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Morning Devotional...


And they spat on Him, and took the reed and began to beat Him on the head.  And after they had mocked Him, they took His robe off and put His garments on Him, and led Him away to crucify Him. 
Matthew 27:30-31

Years ago the popular movie Love Story coined the unforgettable phrase, "love means never having to say you're sorry."  What a fallacy, and more is the pity for those who bought into this lie!

For love demands that we always say we're sorry.  How else can relationships be restored?

Those two words, "I'm sorry," have the power to keep families and churches together.  I once knew a pastor whose refusal to recognize his humanity caused almost half of the church family to seek membership elsewhere.  In his eyes he had done nothing wrong, but what harm would have been done to admit the possibility of poor judgment?

To admit fallibility is to make a sacrifice.  To have done nothing wrong and to offer the ultimate sacrifice is an act of only possible by God's Son.  Jesus' offering of His body at Calvary gave eternal life to all who believe in Him.

Is there someone from whom you are estranged who is waiting to hear those two little words?  Say you're sorry.

Prayer~ Lord, You sacrificed all You had to provide my eternal salvation.  Help me today to express true sorrow for my sins.

Just wanted to show off my son.
You all have a good day!

We've been painting the house (or my dad has, he only let me do a little bit cuz he enjoys doing it lol, I DID want to help) so he's hand to move stuff around and the internet has been disconnect for awhile, plus I've been doing my studies, and we have guests out (or my uncle came out wednsday from Toronto, and my aunt and cousins are on there way (see prayer request board about safe flight since they are in between connecting flights as i type this) so we've been trying to get the house painted and cleaned before everyone comes, plus more relatives coming for thd day sunday that i haven't met, so my mom's been cooking tons and I've been cleaning. (we now have three strawberry cheesecakes but one we aren't serving cuz it burned a bit, two did but we already ate one, two apple pies, two spinach lasagnas, one regular lasagna, and my mom is still making a greek salad, a caesar salad, and sweet and sour meatballs.)

Tomorrow I'm going with my uncle to pick up my cousins from the airport too so I won't be around much while they are here (For just over a week prob)

Larry ~ I loved Pat's email about God, u and I, dance.  So true.  So true.

Janet ~ Aaron is a well-liked guy.  All his classmates stood and cheered when Aaron walked across the stage to get his diploma.  He not only shook hands with the superintendent that was giving out the diplomas but shook hands with a few teachers as well.  He loves sports.  His dad took him to a seminar that Shaque O'Neil (sp) ( I am not into sports) was in.  Shaque O'Neil gave Aaron a pair of his basketball shoes for a graduation present!  How kewl is that?  Aaron is the oldest of 4 kids.  Amanda is next to him and said that she couldn't wait to graduate and get all the gifts and money that Aaron got.  Her dad replied...well, you won't.  Because you don't have as many friends as Aaron.  Aaron is God blessed.  And everyone that knows Aaron is blessed.

Marilyn ~ It sounds like initially that your car needs lots of things done but trust God that they won't be costly and you will be 'on the road again' in no time.

Sonja ~ Great devotion on love and saying 'I'm sorry.'  Very powerful words....when you mean it.

Matt ~ What a cute little boy.  I would love to hold him and hug him. 

TeresaDawn ~ Sounds like you have been busy and are going to be busy for a few days.  Stop in and say hi anytime.  Ask some of those relatives to join us on CP.

Today is sunny and warmer.  Above freezing and that is great.  Not doing too much today.  Ivalou is going to cut my hair...it is getting too long for Florida. 

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Babies!  Babies!  How I love babies.   This is exciting.

Matt, your son is absolutely beautiful.   You are so blessed.

WELCOME to the world, Kristi!!  You are blessed too....to come into this place with an adoring family.  Especially a big brother who already feels protective! 

Soni, a great devotional. Love never gives us an excuse to not say we're sorry.  I remember thinking that way back when the movie first came out and everyone was so thrilled and moved by it.   Repenting, saying "I'm sorry" to God is so freeing and cleansing.  Thanks for posting this.


Larry, I copied the  God, You and i dance article.  I've read it before, but loved it then, and now.         I forget the verse address now, but somewhere it says (Living Bible Paraphrase) "If you are being led by the Holy Spirit, keep in step with Him."  That reminds me of the dance of surrender........if we let God lead, we'll always be be right in step.  I know for myself, I fail in that over and over....but when I do.....soon the music stops and I'm stomping around on my own!  It takes less and less time to realize God isn't leading at that moment.

Chris, the Tozer study for yesterday was, as usual, so thought provoking.  It's painful to think that the Gift of God....The Holy Spirit,  is buried under the snow of our unbelief.  I know I so often settle down into living in what I see and trusting in the natural.  Father, forgive me.  Increase my vision again! 

My little grandson is sleeping on the couch, and Ty and Rock (pups) are having fun checking him out.  They aren't so sure about him when he's awake, but they feel quite curious while he sleeps.

In fact......I think I'd better go see why they've been quiet for so long.

Have a blessed day, everyone.      Nita


Good morning, Etta Sue!!  I saw you just posted.

What a cutie Matt!

Theresa, I am sure you will enjoy visiting with your family once they arrive.

Larry, Thank you for the message regarding "Guidance".  I have copied it.

Marilyn, I hope that the repair is a simple and not very costly one!

A huge thank you to all of the ones involved in posting the daily devotions.  I don't comment often, but I do appreciate the work you do to put them in.

I'm sure that there are many other comments that I should be making, and just can't remember.

Now to get off the computer and get some housework and errands done.

Good Morning. Thanks Soni for today's dovotional.

Well whatever it is wrong with my car I do hope it won't take a fortune and all day to fix. I am taking off work to go there and really need to be at work and not at the garage. Fortunately that garage is only about 1 mile from my son's house and I can go hang out there until the repairs are made.

I hope everyone have a great and productive  day..

TYYL.

Matt, he is a handsome little fellow.  I love those pretty blue eyes.

Babies are always so cute! 

It's almost Valentine's Day...what are you getting for your sweetie everyone?

I had a couple days off of work in a row which was nice, although yesterday they called and asked if I could come in a few hours so I did, but told them I'd have to bring my girls with me, which was fine. They wanted to see what I did anyhow. They were so well behaved and polite, I was so proud of them! 

Chinese New Year started the other day so we had a small little party here to recognize that. (the girls dad is Asian, so we try to keep up a few little traditions in that respect)

Nothing else much happening here. I did have an MRA yesterday for the MS stuff they're checking for, but won't here anything back until at least Monday as it has to  be interpreted. If they ever repeat the test they'll have to knock me out cold because the sedative wasn't enough this time! Can't stand those things...

Did anyone here about the Valentine's bears everyone threw a fit about and they're not gonna make anymore? They were in straightjackets and said something like "I'm crazy for you", and people thought it was insensitive toward the mentally ill. That's so ridiculous! There's always some kind of cute pun that most anyone could take offense to if they really felt the need to.

Gina

Well, I guess I'd best get in here and say "Good Morning" while it still is!     I've been reading and enjoying the devotional studies I have, and just now managed to get online. 

First off I received an email from my daughter Joy about Bryan (in response to my inquiry).  He needs our prayers right about now.  He is afraid he is going to be fired because he has been late to his job a couple times.  He told her he had a message on his phone from his boss and he was afraid to listen to it because he figured he was being fired and he couldn't deal with that at the moment.     He says he will live any place and sleep any place but he can't lose his insurance and his phone so needs money to keep those bills paid.

Joy writes:
But he is still striving to live a clean life, he is still attending and participating in Bilble study three times a week and avoiding the things that get him into trouble.....He is avoiding his temper too....he has been through some pretty rough times, but has not gotten angry, he just lets it go and acts as Jesus would.....it is amazing talking with him...he is almost too mellow......but God is at work.

But he is learning some very difficult lessons.......life is not as easy as it looks when other people are doing it.....It just takes a lot of practice.

He is looking for another place to live without money and without income...he has not gone to unemployment because he was told to just call and get an apointment...and they always hang up on him....I told him he had to go down and stand in front of the people....but he thinks I don't know anything - whatever.  I just hope he figures something out before he ends up on the street. 

Hope I didn't make you sad -- just help you to know how to direct your prayers.  Bryan even said, "well, maybe this is all from God to help me get over being so cocky--God is making me  humble -- and it sure is humiliating"  -- maybe he's on to something....


So ... If you all could remember my guy Bry when you pray, I'd appreciate it.

I received the notice from IRS yesterday that they have assessed a lien on all my property and assets.  This was expected but now I can relax because, until/unless I sell my place, they won't be calling in the lien.   

MATT~Your son is adorable.  Looks like he could be a lot of fun as well as a very adventurous little man!  I'm sure you really enjoy him.

SONI~Thanks for the very thought provoking devotional this morning.

This is way too long and I know most of you have already quit reading so I'll just say "bye" to the rest of you and see y'all later......

It's good to read all your messages. I'm gonna forget some - but here goes...

Marilyn, I really hope your car is going to work well and stop acting up. I'm also praying about your home situation.

Larry, didn't get to the previous disucssion yet - will try later on today or tomorrow (have a corrupted file to fix for work and must get on the network.

Etta Sue, what interesting stories!

Soni, wonderful devotion - often I'll say "I'm sorry" and even if it's only to empathize, often they'll say, "you didn't do anything wrong." I'm well aware of that but trying to express my support for them. The topic of reconciliation is one that's very dear to my heart - we've all had problems with relationships and often "I'm sorry" paves the way for reconciliation.

Hey, can we gather for that spinach lasagna and desserts??? I think we could pretend to be the multitude on the Lake of Gallilee and I'm nearly certain those meals would feed us all! <smile>

About MS - I'll be praying for you my friend.

And, Jane - how frightening. Hopefully your lawyer can get this resolved as quickly as possible. And, you and I have been prayer partners for Bry for several years - I'm still supporting you and him (and Joy) with my prayers.

If I've missed commenting on your post, I humbly ask your apologies. You well know that I love and appreciate all.

We have had a difficult week. Not only have I had to work really grueling hours (17 hours one night and back at work the next morning at 6 am), but we learned that our precious 16 year old dog, Husky, with the beautiful black fur and blue eyes, and smiling mouth and perky ears and waggy tail is afflicted with bone cancer in her right front leg. My son (already ill and quite depressed as y'all know), is about as low as he can go. He rescued Husky and she has literally been his constant companion for 15 years.

Need to go - y'all  have a good day.

Ruth Ann

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LARRY! AND MAY YOU ENJOY MANY MORE!

Very interesting posts today!  I have been away all day again, as I was hosting my Western Kansas Prarie Painters group.  We met at the museum, and painted a ceramic hat stand.

Beth went to Oklahoma with Denise today.  The kids all were meeting there to make more decisions about their Dad's property and business.  I hope it isn't too much for her, but she wanted to be there, since she was in the hospital when they made the initial decisions, and she wanted her voice to be heard.  Beth will come back to Hugoton with Diane, and we will go pick her up, as she didn't want to spend the night.  Diane has a Chamber banquet tonight so is coming back home, then will go down again tomorrow.

Nita, nice to see a longer than usual post from you!  Your posts are always uplifting.

Hi, Jane!  I will continue to pray for Bryan.  Did he never listen to the message from his boss?  He needs to do that, maybe he wasn't fired after all........   It is so hard to watch or kids or grandkids struggle through things.  We want to help them, but a lot of things, they just have to learn or do on their own, and it makes them stronger.  (((hugs)))

Matt, that is one beautiful baby!!  Goodness, he's just gorgeous!

I had a sleepless night last night, so I might see if I can take a short nap before I have to go get Beth.  Talk to you all later.

Matt:  Your little guy is just beautiful.  You must be so proud of him!

I came across this article....thought about Karma and her baby girl:

Don't think about hospitals, labor and such,
But dream instead of the warm gentle touch
Of a soft, tiny hand touching your face.
And a heart that beats by God's own grace.

When you stand in the nursery gazing in love,
at this marvelous gift sent down from above,
It's then you'll discover deep down in your heart
What being a parent is truly about.

So whenever it happens, love your child well
And you'll learn so much more than these words can tell,
For this precious child will be like noneother.
:Dad" will be proud...and so will you, "Mother!".

Jane, I hope you know I've been praying for you.  I've been asking our Lord to make those bulldogs let go and leave you alone.  I've been in that situation and know what it's like - frustrating.  While it is true that "the wrath of man doesn't work the righteousness of God," that doesn't mean anger is unrighteous.  There is a righteous anger, and I think I've got a bit of it at this moment about the IRS.

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RUTH ANN~I know, and have really appreciated, your prayers over the years regarding Bryan (and Joy) and all that he has endured ... and he keeps on ticking!   

JANET~Stuff happens to the best of us ... I only know what Joy wrote this morning.  Bryan has just spent a week at their vacation condo in Lake Tahoe, so I figure he was there when the message showed up on his phone.  He didn't have any money to go snow boarding, she said, so he and the friends who dropped in during the week rented movies and hiked around the area.  As Joy said, "That's what you do when you're broke" ... How well we know ...........    

Bryan can't deal with stress and I'm sure he had just reached his limit.  He was glad to be away from it for the time he was in Tahoe, but he must be back "on the ground" by now.  Joy and John will be flying to San Jose on Friday, for birthday celebrations for John's parents, and Bryan plans to join them there, along with all the rest of the family, so I'm sure she will have more to tell me afterwards.  It will be good for them to be together if only for a couple days.

AL~Thanks!  I will be sending in my Settlement Offer to Oregon Department of Revenue on Monday.  The attorney said they changed the forms to file and he hadn't received the new ones yet.  They do things like this so they'll be able to return everything and say it wasn't on the proper form.  He's waiting to receive the new form before we submit the Offer.  I know I can't do anything about all this mess and...YES it is very frustrating but, as my attorney said, I just need to take a deep breath and not worry.  As Janet said the other day: they can't eat me!   

See y'all later ........

Mark called earlier to ask if I wanted him to bring Beth home so they could have supper with us.    So I cooked for the five of us, now Mark has just gone home and I have Abby until tomorrow evening.  She wants to give me a massage, and who would refuse an offer like that?

Sweet dreams, everybody, see you tomorrow.

Jane, even though Bry has been in Iraq, he is still just a kid.  Kid's do stupid things.   He's learning, though, and that's what growing up is about. Let's just hope our grandkids don't mess their futures up while they're figuring out what life is about.  Did Bry take the week off work to go to the condo? 

Sometimes my grandson can seem to be reasonable and appreciative, and the next moment make a decision (probably by not making one at all) that makes you wonder where his brains are stored!  It's like they only live in the today.  Was I like that??  Probably.  Oh, if only they had the wisdom we now have. lol

But we pray........we sure do that.  God can carry them through these hard years into manhood.

   I enjoyed my little grandson, but he is busy, busy, busy. Ty and Rocko are asleep already.  I'm heading to be soon.

Janet, your massage sounds wonderful.

Time to lock the door.

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