He is all I need....

 It was a busy day yesterday, although I did manage to get some reading and perhaps a short nap in the middle of it.  We did meet our friends at Canaan in the Desert yesterday morning, walked through it, and then had brunch.  It was a fun time.  And I found out - and I'm not being mean - that one of the women whom I had not been around much - was a talker.  I think I noticed it when my other friend was very quiet.  I don't usually have a lot of talking going on when I'm eating, but I don't know if she stopped long enough to take a bite or just kept talking.  Anyway, after a while, I was getting tired of the constant talking.  Know anyone like that?  It was nice being with them, don't get me wrong.... it was the constant chattering when I would have enjoyed some quiet.  I whispered in my other friend's ear when I gave her a hug..."we need to meet for lunch sometime soon"... and she got the message.  Of course, they see this couple frequently, so they knew ... but I didn't.  Now I do.  Not that I will avoid this couple - I won't - but I am more aware my ears might fall off.  

It was a good time, though, and we enjoyed the outing with our friends.  And brunch.  We came home and just chilled.  Hubby turned on the TV to a game, so I came in here and planned to read.  And I did read some, but I may have dozed a bit too.  We then met our daughter and her family and had a good dinner at a Mexican restaurant, which was good.  Too many chips and salsa, of course.  I was disappointed with my pollo fundido, although I didn't say anything.  It wasn't hot, but cool, and dry.  My daughter did comment hers was dry as well.  The thought has occurred to me - I wonder if they make some of these in advance, and then add the sauce and cheese and throw in an oven to heat up as the cheese melts.  Things that make one go hummmm.  Oh, be sure to check your receipts when you have a large group (there were 7 of us) - some restaurants add gratuity to the receipt automatically.  My daughter was figuring out the tip - and then noticed it was already added!  This isn't the first time it has happened either.  I think it is six or more some add automatically, but if you miss it being on there and only look at the total, you end up giving $50+ tips!

Hubby's birthday is actually tomorrow.  I need to find where I have hidden his birthday gifts.  I think I have him three things, but at the moment, I can only think of two, so I'm guessing that I will not find that third item.  

My tummy awakened me during the night and although it feels ok right now, I'm not sure if I will be going to church today.  I'm just not feeling 'good', does that make sense?  Could it be I ate too much yesterday?  I'm wanting to stay home... and yet, I feel guilty I want to stay home and not go.  Yes, I'm listening to Free Chapel, and I'm willing to watch our church on the computer or my phone.  I'm just feeling so tired and stomach queasy.  Will see how I feel in another hour - then I will make a decision.  I just feel like I need to go - and yet, I feel like I need to stay home.  Does that mean it is going to be a great service today and I'm going to miss it?  That has happened when I allowed myself to convince myself to stay home.  Will I miss a good service?  I need to make that decision.

Acts 17:24-26 (NKJV):  God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made of hands.  Nor is He worshipped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things.  And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell upon the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings.

Paul made this point about the Greeks when he visited and shared about Jesus.  Remember the scripture where Paul saw all these idols and gods that were worshipped and there was one that had a sign 'The Unknown God' because they were afraid they might forget one and not know it.  So they had to create an 'unknown god' idol to worship.  And isn't that what we do at times?  We 'worship' an unknown god when we don't acknowledge the God who created us, God, who made everything in it.  Even the chairs we sit in were created by Him in that He gave knowledge to the one who made it.

When we go to the doctor, we get what God created because He gives them wisdom to care for our bodies.  God is all in all and He is all we need.  When you go to the doctor, do you just 'hope' for good results - or do you whisper a prayer on the way that God will not only give you good test results, but that the doctor will have wisdom on how to treat you and any symptoms you have?  I get so tired of doctors second guessing God and making their own assumptions on someone's health just based on a symptom that may be only one time or two.  Ever think about that?

I always remember talking with my youngest brother, Buddy, before he died.  He believed this and because I don't know and have never researched it, I believe what he did.  He said he had eaten 4-6 candy bars one morning and went to the refrigerator a couple times and drank milk (yeah we all have done this, you know you have) from the carton.  Mother saw him and called our oldest brother, Sammy, who was a diabetic.  Sammy came over and did a blood sugar test on Buddy and it was 400.  So they called the family doctor (who in my opinion now was not a good doctor) who put Buddy in the hospital and put him on an insulin drip right away.  Buddy was in the hospital I think for 4 days, getting 'regulated'.  According to Buddy's belief - whether true or not, he believed it - he feels the hospital messed up his body to where he became a diabetic and he had to take shots the rest of his life.  He became a non-compliant diabetic because he didn't believe he was a diabetic, and was often in the hospital in ketoacidosis.  Buddy ended up dying in his late 30's when a brain aneurysm burst in the back of his head.  So was he a diabetic before getting pumped with insulin?  No one will ever know. 

Why did I say the doctor wasn't a good doctor?  We loved this doctor and some of the family went to him after we left home.  He was to deliver my 2nd child, but was on vacation.  But he gave us whatever we asked for.  I mean, did I want diet pills?  Ok, he'd write a prescription.  Nowadays you have to have an act of God to get the doctor to give you one (no, I haven't asked).  Said you were feeling a little depressed?  Things not going well?  Well, he had a prescription for that too.  

(erase, erase) 

Ok - I need to hush for I'm all over the place on this.  I feel for those who have to take a lot of medication.  Hubby has a bag full of medications and vitamins - and yet, the doctor declared at his last physical that he was in the best shape as he has been in a long time and to 'keep doing what you have been doing'.  Well, I guess with 2 BP meds, blood thinners, thyroid, 2 cholesterol pills, and who knows what else.... one COULD be considered 'healthy'.  Ok I'll hush.

I heard a song that I think sums it all up.  Jesus is all we need.

"He is all I need, He is all I need, All, all, I need.   Jesus is all I need, He is all I need, Jesus is all I need."

And He is.

Blessings!

What goes around.....

 comes around.  We've all heard that, haven't we?  And sometimes we wait and wait, hoping to see something come around on someone who has offended us.  And we rarely see it.  And if something should happen to that person, would we feel guilty it was wished on them?  Would we feel remorse? Would we ask for forgiveness?  Ah, these thoughts have come at me this morning at someone who has offended me, offended my family, and curses us.  Yes, I have thought thoughts that I want that person punished.  In my own anger I want them hurt.  But I throw those thoughts out and ask God to remove them from my mind.

Why?  Because we are called to love others as we love ourselves.  If someone offends us, we are to forgive them.  Even if they think they have done nothing wrong (does that mean they are stupid?) and continue to berate and curse the people who have previously extended a hand or have helped them.  We all know people like that. Who, after a day or two of bellyaching how abused they are, will 'forget about it' and wallow in their own self and think life is back to normal.  Only it isn't for those they have wounded. Ah.... my thoughts are wandering already this morning so I am going to force it off the topic.  I choose not to have my own personal revenge but allow Jesus to advocate in all situations.  I want to call down curses on them, yes, but instead, I must call down blessings and allow God to punish in His way for the offense to His children.  In our way, we sometimes see results.... and isn't that what we want?  UGH!

Our great-granddaughter received her package from us yesterday and when I heard she had, I did a video call so that we could watch her open it.  Our granddaughter said the daughter was in a grumpy mood - and I think she was right.  She did open the box, but she didn't seem interested in anything but the ipad she was playing on.  Of course I wanted excited and happiness, but we didn't get it, but it was good to 'see' her and I got to talk to our granddaughter some and saw our grandson-in-law come in and wave to us.  I hope she had a good birthday.  7 years old.  Time is flying by!

Our trainer didn't come over last night - which was ok - I didn't cook dinner - we snacked - and we watched two movies.  And hubby stayed awake for both of them!  Amazing!  LOL

Today we have a somewhat busy day.  We're meeting friends from the RV park at Canaan in the Desert at 9:30AM, and then afterwards going to brunch.  Then we will probably come home and take a nap!  Or not.  This evening we will be heading to a Mexican restaurant with the daughter and some of her family to celebrate hubby's birthday, which is Monday.  Food, it's always about food, isn't it?  Food brings friends and families together.  LOL

Got to meet up with my daughter in love for a few moments yesterday and chat with her. Gave her some extra vegetables and fruit.  I had gotten two combo boxes and a bunch of strawberries too - hope to make strawberry pie - already thawed out the crusts so maybe I'll do that after we get back home today.  Hope she can use the vegetables.

Galatians 3:13-14 (NLT):  But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When He was hung on the cross, He took upon Himself the curse of our wrongdoing. For it is written in the scriptures, "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree."  Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing He promised to Abraham, so that we as believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith.

Any curses placed upon us are broken in the name of Jesus.  Do you believe that?  When we follow Him, He breaks every curse that the enemy has put upon us.  

Sometimes we don't understand why we go through dry spells in our lives.  Sometimes it is financial, sometimes it is employment, sometimes it is our spiritual walk, sometimes it is just life.  We feel dry, empty, without hope. We tell ourselves that 'it's just life' or 'it's just the way it is' and we keep moseying along in that same heaviness of the dry spell.  It can be caused by anything.  You have frequently read about some of my own personal dry spells.

But Jesus has declared us whole in Him!  Jesus has declared our lives are worthy because of His sacrifice on the cross.  He took all our sins and bore them for you and for me.  And the devil hates that. He will stir up strife within families, within friends, just to cause problems.  The devil doesn't want us to remember we are forgiven by the blood of Jesus Christ.  The devil wants us to be depressed, to feel the heaviness of life upon us.  The devil doesn't want us to sing songs of praise to break the spell of heaviness within our bodies or within our homes.  Oils and things like that doesn't break curses or heaviness, but Jesus does!  

We often hear certain people say they have put various oils in the air of their homes to break the evil that is there - and they are the ones bringing it in!  They ask people to anoint their doors and windows to keep evil out - but they open the windows to let it in.   Jesus has rescued us from the curses of the evil one - not by oils or prayers spoken against the evil one, but by His blood and His sacrifice for us.

Only Jesus can break the curse of the evil one.  Only Jesus can set you free from whatever is coming against you.  Put some praise music on and let it play in the background.  Hum an old hymn that may come to mind from your youth.  Ask God to intervene and open the floodgates of His blessings upon you and your home, upon your family.  When was the last time you prayed for your family? For your spouse? For your children? For yourself?

Yes, we are also to pray for ourselves.  Sometimes we need a bit of help too, don't you agree?  Many times I am on my face before God to help me understand why some things happen like they do.  I cry out about how I feel; why is this happening to my children, my grandchildren.  And I know He hears me - and even though I don't see or hear the responses/answers I want to see or hear immediately, I know that my prayers, though they may fall short, He hears them and because He loves me, He will answer them - IN HIS TIME.  I may never see the response I want to see from Him for a situation.  But He is definitely in control of it.

Why not take a moment after reading this to just sit back in your chair and ask Jesus (you don't even have to close your eyes!), to help you understand what you need to know, and to help you through whatever you may be going through.  Talk to Him; He is sitting in the chair next to you.  He's been there every day, waiting on you to just acknowledge His presence.  Jesus is your best friend. He will never let you down.  He been faithful to all generations, and He won't fail you now.  Just start off by saying... "Hi Jesus...."

Blessings!

How will I fit it all in today?

 I have a lot going on today - besides work.  That's just interference in my day (work, that is).  About 10AM I plan to run down and pick up my combo box of vegetables.  Then I'm to meet my 'old' girlfriend for lunch at 11AM.  Then I want to get a casserole started in the crockpot for dinner. And I also got work to do. The plus side is that this is Friday and usually on Fridays I don't get hit too bad... but you watch, today I will get a lot to do.  I did get my boss's Colorado trip scheduled - airline, hotel, and car rental - yesterday so that's done.  Now I'm working on his itinerary and who he is to see, what is the driving distance from each location, etc.  I worked about two hours on it yesterday and sent to him - and he sent it right back with a couple questions, which I did not respond to last night.  Will go at it again this morning. No biggie; he doesn't go until the middle of next month, so I have time.

My youngest had picked up a food box yesterday - and I still don't understand why but none of my business - and brought me a bunch of tomatillos and tomatoes - cherry and roma.  I washed the tomatillos and quickly made up a batch of green salsa that I love.  Haven't really tried it yet.  I only had about 1.5 jalapeno so used it, and my cilantro - I had cut it way back last week and gave to a granddaughter to use - so I didn't have much of it left.  Will taste it some time today and see what I need to add to it.  If I make more, will have to pick up cilantro at the store - go figure!  

Yes, I have my own little 'garden' here in the house.  A few months back I had bought one of those hydroponic systems for someone and they couldn't use it - so I set it up and planted some cilantro, mint, basil and chives in it.  Oh my - it was totally overgrown quickly - especially the cilantro and basil.  Need to clear out some room, I cut it way back on it all and gave it away.  Go figure I'd need cilantro now.  I emptied one of the pods yesterday and put in onions.  I've given thought to getting another one; there is room where I have this one.  I could also plant some in the planter outside.  Which I may try to do this weekend.  I just don't need an overabundant supply of any of the herbs but I love growing them. And, according to the photos, I can also plant strawberries in there.  But, I am planning to get a box of strawberries today when I go pick up my combo box, so there's that.   I am enjoying my little garden.  I don't have to do anything to it but keep water in it and occasionally put in some 'food' in the water. The base is full of water - and roots.  Lots of roots. I will have to totally clean it out at some point.  Need to order more pods - I think I only have six extras.  It's my new toy and I enjoy it.

I had the strangest dream last night.  It was really weird.  First of all, I awoke and glanced at my watch and thought it said 4AM and I'm telling myself, no, sleep for a bit more.  I complete the in the middle of the night task and crawl back in to bed.  Looking at the clock by the bed, I see it was only a 12:20AM.  So yay, I can go back to sleep.  But then I go in to this really weird dream.  My sister is pushing me to go to a conference with her and I don't want to go.  We are both together at a church service and I see her up on stage talking with the pastor, but don't think anything of it.  I see a post card about the conference and I look at it - and this is where it gets weird.  Remember the situation at the men's conference I wrote about the other day? (I am still seeing posts on it!) THIS post card had NUDITY - just showed the top part of the body of women's boobs!  Just the side view and it was encouraging women to come to this life-changing conference.  What in the world?  Then my sister came back to where I was and said that the pastor was going to talk to me.  And then I woke up.  Talk about a weird dream!!  For one, she wouldn't go to such a conference, and neither would I - so all I can figure out is that it was caused by the sword-swallower at the men's conference had taken his shirt off.   See, I dream weird dreams without meanings too!   I have no idea what could come from that dream!  Could it have been that I overate at the dinner last night with our friends?  

Ephesians 6:11 (NKJV):  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may stand against the wiles of the devil. 

That devil is a sneaky one!  He will throw ideas in to your head that you would not have even thought of.  The devil will tempt you with saying words that you wish you could take back; attitudes you wish you didn't have, and actions you never in your right mind want to take.  Some days I fall for the 'wiles of the devil' because I don't stop and ask God about the long-term effects of what I'm doing.  Sometimes it affects just me, but many times, it affects a lot of other people.  Some are short-term, some are long-term.  

Pause for a moment and think of some things (you know you can!) that you wish you hadn't done, and if you were in your 'right mind' would not have done.  If you had paused and questioned it, would you have still done it?  There are many things that come to my mind that I wish I hadn't done, wish I could recall the words spoken that shouldn't have been, attitudes I've had that I knew better of but thought I was right.  Yeah, we all let down our guard at some times.  And that is why Paul tells us in Ephesians to put on the whole armor of God.  What is that armor?  Let's look further!

Ephesians 6:14-18 (NKJV):  Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, and being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints....

So put on truth around your waist so that truth is told, a breastplate to protect your heart, sandals on your feet to protect the as you walk, and take hold of your shield of faith and believe that all that the enemy throws at you will be thrown off by the Word.  Put on your helmet that protects your mind in Him, and hold on to the sword of the Spirit - and be ready to fight for truth in all things.  We are called to daily put on the armor of God so that we can live rightly for Him.  And I confess, some days I forget to put it on - which is why I sometimes get dragged into some of these drama situations.  And I'll leave that right there.

Our trainer may be coming over tonight for dinner and to hang out with us.  It always depends if his girlfriend (who is a waitress at a restaurant) works or not.  I think a lot of it is he just wants company, but we love him and enjoy him hanging out with us.  If she works, he may be over, if not, he probably won't.  And that's ok.  I'm still going to put on a casserole. 

Today is a great-granddaughter's birthday and although I remembered earlier in the week, didn't get a gift sent.  Checked with my granddaughter last night and I see she responded.  Will either order something or plan a road trip a weekend soon.  Will see.  Cheaper to just send a gift. :-)

And with that - I'm getting off here - got a bit more reading to do; hubby just left for his Bible study and I am alone and don't need to tart work for about another 20 minutes or so.  Love these few minutes of just me and God.  I open up my windows and just talk with God, looking up to the sky.  

Hope your day is amazing - don't forget to put on your armor!

Blessings!

My taste buds must be off....

 I can actually taste my coffee this morning and there is nothing in the cup but coffee!  Same brand, but one of those hmmmm - wonder what is working this morning.  Now for it to keep me awake today.

Maybe I screwed up my taste buds last night for dinner.  I'm not a big fan of fish, but I do enjoy cod, like mahi mahi and salmon.  Canned tuna I used to eat a lot of but not so much anymore.  Love mackeral when I make it into mackeral patties (doesn't that sound good?).  Or salmon patties.  I can't think of other fish at the moment that I enjoy.  Last night I fixed trout.  I haven't fixed trout in over 40 years and obviously my taste buds have changed a lot since then.  Guess what.  I'll pass on it.  One of the dinners I get each week had trout, which I fixed last night.  It was a nice size piece; about 14" long, 3" wide....but I could only eat about 3/4 of it before I just quit and gave the rest to hubby.  Won't be ordering that one again.  If I don't like it, no one gets it.  It's just the way it is.  It jut didn't have taste to me.  It took me forever to eat fish again.

I can remember the first time I had mahi mahi.  We had just moved out here and hubby had taken me to ... the name escapes me now, because it is no longer there, but similar to Pappadeaux's.  The special was mahi mahi and I said no.... and because he heard my squeamishness at fish..... the waiter told me if I would try the mahi mahi, he would give me a free glass of champagne.  Well, duh.  I tried it and I liked it.  I have fixed it a few times here at home, grilling it, but not often.  I do fix salmon at least once a month I'd guess.  And you know where I find the best grilled salmon - and I've tried it numerous places.  

We've got a few busy days this weekend.  I had my training last night (chest/triceps) and then came home and cooked dinner.  Tonight after work we are meeting up with friends for dinner and catching up with them. Friday night our trainer is coming over to hang out with us.  Going to miss that kid - he moves to Chicago in about a month.  He's like a grandson to us and he actually enjoys hanging out with us.  Saturday morning we plan on going to Canaan in the Desert with the two couples from the RV park.  We firmed that up yesterday.  Then brunch with them.  Then Saturday evening the daughter and her family here will be taking hubby (and I) out to dinner for hubby's birthday, which is Monday.  Sunday is church in the morning and who knows what after that.

Yeah, hubby turns 87 on Monday.  He's in great shape, according to his doctor, and can live to 100 - but I also look at all the medications he takes to be 'healthy'.  So what really IS healthy?  Taking lots of medications to stay that way or just eating and exercising and living that way?  Tough thought.  His BP has always been low... and I am keeping my comments to myself, although they are threatening to come out.  But he also has to take BP pills because of the aneurysm near his heart, to keep it from clotting and moving.  He takes two cholesterol pills, although the doctor says his high cholesterol is hereditary.  And keeps it really low with the medication.  Actually there are only two things that concern me with hubby... well, only two that I will mention..... his balance - if he carries something very far, he loses his balance and falls; and his mind - he asks questions about things that I know he knows the answer to. Of course if I comment he knows that answer, he responds that 'he is just trying to get me to talk to him'.  Like I don't talk to him.  But that's what he tells his doctor.  His 'memory test' with the doctor is his doctor will come in and talk a few minutes with him; leave the room, come back a few minutes later and ask him what they talked about, and of course hubby knows this so I am going to 'assume' he keeps running the conversation over and over in his mind so that he can tell the doctor when he returns.  I 'assume' it because that is what I would do!  But he does ask a lot of questions on things that I know he knows the answer to.  Or knew the answer to at one time.  I get forgetful too, so am not pointing fingers! I've told my boss that when I start forgetting to schedule things, its time to tell me to think about retiring.  And I'm ok with that.  

Psalm 23:1-3 (NKJV):  The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.  He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

Psalm 23:1-3 (NLT):  The Lod is my Shepherd; I have all that I need.  He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name.

Have you ever wondered how the different versions of the Bible say the scriptures?  I've just given you two - the NKJV and NLT - for the first three verses of the 23rd Psalm.  I think most of us have memorized it from the KJV or the NKJV.  But 'listen' to how The Passion Translation (TPT) says it:

Psalm 23:1-3 (TPT):  Yahweh is my best friend and my shepherd. I always have more than enough. He offers a resting place for me in his luxurious love. His tracks take me to an oasis of peace near the quiet brook of bliss. That's where he restores and revives my life. He opens before me the right path and leads me along in his footsteps of righteousness so that I can bring honor to his name.

We always go to the familiar, don't we?  I do enjoy reading TPT because - even though it is a lot more words - it breaks it down.  But let's take it a step further.  One of the classes I have taught had us take the 23rd Psalm and write it in our own words.  I don't know if I can do that now.... but let's try how that could be....

Psalm 23:1-3 (MY - My Version):  Jesus is my best friend and guide.  He always gives me all that I need and more.  As He loves me, His arms give me a secure place to rest.  He shows me the way wherein I should walk, places that bring peace and refreshment to my heart. He restores my life and encourages me to keep going. He shows me the way to go, to speak or not speak, and walks with me to help me in my journey, that I can honor His name.

Ok - perhaps I got a bit wordy - but you know from reading my logs, I AM WORDY.  But you get the jest, right?  So why don't you take a moment and think how you would personalize the first three versus of Psalm 23.  Give it some thought - and write down what it means to you.  I've heard others write 'Jesus is my gardener, and He takes care of me...'   Write it from your heart.  What does it mean to you?

So now I've given you some 'homework'. If you would, leave a comment about what you wrote. How did that affect you? Did it cause you to pause and think about how good our Shepherd is to us?  

Blessings!

There was more to the story....

 Ah, yesterday I mentioned about the men's conference that had the male pole dancer? Well, that wasn't entirely true.... he was a sword swallower, (although his professional life was a male stripper, which is where this started, I think) and that was all he was doing. He wasn't dancing on the pole, but whatever it was, was construed to be sinful.  The pastor who called it out to the senior pastor was called back to the stage and the two talked it out; and it was said it should have been handled differently.  It was talked out publicly because the situation happened publicly.  It was a bad choice to have a sword swallower with that background, but, the right thought was there.

Which is what we are to do when there is a disagreement with others.  If someone says something to us that offends us, and they do it privately, we are to go to them privately and discuss it, rebuke them or whatever it was.  If it is done publicly, it should be discussed or rebuked, or whatever, publicly.  But I'm pretty sure that doesn't mean Facebook.

Matthew 18:15-17 (NKJV):  Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained a brother. But if he does not hear you, take one or two more, that by the mouths of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses to even hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen or a tax collector.

I heard of a pastor (he was my sister's pastor years ago) who had a youth leader in his church who had a girlfriend.  No problem there.  But then, the pastor heard that the two had moved in together.  Now we all know that living together without marriage is a sin, according to the Bible.  He called the two to his office and discussed it with them.  They refused to get their own places. Because they were active in the church as leaders and had let it be known they were living together, one Sunday morning he called them to the front of the church and talked with them about being a leader in the church and living together, and asked them again to separate or get married.  They both refused and walked out of the church.  I know that sounds harsh and unreal, but what the pastor did was biblical.  It's just no one is bold enough to call out people who are living in sin.  This pastor had to be true to God, the Bible, and what he believed.  Living with others without marriage is a sin.  Period.  He spoke to them privately first.  But, we can not have leaders in the church who disobey what God says in His Word.  

I could share more about the reasons why two people who are not married should not be having sex, but that is deeper than I want to go this morning.  But what I will say, is that when it is confessed, God is faithful and just, and He will forgive the sin.  Glory to God.

I had a meeting yesterday with the person I am going to be covering for 8 weeks.  Somehow in her new walk with God, and asking me questions over the past few years, she had declared me her spiritual mentor; her sister in Christ.  That is a whole nother level that I had not considered.  But, regardless, I try to answer her questions as best I can and give references how to confirm it.  She had 7 - yes, I had said 7 - pages of instructions for me to follow while she is out for the various meetings.  Dare I say I am terrified?  I don't do any of the things she does!  I don't upload this or that; I don't create this or that form - well, guess what?  This is going to be a learning time - and I really don't want to learn! This is where I hear that voice in my mind "you need to retire and not have to do this" - and yet, it is a minor thing, it is just my insecurities and the unknown that scares me.  As we brought the 1/2 hour meeting that lasted 90 minutes to a close, she asked me to pray for her.  As we had finished up, we talked about churches and classes, and other things related to Jesus and His faithfulness.  So I prayed for her and her upcoming surgery as we brought our meeting to a close.  I probably should have asked her to be praying for me while I do her job!

My joints were popping this morning when I got out of bed - with a bit of difficulty, thanks to my trainer.  And I go back tonight for more - but at least it is upper body tonight.  I have got to start doing more exercises here at home since I don't get back to the gym.  I need to do something.  I'm a lot stronger than I was a year ago, but body shape sure hasn't changed.  I love my food.  But I do have biceps now.  They are under the fat hanging on my arms.  Sigh.

Today is hump day and I know I still have a lot to do when I sign on the computer this morning. For one, I got the approval for my boss' travel to Colorado so need to get his airline, his hotel, and his car rental scheduled today.  I don't like doing those either, but at least it isn't frequent.  I don't think I have any meetings today, but I still have several trainings I need to work in the day.  I don't want to use MY time off work to complete them - and I need to get on them, even one a day.  

And with that, I think I'll sign off for today and jump in the shower.  It's going to be a good day.  I'm going to believe it.  And you should too.

Blessings!

Overwhelmed is a good word

 for what I have been feeling with work lately, and unfortunately, it isn't going to get much better any time soon! It seemed I got 'hit' with one thing after another yesterday to do.  I usually skim emails before I turn off the work computer, but I didn't even bother yesterday, for I knew there were still some things to do that I didn't get done.  And throw in travel for one of my bosses, which also means a hotel stay and a rental car.... and all that has to be approved BEFORE I can make the reservations... yeah, I was feeling pretty overwhelmed.  But, today is a new day and I'm going to face it with a fresh outlook.  I will review the old emails first to see what I didn't get done yesterday, and then start on todays.  I'm more concerned over what the next two months will be like as I will also be covering for my friend who is having back surgery - and when she asked and I said ok, I was thinking her one doctor she reports to.  But, she supports 7. Or is it 8.  And, she has roped me in to a couple meetings that require minutes, plus a couple other things.  She keeps giving me access to all these team folders which I don't want.  This is definitely going to be a 'Lord, HELP' couple of months!  See, I've already started whining!  

My trainer really worked me out last night - especially on the leg press!  I was already doing 180 pounds - and what does he decide to do?  He pushes back on it while I'm pushing out!  I asked him just what did he think he was doing?  He laughed and told me to keep pushing.  I can tell already my legs are going to be sore somewhat today.  But, I do need to get more exercise than I am getting.  Two 30 minute sessions a week just don't cut it to make changes - well, real changes, anyway.  It takes effort.  To change how this body performs I must put forth the effort to keep it strong and healthy. 

Just like our minds - if we don't put good stuff in it - we will soon falter and not understand things.  Now these words are just my opinion, so don't go quoting me and getting me in trouble.  I do not need anyone's help to do that, I can do that very well on my own.  BUT - I feel that if all one does is sit and watch TV shows, or play games on TV, they will lose the ability to socialize with others.  They won't have anything to talk about except the TV show.  Does that make sense?  

Now hubby and I both read books; granted he reads other books as well as Christian books.  We both enjoy reading, myself moreso than him, I think.  My daughter used to read, but no one reads as much as my oldest son does.  And I like to think that he got that from me.  My mama read a lot too - mainly Grace Livingston Hill books - and in that time frame, I read every single one of her books.  I enjoyed the clean romance of the stories.  In high school I read mysteries and a couple other fiction books that I recall.  I just love to read and that is how I will be spending my retirement years - reading. :-)  Like that will happen any time soon. So I read when I can.

Romans 13:8 (NKJV):  Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.

One could read that scripture and think it means don't owe them any money, but if you read on in the scriptures following it means more than that.

Romans 13:9-10 (NKJV): For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery", "You shalt not commit murder", "You shall not steal", "You shall not bear false witness", "You shall not covet", and if there is any other commandment,  are all summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself".  Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.

We are called to love others.  And, sometimes that love has to be from a distance.  And I think I will leave that right there.

I was shocked to read last night that a megachurch had a men's conference - and in that conference the lead pastor of that church had a male pole dancer.  He was called out by Pastor Mark Driscoll (the pastor was), and Dr Driscoll was told he was dismissed.  Who in their right mind would hire a pole dancer for a bunch of Christian men at a men's conference?  It has been interesting the comments that were left.  Some say the rebuke should have been done privately.  (To me, that makes no sense for then the men would never know it was wrong) Others say that Dr. Driscoll was right in calling out the pastor - and I agree with that.  As Christians we are to stand guard over what is right and when we see what is wrong and against the Word of God, we are called to speak up and not hide it under a rug.  Sometimes that can cause rifts, but it is always best to stand up for the Word of God and what it says.

And I will just put this here - when people do or say things that are against the Word of God, we are to call them out for their sin.  Yes, we may get their rebuke, but it is because they do not acknowledge their own sin and they know they are guilty and will take revenge on the one calling them out.   It is so easy to fall in to the ways of the world.

Romans 12:2 (NKJV):  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Don't be like the world and talk like the world; you are not of this world.  Don't let the world drag you down into its clutches.  Our home is in Heaven; we are not of this world.  Something to think about.

Blessings!

Nice quiet weekend; but a busy day ahead

We did have a nice quiet weekend.  I did get over to see Ms. Vicky yesterday and got asked if I'd take her to lunch soon.  Not meaning that I would necessarily buy for her, but she just wants to get out and go to some lunch places she hadn't been before.  So I said sure, but not this week, and we can see how next couple of weeks look and how my work calendar looks.  I don't mind taking her to lunch, but it does put me on a schedule - and you know I like structure, but not being the one ON the schedule. :-)

Hubby slept late this morning - and I tried to!  I confess, I came in here and tried to go back to sleep.  But hubby slept until about 5:30AM so was late bringing me my coffee.  Speaking of coffee, it is starting to lose it's appeal I think.  I usually enjoy a good, dark, strong cup of coffee, but for the past month or so, I've noticed there is no flavor, no matter which brand we used.  I read one time that with the K-cups, you never know how long they have been boxed and sitting in the warehouse until shipped; which causes the coffee to get 'old'.  I am starting to believe it.  Rarely can I find a good cup of coffee anywhere.  Maybe it is because I take my coffee black, and therefore get the full taste of coffee.  I wonder if I got some flavored creamers if that would make a difference; at least to give it some flavor.  What do you think?  Ms Diane's SIL once told me that McDonald's k-cup coffee was really good.  So I bought a small box.  We do like McDonald's coffee from McDonald's - but we very rarely go there.  Anyway, I'm not impressed with the flavor in the k-cups.  I am guessing that I bought these at a discount store, which could account for that, which would mean they probably sat in the warehouse, then sat in the store - both for several months - then got moved to the discount store to sale..... shoot, I can't remember where I bought them, but remember there was a 'sale' from $9.99 to 5.99 - which is why I bought them to try.  Hmmm.  I fell for it, huh.  It was a 'sale'.  Who pays $9.99 for McCafe k-cups?  I can't even remember where I bought them! But within the past two weeks, I'm sure.  Haven't been to the grocery; Oh wait!  I think I bought them at Walgreens!  That's about the only place I've been lately!  Oh well.  I'll pick up a small box of creamers and see if the flavor improves.

I finished another book last night.  Unleash by Perry Noble.  I found it interesting and helpful as one of the chapter subjects was in not letting the past define who you are.  Grateful I can give this past week to my Heavenly Father and let Him deal with the mess of it.  What was said about me, the name-calling, is in the past and it is a reflection on the person who did it.  Enough said.

Today will be another busy day as I see that someone worked over the weekend, judging from the number of emails I have received.  I only opened up a couple of them from my phone yesterday, to make sure nothing was critical.  It wasn't.  Today is timecards and that will take maybe ten minutes so I can focus on getting meetings scheduled and then get on the trainings I still need to do.  Only have gotten two done so have about 20 left to go.  They are just so time-consuming to do and none of it applies to me or my work. That is what is so frustrating.  Oh well.  Some things you just got to do.

Romans 10:9-10 (NLT):  If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.

Grateful that I am not a judge for God.  I believe the scriptures, for sure, but I also believe that it is more than openly declaring Jesus is Lord, and believing that He was raised from the dead.  What do I mean? I am thinking about how we live our lives.  First of all, I AM NOT PERFECT BY ANY MEANS,  and I know you know that.  BUT, I do try to live as Christ would have me live.  Sure I fail at times, but I have learned to be a 'quick repenter' and confess my sin to God and ask Him to forgive me.  What I am trying to say, is anyone could believe that Jesus died and was raised from the dead, but how does that affect their living?  Are you following me?  

I have a brief think-back to the early 1900's on up through the 50's I imagine, where it was such a strict thing to be a Christian.  You couldn't do this, you couldn't do that.  If your children were wild and misbehaved, it was a reflection back on your Christian walk.  Women were to be quiet.  Men were dominators.  If your skirt was above the ankle, or worse yet as the years went by, at the knee, you were not a Christian and going to hell.  We laugh at that now, but in those times these things were real. I'm sure there were a lot of other things, but being a woman, this is what has come to mind. But I could be wrong about that too.

We have had many prominent pastors who have fallen from grace due to different things such as adultery, financial gains, and many other things.  Does that mean they didn't believe Jesus rose from the dead anymore?  No it doesn't.  It means they are human and they made the choice to sin.  Just like we do at times.  What we say and what we do - are choices we make.

I cannot say someone is not a Christian or ridicule their walk because it isn't what I think it should be. I am not their judge.  I'm sure they believe the Jesus died on the cross and was risen.  It's just they choose to live their life the way they want to because they don't know any better.  They think they can say and do whatever they want and still call themselves Christian... not understanding that every time they do what the bible says not to do, they are in sin.

We have lost the fear of the Lord.  Proverbs 1:7 (NKJV): The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. But fools despise wisdom and instruction.  As I have shared before, we are not to be afraid of God and what He can do, but to fear Him in love.  

It's hard to explain, but think of it this way, if I can explain it right.... you love your earthly father. BUT if you disobey him, you have an inner fear of his disapproval.  You want his approval; you need his approval, but if you don't have it, it crushes you.  I'm probably not explaining it well, and I need to find John Bevere's book The Fear of the Lord.   I reread it not long ago, but I can't remember now his definition of it.  

I fear God because I love Him. I try to live life as He would have me to, but, that also doesn't (always) keep me from saying or doing things that I shouldn't.  Sometimes it is enough that I 'feel' that what I am doing is wrong.  Without anyone saying a word.  My conscience moves to let me know that perhaps I shouldn't do this.  And it helps keep me in line.  Do I sometimes want to retort when someone is calling me names and dragging me through the mud?  Sure I do.  I'm just like you.  But I choose to let God fight my battles. Sometimes. I go through the same things others do. Grateful when I listen to God and shut up.  What is the saying we had growing up?  'Sticks an stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me'.  That's not true, as you know.  Words do hurt.  And they cause walls to come up between people.  Sometimes it is best to step away and get away from those who try to destroy you and curse you.  Let God deal with them.

And... I think I'm rambling again...seem to do that a lot lately, huh.  Maybe I need to take a break - but then, if I did, what would you read in the mornings so that you could shake your head and give your neck some exercise?  Ah perhaps I should look for something profitable to write about.  Perhaps.  In the meantime, have a blessed day, and choose Jesus.  He really is the Savior of the world.

Pray for Israel.

Blessings!