SOMETHING TO PONDER

I jetted off 21 “Happy Thanksgiving!”s before my feet hit the floor this morning – and received 14 replying texts (2 granddaughters, included - thank You, Yeshua 😊) …

… 3 phone calls from friends, and 2 “I love you” texts (AM & PM) … which included a ferried Thanksgiving Supper from Mr. Complication 😉

Bonnie Raitt – ‘Thing Called Love’ song:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krF6LpUXODc)

I am being courted.

I’ve never been courted before.

Bob and I just fell into an easy relationship – that involved dating from our first “hello” to “let’s get married” (a four months perios of time); but there was no courting: we got married in a fever. It was like we had always been a couple, and there was no need to get to know each other (that happened after we were married 😉). I know that sounds weird – but it's truth. From the get-go, it was like our hearts spoke to each other: "Oh, there you are!"

But this … what is developing now … is different. It’s unfamiliar territory.

I'm actively being pursued.

It's not uncomfortable; it's just different.

That’s something to ponder.

While I ponder {Val's Courtship}, I’m going to work off the holiday calories of that welcome turkey supper delivered to my front door, by Mr. Complication 😊

Use common sense - and know what your body can do, before exercising.

Philippians ~ Chapter 4/Thursday Bible Study

This is the last Chapter of this Book; next week we will begin the Book of Colossians.

In this last chapter of Philippians, Paul’s central thought is simple: only in Christ are real unity and joy possible. With *Yeshua Ha’Mashiach as our example of humility and service, we can enjoy a oneness of purpose, attitude, goal, and labor – a truth which Paul illustrates from his own life, and one the Philippians desperately need to hear.

Within their own ranks, fellow workers in the Church at Philippi were at serious odds … hindering the work in proclaiming new life in Christ. Because of this, Paul exhorts that Church to “stand fast” – “be of one mind” – rejoice int eh Lord always” – “in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be known, and the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds”.

The Church = Body of Believers at Philippi was the first Church the Apostle Paul founded in Macedonia.

**********

Philippians ~ Chapter 4/Thursday Bible Study

Ehortation to Unity & Joy

“My brethren, I love you and long for you. You are my joy and my crown. But stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. I beg **Euodoia, and I beg ***Syntyche, to be reconciled to each other, with the Lord’s help. I ask you, too, my true companions (friends, buddies, mates, associates), to help these women. They both have worked hard, helping me spread the Gospel, assisted by ****Clement and other fellow-workers whose names are in the Book of Life. Rejoice in the *****Lord always! Let me repeat it: Rejoice! (vv. 1 – 4)

The Secret of the Peace of God

Let your forbearance (patience, self-control, tolerance, mercy) be known to all men. The Lord is near (close, at hand, coming)! So do not worry about anything. No matter what the circumstances, pray to #Elohim – entreat (plead, appeal, beg, pray, ask, urge) Him, and give thanks (cheer, appreciation/gratitude, acknowledgment/recognition, credit). Tell Him what you need. And the peace of ##Elohei Ha’Elohim, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ. (vv. 5 – 7)

Holy Thoughts Produce Holy Living

And as for the rest, brethren, you should thing these things … whatsoever is true (correct, right, real, genuine – honest, valid – endorsed = approved, sincere - upright), honorable (moral, noble, good, proper, fair, righteous – blameless), just (correct, impartial – fair = balanced, evenhanded), pure (clean, wholesome, higher), lovable (pleasant – agreeable = nice, friendly - gracious, cordial – good natured, warm, easy going), or of good report (significant, high opinion): in short, if there is anything excellent (first-rate, superb – fine = great, admirable – very good, highly regarded = trustworthy) and worthy of praise (credible, fine, approved), think about that. And do these things that you have learned from me and have accepted, that you have heard me speak about and seen me do. Practice (exercise, drill, habit, custom, routine) them and the God of peace will be with you. (vv. 8 – 9)

Paul’s Gratitude Because of the ###Saint’s Concern for Him

It has made me very happy in the Lord to find that now, at length, your concern for me has blossomed forth again. I mean, of course, that you were interested in me – but you had no occasion () to show it until now. And even now I am not saying that I am in actual need (), for I have learned to be content no matter what my circumstances may be. I know how to live in poverty and I know how to live in prosperity. I have had experience under any and all conditions, of having enough and of going hungry – of living in plenty and of living n poverty. I can do anything through Christ, Who gives me strength.

Still, I think that you did the right thing to share my hardships with me. And you Philippians know that in the beginning of my *#Gospel ministry, when I left Macedonia, yours was the only church that went into partnership with me in the matter of giving and receiving. Even when I was in Thessalonica you twice sent help to meet my needs. It is really not the gifts that I crave, but I do look for fruit that may be out to your credit (praise, recognition, standing, status).

I now have all that I need, and more than that. I am quite contented, having received from **#Epaphroditus (eph-aph-roh-die-tus) the gifts you sent. They are like sweet-smelling incense, like a sacrifice acceptable and well-pleasing to Elohim.

My God will, in return, supply all your needs out of His glorious riches, through Yeshua Ha’Mashiach. May glory be to our God and Father forever and ever! Amen.

Greet all the saints in Yeshua Ha’Mashiach. All the brethren here with me send you their greeting. All the Christians here – especially the Believers of Caesar’s household, wish to be remembered to you.

The grace of our Lord, Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, be with you all! Amen!” (vv. 10 – 23)

*Yeshua Ha’Mashiach: is Hebrew for “Jesus the Messiah”; the name Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Yeshua.

Christ (from the Hebrew word, Ha’Mashiach ישוע המשיח & the Greek word, Christos/khris-tos) = The Anointed, Yeshua the Messiah, in both languages.

**Euodoia (yee-oh-dee-ah): a member of the congregation at Philippi, who disagreed with another woman on an unknown subject – to such an extent, that Paul asked them to “agree in the Lord”. Both women had worked closely with Paul, and were perhaps charter members (aka, a founding member) of the congregation at Philippi. Possibly they were deaconesses (a woman chosen to assist in the ministry of The Church/to encourage the pastor/to serve the Lord by performing acts of charity and hospitality, and assistance for those of The Church, particularly women, assisting in the visitation and ministry to the sick and needy/to bring about unity, stability, and purpose to the ministry); and possibly they held some of the worship services in their homes.

***Syntyche (sin-tee-chee): a woman who was prominent in the congregation at Philippi – she was urged by Paul to settle her feud with Euodoia, also in the Philippian Church. She was probably a well-to-do deaconess. Her disagreement with Euodoia had grown to the point where it threatened to split the Philippian Church.

****Clement (Cleh-ment): a co-worker and friend of Paul, Clement was one of the Christians who lived at Philippi. Nothing more is known of this man, but what Paul writes in his letter to Philippi.

*****Lord Jesus Christ (in Greek: Kyrios Iēsous Christos) = the most formal title for Jesus (Yeshua). It occurs often in the New Testament letters.

The word “Lord” has a wide range of uses; it can be a simple respectful “Sir” or a more formal, “Master.” But the New Testament also uses “Lord” of God. The word “Christ” is the anglicized form of the Greek word meaning “anointed one” or “Messiah.” “Lord Jesus Christ” reminds us that Jesus is both the promised Messiah and our God.

#Elohim (Hebrew: אֱלֹהִים, romanized: ʾĚlōhīm: [(eloˈ(h)im]) is a Hebrew word meaning "Gods – Father, Son, & Holy Spirit". Although the word is plural in form, in the Hebrew Bible it usually refers to a single deity “Behold, the Lord – the Lord is One”, particularly the God of Israel.

##Elohei Ha’Elohim (Hebrew word: אֱלֹהֵי הָאֱלֹהִים) = God of gods; above all gods.

###Saint = In its most basic sense, a saint is a “holy one,” someone who is set apart for Elohim’s special purposes. As a result, every follower of Yeshua Ha’Mashiach is a Saint. In most of his letters, the Apostle Paul refers to the recipients as saints, including the church at Corinth, where there were significant moral and theological problems! The New Covenant writers draw their use of the word saints (“holy ones”) from the Old Covenant (e.g., Exod 31:13; Lev 11:45, 19:2; Dan 7:18, 27). Particularly important is Exodus 19:5-6, where Elohim refers to Israel as “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” 1 Peter 2:9 applies this same language to believers: “you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

*#Gospel = teaching or revelation of Christ.

**#Epaphroditus (eph-aph-roh-die-tus): a Christian believer in Philippi – he was sent by his home congregation to carry collected money for Paul during the Apostle’s imprisonment in Rome. He stayed with Paul, helping until he took seriously ill and nearly died; recovering, he asked to return home to Philippi. Paul sent his Philippian epistle back with him, and referred to the faithful messenger in glowing terms as “my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier.”

**Philippians 3: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2022/11/philippians-chapter-3thursday-bible.html

HAPPY

I spent six hours this afternoon with Mr. Complication. Just talking.

I turned down spending Thanksgiving Supper with his family, again, too. I’m not ready to “meet the family” yet.

I {drove home} to him the facts of my complicated life (widowhood emotions/complications; kids, grandkids - he claims he's okay with all of it)… and said, “now it’s your turn: spill. Tell me about yourself.”

And he did. More things I have talked to Elohim about (concerning a companion), were revealed. All positives 😊

Neither of us needs the opposite sex to ‘complete’ us (as some people seem to think they do; always needing to have someone hanging off their arm to show off. Always on the prowl), as we’ve both been able to live happy and satisfactory lives solo lobo – but it is nice to share our daily life ins-and-outs with another 😉

It's good to know that when we open our lives to the possibility of sharing it with someone else, that person is already happy with their own life, and isn’t looking to you to supply all happiness in their life. Sharing happiness is good – being expected to be a never-ending source of happiness in a life that is lacking happiness is another thing altogether.

This man wanting to be a part of my life is a happy person: I feel no pressure at all to be his all-in-all; no matter how this developing {thing} plays out.

18 Signs That You Just Might Be HAPPY

1. You love, accept and believe in yourself and that love spills out into the world creating solid and heathy relationships and a desire for others to be happy as well

2. You create true intimacy

3. You don’t sweat the small stuff and you bounce back easily from adversity and setbacks

4. You live with an attitude of gratitude

5. You appreciate the small things

6. You live in the moment, not obsessing about the past or worrying about the future

7. You keep stress to a minimum

8. You prioritize your own well-being

9. You are healthy and don’t suffer from chronic pain or have things that keep you up at night

10. You live life on your terms, true to who you are

11. You are excited to get out of bed in the morning and are optimistic about the future

12. You aren’t frequently angry, resentful, sad or bitter

13. You treat yourself and others with respect and kindness

14. You pursue your passions

15. You do not let fear stop you from pursing your dreams or goals

16. You are happy by yourself and enjoy your own company

17. You know how to reach out and ask for help

18. You have strong values

Before I left for home, he actually used the L Word, saying, “I love you. I know you’re fragile right now. I’m not going anywhere; I’ll wait.”

I know I’ve healed a LOT over these past 4 years. I know I have prayed (and spoken aloud to friends about …) for the past 18 months for a companion to have conversations with, to do things with, to go places with: I have room in my new life to make room for a companion … I just don’t know about the L Word.

I know I am comfortable with him, and the few members of his family I already know; and spend time with.

I know this man makes me laugh: he has a good sense of humor, and an upbeat outlook on life in general.

I know this man is self-sufficient: he doesn’t need anyone to take care of him.

I know this man is a kind, gentle, and compassionate person: he walks his talk.

I know this man – like me – puts God first, in his life: that is a BIG PLUS in his favor. He totally {gets} that Elohei will always be first and foremost in my life. We understand each other in that regard.

I am primarily interested in a platonic relationship: will this man be content with that, if this {thing} moves forward?

I have a lot to think about.

I have a lot to pray about.

I have a lot to seek Elohim’s wisdom on.

In the meantime, I’m going to continue working on myself, while waiting for revelations to manifest themselves to me clearly 😊

I have a feeling 2023 is going to be an interesting year 😉

COMPLICATIONS

I got a phone call last night from my niece, and was informed during the course of the convo of my brother’s (2^nd sibling from me – I am the oldest) recent surgery. That concerned me; so, when I woke this morning, I jetted a text off to my youngest sister (3^rd sibling from me) asking her about it.

The returned text reply was complicated – cancer is a complicated thing. There is no cure for cancer … no matter what medical talking heads will tell you. If you had cancer, you have cancer; it’s just a matter of time before it strikes again. But, people do not want to hear that; so I didn’t try to explain that fact to my sister.

I just thought a while on that complication, and talked to Elohim about it, while drinking my morning coffee. I didn’t fall to pieces … I just mused on the ramifications of the prognosis.

The I got ready for my Tuesday morning Pep Talk on the hill. I would be ferrying two people to the meeting this morning – and it was raining heavily with all the gusto a PNW Fall brings with it, so I left earlier than usual.

Sparkly 'Pearl' for brow line, 'Plum' for eyelid color, & 'Purple' for 'liner'; tinted Lip Balm & 'Pink Quartz Lipgloss.

'Auburn' Eyebrow Gel, 'Burgundy' Mascara, & Rose-tinted Creme Blush.

I was driving up 38^th, passing the school there, when a second complication appeared on the day’s docket. I shouldn’t have been surprised, because this fella’s been flirting for a solid year … but I was. I haven’t given him any encouragement along these lines.

I talk about Bob – and the love I had and still have for him all the time. I had to pull over to the side shoulder and stare at the message for a good long time before answering.

I don’t believe this person knows what he’s wanting to jump into. My life is very complicated. I am a Widow – that comes with too much baggage to label and try to explain … and though this man has heard me talk, I don’t believe he has actually heard me: it’s not that I “used to love” my husband – I still love Bob! I will always love Bob.

If this man truly wants to date ME, and not just what he thinks {me} is, then he needs to understand that there will be three of us involved in this developing relationship: I won’t be dragging Bob into every situation on every occasion, but Bob will at some point, be very present in a moment, which will make life difficult for this man when that moment surfaces. An anniversary date of some sort (our March meeting, our April First Date, our August Wedding date, our daughter Stacey’s birth date, grandchildren moments, LIFE moments, Bob’s Eternal Life date, ect.): these dates will come up – and so will all the complex feelings those dates bring with them.

This man is divorced. Divorce is not death related. Bob and I did not want to end our life together. I am still coming to terms with that ending.

Admittedly, I am in a much better place today than I have been in the past 4 years; but the missingness is still there. While it’s true that grief does not stab my heart so sharply – or quickly – when a memory crops up … it does still cripple me emotionally, for a bit. My heart doesn’t know how to compartmentalize the loss it still feels, into a neat little Grief File, that will magically blur the lines between {then} and {now}; to make life easier for a new complication.

My heart actually hurt while I stared at that text message before answering it. I glanced at the dash clock and saw that I needed to make some sort of response, and get back on the road in order to make my morning appointment. My emotions were caught between holding on and letting go – and then, it was like I mentally heard Bob’s voice speaking to me again, like I had heard him speaking that Thanksgiving week in 2018, when he was trying to get me to go to Thanksgiving Supper at Merry’s house: he was trying to make me understand that I needed to get on with my life while his was ending. He wanted me to go to that Supper: I refused; I didn’t want to leave his side. Then, or ever. Those last three weeks of his life, he told me again, and again, “I want you to live, Val. Get on with your life after I’m gone.”

My heart was physically hurting with that leap forward that I took today as I replied to the risky text. I haven’t solicited the feelings being texted to me. I wasn’t sure I wanted to entertain them. All I knew for certain was that Bob wanted me to consider the possibility – and he had given me his approval of this possibility four years ago. So, I conceded.

I decided to {wing it}.

I have been asking Elohim for a companion; someone to spend time with, on a friendly basis. This man and I are friends. This man has seen all sides of my character; the good, the bad, and the ugly moments – he sees, and accepts me, as I am. He treats me with gentleness, care, and respect: even when I am being difficult, or emotional talking about my life with my husband, children and grandchildren before the Winter of 2018 severally altered all of our lives. He has listened, and never made me feel l am a burden to be tolerated. He has good-naturedly flirted off and on, but this morning he flat out stated his intentions.

His text message read similar to what I said to Bob 48 years ago (I have always said Bob was meant specifically for me, even though he jumped the gun with a premature marriage 😉). I always loved Bob from the moment my eyes first saw him in the Fall of 1967; he was trying to heal from a failed marriage when we got together in the Spring 1974. The {then} and {now} situations of my life are sounding eerily similar – the wording is different, but the emotion staring me in the face is kinda freaky! Does this man feel for me the way I felt towards Bob? Should I give him a chance … like Bob gave to me? Bob and I had a wonderful relationship for 44 years. Can this current budding {thing} become something just as deep and satisfying?

This man has told me many times, “I knew who you were the minute you walked into the room; I saw you in my mind’s eye 30 years ago, just like you are now. You may not know it – but I know it.” Should I take the risk? I have a lot of life to live, yet. I have a lot of love to give, still. Can I give this man all of that? Do I really want to go down this trail?

I did ask for a Christian companion, to pal around with; and to have deep discussions with: and here he is … making himself known.

So, these thoughts were what was on my mind when I picked Chrystal up with tears in my eyes. She asked me what was wrong, and I just handed her the phone. She read the message, and looked at me again, and said, “I’ll pray for you both.” She understands. I am rich in true friends; and yet, she is more than a friend. She is a sister of the heart.

She understands.

Then we picked up Pam – and she was clued in, too. She was clued in because she has been praying for two years that I would open my heart to the possibility of another occupancy. She said, “Val, this is great! Bob would not want you to go through the rest of your life alone. You’re still young. You have a lot of love to give yet.” I replied wryly, “I knew you’d be pleased.” And we laughed: me with wet eyes.

I kinda felt like Elohim was ganging up on me, three to one (four to one, if you count Bob’s encouragement, around this time, four years ago). This is a major step forward, for me.

The Tuesday Meeting today, went very well: I have no problem compartmenting in this area 😉

Later, on the way home from dropping Chrystal back at her house, I was brought up short by pretty tail feathers 😊

This is new: a peacock in the middle of the road; Old Pacific Highway. And ... another complication ... they were strutting back and forth, and effectively stopping traffic going both directions.

Ike & Tina Turner – ‘Shake A Tail Feather’ song:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnwlHnvWH4Q)

Finally, they are both on the same side of the road! And traffic is moving again. LOL

At home, I got started thawing my Thanksgiving Supper stuff: nothing fancy, but it will “do” just fine.

Thawing my Solo Lobo Thanksgiving 'eats' ... this will be rounded out by mashed spuds, an ear of corn, and a supper roll: not as spartan as it appears.

Mr. Complication changed my solo-planned Thanksgiving Supper Plans; and he is hijacking Sunday afternoon, too 😉

Today was a big day, in so many ways. I need to work some complications out … exercising, like hiking, has always had a calming effect on me 😊

I may be chubby; but, I'm not a flabby chub ;-)