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Morning Devotional...




I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request...with joy.
Phil. 1:3-4

Paul exhorts us to turn every remembrance of others into a matter of prayer.

We are to commit both our happy and unhappy memories to God and trust that He will take care of the "not so pleasant" remembrances that are sometimes kept as shadows in the depths of our hearts.

True prayer for others takes away our desire to condemn them unjustly or speak about them unkindly.

May we display a genuine care for others in our prayer life from this day forward.
                                                                            --P. Kempton

Larry, that is the best news I have heard for a very long time.  Praise God.  Very encouraging.  And as Pat said.....we love you.

Angels?  Once I was driving my car and was wanting to turn left at a traffic light during rush hour.  A semi had blocked the intersection so I sat through the green light.  The next green I turned left.  Now there was a left-turn lane and I turned into the left turn lane going south...I turned north.  I never did that before but a car from the south going north did not stop and was speeding.  I eased out of the left turning lane and went on my way.  I got to my destination and stopped my car.  I didn't remember driving there.  Then it dawned on to me what happened.  Any other time that close call would have really shaken me up but that time, it didn't.  I had turned at that intersection many times and never went into the left turning lane.  This was when I was seeking God and I know an angel kept me from this accident by taking over the wheel until I was safe.

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"Time may be a great healer...but it's a lousy beautician."

Pat - a lovely devotional and one that is close to my own heart especially with my brothers and sisters in Romania whom I haven't seen for 5 long years now. Still each and every day I remember them.

Etta - It is experiences like yours that make this life of ours such an adventure. These things do not happen every day (or perhaps they do and we do not realise it) yet they leave such an impression upon us, that it almost takes our breath away.

'Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.'

Isaiah Chapter 41 verse 10

One text but a message for each day!

Monday - Fear thou not.

Tuesday - For I am with thee.

Wednesday - Be not dismayed; for I am thy God.

Thursday - I will strengthen thee.

Friday - Yea, I will help thee.

Saturday - Yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Sunday - Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Friends one text with many promises. We have one God, one Saviour whose name is Jesus. All the promises in the Word of God have been purchased for us through the blood of Jesus.

These precious promises are not just to be taken out in the dark days, they are to be used on a daily basis. There is never a time when we can do without our Lord. We need Him each step of the way. Without me you can do nothing. Simple words yet a difficult lesson to learn.

Abandon yourself today into the arms of the One who loves you with an everlasting love. Embrace the Lamb of God and embrace His promises. They were very costly to purchase.
They were purchased my dear friend with you in mind.

Think often of what it cost to purchase just one of these great and precious promises.
He did it all my friend for you. Accept wholeheartedly His gracious love for you today and rejoice in the promises purchased especially for you.

LOL

Your brother in Christ

Iain

What beautiful messages this morning! Each one of you has used a passage of scripture I often think about.

Iaian, I once used the passage on fear in the 43rd chapter to win a lady and her fiance to the Lord. How precious are His promises to us. I appreciate the way you broke down that verse for us.

Y'all have a good day.

Ruth Ann

P.S. I spoke with Francy Lou last evening. She's still too sore to be at the computer but is doing pretty well, her blood sugar stayed at a level that, while low, was acceptable, and she's now looking forward to the therapy to begin soon.

Good morning:
Pat:  Great words to carry in our hearts.

It is an over cast morning and I do think it will remain like this all day, on the other hand my daughter called from Calgary last evening and she said it was sunny and hot, we here in Ontario have seen very little of the sun and warmth.

Now I must have some breakfast before heading to work.

Blessings  Ruth

Larry:  How nice to hear that your first treatment went so well.

Ruth:  Sorry that your weather is so overcast and dreary for you this year.  Perhaps everything will change for you in the next few weeks.  We are all thrilled with rain and clouds at any time as the last few years have been wildfires and hot sunny days.  It is much easier to breath now.

Our two grands will be   going home today and we have so enjoyed taking time and playing with them.  On my way to the grocery store, we stopped and played at a park for 20 minutes - now they know how to live and keep life stressless.    We went to the park twice yesterday just for fun.  

Iain:  What do you bring to the craft sale?  

Have a safe day all.  Carol

Good morning folks!

I am in a spectacular mood today.  I have managed to get so much accomplished that I had been putting off.  That just seems to make the new morning all worth it!

Thanks for the devotional this morning Aunt Pat.  Iaia, thank you for breaking down that verse for us.  I have to admit that I had never done that before, but it is so true.  One verse, so many promises.  I am going to print that up with a really pretty graphic, so I can post it on the wall in front of my computer.

God bless you all,

Heather

Good morning.

Good to see each one today.

Larry I am glad you seem to have benefited from your first treatment.

Thanks for the devotional thoughts today.

I remember so many brothers and sisters whom I have worked with over the years.  Over 50 years ago we started our work in Mississippi, and from there worked in Kentucky and Tennessee.  We spent five years working in Brussels, Belgium, and another five years in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.  A few years ago we went to Bucherest, Romania, to work for three months but because I had a stroke we had to come home early.  

So we have so many memories of people who have touched our lives.  God has been so good to us.  so this passage is very significant to us as we think of people whom we have taught over the years.

Phile 1:4-5  I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. (NIV)

Thanks Pat for reminding us.

- - - Papa John

Hi Everyone!

I'm sitting here still perusing your lovely devotional, Iain.    What good thoughts.  I think that we'll copy and paste that whole post to our Manna for the Soul area so that we can further discuss this together.
 I hope you earn a few bob today!  

Good to see you in such a good mood,  Heather!  


Carol, did you get some photos of your grandchildren?  If so, may we see them please?    You've asked Iain what he's taking to the Craft sale.  He's away at the sale so I'll reply if I may.  Iain is a photographer and he takes his lovely photos of his area of the world (the Isle of Lewis off the coast of Scotland) to sell them.  Here's his web site so that you might have a peek!  Islands of Inspiration[/b]



Have a great day at work, Ruth!   It's dreary here in Guelph too!



I'm so glad that you enjoyed the devotionals in here today, Ruth Ann!  By the way, I've posted a couple of photos for you of Mark and Pam in our Photography area.

Good Morning, Papa John!  You posted while I was "composing"!    Thanks so much for your added thoughts today.  I really enjoy reading everyone's additional thoughts.

Good Morning: Thank you so much Pat and Iain for the devotionals this morning. Philppians 1:3-4 is very close to my heart.  A friend sent it to me in a card at a time when I was feeling very low.  It touched my heart so very much.

Isaiah 41:10 is also very close to my heart. One day when I was crying out tothe Lord about  being homeless in a few days, about 4 years ago, without a job and no income whatsoever, no where to go, The Lord gave me that verse, and my helpless feeling left me. A few days later a sister who later becme  a very close friend, gave me a place to live in a little 12 travel trailer at her house, she helped me to get a job and the Lord put me on my feet again. He certainly upheld me and took all my fear and hopeless feelings away. That verse taught me to trust in the Lord for everything in my life. God is so Good, I don't know what I would do without Him in my  life. Praise the Lord for my salvation, and His goodness and mercy.

Hi Marilyn...

I'm so happy that the devotionals meant so much to you today.  I pray that Iain will get back in here after his Craft show to see how very much we all appreciated his remarks.

It sure helps for us to know that things are appreciated, right?

Yes Pat it is.

It is so awesome that the promises in God's word belong to all of His children. How when in our worst times there is always something there that will "jump" out at us for us to grab hold of and hang one for dear life.  I have found that in so many of the verses in God's word. That if I continue to hang  on eventually it comes to pass in my life or in the life of the person I claim that promise over.

What wonderful thoughts to wake up to this morning.  I am so glad that Iain stopped in before going to his Craft Fair and posted this very meaningful devotional.  And, thank you, Iain for your comment about my angel experience.  

It is very gloomy this morning.  I walked to Ivalou's with my cup of coffee but they must have still been in bed...8:45am.  Lydia must have been still asleep and Ivalou was taking advantage of sleeping in also.   I think today will be a 'othing planned at all'
day....just come what may!

Hi Mieka!
Where are you?  Are you still on the boat?

HELLO MIEKA I SEE YOU ONLINE!!![/size]

HELLOOOOooooooo
I am here in the new Orleans today.
I have read and laugh and cry with everyone here all week. You are all SO wonderful.

It was my wish to say SO many things when you are talk of them this week, but I guess God think it is best if everyone have a vacation from all my silly questions for a short time, yes?  

I love you all and I am glad I can come here again today.
I have so much to share but I need to type it slow here, or not even I will undarstand it. It is hard for me to do it here. So I will wait until I get home.

Mieka, what a lovely treat to see your name here!

Oh, how we've missed you and your "NOT SO SILLY QUESTIONS!!"

When will you be going home?  

We're all anxiously waiting to see all your hundreds of photos!

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  I will fly tomorrow from here but I think I need to stop for a short time to shop in the Las Vegas.   .
It is fun to shop there.  

I hope to be home on Sunday, but I know I will have much to do for some days when I get home, But I am excite to be home.  

 
Oh Ms PAT this is a most beautiful sadness story. It make me cry.  

It's great to see your posts today Meika!  I am glad to hear you're having a great trip.  We look forward to seeing you back home again.  God be with you.

Pat, what a wonderful poem!  Very touching indeed.  Must run, I'm on lunch break.  Jen.

Hi Mieka!!!

Abandon yourself today into the arms of the One who loves you with an everlasting love. Embrace the Lamb of God and embrace His promises. They were very costly to purchase.
They were purchased my dear friend with you in mind.

Think often of what it cost to purchase just one of these great and precious promises.
He did it all my friend for you. Accept wholeheartedly His gracious love for you today and rejoice in the promises purchased especially for you.
Iain, Great words to live by. Thanks!

Ruth Ann~thanks for the update on Francelou.

Carol~I am sure those grandkids take off about 10 years.  They know how to keep ya going, don't they?

Heather~glad you are having a good day!

Pat~How is your day going?  Are you getting those Avon orders out?

Marilyn~how many more days till you move now?  Are you getting excited?

Etta Sue~those days are my favorite days.  Hope you have a fun day of nothing planned.  

I also had a dear friend share that Phil. 1:3-4 verse with me. I have also shared it with others. I think it is a great verse to pass around.
I have been so busy with my kids and taking pictures.  I am not ignoring you all.  I have been rollerblading every morning with my son Troy.  That has been good fun quality time with him.  Troy is also hanging with the church group a lot.  He is enjoying his time with other teens.  Chandraya and Lila have been enjoying the sandbox and swing set. Lila is has had a few falls but always seems to pull herself up and carry on with her little life as nothing happened. Chandraya is finding that she can climb all over the swingset like a monkey.  <Mom is a bit scared but lets her do it anyway.>   Zachery has been having fun on his scooter.  He is now back to delivering his papers.  He has to go to the hospital to get a bone desity test and blood work done today.  He can now start to eat some what of a normal food diet.  Yippy!  He is excited about that.  
Mike is going to make me a backdrop with pvc pipe. I am excited about that.  Lots of stuff happening.

Hi Sonja!  

What a treat to see you here as well.  These times spent with your kids will never be forgotten.  Roller blade all you can with Troy!

Thanks for sharing with us further comments on Philippians.  What wonderful thoughts!

Isn't it great to see Mieka posting?

Yes, all my Avon is delivered but now the next order goes in so fast--Tuesday!  Terrible when the dates are so close.

Looking forward to seeing your photos, Sonja!  It's great to hear all about your family members that we've so enjoyed seeing in your photos!

Talk to you soon!

We've all heard of Gracia Burnham and how she and her husband were taken captive.  Well, there's a post we should all read about Gracia.  She's been Misrepresented by Magazine after an interview.

MIEKA, is is so good to see you here.  We are looking forward to your getting home so you can tell us some things about where you have been.

Things are quiet here right now.  Everyone seems to have gone somewhere.  But we will have our daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter on through the week-end.  We always enjoy having family here.

--- Papa John              <)))><<

 

The devotionals are inspiring. The story about the daddy made me cry.  Just seeing Mieka here again makes my day.  

GLAD YOU ARE BACK, Mieka
Let's everyone have a wonderful, God-blessed day!!!

Hi everyone.  It is almost 6 pm my time and this is the first chance I have had to read the postings.  I appreciate all the comments of concern.  I had the second treatment this afternoon and am pretty tired tonight so am going to make this short.

I did appreciate the devotionals today and reading all of the postings.  Nice to see Meika posting again as well as all the other postings.

We have had heavy rains here this afternoon but it seems to be over now.  

Hello allll!  While Etta is having a donothing day, I seem to be having a having ot do everything two days.  I am so far behind myself, I can, well, nevermind, it would make sense.

Sonifo -- i used to roller blade.  had a couple of dillies that made me reconsider the hobby!!  Now I mtn. bike.  COWABUNGA DUDE!
Travis likes swinging too.  Until we stop.    My sisters grandmother - in- law has a sandbox for T. as soon as we get it.  Gotta keep it covered, though, cats in the neighborhood, ya know.

Pat, thank you for posting what Christianity Today said about Gracia.  Unfortunately, this is not hte first time CT has slanted an otherwise good story negatively.  They have done it several time agains James Dobson and Focus on the Family, and some pro-life stories.  Really makes you wonder about their editorial staff, you know.

To the others -- just glad to see you!


Welcome back mieka!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

laters

Great to see you, Larry.  How often will you be going for these treatments?  Do you have to go into the city of Atlanta for each one and is it every day?  Oh, my!


Hi Karma!  


Kathy, it made me cry as well.  But I put it in here just for you all to enjoy!  I really wasn't trying to make everyone cry!  LOL


Now, if you want to cry, go to the Photos area and read what Ruth Ann posted about Kassie's prayer.  You all must go and read that.  I couldn't type any more as I had to go and get a new box of kleenex.


Papa John, glad you'll have the family around you through the weekend.  I was wondering if you'd adopt me for a few days?  I'd love to be part of your family for a weekend.  


It was nice you took the time to post on your lunch break, Jen!  Do you come home every day for lunch?

God's wisdom is infinite!  Whether He heals by means of medicine or without any means at all is His call - and it's never wrong.  I pray, Larry, that He'll use these treatments for your great good.  Remember, though, that even while you are weak, yet you are strong - His strength is made perfect in your weakness.  Your patience, your trust in Him, your kindness to others even when you are down - all these are by His grace.  I pray His grace will indeed be upon you.

Thanks Al!   Those are great words.  God uses all means to heal and we certainly have found that out in our life (Jack's and mine).

Pat, I do have to go to downtown Atlanta every weekday, except for July 4th, thru July 31st.  This is a total of 35 treatments.  Each one last for 1 hour.  

Al, God has been with me for the last 16 years on my journey with the heart disease.  I am very optimistic that he will use these treatments for whatever purpose he has for my life.  

Larry - praise His name!  He WILL use them for your eternal good as well, hopefully, for your present good.

Mieka - so very, very glad to see you posting![/b]  I am so looking forward to more from you!

Hi, Larry - I just can't imagine driving into Atlanta for 35 straight days!  The traffic  is heavy and some of the drivers could certainly use further driving instructions!   Yesterday, I drove my nephew, his wife and 4 kids to the World of Coca Cola.  After that, we found a parking spot near Centennial Park and the CNN building.  Before we could exit the car, I heard a tapping on my window and a man told me to put a ticket on the dash as he was handing it to me.  I asked how much to park, and he quoted $5.  All I had was a $20, so I handed that to him and asked for change back.  He said, "I'll be right back as I have to get change in the office" -------then he disappeared with my $20!  I was hustled and bet my $20 sure made his day!  Learned after exiting the car that an out of view box with slots for money was nearby, so we paid another $10 for parking.  When my niece and I returned to the parking lot and were waiting for the guys, we watched 3 men wandering in the parking lot looking for more targets.  One had the audacity to approach us as ask if we had paid yet.  Told him we had already been hustled and to get lost.

Iain -  About angels  and physical healing.  Not talked about much in our congregation either, but I have come to believe very much in both.  Too many things have happened to me in my life and as Marilyn put it, " taught me to trust in the Lord for everything".  When my children were quite small, I would lie down with them for their afternoon naps.  Once, awakened suddenly, I got up and headed for my bedroom which was at the other end of our house.  When I approached the door leading into our den, I suddenly, unexplainably couldn't go any further.  I felt  odd that I couldn't go through the door.  Then lightening struck a tree next to my bedroom and the window ac unit was hit.  My only explanation was that my invisible guardian angel had kept me from possible harm from the lightening bolt.

After 3 days of fun with my nephew and his family, it's kind of lonely and quiet here.  We're supposed to drive to Gatlinburg tomorrow for our daughter's marriage ceremony, though, and hope the traffic through the Smokies is not bumper to bumper.

II John 6, "And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments."

Hurrah!  Mieka will be posting often real soon.  Everyone get your Bibles out and your thinking caps on.  Mieka, we love your 'silly' questions.  Makes us all think AND learn right along with you.

Sonja ~ Great that you stopped in today.  I know you are busy enjoying this weather and your kids.  Quality time with them will give them lots of memories and a good foundation for life.

Karma ~ Seems like you are real busy.  There are days like that when you see yourself coming and going at once.

Larry ~ I don't envy you for having drive in Atlanta for 33 more days for treatments but if that what it takes....I would do it too!

My 'do nothing day' seems to have been sitting here most of the day.  Other than fixing lunch, dinner and washing dishes, that is.
I printed 11 Bonus lessons for PSP, downloaded what I needed for them and saved what I needed.  My Outlook Express hasn't been acting right since I updated it so I noticed a new update.  Hope that fixed it.  MSN IM Plus wouldn't load automatically.  Re-installed it.  Just a bunch of piddley stuff but I got it all done.

I thank you everyone that you all make me feel so happy when I am here. It is a good place for me and others to come here and learn. It is SO wonderful to have everyone here as my friend. It is my wish that one day many others can come here to share what is in their heart. I hope they will see how we can all have a love for each other and be friends even if sometimes we are different.  

QuoteI hope they will see how we can all have a love for each other and be friends even if sometimes we are different.  

Mieka, your thought here is so very important for all of us if we want to live according to God's will.  One of my favorite teachings in the New Testament is in 1 Corinthians 13, the great chapter on love.

1 Cor 13:1-3  If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.  If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.  If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.  (NIV)

We may not be able to answer all the questions.  But one thing is for sure.  If we have not learned to love one another all the other things will be useless.  

--- Papa John              <)))><<

 

And, Papa John, the wonder of it all is that as we share the love in our hearts with others, that love inside of us simply grows even bigger, ready to share with more friends, acquaintances and, yes, even enemies.

Ruth Ann

Pat, each time I tell the story of Kassie's prayer I have a very difficult time getting through the tale without wiping tears. "The faith of a little child..."

This is also the child who was doing her homework for Wednesday night kids' training at their church back in the springtime and she came out to Mark and Pam, and said, "I realized I need Jesus - I love him, but I'm not saved."

Well, wisely they worked with her and she accepted Christ right then and there. Then, in a couple of minutes, my phone was ringing! "GRANDMA! I just wanted to tell you I'm a Christian, too." I sobbed and sobbed. To think - this child wanted to witness first to me! What a blessing and what an honor - would to God that I never let her trust down.

I am just got threw making a backdrop stand for my photography...that was easy.  I even painted the umbrellas silver.  Woo hooo...my photo studio is finally coming together.

Looks like a busy day here...glad to see everyone posting.

I am off of here to clean the garage.  Talk to you tomorrow.  

Well, folks, it is bedtime for me.  Or getting there anyway.  Ihope all of ya'll have an awesome weekend!

love
karmat

You too, y'all.

Sonja, that's awesome!  Where are you going to have this backdrop?  Are you going to have it mobile?  Or will it be in your studio?  You really are getting to be a "pro"!

Well, it's time to pack up.

I've had a busy day.  I was caring for an ill friend and had to take her to the doctors office and then the pharmacy and then made sure she could swallow the meds.

I didn't get home till late.

Tomorrow, the Guelph Hiking Trail is having a "Bridge Opening Ceremony" so I want to attend that with my camera.  

Talk to you all tomorrow.

Here's a link to tomorrow's thread...  This one will now be locked.

Please note:  Al Moak and Karma, this thread is now locked!  

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