Thoughts of the Week September 16

[JudyB]

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Morning Devotional...



Proverbs 2:6-12a New King James Version (NKJV)


For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;  He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;  He guards the paths of justice, And preserves the way of His saints.  Then you will understand righteousness and justice, Equity and every good path.  When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul,  Discretion will preserve you; Understanding will keep you, To deliver you from the way of evil..............



Sarah squealed and giggled as she hid under the dining room table.  She was playing "Hide and Seek" with her cousins, and she couldn't wait to be found. She was so excited that she gave away her hiding spot. It wasn't hard at all to find that eager face!

God doesn't hide from us ----- He wants to be found.  He wants his people to have knowledge and understanding.  He encourages us to search for treasure, which is He, and then He provides a means of finding the treasure.  His Word is the source of wisdom, and God willingly reveals himself through it.

When a child reveals her hiding place, she jumps up and dashes for home base.  When God makes Himself known, He enables those who find Him to walk blamelessly \, be protected by discretion, walk on every good path, and be guarded by understanding. They find that wisdom and knowledge are pleasant to their souls. God provides victory for the upright.

We can know Him today. He's waiting to be found.

Dear Father, thank you for allowing us to find You. We are deeply grateful that You want to be found so much that You have revealed Yourself to us. We revel in Your presence. In the name of Christ our Saviour we pray.

Taken from 365 devotions

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[JudyB]

I'm sorry for posting the new week late, yesterday was a crazy day for John and I!

[Jeanne Lee]

Don't worry, Judy.  It was well worth waiting for.  Thank you.   

[Janet]

Rats!  I posted in the wrong thread.  Guess I will go there and delete.  [/Another sad day for America, with the shootings at the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C.  One shooter is dead, along with (maybe) six of his victims.  We are constantly under attack, and only God can keep us safe!

My dear Friend Maxine is in bad condition, was moved to the care home on Friday, and was unresponsive yesterday when I tried to visit her.  I pray our (her) loving Father takes her home quickly, so she doesn't have to suffer any more.

And we have had ANOTHER water problem, resulting in the other half of the bathroom ceiling coming down.  Darrel says this one is his fault, as he turned the water on in the upstairs toilet and didn't wait to see if there was a leak, which there was.  And we left for a few hours to go to Curtis' party.  So more repairs, more damage, more headaches.  I have been praying with tears all morning.  I know God loves us and this is not His doing.  I do know who our enemy is!      The good news ids that Lon's crew are here working on it.

Sorry for being a downer this morning.  I am/will be all right.  I am a winner!  I will not be downcast nor will I be discouraged!!  So help me God.

It seems to have rained quite a bit last night here, and is still very overcast. 
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[Pat]

Please see this Obituary of Mary Frances here:  http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=12789.0

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  It will soon be 5 pm and I am just getting around to read and post on message boards for today.  It has been a busy day.  After coffee this morning I had physical at Kaiser.  I stopped at Staples on the way to buy printer ink for both of our printers and about fainted at the checkout stand how expensive it was.  However, these were high capacity cartridges so should last for a long time.  I then went on to Kaiser and it took two hours before I was finished, including taking 5 more tubes of blood.  Since my Monday men's luncheon was in the area where I was I decided to stay in the area so stopped at a new $1 store and then went on to Steak and Shake for lunch with six other new.  It was about 2:30 before I got home and laid down to rest for a couple of hours as have to go to a meeting tonight.

Judy, thanks for the devotional thought for this week.

Janet, as I write this afternoon the count is up to 13 dead at the Naval Yard, including the gunman.  So sorry about the new water damage.  It must seem endless.

[Janet]

Yes, Larry, it does seem endless.  But when I see the devastation the floods around Boulder, Colorado are causing, I see how very small my troubles are.  Sure keeps it in perspective!  Please continue to take care of yourself!

We have to be in Meade at 6:30 AM to check in for Darrel's surgery.  Prayers for him appreciated.  Meade is about 80 miles from here.  So it is early to bed for us tonight!

[Ruth]

Such a terrible happening at the Navel Yard in Washington. It seems that there are shootings
all the time. Yes it is a sign of the times.

[Janet]

Yes, Ruth, I agree.  And we can expect ever more of the violence.  So sad.

[Gord Brown]

   Well the night hawk is here and I will be the early one today.   Thanks Judy for the devotion and the good video which I just love that great song. 

Janet;  I know what it is like to be out early as yesterday had to have my daughter and husband and the kids at Buffalo airport for a flight to Orlando as they were going to Disney so it was a very early day yesterday so you will be tired when your day is over prayer for your hubby.

Larry it is so much money for the ink for the printers but up in Canada you can get ink at the U.P.S. stores and it is a lot cheaper than any other place.

Well must go to sleep God bless to all and a Wonderful week.  Gordon and Noreen.

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  Another sunny and nice day in Georgia.  It has now been several days since we have had any rain.  I wrote late yesterday so not much to comment on this morning.  I will take Pat to the church by 10 am as the ladies are working on the Butterbean baby dolls today.  I will go to a meeting at 11 and then pick Pat up and we will go out to lunch as she won't feel like fixing supper today.  The rest of the day we will take it easy as there is no place else we need to go.  Just got off the phone with Carbonite cancelling my account.  No refund but they won't charge my credit card automatically next year when the renewal would have occurred.  I will do local backups in the future. 

Janet, know today is Darrel's surgery and will certainly be praying for him and a quick recovery and also for a safe journey for you to and from Meade. 

Ruth, I heard on the radio this morning that the shooter at the Navel Yard has a history of mental illness.  Why anyone would just get into a crowd and start shooting people is beyond my comprehension. 

Gord,  it sounds like you had a very busy and tiring day.  Hope you got some restorative sleep last night.

[Larry Hanna]

It looks like the posting problem has been fixed as my message appeared as posted without the error message.

[JudyB]

It is again a chilly day.  Walked further with Zeke, I have a rubber bone attached to the leash to stop him from grabbing the leash and holding/chewing on it.  We have had to buy a new leash, the other one was starting to fray.  He has to hold something in his mouth, the leash, a stick, bone, or anything else she can pick up!  At least this way I know it is something that won't make him sick.

IT is still chilly here but is supposed to go up to 62 today.  There was a heavy frost on the ground this morning, all the tips of the trees are turning.  Soon camera time  Now I will have to either put on a heavy sweater, or start the fire again!

Have a great day everyone.

[JudyB]

Hymn History...


Only the Lord and the man in question really know what burdens of sorrow and affliction were heaped upon the writer of this great hymn. One thing we do know, however, is that this beautiful and blessed hymn would never have been penned if the author had not known such trouble.

The man was Joseph Scriven and he was born near Banbridge, in the heart of the rolling hills of County Down, Northern Ireland.

After graduating from Dublin's famous 'Trinity College' he seemed set for a brilliant career and a happy life for he was also engaged to be married.

But then tragedy struck! His fiancée was accidentally drowned on the very eve of their wedding and Joseph Scriven was plunged into his first great experience of sorrow. In the providence of God it was this tragedy which brought him to a personal knowledge of Jesus Christ.

In 1845 Scriven sailed for Canada to start life anew and, hopefully, to leave all his sorrows behind. But it was not to be, for ill-health dogged him and he was forced to return to Ireland after only two months.

Two years later he again set sail for Canada to take up a teaching post. In this he was successful and later graduated to the position of private tutor to the children of a military captain.

Life, at last, seemed worth living and prospects were continually improving!

Again he met and fell in love; this time with a charming young woman of twenty-three. Soon they were engaged to be married.

However, bitter disappointment was once more to be his unhappy lot, for this young lady was suddenly stricken with a serious illness and died before their marriage vows could be solemnise&

Cheated, for the second time, out of the prospects of a happy marriage by the cruel hand of death Scriven, quite naturally, became the victim of severe depression and declining health. But despite all this he never gave up his personal faith in the Saviour.

By this time he had settled in Port Hope, Ontario, and was manager of a small dairy there. He became known as the local 'Good Samaritan', helping the poor and under-privileged, sharing his food with the needy and often giving them clothing.

However, all these good deeds may well have been forgotten if Joseph Scriven had not written twenty-four lines of poetry to comfort his mother who was suffering from a serious illness.

Through his trials and afflictions Scriven had come to know the Lord in a very personal way, not only as Saviour but also as a friend.

Thus, from the heart he could write:

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear,
What a privilege to carry,
Everything to God in prayer.

As I say, Scriven wrote these words to comfort his ageing mother at a time of illness. He had not seen her since he had said 'goodbye' over ten years before and wasn't able to make the long journey back home to be with her.

So he wrote What A Friend We Have In Jesus, and sent it with the prayer that it would remind her of 'the never failing friend,' Jesus Christ. I'm sure it did.

Joseph Scriven never intended his poem to be published but a friend who visited him during his last illness discovered the lines and asked 'Who wrote these beautiful words?' Scriven's modest reply was 'the Lord and I did it between us.'

Soon it was published in The Port Hope Guide, a local newspaper. Remarkably, a copy of that newspaper was used to wrap a parcel destined for an address in New York City. when the recipient unwrapped his parcel he caught sight of Scriven's poem and arranged to have it published.

Eventually, it was seen by German-American composer, Charles Converse and very soon his simple, plaintive melody gave wings of song to Joseph Scriven's telling words.

Thus an Irish-Canadian and a German-American were used of God to bring blessing and encouragement to millions.

[JudyB]

WHAT A FRIEND
(Click to hear music)
Tune: The Rose

Traditional Tune: Charles C. Converse, 1832-1918



What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.



Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.



Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He?ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.



Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.

[Pat]

Praying for Darrel this morning.   

[Carol]

Turning lemons into lemonade.  We are all going to our own idea of a family reunion a bit more crowded but less expensive than renting a house in Estes Park.  Full refund is promised - no one can get into Estes except owners or workers as National Guard is stopping any traffic plus you have to drive way around & up into the mountains to drive in as super road damage.  So many people have lost everything.  I am donating blankets all washed and dried & several pairs of sheets hopefully people will be getting mattresses soon from donations.  How does one start completely over with household ? 

Janet:  Uff da.  What a mess you have been burdened with water damage.  Now to pray for Darrel this day.  Peace be with you Janet  I know you will be alright.

Pat:  I will try again to read the obit on Maxine - thanks for sending along the information.  When do you return south? 

Larry:  Printer ink can be so expensive.  We haven't used them but COSTCO will refill some inks. 

Oh, I meant to mention that our family is gathering in Grand Lake at two cabins.  Our cabin is sold and the closing is in October.  One of the grands won't be with us as he is in Canada. We are cleaning everything out of the cabin as well as cooking (I am cooking) and donating things or loading boxes & furniture.  At over 8000 ft. altitude, Don and I just do simple things and rest a lot. 

[Pat]

Not sure at the moment, Carol.  I have some dr. appointments and have to make a couple of visits to the dentist as well. 

[Jeanne Lee]

It's sure to be warmer in Virginia, Pat.

I wanted to turn on the furnace for the first time this morning, when the house got down to 62.  But it didn't come on.  Pilot light burning fine, normal "click/boom" when I pushed the button, but then nothing.  The repairman is supposed to be here between 2:00 and 4:00 this afternoon.  Just to tell me what's wrong will cost $99 and anything needed to be done is additional.     I don't know where the money for this extra expense will come from, but I'm trusting the Lord will provide.  And I do need heat!

[Pat]

Sorry your furnace isn't working, Jeanne.  Hope you get it fixed quickly!

[Carol]

Jeanne:  Click/boom doesn't sound good to me.  Good that you do have it looked into before it really gets cold. 

We hauled stuff for donations and it has been silly for me to keep all these blankets because we are surely not a family of six anymore with neighbor children staying over as well.  I kept thinking of using the wool blankets for batting of quilts and that just isn't going to happen.  Time to give it up. 

JudyB:  thanks for "What a Friend" - the bio sounds very familiar.

[Janet]

I am home for the night.  Darrel wanted me to come home for the Home Products Dinner.  His surgery was successful--thanks so much for the prayers for him, and me--It took two hours.  Doctor said he removed tissue equal to two prostates!    He was in so much pain for a while, and they had to keep giving him more pain meds, but finally got it calmed down.  I reminded him to ask for more if it rose, not let it get ahead of him.  Very nice hospital, and he is getting excellent care, someone was coming in his room at least every 10 minutes!  So he won't likely get any sleep tonight, but once he is home tomorrow he can sleep all he wants.

I have time for a short nap before the big dinner.

See you all later! 

[Ruth]

Hello friends: 

Janet: It is good that all went well for Darrel.

Carol: I thought you had just moved to the cabin that you are now leaving, about the wool blankets, I have one here and also another that I had bought at an auction, my plan is to make 2 wool pullovers for my son and hubby to use when out ice fishing.

Jeanne Lee: We have a furnace repairman that we call this way a middleman is not involved. Much cheaper.

We had an appointment this afternoon and some running around, it infact was a lovely day to do our business.   

[JudyB]

Good Wednesday Morning.

Janet Have been praying for Darrel, I will continue to do so...... I pray that the pain is relieved.

We have a beautiful sunny day here today, I decided against a walk and was taking Zeke to his pen with a BIG jug of water, he jumped, the cold water spilled all over me....I didn't know it was so cold out there!  Their walk will happen later in the day!

I have a lot I want to get done today including laundry.  I will be back later.

[JudyB]

He Looked Beyond My Fault
Lyrics by Dottie Rambo
(to the tune of "Londonderry Aire")

Galatians 5:1
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."


Amazing Grace, shall always be my song of praise.
For it was grace that brought me liberty,
I do not know, just why He came to love me so.
He looked beyond my fault and saw my need.

I shall forever lift mine eyes to Calvary,
To view the cross, where Jesus died for me
How marvelous, His grace that caught my falling soul
He Looked beyond my fault and saw my need.

[Jeanne Lee]

Janet, no wonder Darrel was having so much trouble!  Things should improve for him now, praise God.

Carol, "click/boom" is the normal sound when my propane furnace turns on.  It's been doing it for 21 years and the repairman agreed it was right.  It's working fine now, he was here a total of 15 minutes, and it "only" cost $125.   

[JudyB]

Oh Jeanne that is an outrageous price.  Did he say what was wrong? 

[Ruth Ann Bice]

Hi, friends,

I'm sorry I've been away so long. I had out of town company, which required all of my time.

Now, to get ready to leave. This is the day to spend the afternoon with an elderly friend who is really getting feeble. I'm the only person she trusts to take her to the doctor. Then, will take her out for a meal afterwards. It's such a treat to her, since she only gets out occasionally.

Y'all have a good rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

[Jeanne Lee]

I guess I'll have to admit that the problem with the furnace was me.  I replaced the batteries in the thermostat and when I put the cover back on I apparently didn't push the bottom hard enough and it wasn't making a complete contact.  The information was showing properly so I thought it was all OK.  When I pushed the button it made contact while I held it in, but when I let go the contact was lost.  So after he made sure all the contacts were in good condition he pushed the cover harder and the furnace just took off.  Lesson learned.  If I have to open the thermostat again I use a sledge hammer if necessary to close it completely!   

[Pat]

Always happy to see you posting Ruth Ann.