Thoughts for the Week~November 23

Janet · November 23, 2008, 04:33:33 PM

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Morning Devotional...

Scripture: Acts 20:32
"And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself." NLT

The story is told of a young girl who left work early so she could have some uninterrupted study time right before a final exam in religion class. She studied all night. When she arrived at class in the morning everybody was cramming as much last minute info as their minds could handle. The teacher walked in and said, "Let's do a quick review before the test."

They followed him through the review that was laid out on the study guide. As he covered item by item he finally jumped to issues the young girl had never heard covered in class. Several hands went up, "We never had that information before." The teacher picked up the text book and held it in his left hand and said, "Everything is in the book and you are clearly responsible for everything in the book." Who could argue with that!

Finally, it was time to take the test. The assistants passed out the test and the professor said, "Leave your test face down on the desk until everyone has one. I'll tell you when to turn your paper over and start." Two minutes later the class heard, "OK, you may start."

When the young girl turned her test over, every answer was filled in! A note at the bottom of the last page said: "Your Final Exam is now over. All your answers are correct. You are blessed with an 'A' on the final exam."

Every student read the same thing and looked up at the professor in utter astonishment!

When the professor was sure all eyes were on him he said, "You passed the test for one reason only, because the creator of the test took the test for you. All your study time, class time and hard work in preparation for this exam did not help you get the "A". You have just experienced --- GRACE."

Prayer: Father thank you for the grace you provide for me every day. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

Janet · November 23, 2008, 04:42:24 PM

Etta Sue, if you would like to post some Thanksgiving graphics, that would be wonderful!

Grace is something to be thankful for, absolutely! May I ask each of you to post a few things you are most thankful for this year? I will start. I am thankful for:

Salvation and new life in Jesus
Great health
Wonderful husband, kids, grandkids and great grandchild, other relatives
Friends
Church
Freedom
Prayer
And so much, much more! Thank you, God.

Al Moak · November 23, 2008, 06:51:08 PM

Carol - yes, it is indeed a series of treatments. It'll begin on Dec. 1, then continue on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 8th, and 9th. At that point we'll see how things are. Please pray that this recliner of mine doesn't give up - I'd be left with no way to sleep at all.

Nita · November 24, 2008, 01:17:22 AM

Janet, that's a great devotional.

I am grateful first, for salvation; for my family, (and our new babies ) grateful for God's provision, that I live in America, grateful for my health, grateful for so many things.

And first and last, beginning and end, I'm grateful for JESUS as my covering.

I know we'll be praying for Stacey, Larry and Pat....along with doctors doing the surgery tomorrow.

Al, is your recliner acting like it might give out? I sure hope not. That would be awful. I slept in my recliner last night, and thought of you having to sleep in yours every night. December 1 is near, so hope the treatment really helps you.

Maycie is staying with me again tonight. She always goes to bed between 8 and 8:30. She's so easy to care for. I'm not sure if she does the same for mom, but for gramma our schedule makes it easier for both of us. She gets up around 8, but I'm already up with the dogs to let them out of their crates and outside.

g'night all. Nita

JudyB · November 24, 2008, 09:04:52 AM

Praying Al.

Thankful for our Lord.
Family
Friends and CP

Marilyn · November 24, 2008, 09:29:02 AM

Janet thank you for the devotional.

Larry and Pat I am praying for Stacey and y-all this morning.

Things I am thankful for. First of all I am thankful for my Salvation.
The love of Jesus
my excellent health
Keith and my family
my pets
and so many other things

Keith will be here this afternoon.

Etta Sue · November 24, 2008, 02:17:18 PM

GMTA Janet...I was thinking the same thing. We need Thanksgiving decorations here this week.

I have been praying for Stacy, Larry and Pat today.

The Harvest Dinner was great and a lot of people came back for great food and conversation.

I have been spending my time today opening up my Power Point Slide Shows in Power Point and saving photos that I think would be great backgrounds for the Projector Ministry at church. Funny, there were no Christmas images with the software...hmmm!

Kitty, a few days ago, said that Embarq was working on emails and she couldn't receive or send emails for 48 hours. I am thinking it is my time. It shows I have 26 emails but I am not receiving them. I guess I will take a rest from emails.

Dark and gloomy day in Indiana but a tad warmer. Just feels so much colder with no sunshine.

tra-la-la tra-la-la tra-la-la tra-la-la tra-la-la tra-la-la

shutterbugmom · November 24, 2008, 03:56:51 PM

I, too, am praying for Stacey and your family, Larry.

I loved that devotional story. Thank the Lord for His grace and His Salvation so freely given! Most of you have covered the basics that we sometimes take for granted (and I am also thankful for), so I will add some more specific things I can think of in addition to those. I have much to be thankful for...

My mother had pleurisy and not a heart attack over the weekend.
My husband who is truly sticking by me during the "for worse", and "in sickness" part of marriage vows. He's awesome!
My teenage daughters are following God.
Every wheezy breathe I take.
My sight. (such as it is)
Each click of the shutter on my camera. Photographing God's awesome creation is a big part of how I worship the Creator.

Marilyn · November 24, 2008, 04:41:52 PM

Happy
Birthday
Janice

Al Moak · November 24, 2008, 07:52:18 PM

First of all, I'm thankful that my Lord even loves me when I'm not thankful!
Secondly, I'm thankful for the recliner I have - it's more than a little important!
Thirdly, I'm thankful for some wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ.
Fourthly, I'm thankful for adequate income to sustain and bless us.
Fifthly, I'm thankful my wife is in good health and helps me so much.
Thank You, Father!

Carol · November 24, 2008, 09:19:26 PM

Thankful for:
Everlasting Grace
My family and friends
Having all that I truly need
Freedom to speak my piece

Kathleen: Bless you! You are quite young to have all these health issues. You have a wonderful family!

Happy Birthday to Janice

Al: It sounds like your recliner fits you like an old shoe.

I was hoping to catch an update on Stacey so will check again some time tomorrow. We are going to the mountains after Thanksgiving and I am bringing my sewing machine along as they need draperies shortened at their cabin. We bought some nighttime cough syrup for me and hope that helps tonight. The turkey is thawing in a cooler which I set in the tub and continue to put cool water on it and my bread is now dried enough that I can begin some of the dressing prep-work tomorrow.

Larry Hanna · November 24, 2008, 10:11:02 PM

Hi everyone. First of all let me tell you that Stacey came through her surgery well. They took her from her room at 10 am but the surgery didn't start until about 1 pm. We got word about 5:30 that they were closing the chest and about 6 pm we spoke with the doctor. They did the two bypasses and the doctor said her heart looked pretty good and the blood was freely flowing through the bypasses. We were not able to see her in the cardiac ICU until after 8:30. She was able to squeeze our fingers but is on a respirator. She is having some bleeding but the nurse said that seems to be lessening and that she was doing fine. We are no more than 5 minutes away from the hospital and will leave my cellphone on all night but don't anticipate any calls.

Two dear friends from our church came and stayed with us all afternoon until we had talked with the doctor. It so helped the hours pass this afternoon and we very much appreciated this as we hadn't expected anyone to be with us.

I truly believe all of the prayers that have been offered have been of great benefit. I would put this at the head of my list of things to be thankful this Thanksgiving along with being so thankful that Stacey seems to have come through this surgery and hopefully will have a good recovery. I am also very thankful for this hospital where they don't forget the family members and have a staff person who works with the families keeping them informed of the progress of the surgery.

It is late so will sign off for tonight.

Jane Walker · November 24, 2008, 11:01:14 PM

Wonderful news, Larry ... I know you and Pat will have one very special day of Thanksgiving this year! Now ... get some rest!!

Nita · November 24, 2008, 11:16:54 PM

Yes, wonderful news! I just popped in to hear that very news.

As Jane said, you and Pat will have a very thankful Thanksgiving.

mybcjazz · November 25, 2008, 07:53:20 AM

Have you voted in our current "challenge"? It's called "Pick the Day!" and you can vote by following this link, if you haven't yet exercised your right!

http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=7629.0

In His Grip,
Kevin

melody · November 25, 2008, 09:56:14 AM

Good day to all.

Janet thank you for this devotional.
Larry did my heart good to come in and read your daughter has come through this surgery. God bless and refresh you and your wife

A good day here today and there is much painting going on in my home today

Etta Sue · November 25, 2008, 10:39:20 AM

Larry ~ Great news about Stacy.

I was without internet yesterday while Embarq did some maintenance. I worked with Sunday Plus and got some more images in it. Then when I went to bed, I couldn't turn off my head! So I got up and played some more on the computer and then noticed that I had internet again.....and 40+ emails.... And I am thankful I have that many email friends..

Today is another Euchre Club. Marie, the hostess today, called last evening and asked if my sister could play. So Ivalou, Kitty and I will be leaving around 12:30pm for a fun afternoon.

It is cold. The prediction was some snow last night but none showed up. We usually have snow by now but none yet enough to cover the ground.
It is bright and sunny so that makes one feel warmer.

A month from today will be Christmas Day!!!

"++""++""++""++""++""++""++""++""++""++""++""++""++"

Larry Hanna · November 25, 2008, 10:45:25 AM

We saw Stacey at 9 am this morning and she looked great. They are planning on moving her out of ICU sometime today. She is off the respirator and has stood up. She told me this morning that this surgery wasn't as bad as the last one.

We have a sunny day here today after a rainy day yesterday. It is still cool here.

Prayer is powerful and we are thankful to our Heavenly Father for his care and the serenity he has allowed us to have.

Carol · November 25, 2008, 02:46:21 PM

Larry: That is the news I wanted to read.

We took our normal hour walk and it is cooling down especially in the mornings. However, no snow and the afternoon temps are way above normal. Twenty degrees daily above normal.

I have sausage browned as well as onions and celery chopped and cooked - ready for the dressing that I fix on T-day. Just a little sausage in the dressing only for taste - everyone wants a take-home bag of leftovers so I oblige.

Janet: I have been listening to "the Shack". My cousin didn't like the book at all and we have a retired pastor friend who wants us to read this book - what do you get out of it? You can email me. Thanks.

Janet · November 25, 2008, 03:18:05 PM

Larry, my heart rejoices with you and Pat that Stacey came through her surgery so well. I will continue to pray that she has a supernaturally fast recovery. God bless!

Carol, I have never used sausage in my stuffing, but that does sound good! Maybe I will try it! I know your family will enjoy a real feast.

We will leave in the morning for Salina, and return on Saturday. It's about a five hour trip each way.

I heard on TV yesterday (a Christian program) that our kids are now being taught in school that Thanksgiving was started in order to give thanks to the Indians!! Not a mention of God!! Also, a lot of untruths about things we were said to have done to the Indians that never happened. Grrr.

Carol, I will email you about The Shack.

Glen Beck is on TV talking about how God changed his life. He has a book out called The Christmas Sweater. I want to read that one!

I am assembling six frames, and have only one corner vise, which means 24 times changing them out. I go change them about every 45 minutes. I need another vise! (Not another vice, though. ) These are for my prints that are sold.

Time to go put in another corner!

Al Moak · November 25, 2008, 06:10:38 PM

Thank You, merciful Father, for such a good outcome for Stacey. Oh continue, I pray, to bless Larry, Pat, and Stacey, and grant them joy in just knowing such a merciful God!

Marilyn · November 25, 2008, 07:10:17 PM

I am so glad to hear the good news about Stacy, I have been praying faithfully for you and your daughter Larry.

Keith is here and we have been so busy doing lot of little things that need doing, Tomorrow we will go recycle a bunch of stuff,.

I am cooking pizza for supper tonight so i better go get it in the oven.

Larry Hanna · November 26, 2008, 08:26:07 AM

Hi everyone. It is another beautiful day here in Atlanta. It is very cool but suppose to warm up today.

Yesterday about 3 pm Stacey was moved from ICU to the heart floor and we saw her about 5 pm and she seems to be doing well. She was having some pain but they were dealing with it. I just now spoke with her and they had disconnected the solutions she has been receiving and removed a wrap on her leg where they harvested the veins. She said she had gotten a little sleep last night but her foot was throbbing all night. We will be going up to spend sometime with her later this morning.

It sounds like the preparations are well underway for those Thanksgiving dinners. Janet, hope you all have a nice trip to Salina.

I don't have a clue what we will do for Thanksgiving other than eating out somewhere, perhaps at the hospital or may drive up to Cracker Barrel as know they have a good Thanksgiving dinner.

Carol · November 26, 2008, 09:40:36 AM

Janet: You had to count the times the vice has to be changed on the frames. That only makes it go slower.

All of my Christmas cards are ready to mail & Don has a few to finish. This year our address has changed so I want to get them on the way as soon as possible. Today, moving the table so it seats more and sprucing up the place then we drive neighbors to their church music service - it sounds like it will be great.

Larry: Every meal you eat tomorrow will be a real thankful day for you. Will keep praying that the pain will stop for Stacey.

Sunny and warm here and no snow at the house but we will be in the snow up the hills on Friday for the weekend.

shutterbugmom · November 26, 2008, 01:38:10 PM

My girls and I are enjoying being lazy this morning, since we don't have any school. We will soon start preparing our food for Thanksgiving so we can just enjoy the day tomorrow.

Larry-Praise the Lord for His goodness! I'm so glad to hear your daughter's surgery went well. Prayers for a speedy and full recovery. I will also pray that they can keep any pain under control for her.

Carol-thank you.

Have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING everyone!

Etta Sue · November 26, 2008, 02:48:20 PM

Euchre was fun yesterday. Kitty drove by herself since she had a commitment at 5pm. Ivalou and I went on to Noblesville and ate at Applebees. Then on to the grocery store. It was dark when we got home. Gets dark early now!

I watched TV and dozed off a few times the rest of the evening.

Today I have dusted, swept, moved the furniture around in the living room, done a load of laundry, fixed lunched and washed dishes. Now I need to make a pie and I am all done!

It is bright and sunny today and quite a bit warmer. I even had on a fan while cleaning!!

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

Marilyn · November 26, 2008, 04:26:24 PM

Hi everyone. we've been busy around here getting those little things done and now all that is left is for Keith to mow and for me to make my fruit salad I will do that tomorrow, I have already drained the pineapple and mandarins.

Larry glad to hear the good news about Stacey

Time to go walk the dogs.

Ruth · November 26, 2008, 08:10:32 PM

Larry so good to read about Stacy's recovery. I woke Sunday with it on my mind to pray for all of your family. God is so good

Ruth

Janice · November 27, 2008, 12:08:34 AM

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. We have so much to be thankful for, even with trials on every hand.

Larry, it is great to hear that Stacey is doing as well as she is. I pray that she will continue the progress, and that her foot heals completely too. Hope you and Pat can enjoy the day tomorrow, even though you can't be at home. We can give thanks wherever we are, no matter.

Thank you all for the birthday greetings Monday. It was a nice day. We went to IHOP for breakfast, to The Cotton Patch for lunch (courtesy of dtr and grdtr). Then a cranberry tart enjoyed with all of them in the evening, courtesy of other grdtr. Even little Sidney told me Happy Birthday, Grammie!

Gord Brown · November 27, 2008, 12:43:45 AM

:)Hi to all. Happy thanksgiving to all in the U.S.A. Our thanksgiving was a long time ago.

Larry: I am so glad to here that Stacey is doing good and hope with the LORD'S help she will get her strength back soon. He is so good and he looks after us so much.

Ruth : It is nice to see you posting.

Must go to sleep. God Bless you all. Gord and Noreen.

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Thoughts for the Week~November 23

Janet

Janet

Al Moak

Nita

JudyB

Marilyn

Etta Sue

shutterbugmom

Marilyn

Al Moak

Carol

Larry Hanna

Jane Walker

Nita

mybcjazz

melody

Etta Sue

Larry Hanna

Carol

Janet

Al Moak

Marilyn

Larry Hanna

Carol

shutterbugmom

Etta Sue

Marilyn

Ruth

Janice

Gord Brown