Thoughts for the Week of May 17

[Al Moak]

God's ways are beautiful!

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Morning Devotional...

Psalm 41

Our Lord rules the earth according to certain definite and righteous principles.  The principles are: 1) He blesses those who love Him and care for others, and 2) He curses those whose hearts are hard toward God and man.

David loves, admires and worships a God Who rules that way.  In fact he wants to be like Him - he too wants to "consider the poor."  God hears him when he prays to do so, You may remember, in fact, that David  , was called "a man after God's own heart," and as David himself puts it,  "The Lord will deliver (such a man) in time of trouble.  The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive, and he will be blessed on earth; You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies." In other words, simply put, God delights in the man who delights in Him and in His ways.

Because David loves such a God, he also loves the people of that God as well, so of course he wants them to increase in their knowledge of Him, and he  rejoices in them when they do.  It's for that reason that  he has them repeat in song the words of this psalm as they begin their day, with the hope that, when they leave the temple, their lives, too, will be characterized by love to God and service to His people that day.

With that in mind, David sings of prayer and answered prayer - in other words a loving relationship that God sustains with those who love him and who love and serve His people.  The particular prayer that David was thinking of on this occasion was prayed in an especially perilous situation, one in which David was very, very sick.  He describes it when he says, "I said, 'Lord, be merciful to me; heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.'"  He tells of his enemies' hatred and of their hope that he will never rise again from his sickbed - even though they had been his "own familiar friends in whom I trusted."

But David particularly wanted the people to remember that the Lord did actually answer his prayer and help him.  So he sings, "By this I know that You are well pleased with me, because my enemy does not triumph over me.  As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, and set me before Your Face forever!"  David would not have realized how much the Lord loved him if it had not been for just such a perilous time, a time the Lord used to open David's eyes to that love.  He does the same for us.  He often opens our own eyes to His love by means of the trouble we experience and His deliverance from it.

Next, after describing how God blessed him and answered his prayer, he finally and simply leads the people in praise to the God Who deals in such a merciful way with them.  He sings,"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting!  Amen and Amen!"

How's your own relationship to God?  Does it affect your relationship to other people?  Do you love them because you love Him?  Do you "consider the poor (poor in this world's goods, poor in spirit, poor because of a lack of friends)?"  And do you feel free to call on the Lord in all your own trials?  Not that you've earned His favor by your "goodness" - but He's glorified by the work of His own Spirit within you - and you'll experience how much He loves you!  It's a happy relationship with God, a relationship you evidence by loving God and caring for His people. If this is your case, then bless your graciously loving God today!
Al Moak


Here's a hymn that reflects these thoughts.  Just click to hear the music.

In My Life Lord, Be Glorified
(Click to hear music)

"Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death."
Phil. 1:20


In my life, Lord, be glorified, be glorified,
In my life, Lord, be glorified today.

In my song, Lord, be glorified, be glorified,
In my song, Lord, be glorified today.

In Your Church, Lord, be glorified, be glorified,
In Your Church, Lord, be glorified today.

[Jane Walker]

Thanks, Al, for starting off this week with such a beautiful devotional message.  By the way,the author of that song is a good friend of my family.  Bob Kilpatrick was youth minister in Sacramento when he wrote the song ... he has since written many beautiful and inspiring songs.  This one, in particular, is a favorite.

Marilyn, you mentioned that you were glad to see me "being so chatty" .... don't get used to it!  I will be going away again on Wednesday this week and I am not too sure just how long I will be gone.

I'm going to California again and will be seeing some of my grandkids (and great grandkids) and then visiting with Tom in the Veterans Home in Yountville .... lots of stuff needs my attention, so I can't be exact about what or when I'll be taking care of it.

I'll try to get access to a computer while there, but can't promise anything.

[Jeanne Lee]

Good morning, my dear, dear friends.   

Weather-wise this day doesn't promise much.  It got down to the 30's last night and isn't expected to even get up to 60 this afternoon.  This is May?    

Saturday night was one of "those" nights.  I didn't fall asleep until after 4:30 in the morning.  Then at 8:00 the phone woke me.  This is my month to provide three greeters/ushers at church and the phone call was the news that the husband of one couple was ill and they wouldn't be able to greet.  So, still bleary-eyed, I called another couple who willingly filled in. 

I was supposed to join other Auxiliary members for an American Legion flag raising ceremony in the afternoon but it was cold and blustery and I was so tired from the night's lack of sleep that I stayed home where it's always warm and cozy, and took a nap instead. 

Now to see what the Lord has planned for me today.   

[Marilyn]

Good Monday Morning to all y-all who visit here today. Jane I pray you have a safe and productive trip to California.

Jeanne I hope you are now rested up and do lots of PSPing today.

As for me I have a load of laundry in the dryer and one in the washer, I have stripped the bed and need to go remake it. Every time I strip the bed and  start to remake it  the cat has to get right in the middle of it  and try to "help" me.

Well I better get busy.

[Etta Sue]

Al ~ Thank you for the devotion for a new week. 

Janet ~ If money was flowing freely, I would travel anywhere and everywhere AFTER I got my passport.  But right now, I would be happy to go on an overnight jaunt!  If someone said, 'Let's go to ?'...I could be ready in a half hour!  Well, maybe an hour!!

I had a great time on the laptop yesterday checking out photos of Nairobi and then I  remembered that Ben, the minister's son, is going to a slum area.  Kibera is a slum district with over a million people living there with no electric, no running water and no sewer system!  And I called the minister's wife and she said that she needed a map and 5-6 images..I already had 72!  So I sorted out and plan to go to Womens Fellowship at her home Tuesday evening and will take the laptop to show her.  Let her decide what images she wants.  I saved an image from Google Earth for the map!

This morning Ivalou and I ate breakfast at Bob Evans and the shopped at WalMart.  It looks like a promising day in Indiana but cool.  Like Jeanne, it was cold last night and not to get very warm all day. 

[Jane Walker]

G'Morning ....   

It looks like I will be gone at least a week, beginning Wednesday.

Joy has been in touch with Jean's kids via Facebook, and they have (all but Tim) messaged her that they will be "available" on the weekend for a BBQ on Saturday and a birthday party on Sunday (for one of Dave's boys -- he has four boys and a girl) ... Then Dave and Alisha have both indicated they will be "open on Monday" for a visit with Grandpa .... So....  Now I need to see if I can get an answer from Tim about the whole thing.  I know he is also interested in seeing Tom, but his schedule is always so full and so is Rachel's (his wife.) ... Anyway ... Things are shaping up for me to, once again, see my grandkids and their families.  It has been a long time since we were able to get together and I think it has been awkward for them because of their mother's absence. 

I have learned that Isaiah, Dave's oldest boy, is "bitter at the whole world, and especially anyone to do with family" because he misses his Grandma Jean so much.  He was very young when she died, but he still has a very strong attachment to her as does his sister, Vickie.  Life gets so tough for kids, these days. 

[Al Moak]

I pray that you'll be a touch of grace for Isaiah's life, Jane.  He evidently needs our Lord to heal his heart a great deal.  May our Lord's blessing go  with you for all that family, and may He fill your own days and hours with  His obvious presence through our Lord Jesus Christ.

[Ruth Ann Bice]

Hi, friends,

Well, it was a good worship service yesterday. We sang about, and then our minister's sermon was about the blessed peace we receive when we accept Jesus. How encouraging for all!

My friend who was to enter a nursing home will be in Florida near her daughter. We'll surely miss her in the neighborhood, but I truly believe this is God's will for her life.

Thank you for praying with me about her situation.

Yes, I rested a good bit yesterday afternoon, but am now up and around. I think it's about time to go to he grocery...no bread, only 2 more eggs, need meat, etc!  That's what I'm planning for the afternoon. Then, back to discarding and hiding. It's so good to know that this ordeal is almost behind me.

Jane, have a safe trip. I pray God's peace and wisdom will be yours as you go.

Janet, it's so sad to lose a long-time member of the family Sarah. Possibly y'all can get another pet if circumstances warrant. My kitty Bourbie certainly had difficulty in adjusting to Shelby's going to live in Atlanta. He still noses around my legs when I visit my son's apartment. I wonder if he can scent Shelby after I've been in Atlanta.

[Pat]

Hello Everyone...

It's been a  lovely day here and I've been cutting the lawn and cleaning the deck and rearranging it.  Now it's time for supper.

Jane, hope you have a safe trip.  I will pray that you do.

Now, starting tomorrow, I have lots of work to get started on either an Enhanced Driver's Licence or my Passport as June 1, we won't be able to get into the USA without it.

[Carol]

Pat:  I hope that you get your credentials in order to get back to see your hubby!  Isn't it amazing that it is so difficult for a Canadian to work or live in this country and neighbors from the south it is nothing at all?  Don had a dickens of a time getting a Canadian citizen all the paperwork so he could work in the US. 

Janet:  Let's hope that the wheat ointment helps Beth pronto.  Sorry for the loss of your little pal.

Why am I wide awake after only two hours of sleep?  I bought an herbal sleeping pill that is popular in Europe - stupid me, they must only sleep two hours at night.  Dare not take any more so will tough it out and take catnaps tomorrow or I guess that is today.

The sky is outstanding tonight.  I stood on the back porch and just had to search the sky.  What a great builder!   How can anyone not believe?   

[Ruth Ann Bice]

Good morning, friends,

Carol, I suppose I may be taking the "morning watch." My eyes flew open at 3:59 this morning. The dawn over Nashville is certainly beautiful today, albeit mighty cool at 44 degrees, with frost and temps in the 30's predicted for the next county to the northeast of us.

Pat, good luck with your border crossings. I just renewed my passport recently. I try to keep it updated at all times because I have a son living in the UK.

It will be a busy day today, so I'll check out for now.

It's really true, "God's mercies are renewed afresh to us each day."

Ruth Ann

[Jeanne Lee]

A much better night's sleep, praise the Lord, and this morning is bright and sunny - although very cool and freeze warnings continue for this area.   

I've done some bible study, some prayer time and had breakfast and now it's time to take stock and see what needs doing for today.   

[Etta Sue]

I laid down for a nap yesterday afternoon and just as I got to sleep the phone rang.  Kitty.  Wanting to know if I would like to go with her to Frye's.  You know me...if I get the chance to go anywhere, I go.  30 clerks at Frye's and no one asked if we needed any help!  Kitty was looking at printers.  I was trying to find a wireless printer and someone explain digital camcorders to me.  Then Kitty was looking for ink for her Epsom printer and I finally got someone's attention but he wasn't any help.  I think you need to be a man to get help at Frye's.   

Then we stopped at Panera Bread for a diet coke and a cookie! 

Today I worked on pictures for Nairobi and remembered that the minister's wife wanted a map of Nairobi, Kenya printed on card stock for an album cover.  Did that.  And worked on the pictures I saved and resized them with text on a bottom border.  They are all on my thumb drive now. 

This afternoon is Euchre at Ivalou's house and this evening is CWF (Clarksville Womens Fellowship) at Ruth Ann's house...the minister's wife.  Well, I guess it is his house, too, since he lives there also.    (foot in mouth)

I think I will take my laptop so I can show her the Nairobi pictures.

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[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  I am happy to be able to say I had absolutely no problem with my tooth extraction.  I took two pain pills when I got home from the dentist (per his instructions) and then one at 6pm.  Actually think I could have gotten along fine without them as slept through the night and have been fine today.  I attended a meeting this morning and Pat and I went to Macaroni Grill for dinner as felt I would be able to eat the spaghetti and meatsauce without a problem and did. 

Etta Sue, I have encountered the same thing at Fry's along with the staff not having a clue where most things are located in the store.  I haven't been to Fry's for sometime.

Jane, hope you have a good week in California.  It sounds like you will be busy.

Good to see everyone's postings and Al, thanks for the devotional for this week.

[Carol]

Hello again.  I am trying to stay awake.  The Denver Nuggets are playing in the western finals - that is basketball and Don is keeping up with the score.

Jeanne Lee:  It sounds like you have such a lovely morning pattern with your Bible reading, prayer time and breakfast . 

Larry:  That was a quick recovery from a tooth extraction.  And, out for dinner the next night. 

Etta Sue:   We were going to stop for a doughnut at Lamar's for a treat & it was closed by 3 PM.  Sure could have used a sugar rush.  Panera's is a great place too but we just decided to come home because the clouds were black and wild - barely anything but wind and rain for a few minutes.   

Ruth Ann:  Your morning started much too early.  I really love to get up early and look for critters and this morning at 3:25 spotted the dairy truck driving into this neighborhood.  The sky and pre-sunrise is always so inspiring although I do pay for this view throughout the day especially after 3 in the afternoon.  I hope you sleep later tonight.

[Pat]

Well, I got up early today. 

I went out onto the deck and sat for awhile while the sun was coming up and had such a lovely time reading God's Word. 

What a wonderful Creator we have!

[Etta Sue]

I am so glad it isn't that cold here! 

June 5th!!

That's my surgery date!  16 days away!  I was so surprised.  With the surgeon being away from the office for a month, I wouldn't have been surprised if surgery would have been in August.  But Lauren, the surgery scheduler, called this morning and said June 5th.  She will be sending me papers of instructions...I am sure I will have no vitamins, minerals and herbs for two weeks prior like the last time and then this time, I will probably not have anything to eat at least 12 hours before surgery. 

I went to CWF meeting last evening.  Our church is having their 150th Anniversary August of next year!  We are already planning how to celebrate that....probably throughout the year!  And I am having the meeting here in August. 

I installed the Nairobi, Kenya photos on the pc at church this morning and then went to Kitty's for newspapers.  I am making two batches of cookies for an ordination at church Sunday evening and we always used newspaper to cool cookies on.  I don't get a newspaper. 

Now I am home and vegging out!

<OO> <oo> <OO> <oo> <OO> <oo> <OO> <oo> <OO> <oo>

[Pat]

Well, Etta Sue, thanks for letting us know the date.  We'll all be praying for you on June 5th!


I've been transplanting strawberries this morning.  I have so many!  I just gave the lady next door about 50 plants!  And these hardly made a dent in my crop of plants!

All are in bloom so hopefully we'll have some nice strawberries to eat.

[Pat]

We have so many new folks!

I'm hoping that you all will take a few minutes to add your "Hi!" to the new folks in the Introductions board on here.

[Marilyn]

Good Morning, Not much on my to do list this morning, I plan to look for a recipe online for a cake made with honey to bake for Keith's birthday dinner on Sunday. I am also going to take the dogs for another visit to Puppy Love to get to know the people who will be boarding them while we are on vacation next month at Sunriver Resort

Well Jane is on her way to California now,  pray for travel mercies for her trip.

Mmm Pat Strawberries. I love strawberries well just about any berries but strawberries are my favorite.

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  Just back from Bible Study with the pastor and then going over to Dunkin' Donut for a cup of coffee. 

I think the antibiotic I am taking for this tooth extraction is really making me feel tired.  As soon as I finish my bite of lunch I will take an afternoon nap.  I have choir practice this evening and don't want to miss it.

Carol, my tooth extraction has gone unbelievably well and the only sore place is where some of the shots were put into the gums.  I had no problem eating last night as have had several weeks of practice in chewing only on the one side.

Etta Sue, glad you have a surgery date as know you are anxious to have this procedure done. 

Pat, my mother used to have a huge strawberry patch on one side of the garden and we had so many strawberries that I sort of got burned out on eating them as well as harvesting them.  It is nice of you to share your plants with your neighbor.

Marilyn, you really take good care of your dogs.  Hope you find the recipe you are seeking.

[JudyB]

I an having lunch as I read. 

It has been an interesting week.  The girls had a great time in Paris.I am so pleased about that.  Kassie was a little resistant to go.

Last night I got a call from Doug to go over for supper.  They were having stir fry and home made egg rolls.  Boy is he ever a good cook!

John changed the oil in the car on Saturday.  The silly cat, Tom got into the oil somehow yesterday and Kass had to bath him last night.  She got 99% of the oil off and Tom was up and running today.  I guess that was one of his 9 lives.   Today somehow a chipmunk got into the house, and way went Tom and caught it! It is now laying on my hall floor, I need to get rid of it.

Today I am having a somewhat lazy day.  I do have some laundry to finish though.

I just heard on the news: Charges have been laid on 2 people for the little girl that went missing from her Woodstalk school.  They are searching for her body in Pat's city.  This is so sad.  If only the police had put out the Amber Alert immediately this might have been avoided.  It took them 2 weeks to issue the alert.  She was only 10.

We finally have some nice weather.  The rain has stopped, and the sun is shining. I will be going for a walk this afternoon, and if the dryness holds mowing tomorrow.  I want to weed spray the garden.  John tilled it on Saturday and it is already greening up.  We will till again this weekend and plant next weekend.

Well must go and check the other forums.

[Janet]

Hello, all.  I'm checking in to say I have caught up on all your postings, and enjoyed each one.  I'm really tired today, as haven't slept much at all for the past two nights, plus getting up at 5 (sounds LATE, after reading how early some of you were up!) to be at work at 6 each morning.  I was only scheduled to work Sunday, Tuesday and Friday, but am winding up working every day this week except Monday.    I will be glad when the new mama comes back to work!  I am not planning to work in June!

Beth is feeling better, the sore has closed, and her favorite nurse did get the okay to use the wheat germ oil on her!!  Praise God for understanding nurses, who become good friends.

As soon as my two prophecy programs I watch on Wednesday nights are over, I'm off to bed again.

Larry, I'm so glad you had no problems relative to the tooth extraction.  Praise the Lord!

Marilyn, I am wondering if you are still involved with the chocolate business??

Hope Jane has a good and satisfying trip, and makes good connections with family while there.

Carol, your area sounds really nice.  I love the mountains, but haven't spent any time there in years.

Pat, I love strawberries!  We haven't had any luck growing them, though.  Kerri gave me an African violet plant when were up there, she divided hers and potted it for me.  It is looking pretty sad, but I think it will come out of the shock all right.  We bought another one in Amarillo Monday.  I have never had violets before, but Kerri's were so beautiful it made me want some, too.

The stinkin' ol' hot, dry wind has been blowing for the pase two days.  We can hardly get out the door because of the force of the wind.  UGH. 

[Ruth Ann Bice]

Hi, friends, I'm "talking" with a swollen top lip tonight. The dentist prepared me for 2 center front upper gum crowns this morning. I'm still "oozing" a bit, so hope tomorrow's a much better day.

The kids in Georgia need some assistance Friday, so I'll be heading down there tomorrow. I'd appreciate it if you would pray that this bleeding stops and that I'll feel up to making the trip. Thanks so much for the prayers, friends.

Gotta go - time to get my bag packed...

Ruth Ann

[Nita]

Jane called me.  She was in an accident and thinks her car may be totaled. There's extensive damage, but I didn't get the particulars.  I was just glad she was ok.

There were no other cars involved, and she doesn't know what happened.  She thought it might have been a blow out, but the tow truck driver said it wasn't. Her car spun out and ended up going the other way on the highway, and not one car was on the highway at that time.  The Lord must have kept all cars off the road for her.

I'll let her tell you more about it.  The blessing is that she wasn't badly hurt, just sore right now and will go to the doctor.  Her daughter Joy came and got her as she was only 35 miles from her destination.  I asked her if she had fallen asleep, but she hadn't.  She said she truly doesn't know why it happened.  And she could have hit a guardrail, but instead it was a barbed wire fence.  The car didn't flip.  Isn't that God?  He protected her all the way.

I hated to even ask her, but did.........and yes, she has full coverage!! Praise God.  She's covered there too.   

So......though it's bad news, and I know scary for her, things will end up ok.

She asked me to tell you.   Nita

[JudyB]

Oh My.  As if Jane hasn't enough on her plate.  If you are talking to her let her know we in Northern Ontario are praying for her.

[Pat]

Oh, dear. 

Thanks Nita.  Was she just on her way down there?  I'm so sorry. 

Yes, we'll pray for her.  She will be sore for awhile. 

[Ruth Ann Bice]

I'll also be praying as I drive. Yes, God was good to keep Jane safe. Thank you, Lord.

God answered prayer causing that bleeding to stop last night. But, I look like some sort of bird with a really big overbite on the top beak!  Sure hope I get there before the girls go to bed so they won't be upset tomorrow morning when I get them up for school.

Y'all have a good weekend.

[Jeanne Lee]

Nita, thanks for the information about Jane.  Praise God for keeping her safe. Isn't this the car she was so happy to get just a short time ago? 

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  So sorry to hear of Jane's accident but so glad it was metal that was hurt and not Jane.  I sure hope her replacement insurance will give her enough to get a good and sound car. 

I am having a quiet day.  Pat has gone to pick up her sewing machine that she had serviced for its annual service.  When she gets back we are going to go to a Mexican restruant for lunch where our housekeeper works.  It is in another town so will be a bit of a drive but should be enjoyable.

Ruth Ann, sounds like your dental work was more extensive than mine.  Sure hope you get along as well as I have and have a good trip to Atlanta tomorrow.

Janet, it sure sounds like you are pushing yourself too hard again with not being able to sleep.  Glad that Beth is better.  How is Darrel doing?

Judy, I am really surprised that you cat got into the oil.  Cats seem to be so fussy.  Hope this wasn't an indoor cat.