Thoughts for the Week~June 19

[Jeanne Lee]

Come and join us this week and share with us your plans and thoughts for the week!  We sing, share and encourage other members here.

Hope to see you posting this week!

From Our Forums

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

Morning Devotional...

"Jesus Has No Opinions"

by David Jeremiah

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing.
Matthew 7:15a

Recommended Reading
1 John 4:1-4

"Jesus does not offer an opinion," wrote A. W. Tozer, "for He never uttered opinions. He never guessed; He knew, and He knows. His words are not as Solomon's were, the sum of sound wisdom or the results of keen observation. He spoke out of the fullness of the Godhead, and His words are very Truth itself."1

Our world has lots of opinions, and most of them are wrong. In an increasingly secular society, we must guard against false teachers both inside and outside the church. Evolutionary theory saturates our scientific community. Humanism frames our laws and judicial decisions. Professors and educators exclude God and discriminate against Christian teachers. The entertainment industry churns out moral propaganda like ancient Rome. Popular preachers export a diluted message. And even our busses and subway cars declare there is no God.

Jesus warned that false teachers would dominate the last days. But secular opinion cannot withstand divine truth. And Jesus is very Truth itself. It is important to know Him and study His Word. How much more do you know Him today than you did yesterday? Know Him and study His Word.

It is well that He spoke... and it is good that we listen. His words are the essence of truth.
A. W. Tozer

[Pat]

Wonderful devotional, Jeanne!  How we must be aware of false prophets in this day and age!!!

[Jeanne Lee]

I'm more and more convinced by events that we are seeing signs of "the end times".  I'm ready!   

[Janet]

I'm back online!  Had two and a half days of problems.  Got a nasty virus of some kind, masquerading as Windows Vista Security--and no matter what I did, only those windows would show.  We went to Diane's for supper last night, and I took my laptop along so Mark could work on it.  He spent two hours working to rid it of that virus.  It was working fine there, but when we got home, I couldn't get online.  Finally, I gave it up and went to bed.  Started trying again this morning; same thing.  So after opening time, I called for help, and someone at Pioneer Communications was able to help me get back online, praise the Lord!

SO.....Jeanne, thank you so much for covering for me for this week's Thoughts.  I thought about calling someone, but kept trying until I felt it was too late to be calling and disturbing anyone.

Yesterday was my birthday!  I am so thankful to my Creator for having excellent health into my seventh decade of life!  He is such a loving Father, and I am fearfully and wonderfully made!

Did I tell you folks that my sister Shirley is in Africa right now, doing Missionary work?  It is a terrific story:  Shirley went to Bible Camp when she was 14, and the Lord called her to be a missionary to Africa.  When she got home, she told the folks, as they were advised to do, and our parents really "downed" the whole idea.  So she never followed up on it.  BUT....the gifts and calling of the Lord are without repentence!  Now, 60 YEARS later, she finally got and took the opportunity to go!  And she is having a wonderful time and seeing many souls come into the kingdom because of her obedience!  Her updates are awesome, and if you would like to read them, I will post them here.  It's really exciting to know that God doesn't care whether you are 14 or 74, He is looking for a willing and obedient heart.  Please pray His continued protection and health for Shirley.  She will be there four more weeks!

John and Beth are having a great time together.  Makes my heart smile to see and listen to them together!  What a blessing!

[Ruth Ann Bice]

Hi, friends,

My goodness, Janet! What issues you have had! It's certainly good that you're able to be back online.

The news about your sister being in Africa is exciting, and I cast my vote for hearing updates through you. Had I not developed certain health issues, the plan was that I would volunteer to spend 6 months to a year volunteering in various missions around the world. However, although I cannot do so, my brother and sister in law are following our Lord's leading and have been to several countries in His service.

Welcome to the "gettin older, gettin wiser, growing closer to the Lord" club!!!  It's so great to know you had a super birthday yesterday.

Today is R&R day for Ruth Ann. An extremely busy weekend has given me the motivation to find nothing to do unless it's absolutely necessary today.



Our Lord knows all, understands all, and above all, LOVES all. Praise His Name today.

Ruth Ann

[Jeanne Lee]

Janet, I also cast a vote in favor of reading your sister's updates.  Please!

So glad you had a lovely birthday, in spite of all your computer problems.

[Al Moak]

I am thankful today (should be every day).  Yesterday morning I turned things on, but the computer didn't respond at all.  Checked the power strip - ok.  Took the computer into the kitchen, plugged it in - no go.  So took it in to the shop today, found out there's a switch I didn't know about - all ok now!  It's good to  be back.

[Marilyn]

Janet you have my vote too.

well I am here without very much to talk about, It is good to read everyone's postings. I may not post every day but i do read every day.

I ave done 3 loads of laundry today, and created on stationery for one of my groups. I'm waiting to hear back from my HTML teacher for approval of my lesson 4 and  a link to lesson 5. I also need to make another page for my Website, just keeping busy,.

[JudyB]

                                        






Janet






                              

[JudyB]

I was hardly on during the weekend as my connection was so slow.  I am working at 14.4Kbps.  No multitasking just wait and wait.  Not much patience left for dial up!

[Don]

Happy Birthday Janet, may it be the best one yet.

[Carol]

Al:  Was that an On/Off switch the shop showed you ......   Just kidding.  It can be frustrating and I just went through a time with this laptop again today.  Every once in a while, the wifi doesn't work & we can't find the reason. 

Janet:  Hi birthday girl! Have a wonderful day.  I love your description of John and Beth meeting - it is perfect that they met. 

Our son-in-law has not been paid in several weeks & his company is in Switzerland - those awful people have not paid others in over a month so this does not look good.  There is always good news bad news & unfortunately, the last year and half has been one bad news after another for them. 

We did have the thrill of watching a bull moose feed on leaves in the tall brush and watched a momma moose (called a cow) with her little one scamper away.  No pictures at all.  It is always a charmed day when we encounter wildlife.

JudyB:  We sure did get accustomed to faster sign-on and it seems so old-fashioned to sit there and wait.  It sounds like your girls are really great kids (young women now) and doing so well.  It is just lovely to hear about them. 

Janet:  Your sister is doing such a great soul-filling task in volunteering.  I would love to be doing something again and just can't spare the time now. 

We, and one son with his wife, found a run away little white dog last night.  All of us searched houses in the neighborhood and one young man said he would watch the sweet little dog until it could be claimed or he would just keep him.  Whew - I was so taken that I almost said we would take the dog but really it is too hard here to have a dog.  Mr. Coyote and Mr. Fox are around too often.  But it would be nice to have the fluffy little one right now.   

[Janet]

Dear All in the States,
We are really pressing on in Malawi.  We ministered in two  villages last week and plan to go to two more this week.  It has been a very interesting, challenging and rewarding experience.  The villages are very primitive, with grass roofs, no running water and no electricity.  The trip out to them was also quite an experience.  Every stop we made we were swarmed with people anxious to sell their produce of bananas, squash, potatoes, roasted in it fire corn, etc.  Also many were asking for money or food.  They are very poor people. It is heartbreaking to see the barefood, ragged, dirty little children, with protruding tummies, etc.
When we reached the village we were met by many people with shinning eyes and big smiles, singing, dancing, clapping a welcome to us.  When we got out of the van, they began to sing and worship the Lord for a good long while.
The team began setting up the equipment to show the "Jesus film" right away as it was already getting dark.  We had brought a generator with us so we had light and power for the work.  The people were really excited about the film.  Regretfully, the generator refused to run properly, so we had to give it up until the next day.  Instead, there was preaching and teaching, worship and song.  There was a wonderful response to the gospel when the invitation was given.  I think over half the people responded to receive the Lord Jesus.
The next day, there was follow-up and more worship.  They had a set of home-made drums and a guitar as well as a bass guitar.  They make beautiful music and their singing was incredable with singing in parts and the blending of voices lifted to the Lord.  It was wonderful.  The children, even the very small ones were dancing, clapping their hands and singing along with the others.  Mothers with babies tied to their backs were dancing while the heads of the babies bobbed up and down, but they never cried.
After a meal,cooked by the village ladies, of goat, cabbage, rice and nsema, we set up for the medical clinic.
We had to stretch ropes around the trees to try to keep  the crowd at bay, as everyone seemed to have a need.  The Malawian pastors, especially the ones who came with us from Blantyre, have an incredible knowledge of the Word and are gifted preachers.  They also intrepted for us when we spoke. 
A little black man by the name of Stanley George was assigned to be my partner to pray for each person before they came into the circle for medical attention.  It was a wonderful experience as the Lord enabled me to operate in the gift of the word of knowledge as well as healing.We would take turns praying for them after finding out what the need was.  Stanly proved to be a great prayer partner.
That evening the generator worked great and two films were shown with another good response following.  People poured into the village from surrounding villages and filled the space on the big tarps we had brought for them.  It proved to be a positive thing that the generator had failed the first night.
We were allowed to set up to sleep in the church building, which is one room about 20X40 made of hand made brick, with a grass roof and no closing door.  We were a team of 11 people and the cots are only about 6 or 8 inches off the floor, which is clay and bumpy.  It is difficult to get a chair to set evenly anywhere in there.  ( The few chair in the village were reserved for our use.)
The "cimbuzy" or out-houses were constructed especilly for us out of sudan grass, thatched together.  No roof and a bundle of fodder for the door.  Out heads were exposed when we stood in there.  Ther was a small rectangular hole in the floor which was hollow underneath.  It took some skill to use it without making a mess!  The shower was basically the same except for bricks laying on the floor for drainage.  They furnished a bucket of water with a dipper cup to toss or pour water on ourselves.  The pail of water would shower several people and was a real blessing after the dusty hard work we were doing.
They are experiendcing a drought and the ground is two to three inches of the dirtiest dirt I have ever breathed.  There was a constant cloud of dust boiling up as the people danced and worshiped the Lord.  They are so joyful and happy in spite of their hard life. WATER WELLS FOR AFRICA has installed wells all around the country but it is not enough.  They still have to carry water quite a long distance daily.
The little girls wear dresses and have no underware.  If they need to go, they just go.  It is the natural way.  The boys wear mostly short pants and a shirt.  They are a pathetic sight, really, with some of them holding their rags up to keep them on their dirty little bodies.
I taught the children each morning, using a flannel graph.  They loved it and responded to the invitation in great numbers.  Afterward, some of the team took them out to play soccur or other games until the very long church service was over.  Then lunch and time to pack up for the next village.
It would be impossible to tell you of all that has happened in just this one week.  God is really moving and the people love Him with a devoted kind of love that makes me ashamed of myself.
I plan to write a book about this experience when I get home so I am trying to keep a journal but I am way behind as I can't write in the van and there is no time for it once we get there.
I want to tell everyone what it is like here.  I wish you all could experience it for yourselves because it is hard to explain.  I am taking many pictures as well.
The team is wonderful to me as are the people in the villages.  I was honored yesterday by the Chief of All the villages for coming so far at my age.  He wanted to make Eli a village chief for bringing me to Africa!

I was sick last night and this morning with a sinis problem and chilling, so they left me here at the motel and had Eli stay with me to make sure all was well.  I am feeling much better now.  I think it was the dust.  They will be back soon so I need to go prepare for whatever will be happening tonight.  Tomorrow is another day, another village. 
We have two teams going out doing basically the same thing.  The villages are only visited once by Foursquare and it is a really big deal to the people.
Keep praying for us and watch for my next book!

Love to all.
Shirley

[Jeanne Lee]

Janet, thanks for posting Shirley's message.  How wonderfully the Lord is working through the group.

[Marilyn]

Thank you Janet that was very interesting.

[Al Moak]

Carol, you would mention the on-off switch!  Yes, it was that.  On our previous computer, the switch was a noticeable "bump" on the back right side - easy to identify.  On this one, it's on the left back and very unidentifiable.  You can hardly tell it's there.  I looked for it very specifically several times, but didn't find it.  Oh well - I know where it is now, and I thank our Lord it was such an easy fix.

[Ruth Ann Bice]

We NEVER cease to learn when we come to our beloved website!

Janet, I can't tell you how thankful I am for Shirley's message. I can't write all the details, but God laid on my heart for me to make (for me) a sizeable contribution to the Jesus Film Project to be used in hispanic countries. It was made to honor the memory of a deceased family member. As a result, I learned of several conversions to trust our Saviour for forgiveness of sin. These individuals are regular, contributing members of a thriving hispanic protestant community.

The Jesus Film Project has become a light in the darkness for so many.

Al, it seems like each day, I learn something new about some sort of technology. Keep on learning - it keeps us young!

I hope all of you don't feel ignored if I don't mention every post, but each of you is very special to me, and I love you dearly .

Have a great rest of the day.
Ruth Ann

[Pat]

Belated birthday greetings to you, Janet.  I was at a "Thirsting For God" Conference at the Faith Mission up here in Canada and wasn't around my computer much all weekend.  I hope you had a wonderful time.

Love

Pat


Here's a special card for you!

CLICK HERE

[Larry Hanna]

Hi from a very hot Atlanta area.  It was really sweltering yesterday and more of the same today with high humidity.  I have to be out this morning but not in the afternoon thankfully.  A light schedule for today with just coffee at McDonald's and then an eleven o'clock meeting to attend.

Etta Sue, I saw on the weather where your area was covered with some storms.  That was a really high reading, must have had a lightning strike close by. 

Jeanne, a fine devotional for our thoughts this week.  This has been a subject of concern to me for a long time as we see our church struggle with various human issues.  I agree with you on the "end times".

Janet, a belated Happy Birthday.  I seem to treat everyone the same on birthdays in that I am always a day behind.  I hope I don't get a reputation.  So glad you experience good health and welcome to the club of the 70s.  Glad you got your computer back up and running.  It sounds like your sister is where she belongs at the moment.  I am sure she will have some memorable moments to share of her experiences and the people she met.  What an interesting posting from your sister.  It provides an insight into other cultures.

Ruth Ann, hope you enjoyed your day of R&R and that it revived you.

Al, wonder who pushed the switch to turn your computer off?    Glad you are back on line and no problem with the computer.

Marilyn, it is good you have projects that interest you like the html lessons.

Judy, I don't think I could tolerate that low speed after getting used to high speed internet. Of course, I understand we do what we have to do but like you, I wouldn't like it a bit.  I became very impatient here when we were experienceing the server problems.  It is really nice now.

Hi Don.

Carol, a month without pay sounds terrible.  This must not be a very reliable company your son works for. 

[Ruth Ann Bice]

I understand about strugging financially. When I was between jobs, one little company I worked for maybe 6 weeks, had 2 of my paychecks bounce. So, fortunately I was able to move on.

Y'all have a good day.

[Janet]

Thank you for the birthday wishes, and you, Pat, for that beautiful card!  I actually joined the 70s club last year!  I was scuba diving on my 70th birthday, which was a real thrill!  I thank God every day for excellent health.

Also glad you enjoyed Shirley's report.  She is like me and our older sister Doris, in that we are all hard workers, something we learned early and well!  I will find her first report and post that; then if you want to read more, I have three reports from her grandson Eli, who is also on the trip.  Being from a different generation, he has a different point of view, and that makes it interesting.

Pat, now you are no longer older than me! 

We are going to go to Liberal today to do a couple of things.  I need to go to the hearing aid place during my birthday month to renew my "free batteries for life" agreement and have my hearing aids checked, cleaned, etc.  No big deal, just means a trip over there.

I went for a nice walk, probably something over a mile, early this morning.  It was nice and cool then, but the temperature is rising rapidly.  When I came in, I turned on the fan on the AC to pull the nice, cool, fresh air into the house.

Larry, I am also guilty of being late with birthday wishes pretty often!  But belated ones are welcome, too.  It stretches out the enjoyment of the day.

John bounced in yesterday morning saying, "Beth sent me out to change my shirt, so we can wear shirts alike."  He has bought several tee shirts for both of them that match, and they enjoy wearing them.  He comes in to shower and change, and right back to Beth.  I'm so happy they have this time together.

See you later!

[Marilyn]

Here I am checking in for today. I have read all the postings. I had to chuckle at Al and his on off switch problem, taking the computer to the shop only to be told about that.

Larry I do not envy you  your weather, I had enough of the heat living in the desert for 10 years to last me for a 3 lifetimes. It was hot  living in central California for 50 summers too. I am supposed to got visit my  kids that live there some time in July probably next year. It will be hot them too.  July because that is the only month that my DIL doesn't have to drive the school bus.

Janet I think of you so often, being a scuba diver, swimmer and so active and healthy at our ages. I consider  myself pretty healthy even though I deal with COPD, Sleep Apnea and allergies. I walk every day that it isn't raining. Then I walk  if there is a break in the rain. I go the the gym 5 days a week.

[JudyB]

Good afternoon folks.  My connection is faster today and hopefully it will stay that way. Outside the temp is 68* in the shade, and after earlier this week and the weekend that is cold. 

Kass is into exams now and will be done on Thursday.  Strawberry picking will begin soon.  I have to find a straw hat as I intend to pick this year as well.  It will be interesting to work with Kassie.

We had an interesting night last night. There was an animal at the door, dog, wolf, coyote, I don't know.  The dogs were barking and I heard something bark back.  Eventually it went away.  At one point John got up and checked but don't think he saw anything.  I do see footprints in my garden.  It wasn't a yip or howl, but a bark, so I suspect it was a stray dog.

Well I have to get going.  Back later tonight.

[Ruth]

A beautiful first day of summer.

I had a couple of errands one of which was checking on a Strawberry Super that is tomorrow evening the person that usually gets our tickets is in Alaska so will not be attending.    The other errand was going to a shoe outlet store with the hopes of purchasing a pair of house shoes, yes I did that as well.

I have now been home for several hours and have diner on cooking - it is beef vegetable soup with dumplings.

Al: you are not alone about the on/off switch on the computer Mel was told but did not inform me.  As some would say mennnnnnnn.   A small problem Mel was also told that whenever there is a need to transport the computer always turn the switch off.     

I have a very full day tomorrow also Mel has confirmed arrangements for our sewer connection we have had 3 quotes and one has not responded the quote of today is the one we are taking.

[Ruth Ann Bice]

Hi, to everyone. I went for my bone scan today, and the tech and I had SUCH a lovely conversation.

On the way in, someone coming down the hall asked "How are you?" and I laughed and said, "FINE, until someone here tells me otherwise!" Corny, yes, but we both laughed as we went our ways.

My friend who lost her kidney and part of the other is home now, with home health plus a dear friend who lives upstairs at her home. They are taking excellent care of her.

My hip is still painful from the muscle spasm yesterday, so I've walked with a cane to be certain my footing is good.

Yikes, Judy! I'm not certain I'd like something trying to get in my door! Maybe if it was a lost dog, he/she thought maybe a bark would help bring some food for a hungry tummy.

Must go - need to rest, and my sweet granddaughter is anxious to talk with me by skype, so I must go to the laptop.

Y'all have a good day as you grow closer and closer to our Lord.

Ruth Ann

[Janet]

I am back home.  We had a nice day, were able to collect from two customers who were WAY behind, took son in law to lunch, saw the progress on his car wash, Mark arrived there so got a couple good grandson hugs; we both got our hearing aids cleaned and checked, and mine turned up a bit.  The serviced Darrel's too, even tho he got his from the VA, because they are the same brand as mine.  Nice!  Then it was to WalMart where we picked up a few items, and I got more photos they had printed, got them for a good price.  Now we are home, with everything put away and watching the news, plus the latest on the Casey Anthony trial.  That is such a mess!

Marilyn, it's good you are taking care of yourself.  I keep saying, "We only get ONE body, better take care of it!"

Al, I also got a chuckle about your off/on switch.   

Ruth, what is a Strawberry Super?  I have not heard that term before.  Hope you got great prices on your shopping.

Ruth Ann, you are a delight!

Hey, Larry!  Hope you are doing great today.

Judy, I'm surprised you didn't open the door just to see what was out there!

Hello to everyone else, too!

[JudyB]

Janet I didn't get up!!  Let John take care of it!

Really tired tonight so heading to bed in a few.

[Etta Sue]

Yesterday we had a very hard rain just before leaving for rehab and while driving to rehab.  First time in all my years to see water across both lanes of SR32 between here and Noblesville....in three places!!  On the way, back it was okay.  Ivalou's field is still flooded...probably will need replanting but they didn't replant last year!  So a huge bare spot that will grow up in weeds will be next to the road!

Today....ah, today!!  I didn't get up until late, ate my breakfast and read my devotions.  Put on old clothes and decided to mow while the sun was shining.  While mowing, I decided when I was done to change clothes and go to a Chevy car dealership.  I left driving a 2002 Chevy Malibu and come home with a 2011 Chevy Cruze.  My wants was RED with black leather interior and a sun roof and the right price.  We found the car.  Red?  Check.  Black interior?  Check.  Leather?  Check.  Right price?  Not checked.  Told him it was $500 too much.  He left.  Came back.  Right price?  CHECK!  So I am sporting a RED car.  Probably my last car...especially new car.  It drives like a dream!!  Someone told me to call it Tom...Tom Cruze!  So I guess I will cruising with Tom! 

When I got home, I drove in Ivalou's drive.  Went in and asked her if she was ready to go somewhere.  She got all the way outside and ready to get in the car and said...this isn't your car!  Is it?  So we went to Pendleton and got us a milk shake and back home.  Had to get out the manual to see how to adjust her seat! 

Do you guys get the commercial where there are two guys...one calls his wife who is on a plane ready to leave somewhere and she uses her remote to start the car for the two guys?  I can do that with my Tom!

I have a picture on Facebook for those who are on Facebook.  Just search for Etta Sue Gann.  Don't know if this will work or not but try it!

Bed time!

(*)*(*)*(*)*(*)*(*)*(*)*(*)*(*)*(*)*(*)*(*)*(*)*

[Etta Sue]

Forgot....Thanks, Janet, for Shirley's memories.  Very interesting to read.  Wish I had the guts to do something like that!

[Janet]

Etta Sue, it takes guts to go out and buy a brand new car, all by yourself, too!  I'm just curious, how many miles did your Malibu have on it?

Your link works great, and that's a good looking ride!  Congratulations!