Giving mercy when it isn't deserved.

 Yeah, that's what I read about in my devotional today.  In fact, I think I will include part of what it says.  Here goes:

"Sin deserves punishment. You pray for mercy for yourself and judgement upon others, but My love doesn't work that way. I need you to open your heart to My love and be a reflection of My mercy.  I know that it is not easy to show mercy when you're going through unthinkable pain and suffering. I know that you want to walk in My love, but it just doesn't seem that simple. Your broken heart overwhelms you as you try to understand the why questions of life. Understand that there are just some things that you will never understand. My plans go far beyond your comprehension. I don't want you to understand everything, I want you to trust me in and through it all - the good and the bad. Remember that I've given you grace, favor that you don't deserve, but that is readily poured out on you. Recall how you've been mercifully forgiven and that it is necessary for you to show the same compassion that I've shown you to others who don't deserve it either. In your bitterness and resentment, do not retaliate, but make the choice to be merciful, always forgiving and reflecting My love by offering mercy.

Romans 6:23 (NIV):  The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Yeah, since I will be around someone who constantly causes the hair to stand up on the back of the neck, the tension in the body, the rubbing of the material the wrong way, the fingernails on the chalkboard, the rubbing of Styrofoam together.... I had to read that one today.  But - do any of us deserve mercy?  There are many sayings that I know we have all heard. Do it once, shame on you, do it twice, shame on me.  Yeah, what do you call it when it is more than once or twice?  I think the 'last straw' has been reached.... and although I will be kind, and I will talk to them, I know I cannot be 'friends' with them, regardless of who they are or how they are related.  And that's all I'm going to say about that.

The milk-less, egg-less, butter-less cake was made yesterday - and to my surprise it is actually fairly good!  I had to slice off the top to make the cakes (8") fit together so nibbled on that to get a taste of it.  The chocolate frosting is decent too.  I was really surprised - the frosting is made up of coconut oil (so it gives it a slight coconut flavor-yum), vanilla extract, maple syrup, cocoa.... I think that is it.  It is real runny when putting it on, but seemed to solidify the longer it set. I put it in the refrigerator after I put it together so will see how it is today.  I was thrilled to make it for the great-grandson - and can't wait to see all the chocolate on his face, in his hair, on the highchair, on the floor.... and I don't have to clean it up.  LOL  I could, of course, help.  Maybe. I may not stay that long.   I made tea as well and am hoping I don't forget to take it with me. Just a pitcher full.

I awoke at my usual 4AM this morning and reminded myself it is Saturday, and I do not have to get up so early.  I laid there for about another 15 minutes or so - but could not go back to sleep so came in here and talked with God for a while before I decided to turn on my light and start my reading.  I love these mornings when I have no agenda for the morning but just being with Jesus.  There is something so peaceful about sitting in His presence and being still.  Saying what I want to say, and then being quiet and listening for His voice.  Sometimes I hear Him, sometimes I don't. But I always want to have open ears and an open heart and be available to Him.

We went to dinner last night with some friends and they had us meet them at a place we didn't even know was there!  It's a small restaurant, clean, and the Mexican food is excellent and authentic.  It's called MasterTaco.  It's a lot closer to us than Top Shelf north of us where we have been going - and cheaper too.  I had two enchiladas, and it came with refried beans and rice and the patch of lettuce/tomatoes on a large plage.  I couldn't eat it all.    I think the price was $11.99 and well worth it. We will probably start going there as it is good and the people are friendly.  Anyway, our friends bought as a 'thank you' for my preaching at the facility.  He is the one who coordinates it and had asked me to fill in and I was able to. He asked me last night when my RV park preaching started - and I told him November 10th and then goes to the middle of April.  Which reminds me I need to start putting messages together - I have ten times I'm speaking this season!   He said that some people at the facility really liked me - and the chaplain who spoke last week even mentioned a message on faith that I gave there, how it redefined his thoughts on faith. It wasn't me, it was God.  

I hear our neighbors out and about this morning.  We haven't seen them since we went there for dinner about 3 weeks ago.  I know we need to have them over, but haven't yet. I need to figure out something easy and good to fix.  I never worry about food until I plan a meal for others.  I could do soup and salad, which I love, but I don't know if they do.  She had fixed a chicken pot pie, which was good, but I'm not wanting to be that creative. I could be, but don't want to be.  But we do need to reciprocate soon.  I also need to call Ms. Diane... sigh.... I haven't talked to her since she said she'd rather go to hell than vote for Trump.  I was so shocked at her hatred I had to leave.  I do need to call her and see how she is doing. She probably doesn't even remember the incident.  I need to check on Ms. Vicki too.  I haven't been over there probably in two months - surprised she hasn't called me.  Maybe I can do that after the party this afternoon.  I enjoy the visit, but I also enjoy being a hermit.  Shut the world out and be alone.

Do you ever feel that way? That you just don't want to be around anyone?  You just want to be left alone and do your own thing?  I do.  Probably more frequently than I should.  This morning is one of them. I enjoy sitting and talking to God and waiting on Him.  That is the start of my day and is what keeps me going.  I need that more than I need a cup of coffee.  But I also like the TV off, book in hand, or a project to work on, and quiet.  Total silence.  Only in the silence can you often hear His voice in the stillness .... and know that it is God. The maker of heaven and earth. The One who loves you more than you can ever be loved by anyone.  Those are the moments I crave.  I do not fear being alone; I cherish it. Yes, I do love my family being around me. They keep me young and active.  (cough cough)  But the early mornings are the times that make life liveable.

Not having to jump up and get ont he computer to work leaves me time to do some extra reading.  I sure do love the weekends.  Enjoy yours.

Blessings!

Oh my goodness, I'm still laughing....

 I read my son's blog a few moments ago and it literally made me burst out laughing.  OUT LOUD.  Even now as I think about it, I chuckle.  What was it all about?  About people being 'afraid' of him - reading - or without his reader!  Cracked me up.  My son is an avid reader and often takes his reader with him to the bar to sit quietly and read.  I guess word has gotten out, don't mess with him if he's reading or you'll get 'hurt'.  I doubt physically, but possibly verbally. LOL Anyway, he didn't have his reader that night and three people literally changed their friendly expression and left when he spoke to them.  He finally asked the third one what was up - and she told him.  It is hilarious!   Good one, son, good one!  Too, too funny!

Yesterday the busy, craziness, of the work life finally calmed down.  Finally was able to go through emails to see what I had missed, and there were a couple emails that had not been responded back to and I had to contact again to schedule meetings.  Got my favorite boss' meetings for 2025 taken care of and now need to focus on the other three.  Especially my male boss as he has about 20 1:1s (no, I don't think that is an exaggeration) that I need to get extended into 2025, and numerous meetings and two board meetings I have to get on the calendar fairly soon for 2025.  The other two I support aren't quite as bad, but I also need to get theirs done.  That is my 'busy work' for today.  Unless he decides to do a meeting dump on me again today.  He is going to crash and burn at some point - I tell him that all the time.  He is daily back to back meetings, one right after the other, and I have no clue how he keeps it straight.  He does take time off for his family, which is a good thing, and is on panels for conferences so does travel occasionally as well. Way too busy in my opinion and I'm on the brunt end of getting airlines, hotels, rental cars, and meetings all scheduled. It's not fun to support him.  But he is a nice 30-ish guy and very smart.

I volunteered to make the 'smash cake' for the great-grandson's birthday on Saturday.  He needs to have dairy free so of course I went to Amazon.  They had two cake mixes that I ordered (we're talking they ask nearly $15 each for these cakes!! And you got to put them together!!) and received yesterday. Non-gluten, yes.  Non-dairy?  Well, yes.... until you have to add the ingredients to actually make the cake.  Add butter. In one it said to add milk, but can use coconut milk.  Hello?  So I went online and found a website that truly had an eggless, milkless, butterless cake.  I watched the video and wrote down the ingredients.  It's also called a 'depression cake' because during the depression milk, eggs, and butter were scarce.  Someone made this cake and supposedly it is very good.  Ingredients simple and things you would have on hand as a rule.  And it's chocolate.  Even the frosting is very simple to make.  

After my workout last night we stopped at Panera to eat, then we stopped at Michaels.  I wanted to buy small cake pans to make the cake.  Afterall, he is only going to be one and a small cake is perfect for him.  I also found some dinosaur candles. Not sure if my son has bought '1' candles for him yet.  If he does, I'll keep these for another time.  Anyway - I plan to make this 'no eggs, no milk, no butter' cake today and see what it tastes like.  I don't want to give him a cake that is tasteless.  I'm excited about trying this cake out.  It may be a recipe we need to keep handy for in the future if he doesn't outgrow his allergy to it.  Oh, his allergy?  Explosive diarrhea for two days.  Yeah, I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

Today is Friday and I'm grateful.  It's been a busy week and I'm glad it is nearly over.   The EA for the president of our division didn't get a good mid-year review so she is now going overboard on being 'out there' and involved. She's actually starting to annoy me.  I liked it better when she was quiet.  She's already starting a team to organize a Christmas pot-luck for all the admins and executive assistants in the downtown office (which I avoid like the plague) and asked for volunteers yesterday.  No, I did not volunteer.  I like things plain and simple and enjoyable - she goes all out and way above.  And that's her thing.  It's not mine.  I enjoy parties, and I love throwing my own pot-lucks, as you know.  But being in a conference room with 20 other women that I may only know 3-4 of them just isn't my thing.  I see she has about 7 on her 'team' of volunteers.  I'm staying quiet.  Then she has decided we need to have this Christmas party mid-end of November!!  I don't want to go!! Especially because it is downtown and I may find an excuse NOT to.  She sent out a survey with about 6 different dates - starting with November 7 and 8!!   I picked 6 of the 8 dates she offered up.  I think I'm going to go into the program and remove my check mark for the date that is getting the most marks (Nov 14).  I really do not want to go. I don't want to drive downtown.  I will drive to Mesa before I drive downtown if I can help it!! But I may not be able to get out of it.  Maybe if I just remain quiet..... ???  I don't know all these people and they pretty much know each other.  I worked in Mesa - I think all but two or three others - who I have never met - all worked downtown before Covid and before we were sent home to work.  I don't even know my way around there, nor do I have a parking permit.  UGH.  Stress.  I only work with maybe 4-5 of these admins on a daily basis - I'd rather meet at a restaurant for lunch with those I work with.  

I went in to change my 'vote' for the biggest day and decided to not do that. That's overreacting, right? I'm a big girl.  I can drive downtown. I did it for years.  I just don't want to.  Well, will see what November brings. I may change my mind and get excited about it.  Right?  I can put on my 'big girl panties' and go and enjoy it.  Right?

Hubby's alarm clock died the other day - remember my sharing about it?  I went to Amazon (of course) and bought him a new one, with a projection light like mine. He often fusses at me if my projection light isn't right where he wants it.  Now he has his own.  I've noticed it before all around the house, but noticed it again this morning as I got up.  Do you realize how much electricity is used for all these things that emit a 'blue light' when they are 'on'?  I turn my printer off most days because it can light up this entire room. Then there is the clock in here. Well, I do 'need' it to keep myself on track in the mornings.  The cord on my work computer - it lights up even when it's turned off - and if I have the computer on all night - the simple touch of the mouse can light up the entire room as well.  The two projection clocks (although I have hubby's facing the wall on his side) really lit up our bedroom.  I think I'm going to find the dimmer switch on his and turn it down.  Maybe he won't notice.  I have already turned mine down.  But even in walking through the house, you can see cords and other electronic devices working away with little blue lights.  How much electricity are we using that we aren't using?  Have you ever thought about that?  Then there is my herb garden.  It emits a bright light 16 hours and then shuts off for 8 hours every day.  I used to turn it off at night and often forgot to turn it on in the mornings.  I finally told hubby just let it alone. But the light is so bright that you think you left the kitchen light on!  Maybe that will keep strangers away, thinking we are still up in the middle of the night?  I need to walk around and see what I can turn off or unplug.  Of course I don't dare touch anything in hubby's 'office'.  I breathe in there and can get in trouble.  I want so badly to separate out all the books in to alphabetical order - but he just will not allow it!  It is HIS office ("and it's the only room in this house that is MINE!!").  Oh the things that we put value on.  

Rejoice in the Lord, for He is always near.  As I was praying this morning for each of my children and their families, I am reminded how often I run to God and ask Him to help them (whether they think they need it or not), and not pause to thank Him for them.  So today I did that.  I thanked God for each of my children, and their families.  They bring heartache at times because I can grasp what they are capable of - but I also must keep my hands off and let them find their way. I need to keep praying they find the way of the Lord and allow Him to direct their path and keep them straight.  Hell can get awfully hot, and painful, I hear.  I don't want any of my family to suffer through that torment for the rest of their lives. Eternally.  I'd rather they be in heaven and free.

What do you wish for your children?  Pause on that one and think about it.  Are you sharing Jesus with them?  For some, even though they may have been raised in the church, they only have a head knowledge of Jesus.  Teach them to have a heart knowledge as well.  Only then will they seek His face and come to know the One who can lead them wherever they go.  Jesus is our one sure thing in life.  He is always there, will never leave us. All we need to do is call out to Him.  So I cry out to Him for each of my children, my grandchildren, and my great grandchildren - and for generations to come.  His will for their lives; His blessings showered upon them.   Take a pause and do that for your own family. You are the matriarch or the patriarch of your family.  What legacy will you leave them?

Blessings!

A nice evening alone....

 Hubby had moved his Tuesday night to Wednesday night this week.  I'm still confused as to the why. The only reason he gave me was that the wanted to go to the gym with me Tuesday night.  He rides the bike while I do my workout.  It was weird for him to change that.  I've gone on Tuesday before and he didn't change anything.  So he met our friend last night and my daughter had other things to do  - so I was 'home alone'.  I must admit it was nice.  I don't get these times often as hubby is usually gone when I'm working and he knows I can't leave.  Or so he thinks.  

It was nice last night.  I worked on a Christmas project for awhile.  Then I put one of my favorite movies on - Sabrina (Harrison Ford and Julia Ormond) - and then after that watched Snowbound for Christmas - another favorite on Up Faith & Family.  I finished up an afghan I was making for my sister's friend (and technically my friend too although I have never met or talked with her).  Just need to tuck in the ends and I can get it in the mail.  It was a big project.  Hubby came home towards the end of the 2nd movie and watched the ending of it (he likes it too).  Once it was off, I got to listen to all the stuff going on in our friend's family life.  I'm sure it was told to hubby in confidence, but he always comes home and tells me what he's told from whomever he goes out to lunch with.  This morning it is another friend he is having breakfast with.  They usually go to the 'BB Diner'.  Perhaps that is why he gets so upset with me when I come home from having time with anyone - I don't share anything.  Well, nothing personal, anyway.

This week has been a rough week at work - I mean it has really been busy.  Little by little I have been able to get things completed and out of my inbox.  Still have a lot to do - but I felt by 3PM yesterday afternoon I could finally take a breather. (I made no bake cookies)  I haven't looked to see what I have this morning facing me - but will tackle it head on.   Need to straighten up this room this morning - our housecleaners are to be here around noon, I think.  They don't do much in this room - I tell them to leave my desk alone, so they dust and run the sweeper.  I try to pick things up off the floor (Christmas boxes against the wall) and the bed seems to be always filled with 'things'.  I really do need to do something with this material.  I have plans for it - it is just getting to it.  Now that the afghan is finished, I need to make a few more baby blankets and then perhaps I can focus on the material. Will see.  I like doing things by hand, but to get these completed, may need to resort to the sewing machine.  Which it has been years - literally - since I have used it. I am not sure I even remember how.  Maybe that will be a 'new year's goal - take sewing lessons.  I did check it out one time and this one place wanted $75 an hour!!  I think that is a bit much.   I just need someone to show me how to get it started again - i.e., bobbin, thread, tension, etc.  Yeah, it's been a long time.  One of my granddaughters tried to help me on one visit up - she threaded the bobbin for me and got the thread ready to sew.  It sat like that for a couple more years, I imagine, then I put it all away to clear space.  Oh well.

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV):  Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

What does that verse mean to you?  Anything?  Did it make you reflect on words you may have spoken recently, or a conversation you had lately?  It's not just saying 'bad words' or 'cuss words' when you speak.  It's when you say words that put people down.  For example, 'you're a loser. You will never make anything of yourself.  You're stupid.  Can't you do anything right? What fruitcake did you come from?'  Anything that puts someone down, to feel sad, to feel lonely, to feel alone - is wrong.

We should be building people up with our words.  Words like 'I am so proud of you!  I know you can do this, I have confidence in you!  I love how you do......  You've got this!  I really appreciate how you take care of this!  Thanks for doing that - it's perfect!'   Words that we take for granted when we hear them - but words that when we speak them to others mean so much.

Even words like "I love you."  "I appreciate you."  "I thank God for you."  These words encourage and lift up people.  Watch the words you speak; especially to your children, to your spouse, to your siblings, to those you care for.  Words that we think are said in fun, may be the very words that crush their spirit, and they will never forget it.

Case in point - I still hurt and remember when my little sister told me she felt I was a terrible mother several years ago.  She gave me her reasons, for which I will not put in here, but she sharply told me that and although she says that she doesn't remember saying it, I certainly do.  She also told me years ago that a sibling had told her I was only waiting for hubby to die.  Now this was probably 15-20 years ago - and I still remember it.  I always thought it was another sibling by that name, but a few years ago I brought it up and asked her if it was that one, for I had not seen them in years so how could they say that - and she confirmed which sibling it was.  It hurt.  I have no idea why they said what they did. I have often thought of just asking them.  Hubby has always been in the best of health so I don't understand why that comment was made to my younger sibling.  It still hurts that things like that was said when I know it wasn't true then, nor is it true now.  

My mother always said, "Watch the words that you speak, for you never know which ones you will have to eat."    Watch what you say to others.  Sometimes it follows them in their heart for a lifetime. And it always hurts.  Don't call people names; don't put them down.  Instead, use words that will encourage and lift them up.  You will be thought of more highly if you do that - than if you put down. 

I slept good last night for a change.  Must be from the last few nights of having interrupted sleep.  I slept through the night - which is rare for me.  I did wake up at 3:45AM but knew I didn't have to get up yet so tried to go back to sleep.  Not able to though.  It could be a long day today - and I have the gym tonight.  Probably working on core again.  She seems to alternate core and upper body workouts.  But my first training of the week is always legs.  A different area, but still legs.  My thighs are starting to feel the Tuesday workout.

I think I may fix chili tonight for dinner.  Not that it is cold here, but it just sounds good.  For some reason that popped in my mind earlier this morning as I was having my quiet time.  Need to pull out some hamburger and set it out to thaw.  Actually, I can place in a bowl of cool water and it will be thawed out within the hour.  That really is sounding good right now!  Even for breakfast!  LOL  Just kidding!  

I made a muffin tin of egg bites the other day - and they are in a baggie in the refrigerator.  I'm thinking I want to make up eggs ole and do the same thing - make in muffin tins and put in refrigerator.  You just take out one or two and heat in the microwave for a minute - and you have a breakfast of eggs and whatever else you put in it!  I put ham and peppers and cheese and cottage cheese in these.  I think next time I will use green chilies.  It's a simple recipe and so good!!  And quick to fix and eat. Put salsa on the top and yum!

And with that - need to get off here and get started on my day.  I hear the landscapers out front.  As soon as it starts getting light they are busy mowing and doing their thing.   I need to pick up things off the floor in here.  At least they will be able to run the sweeper in my closet now.  Before I would just shut the door and they knew they couldn't get in there. LOL  Now they can - it's been two weeks and it still looks decent!  Still need to go through clothes, though.  Sigh. Wish I could lose weight and get into the ones I have.  GOAL, right?

Blessings!

It was a good surprise!

 We received a great surprise yesterday.  I was working at my desk when I heard the gate squeak.  I looked out, but didn't recognize the very thin person who I saw.  I thought maybe it was another Amazon delivery.  The doorbell range and hubby answered it - to our surprise it was my oldest son and his youngest son!  Now it is sad, isn't it, that I didn't recognize my own grandson?!  He had his head down as he walked and I didn't even realize it was him!  Maybe I need to get better glasses!!  I stepped away from work so that I could spend time with them.  My son was helping his youngest to learn to navigate our streets and soon begin driving out on his own.  It was a great surprise, and I am grateful they stopped by. It is always good to se them.  And it reminds me I need to make another pitcher of tea.  I generally do have some in the refrigerator, but the last time I made it, I washed the pitcher and just set it aside and didn't refill it.  I think I will do that today.  We drink it as well, and then I'll have it when the son does stop by. 

Which brings me to last night.  I was exhausted after not much sleep the night before, and we went to bed at our usual time last night.  I fell into a deep sleep - only to be awakened by my watch buzzing.  Not once, but several times.  Earlier in the day my youngest son had included me in a group chat (for which I am grateful; it helps me know what is going on).  I had responded to his announcement of a birthday party for his grandson.  Still on the chat, the oldest and the youngest son were discussing the party (and I can bring tea) and then the granddaughter was chatting as well.  Now mind you, I can't read my watch texts without my glasses, and I'm squinting at my watch when it kept buzzing, semi-awake.  I hit a button, thinking I was being asked to bring tea to the party.  After a few minutes the texts stopped and I could settle down and go back to sleep.  At 11:16PM hubby's alarm clock starts flashing 8888 and beeping.  Loudly.  I wait to see if he will move to stop it. He doesn't. (I found out this morning that he didn't even hear it!!)  After a couple minutes that seemed like eternity, I got up and turned on his light to see if I could stop the noise.  Nothing worked.  It wasn't an alarm.  It was a malfunction of the clock.  So I unplugged it.  It continued to beep and flash for another 30 seconds.  Weird.  

Wide awake by this time I came in here to try to sleep in the chair.  And I may have, but shortly after I came in here, I heard hubby shuffling down the hallway to the bathroom - so I got up and went back to bed.  Settled in, slept a bit, and my watch alarm goes off.  I turn it off and try to go back to sleep to no avail. I finally get up and come in here, tried to sleep again; unable to, I heard hubby getting up and knew he would be bringing in my coffee shortly (by now desperately needed) and got my light turned on and my Bible out to read.  My vision is acting weird this morning; it's blocking out words.  Not my usual ocular migraine so don't know what is going on.  Ah - I close my eyes and I see the lightning bolt on the left - and now it is there with my eyes open.  I wish I knew what caused that and why is there not a cure.

I got my blood test results back and I can now see why I am extremely tired at times, and why other things are weird.  I don't remember all the test results, but my iron is low - I think the lowest on the range is 15 and my count was 14.  My iron saturation is out of whack, my protein in my blood dropped substantially, and I don't remember what else. Oh yeah - my TSH is also in the red.  I don't know what all this means but I am sure I will hear from the doctor's office soon on these tests, unless she will wait until I have my bone density and mammogram next week and call me one time.  I have already gone into my portal and read what she wrote from my visit.  I'll check it later today to see if she will comment on my labs before I get the phone call.  I'm pretty sure I'll get a phone call; too many of the labs were in the red so something is going on in my body.  I just don't know what.  With my TSH out of whack for the very first time, I'm wondering if it means the levothyroxine I've been taking for years needs to be increased - and that could also be a problem as to why I have been unable to lose weight, although I have been working out and cut back on my eating plus eating more healthy.  Nothing has been working and I nearly have resigned myself to being chunky.  But I have noticed my clothes are getting tighter and I don't want to give in and buy a bigger size!  That's not the solution to my problem.  That's the easy solution - just buy larger sizes - but I'm uncomfortable being this size as I feel chunky when I try to do things.  I don't like the feeling.  Man, this ocular migraine is in full force right now and it is annoying!!

I'm going to close this off and close my eyes.  I have ten minutes before I need to turn on the work computer.  This week has been horrendously busy and I need my vision to complete my job.  It takes about 20 minutes to get through these episodes.  So with that - hope you have a great day - sorry I'm cutting this short - need to see better.

Blessings!

It was the greatest evening in a long time....

 I may be feeling exhausted this morning, but it is so worth it!  Back in about 1965 or 1966 I was allowed to go with the other school librarians to see a movie called 'The Sound of Music'.  It was my very first experience in a very elegant theater in downtown Indianapolis.  I was captured by it all.  The movie was so long it even had a 15-30 minute intermission.   We watched it numerous times on TV until it got to the point that when the children saw it was going to be on, they would hide that information from me so that they would not have to watch it again.  (same with the Wizard of Oz!)  The Sound of Music always stirred my heart.  

For a belated birthday gift, my youngest son called me a couple weeks ago and asked if I would like to go see it again on the big screen.  A nearby theater was showing it.  Of course I said YES!  Later we talked about going to dinner before the show. Just me and him.  Last night was the night.  He picked me up early and we had a great dinner at Bubba's, which was next to the theater.  (I got the best bacon cheeseburger I had ever tasted!) and french fries; he got a monte cristo sandwich and fries.  BTW, Monday nights any burger is only $10.99 at Bubba's!  After eating we headed to the movie theater.

I was not disappointed.  He had purchased and reserved seats where we had the best seats.   It wasn't long that the movie started and I was once again captured by this movie.  I even mouthed the words through some of the songs (a lady behind us was actually singing them!).  And, there was an intermission, but it lasted only about 5 minutes.  Some got up and left, thinking they would have time - and then missed some of the movie as it came back on fairly quick.  It is such a good, good movie.  And, yes, it is a true story, but it also has a lot of fictional things in it.  A lot.  In fact, if you google 'what year did The Sound of Music come out, you will find many things about the movie that were incorrect from the true story. But that's what sells movies, right?  Not all the bad stuff, but lots of good stuff.  All in all, it was a wonderful movie, I had a very blessed time with my youngest son, and it is an evening I won't forget soon.  Oh - the movie was about 3 hours long.  So glad I skipped the soda and popcorn or I wouldn't have made it all through the movie!

But, getting home, and soon going to bed, my mind would not shut off. But it wasn't just the movie that was on my mind.  As I was clearing some imessages, I noticed one that my lab test results were available. Of course I had to look, expecting them to be good.  There are 9 that are 'out of range'.  Curious I had to go look for them.  A couple didn't really surprise me, but several did.  I may get called back in to the doctor's office.  It was hard to read it all on my phone, and it was late and I was heading to bed, so I plan to bring it up on the computer today and try to print it out so that I can look up what some of the codes mean.  My iron has dropped, which I had suspected, but there were other things that even I am concerned, if these tests are accurate.  

Yesterday was extremely busy with scheduling meetings and I didn't even think about taking a lunch.  Well, I did take off for about 45 minutes and got my blood draw done (I was really surprised they already had the results the same day!) and came home and ate a large breakfast, I was so hungry.  Well, to me it was large.  Skipped lunch cause I knew I was going out for dinner.   But it was busy right up to about 4:15 when I shut the computer down. Left things to do this morning. 

Our neighbors are heading out for a walk this morning (I can hear them as they leave) and it's nearly 7AM.  I am late getting on here this morning because I kept trying to go back to sleep.  I was not successful, so instead of sleeping I wasted my time and just 'rested'. Sorta. My mind wouldn't shut off. I may have to sneak a nap in today if I need to.  Training tonight so got to get focused there too.  

I guess I have bored you plenty today with my ramblings; but now you know what is on my mind.  I'm tired (and hopefully will not be cranky) and I have a lot of work to get done today.  But I did get the two contracts completed yesterday - and I'm just hoping that I did them right.  One of my dozen emails may be in response to that.  

Hubby is having breakfast with a friend. I'm working. I have training tonight. Hubby moved his study to tomorrow night as he said he wanted to go workout when I do.  (that is so weird and I don't know why he is doing that. He's never done that before when I have worked out on a Tuesday night.) So he's meeting his friend Wednesday night. He's really being odd lately.  He couldn't remember how to bring up You Tube on the TV Sunday.  And it all is scaring me.  I put Life 360- back on his phone.  He spends his time while I'm out tracking me, I know.  But at least I can tell where he is if he gets lost.  Maybe all this is in my mind, and not in his.  Maybe I should be scared of me. But - it's time for me to get to work so can't think about it or anything else right now.  Got to get to work!

Blessings!

It will be a busy Monday

 I do have a lot to accomplish today (Lord, HELP!).  I know I need to approve timecards first thing.  I received an 'apology email' from my male boss Friday evening stating "I'm so sorry I had to send you so many meetings to schedule." so I know that I will need to face those today. If he apologizes, then I'm sure there are at least 4-5 or more.  As long as I can book them out a few weeks, I'm ok - it's these that need to be scheduled this week that become a headache.  Everyone is too busy.

I also need to go get a blood draw this morning.  I have the paperwork; I need to go back to my doctor's building as that is where this lab is. Only about 15 minutes away so no biggie.  It opens at 7AM and that was my thought to do this morning - but since it is 6:11 already, I have a feeling I will need to just go when I can today.  After all, I do get a lunch hour, even though I don't take it.  I need to go before 11AM and I after 1PM.  Surely, I can work it in.  My favorite boss is at a conference today and tomorrow so I will not be hearing from her.  It's this male boss that dominates my time.  But he is back-to-back meetings so I'm sure I can get away for an hour to take care of this.  After all, I am important too, right?  I also need to call the imaging place and get my mammogram and dex-a-scan scheduled.  Then I will only have my dermatologist to see yet this year and I will have seen them all.  Although, I really don't NEED to see him, it's just a quick screening I do once a year.  I can put it off.  The rash I originally went to him to see a few years ago popped back up on my arm yesterday in a bright pink.  He had told me to take an allergy pill when it comes up - in fact, he said I could take an allergy pill every day - it wouldn't hurt me.  Well, I haven't every day - and it came up yesterday.  I'm thinking, since I received the P20 pneumonia shot in the doctor's office Friday, and my shoulder is red and swollen and hot from it, that it triggered the allergic reaction so I just took an allergy pill  It must have worked; the rash is gone this morning. My arm is still pink just below where they did the shot.

Yesterday was a nice day.  We watched Pastor Jentezen speak a great message yesterday, then watched Pastor Pat at our church.  A decent message, but he kept breaking out in song and the one side of the church just edges him on.  He said Pastor Michael will be speaking next week.  He is always good but abstract at times.  Hubby says I need to write a letter to Pastor Pat and Sharonda if we do not plan to go back.  We've watched on You Tube the last three weeks.  Hubby did scare me somewhat yesterday. He couldn't remember how to bring You Tube up on the TV to watch church.  I did not to make a big deal of it, just took the remote and spoke into it and brought up what we wanted to watch.

I really do enjoy staying home and watching church on You Tube.  We do sing along, and we do pay attention.  And I crochet while watching the service.  I like staying in my pjs and not rushing about.  I really don't know what we are going to do.  I know that the Holy Spirit lives in me, so why is it that when they say they keep singing because the Holy Spirit is there... and yet, I'm not feeling it... I 'shut down' when they sing for nearly an hour.  And they talk about speaking in tongues a lot - and many of them do. But we don't. We have not received that 'gift'.  I always feel inferior and that maybe the Holy Spirit isn't in me - yet I know He is. Oh well - a subject for another time.  

I had to go to the store. Again. I realized I forgot to buy more eggs at both Sam's Club and Fry's.  I still had about 15 eggs, but I wanted to make this egg dish that took 18 eggs. Or was it 16.  Anyway, It's all the eggs, then add whatever you want.  I added a cup of cottage cheese, cheddar jack cheese, salt, pepper, green peppers, and cut up pieces of ham and baked in muffin tins.  I bagged them up and hubby asked me this morning how long to leave in the microwave.  That's what they are for - a quick easy meal and full of protein.  It reminded me of my eggs ole I make.  In fact, I think I'd like to make some of that - I need to check if I have everything though. Maybe just a half batch I will have it all.  Hmmm.  

I also baked a batch of snickerdoodles for my trainer. And us, of course.  I ate FIVE of them last night along with chugging milk.  It was so good.  I got to stay out of them - and yet, I know I won't.  Hubby was in them last night as well, although I took him two warm ones with a glass of milk earlier.  I wanted to bake more, but didn't.

Oh - and I did not get to straightening up my yarn yesterday. Cookie baking was on my agenda.   And hubby left the TV off last night.  He played with his phone, then read, and I worked on an afghan for a friend.  13 rows to go and I can move on to other things.  Christmas will be here before I know it and I am not going to be prepared.  I won't be working on the yarn today either.  Unless I get a break in meetings this afternoon.  As soon as work is over today, my youngest son is picking me up for dinner - and taking me to see The Sound of Music at the theater!!  He said it is a belated birthday gift.  I'm so excited!  That was the very first show I saw at a theater.  I wasn't allowed to go to drive-ins or anything like that when I was growing up.  It was sinful!!  In fact, it was so sinful to go to the drive in that when my stepsister snuck and went with her boyfriend to see The Ten Commandments when it came out, my stepfather grounded her!  But I got to go because I was a librarian at school and that was their thank you for working there - all of us who volunteered go to go.  I am so grateful I could.  I used to always insist we watch it when it came on TV - til it got to the point hubby and the kids would hide any notification it was going to be on TV (that and a couple other movies I really had an attachment to) so that they wouldn't have to endure it' once more time.  

James 3:13 (NIV):  Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

Have you ever been around someone who did something that made you look at them in somewhat awe? It may have been something they said that truly made sense over a situation, or it may have been a deed they completed that left you wondering why you didn't think about it first.  I have had both of those things happen.  Maybe not recently, for I haven't been around people that much.  Actually, in thinking about it, I haven't been much of ANYwhere for several months. I haven't been around a lot of people on any great basis.  Wow.  Have I become somewhat of a hermit?

But there are people 'out there' who will sometimes surprise you with words that they speak. They will amaze you with their actions.  And many times we wish, I think, it was us saying that wise thing or doing that amazing thing.  And why isn't it us?  I believe it is because we don't pause and take in the situation and let it process out in our minds.  We get so caught up in the 'it must be said' or 'it must be taken care of' - that we impatiently push through with our own agenda.  Perhaps we all need to pause and reflect before speaking and acting.  I know I'm in that group.  Many times I may speak because I think it is 'safe' to say around people.... but when I hear it being taken out of context in the wrong way, I regret speaking without thinking.  Especially when it gets thrown back in your face.  Know what I mean?  I hear many things that have been said.  Some to my face, some through social media indirectly directed at me, and yet, where are the guts to say to the face.... ok, my mind is going on a tangent so I'm shutting up here.  I want to be wise and understanding. I want others to see who I am on the inside, not what the world sees on the outside.  Does that make sense?

Thinking about my oldest son this morning and wondering how he is. He hasn't written in his blog since last Tuesday.  Last year on his birthday he came by and brought donuts.   I do have a small gift for him; maybe I need to bake him his special cookies and do a run out to see him. White chocolate macadamia nut, if I recall correctly.  He will hopefully correct me if I'm wrong. But then, he doesn't need cookies.  He doesn't know it, but he needs his mama.  

And with that, I need to jump off here - it's nearly 7AM and I need to approve timecards and see when I can do a run to get the blood draw completed.  It will be a busy day today. Can't wait until tonight to see The Sound of Music.  So looking forward to it.  Need to figure out dinner for hubby before I leave.  

Blessings!

Jesus helped me stay focused

 As I glanced at my written prayer yesterday morning I noticed that I asked Jesus to help me stay focused and accomplish the tasks that I wanted to get done.  He answered.  I accomplished the two things that I really wanted to get done yesterday.  Am I finished with everything?  No.  But I did stay focused and completed what I wanted to get done.

I even started the day by cooking a good breakfast for hubby and I.  After he put the plates in the dishwasher (after all, he 'does' the dishes), I set up a card table and started pulling things from the shelves in the pantry.  I didn't have but one or two expired items that I decided to get rid of - like chia seeds. I don't use those often enough and they were a year expired so yeah, threw them in the trash.  I emptied cartons of canned goods I had bought at Sams Club and got my shelves lined up very well.  I won't need to buy much in groceries except things like eggs, milk and bread for the next six months! 

After I finished the pantry, I moved to the laundry room shelving.  The shelves have been so weighted down with my cookbooks and other items that the shelves have bowed.  I have been afraid that they were going to snap and everything come tumbling down (like the shelving in the garage did).  I straightened up the counter and moved things around; I cleaned off two shelves of yarn off the bookcase and moved my cookbooks to those shelves.  So guess what my project should be for today - unless I put it off until next weekend?  Yeah, I have yarn all over the floor.  I need to get it organized on the remaining 2-3 shelves and bag up the rest and put under the desk.  Right now I have a mess on the floor.

The plus is - I got the pantry completed, I got the laundry room shelving completed.  Whoo hoo!  Next - my yarn.  Then maybe I will move to my dresser and chest of drawers.  Keep the momentum up.  Ok. It's highly unlikely I will continue to do it - but I can have that goal, right?  It really does feel good to go the pantry and see what I need.  And I'm not grumbling every time I go to the laundry room to see that shelving all messed up.  It isn't perfect, but I think it will work.

BTW - I did ask hubby to take the items to Savers yesterday - and he agreed to do it - and DID!  Yes, I was surprised he didn't put it off.  But right after breakfast, he loaded up the car and took it.  Grateful.

Looks like we are not physically going to church this morning.  Hubby asked me last night if I had thought any more about going to CCV.  Honestly, I had not.  He will have the final say. I gave him my reasons before so just answered 'no, I hadn't'.  But I did remind him of a meme I saw earlier on social media.  Something like 'Worship is not about you.  If you complain about worship, who are you worshipping.'  Ouch.  He never commented when I sent it to him earlier in the week, but I did mention it yesterday. He said it isn't the worship, it's that they continuously scream things during the songs (you can't understand half of it), and even during the sermon, the left side of the church is screaming their affirmations at the pastor.  I will admit, the one thing that bothers me at times..... after the announcements and it's time for the pastor or his wife to come up to preach.... whoever is giving the announcements will say "now stand to your feet and give a loud welcome to our pastor'..... to me that is worshipping the pastor somewhat and I feel very uncomfortable about it.  The whole service becomes a concert for he will often burst into a chorus of one of the songs that were sung (his original goal was to be a singer and has a great voice) - and will take another 10 minutes getting the congregation to sing along with him.  Is it just me / us?  Is it more that we are not 'Pentecostal'?  We've gone there four years! You would think something would rub off on us - but it has not.  

We want a church whose worship is leading the congregation into deep worship with God, and then when the Word comes, it shows us where we need to change, where God says for us to go, and what we are to do.  How do we live that verse in today's world?  The Word hasn't changed.  We have.  We need to learn how to take the Word and live it today.  Is that so much to ask?  Preachers nowadays are missing that part in their sermons.  We don't want 'feel good' messages.  That's why we love Jentezen Franklin - although he is Pentecostal, their worship team plays two songs, maybe three some Sundays, and Pastor Jentezen preaches right from the Bible and tells us how to live for Jesus.  His messages are all about living for Jesus.   We will watch Free Chapel at 8AM and will watch 'our' church at 10AM.... unless I can get hubby to tune to Dr. David Jeremiah or even that Surprise church I found nearby and we haven't heard the senior pastor yet.  We heard an associate, but he is a teaching pastor and we didn't get much out of it.  We will watch 2-3 sermons today so guess we will have a lot of 'church' in us when we're done.

I want to get some baking done today.  I did make a new recipe last night - blackened catfish.  For some reason my stomach was rebelling at the thought of fish, so gave both pieces to hubby - and he loved it!  I ate the rest of the leftovers of the roast I cooked the other day.  Have no idea what I'll be cooking today.  Maybe some 'breakfast bites' - which is an egg dish we make in muffin tins and then put in the refrigerator for later in the week; put in microwave and heat up for protein.  But I need to run to Frys and get more eggs; don't have enough for what I want to make and bake.

Psalm 121:1-8 (NIV)  I lift my eyes up to the mountains - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip - He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel (or you) will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you - The Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm - He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.

May your Sunday be full of 

Blessings!