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Morning Devotional...


Every good gift and every [perfect act of giving] is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights.
James 1:17

A lady applied for financial help for a needy orphan to the emminent philanthropist of Bristol, England, Richard Reynolds.

After he had given liberally, she said, "When he is old enough, I will teach him to be thankful to his benefactor."

"Stop," said Reynolds, "you are mistaken. We do not thank the clouds for rain.

Teach him to look higher, and thank Him who gives both the clouds and the rain."
                                                                 --J. B. Nicholson

Thank you, PAT~ Once again a very beautiful hymn and one that I have often sung when "things" seem to be closing in on me.  Indeed, it is our Father who gives all that we have (and often take for granted)...Every good  gift and perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Jas.1:17.  He knows how to give good gifts to His children!

Thanks Pat.  Somehow that is totally appropriate for me today.

I didn't post in the 17th as I went to Victoria to search for a special exercise bike for my daughter.  The accident has done so much damage to so many things....Her heart beat is now so low there is danger of a heart attack and her collesterol has shot to the sky.  Hard to believe as she is so tiny and not overweight at all....All as result of the car accident.

Couldn't sleep last night so got up at 4:30AM and decided to get her the bike as they are paying for both gym and phys. therapy.  No money until the settlement and that is months away.  Such a burden on my son-in-law now.  This will cut a little of the expense and allow her to exercise and monitor her heart rate.  Also went to the health store and got things that should help the collesterol problem.  Have lost one child and simply can't not fight to prevent the loss of my daughter.  I didn't know where to get the right bike and simply stopped and prayed.  Walked down the street and there was a Fitness Store that had exactly what was needed.  Had to be the right size and have a real chair type seat.  There isn't any doubt in my mind that God heard and answered.  Sometimes prayers take a long time to be answered....or NOT!  I live on a tight budget but where there is a will, there is a way.

It is 10 PM now and must get some rest.  Reading the posts and listening to the hymns is so great.  Sorry about going on so.  Sometimes it helps to simply put words to the thoughts.  God Bless, Liz.

I just came in for a moment to let y'all know that I have posted a photo of my Pastor Bev.  I have spoken with Pastor Ron several times and told him of the love and prayers you have all shown for Bev and him.  He is grateful for Christian friends around the world who will hold him up in prayer and who have come to love Bev.  You can "see" Pastor Bev in the Photography area (there will be more photos forthcoming in the near future) or in the Prayer Room or here:

The beauty of the Lord's handiwork is all around us (especially on this Island) yet there are times and seasons when He enhances His own work. His works of creation always seem to encourage me whenever I am trying to believe something that is difficult for me.

They help to remove any limits that I may have imposed upon Him!

Variations of light, clouds like giant cotton wool, days when the smoke from the chimneys rises straight up into the sky. There are other times when storms crash into our shores and His power is seen in a different level. Yesterday's brilliant blue sea can quickly change into a foaming, raging mass of white hurtling towards the rocks.

The Lord borders the power and majesty of the great oceans with tiny grains of sand!

Is any thing too hard for the Lord?

It was probably just one of those days when Abraham looked up and saw the three men. It seems to me that he was not really expecting a visit from the Lord at that time.

Reading the passage it is almost as if he went into overdrive trying to please them. He was indeed the perfect host and the men accepted his hospitality.

The Lord had come with a message. The Lord had already promised Abraham a son, now He was telling when it he was going to arrive! If the Lord has a special message for us, He will not hide it from us. If He has promised something we can be sure that He will fulfil that same promise.

It may not LOOK as though He will, but He will!!

We are told in the New Testament that Abraham believed God. Does this mean that Abraham had absolutely no doubts in his mind as to how he and Sarah were to have another son?

I do not see things like that at all. I believe that Abraham had his doubts and fears just as we all do from time to time. For the most part though, he kept the faith.

He hoped against hope and he believed even when sense and reason had long since departed the scene.

Is any thing too hard for the Lord?

Are we in a situation today when we need the impossible to happen in our lives, we desperately want to believe it will happen, yet at the same time we are ashamed of our unbelief and doubts?

Perhaps the Lord has promised good to your soul in a special and personal way. For years on end you have been waiting for Him to fulfil that same promise, yet nothing has happened.

Just think for a few moments of Abraham at a hundred years of age and his wife Sarah aged ninety. Now think for a moment of the oldest couple that you know personally who are alive in this world today.

Now try and imagine the reaction they would have should the Lord appear to them today with such a promise!

Has the Lord made a promise to you? Are you still waiting for it to be fulfilled? Are you doubting that He will fulfil it? Is your promise harder to fulfil than that which was promised to Abraham?

Is any thing too hard for the Lord?

Go now my friend and stand in front of a mirror. Look yourself straight in the eye and ask the question - Is any thing too hard for the Lord? Think for a few moments on Who He is, Who it is that is promising, on how our world was created, on sin, on the punishment for sin and also on the Atonement made for sin.

Think really hard and long on the love that nailed Jesus to that tree for your sins and for mine. Did you deserve to be saved? Did you deserve to have all your sins washed away? Do you deserve to go to Heaven? Is God faithful in all that He does? Is His Word true? Has He always kept His promises?

Are you going to be the first person in history then that the Lord will fail? Is any thing too hard for the Lord? Open your mouth wide and I will fill it.

May He meet with your needs today through His wonderful promises.

LOL

Your brother in Christ

Iain

Pat thank you for the devotional this morning also
thank you for your words.
Jane thankyou for the picture of Bev i can see on the picture that she must be a very lovely woman Yoe will
missing here but she is happy

This morning i wake up with headache.

Tomorrow my son to the doctor with his feet he is
still swollen he can not wear socks an not a shoe on
his foot.
This morning also my father have had thelephone from
the hospital. Now he must come tomorrow in the afternoon they will make new pictures and first they
say he has had he have had all the research 0n sept.
22 they will starting with radion but now first s new
research
New problems i am afraid.

This afternoon we are going away it is beautiful weather we will see where we are coming.

I Wish you all a very good day
I pray every day for you all
God bless you
May be i come back this evening
Bye for now
Love RIA

Hello All and a bright & cheerful day to ya'!

The song is very meaningful this morning as are both devotionals..Pat's & Iain's. God indeed has not limits on His creation and I praise Him  over & over for this.  He does supply all my needs...Thank You, LORD.  
 
Let me remember this all the day through how much my Savior has done for me

May your son find relief from his hurt foot, Ria, and your father new development be just a minor thing.  Our God is all-knowing and He is there for them.  

Thank you dear Kathy for your kindly words
i need them
Have a blessed day Kathy
Love Ria

Dear Ria,

I'm sorry about the new problems.  But God is in control, and all that happens is within His plan.  I'll be praying for you and your family.  God bless you.  Jen.

"Burdens are lifted at Calvary" is a great song.  It is a song we like to sing because it has a wonderful message.  Thanks, Pat, for sharing it.

Marilyn, I'm glad you got your medical card.  Take care of yourself.  I wish I could give you one of my USB ports.  My laptop has four of them.  I use one for the printer.  But they can't be removed, etc.

Janet, those the P T Cruisers are neat little cars.  I know you will enjoy it.

Judy B., sorry about the problem with your eye.  I know eye problems aren't fun.  My ophthalmologist told me almost a year ago that I needed to have cataract surgery.  But so far I don't think I need it.  Maybe next year.

Pat, a good thought for the devotional this morning.  We should thank God every day for his great gifts, the greatest of which was the gift of his Son who gave his life at Calvary for us.

Elizabeth, sorry you couldn't sleep last night.  We hope things will go well with your daughter.

Jane, thank you for the photo of Bev.  It is good to put a face on people who are mentioned here and for whom prayers were said.

Ria, it is always good to see you each morning.  Sorry about your son's problem with his feet.

Kathy, good to see you here this morning.  A bright and cheerful to you too.

Iain, it is so true that nothing is too hard for the Lord.  He IS the all powerful one and fortunately for us he loves us.

--- Papa John              <)))><<

We have the most glorious day here in Georgia.  The humidity is low and the temperature is 63 degrees.  We have opened the windows and the door to our screened porch and the air smells great.  It is hard to believe that folks North of us are being bombarded by this terrible hurricane.  

Pat and Iain, wonderful devotionals this morning.   God is so good to us and we so often fail to acknowledge Him as the source of the gifts.

Elizabeth, I do hope the exercise bike will be of benefit to your daughter.  Your concern for her situation comes through so clearly in your posting.  

Jane, the photo of Bev doesn't fit my mental image at all.  She seemed so young in the picture.  What a beautiful smile.  I look forward to seeing futher pictures of she and Ron.

Ria, sorry to read of the new concerns regarding the treatments for your father.  Know this is a great worry for you.  

Janet, it sounds like Darrel is the person to accompany shopping.  Your new PT Cruiser sounds neat and I know someone with one of those who really likes it.  

Etta Sue, you were talking about the dentist yesterday and yesterday afternoon a bit of one of my lower tooth broke off so I will be going to the dentist in a few days for a filling.  It is also coming up on cleaning time so will probably try to combine it into one visit as it is a 45 minute drive from our house to the dentist's office.  We have gone to him for over 20 years and he will be retiring in a year or so and then we will try to find a dentist in our area.

Pat, how neat that you know the man who wrote that wonderful hymn and that you know the story behind that hymn.

Marilyn, sorry to hear that you suffering from arthritis pain.  Glad to hear you will now be able to get medical attention.  

Judyb, sure hope that your eye is less painful today.  

A special hi to all who were here yesterday and will be here today that I have not mentioned.  

I have a day at home today with no where that I need to go.  I like days like this as I can get little projects done (notice I said little   ).

Good morning!  It is rather chilly here in Kansas this morning, and predictions are for cooler temps yet.  I have several errands to do today; getting the tag for the car, checking on Mom, etc.  Then this afternoon is my class, so the day will be full.

Elizabeth, I surely understand about your concern for your daughter.  My Beth is still having a tough time, she cannot feel her feet, so walking is difficult for her.  She also was in a terrible car accident a few years ago, and almost died as a result.  Life can change in an instant!  I pray your daughter's therapy will produce good and fast results and she will be feeling better very soon.

I enjoyed today's devotionals!

Hello, Ria!  I hope you have a good time, wherever you go today.  Also pray      your son's foot is much improved soon, and prayers for your dear father as well.

I must run.......see you later!

Good Morning. Yes God's gifts are so great. Thank youfor the devotional Pat and Iain. Jane your pastor looks so youg. I am still praying for Pastor Ron and daughter Sarah.

Janet, those PT cruiser are very cute little cars. When they first came out I just knew I wanted one. Unfortunately I will probably never be able to afford to get one, unless  it is years down the line and they get real inexpensive, or God blesses me with one.

I miss Jenny this morning, I wonder if she is having problems with Virgin again.

Ria: I will be praying for you father and for Marcel.

Liz.  God is with your daughter. I am praying for her.

More later
Marilyn

Out of the mouts of babes..........

I WAS THE SUBSTITUTE TEACHER for a second-grade math class that was learning about groups. In one exercise, pupils were asked to label a group of items according to their common characteristic. Pictured were onion rings, doughnuts, a bundt cake and ring cookies. The correct answer would have been that all the items have holes in the center. But one boy's response was, "All of these things contain too much cholesterol!"

Marilyn, this little PT Cruiser was a program car, has only 7,000 miles on it, and we saved $4,000.  That made those first 7000 miles rather expensive, wouldn't you agree?  And God is certainly able to bless you with one!  They aren't a very expensive car.......at least, compared to a Mercury, Lincoln, Cadillac, etc.

 
Stopping in to say hello:

The sun is still shinning but we to are to experience the effects of the storm, if things are not tied down we have been advised to move them in, winter is coming so I guess it will be an earlier start.

Mel is away helping a friend then later this afternoon when our days work is complete we will put our yard ornaments away. (there are only 2 that the wind could carry away)

Pat your devotion is so in tune with every thing that is happening at the present.  

There goes the door bell.


Ruth

Dear Jane,

what a fine looking lady Bev is, she looks like the kind of person you could trust and someone who would tell you to cheer up and she would help you to do just that.
I know I'm talking about her in the present tense, but our loss is God's gain.
As someone who's name escapes me said,
"When they tell you that I'm dead, dont believe them, I will be more alive than ever!
Regards Chris.

PS I found the quote!

Realizing that he would soon be gone from this world one day, Moody said to a friend, "Someday you will read in the papers that D.L. Moody of Northfield is dead. Don't you believe a word of it.
"At that moment I shall be more alive than I am now. I shall have gone higher, that is all--out of this old clay tenement into a house that is immortal, a body that sin cannot touch, that sin cannot taint, a body fashioned like His glorious body. I was born in the flesh in 1837; I was born of the Spirit in 1856. That which is born of the flesh may die; that which is born of the Spirit will live forever."

Janet we have had a beautiful afternoon.
Whe have walked a longtime trough the woud.
In Holland there are a lot woods.
Many people were walking this afternoon.
We have drink something on a terrace it was warm

But when we are coming home we get thelephone
that a brother of my husband my brother in law
was taken to the hospital this afternoon with heartproblems. Now he is lying on the intensive care >
He is 76 years old.
That was not so nice
Bye Love Ria

Papa John ~ Isn't it wonderful when you look back at old days and realize that some of them were turning points in your life?  Life is full of wonderful experiences.

Pat ~ I cherish the fact that my son...soon to be 43...is still not too old or too big to love, hug and kiss.  We seldom part without saying 'I love you'.  

Jeanne ~ You talking about your surge protector made me think...and I have no reason why...about years ago and every house around had lightening rods on the roof.  If they really did the job they were suppose to do, why don't we still have them?  This is not to say anything negative about surge protectors either.

Jane ~ I don't remember Pat's song...'Burdens Are Lifted at Calvary' but also remeber, I am not a singer or a musician.  But I do like the message in this song.

Marilyn ~ I hope Uncle Arthur is gone today.  He isn't a very nice visitor, is he?

Janet ~ Wind advisory?  That must be a Kansas thing.  Never have had 'wind advisory' in Indiana.  Heat index, yes!!  

JudyB ~ Oh, Judy.  It saddened me when I read you have too much pain in your eye to read the posts.  That must be terrible.  I pray, soon your eye will be pain free and A-okay!

Ruth ~ Isn't it soothing to come here and read all the posts and listen to the music.  A great habit to get into, isn't it?

Kathy ~ I haven't had on the TV yet today.  I am praying for all those in the path of Isabel.

Yes, every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens.  God is good.

Elizabeth ~ Yes, God is good.  And he answers prayers when we ask.  I am praying that the exercise bike helps your daughter's health.  Exercise is great for lowering cholesterol, also.

Jane ~ Thank you sooooo much for the picture of Pastor Bev.  She has lights shining in her eyes.  Such a caring, loving person.  Thank Ron also for sharing his wife with all of us.

Iain ~ 'Is any thing too hard for the Lord?'  NO!!!  He is an awesome God.  Yes, there are some things that seems impossible...like Abraham and Elizabeth...but with faith...all things are possible.  Thank you, Iain, for this devotion.  Let's me know, too, that you are having a good day today.

Ria ~ Sorry to hear of your headache and the problems of your loved ones.  But happy to hear of your getting out and seeing the wonders of God.

Jen ~ Hello, Jen.  Glad to see you stop by and give encouragement to others.

Larry ~ Sorry to hear about your tooth.  My dentist seems to want to do only one thing per visit.  At least his help said that.  But he did work with two teeth this time.  I would think that while you were in the chair, they could do all they could.  Especially when they know ahead of time you need two or more things done.  I like those 'do nothing, go nowhere' days too!

I don't know if I mentioned that Jerry drove my garden tractor yesterday.  He did real good.  But he also knows he isn't ready to drive his car yet.  He is improving daily.  He is using George and fixing bacon for lunch.  Bacon, eggs and toast for lunch today.  

God Bless You All!

<)))><<~~<)))><<~~<)))><<~~<)))><<~~<)))
"Troubles come to pass; they do not come to stay."

Pant, pant, pant!  pa...  Do you hear me panting?  I'm just racing in here to say "Hi" and I probably won't be back till later this evening.

So much to do and such a little bit of time.

The remnants of Hurricane Isobel will be here tomorrow in our part of Ontario and I've been out putting all the loose chairs and things away as we're expecting very heavy winds.

I also have a dinner to go to tonight and I must pick up my friend at about 4 pm as we must get gas (petrol for those across the big pond) lol  before we set out on the highway.

So, God bless you all as you go about your daily errands and duties.

Talk to you later.

Here's an article on the Hurricane...

http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2003/09/18/isabel030918

Jane, Bev was certainly a lovely looking lady!  Thanks for sharing her photo with us all.

I'm back from doing my errands, and have just a few minutes before my students arrive for class.  I drove by to show the car to a friend, and her comment was "I sure wish I had a sensible husband!"  I am very thankful that Darrel is a good and astute money manager.  It makes life so much less stressful!

Etta Sue, I enjoyed your nice colorful post; glad to hear Jerry continues to improve.

Larry, good to see you again, and it is nice to have those days when nothing is demanded of you, isn't it?  I like those, too.

I've been watching the news coverage of Isabel and the damage she is causing.  What a huge storm!!

Gotta run......again!  Maybe tomorrow I won't have so many obligations.

I THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR LOVELY WORDS AND THE
PRAYERS FOR MY FATHER AND MY SON
I LOVE YOU ALL  RIA

10.10p.m.

Yes it's me....I am here Marilyn. Thanks for thinking of me dear sister.
My daughter Helen has been over today with baby William, so I've had a lovely but busy day.  It hurts so when they go away...such a dear little one....and I miss my daughter all the time.

After they went home I decided to tidy up the entry...I have old carpet tiles there and they smelt dreadful.  I've take  them up and washed the floor with disinfectant.  The entry goes through into the back garden and three dogs, (two deceased)and two cats have trudged back and forth  for the past nine years...despite regular vacuuming that floor smelled like  a barnyard. Thankfully the only scent now is of Pine disinfectant.  ONE GOOD JOB DONE.

Jane I have popped Bev's picture into my files...and sent a copy to my dear friend Carol who lives down the road.

The news re "Isabel" doesn't sound too promising...I understand from our reporters that Mr. Bush has left Washington.....It's not safe there either I gather....New York too and Parts of Canada.

My thoughts and prayers go out to you all in the "Eye of the Storm".....Kathy for your daughter I send prayerful thoughts .  Please God  may you ALL sleep safely in your beds this night.  

"The angel of the Lord is on guard over those who fear Him, and rescues them". Psalm 34:7

God Bless all of you,
Love in Jesus Name,
Jenny.

My daughter lives in Havelock, North Carolina just about at the spot where Isabel came ashore.  BUT, before I saw that on TV I had a phone call from her telling me not to worry, she and the kids are in Pensacola, Fla visiting with friends.  Of course, that leaves her husband, Pete, at home with the animals so there was still some worry.

But I just called Pete's mother to let her know what news I had and find out what she's heard and she had just finished talking to Pete.  He told her he was fine (so are the animals), they have no power, but he has a generator running and the phone works.  The only damage was one old oak tree that came down without hitting anything except another tree.

Can't believe I read through all the posts and got distracted with something else - shut down all the windows and had to open this one up again!  
Which reminds me...  there's a NEW VIRUS out there:
Just got this in from a reliable source. It seems there is a new virus that even the most advanced programs of Norton and McAfee cannot take care of it ..... so be warned. The virus appears to affect those of us who were born before 1950!
Symptoms:
1. Causes you to send the same e-mail twice.
2. Causes you to send blank e-mail.
3. Causes you to send e-mail to the wrong person.
4. Causes you to send e-mail back to the person who sent it to you.
5. Causes you to forget to attach attachments.
6. Causes you to hit "SEND" before you've finished the e-mail.
7. Causes you to hit "DELETE" instead of "SEND."
8. Causes you to hit "SEND" when you should "DELETE."

IT IS CALLED THE "C-NILE VIRUS."
Remember??

Just thought you might like to know about this!  

Also...just RE-POSTED the pic in "Digital Art 2" and I think I have the problem solved - so if you guys would stop by and see what I've posted...  it would make me very happy.

Interviewed for a job today.  I pray God's will with respect to this job.  I think it's an employers market out there...more employees looking for jobs than there are jobs - so the employers are picky.

Bless you one and all!

Pinkie, I'll add my prayer for God's will for the job.  

That virus isn't new...  I've been suffering from it for a long time already.  

             

Pinkie I have that virus too once sent the same email to a business 5 times.! ! !  LOL  I don't think they were amused!

About the storm.  Those of us who homeschool do conversions many times a day.  500 mm is equal to 5 cm and that is less than 2 inches.  It is tha wind that will be the problem for Ontario.

John leaves for Colarado tomorrow.  He needs to drive through to Port Huron then across 69 to Chicago and on to I80.  Pray as he goes through the winds.  Those big semi trucks really catch the wind.  I suggested he cross N. Ontario to Saulr St. Marie, but that would be too many miles.  

My eye is a lot better tonight.  Thank you for all the prayer.  I will have a good nights rest tonight and tomorrow I should be back to normal.  Btw did you know "normal" is just a setting on your drier?

I have Vic, Bonnie's son today through to Saturday.  He was having a problem with school.  I think the lad needs more of a challenge.  We will see.  It is a joy to have him.  We go to see the two in foster care tomorrow.  It will be good to see them again.  

Well got to go for now
Love judy

I think I'm in trouble.

My dryer doesn't have a "Normal" setting.  Now what do I do?  

QuotePapa John ~ Isn't it wonderful when you look back at old days and realize that some of them were turning points in your life? Life is full of wonderful experiences.

Yes, Etta Sue, I often think about decisions and events which were really turning points in my life.  I think, "If I hadn't done such and such a thing things would have been entirely different."  For example I was in the Navy when WWII was over.  They tried to get us to sign over to the regular Navy and listed benefits we would have.  I did think about it but decided to get out as soon as possible.  When I got home I enrolled in college where I met Cornelia.  What if I had made that other decision?  

I'm sure we all think of things like this.  I believe God's hand was in my life to lead me to the wonderful things which have come to me, the blessings of family, children, grandchildren.  I think of how things might have been different but I have had so many wonderful blessings.  I thank God each day for his love and guidance.


Gal 2:20  I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.  (NIV)

I hope you all have a good night's rest.

--- Papa John              <)))><<

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Jeanne - try the ON/OFF button!  Also check for an AB/NORMAL button.