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Morning Devotional...





He came trembling and fell down before Paul and Silas... and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? Acts 16:29-3O


In a world like ours, with conditions being what they are, what should a serious-minded man or woman do? First, accept the truth concerning yourself. You do not go to a doctor to seek consolation, but to find out what is wrong and what to do about it. Then seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Seek through Jesus Christ a right relationship to God and then insist upon maintaining a right relation to your fellow man. Set about reverently and honestly to amend your doings. Magnify God, mortify the flesh, simplify your life. Take up your cross and learn of Jesus Christ to die to this world that He may raise you up in due time. If you will do these things in faith and love, you will know peace; the peace of God that passes all understanding. You will know joy; the joy of resurrection. You will know, too, the comfort of the indwelling Spirit of God, for you have sought to do the will of God at any price!


You do not go to a doctor to seek consolation, but to find out what is wrong and what to do about it.



Lord, I come to you as the Great Physician. I come to you not for consolation but for a cure. I will do as you prescribe.

From Devotions By Dr. Tozer

A 'J' night!  I couldn't shut off my mind thinking about the crochet class and the mittens I just finished.  They are wrong but I think I can make them look right with only taking out 4 stitches and re-doing them.  This afternoon maybe.

I am all ready for church.  Ivalou and I are greeters today.  She probably won't stay for Sunday School...her daughter, SIL and two grands are here from Ohio.  So that means we won't have lunch together either. 

Off to the little white church in the country!

Thank you, Don, for this morning's devotional.  Dr. Tozer's advice is always important to follow, but in our human weakness it's not always easy.  We can't accomplish it on our own - only by leaning on the arms of our Heavenly Father.

Etta Sue you sure do crochet fast. I can't do that anymore, I can only crochet until my hands begin to  hurt  a little bit, because If I continue it gets worse. I do have some Voltaren pan Gel to rub on but I always forget that I have it.

Thank you Don for the message from Tozer today.

Not much going on here so far today.

Thank you Don.  Have been praying for you.

Happy Thanksgiving Canada!

Canada's Thanksgiving already??  Wow, that means ours cannot be far behind!  Happy Thanksgiving to all our Canadian friends.

I am going to Hugoton to church tonight, will be leaving soon.  This afternoon I got all my clothes--well, not ALL, but the hanging ones, back in my closet; also put away a lot of things in the bathroom.  Someday, this project will be finished!

Happy Sunday, everybody!       

Hi everyone.  Just up from a nice nap.  This morning we went to Atlanta to attend church with our daughter at her church.  Today was a special day as they were having dedication Sunday of their newly remodeled sanctuary.  This was the first time their brand new bell choir was playing and she is a member of it.  Someone recently gave the church a brand new set of handbells and the handbell choir played very well after only two or three practices.  Then they had reassembled a part of a previous choir and the old choir director conducted them in a magnificient piece.  There was a good sermon and it was just a lovely service of celebration, praise and worship.  Following the morning service they had a wonderful pot luck luncheon and the room was packed.  We were ready to head home after the meal and didn't stay for the 2:30 special service.  The bell choir was playing again so our daughter had to stay for that although she had been there since before 9 am (for a bell practice).  She was exhausted by lunch time so can imagine how she will feel this evening as has over an hours ride to get home from the church.  However, it was a very happy day for her and we enjoyed being with her.

Janet, it sounds like you are making progress.  I am like you in not having any back problems.  We are very fortunate.

For all of our friends in Canada, Happy Thanksgiving. 

Don, thanks for the devotional thought for us to ponder this week.

Ruth Ann, we noticed today on our drive to Atlanta how beautiful the trees are turning with all different colors in the leaves.  We really haven't had any really cold evenings yet or hints of frost.  Hope you SIL didn't talk too long last evening considering how late it was.

Etta Sue, thanks for explaining about your furnace situation.  It makes sense now.  You were very fortunate that you didn't lose your home in a fire from that furnace.  I expect there is going to be a terrible problem in many of these vacant home with things like your furnace problems and with mold from hot and humid summers and moisture from the lack of heating or air conditioning being operated for long periods of time. 

We surely did not plan to be stuck on the western slope but that is what happened when Vail Pass was shut with a sudden snowstorm.  So, we stayed on the other side of the hill and went for a lovely drive through the picturesque Colorado monument - a smaller but fantastic place much like Bryce Canyon.  We had gone through the Grand Mesa and the leaves were wonderful - returning today, the leaves are off the trees from the snowstorm.  Amazing, and another reminder that we are not in control of all our plans. 

Janet:  Winona is the name of a town in Minnesota.  Your friend probably already knows that little fact.  Sorry you are dealing with sloppy workmanship. 

Al:  Praying for your back pain to ease and you find the right way to lessen that pain. 

Etta Sue:  That is some story about your fumes in the house.  We know - Don carried all of us outside in Minnesota and threw us in the snow to revive us better.  It was a close call.  Now we buy carbon monoxide alarms for everyone and even for wedding gifts. 

Don:  So appreciate your note to remind us of our Great Physician!  Thank you. 

Home & unpacked - thankful for a safe trip and a warning to not drive into a motorist's nightmare. 

Hi everyone.  It is cloudy and a bit cooler here this morning with the possibility of a little rain.  After coffee this morning a couple of the guys and I went walking at the gym.  I have my men's luncheon and then a meeting to attend this evening and that is it for me today.  The housekeepers are here and the lawn people should be here later in the day. 

Carol, glad you are safely home but sounds like you had a lovely visit to the mountains. 

I am waiting for the carpenters to arrive, Darrel has gone to the dentist.  I just called and the guys said they are just ready to start out here.

Church last night was wonderful!  Dr. Gary Wood was killed in a horrific car accident years ago, his face cut to shreds, nose cut off, vocal chords severed, larynx crushed, I don't remember all his injuries, but God healed him.  Doctors said he would never be able to speak or sing again, but God.......aren't those wonderful words--BUT GOD??  Is anything too hard for God?  I did go talk to him, asking prayer for Beth.  He agreed with me in prayer and gave me a little prayer cloth for her.  I also bought his book entitled Miracles.  In the night when I couldn't sleep, I read about half of it; will take it in and read to Beth.  Her faith is strong, but we always need to increase our faith.  God is good, and it is always His desire for His people to be healed.

Must get off here.  I need to go do some errands as soon as the guys get here and I talk to them a bit.

Blessings to you all!

Carol, I remember the first time we were going to Colorado Monument.  I thought it would be a statue in the middle of nowhere!!  Was I surprised!!  A very picturesque area of acres and acres.  And the view of the city nearby is awesome!  Love Colorado Monument. 

It sounds like everyone had a great weekend and especially a great Sunday worshiping our Lord. 

I fixed my one mitten and I like it now.  Since this time last week, I have crocheted a neck warmer, a scarf, a hat, and a pair of mittens.  And I am about halfway done with another scarf.  I got my practice yarn ready to take Wednesday evening.  Also all my crochet hooks to show...steel, aluminum, wood and plastic.  And different sizes of thread to yarn.  I even found my old knitting needle (big and fat) that I used to make Jiffy crochet. It was also called Broomstick crochet.  Also found my Hairpin loom.  I remember I made my Mom a three shades of green and white afghan with the hairpin loom.  But I didn't find any patterns for it.  But then I didn't look for a hairpin pattern.

Today or tomorrow I want to start printing my little instruction booklet...4 pages, front and back.  One of the women at church brought me some pink paper.  Today I remembered that I once saw on Dateline or such program that some prisons paint their interrogation rooms pink...for the calming effect.  Learning to crochet needs that calming!!!

I need to call Kitty and find out what time I should be at her house this evening for Photo Guild.

Etta Sue, I'm sure you'll do great teaching crochet.  One hint I heard a long time ago - to teach someone who is left handed (if you're right handed), sit facing them and have them copy your movements. 

My daughter and grandchildren are on the road, heading back to North Carolina.  It was a wonderful six weeks while they were in this area and I'll sure miss them. 

Thanks, Pat.  Even though I'm in the US and ours isn't for another month, thank you for the greetings!     I hope you're having a wonderful time with our family.

Thank you, Pat, for the lovely greeting & card.

We had our thanksgiving dinner last night. My daughter & granddaughter did most of the preparation. It was simply fabulous!!

Fortunately I was given a dishwasher this summer, so clean up was not traumatic!!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!!

Hi everyone.  Thought I would stop in before retiring for the night and catch up on the postings.  I guess by now the Thanksgiving turkey/ ham or whatever and desserts have been eaten and hopefully thanks offered in Canada.  It is always a special time.

I had a nice laid back day with an enjoyable lunch with friends and a nice nap afterwards.  I just got home from a meeting so am in for the night.  It has been cloudy and rainy off and on all day but no significant amount of rain.

Janet, that must have been a very inspirational evening you had at your church.  God does have a plan for each of us and uses each of us in our own unique way.  Hope your workmen got a lot done today.

Etta Sue, it sounds like you are very organized for your upcoming class and I bet the ladies will enjoy learning under your guidance. 

Jeanne, I bet those six weeks seemed to fly by really quickly and now you can enjoy anticipating their return next summer.

Pat, I liked your Thanksgiving graphic and little poem.  Hope you were able to be with your family today to help celebrate. 

RuthV, my wife has always said food prepared by someone else always tastes better.  However, she isn't right because she is a very fine cook and seldom makes anything that isn't very good.  Glad you had a nice Thanksgiving meal with your family. 

Sorry I was "missing in in-action" yesterday.  I awakened feeling terrible and didn't even realize it was Sunday. So, was awakened the next time by a friend checking on me as to why I wasn't at church. Ooooops!

So, I dressed and met them for lunch, then felt so bad I thought I'd rest a bit after getting home - well, THAT rest lasted until 7:30 pm!

And, it was not at all difficult to return to sleep on time.

Today I worked for a former boss of mine (thankfully, I could use my home computer and e-mail the work to him) for about 3 hours. Now, I'm catching up on all I missed yesterday.

Most likely you Canadians are enjoying leftovers - that's always SO much fun to see how many different ways the foods can be reused.

Y'all have a great rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

Larry for a cook it always tastes better if someone else does the work!

Tuesday has arrived!!  What will we do with it?  Will something we say or do today make a difference in where someone spends eternity?

Today is Darrel's 74th birthday.  We went to the movie The Help last night to celebrate.  That's a really good movie; now I would like to read the book, as there was a lot of the dialogue that neither of us understood.

I went and read to Beth for a while yesterday, she always likes that.  It is so sad for someone who loved to read her whole life, not to be able to read any more.  Well, she can READ, but she cannot hold a book and turn the pages.  Can't hold or do anything.......    But she still has a beautiful attitude, bless her heart.

The guys were SO sure the bathroom would be finished yesterday.....not.  Still a few more things to do.  I am wondering if we should postpone our European trip, as I don't think there is any way they can finish the whole house before Nov. 10.   

I was really frustrated yesterday, as I got the CD with the pictures for my book ready to mail to the publisher; also have a bunch of papers concerning a little $1000 life insurance policy on Darrel's mom ready to send off so we can get that money......got to town and realized the Post Office was closed.    Those "fake" Monday holidays!  Bet every P.O. will be swamped today, and ours doesn't even open until 10! 

I am going to shower and get ready for my day!  TTYL!

All you dear brothers and sisters - please pray for me.  I get discouraged.  My problematic hip is just another in the continuing saga of ailments that I must overcome to continue living.  It would be far better to go and be with Christ, would it not!  But my Lord wants me to continue battling here.  I need grace to deal with each thing the Lord lays upon me - with uncomplaining trust in His wisdom and strength for each moment.
I know that I need to  focus only on the next step - the one right in front of me - not  all the ones beyond that.  I need to hear Him say, "Take only THIS steip, and trust Me for that alone at this moment.

Hi everyone.  We have a very wet and windy morning here in our area of Georgia but no complaints as we need the moisture.  Just back from coffee but have to get out again a little before eleven this morning.  Then will have the rest of the day at home.  Nothing much on the schedule for the afternoon or evening.

Ruth Ann, hope today finds you feeling much better and with a little more energy.  Nice you can still do some occasional work for your former boss. 

Janet, tell Darrel Happy Birthday for me.  It is sad that Beth is not able to handle reading on her own as she has so many hours to herself.  Is there a volunteer organization associated with the home where she lives?  If so have you ever discussed with them the service they could perform by having some volunteers sit and read to Beth and probably some of the others in the home.  It sounds like it was be a very helpful ministry.  Hope they finish up your bathroom today. 

Al, so sorry that you are experiencing so much pain from various ailments.  Obviously God knows you haven't finished your purpose in this life.  It is easy to understand becoming discouraged when you hurt all the time.  I have and will be praying that you find some relief from the pain.

I just said a prayer for you Al and will continue to pray for you. I hear people say that Christians should not be discouraged. That may be so but Christians are human and I understand how you feel. God Bless You!

Don, there is also one preacher with a regular TV show who insists if a Christian is sick it's because his/her faith is not strong enough.  According to him, Christians should never be sick!    Needless to say, that's not one I ever watch.

Al, I continue praying for ease from your pain in accordance with the Lord's will, as well as that you receive the His comfort and peace. 

Al: Praying for you as you deal with pain and discouragement.  You have a wonderful, God given, attitude.

I'm asking the Lord to help me have such an attitude as I get older (I'm only 67) and have to deal with age onset ailments.
I look upon you as fulfilling Proverbs 3:13, 15-16 and knowing God is using you to continue teaching us at C.P.

Happy Birthday, Darrel!!

Janet: We have those government holidays too; everything is open except government run institutions.

Today was supposed to be Ladies' Bible Study except my husband woke up with dizziness; so much so that he couldn't walk. I'm staying home to monitor him...

My favorite animation above.  Watch it.  It will change. 

My 'good' printer is on the bottom shelf of my desktop computer desk.  I sat on my short step stool while printing my little book yesterday and was up and down many times.  When I got up this morning my thigh muscles are ouchy!  Then I read Al's post!    I am sorry, God, for even thinking my ouchy legs are a problem.

Pat, your Thanksgiving poem is on a meat platter at Cracker Barrel.  I saw it a week ago when we went to the musical at Anderson University.

Ruth V, I love Thanksgiving.  It isn't about the gifts.  It isn't about fireworks.  It's all about family and food and giving thanks for both!  What better combination?

Jeanne, I am sure you enjoyed your daughter and grands while they were close by.  Internet and the phone sure makes the world smaller.  You will keep in touch.  And years ago when I was a little kid, I heard that when a person is buried and it is a cloudy, rainy or snowy day, then that person will have a hard time finding and getting to heaven.  Bright and sunny day will be easy for them.  Now who would have told a child that?  I know different now but I tend to notice the weather when there is a burial of a friend or family member.  I don't believe but still remember.

Larry, I love my leisure days...especially the nap part in the afternoon.  Seems they don't come by very often though.

Ruth Ann, I haven't had one of your days like you had Sunday for a long, long time.  I thank God for that.  I used to say being sick is a waste of time.  I would push myself to keep going especially when I was working. 

JudyB, I totally agree.  Food always tastes better when you don't have to do the work.  Especially if you are cooking just for yourself.  That's why I eat out so much.  So hard to cook for just one person.  I 'dust' my countertop stove!

Janet.  Happy Belated Birthday to Darrel.  Ivalou walked out to mail a letter at the mailbox yesterday but I remembered and saved the steps.  Another trip?  My, you are world travelers! 

Don, Josh 1-9 says 'I command you to be brave and strong.  Do not be afraid or discouraged.  I am the Lord your God and I will be with you wherever you go.'  When I get discouraged or things get to me, I quote this verse....often.

Since I have everything ready for Crochet Angels for tomorrow night except finishing a scarf, I am relaxing today by hoping to mow my leaves!  I love the fall season.  I notice that over half of my Maple tree leaves in the front yard are on the ground!  We have a slight breeze today and it is raining leaves.  No!  That means the season following Fall isn't too far away! 

Al, I just happened to wander in here, and read your message.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.   I never told you how much I enjoy your mini sermons in the photo areas, when you celebrate God the Artist.   That opens my eyes a little wider to His creation, every time.

A while ago, I injured one of my knees, and I figured that it just wasn't going to get better.   And then it did.   If you put it all in His hands, and just focus on the next step, it does go better.

May you be up and running again soon.

Al I am praying for you as I type this.  the sun came our and then it left again. It has rained off and one, but at 6:45 when I let the dogs out it was really pouring and I had to go out to get them  so I got soaked.  I looked like something the cat drug in.

I sure thank y'all for praying for me.  And thanks be to God that He listens to our prayers so graciously!

Al:  Prayers for you and all of your concerns.  I need you to keep writing the Good Word messages.  Thanks for all of your messages.

Etta Sue:  Love the new giraffe - cute.  LOL on pink.  You will do just great - enjoy.  We also stopped on the road coming down from Grand Mesa and waited for a couple of cowboys herding the cattle down from the high country just ahead of the snowstorm.  Neat - I love to watch these things. 

Janet:  Where will you be going this time?  In Europe, I mean.  Can you give a key to a neighbor or trust someone so this can finish?  What a story your visiting pastor had for everyone - amazing grace.  Can Beth listen to an audio book? 

Ruth Ann:  Believe me, these days happen to a lot of people.  You really needed rest and it is lovely that you now have time to rest your weary. 

Happy belated Canadian Thanksgiving to all.  Save the carcass and I will make turkey soup for you. 

Pat and Judy:  Are you two knitting anything special?  It is chilly enough to knit again.