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Morning Devotional...

What is man?
Job 7:17; Psalm 8:4; Psalm 144:3; Hebrews 2:6

This question is found in the oldest, choicest and most Jewish books in the Bible.

What does it mean?

To know God is the key to understanding man. All that we are and have comes from the Eternal.

No wonder the passion of Paul was to know the Lord.

We can build the tallest buildings, the fastest ships, the longest bridges, the flashiest cars--but we can't govern ourselves or live at peace with ourselves or others.

Who is sufficient?

Not one. But, praise God, though we are sinful, small, and short-lived, the Scriptures teach us that fallen, frail, fragile man can be filled with the fullness of God to meet all that He requires.

What grace!
--Les Rainey

[note -- this post was created before Pat locked yesterday's thread]

(Those stories on Tuesday) Okay ya'll, STOP MAKING ME CRY!!!!!!

We got some good news this morning (Tuesday).  (I don't remember how much of this I have told in this forum, so if I repeat myself, just skip to the parts you haven't heard before).  About 8 or 12 weeks ago, we had an ultrasound, and there was fluid in the baby's kidneys.  A little is normal, and to be expected, but she had a bit more than needed to be.  So, my primary OB referred me to a specialist, and we had to go have an ultrasound with them.  At that appointment, there was still fluid in the kidneys, but it was within the normal range. 

They explained that they would see us one more time, just to make sure.  If the fluid was not "less," or if it wasn't in the normal range, they would refer the baby to have an ultrasound as soon as she was born.  If there was too much fluid there still, they would give her a very low powered radioactive dye that would settle in her kidneys, then drain, and they could measure how fast it was going.  They were thinking  that perhaps the tube from the kidneys to the bladder was either too small or kinked.  Depending on what the dye test showed, she would either need surgery then, or as a toddler.  (Just a note -- kidneys that do not drain properly cause the fluid to back up in them causing them to enlarge and be damaged.)

So, today, we went back for our check up ultrasound.  They were to check her kidneys, but they took some other shots first.  They measured her head (she has hair, the sonogramist showed us).  They measured her little tummy (I am about 32 weeks along, she is showing about 34. 5 weeks, developmentally) and estimated her weight to be 5 pounds.  Her thigh bone was right at 3 inches long.  She moves alot (like they had to use an ultrasound to tell me this!).  Then they measure the kidneys --

about the same size as last time, and since she has grown, that means they are OK.  Clean bill of health.   YAY!!!!!  Praise the Lord.

At one point, my mom asked if the doctors and sonogramists ever got to see the babies after they were born, and they said sometimes, but that they could usually tell what the baby would look like, simply because they have seen so many ultrasounds.  So, we asked what "Kristi" looked at.  They looked at her face, looked over at Travis, back at the computer monitor and told us that she would look very much like him.  He was thrilled.  He sat almost perfectly still the whole time we were watching (he has seen every ultrasound except one, so he is familiar with "seeing" his sister). 

Oh yea, and she is very definitely, undeniably, unquestionably a girl. :-)

Also, it only cost about 1/3 of what we were expecting (as of November, I no longer have insurance, so we get the privilege of paying for everything).

God is good ---


ALL THE TIME

So, that may be more than you wanted to know, and I just realized the door may get shut on me, so I am going to copy this, then try to post.

Ohh, Karma!

What wonderful news but I'm leaving the little sticky on my monitor to remind me to keep on praying.

I'm so happy to read this tonight.

Love ya,

Pat

What a wonderful Devotional, this morning, though it is 10:35 PM here. The Devotional, fit in how I am feeling today. Thank you Pat.

Loving God
Bob

Awesome news, Karma!  I am soooo glad things are great with the baby girl! 

Just stopping by to say that my brother Raymond has passed away last evening.
I am heartbroken but God is holding me close. He died without ever speaking to me
again and that hurts a lot. At any rate, God is good and I will go on. My son is very ill as well
and I just have gotten the news that my daughters dad...we were not married...has
lost a son, daughter in law and grandchild in a fire. There is much sadness in our family
at this time. I am asking for your prayers.   Love and Blessings, Zee

Zeebers, my sincerest condolences. You're carrying a very heavy load right now, and I will pray that the Comforter will hold you close and warm your heart with the knowledge and understanding of how much God loves each of you.

Pat, when I tried to click on the link from last night, I got "an error occurred" then something aout not being allowed to go to the discussion. So thought you might want to investigate that.

Karma, wonderful news!!!

Well, my poor truck is ill, and my son has returned from his stay in northern Virginia. He's taking me down to the shop, so I'll go.

Y'all have a good day.

Ruth Ann

Wheee~  Mieka~~~Glad to see you pop in and chat awhile.  Hope to catch you on IM before you leave again.

Karma ~ Times have sure changed.  Used to your insurance HAD to pay for exhisting health concerns like pregnancy when you lose insurances because of being laid off, being fired, even cancelling insurances.  That is a shame that you are no longer covered by insurance.  But it is so neat that ultrasounds introduce you to your little one weeks before making her presence.  My baby....44 years ago...IT'S A BOY!!!  There is no surprise today with ultrasounds and such.

TBear ~ My, it seems you were busy on your birthday and the day after.  I don't remember if you said or not, but how many children do you have?  I think I have counted 4 now...   Glad you birthday was eventful.

Zeebers ~ Your plate is full.  Just close your eyes and feel God's loving arms around you. 

QuotePat, when I tried to click on the link from last night, I got "an error occurred" then something aout not being allowed to go to the discussion. So thought you might want to investigate that.

Ruth Ann and Pat....the same thing happened with me.  I had to go to NEM Index to get to todays NEM.

Yesterday, was the day that Ivalou, Kaye Don, Barb and I were going to get together for our Christmas.  First, we were going to KD and B's for Oyster Soup...I don't think I like Oyster Soup but that was okay. 

Then I got a call and Barb wanted to know if I could do China Buffet in the evening.  Yes, I could.  Then she said she would call me later to say what time.  I went to the mailbox and then to Ivalou's at 5 p.m.  (Still had on my lounging p j's but you can wonder around in them out here in the country).  Ivalou got a call from Barb that said they would be over to her house in a half hour!  Ivalou was telling me a story about her weird water pump yesterday and I finally had to say....I can't go out to eat looking like this.  Let's continue this story on the way to China Buffet. 

So  I came home to change clothes and would you believe, Ivalou got to finish her story...we waited on KD and B. 

Aaron, my oldest g-nephew went with us.  Aaron was born with the cord wrapped around his neck and was given maybe 4 years of life but, bless his heart, he was 27 last August...graduated from high school, is buying his own home, has a full time job as janitor at an elementary school.  He doesn't drive a car because he has to be siezure free and still has mini-siezures but he has a moped that he gets around on.  He is certainly one of God's miracles.  He says the only thing missing in his life is a girl-friend!!

After we took Aaron home we went to Ivalou's to open gifts and then we played Phase Ten...a card game.  I wasn't the big winner...I wasn't the worst loser either    Playing this game reminded all of us of our Mother.  She always wanted to sit next to Kaye Don and when she played a 'Skip' card for Kaye Don to skip a turn, she would say.... Sorry, and then    We had a great time talking about memories of Mom. 

Then it was home for a great night's rest!! 

We have a winter storm warning here through Friday.  Well, it is predicted that we are to get 6" - 10" of snow today through Friday.  Suppose to get real windy tonight so that means drifting.  Six inches of snow has already fallen in southern Indiana.  Christmas day is to be clear and then more snow Sunday.  I wonder if this is the weatherman talking because he knows every little kid wants SNOW for Christmas!!!

Just glad I have to walk 70 steps to Ivalou's!!!

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"Man is born broken; he lives by mending.  The grace of God is the glue."[/b]

Good morning all!

Had the same problem from the link from yesterday, no big deal, just letting Pat know.

Gotta go!

Nard

Thank you Pat for the devotional.

God Morning everyone. Well the computer is back up and all cleaned out, I am still working on getting everything back in here that I need. Service Pack 2 is installing as I type this. Automatic updates. It was so easy to clean XP, my son tells me that 98 is not so easy at least on his computer.

Mieka "little Fish" Are you home for Christmas? do you have to go back?

I don't have my Instant Message boards installed yet will get to that later.  I have many other things to do like baking a Pineapple Coconut cake and a Sweet Potatoe pie for Christmas Eve. The kids and I are having Christmas Eve her at my house. I will make my family traditional Vegetable soup with a variation of making it Creamed Vegetable Soup. Lots to do in Two days. Going to have my nails done this afternoon.

Yesterday Fay's Blood Pressure went up to 158/100 and the Visiting Nurse had me take her to ER when we got there the BP was 219/97 But they didn't do ANYTHING for her just sent her back home. I don't know if it is the Coumiden or what is causing it they didn't tell her anything. I am very concerned that she may have a stroke.

Got to go now

TTYL

Karmat,

Good morning,
My son (now eight)  had that problem but we didn't find out about it until he was 3.  He started running a high fever and vomiting and I didn't have a clue or even know about that.  His doctor called it reflux and his surgery was called bilateral reimplantation of the ureters.  They took those tubes out of his bladder and put them in a different spot to keep the fluid from going back up in to his kidneys.  When we found out about this, one of his kidneys was already bigger than the other. Needless to say, I was very worried about him, but God took care of him (and the people at Lebonher Childrens Hospital!) And he is fine now.  He had a severe kidney infection which caused him to be sick in the first place, and his pediatrician just happened (God intervened) to have had a recent patient with the same symptoms so he kind of already knew what was wrong and knew what type of tests to do on him to be sure.   The doctor said that since Andy had that, we ought to check my daughter too, but we are leaving her alone and letting God take care of her.  They said it was hereditary (sp?) but we can't find anyone else on either side that had it also.

I've rambled enough,
Take care and Merry Christmas everyone
Samantha

Hi everyone.  So many interesting postings since I was last here early yesterday morning.  I will not attempt to address everyone but there are a few comments I want to make.

First of all, Zeebers, what heartbreak your family is experiencing all at once.  I know your faith is sustaining you and I am glad you are looking to use for some prayer support of you and your family. 

Janet, so sorry to hear of Beth's extreme pain.  Know this is not what she was expecting during these days when John is there to visit.  I do hope it will be of short duration.

Tbear, what a busy weekend you all had.  It sounds like you really enjoyed it all and that it helped to make your birthday weekend extra special.

Etta Sue, it sounds like you all are due some very unpleasant weather but that you are assured of a white Christmas.  We currently have temperatures in the low 40's and yesterday it got rather balmy as it got into the 50s.  However, we have a 100% change of rain today.

Karma, that was indeed good news regarding the new baby.  Sure you and Nards are greatly relieved.

Happy Birthday, Ellie.

Mieka, certainly pleasant to see your cheerful posting yesterday.  It has been a long time since we have seen you post in NEM. 

I have read all of the other postings and wish I had the time to address each one of you--but next time as I need to get on with some other things today.

Well, the days are now growing longer.  Soon it will be summer!  Y'all can come to the beach near us here!

Good morning.  I just dropped in to say hello.  Christmas is almost here.  I always get excited to think of all the children and grandchildren coming to see us.  Actually we only have one little child in our extended family now, Elsie, our great-granddaughter.

It is a rainy day here with rain changing to snow, perhaps, this afternoon or tonight.  Not much hope for a white Christmas though.

Luke 2:8-10
8   And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
9   An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
10   But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
(NIV)

--- Papa John          <)))><<   
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HI MIEKA!!  I have been gone for a week or so but I'm here now, and I am sooooo happy to see you!

I talked with my daughter last night.  She is still in Sacramento and will be spending Christmas with Bryan and some of their friends.  She told me Bryan is doing really well with his new job -- steel construction -- but he doesn't want to make a career out of it!  He told her it is like a nine hour workout at the gym!    

Another grandson, Dave, emailed a photo of his kids visiting Santa last week.  I was unable to make contact with Dave or his brother Tim while I was in Sacramento, so it was a pleasant surprise to have this email awaiting my return home. 

I am so sorry to read of all the sadness in your family, ZEE .. I truly do pray that you will find comfort in knowing you have many friends here praying for you and holding you before the throne of God. 

KARMA~I'm glad you have such good news to report for "Kristi" ...

I have a very short-term memory this morning and cannot comment on each post I've read.  Be assured I have read each one, though!  Seems like several of you are experiencing true winter weather -- and will definitely have a White Christmas. 

It has been kinda white around here the past few mornings, but it's FROST!  That's enough winter weather for me!  My wood burning stove is keeping me comfortable and warm so I'm happy!   

I posted a couple photos of Bryan, taken last Friday.  Also the one of my great grandkids. 

Gotta go .... I've got an appointment this morning.

Quote from: Zeebers on December 22, 2004, 02:23:28 AM
Just stopping by to say that my brother Raymond has passed away last evening.
I am heartbroken but God is holding me close. He died without ever speaking to me
again and that hurts a lot. At any rate, God is good and I will go on. My son is very ill as well
and I just have gotten the news that my daughters dad...we were not married...has
lost a son, daughter in law and grandchild in a fire. There is much sadness in our family
at this time. I am asking for your prayers.   Love and Blessings, Zee

I will be thinking of you Cee, & ask God To Bless You, Zee.

It's just silly ol me, sometimes I'm just a little crazee.

Kreative4Jesus

OOPS!!!  Sorry you all had trouble with the link!  Any moderator can fix these things.  LOL

It's fixed now.

Quote from: Bob is okay on December 22, 2004, 12:37:56 AM
What a wonderful Devotional, this morning, though it is 10:35 PM here. The Devotional, fit in how I am feeling today. Thank you Pat.

Loving God
Bob

Thanks so much, Bob!  It's really encouraging to know that the devotion is helpful to folks.  Thanks for telling us.

Quote from: Zeebers on December 22, 2004, 02:23:28 AM
Just stopping by to say that my brother Raymond has passed away last evening.
I am heartbroken but God is holding me close. He died without ever speaking to me
again and that hurts a lot. At any rate, God is good and I will go on. My son is very ill as well
and I just have gotten the news that my daughters dad...we were not married...has
lost a son, daughter in law and grandchild in a fire. There is much sadness in our family
at this time. I am asking for your prayers. Love and Blessings, Zee

Ohhh, Zee, what a heavy heart you must have.  I'm so sorry and yes, we'll be praying for you

I should know how to do it but I don't.  Pat, how do you quote someone and it has the 'quote from:' above the quote? 


I also put some photos here.

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Quote from: Etta Sue on December 22, 2004, 01:09:24 PM
I should know how to do it but I don't. Pat, how do you quote someone and it has the 'quote from:' above the quote?


I also put some photos here.

Click on the Quote button, Etta Sue just at the top of the person's post that you want to quote.

And if the quote that appears in the posting box is longer that you wanted to quote, just delete what you don't want but make sure that the codes are still there that the software puts in.


I find that the quote text is so small so I click on the Font Size button and it puts in size 10pt and I can read that better in the text that is being quoted.

We had a dusting of snow last night.  It is a chilly day here and I just finished hemming some very slippery curtain fabric for daughter.  Also, made six batches of refrigerator cookie dough that makes a little gift for so many people.  We are going to a great restaurant for dinner - a gift certificate - the menu was on the internet so we could choose ahead of time & not go overboard on the price. 

Larry:  Please take care in the cold weather.  Do you have a mask to keep your lungs warm? 

  Welcome Delphine         

Pat:  Time is just flying.  I wish you a very warm holiday with your family. 

Carol 

Zeebers:  Such sad news for you.  I am sorry that you have such a heavy load of very sad news and I pray for peace and comfort for you.

Carol 

I'm just now getting in here!  My internet was down last night, and I had trouble getting in today, too.  Very busy, as all of you are, except I'm even farther behind! 

No, Soni, I'm still not in the Christmas mood, but it is coming, anyway.  Well, I sort of am, except I don't know what to buy for the grandsons----all their wants are way too pricey for me!  So I'm in a quandary about what to get them.

Zeebers, I'm glad to see you here again, but so sorry about all the heartaches in your family.  Yes, we will be praying for you and yours.

Karma, great news about baby Kristi!  Bet Travis can hardly wait to meet her!

Beth is feeling better today, and she and John went to Hugoton to do a bit of shopping in Diane's store.  They are coming over tonight for pizza and movies with us.  I hope I can stay awake, I was up at 5:00 again this morning.

I must get busy, too much to do and too little time!  See you later!

I came back to tell you I posted more photos of Thailand, if you want to look.

Have "Insight for Leaders" e-mailed to you daily! | "Insight for Leaders" Archive
Tell a friend about this Tozer resource

December: Trials and Pain

The devil, things and people being what they are, it is necessary for God to use the hammer, the file and the furnace in His holy work of preparing a saint for true sainthood. It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply.

The Root of the Righteous, 157.


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Read about A. W. Tozer
December 22

Trials and Pain: Heartache or Happiness

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. --James 1:2-4

From the trials and triumphs of Paul, we gather, too, that happiness is really not indispensable to a Christian. There are many ills worse than heartaches. It is scarcely too much to say that prolonged happiness may actually weaken us, especially if we insist upon being happy as the Jews insisted upon flesh in the wilderness. In so doing, we may try to avoid those spiritual responsibilities which would in the nature of them bring a certain measure of heaviness and affliction to the soul.

The best thing is neither to seek nor seek to avoid troubles but to follow Christ and take the bitter with the sweet as it may come. Whether we are happy or unhappy at any given time is not important. That we be in the will of God is all that matters. We may safely leave with Him the incident of heartache or happiness. He will know how much we need of either or both. We Travel an Appointed Way, p. 80

"Lord, may I indeed be 'in the will of God' today. I'll 'leave with [You] the incident of heartache or happiness.' I can trust You to decide wisely. Amen."


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Today's "Insight for Leaders" is taken by permission from the book, Tozer on Christian Leadership, published by Christian Publications, Inc.

Zee, our hearts go out to you, we know what it is like to lose someone dear to you.
May Jesus give you a great big hug, We wish we could,
regards, Chris & Margit.

I want to send special thanks to everyone who has expressed sympathy at my brothers passing.
If I have not acknowledged the special cards, etc..its only because my expertise at handling this site has not grown in yet. Still, I am saying to the best of my ability how in this time
of sadness and confusion, it is so wonderful to have the Saints of God praying with and for me.
Please know that I have not ignored the prayer needs on this board, and despite what I am going through, I always try and pray specifically for people.

I am trying to do the turkey and ham today so that I dont have so much to do on Christmas
Eve. Im always the one found in the kitchen listening to the festivities in the other rooms.
Well, this year I am going to be in the mix of things. Ive had a chance to nap several times
today when the little toddler ( he is two years old) conked out! Ive played my praise music
and thought about my brother in the way that we were as children. It helps to think of happier times. Well, enough for now. Just wanted to say thank you and thank you all again
for your special messages.  Love, Zee

Zee I am so sorry to hear the sad news about your brothr, I am praying for you dear.