What if I did dream?

 When you were growing up, did you dream?  I don't mean those stories that come into our minds at night as we sleep, but did you dream?  You know, the dream of who you would become, the dream of what you would be, the dream of what you could accomplish.

You are living the results of that dream.  Such as it is in some cases.  I must admit, the life I have now is not the dream I had once dreamed.  Not that life is so bad, or so good, but it is different.

I read my son's blog this morning and it brought tears to my eyes for I see such potential in him, and for the first time, I realize that he knows he has that potential.  Much delayed, he still can have his dream.  Or even a part of it.

Each of my children have had their own dreams.  The oldest always wanted to be a teacher, and she was able to realize that dream, even for a short time.  She was able to teach for a few years, and now is able to help her daughter as she begins to teach.  God is using my daughter to pass on to her daughter the gifts and talent and knowledge that she has learned.  School is hard, and with the pandemic, it is much harder on teachers to be able to teach and keep their student's attention.  I'm sure my granddaughter is grateful for the side help.  My daughter is passing on her love of teaching to her daughter, and is still getting to live her dream.

My middle child has always had a tender heart, although he has always tried to be the tough guy.  Today I learned something about him that I didn't know.  When he graduated high school, the suggestion that we take a college class together gave me the confidence to do something I would never have done.  I took a college class.  He ended up dropping out and getting married, finding a job.  But I continued and took all the English classes I could (101, 102, 201, 202).  He gave me confidence that I could take a college class, when I had been told as I was growing up that I wasn't college material, that my job was to get married and have children, not to be successful, not to have a career.  Just that short time we took the class together brought me much joy.  I know he didn't want to quit, but responsibility called, and I could not fault him for that.  I still have great dreams for this child; I know he can be successful at writing if he would have the confidence in himself.  He is capable of so much more than he allows himself to do.  He is smart and witty and has a way of sharing stories that people hang on to his words.

My youngest child.  This child has been such a joy to so many people, and a pain in the axx to so many others.  He struggles so with sensitivity and pain of the unknown.  He is so strong in spirit, but he does not realize his strength.  He chooses to allow other people to push him to where he feels worthless.  So he chooses to be with others who 'build him up' and yet, pull him away from those who love him the most.  He is my Army boy, and now getting to retire, has made this mama so proud.  There is still so much about this child that I cannot grasp.  He keeps so much inside of himself that he finds his only outlet is alcohol.   It used to be worse, much worse, in his teenage years, so I am grateful for the Army.  I know this child knows his destiny, what he was called to do, who he was to be.  It is who he is and he cannot escape it, though he tries.  He won't let himself be who God created him to be.  He allows people and life to pull him back.  He retires from the Army Reserves today, in fact.  22 years.  I am so proud of him and that he stuck to it through thick and thin.   My prayer for him is that he would open his eyes and begin to live for the very first time in his life.  Not in his troubled mixed up life, but in his love of life.  

What were my dreams when I was growing up?  I'm not sure that I really had any dreams other than for my love of books, I wanted to be a librarian.  I wanted to be a writer.  Books help me live life.  The Bible is one I read every day, of course.  But I have found fictional books just aren't my thing so much.  Never has been, although in high school I read every Grace Livingston Hill book they had in the library, every Phyllis Whitney book - and I forget her other pen name.  Those were the books I read growing up.  I could read a 1-2 inch book a day.  I was an avid reader and that was how I escaped the life I had as a child, a teenager.  I read to escape into another world.  I have learned to be a character in each story I read.  Do you do that?

I have a couple friends who are authors and have published books.  I've read more of one than the other.  One writes stories of faith and love.  Many are short and easy reads, but they are long enough to give one a hope in life.  The other friend I have known for years, and although I have read her first rough draft many years ago, I have never bought her books, and probably won't.  Her books are, let's say, 'hot' enough to burn all by themselves.  Great love stories, but the intimate details are much more than I care to read.  But she is still my friend.  I just don't want to read those kind of books anymore.

Most of the books I read now are by Christian authors that I learn how to live from.  Some give great information and as you can remember, I have sometimes put some of their stories in here.  They help me when I am at my lowest point.  When I get discouraged, depressed, lonely, and in despair.  Life is very hard sometimes and most times I don't know what to do.  I need people to speak life into me, and my books do.

Maybe some day I will start that book that I always wanted to write.  It doesn't have to be lengthy.  It just has to be written.  Some day.

What was your dream?  The question reminds me of 'Pretty Woman' with the man walking across the street saying "What's your dream?"   Are you living your dream?  Are you going to?

Something to think about.

It went fast..... did we have a weekend?

 It's too bad our weekends are only two days - it is just not long enough.   Unfortunately, I don't feel like I got much done.  This was one of those weekends where I planned to do things, but.  Oh yeah, I DID get a couple things done.  For one, I was able to connect with my little sister to show her how to crochet.   We were on facetime for an hour..... but I guess I just can't show/explain very well, for she was still having difficulty.... but I believe it is more trying to do it looking at a screen...and a little one at that.  Then again... I told her to try You-Tube, and that would be also looking at a screen.  But the difference is that she can stop and replay the same stitch over and over until she got it.  I've done that.  In very.slow.motion.

My daughter and son-in-law brought over more boxes yesterday and it looks like the china I have been waiting to arrive, but I didn't even attempt to go through any of the boxes.  The atmosphere just didn't feel right to get started, and usually I get the 'Sunday is for rest' comment.  And I've used it for my son-in-law too when he wanted to come over and do something.  I tell him to take the day and just rest.  I would like to get started on it one evening this week, but will see.  Back to work today and I know I have several things I need to get done already.

I came across this story in my devotions this morning and I want to share" it.  

It has been a long time since Horace Walpole smiled. (sound like someone you know?) Too long.  Life for him had become as drab as the weather in dreary old England.  Then, on a grim winter day in 1754, while reading a Persian fairy tale, his smile returned.  He wrote his longtime friend, Horace Mann, telling him of the "thrilling approach to life" he had discovered from the folk tale.....how it had freed him from his dark prison of gloom.

The ancient tale told of three princes from the island of Ceylon who set out on a pursuit of great treasures. They never found that for which they searched, but en route they were continually surprised by delights whey had never anticipated.  While looking for one thing, they found another.

The original name of Ceylon was Serendip, which explains the title of this story - "The Three Princes of Serendip." From that, Wadpole coined the wonderful word serendipity.  And from then on, his most significant and valued experiences were those that happened to him while he was least expecting them.

Seren-dip-ity- the dip of the serene into the common of the serendipities of life.  Serendipity occurs when something beautiful breaks through the monotonous and the mundane.  A serendipitous life is marked by "surprisability" and spontaneity.  When we lose our capacity for either, we settle into life's ruts.  We expect little, and we are seldom disappointed.  

Unfortunately, I know of a few people like that.  They don't expect anything to be beautiful and surprising in their life and some don't even want the 'change'.  They like grumpy.  They like things never to change, but to be mundane.

Now I have walked with God for several years and I know I love the surprises that He gives me.  Sometimes on a daily basis.  Seeing the sun rise over the horizon may not be a 'surprise' to people, but it is a beautiful awakening to a new day.  Or seeing how the colors play out in a beautiful sunset. Again, it may not be a surprise, but it can bring joy to an otherwise uneventful - or eventful - day.   It's like God opening a book for us, and closing it when it's over.

But what do you do in those "open book" times?  Where are your thoughts?  What are you doing?  Did something unexpected happen that maybe stirred your heart for just a moment?  

Perhaps it was reading something that was more than entertainment, but like me this morning, reading a story that gave you an 'aha' moment.  Perhaps it was something in the mail today that brought a smile to your face.  Or perhaps a phone call from a grandchild that can always bring a longing and a smile.  Things that we least expect, when they happen, don't take them for granted.  They are God's little surprises for you, just for today.

Mark Batterson in one of his books has a chapter titled "Surprise me". I know I have written about it when I read it some time ago.  I think I'm ready to read that book again, since I've started rereading some that I enjoyed before (although I think I have read his books 2-3 or more times already).  Surprise me.  What does that mean?

Could it be an opportunity for you to surprise someone?  Call your spouse and offer to take the time to bring them lunch, or take them out for a quick lunch.  Do something special for one of your children.  What would 'serendipity' mean to them?  What does it mean to you?

I don't know that I would think of it as serendipitous, that word isn't one I use in every day language.  But I do like the word surprise.   And I love it when God surprises me.

Let's keep our eyes open today, and see what will be serendipity for you.  Watch for it.  It may be right in front of you.  Don't settle into the rut.  Smile.  It can change your entire day.

Have a serendipitous day!

I ain't gonna....

 I'm still flipping back and forth, but I ain't gonna walk Sheeba today.  It is starting to get light, and hubby left about 15 minutes ago to go to a meeting on the east side of town.  I hear Sheeba stirring, wanting out of her crate, and I will stop here in a minute to take her outside for business.  But walking, I don't want to today.  And today we could really walk far.  But I love my time in my home alone.  Well, sorta alone.

Most people don't understand that.  Maybe I'll make cookies this morning and put in the freezer.  Maybe I can get some unpacking done without interruptions.  Maybe I can just be still for a little while and meditate.  Or at least write this.

Oh - well, I will be calling my little sister around 8AM our time - face-time, in fact.  Unless she blows me off again.   She has been wanting to learn to knit/crochet.  Now I am no expert by any means in either area, but it is something I enjoy and I do one or the other nearly every day.  Mostly crochet though.  Every time I have scheduled a time to show her, she blows it off and says she can't.  She has to do this or that and can't do it.  I finally asked her if she had the knitting and crochet thread that I had sent her with hooks.  Yes, she had both.  I don't know which one we will do today, but I think I'll start with crochet.  All I know is the double stitch and the granny stitch, but will try to 'teach' her the double stitch.  I really do want to learn new stitches, but just haven't.

We went out and bought a new ladder last weekend and this week hubby finally got a couple boxes of books put on the bookcases.  I still have two boxes of books in the garage to bring in.  Yeah.  I have a lot of books.  But I love books.  I've read at least over half of them at some point.  Most I am sure I have forgotten, but then, it gives me a new book to read when I don't want to buy something.  In fact, at this time I am re-reading two books.    It's ok about the ladder - it has a handle to steady oneself plus it has a platform to stand on.   I need to bring in the other two boxes from the garage so that those can get put up today or next week.

Since hubby is gone for a couple hours this morning, I want to get some things done that he won't let me do during the week.  Hanging up a couple pictures, etc.  I understand he wants to help me, but I am a big girl and perfectly capable of doing SOMETHING.   This is how he works to take away my joy.  He did that to me a few weeks ago.  I had several pictures laid out to be hung up and ... well,  he decided he was going to do it one day.  We fought for sure.  In one area he only hung up what he wanted hung.  Left off some of the others.  Then he had to hang up all the senior photos.  He would fuss at me to tell him where to put them, and he did put them there, but fussed at me the entire time.  If he had left them alone, it would have made things better.  I understand he wants to help.  But I want to do some things too and he fusses at me when I do.  And especially when I let my son-in-law and grandson help instead of asking him - oh my.

I have started a list of things that need to be taken care of.  Several items are on it and many of them we have to wait for the son-in-law or grandson to take care of.  When I've been asked if I need something done, I can't think of anything urgently so always tell them not now.  I know they both are extremely busy and I hate pulling them away for 'my things' that are not urgent.  I know they will get to it at some point.

Well, Sheeba is wanting out so I need to take her outside before she goes in her 'cave' (which is what our trainer calls it).  I still ain't gonna walk her - it's just getting light out, but I want to get started on what I can before hubby gets back.

Have a great Saturday!

I Got Nothing.

 This morning it feels like I have nothing to say. I'm tired and have been struggling to stay awake throughout my quiet time.  My eyes frequently wanted to close.  My bedtime last night was around 9PM, yes, a little later than usual, but no big deal.  We've stayed up until 10PM and I've been fine.   Oh my goodness, I sound like 'old folk' don't I!  But with getting up at 4AM, I simply cannot stay up late as I used to.  My body starts shutting down.

It could be because yesterday was such a busy day with major bumps in the road throughout the day.  I had a lot I needed to get done, and yet, I couldn't work much on it because of other issues.  For one, Microsoft Teams.  I don't know what happened yesterday, but right in the middle of a critical meeting (4 hours long with people calling in at alternate times to discuss budgets), people could no longer call in.  It was reporting the meeting was "full" - with less than 12 people in it.  On Teams, you can have numerous people - we have had meetings with over 100 people so we knew it wasn't full.  Major problems.  I was getting emails from one of my bosses and people who were trying to call in.  I finally sent out a new number and got on chat with the service desk.   About an hour later I was getting another email that the same thing was happening with that new number.  Sigh.

I spent quite a bit of time on chat with the service desk.  Late in the afternoon they finally reported that Microsoft told them that they had received several tickets on this issue.  They thought a server was messing up.   They got through that meeting.

I had to stop and put this away as I knew hubby was getting ready to leave.... and he doesn't know that I have been adding to my blog before I come out of my room.  Yeah, he ended up leaving a bit before 6AM.  He has talked some of his 'men friends' to meet back at Fast Eddies at 7AM to do their study.  Which means I have some time alone on Friday morning.  Only problem is that I have to work so it doesn't make any difference.  But still, I enjoy the quietness of no one stirring.  Even Sheeba is laying at the back door quietly.

I took Sheeba out for a quick walk after hubby left and thought to myself it was such a beautiful cool morning that we would just go around 2 blocks (about a mile) and then I'd make a fresh cup of coffee and have about 20-30 minutes to sit out on the front court and let Sheeba walk around.  BUT. the treasurer of our HOA who lives across the street from us came out to walk her dog, and I got caught at the corner.  For 30 minutes.  By the time I got away from her and Sheeba fresh water, etc and to my computer it was 7:10AM.  Oh well.  

I guess it is 'nice' to know who is in charge of our HOA/COA.  We are actually a portion of the HOA and not really associated with it but stand alone as a COA.  But I forget what that is.  Condo something or other?  I dunno.  She's wanting one ofus to go on the board - and you know hubby wants to.  Anything to be in charge and in control.  Unfortunately, it sounds like we have some issues happening.  I guess the neighbor catty-corner from us doesn't keep his yard in the back next to the street clean... and I was told that rats are starting to make their way in to our area.  YIPES.  Traps are being set today by someone the COA has hired.  And in listening to her, I'm finding out what is actually covered by the COA (and she tells us we are in the RED and have been for months because everyone doesn't pay the same fees.) and what is the owner's responsibility.  I would rather just take ownership of all my property, trees, brush, etc.  But the outside of the court areas in front and back are the responsibility of the COA.  They mow the grass, cut the hedges, and I appreciate the fact that they will come inside our court area and blow the leaves/grass cuttings out of it.  

But from what my neighbor is saying, our hedges in front have been there for 20 years or more and many are starting to die and get thin.  I told her I'd just as soon get rid of them cause I think they look ugly.  She said she appreciated that I thought that way cause they want to remove them and put something that is drought-resistant there to save water (which the COA pays for).  We can't just go and do it - it has to be approved and everyone's lawn will be updated at the same time.  The problem is going to be for many, they will not want to pay to have this done, and it is at our expense, not the COA.  I'm willing to put the money out to keep our place looking nice, but she says when the letter goes out to those who are paying a lesser amount, she expects them to put their duplex up for sale.  I just looked at her and said 'fine'.  Once they are gone, we'll get someone who will pay the rate as we do and we can get things done.  Anyway - I'm more concerned about the rat situation right now and the hedges in front and back need to go.  She says they like to nestle there.  UGH.

And I do need to get busy - I have a lot to get done before the afternoon meeting - 2-5PM which I have to attend and take minutes.  On a Friday afternoon.  UGH.

Hope you have a good day - I love these cool beautiful mornings when it is just God, me, and Sheeba.  We get a lot of talking done!  When was the last time you stopped to refresh yourself in the coolness of the morning and be warmed by the sun as it arises?  Thank God for it.  It's His way of wrapping you in His arms.

Blessings!

Don't wait for that special, precise, complete - moment.

 I read this story several years ago and I know that I have even repeated it a few times.  And it bears repeating again.  I read it again in my devotions this morning.  It is shared by an Ann Wells.

My brother-in-law opened the bottom drawer of my sister's bureau and lifted out a tissue-wrapped package...He discarded the tissue and handed me the slip.  It was exquisite silk, handmade and trimmed with a cobweb of lace. The price tag with an astronomical figure was still attached.

"Jan bought this the first time we went to New York, at least eight or nine years ago.  She never wore it. She was saving it for a special occasion.  Well, I guess this is the occasion."

He took the slip from me and put it on the bed with the other clothes we were taking to the mortician. His hands lingered on the soft material for a moment, then he slammed the drawer shut and turned to me.

"Don't ever save anything for a special occasion. Every day you are alive is a special occasion."

I remembered those words through the funeral and the days that followed when i helped him and my niece attend to all the sad chores that follow an unexpected death.

I'm still thinking about his words, and they've changed my life....I'm not 'saving' anything; we use our good china and crystal for every special event - such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, the first camellia blossom.

"Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary.  If it's worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now....I'm trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives.  And every morning when I open my eyes I tell myself that it is special.

Grabs you, doesn't it?  Makes me want to drain every last ounce of joy out of every day.  It also breaks me free from the concrete of procrastination that sets up harder every time I'm tempted to whisper to myself, "Later,.... just put it off until later."

Every day is that special day you have been waiting for.  There is a saying you hear frequently - "Every day above ground is a good day", and that's a true statement.  But it is also what you do with that day.  You can waste it doing nothing, or you can make a difference.

From the first time I read the above true story it changed how I looked at things.  I love my china and was always afraid if I used it for every day it would get broke.  It was expensive to replace.  But when I read this, I began to see it didn't matter.  If I don't enjoy what I have now, someone else will get to enjoy what I saved and hung on to.

I have used my good china for every day use.  I have used fragile glasses - and I remember the first time I used a set for guests, a young man brought it to me after dinner and very apologetically handed me the glass - in two pieces.  He had somehow snapped the thin stem on the glass.  I just looked at him and smiled and told him that was ok, thank you for letting me know.  I was more impressed that he didn't try to hide it and put it in the trash.  He didn't leave it on the table for me to find when I cleaned it off.  And he didn't draw attention, he brought it to me and handed it to me.  And you know what?  It didn't matter the glass was broke.  I put the glass in the trash and went on with life.  It didn't change anything.  Sure, I'm down one glass, but it isn't a big deal.  That's the first time I used those glasses and the lesson I learned was NOT to use them - even for teenagers!   

I unpacked those glasses a couple weeks ago and wondered why I was keeping them.  None of my kids wanted them - too fragile.  I put them in my cabinet and now hubby and I drink out of them occasionally on a daily basis.  And you know what?  I'm USING them.  I'm not saving them any longer for a special occasion.  I haven't found the box with my good china in it yet, but when I do, I will also use them on an occasional basis and not just special occasions.

What are you saving for a special occasion?  What are you holding on to, hoping to pass on to your kids and not using so that it will be in good shape for them?  They won't know how to use it because you aren't using it to show them how.  Where is the memory in the gift if it isn't being used?

I used to hold on to so many things - things my mother gave me, especially.  Now I freely give them out if I come across something.  What the recipient does with it doesn't matter.  I have passed it on for their enjoyment.  It could be a book.  It could be an outfit.  It could be jewelry.  Or it could be a special memory.

A special memory.  When was the last time you made a special memory with your family?  When was the last time you made a difference in someone's life?  When you are unable to do anything, what would you want to be remembered for?  What memory of joy are you leaving behind you?

Don't wait any longer to do that special thing.  Take that trip.  Buy that special gift.  Create a memory that will last beyond your lifetime.  DO something.    

I am.  I'm letting go of what I hold on to (and not sharing) and making new memories.  One day at a time.

Blessings!

There is always drama "somewhere"....

 There have been a few times recently that I have gotten a text or email from someone who will write "I'm dying".   Now they aren't really dying, I know that.  Yet, I know what they are feeling.  I received that comment again last night from someone close to me.  So I did my usual response to that complaint:

"You aren't dying.  You are bored and lonely.  You have things you could be doing, but you don't want to do them.  You forget about all your blessings.  You need to get your mind off yourself, dig your way out of the pit and stop trying to set up housekeeping in the dark, black pit."

Or something like that.  But the bottom line is bored and lonely.  I don't have the lonely part, and rarely the bored part, but I understand about the pit.  I get into it sometimes myself.  In fact, if you read between the lines sometimes, you can see that I often try to buy curtains and rearrange furniture in that pit to make it my home.

But God.  There is just something about God that draws me out of that pit.  I know that He is faithful.  I know that He hears me.  I know that He is always with me.  I know that He loves me.  Even when I do or say stupid things.  Even when I've sinned against Him, He forgives me and loves me even more for acknowledging my sin and running back to Him.  Back to His safe arms of love, and of comfort, and of joy.

Have you ever been doing something - something normal, perhaps, and all of a sudden you felt such joy, such an infilling of joy, of worship?  All you want to do is praise God and worship?  And it's not even Sunday?  You aren't in church?

I've had a few of those times, but this morning the one I am thinking about, and the one that has come to me frequently lately, is when we lived on Paradise.  This was a few years back, cause I haven't hiked in awhile.  But I had gone on a hike - alone - (hubby had to be gone somewhere cause he would never have let me go alone) and I had come home.  I was filled with such joy unspeakable.  Remember the song chorus "Joy unspeakable, full of glory, full of glory, full of glory?"  LOL  That just popped into my mind.

Anyway, all of a sudden I felt the urge to get into the pool and worship.  I know that sounds strange, but it was a very hot day and I was very hot from hiking.  So I changed to my swim suit and got in the pool (which I rarely did as well!) and just walked in the pool, lifting up my arms to heaven and singing and praising God.  The skies had such a glow about them that day.  I can't remember exactly what it was, but it was as if God was giving us a beautiful glimpse of heaven.  No where near close to its beauty, I assure you, but the clouds, the colors of the sky..... and all I could do was worship.

Sometimes you don't need church to worship.  You don't need to be with other people to worship.  You just need to let yourself go with God and let Him complete you, fill you, love you... and let yourself experience something special that He has for you.

God shows us in mysterious ways His love and compassion for us.  No matter who you are, what you are, or who you think you are.  No matter if you are a "Christian" or say you don't believe in God.  He loves you.

Sometimes God allows us to wait in this waiting room for Him.  We wait and wait for His response to our request.  He is giving us time to process, to put our faith in action.  Sometimes we are the ones that have to do something.

Yes, sometimes we are the ones that have to do something.  We say we are bored.  Well, are we sitting there whining we are bored - or are we finding a way to volunteer to do something?  Maybe clean up the house?  Mop the floor?  Go to the store?  DO SOMETHING.  Don't sit and whine about how bored you are.

You say you can't leave the house for whatever reason?  Have to stay home with your spouse who is ill?   DO SOMETHING.  Bake cookies and take down to the police station or fire station and thank them for taking care of your neighborhood.  Learn to knit or crochet and make baby hats for the hospital nurseries.  

But don't let the drama of your life pull you into the pit of despair.  I know about the pit of despair.  I've tried to stay there many times, but God always gives me the encouragement to get out.  I am so important to Him that He will reach His hand down to me and tell me "come on, princess, I've got you in this.  I'm here.  Never forget that."

And He's there for you.  No matter if you are at school.  No matter if you are at home.  No matter if you are at work.  No matter where you are, God is reaching His compassionate hand out to you, telling you, "I've got you in this.  I'm here.  You aren't alone."

Thank you, Jesus, for always loving me, and offering me grace, even when I don't deserve it.  As You reach your hand down to me, help me to grab hold of Your precious nail-scarred hand, and allow You to pull me up out of the drama of my life.  I love you."

Stop sitting in your drama.  Grab hold of His hand and hang on for the ride.  It may not be easy, but He will walk you through it.

Blessings!

I didn't want to get up this morning!

 I awoke early at 3AM this morning, but this time I didn't get up.  I told myself 'no' and turned back over.  My alarm went off at 4AM.  Then at 4:05AM. Then at 4:15Am.  And I laid there and just asked God if I could get 10 more minutes.  Next thing I knew hubby is getting up around 4:30AM so up I jumped to get here in my room so that I could have my quiet time.  

We went to bed around 9PM last night - I think - why am I so tired?  Oh yeah.  I went for a deep massage last night.  The masseuse worked hard on my back for sure; I'm always being asked why is my back so tight.  Could it be because of all the stress I have to carry around?  I'm sure it is, for I have a lot of stress with this job.  And even more stress with my home life.  Why I let the little things get to me, I'll never know in this lifetime, but some people just irritate the heck out of you at times - do you have someone in your life like that?  It's not all the time, and not every day.  But sometimes you just want to hang them out to dry, right?

Anyway, I just didn't want to get up and moving.  I should have, for now I feel like I'm running late - and in reality I'm not.  I didn't walk Sheeba yesterday.  I should have, and would have, except she wouldn't go pee when I took her out first thing.  She was being stubborn yesterday.  It's bad enough I have to pick up her poop; I don't want to leave a trail of pee on the sidewalk.  So I told her, if you don't go pee, we ain't going to walk.  She just continued to chase bugs.   So after about 15 minutes I brought her back in as it was too late to get started then.  Sat out on the front patio for about ten minutes then came in to get my computer up and going for work.   And my day started with a meeting with my boss.  It was a good meeting; we meet on Teams once a month to see each other face to face, although we see each other in meetings with other people. This is OUR meeting, where we can chat about things about US.  We're hoping to meet October 2nd and have breakfast together somewhere.  It will be so good to see her.  I'll have a lot of work catch up to do - even though one boss will be out on PTO that day (which is why I chose it), I will be losing work time and I know I will need to catch it up.  Then on October 5th, I'm hoping to meet some friends at the office in Mesa and catch up with them.  Yes, it's a drive, and I may put it off until closer to Christmas and make it a Christmas celebration with them.  I don't know.  I'm hesitant to take the time off work, even though my bosses don't care.  They know I'll make up my time - and do more than my 40 hours a week already as I work my lunch hours most days.

I read an interesting piece in my devotions this morning.  It is from James 1:22-25.  Go to BibleGateway.com and look it up.   It's from Charles Swindoll's devotional, "The Finishing Touch".  He posted an article that he had found called 'The Lesson'.

"Then Jesus took his disciples up the mountain and gathering them around him, he taught them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek. Blessed are they that mourn. Blessed are the merciful. Blessed are they who thirst for justice. Blessed are you when persecuted. Blessed are you when you suffer. Be glad and rejoice for your reward is great in heaven.

Then Simon Peter said....... Do we have to write this down?

And Andrew said.... Are we supposed to know this?

And James said... Will we have a test on this?

And Philip said.... I don't have any paper.

And Bartholomew said... Do we have to turn this in?

And John said... The other disciples didn't have to learn this.

And Matthew said.... Can I go to the boy's room?

And Judas said... What does this have to do with real life?

And Jesus wept.  Sometimes I think I can still hear Him weeping."

I found the above 'lesson' interesting.  How many times do we read or listen to things, then go off to do our 'own thing'.  We talk, talk, talk about doing, but that is as far as it goes.  Are we involved in life?  I don't mean our personal lives, but are we involved with other people and their lives.  Do we care for other people like we should.  These are statements, but they are really questions.  I have to admit with COVID, I am not involved as I used to be.  And that makes me sad.  I love to help people and even now when I hear of people in need (real need, not just wanting), my heart strings get tugged.  Some times I just have to tell myself 'no'.  Just because people WANT something, doesn't mean that I need to provide it.  But if I can bless them with it, that's a different thing.

I miss the social interaction of being at the office.  And it will be back in place before I know it.  We got another email yesterday that stated we will more than likely be in our new offices in January. At least we can get through the holidays here at home.  I imagine I may have to make a trip or two before then, to get set up, but that's ok.  I'll at least be able to find my way.  I truly do not like going some place I don't know where I'm going.  Yes, I AM directionally challenged, however, finding the place, then finding the building, then finding the floor, then finding the office..... those things just don't appeal to me.  But sometimes I gotta suck it up and 'just do it'.

I didn't get my 10,000 steps in yesterday since I didn't walk Sheeba and we got massages last night so this morning I need to get my butt moving and try to get in a long walk.  She better pee when I take her out this morning!! I got things to do!

So what are you doing today?  Will it be 'life as usual'? Or will you make a difference in someone's life - even if it is your spouse or your child's?  Be meaningful.  Be purposeful.  Be true.

Blessings!