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Morning Devotional...





Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? Luke 6:46


Salvation comes not by "accepting the finished work" or "deciding for Christ." It comes by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, the whole, living, victorious Lord who, as God and man, fought our fight and won it, accepted our debt as His own and paid it, took our sins and died under them and rose again to set us free. This is the true Christ, and nothing less will do.

But something less is among us, nevertheless, and we do well to identify it so that we may repudiate it. That something is a poetic fiction, a product of the romantic imagination and maudlin religious fancy. It is a Jesus, gentle, dreamy, shy, sweet and feminine, almost effeminate, and marvelously adaptable to whatever society He may find Himself in. He is cooed over by women disappointed in love, patronized by pro tem celebrities and recommended by psychiatrists as a model of a well-integrated personality. He is used as a means to almost any carnal end, but he is never acknowledged as Lord. These quasi Christians follow a quasi Christ. They want his help but not his interference. They will flatter him but never obey him.

To confess Christ as "Lord" without obeying Him reveals a shallow understanding of who He is. It is to live as the foolish builder (Luke 6:49) and ultimately experience complete destruction. Our obedience demonstrates our commitment to Christ's Lordship.



I declare that You are my Lord. May my life express obedience to You.

From Devotions By Dr. Tozer

Well folks I guess it's official now so I will announce it.

After our last bout with the hurricanes that we have here in NC as some of you know my greenhouses were hit pretty hard. That and the fact of this failing economy I decided not to rebuild and therefore I'm Officially Retired Now.

This was a hard decision for me to make as I am not one for sitting around or being idle. My greenhouses have served me well and I really enjoyed what I was doing. It was also a hard decision to make about starting this business in the beginning, but with the help of God and His leadership it was a success and I know that He will not desert me now.

I am finding out already that I don't have to be idle. There are lots of things that I had ignored for the past 19 years and lots of things that I can do toward helping other people.

So I challenge you to try and find something you can do to help someone else, you will not have to look very hard. It doesn't have to cost a lot in $'s or take a lot of time but the satisfaction you will receive will be out of this world.   

Hope everyone has a safe and blessed week.

Hi everyone on a beautiful and sunny Sunday morning here in Georgia.  Pat is planning on going to church with me and then we will go out to lunch either with the group or by ourselves. This is the first time in several weeks she will have gone to church so know she is doing better.  As far as I know there is nothing else on the schedule.  After struggling for a couple of hours I finally was able to get my new TV connected to the internet and to Netflix.  That was a relief as really didn't know who to call for help.  No more news regarding our son although Pat did talk with his wife yesterday.  Apparently he hadn't told her anything he learned from the doctor but he had gone to work and was closing last night at the store. 

Janet, I have always felt it was best to pay for our own meals out with friends as  it eliminated any sense of needing to "pay back" or being concerned about ordering something to expensive.  Hope that makes sense.  Nice you could spend a couple of hours with your sister. 

Don, thanks for the fine devotional thoughts for this week.  Congratulations on being retired.  I am sure you will other pursuits that will keep you busy.  I have been retired for many years now but still want to have something that I will do each day and about four days a week go out around 8 am to have coffee with retired men friends for an hour or so.  I also have a couple of luncheon groups, one which meets every week and one that is every two or three weeks and I always enjoy being with friends.  We also have our church friends and church activities although have cut down on what we participate in.  I am never bored as have books to read, the computer and other interests.  I enjoyed doing volunteer work for a number of years until I no longer had the energy to be reliable. 

Good Morning  Everyone, It is a beautiful day here on the Oregon Coast. I've made a loaf of Banana bread to use up a couple of bananas that were getting too soft. I think it is potluck Sunday after church, but I am not sure. so I will take the bread and leave it in the car until I find out, better to be prepared.

Don I have been retired for the last 5 years, however I am a Volunteer Recovery technician at our local Spay and neuter hospital. I usually work 3 day us a week there as those are the only days we do the surgeries. The other 4 days an am still busy doing other things it seems I am busier now that I was before I retired. Enjoy your retirement take time to do the things that you like to do. I love going hiking  on the hills around the ocean and down to the beaches to see what I can photograph.

Janet:  Welcome back.  So sorry to learn of Beth's situation and it must be so frustrating to her not to be understood.  Prayers for you.   

Don:  Welcome to retirement.  You will find yourself busier than ever - believe me.  My Don said it only took a few minutes for him to enjoy retirement - I told him he had to find a hobby other than fishing and travel so he took on woodworking small things.  I know you will keep up with many things.  Don now enjoys men's breakfast and so many things.  We barely have enough hours in the day. 

Speaking of - we had one grandson graduate on Friday afternoon under black clouds but not a drop of rain fell.  It was held in an outdoor Red Rocks area a natural amphitheater and Don could understand every word.  Now, if we could only duplicate that in the house!  Next day was the beginning of a 4 day hockey for another grandson - only, he was not up to par and became so sick from an upper repository infection and stomach flu - he was weak and couldn't skate so he was taken to urgent care.  Now resting.  He feels terrible about not participating.  These things are always for a reason even though we can't understand right now. 

We have the car packed and almost ready to take off for Arizona in the morning.  At the very most, we will stay three weeks.  Lots to do but we will take it slow.  Here, another thunderstorm is overhead and floods are threatening once again.  This series of serious weather may pass in a couple of days but you can almost set your clock by the wind and rain.  It is still snowing in the mountains too. So glad that we can watch the yearly national program for Memorial Day on t.v. tonight 

 

I will be traveling Thursday to California and back home on Friday. Savannah is graduating from Academy of the  Redwoods with her High school Diploma and her AA at the same time, in the fall she will be at Humboldt State University as a Junior. We are hoping that she and Gilbert will join us on vacation at Sunriver this year. Forest was going to go but he is instead going to Summer School and taking Biology. When I spoke with Gilbertlast night he wasn't  thinking that far in the future, (only 4 weeks away). That kid of mine never like to make any plans until the last minute.

I am just stopping in to say hello.  I have been at this computer most of the afternoon working with my photos from the trip, so my neck, shoulders and arms are feeling it.  think I will go for a little walk before it gets too dark and see if I can work out the kinks!

But I shall return!

Hi everyone on the Monday morning.  We had some thunder and lightning yesterday afternoon but no rain.  There is the same possibility this afternoon and this evening.  Pat and I enjoyed church yesterday and then went out to eat with four other friends to our local buffet.  Today is just the normal Monday activities.

Marilyn, I will have a piece of that banana bread if there is any left.   The difference in what we do as retired folks is we have options as to how to spend our time and energy.  Glad you are enjoying your retirement. 

Carol, I am like Don as it only took me a few minutes to enjoy retirement.  I don't have any hobbies where I use my hands other than on the keyboard.  I have often said I can't imagine what my retired life would have been without the computer.  I do love to read and listen to music.  I especially enjoy the time spent with friends.  Glad the graduation for your grandson was rained on and the clouds probably made being in the outside setting more enjoyable than dealing with the sun.  Sorry your grandson became ill and missed his hockey games.  Hope he is feeling better today.

Marilyn, have a safe trip.  That is quite an accomplishment for Savannah. 

Janet, look forward to your return.  Hope you got your walk in yesterday and it relieved the stress from sitting at the computer for you.

Belated Happy Anniversary Wishes, Pat and Paul!

I enjoyed going out to the cemetery today, walking around, looking at the headstones and the flowers, visiting with friends, then staying for the Memorial Day Ceremonies.  It was an absolutely perfect day, weather-wise, too.

I spent time today trying to find a photo I want to paint from, nothing inspired me.  And my class starts on Monday.........

I am for sure going to the gym in the morning!  Too many days sitting at this computer and not getting enough exercise!  Not good for me!

Hi, friends,

Sorry I wasn't here on Saturday to wish Pat and Paul a happy anniversary. May this new year in your lives be blessed with happiness, better health, and increasing joy in our Lord.

For USA residents, I'm thankful for those of you who have served in our Armed Forces. As a two-times-over military mom, I'm extremely grateful both my sons were not seriously injured while serving the military and so thankful that they are patriotic and love their country.

It's so good to see several postings here tonight. I've been faithful in going to the Y to exercise, and am feeling stronger daily. My goal is to be able to go up and down the stairs at various children's/grandchildren's homes. And, of course, if weight loss follows, it will be wonderful.

I agree, retirement can be a good thing. Especially if we choose to use the time given us wisely.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  We had a very rainy afternoon yesterday with a lot of lightning and thunder.  Fortunately, I didn't need to get out in the rain.  I don't have much on the schedule today other than to attend a meeting this morning and will just work on some little projects here at my desk.  Pat plans on going to Sam's club with a friend this afternoon. 

Pat and Paul, Happy Anniversary.  Time goes by so quickly and it seems like only yesterday when you got married.  Hope you both had a nice celebration.

Janet, I remember as I was growing up that my mother always picked peonies and other flowers she was growing to take to the two cemeteries.  I would go with her as she decorated the graves.  These were country cemeteries but very well maintained.  Pat and I have had plots there for over 50 years but will probably never use them since we will be cremated. Hope you had a good workout at the gym yesterday. 

Ruth Ann, glad your exercise at the "Y" is doing you so much good.   

Good afternoon, friends,

I'm about to go do some errands and finish up at the Y.

Y'all have a great day.

Ruth Ann

Thanks, Larry; I did have a good workout this morning.  That was AFTER we had more water problems.    Drain stopped up, water backed up into the shower and also flooded part of the garage.  Ugh.  We got it fixed, now if only we could know how to prevent it from happening again...ever!

Larry, when I was a child, I remember my Mom making flowers from crepe paper to use for what we then called Decoration Day.  I wish I knew how to do that--those were beautiful!  And then my first mother-in-law was really good at making floral pieces from flowers and evergreen trimmings from her yard.  She also created them for funerals, and they were beautiful.  I wish all children would be taught the meaning of Memorial Day, and the sacrifices others made so they could live in freedom in this wonderful country!  When my grandsons were small, I took them to the cemetery and tried to instill in them that respect for our military, both past and present.  And they do remember.

Ruth Ann, I am so glad both your sons who served came home safely!

The house cleaner will be here soon, and I want to do some picking up before she gets here, so I'd better get with it!

Whew!  I'm back.  I'll bet you didn't even miss me.    

I went through withdrawal for about 2 weeks with no internet access at all, but thanks to a lovely young man from the cable company things seem to be OK now.  I was afraid for a while I'd need not only a new router but also a new computer.  But the Lord took a hand, the computer is not a problem, the router will probably need to be replaced in the not too distant future, and the cable company replaced their modem with a more up to date one.  I did have to resort to system restore, but that's not major.

And the weather, at least for the moment, is beautiful.

Good news, and more good news!  Happy for you, Jeanne!

Hi everyone.  I wanted to post early today as will be gone all morning with Bible study and an hour or so visiting with friends at Dunkin' Donuts.  Pat is planning on going again this week.  She is definitely feeling a lot better, although not recovered.  We had no rain yesterday and it is suppose to be sunny today.  Our yard people were here yesterday morning so our yard is looking very nice.

Janet, water seems to be a bane in your home.  Hope this time there was not a lot of damage.  I bet if you set your mind to it you would also create beautiful floral arrangements as you are so artistically talented.  You sound like me in that I always try to pick up things in my office and around my easy chair and side of the bed so it makes it easier for the housekeepers to do their work.

Jeanne, you know that we all missed you and are certainly glad you are back with us.   

Talk about ups and downs!  Yesterday it was 80 and I had most of my windows open with curtains blowing in the lovely mild breeze.  Today it's 50 and I've had to go around and close them all.  I guess it's not summer yet.   

I just lost my post so I will say that I the computer tower and lap top updated with the windows 7 program and also purchased 2 wireless mice no more long wires.

Judy: Sorry about your shoulder problems , is surgery in future?

Janet: Beth must feel frustrated

Larry:  I hope your son gets some answers soon.
           Good news about your lovely wife.

Marilyn: enjoy your short vacation.

I've had another good day today.  Up very early to spend 2 1/2 hours with  my heavenly Father and do my prayer journaling; then off to the gym, Kristi had me walk outside as it was a lovely, cool morning.  I walked about 3 1/2 or 4 miles; home because Abby was coming by.  Then I splurged and had a pedicure and manicure.  Then home and Darrel and I went to Hugoton and ate lunch with Diane and Abby, then went on to Liberal to get our hearing aids serviced, car washed at the Squeaky Clean, and to Walmart for groceries.  Now I am yawning!

Now, isn't that just about the most exciting news you have heard in a long time? 

No, Larry, there really wasn't much damage this time, just got some boxes of stuff wet, and it wasn't anything valuable or sentimental.  I needed to throw stuff away anyhow.  And we bought a lighter weight mop today, so I can finish the cleaning out there.  Ugh.

Good to read each of your posts tonight.  See you tomorrow!

Ruth it is arthritis......nothing more they can do. I will be in your old neck of the woods on Sunday, Vaughan Baptist.

We are going to be away on Sunday so tonight we went to a kennel to see about boarding Zeke.  So for $15 plus tax he will be at a good kennel.  He liked the lady who runs the outfit and it looks clean and the dogs are well cared for.  I found it interesting that she walks them 4X a day.  Anyway I am going to a church down south where MaxA is preaching and will have lunch with him.  He is a man of integrity and so often that is lacking in men today even among preachers.

Wow one of my foster sons called, I had been in touch with his sister (my former DIL) she gave me his number I called and left a message and he called, When I said hello he said "Hello MOM" how awesome is that, I haven't heard from them in more than 20 years. My former DIL's husband contacted me on face book and wanted me to call so I did. Great conversation and catching up time. She is the mother of two of my grand daughters who were raised by my son and his current wife. The girls have had no contact with their mother and brothers is over 20 years. That sure made my day yesterday.

Hi, friends,

I'm creeping around tonight so as not to awaken anyone I didn't feel very good for the majority of the day, so rested and tried to get better. Sometimes we have days like that, don't we.

It's so good to see each of you posting. It cheered my spirits to hear of the good things that are going on, and to know y'all are coming in often.

Y'all have a good rest, and awaken with peace and deep-seated joy in your souls.

Ruth Ann

Marilyn, what wonderful cheerful news from you this morning!  Praise God for such great reunions after so many years.   

Ruth Ann, I hope your day of resting yesterday has you feeling much better today.  Sometimes our bodies just say "Whoa there!  Slow down a while!"

Judy, even though it was by accident and short, it was good to speak to you last night and hear the contentment in your voice.  John's retirement certainly seems to be good for both of you.   

Hi everyone on a beautiful sunny morning with some chance of showers late this afternoon and evening.  Pat is taking a friend to lunch to celebrate the friend's birthday.  Late this afternoon we both have appointments with the eye doctor for our annual checks and then will go out to eat somewhere.  We did talk to our son last evening, finally, and is seemed cheery and said he is feeling good again.  They really found nothing and he continued to have pain for a couple of days after getting out of the hospital but knew it wasn't his heart or gall bladder and a couple of other things.  We were relieved to hear from him. 

Jeanne, the weather was just teasing you but didn't want to spoil you. 

Ruth, I expect you will really enjoy the wireless mice and the Windows 7 is a lot like the XP so you shouldn't have any problems. 

Janet, you have a full day yesterday.  Glad for you that you are able to do all those things and hopefully enjoy most of them.  Glad you didn't have damage from the water for anything important. 

Judy, sorry to read of the arthritis as that is so painful.  I am so fortunate to not be bothered by it but remember how much my grandmother and father were. Pat also has a lot of arthritis in her back.  Glad you found a good place to board Zeke and you won't have to worry about him when you want to get away overnight. 

Marilyn, so happy for you that you have been able to re-establish contact with your foster son.  Everything in its own time and that is why we should never give up. 

Ruth Ann, you are right that some days are just not great days in terms of how we feel.  Hoe you feel better today. 

Hello:

Judy:  So sorry about your pain is it weather related or all the time?
          Is the Vaughan Baptist Church the one on Islington Ave?


Marilyn:  It is wonderful about your good news.

I must do my exercises and then a little house work.

One and all have a great day.

Ruth--always good to see a post from you!  Hope your recovery is going well.

Judy, sorry about the arthritis.  I remember my dad suffering with that, especially in his hands.

Larry, glad your son finally called and that he is doing so much better. 

Ruth Ann, I hope today is much better for you.  Some days the ol' bod just rebels! 

Jeanne, so glad you are back with us!

Did I tell you all that my children's book is done, and I have ordered 50 copies of it?  They should be arriving very soon.

Another busy day---are there any other kinds?   

Got to run, more things to do!

Ruth Yes, PineGrove area.  Also the pain has been steady for about 6/7 months.  Two nasth falls then some sound shaking on an ATV......

The Explorer is in the shop with a rear wheel seal gone and oil all over the tire. 

We are leaving the big boy in a kennel while we are gone.  It will be much easier for him and less concern for us.  Surprisingly the kennel owner takes the dogs for 4 walks every day!

Well into the 4th week of retirement and haven't run out of things to do yet. Don't know how I'm progressing with the honey do list but keep chipping away at it LOL. Just completed a policy and procedures manual for a small school bus company. That was both challenging and interesting. It will be nice to be home for the summer and enjoy our property. Thats a first in the 18 some years that we have lived here. Think I can get used to this kind of lifestyle. Sure got a lot of stress out of my life by staying home. Summer has arrived here in the north, which is really nice after the long hard winter that we had this year. Now to line up the work we need to do to the house this summer. We need to replace a large window and also part of the roof needs to be re shingled. Will bring someone in to do the shingling. Don't intend to go up on the roof of this 2 story old farm house. Going to run for now. Blessings everyone.

Hi everyone on a cloudy and humid Georgia morning.  We may see some showers this afternoon and evening.  One of the men in our coffee group is moving to Texas with his wife into a retirement community and this was the last time for us to see him.  So I got fresh apple fritters and another of the men brought a plate of homemade biscuit with country ham to mark the occasion.  Another of the guys made a certificate that we presented him giving him a lifetime membership in our coffee groups.  There are only three of us left besides this fellow who is leaving who started the coffee group some 18 years ago.  We will miss him but he has enriched our lives.  He is 86 years old.  Today is my ROMEO's lunch group and that will be it for today.  Pat has a special event as well at noon so won't need to make an evening meal.  We both got a clear report from our eye exams yesterday so are good for another year. 

Ruth, glad to read you are being attentive to your daily exercises.  Pat is now doing the exercises daily rather than going to PT. 

Janet, do you have another book in mind to write now that the Children's book is finished. 

John, I have been retired since 1995 and still can always find some project that interests me each day so I doubt that you need to worry about running out of things to do.    Glad to read you are not going to try to get on your roof and do the shingling.