Thoughts for the Week~March 6, 2016

[Don]

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Morning Devotional...

Being and Doing as God Enables

Verse

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13


Failing to get ready in time for eternity, and failing to get ready now for the great then that lies out yonder, is a trap in plain sight. There is an odd saying in the Old Testament, "How useless to spread a net in full view of all the birds" (Proverbs 1:17). When the man of God wrote that, he gave the birds a little credit. It would be silly for a bird watching me set the trap to conveniently fly down and get into it. Yet there are people doing that all the time. People who have to live for eternity fall into that trap set for them in plain sight. It is folly to put off to a tomorrow because you may never see the things that you should do now. It is an act of inexcusable folly to count on help that will never come. It is foolish to ignore God's help now offered us. Many are guilty of ignoring the help that is presently being extended to them, all the while waiting for help that will never come from others. There is not much that can be said in favor of lazy or careless Christians. God never told anyone to do anything that he or she could not do. Jesus said to the man with the paralyzed arm that hung at his side like a limp piece of flesh, "Stretch out your hand" (Matthew 12:13a). And the man, believing that Jesus was the Christ, stretched out his hand and was healed instantly. God has never asked anyone yet to do anything that He was not enabling the person to do

Thought

If He gives us strength we can do it. But what if He gives us strength and we don't use it? God's enablement unexercised--the story of many believers.

Prayer

O Lord, teach me the sufficiency of Your grace and strength as I live this day. In Christ's name.

From Devotions By Dr. Tozer

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  It appears that today is likely to be a repeat of yesterday weather wise, i.e. nice and sunny and getting up to about 63 degrees.  Pat hadn't been out of the house for over a week so yesterday we went to a quilting store first and then to the Texas Roadhouse for a delicious meal.  Today we will go to Sunday School and Church and then will come home for lunch.  It is chicken tortilla and very good.  I got it at COSTCO on my last visit.  I did get Pat's new laptop fully configured and gave it back to her.  There will likely be a little more adjust needed but that will be on an as needed basis.

Don, another fine Devotional Thought for the week.  Thanks.

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  I awoke to a 39 degree morning with the expected high to get to 73 this afternoon.  I don't see a cloud in the sky this morning.  The only thing on my schedule for today is to go to a meeting at noon and then I need to stop and get a couple of light bulbs. I see no one else posted here yesterday after I did so this is a brief posting today.  See you all tomorrow.

[Carol]

I don't know how to get through this shingle pain episode without a few prayers of acceptance and knowing "this too shall pass".  Still staying indoors out of dry wind an lots of sunshine. 

Chilly for Ruth Ann - I hope you don't have to go out in the weather. 

Chicken tortilla sounds so good, Larry.  Is it frozen or at the counter where you order food? 

Don is working on our t.v. antenna and it reminds me of the first t.v. at our house where dad was on the roof (an old house of two stories high) and my brother was on the ground by the door, and I was the one yelling to my brother the instructions he then yelled to dad.  Somehow it worked.  This antenna is set up in the top of the garage so that is good.

[Marilyn]

Last night I made homemade Chicken enchiladas. I haven't made them in years. oh they were so good we adopted another cat yesterday from  a local cat rescue. he is huge. lots heavier than out other to cats and they aren't lightweights either.


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[Ruth Ann Bice]

Hi, friends,

First, Happy Birthday, Janet!

Don, that verse strengthened me through the years of rearing the 4 children after my husband's early death. Thank you for the devotional.

Carol, they're tentatively mentioning spring temps, and the daffodils and the tulip poplar trees are blooming. What a great way to usher in springtime.

Marilyn, that cat is a beauty. Looks like you made a good choice. What did y'all name it?

Larry, it's such a comfort to come in to see your cheerful report. I surely wish I had your wonderful computer skills.

Y'all have a good rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

[Marilyn]

Rith Ann his name was already Buddy so we just kept it.

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  The birds are chirping away on the beautiful, sunny and cloudless Tuesday morning.  Yesterday was a quiet day with just attending the meeting at noon and a stop at the Target store in the shopping center on the way home for a few items we needed.  Today my schedule is clear.  Pat did make one lemon pound cake from scratch yesterday and that completely wore her out.  She is making another today but think she has decided to use a cake mix we have on hand rather than make it from scratch.  Tomorrow she takes them to the church to help with the Lenten luncheon served by our church this week.  The noon Wednesday service has been rotated between 4 or 5 churches and each one provides a pre and post service lunch. 

Carol, are the shingles worse this time than the first time?  The Chicken tortilla soup is delicious and we have another meal of it the freezer.  COSTCO also has a delicious lobster bisque and a cheese broccoli soup.  The soup is back in the meat and cheese department in the cooler end-cap at our COSTCO store. 

Marilyn, Pat often makes chicken for group beef enchiladas and they are always good.  That is a very pretty cat and he looks at home already.   

Happy Birthday Janet and I hope it was a very nice one. 

[Larry Hanna]

This will brighten your day:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2nOI6Dfnc0

[Carol]

Larry:  We used to watch a weekly show of "Texas Country Reporter" that showed stories around a lot of smaller towns - miss those interesting shows.  What a super citizen to do all that work for the town of Del Rio.  ---Shingles is much worse this time around - today, improvement and giving thanks. 

Growing up, we had a cat named Boots with 4 white feet.  Boots didn't get under foot and was greatly loved and appreciated.  Otherwise, we are a dog family and one son is allergic to cats.   

[Marilyn]

Hi everyone, I am seriously thinking about getting a bright yellow  keyboard with bigger keys. I have been making so many typos lately. I bought one for Keith and I really do like his better than mine.

In just a little bit I will be leaving to go to one of the schools to work the school program with Freckles and another team. We will have another person present the lesson then we will take the dogs around to meet each of the children and have the dog do one or two tricks.

[Ruth Ann Bice]

Hi, friends,

It's a beautiful day here in Nashville.

Janet sent a private message, saying the Facebook notification is incorrect - her actual birthday is in June. So, Janet, enjoy the extra attention, and then enjoy more the correct date. 

Larry, it's so good to hear the reports of your church involvement. What a way to make fast friends.

I'm so sorry about the shingles, Carol. May you soon be through with this plague.

Marilyn, he looks like a "Buddy." Such a beautiful cat. And, I love your participation in the furry friends organization.

Y'all have a wonderful rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  This is a day when we should see around 80 degree temperature by this afternoon and no rain.  I may take Pat to the church this morning to help her with the cakes and then drop her off at her crafts meeting at 10 am.  Then I will go down and have coffee for an hour.  This evening is our Wednesday night dinner at church and the evening we get to spend with our son as he joins us for dinner and then comes out to the house for awhile afterward. 

Carol, I sure hope you never experience shingles again and sorry to hear this case of worse than the first time. 

Marilyn, I bought one of those bright yellow keyboard for Stacey to use as she was having trouble with her vision but she didn't find room to use it with only a laptop.  I gave it away in the move as neither Pat nor I needed it.  Hope you had a great day at the school program.

Ruth Ann, we are making a lot of friends at our church as the people here are so friendly and I am not bashful about introducing myself to anyone I don't know although I seldom can remember their names initially but do usually remember faces. 

[Ruth Ann Bice]

Hi, friends,

Well, Larry, I think we're the ones here for this day.

Speaking of keyboards, I thought I'd never get accustomed to my laptop's keyboard, but now seldom think of the keys I'm using - it's kind of like breathing - it just happens.

I fired up the taxi today and took my sister in law to the doctor. She's beginning to see improvement, and the doctor has extended her next visit to 2 weeks.

She was in a really good mood - one that involved her telling me story after story of her experiences in life. I surely enjoyed listening.

Now, it's time to read and enjoy the spots I visit on the internet.

Y'all have a wonderful evening.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.   My day is starting out at 57 degrees and we are to see 81 this afternoon.  We had a nice visit with Scott yesterday afternoon and early evening.  We had a good dinner at church and when we got back to the house he trimmed the two small trees we have in our back yard.  I want to keep them under control as the back yard is small.  One of the trees I like and the other I don't and will probably have it removed and put in something else in the future, but not this year.  I will pickup my friend and take him to coffee with me and then take him home and go on to the church for the Wisdom group meeting.  That will be plenty for today. 

Ruth Ann, I am sure you have observed over the years that each piano we play has its own touch.  I find the same thing is true for the keyboards.  Glad your SIL is finally seeing some improvement. 

[Jeanne Lee]

Yesterday we were up into the 70's, today mid 50's expected.  Yesterday broke all the records for high temperature for the date.  "Normal" for this area is a high of 50⁰ and that's what we had for a low last night. 

Ruth Ann, thanks for the good news about your sister-in-law and the answer to our prayers for her healing.  Of course I know there's still a way to go, and prayers will continue.   

[Ruth Ann Bice]

Hi, friends,

It's been a lazy day for me.  I have just done puttering-around kinds of things.

It's pouring rain here now. There's lots of flooding west of Nashville, and we get a majority of our weather from the west.

Y'all have a good rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

[Janet]

I got "lost" for a few days, sorry about that!  Seems like lots going on, and both of us have been sore and stiff, hobbling around like "old folks"    I'm lots better, after a few workouts at the gym with our wonderful, knowledgeable Kristi!  I sure appreciate that girl!

Beth's eye is still infected and painful.  And when she tells me something hurts, I know it HURTS, because she has always had a very high tolerance for pain.

I will be back tomorrow (hope I get an email notification again!) I want to watch the debate right now.

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  It is already about 70 degrees and we are headed up to 84 this afternoon.  We may have to turn the AC on for while late this afternoon.  Yesterday after the Wisdom group with the minister at church, I decided to stop at Arby's for a quick lunch.  I have a coupon for one of their special Andes Mint Chocolate Swirl Shakes but when I presented the coupon I was told their shake machine wasn't working.  I went ahead a ordered one of their new Italian subs and it was good and a very filling meal.  It was not as good as those at Firehouse Subs or Jersey Mike's but certainly not bad either.  The rest of the day was one of rest.  Today is the day for the housekeeper.   At noon we are planning on going back to the Texas Roadhouse for lunch as they are open at 11 am on Friday's.  That will be our main meal of the day.

Janet, I didn't watch the debate last evening or the several before as I am really burned out on them.  I suppose the primary reason for them is the free airtime for the candidates. 

[Marilyn]

Good morning Everyone, Rain here and expected rain for  more days,..oty has been raining more often that not so far this month.

Earlier this week Freckles and I had some school visits, Boy oh Boy at teh first one, the 2mnd graders were so rowdy that the teacher in the next classroom complained and I don't blame her we had 81 2nd graders in that room and their teachers were substitutes and had no control over them. The kindergartners were the best behaved.
Today is a hospital visit.

[Pat]

Hello Everyone...

It's been a "blah" week for me.  I've read your posts though and I'm so sorry to have missed your birthday, Janet.  I hope it was a good one.  I've so enjoyed going over and over viewing the wonderful wedding story of our Beth.

Great to read all the posts.  Hopefully it will be a better week next week.

Love you all!

[Ruth Ann Bice]

Hi, friends,

I just finished doing a project for the gentleman who still uses my computing specialties. It's nice to be able to stay in my own little office and then send the completed projects to him by email.

It's so good to see several of you here today.

I watched the debate last night. Actually, it was orderly, well designed and the candidates gave presidential responses to the questions asked. Thank goodness that they've found that nice is best.

Y'all have a good rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  It is another beautiful day here in South Carolina.  It is currently 66 degrees and suppose to get to 82 this afternoon.  Yesterday was a very warm day and I was able to sit out on my front porch for an hour or longer around noontime.  It actually was almost too warm but enjoyed it non the less.  Pat and I did go to the Texas Roadhouse for another delicious dinner while the housekeeper finished up here.  I was feeling very tired yesterday as I seem to be today so other than going to lunch the rest of the day was spent quietly.  I did watch a considerable amount of the SEC and ACC basketball championships and plan on doing the same today. 

Pat, so sorry to learn that this was a blah week for you and sure hope today and next week will be much better. 

Ruth Ann, nice that you are able to maintain your skills by working the special projects for your former boss.  He obviously has great respect for your work and I am sure for you as a person.  I am debate viewed out.  There have been just too many of them.

[Carol]

Pat:  Sorry for your Blah week.  Is it springtime yet in your part of the world?  A few flowers blooming your way - I will wish that for you.  Sometimes Blah is OK since it is not chaos

Janet:  Beth eye pain must be disturbing for you - sending a prayer for her comfort.

We have news that a good friend and neighbor is not well - he is sleeping a lot after successful leg surgery to get edema under control. 

Otherwise,  we plan to visit three houses of friends and relatives next week - all in three days.  They are in the Phoenix area for winter escaping the chill of Minnesota.  It turns out that the shingle diagnosis was totally wrong and I am almost cured of an allergy instead.  Giving thanks! 

Started a quilted wall hanging project that has a quail family on it - fixed my sewing machine again and Don wants to borrow a ladder so he can hang something for television reception - goals for today include making scones & freezing them for our cousins.   

[Jeanne Lee]

Pat, I hope the blah's are gone now.

My week sure hasn't been blah, but it hasn't been fun, either.  Getting used to having no car is tough.  But that's how it is and how it will be.  With friends, neighbors, senior center drivers and the local taxi I'll make out just fine.  Yesterday I went with a friend when she went grocery shopping.  I'm so used to our little local store, the big chain she uses was a real shock to the system!    I guess once I find where things are I'll be glad for more selection.  Also, I may take advantage of their electric carts to cover that much floor space. 

Such is old age!   

[Marilyn]

Good morning from a very wet Oregon coast. We had thunder and lightening during the night and more thunder just a little while ago. Freckles doesn't like thunder and loud noises and I can't say I blame her. the new Cat ,Buddy, is adjusting well, however  Fritzy the resident boss of the house cat,  continually hisses at Buddy. Harry the other black and  white cat just ignores Buddy.

I have been trying to find a good Amplified Bible AP for my  android phone and tablet. Most of them I've tried downloading turn out to be the KJV. or are online Bibles. Our church doesn't have an internet connection so I need an offline amplified bible. I like that version.  I do have several other versions in print as well as my well used amplified.  I did find a good one but it is $7.99 to download. Any suggestions out there?

[Gord Brown]

   Good afternoon to all.   It has been a long time again but been very busy again going to app. for many different thing's also helping the grand kid's.    Noreen is away with all of her sister's suffering in 82 degree weather.  Must go for now will be back later.  Love in Christ.   Gordon.

[Ruth Ann Bice]

Hi, friends,

It's a quiet day here in my apartment. I've tweaked that file and tried to print it but my printer's not communicating with the computer. (sigh) And, I'm not ready to concede defeat, for today I'll let the situation stay as is.

It's so good to hear from so many of you. Jeanne, I understand about people having difficulties with having no transportation. Since I help others with that problem, I can see the problems that can arise. I'm not looking forward to the day I'll be asking other for rides.

Marilyn, they'll get accustomed to each other eventually. So sorry Freckles doesn't like thunder.

Carol, y'all be safe in your travels. I'll take one scone please to have with my tea. 

Gordon, it's good to see you popping in for a short visit.

Larry, I'm so sorry you're dealing with being tired. I wish it to be better for you.

Y'all have a good rest of the day. I'm overdue for lunch, so will check the kitchen.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

[Janet]

Hello to you all this Saturday evening.  I had a few blah days, too, Pat.  Surely not fun.  I feel like someone pulled the plug and totally drained my energy.  Blah!

Today was my painting group, so Winona and I went, but we had to leave at noon, as she wanted to attend a funeral at her church at 2.  But we got one side of the wooden kleenex box cover done and won't be hard to do the others.  I may only do two sides, as one never sees all four sides at once anyway.    Mary was really pleased with the basket lid I painted for her.  I did take photos, will try to post on facebook and if I can remember what Pat attempted to teach me, on here, too. 

I was very relieved the debates were low-key, issues centered and NO name calling nor insults.  Should always be that way---yes, nice is much better.  That made #12 for the Republicans, like Larry, I don't see a need to have so many!

I have a DiGorno pizza in the oven for supper--I workied really hard on that!   

Jeanne, sorry about your car.  It would be quite an adjustment to do without one.  I'm having trouble adjusting to not being allowed to drive after dark! 

And tonight is "Spring Forward"....UGH.  I wish they would just make up their minds which they want and leave it that way.  I adjust easily to the Fall Back one, but this one messes me up for about two weeks.  Sorry!  I don't mean to sound so grumpy!

I'm missing my kids and grandkids, maybe we should go to Hugoton for church tomorrow! 

[Janet]

I just got this from one of Darrel's high school classmates, and it is really worth sharing.  Hope you enjoy it!

Subject: Take time to ponder these.





1. Today, I interviewed my grandmother for part of a research paper I'm working on for my Psychology class.  When I asked her to define success in her own words, she said, "Success is when you look back at your life and the memories make you smile."
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2. Today, I asked my mentor - a very successful business man in his 70s- what his top 3 tips are for success.  He smiled and said, "Read something no one else is reading, think something no one else is thinking, and do something no one else is doing."
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3.   Today, after a 72 hour shift at the fire station, a woman ran up to me at the grocery store and gave me a hug.   When I tensed up, she realized I didn't recognize her. She let go with tears of joy in her eyes and the most sincere smile and said, "On 9-11-2001, you carried me out of the World Trade
Center."
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4.  Today, after I watched my dog get run over by a car, I sat on the side of the road holding him and crying.  And just before he died, he licked the tears off my face.
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5.  Today at 7AM, I woke up feeling ill, but decided I needed the money, so I went into work.   At 3PM I got laid off. On my drive home I got a flat tire. When I went into the trunk for the spare, it was flat too.   A man in a BMW pulled over, gave me a ride, we chatted, and then he offered me a job. I start tomorrow.
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6.  Today, as my father, three brothers, and two sisters stood around my mother's hospital bed, my mother uttered her last coherent words before she died. She simply said, "I feel so loved right now. We should have gotten together like this more often."
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7. Today, I kissed my dad on the forehead as he passed away in a small hospital bed.   About 5 seconds after he passed, I realized it was the first time I had given him a kiss since I was a little boy.
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8. Today, in the cutest voice, my 8-year-old daughter asked me to start recycling.  I chuckled and asked, "Why?" She replied, "So you can help me save the planet."   I chuckled again and asked, "And why do you want to save the planet?"  Because that's where I keep all my stuff," she said.
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9. Today, when I witnessed a 27-year-old breast cancer patient laughing hysterically at her 2-year-old daughter's antics,  I suddenly realized that I need to stop complaining about my life and start celebrating it again.
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10. Today, a boy in a wheelchair  saw me desperately struggling on crutches with my broken leg and offered to carry my backpack and books for me. He helped me all the  way across campus to my class and as he was leaving he said, "I hope you feel better soon."
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11.  Today, I was feeling down because the results of a biopsy came back malignant.  When I got home, I opened an e-mail that said, "Thinking of you today.  If you need me, I'm a phone call away."  It was from a high school friend I hadn't seen in 10 years.
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12. Today, I was traveling in Kenya and I met a refugee from Zimbabwe. He said he hadn't eaten anything in over 3 days and looked extremely skinny and unhealthy.  Then my friend offered him the rest of the sandwich he was eating. The first thing the man said was, "We can share it.
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The best sermons are lived, not preached.
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I am glad I have you to send these to.
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These are worth passing on...hope you enjoy them as much as I did.