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Verse for Today...[/font]

"for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."[/color]
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Morning Devotional...

God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.                                         Revelation 21:4



Here is the everlasting joy of the redeemed.

Because the Redeemer Himself wept and suffered and died, His saints shall one day live in a deathless, tearless land, where sorrow and pain are unknown.

In the City foursquare, those things which have made earth a sad place shall forever be things of the past.
~Jim Flanigan~

.Amen! Amen! Thanks Pat

Good Morning from icy England., wind chilled England Ruthie!

Ruthie I wear L.Js in the house this weather.I have plenty of Damart clothing too...thin and thick layers. There are now some insoles to put in your boots made of the same materials used for the astronauts, sort of metallic.,I can't remember the name. Damart sell them.  Can you buy Damart goods? Do you take a flask of something hot on your walk to work?

Pat Our windows are iced up inside some mornings.  We rent this house and the Central Heating is old and no double glazing.  I do have thermal curtain liners so that helps a bit except in the dire icy  weather which we have at the moment., always wiping windows.

Nita I too have always suffered from periods of abject depression. Years ago I did have medical treatment for it, now I hand over to Jesus. Praise Him that He has just brought me out of another dark valley up onto the tops of the hills.  The vision is much brighter and I can see more clearly. It helps to know that some of the greatest Christians suffered from depression.Francis of Assissi for one.  He called it:-

            "Spiritual indigestion".              

therefore Nita you are in good company.  However, I do think you should share with our dear Jane.  She will pray with you for wisdom re medical attention.  Sometimes our friends can see us better than we see ourselves and she will advise you. One thing,
eat well sister., also applying a lavender stick to forehead and wrists helps a bit.

"One today is worth Two Tomorrows"....ref Pat

Yes, you can pack so much into a day lived for Christ.  Who knows how many tomorrows you may have???

Somehow I am set in mind of our Carol.  She packs much into her day for Christ.  I am praying for her as she is such a wonderful witness for Him.

Please Lord Jesus,

"Take My moments and my days,Let them flow in ceaseless praise."

Jenny

Ruthie

I am so sorry that Kim is poorly.  I am going to pray for her today. So sad at this time with Shawn's problem too.

Love Jenny X

Hi Jenny...

Just on my way to London and won't be home till late tonight.  Jenny, I don't think I ever had iced up windows when I lived in Ireland but now I can't remember.


Make sure you all click on the "Creation Moments" above and find out "Why Birds Don't Wear Sox!"

Good morning:

My prayer is for Pat to have safe traveling on this
very cold day.


Ruth

1.25 PM in Holland

PAT thank you for the devotional this morning also the hymn yesterday was lovely
i pray today that you are safely come home.

Ruthie i will pray for Kim also for Shawn
and for you as mother you also have now sorrows about
the children.

NITA i also have sometimes depressions
often when it is winter i have had medicines but now no more i pray for you Nita i know what it is.

SONJA your animaties are awesome i love that.

This morning has been my pastor it was a good morning we have talk a lot and that was
so good. She have read Psalm 103 and she have pray
It was a very good morning

This morning the sun was shining but now it is dark we shall have a big storm and again rain


PHILIPPIANS 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always,
I will say it again: Rejoice!

        DELIGHT IN LIFE
Teach me to delight my heart
in all of life, each precious part.

Bye Love Ria

Amen, Pat!  Great devotional.  Have a good day in London. Did it warm up there today?

Ria, thank you.  My husband seen my posts and got a giggle out of them.  I sure hope someone in here does to.  

Jenny~I am assuming L. J's are long johns??  What is the lowest temp. so far this winter where you are at?


Ruth, Sarah, and all others who come in later.!

I have so much to do today.  
Zachery needs to get bloodwork done and more meds.  
Chandraya has dance again.
I missed a doctors appointment for Troy,   RATS, so I will be calling and making another.  
Pay some bills, help with paper route.  Do school.
hmmm...that should keep me busy all day.  It is nice to have these morning by myself.  

---

But Love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Highest.  For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.
Judge not, and you shall not be judged.  Dondemn not, and you shall not be conndemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
Luke 6:35,37

Hey everyone,
Getting ready for school thought i'd stop in. today won't be too rough unless i get into an arguement witha teacher that i am having problems with agian(please be in prayer over that situation) well i must be getting ready and be getting off to school. TTYL
Sarah

Sarah Hi.

Remember "the soft answer turns away wrath".

I will pray for you. We can't all get on with everyone. Just do your best dear. It will work out. There will be other difficult people to deal with as you go on life's journey. Use this as an example. Try to turn the other cheek and "let it go". Give it to The Lord.

Don't let this situation spoil your joy dear little one.

Jenny X

Dear Nita - I'd like to point out something that I think might help you.  If any individual does not have a tender heart - is focussed inward and doesn't really care about others - then that person will probably not have much depression as he/she observes the world.  But if, on the other hand, an individual is a very caring, tenderhearted person, then that person will indeed be liable to depression when observing the ills around his/her world.  You care.  You have depression, especially when observing the troubles others have.  I think you reflect the goodness and caring of your Lord in this!  
On the other hand, though, you mustn't take other's troubles onto yourself, but you must leave them to your Lord (in prayer).
I believe I've just described you.

Lately it seems, God is directing me to some really neat Chrsitian sites.

Pat invited me here and for that I thank you Pat.

I receive a daily mailing from www.hearttouchers.com  Michael Powers has some really great stuff on this site.

Because of Michael's site, today I was led to another: www.sermonfodder.com  I have only just barely gotten in to it.  While it is mainly intends to be a site for "clean humor" there are some other thought provoking things written by contributors.  "Race relation and Promise Keepers"  is one I read.

Something else I gleaned from it:  "Never does the human soul appear so strong as when it foregoes revenge and dares to forgive an injury."  E.H.Chapin

As humans our first thought is to fight right back when someone hurts us.  We want to fight fire w/fire.  And that is what I am good at.  I can throw insults, fighting words with the best of them.    My defense mechanism kicks in and I flail away.

The trouble is as I walk away, God says to me, "You've won the battle, but you lost the war."

Over the years, I'm learning to control my temper and my ourbursts.  Even my wife recently commented, "You are not the same person that you used to be."   And she has known me over 45 years.

So, I forgive..."Not stuff it"  I really mean "I forgive you." when I say it, even if I only say it to myself.

I'm learnin and growin day by day.

Hi Pastor Al



Any further news on our dear sister Marilyn

SONJA i also must laugh when
i see your very nice animaties
They are beautiful i love them
Love RIA

Hi everyone.  Back from coffee and walking at the "Y".  I also made a brief stop at Aldi's (a grocery store) for a few items as it is on the way back from the "Y".  Now my calendar is clear for the rest of the day unless my wife thinks of something and hasn't told me yet.  

Pat, I certainly hope you have a safe and productive trip to London today.  I heard on the news this morning that in parts of Canada and the NE USA the wind chill today is going to range from -50 to -100 degrees.  I have never heard of it being that cold.  Don't know how you could get warm in weather like that, even inside a house.  Even here in the south I am always cold and wear thermal LJ's and a sweat shirt from the time it starts to get cool until it gets warm in the spring.  I take so much medication for my heart that I think that is the cause of my legs and feet getting so cold.  

Nita, sorry to read that you are feeling down but it is good to admit it and perhaps in the sharing it will help.  Despite what Al just wrote (I think I am a caring person and have a tender heart) it is not my disposition to suffer depression very often or for very long.  The only time I have ever felt the need of help was during the time we stayed away from our home attending to the needs of my folks and I suffered my second heart attack.  The stress was very heavy and my heart doctor gave me a depression medicine that I took for about three months.  However, I disliked it as it masked my emotions and there are times and events that it would have been normal to express my grief and while intellectually I felt it I could not express it in a normal way.  There are people who certainly need such medication and I am thankful to God that we have such help available.  (Al, I know you didn't intend a broad brush with your statement.)

Ruthie, sure sorry to hear of the kidney stone problems of your DIL.  Our son has experienced these several times in the past and I know that is really terrible pain.  Sure hope the stone passes today so she will have relief from the pain.

Pat, what a wonderful promise in Revelations regarding our life after we leave this planet when we know Jesus Christ as our personal saviour.

Jenny, sure glad to read that you are feeling that you are on top of the hill now and not in a valley.  Your postings are always so encouraging and informative.

Ria, it sounds like your visit with your pastor was very beneficial.  Hope the storm isn't too bad there today.

Fast Eddie, those sound like very good websites.  Thanks for sharing them with us today.  As we get older I think maybe we men mellow just a bit.  I think we must be of a similar age (I am almost 63).

Sonja, I love those bright and cheerful postings with all the graphics.  Hope you all have a wonderful trip to Cheyenne and enjoy the time with your family and that Troy has a great swim meet.  Glad to see that your daughter is doing better and will be able to make the trip.  We will expect "details" when you get back.

I imagine Marilyn is now counting the hours until she can return home.  Certainly glad to from from Al that she is doing well.

Hope everyone has a good day.  My wife just pulled in the garage from a trip to Wal-Mart so better go help her.

Subj: Insight for Leaders  
Date: 1/15/04 5:01:34 AM GMT Standard Time
From: lmi@flash.net
To: tozer@litmin.com
Sent from the Internet (Details)



January 15    

Personal Life: Hearing From God

Now John himself was clothed in camel's hair, with a leather belt
around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then
Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out
to him and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their
sins.  
--Matthew 3:4-5

Let me give you some reasons why I believe God could honor John
the Baptist in that day in which he lived.

First, John had the ability to live and meditate in solitude. He
knew the meaning of quietness. He was in the desert until the
time of his showing forth unto Israel as a prophet. He came out of
his lonely solitude to break the silence like a drumbeat or as the
trumpet sounds. The crowds came--all gathered to hear this man who
had been with God and who had come from God.

In our day we just cannot get quiet enough and serene enough to
wait on God. Somebody has to be talking. Somebody has to be making
a noise. But John had gone into the silence and had matured in a
kind of special school with God and the stars and the wind and the
sand....

I do not believe it is stretching a point at all to say that we
will most often hear from God in those times when we are silent.  
Christ the Eternal Son, 130.

"Oh, Lord, help me to carve out of my busy schedule some time with
'God and the stars and the wind and the sand.' Amen."

MACLAREN!

Good morning dear people.

I am better today.  Thank you so much for all your kind and helpful comments.

I have read of the depression that great saints suffered in Christ's hands, and in earlier times was much comforted by that.   I know our Jesus has drawn me nearer to Him in times where I could do nothing else.   And, bless His name, He is so faithful to us, and I know that not one thing that we go through, whether emotional or physical, is lost to our Master.  I know He is Love.  That says it all.  I've known mountain top experiences....and the breathtaking silence of His Presence.  I guess it is right that we should know the lowest also.   I'm encouraged of the reminder, and that others still go through this.  The devil always comes to tell me I'm weak and/or not a very good Christian, and for a time, I forget.....and entertain his taunts.  I'm glad I posted here last night.   Even now, I'm surprised that I did so.

 I did go into intercession after I'd written here last night, and with your prayers, I feel much lifted today.    Al and Jenny, I do know Jesus is drawing me to return to more spiritually sensitive intercession.....I've been so shamefully unfaithful in this area.....and maybe last night's intense sadness was just to let me taste what the lost world feels.  It really hurts; doesn't it?  In a way....my heart has become hardened over the years, and I have a feeling He won't allow that in us now.  I remember once long ago that I felt the Lord telling me that I need always remain vulnerable, and sensitive......so that I might reflect that precious Spirit of God who lives within us, vulnerable and sensitive.   I cried for days.  And here I am....having forgotten that.  Forgive me, Father.  Please, never stop working in me..

Thank you again to all of you.  I know our God-given temperaments are so different.   Some are prone to depression, some are not.  We are His.  We are His...our wonderful, merciful Father.  

  I'm hugging on you all!

Pat ~ I feel for you with it being so cold.  Last year was really cold here...not like your weather is now but really cold for us.  As I was talking on the phone earlier, I saw some 'thick rain' falling...looks like ashes falling.  Have a safe trip to London and back.

Sonja ~ Well, I meant every word!  I was talking from my heart!  I am glad you are jazzed about going to Cheyenne.  Sound like a great reunion and time spent with family.

Ria ~ We should all visit relatives more often.  Seems we never have time.  Too late when we meet at a funeral home, right?

Jenny ~ I have noticed my posts have been long but it is easier on my arm and faster to post one big long post than several small posts.  I do love each and everyone on CP.  You guys are my family away from home!

Janet ~ My prayers are for travel mercies for you and yours.  Remember, pictures!!!  Great news for you.  I have a new mother board and processor and case and video card and hard drive and RAM sitting here in the computility room.  Just waiting on Windows XP that the school is out of where Kevin goes to college.

Joyce ~ What a lovely dream!  A dream with some 'meat' to it.  

Chris ~ I love it when I lay a problem up for God.  I open my Bible and read.  There is my answer to the problem.  God is good.

Karma ~ I love 'no jacket' weather.  But not so here today!  Send some warm weather north, wouldja?

Larry ~ The link sounds very interesting.  Will try it later.  Maybe let it load while fixing lunch.

Nard ~ See ya, too~

Sarah ~ How was church?  Was the person there that you are having a conflict with?  How did it go?

Sue ~ I didn't like using thread either until I found a pattern to crochet a thimble.  Now I use the thimble and the thread doesn't hurt my finger.  I tend to hold my thread tight.  Your crocheting sounds interesting and fun.  Will you have pictures?

Ruthie ~ Hi!  Are you keeping warm up there where it is so cold?

Nita ~ Just think of the lovely jonquils and how hard it is for them bloom in the cold weather. A lot of people tend to get depressed in the winter.  You, too, can bloom even in cold weather.
You did, in fact.  You made my heart smile just saying 'we are family'.

Al ~ I never thought of depression in the manner you wrote.  That is good!  I have a SIL that is depressed.  Now I understand somewhat better.

Fast Eddie ~ I need to copy your post for my son.  He has a temper.  He is learning to control it but fails sometimes.  He knows it isn't good.  He knows nothing good comes out of 'fighting' back with words.  He is learning.  

This is another one of those longs posts...that was typed off and on for 2 hours...in between reading your posts and talking on the telephone twice.  God is good!

<)))><<~~<)))><<~~<)))><<~~<)))><<~~<)))
"A smile is the lighting system of the face and the heating system of the heart."

Jerry sent this to me in an email.  I think it is worth reading.


A TORN AND RAGGED ONE-DOLLAR BILL

A torn and ragged one-dollar bill discovered that it was about to be retired from circulation. As it slowly moved along the conveyor belt to the shredder, it became acquainted and struck up a conversation with a fifty-dollar bill that was meeting the same fate.

The fifty began reminiscing about its travels all over the country. Life has been good," the fifty exclaimed. "Why, I've been to Las Vegas, the finest
restaurants in New York, political fund raisers, and just returned from a cruise on the Caribbean."

Gee," said the one-dollar bill, "you're fortunate to have been able to visit all those places."

So where all have you been in your lifetime, my little friend," says the fifty?"

"Well, I've been to ...

the Methodist Church,

the Baptist Church,

the Episcopal Church,

the Presbyterian Church,

the Lutheran Church,

the Catholic Church,

the Orthodox Church,

the Assembly of God Church,

the Brethren Church,

the Quaker Church,

the Pentecostal Church,

the Charismatic Church,

the Mennonite Church,

the Church of Christ..."


"Excuse me," says the fifty, "but what's a Church"?

ETTA SUE there you say something mostly we are seeing the family on funerals.
But me must make time for the family and friends when they are alive.
And Holland is so small in 5 hours we can go from North to South. But we also go not. But now i have say we are going each month now she is here but i think it is in America just as in Holland we are busy but we must make time
Love Ria

Larry...........

Revelation 21:4 and 7 is God's promise to the faithful.  He also gives a stern warning to those who do not follow after Him in Rev.21:8.  As Ruthie would quote from DE: "We cannot earn it, nor do we deserve it."

Etta Sue...........

Heavy.  Very heavy.  Might I add something to this.  I've often been asked to offer the prayer for the offering.  I always mention the widow's mite.  She may only have given a "penny" but she gave her earthly fortune.  THAT'S love.  I've never given that much, and I consider that wonderful little old lady to be a far better Christian than myself.

HELLOOOOOO

Guess Who

Your a re absoultely right.

I am home from the hospital alive and well. No time to read all the past NEMS but will try to catch up over the next 6 weeks or so.   Too much emails to go through after alI told most people not to write until I let them know I was home the only people who paid any attention to me was CP'ers  Ah well that's just the way it is.

Glad to be home.

I just have a few minutes on here so I better make this short and sweet.  

Thanks Ria! (((hug)))

Larry--------> after walking at the "Y".    Thanks Larry. I will be sure to give you the scoop when we return from Cheyenne.

Larry, do you have one of those things that help you count your steps when walking?  I just bought one today.

<soni checking to see how many steps taken since she programed it>

349 steps.   Wow!  Not bad for 30 minutes. hmmm....I may have to check that.

Etta Sue~It takes me about that long to write my post too.  That's ok, the longer the better.    How's those Kitties doing?

hahhahaaa....Lila Mae just went poopy by herself without mommy being next to her.  She came and told me what she did and was very proud of herself. hehehhe...  What a big girl!  

WOOOoooooo HOooooo, Marilyn!  Glad you are back home and posting again.  How are you feeling?

I am heading out the CP door and probably won't be back till tonight sometime.  Have a good day/evening folks.

Soni

Hi Marylin i am happy that you are back from the hospital are you allright
Love RIA  


SONJA thank for the animatie i have saved him.
Love Ria  

Yes ia I am doing just fine. I feel great  but I have to be careful not to try to overdo things, I have to ask for help and not do things for myself.

Hi, Marilyn!!!
Lovely to see you so soon, but just chill ok, let the dust gather, take time to sit at the fire and read, enjoy the enforced rest.

Nita, I understand where you are at.
I  copied this for you...
             
Depression is of God too!


Though I'm all for emotional exuberance, the Bible measures love, not in tingles per second, but in putting one's life on the line. (1 John 3:16-18) It's pain endured in the valley, not gooey feelings in the afterglow of mountaintop ecstasy, that validates love. By all means, passionately seek the face of God, but don't assume that emotional deadness – a normal phase of anyone's spiritual life – implies spiritual deadness. We march by faith, not by warm fuzzies.

An athlete, in the midst of a record-breaking run, has never in his life been so fit and strong. Yet his pain-racked body may have never felt so weak. Likewise, in the midst of a spiritual trial, it is not uncommon to be stronger and yet feel weaker than ever before. And to fellow Christians you might seem hopeless. An ultra-marathon champion staggering up the final hill looks pathetic. A child could do better. Anyone not understanding what this man has gone through would shrink from him in disgust. Only someone with all the facts would be awed by his stamina as he stumbles on.

Life seems hopeless. Every day it feels you've slumped another notch. To maintain even a glimmer of faith in such darkness is a spectacular victory. It may take everything you've got just to hold on. But do it. You are pumping spiritual iron.

If your blossom is dying, it's so that the fruit can grow. Remember the cripple at the temple gate: he hoped for alms and got legs. (Acts 3:1-3) Creator God loves surprises. And he loves you.

Earth sees us flattened on the wrestling ring canvas in faith's fight. Heaven sees us forming on the canvas of the Great Artist.

Half-completed works of art look ugly. All that matters, however, is the finished masterpiece. Forget appearances. Yield to the Artist. The result will be breath-taking.

Grantley Morris.

Tip Of The Week
--------------------------------------------------------
A few more things to add to your "kit" for depression include: 1. Special prayer cards naming people or organizations you might not otherwise think of. 2. Names and number of friends and relatives you seldom call. By brightening another`s day, you will brighten your own. 3. A favorite recipe to cook for dinner. 4. A half-finished craft or project. The materials will already be on hand and ready for work to begin. 5. A jigsaw puzzle. 6. Old cards or letters you have received that meant much to you. ...and there are many more things. The important thing is to pick what works for YOU. And never forget that God loves you and is just a whisper away. He will bear the heaviest burden if you`ll just ask. One last word...if your depression isn`t short-term and not spiritually nor circumstantially related, it may be a sign that something physical and not emotional is causing the problem. Always have a doctor check if you are in doubt. A change in medication, for example, could cause severe depression that only a doctor would know about. -----------------------------------------

http://www.abideinchrist.com/bpg/101tips.html

Hello Marilyn,

So glad you are home again. Take it easy., don't go overdoing things on the "puter" either, we all know you.

Your "babies" will be so excited to have Mummy home.  Gosh you will be able to sleep on their bed again tonight!

Rest now.  Know that I am praying for you and will be in touch when you feel a bit better.

Lots of love Patient.  
Jenny