Thoughts for the Week~Nov. 13

[Pat]

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

• I would like to thank again our friend Judith from Dayton, Ohio who very kindly composed our lovely scripture to go with today's devotional. 

Morning Devotional...

WALKING IN THE OLD PATHS
Jeremiah 6:16
By the late Jack Scott



The Shepherd's Psalm--Part (iv)

The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.

Some years ago, I was hiking alone in England. The trail (or as the English say, the "footpath") was isolated and very poorly marked. This is a rare situation in England, known to hikers as the land of well marked trails. At one point, as I later discovered, only a couple of miles from the end, I became disoriented. I was tired and lonely and hungry. There seemed to be no other humans for miles. What should I do now? I longed to meet another hiker, or a local resident; even a friendly dog would have been a relief. No one suddenly or miraculously appeared. No laughing border collie wagged its welcoming tail.

What would you have done in similar circumstances? Well, I found a comfortable rock, slipped off my rucksack and sat down. Then I ate the lunch I should have eaten about two hours earlier and drank a half of a liter of water. My energy returned. Using my map and compass, I figured out my location and with a spring in my step, walked to the bus stop in the little town that marked the end of my hike.

As we move on to verse three of Psalm 23 and meditate upon it, we see the wonderful promises it contains for life's journey. "He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake" (Psalm 23:3) The words are overflowing with comfort and encouragement for all the members of the Good Shepherd's flock. No believer is left out and it is applied on an individual basis. The lovely truths of this psalm are not mere generalities. We do not read: "He restores our souls" Such a statement would be welcome encouragement for God's people, but how grandly greater is the assurance "He restores my soul". He cares about me! He loves the world but, praise His name He loves me. Yes, my friend, if you are His you can personally claim this blessing of restoration, no matter how withered and drooping you feel.

Day by day we all move along, sometimes reluctantly on the journey of life. At times our happy feet march to the triumphant music of success. At other times we drag ourselves weary and worn, and perhaps even broken along the ruggedly steep paths of life over rocks and ridges and along precipices dangerous and frightful. This lies in the nature of being human. Sometimes we have cheerful and supportive companions on this great trail of life. These may include a spouse, family, friends or fellow Christians. But at times we plod on not only tired but seemingly alone and perhaps unwanted. The way seems miserable, the going is rough and the shadows are lengthening.

When the traveling is wearisome and lonely, and our minds are stretched, elastic like, to their limits the awful ghosts of past sins and desires are inclined to haunt us. Regrets dart from the dark recesses of the mind and mingle with the cares of today and the fears of tomorrow. Like a delicate flower on a dry and windswept hillside we begin to wither, and the serene look gives place to frowns and wrinkles.

When our spiritual pilgrimage becomes unbearable, we need to take time out. We must take time to rest in God's presence. As the Bible enjoins us we must be "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)

If we take time to rest in His presence we can refresh our spirits as we enjoy the sustenance of God's word and drink deeply at the "wells of Salvation". Then using the compass of God's truth, we can set our course towards home in the eternal City, just as our great spiritual forefather Abraham did. "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God." (Hebrews 11:8-10).

If our own foolish misconduct, our own sin and rebellion is the root of our withered and miserable condition, restoration is, bless God, still available.  And who among us has not sinned over and over again in the years since first we trusted Christ? God calls us to confession and repentance and provides cleansing for the sinning hart. The gospel for the sinning saint is found in I John 1:6-9, "If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." And believing this we can humbly say amen to the words, "He restoreth my soul".

King David cried out to God in anguish of soul "Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways and sinners shall be converted to You." (Psalm 51:9-13).

God heard his heart rending wail "Hide thyself from my sins and blot out all my iniquities." God graciously restored David to fellowship with Himself and gave him back the joy of salvation.

David and every other repentant, sinning believer can claim with joy overflowing: "He restoreth my soul." Only the forgiven can appreciate the warmth of His tender love.

Perhaps one of my friends will confess in his or her own heart. "I have repented oh, so often; but I keep falling on the rocks of temptation and sliding on the slippery scree of evil desire. What can I do? I've tried to gain the mastery over a particular weakness and failed again and again. I think I am doomed--sin is in my very nature". Like David, you cry out "Behold I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." (Psalm 51:5)

There is good news in the verse before us for those who are in such a predicament. Look at Psalm 23:3, "He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake."
God's children have yearned over the centuries for power to break the binding habits of sin. The Lord Jesus taught His own disciples to pray, "Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil." Does God answer this prayer? Yes, if we obey His command in Jeremiah 6:16, "Thus says the Lord: 'Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is. And walk in it: Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it'."

We are to ask after the old way, and upon finding it we are to walk therein. Many professing Christians, like Jeremiah's hearers, sadly refuse to walk in the old paths; they are doomed to keep on repeating the same old sins, and living the same old life of spiritual mediocrity. The path can be found where the Lord Jesus is. After the resurrection, two of His disciples made a journey to Emmaus. These two disciples don't appear to have been any of the twelve apostles, and it seems probably that they were a married couple. In any case, they were sad and discouraged. Their hopes had been dashed--the one they thought would deliver their nation from the iron yoke of Roman bondage was dead and buried. There was something however, that they didn't know about. Christ had risen from the dead in triumph over sin and the grave.

A marvelous thing happened as they trod the weary Emmaus Road that day. "So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them." (Luke 24:15) These two dear people didn't recognize their beloved master until later but something should have tipped them off--the presence of the Man of Calvary made a great difference to their walk that day, "And they said to one another, 'Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?'." (Luke 24:32).

If we walk in His company and seek to know Him in the scriptures, our hearts too will burn within us. They will burn with love to Him and with a strong desire to obey His commandments. Then shall we understand in a spiritual sense the words of Isaiah 35:1, "The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them." And they shall walk in "the Way of Holiness" (Isaiah 35:8 ) and we will experience the promise of Psalm 23:3, "He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake".







Jack Scott loved his Lord! He passed away on January 10, 2001 after a lengthy illness.
He is missed greatly by his family.

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  We had a very chilly and rainy Sunday.  I think we had about 1/2 inch of welcome rain.  It was our annual Youth Sunday at church and our youth did a marvelous job in the service with beautiful singing of the Praise Band, a very cleaver Biblical skit called McChurch, and then two young ladies gave great testimonials during the sermon time.  The service was in our fellowship hall where the contemporary services are held and it was packed with probably 500 people in attendance. 

Today I need to make some more sausage muffins for Pat and will attend my noon Monday meeting.  Beyond that I plan on a fairly quiet and restful day. 

Carol, it is good to see Pat doing better and a bit of easing of the pain.  She even mentioned that she may try to go to church next Sunday, which would be great.  However, we will have to take things one day at a time and see what next weekend brings.  Glad you are enjoying the moon.  We had clouded skies so it wasn't visible here last night and I don't know whether it will be visible here tonight or not. 

Janet, glad to see your posting.  Those computer gremlins sure must like your house.  So sorry to learn that Darrel is having more serious health issues and hope he will soon be better.  I am sure John felt terrible about harming Beth's feet.  Hopefully he will learn from the experience and be more careful in the future. 

Marilyn, I don't think there is much to worry about on Social Security as it is likely any changes will impact future recipients.  They certainly are not going to do away with it.  Was your June payment $182 higher than normal?  Kirby certainly lived to a fine old age.  I will always be in awe when close relatives are able to speak at a funeral.  Guess I am just too sentimental and emotional.  Freckles obviously sensed your not feeling OK and was doing her life's work in comforting you.   

Pat, so sorry that you are having to experience such terrible pain and then having blood pressure problems as well.  I do hope today will be better.  Thank you for starting off our new week but please always remember to taking care of yourself is far more important than for us to have something new each week. 

[Marilyn]

Larry the June pay,ent was not higher or lower than before, It was for SSI.  I will try to0 get it straightened out some time today.

[Pat]

Thanks Larry...

I've actually felt just rotten for 5 or 6 days now.  Spending too long in bed me thinks! 

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  It is a sunny morning but a bit obscured by some smoke in the air from the wild fires here in the Southeastern part of the USA.  I did get to see the moon last evening as the sky was clear.  I did not leave the house yesterday as decided I wasn't up to attending my normal Monday noon meeting.  I have started the new medicine and have to wonder if I was experiencing a bit of side-effect.  I seem to be fine today.  Pat has a 10:30 appointment at the dentist office to get her teeth cleaned and checked.  It is about a 25 minute drive for us.  There is a new store recently opened that sells pecans and fine foods right on the same street as the dentist and she wants to make a stop there as well.  I wouldn't be surprised if we decided to eat our main meal for the day while we are out. 

Yesterday Pat placed her first online grocery order at Walmart and I will pick it up between four and five this afternoon.  I plan on chopping up some fresh peppers to have in the refrigerator and to grate some cheddar  cheese.  While I was resting yesterday afternoon Pat decided to fry up the sausage needed for her sausage rolls as could sit in a chair while it was frying.  When done she went to put it in the refrigerator and hit a shelf edge which knocked the dish out of her hand and spilled the sausage all over the floor.  So I didn't get the muffins made yesterday but may do so this evening after picking up some more sausage in our Walmart order.  Needless to say it made a real mess on our hardwood floor that is in the kitchen so when I got up I had to scrub it.  The housekeeper will be here on Friday and will give it another good scrub although I think I got it all up with the special hardwood cleaner we use on these floors. 

Marilyn, I certainly hope you get your SSI straightened out.

Pat, days of unending pain are certainly debilitating.  I do hope today finds the pain less severe. 

[Carol]

Pat.  Sending a prayer for you pain to ease.  I don't know what causes your problem but it sure is difficult to ease pain without heavy drugs. 

There are two casseroles on the oven we will bring them over to the family of our dear 93 year young woman who passed on Monday.  BEing a young widow with five sons, her story is that with the right attitude and full faith, anything can be accomplished.   None of the boys strayed into wrong ways all because they always wanted to live up to her expectations.  There were no excuses to get into drugs and other crime.   

What a wonderful moon we are priveleged to see this week.  We sat with neighbors one night. 

Thanks for showing Jacks messages!   

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  It is a beautiful sunny and cool morning here in South Carolina.  However, I will stay inside as much as I can today as we are in a code red weather alert due to the smoke from the wild fires.  So far this morning it isn't too bad but yesterday afternoon it was very obvious. 

Pat got a clear report from the dentist yesterday, which was indeed good news.  We checked out the pecan store but didn't buy any as they wanted $16/pound and Pat felt that was just too expensive as there are other alternatives.  Yesterday afternoon I went to Walmart and picked up our first online grocery order.  It went very well and that is sure the way to shop.  We just called 15 minutes before I expected to be there and then when I was parked in one of the designated spots along the side of the store I called to advise I was there.  A very nice young lady brought out the groceries and showed me each it.  The order was filled as requested and there was only one items they didn't have in stock in their meat department.  Later we went to Ruby Tuesday's for our evening meal.  They have a new and revised menu with our favorites still available. 

This morning I got up early and after getting showered and dressed I went to the kitchen and fixed Pat's sausage muffins.  This evening is our Wednesday night dinner at church and this is the Thanksgiving traditional meal and Veterans from the spinal unit at the local VA hospital will be our guests.  Scott plans to get there 30 minutes early to help them get settled at the tables.  He will then come out to spend some time with us.  I just had a video call from my coffee drinking friends at McDonald's and got to see and speak to a number of them.  That was a pleasant surprise. 

Carol, I am sure your friend will be missed and it sounds like she was quite a lady and wonderful mother. 

[Pat]

Just got this in my email today and thought I'd share it with you all...





Excuses, Excuses

by Joni Eareckson Tada

"Oh LORD, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God. . ." Jonah 4:2

It's human nature to make excuses. Placed under the scrutiny of an examiner, a teacher, or a boss, we squirm in our seats and then rattle off a well constructed reason for our behavior. Sometimes we blame circumstances. Sometimes we blame others. Caught in a quandary, our pride lashes out at anything in our sights that will keep the attention off of our failures.

Pride's most deadly excuse is one which blames our Lord for our failure. Consider Adam's excuse that God's creation of woman was flawed. Or Jonah's attempt to blame his escape to Tarshish on the fact that he knew God to be "a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness."  By contrast, the unworthy steward's excuse centered on what he believed to be the exacting, unforgiving nature of the master.  (Matt.25:24-25)

It will not do. We can not blame God, neither His deeds nor His character, for our failure. Making such excuses is more than an attempt to protect our pride. It is a fundamental statement of our unbelief in God. We blame Him because we do not believe that He has our good in mind, that He will accomplish His purpose, or that He will be gracious.

Taking an honest inventory of our life can reveal areas where we might have doubted, and then blamed, God. Angry with God about your work? Look to see where you doubted His provision. Frustrated with His seeming silence? Examine your walk to see if you doubted His commands. Fearful of seeing Him face to face someday? Confess that you doubt His mercy and forgiveness.

A life of belief will extinguish pride's incessant search to protect itself from shame and allow us to live freely as a forgiven people.

Lord, Your work and Your character are above reproach. Strip away the protective layer of excuses that I might live by faith, believing in every measure of grace toward me.

Blessings,

Joni and Friends

[Pat]

I go to the doctor today.  I have lots of questions and hopefully, I'll get some answers!  My walking is just terrible and the walker isn't really helping me much but I just keep on saying to myself, "This isn't forever!"

[Pat]

Larry, just read over the posts above once again and I must ask, "What are they?" and "How are they made?"

The sound good and maybe something I'd like to try! 

I haven't heard of Walmart doing that up here yet (shopping online). 

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone on a bright sunny Thursday morning.  In a little bit I will leave to go to the lab at the University Hospital to have blood drawn in preparation for a routine doctor visit next Tuesday. I plan to stop on the way home at Aldi's to replenish the vegetable bin in the refrigerator.  I am not planning on going to coffee this morning as most of the men are on a tour to Branson, Missouri and the fellow I pick up suggested we just skip going this morning.  I didn't argue as it better fit into my plans for the morning.  Nothing else on the calendar for today. 

Pat, I hope you got some answers from the doctor yesterday.  I have made myself a note to send you the muffin recipe later today.

Last evening there was a large crowd at the dinner at church.  The VA brought over 10 veterans from the spinal unit, who were all in wheelchairs.  Several aides were with them.  We also had several rescue or comfort dogs and their owners present, which was a nice touch.  Marilyn, I thought of you and Freckles when I saw the dogs.  We even got to pet one of them.   

[Pat]

Hi Larry...

Here's what I posted on FB.  Was feeling kind of "low" last evening...



Pat Scott Halbach feeling emotional.
·
Had a pretty rough six or so days. Today was my doctor appointment and my C. reactive protein was elevated yet again so instead of decreasing the prednisone by 5 mg a day, she had to increase it by 5 mg. Emotional levels are bad and very near to tears too easily. But, I have to think that there are many worse off than me. My sister-in-law, Grace put the wonderful hymn, "Great is Thy Faithfulness" in her status and it sure helped me a lot. The words are so special. Thanks Grace so much.. What a wonderful Lord we have just when we need Him most.   

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone on another beautiful day here in South Carolina. We were not under an alert for the wild fire smoke either yesterday or today.  The housekeeper is due here this morning and later this morning Pat and I are going to COSTCO.  My new glasses are ready and she needs to select some new frames and get a new prescription filled as her eyesight has changed.  That will probably be it for today. 

I did fix her breakfast this morning.  However, last evening she helped fix the dinner.  We had a spaghetti squash that we fixed in the oven and a topping of Italian sausage heated in Marinara sauce with a green salad.  We have enough of the main dish for another good meal.   

Pat, sorry you have had to increase the prednisone again but hope it helps relieve the pain quickly. 

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone on another beautiful Saturday morning headed up to 70 around noon and then cooling off and it will be much cooler tomorrow.  We didn't make it to COSTCO yesterday as Pat wanted to get a haircut and after we did that we went to eat a big lunch at Chick-fil-a.  We came home to rest and then decided our shopping trip could wait until this next week.  We have no plans for today other than I plan on watching college football this afternoon. 

[Carol]

  We are dog-sitting near Phoenix, a suburb.  What a large and active city.  Kids are on vacation and they opted to take a Uber cab at 4 am.   DIL had just returned from India where she had 48 hours of meetings and sleep was on the plane to and from.  I could not have done anything like that in a million years.   SOon it is time for a second walk with the dog.   

Pat, continued good thoughts and prayers for you.

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  It is a glorious day the Lord has made for us.  One weather report said it was 31 degrees in North Augusta but my gauge said it was 40.  However, I did notice my neighbor had frost on the top of her car.  I guess it is time to bring in the garden hoses for the winter months.  I will attend Sunday School and church this morning.  I had hoped Pat would be up to going but she doesn't so won't.  Maybe next week.  I enjoyed the football games yesterday as my teams won, i.e., South Carolina, Georgia and Clemson.  I will have a quiet afternoon of listening to Don't classical music program, rest and then watching some football games later this afternoon.

Carol, glad you son and DIL decided not to ask you to take them to the airport so early in the morning.  Enjoy the dog walking.  How long will you be doing this dog sitting?

[Larry Hanna]

I read this yesterday and wanted to share it with all of you on this Sunday.  It is long but I found it worth my time to read.

A true story by Catherine Moore

"Watch out!  You nearly broad sided that car!" my father  yelled at me. "Can't you do anything right?"
Those words hurt worse than blows. I turned my head toward the elderly man in the seat beside me,  daring me to challeng him. A lump rose in my throat as I averted my eyes. I wasn't prepared for another battle. "I saw the car, Dad.  Please don't yell at me when I'm driving."
My voice was measured and steady, sounding far calmer than I really felt. Dad glared at me, then turned away and settled back. At home I  left Dad in front of the television and went outside to collect my thoughts. Dark, heavy clouds hung in the air with a promise of rain. The rumble of distant thunder seemed to  echo my inner turmoil. What could I do about him?

Dad had been a lumberjack in Washington and Oregon.  He had enjoyed being  outdoors and had reveled in pitting his strength against the forces of nature. He had entered grueling lumberjack competitions, and had placed often. The shelves in his house were filled with trophies that attested to his prowess.

The years marched on relentlessly. The first time he couldn't lift a heavy log he joked about it; but later that same day I saw him outside alone, straining to lift it. He became irritable whenever anyone teased him about his advancing age, or when he couldn't do something he had done as a younger man.
Four days after his sixty-seventh birthday, he had a heart attack. An ambulance sped him to the hospital while a paramedic administered CPR to keep blood and oxygen flowing. At the hospital, Dad was rushed into an operating room. He was lucky; he survived.  But  something inside Dad died. His
zest for life was gone. He obstinately refused to follow doctor's orders. Suggestions and offers of help were turned aside with sarcasm and insults. The number of visitors thinned, then finally stopped altogether.  Dad was left alone.

My husband, Dick, and I  asked Dad to come live with us on our small farm. We hoped the fresh air and  rustic atmosphere would help him adjust. Within a week after he moved in, I regretted the invitation. It seemed nothing was satisfactory. He criticized everything I did. I  became frustrated and moody. Soon I was taking my pent-up anger out on Dick. We began to bicker and argue. Alarmed, Dick sought out our pastor and explained the situation. The clergyman set up weekly counseling appointments
for us. At the close of each session he prayed, asking God to soothe Dad's troubled mind.

But the months wore on and God was silent. Something had to be done and it was up to me to do it.
The next day I sat down with the phone book and methodically called each of the mental health clinics listed in the Yellow Pages.  I explained my problem to each of the sympathetic voices that answered in vain.Just when I was giving up hope, one of the voices suddenly exclaimed, "I just read something that might help you! Let me go get the article."

I  listened as she read. The article described a remarkable study done at a nursing home. All of the patients were under treatment for chronic depression. Yet their attitudes had proved dramatically when they were given responsibility for a dog.

I drove to the animal shelter that afternoon.. After I filled out a questionnaire, a uniformed officer led me to the kennels. The odor of disinfectant stung my nostrils as I moved down the row of pens.  Each contained five to seven  dogs. Long-haired dogs, curly-haired dogs, black dogs, spotted dogs all jumped up, trying to reach me. I studied each one but rejected one after the other for various reasons: too big, too small, too much hair. As I neared the last pen a dog in the shadows of the far corner struggled to his feet, walked to the front of the run and sat down. It was a pointer, one of the dog world's aristocrats. But this was a caricature of the breed. Years had etched his face and muzzle with shades of gray. His hip bones jutted out in lopsided triangles. But it was his eyes that caught and held my attention. Calm and clear, they beheld me waveringly.

I pointed to the dog. "Can you tell me about him?"

The officer looked, then shook his head in puzzlement. "He's a funny one. Appeared out of nowhere and sat in front of the gate. We brought him in, figuring someone would  be right down to claim him. That was two weeks ago and we've heard nothing. His time is up tomorrow."  He gestured helplessly.
As the words sank in I turned  to the man in horror. "You mean you're going to kill him?"
"Ma'am," he said  gently, "that's our policy. We don't have room for every  unclaimed dog."
I looked at the pointer again. The calm brown eyes awaited my decision. "I'll take him," I said.  I drove home with the dog on the front seat beside me.. When I reached the house I honked the horn  twice. I was helping my prize out of the car when Dad shuffled onto the front porch.

"Ta-da! Look what I got for you, Dad !"  I said excitedly.

Dad looked, then wrinkled his face in disgust. "If I  had wanted a dog I would have gotten one. And I  would have picked out a better specimen than that bag of bones. Keep it!  I don't want it."  Dad  waved his arm scornfully and turned back toward the house.

Anger rose inside me.. It squeezed together my throat muscles and pounded  into my temples. "You'd better get used to him, Dad. He's staying!" Dad ignored me.. "Did you hear me, Dad ?"  I screamed.
At those words Dad whirled angrily, his hands clenched at his sides, his eyes narrowed and blazing with hate. We stood glaring at each other like duelists, when suddenly the pointer pulled free from my grasp. He wobbled toward my dad and sat down in front of him. Then slowly, carefully, he raised his paw..
Dad's lower jaw trembled as he stared at the uplifted  paw. Confusion replaced the anger in his eyes. The pointer waited patiently. Then Dad was on his knees hugging the animal.

It was the beginning of a warm and intimate friendship. Dad named the pointer Cheyenne . Together he and Cheyenne explored the community. They spent long hours walking down dusty lanes. They spent reflective moments on the banks of streams, angling for tasty trout. They even started to attend Sunday services together, Dad sitting in a pew and Cheyenne lying quietly at his feet.

Dad and Cheyenne were inseparable throughout the next three years. Dad's bitterness faded, and he and Cheyenne made many friends. Then late one night I was startled to feel Cheyenne 's cold nose burrowing through our  bed covers. He had never before come into our bedroom at night.. I woke Dick, put on my robe and ran into my father's room. Dad lay in his bed, his face serene. But his spirit had left quietly sometime during the night.

Two days later my shock and grief deepened when I discovered Cheyenne lying dead beside Dad's bed. I wrapped his still form in the rag rug he had slept on. As Dick and I buried him near a  favorite fishing hole, I silently thanked the dog for the help he had given me in restoring Dad's peace of mind.

The morning of Dad's funeral dawned overcast and dreary. This day looks like the way I feel, I thought, as I  walked down the aisle to the pews reserved for family. I was surprised to see the many friends Dad and Cheyenne had made filling the church.

The pastor began his eulogy. It was a tribute to both Dad and the dog who had changed his life.
And then the pastor turned to Hebrews 13:2. "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it."
"I've often thanked God for sending that angel," he said.

For me, the past dropped  into place, completing a puzzle that I had not seen before: the sympathetic voice that had just read the right article; Cheyenne's unexpected appearance at the animal shelter; his calm acceptance and complete devotion to my father. and the proximity of their deaths. And suddenly I understood.   I knew that God had answered my prayers after all.

Life is too short for drama or petty things, so laugh hard,  love truly and forgive quickly. Live while you are alive. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second time. S hare this with someone. Lost time can never be found.
God answers our prayers in His time......not ours.

[Marilyn]

Larry it looks like you are preaching to the chior, Hardly anyone is posting.  I took Freckles to church this morning, she is so well behaved that she just sat there on the chair between me and the Pastor's wife. She greeted everyone and of course she smiled and everyone just loved her. Keith didn't go with me today, He has been catheterized since Thursday so he didn';t want to go. He goes to the Doctor tomorrow to get the results of the UA and blood work.

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  It is another beautiful clear morning with no wind and it is about 40 degrees.  We apparently won't make it to 60 degrees today and have a fire warning for this afternoon as things are so dry and the humidity is suppose to be between 15 and 20 percent.  Fortunately, there is not suppose to be much wind.  There was a grass fire about 5 miles from where we live and several homes were evacuated for a short period of time over the weekend.

Pat did not make it to church yesterday as just didn't feel up to going. 

My schedule is light for today as just plan to attend my Monday noon meeting.  Depending on how Pat and I are feeling we might decide to make that trip to COSTCO that was postponed on Friday. 

Marilyn, I was thinking about you and Freckles when I read and then posted the story above.  I hope Keith gets good results from the doctor today on his blood and UA tests.   

[Jeanne Lee]

Larry, our weather couldn't be much different.     Here it's very windy and cold, following yesterday's and last night's snow.  We only got about an inch accumulation but about 60 miles south of us it was a different story - anything from 10 to 44 inches.  And that's not the lake effect coming off Lake Erie, it's in the mountains east of the Hudson River.  The high winds here could possibly gust up to 40 or 50 miles per hour    so if you don't see me around, check on the state of Maine to see if I've stopped there.  Otherwise, maybe Ireland or England.....   

Temperatures aren't expected to go much higher the rest of the week - and that means probably not above freezing.  Fortunately, my propane tanks were filled last Friday.

[Pat]

Sorry folks...

I've been in pain since Thurs. Nov. 10 and typing is difficult as well.

Let's talk about what we're THANKFUL for this week. 

Yes, Marilyn, poor Larry has been doing a stellar job in posting and great posts as well!


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[Pat]

What are YOU doing for Thanksgiving? 

Paul is taking me to Ashtabula, Ohio to have Thanksgiving Dinner with Linda, his daughter.

[Pat]

Heavenward by Scotty Smith

We Cannot Be Too Grateful Too Often for Too Many Things

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24)

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thess. 5:18)

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever (Psalm 136:1)
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Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful (Col. 3:15).

Heavenly Father, I woke up today thankful, and I simply want to acknowledge it; for what do we have that we haven't received from your heart and hand? You're the God from whom all blessings flow, by whom all grace is given, through whom all hope springs up. May a grateful heart beat loudly in my breast this whole Thanksgiving week, and well beyond.

Thank you for the texture and taste of flourless chocolate cake, for hiding my life in Jesus; for deep blue skies on low humidity days; for working in all things for our good and your glory; for the pull of a fish on my line; for the angels you deploy daily on our behalf; for the smell of bacon cooking; for Jesus' declaration, "It is finished!", for the sound waves make crashing on the shoreline; for the fact we can trust you with our children; for the sound of loud congregational singing; for sweet potato fries; for a limit on our sufferings; for.... Father, I could go on and on, and I want to and I will...

Thank you for your commitment to finish the work you began in us, and in your creation. Thank you that our coming life in the new heaven and new earth isn't a mental opiate or wishful thinking, sentimental spin or spiritualized hype. It's your promise, and by your grace, it's our inheritance. Thank you for über-awesome hope and countless reasons to be grateful. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus' merciful and mighty name.

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  I am thankful for this new and beautiful 41 degree morning.  The sun is shining brightly and the trees now have all the colors of fall.  I did bring in my garden hoses for the winter yesterday afternoon and put my Impatient plant in the garage as it was predicted to get down to 29 degrees last night.  I have no idea whether it got that cold or not. 

I have a routine doctor's appointment at 10:30 this morning and his office is 30 minutes or so from where I live.  This GP insists on seeing us every four months whether we need to be seen or not or he will not remain our doctor.  I guess this is good for us and will comply as I do like him.  On the way back I will finally stop at COSTCO to pick up my new glasses and buy some things we need.  Pat wants to get a small turkey to fix so we can have dressing and the normal Thanksgiving meal.  I was in favor of just getting a turkey breast and a couple turkey legs to fix but was overruled. Scott is bringing the pumpkin pie.

Jeanne, sure glad you didn't get that 44 inches of snow.  An inch shouldn't stay on the ground too long if you get another relatively warm day with sunshine. 

Pat, good idea to talk about what we are thankful for this week and thanks for sharing the Scotty Smith piece on being thankful.  I hope the trip to Paul's daughter's isn't too hard on you and that by Thursday you will be feeling better so you can enjoy the day. It is the least I can do to try to post something here each.  It is a part of my life and it is no problem. 

[Marilyn]

Today I am praising the Lord for His goodness and healing power. All Keith's tests came out good.  He is now taking a drug called Flomax to keep things flowing the way they should.

We are either going to on of the community sponsored dinners or Imay be cooking for Thanksgiving and inviting a friend of mine from Furry Friends who lives alone her family is 3000 miles away. For now I am waiting on FedEx to deliver a new refurbished cell phone and pick up the one they sent that doesn't work in this area. Then I have to go buy a |turkey. I  got a $9. off coupon for a Jenny-O  12-14 lb turkey at the Grocery Outlet.

This morning I got my little Christmas tree put up and decorated leaving a place for the cats to lay down on the table next to the tree, They like to be on that table to look out the window.

[Jane Walker]

Sorry I have been absent for so long ... I have been pretty much a recluse lately.  I go to the doctor for my routine visits and usually wait until the cupboard is practically bare before I'll go to the store. Otherwise I stay in the house and read, watch TV, or 

Today is the fourth Tuesday of November, and the Senior movie is Arrival, but I didn't go.  Nor did I go last month when the movie was Deep Water Horizon.  I'm not interested in the fantasy of alien invasion/conflict, and I have seen enough tragedy and suffering in real life.  Last year my daughter Joy was visiting me.  I had just had surgery for breast cancer, and her cancer was temporarily in remission. She went with me to the movie that time and we enjoyed seeing Love, the Connors.  I treasure every memories we made together because that's all I have now. 

I'll be on my own for Thanksgiving.  I bought a pumpkin pie and some Stove Top stuffing, and I already had sweet potatoes that I will fix up and bake ... along with the Hungry Man turkey dinner.  Last year Joy and Bryan were with me at Thanksgiving and we went to a local restaurant for dinner and brought home a lot of leftovers that we snacked on for the rest of the week!  That evening we drove out to Shore Acres to see the amazing light display and enjoy the cookies and hot cider being served by the volunteers. 

P.S. My neighbor just told me their church is in charge of the community Thanksgiving dinner and she asked if I'd like to have a meal send to me.  Much better than a TV meal ... and I am very thankful.    

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  We have another repeat day of the last several, i.e., clear, cool and no rain.  We are to get into the mid-60's today.  I had a good doctor's visit yesterday.  My blood tests were good and my platlet count was even up 3 points.  I must have been the last appointment for the morning as the doctor stayed in the room with me and talked a lot.  While there they gave me the Prenair 13 pneumonia shot.  Apparently the pneumonia shot I had about 8 years ago covered 23 different kinds of pneumonia and this covers and additional 13. 

This morning I plan a quick trip to pick up checks at the Credit Union and stopping to get a birthday card for Christian, our Nigerian "Grandson's", 20th birthday.  He is in college in Southern Georgia.  He called us a couple of weeks ago and said he was really enjoying college.  He is just a freshman as he immigrated legally only a few years ago and was held back in High School a year because of the difference in the school system he had attended in Nigeria and that here in the US.  We met Christian at our church and befriended him and he asked if we could be his American grandparents, which delighted us. 

Pat placed are second Walmart grocery order online yesterday and I will pick it up after 3 pm this afternoon.  We expect Scott to join us for dinner this evening and then have Thanksgiving dinner and spend the day with us tomorrow.  Pat decided that rather than deal with a turkey this year we would have one of the Rotisserie chickens from COSTCO, which I got yesterday when I stopped to pick up my new glasses and a few other items there.  She has the rest of the menu for tomorrow planned and we will do whatever preparation we can today.

I am thankful for many things today and especially for my family and friends in person and my good friends here in the discussions. 

Marilyn, glad to hear that Keith's tests were good and do hope the new medication helps resolve his problem.  That is a nice coupon on your turkey for this year and it is nice of you to invite your friend over.

Jane, glad to see your posting as we have been missing you.  I am so glad they will be bringing you a Community Thanksgiving meal.  I sure wish you lived close enough that you could share our Thanksgiving meal and not have to be alone.  Take care and you know we all love you and here is a Thanksgiving hug for you.

[Jeanne Lee]

Jane, it's good to see a post from you.  You are always in my prayers.

Today is going to be clear but cold, maybe not  even reaching freezing.  But it's the best day for travel for folks gathering with friends and family.  And since tomorrow is expected to have some rain, mixed snow and rain, and possibly sleet, the roads will probably be crowded today.

I sit here in my nice warm and dry and quiet house and thank the Lord that I no longer have to worry about preparing and serving a feast for ten or more - some years including the appetites of three teenagers and two outdoor workers.  They sure could eat!   

[Marilyn]

I have gathered all the fixin's for Thanksgiving dinner, I bought the turkey yesterday and it is thawing, I baked the pumpkin pie this morning. We will be joined for dinner by my friend Ingrid from the Furry Friends and I am hoping Gilber and family will make it to Oregon. I have a visit at the the Hospital  with Freckles so dinner will be after I return.. Bad news this morning, my dear hospice patient that I wanted to visit today  died early this morning. She would have been my first hospice visit.

[Pat]

I hope that you all (friends in the USA) have a wonderful day tomorrow.  Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I went to the doctor today for a medical check-up and she saw that I'm in such pain so she's upped the prednisone once more to 5 per day from 3 per day and if the pain isn't gone by a few days, I'll have to increase them to 6 per day.   Not the news I was hoping but there has to be an end to this soon.