1 CORINTHIANS ~Chapter 15: Resurrection, Rapture, & Victory Over Death :-D

All of you reading my Blog and reading my posts on FB know that I have not posted a Thursday Bible Study post in months – I have been grieving with remembrances of “first’s anniversaries”. The other morning, as I woke up, I remember thinking, “I need to get back to Scripture reading”; this was not a condemnation, but simply The Ruach prompting me that I have grieved enough, and that after December 14^th, I need to give myself wholly over unto the plans Elohim has for my new life.

I can do that ;-)

Circumstances and situations as of late, are already moving in that direction. And today’s Scripture passage is the perfect Bible Study to catapult me forward … and to remind others that death, while being the end of life in the flesh, is NOT THE END for those in Mashiach Yeshua.

I actually smiled the entire time I read this passage.

It is perfect for what I have been through this past year of widowhood, and an exhortation not only for me – but for ALL those who belong to Elohim :-D I have known this passage of Scripture all my life, but it is good to be reminded again.

And it differs greatly from the vineyard doctrine being preached in the majority of churches now which tell people they do not need the salvation of Yeshua to be saved, they do not need to leave their life of sin, and there is no resurrection. These are lies from the pit of Hell – they are NOT what Elohim tells us, and they are NOT Yeshua taught.

If anyone is telling you different than what Scripture tells you – GET UP AND LEAVE. It is better to suffer mockery for doing what is right, than to suffer the flames of hell later for following the crowd into perdition.

KNOW YOUR BIBLE! READ Scripture for yourself do not rely on someone else’s perverted interpretation. If you need to readjust your thinking and get right with Elohim – do it; if you are not yet saved – get saved; if you have given your life to Yeshua, and are not sure how to live your new Christian life – get an older version of the Scriptures (before the obama era, when blasphemous ‘bibles’ were printed) and read it/amend your life accordingly: and fellowship with other Christians – this does not need to take place in a church building, which many have become questionable in relation to true and real Christianity.

Let us, together, bring in 2020 with gladness, joy, peace, and love.

Amen.

1 CORINTHIANS ~Chapter 15: Resurrection, Rapture, & Victory Over Death :-D

“Brethren, I want to remind you of the Gospel which I preach to you, and which you accepted, and on which you stand. And by this you are saved if you hold to the teaching that I left with you, otherwise you have believed in vain.

First and foremost, I passed on to you the teaching I had received, namely, that Yeshua dies for our sins according to the Scriptures; also that He was buried and that on the 3^rd day He rose again, as the Scriptures said He would; and also that He was seen by Cephas, and then by the Twelve. Next, He appeared to more than 500 brethren at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have passed on. Later, He was seen by James, and then by all the Apostles. Last of all, He appeared to me also – coming to me as to one untimely born. For I am the least important of the Apostles, unfit even to be called an Apostle, because I persecuted The Church.

But by the grace of Elohei, I am what I am, and His grace towards me has not been without results. I have actually done more work than all of the others, although strictly it was not I who did it, but Elohim’s grace which was with me. But whether it was I or they who labored, this is what we preach, and this is what you have believed.

We preach that Mashiach Yeshua was raised from the dead, and yet some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead. How so? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Mashiach was not raised. If Mashiach has not been raised, then our preaching counts for nothing and your faith is groundless. And we are found also to be false witnesses about Elohim, for we have proclaimed about Elohim that He raised up Mashiach from the dead, which is not true if there is no resurrection. For if the dead are never raised, then, surely, Mashiach was not raised either. But if Mashiach has not bee raised, then your faith is in vain and you are still in your sins. And those who died trusting in Mashiach to save them are lost forever. And if our hopes in Mashiach applied only to this life, and not beyond, then we, of all people, would be the most to be pitied.

But now Mashiach has been raised from the dead, and has become the first of those to be raised who have fallen asleep in death. Jut as death came into the world through a man, so also has the resurrection of the dead come through a Man! Just as all die because of Adam, so also shall all be made alive again because of Mashiach. There is a proper order in this unfolding: Mashiach first, then at Mashiach’s coming, those who believed on Him. After that the end will come when He will turn the kingdom over to Elohim, the Father, after having destroyed every other government, authority and power. He must reign until He puts His enemies under His feet.

Death, also an enemy, is the last to be destroyed. Scripture says, “He has put all things in subjection under His feet.” But when it says that “He has put all things in subjection”, it is self-evident that Elohim, Who reduced everything to subjection, is not included. And when Elohim shall have put all things in subjection to the Son, then the Son Himself will also become subject to Elohim, Who has given Him power over everything, so that Elohim will remain all in all.

There are some who practice baptism on behalf of the dead. Why do they do that, if the dead do not raise again at all? Why should anyone be baptized for the dead? And why do we live in danger every hour? I face death daily, not withstanding our boasting because we have safety in Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, our Lord. Humanly speaking, what dd I gain by “fighting for my life against wild beasts” at Ephesus? If there is no resurrection from the dead, why not say, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die?”

Don’t be mislead by such reasonings. Bad company harms good manners. Come to your senses and stop sinning. Some of you do not know Elohei at all, I say this to your shame.

Some will ask, “How can the dead rise?”; or, “What sort of body will they have when they come back?” Don’t be foolish. You know that when you sow a seed it has to die before it can grow again. And you know that when you sow, you do not sow the body that is to be, but a bare seed, such as wheat or some other grain. Elohim then gives each to each seed a body according to His own plans, that is, to each seed its own body.

In a similar way, not all flesh is the same. One kind is the flesh of men, another kind is the flesh of beasts, or of fish, or of birds. And there are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, and the glories of the heavenly bodies are very different than the glories of the earthly bodies. For instance, the sun has one kind of beauty, the moon has another, and the stars still another. In fact, each star differs from every other star in its splendor.

In some such way is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in honor. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in strength. It is sown in a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. As Scripture records it, “The first man, Adam, became a living soul.” The Last Adam was a life-giving Spirit.

It was not the spiritual that came first, but the physical. The spiritual came afterward. The first man was from the earth, made of dust; the second man was The Lord, Who came out of Heaven. The nature of man made of dust is repeated in all men – all made of dust; the nature of the Man from Heaven id repeated in those who are of Heaven. And just as we have been like the man made of dust, so also we can become like the Man from heaven.

I want to say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven, nor will the perishable inherit the unperishable.

And I shall tell you a secret: we are not all going to die, but we are all going to be changed. It will come about suddenly, quickly, in the twinkling of an eye. There will be the sound of a trumpet, and the dead will be raised, and we shall be changed. For it is necessary that this perishable nature must change to the unperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. And when this perishable nature shall have been changed to the imperishable, and this mortal nature shall have become immortal, then the words of Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory! Where, then, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (Isaiah 25:8 & Hosea 13:14).

It is sin that gives death its sting, and it is the Law that gives sin its strength. But thanks be to Elohim, for He gives us the victory through our Lord, Yeshua Ha’Mashiach!

So, my beloved brethren, stand firm, immovable, always busy in the Lord’s work, knowing that what you do in the service of The Lord is labor not thrown away!”

**1 CORINTHIANS 14: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2019/10/1-corinthians-chapter-14.html

IN 17 HOURS/15 MINUTES ... WHERE ARE YOU CHRISTMAS

Today, last year, I was standing by Bob’s bedside at OHSU, watching his labored breathing. The edema had not abated despite the massaging leg cuffs; and the excess water weight was not draining fast enough despite the water reducing medication they had him on.

Edema was pressing on Bob’s vital organs and lungs.

Bob had not been allowed even a tongue-wetting sip by mouth for days. No ice cubes either. Bob was trying to say something to me, but he could no longer talk … his tongue had swollen, cracked, and split due to dehydration despite the saline drip. I almost lost my lunch when I saw his tongue – I called a nurse in and brought it to his attention, and the nurse said to me … “Oh that: I’ve seen worse with cancer patients after radiation treatments.” I just stared at him and stare-shamed him about his callous remark.

I didn’t want to know what I already KNEW: my husband was in the end game of his life.

I remember standing there, holding his hand, looking out the window into the glooming darkness, and thinking that all over the city below the hospital on the hill, life was going on full force … streets and homes would be hung with holly, wreaths, and brightly colored lights. People would be rushing to and fro; visiting friends & family, packing Malls: and constantly on the go.

But for those of us, here at OHSU, trapped in a nightmare before Christmas, it did not feel much like Christmas today, last year.

17 hours and 15 minutes was the timeline allotted to us as time started ticking down and memories kicked in: not a lot of time to cram a lifetime of memories into. Memories of me first seeing Bob and falling head over heels in love with him. Memories of hearing he had gotten married and being crushed. Memories of me trying to move forward by dating - and knowing I could never say 'I love you' to anyone but Bob: so, I didn't date a whole lot; there was no point. Memories of meeting a soon-to-be-divorced Bob face-to-face, thrilled beyond measure that he was noticing me and talking to me. Memories of Bob making that first phone call to me and asking me out on our first date ... and being with Bob constantly after that; spending every moment together we could between my school and work hours, and Bob's work schedule. Memories of making love for the first time and crying because it was so perfect: we were perfect together; Bob took time to make lovemaking perfect and special for me. Always. Memories of Bob wearing me down, and me agreeing to marry him. Memories of pregnancy confirmation, and Bob being so happy to have a baby daughter. Memories of Bob holding our newborn granddaughter, Alyna ... and 18 years later, holding our newborn grandson - Alyna's brother, Azariah. Memories of Bob as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather. Memories of Bob smiling that sexy smile aimed at me. Memories of Bob's twinkling eyes when he was teasing me. Memories of Bob's gentle voice and gentle touch. Memories of Bob laughing, speaking, making that throaty growl like Roy Orbison when he was in a playful mood. Memories of us traveling to various States, and building a life in retirement that allowed for more traveling. 

Memories of a life well lived, well loved, well spoken of.

Memories of a lifetime wrapping up to fast.

Me loving Bob so much it was choking me with the intensity; and me wondering how I was going to live without him when he left my embrace for Yeshua's embrace.

Me loving Bob so much that I steeled myself and prepared us both for his journey to the Home we both looked forward to - our Home beyond the clouds, in that parallel world where real life happens: no more pain, no more sorrow - only joy, peace, and love eternal.

Bob was ready to leave.

I readied myself to let him go.

Everything, as I had known it; everything as I had always hoped it could be - and Bob went out of his way to make sure things went that way - until, even that, was out of his hands - ended.

And, today – this year, I am trying to {keep it together} knowing that in 17 hours/15 minutes … I will mark my first year as a Widow.

My heart has hurt all day long, it has been hard to breathe all day long, and the tears have begun to flow.

And, also like today, last year, I am asking today – this year: “Where are you Christmas?”

MY WINDOW VIEWS TODAY …

Stormy weather.

I was doing research on the computer and not really paying attention to anything but what I was focused on – when I looked up, I realized it was stormy weather going on outside:

I love my skylights; they brighten up the dreary PNW days. Bob gave me the perfect gift with the last gift he would ever give me in the flesh.

So dusky even the automatic street lights have come on! And it isn’t even noon yet ...

And, in this downpour, there are 2 hummingbirds flitting around looking for a meal … but there is nothing set out. Anywhere. I feel bad for them, but it’s winter time; they should be loooong gone from here by now.

When the hummingbirds caught my attention from my peripheral eyesight, I also noticed that my eggplant has set blossoms :-D

Eggplant blossoms; 3 ct. so far.

These are my window views today …

THE HEN HOUSE

Pam called yesterday and we got to talking; she asked what I’ve been doing, and I said I have been working on appliance dust covers; and that my home is beginning to look like a chick pad. We laughed. We laughed because I have never been a girly-girl and this whole girly theme is unnerving me a little – my new life is surprising me with the girly vibe. We also laughed because we are both in our 60’s … and far past the “chick” stage ;-)

I am an old hen; and a feisty one, at that – our friend Dave (who Bob is probably palling around with in Heaven, or riding the clouds with now; as both are spirits now), used to call me “the little Banty hen”: and Bob would laugh. I sure miss my fellas.

Hence, the title of this post :-D

The wreath my SIL gifted me with dried out because I had it hung on the foyer door, inside; so the other day I took it down (it was still giving out the wonderful evergreen scent), and started dismantling it: I saved the wreath form to make my own wreath with next year ;-)

I also made two more appliance dust covers to add to the previous two I designed and completed earlier this week
(https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2019/12/mod-crochet-dehydrator-dust-cover.html):

MOD Crochet Panini Grill Dust Cover

 MOD Crochet Round Crockpot Dust Cover

SUCH A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME

How can SO MUCH happen is such a short period of time?

Tonight, last year, Bob had been moved from ICU/ER back upstairs to another private room – it was not fancy like the first room when we had arrived at OHSU, November 24^th – this one was much smaller, and in the older end of the Ward. Familiar faces were noticeably absent: his attendants were still very nice, very attentive, and johnny-on-the-spot … but, the atmosphere had changed. Staff moods were more low-key – not so peppy; those who checked his vitals wore a concerned expression now – not the cherry smiles face’s wore before.

Bob slept. A LOT. Attendants were still monitoring Bob’s heart, and tried to relieve the excess water weight – MPO is that the saline drip was the main culprit in that instance. When he as awake and alert, physical therapists arrived to “get him on a schedule”, but it wasn’t working: he literally could not walk, he’d been bed-ridden and on heavy narcotics for too long: they managed to get him propped up in a recliner, using the sling to transfer him from bed to chair … and that worked for a few days. But, over the course of the next few days, the Word Search Puzzle Book lay on his table-stand, untouched: I eventually put it back in my duffel bag. His laptop joined my laptop on our laptop shoulder bag; and I played music pretty much straight through the days because it soothed both of us.

Bob & I knew he was slipping away.

I was brave for Bob.

The Medical Team and attendants told me I was ‘a strong woman’.

Inside, I was quaking jello – and desperately crying out to Yeshua. I spent a good part of very day standing by my husband’s bedside; holding his hand, telling him I loved him, and avoiding Dr. Gilbert’s sympathetic gaze when she dropped in for a quick visit. Dr. Morgan and her entourage made morning rounds (OHSU is a learning hospital; it is run like a University) – they came through very early in the mornings, and I was always awake: I rarely slept more than a few quick snatches of shut-eye – I didn’t want Bob to leave Earth without knowing I was aware of his leaving.

We missed lighting the candles of Hanukkah last year (began December 2^nd, and ended December 10^th, 2018) because burning candles in hospitals I not allowed. Hanukkah this year will begin 3 days before Christmas … and end the day after my 63^rd Birthday: hopefully, it will be a joyous celebration this year.

I would stand by my husband’s bedside, holding his hand, and remembering how he used to chuckle and squeeze my hand; commenting on how small my hand was in his large hand. I remember watching my husband doze, and thinking how I loved how Bob was made: he was a good man. Bob was a giant of a man with a heart to match. Bob was solid. Kindhearted. Gentle in character, and strong in spirit. Bob was a man of confidence … not in a bold or splashy way, but he was a man comfortable in his own skin – a man who knew he was a man who could carry his own weight, and help shoulder someone else’s weight too, if needed. When Bob walked into a room, the energy in that room changed – Bob commanded attention in an unassuming way. There was a quiet, yet unmistakable authority in the way he stood, the way he moved, the way he surveyed the dynamics in the room. But, always, there was a gentle aura about him that showed itself to be present in his beautiful eyes. Bob made fast friends, wherever he was – whatever he was doing: I saw. With my own eyes, the way people were drawn to his character, and would want to be in his presence. Bob had an engaging smile for everyone; that smile would light up a room (and he had a sexy smile he smiled just for me – he never aimed that smile at anyone else after we started dating/married 44 years ago. Ever). Bob was an easy, laid-back man who was genuine and true in whatever he did or said.

Bob loved life; Bob was a man easy to love – everyone who came in contact with him, loved him. To know him, was to love him. People couldn’t help themselves. Bob was an easy conversationalist: he was genuinely interested in what others had to say, and would lean into conversations easily … he could have engaging, heartfelt convos with the waitresses; as well as the owners of the restaurants we frequented. He regularly engaged in lengthy chit-chat sessions with people of means, we’d meet hiking, while on a daytrip jaunt in either State the Columbia River sliced its way through: and just the same, he easily and effectively entered into bartering venues with the working men and women. I remembered the time Bob was logging a stand of timber along a stretch of the Longbeach Peninsula, and when he came home one night, he had a huge bucket of unshucked oysters with him. When I saw them, I squealed with delight and asked where they came from – Bob told me that one of the oyster farmers flagged him down one night after work and asked about getting a load of firewood from the landing gleanings; and Bob worked out a deal with the guy: a good size load of firewood waiting with a trade-off of a bucket of oysters to bring home to me. What a guy!

Bob effortlessly gathered people wherever he went; whatever he was doing. He could engage anyone, anywhere, anytime; and I liked watching it happen. With Bob, life was never boring – excitement and opportunities were continuous.

And I felt honored and privileged he was mine at the end/start of every day.

Watching my husband, tonight – last year, struggle to breathe easily (even with the nasal oxygenizer); and knowing time was wrapping up, all I could think was, “How can SO MUCH happen is such a short period of time?”

44 years sounds like a loooong time, but in real time, it’s not that long at all.

We had LIVED A LOT OF LIFE in those 16,060 days; and yet, looking at my husband, lying in that hospital bed; watching his chest jerkily rise and fall with every belabored breath … and watching the attendants monitor his heart monitor, suddenly it didn’t seem like enough life. I wanted more!

I kept waiting for the sudden burst of laughter and the impish “gotcha!” declaration.

I kept waiting for the nightmare to end.

But there would be no negotiating with The Grim Reaper – he had lost his grip on Bob twice before: he was not about to let go this time … even if all he got was the body, while Elohim got the soul.

And I got loss of identity.

ALL of my life was centered around my husband, from the time I laid eyes on him at 10 years old; when he walked past me. Bob was my “it” man. My Forever Man. The 1 every male after that would be gauged against … and found lacking, in some way. I did date before I met Bob – but I never said, ‘I love you’ to anyone but Bob. Ever. There were at least 2 close calls: but the words would never escape my lips.

Because my heart kept whispering, “They are not HIM; they are not ‘The face.’” I knew he was out there – somewhere. I didn’t know if I would ever get to meet him; but I knew I would always love him. And I knew it would be dishonest to say those words to anyone else when they were not really true. Did I have strong feelings for those other 2 candidates? Yes, of course – but I did not love them enough to want to be bound to them for the rest of my life.

When Bob & I finally met, and started dating, the words came easily … and so did the binding of our lives together. And we said the words for 44 years straight. Every day & every night. And we bound our lives together; blissfully losing ourselves in the passion, and shoring our life up, strengthening it when the storms of life assailed us and we found ourselves losing sight of the shore. Life is not guaranteed, and we didn’t want to leave any loose ends – we loved … and we said it. We lived it.

Tonight, this year, I am gauging my new life against my old life.

They are not comparable.

Not really.

Yes, in a parallel world, Bob can still see me. He can still hear me. He can even still walk beside me. My heart can whisper these facts to me, but my heart will never again wait breathlessly for him to appear in my life: that time is past. Bob will never again be available to me; in either life – this one, or the one I will eventually join him in.

For most of this year, after becoming a Widow, I felt the life I loved so much, was over – and it was. BUT, Life itself, is not over for me. There is still much life yet to be lived.

This new life I have been handed is not the life I imagined, before August 30^th, 2018, that I would be living. And, this new life I have, is not the life I have chosen.

But, it is the Life I have been given: my old life was exchanged for this, my new Life. I have to make friends with it and learn to make the best of it.

I have to find ways to create possibilities with whatever Life throws my way. Bob instilled confidence in me, but regardless of that, I find that in this new Life, I am unsure about moving forward without Bob by my side. Logically, I know that enjoyed a full life before Bob melded his life with mine; and I know I can enjoy a full life again – my options are only limited by me.

Today, last year, I was still a wife, a mother, a grandmother.

Today, this year, I have NO identity left: everyone is gone from my new Life.

For 44 years, I KNEW WHO I WAS.

For the past 11 months/24 days/9 hours & 4 seconds I have no idea who I am: I know what my personal information tells me – I know my Name, I know my address, ect.; but I have no fricking idea who I am anymore, beyond the basics.

And tonight, this year … just like tonight, last year, when I was standing by my husband’s bedside watching him slip away from me; the nagging query remains: How can SO MUCH happen is such a short period of time?

MOD CROCHET DEHYDRATOR DUST COVER

Finished Dehydrator Dust Cover

I finished this dust cover up early this afternoon – I started it 2 days ago, but the Castle Rock Bazaar took up most of yesterday, and all I had time to do before falling into bed this morning at 2 AM, was to cut the yarn after the final round and tie the loose ends.

This morning, I wove in all the loose ends, made holly leaves (public domain internet search for pattern), and place wooden beads for the holly berry accents.

I was aiming for a vintage glass Christmas Ball {look} ;-)

Christmas Holly Accent; crochet leaves, wooden bead berries.

I made a cord hole (ch 4 sc space), and threaded the cord through; to streamline the design and eliminate unsightly bulk ;-)

This new dust cover joins the previous one I completed 2 days ago - (https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2019/12/baked-red-snapper-recipe.html).

Sorry: again, no pattern. But it is relatively easy to make … just work 6 sc’s in a magic circle to start; & increase every few sc’s each round – placing inc’s as desired to fit your dehydrator top ... and dec'g along the edge drop to fit your dehydrator model. Add your own trims.

That’s it!

BOB & ME ~ THEN ‘n NOW

Today, last year, Bob & I were in OHSU’s ICU/ER Ward hoping for the best, praying for another miracle, and resigned to accepting Elohim’s Will – whatever the outcome.

I had been working on a second knitted striped baby blanket I designed (I had finished the red & white one I started in November, at Peace Health hospital), when I heard music in the hallway … so I went out in the hallway to see what was going on, and was pleasantly surprised to see a mini band from the Oregon Symphony set up practically outside our doorway, and playing Christmas music :-D Such a beautiful sound! Bob told me that he had watched them pass the open doorway – normally the doorways are closed, but Bob didn’t like his doors closed, so the hospital staff allowed his doors to remain open always; we were thankful:

MOD Striped Baby Blanket I worked on while I sat with Bob in ICU/ER Ward at OHSU in Oregon.

MOD Candy Cane Baby Blanket for the holidays. Started Nov. 16^th at Peace Health, our local hospital.

The Oregon Symphony played 3 sets of Christmas music in OHSU’s ICU/ER Ward. Very beautiful. We felt honored & privileged.

(https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2018/12/making-turn.html)

Today, last year, we were trying to make the best of a bad situation – and trying to look for that silver lining in the gray cloud hanging over our heads. Later on, after the Symphony packed up and moved onto another floor, the same orthodox rabbi that stopped by Bob’s ICU/ER room the previous Shabbat, stopped again – this time, he took time to spend a few minutes with us: and we did not mind; the comfort of Elohim was what mattered: other Chaplains had not been visiting the ICU/ER Ward. He left a 2019 Calendar with me, before leaving to visit other patients … and I am still using that calendar, today, this year. That calendar is a tangible link to today, last year.

As you all know, who have been reading my Blog and following this tread … the bad situation got worse, and the only silver lining was that Bob graduated to a higher level of living and now walks the streets of gold in that celestial city beyond the clouds; Bob did not become an outpatient, we did not move, and I did not have to learn how to drive in Portland traffic. All that said: I STILL BELIEVE that joy overshadows the corners our lives have taken – Bob resides in Heaven, and lives a life of joy unimaginable to those who await our call to ‘Come Home!’; and joy is slowly taking root in my new life without Bob by my side, in the flesh. Bob answered Elohim’s Call; and I am bending to Elohim’s Will in my new life, according to His Plan for my life.

Today, this year, I was vendor at another local Bazaar - 
(https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2019/11/where-lonely-go.html); (https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2019/11/pleasant-hill-bazaar.html); (https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2019/11/i-made-it-through-rain.html). I wasn’t sure I could do Bazaars this year, but Yeshua has helped me in my healing progress, and I was able to do 2 of them – and that was a good start to kick-start future events ;-)

This morning, I woke up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed; hopped in & out of the shower/pulled a lunch together/made a pot of Peppermint Bark Coffee, and took remnants of Bob’s love with me …

Watch & watch band Bob bought me our first Christmas together in 1974; it’s starting to show its age – the gold plating is tarnishing & the leather band is dried and cracking – but it still works. And it warms my heart: metal on my skin breaks me out in a rash; I can't wear earrings or necklaces either: Bob looked high and low for this leather band. This watch represents my husband’s love for me.

Quick way to make coffee for the road ... I poured the perked coffee made in the pot into the thermos (Bob's Grandmother's coffee pot & his thermos); there wasn’t enough for the travel mug, and there was no time to perk half a pot; so I used my 1980's Melitta Pour-Over-Coffee Maker.

I used Bob's travel mug today (we bought matching mugs in Idaho 5 years ago on our way to Vegas to see our newborn grandson); I wanted his representation with me: the watch & the mug were good ones ;-)

Car loaded, off I drove – over Coal Creek (there was a foggy mist shrouding Coal Creek), Delameter (wet, but not foggy), Cline Road spur, and down PH 10 that dropped me right into Castle Rock :-D

Delameter Road

Melton Road, where the road work begins on Delameter …

Delameter Road road work.

Mud Hill on Delameter Road. Already the massive mud hill is sliding – I noticed evidence of landslide activity when I passed it on the way home around 3:30 PM. WHY this was created is a mystery – it’s ludicrous: and the ugly proposed cement retaining wall won’t be able to sustain it. This county folly is a ridiculous; and dangerous accident waiting to happen.

Looks like road widening on Delameter, nearing Cline Road spur.

Cline Road; which junctions with PH 10.

Finding the Senior Citizen’s Center was easy-peasy once I entered Castle Rock: Bob & I had visited it about a year and a half ago – and I spend a lot of time in Castle Rock (before, as well as now). I backed up to the side door, and noticed the pretty greenery & big Christmas balls curb appeal:

Festive outdoor decor at Castle Rock Senior Citizen's Center.

Setting up went quickly, and I schmoozed with other vendors (before, during, and after), made table $$ fee and then some (always good :-D), saw some interesting items vendors were selling, and signed up to become a member of the Center (Bob & I had talked about this before our lives took a critical turn). When I left home to make the Castle Rock event, I carried Bob’s love with me; and all day long I felt I was surrounded by Bob’s love and encouragement …

Coffee Can Frosty Top Hats. Made with painted coffee cans and plates.

I got my Castle Rock Senior Citizen's Center Membership Card. $5 for LIFETIME membership.

When I got back to home turf, I picked up the mail, and saw that a new seed catalog had arrived :-D This will be a good way to while away the Winter days – I love pouring over seed catalogs and plotting my garden plots during the gray days that keep me home bound over the Winter months ;-)

First 2020 Seed Catalog arrived.

I ended the day, today, this year, with thankfulness and praise to Elohim for getting me through it with joyfulness and hope for future events; Yeshua gave me peace that passes all understanding all day long, and I was even able to talk about Bob to other vendors without tearing up or breaking down.

Tonight, last year, I was drinking lukewarm juices I had stashed in my duffel bag while I camped out in the ICU/ER room with Bob – begging Elohim for a miracle, and at the same time prayerfully holding my husband’s hand and affirming with him that we would accept Elohim’s Will – no matter what.

Tonight, this year, I am drinking hot, fragrant, Jasmine tea at the home my husband provided for me when he walked this Earth in the flesh and loved me like a man; thanking Elohim that He has generously provided for me, and I want for nothing – in this, my new life; and I prayerfully praise Yeshua for the strength He gives me daily to accept Elohim’s Will … no matter what.

Bob & I bought this tea together at the Asian Market in Oregon, 2 years ago; there aren’t many bags left, and I have been hoarding it for special occasions: tonight fits ;-)

I had a good husband.

I have a good life - all things considered.

I have an AWESOME, GOOD God.

I am truly blessed.