I will be so glad when all this hoola is over! Oh yes, I watched the debates, well, most of them. I read the news articles from different places. I tried to stay focused on the topics. Which, I discovered, neither of the candidates for President of the United States did. Why can't they just answer the question??!! Stop going back to get your 2cents worth in on the last question but focus on the question you are being asked!! ARRGGGHHH!!!
We mailed our ballots in a few weeks ago after sitting down and discussing each of the pros and cons on the candidates for the different offices, and also all the judicial people and the other propositions. It was interesting in some respects. We often went 'for real?' Some decisions were no brainers. Which reminds me of the article I read this morning on aol. This woman coming towards a stopped school bus did not want to stop while the bus unloaded children. What does she do? She turns onto the sidewalk so that she doesn't have to stop! I'm not sure if it was that day or another day, but it was taped by the school bus - and as she pulls onto the sidewalk to avoid stopping, then back onto the street, she gets pulled over by the police. Her punishment, other than a $250 fine? She has to wear a sign stating something about being an idiot for an hour for two days next week. Duh. And she probably planned to vote too. Where do all these people come from?
Anyway, today is election day and I will be so glad to not get the phone calls, watch the tv ads (even though we mute them), listen to anyone doing their opinion.... silence. Quiet. Oh, the peace of it all.
I received two phone calls today - one to say the job had been offered to someone else, and the other to ask if the salary amount was negotiable. Of course I said yes! I have really been wanting this job - a lot less stress and I have heard so many positive things about this company I am sure I will enjoy working there. I am hoping for a phone call yet today, but I am quickly learning HR works at their own schedule. Hopefully tomorrow I will get an offer and can accept the position. It would definitely take some stress off. Just to get some benefits too so that I can drop my insurance which is costly and doesn't seem to cover anything. If I can start the new job on Monday, that would work great for I have a blood donation scheduled for Friday morning.
Falling back on yesterday's blog in which I talked about being positive - and going to the gym - I want you to know that I was up at 4AM and we were at the gym by 4:30AM. I got about 4.5 miles in this morning. As we were leaving, my friend walked out with us and said 'see you tomorrow'. I believe my hubby responded 'no', but I told her I guess I have to be positive so I'll think positive about going. Why not - I got my workout done early and still have my day ahead of me.
I even baked two batches of my Cranberry Pumpkin Nut bread today - about 19 mini loaves. It is sooooo good.
Obviously I have nothing to write about today. Well, my sissy reminded me of this scripture when we were discussing the election.
II Chronicles 7:14 - "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
I know people are quoting that scripture - and it doesn't seem right because people are not turning to God, they aren't confessing their wicked ways. But people are using that scripture because they want a certain person in the presidential office - and the funny thing is, they are talking about one or the other!
Whoever gets elected, our position as Christians are to pray for the President, for Congress, for the House of Representatives - for those in leadership. We are to pray they will have wisdom to make the right choices and that those who influence them will give them the right answers. Sometimes God allows us to vote the wrong one in office so that the hearts will turn to Him in desperation.
Just like He has allowed me not to find a job yet - I can guarantee you that He is more centered in my thoughts than ever before. Well, maybe not ever before, but I had probably gotten a bit lax lately in thinking about Him. I prayed and thought of Him in my quiet time, but the rest of the day, probably not. But now, I am consistently praying and seeking His wisdom and guidance on every job application I complete and every time I go even to the grocery store, that I will get only what I need to get!
Which reminds me, I 'bumped' into my son's MIL today at the grocery. For all the hardship this woman is going through, she still was joyful and had a smile on her face. We chatted for a bit and the first thing she shared was how appreciative she was of my son's helping her every day. He sits with her husband (who is seriously ill with Parkinson and Dementia) while she runs the children to school or picks them up, and on Tuesday mornings he stays with his FIL so that she can get away and do errands, grocery, bank, etc. She went on and on about how grateful and appreciative she is. Made me so proud of my boy.
Of course she also had to share that our 10 year old grandson got all the way to school this morning before he realized he forgot to put shoes on. He is definitely our little Tennessean! In fact, very few of the grandchildren wear shoes half the time - and he is one of them. This isn't the first time he has forgotten to put shoes on whether for school or for church. My mama was born in the hills of Tennessee and so was I, so I proudly claim bare feet privileges.
I hope that you got out today - or voted early - to make your vote count.
Blessings!
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Monday, November 5, 2012
Being positive....
I was shopping at Walmart earlier today and ran into a couple whom I love dearly. No, I didn't hurt them - ha ha. This woman gets up at 3AM at least Monday through Friday and goes to the gym to work out. If I can get my butt there before 6AM, she is usually still there. If I recall correctly, because she has MS, she works out until she burns 2000 or 3000 calories. I forget which. Anyway, she used to get up and climb North Mountain (1 1/2 miles straight up, nearly!!) every morning, including Saturdays. I gave up on North Mountain a long time ago.
Anyway, Andrea gets up early and heads to the gym about 4AM. I got there about 5:30AM one morning last week so got to have a nice visit with her while I huffed and puffed on the elliptical beside her. She breaks a sweat, but rarely huffs and puffs like I do.
Back to meeting them inside Walmart.... we chatted for a few minutes and she says, "I haven't seen you at the gym!" I go, "Really, you didn't see me? I wonder where I was?" No, seriously, I just smiled and said I couldn't make it. So what does she say when we leave? "See you tomorrow". I go, "uh, yeah, uh, maybe. Will see". She goes, "No, you need to be positive and say Yes, I'll be there." I just laughed. Like I want to get up at 3:30AM to meet her there at 4AM. Ok, I won't do that, but I might get up at 4AM and meet her there at 4:30AM. For right now, I'm just going to say, 'Let's see what tomorrow brings".
Being positive. Being positive about things does have its advantages. But, is it being positive or just being confident? Are they one and the same, or are they different?
I've been confident that I would find a job before now.... and I find my confidence eroding as time goes by and I'm not getting that phone call I've been waiting on. I did call one place last week and they said that they hadn't made a decision yet but I was at the top of the list. So what does that mean? I'm on the top of the list but they haven't decided? Hello - if I'm on the top of the list, doesn't that mean I'm next? Sigh. Still waiting.
I am tired of getting computer bleary eyed nearly every day, looking at different jobs. I've taken to getting away from the computer and doing other things at times - like this morning. Well, I did have other plans this morning and they did not happen. Not as I had planned. Which is why I ended up at Walmart.
I had left the house at 10AM to head to the school to work with a couple little girls with their reading. I have one at 10:15, the other at 11:00. I leave my house and as I'm sitting in line to turn onto the freeway, a man in a truck next to me rolls down his window and yells that my tire is low. I nodded and said thank you and made my turn - only instead of the freeway I went up the frontage road to where I could pull off. Sure enough, my right rear passenger tire was nearly flat. I debated. Hubby had already left the house and I didn't know when he would be back. Do I go back to the house and wait - when I could do the same thing he would have to do. So I said a prayer...several times... and I pulled back onto the frontage road, did a u-turn at the light and headed back down the other side of frontage road. Once back on to Cactus I drove to where we have our cars worked on. Yeah, I was praying air would remain in the tire so that I wouldn't go completely flat and ruin the tire. That was my biggest concern. But, I made it, and they were able to work my vehicle in to get the tire checked. Yep, I had a nail in the tire. They fixed it, and off I went. It was too late to go to the school so I went to Walmart to pick up a few things. And a very few things it was - but I still spent more than I thought I did! Of course some of the things I had to pick up weren't cheap, which accounted for it being higher, although they were small things. I am positive I had to have everything I picked up at Walmart.
Being positive. Sometimes it isn't easy to be positive; other times it is so easy. Think back to the last time you were positive about something. Now think about something that you had not been positive about. Did your perspective on it change any?
I'm trying to think of an example... When I was young I was positive that I would find love everlasting and be happy the rest of my life. I still believe in fairy tales, but my life hasn't turned out the way I thought it would. Mostly from my own choices - wrong and right ones. Am I still positive that my life will be happy the rest of it? No, not really, but I've learned that to be happy it is my choice. I can choose to be happy, and in turn, help others to be happy.
Now to determine if I will positively get up early in the morning and go to the gym... will I be confident in my ability to do so? Absolutely. I am confident that I can get up. That, however, is not the hanger in front of me. The hanger in front of me is Will I get up and go to the gym in the morning.
Guess I will just have to wait until morning and see what time I get up, if I get in the car to go to the gym, and if I actually end up there. Your guess is about as good as mine at this point.
Hope that you are having some positive thoughts and working on it if you aren't!
Blessings!
Anyway, Andrea gets up early and heads to the gym about 4AM. I got there about 5:30AM one morning last week so got to have a nice visit with her while I huffed and puffed on the elliptical beside her. She breaks a sweat, but rarely huffs and puffs like I do.
Back to meeting them inside Walmart.... we chatted for a few minutes and she says, "I haven't seen you at the gym!" I go, "Really, you didn't see me? I wonder where I was?" No, seriously, I just smiled and said I couldn't make it. So what does she say when we leave? "See you tomorrow". I go, "uh, yeah, uh, maybe. Will see". She goes, "No, you need to be positive and say Yes, I'll be there." I just laughed. Like I want to get up at 3:30AM to meet her there at 4AM. Ok, I won't do that, but I might get up at 4AM and meet her there at 4:30AM. For right now, I'm just going to say, 'Let's see what tomorrow brings".
Being positive. Being positive about things does have its advantages. But, is it being positive or just being confident? Are they one and the same, or are they different?
I've been confident that I would find a job before now.... and I find my confidence eroding as time goes by and I'm not getting that phone call I've been waiting on. I did call one place last week and they said that they hadn't made a decision yet but I was at the top of the list. So what does that mean? I'm on the top of the list but they haven't decided? Hello - if I'm on the top of the list, doesn't that mean I'm next? Sigh. Still waiting.
I am tired of getting computer bleary eyed nearly every day, looking at different jobs. I've taken to getting away from the computer and doing other things at times - like this morning. Well, I did have other plans this morning and they did not happen. Not as I had planned. Which is why I ended up at Walmart.
I had left the house at 10AM to head to the school to work with a couple little girls with their reading. I have one at 10:15, the other at 11:00. I leave my house and as I'm sitting in line to turn onto the freeway, a man in a truck next to me rolls down his window and yells that my tire is low. I nodded and said thank you and made my turn - only instead of the freeway I went up the frontage road to where I could pull off. Sure enough, my right rear passenger tire was nearly flat. I debated. Hubby had already left the house and I didn't know when he would be back. Do I go back to the house and wait - when I could do the same thing he would have to do. So I said a prayer...several times... and I pulled back onto the frontage road, did a u-turn at the light and headed back down the other side of frontage road. Once back on to Cactus I drove to where we have our cars worked on. Yeah, I was praying air would remain in the tire so that I wouldn't go completely flat and ruin the tire. That was my biggest concern. But, I made it, and they were able to work my vehicle in to get the tire checked. Yep, I had a nail in the tire. They fixed it, and off I went. It was too late to go to the school so I went to Walmart to pick up a few things. And a very few things it was - but I still spent more than I thought I did! Of course some of the things I had to pick up weren't cheap, which accounted for it being higher, although they were small things. I am positive I had to have everything I picked up at Walmart.
Being positive. Sometimes it isn't easy to be positive; other times it is so easy. Think back to the last time you were positive about something. Now think about something that you had not been positive about. Did your perspective on it change any?
I'm trying to think of an example... When I was young I was positive that I would find love everlasting and be happy the rest of my life. I still believe in fairy tales, but my life hasn't turned out the way I thought it would. Mostly from my own choices - wrong and right ones. Am I still positive that my life will be happy the rest of it? No, not really, but I've learned that to be happy it is my choice. I can choose to be happy, and in turn, help others to be happy.
Now to determine if I will positively get up early in the morning and go to the gym... will I be confident in my ability to do so? Absolutely. I am confident that I can get up. That, however, is not the hanger in front of me. The hanger in front of me is Will I get up and go to the gym in the morning.
Guess I will just have to wait until morning and see what time I get up, if I get in the car to go to the gym, and if I actually end up there. Your guess is about as good as mine at this point.
Hope that you are having some positive thoughts and working on it if you aren't!
Blessings!
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Church Distinctions
I'm thinking about this because my little sister went to a different church this morning, one that we had talked about a few times. In fact, I had been taken to that church when I was in Indianapolis last May. Tom stayed at his brother's house and went to church with his brother, I went to church with my brother. I really liked this church and enjoyed the music and the message. In fact, I enjoyed it so much I have downloaded the app for the church and still listen to the messages. This 'Pastor Steve' really is open and tells it like it is. I like that in a pastor. He recently shared how we should vote. No, he didn't say whom we should vote for, but he said to take a piece of paper and to list what is important to you as a Christian. I don't remember how he said it or all that he said, but a couple points he made was 1) the Bible states that marriage is between one man and one woman. 2) the Bible states that we are knit together in our mother's womb (conception)... and I forget the third point - but the idea was to list those things the Bible says, then vote for the candidate who supports those Bible teachings. Sounds pretty simple to me. As a Christian we are to believe in those things the Bible teaches. I am still amazed to hear friends who confess to be Christians state they are voting on the one candidate.... when you know it is nothing more than color. What has blinded them to the truth?
Anyway, didn't mean to get off on that, but talking about different churches and different styles of preaching. I found it interesting my little sissy had listened to Pastor Steve on the downloaded app, and she chose to drive several miles to go to his church and hear him and see what the church is like. As she shared that she went, she commented about the distance and how big the church was. So I ask her, was it worth going to, to which she replied yes. But she also went on about how they go to a couple other churches close to home. And her hubby likes one other especially which is very close to home.
I commented how my hubby and I used to drive 85 miles one way to go to church for about five years - to which she came back it was because we wanted to be on staff. Which is true, and we were on staff, but only in name since we lived so far away. We still went because we wanted to. We stopped after about five years because I was growing weary of all the driving (I was driving about 50 miles a day M-F) on the weekends and we felt God was leading us back to Phoenix to worship.
I pause to think about her real reason for going. I don't know why she really went. She likes the churches closer to her; in fact, if I recall correctly, they recently 'joined' this one church nearby. So why are they church hopping? I don't know unless she just isn't feeling like she is getting anything from the other churches. She knew what to expect from Pastor Steve - as I said she had listened to him on the app before. But seeing him in action in person is pretty cool. Not that he does anything, it is just the entire church atmosphere which is warm and inviting. I love how they do baptisms. That alone can turn lives around!
'Our Pastor Steve's' wife, Wanda, was at our church this morning. It was so good to see and get to talk to her for a few minutes. She asked how we were fitting back in where we are. I was honest with her and told her we have tried to go slowly to get to know people who came while we were gone, but it just wasn't the same. We want to become more involved, but we just don't feel the warmth and invitation that we had before. Again, lots of new people have come to this church in the five years we were gone. We still don't really know the pastor yet. I mean, we know him, and are even in his prayer group on Sunday mornings, but we don't know him, his vision for the church. We have gotten bits and pieces of it, but overall, we feel on the outskirts. I suppose we should invite him over for dinner (along with his wife, of course) and just point blank ask him what his vision is and how can we support him in it.
If we lived in Indianapolis, I know that I would want to go to the church in Brownsburg, although we are church of God ministers and it isn't one of our affiliations. But it doesn't mean they don't believe the same as we do. Most churches, even church of God, may have a few things that they interpret a different way. I know in my mind I am more rigid in some areas and less rigid in others. Some pastors I raise my eyebrows at what is said and done, thinking 'no way'! But, I am not responsible for them, I am responsible for me.
The church we are attending right now has been our church nearly since we came to Phoenix. We love the people there and truly want to be a part of the congregation. It just takes time to get involved the way we want to. I have joined the leadership of women's ministry, although that has never been my 'thing'. I guess mainly I didn't want to be responsible for just women's ministry, but I think I will enjoy the area I am able to be a part of. In fact, we have a meeting tonight that I will need to go to. This women's ministry is active and alive - and I do participate in the activities. In fact, Zumba is on Mondays at 6:30 PM and Tom makes sure it is on the calendar so that I don't forget to go as I did the first week! I hope we can get it to grow - we have a lot of fun there.
My area in the women's ministry is the small groups so I will get to help promote some of these. This is my first meeting so I hope I will get a better feel of what they want - don't want to step on any toes. I think I am just to work with the leaders of these small groups - which are not many at this point. I can only think of maybe 3 - but will probably get a list tonight and then can work from that. Who knows - maybe this is my calling and I don't know it!
Bottom line, it does matter where you go to church. Yes, I said that right. It does matter. You want to go where you can be 'fed', but also where you can feel welcomed and part of the church body. You want to be able to pick up the phone and share with others. You want to be able to read on facebook those things you need to know. Like today, another friend posted about the shocking death of another friend this morning. I had met this person only a couple times and knew she had health issues, but still, it is always a shock to hear the family found her dead in her apartment this morning. We use facebook and emails as a way to connect as well as study groups and other activities. Hopefully this person was able to connect with other women (which she obviously did) who walked the journey with her.
And it isn't just about the women. Men need to reach out to other men and mentor or be mentored by them. Something you did before may not be where you need to be at now. For example, previously at this church Tom was the head of men's ministry. They immediately asked him to be on the men's ministry team - and he was for a very short while, but he felt that wasn't where he was to be and resigned. I'm not sure if he has found his niche yet; but hopefully he will.
We all need God and we all need fellowship with other believers. I was thinking this morning how when we got this house my thought was that we would be able to entertain others. It hasn't happened on any large scale because, quite honestly, Tom doesn't share my love for entertaining. It has really put a damper on using our home as a base for gatherings. It has been his loss, for sure, and has affected me as well. I do have a tea part planned here in December though. Part of my women's ministry tea group. I do love to have people over - but there always seems to be a reason why I can't invite anyone. Enough of that!!
Bottom line - if you aren't in church, you need to find one in which you can be encouraged, loved, and able to grow spiritually. Your children need to be in church, learning about God. That is one thing (my opinion, yes) that has gone wrong with this world! Men and women have turned from God and to the world to satisfy them and to meet their needs - only now the world has literally gone to hell. Parents can not control their children because they don't control themselves. They have never learned skills to parent their children, and they have passed that on to their children, to their children... and the end result is chaos. When you take the Bible as your guide to teach and direct your children (true, it doesn't mean they will obey it when they get older), they stand a greater chance of being a man or woman responsible and respectful of others. Ok, off my soapbox.
Proverbs 22:6
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
As you seek a place to worship, as you go to your selected place of worship, remember it isn't about you, it is all about God. Plan to go to church next Sunday and get your children in church. Go to church expecting to find God. He's waiting on you to invite Him home with you.
Blessings!
Anyway, didn't mean to get off on that, but talking about different churches and different styles of preaching. I found it interesting my little sissy had listened to Pastor Steve on the downloaded app, and she chose to drive several miles to go to his church and hear him and see what the church is like. As she shared that she went, she commented about the distance and how big the church was. So I ask her, was it worth going to, to which she replied yes. But she also went on about how they go to a couple other churches close to home. And her hubby likes one other especially which is very close to home.
I commented how my hubby and I used to drive 85 miles one way to go to church for about five years - to which she came back it was because we wanted to be on staff. Which is true, and we were on staff, but only in name since we lived so far away. We still went because we wanted to. We stopped after about five years because I was growing weary of all the driving (I was driving about 50 miles a day M-F) on the weekends and we felt God was leading us back to Phoenix to worship.
I pause to think about her real reason for going. I don't know why she really went. She likes the churches closer to her; in fact, if I recall correctly, they recently 'joined' this one church nearby. So why are they church hopping? I don't know unless she just isn't feeling like she is getting anything from the other churches. She knew what to expect from Pastor Steve - as I said she had listened to him on the app before. But seeing him in action in person is pretty cool. Not that he does anything, it is just the entire church atmosphere which is warm and inviting. I love how they do baptisms. That alone can turn lives around!
'Our Pastor Steve's' wife, Wanda, was at our church this morning. It was so good to see and get to talk to her for a few minutes. She asked how we were fitting back in where we are. I was honest with her and told her we have tried to go slowly to get to know people who came while we were gone, but it just wasn't the same. We want to become more involved, but we just don't feel the warmth and invitation that we had before. Again, lots of new people have come to this church in the five years we were gone. We still don't really know the pastor yet. I mean, we know him, and are even in his prayer group on Sunday mornings, but we don't know him, his vision for the church. We have gotten bits and pieces of it, but overall, we feel on the outskirts. I suppose we should invite him over for dinner (along with his wife, of course) and just point blank ask him what his vision is and how can we support him in it.
If we lived in Indianapolis, I know that I would want to go to the church in Brownsburg, although we are church of God ministers and it isn't one of our affiliations. But it doesn't mean they don't believe the same as we do. Most churches, even church of God, may have a few things that they interpret a different way. I know in my mind I am more rigid in some areas and less rigid in others. Some pastors I raise my eyebrows at what is said and done, thinking 'no way'! But, I am not responsible for them, I am responsible for me.
The church we are attending right now has been our church nearly since we came to Phoenix. We love the people there and truly want to be a part of the congregation. It just takes time to get involved the way we want to. I have joined the leadership of women's ministry, although that has never been my 'thing'. I guess mainly I didn't want to be responsible for just women's ministry, but I think I will enjoy the area I am able to be a part of. In fact, we have a meeting tonight that I will need to go to. This women's ministry is active and alive - and I do participate in the activities. In fact, Zumba is on Mondays at 6:30 PM and Tom makes sure it is on the calendar so that I don't forget to go as I did the first week! I hope we can get it to grow - we have a lot of fun there.
My area in the women's ministry is the small groups so I will get to help promote some of these. This is my first meeting so I hope I will get a better feel of what they want - don't want to step on any toes. I think I am just to work with the leaders of these small groups - which are not many at this point. I can only think of maybe 3 - but will probably get a list tonight and then can work from that. Who knows - maybe this is my calling and I don't know it!
Bottom line, it does matter where you go to church. Yes, I said that right. It does matter. You want to go where you can be 'fed', but also where you can feel welcomed and part of the church body. You want to be able to pick up the phone and share with others. You want to be able to read on facebook those things you need to know. Like today, another friend posted about the shocking death of another friend this morning. I had met this person only a couple times and knew she had health issues, but still, it is always a shock to hear the family found her dead in her apartment this morning. We use facebook and emails as a way to connect as well as study groups and other activities. Hopefully this person was able to connect with other women (which she obviously did) who walked the journey with her.
And it isn't just about the women. Men need to reach out to other men and mentor or be mentored by them. Something you did before may not be where you need to be at now. For example, previously at this church Tom was the head of men's ministry. They immediately asked him to be on the men's ministry team - and he was for a very short while, but he felt that wasn't where he was to be and resigned. I'm not sure if he has found his niche yet; but hopefully he will.
We all need God and we all need fellowship with other believers. I was thinking this morning how when we got this house my thought was that we would be able to entertain others. It hasn't happened on any large scale because, quite honestly, Tom doesn't share my love for entertaining. It has really put a damper on using our home as a base for gatherings. It has been his loss, for sure, and has affected me as well. I do have a tea part planned here in December though. Part of my women's ministry tea group. I do love to have people over - but there always seems to be a reason why I can't invite anyone. Enough of that!!
Bottom line - if you aren't in church, you need to find one in which you can be encouraged, loved, and able to grow spiritually. Your children need to be in church, learning about God. That is one thing (my opinion, yes) that has gone wrong with this world! Men and women have turned from God and to the world to satisfy them and to meet their needs - only now the world has literally gone to hell. Parents can not control their children because they don't control themselves. They have never learned skills to parent their children, and they have passed that on to their children, to their children... and the end result is chaos. When you take the Bible as your guide to teach and direct your children (true, it doesn't mean they will obey it when they get older), they stand a greater chance of being a man or woman responsible and respectful of others. Ok, off my soapbox.
Proverbs 22:6
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
As you seek a place to worship, as you go to your selected place of worship, remember it isn't about you, it is all about God. Plan to go to church next Sunday and get your children in church. Go to church expecting to find God. He's waiting on you to invite Him home with you.
Blessings!
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Saturday morning....
and it is another beautiful day here in Phoenix, AZ. I know I seem to say that often, but it is a beautiful day out! The sun is shining, the air is cool. It's 10:30AM and I still have the back door open for fresh air. I love it. This is why I live in Arizona. I love days like this. Marley is laying at my feet (which seems to be 'as usual' most of the time) and still.
I mentioned yesterday in my blog about coordinating a walk/run on Thanksgiving morning about 7AM. My hubby commented on it last night he wondered if any would agree to it. I asked if he was - and I think it was very reluctant, but he said yes, he would go for a bit, but not to expect him to walk far. He just does not like walking. I was surprised no one responded to my email yesterday. However, my middle child, who also does not care for walking, did comment on my blog yesterday. Wow. He did comment! He also committed to walking, even if a short distance. I'm not asking for everyone to walk five miles; I'm just asking for us to get together as a family and do something together, rather than eat, sit, and watch TV.
I wonder if I will hear from the other children/grandchildren - whether they are interested or not. If not, that's fine. I don't want anyone (including my middle child) to feel they HAVE to walk with us. I know my daughter enjoys walking, my youngest son enjoys hiking so surely he can walk too. But, it is their choice, not by obligation, but choice. I want everyone to come with a good attitude and have fun. They can invite friends if they want. Once the walk is over - they go home. Sounds simple to me!
I had a 7 year turkey in my freezer and decided to bake it yesterday. I didn't know if it would be any good or not, but found that it was still tender and juicy. It was a very small one, maybe ten pounds, I don't remember. But, I made a small batch of giblet gravy and my cornbread dressing to go with it and we had a great meal, adding edamanes to go with it for color. I called my daughter in law to see if she had left work yet, to stop by and pick up our left overs for her dinner. I felt there would be enough left that some, if not all, the family could have. I kept enough turkey for hubby to have today. I've had enough. I text'd my middle child, who loves turkey, dressing and gravy (we had talked about it the day before) to see if he was surprised. I was disappointed he wasn't even home, but he was confident they would save him some. There wasn't that much, and three growing boys.... I don't know if he got any or not. I was disappointed I spoiled the surprise too. But he surprised me. He asked if I had thought of giving it to the youngest son. I had, but didn't think he could drive over to pick it up. I suppose I could have asked, but had thought of my daughter in law and thought that she might not want to cook after working all day. Regardless, it is all gone now and my freezer drawer is empty to stock up on turkeys again this year when they go on sale. I think this one remained fresh enough because I had bought it fresh, not frozen, and immediately froze it. Seven years is a long time though.
Hubby is going out to paint over where Marley chewed up the house the other day. I got some great suggestions on getting her to stop. I think she just gets bored, even though her toys are there for her to chew on. It's times like these I think that if we had another pet that she could play with that it wouldn't be lonely for her. I just don't take the time to play all the time.
But I can get off here and put my tennis shoes on and take her for a walk. We've been averaging about 3 miles; perhaps I can take her farther today and she will be too worn out the rest of the day to get into trouble. Just kidding! The walking will be good for me too. Still working towards the mini-marathon in May if I get to go to Indiana. It's hard enough to get airfare for one, but having to get it for two is more difficult; especially if the other isn't even sure they want to walk in the mini-marathon. Guess that decision will be made by January, when I think we can sell the numbers if we aren't going. I may hold out for I would really like to do it, even if I am only gone for the weekend. But, sometimes I don't get to do what I want. Isn't that the way life is sometimes.
Hope you have a good day - if it is beautiful out where you are - get out and go for a walk! It's healthy, easy, inexpensive, and good for you!!
Blessings!
I mentioned yesterday in my blog about coordinating a walk/run on Thanksgiving morning about 7AM. My hubby commented on it last night he wondered if any would agree to it. I asked if he was - and I think it was very reluctant, but he said yes, he would go for a bit, but not to expect him to walk far. He just does not like walking. I was surprised no one responded to my email yesterday. However, my middle child, who also does not care for walking, did comment on my blog yesterday. Wow. He did comment! He also committed to walking, even if a short distance. I'm not asking for everyone to walk five miles; I'm just asking for us to get together as a family and do something together, rather than eat, sit, and watch TV.
I wonder if I will hear from the other children/grandchildren - whether they are interested or not. If not, that's fine. I don't want anyone (including my middle child) to feel they HAVE to walk with us. I know my daughter enjoys walking, my youngest son enjoys hiking so surely he can walk too. But, it is their choice, not by obligation, but choice. I want everyone to come with a good attitude and have fun. They can invite friends if they want. Once the walk is over - they go home. Sounds simple to me!
I had a 7 year turkey in my freezer and decided to bake it yesterday. I didn't know if it would be any good or not, but found that it was still tender and juicy. It was a very small one, maybe ten pounds, I don't remember. But, I made a small batch of giblet gravy and my cornbread dressing to go with it and we had a great meal, adding edamanes to go with it for color. I called my daughter in law to see if she had left work yet, to stop by and pick up our left overs for her dinner. I felt there would be enough left that some, if not all, the family could have. I kept enough turkey for hubby to have today. I've had enough. I text'd my middle child, who loves turkey, dressing and gravy (we had talked about it the day before) to see if he was surprised. I was disappointed he wasn't even home, but he was confident they would save him some. There wasn't that much, and three growing boys.... I don't know if he got any or not. I was disappointed I spoiled the surprise too. But he surprised me. He asked if I had thought of giving it to the youngest son. I had, but didn't think he could drive over to pick it up. I suppose I could have asked, but had thought of my daughter in law and thought that she might not want to cook after working all day. Regardless, it is all gone now and my freezer drawer is empty to stock up on turkeys again this year when they go on sale. I think this one remained fresh enough because I had bought it fresh, not frozen, and immediately froze it. Seven years is a long time though.
Hubby is going out to paint over where Marley chewed up the house the other day. I got some great suggestions on getting her to stop. I think she just gets bored, even though her toys are there for her to chew on. It's times like these I think that if we had another pet that she could play with that it wouldn't be lonely for her. I just don't take the time to play all the time.
But I can get off here and put my tennis shoes on and take her for a walk. We've been averaging about 3 miles; perhaps I can take her farther today and she will be too worn out the rest of the day to get into trouble. Just kidding! The walking will be good for me too. Still working towards the mini-marathon in May if I get to go to Indiana. It's hard enough to get airfare for one, but having to get it for two is more difficult; especially if the other isn't even sure they want to walk in the mini-marathon. Guess that decision will be made by January, when I think we can sell the numbers if we aren't going. I may hold out for I would really like to do it, even if I am only gone for the weekend. But, sometimes I don't get to do what I want. Isn't that the way life is sometimes.
Hope you have a good day - if it is beautiful out where you are - get out and go for a walk! It's healthy, easy, inexpensive, and good for you!!
Blessings!
Friday, November 2, 2012
I wonder if they would do it....
I think it would be a lot of fun, and now that the grandchildren are getting older, I think they would enjoy being a part of it as well. And friends could be invited as well. I think it would be so fun; we could get t-shirts made up and make this an awesome fun time. Little late for organization, but still, might be able to pull it off on small scale. What am I talking about?
The 2012 lst Annual Forrest Family & Friends Thanksgiving Walk/Run. Doesn't that sound pretty cool? I've already checked out the canal map on walkrunjog.com. It is actually 5.2 miles if you start at the beginning of the canal at 51st Ave & Cactus Rd. If you wait until you get to the end of the fence, I think it is only 5 miles. But, hey, what's .2 miles? It would also depend if you stay on the top route or go up and down around the loops.
The entire walk/tun would be from 51st Avenue & Cactus to the 67th Avenue bridge and back. It would be fun to do it early on Thanksgiving morning - like start out about 7AM and you'd be done and back home by 9AM, and that includes driving time. Or, if you didn't want to do the 5.2, if you stop at the 59th Avenue bridge, I think that is just short of 3 miles round trip. Great way to get an appetite worked up for Thanksgiving lunch!
I wonder if my kids would go for it!! Maybe one or two might - just for something to do that morning. I will have to compose and email and send it out - just to see what interest we can get. And friends could be invited too!
What has prompted my thinking about this - again? My brother and his wife have arranged a 5K walk/run in their neighborhood in Indiana. They even had t-shirts made up (and I ordered one for me just because; told them I'd do the walk here). I think it would be such fun to start our own out here. I'm sure I'll get some flack about it... some people just don't like to walk, but I'm sure I will get some that will say they are 'in'. If not, I may walk it myself! Oh - and bring the dog for a good walk too!
See, this gave me something to write about today - I'm getting excited about this and want to get it pulled together. Thanksgiving will be very quickly. May need to think about this on New Years Day too, for those of us who do not do organized walk/runs. Family gets together anyway - and since I do the cooking.... they can wait on me!
So what do you think? One way to get the family doing things together - I'm sure some of the grandchildren would enjoy the walk - and it is definitely at your own pace. There are lots of seats around should one need to stop and sit for a spell.
I need to think this one out - and get busy on it. Sure hope I can get a few this year. Hope you are one of them!!
Blessings!!
The 2012 lst Annual Forrest Family & Friends Thanksgiving Walk/Run. Doesn't that sound pretty cool? I've already checked out the canal map on walkrunjog.com. It is actually 5.2 miles if you start at the beginning of the canal at 51st Ave & Cactus Rd. If you wait until you get to the end of the fence, I think it is only 5 miles. But, hey, what's .2 miles? It would also depend if you stay on the top route or go up and down around the loops.
The entire walk/tun would be from 51st Avenue & Cactus to the 67th Avenue bridge and back. It would be fun to do it early on Thanksgiving morning - like start out about 7AM and you'd be done and back home by 9AM, and that includes driving time. Or, if you didn't want to do the 5.2, if you stop at the 59th Avenue bridge, I think that is just short of 3 miles round trip. Great way to get an appetite worked up for Thanksgiving lunch!
I wonder if my kids would go for it!! Maybe one or two might - just for something to do that morning. I will have to compose and email and send it out - just to see what interest we can get. And friends could be invited too!
What has prompted my thinking about this - again? My brother and his wife have arranged a 5K walk/run in their neighborhood in Indiana. They even had t-shirts made up (and I ordered one for me just because; told them I'd do the walk here). I think it would be such fun to start our own out here. I'm sure I'll get some flack about it... some people just don't like to walk, but I'm sure I will get some that will say they are 'in'. If not, I may walk it myself! Oh - and bring the dog for a good walk too!
See, this gave me something to write about today - I'm getting excited about this and want to get it pulled together. Thanksgiving will be very quickly. May need to think about this on New Years Day too, for those of us who do not do organized walk/runs. Family gets together anyway - and since I do the cooking.... they can wait on me!
So what do you think? One way to get the family doing things together - I'm sure some of the grandchildren would enjoy the walk - and it is definitely at your own pace. There are lots of seats around should one need to stop and sit for a spell.
I need to think this one out - and get busy on it. Sure hope I can get a few this year. Hope you are one of them!!
Blessings!!
Thursday, November 1, 2012
A new month, a new beginning....
Yep! I'm calling it what it is. November 1st starts 30 days of thankfulness. Why? Because I said so! No, silly, because Thanksgiving is in this month so why not start this day out with a thankful thought - and every day of this month? I even wrote it on my mirror in the bathroom in lipstick so that I would remember, even in my toughest times, to name something that I am thankful for.
So for today, November lst, (and I may not list these every day, but starting off, here goes) I am thankful that God allowed me to take early retirement last October and have this year to play, renew friendships, renew relationships, spend time with my husband, children and grandchildren. I've been able to volunteer more, have longer quiet times in the morning. I've gotten Marley (yes, she is a blessing for which I'm thankful for, it's just that sometimes I like to tell her I know from where she came and she can go back....) and am getting her used to walking with me. I've been able to go on walks in the mornings, in the evenings. I must admit I haven't cooked like I thought I would, cleaned like I wish I would, created like I wanted - but all in all, I'm thankful and grateful for the time I've had to just 'chill'.
I'm thankful for I know that I will find a job this month. I'm thankful that my God loves me and will always provide all that I need. I'm thankful for children I can call at a moments notice and know that they will do what they can to help. I'm thankful for friends who pray for me and my situations; that are my Aaron and Hur holding up my arms in my battles.
I'm thankful for the opportunity to worship and the freedom I have in going about each day. I'm thankful I can share about Jesus (in most places) without repercussions. I'm thankful that I have plenty that I can share with others. I'm thankful for my health, for I am able to do many things others can not. I'm thankful I'm alive, although many times I wish I was with Jesus, for being with Him is far greater than being here on earth.
There are many things I am thankful for - what about you?
Philippians 4:12
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
For some reason I can not find on BibleGateway the scripture I am looking for... and I don't have my Bible handy to locate it. I'm sure it is due to the different versions saying it a different way. Same scripture, different way of saying it. But what I am looking for just shares about how we should be thankful in all situations, that our God provides for us whether we realize it or not.
Yes, we all go through difficult times. But that isn't God doing that to you, it is your own, or others about you, who have created these situations. How you react and how you work through these situations shows your thankfulness to God, who allowed these situations in your life to grow you. Yes, grow you. Not physically, but spiritually. Are you turning to Him and seeking His direction in your circumstances, or are you running further away, blaming everyone else and not accepting your responsibility in working through the situation. God doesn't bring these situations upon you to try you or to break you. He allows these situations to grow you - and sometimes it isn't even about you. It is about those who are affected by how you respond. Those who depend on you are looking to you to take care of them. Are you going to fulfill that role or give it to someone else?
Right now I just want to thank God for all that He has planned for me, good and bad. I know I have a lot of learning yet to do, a lot of breaking down of things I hang on to. One thing I know. When I give these things to Him, He will walk the journey with me - up the hills and down the valleys. I'm never walking alone.
And neither are you. Give thanks.
Psalm 106:1
Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Blessings!
So for today, November lst, (and I may not list these every day, but starting off, here goes) I am thankful that God allowed me to take early retirement last October and have this year to play, renew friendships, renew relationships, spend time with my husband, children and grandchildren. I've been able to volunteer more, have longer quiet times in the morning. I've gotten Marley (yes, she is a blessing for which I'm thankful for, it's just that sometimes I like to tell her I know from where she came and she can go back....) and am getting her used to walking with me. I've been able to go on walks in the mornings, in the evenings. I must admit I haven't cooked like I thought I would, cleaned like I wish I would, created like I wanted - but all in all, I'm thankful and grateful for the time I've had to just 'chill'.
I'm thankful for I know that I will find a job this month. I'm thankful that my God loves me and will always provide all that I need. I'm thankful for children I can call at a moments notice and know that they will do what they can to help. I'm thankful for friends who pray for me and my situations; that are my Aaron and Hur holding up my arms in my battles.
I'm thankful for the opportunity to worship and the freedom I have in going about each day. I'm thankful I can share about Jesus (in most places) without repercussions. I'm thankful that I have plenty that I can share with others. I'm thankful for my health, for I am able to do many things others can not. I'm thankful I'm alive, although many times I wish I was with Jesus, for being with Him is far greater than being here on earth.
There are many things I am thankful for - what about you?
Philippians 4:12
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
For some reason I can not find on BibleGateway the scripture I am looking for... and I don't have my Bible handy to locate it. I'm sure it is due to the different versions saying it a different way. Same scripture, different way of saying it. But what I am looking for just shares about how we should be thankful in all situations, that our God provides for us whether we realize it or not.
Yes, we all go through difficult times. But that isn't God doing that to you, it is your own, or others about you, who have created these situations. How you react and how you work through these situations shows your thankfulness to God, who allowed these situations in your life to grow you. Yes, grow you. Not physically, but spiritually. Are you turning to Him and seeking His direction in your circumstances, or are you running further away, blaming everyone else and not accepting your responsibility in working through the situation. God doesn't bring these situations upon you to try you or to break you. He allows these situations to grow you - and sometimes it isn't even about you. It is about those who are affected by how you respond. Those who depend on you are looking to you to take care of them. Are you going to fulfill that role or give it to someone else?
Right now I just want to thank God for all that He has planned for me, good and bad. I know I have a lot of learning yet to do, a lot of breaking down of things I hang on to. One thing I know. When I give these things to Him, He will walk the journey with me - up the hills and down the valleys. I'm never walking alone.
And neither are you. Give thanks.
Psalm 106:1
Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Blessings!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Where is the time going!
Ok, I admit I've been sleeping in a bit later than normal. Partly because I can't always go right to sleep, although sometimes I do, and partly because of Marley waking me up in the middle of the night, although sometimes she does, and partly because I wake up singing, which I sometimes do, and partly because I have had enough sleep, which I sometimes have. My excuse today is that although I went to bed a little after 10PM, I could not get to sleep. My mind was awake. Could only attribute it to drinking green tea late and the caffeine kept me awake. That, and praying for a job, which is what I seem to be always doing.
Yep - still have heard nothing from the job I was waiting to hear on last Friday. I'm confused on that one, and can only mark it up to God doesn't want me to have that one. I haven't gone through my emails yet today so will see if I have any responses from any of those - although I would think they would call unless it is a rejection letter.
I've about decided that I have nothing to lose, and to go ahead and apply for a seasonal job with Kohls, Macy's or Sears. I don't mind doing that - I started out at age 15 1/2 being a clerk/cashier for a company in Marwood Plaza (now long gone) in Indianapolis, Indiana - W. T. Grant. Many of you may have heard of them. Or, since I am sure my audience is small, maybe none of you. I enjoy people and being around people and work doesn't scare me, so it may be what I am to do. My delay has been that I don't want to accept a position, then leave it because 'something better' comes along. I don't like doing that to people. I am at the position now that I really don't have a lot of choice; we need money coming in and unless God supernaturally provides, well, things will become quite difficult.
Anyway - talking about where is the time going.... I got up a bit later than usual, did my quiet time, took Marley on nearly a three mile walk, took a shower, and here it is about 10:45 already. I really do need to start setting my alarm, although there isn't any reason for me to get up earlier. Not right now anyway. I just don't like losing 'my time' to sleep. Life is too short to spend it asleep.
So now I am on the computer and as soon as I finish this I will start through my emails to see what has come in, then will start checking companies again and attaching resumes. I am seeing a different side that I haven't seen in years. I don't feel I'm 'desperate' yet, but I am sure many people are. My family will just have to understand come Christmas that no pay check means homemade gifts. Although I don't think they would mind that at all either. Especially my salsa. At least for the boys; my daughter doesn't like it. That's ok - we all love her 'white girl salsa'.
Today is Halloween. I wonder how many dressed up. I used to be in charge of everything at my office - just by designation. I would find judges, arrange the prizes, help with the tour, - all of it. I don't really celebrate Halloween, but it was always fun to see how the others make themselves into different 'things'. I remember one year about 25 years ago - I dressed up as... well, I don't even know what you would call it. Oh my goodness. I bought the makeup, the long green nails. The makeup was black and gray latex, which I put on my face and hands. I pulled my long hair (at that time) around my face and put a gray pillowcase inside out over my head, making it into a hood. I wore the gray sheet wrapped around my body, my feet also had latex on them and I wore flip flops. I still smile because no one knew who I was! As long as I stayed away from my desk, I confused everyone. I walked to the kitchen down the hall and was followed by several people, trying to figure out who I was. I got my coffee then I did walk back to my desk - and the CEO started laughing. She said she had no idea it was me. I won the prize that day for the most original costume. Other times I've dressed as a bride, a belly dancer (that was again, many, many years ago!!) and a hobo... wore a Hawaiian t-shirt one time. Can't remember what else. I don't dress up and haven't for a long, long time.
So what do you do come Halloween? Do you dress up? What are some of your favorite costumes? I love seeing my granddaughters in their Princess costumes. Of course they don't have to dress up to be my princesses!
Ok - this is it for today - seems like my blogs have turned to ramblings lately. I will need to ponder what to focus on. November 1 is tomorrow - a good time to start out with something fresh.
Be careful if you go out tonight - don't eat too many sweets!
Blessings!
Yep - still have heard nothing from the job I was waiting to hear on last Friday. I'm confused on that one, and can only mark it up to God doesn't want me to have that one. I haven't gone through my emails yet today so will see if I have any responses from any of those - although I would think they would call unless it is a rejection letter.
I've about decided that I have nothing to lose, and to go ahead and apply for a seasonal job with Kohls, Macy's or Sears. I don't mind doing that - I started out at age 15 1/2 being a clerk/cashier for a company in Marwood Plaza (now long gone) in Indianapolis, Indiana - W. T. Grant. Many of you may have heard of them. Or, since I am sure my audience is small, maybe none of you. I enjoy people and being around people and work doesn't scare me, so it may be what I am to do. My delay has been that I don't want to accept a position, then leave it because 'something better' comes along. I don't like doing that to people. I am at the position now that I really don't have a lot of choice; we need money coming in and unless God supernaturally provides, well, things will become quite difficult.
Anyway - talking about where is the time going.... I got up a bit later than usual, did my quiet time, took Marley on nearly a three mile walk, took a shower, and here it is about 10:45 already. I really do need to start setting my alarm, although there isn't any reason for me to get up earlier. Not right now anyway. I just don't like losing 'my time' to sleep. Life is too short to spend it asleep.
So now I am on the computer and as soon as I finish this I will start through my emails to see what has come in, then will start checking companies again and attaching resumes. I am seeing a different side that I haven't seen in years. I don't feel I'm 'desperate' yet, but I am sure many people are. My family will just have to understand come Christmas that no pay check means homemade gifts. Although I don't think they would mind that at all either. Especially my salsa. At least for the boys; my daughter doesn't like it. That's ok - we all love her 'white girl salsa'.
Today is Halloween. I wonder how many dressed up. I used to be in charge of everything at my office - just by designation. I would find judges, arrange the prizes, help with the tour, - all of it. I don't really celebrate Halloween, but it was always fun to see how the others make themselves into different 'things'. I remember one year about 25 years ago - I dressed up as... well, I don't even know what you would call it. Oh my goodness. I bought the makeup, the long green nails. The makeup was black and gray latex, which I put on my face and hands. I pulled my long hair (at that time) around my face and put a gray pillowcase inside out over my head, making it into a hood. I wore the gray sheet wrapped around my body, my feet also had latex on them and I wore flip flops. I still smile because no one knew who I was! As long as I stayed away from my desk, I confused everyone. I walked to the kitchen down the hall and was followed by several people, trying to figure out who I was. I got my coffee then I did walk back to my desk - and the CEO started laughing. She said she had no idea it was me. I won the prize that day for the most original costume. Other times I've dressed as a bride, a belly dancer (that was again, many, many years ago!!) and a hobo... wore a Hawaiian t-shirt one time. Can't remember what else. I don't dress up and haven't for a long, long time.
So what do you do come Halloween? Do you dress up? What are some of your favorite costumes? I love seeing my granddaughters in their Princess costumes. Of course they don't have to dress up to be my princesses!
Ok - this is it for today - seems like my blogs have turned to ramblings lately. I will need to ponder what to focus on. November 1 is tomorrow - a good time to start out with something fresh.
Be careful if you go out tonight - don't eat too many sweets!
Blessings!
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