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Morning Devotional...

Psalm 25

Each of God's people needs to begin his or her day with an attitude of devotion to Him and to His Word, with a prayer for uprightness and for an attitude that please Him.  Every one of His people needs to pray for righteousness of life for each and every moment of the day.  This psalm is the needed prayer.

Of course the only way any of us can "stay on track" each day is by living according to God's rules - by "Your Ways, O Lord."  For that to happen, we need to be taught those ways.  In our fallen condition we're just not born knowing them.  We're really dependent upon Him for grace to live.  So we sing, "For You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day."  We're thus reminded that there's no other resource.  We're  just saying that we're going to need His "tender mercies and . . . lovingkindness" every moment of the day. 

And we don't want Him to deal with us according to our past sins, either. Our prayer is, "According to Your mercy remember me, for Your goodness' sake, O Lord."

In fact, in view of His constant grace and mercy in our lives up to this point, we should pray, "For Your Name's sake, O Lord, pardon my iniquity, for it is great."  We need to be reminded again that it is He alone Who causes His people to dwell in prosperity.  In fact, "the secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant! So you and I need to say with the Psalmist, "My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He shall pluck my feet out of the net!"  Sin is a trap.  Oh how we each need to be delivered!

And not only our own inward weakness and waywardness is in view. There are dangers outside as well.  So we pray,"Consider my enemies, for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.  Keep my soul, and deliver me; let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You.  Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait on You."

Then, having prayed about our own needs, we should also pray for all His other people as well - for all our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Let's pray, "Redeem Israel (the members of our churches), O God, out of all their troubles!"

With what attitude do you come before the Lord each morning?  Do you realize that you will be "ashamed" at the end of the day unless you depend on Him in prayer right from the beginning?  Do you express your need of Him, your need of His forgiveness, grace, and strength for that day?  Are you aware of the strong enemy that lurks about you all the day, seeking to "devour" you in self-seeking and sin?  Are you so acquainted with yourself that you know you'll fail, possibly even many times each day, and that you'll need to be delivered each and every time by the only One Who can deliver you?  And do you pray, not only for yourself, but also for all of God's people, many of whom you know and can mention by name?  Oh how good it is to begin each day with our eyes on our Lord!
Al Moak

Here's a hymn that reflects these thoughts.  Just click to hear the music.

Hi everyone.  We had some storms come through Georgia last night and were suppose to get a lot of rain.  Fortunately our area wasn't impacted by the storms and I don't think we had too much rain.

I have an appointment this afternoon with my regular cardiologist.  It was time to see him anyway but with the hospitalization last week it has become a followup to that event as well.  I am still trying to adjust to resuming the nitroglyercin medicine I am taking as am having headaches towards the end of the day.  I think that will soon go away but will discuss it with him this afternoon.

Gord, we are going to Florida on Friday and will go directly to St. Petersburg as the cousin's reunion starts Friday evening and continues throughout the weekend and winds up on Monday morning.  We may stay until Tuesday morning and then stop to visit our friends in Inverness for a day and then be headed home.  I will send you my cellphone number by e-mail or call you as could get away for an hour or so if you are in the area.  I would enjoy meeting as I sure enjoyed are telephone conversations the other day.

Al, thanks for that fine devotional for this week.

Ruth Ann, it is always a bit scary to start a new job but it often a challenge that is desired.  I always considered it an opportunity to prove myself again as I took on greater challenges.  Sorry you came back home with a cold.

Marilyn, it sounds like your pastor got a lot from his training.  Are you eliminating your Sunday School entirely?

Samantha, it sounds like the Cricut was a very profitable item for you all. 

Guess I had better get busy on some projects as will be gone all afternoon.

I haven't personally discussed with the Pastor about Sunday School but it sure sounds like that is what is happening. He has told me in the past that  most of the churches now days have eliminated Sunday school as most of us know it. He is also increasing my positions as greeter and I have been aware for some time  the plans for that.

Good morning to everyone, I have to go to work shortly.

Good Morning Everyone!

What a wonderful devotional to start out the week, Al. Thank you so very much!  I'm going to read it again. 


Hi Marilyn!


Larry, I hope you have a wonderful few days in Florida.  Maybe I'll get down there someday!  Paul was telling me the other night that he'd love to return and visit Epcot.  I've never  been to Florida.  The furthest south I've been was to the Atlanta area at the SN Bash.

Well, folks, here's a little picture that needs a caption!

How about looking at it and just adding your caption in a post and then we'll vote on them and choose the best one.

CLICK HERE

We have had freezing rain so be careful when walking or you just might end of on your bottom.   Yes the sun is also out so nice for sure.   

Hello Pat, Marilyn & Larry.

Yesterday I went with Sue to a Pamperd Chef party and yes I did spend a few dollars.     

I have had several little jobs to get done  and then it will be time to think about dinner.

Best be on my way.   God Bless   Ruth   

 

I need something from PC, Ruth.  I want a microwave saucepan.  I had one and it got burned and I had to throw it out.  Can you add anything to your order?

Where is everyone? I Know that Etta sue is traveling.

It has been overcast here most of today, The sun almost came out for a short time this morning. I was sure busy at my clients house today. Now I may not have a lot to do the rest of the week. LOL  I am sure we will find something to do.

I did get out to walk the dogs today both got a pretty brisk walk.

I heard from Michael yesterday he is in Lagos Nigeria working on the pipeline there, he will be home some time in early March. Then he will be coming here for a few weeks visit. Did I already tell y-all this? I am looking forward to the visit. 

Yes mother-hen (Pat)I am being very careful. Did I tell you that Sarah's Mom has been a private detective and knows how to run background checks on the Internet?

Hey, everybody!  I've been away all day in a painting class, will be each day through Friday.  I'm doing a portrait of our Abby as a dancing snowflake in the Nutcracker, and hope it turns out as pretty as she looked that evening. 

Samantha, thanks for the information.  Boy, how I wish I could find a bargain like you got---on the other hand, I don't need a load of them.  I was looking online to see how much the memory card things are, and most are priced at $69.00, which really shocked me!!  Also, I'm disappointed the mats don't last better, we almost ruined the one that came with the machine, using it just one afternoon.  Live and learn........

Larry, sure hope you got a good report from your cardiologist!  And have a great trip to Florida.

A FEW WEEKS, Marilyn?  That's quite a long visit for the first meeting!  I hope everything goes as smoothly as you hope it will.  At least you should be able to get to know each other pretty well in that long a time.

Hi, Ruth!  How are you doing?  Good to see you today.

I left a caption, Pat.  Is your head starting to spin with plans, etc?     I sure would like to see you.

I'm really wiped out this evening.  I'm hoping to get a good night's rest and be ready to paint tomorrow.

Just a quick note from work, to say Hi and to let you all know that my computer has crashed.  I will pop in as I am able, but not sure how often that will be,

Have a great day
JudyB

Hi Judy gald to see you pop in.

Hi everyone.  A beautiful day in Georgia, a bit cool this morning, but should warm up before long.  Pat has gone to her quilting guild meeting for the month and I have a meeting to attend in a few minutes. 

I did see my cardiologist yesterday and he wants to do an echo cardiogram and also see me in 6 weeks.  He took me off the Renexa, which was the last medicine he gave me for angina, because of some minor kidney failure that is showing up in the blood tests.  He also cut in half the dosage of the nitroglyercine pill that was just added so I can build up a tolerance for it and not have the daily headaches I have been having due to it.  He wanted to do another cath but I am not ready to do that again as want to see if I can't continue to be ok on the medicine.  My appointment was at 2 pm yesterday and it was 3:30 before I saw the doctor and 4 pm before we finished.  Fortunately the traffic wasn't too bad, perhaps due to the Federal holiday.

Marilyn, I am glad to see that you are being careful.  In this day and age with the internet a person shouldn't object to being checked out in a situation as you have described it.  I know you are looking forward to his visit.  I have serious doubt in my mind about the wisdom of dropping Sunday Schools from our churches unless it can be replaced with other studies.

Judy, glad you were able to check in.  We miss your postings.

Janet, I am sure you will enjoy your week of painting.  I look forward to seeing a photo of your finished work.

Ruth and Pat, I don't think my wife has ever attended a Pampered Chef event but know my daughter-in-law did and got a couple of very nice things.

Pat, I hope you and Paul have the opportunity to get to EPCOT as it is wonderful.  We have been there several times but it has now been a few years so know they have probably added more to it.  We used to have a timeshare that backed up to the Disney property and so we had many opportunities to visit although the expense limited how often we went.

It is time for me to head out for the morning. 

Hello everyone!

Sorry I'm not in here too much and when I am I cannot read a lot.  It just hurts my eyes too much.  I just posted a blog entry about it if you want an update on my eyes.  I appreciate those of you who have lifted my up in prayer in the past and sure could use your continued prayer support.  http://shekinahphotography.smugmug.com/gallery/4296231_hGKWx/1/256464178_jaDgP/Large

I've always felt that Sunday School is so important to the life of a church.  The place where people can study God's word and get to know each other in a way that you can't in a worship service.  It also helps to connect you as a body and also with visitors.  Our church has changed the name from Sunday School to Life Connections, but it's still carried out the same basic way as it was my whole life.  I think it's a sad thing to do away with it unless...as Larry said, "it can be replaced with other studies."

Thinking of and praying for you all,
Kathleen

Awwww....  Kathleen, I just read your blog.

I'm continuing to remember you in prayer since we first heard of your problem.  Thanks so much for updating us.

God bless you richly!

Aww  Kathleen, I know I cannot understand your situation, I can only imagine what it would be like.  And I can pray.  We serve a great and mighty God ... and I am encouraged to read of your faith in Him.  God bless you richly as you walk this pathway.

Kathleen I read your  blog and I am praying for you also.

had a busy day at work today. baked a bunch of little banana bread loaves and a fruit cocktail cake, did a couple of loads of laundry  beside the other stuff that I do every day. I go early enough to prepare breakfast for both of them. However when my hours get cut back in March I  made the agreement with Fran that on Wednesdays I would come at 9:30 so I could go to Tai Chi for an hour before work. I really miss my Tai Chi.

Larry I sure hope you are feeling well enough for your trip to Florida.

Yes Janet a FEW weeks, he wants to get to know me, meet my family and my church family, my Pastor and my friends. He wants me to get to know him well too. Don't worry he will be staying in at the Holiday Inn not at my house, I may fix it up so he can stay with some friends of mine. We'll see.

Pat I sure like this new format.

Larry, glad your cardio visit is over, now you can start getting ready for your Florida trip.  Have a great time!

Marilyn, that sounds like a plan.  By the time a few weeks pass, and you spend time together and with family and friends, you should each know more about how your personalities mesh--or not.

I had a good day today painting.  Abby looks beautiful!  And not just because she's my grand daughter and I love her; she really does look lovely.  I also have a small 9 x 12 of some Peruvian farmer girls about 2/3 done.  Must find some more subjects! 

One of my painting friends who lives in Dodge City is spending the night with us.  She didn't want to drive home.  I used to stay with her sometimes during seminars in Fowler, when she was single.  I haven't stayed there since she remarried, though.

I only got maybe an hour and a half of sleep last night, so I am headed to bed with high hopes of doing better tonight!

Some great captions are being suggested for our new Caption challenge...

Click here to suggest one!

Dear Kathleen, I left you a couple of notes in your blog. I will pray for you my dear friend. My heart really goes out to you. God bless.

I am tired today,  Gyp barked off and on all night.  No idea what the problem was, he had everything he needed......

Read the posts, won't comment on them at this point.  I will use Heather's puter this afternoon if I can and write more.

Got to go and get some work done.  I have a list the boss left me so I am off,

Have a great day everyone.
JudyB

I listen to rejoice.org radio most of the day while I'm working around the house doing my chores and while I'm sitting having a coffee and chatting with you.

I just heard a lovely song and thought I'd search for the lyrics so that I could share in here with all of you.

Hi, friends,

This flu bug has laid me low this week. Today I felt up to coming to the computer for a few moments, and of course, CP was first favorite to be clicked.

Kathleen, you may wish to consult with Dr. Ming Wang here in Nashville. He is doing amazing things to help persons with very difficult situations with their eyes, including a young man from Romania (I believe) who had a bad degenerative situation - that young man left Nashville with his sight!

I'll be praying with you. As a person who was doing desktop publishing when I had my 4 eye surgeries a few years ago, I can empathize with the worries about losing your sight.

Y'all have a good day.

Kathleen:  I have not read your blog yet but will be praying for your needs.

Hello to the rest that has posted.

Pat: You will be able to add to the PC order.  The PC stoneware is a good product.

Monday evening upon arriving home from dinner at the Mandarin I slipped on a snow covered patch of ice and boy the sores are coming to the surface now.  As I have an ongoing lower back problem this fall was not good, after work this afternoon I will be seeing my chiro. for an adjustment.    Yest it is now time for me to head for work.  See ya all later.      

God Bless Ruth

Kathleen, I, too, went to your blog and read of your trial.  A photographer going blind...this seems the hardest thing that could ever happen, yet your trust in the Lord and His plan is beautiful.  We know the Father of your eyes has many times taken something like this in a totally different direction.  I will be praying for you with the others.

I kept Maycie (two weeks old) last night while mama was gone.  It was the first time she's slept 5 hours through.  BUT...gramma stayed awake all that time.  I simply could not go to sleep.  I guess because I'm not used to babysitting for one this small. I love the cuddling, rocking, feeding, changing, looking deep into each others eyes, but I don't do the no sleep for very long.  I would imagine I'll be napping today.

We are having lovely weather today.  If the grass would get dry, I would almost have the desire to mow.  Almost being the deciding factor. 

JudyB, sometimes my dogs are restless too.  The little one barks or growls low (he knows I don't like the barking) and they are in and out of bed all night.  I never know what's happening but figure it's a dog thing that I'm not understanding.   Maybe Gyp just didn't feel good.  I'm giving him an excuse. lol

Ruth, I hope you have a speedy recovery for your back.

Marilyn, you have your CP family watching closely over you here. haha  It sounds like you are being cautious and careful and that's all everyone here wants to know.  Then we can just be happy with you.   I haven't been commenting, but have been reading from the beginning.   

I need to go mop a floor or something industrious like that.  Everyone is gone, so it's just me and my dogs now for awhile.  I should be able to get some cleaning done before they come back.

Nita

Nita  know tha tIO have several "families praying for me as well as  being protective of me. There I my own family of course Teh CP, SN and Church families as well. I do covet all the prayers too.

Any more captions?

CLICK HERE to put in what you think is a good caption for the photo!

Lots of fun folks!  Go and see the 12 that are there and you can add as many as you like.

Howdy!  I had a good day again today painting.  I got two more small paintings done, one of ggbaby Alexis, and one of some farmer girls in Peru.  Two days left, wonder how much more I can get done?

I'm tired and have some things to do and want to get to bed at a decent hour.  My friend is spending the night with us again, right now she is visiting Beth at the care home.

See you tomorrow!

Good Morning.  Better rest last night.  We will be leaving the dogs out longer today, let them get really tired.

Did you get to see the lunar eclipse?  My girls watched it and were facinated.  Couldn't stop talking about it today.

I have a half day today and that is good, I will be able to get caught up with laundry.

Must go and get to work.  Have a good day and may God richly bless you.

Hi everyone.  We are hitting the road in just a few moments.  The car is all packed and we have decided to go just half way today and then finish with 5 hours tomorrow.  That way we won't be exhausted when we get there as there is always a get together on Friday night to start the festivities.  We have the GPS installed on the windshield and have good tires and the car is functioning well so should have an uneventful trip.  We don't have to rush.  I will probably be able to check in most days as where we are staying this year has highspeed Internet.  I am taking my MagicJack and a little travel phone that my friend loaned me so can make calls anywhere with it through VOIP. 

Pat, did Paul check out the MagicJack?  I used it the other day to speak with Gord and we had a very clear connection.  Yesterday I bought another wired phone to use on my desk and Pat also has a wired phone as our wireless system seems to be the cause of the static and breakup we have been having with calls.  We will keep the wireless hooked up for convenience but can always go to a wired phone for a long call or if the breakup becomes too much.

Time to leave.

Good afternoon everyone!
I thank you all so much for your prayers.  Colin, thanks for the comments you left me.  It always makes me smile to see that you've been to my site for a visit.  I have my moments of tears and fears, but I am trying to lean on the Lord as much as I can.  It's always easier to say than to do.  The love and prayers of friends, like you here on CP, and family make it a little easier.

One thing specifically you might mention in your prayers for me is to find better medical coverage that we can still afford.  When I was diagnosed, the doctor made it sound like any possible sight problems were years into the future if ever, so we have stayed with our hospital coverage (for major accidents, illnesses only)  Also, when we do find it, this is pre-existing so that means no coverage for 12 months.  I was going to pray for my sight to go quickly so I could get on with a possible corneal transplant to regain perfect vision, but now I will have to wait, even if it happens quickly.  I figured the sooner I lose it the sooner I could get it back.  Seemed like a strange thing to pray, "Lord please hurry up and let me lose my sight."  haha  That's what's weird about this disease, too, is that it's often referred to as Fickle Fuchs' because sometimes it is very slow (months to years) in its progression and sometimes it's only weeks or days that people lose their sight.  Yesterday it seemed a bit better and today is a little worse again. 

I saw and photographed the eclipse last night.  I was so happy that God saw fit to remove the cloud cover in time for us to see it where we live.  I will process a couple of them and link to them as soon as I can so you all can see them, if you like.  It was pretty awesome.  God is pretty awesome!!!!

Have a great day everyone! Larry-prayers for you for travel mercies. 
Blessings, Kathleen