Doctor Visits and Workouts

Judy has had two doctor visits in the last two days. In both cases the results were god and both doctors don't want to see her back for six months unless there is a problem. Doctor visits are getting fewer and fewer. YEA!

I upped my total weight lifted yesterday to 40,760. I also tried to do something yesterday that I haven't done for many years: run, or at least trot. I have a new app on my cell phone called C25K, which is supposed to get you from being a couch potato to running a 5K in about 8 months. Not sure if I will ever get to that point but at least I am staying active.

Daniel's Visit

It was a nice day with Teri and Daniel coming here for a visit. Daniel is getting quite proficient in dribbling the basket ball. If he keeps growing the way he has he will be able to compete in football, basket ball, and base ball when he gets older. In addition to dribbling he can throw a small football straight as an arrow. In addition to his athletic abilities he is also quite good with music. An all around good boy.

We got up early to go to a yard sale that Judy said yesterday she wanted to go to. When I got her up this morning she said that maybe she would just stay in bed and I gave her the evil eye. She said that it was the best that I have ever done. I wasn't going to let her out of it since I gave up going to the YMCA so she could go to the sale.

Mid-Week or Hump Day

When one is retired hump day really doesn't have the same meaning as when one is working. Same thing with holidays, Fridays, and Mondays.

Took Judy for her Heart Failure Clinic checkup this afternoon and she got a good report. Instead of weekly visits they moved her out to a bi-weekly visit. Tomorrow she goes to a neurologist to see if there is anything in her head that we should be concerned about. I keep telling her that she has nothing to worry about as there isn't much up there :-)

Go Nowhere Tuesday

Today was a free day. No workout and no doctor visits. Both are on the schedule for tomorrow though.

We went outside this afternoon and pulled some weeds from the flower garden and I picked up all the larger branches from the front and side yards. It is supposed to rain tomorrow so hopefully on Thursday I will be able to get out and mow it all.

Watched a little TV this evening and now it is time to get ready for bed and do some reading before I shut the lights off.

Good Doctor's Report

Judy got a good report from one of her doctors this afternoon. All the blood tests were good and she doesn't have to go back to him for 4 months.

To celebrate we went to Logan's Road House for dinner and we both brought about half of it home to have sometime tomorrow.

I guess I will have to break down and pick up all the stray branches and twigs in my yard tomorrow so I can mow it without going over them. We have had a lot of wind damage on the pine trees this winter and spring. After picking up the branches and stuff I will hook my lawn vacuum up to my tractor and mow and vacuum the front yard. Maybe I can burn the stuff if it isn't too windy.

Sunday

This was a good day. Started with Sunday School and then church service. Today was Disaster Relief Day in Alabama Southern Baptist Convention churches and we took up a special offering to help pay for the expenses that are incurred during call outs.

Judy and I had a quiet afternoon and evening, reading and watching our favorite programs. 

The Grass Was Calling

I put it off as long as I could. Yes, the dreaded lawn mowing. Although I only did the fenced in area, it means that from now until late October I will have to mow the yard at least every two weeks.

It was a very lazy day otherwise. Watched some TV and read some in my book on my Kindle Fire. I have so many books on it that I think if I never order another book I can be reading for five years or more. Most of the books that I have have been free so I wont mind it too much if I don't get them all read.

Finally Back to Blogging

I received a call this afternoon asking if something was wrong because I had not blogged for several weeks. I have to admit that I just was being lazy as well as not knowing if anyone was really reading these ramblings. But here I am again.

We have been doing pretty good health wise except for Judy's bout with Bell's Palsy and having to get tubes in her ears. She had to have an MRI just to make sure that she didn't have a stroke or anything related to her heart and determined that she had some fluid in her ears, therefore the tubes. It has been a week since she got them and today the doctor said she was doing good. I still have to put drops in both ears for a few days longer, at least until the drops are all used up. Thankfully we don;t have to buy more as they are very expensive: $72 copay for each little bottle.

The Disaster Relief training i went to several weeks ago was very informative. I am not trained on how to set up and operate the shower and clothes washing trailer/ Just another area where I can be used in the event of a disaster.

This Sunday is Disaster Relief Sunday for the Alabama Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) churches. We are asking each member church to give one dollar for each member of the church to go towards funding the many areas of disaster relief.

Strawberry Shortcake

I went to an AMBUCS meeting the first thing this morning and then came home and did the wash. Not too much of anything interesting was done except for getting the rest of Judy's medicine for her Bell's Palsy and an eye patch for her. I told her that she looks like a pirate with it on and she said "Har! Har! me Matey!" Always a card even when she isn't feeling well.

I made strawberry shortcake for dessert this evening. Yum yum! Enough left for Judy to have while I am gone tomorrow and Saturday for some more disaster relief (DR) training. Getting cross trained with the shower unit. Main area of volunteering is as a DR Chaplain with cross training in feeding unit, communications, and now the shower unit. All ready to serve where ever I am needed.

Keep on Training

I hit a total of over 4 million pounds lifted at the YMCA this morning since I first started several years ago. Next goal is 5 million and I will get a T-shirt for that. 

Bell's Palsy

On Saturday Judy started having some drooping of the right side of her face. Being the "medical student" she is she diagnosed herself as having Bells' Palsy. We called our family doctor yesterday and made and appointment for to day to go to him and see if that was it actually was. And lo and behold she had self-diagnosed herself correctly. To make sure that it doesn't have anything to do with a stroke she will be scheduled to have an MRI and also see a neurologist. 

For those not aware of what Bell's palsy actually is, it is  a paralysis or weakness of the muscles on one side of your face. Damage to the facial nerve that controls muscles on one side of the face causes that side of your face to droop. The nerve damage may also affect your sense of taste and how you make tears and saliva. This condition comes on suddenly, often overnight, and usually gets better on its own within a few weeks.

Only my dear wife can come up with all kinds of weird things!

April Fools Day

I didn't play any April Fools Day jokes on anyone today and I didn't get any played on me. I must be getting soft in my old age.

I got up early and went to the YMCA for my workout. Did a little over 3 miles on the exercise bike, all my machines, walked for 1.5 miles, and swam for 1500 meters. I thought I did pretty good. I will try to do the same routine on Wednesday and Friday. Closing in on passing the 4 million pound mark in total pounds lifted since I began. 

Judy and I watched the 2nd installment of "The Bible" this evening since all our regular shows were having reruns. I am really enjoying the series. It is interesting to see some other persons take on what the different biblical people looked like. For instance, I was surprised to see Samson and a large black man but after thinking about it it made sense. Just like seeing some of our favorite radio show stars for the first time on TV. They didn't look anything like what we had imagined them to look like in our minds.

Below is the thought for the day in various languages.

Jesus is alive!
यीशु जीवित है!
Si Jesus ay buhay!
Jesus está vivo!
Иисус жив!
Jesús está vivo!
Jésus est vivant!

AMEN and AMEN!

Easter Sunday

I got up early this morning to attend our Easter Sunrise Service at 6:30. The sun didn't come out but at least it wasn't raining at that time. We had somewhere between 25 and 30 in attendance. Afterwards we had Jack's biscuits and coffee/orange juice/milk.

I went home to find Judy already up and having breakfast. The biscuits I brought home for her are still in the refrigerator. We went to the regular morning service where we had a good song service as a good Easter message. After that we went to Ruby Tuesday for dinner and we both brought about half our our meals home to have later.

"On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord." John 20:19-20

New Cell Phone

I got a new cell phone today. It is a Samsung Galaxy Note II and just a little bit larger than the Motorola Droid X2 that I have been using. I spent part of the afternoon and all evening uploading applications and other information from one phone to the other. The only thing I haven't figure out how to do yet is get my MSU ring tone without having to pay for it again.

This was a very quiet day otherwise. Getting ready for Easter Sunrise service at 6:30 in the morning and then our normal service at 10:15. Judy won't make it to the first one but will to the second. We plan on going to Ruby Tuesday for our Easter dinner as I have a discount email for 25% off our entire purchase. Then home for a nap, at least for Judy. It seems that she is tired more often these days. Not sure if is an indication of anything more serious or not. Will have to check with our family doctor the next time she sees him.

Good Friday

"And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. 
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. 
And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. 
And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, 
And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. 
And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 
And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 
But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 
And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 
And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. 
And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 
And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. 
And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. 
Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man." Luke 23:33-47 (KJV)

But all is not lost! Just wait for Sunday!

Maundy Thursday

Sorry for missing an entry yesterday but I went to bed early and forgot to do it. I think this in only the second time that I have missed.


This is Maundy Thursday, the day that Jesus' twelve disciples had the last supper with Him.

"Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed. 
And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat. 
And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare? 
And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in. 
And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? 
And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready. 
And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover. 
And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. 
And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: 
For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. 
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: 
For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. 
And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me." Luke 22:7-19 KJV

This is also the day that Judas betrayed our Lord and Savior. We all bear the guilt of that crime but thanks be to God that those of us who have asked Him into our hearts have been forgiven, not only of that sin but all of our sins, past, present, and future.

Glory to God on high!

New Windows

The window installers came today and installed our new windows across the front of the house. It was interesting to see how they took out the old ones and put in the new. With the trim they put on I will not have to paint any window trim any more. They will also help keep the house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Too bad I don't have the money to get all the windows in the house done but I will do it in stages. Five today, five next year around this time and the rest the following year.

Other than the windows it was a quiet day around here. I finished the wash, did the dishes, and cooked dinner. I really have become a good house-husband.

Light Snow and Cold

It snowed this evening, leaving our deck with a slight covering of the white stuff. It is supposed to be spring but apparently Mother Nature hasn't heard the news. It could be worse here though. Just look at what is happening weather wise in the mid-west.

Went to the YMCA this morning and hit a new high for the amount of weight lifter: 36,410 pounds.

The installers are supposed to be coming tomorrow afternoon to start with the new windows on the front of the house. I am interested in seeing just how it is done. We had to take all the breakables off of the china cabinets just in case there was too much vibration from them working on getting the old ones out and the new ones in.

Palm Sunday

On this day almost 2000 years ago our savior and Lord, Jesus, entered the city of Jerusalem riding on the back of a donkey. He was being hailed as the King of the world. Just a few days later those same people would be crying "Crucify Him". What changed their minds? And what keeps those of us who do not know Him as our Lord and Savior from accepting Him as such? One day they will stand before Him and He will say "Depart from me! I never knew you." Will you be one of those who He says that to or will be one He welcomes into His home? 

The following short video is of our grandson Daniel at church this morning:

He makes his grandparents and parents proud and is so cute!

Still Not Spring Yet

The calendar says that it is spring but the weather doesn't agree. Cold and rainy today and is supposed to be this way at least tomorrow and maybe Monday too. So ready for warmer weather for sure.

Watched Michigan State win and proceed to the Sweet 16. University of Michigan also won as did Arizona. 

We finally found time to watch the first episode of The Bible that we have recorded. It was interesting to see how the producers interpreted the various parts. Can't wait to watch the other parts of the series.

Friday, But Seems Like Any Other Day

I know it is Friday by looking at the calendar, but when you are retired all the days seem like Friday except for Sunday because I go to church on Sunday.

I bought new locks for the house today. The ones that we have had have been on the doors for 30 years and they are starting to break down. So I installed them with a little trouble getting the bolts to match up with the jams but I finally got them all done.

Teri and Daniel came over for a visit this afternoon. Daniel is so funny! He was watching Disney Junior on TV and he got so excited at one point in the show that he just let loose with a belly laugh and started jumping up and down and waving his arms. I really don't know what he found so funny but apparently he did. And that is all that matters. I love it when they come for a visit and get to see how much he is growing each time.

Sad Day

When we first moved here almost 30 years ago one of the first couples to make us feel welcome were Lonnie and Peggy. They had 4 sons. When we started going to our current church, Grace Point Baptist Church the pastor was one of their sons Rodney. He died of an apparent heart attack about 5 years ago at the age of 45. 

Another of their sons, Guy, was a principal of one of the local high schools and former basketball coach. Last year he was in a severe automobile accident and survived for about 4 months before he also died. He was in his late 40's. Before he died his mother, Peggy, also had a heart attack and died.

This past Monday another of the sons, Marlin, had a heart attack and died. He was 57. We went to his visitation this evening and saw Marlin's wife and his father and his only surviving brother, Greg. 

We are not supposed to outlive any of our children, especially not 3 of them. Please be in prayer for this Christian family as they bury yet another family member tomorrow.

Church Night

We are studying the book of Mark during our Wednesday evening service. Our pastor, Brother Ryan Childers, spends a lot of preparation time for this study and hands out very complete study notes for each of us.

I thought this graphic was very apropos after my entry yesterday about transplants. These is nothing better than giving our hearts to Jesus and receiving everlasting life. 

Transplant Dinner

We belong to a group called "Second Chance" made up of those people in the area who have had some sort of organ transplant. There are those in the group who have gotten "new" hearts, kidneys, livers, and lungs. We meet once a month at various restaurants in the Huntsville area for food and fellowship. A lot of the talk around the table is by the organ recipients discussing their medicines and problems and their successes. We go because of Judy's liver transplant 8 1/2 years ago.

Tonight went to Logan's Roadhouse. There were about nine of us with two new people there. Had a great dinner and good conversation. 

Another Good Doctor's Report

I took Judy to the lung doctor this afternoon and he said everything looks good and he scheduled her to go back in four months. She still has a little fluid in her right lung but he said it wasn't enough to worry about at this time. Definitely not enough to try to drain off.

I went to pick up our medicines from the drug store and got a shock. I knew it was coming but just didn't expect it to get here right now and this early. I am talking about the infamous Medicare "donut hole". It cost me almost $1,200 for one of her anti-rejection medicines. This means that I will have to pay out of pocket costs of $3,500 to get out of the "hole". Can you say OUCH?

Did my usual Monday morning workout at the YMCA. I am feeling much better about getting up and going these days. It picks my spirit up just knowing that I am doing something good for my body.

"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1 (KJV)

Sunday Go To Meeting Time

I got Judy up at 7:30 and I went back to bed for another hour. She saw me back in bed and wanted to go back herself but she stayed up. I had to remind her that I only need about 45 minutes to get ready whereas she needs almost 2 hours. Women! You can't live with them and you can't live without them! Go figure!

Today's message at church was from John 8:21  "Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come." (KJV) The religionists and mankind want(ed) to see Jesus on their terms and not on God's terms. Are you seeking Him on your terms? There are many groups that call themselves "Christian" but do not accept that Jesus is the only way to salvation and Heaven. Either you believe the Bible in its entirety or you do not. If the latter, then you are doomed to everlasting damnation. You cannot be good enough to get to Heaven. Believing and knowing that Jesus is the only way to everlasting life with the Father.

Tomorrow I plan on going to the YMCA first thing in the morning and then taking Judy to her lung doctor for a checkup. All is going well with her except that her tremors are getting worse. Both her head and her hands shake just about all the time now. Painful for me to watch as she tried to move the mouse around on her computer.

Another Quiet Day

I should have been more active today than I was but I wasn't. Had my morning coffee with the paper and kind of loafed around all day. We will be going to church in the morning and out for lunch some place. Haven't decided where as yet but will probably be at the local diner near the church.

We have bids on four of the eleven items we listed the other day on e-bay with watchers on some of the others. Since there wasn't any fee for listing any of the items we will be ahead of the game even if some don't sell but it would be better if all of them did.

Beautiful Friday

Sorry, but I missed doing an entry yesterday. I was at class until nine last night and when I went back to my room I decided to do something I have never done before: I typed up the notes I had taken from the class. All I need to do now is finish typing up the notes from today. Maybe tomorrow.

Today was beautiful. Around 75 on my ride back home from the class. I opened the sun roof to let the sun shine in.

The class I attended, Public Safety Chaplain Training, was very informative even though I had gotten some of the information in previous classes. Always nice to get a different perspective on things too.

Hump Day

Today started like most of my Wednesdays with Bible study at 6:30 followed by my workout: 12 minutes on the exercise bicycle, then 14 Cybex machines, 21 minutes of walking, and finally 20 minutes of swimming. Not too bad for an old man, huh?

I then went to the grocery store where Wednesdays are 5% off for seniors. I spent about $60 but saved more than $40. A lot of the items were buy 1 and get 1 free.

I put the rest of Judy's items on E-bay. We have two for sure sales and a lot of watchers on the rest so we may do pretty good this go around. Apparently there is some sort of deal going on as well as it hasn't cost me anything to list all the items for the last 3 days.

We had a nice mid-week service at church this evening. We are going through the Gospel of Mark verse by verse.

I will be leaving around mid-morning for a couple of days to attend a Public Safety Chaplaincy Training class to go along with my Disaster Relief Chaplain training and my Sheriff's Chaplain Academy Training. Next month I will be going back to add another field to my disaster relief training, this time Shower Set-up training. I will be able to be used in a wide variety of areas should the need arise.

Busy Day After a Restless Night

I had a very restless night, awaking every couple of hours. Finally got about 3 hours of continuous sleep between 6 and 9 this morning.

I did four loads of wash, stripped and remade two beds, folded all the clean laundry, washed the dishes and put them away, and put another 6 items on E-bay. I got another 5 that Judy has ready for me to post so maybe I get those out tomorrow between working out and taking her to the CHF Clinic. 

We need to pray that God can use us every day no matter where we are to bring others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Luke 10:2  Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. (KJV)

Happy Monday

After taking the trash cart out to the street for the weekly pickup I went to the YMCA for my workout. I went up on my weights and now am at 32,645 pounds. I think I will stay at this weight for the next two weeks and then go up again then. I road the stationary bike for 3 miles and and walked for one mile. Wanted to do 2 miles but my left knee and thigh were hurting too much to go on.

Its been a nice but quiet day but some days it is just okay for that to happen. Tomorrow I need to get busy and get some more stuff on e-bay for Judy. 

Thought for the day: There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 1 John 3:18 KJV

Meat Loaf

I got up late this morning and therefore didn't get Judy up early enough for her to get ready to go to church. So I went alone. We had a good number of people there with several visitors. After the sermon we had a Gideon speaker talk for about 10 minutes about the Gideon ministry around the world, with the military, in our schools when they can, and delivering Bibles to hospitals and hotels. Our daughter and her husband are very active with the Gideon ministry.

Meat loaf! Not the singing group but the dinner kind. I fixed it after I got home from church along with baked potatoes, corn, and green beans. I guess I don't fix it like Judy likes it as she said that she likes it better with crackers in it. But she had nothing to say when I told her that I did use crackers. I liked it and there is enough left over for another meal as well as being able to have it in a sandwich or two.

Do you know that God will provide all your needs? All you have to do is ask. Just remember that your needs are different than your wants! I have seen Him do this on more than one occasion, especially with some of my family members. 

God is good all the time! All the time God is good!

Strawberry Shortcake

The local Publix grocery stores had strawberries on sale this week: three one pound packages for $5.00. So this evening I made strawberry shortcake for dinner. It was good good good! Enough left over to have it again tomorrow for dessert.

I started reading a book on the 23rd Psalm today. Very enlightening so far. So for today I am including the King James Version of it here for all to read.


A Psalm of David. 
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. 

Pizza Buffet for Dinner

Judy and I went to town to do some clothes shopping for her. She has lost a lot of weight due to her heart surgery and heart failure so few of the clothes she has in her closet actually fit her. We went to Super K-Mart as she had been told they have a nice selection there but the ones she looked at either were too big or too small. She didn't buy anything there but I got three t-shirts and a new billfold. We then went to Lane Bryant where she found some that fit her nicely and looked good on here as well.

After shopping we went to CiCi's Pizza Buffet for our dinner. Salad, pizza of all kinds, and dessert pizza were all good. Tried not to stuff ourselves too much.

I did go and work out this morning. I find that when I am getting ready to go I am fighting myself to go or not to go but once I get there I am glad I did go. Over the past few years that I have been going I have lifted over 3.7 million pounds using the various Cybex machines. I will get a t-shirt once I get to 5 million.

I had a very restless night last night so I decided not to get up and go to the AMBUCS meeting this morning. Can't go next Thursday so maybe the following week.

Judy and I had planned on going to town to do some clothes shopping for her but she decided that we would wait until tomorrow. We plan on going out to eat afterwards.

I decided to change my default browser from Microsoft Explorer to Mozilla Firefox. Explorer was getting way too slow in bring up web pages, especially after the latest upgrade. The same pages upload in about half the time with Firefox.

I have read all of James Patterson's books but I have a difficult time with the "Witch and Wizard" series. I know it is for teenagers but for some reason I just have a hard time getting through them. The others I read in a flash. Go figure! I will make it through "Witch and Wizard: The Kiss" even if it kills me. I hate to stop reading in the middle of a book.

Nice Day

Today has been a nice day. Started with a Bible study on the book of Exodus and followed by my usual workout. I am up to 30,230 pounds on the Cybex machines. I dread getting up and going but once I get there I am into it.

I did some food shopping on the way home, stopping at Publix, Sams Club, and Wal-Mart. Got the essentials plus.

I did take an afternoon nap for a couple of hours and then got up and made dinner for us. We had tacos. I went to church this evening for our continuing study of the book of Mark. We had no choir practice so I came home, tried to catch up on the email and watched "Body of Proof". Now time for bed and do it all over again tomorrow.

Repent!

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 3:2, NKJV)

Awakenings start with repentant hearts. Therefore, it must begin with me. Not someone else – but me. It’s time I understood the verse above more clearly. It’s not the church in America that needs to repent – it is me. The earth is groaning; the Kingdom is at hand. What then shall we do? Repent!

Prayer: Father, give me a broken heart for my sin. Cause the church in America to be swept with a spirit of repentance, for the Kingdom is at hand. Amen.

Very Slow Day

Didn't do much today. Got up late, took the trash out, put the clean dishes away from the dish washer, and updated my netbook. I spent most of the afternoon watching Schindler's List. I have seen it before but was good to see it again. I am amazed each time by how inhumane the Germans were. It just boggles my mind that one person or a group of people could do those things to another human being.

Some thoughtful tidbits:

• Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time because then you don't have a leg to stand on.
• On the keyboard of life, always keep one finger on the "escape" key.
• Children seldom misquote you. In fact, they usually repeat word for word that you shouldn't have said.
• Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused.
• If you think there is good in everybody, you haven't met everybody.
• You never truly understand sometime until you can explain it to your grandmother.

And a final truism: Hotel mattresses are better on the side away from the phone.

Getting Better, I Think

I haven't been coughing as much today although I think I have used up a box and a half of Kleenex.  Stayed home from church this morning and tried to keep from waking Judy with what coughing and sniffling I had to do.

Watched NASCAR this afternoon and then The Amazing Race and Worst Cooks in America before catching up on my email and then getting ready for bed. Planning on going to the YMCA tomorrow morning and then coming home to get more stuff ready to list on eBay. Judy is keeping me busy going through her stuff for me to list.

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (KJV)

Still Coughing and Sniffling

Yes, I still feel awful but I might have turned the corner. Or maybe it is wishful thinking. Got some cough syrup today so that seems to be helping. Also found out that my C-Pap helps me sleep at night without coughing. Probably due to air being forced into my lungs.

Snowed all day today. Just flurries and it warmed up to about 39 degrees. We have about an inch on the ground but it all melted when it got warmer even though it was still snowing. The deck has about an inch still on it.

Went to do some food shopping this afternoon and came back and napped in my chair while "watching" some TV. Going on seven now and thinking about going and getting into bed for the evening. Not sure about church in the morning. Will just have to wait and see how I am feeling and if I am still coughing.

Today is my father's birthday. He would have been 93. Today is also Kenny and Valorie's 12th anniversary. 

Cough, cough, sniff, sniff! When will the relief come?

I have been coughing and sniffling all day. I am not running a fever but my head hurts and I feel like heck. Hopefully this will break soon.

We have new gutters on the front of the house. The installers came this morning and it took them about five hours to finish the task. Now we just need to get the five front windows in and this part of the remodeling will be done. I think the windows should come in either next week or the following week. Looking forward to see how they will install them. I think the next windows we replace will be the kitchen bay window and possibly the small window in the utility room. Then we will just have fine windows left to do, the bedrooms and the main bath.

Teri and Daniel came for a visit this morning and stayed until about four this afternoon. It always a joy to have them here with us, to see how Daniel has changed just over the past few weeks since we last saw him. 

Good Day on Ebay

We sold over half of the items we put on Ebay last week. I was surprised when one of the signed photographs went for over $40 and the other went for over $10. Who knew that old pictures of famous people would be in such demand.

It was a quiet day other than that. I have been coughing up a storm and going through tissues like I had stock in them. Hopefully this will start winding down tomorrow.

The weather forecasters are predicting a good chance of snow flurries for the next few days. Just as long as it doesn't amount to anything it will be okay although it will be cold for a while.

The men came today and measured and formed the gutter material for the front of our house today. The installers might be here tomorrow or Monday. Then in the next couple of weeks we will get the new windows on the front of the house. We plan on doing all the windows eventually but will do about a third each year. The cost will be the same even thought we aren't getting it all done at the same time.

Flu Shot is not Absolute

It seems like I have come down with either a head cold or the flu. I did get the flu shot last year so maybe this is just a head cold with cough and sniffles.

Judy is doing better today although a little tired. Her chest pain has gone away and her temperature is back down to normal. The cardiac nurse called back this afternoon and said that the doctor had looked at Judy's EKG, blood work, and chest x-ray and all looked normal. She also commented on being admitted to the hospital for "observation" and that this is the "new way" to go to the hospital due to Obamacare. What was supposed to make it easier to get health care has had just the opposite affect. Too bad our beloved congressmen and senators didn't read the 9,000 pages before they enacted it into law. Many folks are not going to be able to afford health care and this is only the beginning. Wait until the full plan goes into affect in 2014 and beyond.

As can be expected I did not go to SC for the DR training. Just as well since I am not feeling up to snuff anyway. Maybe later in the year.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

For those of you who do not read my FaceBook entries I had to take Judy to the ER this afternoon. When I got home from my workout this morning she said that she was having some minor chest pains and was running a low grade fever. I called the home health nurse who came out to check her out. It was his opinion that she should go to the ER so we did. After doing an EKG, drawing blood, and having a chest X-ray, none of which showed any abnormalities, the doctor wanted to admit her for "observation". Judy decided that she could be "observed" just as well at home as at the hospital so we came home contrary to the doctor's wishes. Tomorrow we will call both her cardiologist and the congestive heart failure clinic and see if they can get her in ASAP. Hope she made the right decision.

Other than staying at the hospital for five hours today was mostly a bust. Due to Judy's condition I have decided not to go to my Disaster Relief training tomorrow through Saturday. Disappointed but know it is best to stay here.

I made it to the YMCA shortly after eight this morning and did my usual bike ride, Cybex weight machines and walking. I am up to 28,180 pounds on the weight machines and 12 minutes with around 3 miles on the stationary bike. My legs were getting tired so I only walked for one mile instead of my usual two. I decided not to swim, so I just showered and came home.

Kind of a lazy day after my workout. Just read and caught up on some TV programs that I have recorded. Fixed dinner for Judy and I (hamburgers and sweet potato fries) and decided on not having any dessert. Watching my waist line, LOL.

I am planning on going back to the Y in the morning as I will not be able to get there on Friday as I will be in South Carolina at a Disaster Relief training conference. This will be the first time that I will be leaving Judy home alone for more than overnight. Teri is close by and she and Daniel are planning on coming Friday to spend the afternoon with Judy. I will be back late Saturday.

The Joy of Drinking Living Wate

The sermon this morning was titled "The Joy of Drinking Living Water" and was taken from John 7:37-38. Jesus' teaching was based on the Feast of Tabernacles from Exodus 23. We need to know that Jesus provides the living water and all we need to get it is to accept His invitation to come into our lives. He will provide for all our needs but not all our wants. This is an important difference. 

After church at Grace Point Baptist Church Judy and I went out to dinner. I gave her the choice of going to Ruby Tuesday or The Shak and she chose the latter since it was closer. I had grilled catfish which was not all that good. It was very greasy which leaked onto my french fries, I didn't complain but also didn't eat it all like I normally would have.

Coming home we watched the Daytona 500 and then turned to the Michigan State/Ohio State basketball game, which MSU lost in the second half. Was glad to see Danica Patrick lead for a couple of laps and finish in the top ten.

Housework

I spent most of the morning getting the housework done around here. Ran the dishwasher as well as getting all the plastic stuff done; ran two load of clothes in the washer and dryer; and cleaned the stove top. The only thing I didn't do was the vacuuming, which I will try to get done either tomorrow of Monday.

I mentioned in yesterday's blog that I re-listed the Corvette jacket. Well I guess it was the right thing to do as I have a bid on it. Hopefully it will get a few more bids, but if not I am satisfied just to be selling it.

Judy is playing the piano in church again tomorrow. She wasn't planing on it but I got a text from the music minister giving the songs for the service he has planned so I guess he expected her to play. I am glad since this forces her to go to church with me. Also, it feels better when we go out for lunch afterwards.

Until tomorrow's entry: have a good night and a good day tomorrow praising the Lord.

Rainy Friday

The morning started out rainy and dreary and didn't get much better throughout the day. I didn't get up as early as I had planned but I still made it to the YMCA by 8:15. 

After my ride on the exercise bike and the Cybex weight machines I went to the indoor track to walk my normal two miles. As I was in about my 4th lap a friend who we used to go to church with came up besides me and we walked for about 14 laps together. He caught me up on some of the thinks that have been happening at his church and I brought him up to speed on our lives, especially Judy's health condition.

I decided not to swim and the spa jets were not working so I just sat in the steam room for a while and then took my shower before leaving and doing some shopping on the way home.

We put some more items out on eBay yesterday. Of the last 10 items we put out there we sold 6 of them. I re-listed the Corvette jacket since it didn't cost me anything to re-list it. Maybe it will sell this time.

I had a quiet afternoon and watched some TV this evening. Now it is about time to go to bed and read for a while.

Words of Wisdom from Larry the Cable Guy

Words of Wisdom from Larry the Cable Guy

1. A day without sunshine is like night.

2. On the other hand, you have different fingers.

3. 99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.

4. 42.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot.

5. Remember, half the people you know are below average.

6. He who laughs last, thinks slowest.

7. Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.

8. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap.

9. Support bacteria. They're the only culture some people have.

10. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.

11. Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.

12. If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments..

13. OK, so what's the speed of dark?

14. When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

15. Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.

16. How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?

17. Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.

20. What happens if you get scared half to death, twice?

21. Why do psychics have to ask you your name?

22. Inside every older person is a younger person wondering 'What the 

heck happened?'

23. Just remember -- if the world didn't suck, we would all fall off.

24. Light travels faster than sound. That's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

25. Life isn't like a box of chocolates. It's more like a jar of jalapenos. What you do today, might burn your butt tomorrow.

Ten Thoughts to Ponder ~

Number 10

Life is sexually transmitted.

Number 9

Good health is merely the slowest possible

rate at which one can die.

Number 8

Men have two emotions: Hungry and Horny.

If you see him without an erection, make him a sandwich ..

Number 7

Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day,

teach a person to use the Internet and they won't bother you for weeks.

Number 6

Some people are like a Slinky ...

not really good for anything, but you

still can't help but smile when

you shove them down the stairs.

Number 5

Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday,

lying in hospitals, dying of nothing.

Number 4

All of us could take a lesson from the weather.

It pays no attention to criticism.

Number 3

Why does a slight tax increase cost you $200.00,

and a substantial tax cut saves you $30.00?

Number 2

In the 60's, people took acid to make the world weird.

Now the world is weird and people take Prozac to make it normal.

And The Number 1 Thought

Life is like a jar of Jalapeno peppers;

what you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow.

- - - and as someone recently said to me: "Don't worry about old age;

it doesn't last long." 

Our Anniversary ( 47 years )

Yes, we have finally arrived at 47 years of marriage. Who'd have thunk it those many years ago? Especially since we knew each other only 10 weeks from the day we met until we got married. But we have overcome many things, especially Judy's many operations and hospital stays. The list of her operations just since we got married makes for interesting reading, as well as her long list of medicines. We thank God for every day we have together because we don't know how long He has given us.

Can you tell that the following two pictures are of the same people? Only 46 years between the dates of them. Who has changed the most?

Typical Monday

This has been a typical Monday for me. Started with collecting the trash and wheeling the cart out to the street. Then going to the YMCA for a few hours of cycling, lifting weights, walking, swimming, a few minutes in the Jacuzzi, another few minutes in the steam room, followed by a shower. A good workout for sure.

I had to stop by Wal-Mart on the way home for a few things. I was so tired form all of this I decided to lay down for a short nap this afternoon. Judy talked me into it as she was doing the same thing.

We had left over roast for dinner and watched some TV. Now I am catching up on email and doing my nightly task of updating my blog. After this I guess I will hit the hay and do my evening Bible readings before turning the lights out.

Just another day in my life.

No Lumpy Gravy

Another week has gone by. Or another week is just beginning. I guess it depends on the way you look at it. All I know is that the older I get the faster the weeks go by. Here it is the middle of February and Christmas seems  like it was just last week. Had a nice service at church this morning with one family becoming members. Came home to a rump roast with potatoes, onions, and carrots all ready for us to eat. All I had to do was make some gravy, which came out great! No lumps!

"Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil." Eph. 4:26-27 (KJV)

Snow? Just a Few Flurries!

According to the news channel it snowed this afternoon. We got a few flurries that landed on our deck but wasn't enough to cover anything even if they were all landing in the same spot.

I was up early this morning to get to church for our first even men's breakfast. I had made egg casseroles yesterday afternoon and wanted to get there early so I had the chance to get them all baked before another one of the men came and had to use the oven. As mentioned before we had a head count of 20 at last Sunday's church service that said they were coming. I figured if we had 12-14 we would be lucky. Well, surprise, surprise! There were a total of 24 guys there this morning, 20 from our church and 4 from the speakers home church. 

I wanted to take a nap this afternoon but I decided to keep awake and do all the laundry as well as wash and put away the dishes. I am becoming very good at housework, especially over the past 15 months since Judy had her open heart surgery. She is milking this as much as she can. I really don't mind as it keeps me busy.

Now it is time to go to bed. But I have to make my bed before I can get into it. Oh, well! Just another task I am getting good at.

A Good Day

I started the morning by going to the YMCA for my workout and then to Dunkin' Donuts to get a couple of dozen for tomorrow's men's breakfast. I have been good and did not even try one. And just to be safe I left them all in the car so I couldn't/wouldn't be tempted to try one.

After that I went to Wal-Mart to shop for both ourselves as well as for the egg casseroles for tomorrow morning. I spent part of the afternoon getting them prepared and into the fridge so they will be ready to take to church early and bake them there. I made three because I really don't know how many guys will be there. We had a head count of 20 last Sunday but one never knows who will show up.

Had lasagna from Schwans for dinner. They have one that is for two, which is just enough for Judy and I. I added a couple slices of bread with You Can't Believe It's Not Butter Light and drank water. 

Now it's time to get to bed since I have to get up early so I can get to church in time to bake my eggs and get the room set up. Good night all!

Bible Verse for Today from Isaiah 55:9 - "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." (KJV)

Happy Valentine's Day

Judy woke up this morning with a Valentine card on her bed. She had bought me one but had to scurry around while I was in the shower to try to remember where she had put it. She finally found it and had it out for me when I got out of the shower. She had another card on her footstool along with a small package of Reese's peanut butter hearts.

I took her to another doctor this morning where she got her semi-annual Prolia shot. All other blood tests were good and she doesn't need to get an iron treatment for the foreseen future.

We went to CiCi's Pizza for our Valentine's Day meal (Judy's request) and then we went home where we caught up on several shows that we had previously recorded. Had snacks for dinner and Judy was in bed shortly after eight.

"Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised." Proverbs 31:30 (KJV)

"Overslept"

I would like to say that I overslept this morning and didn't make my Bible study and workout at the YMCA but that would be a lie. I woke up to the alarm with plenty of time to shave and get dressed and make it to the Bible study but I turned off the alarm, turned over, and went back to sleep. I was so tired for some reason that I decided I needed the extra sleep. I will do better on Friday.

I took Judy to her congestive heart failure clinic appointment this afternoon where she got a good report and doesn't have to go back for four weeks. It keeps getting longer between visits for her.

We stopped at Zaxby's for an early dinner or late lunch. I had the grilled chicken "zalad" with ranch dressing. was very good as usual. Then we came home and Judy laid down while I finished getting my material ready for the youth Bible study at church this evening. I think it went well. Will find out for sure when I see how many come back for next week's study.

Posted Items to ebay

Met with my Emmaus Reunion group this morning for breakfast. We decided that from here on we will meet only once a month instead of weekly due to some of the guys not being able to make it every week. Sometimes there are only 2 there.

After stopping at both Wal-Mart and K-Mart to waste some time before my next appointment, I went to my doctor's office to have an ECG. This was ordered after my doctor noticed a slight heart murmur during my physical last week. I should know the results sometime early next week.

I spend some time this afternoon and evening taking photographs of some items that I put on ebay. Judy types up the descriptions and I take the photos, find the boxes/packaging for shipping, weigh each item, and then type up the item using ebay Turbo Lister and then upload them all for auction. If you want to see what I currently have up for auction go to My ebay. Bid if you feel so led.

You can do nothing that will get you into heaven except for one thing. And that is to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savour. 

Another Good Day

This has been another good day. Did my workout this morning and added 2,055 pounds to my routine. Also swam for 14 minutes and 700 meters. I thought about going back to bed instead of going to the Y but decided it was better for me to go.

I just wanted to let anyone who read this blog that Jesus Loves You and so do I.

Lord's Day

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalms 118:24

Today began with morning worship service at Grace Point Baptist Church. The sermon was entitled A Self Professed or Sincere Disciple? and used John 6:60-71 as the text. The music was good and the sermon was aimed right for our hearts.

We went to The Shak, a local restaurant with a Southern cuisine for lunch. We both brought home food for dinner today and/or tomorrow.

Just took a nap this afternoon while watched episodes of Hawaii Five 0 which I had recorded from before Christmas.

We didn't watched the Grammy's this evening but watched programs on the Food Channel instead. Not interested in who won what, etc.