Extroverts on Sunday

Famous last words to an Introvert spouse! 😅

Today was our monthly church potluck, but I didn’t feel like attending. With the temperature soaring over 109 degrees and the lack of air conditioning in the downstairs kitchen—just a swamp cooler that struggles in this heat—it was hard to motivate myself. In dry climates like ours, evaporative coolers were common before AC became affordable, providing some relief from the heat and reducing static electricity issues.

ANYWAY, there’s air conditioning upstairs, which offers relief from the heat. However, as tempting as it is, we can't just plop our food in the cool oasis of the sanctuary and call it a potluck!

Not cool -😎

"Does that mean you're an introvert?" 

 

No, it just means I prefer to avoid fainting and sweating bullets. 

Being married to an extrovert 👆

My husband is an extrovert who truly thrives on the buzz of social gatherings at the church.  He loves to talk, talk, talk, and tell stories.  He doesn't listen as well as he should. I often have to tag team him - fill him in on the things he missed, because he is too busy talking. 

That's teamwork in an introvert/extrovert relationship. 

So, what exactly are these extroverts all about? 

Extroverts are vibrant individuals who draw their energy from engaging with others and flourish in social settings. They are often characterized as outgoing, enthusiastic, "the life of a party," and expressive, effortlessly sparking conversations and embracing interactions with a sense of eagerness. They love to be the center of attention, although most won't admit it.

They often have a huge group of friends for years and are great at public speaking. They are uncomfortable with true solitude and prefer being around others. Outgoing and sociable, they enjoy group activities and networking and seek out new experiences, always looking for someone to connect with.

They almost always take the lead in group discussions, which can sometimes overshadow the contributions of quieter individuals, who may feel less inclined to share their insights. Extroverts often have a heightened need for social validation; they actively seek the approval and recognition of their peers, which can shape their interactions and decisions. They have a predisposition to burnout. With a tendency to juggle numerous social commitments, extroverts may find themselves stretched too thin, resulting in emotional exhaustion and a lingering sense of depletion.

Extroversion is highly valued in Western cultures, where assertiveness and sociability are seen as positive traits. In contrast, Eastern cultures often prioritize humility and harmony. Extroverts typically possess high energy levels and engage in various sports and activities. They also excel as storytellers, using their expressive nature to captivate audiences. They excel in marketing and sales and are natural leaders. They may struggle with remote work due to needing energy and motivation from others, and can come off as needy without social engagement.

My Mom and my sister were extroverts while my dad was an introvert. 

It is mostly inherited and somewhat environmental. No one chooses. It's in your DNA. Our personality traits are influenced by genetics, with studies suggesting that up to 60% of personality can be inherited. However, environmental factors also play a role in shaping how these traits are expressed.

One of the funniest things about extroverts is that they are fascinated by us introverts. 

Whereas we naturally run shy away from them. 

We can see them coming. 

👀👀👀

In yesterday's post, I reflected on my close friendships, all of which are predominantly extroverted except for two of them. As long as they avoid the urge to “fix” me, that’s when our connection truly thrives. I'm not one for lengthy phone conversations that stretch into hours; instead, a simple text is all I need to feel connected and engaged. 

They think we're weird - and since they are such people persons, they are interested in people. They're okay with us being weird. 💕💕

Some Famous Extroverts:

Bill Clinton, Steve Jobs, Benjamin Franklin, Martin Luther King, Elizabeth 1, Catherine the Great, Aristotle, Muhammad Ali, Margaret Thatcher, Marie Antoinette. 

Biblical characters that might

 Have been an extroverted: 

⬇️⬇️⬇️

Peter: The Apostle Peter is often seen as a bold and outgoing person, known for his willingness to speak up about his beliefs. A great example of this is when he confidently declared Jesus to be the Messiah, which is a significant moment captured in Matthew 16:16. This not only showed his strong faith but also his bravery in sticking to what he believed. 

David: King David was a vibrant leader who expressed his extroverted nature through energetic leadership and heartfelt worship. One famous moment was when he joyfully danced before the Lord, as seen in 2 Samuel 6:14, sharing his emotions and devotion with the community. 

Martha: In the New Testament, Martha is portrayed as a warm and caring person dedicated to hosting, as seen in Luke 10:38-42. While she busily prepares a meal for her guests, her sister takes a moment for quiet reflection. This highlights the balance between being active in service and pausing to reflect on our faith. 

People with outgoing, extroverted personalities have made a significant impact in the Bible, demonstrating that God can work through all kinds of personalities to fulfill His plans. Each person contributes unique qualities, enhancing the diversity of God’s work. However, it was the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, not their extroverted strength, that spread the message worldwide. This serves as a reminder that the true source of their impact lies in the divine rather than in human effort.

If you overlooked yesterday's post about introverts, there's a quiz that allows you to discover whether you identify more as an Introvert or an Extrovert.

https://myshastahome.blogspot.com/2025/08/my-introverted-saturday.html

Until next time,

Debby

Three Dams and Two Lakes and One Mighty River

 

As many of you may know, we experienced significant rainfall last week. I compiled information from various photo sources, including X, the local news, and my own observations. Here is a photo of the swollen Sacramento River at Lake Redding Park. The gentleman sitting on the bench is actually a statue.

Did it fool you?

The Salmon Fish Ladder is covered...

Just a little swampy! 

For safety reasons, it is advised to refrain from walking by the river until conditions are deemed safe.

The water level of the Sacramento River is high at the Sundial Bridge with just a few feet to spare

During periods of heavy rainfall or increased water flow, the dams located upstream operate their release valves to let out excess water. This process is crucial for managing water levels and preventing potential flooding. The sheer volume and power of water being released can be quite significant, highlighting the importance of proper dam management in ensuring safety and stability in downstream areas.

This is for you Ginny 

Let Your Light Shine 

I always think of you when there is a sunset! 💖

The above photos took place on Saturday night.

After Sunday services at church, I found myself curious about the events happening upstream and felt compelled to investigate further. With my trusty magnifying glass in one hand and a pipe in my mouth, I donned my sleuth hat and headed upriver to confront the main culprit behind these occurrences: Ah HA!

The Shasta Dam! 

Turn your speakers up to hear that power - 

I drove up to Whiskeytown Lake to explore a different kind of dam: an earth-filled dam located on Clear Creek, a significant tributary of the Sacramento River. This area is part of the larger Trinity River system, highlighting the diverse engineering approaches used in water management in the region.

I should have taken a video -  no spillway on this Dam - just a Glory Hole. 

Not just any Glory Hole - President JFK dedicated the Dam in Sept 1963. 

The Glory Hole appears significantly large when compared to the surrounding individuals. In the image, you can see President Kennedy addressing the crowd from the podium. I was living in San Francisco at the time and was unaware of this event until we moved to the area 17 years ago. 

Today, the Kennedy Memorial Plaque commemorates a significant moment in local history. Additionally, we have a recording of his complete speech, providing a valuable resource for everyone, particularly younger generations who can hear his words on this area. 

A Memorial Plaque

Then we drove on to yet another Dam - Keswick, which is part of the watershed area that feeds water to our farmers and provides hydroelectricity. 

We have a lot of water up here! 

When there are significant water releases, minor flooding can occur downstream. It's important to trust that those in control understand the complexities of the system. Water is being managed for hydroelectric power in the far northern part of the Sacramento Valley, while also being distributed to the farmlands to the south.

We are sunny and drying out. The snow on the mountains makes it colder. Another big rain system is on its way—possibly for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday! 

Thank you, God, for the abundant rain you have bestowed upon us. We trust in your divine design of seasons and weather. Though we may not always express our gratitude for the conditions you provide, we seek your forgiveness. Help us recognize the blessings in every season, cultivating a deeper appreciation for your bountiful gifts.

Lord willing, I will see you all tomorrow. 

Debby

Socks, Wind, Church Lady, and Chicken Wings

I forgot to mention this...

I was determined to spend the rest of the Kohl's cash that I had mentioned a few posts ago - It was surprisingly difficult to find something for $7.50, so I ended up buying some much-needed socks for $11.50 to wear with my jeans and nicer shoes rather than my hiking boots.

Oh, they're so soft and cute. 

AND Yes, socks can be cute! 

So it's Sunday! 

We experienced a wind event from Friday night through all day Saturday, and a little bit this morning. This caused power outages for some customers throughout the area, several power lines came down, and a power pole snapped. We also had some spot fires, but they were quickly extinguished. Sometimes I wish they wouldn’t announce these windy conditions, as it seems to attract arsonists. Some neighbors mentioned they would stay awake all Saturday night listening to the scanner. Sadly, that is what it takes - you can't trust your safety to any Government agency. We didn't lose any power - we rarely do because we don't have PGE!

It was cold as well—not as cold as what you all just experienced but it was in the 50s during the day but it was that wind chill, it felt like the 40s during the day and the 30s at night. I had to pull out a wool coat that I only wear for such rare occasions, and I was grateful I hadn’t gotten rid of it. It’s hard to find really warm coats around here.

I had to be the old 

church lady today 

A group of teen girls gathered in the warm kitchen, at church and more of them continued to come in. No one wanted them in there, as they were in our way but no one wanted to speak to them. I finally asked if they were there to help. They all looked at me as if I had said something foreign. I told them that if they weren't there to help, then they needed to leave. They all gave me those looks I used to give grown-ups, grunted, and groaned, but eventually, they left.

We’re facing some challenges with the kids, especially the teens. A few of us have discussed this issue. At potlucks, the teens get in line first, and by the time the elderly get to the food, a significant portion is already gone. That’s not how I was raised. At the church I used to go to, in the Bay Area,  it was moms with little ones and then the elderly. Additionally, when I came downstairs to open the boxes of donuts, I noticed that half of them were already gone - with half-eaten ones on the table. They should not be eaten until after the service.

No one likes confrontation, but we need to address this. 

Dinner is calling to me...

For dinner tonight, I fixed some buffalo chicken wings.  The aroma is intoxicating.  I usually purchase my chicken wings from a local butcher, which offers exceptionally large and meaty wings, which is just right for the two of us. 

Have a great evening - 

Debby

 

A Sunday Post

Happy Sunday. 

It's another sunny day! The temperature is currently 62 degrees, but it feels cold in the shade. Once the sun sets behind the mountains, it will really get chilly fast! 

It was only 31 degrees this morning!

Oh, and I also picked up some of these mini wooden crosses to share with random people - spreading a little hope and inspiration.

Many hands make light work.

Being a member of a small church offers a unique sense of community that is hard to find in larger megachurches. Everyone has a role, and I truly appreciate that. I’m part of the hospitality group, where every Sunday, along with three other ladies, we ensure that our congregation has their coffee and donuts after the service.  We pick up the donuts, carefully slice them in half to minimize waste, prepare the coffee and hot water, and set out paper plates, napkins, and pitchers of ice and water in the fridge, ready to serve when our service is over and everyone comes downstairs. 

Since my husband and I live closest to the Bagel shop, he takes on the task of picking up the bagels and cream cheese. Both the donuts and bagels are pre-ordered and waiting for us. All we have to do is pick them up. 

Now, my husband will be working the sound system and they can rotate. It truly feels good to be so plugged into our church community.

 

Good news about the FOB situation. He found it in the basket where we keep the dog's leashes and harnesses. He discovered it just in time because he had checked with a local locksmith on Friday. The locksmith quoted us 50% less than what the dealer had quoted, and he was about to order it through the locksmith!

Saved 100% 

by not having to buy one in the first place. 

So, I found the tile I had initially given him and stood over him as he placed it on the key ring and activated it.

 Lord willing, he should be good. 

Yesterday, we gathered to celebrate the life of Gail's husband, a beloved member of both his church and Gail's temple. The interfaith memorial was a beautiful tribute, highlighted by a karaoke sing-along of "Whiter Shade of Pale," which brought laughter and joy. As well as a stunning guitar rendition of "Fire and Rain".

Each memorial is unique, just like the individuals we honor, and the Rabbi recited the beautiful Kaddish and El Rachamim prayers.

Afterward, we enjoyed a dinner together. Overall, this memorial was uplifting, and I left with a sense of peace. I only met Randy twice, but we were really there for Gail, who appreciated our presence.

That's a wrap for this Sunday post! I hope you’re all having a lovely evening and feeling excited about the week ahead. It’s amazing how fast these weeks fly by, isn’t it? Let’s make the most of them! Enjoy your night!

 

A dry week ahead, spilled coffee and a music video

 

Hello there!

It's already well into Sunday; for some of you, it might be evening.  It's 4:30 PM, and we’ve had such a lovely day. It looks like we're heading into a week of dry weather with warmer temperatures, reaching up to 70 degrees on Thursday.

That will be so nice—time to dry up. 

Today at church, my husband had a little mishap and accidentally spilled hot coffee on me during the sermon. It was definitely a first! While I forgave him I couldn't help but feel a bit annoyed. The coffee ended up on my purse, which was on the floor, and splashed on one side of my pants—thankfully, nothing else was affected! He's one of those people who loves to always have coffee in hand. Since my purse is lightweight, some things inside got wet, and now everything has that lovely coffee scent. I spent the rest of the service smelling like a coffee shop! 

Even my key FOB has taken on the aroma!

A friend texted me this music video today, and I wanted to share it with you all. 

That's all - I wanted to get this nice music video out to you all. 

Enjoy!

Debby

Women of Faith to be Admired

Have you ever paused to reflect on the fascinating lives of these remarkable Christian figures from history and their families? What challenges did they face in their daily lives, and what victories, however small, inspired them to put pen to paper and share their stories with the world, that we often quote or see on memes? 

Susannah Spurgeon married Charles Spurgeon, a well-known Baptist preacher in the mid-1800s.

Susannah was a devoted partner in her husband’s ministry. Spurgeon often called for her assistance on Saturday afternoons to prepare for Sunday sermons. They discussed Scripture and read commentaries together. Susannah also counseled women and girls in the church and helped with baptismal services.

Even in the face of illness and years as an invalid, Mrs. Spurgeon exemplified unwavering faith in the Lord and His divine plan. She served diligently in her home and church, embodying a joy-filled life grounded in God's word and devoted to good works. She wrote several devotional books, including Free Grace and Dying Love, which I would love to read! 

These devoted Christian servants of the past, who demonstrated unwavering commitment and loyalty, can still touch our hearts and inspire us today. Their unwavering resolve and selfless actions remind us of the profound values of dedication to God and service.

God Bless you, Susannah Spurgeon, and Thank You for your service!  

A lovely Sunday

 

We're having a lovely Sunday - 

It's nice and pleasant with windows open. But once the sun sets behind the mountains, it gets cold. 

Today, we experienced a bit of excitement at church. We spotted smoke in the canyon near the church building. Soon after, we noticed a fire spotter plane and helicopters with water buckets flying about 800 feet above us. It took the firefighters approximately two hours to bring the fire under control, which had spread across nearly 3 acres. Meanwhile, we were enjoying our monthly fellowship meal featuring Costco pizza, and the men kept going outside to watch the action.

Just a few weeks ago, I welcomed my newest great-grand-niece, Evie. 

A week later, her cousin, Oaklyn Brook, was born! Pictured above is my niece, who is now a grandmother of two girls and four boys.  

Evie was 6 lbs, whereas Oaklyn was almost 8 lbs! 

For those who have been following me for a while, you may remember that my niece, Nina passed away in November 2020 due to a fentanyl overdose. She was 28 years old and left behind two children: Abdirahman, who was five years old, and Aaliyah, who had just turned two.

Due to our family's diverse dynamics, Nina's father is a Shiite Muslim from Iran, while the children's father is a Sunni Muslim from Somalia. The two different branches of Islam have differing beliefs, but they share a strong hatred towards Jews, as well as a general discontent towards Christians. 

Unfortunately, I have been cut off from seeing my sister’s grandchildren and my niece’s children. Donna passed away in 2015. The only way I can see them now is when one of my sons checks their Facebook page and hopes that someone posts a photo. Their Grandfather, Abbas, shared some photos. 

I wish I could share the photo, but I'm afraid to. Their father has a criminal record and has threatened us before. The good news is Aaliyah is now 7 and Rahman is 11 and they look well. It bothers me knowing I can't touch them or tell them about their mom and grandmother. I keep some items tucked away for them that I know my mom and sister would want them to have. The whole situation is just sad. 

On Friday night, we attended Erev Shabbat at the Reform Jewish Temple. The liturgy was beautiful, and I always enjoy it when the Cantor chants the psalms in their original style. The music was beautifully sung in Hebrew. I met some new people, and we had pleasant conversations. I noticed that a few of the younger women seemed devastated about the election.

On Saturday late afternoon, we attended a Klezmer concert. It ran longer than expected, and since we had planned to go out to dinner afterward, we found it was too late to do so for us.  Being a Saturday night, every restaurant we considered had a long wait. As a result, we decided to go to Lumberjacks restaurant instead. I ordered a "senior" burger for $11, and it was good. My husband opted for a regular burger and fries. While it wasn't the steak or chicken Alfredo my taste buds were craving, it was fine. Given the time, we likely would have eaten too late for my digestive system to handle overnight. 

Until Next Time,

Debby

 “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

Revelation 4;11

The Changing Season

The sweetgum trees in our yard are gradually entering their Autumn transformation, an exciting process that never fails to enchant me. 

That's why I love this time of the year! It's intriguing to observe how the unique locations of each tree influence the timing and vibrancy of their color changes. Imagine the monotony of waking up one day to a uniform explosion of color—then a few weeks later, finding them stripped bare, all at once. That would be sooooo dull! 

In my yard, however, it seems my sweetgums embark on their seasonal shift later than my neighbors' trees, creating a delightful sense of anticipation. As the gentle breeze stirs the leaves, variations in temperature, sunlight, and shade weave a complex tapestry, affecting each tree's timing. Each subtle nuance in their environment plays a crucial role, harmonizing to produce their stunning autumn display, one tree at a time.

My husband and I are planning to put up a few Thanksgiving decorations soon after his afternoon nap. It's too late in the game to put out my extensive array of Thanksgiving decorations this year. I’m excited to at least sprinkle a little harvest spirit around our small home. However, in the back of my mind, I’m already aware that before I know it, I’ll be packing everything away to make way for Christmas.

I plan to rummage through the boxes of holiday treasures, and I’ve decided to set aside a larger box specifically for items that I no longer wish to keep. Living in a small 1300-square-foot home means that space is at a premium, and the clutter that can accumulate can truly drive me cray cray! It feels overwhelming at times, and I’ve come to realize that less is indeed more. 

Just like the vibrant trees transforming around me with the changing seasons, I find myself undergoing a change as well. I crave intentionality. I envision a few thoughtfully placed pieces that evoke the warmth of the season without overwhelming my space. I could keep some cherished items and rotate them annually creating a fresh look each year. Now, the challenge will be to follow through with this purging process and truly embrace a more streamlined approach to my seasonal decorating. I've been working up to this big moment for the last couple of years. 

Let's see if I can actually make it happen!

As the trees shed their leaves for new growth in the spring, we can let go of what no longer serves us and embrace whatever changes are ahead. 

Until next time -

Debby

You and The Lord's Prayer -

While sifting through old belongings, I found this from the 1980s - someone had given it to me. 

 Just a little something to think about.  

You and The Lord's Prayer - 

author unknown

I cannot say "OUR" if my beliefs don’t include space for others and their needs.

I cannot say "FATHER" unless I demonstrate the significance of that relationship through my daily actions and choices. 

I cannot say "WHO ART IN HEAVEN" if everything I care about and chase after is focused solely on things here on Earth.

I cannot say "HALLOWED BE THY NAME"  if I, who bear His name, do not live a pure and righteous life.

I cannot say, "YOUR KINGDOM COME," if I am reluctant to surrender my own desire for control and accept the just and loving authority of God.

I cannot say, "THY WILL BE DONE," if I am not fully open to embracing the opportunities and experiences that God has ordained for me.

I cannot say "ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN" unless I am wholeheartedly prepared to dedicate myself to His service in this very moment and in this place.

I cannot say, "GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD"   without making a real effort of paying attention to the true needs of others around me.

I cannot say "FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US" if I continue to harbor grudges and bitterness

I cannot say "DELIVER US FROM EVIL" if I'm not ready to stand up and fight in the spiritual world using prayer as my tool.

I cannot say "THINE IS THE KINGDOM"  if I don’t show King Jesus the disciplined obedience of a loyal follower. 

I cannot say "THINE IS THE POWER" if I fear what others think of me when I mention His Name. 

I cannot say "THINE IS THE GLORY" if I’m focused on my own glory first. 

I cannot say "FOREVER" if I'm constantly worried about what each day brings.

I cannot say "AMEN" unless I sincerely express that, regardless of the outcomes, this heartfelt plea is my unwavering prayer.