Thoughts for the Month--January 2018

[Janet]

Jane, I believe that is the best thing for you to do.  I have had to do that with my two adopted kids and their kids.  It hurt terribly, but not as much as the constant rejection and lies they told each other and anyone else who would listen.  As you said, we can and do continue to pray for them; will always love them; but they are adults and make their own choices. I choose to enjoy the ones who love me and not torture myself over why the others don't.

We are having another lovely day here--up to 64 on the way to a high of 70 degrees!  But they say we will have high winds and possibly snow tomorrow.   

I'm going to drive out to the cemetery, since it's nice.  I haven't been there since the day of the funeral, and for some reason, I feel the need to do that.  The grief just overwhelmed me yesterday, I don't know why, but I understand we all have to deal with it in our own way and time.  I'm so thankful for a loving, understanding and supportive husband!

[Jacqueline]

Jane...
...I too have only one child, a daughter, we are estranged...My daughter has a son who a year ago had his own baby, I  dont even know my great grandchild's gender, nor name...I know the likelihood that my daughter over the years has poisoned him with her side...Now he is a man, I would love to sit him down and tell him some home truths but, In reality I know I shan't ever tell him things which concerned him as a young baby, to learn how he was neglected - abandoned...she even released herself from hospital, and abandoned him in the hospital ( Isolation ward ) a couple of days after he was born, ( she had to be hunted down and returned ) of course he will never know that...I was there the day he was born, I was at his birth...I was the first person to hold him, before they handed him to his mother...again I doubt if he even knows that..

Janet...
...something is drawing you to the cemetery today, you must follow your heart and must go...this is happening for a reason...

[JudyB]

John has a virus, and spends a lot of time coughing and hacking.  He is frustrated, because it is preventing him from getting a good rest.

Tonight is a "J" night for me.  Mind going 100 MPH and body not able to keep up!

We went to Costco today, spent more than we intended, however there are many items we got that were on sale that we won't have to worry about getting again for some time.

The weather has been unreliable this winter so far.  One day - 30C (-22F) then this week up to +3 to +6 C or 37F to 42F......Very unusual for north eastern Ontario.  Tomorrow night (Sunday) we are expecting up to 15 cm of snow or over 6 inches......

Have a great night everyone.

[JudyB]

Chris Saunders Posted this on Saturday.

" Speaking to yourselves in Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart unto the Lord."
Ephesians ch.5-19.
Will this be you today?
In spite of everything..maybe you have sickness, hardship, sorrow of heart, you may be weary of arguing with people.
But in spite of all the world can throw at you will you lift your voice of praise to God, " a cheerful heart doeth good like a medicine." Proverbs 15-13.
This is absolutely true and has been proved over and over. "I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth."
Psalm 34. This Psalm will lift you up.
Verse six "this poor man cried and the Lord heard him and saved him out if all his troubles"
Wow! That's for me!
Also for you.
Let's go through this psalm, it is pure gold.
It can change your whole attitude and circumstances.
" The Angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him.
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good.
They that seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.
The eyes of the Lord are upon the Righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.
The Lord is near to them that have a broken heart, and saves such who have a contrite spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the Righteous but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, none if those who trust in Him shall be desolate."
Yes indeed, we are the "Righteous" who are spoken of here, for He is our Righteousness,
Philippians ch3-9.
Romans ch. Four tells us all about Righteousness.
It is imputed to us, by our Lord and Saviour, for we most certainly have no Righteousness of our own
So sing, praise, rejoice.
Amen?
When He comes for me, may I be found not complaining, but singing.

Praise Him! Praise Him!
(Click to hear music)

I will praise the Lord all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
Psalm 146:2


Words: Fanny Crosby
Music: Chester G. Allen




Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!
Sing, O Earth, His wonderful love proclaim!
Hail Him! hail Him! highest archangels in glory;
Strength and honor give to His holy Name!
Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard His children,
In His arms He carries them all day long:


Refrain
Praise Him! Praise Him!
Tell of His excellent greatness.
Praise Him! Praise Him!
Ever in joyful song!


Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!
For our sins He suffered, and bled, and died.
He our Rock, our hope of eternal salvation,
Hail Him! hail Him! Jesus the Crucified.
Sound His praises! Jesus who bore our sorrows,
Love unbounded, wonderful, deep and strong.


Refrain


Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!
Heav?nly portals loud with hosannas ring!
Jesus, Savior, reigneth forever and ever.
Crown Him! Crown Him! Prophet, and Priest, and King!
Christ is coming! over the world victorious,
Pow?r and glory unto the Lord belong.


Refrain

[/quote]

[Jacqueline]

I feel very sad for people who have no faith, by no faith, I am referring to the afterlife...I understand everyone has there own Idea as to when their body comes to its end of life, the fact that some do not even care..and have the attitude of " when you are gone, you are gone..." My beliefs are yes, there will be nothing left of our body as we now know it but, what leaves our body carry's on living, maybe not in this world as we know it but, It continues...It is our spirit, our soul that leaves our body and remains alive...This is the way I see it....and it is my belief that keeps me going...The person ( man ) I live with has no beliefs whatsoever...just a shame neither can come back to say which one was right or wrong...

We only have to look around us, the marvels and wonders of our planet earth...if God never provided for us, then who did?...

Judy...
...thank you...Chris Saunders is a wise person...I firmly believe in laughter and belief....It is laughter which gets us through the hardships of life, and it is belief that will guide us into our next life...

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  We are expecting a very nice day with it getting into the mid-60's.  Yesterday was sort of a lost day as had no energy.  I am up and dressed for Sunday School and Church this morning and seem to be a bit more energetic and know it will do me good to get out and about. I recognize there is a danger of catching the flu by being around other people but just as likely chance that I won't. I will likely watch the pro football playoff games late this afternoon and this evening.  Pat seemed to be feeling better yesterday and my son texted that he was feeling a lot better but was weak and tired. 

Jane, so happy to see you have made the decision not to let family situations bring you down as that would accomplish nothing.  One of our Al-Anon slogans, that I have found so helpful, is to "Let Go and Let God".  As you say they know how to contact you and we can't live someone else's life.  Only we can control our own thoughts and joys in life or allow someone else to take those from us.  Your worrying doesn't do one thing to change Brian's or your granddaughters lives.  Detachment doesn't mean we don't love the other person but that we can't bear their burdens.  (I'll get off my soap box now as have probably said too much but these are a few of the things that have helped me these last 12 years.)

Janet, I use to be concerned aboout what others thought of me until I came to realize I have no control over what others think of me or say about me so why should I waste one minute of this precious life worrying about it.  Sure hope that snow stays away from your area tomorrow but suppose you all need the moisture so it probably would be welcome.  I hope you find comfort in your visit to the cemetery.  You are so right that we each deal with our grief in our own ways. I am glad that you have such a loving and understanding husband. 

Jackie, life is what it is and probably none of us ever expected it would deal us the hands we have been dealt.  We suffer the lose of the dream we had when we were young as to what life  would be like  and what our families would be.  Well written thoughts about our life to come after we are finished here on earth and the glories that God has surrounded us with here on earth.   

Judy, sorry to hear that John has the virus and it sounds very much like what Pat is experiencing.  She hasn't been able to sleep in the bed the last two night due to extended coughing spells.  Fortunately, she can sleep in her easy chair and doesn't seem to cough as much.  She is asleep now so I haven't talked with her this morning.  Did Chris write the devotional thoughts you shared with us this morning?

[Janet]

It's cold here, but when we came home from church, the predicted wind had not hit yet.  And so far, no snow.  Yes, we really need moisture, so will welcome snow if we get some.  They were only predicting we'd get 1 or 2 inches, so not a lot.

I think Darrel has some lunch ready, and I'm hungry, so going to check it out!

[Carol]

Many thanks to Judy for posting the music from Chris Saunders.  The tune is soothing and lovely.  Somehow, I don't recognize the music but really do like it - remembering a little church our family attended that had a really old piano.  My parents were brought up Lutheran and one was Baptist.  We also were active in the Covenant church.  So, I have quite a varied church background and feel very comfortable in all those settings plus a few others as well.  Really do like the old-fashioned songs best. 

Jane:  Years ago, a dear friend told me that she used the words, "Let go, Let God".  Such a relief when reality sets in that we are not in control. 

Is everyone mending in here?  I mean from the coughing and flu symptoms?  There are so many things being cancelled around here because of the germs floating around.  We are really staying out of any crowds - Don has more than enough to deal with anyway and he needs me to be able as well. 

I am working on three pairs of hot pads for gifts to cousins - all are quilted and mostly sewn on the machine.

Janet:  We did get snow at home - way below the amount needed for water needs.  Take care! 

[Marilyn]

Greetings, everyone, on the wet Sunday from Oregon's South Coast. After church today we stopped in at Fred Meyer's to buy Keith a new pr. of Levi 501"s that are now in the dryer and to buy some steaks for supper this evening. Not much else is new around here, it has been raining off and one for days now. As they say here in Oregon " Well that's Oregon".

I too have children who do not speak to me and haven't for over 20 years. My oldest son Don and my only Daughter Carole. However2 out of 5 isn't so bad. I gave up trying to communicate with them when they both blocked me on facebook and my daughter refused to see me when I went to California a few years ago and stayed at her twin brother's place for a week. She told my granddaughter that " I don't need a mother" Now wasn't that nice of her when I traveled 700 miles on a train to visit. NOT!!!!!! I do pray for all of my kids though and will continue to do that.

[Ruth Ann Bice]

Hi, friends,

I have returned from seeing about my sister-in-law's cat.  She has been in the hospital and next rehab center since noon on Christmas day.  The nurse called tonight telling me she is vomiting blood now. I'm very concerned about her.

I'm dealing with rejection and separation issues between my children. It's very painful, isn't it.

Much love to everyone who comes here.

Ruth Ann

[JudyB]

The words were from a post on Facebook of Chris's,  The hymn was out of the hymn library.
Chris is a wise man and I love his posts.  I am glad you all enjoyed what he wrote.

[Jacqueline]

The last time I saw my estranged daughter ( we wasn't estranged at the time, we are now since that day, some few years ago ) was a Christmas Eve morning - mid day, we had travelled 20-30 minutes on the motorway to take Christmas presents over to them, we had just stepped in the door, daughter in the process of putting the kettle on when she wasn't in the mood for my downside, although I have endured her downsides ) due to the argument myself and the person I am still living with ( not by choice ) had had the day before, so she didn't want me to stay, and not kindly, showed me the door, she threw me out...we had only been there 5 or 10 minutes.....The irony of this is that we had just got back together after another lengthy estrangedment...

Oh and not forgetting her uncaring attitude on the phone a few years later when I told her I was just diagnosed with MS and awaiting results a few weeks later on an Hysteroscopy operation to find out whether I had cancer,..thankfully I never but, to this day she still doesn't know that,...In fact she called me a selfish c***t because I was passing on my MS to her and her son...MS is not catchable...she had no sympathy or concern over what I had just been through in the matter of a month...the MS diagnoses and awaiting to find out if I had cancer...

So family life isn't all what it is made out to be...I can see several of us are in a similar situation, sadly....I agree, it is very painful...

[Jacqueline]

Meant to have added, rectified....that it wasn't any arguments taking place just a cold atmosphere but the icing on the cake was when I was trying to tell my daughter about a bleed I had recently had...I had said those fatal words to her..." there you go, once again you aren't listening..." that was the point she threw me out..I wasn't keeping with her Christmas spirit..

[Jacqueline]

For all members with broken family ties....

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  It is a cloudy morning but in the 50's.  I had to make a quick trip to Walmart this morning to get a prescription for Pat and to get a bottle of cough syrup for her.  The medication the PA prescribed for her cough doesn't seem to be working and she didn't sleep at all last night.  However, she does think the congestion is better.  Apparently the coughing goes on for quite a few days.  I have nothing else on my schedule for today.  I did watch the late afternoon pro football game and then the first half of the second game.  The first game was competitive and the second was not. 

Janet, the weather this morning looks like you all could be in for part of blizzard.

Carol, I grew up in a Disciples of Christ church and then after Pat and I married we have belonged to two Baptist churches, three Presbyterian churches and two Methodist Churches.  Like you I like the old Hymns also and the Methodist Hymnal contains a lot of them as does our Sunday School songbook.  Yesterday one of the songs we sang in Sunday School was "A Church in the Wildwood", which is a favorite from my childhood. 

Marilyn, I remember how green everything was when I made a couple of business trips to Oregon.  I guess it takes all that rain to keep it that way.  Riffs within our famlies are such a sad thing for all involved.

Ruth Ann, sorry to hear of your sister-in-laws condition and it doesn't sound good at all.  Rejection and separation issues within famlies is a painful thing.

Judy, was that something new from Chris or from an earlier posting he had made several years ago when he was participating in CP? 

Jackie, there are many things we just can't control and the actions of others is high on the list.  Why people act as they do will always be a mystery I guess.  It brings so much sadness and pain.  That was a nice graphic.  I am sure glad that God is willing to forgive us and comfort us in times of distress and pain. 

[Carol]

Such sad stories of family issues.

Ruth Ann:  Prayer for you and your SIL -

The javelina walked right over the expensive anti-critter pellets Don surrounded on this lot.  The nerve! 

We watched a terrible and sad football game yesterday. 

Next week, two cousins are arriving and staying at another cousins winter home.  I have a meeting with a doctor here - it was like pulling teeth to get a doctor's office to take me on for half a year.  Everything was closed.  So thankful to have someone available if and when.  Don goes to the VA and he is covered well. 

Larry:  I hope Pat gets a good cough syrup - we have heard of the ongoing coughing symptoms too.  My dad used to walk around the house singing the old songs.

We have a huge crock pot of steel-cut oatmeal flavored with cranberries, etc. - Not thinking, I accidentally made twice as much as planned.

An email arrived this morning from a missionary at our home church - she updated us on prayer requests.  So many critical issues that it seems overwhelming at times.  It brings us to grips with the reality of living in this world. 

[Janet]

Well!  It's noon already!  How did that happen so fast?     We went to the gym again today, as I am feeling better and need to be in shape for the upcoming trip.  Kristi said, "No weight lifting for you today!  I"m thinking you have done enough, with a mile and a half on the treadmill."  So I did some stretching and that was it for today.

It is cold and windy here, and we did get snow!!  You can even see it, if you look hard enough, in places where it's shady and the wind can't blow it away!     They are getting quite a lot in NW Kansas and into Nebraska, though.

I'm thinking of the great value of forgiveness today.  How much Jesus forgave us, and how willing we shouldd be to forgive others.  Lord, help me to forgive--early and often!

I want to go to town and do a few errands, also visit a friend who has been very ill.  I didn't want to chance exposing her to anything, so have stayed away.

Carol, are people allowed to shoot those awful javelinas?  But then I guess you would have the problem of what to do with the carcass!

The Poor Vikings had a terrible day yesterday.  I felt so bad for them.

I'm reading a really good book titled "God and Donald Trump."  Very enlightening--and interesting, too.  Gives me renewed faith in what we Christians can do when we really pray and stand united.  It is by Steven Strang.

I'll see all you nice folks later!

[Janet]

No one has been here since my post yesterday.  I have an early eye appointment in Garden City; we are taking John along so we can order the headstone, and also hope to meet Beth's friend Mindi for lunch.

Anyway--it's cold and windy here again today.  And I just popped in to say hello before we leave.  HELLO!!   

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone. We have had a little rain during the night and it is overcast today, at least so far.  It is currently 65 but the temperatures are to go down during the day to the low 60's this afternoon.  I decided to go to the Prompt Care yesterday afternoon and really got a good report as my lungs were clear so the PA doesn't feel I have bronchitis and perhaps it is just sinus causing the cough. She gave me a prescription for TamaFlu if I get any flu symptoms and prescribed something for the cough.  I do think the cough is better this morning.  Last night was one of those nights when I just couldn't go to sleep until probably 2 am. I plan to stay in today and mainly take things slow.

Carol, I guess the javeliinas didn't get the memo that they were suppose to not like the anti-critter pellets.  Glad you were able to find a doctor that you can get established with in case you need the care.  When I hear of the terrible conditions in other places in the world, and some in our own country, it makes realize how blessed I have been. 

Janet, nice to see you have been able to get to the gym and that you are feeling better.  Glad you didn't try to do to much.  I heard from my sister in Northern Iowa yesterday and they were in the midst of a really bad blizzard.  I have found the willingness to forgive and no longer judge others has made a tremendous change in my life these last few years.  When I let the anger go and stressed love for others that my whole outlook on life changed.  I hope you have a good trip to Garden City today and can meet Beth's friend for lunch. 

[Carol]

Thinking of that song, "One Day at a Time".  Janet - keep up your busyness if at all possible.  Hugs  Oh, no one could shoot a javelina although they could in self-defense.  They travel in herds and that herd is mighty large right now.  Yes, the Vikings lost big time - that is almost the only team my family will watch. 

We needed air in a front tire and one place wanted $1.50 for 4 minutes of air.  We drove to a Q-trip gas station where we can get it free - plus filled the tank for less as well.  Air always used to be free. 

Don has to take a nap - he tires so easily with this new medication. 

Larry:  good idea to be checked out - I hope the cough syrup helps your cough.  No, the javelinas did not get my memo.   

Two of our nieces live by the ocean in WA and they had a tsunami warning from an Alaskan earthquake - it didn't last long.  There are signs on evacuation posted all along the highway out of the town. 

[Marilyn]

Hello everyone, sorry I have been awol for a few days although I have been here to read your comments. I, however, didn't take any notes. Things have been busy for me, Music practice is now on Monday's at 4:30 so supper has to wait until I get home or we have to have an early one. This week we are doing Amazing grace, (which always makes me cry, but it was my choice.) Just as you are, Jesus Loves Me and one that I can't remember.

Larry, I do hope that Pat is feeling better by now and that you aren't catching what she had.

Janet are you feeling better as well, How did your Eye appointment go. I will be going to DMV to get my license re3newed on Friday.

[JudyB]

This has been a rough 2 days,  First it snowed yesterday then last night we had rain, today more snow.  Busses were called off and the college was closed.  We have been expecting a power outage, thankfully that didn't happen.  Today's weather report says this weekend temperatures are to be above freezing so my question is what is next!

Not often I comment on a musician, however Neil Diamond at 77 is retiring because he has Parkinson's.  Always enjoyed his music.

As I read through the posts I keep having a verse run through my mind.   

1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

That is one of the hardest things we are to do.  However this re must remember. When Paul and Silas were in prison the chains didn't fall off till they were praising God!  So let us start praising the Almighty God for everything in our lives!

Good night every one!

[Jacqueline]

Yes very sad to hear of Neil Diamonds condition of Parkinson's Disease...I have some Idea of what future he will be facing.. some similarities to MS, they both affect the central nervous system, the brain and spinal cord...

Link...

https://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/multiple-sclerosis-ms-parkinsons#1

 
Woken up to the sounds of " Storm Georgina "...we are being warned of 70 mph battering gale-force winds and heavy rain..with the possibility of attacking power-lines...UK is on warning " orange alert "

Judy...
...one thing we cant control, not all the money in the world can control our weathers...which sadly causes such unnecessary damages to both property, lives of humans and our animal wildlife...

I saw Neil Diamond singing live a few years ago at an outdoors concert, he gave it all that he had..a fantastic performance.....
..............................................................................

[Jacqueline]

Just liustened to this news on our mid day tv...I have posted the link but not sure you will be able to watch it outside our UK....I have posted this for her bravery, outlook and her courage...Link...Former Minister for Public Health and Culture Secretary, Baroness Tessa Jowell...


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/health-42786413/former-labour-minister-opens-up-about-being-diagnosed-with-brain-cancer

[Janet]

Judy, I hope your weather calms down!  Just a note:  Scripture  doesn't say to give thanks FOR all things; but,
rather, IN all things. (In everything)  There is a huge difference!!

I need to get going; we have been to the gym; I have finished the laundry, done the dishes, and now I have to get to my chiropractor appointment in a few minutes.  I need a tune-up before we leave on our trip one week from today.

We had a nice, leisurely lunch with Mindi yesterday, and got the rest of the things done, as well.  My appointment only consisted of his looking at my eye where he had removed the tiny skin cancer a year ago, to be sure it is okay.
It is!! 

I have always enjoyed Neil Diamond's singing, too.  Sorry about his health problem.

Have a good one, folks!  See you later!

Hmmm...lost my formatting.  Sorry, hope you can read it anyway.

[Carol]

Judy B:  Thank you for the reminder of keeping our faith throughout.  I am sorry that your weather issues causes concern.  Certainly not normal weather this year.  Are you sewing or knitting anything?  I bought two variegated skeins of yarn to have on hand - for the waiting rooms of doctor appointments mainly.  Now, I am sewing hot pads for gifts - they have a thinsulate layer (the fabric that is used on ironing boards) in the middle and heat doesn't bother when using.  There are 5 layers when finished but still bendable for your hand.  Hope I described it correctly.  Hi to John!  Missing his posts. 

Don is making biscuits and gravy for breakfast (late today).  He picked up that idea when we were transferred to Texas.

Janet: Wonderful news from your eye doc! 

Jacqueline:  Is there any flooding from this storm?  We were there in the aftermath of flooding - Morton-on-Marsh one year.  It was just devastating to the little towns.  Stay safe and secure indoors.  I did read of your country woman who has a brain cancer diagnosis.  May she be pain free! 

[JudyB]

Today was sunny and cold.  Tomorrow we are going out to take some pictures of the ice and snow. That is John's idea and I will go along, it will be good to get out of the house for a while.

Seems everyone read my comment about giving thanks....Now a challenge.  What are you thankful for today!

Carol I knit 2 sweaters for my grand kiddletts, and one for Kassie.  I have the yarn to make one for her fianc?, which will be the next project.  Right now I am knitting a sweater for myself, and feeling terribly selfish in doing so!  It is red and will have white maple leaves around the yoke.  This will be the first sweater I will have knit for myself......ever!

It is after 11 so I am off to bed.  Night all!

[Ruth Ann Bice]

Hi, friends,

My sister in law felt better and actually called me tonight.  That makes me feel happier.

I'm leaving to go do my laundry - have been too busy to go during daylight hours.

Y'all have a good rest tonight.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

[Jacqueline]

Judy...

...yes I read your comment although I never responded back to it...In answer to your question...
...I am thankful for the people who have now passed away, for coming into my life when they did, and leaving me with good-happy memories, again I am referring to both humans and my dogs...The sadness is they are no longer here with me but I know they are here in spirit, if not body...I am thankful I have inherited many of my late fathers positive Idioms-expressions, which I now say myself on a regular day to day basis...

I am thankful I still have my use of other body parts, ie, my eyesight, my hearing, my very good long term memory of my past, although cant say the same for my short term memory...I am very thankful of our green planet, the grass, trees, and especially the sound and enjoyment I get from our birds...I hope one day I shall be as free as they are...I am also thankful I can look out my window and spot the odd wildlife, a deer, a fox, cows roaming on our hills...

I am thankful I am now living in a place of natural surrounding beauty, when I think others are living on a busy road-street with noisy and polluted traffic outside there doors...I am thankful I am living my life where I can get fresh drinking water, a warm cosy bed, electricity, food...I am very thankful that I dont live in a war zone of a country, or live in a country of starvation, dirty water...

I am thankful I have a God who one day will take away my pain ( illness ) on earth..and lead me to a future existence, of which I am trusting on seeing- being with, my family and my dogs again...I know in my heart He ( God ) has prepared a place for me, what it is, I have no Idea, but it there waiting for me...

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  I am going to beg off of making individual comments today as have had a setback with the cough and congestion.  Yesterday evening early I thought things were under control, but by the time I got home from dinner at the Church I started coughing.  I was feeling terrible and went to bed about 8 pm and was able to stay there in basically a sitting up position until around 3:30 when I started hacking again.  So I came out to my easy chair.  Today will just be one of rest even if it is sitting up.