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Morning Devotional...

How Well God Knows Us
Psalm 139:1-24  NLT

    1   O LORD, you have examined my heart
           and know everything about me.
    2   You know when I sit down or stand up.
           You know my every thought when far away.
    3   You chart the path ahead of me
           and tell me where to stop and rest.
           Every moment you know where I am.
    4   You know what I am going to say
           even before I say it, LORD.
    5   You both precede and follow me.
           You place your hand of blessing on my head.
    6   Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
           too great for me to know!

    7   I can never escape from your spirit!
           I can never get away from your presence!
    8   If I go up to heaven, you are there;
            if I go down to the place of the dead, you are there.
    9   If I ride the wings of the morning,
           if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
   10  even there your hand will guide me,
           and your strength will support me.
   11  I could ask the darkness to hide me
           and the light around me to become night--
   12  but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
      To you the night shines as bright as day.
           Darkness and light are both alike to you.

   13  You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
           and knit me together in my mother's womb.
   14  Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
           Your workmanship is marvelous--and how well I know it.
   15  You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
           as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
   16  You saw me before I was born.
           Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
       Every moment was laid out
           before a single day had passed.

   17  How precious are your thoughts about me, O God!
           They are innumerable!
   18  I can't even count them;
           they outnumber the grains of sand!
      And when I wake up in the morning,
           you are still with me!

   19  O God, if only you would destroy the wicked!
           Get out of my life, you murderers!
   20  They blaspheme you;
           your enemies take your name in vain.
   21  O LORD, shouldn't I hate those who hate you?
           Shouldn't I despise those who resist you?
   22  Yes, I hate them with complete hatred,
           for your enemies are my enemies.

   23  Search me, O God, and know my heart;
           test me and know my thoughts.
   24  Point out anything in me that offends you,
           and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

What do you feel when you read this psalm?[/size][/color]

    God's character goes into the creation of every person. 

   When you feel worthless or even begin to hate yourself, remember that God's Spirit is ready and willing to work within you to make your character all God meant it to be.  God thinks of you constantly (vv. 17-18). 

   We should have as much respect for ourselves as our Maker has for us.
The Best of the Bible--365 Must-Read Bible Passages[/i]

I did a fantastic job of doing nothing today.  Felt good.  I needed the rest.  Mom always told me that some times you need to do nothing.  If your body didn't need the rest, then you wouldn't rest.  Good wisdom from Mom. 

Pat ~ Yes, Smokeyging's cat does look like Ali but (and I don't want to start a fight here) Ali is prettier!! !! teehee

Psalm 139 is one of my favorite Psalms and nothing any better for a devotional than the Word of God. Thanks to you, Etta Sue, for bringing this to us today.

I did see the similarites between the 2 cats, Ali & Smokey.  And I went to the recipie place..the music was so soothing and the recipies sounded good.  I'll go back to Wanda's another day.

I pray all of us will be used by our LORD today to bring love to others. 

God's blessings to all of you and to all we come in contact today.  kathy

Thank you, Etta Sue.  What a lovely reminder.  God bless.

Mercychild.

Hi Jen!  It's so good to have you here.  I'd sure love to see the baby.  I'm starting to do some driving now and so maybe we could meet somewhere.  It was awful for 25 weeks being unable to go anywhere due to neck and left side pain but hopefully that is "passing into the past" now.  So, let's try to get together?

Psalm 139 is one of my favourite to meditate on, Etta Sue.  Thanks for the reminders today.  It's great to have a "Do Nothing" day, isn't it?

Kathy, thanks for dropping in.  I thought that cat was so close to the looks of Etta Sue's.  I thought at first I was looking at Ali!   

Thank you Etta Sue for Psalm 139 today.  What a blessing you are to CP.

Hi Pat 25 weeks  my, my I didn't realize it was that long.  I have been almost pain free for a whole week now.

Busy day today. Jan wants me to do some yard work today, I know there are a lot of weeds to be pulled and watering to be done. Not really looking forward to the weed pulling.
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"If a person does not pray about everything, he/she will be worried about most things."
--author unknown


TTYL

Etta Sue - thank you for Psalm 139.  By the time I was almost through reading it it became my prayer.  Oh that we could be always aware of the Presence of our God at all times and in all places.

By the way, Etta Sue, what version is that?

Nice devotional, Etta Sue.

Medium sort of day, here on the island.  Will wait and see how it develops.  Cloudy at the moment.  This is the big day when Kelsey Grads. walk down the carpet and get their diplomas.  So will have hours of sitting ahead this evening.  Going to hurt!!!  Important to be there tho' and will 

Wish I could have had a 'do nothing' day yest. as it was Market Day, then came home and helped with groceries, put mine away, took care of the endless small chores and baked an apple pie for the kids as it was a busy day for Wendy also.....

I entered albums and a few pictures and hope to find time to view other photo's and comment....don't hold your breath!  Love looking but find time and energy rather limited at the moment.  Nice that we can use a larger size and certainly makes things easier! 

Looks like our gov. has totally sold out and Christian values are definately becoming a thing of the past.  Sad when a minority can control our laws and gov. and God is totally ignored.  People preach that Christian Love is what the bible is all about.  They forget that the bible also instructs how we are to live according to God's plan for Christians.  Marriage is most definately for a man & woman.....

Enough!  Pleasant Day all and God Bless.

Liz

Hello again,

Pat, I'm glad to hear you're driving a bit now.  I wish there was something I could have done for you in the meantime!  The baby is starting to be a little happier now, but she was really colicky, and cried all the time for a while!  Now, she's just as happy as you can expect a baby to be, and all smiles!  Can you tell me how to enter an image, and I'll try posting a photo of her here?  Thanks.

Jen.

Amen and Amen, Liz!  I heard that report on TV and felt so bad for all of you Canadian Christians.  Not that the US  is far behind.  I daily send emails to my congressmen and Senators, and other officials, making my voice heard.  I guess you could call that "doing what I can."

Jeff and Diane are home!  She is coming to pick up Abby this morning, as she has to get something in Ulysses.  It will be wonderful to see her, and I'm sure I will miss Abby, but knowing she isn't very far away helps.  And Grams can use a do-nothing day! 

Jan!  Haven't seen you for so long!  How about showing us a photo of your little one?  You know we all love babies around here!

I went to my step aerobics class this morning and was able to keep up pretty well, even after a two weeks absence.  Makes me feel so much better when I exercise. 

I have the last load of clothes in the dryer, have everything of Abby's clean and back in her suitcase, ready for her to go home.  I always like to send all their clothes home clean.  I'm sure Diane has plenty of laundry anyway! 

Etta Sue, that Psalm is such a wonderful one.  How can anyone doubt there is a God, if they consider the wonders of the human body?  What a mighty God we serve!

Okay, enough jabbering, I'll go now.

Etta Sue, thanks for posting Psalms 139.  Seems that one has been a blessing for all of us today.  You think maybe God is wanting to remind us?

I'm just checking in to say good morning, but will try to get back later.

Janet......maybe you need some "do nothing" days to rest a bit.  You are a busy lady.  I know your heart gets so filled with Beth's pain.  I'm praying for you today.  You're an inspiration to me.

Nita

Wow!  I know I thoroughly enjoy Psalm 139 but I didn't think it would make this much impact to all of you.  This is great! ! ! !

Kathy ~ Wouldn't it be wonderful to have the impact on others that we come into contact as Jesus will have when he comes back?  I just don't understand why so many people 'doesn't get it'!

Jen ~ Great to see you posting again.  Yes, we want to see a picture of your little one.  Those colicky days are a frazzle to parents but so happy to hear those days are over for you and your little one. 

Pat ~ I put some Ali and Inky photos in The Gallery!  See, Ali is still beautiful!  I sure didn't realize you were 'down' for 26 weeks.  Now that you are better and when you get back from your trip, we need to meet in the middle somewhere for a day or two!

Marilyn ~ Don't work too hard pulling weeds.  I won't be doing any of that today for sure.  Too muggy, murky, humid and hot out here today.

Al ~ The book I get my devotions from is in the New Living Translation version.  So that is what I use since the questions sometimes quote the version NLT style.  I hope you enjoy that version for a change.

Liz ~ We all deserve 'do nothing' days.  So if you are overdue for one, then take one!!
Plan ahead!

Janet ~ Is it mighty quiet at your place today?  That is what Ivalou says when her grandkids go back home.  Quiet!  You are so right.  How can anyone doubt there is a God, if they consider the wonders of the human body.....or look at a flower...or a rock...or the clouds....a blade of grass....your pet...any of God's creations.

Nita ~ You were posting while I was composing...along with other things, like folding clothes and such.  And it is true...a lot of times certain verses are just what we need for the day.

Ivalou has been over and cut my hair...I was getting a little shaggy.  I was going to hang out some clothes on the line but decided I had better put them in the dryer.  Sure enough, Ivalou barely got in her door when it started raining.  We sure need the rain but enough is enough.  It is so true.  Rainy days makes us appreciate sunny days all the more!!

Hello, all!

Good Morning all y'all! 

I have been fairly busy the past couple daze but it's all good.  I have had to find someone to help me with my yard work.  The girl that was doing it has chosen not to come to Coos Bay any more -- she works mostly in Bandon and, with the price of gas, doesn't feel it's worth it to come here.  I had a couple (and their son) come by yesterday and they will be getting back to me with an estimate, etc. in the next day or so.

Then, this afternoon, I am getting an oil change and inspection for my car to get it ready for the trip ahead.

My next door neighbor told me she has sold her place.  That makes at least six mobiles that have sold in my immediate neighborhood in just the past few weeks.  Some have been because of deaths, but not so with this neighbor.  She said she listed it one day and it sold the next!  I guess this is the time of year to sell. 

A neighbor from across the street asked me the other day if I was going to sell too .... Nope, I guess they're stuck with me for a while.     My place is in need of repair and a lot of help, but I just can't afford it.  I'll just have to remember where the "soft spots" are in the porches and avoid stepping there!

I have a lot of those do nothing days ... and I love 'em!     The way I look at it is if I don't do something today, it'll wait until tomorrow  ... or the next day, or the next ... No one's cracking the whip around here and everything gets done eventually .. or NOT! 

Guess I better look around for something to fix for lunch and prepare myself to venture out to the Auto Repair place.  Whoopeee!!

I'll be back later ...

This is a do very little day - we are dog-sitting at one son's home while they had to leave a 4 A.M. to drive to Minneapolis area & should be there early tonight.  A funeral for a 43 year-old- young man, brain cancer.  We took an hour walk this morning with Loki (the dog)  and it went OK even with spotting a ton of prairie dogs and rabbits.  I felt just exhausted but rested a bit & then we did some errands for the household & now going to find a hardware store for something we want to fix.  Perhaps dinner with another son tonight if he is free. 

Etta Sue:  He knows every blink of our eye - what a nice devotion today. 

Carol

Well, I've decided to change this into a do-nothing afternoon.  I went for a walk with Mercy this morning to get a few groceries, and it is very hot outside!  We came home and had lunch and my family came over for a few minutes.  Mercy had a bit of a fussy time this afternoon, but I just put her down for a nap and decided I didn't want to do anything else in this heat! 

Pat, we're planning on taking a trip to New Brunswick in August to meet some of Luke's family.  I'll make sure I'll get some good pictures because he's going to take me to see the ocean (I've never seen it).  God bless you.

Jen.

Hi Pat and Karma, I do not have any comment on the future direction of the site.  I think you all know that I am a camera challenged person, and sorry to say I have very little interest in picture taking.

I came onto this site at the invitation of Pat.  We have been friends for a long time via the internet.   I like the morning devotions.  I also like to read the comments by those posting on NEM.  I do not post often.  Even though I am retired I still have a very busy life, plus the fact I am not a very talkative person.

KARMA and NARDS,  I will be playing in a golf tournament at WAYNESVILLE  N.C. Country Club on October 3, 4, and 5th  of 2005.  This is with a group of Christian Golfers that are from Alabama, Florida, Texas, and also some from Ireland.  There are some, I am sure from other States, but the Ireland group is the only other country represented.

I would very much like to meet you and invite you to one of the Evening Worship Services that are held at the Country Club.  Our Speaker this year is my Pastor Dr. David Dykes from Green Acres Baptist Church here in Tyler, TX.

Allow me to plug our Church web site.  GABC.org

Thanks for the great Devotional today Etta Sue.  It is sure a good dose of medicine for us when we get one of those downer days.

Have a good evening everyone.

Boots

Good evening!  Do you hear that?  Listen!!  Hear it??  It's quiet in my house tonight!  Why, I even lay in my recliner and took a nice nap this afternoon, imagine that!     Oh, but I love having that little girl around, she is a joy.  But as most of you know, we don't have as much energy at the grandma stage of life as we had at the mama stage!  I enjoyed this afternoon so much I may even decide to have another do nothing day sometime soon.  Thanks for the suggestion, Etta Sue! 

Diane was trying to buy a replacement for Jeff's pager which Mark lost, and had quite a time.  That's the small town way of life, not many places to buy things.  She finally found one and headed for home.  They had a really nice vacation, and I'm so happy they did.  Our Curt is in Ohio an an Air Force base now for three weeks more of training.  Mark did very well keeping the mowing crew going and taking care of the car wash, but he said he does NOT like the paperwork! 

Beth heard from our local doctor's office today and they have gotten the Zocor for her free from the pharmaceutical company, so that will be a big help with her budget.  I have to take her for PT in the morning and I am so hopeful it will help her.  She was in pain today and wanting an ice pack.

I think I will take advantage of this quiet time and go polish my nails!  Whee!

Hi everyone.  Just now getting here to catch up on the postings, all of which I have enjoyed.  Etta Sue thanks for the devotional.  It is nice to see several posting that we haven't heard from for awhile. 

Long day here, I wish I could have a do nothing day. I envy those of you who can. If I had just one whole day off I would thoroughly clean my house. It really needs it, I haven't dusted in I don't know how long.I usually am only able to give the house a lick and a promise, do the floors and bathroom fixtures, kitchen counters and thats it.Dust every now and then a couple of things.

I need about a week off to really get some rest.

TTYL

StoobBoots, we are so
there.  I know exactly where the CC is (about 15 minutes from my house!!)

Marilyn, I never plan to have "do nothing" days, but it seems like every day I am busy and still don't get anything done.  That's okay though, I can clean, sweep, dust, vaccuum, laundry, shop, straighten, etc when the kids go to college.

Hey Janet -- I have some awesome nail colors this season!!!  There's a blue one that would look great with your red hat!!

To others I didn't address personally -- Hellololololoololol!!! 

Hey Karmat I have Chartruese Fingernails right now. With daisys on each ring finger. Its a fun thing to do the different colors. at Christmas I had Turquoise with snowflakes on each fingernail.

Well, I got in late tonight.  I was out all evening.  And tomorrow (today) being July 1, I'll be having company and then going to a BBQ for supper and then watching the city fireworks hopefully.

It's so nice to see you posting, Boots.  Wow!  What a great thing if you and Karma and Nards could get together.  Maybe I'll come too!  LOL

Anyway, time to lock the door.  I'm so tired from a busy evening.

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