A busy day; a nice evening

 I told hubby yesterday I really wanted to be productive and start cleaning out drawers and eventually getting my closet.  BUT, first, I wanted to bake a couple batches of my cranberry pumpkin nut bread.  I like having it on hand so that I can give it away.  Unfortunately, after I took the last out of the oven, it cooled, and I got all the dishes done (4 hours later), I went in and sat on the couch and told hubby I needed a short nap.  (I baked 3 big loaves, 2 small loaves,  12 as 'donuts' using my donut pan, and 6 large muffins and a dozen small muffins.)  'We' ended up sleeping 45-60 minutes (I would wake up ever ten minutes and look over at hubby still asleep and figured I could sleep more - and did).

Decided it was too late to start on drawers.  Hubby had gone in to his closet and started cleaning it out (see, I told you before, whatever I start, he has to do it too).  He pulled out about 2 dozen (no, I don't think I am exaggerating) pairs of slacks/jeans that he tried on and said he couldn't wear anymore.   I'm not as likely to let go of as much for myself.  I read recently that some nursing homes have people who have no one visiting them, and they may only have two-three changes of clothes.  So I thought I'd check around and see where these can be used the most effectively.  I thought about donating to the Salvation Army, but my friend Melonie was telling me about a thrift store that hospice gets support from.  I may need that at some time so that's a thought.  Goodwill, as I've mentioned before, is a for-profit company.  We donate a lot to Savers which goes to Big Brothers and Big Sisters.  Anyway, He has so many pants to donate that I need to find a place to take them soon.

After my nap I fixed dinner and after that, decided to head over to visit Ms. Diane.  I took leftover soup and some deviled eggs and some of the big muffins for her.  We sat and watched HSN where Chef Curtis Stone was showing off his large electric skillet.  It's 14" across, and he showed how he could put 4 ribeye steaks in it to cook and when they were done (very quicky, I might add), just took a paper towel and wiped it out.  My pans I have are like that.  I will wash them after I use and put away.  Hubby hates to do pans and will not listen to how easy they are to clean - and will leave them 'soaking' overnight which irritates me.  So I wash all the pots and pans I use as I finish with them and put away.   But, back to this skillet... yeah, I bought myself one.  I actually did try to cancel it this morning for I honestly do not NEED it, but I loved that it was so useful for different things.  In my thinking, I could make an entire dinner in one skillet by cooking two different items in the same skilled.  I also bought the steamer attachment for we do like steamed vegetables and I could do a bunch in it.  I was told that if I really wanted to return it, I could use the return label inside the box and they even marked my account not to be charged the shipping charges.  Now to decide if I want to return it or keep it.  I do love to cook... but I need more people to cook for!

Anyway, after I came home from Ms. Diane's, I mentioned to hubby how nice it was outside so we went outside and sat for probably another hour or more.  It was comfortable out and it was just pleasant to sit outside in the fresh air.  When we came in, hubby asked about watching a movie (no), so he turned the TV on to the ballgame.  So I decided to watch a movie on my kindle fire - started watching The Lake House - love that movie.  He can't understand it so doesn't like it.  I got about halfway through it.  Yes, I'm worth the $3.49 rental to watch it.  So I crochet'd and watched part of the movie. Will probably watch the rest of it today sometime.  Although I do need to go over and see Ms. Vicky; it's been a couple weeks. Take her some muffins too.  I have the rest of the bread in the freezer.

Philippians 2:5-8 (NKJV):  Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

I memorized Philippians 2:5-11 many, many years ago.  I could probably stumble through most of it now, but I memorized it also in the NIV version.  I found it interesting that the newer 'revised' NIV versions have changed the wording somewhat.  Yes, I used the NKJV version above, and it reminded me how words change how it can be perceived.  I think I like the version I memorized it in much better. 

But regardless how it is said, the verses tell us that we should remember how Jesus, who is part of the Trinity (God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit) humbled himself in appearance to be a man, to come to earth to live as we live, to live a sinless life, and then gave up His very life, to be scourged and beaten, to die on the cross, and taking all our sins, and having them placed upon Him and being nailed to the cross.  I cannot get over that Jesus loves me so much, that He would die for me. And He died for you as well.

It takes more than just being 'good' and 'doing good' to go to heaven.  I cannot say that enough.  It takes more than just going to church, or teaching classes.  It takes surrendering one's will to the Lordship of Jesus, and asking Him to take over your life, to guide and direct your path.  It's the simple prayer.... "Jesus, I'm sorry for my sins, please forgive me.  I ask that you take over my life and help me to live for You.  Help me to choose the right path to walk and seek You to guide me in all my life.  Thank You for forgiving me and help me to live the rest of my life, for You. Amen."  Then follow it up with attending a church and being baptized in water - following Jesus' example.  The going under the water symbolizes your past being buried, and rising out of the water symbolizes being raised to life again.  It's something I have never regretted doing.  I can not even imagine - nor do I want to - not following Jesus.

We will be going to church this morning - it's really odd how we both felt we should stay home last week and just spend additional time with Jesus, but I'm glad we did.  Today I'm ready to go to church. How about you?  If you can't physically go, there is always online church and plenty to choose from. Of course my favorite is FreeChapel.org.  Dr David Jeremiah is also a great preacher and one that you can relate to.  Then there is always Pastor Steve at Shartel Church.  He will always be my favorite pastor.  Why not choose one and listen to a message today; it may answer many questions you may have. 

Starting your day with Jesus is the best way to get the day going.

Blessings!

Honestly, I was somewhat disappointed....

 My daughter and I went to The Habit Burger Grill for 'dinner' last night before heading over to the conference.  I really thought that she would want to go to a restaurant.  So she had a chicken club and I had a juicy burger.  And fries. Gotta have the fries.  I shared, but I ate the most.  On to the conference we went, got registered, and went inside to 'shop' at a boutique.  Disappointed there was only one this time.  And it was crowded.  Have I ever mentioned I really don't like crowds?  And women shopping in those crowds?  I glanced through the t-shirts, but didn't buy any.  I walked around and saw a few things, but nothing I needed nor wanted.  Then I saw it.  I had to get it.

First off, I will confess I probably have way too many of these as it is.  But this is different than what I have. Honestly, it is.  And it was cheaper than at the stores, in most cases.  What did I get?  A metal drink container.  With a little handle.  Why did I get it?  Cause I liked the words on the side of the container and I can take it to the gym with me, or on walks.  Cause it has a handle.  Oh - the words?

Lift Heavy.  Pray Hard.   (black letters on a white background)

Yeah - the 'Lift Heavy'. Pray Hard' words caught my eye and with a handle, yeah, I bought it.  And I will use it.  For awhile anyway. :-)  

The conference was 'ok'.... meaning that worship went way too long (an hour and fifteen minutes!) and it was hard to connect cause there was a tall person in front of me and she kept blocking the words on the screen.  Yes, I generally close my eyes while singing, but I didn't know these songs so needed the words. We probably should have sat closer than we did.  Then we sat through three (I think) speakers.... and it was different this time... these were more of sharing about their missions... one being Project Rescue, which is rescuing women and girls from brothels in other countries.  Then something they hadn't done before; they took an offering to support that.  The other 'missions' was something about 'kick out fear'.  More songs.  Someone was off on the right doing a large painting of a lion's head - very talented, and we were able to catch glimpses of that happening.  By the time they got to the third (and I think last) speaker, it was 9:15PM... I was tired from working all day, it was past my bedtime... and I whispered to my daughter that if she wanted to leave, I was ready. So we did.  I'm sure the last one was probably the best speaker, but (we) I didn't feel encouraged or motivated by anything I had heard as we have in the past.  I also told my daughter that I will go to one more, and if it is like this one, I probably wouldn't attend others.  Rash statement?  Perhaps.  In the past three-four I have attended, I have felt encouraged and motivated to make changes in my life.  This one did nothing of that. And that's all I have to say about it.

I didn't get up this morning until about 5:45AM.  Hubby got up a few minutes later and brought my coffee.  He was surprised I came out at 7AM and started fixing a second cup of coffee and grabbing a snack cracker.  He asked if I was finished (no).  I told him I have nothing planned and I was going to stay in my room longer.  Got my coffee, got my snack, and came back in here and shut the door.  I won't stay real long, but I do enjoy my solitude.

I ordered a Bible for my friend who I am covering for as she has surgery.  We got to talking about the Jeremiah Study Bible and how much I enjoy mine.  She has been watching some of his sermons and really likes him.  (I need to listen to more preaching than I do - it certainly couldn't hurt me, right?)  Our 30 minute meeting went over an hour as we talked about Jesus and Bibles and all.  Anyway, I showed her my NKJV Jeremiah Study Bible (we were on video) and how much I love it.  Wish I had bought these for my kids instead of the Jentezen Bible, as it doesn't have study notes as these do.  She shared she really likes the NIV so since her birthday is next month and I'm always trying to think of something to send her, I decided to just order it.  Got the thumb index too - but had to get black.  And that's ok.  Black is classy. She was going to order one while she was off, she said, but I jumped on Christian Book Distributors and ordered it for her birthday.  I'm not sharing here to get any pats on the back.  If I hear someone wants / needs a Bible, I will certainly put one in their hands.  One of these days I may order myself the Jeremiah NIV but I don't really need it. They are on sale now, which prompted me to get for her.  I learned about Jesus through the NIV as it was easy to read.  But I love my NKJV because of the flow of the words.  Maybe I'll get one to read through next year.  I didn't buy myself a new Bible this year.  Not that I need a new one. LOL

Do you remember the story of Zacchaeus in the Bible?  He was a short tax collector and climbed up the sycamore tree so that he could see Jesus coming down the road.  (Remember the song?  Zacchaeus was a wee little man, a wee little man was he!  He climbed up in a sycamore tree for the Lord he wanted to see! And as the Savior passed that way, He looked up in the tree - and He said, "Zacchaeus, you come down! For I'm going to house today! For I'm going to your house today!)  (sorry, had to sing the song) Anyway, in the bible it says...

Luke 19:10 (NKJV):  for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.

What does that mean?  Jesus has come to find and to save those who do not follow Him; those who have turned away from Him; those who do not know Him.  

I am so grateful that He came looking for me many years ago.  40+ years ago I would have never dreamed I would still be so in love with Jesus still!  He rescued me from hell - and it is a real place, in spite of what some of you may believe.  I honestly have a great fear of hell.  I think I have shared before that my sister and I often say we hope Jesus returns 'on a good day' for us.... days we are not frustrated or angry with our husbands.  I tell you what, and this is the truth.  If I had not accepted Jesus as Lord of my life and chose to follow Him, I would not be who I am today, nor would I be where I am today.  I was a mess back then.

And Jesus picked me up, brushed off the filth, and cleaned me by His blood.  Eternally, He set my feet on solid ground and I know that I am His.  He has me right where He wants me, in spite of all my grumbling about circumstances in my life.  In spite of my attitudes.  Jesus knows me better than I know myself.  He knows all about me.  He knows that He is the only reason I am still here.  And I love that about Him.  I don't have to explain things to Him as to why I did such and so - He knows what happened.  He knew it was going to happen before it did.  And He knows that He will always be with me as I cry out to Him and seek His face.

Honestly, there is nothing like it.  When was the last time you had a conversation with Jesus?  Even though He knows everything about me, about my circumstances, about things that trouble me, He still wants me to share it all with Him.  

And He wants you to share with Him as well.  Would you just take a moment and share with the One who seeks you, and is ready to save you from whatever you are sinking in?  Rejoice in the Lord always, Paul says. 

So we rejoice in the One who sets us free.

Blessings!

I need energy!

 I think the past few weeks with work have been so stressful they have worn me out!  This morning all I have wanted to do is sleep!  Grateful this is Friday!  We went to bed at our usual 8:30PM last night and I slept well, I think, but this morning I just can't keep the eyes open.  I know I have gone back to sleep a few times - it is what it is.  Some days are just like that, as you know.

Tonight is the women's conference at our 'main' church and my daughter is going with me.  We had originally planned on going on to a hotel for the night, just to relax afterwards and just have a night totally to ourselves.  But, knowing that she and her hubby were heading to New Mexico Saturday morning as soon as she returned, I offered to cancel the hotel so that they could get an early start.  And I'm ok with that.  We'll have dinner together tonight, go to the conference, and then we'll sleep in our own beds.  I'm thinking hubby is happy he won't be left alone tonight, although he could have watched all the shows he wanted without me here.  He just doesn't like being alone.  And being with someone all the time, I love being alone sometimes!  LOL

Hubby kind of 'pushed' on me yesterday morning and came to the doorway to say, "why don't you go to the gym with me after work tonight and we both can ride the bikes (or I can walk the treadmill)."  I knew better than say "no", or even "maybe".  So I just said "ok".  He walked away happy.  And I would have gone, but I was so tired last night that I came out of the room, sat on the couch and told him to give me time for a short nap.  So he comments back "You are too tired to go so we won't go."   And we didn't.  He watched the news and then asked if I wanted to watch a movie (no), or did I want him to just turn the TV off (yes).  I crochet'd some, listened to audible, and he played with his phone for the evening.  He plans to go ride the bike at the gym after his bible study this morning.  He just doesn't always get that although I sit at the desk all day, it is still stressful and exhausts me some days.  I know I'm getting older and I know I need to shake this heaviness for I will be working until I die, I think.  It's probably more depression because ... well, I'm not going to go there.  But, I am healthy, I think, and I am going to drop this weight (if I can just quit eating things I shouldn't - or eat less of them!) and continue to work out and get this body strong and healthy.  I just need space to breathe some, I think.  Is this another stage of life?  And I'm rambling.

Philemon 1:4 (NKJV):  I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers.

When you pray, who do you pray for?  Are your prayers more of "God, take care of this situation" or "Lord, I don't know how to pay this bill, will You provide the money"? (I've prayed that many times before!)  What do you pray for?  Who do you pray for?  Does your spouse know that you whisper prayers for them?  Not that they will do your bidding, but that they will be able to handle whatever comes during the day, that if they aren't well, that His hand will be upon them and give them the strength and the healing that they need?  Are your (our) prayers all about us and what we want?  Are we so self-centered that it's all about us?

When I pray, I not only pray for hubby, for long life and health (and for me to deal with issues), but I pray for his safety (and for those who surround him).  I pray for each of my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren by name.  If I know of any issues, I pray for those. If I don't know what's going on in their lives, I just pray over them that they will have a good day and will feel the tug of God upon their hearts to turn to Him for any needs.  I pray for joy, for happiness, for peace.  I pray for each of my siblings and their spouses, and if I know of any issues, I pray for those.  Yeah, I can't do every one every day, for obviously my time in here in the mornings isn't that long, but on the weekends I can add a bunch of others because I have the time to spend just sitting before the Lord and asking for His intervention.  And I pray whenever God brings one to mind.  Even something that triggers a thought about someone, I know that is the Holy Spirit asking me to pray, for there is always something that I'm not aware of.

I just remembered one of my boys asking me (years ago), did I pray for them... and I said yes... and he mentioned something he had been involved in (I don't remember all the particulars) but he knew it had to be prayers over him that got him out of it.  Now mind you, I don't always get what I pray for, regardless of what my daughter says!  She has always said I have a 'direct prayer line' to God - but I don't.  He doesn't always give me all that I ask for.  Many times, I have been disappointed in unanswered prayers.  But the point is, I'm not in charge.  He is.  And when I bring my petitions and requests to Him, He knows what each one needs.  He knows more than I what is going on in each person's life.  

My 'job' is to pray and present my petitions and requests to the only One who can answer them.  

That's it.  I am to pray.  Whether God answers my requests the way I want Him to, depends on if I am praying according to His will.  Am I free of sin in my life that He will hear my prayers.  If I have done something and haven't confessed it, I know that God will not listen to my prayers.  They hit the ceiling. But when I confess my sin(s) and ask for His forgiveness, I know that He listens to every word I say.

There are people who pray and pray and pray (or say they do) and they don't see any changes; they don't feel they are getting answers.  All they need to do is look at their lives and see why they aren't getting answers.  I'm not being judgmental; I just shared above that sometimes God doesn't hear my prayers if I'm holding back on a confession.  

And, it doesn't matter if I am right in a situation, sometimes I need to talk with God about it and ask if I could have handled it differently; did I sin in the words I used; and I need to confess any anger or frustration that I felt.  And most of all, I need to put it in His hands and ask Him to bless and take care of whatever it is.  Sometimes that is all we need to do.

Give it to God and let Him handle it.  You have heard the saying "Give it to God and let it go".  When you know you can't fix something, it is truly much easier to give it to Him and let Him take care of it. Trust me, I have to do this all the time! 

As you know, I'm not perfect, I make mistakes, I do stupid things, and I say things that I shouldn't at times. Do I regret it? Sure I do. Do I have to confess it to Jesus (and sometimes go to the person I said it to and ask forgiveness for saying it) and ask His forgiveness?  Sure I do.

And that is something I have never regretted.  Confessing to Jesus is a cleansing of the soul.  When you confess and ask forgiveness, you receive such peace that you wonder what took so long (other than your pride holding you back) to talk to Jesus about it.  He's not going to run to someone and tell them your secrets. He already knows them.

Why not take a few minutes this morning and just have a general conversation with Jesus?  Did you know that Jesus is always sitting next to you, waiting for you to acknowledge Him?  He is your best friend. He keeps all your secrets.  He is always waiting for you to open up and talk to Him about your problems.  He already knows them, and when you talk about them, sometimes you will get the answer you are looking for.

Talk to Jesus about your health.  He may give you insight on how to make it better.  Talk to Jesus about your spouse.  Talk to Jesus about your children, your grandchildren, your great-grandchildren.  Talk to Him about your finances, your job; all the things that trouble you.  Quit dealing with it on your own; He knows about it already, why not ask Jesus what to do about it?

And with that, I'm going to take a few more minutes and just sit in His presence and be still.

Psalm 46:10  Be still, and know that I am God.

Blessings!

They loved my thought...

 I was surprised how quickly I got a response back after I sent the email yesterday morning that I was declining to speak 'motherly advice' to other mothers, and instead speak to grandparents.  The comment I got back was "Love it!  And you are still speaking in to a child - a grandchild!'  So I guess that means I get to share my thoughts and my granddaughter's letter.  I got it out of my treasure box yesterday and re-read it again.  I am so proud of this young woman.  She is such a good mom (she did have a good example to follow!) and I can still remember when I was told how she gave her life to Jesus.  She will always have that special place in my heart.  As I re-read her note to me, I still had tears form in my eyes.  Her words touch my heart.  So now I have two weeks to prepare!  At least there isn't much I need to do; share how I took the grandchildren to church and the letter.  

We love our trainer.  I know I've told you that many times.  We've had dinner with him a few times and love just spending time with him.  He's like one of our grandsons that we'd like to spoil!  Last night, as we were ending up my training session, he got a text that his next client was wanting to move his appointment to this morning.  That meant I was the last one yesterday.  We both discussed how we had thawed chicken at home. Finally I asked if he wanted to go out to eat with us - which he readily accepted.  He says I remind him of his grandmother, so I guess thinking of him as my grandson is appropriate. LOL  I called hubby when I was finished and we all met up at Coco's for a meal. It was a fun time.  Coco's is not the fastest service, for sure.  They only had one waiter.  Two cooks.  And I think one of the cooks was also the one who cleared tables.  When we arrived there were six other people in the restaurant eating.  Then there was just us.  By the time we left, two others came in.  That's how busy they were.  If you are in no hurry for your food and want to talk, this is the place to go!  LOL  And, being Wednesday, we got free pie. :-) We all left full.  But we had great conversation and enjoyed our time with him.  I chatted with his mother after I got home.  She's nice too. She lives in Wyoming, where he is from.  It's going to be tough when our trainer moves to Chicago in two weeks.  

He's already assigned me and hubby to other trainers.  Hubby has a male trainer, I have a female.  I have talked with Morgan, my trainer, numerous times and we have a good relationship.  She had actually asked Trayden (our trainer) if she could have me. :-)  Hubby went with Jason.  I joke with Trayden that Morgan probably won't let me whine like I do with him.  He laughs. She's going to make me hurt, I'm sure.  Morgan and I will need to talk to determine a time for me to workout as she already has someone when I have been going.  We will probably discuss what my goals are.  Trayden said he has already passed all my papers over to her, including my former goals.  Lose weight; gain strength; get toned.  That's basically it.  I don't need bulging muscles.  I just want to wear my pre-Covid clothes comfortably.  

I Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV):  Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

We oftentimes think of I Corinthians as the book that contains the 'chapter of love' - chapter 13.  And it is true.  But there is so much more that is in it!  Paul emphasizes in the above scripture that we may be saved by grace, but makes it clear that as Christians we are to live our lives in a way that glorifies and honors God.

That means it doesn't matter if we are eating or drinking - or whatever we do - are we doing it that brings glory to our Heavenly Father?  I am sure that sounds strange - what does our eating or drinking have to do with our walk with Jesus?  Well, back in these times, food was being offered to idols and some were arguing over whether or not that meat should be eaten by Christians.  It was all new to them and Paul was trying to tell them it doesn't matter.  But in this particular case, I think it was more they wouldn't eat at home, but then gorge themselves with the food and not leave for others.  And then they drank a lot of wine because the water wasn't the best (so I hear).  They would 'over drink'.  Adm Paul was saying, don't pig out on food, and don't overdrink!  Whatever you have, do it to glorify our Father in heaven.  Don't be a pig!  Ok, that's my version.  

In fact, all that we do is to bring glory to our Father in heaven.  Don't you agree?  Our words reflect who Jesus is to us.  Our behavior reflects who we believe Jesus is.  When we accept Him as Lord, and He is our All in All, should all we do - eat and drink - and say - bring glory and honor to His name?

Yeah, sometimes I fail in that department, for my emotions get ahead of my mind some times.  But I am learning to hold things in check and not respond in kind when I am being slandered.  Oh yes, I want to threaten a lawsuit for being slandered; I want to respond to hateful things said... but God tells me to shut my mouth; keep my fingers off that keyboard, and allow Him to deal with the situation.  He will repay those who slander and hurt His children.

Yesterday was an extremely busy day at work and it was also Administrative Professional Day.  I got a huge bouquet of flowers from two of my bosses, a $20 gift card for Amazon from another, not even an acknowledgement of the 4th one I support.  My male boss, after I thanked him for the flowers, texted me 'Happy administrative professionals day' and I came back with he needs to say it numerous times because he was giving me a lot of work yesterday!  And he did.  I think he said it about six times!  LOL It was a crazy day and I didn't get everything done so need to start on it first thing this morning.

I am somewhat fearful of the next 8 weeks as I will be covering all those doctors for my friend.  But I keep praying that God will help me not be busy with my people so that when they ask, I can help them quickly.  And with that, I need to get off here and get busy.  It's another day!

Have a wonderful day - and stay focused on Jesus.  He truly is the only way!

Blessings!

It's an honor, but.....

 I was asked to be part of a panel that would share things about being a mother that I would want passed on to future mothers.  I declined.  Why?  Because I don't feel I was as good of a mother as I should have been.  I didn't have an example to follow, so I didn't know how to be a mother, and learned along the way. The most important thing I learned, in my opinion, is to love Jesus and to surrender my life to Him.  I shudder to think what my life would be like if I had not chosen to follow Jesus.  So when asked, although I was humbled, I declined.

But, I did propose another idea.  As I was praying about last night (and it seemed to work in my mind all night!) I proposed that I speak to grandparents.  God reminded me of the times I took the grandchildren to church on Wednesday nights.  He reminded me of the precious letter I had received a few weeks ago from a granddaughter who gave me credit for her taking a step of faith in teaching a class at her church.  I decided that if these people would accept my proposal, I will share a part of that letter.  I have only shared it with a couple people because I didn't want anyone to think I was being prideful of anything but my granddaughter.  Stay tuned; I sent them the email this morning and will see if they will agree.  If not, then I will decline their invitation to speak.

I didn't meet up with my daughter last night for 'girls night out'.  I needed to do a run to Sam's Club and pick up a few things.  Sigh.  $300 later, as I unpacked, I realized I had bought only junk food.  I guess I have really missed it.... I bought crackers snacks, chips, lots of nuts.... only one package of meat.  Go figure.  I didn't even buy the drinks I normally get - but I did get the protein drinks that we like.  Oh well.  That will last us a couple months.  

Hubby got a phone call from his friend and they didn't meet last night either.  But I did get to go to Sam's Club alone.  When I got home, instead of me cooking the thawed out chicken... hubby wanted to go to Chipolte's.  But - when we got there, the line was to the door and he didn't want to stand in line.  So we went to McAllister's.  I didn't have to cook, which was nice, but daggone - since when did one full sandwich, a half sandwich and a half salad, and two drinks cost $35?? I made her read back the order to be sure she didn't add something on there!  Plus they want a tip!! Yeah, we won't be back there for awhile.  Restaurants are getting way too expensive anymore.  I'd rather cook at home or go to 'fast food'.  But even they are getting expensive!  Hubby doesn't look at prices; he gets what he wants.  I look at prices first, then I decide.  Always have. Always will.  I know what it costs to prepare that food.

Bought a bottle of sugar free hazelnut syrup for hubby to put in his coffee for something different.  Ugh. He put it in mine this morning and I will need to tell him to leave it out - or put in a lot less.  I just can't get in to these syrups too much - too sweet for me - even the sugar free ones.

Today will be another busy day and I am dreading Monday when my co-worker takes off for 8 weeks and leaves me with her 8 doctors to take care of.  I don't mind scheduling meetings or submitting expenses for them, I didn't know I'd also have to attend some of these meetings and take minutes!  UGH.  I need to review her list of instructions and contact her to go over the questions I know I will have.  I waited as I figured I'd forget before she left.  I'm still praying for a miraculous healing and that I won't have to cover for her as she won't need the surgery! But surgery is scheduled for May 1. I'm praying she won't need it. Back surgery. And she said they found her back was fractured as well. 

John 3:16  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, will not perish but have everlasting life.

Lord, I believe; please help my unbelief.

Sometimes that is where we are in life, don't you think?  We believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and yet, we don't really believe IN Him. Does that make sense?  I mean, afterall, if we truly believed that Jesus is the Son of the Living God, wouldn't we follow Him?  Wouldn't we want to be like Him?  Wouldn't we want to obey His precepts?  And yet, we say we believe.

And when we get to that ... we must also add, Lord, please help my unbelief - not in You, but IN You enough to choose to follow You.

Holy is His Name.  

Believe.  No doubt. No question. 

He is.  

Jesus.

Getting trainings completed

 Well, I was able to get 3-4 of the mandatory trainings done yesterday as my bosses pretty much were busy yesterday and didn't send me a lot of work.  I still have several to go - like I'm guessing about 18 of them but haven't counted. That would be too depressing.  I have this 'quiz block' that happens whenever I take a test, and even though some of this stuff I know, most of it I don't because my job doesn't require me to have anything to do with it.  So I have to make sure I read through everything.  And I cheat a little...  I screen print the reading so that if I can't figure out for sure the answer to the question, I can search for it.  It's not really cheating.... I just don't retain things like I used to. Especially with all the distractions I have throughout the day.  And they give us all the material.  I did find with two of the quizzes I didn't have to look at the notes, so I just deleted them when I was finished.  This stuff isn't part of my job, and it has nothing to do with me, so it is frustrating to have to take it - or lose my job.  The only consolation is that even the president has to take all these trainings as well.  As do all my bosses.  My one boss and I both work on them as we can because when the lists come out of who hasn't completed them, we don't want our names on them!  And, we don't want to have to take our personal time to complete them so try to complete them during the work day.  In years past, I know some who give up a weekend and just sit and take one test after another.  Nope. That's MY time and I'm not willing to give it up for trainings.  I try to knock out at least one a day - I have until June 30th, but the sooner I get them done, the better.

I think hubby had a decent birthday.  He got lots of birthday greetings, which brought him joy.  He had training yesterday morning and then went to breakfast with a friend who wanted to take him out for his birthday.  He 'asked permission' to take a nap in the middle of the afternoon (will you get mad if I take a nap? I think that is asking permission.) and slept almost 2 hours.  It was interesting he asked as this happens when he sits in his recliner in the afternoon.  Regardless, he asked.  As I got ready to go for my workout, I asked if he wanted to go out to eat after for his birthday or come home and I'll cook.  He said it didn't matter, so I pulled chicken out of the freezer and put in a bowl of water to thaw while we were at the gym.  But then, at the gym, I was teasing our trainer - should I go home and cook hubby a birthday dinner or go to Popeye's (which is right next to the gym).  He looked at me and said 'go home'.  I protested with 'but it's hubby's birthday!' and he laughed and said "go to Popeye's".  So I told hubby he had a choice - chicken and veggies at home or go to Popeye's - and that our trainer had said Popeye's was his choice.  LOL Hubby immediately goes "Popeye's!" so that's where we had his birthday dinner.  Got home, the thawed chicken went in the refrigerator for lunch today, and he ate a large piece of strawberry pie for dessert.  He wanted to watch a movie, but I didn't, so he watched FBI while I listened to an audible book.

I have read this book before, but just haven't pulled it off the shelf. I had downloaded it for free several months ago so wanted to listen to it.  The Bait of Satan by John Bevere.  I would encourage you to read it.  I think it was chapter 6 last night that gave me pause.  He talked about living without offense. He referred some to leaving churches because someone or something offended you... and I had to think back over the years and also where we are now.  I know God was wanting us to leave the one church, and I believe that He orchestrated things to happen that confirmed we were to leave.  But, in my heart, I know that I still felt offended by something the pastor did. I have no idea where that pastor is now, but he caused a lot of people to leave rapidly.  But I haven't felt 'home' at any church since.  Still struggling where we are, but realize I need to be praying not only where does God want us to go, and if where we are we are to stay, I need to be praying that we don't leave until God releases us from that church.  In all of John Bevere's books he makes me ponder and think about where I am, what I think, my reactions to things - and it's all biblical.  That's what I love about his books.  He doesn't pull punches.  Either you follow Jesus completely, or you are of this world.  You can't pick and choose when you want to follow Jesus or when you want to do your own thing.  I'll give you another example another time. I have the book I'm thinking of, but want to read it again as well.  But, bottom line, 'being good' isn't good enough to get you in to heaven. 

Romans 14:11 (NKJV):  For it is written: "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue confess to God."

Romans 14:11-12(TPT):  For it is written, "A surely as I am the Living God, I tell you: 'Every knee will bow before me and every tongue will confess the truth and glorify me!'  Therefore each one must answer for himself and give a personal account of his own life before God.

Everything we do - every action, every word - we will confess before God when we come to His throne. We often think we have plenty of time; we feel healthy, we think we are doing good, so nothing is going to happen for a long time, right?  How wrong that thinking is.  We never know when our time will come to an end.  It could happen in a car accident.  Some of you who have been in accidents that are serious, know how close it was that your life could have been taken.  Just walking across the street one can be injured.  There are many things that can cause what we would all 'a premature death'.  And those of us who are older, we know that anything can happen to us.  Yes, I've often thought about my life and if I would 'be ready' to kneel before God and be accepted into heaven.  I can't judge anyone else on their life, I am too busy confessing all my known and unknown sins that I will be in heaven!  As you know, I am not perfect, by any means.  

But I love Jesus and I strive to follow Him and follow His teachings from His Word.  Reminds me, at the last service I gave at the RV park, a man came through the line and said he wanted to ask me a question.  It was an interesting question, and I had to pause and then confess the truth.  His question?  "Are any of your children faithfully in church and serving the Lord?"

My heart broke.  I had to respond with the truth.  I did say that one or two go to church occasionally, or watch online, but no, none are fully following Jesus.  That is on me. I didn't give them the example to follow and that is my fault.  But then, I was not given the example either, although I was brought up in church every week.  Our home life was definitely not a Christian home.  We used to say that we didn't have to watch the fights (boxing) on TV; we had the 'Friday night fights at our house every week".  I wasn't raised in a Christian home.  I tried to raise my children in one, but I obviously did not succeed in that.  I know I did a lot of things wrong.  I hope they have learned from my mistakes and choose to rise above my mistakes and chooses Jesus about this world.

And that is what I often pray for them.  Choose Jesus.  Follow Him.  He is the only way to live in this world.  I keep thinking I need to go back to fasting once a week for them; I used to, but got away from it when we left our first church.  Today would be a good day to start.  If you need an incentive, National Day of Prayer is Thursday, May 2nd.

What are you doing for your children?  Are you praying for them?  Not only for their safety, but for their salvation?  Maybe today would be a good day to start for that. Think about it.

Blessings!

I was tired last night...

 Well, we didn't go to church.  As I was sitting here yesterday, finishing up writing in here, hubby opens the door and says, "I don't feel like going to church this morning."  Isn't that interesting?  So, I mentioned that I also had been feeling the same thing- so we didn't go.  We did watch the service; hubby watched on the computer, I listened more as I got busy in the kitchen and started making some soups and strawberry pie.  I didn't feel guilty for not going, should I have?  Hubby and I went out and sat outside and continued to read our Bible or book for awhile and I wrote in my journal.  It was cool, with a slight breeze, and it was just really nice sitting outside for awhile. Something I don't get to do very often.

Since I had cooked breakfast, hubby didn't want lunch, so after I finished making soups and strawberry pies, I came in the front room and sat down.  Hubby had the game on, but quickly asked "do you want to watch a movie?"  I said ok, so we wended up watch 3 movies yesterday, then he kicked it over to NCIS about 7PM-ish.  So nothing got done yesterday except my cooking and cleaning up the mess.  But it was a relaxing day - you know I enjoy cooking and baking so I was ok with all that, but when I sat down, I realized how tired I was.  Getting old is not fun.

Today is hubby's birthday and when he came in with my coffee, I gave him his gifts, and he reminded me I had already bought him new tennis shoes, and something else, I forget what it was.  Anyway, I gave him a pair of walking poles (he always has an excuse he can't take long walks because he needs something to balance himself (he easily loses his balance and falls if he walks a long distance, especially if he is carrying something).  And a new phone case that is a tan color.  His black/tan cover he is constantly losing.  Hopefully he can find his phone easier now.  He seemed happy with the gifts.  I even splurged and bought a card, which I don't normally do.

I probably will offer to take him out to dinner somewhere tonight because it is his birthday, although we do have soup in the refrigerator. I may bag it up today and throw in the freezer.  It needs some doctoring up.  It's a good soup, don't get me wrong, but I used ground turkey instead of ground beef, and it has no flavor.   I don't know if I want to give to the neighbors or not.  And my strawberry pies?  I made two, but they don't seem to be quite right.  I found a new recipe and tried it, but it said to crush a cup of the strawberries, which I did, and cook, which I did, and then it said to add sugar and cornstarch to thicken, which I did.  Then it said to 'sieve' (which means to strain out the pieces that weren't crushed)... which I didn't, thinking it would give the pies flavor.... and therefore, they are somewhat runny.  Good, but runny.  I say good, because I have hubby and I 1/8 piece of pie after we ate.... and I saw later that hubby went back and got another, larger, piece.  I can say that cause 1/2 the pie is gone.  I do need to give the other pie away; we will never eat it that fast.  And we still have 1/2 a pie.

I was reading Romans 12 today in The Passion Translation, and I wish I had the time to write the entire chapter in here.  I've read that chapter many times over the years, and it is the basis of the Christian walk, I believe.  But TPT made it so clear.  It talks about the transforming power of the gospel.  This scripture is but a taste of what is to come.

Romans 12:1 (TPT):  Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God's marvelous mercies? To surrender yourselves to God to be his sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights his heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship.

In this chapter Paul also talks about being inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how we think.  He talks about pride. (yeah, I had to pause and pray about that one - am I prideful?  Yes, I unfortunately am, in some areas. We can call it being defensive, but in some cases, it is being prideful)  Paul also talks about the various gifts that God gives each of us.  

And Paul also talks about how our relationships are to be transformed.  Granted, he is talking about members and not family.  Still, some of the verses spoke to me.  And I think I have been doing that.

Romans 12:14 (TPT): Speak blessing, not cursing, over those who reject and persecute you.

And I know that I shared this one before.

Romans 12:19 (TPT): Beloved, don't be obsessed with taking revenge, but leave that to God's righteous justice. For the Scriptures say: "Vengeance is mine, and I will repay," says the Lord.

I didn't take the time to reread Romans 12 in the NKJV as I usually do.  But in The Passion Translation it makes me pause and think.  

I'm thinking I may be allergic to some of my yarn.  I really don't know, but every few months or so, my right arm will break out in a rash.  I try to get to the dermatologist before it goes away, and one time it was on the 'tail end' of the rash, but he took a biopsy to see what it was - but there wasn't enough to make a decision.  So what did he tell me to do?  Take an Alegra every day.  He said it wouldn't hurt me to do so.  And I did for awhile, but quit a few months ago.  And last night, I noticed the rash back on my arm and it has probably been 6 months since I have had it.  It' really strange; it doesn't itch. I is about 8" long and 3" wide and looks blotched on my arm.  That's the only place it appears, that I'm aware of.  And by tomorrow morning it will have faded away.  It lasts about 3 days and then fades back out.  But I was busy crocheting yesterday and watching movies... I made 2 baby blankets and got started on a third  so perhaps the yarn?  But then, it wasn't on this arm at all.  I'm right handed so the hook is in that hand.  I don't know, but that's the only thing I can think it could possibly be - and I remember thinking the same thing before.  I don't know.  Perhaps I should block out a day when  I just crochet all day and see what happens. Like I have all that time.  And, looking at the clock, my time is about gone in here this morning.  Sigh. Back to work.

Blessings!