Our Daily Bread
I started singing when I was in elementary school. I then sang in church and continued with that for many, many years. One of the singing groups I participated in was called Reflections of Joy. We really enjoyed singing together and singing for the Lord. It seems that joy has been a major theme in my life!
I liked today's devotional. The author talked about his personal journal and how he enjoyed writing it. You are reading my personal journal right now. I also enjoy writing it almost every day. 2012 starts my second full year of this blog. Wow! Do I write everything in this blog? Not everything. Do I care if no one reads it? Not really. If one friend or stranger reads this and gets something out of it, then that is OK with me!
What is God calling you to do in 2012? I pray that you will seek God in the New Year.
Lord, thank you for loving us for another year. Help us all serve you better in 2012.
Simply Saturday
I had a great week. I got stuff done at work even when no one was around. I had many good times with my best friend who arrived on Monday. I had several great conversations with mi tigre. He is so special to me. I picked up a few things from Amazon.com that I wanted, including a Kindle Touch. I am excited about this device and the carrying case I found for it. The case has a strap that I can use to hold the device easily and turn the pages with a touch of my thumb! How cool is that? I can also hold the device with my left hand, and turn pages and write with my right hand when reviewing Bible passages. Very cool! I will write more about on Thursday
Mi tigre sent me some very special songs this week. Wow... We will see where this friendship goes.
I also noticed that through prayers and Bible study and getting to know this special man, God is helping melt away many of my insecurities about relationships. As mi tigre says, 700 miles is not really that far when you think about it. How sweet is that? ;-p I am looking forward to his visit in mid-January.
I will read and work around the house after my best friend leaves for home tomorrow. There is a lot of D1 reading this week. I have some laundry and dusting to do as well. There is also the "clean up the guest room" routine after a visitor leaves. Next week will be a little busy as the routine kicks back in!
My best friend and I are going to have a nice dinner tonight at Smith and Wollensky's then see the movie New Years Eve. Should be fun. I want to wish mi tigre a happy new year on Eastern time and Central time! hehehe
I wish you and yours a safe and Happy New Years!
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
What is your gift?
Our Daily Bread
I had a funny moment on Christmas Day. We were getting our name tags at the front desk of the hospital where my great-nephew is staying. The receptionist didn't see me. She acted surprised when she finally saw me and said something like "Oh, I saved you for last since you are special". Being terribly shy and withdrawn I said "Yes, my mommy says I am special too. She is right here. You can ask her if you want!". hehehe
That funny story leads into today's devotional. God thinks each one of us is special in our own way. He gives us or helps us develop our own unique gifts. Figuring out what those gifts are and how to use them can be a challenge at times. What are your gifts? Are you using them for God?
Lord, please help each of us determine our gifts and dedicate them to you!
Foodie Friday
My best friend made something like this for me on Tuesday night. He is sending me the exact recipe so I can make it for mi tigre when he visits next month. Here is a similar recipe I found for Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Shrimp Scampi with Pasta
Serves: 2
Total time: 20 min Prep time: 10 min
20 shrimp
5 tbsps butter
1 tsp salt
3/4 tsp garlic powder
5 tbsps lemon juice
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
8 ozs fettuccine (pasta cooked)
1 Melt butter in a medium saucepan.
2 Add shrimp to butter. Sprinkle with salt and garlic powder.
3 Saute over medium high. Add lemon juice.
4 Cook three minutes more with lid on.
5 Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and serve over angel hair pasta.
Other Stuff
I was not feeling well yesterday. I have had trouble keeping my blood sugar down this week. Things work that way for diabetics sometimes. I admit that I haven't been eating as well as I should this week. The holiday spirit took over my eating habits! Yikes! I was feeling needy and a little down. Mi tigre listened to me at lunch time. He was so sweet as he encouraged me, sent me an amazing song and called later to check on me. ;-) I appreciated it so much. We are always doing stuff like this for each other. I have been looking around Columbus for Pepsi Throwback, his favorite drink. I haven't found any stores that carry it regularly. I managed to scrounge up enough for his upcoming visit after searching about 10 - 15 stores! hehehe The treasure hunt was fun. Some of my friends helped! hehehe
I also had a fun night with my best friend. We had a very nice supper at J Alexanders, one of my special places to eat. We did some shopping, including a Costco run! Woohooooo! He used his $50 Costco gift card. I called my Mentor when I got home to check on him. We had a nice talk.
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
I had a funny moment on Christmas Day. We were getting our name tags at the front desk of the hospital where my great-nephew is staying. The receptionist didn't see me. She acted surprised when she finally saw me and said something like "Oh, I saved you for last since you are special". Being terribly shy and withdrawn I said "Yes, my mommy says I am special too. She is right here. You can ask her if you want!". hehehe
That funny story leads into today's devotional. God thinks each one of us is special in our own way. He gives us or helps us develop our own unique gifts. Figuring out what those gifts are and how to use them can be a challenge at times. What are your gifts? Are you using them for God?
Lord, please help each of us determine our gifts and dedicate them to you!
Foodie Friday
My best friend made something like this for me on Tuesday night. He is sending me the exact recipe so I can make it for mi tigre when he visits next month. Here is a similar recipe I found for Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Shrimp Scampi with Pasta
Serves: 2
Total time: 20 min Prep time: 10 min
20 shrimp
5 tbsps butter
1 tsp salt
3/4 tsp garlic powder
5 tbsps lemon juice
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
8 ozs fettuccine (pasta cooked)
1 Melt butter in a medium saucepan.
2 Add shrimp to butter. Sprinkle with salt and garlic powder.
3 Saute over medium high. Add lemon juice.
4 Cook three minutes more with lid on.
5 Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and serve over angel hair pasta.
Other Stuff
I was not feeling well yesterday. I have had trouble keeping my blood sugar down this week. Things work that way for diabetics sometimes. I admit that I haven't been eating as well as I should this week. The holiday spirit took over my eating habits! Yikes! I was feeling needy and a little down. Mi tigre listened to me at lunch time. He was so sweet as he encouraged me, sent me an amazing song and called later to check on me. ;-) I appreciated it so much. We are always doing stuff like this for each other. I have been looking around Columbus for Pepsi Throwback, his favorite drink. I haven't found any stores that carry it regularly. I managed to scrounge up enough for his upcoming visit after searching about 10 - 15 stores! hehehe The treasure hunt was fun. Some of my friends helped! hehehe
I also had a fun night with my best friend. We had a very nice supper at J Alexanders, one of my special places to eat. We did some shopping, including a Costco run! Woohooooo! He used his $50 Costco gift card. I called my Mentor when I got home to check on him. We had a nice talk.
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
How can we keep from singing?
Our Daily Bread
I loved the devotional today. God has been working with me on this approach to life for many years. To be frank, I have had several calamities happen to me during my life. God always lead me to music to keep me singing through these times. He also lead me to music when things were going well to always keep me singing!
Are you going through something right now? Could it possibly be as bad as your country, the people of God, being overrun by the Babylonians? The Temple of God being destroyed. Habakkuk continued to praise the Lord, continued to believe in his plans even during these difficult times.
Lord help us to always believe and trust you.
Technology Thursday
Not much going on this week. New phones. New tablets. iPad killers. blah, blah, blah. hehehe
I bought a Kindle Touch 3G this week. It should arrive today. I will write about it next week. I wanted a basic reader that I could use at church and other places without hauling my expensive iPad around. My iPad has sentimental value, so I don't want to risk losing it. The touch should be perfect for my basic reading needs.
Other Stuff
I had some nice conversations with mi tigre yesterday. We will talk more today. I really like him. ;-p
I had a nice lunch with Yang and my walking buddy. I bought their lunch to celebrate their December birthdays. Yang and I also exchanged Christmas presents. We had a nice time.
My best friend and I watched DVDs last night. We added a new funny story to our list of memories. hehehe
I got to bed early and slept very well. I hope to get a good start on my Connections lab today. I finished the Sametime lab yesterday. Woohoooo!
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
I loved the devotional today. God has been working with me on this approach to life for many years. To be frank, I have had several calamities happen to me during my life. God always lead me to music to keep me singing through these times. He also lead me to music when things were going well to always keep me singing!
Are you going through something right now? Could it possibly be as bad as your country, the people of God, being overrun by the Babylonians? The Temple of God being destroyed. Habakkuk continued to praise the Lord, continued to believe in his plans even during these difficult times.
Lord help us to always believe and trust you.
Technology Thursday
Not much going on this week. New phones. New tablets. iPad killers. blah, blah, blah. hehehe
I bought a Kindle Touch 3G this week. It should arrive today. I will write about it next week. I wanted a basic reader that I could use at church and other places without hauling my expensive iPad around. My iPad has sentimental value, so I don't want to risk losing it. The touch should be perfect for my basic reading needs.
Other Stuff
I had some nice conversations with mi tigre yesterday. We will talk more today. I really like him. ;-p
I had a nice lunch with Yang and my walking buddy. I bought their lunch to celebrate their December birthdays. Yang and I also exchanged Christmas presents. We had a nice time.
My best friend and I watched DVDs last night. We added a new funny story to our list of memories. hehehe
I got to bed early and slept very well. I hope to get a good start on my Connections lab today. I finished the Sametime lab yesterday. Woohoooo!
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
He ain't heavy...
Our Daily Bread
He ain't heavy, he's my bro-uh-ther! That is the title of a song from my early childhood (I think the 60's or early 70s). It fits well with today's devotional!
It speaks about how we treat each other. The specific reference is to slavery and how wrong it is to shackle another human being. We end up shackling ourselves as well! As much as we hate to believe it, slavery still occurs today!
The devotion also talks how we should treat each other as children of God. The passage from Galatians is beautiful. In short, it says to be sure to clean your own house as well as help keep your neighbor's house clean as well, in the complete spirit of love! We are to help each other overcome, helping bear each other's burdens.
Lord, I want to help others. Please help me maintain my own relationship with you so I can do that!
Witness Wednesday
The devotional sparked a thought from this last week. I had a friend who was down. We talked and talked. I followed up with him. I made him promise me that he wouldn't wait a whole day before he called or texted me if he was having a bad day. He agreed. I also made him agree that he would call or text when he was having a good day. I told him we needed to praise the Lord either way! Bearing each other's burdens can be a joy.
I also realized that bearing each other's burdens can be draining if you don't recharge often with prayer and Bible study and talking to close friends. One of the many things I like about talking to mi tigre is that our conversations energize me. We have been able to do that for each other a few times now in the short time we have known each other. It is very special to have a friend like that.
Other Stuff
Speaking of friends, my best friend is visiting this week. We are having a great time hanging out. He cooked supper last night. I think that was a first. It was very good. I told mi tigre what we had for supper. I have to get the recipe so we can make it when he visits in a few weeks. ;-p
I am having a birthday/Christmas lunch with friends today. It should be nice. I like eating at the Mohawk!
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Wait for it, wwwaaaiiitttt for it...
Our Daily Bread
Yeah, I am not a "waiter". hehehe I am a doer. I am a talker who does stuff. I have a tendency to be very transparent as you can read in this blog! I am learning more about "holding things in your heart", but I am not very good at it! I am doing my best to wait for the relationship with mi tigre to develop. Our feelings are growing more each day. It is well worth the wait!
The devotional today is about waiting. Waiting for God to work. Having faith when faith doesn't seem like an option. Things don't always work in on our schedule whether it be a romance, a new job, a new house, a baby, or whatever it is you are waiting for.
What is the important lesson here? For me, it is to keep learning, keep living, keep having faith each and every day of our short lives. Putting God first. Treating people as we would treat ourselves.
Lord, help us to be patient. Help us to trust you and love others!
Teaching Tuesday
We don't have Disciple 1 this week due to the holidays. I want to write a little about good news.
One of the themes of our Christmas service at church was how the folks who first heard about the birth of Jesus spread the good news. The angels spread the news to the shepherds. The star shone bright to lead the wise men. The shepherds told as many people as would listen about the things they saw and heard.
I know how I am about spreading good news. My friends are tiring of me talking about mi tigre. He is the best news I have had in a while now. I can't help talking about him!
My prayer is that I will always remember that so many folks need to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. Not only around Christmas, but all year long!
Other Stuff
I had a good day off on Monday! I slept in. I saw the movie War Horse. I ran a few errands, including buying a new snow blower (couldn't find a used one). I did some stuff around the house. I took a short nap. My best friend arrived and we went to dinner at Buca di Beppo. We had a nice time catching up. He hadn't seen the new family room furniture or the construction work I had done in the basement. Very nice. I also got to talk to mi tigre. I really like him. I love it when he teases me. I haven't been that way with many people in my life.
Back to work today. I want to get some stuff done in our labs while folks are out and can't bother me. ;-p I will see how motivated I am. ha!
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
Yeah, I am not a "waiter". hehehe I am a doer. I am a talker who does stuff. I have a tendency to be very transparent as you can read in this blog! I am learning more about "holding things in your heart", but I am not very good at it! I am doing my best to wait for the relationship with mi tigre to develop. Our feelings are growing more each day. It is well worth the wait!
The devotional today is about waiting. Waiting for God to work. Having faith when faith doesn't seem like an option. Things don't always work in on our schedule whether it be a romance, a new job, a new house, a baby, or whatever it is you are waiting for.
What is the important lesson here? For me, it is to keep learning, keep living, keep having faith each and every day of our short lives. Putting God first. Treating people as we would treat ourselves.
Lord, help us to be patient. Help us to trust you and love others!
Teaching Tuesday
We don't have Disciple 1 this week due to the holidays. I want to write a little about good news.
One of the themes of our Christmas service at church was how the folks who first heard about the birth of Jesus spread the good news. The angels spread the news to the shepherds. The star shone bright to lead the wise men. The shepherds told as many people as would listen about the things they saw and heard.
I know how I am about spreading good news. My friends are tiring of me talking about mi tigre. He is the best news I have had in a while now. I can't help talking about him!
My prayer is that I will always remember that so many folks need to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. Not only around Christmas, but all year long!
Other Stuff
I had a good day off on Monday! I slept in. I saw the movie War Horse. I ran a few errands, including buying a new snow blower (couldn't find a used one). I did some stuff around the house. I took a short nap. My best friend arrived and we went to dinner at Buca di Beppo. We had a nice time catching up. He hadn't seen the new family room furniture or the construction work I had done in the basement. Very nice. I also got to talk to mi tigre. I really like him. I love it when he teases me. I haven't been that way with many people in my life.
Back to work today. I want to get some stuff done in our labs while folks are out and can't bother me. ;-p I will see how motivated I am. ha!
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
Monday, December 26, 2011
Not exactly a jobs package...
Our Daily Bread
Yes, our president is trying so very hard to maintain and create jobs in this country. It is not an easy thing! I had a spirited discussion with a close friend the other day about the government and the economy. As usual, I told him my opinion. hehehe It is my opinion that Americans want it all -- we want companies that make huge profits, we want good jobs and we want the jobs to say in the US. Companies are taking the easy way out by offshoring many jobs to make more money. The executives are paid by how much money they make, not by how many jobs they keep in the US!
Paul and some of his followers got into trouble because the message of Christ threatened the economy for many craftsman that made idols to the goddess Artemis. When they realized that business was declining, they figured out why and tried to do something about it! Wouldn't it be nice today if the massage parlors and strip clubs and nasty bars all complained because they didn't have enough business!?! Everyone was so busy doing God's work that they would never go back to those places!
Lord, help us to spread your Word regardless of the impact!
Movie Monday
I got to see two movies this week: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Young Adult.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
This movie was long and involved. While the first 80 minutes was sort of slow as the individual story lines developed, the last part of the movie more than made up for it! The movie was sexy and disturbing and exciting and suspenseful most of the time! If you are easily offended, do NOT see this movie. There are rape scenes that are disturbing.
I give this movie three bear paws. See it in the theater to get the full effect!
Young Adult
This movie was not what I expected at all. I got the idea that it was a comedy. It was not. There were two fine performances by the lead characters. In short, the movie is about a young adult that never got over her high school sweetheart. I am talking obsessed here. She goes back home to win him back because they are "meant" to be together. Yikes. The man is happily married and a new father! The old high school acquaintance that she encountered was interesting.
I give this movie two bear paws for the acting. The story was creepy. Rent this one.
Other Stuff
I hope you had a nice Christmas! I know I did! After attending a great service at church, I drove to Wooster to pick up my mother. There was a change in plans, so I had to be flexible. I don't mind being flexible if someone can tell me what to do. I have to admit that I was not as patient and flexible as I should have been. I was very tired and felt drained after putting out so much energy the past few weeks.
I made it through the day. It was worth the driving to Akron to see my great-nephew and spend time with my family even though it was in the Ronald McDonald House and the hospital. It was nice to be together. The family really liked their presents. I am happy about that.
I had some nice conversations with mi tigre. We were both busy with family stuff all day. It was nice that we could take some time for each other in the evening. I kept thinking how nice our Christmases will be if we decide to be together.
I plan to see the movie War Horse this morning. My best friend is arriving this afternoon for a visit. We always have a good time. ;-)
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
Yes, our president is trying so very hard to maintain and create jobs in this country. It is not an easy thing! I had a spirited discussion with a close friend the other day about the government and the economy. As usual, I told him my opinion. hehehe It is my opinion that Americans want it all -- we want companies that make huge profits, we want good jobs and we want the jobs to say in the US. Companies are taking the easy way out by offshoring many jobs to make more money. The executives are paid by how much money they make, not by how many jobs they keep in the US!
Paul and some of his followers got into trouble because the message of Christ threatened the economy for many craftsman that made idols to the goddess Artemis. When they realized that business was declining, they figured out why and tried to do something about it! Wouldn't it be nice today if the massage parlors and strip clubs and nasty bars all complained because they didn't have enough business!?! Everyone was so busy doing God's work that they would never go back to those places!
Lord, help us to spread your Word regardless of the impact!
Movie Monday
I got to see two movies this week: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Young Adult.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
This movie was long and involved. While the first 80 minutes was sort of slow as the individual story lines developed, the last part of the movie more than made up for it! The movie was sexy and disturbing and exciting and suspenseful most of the time! If you are easily offended, do NOT see this movie. There are rape scenes that are disturbing.
I give this movie three bear paws. See it in the theater to get the full effect!
Young Adult
This movie was not what I expected at all. I got the idea that it was a comedy. It was not. There were two fine performances by the lead characters. In short, the movie is about a young adult that never got over her high school sweetheart. I am talking obsessed here. She goes back home to win him back because they are "meant" to be together. Yikes. The man is happily married and a new father! The old high school acquaintance that she encountered was interesting.
I give this movie two bear paws for the acting. The story was creepy. Rent this one.
Other Stuff
I hope you had a nice Christmas! I know I did! After attending a great service at church, I drove to Wooster to pick up my mother. There was a change in plans, so I had to be flexible. I don't mind being flexible if someone can tell me what to do. I have to admit that I was not as patient and flexible as I should have been. I was very tired and felt drained after putting out so much energy the past few weeks.
I made it through the day. It was worth the driving to Akron to see my great-nephew and spend time with my family even though it was in the Ronald McDonald House and the hospital. It was nice to be together. The family really liked their presents. I am happy about that.
I had some nice conversations with mi tigre. We were both busy with family stuff all day. It was nice that we could take some time for each other in the evening. I kept thinking how nice our Christmases will be if we decide to be together.
I plan to see the movie War Horse this morning. My best friend is arriving this afternoon for a visit. We always have a good time. ;-)
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
Sunday, December 25, 2011
A Grateful and Merry Christmas to all!
Our Daily Bread
As you might guess, the devotional today is the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. How appropriate for Christmas day! hehehe
I noticed something new in the devotional and the scripture -- the reaction of the shepherds. Yes, like you, I have read this passage many, many times. I never realized until this morning that the shepherds heard the angels and then left their flocks! Shepherds NEVER leave their flocks! They left their flocks to find the baby lying in a manger. They found him, just as they were told! Can you imagine what they looked like to other folks as they told their story that night!
Lord, help us to always look for something new in each and every scripture passage, and in each and every day. Thank you for the gift of your son, Jesus!
Special Edition -- A Grateful and Merry Christmas!
This Christmas will be different for me and for my family. We have a little one in the hospital, so we will focus on what is important -- being together on Christmas. My great-nephew had another surgery on Wednesday, the third of his short life. He is doing OK, but we are not sure when he will get out of the hospital. I am grateful for my family.
I spent Christmas Eve with my adopted mom (my walking buddy) and dad (her husband). I got to see many new friends and my adopted family at church last night (and will see some of them again today). I am grateful they are in my life.
I got a great report from my eye doctor on Friday. I am grateful for my vision.
This year is different for another reason. As you may have picked up on from previous blog entries, I met a guy when my best friend and I traveled to Kansas City last month. Mi tigre (my nickname for him -- my tiger) has become special to me in a very short time even though we are 700 miles away from each other. We have mixed emotions this weekend as we both know it is too soon to be spending this holiday together, but missing each other just the same. I texted him this morning something like this: "I am thinking of all the wonderful Christmases we will share if we decide to be together". Yes, they could be wonderful. I also told him the other day "we are not perfect, however we could be perfect for each other". ;-p I am grateful for meeting this "normal guy" regardless of where the friendship might go. Grateful indeed.
Have a Grateful and Merry Christmas!
As you might guess, the devotional today is the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. How appropriate for Christmas day! hehehe
I noticed something new in the devotional and the scripture -- the reaction of the shepherds. Yes, like you, I have read this passage many, many times. I never realized until this morning that the shepherds heard the angels and then left their flocks! Shepherds NEVER leave their flocks! They left their flocks to find the baby lying in a manger. They found him, just as they were told! Can you imagine what they looked like to other folks as they told their story that night!
Lord, help us to always look for something new in each and every scripture passage, and in each and every day. Thank you for the gift of your son, Jesus!
Special Edition -- A Grateful and Merry Christmas!
This Christmas will be different for me and for my family. We have a little one in the hospital, so we will focus on what is important -- being together on Christmas. My great-nephew had another surgery on Wednesday, the third of his short life. He is doing OK, but we are not sure when he will get out of the hospital. I am grateful for my family.
I spent Christmas Eve with my adopted mom (my walking buddy) and dad (her husband). I got to see many new friends and my adopted family at church last night (and will see some of them again today). I am grateful they are in my life.
I got a great report from my eye doctor on Friday. I am grateful for my vision.
This year is different for another reason. As you may have picked up on from previous blog entries, I met a guy when my best friend and I traveled to Kansas City last month. Mi tigre (my nickname for him -- my tiger) has become special to me in a very short time even though we are 700 miles away from each other. We have mixed emotions this weekend as we both know it is too soon to be spending this holiday together, but missing each other just the same. I texted him this morning something like this: "I am thinking of all the wonderful Christmases we will share if we decide to be together". Yes, they could be wonderful. I also told him the other day "we are not perfect, however we could be perfect for each other". ;-p I am grateful for meeting this "normal guy" regardless of where the friendship might go. Grateful indeed.
Have a Grateful and Merry Christmas!
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