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Morning Devotional.

Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani!  (Matt. 27:46)

I hope you don't mind a little extension of Easter considerations to today. 
The English translation of this Hebrew sentence is good, but it is not quite accurate.  With fullest attention to accuracy, it would read, "God of me!  God of me!  For what have have You desolated Me?"  With these words, our Savior on the Cross placed before the Father the impassioned question about what misdeed it was of which He had been found guilty.  It's reminiscent of J. S. Bach's immortal words, "Oh blessed Jesu, how has Thou offended?  Of what misdeed hast Thou to make confession - of what transgression?"

There is an answer.  Every true Christian must confess that answer.  The answer is, "My misdeeds, oh God!  They were my transgressions!  Your immense love moved You to become my Sponsor, so that all my thoughts, actions, and words became Your responsibility!  God therefore abandoned You to infinite Justice!  Oh Christian, can you feelingly answer Him?  Can you say, "My God, my God, it was for ME He was abandoned?"

If you can truly say these things to Him, then you may also freely say, "My God, my God, for me He rose in triumph!  And you can go on to say, My God, my God, for me He's glorified" and, finally, "my God, my God, for me He's coming again!"  May these all be true of you.
Al Moak[/size]

Howdee!  I see everyone had a fun day! 

Thought I would pop in here and see what you all were up to. Looks like everyone is in bed. 

The kids and I are going to get up early and have breakfast and go hang out of the day.  Hope it is warm outside for pictures.

Karma, did you get any pictures of your little ones?  I would love to see more baby pictures. 

Off I go.  Night everone!

Al:  Thank you for the message of Easter that we should continue to think about all year long.  We are all loved.

Marilyn:  Alas - I had to stop the PSP class because of computer glitch - feeling awful and yes, we are back in Colorado. 

We are up to our ears in activities with two grandchildren over the next two days.  Roller hockey and one is studying for a test on Africa and both have strict schedules on their homework. 

Carol

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Good Morning Thank you Al for the devotional today.

Last night after prayer meeting we showed the Passion of the Christ again.  there was not much turn out but we did have two young men that were not from our congregation. One's name was Brian and he was telling me that he lives in his van at Al's church in Sunny Brae. Al is that the same Brian that we have been praying for?

I didn't hear from any of my family yesterday I guess they were all doing their own thing. I just made some Spaghetti and ate alone here at home, Watched TV, crocheted and took a nap.


I am going back to work today, Fay has changed my hours again and I  may have to take on another job to be able to save enough to move on.

TTYL

Marilyn - yes, it sounds like that's the Brian.  He isn't actually living in his van anymore - that was back about a year ago.  He's had a number of jobs and lost a number of jobs since then.  He's been counselled and counselled again about his "popping off," anger, etc.  Also his use (or misuse) of money when he has it.  The result is that he's no longer welcome to stay overnight at any of our houses - basically, he's worn out his welcome completely (and very, very sadly).  Keep praying for him - his early life was not good at all - never received any acceptance by parents, others.

I've got to go to the chiropracter this morning as early as possible.  I can't sleep on my right side, left side, back ...  So that makes things more than a little difficult.  I know this should be in the prayer folder, but here it is here!  If anyone wants to put it there - thank you.  God bless y'all today.

Hello, everyone!  So sorry to have not been around much at all lately, but I think of you guys a lot.  I know some of you have been terribly sick, and I hope you are improving.  Travis has had a terrible time with what appears to be the flu, and I'm really hoping he'll get better soon.

Good day to all of you!

Hi everyone.  It is still chilly and overcast but no rain so far today.  We had plenty of it yesterday and last night and they had some flooding over in Atlanta.  I had planned to go to the "Y" after coffee this morning but got up very tired and just didn't feel up to the effort.  So I am taking things easy today. 

Nards, sorry to read that Travis has had and has the flu.  Fortunately the little ones seem to be able to get over these type of things very quickly.

Al, thanks for the find devotional and additional insight provided.  Hope your chiropractor is able to give you some relief.

Tbear, nice to see the picture you posted and an early congrats on 27 years of marriage. 

Carol, it sounds like you all are staying very busy. 

Sonja, hope this will be a super day for you and your kids.  It is wonderful that you devote time like this just for your kids. 

Marilyn, sorry to hear that your work schedule is again being upset but you indicated there was a big need for caregivers in your area so hopefully you will find other work soon.

Happy Monday!  I've been a busy gal so far, now my kitchen is shining! 

I may post the pictures I took yesterday later, I haven't even looked at them as yet.

I can't really think of anything to talk about that wouldn't be foring to you, so I'm outa here!

Al   Great devotional today.

Just a thought aren't the Golden Years Wonderful  with all of our aches and pains.

Tbear:  I like the picture of Rainy & Uncle Roland precious memories.

The day started out as being cloudy along with the promise of showers and now the sun is out making that a good thing.
In a few minutes I will be headed out the door to do some errands and along the way I will have to stop at a grocery store.

Ruth

At the bottom right of the page
I was wondering if someone would explain how the previous and next arrows really work as this is something that I have always had trouble trying to figure out. It seems that next goes back and previous goes forward?   

Hi Everyone...

I've been doing some odd jobs around the house and telephoning some people and companies that I had to deal with and now I'm here!

Thanks Al for that wonderful devotional.  It's a great start to the day for sure.  (Loved the hymn too)


Nice to see you popping in Soni.  


Carol, I know the difficulty trying to do the PSP classes with a faulty computer.  It's happened to me a few times as well.  Great to have the grandchildren around, isn't it?




TBear, thanks for telling us about the happy day for K4J!  (It will be on the calendar if she puts it in her profile.  It's automatically added).  Lovely photo of Rainy & Uncle Rolan!


Marilyn, I'm glad you're feeling well enough to go back to work today.  I really don't understand the way the folks you work for can change the hours, etc.  I don't think we have anything just like this up here.  


I'm so sorry, Al, that you're having such pain right now.  I hope that the chiropractor can help you and that you get relief.  Thanks for the wonderful devotional today.  


Nice to see you stopping by, Nards.  You've sure been missed.  Hope that you and Travis get rid of this terrible cold soon.

Larry, I heard on the TV just a few minutes ago that the South-East is getting so much rain and there's so much flooding.  

THE THIEF ON THE CROSS:The past couple of days  I've thinking of the thief on the cross....the one that said to Jesus," Remember me." 

We know that he did not have time to perform good works, deeds or service to others in need.  We know that he did not have time to lay up treasures that would not decay, rust or otherwise.  We know what he did lay up in heaven...the crown of eternal life.  We know this because Jesus said, "This day you will be with me in paradise."

I've been thinking about was the thief's first appearance in heaven.  No one was there to say, "What are you doing here?"  No one was there asking him for his passport.  He just walked in through those gigantic pearl gates.  I'm supposing that he saw the crowds of people surrounding Jesus...praising him, singing and whatever else the forgiven do in heaven. 

Did he walk right up to Jesus? 
Or did he hang back in the crowd when he saw all of the apostles, Moses, Noah and all the other patriachs of the Bible? 
Did he feel like he belonged there when he saw the woman at the well? 
Did he feel like he belonged there when he saw all who had died in Jesus' name...those missionaries that were dragged through the streets till death. 
Or did he feel like he belonged when he saw Jim Elliot, who was killed by the very headhunters that he came to preach the gospel to?

I know how I would feel and what I would do...from this life's perspective...
I would hang back at the very outer rim of the crowd. Perhaps just like Peter did before denying Jesus three times.  I would hide my face from Him if he looked my way.  Yes, I would know that I belonged, but I would feel uncomfortable when I recalled all the times I had failed to do what I know I should have done.  I would remember the opportunites to share Christ's love I had missed.   I would remember the times that I balked at doing his requests.

Yes, that would be how I would react if it were from the world's perspective.  BUT it is not ....heaven is from heaven's perspective.  There all the rules change.   
SET THE SCENE:
We can presuppose that Christ was already there.  Remember that the two thiefs legs were broken to hasten their death.  Remember that Jesus's legs were not broken as he was already dead.
HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED: 
Jesus was waiting for him to arrive.  He walked up to the thief and wrapped his arms around him.  Jesus announced to the crowd, "Here is my newest friend.  I want you to meet him.  He's the one who boldly announced to the blood thirsty crowd, 'Remember me.' He proclaimed his faith in front of all."  Jesus then said "Give him the finest robe, put sandels on his feet, and put my ring on his finger.  He is one for whom I died."

March 28   

Pastoral Ministry: Just a Huckster

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I
do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forward to
those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize
of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 
--Philippians 3:13-14

Some young preacher will study until he has to get thick glasses to
take care of his failing eyesight because he has an idea he wants to
become a famous preacher. He wants to use Jesus Christ to make him a
famous preacher. He's just a huckster buying and selling and getting
gain. They will ordain him and he will be known as Reverend and if he
writes a book, they will make him a doctor. And he will be known as
Doctor; but he's still a huckster buying and selling and getting
gain. And when the Lord comes back, He will drive him out of the
temple along with the other cattle.

We can use the Lord for anything--or try to use Him. But what I'm
preaching and what Paul taught and what was brought down through the
years and what gave breath to the modern missionary movement that
you and I know about and belong to was just the opposite: "O, God,
we don't want anything You have, we want You." That's the cry of a
soul on its way up.  Success and the Christian, 29.

"Lord, give us that hunger to know You; deliver us from the pride
that makes us want to use You. Let me pray today with John, 'He must
increase, but I must decrease.' Amen."

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OH DEAR  LOL.

http://www.holyobserver.com/detail.php?isu=v01i06&art=believe_anything

But this is serious..

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10117560

Well it looks like George Bush and Jeb Bush are not interested in stopping the killing of an innocent 41 year old woman Terry Schiavo.  This is a disgusting situation!  Even though Jeb Bush says "He is sick about this," he adds Michael Schiavo's name along with the family that he feels bad for.  Someone needs to tell him that Michael Schiavo started this whole thing and has wanted to pull the feeding tube for 10 years.   

Even though Pat Robertson is right when he said "it's not some 2-bit judge running the country,  in reality that is exactly what the truth is.  The judge is the most powerful man in Florida. 

Many people all around America and Canada are saddened to think that the whole nation can sit and watch someone being put to death for no reason at all.

Let's pray that some good will come out of this atrocity!

Hi from the island.  Slightly cloudy and looks like more rain today.  Sunday was nice enough for the kid's church to hold their outdoor Easter Egg hunt.....It was a nice service and the little church was packed with 251 people.  We had to sit on chairs in the back and aisles.  I miss my own church    We went out for a quick lunch afterwards and today my daughter is cooking a turkey.  Thank goodness it is not me this time!

I like your sense of humor Chris.  But the earthquake is certainly serious and our world is being rocked with constant problems.  As warned in Revelation.  Our peace must come from Christ:

John 14:27, 16:33       Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you....I have told these things so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.

TBear, that is a cute picture.  (both of them)  You must be about the same age as my daugher.  They have been married for 23 yrs...going 24.  Big 25 coming up......Something nice to look forward to next year.

Amanda will be graduating in a few weeks, then going on to study art at College, then University.  Hard to believe the years could pass so quickly.  Seems like only last week I was teaching her how to draw and paint and make little clay animals....Now she will be having her 18th birthday in May!!  

Pat, I know how you feel about what is happening to TS, have been afraid to check the news in case she has died.  Believe me, many of us feel the same despair that you are experiencing.

Small Smile:

A woman went to the Post Office to buy stamps for her letters.  "What denomination?" asked the clerk. "Oh, good heavens! Have we come to this?" said the woman. "Well, give me 50 Catholic and 50 Baptist ones.


Pleasant day all and God Bless.

Liz

Again I am late getting on here today.  I had a rough night last night so slept in later than I wanted to sleep in.  Rushed me in getting to Indy to see Jerry but I did get to see him.  I will post an update in the Prayer Request thread.

It started out gloomy, rainy and cold but on the way home this afternoon was spring-like.  I even opened my sunroof and let the spring air in.  When I got home, I turned off the fireplace.  It was hot in here.  Right now it is very comfortable. 

Going to get off of here and relax.

Yes, it's terrible news to hear that the poor people over in Indonnesia are experiencing yet another earthquake.  I'm so sorry. 

Sad, Ruthie, what's happening in Florida as well.  My heart goes out to the poor parents of Terri.

Sorry you had a rough night, Etta Sue.  Not nice.  Last week, I even got up and did some dishes that I couldn't do earlier.  The time?  about 3 am!  LOL

Retirement



I worked forty-five years for someone else
So that I could retire.
I dreamed of sleeping late
And sitting by the fire.

I dreamed of long vacations,
Enjoying stage and song.
But, let me set you straight on that concept,
It is simply wrong.

I did junk my safety glasses
And the work boots that cramped my toes.
But, the rest of it had a mind of it's own
And this is how it goes.

My wife had been thinking of retirement
And had plans of her own.
She had spent much time with the kids
But, now they are grown and gone.

We sold our cattle and horses
So we wouldn't have that chore.
I poured concrete over my alarm clock
But, I still wake up at four.

I get my eyes checked on Monday.
Ann gets hers checked the next day.
I go for a colon check on Wednesday
And pass my wife going the other way.

I have a dental appointment on Thursday.
Ann goes for a test on her heart.
Friday we go get prescriptions filled
And browse a while at Walmart.

Saturdays we just stay home
And try to get the paper work right.
We can't take any overnight trips
'Cause we can't see to drive at night.

Restroom confusion keeps us out of church on Sunday
And we really do hate that.
There's nothing wrong with the restrooms,
We just can't remember where they're at

We don't need to plan next week,
Just make sure we can drive.
And not forget where the hospitals and clinics are.
We'll need them to survive.

So, don't build your castles too high, my friend,
While strolling through the clover.
This is a typical week in retirement
And on Monday we start all over!


author unknown

Marilyn:   Retirement that is so true

Marilyn, that's a great poem.  I would like to keep a copy of that.

Hi Ruth!  I've never used those two little buttons at the lower right.  So I'm not entirely sure what they do.

Made it home.  What a busy day.

Hope you all had a wonderful day.

soni

I'm just in the door from church.  Good meeting.

I do hope there isn't another tsunami!  My goodness...........The quake is enough!  (Too much.)

Sad, sad, sad, the Terri Schiavo case.  To add insult to injury, her "husband" plans to have her body cremated, when he knows she and her parents would want a Catholic funeral and burial.  He is a heartless brute, in my eyes.

Well I have taken on another job. One of the ladies that used to go to my church before she moved to Oregon asked me to look after her mother. There are NO caregivers available right now in this area and there is such a great need for certified caregivers.

Any way the previous caregiver quit for health reasons and they tried another that didn't work out, so I am going to help out as much as I can, she has 20 hrs per week but I may not be able to give her that many.

People who do not take this kind of work seriously or mistreat their clients really irk me no end. They give all the caregivers a bad name. I was in line someplace the other day and the lady in front of me was going on and on about the In home care workers being theives. I finally looked her in the eye and said I am an In Home care worker and I am not a thief. She was kind of lost for words.

C~ U~ Manana~~~~~~~~~~