It didn't come through....

My oldest son sent me a text yesterday that he had tried to comment on yesterday's blog - and it wouldn't take.  Well, it STILL hasn't appeared on the blog; don't know what was going on with it.  He also commented he had no desire to try to new Oreo cookies limited edition of Chicken & Waffles (tastes like waffles with pancake syrup), Banana Pudding (oh this is #2 to my favorite), Deep Fried - I'm not so found of that one, Apply Pie Ala Mode (my very #1 favorite, I think), then we have the mint, toffee (it's 'ok') and of course regular  and there are others that I haven't tried (lemon for one) and I won't cause I got to quit buying Oreos!!  At $2.99 each if you buy two (at Safeway last week) versus $4.59 each I paid the other day.... oh - and it depends on what flavor you buy - I noticed also that Safeway charged me $6.49 I think it was for the Toffee.  Uh, no.  No cookie - not even Oreos - is worth that much.  I'll bake my own, thank you very much.  I'm done buying cookies.  Even Oreos.

I have Needles of Hope this morning and am looking forward to some time with the 'girls' there.  I usually get a breakfast sandwich and a coffee (as do the others) but I kept back some eggs ole for breakfast so just may eat that here and just get coffee.  Or tell hubby he can have both pieces if he wants and I still buy the sandwich I like at Panera. :-)  Then again, I'd have to take off the retainers .... so yeah, it would be easier to eat here at home and oh wait, I'm not supposed to drink anything but water with them on either.  Now I have to rethink this.  Do I leave them off all morning and eat and drink what I want?  I just may have to do that. Will see.  

I finished another book last night and I think I'm up to 38 out of 50 books read.  I'm almost done with two others so hope to finish those this weekend.  And yes, I bought three more books from Thriftbooks this past week and have those on my list to read as well.  I have so many things that I want to do - I need to figure out what to do when!  I enjoy my diamond art and I can do that while hubby watches the TV.  And while he watches TV and I work on the diamond art, I can listen to a book on Audible.  Currently listening to one of Mel Robbins' books.  And of course I have my crocheting/knitting (no special projects right now, just baby blankets).  And baking.  I have lots of baking to plan to get started on.  There are some who DO like my cranberry pumpkin nut bread - so I can bake it in November and put in the freezer.  I need to pick up some baking boxes, I think.  I'm coming up with ideas on what to bake.  My boss, Sue, is going to give me a list of what she (and her family) wants.  I'd like to make some more jam - I've discovered not many people like jam.  I admit I don't use it much, but hubby loves jam/jelly on toast in the mornings.  And on peanut butter sandwiches.  Which reminds me, I found a new peanut butter cookie recipe - uncooked! - yesterday.  I wonder what I did with it.  Always love to try new recipes.

But I need to quit eating them (cookies) and get focused on an inflammatory diet of sorts to reduce inflammation in my body.  I've reached the point I am not going to worry about it.  I slept all through the night again last night.  My brother asked me to pick up some Theraworx, which is a foam you can spread on your legs to prevent cramps.  My legs don't cramp right now, they literally burn with fire, but I did buy it and I did put it on last night - and slept through the entire night.  I don't want to go to another doctor.  I wonder if I can use this for a few days and if sleeping through the night, get another blood workup on the inflammation, before I go see Dr. Mark and get referred to a rheumatologist who will put me on drugs.  Or, I can see Dr. Mark, get the information, then get the blood test done and if it has gone down, just not go to the rheumatologist.  I don't want to be poked and prodded, if you know what I mean!  If it wasn't for the pain, I'd never mention it.

Had fun with a granddaughter and her family last night. Yes, the one I loaned my car to. They filled up the gas tank even!  We took them to dinner at Sardellas' and had pizza - and I forgot to order the thin crust - but that's ok.  I ate 2.5 pieces and it was so good.  I quit ordering the regular crust because hubby eats all BUT the thick crust at the edges.  What a waste of good dough!  He's always done that - and that's how I track how many pieces he has eaten!  But we had a good visit with the granddaughter, and of course the little one!  Kind of made me sad; she doesn't give 'love' like she used to.  I don't know whether she is just growing up (age 5) or it is that we don't see her that often.  My heart always melted when the great-grandchildren (well, the grandchildren too) would come running with "Oma, I missed you!!"  and give big hugs and kisses.  I'm already missing that with this little one.  Which reminds me, our granddaughter 'down south' sent me a couple photos of her youngest yesterday and they just crack me up.  I love these little ones so much!  We've got to get down there in a few weeks and visit!  It's not that far, really.... maybe I can talk hubby into a day trip some weekend.  If I could go alone.... I would probably be down there at least once a month!

I finished reading all of the New Testament this morning.  I've read most of the Old Testament this year, but stopped at Psalms.  Tomorrow I will start with Psalms and continue through Malachi before the end of the year.  Usually I read all the way from Genesis to Revelation in the year timeframe, but for some reason, I love to read and re-read the New Testament, mainly because I want to learn more and more about Jesus and how to live for Him.  Keep hoping all that I read soaks in!  But the Old Testament is so full of wealth and riches to learn, that I keep going back to it as well.  I will manage to finish up the entire Bible by the end of the year again.  And on January 1, will start back at the beginning again.

I've read where a lot of people will read in four different sections of the Bible.  In fact, Charles Stanley created a 'Life Principles' Bible in which he did that, and yes, I've read through it a couple times over the years.  In one of my devotionals by Bob Sorge, he talks also of reading in different sections.  In looking at my Charles Stanley Life Principles bible this morning, he has Genesis, Psalm, Proverbs, and  Matthew.  He also lists 'life principles' to go by.  Maybe I will start that again in January; it has so much to read each day (days are marked).  For example, for today, September 5, it is Isaiah 1:1-2:22; Psalm 105:1-6; Proverbs 24:23-25; I Corinthians 14:21-40.  Hmmm I may even start reading it again, but I'm in Psalms in my current Bible so may just continue on through the end of the year.

Psalm 105:4:  Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore!

Since God is infinite, we will never run out of new and surprising territory to explore regarding His character and nature. The great adventure of seeking God and His ways will continue our whole lives. (Charles Stanley)

I'm so glad that 43 years ago I ran back to Jesus and began to learn of Him.  What I have read one time has proven true.  A man was commenting one time that although he was a Christian and following God, his children had fallen away.  The reason he gave was "I brought my children up in church and they got a head knowledge of God..... but they never got a heart-knowledge of Him".  Paraphrased of course, for I didn't pull the book out to share the exact words.  But that was the way with me.

And... I just erased a bunch of words cause I don't have the time available today to keep rambling. I will tell you this.... 

Dive in and Seek the Lord with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, all your body.  Love Him like you have never loved anyone.  He gave His life up for you - literally.  That is the gift of true love.

Love Jesus.  Love God. Love the Holy Spirit.  and in doing so, your life will be blessed, and you will love others with His love.  The hard ones to love?  Ask Jesus to love them through you, until you can love them yourself.

Gotta go hit the shower.  Have an amazing day - full of love, warmth, and special memories!

Blessings!

It's not about ME....

 As I lamented about my blood test results yesterday, my son reminded me of truth.  And for that I am grateful.  I'm not worried; I'm not even thinking about it anymore.  And my big brother did some research for me and found that my 4.9 is 'mild', not high risk.  I guess it just depends on who is interpreting the results, right?  His research also showed that my complaint about it being caused by the scorpion bites I got 3-4 years ago (I think it was 3 year but not sure) is not the cause of it.  Which is interesting, because the leg pain all started after the bites.  I think there were 15 bites/stings.  I have photos I took along the way.  Anyway - there were other possible causes and I ruled out several.  There were a couple I could possibly agree with.  Stress.  Definitely was one.  I don't remember the others right now - and besides that - it isn't important.  I've surprisingly have learned, with taking Advil for my shoulder pain.... me, who doesn't like to take medication at all, had to take an Advil..... I slept through the night and did not awaken during the night with the severe leg pain.  And I recall reading in the articles that Nsaid or aspirin can reduce inflammation. Imagine that..  My brother and I also discussed my use of Fosamax.  Actually, being forced to take it.   They (the doctors) make you take it for 5 years, then switch you to Reclast, which is an infusion for the bones, and after a couple years on that, switch you to Prolia.  I don't want any of it.  I have argued against the Fosamax all these years I've taken it.  But once started, Dr. Mark (although he did not start it, nor do I think he would have) one has to keep taking it.  I'm reconsidering this one.  I have had some sort of leg pain since I started taking Fosamax. Usually it lasted three days in the beginning.  Could that have been the start of all this?  Something to consider........ right?  Ok - enough on this subject!  Moving on!

I have a confession.  I have not 'allowed' hubby to drive my current car - ever.  You may think that is rude and mean, but if you know my situation, you may be able to understand it a bit more.  Every single car I have had since being married, also becomes 'his'.  By that I mean, he has his own car - which, by the way, I have never ever been 'allowed' to drive ANY of his cars the past 44 years.... but he always likes mine better so when we would go somewhere, my car would be the one taken - and if I had let him drive it, it became the car he drove whenever we went anywhere.  And he is not as careful with my car as he is with his.  Years ago we parked on opposite sides of the garage, me on the left, he on the right.  My car at that time, which was newer than his, started having chip marks in a row on the passenger side.  I honestly did not figure it out; the kids did.  He would open his car door, hit it against my car and get in or out of it.  After all, it was MY car.  Heaven forbid if I should do that to HIS car!  He would yell at me if I touched the black at the top of the car when getting out, stating I would cause it to fade over time.  Yeah, he believed that.  I'm not putting hubby down, and I'm leading up to a point.

My point?  My granddaughter called last night and is had to put her car in shop for today.  She asked if she could borrow my car to take the great-granddaughter to a couple classes she is scheduled for.  I'm not using my car today; I don't have any place to go, after all, I'm working.  I told her yes.  FIRST TIME EVER I dared to loan my car to anyone without checking with hubby - and incidentally, have NEVER loaned either of our cars to anyone.  Oh I take that back, one time my sister & hubby was out here and they got to use it one day.  Anyway.... I came home from Ms. Vicky's - which is where I was when I got the call and said yes, and told hubby I was letting the granddaughter borrow my car today.  His immediate comment?  "You trust her to drive your car and you don't trust me?"  I never bothered to respond; I just walked away like I hadn't heard his comment.  If he had pursued, I would have told him why - I can't trust him to let my car remain mine, and he doesn't let me drive his car so what is the difference?  Anyway - he can just get over it. Right? :-)

Wow - I've dumped all over the place this morning, haven't I!  Not putting anyone down, not doing anything... just sharing part of my life. :-) And if you are reading in here, you want to know my life, right? LOL  Do I apologize here?

Morgan killed my core yesterday and my belly is telling me so.  She also had me use that shoulder and it's sore - which is why I took the Advil last night.  If I take a pill for pain, you know it's bad... just saying.

Dang - I got busy and forgot about finishing this!  Well, you know that eventually I will get to it, right?  I'm waiting on the granddaughter to pick up my car, I have eggs ole in the oven because it just sounds good this morning, and I have already washed one load of clothes.  That's actually all the laundry I'm doing today.  Hubby will be here around 10-ish I think.  .....   I'm  in a 'not work today' mood.  What's up with that?   I heard some people were 'given permission' to take off at noon today for the holiday weekend.  I'm not going anywhere.  I have no 'bosses' to speak of right now... even though I still support three people.... I'm technically 'off' anyway, right?  LOL  I do what I want to do when I can do it.  I just don't want/can't do when hubby is home.

My son sent me an interesting 'tidbit' this morning - "You are not waiting for the right time, you are simply afraid. Fear is keeping you from your dream life. Saying you are just waiting for the right time is just an excuse."  And I know that it is true for me.  I'm afraid of the disagreement; I'm afraid of trying to do something for me without sustaining the value of someone else (you know what I'm saying).  Jealousy/envy, even when recognized, is still an ugly thing. Insecurity in who you are is also an ugly thing and it affects those around you in more ways than one.  I've not been hired at things I dearly wanted to do because of someone else's lack of recognition or fear. I've not been able to take classes I wanted to take because someone else insisted they do it as well 'with me'... so we can do it together.... and the cost was too high for two and I had to cancel.  I've sacrificed and gave up many, many things, only to be held back from so many things.  And now I don't have much of the fight within me.... unless it comes to my children, grandchildren, great grandchildren.  You want a fight about them?  Bring it on!

Psalm 145:1 (ESV):  I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever.

All praise, honor and glory belong only to God.  He is our Deliverer, our Shelter, our 'Nail in a sure place'.  I love that name for Him - 'Nail in a sure place'.  He is secure. He won't let me fall. He won't let me down.  I can hang on Him and be secure.  Good place to be, right?

And with that - gotta get off ere and get busy.  Have an amazing day and bring joy to someone today. I've heard a tidbit from my son - that's my joy.

Blessings!

Sometimes the scriptures come to you...

 I decided to check SQL to see if my labs were completed and surprisingly they were!  It had been less than 24 hours since I had gone for the blood draw.  So I check the labs that Dr. Mark had ordered - cholesterol, LDL, HDL, T4, TSH - all were in normal ranges.   And then, I checked for the lab results that I had personally paid for.  That wasn't so good.  On July 7 I had this blood draw for HS-CRP and the result was 3.4.  It was in the lower 'high risk' range.  September 1 I had this same blood test for HS-CRP.  It is now 4.9.  Two months. It jumped 1.5 points.  Top end of high risk.  I brought up the definition of what the test was and even printed it out.  So what is it 'high risk' for?  Cardiovascular issues, i.e., stroke or heart attack.  The next stage is a blood clot.  If what I see is right, whatever this inflammation is in my body is filling up my arteries.  So I googled.  And Dr. Google says that the specialist needed for inflammation in the body is a Rheumatologist.  This brings up thoughts of my older sister who had Rheumatoid Arthritis for several years.  I refuse to be in that condition.  

Dr. Mark's office called me as they also had gotten the results of my blood work (not the HS-CRP though cause I ordered it, he did not).  They wanted to schedule my well physical and asked about scheduling me, and Tom right after me for his medical check-up.  I said that was fine.  Then I mentioned to Lily that I needed to talk to Dr. Mark about the HS-CRP testing.  Did I need a separate appointment to do that or could I discuss during my physical.  She said she'd ask and call me back.  Here is where it is going into a place I haven't been before.

Dr. Mark said that he is a family medicine doctor, which means he takes care of general maladies for people (mostly old people from what I've seen in his office).  Any other needs he sends to a specialist.  He hasn't read up on HS-CRP for several years as he doesn't do that testing, and many doctors don't anymore.  So... we left it that when I have my physical, Dr. Mark and I will discuss the test results and he will refer me to a specialist.  I have mixed emotions about that. But that leads me to this verse that popped into my head.

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV):  do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God , which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

As you know, I frequently quote that verse to others.  Do not be anxious; do not worry.  Trust God.  And then, here I am once again.  Am I worried?  No, I can't say that I am.  But I feel a bit of 'anxious' in my soul.  What do I mean by that?  I am in no way immune to things happening to me personally, or to my family just because I love Jesus and choose Him about this world.  I know that I am loved by God.  And I am sure that you understand this statement.... When one is out of control with things happening within their own body, and no understanding of what to do to remove it, there is some angst as to what to do.  So I have pondered what to do 'in the meantime'.  

I think buying three new packages of Oreo cookies yesterday probably is not the right answer.  But I saw they had Banana Pudding (which is awesome, by the way; right up there with the Apple Pie a la mode), Deep Fried (deep fried what?  It smells deep fried; not so sure about trying that one) and Chicken and Waffles (seriously, this one smells like waffles with pancake syrup all over it!).  I plan on giving the majority of those away for others to 'try this'.  But I know I will have a few more of that Banana Pudding one - it is good.  But then, there is this inflammation I need to focus on.

The Mediterranean Diet that I keep meaning to stick to has kind of fallen by the wayside.  It's easier when people take care of me, not me having to figure it out and choosing correctly what to eat. More fruits and vegetables, and a lot less processed food I'm sure is in it.  I do have an inflammatory cookbook or two and I do need to look into those.  This diet is one to reduce inflammation and I have a feeling I will be focusing on it a lot.  What is this diet?  Think to what possibly Jesus and His disciples ate.  Not a lot of red meat, for sure.  I don't do that anyway.  No greasy french fries.  That might be a hard one.  Grapes yes. Nuts yes.  Maybe I will actually bake those homemade breads I keep wishing I would take the time to do.  Less preservatives and more wholesome food.  Right?  I need to start doing what I think is the right thing to do, and then see what the specialist has to say.  I do not want to be on a bunch of medications if I don't need to.  I'm hoping we will start with a strong antibiotic and see what it will do.  Hey, maybe I'll get something that will cause me to lose weight!

On another note, I got a package from my sister yesterday.  Still scratching my head on a couple things. What did I get?  A copper bracelet that she had ordered for my birthday and it came after she had sent my birthday package.  Very nice.  And two 16x20 paint by number projects.  One is a reindeer (because she thought it was so cute) and the other is a scene of a rocking chair on the porch overlooking the ocean and sky (which I really do like).  I asked (perhaps I shouldn't have) if she had bought these for herself and then decided that she wasn't going to do them and sent to me.... we do that, ya know.  I do it, she has done it.  But, she said no, that she had specifically bought them for me, but that they arrived after my birthday.  I then just had to ask 'why'?  No real answer.  She told me I could send them back if I didn't want them. Sigh. We don't send gifts back unless need to.  I reminded her that I do have an easel but I will not be doing these before Christmas.  They take a long time to do and 1) I don't have the time right now, and 2) the holidays are coming up quickly and I start decorating in November.  I will keep them, but may end up waiting until I retire... whenever that will be.

Today is a somewhat busy day.  I need to jump in the shower this morning early cause I have an 8:30a chiropractor appointment - and then of course my 10:30a with Morgan.  Seems like I have something later, but don't remember what it is. Maybe not. Maybe hubby's appointments that I need to be aware of are running together with mine in my mind.  

I talked with another EA yesterday (who supports one of the big bosses that I now report to due to Sue leaving) and we had a lot of laughs about the board meetings - and she agrees, the EA who supports the new leader of that board meeting should also take over the minutes of that board meeting.  That means I can get rid of one of the board meetings.  That leaves me with two - lol - which, ironically this EA supports one of the new leaders - but I will keep that meeting as she is extremely busy with TWO top leaders and currently, I have no leaders to speak of.  Getting rid of one makes me happy.  Two would make me extremely happy, but 'it is what it is' and I'm happy. LOL

Last night, in reading one of my books, it talks about giving up MY will, for God's will.  It's easy to say it - Lord, I lay down my will, and surrender to Your will - but doing it takes focused application.  But I did say it, and I did mean it.  So whatever His will is for me..... that I will follow.  He has never promised us a perfect life if we follow Him.  He promised He would be with us through this life.  I am counting on it.

Have an amazing day - and be kind.  Some things are 'hidden' and cannot be seen with the naked eye.  Always be kind to others, and pray for others, that they may feel the love of Jesus with them.

Blessings!

I feel like I'm always a day late and a dollar short!

 Once again this morning I have about 5 minutes before I need to get on the work computer.  See how it interrupts me all the time?  Work!  BLAH!!  But, here I am still sitting in my chair and not rushing to get out of it.  I have already brought the computer up, checked messages, and I'm good for the moment. I want to get this done - so what if I take an extra 10-15 minutes this morning, right?  After all, I only take lunch hours (lately) when I have to take hubby somewhere (like today) and I don't usually take an actual break... not that it matters.  I have no one watching me. Which is a good thing. They'd see how much time I have not doing anything while I'm waiting on two new bosses.  It's getting scary for they are interviewing!  

I did find out something yesterday - or the day before - which frustrated me, and yet, gave me hope.  They have taken the 4 board meetings I am somewhat associated with (although I only 'support' three) and since Brett left and Chuck was made president of these boards, then he has also retired August 31st, and it is a wise move, in my opinion.  They have divided up the 4 boards to other leaders.  Instead of one being involved in ALL of them, as president, they each have one to contend with.  Now I'm hoping that they will also remove ME from taking the minutes, setting up the powerpoint deck, etc., and give it to the admin who supports that leader.  Only fair, right?  I will probably end up keeping one or two of the boards even though my leaders are not included in that 'presidency'....  if they leave them that way.  Stay tuned on this one.   Which reminds me, I do need to check the upcoming board deck and make sure it is in order.

My shoulder and back are still pretty sore but at least I can move my arm more now. Did not go see my DIL but put some 'deep blue' ointment on it and it helped.  It's still sore, but at least I can move it.  Today I won't be doing much anyway.  Got to drive hubby back to Tempe to the dental lab to check the shading for his front crowns.  An hour's drive each way and maybe ten minutes there.  Yep - that includes my lunch hour. LOL  We will leave late morning so hopefully traffic won't be too bad. 

I don't know what I was (or wasn't) thinking when I went to bed last night!  I forgot to plug my phone in (it is plugged in and charging now) and get the copper bottle filled with water. Need my phone charged, the other isn't a big deal.  (see how I'm looking for something to write about quickly?  It's 7a)

Got my labs done yesterday - I am really 'anxious' (not really the right word but excited definitely isn't) about the inflammation test I paid for.  It will be interesting, for sure.  I need to find that first result and put it with this one when I go see Dr. Mark later this month.  Something needs to be done about my legs.  The pain is very intense but it doesn't last a long time - maybe twenty minutes, and if I get up and walk, it fades away.  I still say it is the scorpion bites or whatever bit me about 15 times on the inner thigh!  Something is causing the pain and I didn't have it before then.  I'm hoping I can get Dr. Mark to listen and act on my complaint.

I've started reading a couple books on prayer - some again for the third-fourth time.  I wanted to write for the hundredth time, but I haven't read it that many times.  I even have dug out a couple books I know that I read for the first time back about 1984-era.  Yeah, they are old, but they are still good classic books on prayer.  I've gotten bad (in my opinion) about praying.  I get so focused on praying for specific people and specific things, I have neglected just sitting and listening to what God wants to say back to me.  I run out of time, if you know what I mean.  A

Oh wow - apparently someone or something doesn't want me to talk about prayer - my computer screen just jumped to aol and I don't even have it up!  

I have filled my mornings with so much 'stuff' in the short time I have to do my quiet time (because some mornings I'm not getting up until 5a instead of my 4a... sigh.  I guess I need to go back to the 4a so that I can do all I want to do.  Anyway..... I've cut out a lot of reading, but I always want to read my Bible because it is through the Bible that God sometimes speaks to me.  But I can't just 'read' it. I need to read the scripture and meditate on it.  I also need to quit focusing on if I can get online and type in here, but take the time to just 'be' with God.  I have been writing out some of my prayers, and speaking some aloud.  But as mentioned, I tend to focus lately on 'needs' and 'wants' versus just desiring more of Him.  

So this morning I asked God to give me more of Him.  That any spiritual gifts I have, they are from Him, and I ask that He give me boldness to use what He has given me.  When I've taken a spiritual gifts test, I've, in the past, of the top five have been intercession, faith, preaching, giving, and I forget - serving, I think.  I haven't taken one for awhile but I know I have a copy around here somewhere.  I've asked God to increase my faith.  I've asked Him to take away the distractions that keep me from focusing on Him.  I've asked Him to teach me to pray - not just for my wants and needs, but to draw closer to Him.

James 4:8  Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.

And that is what I'm praying.... that I will draw so close to Him that I can feel His breath when He turns my way.  I want to be so close to Jesus that the dust from His sandals gets all over me.

So where are you in all my ramblings?  Did the thought occur to you that Jesus wants YOU to draw near as well?  How He longs to gather us into His arms.  Just to love us. 

Take some time today to pause and think about your relationship with Jesus.  Who is He in your life today?  Do you need to get some things right with Him?  He's always waiting on us to draw near.  Today would be a good day.

Blessings!

I need to get on it....

 I sometimes do reviews in Amazon for some things that I purchase.... and I've gotten way behind in doing so.  I have it on my 'list', and I think about it... but I haven't done it for a couple months now.  So I need to just take the time and get some done - today if possible. Just because I don't like leaving things 'undone'. How often do you do reviews for things?  Every time, or just when they tick you off? Just curious. 

I slept good last night - and I should have - as I took an Advil before bed.  Now I am not one to take any medication not prescribed unless needed (i.e., aspirin, etc.).  So why did I take Advil?  My shoulder hurts.  I've tried to think what I could have done over the weekend to hurt it. All I could think of was sitting for 5-6 hours and crocheting; yes, I did take breaks, but I made two baby blankets in one afternoon so you know I was 'at it'.  Yesterday, when I went to the gym for my HIIT workout, I noticed my right shoulder was somewhat 'sore'.  I went ahead and did the exercises..... squat, pick up a 20# 'bag' by the straps with both hands, flip it up, stand up, drop it down, repeat.  Then on to a 12.6# dumbbell placed in the middle (on floor) and reach down with one hand and pull it over my head, then back down. Then the other hand.  Then this one was tough.... using a long (very long to me!) rope, pull the weighted sled (and I had Morgan take the weight off) down the length of the hallway, then pushing it all the way back, then doing squats with jump-ups.  Three sets.  I noticed the pain in my shoulder when I started pulling on the ropes.  I am thinking that I irritated the shoulder more by continuing to pull.  I sometimes push myself too much.    My arm I can move on its own pretty much, but can't raise it much.  I'm just thinking I have irritated it.  I took an Advil late afternoon, and again last night before bed.  I may have to pay my DIL a visit after she gets off work to have her confirm it is just irritation.... I don't think I tore anything; I can still use it.  Will see how it feels later.

I do go get my blood draws today.  TSH and T-4 for Dr. Mark because they were not in a good place in July's blood draw. He was concerned.  If they aren't back to normal today, he is concerned about a pituitary gland issue.  Hoping it is fine.  I also have my xx-CRW (can't remember the first two letters) testing that I am personally paying for - it measures inflammation.  If you recall from a previous post, I had that test when I did the Lifeline Screening, just out of curiosity because of my leg pain.  It was high.  So I have ordered the blood test again today at Sonora Quest (SQL).  I'm hoping it has gone down, but if not, I will be bringing that information to Dr. Mark when I go see him later this month.  I'll hear from his office, maybe by the end of the week, to get that appointment scheduled.  It should be for my physical.  Or wellness check, whatever you want to all it.  He will order a full test of blood work after that, but his concern at this time is the TSH and T-4.  I'm concerned about the inflammation.  My shoulder probably doesn't help with the testing today.

Out of time... hang on, got to turn on the work computer and I'll finish this there.  Ok, I'm back.  I have found how hard it is to get dressed with a sore shoulder!  I feel like a sloth in using my right arm!  Use it v-e-r-y  s-l-o-w-l-y.  And either I slept on my back or the exercises I moved the wrong way - my lower back is hurting too!  Glad I have a chiropractor appointment already scheduled on Thursday morning!  He will shoot me straight. :-)

After our first week of meals using the Tovala oven, I'm quite happy with it.  Hubby wasn't wild about the fish tacos (using Hake) but I've enjoyed the ones I've fixed for me.  No, he hasn't cooked in it yet, but he did say he wanted me to show him how. The instructions are so simple - you open the container, follow the instructions on removing the plastic over the metal container (I'm keeping these to use for treats for Christmas!) and add whatever it says to.  They even include a container to put the meat in (in a sealed bag).  Anyway - put it together, put the meat in the other container.  Put the two containers in the Tovala oven, hit 'scan' on the board, and hold up the QR code on the instructions - it reads it, sets the temperature and timer.  When it's done, I get a notification on my phone/watch that says the meal is finished, and the oven shuts off.  Nifty, huh!  The only drawback is the food is fresh and you need to use it within 3-4 days.  Glad I only get six meals (three each) a week.  It sounds like we may be spending a lot of money for six meals a week.... $94 this first week, BUT.... you consider when we go eat out we easily spend $50 at a restaurant or at least $35 at fast food..... for one meal each!  If this causes us to eat at home more (and it will, for I don't want to waste the food!) we can save a little bit.  And after six orders, my oven is free  (if I cancel before six weeks, I will have to pay for it) and I can use the oven for other things, setting the temp and timer manually.  It's an air fryer as well, but I haven't used that yet. I love that the meals require little preparation.  Ok - enough promoting.... I'm really just filling up space, right?

Today is my first day without Sue.  She is so sweet; she text'd me on my phone around 4:30p and reminded me we will be getting together and texting and calling each other - meaning, we won't just walk away from our 35+ years of friendship because she retired.  She's the best.  

Do you remember tuning forks?  I bought one some time ago but have not read the instructions on how to use it.  You may NOT remember them.... but think back to the old days, say 75-100 years ago.  Doctors used tuning forks to stop headaches, and other aches as well.  Perhaps today I can bring up the company and read how it says to use it.  Yes, of course I bought one.  I don't remember much about how it was used, but I remember it was used 'way back when' when I watched TV as a child. LOL  Yes, a long time ago.  I wonder if a tuning fork could help my shoulder.  I use it (my shoulder) a lot more than I would have thought!  Getting dressed this morning was fun.

There is a scene in The Chosen (if you haven't watched it from front to finish, you should!) that is on my mind this morning.  Yes, it is fiction but it does have a lot of truth in it as well. I refused to watch it for a long time; mainly because that was all my sister talked about in every conversation, pushing me to watch it, and I kept resisting just because I didn't want to be 'told' what to do.  And besides that, I pretty much stick to the Bible as to what is truth, and I didn't want fiction messing that up.  But it does make it more clear.  But I am off track.  Again.

The scene.  Jesus is talking with Judas and asked him what his name meant.  Judas responded "God is praised" (can't remember exact words) and Jesus asked Judas, if he will praise God.  To which Judas said, "Every day."  Jesus then looked at Judas and said, "Follow me".  

Is that us?  Do we praise God every day, and then when things don't go the way we want them to, we turn our back on Him?  Do we betray Jesus?  Or even in our darkest moments, do we continue to praise Him?  Not for what He can do for us.  Not for material gain.  Not even for healing.  Will we continue to praise God, praise Jesus, praise the Holy Spirit - because of WHO He is...... 

I have been through some very dark nights and my only reason I came through them is because Jesus never let go of me.  He didn't heal some that I prayed for.  He didn't make right the wrongs done to me and those I love.  He didn't change things like I asked Him to.  But through it all, He loved me with a love that no one else can give.  How could I not continue to praise Him for everything, even for the dark night of the soul?

Psalm 42:5 (NIV):  Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.

Psalm 63:4 (NIV):  I will praise you as long as I live, and in Your Name I will lift up my hands.

Amen and Amen....

Praying you will have an AMAZING day - go through this day knowing you have the blessing of our Father upon you.

Blessings!

Monday morning HIIT

 Yep.  Morgan has scheduled me for an 8a HIIT this morning.  Not sure if my body is awake enough for it - but yes, that is what is on the calendar.  And I was awakened in the night with my legs on fire - I go tomorrow to SQL to get my blood work done; some lab work for Dr. Mark, and the inflammation test - CRW I think - for my legs.  I will send the first one I got from Lifeline Screening and this new one to Dr. Mark before I go for my physical.  I want to give him time to look at it and try to figure out what it's about.  I honestly don't know, as I have mentioned before, what they can do about it.  You can't SEE anything wrong.... it's the waking up in the middle of the night with the intense burning.  But, since I've been drinking the 'copper water', it isn't the bones.  It is the tissue/fat/whatever it is - in my legs that burns.  And Is till blame it on the scorpion bites! Or whatever bug it was. It used to just be in one leg, but now it is in both.  Something is eating me alive, I think.  But I can still move, still do HIIT, still lift weights.  I've got to keep active.  And I've given this story to you many, many times... and the only reason this morning is because it awakened me again this morning and it is on my mind with the blood workup tomorrow and a doctor visit sometime this month.

Yesterday was a good day.  Spent a lot of time in here, which I love on Sunday mornings.  Hubby and I had a bowl of cereal together for breakfast (until he starting in about something and I got up and walked away).  Went to church - and it was a great message!  Pastor John is talking about the seasons of life and this was week four.  It was on Ecclesiastics 3:7-8.  A really good message!  My notes are on the bed; and I'm out of time to write much right now, but maybe I'll get up and get them later.

Came home and I fixed us prime rib sandwiches from our Tovala stash.  They were really good.  And I got out of cooking for the rest of the day.  I just didn't cook!  I got to read some, took a short nap, and then we watched NCIS for the rest of the evening while I finished up crocheting a couple blankets.  Oh, I did run to Ace Hardware and got a battery for the back room remote.  Need that fan on if I'm going to start working out again - that room can get really hot in the afternoons.  I do want to start walking more. Told hubby he needed to use the rebounder so that he could hold on to the bar to maintain his balance.  No, we didn't get it done last night; NCIS was on. LOL

Today is Sue's official retirement date and we'll talk later via phone.  Our company app is still on her phone and operational until later today when they literally shut her down, so we can still talk via teams.  I wish her well, but I will definitely miss her - a lot.  In God's timing, I will be able to retire.  But for now, it's 'suck it up, buttercup!'  UGH have a board prep today.

I'm going to try to get this finished this morning before I leave, but I'm already on the work computer.  Perhaps I will post this and finish it up tomorrow.  Or add to it later today. Perhaps I will do that - but then - I've got things to do.  Sue is already sending me messages via teams this morning.  Just like we always have.  I will send out her 'final goodbye' email later this afternoon.  Also just remembered I need to approve timecards!  So - guess I will post this now - and if I have time, will add to it later.  And, if not, will be able to write tomorrow. :-)

Have an amazing day and be kind to others, you don't know what they may be going through!

Blessings!

Who would have thought?

 We went to a Celebration of Life for a dear friend yesterday at church.  He was a greeter, and that very first Sunday we attended, he greeted us like we were old friends.  And every Sunday he was there, and we (I) looked forward to his greeting.  Little did we know that he was also battling cancer.  Long story short, he passed back in July and they now had his service.  We didn't know much about this guy other than he loved fishing.  He would tell me when he wouldn't be there cause he would be on vacation fishing.  I found out a lot more about him yesterday.  He had been a truck driver.  He came to accept Jesus as an adult, and he never looked back.  He was loving and kind to everyone. No one was a stranger when he was around. He loved Jesus and shared Him with others.  There was a lot more shared by his grandsons and wife, and even granddaughter.  The church was packed, which apparently surprised the wife as she seemed started when she stood up and turned around to thank everyone for coming.

But what got me... and you may laugh at me because it is so silly.... we visited a bit inside the church before we started making our way to the door.  They had food and tables set up, but we opted out and decided to leave. I am walking ahead of hubby, through the lobby, and I hear my name. I turned and there is a couple that we have known for years - from our former church days.  In fact, this is the 'Bill' that hubby used to meet for breakfast every week until he got Alzheimer and he became all weird.  He seemed fine yesterday.  Anyway - it was he and his wife.  She asked how we knew Stan (the man who passed) and I told her.  So I told her that was our church  and had met him there. She then let me know that she knew the wife BEFORE she had married Stan (2nd marriage; married 24 years).  (ok, are we pulling rank here? My year and a half versus her 24+ years?)  But what struck me after I left, is that both she and Bill had such dour looks on their faces, and I realized this morning, as I thought about it, they (not to be judging!!) are Christians..... but they forgot to tell their face!  I have never seen her smile.  I'm going to stop there, for I don't mean to judge, but the contrast from a happy Christian who loves Jesus to someone who speaks all the right words, and possibly even lives it, but to appear so unhappy?  What is up with that?  It wasn't over the death of our friend, that is the way they have always looked.  It puzzles me.  Most Christians I know are always smiling (at least around other people) .  I don't get it... and I hope I don't get THAT. Just an interesting observation.  And all hubby wanted to talk about with Bill is when can they get together for breakfast or lunch... sometimes I think going out to eat is all that man thinks about!

Hubby and I swung by Cracker Barrel on the way back cause I didn't want to do anything - not even cook Tovala.  That was a mistake.  Not only was the food slow in arriving, I got the vegetable plate of mashed potatoes and corn and two orders of fried okra.... hubby got the catfish dinner... for some reason, none of it 'hit the mark' for either of us. He said the catfish was mushy.  Interestingly, at 5:30p and the restaurant wasn't even half full.  Could it be from the cooking as it seemed to have gone downhill?  We both decided we wouldn't go back for awhile.  It was very close to the church so it was easy to slide into for a meal.

Today is Sunday and of course we will be going to church.  Now whether I will stop early enough that I can go fix breakfast for us remains to be seen.  It's only 7a so have a couple hours in here yet.  Yep - on Sundays I don't come out until around 9-ish.  My eggs ole is sounding really good right now so am thinking about that.... only make maybe half a batch rather than a full batch; don't know how much cheese I have.  Yeah, I'm getting hungry, a little, anyway. I could go get a protein drink or bar... may do that anyway. 

My big brother sometimes cracks me up.  Several months ago he and my SIL ran into a great niece that he had not seen in probably 30 years. She recognized the SIL and my brother, and my SIL recognized her, but my brother did not... which really isn't unexpected; I could probably pass her on the street and not know who she is as it has been many years since I saw her.  Anyway, the great niece asked my SIL if my brother had dementia because he couldn't figure out who she was.  So he plays on that dementia bit ever so often with me.  This morning he texts me (because I have found out our little sister also goes to that church) that if he ever saw her close enough to speak to her (now mind you, they have not spoken since 2012) he would ask her if she was MY older sister!  Then he said he could blame it on his dementia.  LOL   He and I can't figure out why she is so terrified of running into him.  He said he'd say hi if he saw her close enough.  Just isn't going out of his way to see her.  And vice versa.  This situation is one reason I struggle with going back for a visit.  And I'll leave that there.  I know what he says and I know what she says - and they are miles apart in the reasons they don't associate.  

I sometimes think about how much Christ has forgiven me.... how could I not forgive someone for less? 

Ephesians 4:32 (NIV):  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Romans 12:19 (NIV): Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God' wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord. 

But the 'self' within us WANTS to take revenge, doesn't it!  When we are hurt by words or actions, we want to spread malicious gossip, we want to 'do unto them as they did to us' and we want to just go beat them up badly.  Right?  Surely it isn't just me at times. Well, maybe not the beating up badly part, but I want to tell MY side of the story before THEY get a chance to tell theirs.  Right? Please tell me I am not alone!  Sometimes I have to shut my mouth and tell myself to let God take care of whatever happened.  And you know what?  When I take my hands off the situation, God does take care of it....and it is ALWAYS in His timing.  Not today, when I want Him to take care of it, but in one of the tomorrows that I may never know about.  I have to leave issues and problems in God's hands.... how else could I survive in this world?  I've shared way too much in here about times I've been hurt (just think of the times I didn't share!) and my thoughts about it.  And God has - in most cases - worked it out.  Sometimes I have to just keep forgiving.  I even verbally speak the words "I forgive XXXX" because I know I must forgive, for if I don't forgive, that would be MY sin and that is worse than my forgiving someone for a wrong done to me.

And now I am out of things to talk about.  Church this morning, then I'm not sure about this afternoon; possibly a nap in there somewhere.  Before hubby gets the TV on (unless there is a game of some sort) I can get some reading in.  It really annoys me when he asks - almost daily - is this a read night or a movie night.?  One would say he is just being considerate.  He KNOWS I would prefer the TV off.  Yes, I do enjoy a good movie on occasion.  But I don't 'learn' anything from the movies.  The books I read are not romance novels... they are to help me grow in the Lord... and that to me is more important.  We did watch two movies last night (although hubby often sleeps through most of the 2nd one.).  I know he will turn NCIS on ... sigh.... I like NCIS, but I don't have to watch it every week - they are all reruns and most we've seen.  I guess I may work on some diamond art... or crochet.... 

Hope that you have an amazing day - and be kind to others, you don't know what they might be going through.  We are all God's children; let's share His love - it just might be what is needed to bring someone to Jesus, just by watching us walk.

Blessings!