Faithful

 2 Kings 22:7

Howbeit there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully.

A few weeks back, I was reading this passage.

This verse really stuck out to me.

No explanation was needed, no books were shown, no audit was made,

because the people receiving the money were faithful.

My testimony really means something.

Do I long to be trusted?

How am I exhibiting that I should be trusted?

Do I want to get a promotion / more responsibility / different responsibility?

How am I using the job and position I have now?

Is my testimony one of just foolishness?

Am I seen and known as a hard worker?

Do I stick to a task and a job until it is finished 

or just seek the next "shiny" thing when things get hard.

What does your testimony say of you today?

What would you hear if someone was speaking of your character?

I would like to hear ...

"...because she dealt faithfully."

Safety

 How often do we take our health and safety for granted ...

at least until they are threatened.

About 3 weeks ago, B.G. was in the path of a tornado.

I was home alone that day and watched the skies get darker and darker,

watched the wind get stronger and stronger,

and heard the alarms on my phone,

and even spent some time in the closet because it really was getting "wild" out there.

The skies were so ominous, that our nephew spending the summer just south of us texted to see if we were alright :)

We came through unscathed

and very thankful for God's hand of protection,

not just in the storm, but every day.

We currently have 4 friends on our prayer list that are battling very serious health issues.

As we continue to hold them up in prayer,

we are reminded that our health is in God's hand.

We are not guaranteed perfect health and strength despite our human efforts.

Acts 17:25

...seeing he giveth to all life, 

and breath, and all things;...

It is easy to expect God's blessing

without asking for it or thanking Him for it after it is given.

Hubby often remembers to pray for our home and for our vehicle

and I am rebuked for having a somewhat "entitled" mentality.

God doesn't owe me anything,

but He has blessed me beyond measure.

Road Trip

 Hubby and I are just back from a road trip.

We went back to visit our old town in NC.

No, it was not a romantic getaway.

We volunteered to take 9 teens from our church to a camp associated with the school hubby graduated from.

The road trip provided a chance to get to know some of the teens better.

The trip also provided a chance to see our old trailer home.

And it also provided a chance to see some old friends.

We were especially glad to see the "avocado couple" before they leave for Africa in less than 2 weeks.

We did have more of a relaxing trip on the way home (sans teens)

and made it home in time to celebrate hubby's birthday TODAY!

He made his birthday order easy on me.

One order of General Tso's chicken on rice for lunch

(compliments of Aldi in the freezer section)

and a pumpkin pie for dessert.

Expanding Backyard

 So, we didn't really gain any acreage.

but the houses that were built behind us did get sod yesterday.

So my yard looks bigger.

And it looks a little less like a construction zone ...

at least when looking in a certain direction.

And I can rejoice in that!

We enjoyed a quiet day today.

They said we would have storms all day,

and while we did get some,

they by no means washed out the whole day.

We walked this morning

and then cleaned the house together because Monday is going to be a busy day

then did some shopping for some teens that are going to camp

and enjoyed a little drink at Chick-fil-A complements of the Code Moo game going on right now.