New Every Morning~May 11

[Etta Sue]

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From Our Forums

• Mini Challenge #2~"THE BLUES"  We're Voting!!  Please vote for your top SIX (6) choices!

• Elsie is Two Years Old  Papa John has posted a new photo of Elsie.

• Bircher in the Koinonia Gallery Please visit and leave a comment. 

• Songs of Worship  Next time you want to read a Psalm, read one of Pastor Al's devotional on it as well.

• Read about Photoshop as Art 

• Have you tried to solve our Jigsaw Puzzles?

• Time to Suggest a Caption!   Choose a Caption #11 "

God wants to speak to us
more than we want to listen.
He is a God of love,
and love longs to communicate.

Linda Schubert

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Morning Devotional...

Peter Identifies Jesus
Mark 8:22--9:1  NLT

22When they arrived at Bethsaida, some people brought a blind man to Jesus, and they begged him to touch and heal the man. 23Jesus took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. Then, spitting on the man's eyes, he laid his hands on him and asked, "Can you see anything now?"

    24The man looked around. "Yes," he said, "I see people, but I can't see them very clearly. They look like trees walking around."

    25Then Jesus placed his hands over the man's eyes again. As the man stared intently, his sight was completely restored, and he could see everything clearly. 26Jesus sent him home, saying, "Don't go back into the village on your way home."

    27Jesus and his disciples left Galilee and went up to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. As they were walking along, he asked them, "Who do people say I am?"

    28"Well," they replied, "some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the other prophets."

    29Then Jesus asked, "Who do you say I am?"

   Peter replied, "You are the Messiah." 30But Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.

    31Then Jesus began to tell them that he, the Son of Man, would suffer many terrible things and be rejected by the leaders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, and three days later he would rise again. 32As he talked about this openly with his disciples, Peter took him aside and told him he shouldn't say things like that.

    33Jesus turned and looked at his disciples and then said to Peter very sternly, "Get away from me, Satan! You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God's."

    34Then he called his disciples and the crowds to come over and listen. "If any of you wants to be my follower," he told them, "you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me. 35If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will find true life. 36And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the process? 37Is anything worth more than your soul? 38If a person is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, I, the Son of Man, will be ashamed of that person when I return in the glory of my Father with the holy angels."

    9:1Jesus went on to say,"I assure you that some of you standing here right now will not die before you see the Kingdom of God arrive in great power."
In what specific ways have you come to understand Jesus better in the last few weeks?
   Jesus asked the disciples who others thought he was; then he focused on them:  "Who do you say I am?" 

   It is not enough to know what others say about Jesus.  You must know, understand and accept for yourself that he is the Messiah.  You must move from curiosity to commitment, from admiration to adoration.
The Best of the Bible--365 Must-Read Bible Passages

[Carol]

Etta Sue:  Many thanks for today's devotions (actually, Thursday's devotion).  It is good to remind everyone of where we should be in our life journey - seeking committment totally.

Carol

[Ruthie]

Hi Pat, hope you're okay.  Sorry to hear you have bad news. I will phone you tomorrow after work.  Tonight is too late. 

Janet, sorry to hear you have bad news as well.  Life can be tough some times. 

I just got back from church.  Listening to a wonderful couple and their 3 kids who are missionaries in Calcutta.   Wow what a place, but God is doing great things there. 

God bless

Love Ruthie

[JudyB]

Etta Sue Thank you for the devotional, I will read it more thoroughly in the morning.

Marilyn That was a good way to lighten the load for us concerned people.  Thank you.

Janet I don't know how I missed the post about beth, but I did.  I will and have continued to pray for you.

Marilyn I too pray for a miracle for your dil.

Larry same for you.

I don't know what is happening...I had word that our cousins son has bladder cancer aas well a tumour blocking the tube from the right kidney.  He is facing surgery on tuesday coming.  Then there is Rick's dad who is going for tests tomorrow about stomach cancer.  So much sadness.

It is late.  I have some alterations too finish for tomorrow.  Night all
Judy

[Jane Walker]

Too much sadness ...    I just don't have anything to say at this time, just wanted to check in and let y'all know that I'm thinking of you and praying!  Maybe tomorrow .......  God bless you all abundantly!

[mybcjazz]

Hi Etta Sue,

Thank you for the good, encouraging Word.  And you had a probing question for us...

"In what specific ways have you come to understand Jesus better in the last few weeks?"

Personally, I have come to realize more and more that His knowledge about my situations and condition, far, far, FAR exceeds my own.  I need to trust Him with me and mine completely and unwaiveringly.

And on a photographical note, Pastor Al has posted some very nice picts !  Here is just one...click it to leave a comment, and see the rest of his picts!



In His Grip,
Kevin

[Carol]

It seems as though I was just in here. Last night, I slept fast.   

Larry:  I reread your note and cannot tell for sure.  Is this your daughter or your daughter's friend.?  My prayers are ongoing in any case.

Carol

[Marilyn]

Thank you Etta Sue for the devotional this morning. I got your email with your new address thanks again. Cox Cable has been sold to Cebridge and they will be changing their name to Suddenlink soon, I forget just how soon. Sometime this year my email address will also be changing I will let y-all know when.

This morning I am going to Blue Lake to Forest's school to go on that field trip with his class to the Discovery Museum in Eureka.

This Grandma is  surely taking her camera. I have already put the spare battery in my little purse and the neck strap on the camera. My Daughter In Law is packing me a sack lunch and sending it with Forest in his backpack.

The service last night was fantastic. The Master's Commission did a fine job with the drama, preaching and testimonies.

TTYL

[Pat]

CONGRATULATIONS AL MOAK!

Great start to your own personal gallery on

[Janet]

My news is BETTER today!    I slept the whole night with only half a tablet of Ambien.  I made a couple of very groggy "trips" but went back to sleep quickly.  I feel SO much better!!

I will check out Al's album when we get home.  We are going to the bank to set up a supplemental needs trust fund for Beth.  Trying to cover all bases....

Carol and JudyB, thanks for your prayers.  I know the prayers of others have been undergirding me for some time now, and I love you all for it.

My painters have cancelled out on me for this afternoon, so that will leave me time to catch up on my laundry. 

Marilyn, have fun on your field trip!  Abby wants me to come to school on the 18th because she will be "teacher of the day" and get to do everything.......except hand out punishments! 

I will be back later to visit a bit.

[Pat]

We had a night of very heavy rain!  The lawns and gardens needed it but....


my car didn't!!

I had been out yesterday and thought I'd go out last evening and so left all my windows wide open so the heat wouldn't build up.  But I didn't go out...

So, now I have a very wet car inside!   

[Mary Frances]

Just wanted to say hello to all of you, and to ask God's Blessing's on those that are ill.

Etta Sue, thanks for today's devotional. You are right in that we must each learn to know Jesus in our own way, and to continue to read and meditate on his Word in order to grow in Faith.

This site is the best on the Internet.  I really enjoyed working one of the puzzles today, "Abide With Me".  I have a digital camera, but have not really taken the time to learn to use it properly.  I really admire the abilities of all of you - keep up the good work!

[Pat]

Hi Mary Frances!

So nice to see you popping in.  The coffee is always fresh...or if you'd rather have tea, we have tea also! 

You just keep on posting, ok?

Love

Pat

[Ritz]

Good morning everyone! There are so many new photos in our gallery I'm amazed!

*See The Gallery!*

[Judy McKenna]

Haven't a lot of news to post.  Just want to pop in and say hello to you all.

I think of you often - enjoy reading the posts.... esp., the devotionals.

- Judy

[Pat]

Good to see you pop in, Judy. 

Don't be a stranger.  We'll look forward to seeing you again very soon.

[Janet]

Mary Frances and Judy, good to see you both.  I have been thinking about Janice, from N.M.  Has anyone heard from her?  Janice, if you read this, please post and tell us how you're doing.  We miss you.

We had a good conference at the bank; he made some good suggestions which we will be following up on, and then will see an attorney to finalize things.  Too many of us wait too long to take care of these things, we don't want to do that. 

Time for a grin???

DURING A TRIAL at which I was an attorney, an eminent psychologist was called to testify. A severe, no-nonsense professional, she sat down in the witness chair, unaware that its rear legs were set precariously on the back of the raised platform. "Will you state your name?" asked the district attorney. Tilting back in her chair, she opened her mouth to answer, but instead catapulted head-over-heels backward and landed in a stack of exhibits and recording equipment. We watched in stunned silence as she extricated herself, rearranged her disheveled dress and hair, and was reseated on the witness stand. The glare she directed at onlookers dared anyone to so much as smirk.
     "Well, doctor," continued the district attorney, without changing expression, "we could start with an easier question."

--Contributed to "All In a Day's Work" by Pamela Williams

[Janet]

Pat, sorry about your poor, rain-soaked Saturn!  Now you need a dry Kansas wind to help dry it out!

[Pat]

Thanks Janet!     That's me for leaving the windows wide open.


All the photos on the Newsline above have been changed.

May we ask that you click on them and leave a comment in our member's album?  We all like compliments and comments!

[Pat]

.

I'D RATHER HAVE JESUS
(Click to hear music)

I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I'd rather be His than have riches untold;
I'd rather have Jesus than houses or land;
I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand:

refrain:
Than to be the king of a vast domain or be held in sin's dread sway!
I'd rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today.

I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause;
I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I'd rather have Jesus than world-wide fame;
I'd rather be true to His holy name:

He's fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He's sweeter than honey from out the comb;
He's all that my hungering spirit needs -
I'd rather have Jesus and let Him lead:

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  Another very busy day.  I left the house at 7:45 to go to coffee, then to the library, the pharmacy to pick up a prescription for Pat (where I stood in line for 20 minutes as their systme now is extremely slow), Fry's and then went to my cardiologist's office for a routine 6-month followup.  My appointment was for 11 am and he came in about 11:50.  I had planned to attend my retirees luncheon but it was too late to went back to the mall area to get a sandwich and stop at another computer store to pick up something for a friend.  Then I headed to the church for Calvin Cove and to wait until about 3:30 for Pat as she was meeting with her quilting group to tie a quilt for charity.  When I got home I immediately took an hour nap.  Now, wasn't that an interesting day.    Now trying to catch up reading here and on SeniorNet and then will work on some webwork this evening. 

Janet, I am so glad your doctor advised you that you could no longer do what you were trying to do.  I remember a similar experience when my father was alive and had hoped to return home after his leg was amputated.  My heart doctor told me there was no way I could physically take care of him.  I was sorry this was the case but it released me from feeling that I had failed him in someway.  He realized that it just wasn't going to happen and that he would need to stay in the nursing home.  Fortunately, neither of my parents ever complained about their situation and that sure made it easier for my sister and I.  Hopefully the doctor telling you what he did will help Beth focus on reality and share a concern about what is best not her but also for you and Darrell. 

Carol, it is friend of my daughter who received the diagnosis of lung cancer, not my daughter. 

Pat, at least this time of the year your car should dry out soon.  However, I predict a few soggy trips in the days ahead. 

Etta Sue, I got your e-mail change so assume you got your DSL working.  It you indicated that above I must have missed it as I quickly read all the message.

Papa John, happy birthday.

Well it is time for dinner.  Talk with you all tomorrow.

[JudyB]

I haven't taken the time to read all the news, but I just received an update on Rick's dad from Rick's sister.

I have just returned from Sudbury with Dad.  Dad's cancer has come back.  This time it is in his lungs.  The nodes that they found in November haven't changed too much, so that's good news.  But, he has multiple masses in his lungs, some as big as 1 inch in size.  The doctor is starting him on Chemo orally beginning Tuesday, May 16.

So there it is.  Please pray for Dad Drake and the family.

[Marilyn]

I am back had a great time with the kids. I will be back later.

[Al Moak]

Pat & Kevin - thanks for the comments.  However, be it understood that if it hadn't been for Kevin's help, I would never downlad pix to the gallery.  Wow!  Instant messenger from Japan to here and back, and I got all the help I needed, as he also has a MAC.

[Carol]

Judy B:  Sorry for the sad news - will pray!

Janet:  As I understand, a doctor has told you that you cannot continue with this herculean effort in keeping your house in order.  This brings to mind several years ago, when a doctor took the time to phone me and tell me that in no circumstances was I to take in my mother to llive with us - she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease and failing rapidly.  I cried my eyes out but also knew that the house itself was two-story & mom couldn't even figure out how to open a door.  It was a time spent on my knees in utter prayer and somehow the money came in just enough for us to take care of her in assisted living.  She was content in her last two years and I don't know if I could have kept her as well- adjusted in my own home.  Praying for the best answer for you and Beth. 

Larry:  It sounds like a typical day of going in circles, as I call it.  My best to your daughter - I did have a little sigh of relief and feel guilty about that. 

Pat:  Your car would dry out here as well.  We all do those sort of things -

Carol

[Nita]

Oh, Lord.  So many concerns and needs  My heart is saddened to hear about all of the things going on.

What would we do without Jesus?  Some of the seasons of our lives are so painful and require strength that could only be His.  Janet, I know you have come to rely on His comfort and His strength more than ever.  Coming to the place where there is nothing left but to cast yourself fully into the Lord's arms...sink or swim....is one of the hardest and one of the highest places in our Christian journey.  I know we've all come to the place where we jump...and if He doesn't catch us, we perish.

Our Savior is so faithful.  We shall not perish.  We shall behold Him! (thank you so much for that song, Pat)   

My heart hurts for you, dear Janet.  And for you too, Larry.  All I know to do is to pour that hurt out to our King in prayer.   I know he takes our tears as prayers.  Sometimes thats all we have.  But don't we always have more?  I've been reminded.........haha............we have the Truth that He will never leave us or forsake us.  We have the promise that our footsteps are ordered by God.   

Judy B, add my prayers to so many others. ok?

Al, I'm going to look at your gallery now.  Heh...I'm glad you finally got your act together and gave us a chance to see your view.

I've missed posts again, so can't begin to comment.   

Pat,  sorry about your car.  And your closet.  But I'm not sorry about your lovely round table.  
Blessings, Nita

[Ruth Ann Bice]

Hi, friends,

Well, thus far, the doctors are giving me good news during this "spring tuneup." Only one more to go tomorrow.

Janet, I understand the guilt and grief you carry because of Beth's needs. I, too, had to decline taking my paralyzed friend in to my house because of work duties and myu health. It made me feel guilty, but that's a situation I could not take care of.

Sorry about your poor wet car, Pat.

Y'all have a good evening.

Ruth Ann

[Pat]

Ruth Ann, so nice to see you.  I will be praying for good results tomorrow.

Well, I went out in my wet car tonight.  I took a big blanket and put on my seat. 

Home now and I'd love to go to bed.

[Pat]

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF
"THE BLUES" MINI CHALLENGE

See the winners HERE

[Jeanne Lee]

Pat, a big trash bag works better.  (Don't ask how I know!  )  One of the patients Gene took for doctors' appointments was a friend of ours.  She had many various problems and went to several doctors and her husband always went with her.  She sat in the front, of course, and he took the back.  One day we forgot it had rained and the back windows had been open and the poor husband (90 years old) sat on a soaking wet seat the entire trip.  Fortunately he has a good sense of humor, but he has never let it be forgotten!