For Today

 

 For Today.....

 Outside my window... cloudy, cool -57, off and on light rain

 I am thinking... it has been a cold winter for us in So California.

 I am thankful for... chicken soup.

 I am remembering...how much fun this meme was in the past.

 On my mind...me health and the Bible verse that says Feat not!

 

I am pondering these words...

 From the learning rooms.... to be realistic and let go what when I have to. 

 From the kitchen... Homemade chicken soup

 I am wearing...jeans, t-shirt, long sleeve flannel shirt and my bathrobe.

 I am creating...crafts for my Bible journaling group.

 I am going...try to get to bed early tonight.

 I am reading...This Present Darkness, by Frank Peretti

 I am hoping...to declutter a lot this year!

 I am hearing... TV, Netflix, The Crown.

 Around the house...Valentine decorations going up.

 One of my favorite things...Getting a good night's sleep.

 A few plans for the rest of the week...Bible study, crafting and grands.

 Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe (1946)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

 

1) In this song, Judy Garland sings about the train whistle and wheels. What sounds make you happy?

Laughter! Today was a happy day. Watching our dog Missy play with our grand dog Coco Bean. They were chasing each other and going all over the backyard. All the grands were in the backyard enjoying the antics. Minnie did not like Coco at first, so it was great seeing them playing together! It was a sunny day and reached 69 degrees!  

When I heard this song, it made me think of my dad. He used to sing a bit of this song when I was a child. This is what I remember " Acha Santa Pica and the Santa Fe!"

 

2) She tells us that, since she loves dreaming of train travel, she must have "a little gypsy in her heart." How about you? Do you often dream of visiting faraway places? I think about it once in a while. I have been fortunate to do some traveling in the states and love Hawaii. We went to Alaska on cruise, and I would go again and add the train ride to Anchorage too. I took train to Colorado when I was 12 during the winter. It was a great experience! I can't sit for longs periods of time now. I would like to go to Israel and Spain.

3) Judy sings about a future when she's "old and gray and settled down." At what age do you consider a person is old? I am a young old. I am going to be 68 and I used to think that was old. But now I would say in the 80's. Neither of my parents made it to 80, but my grands made it to their 80's and great grands in the 90's' I will take whatever God gives me and enjoy my time as long as I can.

4) This song is from the movie, The Harvey Girls. Filming was a time of stress for Judy. She was appearing before the cameras by day (she sprained her ankle in a scene where slips down a hill), recording the soundtrack by night, and dealing with lawyers regarding her divorce from composer David Rose. Yet watching the movie, none of the tension shows. Do you work well under pressure? 

I can when I have to. I might have an initial upset, but I work past it.

5) Judy relaxed on the set by knitting and would make blankets and caps for the children of crew members. Do you knit? I know how to knit scarfs and that is it. I gave one I made to my granddaughter today. I am going to practice a bit and then show her. My mom loved all the scarfs I made her.

 

6) Judy admitted she had a problem with tardiness. Do you strive to be prompt? I tend to be on time.

 

7) In 1946, when this song was on the radio, cigarette cases were very popular. Since these metal cases were standard issue in the Army during WWII, many soldiers got into the habit of using them and continued to after the war ended. Women often carried fabric or leather cigarette cases that closed with a clasp like a coin purse. In the 1940s, elegant cigarette cases were a fashionable gift but today, they are largely forgotten. Did you ever carry one? Do you know anyone who did? I heard of them, but don't remember seeing any when I was a child. My grandparents all smoked at one time, but they all quit before I was a teenager. I do remember the ashtrays. Som of them were really nice!

 

8) Also in 1946, bikinis appeared for the first time on runways in Paris. How often did you don swimwear during 2022? Several times because we have a spa. But I wanted to go to the beach for my birthday. I love the beach and I want to enjoy it for as long as possible. I am just happy I can. If all works out, we hope to go to Hawaii in the fall. All my physical therapy and exercise is getting me into shape! But I am not worried about shape, I am more concerned with being able to move and sit.

9) Random question: Thinking of your past romantic involvements, were you truly in love with one of them, some of them, or all of them? I was a teenager, even when I met my husband. We married one month before I turned 19 and he was a couple of moths short of 20. I was infatuated with the guys before him. 

Friday Fave Five

Today I am linking with Susanne for 

1. I am thankful for a good night's sleep. I actually went to bed earlier than normal and feel rested.

2. Thankful to be able to spend time with all my grands. The older two stay the week. Their mom is off today so she picked them up. Last week we were able to go to Jazzy's award ceremony. Today we will get the younger two and bring them to our house. Jazzy got 3 awards and we are very proud of her.

3. I am thankful for my physical therapist I have been going to the past 6 months. He has taught me a lot of exercises to build muscle. He gives me bands to use and explains things well, He is happy with my progress and thinks we can end our sessions. I have more strength now and I can get off the floor without touching anything. He says that many seniors fall and can't get up. If they live alone and have no phone nearby, they are on the floor for days. The exercise is good for balance too!

4, Thankful for sunny weather. I have gone out twice this week just to soak some sun. The weather is still in the 60's and will be in the 50's next week with rain. I will be outside today now that the wind has died down.

5. I am thankful for my online crafting group. We do a lot of fun things, using mostly paper, but there is a sewing lesson each month. I was able to go to Cutie Camp last July and met many of the ladies that understand me, the creative crazy lady! Some of us are just build that way. My granddaughter Audrina is like me in the creative sense, and musically talented. She is the youngest member of our praise team.

Tuesday 4 Home Sweet Home

1. What kind of home do you have, and does it need repair or improvements this year? I have a small home, 1400 square feet. Our last home was 2300 and though it was roomy, it was lot to clean.

My home is cozy. It has what we need. Most of the things that I would like to be done are cometic. The range hood needs to be replaced. We need some electrical updates and hope to get that done this summer.  But if money was not an issue, I would paint the kitchen and bathroom cabinets white. I would put wood look tile throughout the house. I would change the ceiling fan in the master bedroom and add them to the other bedrooms. I would build a patio cover over the spa. I would add an outside storage unit.

2. How do you accessorize your home inside and out? I had 2 bookcases fill of books when I moved into this house. One holds Legos now and the other holds my crafts. My cousin gave me her bookcase and keep my Bibles and favorite books and journals in it. We only have 2 plants right now. One in the bathroom and one in the kitchen. I do have several pictures. We inherited my mother in laws black baby grand piano a couple of years after we moved in, and it takes a lot of space.

3. What objects reside on your coffee table? We don't have a coffee table. I had a beautiful one but gave it to my sister since this house is smaller. We also needed something that worked with the grands so we got an ottoman storage unit. We don't put anything on top of it except our feet. We have a blanket on the top of it. We have two small lamp tables. We have a large kitchen table that has a limestone top. We left our formal table at the old house but kept the matching hutch. Everyone has a nightstand with a lamp and what they need. 2 of the grands live here during the week.   

4.  Do you like your kitchen organized and with counters cleared off or do you prefer to have the things you use often out on counters? We have a small kitchen. We keep the things we use daily in the counter. Our air fryer takes a lot of space, but it is used often and too big to store.    Do you mind what some might see as clutter, or do you hate having to dig out tools and appliances when it comes time to use them? and prefer to have them within easy reach? I am not worried about what others think. Other than what we need, I like to keep everything else put away.

Sunday Stealing

1. You are back in high school... what are you doing after school lately?

After regular classes, I have girls' athletics. Then home to help get dinner ready and see that the younger siblings are doing homework.

2. Do you do homework early or late? Do you really study? I do my homework in the evening after dinner. Yes, I do study. Going to college!

3. Do you go to the games? Football? Basketball... what is your favorite to attend? I did go to some games in my junior and senior year. Basketball was easy to understand. I went to some football games. Going out afterwards To Bob's Big Boy was fun!

 b. Do you go to the dances? Prom? (what'd you wear?) I went to the Harvest Ball (Sadie Hawkins), Silver Ball (Winter Formal) and the Prom in my Senior year.

Silver Ball 1972

Prom 1973

4.Lunch!  What are we having today? What is your favorite lunch? Going out to Al's Quick Burgers was the best. But most days I brought a sandwich and chips. In my senior year, my then boyfriend, now hubby, took me to Pup in Taco.

5. What kind of music do you like the best? Now it is Christian music. Back then it was the Motown Sound and easy listening like Carole King, Carpenters, America, Doobie Brothers.

6. Does the radio play in your car and if so what station or kind of music plays? Same as above.

 Does music play in your home often? Yes, on my cell phone or YouTube!

7. What do you think of the music played in restaurants or stores? Do you find it relaxing or annoying? I like the background music most of the time. Especially when I am at Hobby Lobby.

8. What part has music played in your life? What kind of music played at your wedding or at parties you have been to? Music has played a big part of my life. A Mariachi Band played during the dinner portion of the wedding. Then a live popular band played for the dance part. Christian music is what I like the most. I don't care for heavy metal, gangster rap and some country.

9. Is the farm for you? How about a ranch, a village or a city? Which is your choice and why? I live in the city. I have visited a village and it was nice. Does Knott's Berry Farm count?

10. A short auto trip for the weekend with friends or a long vacation? Where would you go? Both is fine. I can't do long car trip anymore. My friends and I flew to Lake Tahoe last September. We went to Virginia City, and it was fun. I am going back to Texas in May. We are flying and it takes 2 1/2 hours. Our family is planning to go to Hawaii in the fall and it takes 6 hours.

11. The quiet life at home with a cuppa and TV or a good book or a night out with friends? Which sounds good today? Home today and I just made a pot of chicken veggie soup from scratch. Hubby has a cold. I see my friends on Tuesdays and at church on Sundays. We are busy with the grands Monday - Friday.

12. You have a choice of dinner and a movie or a game of cards and snacks at the neighbors. Where are you going tonight? Dinner and a movie. Hubby and I went to see Black Panther this past Thursday and we took food with us to eat in the theater and bought popcorn.

13. Is there a hero or character on TV, in a book or a movie ... or even on all three, that you are especially like? What do you find attractive about them? This is a loaded question. Jesus would be the answer for all 3.

14.  Was there a book that was better in movie form? How about a movie you thought didn't live up to the book? Gone With the Wind. The book had more information. But the movie was great. In will be on the big screen March 1 and my friend and I want to see it. It is 4 hours long!

15. When you choose a book, program or movie which subject it is most likely to be: science fiction, mystery, romance, comedy, documentary, etc.? I like most of those. I do not like scarry movies! I like cute comedy and plan to see the new movie called 80 for Brady. 

What draws you to a particular book or movie?  I like historical Christian books. AD Chronicles is one of my favorites. I have read all of the Left Behind Series. It is based on Bible prophesy and the end times. I mostly read my Bible now. I have a few Bibles that I do artwork in, illustrating myth. 

The days have been so busy. Today I am linking with Susanne at

Yesterday the hubby and I saw Wakanda Forever. It was almost 3 hours long, but entertaining. I saw Avatar, the Way of Water with my granddaughter a couple of weeks ago. Another long movie. It had parts that moved me to tears. I will see it again when it is on the Disney Channel. I liked them both. 

I am thankful that hubby suggested we go to the movies since we had no grandparent duty. Thankful there was a bathroom across the hall and thankful that there was only one other person in the theater.

Thankful that my Lifegroup started back up for the New Year. We planned a Valentine's Tea Brunch for the 14th. That allows most of us to still celebrate with our hubbies later. We also planned to do an Easter party for a women's shelter in our country. We will make each mom a basket and plan crafts for the kids.

We ended in prayer.

Thankful that today will be 60 and sunny. We have had a lot of much needed rain since after Christmas. We are not use to the day temps in the 50's. Thankful for umbrellas, warm jackets and boots! Praying my plumeria plants make it. They are not use to this weather. If we get close to freezing, I have to cover the branches with plastic. Thankful for weathermen! I have some bags in the garage.

Thankful to spend time in the messy garage and start the cleanup. Gave hubby 2 big bags of trash. There is a pile of things to give away.

Thankful that my family is close. We are going to watch our granddaughter get an Honor Society Award today. Thankful that we celebrated out oldest son's 42 birthday this past Sunday. He is what they call a rainbow baby. He was born after I had 3 miscarriages. I had to stay in bed while I was pregnant. I would call him my miracle baby. All of my kids are a blessing along with the grands. Thank You, Lord!

Saturday 9

 Saturday 9: Hurting Each Other (1972)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

I still have my Capenters Singles Album and a Christmas CD. A few of their songs played at my wedding back in 1973. It so sad that she died from anorexia. 

1) This week's song was written by Gary Geld and Peter Udell, who also wrote 1962's "Sealed with a Kiss." What was in the last envelope you sealed? A Christmas card back in December.

2) In "Hurting Each Other," Karen Carpenter sings she wishes she and her lover could stop making each other cry. Have you most recently shed a tear in the last week, the last month, or longer ago than that?  A few weeks ago while watching Avitar, The Way of Water. There were scenes that brought me to tears.

3) One of the Carpenters' first records was a cover of the Beatles' "Ticket to Ride." Both Karen and Richard were huge fans and nervous about how the Beatles would react to their version. They were thrilled to learn that Paul McCartney responded by saying Karen had "one of the best female voices in the world." Tell us some news you received recently that brightened your day. On Friday our son and his wife told us they are going on a cruise for their next anniversary. I enjoy cruising and I am happy for them. Not having to serve on a jury after being there all-day Thursday made me smile.

4) Karen died in 1983, but her musical partner and big brother Richard is still with us. He has said he grew up a big fan Top 40 radio, listening every morning as he got ready for school and every afternoon while doing homework. When you were a kid, did you like to study with music or the TV on? Or would you prefer quiet? I did like to listen to it softly in the background. If I am studying now, I need quiet. If I am Bible journaling, I like to hear Christian music playing, and I sometimes sing along.

5) Karen and Richard spent their teen years in Downey, California. It has the distinction of being home to the nation's oldest, still-operating McDonald's. It's been on the same site on Lakewood Blvd. since 1953. Tell us about a business in your neighborhood that seems to have always been right there, in that spot. There is a church a couple of blocks away on Main Street. I used to take my daughter to MOPs back in the early 90's, when I moved to the city I live in now. That church- Crossroads,  moved to a bigger location not too far from me. It is the biggest church in the city now.  It was founded in 1892. I looked up Crossroads Church and they have had several special guest singers including Olivia Newton-John, Michael W Smith and Casting Crowns. I have hard Matt Redmond and Chris Tomlin there and a few others.

The little church down the block is a Vietnamese Catholic Church now. Sometimes I hear their choir singing outside for special events. There is a little taco shop in the city I use to live in. My dad would stop there to get tacos over the years. The shop is still there. That would be over 60 years! 

6) The siblings may have had a squeaky-clean public image, but Richard did have a brush with the law while in Downey. The Carpenter family lived for a time in an apartment complex, and one of their neighbors -- a policeman -- objected to Richard "banging on the piano" at all hours. When did you most recently interact with an officer of the law? When I asked the court officer a question on Thursday while serving at Jury Duty.

7) In 1972, when this song was popular, Mark Spitz was America's premier Olympian, winning seven Gold Medals. A poster of Spitz wearing his red, white and blue swim trunks and all seven medals was a top seller. Can you recall a poster that decorated your bedroom wall when you were a kid? I had a Gone with the Wind poster of Rhett Butler holding Scarlet O'Hara. I was a teenager and loved the book and movie. Still do! I had a Mary Poppins poster when I was in grade school.

8) Also in 1972, Liza Minnelli was encouraging us to "come to the cabaret." Without looking it up, do you know who Liza's famous parents were? Judy Garland and Vincent Minnelli. She looks like both of them.

9) Random question: Are you a better student or teacher? That depends. My friends say I am a good teacher. I thought I did a good job as a preschool and Sunday School teacher. I also think I am a good student. I actually enjoyed school and doing homework. 

Friday Fave Five

Linking up with Susanne today.

A late post today. Thankful that I am through with jury duty this year and it is probably my last. I have sarcopenia and I can't sit for long periods of time. Next year I will have to get a medical release.Thankful that I could stand up for long periods of time, but I was very tired in the evening and went to bed early and got 10 hours of sleep. It is a pajama day.

Thankful that I was not called in on the first few days this week and was able to meet with my Bible journaling group in spite of the heavy rain we got.

Thankful that my daughter brought over Hawaiian pulled chicken and rice for dinner.

Thankful that I found a small coffee and sandwich shop a few blocks from the courthouse. I enjoyed a nice lunch, and I sat on a cushioned barstool. I was able to read the local paper they provided. I had to conserve my IPhone battery. My phone is 4 years old, and the battery drains pretty quickly. I plan to get a new one in August.

Thankful to my hubby that could drive me to and from the courthouse so I would not have to deal with the traffic and parking. It is around 15 miles away, but heavy traffic. I was in the building on the right, and on a 6th floor courtroom. Thankful there was no rain today. It is coming in this weekend.

Tuesday 4

Today let's talk about the West.

1. Got some favorite Cowboy or western movies or TV shows you have liked? I used to watch Bonanza many years ago. I read a book series called Wagons West and cowboys were mentioned in a few of the books.

2. Ever been to a rodeo or horse show of any kind? No

3. Can you ride a horse, or would you like to try? 

I rode one back in the 1970's at the Ponderosa Ranch near Lake Tahoe. My husband's horse was in front of me and decided to stop for pee. My horse was right behind and reared up before stopping. We were on a trail near a ledge. Thankfully I did not fall off! That was the last time on a horse for me!

4.  How would a vacation on a dude ranch suit you? No. Take me to the beach please.

Sunday Stealing

Join Bev Sykes here.

1. If you could change the ending to one movie you have seen, which one would it be, and how would you reshoot it? Gone With the Wind. I wanted Scarlet and Rhett to get back together again.

2. If you were to select a food that best describes your character, what food would it be????

3. If you could cure any disease, which would it be? Alzheimer's. My mom died from it.

4. If you had to describe the single worst thing a friend could do to you, what would it be? A friend

ending our friendship after 20 years and not knowing why. It was like a death, and I had to grieve over the loss.

5. If you could be a contestant on any game show, which would you like to be on? Jeopardy.

6. If you could choose the music at your own funeral, what would it be, and who would play it?

I love the song I Can Only Imagine and Precious Lord. There are a lot of other songs I would like to play during my photo montage. I need to write these things down because you never know. I want Pslam 23 read. My granddaughter plays the piano and I need to teach her the song I learned as a youth. I have not found the music, so I will have to sing it to her.

7. If you had to spend all of your vacations for the rest of your life in the same place, where would you go? Hawaii!

8. If you could ask God a single question, what would it be? That is a loaded question. I don't think I could talk. When I am in His presence, I won't have questions. I will have joy and peace.

9. If you could eat one food in any quantity for the rest of your life with no ill effects whatsoever, what food would you choose? My mom's recipe for ground beef and potato Tacos. Fried in oil, drained and filled with lettuce, tomato and grated cheese. My husband's salsa would be welcomed!

10. If you could have a year any place in the world, all expenses paid, where would you go? Italy

11. If you could forever eliminate one specific type of prejudice from the earth, which would it be? Racism.

12. If you could own one painting from any collection in the world but were not allowed to sell it, which work of art would you select? Something from Van Gogh. Starry Night?

13. If you could ask a single question of a dead relative, what would it be and of whom would you ask it? My dad. "Can you give me a hug and tell me I am beautiful like you use too?"

14. If you had to choose the best television show ever made, which one would you pick? So many to choose from. The first one that came to mind is I Love Lucy. Laughter is good medicine!

15. If you could write letters to only one person for the rest of your life, who would receive them?

I want to take things I have written and print them out and put them with my Bibles. Hopefully my kids will read them when I am gone. I don't handwrite much because of my arthritis. I use my laptop to type things and print them out

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: What's New, Pussycat? (1965)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

Welcome to the first Saturday 9 of 2023.

1) In this song, Tom Jones wants to know what's new in his girl's life. Here at Saturday 9, we're concentrating on the new year. What do you hope will be new and different in your life during 2023?

I want to continue exercising. I want to eat healthier. I need to find more ways to increase protein in my diet without eating so much meat. My word for the year is focus and I need to work on letting go of things that get in the way.

 

2) He sings that he has flowers for his special girl. Are there fresh flowers in your home right now?

Yes, I got a pretty pink and ivory poinsettia for Christmas. I hope it lives long enough for me to plant. My roses usually bloom in the spring. Then my husband will cut them and bring them in. The plumerias will bloom in mid spring.

3) He also wants to spend hours with her. What is something you'd like to spend more time doing in 2023? Exercising and more quality time with my husband and family.

 

4) Before his music career took off, Tom Jones supported himself by selling vacuum cleaners. Could your home benefit from a once-over with a vacuum right now? Yes, very much so. I am still breaking down Christmas. Once I am done, I will really do a deeper clean instead of a light tough. I need to get a new mop too!

 

5) Memorabilia from Tom's 1990 world tour was available eBay and the bids went up to $599 a jacket worn by the stage crew. Have you ever bought anything at an auction (online or otherwise)? I bought a Kathy purse once.

6) Tom's adult grandson, Alex, represented Wales in rifle shooting in the Commonwealth Games. Is there a sport you'd like to try, or get better at, in 2023? I would like to do more walking/hiking. Not around the block, but something more challenging. I would like to swim at the gym too where there is a heated indoor pool.

7) In 1965, when this song was popular, Tom Jones made a new friend, Elvis Presley. Tom had a meeting at Paramount Studios to discuss recording a song for a movie soundtrack and Elvis was finishing a film. It was the beginning of a friendship that would continue for the rest of Elvis' life. Did you make any new friends in 2022? I met some new people, but not in my close friend circle.

8) Also in 1965, The Sound of Music premiered and became one of the most successful movies of all time. Have you seen it? Yes, our church went to see it when it first came out in 1965. I have seen it many times since and know most of the words to the songs. My parents bought us the album after the movie came out. I also read the book, The Story of the Trapp Family Singers.

9) Random question: Were you like those shoppers we saw on TV, in line at a retailer after the holidays to exchange a gift that wasn't quite, right? No, I did not return anything. 

Friday Fave Five

Linking up with Susanne for

1. A New Year, each day is a gift from God. New will be my theme for my next Bible journaling day. It is supposed to happen on the 5th, but I am scheduled for jury duty.

2.  Our winter weather, lots of much needed rain! The sun is out today but more rain is coming next week. I don't like driving in the hard rain. Thankful that hubby fixed the windshield wipers.

3.  Helping to take care our grands. 2 stay with us during the week. They are older and don't take a lot of work. We have been going to our son's home to check on the younger two. They are with their great grandma while their parents' work. We take them lunch and spend time with them.

4. Grands go back to school next week. They miss their friends, but not looking forward to getting up early. I have been sleeping in late. Time to get back to my normal schedule. 

5. Thankful that the ear pain I had yesterday is gone this morning. I have slacked off on my exercise routine. I hope packing and cleaning counts. My neck is not liking it. Thankful for the meds that help with aches and pains. I only use them when I have to.

Tuesday 4

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 in the new year.  We wish you a very Happy New Year! 

January is named for Janus the two-faced god who looked into the past and future. Some believe he was Noah who may have been worshipped by his progeny. He certainly looked into the pre flood world and the new world.  The Anglo Saxons called this month Wulfsmoanth.   Let's talk about January.

1.  January 1, 1892, Ellis Island opened its doors.  Did any of your relations enter the United States through Ellis Island?  If not, do you know your family's history? I know that most of my relatives came from Mexico. I am 4th generation born here. I could trace my family back 5 generations. I am about 42% Native American, 30 % Spain, 8% Italian, 6% France, 4% Portugal and 1% European Jew

2. January's birth stone is garnet, and the flower is the carnation.  Do you have favorite gemstones or flowers? My birthstone is peridot, but I love my diamond rings. Gladiolus is my birth month flower. I love roses, plumerias and carnations.

3. January 6 is Epiphany. Many take that day as the final day of the Christmas celebration and take down their decor.   What about you? I have been taking things down since last week. It takes a lot of time to pack things up. I had 8 trees to take down and I just finished the main tree which is Disney. I pack all my Hallmark's back in the boxes. I have several boxes that are for the lighted garland and florals. I don't rush it. I go at the pace I want. All that is left now is the village. My village has a Nativity in it so I will put that away on the 6th. I have a seasonal tree that stays up all year. I will be putting snowmen and snowflakes on it.

4. There is some evidence that January can set the tone for your entire year. What do you think of this? Do you make resolutions, etc.? I don't make specific resolutions. I chose a Word for the year (focus), and I wrote about it in my previous blog post. I do want to continue with my exercise. I want to spend more time journaling and reading my Bible. I want to read a book of interest too. One week at a time is about all I can plan for. I am scheduled for jury duty on January 9th. I am supposed to meet with my Bible journaling group on the 10th, but that depends on jury duty. I have a second date set just in case.

This came up on my feed. It is from 10 years ago. I sure enjoyed playing Farmville. I love creating on the different farms, but it could be time consuming. Farmville ended at the end of 2022. It gave me more time to craft, Bible journal and read. Life happens!

Happy New Year!

Yesterday we had lots of much needed rain. I spent the night putting away Christmas. I have shared my multiple trees and decor and you know I have a lot. It takes a few days to put it away. I have also been labeling each box. I am trying to be more organized. I also have a box for give away.

Our church had its services on Saturday instead of today. Good thing because I slept in until 11:0am!

Service was led by the youth pastors and youth. The sermon was on Job. Job had it all and was favored by God. Job lost it all, everything. His family, wealth and health. In spite of all, in spite of how he felt, de did not blame God. He praised God in spite of it all. He chose to focus on God and not his problems.

Not an easy thing to do. Our emotions get the best of us. The word focus struck a light in my mind. I need to focus on God. I need to focus on the gifts he has given me, my family, health and friends.

Distraction gets in the way, so I need to focus on what is important and let go the rest. Not an easy thing to do, but something I need to do.

There are a few verses that come to my mind.

Psalm 119:15
I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.

Proverbs 4:25
Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.

Matthew 6:33

Psalm 46:10

Matthew 6:33
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Colossians 3:2
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Proverbs 16:3 Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

As busy as I have been today, I knew I needed to spend time thinking of all this. A quiet time to meditate on what God has put on my heart.

I pray your New Year will be a good one my friends!