I’m trying something new, so it may or may not work. This is purely for entertainment purposes. I’m listing all the pros and cons of this day, July 2, 2018:

Pro: I woke up today.

Con: Today was Monday.

Pro: I was able to get my walking in on my lunch break and after work, so I got my 10,000+ steps in.

Con: It was Sweat-palooza with all the heat and extreme humidity.

Pro: I treated myself to a triple mocha frappucino from Starbucks that was delightful and delicious.

Con: It was over way too soon and I was sad.

Pro: With a holiday falling in the middle of the week, I essentially get two Fridays.

Con: I still have to wake up at 5 am tomorrow and manage to survive until that first cup of coffee.

All in all, there were way more pros than cons. As I’ve learned and continue to be reminded, attitude and perspective go a long way toward changing your outlook.

I still believe that giving thanks instead of counting your cons is the best way to live. Gratitude makes the miracles happen.

I’m not sure that I’ve got this life thing figured out just yet. I’m beginning to understand that most of us don’t, and a lot that say they do are lying.

Sometimes it feels like just when you’ve gotten one part of your life down, everything changes and you have to start all over again. Or maybe you look back at that glorious period when you had all your life figured out and say, “Well, that was a nice 45 seconds.”

I don’t have to understand it all. I only have to trust in the God who is in charge of it all. I don’t have to even understand God completely to trust Him, but I can trust in what I know to be true and what I’ve seen and heard up till now.

That’s it. Trusting from one moment to the next and being content to not have all the answers, but trusting in the One who does.

Today marks exactly one year since I went to the Williamson Animal Shelter and picked out a tiny little tortie. Or more accurately, she picked me, meowing pitifully and stretching out her little paw toward me from her cage.

I still believe that no cat could ever replace Lucy, my beloved first pet, but Peanut is her own gentle, sweet, hyper, often hilarious self. What sets her apart most is her one peanut butter colored foot that looks out of place but only serves to add to her charm.

She’s a lot better off than when she was rescued off I-65 and brought to the shelter. I’m a lot better off since she decided that I was to be her forever human.

I periodically like to keep you all updated on my continuing quest to watch all of the Classic Doctor Who episodes (or as many still survive).

I am officially up to the 4th Doctor (otherwise known as Tom Baker). Apparently, he is one of the most well-loved and respected of all the incarnations of the Doctor. Certainly, he seems to have set the standard by which all other Doctors are measured.

Anyway, I saw the actual regeneration where Jon Pertwee transformed into Tom Baker. I’m sure at the time there was a little sadness at the end of an era with such a familiar actor playing the Doctor, as well as a little hesitancy and trepidation over the new incarnation. Change is always a little scary.

I think in my own life, I’m a big talker when it comes to how much I’m ready for change. Until it happens, then I’m wanting to go back to the old and familiar and comfortable. My joke is that the only change I like is made of metal and has pictures of dead presidents on it.

Sometimes, familiar and comfortable can turn into staleness and stagnation. Sometimes, we all need a little nudge out of the proverbial nest toward growth and maturity.

As for Tom Baker, so far, so good.

“Life is short and we have never too much time for gladdening the hearts of those who are traveling the dark journey with us. Oh, be swift to love, make haste to be kind!” (Henri Amiel, 1821-1881)

Wise words. Make haste to be kind.

Abba’s children are called to extend grace and kindness not just to those who think like we do, but also to those who don’t.

Abba Father is kind and merciful and patient toward those who rebel against Him, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

We should do the same.

In the mean time, let us encourage and gladden each other’s hearts as we travel through much darkness. May we be the light of the world that Jesus told us to be to show others the way toward God’s salvation.

I had a good night. I started out with dinner at Elliston Place Soda Shop with mom. That was a semi-bucket list trip, and it was well worth the effort. The place has been around since 1939, and the food was fantastic.

We went next door to a sort of consignment/used clothing store where I picked up this gem of a t-shirt for $8. I’m making my way through the Classic Doctor Who episodes, and I feel this cements my status as an official Whovian. Or maybe just a nerd. I’m not really sure on the terminology.

Whatever it is, I’m proud to be a wearer of this t-shirt. I’m sure the Doctor would approve.