water and soda, enough chairs, etc. Then there was another big meeting and Mexican food was ordered for it - and it was crazy. I felt like I was running from one side of the building to another - in heels - and before I left the office yesterday I had already hit my 10,000 steps for the day - that's how busy it was for me.
But, here I am once again, at work, sitting here drinking my chocolate Shakeology shake for breakfast and trying to get a short post in before I must get on today's stuff. Had to get a check in the mail to a grandson of my best friend - hadn't gotten around to it yet. I miss my best friend. No one has ever taken her place, although I am very close to my boss (as a friend). But we aren't 'best friends'. In fact, in thinking about it, I don't think I have a best friend anymore. Besides not having the time to cultivate a deep friendship, I don't feel the freedom to have a close friend. Long story and not going into it.
My little sister and her husband arrive on Sunday morning and we will probably go out for breakfast once they arrive. Later in the afternoon we will head over to my daughter's house to have the first in a long time of family cookouts. I've really missed my family get-togethers. I feel we have all lost touch with each other and what's going on. The bond of family has been broken over the past couple of years and indifference and attitude had replaced love. It breaks my heart, but all I can do about it is pray.
We are having one of my favorites - next to hamburgers and hotdogs or chicken, of course - carne asada. I gave my daughter a check to help with some of the preparation as I know I could not pick up all that was needed and exactly what was needed. I don't mind doing that. I asked last night what she wanted me to bring - I hate to come empty handed - and my granddaughter piped up "your salsa"! So although we are having "white girl salsa", I guess that I will make up a couple quarts of my salsa for us to have. And I will grab an extra bag of chips cause I know we'll need them!
One of my sons is bringing - I think - cherry delight. That is, if he is up to making it. Hard pain in the back so he isn't getting around too well. Hopefully he can get into PT and get it helped. When one's back is out of sorts, the whole body feels out of sorts. I've had back pain before, but not like what he is having. Praying for his healing as well.
On the way in to work this morning I was thinking of all that I need to get done today, and the thought occurred to me to "Breathe, Just Breathe" - which is a song, by the way. I can only do and only accomplish what I set my hand to. Wishing it to get done won't happen. Praying for it to be completed won't happen unless I at first do my part and start it. Which is what I need to do right now.
Hopefully I can get my thoughts back together this next week and will find the joy in telling how God is working in my life. I have been broken and on a painful journey the past few years. But God hasn't given up on me, nor has He turned His back on me. I sit and wait, and rest, waiting on His timing to renew and refresh my spirit. Come, Holy Spirit, I need Thee.
Blessings!
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