Things I've learned during my 56th year on God's Earth

This year has been a year of reflection and change for me. Things were better this year, than they were last year for me.

In January, until February 1, I was in Midland, Texas. I had to come back to Texarkana in February, because I had a doctor's appointment, and I needed to get my tags renewed, taxes done, and car maintenance taken care of before I set out again. Plus, I needed to check my mail and storage unit.

When I came back, my brother, who is in prison, asked us to use his money to put a camper on the property he inherited from my dad. So, I did that, and had it all hooked up for him, so he would have a place to parole out to, because the house on the property is condemned.

Then, he told me I could stay there until he got out. He is due for a parole hearing in December.

So, I've enjoyed the air conditioner this summer, rather than spending money on a motel room or sleeping in my car. I also was able to use the refrigerator and stove, and save money I normally would have spent on eating out because of it.

I spent some of my brother's money getting some of my debts paid off. But, I have to make sure my brother has his money back by the time he gets out. I've got most of it made back, so far. I'd rather owe him than owe all the interest I was paying on the loans I had.

And, I'm staying here in Texarkana until he gets out. I have also enjoyed the ability to take one day a week off from work to rest.

Top 10 things I've learned this year:

10: It is easy to accumalate stuff when you have a place to put it.

9: It is easier to think when you are sitting still.

8: Travelling comes in all forms. You don't have to go to a different city to travel.

7: God is still in control. Sometimes, when you are at peace, you wonder if God is still there. He is. He leads you by the still waters just as He lead you through the stormy sea.

6: Sometimes I wonder when the dam will break again, and I will be barraged with the problems I had in 2023 again. My mechanic called it "shell shocked". PTSD. I think it fits. I have learned to just go with the flow, and trust that God knows where He is taking me.

5: I have learned that being a "plan B" person is not a bad thing. More often than not, I have to rely on plan B to get me where I am going in life.

4: Human nature is everywhere. It is at home as much as it is on the road. It is a force to be watched closely.

3: You can fight the good fight and love your enemy at the same time.

2: When you do everything in prayer and supplecation, every move that you make is direction from God.

and finally,

1: Just because you aren't where you were ten years ago, doesn't mean that God is finished with the work He did through you back then. And, it doesn't mean there isn't still work for you to be accomplished!

Jesus, Donald Trump, and the Army's Parade on June 14th

Regardless of popular belief,

Trump did not give himself a parade for his birthday. He didn't even celebrate his birthday at the parade. It wasn't about Trump.

The United States army is the first military force that the United States has ever had. If it weren't for the army we would still be under British rule. Not to mention speaking German. And we certainly wouldn't be worshiping Christ

How do you think we defend our rights as a nation?.

The United States army has been a force for 250 years. It is their birthday. And this is what they wanted to do.

They applied for the permits over a year ago. While Biden was still in office. Trump had nothing to do with it. The only thing Trump has to do with it is the fact that he is the sitting president.

And if you're trying to say that no other president would ever dare do something like this, then you have missed the parade that was given whenever John f Kennedy was president. They marched ballistic missiles into the streets to celebrate their strength!

By the way, John f Kennedy was a Democrat.

And that's not the only time the military has ever been put on parade. That's just an example.

So get off your high horses and quit saying that Trump is a bad person for attending the parade of a part of military that he is the Commander-in-Chief over!

Someone even had the nerve to ask if Donald Trump should be holding a parade that costs so much money when there are so many hurting people in the world! They invoked the name of Jesus and said, is it something that Jesus Christ would do?

Here is my answer:

I think He did. As a matter of fact I'm sure He did. Remember when He rode through the streets on a donkey the day before His crucifixion?

That was right after the woman washed His feet with perfume that was so expensive it would have fed a village, and even Judas was shocked!

And the integrity of Jesus's heart was the same as the integrity of Donald Trump's. It's not about him, it's about us!

Jesus is King, like it or not. He gave his life a ransom for the whole world!

Donald Trump is President and that is all. That is all he is trying to be. He is giving all he has to save America. Not the world.

But if America loses her greatness, the world is doomed.

Things I have learned during my 55th year on this Earth

It's that time of year again. It is my birth month. So I'll start off by recapping the year, and then I'll list the 10 things that I learned this year. 

In January I was working in the Dallas area, in a rental vehicle that I was paying $350 a week on just so I can make a few bucks to pay towards my bills which had mounted up to $3,500 a month, due to the situation with my car during 2023. 

Needless to say it wasn't enough. 

In February I learned that I had congestive heart failure, my mom died, and I got a little bit of help from my inheritance from my dad who had died about 7 months before. 

I was able to catch up on my bills, and take a rest from all the stress, frustration, heartbreak, and illness that had struck me throughout the year. 

I paid back a bunch of people who helped me out in 2023, blessed my mechanic who had kept me on the road with a little bit of it, and invested what I had left after catching up on my bills. 

I use some of it to pay for a couple of months rent on a room at a local motel. 

The memory popped up on Facebook of the dream that I had of God telling me that he wanted me to travel. And how he wanted me to do it.

In March, I bought another car. I had to do some initial work on it to make sure it was Uber ready. And then I went back to the Dallas area, where I stayed with my cousin until the weather cooled off in September. 

I set out to see every city in the state of Texas. 

While I was in the Dallas area, I was able to see the Mary Kay building (which I expected to be pink but it wasn't), the Dallas Baptist University, The Potter's House, traders village in Grand Prairie, hurricane harbor and six flags and the Arlington AT&T stadium.

I tried a lot of new foods. 

I tried Thai food in Sherman, Korean food in Denton, Vietnamese food in Garland, Indian Pakistan food in Frisco, where I also saw the Ghostbusters car on July 4th, Salvadorian food in Irving, and I had the best Mexican buffet I've ever had in my life in Grand Prairie, and the best burger I ever had in my life in Fort Worth. 

In Fort Worth I also was introduced to the 11 lb burrito challenge at Badazz Burrito, which I declined to try to do. 

When I left Dallas, I went to Lubbock. 

I fell in love with Lubbock. 

I saw the prairie dog town, Lubbock lake, the windmill museum. 

I went to Amarillo and ate at The Big Texan where the 72 oz steak challenge is housed. I declined that as well. 

I saw the Helium Monument, and on the way to Amarillo I got to see the Palo Duro Canyon.

I slept at truck stops, and got a planet fitness membership so I could take showers for $25 a month instead of $18 every 2 or 3 days. I did laundry at the laundromat, paid all my bills online, and learned that there was nothing I can do in an apartment that I couldn't do in my car. 

It was not without its challenges, though.

When I bought the car, I had put spark plugs, cabin air filter, new tires, brakes, rotors, tie rod and control arms on it. 

I also replace the tire pressure monitoring system.

I had to replace the control arms on my car again, and the tires, then the cluster went out. Later I had to replace the transmission, the camshaft positioning sensor and exhaust solenoid.

God pulled me out of a very stuck situation. Just when I thought I was done for, again!

I paid off four of the loans that I had taken out the year before. 

And by the end of my 55th year, the God account started growing again. 

Even with some struggles, this year has been so much better than last year! 

Last year was a nightmare! This year I feel blessed. I know that 95% of the people that I know have not experienced and will not experience all I have experienced so far in my 55th year! 

Top 10 things I learned this year: 

1) God is always on time. 

2) When God wants you to do something, He will give you no choice.

3) When Satan slams a door shut, God opens a window.

4) People who try to talk you out of what God is calling you to do are not your friend.

5) Fear is not an option. 365 times in the Bible God said do not fear, and I will be with you. 

6) You don't have to have a lot of stuff to live in abundant life.

7) Forgiveness does not mean giving someone else permission to cross your boundaries again.

8) Once you realize that you are exactly where God wants you to be, it's easy to be thankful.

9) It's not your job to change the world. It is only your job to change your little piece of it for the better.

And finally, 

10) You are the church. You are not a religion. Each person you encounter on this journey of life is just as important as the next person you run into. What you say and do makes a difference in that person's life at that moment. Remember that.

TAKING IT ALL BACK

This is for all of you out there who have been following my story on Facebook and here at this blog for the past few years.

You guys know how I have come out on top over and over again. I have been knocked down by some really hard blows, especially over the last year.

I have had everything, and I have had nothing in this life. Over the past year I've lost everything I had again. Not the first time. Probably not the last time, but guess what?

I told you guys 2 years ago that God wanted me out here, travelling, to give up all I had and get a mailbox and storage unit and travel on the road talking to people.

Ninety percent of you said I was crazy and that God wouldn't ask me to do that. So, I hung back, unsure. Uncertain. Did God really want me doing what He told me He wanted me to do? What I thought I heard?

Circumstances last year made it impossible for me to do anything other than what got me where I am today - with a storage unit, a mailbox and living in my car, travelling, talking to people every day.

Last year I didn't know if I was Job or Jonah...but this year, I look back and realize that I am EXACTLY WHERE GOD WANTS ME TO BE!

On this road, as I was getting where I am, I found out who my real friends were, and which family members would treat me like family. I met some REALLY special people who are still in my circle today. People who helped me get where I am so I could give all the Glory to God.

And, I found out that God doesn't take "no" for an answer. He doesn't take, "give me time", or "wait..." unless HE is the one who is saying it. He's the boss.

When God wants you to do something, He will put you where He wants you so you can, or be miserable trying to get back to where you were.

I'm out here, now. The way I see it, I'm where God wants me to be. I might as well embrace it and enjoy it, rather than do like Jonah did and sit and pout under a tree until it dries up and still leaves me with no shade to enjoy.

Bless Her Heart

I am not about rituals. I don't pray all the time before I eat, because I talk to God all day and I eat with Him. He knows how grateful I am.

I don't go to church every Sunday, because I have church every day; either alone, or with a passenger. I read the Bible every day. I search for truths through the Word of God.

Jesus and I have a relationship. That means that sometimes I want to shake my fist at the heavens and scream at Him. It also means that sometimes I want to cuddle with His presence. Sometimes I want my space, but just like any marriage relationship, I always want Him within reach - whether my door is shut so I can enjoy my time or not.

And, just like any other relationship, when He wants to communicate with me, He's not going to respect that closed door.

Especially when He knows I'll listen to Him, because what He has to say is important to me.

I am not the perfect marriage partner; but, God is.

He created that old southern saying, "Bless her heart..." ... and the meaning behind it.

I'm sure He says it a lot!

Assembling

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25)

It does not mean go to church, I don't care who said it from the pulpit today.

It means to assemble yourselves with other Christians, no matter where you are.

Church is just a good place to be to do that.

I'm not saying that people shouldn't go to church. I'm saying that Sunday meeting at a church building is not the end all be all to being a good Christian.

If I hang around with people on a regular basis, it's going to be with people who believe and trust God as I do. It's going to be with people who can edify me and encourage me and constructively criticize me when needed in love and protection of what belongs to God.

But I find it offensive for anyone to stand up at the pulpit and say that if you don't come to church you're not doing what God told you to do. That is so wrong! That is not what the Bible says.

It is not offensive because I don't want to go to church. It is offensive because it is not what the word of God says. And to say that God's word says something that it doesn't is offensive.

If I ever go to church, it is going to be to a church that does not think I am sinning if I don't go to church on Sunday every Sunday. And it's going to be with people who will reach out and pull me out of the fire if I happen to fall in, not with people who will pray over me while they watch me burn.

I really doubt that God is going to close the gates of heaven in my face because I didn't go to church every Sunday. If He closes the Gates of heaven in my face it's going to be because I denied Him in front of my brothers and sisters. I denied the power that He has over your life and mine. I denied that He is everything and without Him we are nothing. And I denied having faith that tomorrow is going to be a better day because the Lord said so.

Praise God I would never do that!

He is my provision, my protector, and my best friend. He is my husband, my parent, and my advocate! He is everything to me. I don't need to go to church in order to tell everybody what a great God I have! I do that in my car everyday as an Uber driver!

According to my Bible, which is the same one that is preached from that pulpit in error, I am the church. My body is the Temple of Christ. Just as is everyone else's who believes and trusts in Him.

1 Corinthians 3:16 “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”

Taxes

Good morning, World!

I have finished my daily Bible Reading.

Today, I will be gathering all of my tax information. It's time I go and get this taken care of, and start paying on what I owe.

I won't have much to work with, seeing as I couldn't work much in 2023. Just Uber, Lyft and Spark.

I did so little on Grub Hub and Door Dash, they didn't even prepare me any information.

Other than that, I'm sitting around eating broccoli and cheese cake all day. LOL. I did eat a sausage sandwich for breakfast, though.

I've been taking my medication religiously. I am actually starting to feel better. I wonder if the infection in my leg wasn't spreading and that is why I felt so bad. The antibiotics are helping.

I had a good day yesterday. I worked a full 8 hours. And, I emptied my storage unit and closed out my storage account to save money. I paid my insurance, my snap bill, my mailbox, and part of a personal loan given by a friend.

I could go in and pay off all my loans, but then I wouldn't have money to make money with, so I will continue to pay them until they are paid off. It looks better on my credit that way, anyway, and if I need the money from any of those accounts for any reason until they are paid off, I can still use those accounts.

Of course, I'm not going to use any of them...except my big Elastic loan. I plan on using THAT one to help me pay off the other loans.

Next month about this time, I should have at least one loan paid off.

Everything is working as planned. I'm so de-stressed right now! (Except for my health).

Which reminds me...I need to call Wadley to see what kind of program they have for me that they offered me in the mail to day to help pay my bill.

I also owe $26 for the labs they did.

Never-the-less, life is looking up right now.

Oh, and I got my yearly 1099 form from Spark. Did you know I made about $8700 on Spark alone last year? That's not counting all the other apps I did. I sure wish I could see some of that money....it all went down the drain on this car.

Tomorrow is the Sabbath.

I bought a cheesecake to snack on tomorrow. I don't plan on getting out of my pajamas all day.

Ya'll have a blessed day!

Doctor's Visit

Good morning, World!

I couldn't sleep after that long nap I took last night, and didn't get to sleep until about 5 AM this morning. Then, I had to wake up and rush to get ready to go to the doctor, so I am posting this late.

The doctor told me that Wadley ER would not send her the records she requested, so she had some more labs done on me today. I have another appointment on April 1 at 8 AM.

My doctor's visits are covered with the sliding scale through the program Genesis Primecare has set up for the uninsured. But, I have to pay for my labs and my prescriptions.

My doctor gave me another prescription for some antibiotics. I'm getting another small blister on my leg. But, my previous sore is finally healing, slowly.

It itched so bad last night, I picked the scab off...but at least there was a scab; and, itching means that it is healing.

I'm going to try to work some today before it starts raining.

Have a blessed day!

Growing Old

Good morning, World!

It's a new day.

Yesterday, I came back to my room early because I don't like twiddling my thumbs.

I decided to pick up an old hobby and start posting the news again. I broke out my old source list and started updating it.

A lot of the sources I have for news are outdated and no longer useable. There are new ones in their places. So, I am having to go through, one by one, and check them from A-Z.

Politics is like that. Every day, new people come on the scene to offer current news. Every day, people drop out, or get voted out.

Also, I have debated what to write my book about. I don't think I am going to write a book about my life. There is too much to tell, and not enough time or pages could cover it all, and I am too much of a detail freak. So, I think I'm just going to stick with my blog and Facebook for that.

I'll just stay online.

I might change my mind later.

I feel my body changing daily. The health I once enjoyed seems to be going downhill, fast. It frightens me...

But, I know God is in control, and I am looking forward to the end result.

I am just not looking forward to the process of getting there.

Ya'll have a blessed day!

Jesus, Fried Chicken and Good Earnings

Good evening, World!

There was a gentleman that walked up from his wife's rehab to get a cup of coffee at the EZ Mart. The lady at the counter had already run off one guy who came to loiter.

So when he sat down at the door to rest before he went in, he was warned by another customer. He explained that he was coming from the rehab and he would be walking back he just wanted to rest before he got a cup of coffee.

I went in to use the restroom.

When I came back I told him that if he would get his cup of coffee I would take him back to the rehab and he wouldn't have to walk. I explained that I was an Uber driver.

He went in and got his coffee and came back and asked me if I minded. I told him no, that's what I'm out here for. I'm doing the Lord's work.

I gave him the number to go go grandparent so that he would be able to get a ride anytime he needed it.

The conversation in the car was worth having. All the way around.

This is why I do what I do.

I learned, years ago, that we should LOOK FOR opportunities to serve Jesus. We shouldn't just hope something lands in our lap. That rarely happens.

So, I saw this gentleman as an opportunity, and I took it. I'm glad I did.

I also bought a microwavable bowl, a paring knife, a big spoon to stir my tea with, and three spoons for just $5.51 at the Dollar tree.

I had an awesome day driving for Uber and Lyft today. I made about $150 in less than eight hours.

And, I ordered some fried chicken for supper tonight.

I know I shouldn't have it, but after yesterday...well, I caved.

I did good in the stock market today. I pray every day is at least as good. That is what is paying my bills right now, and helping me save for a new car eventually.

Now, I'm fixing to turn on some TV, eat my chicken and relax the rest of the night!

THIS is the abundant life!

Ya'll have a blessed night!

The Mouths of Babes

Good evening, World!

I had a good day.

I woke up at 9 AM, bathed, fixed myself something to eat, then I went to work until about 10:30 a.m..

Then, I went to Liberty Ministries International Church (used to be Flower Acres Baptist). Brother Johnny Murphy was the pastor there.

He preached on "end results" (consequences) of decision making, one way or the other.

But, before he preached today, there was a little boy, about 5 years old that walked into Brother Johnny's office and said he wanted to preach today.

Brother Johnny couldn't say no to him, because the little boy was carrying his Bible. His mother heartily assured Brother Johnny that she had NOTHING to do with it.

So, before Brother Johnny preached this morning, this little boy stood up there and preached about Daniel in the lion's den. His message was about being courageous and not having anger in our hearts. It did me more good today than what Brother Johnny preached about, to tell you the truth! Because, after all, I am already saved! That little boy did and AWESOME job! He even had his verses memorized!

It was awesome!

Then, I went back to work. I made $100 today before I decided to call it day. I took a lady to KFC, then picked her up from McD's and took her home. The smell of the food in the car made me crave fried chicken, and I know I am not supposed to have that right now. I decided it was time to go back to my room and fix me something to eat. So, I called it a day.

It's depressing when I can't just get what I want anymore.

I guess God is trying to teach me something. After all, I usually do get what I want...eventually.

I am fixing to turn on "Ancient Aliens". I broke down and subscribed to HULU.

Have a blessed day!

P.S. I included this video below to show you how powerful a child preacher is!

My Nails

Good morning, World!

Today is the Sabbath.

Now that I am able to, I see no reason to not obey God's command to set aside this day for rest and reflection.

So, that is what I am going to do.

I may venture out today, but I will not be working. (As much as I would like to).

I figure it like this: God has answered my prayer and given me the break that I have been hoping for during the last couple of years. It is time that honor Him and do according to His Will, as He has made me able to do so.

I have failed Him so many times over the past couple of years. But, God is a merciful God. He sent Jesus to pay for my shortcomings. I am ashamed that Jesus had to pay for my sins the way He did, but I am grateful that it means I can have a second chance...or a third one. (Because God knows that I am going to fail again).

Anyway, I'll be here all day. Just a finger tap away on Facebook.

Have a blessed day!

Spaghetti and sleep

Good morning, World!

I slept until 9 AM this morning. Much later than I had intended to sleep, but it felt good.

Right now I am eating a spaghetti frozen dinner for breakfast. Then, I will start my day.

Yesterday, I didn't get started until around noon, due to the phone outage. I was so glad when it finally came back up!

Today, I will only have to make $60 in order to have enough to pay my Capital One bill on the 27th, because I was able to transfer some of my earnings into my bank account from my brokerage account. That is my goal.

Ya'll have a blessed day!

Power outage

Good morning, World! I woke up at 7 AM this morning. I made tea for the day and ate a meatball bowl for breakfast. Then, I tried to turn on the computer so I can do my daily Bible reading. I couldn't get signed in because it required my phone to authenticate my signing in and the internet was out on the phone. I couldn't even turn my phone on or off without service.

It was strange.

I understand there was a major power outage.

But, now I am back online and getting ready for the day ahead.

Yesterday, I worked the whole day on Lyft and Uber. Lyft sent me to Atlanta 3 times yesterday. The first time, I got there and the customer cancelled and I only got paid $4.50. I was not a happy camper.

But, I ended the day nearly making $100. I also made about $140 in my brokerage account. But, then I spent it all when I paid my ticket I got last week when I was going to turn my rental car in. I got a ticket for not stopping at a stop sign that I didn't see.

With all the construction going on in Dallas, it's easy to do.

I'm glad I am back home now, though.

I also bought a coffeemaker so I could make tea again, and save some money.

Ya'll have a blessed day!

Blackout Curtain

Good morning, World!

I woke up at 9:30 AM this morning because I stayed up late last night watching "Outlander". It's nice to be able to watch my shows again. Today is going to be a repeat of yesterday, but hopefully, I'll be able to work more with Uber and Lyft. Yesterday, I picked up my prescription and did some grocery shopping so I could eat without having to spend money eating high sodium foods at restaurants.

One of the housekeepers came knocking at my door yesterday to tell me how to pull the black-out curtain so I wouldn't be tying my curtains together in my room. I had no idea I had a blackout curtain. I am so glad she showed it to me! She was really sweet about it, too!

Now I can sleep without the sun shining in my face in the morning!

Not sure if that is good or bad, but it doesn't matter. I am in my home town, so I can work after dark more, if I need to.

Have a blessed day!

Following His Lead.

Good morning, World!

This morning, I will be working inside my room, buying and selling stocks until around 3 PM, then I will venture out to do some Uber and Lyft, and get something to eat.

I didn't make as much this week as I did last week, but at least my bills are covered for now.

I have been praying, and I think that it is now time that I start visiting different churches in the area throughout the week.

God has given me the talent of sharing information, and sometimes information is how we help others. It is time I start gathering information, in order to share and encourage others into the involvement in the community around us.

With my health the way it is right now, I think God has finished with my traveling for a little while. Maybe I'll get back on that horse later. For now, as disappointed as I am that I can't continue, God is not finished with me yet. And, I will continue to follow His lead.

Ya'll have a blessed day!

Genesis 1:6-8

Genesis 1:6-8

6And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.
7And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
8And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.

God created every part of me. And, I am a part of the body of Christ. Each part in the body has a purpose.

If I choose not to do God's will, then I am but a dead limb on the tree that get pruned and cast aside.

John 15:1-2

1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

According to the Oxford Languages Dictionary, the word "purge" means

"rid (someone or something) of an unwanted quality, condition, or feeling"

So, all the parts of me that are not useful for God's purposes are slowly being torn away...

And, no one said it would be painless.

God divides the good from the bad.

Genesis Chapter 1:4-5

Genesis Chapter 1:4-5

4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

God divided me from those who chose not to be called His. He set me aside. He sanctified me.

This means, I am special. I am somebody. I am worth it, in His eyes.

Genesis 1:1-3

Genesis chapter 1

In the beginning God created the heaven and the Earth.

A new beginning deserves a new beginning.

Today is the first day of the rest of my life. Today is the day that the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it.

In the beginning, God created me.

It was a different beginning than the one in the Bible, but it was a beginning, nonetheless.

I've started over so many times in my life. The one thing that all those things have in common is that I carried parts of my old self into them. I am sure that this time will not be any different; but, I'm going to try.

I start with nothing. Everything I have is a gift from God.

My health has taken a turn for the worst, and right now I am praying for healing that only He can provide, in a myriad of ways.

God gave me a story to tell. I want to tell that story.

Genesis chapter 1 verse 2

The Earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

The darkness tried to overtake me. It surrounded me on all sides. I felt as if I was going through a dark tunnel, grasping for anything I could hold on to to help pull me through.

I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. I knew it was there. But this long dark tunnel was so lonely and desolate.

By the time I got to the end of the tunnel, I had been beaten and battered in my heart. My health had taken a downturn and I had no way of knowing if I would ever get better.

Congestive heart failure is not curable. It is only manageable. 

Genesis chapter 1 verse 3

Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.

Sometimes the struggles we have in life scar us. I had spent the last 2 years begging for help from people who were supposed to be the face of Jesus.

Aside from a few people who said they would pray for me, help was very hard to get.

It made the face of Jesus look useless.

If I had not been as strongly grounded in my faith, if I hadn't known the power of my God and understood that ultimately His plan would prevail, I probably would have thrown Christianity away.

I can understand the anger some people feel towards Him and what He stands for. It doesn't make that anger justified - only understood.

Avocados, Tires, Cigarettes, and Back Seat Drivers

Good evening, World!

I got this rental car so that I wouldn't be as stressed as I have been over working.

However, today was probably the most stressful day I've had in a while!

I woke up at 4:00 a.m. this morning, and the gauge was reading that I needed a tire rotation. I thought to myself, that can't be right because I just got the vehicle! And I don't even have a voucher yet.

I reset the gauge so that it reads that a tire rotation isn't due for another 5,000 MI.

Then the little exclamation light came on and said that my tires were low on pressure.

Crap!

I found the nearest discount Tire and went to go get my tires aired up and had them check the tires while they were at it. They informed me that I needed two new tires on the front. The reading for the tires was in the red. It was way past time and nearing the danger level.

I am 40 miles away from the Hertz rental car center. So I tried to call them, but I was told that the number did not exist. I was not going to pay for two new tires out of my own pocket, and I needed a voucher to get it done. So, I drove there, praying the whole way.

I got to the rental office, and all of their computer systems were down, and they had no idea when it was going to come back up. But I was assured that it usually doesn't take more than an hour or so. So I waited around.

After about an hour, the young man at the desk came over to me and told me that truthfully they just don't know when it's going to come back up and he can't give out any vouchers until it does, but, I could call this number that he gave me and they could fix one up and email it to me.

He could have told me that an hour before that!

So I called the number and I got the voucher and I went back to Denton to the Discount Tire that had told me I needed two new tires.

It took about an hour and a half for them to finally get me serviced. By then it was about 1:00 p.m.

Once again, half of my day had been wasted on maintenance. This time on a vehicle that I didn't even own. LOL

Once the tires were fixed, I drove to Walmart because I was out of tea. I had to park quite a ways away because the parking lot was so full. I got my tea, which was regular sweet tea and not extra sweet tea because they didn't have the extra sweet tea. But any tea is good tea, as long as it's sweet, in my book. LOL

I got a phone call from a bill collector, who is wanting me to pay a past due medical bill. It was only $60 and they had been trying to call me for a while. So I went ahead and paid it since I have the money. She asked me if there was anything she could help me with after that, I said, "nope. Except, I would like for you to stop calling me. LOL" and yes, she laughed.

I also bought some basic necessities that I was out of that I didn't get the other day. Hopefully I'm fixed up for a while.

Then I went and ate at the Cotton patch. It was really good food. I was especially impressed with their fried Green tomatoes. But, I had asked for an avocado bacon cheeseburger that was on the menu. When I got the burger it had no avocado on it. When I told the waiter, he said the avocado only comes on it if you request it.

Duh! Did I not ask for an avocado bacon cheeseburger? Is that not requesting avocado? He only got a dollar tip.

Then I finally went to work. There were back to back Lyft rides. Half of them canceled on me before I could get to them. And I kept working myself closer and closer to the Dallas area. 

By the time I got halfway to Dallas, Lyft navigation went crazy. I'm in a town that I do not know the roads, and I have to listen to her. But she was so confusing! I could be sitting there at the light and she would tell me, "turn right. Go 150 ft turn left. Turn right, then turn left", and I hadn't even moved yet. I had no idea which way to go! And the passengers I had in my backseat did not speak English.

I finally got them where they wanted to go and then I picked up a guy going to Love Field airport. When he got in the car I told him I was so glad that he spoke English because I needed a backseat driver! I explained to him why it took me so long to find him, and asked him to help me with navigation.

He pulled out his Google. He was telling me what Lane to go into and where to turn, warning me not to listen to her on the app, and then he said, "I am so sorry for being a backseat driver! I know I'm bad!"

I exclaimed, "No! Don't apologize! I need you to be a backseat driver! You hear what I'm going through? LOL"

Normally I hate backseat drivers. But I really appreciated him. And he even tipped me $10.

After I dropped him off I came back to Denton. It was an hour drive. How did I end up that far away so quick?

I'm done for the day. You'll be glad to know that I did not break down and buy a pack of cigarettes, even though I wanted to really bad.

So I think I'm going to sit here for the rest of the night and just relax.

I've made all but $77 that I need to pay for my rental. 

Y'all have a blessed night!