Christian Photographers Community

No More Double-Mindedness

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways (James 1:8, KJV).
Have you ever found yourself wanting one thing but doing something totally opposite?

Like maybe after spending an hour at the gym, you decide to eat a bowl of ice cream. Chances are, you'll never reach your goal on the bathroom scale that way. Or you want a good marriage, but you want to keep being selfish. You want to make impulsive purchases at the mall and have financial growth and security. Or you're not ready to let go of your private addiction, but you want a growing relationship with God. Stop! It doesn't work that way. These things can't co-exist, and it's double-mindedness to want them to.

Change your thinking. Change your life.
Notice three things the Bible says about double-mindedness:

First, double-minded people are everywhere.
There is double-mindedness in all of us. There are competing things we want that we try to make go together. And we have to begin to think differently about this.

If I really want this, I'm not going to have that. I have to get off the fence and stop with the in-between. No more half-measures. I have to settle this. What do I really want?

Second, double-mindedness creates instability.
Are the kids wondering which Mom is coming home today? Is the extended family worried about how that uncle is going to act at the next family gathering? Are all the employees on edge anticipating what the office will be like when the boss arrives?

Or maybe it's you. You're unstable, and you know it. The people around you sure know it. You're unpredictable. You might try to hide it in public, but people close to you see it and they never know what to expect from you. The bottom line is that you want two things that can't coexist, and it makes you unstable.

Third, double-mindedness affects everything.
Seriously, everything. The guy who is double-minded about his marriage? It's affecting his career. The woman who's double-minded about her finances? It's affecting her parenting.

You might protest, "I make some bad financial decisions, but I would never do anything to hurt my family!" Well, you actually are. Double-mindedness affects everything.

Ending double-mindedness isn't easy, but it's pretty simple. You have to want to think differently. And you have to take action that reinforces your desire.

Later in that same chapter of James, we read, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (James 1:22, ESV).

Are you ready to put an end to double-mindedness?

Want what God wants. Seek His ways in His Word. Confess your desire for two things that cannot coexist, and put off the behavior that is keeping you from doing the thing that will make you more like Christ.

JOURNAL

In which areas of your life do you find yourself wanting two things that you know can't go together?
How does this area of double-mindedness create instability for you or someone close to you?
PRAY

Lord God, I confess that I don't always want what You want. Sometimes I desire one thing but act in a totally different way. I confess that my behavior can create instability in other areas of my life and hurt those around me. Thank You, Lord, for opening my eyes to my double-mindedness. Help me to think differently. By Your grace, help me to do the things that reflect Your power in my life. In Jesus' name, amen.

Many years ago (about 25) a very dear friend asked me to pray for her grandson Justin.  Every time we would talk it was please pray for Justin.  We both did.  Then I met Justin.  A young fellow, with long blond hair, beating on his drums. Boy he was good.....I happen to love a good drum playing.
I developed a relationship  with his mom, and dad. His grandparents moved and I started driving truck. I remembered the plea to pray for Justin.
He started going to church regularly, started dating the pastors daughter, finished school, and started working.  The pastor mentored him, and there was growth.  He owned his own business making ice, added to that was jugged water. As the years passed the business was sold, and a full time job was the next move in appliances.  He freely shared his faith in God, on and off the job. Other employees complained, however God honoured him as he continues to share and sell appliances.  He had the highest sales in the store.
He met and married his wife, a beautiful young lady, (not the pastor's daughter) and they now have 3 beautiful girls and Justin is the youth pastor in the church where he was mentored.
I have many times told him "God has answered your grandmother's prayers!"

Justin wrote the above devotional.  Do you agree God has answered prayer?

Greetings Everyone  A new month is here and this saying sums up June for me.   It is the month of June, The month of leaves and roses, When pleasant sights salute the eyes and pleasant scents the noses.  Ellie
 

Greetings Everyone    I saw this splendid quote on peace  and I must share it with you  "Every breath we take, every step we make, can be filled with peace, joy and serenity."    Ellie

Good  morning Ellie. Iams so sick of the racism in this country.

Marilyn...
... i know what you are refering to ( tv news footage, ) as if there is not enough in our countries to worry about, our C - Virus... so why must people add more..

From Chris
"The end of all things is at hand so be sober and keep praying. And above all keep fervent love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without grudging."
1Peter4.
The end of all things does indeed seem much closer,with wars everywhere, earthquakes.. more now than there ever was, volcanos erupting, viruses becoming deadly, and so We are encouraged to pray... For what especially?
That we shall be knit together in love, that we should be generous towards each other. This nucleus called the family of God is a very special body of God's grace and mercy.
We shall all be gone to a better place sooner or later.. Let's show God's great grace to all while we are here, give and do not count the cost, you won't need it where you are going!

Greetings Marilyn  I am cannot stand racism in any country.  No matter what colour a persons skin is, we are all equal.   Ellie   

Ellie...
... same here, I either like someone, or i dont like someone....

*************************************

If there is to be peace in the world,
There must be peace in the nations.
If there is to be peace in the nations,
There must be peace in the cities.
If there is to be peace in the cities,
There must be peace between neighbors.
If there is to be peace between neighbors,
There must be peace in the home.
If there is to be peace in the home,
There must be peace in the heart.

(Lao-Tse - 6th Century BCE)

***************************************

Bless those who are peacemakers,
From all creeds and cultures,
All who bring no other agenda
Than to see neighbour and stranger
Live together as one community.
A: Bless the peacemakers
B: Strengthen and bless them

©John Birch

Thank you for the great devotion, Judy, and for the good music, which I will come back to hear.  I have an eye appointment in a few minutes.

I wanted to pop in and tell you that we have been away for five days.  We went to visit my sister and husband in Hershey, Nebraska, planned to stay three days, but car died and we stayed five days.  I think it was a God thing, because our visit made her feel a lot better.  She has cancer, and hadn't had much company at all, and Vernon is trying to take care of everything, so he is tired and stressed.  I was able to take over the cooking and washing dishes for him (he dislikes those jobs!) and also cut and curled her hair, and you all know how much better that makes us ladies feel.  We had such a sweet visit, and I have promised to come see her at least once a month.  It's a five hour drive, but Darrel, bless his sweet heart, is willing to drive us there. 

Off to get my eyes checked--see you later!

Good to see you back Janet, glad you were able to go and help your sister and brother in law. I am sure they appreciated it.

I have a notice that my post had errors and had to be corrected.  What errors.

Trying to write - hope everyone is well.

Well, that note went through.  Hallelujah!  For a while, I thought this wouldn't work - I deleted my longer message - guess it wasn't important anyway.  What is more important is to keep on keeping on.  Staying on our message of trusting the Lord to get us through this roller coaster time in life.   

Chris Saunders
8 hrs ·
"For the time is come that judgement must begin at the house of God, and if it begins with us, what will be the end of those who don't obey the Gospel of God? I Peter4.

God's judgement must begin with His own people, all through history that has been obvious, we are His by grace alone and shall never be cast off and we are liable for judgement. And with many false churches today. God must shake us true believers up
We have to judge each other and check our own pulses too. We must desire to be perfect. He tells us that if we judged ourselves and tested each other then we would not be judged by Him. As flint sharpens flint, so one man sharpens another, that is why fellowship is so import.
We keep an eye on and encourage each other. We know how to live right.. But we can become careless and slipshod in our ways " it's only a little one" but small sins lead to big sins.
Be careful, be watchful, we are not yet perfect.

Greetings Jackie  This is one splendid peace quote    'Peace is a daily, a weekly, a monthly process, gradually changing opinions, slowly eroding old barriers, quietly building new structures'.   Ellie
 

Judy...
... noticed that two days ago, June 6th would have been a very special day for sister Pat, our forums founder Pat Scott Halbach...it would have been her 80th Birthday...that day must have been a hard day for you and your family to have gotten through..

Where is everyone, three days and no one posting.. 

Greetings Jackie  I am here, did you find the quote a splendid one?   Ellie

Greetings Everyone  This peace quote is few in words, 'Peace is its own reward'  It is a splendid quote.    Ellie

Well one day we shall all be " at Peace " whether we like it or not...

Greetings Jackie  I hope and pray for peace.   Ellie   

Ellie...
...that's all we can do..whether we see it in our lifetime, or maybe our next generations..As my late father often would say " we live in hope, girl," we certainly do..

Greetings Everyone  'Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love'.

Francis of Assisi


Ellie

Good day Jackie, Pat's birthday is the 10th of June, my brother's was the 10th of September, I was late on the 15th of July. Mom's due date for me was also the 10th.

May 20th, is a harder date. Pat and Jack were married on the 20th Jack passed away in January 2001 and Pat was buried on their anniversary date! She so missed he beloved Jack.  Her second husband Paul passed away about 3 weeks later. We all miss Pat and Jack, Jack loved his family as well as our family. He has a prayer book with all the people he prayed for. Pat continued with the prayer book. In the archives here you can read many of Jack's messages.  Yes May is a difficult month.

We have Heather and Jon coming tonight. Tomorrow they will work on the garden with me, I pray for a large good crop.  It is big enough to feed most of the family. We are giving veggies to all the family who helps us with the garden.  The coming year will be hard with high food costs. Thankfully we have a neighbour who has a beef farm, and 2 hunters in the family who will also bring in meat.  I wanted 3 young pigletts to help clear brush and have for pork in the autumn, however I believe we can get pork cheaper in the warehouse store we call Costco. (For those in the UK)... Heather and I want to arrange to get Layer hens because we go through so many eggs in a week. Easily 21 for breakfast alone then more for baking.  We have access to bread flour, and yeast, so I believe except for milk we have all areas covered.

Thought for today, from Our Daily Bread

Psalm 149:1–5
When the school year began, fourteen-year-old C.J. would hop off the bus every afternoon and dance down his driveway. His mom recorded and shared videos of C.J.'s after-school boogie time. He danced because he enjoyed life and "making people happy" with every move. One day, two garbage collectors took time out of their busy work schedule to stomp, spin, and sway with the young boy who inspires others to dance with him. This trio demonstrates the power of sincere and infectious joy.

The writer of Psalm 149 describes the original source of enduring and unconditional joy—God. The psalmist encourages God's people to join together and "sing to the Lord a new song" (v. 1). He invites Israel to "rejoice in their Maker" and "be glad in their King" (v. 2). He calls us to worship Him with dancing and music (vv. 1–3). Why? Because "the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory" (v. 4).

Our adoring Father created us and sustains the universe. He delights in us just because we're His beloved children. He designed us, knows us, and invites us into a personal relationship with Him. What an honor! Our loving and living God is our reason for everlasting joy. We can rejoice in the gift of His constant presence and be grateful for every day our Maker has given us.

This is the hymn Pat sang on May 20th 1961, during the service of her wedding.  She sounded like an angel.
.







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
 
 

In case the link above doesn't work here it is again.  This is actually the tune she sang to.

Judy B..
... apologies, it was on the S & F's site as the 6th but on our forum site as the 10th June, today..

...yes there is always a significant date that several occurrences fall on, for me it is now 11th April and all for the sad memories of when we - i, lost our dog number one, my MS diagnoses, and recently the sudden loss of my Richard...a date that will always bring sadness to me..

...oh i so miss our Larry Hanna, his daily regular postings...his outlook would always lift everyones day..the goodness in his heart...

"God Stuff"

2 Chronicles 34–36
John 19:1–22
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

Today's Scripture & Insight:

1 Peter 3:13–18
Most of Mike's co-workers knew little about Christianity, nor did they seem to care. But they knew he cared. One day near the Easter season, someone casually mentioned that they'd heard Easter had something to do with Passover and wondered what the connection was. "Hey, Mike!" he said. "You know about this God stuff. What's Passover?"

So Mike explained how God brought the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. He told them about the ten plagues, including the death of the firstborn in every household. He explained how the death angel "passed over" the houses whose doorframes were covered by the blood of a sacrificed lamb. Then he shared how Jesus was later crucified at the Passover season as the once-and-for-all sacrificial Lamb. Suddenly Mike realized, Hey, I'm witnessing!

Peter the disciple gave advice to a church in a culture that didn't know about God. He said, "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have" (1 Peter 3:15).

Because Mike had been open about his faith, he got the chance to share that faith naturally, and he could do so with "gentleness and respect" (v. 15).

We can too. With the help of God's Holy Spirit, we can explain in simple terms what matters most in life—that "stuff" about God.

By:  Tim Gustafson

Greetings Everyone    Gee, I do  miss Larry.  One word sums him up, a Gentleman.  He had wit, never judgmental and although he was not a very well man, he put others before himself.    Ellie   

It took a little while but I found a way to check in on everyone.  Thanks be!!!

We have had oldest son visiting while he goes through a couple of days of hospital tests.  He drives from out-of-state to this world class hospital and they treat people just lovingly.  - about two times a year, he comes here.  We give thanks for every meeting - so fortunate to have this wonderful care.

Otherwise, I keep on keeping on with special cleaning care and cooking - Missing the closeness of friends and family - we can sit outdoors now spaced apart.

This city is still having criminal activities and they act up by throwing rocks and any meanness they can think of.  One son is working so hard getting glass replaced in the many buildings he has to handle  Stressful job - the wicked ones taunt and are pretty much out of control at times.  I still think our National Guard should have been brought in. 

Church is still closed.

Judy:  I didn't realize you had little piggies  - You two are very self-sufficient when it comes to living in the country.  How wonderful to have family close enough and they can help in your great garden.  Can you take a picture sometime as it grows? 


 

I''m so happy!  I actually got an email notification today!  Apologies for days of absence, My days get so busy, and at the end of the day I wonder why?  Why do I stay so busy I don't make those calls to family and friends I need to make, and do this, and that, and....  Sigh.  Again, I promise to try to do better!

Yes, Larry is much missed.  I wonder how his wife Pat is doing, and his son. I don't guess any of us on here hears from either of them, do we?

I used to tease "our" Pat about being OLDER than me.  She was ten days older, so that tells you how young I will be on the 19th.  My question is, "How did I get here so quickly?"    I do enjoy my life, I feel good, and am so thankful for all the blessings God gives me, every single day!  May I never fail to be grateful, is my daily prayer.

I enjoyed painting again today, painted a small seascape from a photo I took in
Ecuador, and finished one of a sea turtle.    Painting makes me happy and keeps me sane!

I'm getting new glasses.  They won't help the Macular Degeneration, but should help the double vision. 

Judy, that big garden sounds lovely.  I'd like to have just a small one, but our rototiller quit, and neither of us is able to do heavy digging anymore.  The ground here gets as hard as concrete when it's dry, have to soak it before we can dig.  So this year all our gardening is in containers.

We had horrible winds here yesterday--gusting to 80mph!!  It did a lot of damage, but I didn't see any here on our place, thank God.

Carol, glad you're still doing what you need to do and getting to see your kids. I wish I could see mine more often, but Kerri and her boys are too far away.

Jackie, good to see you're hanging in here with us. 

Ellie, hope all is well with you.

I will stop before this turns into a novel.  Good to "see" all of you today!

Hello everyone.  I wn\ent to the dr, last Thursday a week ago now. She told me When "I look at you I don't see 80" I don't feel 80 either.

All is well her on the south western coast of Oregon. Keith continues to progress in  the awful disease of Alz. Today I am going to lung  with two other Furry friends while the housekeeper is here.Although, Keith can stay by himself for  a wile  from time to time. He is here alone when I walk the dog.

Greetings Janet    Life is splendid, I would say it was splendid, if it wasn't!  Kept busy with hubby.  I have organised a daily physiotherapy programme for him, that suits his condition.  Sitting here with a glass of wine and sending you a message, what could be better.  Splendid thought, another glass of wine!        Ellie

Marilyn, it is interesting how close in age so many of us on this forum are.  We have watched several of our friends lose health battles and go on to heaven.  Heaven is looking sweeter to me all the time, as more and more people I love relocate there.  And with the terrible things going on in our world, in our own country, I am looking forward to making the move myself!  (Just not on the next load!)  Glad Keith is still able to be left alone for short periods of time.  And that you can get out with your Furry Friends friends.  We all need some "me time."

Hello, Ellie, good to see that all is splendid with you!  We all have our particular things that we need to do, and enjoying them makes them so much easier.

Hello, Carol.  I hope you are doing well.  And that we can meet in person sometime.  I always wanted so much to meet Larry and Pat, and he invited me to come, but that didn't happen, so I look forward to a long visit with him in heaven.  And with so many others....But we will have eternity to catch up, and I'm told that eternity is a long, long time! 

Judy, thank you so much for keeping this site going.  I know you are always busy, and I appreciate your efforts to keep us in touch.  My Mom used to say, "If you want anything done, ask a busy person."  I thought that sounded crazy, until I came to understand that those are the ones who get things done!  Anyway, big hugs and thanks and smiles for you today!

I had a frustrating day today, trying to get a title to John's car, which he seems to have lost.  This is the last (I hope) big piece of getting his affairs settled, and I will be SO relieved when it's all done.  But it's looking like we will need a lawyer to help with this part.

I pray God's peace and blessings on each one of you.  When I got home from trying to get the title straightened out, I was so tired that I went to bed and straight to sleep at 7:00. Now it's past midnight and here I am--but I'm going back to try to get more sleep.  Goodnight!

Greeting Janet   I have 30 minutes before I commence hubbys programme of exercises.  This old box of tricks as I call the computer is playing up.  could be an hour then        Ellie

This has been a better, at least less stressful day for me.  Got my hair done this morning, had a visit with my BFF Dee, and this afternoon, had a pedicure!  Oh, my feet feel ever so much better now!  Who gave me a pedicure?  ME!!  It was difficult, but I needed it so much.  But Darrel did polish my toenails! 

I hope more of you come in and say hello tomorrow.  You are missed!

This morning I just felt cranky. With an up and coming dr. annual visit coming soon, they mailed all different instructions.  So tired of all these changes when I try to enter information into the computer.  I just want to shout - Leave well enough alone! 

OK - I vented a bit so now that feels better. 

The riots are still going on here nightly.  So much damage and buildings unfit for workers to return.  I cannot understand the lack of reason for keeping business open and safe. 

Don is having pain all over and I mean all over - he cannot get in the Veterans Administration

 - only online and He did have about a half hour of pain free resting in the chair this morning.

We  had a visit from oldest son and sat outdoors thankful to chat in person.  They are driving through all the parks to his home in Montana.  It is beautiful now and perhaps they can see some newborn animals - especially the Bison.  His latest doctor tests show that he had Tuberculosis at some point.  He ran a company in Puerto Rico and had to be there a lot - the doctors say it is fine now and curable easily.  He cannot give anyone the disease so that is a blessing.  Isn't life interesting? 

Marilyn:  Can you get some part-time help and get out of the house - I am thinking the family might contribute to a caregiver at least a few hours a week. 

It is sunny and skies are clearer than ever - that is a good thing. 

 



   

from Chris

"They have left the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness.
He was rebuked for his sin, the dumb ass speaking with a man's voice forbade the madness of the prophet. 2 Peter 2.

If you love money, Love possessions
more than you love your Creator and Saviour then you are blind, and your blindness will lead you into hell.
There is hope for you if God in His great love for you intervenes in your life, He even gave voice through a donkey, which had more sense than a lot of people, certainly more than the covetous Balaam.
This man had his heart so fixed on honour and possessions that it needed something out of the ordinary to halt him in his tracks!
But don't count on miracles from God to change your ways, you might be going headlong on a covetous way of life, and He might just let you go that way, wake up, life is shorter than you think, people are dying all around you. Don't die in your sins.

Carol I have a friend of  mine as a housekeeper once a week  to do the cleaning. She will fix his lunch and keep him company while I get out for a couple of hours of respite. I wish I could ship him off to Vancouver Washington for a weekend so I could go to California to see Gilbert's new place and relax  without having to take care of Keith. If I take him there I have to be alert to his every move even as I try to sleep at night. He wouldn't be able to remember where the  bathroom is and I would have to get up and show him. We will be going there for Christmas but I want to go alone the first time. It is located  in an opening in the forest and I don't need Keith trying to give me directions that he has no clue about.

Janet I was thinking the same thing about the ages of our friends here on CP. I think about those we have sent on to heaven and also those who don't post any more, I wonder how Nita is doing. We live  so lose to each other and I never see her or hear from  her. She is probably within 4 miles of me 10 or so minutes.

Hello to everyone else, Jane Sherry, Ellie, Jackie, Judy,  Sue, Jeanne, Darlene.

Daily devotion from church - "Do not be anxious! "  This is from Philippians.
Our church posts a devotion daily - this one fits for all the days we are enduring.  Just going to get groceries is so hard on people - I am so fortunate that I can order online and drive up to the side door where they load the groceries.  The store demands - no tipping.  These jobs help the young people with a bit of income.  Now, I read, testing is going on for robots to be the checkers in near future.  How sad it will be to lose these jobs for many many seniors.

Yesterday was my annual physical - as required.  The parking lot was almost empty and only one other patient in the front area.  All of us in masks.  They had added a 2nd. door to the front as you go out, you do not walk through the waiting area.  No one took my temperature but I take it daily and so thankful for normal number. 

Judy:  Thank you for posting thoughts from

Middle son has finished his bout with Shingles and he is so happy.  Me too - We miss visiting so much, he can walk from his house down the hill and he often rode his bike for exercise. He still rides his bike but won't enter our house for safety sake.  Isn't this bizarre?

Time to iron

Judy:   Thank you for posting thoughts from Chris. 

Wishing everyone is well - so very thankful to come to this special place.   





 

 

Greetings Marilyn  Hello to good friend.  Ellie

Hello to all of you!

Carol, so good to catch up with you a bit.  So sorry your hubby is hurting so much.     Mine is very slow, but he is still up and going, doing a bit of gardening and such.  He enjoys the little dogs, so I guess they are earning their keep.    We went back to the gym today, it is fully open, with the only restrictions being to wash our hands both when arriving and leaving, and to clean every piece of equipment used.  And when I called to order two meals from the senior center, they said they are open again, as of yesterday, so we went there for lunch.  It was good to see people we hadn't seen since all this nonsense began.  Only a few were wearing masks.

We both went to the dentist yesterday.  They did take our temperature when we went in, that's no problem.
We have had one death in our county, but he had severe heart problems before he got Covid 19.

Marilyn, I hope you can find help so you can go to Gilbert's.  It's very hard, being a constant caregiver.
(((hugs))) --those are safe ones! 

I did another painting today.  Trying to loosen up with the watercolor.  I think it turned out pretty well.

We are planning to go back to Nebraska to see my dear sister again next week.  Her husband keeps telling me how bad she is, and she felt so much better while I was there.  She needs someone else to talk to besides him, and he needs some short breaks, as well. I'm so happy to be able to help them.

I am not at all afraid of this Wuhan Flu.  God says if I delight myself in Him and trust in Him that "NO plague shall come nigh my dwelling!"  And I refuse to live in fear.  I understand we all have our reasons for feeling as we do, and I am NOT criticizing anyone, just telling you how I am dealing with it.  We did get to have church in our building last Sunday, and it was wonderful to see everyone again!  How I have missed them!

Ellie and Jackie, come in and tell us what you have been up to!

Judy, thanks so much for keeping this site going for us.  I know you must get discouraged when so few post, but it is important to us, so I, for one, thank you.  I appreciate your efforts!

Marilyn, do you have Nita's contact information?  She might be really happy to hear from you!  And if you contact her, please tell her we all miss her in here.  I had no idea you lived so close to each other!

Thankyou everyone for posting and staying in touch.  I think of you all each day and try to find songs and posts of interest to everyone.

Janet you hit the nail on the head.  I have no sense of fear at all.  If I get covid and die I will be ahead of so many others... If I don't get covid, I will stay and continue encouraging and giving out the gospel in many ways so I will be ahead then as well.

 Philippians 1:21-23 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better.

Either way He has won!!!

Greetings Janet     What have I been up to?    I had an early start with hubby's physiotherapy programme, he does have a splendid physio 😊.    We, that is my friend and yours truly went out to lunch at a wonderful small restaurant.  Good food and what we call a chinwag, catching up on the latest gossip!   With Covid-19, if we follow the guidelines of plenty of hand washing, during the day.  Wearing a face mask, not a paper one, but a fabric one.  Wiping surfaces and door handles with antibacterial tissues.   Combined with keeping that 2 metre distance between whoever we meet during the day, we should remain Covid-19 free.    Ellie

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
1 Peter 1:15-16

Chris Saunders
 
"The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night, when the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth and all the works in it will be burnt up.
Seeing that everything will be dissolved what manner of persons ought we to be, in all Holy conversation and Godliness.
Looking for the coming of the Lord.
2 Peter 3.
We cannot live like the world and be looking for Jesus returning.
It's impossible, its a complete no no,
It's one or the other, for if we are in the world and part of it we will be afraid of His sudden return. A thief does not advertise his coming, suddenly he is here, and it's too late.
Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour shall appear suddenly.. To the dismay of the worldly.
Live right, talk right, work for the Kingdom of God. Not like Jehovah's witnesses, who try to work for their salvation, but do the works that He called us to do after He saved us.
We are His chosen people.. Let's live like it.

Happy Birthday JANET

It is dark and threatening rain outdoors.  I just walked up to get the mail even though Don told me it was only a car sale card.  We can look at our mail through the internet before it arrives.  Is that ever neat - certainly not necessary but saves a walk up there in the snow at times. 

Our oldest son was diagnosed with Tuberculosis several weeks ago - they said it was probably caught in Puerto Rico (his business trips).  Today, the news is he does not have the disease - never had the disease.  This is a top hospital - no explanation, of course. We will take the good news.

Thank you Judy and Chris for your messages - keep on encouraging. 





 

Hello Friends!  Thanks for the birthday wishes, Carol.  My daughter called and said, "I can't believe my mother is turning 80!"  My answer?  ""Neither can she!"  But I am healthy, happy and well cared for by my heavenly Father, so the number of years doesn't matter!

We had a wonderful rain last night!  Not too much, but what a nice relief from the brutal heat and constant dry wind.  Thank You, Lord!  The little dogs were out early in the morning, and when the white one finally came to the house, she wasn't white anymore--she was a mudball.  So we began our day by bathing the dog.  She's really good about it; stands very still for us, so that's nice.

Darrel took me out to dinner tonight, and they gave me a Sopapilla Delight because it's my birthday.  I was so stuffed, so I took the dogs for a two mile walk.  That was plenty, just about wore me out.  And I still feel stuffed.  Ugh.  Why did I eat so much? 

I didn't sleep at all well last night, so I'm heading to bed now.  Sweet dreams, everyone!

Janet...sending BELATED 80TH BIRTHDAY WISHES..

Greetings Janet   And belated Birthday wishes from us both. 

https://capforcanada.com/4000-christians-murdered-in-burkina-faso-trudeau-provides-63-million-per-year/?fbclid=IwAR0l1Zql0WGWnseK8ps-FEF5xhGmrEK-zVWdSld-MddmZThnPG6G_v3ULE8


Revelation 6:9
When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained;

I read the above link, and was instantly reminded that those believers are under the alter of God.  Don't despair friends, this is end times, we who believe in Christ, will be with Him in glory!

EVEN SO COME LORD JESUS!!!

I am working with Keith's sons to set dates for when I can send Keith up there. They are working  to get them all together to spend time with their dad. I have arranged for a ride as far as Eugene and then one of the wives will pick Keith there. On the return trip it will be the same. and I can spend  3 nights and 4 days at Gilbert's

We have quite cool weather today, Rain and a dramatic drop in temperature.  John just started the furnace, it is that cool and very damp.  Yes we need the rain, and the garden is doing well. Sometimes I think the weeds grow faster.

Have a wonderful evening folks I will be back tomorrow!

Judy:  Sometimes we forget about what is happening in the world - thank you for your notice on parts of Africa.  Horrible times and it just is so irritating that politicians worry about gender equality when lives are being crushed.  How terribly sad.

Can you hear the thunder?  We are expecting an afternoon storm with damaging wind and hail.  We are hoping it passes before we pick up our grocery online list - the bring it to the trunk.  Everyone in Colorado heads for cover with out terrible hailstorms.  This place has had 3 new roofs since living her well, I think it has been three.  That is why we had to have a garage.  I always worry about the animals besides children - they are all being home schooled now.  I mean children, not the animals   

Marilyn:  I hope all goes well for your planned "vacation" - much needed!

Janet:  Can you hear the thunder from here?  It is headed your way.....

Greetings, friends!  I have been away again, to Nebraska to help and take care of my dear sister and brother-in-law.  They love having us come.  Sis is 84 and has had Multiple Myeloma cancer for close to two years now.  It started in her bones, now has left her bones and is in her skin.  It causes big knots in her skin, some as large as walnuts.  Some break open; some don't.  She has one on the bridge of her nose that is very troubling because she has to wear a sleep mask at night.  Anyway!  It's always good to be home again.  I promised her I will come once a month, and my wonderful husband doesn't mind driving me at all. Thank You, Lord, for Darrel.

It's almost time to leave for church, so this won't be long.  When I come back, I will tell you about my wonderful birthday party!!!

I'm Baack!  Our church starts at 9:15, so we always get out early.  Then we went to Garcia's and had some Mexican food for lunch.

My birthday was on the 19th.  (Thank you all for the nice birthday wishes!)  I suspected my daughter Diane was planning something, so I waited all day an into evening....nothing.  Finally I said to Darrel, "Well it's my birthday, but I don't think anything is going to happen," so he took me out to supper.  On Saturday, I was expecting youngest daughter, and she got here about 2:00.  We visited for about two hours, then she said she would like to go to Bear Creek Coffee for a glass of their special tea, so I changed my clothes (thank God!) and we went to Bear Creek.  When I opened the door, there was a shout of "Surprise!!!"  Boy, they got me! (Darrel was in on it all the time, but he didn't say a word!)
I really WAS surprised!

There was a good crowd of friends, lovely decorations, flowers, huge cake, many cards and gifts.  And Diane had gotten a wide purple sash with "80 and Fabulous" and a tiara with lots of rhinestones and "80" on it! They made me feel SO special!!  I was still walking two feet off the floor three days later!  What a wonderful family and friends I have!

When we go to Nebraska, Darrel and I take over the things Vernon dislikes doing.  He has done farm work and other stuff outdoors all his life, so had never done housework, cooking, cleaning, laundry, and really has no idea how to shop for groceries!  And of course, he is doing his best, but how happy he is to have relief for a few days!  It does him as much good as all my attention to my sister does her!  I do the cooking and the dishes, and this trip gave Sis a pedicure and manicure, also did her hair again.  Next time, I want to take her to a beauty shop for a "quarantine haircut correction."  I cut her hair last time and really made a mess of it, but it still looks better than it did before, I just want it to look better still.     Anyway, that's my mission for however long...to go there once a month and be a blessing!

It's HOT here; on its way up to 104* today.  Ugh.  I need to go water my flowers before it gets any hotter!

Marilyn, glad you're able to work things our for your trip, and for Keith's family to see him.  You need a break, too.

These are the last two lines from a new song we have been singing at church:
The Resurrected Lord
Is Resurrecting me!

Hallelujah!  And may God bless each of you today!

Clothes are washing  and Don needed a little nap. I just finished fixing a new password to the hospital -  I now have a total of 40 passwords all totaled to various places.  Yes, that is not what I wanted but computers took over my life.    I have an ordinary procedure this week at the hospital so am checking notes on the fridge all the time so I don't make any mistakes on the pre-orders. The fridge and freezer are full for Don's meals so he is taken care of - thankful it isn't an overnight stay. 

Janet:  How very nice it was for you to help your sister and Darrel is so good about making the drive.  We are not going into any place now - church is still closed.  Every time they open something up, the numbers of cases rises so fast.  The stone-throwing mobs are getting less and less in the city - but still pop up.

Keep on being super careful. 
   

Just spoke with our 80 plus year young friend in Tucson. She is so sharp  but I heard from another neighbor that she was upset about this quarantine and fearful.  Lots of smoke keeps her indoors right now - there is a huge fire in the area. 

Glad you are back Janet.  It is sad to see our loved ones suffer. 
Elizabeth works in an aboriginal store.  She called me yesterday to pray for her bosses brother. He has incurable cancer.  They are euthanizing him Tuesday or Thursday of this coming week.  It is hard to know what to pray. All I can pray is that His will be done.

I sent this out to my phone contacts this morning.

As believers we are tied together by the LORD's love for us.  Different parts of one body. Still one body though.  We need to unite daily and pray for our country and our leaders, including Justin Trudeau.  God is able to work miracles when His Bride unites and prays.

Carol no vacation for me. I am not going to travel any place at this time. I don't want to get  the virus as I will definitely not survive with my lung problem and age. We will just have to wait and try to be patient, LOL

Judy, is euthanasia legal there???  How horrible!  So many situations requiring prayer, hard to fit them all into our days.

Carol, hope your procedure goes without incident and you are back home quickly!

Marilyn, I understood you were making arrangements to go to Gilbert's.  Did I misunderstand that?

I read a book last night and today, a good one.  Hadn't done that in a while!

See you all tomorrow!

Janet to your question Yes.  It is terrible.  John had knee replacement surgery in Feb., and the person across the hall from him took the euthanasia route.  Doctors playing God.

Was out mowing this afternoon. I have about another 2 hours to go, which I will get done tomorrow.  We are in a heat wave, so I am taking outside work in smaller batches.

Now (5.00pm) I had better get supper ready. John will want an early night.

Good night everyone!

Janet I WAS planning a trip to Gilbert's but the trip is off. I don't want to travel 4.5 hours and have to stop for potty breaks along the way. I am not much into public bathrooms in the first place but with this virus I can't take any chances. I would not survive if I got it, not with COPD and my lungs being so bad already. I worry about Keith and the animals, who would take care of Keith if anything happens to me.

I sent my application for Medicaid in today. My  heart medication went up by $50 this month I can imagine what my inhalers will cost. Since we got my car in  tip top condition last month and the cost was outrageous  we now qualify for medicaid and the extra help from SS for my medications.

 With what the garage charged I could have purchased another car. I told them this was my last car and I needed it to be in perfect condition but I found out too late that I could have taken it elsewhere and not paid half as much.

I'm sorry you had to change your plans, Marilyn.  Car repairs are terribly expensive, and I guess we need to get several estimates before we let them touch our car!

I'm so upset at our dictator (governor) because she issued a MANDATORY order that EVERYONE has to wear face masks, beginning July 3 until...?  Even outdoors, if we cannot stay 6 feet apart, which we can always do here. Not sure what I will do, but I am NOT wearing a muzzle just to please her!  I cannot get enough oxygen with one on.  I feel great and don't want to make myself sick using a stupid mask which has been proven useless anyway. I'm glad I live in a small town.......  Even though there are a few "snitches" who delight in reporting people for minor infractions since this Covid nightmare started.

What a great time this would be for the Rapture, don't you agree?  Even so, COME, Lord Jesus!

I plan to go paint with my friends tomorrow.  Maybe for the last time for a while, if they all agree to wear masks.  I know there are a couple who are fearful, so will wear them.  I will stay home if that's what it takes to maintain my health and freedom.

We just got word today that our bus trip to the Black HIlls and Yellowstone has been canceled.  ;(

I'm going to look for a good sermon on this computer!

Love you all, stay safe and well.

Judy:  I had no idea Canada has euthanasia practice.  Shocked at hearing the quiet and gentle people let that happen. 

There are so many sad stories these days - canceling just about anything fun and normal.  I keep waiting for the "cure" to be announced.  Then, there will be a rush of me me me first. 

Janet:  It is annoying, isn't it?  I am going to tell you this - just do it! There are different masks that are thinner and you can breath better. Take care of yourself and all relatives and friends.  We are nowhere close but sure do not want to lose you - this is one of our greatest moments in our history and how we react to this crisis marks us forever.  Certainly, I am not a scientist but will listen to the latest news on how to stem the flow of more cases. Right now, this is all we have on the latest information.  Hugs to you - and all the family.  Do it for your family, please. 

We cancelled a drive to Minnesota.  Don has a cousin in her late 90's and she lives alone & is doing so well, writes beautiful letters to us keeping up to date with everything.  We are missing the visits with cousins and friends. 

Morning routine of reading is back and I am re-reading "Jesus Always" by Sarah Young.  She wrote "Jesus Always" and I have that book to re-read again.  Remembering how soothing to the spirit she writes.