Thoughts of the Week December 5

[Don]

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Morning Devotional...

The Father's Gift

Verse

All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. John 6:37


In the ''sixth'' chapter of John our Lord makes some statements which gospel Christians seem afraid to talk about. The average one of us manages to live with them by the simple trick of ignoring them. They are such as these: 1. Only they come to Christ who have been given to Him by the Father (John 6:37). 2. No one can come of himself; he must first be drawn by the Father (John 6:44). 3. The ability to come to Christ is a gift of the Father (John 6:65). 4. Everyone given to the Son by the Father will come to Him (John 6:37)

It is not surprising that upon hearing these words many of our Lord's disciples went back and walked no more with Him. Such teaching cannot but be deeply disturbing to the natural mind. It takes from sinful men much of the power of self-determination upon which they had prided themselves so inordinately. It cuts the ground out from under their self-help and throws them back upon the sovereign good pleasure of God, and that is precisely where they do not want to be. They are willing to be saved by grace, but to preserve their self-esteem they must hold that the desire to be saved originated with them; this desire is their contribution to the whole thing, their offering of the fruit of the ground, and it keeps salvation in their hands where in truth it is not and can never be.

Admitting the difficulties this creates for us, and acknowledging that it runs contrary to the assumptions of popular Christianity, it is yet impossible to deny that there are certain persons who, though still unconverted, are nevertheless different from the crowd, marked out of God, stricken with an interior wound and susceptible to the call of Christ to a degree others are not.

Thought

As believers we are the Father's gift to Christ. When we come to Christ He will never drive us away!

Prayer

By Your Spirit, Lord, make me sensitive to those whom You are drawing to Yourself that I may be used of You in making clear the Jesus Way.

From Devotions By Dr. Tozer

[Don]

Sorry I was late with the devotional this week folks, no excuse except that i messed up.

I had a hard time getting this devotional posted for some reason so maybe someone needs to see this one. I hope it helps someone!

Have a great day everyone.

[Ruth Ann Bice]

You are exactly right, Don, I needed to read the devotional.

Isn't it wonderful that our Lord provides yet another new day for us to praise, worship, and serve our Lord.

My eyes flew open again about 4 am, so I prayed for someone who has been on my mind, then went about my household duties. I think it's about time that we should sing a hymn.

Judy, does one come to mind that you'd like to share? It's praising our Lord through music that is really meaningful to me - most likely because of all those 50 years of playing piano for churches. Some of the writers say what I'm thinking ever so much better than I could phrase it!

Love to each of you,
Ruth Ann

[Jeanne Lee]

Don, thank you for this devotional.  It certainly requires some inner inspection and prayer.

And the blame for the delay in posting is not yours, but mine [attachimg=1], for not notifying you in time. 

[Marilyn]

Jeanne what  a cute little  icon\. I have to take Happy to Coquille this morning for his monthly check up, I am so thankful that there is no charge for the monthly re checks or I would have stopped taking him 2 years ago. I only have to pay for testing or medication unless it is for the yearly [hysicals they both get before the booster shots every year. I have to pay $19. for the office call per dog. Not a bad price at all.

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  It is a cloudy but warm morning here in our area of Georgia.  There is a chance we may get some showers before the day is over and they would certainly be welcome.  I went to coffee at Burger King, perhaps for the last time there as we are hoping the McDonald's lobby will be open by Saturday and we can go back there.  We didn't go to Bible study this morning as I am still tired from yesterday.  I started wrapping some of the Christmas packages and just finished wrapping one of the vacuum cleaners and putting together a big bag of paper products to give as gifts to each of the kids.  These everyday items really add up so thought the kids would appreciate this practical gift.  Of course, we have some other gifts for them as well and will finish out with some money.  I just told Pat I think this has to be the last year to buy anything large that requires wrapping and won't go into a gift bag.  Just doing the vacuum has left we pretty tired so that is probably the wrapping for today.  This evening I plan to attend a special annual anniversary get together with a pot luck meal which is related to the organization I participate in each week but this is for the whole Atlanta area.  I haven't been able to attend before because it always conflicted with my choir responsibilities and couldn't miss the practice right before the Christmas Cantata.  It is over in Atlanta but I am riding with someone else so shouldn't be a stressful evening.  I wouldn't have gone had I been required to drive. This will be a sufficient plenty of activity for one day.

Ruth Ann, come out of that corner.    Just nice to see a post from you and others regardless of the content. 

Etta Sue, I expect the person just moving to your area will soon be able to see snow when one of those stroms come across your area. 

Marilyn, that surgery for your pastors wife sounds very serious.  Hope they can get all of the cancer. 

Gord, I hope Noreen will be a successful with her knee surgery as Pat's has been.  Pat is awaiting getting in to see the doctor on January 8th to get surgery scheduled for her other knee.  She is getting to the point that it is agony for her to walk.  I bet your house will seem very quite when your son and family move out. 

Don, thanks for the new devotional thought for the week.  It reminds me of the Presbyterian belief in predestination.   

[JudyB]

Ruth Ann I received an email from Bonnie A with that song. I love it, never heard it before I too was in tears watching it.

Other hymns or carols I get from the hymn list.

Still in the south, will be heading home on Friday

[Etta Sue]

Thank you, Don, for this weeks devotional.  Now to head to the back room to ready mine....

Well, I got all my Christmas cards in envelopes with names on the front and hopefully signed inside....  Also got a bling scarf made for the little two year old.     Her mom opted to have me use the sparkly silver eyelash yarn.  It is so cute!  Her very own scarf!  I thought it was going to be in her stocking for Christmas morning but her Mom said she could wear it with all her Christmas outfits!  Well, at two years old, she won't know the difference. 

And I have been invited to my step-g-granddaughter's third birthday party the 16th.  So I am making another little scarf that is in yellow-orange-red and dark red varigated that is so soft and fuzzy.  I know I didn't have enough of the sparkly, silver eyelash yarn so when I am done with the red, I think I will see what it looks like to thread the silver through the red.  Makena really loves bling!  So the silver will certainly add the bling!   

Today has been stressful for me.     Poor Inky.  I don't know what is wrong with her tummy.  First I found a spot or two in my bedroom where she had gotten sick.  I cleaned that up.  Then the dining room where she left me a present from the other end.  Then coming into the living room from the bathroom was some more sick.  I notice that it was also behind the couch so I had to move things to clean up four areas!  She acts fine.  She knows she has done wrong.  This has been going on her whole life for almost 9 years.  I used to 'throw' her outside for punishment but I don't anymore.  She doesn't do it on purpose.  Something is wrong but I also know both ends are working so it's the middle that has the problem. 

Ali has never done anything like that.  She's my perfect feline!   

It is another bright and sunny day in Indiana.  A little cool but it sure doesn't look it!  It's only 43 degrees. 

Nothing else planned today but eating, watching TV, crocheting and getting to the back room!

[Al Moak]

Thank you, Don,for that devotional.  I believe that, and I  truly believe that anyone who really knows the true and almighty God of gods and Lord of lords would believe it  also.  We worship an ALMIGHTY God.

[Liz]

More tales from my iPad

I could use my computer to write this as, after a Long unpleasant battle with HP, they finally sent a box and it was shipped to Ontario and repaired.  Costco forced them to a new level of responsibility!!

Lots of rain here on the island and the weather is kind if strange.  We drove to Nanaimo  late Sat. Afternoon to get Amanda's new car.  A Hyundai....red...so lovely, and the rain was so bad we could hardly see the road.  They 
have the most wonderful dealership there, it is owned by Jim Patterson,the wealthy Christian.  She is over the moon about the car.  Has worked very hard since school and proven herself to be very responsible.  I am really proud of my GG.

Got my new eyeglass lenses ..cost $770.oo and that was just the lenses.  But making a wonderful difference in my seeing.  Just hope the Glaucoma doesn't get worse.  Might have to get the lazer treatment in Feb.

Have my little tree up and a few decorations. Wendy is busy with decorating upstairs and it looks nice.  Not many people seem to remember what Christmas is really about. The world has changed so much. All one can do is pray and try to stay strong in our faith.  Surely that is what God wants.

God Bless

Liz

[Janet]

So good to read all your posts this evening.  Larry, I wouldn't enjoy wrapping a vacuum cleaner, either, I don't think!  I got started (barely) on my wrapping this afternoon, too.  At least got a table set up to work on, and brought the wrapping, some bags and some boxes down from upstairs.  I think I made four or five trips, and my body was protesting, as I'm still sore from the gym.  But I shall carry on....

Etta Sue, what is a bling scarf?  I think I would love one of those! 

Our big television quit today.  It has been getting darker and darker, and shutting itself off occasionally, for several months, and today it shut off and won't come back on.  So it is very quiet here, I am listening to the ticking of the regulator clock on the wall by my desk!  Really exciting!!  I'm thinking the Damons will be going shopping for a new TV within days!  We do have one in the bedroom, but no recliners to sit in, in there!

I guess I will go find something to eat before it gets any later.

Ruth Ann, do call me again!  I was driving from Boise City when you called, and I didn't hear everything clearly, but I DO want to talk to you!

[Carol]

Thank you Don for your devotions. 

We didn't have bible study today.  We sang three songs and had a brunch and I had some chocolate dessert before 10 AM - a very good day.  I then had a very poor time in the sewing room and  had to take out stitches that just didn't look right but I did get a few things checked of the "To Do" list.  That is my daily list to keep me on the straight and narrow.  Out for pizza with #3 child tonight.  I didn't go for a walk today because yesterday was really frightening with a loose dog that seemed determined to try to bite me - and not one car came by and I forgot to take the cell phone.  Snow is promising to come soon. 

[JudyB]

I have beet Larry to the draw I think today . Now that is an unusual thing to happen for me!

Will be heading to London to pick Heather up about 1:00 this afternoon, sooner if I get the sewing done.  Ive had a great visit with Pat and a friend in Kitchener.  It has been a great time away

Going to the Mall to take a picture for the current challenge.  Take a look at the details and see if you can come up with an entry!

Off for now I have sewing to do!

[JudyB]

Joy to the World
(Click to hear music)

I bring you good tidings of great joy.
Luke 2:10


Words: Isaac Watts, The Psalms of David, 1719.

Music: "Antioch," arranged by Lowell Mason, 1836



Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.


Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.


No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.


He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

[Etta Sue]

Bling?  Bling is sparkles.  Bling is shiny.  Bling is what most little girls....and big girls like.  Just a plain crochet scarf out of plain yarn would not do for these two little girls.  So I made them bling scarves.  The silver one kind of looks like silver garland on a tree.  The other one was made is plain-ish yarn but I added the silver strands to make it bling also!  I didn't have diamonds so silver had to do!

Today I am going to my Nurse Andrea to see what my blood work showed last week.  I am sure she won't be happy since I pigged out the whole three months!  We will see what my iron, cholesterol and blood sugar counts are....

Then since my niece changed my mind what to bring to the pitch-in Christmas dinner, I need to go to the grocery and pick up 5 items for it...it is only 6 items for the recipe.  I was going to make a Cinnamon Roll Cake and had everything for it!  But that's what one niece requested so why not?

Oh, it got cold last night.  Down to 28 degrees!!!  Brrrrrr!  There is still frost on the ground....almost looks like a light snow!

o0^0o_o0^0o_o0^0o_o0^0o_o0^0o_o0^0o_o0^0o_o0^0o_o0

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  Another overcast but warm day here in Atlanta.  It never did rain yesterday and think there isn't much of a chance for today.  I did attend the anniversary celebration last night.  We left at 5 pm and didn't get home until right a 10 pm.  The church where we met was in downtown Atlanta and the lady who was driving knew the roads but missed the one she should have turned on downtown so we ended up in heavy traffic right in the middle of town.  However, we eventually got to the church hall and it packed with people.  We ended up getting a place to sit against the wall and ate by holding our plates.  I was just happy to find a place to sit down.  It was a very nice evening.  I even won a couple of books in a raffle but gave them away as already have the book.  Needless to say I didn't want to get up this morning but am glad I didn't have anyplace to go today.  I will try to get a couple more Christmas things wrapped or in gift bags.  Pat has been looking forward to meeting a friend at the Senior Center today and later they will go out to lunch.  She will be totally exhausted by the time she gets home but needs to get out and be with other people.  She left early to be sure she could get a handicapped parking place close to the front door of the Center.

Etta Sue, sure your cat didn't create the messes on purpose.  We have little control over when we become ill.  The little scarfs sound very pretty.   The cinnamon bread sounds delicious.   

Liz, Amanda will love the Hyundai as they are fine cars.  Our last two cars have been Hyundai's.  What model does she have?  Wow, those were expensive eye glasses.  Glad to here they have helped.  Is Wendy feeling any better than she was for so long? 

Janet, at least the vacuum's are in big boxes but it is the mass of the package and dealing with that much paper that is the problem as had to cut off one edge.  It sounds like you and Darrel will be giving yourselves a new TV for Christmas.  I was in the home of friends last night for a few minutes before we left for Atlanta and they recently got a 70 inch TV and it looked great in their built in wall of cabinets. 

Carol, no wonder you had a good day yesterday with having chocolate dessert before 10 am.  What a way to start the day along with Bible study. 

Judy, hope you found the picture settings you wanted at the mall. 

[Larry Hanna]

You all may have seen this before but it really is worth another read at this Christmas time:

http://llerrah.com/truemeaningofchristmas.htm

[Chrisle]

Hello folks! Chilly here today. Went out for a quick walk in search of a potential picture. No luck today. Brown grass, leafless trees, not a bird or even a squirrel so not a thing interesting today.
Larry, I enjoyed the read that you posted.
Don, I appreciate the devotions. It is so nice to be able to come to CP and the first thing you see is a devotion to meditate on. We are wonderfully blessed.
God bless you all in you day

[Janet]

Carol--any day that has chocolate before noon must be a good day!  Sorry about the annoying/scary dog!

We have been going to the gym early, so we get that out of the way and can plan the rest of our day.  I thought Darrel would want to go somewhere to look for a TV today, but nope! 

Larry, I got a Nook eReader, found a refurbished one online for $99.  It was so easy to set up, get on our WiFi, and download some books.  Now I think Darrel wants it, so maybe I will have to figure out the Pandigital one for me to use.  So far, I haven't been able to connect to WiFi with it, will have to try again.  I can already see how using one of these can get to be the preferred way to read!

Etta Sue, that's what I thought you meant, just didn't want to miss anything!    The scarves sound lovely, bet the little girls will love them!

Curtis just called and wants me to meet him for lunch, and I always enjoy being with him, so will be going very soon.  Love those grandkids!

Larry, I enjoyed what you posted, too.

I'll be back later!

[Carol]

Janet:  We went out for cheap pizza last night to meet #3 son.  We just love meeting any of the grands or any of the children - it is always great.  Great that you now have a Nook eReader.  You will enjoy it - Don uses his all of the time.  Now, are you downloading the free books from the library?  It is so easy and they do have books you will like. 

Chrisle:  It is finally chilly here after months of warm weather and always looks brown until springtime so I know what you are talking about with this time of the year.  Nice to see you posting. 

Etta Sue:  Recipe for the Cinnamomn Cake? 

Back to the sewing as laundry is finished and we went out for lunch at the place that gives a coupon worth the birthday boys age - fantastic salmon lunch for under $4.00.  My my, he is getting old.

[Marilyn]

Etta Sue I agree with Carol Recipe for Cinnamon Cake??

It sure has been cold today 41°, I am all bundled up in layers. We are going to Portland tomorrow, leaving around noon and returning on Sunday, I work Monday and Tuesday.  I saw a great photo of Papa John and Cornelia on Faebook today.

[JudyB]

Cinnamon Roll cake  Here

[Ruth Ann Bice]

Good morning, friends,

Well, I see that my last night's post didn't make it in the door.

So, let's see - I'm taking my son to the doctor today - he's pretty sick with either flu or an upper respiratory infection.

And, a niece I had requested prayer for as she underwent her C section, delivered a handsome young "man" weighing almost 10 lbs. What a blessing for her - she's prayed, tried, and trusted that she'd finally be able to be a mommy, and our Lord granted that heartbroken wish. Thank you for helping pray for her.

May our Lord grant mercy and love and grace throughout the day as we have need.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  A bit cooler here this morning but not really cold.  We had a nice group at the Senior Center this morning for our men's coffee. Nothing on the schedule for today so it should be a restful day.  I may try to wrap another Christmas present or two.  I did get a couple wrapped yesterday.  Pat enjoyed her outing with her friend yesterday but came home very tired and immediately laid down to rest for a couple of hours. 

Janet, glad you found the ebook Nook easy to set up and use.  You should be able to set up the Pandigital tablet for wi-fi through the setting if you know the information from your wi-fi setup in your home.  My DIL has the Pandigital tablet I used for a couple of years and uses it all the time.  I would suggest going to Google and doing a search on setting up the Pandigital Tablet (whatever model or name you have) and you likely would find a video that would walk you through the process.  I did this in setting up Pat's Kindle Fire with the library so she could download audiobooks.  I had checked with the library and they didn't think there was a way but the video showed me how and I was successful.

Ruth Ann, how wonderful that your niece now has a baby of her own.  That was a pretty hefty little fellow. 

Marilyn, have a wonderful trip to Portland. 

Carol and Christie I enjoyed your postings.

[Larry Hanna]

I just listened to this wonderful song and video on YouTube and it is worth listening to at this Christmas season.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ln01p1M2cH0

[Jeanne Lee]

Wonderful to hear from so many this morning!   

December 7 - remembering a "day of infamy". 

[JudyB]

Awake since 7:30  Too late to bed.   HOWEVER, it has been a wonderful week, visiting with Pat and 2 other friends I haven't seen in a year.  I officially love hi-speed don't know how I will get back to dial slow up!

I have been into U-Tube and for those of you who have me as a friend on FB check out the music videos I posted.  Not everyones taste but I do like them.

We have a few stops to make before we head home and then a 5 hour drive....Not looking forward to that either but it is always good to get home!

[Etta Sue]

Larry, when someone tells me 'Happy Holidays!' I refrain by saying, 'Merry Christmas to you!'.  Then most of them will say, 'Merry Christmas to you, too!'  Some of them flutter around and say nothing. 

And thank you Judy B for showing Carol and Marilyn the way to the recipe for Cinnamon Roll Cake.  What I like best about this cake it takes 'normal' ingredients that are in your house without having to go purchase a 'special' ingredient!  Paula Dean would love it...lots of butter!  And it is sooo good!  Try it, you will love it, too!

Larry, I posted your 'True Meaning of Christmas' on Facebook...almost word for word!  We need to spread the word so this young generation knows!

Well, my Nurse is sending me to a Kidney specialist.  I don't know who or when yet.  Seems my kidney functionings (GFR 43) are getting worse.  I take a BP pill to protect my kidneys from the statin drugs I take for cholesterol!!  My BP was 122 over 70.  Vicious circle!  And I have to watch my sugar intact (glucose 130, A1c 6.4) or will have to go to insulin.  She did take me off of Metformin and called in another drug to my mail-in pharmacy.  So today is day number one of low sugar!  And I also have to take two iron tablets a day instead of one (iron binding 477).  Iron was still below the norm.  I turn 70 and fall apart!  But my cholesterol (195 but HDL is 68) is great as well as triglycerides! (134)  And my heart ratio is fantastic!  (2.9)  These numbers probably mean nothing to you unless you have some of the same problems or are a doctor!!  Just saying that I am abnormal in some ways and normal in others!!

Tonight is Christmas Dinner with Tony and Charlene and maybe her son, Kevin, that is living with them until his wife comes from Florida and they get an apartment or house to rent.  Tony asked me where I wanted to go.  Well, it's almost a given, when you go with Tony and Charlene, it will be Mexican.  So we will probably go to 'On the Border'. 

And soon after getting up this morning, I put together my Corn Salad for the Stevenson Christmas dinner tomorrow at 12:30 at Kaye Don and Barb's oldest daughter's home.  That is only a mile and a half away.  Hope Ivalou feels good enough to go!

It's a rainy, gloomy day today!  I know when I come home from Tony and Charlene's, I am not coming home the way I did the night I hit that big, black dog with Hawaii!

~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@

[Janet]

Well, I do hope I won't need to attend another funeral for a while.  I went to one last evening for a young man (age 44) and another this morning for a man of 59 years, son of a good friend of mine...another one is tomorrow, for a lady who was a member of our Red Hats group, very nice person, but I'm not sure she knew the Lord, so that is worrying.  Since my painting group is tomorrow, I won't be attending that one.

We are still having unbelievable lovely weather!  I love it!  If it isn't going to be WET, I will vote for this anytime!

Larry, I enjoyed that song, and fully agree.  Like Etta Sue, if someone says "happy holidays" to me, I answer Merry Christmas!

I need a gift for tomorrow, guess I'd better see about finding one!

Glad about the new baby, hope he grows up to be a mighty man of God!

There is a program tonight at the Methodist church here, called The Master's Storyteller.  I plan to go, it sounds like it will be good.

Beth said to tell you all hello for her---John arrives next Thursday!!

No new TV yet, Darrel worked on it and it started working again, but a few hours later, Pfft!  out again!  He is debating when to go look for another, and is doing lots of reading in the meantime.  They have another Nook on sale for $99, supposed to do all sorts of things, wish I knew better how to operate it; don't know whether to buy another one, try to figure out the Pandigital, or what.  I think Darrel is going to enjoy the Nook.

Later, kiddos!

[Ruth Ann Bice]

I'm back, but really only to say goodnight.



Love to all,
Ruth Ann