Currently - January 2024

 

Linkup is here

The link started on Wednesday, so as usual, I am running late.  We're sharing what we're currently loving, looking forward to, resolving, doing to stay cozy this month, and cooking.

* Loving - I'm loving the book series I'm reading.  It's actually a continuation of the series I just finished.  Both series are by Connilyn Cossette.  The first series is "Out of Egypt" and the second is "Cities of Refuge.  I really have been enjoying them so much.  

  

This is the first series and below is the other series and I'm currently reading the first one.  In checking Amazon, she also has other series out, so I'm sure I'll be reading more from her this year.

   

* Looking forward to - Meeting up with some cousins for a concert and then to lunch afterwards today.  We did a couple of these last year.  Hope I enjoy this one like I did the ones we went to last year.

* Resolving - I typically do not make New Year's resolutions, and I didn't this year either.  However, I have decided that I'm going to make some changes in some of my eating habits and try to get back to walking 30 minutes most every day.  I just want to be more healthy and hopefully get off some of the medication I'm on.  Having that test last week, has kind of been a wake-up call for me.

* Doing to stay cozy this month - I love wrapping up in a blanket and relaxing in the afternoon reading a good book and/or in the evening watching TV with hubby.

* Cooking - Tonight we made a pretty good supper.  We baked pork chops and made a pot of cooked cabbage and had some applesauce.  It was actually pretty good.  It will be one that we'll do again, I'm sure.  I've also made my favorite potato soup a week or so ago and plan to make it again this weekend.

That's it for me.

Cathy

Thankful Thursday

There is a link-up here for Thankful Thursday

 Do you remember the old song, "Thank You Lord, for Your Blessings on Me"?  This is how I'm feeling this morning.

While the world looks upon me,
as I struggle alone
And they say I have nothing,
but they are so wrong
In my heart I'm rejoicing,
how I wish they could see
Thank you Lord, for your blessings on me

There's a roof up above me
I've a good place to sleep
There's food on my table
And shoes on my feet
You gave me your love Lord
And a fine family
Thank you Lord, for your blessings on me

I know I'm not wealthy,
and these clothes they're not new
and I don't have much money,
but Lord I have you
and that's all that matters,
though the world may not see
Thank you Lord, for your blessings on me

There's a roof up above me
I've a good place to sleep
There's food on my table
And shoes on my feet
You gave me your love Lord
And a fine family
Thank you Lord, for your blessings on me

Many years ago, over 30, I used to sing this song with 2 of my cousins and my brother.  The words are still true today.  I'm leaving in a few minutes to go see my doctor and find out about the results of the test I had last week.  Prayers would be appreciated.  I thank those of you who have already been praying.  UPDATE:  I'm back from the doctor and was referred to a cardiologist.  I stopped in at the heart doctor's office which was just around the corner from my doctor and made the appointment, which will be in February.  I don't believe anything is real bad, but just needs to be checked out by the cardiologist.  So, until then, I'll be making some changes in my eating habits and also adding a little more exercise time.  I know no matter what, God is watching over me.  Thanks for your prayers.

Cathy

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

1. Every January 1st since 1976 Lake Superior University has published a list of words they'd like to see banished from the Queen's English. Words may be banished due to misuse, overuse or just general uselessness (go here to read more about how the words were chosen). 

Here are the words/phrases they'd like to see banished in 2024- 

hack, impact, at the end of the day, rizz, slay, iconic, cringe worthy, obsessed, side hustle, wait for it 

Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Are any of these a regular part of your speech? Is there a word not on the list that you'd like to add? I really don't recall hearing any of these words in excess, so they don't particularly bother me.  If I were to use any of them, it would probably be, at the end of the day.  Can't think of anything off the top of my head that I would want banished.

2. What do you wish you'd done more of last year? Less of?  I wish I had practiced the piano more often and did less complaining.

3. A place you'd like to visit in this new year? Do you think you will? My girls in Florida.  Do I think I will...maybe.

4.What are three words to sum up or describe your 2023? 

Hard, Blessed, Survived

5. What advice would you like to give yourself as we begin a new year? Be an encouragement to others, be kind, and walk closely with Jesus.

6. Insert your own random thought here. I miss my sister.

Thanks for another Wednesday Hodgepodge, Joyce!

Cathy

Tuesday 4 - Happy New Year

 

Happy New Year

From Annie: "Happy New year!

Let's  start off the year with some questions about you...."

1. What was your dream job when you were a little kid? Alternatively.. what is a dream date?  I always wanted to be a mom.  But some times I wanted to be an eye doctor,

2. Who is going to play you in the movie about your life?  I have no idea.  But I guess if Doris Day or June Allyson wanted to be, I wouldn't mind.  lol

3.What is the best life lesson you have learned so far?  The good old Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."  Of course, the biggest lesson would be to be obedient to God in all things.  Life goes so much better when I let Him rule my life.

4. What is your favorite name for a girl.. how about for a boy?  I really haven't thought about this in a long time, but here are a couple that I like.  Girl - Sarah      Boy - Michael

I'm hoping to take more pictures this year.  Here are a couple from last evening.

I think Lucy needs to visit the groomers.

My new Kindle cover from one of the girls.

I love reading on my Kindle.

Thanks for visiting.  Have a blessed day!  

Cathy

"But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God."  John 1:12

  

Bits of This and That

 

I was reading another blog and it was mentioned that 2023 was a hard year, but that God had been with them and they were hoping 2024 would be better.  This scripture came to mind so I went and looked it up.  I think this verse is such an encouraging one for starting out a new year.  Deuteronomy 31:8 "And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you.  He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed."  I believe God is already in our days of 2024, preparing the way to help us accomplish the things He wants us to and to help us grow closer to Him and maybe help or encourage others along the way. 

A few things from the past week.  

*  We had a nice Christmas with my mother-in-law and also one of Tracy's cousins and her husband.  We were a small group, but we had a good time together.  Lots of fun stories told and some really good food.  While it was sad, more of the family couldn't be there because of other obligations, we had a great time together,  The girls did Christmas together as both of their husbands were out in the field and/or driving a truck and couldn't be home.  They filmed Colton opening his gifts so we could watch.  It's not ideal, but we've learned to adjust and make the best of things.

*  We spent some time at church this week and I'm learning some jobs that I hope will help hubby out with all the things he does.  He does so much, so anything I can take off his plate is a good thing.  

*  I had mentioned in an earlier post that Lucy hasn't been feeling well and has not been eating very well either.  After taking her to the vet and he checked her out and also did a blood work-up and couldn't really find anything wrong.  He gave her a couple shots and she finally started eating again that evening,  She seems to be pretty much back to normal now.   

    

Here's Lucy sleeping in her bed in the middle of the night last night.  I couldn't sleep, so I got up and grabbed this picture of her in the dark room.  I couldn't see her very well, so I had to kinda guess where she was laying.  I cut off her head, the first time.  lol

*  I finished a good book this week and have started 2 more, but these two will count toward my GoodReads Challenge for 2024.  I had a goal of reading 50 books in 2023 and ended up reading 61.  I plan to set my 2024 goal at 50 again.  

*  We had church Sunday morning as usual (the pre-recorded sermon is posted below) and then we picked up some lunch from Chipotle watched another episode of a documentary on the Challenger and then we both took a nap and I worked on a post for my blog and read some.  We went back to church for the evening service and picked up a piece of hot fudge cake from Frisch's for the last treat of the New Year.  We didn't plan to, but we stayed up until midnight and wished each other Happy New Year and we actually got a text from our oldest wishing us the same.  And then 2023 was over and it is 2024. 

Happy New Year to all.

Cathy