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Morning Devotional...

Psalm 27

In this psalm the worshippers declare their faith to one another, to any who will listen, and to the very angels of God.  It's what we should want to do, too.

They sing, "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" They're just saying that God is the One Who can shed light on the problems, the difficulties, and even the meaning of life.  They make it clear that relationship to Him is what makes everything meaningful, supplies overcoming grace, and inspires the fortitude needed in every situation.  Simply put - no matter who or what the problem - GOD's light and salvation are the answer.  So you can sing, "Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident!"

Having such complete confidence, there's only one thing more needed - that it might never cease!  So with the psalmist you would understandably go on to  sing, "One thing I have desired of the Lord, (and) that will I seek - that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple."  It's great to be in the temple singing this song - but what you also need is to stay there, to always be be looking to Him, and never to go elsewhere for help.  Then, if God grants you this prayer, (and you know from this psalm that He will)  then you can sing, "He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock."  You'll be safe and immoveable in Him!

So join the singers of this psalm, and then you can be truly confident in life.  You can sing, "And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord!"

That's real faith, and with it you can  pray, "Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice!  Have mercy upon me, and answer me!"  You can do that because God Himself has called you to do it.  You can sing, "When You said, 'Seek My face,' my heart said to You, 'Your face, Lord, I will seek.'"  You know that, even in the most extreme emergency, even if your own father and mother forsake you, even then - "the Lord will take care" of you!

So then you can go on to sing,  "Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies."  You can also  confess that you would indeed have lost heart if you hadn't believed that you would indeed "see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living."

So - actually having such solid, joyful faith in the Lord - you can also turn to your fellow worshippers and sing to them, "Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!"

God is like this with you, even when you don't realize it. So - is your relationship with Him the foundation for everything you do?  Is He the One you're seeking today?  Do you love Him, so that your ultimate aim is to go and be with Him forever? Based on that relationship, do you pray as He's invited you to pray?  And do you share the joy of that relationship as often as possible with brothers and sisters in the congregation of those who love and worship Him?  That's the way it should be in the life of every Christian!
Al Moak

Here's a hymn that reflects these thoughts.  Just click to hear the music.

I love that song!

Janet, we also a baptism yesterday.  Our church does not have a baptistry, so we baptize in a river a few miles from the church.  The air temperature was about 53*F  (about 11 C) and the water was, well, I don't even want to speculate.  It is a mountain stream that is cold in the Summertime.  We had 4 go through with it, though one did mention he kinda wished he was methodist.  Hahhhahahahahaha

I hope everyone has a wonderful week!

Hi everyone.  The day started out sunny but is now a bit overcast and think we have a chance of rain this afternoon.  We are also experiencing much colder weather with frost warnings for the next couple of nights.  Sure hope we don't get the hard freeze we had about this time last year.

The housekeeper is here and when I got home from coffee and a few rounds of walking this morning I found my wife and she had done a major job in Pat's sewing/computer room.  They moved many things out and did major cleaning and rearranging.  I know Pat will be paying a price for the activity but it was her decision. 

Nothing else on the schedule today.

Karmat, I can't imagine being baptized in water that cold.  Fortunately our church had a tank that was used for that purpose and I don't remember the water being cold.

Al, that was a fine devotional on Psalm 27.  You write so well and thanks for sharing that with us for this week.

Marilyn, glad to see that you are home safely and that you had such a nice trip. 

Janet, glad you have a lighter workload on the near horizon. 

Samanta, sure hope Terry is feeling better today. 

Jane, did you try the number that had the asterisk? I don't think it should make a difference if that is a valid license.

Ruth, it sounds like you had a lovely anniversary dinner and I want to wish you a Happy Anniversary.  Pat and I will soon celebrate our 46th anniversary.

Etta Sue, I am sure you were happy to see your brother's car in the drive and lights on in his home.  It would have been ok with me if you had kept the cold weather up your way.

Al:  Thank you for devotions reminding us of using our consistent faith - after all, it is free! 

G'Morning all ... Seems as if yesterday was a good day for baptisms    There were four baptised from the congregation where I meet, too. 

Quote from: Larry Hanna on April 14, 2008, 11:00:03 AM

Jane, did you try the number that had the asterisk? I don't think it should make a difference if that is a valid license.

Yes, Larry, I did.  Still getting the message that that number is invalid.     Actually, the asterisk is after several of the items in that list.  The computer shop where I took mine is only open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  so I still have to wait until tomorrow.  No big deal ...

Thanks, Al, for the devotional thoughts on Psalm 27.

Al a wonderful devotional today.

Larry:   Were have all the wonderful years gone time goes so fast.

Marilyn:  Good to see you home.

Janet: Remember to get some sleep.

Another sunny cool day but I enjoy it very much.  I had another very interesting safety meeting to attend this morning, these are a once a month happening they do make you aware of many little things that can and do happen.

Running....

I have been to the dentist and now about to leave for the ENT.  Then photography guild tonight. 

I found out earlier that one of my classmates passed away in the night.  Then after I got home another classmate stopped here to see if I knew about it.  She is going to call all the classmates without email.  I will email.  Also another classmate had a stroke a week ago and is in rehab now.  May go home this weekend. 

Too much going on. 

Gotta run....

hello everyone, I have been so busy since I got home from work. Imowed the lawn, stopped to buy a  window guide for my drivers side window. Called the body shop to make an appointment to have it fixed. Now I am about to go walk the dogs.

I really did have a very nice weekend. He is coming here again in two weeks.

Boy, my tail feathers are a-draggin' tonight.  We worked in the garage all day, until after 5.  I got another coat of paint on the area we painted before; we got tons (literally) of stuff moved, thrown away, sorted, etc.  Man, I didn't know how much there really was in there. 

So once again, time to hit the sack.  Have to be at work at 6:30 AM.

God bless you (us) every one! 

 
     Good evening to all and it is so good to be reading all your posts. at my own house.  This past week was a real scare but the Lord know's what he is doing and as I have said we are not to question him.

Thank you Al for your devotional  and that song has been a favourite of min since the first time that I heard it in Toronto.

Our weather has been not to bad blue sky's and it is supposed to be much warmer this week.

Well again thanks for your contued prayer for my wife and I.

God bless you all this week.

Hi, friends,

Thank you for writing today. I'm trying to settle down tonight after a very hectic day at work.

Now, I'll be having that little cyst removed from my thumb tomorrow morning, and am supposed to rest that hand the remainder of the week.

Y'all have a good day, and a great week until I can get in here again.

I really liked the devotional, Al.  Also what Pat posted about being a Christian.  Things we must pay attention to, if we really are living a Christian life. 

I am certainly being put to the test these days.  Not always getting a passing mark!  Nothing but problems.  I won't bore anyone with the details.  My daughter, who is the most kind and gracious and loving person, is now ready to stand up and demand the products and work meet the standards promised.  Enough said.....

Our weather is so strange.  I had planned to go for a short walk this morning..the sun disappeared, rain poured down...and it got so cold!
Seems more like Feb. than the end of April.  We are normally wearing light clothing now and basking in the sunshine.

Janet, I also hate garage sales.  We have decided to simply give most things away to the Salvation Army again.  This is not stuff that one would normally just give away...not things that have been living in the garage.  Rather, things my daughter has decided not to bring back into the house when the updating is finished.  She is trying to cut her work load down and have much less dusting, etc.  Also,there are many expensive ornaments, pictures, etc.  We always do lots to help others and she even bakes and takes things into the store for the workers.  They have such a hard job, physically and also dealing with people.  But what goes around, comes around, so doing good is never a loss... 

My cat, Misty, is having a hard time dealing with the kids cat, Squeek.  Squeek has been staying with me until the work is done, and has decided to sleep on my bed at night.  Misty always comes in during the night, and curls up by my head.  She found Squeek there and gets so upset....paces the floor in the living room and 'meows'.  I got up last night and walked around holding her.  Did not want to take Squeek away from the bed, as she is old and very lonely for the kids.  Oh my, like having a couple of children to care for......

Glad that you had a nice time Marilyn.  Happy to hear that Larry is okay and Gord is home.  Good things are happening.  God is Good!  I had a bad morning due to the floor people.  Then the other day, the bathroom door decided to lock when I closed it from the outside.  Got locked out of the bathroom until Sophia, from next door, came and sprung the spring in the knob.  So when all the nasty things happen, I put on George Bev. Shea and listen to the old music.  When things are good, I put on Southern Gospel....Wish that I could get the kids to listen!

Oh, we had a little baby bunny get into the garage.  Don't know when as the door was open for the workmen .... it was without a blaze on its nose, so must have been out of the nest on it's own.  We tried to help it, put it in a rabbit cage with food and water, kept it warm, but it died shortly after.  So I had to find a box and then have my granddaughter bury it in the yard.  At least it was safe and not afraid at the end.  Always sad to have something like that happen to an innocent creature...

Pleasant Day/Evening and God Bless.

Liz

Gordon:  Great to see your post!

Liz:  It sounds like everyone is anti-cluttering these days.  Me too.  I really like Geo B. Shea. 

I put some items of furniture on Craig's List with pictures & they sold (in literally a minute) - the money is here & the couple will pick up on Wednesday.  Today, someone is coming to look at a picture of Texas Bluebonnets. 

A note from daughter who will be sending her daughter & possibly son to private school next year.

  B...... public school system;  ....  came home today & was in shock - his science teacher brought and READ a book on two gay male penguins that raised a chick.  The book is geared for 4-8 year olds & based on a "true" story from the New York zoo.  Google it at "Tango Makes Three".
   We called the superintendent to inquire.
    1.  Why would the teacher chose such a book for a science program that is studying animal
         reproduction?  This is not reproduction.
    2.  Is the book part of the regular curriculum?
    3.  There was no "heads up" for parents to opt out their kid.
    4.  With all other real science books out there, why this one?
    5.  Why such a controversial book - it made the top TEN of books Banned in schools/libraries.
    6.  Why a book for 4 - 8 year olds - these kids are 12 and 13?

Very frustrating and our taxes pay for this. 

Our granddaughter was just accepted at a private school - she is an excellent writer for age 10 and so happy about the change next year.  We don't know where grandson will go - of course, the school system is so crummy with no one being challenged enough in that district and A's are much too easy.  They are bored. 

Thank you for today's verse - I don't always remember to look to the left but it is comforting to see the verse. 

Carol (apologies for being so long)

Good Morning everyone, It is good to read all the posts, Gord I know how happy you are to be at home. I am praying for Ruth Ann this morning as she goes in for her hand surgery.

I over slept again this morning and woke up at 5:30 so I didn't get to Curves at my regular time. I will be going after I get off work at 11 am. This really throws my schedule all out of whack.  I could have gone but I wanted to that time with the Lord. I missed that yesterday morning.

I am taking my car in to the body shop on Thursday to have the window guide replaced again. It has been messed up again for  quite a few months and over the weekend when Keith put the window back up it got stuck when we tried to put it back down and would only go about 1½ inches down.

I posted  4 pics from the trip  in my gallery int he travel folder here. I also posted 1 of Keith, I know all y-all are so curious as to what he looks like. He is in the people folder.

That's all for now folks.

Hi everyone.  A beautiful day in Georgia and I don't think we had a freeze last night but one is forecast for tonight.  Just hope it doesn't do too much damage to the trees and plants.  I went to coffee this morning but passed on walking as haven't felt very well for the last 4 or 5 days and feel good this morning and am trying to stay that way.  Think I am just going to have to use trial and error and take it on a day-by-day basis.  Pat has gone to attend her quilting guild meeting this morning and I will attend a meeting and then get a prescription at K-mart and then get a haircut.  That will be the program for today.

I also need to make a couple of cards to send to my friend who is dying with liver cancer.  I talked with his brother this morning and he is weakening quickly and may have only a few more weeks to live.  The brother told me he feels that my friend is no longer up to visit but would appreciate cards.  So I will send him one individually and then get one signed by all the men who attend the Friday group a the senior center.  We sent him one from that group about 3 weeks ago.

Carol, it is very sad what is happening in our society and the breakdown of the moral fabric of our family structure.  I think your daughter is wise to put her children in private school.  

LIz, I agree with you on garage sales.  I very seldom attend one as sure don't need more things in the house and I hope we never have another one.  I think after the last one we had Pat decided it just wasn't worth all the work involved.  When we moved to this house we donated a lot of furniture and things to the Atlanta Mission.  Also after the last garage sale we loaded everything else up and took it to Goodwill rather than bring it back into the house.  I don't think we have missed a single thing that was discarded.

Ruth Ann, hope your surgery went well and that you can use the next few days to take care of yourself and recover.

Gord, good to see you posting.  I agree these health situation can be very distressing.  I would expect your concern is like mine in not being so much concerned about myself as I am for the stress and strain it puts on my wife.  

Janet, hope you weren't too tired to rest well last night.  I am sure your garage floor will look very nice when you are done with it.

Marilyn, you have a busy schedule but that is what keeps you young.  

Etta Sue, hope you enjoyed your guild meeting and also that your test went well.

Ruth, I agree that it is something to think back on how quickly the years of our lives have passed.  I guess the message in that is that we need to live each day as if it were our last and find the joys of today and not worry about the yesterdays or the tomorrows.

Jane, hope this is the day you get your computer problem solved.  

Guild was great.  Before the meeting we had one gentleman present a .ppt program of Wildflowers.  He started shooting Wildflowers two years ago and with a 10 acre woods behind him, most are from his woods.  He even told other names and their functions in the old days.  Very beautiful and educational. 

Now today, Ivalou and I went for my blood work and then to Perkins for breakfast.  I went to CVS trying to find charcoal gray eye brow pencil...no charcoal gray.  Just sent an email to Maybelline asking where and how I can purchase charcoal gray near me. 

Then this afternoon we are going to the funeral visitation for my classmate, Carolyn.  Then rush from there to Beef and Boards.  We are to see 'Showboat' tonight.  Sounds like fun! 

Bright and sunny here.  That always makes one feel better!! 

Maybe Thursday afternoon I can rest and relax.

As I said in SrNet...7/24th of 2008 is over!!

I'll try to get some pics today. But it looks like rain. We've had rain every day for 4 days. It makes it hard to get out and get pics of trees.

Hi gang.  Another busy day......worked until about 2:30, went to the care home to see about Beth.  They have decided to send her to Wichita by ambulance tomorrow (400 mile R.T.) for another MRI.  They will do "conscious sedation" using two drugs....I hope they can get a clear MRI, I am tired of putting her through this to no avail.  I feel really bad that I won't be there with her, but Darrel is feeling bad, has a raging infection, and I need to be here for him.  This is one of those days I just feel like crying  .......but that wouldn't help anything.  I think I am just over tired.  It was a really hectic day at work, and we had the board there, so 9 extra to cook for.

Liz, hang in there, surely things will settle down soon!  I can only imagine how frustrating it is for all of you during the remodeling.

Etta Sue, have fun tonight--I know you will!

I read all your posts, but think I will go lie in my recliner (new one to be delivered tomorrow--yea!)  and rest a bit.  I need it.

Maybe next time I will have a cheerier post!

 
Today is what I would call normal when you are a school bus driver you do your morning work as required then the necessary stuff when you get home, I had an order at the sewing store in Brampton to pick up and as time was getting on I called home to see if there were messages and so far none but hubby called me soon after letting me know that my work for the afternoon had changed, different roads different children a nice change, the children would like me to remain until the end of school as they reminded of a treat I had given then about 2 years ago.

Instead of dinner at home we went out for fish and chips not good for the diet. 

Hello Everyone...

Just a quick little "Hello" before I shut down my computer to pack it up to take with me in the morning.  I will leave for Virginia as early as I'm able and then will arrive at Paul's probably in time for supper.

I'll post a message as soon as I am able to from Virginia or maybe from Larry's home in Georgia.

hi, friends - definitely a day of rest for me. surgery went well. thanks for your prayers.

Thanks for letting us know, Ruth Ann.  I was thinking about you.

So good to know your surgery went well, Ruth Ann.  I will continue praying for you. 

Happy traveling, Pat, and give Larry our best.  We will miss you.

I'll try to check in as often as I can, Janet. 

Good Morning, I'm sure Pat is well on here way south by now. Have a good trip Pat say hello to Larry and Pat.

Not much new here since I last posted. Yesterday I noticed that Bebe was walking funny so I gve her an aspirin, this morning she was kind of stiff and limping, It looks like it might be the knee injury from a few years ago that is bothering her. I will watch her closely for a few days.

Well all y-all have  great day.

Hi everyone.  We have a beautiful day ahead of us.  We apparently did not get the freeze in our area that had been predicted for the area last night and think the next few nights will not be a chilly.  Today the guys went to McDonald's for our coffee get together as a little change from our normal routine.  Expect we will be doing this each week with the other days a the cafe and then Friday at the Senior Center.

Today is the beginning of the Senior Golden Games and it starts off today with registration and a very nice luncheon and door prizes.  Then the games will be played over the next 3 to 4 weeks and will end with the closing ceremony and another luncheon and more door prizes.  This is the first year Pat and I have actually participated as entrants although I have been the webmaster for them for several years and starting last year am also the database manager and prepare the paperwork for them.  I am looking forward to the day (as I try to do each day).  This evening is choir practice or that will be enough for today.

Janet, I think sometimes a few tears are appropriate and releasing of built up tensions and frustrations.  I have come to the conclusion, after many years, that God gave us tears for a reason and that it isn't weakness being exhibited with them.  However, do hope you are feeling better today and that Darrel isn't seriously ill.  You all are having a lot of illness in your family.  Do you have another trip planned anytime soon?

Marilyn, I saw your photo montage over in SeniorNet.  Pretty pictures and well put together.

We are sure looking forward to Pat and Paul's visit here Friday evening.  I hope they are not too weary from their trip for some good conversation.  I sure don't envy Pat on all those many hours in the car.

Ruth Ann, that is good news.  Enjoy your rest period during these next few days.

Ruth, the little ones don't forget the kindnesses shown to them like the treats.  That sounds like a nice compliment wanting you are their bus driver for the rest of the year.

Hi Scotty.  Hope you get some good pictures.

Etta Sue, glad your medical reports went well.  You sure had a busy day yesterday. 

If I have missed anyone I apologize but have run out of time as we need to leave for the games. 

This has been one of those weeks that I really would not like a repeat of.  Busy at work and one person has been extremely difficult to deal with.  Today is better.

The weather has finally changed.  The weather had its last hurrah last weekend.  Now we are up into the double digits and the snow seems to be gone from the bush.  A friend of ours has been going crazy taking the syrup in and boilling it down.  The girls will be there to help on the weekend.  He is bringing in about 200 gallons twice a day.  It will soon end if the temperatures continue to rise.

Pat Praying for traveling safety.

Gord How are you?

Ruth bet you will be glad to be at the end of the year?  Stock has taken over the largest bus company up here in North Bay.  Different ways of doing things too...not necessarily all bad.

Larry enjoy your visit with Pat and Paul.

Marilyn sorry about the pup's sore leg.  A friend gives his dog shark cartiledge, would that help?

Ruth Ann Prayer continuing.

Janet Make sure you get enough rest.  You have a heavy schedule, and eating right and rest will help you keep up.  Praying Sis.

Scotty can you get pics of rain dripping from trees?  Enjoy!

Have a good week everyone.

JudyB

Good Morning! 

Yesterday was another busy day for me.  Ivalou and I went to the funeral home to see Carolyn.  Ivalou's husband worked for Carolyn's father when he owned a hardware store in Lapel.  Carolyn is beautiful.  I told her once that the 60 Chix was just going to come to her house since she didn't want to come out for a luncheon in her wheelchair.  I told her husband this and he said...I wish you had done that.  She would have loved it!!  Gosh...wish now we had.  Always thinking hindsite!! 

Then we rushed from the funeral home to pick-up Betty and Marge and head for 'Beef and Boards' to see 'ShowBoat'.  Wonderful show with great acting, singing and dancing.  The man that sang 'Ol' Man River' gave me goosebumps and chills up and down my spine.  Fabulous. 

Now today it is only two things to do after I put gas in my car.  Euchre this afternoon and from there to Photo Classes in Anderson.

And the high today is to be 72°F....the highest of 2008!!!  Whooo-eeee!!

Thanks, Al, for the reminder in Psalm 27.

Having such complete confidence, there's only one thing more needed - that it might never cease!  So with the psalmist you would understandably go on to  sing, "One thing I have desired of the Lord, (and) that will I seek - that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple."   It's great to be in the temple singing this song - but what you also need is to stay there, to always be be looking to Him, and never to go elsewhere for help.  Then, if God grants you this prayer, (and you know from this psalm that He will)  then you can sing, "He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock."  You'll be safe and immoveable in Him!

You see, I was assisted by my parents to memorize that verse at the age of four and it has never left me. I don't think Pat was born yet, but as I look forward to the upper-taker, not the undertaker, I am seeking to learn more of what it means "to behold the beauty of the Lord" and to worship Him as "The King of Kings, and The Lord of Lords!"

Paul:  Such an uplifting message.

All:  We are almost in a dither over getting things ready in this house.  I put my serger machine on sale this morning.  We saw a play in which grandson sang a solo & was the lead actor - the Rats of Hamblin or Hamlin.  He was so relaxed in front of the microphone & crowd - so adult like.  With everything we run to plus all of this going on, I am afraid that I won't have time for the computer - but that isn't all bad.