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.

No Snow Here!

I sort of miss the snow that we didn't get. It is nice to look out the window and see the snow falling and the drifts but I don't like having to get out in it other than top play in it with your children and grandchildren. So I will just have to put up with looking at the snow on the Internet or on TV.

Did almost nothing today. I did get all the clothes washed and vacuumed the carpets as well as cleaning the kitchen floor. Watched TV, read the paper, and did several crossword puzzles. But I did manage to stay awake all afternoon.

Church in the morning and get to hear Judy play the piano again. She practiced the hymns this afternoon so I got a preview. Nice to be married to the pianist. I guess we are going to go out for lunch after church. We talked about going out for breakfast this morning but decided to go out tomorrow instead.

Mat 18:20  For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

T G I F

It is Friday here in Alabama. Doesn't mean much when you are retired. All days seem the same except for Sundays. 

Didn't do much out of the ordinary today. Went to the Y first thing this morning. I added a half a mile to my walking so I did 2 miles today. Also added another lap to my swimming, which is now up to 600 meters. Monday I will add an additional rep to each of my Cybex machines. I am feeling pretty good about the work out I am doing. Even mostly look forward to going.

I went today to see our financial adviser to see when I can expect the 1099 form as well as getting an idea as to how much to expect when I have to start taking money our of my IRA between April and December due to the fact that I turn 70 1/2 in April. The government mandates that I start taking money out. Luckily my other income is so low that I will not have to pay any taxes on the amount.

I succumbed to the bed calling me  this afternoon and I took a nap for a couple of hours. I try not to take one but the bed was calling me and I had to see what it wanted.

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."  Romans 8:1-2

Annual Physical

I went for my annual physical this morning. I couldn't eat anything after 10 last night so by the time I was finished at the doctor's I was famished. Stopped at McDonald's for a couple of sausage burritos and a senior coffee on the way home. Got a good report from my doctor and will get the results from the blood tests next week. The only thing i do not like is the rectal exam but it is a necessary evil.

I made a shepherd pie for dinner. Judy added the seasoning and I think she overdid the garlic powder. Other than that it was good. We had macadamia cookies for dessert. I made these Tuesday afternoon. I have decided to try and keep away from soft drinks so I have been drinking water only, except for my morning coffee.

Are you clothed for your battle with Satan? The following passage has the answer for you:

Ephesians 6:10-17 ( NKJV ) ¹⁰Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. ¹¹Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹²For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of ^£the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. ¹³Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

¹⁴Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; ¹⁶above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. ¹⁷And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 

Another Morning at the YMCA

Got up early to attend the Bible study at the YMCA followed my my usual workout including cycling, Cybex machines, walking, and swimming. I came home and ended up outside picking up the sticks and branches that came down a few weeks ago during the freezing rain and sleet storm. I still have more to pick up but I got tired.

Yesterday I went for physical therapy for my back. I was shown how to do eight different stretching exercises that are supposed to help my back to stop hurting. I did them today here at home and I sure hope that over time the pain they cause will get less and less. I am supposed to do them twice a day so I will try to be good and follow the doctor's orders.

I sat in the teenagers Bible study class this evening at church so that I will get some idea as what to expect when I substitute teach the next week or so while the regular teacher is recuperating from shoulder surgery. I have done it before so it shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Stayed for choir practice and this was the first time anyone could remember where the men outnumbered the women. Not much of a challenge as there were only 2 women to our 3 men.

All in all, it was a very good day, although tiring,

Roman Road to Salvation

I. Romans 3:10

As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one.

II. Romans 3:23

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

III. Romans 5:8

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

IV. Romans 5:12

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.

V. Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through
Jesus Christ our Lord.

VI. Romans 10:9-11

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt
believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with
the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

VII. Romans 10:13

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

God is Love But Love is Not God

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (NKJV) John 3:16-17

It is true that God loves. But the reverse is not true. We love our husband or wife but they are not god. We love our cars, homes, friends, our jobs, our churches, and many other things but they are also not god. We may treat them as such but that is a sin. The only person we are to give our unadulterated love to is the one and true God. He deserves nothing less.

If you do not believe the Bible then you do not know the truth. You either believe the Bible as the word of God or you do not believe in God. You may believe in other lesser gods (little g) but there is only one true God. Worshiping anything else, be it Allah, or Muhammad, or the Hindu god, is not worshiping God. They are all false gods just like your car, home, spouse, or job.

Sorry Janee if this steps on your toes but the truth is hard to swallow. Not believing it does not make it false any more than believing in Santa Clause or the Easter Bunny make them true.

Super Bowl Sunday

This has been a good day. Started with a good service at church with Judy at the piano. We had the Lord's Supper at the end of the service. I get to help serve since I am an active deacon once again.

We came home and I prepared a nice dinner of pork roast, baked potatoes, and spiced green beans. Had one "fluff" for desert, which is made of sour cream, Cool Whip, cottage cheese, mandarin oranges (drained), and sugar free jello all mixed together. It was all good and we have enough left over for at least one more meal and possibly two.

We watched the Super Bowl game and stayed even through the 34 minutes of blackout at the Super Dome in New Orleans. The game was so so up until the lights went out and then San Francisco came alive and made it close. The half time show with Alicia Keys was probably the most boring half time show I have ever watched. A real sleeper in my opinion. The commercials were better than the half time show and the best was the Ram commercial honoring the American farmer.

Time to go to bed now as I have to get up early to go to the YMCA for my workout.

Just Some Saturday Ramblings

I was trying to think of something to blog about this evening but nothing came to mind. So I thought I would just say some things that come to mind as I sit here typing.

I am so lucky to be married to my wife for almost 47 years. Even though we have had some had hard times financially and medically she has stuck by me and loved me for these many years. She has been true to me as I have been to her.

Our children, Teri and Kenny, have turned out to be such strong Christians. We love them more each day and are very happy that they both have Christian spouses and are bring up our grandchildren in Christian homes. 

I wish I was closer to my brothers, Jack and Doug, both in location and in brotherly relationships. We live so far apart from each other. We used to get together each year in March to attend a men's retreat in Northern Michigan but we haven't done that for several years.

I am glad that I was raised in a home where our parents took us to church each week and didn't just send us there. My mother died at a much too young age. Judy never got the chance to meet her. I know that they would have been good friends and my mother would have adored Teri and Kenny as well as Traa and Daniel. 

I am thankful for my church family and for Jesus, who died on the cross for my sins. He knows me better than I know myself and He loves me anyway. Thanks you Jesus for all you do for me.

Dentist Visit and Daniel Visit

The two items in the title have nothing to do with each other. I had my semi-annual cleaning done at the dentist early this morning and got a clean teeth bill of health.

We got to watch grandson Daniel this afternoon while Teri had her hair done. What a character! We played and played until about 4:00 and then he started looking tired. I asked him to come to me and he got up in my lap and within 30 seconds he was fast asleep. He slept for an hour and a half and we had to wake him then so he and his mom could go home. Very enjoyable for all of us.

I didn't get a chance to go to the YMCA today so I am planing on being there when they open in the morning at 8. Need to try to get in three days a week.

"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7 (KJV)