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Morning Devotional...

Psalm 42

Have you ever found yourself in a place of being unable for a time to participate in the assembly of God's people?  When that has happened, have you felt as if God has left you to yourself, that you are separated from Him – possibly even that He's deserted you? GOOD!  You should feel that way!

God has appointed the gathering of His people as one of the means by which He will meet with them, both individually and corporately and if you don't really miss it, then perhaps there's something very wrong with your relationship to Him.

The "sons of Korah," to whom this psalm is attributed, knew this would occasionally happen to God's people - that they'd occasionally be unable for some period of time to attend worship in the temple at Jerusalem, and that they'd sometimes feel that God had deserted them.  This song was for them, for those who had to say, "As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God.  When shall I come and appear before God?  My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually say to me, 'Where is your God?'"

But thankfully there was a solution.  And you and I can have the same solution. The solution is prayer (and more prayer).  In this psalm the people were led to sing, "The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me - a prayer to the God of my life!"  

Not only so, but there will be a result!  Right now, you have to say, "I will say to God my Rock, 'Why have You forgotten me?  Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?'"  But afterwards you'll be able to say, "Why are you cast down, O my soul?  And why are you disquieted within me?  Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God!"

The meeting of God's people, the Church, is one of His appointed means for your growth and blessing.  It's therefore God's grace operating within you if you feel badly when you miss it.  Prayer, prayer, and more prayer is the only solution.  Use it!

Al Moak


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

Thank you Al.

This has been a quiet day all of us resting and going easy.

My goodness, Al, I don't think I've ever been the first poster!

I'm mighty tired today. There was an important meeting today at church, and I've been voted one of the church board members, so the strains of the responsibilities ahead for me this next year propped my eyelids wide open, and there was no sleep in this apartment last night.

Needless to say, there've been other friends and family activities taking up the rest of the day after church, so my p.j.'s are on, and I'm outta here for tonight.

I'm still praying for Beth and her parents and friends during this critical illness. May God's will be done and we'll trust Him to guide us as we pray and support them with our loving thoughts.

G'nite, friends. (This little feller's eyes look about like mine right now, that that tiny open mouth is the beginning of a huge y-a-w-n!)

Today has been uneventful for Mariah and I. She is getting very big very fast, now I know what my Mom was talking about when she said 'You are growing up too fast', Sorry Mom, I don't think I got the memo to stop growing up.

This week is going to be busy with school and court and I am asking for prayer that I will remain strong.

Waiting for my brother to come back home I'm signing off for the night. Just thought I would say, it is nice to be back.

Good Night to All.
Melaura.

Melaura - It's not that your mom wanted you to stop growing up - it's just that it happened too fast.  But we like fellowshipping with ya!  So hang in there.

Father, I pray for Melaura.  I pray You'll give her grace to live for You today.  I pray You'll make her know Your Presence and power, and that she'll have reason to  praise You and thank You at the end of this  day  through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Good morning....for a few more minutes! 

Melaura ~ Ivalou and I say our kids grow up in spite of us.  So you grew up in spite of your parents.  Sometimes parents think our kids will never grow up but eventually they do.  Mine is 48 years old and he still is my little boy! 

Busy day yesterday and I survived!  After church we celebrated a ladies birthday by going to Red Lobster.  There were 7 of us at the table.  She got a candle in her Key Lime Pie and we all sang Happy Birthday to her.

We came home and Inky and I took a nap.  Then Tony and Charlene came and we went to Chili's.  I only got the bottomless chips and salsa and a Diet Coke.  I was still full from lunch! 

Today I called to make an appointment for my follow-up with the surgeon.  And they are mailing me a new RX for my meds.  I have been getting it at my local drug store and it seems I can only get it and two refills and then I have to have it mail-in!  The insurance tells me what I have to do! 

Tonight is Killbuck Photo Guild.  And this afternoon I need to call more of my class that doesn't have email! 

Busy week, also! 

Praying for Beth and Rachel.  Any word about Rachel?

Etta Sue do you still have Allie?

Wows Melaura I didn't even  know you got married? I missed that somewhere, and now you have a baby. How old is the Mariah? Or is Mariah some on else's baby? I am lost here.

I am back.... But I'm just passing thru on my way out the door... I am actually here to ask for prayer for the next few days\weeks\months\even years... I have many difficult decisions comming up...  on a brighter note we went to the Dr last wednesday and found out 1. I am pregnant 2. based off the sonograms the baby will be born sometime between Dec 24th and Dec 26th (or so they predict) 3. The prenancy is going well.... the marriage however has a lot to be desired right now... thats a long story and why I ask for your prayers... anyways i must be off i need to go figure some things out for the day... Have a good Day!
Sarah

Quote from: Etta Sue on June 08, 2009, 11:28:13 AM



Praying for Beth and Rachel.  Any word about Rachel?

Etta Sue, Rachael is very low.  Last week Cathie was told that maybe she had a couple of days left but she's still hanging on.  

We started a webpage with photos for those of her friends and scattered family who want to see them.  Here's the URL:  http://www.rachaelsjourney.photography-cafe.com/

Sarah, I'm so sorry that you're having an unhappy time in your marriage right now.  Please know that I'll add you to my Prayer List and will be praying for you.  Please keep us posted from time to time, ok?

Sarah Congratulations on the baby.  I too am sorry things are not good in the marriage.  Us oldsters know how much work marriage takes.

It is a lovely day here today and as we are to have rain I am going out in a few to do the mowing. 

Have a good day everyone.

Al: Thanks for the devotional.

Not a lot happening or at least that is what I think.  Yesterday we got up early and headed to Barrie and stopped just north at a truck stop we met Sue & Bruce for breakfast gave then an outdoor table that Mel made following all of that they returned to the trailer and we went to the flea market for the rest of the day.  I must mention it was off and on rain all day and cold.

Today I am busy doing indoor stuff and yes it is to rain here later in the afternoon. Also for this time of year it is cold, we need the long sleeve sweaters.

Melaura:  Good to see you and do take care of your little girl.

Lunch time and I am getting hungry.
Ruth 

Janet just called me and asked me to post this url...
http://www.via-christi.org/ When you go there click on 'Patient Greeting Card' on the left.  Beth loves receiving cards and letters from her friends.  Her name is Beth, (don't know her last name...anyone?), facility is St. Francis Campus, Room is BC-25.  The rest, you know.  I just sent a message and hope it went through with just Beth as her name. 

She is still in critical condition but stable.  But the doctors have told Janet that she will be in the hospital a long time...but he would tell her what a long time meant.  But they are going to have to clean out her room at the nursing home where Beth was.  Medicare won't pay for the nursing home and the hospital!  Bless her heart! 

Ohhh, thanks Etta Sue!

I've got it written down here on the steps to take too so possibly between you and me we'll get loads of nice greetings sent to both Janet and Beth in that room.


Go to that Patient Greeting Card:


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and here's what to put on the form.

Her name:   Beth Brandt
Room:        BC25



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They will deliver your greetings from Mon. to Fri. during business hours.

I'm calling Janet back at 2:30 as she was feeding Beth when I called just now.  She says that she's going to be there for a very long time. 


Let's get lots of greetings sent to both of them.

Ruth, Melaura is a good Mommy.  Doing such a good job.  She is going to college in September to upgrade her sciences and then on to medicine.  I am a proud Mama.

Prayers are going up here for Beth and Janet, and will continue to do so.

I am finished mowing for today, didn't need the bug jacket, but I did run out of gas.  Frustrating as I have so little to finish.  Oh well Hopefully the rain will stop in the morning tomorrow, and I will be able to finish.

I have 2 Monday cadet nights left.  We will find out soon when Kass goes to cadet camp,  she is taking ITAC or Introduction to Aviation Course.  This winter she will be gone Wednesday nights and staying with Melaura.  There is a ground school class at the police station that will help with preparing her for her wings.  We had a young man sitting with us at the CO's dinner and what an amazing fellow he was.  HE has the rank of Flight Sargent.  He asked what direction Kass was going for and then came up with all the information she needs to accomplish that goal.  I found out that one of the captains of the Snow Birds was a cadet in North Bay and received his wings through the Cadet Corps. 

Air Cadets was started in 1941 and the aim was to prepare young men for war. Now the goal is to prepare young people for leadership in all areas of society.  There is a big emphasis on volunteering, 

Well I must go and finish my day's work

Etta Sue and Pat ... Thanks, so much, for the information on Beth and the opportunity to send greeting cards to her and Janet.  My heart truly goes out to them as they endure these difficult times away from home and familiarity.   

QuoteMelaura - It's not that your mom wanted you to stop growing up - it's just that it happened too fast.  But we like fellowshipping with ya!  So hang in there.

I know my mom wanted me to grow up and I also know she is proud of the woman I have become. I owe her a lot of thanks for raising me into the person I am. Mom has often said that I have grown up too fast; but if it wasn't for her I don't think I would know half of what I do. She has become more than a mom to me, she is a great friend and listener too. I love you mom.

QuoteMelaura ~ Ivalou and I say our kids grow up in spite of us.  So you grew up in spite of your parents.  Sometimes parents think our kids will never grow up but eventually they do.  Mine is 48 years old and he still is my little boy! 

I'm not sure what Ivalou means, but I'm sure it is something good lol. I will always be my Mom's baby, but I value more now than I ever did growing up. She has turned out to be one of the greatest friends a young parent could ever ask for!

QuoteWows Melaura I didn't even  know you got married? I missed that somewhere, and now you have a baby. How old is the Mariah? Or is Mariah some on else's baby? I am lost here.

Well I didn't exactly do things the way I should have, but my daughter is my life. I am a single mom and I couldn't ask for more. Mariah just turned 14 months, but it feels like just yesterday I was pregnant with her. I haven't been on in a very long time, and Mom told me that having a child was for my bragging rights not hers lol. She has every reason to brag about her beautiful granddaughter and she is an amazing grand parent.

QuoteRuth, Melaura is a good Mommy.  Doing such a good job.  She is going to college in September to upgrade her sciences and then on to medicine.  I am a proud Mama.

QuoteI have 2 Monday cadet nights left.  We will find out soon when Kass goes to cadet camp,  she is taking ITAC or Introduction to Aviation Course.  This winter she will be gone Wednesday nights and staying with Melaura.  There is a ground school class at the police station that will help with preparing her for her wings.  We had a young man sitting with us at the CO's dinner and what an amazing fellow he was.  HE has the rank of Flight Sargent.  He asked what direction Kass was going for and then came up with all the information she needs to accomplish that goal.  I found out that one of the captains of the Snow Birds was a cadet in North Bay and received his wings through the Cadet Corps.

Mom I'm SO happy that you think I am a good Mommy, Mariah is my life<3 Highschool has been a tough time for me, but in the end I know it will be worth it. Hopefully in September I will be taking pre-health at the community college, then I'm off to university to complete my undergrad and grad. My goal is to be an Orthopedic Surgeon.
Who was the cadet? I wish I had stayed, it was an amazing opportunity for me, and I'm SO glad the girls are taking it.

I have written all the prayer needs down and I will continue to pray for Rachel. Even though I haven't had the opportunity to meet her, I'm sure she is an amazing person.

After a long day at school, I am off for the night. Mariah is taking her nap so I am going to take some time to catch up with some friends over the phone and MSN. Have a good night to all.

Melaura thank you.  Keep up the good work!

Don't forget folks to send our Janet and Beth some greetings.

Melaura! It's so nice to see your beautiful face again. It's been a bit of time since we met here in Nashville! God bless you and your sweet baby. Congratulations on continuing your education. Best wishes as you progress.

Thanks, Etta Sue and Pat for keeping us updated. I'll be using that information you gave us - printed it out for reference.

May God's love abide with each of us throughout this day.

Thanks so much, Ruth Ann.

Tisie on Seniors and Friends is going to try to go and have lunch with Janet.  She's right there and says that she'll do that.  I'm so happy.

We really need to hold each other up at times like this.

Which reminds me...  Rachael is very low.  Last week, the doctors said "Maybe a couple of days."  And she's still hanging on.

Well, her older sister saw a purple dress in some store window in Toronto and she bought it and the school in London (Principal of the school) is planning on bringing some students and some teachers to the hospital on Friday to have a mini graduation ceremony for Rachael, bed and all and they are going to put on that purple dress for her to wear.  I hope that she will be able to do this.  She's sleeping quite a lot now.

Good Morning,

It is 6:47am here in North Bay and it is the start to many of our days. Today I have a long busy day but the best part is going to be having lunch with a few old special friends.

I attend Family Enrichment, this is a parenting course run through the Catholic School Board. Attending this program gives me 3 highschool credits, socialization with other moms and dads, it gives Mariah a time where she can be with different friends and so on. This program simply amazes me as it is my second year attending. At the end of the year we have 'field trips' with our children which starts today. I'm going to be a busy busy girl for the weeks to follow, but it will be very nice to spend more time with Mariah.

After Family Enrichment I'll be dropping my baby off at her wonderful daycare. The providers are very friendly and never get upset with the constand questions I have about how my baby is doing. They care for her so well while Mommy is off getting that thing called an education; she always comes home with lots of smiles but is ready to go to bed shortly after.

School is going well. I am tired, but I will have it all done by next week, I hope. From what I've been hearing I have done enough now to still get all my credits; but there is something in me that makes me want to succeed.

QuoteMelaura! It's so nice to see your beautiful face again. It's been a bit of time since we met here in Nashville! God bless you and your sweet baby. Congratulations on continuing your education. Best wishes as you progress.

Thank you very much Ms. Bice. it hasn't been easy but it is worth it.

QuoteWhich reminds me...  Rachael is very low.  Last week, the doctors said "Maybe a couple of days."  And she's still hanging on.

Well, her older sister saw a purple dress in some store window in Toronto and she bought it and the school in London (Principal of the school) is planning on bringing some students and some teachers to the hospital on Friday to have a mini graduation ceremony for Rachael, bed and all and they are going to put on that purple dress for her to wear.  I hope that she will be able to do this.  She's sleeping quite a lot now.

Auntie Pat, I'm continuing to pray for her and the family. It is very nice how the school is going to bring grad to her. It is every students dream to get there, and she deserves that dream. Could you e-mail me at some point and tell me a little about her so I can write her a letter? I'd like her family as well as her to know I'm praying and thinking about them.

Well my 10 minutes are up, Its time to get this show on the road.

Melaura:  And, a very good morning & happy day to you!  It is nice reading about your dreams and ambitions.  Take care.

4:19 AM - that is when I awoke with the onset of a crummy cold.  I went right to the closet and without turning on a light found our First-Aid plastic box and now have that set on the kitchen counter with all of the stuff for battling a cold right away.  Airborne and sipping a throat tea that has Slippery Elm and something else in it.  I was going for a walk this morning but it looks almost like rain any minute. 

Don bought us headsets for watching t.v. and really it is nice because I was watching & listening to the news with the sound turned way down. 

Yawn...... 

Carol have you ever tries a spray of Oil of Oregano?  It is highly recommended here in the north.

I drove the girls to their bus this morning.  it is raining and they would have been soaked to the skin.  The rain should be stopping by lunch time.  I sure hope so.  The temperatures have remained a good 10 degrees below normal.  As Ruth said a few ago it is still long sleeve and sweater weather.  At least this rain is good for the garden.  The back field has the oats sprouted.

Bye for now  I will be back later.

Hi everyone.  A beautiful day here.  Just back from coffee.  We didn't walk this morning as other things intervened.  We are having our friends visit from Maryland this afternoon.  We always go out to lunch when they get here and then spend the afternoon visiting.  However, this time they are bringing a laptop and have asked me to look it over and see if I can get it to run any faster.  So I will be working on it.

Pat, thanks so much for giving us the way to communicate with Beth and Janet.  I will send a message as soon as I finish writing here.  Your speaking of the planned graduation coming to Rachel is similar to a story they have had on the news here where a young lady has serious health problems and her friends staged a mini prom for her in the hospital and also a graduation.  We have so many wonderful and thoughtful young people in our society.

Melura, it is exciting to read of your drive and ambition.  Never let anyone steal your dreams and goals.  Things worthwhile are worth the work and effort that usually goes with them.  All walks start with the first steps and finishing your high school and doing the college preparation are those steps.  It is so nice to read the nice things you write concerning your relationship with your mother. 

Carol, I hope the cold will not linger. Summer colds are miserable.  Guess that is true of all colds.  What is the brand of the headsets Don got and can each person control the volume without effecting the volume on the TV?  I bought some awhile ago but when the volume was turned up on the headset it also increased the volume on the TV and that was not what I wanted.

Good to see all the other posts but guess I had better stop this posting before it turns book length. 

Melaura, the only way of communicating with Rachael right now in on her caring bridge site.  She doesn't have internet.  Here's a link and you only have to click on Register and you can write in the Guest Book.  Anyone can.  http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/rachael

You can see pictures too on this website I set up for them:
http://www.rachaelsjourney.photography-cafe.com/

Another one of those cooler days, no rain but cloudy.

I have been spending some time really a lot of time removing seams on 2 pair of kitchen curtains, the rods I am changing then I will be changing the style in a small way, I call it change without costing.

I will be headed down stairs with a load of laundry and after that I will see what needs to be done.

Have a great day.    

Thank you, Pat, for showing the webpages on here for sending a card to Beth.  I don't know how to do that.  I should learn.  And thanks for providing Beth's last name.

Melaura ~ What Ivalou and I mean by 'they will grow up in spite of us' is when ..... and I am thinking that all parents have a time when their kids are having problems of some kind or other...the kids have overcome those problems and grow up in spite of what we try to encourage them to do instead of what they are doing.  Does that make sense?  Thank God, kids get out of that 'stage' and grow up!  You are a very ambitious young lady.  All countries need more people in the medical field.

Sarah ~ I forgot to comment on your new baby.  A baby.  How exciting is that?  So sorry your marriage isn't what you desire it to be.  It takes three to make a marriage...God, you and him.  When both of you put God first, it will work!

Photo Guild was awesome.  We had 52 digital images to view plus some printed photos and slides.  The most outstanding photo to me was four Blue Angels flying on an awesome cloudy day.  We have a small airport south of here and every year they have a fantastic air show.  This one lady was there both days!  Her photo would have been great with just the clouds...or just the Blue Angels...but the two together....awesome!  You could even see the lights on in the four cockpits!  She has to enter it at the State Fair!

It is a hazy, overcast day in Indiana.  Ivalou says her house is sooo humid.  I guess my new A/C unit is taking the humidity out or keeping it out of my house.  I am fine! 

I just sent another card to Beth and Janet.  So glad that Janet let me know how to do this.  It did take awhile to find the correct website but perseverance paid off.

Etta Sue, I'm so happy that you are enjoying this Photo Guild so much.  I just wish that we had one here in Guelph.  I'd so love to attend.  I'll just have to have a long weekend with you and stay over Monday night!   

I will go and repost the screen shots again so that the folks today won't have to scroll back to find the directions to send Beth and Janet a greeting.  It's important NOT to put Janet's name on as it must be a patient's name but she'll get to read it anyway.   

Carol, get over that cold!  We don't need you sick in here! 

Ruth, those curtains sound great!  Just the right price!

REPOSTING:

I've got it written down here on the steps to take too so possibly between you and me we'll get loads of nice greetings sent to both Janet and Beth in that room.


http://www.via-christi.org/


Go to that Patient Greeting Card:







and here's what to put on the form.

Her name:   Beth Brandt
Room:        BC25







They will deliver your greetings from Mon. to Fri. during business hours.