Our Daily Bread
I don't know about you, but I was a little upset I didn't get my invitation to the royal wedding this week! hehehe Can you imagine being invited to something like that? All the royalty and dignitaries and pomp and circumstance! I would have to be on my best behavior and that is not always that good! hehehe
Imagine this world as the royal wedding and we are the guests of God. Shouldn't we be on our best behavior here? We were born into this invitation. God sent us a second invitation in the form of his son, Jesus. While the Brits may excuse our rudeness because we are Americans, God can forgive us of our sins if we repent and ask forgiveness. We cannot and should not take that for granted. I am afraid I do that too many times.
Lord, I want to sin less and love more.
Simply Saturday
I had a good time yesterday. Work was busy, but I got a few things done. I had a late lunch with a college friend who was in town for a conference, then went to see the movie Fast Five. It was much better than the past few sequels. Whew! I will review the movie on Monday.
I stayed overnight with my niece, Halie. Halie is a Lab mix dog that I am sitting for my hero this weekend. I know I confused the heck out of her because I took her out of her routine. I will visit her again late this afternoon to let her out and maybe take her for a walk. My walking appointment this afternoon got canceled due to a work issue. I plan to attend the CUB movie night at the Arena Grand tonight. That should be fun.
I am helping out a friend tomorrow afternoon. I plan to do my packing for San Diego Sunday evening.
So this new road I am taking feels odd, but I know down deep it is the right one. I feel confident about where it goes, though I really don't know exactly. Like I have said several times before -- what does it matter where the road goes as long as God is leading!
I hope and pray that you are following your road. Have faith. Trust God. Believe in his love and grace. I know I do.
Hang in there, my friends. I will be upbeat and steady. That is what I do...
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Did I do that?
Our Daily Bread
A popular TV personality used to squeak out after yet another disasterous adventure -- "Did I do that?" hehehe
That is what I feel sometimes when I question God, which I have been doing a lot lately. Questioning is not wrong or unhealthy. We are human. We question things we don't understand. Where it becomes sin is when we choose to not follow God after these periods of doubt. The devotional talks about the symbol of Murphy's Law in the Old Testament - Job. He suffered almost every loss a person could suffer. He questioned God. He then realized that God is on his throne. God is and will always be in control, even when it doesn't seem like it!
Lord thank you for loving me and watching out for me even when I doubt. I want to trust you more and more each and every day.
Foodie Friday
The recipe this week is for sugar free chocolate pie. There is no added sugar, but there are carbs in the pie so count accordingly!
2 small boxes of chocolate fudge sugar free pudding mix (I prefer Jello brand)
3 cups of skim milk
1 graham cracker pie shell (here is where the carbs are! You can buy a reduced fat one if you want).
Combine the milk and two packages of pudding mix. I use the shaker method instead of the mixer method. You can use what you want. Pour the mixture in the pie shell. Chill for a few hours before serving.
Yes, you will probably notice that two small boxes of pudding mix usually calls for four cups of milk. Using less milk makes the concoction stand up in a pie shell and gives it a rich chocolate flavor even with lots of sugar free whipped topping on top!
Other Stuff
Whew! I finished mowing my lawn just as the rain started up again last night. The lawn is looking nice even though there are some bare spots here and there. Not sure why. Will probably put in some filler grass seed this weekend. My perennials are coming up. Woohoooo!
I did a few things around the house last night. Went to bed early. I am looking forward to relaxing this weekend. I had a tough month... I am looking forward to my trip next week.
Hang in there, my friends! I will be upbeat and steady. That is what I do...
A popular TV personality used to squeak out after yet another disasterous adventure -- "Did I do that?" hehehe
That is what I feel sometimes when I question God, which I have been doing a lot lately. Questioning is not wrong or unhealthy. We are human. We question things we don't understand. Where it becomes sin is when we choose to not follow God after these periods of doubt. The devotional talks about the symbol of Murphy's Law in the Old Testament - Job. He suffered almost every loss a person could suffer. He questioned God. He then realized that God is on his throne. God is and will always be in control, even when it doesn't seem like it!
Lord thank you for loving me and watching out for me even when I doubt. I want to trust you more and more each and every day.
Foodie Friday
The recipe this week is for sugar free chocolate pie. There is no added sugar, but there are carbs in the pie so count accordingly!
2 small boxes of chocolate fudge sugar free pudding mix (I prefer Jello brand)
3 cups of skim milk
1 graham cracker pie shell (here is where the carbs are! You can buy a reduced fat one if you want).
Combine the milk and two packages of pudding mix. I use the shaker method instead of the mixer method. You can use what you want. Pour the mixture in the pie shell. Chill for a few hours before serving.
Yes, you will probably notice that two small boxes of pudding mix usually calls for four cups of milk. Using less milk makes the concoction stand up in a pie shell and gives it a rich chocolate flavor even with lots of sugar free whipped topping on top!
Other Stuff
Whew! I finished mowing my lawn just as the rain started up again last night. The lawn is looking nice even though there are some bare spots here and there. Not sure why. Will probably put in some filler grass seed this weekend. My perennials are coming up. Woohoooo!
I did a few things around the house last night. Went to bed early. I am looking forward to relaxing this weekend. I had a tough month... I am looking forward to my trip next week.
Hang in there, my friends! I will be upbeat and steady. That is what I do...
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Don't hate...
Our Daily Bread
Have you ever watched the comedy show Reno 911? In their silly movie, two characters were walking down the beach in Miami saying "Don't hate. Don't hate now..." hehehe It was funny at the time!
The devotional today talks about what a person's life is like when he rejects God. It is not a "secular" life. It is a life of hate and hard feelings towards almost everything. The sad thing is that Satan has these folks so deluded that they don't even know what they are feeling or doing most of the time! That is just my opinion. Scripture sort of backs it up though.
I have had feelings of being disconnected from God lately. God hasn't moved. I have moved away. I am building my faith to trust God through EVERY situation. I have no clue where my life is going even though I plan as best as I can. I will trust God. I will have faith. I will believe in his healing power for all areas of my life. Seriously... if I can believe in all of this with my life circumstances, can't you?
Lord, I want to trust you more. I want others to see you in my life.
Technology Thursday
Are you one of the millions that purchased an ereader? They come in many different types and styles and formats like the iPad, Kindle, Nook, Sony eReader, and some off brands that can do some of this stuff. I wanted to bring to your attention that there are many free book sites on the Internet. Amazon.com has many free or very inexpensive books. I downloaded several different translations of the Bible on the Kindle application running on my iPad. I can carry ten Bibles in the space of one iPad! I can search easily too!
Check it out. You can find some very cool stuff.
Other stuff
I am feeling better after taking meds the past week. I need to get back on my weight loss plan and lose some weight. I haven't been eating well since I haven't been feeling well. There was also this little holiday called Easter that happened as well! I will keep plugging along.
I am excited about my trip to San Diego next week. Woohooo!
Hang in there, my friends! I will be upbeat and steady. That is what I do...
Have you ever watched the comedy show Reno 911? In their silly movie, two characters were walking down the beach in Miami saying "Don't hate. Don't hate now..." hehehe It was funny at the time!
The devotional today talks about what a person's life is like when he rejects God. It is not a "secular" life. It is a life of hate and hard feelings towards almost everything. The sad thing is that Satan has these folks so deluded that they don't even know what they are feeling or doing most of the time! That is just my opinion. Scripture sort of backs it up though.
I have had feelings of being disconnected from God lately. God hasn't moved. I have moved away. I am building my faith to trust God through EVERY situation. I have no clue where my life is going even though I plan as best as I can. I will trust God. I will have faith. I will believe in his healing power for all areas of my life. Seriously... if I can believe in all of this with my life circumstances, can't you?
Lord, I want to trust you more. I want others to see you in my life.
Technology Thursday
Are you one of the millions that purchased an ereader? They come in many different types and styles and formats like the iPad, Kindle, Nook, Sony eReader, and some off brands that can do some of this stuff. I wanted to bring to your attention that there are many free book sites on the Internet. Amazon.com has many free or very inexpensive books. I downloaded several different translations of the Bible on the Kindle application running on my iPad. I can carry ten Bibles in the space of one iPad! I can search easily too!
Check it out. You can find some very cool stuff.
Other stuff
I am feeling better after taking meds the past week. I need to get back on my weight loss plan and lose some weight. I haven't been eating well since I haven't been feeling well. There was also this little holiday called Easter that happened as well! I will keep plugging along.
I am excited about my trip to San Diego next week. Woohooo!
Hang in there, my friends! I will be upbeat and steady. That is what I do...
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
I admit it...
Our Daily Bread
I admit it. I talk too much! I am not bad about gossiping, but I talk a lot. I am a good conversationalist so it is not all one sided. I am also a good listener.
The devotional today talks about talking. A wise person minimizes his/her words unless there is something wise and good to say. Talking for talking's sake is not wise or good! I was always taught "if you don't have something nice to say, then don't say anything!". With some folks, I have to just keep my mouth shut!
Lord, I want to be wise and hold my tongue when needed.
Other Stuff
I promised myself that 2011 would be different for me. I will continue (and have continued) my steadfast fight against my health issues. I am also continuing to not let those things hold me back from my "no ordinary life". I am finally making the tough decisions and sticking with them about my friendships (or so called friendships). I thank God for his healing and strength. Being around people that constantly try to belittle you or drag you down is not healthy. I refuse to do it any longer. I finally realized that it is not my job to help those folks in the way I was trying to help.
I am so very fortunate to have several close friends that are caring and supportive. I will focus my energy on those folks. I will pray for the others, but not hold them close. Remember, they are cactus people! hehehe
Life is very good for me, regardless of these little inconveniences. I know I am not perfect. I know that people hold me to a high standard because I put myself out there. I hold myself to a high standard. I will continue to push along in my life.
I write these things to encourage each of you -- be strong. Take chances to make your life better. Be brave enough to walk down the road ahead of you even though you can't see where it will go. What does it matter as long as God is leading? ;-)
Hang in there, my friends! I will be upbeat and steady. That is what I do...
I admit it. I talk too much! I am not bad about gossiping, but I talk a lot. I am a good conversationalist so it is not all one sided. I am also a good listener.
The devotional today talks about talking. A wise person minimizes his/her words unless there is something wise and good to say. Talking for talking's sake is not wise or good! I was always taught "if you don't have something nice to say, then don't say anything!". With some folks, I have to just keep my mouth shut!
Lord, I want to be wise and hold my tongue when needed.
Other Stuff
I promised myself that 2011 would be different for me. I will continue (and have continued) my steadfast fight against my health issues. I am also continuing to not let those things hold me back from my "no ordinary life". I am finally making the tough decisions and sticking with them about my friendships (or so called friendships). I thank God for his healing and strength. Being around people that constantly try to belittle you or drag you down is not healthy. I refuse to do it any longer. I finally realized that it is not my job to help those folks in the way I was trying to help.
I am so very fortunate to have several close friends that are caring and supportive. I will focus my energy on those folks. I will pray for the others, but not hold them close. Remember, they are cactus people! hehehe
Life is very good for me, regardless of these little inconveniences. I know I am not perfect. I know that people hold me to a high standard because I put myself out there. I hold myself to a high standard. I will continue to push along in my life.
I write these things to encourage each of you -- be strong. Take chances to make your life better. Be brave enough to walk down the road ahead of you even though you can't see where it will go. What does it matter as long as God is leading? ;-)
Hang in there, my friends! I will be upbeat and steady. That is what I do...
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
I can only imagine
Our Daily Bread
I guess I am excited about going to heaven. I mean what child of God wouldn't be? If you remember, I wrote about this topic a few weeks ago. While I look forward to heaven, I am more concerned about making heaven on earth. Like the Lord's Prayer says "They kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven".
Shouldn't that be our main concern instead of day dreaming about what heaven will be like?
Lord, I want to make this world as heavenly as possible. Please help me to know the things to do to make that happen!
Other Stuff
I have been "cleaning house" when it comes to friendships or people that I thought of or treated as friends. It is difficult especially when you have invested so much time and energy and sometimes money into the friendships. There times when the song The Gambler applies -- You gotta know when to fold 'em. It is a sad time for me since friends are important to me. Some folks really haven't earned the title of friend, but I treated them that way because I wanted to be their friends so badly (not sure why sometimes!).
I think I push the friendship title at times due to a crush or spending some time with a person that really doesn't share your idea of friendship. Understand? I hope so, because I don't! hehehe To some folks, their definition of a friend is what I would call an acquaintance. My friendships tend to be long-lasting. We can pick up where we left off if we don't get to see each other for a long time. I had a close friend from college that I reunited with after 29 years. His wife and children thought we had been best friends our whole lives! Most folks cannot do that.
My biggest problem the past few years has been holding some people too closely that didn't deserve a special place in my life. Their commitment to the friendship was not as strong as mine. Their idea of friendship definitely didn't match up to mine! The problem is that when the crush is gone or there is no hope of a romantic relationship, the rest of the relationship falls apart for me as well. These folks are now acquaintances. They no longer deserve priority in my life.
Yes, this is painful in the short term. Realizing that this is best for me in the long term keeps me going most of the time. I get sad about the loss of these "friendships' until I remember to NOT romanticize what we had. It was not always bad, but it was definitely wasn't as good as what I romanticize about.
The bottom line? Do you best to accept folks where they are. I try to do that. Do your best to live up to your Christian commitment to love folks. I do that as best I can. Protect yourself from folks that use you or try to manipulate you or make you feel bad about yourself for being who you are.
Lord, help me be a friend. Help me be the kind of man you want me to be...
I guess I am excited about going to heaven. I mean what child of God wouldn't be? If you remember, I wrote about this topic a few weeks ago. While I look forward to heaven, I am more concerned about making heaven on earth. Like the Lord's Prayer says "They kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven".
Shouldn't that be our main concern instead of day dreaming about what heaven will be like?
Lord, I want to make this world as heavenly as possible. Please help me to know the things to do to make that happen!
Other Stuff
I have been "cleaning house" when it comes to friendships or people that I thought of or treated as friends. It is difficult especially when you have invested so much time and energy and sometimes money into the friendships. There times when the song The Gambler applies -- You gotta know when to fold 'em. It is a sad time for me since friends are important to me. Some folks really haven't earned the title of friend, but I treated them that way because I wanted to be their friends so badly (not sure why sometimes!).
I think I push the friendship title at times due to a crush or spending some time with a person that really doesn't share your idea of friendship. Understand? I hope so, because I don't! hehehe To some folks, their definition of a friend is what I would call an acquaintance. My friendships tend to be long-lasting. We can pick up where we left off if we don't get to see each other for a long time. I had a close friend from college that I reunited with after 29 years. His wife and children thought we had been best friends our whole lives! Most folks cannot do that.
My biggest problem the past few years has been holding some people too closely that didn't deserve a special place in my life. Their commitment to the friendship was not as strong as mine. Their idea of friendship definitely didn't match up to mine! The problem is that when the crush is gone or there is no hope of a romantic relationship, the rest of the relationship falls apart for me as well. These folks are now acquaintances. They no longer deserve priority in my life.
Yes, this is painful in the short term. Realizing that this is best for me in the long term keeps me going most of the time. I get sad about the loss of these "friendships' until I remember to NOT romanticize what we had. It was not always bad, but it was definitely wasn't as good as what I romanticize about.
The bottom line? Do you best to accept folks where they are. I try to do that. Do your best to live up to your Christian commitment to love folks. I do that as best I can. Protect yourself from folks that use you or try to manipulate you or make you feel bad about yourself for being who you are.
Lord, help me be a friend. Help me be the kind of man you want me to be...
Monday, April 25, 2011
How can I live without you?
Our Daily Bread
There is a corny pop song sung by a country singer that I like -- even though it isn't sung that well. "How can I leeaaeeaaave withou-ou-ou-t chew?" hehehe
So many folks think about the victory that we have over death due to the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I choose to focus on the victory we have over LIFE due to the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Are you focusing on the death too much? I know I do someimes!
Movie Monday
I saw the movie Hanna last week. It was an interesting flick. I like movies with strong female characters kicking bad guys butts! hehehe This movie had a lot of that!
The story in a nutshell: Hanna is a DNA experiment baby hidden by her "father" for many years. He trains here to be a soldier so he can get revenge on the woman who killed her real mother. Revenge is always a way to thicken a movie plot! There is lots of action. Some interesting surprises. Some cool cinematography.
I give this flick two bear pays. Try to see it at the movies to get the full effect of the cinematography.
Other Stuff
It is time to get my teeth cleaned! I am trying to sound excited! hehehe
I have a much slower week ahead of me. I hope I don't have to work overtime to make up for some time off next week. We will see.
I am looking forward to my trip to San Diego. There are two bear socials that weekend. Should be fun to meet new folks.
Hang in there, my friends! I will be upbeat and steady. That is what I do...
There is a corny pop song sung by a country singer that I like -- even though it isn't sung that well. "How can I leeaaeeaaave withou-ou-ou-t chew?" hehehe
So many folks think about the victory that we have over death due to the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I choose to focus on the victory we have over LIFE due to the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Are you focusing on the death too much? I know I do someimes!
Movie Monday
I saw the movie Hanna last week. It was an interesting flick. I like movies with strong female characters kicking bad guys butts! hehehe This movie had a lot of that!
The story in a nutshell: Hanna is a DNA experiment baby hidden by her "father" for many years. He trains here to be a soldier so he can get revenge on the woman who killed her real mother. Revenge is always a way to thicken a movie plot! There is lots of action. Some interesting surprises. Some cool cinematography.
I give this flick two bear pays. Try to see it at the movies to get the full effect of the cinematography.
Other Stuff
It is time to get my teeth cleaned! I am trying to sound excited! hehehe
I have a much slower week ahead of me. I hope I don't have to work overtime to make up for some time off next week. We will see.
I am looking forward to my trip to San Diego. There are two bear socials that weekend. Should be fun to meet new folks.
Hang in there, my friends! I will be upbeat and steady. That is what I do...
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Happy Easter!`
Happy Easter!
He is Risen!
Hallelujah!
Our Daily Bread
The devotional today is about --- drum roll please -- EASTER! hehehe It is days like Easter and Christmas that help me remember and better appreciate the gift of love that came down to earth, rose from the grave, then ascended back to heaven to his rightful place! Talk about a life that was not ordinary!
I want to thank God for giving me my life -- my no ordinary life. I cannot thank Him or praise Him enough for the grace and love that sustain me and help me live each day.
My prayer for you today is that you will let the risen Christ work in your life! Praise God!
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