Thought for the Week~Feb 26

[Don]

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Morning Devotional...

What We Reap Depends On What We Sow

Verse

The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary indoing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we Galatians 6:8-9


We may sow to the flesh if we will. There will be no interference from above. Thus to sow is our privilege--if we want to reap the harvest of corruption which must inevitably follow, a harvest no man in his right mind could deliberately choose. No, the snare lies in choosing the pleasures of sowing with the secret hope that in some way we can escape the sorrows of the reaping; but never since the beginning of the world has it been possible to separate the one from the other. The way to deal with a law of God is to work along with it. By faith and obedience we can put every divine law to work for us. And the law of sowing and reaping may be brought to our service and made to toil for our everlasting good. So kind is God and so thoughtful of His creatures. "He that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." There it is, and we have but to submit to it to gain from it an everlasting reward. Deeds done in the Spirit, in obedience to Christ and with the purpose of bringing honor to the Triune God, are seeds of endless blessedness. The first gift of life is not by works, but by faith in the work of a sufficient Redeemer; but after the miracle of the new birth has been accomplished, the Christian to a large extent carrries his future in his hands. If he denies himself and takes up his cross in meek obedience, his deeds will become seeds of life and everlasting glory. He may forget his deeds of love or think them small and useless, but God is not unmindful. He never forgets. The sweet harvest of a life well lived will be there to meet the sower after the toil is ended and the heat of the day is past.

Thought

The harvest (not our salvation!) depends on the seed we sow. We can only reap tomorrow what we sow today. What kind of seed are we sowing?

Prayer

You have shown me, Lord, that good seed is doing good to all people. It's not enough to hold the seed, contemplate it. Good seed has to be sown. May I sow much good seed. For Jesus' sake.

From Devotions By Dr. Tozer

[Etta Sue]

I am ready for church.  The Cinnamon Roll Cake looks delicious.  I don't think I baked the first one long enough.  This one looks just like a Cinnamon Roll...go figure! 

I am taking a lot of yarn to church for those who want to make Chemo Wraps. 

So I need to get off of here and load the car.

Bright and sunny but a cold 23 degrees!!

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

[Jeanne Lee]

Don, thanks for a great, thought provoking message this morning. 

It's sunny and cold this morning, more like a "normal" February.   

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  Have had an unhurried and pleasant Sunday morning.  Pat made a nice breakfast and we will go to church in a little while.  Later this afternoon I will go over and see if I can fix a computer problem for my friend who is suffering the return of the prostate cancer.  He is having a tough time and his wife is really getting worn down.  Twice we have had it set that I would come over and stay with him so his wife could get away for a little while, including this morning but he had to cancel as they just weren't feeling up to it.  I am really concerned for my friend Bob and his wife Mary as they are in their 80s.  I keep hoping and praying that each day he will begin to get better.  Stacey did get her new bed yesterday morning and I talked with her yesterday afternoon and she had taken a 4 1/2 hour nap.  She is tiring very easily now after the last heart attack.

Jeanne, I do enjoy the smartphone and get a lot of use from it. 

Marilyn, I really use my smartphone but if I didn't I would agree with you.  It certainly is not a necessity but sure don't want to give it up.  I am anxiously awaiting the availability of the new iPad 3 as plan to get one.  Sounds like you might be working too hard on your new web design.  When I clicked on the link I got just a blue page.  I closed it and tried again and briefly had displayed your entry page but it went back to the blue screen.  Unless you clear your cache on your computer you may be loading from it and not the web when you check your work.  I have experienced that problem on occasion.  What I saw looked very nice but didn't get to the second page.

Al, so glad to see you are home.  Do hope the Home Health can make things easier for you.

Etta Sue, I also use the web app for the Bible for the daily readings and can have it read to it from the phone if I want for the version I am using each day.  Your cinnamon roll cake sounds like something I would like. 

Janet, so sorry the weather didn't cooperate with you yesterday for the book signing.  Sorry you are having to work today but your compassion in doing so certainly shows through. 

Don, thanks for the devotional message for this week.  It is a good one.

[Marilyn]

Larry I was still working on the site. It is up and running now without any problems. I had some typos I had to fix and and I put those to completed pages on a new Website. So it wouldn't  add to the site I have my Web Set Lessons on.

http://mychallenges.x10.mx/

[marloandlarry628]

Good afternoon everyone it has been a few days, I pray everyone is well.  I have been a little busy and weather has been rather nice.  I have been out taking some pictures.  I saw my first me Bee of the season Friday.  I actually caught some pictures of it flying.  Pretty awesome for me.  I posted two pictures on the macro/insect section. 

I am so thankful to hear that everyone is doing ok some are coming home, some are completing projects, and some are just having fun.  May the LORD bless you all everyday.  Marlo

Judy I pray all is well with everything, please let me know. 

[Ruth]

Here we are almost at the end of another month it was not that long ago that we had been talking about Christmas.

It has been sunny & cool all day but no snow to get excited about.

Larry:   I hope that Stacey enjoys her new bed.

Janet:   I had read what you had said about Darrel's eye surgery.  Before my aunt had here surgery I was taking her hand and telling her where the humps and bumps were as she walked along. Just last week I said to her  now that you are able to see you will not need my help in seeing things. She replied with oh yes I still need help - every thing is clear in one eye but now my vision is lop sided.     Her next surgery is set to happen May 2nd.

Al:  I trust that your arrival home goes as planned.

Marlo:  I am thinking of you.

[Janet]

Yes, Ruth, until the second eye has its cataract removed, things really are lop-sided!  Darrel is seeing very clearly now in the distance, only needs glasses to read.  Glad your aunt had good results on her first eye!

Larry, sorry Stacey is tiring easily, but good she has a comfortable bed to sleep in.  4 1/2 hours is a good block of time to sleep.  Especially if she can be awake a few minutes, then do it again!

The weather is beautiful here today!  I just walked 3 miles with only a sweatshirt-type jacket and wasn't cold.  You can't tell the dirt was blowing so bad yesterday except for the evidence that blew into the garage, under the door!  Bleaughhh!!  I do not like wind!  Breezes, yes, but not wind like that!

I need to be more diligent to write updates on my website, as I seem to have quite a few following it.  Now I'm getting spam from places like weight loss and vitamin and beauty stuff, which I have to go in and trash.  I don't want to advertise for them!

Work was difficult today.  The 300 neighborhood has residents with a lot of problems, and they are mostly picky eaters.  This necessitates a lot of extra trips to the main kitchen for me.  But I made it through, and I didn't get out of sorts with anyone.  I try to think about how my Mom and Beth were/are treated and to be kind to everyone.  When I got home I took a nap, finished reading a book, then took a walk.

This week I have a book signing on Wednesday at the Senior Center in Hugoton, and I am praying it will go well.  I need to sell at least one thousand books to recoup my initial investment!  I did not write the book for money, but it takes money to get things done, and I want to be able to donate for NF Research.

Marlo, good to read you got out to take pictures.  Hope things are going well for you, and with your health.

Etta Sue, Cinnamon Roll Cake sounds DELICIOUS!!  Is the recipe in our recipe place here on CP?

I better go update my blog!

[JudyB]

Janet I was wondering about Etta Sue's cake as well.

Larry Glad Stacey got some sleep, It's rough to be sleep deprived.

I am really tired tonight, so am heading to bed really soon.  Have a good rest everyone!

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  We had a beautiful day weather-wise yesterday.  It turned out to be a very full day as after church the group decided to go to Longhorn's for lunch.  We had to wait at least an hour to get seated (although did have a place to sit-down during the wait) and by the time we got home it was almost 3 pm.  I laid down for an hour and then went over to see if I could help our friends with a computer problem.  When I got there found the computer probably has a bad hard drive as it wouldn't boot up.  I now have it in my car and will drop it off tomorrow where they purchased it as it is still under warranty and they do the repairs on site.  Then last night I went to the Chili Show and Talent Supper that the choir has each year.  I thought it was one of the best ones I can recall and really had a good time.  Today is just the usual men's luncheon and today we will be at a Chinese Buffet and then I have a meeting to attend tonight. 

Ruth, lop-sided vision must be terribly difficult to deal with.  Your aunt will probably be more than ready for the next surgery.

Janet, I can't image you getting out of sort or being unkind to anyone. 

[Jeanne Lee]

Roller coaster weather again.  Predictions are for near 40 this afternoon, near 30 tomorrow, sunny today and tomorrow then snow (from a dusting to 4 inches) Wednesday and in the low 30's, then rain and upper 30's on Thursday, and sunny and mid 30's on Friday.   

I need to go to two different banks, 8 miles apart, town hall, the post office, the grocery store, the hardware store and drop off information at a friend's.  No way I can hope to get all done today so some of it will have to wait for tomorrow and then I can stay inside and watch the snow or rain or whatever the rest of the week while I stay warm and dry.   And play around on the computer.

[Janet]

Praise the Lord, I had a good night's sleep last night!  That always makes the world look brighter.  I was up early to spend time with the Lord, do some kitchen chores, watch a couple of Christian programs, then took the dog Blue for a four mile walk!  Brrr!  I didn't think it was so cold, but on the way back I was facing into the wind and got pretty cold.  Blue was more than happy to snuggle up on Darrel's lap for a nice nap!

I am so glad today and tomorrow aren't covered up with stuff to do, although Mondays always have errands.  Wednesday will be really busy--Dr. app't at 8 AM, friend's funeral at 9 AM, book signing in Hugoton at 11:30.  Some days are just that way. 

One of my closest friends was life-watched to Wichita last evening.  They said she was having severe pain in her back, shoulder and arm; sky-high blood pressure, heart distress and her kidneys are about to shut down.  Prayers for Paula will be appreciated.  Her husband called me last night, and I was surprised he wasn't already on the road to Wichita, but he said Paula told him to call Janet before he left!  So I am in prayer for this lovely lady, and for every doctor, nurse, technician, etc. who is or will be involved in her care, that each will have the wisdom of almighty God in making every decision.  Thanks.

The other friend, another Paula, passed away on Saturday night, and it is her service I want to attend on Wed. morning.  She was a painting friend.

I need to get my stuff together and go get those errands done so I can work on organizing my studio this afternoon.  My cell phone contract is up today and we need to decide what to do about that.  For sure, there has to be a better plan than we were offered!  Darrel heard about one called 65 Plus that is lots less expensive, will look into that.

I'm praying for wisdom on how to contact more people about my book.  I know God has been in this from the very beginning, and I want His wisdom in how to proceed from here.

Have a blessed day, my friends.

[JudyB]

It is coming down like a blizzard right now, a few minutes ago it was just overcast with a skiff of snow coming down.  Jeanne roller coaster is right up here too!

Good reading Don Thank you.

[JudyB]

Will Jesus Find Us Watching?
(Click to hear music)

Words:   Frances J. Crosby   1876
Music:   William H. Doane 


When Jesus comes to reward His servants,
Whether it be noon or night,
Faithful to Him will He find us watching,
With our lamps all trimmed and bright?


O can we say we are ready, brother?
Ready for the soul's bright home?
Say, will He find you and me still watching,
Waiting, waiting when the Lord shall come?


If, at the dawn of the early morning,
He shall call us one by one,
When to the Lord we restore our talents,
Will He answer thee—"Well done"?


O can we say we are ready, brother?
Ready for the soul's bright home?
Say, will He find you and me still watching,
Waiting, waiting when the Lord shall come?


Have we been true to the trust He left us?
Do we seek to do our best?
If in our hearts there is naught condemns us,
We shall have a glorious rest.


O can we say we are ready, brother?
Ready for the soul's bright home?
Say, will He find you and me still watching,
Waiting, waiting when the Lord shall come?


Blessèd are those whom the Lord finds watching,
In His glory they shall share;
If He shall come at the dawn or midnight,
Will He find us watching there?


O can we say we are ready, brother?
Ready for the soul's bright home?
Say, will He find you and me still watching,
Waiting, waiting when the Lord shall come?

[Ruth]

 
Hey Judy B it is a most beautiful day down here.   Lots of SUN        

[Etta Sue]

I put the Cinnamon Roll Cake recipe in the Recipe area here.   I really like it.  No special ingredients.  And it is delicious!

Ivalou left church yesterday after church.  She didn't tell me.  I thought maybe she was in the basement helping instead of Sunday School.  Then when I got to the basement, she wasn't there.  I thought maybe she went back home to get her covered dish.  She didn't come back for the brunch.  So when I got home, I called.  She said she felt weak during church and felt like she was going to be sick so came home.  She did that in Florida one day.  Something isn't right.  But today she seemed fine when I took over a few pieces of Cinnamon Roll Cake.

I have nothing to do all week except Wednesday Night Live Wednesday night!!  Wow! 

I did tell Ivalou that I wanted to go to the pool tomorrow morning and then eat breakfast somewhere and if she wants to go with me, she is welcome.  And I told her if she needs to get in groceries and freezer items, we can do that any day this week!  So now it is up to her! 

I should be finished with another chemo wrap today.  These simple patterns are fast!

SIN NO MORE SIN NO MORE SIN NO MORE SIN NO MORE

[Carol]

Don: Many thanks for your daily devotion on what we reap is brought on by what we actually sow.  Things to ponder. 

Al:   Hooray - good to see you back home again. 

Steeler:  Hello and welcome back. 

Sorry to read about Janice's husband, Earl.  It looks like the children are not too far from her so that is a blessing. 

We brought my cousin & husband to church and someone mentioned that we are bringing in quite a few visitors.  Yes, we are not even members but all our company comes with us on Sunday mornings.  Saturday was the big art fair as part of the entire weekend in the town and there was a lot of security.  The sheriff here has had so many threats, even deadly threats, so he is surrounded especially when greeting the people.  Lots of music and so much to see along with lovely weather so we had a great walk around the town. 

I am also adding the Christian pastor who is in Iran & jailed for not renouncing his faith.  There are thousands of Christians in jail in Iran.  It doesn't seem possible in this day but it is happening. 

[Ruth Ann Bice]

Hi, friends,

I rested until about lunchtime, ate a soup n salad lunch, got haircut, went to bank, and checked on services for my car. Guess I'll have that done tomorrow afternoon.

Not much news, so will close for tonight.

Much love to everyone,
Ruth Ann

[marloandlarry628]

Praise report!!! Praise report!!! ALERT!!! ALERT!!! some may say that I am crazy well maybe I am but, for six years now I have had a solid headache that has gone into a migraine.  So when someone usually says I have a migraine that is my  headache.  Well my new Neurologist gave me this new medicine that is being tried and for two days I have had only a slight headache.  I thought I was loosing my mind.  I forgot what it was like to move my head and it not want to explode or open my eyes and they not feel like that were going to pop out.  This may sound very minor to some, but it is a very large step for me the pressure is still in my head I go for test in the morning for that so please pray for the Doctors and God's will.  I will expect whatever He has in store for me.   

JudyB keep the music coming.  Let me know if you liked the one I sent you.  May the LORD bless you always. 

I can't seem to think of the Young lady who has the graphic web site.  If anyone knows please give me her name and site.  I would like to see the site and I have a question for her please.  Thank you.

Janet  thank you for the encouragement even though it was just in the front yard.  I so enjoyed myself. 

Prayers and Blessings to all.   

[Janet]

Marlo--Praise God!  Praise God!!  Praise God!!  I used to have migraines occasionally, and I cannot even imagine what it would be like to have them constantly.  So I am very thankful to hear of your relief, and am praying that it will continue, and that you will soon be pain free!!

Etta Sue, thanks for the  Cinnamon Roll Cake recipe.  Sounds good, and easy!  My kind of cooking!  I have a couple of occasions this week, so will be trying that one!

We spent a full two hours at the Verizon office, and wound up keeping the same plan, as they didn't have a better one to offer.  I did upgrade to a new phone with a slide out keyboard, so have to learn how to send and receive texts.  I'm hoping by doing that to hear from Abby more often!  I don't know why technical stuff is so difficult for me, but am determined to learn it!

Hello, dear Ruth Ann!  Have a good sleep, and sweet dreams!

Carol, such a busy life you and Don lead.  Glad you enjoyed the art fair!

I am determined to go to bed EARLY tonight!

[Marilyn]

Marlo I am  the one who does the Web design, the link to my main site is  HERE  There are 58 pages there and the newest site I am creating is  HERE with only two pages so far.  Praise God that the new medicine is working to help relieve your migraines.

[JudyB]

Praise God Marlo.  I understand headaches.  I am so happy for you!

[BigSkyKen]

Greetings to all!  We are getting closer to home, only about 6 more hours of driving tomorrow to go.  Looks like a lot has happened since a week ago, and I am most excited about Al's return home.  That is wonderful news, and I'm sure he will get a new normal figured out.

The memorial service for my grandmother went great, thanks to your prayers and the workings of the Holy Spirit.  Even family members that don't know Christ seemed to have been touched by the Spirit yesterday.  I used Scripture from the Gospel of John to start and end the service, beginning with Jesus bringing Lazarus back from the dead and focusing on, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.  And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26) and wrapping up with John 14:1-6 "...I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."  We spent about 4 hours sharing memories and becoming reacquainted with family members many of us haven't seen for 25-30 years.  It is sad that it takes an event like this to get the family together, so I challenged our family to come together more frequently.  Thank you, everyone, for your support and prayers.  Having only filled the pulpit at church occasionally in the past, I was concerned that I wasn't prepared to lead an event like this.

As for the bus trip that Pat, Judy, Betty, etc are dreaming about, it sounds like a wonderful time, however I am a little saddle-sore right now!

Hopefully after I get home I will participate more regularly again.  May your week be rich in His blessings.

It is well,
Ken

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  I am expecting a very busy day today.  After coffee we will head downtown as Pat has an appointment with the knee doctor.  His office is next door to where our daughter lives so we will take this opportunity to be with her for a little while.  We will go to lunch at the Shepard's Center and then she has asked us to take her to the grocery store to help with items it is difficult for her to get home using her power chair.  I also have to stop off on the way and leave the broken computer of my good friend.  I am going to try to do that on the way as there is a possibility, although not likely,  it could be ready by the time we come back by this afternoon.  Yesterday was another of the beautiful days after a damp and chilly start.  Last night they were saying on the weather we may experience some storm late this evening. 

Janet, it is difficult when our good and close friends become so ill.  I hope she will be able to recover.  I take it that your publisher isn't helping you market your book?  Wish I had something to offer in regard to how to do such marketing but that is way beyond my experience or knowledge.  Good for you on learning new things of a technical nature.  You can do it.

Judy, hope you didn't get snowed in and the same for Jeanne.

Etta Sue, hope nothing serious is going on with Ivalou.  You are right you can only offer to help and then it is up to the other person. 

Carol, what is happening all over the world to Christians is a real concern.  Just last week arson was attempted at one of our Methodist churches here in our county.  Fortunately they caught the man responsible.  When I was growing up our church doors were never locked and to my knowledge nothing was ever taken or damage done.  We sure can't do that anymore.

Marlo, having suffered migraine headaches in the past I can so understand what a relief it is to get some period without that pain.  I am amazed you can eve function in such pain.  Hope permanent relief will be just around the corner for you. 

Ken, while funerals and memorial services can be sad they are also times for families to reconnect as you have said.  Hope the rest of your trip home goes well.  About five years ago I headed a family reunion and say some first cousins I hadn't seen in over 50 years as well as many relatives I had never met before.  Unfortunately, it is not likely we will ever have another reunion like it as no one seems willing to step forward to put it together. 

[Janet]

Ken, thanks for the good report on your grandma's service, and the re-connecting time with family.  I am planning a family reunion here sometime soon, haven't nailed down the date and must get busy on that.  We are thinking around Memorial Day.  We are calling it a "Siblings Reunion" but also stressing that the welcome mat is out for ALL relatives.  Lots of work, but life is short!

Larry, hope your busy day goes well.  I woke up to rain and wind early, but it looks as if the sun is trying to come out now.  We so need the moisture, I was hoping it would rain for two or three days!

I have another book to package and mail, also a thank you and a sympathy card to mail, so better get those tasks done before it's time to head to town to Sr. Ctr for lunch.

Time to get back at it!

[JudyB]

MASTER, THE TEMPEST IS RAGING
(Click to hear music)




Master, the tempest is raging!
The billows are tossing high!
The sky is o'ershadowed with blackness,
No shelter or help is nigh;
Carest Thou not that we perish?
How canst Thou lie asleep,
When each moment so madly is threatening
A grave in the angry deep?


Refrain
The winds and the waves obey Thy will,
Peace, be still!
Whether the wrath of the storm tossed sea,
Or demons or men, or whatever it be
No waters can swallow the ship where lies
The Master of ocean, and earth, and skies;
They all shall sweetly obey Thy will,
Peace, be still! Peace, be still!
They all shall sweetly obey Thy will,
Peace, peace, be still!


Master, with anguish of spirit
I bow in my grief today;
The depths of my sad heart are troubled
Oh, waken and save, I pray!
Torrents of sin and of anguish
Sweep o'er my sinking soul;
And I perish! I perish! dear Master
Oh, hasten, and take control.


Refrain


Master, the terror is over,
The elements sweetly rest;
Earth's sun in the calm lake is mirrored,
And heaven's within my breast;
Linger, O blessed Redeemer!
Leave me alone no more;
And with joy I shall make the blest harbor,
And rest on the blissful shore.


Refrain

[JudyB]

Janet a quick suggestion.  Go to the Christian Radio Stations and let them read the book.  They may do a review of it on the radio and thus "advertise" for you, also check into the Christian Book Stores,  They may be willing to help you market it..

[JudyB]

The fire is finally going.  It was being stubborn today.  Now to load it full, and out for groceries.  Think I will have lunch out today!.

[Al Moak]

It is indeed good to be back home, able to comunicate with y'all, etc.  I'm awaiting phys. therap. in about an hour, then the home health nurse later.  She'll be coming quite often to check on my progress.  They're going to install a hospitsl-type bed for me in the living room to replace my recliner chair.  It should be great, becsuse it's got the "trapese-thing" aove it to help me get up/down, etc.  Please pray that the phys. therap will do good things for me.  I tend to be lazy, try to let things do everything for me, when I need to do a lot of things myself.  God bless y'all.

[Carol]

Good Day Al:  The hospital bed should be of great help to you - yes, prayers are coming for you to push yourself up (no pun intended) each and every day.  Patience has rewards. 

We are waiting for news from our friends in Tucson as to whether we drive there or not.  He was ill yesterday and they want to see if he will be better by tomorrow.  In the meantime, I am going to set up my sewing machine that has to be put away each time company arrives.  It is such a hassle.  Spent the morning cleaning & making a grocery list.  TV is just full of nonsense, isn't it?  A pan of lasagna is cooking as it was to be packed for our friend's house today but now I just want to get it baked and stored for tomorrow.  Now to oil and clean my sewing machine - each and every time I sew a lot.  Oil keeps the baby humming. 

Larry:  So true what you wrote about Christians being attacked in so many ways.