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Morning Devotional...


Counting It All Joy

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trails, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience" (v. 2).

James 1:2–8


One of the hardest lessons we Christians have to learn is how to be joyful in the midst of pain and suffering. Remember, James tells us to count it all joy when we enter into suffering and affliction. What does he mean when he says, "Count it all joy"? The concept here is the idea of reckoning of considering. We are to consider what we are going through as a matter of joy, not because the thing itself is something that is pleasurable, but because tribulation works patience within us. There is at least one good thing happening to us in the midst of pain and suffering. We are therefore called to think about our circumstances in that light. Our suffering is not an exercise in futility. God has a purpose, and that purpose is always good. We can count all things joy because God is working in all situations, even the most painful, for our sanctification and ultimate glorification.

In order to count earthly afflictions joy, we have to be able to take into account the future. Sometimes a Christian's hope for heaven is ridiculed in our day. The lost mock those whose lives are characterized by hope. But sometimes this is all we have. When our lives are filled with sorrow and grief, we must be able to look to the future—to heaven—to find the joy that can soothe our troubled souls. Our joy must be based on looking to God and to the inheritance we will receive in heaven. This is exactly what Jesus did. He was able to endure the cross because of the joy that was set before Him (Heb. 12:2). We, too, must realize that the suffering we endure in this life cannot compare with the joy that is laid up for us in heaven.

But in the moment, it is hard to keep our eyes fixed on the future. When we are in the midst of the trial, we can easily become consumed by it. Paul understood this. He who suffered many trials knew what it meant to feel pain. But he held on to the hope that this suffering is only momentary, that in a short while we will reach our final destination where "there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away" (Rev. 21:4). During those times when sorrow is at its peak, we must remember that we are strangers here, that the labor pains only last for a little while and joy will come in the morning. That is our hope. That is what enables us to count it all joy as we endure suffering and pain.

Coram Deo

To be able to count it all joy, you have to be able to trust God. Do you have that kind of confidence in the sovereignty and goodness of God? Do you look to Christ in the midst of your sufferings, or do you tend to focus on the present situation until you are consumed by it? Ask God to help you rejoice in Him and to count it all joy.

Passages for Further Study

Romans 8:18–27
Philippians 3:7–11
Revelation 21:1–8


From Ligonier Ministries, the teaching fellowship of R.C. Sproul.  http://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/counting-it-all-joy-2/

Thank you, Buddy, for today's devotional.  After my experience this past week with propane delivery it really touches home.   

Jeanne, your furnace ran on empty for an hour THAT YOU KNOW OF!!  It could have been longer, if you hadn't been checking at regular intervals!  Our God is able!  And He cares about every detail that affects His kids!  How truly awesome He is!  I am rejoicing with you.

I am deeply disappointed because they called last night to say services at our church were canceled.  I guess they got scared of the snow that was predicted for on East of us.  We got maybe an additional half inch of snow.  So now that means we won't have gotten to worship with our church family for FOUR long weeks.     

Larry, it sounds like you are preparing very efficiently for your move.  God bless!

I have a pizza kit in the freezer that we bought from Abby when she was selling them for some school organization, and I think I will go get it out and make a pizza for lunch.

This coming Wednesday we will be taking John to catch his flight home.  What a blessing that man is!  His birthday is Dec. 29th, so he and Beth got to celebrate that together again.

We may go to the movie "unbroken" this afternoon - someone told me that they did talk about faith at the end but there is no mention of the main character going to a Billy G. sermon and the turning results of that visit.  Hollywood just cannot get it right.  I had a fun morning yesterday when exercising at the new gym - ran into an old friend from Fort  Collins - she and I co-chaired annual book sales and she is an expert quilter.  She lives just three houses from us so we will meet on Monday to catch up. 

JANET, so glad that Beth is feeling better.  RUTH ANN, we are all getting forgetful and just remember that young people are forgetful as well.  LARRY, time is really racing now that you are packing - I just know that you will be truly settled in a matter of weeks.  JEANNE LEE, how marvelous for you.  There was no luck involved in that at all. 

Mentioning forgetfulness - a friend here is struggling since she lost her husband a year ago and really, she had been a heavy duty caregiver for so many years.  I think stress has a lot to do with that issue. 

BUDDY Thank you for the message. 

Jeanne I can really relate.  We trusted God with our finances in April and have wanted nothing since.  You are right God IS good -------  All the time!

It has been snowing most of today, I just noticed the sky is clear for the time being.  If it stays clear we will be in for a deep freeze.  We have wood and food with no need to go out!

Hi everyone.  It is a chilly, windy but sunny morning here in Georgia.  We are in for some very cold weather by Wednesday. Yesterday afternoon we did visit for a few minutes our long-time friends from church.  The wife is dying and is in her last few hours here on earth as her body is shutting down.  They have a nurse with her 24 hours a day now.  From there we went to the Nigerian families home for a Nigerian dinner. It was a different experience but they are very gracious people and served a good meal of goat meat with a sauce over a mashed white yam (like potatoes) serving, yams, baked chicken legs, fried rice and fruit for dessert.  We enjoyed the meal and the conversation.  They asked us if we wanted to eat Nigerian style, which is eating with your fingers and we declined and were given silverware to use.  Another church member and her sister had also been invited.  Needless to say it was a full day as hadn't felt well all morning and came home from church, skipped lunch and immediately laid down until it was time to leave again.  Feeling much better today and will get a box or two packed. 

Jeanne, another miracle from God regarding your propane furnace being out of propane.  Glad your tanks are now full so you will be warm this winter. 

Buddy, thanks for the devotional thoughts for this week.  I have often wondered how people without faith in an afterlife and handle long period of serious illness with perhaps death at the end.  Knowing there is an eternal life certainly takes away the fear of dying. 

Janet, too bad about your church services.  I guess those in charge didn't want to risk that folks would have a hard time getting there with the snow and cold.  I know you will saddened to see John's time with Beth coming to an end and that she certainly will be. 

Carol, with your mutual interest in quilting you two should have a great time catching up.  Did you know she was in the your area?  The days are going very quickly as we really have only two weeks left before we will be moving. 

Judy, does John still have to get out each weekday to drive the bus?   

3 PM here and it is time to take a break.  Exercised for an hour early in order to do housew**k that seems never ending.  Did shopping for Don and just set up appointments for different handymen to check out our electrical problems and other issues. 

LARRY:  the meal sounds interesting and how lovely it is that the family wanted you two to visit and treat you. Glad that you felt better in the afternoon - take a rest whenever you want.  It'll all work out.  JUDYB:  thinking of you and do hope you have a lot of wood for fuel this year because it sure is crazy cold. 

This happens to me all the time and today I felt so blessed chatting with a woman in the aisle of a grocery store - she is caregiver for both parents and is exhausted (looked it too) and her brothers do nothing to help - I said "God bless you" as we parted & it started a stream of her tears so very thankful that someone said such a simple thing to her.  It helped me take my mind off of one of the grandchildren's issues.  Just felt good. 

Yes we have lots of wood in the basement.  I had a night last night......Couldn't sleep.  So as to allow John to sleep without me tossing and fidgeting I came downstairs, and lay on the couch.  I was just drifting off to sleep when a full row of wood fell in the basement.  I jumped thinking one of the trees in front of the house had come down on the house.  Checked everything out and discovered the wood....What a night that was! 

Hi everyone.  It is a sunny 30 degrees here this morning.  Shortly I will take my PT Crusier, which now must sit outside the garage due to packing boxes, up to have the anti-freeze checked.  We are suppose to get down to maybe 14 degrees Wednesday night so don't want to take any chances.  The housekeepers are coming today for the last time before we move to do some special jobs like taking down the curtain and cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms.  They will come back after we move out one time to do a good sweeping and cleaning of the house.  We will continue to pack today and things are going well and according to plan. 

Carol, a kind word or so is never wasted even if there is no response.  Your kindness to the lady will be long remembered. 

Judy, hard to sleep with unexpected noises.  Is it still snowing up your way?

No not today, at night the sky is clear with a full moon.  We prefer a heavy cloud cover to keep the cold out.....Cold night last night.  It is supposed to warm up to about -16 to -17 today That would be 3.2 or slightly lower 1.7........Not to bad we had - 35  (or -31) earlier this week in the morning!

It is warmer here today, but they predict record cold for tomorrow.  We plan to leave plenty early to take John to catch his flight.  I told him we will leave early, and then we should have time to treat him to lunch before he leaves.  We have a list of stuff to do there, too.  We don't get out of our little town very often, routinely, so make the best use of the trip when we do go to one of the larger towns. 

Larry, it sounds as if all is going according to schedule on your move.  Stay warm and safe!

Hello, Judy.  That would startle anyone, to hear the wood falling!  I had a bad night last night, too.

I am wearing the heart monitor again.  This morning I walked 1.25 miles on the treadmill at a pace of 4 MPH, then rode a stationary bike 2.5 miles, si that should tell them how strong this ol' girl's heart really is!  I get the monitor off at 2:15.

I have marked all the stuff in our vacation booklet regarding packing, stuff needed for this particular trip, etc. and will go start laying things out as soon as I finish here.  I didn't do a very good job of packing last time, so want to do better this time.  And we are going to be in different types of climate and terrain, so will pack for three different locations.  We will be leaving our big suitcases in Quito while we go to the Amazon rain forest, and also when going to the Galapagos.  So this packing will be different from any before, for us.

I hope you are all staying safe, warm and well, with many blessings from our loving Father!

Hello everyone, I went to the Chiropractor this morning as I have been hurting for a couple of day. So bad last night that I took a Vicodan.  I haven't slept well for 2 nights as have had to get up almost every hour to use the bathroom, I upped my water intake and this could be the result of that. If it keeps up i will have to have my Dr  order a blood draw to check my glucose.  I don't want to take any chances of being even borderline Diabetic.

My friend Willa  fell last Wednesday and broke her left hip, There were no Orthopedic Dr.s available in the Eureka area so they flew her to Medford Oregon for the surgery where she remains at this time. She  broke her right hip before I moved to Oregon at Curves when she took a misstep. I was with her that time. Please pray for a miraculous healing for her.

Hi, friends,

It's so good to hear from y'all once again.

It's hard to comment on each persons messages, but I certainly appreciate them.

I'm heading early to bed tonight. It's been a busy, busy day, and I have some consulting projects to do the rest of this week, so I'll be inside, safe from the bitter cold weather we are predicted to have.

Y'all have a safe and well rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone on a 30 degree Wednesday morning and it will be getting colder all day with up to 25 mile and hour winds tonight.  We went  to Bible study this morning and then spent some time with our friends at Dunkiin' Donut.  This evening we have a visitation for our friend we visited on Sunday afternoon who passed away on Monday morning.  The funeral is tomorrow but we will be out of town and will miss the funeral. 

Janet, we continue to make good progress on the move.  I talked with our son yesterday and again this morning and he said he will be off tomorrow so he and our DIL will over while we are inspecting the house and doing measurements.  We can use his help. I arranged yesterday so we will four hours at the house if we want to stay that long so won't be rushed.  He is also taking a few days off work starting the day after we move and will help us get settled. 

Marilyn, sorry to read of your pain and also of your friend breaking her hip.

Papa John has been Promoted to Glory.

Please share your thoughts of condolence HERE

Hi, friends,


Today has been very busy, and I'm beginning to grow weary, but I've accomplished a good deal today with the consulting project. My contact must be pulling his hair over the questions that have cropped up in the analysis process. At any rate, we're working to do the very best we can for his client.

It's so sad to learn that Papa John is gone. What a wonderful man he was.

Now, to go downstairs and check the mail, take trash out, etc...

Y'all have a good rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

It was cold here yesterday, but not nearly as bitterly cold as predicted!    We got John to the airport in time, after treating him to lunch.  He says he may come in September so he can take Beth to the Home Products Dinner.  He will decide between that, the fair, and her birthday, but anyway, sometime in Summer or early Fall.

I have been getting stymied over photos!     But did finally manage to get my order to go through online to Walgreens, so that's a plus.  And I bought a disposable underwater camera to use in the Galapagos.  Pretty pricey--$20 for only 27 pictures, but I didn't want to spend $250 to buy an underwater housing for a digital camera.  Walgreens assured me they will get the photos developed and printed.  It's hard to find processors for film these days!

Larry, I am so glad we have computer communication, so we can continue our friendship with you.  Please pace yourselves and stay safe on the roads, too.  You will soon be all moved and settled into your new place. 

Sorry to hear that Papa John is gone, but we know for sure where he is today, and that he is well, strong, happy and praising the Lord!  What more could we ask?

It's almost gym time.  I am feeling worn out, but won't skip, as I usually feel re-invigorated after I do exercise, even when I really don't want to go.

We got an email from our trip director in the Galapagos yesterday, and the excitement is building! 

Talk to you all later!

Pat, thank you for the notice about Papa John and for the topic for posting messages of sympathy and condolence.

Janet, we WILL see your underwater pictures, won't we?  Don't forget, if you need help posting them or would like them posted for you, I'm available. 

Do you want to know about cold?  Last night it went down to 22 degrees below zero and is now at a high of 14 degrees above zero - that's actual temperatures, not wind chill figures.  The wind, which has been strong at times, has brought the night time temperatures down another 10 to 20 degrees.  I have spent the last few nights exchanging the dry towels on the rack for the wet ones being dripped on to keep the water running.  Also, at intervals I've been running a couple of minutes of hot water down the drain, hoping to keep open the 30 feet of pipe to the septic tank.  I'm concerned about the drain because there's only about 2 inches of snow/ice over it and that doesn't seem enough insulation to keep the frost line above it with this extended frigid period.

Needless to say, nights broken up that way lead to several naps a day and very little time on the computer.  And very frequent prayers of praise that the propane tanks were filled in time. 

Oh well, this too shall pass - and it's global warming!!!   

Hi, friends,

It's so nice to hear from you, Janet. May God be with y'all as you travel.

Jeanne, yes, you beat me with cold temps. We saw temps between 0 and 5 last night. I do so agree that the propane tank situation is worthy of sincere praise.

I'm working on that consulting project, and decided maybe now would be the right time to stop and take a little break.

May the Lord bless everyone who comes today.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  It is a cold 19 degrees here in the Atlanta area this morning.  It was really a cold day yesterday and when we got to our new home found that the heat pump had not yet been installed so the house was in the 50s.  We were there about 2 1/2 hours to do the initial inspection and to get the measurements I wanted for furniture layouts, etc.  Our son was with us and helped a lot with the measurements.  The three of us then went to Ruby Tuesday's for a nice lunch and then we headed home and got here right before dark.  It was hard driving yesterday as we were going East into bright sun in the morning and West coming home in bright sun in the afternoon.  However, it was a good trip and now the work begins goes into the final stages to get ready to move.  I will go to coffee this morning and then spend the day packing, dealing with details as I rest between or during packing boxes, and get a couple of hours of rest this afternoon. 

Janet, know you are sorry to see John's visit come to an end but now can look forward to the next one.  I am glad we have computer communication also.  Believe me I do have to pace myself as does Pat and that is why we have been working on packing everyday since we decided to move.  Your trip to the Galapagos and seeing the big turtles should be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Jeanne, wow, I won't complain as much about the cold in comparison to that 22 below.  Sure hope you have no frozen pipes. 

Ruth Ann, glad you took a little break and posted.  Always good to hear from you and each person that posts.

Good Morning I see I haven't posted for a couple of days.  I am still dealing with the pain in my left shoulder and my neck, My chiropractor if  not in the office from Thursday afternoon until Monday. So I can't get in for an adjustment until then. I am getting some relief from the 15 mg Meloxicam and rubbing some coconut oil mixed with a drop of peppermint essential oil. The liquid coconut oil helps to spread it sround on my neck and shoulder.

Jeanne you story about you propane not running out reminds me of  something similar happening to me way back when I lived in the Desert of California. I only had a 5 gallon  bottle of propane, that lasted me  for over a month. Every Sunday I would get up in church and tell about not running out of propane until  a few people got tired of hearing about that and  told me so. Back then it was $1.00 per gallon  and I didn't even have a dollar to my name. so God took over and kept my propane supply going until someone donated $5 to me to buy more.

Hi, friends,

It's such a blessing to hear stories of how God intervened in our lives when we really needed it.

I've been resting today after two busy days.

I'll be praying for those who are so traumatized in the Paris incidents.

May our Lord be with us all.

Ruth Ann

Yes, Jeanne, this old global warming might have everything looking like another Ice Age if it keeps up!  That is seriously COLD weather you have!  It used to be common for us to get temps to 20 or 22 below 0 years ago, but for the past 20 or so years, it hasn't happened.  Nor do we get anywhere near as much snow as we used to get.  I don't know what caused the change, but pretty sure it must have been "global cooling!    And I will keep in mind your kind offer of help posting my photos!  Thanks so much.

My granddaughter-in-law had an accident on Wed. afternoon.  A farmer had lost one of the big forks off one of those big fork things they use to move the huge round bales of hay.  (Well, it was one of the tines.) It was on the highway and Toni hit it with her car--ran over it, I guess.  Anyway, it totaled the car, deploying the airbags and injuring her pretty badly, but nothing really serious.  Bad bruising, etc.  When Curtis called to tell me about it, I asked if she was alone in the car, and he said yes-NO!  There was an angel with her!  So glad the little girls weren't in the car and that all will be well.  Cars can be replaced, people cannot.  Praise God for His protection!

Ruth Ann, glad you are getting to rest today.  Always good to hear what is happening in your life.

I got up early to spend time in the Word and prayer, now I am feeling sleepy.  Maybe I will catch a little nap after bit.

I'm so relieved the terrorists in France are no longer a threat, but wonder how many more will come out from under their rocks to wreak havoc now.

I'm getting my packing done, bit by bit!  Not nearly the daunting task Larry and Pat are doing. 

See you later!

I am online trying to research some items for the bathroom and hopefully, a man may call and tell me that he can put in an over-the-range microwave.  It is a dilly of a problem in this kitchen and would be such a help to have someone install one for me.  Finished the 3-year sweater and since it is wool, it is a good thing to wear today.  Don went to two classes today on "How to Fix the US from the declining".  It was interesting but there were two people in the group who complained that nothing is wrong and all we need to do is tax people more.  They wanted to take over the discussion but the constitutional teacher wouldn't let them.  Anyway, glad I was home and not involved and only washing clothes and baking muffins.   

Janet:   It does sound fascinating - your underwater voyage I mean.  Glad that your family member wasn't injured in her shocking accident.  You will get a laugh out of this - I have been hitting the gym here daily and found that I have been using one the machines sitting backwards on it as it was an eye-opener to look at the diagram today.  Now to pay more attention.  Laughing at self - oh, well. 

Yes, I am so happy that the  Muslim terrorists are stopped but really did want them to be captured. 

Carol:  Good for you, going to the gym!  Oh, well, exercising while sitting backward may have worked some different muscles for you!    I was shocked this morning on arrival at the gym, as Kristi wasn't there.  I asked, "No Kristi?"  and the guy said, "No, she's out sick today."  My response?  "Sick? Kristi doesn't DO sick!  There is something wrong with this picture!"  I haven't known her to miss a day because of being sick in all the years we've been going!

Yes, too bad they gave those terrorists what they wanted, a so-called martyr's death.  But that won't change their eternal destiny!

I'm glad the guy in charge of that meeting didn't let the "tax them more" people hijack the discussion! 

Hi everyone on a cold 24 degree Georgia morning.  For the last two morning I have awoken around 3:30 and haven't been able to go back to sleep so am getting an early start on the message boards.  Today will just be more packing and attending to details. 

Marilyn, sorry to read you are still suffering from the shoulder and neck pain.  Interesting story about your profane tank.

Ruth Ann, did you get your special project done?  Glad you have been able to rest.

Janet, I remember some really bad winters in Missouri.  So sorry about Toni's accident.  Such a freak thing but it seems that these type of unusual accidents happen occasionally like driving along and have a tree fall on your car.  Just glad she didn't have the children with her or that she wasn't seriously hurt.  You are right metal can be replaced.

Carol, hard to understand the concept of giving the government more money to throw at many unneeded things would help the country.  Hope you can get your microwave installed. 

We have an easier day today, no bus run, and no snow blowing to do.  We have a clear sunny sky at about -12. which would be about 10F  Not as bad as earlier this week at -40.  I do have a bit of odd jobs to finish other than that we will read or whatever for the day.

We feed the dogs in their kennels, it makes it easier for them and us.  I just heard a half bark/growl from Rambo.  The cat was sticking hie paw into the kennel to get the food...Rambo was saying no that is mine.

With all that went on in France this week we can be thankful it wasn't here in North America.  I will say terrorism is becoming more frequent and closer to home.  We had better be ready.

Have you all seen Big Sky Ken's picture, "His Eye Is On The Sparrow"?  It is good to remember His eye is on us as well.  Thank you Ken for that reminder.

Have a great day folks, This too is the day that the Lord has made!

I chose not to go paint today with my group, as it means a 100 mile drive for me and my closest member friend of the group.  I felt a cold trying to attach to me, so am taking lots of Vitamin C and zinc, eating oranges, pomegranates and whatever else with Vitamin C, like grapefruit.  So I didn't need to be out on the road today anyway.

My sister Shirley has had the flu for a whole week, said she was "fighting with the devil for her very life!"  She was feeling some better when I called her this morning.  On TV they said the flu is hitting hard in 38 states!      Maybe this is a good time for us to be leaving the country!  I do hope NONE of you get the nasty old flu!

I have a meal cooked and ready for my friends Paula and Roy.  He said he has to go to town to get her some medicine and will stop by and pick it up. 

I MUST get in to visit Beth today.  Didn't want to go any sooner and take a chance of giving her a cold.

I will see you all later!

Hi, friends,

What interesting messages I find today.

Yes, I finished the statistical report. It was presented yesterday. Today, I think I did the final tidying up on the written report for a different client.

I've been hampered a bit by needing ink for my printer. I'll take care of getting that when I leave to go out in a little while.

Y'all enjoy your walk with our Lord as you go about your business today.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  Decided to check in this evening and then probably again tomorrow evening when I am sitting in my easy chair.  We do plan on attending church in the morning and probably eating out with the group.  Pat is trying to use up the food we have on hand. 

Janet, sure hope you don't come down with anything with your trip planned or even if you weren't taking a trip.  I hope the flu doesn't linger on for your sister as it seems to be doing for so many folks. 

Judy, hope you and John enjoyed your quieter day.



Ruth Ann, always aggravating when the ink runs out.  I try to keep at least one cartridge of each color on hand.