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Morning Devotional...

Psalm 49

When all is said and done, why should human beings live in a righteous relationship to God?  Look around.  Observe.  Those who don't worry about a relationship to God prosper, don't they?  Many of them become rich, have great houses and lands, many children, happiness.  Why worry about God when it doesn't seem to make much difference?

The people of Israel, like ourselves, needed reminding of these basic questions from time to time.  They needed, as we also do, to live daily in conscious realization of the answers.  With the present psalm to start the day, the people could then return down Mt. Zion to their ordinary lives contemplating those answers. Maybe we need to do the same.

And this is a psalm for ALL to consider - low and high, rich and poor alike. It should begin with serious consideration of an event everyone has to face - the final event of death.  The worshippers sing, "Why should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity at my heels surrounds me?"  This just tells them that all their iniquities follow them and finally catch up to them ("surround" them) at their time of death – they're going to have to face them at that final juncture.  But the question is whether that's something to fear.  

One possible reason to fear is that, "Those who trust in their wealth and boast in the multitude of their riches - none of them can by any means redeem his brother (or himself, either)."  Such a redemption is too costly even for the rich in this world, yet all without exception will nevertheless make that final journey.  What awaits them then?  The psalm tells us, "For he sees the wise men die; likewise the fool and the senseless perish, and leave their wealth to others."

Of course most people haven't thought of themselves that way during their lives on this earth.  They have felt (without necessarily thinking about it) that their houses would last forever, that their real estate would be named after them and their wealth would be their permanent foundation.  But what they didn't consider, though, is that they're going to perish just like the beasts of field and forest- death comes to all.

The song must continue.  It goes on to say, "Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning (at the resurrection), and their beauty (riches, lands, houses) shall be consumed in the grave, far from their dwelling."  All those "permanent" things weren't so permanent!

But for those who trust in the salvation of a gracious God through His Messiah, there are some all-important differences.  On a triumphant note, such worshippers can sing, "But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, for He shall receive me!"

These people don't have to worry about the fact that they weren't rich in this life.  They can say, "Do not be afraid when one becomes rich, when the glory of his house is increased; for when he dies he shall carry nothing away; his glory shall not descend after him."  Those who trust in riches are locked into darkness even while they live.  The song says that "a man who is in honor (in this life) yet does not understand, is like the beasts that perish."  In other words, they just don't realize the unavoidable end that's coming to that earthly honor.  But to those who trust in God, earthly riches don't have lasting value anyway, but they can look for far greater and eternal riches in Christ – and they'll have them - parmanently!

The lesson of the psalm, then, is a simple one.  It's expressed well in the words of another Psalm, the ninetieth: "So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."  Will you live your life today with eternity in view?  Will you go about your business with the awareness that one day you're going to face God, and that you're going to live eternally either with Him or without Him?  Which will it be?  Is your most important savings account in the bank, or is it in heaven?
Al Moak

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

Al, a wonderful reassurance for those who believe and a warning for those who do not. 

Thank you!   

Thank you Al.....Needed to hear this today.

Thank you, Al, for the devotion.

We are off to an early start today for rehab.  I need to take the trash first and then be at rehab by 8am.  Too early for this person.  It is still dark outside!! 

Church was awesome and then Sunday School.  Four of us ladies ate at Bob Evans.  Then home.  Since I had one of those nights Saturday night, I even fell asleep with the laptop on my lap!  Then I had a popcorn night to watch TV in the evening. 

All in all a great Sunday! 

Thanks, Al, for a those devotional thoughts for the week ...

I am so grateful for the watchful care of our Heavenly Father.  Yesterday my daughter Joy called and, in a brief conversation, we realized that several family members (including myself) have had some real needs met and they all coincide with one another.  None of us were exactly "working" together to bring about the outcome, but GOD knew and He has arranged that, with one accord, ALL of our needs and concerns have been addressed.  

It is so wonderful (and stress-free) to lean on His everlasing arms and allow Him to direct our paths.  

Hi everyone.  We had a severe rain with a lot of lightning and thunder about 4:30 this morning.  It was lightning so when Stacey needed to leave for work that she didn't go, which seemed wise to me as it was also raining very heavily and probably would have soaked her.

My big project for today was completing the work on the applications and printing the paperwork and individual certificates for the 58 applications I had for the Senior Games.  I will be turning those over to the committee this afternoon and getting 60 more to work up.  February is the busy month for this work.  I like to do the work in my easy chair with my laptop as it is more convenient than my desktop in using the mouse.

I have my men's luncheon today and we are going to the new Greek/Mediterranean restaurant.  I have been there once and Pat has been there three times all ready.  They have good food.  I hope the men like it as I suggested it.  We like to try out different places.

After lunch I have to pick up medicine at K-Mart, then go to Sam's Club, and finally to Kroger to pick up another prescription and get a grocery item.  I will be beat by the time I get back.  We did walk our mile at the gym this morning so it will have been a full day.  

Al, thank for that great devotional.  We have been studying several of the Psalms in our Wednesday morning Bible study with our pastor.  

Etta Sue, I usually have popcorn every Sunday evening.  It is sort of a tradition from my growing up years, however, the 94% fat free popcorn certainly isn't as good as what I use to eat that was popped in the old time popper over the stove in butter or would have butter sprinkled over it.

Janet, sounds like you are wise to go ahead and get the growth removed from your tongue rather than deal with a worse problem later.  

Etta Sue, I am sorry I forgot to respond to your question yesterday.  I don't know why the email bounced back.  Please try again at janet@pld.com.  I have sent several to you that were "undeliverable" too. ??

Now I will go back and read today's posts.  

Since no one has been here since I posted the above, I will continue.

Good thoughts, Al, thanks.

I had a great day today, painting.  I have a portrait of Beth and John almost completed, just need to do a few little touches.  She wanted me to paint it for her to give John for Christmas, so it will be going to Utica, New York.  Next I am going to paint a little girl I photographed in Viet Nam.  She was very dirty, but it's a cute picture.  Fun to paint people you don't know, as it isn't as imperative to get a great likeness.    Then I need to find someone else to paint, as I think I can do the little girl in one day.

My friend Carol Ann, from Dodge City, is stying here tonight.  We are having really cold weather, and have about an inch of snow on the ground.  No use driving, if you  don't need to!

I need to check the bed and have things ready, so...........

Al:  Thanks for your continuing education in devotions.  We are to keep our eyes on the eternal blessings.

Janet:  I hope you will be able to talk after your tongue repair.  Praying.  And, it sounds like you did find the perfect vehicle for your needs - something heavy enough for those country roads and a big trunk too.  Enjoy!

Pat:  I meant to mention thanks for your previous devotions but I was in such a hurry to finish packing and get on the road.  How wonderful that you and Paul have time together and reading devotions. 

We are in a very strange part of the country for a week.  There are many normal churches in this area and "normal" people but you do see a lot of references to secular groups.  Right out of town, there is a very large Catholic church with their own cemetery and next to it is a massive statue of something that looks like a blonde, Asian woman - it is so tacky.  I have noticed a group of protesters every time we drive by in daylight.  The group that bought the land next to the church is something I have never heard about but they worship Mother Earth or something like that.  I feel so sorry for the church members.  Anyway, that is what it is around S-d-na, AZ.  Very odd and that oddity is flaunted. 

It has snowed and rained here and tomorrow the storm passes.  We are so grateful that we made it in before this weather occurred.   

After rehab I printed out a new medication list for Ivalou.  We both have lists so that when asked, 'What medications do you take?' we can whip out this paper and they copy it.  Then I worked on Ivalou's bathroom sink.  It was okay one day and clogged up the next.  I don't know what was in the drain but it took 3 cups of stuff and a plunger to open it up but all is running fine now!  Nice to do something for someone that they can't do themselves. 

I had a nice long nap yesterday afternoon.  Then I couldn't sleep last night.  Makes me feel like a baby with its nights and days mixed up! 

Tonight is Beef and Boards and see the show 'Footloose'!  I just know it will be fun and enjoyable.  I love singing and dancing. 

I got a call from the repairman for the heat pump and they can't get the parts until after March 1st.  So I turned the heat pump back on and no loud noises all night!  Weird!  I still think there was a thawing spell and then freezing spell and ice built up in the compressor.  Yesterday was above freezing all day so maybe it finally melted!  Weird! 

My classmates are trying to find a time for all of us to meet and put the final touches on the reunion celebration in May.  We need to send out another letter to collect money for the catered meal on Friday night and let the caterer know how many meals to prepare. 

I need to do some printing and then get ready for tonight!  It was snowing earlier but has stopped now.  It melted, too!

Good evening  everyone.  This has been a long day, with snow coming down at last!  Not a lot but lightly till the weekend. 

John is home tonight, back out tomorrow morning!

It seems everyone is watching the Olympics,  Not much activity here or elsewhere.  We root for everyone who is competing.  They have all given their nest.  Reminds me of the verse I press toward the mark of the high calling...... We all would do well to put as much effort into our faith as the athletes in the Olympics.

Have a good night all

Quote from: JudyB on February 23, 2010, 07:26:56 PM
We all would do well to put as much effort into our faith as the athletes in the Olympics.

Judy, you are so right!  

We're getting snow - looks like we'll be making up for all we didn't get earlier in the winter.  Winter storm warning says anywhere from 6 to 20 inches.  I just love it when the forecast is so explicit!    It's been snowing all day, big fluffy flakes and is supposed to continue well into tomorrow.  Looks like about 4 inches, wet and heavy, on my porch railing.  It's pretty, but...  

Well I am ready for tomorrow, all showered and in my PJ's. Alarm is set for 5:30 I am to be there at 7AM.

Marilyn: The amazing thing about that test is that you recover so quickly. 

I mentioned that massive & ugly statue of  a secular goddess in the area and yesterday we saw it being taken down.  I don't know any details.

'Footloose' was great!!!  My kind of show.  Dancing and singing!  And a great message as well.  And the food was great also! 

Today I went to church to upload an image to the computer but no one was there.  I couldn't get in.  Then I had some things to do in Lapel and called the church before coming back home.  Still no one there.  The minister just called me to say he is at the church now.  But I sent the image to his wife by email so she could see it.  Hopefully I won't have to make a special trip again.  Sometimes I wish I had a key to the church for these reasons.

This afternoon is rehab for Ivalou but it will be too late to go by the church then. 

It was snowing earlier and accumulating a bit.  Now it is sunny and bright skies.  No snow at the moment!

I am home the procedure when just fine, they did have to change arms on the IV  because it wasn't acting ring so during that time I did have some pain from the air that was forced into my  colon. One polyp was found near the exit, I saw that and it looked like a blister, so it wad removed and sent off to pathology. Also found was some mild Diverticulitis which I have known about fir many years.  So I am taking it easy for the rest of the day and working on some of my PSP lessons. I still can't take my pain pills for a few more days. I really noticed it this morning  when my legs were hurting before I got out of bed and my left hand thumb joint is hurting.

Hi everyone.  We escaped the snow and rain that was a possibility for us this morning and the sun is out.  This morning was Bible study and the usual time at the donut shop and then to lunch.  There were ten of us that went to lunch.  It was close to 2 pm before we got home.  Today is choir as usual.

Marilyn, glad that your procedure turned out well. 

Etta Sue, the shows sound wonderful.  We have professional theater here but not with the food.  What show will you be seeing next.

Carol, I understand Sedona is quite the art colony.  I guess it take all kinds of people to make the world interesting.

Jeanne, I heard on the radio that another strong snow storm was occurring the the NE.  It sounds like you may be in for a day or two.  My friend in Maryland wrote last night that they might get another 5 inches but it might go north of the DC area.

Janet, I am sure your painting will be something treasured.  I hope you will take a picture of it and share it with us.

Judy, Pat and I have been enjoying a lot of the Olympics in the evenings.  It must be very rewarding to be an Olympian for your country whether you win a medal or not.

Marilyn, glad your procedure is over.  I am looking forward to this next thing (surgery) being in my rear view mirror!

I finished my second painting today and got a third well under way.  It is really a complicated one, as it is a young Hill Tribe girl in Thailand, in her native costume, very elaborate and colorful.  I went by to see Beth and she wanted to know if I finished the one of her and John, and I told her yes, and she is beautiful in it, and John is even more handsome than in person.    I hope he treasures it, as the class is quite expensive!

Larry, I want to post photos of the paintings, but will need some help, as I have forgotten how to do it.

WE have one lady who flew from California to take this class!  And one who always comes from Amarillo, Texas.  We have a lot of fun.

Time for my program!  See you later!

Today I am going to a meeting with my class members.  I didn't know about it until I read an email this morning...maybe today but didn't know the time.  But a classmate that lives close to me is going to come and get me and we will go together.  Hope we get some things accomplished. 

Yesterday was rehab and then we went to Chili's for dinner.  Ivalou has said the that the last three days, food has been tasting good to her!  Yay! 

Well, it snowed again last night.  It isn't suppose to be above freezing today but the sun is out and bright.  Maybe it will melt on the pavements.  I have swept the deck and a path to the driveway.  Kind of glad I don't have to go to the garage, get the car out, drive in the snow, put the car back in the garage and walk back to the house.  Besides I have my camera, laptop and other things to take with me. 

Have a great day!

Hi everyone.  Another cold but sunny day here in Georgia.  It was really chilly at McDonald's this morning.  I did not walk at the gym as haven't felt 100% the last three days and decided I shouldn't push the issue.  I am trying to schedule an appointment with my new cardiologist so he will be aware of my situation.  He may want to change some of my medications as I am getting the sense that something isn't working quite as well as it was.  However, I am not worried about it at the moment. 

I have a day at home today so hope to get quite a bit done here at my desk.  I have probably 45-50 new applications to enter into the database and then print out he needed paperwork.  I am also trying to clear my desk at bit as have let things build up for the last few days.

A few days ago I bought an iTunes gift card to use with my iPod Touch.  You have to scratch off the area on the back to reveal the number too use.  The stuff didn't want to scratch off and as a result I had to scratch harder and the next thing I know I have scratched too deeply and ruined the card.  There is apparently no way to get a refund and I have checked so guess I have learned a $15 lesson and won't buy another card.  Sure glad it wasn't a $25 or $50 card. 

Janet, I am sure someone can help you post the photo.  Glad you are able to enjoy your painting this week. 

Etta Sue, that sounded like good news regarding Ivalou and it is nice she is now enjoying eating out and is able to do so.  You are a good sister.

Guess I had better get to work.

Janet:  It sounds like your artwork will become a real keepsake for Beth. 

Larry:  Sorry about your loss of the iTunes - am not sure how that works.  Don bought a tiny iPod Shuffle for me on an internet deal and I only have loaded library books on it - freebies.  Once, we lost a Barne's & Noble gift card & it just frosted me that their computer information did not contain how much we had left on it.  Sorry that you are not feeling 100%.

As I look out my window at the beautiful sunshine and go into the backyard without wearing a sweater or coat it  i hard to think about the wind and rain  that is in our forecast for this afternoon. I would walk the dogs this morning except that I am going to exercise class in about  20 minutes, when I get home it will almost be time to fix lunch for Keith, so I will wait until  he goes back to work  and then hope it is not raining so I can take the dogs for their walks, they have been cooped up in the house for about since Monday.

I know nothing about iTunes, iPods, or any of that stuff!  I stay confused enough with a computer and a cell phone!    Sure sorry you lost your money on the card, though, Larry.

I had another great day painting.  Finished the third painting, so will start another tomorrow.  I should get quite a lot done on it, as two of the ladies are leaving at noon, and two others went home tonight and if we get snow, they won't be coming back.  All of which means maybe more of the teacher's time for me.  We'll see!

I took the painting of Beth and John by and showed it to her, she really lit up with a big smile, and said, "That turned out really good!"  She wanted me to pack it and send it off to John right away,,,,I reminded her it has to dry for a few weeks before it goes anywhere!    She had new braces on both feet, and is getting some for her arms as well, because her constrictures are getting so bad.  For anyone who doesn't know what that means, her feet are turning in and over really bad, and stiffening; and her arms do not want to straighten out.  Poor Beth......

I ate supper at the fairgrounds.  The Mennonite Church prepared a big dinner for Haiti Relief, 100% of the proceeds will go for that.  Good food, of course.

The class reunion meeting went well.  I came home and worked for over 3 hours on the computer adding information on some of the pages for the Memory Book.  Tiring but a good feeling that the end is near.  I told them when it is time for our 100th reunion, I am not going to do it!!  I am looking forward to the end of May and seeing everyone! 

Today is blood work for Ivalou and I.  We leave in a half hour.  Since we are fasting, we will have breakfast somewhere and go anywhere else Ivalou needs to go and then return home. 

Bright and sunny today.  The snow that fell yesterday is gone.  But....I do believe that there is still some snow from 2009 on the ground somewhere in my county!  A snowy winter for central Indiana.  We are way above average snowfall for the season and broke a record of days below the freezing mark! 

We got 'nary a flake' of the predicted snow!  So the two gals who panicked and went home will probably come back.  They live in towns not too far from here.  If it were me, I certainly would come back for the last day of class!

Hi everyone.  I've been hopeless with regards to joining in with the forum, but have little time with the new job.  I enjoyed the reading for this week and I'm glad that we don't need to be envious of the rich.  Our riches are in heaven (sure haven't got any here!)

I am sorry that so many seem to have health problems.  The body fails, but it's only the outer casing.  The strength in the Christian's soul is being renewed every day.

Have a great day everyone.

Anthony.

Hi Anthony!  You look nice in your suit & the flowers in front are lovely.  It is always good to be busy even if it is too busy. 

Janet:  If I can learn this iPod, anyone can learn it. 

Etta Sue:  Enjoy your meeting with classmates. 

Good to see you Anthony.  You are doing well in joining in with the time restraints that you have.

It is cold here...more from the dampness than from the temperature.  We are expecting heavy winds later today.

Be back later.
Judy

Well, just got back from Eureka, where I had to go to the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) to pay our registration.  Thankfully, they have a unique and very efficient system there.  You go in, and directly across from you is the "Start Here" window.  At that window they give you a little tag that has a number on it.  Then, throughout the room there are computer monitor screens that everyone can see, and on the screens are displayed the numbers that are currently being served, together with the window number at which they're being served.  So you stand or sit and wait for your number, and when it comes up, it tells you what window to go to.  I don't remember government being so efficient!

Carol, you are right, it is nice to have things to do.  Talking about ipods - I purchased an mp3 player and I cannot get the hang of it.  If I put some music onto it, I cannot find it when I want to play it   (p.s. I was at the wedding of one of my neices in the photo.)

Judy, the weather you are having sounds similar to England.  It's been wet all day with a cold wind.

Al, glad you had a good experience registering your car.  We can pay for our tax now over the telephone which is such a help.

I am going to bed early tonight (in about an hour) as I feel tired.  I hope everyone has a blessed Friday and I hope to see you all in the morning.

God bless,

Anthony.

Hi everyone.  Another really chilly but sunny day here in Georgia.  I have had a quiet day.  After coffee at the Senior Center I went to the store and post office and then came home.  I expected a friend to stop by this morning but he must have forgotten.  I got all the certificates printed so am caught up with the Golden Games work.

Followup on the iTunes story.  Yesterday I threw the card in the trash but then thought I would try one more time to check into it.  There was an Apple website listed so I went there and happened upon a link for a live chat.  So I clicked on it and someone named Jay answered almost immediately and asked what my concern was.  I explained what had happened and Jay said to type in a series of number and letters at the bottom of the card.  In a few minutes Jay came back with the hidden code and I was able to put the money on my iTunes account.  Needless to say I was a happy camper.  Logically this in sight number is a control number and the person could see the card had been paid for but not used. 

My iPod Touch is much more than an mp3 player, although I use it everyday for that purpose.  It is really a computer device and I can access the Internet and use a lot of different applications.  I follow the Twitter accounts of a number of news related people, Facebook, check news and weather sources, read books with a Kindle application and do a lot of other things.  I really do enjoy it.  My friend and I play a word game like Scrabble.  Unfortunately he seems to beat me most of the time but it is the playing of the game that is enjoyable, although I do like to win once in a while.

Al, the DMV's here in Georgia use the same system and it is really nice and seems very efficient.  No standing in line as you can be seated and wait your number to be called.

Anthony, the first mp3 players I had just played the songs in sequence as there wasn't a screen to see what was in the list.