It's a Date!

Last night we had the perfect date! Leaving the kids behind, we headed off towards Grand Haven to watch the Musical Fountains. Even though it was muggy outside and I was a bit sleepy, I agreed to get out of the house for a little while. Ordinarily, I'm such a "stick in the mud" and never want to do anything, but I wanted to please my husband and he said it wouldn't be too long.

Once we got there and found a parking spot, we decided to get an ice cream. Instead, we went into the coffee house on the boardwalk. We opted for a frozen chocolate mocha. Then we found a table outside to sit at and watch the people. I was dressed in shorts and a t-shirt and became so cold I wished I'd have brought a fleece. Being the wonderful date, that he was, Gary took me to one of the shops and bought me a sweatshirt souvenir. It's a beautiful orange/peach color with a lighthouse embroidered on the front.

Finally warm, hand in hand, I was able to concentrate on the enjoyable conversation and the dancing fountain. My husband...very generous, loving and so sweet!

Instruction

Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.

I have been thinking a lot about this Scripture lately, wondering just how does God instruct me with His eye? I do a lot of teaching or "instructing" others on the computer. I can "see" where I want them to put the curser and where they need to put the curser to complete the task they want, but rarely do they ever put it where it needs to go the first time I give them the instruction. They haphazardly move the mouse around the screen searching for a place to land, hoping it is the right place.

All the while, I'm in the background, watching, mumbling, "stop, there, no, here, nope too fast, go back, there, wait, uh, okay, stop for a minute and wait for that to finish and go back." Watching them click away as if they knew what they were doing, in the beginning was very frustrating for me, but over time, I've learned that that is what folks are going to do until I tell them to stop and go exactly where I say. It stops their frustration and we can both get on with our business. Now, all the while, my eye is on the goal, but they can't see it and they can't see me trying to instruct them with my eye. They don't even see me looking at the goal.

We must have to be pretty connected to God in order for Him to instruct us with His eye. I mean, really, think about that for a minute. For Him to gaze at us and then request something from us and then us actually respond? That is pretty incredible, don't ya think? Psalm 34:15 says, The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous.

Back on Track

Well, it's been three weeks since Mom and Papa left and I've lost about five pounds. Not that I put it all on when they were here...it started when Gary and I went on vacation. I knew it was coming and was okay with it, but when we came back to company and out to eats it was very difficult for me to make healthy Weight Watcher choices. But, once they left, Gary and I were able to jump back on program and get the weight back off.

I'm very grateful that I went to Weight Watchers and learned about the points plan and how to eat healthy. I sure feel better when I do. I have not gotten a lot of new clothes because I wear a uniform at work and don't wear much at home other than pajamas or a pair of shorts. I did buy a pair of jeans that fit and then I bought a bunch of smaller t-shirts. Gary too lost so much that he needed new jeans and shorts and shirts. Hopefully, they will all be too big for us for next summer as we still have much more to go.

Being back on track in my writing has taken a much longer time frame than I am comfortable with. I actually wrote on vacation, but sometimes, I let things bother me to the point that I can't even write about them. And now, I just feel "stuck." Writing in my blog is a huge step forward, so maybe, I can get back on track with some of the projects that I started before vacation. I hope so.

Not Perfect

Dear Friends and Family,

I regretfully must inform you that, well...I, uh...am, not perfect. I know. I can hear your questions already, "What is she talking about? We already know she's far from perfect! We know her!"

Well...thanks for that, but really. I guess I just needed to say it for myself. You see, I know that I write good stories about how God saves and rescues us, which is all good and true, but until we get to that point, there is usually a very strong emotional struggle. Unfortunately, that is the part most people see, at least with me. And then they see me good again, but they are quick to judge and judge harshly. I suppose, that is only human and I should just let that go, but sometimes, it's hard when I'm trying to see through the fog of enemies plan.

So, what am I saying now? I guess that I'm not perfect and I know it, but I am forgiven by the One who counts. I do always try and live by the Golden rule and treat others as I would like to be treated. Even if they "don't deserve it." Who am I to say? God may be giving me a test? Am I going to pass it? Sometimes I fail miserably and end up feeling so sorry for myself, crying, "Why doesn't anybody like me?" The real question is: Does it matter? God loves me and that should be enough. But, sometimes it isn't and I need to get back to the truth.

We are in a spiritual battle and our battle must not be fought in the flesh, against people, where I get my feelings hurt. That is the truth and that takes the sting away! Thank God for the answers! So, no, I'm not perfect and I struggle with everyday issues but it makes for great writing material! I love you guys!

April May Fox

April's mom was out of town for over a week and we were her caretakers. We didn't mind as we love her like our own. She looks like Wrigley and at the fence they look like mimes, jumping at the same time, barking and running at the precise time. It’s quite comical. Although she stayed at her house, she was a very good girl. She kept Gary and me very busy during the heat wave we had here this week. You see, April is used to being outside, but her mom left the air on, so we left her inside most of the time. I bought her a bone like Wrigley so she would have something to do. She loves it! Now, she runs to get it whenever we go check on her. Although I worried about her like a mom, I'll be glad when her mom comes home and so will she. Yesterday, she pulled a pillow out off of the back porch and put it by the driveway gate and laid on it and waited. She knows her mom is coming any minute.