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"Give us this day our daily bread..."

Your first step into the house of God was not to the kitchen but to the living room, where you were reminded of your adoption. "Our Father who is in heaven." You then studied the foundation of the house, where you pondered his permanence. "Our Father who is in heaven." Next you entered the observatory and marveled at his handiwork: "Our Father who is in heaven." In the chapel, you worshiped his holiness: "Hallowed be thy name." In the throne room, you touched the lowered scepter and prayed the greatest prayer, "Thy kingdom come." In the study, you submitted your desires to his and prayed, "Thy will be done." And all of heaven was silent as you placed your prayer in the furnace, saying, "on earth as it is in heaven."

Proper prayer follows such a path, revealing God to us before revealing our needs to God. (You might reread that one.) The purpose of prayer is not to change God, but to change us, and by the time we reach God's kitchen, we are changed people. Wasn't our heart warmed when we called him Father? Weren't our fears stilled when we contemplated his constancy? Weren't we amazed as we stared at the heavens?

Seeing his holiness caused us to confess our sin. Inviting his kingdom to come reminded us to stop building our own. Asking God for his will to be done placed our will in second place to his. And realizing that heaven pauses when we pray left us breathless in his presence.

By the time we step into the kitchen, we're renewed people! We've been comforted by our father, conformed by his nature, consumed by our creator, convicted by his character, constrained by his power, commissioned by our teacher, and compelled by his attention to our prayers.

The prayer's next three petitions encompass all of the concerns of our life. "This daily bread" addresses the present. "Forgive our sins" addresses the past. "Lead us not into temptation" speaks to the future. (The wonder of God's wisdom: how he can reduce all our needs to three simple statements.)

First he addresses our need for bread. The term means all of a person's physical needs. Martin Luther defined bread as "Everything necessary for the preservation of this life, including food, a healthy body, house, home, wife and children." This verse urges us to talk to God about the necessities of life. He may also give us the luxuries of life, but he certainly will grant the necessities.

Excerpted from Any fear that God wouldn't meet our needs was left in the observatory. Would he give the stars their glitter and not give us our food? Of course not. He has committed to care for us. We aren't wrestling crumbs out of a reluctant hand, but rather confessing the bounty of a generous hand. The essence of the prayer is really an affirmation of the Father's care. Our provision is his priority.

From The Great House of God
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 1997) Max Lucado[/i]

What a mighty God we serve!  All powerful, all loving, infinitely creative, and surpassingly intelligent!  How we should praise Him constantly.  Thanks, Jeanne, for the good thoughts from Max Lucado.

And what a difference a day makes.  Yesterday we praised God for preserving my Mom for a while, and today we got another early morning call telling us Darrel's Mother passed away this morning at 5:00.  It's been a rough day for him, and for me as well.  I loved Pauline, too, but Darrel was close to his mother all his life, and it's hard for him to believe she is gone.  But we thank God for giving her 98 years to live here on this earth.

Our Valentine's banquet last night was so nice.  The young people did a great job, and their leaders are certainly to be commended.

And today Abby danced in the ballet Cinderella.  It was a lovely show, and the kids all did such a good job.  They had some tiny little boys who were mice, and they were simply adorable!  SO cute!  I took lots of photos with my new camera, using the big lens.  Soon I must re-learn how to post photos on here.

Abby was a butterfly, she looked lovely.  And she helps a lot with the little kids, so she is an appreciated member of the dance academy.

Mom made it fine today; and I will be checking on her early tomorrow.  We are waiting for word from Darrel's brother as to whether or not he is coming, before final plans can be made for Mother.

Larry, sorry you weren't up to attending your Seniors Valentine Banquet.

I only had a couple hours sleep Sat. night (Thyroid med, hormones, sleep apnea, and who knows what else!) O and there were these good Christian movies on TV real late, based on Janetts Oke's Books, and then more of them today on TBN, (not promoting TBN, most of the stuff on there is really bad), but these movies are good. They are available on DVDs and VCR tapes if you want some good Christian movies. This site shows the names of them http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1031745/


I was running late for Sunday School, but almost everyone else was later than I was! One of the nice things about a small class of people who know each other well you know it does not bother anyone if you come in late, we would rather that than not see each other! 

Got to do my Sunday country drive.    Extras, some snow still left, and a blue sky perfect for pictures!

I took a late nap, so here I am up in the middle of the night!

Etta Sue, I meant the book, Women in the Bible , you said you got a good bargain on it. I am in Clarksville, on the border of TN and KY.

Janet, what a scare with your mom! Lifting her and everyone around her in prayer!

Pat, Thank you dear. Congratulations on being great Grandma!
The radio station is WNKJ (The world needs king Jesus) You can listen on line to, www.wnkj.org  I have  met most of the people working there, real sweet people. One of them is a friend I sang in a choir with a few years back. There are a couple other Christian stations here now, but they have all kinds of adds, have almost all music no teaching, I want some meat! (And most of the music they play is not music to my ears.)

Larry, I am sorry you are weary. Lifting you in prayer!

Judy B, Lifting you and your dear John in prayer as he travels the roads and you wait!

Carol, Glad you got to visit with your cousin. (I understand the high pitch dog barking, it actually hurts many of our ears as we mature.)

Jeanne Lee, Yes, the sun and Son was shining so beautiful today! And the sky was blue, perfect picture taking day in the country!

[move]Happy Valentines Day![move]

Jury duty....YES!  I am ready to take the trash and head to downtown Indy!  I maybe slept 2 hours last night so I hope I find coffee!  And I dreamed I couldn't find my way out of the parking garage...walking and when coming home...driving!  Maybe they will think I am to dingy to be a juror!

Happy Valentines day everyone.

John called me early to let me know I am loved early this am.  I was so startled by the phone ringing I automatically used my bad arm..... Ouch.  He is leaving New Liskard (sp) heading to his drop.

We have had a snow dump today.  Still snowing.  As if we haven't enough snow!

Jeanne thank you for the devotional.

Carol sounds like your friend with the dog needs the Dog whisperer.  I have seen him stop other dogs from their incessant barking.

Vapor I understand sleepless nights.  Many of us here do.  Once you get into that cycle it is hard to get back to sleeping nights.

Etta Sue you will be fine.  God has a plan for this.

Janet I am glad Abby is doing so well.  Praying sis.

Did NONE of you read that Darrel's dear Mother passed away yesterday morning?

Yes I said I was praying..  I am so sorry for your loss, and at a loss for words.

Hi everyone.  I have just a couple of minutes before needing to leave for an appointment and then will go to my Monday men's luncheon.  It is a beautiful day here in Georgia and already 45 degrees.

Janet, so sad for Darrel as I understand a son's love for his mother.  I lost mine at 81 and it still leaves me sad when I think about it.  You certainly had a full day and it sounds like it was fun. 

My wife gave me a beautiful Valentine's card with beautiful words on it.  I gave her several of the small bags of no sugar Russell Stover and Dove candies as she likes those. 

Judy, hope you don't get snow bound up your way and that John is able to make it home without difficulty.

Etta Sue, will be interested in reading about your courtroom experience.

Vapor, I believe your prayer for me (and the others that have been offered) really helped as I feel more like my normal self today.  Yesterday I knew I wouldn't be able to keep my appointment or attend my luncheon today if I felt as tired today.

Jeanne, thanks for the devotional.  I haven't had time to read it yet but will do so.

Dear Janet,

I read about it late last night and thought and prayed for Darrel and you..... but didn't post..... I am sorry; I tend to do things like that!!

I remember when Everett's Mom died, in 1907, how he needed comforting.... and still does! He loved his Mom dearly and misses her, to this day.

Please let him know we are upholding him in prayer.

Ruth V   what year did Everett's mom die.... surely not 1907!!!

Larry, glad you are feeling a wee bit better.  Take care my friend.

Because my memory for dates is soooooo bad I rely on a spreadsheet I saved "Dates to Remember"
I copied down her birth year!!! She died at the age of 85 in 1992.

Etta Sue: Thank you for the Valentine.... it's gorgeous!

@ RuthV  LOL

Janet I am so sorry to ready of Darrel's mother's demise. I am praying for you both at this  time. I read that yesterday but I didn't post anything  in CP I just came to read. I am sorry that I didn't say something when I read it. Please forgive my negligence.

Janet& Darrel    so sorry to hear that your mom passed away, it will be a time of sorrow and a time of praise.

An update Mel's surgery was yesterday at 9 in the morning lasting 3 hours and if after he woke up things did not respond correctly he would have to go back into OR thankfully that did not happen.  He was released from hospital this morning so now the long progress of healing, followed by therapy.     He is now sleeping but I am so glad that it is over.

I am so very tired but in time I will recover.

Thanks, friends.  And best wishes for Mel's recovery.  Plans still not finalized for Mother's service(s) so we are a bit frazzled.

Janet, I'm sorry I was remiss in offering my sympathy and assurance of prayers for you and Darrel and the family.  I did read about it but what with closing one topic and opening another and posting the devotional I guess this old brain just frizzled out.  I know how Darrel will miss her.  My mom died 2 1/2 years ago and I still keep thinking, "I'll ask Mom about that." 

It's okay, Jeanne.  I was just hurting, and having nothing said sort of caused more pain.  But I know these things happen every day, and that nobody here meant to ignore my post, so I apologize for my question.  Thanks for the thoughts and prayers.

Even if we are in our 70s, we still like to consult a parent sometimes, right?

I'm looking for someone to sing a solo at Mother's graveside service....finally got a pastor.  It is hard not having a pastor at times like this.  Our new pastor will be here the end of this month, but that doesn't help this week!  I did find another one we know, though.  We just didn't want to have someone that none of us know.

Janet: My sympathy to you and Darrel on the loss of his mother.  It is such a defining moment when you lose your parents. 

Vapor:  Well, when I think of your name in here I am reminded of a jet airplane flying high and watching the vapor - it is something I just love to watch.  Love airplanes so I will think of you.  What an unusual pen name but good for sure.  Sorry about your sleeping recently. 

JudyB:  Well, that dog they brought was found lost in a rough area of Arizona so it hasn't been trained very well.  Good idea for training though.  Grandson is playing in Manitoba I think this coming weekend - a big tournament.  Hockey - the Canadian game.  But - his team won all four games last time in your country - shocking! 

One of the best parts of having this cousin visit is we speak about our blessings and have great prayers for saying Grace.  Love them and so grateful for good relatives. 

Morning everyone.  What a morning this has been.  John  came home last night and had a good rest.  This morning he was backing out of the driveway and promptly got stuck.  This truck has no weight on the drive wheels and he has been stuck more times than he can count.  Same with the last International he drove.  He came in wishing he had his old Peterbilt back again.  Well he will get his new truck in the next week or two. 

We had -25*C temps this morning when I woke up.  Brrrr cold.  Yet on Friday it is to be +9*C.  Big change. (15.8*F to 48.2*F) .  That will be good for the wood/oil burning.  If the melt is too fast we will get flooding.  One thing, the rise in temperature will cause the sap to run in the maple trees.  The syrup producers are getting into high gear now.

Have a great day everyone,  This is the day that the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it!!!

Hi everyone.  Another beautiful day in Georgia and the temperature is already 64 degrees and it isn't even noon yet.  Pat and I have something to attend this morning and then we are going to Ruby Tuesday's for a nice lunch.  That will be the big activity of the day.

This morning I downloaded the new iBooks application for my iPod Touch and there were several free books so I downloaded a few of them.  I don't mind reading on the Touch although the screen is a lot smaller than the ebook reader. 

Janet, when my mother passed away she had been in the nursing home in Iowa for a couple of years and the minister at her church where my folks had lived for many years was no longer there.  Fortunately the new minister was a nice young man and he was agreeable to doing the service.  He did a good job considering he had never met her.  I am glad you found a minister to preach the funeral.  Do you have to line up pallbearers?  That was also a problem we had.  It was all worked out and things happened on schedule. 

Judy, what type of new truck will John be getting?  Will it have a better sleeping compartment?   

Ruth, certainly glad the surgery is past for Mel and that he didn't have to return to the operating room.  That would have been a bit discouraging. 

This pastor is one we (Darrel and I) know for a few years now, and respect.  He is very kind and loving, and asked me to think of what Scripture I wanted to use.  We see him often at the senior center, where he comes to help out in whatever ways he can.  So I feel comfortable about his doing the service.

And our new pastor who is coming soon called us yesterday to express his sympathy and regret that he cannot be here now.  He is a breath of fresh air!  Praise God!

Gotta run!  We are heading to Amarillo soon.

Janet ~ So sorry for not commenting on CP about Darrel's mother and her passing.  I read it on FB and commented there...I think.     I guess it was the lack of sleep, early in the morning, facing the drive to downtown Indy, not getting lost in the parking garage and finding the right room in the huge Federal Building that was on my mind yesterday morning AND posting the CP Valentine for you all!

No, I wasn't picked for jury duty.  Once I got to the room I was asked my name, mileage from home and the cost of the parking ticket at the garage.  There were 20 prospective jurors.  Only 7 were to be chosen.  After an orientation, we were lined up...like going to the restroom in grade school and went into the courtroom.  I did get to sit in the jury box.  Then we were all sworn in and the judge came in.  Tanya Pratt talked to us and asked questions.  If our answers were yes, we were to just raise our hands.  If answers were too personal we could ask to approach the bench and then the judge turned on white noise, the plaintiff attorney and the defense attorney went to the bench as well and the juror told their story, all while the court reporter was doing his thing.  It was a civil trial that was to be only one day and no more than two days.  Questions were asked about how we felt about the homeless and policemen, the town of Plainsfield, did we watch CSI, have you been in a lawsuit or have you sued anyone, etc.  The only time I spoke in the microphone was when we all were to tell our name, our marital status, our occupation  and our hobbies.  I thought...me being quiet is that good or bad?  Most of these other people have sued or been sued.  Or family members were.  Some had family members as policemen or friends...not me.  But when the plaintiff attorney and the defense attorney took their choices to the bench and the judge checked them out and said she would say 7 names and if your name was not called, you are free to leave!  I left! 

From what was said I am thinking that the plaintiff was a homeless person and was in a park in Plainfield in 2006.  The plaintiff was suing two policemen and the town of Plainfield because the two policemen used too much force or abuse to remove the man from the park.  I know there are good cops and bad cops but also feel that when a policeman says to do something you should do it without question.  But I didn't hear the whole story so I don't know what the outcome was.  Only saying this much because I am sure and positive the trial is over by now.

The drive home was so much better than the one going...it wasn't dark...I didn't have to be home at a certain time. 

So I decided to reward myself with a Chinese lunch at my favorite restaurant. 

I called Tony to see if he was home and took his jumper cables to him...we have seen each other 4 times and both forgot about them.  He goes back to work today!!  Yay! 

Then I came home and caught up online.  Inky and I took a nice nap in the afternoon, then had a big bowl of popcorn.  I watched The Bachelor and went to bed! 

And I didn't have to drive to downtown Indy today!  Yay!

This afternoon is Euchre.  Fun!

Goodnight all or good day if that suits your rtime zone.  We are going for two nights to visit friends - first a lunch tomorrow with 2nd. cousin & wife, then we will drive to dear friend's home (they have been here often to go to Mayo clinic treatments) and he is feeling well enough for a visit.  I am sure she wants to spend a day just with me and our yearly routine of hitting a few craft stores. 

JudyB:  I am just now starting to knit one of the two sleeves.  this is the most knitting I have ever accomplished. 

Janet:  You next days are going to be difficult.  Sending you a hug & a prayer. 

Hi everyone.  Suuppose to be another beautiful day and the weather gizmo on my computer says it is 64 degrees already this morning but another source says 42 degrees and that is more in line with the way it felt when I put out some trash a few minutes ago.

Today is Wednesday Bible study with the pastor and this evening is choir.  Our director is back from New York where she spent a week in a choral workshop.  She sent out a couple of reviews from the Sunday afternoon concert they gave at Carnegie Hall and they were superb.  There were 40 some from the Atlanta Symphony Chorus chosen to participate and they joined with some others to form the large choir.  When she is away for a few days we realize how much we miss her not being available to direct and guide us in our singing.

Etta Sue, I know it is both a relief and a disappointment not to be chosen for a jury.  Glad everything went well.  Hope you are thawing out up that way.

Carol, hope you have a delightful visit with your friends and find some new craft stores to check out.  You sound like my wife as she usually has done her internet research in advance of going somewhere so she can locate the quilt shops. 

Janet, I am keeping you and Darrel and your family in my thoughts and prayers as know these will be some tough days for you all.   

Yes, we are thawing out.  I can see brown grass again!  Still a lot of white but less and less white all the time.  I was determined to leave for Euchre by going out my side door.  I took a hammer and the snow shovel to the deck.  I hammered to break up the still 4" of ice and then pushed it off the side with the shovel.  Even then when I walked across to Ivalou's to drive her car, I slid on the ice over the grass.  So when I came home, I walked the driveways and the road. 

Jake's is here as I am typing...praying that this will be their last trip here.  It has been a long ordeal (7th trip) but hopefully a learning experience for them.  I see a large box in the back of their truck...perhaps they are going to replace the whole unit instead of a pipe where the freon is leaking!  I just know when I feel hot air coming out of the unit inside, the furnace thermostat will be lowered.  Enough of the high gas bills! 

Tonight is Bible study at church.  I got my Andy Stanley book in the mail.  He is a good writer, for sure.  And his videos keep your interest also. 

Bright and sunny here today!  It is 46 degrees right now and suppose to get to 51 degrees.  And it says the low tonight is to be 47 degrees.  Yes, the heat pump will be fixed.  I have said when the heat pump is fixed, the temperatures will rise!!

Janet, praying for you and Darrel and all the family.

Well Here I am, This has been a no make up, staying in my sweats all day, kind of day. I didn't have to go any place except to the Fitness Center this morning, I've worked on graphics for my groups most of the day. It is too cold to even take the dogs for their walks. It has been up and down in the low to mid 30s all day, with rain, sleet, a little sun and thunder. It really poured sleet for just a little bit but it left the street and the decks and grass white with  ice balls. I have been freezing all day long  and I have spent the day in the computer room with the heat on.

We have two of the bathroom sinks plugged up, Keith will go under the house this weekend and unplug them. I know it is my long hair, both sinks are on the same  pipes, so when one plugs up they both do. The sink in the main master bath has only had hot water for months, Keith wanted to change the fixture and can't get the old one off. So I have to wash my face and brush my teeth in the kitchen sink.

Yesterday we sprang a leak in one of the overhead neon fixtures in the kitchen, we took off the  covers and  the tubes started working.We  haven't put the covers back on because of the rain.

OK enough of our household problems,  Janet I am praying for you, Darrell and all the family including your mother and Beth.

Etta Sue I hope this was Jake's last trip to fix your heat pump. What did they end up doing, did they replace it.?

Hi everyone.  Another beautiful day and suppose to get to 70 degrees this afternoon.  In a little while we will head down to our daughter's apartment and meet her across the street at the Shepard's Center to have lunch and visit awhile.  It is a nice day for the trip.  That is all that is on my schedule for today and that is enough.

We had a very nice choir practice last evening.  Our director had been in New York for a workshop and concert at Carnegie Hall last week.  On Saturday afternoon she was leaving the Hall and took a misstep and fell.  She strained or bruised one ankle, hurt the other leg and also hurt her back.  She could hardly get around last evening and was in a lot of pain.  She already had a back problem so this didn't help at all.  She has fallen several times recently.

Marilyn, it sounds like you all have a full plate of household problems to deal with.  Have you thought of using a mesh screen to catch the hair before it falls into the drain?  Hope it warms up for you.

Etta Sue, hope they were able to get your heat pump fixed for good this time.  I am sure the repairmen must be very frustrated as well in not being able to solve the problem.  Did you win at Euchre?

Heat pump is fixed!!  YAY!!  I immediately turned down the furnace thermostat!  My house was comfy all night long even though, the outside temp never got below 50° all night!  And we still have snow and ice on the ground after above freezing temps for over a week!

The heat pump guys said it was a freon leak all along but when they checked for a leak they didn't find one.  They removed the freon and replaced it with nitrogen...still leaked.  They put high pressure on it and it still leaked but where was the leak?  Finally they found the leak...IN the compressor unit itself.  They checked from outside to compressor unit to the inside unit and no leak.  But they found it was leaking at a coil in the bottom of the compressor.  They replaced that coil and hot air came out of the unit!  Only on the 7th visit here.  And it was a win/win situation.  My unit was under warranty and since the leak was found IN the compressor, Jake's will get reimbursed for some of their cost as well!  Whew!  Glad that fiasco is over! 

Wednesday Night Live Bible study was last night.  I think people need reminders...there were only 7 of us last night but no email was sent out!  I really like Andy Stanley...his writing and his speaking.  He seems a little nervous but has a very quick wit about him.

Only laundry being done today and hopefully I can start my 'Then the Rain Came' book this afternoon.  Late start today.  I can't believe I didn't get out of bed until 9:30 this morning!  I missed half the morning!

Marilyn ~ It sounds like you had 'Dip 'n' Dots' on the ground at your place.  Neat looking, isn't it?  Little pebbles of ice!  That is why it is taking so long for our white stuff to thaw! 

Larry ~ It is always a win when I play Euchre.  We have so much fun!  But I did come out ahead and thanks for asking.

Ivalou just called.  She needs medicine at the drug store and that means going out to eat also!!  Whoo-ee!

Larry I was thinking of a mesh screen as well for Marilyn. 

It is a foggy day and appears to be +5*C (about 41*F)  our roof looks like it is raining.

Have a great day!

Light of the world
You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes, Let me see
Beatuy that made this heart adore you
Hope of a life spent with you

Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that your my god
Youre altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me

King of all days
So highly exalted
Glorious in heaven above
Humbly you came to the earth you created
All for loves sake became poor

Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that your my god
Youre altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me

I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross

Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that your my god
Youre altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me