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Morning Devotional

Psalm 139:7-10.  "Where can I go from Your Spirit?  Or where can I flee from Your Presence?  If I ascend into heaven, You are 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 lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me."

David had learned what theologians call the immensity of God.  It's something we also need to know.  Sometimes we focus inwardly and think we are all alone, and that no one sees us or knows what's happening in our lives.  But God sees, and God knows.  And you reply, "Well, then, if He sees and knows, why does He leave me in this misery and trouble?"  But dear one, the answer is as close as God always is - the answer is that you haven't surrendered to Him yet.  you've tried to go it alone, and you have pretended that He didn't see, didn't know, and didn't care.  But beloved, He does see, He does know, and He does care.  See what the prophet says: "The Redeemer shall come to Zion, and to those who turn from transgression in Jacob, says the Lord." 

Our God loves those who turn from their own ways and surrender to Him.  He said, "Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Al Moak

I get to be first today!      HELLO, everybody!

Hi Everyone...

Just got in from my brother's party.  It was a surprise and that's so nice!

I'll be back in the morning.

Janet, I sure agree with what you posted about New Orleans. 

Third, here to say good night. so Good NIght.

C~u~Manana

A wet and chilly night here on the island.  Fall is certainly here....

I also agree with what you wrote, Janet.

So much sadness everywhere.  We learned yest. that my daughter's Mother-in-law has liver cancer.  I heard from my brother tonight, and my sister in Australia, has lung cancer.  This has been a terrible week.

My brother was so upset and angry because I did not return his call...I always wait for him to call back as it is difficult to get hold of anyone.  He never expects me to return his call and didn't ask when leaving the message a week ago.  I spent ages talking away his anger and trying to make him feel better.  He and my sister have always been very close and he was in Australia a few months ago.  Tells me how unhappy she is since her husband died and how unhappy he is himself.  Strange thing is that with all the money and travel and wonderful life they have both had....limited as my life is, it is so much better than what they have now.  I have a wonderful daughter who dearly loves me and because God has taught me how to be content, my life is peaceful, even tho' my body could do with being recycled!  How I wish it were possible to make them see what they need....
Psalm 119: 105       'Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.'

Thank you for the devotional, Pastor Al.  Those words are a great comfort to me and I hope will be to others.  How the world needs to turn away from sin and return to the teachings of Jesus.

God Bless.
Liz

Well I've been here, off and on, during the day and now this new day.  I have, as everyone else, been completely humbled by the news on the television regarding Huricane Katrina.  Only God knows the outcome of all this devistation and heartbreak.  I stay in prayer for all concerned.

Liz~ I am in agreement with you for your brother and sister ... and all the rest of your family.  Our only hope is in Jesus.  Nothing of this world can satisfy if we are not secure in His care. 

Looks like I need to get to bed now ... it's still Sunday night <but just barely> and tomorrow is a no mail day, but I have stuff to take care of anyway.  I'll be back to chat with y'all later...

Love, Jane

Good morning!  It is quite windy here already, so we won't be burning any trash today.

Liz, I am so sorry about your week, and about hearing of the serious illnesses in your family and that of your son in law.  What in the world do people do, who don't know our dear Lord, in such times?  I cannot imagine it.  (((hugs))) and encouragement to you today, remember---you are God's favorite daughter!

I'm not sure what today holds for me; but I think more work on Beth's place.  It would help if I knew which clothes she wants to keep.  I was reading yesterday, concerning the hurricane, that people only wear 10% of their clothing, and I think that is probably a good estimate.  We (Darrel and I) are hoping that the churches here get a truck ready to take things to the hurricane victims, as we would like to send a bunch of stuff.  For the moment, money is so much more "portable."

My new kitty is NOT laid back, after all!  She's a fiesty little thing!  She loves me, but wants to bite me in the face!    OUCH!  So I am attempting to teach her that is not acceptable.  Can you really train a cat

I helped a friend with a garage (or yard) sale on Saturday, and she got rid of nearly everything she put out.  She priced things VERY cheap.  So I hope Pat and I have that good of results this coming weedend with our sale.  Actually, I prefer to give things to someone who needs them, but don't know just how to accomplish that.  Any suggestions?  I was told that if you have a "free" box, most people just ignore it, thinking something is wrong with those items.  I don't know......garage sales aren't really my cup of tea.

Oops---Carol Duval is having a segment next on Scrapbook Embellishment, I want to watch that!  See you later!

Janet - Why not sell those things you were planning to give away - then give the money to the relief.

We had a special offering yesterday, and it turned out to be a good, generous offering for the relief.  May our God bless it - and all others like it - abundantly.  Well, we can't go to the fitness center today, because it isn't open, so we'll just have to find another way to get the needed exercise.

As I read through your posts today, this hymn keeps on going through my mind and I'm humming it so maybe I'll post it. 

Good morning all.  We have a beautiful early-morning-sunshine-day here on the Oregon coast.  I've been up since 3:30, so was just waiting for the sun to come out.

Janet, I remember a neat garage sale I had.  I had some of Ron's medical things, and my mom's......walker, shower chair, oxygen tubing, wheelchair.  Anyway, someone came, was looking at them, and I could tell they were interested.  I can't remember who they said it was, I think a mother, but someone had become disabled and they were realizing how much everything cost.  I decided right then they were the ones to have all this stuff, and gave it. Another guy came, and his wife was on oxygen.  I gave him all the tubing and some bed pads.  I got the blessing of seeing the Lord work, and they did too.  They couldn't believe I was serious at first.  It made me really happy to be able to do that.

I'm still watching all the Katrina news.  I can't help but notice that so many are turning to God for comfort at this time.......victims and rescue workers alike.  It was the same after 9-11.  As Jane said, I watch and am humbled and feel so broken with them.  I pray that all our hearts would be running to our Father......those who have lost everything, and those who God calls "My people" and who will pray and identify with the lost, after Jesus' own heart.   I am worthy of judgement.  We all are.  Apart from Christ we are all in the path of destruction.  God have mercy on us all.  Our only hope is knowing we are found in Christ.  We are not judged because He took our judgement.  We didn't come to Christ because we thought it was a good idea, but because God in His mercy, drew us.    Thank you for Your awesome heart of mercy, Lord.

Quote from: Al Moak on September 04, 2005, 11:38:00 PM

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Morning Devotional

Psalm 139:7-10.  "Where can I go from Your Spirit?  Or where can I flee from Your Presence?  If I ascend into heaven, You are 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 lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me."

David had learned what theologians call the immensity of God.  It's something we also need to know.  Sometimes we focus inwardly and think we are all alone, and that no one sees us or knows what's happening in our lives.  But God sees, and God knows.  And you reply, "Well, then, if He sees and knows, why does He leave me in this misery and trouble?"  But dear one, the answer is as close as God always is - the answer is that you haven't surrendered to Him yet.  you've tried to go it alone, and you have pretended that He didn't see, didn't know, and didn't care.  But beloved, He does see, He does know, and He does care.  See what the prophet says: "The Redeemer shall come to Zion, and to those who turn from transgression in Jacob, says the Lord." 

Our God loves those who turn from their own ways and surrender to Him.  He said, "Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Al Moak

Abide With Me

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.


Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
earth's joys grow dim; its glories pass away;
change and decay in all around I see;
O thou who changest not, abide with me.


I need thy presence every passing hour.
What but thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who, like thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.


Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes;
shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;
in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

Thanks AL for the devotional this morning.
God just gave me this  Scripture the other night.

"Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

So reading this devotional this morning has once again confirmed to me,
that God is here and caring for me and speaking to me and hearing me.
It has been a VERY hard weak.(spelling mistake...I think it is appropriate at this time) 

A lot of pruning... So I am exhausted from crying and emotions !! 
I agree with the SURRENDER part. It can be a very difficult thing.
To surrender those things that are DEAR to my heart and that mean SO much to me.
I fear that they will be taken away if I give them to God.
This is a struggle. So,the choice to LET GO... has been painful to me.
It is fighting the LIES of the past, where I DID lose things.

To TRUST God ABOVE all this.
To KNOW that WHATEVER happens, it is His VERY BEST for me !
So.. ONE moment at a time...I surrender these things.
I wait for the moment, then CHOOSE to surrender and TRUST God.
THEN...the next moment.

One day it will not be a struggle anymore.
I know that somewhere along the line I have stopped submitting to God in the small things.
NOW I know how necessary it is to yield to EVERYTHING He shows me.
I want this intimacy back with my LORD.
I want this fellowship with Him.
Though this time is very painful and difficult.
I feel that I am entering into fellowship with Jesus.And THIS is what I need.
So...this Devotional today, was another way that God used to draw me into fellowship with HIm.
THANKS AL.

God Bless
Geri-Jean
AWAKENED HEART

Janet, cats can be trained.  At least they will let you think that.  One thing we found effective was a small mist bottle with water in it.  When Bingo did something unacceptable (scratching furniture, biting, etc.), we would give a quick mist to the face. Harmless, but she got the message.

Anywya. Hope ya'll have a wodnerful day.   Neither Bernard or I had to work today, so he is taking Trav to the driving range ot hit a bucket of balls, and I am dong, well, nothing to be perfectly honest!  We may go out later.

Take care

   Al:  Thanks for the devotional

   As has been said why are towns, cities, allowed to build in areas that are known to be below sea level.  Katrina has caused such heartache.

Janet: Is is so nice that Beth does not get to angry about you throwing her collectables away, but perhaps she is thinking great now I can start all over - I have room.

I have got most of my computer stuff done so now it is time to move on to other jobs.

Pat: It was wonderful that your brother had no idea about the surprise party.  I do feel that women are more likely to figure that something is being planned.  A surprise Golden Anniversary was being planned for Helen & Bob Fleury - The clues were there and Bob did not figure anything while Helen had it put in place.


Ruth

Good Morning to all I am not going to addreedss anyone this morning, theing are hectic around here with the kids here I haven't even gotten tosepnd my time withthe Lord yet probable won't until this evening when it is a quiet again..

Gotta go now things to do.

Ruth, I promised Beth I wouldn't get rid of any of her collections; just STUFF.  She is really bad about keeping all sorts of things she needs to throw away---old mail, all kinds, old magazines, even advertisements!  JUNK.  And a lot of clothes she hasn't worn in years!  Sh3e'd better be happy about all the work I am doing, because it is NOT fun!

Nita, that's great about the medical equipment.  My friend sold a brand new shower transfer chair for $2.00.....I told her I sure wished we had known she had one and wasn't using it; Beth paid about $65.00 for hers, and has to have it.  The senior center here has all kinds of things like that which folks give them, following the death of their family members who used them.  So that's a good place to ask if you need those things.

Al, if I could get anything for the stuff, that would be great.  But to sell a $25 item of clothing for 25c wouldn't help as much, I feel as the pair of jeans or whatever.

Gotta run!  The director of the senior center and her husband are avid fishermen and are treating us to a fish fry lunch today! 

Hi Everyone...

I'm trying to get a lot of little jobs done today along with my Avon order and in between time, I come in here quickly so that's how my day's going!

Quote from: Ruth on September 05, 2005, 12:02:47 PM



  

Pat: It was wonderful that your brother had no idea about the surprise party.  I do feel that women are more likely to figure that something is being planned.  A surprise Golden Anniversary was being planned for Helen & Bob Fleury - The clues were there and Bob did not figure anything while Helen had it put in place.


Ruth

Yes, it's always nice when we can really surprise a person.  I had two parties for Jack that were complete surprises and that was so good.

Janet, I agree with you on New Orleans.  And I have noticed that there is more and more talk about God on TV today than even a year ago...at least, on the shows that I watch.

I got a phone call from my son, Tony, this morning.  It seems that their son-in-law was in the submarine that either was hit or crashed into a Turkish ship in waters near Saudia Arabia.  Vince is in the Navy and was even given alias I.D. for this mission.  The sub was taking on water but finally got to where they could get out.  Audrey got a phone call this morning from him and he is fine and coming back the the U. S. A. soon.  Scarey phone call when Tony didn't tell me right off that Vince was fine.  I guess it was on the Today show but I didn't see it.

This afternoon and evening is another wiener roast back in the woods.  I baked a couple of Zucchini loaves and will take back one of them.  It went over good the last time so thought I would repeat it. 

I hope everyone had a great holiday. 

Hi Nita!!!  Do you want me to send you some mail?

Etta Sue!!!  Do you want to send me some mai??    Sure, go ahead if you have extra mail laying around.  Oh!  Maybe you were going to send me a zuchinni email cake??  Now you have me wondering.....so send it soon.

I've been watching The 700 Club today on TV, and I'm beginning to be encouraged.  One pastor said this is the church's hour.  He said we were made for tough times.  The church has really stepped up in every way possible.  I listenend to stories of miraculous escape by some.  On woman, with her dad and sister and others, said, "Lord, it would be so good to have a coke", and all of a sudden a case of coke floated by.  Then she felt bad, and said, "and something for those who don't like Coke"..and a case of Slice came by. haha  Oh, and a box of brand new tents came by.  Also a case of fruit cocktail.  Just floating by them.  God really provided for them.  THey were testifying in a church they attended.  So I believe we'll continue to hear wonderful stories of God's provision. 

My grandson is leaving for Eugene tomorrow to take posession of his new (and first time alone)apartment.  He and a friend are sharing, but it'll be the first time living away from parents or grandparents.  Oh my.......the mistakes they will make. haha  They're living in a "village".  They have use of a computer room, gym, rec room, laundry(for pay I'm sure)a pool and spa.  It's advertised as for young adults.  It's near U of O, and is called Duck Village (Oregon Ducks).  Two other friends, attending Lane College, are in the same building.  It should be quite the experience for them all.

My holiday consisted of going to a birthday party for my grandson yesterday, and working out in the yard today.  Nice and quiet and simple. Just the way I like it. haha   Kyle is upstairs packing boxes (or taking a nap) so it's been mostly just Rocko, Ty and me.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow...........yes!!

Sounds interesting, Nita.  (your grandson!)  Yes, what mistakes he's going to learn from!


Etta Sue, who comes to your weiner roast?  I really like the sound of that.

We are back from the picnic had a real nice time and ate Bbqed tri tip potato salad, green salad, and carrot cake, and two other kinds of cake. Then we walked over to the zoo which is next to the park and walked all around the zoo then on to the flower garden next to the zoo. We took lots of photos that I will get out of the camera  resized and  posted.  Then when we got back here we walked over the property and I explained to them what all the landlord is doing here. They just left.

Those kids are too much, constantly picking at each other and not a quiet minute while they were here. Even in the car coming home they were at each other. Name calling etc. I am sure glad they get to go home and I don't have them all the time. Gilbert and Sarah  also went with us to the picnic.

Marilyn, you have me wondering----what is bbqed tri tip potato salad?  Inquiring minds want to know! 

Nita, for sure the boys will learn a lot.  Such things as:  Laundry doesn't magically wash, fold and put itself away!    Time to learn to appreciate moms and grandmas!

I thought this was good, a friend sent it to me, so I thought I would share it:

Symptoms of Inner Peace
Author Unknown
Jul 7, 2005


Be on the lookout for symptoms of inner peace. The hearts of a great many have already been exposed to inner peace and it is possible that people everywhere could come down with it in epidemic proportions. This could pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world.

Some signs to look for:

- A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences.
- An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.
- A loss of interest in judging other people.
- A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.
- A loss of interest in conflict.
- A loss of the ability to worry. (This is a very serious symptom.)
- Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.
- Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.
- Frequent attacks of smiling.
- An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.
- An increased susceptibility to the love offered by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.

LABOR DAY is exactly what today has been for me!  This morning, Darrel and I did some sheetrock work in the garage, then cleaned the garage.  We showered and went in for the fish fry lunch.

After we came home, we went to Beth's garage and did a lot more cleaning and purging.  Ugh.  Carried lots of stuff to the trash pit, sorted, sorted and sorted some more.

After coming back to the house we worked on a box of string beans that were given to us today.  It's been years since I had the kind you actually have to string!  More work.  Now I need another shower and some rest.

Beth called today and said to get rid of anything I want to; that she probably will never know what was there anyway.  So that makes it somewhat easier---the decision making, anyway.

Janet, I like your Symptoms Of Inner Peace.  That's a keeper.  I'm sending it on to my sisters.  I think I'll put it on my fridge too.

Well I've had a pretty uneventful day.  Today is my grandaughter Tricia's birthday (20 yrs) and I planned to call her.  She gave me her boyfriend's phone number when I saw her in Sacramento, and I 've called it before, but today I get the message that it's no longer in service.  Then I thought I could get in touch with her through her sister Laura.  Called Laura's number and got the same message.     Now I'm back to square one with these girls.  I have no way of contacting them and I feel really bummed about that.  I hope they can know how much I love and care about them and maybe ... just maybe ... one day they will feel the urge to get in touch with me.  These are Jean's girls and I have tried to keep in contact with them ever since their mother died.  It isn't always easy .... 

I washed windows today!  Whoo Hooo    Also, pulled a few weeds.  I will have to have someone come clean the gutters one of these days but, at the moment, finances are severely limited so I'll just maintain until something happens to make things "all better."

Tomorrow my little great grandaughter, Autumn Rose, starts kindergarten.  I haven't seen her since she was 2 years old (and she was sick then) but I can just see her following in her mother's footsteps and commanding attention as soon as she enters the room!  Candice was like that and I believe Autumn is a carbon copy of her.  She will be in school all day, right from the start.  Dot says she'll be going from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. ...The teachers will really be earning their pay!

Janet ha ha ha I left out the comma, that was BBQ ed tri tip, potato salad. lol When you finish sorting and purging Beth's stuff you wanna come and help me. I tend to get rid of some stuff and hang on to other stuff that I should have gotten rid of years ago.

Jane I know just how you feel, My 4 older kids  do not contact me, I am in contact with 1 of them and the others well they just don't care I guess. I have tried for 1 1/2 years to contact my daughter again and she never returns my calls.

Actually we had a great time today as a family and we want to do more of that. They met the lady who will be my next door neighbor, she is also a caregiver and a Union member. As is the Lady from my Tai Chi class that lives on the other side of me at the new place.

I have the photos ready to post so I will now go to the gallery and post the  pics then put some in here.


See the Photos Right Here
TTYL

Janet I like your Inner Peace. I forgot to tell you.

It's been a long, busy day and I'm headed for bed.  Please keep posting HERE