newest update

Today I was pretty energetic when I got up so I extended my walk to about an hour and a half. I also managed to work in some lunges and work on my arms during that time. However, the most wonderful part about these daily walks is time to pray for people and time to be open to God speaking to me. I mean, no matter what is going on in our lives we can be so occupied as to be "busy" whether it's my situation or someone who is working daily with a family, etc. Cultivating that time with God can be challenging in the hurly burly of things (okay not my situation at the moment) but those times of connecting with Christ can be so sweet. Ijust loved being able to intercede for friends and family on my walks. God will often bring scripture to mind as well. I think more than anything, God has shown me in this time to just look at everything as a gift. If I'm able to participate in something, I don't have any ownership of it becuase it all belongs to God, all leaders are put in their position by God for His purposes and if I have any opportunity to serve then it is a gift that I am able to do so. I really do look forward to being able to come back and serve in worship and be with the church family again. I was also thinking this morning how we become so incensed when we see someone mistreated by someone in authority or someone who "ought to know better." but God is gracious and has been incredibly gracious with us for our shortcomings and lack of patience or gentleness, and we ought to - instead of looking at the spec in the eye of that other person - look at the log that is impairing our own view of things, namely the sober view of ourselves. God deals so graciously and is so forgiving of us that we need to allow God to be gracious and forgiving with those we feel misuse their power or position, or just blow it no matter whether it is secular or within the church. I was just reminded of how great God's grace is to me and how kind He is and how amazing it is that He holds all things together simultaneously, syngergistically for His credit and His glory. We serve not because we want anything for ourselves, but so that God can be glorified. That's it. Otherwise, our motives are messed up. "Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God." 2 Cor 3:5 Our value is made plain when God is glorified in our lives, that's when we have the sense that He is active and real and is who He says He is. Anyway, I have really been touched by this during my walk so I pass it on to you all for what it's worth.As for how I'm doing, I'm getting stronger each day but still end up napping at some point during the day. This morning I made a long list of things to do and only did about three of them. I'm still trying to do laundry, but I have to take a nap after I send this to Debbi because I'm tired. However, tonight, my uncle is out at a meeting so my aunt and I are going to go out to dinner. It will be an "outing" and I'm pretty excited about this. I've been getting into watching the Lakers and the Clippers because they're fans of both teams and I must admit I enjoy watching the games as well.So, that's all for now. Look forward to seeing everyone next weekend.Julie