A new year is just around the corner. Every year I make resolutions and my whole year becomes about keeping them. Last year, I think I was successful with them.
This year, I am looking forward to the new experiences that God leads me into. I am looking forward to the blessings I have not yet received. I am looking forward to the abundant life that will come with the new year!
My resolutions for this year are as follows:
1. Go on a God Diet.
2. Read my Bible more.
3. Lose 100 lbs.
I think that is enough.
Have a safe and Happy New Year!
Adventures in Faith and Freedom
Friday, December 30, 2016
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Shonda's Jesus Feast 2016
I was unable to enjoy Thanksgiving with my family because I had to work. This did not prevent me from having a mouth-watering longing for a taste of Thanksgiving Turkey.
God had blessed me with so much throughout the year. I had a freezer filled with food, including two turkeys. I offered my mom a turkey for Thanksgiving, in exchange for her bringing me a plate to my job so I can have Thanksgiving dinner (I was REALLY looking forward to that turkey).
She was having it deep-fried.
Yum.
I had to work. So at 6 PM, my mom brought me a big plate of food, and another plate of desserts. But, guess what? There was not ONE bite of turkey on that plate. I graciously ate it all, then called mom and said, "Where is my turkey?"
She assured me she would bring me some turkey tomorrow at one o'clock. (I'm a day sleeper. I get up at one o'clock. I have to be at work at three o'clock).
At one o'clock she had not arrived, so I called her, as I still had not had my craving satisfied.
"Why don't you come here and get it. I'm not driving all that way!" she said.
I lost my temper. She lived 40 minutes from my apartment. I barely had enough time to shower and get something to eat and get to work. There is no way I could make it all the way to Redwater and back before my shift started. I was VERY angry.
I questioned how God could ask me to honor someone like her for what she had done to me.
IT WAS MY TURKEY!
I felt she had stolen my turkey, because I did not get ONE bite of it.
Yes, I was VERY angry.
I stewed over this for a few days. Then, I decided to fix the problem.
I had a second turkey. I decided that in order to fix the problem I would not give my mother a turkey to cook for Christmas. If it got cooked, I would have it cooked and I would get my portion of it before I gave her any of it. I could still love my mother without giving her the opportunity to anger me again.
Problem fixed.
What can I say? I'm a fixer.
As Christmas approached, it became clear, according to my schedule, that I was not going to be able to spend Christmas with my family, either. I still wanted that turkey.
I listened to a radio program by Rick Warren about God speaking to me. I learned that when I got an idea, it might not be a "God" idea. You have to test it: If God wouldn't agree to it in the Bible, then He ain't gonna tell me to do it, because God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
I started thinking, what if I cooked my own Christmas dinner. I could enjoy all the fixings without worrying about missing it. I could get my turkey.
Then, someone got a hold of my credit card information on the computer somehow and charged my bank account over $350. I took out a money order in order to pay my mom her car payment, and someone stole that out of my purse. So in less than 48 hours, I lost over $700. It was my WHOLE paycheck! All I could do was praise God that I didn't have to pay rent for that check as I went to the bank to dispute the charges, stop my money order, and get a new debit card issued to me.
Satan obviously didn't like the idea that God must have put in my head that I was actually considering doing. So, I made plans to have a Jesus Feast, and I had no idea how I was going to pay for it.
I had a three day weekend coming up, and I thought, "What a perfect opportunity to have that Jesus Feast!"
The more I thought about it, the more it seemed like that is what I should do. But, who would I invite? After I lost my temper with mom, I wasn't sure she'd want to eat with me. Then, my thoughts were directed to a verse in the Bible:
Luke 14:23
“And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.”
The story was about a king who was making a feast. He invited all of the upper-class he knew. Each of them had an excuse about why they couldn't make it. This angered the king. So, he told his servant to go out to the highways and hedges, gather the poor, the destitute, the maimed, the imperfect people and bring them in to enjoy his feast so he could enjoy a house full of guests for his feast.
God said, "Feed the poor, the lonely, and bless your enemy and honor your mother."
And, I could get a bite of turkey if I did that without worrying about Christmas dinner going to waste.
And I could have a Christmas dinner with Jesus.
Matthew 25:40
“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
I couldn't think of a greater honor than to have dinner with the King!
The more I thought about it, the more excited I became. I was on a mission from God. I told everyone I saw about my plan. And, then I found that all the money that had been taken from my debit card information had been returned to my account...JUST IN TIME!
I was off Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I planned my menu Thursday night, and Friday, I woke up still excited about what I was going to do. I took my grocery list and got dressed to head to the grocery store. My neighbor May May walked by my door and I told her about what I was going to do. As I told her what all I was going to cook, you could see her mouth watering. I told her, "So, you see, I can't POSSIBLY eat all of it and I would REALLY like it if you and your husband came to enjoy my Jesus Feast with me!" She assured me that they would.
My ex-boyfriend's ex after me, Jo, lived upstairs. I figured we had a lot in common. (haha). So, when I came back from the grocery store, I knocked on her door and told her what I was doing and why. I invited her to come help me enjoy the feast on the morrow at 3 PM. She agreed.
I prayed before I started shopping after I got to the grocery store. "Jesus, please help me to honor YOU. Please bless my shopping, and bless the meal I aim to prepare, and bless those who celebrate YOU with me!" I prayed that the cost of all that was on my list didn't take all of what was in my account, as I still had bills to pay. However, I didn't budget as I shopped. I got what I needed and didn't worry about the cost. I figured God would provide.
And, He did. I had plenty left to pay bills with.
When I got to the check-out, the lady who was waiting on me looked as if she wished she weren't there. I told the lady what I was doing. She said nothing for a few moments. As she rang up my stuff, suddenly she exclaimed, "Well, I think that is just SOOOO nice!" and she began to smile more as we discussed my plans and excitement. I invited her to come, but she declined, she had to work.
I came home and after talking to Jo, I got on Facebook and invited everyone. I told them,
"For those of you who attend, be warned: I don't have any seating. You might want to bring a lawn chair for yourself, or plan to sit outside on the steps. It's a REAL small apartment, and the door will be open in honor of my Granny who used to keep the door open no matter how cold or nasty it was outside in order to be "inviting to the less fortunate" on Christmas and Thanksgiving. I like that tradition, and am keeping it."
Then, as I was getting all of my stuff ready to cook, I felt a nudge that said, "Aren't you forgetting someone?"
I called my mom. I said, "Hi! I'm cooking Christmas Dinner."
She said, "I am, too."
I said, "Nooooo, I'm cooking it RIGHT NOW and we'll eat it tomorrow if you would like to show up about 3 PM." Then I told her what all we were having.
I prayed again:
"Jesus, please bless my cooking. I've never done this before. Be with my hands and ability. This is for You, Lord, make it fitting!"
Then, I set out to cook my first Turkey.
And it turned out fabulous.
Oh, did I mention? It was also my first Dressings, (Yes, there were two kinds), my first green bean casserole, my first sweet potato casserole, my first baked beans, my first jello whipped cream fruit salad, and my first DR Pepper glazed ham.
And they all turned out fabulous.
I stayed up until 4 AM cooking and cleaning.
At noon on Saturday my alarm on my phone went off. I hadn't meant to sleep that long. I jumped up, dressed, drove to the store to get last minute items I had forgotten (plastic ware and ice and colas to drink).
About 2 PM, Jo came down and asked if I wanted company while I worked. I said, "Sure." I enjoyed hearing her talk about her kids and our ex as I prepared dinner.
At 3 PM I opened the door. Mom was getting out of the car with my niece Mylee. My step-dad opted to stay home. I was happy to see my favorite (only) niece. I recently took her to the fair and spoiled her the whole day and had a blast...now I got to feed her.
I said a quick prayer as we all dug in to eat.
Mom loved every bit of it. Mylee ate two plates and carried one with her when they left. Mom carried two plates for my step-dad (all of the food wouldn't fit onto one plate). Jo ate her fill, then took a plate with her. Then, I fed May May and Greg, Susan and her husband and daughter, and a few other stragglers. I was happy not to have much to put up.
When it was all said and done, all I could do was Praise Jesus because my Jesus Feast/Christmas Dinner was a great success.
Mom said, "Come Thanksgiving next year, YOU are doing some cooking."
See what happens when you show someone what you can do?
Thank You, Jesus for showing up.
God had blessed me with so much throughout the year. I had a freezer filled with food, including two turkeys. I offered my mom a turkey for Thanksgiving, in exchange for her bringing me a plate to my job so I can have Thanksgiving dinner (I was REALLY looking forward to that turkey).
She was having it deep-fried.
Yum.
I had to work. So at 6 PM, my mom brought me a big plate of food, and another plate of desserts. But, guess what? There was not ONE bite of turkey on that plate. I graciously ate it all, then called mom and said, "Where is my turkey?"
She assured me she would bring me some turkey tomorrow at one o'clock. (I'm a day sleeper. I get up at one o'clock. I have to be at work at three o'clock).
At one o'clock she had not arrived, so I called her, as I still had not had my craving satisfied.
"Why don't you come here and get it. I'm not driving all that way!" she said.
I lost my temper. She lived 40 minutes from my apartment. I barely had enough time to shower and get something to eat and get to work. There is no way I could make it all the way to Redwater and back before my shift started. I was VERY angry.
I questioned how God could ask me to honor someone like her for what she had done to me.
IT WAS MY TURKEY!
I felt she had stolen my turkey, because I did not get ONE bite of it.
Yes, I was VERY angry.
I stewed over this for a few days. Then, I decided to fix the problem.
I had a second turkey. I decided that in order to fix the problem I would not give my mother a turkey to cook for Christmas. If it got cooked, I would have it cooked and I would get my portion of it before I gave her any of it. I could still love my mother without giving her the opportunity to anger me again.
Problem fixed.
What can I say? I'm a fixer.
As Christmas approached, it became clear, according to my schedule, that I was not going to be able to spend Christmas with my family, either. I still wanted that turkey.
I listened to a radio program by Rick Warren about God speaking to me. I learned that when I got an idea, it might not be a "God" idea. You have to test it: If God wouldn't agree to it in the Bible, then He ain't gonna tell me to do it, because God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
I started thinking, what if I cooked my own Christmas dinner. I could enjoy all the fixings without worrying about missing it. I could get my turkey.
Then, someone got a hold of my credit card information on the computer somehow and charged my bank account over $350. I took out a money order in order to pay my mom her car payment, and someone stole that out of my purse. So in less than 48 hours, I lost over $700. It was my WHOLE paycheck! All I could do was praise God that I didn't have to pay rent for that check as I went to the bank to dispute the charges, stop my money order, and get a new debit card issued to me.
Satan obviously didn't like the idea that God must have put in my head that I was actually considering doing. So, I made plans to have a Jesus Feast, and I had no idea how I was going to pay for it.
I had a three day weekend coming up, and I thought, "What a perfect opportunity to have that Jesus Feast!"
The more I thought about it, the more it seemed like that is what I should do. But, who would I invite? After I lost my temper with mom, I wasn't sure she'd want to eat with me. Then, my thoughts were directed to a verse in the Bible:
Luke 14:23
“And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.”
The story was about a king who was making a feast. He invited all of the upper-class he knew. Each of them had an excuse about why they couldn't make it. This angered the king. So, he told his servant to go out to the highways and hedges, gather the poor, the destitute, the maimed, the imperfect people and bring them in to enjoy his feast so he could enjoy a house full of guests for his feast.
God said, "Feed the poor, the lonely, and bless your enemy and honor your mother."
And, I could get a bite of turkey if I did that without worrying about Christmas dinner going to waste.
And I could have a Christmas dinner with Jesus.
Matthew 25:40
“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
I couldn't think of a greater honor than to have dinner with the King!
The more I thought about it, the more excited I became. I was on a mission from God. I told everyone I saw about my plan. And, then I found that all the money that had been taken from my debit card information had been returned to my account...JUST IN TIME!
I was off Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I planned my menu Thursday night, and Friday, I woke up still excited about what I was going to do. I took my grocery list and got dressed to head to the grocery store. My neighbor May May walked by my door and I told her about what I was going to do. As I told her what all I was going to cook, you could see her mouth watering. I told her, "So, you see, I can't POSSIBLY eat all of it and I would REALLY like it if you and your husband came to enjoy my Jesus Feast with me!" She assured me that they would.
My ex-boyfriend's ex after me, Jo, lived upstairs. I figured we had a lot in common. (haha). So, when I came back from the grocery store, I knocked on her door and told her what I was doing and why. I invited her to come help me enjoy the feast on the morrow at 3 PM. She agreed.
I prayed before I started shopping after I got to the grocery store. "Jesus, please help me to honor YOU. Please bless my shopping, and bless the meal I aim to prepare, and bless those who celebrate YOU with me!" I prayed that the cost of all that was on my list didn't take all of what was in my account, as I still had bills to pay. However, I didn't budget as I shopped. I got what I needed and didn't worry about the cost. I figured God would provide.
And, He did. I had plenty left to pay bills with.
When I got to the check-out, the lady who was waiting on me looked as if she wished she weren't there. I told the lady what I was doing. She said nothing for a few moments. As she rang up my stuff, suddenly she exclaimed, "Well, I think that is just SOOOO nice!" and she began to smile more as we discussed my plans and excitement. I invited her to come, but she declined, she had to work.
I came home and after talking to Jo, I got on Facebook and invited everyone. I told them,
"For those of you who attend, be warned: I don't have any seating. You might want to bring a lawn chair for yourself, or plan to sit outside on the steps. It's a REAL small apartment, and the door will be open in honor of my Granny who used to keep the door open no matter how cold or nasty it was outside in order to be "inviting to the less fortunate" on Christmas and Thanksgiving. I like that tradition, and am keeping it."
Then, as I was getting all of my stuff ready to cook, I felt a nudge that said, "Aren't you forgetting someone?"
I called my mom. I said, "Hi! I'm cooking Christmas Dinner."
She said, "I am, too."
I said, "Nooooo, I'm cooking it RIGHT NOW and we'll eat it tomorrow if you would like to show up about 3 PM." Then I told her what all we were having.
I prayed again:
"Jesus, please bless my cooking. I've never done this before. Be with my hands and ability. This is for You, Lord, make it fitting!"
Then, I set out to cook my first Turkey.
And it turned out fabulous.
Oh, did I mention? It was also my first Dressings, (Yes, there were two kinds), my first green bean casserole, my first sweet potato casserole, my first baked beans, my first jello whipped cream fruit salad, and my first DR Pepper glazed ham.
And they all turned out fabulous.
I stayed up until 4 AM cooking and cleaning.
At noon on Saturday my alarm on my phone went off. I hadn't meant to sleep that long. I jumped up, dressed, drove to the store to get last minute items I had forgotten (plastic ware and ice and colas to drink).
About 2 PM, Jo came down and asked if I wanted company while I worked. I said, "Sure." I enjoyed hearing her talk about her kids and our ex as I prepared dinner.
At 3 PM I opened the door. Mom was getting out of the car with my niece Mylee. My step-dad opted to stay home. I was happy to see my favorite (only) niece. I recently took her to the fair and spoiled her the whole day and had a blast...now I got to feed her.
I said a quick prayer as we all dug in to eat.
Mom loved every bit of it. Mylee ate two plates and carried one with her when they left. Mom carried two plates for my step-dad (all of the food wouldn't fit onto one plate). Jo ate her fill, then took a plate with her. Then, I fed May May and Greg, Susan and her husband and daughter, and a few other stragglers. I was happy not to have much to put up.
When it was all said and done, all I could do was Praise Jesus because my Jesus Feast/Christmas Dinner was a great success.
Mom said, "Come Thanksgiving next year, YOU are doing some cooking."
See what happens when you show someone what you can do?
Thank You, Jesus for showing up.
If this has inspired you, please share it!
Monday, November 21, 2016
Jesus is the only man I need
If there is one thing I have learned, it's that there is only one man in this world who is truly capable of loving you "forever and a day", and He was tortured to set me free over two thousand years ago. He defeated hell and the grave in order to give me life with Him "forever and a day."
If any man ever tells you they love you that much, don't believe them. The truth is that there isn't a man alive who has ever gone through that for you, or ever could.
There is only one man who has ever lived that has never given up on me, and loves me no matter how many times I fail him.
I don't think I could be happy with anyone else after getting to know him.
I am blessed.
As Pastor Matthew sings sometimes, "If there never comes another blessing my way then I still have to say I am blessed."
If this has inspired you, please share it!
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Trump decision...
It's time for me to call it a night. But, before I do, I'd like to weigh in on the Trump win.
I'm not a fan of Mr. Trump, and though I have acknowledged that he is the lesser of the two evils available, I still didn't vote for either one.
However, that does not mean that I will kick and scream because I did not get my way.
We had an election. A contest. A vote. Trump won.
The Bible says
Romans 13:1
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”
What this means is that Trump is now our President because GOD willed it. And, if God willed it, then we should respect it. Like it or not.
There are times when I cannot stand by someone who has wronged me without wanting to bash his or her face in for the pain they have caused me. However, I grit my teeth, I smile, I am kind to them. Not because I want to be, but because GOD wants me to be. (Luke 6:27)
Therefore, I am going to give Mr. Trump the utmost respect now that he is President Donald Trump. He is the President of the Greatest Country on God's Green Earth, and that is worthy of all of my respect.
This does not mean that I should sit back and remain quiet when the Donald makes bad decisions as President. As American Citizens who are Kings and Priests unto our God, it is our duty to hold our leaders accountable. (Revelation 5:10)
My pastor made it a point tonight to remind us that if we don't talk to our God in prayer, then we can't gripe when He doesn't come when we need Him. He can't listen if we don't speak.
Today, many see Trump as an answer to prayer. All I have to say at this point is be careful what you ask for. You might just get it. God IS a God who answers prayer.
Good night, World. May peace be with you. May your joy not be fleeting. And, may America REALLY be great again!
I'm not a fan of Mr. Trump, and though I have acknowledged that he is the lesser of the two evils available, I still didn't vote for either one.
However, that does not mean that I will kick and scream because I did not get my way.
We had an election. A contest. A vote. Trump won.
The Bible says
Romans 13:1
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”
What this means is that Trump is now our President because GOD willed it. And, if God willed it, then we should respect it. Like it or not.
There are times when I cannot stand by someone who has wronged me without wanting to bash his or her face in for the pain they have caused me. However, I grit my teeth, I smile, I am kind to them. Not because I want to be, but because GOD wants me to be. (Luke 6:27)
Therefore, I am going to give Mr. Trump the utmost respect now that he is President Donald Trump. He is the President of the Greatest Country on God's Green Earth, and that is worthy of all of my respect.
This does not mean that I should sit back and remain quiet when the Donald makes bad decisions as President. As American Citizens who are Kings and Priests unto our God, it is our duty to hold our leaders accountable. (Revelation 5:10)
My pastor made it a point tonight to remind us that if we don't talk to our God in prayer, then we can't gripe when He doesn't come when we need Him. He can't listen if we don't speak.
Today, many see Trump as an answer to prayer. All I have to say at this point is be careful what you ask for. You might just get it. God IS a God who answers prayer.
Good night, World. May peace be with you. May your joy not be fleeting. And, may America REALLY be great again!
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Something about Chickens Roosting...
OMG...the chicken has come home to roost.
When I first got out of the homeless shelter, this apartment complex is where I came to live. It was close to the shelter, to the friendship center, and to the library.. Everything I needed was within reach, and plenty of opportunity to serve Jesus here.
At almost two years, I decided I was lonely and needed to find a man. The men who came into my life cheated on me, lied to me, called me names, abused me.
I ended up,.,,well, if you've been reading my posts you know the rest.
Today, I am back where I started. This apartment is so cozy. It feels so much more like home than it did at Redwood. Even many of the same people are still here, and some from Redwood who moved here.
I have my cable internet hooked up now. I am washing my fourth load of clothes. Today, my landlord is giving me a bed from another tenant who moved and left theirs behind...with the stipulation I buy a bed cover for it. I can have the bed. It's mine.
I cooked my first hot meal on the NEW stove that is in here. It is BIG...enough to cook a turkey in, but today I'm eating Liver and Onions smothered in Brown Gravy and Okra and Tomatoes on the side with a couple of slices of wheat bread. YUMMM.
Did everyone vote yesterday?
When the cable guy said, "There ya go!" I said, "OH KEWL! Now I get to hear people gripe about Trump!" He busted out laughing.
We have a new president. The People have spoken. Let's pray we are headed in a new direction.
I will be watching. And, Mr. Trump, Congratulations. Don't disappoint us.
I am reading post after post of people who are cheering for Trump's victory. The reasons for this:
1. All those who said they would move won't be here tomorrow. The country is cleaning itself up.
2. They feel the people have a voice again.
3. They think that things will change now.
4. The pursuit of Happiness seems obtainable.
5. We may have a fighting chance against ISIS now.
But, having lived 48 years upon this earth, and having experienced every presidency since Richard Nixon let me tell you what is really happening:
1. All those who said they would move will not move.
2. The people will figure out that their voice doesn't mean anything, as usual when the dust settles.
3. The people will experience more of the same from a different regime. The only difference being that the top is on our side...just powerless.
4. The pursuit of Happiness has always been just that, the PURSUIT...and no one can stop that.
and finally,
5. Trump has been hesitant to side with Israel in the fight against ISIS.. God will curse any nation that does not stand with her. That is in the Bible. God doesn't like luke warm Christians, and He doesn't like people who straddle the line.
I like the way my cousin in law, Johnny Mcfall put it: "I do value other people's opinions, does not mean I'm going to change mine though." I feel the same way.
This doesn't make me intolerant. If I asked you to remove yourself as my friend because you support Hillary or Trump, THEN I am being intolerant.
I've seen a lot of those lately. Wow.
America was built on diversity of opinions and the ability to thrive in spite of them TOGETHER.
You want America to be great again? Then learn to accept that others have an opinion that is different from your own. You are allowed to state your opinion and WHY you feel that way, but you are not allowed to call me a
Ever hear the old saying, "Sugar is sweeter than vinegar," or "You can catch more flies with honey"...
JMHO.
My take on assisted suicide:
I like how my adopted sister Rosa put it:
"Everyone has a right to commit suicide. The problem comes when you try to force others to assist you as you commit suicide."
I don't think it should be legal to assist anyone to commit suicide. I believe that it becomes murder at that point.
Those people who are protesting Trump are not protesting Trump at all. What they are protesting is the American system of Presidential selection.
Do we really want to change that?
Thursday, November 3, 2016
I am weak...
I have been referred to consistently lately as being "strong". I was described as being "the strongest person I know". I was recognized as growing continually stronger.
The truth is, I am very weak. I know my weaknesses and limitations. I also know that most of what I have achieved in my lifetime has been way beyond my own limitations.
Someone told me once that I needed to take credit for having accomplished some of the things in my life that I have accomplished. "If you hadn't had the strength, you would not have accomplished it." True, except I didn't have any strength. God had the strength and He gave me what I needed to go forward.
God is my strength. He is my exceeding great reward.
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Blinker Fluid
Memories of a lived life:
I had gone to pick up my son from his dads. We had just crossed the Bowie County line on 59 and I was changing lanes. I turned my blinker on, changed lanes...then forgot to turn my blinker off. Finally, my 16 year old son said, "Uhm...mom...blinker..." so I turned it off, and just said, "Yep. Wouldn't want to run out of blinker fluid so close to home." He said, "No, we wouldn't." Neither of us cracked a smile. A few minutes later he was frowning and staring at me. I said, "What is it, Justin?" He said, "You don't actually believe that do you?" I said, "No, I was just wondering if you did..." Then we both cracked up.
Thursday, October 27, 2016
In the Heat of the Battle...
Hello, World.
Today, I don't have to work. My birthday is on Sunday, but I have to work. I start my vacation on Tuesday. I don't go to work again until next Monday after that.
Today, I got paid, but it's all spent. Oh well.... I'm going to trust God to provide for me as He always does and today, I'm going on a date with Jesus and celebrating another year of my life.
I try to write down ten things I have learned this year, around my birthday.
1. God is my vengence. He fights my battles.
2. There is always room to love one more.
3. We are called to love, even if it disappoints.
4. We can not let our things get in the way of being who God has called us to be.
5. Sometimes, God's plan requires us to let go of everything, leave everything behind, in order to get to where He is taking us.
6. Sometimes we have to lose everything in order to be reminded of who we should depend on.
7. I might have gone down in the heat of the battle, but don't count me out of the fight.
8. There is no strength in me, except that which God gives me in order to endure.
9. Whenever night time comes, we must focus on the joy that comes in the morning.
10. Our want to depends on what we do when we are on our knees.
Today, I don't have to work. My birthday is on Sunday, but I have to work. I start my vacation on Tuesday. I don't go to work again until next Monday after that.
Today, I got paid, but it's all spent. Oh well.... I'm going to trust God to provide for me as He always does and today, I'm going on a date with Jesus and celebrating another year of my life.
I try to write down ten things I have learned this year, around my birthday.
1. God is my vengence. He fights my battles.
2. There is always room to love one more.
3. We are called to love, even if it disappoints.
4. We can not let our things get in the way of being who God has called us to be.
5. Sometimes, God's plan requires us to let go of everything, leave everything behind, in order to get to where He is taking us.
6. Sometimes we have to lose everything in order to be reminded of who we should depend on.
7. I might have gone down in the heat of the battle, but don't count me out of the fight.
8. There is no strength in me, except that which God gives me in order to endure.
9. Whenever night time comes, we must focus on the joy that comes in the morning.
10. Our want to depends on what we do when we are on our knees.
Monday, October 24, 2016
It's better to have loved and lost...
On October 22, 2016:
My baby dogs are getting ready to go on a trip. I won't see them again for a long time, if I do. But, I know they will be loved and cared for. That is what is important. They will be happy. They will have OUTSIDE! (I know Milo will love that!) And, they will have family.
I have already cried my heart out over a week ago. I'm all cried out...but I know when I least expect it, I'll probably cry some more. They are my babies.
For four years, Milo and I have been through everything together. When I cried, he licked my tears. When I laughed, he ran in circles. He is my best friend.
And then came Otis. Jealous, sweet, spoiled, Schizo Otis. He wasn't Milo to me, but he is family. I love him as much as I do Milo.
I wish them love, happiness, adventure, memories and safety. I wish his new family many years of laughter and love with my babies.
I will miss them, dearly.
My baby dogs just got to their new home. They are over 100 miles away from me now. But, I am happy. From what I hear, they were spoilt before they even got out of town. Chicken McNuggets? Really? I bet Milo LOVED THAT! LOL
October 23, 2016
Hello, World.
I woke up this morning and took a bath. It was so quiet. The Baby dogs didn't lick me awake. I didn't have to dodge the puppy pads (which I forgot to put in that care package I sent with them, along with their shampoo). It's gonna take some getting used to.
The apartment seemed...empty.
I went to church. One member hugged my neck and asked me how I was doing. "Better now." was my response.
She said, "You weren't doing good?"
I held back. LOL. I know she didn't mean it the way it came out. But, I fought to keep my retort in. It made me feel like I hadn't been in church for over two weeks and no one even noticed. Oh well. I don't go to church to be noticed anyway. Except by HIM.
I looked around to see if I could invite someone to go to the lake with me. I didn't see anyone. So, I went alone.
I enjoyed every bite of fish I had, and I asked my sister if she was gonna let me take Mylee to see The Nutcracker in December. She said I could. And, Mylee said she would.
Then, I came home. No babies to greet me at the door.
I took a nap.
I'm fixing to go back to church. Then I'll come home and wash clothes.
And watch netflix, or play Fallout, or listen to preachin. Anything so I won't think about what's missing.
Have a blessed day.
(Later that night)
I washed clothes, sheets, blankets. I changed my bedding. I was thinking, no more dog hairs to wash so often now. My pillows won't get torn up. I can take off my clothes whereever and not worry about them getting chewed up. My shoes are safe.
I am having to re adjust to not having dogs.
I saw my niece Mylee today with her new puppy, Bella. Bella was definitely Mylee's puppy. She followed Mylee around like Mylee was her momma. She even did what she was told some. Mylee had her on a leash, and she didn't mind, so long as Mylee didn't leave her.
In a way, I envied her. In another way, I wanted to shout a warning to her: "Mylee! Honey, do you know what you did? Do you know the pain you are going to feel one day?"
All I could do was smile and remember a quote from Shakespeare:
It's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.
My baby dogs are getting ready to go on a trip. I won't see them again for a long time, if I do. But, I know they will be loved and cared for. That is what is important. They will be happy. They will have OUTSIDE! (I know Milo will love that!) And, they will have family.
I have already cried my heart out over a week ago. I'm all cried out...but I know when I least expect it, I'll probably cry some more. They are my babies.
For four years, Milo and I have been through everything together. When I cried, he licked my tears. When I laughed, he ran in circles. He is my best friend.
And then came Otis. Jealous, sweet, spoiled, Schizo Otis. He wasn't Milo to me, but he is family. I love him as much as I do Milo.
I wish them love, happiness, adventure, memories and safety. I wish his new family many years of laughter and love with my babies.
I will miss them, dearly.
My baby dogs just got to their new home. They are over 100 miles away from me now. But, I am happy. From what I hear, they were spoilt before they even got out of town. Chicken McNuggets? Really? I bet Milo LOVED THAT! LOL
October 23, 2016
Hello, World.
I woke up this morning and took a bath. It was so quiet. The Baby dogs didn't lick me awake. I didn't have to dodge the puppy pads (which I forgot to put in that care package I sent with them, along with their shampoo). It's gonna take some getting used to.
The apartment seemed...empty.
I went to church. One member hugged my neck and asked me how I was doing. "Better now." was my response.
She said, "You weren't doing good?"
I held back. LOL. I know she didn't mean it the way it came out. But, I fought to keep my retort in. It made me feel like I hadn't been in church for over two weeks and no one even noticed. Oh well. I don't go to church to be noticed anyway. Except by HIM.
I looked around to see if I could invite someone to go to the lake with me. I didn't see anyone. So, I went alone.
I enjoyed every bite of fish I had, and I asked my sister if she was gonna let me take Mylee to see The Nutcracker in December. She said I could. And, Mylee said she would.
Then, I came home. No babies to greet me at the door.
I took a nap.
I'm fixing to go back to church. Then I'll come home and wash clothes.
And watch netflix, or play Fallout, or listen to preachin. Anything so I won't think about what's missing.
Have a blessed day.
(Later that night)
I washed clothes, sheets, blankets. I changed my bedding. I was thinking, no more dog hairs to wash so often now. My pillows won't get torn up. I can take off my clothes whereever and not worry about them getting chewed up. My shoes are safe.
I am having to re adjust to not having dogs.
I saw my niece Mylee today with her new puppy, Bella. Bella was definitely Mylee's puppy. She followed Mylee around like Mylee was her momma. She even did what she was told some. Mylee had her on a leash, and she didn't mind, so long as Mylee didn't leave her.
In a way, I envied her. In another way, I wanted to shout a warning to her: "Mylee! Honey, do you know what you did? Do you know the pain you are going to feel one day?"
All I could do was smile and remember a quote from Shakespeare:
It's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.
Saturday, October 22, 2016
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