Thoughts for the Week~Feb. 3

[Pat]

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Morning Devotional...

Personal Life: Choices

I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me. I cling to Your testimonies; O Lord, do not put me to shame! --Psalm 119:30-31

The important thing about a man is not where he goes when he is compelled to go, but where he goes when he is free to go where he will....

A man is absent from church Sunday morning. Where is he? If he is in a hospital having his appendix removed his absence tells us nothing about him except that he is ill; but if he is out on the golf course, that tells us a lot. To go to the hospital is compulsory; to go to the golf course, voluntary. The man is free to choose and he chooses to play instead of to pray. His choice reveals what kind of man he is. Choices always do....

I think it might be well for us to check our spiritual condition occasionally by the simple test of compatibility. When we are free to go, where do we go? In what company do we feel most at home? Where do our thoughts turn when they are free to turn where they will? When the pressure of work or business or school has temporarily lifted and we are able to think of what we will instead of what we must, what do we think of then?

The answer to these questions may tell us more about ourselves than we can comfortably accept. But we had better face up to things. We haven't too much time at the most.
Dr. Tozer in Man: The Dwelling Place of God, 158-161.

"Lord, as a pastor or teacher I can't choose to play golf on Sunday morning, but I can choose a lot of other things that are just as revealing of my inner character. Help me to make choices today that are pleasing to You. Amen."

[Marilyn]

Excellent devotional Pat, Thank you.

Janet I am also praying for Beth and Larry I am praying fo Stacey

I have my PJ's on and have  washed my face and brushed my hair. so I am ready for bed, and when the mood hits me off to bed I will go.

Good Night.

[JudyB]

Good devotional Pat.

It is really late and it has been a long day.  We finished with Romans in Small Group and we will be off for the next 2 weeks.   Makes little difference to ma as I have to head to town on Monday for Cadets anyway.

Larry, Janet, Ruth Ann, and the rest of you just remember I am praying for your concerns.

Now I have to head to bed.  Night all and have a great day tomorrow.

[Gord Brown]

 

Hi to all.   Pat thanks for this devotional.  I have heard this before but it make you think a lot about the decisions you do make when you already know where you should be going.

I had a very long day today the 3rd. I was able to be with my daughter and my grandson and a friend of my daughter's and my wife.  We all went to Niagara Fall's N.Y. And also to other part's of the Buffalo area and of course the ladies shop till they dropped and my wife uses her scooter, if there's a way that she can shop she will find it.  HA. HA HA.  I must say that we had a wonderful time and the baby was so good.  It is so importent to spend time with our families and to be a witness as they are still not given themselves completly to him.  Please pray for them.

Good night or should I say good morning.  God bless.

[mybcjazz]

Tuesday night here in Japan.  Mrs Soileau is feeling much better, having struggled with a stomach virus over the weekend.  Many friends were praying for her quick recovery and it was quite speedy.  We appreciate His mercy and those who interceded on her behalf.

It's a bit long, but here's a good Word from John's Gospel, chapter 5.

  Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days.  Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches.  Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches.  One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years.  When Jesus saw him and knew how long he had been ill, he asked him, "Would you like to get well?"

  "I can't, sir," the sick man said, "for I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred up. While I am trying to get there, someone else always gets in ahead of me."

  Jesus told him, "Stand up, pick up your sleeping mat, and walk!"

  Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up the mat and began walking! But this miracle happened on the Sabbath day.   So the Jewish leaders objected. They said to the man who was cured, "You can't work on the Sabbath! It's illegal to carry that sleeping mat!"

  He replied, "The man who healed me said to me, 'Pick up your sleeping mat and walk.'"

  "Who said such a thing as that?" they demanded.

  The man didn't know, for Jesus had disappeared into the crowd.   But afterward Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, "Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you."  Then the man went to find the Jewish leaders and told them it was Jesus who had healed him.

  So the Jewish leaders began harassing Jesus for breaking the Sabbath rules.   But Jesus replied, "My Father never stops working, so why should I?"   So the Jewish leaders tried all the more to kill him. In addition to disobeying the Sabbath rules, he had spoken of God as his Father, thereby making himself equal with God.

In His Grip,
Kevin

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  I am overwhelmed, but shouldn't be, with the outpouring of prayer support for our daughter.  I am happy to be able to report that another heart cath was done yesterday afternoon late and they found no new blockages or reasons for the severe chest pain she experienced.  They are keeping her in the hospital for a 24 hour observation.  The only thing they found was that her potasium was low and treated her for that.  She already has 17 different prescription medicines she takes so hope this is not something she will need to take medicine for.  We did not go down to the hospital and as she just lives across from the hospital, perhaps a block away we don't plan on going down to pick her up today. 

Pat has gone to the senior center and I have a commitment this morning.  I am happy to say I think I am over the last bout of not feeling up to par and a sense of well-being has returned that I haven't had for several days.  Sure hope that is the case.  Pat even fixed my lunch for me yesterday, which was very much appreciated. 

I voted this morning as Georgia is one of the 22 or 24 States having primaries today.  This should be an interesting evening to watch the election returns.  We only had two items to vote for, the choice for President in the declared party and a school bond issue.  Fortunately there were no lines and I probably spent no more than 5 minutes in the polling place.

Pat, thanks for the fine devotional.  It seems that fewer and fewer folks are faithful in their church attendance.  One thing we have done for several years when we go to Florida for Pat's cousin's reunion is to attend the church where her aunt and one of her cousins attend.  We will be going to Florida at the end of the month for this annual event.  We will also spend the night with our friends who winter in Inverness and also stop and see friends from church who are now living with their son and wife near Inverness.  They are both in their 90's and are the couple we used to take home from church or out to dinner with the group when they came to the point where they could no longer drive.  The lady is very spry and has a wonderful sense of humor.  Unfortunately the man is in early stages of dementia.

Kevin, glad to hear that your wife is feeling better.  The power of prayer is awesome.

Gord, glad your wife is able to get out with her scooter.  Those are wonderful aides to folks who need them.  Did you get to hold the grandchild while the others shopped?

Janet, glad your eyes are improving.  Hope that problem clears up soon.

Ruth Ann, I had never heard that phrase on praying from the old hymn.

Marilyn, it sounds like you have a busy day planned today.  Hope you enjoy each minute of it.

Etta Sue, nothing is consistent as change.  Glad the insurance change didn't create problems for you.

Samantha, the rain can't hurt but now sure it has been enough to help with the drought.

[karmat]

Hello all!  Just breezing through on my way to get ready to get ready for work. 

One week ago today, Kristi broke her foot.  The first couple of days she was in the cast, she wouldn't walk.  Now, we can't stop her.  :0  It is amazing to watch her run and play.  cast and all.  Kids are truly resilient.

I hope everyone has a wonderful, Jesus filled day. 

Take care, all.

k.

[Gord Brown]

 
   Good mornig to all.  Well an other day has come and praise the Lord for the strength that he gives us.

Larry:  I also have remembered your daughter in prayer and she has had a rough time but he is able to keep her and to give her all the strength that she need's.  Yes I did get to hold the baby a lot and he is such a good boy for being only 3 month's. Don't do to much as you will get tired to fast and that's no good. Have a great week.

In His Grip. (Kevin) How are you doing hope all is well over there in Japan. I must say that I enjoy your scriptures that you have been putting onto your posting's.  Keep it coming.  God bless.

Karmat:  It is a miracle how fast kid's adjust to an injured foot or any other part's of there body. I can remember when my daughter broke her leg and the first few days were terrible but as you said after that it was no problem. I see that you are a busy mum so look after yourself and God bless.

Judy B. Hope you are well and do overdo it the body can only take so much. And remember your not a spring chicken any more  ha ha.  Love you sis.

Pat:  Hope you are well  did like the email the other day very good. You also look after yourself and do to much. Love you sis. 

Tall other's that posted have a great week and may the Lord be with each one and let us all pray for each other.  Yuor's in Christ's name.

[Etta Sue]

It is still morning for a little while longer... 

I got a late start this morning by sleeping in and then Ivalou called me and chatted....and chatted.   

I now live on lake front property!  My, what rain we had last night.  It sounded like sleet or hail.  But it was 50+ degrees so it was RAIN.  My sump pump has been running wild...thank God. 

I noticed on my cell phone that I had a Voice Mail from my vets office yesterday...I didn't hear it ring and I was in Pendleton getting my car looked over.  I get the urinary tract infection cat food there.  Now I have to go back to Pendleton this afternoon before going to Photo Guild tonight. 

I just looked outside and it is terribly foggy!  We usually don't get fog until March or April.  Hmmmm! 

What about Bobby Knight resigning?  That's what Ivalou was talking to me about.  He's an icon in Indiana since he coached IU for years.

Just remember, I may not mention your names but I pray for all of you and your families and all your concerns.  God Bless You All.

[Ruth Ann Bice]

Hi, friends,

I'm in from work, and plenty tired this evening. I voted first at our precinct, then headed straight in to work. Was supposed to take my son to the doctor, but he had such an awful headache he couldn't ride. Since I had worked through lunch to be able to leave early, I ended up working 10 hours. I reckon I'll be happy to rest this evening. 

Y'all have a good remainder of the day.

[Pat]

Hi Ruth Ann...

Hope your headache doesn't last.  Am praying for you my sister.

Hi Gord!  Glad you liked the joke.  Thought of you immediately I read it when it was sent to me.  HAHAHA!


Etta Sue, we're supposed to be getting freezing rain.  Not sure if you ae getting it.

[Marilyn]

I got everything accomplished today except for the chiropractor, he is not in his office on Tuesday afternoons and I forgot that. I got to Apria early and was seen  immediately, I got a new model  apnea mask and water reservoir for my machines humidifier. I got my shopping done and was home by 2 Pm so took the dogs out for a nice walk each. 

Tomorrow I am going to lunch again with my friend Conny and Maureen. The kids will probably come by sometime tomorrow I hope before I go to church for Bible Study. My friend Eleanor called me last night and invited me to come to her Church on Saturday night to participate in dance worship with my Glory Ring or use their flags whatever I feel like doing. She goes to the Baptist church in Arcata.

Well that's all for this time.

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  Have just a few minutes to write this morning and then have to leave to pick up my friend to go to morning coffee.  We then have Bible Study this morning and this evening I have choir practice so it will be a full day.  Our daughter got out of the hospital yesterday afternoon and the doctor thinks this new pain may be related to her stomach.  Just what she needs, something else.

I had a couple of things in my e-mail this morning that I want to share with you all.  The first is a video that really warms my heart:  Here is the link:  http://www.stservicemovie.com/ . 

Here is the second item:

At the end of each year, a church gave their children pencils and paper and
asked them to chronicle what they have learned. 

This assignment never fails to elicit some intriguing responses.  In case you're a little foggy on your biblical history, let our junior church students help you with this complete overview of the Bible, compiled from their essays:

In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas.

The Bible says, "The Lord thy God is one," but I think He must be a lot
older than that. Anyway, God said, "Give me a light!" and someone did. Then God made the world. He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet.

Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden. Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars.

Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel.

Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who
lived to be like a million or something. One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it.  He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would have to take a rain check.

After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau  sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat.

Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights  out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after  God sent ten plagues on  Pharaoh's people.  These plagues included frogs,  mice, lice, bowels, and  no cable. God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti.

Then He gave them His top ten Commandments. These include don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your  neighbor's bottom (the Bible uses a bad word for  bottom that I'm not supposed  to say. But my Dad uses it sometimes when he  talks about the President). Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor they father and they mother.
 
One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town.  After Joshua came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he  was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise to me.

After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets. One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by  a big whale and then barfed up on the shore. There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry about them.


After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of the New Testament. He was born in  Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn, too, because my mom is always saying to me, "Close the door! Were you born in a barn?" It would be nice to say, "As a matter of fact, I was.")

[Marilyn]

A couple of my girlfriends are taking me out for lunch today. They wouldn't tell me where; it is a surprise.

[Pat]

What a terrible night of tornados, twisters and storms!

Let's pray for the folks in the Tennessee area and on up to Kentucky and Arkansas.  It's terrible.  I saw that the death toll is now 48.

[Etta Sue]

Larry ~ That movie of Johnny was wonderful.  Just think how this world would be if we all had a little of Johnny in us!

Another funeral home visitation this evening.  A man that attends Ivalou's church passed away.  Ivalou, Marge, Betty and I are going and then eat out somewhere.  Does that surprise anyone? 

Also I said I would drive.  We have had so much rain every thing is soaked.  We had high winds last evening but no tornado warnings.  But today the temp is to go down and predicting sleet/snow this afternoon and evening.  Ivalou feels more surer of my driving than her own so I will drive. 

Last evening was Photo Guild.  I am always amazed in the professionalism in the photography there.  We each can submit a total of 4 photos to be gently critiqued...digital photos, slides and prints that are matted.  There were 34 digital photos, probably at least 20 of each of the other two genre.  Always a wonderful evening. 

o0^0o_o0^0o_o0^0o_o0^0o_o0^0o_o0^0o_o0^0o_o0^0o_o0

[Janet]

Hmmm...I haven't been receiving my email notifications. 

I must rush, have three appointments today, first one in less than an hour and I must get showered and dressed.

Catch you later!

[Pat]

Hmmm...I haven't been receiving my email notifications. 

Hi Janet...

Probably because this is your first post in the new topic?

You'll probably get them now that you've posted.

[Pat]

I hope that everyone reads THIS

[Nita]

Etta Sue, I guess it does surprise me.  I think maybe the "viewing" is not so prevalent out west, unless it is your own family.  It's never been part of what I've known anyway.   But going out to dinner after an official goodbye, and you aren't close to the deceased,  I guess it isn't so strange. lol

Is the "viewing" just a show of respect for the family?  I always wondered about that. 

I am now a first time great gramma.  Angel had her baby girl last night at 10:36.          Gotta go babysit now so gramma can go to the hospital and see her girl and grandbaby again.   Nita

[Pat]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
MARILYN!!

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!

[Pat]

CONGRATULATIONS NITA
on being a new
GREAT GRANDMA!!!

Nita, CLICK HERE

[Colin]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARILYN! 

[Pat]

Hi Colin...  How's the weather over there?

It's snowing a blizzard right now over here.

[Janet]

Nita, hope you don't mind, but I looked at your lovely card, too!  Congratulations GGMA!!  Have you noticed how much younger great grandmas are these days? 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARILYN!!   Are you 39 this year?

I'm watching the reports of  the devastating tornadoes in the South.  My goodness, they are terrible.  Death toll is 50 and counting.

I have a good report!    I had a back screening test today, and the PT man told me that my scores when compared to the national numbers are higher than a 28 year old!!  Exercise and strength training pays off........along with good genes, of course.

I have another eye appointment at 4:45, the last of three appointments today.

We had some snow and it was really cold yesterday, but today has been sunny and beautiful and the snow is melting rapidly.  That's the way I like it!  We do need the moisture, but glad the snow is melting!

[Pat]

Good reports, Janet.  That's good.

I heard that there were now over 68 deaths?  I hope that's incorrect.  It's just so awful.

[Marilyn]

Thank you all for  the wonderful Birthday Greetings. I had a great lunch in Trinidad at the Seascape. That is where Al, Marbeth, Chris, Margit and I had
lunch when Chris and Margit were over here for a visit. I had Clam chowder and ½ crab sandwich and chocolate cheese cake. There was so much crab on that sandwich i had to eat at least half of it before I could close the bread. Gilbert called while I was having lunch. i  don't think they will make it here B4 I go to church tonight as Forest has Basketball practice at 7PM.

I forgot to take my camera along today.  Shame on me!!! The ocean was so beautiful and the day  just amazing.

[mybcjazz]

 

Good morning.  Cold with crystal clear skies here.

Some more from the Gospel of John...

"Don't waste your energy striving for perishable food like that. Work for the food that sticks with you, food that nourishes your lasting life, food the Son of Man provides. He and what he does are guaranteed by God the Father to last."

To that they said, "Well, what do we do then to get in on God's works?"

Jesus said, "Throw your lot in with the One that God has sent. That kind of a commitment gets you in on God's works."

They waffled: "Why don't you give us a clue about who you are, just a hint of what's going on? When we see what's up, we'll commit ourselves. Show us what you can do. Moses fed our ancestors with bread in the desert. It says so in the Scriptures: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'"

Jesus responded, "The real significance of that Scripture is not that Moses gave you bread from heaven but that my Father is right now offering you bread from heaven, the real bread. The Bread of God came down out of heaven and is giving life to the world."

They jumped at that: "Master, give us this bread, now and forever!"

Jesus said, "I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever."

In His Grip,
Kevin

[Ruth Ann Bice]

I, too, am really saddened at the losses sustained by both man and beast from those storms. They were actually even picking farm animals up and throwing them around. Fortunately, Nashville itself was spared, but oh how sad I am about all the destruction these storms have caused.

Marilyn, happy, happy birthday. I'm chasing not too far behind, so you'll have birthday company from Pat and me a little later this year.

Nita, how sweet! And, several others of our members are great grandparents, too, aren't they? Pat that was a beautiful card. You certainly should enjoy that little one.

I won't be going to see my Atlanta children this weekend as planned, but for a real good reason! Our company offered some Bill Gaither tickets, and I was allotted 2 of them. I have a vision challenged friend who's having a terrible time with stresses both monetary and otherwise right now. I believe I'll ask her to accompany me to the concert Friday night.

Y'all have a good evening. I had a big diabetes low blood sugar just a while ago, so am finally starting to recover.

I'll feel not so good for several hours, so need to go lie down.

[Pat]

Ohh, Ruth Ann... Feel better.  I hope you enjoy the concert just so much!

Glad you had a lovely birthday, Marilyn.

Thanks Kevin for the scripture reading today.  Hope you're slowing down a bit these days!