I am getting better....I think

 Once again I started yawning early last night and went to bed early - and woke up at 5AM when my alarm went off.  I slept well last night, having taken just a tylenol to keep any pain at bay.  Since I slept all night, I think the worst is over and I am doing just fine with this surgery recovery.  I get twinges ever so often, but I ignore them, unless it is bad.  I'll take another tylenol before we go to church this morning, just to be sure I don't start hurting during church.  

My youngest made brownie points yesterday - he and his wife came to the funeral for a dear old friend.  He didn't know him well, and of course hadn't seen him in years, but still, he came.  And the church was pretty full.  By the time we got there, hitting every.single.red.light. except for one or two, I think, it was 9:50AM.  It was to start at 10AM.  But, just before we got there, they made an announcement that it may start, hopefully, by 10:15AM.  What they shared was the hearse had broken down on the freeway and another large car had to come pick up the casket and transport it to the church.  I don't know who the Yukon belonged to, but it was long enough to transport it.  It arrived just before we got there.   It was a nice service, although the microphone wasn't working that well most of the time and we couldn't hear all that was said. We saw several people we hadn't seen in years.  That's what always happens - at weddings and at funerals.  We went to lunch with the youngest and his wife and had a nice visit.  Coming home - guess who settled in for a nap?  Yep, me.

I find it interesting that with the TV off, hubby isn't taking (or at least I haven't seen it) naps like he did before.  He'd take 2 hour naps easily.  And he says he is sleeping all night.  Imagine that!  Usually the TV comes on at 2PM and he's asleep by 2:30PM and wakes up around 3:30-4PM.  I should bring that to his attention.  Maybe.  Last night he asked if I wanted to watch a movie.  He didn't like my response - but I told him, "You have been doing so well with not even talking about the TV or asking about movies, and I know you said if I wanted to watch a movie, you'd turn it on.   You have gone six days without the TV - and I don't want to mess you up.... if YOU want to watch a movie, then watch it; I can do without it.  I'm just afraid that if you watch a movie, then you'll start rationalizing that you will just watch the news, and then before you know it, you'll be watching TV."  He grumbled a bit, but he left the TV off.    He has stuck to his vow of no TV.  He didn't give up any food specifically, but is trying to stick to what I am, including fish and chicken.  I'm not to judge what he does; that is between him and God, just like my fast is between me and God.  Even at the restaurant, I had 4 vegetables.  Hubby had fish and two vegetables.  And we left the biscuits alone.  And that was hard - I love bread, as you know.

I didn't get anything done yesterday that I wanted to.  After the funeral, and taking a nap, naw, I wasn't getting up to do anything.  I did some crocheting and some knitting - didn't even cook dinner since we ate lunch - and hubby realized I wasn't fixing anything, so he got up and fixed himself some leftovers from the other night.  All by himself.  Yeah, some sarcasm there.   I have things I really need to get done today, and may... or may not.

Jesus was talking to several Pharisees who wore white clothing to sow how holy they were. He said in Matthew 23:26 (NKJV): "First, cleanse the inside of the cup ......"  That's the alignment of your inner world. You cannot take the man out of the slum. You have to take the slum out of the man. That alignment in your inner world is your purity. It's your thought life. The Pharisees were so worried about looking the part on the outside, but on the inside they were full of dead men's bones.  Some people worry about how they look on the outside only.  You know, how they look, what do other people think, etc.  But the greater thing is to be clean on the inside, in your thought life, in your purity and your attitude, in your spirit.

In other words, it doesn't matter how we dress, whether we smell pretty or not.  What matters is that inside of us is pure and clean.  What does that mean?  It means you are following Jesus, you are obeying Him.  You are following Him so close the dust of His sandals gets all over you.  That what I want.  To be so close to Him.  

Sometimes, yes, it feels like He is far away.  I'm sure you have felt that too.  But He isn't.  It is me, or us, who have moved from Him, by letting something in that shouldn't be there.  Perhaps it was a cross word or two, an attitude.  Things that we know are not of Him, who is perfect is every way.  The devil has a way of sneaking in and when you are walking with Jesus, the devil will do everything he can to flip the scales in his favor.  When you recognize something is different - and you will - ask for forgiveness and turn your way around.  And you will find Jesus right there once again.

Life doesn't get any better than with having Jesus right by your side.  Don't you want to experience that feeling, that joy that He brings?  Think about it.  Do it.  Just once step.  Acknowledge Jesus as Lord of all, and ask forgiveness. It's so easy.

Blessings!

All I want to do is sleep....

 of course it is that way most mornings anymore, but good grief! I took a pain pill about 5PM last night - surgery area was really hurting yesterday (and Dr. office called and said that was to be expected; 3rd day after surgery)... and I went to bed around 7PM I think it was.  I saw no sense sitting there trying to stay awake either reading (lost cause to stay awake) or crocheting.  I slept sound until 11-ish, then went back to sleep, and I could swear someone rang the doorbell around 1AM.  I was having stupid crazy dreams by this time - and dingdong!  I know that is what I heard!  Just one time. The thought occurred to me - did Fed Ex deliver?  They always ring the doorbell.  Could it have been Amazon?  What about UPS?  One of the kids?  But it didn't ring again so I dozed back off and didn't go check.  I thought briefly that maybe the garage door was left open again (it sometimes gets forgotten) and the neighbor was letting us know it was open - but why ring the doorbell just one time?  I'm thinking a package got left cause I heard hubby go outside this morning (I told him about it when he brought my coffee in) and he walked outside - could he have found a package?  What in the world did I order that was so important to be delivered at 1AM?  Stay tuned on that one - although I may forget.

After all that sleeping last night - yes, I fell asleep again in here this morning - unintentionally.  I lost an hour somewhere so I am thinking I fell asleep.  I had my eyes closed anyway.  And I blame it all on the oxycodone.  We have a funeral to go to this morning; hopefully the pain will stay subsided enough that I won't need that strong of a pill.  Maybe I'll take an ibuprofen to keep it at bay - although it makes me sleepy too.  Hubby wants to leave at 9AM although the funeral is at 10AM.  It will take us about 20-25 minutes to get there - maybe - but this man had a lot of friends - after all, he was 93 and he had been working int he prison ministry for years before he was forced into retirement.  He was a great and godly man, for sure, and greatly loved by everyone.  He used to encourage me in ministry and could talk to someone for hours - if you'd let him.

We're doing well on the fast thus far, I think.  Hubby grumbles at times, but I've managed to fix different vegetables and some in different ways (like brussel sprouts in the air fryer - even I can eat them from there-and I don't like them!   I did fix chicken salad last night, mixed with grapes and walnuts and celery.  Did you know that nuts are a fruit?  LOL Hubby asked me last night if cashews were a fruit - he was joking, but I googled it - and technically - it IS!  It said nuts were a fruit because it was inside of a shell.  Or something like that. You can google that question.  That made him happy since he got two containers of cashews for Christmas.   Yes, I know, chocolate isn't a fruit.  LOL

Matthew 6:33 (NKJV):  "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

When you seek God first, whether it be in how you live, what you eat (or don't eat), friends you make or let go of - when you seek Him first, life is always so much better.  Trust me, I know this for a fact.  I know I am not the same person I was 42 years ago - and for some of it, I'm grateful that I have a loving heavenly Father that will take hold of me and shake me loose and set my feet on His solid ground.  Well, really, all of it, but I was thinking about ways I've changed over the years that I wish I still had - like a personality.  I have to step out of my comfort zone anymore to do what I enjoy doing.  And that's all I will say about that.  Some times one has to weigh what is more important - obeying God or having things my way.  I chose - and choose - God.

I remember working through one study and I got to a certain chapter and I could not get past it.  I would not change that part of my life.  I remember going to the altar one day and praying about it, and later a dear male friend stopped and asked me if everything was ok, for I had been crying.  I shared with him about this chapter in the book and the difficulty I was having in being obedient in this one area.  Yeah, it had to do with hubby.  Don't even remember the chapter now.  Whatever it was, after talking with him, I felt so much better, and was able to get through that chapter and finish that book.  That's what friends are for.  Help you when you are struggling.  No, I didn't meet him 1:1; we were still at church in a public place.  Meeting 1:1 with a member of the opposite sex could cause problems if you are alone.  Nope, didn't do that.  I don't even remember what he answered; I just know it helped me.  

When you see someone who looks like they may be struggling - take a moment and just ask if they are ok.  If there is something you could pray with them about.  Let them know you care and are willing to just listen and not offer solutions or advice.  Be there for them.  That is what a real friend is.

I usually run to God with all my problems; but, as you know, I ramble on in here about some of them as well.  Sometimes it helps just to type them out - and then I realize they aren't such a big deal after all.  Most times it is just my 'don't want to' getting in the way of 'I have to'.  

Hubby decided not to go to the men's group this morning at church (pickles!) and gave a lame excuse he wouldn't be ready in time to go to the funeral if he did.  Figure that one out.  No, don't bother.  He just didn't want to go - why doesn't he just say that?   I probably should go to the grocery sometime today as well; hubby is out of bananas cause I have been eating one the past few mornings - it's soft and cool and felt good on my surgery spot should it move to that side.  This morning I think I'll just drink a premier protein shake - it fills me up and gives me 30g of protein.  All good.  

And.... I need to get moving and start getting ready if we are going to leave by 9AM.  It's about 20 until 8AM.  Yeah, I allow myself at least an hour, although it doesn't take that long.  I'd rather have time to spare than rush and forget to put mascara on.  :-) Not that it matters.  It's not about me.  

I bought a hydrotropic plant holder and it arrived yesterday.  I have it in here until I decide whether or not I will keep it.  I keep thinking I want to grow some vegetables - but can't do it outdoors - and this is very small.... I need to read about it - I may send it back.  After all, there is only two of us.  But still, I want to grow things.  I can grow flowers in it too.  And herbs.  Need to read the instructions.  I've always wanted one.... this is a small one.  Much cheaper than the 'Lettuce Grows' one I almost bought - for nearly $1k - it was on a huge stand and you could grow all kinds of fruits and vegetables.  This one holds only 12.  Yeah, still processing.  Stay tuned.

Ok - gotta go.  Time is getting away from me.  Have a good day!

Blessings!

I should have re-read...

 I opened the blog up this morning to see The eeeeee added to my title.  It was a rough morning, remember?  I didn't even glance at the title when I hit save.  It was one of those mornings and I was busy most of the day.  So glad this is Friday, although tomorrow will be another day of different things.  Hubby has a men's group at church (he's debating; I hope he will go), and we have a celebration of life to attend at 10AM.  I've missed a lot of our 'old' friends who have passed for various reasons - but I do want to attend this one.  Leonard was a dear friend and a godly man.

Inside of my mouth feels swollen this morning, a bit more than usual, but I think it is probably still healing as it should.  I can still feel the stitches.  It's only been since Tuesday late afternoon.  It was really hurting a lot yesterday so did take the higher pain pills - in fact, they made me so drowsy I went to bed around 7PM and hubby did too (and he didn't take any pills!)  Slept most of the night - woke up a little after 3AM - which was expected since I went to bed so early - but came in here and slept another hour yet.  I definitely got my sleep in last night!

Hubby has his Friday morning men's group so I will have a couple hours alone.  Wonder what I can get done in that length of time - but it depends on what work there is for me to do.  The last two days have been exceptionally busy.  As soon as he leaves I'll jump in the shower and then face my day.  I did finally bag up my stuffed animals in front of the TV. I can't put anything in the cabinets as it is so cold and I don't want to pull my car out and work on them.  It will warm up and I will be able to put things away.  I want to take the time and clean things out... but because of the cool weather, it ain't happening.  Is that good enough of an excuse.

We found out yesterday we have a heat pump.  Hubby noticed the other day that when the heater comes on, cool air (like A/C) blows for about 7-8 minutes and then changes to warm.  So he calls the home warranty to have them come check it.  Young man came around 5-ish last night and got up on the roof.  He came back and said that we have a heat pump, and when it is really cold, that is what happens - it will run cool air for the first few minutes then switch to the hot.  It has to warm up first.  And it cost us $79 to find that out.  

I irritated hubby yesterday.  My daughter stopped by with French fries for me.  Remember, I had asked for them after surgery and hubby insisted on getting me a shake instead.  So she brings two cartons of FF.  I had asked the SIL to stop by as I had pulled out a drawer and because I had a helper, I couldn't fit the drawer back in.  I was waiting on the 'helper' to leave the house so I could get it done.  But, he hadn't yet - so when the SIL stopped by, he fixed the drawer for me.  30 seconds maybe.  Then they said that they were heading to the granddaughters to fix a taillight that had gone out.  And I just had to say it.  "What? You can do that all by yourself?"  Hubby goes 'Is that a dig?" and I responded "YES".  Well, it was.  Anyway - got my drawer put back in and got a carton of FF (hubby took the other one).  I was chowing down when my daughter remembered we were fasting and told me that I couldn't have those - and I informed her that potatoes were a vegetable and yes I could!  I was fasting, not dieting - and there is a difference!  And they were good.

I got a new schedule for one of the RV parks I speak at - I was scheduled for 4 times a week ago - now it is 6 times with this new list.  I guess they want me more times.  Now to get the schedule for the RV park up north - they usually only have me twice - and that's ok.  I'll send them my schedule for this one and let them tell me when they want me up there.  Lord willing, and the creek don't rise, I will still be here to speak at all these times.  I need to get busy on another message for February and March.  Then this season is over.  I love sharing God's Word and helping His people find their way back to Him.

I'm drawing a blank this morning for a scripture... perhaps because my mind is somewhat distracted.  I'm debating on just taking a tylenol for the pain, since it isn't that bad.  Why waste a good pain pill, right?  But they wrote in instructions NOT to take other pain pills (although I have- ie. ibuprofen.  I'm just ready for the gnawing pain to go away.  

So - guess I will close this off and get ready to take a shower; hubby is about ready to leave for his meeting.  Hope that you have an amazing day!

Blessings!

I just wanted to sleep

 I awoke around 3AM this morning with my back hurting - from what I'm not sure.  Was it because I forgot to take my Fosamax yesterday?  Was it because I slept on my back all night?  I don't know, but it was hurting, and so was my mouth.  I finally got up at 3:15AM and came in here - to take an ibuprofen - yes, you know what it does to me - and I have been trying to go back to sleep (and have several times) since then!  I didn't want to take another oxy - saving those for when the pain is really bad - and a sore back didn't warrant it cause they are for my mouth.  Anyway - I've dilly-dallied until I now have about 15 minutes to write someone on here.

Work was busy yesterday - and I still have some meetings I need to get scheduled.  I can hopefully get those completed today.  We also have to complete what is called an 'ARC' - I forget what all it stands for - but I'm sure I've mentioned them a time or two over the years.  We have to do two a year.  This one is a 'self-assessment' of the things we accomplished last year - in other words - "blow your own horn" which I hate doing - but my boss does it for me and usually gives me a 'exceeding expectations' which results in a nice raise.  But I don't feel what I do is that much.... I mean, I do a lot of things, but I rack them up as 'other duties as assigned', not specific special things I did.  Oh well, got to think about what I did this last year.

Today my favorite boss is having a 3 hour meeting down in Mesa. I could go down there too, but there isn't a need for me to be there so am not.  I don't mind the drive - and I'm out of the house.  My other boss is supposed to be at another meeting there, but it isn't mandatory so I'm pretty sure he won't be going either.  One of my other bosses will be at that meeting (she reports up to this boss) and the other lives in Colorado so she has her own thing - I support her remote and not often.   Yes, I'm rambling.

Psalm 118:5-6 (NLT):  "In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear.  What can mere people do to me?"

So many times we allow ourselves to be 'afraid' of people - afraid of what they might do, what a reaction will be, etc.  But when we have the Lord on our side, and cry out to Him for deliverance, we realize that it doesn't matter what the other people try to do, the Lord is on OUR side and will walk with us through whatever is thrown at us. 

I always think back to a time a former boss (at another company) yelled at me - I mean, seriously yelled at me.  She yelled, and I just stood there and smiled at her because I knew I was right and she wasn't.  Of course that made her more angry.  But, I didn't worry about her threats and her words for I knew that no matter what, the Lord was on my side and He would continue to watch out for me and take care of me.  And He did.  It wasn't long after that she was no longer there - and I didn't say one word.  It was the person in the room with us that 'shared' about the yelling.... I knew I was taken care of and wasn't afraid.  When was the last time you felt something was coming at you and you didn't know how it would end?  How did you feel?

Whatever it is, just give it to God and then you don't have to worry about it.  He's got it.

Blessings!

I survived, but what was it?

 I had my oral surgery yesterday and it went well.  Between being somewhat groggy and frustrated with hubby and his 'rules' (I showed him!), when the doctor called to see if I was ok, I think I neglected to ask him what it was.... and yet, I think I did ask, just didn't understand.  But I see him next Tuesday for a follow-up so will be able to get more clear information.

I did sleep some, but not much, during the evening.  Hubby, of course, was trying to wait on me hand and foot - and I had to keep saying I didn't want anything.  I wanted him to stop on the way home and bring me McDonald french fries - it's a vegetable and I could nibble on them.  BUT, he insisted that the nurse told him to get me a milk shake so a chocolate milkshake it was.  And yes, I did drink it and it was ok - and the coolness felt good in my mouth.  But I wanted french fries.  And of course his comment that I wasn't to get any calls (he dared asked me where my phone was!) was no help.  I text'd those that 'needed to know - in my opinion - that I was home and fine.  And I was right - my youngest son goes 'what surgery?'  LOL  He has a lot of other things going on so I probably didn't tell him.

Ms. Vicky had a tree trimmer come out yesterday for her tree and sent him over to see me.  I really think he would have done a great job - he is an arborist; he knows trees - and even said not to cut them back until it's warmer or it could kill the trees.  I sent his card and information to the son and suggested he go with him.  I really feel it was a 'God-send' cause I hadn't called anyone yet.  Then Ms. Amy calls hubby in the afternoon and tells him that she remembered who did it another time or two back and called him and he will be today (which leaves me no time to go pick any more fruit cause I cannot be out in the cold right now) - and now I'm concerned the trees will die.  I shared that information with the son, and he just said that Ms. Amy wanted it done now.   That's fine. None of my business anyway.  If they do die, the people who buy the house (I heard they dropped the price to $386K from $398) may be a bit upset if they really want the citrus trees.  

I woke up this morning with a very sore throat and a major headache.  The headache was bad enough I took a full Oxy - and it feels like it has finally kicked in.  I'm running 'behind schedule' as I spent most of my time this morning just laying here with my eyes closed.  I did get my reading done, and some praying, but with my head hurting (the entire sinus area), all I wanted to do was hold something cool against my forehead for relief.  It's finally kicking in, though, and it's nearly 7AM so will need to get on the computer quickly now.  But I may take a nap during the morning - which I know my boss doesn't care.  At least I'm working!

So, yes, this is very short this morning - because I spent the time laying back with my eyes closed trying to get rid of the headache.  But now you know - I'm doing fine after my oral surgery and I did well during it.  This office is so nice and very thorough in making sure you understand and asks 'do you have any questions?"  I just couldn't think when the doctor called.  I'll be more coherent on Tuesday when I go for the check-up.

But now - I need to get off the computer, get the work computer up (I already have 41 messages!) and start to move about.  I will feel better if I do, as well.  Headache is on its way out, throat not quite as sore (feels good to drink water and coffee!) and well, I need t move.  So with that - hope your day is full of...

Blessings!

This is the day.... sigh...

 Yes, it is the day that the Lord has made! - BUT - it is also the day I go to the oral surgeon to get that bone taken out of my gum line.  My appointment had been scheduled for me to be there at 3:45PM - but they called yesterday as they had a cancellation - and asked if I could come in at 1:45PM - of course I can!  No water nor food for 8 hours before - and I did go ahead and give up my coffee this morning - yeah I could have had it - but decided to just not.  Anyway, one sip of water for my levothyroxine and that's all I've had this morning.  I'll go early so I can get this thing over with!  I'm taking off work at 1PM and we'll head over about 1:15PM.  Don't expect any problems; am interested to hear what they discover as neither the dentist or the oral surgeon have seen anything like this before and they don't even have an answer as to what it is, other than a bone/root of some sort.  Me, I'm looking forward to the anesthesia and just totally blacking out and going to sleep!  Deep sleep!  Although it won't be for that long - and then I can come home and go back to sleep.

Sigh.  Hubby isn't going to his study tonight so that he can take care of me.  And has already given me instructions that no one is to call or text me so that I can rest as I plan to come back to the couch and go back to sleep.  So, I'll text the kids before I settle in.  So there!  Unless they read it here, not sure if they are even aware of it; the daughter may be, if she remembers, but the youngest doesn't, I'm sure.  

I've just sat in my chair this morning and did a lot of praying for my family.  I did some of my reading.  I just wanted to lay here with my eyes closed and pray this morning.  I was awakened in the middle of the night again with songs of praise going through my head.  I'm ready for a nap!  The body may still sleep, but the mind keeps me awake.  But I'd also rather have praise music going through my head than rewinding and replaying a TV program like hubby watches.

Only he left the TV off yesterday.  He actually read a book last night.  This is going to be the longest 21 days for him since he gave up the TV.  For him it is a real challenge.  I could feel bored vibes yesterday afternoon, he was restless.  When I asked if he was bored, he said no, he was going to read.  But the TV puts him to sleep and well, he didn't get a nap in yesterday that I know of.  Of course I'm here in my office all day.

Philippians 4:13 (NKJV):  "For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength."

I can't tell you how many times I have said that statement - along with my "Lord Help!!" cries during each day.  Do you realize how much you need to say that yourself?  He IS our STRENGTH when we just feel like we can't go on.  He IS our WISDOM when we don't know what to do.  He IS our HOPE when there seems to be no hope to be had.  He IS our PROVIDER when we are in need.  He is our HEALER when we need a touch from His hand.  HE IS..... everything and we can do everything because He supplies all that we need - when we need it.  

Take a few moments and just tell Him "Thank You".  After all, He has been providing for you without you even asking Him.  Give Him praise, for only He is worthy of praise.

Give me Jesus.  And if I have Him, I have everything I need.  And so do you.

Blessings!

A new day; a new work day at that....

 Yeah, back to work today after a short weekend this time - only two days!  This week is a full week, but I'll be taking off early tomorrow to have my oral surgery around 4PM - but I'll be fine.  Hubby has cancelled his Tuesday night meeting with his friends so that he could stay home with me.  I'm sure I will just want to come home and sleep off the anesthesia - but he is afraid something might happen.  And who knows.  I suppose it could.  Can't eat OR drink anything for 8 hours before - so from about 7-8AM tomorrow morning, no water and no food.  Watch me be starving!  LOL

First day of our fast didn't result in much complaining.  We stopped for salads on the way home from Salad & Go and brought them home.  I am not watching what he is doing - or not doing - I am responsible only for myself.  I ran to the store and picked up vegetables and made what my daughter calls P90x soup - I think it was from some program years ago.  We'd never had it, although I knew she had made it frequently, especially when the kids were home.  I made it and we had it yesterday afternoon.  It really is pretty good; even hubby said so!  Even without crackers to eat with it!  Hubby wanted a second bowl, but I reminded him that he had eaten a salad (vegetables) at noon, and now a whole lot of vegetables (potatoes, celery, onions, carrots, etc.) and with his 'sensitive' tummy, perhaps he had better not - and he agreed.  I took some over to Ms. Vicky and visited with her a bit after we ate.  Took her a container of fresh orange juice too.  Our new juicer works great!

I think a couple of my 'bosses' worked over the weekend as I kept seeing the emails go up in number over the weekend (I have my outlook for office app on my phone).  I had 21 messages the last time I checked.  Oh well, some of those were just informational so I won't have to do anything with them.  

Still haven't touched any more Christmas things.... soon, I hope.  Maybe Friday morning while hubby is gone I can get some done.  Providing it's not to cold and wet outside!  I don't want to work in the garage when it's this chilly, and it was down to 46 degrees when I went to the store yesterday!  What's up with that?  I heard it was to be freezing during the night last night - didn't cover anything - if it dies, it dies, right?  It's in our courtyard so it's basically protected from being out in the open.  I hope.  Will see in the next few days if they made it.  Sure hope it starts to warm up.  My computer temperature says it is clear and 35 degrees.  So glad I don't have to get dressed and go out and drive to the office!!  Grateful I don't have to worry about frost/ice on my windshield if I did.  Grateful for the first time in years we have a garage to park our cars in.

Church went well yesterday - got lots of comments on the sermon.  Now if they will only apply what was discussed!  So many times we listen to a message and then go 'oh, ok' - and walk on out the door and forget about it.  I do it too, so am not pointing fingers!  For example, Jentezen Franklin had a great message yesterday morning .... but don't ask me what he said as my mind has been very busy since then. I know it had to do with our fasting journey that we have started, but I couldn't tell you at this moment what else.

It was nice that after the football game hubby turned the TV off and we were able to read some before heading to bed.  He wants to watch the games tonight and then says the TV will be off the remainder of the fast.  Will see.  Well, except if we want to watch a movie.  I won't - but you know he will.......  I'm grateful for the quiet in the evenings so I can read.   I do have the gym workout tonight at 5PM, but then nothing for the rest of the week.  

Our 'heart crew', which is what they call the classes that are starting up, shows it is to start next week.  Well, we can; the first one is to be a potluck anyway, in which we can become acquainted.  But I still have my 5PM workout and it's for an hour so I will be pushing it to get back home - classes will start at 6:30PM.  I may ask tonight to shorten them to 30 minutes or throw in another time so that I don't have to rush to get back.  I need time to prepare my mind too.  I'll be starting on pulling together the lessons this week.

Genesis 1:1  "In the beginning, God created................"

If you read in Genesis, the first book of the Bible, you read all that God created in the heavens and the earth.  But He created.  It wasn't 'man-made'.  It wasn't 'evolution' - because it was void before God created.  He chose to create.... it didn't just happen.

Think of it as having a lump of clay sitting on your counter.  It is just a lump of clay, until you decide to create something from it.  Perhaps a teacup.  Perhaps a vase.  Perhaps a plate.  It doesn't matter what it is, but the point is, you created it.  You made it.  However you chose to make it.  

But God.  He chose to make us in His image.  So each one of us are beautiful in His eyes.  Each one of us is loved by His heart.  He created us.  We didn't 'evolve' as some try to teach.  I prefer to believe God created me in His image, rather than think I came from a fish, to a monkey, to a human being.  Wouldn't you?

God loves us so much, that He not only created US, He created His one and only Son, His begotten Son, Jesus Christ.  And what is even more amazing, is that He gave His Son as a sacrifice for all the wong things we have done - or even ever will do!  Known and unknown!  This sacrifice covers every thought, every action, that has not been pleasing to the Lord.  FORGIVEN!!  And all we have to do is ask Him.  Will you take a moment and do that?  

Psalm 51:10 (TLB):  "Create in me a clean heart, O God. And renew a loyal spirit within me."

Blessings!