Daily Chats and Encouragements

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  • rondajo56
    rondajo56 Posts: 556 Member
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  • Restfinder
    Restfinder Posts: 2,775 Member
    Oh, Bren, I'm sorry things are going south for your at work. None of this is a surprise to the Lord and He has a plan that will bring you good and glory to Him as you obey! Praying for you sweetie-greens!

    Marilyn, I hope that all goes well in your meeting, that the Lord is glorified in the midst of it.

    Missed the storms yesterday, praise the Lord! We got some rain but very little wind and it came and went very quickly.

    Ugh, Wade brought up Jake and here I am crying again! Miss my boy!

    Have an awesome day. Love ya
  • bren5535
    bren5535 Posts: 943 Member
    Thanks Kim!...(and Connie) Yes...nothing slips by Him and He is fully aware of all aspects of every issue!
    So glad the storms passed by and you guys are OK! These are repeat performances...yearly. It's cloudy here today and somewhat cooler. I am quite comfy in here and had to turn one fan off already.

    I've started a list of things I need to collect from here if they decide to let me go. I've made myself quite cozy over the past 2 decades plus....Bible/books, chargers, food items in the kitchen, a "personal" drawer with misc. stuff.

    We've had an apparent break in per Chris....and I'm sure we have more than one maniac on property up to no good. Penning them down is the problem. Proof required and all that.

    I didn't bring ice today so may dart out for lunch when Chris leaves, grab my tea and something to eat. Hope the day goes well for us all.
    Kim...I used to have those times with David...talking about our beloved Spanky. We both loved him so much...we'd both be crying. The love and memories are treasures...and I'm thankful we have them. Love you!
  • connierandel
    connierandel Posts: 1,957 Member
    Well, we now have the appointments made at two of the three doctors that Bill is being referred to. The last one will probably call on Monday or Tuesday.

    Word of the year: Hope
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  • Restfinder
    Restfinder Posts: 2,775 Member
    Love the quotes and pictures, Connie! Thanks for sharing them. Praying for y'all. I felt like we were seeing doctors all the time, for Mom, when we first moved here. The neurologist wanted another visit, but we found out what we needed to know and they were trying to push anti-depressant meds on her (and as she says, "I'm not depressed!") They kept asking her questions about stress and depression, like they wanted her to admit it! Nope, that stuff changes your brain, and her brain has changed enough without them messing with it. I hope all goes well with him.

    Bren, the way this world is going things are only going to get worse, it may not be a bad idea for you not to be in a place where someone could do you harm to get what they want! I hope you are doing better pain-wise!



  • bren5535
    bren5535 Posts: 943 Member
    Thanks my sweet friend! I am so much better today and praising God for that fact. It was another rough ride this past week!
    I hear y'all on the Dr.'s appointments. I now have a team of 4 and their cohorts on board. Just getting to my appointments is an exhausting venture some days. I don't count my eye Dr., ENT or foot Dr. since I don't see them much at all and am OK with that. I have been getting the yearly eye exam due to the high sugars the past years. Am thankful there's been no change the past 3 years.

    I agree...and am quite OK if this is the end of my ride here. I've been working 40 years, am so very tired and the pain detracts a great deal from my joy levels. Now to spend the remainder of my time here being watched, evaluated, not trusted and under a cloud of suspicion of 23 years of such carelessness...well...that's a drain as well. So...bring it on! God is aware of every detail and I don't have to fret, stew or think less of myself because they do.

    This girl needs a haircut! I'm almost ready to hack at it but have been putting it off. I'll see how things play out in the next few weeks....to determine if a pro job is warranted. LOL

    Have a blessed weekend all....I'm going to go do a Wal-Mart order for pick up. Love and prayers for us all...Hoping our Missy is seeing some progress and much relief this week. With all my assorted pains....I can be so very grateful for the ones I DON'T have!
  • connierandel
    connierandel Posts: 1,957 Member
    I really need to get down to see my Mom. Since it is a 4 hour trip, we usually say for 2-3 nights. With all of Bill's doctor's appointments, it has been hard to get away. We are waiting for one more doctor to call to set up the appointment, then we may be able to make a plan.

    We are planning a trip to Branson in late August, early September for a few days at Silver Dollar City and the Gospel Music festival. In the past we usually spent 7-10 days there and camped. This year we sold our camper due to Bill just not being up to it. We decided we could get a lot of hotel visits for what we got out of the camper. He also has a hard time walking the hills at the park, so we decided to only do 4 nights (3 days in the park). In order to miss crowds we decided to leave before the Labor Day crowds arrive. Our reservations are in the same area as our favorite campground so we are on the backside of the park and coming in without the traffic. It is a nice little "resort" with studio apartments.
  • Restfinder
    Restfinder Posts: 2,775 Member
    Connie, do they have some kind of conveyance for people who have trouble walking? Like you see going from parking lot to amusement park, something like that that can take y'all from one venue to another.

    I was going through blog posts today and came across a verse about fretting. It seems there is much to "fret" about these days. I was surprised by the Strong's definition of fretting. Here are the verses that I found that tell us not to fret:
    DO NOT FRET

    H2734 chârâh khaw-raw' A primitive root (compare H2787); to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy: - be angry, burn, be displeased, X earnestly, fret self, grieve, be (wax) hot, be incensed, kindle, X very, be wroth. See H8474.

    Ps 37:1 A Psalm of David. Do not fret because of evildoers, Be not envious toward wrongdoers.
    [KCG: I always thought of fretting as being worried or agitated but it is far more than that! Read this now with the definition given in Strongs: Do not be angry; do not blaze up; do not be incensed...]

    Ps 37:7,8 Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Be-cause of the man who carries out wicked schemes. 8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret, it leads only to evildoing.

    Prov 24:19 Do not fret because of evildoers, Or be envious of the wicked;


    WORRY
    G3308 merimna mer'-im-nah From G3307 (through the idea of distraction); solicitude: - care. Thayer Definition: 1) care, anxiety

    Mt 13:22 "And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.”

    G3199 μέλω melō mel'-o A primary verb; to be of interest to, that is, to concern (only third person singular present indicative used impersonally it matters): - (take) care.

    1 Cor 7:21 Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that.

    Lot's soul was vexed by the sin around him, so I know that being vexed by the darkness in our world today isn't wrong, but letting our emotions be enflamed is. I get passionate about wrong sometimes, especially when it's an injustice. These passages are something I need to keep in mind and not allow that passion to boil over! My passion should be for reaching people for Christ!
  • Marilynsretired
    Marilynsretired Posts: 5,543 Member
    So smoky in my part of the world - air quality is so bad they advise not going out in it. So will have to work at walking around the house to get in enough steps for the day. They are telling us that what we are having re weather (extreme heat and wildfires all around the city) is what we should expect for the rest of the summer -this is the 3rd summer in a row that sitting outside to have a BBQ was not something that people we doing due to the heat and wildfires - and then we spend all winter inside because of the snow and ice - wonder if it will every be back to where it was before when we could sit outside and enjoy our yard and enjoy visiting outside with family and friends. Ok, no more complaining, I am happy and grateful that I am alive.

    1 Corinthians 2:6-14
    Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, 'What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him' - these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ

    2 Peter 1:16-21
    For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was born to him by the Majestic Glory, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,' we ourselves heard this very voice born from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was every produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

  • bren5535
    bren5535 Posts: 943 Member
    edited July 2021
    I placed a pick up order for after work at HEB and ordered a rotisserie chicken for my dinner. I'm embarrassed to admit how lazy I can be when it comes to cooking, still! It would be to my benefit to do so and get rid of a LOT of sodium!
    I did up a simple salad for lunch of sweet onion, mini pepper and 2 Roma tomatoes...lovely...even without my cucumber! I had a container I'd put a serving of mashed potatoes in, some frozen peas, 5 meatballs and some jarred gravy. What a yummy lunch that was! I do look forward to my chicken tonight, too.

    I'm watching Amish Grace on youtube. What a beautiful, well done movie, from such a tragic, awful thing to have happened to those precious families. Breaks my heart....and such things happen every single day in this sin sick world.
  • mermaidnj
    mermaidnj Posts: 161 Member
    Just a bit of humor.. I needed a laugh today and a friend sent me this hope it gives a chuckle..

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  • connierandel
    connierandel Posts: 1,957 Member
    edited July 2021
    Kim - Bill does not have a scooter for the parks. They can be rented at the park, but he says absolutely not. We will see about this year. They are expensive to rent, but if he rents one and enjoys himself more, then it might be worth it to purchase one. The problem is transporting it. We have an Escape, so some room in the back, but getting it in and out could be the issue. We will also see where the groups that we are wanting to see are located in the park. There have been times that we have decided to stay in one venue and see the same group several times instead of walking all over the park to see groups that we don't enjoy as much. They don't have that information available, yet.

    We have the last Dr. appointment set. We have 2 next week, so that will be a busy week. These are the two that are important in my book. One is the wound care clinic and the other is an orthopedic foot specialist to assure that the toe is only gout, and not a latent infection of some sort. I don't really know why the Rheumatologist is important but it is mid-August.
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  • Restfinder
    Restfinder Posts: 2,775 Member
    Marilyn, I think that the deeper we get into the last days the more we are going to see things like this. Relief will come when Jesus takes us out of here!

    Bren, yum on the meatball meal. Unfortunately that is my speed. Hey, you aren't alone in not liking to cook. I have four huge chicken breasts I am going to bread and bake for this evening, not sure what the sides will be. I have some frozen mixed veggies and will probably make some of those with it. I have a THM Starter book that has some good recipes in them. They often use their baking blend or baking mix, but both have things in them I can't eat, so I am going to make my own version for my chicken tonight. I'll use coconut flour, parmesan cheese and spices. Sounds yummy to me!
  • Marilynsretired
    Marilynsretired Posts: 5,543 Member
    Think I might be coming down with a cold - chest seems to hurt a bit and nose is stuffy - not a good feeling to have - so guess I need to lay low and do what is necessary to prevent it getting any worse.
  • grallen904
    grallen904 Posts: 104 Member
    Marilyn, you must be in California? I’ve heard on the news about the fires out there. I have family in northern California. I’ll have to check on them. To get in steps, I do a Leslie Sansone walking video off youtube. I know enough of the routine I can do it while watching regular tv. I did that yesterday and will do so again today.

    Restfinder, thank you for the passages.

    Connie, I hope you get to see your mom soon. There is a tram at Silver Dollar City you can use. We had season tickets last year. The first time we went, we didn’t know about the tram or where to park in order to use it. Over time, we finally figured it out. However once inside, it can be quite hilly. We would have to sit and rest a couple of times. Also, we always went during the week and stayed away from the weekends.

    Bren, I’m so sorry you have to experience such treatment at work. But you are doing so good to keep a positive attitude and knowing God has it under control. When I knew what my last day of work was, I started taking personal things home one by one so I wouldn’t have a big box on my last day. In fact, by my last day, I walked out empty handed. I need to get to the eye doctor. I can tell I need new glasses; I’m just not up for the expense.

    I’m sorry I haven’t been on here regularly. I’ll try to do better. Today, we were going to buy wood for a project my husband wanted to do. But the prices sent us out of the store empty handed. I’m hoping he’ll be willing to wait a while longer until prices go down.

    Have a blessed day!
  • Marilynsretired
    Marilynsretired Posts: 5,543 Member
    @grallen904 - nope not from California - am from Canada - west coast - British Columbia is the province. The city is surrounded by fires and part of the city was evacuated July 1 - this is the 3rd year in a row that we have had this type of summer re smoke from fires - but this year are are also blessed with extreme heat - we have had a couple of weeks now with the temps being in the 100 F - and no rain since beginning of June - grass is all burnt only the gardens are green and even they are drying up. Not nice - people are dealing with breathing problems due to the smoke Here are two pictures of the fire from a week ago (sorry I might have shared these before)

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    Here we are all dealing with the end of the pandemic (we are praying it is the end but don't think it really is) now these fires - just not good

    1 Thessalonians 2;13
    And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.

    2 Timothy 3:10-16
    You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra - which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by god and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work


  • rondajo56
    rondajo56 Posts: 556 Member
    Yesterday I was reading Romans 14. It reminds us that it's ok for us to have different viewpoints. We all are serving the Lord in the way we feel is best. We eat different foods- we celebrate different Sabbaths. Bottom line verse 23: But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.

    I felt it was a good reminder as long as we are truly doing everything we believe God wants us to do- Then we are ok-- even if someone else doesn't agree.

    Have a great day!
  • Restfinder
    Restfinder Posts: 2,775 Member
    It is important for us to agree on the basics: Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus died and rose again to save us from our sin and to give us eternal life. We are to walk in obedience and trust. I think we are on the same page in those instances!

    Connie, I find that Mom wants to believe that she can do more than she truly is able and it's hard to get her to understand that somethings just aren't possible any more. Like driving, she won't let that subject go. We thought she had resigned herself to it until she asked her doctor on her last visit if she could drive??? Say what? It shocked me so much I just blurted out, "No, Mom!" The doctor looked at me and then told Mom in a calm voice that with her diagnosis of dementia (mild as it is) that driving is no longer a possibility! Thank you! One of her doctor's in Hickory, after her fall that cracked her neck vertebrae, told her to go ahead and drive, no problem. Totally oblivious to the mental issues she was having even back then! She hears that from her doctor and what we tell her never makes it past her ear drum! I hope Bill will see that using the scooter will add to his fun and save his body a lot of wear and tear. You'll have a better time too. Get a strong one - then you can hitch a ride on his lap!

    Any time y'all can stop by and join in we look forward to! Thanks for making that effort, we really appreciate it.

    Y'all have a wonderful day!
  • rondajo56
    rondajo56 Posts: 556 Member
    Good morning.. Another day here. I've done my workout this morning. Looks like a good day ahead.

    Wishing everyone a great day!!!
  • grallen904
    grallen904 Posts: 104 Member
    Marilyn, Gosh I’m so sorry your area is suffering from this type of weather.

    Restfinder, amen! Yes we are on the same page regarding Jesus. I’m sorry your mother is being adamant about driving. So far my husband’s mom is still driving. She does not have dementia and is a very alert and aware lady. We are lucky in the sense. What concerns me is the driving can tire her out and she’s down for a day because of it. I’m talking about when she comes to see us; we are 3 hours away, longer for her because she stops to rest a couple of times. When she drives to the doctor, post office or grocery store, its’ not an issue.

    My husband and I started a Foundations bible class with our pastor today. He normally teaches a large group and will be starting a class in September but he is teaching us separately because we are gone a lot camping. We are having rather hot weather today so are staying inside and keeping cool.
  • Marilynsretired
    Marilynsretired Posts: 5,543 Member
    July 14 2021

    Today I was reading through these verses and meditated on them

    Matthew 5:17-20
    Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the king of heaven.

    Matthew 24:32-35
    From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

    Prayer request:
    The province I live in (British Columbia, Canada) is under extreme heat and out of control wildfires. Crops grown for food are being affected due to the drought - grass for the animals (beef, horses, ect) is just about gone and a lot of the ranchers/farmers are now saying that they have lost must of this years crop - food is going to be expensive as most has been lost. We have heard talk that water is going to be regulated making it impossible to grow your garden. We need lots of prayers that we would get rain, not thunderstorms or lightning or rain that erodes the mountains that doesn't have any vegetation to hold back the mudslides. We need rain that will come gently but enough to water the ground well putting out the fires, clearing the air of the smoke. Please pray along this line as a lot of Western Canada (British Columbia and Alberta especially) are losing out of vegetation for the animals and for food for people. Let's bind together for this for all areas of the world that are suffering in this way.

    - Marilyn
    leader of Walk Across Canada (everyone welcome to join)

  • grallen904
    grallen904 Posts: 104 Member
    Prayers Marilyn for your area and all families affected.
  • Marilynsretired
    Marilynsretired Posts: 5,543 Member
    July 15 2021

    An update on the wildfires around us.

    Two small towns, 45 minute care ride from where we live have now been given notice to evacuate due to the fires. Both these towns in the last year suffered a lot of damage in the last 2 years due to fires and flooding. Now they are been told to evacuate the complete town. The province has already lost one town to the wildfire - it was a small town but the complete town burned down. And 2 other 'villages' that are about 30 minutes from us have been given notice to be prepared to evacuated at any time.

    So please pray - we really need the rain - it is only 10 am and we are unable to go outside due to the air quality - we have been told that we don't need to wear masks re covid but we are now having to put them back on due to the fires - the chemicals in the air from the fires is horrendous and so many people are ending up at the hospital with lung problems - I know my doctor has given me a puffer to help with breathing because of the smoke.

    Other than that I am doing well - thanks for the prayers

    Matthew 5:13-16
    You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under peoples feet.
    You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
  • Restfinder
    Restfinder Posts: 2,775 Member
    Praying for you and for your area, Marilyn. Jesus is not surprised and He knows what is happening and what is going to happen, and He has a plan for good for those who know and trust Him. As your verse says, be that light on a hill that all may see it! I pray many will come to know Jesus through this trial.

    Much heat here, but praise the Lord no fires or even drought.

    I did have a slice of pizza and three squares of cheesy bread last night (tummy wasn't real happy, but my taste buds loved it). I had eaten well for my other meals and snacks, so splurged with that since I hadn't had a real treat over the weekend, although I did eat two Twizzlers! :D

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  • grallen904
    grallen904 Posts: 104 Member
    I do really well with my eating during the week. It's the weekend I have to be careful because the husband likes to cook. So I try to eat smaller portions and down the water.
  • rondajo56
    rondajo56 Posts: 556 Member
    I like food!!! I love pot roast, stews, soups, I think anything that has a sauce or gravy are my weakness- no thats not true either. I love bacon & ham wrapped shrimp, crab ragoons, Anything that taste good-- I have an extremely hard time eating a little. I will eat until there is none left in the house!!! that my big problem...
  • bren5535
    bren5535 Posts: 943 Member
    Ronda, I go thru phases like that and tho I have tossed the remains of some things...chips, chicken strips etc., I most often think..."well, I'll finish this off and then not bring it home again"....but then I do!

    Kim...I got a free Twizzler stick in a Wal-Mart order recently and didn't like it. You can have them all. LOL

    I've been having allergy issues the past couple of days. Glad to have a good supply of Kleenex. I take a Claritin each day and totally forgot the tablets I'd got from Amazon....I'll look for them.
    I look like I'm crying a lot....
    Other than that, I feel pretty well... The elbow pain from doing laundry Tuesday has healed again...whew! I am so thankful.

    I need to pick up my HEB order on the way to work, get my check in the bank. Yesterday was super slow...our sale is next week so I'll be off Monday/Tuesday....and will tackle my To Do list then.
    Have a blessed day all...
  • Restfinder
    Restfinder Posts: 2,775 Member
    I think I figured out why my weight is going up, the nuts I'm eating late at night. Am adding not eating after 8 pm to my goals!
  • Marilynsretired
    Marilynsretired Posts: 5,543 Member
    July 16 2021

    Feeling better today as I have gotten my act together and have gone back to how it should be (for me) with how my day starts. I need to start the day in prayer, devotions and a daily sermon and when I don't everything falls apart. So am back on track today, feeling a lot more positive and know that all is ok - I know God is in control.

    Fires around us have increased they are now asking the Federal government to declare the province an 'emergency' and the smoke is horrendous. But we will get through - we really need to pray lots for rain as all of the west coast of North America is under horrible hot weather and drought - and this is going to cause our food prices to increase this fall - so lets really get together and pray for rain for the crops and to put out the fires

    Joshua 1:8-9
    This Book of Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? 'Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.


    -Marilyn
    leader of Walking Across Canada

  • connierandel
    connierandel Posts: 1,957 Member
    Marilyn - We are praying for you and your province, as well as those affected here. The fires are so scary, especially when so close. I had a friend that was evacuated last fall, then while they were gone, God sent snow - 18 inches of it, right on the fire. They released them to go back, but they were with their daughter about 100 miles away and decided to stay until the snow was plowed!