A Week Off

 We returned last Sunday from a cruise with our church – no, we weren't on the one that was stranded…here’s some thoughts I wrote the last days at sea….

Friday on the cruise:

Sitting on the pool deck enjoying the late afternoon sun. Shortly it will be time to get ready for our formal dinner. As much as I enjoy the dining with our friends from church I truly dislike having to cut the afternoon relaxation short to have time to prepare for early dining at 5:45 – this time of year, that’s the sunset hour…However this has been the only regrets on this most relaxing of all the cruises I've been blessed to sail.

We left Galveston Sunday in a rush. True to my habit I was still packing just hours before we were to leave. Fortunately the only item I forgot was sunscreen - actually I didn't forget it - we just ran out of time to make that last minute shopping trip on the way south . No worries, sunscreen is readily available in all the cruise shops for a simple swipe your "sea pass" to purchase ANYTHING on board! (Day of reckoning comes later!)

Sunday was the discovery day - discover your cabin, discover the location of the main dining, and most importantly the where’bouts of the free frozen yogurt machine  as well as the free pizza.  Yes, some things in life are truly free (or at least included with the price of admission!)

Monday morning we joined our fellow Calvary Chapel couples for a time of worship and morning devotions. Then it was on to continue exploring the ship and spending a little time on the deck poolside enjoying the Reggie band. Again, the afternoon was cut short as we donned our best clothes for the formal fine dining followed by evening entertainment.  With the exception of dinner and show times we were on "island time."

Tuesday we docked in Cozumel. We always enjoy returning here as its sorta our roots. April 1980 we honeymooned in Cozumel and each cruise year we like to scan the horizon to search for "our" hotel. (It’s the small one in the center with the tiki huts – maybe that’s what began my love for a tiki hut) 

A lot has changed in 33 years - hurricanes  as well as tourist industry growth. Yet the downtown shops still have the same allure.

 I love the colors of Mexico. In years past I've come home with a collection of bags/purses or items to decorate our tiki hut. This year I had no theme, no quest, no agenda for my shopping. I reminded myself that I'd just bought a bike therefore forfeited my shopping budget for something more lasting than bags or trinkets. I was doing pretty good too until I saw it....the colors spoke to me, the price was right, But just to be sure I passed it up not once but twice. If it was still there at the end of the day it was "meant to be."  

Yes. I'm going home with a sink! Not a kitchen sink, but one that I plan to have in my bathroom. Someday. The challenge is transporting it home! Pottery is fragile - and heavy!

Wednesday  our port of call was Georgetown Grand Cayman. Again, no agenda - just enjoy the island. 

While walking down the city streets I spied a sign that said "artist here today - second story". We were at Guy Harvey's studio! I've always admired his work, but have not been privileged to own any, not even a T-shirt with his art. And there he was in his studio surrounded by his legacy of fabulous nature paintings graciously signing autographs. I quickly found a small 5x7 print for him to sign. My plans are to frame this to hang in the bathroom.

As exciting as this was I believe the highlight of the day was finding a small cove where we could actually see the water and stand on the shoreline. To say that the water is breathtaking would be an understatement. We observed with wonder a local fisherman skillfully preparing his catch – then throwing the discarded parts in the ocean where a school of sharks were feasting. I'm not an expert on sharks but they reminded me of the small nurse shark variety. Obviously they were more interested in being feed fish parts than to be concerned with the snorkelers who happened upon them. I was content to be on dry land! 

The evenings on board are a blur of fine dining, fabulous shows and evenings visiting the various nooks and crannies with wonderful live bands, sometimes joined by new friends . Oh the joys of not setting an alarm in the mornings!

Thursday's destination was Jamaica. I have to admit I didn't have a lot of expectations for Jamaica. In fact we were a little late in leaving the ship (as previously  mentioned, no alarms).  However, Jamaica stole my heart.

Upon deporting at each of the destinations we are herded through what I call the "tourist trap" – the cruise line sponsored shops. This is a good thing as it allows those going on excursions to still shop some of the local fair. This was the plan for the day, just shop the tourist trap and perhaps go back to the ship and hang around the uncrowded pool deck. Well, through the years I've learned the word "flexible" ... Upon impulse we decided to take a trolley ride to tour the city.

This was the real Jamaica . We drove through streets that would definitely be considered third world as well very colorful homes with wrap around verandas, windows open with flowing curtains dancing in the wind. Our tour guide enlightened us about local sayings such as explaining "here in Jamaica we have no problems - only situations". She also shared history of the island's plantations growing sugar cane for export and the import of slaves to work the plantations. One such plantation owner was known for treating his slaves with dignity and respect so much so that after the emancipation his slaves chose to remain with him and to continue to work the plantation. In my thoughts I concurred that this man must have been a Christian and followed the teachings of Christ in treating your slaves well and even more so if they were a brother in Christ. True of this man or not it was interesting to learn that Jamaica has more churches per square mile than anywhere else in the world. Of course the term “church”, I think, was used rather loosely because she also mentioned that there were all faiths represented on the island ... And not all Christian.

Part of the tour included a stop at one of the historical churches where we were allowed to disembark to go inside as we did our best to shuffle past the street vendors. It's difficult sometimes to be in a strange country and discern if you are being taken for a con, especially when you see poverty around you.

We went inside and learned several interesting facts about the church - viewing different relics such as a hand carved lectern from beautiful mahogany . Our guide also pointed out a painting on the side wall - from a distance it appeared to be a painting of Christ but upon closer examination the picture was made up of multicultural faces representing, perhaps, that no matter our nationality or our status in life we are one in Christ.

I have to admit viewing this was an emotional moment for me and I felt led to put a small contribution in the offering box. A middle aged woman was standing at the collection box and smiled as she nodded her thanks and "God bless" to which I whispered "I will see you again in heaven" and she said "Yes!"

Again I was a tad emotional and wanted to wipe my tears before joining my fellow tourists on the trolley. Prior to entering the church I has noticed a graveyard on the right side so I ducked that way to regain my composure.  On my path to the graveyard  I saw an old woman begging. As I quickly walked past her she pleaded "look at me, look at me” in a voice that reflected don’t ignore that you are walking past a person who needs help. I rushed past her. I wasn't being rude I just couldn't speak at the moment…

I went around the side of the church and took a picture of the goats on the grave markers as I discreetly opened my wallet for my return trip past the old woman.

She saw me coming back and pleaded once again holding out her hands. I took her hands in mine and that's when she felt the bill that I was passing into hers. Her pleads quickly turned to praise as she said "God bless you" and I replied "He already has". She continued to speak blessings over me and thanking Jesus. I began speaking to her and then offering prayers up to Jesus to bless her  as the  tears were steaming, now freely, down my cheeks .  

Then I said "I will see you in heaven one day."

Her reply, "I am working to be there, I go to church all the time."  

"No, it's not working that get you there, it is a gift from God. Do you understand that? It's a gift, you just need to reach out your hand and take Jesus."  

“Yes, Jesus is free".

My concern was did she really understand?  Was she misinformed that her salvation was determined by what she did in this life (works)  or had she really accepted the free gift of salvation that only comes through  Jesus.  I will never know for sure this side of eternity - but I am hopeful that I will see her again and somehow I feel that we indeed were sisters in Christ. Just like that painting - different nationalities, different situations in life, but one in Jesus.

At that point we were both crying and hugging and I knew I had to go before the trolley left me. I looked into her sweet face with those missing teeth and thought she was the most beautiful woman.

Somehow I managed to regain my composure once again (sunglasses are wonderful things) and find my way to the trolley. As we drove off I searched for her near the building where I had left her, behind the street vendors. I saw her and saw that she was trying to move to a position to search the trolley for me too. Simultaneously we saw each other and waved the biggest farewell wave that continued until we were no longer in each other’s sight. 

 It was then that I was reminded of my sweet Ma-Ma, who has been with Jesus since 2009. Whenever we left her and my grandfather’s house after a visit we would wave out the car window until we were out of sight while she would stand at the carport and wave just as big and as long. It always brought tears to my eyes, as it does now.

Then it registered, this beautiful lady was perhaps someone's grandmother, and she certainly reminded me of mine! Yes, Jamaica stole my heart. Such joy, such color, such a need for the Savior.
 

 I think I could have just been satisfied with my morning encounter with my Jamaican Ma-Ma, but The Lord continued to bless our day. A crafts market, island music and dancers, and THE BEST souvenir ever - parrots for my own tropical paradise back home. I found the small one first and am pictured with the artist who carved it. My larger one was found later as I wandered the rows of the crafts market

Friday was a day at sea, and as mentioned, formal night:

It is now Saturday afternoon as I have attempted to continue my thoughts - it's not easy typing on the iPhone as I'm listening to the poolside Jamaican band. The past two days at sea are a blur - a time to recoup from the three days of ports of call as well as a time to reflect and be relaxed and refreshed. Throughout the week we've shared times of worship, prayer, teaching, and wonderful fellowship with our fellow Calvary Chapel couples and we've had some much needed time to ourselves. The weather has been beautiful - but the further north we are going to more I realize it’s still winter on the mainland.

I am thankful for the time away, and I am looking forward to coming back to "real life" hopefully a better person for having had this Caribbean adventure.  I’ll leave you with the song now playing poolside …Don’t worry, be happy

Epilogue:

For those wondering how I got my parrot home (grin)

It's Good to Be Alive!

Sometimes it feels like I'm watching from the outside, sometimes it feels like I'm breathing,  but am I alive? 

I love this song by Building 429

So when the walls come falling down on me and when I'm lost in the current of a raging sea I have this blessed assurance holding me.

All I know is I'm not home yet, this is not where I belong...take this world and give me Jesus...this is not where I belong...

But it's where I reside for now, and even when I'm not sure of my purpose or where I'm going, I know that I'm suppose to "work 'til Jesus comes" and live each day to the fullest.

 

The past few weeks have been glorious! There's been a break in "winter" - if you can call it that, after all I do live on the Texas Gulf Coast...seriously, it's been an answer to prayer to have beautiful sunshine after some dark days. Makes me feel more alive.

I did it! Got the dream machine! January 18th I took my maiden voyage on my new bike for almost four miles up and down the Galveston seawall. It's an old cliche but oh so accurate I'm like a kid with a new bike!

Seriously, who knew that riding a bike would make me feel young again, alive!

So my first day out I'm trying really hard to NOT fall off the seawall - its a huge drop off to the beach below and trust me, not something you'd wish on your worst enemy. Being winter and a weekday it wasn't too crowded, yet it still made me nervous every time I came upon someone and had to pass them - especially if they were walking in front of me and had their backs to me...Bike to the right sir .... lady driver....  Or Bike to your left - it's my first day out...  Yeah, it was a good thing that it wasn't very crowded on the seawall. After my return to the bike shop (where the car was parked) I decided that I needed to accessorize the bike with a bell so I could be a little more sure that folks could hear me coming and jump out of my way!

Oh how I hated to pack up and head to the mainland...I think I could just live on the island and ride my bike every day! 

But alas, a little quilting needed to be done...and this time on a personal quilt...one that I pieced the blocks almost a year ago and left hanging on my design wall... it was time...

I took a little longer to quilt than anticipated...only because I decided to overquilt the feather border....it was like quilting it three times (see top photo for close up - one side is the original design, the other side shows how it looks after adding the "overquilting" design element).  This is one of my dizzy quilts, yet unnamed (open to suggestions). I love the purple zebra type print that pulls all the scraps together as well as the purple checked print on the border adding to it's dizzy effect...my youngest son said the checkerboard reminded him of a tablecloth - perhaps this will be my biking picnic blanket...all I know is I almost like the back better - you can see the quilting design more!

I have to admit, it's been very hard to stay focused these past two weeks. All I want to do is "ride, Karen, ride"  Since it is still January, even in Texas, there's been a few days that the weather wasn't just picture perfect but I'd get out there and put in my miles as best I could - even  on a few foggy days or the days where I needed to wear my rain slicker.  What can I say, I'm addicted! I can't explain how alive I feel when I'm riding my bike!

I've found a couple of different routes around the neighborhood. Some that are just 2 or 3 miles for those days with limited time because I really need to be quilting and some as long as 7 to 8 miles. I realize that's not breaking any records, going an average of 7 miles per hour - but it's just what I need...The view is pleasant and I've been blessed to be accompanied by various family members at various times. Bike riding is contagious!

Speaking of family...I just had to take a picture of my youngest son making a baby quilt for a friend. He pieced it and I quilted it. 

Working with him on this project and having multiple bikes rides with my husband, my youngest son, and my daughter-in-law  as well as many many solo rides (total 85 miles in 12 days) has made me really stop and reflect on the importance of being with my family - something that I've put on the back burner for way too long. How easy it is to get caught up in the busyness of life - deadlines, to do lists, obligations, what's for dinner?  Stuff like that. Or distractions that keep you from focusing on the important things of the day...that of just rejoicing that I'm alive!

So here's to more bike rides, more quilts, more time with family, and more time to just stop and reflect that   ITS' GOOD TO BE ALIVE!

Island Time

I've been known to take photos of my feet and post to Facebook or email friends with the caption: Current World View.  Most times it's my bare feet resting in my hammock...but today, it was my feet hanging over the seawall ! Yep, I didn't plan too well in the shoe department...but I'm getting ahead of my story...

We've had more than several days of nasty weather here on the Texas gulf coast...yesterday my yard had standing water and we were under a flash flood watch...during the night we had more rain and I heard on the radio this morning that there were several houses struck by lightening up into Houston..yep, like I said, it hasn't been too fun around here. And this gal who needs sunshine to function was starting out pretty low this morning.

I tried to exercise,  got my dancing shoes on and jumped around to the zumba "Good Morning" song - like I said, I've got two left feet when it comes to dancing, but I was laughing and doing my best to wake up. It was short lived. I decided that sweeping and mopping could be considered exercise so I turned off the videos and went to work in the house...had it really been since preparing for guests at Thanksgiving since I'd mopped? Sigh.  I'm too transparent for my own good...yes, it's been that long.

About then the sun broke through and I had this crazy idea to head to the island. Galveston Island that is. Where no matter the weather I'm guaranteed a pick me up! Just the thoughts of the Island and the special secrets it holds makes wish that were my reality each and every day. I could really get used to that!

I parked on the seawall and started walking, petting a few pups as they and their owners passed me by. Not too crowded this time of year, that's the way I like it - sorta private. I really like to walk on the sand, but I wasn't thinking and had on my heeled boots. It was a tad too cool to take them off and walk barefoot - I do that a lot...

I found a spot where I could walk down to the water without getting in the sand...I was on the island, full of wonderful thoughts and so glad I'd decided to play hookie...I'm smiling even now...

After a little reflecting I decided to stop in the Island Bike shop across the street...I've been doing a little online research and contemplating the idea of owning a bike. I haven't owned a bike since high school - remember when 10 speeds first came out? Yep, I've just dated myself. The only bike riding I've done in 30+ years was a stationary one at the gym and I found that terribly frustrating. I like to see things...to go places. I'm not one to be stationary! 

So I find myself walking into a bike shop that not only rents bikes and surreys but sells and services them.  I had lots of questions....and then he asked if I wanted to take a test drive around the block. He didn't have a girl's bike in the style he suggested for me, but I was welcomed to try out the boy's bike...I said no, because I had on heeled boots.  I left with catalogs and brochures to walk the few blocks back to my car parked down the seawall - and changed my mind. Fickle female, I decided that I indeed wanted to take a spin - so I drove over there and did just that!

The owner rolled the bike out the front door for me, and told me to take my time, go around the block at least and experience the incline coming back to see if I really wanted a single gear bike instead of a 3 or 7 speed. (I don't like hand brakes, they scare me - and I don't like to "lean over" like I did on that old 10 speed). I couldn't believe that he was letting me just ride off like that - but then again, he was holding my car keys with my purse locked inside (grin).

I'm really a shy person in some regards. I'm not real confident in a lot of things, so I do best when no one is watching me. How thankful I was that no one else was in the parking lot and he went back indoors. I would have hated if he'd hovered, that would have made me feel old and incapable - something I didn't want to be apparent!   I have to admit it was a stretch to get my leg over that "boy bar" - obviously all my 4 days of exercise hasn't limbered me up quite that much.  Okay. I'm on. The seat was the right height, it took just a moment to find the pedals and get my balance. What's the old saying about riding a bike? that it comes back to you? Well, it wasn't instant I can tell you, but I wasn't afraid - strange, but for once I really wasn't overly concerned if I'd mess up and make a fool of myself. Maybe it was the fact that no one was watching.  I'd peddled about two turns when I figured I'd best test out the brake to make sure I knew how to use it!

I was a tad wobbly as I rounded the parking lot heading to the sidewalk on my right. By the end of the corner I had my balance and turned right towards town. It was then that I realized I was going to have to get off the sidewalk and enter the street because the sidewalk was quickly ending. Oh good! There's two driveways coming up, all I have to do is do a slight turn left and I'm on the road! Have to admit that thought scared me a bit and it was the second driveway before I got the nerve up to slow down and maneuver like that. Thoughts of finding out just how hard that concrete would be if I fell flashed momentarily as I hit a broken area in the road and tested out the shocks on that seat. But I made it and suddenly, at the time I least expected it - I felt alive! I was actually riding a bike - and no training wheels!

The first block came up suddenly. I wasn't ready for this to be over yet. He said "take your time" didn't he? Surely I could go another block before turning around....

I was sitting tall, I felt the wind in my hair, I felt confident. I felt freedom - dare I say, I felt young! This was exhilarating - especially combined with my earlier experiences of enjoying island time. 

I was going to turn on the third block, really I was, but it was a one way street going the wrong way...so I went four blocks away from the seawall bike shop. Oh! and one of them had a four way stop and I managed that without any hick-ups. I was really liking this experience!

Turn right, go several more blocks before the cross street that lead back to the seawall...hum..didn't realize living in this "flatland" that we actually have some inclines. Yep, had to put the old legs to work...but then again, I'm wanting this for exercise right?  By the time I got back to the parking lot my busy little brain is trying to figure out how I can budget for this...Entering the parking lot I notice someone else with their bike - looks like they were airing up a tire or something, they didn't even glance my way...much to my relief!!!

Stopping wasn't pretty. Well, it wasn't so much the stopping as it was the dis-mounting.  I'd forgotten I was on a boy's bike and my leg got hung up trying to swing off. Next thing I knew my knees were to the ground with the bike on top of me! Much to my relief NO ONE saw me or came to my rescue! Saved from public humiliation! Of course I laughed and picked myself up, rolled the bike inside and confessed to the owner that  the conclusion of my test drive was less than graceful!

I thanked him and said that I hoped to be back on the weekend if the weather was nice to rent a bike and ride for an hour or so on the seawall...I do hope the weather holds!

I'm in love. I know it's silly. But today made me feel alive. The sunshine, the laughter, the wind in my hair....as uninhibited as I could be at the time...I truly enjoyed my island time today. More memory building! I'd like to play hookie more often!

Now if I can just figure out how to make that bike mine - don't imagine me in a 70's halter top and hot pants, but I bet I can have just as much fun!  Dreams....somewhere in time. Island time.

She Makes Quilts

 Proverbs 31:22 She makes coverings for her bed

The Proverbs 31 woman is very energetic - she gets up early to take care of her household, she deals in fine linens and scarlet cloth...and she makes sure her family is warm in the winter by making bed coverings. 

There are a lot more virtues to this woman, but as I read this passage today I kinda focused in on the quilting part (grin).

One thing that I did today, like the Proverbs 31 woman, was get up early! About an hour earlier than yesterday thinking I'd do better about fitting in my exercising. I'm sooo glad no one can see my pitiful attempts! Today I thought I'd try zumba. What a hoot!




I do love this song and I like these ladies (they have several YouTubes so I hope to learn to do more) - I attempted three different "dances" but have to admit I just managed to jump around a bit - but that's okay - I was moving right! And I  was laughing at myself - so it proved to be a great way to start my day.

Here's a close up of the customer quilt I finished this afternoon. I was most eager to get it finished so I could work on something special....

How do you like my color choices?  This is the beginnings of a class sample.... back in 2005 I designed a very simple quilt to teach basic beginning techniques....rotary cutting, quarter inch seam, chain piecing, strip piecing, basic four patch, basic block construction, assembling the blocks into the quilt top...and then how to "quilt it" by stitch in the ditch free motion quilting on the domestic sewing machine and finishing it up by hand sewn binding.... the original class was taught to high school girls in the young mothers class in Galveston. The finished quilt was for their newborns or expected babies. It was most rewarding to teach these young ladies a viable skill . I'm sad to report that I lost touch with them, but it is my hope and desire that at least a few of them continued and caught the "quilting bug".

Now it's time to teach beginners again. I've been wanting to do this for over a year now and the time is soon approaching. This afternoon, in a matter of a few hours, I cut out all the strips needed for the project and began the piecing...

Hopefully in the next few days I will be able to complete the class sample and set dates for new students to embark on this journey of quilting...then it too can be said of them..."she makes quilts"

A wife of noble character who can find?

    She is worth far more than rubies.

¹¹ 

Her husband has full confidence in her

    and lacks nothing of value.

¹² 

She brings him good, not harm,

    all the days of her life.

¹³ 

She selects wool and flax

    and works with eager hands.

¹⁴ 

She is like the merchant ships,

    bringing her food from afar.

¹⁵ 

She gets up while it is still night;

    she provides food for her family

    and portions for her female servants.

¹⁶ 

She considers a field and buys it;

    out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

¹⁷ 

She sets about her work vigorously;

    her arms are strong for her tasks.

¹⁸ 

She sees that her trading is profitable,

    and her lamp does not go out at night.

¹⁹ 

In her hand she holds the distaff

    and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

²⁰ 

She opens her arms to the poor

    and extends her hands to the needy.

²¹ 

When it snows, she has no fear for her household;

    for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

²² 

She makes coverings for her bed;

    she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

²³ 

Her husband is respected at the city gate,

    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

²⁴ 

She makes linen garments and sells them,

    and supplies the merchants with sashes.

²⁵ 

She is clothed with strength and dignity;

    she can laugh at the days to come.

²⁶ 

She speaks with wisdom,

    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

²⁷ 

She watches over the affairs of her household

    and does not eat the bread of idleness.

²⁸ 

Her children arise and call her blessed;

    her husband also, and he praises her:

²⁹ 

“Many women do noble things,

    but you surpass them all.”

³⁰ 

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

³¹ 

Honor her for all that her hands have done,

    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Proverbs 31:10-31

Proceed with Caution

 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble on its own. Matthew 6:34

What a day! It started out pretty good - the alarm went off and I jumped out of bed eager to begin the new day. Well, that's an exaggeration, didn't really leap out of bed, but I did have a plan!

Yep, I was going for "day two" of exercise! Several months back I purchased my "magic bullet" - an exerciser to end all exercisers, one that I knew would give me that slim trim look in only 30 days! Well, the problem with it was you have to use it more than three times for it to work. Sigh.

Today was the day! I pulled out my trusty little exercise DVD, set up the Core Body Reformer, had my exercise gear on and away I went....I was huffing and puffing and really thought I was going to die, and then she said "that was round one, now that you know the routine we are going to do it three more times"...and that's when I put in the stretching DVD from yesterday - that was hard enough! But I did it, I stretched and patted myself on the back for at least moving and not falling over. It's a start!

So far so good right? Well, just when you think it's safe to go back into the water something goes wrong...very wrong.  Seems our bathroom sink has been stopping up lately. Liquid Plumber was working over time but needed a little help....and then it happened. The pipe broke and flooded the cabinet underneath...Time to call a professional plumber...sigh...

 It would be afternoon before I could be worked into the schedule. That's okay, at least I knew help was coming. We only have one bathroom and trying to remember NOT to use the sink was most difficult. Good thing I am a resourceful woman - I mean, who else do you know that keeps caution tape just laying around the studio!

On to bigger things. This lovely batik quilt was up next on the frame. You'd think that it's beauty would keep me glued to the machine, but alas, I was battling with my mind today. Worry was creeping it's way back in. The clouds had rolled back around, figuratively and literally. Oh how I miss sunshine. I turned the praise and worship music up really loud.... God inhabits the praise of His people right? And music calms the soul...as does a conversation with a good friend reassuring me that I'm not alone in this sometimes upsetting world.

I had hoped to have a photo of the completed quilt, but found myself taking time off while the plumber was here - sorta hard to run the machine with someone working in your house...besides, it was someone "live" to talk to for a bit (grin). Seriously, I didn't hover, I respect a working man too much to do that.  A few hours later I have new pipes and an unexpected repair bill!

And a day that has gotten away from me, again.  Goodness. I don't have an answer for that one. Some days are diamonds, some days are stone...but in retrospect I can say that I did accomplish a few goals: (1) I exercised - what doesn't kill you makes you stronger right? (2) I managed to eat healthy all day (3) I have now "gone back to work" after the holidays and illness - a little slower going, but I do need to apply the grace factor here, maybe it was just a half a day, but it was pleasant and I did enjoy the process and (4) I have a new set of pipes that won't leak and because of the process I have a clean bathroom and clean cabinets! and (5) I learned that God gives you people to come a long side you to encourage you when you are down - reminding me that I don't walk this journey alone.

One of the songs today was most meaningful..."He gives and takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord". Whatever lesson it is that I'm suppose to be learning I hope I passed the test. It wasn't in my budget to have repairs but I'm trusting that God already knows that and He has a plan to redeem what was lost.  I'm thankful that He always provides, even when I slip up and worry

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. Psalm 8:3-5