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Morning Devotional...




Did you know that your money likely has traces of cocaine on it?

A study by Jack Demirgian of the Argonne National Laboratory revealed that a full 78% of the currency circulating in Miami and other major US cities carries trace amounts of cocaine.

They were only looking for cocaine, but I wonder what else might be found on the bills? Fast-food products, no doubt, such as French fry grease, mustard, soft drink residue and coffee. And how about rouge or lipstick from purses and lint from pockets? I've seen everything from ink to oil on money that has come my way, and more indistinguishable stains than I care to remember.

And if they look closely enough, they can even tell something about where that money has been! To the store. To the beach. Even hidden beneath a mattress.

Just about anything that comes into contact with money leaves a bit of itself behind. Then, when the bills rub up against each other in a wallet or billfold, they share contaminates. Everything the bills touch is changed, however slightly.

So it is with us. Everybody you and I speak to, rub shoulders with or even smile at...is changed. These changes can be helpful or hurtful, depending on our interaction. And even little changes can make a difference. NO ONE is insignificant in this regard.

Bette Reeves said, "If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito." I will surely affect
everybody I encounter - one way or another. And they will affect me.  I will leave a bit of myself behind, and take a little piece of them with me. Everybody.

There is something awe-inspiring about the influence we have on one another. In your daily contacts, what will you leave behind, and what will you take with you?[/b]  Steve Goodier

Janet, hope you are rested up and feeling better today.


I hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Laters

Wow Janet interesting stuff there. Thank you.

Well, Etta Sue and Karma, you're both right.

I have not needed medicine for pain since middle of the night Saturday. I went back to work Monday and everyone was SO good to help. Even the security guy took my computer down to the garage for me when I left.

Thanks for the prayers.

Now - to concentrate on healing this thing completely!

Larry - I truly hope you'll feel better today. And, Janet - may God grant you traveling mercies and be with all your passengers (including Beth and her physician).

Hi to everyone else. Since it's still Monday night, I need to close and go to bed.

Ruth Ann

hello just stopping by after work ...b een off work for about 30 minutes.... so anyways i'm off to bed cuz i'm exhausted... and i got to work late again tomorrow bye for now
sarah

June 28, 2005

No Alteration Needed


Read:
Jeremiah 36:20-26


All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. —2 Timothy 3:16


Bible In One Year: 2 Kings 14:26-29, Amos 1-3

In every era there has been a spirit of the age that challenges our acceptance of Scripture. The temptation is to remove or alter those portions that seem old-fashioned.

Whether it's the doctrine of hell or God's view on sexual behavior, many feel pressured to reject parts of the Bible. Inevitably, some truths will be offensive in every day and age.

Centuries ago, a Jewish king was handed a scroll with a message from God. As the document was read aloud, the king took offense, and with a small knife he cut out a portion of the scroll and threw it into the fire. Eventually the entire text was thrown into the flames, yet the king and his servants who had heard the words of the Lord "were not afraid" (Jeremiah 36:24). In the end, the king lost his kingdom because of his disobedience.

When we selectively edit the Bible to suit our fancy, or neglect its teachings, we show that we do not fear God. Rather than submit to what He says, we exalt our own finite reason and fallible conscience above the inspired text.

When you're tempted to overlook or ignore a portion of the Word of God, remember: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God" (2 Timothy 3:16). It tells us all we need to know to live a life that pleases Him. —Dennis Fisher


What is the meaning of life here on earth?
What is its purpose, and what is its worth?
God has the answers in His holy book;
That is the first and the best place to look. —Hess

In a changing world, you can trust God's unchanging Word.

Marilyn - that's an excellent mini-devotional.  Oh how true it is that we all (every one, even me) need to change and grow.  And every bit of that change and growth needs to be in accord with the Word of our God.  Oh may we always be willing to listen, to admit, and, finally, to change.

Quote from: Janet on June 26, 2005, 09:38:26 PM

Early to bed and early to rise~until you make enough money to do otherwise.

PLEASE...[/b]

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Morning Devotional...

THOSE YOU TOUCH...YOU CHANGE

Did you know that your money likely has traces of cocaine on it?

A study by Jack Demirgian of the Argonne National Laboratory revealed that a full 78% of the currency circulating in Miami and other major US cities carries trace amounts of cocaine.

They were only looking for cocaine, but I wonder what else might be found on the bills? Fast-food products, no doubt, such as French fry grease, mustard, soft drink residue and coffee. And how about rouge or lipstick from purses and lint from pockets? I've seen everything from ink to oil on money that has come my way, and more indistinguishable stains than I care to remember.

And if they look closely enough, they can even tell something about where that money has been! To the store. To the beach. Even hidden beneath a mattress.

Just about anything that comes into contact with money leaves a bit of itself behind. Then, when the bills rub up against each other in a wallet or billfold, they share contaminates. Everything the bills touch is changed, however slightly.

So it is with us. Everybody you and I speak to, rub shoulders with or even smile at...is changed. These changes can be helpful or hurtful, depending on our interaction. And even little changes can make a difference. NO ONE is insignificant in this regard.

Bette Reeves said, "If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito." I will surely affect
everybody I encounter - one way or another. And they will affect me.  I will leave a bit of myself behind, and take a little piece of them with me. Everybody.

There is something awe-inspiring about the influence we have on one another. In your daily contacts, what will you leave behind, and what will you take with you?[/b]  Steve Goodier

Good Morning.
Just checking in and letting you know that I have read the morning devotion.
Great Devotion...Reminding me this morning that I AM a light at work..and that YES...people are being touched.
God bless you all today.
Geri-Jean
Awakened Heart

Good Morning Geri-Jean!  Thanks for your message.

Janet:   We have always been moderately late to bed and very early to rise - thanks for your neat devotions today.  I am praying for Beth and all of you as the load of life is very heavy for you now.

Larry:  thinking of you as well.  Don has been walking for a good hour every morning as we do hope that will strengthen his heart.  It sure makes a person sleepy in the afternoon though.

Carol   

  Good Morning Everyone I wanted to share this devotional with you that I read this morning.
I don't know if any of you struggles with "What does it mean to be spiritual"
Well, I have for the last couple of years, and to an extent I am STILL struggling with it.
When I recieved Christ for real about 9 years ago, I sought Him with ALL MY HEART !
I went to EVERY Christian meeting I could. I sought His manifest presence in my life
pretty much full time. I didn't have a job back then, and I needed lots of healing.
Then my mom died and I went and lived with my dad for 3 years to help him out.
I slowly got away from my rigorous daily routine of seeking the LORD.
I used to LOVE reading the Word of God, and worshiping Him(Meaning worship in song)
I led worship at Women's Aglow meetings, and was a part of the worship team in my church
for YEARS.
I left my church that I had attended all this time about 6 months ago maybe.
I have felt to let go of leading worship anywhere.

Anyway, for a long time now, I have had such a difficult time reading the Word.
It hurts me SO much because I used to LOVE God's Word...PASSIONATLEY !!!
I don't feel like I even care to seek Him anymore.
I don't really care about "CHURCH".
It all just seems so pointless to me now.

So I have been struggling with my relationship with God.
DO I love Him?
Will He give up on me, because I am not DOING all the RIGHT things.
AM I in His will for me.
IS this season "OF HIM" or ME

SO when I read this article this morning, it helped me "a bit"
YES...I seek God in ALL that I put my hand to.
YES...I am growing in HIS character, in HIS love.
I am choosing on a daily basis to lay down "MY" ideas and plans for HIS.

So reading this article has shown me that I AM stil seeking HIm..but in  adifferent way.
That it is ok, because I am doing the important thing.
Seeking to be like Him.

Awakened Heart 

Any comments I would be glad to hear.

Article Below...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If Only I Could Be Spiritual, by Rubel Shelly


There are some weird ideas floating out there about spirituality that
discourage and damage people. And I'm not just talking about the ones
that involve drinking Kool Aid from a washtub or walking barefoot on
hot coals.

The fundamental mistake most of us make is to think that "being
spiritual" is a rapturous state of mind or unique lifestyle reserved
for the elite. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Bible appears to
envision a spiritual life for everyone who wears the name of Christ.
Godliness is supposed to be the norm. And Christians are supposed to be
saints all the time -- not two generations after their funerals.

Let me tell you about a few genuinely spiritual people I know.

Evelyn suffers incredible pain from bone cancer, but you'd never know
it. She is one of the most cheerful, loving, and gentle souls on Planet
Earth. Though she suffers constantly, there is no self-pity in her
life. And she loves the Cubs!

Gene is probably the most generous man I know. He is a dynamo of
energy. He works hard. He makes tons of money. Then gives about 40% of
his net income to help various good works. He and his wife have a
special bank account that their 11-year-old daughter gets to "manage"
for helping missionaries.

Nancy is a wonderful mom. She invests her heart, body, and daily
schedule in the development of her three kids. She gets them to
ballgames. Bandages their scraped knees. Makes sure they complete
homework. Her daughter and two sons are among the most loved and secure
kids in the world.

David loves his wife. He is unquestionably faithful to her. He calls
her once in a while when he is between appointments just to say, "I
love you!" Once or twice a week, he leaves a card or scribbled note for
her to find during her daily routine. It'll say something like "Can't
wait to see you tonight. I love you!"

Spirituality is not the ability to live in the desert for 60 years. It
isn't living above the mundane and ordinary stuff of life. It isn't a
mystical feeling or pious face. It isn't reading the Bible all the time
or getting up to pray for two hours every morning before the sun comes
up.

Spirituality is about where you are today. It is a way of life that
honors commitments, behaves with integrity, accepts people the way they
are, and is generous. It is exhibited by going to work, changing
diapers, fixing meals, cutting grass, being self-controlled in traffic,
and showing patience to unpleasant people.

God is honored best in the everyday and ordinary things of your life.

  I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of
  God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and
  acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. (Romans 12:1-2
  NRS)

---------
  (c) 2005 Used by permission. From Rubel Shelly's "FAX of Life"
  printed each Tuesday. See Faith Matters
  <http://www.faithmatters.com/> for previous issues of the "FAX of
  Life."

RELATED LINKS:
* HEARTLIGHT Articles
  http://www.heartlight.org/articles
* Faith Matters
  http://www.faithmatters.com/

This article can be found on the web at:
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200506/20050628_spiritual.html

Thank you Al. I knew you would like that.

Nice devotional, Janet.  So true! 

Sunny morning here on the island and I am finally going to get out for a walk.  'Twas cloudy and cool the past couple of days and I much prefer warmth.

Need to check out some of the posts and other sites and only sort of up-to-date with things.  Hope all goes well with Beth and the doctors can help make things easier.  Glad that you are learning to take things a little slower, Larry and know it is hard Certainly good that the broken hip was not on target and foot is getting better, R.A......Oh, Al.....

Nice that you are going to have such a great holiday, Jane.  Don't know if it will be possible to meet while you are in Victoria.  It is about a one hr. drive and I don't have a car.  Should you decide to come to the Cowichan Valley, could stop off here for a coffee & chat.  I mostly go to Victoria with the kids now as have been having physical problems lately.  Anyway, send me a message and I will give you my phone number and who knows?

Have decided that since it is no longer possible to be active in sports, will again go back to the drawing board...literally.  Sent away for some interesting videos on improving one's skills and plan to spend more time developing my neglected hobby.  I took it up as a hobby when my body gave out at an early date...then worked real hard and got back into physical sports, etc.  Now have to once again retreat to pen, pencil & paints.  Guess the time has come to once again sell my bowling balls, shoes & golf equipment

Today's Daily Bread sure speaks to me as it is about not giving up, but to take courage and start all over again.  "Cling to the Lord in faith and start all over.  God can use this kind of beginning from the end."  In Christ, the hopeless find hope. 
Seems that life is all about constantly 'starting over again'.
Practice makes perfect....

Here is a little smile:

Little girl and her neighbour

One Sunday afternoon a little girl was happily walking home from Kids Church reading her bible. When she arrived at her driveway, her grumpy neighbour noticed what the little girl was doing and asked roughly, "What are you reading, girl?"

The little girl replied gently, "My bible. The part where a man called Jonah got swallowed by a big fish and God saved him."

At this, the neighbour snickered and scoffed, "The bible is a made-up book! How could a man survive in the stomach of a fish?"

The girl answered, "Well, when I'm in heaven, I'll ask Jonah."

The neighbour laughed more and arrogantly asked, "What if Jonah isn't in heaven?"

The little girl thought long and hard about this question then replied quietly, "Then you can ask him."

       

We went to see the Tall Ships when they came to Victoria.  Will post a couple of photo's later.  Also a couple of the little Art Show where Amanda put one picture on sale and showed two others.  Sold one for a tidy little sum.....

Pleasant Day all and God Bless.

Liz

Quote from: Marilyn Fisher on June 28, 2005, 08:36:16 AM
When we selectively edit the Bible to suit our fancy, or neglect its teachings, we show that we do not fear God. Rather than submit to what He says, we exalt our own finite reason and fallible conscience above the inspired text.

Our former pastor (of a liberal denomination) once told me that Revelations was not true.  John was isolated on the island of Patmos and "wrote Revelations to keep his name in print."

I told him that I believed every word of the Bible.  I asked told him, "If you can't believe all of it, Revelations included, how could you believe any of it?"

On the plane back from Germany, I met a former pastor from the same liberal denomination...he told me that when 3 branches of his church were combining and sorting out doctrine....they came within one vote of denying the virgin birth.  He told me that he was going back to Pennsylvania to form his own church.

Either you believe every word or else none of it is true or at least subject to discussion.  You cannot pick and choose what you will believe....faith enters in.....

Hi everyone.  Happy to be able to say that I am feeling good today.  It comes at a good time as we are expecting Pat's cousin and her husband to be here later this afternoon and to spend the night with us.  They live in St. Petersburg and are headed to the North Georgia mountains to meet friends there.  This is the first time they have ever visited us although we have been to their home quite a few times.

Janet, know you all, and especially Beth, are most concerned about this latest downturn in her health.  I hope the doctor will have a few assuring words for her.  It sounds like you need to take a couple of days off and just rest as you certainly don't want to get so rundown that you become ill.  Janet, that was a very interesting devotional and so true.

Eddie, how can we pick and chose which parts of the Bible to believe.  While I certainly don't understand a lot of things in the Bible, I do believe the Bible.  I saw a few days ago where one of the denominations was to vote on whether to accept the divinity of Jesus Christ. 

Liz, when one door closes for us we just have to take the opportunities that are then available to us.  I am so thankful for the computer as it keeps me busy everyday.  I have also reached the point where I really can't exercise anymore.  Just going to the store to pick up a few items is becoming a challenge. 

Carol, glad that Don is doing the walking.  My heart doctor told me many years ago, when I told him I usually rested every afternoon, that resting was something that heart patients often don't do enough of and that it was a good thing to be doing when you feel tired.  Of course, I know that it is not always possible to do this when you feel the need but being retired makes it much easier.

Jeri-Jean, Karmat, Nards and Sarah,  glad to see your postings. 

Ruth Ann, nice to see you feel up to going to work.  You really didn't miss much time.  Are you able to do your work on the laptop?

Nita, I learned long ago that I should usually listen to my wife.  She is very perceptive.  I am a very fortunate man to have such a wonderful wife.

Marilyn, nice to see that you have heard from Meika.  It has been a long while since she visited with us here.

Pat, I do know a bit of how Jack felt as we want to be able to do more than we can.  I know that Jack had many other medical problem than his heart.  I feel very blessed to have only the two health issues.

JudyB, it is nice to read that you had such a nice day at your church.  Those type of days create special memories.

Sorry this is so long but it has been several days since I tried to address everyone who was posting.  I do hope I haven't overlooked anyone, if so it certainly wasn't intentional.

LARRY!  Don't ever apologize for your posts being long!  How interesting to read and how wonderful to know that today you're feeling better.

I haven't time right now to respond to everyone's posts but please know that I'm reading.  I have a lady coming in an hour to pick up her Avon and it's not packed yet! 

Also, Karma and I are working overtime with re-organizing the site.

I sent out a Private Message to all members today and hopefully this will be good news for you all regarding the size of photos for our site. 

Now, we just ask that you click more than ever before on the Google Ads that you see at the top of the various pages.  We will be depending on the income from these to help pay for the added costs of the larger webspace and added bandwidth.

Talk to you later!

Praying for Janet as she travels with Beth to Amarillo.  Let's pray for them all until they are safely home.  And let's pray that the news will be acceptable to them as the doctor further deals with dear Beth.

If for any reason, you didn't get your Private Message today, please CLICK HERE to read about our STEP ONE in the improvements to CP.

It's exciting!

It's sure nice to see you Eddie!

QuoteSpirituality is not the ability to live in the desert for 60 years. It
isn't living above the mundane and ordinary stuff of life. It isn't a
mystical feeling or pious face. It isn't reading the Bible all the time
or getting up to pray for two hours every morning before the sun comes
up.

Spirituality is about where you are today. It is a way of life that
honors commitments, behaves with integrity, accepts people the way they
are, and is generous. It is exhibited by going to work, changing
diapers, fixing meals, cutting grass, being self-controlled in traffic,
and showing patience to unpleasant people.

AH - one lthing we have to do before we ever even begin to discuss spirituality is to define it.  To be "spiritual" in the Bible is to be influenced by the Holy Spirit.  It isn't an emotion, it isn't a work that we can do - it's just His Holy Spirit working in us.  So you're right on both counts above.  Don't be moved by feeling.  Don't be moved by what others may say or not say.  But be aware that when the Holy Spirit (indwelling every Christian) is moving you, it will be in the direction of glorifying God.

Gracemoments

A long day so far.  My alarm went off at 5:45 a.m.  The driver for the eye clinic said he would be here at 6:45 a.m.  I was in my bath room and noticed a white car driving very slow.  I went to the other side of the house and sure enough the driver was 15 minutes early.  But Ivalou and I were ready enough...   This clinic is only about 4 blocks from where Jerry was so I was so glad this man was driving at this time of day because as soon as we got to the interstate, we came upon a bottle-neck.  We didn't have to dead stop but sure was moving slow.  Anyway, this clinic is so efficient.  So friendly and moves the people right along.  Ivalou was done with her lazer surgery in about 1½ hours.  No patch.  No drops.  She goes back July 7th for the other eye which won't take as long because the paper work will already be done.  The driver brought us back home.

So I talked with Ivalou for awhile and then we went to Anderson for Chinese...Hi, Mieka!! !!  Ivalou, Kaye Don and I live between Anderson and Noblesville.  We all have a Lapel (Madison County) phone numbers and Noblesville (Hamilton County) addresses.  But we don't get Anderson phone books...our names and numbers are in it...but because of our zip codes, they won't deliver us a book.  If they deliver a phone book here they would cost us $25 but we can go to the Chamber of Commerce in Anderson and get a book free.  So we got three books.  Yes, our names are still in it. 

When I got home I decided I had better mow the grass since I hadn't mowed for over a week.  The Honda started.  It is slower.  Takes longer to mow.  When I was about done, the sky to the west turned DARK!!!  But recently that hasn't meant rain.  So I watered my plants since the sun wasn't shining.  I came in and took a shower.  It was raining when I got out of the bathroom.  Thundering like mad now.  Rumbling.  Lightening.  Raining.  And has been for almost 2 hours.  Sure didn't need to water but I did. 

I feel a nap coming on now. 

Awakened Heart.  No one has come so close to speaking my own heart.  What you are describing is where I have been.....and only just recently have I found that even this season of "nothing matters" is from the Lord.  Your post was so encouraging.  Some of your exact words have been spoken in private by me.

I've sent you a private message.     Nita

  hello to all.  I am somewhat ashamed to post here again as it has been FOREVER since I've been here.

I will be in prayer for Janet & Beth.  I'm going on over to the prayer section now and see what's been going on.

Thanks Janet for the devotional this morning. 

Hellooooooo Kathy good to see you here again.  I have been wondering where you have been. I have missed you. Do you still have Yahoo messenger?

Just wanted to stop in and say Hi!
Rachelle

Hi Rahcelle. Here I am over here now.

   



In a day or so it will be summer vacation but boy did we have a storm this afternoon.  Thunder - lightening - small hail and wind like you would not believe.  I also believe we could have some of the same again tomorrow.  Then the cooler temps. are due to arrive by the weekend.


Ruth

We made it safely to and home from Amarillo.  My eyes are burning tonight, so I will come back in the morning with a full report.  Thank you for all the prayers.  Love you all, Janet

I really, really DID think I had posted this morning ... or sometime today.    Wherediditgo, wherediditgo .... or was I just dreaming?  

For one thing, LIZ~ I will certainly get a phone call into you during the time my daughters and I are in Victoria.  Of course, they want to see Buchart Gardens (and I want to see them again) so that will be one day of roaming around the area.  Who knows what else we will find to get into.  

And AW ~ This is my heart for a long time, now.  I so relate to this quote and would've said it myself if I'd had the words handy.  Thanks for sharing this, and God bless you -- real good!

Quote from: AwakenedHeart on June 28, 2005, 11:18:31 AM

If Only I Could Be Spiritual, by Rubel Shelly

Spirituality is not the ability to live in the desert for 60 years. It
isn't living above the mundane and ordinary stuff of life. It isn't a
mystical feeling or pious face. It isn't reading the Bible all the time
or getting up to pray for two hours every morning before the sun comes
up.

Spirituality is about where you are today. It is a way of life that
honors commitments, behaves with integrity, accepts people the way they
are, and is generous. It is exhibited by going to work, changing
diapers, fixing meals, cutting grass, being self-controlled in traffic,
and showing patience to unpleasant people.

It's really good to see all these dear friends who have been silent for a while <yeah, I should talk, huh?>  I have been in correspondence with my Joy and we are getting pretty "pumped" about our upcoming trip.  Only a couple more weeks.

Some friends here in Coos Bay have gathered up a bunch of Teddy Bears to send home to Mexico with Joy.  She and John have found they can drive out into the seldom travelled parts of Mexico and there find tons of children who really love the stuffed animals they can distribute.  They've already done this a couple times and always feel badly because they run out of stuffed toys before all the children <and not-so-young people> have been blessed.  This is a great missionery ministry and everyone gets blessed by it.

All we have to do is find a way to compress all these teddy bears into a more manageable bundle so Joy can transport them on the airplane.  

well .... I gotta go ... places to go, people to see, and stuff to do ........... Later!

P.S. HEY THERE, JANET .... You came in behind me but I'm really glad you made it home, although I know it was a long and tiring day.

Hey, Jane, have you seen those heavy plastic bags that have a vacuum cleaner opening on them and the vacuum sucks out all the air and compresses the contents?  I put away the kids childhood teddies and stuffed toys.  They took up a massive rubbermaid container and now they are almost flattened and would fit into a suitcase so easily.  I began to wonder if I had damaged them after sucking out every bit of available air so about a month after doing this, I opened the bag and all of the teddies filled up with air so quickly and it was really neat.

Jane -- I went to Bouchart Gardens about ten years ago.  I'm not much of a flower person (a black thumb might describe me more aptly), and at the time wasn't *into* photography, but even so, it was wonderful (as I'm sure you know).  I would love to go back again. 

Hope all of ya'll have a wonderful night/morning/day/night.  And we'll "see" you tomorrow.