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Morning Devotional

He's There.

Psalm 139:7-12.  "Where can I go from Your Spirit?  Or wehere can I flee from Your presence?  If I ascend into heaven, You ae there.  If I make my bed in hell, behold You are there.  If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the utermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall hold me.  If I say, 'Surely the darkness shall fall on me - even the night shall be light about me; indeed the darkness shall not hide from You.  But the night shines as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to You."

David wrote this song to try to express the omnipresence of Jehovah.  He had learned this overwhelming attribute of God from long experience  - he had learned that no matter where he went, no matter what the circumstances, no matter how wonderful or  how depressing his surroundings - God was always there.  Indeed He was always and everywhere present - in all His glory!

Oh that we would be equally aware with David of this God!  Oh that we would sleep at night and awake in the morning with the sure realization that He is there.  He is there with us when we talk with our spouse or neighbor, our friend or our enemies.  He is there as we walk the city streets and He is there when we visit the most secluded beach or forest glen.

Oh turn to Him!  Talk to Him!  He Who loves you is THERE.

Al Moak

that is beautiful!

 

Today's Daily Word - Monday, July 25, 2005
A New Start
Today I make a new start in life.
Today is a new day of promise. I accept it, give thanks for it, and act on the God-given opportunities I am offered.

Yesterday is gone, and with it all that challenged me has receded into nothingness. My trust in God takes wings as I explore a day that is filled with wonder. I am confident that whatever I decide to do will bless me and bless others through me.

God is giving me yet another chance to start anew on a goal, job, relationship of longstanding or one that is just beginning to take shape. Thanks to God, this day offers me even more love, life, and understanding than I have ever before known.

"He waited another seven days, and again he sent out the dove from the ark; and the dove came back to him in the evening, and there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf; so Noah knew that the waters had subsided from the earth."--Genesis 8:10-11 

Hi everyone.  Al, thought it interesting that your devotional today is on Psalms 139.  That was the scripture used by our interim Associate Pastor as he preached a sermon on prayer yesterday.  I am afraid that we sometimes forget that very fact. 

Marilyn, that was an interesting piece you posted as well. 

We had a nice time last evening at the AA Open Meeting, which celebrated our DIL's 1 year of sobriety.  I had never attended an AA meeting before and was quite impressed.  My immediate family has been so dreadfully impacted by the diasaster of alcohol and illegal drugs.  It has been so sad but something I had no control over but impacted very often from the consequences.  I am happy to say that, to my knowledge, such usage has stopped but now we have the health problems and impacts on life resulting from this in the past.  Anyway, I was proud of my DIL as she has had a terrible struggle. 

Janet, if you asked if my son and DIL were Christians.  I believe my son is a Christian as he was raised in the church and made a public profession of faith when he was a teenager and was baptised.  Unfortunately when he lost his 7 month old son to SIDS about 16 years ago he blamed God and has never been able to get over that.  I see a little softening but there is a long way to go.  I do know that my DIL is attending church but I really don't know the answer to your question with regard to her. 

Today is the day for the cleaning lady and she is here working away.  The yard people just now left so at noontime we will have things back in spic and span shape.  This afternoon Pat has to go to the hospital and do some paperwork and blood tests for a little sameday surgery she will have on Wednesday of this week.  She has gone to the chiropractor this morning.  I will take her this afternoon so she won't have a long walk from the parking lot.  Think we will go out to lunch beforehand.

Hope everyone has a nice day.  It is still very hot down this way but don't think we will be having any rain.

Good Morning" Thank you Al for the devotional this morning.

I am going to Versal's first today right after tai chi, Fay is taking the 9 local members of her family to lunch today at the Chinese Buffet to celebrate all the July birthdays. So I don't need togot o her house until  right around 1:30 to get her all loaded up inthe car and over to the Resturaunt.

Had a nice conversation with Jenny on IM this morning too.

Overcast here this morning, Light fog I guess. Chilly too.

TTYL

Hello everyone,

It's been a busy week for us here.  We're going to New Brunswick!!!  We didn't think we would be able to afford to go, but it seems the Lord is pleased to allow us to go, so we leave on Thursday.  I'm fighting off the flu and a chest cold for now, but I'm sure it'll clear up before we leave.  Hope you all have a great week.  I doubt I'll be checking in much while I'm gone.  God bless you all.

jen.

Good morning!  I had one of "those" nights, and consequently overslept this morning.  The phone rang at 8:00, it was Beth---she was supposed to be at therapy right then.  I told her I would be there in 10 minutes, and I was.    So my day started in one big hurry, hurry, hurry.  But after exercising (I go while she does her therapy) I feel lots better.  I'm trying to stay "up" in spite of things happening in the family that are very hard to take.  Why do people hurt the very ones they should be closest to, and on purpose?  I just do not understand this.

I am going to the church to help Pat paint a bunch of trim boards.  We have moved the sound system to the back, built a booth for that, and also they recently removed the old, dark paneling that covered the old, old windows, put in new windows.....anyway, they are putting down new baseboards, too.  This is a job Pat and I can do to help.  There is a big push on because there will be a wedding in the church this coming Saturday evening and they want it all spruced up for that.  Nothing like a deadline to get things done! 

Thanks for your answer, Larry.  I remember now your telling us about your son losing that baby and blaming God.  He still needs our prayers.  Fifteen years is a long time to feel so bad.  Glad you enjoyed the AA meeting.  I once attended an Al-Anon meeting with Darrel's sister.  Her daughter has been messed up on drugs and alcohol since the age of about 15.  Those things are so difficult.

I'd better get going!  It isn't getting any cooler!

Good morning!  I am waiting for Joy to make arrangements with Bryan about "what we're going to do today."  He wants to spend as much time with his mom as possible but it has to be worked around his work schedule and all her friends who want to meet for coffee, lunch, or dinner together.  This evening, for instance, there is a meeting of their book club.  But Bry will be at work.  We are meeting with my granddaughter Laura at 1 p.m. but Joy has arranged to meet a friend at 4 p.m. and take Bry to work at 5:30 p.m. before we go to meet with the book club at 6:30p.m. ... The traffic around this area is horrendous and it takes forever to get from one place to another ... so I am letting Joy do the driving!   

It is not supposed to be so hot today ... only about 98 degrees or so.   

I may be able to leave Sacramento earlier than I had thought because our host here says he can drive Joy out to the airport Thursday morning.  That would save me having to do that and, besides, she would need more muscles than I can offer to lift the heavy luggage which includes a large duffle bag full of stuffed animals!     In that event, and if I cannot make any more connections with my family, I will just head out maybe Wednesday.  Could happen even tomorrow, but who knows.  I'll just go with the flow and let things happen as they come along.

I am really getting "homesick" for the cool, quiet(er), coast of Oregon, though.  Enough is enough and I think I'm reaching my capacity.   

I'll try to get back again as often as possible ... considering this is a borrowed computer.  Oh...we picked up a couple blank cds yesterday so we can copy the photos from Joy's digital camera ... Y'all will be seeing these photos as soon as I get home and can upload them.  Also, I will finish the roll of film in my camera today when I meet with Laura, so ... it won't be long!   

Later ... I gotta be grandma for the day again!   

Wonderful Devotional.

Marilyn I also check to see what you have put in as well. Any word about a new home yet.

Glad to see everyone this afternoon.  We have beautiful weather as well, to nice to be in but I am busy sewing a short sleeved shirt for hubby and I would like to  get the project finished by tomorrow.

I had a terrible time getting on the site last evening so bad in fact that I was unable to change my password and if I had failed to sign on today I was thinking God was trying to give me a message.

Now back to the job at hand.
Ruth

Hi, Jane.  I was wondering how long you could be away from the serenity and perfect climate of our area. lol

Larry, I know painfully well about the ongoing consequences of alcohol and drug addiction.  It has affected my family in very painful ways.  And, yes, it touches so many lives.  I'm so happy that your daughter in law is enjoying recovery and you were able to participate in her celebration at AA.

I had a great day yesterday.  I went to a local park and walked a trail, took some pics of trees and stuff, then came home to find a call from my sister, that she was in town and heading for the beach.  I met her out there, and we sat on a picnic bench overlooking the water below.  I was just telling her that one time, I had seen a whale in that very area.  All of a sudden, the people below us yelled in unison and looked our way......we looked out and saw a WHALE rolling and spouting!  I had told her that when I saw a whale, a few years back, I had no one to share it with.....and here we were with about 6 people to share this sighting.  It was beautiful.

Later I saw two deer, laying low in the tall grass in the park.  Of course, there were rabbits, chipmonks too.

I love spending time with my sister, Faye.  We both like photography, so we share that also.

Another beautiful day here.  I'm sorry for all you who are in the heat. Come to the coast and enjoy the coolness.

Well I have gone through dresser drawers and closets to get rid of clothes that are too small or too big.  Kassie and Elby had a lot that were too small and John and I had a lot that were too big.  It used to be me that was a pask rat, but the roles have changed and John does not like to get rid of his too and way too big clothes.  awe aare off to Value Village with 2 green garbage bags full.  Someone else will be able to have some good shirts.  My philosophy is simple.  If I don't love to wear it out it goes.  That has scaled my closet and drawers down to a manageable level.

John has just come in with our first produce.  A BIG zucchini.  And he says there are lots more out there.

Got to go and help a friend with her swimming pool.  It needs to be moved to a level spot on the ground.

Bye for now.

Oh and Ruth it is more often not God giving us a message as the enemy preventing us from getting the message.

Even Inky is quiet today in this heat here in Indiana.

Uh, Al!  Your clickable for 'Monday Conversations' took me back to the first post for Sunday.  Hmmm!

Not too much to post.  Tony and Charlene came and Tony fixed the tire on the Craftsman.  He won't take money but he will take food.     So I took him and Charlene out for pizza last evening and then they watched 'Harley Mania' on my TV...a recording that I thought they would like since Tony has a Harley. 

So today I got up early...well, 7 a.m. is early for me.  There was lots of dew on the grass but I got the mower out anyway.  I figured I could clean the mower easier than recovering from a heat stroke.  The heat index is to be 110 degrees and it is actually 95 degrees.  That is the hottest we have had for years.  Thank God for air-conditioning!!!

I'm back home again.  Pat and I got all the painting done that needed to be done.  After we got one coat on, she took me to her house for a nice lunch, then back to finish up.  I know our efforts are appreciated, and that is something we could do to help.

Jane, good to hear you are having such a good time and getting to see family members.  But it is always good to get back home!

Miss Pat----where are you today?

I need to get two packages ready to take to the PO, also need to compile a list of 100 names and addresses for an art show we are having.  Anybody want to come?  If so, I will add your name to the list! 

Have a great evening.

I am home for just a little bit then I am off again the the baby shower at the church. I ate so much I am absolutely stuffed and uncomfortable. We were two hours at the Oriental Buffet while everyone kept going back for more. there were 10 of us.

TTYL

Uh, Etta Sue - how right you were!  It's a little late, but it's fixed now!  I never make mistrakes.

This is kinda long but I think you will like it.

"Happy is the man who gathers wisdom, the man who gains knowledge: her profits are richer than silver, she brings in more than gold; she is more precious than rubies, no treasure can compare with her; long days lie in her right hand, wealth and honor in her left; her ways are ways of tranquil ease and all her paths are bliss: to those who grasp her she is vital strength - happy are all who hold her fast" (Proverbs 3:13-18 James Moffatt). The Message Bible also has a good translation of this passage starting with, "You're blessed when you meet Lady Wisdom, when you make friends with Madame Insight" and ending with, "Hold her tight - and be blessed."

Wisdom according to Webster, is the power of judging rightly and following the soundest course of action, based on knowledge, experience, understanding, etc. It is the ability to use knowledge at the right time and in the right place for the right purpose. A person can have a head full of knowledge but unless he can apply it to each situation he encounters and put it to practical use in his daily life, it is useless.

God intends for us to use His divine wisdom for us to become victorious in every area of our lives. When we apply God's wisdom we are continually in His favor. I believe that this definition of favor fits the way God feels toward His children: To be indulgent or too indulgent toward; be partial to; prefer unfairly (Webster). I know God isn't unfair because it rains on the just and unjust but I believe that He partial toward us. When we get totally obedient to God's Word we will see blessings on earth as it is in heaven.

"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name" (Isaiah 45:2-3 NIV).

This is God's way of doing things when we are obedient children. He does require obedience! This is why it is so important for us apply God's wisdom to everything we do.

Here is how we get His wisdom, "Take fast hold of instruction, do not let go; guard her, for she is your life" (Proverbs 4:13 Amp). We will never be so smart or old that we know it all. Our instruction may be just starting. What we learn here could just be elementary school. We do know however, that God's way of doing things brings blessings while the world's way brings curses. The spiritual people praise, the carnal people complain.

Our job is to get into the flow of God's Wisdom and let the river of blessings sweep us on to victory upon victory in this present life and in the eternal life to come there is a crown of righteousness that God has laid up for those who love Him (2 Tim. 4:7-8).

Dear friend, guard Clear Thinking and Common Sense with your life; don't for a minute lose sight of them. They'll keep your soul alive and well, they'll keep you fit and attractive. You'll travel safely, you'll neither tire nor trip (MB)...Joe B...The Exodus Foundation, Inc.

Well, I didn't get in here yesterday but I have gone over all the posts in New Every Morning.  We are really having a heat wave here so we are staying in for the most part.  We did go to Sunday School and church yesterday.  It was a wonderful service of worship.

It is good to see each of you. 
Ps 4:1-8
1   Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.
2   How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? Selah
3   Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him.
4   In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Selah
5   Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD.
6   Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?" Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD.
7   You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.
8   I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
(NIV)

--- Papa John          <)))><<   

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