Slowly making progress....

 I love my trainer.  I think I have mentioned Morgan here a time or two.  And now she is hubby's trainer as well.  He was complaining yesterday! LOL  She worked his legs and made him do things he hadn't done before - not so much for strengthening his legs, but also for strengthening his core so that he won't fall.  She gave us both a small gift lats night and her card notes touched us both.  I don't remember exactly what hubby's said (she's only trained him a few weeks) but something about how much strength he has and she is happy to be training him.  But I have to actually write out what she said in my card.... I was truly touched.  And felt loved.  Oh, and one of her gifts was a 'certificate' on which she wrote:  Redeem for a workout of your choosing *must bring card to session". It expires the end of January, and what it means is that if she has us scheduled for a leg workout and we want to do arms, we can present the card and she will do arms that night.  I have no idea what I would choose; everything she puts me through, no matter how painful it is, is good for me.  I may never use the card.  But I want to write out what she put on the card. 

"Thank you so much for trusting and choosing me to be your trainer. "Muscles don't know age, they only know effort."  When I read this I think of you (and no not because I'm calling you old) because you amaze me with your strength and determination to get better. You're always willing to try exercises out of your comfort zone and I truly am proud of you. This is a huge reason I love my job. Even if you can't see it yet, you have come a long way. You're a blast to train and I hope one day you'll see what I see in you. I'm blessed to have you as a client (heart). I hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas."

See what I love Morgan?  She gets me!  Oh I groan and complain many times throughout the entire  workout.  Like last night - I forgot it was core night - and she did 5 (yes, 5!) new exercises to strengthen my core.  I don't feel it yet, but I know I will by this evening!  I often remind her how hard it is to pull this fat body/butt off the ground (be in a plank position but either pulling legs up on a slider or rolling forearms on a roller) and she just smiles.  I honestly don't know how I can defy gravity and pull this fat middle section up - but I manage with a lot of grunting and huffing and puffing!  I am looking forward to the day I can do it easily.  I got so excited last night because one exercise was laying flat, then taking my hands from the top of my head and bringing my legs all the way up, touching my knees, then hands back up and bring knees in to touch.  I never thought I could get my legs up all that way!  And she cheered me when I did it, saying I am much stronger than I think I am.  

I go see Dr. Mackey, my dermatologist, this afternoon to get the stitches out of my neck.  The scar looks really ugly and the vain side of me says I wish he hadn't cut it out....but the reality is that if he hadn't, I could be a lot worse off.  Right?   I still need to call my PCP and schedule an appointment in January. She called in an order for my blood work and I will need to run over there one day this week to get it done.

I awoke this morning with another ache in my left hipbone and down my leg.  It's a radiating pain - could it be arthritis?  Perhaps that will be the diagnosis eventually, but the reality is that it didn't hurt until the night I got bit by the bugs - whatever they were.  I know this sounds totally strange and out of it, but I often wonder if there is more to these bites than what we know.  They still give me pin pricks on occasion; the bumps are still there on my leg, although fading somewhat now; area is still tender; and my hip and radiating pain down my leg comes and goes.  Usually it doesn't last long once I'm up - but I've been up for nearly two hours now and I still have the pain. I usually don't have to take anything for the pain, it goes away on its own, but today may be a different story.  Not going to see the PCP until January because I haven't met my deductible and it isn't critical - I can wait and start on next year's deductible.

I got two batches of cookies made last night after getting home and fixing dinner.  We gave Morgan her gift - well, part of it - from us last night (she loved the blanket I made for her daughter), but I also told her that I would bring cookies when I go on Thursday.  I did give her a jar of salsa and she loved it.  I want to make snickerdoodles yet for she loves those.  Then I want to start on plates for my children. It makes me smile that they would still want cookies from mama.  I'm glad I did this last year.... and as long as they give the plates back, I will continue to bake them cookies, for it brings me great joy.

Matthew 1:20-21 (NKJV):  But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.  And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."

Have you ever just sat back and thought about things going on around you?  Perhaps some news you had received?  Or perhaps where you are at in life?  I admit I don't do that very often. I will do it at times, and wonder how in the world have I been so blessed to have lived through the things I did and not recognize God's hand upon me.  I bet you would see His blessings too, if you would pause long enough to see His hand.

Christmas is only a week away - a week from tomorrow, that is!  I can't tell you how good it feels to say "I'm done with shopping!"  Well, still the one granddaughter in the other state; pondering what to do and guess I need to make a decision soon.  Maybe I will just send money to her via venmo and ask her to divide it up or buy something for the family.  If she was here, she'd get as the rest do, with being away it does make it difficult.  I need to quit dealing with it.

Microsoft 11 really messed me up for work.  I had downloaded it a week ago.  I was nearly in tears yesterday and begging IT to fix it.  There is a glitch in Microsoft 11 that Teams is not hooked into the Outlook calendars.  My job in creating meetings in Outlook for my bosses has now become extremely complicated.  My Teams icon has disappeared from Outlook.  When I contacted IT, I was told it was a glitch and unfixable.  I have to go into Teams, into the Teams calendar, to schedule meetings and get a Teams telephone number to call in.  The problem with that is I can only bring up MY calendar in Teams. Which means I am having to figure out a workaround - probably create the meeting from MY calendar instead of my leader, and then forward to the attendees.  It is going to take much longer to create meetings and I am really struggling with this new problem.  I may need to not only make the meeting in my calendar to get the telephone number, but then copy and paste the number into the leader's meeting notice so that I can send from their calendar.  Dear Lord, Please HELP!!  The IT person I dealt with yesterday was a bit rude.... so I emailed the one I had dealt with last week who fixed a problem for me. He didn't respond, but hoping I hear from him, or I will be hitting IT up again to fix this problem that is unfixable because it is a glitch with Microsoft 11.  UGH

And with that, I need to get off here and get the work computer turned on and start getting dressed for the day.  Dr. Mackey this afternoon so I need to at least dress in clean clothes, right?  No wearing for two days in a row?  LOL  The advantages of working from home.  

Blessings!

I am at a loss...

 I have one granddaughter that I don't have much contact with as she lives in another state, and I have no idea what to send her and her little family for Christmas.  I think the problem is that whatever I send, I feel like it is not enough.  I've sent one small thing; perhaps I should let it go at that.  I know the past two years she has sent us very nice gifts that I've hung on the wall.  Is that why I feel guilty for not spending as much on them?  I thought I'd send gift cards - I sent cash last year.  I've sent a Danish to them this year already; and since I really do want to cut back; shall I let that be it?  I've looked on Amazon and elsewhere this morning to figure out something, but I don't know any sizes, I don't know any likes or wants, I haven't talked to them since they were here last.  Maybe I need to just let it go.  Quit feeling guilty.  

Yesterday went well at the RV park, and afterwards we did go to the Salvation Army church as well.  We went to lunch with our friends and had a great visit.  After we came home, instead of taking a nap which did sound good, I got busy and made about 14 pints of salsa.  Yes, I'm making smaller jars this year.  I have given all the grandchildren the recipe and they can make their own.  But I just couldn't NOT make it for them this year.  I may need to make another batch or two, and will, but at least I've gotten a good start. Besides, I need to take some to the office this Thursday when I go down for the Christmas party.  I have given up on the sausage and chocolate covered cherries.  It's just gotten too expensive.  I still want to buy the ham from 'grandma Hankins' - but I may need to let that go this year as well.  Grandma started sending me $5 to buy a ham for each of my children.  I take that $15 and more to buy one ham anymore.  Times three it is getting expensive.  Will figure it out. I don't know if I did it last year or not... the mind is the first to go they say....

Confirmed the two dates I have for the children and their families thus far - the oldest will come over for lunch on the 21st; she will let me know today what they want for lunch.  What is good is that the grandson is driving in the day before so that he can be a part of our Christmas before heading back home to have Christmas with his wife.  

The youngest child and his family is scheduled for the 30th, but at this time we are uncertain if lunch of dinner.  Not a big deal for me.  He suggested to have 'garbage' as it will be the easiest for me to make for either time, as it is cooked when it is put together; all we would have to do is heat it up.  Depends on what happens between the mother of the great-grandchildren - if she chooses to see them that week.  If not, we can do lunch.  If she does come down, it will be for dinner.  Either time is fine with me.  We are still uncertain about the future of the children, but I think I have the son assured that it will all work out; to not stress and be upset about it.  Let happen what will happen without all the stress that can be put into it. God is still in charge and after hearing this little girl pray the other day at the wishing tree, I'm asking God to answer her prayer..... but it will be in His time frame, not mine.  

I am sure the oldest son will find out this week what will be decided for his family.  I know it is hard because of our daughter-in-love's job and needing to work specific days.  It's also hard because he has family members that live in another city, other family members that work night jobs.  It's all good.  We are flexible this year.

And you know why?  Because God.  Five years ago I think it would break my heart to not have each family member here either Christmas Eve or Christmas day.  It would be unheard of not to come to 'Grandma's House' on the designated day.  My children know I love them.  I know I am loved by them. I don't have to have them cater to me to prove their love.  God has worked on me a lot over the years, and unfortunately, may still have a lot to work on within me.  But He is the One who made me realize that it is ok not to do Christmas on 'the day'.  I sometimes stress myself with starting to prepare meals, keeping an eye out for anyone arriving, and when they are here, I can't always enjoy the moment as some are thinking of where they have to go next and I'm wondering how long they can stay or when are they leaving so I can cover for the next group.  I feel it is tiring for them - and although I love cooking and preparing and making everything - I must admit I am not as young and 'spry' as I used to be.  

I have learned to 'let go' and 'let God' take care of all the arrangements.  I think it releases stress I place on my children to be with me, and in turn it releases their children to enjoy the holiday more.  I'm ok with spreading out Christmas.  Besides, that means I can focus on each family rather than rushing through one group to the next.  I'm actually happy about how things are being planned.  We are still included with their family; we get to see them all at one time. And we get to enjoy them.  I am at peace. And for me, that is important.   

I'm definitely grateful to God that I do not have to drive down to the office today.  Even in the mundane parts of the day, He knows and hears our prayers.  He knew I would go if I 'had to', but He also knew I didn't 'want to' do that drive today.  I will need to be on the computer all day as a backup for the powerpoints - but I don't have to take them over; unless the president's EA finds a reason she can't do one of them.  I'm not in the final preparation phases of these town halls and I get a bit anxious about them because I don't know all the plans and decisions made on presentations.  God works all things for His good - and for my good.  Grateful and thankful.

I Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV):  In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

It doesn't matter whether it is good or bad, in everything we are to give thanks to God.  Why?  Because He will take even what we consider 'bad' and turn it into good.  We may not understand at the time, we may even be frustrated over the delay.  But when we give Him thanks for what is, He is glorified and blessed.  

I think back to the one year that I had as 'retirement' when I took early retirement from one company. I had laughed and said it may be the only retirement year I get - and it looks like I may be right - at least for awhile.  And you know what?  As much as I would like to NOT work, I need this job to keep my sanity.  Yes, I have hobbies and things I like to do, and have plenty of supplies to work with should I 'retire'. COVID really messed life up for everyone.  But I'm working from home; I do not have that long drive and have to drive downtown (where they moved us) in so much traffic.  I am permanently working from home.  Yeah, I find it difficult at times for I miss my social activities, but I live in jeans and t-shirts and if I need to get away from the computer for an appointment, I can do so easily and not have to take the day off work because I would need to go to the doctor.  

Yes, I have lots of things I NEED to do (yeah, the clutter) and WANT to do (make more blankets and quilts and learn how to do things; bake more, cook more, entertain more..... but, working also gives me freedom with 'my' finances.  I have spent way more than I should have this year - but you know what?  I don't care.  I didn't go into debt; everything is paid for.  God has blessed us and provides all that we need.  I want to bless our family and friends in return.  Next year I will cut back.  I know, I've said it before.  But I'm going to figure out what to make for each one as the year goes by; get it done, and finish the gift with a gift card.   I quit shopping (except for trying to figure out the one granddaughter) a week ago.  I haven't tried to find 'one more thing' for anyone.  I just quit.  I over-bought and I will pack those away for another year or if I hear of a family in need of hoodies, I can pass them on.  God will take what I have and use it; He will let me know for whom it is for.

I'm now focusing on meals and what to fix.  Want to make sure I have everything to prepare it. I plan to enjoy this season of having my family near and celebrating this season.   And on Christmas Day, I can focus on the REASON for the season.  Novel thought, isn't it? I tried to read the 'Christmas story' when I do my quiet time on Christmas morning.... but my thoughts are on what I need to get done.  This year, we will have the day to ourselves pretty much... and that's ok.

Jesus is the REASON for the season.  Let's keep our eyes on Him.  Thank You, Jesus, for coming to earth, to save someone like me, that I can live with you eternally.  I love you.

Blessings!

I finished another one!

 Yesterday was a fun day.  I cooked breakfast, which made hubby very happy.  Afterwards we didn't do much until it was time to go to a great-granddaughter's dance recital.  She looked so cute in her outfit and the littles ones did well.  Afterwards we came home and I headed to the grocery store to pick up a few things.  I really was thinking about getting some baking done, but didn't.  I had picked up fried chicken at the grocery and added some veggies for dinner.  The chicken was the worst I have ever picked up at Fry's. It looked to be 'double-breaded' (which one layer is more than enough) and still pink on the inside.  I only ate a couple pieces, but my stomach was reacting to it most of the evening. I told hubby it just felt queasy. Guess I won't be buying chicken at Frys anymore.  Fried chicken doesn't need breading at all, let alone double breading.  Even hubby said it wasn't that good.  Will try stripping the breading off and see if it tastes any better on the remaining pieces.  I'm a little leery of it since my stomach - which is usually the strong one between us - wasn't real happy after eating it.

I ended up not baking but finishing up a quilt I have for another great-granddaughter.  Now my focus is on the one blanket for a new one coming in January - not sure if I will get it completed by the time they gather with us for Christmas but will give it a try.  It will be my focus now.  Once it is done, I have two more small quilts for the little ones coming next year.  Not going to stress over those - they will get them eventually.

Today we go to the RV park in town.  I've already gone through the message this morning and after that I give it to God and ask for His help in not losing my place, that I will speak clearly.  He always does. Well, I have lost my place a time or two - and I usually say God allows that to keep me humble.  The messages are not about me, but about Him.  Many times, they don't even know when I've messed up, but I know. And trust me, it does keep me humble!  I don't speak next week, but then I speak the next two Sundays (one is communion as well), and then skip a week, and then I speak again.  All at the same place so I need to come up with three messages within a very short time - and Christmas is almost upon us - and I have lots of things to get done!  But I love every minute that I get to speak about Jesus.  Yeah, preparing the messages sometimes are tedious and time-consuming, but getting to share Jesus is well worth it.   I need to have the first one started by next Sunday as they will be calling me to get the title and scripture.  Then the next one by the following Sunday - and on down.  They always call the week before to get the information for their bulletins.  Yeah, they still use bulletins.  Helps me stay on track.  The one up north all I have to do is preach and give the benediction. The one down here I also do the pastoral prayer, the offering prayer, communion on the first Sunday of the month, the message and benediction.  And I love every minute of it.  I have a captive audience for what I want to share. LOL

Hubby and I were both exhausted last night for some reason.  All we really did was go to a dance recital for a great-granddaughter.  We went to bed a little after 8PM and I don't know about him, but I woke up at 2:30AM; prayed for my children, then back to sleep until nearly 5AM, when I finally got up.  I obviously needed that sleep and it was deep.  I had bought one of those grounding sheets and I really think - as silly as it sounds - that is helping us to sleep deeply.  I have more nights of deep sleep than not.

I received yet a third package from my big brother yesterday. I asked him if I could open it, but he said if I did, I'd have to use it.  That's enough to scare me.  I didn't open it.  I told him I couldn't open it because I had no room to 'use' anything right now.  I did get one package from my little sister yesterday as well - we had decided on cookbooks this year, I think I have shared that.  She gave me 4 books - two were Taste of Home cookbooks - which I love - and one is to write recipes in (she probably forgot she gave me a similar one a couple years ago, still haven't written any recipes in it), and one that is 'Grandma's recipes' - which looks like photos of old index cards when we used to write the recipes on them and put in a recipe box.  I still have mine and the one Aunt Mae and Aunt Sue used.  One of these days I need to go through them and do something with them - you think?  When I retire, perhaps?  HAH. Good thought though, right?  

If I did everything that I put off doing until I retire - well, I'd never get things done!  I do need to quite procrastinating - I am a good one at that, right?  If one of the grandchildren said 'I need' or 'I want' I would look to see what I have that I'm not using and give it away.  We have so much 'stuff'.  My kids will not speak highly of me after I'm gone if I don't get rid of it!  The only thing that 'saved' my mama was that she moved in with my big brother and had no choice but to let go of a lot of things.  I want to do it before it gets to that point.  Yes, I hold on to a lot, I admit it.  But hubby is just as bad as I am.  I am my mother's daughter, and yes, I inherited the procrastination and holding on to things from her.  I also got the 'give it away' gene.  Tell me you want something!!

Mark 1:40 (NKJV):  Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, "If You are willing, You can make me clean."  Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed."

You will read many times in the scriptures of Jesus being moved with compassion.  Don't we wish that people nowadays would be moved with more compassion than what they show?!  Compassion is kindness in action.  It's more than tossing a couple bucks at someone.  It's more like picking someone up who has fallen, making sure they are ok, and walking with them aways to make sure they are well enough to go on.  It's waiting on your spouse when they feel ill - not because you have to or because it is the right thing to do, but because you feel compassion and love and care for them, and want them to feel better.  It's going out of your way to provide a meal for someone who may not need it, but they need to know that someone 'sees' them and cares about them.  Does any of that make sense?

Are we willing to step out of our comfort zone and touch someone who has a need?  Maybe the 'need' one has isn't physical, meaning you can't see that need.  Maybe they just need to know that they matter.  We see it all the time, don't we?  Only we miss the opportunity when it arises - or we ignore it because we 'don't want to get involved'.  I'm just as guilty for some of that.  If I hear of one having a need, I am more than happy to pick up a meal and drop off to them.  And that works.  But what about after that?

As I'm writing this, I'm thinking that I still have not been over to see Ms. Diane or Ms. Vicky for the past two months.  I really have no excuse; I can take my yarn with me to crochet there (and have).  It would have been more difficult to take the quilt.  My only excuse is that I have been feeling so tired and worn out lately that I've allowed 'me' to interfere with visiting our neighbors.  Hubby is still after me to invite our new neighbors over for a meal since they had us over for a meal.  I really do want to before Christmas - but I know they want to see the house and I'm no where near the decorator they are and next to their open space now, ours looks so tiny - ok, the reality is that this room is still such a mess I don't want anyone to see it.  So suck it up Buttercup!  I can shut the door and invite them over.  Mayber one night this week.  I will fix 2-3 different kinds of soup and invite them over.  Maybe. And I still need to go see Ms. Diane and Ms. Vicky.  But I want to bake first so that I can take them Christmas stuff for I probably will not get back over there.   Sigh.  I really do want to go visit; I'm just too weary to make myself do it.  Maybe this afternoon I will go see Ms. Vicky.  Maybe one lunchtime next week I can pick up Arby sliders (I know Ms. Diane likes them) and run over to have lunch with her.  Maybe.  Lord, help me be a good neighbor!

Time is slipping away and I need to begin getting myself presentable for church.  Even at the RV park I dress up and try to look nice. :-)  Don't want to scare them away.  Not sure if we will make it over to the SA church or not; our two couple friends at this RV park do go over after the service, but we stand at the back and say goodbye to people as they leave after service.  I told hubby that if there isn't enough time to get there on time, we can go home. He's ok with that.  This RV park has about 200 people when it's full.  The RV park up north only had about 40 people when we were there last week.  Many snowbirds hadn't came in yet.

Which reminds me - our friend from this RV park in town mentioned to me last Sunday that the man who had spoken that day had seemed kind of weak and he may quit preaching there; could I pick up the slack.  I said "Sure! If I'm needed."  One pastor retired last year and I got some of his Sundays. I usually have only one Sunday a month - but this time I have about 3 more times to speak.  Yeah, I'm loving it, but it sure is keeping me busy!

And with all that - I'm off here. Got to start getting ready.  Have an amazing day!

Blessings!

Didn't get to the store...

 decided that I had enough sugar and flour for this baking event - and I had forgotten I had bought 'sugar cookie' packages - already prepared!  We used one for the great-granddaughter who came over to bake.  Added some flour, an egg, and a stick of butter and she was ready!  I even let her roll the dough out and use cookie cutters.  By the second oven batch, I was suggesting she just roll the dough and roll in sprinkles.  I let her put frosting on the cookies and gave her several different toppings - and she was happy and creative.   We never got to a movie; she saw the child's bookcase that I have and wanted to know if that was for kids and I said yes.  She found a couple games there and insisted I play a game with her; which I did.  

My youngest gave me an interesting surprise when he arrived yesterday - and of course the spouse had to video tape my reaction.  He gave me a box and told me I could open it.  Inside was a note that said I could wear these on Christmas so that I would feel beautiful.  Inside the box was a beautiful pair of red patent-leather flats.  Reminded me of the movie The Christmas Shoes - and if you haven't watched it - you need to.  And I think that is what made him decide to do this.  I don't have a pair of red shoes so this will be fun to wear.  I do still have the thigh-high socks I bought for the Christmas party I didn't go to downtown - I could wear them with that!  I felt very loved and blessed.

After the movie, which hubby said was boring and long - but it was his choice to watch it; definitely not my son's! - I thought I'd bake some cookies to get started on what I wanted to do - but decided not to, and told hubby we were going for an early dinner.  Headed over to Wildflower near here and had a nice dinner - got the pasta instead of salad and soup. Very filling and I remained that way all evening!  Watch a fun movie titled 'The 12 Dares of Christmas' and then hubby watched the Suns game while I worked on the a quilt for a great granddaughter. Slept decent, but woke frequently through the night and didn't get up until 5AM this morning.  Have a dance concert to go to this afternoon and then hopefully I can finish this quilt tonight and start on the remaining two I want to do - not necessarily for Christmas - or no, I need to finish crocheting a baby blanket that I DO want to have done by Christmas.  It has gotten larger than I thought it would - it's the pattern I used.... I hope they can still use it.

As my youngest child left with the great granddaughter yesterday, something interesting happened.  It has really touched my heart.  As you have read, I have a wishing tree sitting near the front door.  I mentioned to the great granddaughter - who is only 4 - to touch a branch and make a wish.  Bless her heart.  She kept talking softly, and I wasn't really listening, but I finally leaned over to hear what she was saying.  I caught these words..... "and would you please help us get to stay in one place so we aren't always moving around. In Jesus name, amen."  She wasn't just making a wish, she was praying.

Wow.  It grabbed my heart.  This child has been moved so many times, taken away from those she loves and has already had such a traumatic life, and she prays that she and her little brother can stay in one place.  The things that children pray for that we do not expect.  Some kids would be wishing for a special toy.  This little one just wants to be in one place that she can call home.  Oh that we all should be so thankful for the homes and stability that we have.

I speak tomorrow at the RV Park here in town - and the topic I have chosen is 'Joy'.  What does 'Joy' sound like to you?  To my little great-granddaughter, Joy sounds like a stable home.  Joy for others may mean receiving a special gift.  But what is Joy?  Getting what we want for Christmas isn't 'Joy', it is happiness, and it is only for that moment in time.  Happiness and Joy are similar, and yet, they are different.  Our greatest Joy comes from the Word that the angels gave to the shepherds while they watched their flock by night.....

Luke 2:10-11 (NKJV):  Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you great tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

That is the Joy that we all seek - when we 'find' Jesus, our Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  We seldom think about Him, even in this wonderful season of 'Joy' that we are currently in.  But what if we stopped and just took the time to think of Him, and how blessed our lives would be if we would choose to follow Him - not just in word, but in deed, and surrendered our lives to Him.  Our Joy would be unmatched!  Jesus is our Joy; our Hope; our Life.  And only Jesus can take us to our Heavenly Father. And in Him we find eternal life.  

Eternal life in heaven with Jesus - or damnation in hell with Satan - it's all our choice. Whom will you choose to follow?  Where is YOUR Joy found?  I choose Jesus, eternal life in heaven.  How about you?

Blessings!

I love when I get my prayers answered!

You know how much I was looking forward (cough cough) to driving to the east office for this all day meeting on Monday.  How I looked forward to having to be responsible for maintaining the power point, the chat sessions, and all that.  You know I was so excited about doing it.  NOT!  And, yes, I did pray and ask God to get me out of it.  Didn't see how it would happen, but guess what!  Yesterday the email came out that we were going to do the all day town hall meetings (three of them) VIRTUALLY.  What that means is that the president's executive assistant will be able to manage the power point slides and chats and I won't have to do anything but be available should her internet go down (which it did one time).  I did the happy dance - and you can believe that I was thanking God for hearing my silly prayer of not having to do it.  It wasn't the drive down there; yes, it's nearly an hour some times, but it is having that heavy responsibility that I didn't want.  It's not something I do on a regular basis and know what I am doing.  I have no clue what I am doing with that in board meetings, let alone for the entire division. God answered my prayers to get out of it and I can sit here at home and get things done.  I still will be driving down on Thursday for the Network Christmas party - and that's ok.  I get to see my favorite boss before that party to give her gifts and then go to the party with two of the others I support.  I am so relieved.  Thank You, Jesus!

The reason they gave for changing from in person or virtually?  Yeah, you already know - the recent killing of the CEO of United HealthCare.  I get it, and I'm glad the company is considering the upheaval going on about that. In fact, I saw on AOL news this morning (which I just scan to see what is going on), a woman in Florida was arrested because she was talking to a BCBS employee about something she wanted done and the insurance company wasn't approving it - and she said the words 'Delay Deny Dispose'.  There could be others who will jump on that 'bandwagon'.  It is scary for the executives that are 'high up' on the ladder, I'm sure.  

I slept in this morning - really!  I woke up from a deep sleep at 11-ish, but went back to sleep. Woke up at 4AM - nope, I don't have to work today. I finally arose at 5:40AM!  Now I feel like I'm drugged cause I got more sleep than I normally do.  But I probably need it.  I have a great granddaughter coming over late morning to bake cookies!  It's now 7AM and I need to finish this, get dressed, and head to the grocery to pick up a few more things.  Want to do it before the 'crowd' hits the stores for the weekend.  Maybe I'll make chili for dinner.

I received an e-thanks from one of the companies my Network boss deals with - $10 gift card and I chose Panera - so we went to Panera last night for dinner.  I have two e-gift cards from Starbucks that I need to get around to using - one is from last year - from the same person.  He sent one last year and I haven't used it - so when I got one this year, I dug it out of my emails.  Maybe I'll go to Safeway this morning, they have a Starbucks inside.  I don't usually go to Starbucks - nor Dutch Brothers - or any other coffee places. It's not that their coffee isn't good - but I don't like paying ridiculous amounts to get a good coffee!  Ok, I'm cheap.  But I do like to treat myself occasionally.  In the summer I usually get a venti iced shaken green tea unsweetened.  It lasts me all day.  A hot carmel machiatti is good in the cooler days.  Hubby likes those iced in the summer.  My youngest hooked me on the hot ones.  Yeah, maybe I will stop this morning, grab a danish too, and try to use up one of the $10 gift cards.  Which reminds me, I need to send Renju a thank you card.  I've never met this guy but he often asks me to schedule meetings for my people with him.  Nice of him to do that.  He's back in India now, I think it is - no, he gave a Turkish greeting for Christmas, so maybe he is from Turkey?  I don't know. Never met him.

As mentioned above, getting one great-granddaughter to bake cookies today.  My youngest is taking hubby to the show to see Bonhoeffer.  It will only be from about 10:30-2PM, I think - show starts at 11 with the credits and is two hours long.  I may need to sit the little one down after baking to watch a movie. And that would be ok as well!  I have another great granddaughter and her mommy coming on the 23rd, and I need to check with yet two others to see when they are coming - if they can - to bake cookies.  This is my favorite time of year. Yet, I would stop everything to bake cookies with any of the grandchildren if they wanted to come do that.  I'm still using up chocolate chips from last year, but I need to do my own cookie baking as well so may need to pick up a few more bags.  I have three plates to fill up, after all!  Plus I need to make things for my bosses next week. No worries; I can work on it Tuesday and Wednesday and they will still be ok on Thursday.  Oh yeah, need to get more stewed tomatoes, green peppers, etc to make salsa as well.  I need to make a grocery list, I think.

I John 3:16:  This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us....  

The love of Christ can open your eyes and completely change your thinking about what really matters most in life.

The love of Christ can lift you above what is ordinary and everyday and make you believe that forever is not nearly long enough.

The love of Christ can open your heart and convince you once and for all that miracles really do happen.

The above is what is written on a Christmas card hubby and I received many years ago.  I have hung on to that card for those very words.  Pause and read them again.  When we love Jesus, nothing else matters.  Our love for Him can bring us great joy, for this life is really hard.  Some days I wonder how I get through it, and I'm sure you have those days as well.  But one thing I do know above all else, because I love Jesus and try to live only for Him (and fall many times), He loves me and helps me through every challenge I go through.  When I don't know what I'm going to do, He always supplies the answer in ways I don't understand.  Sometimes He answers when I pray silly prayers - like the one above where I didn't want to do the powerpoint slides.  That is silly, right?  But I knew I could do it - I just didn't want that responsibility.  Which reminds me, I do need to get on the computer and cancel the IT request I had put in for them to be on call for me all day Monday.  Need to do that. I've already cancelled the conference rooms and offices I had reserved. 

And with that - before I forget to do it - and because I need to get dressed and to the store before the great granddaughter arrives, I'm off here.  Hope that you have an amazing day!

Blessings!

When will my children understand

 that if they request something of me, I will do all I can to accomplish it!  I loved the chat I had with the oldest son after he started reading my blog yesterday morning, in which I shared about having the pickles and jam for his best friend.  I know I didn't have to make them - but I definitely enjoyed doing so - for my son, and for his friend.  The friend, whom I have met, is lucky in that he is getting pints - most are just getting the small jam jar.  Which reminds me, I want to get more pectin and jam jars. It was fun making it and I hope to get more made before Christmas.

Today will be a busy day at work as I am taking tomorrow off.  The youngest is supposed to be taking hubby to see Bonhoeffer and I get to bake cookies with a great-granddaughter.  I'm hoping to get a lot of baking done on my own as well.  Next week I will start delivering some of my goodies to others.  I see three of the people I support on the 19th so will delay some of their things until then.  Which means I need to make them on the 18th.  Next week is going to be horrendously busy.  The 16th is the drive to Mesa for the town halls.  I have workout on Tuesday as I had to move from Monday, not knowing if I'd get back on time. Wednesday I will be busy baking and putting cheeseballs together for the bosses, Thursday another drive down to Mesa for the Network Christmas party (I get invited cause my male boss is over this department, and I support him and one of his senior directors). I have debated on going down just cause I have been so tired, but I do know some of the people in the department - some for years - and last year in the white elephant exchange I got the cast iron baking dish which I don't use often but absolutely love!  And it was brought by a dear friend I've known since my MCP days.  My 4th support lives in Colorado.  Last year I sent her a danish and I don't know to this day if she got it or not - so am debating on it this year. I know the bakery does put in who it is from and the message, but maybe she didn't get it.... I know my adopted daughter in Georgia got one from us last year and I finally asked her about it - she thought it was from her kids!  I need to do a run to Trader Joe's and see if they have the almond danish this year - just haven't cause I need to go early.  I'm hoping I can talk hubby in to going over either on his way to his breakfast 'meeting' or I'll go over in the morning because I am off work. That might work better.  I give several of those away as well so need to get them picked up - or people will be doing without this year!

I got nothing wrapped yesterday and the bed and the floor is full of boxes still.  The people who clean our house will come today about noon - if I don't get things picked up off the floor, they will once again skip this room.  There is no room to sweep or dust - I have things everywhere. And you know how I 'love' clutter!  I need a month off work so that I can unclutter and get rid of a lot of things. I just have way too much 'stuff'!  But I 'had to have it' when I got it!  LOL

I still need to work on Christmas cards!  The couple packages I have shipped I stuck a card in with them - but I have others I need to send to.  Maybe this weekend I can get them done. I don't send out that many - but need to do so.  I will miss sending Mr. Knowles one this year, but I think I will send one to his son Mike - I worked with him at Peachtree along with Mr. Knowles, many, many years ago.  Mike kept me updated about his dad - and this first Christmas without him may be difficult.  But life does go on, doesn't it?  It's hard sometimes, when we have lost someone we love, but we still need to live and hang on to memories, but to live life. Does that make sense?  

I've been missing my big sister a lot the past couple of months.  I miss my oldest brother too.  I miss my mama.  They will always be in my heart and in my mind.  I haven't had a holiday with them in over 40+ years so I can't say I miss them being around during the holidays.  I have my sister's apron and I find that I often go to it when I need one.  I remember putting it on last year and taking my photo to send to my siblings, telling them that Jackie was with me baking cookies.  I miss the phone calls where we would get to laughing over the silliest things.  But she had a hard side too and could be mean at times.  She was still my sister and I loved her.  I am still amazed that since she died, my little brother and little sister have said they were so close to her and did so much for her...... and yet, I talked to her at least every other day and she was always complaining she couldn't get them to do anything for her nor come over.  They know the truth; I don't.  I just know what I was told.  Enough of that.

Galatians 4:4-5 (NKJV):  But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we may receive the adoption as sons.

Can you even imagine being born under the law - meaning the laws of the Old Testament - and having to sacrifice for everything?  We still should 'sacrifice' our finances because God owns it all anyway. We are to give 10% of our first fruits as our tithe. Anything above that 10% is a gift to God.  So if you make $100 and give God $10, that is a tithe.  If you give Him $15 - the $5 is an offering.  There is a difference!  Reminds me of a story - true story at that! - of a couple who owned their own business.  The hubby wasn't so much a Christian as the wife so she was insistent on tithing from the business as well as their income from it.  He went along with it when it was a small amount.  But as the business grew and became successful, it was time to write the 'big checks' and he balked. That was a lot of money!  So they went to see Pastor Dave and ask him about it.  Pastor Dave listened, then wisely said, Well, Ron, it's no problem.  We've prayed for your business to become successful, and it has.  You started tithing from it when it was small, and God has caused it to be successful and grow.  You don't want to tithe more, but as much as you did when it was small.  No problem.  We can just pray that your business goes back to being small so that you will feel better about tithing."  Ron understood completely and said 'Not a problem, Pastor Dave!  I think we can tithe the right amount!"   It's never mandatory - it is a gift back to God for what He has given you.

Today is payday and I know I need to write out my check to tithe too. Guess that is why I thought about Ron and Caron and their story.  We can never outgive God - never.  He always increases what we give away and provides for our every need.  I have seen His hand many times in giving us what we need - not necessarily all we want, but what we needed.  It's like Paul's words stating "I know what it is like to be in want and in having everything."  Yeah, I probably butchered that - but you get it.  We all have had those times of being in 'want' and 'having all we need'.  

Contacted my PCP yesterday via portal and asked if I was to get labs done this month as she had increased my levothyroxine and gave me iron to take.  I should hear back today or tomorrow. I also told her I was going to 'break' my once a year visit and go see her in January.  Those bug bites are still on my leg and still give me pin pricks occasionally.  Plus I still get the pain down my leg, which started that night I got bit.  Yesterday I wasn't feeling real well, just like something wasn't right.  I decided to see my PCP and let her figure it out.  Are all these things I'm feeling a result of the bug bites?  I had such a headache yesterday - not a migraine, but an annoying headache - I took medication!  I was feeling woozy, which has happened a few times since I was bit. Am I just getting old and these are things from age? I don't know.  The exhaustion bothers me a lot too; and it all has been since I got bit by 'whatever' - for it hasn't been decided what. I think it was bed bugs, but it has been weird that it is only in one area and three open bites with about 20 bumps.  Urgent care said scorpion bites; dermatologist didn't give his opinion.  I googled it.  Ok - I'm rambling - again - about this. I just want to feel better and get to the root of why I am having difficulty with things.  I refuse to allow my health - real or just me believing it - to control my life.  I will rise about my feelings and live life.  Notice I said feelings and not emotions.  They are two different things.

And with that - I'm going to hush and get started on the day. I have lots to get done for work today since I'm off tomorrow.  I have lots I want to do here at home. Work has to come first - it pays the bills. :-)

Have a good day and remember to thank God for His every day blessings for you and your family.

Blessings!

Moving things along...somewhat

 I went to the post office yesterday intending to mail two more packages out.  I walked in and the line was to the back of the lobby.  Uh, no.  I left there and went to a Hallmark store who also does USPS.  The line only had about 8 people in it so I stayed.  I finally got up to the front to hear "the machine is down so I can put the tracker numbers on the packages, but they won't go out until later tonight (this was around noon) or tomorrow morning (this morning).  That's fine, I said.  Then I was totally confused.  Remember when I said I sent two packages out last week and one was in a USPS box to my sister (which, by the way, finally arrived on TUESDAY when it was to arrive on SATURDAY, going the route of two days in Philadelphia, PA) and the other was in a fairly large Amazon box and heavy?  I think the cost was less than $30 - which surprised me.  And, this may be the Hallmark store adding a cost - which they never did before that I ever noticed - but one USPS package and one Amazon box (smaller and lighter than last week) cost me $52 - and she didn't give me a breakdown - the receipt only has the total on it.  I think she just guesstimated it all and did it wrong.  But what was I to do - go stand in line again at the post office?  NOT!  So I left the packages and I've been checking the tracking and the numbers are still not in the system.  Which means the packages which should arrive by Saturday may not arrive until next week - if I'm lucky at that!  Will see how that goes - stay tuned.

I still have a couple very small envelope packages to mail - I think I will just load it down with stamps and drop in the mailbox and pray I put too many stamps on it!  Hubby is gracious enough to stand in line for me - but if it is a long line, he gets frustrated, and I don't need that going on.  It's easier for me to deal with doing it myself, but at times it is hard to get away.  I should have gone earlier to the post office so it's all on me.  If I go about 10AM the lines are never very long.  Prove me wrong, right?  Just need to pick up gift cards for the rest we need to send out so then shipping will be complete.  And it's still early in the month, right?   

I put up my 4th Christmas tree last night while hubby was gone.  I have two packages now from my big brother with instructions I cannot open until Christmas morning.  And, I do abide by his wishes.  Always have.  True, he wouldn't know the difference, but I would.  So I put those two packages under that tree and then decided to add hubby's packages.  He was surprised when he got home and said that he liked it.  I haven't put any ornaments on it yet - not sure if I will or not, but it does have lights.   If the real tree I bought for outside doesn't make it to next year (and the way my green thumb has been working in years past, it won't), I can put this one outside.  Only we can't plug it in, so maybe not.  That's a year away.  But, hubby liked what I did with this tree and is pleased - so if hubby's happy, I'm happy, right?  It does look nice.

I want you to know that other than ordering danish for my siblings for Christmas, I have not been online to do ANY shopping - not even Amazon!  I told you 'I quit' and until I can figure out what I'm going to do with all I have here in the bedroom, I'm not ordering anything else.  I take that back; I'm still waiting on my nephew to let me know what he and his mother would like to have and I'll order it and have sent to them.  But other than that - right now I'm just trying to figure things out and 'what have I done?' LOL I do need to get stocking stuffers yet - but maybe can get at the drugstore in the next week or so.

Wow - 4 paragraphs in and I see that every paragraph starts with 'I' - well, I guess life is about ME, right?  Or 'I' - however one looks at it.  Obviously 'I' have been doing a lot, huh!

My legs (see I can use another form of 'I') are telling me they were worked out on Monday.  Hope to work that pain out throughout the day.  Tonight will be shoulders - not my favorite exercise either.  I'd rather work legs!  A friend just text'd me and we're meeting them for dinner tonight after I work out. Hope I can move my arms.

Glad I'm taking Friday off work - the great-granddaughter won't be over to bake cookies until about noon-1PM I'm thinking, so perhaps I can get the rest of these gifts in here sorted out and figure out who I bought them for.  Hubby will be gone to his bible study in the morning so I should have some time alone to figure it out.  He has no clue what I buy... all these years he demands that everyone open a gift at a time - and I get it.  We've always grumbled about it - but realistically, it is a good thing.  It takes forever it seems to get through it all, but the reality is that he has no clue what 'we' are giving to that person and he wants to see what 'we' bought them.  LOL Isn't that the way it usually goes?  He doesn't really care what I buy - after all, I pay for it and don't ask him for money.  If it is something unique, or if he asks what we got for someone, I tell him and will show him if I haven't wrapped it yet.  Not a big secret or a big deal.  There was one year I wrapped the gifts in front of him on the front room floor.  Well, as I have aged, it is harder to move around on that floor and getting up and down, so don't do that anymore. haha

I remembered last night that I forgot (I think) to give my oldest son the jam and pickles for his best bud. I will have to check to see if the jars I set aside are still there.  I still need to get my daughter-in-love's birthday gift to her.  Will see how the day goes to see if I can go up early afternoon today.  I have my gym at 4:30 and then dinner with friends so if not this afternoon, maybe tomorrow.  Her gift is ready; just need to get it to her.  Although, with my boys, they got theirs when they managed to get over to see us.  Much later.  Oh well, I'll see if I can't remember to get this to her today.  AND, I'll try to remember to take the jam and pickles to her for my son's buddy as well.  Totally forgot about it - and I think he did as well.  Thanksgiving preparations kept us all busy.

Isaiah 7:14 (NKJV):  Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Emmanuel.

Have you ever read through the Bible and realized that things you read in the Old Testament came true in the New Testament?  You will find, if you will read it, that especially the above scripture in Isaiah, that it came true.  That is the start of the New Testament.  All the old laws were abolished and done away with when Jesus was born.  Well, rather, when He was born, when He lived, when He died, and when He rose again.  All that WAS, was no more.  But you won't understand that unless you read the entire Bible and process all that you have read.

Isaiah prophesied that God would give us a sign - and He did.  In Matthew we read about Mary, a virgin in Nazareth, betrothed to Joseph.  Both are of the line of David.  Remember God telling David that his kingdom would never end?  Jesus is the last King and He rules forever and ever!!   Mary, a virgin, gave birth to Jesus in Bethlehem.... I think it was in Micah that it was prophesied that Bethlehem would be our Savior's birthplace.  (don't have time to look it up now - I'm running out of time to write!).  Check it out for me - confirm it! LOL  You might find that you learn some things about Jesus.  His name shall be called Emmanuel, for He came to save the world from sin.  Hallelujah!  God is with us.  Always.

Gotta go - hope you have an amazing day!

Blessings!