Happy Tuesday to all. It is a gorgeous morning here in my piece of Indiana. It looks to be a fabulous week. Just a couple chances of rain - here's hoping it hits my area. It looks to be spotty. I pray for the farmers - I am sure they need rain for their crops.
I have roses blooming so pretty. Many other flowers are starting to bloom as well. I have clover blooming all over and the scent in the air is just heavenly!!!!! I have been porch setting some and enjoying talking with all the 'good' neighbors. I helped one out - they are currently without work and very limited food stamps. He was asking if I knew where there any food pantries around close. I gave him the names and times for three. I asked if he needed food now - because I would help him out and he said no, he was good for now. He said he would be visiting the pantries and was very grateful.
We as neighbors have planned a small get together later in the month for a guy who owns several lovely properties on my block. He takes such good care of them, and he is a wonderful older caring man. We are going to have a small neighborly surprise birthday celebration for him.
Well guys, I called the jury selection place, answered their questions (all computerized) - simple things like - over 18?, citizen of county?, speak, write and understand English?, any disabilities?.........
And they said I was NOT qualified!!!!!!!! Huh. I didn't say anything trying to get out of it - maybe they have social on hand and can see age, I don't know. If that is the case - I wonder why they waste money sending the notices to start with. OH WELL - NO jury duty for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I need to say a thank you to Frances!! When she first started talking about changing her diet - I paid attention. I have since pretty much eliminated sugary things from my diet. An occasional bite at a party, but really nothing here at home. I am eating lots of fruit and natural juice and fresh veggies or cheese when wanting sweets/snacks. I have now lost about 5 lbs. and I just happened to realize this weekend a HUGE change for me.
I have not been experiencing Restless Leg (RLS) at all in the past few weeks!!!!!! NONE! I was taking OTC supplements every single night before, and sometimes that didn't help.
I am thrilled. This is truly the first time in decades I have not experienced RLS on a regular basis. A result I never anticipated at all!!!!!!!
THANK YOU FRANCES!
The above meme says a lot to me. I have recently decided I need to pray differently. There has been a lingering problem in the neighborhood, and I pray so hard about it. I then realized, maybe I need to do it differently. I have been saying "please stop...", "please end...", please help..." "why...".
My attitude is a big part of my problem. Sure, I don't like what has been happening and it saddens me.
But, I can't change anyone, except ME! I have to stop letting others steal my joy and happiness. I have to know and believe God is in control.
I have to stop doubting and have undying faith!!!!!!!
I will love this person as they are a child of God - I don't like what they do, but I will love them and pray for their soul.
I am taking back my joy and my peace. No one is going to be allowed to do this to me. I am in charge of me and my attitude. I give this problem to God, as I have had no success in changing this person - why would I think I could??? Only God can touch those in need of spiritual help in a way for change. I can pray, and I can say THANK YOU for every single little blessing I receive each and every day!!!
Take some time in each prayer to give thanks. We all love a grateful heart!
What is on your mind today?
I hope you each have a wonderfully blessed and peaceful day.
About praying: yes, I think gratitude is more helpful than anything else we can say to God.
ReplyDeletePray *for* a person, the country, the officials, whomever... for blessings and peace. My prayer book said "pray for them that despitefully use you" or some such words. I never could understand that as a young person. I think I'm beginning to understand it now as an old lady! :) When the Holy Spirit rests upon them, where will bad thoughts find room?
MaryB
Yes and I agree. I am beginning to understand more later in life as well. I can't imagine how miserable some people must be that they act so badly - it is so sad. May the Lord lay his healing hands upon their spirits and souls!
DeleteSylvia, I am sorry you can't always respond. Yes, prayer works - just not always as we thought it would.
DeleteI don't know about wise - just a lot of years of hurt, joy and pain and love.
It isn't only you that thinks that. It is lonely - it is quiet.
I leave on the TV on low to lull me to sleep - I generally turn it off somewhere around 2AM - when I get up to potty. I then get up really early. That is just me. I do need noise in the house at night.
Slowly the 'fear' of being alone isn't as bad - but it is still lonely. Maybe music or reading until you drift off.
It isn't easy.
I wish I could give you a better answer. HUGS! Take good care.
A sunny Tuesday morning here on the plains. It started this way yesterday, too. I closed the windows when I felt the hot air coming inside at about 1pm. It was 85°. Not even 30 minutes later, I heard this loud crack of thunder, a giant wind whooshed in, and 8t was suddenly raining and 78°. No complaints here. We need it! I hope today is a repeat.
ReplyDeleteThat is pretty odd about jury duty, Cheryl. I wonder what it was. I have no idea if I'd be selected or not. I've both worked in a law enforcement situation and also had relatives served time lol. The last time I got called was in a January some years ago. I don't drive at night and the clerk kindly shifted me to summer only status. I told her that otherwise, the judge would have to put me up lol.
That wS very nice of you to offer help to your neighbor. If you want, I think it might be good to share a casserole with him near the 20th or so. From family experience, that's about when things get tight before the next check, food stamps, etc. I used to send a food care package to my mom and brother at that time every month and they were so appreciative. I'm sending one out on the 17th, in fact. Many years ago, I worked with a woman whose husband got paid on the 1st and not enough. I made 2 pans of baked ziti on my day off and brought one to her at work. She didn't say a word, but just hugged me so tight. I included a bag with salad and 2 rolls of toilet paper and a box of Stayfree pads. Later, she told me that I must have had esp!
In my weekly reading,
On my nightstand - Nancy Drew in The Haunted Bridge.
In my craft room CD player - Jesse Stone in The Bitterest Pill.
With my Bible study - I'm hopping around a bit.
By my reading chair - Mitch Rapp in Separation of Power.
Debby, thank you so very much for sharing about the 20th of the month or so. That's good to know! I'll definitely keep that in mind from now on. Also, I'm so glad you got rain! I've been praying you would. My devotional study book this month is on The Sacred Heart, then I'll go back to the other two. I'm a Jesse Stone fan, too. :-)
Delete--Elise
YAY super happy you got rain!!!!! Hope you get more. It is just gorgeous here today in the 70's and breezy. I got pretty warm mowing - but that was OK.
DeleteThat is good to know about the 20th. I think he will be ok - he doesn't look to be starving (if you know what I mean). Maybe it has something to do with choices.
Nice of you to help her.
Wow this is a timely post. Just yesterday I was thinking back on my 20's thru 40's and how I never worried or stressed about anything. I really didn't and it isn't because I was naive, I just always trusted God and knew things would always work out. Somewhere over the last 10-15 years I've really started to worry and stress about everything and I don't understand why. So I've decided to really practice doing all I can and putting my worries in Gods hands. Seeing this post today, I think is not a coincidence. Have a great day Cheryl and thank you.
ReplyDelete@Lori You expressed my experience exactly! Yes, Cheryl, thank you for this timely post!
DeleteMarceline, it's nice to know I'm not alone in this.
DeleteI do believe that God leads me many times on my posts. I have a plan, and when I am done - it is not at all what I had planned. It has just been 'winged' - God leading me to share. I am glad it has helped others. It is hard work for me - but I just have to keep working at 'giving it to God' and go on and be as happy as I can.
DeleteBless you both!
I am glad you were able to get out of jury duty because the disturbing facts of the cases still haunt me from last time and it was about ten years ago. I do realize that somebody has to serve but they don't seat women in our age bracket anyway because they know we are tough cookies and they don't want that for their client.
ReplyDeleteThe thing about cutting back on sugar is that everything natural begins to taste so good and it is what the body asks for I did not miss the junk. I like the birthday party plan. He will be so blessed to know he is appreciated.
Yeah, you never know what they trial will be, and there is a lot of disturbing stuff that happens.
DeleteI love fruit and juice. I want it every day now!
I think he will be pleasantly surprised. In the past 2 or 3 years he lost his SIL (she lived in one of his houses) and his wife. They had no kids. So I think he will be surprised. Church and neighbors is his life now.
I've never had a jury summons, nor do I ever want one. I wouldn't want the responsibility.
ReplyDeleteLots going on here today. What's remains of the flooring is supposed to be going in (they've run out and have to order more), baseboards will be completed in a couple of rooms, and painting is started. I am hopeful they'll be done this week - the landscaper starts next week!
You're a very good neighbour, in many ways. Letting go of the issue with the one is a good idea. I heard a speaker once who mentioned that 10% of life is what happens to me, 90% is how I react to it.
Have a wonderful day!
Glen sat on a murder trial once - he said it was disturbing. I have been summoned 3 times, yet never had to serve.
DeleteYou sure have had a lot going on there. It will be so lovely when all finished.
I think that speaker was probably right. I just have to desperately try to ignore and move forward.
You have a good one too!
The church where we take the chickadees is having a food drive, so tomorrow we will take them to the store to fill a bag for those in need. We were told that our local food bank serves about 200 families a month. This summer, school buses are being used to deliver free lunches to the kids in need. Used to be they had to go to the school to receive a free lunch during summer break. I think America is an amazing place with so many resources. There IS much good to focus on and be grateful for. I join you in choosing gratitude!
ReplyDeleteEllie
Central. Az
How wonderful to help and what a sweet blessing to teach the young-ins such a lovely thing as giving. Nice that they deliver the lunches for school kids. We have several programs to feed the kids.
DeleteYes mam - much to be grateful for.
So love that churches still do food drives, Ellie, and you're right... there IS still much good to focus on and be grateful for.
Delete--Elise
@Lori. You expressed my experience exactly! Yes, Cheryl, thank you for this timely post!
ReplyDeleteThank you - God had a hand in it!
DeleteMaybe you didn't match up as a peer of the person on trial. You know, a jury of your peers.
ReplyDeleteThat is a thought. Never even entered my mind. Smart thinking!!!
DeleteThere is a food pantry in Wanamaker called God's Bounty that our church is involved in. If it wasn't mentioned to your neighbor, please do. My husband volunteers there each week while I make regular food donations.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I will tell him about it. I will look it up and see if I can find something online. Thank you again!!!!
DeleteBoy did you hit that nail on the head. 'Sociopath' is a word I have used, as is 'psychopath'. There are just evil people who are void of about anything. It is just so sad. Yep, I have decided to change the power I give. I will not allow the bitterness to seep into my world (that it sooooo hard).
ReplyDeleteI have to just realize it is what it is and hand it to God.
Yes we are so blessed in so many ways. Sounds like you have been having a ball with all the jelly and jam making. I am sure it tasty and savored! So lovely of you to share.
Yes, Cheryl, as mentioned, I've known a few... in my own family, as a matter of fact. And it IS sad. As for the jammin', there've been fantastic prices on fresh berries. Starting tomorrow, you can get (max of 2) 18 oz. pkgs. of fresh blueberries for $2.97 ea., then on Friday, 1 lb. pkgs. of fresh strawberries will be 2/$5 with no limit listed. Since I was planning on making blueberry jam tomorrow, I'll put it off a day so I can have four 18 oz. pkgs. to work with. Sweet! Literally and naturally. :-D
ReplyDeleteOops... that's at Safeway starting tomorrow. --Elise
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of an attitude of gratitude, and nobody scold me (pretty please), but I've been able to nab a few supplies to start making holiday gifts. I know, I know, it's only June. Then again, some of don't work all that quickly on projects, so it's best to start early. Especially when I could get four 14 in. diameter round acacia cutting boards (a hole drilled on top w/leather loop for hanging) for a total of $6.62. They can be painted or decorated to be holiday themed--or year round--wall accents. And some of the jam I'm making now can be tucked into gift baskets; I'll watch yard sales and thrift stores for inexpensive, pretty baskets. Hampers to those in the U.K. --Elise
ReplyDeleteYou made me smile, Elise. I've been working on Christmas gifts and creating pretty boxes and containers to hold them for quite a few months now. There's so much joy in creating beautiful things, isn't there. Cookie
DeleteCheryl, that's so heartening to read about the fantastic results that you're getting with diet change. "Let food by they medicine". Whenever I've been confronted with evil individuals my prayer is that God's will be done in their lives and then let it go. Someone once told me that letting another steal your joy was like paying interest on a loan that you never took out. Cookie
DeleteElise - You go girl!!!!!! No scolding here. I have things in my head - just haven't started yet!!!!
DeleteCOOKIE - It just dawned on me that the RLS had not happened in a while. Crazy huh. Like hurting and suddenly realizing you aren't! Celebration!
God has given us what we need on this earth for our health.
I have said that so many times. "Gods will be done". What a perfect analogy. I like that - and it sure makes a boatload of sense!
No scolding here either. I have a tendency to get stressed during the holidays so I shop or prepare ahead. I have a little reminder to myself to do something (even a small something) on the 25th of each month. Example: In January, I bought Christmas fabric on mark down and made some bags for presents. We don't use wrapping paper, just draw bag made with Christmas fabric.
DeleteEllie
Ellie that is a great idea!
DeleteThis is so true and we can only change ourselves. Now if I can find the strength.
ReplyDeleteYou have the strength hon - you just need to dig deep and pull it out. You family needs you.
Delete(Little Penpen) who is Frances and where is she posting about her diet? I have restless thighs so much these days!
ReplyDeleteShe is a commentor on here - Frances in the Trailer Park I believe is her sign in. She sometimes does anonymous and signs at the end. She has given up sugars and I think lots of carbs. Hopefully she will read this comment and join in letting you know exactly what she is doing!!!!
DeleteI just basically cut out sugar and sweets because I didn't need them, I wanted to lose a little and maybe feel better. I had no idea it would affect my RLS. Like I said I have been doing this about 6 weeks or more and just realized that I have had no RLS for a couple weeks! Amazing. That wasn't even on her list!!!!!
I was taking Restful Legs before bed until lately. It dissolves under the tongue. I get it at both Kroger and/or WM around $10 for 50.
Thank you ! (Pen)
DeleteCheryl, I’m please you found your way to let go of this guy and his nastiness and your legs are calmer. Even though Frances gave you the advice, you did the work to change your diet, so kudos to you. I’m fairly sure it isn’t something I could do easily. I love my sweet treats too much.
ReplyDeleteYour party sounds such a lovely and thoughtful gesture. I hope you have a lovely day weather wise for it, a party on a sunny day is so much nicer. Louise
I HAVE to let it go and I HAVE to forgive. For my own sanity!
DeleteYeah, but Frances sure did plant the seed! I truly love sweets, always have. Give me brownies or a cheesecake and I am in food heaven!!!! BUT, I shouldn't eat sugar, have always had low blood sugar and it affects me with headaches and blurry vision. Eating fruit has truly helped. I really have no cravings for sugar at all. It sure is amazing with the RLS! Never did I dream that would happen - I have been plagued by it my entire life!
well there is a garage where we plan to meet - so there is that! It will be just a short affair to say we care.
Wow! I've never heard of using the crock pot for making jam. May have to read up on that. Thanks for the idea!
ReplyDeleteCheryl, I'm so glad my testimony about my dietary changes led you to find relief. I didn't even know that sugar could cause restless leg syndrome. Husband has had leg muscle twitching off and on for years and takes Restful Legs PM every night. He has been having much less twitching lately, and we didn't even make the possible connection to the dietary changes.
ReplyDeleteOne caveat about cutting carbs. Do NOT cut too much. We did, and have lost too much weight. Doctor wants us to put a little back on. Weight loss was never my intention in the first place. I just wanted to have less joint and arthritis pain, and the diet has done that for me. I have added back healthy carbs (whole wheat tortillas, whole grain brown rice, etc.) and Husband eats a serving of sweet potatoes and whole grain toast every day. We have even added a little ice cream as a treat lately because it is sooooo good with our homegrown strawberries! Louise, when I think of the sweets I've given up, I think of the pain I was in and the sweets don't sound so good any more. Besides, fresh fruit is sweet enough since I'm no longer eating over-sweetened treats.
My anxiety reducing tactics got a real workout today. I took the car (2012 Honda CRV w/47,500 miles) in for her annual state inspection and, although she barely passed, she needs $2600 in work! Axle bearings (?), new CV boots, tie rod ends, and regular 45,000 mile maintenance among other things. I do trust this dealership, and she has been making some unusual noises the past few months, so I don't think they're putting one over on me. And we do have money to pay for it. This is the first major repairs she has needed. She goes in next Tuesday for an all-day job. I talked them into bringing me home and picking me up when she is done, since I have no one to stay with Husband.
Husband's blood pressure spiked over 180 today. He had been doing pretty well on the increased BP meds. I called the Dr., and she said spikes will happen and wants us to continue monitoring and to call back on Friday.
Amazingly, through all of this my anxiety did not get out of control. I cannot control what happens in my life, but I can control how I choose to react to it.
Cheryl, it's good you got out of jury duty. I got a pre-jury duty questionnaire about 30 years ago and responded that I was sole caretaker of a handicapped child, and they haven't contacted me since.
We have a youngish (40s?) woman a few doors down from me who has been pointedly talking trash about me to other neighbors while making sure that I know it (laughing, talking loudly, staring at me).when we're all outside. I've done nothing that I know of to attract her attention this way. I just figure she must be a very unhappy person, and I say a little prayer that God will heal her. I don't let her behavior get to me.
--Frances in the Trailer Park (where the Canadian wildfire smoke is heavy in the air down here n Pennsylvania)
Oh Frances I just really admire how you have made all these changes and have reaped the benefits. I am envious of your will power, I’d be the ultimate procrastinator and “start tomorrow “ or “ after I finish this cake”.
DeleteIt’s hard when people are nasty and mean for no apparent reason.
Some women are just born that way, in my experience. Louise
Frances you guys are doing so good. I had no idea sugar was related to RLS either - but it sure made a difference for me! Glad to hear your hubby is feeling it too.
DeleteI hope he doesn't get many of those spikes. But you are doing well keeping it calm.
Who knows why people have to be nasty and evil. I can't imagine being that miserable. I just wish peace would be the common thing and we all could get along.
We had some overcast weather today they said was from Canada as well. Amazing all this far away.
Stay well!!!
I too gave up sugary things after Frances' post. But I didn't notice any changes or lose weight. I figured it must be because I don't eat that much any more. So it wasn't enough to make a difference. Hahaha
ReplyDeleteI had a friend who was already slender cut out sugar in her coffee and lost 16 pounds!
I read the average person eats 120-150 pounds of sugar a year. I would imagine that a lot of that comes from junk food.
~margaret
I have only lost about 5 lbs. but that is great for me. It could be I am outside and get more exercise too - but I love the RLS benefit. Isn't it amazing how much sugar we eat? That is nuts.
DeleteI know there is sugar in everything - but I am just stopping the sweets!
Fabulous post today! Woohoo for "Doctor" Frances and her advice. Sugar can cause problems that's for sure. We don't use refined sugar and try to use honey sparingly.
ReplyDeleteThe Father will take care of the issue for you. It's hard for me to back off and let Him work.
Went to the eye doctor this morning and was pleased that my eyes are still in very good condition. With the Farmer's macular degeneration in both eyes, I need to be a help to him.
We got a bargain at Costco today. Had to return some light weight jeans that were too big for the Farmer and found that they had marked them down to clearance price. Got three pairs for what we originally paid for one. Regular jeans are just too hot for garden work and shorts are out of the question because of the mosquitoes which would eat him alive.
About time to give the boy dogs their evening medicine.
Our Father is awesome!
DeleteYAY on a good exam. That is fantastic.
What a deal! Good for you. Those will last a long while!
Pet them puppers for me!!!!
Since it cooks slow and long, it has a more intense color and taste, Lori. You don't add liquid. either, other than a couple of tablespoons of lemon juice to the fruit. Then I add sweetener, fold it in well, put the lid on the crock pot, set it to low and let it be for at least 6 hours. I remove a cup of the hot juice (from the fruit) and mix in 1 packet of low/no sugar pectin, whisking until smooth, then stir that back into the fruit. Cover and cook on low for another hour or two. Then I turn the crock pot off and spoon into sterile jars. It takes longer, but is much easier than stovetop jam or preserves (for me). And no boil over mess! --Elise
ReplyDeleteMy friend's mother attended jury trials for murder, getting up early and staying in town all day. I guess there were no soap operas or tV in the 30s and 40s,
ReplyDeleteLOL - oh my goodness. I guess people must have been starved for entertainment!
DeleteIt truly is hard to let go of worry or concern isn't it? I hear ya. We can sure turn things over to the Lord though, and try not to take it back as you are writing. I'm writing this as a world class worrier! lol At least on certain things I am...haha.
ReplyDeleteHow precious that you were able to help your neighbor...That is so wonderful and makes life, Life. That is truly living the Life. Yes indeedie. How sweet to give the elderly man who owns homes a party! That is so great and he sounds like he deserves it too! : )
Sugar. Very good knowledge there. I learned a while back around 20 years ago what sugar does to our homeostasis from Dr. Nancy Appleton when hearing her speak, over 3 grams of sugar can throw our bodies out of homeostasis, the ability to heal, and for me personally, I'm *extremely* sensitive to any sugar in any form. I use stevia and love it. : ) So happy your restless legs syndrome is better! Thank God and thank God for people like Francis who are willing to offer help. So great.
Oh on that jury thing, thank God. Our secondborn was on her way to becoming a court reporter before she married and once she was observing a murder trial with her mentor, my daughter had to carry the large weapon in a clear plastic bag around with her back and forth to the car etc. It's crazy. The young lady who was part of the horrible plot was sitting right in front of our daughter and would turn around and smile sweetly at my daughter. We have to wonder what in the world? Why and how did she get into such bad company with some really bad dude... I used to go into prisons with my husband for Bible studies and such and the men had such stories, foster homes etc. Most don't have dads in their lives. There really are some very, very sick things that go on. Glad you were relieved.
Have a blessed day, sweet Cheryl! Great entry!
It is hard t give things to God and then try to just walk away. There are certain things I worry about a lot as well. I know it does no good, as it really only hurts me - but life is hard. God has this - He is our constant and our love.
DeleteI use Stevia and honey. Have been using those for ages - but do love a sweet bite! Getting over that and thoroughly enjoying fruit.
It really is hard to understand what cause change and evil in people. We they once nice - then changed? Were they always evil - and covered it well? Who knows. I just know I don't want those people in my life.
There sure is some scary stuff out there.