We are scheduled for vacation!

 I probably should have checked my work calendar first - but didn't - after all, I am entitled to a vacation, right?  As long as I have PTO days, that is.  I'll put in for my time off this morning sometime.  I still need to put in my time for Jailbreak too.  I am so ready to getaway and have some 'down' time.

Hubby wanted me to get our vacation location scheduled and said it a few times yesterday so last night I got the computer out and went through some Airbnbs in the area I had mentioned to him before.  I found the one that I had showed him (it had a large tub in the master bath that I can't wait to soak in!) and a jacuzzi on the back porch.  I found a couple others that I thought could also work.  I narrowed it down to three and showed the pictures to hubby.  He went with the one I had showed him before.  We also discussed the days.... I wanted to limit it to 3 nights and 4 days... but he insisted on 5 nights and 6 days.  It's easier to give in - especially when he says he will pay for it.  So I began the process of reserving the house.  Yes, we get an entire house.  It's two bedroom because we wanted to have extra room to move in.  A one bedroom doesn't allow that much.  We went ahead and paid for our stay, our reservation was accepted, and we are ready to go.  It's nice to have a location set and now we can just look forward to the dates.  

Now my job is going to be thinking of menus and what food we will need.  I prefer to take our food rather than trying to find a store for what is needed.  Oh yeah.... I don't get a vacation from cooking.  But that's ok too.  Maybe I'll look for some crock-pot recipies to make so that I don't have a lot of preparation.  I love the smell of food cooking.   LOL  Which reminds me, I haven't had to cook the last two nights!  Hubby had the burrito bowl the other night.  He took me to lunch yesterday and we both had a salad.  I worked until nearly 5PM, then was talking to my little sissy for awhile.  When I came out, he wanted to look at the Airbnbs so it ws nearly 7PM and I started to get up to find something to fix - and he said he'd just fix the spaghetti TV dinner.  That worked for me!  I fixed myself half of a ham/cheese sandwich!  Thought about cooking fries in my air fryer, but decided I could do without them - I wasn't that hungry either.

This morning I have a dentist appointment and am dreading it.  Remember the silver fillings they used to put in our teeth?  Well, I'm told they are 'old' and need to be replaced.  Of course.  So today I will have two silver fillings removed and this other stuff put in.  In my mind it's 'why bother'?  It isn't bothering me.  I've had them probably 40 years.  But I've heard too how sometimes the silver in the teeth can cause problems.  I know years ago my older sister had all her silver fillings removed because - true or not - the doctor told her it was causing her rheumatoid arthritis.  After she had them removed, and received 3 gold injections, her RA went away.  That's why I don't understand why the RA came back and she has wallowed in it for several years now.  It's her excuse not to do anything.  She gets the infusions, she does the pain pills - and still chooses to lay in bed and let people wait on her.  I have a friend who has had RA for years too.  She works out every more very hard, or walks 6-10 miles in the mornings - and gets infusions - just so she can keep moving.  I guess it is one's priorities... choose to live or choose to let others wait on you.  I would never want to be like that.

My Fitbit just buzzed and said that it wasn't getting enough power to charge.  I checked the plugs and it's possible it may have been loose a bit.  I made sure the plug was in, took it off the charger and put it back on.  It seems to be fine now.

Makes me think abour our lives.  When our lives are not plugged in to our Power Source; when we don't keep our connections clean and plugged securely, we cannot charge or get recharged for life.  Our Power Source is Jesus.  When we keep our plugs secure and attached to Him, we have power to get through each and every day, regardless of what the devil throws at us.  Or the mistakes we make.  Or the weaknesses we give in to.  Jesus is our Power Source and He will give us all the power we need - providing we seek Him to get it.  We can't take it for granted; after awhile it will fade away as we move Him to the background.  But when we keep Jesus front and center, He will supply all that we need.  

Philippians 4:19 (NKJV)  "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

Jeremiah 29:13 (NKJV)  "And you will find me, when you search for me with all of your heart."

There is nothing better than seeking the One whom loves you the most, and ask Him to supply what you need.  Trust Him.  He loves you more than anyone else, and will supply all your need.  It may not be in your timeframe, but keep trusting.  He always provides the NEED (not always the want).

Take a moment and just think about all that you have.  Look about your room.  So.Much.Stuff.  (I'm talking to myself here).  He sometimes supplies all our wants too.  You probably didn't ask Him for it.  But what if there was something you really wanted?  A better marriage?  Children that would seek Jesus and live for Him?  A better job?  Retirement security?

What better way to seek it - than to seek Jesus first, and allow Him to meet your needs - and your wants.

It's all about Jesus first.  The rest falls into place.

Blessings!

A good surprise always makes things better.

 I went to bed before 9PM last night - my usual early to bed due to getting up so early.  I heard my phone ding as I was settling into the quiet mode, and as I keep my phone in the other room, didn't get up to check.  I am sure that in any emergency I will receive a phone call.  When I got up this morning, and woke up some, I checked my phone and yes, I had a good message.  It was a good surprise.  I had a text from my middle child that just said he wanted to say hi and I love you.  Now those are the kind of messages that make my day better.  

It's sorta like thinking of someone and dropping them a note vis 'snail mail' or sending a text or email, just to say, "hey, I was thinking of you....".  I used to write a lot of notes - mainly to family - but over the years just quit.  I rarely write a note anymore, but I have do have two people that have been sick that I have been trying to touch base ever couple of weeks to let them know I am praying for them and thinking of them.  I like to think it makes their day.  

And I got a surprise from hubby yesterday.  Yep.  Late afternoon he said he wanted to take me to dinner.  Now mind you, I had a bowl of chili for lunch and I was not hungry at all, and told him I wasn't hungry and that if we went some where I could get a small salad or soup was all I wanted.  When I got off work he told me that we didn't need to go out to eat if I wasn't hungry, that he would find something to eat.  I offered to fix him something, but he said he'd find something.  I mentioned there was a burrito bowl in the freezer and that's what he ended up eating.  I did snack on cheese and saltine crackers. :-)   That wasn't the surprise.  What was the surprise was that he commented later that he would like for me to find the best cabin in Pine that I liked, and he would pay for it, and we could get it on the calendar for vacation.  If you recall, I think I mentioned that I didn't want to make the reservation as it seems that when I do it, I end up paying for it.  I know I don't have time today during work as I have a full schedule, but perhaps this evening I can look them up again and find something.  I did find the one; perhaps it will still be available.  Yes, I'll let him pay for it.  He gets the vacation when we do that; I still get to get groceries and do the cooking.  And that is ok - I do enjoy cooking - and I enjoy saving money by doing so.

We watched a good movie last night.  He found it on Up Faith and Family, but I wonder if it would be on Netflix or another movie channel.  It's called Extraordinary and it is a true story about a man who runs extreme marathons.  Although I found it very interesting and was totally into the movie, I think hubby was snoring for about 20 minutes of it.  The man's name was Dr. David Horton.  And he felt that God had given him the talent to run.  And run he did.  The run that was highlighted was from Huntington Beach, CA to Central Park in New York - in 64 days.  Great movie, and if you can find it, I would definitely recommend it.  It's not a 'chick flick' or romance movie, but about real life. 

Hubby went to the doctor yesterday as a follow-up from his surgery.... but I'm pretty sure he was confused about the date.  His appointment was March 23, not February 23 - but since I wasn't there when it was scheduled, he said I was wrong.  He went, and they told him that their computers were messing up appointments because February and March days fall the same.  (I wonder if they were being kind or if that was true).  Anyway, he couldn't be seen yesterday and they did scheduled him earlier - around March 9 I think, although his appointment was March 23.  I know he had told me that doctor didn't want to see him until after he had the second surgery..... which won't be scheduled until possibly late March....or early April.  But, I wasn't there, he makes his own appointments, so I just let it go.  He is doing fine and has started driving again.  Scary, but he won't listen to anyone who suggests he stop.  I am sure that what he is afraid of is that he will be in a 'prison' (imagine that feeling - I know the feeling!) because not being able to go anywhere.

It makes one think about the older generation who are 'stuck' at home.  They are fairly healthy so the kids don't check on them much.  But they can't drive anymore.  No more going out to dinner with friends.  No more going to social events unless someone takes them.  I get it.  My heart breaks for them.  I can't imagine their loneliness if they don't have things to do.  

I'm grateful I love to read for then I can 'go anywhere'.  I can imagine myself in alps running down the mountain; on a cruise ship sailing out to sea with perfect weather; running a marathon and being a winner.... all I have to do is pick up a book and I am there.  Reading can take you anywhere, and when you don't read, you lose that imagination.  And I have other activities too - baking/cooking, sewing, crocheting/knitting.... I have lots to keep me busy if I choose.  If I ever get to quit work, I'll probably be doing a lot more of it - and walking/working out to strengthen my body.   Some day.

I found a bag of gingersnap cookies in the freezer yesterday that I had made for a friend for Christmas - and she had gone on a trip so I didn't send them.  I had to send her a message yesterday that I found them.... and was eating one of them.  I really ought to bag up a half dozen and send to her - but we agreed we will meet up in Mesa in March sometime and I can bring her some then.  I think by then though I may make them fresh so they would be nice and soft.

For Christmas from my middle child and his wife I received a small box that says on the outside "From God - For Women".  I try to read one every day to start my day off.  One side has a scripture; the other a note.  Here is today's that I read -

"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all".  Proverbs 31:29.   The other side reads: "In my heart, I'm holding you tight."

I love that.  I love that I know that God is holding me tight all the time, especially when I'm hurting, when I'm weary, and even when I'm joyful.  He is always with me, He never leaves me nor forsakes me.

And He is always with you, holding you tight.  He does, really.  Remember?  He holds you in the palm of His hand.  God loves you so much that He sent His One and Only Son to suffer and die for you.  In your place, for all your sins.  That is the greatest sacrifice.   I can't imagine giving up one of my sons as a sacrifice for everyone else.  But God, our Heavenly Father, did.  Jesus.  Jesus died, so that we can live.  

Love doesn't get bettter than that.

Blessings!

Love my time alone....

I got to stay home alone last night while hubby went to meet his friends for their Tuesday evening study. My daughter and I decided not to meet up so that left me at home.  I actually enjoy these times.  I can do what I want.  And that is always a good thing.  And I did what I wanted.  I watched "Heaven's War" on my Kindle Prime Video.  Interesting that I can bring it up on the TV Prime Video, but watched it on my Kindle.  And I didn't have to wear the ear plugs.  I was home alone, so could listen without them.  I crochet'd as I watched it and nearly have that blanket finished.  After the movie I chose to read some more, and was reading when hubby got home.  It was fun that I got to do what I wanted to do without interruption.

Sorta like why I love my alone time with God in the mornings.  It's just me and Him.  I read some, most days type something in here (even when I don't have anything to say), and spend my time talking with the One who loves me most.  I don't want to even imagine my day starting without taking some time to talk with Jesus.  He helps me sort out some things and reveals other things, and He always helps me get my feet back on solid ground.

I'm having trouble getting warm this morning and I blame it on my Wednesday pill.  It always gives me chills when I take it, and of course it makes my neck and head hurt, and wears me out.   By evening I am more than ready to go to bed.  I haven't been walking like I should (and Hubby hasn't gotten out to walk AT ALL since his surgery, although his doctor told him to!) but have gotten on my trampoline some during the day.  Not for great lengths of time, but some.  I can't wait for my treadmill to get moved in the back room.  Hoping it will be this next week I can get it moved into the house.  Then it will be easier to get on it throughout the day for even ten minutes at a time.  I'm supposed to be doing weight-bearing exercises too (talk about not doing what the doctor says!) and I have moved my weight bench out of here - and can't believe I haven't stopped to use it. I need to make a determination to start - and today will be a good day.  I don't like hubby watching me and offering suggestions that he doesn't use..... but today he has a doctor's appointment so maybe, just maybe, I can get back there.

I heard something in a message last night by Mario Murillo.  It was about the woman at the well and Jesus.  Jesus offered her 'living water' so that she would never thirst again.... and she starts off being more concerned that a Jew was talking to a Samaratian - a Jewish man and a Samaratian woman at that!  After more dialog (see John 4) Jesus tells her to go call her husband.  And this is where her shame comes out - with the words "I have no husband".  And Jesus tells her that she has had 5 husbands and the man she is living with her now is not her husband.  So she perceived he was a prophet, and decides to get the attention off herself (isn't that what we do when confronted with truth?) by telling Jesus we Samaratians worship here, but you Jews say that Jerusalem is where one should worship.

John 4:23-24 (NKJV)  "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.  God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."

Then the woman comments that the Messiah - when He comes - will sort things out.... and Jesus tells her... "I am He".  

John 4:25-26 (NKJV)  "The woman said to Him, "I know the Messiah is coming" (who is called Christ). When He comes, He will tell us all things."   Jesus said to her, "I who speak to you am He".

And that changes everything.  If you look up John 4 in your Bible (or on BibleGateway.com), you will read that the woman went into the village and told everyone what Jesus had said to her, that instead of shaming her, He was giving her the Living Water of life.  And the town believed her and went to hear Jesus.

If you sat back in your chair right now and things came to your mind that you were ashamed about (they do have a way of creeping in - before we go into denial).... what would you do with those thoughts?  Would you push them aside and continue to carry them on your shoulders?  Words said that shouldn't have been, actions taken that you wish you had done differently..... so many things.  But you know what the good part it?

When those thoughts come to your mind, all you need to do is say "Jesus, please forgive me for doing such and such, forgive me for the things I've done.... and help me to live differently. Take control of my life and help me to live as You would want me to."  And you will feel such a peace come over you.  The burden of shame and anger will be lifted from your shoulders.  Then, if you need to make things right with someone, go to them and tell them that you are sorry.  They may or may not forgive you.  That's their choice.  But you need to do your part.  Get right with Jesus, and you too, can have that Living Water that refreshes and restores you.

Blessings!

Exhaustion..... soooo tired....

 That was how I was feeling last night.  Hubby wanted to watch a movie, but I told him no, I wanted to read.  I did get through a chapter, but then I could not keep my eyes open.  I closed them for a moment around 7PM.... and woke myself up snoring at 7:20PM!  Hubby told me to go to bed - but I told him it was too early.  I had fallen asleep for a deep ten minutes or so and was awake.  I read for about another hour then decided it was time for bed, thinking I was too awake and it would be awhile before I fell asleep.  Wrong.  I think I was asleep before hubby made it to bed!  AND, I slept deep all night.  I have no idea what caused my extreme tiredness, but when my Fitbit alarm went off at 4AM, I turned it off and snuggled back down to sleep.  About 4:20AM I heard hubby shuffling to the the bathroom - he must have awakened in the night and gone to sleep in his recliner.  He does that when his shoulder is hurting so badly he can't sleep and knows he will wake me up if he stays in bed.  I heard him shuffling so got up and came in here.  I'm feeling rested, but also feel like I'm catching a cold from snoring so deeply.  But, it could also be this crazy weather that is causing my sinus' to clog and dry.  I turned the humidifier on yesterday during the day in here just to bring some moisture into the room.  My hair is flying everywhere when I brush it; so dry in the air.

Yesterday was a busy day, but I still found some time to ponder our Jailbreak Getaway and where we will be going.... which got me to thinking about our anniversary getaway and what to do.  I finally had a talk with hubby last night and I think we will look at renting an Airbnb in Pine as they have some nice ones and the prices are not bad at all for a whole cabin.  As I thought about us going to Tennessee to stay at cabins near my nephew, I checked airlines as well as the cabins.  I'm not willing to spend that much for 3-4 days.  Hubby usually plans our anniversary getaway and pays for the hotel or where we stay out of the joint account.  I know him.... if I plan it, he will 'allow' me to pay for it.  I'm fine with staying home, and talked him into that last year with the thought we'd go to Tennessee this year.  But $1K for two airline tickets (Delta) threw a big wrench in the plans. Plus the cost of the cabins.  I just can't justify $3K for a 4 day vacation, no matter how nice it is.  Especially if it is an expense I will end up figuring out how to pay for it.

I showed hubby a nice Airbnb I saw in Pine that was only $173 a night - with a great view of the mountains and elk inthe back yard, plus a jacuzzi. And we can drive there.  He liked it.  I reminded him of my dental bill coming up quickly, plus he will have some dental work done within a few months.  I think I have him convinced Tennessee will need to be put on hold.  Wish it was close enough we could drive there.  But it isn't, so look for alternatives.

Our temperatures have turned chilly for a couple days so I'm thinking a pot of chili is in order for today.  I pulled the ground beef out of the freezer last night and I have enough beans and tomatoes, and juice, and pasta, to make a small pot.  There will still be enough for dinner or lunch tomorrow.  I love good chli on a cold day.  I do need more saltine crackers though.  They are my 'addiction'.  I love saltine crackers and can just sit and eat them 'dry' - or with peanut butter or chili piled upon them.  MMmm the thought of chili really does sound good!

The book I ordered about Revelations should be arriving today.  Nothing deep - it's just 40 days through Revelations and I figure that can give my sister and I something to discuss.  Of course we will also be reading the Bible through Revelations as we go.  I know I will be learning some things for although I have read through Revelations a few times, I haven't studied it.  There is a difference.  You read to learn about... but you study to learn why and what.  

My sister made a comment about Revelations that I hadn't thought about, although I know that I had read it.  There is a Bible study there at the park they are staying at in Florida that she plans to go to - and it is on Revelations.  A friend she has was refusing to go for various reasons of interpretations of Revelations.  Then she changed her mind.  Why?  Because of this verse:

Revelations 1:3 (NKJV)  "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near."

The words 'Blessed is he who reads ..." got her attention.  We all want to be blessed.  So she has decided she may go and hear what is said.  When my sister told me about that verse, I realized I didn't remember reading it.  Blessed is he.... and here I have read Revelations, but haven't really thought about it.  I want to be blessed, so am glad that we are not only going to read it, but study it some too.  What about you?  You want to be blessed?  Maybe you ought to try reading Revelations as well!

Blessings!

Denial.... turn the light back on!

 My headache is finally gone, I think, and I hope it stays away.  It was a real pain to have.  Pun intended! 

I've read more this weekend than I have read in awhile and I must admit that I have enjoyed it.  I did crochet while we watched a movie last night, but other than that, it was reading.  And it felt good.  I know I've mentioned before I don't usually read fiction books, preferring cookbooks or self-help books.  By self- help I mean things that will help me grow spiritually.  Remember what I talked about yesterday and the Rapture?  Well, my little sissy and I talked yesterday and we both decided to purchase a couple books and do a study together on Revelations.  We can read a bit and talk it through.  She's more in to end times, as I've shared before.  I haven't been, I'm more interested in living right to get to the end times.  But it wouldn't hurt for me to delve into it and become more aware.  I do know the book I'm reading right now is really 'deep' and I'm not sure I understand it all, but I'm trying to finish it and not put it back down.  

Ah- my title today... Denial.  Juts realized that I was rambling and forgot about that title.  Let's see if I can write the scene as I read it in one of my devotionals this morning.   There was a reporter who was doing a series on exposing the dirtiness (is that a word?) of hotel rooms.  He had a black light and he would find a couple who would let them in their room and he would turn out the lights and turn that black light on.  Well, he found an unsuspecting couple on an anniverary getaway and asked to go up with them and shine the black light in their room. They agreed.  The arrive at the room, and the wife turns the lights on.  They all look at this pristine room, everything crisp and fresh and clean.  Then the lights went out and the reporter turned on his black light, and you could see stains everywhere - even on the carpet was a big stain!   The wife started yelling "turn the light back on! turn the light back on!"

And that's what we do.  We want the light turned back on so that we don't see what is hidden.  We want the light of relationships on so that we don't see the situations and emotions that need discussed and repaired.  We want the light of our lives to stay on, so that we don't see that the things we have done in the past have left big stains on our spouses, our children, our families, our homes.  We go into denial mode and refuse to see damages.  We want everything to be pristine and clean; everything in its place.  We don't want to see anything .... 

But not wanting to see it doesn't mean it isn't there.  

Sigmund Freud defined denial this way: a defense mechanism in which a person is faced with a fact that is too uncomfortable to accept, so they reject it despite overwhelming evidence.  Instead of brutal honesty, many of us choose denial.  When we are confronted with a reality that is so uncomfortable, so inconvenient, we choose to continue living in a false reality.

That's why a lot of people medicate their denial of life circumstances.  The truth is too uncomfortable so it's easier to pretend everything is ok.  For example - a simple thing - how many of us (I've done this too!), that when we get a bill in the mail and we don't have the money to pay for it.... we choose not to open the envelope?  We want to deny the bill.... and if we don't open it, we haven't actually received it - have we?  We throw it on the stack of other unpaid bills until there is no choice and we have to face reality... or the second delinquent bill comes in.  We want to deny the bill exists.

We try to deny the sins that stain our lives and pretend that they don't exist.  We medicate in different ways in that denial.  We think if we pour ourselves into our children, we can deny our marriage is bad; we think if we hide behind baggy clothes, we can deny we have put on too much weight.  Or lost too much weight.  We keep going shopping and taking trips with the pretense we have money in the bank, instead, we are making it worse.  We live in denial.

But as for our sins, there is hope.  When we confess our sins, the blood of Jesus is poured over us and all - not just one or two - all of our sins are washed away; covered and cleaned.

I John 1:9 (NKJV)  "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

I find it easier to confess my sins than deny them.  Sins hang around your neck and weigh you down.  Guilt clouds your thoughts and your actions.  You tell yourself that you will do better 'tomorrow'.  But that tomorrow doesn't come.  Things don't change.  The guilt becomes unbearable and at times, we forget it is there because we keep medicating it by continually denying it exists.  Our lives are miserable, and the lives of those around us are miserable.

Take a moment and just think where you are in life right now.  What is it that you have been denying to yourself - and to others?  Sometimes the reality is to painful to talk about so we deny the root and discuss the leaves that have grown.  Get to the root of it and confess to one another what the issue is, what is it that we keep denying.

Confess that sin and be washed clean.  You will feel so much better!  And you can face what is in front of you; sometimes it has to come down to just you and Jesus.  Then you can face the world.

Blessings.

Some weather happenings are going on somewhere!

 How do I know this?  Well, actually, it is a guess.  I have had a sinus headache going on for a few days now.  Last night was the worst, I think.  So much so that I couldn't sleep and about 11:30PM I got up and came into this room to try and sleep - and found myself tossing and turning most of the night.  I remembered this morning that I did buy some sinus headache medication a few weeks ago so got up and took two of them and I am finally starting to feel release.  Wish I had thought of them last night!  Yes, I had taken something yesterday, but it hadn't helped any.  I've heard that we are to get cold weather on Tuesday - or was that last week - so guess that is what is going on.

In all of that - I didn't sleep well last night, even here in the 2nd bedroom.  I could hear hubby shuffling down the hall a couple times during the night.  He doesn't sleep well at all anymore and is usually grumpy when he gets up.  This morning was no exception - especially when he discovered I came in here during the night.  "it is what it is".

We were going to try out the 9AM service this morning as the HOA is planning a 'greet your neighbor' thing at noon.... but I think we are staying home (because of my headache) from church.  I still need to figure out what to take.  Think I will take a run to the store and buy a can of baked beans.  I wanted to make banana pudding, but when I went to the store to get the big can of it the other day, they were out of it.  Not going that far today; will go see what I can find in a big can.  Perhaps nacho cheese and chips.  That sounds good too.  It will be a hamburger and hotdog type gathering... one said she'd bring potato salad, another a broccoli salad.  Trying to think of something that will go along with that.

Yesterday was a beautiful day and we sat out front for awhile.  I / we really didn't do much yesterday.  I worked on a puzzle for a few hours and made some progress.  Hubby worked on his message as he speaks next Sunday at the RV park - and we have to go to it!  We each have one time next month and then we are done for this season.  We are already on the calendar for next year at one, and expect to hear from the other within a couple weeks.  They called and asked what Sundays we could do - and it was easier to give them the ones we couldn't.   I need to start working on something for the one I have next month.  Hubby will probably use what he is doing this next week as it is at a different RV park.  

My little sister and I talked yesterday and we got to talking about the Rapture.  I know you've heard of it - and like me - think to yourself "well, I won't be here for that" - and that may be a true statement.  But no one knows when Jesus will return - and it could be today and you will be here.  So then what?

I Thessalonians 4:13-18 (NIV)  "Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.  For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.  According to the Lord's word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.  For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And so we will be with the Lord forever.  Therefore encourage one another with these words."

Do you feel comforted that your grandparents who prayed for you, your parents who prayed for you, will be taken up to heaven even though they have died?  Their prayers for you live forever and they are still waiting, in some cases, for them to be answered so that you will rise with them to see Jesus when the Rapture comes.

I've read Revelations a couple times but have never dived into it to understand it better.  I've been wanting to get back into a Bible study so just might do it now.  Just to satisfy my curiosity.  Wish we still had Family Christian book store so I could browse; Barnes and Noble doesn't have much in Religion.  I checked Amazon last night, and will be checking Christian Book Distributors as well to see what is there.  I did find something about Revelations by Dr. John MacArthur and have it in my cart - I'm still thinking about that.  

A very good fiction book that I have read a couple times and love to read is called "The Bema".  It is a story about a man who....  you know what, I'd encourage you to read it yourself.  Download it; buy it; or if you know me, ask to borrow my copy.  It's an easy read, but deep and meaningful.  It is about the Rapture - although fiction.  Gives you something to think about.  In fact, I CHALLENGE you to read it.

In fact, I DOUBLE DARE you to read it!  I want you to start thinking about the future.  You may shrug and say "I don't care; I'm not going to change".... but for those who have gone before you, loving the Lord and praying diligently over you, would you read it for them?  Just for something to think about?

Hmmm. Just checked it on Amazon.  It's free on Kindle Unlimited; $31 if you buy it.  So I went to Thriftbooks.com and found it for $9.89 but they only had one copy.... so yes, I bought it.  It is that important that I'd want you to read it.  Have I gotten your curiosity up yet?  You won't be bored with it; it isn't full of religious stuff.  It's fiction.

Jesus loves us so much He gives us so many ways to find Him; to learn about Him.  Be informed.  Don't reject Jesus because you don't want to change the way you live.  There will come a time that you will want to know the truth.  Why?  Because the truth will set you free.

John 8:32 (NIV) "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Blessings!

Regret or Repentance?

 I really haven't thought about that before... but there is a difference between regret and repentance.  When you confess something to someone, are you confessing because you regret it.... or because you repent from it?  That's an interesting thought, don't you think?  It's one that came up in a devotional I read this morning.

Remember Lance Armstrong?  Remember that for years he denied all the doping charges and he won - wasn't it 7 races?  Finally, the evidence stacked up enough that when he went on Oprah and she asked him if it was true, that he had been using body-enhancing drugs..... and he said yes.  For the whole world to hear.  Finally.  The beginning of the end of all he stood for.

But was his confession one of regret - for getting caught..... or was he repentant that he had done it?  Ah... that is the question, right?

When we get caught with our hand in the 'cookie jar' (however that may look), when we say "I'm sorry", are we sorry we got caught.... or are we sorry becaues we did wrong (when we were told to stay OUT of the cookie jar?)?

It has gotten easier sometimes to just say "I'm sorry" and think that will satisfy the one to whom we are saying it to.  A spouse, a child, a friend.  We say "I'm sorry" when we have hurt someone.  We say "I'm sorry" when we misunderstand someone.  There are different ways we say "I'm sorry".

When was the last time you told God "I'm sorry", and meant it?  

The slang some have used over the years of "sorry, not sorry" just came to mind.  What exactly does that mean?  I'm sorry I got caught but not sorry I did it?  I'm sorry I hurt you, but I'm not sorry because I feel justified in what I did?  I'm sorry you don't like my behavior or something I said, but I'm not sorry because I don't really care what you think.

Does that make you stop and think this morning?  When was the last time you said "I'm sorry" - and meant it?  When was the last time you truly regretted doing something?  When was the last time you confessed and repented of something you did?

When was the last time you were honest with yourself?

Hebrews 4:13  "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight.  Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."   

Guess what makes me think twice (sometimes) before I do something?  You have heard about all those clouds of witnesses up in heaven who watch over you?

Hebrews 12:1 (NIV) "Therefore, since we are surround by such a great crowd of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perserverance the race marked out for us."

That means, in some cases, mom or dad is watching you.  Grandma and Grandpa who prayed so diligently for you is watching you.  People you admire and love and respect, are watching you.  And I think about my daddy and my grandparents watching me and the things I do and the things I say.... and I admit, sometimes I am ashamed that they would see that in me.  When I think about them - let alone Jesus watching me! - I am truly repentant.... but sometimes I find myself doing it all over again.  Words can say repentant, but until it is in the heart and mind, it is difficult for repentance to truly come.  

I do know that I don't want people watching me when I do something I shouldn't.  I mean, I sneak (I truly do!) into our cookie jar at times because I don't want hubby's eyes watching me and his mouth commenting on it.  I'm over 21, I don't need permission to get in the cookie jar!  I have to hide sometimes when I want a piece of candy.  I don't like being watched!

So with this great crowd of witnesses watching me (they don't care I eat that cookie!!), I am more conscious of what things I choose to do.  I try to be kinder, truthful, and obedient.  I may say things that others don't want to hear, but if they are truth, they need to hear them.  Disappointment in people happens, but that is because we are human.  I don't believe that God is disappointed in us for not following Him, He is sorrowful because He knows that He can bless us beyond all imagination when we give our lives to Him.  He will give us clarity of mind, He will direct our paths, He will keep us in the palm of His hand.  Our name is already written there.  The Bible says so.  And I choose to believe that if God said it in His Word, then it is true.

Isaiah 49:15-16 (NIV)  "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne?  Though she may forget, I will not forget you!  See, I have engraved  you on the palm of my hands; your walls are ever before me."

Think about your plans for today.... will they be things you will be regetting by end of day?  Will you feel a need for repentance of what you've done or said?    Or will you be able to say "It is well with my soul".

Who is watching you?  In life, it is our children, our families, our friends.  In heaven, it is those who love us and have gone before us.  

Blessings!