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Morning Devotional


 

Yesterday, the nation of America celebrated 229 years of freedom.  This is a record!  No other nation ever remained free for fo long.  However, there are very sobering thoughts to consider.  These are among them:

In 1962, the courts ruled that prayer could no longer be in our public schools.  This ruling started our country on a slippery slope on which we continue to slide downward to this day.  Our Founding Fathers would never have imagined that the country they founded upon the principles in God's Holy Word, would tell its young people they could not pray in its public schools!

In 1963, the Supreme Court ruled that prayer in schools violated the "separation of church and state."  There IS NO SUCH CLAUSE in our Constitution as "separation of church and state!"  This has been made up by liberals who want to tear down the religious foundations of our country, for this reason:

"The philosophy of the school room in one generation will be the philosophy of the government in the next"~~Abraham Lincoln

If America is to remain free, America must remain on God's side!  "It is impossible to rightly govern without God."  George Washington.

Some statistics:  Since the 1962 removal of prayer from our schools, the divorce rate has increased 117%; adultery has increased by 200%; STDs by 226%, teen suicide by 223%; unwed mothers birth rate,( just among 10 to 14 year olds) increased by 553%, cohabitation without marriage by 550%; and sexual abuse of children has gone up by an astounding 2,000%!!  To make that number more real, that means that one in ten kids have been abused during their school years K-12th grade.  Can anyone say that taking prayer out of the schools did not harm America?

In 1973, the Court passed the awful Roe v Wade ruling, saying abortion is legal in this country.  Now, 4,000 innocent unborn babies PER DAY are slaughtered in the abortion mills of America.

It is time to change from saying God Bless America to saying America, Bless God!  God has blessed this country beyond any other in history, because of our Christian roots, the moral foundations America was built upon.  But if we continue to thumb our nose at God, and do anything WE want to, or whatever is convenient for US, God's blessings will soon be lifted from this Land of the Free and Home of the Brave!  How can He do otherwise?  A just God MUST punish sin and perversion!  So how can we bless God?

We can bless God by praising Him.  Praise means to admire; to commend the worth of; an outward show of strong approval; loud applause, cheering, etc.; expressing esteem; to laud, expressing extreme, sometimes extravagant praise; to extol, implying exalting or lofty praise.  Many Scriptures admonish us to praise the Lord.  We are told to praise Him:  Daily, seven times a day, all day, at midnight, in the morning....and continuously.  "While I LIVE I will praise Him!"

We also need to glorify Him.  We can glorify Him by praising Him, serving Him, obeying Him, and through our suffering for Him, if those sufferings are a result of following Him.  We should honor Him, respect Him and give Him every due, as He is the ONE TRUE GOD.

A nation can never be greater than its people; and its people cannot be great apart from God.

We are told in 1 Samuel "Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me I will despise."

Yes, America, Bless God!
~Janet Damon

Woohooo..I am the first one here.  We just got back from the fireworks shot here in town.  It lasted 26 minutes.  It was amazing!  The kids really enjoyed it. 

Thanks Pat for putting a link to my photo.  There was over 30,000 people on that mountain.  Mike got stuck down in keystone and we had to walk all the way down to meet him because they weren't opening roads.  I am sooooo sore today.  The jogger stroller pretty much had me running for the whole 2 or so miles down.  Thank goodness it was all downhill. hehehe..

I better get to bed.  Lots to do.  Time to go back to work again. 

(hug)
~soni

Janet, what a wonderful message this morning, thank you.  It is something to ponder.  Canada is in the same boat, Ontario having just legalized same-sex marriages.  It's time the believers became vocal!  If we just sit back and watch it all happening, we're as much as helping it!  It's such a sad condition to see our countries in, and know that they've chosen it!  We'll have to keep going to our knees in prayer.

Jen.

Good Morning, Janet that is some devotional this morning, I have heard some of those statistics before thank you for posting that today.

My day is the same as always. Work at Fay's and Versals, then to Physical Therapy. Thursday is my last day of PT now that I have my own Home traction unit.

Fireworks in the neighborhood went on until almost midnight. My poor Happy laid in my arms and shook for quite a long time then he got on the floor and put his head under the bed. Poor doggy.

Been on the phone with Suzanne this morning, sure is nice to have Christain friends in different places.

Janet I am glad you liked what I sent to you. I have a bunch of Red Hat graphics in my PSP files, that I haven't even made yet.

Okay I will be back later today when I come home.

TTYL

HI everyone.  Back from coffee at the cafe and then had to go to the tag office to get tags for my Saturn.  I then stopped at Aldi's and bought some items we needed and came home and put them away.  I then mixed up a bowl of coldslaw (that is about the extent of my cooking ability). 

Janet, your devotional this morning is so on target with what is happening in our country.  It is so sad to see our freedoms ebbing away day by day.  The Bible tells us that we as Christians will be hated and we are certainly beginning to see the pieces put in place that brings our religious freedom in more peril day-by-day. 

Sonja, that was a lovely picture at Mount Rushmore.  It sounds like your fireworks experience last evening was very enjoyable.  I resorted to watch the "Capitol Fourth" for my fireworks, although we certainly heard a lot of fireworks being shot off.  For the first time in years, quite a few fireworks are not legal in our state and were being sold in most stores. 

Marilyn, we let our cat stay in the house until about 4 am as he is terrified of the noise of fireworks or thunder. 

I read the postings from yesterday late last evening and now can't remember what I was going to comment on.  So I will just say I enjoyed reading each posting and I hope everyone has a good day.  I don't have anything else on my schedule today, although may go to the library this afteroon to pick up a couple of books that are on hold for me (one of which will be put back on the shelf if I don't pick it up today).

Soni, I really liked that photo of Mt. Rushmore, too.  Did I tell you we are goling there in Sep[tember?  Neither of us has been there yet.  That fireworks show sounds very nice.  I have always loved to watch fireworks, but was never crazy about setting them off myself.  But Abby!?!  Now, that girl is another kind of bear!  She already LOVES lighting fireworks!  She wanted to HOLD a Roman candle and shoot it off!  She asked, well, when can I?  And her daddy said "When you are 30!"    We missed the big fireworks the town did, but it isn't the first time. 

My morning has been hectic.  I went to work out; came home and got Beth; took her for therapy and while she was doing that, I tried out all the machines they have in their wellness room.  These machines are hydraulic, so however hard you push, the machine resists.  You only do 15 seconds on each, then move to the next one; and do two circuits.  I thin they might be good, but will probably continue at the other place, because I like Kristi so much! 

Jen, Larry and Marilyn, thank you for your kind words.  I have been thinking on these things a lot, what with the bad decisions the Supreme court keeps handing down (the most recent being against our property rights!  ) so I thought today would be a good day for us to remember that it was God who gave us our freedom, and only He can help us keep it!  It's time to return to our roots; and as Jen said, stop being passive and ACT.

After therapy, Beth needed a few things from Dollar General, which we pass on the way home, so we got those (or I did!) then on home, put her stuff away and carried out her trash; came home and ate a bite of breakfast, and .........TA-DA!!!  here I am, you lucky people!!  hee hee hee 

I'm feeling good today, and hope to accomplish some things.  The weather is a beautiful 74 degrees, and NO WIND!!  YIPPEEE!!

I'd better go now!   

Subject: Powerful ! from the father of a young girl killed at Columbine


I believe this from my heart!
mw

DARRELL SCOTT TESTIMONY

Guess our national leaders didn't expect this, hmm? On Thursday, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton, Colorado, was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful. They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well. It needs to be heard by every parent, every teacher, every politician, every sociologist, every psychologist, and every so-called expert! These courageous words spoken by Darrell Sc! o tt are powerful, penetrating, and deeply personal. There is no doubt that God sent this man as a voice crying in the wilderness. The following is a portion of the transcript:

"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good & evil in the hearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence.. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers.

"The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used.. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart.
"In t! he days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent.
I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy - it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. "I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best. This was written way before I knew I would be speaking here today:
Your laws ignore our deepest needs,
Your words are empty air.
You've stripped away our heritage,
You've outlawed simple prayer.
Now gunshots fill our classrooms,
And precious children die.
You seek for answers everywhere,
And ask the question "Why?"
You regulate restrictive laws,
Through legislative creed.
And yet you fail to understand,
That God is what we need!

"Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, soul, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and reek havoc.. Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs -- politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive l! a ws. "Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts.
"As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes - He did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America, and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbin e High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA - I give to you a sincere challenge. Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone!
My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!"

Do what the media did not - - let the nation hear this man's speech. Please send this out to everyone you can



                     

I thought this was worth reading, I pray you are all well, God bless you..
Alma

Hi!  It's me again. 

I have read all the posts, so far, this morning and really appreciate each one of you for what you have shared here.

I am off in a few minutes to pick up a load of teddy bears that I will transfer to my daughter Joy next week so she can distribute them in Mexico when she returns the end of the month.  Next I will need to find that Space Bag and compress them into suitcase size.  Each airline passenger is allowed 40 pounds of luggage so, hopefully, we can keep it to that weight.  If not, there are some friends in Sacramento who plan to visit Joy and John in September ... they'd love to be in on their missionery outreach! 

Thursday afternoon I am having work done on my car (replacing the valve cover gasket) and, on Friday, the people are coming to get my yard back into manageable shape.  They have quite a job, initially, but then will continue to keep it maintained with a visit once or twice a month.  It's more than I can do and I'm not s'posed to be out in the sun so .... have to rely on the professionals.   

I need to get myself together and head out on my mission (to retrieve the t-bears) so I'll see y'all later.  Y'all take care now, y'hear?

Karen ~ I sent you a PM.  I took a long nap yesterday and even went to bed at regular time.

Kathy ~ It does seem that when I miss a day or two it takes me forever to get caught up on my emails, CP and SrNet.  But at least I can see the end of it.  Don't you love those laid back days?

Jen ~ Yes, I believe that all who live in freedom countries take things for granted.  When I see how some people have to survive in other countries that is when I thank God that I have the freedom to do what I do.

Pat ~ Get rid of that bug but don't throw it my way, please!

Boots ~ Well, today I slept later than usual because it wasn't sunny.  I had my breakfast and then went outside to test the grass.  A little damp but decided to start mowing since it looked like rain any minute.  My sister, Ivalou, did the same.  So we both have newly mowed grass.  I took a shower and am all sparkling clean now.  Now for the rest of the day....

Marilyn ~ I 'heard' fireworks but didn't get up and look outside to 'see' them.  Even heard them at 11 p.m.  We have Verizon Music Center[/u][/color][/url] about 5 miles from me.  It is an open air concert center.  All types and kind of music is played there.  So the fireworks were late there last night.  It sounded like something hitting my windows until I realized it was fireworks way off.

Janet ~ We need Independence Day every day.  Then all of us would think more often about our soldiers fighting for our freedom. 

Liz ~ Read my comment to Boots and after that I took my Bible outside and read.  Really nice to sit in a breeze and read.  God must have known I was going to do that because the weather was perfect to read His word.

Nita ~ If fireworks were close here, my girls would just run.  That is what they do if a low airplane or helicopter flies over.  Scaredy cats!!!

Jane ~ When I retired I told myself....Self, if you have two things you have to do in a day, it will be a busy day and that includes washing dishes.  I try to stick to my Self policy as much as possible. 

Ruth Ann ~  Aw!  Now I am jealous.  Wonder if John and Melaura came through Indy?  Hmmmm! 

Ruth ~ I, too, have a ceiling fan in the bedroom that is on the blitz.  I can't turn off the fan with the chain and it seems to 'pull' the motor when on.  So I won't use it during the night.  I have a new one in a box and last I heard, my son MAY come tonight and replace the old for the new one for me.

Pat ~ When I click on your links to the gallery, I can't comment.  Is there a shortcut so one can comment.  I have been going to the Album list and then finding the person and then finding the picture and then commenting.  Shortcut?

Janet ~ Thank you so much for the devotional.  I, too, believe the taking of prayer out of school started the snowball effect.  Everything has gone downhill since.  It amazes me that a few people can get something changed for their way.  Yes, it is time that America blesses God.

Larry ~ Your cooking ability is better than mine...never made coleslaw at home....

ALMA ~ I have read that from Darrel Scott before...shortly after the masacre that took his daughter.  So true but seems like only Christians think that it is true.  I pray that Amerca wakes up soon!

Jane ~ I am smiling visualizing you with a load of teddy bears.

That's it for today, folks!

Psssst!  Etta Sue[!  Want a good cole slaw recipe?     It's so EASY.......and inexpensive, too!/b]

I'm taking a little break from my chores.  I have hoed goatheads, given my kitchen counters a detailed scrubbing and a few other things, and I'm getting a little tired.  So.........time for a grin??


DURING a magazine and newspaper subscription drive, our son Philip, a paperboy, learned about good salesmanship.
His supervisor had instructed the kids to maintain a positive attitude, even when turned down. One potential customer told Philip, "I've got papers and magazines strewn all over the place -- I don't need any more."
     Philip's reply? "Well, how about a subscription to Good Housekeeping?"


~from Reader's Digest

LOL @Janet..that was cute!

QuoteQuoted by Janet~Soni, I really liked that photo of Mt. Rushmore, too.  Did I tell you we are goling there in Sep[tember?  Neither of us has been there yet.  That fireworks show sounds very nice.  I have always loved to watch fireworks, but was never crazy about setting them off myself.  But Abby!?!  Now, that girl is another kind of bear!  She already LOVES lighting fireworks!  She wanted to HOLD a Roman candle and shoot it off!  She asked, well, when can I?  And her daddy said "When you are 30!"  Grin  We missed the big fireworks the town did, but it isn't the first time.  Undecided

Let me know a date and I will stick it on my calendar.  I would love to meet you and it isn't that far away from me.  The leaves start changing around that time I believe...so going up there is no problem. 

Soni, I will email you with the information.  I'd love to meet you and your family, too---that would be great! 

There was a problem earlier today in my seeing this site but all is alright now. 

Janet:  We have liked the early morning walks - watching hawks, rabbits, and a few ducks - the dog did pull though whenever spotting a rabbit. 

Etta Sue:  Thank you for fixing the Canada birthday note from me!  Cole slaw is really easy and nice to have in the ref. - I am sure Janet has a good recipe. 

Carol

Hi, friends,

I got my banged up right knee checked out today. The good news is - I've lost ANOTHER 5 LBS! As for the knees - they're doing xrays and doppler scans on Thursday morning prior to my visit to the surgeon to see if the left heel must be pinned or not. Sometimes this cycle of doctor's visits seems endless...<sigh>

Oh, well, lots to be thankful for. "Way more than I deserve - that's for sure.

Y'all have a good evening.

Ruth Ann

I'm home from my uncle's funeral.  It was nice travelling with my brother and his wife in a nice A/C car!

Still feeling "fluish" but better than yesterday.


Etta Sue, I don't understand why you can't get the links.  Are you using Firefox?

Sue I like your new photo I saw it in the gallery yesterday. 

I am through for the day and evening, after I did my dishes I took the stove apart and cleaned it all up. I had my last PT session today, now that I have my Home unit I don't need PT all we did today was go over the exersises with the Theraband.

Well I am signing out for tonight see all y-all  manana.


Wow I have 7777 post as of this post. I think that is called one more 7 than the perfect number 777.

That's neat, Marilyn!  7777 posts!

Well, it's time to lock the door!

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