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Morning Devotional...

Psalm 20:1-4.  "May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob defend you; may He send you help from the sanctuary, and strengthen you out of Zion; may He remember all your offerings, and accept your burnt sacrifice.  May He grant you according to your heart's desire, and fulfill all your purpose!"

This is a bendiction - a confident declaration of what the Lord's love can and will do for the one upon whom it's pronounced.  In this case David, about to embark upon war, asks the Lord's people to pronounce this benediction upon - himself!

Today, our David is our Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.  He wants us to be aware of the joyful benediction Christian brothers and sisters can pronounce in His Name upon one another.  You and I can joyfully pronounce it upon one another as we go forth to fight our Lord's battles each day - and we can be confident that our Lord will hear and carry out this benediction upon one another. 

Wives, pronounce it upon your husband as he goes forth each day.  Husbands, pronounce it upon your wife as she goes forth.  Parents, pronounce it upon your children as they go.

Let us confidently and joyfully pray for one another!
Al Moak

That's a great prayer start to the day and the week.  I'm currently in a position that granting my 'heart's desire' for my sons seems totally unachievable and am reminded of a 'ditty' I wrote earlier this year (and totally out of character it's a rhymer) to realign my mindset.

When all is said

When tears my darkened window pierce
sourced deep in grief or pain.
When ev'ry cloud is lined with grey
I think of You again.
When beauty hides and chaos roars,
when laugh and smile are gone,
Your's is the balm on ev'ry wound
when all is said and done.

Good morning everyone.  I am up early as usual.  We enjoyed worship yesterday.  Our daughter, Beth and son-in-law, James, came over here to Pigeon Forge.  So we filled a pew, John, Cornelia, grandson David, Beth, James, and two cousins of James whom we have known for many years.  After church we went to Huck Finn's Catfish Restaurant and enjoyed a delicious meal together.

Al, thank you for the devotional.  I have always loved to sing "Blessed Assurance."

Wordsculptor, I enjoyed your little "ditty" which seemed more than that to me. You DO have a way with words.  Years ago I took a hand at poetry and wrote a little book of little poems.  Fortunately I gave it up.

"  20Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength."  1 Cor. 20-25

Papa John  

What a wonderful devotional to start the week, Al.  Thanks so much for that and Wordsculptor, I really like your little "ditty" but as PapaJohn says, it's much more than that.

Thanks!



Well, folks, after being away for a week, I have much to catch up on.  I will try to read last week's postings and pray for those that request it.

I'm off to the gallery to see any newly added photos.

I'd like to especially greet Wordsculptor and Francine and you both to our little place on the internet!

Love

Pat

Hi everyone.  Just back from coffee and a quick trip to the grocery store at Wal-Mart.  It is another truly beautiful day here in Georgia.  Later this afternoon I will go down and pick up our daughter to bring her out to the chiropractor and she will have dinner with us and then I will take her back to her apartment.  She is starting a new job today that is 6 hours a day and she gets off at 3:30 so hopefully can beat most of the traffic from rush hour.

Al, thanks for the new devotional for the week.

Marilyn, it sounds like you all had a lot of food left over.  That is usually the case with the pot lucks.

Jane, I have never heard of that happening.  I can understand why the doctor didn't spent much time in the room.  He has a lot to answer.  My pacemaker paces my heart and I can't imagine having it misfire on every beat and shocking me.  The little device they use when they check my device is just a little round ring that they place over the pacemaker/defibulator and it does all of these readings and they can adjust the device with it.

Nita, I remember when your sister moved in.  I think it is wise to have our own space if possible, particularly when you have been used to it in the past.

 

Great devotion, Al.  What a great beginning to a new week. 

Nita ~ Walter had a stroke 4 years ago.  Aphasia is loss or impairment of the power to use or comprehend words usually resulting from brain damage.  Repetition shows that the brain may be reconnected.  Walter, one minute can spell the word, the next minute he is way out in left field.  He was a math professor so he knows his numbers really well.  And remembers all the old sayings like 'The whole nine yards', 'up one side and down another', 'one, two, buckle my shoe', (he can say that up to ten and laughs after say Big Fat Hen) and shave and a hair cut, two bits.  The brain is an amazing organ!  Also, I think I could live with my sister 24/7.  We know when to back off and also when to give each other their space.

Jane ~ What a terrible thing for John and Joy to have to go through.  With the surgeon not talking to them, that should have been a red flag that he did something wrong! 

Papa John ~ So glad you got away to Pigeon Forge.  My son is off work this week and is planning on riding his cycle to Gatlinburg by himself for a few days.  He's never been away alone before. 

Larry ~ Have a great dinner with your daughter.  Glad she has a job for 6 hours a day.  That is nice.

wordsculptor ~ Neat ditty!  Great poem!

Marilyn ~ When it gets below 70° in my house, I turn on the furnace.  I have this small area of comfort when it comes to degrees.  Below 69°, I am too cold.  Above 73°, I am too hot!  That's why I have A/C and the furnace.  Now to find the money to pay for both necessities.

I woke this morning to cloudy, gloomy day and wet pavement on my drive.  It rained during the night but right now it is dry.  A nice day to stay inside and watch TV or read. 

Good morning all.

What a joy to come here and read this beautiful devotion.  Oh how I love the Psalms.

And then, wordsculptor's poem.  Thanks but I too agree, it's more than a ditty.  I loved it.

I was fortunate to photograph a quincenara on Saturday and am anxious to download the photos.  I think I got some great ones.  Of course, the mass was in Spanish and I speak very little (next to none -- but need to learn).  But my friends love their "gringo" photographer, lol. 

And my granddaughter turned 13 so my husband and I took her out to dinner Saturday night.  She's such a joy.  We're thanking God that she's getting move involved in church and we spent several hours downloading MP3 format Christian music for her.

God is good.

Blessings, Francine (aka writegirl)

Good Morning I was here earlier  but didn't post then. I had to copy the URL and paste it to an email for Judy Mc who had sent an email asking for the link.

I found the cutest website for sending cards, they are called  Doggie Mail t is one of the Purina sites. Click Here they are talking cards I sent once to a friend from Bebe and one to another friend for Happy.

Larry there sure was a lot of food left over but we had a good turn out and lots of good fellowship.

Etta Sue I have turned on my heater today It is set at 65° and my desk chair is about 3' in front of  it. I have my living room divided into two parts with the sofa as a separation, behind the sofa is my desk, 2 drawer file cabinet and a small table that my tower sits on. I don't put the tower on the floor because I like it within my reach. My living room is longer than wide. My hose is more like small bungalow size or large cabin I have 3 rooms a bathroom and enclosed back porch. My bedroom and kitchen are the same size and the living room is the length of both and a wide than 1 of them.

Pat good to see you back, will we be seeing more of you now?

I like you little ditty. It speaks volumes in the most succinct way.

Mornin" Brother Al my friend.

Good Morning Francine Some here do not know what a quincenara is would you explain, I know but others don't?

Must fix my breakfast now and on to Tai Chi etc.

Marilyn, this week I should be around Guelph.

I have a trip coming up soon though to Virginia but not sure just when it is.  I was hoping to meet Janet in Lancaster, PA too this week but it was just too soon for me after the past week of traveling around the province.

Quote from: writegirl1949 on October 01, 2007, 11:00:30 AM
Good morning all.

What a joy to come here and read this beautiful devotion.  Oh how I love the Psalms.

And then, wordsculptor's poem.  Thanks but I too agree, it's more than a ditty.  I loved it.

I was fortunate to photograph a quincenara on Saturday and am anxious to download the photos.  I think I got some great ones.  Of course, the mass was in Spanish and I speak very little (next to none -- but need to learn).  But my friends love their "gringo" photographer, lol. 

And my granddaughter turned 13 so my husband and I took her out to dinner Saturday night.  She's such a joy.  We're thanking God that she's getting move involved in church and we spent several hours downloading MP3 format Christian music for her.

God is good.

Blessings, Francine (aka writegirl)

Francine, isn't it lovely to see our grands growing up?  Sometimes though, it's far too quickly!

Sounds as if we're going to be seeing some nice photos from you.

This has been a busy day for our house.  The girls had piano and then out to lunch with mother.  She really does enjoy her lunches at a local hole in the wall restaurant.

Tonight is cadets and small group.  Heather has joined and we are studying Romans.  

Have read all the posts, but I am not commenting on them as I will for sure miss someone, I am a bit of a skatter brain today.  I know Pat there are times that is a permanent condition!!  haha

The trees are a work of art.  We are still walking around in shirt sleeves.  Even mother is not wearing a sweater.  I don't remember an autumn like this.  So warm for so long.  When it hits I think it will hit hard and we will be digging out our winter wear overnight.

Kassie can't stop talking about her weekend.  They had to do the workout the militia does.  What fun she had.  Then repelling down a wall tied by ropes.  Not for me that is for sure.  They slept in tents, and the sleeping bags, were not as warm as they could have been.  She will be taking an electric heater next time.

Well that is the news from the north, Be back later tonight.
Am praying JudyB

Jane what an ordeal.  Know I am praying for them.
JudyB

Francine - since you love the psalms, you might enjoy going to Manna for the Soul here in CP.  I've done a complete commenary on the Psalms there.  God bless.

Francine...  Al forgot to give you a link so HERE'S a link to the Psalm meditations here on CP.

Well  I an back from small group.  What an interesting time.  We have one person who is having a hard time comprehending the trinity.  Today we got into a big discussion on the end of the first chapter of Romans.  

Elizabeth got her uniform today.  Boy is she ever happy.  also today was a CO's parade, meaning their uniform has to be imaculate.  Because Kassie has some lint on hers that she can't get off, she will be getting a new tunic.  Next week the riflery team will begin practise and soon after that the eliminations will begin.  Kassie has asked that we get in early so she can try out.   This young lady is wanting to try everything while she has the opportunity.

Tomorrow is another big teaching day.  So I am off to bed and I will be back tomorrow.  G'night all
JudyB

Good morning everyone.  It is another beautiful day here in the mountains of East Tennessee.  We have been coming to this resort the 39th week of each year for 12 years.  This may have to be our last use of the timeshare. 

It is good to read all the posts.  I hope you have a good day today.  I'm not sure what is on the agenda for today.  Usually we take a drive over to Cades Cove but we may skip it this year. 

In our daily Bible reading Cornelia and I finished the Old Testament night  before last and last night we started Matthew.

1 Peter 1:3-5 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, 5who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time."

Papa John  

Hi everyone.  Another beautiful cool morning with lots of sun and no rain in sight.  Yesterday as I was backing out of the car one of the lawnmen, who were here doing the yard, stopped me and told me one of my brake lights was out.  I had just replaced the other one.  So after coffee this morning I went to Advance Auto and bought the bulb and they put it in for me.  The other one I had the dealer replace and it cost me 3 times what I paid this morning.  Now that I see how it was done the next time I will replace the bulb myself as there are just two screws to remove.  Needless to say I am not mechanically inclinded.

I have a meeting to attend the this morning and then have the rest of the day free.  Pat is fighting a cold and today is prep day for her test tomorrow.  She is not looking forward to the day and the procedure tomorrow but it is very important that the test be done.

JudyB, it is nice to see the young folks so interested in things and want to participate.  It sounds like you are having very nice weather.

PapaJohn, I hope you will be able to use your timeshare next year but I know there comes a time when we have to make that type of decision as to what is best for us.  Glad you are able to be there this year.

Pat, you have a very busy travel schedule.  Glad you are able to get away and hope you are having a great time.

Marilyn, I agree with you on the placement of the computer CPU.  I have mine on a little table right by my desk so I can get to the back of it without having it on the floor.  I read that is it also better for the computer.  Your place sounds ideal for one person. 

Francine, it is wonderful when you can experience a part of your grandchilds life.  She sounds like a lovely young lady. 

Etta Sue, I agree with you on the range of temperatures where you are comfortable. 

Marilyn and Larry - I feel quite smug, because I have my CPU and the monitor in one package in this Eimac, and yet both together are only about two inches thick.  Love them MACs!  It's apparently clear and sunny here at the moment.  They are predicting rain a little later in the week, though for the life of me I  can't see where it's going to come from - looking at the satelite picture clear out to Japan I don't see anything coming.  I certainly pray that our Lord might send rain your way, Larry.

I didn't sleep extremely well last night, so I'm letting Marbeth drive herself to her quilting bunch this morning, and I'll stay home and probably nap a bit.  Usually I drive her in, then go over to a place called The Coffee Break, where I can sit and read, etc.

Al you are certainly as Smug as a bug in a rug.  so what else is new.

It is beautiful this morning bt cold. I have the heat on at the moment.

Good morning....for a few more minutes

Francine ~ My cousin sent me an email about the Tuscon Bone Yard.  Do you live near it?  I have Google Earth and I found the Bone Yard on it...southeast Tuscon near the Air Force Base.  What precision they have those planes parked.

Another nippy morning here in Indiana but it is to get to 80+ degrees this afternoon so the A/C is back on.  So far I haven't had the heat and the A/C on the same day yet!!  I am sure that I will before the cold is here to stay. 

I want to do some weed-eating this afternoon.  My weed-eater is battery operated which I like because I can only weed-eat as long as the battery lets me.  Then I have to re-charge it.  They way I am not over doing my back!   

Then tonight is Beef and Boards Dinner Theater.  We are to see 'Oklahoma!'.  I know it will be fabulous! 

Good morning all.

First, a Quincenara is a coming of age ceremony for Mexican girls.  It's the biggest thing in her life next to a wedding.  Here's a description from Mexico Connect website:

QuoteThe transition from childhood to womanhood is a significant passage for adolescent girls in almost all cultures. In Mexico, it is marked with the celebration of the Quinceañera, or 15th Birthday. From a north-of-the-border viewpoint, it may be seen as a cross between Sweet Sixteen and a debutante's coming out party. The celebration is a way to acknowledge that a young woman has reached sexual maturity and is thus of a marriageable age.

The most important component of the celebration is invariably a Misa de acción de gracias (thanksgiving Mass). The birthday girl arrives decked out in a fancy full-length dress - frills, pastel tones and matching hats or headdresses prevail. Flanked by her parents and padrinos (godparents), she is specially seated at the foot of the altar throughout the service. She may be accompanied by up to seven damas (maids of honor) and as many chambelanes (chamberlains), selected from among close family and friends.

At the end of the mass younger sisters, cousins and friends pass out bolos (commemorative favors) to those in attendance, while the quinceañera deposits her bouquet on the altar or in a niche honoring the Virgin Mary, most often that of the ubiquitous Virgen de Guadalupe.

The quinceañera traditionally has the option of further celebrating the occasion with either a viaje (journey) or a fiesta (birthday bash). While a trip to Paris and other European destinations was once the rage among the well-heeled, nowadays young women of all social strata generally opt for the party, complete with live band music. The degree of opulence of the event is directly related to the economic means of the girl's parents and godparents.

This one wasn't quite as elaborate but it was a moving experience.  The photos are coming out nice but where I was allowed to stand at the front of the alter prevented me from providing a lot of variety.

Etta Sue, we are south east of Tucson but love the bone yard.  Most times when we are going into Tucson, we pass right by it.

For those with grandchildren, you know the joy of being involved in their lives.  While we were in Germany, I flew home twice a year -- and God was so good, the cheapest times to fly coincided with their birthdays.  I have an 11 year old grandson who is a delight.  He has ADHD, Turrets, and a sensory intake problem so he does have his challenges.  But the boy is reading at the 12th grade level and has an imagination to boot.

Pat and Al, thanks for recommending Manna for the Soul.  I peeked in there and can't wait to do more reading.

I know it will take me a while to get to know folks but I love the warmth I've found here.

Blessings, Francine

Hi Everyone!

I've already been gallivanting around Guelph and I need to go to Walmart to pick up a few little things and I'm taking my friend with me.

Francine, it's so nice to see you posting in here.  I'm going to be looking for some nice GREEN Irish photos as I lived there for several years. 

Pat, you lucky person ... living in Ireland.  I was just captivated by the whole country ... people, places, myths, legends.  Two visits wasn't enough and I hope to go back again.

Where were you in Ireland?

Blessings, Francine

Hi writegirl....you be better talking to a native from Ireland who are all charming goodlooking witty humourous and full of blarney and even gipe a little. Now where you will find such a one in CP I would not know except you can check out my profile and perhaps that will give you a clue! May I also ask you to check out  www.colinsfaithinspirations.com  Thank you.

Thanks Francine for letting everyone know what a Quinceanera is. growing up Californian I already knew I grew up in a mixed neighborhood in Stockton Ca.

I have been to work fr 1½ hours this morning and this afternoon I am going to a friends house and we are going to make me a Glory Ring. You can just Google Glory Ring to see what they are and what they are  used for.

Not much new here today. I have been gleaning walnuts from my next door  neighbor, Becky's, yard. She called and said if I wanted some to come get them. I have them in a box drying and will get more as they fall.

Hi Colin

TTYL

HI MARILYN!!

HI COLIN!!!

Francine, I lived around Belfast and up towards Carrickfergus.  My husband was a policeman over there so was situated in many small towns during the time he was working there.  He was born in the Lisburn area in Co. Antrim.

Happy Birthday
Nita

I'm just now getting here today.  I've been staying off the computer all day in the hopes I would get a call from my doctor's office ... didn't happen, tho.