Tuesday already?

 Yesterday was somewhat busy with work, but not overly so.  And yet, it seemed that the day flew by.  Then I headed to the gym for my workout, did that - and since hubby had gone with me, I opted to stop at Streets of New York and we stayed and ate a New York combo pizza - thin crust - that they make and I love it.  I love the mixture of flavors and just the taste.  So we ate the pizza.  The entire thing.  Usually we take two pieces home - but I must have been hungry - as was he - for we cleaned that tray off!  Sad part?  I didn't feel stuffed like I would have expected.  Of course I really hadn't eat much yesterday so maybe that was it?  I made muffins yesterday and ate one for breakfast and they were so good I ate one for lunch too.  An apple in the afternoon... oh and a premier protein shake for breakfast too - I guess that is all I had yesterday.  

My workout was 'legs day' and they were sore last night somewhat, but not so much today.  Which means perhaps tomorrow I will feel it again.  But, if I do some stretching today, that will help with that too.  I do enjoy my workouts - as hard as some of them are!  

I have several things I need to get done for work today and will try to focus on them this morning to get them out of my way.  Things like still need to type the board minutes from the meeting last week, to extending recurring meetings into 2024, etc.  Realization that I only work 3 days next week due to Thanksgiving gives me something to look forward to.  Then the following Friday - December 1 - I have the day off and my boss and I are going to the brunch at the Christmas House and do some shopping.  I can't wait.  It's always fun to spend the day with her.  And, I get Christmas ideas sometimes too!

Hubby (should have) has his Bible study this morning - and for now I assume he will be going to breakfast with his friend afterwards.  And that's ok.  Oh- you won't believe what he told me yesterday!  He said that every day he prays that he and I will be 'taken' at the same time.  I looked at him and asked him why would he pray that?!  After all, I'm 12 years younger and I would like to do some things that I cannot do now.... (I didn't say that though, but I did think it!)  He just doesn't want me to be left alone.  PLEASE!!  LOL  Oh my - that really got me.  Why would ANY one pray that for their spouse!  I asked him way he prayed that and he said that he didn't want me left her for the tribulation that is to come after followers of Jesus are taken up.  Does that mean he thinks I WON'T be taken into the sky during the Rapture?  Ok - sometimes I wonder if I will be taken up  - but still; he thinks I won't be but he will be?  I'm confused. And amused, in a way.  Of course I always say that I will probably die first because there are things I want to do and can't do - and something will happen that I will never be able to do them.  But yes, I do hope and pray that when the Rapture comes, I will be taken up.  Will you?

I Thessalonians 4:17 (NKJV):  "Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And thus we shall always be with the Lord."

That is our goal in life, isn't it?  That when Christ returns that we will be raised up with Him when He returns?  I certainly don't want to be here when the tribulation hits hard - which we sometimes feel like we are already in.

I often think of this video I saw years ago.  I had received it - and saved it on my juno account, but because I quit using that account, they deleted me without warning and when I went to check my emails and the other things I had 'saved' in the folders - I was unable to access it.  Anyway, in this video - it is really thought provoking - ....

In this video it is inside a church, and the pastor is standing at the pulpit and he is preaching, holding the Bible in his hand.   The church was scattered with people sitting everywhere in little groups (sort of like is done on Sundays; each in their own little cliche).  All of a sudden, the sound of a lightening bolt hit - and the pastor has disappeared, and his Bible has flown threw the air onto the floor.  The video scans the people and the majority have disappeared - and the others are standing there in bewilderment, many falling to their knees and crying out to God because of what they have realized..... the Rapture has come, and they were not taken.

That would be the worst feeling ever.... to think you are living your life for Jesus and yet, there is something in our life that will prevent us from being taken up with other Christians into heaven.  You may shrug at this point and say 'I'm going to hell anyway, may as well enjoy my route there" - but that is not the way to feel!  You don't have to go to hell!!  Don't you see - that is the CHOICE you are making!  Just like it is a CHOICE to follow Jesus.

Following Jesus isn't hard, honest!  We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.  I know I have, and I must ask daily for forgiveness - usually with my attitude, but for other things as well.  I don't want to be left behind; I don't want to go to hell and be burned in the pits of fire continuously for eternity.  Do you?  

Psalm 51:10-13 (NKJV):  "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take your Holy Spirit from me.  Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.  Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You."

That is a prayer to pray daily.  Ask for forgiveness, seek His face, and ask for a renewing of His Spirit in you.  It's more than 'doing good for others' as some people thing.  That is a good thing, don't get me wrong.  But doing good for others will not get you in to heaven if you are not living for Jesus.  You can do all the good you want, but if you have not acknowledged Jesus as Lord of your life; if you are not living for Him and following Him, I have news for you - you won't be in heaven.  Jesus will not accept 'lukewarm' Christians.   Read Revelations - he spews the lukewarm churches out of His mouth!

I don't want to be spewed out - I want to be gathered up in to His arms.  Don't you?  Something to think about.  Choose wisely.

Blessings!

Sometimes it just takes a word

 to bring a smile.  After all my ramblings yesterday morning, late afternoon I get a text from my oldest son that said "Be strong. Be you. Love ya." It made me smile.  Partly because it was unexpected, partly it was because it was from my oldest son.  He does little things like that occasionally, and it makes me smile.  Even if he doesn't know what is going on, that little reach out is good for my heart.  And I am blessed.  

Yesterday wasn't too bad 'after' the outburst.  He really calmed down and later asked me.... did you know it was 'just baptism Sunday'?  Meaning, did I know there wasn't going to be a message, just baptisms... and no, I didn't know.  I watched part of them in here, then went ahead and got in the shower.   Church was good and our pastor spoke on 'Israel matters'.  And Israel does matter.  God created Israel, He loves Israel, and He calls Israel His own.   Think about it - without Israel, we would not have Jesus.  Without Israel, we would not have the Bible. Without Israel, we have no hope.  Sheds a new light on Israel, doesn't it?

The Bible tells us that we are to bless Israel, and not curse her.  Those who bless Israel will be blessed; those who curse Israel will be cursed.  

I picked up a bag at church to fill for a family for Thanksgiving.  There were two bags - one for the meats of turkey, ham, and something else... I chose the canned good bag.  And, I got away for a bit yesterday. Actually, it was a good time.   I got to go to the store all by myself.  And I was gone about 2 hours - and no texts from hubby as to 'where are you'?  Maybe he fell asleep.  Naw, he was watching the Cardinals game when I got home.

Yesterday was also a granddaughter's 19th birthday.  Now this granddaughter has caused many heartaches and headaches, but she is still my granddaughter.  I love her.  She really has never had the love a child should have growing up; never had direction on how to live - all she knew was... well, never mind.  She did not have a good childhood; let's put it that way.  I checked with her dad if she was home; no, she was at work.  I decided to drive to her job and wait for her to get off.  I actually got there right on time, and she soon clocked out.  We sat and talked for a bit, catching up on what she has been doing.  She works every day because she has been basically told she is not welcome at the house.  By February she has to get out. It's a long story, but this little girl is unwanted.  True, she has created some chaos.  But she is still a little girl in need of support and love and not pushed out on the street because of her choices.  My heart breaks for her.  I believe in her.  And with someone to love her and encourage her - even when she fights against it - she will become someone.  If I did not live here where we can not have someone under 55 living with us, I would let her live here.  She isn't a bad girl just because she had a year of wild stuff.  She needs an example.  She needs love.  She needs to be told she is valued and has purpose.  She gets that from her friends.  None from her family.  And we wonder why people join gangs.  My heart breaks for her, but my hands are tied.  I am going to start making it a point to keep in contact with her.  She needs to know someone cares.  They are going to train her to be a GM where she is working.  And that's pretty good for a 19 year old.  

I found out after we were talking that she knew I was coming - how? Her dad had text'd her and told her 'grandma is coming to see you.'   While we were talking, her mother called.  She asked if I had gotten there yet.  How did she know?  A grandson had called and told her 'Grandma is going to go see....'.  And then her other brother calls... yep - he knew I was there too.  Comical, actually, but I had hoped it would be a surprise.  And it was, in a way.  I had not been to see her before at work.  In fact, it has been a few months since I've seen her. And she looked good.  She was happy to see me.  And I'm sure even happier to know that someone still loves her.

John 13:34 (NKJV):  "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. "

Have you ever thought about loving others the way we are loved by God?  Or even loving others the way we want to be loved?  I admit, I'm not always 'loving' to people when I should be.  Some people just get under your skin because of their behavior (and no, I'm not talking about hubby).  Saying 'I love you' or 'love you' to people when you don't really care about them is lying - and we all know people who do that.  Yet, we are called to love them, even though we know how they are.  We can choose not to associate with them, but we must choose to love them.  Does that make sense?   Ok, just had to erase some sentences cause I am not going to call some people out.  UGH.  Don't you just want to some times, though?

I want to be loved by Jesus... and I am... and I always will be.  But that also means that I must love others with the love He has for me.  Sometimes that is not easy.  But following Jesus was never meant to be an easy road to take.  As Jesus did, and does, so must I.  Share the love.

Blessings!

It was a bit of a help, I hope...

 Yesterday was a good day - for the most part.  I did cook breakfast for hubby and that started his day off good.  We cleaned up and headed over to where a granddaughter had set up shop at one of the colleges.  We walked around and looked at several of the booths and finally found her.  After talking for a little bit, and buying a couple bees that she had made, we were walking out when I asked hubby if he wanted to support one of the food trucks there. His comment?  I don't see any place to sit down!  It frustrated me and I made a comment about him always having to be sitting down to eat.... and walked on to the car, which was nearby.  He followed.  He then tried to convince me to go back and get something but I refused.  Offered to take him home so I could go to the grocery - nope, he had to come with me. Still together. Stuck like glue.  After groceries, headed home.  Once home, TV came on and sleep overtook him in his chair.  Too much fresh air I guess.  

I had told my sister I'd call her and help her find gifts for a couple of her grandsons.  She has expensive tastes; I try to be more realistic.  So I called and I had her turn her computer on so that we could look at the same items.  Unfortunately, it didn't help ME with buying for MY grandsons - I'm still at a loss for them - but I was able to help her find a couple things at Walmart for her.  I hope she follows through with getting them.  I know for one of my grandsons I have spent more than I normally do on him, but it is something he doesn't have and I have heard he will enjoy it.    I have no ideas for the others.  I've bought clothes in the past when they wouldn't tell me anything.  I'd like to get them one nice gift.  Guess I need to talk with my sons some more and see if he can help come up with ideas.  One down, five grandsons to go.  And 43 days until Christmas.  

I'm also 'done' shopping for one granddaughter - which leaves two to figure something out for.  Lord help!  And there are still are the in-laws to cover.  I'm drawing the line this year on spending (for most, anyway) and buying.... I just need to know what they need/want.... I'd do what I can do get it for them.  I have to draw the line on some things.  But I do want to surprise them and bring them joy.

Leftovers for dinner last night just about finished them up.  I had made Taco Meatloaf the other night and it was really good.  Still a little left.  I need to put all these recipes I try that end up good in a book.  I always wanted to complete a cookbook; perhaps I ought to just do it??

Oh.my.goodness.  Hubby just came to the door and threw a fit cause I wasn't coming out there to watch Jentezen Franklin with him.  He's saying that I have ALWAYS - until last week - come out there to watch with him and saying that he's right and I'm wrong.  And he's mad.  He doesn't understand why I can't come out there and watch it with him.  How many times have I listened in here  -  alone -  and written about it in my blog?  When we were not going to church due to COVID - yes, we watched together.  But because of the time zones, the last several months times have been at 6AM and 8AM.  At 8AM I need to be in the shower getting ready for church.  I watched it at 6AM in here.  With the time change it is now 7AM and 9AM.  We have not watched it at 7AM together.   He's confused, I'm thinking..... he's so used to us watching it together..... he forgets all the times he didn't watch it at all, and I watched in here.  So now he is mad - and if I go in there now to watch it with him - I won' t get anything out of it either.  So I'm going to stay in here and hopefully not be in his atmosphere of anger.  I don't like having disagreements - but why is it that everything we do has to be together?  He spent all day with me yesterday.  I need space!  (or am I the one who is confused about this?)

I need a miracle.  I'm tired.  I'm weary.  Lord, help.  Please help.

Exodus 33:18 (NKJV):  "And he said, "Please show me Your glory."

Have you ever prayed and asked God to show you His glory?  Do you know that He does answer that prayer in different ways?  In giving you life, air to breathe, He shows you His glory.  When He protects you in times of danger - known and unknown - He is showing you His glory.  When He provides for you, He is showing you His glory.  All that you have; all that you know; all that you will do or have done - in each of these things, He is showing you His glory.

But sometimes, just sometimes, He will show you in ways that are memorable.  I know that I have written before of a couple times when I have felt God's overwhelming presence.  I long for those times when I know I am completely surrounded by Him and His glory.  It doesn't happen often enough, as far as I'm concerned.

I've shared with you about when I was at the hermitage and was standing outside and a wind came up and I was reminded of Elijah and his encounter with God.  Today I am reminded of Moses with the scripture above when he asked God to show him His glory.

I'm also reminded of a time that I had come home from work and knew that hubby wasn't home (which is usually the only time I can let myself feel free to worship) - and I felt the overwhelming presence of God... and I pulled in the driveway, got out of the car, and for whatever reason, I walked into our pool, fully dressed, holding up my hands and praising and singing to God, walking around in the pool, looking up in to the sky and the heavens - I kid you not!! - the heavens were moving - the clouds were moving around and it was an overwhelming beautiful sight.  I don't remember how long I was in the pool, but got out and changed before hubby got home.  I knew he would not understand what I had just experienced. I have never shared it with him.  And here I am, sharing it with you.  

Why is that, I wonder.... could it be because of his jealousy of me that something like that happened to me?  Hubby is always telling me when things happen to him.  And I am happy for him.  I love hearing how God reveals Himself in different way.  And it doesn't matter to whom God chooses to reveal a part of Himself.  But for me, I guess I am more selective on whom I reveal those times to.  For me, they are treasures I hold close to my heart.

What treasures do you hold close to your heart?  Is it material things?  Is it people?  Take a moment and think about what treasure you hold close to your heart.  Re-evaluate their importance.  Choose to let God have first place in your heart and mind and soul.  You will never regret it.  And pray for me. I need and seek your prayers.  My heart is broken over my life, over my family.  I need to see His glory.

Restore us o Lord.

Blessings!

What will I do today?

 I know I have some things that I want to do.... and some of the things that I want to do will get completed even if hubby is with me.  Notre Dame isn't playing today, he has told me already, so that also tells me that if I want to do anything, he will be 'with me'.  Stuck to my side.  Even at the grocery store.  I may be wrong..... I have some things I want to do that I don't need him with me.  He won't understand.. ah.. and I am probably making no sense at all.  Just rambling to get this blog started.  Aren't you glad you started reading and are now scratching your head and wondering where I am going with this?  Actually, I'm going no where, so rest your mind.  

I will be finishing up here soon and will either go cook breakfast or ask if he wants to go out for breakfast - which you know he will.  That man does love to eat!  He ate breakfast with his buddies yesterday and then came home and complained about why he can't lose weight.  Just like we all do, I think, when we know we ate some things that we probably could have passed on.  I'm just as guilty.  If I go out to eat, I want to eat what I want, not what I should.  But I have gotten better at my choices.

Another interesting read in my devotional this morning.  It was his 30th birthday and they were driving home from another city and his wife turns to him and says, "I don't think you really love me."  Obviously, that shook the man up, and he mentally started to defend himself.... after all, she couldn't provide any answer as to why she felt that he really didn't love her.  He began to ask her questions... "Do you feel that I don't provide enough financially for you?"  "Do you feel I don't spend enough time with you?"  "Do you.... and he went through numerous questions to which she responded to each one with "Yes, you do provide quite well financially."  "Yes, you do spend enough time with me."  "Yes, you do ......"  To which he felt a loss of what it could be - because she couldn't tell him what it was that made her feel that way.  It was just a feeling she had.

Some time later, the thought occurred to him what it possibly was.  Even though he provided for her, he spent time with her, he did all these things for her..... even when he was with her, he wasn't 100% with her.  He was always mentally preparing for the next message he was to give, or creating a song in his mind, or just thinking about what activity he was planning for the church youth.  She never had his complete attention, even when he was with her.

Does that sound like you?  I know it sounds a lot like me.  I feel my situation is totally different because hubby doesn't work or have a hobby.... if he isn't watching TV, sleeping in his chair, reading his phone or a book, he is on his computer or working through his lessons for his bible study.  And that's ok - not criticizing him at all.  He's in his element, in his own world.  I'm wrapped up in my job Monday through Friday.  He interrupts frequently, coming in to sit in the chair to tell me about his breakfast, what he ate, what the discussion was about.  I 'politely' listen, keeping an eye on the computer.  But he doesn't have my full attention.

When we are together (me not working, him by my side), I'm trying to get things done - whether physically or mentally.  I'm planning the next meal; what I need at the store; shopping I need to do; where I am on my crochet project; I need to clean the clutter; I need to visit Ms. Diane; I need to visit Ms. Vicky; I need to..... all these things run through my mind..... and I'm never really 'there' with him.  I am his life, it feels at times.  Some women would treasure being in my shoes.... but well, not going there.

But as I read in the book - the thought occurred to me... how does God feel when I am with Him?  I have to admit that sometimes (not always!) my thoughts are not always all about Him, even when I'm with Him.  Even when I come in here and read His Word, sometimes my thoughts will wander to what I need to be getting done.  During my prayer time, my thoughts will wander to something other than what I wanted to be praying about.  Hence, it is better to pray without ceasing because I don't always get all done in the mornings!  I can remember times when God did have my complete focus.  And I love the memory of those times.... and I long for them again.  That is what I have been wanting, and striving for, for a long, long time.  I think I have mentioned it here numerous times.... I want to get away by myself - just me and God - where I can just lay everything else down and just focus on Him.

So many times we look to God as our 'need-meeter'.  When we need something (or want something) we think about Him and send up a prayer for Him to provide.  Just like a husband and wife provide for their family, we expect God to provide for us.  But He wants so much more for us!  He doesn't want to just be our 'provider' (Jehovah Jireh), He wants to be our All in All.  

Think of it this way.... when you take your children out on a trip, don't you want them to be engaged with you on the trip?  Talking with you, laughing with you, connecting with you.  (same with spouses, by the way)  We want the connection.  But instead... the child (or spouse) is buried in their phone and playing games.  They may respond to you - or not.  Depends if their earplugs are in.  How does that make you feel?  Probably frustrated, disappointed.  Right?

How do you think God feels when we push Him off to the side so that we can entertain ourselves with other things?  That we can focus on other things?  He's only there to meet our needs, right?  Like a parent does with a child?  And this world is getting worse with supplying ipads and entertainment to childen as they grow up - they don't learn to interact mentally with the people around them. We are just as bad........ our phones before God.  Our TV before God.  Our reading before God.  Crochet before God (yeah, I'm using myself as an example as well).  Do we give God as much time as we give the world and the things around us?

The gift that God gives us - to know Him personally - is a great gift that we often times let fall by the wayside.  Why not take a few minutes, starting today, and before you do an activity (cause God does want us to have fun!), thank God for providing for you and your family; praise Him for the opportunities that come your way. Give Him glory for who He is.  You will find your heart will feel better, your attitude will change, and you will be able to love others much easier.  It's all about putting Him first and being with Him completely.  Think about it.

Be completely with your spouse today.  Be tuned in to your child.  And when you take those few moments to send God a prayer or a thought, be completely with Him.  

Blessings!

Lazily doing the Friday dance...

 Yeah, I think my 'get up and go' got up and went.  It's been a busy week, but I really don't understand why I am so tired.  Could be because I haven't been eating right this week.  I have eaten a lot more carbs than I am used to eating and I am guessing that is my problem.  Yes, I still eat bread and of course my crackers, but I haven't been eating as much protein to offset it.  In fact, the last two or three days I haven't even had a protein shake.  Just didn't feel like it.  But I did make chicken salad yesterday and ate some of my multi-grain crackers with it - and it was so good.  Only I didn't have any celery to put in the salad.... went to Sam's Club last night and made sure I got some - and six more cans of chicken.  

Just had a memory pop up.  Aunt Sue.  She loved making her chicken salad.  Oh my.  It was good, don't get me wrong, but she loved to put a LOT of dill in it.  Yes, dill is a spice.  Remember when I made the one dip - was it a pickle dip?  I don't remember at this moment, but it had fresh dill in it.  But Aunt Sue would put lots of the dried dill in it and some people would just drool over it.  I liked it, but didn't care so much for all the dill.  And I haven't put in my chicken salad ever...... I wonder if I put some in it - how would that taste?  I have about half of the chicken salad left.... maybe I will sprinkle some dill in that and give it a try.  Stay tuned - if I remember to share about it.

I found myself rummaging through some cookbooks yesterday.  I do enjoy cooking.  I have hamburger I must cook tonight so I think that I will make the crockpot enchilada - remember that one?  I think it is hamburger and beans and something else, layered between tortillas in a crockpot for a couple hours.  I need to find that recipe for that is what I am thinking of making for dinner tonight.  I was going to last night, but did a run to Sam's Club.... and hubby went with me.  Sigh.  Anyway... we stopped at Sonic on the way home and ate our dinner there.  Like I said, lots of carbs.  The best thing I had was a diet coke - couldn't eat all the onion rings; my body was rebelling too much carbs!  I really wanted to get a hot fudge sundae - but did not.  But I bet I will some time; Ms. Diane's daughter told me that Sonic has the best hot fudge sundaes...so you know I need to check it out.

Started pulling together Christmas gifts I've already bought and some I had leftover from last year that I didn't give.  I need to start sorting through them and get things written down and wrapped.  I may get our tree up before Thanksgiving just so I can get the gifts out of this room and clear it out.  I did tell you I 'joined' a decluttering group on Facebook, didn't I?  I have seen their photos of what was and how they took bags upon bags of stuff to Goodwill or the trash and the after look.  I'm not there yet.  I'm not ready to let go of some things, but a lot of it I reckon I can.  You know how I complain about my clutter in here.  Well, add in all the Christmas gifts - yeah, I keep them confined to this room to keep hubby from complaining.  But if I can wrap and move to the front room under the tree, it would clear this room - so it's good thinking, right? 

In my devotional this morning (I Am..... The Unveiling of God by Steve Fry) I read an interesting chapter based on God wanting all the glory for Himself. Afterall, He created us; He gave us of His breath to live; He created all things.  So why does He want all the glory?  Quote:  "To chide God about his desire to receive all the glory shows that we have a warped view of life. First, to accuse him of selfishness is a gross misjudgment. Second, the absurd assertion of our self-reliance - as if there were any life apart from God - is an utter delusion."  Unquote.

Iverna Tomkins was a great preacher and she once said, "God looks down to see if he can find his Son in us."

So I'm going to hush and leave you with that thought today.  If God looked down on you today, or even upon your friends you hang out with, would He find His Son living in you?  

When we follow Jesus.... not as a fan, but as a follower.... God will find His Son in us.  But are we living as a fan, or a follower of Jesus?

Blessings!

The sign next door is up....

 and it reads 'For Sale'.  Well, not specifically those words, but the name of the realtor who is selling it, and the words 'coming soon' perched atop the sign.  It's an odd sight for us, for we haven't had one that close in a long time.  Yes, Ms. Amy's place is now up for sale.  My assumption is that they are going to be painting the walls, and polishing the floors - I think all the rooms have wood floors, come to think about it. Personally, I like carpet in the bedrooms, but wish we had wood floors for the rest of the house.  But, it was my/our decision and I went with carpeting.  Anyway - I expect Ms. Amy's place to be shown within a week or less.  I'm wondering how much they are asking for it - it should bring our little place up a bit higher since we are connected; we just are on the corner and have the fruit trees.  And to that, I am grateful.  Not to have fruit trees.  There are enough around here that I have my choice of fruit.  Grapefruit from Ms. Vicky's, oranges from Ms. Diane's, lemons from Jim's.  I'm still using lemon juice that I juiced up two years ago!  

After doing my workout last night, and hubby went with me to ride the bike, we grabbed something to eat and then headed over to church for prayer meeting.  We hadn't been going for a few weeks, and then I went last week; hubby decided to go last night.  I always enjoy going, even though some of the prayers are quite loud.  It just isn't the way I was raised in church.  Prayer was always done quietly.  But, the culture of some is to speak loudly - cause they speak loudly - and then add in the microphone.  LOL  I am reminded of a time when I was in Bodyguards at a church we previously attended.  I was praying for healing over someone, and I guess I must have raised my voice.  I didn't notice, but one of the men told me afterwards that he had never heard me raise my voice before.  I guess when one is passionate about healing, one will speak loudly.  If I want to beat the doors of heaven down for healing for one of my children or grandchildren, you can bet I am going to raise my voice and pound on that door to open and give me what I am asking for!

Circumstances over the past years have crushed my passionate spirit somewhat, and although I don't want the trials and tribulations that can go with that passionate praying, I miss that intense focus on God and pounding on the door of heaven to get the answers.  That is what I have been missing and what I am asking God for, and seeking Him for.  One of the reasons why I want to get back in to teaching again - go back to my roots of teaching Discipleship, for that is where I learned to pray.  

Sometimes, to get it right, we have to go back to our roots and start from the beginning again.  Sort of like becoming a new Christian.  Perhaps we accepted Christ at a young age, or as a teenager.  But then things happened and it drew us away from our first love for Jesus.  But I bet, that if we allowed ourselves to think back to that beginning, and the emotions and love and passion we felt at that time, we would find our heart longing for the peace that passeth all understanding.  And you know what?  We can have it again.  But we have to want it bad enough to go after it.  Even by taking baby steps to find our way, when we lean in to Jesus, He will direct our path and help us.

Isaiah 1:18 (NKJV):  "Come now, and let us reason together," says the Lord, "though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool."

The picture that Isaiah is giving is that our sins have colored us; our hands are red, as in blood.  We are covered.... until we make the decision to follow God completely.  And when we choose to obey God, to follow Jesus, that stain of that blood will be washed off of us and we shall be white as snow; white as wool.  Oh that our burdens could be lifted off of us and in adoration we give thanks to the One who rescues and redeems us!

I started reading in Ezekiel this morning.  I love the old prophets and reading how God used them.  Did you know that Ezekiel was only 25 years old when God called him?  Another thing that I've read is that all the prophets God used in the Old Testament, they were not treated well.  Hadn't really thought of that. People were always against them.  Things happened to them.  Remember Jeremiah?  He cried lots of tears; he was thrown into pits and left there because the king didn't like what he prophesied.  Hosea was told to marry a prostitute - and she kept going back to her former life and he had to go back and get her.  There were lots of things that happened to the prophets of old.  Their stories are great stories and I encourage you to read them.  And, by the way, Ezekiel got to see an entire army raised from dried bones.  Wouldn't that turn in to a sight!

The Bible is full of stories of how God loves Israel - and how He loves us.  Oh that we would take Him seriously and allow Him to lead us!  We are lost and uncertain without His direction for our lives.  We NEED Him more than He needs us, for sure!

What would it take for you to let God be number one?  He's willing, and waiting, to gather you to His heart.  Will you let Him?

Blessings!

She wants a dinosaur tea party

 I think it is so funny that two of my great-granddaughters both love dinosaurs!  Our older great-granddaughter's first birthday party was a dinosaur party, complete with a dinosaur cake her mama had made.  I was able to show that photo last night to the woman planning on baking a cake for this great-granddaughter.  Only I think she has decided to do cupcakes and has bought some kind of dinosaur paper that goes around the cupcake to make it a dinosaur... I don't know.  It sounded interesting, anyway.  The party will be at my daughter's as her yard is bigger.  I'm not sure how many people they expect - possibly 2-3 children and the rest will be adults.  All I'm responsible for is getting my teacups and teapots down from the shelf, getting them washed out, and bringing to the party.  Oh, and bring tea, of course.  I imagine I need to bring a big deep pan to heat water up for the tea pots as well.  And tablecloths.  Something was said I was to help with decorations.....  ah, I'll figure it out.  I think I still got off easy and that's ok.  I'm looking at party favors on Amazon and will see what I can come up with.  It won't be a 'normal' tea party.... one with party dresses and all, but I did find a dress on Amazon that has colorful dinosaurs all over it and I bought it to wear.  Hubby plans to wear his 'great-grandpasaurus t-shirt (I bought all of that family and us 'saurus' t-shirts one Christmas.  

A tea party.  I keep saying I want to have one.... but never get around to it.  It is a lot of work for even a regular tea party.  This one will have some sandwiches, but no scones or lemon curd, that I'm aware of.  I still want to have a tea party... some day I will again.  That back area behind the big table is pretty tight even for family.  Some day....

This afternoon is going to be busy as I have the dreaded board meeting that I have to take minutes for.  Once that is done, though, no more this year and I think I have the next one scheduled for March or April.  I need to get those dates together and sent out to the board members and start sending the invites out.  Sometimes putting off what I have to do makes it more difficult to complete.  Ever have that problem?

I feel like I was awake most of the night.  Hubby woke me about 10PM-ish getting up.... and I don't feel like I slept well after that.  I keep thinking about this one grandson who is having a lot of legal issues and he hasn't even done anything wrong, as far as the law.  I keep thinking 'don't take the plea!'.  I may give his dad a call later and mention it.  Not that they think I know anything.

This year has flown by, hasn't it?  According to the countdown on my watch, we have 47 days until Christmas.  No, I'm not panicking.  I've already told everyone I am cutting back this year.  I have some already 'done'.  I do need to get everything laid out and written down so that I don't forget and buy more things.  Which I am prone to do.  I have things I overbought from last year and up in the closet... need to get that down and see what is there.  In drawers too.  Do you do that?  Buy too much for someone and think 'I can't give all that to them, the others won't have as much', so you take it and put it away until another time.  For some, I haven't even started yet.  Others, probably over did and will take some things back.  Maybe.  

Joshua 24:15 (NKJV):  "And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell.  But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Have you ever taken a stand for something (or someone) and you and your household stand firm in that belief that what you believe is right?  If so, then you know what that scripture means.  

We all have choices to make in life.  Do we choose to be Republican or Democrat.  Do we choose to go to church or not go to church.  Do we choose to follow the crowd or forge our own path.  Do we.... you can fill in the rest.

But who do you serve?  Are you serving man?  Do you follow man and what they decree?  Do you allow man to tell you what you have to pay or do or follow?

Or do you follow the One who gave His life up for you - willingly, I might add - and is now seated at the right hand of our Heavenly Father?  Life isn't perfect, and following in Jesus' footsteps isn't always easy.  You've heard me cry, grumble and complain - a lot more than I should.  But this I know - choosing Jesus and following Him is the best choice I have ever made.

And it is for you as well.  Can you say, "as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord"?  Or are you still following man?  Choose wisely, grasshopper.

Blessings!