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Is God really in charge today?

Lord, in the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. Even they will perish, but you remain forever. They will wear out like old clothing. You will roll them up like an old coat. They will fade away like old clothing. But you are always the same; you will never grow old.

Hebrews 1:10-12 NLT
Moses told the people, "Don't be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch the Lord rescue you. The Egyptians that you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. You won't have to lift a finger in your defense!"
Exodus 14:13-14 NLT


Wars, starvation, disease, natural disasters — when we see all the pain in the world, it is easy to wonder if God is really in control. This passage assures us that however unpredictable, fearsome, and seemingly out of control the world is, Christ is Lord and King of all. Although we fully understand how he exercises his authority over daily events, we can trust fully that eternity is his and that we, adopted children of God, will exist in eternity long after the present trials are over.

adapted from TouchPoint Bible with devotional commentary by Ron Beers and Gilbert Beers, Tyndale House Publishers (1996), p 1083

Digging Deeper

For more on this week's promise, see examples in The One Year® Book of Christian History by E. Michael and Sharon Rusten, Tyndale House Publishers (2003)

Barb has a hematoma and was given anti-biotics...the kind you don't stop taking abruptly...you have to wean off of them.  Her arm looks much better today. 

We played cards last night with two other couples...from Noblesville and Lapel.  Nice visit with all of them, too.

We all went to the Methodist Church this morning.  No sermon.  That seemed different.  Since Valentine's Day is this week, at every chair was a paper Valentine...red, white or pink...and a crayon.  Later we were to write on God's Valentine and then we pinned it on a big Valentine Card (board). 

Then us 8 people went to a cafe for breakfast...first time for many years that coffee was 25¢.  And refills were 25¢.  So my coffee was 50¢.  Great breakfast.

We are in for the day, I think.  Barb is going to cook tonight.  And it was cold this morning...38°!! And windy!  So not a day to get out and run around.

At church Kaye Don pointed out an eagle's nest and the eagle was sitting on a limb.  I got a picture with my Droid camera!

On sleeplessness:  I kept quiet when my sweet cousin told me that he was having trouble sleeping.  For years, he would tell me that he never had any problem and always "let the Lord take the load".    Yes, I believe in that but his telling me always made me wonder why I had difficult nights - I thought I didn't pray the right prayer or something was wrong.  It can happen to anyone and I believe it is because our brains are so active at times and that is nothing we can control.  So - at those wide-awake times, I sometimes get up and make lists of different things to do, read a book or knit for a while. Sometimes, a good idea comes in the quiet and there is a reason for this but the next day can be a bummer as far as being tired.  It does always work out though.

Washing clothes and cleaning on a Sunday - Don's cousin & wife are stopping by & we are not sure when they will call this week.  Mother never let us work on a Sunday  - I can feel her watching.  I should say that it was a rare Sunday when we did any work. 

Larry:  Happy Birthday to you!  I agree on background noise in that we don't need to be entertained - we just want to talk and enjoy the quiet. 

About the sleepless nights I have many of them but when I wake up all I have is stress headache which I know is the dreaming but who or what I have no clue. My question how can you pray when you have no clue what the issue is?     There have been times when I do feel that it is Satan trying to make life difficult.   

Dinner this evening is going to be roast chicken along with the trimmings.  Guests are welcome.

Yesterday we had snow, last evening we were gifted with much more in fact enough that Mel chose to use the snow blower.   

Roast chicken? MMMMM!  I'll be over about 5:30, Ruth! 

I think you all know I also have many sleepless nights.  I do pray, and try to rein in my straying thoughts, try to stop thinking of all those myriad things to do, etc.  Sometimes I can fall asleep, but usually not.  If I get up and make lists, do some things like paying bills, getting my mind organized for the next day, etc., sometimes I feel sleepy again and can go back to bed and sleep.  I think, just from reading the experiences of many of us here, that it becomes a much more common problem as we.....uh......mature!    I do wish us all sound sleeping!

Carol, I always feel guilty for working on Sundays, too.  Usually I try to  justify it by thinking, "Well, I did go to church this morning!"  But I don't suppose God is impressed by that!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LARRY

And may you have many more---at least as many as allowed before the Lord callus us all home!  Glad you had a good trip to Atlanta and a good visit with Stacey.

And speaking of sleeping, I am about to fall asleep on my keyboard, think I will go to my recliner and give in to the drowsiness............zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Hi, friends, Yes, I agree - it very well could be that we "mature" folk have something in common in trying to get a good night's sleep. And, of course, with the world around us going at top speed, possibly our minds are frustrated by an inability to be as agile and energetic as we once were.

At any rate, I think it may be time to collect some valentines from grandchildren, so if I'm away for a coujple of days, y'all will know why.


Love to everyone.
Ruth Ann

I sure don't have as many sleepless night as I use too before I  got my CPAP machine. Oh and the horrible headaches  I had then. I still have a sleepless night now and then. If I am not using my machine I can really saw the logs, I wake myself up at times.

Marilyn, my husband had a lot of bad headaches before getting his CPAP machine too ... And I had the sleepless nights from him not breathing right and snoring so much.

It's better now, but the odd time I still end up with a sleepless night. If the Lord doesn't put someone directly on my mind to pray for, I start going through the alphabet and praying for everyone whose name starts with that initial. That doesn't always put me back to sleep, but at least I have a focus for my prayers.

Judy, thank you for the devotional. It's good to remind ourselves that God is in control.

Since posting on here, I had a nice nap!    Darrel and I attended a nice Valentine's dance last night in Hugoton and were up much later than is usual for us, so now I'm caught up on those Zzzs again! 

And tonight we are going to the Valentine's banquet the young people of our church are putting on for us.  It is almost time to go get dressed up for that!  It is a fund raiser for them, and they have done them before.  We had a good time when we attended before.

It is very cold here in Kansas today.  I just looked out the front door and window, and they  are covered with ice!  Looks like obscure glass!  I do hope the highways aren't the same.

Darrel just appeared all slicked up and looking sharp!  I'd better get going!

Just finished talking with two of the children & it is always so good to stay in touch and hear their voices. 

Janet:  It looks like ice tomorrow at our home too.  I was in the computer looking up the story on the woman news anchor who was bitten in the face by a huge dog - on camera.  She is recovering in Denver.  I hope your roads are OK for your drive to the banquet. 

We are trying to stay up later each night just to sleep better.  It seems to work. 

The roads aren't icy, not yet, anyway.  I drove tonight because Darrel isn't seeing well enough to drive at night.  We hope once the other eye is done he will see a lot better.  The banquet was lovely, the kids are so sweet, and did a great job of serving.  One boy played songs on his violin for our entertainment.  Really a great bunch of kids!

It is 11:00 and I am sitting at the computer.  I find that the TV programs at night can cause the mind to spin.  As a result I read before turning out the light.  Now when John is home that is easier said than done.  Also the hymns on the radio also helps me focus my mind, John can't sleep with the radio going, I can't sleep without it.  I turn it off when the light goes off.  Betty I too pray but not by alphabet.  I start with family, praying for each one, then go on to friends both here on CP and outside CP, and finally friends on Facebook.  Sometimes it helps, other times It doesn't.  Turning the TY off does help.

Larry Happy Birthday!  Glad you had a good day with Stacey.

We are fortunate to have had just cold.  About 1/2 way between Pat and us they got 40cm of snow.  There are 2.54 cm's to an inch.  Tonight is another clear and cold night.  I was really hoping for cloud cover!

John leaves again tomorrow likely about noon.  Heading further north.  Thankfully his truck starts easily even in the cold weather.  There is a heater he uses that keeps the bunk area warm when the truck is turned off.

Could you keep our DIL in prayer over the next couple of weeks, She was in an accident 2 weeks ago, she was rear ended, and had a bad case of whiplash.  They can't make it financially without her pay, and insurance doesn't meet the need.  The car was totaled.

Have a good night folks and try to get some restful sleep!

We went to Hungry Howie's for supper.  Another couple from Lapel came to the next door neighbors down here.  Both of these couples are from Lapel.  Hungry Howie's is a pizza, salad, soup and dessert bar.  Too much food. 

Slept okay last night but left a blind up and too much light in the room.  My room at home is completely dark...not here! 

Today I want to go swim suit shopping.  Hope I find at least once that the straps wont fall down.

I don't have any particular way for J night prayers.  I just ask the Lord to give me names - and He does.    

Judy, your DIL will be added to my regular list and no doubt will come up on my next J night.  Whiplash can be so serious and hard to heal.   

Etta Sue it sounds as though you are enjoying your mini vacation, in spite of having to make adjustments in your sleep pattern.   

Good morning everyone,  this is Marlo.  Got home yesterday.  Thank you for the prayers I could feel everyone of them. 

Happy Birthday Larry!!

JudyB my mail is behind but will be going out very soon!!

Sleeplessness-  I only sleep about 2 - 2 1/2 hours a night.  Mine comes from restless leg syndrome.  My body jerks so bad that I wake up 36 time an hour.  That is fully wake up.  I had a sleep study done to be diagnosed.

Thank you again for the prayers my heart is having issues so please continue to pray for my family. 

I love the new mini challenge.  I also love the name.  Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was one of my favorite childhood movies.

Hi everyone.  Another chilly, below freezing morning, but very beautiful day.  After coffee this morning a friend and I went walking at the gym for a few rounds.  I was able to make 5 rounds and then rested and then anothr 5 rounds but felt that pushing the limit for today.  I then made a trip to the credit union and stopped at a couple of drug stores looking for sugar free chocolates for Pat for Valentines day as she said that was what she would like to have.  I did find one heart shaped box of candy for her.  I already have the valentine for her for tomorrow.  In a little while I will attend my Monday men's luncheon and this evening I have someplace I need to go for an hour or so.  The housekeepers just left.  I doubt that the yard people will be here today.

Judy, thanks for the devotional thoughts for the week.

Etta Sue, I don't think I have ever attended a church service where there wasn't a sermon.  That was inexpensive coffee and probably a big draw for the place.

Carol, thanks for the birthday wish.  Yesterday at our Valentine Senior's Banquet after church they played some background music at a very low setting that didn't interfere with conversation at the tables and it was very nice. 

Janet, thanks for the birthday wish.  I am one of the fortunate ones who seldom every has difficulty sleeping and if I do I just put my earphones on and listen to some nice music.  However, Pat often has trouble sleeping. 

Ruth Ann, our daughter had valentines and a little box of candy for each of us when we saw her on Saturday.

Marilyn, thanks for your birthday wishes and I saw the beautiful card you left for me on Seniors and Friends.  Pat used to sleep much better when she used the CPAP machine but hasn't used it now for quite a few years due to her eyes and teeth.

Judy, I understand the benefits of listening to music to relax a person.  I often fall asleep listening to it.  Thanks for the birthday wish.  So sorry to hear about the whiplash your dil experienced.  We felt so fortunate when we had the young lady run into the back of us as we didn't get whiplast.

Marlo, sure glad you are home from the hospital and thanks for the birthday wish.

Marlo, I'm so glad you're home.  I hope you're feeling much better now.   

When my kids were little, my husband would buy me a large heart shaped box of candy and three small heart shaped for each of the youngsters to give me - which of course were returned to them as a thank you!   

Today started out as a real Monday!  I was up, watching It's Supernatural! when the phone rang, about 7:15.  It was the Care Home, wanting me to come to work, as the homemaker on the 400 neighborhood failed to show up, wouldn't answer her phone, hadn't called....grrr.  I really didn't want to go, but said I would, and was dressed and there in about 15 minutes.  Then, about ten minutes later, the other gal called and said she would come in--so they gave me the choice to stay or have her come in and I could come home.  I chose to come home, but it really messed up my plans for the morning, and I feel like I'm really behind!  They called and asked me to work on Saturday, too--but I said "NO!"  And I went to my painting group instead! 

Larry, I'm glad you had a nice birthday.  Like you, Darrel rarely has any trouble sleeping--day or night!    I'm not expecting a card or candy, since we went to a Valentine Dance and the next night a Valentine banquet!
(I really do love cards, though.)

Marlo, so glad you are home, and prayers for your heart issues continue!

I need to go to the bank and the post office, so will be back later.

That is one we sang as a choir and I still remember watching the choir director lead us.........  Those were good days.

A father was approached by his small son who told him proudly, "I know what the Bible means!"
His father smiled and replied, "What do you mean, you 'know' what the Bible means?
The son replied, "I do know!"
"Okay," said his father. "What does the Bible mean?"
"That's easy, Daddy..." the young boy replied excitedly, "It stands for 'Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.'"

Marlo:  Good to read your post.  Restless leg syndrome, I thought there is something that can be done for that diagnosis. 

JudyB:  Yes, to a care prayer for your DIL.  It could take a long time to heal, I hope she is getting proper care.

Our church put out a lot of care packages for the troops before Christmas and we are still reading the TY letters.  The last one was from a full General.  His area received 1600 packages of the total, I don't know the total sent.  Each thank you is such a sweet thing to read and they often give thanks for the least expensive thing in the box.  They all share and mention the notes and signed cards. 

Any news from Al? 

Well, we stayed home last night. Barb fixed what she called quesadillas but I would call them enchiladas but whatever, they were very good.  The neighbors brought over chip and Mexican dip and Valentine's cup cakes and ice cream.  Very good meal.

I woke up with a sore throat.  It got 80 degrees in here yesterday before they decided to turn on the A/C and then left it on all night.  And it got cold in the night...down to 60 degrees in here.  Too much degree fluctuation for me.  And I was told that I was sure sawing logs last night...don't you do that when sleeping?  I don't hear myself since I wear earplugs when on vacation so I can sleep. 

I think Walmart is today and I would like to go to the pool again.  Right now the water is shut off in the park.  There is a water leak a few lots away.  So no shower this morning!

Happy Valentines Day folks.  May the love God showers us with show in you today to those you love.  Also today is Pancake Tuesday!  Who is eating Pancakes for a meal? 
Here is a low fat pancake from scratch!

Whole Wheat Pancakes
Ingredients:
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 cup low-fat buttermilk
2 tbsp honey

Preparation:
Whisk whole-wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. In a small bowl, combine egg, buttermilk and honey. Make a well in dry ingredients and stir in egg and buttermilk mixture.
Allow batter to rest for a few minutes.
Preheat griddle to 375 degrees or set a nonstick frying pan to medium-high heat. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls on to griddle or pan. Cook until the edges begin to dry and bubbles appear in the pancakes. Flip and cook for 1-2 minutes more.
Makes 8 pancakes.

 

I received this in an email yesterday from Bonnie Atlee.

The Haircut

A teenage boy had just passed his driving test and inquired of his father
as to when they could discuss his use of the car.
His father said he'd make a deal with his son, "You bring your grades up
from a C to a B average, study your Bible a little, and get your hair cut.
Then we'll talk about the car."
The boy thought about that for a moment, decided he'd settle for the offer,
and they agreed on it.
After about six weeks his father said, "Son, you've brought your grades up
and I've observed that you have been studying your Bible, but I'm
disappointed you haven't had your hair cut."
The boy said, "You know, Dad, I've been thinking about that, and I've
noticed in my studies of the Bible that Samson had long hair, John the
Baptist had long hair, Moses had long hair, and there's even strong evidence
that Jesus had long hair."

(You're going to love the Dad's reply!)

"Did you also notice they all walked everywhere they went?"

Hi everyone.  Just back home after a full morning and getting a bit to eat for lunch.  After coffee I went to visit my friend who has had the reinsurance of prostate cancer and has been house-bound for the last 3 or 4 weeks.  He is hoping to be able to come back to join us for coffee perhaps by the end of the week.  I then returned something at Walmart and made a quick stop at Sam's Club, which is just across a side street from Walmart.  Finally I attended a meeting.  We had snow during the night.  The only evidence of it this morning was a white strip on the roofs where the valleys are located.  Pat and I have an appointment late this afternoon and that will be it for the day.

Jeanne, that was a thoughtful thing with the three smaller boxes of candy for the children so they could give you something and give you the joy of giving it back to them.

Janet, proud of you for taking care of yourself in saying no if that was not what you wanted to do in terms of working on Saturday.

Judy, loved the little boys definition of the meaning of the Bible.

Carol, while not expected the thank you notes are always welcome.  I am sure those packages met a lot to the soldiers.

Etta Sue, hope the sore throat goes away so you can completely enjoy your trip. 

Etta Sue what was that link to getting your glasses online.? I need another Pair I am tired of the Dollar store glasses.


I called Marbeth this morning at 9am and didn't get an answer but I did leave a message.