Thoughts for the week~February 10

[Janet]

From Our Forums

• Prayer and Praise     Thanks for visiting this area of our site to share prayer requests and items for praise!

• See the last photos uploaded to our Gallery

PLEASE...

SIGN OUR GUEST BOOK

 

Morning Devotional...






Your Final Authority

"I am the Lord, I change not."
(Malachi 3:6)



The world's order of things is unsure and indefinite. Desperate words of uncertainty are crying out daily from radio, television, and newspapers. Everything around us seems to be in turmoil.

But, praise God, if you're a believer you have something you can depend on: the unchanging Word of God!

God has no double standard. He doesn't say one thing today and something else tomorrow. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

If you will make the Word the final authority in your life, it will give you stability when everything else around you gives way. If you'll let what God says settle the issues of life, you'll be confident when others are confused, peaceful when others are under pressure. You'll be overcoming when others are being overcome!

What does it mean to make God's Word the final authority? It means believing what He says instead of believing what people say. It means believing what He says instead of what Satan says. It means believing what He says instead of what the circumstances say.

Determine in your heart to do that today. Make up your mind to live by faith, not by sight. Fearlessly commit yourself to the authority of God's Word and there won't be anything in this unstable world that can steal your security from you.

Scripture Study:  Psalm 9:1-10

[Etta Sue]

Brrrr!  I do believe today is our coldest day so far this season.  The wind chill is -7°.  It is bright and sunny but the wind is freezing.  And of all days, after church I had to purchase some gas for the car...at least, they pumped it.  Then I went to Taco Bell and then to WalMart.  And when I left WalMart I went out the wrong door and had to walk/run the length of the building while that west wind was freezing my face, nose, ears and hands.  Then when I got home, I parked the car by the house and brought some things in and then brought more in after I parked the car in the garage. 

Usually my electric fireplace warms up the house but not today...even the solar heat is working and it is the same temp as it was when I left for church.  Brrrr! 

This time next week I should be in sunny Florida!!!    Hooray!!

@_@_@_@_@_@_@_@_@_@_@_@_@_@_@

[Janet]

I decided to be green today! 

The banquet last night was nice, not a good turnout, but the teens did a good job, and did pretty well at the clean-up, too.  That was important, because this morning, Darrel and I and three other ladies cooked breakfast for the Sunday School.  We had biscuits, sausages, sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, fruit salad, and coffee, juice and milk.  M-m-m-m-m!  Everyone seemed to enjoy it.

This is Valentine's week, so Pastor centered his message around the theme of love.  What are your plans to show your special loved one your feelings this week?  I'm still pondering that.

Can anyone answer this question for me?  Who was the president who unveiled the first T.V. set at a world fair and what did he say?  I got part of it, it was Franklin Roosevelt, in 1939, but I haven't been able to find what he said.  The answer is worth $50.00 to me if I can get it.  It's a contest at our Sr. Center.

I didn't realize that TV was older than me!!  I saw the first one, very grainy, poor picture, when I was a junior is high school.  And we never had one in my parents' house.  I got my first one when I was already married and the mother of two.  Ahhhh, history! 

I wish you all a wonderful afternoon and evening.  Now to go vote--hard job!  Lots harder than yesterday's caucus! 

[Etta Sue]

Janet ~ I bought myself a box of cheap chocolates at WalMart.  Does that count?

[Janet]

Sure it does, Etta Sue.  The Word says to love others as you love yourself, so you do need to love yourself.  Darrel and I won a little heart shaped box of chocolates last night---it had exactly four pieces in it!  So we shouldn't gain too much weight from eating two each. 

It is gloomy and very frosty here today.  All the trees and every blade of grass is wearing a white coat!

[Etta Sue]

Well, mine has more that 4 pieces in it...even more than 4 left!!  I could have gotten a smaller box or a bigger box.  But felt like I needed to indulge but not over indulge so I got a medium box of great chocolates...even if they were cheap!

[Jane Walker]

Good devotional study this morning, Janet.  I try to make that my "yardstick" for everything: "What does the Word say?"

I didn't go to church today because ... well, just because.     My sitting down place doesn't feel any better (after the fall on the cement) and I just plain didn't feel well this morning.  I slept until nearly 11 a.m.     Today was potluck and I had a dish ready to go but ... it stayed home with me. 

When my neighbor called this morning to see if I needed a ride to church, I told her I didn't think I'd be going.  Well, she stopped by about an hour ago with a plate of food from the potluck!  She also said she put a prayer request in for me.  Neighbors!   

I got the notification from my doctor's office yesterday telling me of the round of appointments, tests, etc. they have lined up for me!  Starting Feb. 27 I will have the E.K.G. and blood draw, then the pre-op consult with the doc. March 3, and I am scheduled for a Gastroscopy on March 7.      I will need a driver that day, and I just talked with my neighbor (when she brought me the plate of food) and she says they will be happy to escort me to and fro on the 7th.

For all previous procedures I have never had a twinge of misgivings, but somehow I am feeling apprehensive this time.  And, this is not such a terribly hard thing ... I'll probably have a sore throat for a few days afterwards.  Maybe it's got something to do with that age related thing, y'think? 

Well, I'm uncomfortable sitting here, so I think I'll go to the store and get one of those donut cushions.  Maybe that'll help. 

See y'all later............

[Marilyn]

We had the mos awesome service this morning, The altar call was so fabulous. Dennis called up 4 of the elders to pray and anointed each of us who went for prayer. I was 2nd behind one of the  youth. afterward I Just was so in the "spirit" worshipping in the back, before I knew what happened i was up by the altar dancing before the Lord. Whew what a awesome event to be dancing with Jesus.

later I am going with another lady to the pastors house to clean the kitchen, his wife is sick and he is out of town.

[Liz]

Nice devotional, Janet.  Thanks....we can't get to many reminders about where our trust must be...

I did a little research about your question, Janet and surely did get led down a lot of useless paths.  Do not know if this helps...:

FDR's VISION: When President Franklin D. Roosevelt came to the site in 1938 with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to break ground for the upcoming fair, he was so impressed by what he saw that he inquired if parts of the fair could be kept permanently for a world peace organization. On April 30, 1939, Roosevelt opened the fair in the first TV broadcast in history but his speech was a direct reply to a belligerent diatribe delivered the day before by Chancellor Adolph Hitler in Berlin. FDR declared "the eyes of the United States are hitched to a star – but it is star of Peace."

                         

Like you, Jane, I am having problems with the old body.  Spent a couple of days totally unable to breathe without pain, due to my back again.  Have to go for an x-ray of both my hand and chest.  Hurt the hand when I did a slide on it at New Years.  I am moving around again and no longer sleeping in a chair.  Boy that is the pits.  Especially when my cat wants to join and sit on my lap!!  Used my daughters wonderous heating pad, that gives moist heat and you keep pressing a button to heat as needed.  A marvelous invention.  Good luck on your tests.

Not much to comment on, except endless rain and cool weather.  Nice that Spring is not that far away....got my tax form and that is a sure sign

Agree with 'Mother Hen', Marilyn.  Sometimes the intro. is better than the book...

Pleasant Day/Evening and God Bless.

Liz

[Janet]

THANK YOU, LIZ!!  I'm going to use that quote for my answer.  It sure sounds like it could be what they are looking for, anyway.  If not, so be it, but thanks ever so much, anyway.  I will let you know!

So sorry you haven't been feeling well.  I have another migraine today.  Sure don't like that.  Hadn't had those for many years, and do NOT want to go back there.  Take care of yourself, and get better quick, okay?

Jane, sorry about your "sudden seating" accident, and hope your derrière feels better soon.  Also that you get good results from all those tests.  Getting older is not for sissies! 

We have to take Beth's van to Amarillo tomorrow for repairs to the automatic door and ramp.  That means driving two vehicles, so we can leave the van.  I'm not looking forward to that, and really hope this stupid headache is gone by morning.  Then on Friday we will have to go back to Amarillo to get it.  800 miles altogether.  Sigh.........

I'm watching Extreme Makeover, Home Edition.  They are building a house for a Marine hero and his four kids.  Sniff..   So inspirational! 

We discovered this morning that the kids had used all of the church's dishtowels, and we had none to use.  Pat said she was going to buy more this week, and I told her not to, as I had three drawers full at home.  Gave me another decluttering mission!    So I got out two big bags full, washed and dried them and they are ready to go to a new home.  Plus, I have an empty drawer!     I'm glad I hadn't gotten that done sooner.

See you later!

[Ruth Ann Bice]

I surely have been playing "catchup" the last 45 minutes or so -- reading from last week and today, praying for each as I read, and loving each one of you more.

May God richly bless you. We had such a quiet,moving service this morning. The pure love of the Spirit warmed each of us with His presence. There were tears and testimonies and beautifully moving songs. What a great thing when we can leave the House of God knowing He has infused us with His love and with that deep assurance that only He can give...

[Pat]

What a cold day here in Guelph.

I simply froze as I scraped the car in order to be able to see out the windows this morning as I headed off to church.  It was a great service and then right after the service, we had the Pot Luck lunch.  They had set up for 108 and they needed to set up two or three more tables so it was a great turnout. 

After the lunch, we went back to the auditorium for the Annual Business Meeting and then following it, we went right into the "evening" service so we were all home for the day about 4:30 pm

It's so cold now here that I was so happy to be home.

[Pat]

My goodness, after I posted my post, I saw my temperature!!!  It's minus 17C or 1F  Wow!  No wonder Geordie didn't want to go outside for long!

There are so many highways closed in the province due to whiteout conditions and the wind is so strong. 

So glad to be inside!

[Rachelle]

Hello Everyone, It has been a long time since I have posted here, life has really gotten busy for me. I don't know how many of you remember me or not so I will introduce myself again, My name is Rachelle and my husband and I have been married going on 23 years this June, my husband and I have been blessed with 4 wonderful children , 3 girls and 1 son. Our daughters are 17, 14,11 and our son is 9. I am busy running our home, being a Mom's taxi and running the kids to their activities, I also still homeschool my youngest two children. In my spare time I love to Scrapbook and Crochet/Crossstitch. I have a couple online groups that I run so I keep really busy. I got a new camera and really love it. I will try and share some pictures in the gallery.
Rachelle

[Pat]

Rachelle!  It's so nice to see your post!  How are things out there in your state?  Lots of snow?  Sounds like you are really keeping busy. 

[Rachelle]

Hi Pat!
Lots and Lots of snow-I am ready for spring..I love the snow and I love how beautiful it is but, when you have to drive on it..its not fun..I have lots of great pictures though-it is starting to melt so that is even making a bigger mess..Our family is doing really great! God has been doing alot of work in our family and our oldest turns 18 next month which is so hard to believe..we have been doing alot of things with our church and growing in the Lord.
I am trying to figure out how to upload pictures again lol..I need to shrink some though because my files are to big.
Hugs

[Pat]

We've had so much this winter too.  And today almost the whole province is under a white out conditions!

Maybe sure you vote in our challenge, Rachelle!  You can vote for SIX!!

http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=6572.0

[Rachelle]

We have gotten over 63 inches here in our area, another area over 100 inches and then in the mountains alot more. The wind has been blowing alot so that makes it bad for driving conditions.
Rachelle

[Pat]

Wow!  That's a lot of snow.  I have no idea how much we've had.

You should put a little temperature thingy in your signature and we could all see how cold it is out in Idaho!

[Colin]

Good N.Ireland afternoon to you all! What a beautiful day we are having here. Blue sky....sun shining...birds singing and me in the garden. The snowdrops and crocuses have bloomed and I know others who have lots of daffodils blooming. I have posted a link here. Please, before you go into it, there is a HEALTH WARNING  on it. If you are of a nervous disposition I will not be held responsible for the consequences!  .

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=1b1b18f85bfba32cedcc

I shall take time to read all your posts later...sunshine is calling me!

God bless.

[Marilyn]

absolutley lovely Colin

Good to see you back Rachelle.

I am only working until 11AM today as they have to got o the doctor. Gilbert and family came by last night to bring me a birthday gift. It is a Box that  looks like a book and says King James Bible on the top and on th spine and also another candle.I am trying to figure out what to do with it. I am trying to declutter my house. Not being very successful. Janet wanna come help me toss stuff.

[Colin]

Thank you Marilyn! 

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  It was cold here last night, below freezing but suppose to get around 60 degrees today.  Yesterday was very nice but a bit windy and the wind was chilly.  I know I am getting a lot of sympathy from those of you in the snow and real cold. 

Yesterday was our Senior Sunday at church.  We must have had about 40 seniors participating in the choir.  We did two hymns in combination and I sang one verse solo.  This was the first time I have sung anything solo in church in about 25 years.  I was using a microphone and shortly after I turned it on and started to sing there was this terrible noise through the sound system.  Apparently this was a new microphone and wireless system thatw as very directional and someone walked in front of the sound booth and caused the interference.  Fortunately I had the presence of mind to keep singing.  I had a lot of laughs from the foul-up and just told people I found tones in my voice I didn't know I had.  I didn't cause it so there was nothing to be upset about and I wasn't.

Following church we had a delicious luncheon and I was sitting at the spot that won the table direction, a lovely satin rose and white surrounding flowers.  We had an hour program presented by the Classic club, which were ladies from the age of 66 to 80 who danced and sang and had some very glitzy costumes.  All of these ladies have been contestants in the Mrs. Georgia Senior contest and this group does about 100 shows a year for churches and civic groups and nursing homes.  They have a great time and really enjoy themselves. 

Rachelle, nice to see you posting again.  Don't be a stranger.

Janet, thanks for that fine devotional.  We may draw away from God but he doesn't draw away from us.  It is us that changes and not God. 

I received the follow in an e-mail yesterday and thought it was lovely and wanted to share it with my CP friends:

Ten Guidelines From God

Effective Immediately,
please be aware that there are changes YOU need
to make in YOUR life. These changes need to be
completed in order that I may fulfill My promises
to you to grant you peace, joy and happiness in
this life. I apologize for any inconvenience,
but after all that I am doing, this seems very
little to ask of you. Please, follow
these 10 guidelines

1. QUIT WORRYING:
Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit
and worry. Have you forgotten that I am here
to take all your burdens and carry them for you?
Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little
thing that comes your way?

2. PUT IT ON THE LIST:
Something needs done or taken care of. Put it
on the list. No, not YOUR list. Put it on MY
to-do-list. Let ME be the one to take care
of the problem. I can't help you until you turn
it over to Me. And although My to-do-list
is long, I am after all... God. I can take care
of anything you put into My hands. In fact,
if the truth were ever really known, I take
care of a lot of things for you that you never
even realize.

3. TRUST ME:
Once you've given your burdens to Me,
quit trying to take them back. Trust in
Me. Have the faith that I will take care of
all your needs, your problems and your trials.
Problems with the kids? Put them on My list.
Problem with finances? Put it on My list.
Problems with your emotional roller coaster?
For My sake, put it on My list. I want to
help you. All you have to do is ask.

4. LEAVE IT ALONE:
Don't wake up one morning and say,
"Well, I'm feeling much stronger now, I think
I can handle it from here." Why do you think
you are feeling stronger now? It's simple.
You gave Me your burdens and I'm taking
care of them. I also renew your strength
and cover you in my peace. Don't you
know that if I give you these problems back,
you will be right back where you started?
Leave them with Me and forget about
them. Just let Me do my job.

5. TALK TO ME:
I want you to forget a lot of things.
Forget what was making you crazy.
Forget the worry and the fretting because
you know I'm in control. But there's one
thing I pray you never forget. Please, don't
forget to talk to Me - OFTEN! I love YOU!
I want to hear your voice. I want you to
include Me in on the things going on in your life.
I want to hear you talk about your friends
and family. Prayer is simply you having
a conversation with Me. I want to be your
dearest friend.

6. HAVE FAITH:
I see a lot of things from up here that you
can't see from where you are. Have faith in
Me that I know what I'm doing. Trust Me;
you wouldn't want the view from My eyes.
I will continue to care for you, watch over you,
and meet your needs. You only have to trust Me.
Although I have a much bigger task than you,
it seems as if you have so much trouble just
doing your simple part. How hard can trust be?

7. SHARE:
You were taught to share when you were
only two years old. When did you forget?
That rule still applies. Share with those who are
less fortunate than you. Share your joy with
those who need encouragement. Share your
laughter with those who haven't heard any in
such a long time. Share your tears with those
who have forgotten how to cry. Share your faith
with those who have none.

8. BE PATIENT:
I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime
you could have so many diverse experiences.
You grow from a child to an adult, have children,
change jobs many times, learn many trades,
travel to so many places, meet thousands
of people, and experience so much. How can
you be so impatient then when it takes Me
a little longer than you expect to handle
something on My to-do-list? Trust in My
timing, for My timing is perfect. Just
because I created the entire universe in
only six days, everyone thinks I should
always rush, rush, rush.

9. BE KIND:
Be kind to others, for I love them just
as much as I love you. They may not dress
like you, or talk like you, or live the same way
you do, but I still love you all. Please try
to get along, for My sake. I created each
of you different in some way. It would be
too boring if you were all identical.
Please, know I love each of your differences.

10. LOVE YOURSELF:
As much as I love you, how can you not
love yourself? You were created by me for
one reason only -- to be loved, and to love
in return. I am a God of Love. Love Me.
Love your neighbors. But also love yourself.
It makes My heart ache when I see you
so angry with yourself when things go
wrong. You are very precious to me.
Don't ever forget......


Touch someone with your love. 
Rather than focus upon the thorns of life,
smell the roses and count your blessings!

[Etta Sue]

Even though the temp is just as cold, it is really nice out today.  No wind.  I did notice that the home across from Kaye Don's has some siding blown off.  They have been remodeling this home for over 15 years and finally getting vinyl on the outside but some will have to be replaced now.  I am thinking it must not be put up very good if it is blown away in less that a month!

I have made my phone calls and sent emails out to announce where we are meeting this month for 60 Chix.  That's a thing that I dread starting but once I get started I don't mind doing.  Just like cleaning house!   

Kitty may come over this afternoon to get acquainted with my furgirls since she and her husband, Bob, will be feeding them and bringing in our mail and papers. 

The rest of the week will be busy....but it won't be long until....

^+^+^+^+^+^+^+^+^+^+^+^+^+^+^+^+^+^+^+^+^+^+^+

[Ruth]

  
Colin:   Thanks for sharing your touch of spring so good to hear your  voice.

Rachelle:  Welcome back

Etta Sue:   I always look forward to your animations.  Good luck with your medical procedure and yes as I get older I seem to worry more. the fear of not being well is my issue.

Al & Larry:  I also look forward to your daily updates as well.

Janet:   Thanks for getting me started on some decluttering, I am putting a  package together to be mailed to someone in need.

Lastly brrrrrrrrrr it is cold outside. It was 11 yrs ago yesterday that Sue lost her husband and the weather is the same now as it was then.

Have a lovely day.   Ruth

[Colin]

Thank you Ruth! 

[Pat]

Absolutely stunning, Colin!

[Colin]

Thank you Pat!

[Pat]

Colin, hope you got my email?

[Colin]

Sorry Pat...if you sent it to freeserve I dont have it. I get so much junk there that it gets clogged up. Try me on      colinmoffett@hotmail.co.uk  Thank you Pat.