Thoughts for the Week~June 2

[Etta Sue]

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Quote of the Week

Make it a rule,
and pray to God to help you to keep it, never, if possible,
to lie down at night without being able to say:
"I have made one human being at least a little wiser,
or a little happier, or at least a little better this day."

Charles Kingsle

Morning Devotional...


Christians Helping One Another
Acts 11:19-29 NLT

  Meanwhile, the believers who had been scattered during the persecution after Stephen's death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria. They preached the word of God, but only to Jews. However, some of the believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to the Gentiles about the Lord Jesus. The power of the Lord was with them, and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord.

When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch.  When he arrived and saw this evidence of God's blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord.

Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus to look for Saul. When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people. (It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.)

During this time some prophets traveled from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them named Agabus stood up in one of the meetings and predicted by the Spirit that a great famine was coming upon the entire Roman world. (This was fulfilled during the reign of Claudius.) So the believers in Antioch decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea, everyone giving as much as they could.

What do you do when you hear stories of extreme poverty or hardship among Christians in other parts of the world?

   There were serious food shortages during the reign of the Roman emperor Claudius (A.D. 41-54) because of a drought that had extended across much of the Roman Empire for many years. 

   It is significant that the church in Antioch assisted the church in Jerusalem.  The daughter church had grown enough to be able to help the established church.  The people of Antioch were motivated to give generously because they cared about the needs of others. 

   This is the cheerful giving that the Bible commends (2 Cor. 9:7).  Reluctant giving reflects a lack of concern for people.  Focus your concern on the needy, and you will be motivated to give.
The Best of the Bible--365 Must-Read Bible Passages

[Etta Sue]

I hope everyone enjoys their Sunday.  It is bright and sunny here...really nice.  A little cool but suppose to warm up! 

I mowed yesterday even though a few drops of rain came down but that job is done once again until 6-7 more days are here.  Just like house work...it never ends.

I am expecting company this afternoon.  Two of Bud's daughters are coming.  One from Ft. Wayne and one from California.  I can't remember when I saw them last!!

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[Jeanne Lee]

Thanks for this morning's devotional, Etta Sue.  It does make one stop and think - and act.

We've had a couple of days up around 90 and very heavy and sticky.  The window fans have been working overtime.     Today the humidity is still high, but it's not expected to go above 85 or so.  And of course, there's an added possibility of thunderstorms, some maybe even severe.  Then by Tuesday we may not even get to 70.   

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  It is a beautiful morning but the weather is suppose to change later this afternoon with some rain and possible storms, but don't think any tornados are anticipated.  I stayed home all day as wasn't feeling very peppy but we did go to Wendy's for a quick supper.  I had a big serving of their chili and one of their frosty cones.  We are going to church this morning and sure we will eat out and then have a quiet afternoon.

Janet, yes we have used WD-40 as it is primarily fish oil with some petroleum product included.  It sure kills the ants but doesn't keep them away.  Yesterday the cleaning ladies whipped all the kitchen counters with vinegar water and we saw no more ants yesterday or so far today.  Then just this morning Sandy (Daphne) mentioned using this procedure.  I will keep in mind the preparation at Ace Hardware in care the vinegar treatment doesn't last.  Don't you live in the wrong part of the country not to like wind.  That is one of my long-lasting memories of our time living in Oklahoma, where it never seemed to stop. 

Etta Sue, glad you are home safely and hope your got your grass mowed.  Thanks for the new devotional thoughts for this week.  It contains a message of caring for us all.

Betty, surely your friend is wise enough not to try to drive. Another grandchild, how exciting that event to a family.  How many grandchildren do you have? Glad your sister was able to have her chemo this week.

Carol, sure hope Don gets to feeling better so you don't have to cancel your plans for visiting with friends.  However, his health is certainly more important as you indicate.   My dad used to use WD-40 on his aching knees and that helped.  He spoke to his doctor about it and was told it wouldn't hurt him.

Marilyn, how many cats do you have?  It sounds like you are getting things lined up for your vacation. 

Ruth, it is sad when someone you are trying to help isn't kind to you but don't let them spoil your day as it isn't worth it.  You are doing what you feel is right or needed.  The other person must be pretty miserable to take it out on someone else.  Nice you were able to get out and spend time with a friend. It is often necessary to reboot a cell phone, especially a smart phone, by removing the battery or turning it off and then back on so it can reboot (which is what I have to do with the iPhone as I can't get to the battery. 

Ruth Ann, if you are like me you enjoy a few not busy days where I can just relax.  I had a couple of those the last two days.

Janet, what is causing the fire in Hugoton?  Nice you can spend some time and also attend church with Diane.  Guess that means you will be spending some time with Abby as well.

Jeanne, sure hope the storms stay away from your area and you find a way to stay cool.   

[Marilyn]

Larry we have 3 cats and the 2 dogs are still living. although they are getting pretty old now at 12½ and 15,

Janet I am  going to California on the 12th for Forest's 8th grade graduation staying over night there, then on the 15th we go to Portland for Craig's graduation from his residency at Providence Hospital. The dinner and presentation are going to be at the Tulatin Country Club. Then on the 16th we are headed south again to Sunriver for 8 days. We were supposed to check in at the resort on the 15th, we've had the reservations for a year but then the Graduation Dinner came up so we will be a day late. Forest has expressed a desire to go to Sunriver with us sometime, I have been trying to get Gilbert and family there for a year. maybe next year if the whole family doesn't want to go Forest can make the trip with us, the only thing is i ahve to make the reservations for a larger unit  right after we get back home the 23rd. The larger units go fast.

[Carol]

Marilyn:  I hope you can get more of the family and a larger unit - always fun to get away and it does sound so nice.

Larry:  WD-40 on your dad's knees - it must have been soothing for him.  Praying for you to feel better right now.  Don is better today - we are taking it really easy and will travel home next week much more slowly. 

Janet: We lived off an AF Base in Cheyenne - tumbleweeds blew all the time and we had to go out a side door because the front door was covered at times.  We get wind at home too but nothing like Wyoming. 

Yea - I get to wash some clothes today - my mother would have never washed on a Sunday but a relative where we are visiting later today graciously is happy to loan her washing machine. 

We go to a church where the ending phrase is "Remember the Poor".  So true.  Once a month, they have a collection at the door for the unemployed and everyone drops something in the basket just to help out those without jobs. 

[JudyB]

Etta Sue thank you for the devotional.  Much to think about.

John and I had a wonderful day yesterday, Down way south to Lake Erie at Port Dover.  A great time playing with my camera and enjoying being out and about.

John has a driver's test today, for a young lad from our town.  He has toughened the testing procedure, thus getting a better quality driver.

Larry Check out this link,here,for ways to get rid of ants.  We had a problem 2 years ago with ants on our kitchen table.  Not knowing where they were coming from I put wide double sided tape on the table legs.....the ants left and I haven't seen them since.  We never did figure out where they came from!

I am going to have to go back and read all the posts I missed while I was away yesterday.

Have a great day everyone.

[Jane Walker]

Hello everyone.  Here we are already into June!  This year is nearly half gone already!   

Etta Sue, your thoughts for the week are so "right on"  at this time.... given the disasters all across the country (and beyond) and the way people pull together whatever they can to assist the unfortunate.  Thank you.   

I'm going to echo Ruth Ann this morning.  I come here often, read and enjoy all your posts, but have nothing to say.     So I will only say "Thank you, so much, for sharing."   

[shooters_desire]

Hello everyone. My name is David and i live in Indianapolis Indiana. For about a week now there have been certain people working on Tones that Our Father wants to put out which is how we are to worship in Spirit and in truth.
checkout these tones. The lyrics is the Lords prayer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTiZ10qV2aU

Further more on this can be seen here
http://outofbabel.wordpress.com/2013/06/02/the-lords-prayer-in-song/

[JudyB]

I have put in an update in Prayer and Praise concerning Gord and Noreen.  They have a difficult time ahead.

[Jeanne Lee]

Thanks for that update, Judy. 

I love your new avatar!

[JudyB]

Good Morning everyone, we have a beautiful sunny day. John has left for Appleton Wisconsin.  So he will be gone for the week.  I created a dutch meal for him for suppers.  Kale with barley Kielbasa sausage and a side of mashed potatoes.  It is the first time for me making this ever, so I really stepped outside the box as the saying goes.  I decided he needed a change for breakfast so mixed peppers,onion,mushrooms,bacon and eggs into a mixture and made wraps with cheese topping the egg mixture while it was hot.  Sometimes a change is necessary from the same old same old.

The ground is very soppy wet, and the grass needs mowing, however I would rather wait till everything dries up some.  Janet want some of our rain?  come and get it!!! A least the garden isn't dry and hard as it has been in past years.  During the winter I keep my (many) African Violets up in the bedroom where the temperature is consistent.  We I have now brought them down and they have their place in my kitchen window.  It is so nice to see them all in bloom including the new ones that I started.  The birds are doing well 2 females are in the nest, one has at least 2 hatchlings, not sure about the other.

I have a huge final assignment to do with my course. So I will see you all later!

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  It looks like it is going to be another overcast with the potential for rain this afternoon.  Yesterday evening we had a very severe rain storm for a brief while and a little latter another shower.  The grass loved it.  We did go to church yesterday and then out to eat with eight friends at the Chinese place that seems to be a favorite with the group.  Today is my normal men's luncheon at 1 pm at a place close by and then a meeting this evening.

Marilyn, your pets must keep you pretty busy.  It would be nice if you can have Forest go with you sometime. 

Carol, I usually feel very good when I get up.  For the last several days I am just sitting here at the desktop computer and the small mild pains start in my chest and I get tired or if I do much of anything involving stress or walking very far.  I will see my cardiologist on Thursday afternoon.  Unfortunately they seem to be running out of treatments and I take the maximum of most medicines. However, I feel fortunate as I know the pain could be much worse.  Yesterday at church we had a brief presentation by the lady who runs the food co-op in our area and the church has taken on a challenge to gather 2,000 rolls of toilet paper by the end of the month for the co-op.  We also take months of stocking the food panty.  If we make the goal of 2,000 rolls the kids will get to wrap our associate minister in toilet paper.  That is a nice offering for the poor that your church takes each month. 

Judy, I like your new picture.  It sounds like a very restful little trip you all made to the lake. Thanks for the tip on getting rid of the ants.  Nice of you to change up the menu for John for this week but I don't know about that kale and what is barley Kielbasa sausage? 

Jane, I thought you said a lot in your posting.  Keep up the good work. 

Welcome David.  Come back and tell us more about yourself here.  I watched the video and it was very nice.  I don't think I have ever heard that arrangement of the Lord's Prayer.  I liked it. 

[Etta Sue]

David, Hi neighbor!  Yes, come back and tell us about yourself! 

I had a very nice visit with THREE of Bud's daughters.  Nice surprise.  I hadn't seen the daughter from California since 1982.  Didn't know she has 8 grandkids!  8!! 

Kitty and I are going somewhere this afternoon.  It is cloudy and overcast and chilly.  Only 58°.
Oops!  The sun just came out!!!

Tonight is Church Council meeting and then...then nothing on my schedule to do until a meeting at church Sunday evening!!  WOW!!!

Of course, I want to go to the pool tomorrow and church Sunday morning.  Those are givens. 

                                     

[Marilyn]

Hello again everyone, I had a busy morning today and a long day yesterday at work. We had 38 animals and 16 of them were dogs. It i windy here but beautiful sun, warm as long as you are not out in the wind, I cfould that out when i took bebe out to walk wearigh shorts and a tank top, too cold had to come back and get my jeans and a shirt on.


David welcome.

[JudyB]

After a conversation with a dear friend, I was surprised to see this quote by Paul Washer.  We need to be up front and kind to those who are living in a way that doesn't honour our Lord, especially those who claim to be one of His children!

Paul Washer Quotes
"Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. One of the things you need to realize is this––something a wise man told me a long time ago. He said, "Paul, your best friend is the one who tells you the most truth." In America, we have become so thin-skinned that no one can rebuke us. No one can tell us we are wrong. And ministers and leaders alike have bought into this lie.

We do not want to offend. We want to be seeker friendly. What you need to realize is there is only one seeker and His name is God, and if you want to be friendly to someone in your church, you need to be friendly to God. And you need to be more concerned for the glory of God than you are for the attitudes of men. But another thing you need to realize is the person who loves you the most will tell you the most truth."~Paul Washer

[JudyB]

Larry I used pearl barley, and Kielbasa sausage is typically a European sausage.  We use it in many dishes, both for flavour as well as added protein.  It is a great snacking food full of protein and better than sweets.   By the way the Dutch call the dish I made boerenkool.......Now don't ask me to say that!

[Carol]

Etta Sue:  8 Grandchildren - I can barely keep up with our three. 

Packing again and only driving for about 45 minutes to stay with an old friend one night.  We will take her and another friend (both widows now) out for a dinner and I asked to wash two loads of clothes so that will be so nice to get everything organized again.  Don met a friend for several hours today while I looked for baseball caps for the boys - they had to be special ones.

Larry:  I am glad to hear that you can still control pain at least to some extent. 

Welcome to the newcomer!

[Jane Walker]

Good to see y'all here again today ... I have 8 grandkids ... and 15 great grandkids ... what does that make me?  The matriarch of this whole menagerie... family!  We are planning a small family reunion later this month.  My two sisters from back east will be in California, a nephew (my sister's son) and his wife and daughter will be joining us.  We will have my daughter (one of two) and grandkids ... as many as can manage to get there ... and expect a good time.  We will be staying in a restored Victorian mansion in downtown Sacramento for a couple nights, we'll have a family dinner in the ornate dining room one night, go to the Amador County wine country for an authentic Hawaiian luau one night, and just enjoy the time together for a while.  I'm looking forward to it. (kinda) 

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  Am up a bit early for a Tuesday morning where I don't go out to coffee.  However, I remembered that Pat had some frozen chicken that she felt wasn't good when she thawed it out and I had forgotten to get it out of the freezer to put in the trash this morning.  That has now been done but not before a number of the frozen meat packages of plastic container came sliding out of the freezer and hit the floor.  Fortunately, my toes weren't under the frozen food when it hit the floor.  It is a beautiful morning and no rain is now forecast until towards the end of the week.  Pat and I are going to go out to breakfast at Steak and Shake around 9 am and then she needs to pick up some new shoes at the specialty shoe store.  She has been waiting for several weeks for them.  Hopefully she will hear about her new glasses in the next day or two as well.  I want to attend a meeting late this morning if we get back home in time.  That will be it for today. 

Etta Sue, it sounds like you had a lot to catch up on with Bud's daughters.  It sounds like you will have a pretty restful rest of the week but I just bet you find some things and places to go. 

Marilyn, that clinic you work at sure is busy.  No wonder you were tired.  How did your back hold up to a long day of work. 

Judy, is that sausage not encased?  I don't think I have ever seen Kielbasa loosely packaged as we sometimes buy Italian suasage.  I have never eaten barley pearls either. 

Carol, it sounds like Don may be feeling better and enjoying your trip a little more.  Nice you don't have to find a public laundry to get your things washed up. 

Jane, it sounds like your family reunion should be most enjoyable and it is wonderful you will get to see your sisters again since they live far way in the east. 

[Jeanne Lee]

It looks like a "picture perfect day" out of the window - bright and sunny with not a cloud in the sky.  BUT...  there's a stiff breeze that takes away what warmth the sun is trying to give us.  After dipping to below 40 overnight, it's only 58 degrees now with quite a wind chill.   After three days near 90...  Oh well, the wind has blown away the oppressive humidity.

I've been wondering how much electricity I actually save by using fans instead of having an a/c.  At the peak of heat and humidity I have seven different types and sizes going full blast.  Of course the question is moot because I'm certainly not in a position to buy an air conditioner.   Plus which I can set up and install the fans myself but I'd have to hire someone to install an air conditioner and take it down for storage in the fall.

So yes, thank you Father, for the perfect set-up for me.   

[Pat]

Hi David!!!

Great to see you in here!  I'm off to listen to your video!

A big welcome!

[Pat]

Larry...

Pearl Barley means that the husks have been taken off the barley.

Pot Barley means that the husks are still on and that's what I use.

It's like the difference between white and brown rice.

[Pat]

[Etta Sue]

Kitty and I shopped until my back was really aching.  Then we went to Chili's for chips and salsa and then flat bread somethings.  Kind of looked like pizza.  Mine was California something Flatbread...wonderful avocado on it!

At church council it was announced that our youth minister is resigning and leaving us as of June 23rd.  Remember him and his wife have two little girls...not 3 yet and not 2 yet and expecting twins in September.  We will miss their births but hopefully Krista or Brad will announce it on FaceBook. 

I went to the pool today and came straight home.  Then I cooked!!  Did you hear that thud?  Okay, y'all.  I CAN cook.  I just don't cook very often.  Now get up off the floor.  I made spaghetti and garlic bread.  The leftovers are in the freezer, the dishes are done and a new pitcher of tea is made! 

I must go visit Ivalou today.  I haven't been over there for a week!! 

And tomorrow Kitty and Bob are going to be in Ohio at their daughter's house.  Katie has a dance recital tomorrow night!

<: )) ))><<~~>  <: )) ))><<~~<  <: )) ))><<~~< 

[JudyB]

Thank you Pat I have learned something today!!!  I didn't know the difference.

Larry there is a skin on the sausage which we peel off before cooking with it.

[Marilyn]

hello everyone, My new bread machine will be arriving, The UPS website says it is "out for delivery". I can't wait to get back to making my own bread..

Grandchildren Ha! I have 15 grands and 9 greats. I don't see them as nearly as often as I would like, Some are on the east coast. One 25 yr old grand daughter in California  I have never met. Her mother is my daughter who doesn't want a mother.  Oh well that is another story and I don't want to rehash old hurts.

It i a beautiful day here and I have already been out for a walk this morning and will take another this afternoon with and without the dogs.

[Janice]

Hi everyone,
I have been AWOL for awhile, have had relatives visiting off and on.  Earl's nephew and wife from Oregon came and we had a good visit for a few days.
Then my cousin and her husband came for a few days, it is so good to have people come to see me.

Dtr and I went to Amarillo Saturday for 2 events.  My great niece was married that afternoon, and it was a fun wedding.  Non tradional for sure, but fun.  9 bridesmaids, and 9 groomsmen, all wearing black.  Of course the bride wore white though.  All the guys were wearing black and white tennis shoes.  (At least in the old days we called them that). 

After that, I got to go meet Seth, my little 5 week old grt grn son.  He is so sweet!  and so content...not a peep out of him.  His mother said sometimes she has to wake him up to feed him (at night).  Now that is a miracle, isn't it!  I love it when babies smile, I got to hold him a long time and he kept smiling for me.

I have two siblings in hospital, my brother at Amarillo is having knee replacement today.  He is a golfer and that knee has been giving him too much pain to enjoy his golfing for awhile now. 
My only sister, in Arkansas, is in hospital again.  She has been ill for months (was in hospital for 2 weeks in February).  I have a feeling she may not come home this time, either going to her Heavenly home, or to a nursing home.  She has not been taking her meds as she should.  They tell me she only weighs about 80 lbs now.  She has Lupus and has suffered just about every bad side effect of that disease for many years. 

I hope all of you folks are doing well.
Must go now.  Love, ~Janice   

[Ruth Ann Bice]

Hi, friends,

I'm at my son's apartment today with him and his fiancee. All the water in my building has been turned off for plumbing repairs, so for obvious reasons I "ran away from home."

It has been wonderful sitting and talking with them, and having someone cook for me.

We've had a great time visiting and getting to know each other.

Tonight we may do a bit of sight seeing.

Larry, I'm so sorry you don't feel well.

Y'all have a good rest of the day with our Lord.

Ruth Ann

[marloandlarry628]

Hello everyone I pray all has been going well for all.  God continues to bless me each and every day more than I deserve.  Thank you for the Birthday Email what a blessing. After my back surgery I am limited to the movement of bending with the fusions of 1/3 of my back.  I will be having neck surgery in the fall, but advised Dr.  it had to be after the Football Season. HEHE  Still a football mom.  My son is a freshman this year and yes he still is my football geek.  He ended the 8Th grade with a 4.2 grade point average.  He knows academics are just as important as knowing how to snap the ball. 

Ruth Ann I pray you have a wonderful time with your Son. 

Its a wonderful day here the birds are singing, sun is shining, and it is going to be 79 today (so they say)..

Many Prayers Marlo