Thoughts for the Week~August 28

[Don]

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Morning Devotional...

MAKE GOD'S WILL OUR WILL

Verse

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? Acts 9:6


The mystery of man's free will is far too great for us! God said to Adam and Eve: "Thou shalt not eat from this tree." Here was a divine requirement calling for obedience on the part of those who had the power of choice and will. When they disobeyed they usurped the right that was not theirs! The poet Tennyson must have thought about this for he wrote in his In Memoriam: "our wills are ours, we know not how; our wills are ours to make them Thine!" "We know not how;" then Tennyson girds himself and continues, "Yes, our wills are ours to make them Thine." As created beings, that is our only right-to make our wills the will of God, to make the will of God our will! God is sovereign, and we are the creatures. He is the Creator and therefore His is the right to command us with the obligation that we should obey. It is a happy obligation, I might say, for "His yoke is easy and His burden is light!" It is important to agree that true salvation restores the right of a Creator-creature relationship, acknowledging God's right to our fellowship and communion!

Thought

As created beings, that is our only right-to make our wills the will of God, to make the will of God our will!

Prayer

Lord, there is no other power on earth that can match the force of your will. My will is indeed under thine as it ever was even when I thought it was not so. It is indeed a happy obligation. Thank you for your oversight.

From Devotions By Dr. Tozer

[Gord Brown]

   Good morning to all.   Just ready to leave for church.  Again had a very busy day yesterday as I went to a men's breakfast and also lthey had a guest speaker and he was also a gospel country and western singer his name is Morris Mott and he is a pastor of two churches.  Very exciting and great testimony.  Then we had to help again with the grand kids so it never stops.  But the Lord is so good and always gives us the strength.

  Have a wonderful day in the Lord's house.  Gordon and Noreen.

[BigSkyKen]

Thanks for the week's thought, Don.  Tozer's point is so simple to read and understand, but that doggone free will makes it so difficult to apply to our lives at times.  Since childhood, our culture ingrains in us to do for ourselves, pack your own weight, make your future happen; all things that hinder us from completely submitting to Him, or anyone else for that matter!  I can't speak for anyone else here, but in my life this is something I struggle with often...mostly when I become distanced from the Word. 

[Janet]

Sunday will soon be gone for this week!  I got up at 6 this morning, and put a coat of primer on all the base boards in the living room.  Got ready for church, we picked up Beth, attended SS and Church, then went to Pizza Hut for her lunch/party.  I had gone there to make arrangements several days ago, then sent Darrel yesterday to deliver the ice cream cakes and reconfirm.....and when the first of our guests got there, not a thing had been done!  The back room, which was supposed to have been reserved for our party, was full of people, and we had to stand and wait while some tables were cleared and cleaned.  I wasn't too happy with the situation and will likely not plan anything else there.  I asked to speak to the manager; she was too chicken to come out of the kitchen and talk to me.  She left it all up to one poor waitress to take care of everything.  It all worked out in the end, but sure was chaotic and not at all as we had asked.  But Beth had a good time and quite a few of the friends she invited came.  By the time we got her back to the are home, took in a full ice cream cake to put in their freezer, unloaded her gifts and flowers and her, I was worn out.

But I came home and put a coat of paint on the baseboards!  Then I took a short nap but got a call that woke me, so got up and put another coat of paint on the window trim.  We are trying to figure out where to put the LR furniture while the flooring is laid....kitchen and dining room are pretty packed already, so probably the stuff will have to go into our bedroom.

Have any of you painted an entire wall red?  How do you like it?  We painted one long wall of the bedroom red, and I feel it is overpowering and sucks up all the light.  Will have to figure out a way to relieve it.  We got some metallic paint to use on it, but I tried it on a small spot and do NOT like it........   Too many decisions all at once!!  I had everything in quiet colors before, so was trying to be a little bolder this time, but..... I don't know!

Here I am yammering on again.  I will stop now.

[RuthV]

Thank you Don for the devotional...
How we DO struggle with our wills!! However God did not make a mistake. If we truly believe and are committed to Him, He can help us overcome..... however I find that it a day by day, moment by moment commitment!!
We have recently been under the teaching that our prayer life and our grounding in God's word makes it easier.
On Wednesdays we have been studying the book of Isaiah. How wonderfully patient God was with His people and how patient He is with us!!

Praying for Jeanne Lee in Corinth, New York. Foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, as Irene passes through!! ..... an all in CP affected by her!!

[JohnB]

Hi Folks. Been a long time since last posting here. Been very busy lately and it doesn't look like it is going to let up any time soon. Probably not till after our canadian thanksgiving which is in October. I read all your posts about the videos that I was involved in making and really appreciate all the kind words that were written about it. I had a lot of fun doing that and am now involved with our CBC National news doing an interview and a ride along by a TV news reporter about how things have changed crossing the border. This is in review of the 10th anniversary of 911. This Road Knights appointment is really an interesting experience. Judy spoke with Jeanne Lee and everything is ok with her. Had some ran and is presently experiencing wind but nothing alarming apparently. We can thank God for having His hand of protection over her. I will go for now and head for bed. Leaving early in the morning for another week on the road. As that country song goes "On the road again" Blessings everyone. Have a good week. Bonesy.

[Jeanne Lee]

Yes, Bonsey, God does keep His protecting hand over me.  In spite of the extremely high winds following about 5 inches of rainfall, my power was not interrupted.  Of course, that's not as much a concern in summer as it would be in winter, but I am thanking Him for His continuing care. 

And I think Him also for such wonderful and caring friends.  Judy's call was very welcome! 

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  I had a quiet day after church yesterday.  Pat wasn't feeling up to going so stayed home.  She talked with our son and DIL last evening and learned that our granddaughter and family had to evacuate from their home in upstate NY.  Their apartment is on River Street so they would be vulnerable.  They have gone to his mother's to stay until they can return to their own home.  Today the housekeepers come and the yard people.  I want them to trim some bushes around the house as they are beginning to look pretty uneven and unattractive.  I just got home from coffee and the housekeepers were able to get the treadmill out of our master bedroom and into the garage, which apparently was quite a task.  Now I have a nice space to set up my electric piano and get it out of my office, where there was really no room for it. 

Don, thanks for the fine devotional thought for this week.  Sure hope you didn't sustain any significant damage from Irene.

Janet, we have a wall painted a deep red along the wall that leads to the bedrooms.  Pat wanted that as the backdrop for her white-on-white quilt.  It works very well.  The quilt was not shown off well against the white wall as it had been before.  We did make a mistake in not using a proper undercoating that had to put several coats of the red on to get it right.  Too bad that Pizza Hut let you down but glad the party was a success anyway.  Sometimes we just have to go with the flow and not let things not in our control upset the day. 

John, always good to see your postings.  Your Road Knights work sounds very interesting and it is great that you are enjoying the experience.  Have a good week on the road.

Jeanne, a relief to see you posting and to know you weathered the storm without even losing power. 

[Marilyn]

God morning or afternoon where ever you are. I finally got to have my coffee and some breakfast just a few minutes ago. I had to fast for lab tests, So I got that done as soon as the lab opened.

Janet I have always wanted a red wall.  I think it would look great with some of your paintings hanging on there. You also could got with light colored pillow on your sofa or drape a light colored afghan or some other kind of throw over a chair back. A large vase with tall flowers or some artificial  greenery.

Jeanne glad to hear that you are all safe and sound with no damage. I hope we hear from Don soon.

I haven't heard from Ron yet but did here from  my SIL she is fine there in NC. only some minor tree limbs and stuff like that.

[joyce robson]

Still drying out in Jersey and Penna.

Damage but not to family and friends, so all I can say is:

Praise the Lord.!!!

[Etta Sue]

Sorry to say that I haven't heard much about the hurricane or even the quake last week.  I don't watch the news.  But I am happy to hear that you CPer's who live in the area are okay!! 

Our picnic went very well yesterday.  I took a nice long nap and then got Ivalou and Betty and went to church.  Quite a crowd.  The men roasted hot dogs on an open fire for all of us!  After eating there were fireworks that were leftover from last year when our picnic was rained out.  Too bad the firemen were too anxious.  They couldn't wait until dark so they weren't all that pretty! 

I was home before 9pm. 

This morning, I mowed the grass.  It sure was high but I didn't want to mow Saturday or yesterday since I will be gone next Saturday and Sunday.  So it looks like I will be mowing on Labor Day next week! 

I need to go to Ivalou's and get her rehab schedule for September in my Droid calender.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

[Carol]

Don:  Thanks for your devotions from Dr. Tozer as they fit any time of life. 

Well, the cell phone just rang in my pocket and the computer had a call on SKYPE all at the same time - too bad the door bell didn't ring    Then, my cell phone call broke up and so did the computer call - isn't technology a wonder? 

[Ruth Ann Bice]

I think I probably listen too much to the news, Etta Sue. Maybe I should turn on the classical music radio station that I always enjoy so much.

It's been a busy, but pain-free day for the first time in over 2 months. So, those physical therapists know just the things needed to get me straightened out.

As of next week, I'll be going for 1 time a week for 3 weeks, then it is scheduled to end.

Can't stay on too much longer, must get going with my work about the apartment.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

[Al Moak]

Well, tomorrow is the big day for me.  Cataract surgery at 1PM.  I pray for our Lord's mercy in it all - that it might go as easily as they say it usually does.

[Jane Walker]

Al, I'm praying the same for you ... that surgery will go easily and you're recover quickly and fully.   

[Ruth Ann Bice]

I'll be praying, also, Al.

[JudyB]

Praying here AL.  May you sence God's presence as you go into this and know His peace.

[RuthV]

Will pray too, Al...

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  We heard from our granddaughter that she and her family had been allowed to return to their home yesterday after one night away.  She sent a couple of really short videos showing some of the flooding close to where they live.  Just had a normal day yesterday and expect the same for today.  It is to be another hot day here in Georgia.  Pat was feeling a bit better yesterday.  I am going to help her put on her sock in the morning as it is the bending of your bad leg that is giving her fits.  

Marilyn, glad you heard that your SIL that she weathered the storm.

Joyce, your is the type of report we want to read with no damage from the storm.

Etta Sue, fireworks before it gets good and dark sort of defeats the purpose.  Your picnic sounds nice and glad you had a crowd.  

Carol, you are just too popular with calls coming from every angle.  

Ruth Ann, always wonderful to hear that you have had a pain free day.  It sounds like the therapy is really helping.  

Al, when you read this you will probably have restored sight from your cataract surgery.  It doesn't take long to do the actual surgery.

I listened to this video a few minutes ago and it is a wonderful way to start the day.  Hope you enjoy it.:    [url]http://www.clarrissegill.com/videoclips/amazing_grace.php]Hi everyone.  We heard from our granddaughter that she and her family had been allowed to return to their home yesterday after one night away.  She sent a couple of really short videos showing some of the flooding close to where they live.  Just had a normal day yesterday and expect the same for today.  It is to be another hot day here in Georgia.  Pat was feeling a bit better yesterday.  I am going to help her put on her sock in the morning as it is the bending of your bad leg that is giving her fits.  

Marilyn, glad you heard that your SIL that she weathered the storm.

Joyce, your is the type of report we want to read with no damage from the storm.

Etta Sue, fireworks before it gets good and dark sort of defeats the purpose.  Your picnic sounds nice and glad you had a crowd.  

Carol, you are just too popular with calls coming from every angle.  

Ruth Ann, always wonderful to hear that you have had a pain free day.  It sounds like the therapy is really helping.  

Al, when you read this you will probably have restored sight from your cataract surgery.  It doesn't take long to do the actual surgery.

I listened to this video a few minutes ago and it is a wonderful way to start the day.  Hope you enjoy it.:    http://www.clarrissegill.com/videoclips/amazing_grace.php

[Carol]

Finally, it is 69 degrees here in the morning and I am ready for my walk after    It is 41 degrees F in Grand Lake.  Our son & family were excited to see a moose and her calf in their yard at their cabin & sent a blurry picture. 

Al:  Your cataract surgery - praying it goes perfect - you will notice colors so quickly. 

Larry:  So glad that Pat is feeling a better.  Is she going to have knee surgery sometime?  So many people have knee surgeries that it is common now. 

Ruth Ann:  A pain free day ----wonderful.  Take care.

JudyB:  I read your forwarded email about the astronauts having communion on the moon.  Don't believe I have ever heard that before - talk about amazing.  After all these years, it is so refreshing to read that they actually had a communion. 

[Janet]

I think I missed posting yesterday, so chaotic around this house!  Lon got the crown molding put up in the living room, and I love it!  It really dresses up the room.  We just finished getting all furniture out of LR, scraping, sweeping, vacuuming and now he is mopping.  THEN the hardwood flooring will be laid!  YIPPEE!!

Larry and Marilyn, thanks for the encouragement re the red wall.  We are getting used to it, and feel we will like it a lot, especially when paintings can be hung, etc.  Larry, thankfully, we were warned that we needed a grey undercoat for the red, and it REALLY makes a difference, which we saw by painting an area on a wall not primed with the grey.

Today I will need to be away from home a while, as I made an appointment some time back for Beth to get her teeth cleaned, and I have to go to fill out all the required forms.  Then this afternoon we will go to Hugoton to make the final selection on the carpeting for the bedroom, then attend church with the "kids."  They have a special speaker for two nights, highly recommended.  I am looking forward to that.

Al, I pray you have as great results with your cataract surgery as I did.  God will be there in every decision and action, you can rest assured in that.

I must get busy....more painting to do!  Yes, the guys are getting paid to do it, but it's my house, and I want to help, plus it saves us $$$ when I can do some of it myself!

Etta Sue, like Ruth Ann, I probably watch too much news, but in these last days, I want to keep up with what is happening in our world.  Just too bad that most of it isn't good!

[Etta Sue]

I love listening to Il Divo.  Listening to them brings a calmness to your soul.  Thanks, Larry.

Praying for you, Al, and that your surgery is successful and painless and recovery is quick and johnny-on-the-spot!!  (What does 'johnny-on-the-spot' mean?)

Ruth Ann, aren't PT's wonderful?!  They know exactly what to do to relieve the pain.  Ivalou's arm was hurting her yesterday and Jen (PT therapist) pressed on a spot and said does that hurt?  Yes!  So she moved her hand a little and pressed and Ivalou said the pain went away!  They sure know what they are doing. 

Ivalou has two sessions of pool rehab starting this Thursday.  Then after Sept 12th, if she thinks the pool is helping she can do pool maintenance like me.  Just wish she would let me drive when we go together.  She drove Sunday to eat after church and curbed the tires.  And she hugs the right side of the road...I am afraid she will run off and it will throw her in the ditch!  I may just have to tell her I will drive!

I find when I do watch the news that I am depressed from all the bad news.  I don't like that feeling.  Soooo, I seldom watch the news.  I did see some of the water damage from all the rain due to Hurricane Irene in Vermont last evening on the news.  So sad! 

I don't know what I would do if I looked out and saw a Moose and her baby!!  I get excited when I see a squirrel or rabbit!!  Right now I have bunches of butterflies flying around.  How do they know the bushes I have are Butterfly bushes???

I am still getting used to being in Hawaii...the radio, the A/C and all goes off on its own and then a phone rings.  I press the 'talk' button on the steering wheel and say 'Hello'.  The other persons voice comes out of the car speakers.  When I am done, I push the 'don't talk' button.  The radio, the A/C and all comes back on!  I guess you don't want a long conversation when it is really hot or really cold, hunh?  But it is hands-free talking and you don't have to fumble for your phone and turn it on and hold it with one hand while driving!  Love it! 

The phone rang this morning and woke me up.  A church member  wanted to know if I would share my Candy Cracker recipe.  She is going to call this afternoon before coming to get it.  They go to the lakes and she thinks they would be great treats for the lake kids there. 

And not because I am having company but this house needs a dusting and a sweeping!  So I plan to do that today!

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[Marilyn]

Good Morning Obama is on TV talking to the American Legion it sure sounds like a campaign speech to me all the  promises, he makes me sick.

Not much going on here today, I haven't been doing much of anything creative and I need to get busy on another page for my website and some stuff for my groups. It is just too hard to concentrate when in so much pain, however today i am not in pain so I will try to get  something done.

[Al Moak]

Thank you all so much for your Christian love expressed via prayer.  We'll be leaving in about a half hour to go to the surgery center.  May our God bless your prayers to you as well as to me.

[joyce robson]

Prayers to you, Al, speedy recovery, success and a quick return....

[Marilyn]

Praying Al.

[JudyB]

Joyce I sent you a Private message.  Did you get it?



We received some sad news today.  You can read about it HERE

[Gord Brown]

    Good evening to all.

Al will be thinking about you and hope that all goes well we will pray for you.

Larry.  Glad that Pat is doing a bit better and I hope that you are not doing to much to wear your self out Look after each other.  Gord.

Janet:  I do hope that you get the painting finished soon as it can get to a point that you get fed up and want to quit but it sounds like your almost finished.   Look after yourself also.   Gord.

To all others we are still having good weather but at night it is starting to cool off and some of the trees the leaves are turning already and that is to soon.  Well must go for now may you all have a wonderful week and God's richest blessings.   Gordon and Noreen.

[Al Moak]

Well, I thought I had made a post about the results of the cataract surgery - but I can't find it now. 
It was quite an experience, and I don't know yet what to think of it.  I waited about an hour and a half while another man got his done, then they wheeled me in and did mine.  When he finally got through, sight in that eye didn't seem much better.  It still isn't.  I'm thinking I need to give it a few more hours.  Anybody know about that?

[Carol]

Hi Al!  Your first post went into the site for John (Bonesy) mother who just passed today.  I just went there to check after seeing a notice on Facebook.  Glad that your first eye surgery is over - take it easy.  I think it will take a while - they should have told you more.  Remember to sleep on the opposite side and make sure that your eye is protected all night.  Call them if you have any questions.