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Morning Devotional...


"'Woe to me!' I cried. 'I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips' Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, 'See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.'"  - Isaiah 6:5-7

And I know of no greater sin of mine than my lips. My unholy thoughts, though many, are my private sins that affect only me. My unholy deeds, though heinous, are few and far between.

But my words are many and their damage is public. In a few short sentences, I can cut a baggage handler at the airport down to size for dropping my wheelchair. In a string of vexings and hammerings, I can skewer my husband's plans for the weekend. In a twisted maze of flatterings, I can manipulate any unsuspecting soul.

Oh, what a burden. To possess such an instrument is more than I can bear at times. But while the reality of my sinful lips depresses me, God corrects me with one important observation: "See, this has touched your lips."

For Isaiah, it was the burning coal used by God to drive home His point that outside intervention is needed. Through painful imagery of cauterized lips, Isaiah learned an important lesson. His lips were impure, but God touched them and declared them clean.

But that is not the end of it. God desired to use those lips. When asked, "Whom shall I send?" Isaiah had the righteous audacity to say, "Here am I. Send me."

Lord, purify my words by Your presence in my life. Remove the dross of selfishness and pride from these lips. Make them sing and speak of You all my days.  


Taken from Diamonds in the Dust. Copyright © 1993 by Joni Eareckson Tada. Used by permission. Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530






.







I went for a little visit of five days (to Areley House). There were ten per­sons in the house, some un­con­vert­ed and long prayed for, some con­vert­ed, but not re­joic­ing Christians. He gave me the pra­yer, "Lord, give me all in this house!" And He just did.

Before I left the house every one had got a bless­ing.

The last night of my vis­it af­ter I had re­tired, the gov­ern­ess asked me to go to the two daugh­ters. They were cry­ing.  Then and there both of them trust­ed and re­joiced; it was near­ly mid­night. I was too hap­py to sleep, and passed most of the night in praise and renewal of my own con­se­cra­tion; and these little coup­lets formed them­selves, and chimed in my heart one af­ter ano­ther till they fin­ished with "Ever, On­ly, ALL for Thee!"
Havergal Manuscripts

We have a poll above for some fun this week!

Tell us about your favorite cookies!!

I love your devotion topic, Pat.  Our words can be so very powerful; we can use them as a destructive force to tear down people, ideas and imagination, or we can use them to build-up, encourage and correct.  When anger or passion take hold of me, I wish I could handle my spoken words as well as I generally handle my business emails.  With them, I type them out with everything I think I want to say, then I save them in a draft folder to review when I've cooled off before sending them - and generally do some heavy editing at that point!  Oh, if only I had done this with my words in the early years of marriage!  Thankfully, my wife and kids are blessed with the ability to forgive a foolish father.

My personality is heavily tilted to the far end of the introvert scale, so participating in conversations like the Thought for the Week is something I'd normally shy away from.  However, for the last year or two I have been following the lives of the regular participants, praying with you and for you, and celebrating God's activity in your lives, which has drawn me nearer, kind of like extended family!  So, if you'll have a little patience with me, I will attempt to join the weekly conversation.

By way of introduction, I will give you a brief snapshot of who I am...I will hit the mid-century mark this spring and my first wife and I will mark our 24th anniversary.  We have two home-schooled daughters, one started college last fall (English/2nd ED) and the youngest takes the CNA certification exam Wednesday this week, but aspires to attend college (dietetics/nutrition) next fall.  We live in rural Montana, with a bunch of dairy goats (no idea how many, they are Alesia's hobby and passion!), a few retired horses (from our previous ranching life), dogs, cats, chickens, rabbits, and a partridge in a pear tree.  Alesia works a couple days a week at the local vet clinic, and I am employed in a position where I manage beef cattle feed sales over 15 states.  As a result, I am on the road often, however I am nearly always home on the weekends.  My wife and I teach Sunday School at the independent Bible church we attend; she teaches the youngest kids and I lead the adult study.  Now and then I fill the pulpit when our pastor is away.  I've been a believer in Christ all my life, but marrying a truly godly woman was instrumental in maturing my faith....but I remain a sinner.

If you can add a couple things to your prayers, please lift up my daughter Leah as she prepares to take the CNA exam, and for part-time employment afterwards.  Also, this is the busy season in my business, so the next several weeks are a traveling nightmare (thank God for a mild winter, so far!), so please pray for Alesia's safety and peace while I am away.

I pray that God's presence will manifest itself in all your lives in special ways this week!

It is well,
Ken

PS:  HELP!!! I am the lone voter for Oatmeal-Raisin cookies, so please don't leave me hanging!  I am initiating the "Get out the vote" effort, so all Oatmeal-Raisin Cookie Lovers, VOTE early and VOTE often!!!

Good morning, Ken!  What a refreshing post to read early in the morning on a Monday!  And I am so glad you are 'coming out of your shell' to let us get a glimpse of your life and personality.  That is the big attraction to me in here, getting to know people, love them, pray for them and count them as friends. 

I made myself a priority list for today, and now it's time to put it into action!

Pat, good thought for today, and one of the things I prayed about this morning was the words of my mouth.  Thanks.

Good morning wow Pat what a subject for a devotion topic.  This one is hard for me because I am a Pastors wife. But first let me say this.

Hello BigSkyKen  I is nice to hear from you.  I have only been here for a month and they are all just like family if not closer.

No back to the devotion:

I don't know if anyone will truly know how hard it is to be a Pastor.  Or even a Pastors family it is like living in a fishbowl.  Your family is always under the microscope wether and one wants to admit it.  One of my pet pevs is someone calling my children a PK kind.  They have a father who is a Pastor, but they have their own lives and identities.   Me they know when I change the style to my hair, clothes, etc. And people will find the funniest things to pick at.  My husband never picks out his clothes I pick out his clothes and iron them even his ties.  Most of his ties are christian ties.  One woman came up to me and she can't you get him to pick out better ties I think those are very inappropriate.  I told her I'm sure he would if he did, but I pick out his ties and the only time he does is for our anniversary.  Oh she said well and walked off. 

The best gift you can ever give you Pastor is PRAYER!!

Always remember that your Pastor works for you and GOD for 24 hours a day, not just 9 to 5.  Deacons it is part of you position to take care of the problems in the church.  Your Pastor can not do it all by himself.

Qualifications for a Pastor NIV

1 Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.

Qualifications for a Deacon NIV

8 Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. 11 In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. 12 A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

My Posting is not to upset any one, but to encourage you to pray for your pastor and the deacons of your church.  They have a great responsibility to watch over GOD's flock until the LORD comes back to take us home.  Let them know that you are praying for them, because a man of God is truly praying for You!!

Don't worry about what others think, worry about what God knows!!

And ad my Pastor says:  I Love you, but JESUS loves you more!!

WOW! What a way to start my online day!!!

Ken, I am so glad to see that you are joining in our "Thoughts" conversations.  I've been enjoying your photos and now I am very happy to "make your acquaintance".  The lifestyle of you and your family is completely different from anything I have ever known.  I hope you will continue to post as time allows, and let us share your worries and prayer needs, as well as your joys and praise. 

Marlo, I've been so happy to see you taking part in these messages here in "Thoughts for the Week".  Thank you for explaining a bit more about what your life is like.  Our pastor has been with our church for over 25 years and he and his lovely wife are friends as well as a pastor and wife.  We have watched their three children grow and develop into wonderful, mature adults.  Thank you for your reminder of the requirements and prayer needs for the leaders in our church.

Pat, last but not least, thank you for a wonderful devotional.  A needed reminder that our words can be sinful and cannot be taken back once they are said. 

Hi everyone.  We had a chilly night and it is still about 39 degrees but suppose to begin to get a little warmer.  After coffee this morning I had to fill up my car with gas and then went to the barber shop for a haircut.  The housekeepers have been here and gone so it has been a busy morning.  The good news today is that Pat was able to get her shoes on this morning.  Unfortunately, as of late yesterday afternoon Stacey was still fighting the flu.  I have my Monday men's luncheon and then a meeting to attend this evening and that will be my full day. 

Pat, thanks for the very fine devotional posting for this week.  I was taught a very good lesson many years ago that "if you cannot speak well of a man you can at least remain silent".  While I don't always remember to follow that rule it has served me well when I did.

Ken, what a great posting you left us for today.  I certainly hope you will become a regular here as we men are a little outnumbered.  :)  It sounds like you have an interesting life.  I have a first cousin who moved to Montana as their retirement home to be close to their daughter and grandchildren.  They moved from Michigan so are used to winter and snow.  Sorry I couldn't support you on the cookie selection as chocolate chip is my very favorite although I do like oatmeal-raison.  I am like you in that I have always believed in Christ.

Marlo, the older I become the more I understand how difficult a job being a pastor must be and how difficult it must be as the wife or children of a pastor.  One of the things I had to adjust to in the Presbyterian church is that the wives don't seem to have to be involved in everything and can have their own lives.   Great advice on the support our pastors need with our prayers.  We have a wonderful pastor who is a great teacher of the Bible.  We do have to remember not to put our pastors on pedestals and allow them to be human just as God allows us to be human as we are all sinners.  May God bless you and your family.

What a difference a day makes!!  It is 43 degrees right now in central Indiana.  Yesterday it didn't get to 32 degrees all day! 

I slept in late...nothing new, ya know...started some laundry, ate breakfast and headed to the couch for my Bible devotions.  I am suddenly in two Small Groups, have been reading Upper Room and Daily Bread for years, the Bible in a Year and Wednesday night my little church is starting Wednesday Night Live Bible study by our preacher.  I am loving it!  I am learning so much about the Bible. 

Then I come to CP and learn so much more.  Thank you, Pat, for the weeks devotion.  What a great way to remember the Golden Rule. 

And Ken, I  have been to Montana a few times.  I praise you on living there.  If you would look at a map of Indiana, you will see roads and towns everywhere...not in Montana.  Big Sky Country is a great motto for Montana.  I loved visiting but Indiana is my home.  And sorry...my Mom used to always make Oatmeal Raisin cookies and to save money she would use bacon grease for the shortening.  They were delicious fresh from the oven but when you got some 'age' on them, they weren't!  :(  I love a Chocolate Chip cookie but a Peanut Butter cookie that is waxy is my favorite! 

Janet, so sorry that Beth was hurting.  If you would have known, you could have tilted her back and back down and perhaps she could have stayed for the remaining church time.  But didn't it feel good for you and Beth for everyone to rally around to help....even if they couldn't handle the wheel chair as well as tiny you?

And Marlo, it is nice to hear about the side of being a preacher's wife.  To quote you....

QuoteDon't worry about what others think, worry about what God knows!!

What great words to live by.  Two things...if you give your worries to God, then you will think before you say and do things that may not be what God wants.

And Jeanne, when you said

QuoteWOW! What a way to start my online day!!!

I was thinking...those are my exact thoughts! 

And Larry, our temps are much better today also.  And it was great to read that Pat seems better today.  Stacy will be better soon.  And glad you are able to get out and about. 

Since I got up late, I am ready to head to the kitchen and fix some bacon and eggs for lunch!  Yum!  My laundry is all dry, folded and put away.  After lunch, I need to get my salad made.  Then I can relax and crochet! 

Tomorrow morning I go to the DDS for an impression for a partial plate being made.  Then in the afternoon, it is Euchre time again.  So it will be a busy day tomorrow!

I will also say what a  way to start the day here.  Hi Ken glad to have you joining in  our family here in the thoughts folder.

Pat I read the devotion last night just before I shut off my computer for the night. I can't say that I have always been careful with my words. I will always be a work in progress.

I didn't go to the gym this morning as we had a heave sleet storm last night and everything is covered in ice and I am not about to drive today unless the streets are  clear of the ice. So I gave Happy is bath since he has a vet appointment on Wednesday to check his ears this time.He had developed some black fungus in  them so he will get checked every two weeks for that. It sure is a good thing I am not being charged for all these many Vet trips over the last two years. I only have to pay for tests and meds. I have  him in here in the office  where it is nice and war, I put a blanket on the floor for him to lay on.

Keith went out to the office to take th garbage out to the street and said that not far from here there must have been an accident, the police were waving everyone  to go back  the other way. So he took a round about trip to his office did what he had to do an came back home.

Hello everyone I would like to thank you for understanding why I wrote what I wrote.  My Husband Larry and I have always told those whom we minister to that.  That we are the LORDS servants and we can guarantee that we will disappoint you, not on purpose but someday there may come a time that we may disappoint. 

Larry you are right the Pastors are not to be put on a pedestal when He thinks he should be there, you can guarantee that the LORD will knock him off. 

I am Yahweh that is MY names I will not give MY glory to another or my praise to idols the past events happened. No I declare new events.  I announce them to you before the occur. Isaiah 42:8-9

God Himself says the glory is his and no one Else's.

Whew!  We have a room between our bedroom and my studio, which we use as a guest room.  For the past few years, it has become the place where everything gets dumped when we don't know where to put it, are in a hurry, etc.  My goal for today was tackling getting that mess cleaned out!  Well, hours and hours later, it is looking better, but not done yet.  I'm determined, though, so tomorrow I will be back at it.  The final room will be my studio, which has really been "dumped on" since the water damage!  Ugh.  We hauled another huge bag of stuff to the senior center today.  Someday, it will be done......   When the weather warms up, we will pull the fifth wheel trailer out of the garage and get that mess cleaned up!  I sure am looking forward to having things all straightened up and clean again, it's been way too long.   I got so tired I was just picking stuff up and putting it someplace else, not gaining a thing, so decided it was time to stop for today.

They are predicting very cold weather for tomorrow, time will tell.

Marlo, I agree with you.  People should allow their pastors and family to be human, after all, they ARE.  ;)

Time to find something to eat, I guess.

Janet:  Blessings to you and Beth.  Sorry about your shocking day of pain for both of you. 

Ken:  It is so good to see your  post and thank you for explaining your life. 

We just finished talking on SKYPE with youngest son as he is about to begin a lot of travel including overseas - this will be a huge change for his wife as well as for him. 

I am listening to an audio book, "Thunder Dog" and it is a true story about a blind man and his service dog who walked down from the World Trade Center on that terrible day.  A great story of faith - let me know if any of you read that book. 

Hi, friends,

What a busy day! I ALMOST made my deadline of getting all the apartment as I would like it to be. At least, the bath, the kitchen and the walk in closet are in good shape, and I'm probably halfway finished with the other 2 rooms. It takes longer to work 'n rest and work 'n rest and...etc.!

However, each time I rest I am SO thankful that God gave me the measure of strength to do what I was capable of doing. Then, to rise and begin again is also a good feeling. And, it should be said that being retired makes all this little cycle easier to do. ;)

Well, time to close and get into bed. It's off to see the doctor early tomorrow morning to make certain the 3 (ummm, now it's 4) month checkup is okay. So, I'd better drink a bunch now so it will be easier for them todraw all those vials of blood.

Wahhhhhh! I wanna "Kiss Me-I Just Donated" sticker!

Y'all have a great rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  We are expecting a little rain today  It seemed that yesterday was really busy as I went to Walmart after my men's luncheon and spent an hour doing some grocery shopping.  I did retire early last evening and watched two more episodes of the BBC Masterpiece Theater program "Downton Abbey".  It is a very enjoyable series that reflects the lives of the rich and the servants who look after them before WWI.  I will hate to see the series end but they have now started a second season so will also watch those. Today should be pretty light after a meeting I have to attend this morning.  Pat got along fine with her shoe yesterday and Stacey was feeling much better from the flu.  So things are looking up a bit here in Georgia.

Marilyn, wise to stay off the roads when they are icy.  No sense in risking an accident or fall if you don't have to get out. 

Janet, is your remodeling completed now?

Ruth Ann, from small steps the journey is started and then completed.  Good that you are taking your apartment work in small increments and it will soon be done.  Maybe you and Janet will get through about the same time.  :) 

I had a hard time falling asleep last night.  Too hot.  I tossed and turned, threw the covers back, pull them back on me, stuck a foot out...all those things to get cooler and go to sleep.  I finally turned on the ceiling fan and fell into la-la-land.  Then before daylight, I woke to hard rain!  We got almost an inch of rain in an hour!  So now we are having flash flood warnings.  And 57 degrees.  But by 4pm the rain is to change to sleet and then snow!  Whew! 

I got a surprise at the DDS to my good.  I was quoted a price for my new partial last year.  When I went to pay today, it was much less.  Seems I was quoted the price before insurance...not after!  Yeah!  I only have to pay 20% of the full price!  I felt like dancing a jig!  I get my new flexible partial Feb 6th. 

Then I went to Kroger for some milk and to Taco Bell for lunch. 

Now to get caught up online and be ready to leave by 2:40pm for Euchre!

Happy Tuesday!  It is colder here, but sunny, so is warming up.

Ruth Ann, it seems we have something even more in common just now--getting our 'houses' in order.  I know you will be happy, and I surely will--to get things in order.  Then I can concentrate on more creative efforts!  But in the meantime, I am taking book orders and anxiously awaiting the books' arrival!

Larry, glad your family members are feeling better!

I have been letting the warm air into the room I'm working on, it should be warm now, so no more excuses--- Get back to work, Janet!  Later start today because I had an appointment this morning.

I hope each of you has a blessed day.

Well, folks, here I am again.  For the last several days I was at St. Joseph's hospitral here here in Eureka.  The urologkst dkd an lperatiln on my prostate to reduce it's skze.  Now tomorrow he will dl a seclnd stage , after which sfter whchs the carheter will be remlved, then lots lf physical therapy, then, maybe - go home!

Please pray.

Al, it's so good to see your smiling face again!  We've been waiting and watching for word from you.   :)  It sounds as though there is progress and of course you know you're being prayed for. 
<3

Today it is cloudy rainy  and yes foggy I think tomorrow we are to have snow.

Pat:  A perfect devotional

About the pastors my mom always said that you go to church to hear the message but remember the pastor is human like the rest of the world.

Al:  I trust that you are on the mend

Janet:  I hope that your home is back to order and that your sore finger is not slowing you down to much .

My elderly aunt had the flu and it did take her a couple of weeks to get well.
She is the one that does not go to a doctor.

I think that Judy B will have her computer back this week if not already.

Freezing rain and snow today. Not very nice for people driving. I had a nice quiet weekend, the first in a long time so it was refreshing. I even had a chance to do some photography. When I haven't done any for awhile, it's like having an itch that won't go away :)
Al- I've been praying for you.
Judy B - have missed seeing you on here.
Have a great week, everyone.

  Went to the Doctor today.  Pray without ceasing.  1Thes,5:17

Al, what a BLESSING to hear from you! I'll update my phone calendar to continue praying for you as you have the next surgery and go through the recuperative process.

Marlo, we will continue to pray for and with you. I understand lots about the pastor's duties, since my father was a small church pastor where our family performed many duties - what a great wa to grow both in tolerance, strength, and trust for our Lord.

Yes, we had hard storms here in Nashville, too. I'm thankful it's over, but not really looking forward to the deep cold that is to follow tonight and tomorrow. Ah, well, winter's nice in that all things have the opportunity to prepare for a renewal and rebirth in the springtime. So, I'll be working toward that renewal and rebirth also. :)

The home-loving that's going on with Janet and with me, might be summed up by the following excerpt from a message sent to me by email:

Jesus said, "I will receive you into myself" (Jn. 14:3). Those we love need to know they are significant to us. The welcome we extend indicates what we think of the other person. If we throw open our arms, our homes, and our hearts, we say, "You're important to me, and therefore, you are important."

As much as possible we want our homes to represent the safety of home base. Johnny hits the ball, passes first, second, and third and then slides into home base. "He's safe; he's made it!" his fans cheer. Home base describes the atmosphere we're to create in our homes.

To make home a prepared place is Christlike. John 14:2 states, "I go to prepare a place for you." Our Lord is making our heavenly home a prepared place, a place that says, "I've been expecting you!" We follow God's pattern when we prepare snacks for the children, an attractive table, light a candle or cook favorite foods. Whether your loved one has been gone a few hours or many weeks, these all say, "I've been excited about your return."

Dear Jesus, help me to welcome others just as You would.

Love to you all,
Ruth Ann

Ruthann what wonderful thoughts.

Marlo what did you find out at the Doctor today?

All is well here albeit very wet and will be wetter. I am going to be driving to Coquille tomorrow to take Happy to the Vet I guess I told you that already yesterday.

I had a very nice visit from two JW ladies. One comes every month and sometimes she brings another lady.  I gave her friend a small Christmas cactus, I have plenty of them. I enjoy the visits, she doesn't try to convert me and knows that I am Pentecostal. I do read the literature she leave me I've read some pretty interesting articles.

Here in Ontario "Near-North" we are experiencing a winter storm. My husband was just out and said that, so far, about eight inches has accumulated.
I've been off for a bit as weather has dumped snow on our satellite dish and other work has kept me occupied. Yesterday I messed up our internet connection by downloading a former pastor's talk on:
http://the-campus.ca/wp/2011/09/18/01-take-it-home-home-makeover/ (http://the-campus.ca/wp/2011/09/18/01-take-it-home-home-makeover/) It took about 1200 MB and I have allowance of only 250 MB a day. I started it at 4 A.M., as we have free downloads between 2:00 and 7:00 A.M. Unfortunately it was still downloading at 7:00 A.M. and I was sleeping. 280 MB was downloaded after the deadline and we were essentially cut off for 24 hours. However it was worth it.... I do miss his sermons and talks!

Marlo: I know a sweetie of a pastor who just turned seventy. He was a missionary in Liberia for many, many years and told us of the many problems he and his family had to deal with. Every-time I hear a word of dissent, I pray for that person, as their eyes are not on our Lord. May God bless you and your husband as you continue to do His work!! Praying for you!!

To Ruth Ann and Ruth V thank you for your encouraging words.  I love the LORD more the my Husband and he understands that I know he will nor put more on us than we can handle.   Prayers and blessings to all.

Ruth Ann, thanks for that about our homes.  Yes, it is important to create a sanctuary for ourselves and our families; also a place to be hospitable to friends.  I made more progress today, and Darrel did some electrical work that had sort of been forgotten for years.

Al--so good to 'hear' from you!  We are still praying for you, and hope you will soon get to go home.  Darrel had that same typo of surgery a few years ago.  His doctor called it "green light" surgery because the laser they do it with is green.  We look forward to having you back with us 'full force."  :)

Marlo, sorry I had to run this morning!  I had intended to be on the computer only 15 minutes, but the time got away from me, and when I looked at the time, I was already 5 minutes late for my appointment!  Oops!  But I still had to wait about 15 minutes--didn't mind, as I got another book order while waiting!  Would love to chat with you any time you see me online, though.

Larry, I remembered that I didn't answer your question this morning.  They guys are building three sets of tall cabinets, which they are to bring out either Thursday or Friday; then they will be finished.  Yea!

Time for me to hit the hay!  G'night all!

Pastor Al:  How good it is to see your post, keep on praying for sure.  It sounds like you are nearer to being released.  I do hope you are not anywhere near that big storm in the northwest. 

Our hockey playing grandson has a concussion from an illegal hit and we are told he will be fine.  Now, they make anyone have complete rest in a quiet and darkened room in order to rest the brain.  Tomorrow, he will be tested before returning to class.  He had a six hour nap and still slept all night. 

We are going to visit friends in Tucson and do whatever we can to help for two days - he has had a series of cancer surgery on his head and is feeling better but many health issues.  We will try to be of some help.

Well, it's time for "sweet dreams" here in "down South." So, I'll snuggle under the covers, thank God for a good day, and rest peacefully, knowing He's in charge - He never takes naps, He never sleeps, and He never gets distracted, so I'm safe in His care.

Love to all of you,
Ruth Ann

Good evening everyone, I want to thank you all for the welcome here.  It will be an interesting next couple days as I work my way home.  I am attending meetings in Seattle, WA which should end around noon tomorrow...right about the time that big Pacific storm is suppose to pretty well entrench the area.  So the drive home may be delayed, depending upon how much snow actually falls.  They downgraded expectations to 5-8 inches over the next 36 hours, which isn't much by Montana standards, but the locals here are predicting gloom and doom if it happens.  The forecast tells me that it should be snowing for virtually all the 820 miles home, so looks like a wonderful way to wrap up the week!

Al, it is great to hear from you again. I will be praying that the second procedure goes well and you get to head home soon.

Carol, I will include your grandson in my prayers.  I realize how serious concussions are, but reading you post reminded me of what I used to tell my girls when they got hurt doing things they enjoyed..."having fun hurts, sometimes!"  I can't say that did anything to relieve their pain, but it did give them a different lens to view their situation through.

I see several others have situations warranting prayer, as well, so will include your concerns as I pray also.

It is well,
Ken

Hi everyone..  We had a very rainy night in Georgia after a fairly decent and reasonably warm day.  It is suppose to be pretty chilly today.  The main activity in Bible study and we will probably then go over to the donut shop to visit with friends and perhaps out to lunch.  Stacey seems to have had a relapse of the flu and wasn't feeling well yesterday and last evening.  Pat was up to attending her book study club at the church late yesterday afternoon. 

Etta Sue, good news on the dental front.  I have very minimum dental coverage, basically twice a year cleaning and some x-rays.  All of the other cost is mine and there has been a lot of it.  I am to get my new crown next Tuesday. 

Al, it sounds like you are on your way to recovery.  Glad you are back out of the hospital and able to let us know about you.

I have read all of the postings but have limited time this morning as almost time to leave for coffee and then will be away all morning.  Ken do hope you have a safe trip home.  I guess it was a bad time to be caught in Seattle. 

Well, I've just been sitting here reading my Bible and then came here to read the posts and I feel as if I've visited with each and every one of you.  I'm especially thinking of you, Ken as you travel in that snow for that long distance and will pray especially that the Lord will go before you on that highway.  (I expect that it's the same highway that we travelled on last August from Bozeman to Portland?)

Thanks so much everyone for sharing your days with all of us.

I must get up there to vote on my favorite cookie!!  LOL

Looking out the window I see bright sunshine on what's left of the latest snow, and a neighbor's seasonal banner flying straight out.  Yesterday we had dark skies and some freezing rain and some wet rain with "mild" temperatures and last night it stayed right around the freezing mark.  Now today we're under a high wind advisory while the temperature drops like a lead balloon.  Tonight is expected to be around or below zero again.  It's not easy to rejoice in these days that the Lord has made, but I keep saying out loud that I do rejoice.  Maybe I'll convince myself.  ;)

Ken, I'm asking the Lord to keep a hedge of protection around you as you make your way home through the storms.

Good Morning everyone wow it seems my CP family is getting a lot more snow than I am we have had a total of 4 inches this winter that is it.  I will be praying for your safety and health as this winter continues. 

Ken be careful on your travels home, but be watchful of the beauty that the Lord has laid out before you. 

Carol I am sorry to hear about your grandson, I will pray that he continues to get better.  My son plays football.  He is the starting center.  He tells me his job is to get the ball to the qtr. back and to protect the qtr. back.  I always thought my son was a pretty good size boy until he started playing for middle school.  Last year there were boys on some of the teams with full beards and 6 feet tall. Huge!  We went to Rockcastle Co.  its in the hills around here .  The boys were BIG I asked a parent what the feed the boys up here and they looked at me and said all at once;  GUNPOWDER AND LEAD
scared me I went up to my son before the game I said, "BUB just run" lol well don't you know our Farristown Flyers won the game.  Well I got off track didn't I what I wanted to say is that I worry about my son every time he plays a game or practices or what ever he does.  I place him in the LORDS hands and I know he will be just fine.

Janet that was fine I really wasn't for sure if that was you I was hesitant on even saying Hello.  But know that I know I will say hello again if I see you on

My Doctors appointment.  Not what I wanted to find out.  I have permanent damage to the inner ear, more test to be done to see what type of treatment . My Cardiologist said the monitor show Bradicardia which means my heart slows down to much,  looking at a pacemaker.  I am only 43 years old.  I am falling apart. But I feel the LORD is not done with me or we wouldn't have found these things so quickly.  So LORD I am laying it all at your feet, I need you to pick them up and deal with them.  Thank you for asking Marilyn  It is nice to know that people care out there whom I have never meet. 

Hello one more thing can anyone help me get into the Gallery: this is what is showing:


Christian Photographers Community
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The Login is in a blue bar it wont do anything, I put in my password and then it asks like it is going to do something and comes right back to this.  Please help me. ;(

Just know that this person reads all the posts that are posted from the previous reading.  I may or may not post to you personally but always remember your praises and concerns are in my prayers.  You are all my family and families stick together!

Euchre was fun last night and the snow that was predicted didn't come!  So driving home was fine and dandy!  It really cooled off last night again so sleeping was much better.  My toes are cold sitting here right now but I have been in the front room which I have closed off for the winter looking for other patterns to use scraps to make them.  I found quite a few so I am thinking when I get done with this Chemo Wrap, I will use a different pattern. 

It is cold...20°, sunny..mostly and a little breeze.  The flag across the road is hanging down and then gently stretches out and then back down again. 

Tonight our church is starting a Wednesday Night Live Bible study.  It will be a video and then discussion lead by our minister.  Last year this Bible study was very enjoyable...I am sure this year will be the same.  Hope they turn up the heat!

We are having  a windstorm that at times has hurricane force wind gusts. Yikes and I am driving to Coquille in a little bit to take Happy to his Vet appointment. There is already a lot of debris out in the street form the trees. I sure would appreciate prayers and travel mercies as I make that drive today. If this wasn't important I would change the appointment and stay at home.

Marlo, I have contacted the webmaster about your problem with the gallery.  I'm not sure why he hasn't been able to fix it yet, but I'll remind him.

Marilyn,  I'm praying for your protection as you drive to the vet's.  I was supposed to do some running today, but we're having gale force winds, too, and since there's really nothing that urgent, I'm able to just stay inside.  Some areas have lost power, but the Lord has protected us here.

Hello everyone:

I to have an inner ear problem but with time it is healing so far it is 15 plus yrs since I had the infection.  I was told at the time it was permanent but what is lost is a small amount compared to some.

I went to the chiropractor and it seems that I should be looking in another direction for treatment but truly I do not know what to do. I need the adjustment but for some reason they are not holding.

The weather today is sunny and cold but I understand that tomorrow will bring snow, I will leave in a few minutes to pick up a parcel from Sears today instead of waiting until tomorrow.

NEWS FLASH!!!! NEWS FLASH!!!  NEWS FLASH!!

THE BOOKS ARE HERE!  At least, the paperback ones are, and I expect the hardback ones in just a few more days.  These arrived early, so think the others will, too, most likely.

I have packaged and addressed the ones I had addresses for, and if the rest of you who asked for books will email me your mailing addresses, I will get those going quickly!

Etta Sue, yours was the very  first one signed, packaged and addressed!! 

I must go show some books to Beth; she will be so excited!

And you may order from the webpage using PayPal if you want!  www.JanetDamon.com

Jeanne thank you for the prayers, I made it there and back safely.

Janet is the paperback $14.99.

Yes, Marilyn.  Then with tax and postage, it comes to $16.25.  Thanks for asking.

There is no sales tax in Oregon.

Hi, friends,

It's been a busy day, but a very good one.

First a business meeting, then lunch midafternoon with friends followed by hurry-up-n-get-ready to take 2 ladies and me to a heart failure seminar at St. Thomas Hospital.

Marlo, I surely wish you had been here. The information was so great, and the physicians so competent.

I certainly understand about ear infections!!! Most likely if they had been counted it would be nearing 200 during my lifetime (if not more), and now they've installed a permanent ear tube installed so that the eardrum would grow over the flanges holding the tube in place - a necessity because literally there was only 1 more space to put a tube - the rest of the eardrum has only scar tissues. Any time I hear the least bubbling inside, I'm on the phone to be checked out.

Thanks be to God - He allowed development of that permanent tube just in the nick of time for me. Makes me think of the old saying: "Man's extremity is God's opportunity."

Much love to you all,
Ruth Ann

Quote from: Etta Sue on January 18, 2012, 12:14:43 PM




Just know that this person reads all the posts that are posted from the previous reading.  I may or may not post to you personally but always remember your praises and concerns are in my prayers.  You are all my family and families stick together!

Thanks for this, Etta Sue. 

Janet, great news, your books arrived!  Let me know your mailing address and I will get a check in the mail right away.  Can hardly wait to read your book!  I know it will be a blessing to many people.

Yesterday I watched most of our Governor's State of the State address.  She has been in office one year and although I did not vote for her, I like her.  She is trying her best to stop our state from allowing illegals to have driver's licenses.  Some people come here to get a license using a false address and then go back to wherever they came from with a legal ID.  But the lawmakers at Santa Fe do not agree with her.  I do agree that the ones who are here legally and have a work permit, etc, should be able to have a driver's license.   

At the beginning of her address I heard people shouting and causing a ruckus.....it was the Occupiers!  Then the TV showed Security guards (maybe some state police?) taking them away, still shouting.  What do these people want, anyway?  They weren't charged with anything, just made to leave.  There were quite a few of them.

Some of you have mentioned having inner ear problems.  I know what a bad situation that can be as I have had that for as long as I can remember.  Many ear infections (Otitis Media) when I was young, and tinnitus all these years. I was left with a perforated eardrum on the right side and it is completely deaf.  Also I have another inner ear problem, Benign Positional Vertigo, off and on, which began in 1979.  I have to try to keep my head level as much as possible. 

Earl has been in hospice care for 3 months now, and has reached the point of sleeping most of the time, and wakes up confused...what day is it?  Is it daytime or night?  etc.  He is like a newborn, he has his days and nights mixed up.  He has Alzheimer's as well as the heart failure, diabetes and kidney disease.  So he says some strange things sometimes. 

I pray all of you are doing well, and can remember what you read in the posts better than I can!   Stress is getting to me I guess.  My blood pressure has gotten out of control lately and seems to want to go higher instead of lower.  My doctor is trying to get it under control. 

Blessings to all,
~Janice

Do y'all remember recently my telling you about the City employee guy hitting our gas meter with a fork lift, and all the trouble that caused?  Our furnace has not been the same since, I have had to call out repair people 4 times since then.  It can get mighty cold in this house in January when the furnace does not work!  And I have a very cold natured sick husband who does not need to get pneumonia again!  Two little electric space heaters help, but not that much.

I have decided we need to chuck this furnace and air conditioner system and get all new system.  The furnace is old and apparently the trauma of it being disturbed has about done it in.  And the air conditioner was damaged by that huge hail storm we had a year or so ago.  Almost the whole population of our town, including us, had to get a new roof after that.  We had a repairman out to try to fix the air conditioner at that time, but he said it could not be done right, that he did the best he could.  The hail did too much damage.

Just a quick check-in to let you know I think I made it through the worst of the weather.  Snoqualmie Pass over the Cascades wasn't too bad, probably only a foot of new snow.  Coeur d'Alene, Idaho seemed like a good place to camp for the night, but not quite halfway.  And Pat, you're correct, this would be the route you traveled to Portland.  Thanks to all for the prayers!

It is well,
Ken

Yeahhhhhh!!!!  The webmaster got me into the Gallery I will be able to make one myself.  Well to everyone the has ear problems I pray we all get better.  But having inner ear problems I have to say really stinks lol.  Along with the heart problem you really don't know which one is making me sick that day. 

Etta Sue thank you for ready everyone's postings there are so many of use I have been tring but I am bot sure I am cathing everyone. 

Ken I continue to pray for safety and well being.

Janice I will be praiying for you and your husband,

May the lord bless you and keep you today.  Marlo

Hi everyone.  It looks like today will be another very nice and warmer day.  I just watched the weather and the cold front is north of us and we are getting a lot of moist gulf air into our area the next couple of days, which will give us occasional rain showers.  I don't have anything on the schedule today, after coffee at McDonald's, except some work here at my desk.  Pat is planning on spending the morning at the newly remodeled county senior center.  She is meeting a friend there and donating a big bag of Jigsaw puzzles to the center and they always keep one up for folks to work on.   Stacey was feeling better from her flu by yesterday evening.

Marlo,  I have had a pacemaker for about 6 years and will soon have it replaced as the battery has about used up its charge.  It was no big deal and I think it has really made me feel better having my heart paced.  It also has a built in defibrillator that would restart my heart if I suffered cardiac arrest. 

Etta Sue, I liked your first paragraph about reading all the postings and sometimes not writing something to everyone but having read all of the postings and seeing the praises and concerns.  Glad the snow didn't arrive and you had a good trip home.

Marilyn, it sounds like the NW coast is really getting hit with some severe weather. 

Ruth, my daughter uses a chiropractor and the treatments give her temporary relief for a day or two. 

Janet, I know it was an exciting day to finally see the results of all your work in final print.  I have told you I want a paperback copy of the book but haven't sent the money yet, just the address to mail to.  Do you want me to go ahead and pay usinig the Paypal or I can mail you a check if you will send me a quick email as to the amount due.  I am anxious to read the book.  (I see you have stated the final amount in your response to Marilyn but still need to know the answer to my question as to how to get the payment to you.)

Janice, I wonder the same thing about the Occupiers.  I fear there are a lot of those people who are just being manipulated and are allowing someone else to do their thinking.  I know your concern for Earl must be so wearing and draining to you.  I do hope you are taking care of yourself and understand the stress factor in your situation.  I hope you get your new furnace and a/c quickly so you all can be warm again.  I understand the new units are much more energy efficient and cost less to operate. 

Ken, of all the places I have ever seen I think the drive into Coeur d'Alene had to be the most beautiful.  It was about five pm and the sun was shining on the waters and it was so beautiful.  I will never forget it. 

Answering questions first:  Janice, I mailed your book yesterday.  Payment info and my address are included with the book.

Larry, you may order the book from my webpage any time; I will get it in the mail ASAP when I see your order!  PayPal is in effect there; in fact, Ruth V. has ordered a copy using it already!

And a big THANK YOU to all my friends here for all your encouragement about the book.  It has been quite a journey, but one of love and learning, and my prayer continues to be that God will use the book to His glory!


Janice, so sorry Earl isn't doing better, but do try to take care of yourself even as you care for his needs.  The caregiver is usually the one in much need of care!  I pray you can get the furnace and AC replaced in record time, and that the weather will be great during the process.  I do remember the fork lift incident.  :clobber:  To that guy!

Ken, good to read that you are safe.  That is one part of the country which I have yet to visit, but it's on my want-to list.

Marlo and Ruth Ann and others suffering from inner ear problems, I pray you will get relief and soon be feeling 'on top of the world' again!

I must go to the care home and try to find those workers there who have asked for copies of the book.  I thank God for their love and good care for Beth, God bless them.

Do I go?  Do I stay home?  I am wanting to go to the pool today but right now it is snowing big time!!  Not many blades of grass are showing so that means an inch or two already!  I can't leave until 2pm so I guess I will know in about an hour and a half if I venture out or not.  I don't have anything else to do in Noblesville so I am leaning more on staying home!  Why chance it?  I think I am talking myself into staying home! 

Whooeee!  I will soon be reading about our Beth!  She is ours, ya know!  We all know her!  I am expecting another book in the mail soon.  I ordered it from Amazon.  It is a book of poetry written by a man in Lapel with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.  Most of the poems are about other people in Lapel.  I am not a poetry fan unless it rhymes and the snippet on Amazon told me it rhymes.  So I will soon have two books to read!!

Looking out my front window...well, all I can say is it is beautiful....The snow is floating down between me and a pine tree.  Kind of swirling.  The limbs on the maple tree are being lined with snow.  No brown seen anywhere.  Even the road is snow covered.  The sky is about the same color as the ground.  There is a breeze...the Red, White and Blue is flying sideways across the way.  Cars are being cautious in this snow covered world.  Yep, I think I will stay in and look out!

Etta Sue, it sounds as though the smart thing for you would be to stay home.   ;)

We're expected to get a couple of inches this evening/night and four of us have a meeting to go to about 40 miles away.  :(  I'm praying the Lord will hold off the snow until we're all home safe and sound and cozy. 

Janet, did you get my mailing address from the Mods' list?  I'm ever so grateful to Jane, and I can hardly wait to read Beth's story.  As Etta Sue said, she is "our" Beth!

When I went to visit our Beth today, I heard her talking before I pushed her door open.  When I stepped in, she was crying and talking.  I asked who she was talking to and she said, "Jesus!"  Then why was she crying?  This chair hurts my back so bad I can't stand it!  The DON decided that since the new wheelchair was expensive (she calls it a Cadillac) that Beth cannot have any pillows in the chair!  Well, this mama bear decided she can and she will, if I have anything to say about it!  So I re-positioned the chair and got a pillow behind her back, which immediately alleviated her pain.  Now, I ask you--is it not ridiculous to just let her suffer, when all she needs is one pillow behind her back?  I think so, too.  Grrr.  I am thinking I  will likely have to go "beard the lion in her den" so to speak, because she gave all the girls orders NOT to give Beth any pillows!

And, on a much happier note---the hardback books are here!!!  So more books will be going to the post office in the morning!  I am going to Moscow tomorrow so Curtis can teach me more and help me more with the website, so the hardbacks will be added on there.

I had a good interview with a gal at our local newspaper this afternoon, and she agreed to email me the article before printing it, so I can make any corrections needed.  They do such a bad job sometimes of writing, especially spelling, and I don't want that to reflect on the book.  She was happy to do that for me.  (God's favor at work!)

Etta sue, what a pretty word picture you painted for us!  And.....I'm thinking maybe you should stay home today!  ;)

And I love thinking of Beth as "our Beth."  Thanks!

Hello everyone.

Janet, it was really easy to pay for the book through PayPal. I am anxiously waiting for the hard copy order link to go on your sight. I had set up PayPal some time ago as my husband does a lot of ordering DVDs through Amazon.

By the way.... are we not blessed in knowing that God sees the whole picture? He saw that His protection of His people would one day give everyone the right to be one of His children;  :bible: John 3:16 

Today, I am leaving my cares at His feet. He will tell me my part, if I listen to Him, & He will look after the rest!

Today was a time of snow, we went to the Bass Pro Store (sports ) so that Mel could pick up a book with this years fishing regulations, and perhaps  hunting I do not really know.
On our way home we stopped at one of the hwy stops for lunch I had one of Wendy's salads and Mel had a combo.   
Soon after we arrived home the snow really got angry.
Watching the evening news we did have lots of accidents icy roads were to blame.

A very big praise the Lord, Mel has been seeing a specialist for 3 years, before each visit he must have tests done but the last test was a biopsy which has given him the thumbs up and he does not need to go back for a year.   God is so good.   

Ruth Praise the Lord for Mel's good Dr report.

Hi everyone.  Just back from coffee at the Senior Center.  We had planned to go to Atlanta today to have lunch and visit with our daughter, whom we haven't seen since Christmas.  However, she isn't feeling well and Pat have a bout with muscle spasms in her back last night and the weather is very uncertain so we have rescheduled it for next Thursday.  We had an early morning rain and may be getting showers moving through throughout the day with periods of no rain.  It was 39 degrees this morning.  Guess I will just have a quiet day here at home, which I enjoy.  I do have a couple of projects on which to work.

Janet, thanks for the info.  I will see if I can't place the order today for the book using Paypal.  What a stupid and uncaring thing for the person at the home to do to deny Beth any comfort that can be provided.  What does the cost of the chair have to do with pillows?  I fail to see any logic or sense in such a terrible decision.  I hope you gave the person in charge a piece of your mind about the whole situation.

Etta Sue, it is about time for some winter weather in your area of the country. I see you decided not to go to the pool, probably a wise decision as you and your car are safe when you leave it in the garage when the roads could be bad.   I am with you in having never been a poetry fan, other than for the few poems my grandmother wrote many years ago.  She loved poetry.

RuthV, I have also used PayPal a lot and have it tied into my credit card so that anytime I use it the charge is made to my Discover charge.  I avoids putting my credit card number out their another time. 

Ruth, it sounds like you husband is quite the sportsman.  We have a big Bass Pro Shop near us and it is a really big place.  Good news for Mel on his test results. 

For all who know Sandy/Dapphne from the old SN and S&F. Please go the to Bosom Buddy discussion on S&F  Yesterday's date and see what we have posted about her. She had  what she calls a soft stroke while in Texas but did drive herself to Baton Rouge and spending the night at Walmart before calling 911 and having herself taken to the hospital. There is a phone number and room number listed at BB if anyone would like to call her. I believer her son is taking her to new Orleans today for a flight back to Maine. There is no paralysis but it has effected her right eye more than the left. I had a long conversation with her yesterday she was upbeat and happy that she had made the trip around the USA and had a year of  a new life.

Chemo Wrap #6 is posted on Facebook, if anyone wants to see it!  I am changing patterns for the rest of them.  With the yarn I have, I can probably make 6 more! 

Sandy/Dapphne, which is her name?  And why?  Maybe both are aliases!  Sorry to hear that she had to cut her trip short!

Grrr!  Why does some people with authority use their authority with stupidity?  I would think sitting on a cloud after awhile would hurt to some degree!  Sometimes just the tiniest bit of difference makes a big difference.  Sitting and crocheting makes my bum hurt and I can wiggle around!  Janet, go give them a piece of your mind! 

Well, it got really cold here last night for Indiana but I missed it.  I was in bed too late this morning.  It is 15° right now.  It's quiet out.  The Red, White and Blue is hanging down with a slight flutter.  No activity in the sky, the sun isn't shining.  The white snow is still white.  The road has been plowed.  Ivalou has been to the mailbox since the flag is up on hers!  Another great day to stay in! 

I am sitting here with Curtis at his house, while he updates/changes the website and does other techie stuff for me.  Some of these I have been wanting done for ages, so simple, if I only knew how!  :-[

When I get back home, I intend to go to the care home and clear the air.  Last night, that same gal (director of nurses) told the charge nurse to confiscate Beth's whole food products which she has been on for over a year already!  In case they might interact with some of her meds, was the excuse.  Her doctor gave us permission to give her that stuff!  GRRRR!!  The nurse told me Beth was REALLY upset about it; well, so am I!  She hasn't been sick AT ALL since being on that product!

Anyway......the devil is out to cause us harm, but GREATER IS HE THAT IS IN ME, than he that is in the world!!

Etta Sue Dapphne/Sandy's real name is Sandra Davidson, Her pseudonym is Dapphne Laurel.

Nothing much going on around here today, just more rain.

Janet I rebuke that old devil. He must stop using the DON for his purposes.  In the name of Jesus, I command you old slew foot to leave Beth alone.

Janet you know what they say,  The Devil messes with the ones that are living for the LORD more because he doesn't have them.  The ones that don't have the LORD he leaves alone because he already has them.

I wanted to tell you about my son,  Everyone has said  so many nice things about him I just wanted to tell you a little about him and then tomorrow about his sister.  Glenn was two weeks late I had preclamcia with him my liver shut down the doctor said if I had waited one more day we both could have died. 

When Glenn was four he got saved by our Lord Jesus Christ, some may say that is to young to know for sure but I know with every bone in my body he is.  He would have his babysitter play church she was the congregation and he was the preacher.  When he was four he came into the kitchen one evening while I was cooking and said momma I need to talk to you, I said bub I am busy go talk to daddy.  He left the kitchen,  He came back for the second time I sent him away he came back for the third time I said for heaven sake Glenn what is it. 

He said, " I want to go to Heaven and have Jesus live in my Heart and you wont help me"

Well I felt 2inches tall the worst mother in the world. I took him to his father.  He told him the same thing.  So we called a deacon at the church that Glenn was close to.  We wanted someone that would be partial but also know that he was telling the truth.  After he got done talking to the deacon, the deacon looked at us and said.  "The LORD has his hands on the child and there is know doubt that he is saved."  when they baptized him they had to put two cinder blocks in the baptistery so you could see him.  Even now you can look at him and know.  And his prayers have to come from God.  He is now 13 and in the 7Th grade.  Plays football has two young ladies chancing him.  LOL

Well thank you for reading my words of my son I have dvd's of his football season in there first year at their new school.  If anyone would like them they are free just message me and ill get one out to yeah.

May the Lord bless you all always

Marlo what a sweet story about your son.

When my youngest son told me in front of his two kids not to talk to them about Jesus, the kids waited until he left and ask me "Grandma why doesn't dad what you to talk to us about Jesus we love Jesus" All I could tell them is I don't know, how could I tell them the truth that  after  all these years of being a Christian he had turned his back on God. He says  he is a pagan. (I don't think he really is he just says stuff like that to mock me) I just told the kids to pray for their mom and dad.

Ken:  Thank you for your concern & prayers for our grandson - he is now able to go to class and did so all of today.  Sending back a prayer for the safety of your girls too. 

Marlo:  Thanks ever so much for your prayers as well.  They are very appreciated.  Take care too!

We are back from two nights with friends in Tucson.  They have a lovely home & the best patio view of any southwest scene but his health is deteriorating so we went to try to help in any way.  Thanks be, I was able to set up his computer & iPod to download audio and ebooks.  He is legally blind and barely able to walk but we were careful about mentioning any help - just a little information.  A great visit we both needed. 

Marlo, your description of your son accepting the Lord at four years old reminded me of discussions we have had in our family recently.

When my middle daughter was 5 she became a Christian. Then the next day, she and her brother (4 years old) came to me to tell me that he had become a Christian too. I remember wondering and being concerned about whether it was real. Did they really understand what they were doing (interesting that I might question - I was 5 years old when I accepted the Lord as my Saviour:).

The reason we were talking about this recently is that our 6 year old granddaughter became a Christian recently, and her 4 year old brother made a decision the following day. Their mother (our oldest daughter) was concerned about whether this was possible ... so her sister (the one who became a Christian when she was so young - 5 years old) reminded her about what happened to them ... and how they are both going on for the Lord ... which was an encouragement to our grandchildrens' parents.

It's good to know that the Lord calls the little children too:)

Thanks to so many for your prayers, I made it home last night around 9 pm.  Pretty heavy snow packed highways until southwest Montana, then it was warm and dry for a couple hundred miles, but that changed rapidly after crossing the Yellowstone River at Livingston.  Temp dropped rapidly and eventually hit 6-below zero at home, with more than 10 inches of fresh snow.  I will be heading east to Iowa tomorrow, then will wrap up the week in Colorado, getting back home next Sunday.  I was blessed to find a fitting video for my Sunday School class to watch for the next two Sundays while I am away.  Unless the weather really slows me down, I should have a couple hours of daylight this coming Sunday to search for some of my family heritage in Montezuma, Iowa.  I was recently sent a photo of my Great-great grandfather's family on the porch of their house in Montezuma, so I thought I'd see if it might still be standing.  There are a few families remaining in the town with my family name, so I will introduce myself and see if they might be able to point me the right direction!  Maybe a wild goose chase, but thought it might be a good way to spend a little time.

Janet, I am so excited for you about your book.  My eldest daughter aspires to be a writer, and I am learning how much effort it takes to finally get published, so I truly appreciate the investment you've made and pray for your success getting the book and its message distributed.

Marlo and Betty, your discussion about children receiving the Lord at a young age is very similar to our girls.  I don't remember their exact ages at the time, but they wouldn't have been older than 5 when they did.  As with all of us, their faith and understanding have matured since then, but I believe they truly understood their salvation at the time.

May you all have a blessed weekend!

It is well,
Ken

I can relate to young children accepting the Lord - I was 6 and really knew how black those thoughts I had been having were and was genuinely convicted of them. After praying for Jesus to come into my heart, I remember how very much lighter I felt. :)

So, it's been 65 years of loving and serving our Saviour - what a great way to live!

We have a tornado warning being broadcast at this time, so I'm gonna leave and get dressed, in case I have to leave the apartment suddenly.

Love to each of you,
Ruth Ann

I can remember listening outside of my parents' door to see if my parents were still breathing or not - wondering if the Lord had come and I was left behind. The other thing was that I didn't like singing the hymns ... Until after I became a Christian. Even at the age of 5  :) Of course, there were bumps in the road on my Christian journey, but that's how we grow.
So often we don't think that young children understand enough, but as Ken said faith and understanding can mature over time. I think it's so encouraging to see young children growing in the Lord and staying true to Him and living for Him throughout their lives. Ruth Ann, it is a grat way to live, isn't it  :D
Ken, I'll keep praying for you as you travel.
Ruth Ann, did you get the tornado?

Hi everyone.  Yesterday turned out to be a dreary and damp day and last night we had a lot of rain.  I think the same thing is in the forecast for today and I found out when I got to coffee that our area is under a tornado watch until 1 pm.  I am not surprised as it is 61 degrees outside.  It is also very stormy looking with some lightning and thunder.   Other than go to coffee this morning and attend a meeting also this morning I will be able to stay in where it is comfortable.  Yesterday also turned out to be a placid day where I didn't have anything pressing and could take my time doing each thing I decided to do.  When I got home from coffee Pat told me that the trip to Atlanta to see our daughter had been canceled as she wasn't feeling well and needed to get in to see the doctor.  Pat was also groggy from the muscle relaxants she had taken in the middle of the night for the muscle spasms.  Stacey did get to see the doctor and by afternoon Pat was feeling much better. 

Marilyn, you have to admire Sandy for seeing her dreams fulfilled.  She will always have the memories of her year on the road and living in another location.  However, now she needs her family around her and it sounds like they are looking after her interests.

Etta Sue, you have been very productive in knitting those chemo wraps and it sounds like they are giving you a lot of joy in making them.  Sandy Davidson is Dapphne's real name which she started using online this last year.  I have called her Dapphne for so long it is hard to make the change.  Fifteen sounds really cold to me as I consider the 40s to be cold.

Janet, I see you have put up the lovely picture of yourself that is on the dust jacket of your book.  It is a very nice picture and it was nice to see a much bigger picture of you on your website.  I hope you were able to set the director of nurses straight.  Perhaps you will have to ask the doctor to intervene as some people think they have more authority than they do or exercise it so poorly. 

Marlo, thanks for sharing the information on your son.  It sounds like God has great things in mind for your son and that he is a fine young man.

Marilyn, it sounds like your small grandchildren are thinking for themselves with regard to Jesus. 

Carol, how nice of you to visit your friends and to help get things set up for him on his computer and iPod. 

Betty, the discussion of young children becoming Christians reminds me that Jesus wanted the young children to come unto him so why should be we surprised or question it when children accept the Lord  in our time.  Even accepting Christ as an adult doesn't mean we have any maturity in our faith but that comes with time and study.   

Ken, in looking at the weather map it appears you will be doing a lot of driving in snow.  Have a safe trip to Iowa and back. 

I GOT MY BOOK!! Now...do I crochet or do I read?  All I can say is 'Good job, Janet!'  :thumbsup:  and that's after reading the back cover and the Forward!  I know when I start reading it will become a page turner until there are no more pages to turn!  But I also want to read before all this yarn is made into Chemo Wraps.  What do I do? 

I have read all the posts and rather than commenting on each, just read what Larry wrote...ditto for me!   :lol:

Well, yesterday was more snow and even at 13° last night around 10pm, we were receiving sleet!  Maybe it was ice pellets but whatever, it was making a lot of noise hitting the windows.  I realized this morning that I haven't eaten out since Tuesday at noon and there are no sweets in my house!!  Two wrongs doesn't make it right!!  But no plans to leave the house today either.

Church tomorrow, Sunday School, eating out, making a Cinnamon Roll Cake for Small Groups and then Small Groups.  Nothing for days and then busy!  I love it! 

Another white scenery outside my windows today!  It's only 16°.  Another slight breeze.  It must be a little slick out since the cars are driving slow past the house.  But it is suppose to get to 46° tomorrow!!

We got a couple more inches last night and I'm waiting to have the two day accumulation cleared away.   :(

Etta Sue, when my kids were growing up and I had run out of sweets for them for supper time dessert (which could have been a major disaster), I gave them "sugar bread" and they loved it.  Just slices of buttered bread sprinkled with sugar.   :D

Sometimes those simple treats are the best.

No, the bad storms passed quickly on to other areas, but our "high" for the day was at midnight, when it was 64. Now, it's 36! So, I need to put on my "long woolies" for today, methinks! ;)

Y'all have a great day with our Lord.

Ruth Ann

Janet: I like your picture a reminder that I should change mine.
           I would also like to have one of your books but now what do I do to get one?

As I look out the window the sun is shinning. and snow is melting.

I was about 10 or so years old when I accepted Jesus into my heart and life and I can truly say that Jesus knew what he was doing because even then I had a lot of hills to climb.  I have a plaque on the wall that was in my grandparents home showing Jesus knocking on the door waiting for us to allow entry.  Many a time I have stood and prayed.

Marlo:  Thanks for sharing.
Marilyn:  It is good to read your daily posts.

Ruth, you can just email me your mailing address and I will mail you a book; or you can go to my website www.JanetDamon.com and order it from there!  If you order direct from me, be sure to specify whether you want the soft or hard cover version.  Thanks!

Marilyn, I have your name on the list of those who wanted a book--do you?  And on the website, PayPal does the tax, and only charges tax for those living in Kansas.  Bookkeeping too complicated, otherwise.

I mailed another good sized stack of books today, so everyone who has ordered should get yours soon!  I appreciate all of your support so much.

Larry, thanks for your comment on my photo.  Curtis changed it for me yesterday; I had wanted the one on here and the one on facebook replaced for ever so long!  When he saw the photo that was on here, he said, "That doesn't even look like you, Grams!" 

Ken, good to read that you are safe.  I'm happy not to be out driving on snowy roads!

Etta Sue, I have to grin every time you use that "kitty cat trampoline" on here!  ;D  So cute!  How many chemo wraps will you make?  If you do take a break and read the book, it will be okay, then you can go back to crocheting!  ;)

I went to the home yesterday to talk to the DON, but she had people in her office with the door closed.  I went to see Beth for a few minutes, went back, and she was gone, so I have yet to catch her.  I would rather not go over her head, but if that's what it takes, I surely will.  Some of the things she does are just not necessary, same are downright hurtful.  She just doesn't seem to have any compassion.  I did learn yesterday that her husband is an alcoholic, has lost his job several times, was recently fired again, and is very verbally abusive, so she is living in difficult circumstances, and is the one making the living for them and their two boys.  But she shouldn't take it out on the residents!  I was convicted to pray for her, and I am, but will still stand in the gap for Beth!

I spent the day at the library with friends today, making cards.  It was fun, and everybody brought food, so we had good eats, too!

See you tomorrow!

Janet yes I do want a paperback book but I can't pay for it until  the 3rd of Feb.

Okay, I will mail you one, then.

Well, Janet, PayPal and I had a nice transaction this evening. ;)

It will be great to receive the book. It's such a great commemoration of Beth's courage and John's love for her and of how you have loved and served her so beautifully.

Y'all have a great evening with our Lord.

Ruth Ann

Time to start a new week!

See you there!

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