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1 Samuel 2 : 1- 10 NKJV

And Hannah prayed and said:
"My heart rejoices in the LORD; My horn is exalted in the LORD. I smile at my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation.
"No one is holy like the LORD,For there is none besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God.
"Talk no more so very proudly; Let no arrogance come from your mouth, For the LORD is the God of knowledge; And by Him actions are weighed.
"The bows of the mighty men are broken, And those who stumbled are girded with strength.
Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, And the hungry have ceased to hunger. Even the barren has borne seven, And she who has many children has become feeble.
"The LORD kills and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and brings up.
The LORD makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up.
He raises the poor from the dust And lifts the beggar from the ash heap, To set them among princes And make them inherit the throne of glory.
"For the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, And He has set the world upon them.
He will guard the feet of His saints, But the wicked shall be silent in darkness. "For by strength no man shall prevail.
The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken in pieces; From heaven He will thunder against them. The LORD will judge the ends of the earth.
"He will give strength to His king, And exalt the horn of His anointed."

My times are in thy hand.  (Psalm 31:15)

One of the most beautiful, Spirit inspired psalms of joy in God's sovreignty was sung by a woman, Hannah.  How she rejoiced when her prayer for a son was answered! I know how she must have felt.  I had one daughter, and then I prayed for thirteen years for another child.  Then God gave me Lori.

Again and again since that thrilling day when Lori was born, I have realized that God's timing was just right.  On many other occasions I have been aware that my times are in His omnipotent hand.  So I have learned to trust His timing instead of my own, to rest in His soverignty.

God is in charge.  We Christians do not have to worry and fret, as the lost do, about what is going to happen on earth.  The heathen may rage, but God shall laugh at them (Psalm 2:1-4).  Someday His Son shall rule the world.  

Inflation and unemployment may run rampant, but God will supply all our needs.  Wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes and hurricanes, famines and pestilences may come, but our times are in God's hands.  Nothing can separate us from His love, (Romans 8:38,39).  Nothing can touch us unless it comes  through His hand of love, in which we Christians rest. (John 10:28).

So rejoiice in God's soverignty, sister/brother in Christ.  Praise and thank him that He is overall and in all.  With the great multitude of revelation 19:6 say, "Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth."

Taken from Joy Every Morning by Muriel Larson

I remember singing this chorus in Sunday School, it has bubbled through my Spirit many times since.

I have always love the story of Hannah, Great devotional this morning.

We didn't eat up all the candy and had several   kids come to the door for treats. The dogs did real good about not barking after the first batch  of kids came and left.

There was no way we could hide from the kids as we were watching the U of Oregon and U of Southern Cal football game on the big screen TV int he family room. Keith is an alumnus of  U of O. They beat USC 42-20, Good game very exciting.

Al how is Marbeth doing.?

Larry so sorry to hear more bad news about Stacey. God is in control though and I will keep on praying for her.

Good words to start the new week, Judy.  When Hannah was praying in the temple so earnestly and heartbroken from wanting a child, the priest thought she was drunk!  And then she gave Samuel to the Lord, and what a mighty man of God he was.  It is good to revisit the stories of Bible people often, I think.  So many lessons we can learn from them.

We don't have any kids on Hallowe'en as we live in the country.  But we saw a few when we went to the Pizza Hut last night, and those we saw were accompanied by parents, a good thing, I think.  The waitress at the Hut had her face painted white, and had on a costume.  We coundn't figure out who or what she was so Darrel asked, and she said she was Dracula's wife.  I said I didn't think I would want to marry him, and she said, "But he has money!"  and showed us that she had cuff links that were big gold dollar signs!   The girl who waited on us at Applebee's in Garden was a strawberry daquiri--we had to ask about that one, too.  She had a little hat thing on her head that was supposed to be the little paper umbrella in the daquiri glass.

Since I believe Hallowe'en to be the devil's holiday, we don't "do" it either.

I have spent a couple more hours fighting with this Cricut firmware--still no success, and I am very frustrated.    It just shouldn't be so hard.  

Darrel is snoozing away with the game on TV.  Kerri used to tease him about watching football on the insides of his eyelids.

I hope everyone's week is off to a great start.

Hi everyone from Branson.  We decided yesterday to drive on down here and left this morning abour 8:15.  We are spending the afternoon in the motel resting and around 5 pm will go next door to the Andy William's Moon River Restaurant for dinner and then attend his Christmas show at 7 pm.  This is the first night of the show and we were able to get tickets.  Andy William's has always been one of my very favorite singers and I never expected to see him in person.

Tomorrow we have tickets to see a Variety Show and then tomorrow evening we will see the 12 Irish Tenors.  We will head for home on Tuesday morning and expect to be home Wednesday afternoon.

I am happy to report that everything came off on time yesterday and we made the 5:15 dinner appointment at Pat's aunt had planned for us.  We had a very nice time and a delicious steak dinner.  There were many trick and treaters at her house but they weren't there until after we finished dinner.  Before we went Pat's sister's little great grandchildren came in costume and were very cute.  This afternoon I got some photo's of my great grandchildren in their costumes.   

Judy, thanks for the devotional for this week.

Marilyn, you must have missed my previous posts. Marbeth is home and doing decently well, PTL.

Al I saw the previous posts, But you never know how quickly things can change, I only wanted an update for the last 24 hours.

I'm home, too, and the Lord Himself blessed my visit in Atlanta. Praise His Holy Name!

Larry, I've been thinking of and have prayed for your daughter. I had a friend who developed the same foot syndrome. Her doctor (who is also my own foot doctor -- I referred her to him) had saved her feet twice through surgery and use of the new-at-that-time wound vac. However, through stubbornness and noncompliance, she has ended up a double amputee over the knees.

I truly hope your daughter will be able to make the correct decision for her through God's help.

Much love to everyone. Thank you for your loving service to our Lord.

Ruth Ann

Happy Monday, all you wonderful people!  Today is the day.  For months now, I have been saying I was going to get back to my exercise program, and THIS is the day!!  Yep, I am really gonna do it.  I have excellent health, and feel so much better when I exercise, and I know it is very good for me, so I am going back to the gym at the rec this morning.  Kristi there is a very good trainer, and watches over everybody to avoid injuries, etc.  I am excited.

Ruth Ann, what a blessing for you to have that time with the kids/grands in Atlanta.  God bless you.

Larry, we had planned to go to Branson this Fall with our senior group, but that trip was cancelled.  I was looking forward to it.  I used to love Andy Williams' show on TV, and know you will enjoy his and the other shows, too.  Glad you are getting to do those things.  Our next big adventure will be in April, a trip to Guatemala and Costa Rica.  I sure hope Denver isn't snowed in with a closed airport when the time comes!

We are having friends over for supper on Thursday, then will leave Friday morning for Amarillo to help celebrate Darrel's mother's 97th birthday.

Church was great and it was real nice to eat out with the ladies at a Steak house.  After that I went to Staples, WalMart and Walgreens.  I was looking for another air brace for Ivalou which the PT said I could get at any drug store.  Well, three of them didn't have one.  Now I have located them online but I think we will wait until a PT comes to the house to see if it is the right one to order.

I went home and fell asleep while catching up online. 

Then it was time to come back here to Ivalou's house.  She was tired last evening but we still stayed up until 11pm and watched a Hallmark movie. 

So far today, no calls from a therapist!  Not sure what we are to do if no one calls!

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Hi everyone.  Awaiting time to eat lunch and then attending a variety Christmas show at 3 pm.  We will see the 12 Irish Tenors at 8 pm.

It is a beautiful day here in Branson.  This is not the place to be if you have a bad heart or a bad knee.  Pat and I had a hard time getting up the steep incline from where we had to park last night but we made it and it was a great show by 82 year old Andy Williams.

Hope everyone has a good day.  We will be driving back home tomorrow and Wednesday.  I will try to check in tomorrow night from the motel.

Jeanne thankyou for your help.

I am again at Doug's, and unfortunately won't be back here again in the near future as the H1N1 is in the house.  Megan is just over 3 months pregnant, and has the flu.  This is a high risk pregnancy as it is without this added on.  Please be praying for her.  We have the flu in the schools and some are on the verge of shutdown.  Heather is sick as well.  So far our house has stayed well.

I have to get and meet John.  So everyone have a good evening and may God be with you all through out this week.

I saw my doctor today, and he gave me another pneumonia shot (it's been 10 years since the last one). And, he specified that with various health problems, it's a necessity that I get the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. I'll call the health department tomorrow, since they're saying they'll only vaccinate children and pregnant mothers.

Oh, yes, and although only the doctor's nurse and I can tell it, fully dressed shoes and all, my weight was down 9 lbs. Not much, but I'm certainly thankful for it.

Y'all have a great day with our Lord.

Ruth Ann

Judy, so sorry to hear the flu has msde inroads there.  Pray you all stay well, and that you get your computer back soon.  We miss you.

Ruth Ann, I think 9 ppunds is great!!  Kristi weighed me yesterday, and since I had stopped going to exercise regularly months and months ago, I have gained eight pounds.  I guess that isn't too bad, but I want it off, and 20 or so more along with it!  So rejoice over that missing 9 pounds!  Your comment about the pneumonia shot makes me wonder how many years it has been now since I had one.....hmmmm.

Praise God for another day to live and breathe and do His will.

I went to church council meeting last evening.  Neighbor Marge came to be with Ivalou.  Today I would like to go to SAM's lunch.  Senior Adult Ministery lunch.  We don't have anyone to sit with Ivalou but she says she will be fine.  We will see how things go before I decide to go. 

I am getting a little overwhelmed.  I was thinking in the beginning I would have Friday and Saturday nights at home.  But it seems I will only have Saturday and times when I have appointments or things I have to do or want to do.  No ME time.  Time to just sit and relax.  It could all be worse.  I could be having to take Ivalou to therapy instead of home therapy.  We still haven't heard from PT and OT.  Maybe today.

Barb and Kaye Don are leaving Friday or Saturday for Florida.  Neither of them have stayed with Ivalou.

I can understand about the difficulties of communication, scheduling, etc. that go along with someone recovering from a devastating condition.

Give Ivalou love from us, and please know that all of us are praying both with and FOR you, Etta Sue.

I'm expecting to hear from some friends, so need to be ready for them when they call.

Y'all have a great rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

I am just in for a few minutes as I need to place a Sear's Catalogue order, hubby needs some special order items.

Liz: I am older than dirt as well, but thanks for sending it along as I will be sending a copy to a couple of older than dirt folks as well, thanks for sharing memories.

Larry: Glad to hear that you are enjoying your vacation.

Janet: Auction's not to many years ago brought in a fair dollar but in this area the numbers have hit bottom, I feel that in some instances it would be best to give it away or throw in the garbage.

Etta Sue:  Keep strong.

Winter is on its way - Have a great evening      
Ruth

Well, thanks - I am older than dirt!  But - our daughter and neighbors do still have home milk delivery in glass bottles - organic milk and it truly has kept our grands from growing up too quickly - more normal than their peers.  Black gum.  Don't they still have it?  If you had metal ice trays, do not try to bring them out of the freezer when your hands are wet.  Yikes.

I worked for the airlines and Don was military - we would have lost jobs or been demoted for being late.  No excuse. 

We are back from working on the cabin.  I can put in closet shelves pretty good now & was gopher for Don for two days.  Barely any snow at the cabin but the mountain tops are coated heavily and ski resort of Winter Park was gearing up for skiing as we passed. 

Janet:  I feel the same as you on knowing just enough to be dangerous on too many things but computers especially.

Larry:  Are there any other opinions from doctors for Stacey?  My prayers for her and this tremendous decision. 

Janet:  Are you watching the voting results in several states?  Very interesting. 

Etta Sue:  I know what you are saying - my prayers for you too as I know that the others just assume you will be there for your sister.  Been there - hugs to you.   

I'm watching, Carol.........

We are not long in from Liberal.  It's been a long day and my eyes are burning, so I am heading for bed now.

Daughter-in-law, Linda, was here this morning for 3 hours to give me some time off.  But I went to the bank, the grocery, Dollar General, brought things back here, then to my house, then took a shower and washed my hair, fed the cats, then worked on the desktop to see how to print postcards.  Also got my gift for my Secret Sister ready to take to the revealing Sunday afternoon.  Also got Ivalou's gift ready.  By then it was 12:15 and time to come back here.  Rush. Rush. Rush. 

Linda asked me what time I wanted her to be here Saturday morning.  I said as early as possible.  She looked surprised and asked if I would rather someone be here Friday night.  So I said that no one had ever discussed the times but since I know that none of the three kids can stay here during the week, that I am willing to stay Sunday night around 6pm through Friday night around 6pm.  And if I have something I need to do during that time, it is up to me to find someone to stay with Ivalou.  So if the three kids and their spouses all have something to do during their time, then it should be up to them to find someone...not rely on me to stay because they want to do something.  I am willing to do more than my part but I also don't want to be taken advantage of or not have any ME time.  Linda agreed.  And it seems that all three kids have something they want to do Friday night.  We will see what happens.  I won't leave Ivalou alone but I also know that if some guidelines aren't set, then I may be here all the time!

Don't get me wrong.  I can leave Ivalou for an hour or two but that is when I rush home to do things at home or go to Lapel for things.  It isn't relaxing.  And living alone for 18 years, I do have relaxing times that I am used to having.  I never was one to have to be doing something all the time.  I am not constantly doing things here for Ivalou but being at someone else's home isn't like being at home.

I sure hope you all don't think I am awful but I sure don't want to get to NOT wanting to do for Ivalou.  And again, it will be harder once home therapy is over.  But then, she should be able to help herself more then, too.  It's hard when your routine is interrupted and when you don't know what your future is going to be. 

Thanks for letting me vent.  I know, you didn't let me...I just went ahead and vented anyway!

Father, I pray You'll move in the hearts of all concerned to pitch in and do their parts in taking care of Ivalou.  And Father, give wisdom to Etta Sue to know how to deal with this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Etta Sue, it is important to set up a schedule for others to take some turns.  They must understand that you need some time for yourself.  It's OK for you to be the main caretaker, but they need to take responsibility, too.

Hi everyone.  We got home about 1 pm this afternoon and it sure looked good.  I think this was the longest vacation we have ever taken.  We had a good time but Branson about did us in with the hills.  Between Pat's knee and my heart we both had problems but still had a good time.  On Monday we were able to park close to the entrances and didn't have to walk up a steep grade.  Almost all of the people we saw there were older and know that many others must struggle with the inclines. 

We had a lovely drive from Memphis to Birmingham.  However, I-40 was something else and I don't think I have ever seen as many trucks on the road going in both directions. 

I have choir practice this evening.  We have only 5 or 6 practices left before we perform the Christmas Cantata on December 6th.

Etta Sue, I think you did the right things to let Ivalou's children know how you feel and that you need your own time. 

Carol, Stacey has seen various doctors and they basically agree.

Ruth Ann, congratulations on your weight loss.  I think 9 lbs is a very good start.

WELCOME HOME, LARRY!!!

We are so glad you are safely home.  There's no place like home!  ;)Yes, Branson surely is hilly, and that's too bad, because so many older folks love going there for all the shows.

Etta Sue, it really is necessary to talk it out and set up definite times for Ivalou's care.  You don't want to wear out or burn out, and like you said, after having your own space for so long, you need your time alone, or to do what you want to do.  Just because you live next door doesn't mean you should be on call 24/7.  And vent all you want to!  We will listen and love you. {{{{{hugs}}}}}

Carol, was your grin as big as mine when you watched the news this morning?    If the results had been different in NY, it would have been an outright laugh! 

I took my friend Pat to Red Hats today.  She is only able to be up part of each day.  She will have back surgery on the 12th, and I am really praying that does the trick for her.

Where is our Pat now?  I miss her.

Liz, how is the weather up your way?  Has the construction around you stopped yet?

My prophecy programs are going to be on before long.  I love Wednesday nights!

Larry:  Welcome home.

Etta Sue:   Many of us here know the feeling of stress, do your best to let others know that you do need me time, which is much easier said than done especially when you are a giving person.

Today both Mel & myself had doctors appointments all with good reports, I still have follow up ex rays but I am not concerned at all.  God is good all the time.

How many have heard of unravelling knitting - well for me with Mel's help it was  unravelling an afghan that was almost finished - I was joining new colors every few rows and did not like  the join, I have changed how it is done and am very pleased no ends to tuck in when I have it completed.

Mel  also had some problems with winterizing his boat a phone call to our son and up he came to do the small job. He then had dinner with us something we really enjoyed then on his way home, he was going to take some dessert to his great aunt/ my aunt on his way home.

See ya'll tomorrow       Ruth

Hi, y'all,

Larry, next time thru Nashville, give me a holler and see if I'm available to meet y'all somewhere. I live less than a mile from I-40, so it's easy to get on the interstate and meet friends if scheduling allows.

I had my first phys therapy appt today and of course, with the therapist's assessment, it took a while and while she was gentle, at times I winced with pain. She suggested that the winces and grimaces let her know the stress levels my shoulder would tolerate.

I laughed and told someone on the phone this morning, that I was going to physical therapy to "learn how to fly" again. 

One of the exercises is to move a broom handle back and forth by holding that handle near the broom and then at the end with my left hand, thus using my right one to help the left one get better in the arc again. (hope this makes sense)

Now, it's time to literally "chill out" and let the swelling go down with that ice therapy.

G'nite, friends.

Hi everyone.  I have spent the morning catching up on paperwork, including looking at the change in fees and coverage of our health insurance for next year.  Our policy goes up $28 a month in premiums and from $25 to $30 for non-generic prescriptions.  Also specialist doctor visits go up from $20 to $25 per visit. I am thankful to have good health insurance.

It is another beautiful day here in Georgia.  Our next door neighbor is getting a new roof put on his house and they should finish up this afternoon.  I need to have my roof checked out to see if I didn't have hail damage as he did.

Nothing on the schedule for today but resting up from the trip.

Ruth Ann, we didn't come back through Nashville on I-40.  Rather when we got to Memphis we took off on Hwy 78, which was a delightful drive with little traffic.  I think this may be our preferred way to Kansas City in the future as Memphis is about halfway and we wouldn't have to deal with St. Louis.

Ruth, unraveling knitting doesn't sound like much fun.  I see my wife occasionally remove stitching and know that isn't her favorite thing to do.

Janet, I liked the news from the election also.  I just hope the politicians are getting the message that many Americans don't like the way things are going.  Sorry to hear that your friend, Pat, is having a bad time with her back. 

I am in a much better frame of mind today after talking to Linda.  It is an ease to not have to think about who will be staying with Ivalou from Friday around 6pm to Sunday about 6pm.  Just hope that many of them don't come all the same weekend but that's not my problem.  Lauren, the 22 yo granddaughter, wants to come see Grandma.  She started chemo 10 days ago and is feeling much better now.  So maybe Teresa and her can come Saturday and spend the night with Grandma. 

Kitty and I want to swim Saturday afternoon.  Then I have been asked to run the overhead again Sunday morning.  Then in the afternoon is the Secret Sister Revealing party.  Ivalou has opted not to be a Secret Sister next year and I am thinking I may not either.  I am thinking I need to slice my extras a little.  I am thinking I will busy during my 48 hours.

Kaye Don finally got Ivalou's handicap placard after three trips to the BMV!  They are leaving for Florida Saturday morning, I think.  They haven't said for sure.  Just know they haven't spend over a half hour with Ivalou since her coming home!!  So they might as well be in Florida where I know they can't help.

It is bright and sunny today.  Trash day and it was pleasant taking the trash to Kaye Don's drive.  Almost missed it last week so this week I took it early.

Etta Sue, that's good news that you have things settled for your weekends to be free.   

Our latest mini-challenge, #38, is open.  The topic is "I SEE GOD", suggested by Laughing Peppers the winner of the last challenge, and you can read all about it here:  http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=9163.0