on being critical

I got in a quick walk last night, but due to an oofy-stomach, didn't pursue it too far!

However, since eating hasn't been appealing, I've dropped weight, so I won't complain too strenuously.

I was reading in 1 Peter 1 this morning,

22 Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart,
23 for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.

We're to love one another with sincerity, fervency, and from a pure heart (as it says in the KJV).

It's a good reminder to me, as I see a tendency toward being critical ... and this is NOT the person I want to be! I may have said it here before, but I was struck by the idea (which I read somewhere ... can't remember where) that being critical is really slaping God's face. When I criticize another Christian, I'm saying that God hasn't worked in their life in the way I think best. That's a little silly, isn't it? Yet it's a perspective that's all-too-easy to fall into!

He's God. I'm not. Need to keep that in mind!

Going up north to pick up a friend Sunday. It's supposed to be a beautiful day for a drive, and I'm still in the honeymoon phase with that new car, so I'm looking forward to it!

Trinka
Trinka

back to work

Today is my first day back.

Statistics about my days off:

# of trips to the gym: 2
# of days without exercise: none!
# of things crossed off my "to-do list": none :( Not so thrilled about that last one!

However, quite a few unexpected things came up that required large chunks of time, and the days off allowed that, so it was a blessing.

I bought a new Saturn and sold my Cavalier ... which required considerable running here & there for several days. The price came through at less than he had quoted me, and I discovered that full coverage on this car is nearly the same price that PLPD was on the old one ... what a blessing! Hope to snap a picture of myself with the new car, and post it some time soon.

I had the pastor-candidate and his wife over for brunch, and that took a lot of time in the preparation stage. (I always choose to have people for brunch, under the assumption that I can't ruin it ... proved THAT one wrong!). :)

I was reading in Lev. 21, and thinking about the criteria for the high priest's wife.
10 ‘The priest who is the highest among his brothers, on whose head the anointing oil has been poured and who has been consecrated to wear the garments ...
13 ‘He shall take a wife in her virginity.
14 ‘A widow, or a divorced woman, or one who is profaned by harlotry, these he may not take; but rather he is to marry a virgin of his own people,
15 so that he will not profane his offspring among his people; for I am the LORD who sanctifies him.’"

The Lord Jesus is our "great high priest." And the church is considered His bride. Yet we constantly turn aside to other lovers, and were anything BUT virgins when He chose us.

Yet He creates that IN us, even though it's not there to begin with!

Trinka

well that's done

Ordered the car yesterday, and it may be here by this weekend. Yikes!

The p.m., pessimistic Trinka was in a bit of a flurry last night. But really ... so much of the p.m. Trinka's thinking is motivated by fear (as opposed to prudence). I told her she gets to clamp down as tight as she wants on the budget for the next few years, and she felt LOTS better. :)

Got to the gym last night, and (though I'm hesitant to say it too loudly) it appears that I've reversed the gaining-weight trend. The last 3 days or so, the numbers have turned the other direction. Whew! I was starting to get concerned. Just gotta keep a closer watch on those calories.

My siser-in-law has been running - I'm so proud of her! I've done little bits here & there to give some variety to my walks, but I think she's inspiring me (especially now that the weather's turning cooler). They're taking my little niece also, and at 2, she's learning to love exercise. What a wonderful way to start out in life. I devloped an early passion for books that I wouldn't trade for anything ... but I do wish it was matched by a passion for physical activity.

I've been reading in 1 Peter as I prepare for the ladies' Bible study, and 1:13 has been on my mind. It talks about girding your mind ... grabbing hold of your thoughts, and putting them where they ought to be. It's such a good reminder. When we control our thinking, our actions, feelings, attitudes and reactions all follow along behind.

Along the same idea, 2 Corinthians 10:5:
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Read this today (my apologies for the weird line breaks ... don't know how to fix it!) :

You've got to admit, some of our hearts are trashed out. Let any riffraff
knock on the door, and we throw it open. Anger shows up, and we let him in.
Revenge needs a place to stay, so we have him pull up a chair. Pity wants to
have a party, so we show him the kitchen. Lust rings the bell, and we change
the sheets on the bed. Don't we know how to say no?

Many don't. For most of us, thought management is, well, unthought of.
We think much about time management, weight management, personnnel management, even scalp management. But what about thougth maangement? Shouldn't we be as concerned about managing our thoughts as we are managing anything else?

Jesus was. Like a trained soldier at the gate of a city, he stood watch over his mind. He stubbornly guarded the gateway of his heart ...

If He did, shouldn't we ...?

Grace for the Moment, pg. 290, Max Lucado

Well, vacation starts tomorrow. I may still post occasionally - McDonalds, across the street from my place, has wireless now. :)

Trinka

the vacation cometh

Looking forward to a few days off over this weekend - I'm taking off Thursday - Tuesday. Planning on some home-improvement projects, and having a few people over for brunch one day.

Saturday our local roller rink had free skating in the afternoon. I went with a family from church, and had a ball! It's the kind of thing I don't think to do on my own, but really enjoyed it. Though I do wish people would get the idea of the "new skaters on the outside" thing. It seems like I was always fighting to avoid squishing some poor little one who'd fallen in front of me!

Also got in a walk Saturday, and another Sunday. And moved furniture on top of that. I tried switching where my dining room and office were - I kinda like it because now I can look out the slider from my desk. When the days start to get shorter, I want to capture as much light as I can.

I've been reading in 1 Peter, preparing for tonight's ladies' Bible study.

One of the fellows I read had some great thoughts on the idea of election/free will - very balanced, which I like!

Haven't heard back from the Saturn salesman. I'm thinking that most salespeople prefer phone or face to face. I, on the other hand, am VERY fond of e-mail. :) That's OK ... it gives me more time to think.

This car issue definately proves to me that I have two distinct personalities - one a.m. and one p.m.

In the morning, I'm optimistic and liberal - "sure I want to buy that car. The money will work out. It will be great!"

At night, I'm pessimistic and conservative - "nope ... too much money ... make do with what you've got. don't risk it!"

Now, if I can just decide which time of day to MAKE the decision, I'll do well!

Trinka

no reading ... no exercise .... but Thai food was great

Well, I did get to the gym Thursday, but yesterday? Not so much. :) After work I went with T. to run errands, test drive an Ion, and then out for Thai food. (If I was ever to actually pursue cooking with any dilligence, I'd love to learn to make Thai food.)

I loved the car. A fellow from church had brought out an Aveo for me to try yesterday morning. And I liked it. But the Ion? Definately loved it. :) However, the price was a bit steeper than I'd been led to believe (the .9% financing wasn't available on 2006 models, and the 2005s were gone.)

So, the car purchase is likely postponed for a while, unless the salesman's able to combine some discounts for me. (I'm eligible for more than one, and I doubt they can be used together ... but you never know!) I sent him an e-mail this morning asking about it, so we'll see. (the dragonfly green color I loved so much on the 2005s has transitioned to a cypress green that I like even better. I do love it when I can get a car in a non-flashy color other than white, black or grey).

As far as reading, ok ... "none" is a bit extreme. But not much. I was looking at 1 Peter, and thinking about the idea of "resting our hope fully on grace."

There are so many other things on which I'm tempted to rest my hope. But all those things are eventually going to fail me. But God's grace is secure, and I can trust it forever.

Trinka

leprousy

Lately, I've been reading in the sections of the Old Testament where it dealt with all the rules and restrictinos that they had to impose on people with leaprosy.

From a practical, protect-everyone-from-germs standpoint, I know these rules had a purpose. But it's also a picture of sin ... and the grievous implications of even a small transgression! Even the tiniest spot of leaprosy required drastic action. Yet, when it completely covered the person's body, they could be considered clean! Sin is such a serious business that even a tiny bit condemns us ... yet it's when we realize that we're altogether sinful that we find hope for healing ... by trusting in Christ's deliverance instead of our own.

From John Newton's Olney Hymnal:


Oft as the leper's case I read,
My own described I feel;
Sin is a leprosy indeed,
Which none but Christ can heal.

2. Awhile I would have passed for well,
And strove my spots to hide;
Till it broke out incurable,
Too plain to be denied.

3. Then from the saints I sought to flee,
And dreaded to be seen;
I thought they all would point at me,
And cry, Unclean, unclean!

4. What anguish did my soul endure,
Till hope and patience ceased?
The more I strove myself to cure,
The more the plague increased.

5. While thus I lay distressed, I saw
The Savior passing by;
To him, though filled with shame and awe,
I raised my mournful cry.

6. Lord, thou canst heal me if thou wilt,
For thou canst all things do;
O cleanse my leprous soul from guilt,
My filthy heart renew!

7. He heard, and with a gracious look,
Pronounced the healing word;
I will, be clean - and while he spoke
I felt my health restored.

8. Come lepers, seize the present hour,
The Saviour's grace to prove;
He can relieve, for he is pow'r,
He will, for he is love.

Exercise-wise ... I got to the gym last night and lifted weights, and am REALLY feeling the results today. I'm feeling a bit let down at how much work I'm putting into this whole enterprise, and how little results I'm seeing.

However, I did notice last night that the pretty, skinny girls are almost universally lifting 2 to 3x LESS weight than I am.

Wow.

I'm quite shocked, actually.

I might never be tiny ... but at least I'll be able to open my own peanut-butter jars. :)

Trinka

some new pavement to ride on

Just noticed that they're putting in a sidewalk along the busy road I use to get to work. Methinks my bike tires will zip along nicely there!

Yes ... I know ... "bicycles should ride on the road."

So ... from henceforth, sidewalks along busy roads will be known as "bike paths."

There. Doesn't that feel better? :)

I know I'LL feel LOTS better when the cement is dry, and I can use it!

Got in a nice walk and a swim last night. The pool is closing for winter today, so it was a treat to have a warm night, with a beautiful half-moon to swim in yesterday. The boisterous types didn't leave the pool until 8:30, but once they did, it was lovely!

I'm working on the 1 Peter study for tonight. The ladies haven't gotten their books yet, so they aren't ready to look at the first chapter, so I think I'll do a short devotional on Peter. I've been thinking about his influence on Mark's life ... how one who knows failure up close & personal can be an encouragement to another who's experiencing it!

Here's a poem from the Olney Hymnal, written by John Newton (the man who wrote Amazing Grace)

When Peter boasted, soon he fell,
Yet was by grace restored;
His case should be regarded well
By all who fear the Lord.

A voice it has, and helping hand,
Backsliders to recall;
And cautions those who think they stand,
Lest suddenly they fall.

He said, “Whatever others do,
With Jesus I’ll abide;”
Yet soon amidst a murd’rous crew
His suff’ring Lord denied.

He who had been so bold before,
Now trembled like a leaf;
Not only lied, but cursed and swore,
To gain the more belief.

While he blasphemed he heard the cock,
And Jesus looked in love;
At once, as if by lightning struck,
His tongue forbore to move.

Delivered thus from Satan’s snare
He starts, as from a sleep;
His Savior’s look he could not bear,
But hasted forth to weep.

But sure the faithful cock had crowed
A hundred times in vain;
Had not the Lord that look bestowed,
The meaning to explain.

As I, like Peter, vows have made,
Yet acted Peter’s part;
So conscience, like the cock, upbraids
My base, ungrateful heart.

Lord Jesus, hear a sinner’s cry,
My broken peace renew;
And grant one pitying look, that I
May weep with Peter too.

Labor Day weekend

Well ... I'm home and have my desk cleared off to the point where I can make a quick post!

I spent the long weekend in eastern Pennsylvania at my dad & step-mom's house with my brother, sister-in-law, and two sweet nieces.

I would post pictures of them (I did come home with 288 ... almost qualifying myself for honorary grandparent status). :) But, since creepy stuff still happens online, posting pictures of cute children feels not-so-good ... so instead I'll put one up of the lovely view off the deck. Coming from Michigan, being able to see hills is a constant wonder to me. :)

As is typical of vacations, I ate more than I should, and exercised less than I should. But I'm back on the bandwagon yesterday and today.

I've been reading in 1 Peter, in preparation for the study that begins Monday. I was talking with a friend last night, and enjoying thinking about the author of the book. The last thing the Lord said to Peter before the cross was "put down your sword." And His last words to him after the cross were, "feed my sheep."

We sure see that in this book! Peter writes from the perspective of humility and gentleness, seeking to shepherd the sheep God had given him. It's so easy for me to pick up the sword, instead of feeding sheep! I apprecited, too, the exhortations in the book to hospitality and loving the brethren ... much more conducive to sheep-feeding than sword-wielding!

Sat next to a lady from P.E.T.A. at the Philadelphia airport. Fascinating, really, to talk to someone from the extreme opposite political position!

Thankful I wasn't wearing a leather coat ...
Trinka

better day ...

Had a good, long walk yesterday (with gas at $3.39, I chose not to drive the 15 miles to the gym!).

Then had a great visit with T., whose job involves managing actual people (I just have to get all the "stuff" where it needs to be, and when). She's a help to me with dealing with difficult folks!

This morning, got to give a reference for a friend for a job she's applied for. I just LOVE giving references. :)

OK - off to find a long weekend. See you next week!

Trinka

terrible, awful, really-bad day

one of those days that you just want to unplug the phone and go hide in a closet with a bag of chocolate, and sneak out only when promised a long neck massage.

However, neither chocolates nor the neck massage is going to happen, so I'd better pull myself together.

We had a tragic accident happen last Tuesday involving one of our families. Some are hospitalized, and one is with the Lord, and the funeral will be next Tuesday.

Which, coincidentally, is the last day of the long weekend when I've planned to be away at my dad's.

I have a substitute working for me that day.

But she doesn't want to miss the funeral.

My job is being a support person, filling in the gaps behind the scenes during things like funerals.

Feeling so frustrated, and irritated, and just wanting to bag it, and stay here so things are done right, but at the same time, there are those already-paid-for plane tickets.

tired, tired, tired!!!!

no exercise yesterday ... crises-related phone calls all day, afternoon & evening, then prayer meeting. Maybe no exercise today, if I can talk T. into a Taco Bell and a nice long visit. She's practical, used to dealing with difficult people, and will help me get my attitude back into a more spiritual condition.

me

who me?

It looks as if I'll be leading the Monday night Bible study on 1 Peter. Don't feel overly confident. I love to study, but I like someone ELSE to keep the conversation moving!

Thinking more and more seriously about the Saturn Ions. The "no rust" feature is so appealing here in Michigan. My poor little Cavalier started to rust almost before I got the first frost scraped off the windshield! :)

Got to the gym last night. The students are back, and it is a BUSY place. :)

C. sent me an IM from a hotel in Toronto where she's waiting for her plane to Cyprus. She's taken a teaching job there. Poor dear. I might have to go visit her when the snow is deep this winter. :)

Trinka

I believe, help my unbelief

Was talking about this passage with a friend, and it's been on my mind since then.

There are some people in the Bible who made ringing declarations of faith ...
Joshua "choose you this day whom you will serve. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." / Elijah with the prophets of Baal ... "if Baal be god, then serve him; if God be God, then serve Him."

But there were also a lot of folks whose faith was shaky. They would have bursts of trust, followed by seasons of doubt. Even when the Lord comments on their doubts, it’s with such gentleness, and seems to go hand-in-hand with reaching out to help them.

Mary & Martha –
“Lord if you had been here, my brother would not have died. (John 11:12 & 21)

How did the Lord respond?

Harshly … right? “Why don’t you just decide to trust me, and carry on?”

No – “He was deeply moved in spirit and was troubled, and said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to Him, "Lord, come and see." Jesus wept. (John 11:33-35)

He didn’t chastise them for that “if” … He felt with them, and led them to the place where they’d see Him work. He’ll lead US to that place too, if we bring our “ifs” to Him.

The disciples, as a group --
Luke 8:22-25, they were in the storm on the Sea of Galilee, and fear overwhelmed them. He said, “where is your faith?” but didn’t chastise … in fact, he didn’t even say it until AFTER He had dealt with the situation. At the cross, they all “forsook Him and fled”. Mark 14:50

Mary, at the tomb –
She assumed that the only possible reason He could be gone was that someone had taken the body. He had said several times publicly that He’d rise again. But her faith just wasn’t there. How did He deal with her? John 20:15, “Woman, why are you weeping” … then He said her name with such tenderness, that it could only be Him, and she knew. No chastisement here either. Just gentleness.

Peter, on several occasions!
When he sank beneath the waves … his faith faltered, he took his eyes off the Lord. But for goodness sake, look where he was! He was stronger in faith than any of the others there! And again, the Lord was gentle, “you of little faith, why did you doubt?” … He reached out and gathered him up.

Again when he cut off the man’s ear … the Lord had been pretty explicit in telling them what was going to happen … yet Peter didn’t trust Him … he tried to fix it himself.

Again when he denied … the events of that night, and the upcoming cross, stripped all his confidence away, and left him terrified and desolate.

Three very public failures … a minimal education, no reputation to speak of … and God turned him around, and sent him to reach out to the Jews. And he didn’t back down again!

God is not only the author of our faith, but also the perfector of it … (Heb. 12:2) One of the things Paul is thankful for about the Thessalonian Christians is that their faith is “greatly enlarged” … (2 Thess. 1:3) … it’s something for which we can be grateful in one another … we can long for each other that our faith would grow. We can pray that God would “fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power. (2 Thess. 1:11)

**********

Not too much exercise happened this weekend ... there were lots of things going on, and I just didn't make it out. I did have a lovely time at the demolition derby, and also went out to do some more car shopping.

I drove a little used VW Jetta that was just adorable. But I've also discovered that a brand-new Saturn Ion can be had for about $12,000 with the employee discount I get through my step-father.

So ... still pondering the matter. By the time I finally make up my mind, maybe I'll have saved enough to pay for the silly thing. :)

Trinka

God spoils me ...

I was given all the strawberries and blueberries I could possibly eat. Spoiled rotten, this girl is!

So spoiled, as a matter of fact, that this past week, at a garage sale, I saw some beautiful hand-painted shower curtain hooks that matched my embroirdered shower curtain. How cool is that? Paid $1 for a package originally marked $8. Very fun! :)

Got to the gym last night, and rode my bike Wednesday. Made it all the way to the top of the hill without getting off & walking. Yippeee! I do like seeing things like that happen.

This weekend is the demo. derby with T. We've been going for years now, and it's such a nice chance to visit and catch up, while watching some cathartic car-crashing.

Have a great weekend all!

Trinka (off to visit a used car dealer or two)

car shopping ...

I've been doing a lot of it.

It's amazing how easily your "this is what I want to spend" amount creeps up!

They're sneaky, these car folks! :)

Then there are the web sites where you can pick your color, and it shows you the picture that changes as you do ... they're sly ones. "OK ... now show me the aqua one with the tan interior ... now the gold one ... OK, with the black interior ..." Grrrrrr!

The lure of 60 mpg makes the hybrids look SOOOOOO nice. But ... really ... I'd have to save a LOT of gas to make it worth spending double my budget.

Gotta get that thar perspective in line!

And it's important to remember that God has kept my car running (contrary to all reason, considering the mileage) quite well so far!

Those little Ions are cute ... too.

NO. GIRL.

GET BACK TO WORK!

SHUT THE WEB SITE DOWN AND BACK AWAY FROM THE KEYBOARD.

bird-filled weekend

OK ... first-off, the accountability part ... no exercise happened this weekend, and WAY too much chocolate was ingested. I barely opened my Bible. Yep. No successes in any area to report.

I love birds. And this weekend I went to my mom & step-dad's over night Saturday. They live in the country and feed birds, including hummingbirds, and there were so many beautiful ones to watch. One of the hummers flew into a window, and died. And while it was sad to see it dead, it was also fascinating to look at it up close ... the pattern on the feathers, and how light it was. It's amazing how God can pack such intricate design into a tiny little creature. Above is a picture.

They had an unusual bird come around - a yellow-billed cuckoo ... I'd never seen one of them before. Also while I was there a flock of 6 sandhill cranes flew over.

We went to see March of the Penguins (more birds!). It was a terrific movie -- totally clean, and fascinating for any age. I'd recommend it.

A couple more pleasant, nature-type things over the weekend ... on our way back to their cabin in the woods, a squirrel raced us all the way down the lane. And when she opened her patio umbrella, there was a little frog perched inside. It apparently spends the nights there, and goes off during the day to do whatever frogs do. Above is a picture of that little guy.

That's all for me this fine day. Off to the gym tonight, and back on the diet bandwagon. :)

Trinka

methinks some psychology is at work here

and NOT in my favor.

Last Friday, gas was $2.67. I said, "you've got to be kidding me. I ain't payin' that. I'll wait until the weekend is over, and it will be cheaper. I'll show THEM.

This week, Wednesday, I finally gave up and paid $2.79.

Today, Friday again, I saw gas for $2.69, and though. Wow! That's cheap! I gotta fill up before the weekend!

Sick. It's just sick! Looked at a used Honda Insight online this week, and thought, "hmmmmm ... that's an idea...." :)

(wanna know something funny? I had to come back and edit this because I'd typed those gas prices initially as 1.67/1.79/1.69 ... living in a dream world, this girl is)

I was reading in Numbers again this morning, and noticed a long passage about the Kohathites, and what they could and couldn't do with the Levites in the tabernacle. It seems like there's some history there that I'm not catching. Hoping to look into it & figure it out. I'm wondering if it's related to Korah & his rebellion... but the names aren't quite close enough to make me sure of it. My puzzle for the weekend ... :)

Got to the gym last night. And this morning, when I did that squinty-eyed, wake-up stretch, noticed that there's some serious muscle appearing in my arms. Cool! I'm not interested in becoming Miss Muscle-woman ... but I do know that with muscle comes metabolism. Plus it's kinda nice to be able to shove my own furniture where it needs to go. :)


I'm so far behind at work here that it's not even funny. Yesterday at 4:50, I was doing stuff I usually have finished by 3:00. And now I've just arrived to piles of stuff that won't ever get done today. And I told the youth pastor I'd run to Meijers and pick up pop for an activity tonight.

Grrrrr ... hence the reason I'm not posting anything more than this today! :)

Trinka

firstborn that aren't born first

After yesterday's whining, I actually missed prayer meeting last night.

A friend was going to fix the brakes on my bike before prayer meeting (thanks D.A.!), but we ran late, and I didn't get there. So a TON of exercise found its way into my evening - rode my bike all over, and paddled around the pool for a while.

I was SO far behind all day today ... now at 10 minutes to 5:00, I'm where I'm usually at around 3:00 on Thursdays. Will be glad to leave the building today!

And I only made it THIS far because I happened to have a spare folding machine sitting here, and I was able to fold twice as fast. Thankful for that timing!

I was reading last night in Numbers 3:

12 "Now, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the sons of Israel instead of every firstborn, the first issue of the womb among the sons of Israel. So the Levites shall be Mine.

13 "For all the firstborn are Mine; on the day that I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I sanctified to Myself all the firstborn in Israel, from man to beast. They shall be Mine; I am the LORD."

In the Old Testament, the firstborn had all kinds of extra privileges and responsibilities.

Yet again and again, God plucks up someone from further down the birth order and plops him/her into the firstborn's place.

Isaac came after Ishmael
Jacob came after Esau
Joseph was down the line (his two sons were elevated to the same level
David wasn't the firstborn, or even the most impressive

Yet here in Numbers God made a substitution for ALL the firstborn ... He took one tribe, and set them apart for Himself as priests in lieu of all Israel's firstborn sons.

And now ... the church is called the church of the firstborn:

Heb 12:23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,

and a kingdom of prists

Re 1:6 and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Re 5:10 "You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth."

Blessed to be put in the firstborn's place!
Trinka

this exercise thing ...

the scheduling of it is wearisome. I went to a surprise birthday party yesterday (happy Birthday Donna!) ... but it started at 6:30 ... didn't exercise before, too late to exercise after, so I go to sleep feeling like a lump.

Now today, it's fight to squeeze it in before prayer meeting or it's too late again afterwards.

I sometimes feel like the only way to do it "right" is to give up everything else.

I always hear heavy people say, "I just don't have time to exercise." Well ... somehow, we've gotta FIND time. But the day-to-day finding can be a real frustration!

So ... what about the two Bible studies this coming fall ... give them up to keep my little program going? Don't really like THAT idea either. But I've already got prayer meeting Wednesdays ... if I commit to Monday and Thursday nights too, that pretty much shoots the week.

Skinny folks make it look so easy!

Trinka, with the confused schedule

why didn't I do this two years ago?

In talking with some of the elderly ladies at my condo over the weekend, I happened to mention that I don't cook. It's not that I can't cook; it's just that there's no time, and very little inclination.

Well, if I didn't come home yesterday after work to some hot zucchini cassarole and warm muffins sitting outside my door.

I'm thinking maybe I should mention that I don't have time to clean either. :)

Thanks Jo! It was delicious!!

On my way home from the gym, I noticed that my favorite peach stand was up and running, so I bought a big basket, and shared some with the ladies. I DO love the produce this time of year, peaches, blueberries, tomatoes and sweet corn ... it's the perfect diet. :)

Was reading in Exodus, where the tabernacle was being assembled, and noticed that the credit for the artisans' skill was given to God. It's important to remember - the things I do well (art and music NOT being on the list) are gifts from Him. I'm thankful.

Trinka

life still offers a test every now and then

There was a contest in the newspaper for the tackiest room. Immediately our church's downstairs ladies' room came to mind. What do you think? You just don't SEE robin's egg blue and lime green wallboard anymore these days. :)

Went out for dinner last night with one of the elders & his wife, and another single lady, to discuss starting some kind of singles' program at church.

It was a lovely visit ... I really enjoyed it.

I went in, knowing I had only 500 calories left for the day, and determined to stay within that number. (I love eating out, and tend to always want to try new, fattening things at restaraunts.)

I worked hard to pick out a hawaiian chicken salad thing ... all fruit & vegetables, and grilled chicken.

It was an effort, but I avoided all the cheese/butter/chocolate options!

Then, the man who was treating said, "no, you should get a dinner instead."

Eeek! back to square one!

I know he was saying that, out of consideration that I not choose a cheap entree for his sake.

But now ... a whole new menu page to evaluate!

But what a blessing ... I found a broiled fish thing, that was still reasonable calorie-wise (though not price-wise ... sorry Mr. A) ...

My natural inclination would be to say, "oh well ... can't have my healthy thing ... gotta choose something deep-fried NOW).

Gotta keep working those "make the right choice in this situation" muscles. :)