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Morning Devotional...

Psalm 38

We sin.  Then we cover our sin.  Then we lie to ourselves and tell ourselves we haven't really sinned (rationalization).  As if all this wasn't bad enough, we then repeat the process over and over again.

Sometimes, though, we do or say things we can't rationalize. Then we may attempt to hide those particular sins from ourselves or others, and we feel badly about it.  But we still don't feel badly enough about it to confess it.  Instead we suppress it.  The result of  suppression, though, is a growing load of guilt, a load that, if left unconfessed and growing, begins to result in the physical symptoms the Psalmist talks about in  psalm 38.  He says, "There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your anger, nor any health in my bones because of my sin."

David had experienced all that.  His sin with Bathsheba was pleasurable for a moment - but its addition to his load of guilt was unbearable, especially after he tried to cover it with the subsequent murder of her husband.  He actually experienced all the consequences he lists in this psalm. 

Eventually, there was confession and forgiveness for David, though, and his love for God and God's people then moved him to lead the people in this song - so that they might not have to experience the same consequences for their own loads of guilt. Hopefully, as he led them in these words, they'd see their need for daily confession and their need to remain guilt free and open to their God.

For us, too, there's need for daily confession and forgiveness.  Read carefully here about the result of not confessing sin, of attempting to hide it and of pretending it never existed.  Consider carefully David's eventual explosion in prayer.  The dam bursts, and he finally just has to cry out, "For I will declare my iniquity; I will be in anguish over my sin . . . Do not forsake me, O Lord; O my God, be not far from me!  Make haste to help me, O Lord of my salvation!"

The lesson is that procrastination is deadly, as David sadly discovered, and that the only solution is to confess  sin immediately upon becoming aware of it.  After all, Jesus Christ  won't be surprised by it - He knew all your sin long ago.  He knew it when He became your Sponsor and when He "gave Himself, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God."  He knows you - and still loves you!  The result of that love is expressed by John.  He says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness!"
 
Al Moak

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

Thanks, so much, Al, for these timely words.  It is so much better to confess quickly, and receive forgiveness, than to procrastinate and let the sin compound upon itself. 

Thank you Al.

This has been a busy day and we are all wacked out.  My lower back is an issue and the right hip.  A good nights sleep with Tyleonal will fix it.  Thankfully all John's meals are ready and that gives me this evening off.  I think I will go to the recliner and relax.

We are having abnormally cold weather, this year.  Brrrr its really raw cold.

I'm off to relax be back tomorrow.

Thank you Al for the devotional, confessing is something that i find myself having to do often. Thank you Lord for listening and forgiving.

Don

Well there is a little white stuff on the ground this morning here in NC.

I'm off to the hospital this morning with my wife. She has to take test so keep her in your prayers.

I'll be back later.

Don

Al, that is a good devotional.  I have learned the hard way to be quick to repent and ask forgiveness.  Much better that way!  And if something comes to mind from a long time ago and I'm not sure whether or not I have asked forgiveness for it, I just pray, "Thank you, Lord, for forgiving me of that, too."

Did anyone here have an opinion on the question I asked on Sunday, about whether anything should be mentioned to a member of the club that put on the dinner?  All three of us suffered stomach distress; Darrel and Abby are better, but it is necessitating a trip to the doctor today for me. 

It looks cold outside today, and I will find out soon how cold it is.  Besides going to the doctor, there always seem to be errands to do on Monday.

Hey, Scotty Boy---you sure have been scarce around here lately.  Come on in and talk to us!

And Colin---where are you?  How about posting some of your wonderful poetry?  I miss it, and you.

Time to get ready and leave.  I thought I might comb my hair today.   

Janet I think is is absolutely necessary to tell the club member and the host of the dinner that you are suffering from food poisoning. You are probably not the only family who is suffering. Please do tell them.

Hi everyone.  I didn't get here to post yesterday.  We did have a snow storm here yesterday and then it got really cold last night so the snow is still with us this morning.  The sun is out today and the roads are clearing off.  We skipped coffee this morning as no need to take a chance at an accident or a fall.  However, I have a 1 pm luncheon that I plan to attend as am sure the roads will be clear by then.

Our talent show and chili supper was called off last evening, as were most activities in the Atlanta area.  It has been rescheduled for the 15th.  I was very glad that it was canceled as the weather was bad and I am not sure I would have felt up to going anyway.  I went to bed about 8 pm as was really tired, even though I had a nap in the afternoon. 

Janet, I agree with Marilyn that you should let the dinner folks know.  Obviously something was tainted.  Glad you were able to have time with Abby.  Your maple syrup cure sounds too simple but it certainly couldn't hurt anything and is worth a try. 

Hi Jane and Melody.

Liz, your vet must have a car payment due.  I don't envy you those steep vet bills.

Don, hope the tests for your wife produce the results you are wanting to hear.

Judy, sorry to read that you are not feeling well.  Hope you are better today.

Al, thanks for the devotional for this week.

Ruth Ann, it sounds like you all had a lot of snow also.  Glad your daughter and family finally made it to their home.  That must have been a very unpleasant experience.

Carol, it sounds like you all got possession of your cabin.  It doesn't sound like a place to spend time during the winter months. 

Etta Sue, that was a short trip.  Hope the trip home is enjoyable.  It looks like the weather is clearing but bet you see a lot of snow along the way.

Samantha, we did get the snow.  Thanks alot! 

Pat, I have seen these devices for wireless internet in operation.  It really looks like an USB stick.  The one I saw was from Verizon but think all of the cellphone companies have such a service that works off of a satellite. 

hello to all
It is freezing drizzle here today and it seems the temperatures are rising.
Yesterday was a great day at church.
That was a good devotional Al-and thank God when we ask forgiveness -God is faithful and just to forgive us.
Hello Larry  hope you are doing well'
God bless all

Hi, friends,

I'm out the door to go to the house. With 18 degrees predicted for tonight, I need to set the faucets to dripping.

Also, while the utilities are still on, I'm saving my quarters for the apartment laundromat by laundering my clothes at the house. 

My daughter can't go to tomorrow night's hockey game, since one of the other charge nurses covered for her last night as she couldn't drive back in from Memphis in time for her shift. She'll be working that lady's shift tomorrow night. Therefore, she had 3 free tickets to give away. Well, y'all remember the really nice guy from church who came here and helped me get some pictures hung, etc? He was wearing a Predators ball cap when he came in and I found that he really likes the team but is unable to attend many of the games. -- Obvious solution!!! My daughter's giving him the tickets, it's a small way to say thanks for his christian friendship and his help, and he gets to take 2 of the men from the church to see the game. 

Earlier, I got to meet three more really nice people here at the apartment house. I'm playing the piano for a morning devotional period we have every other Tuesday, and one gentleman was scheduled to sing. I contacted him and his wife, and they met me in the library to practice his song. How lovely to meet such a fine, sweet couple. And, it was great to learn that they also knew my dad and stepmother. It was easy to follow him as he practiced, so I kinda got up a bit of courage to return to piano playing. Then, after they left, another sweet lady came in and we met and spoke a few moments. Sure is nice to feel accepted and like I'm really getting to be a part of this community.

Well, y'all have a good day.

Now Ruth Ann, you can come out here to N. Calif. and play the piano for our church.  We have a lady, but she's sick quite a bit of the time, so can't do it.  So we're led by guitar at present.  Oh to go back to piano!

Yes, about the time we got to Macon, someone said, 'What is that white stuff on the hills under the trees?  Snow!  And lots of cars passing us with snow on the roofs!! 

Traffic in Atlanta?  Well, I understand people that have lived in Atlanta all their lives still living here but I sure don't understand why anyone would move here with all the traffic.  And to think, they all get to do it again tomorrow!!!! 

We are in Cartersville, Georgia, again.  Nice room so I got the same rooms as we had last week. 

And did I tell you it was cold???

Al:  I hope your piano player gets well soon.

Janet:  It is a good idea to be up front and tell your host about the food problem as something may have to be changed.  

Ruth Ann:  How nice that you are already meeting and sharing with your new neighbors - I mean your morning bible study.

We are driving to Yuma tomorrow morning & meeting my two cousins & spouses who have been working at an orphanage in Mexico. It is hot here - record setting & I think a record was broken at home as well.  This heat may be dry but it is HOT.  

Hit Etta Sue - stay safe. 

Thanks Carol, but it's a chronic condition (bad, bad migrain), and there's little liklihood of its improvement.

I did go to the doctor this morning, have done everything he suggested; still no improvement.  I am feeling worse and worse as the hours tick by.  Have to get rid of this--trip time is fast approaching!

Ruth Ann, so good to read that you are enjoying your new situation, and that you are playing the piano again.  Good for you!

I got the laundry caught up and packed some today, between putting heat on my tummy, drinking juices and lots of water, etc.   

But this, too, shall pass........and SOON, I hope!

Janet, get well soon. Tummy problems are certainly hard to deal with.

Thanks, y'all, for being so kind about the piano playing. Actually, I'm a bit nervous, for that couple told me that one of the regular participants is a retired president of Trevecca Nazarene University (my alma mater)! eeeeek!

JAnet.  BRAT  Bananas, Rice, Apple sauce/juice, (Dry)toast.  Given time and rest it will work.  Hope you feel better soon.

I dislike talking about this, and it is really the first time in my life I have had this problem.  Anyway, after I called and got an appointment with the doctor (for 11:00), things moved a bit.  So I'm thinking to cancel the appointment.  Bah.  Yuck.  and 

We sure didn't want to leave the country and have me go to a hospital in a strange country.

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

If you all have the opportunity to listen to Focus on the Family, do so.  James Dobson has stepped down from the position of Chairman of the Board of Focus.  He has said it is time, time for the next generation to lead. 

Hi everyone.  It is another chilly but sunny day here in Georgia.  By the end of the week we are suppose to get up to 75 degrees so warmer days are ahead.

I did go to coffee this morning and then we went to the church to walk at the gym.  I walked about 10 laps this morning and felt that was enough.  Pat and I have a meeting to attend this morning and then think we will have a quiet day for the rest of the day.

I just had a mess to clean up as I was attempting to dump the shredded paper from the shredder and the bag tipped over and dumped a lot of the little pieces on the floor.  Not a big problem but not fun to pick up all of the little pieces either.  Next time I will ask Pat to hold the bag for me so that doesn't happen again.

Melody, I seem to be doing pretty good.  Still not back to where I was before the apparent little heart attack but didn't have to take any pain pills yesterday.  Hope you didn't have too much freezing rain.

Ruth Ann, no need to be nervous around the person you mentioned.  Remember that the person is just a human being and should appreciate your efforts to help by playing the piano.  I imagine you will find the person to be very likable and hopefully not full of him/her self.

Al, are you having the migraine headaches?  I think I may have missed something in a posting.

Etta Sue, I see you found out why I dread having to go down to Atlanta and try not to do it during the rush hour or in bad weather.  There is always a lot of traffic around here.  However, I love living in the metro area and wouldn't consider moving anywhere else, at least at this time.  Our traffic has improved in our local area because of some road work they have done to double lane a major stretch of road.  It has made such a different.  Hope the rest of your trip home was uneventful and you didn't have too much snow up your way.

Carol, hope you have had a good trip to Yuma and enjoyed your visit.  

Janet, you were suppose to be feeling better by now.  Sure hope today finds you feeling better (and see your last posting that indicates you are probably feeling better).

Hi Judy and all who post here today.

Good morning, Well, I made it through without getting any more nervous, and the speaker's message was right on target for me. I'm surely thankful I went, and grateful that the music part turned out OK. Yes, the retired university president was there, but strangely, I got through it all right.

Y'all have a great day. I'll be leaving as soon as I eat lunch to give my friend those tickets for the Predators' ice hockey game tonight.

    Hi to all.   Thanks for your praters and  am starting to feel like I am getting more strength back.  I still have to take quite a few meds but that's o.k.

Janet:  I do hope that you will get better soon and be ready for your trip.

Al:  How are the legs coming along I do hope that you are getting more sleep at night.  Thank you for the devotional and that great old hymn.

Larry;  Just keep looking after yourself and Pat.  It was so nice to have that good talk with you the other night.

Ruth Ann :  It is so good to here that you are getting involved at your new place where you are living and it is so nice to be accepted.  God is so good.

Judy B.  Look after that back and don't overdo it.  Take it easy sis.

Etta Sue:  Back to the colder weather.   I bet you wish you had stayed a lot longer in Florida.  God bless.

To all others hope that you all have a wonderful week.  The Lord Bless you.

I am home.  And I do believe it was colder in Cartersville, Georgia, this morning than it was here.  I had to get gas soon after we left Cartersville, and there was snow along the sides of the road in and on the hills.  While I was pumping gas, Ivalou was going to wash my windshield.  She couldn't the squeegie was froze in the bucket!!!!! 

All and all a great trip.  No rain...no snow.  Just that brake problem on the way down but that truly was an answer from God.  Right place, right time.  Sure could have been a lot worse! 

I got everyone home and I got home around 7:30pm....2128.4 miles. 

Now I am ready to sleep in my own bed!!!

Etta Sue, I know just where you were when the brakes gave you problems, and have also stopped to eat at the Red Lobster in Cartersville while on my way to visit the kids near Atlanta. Glad you're home and safe. Rest up, ma'm, you deserve it after that many miles!

Speaking of getting involved where I live, I just got back from a great free jazz ensemble concert at the building just across from my apt building! I nodded, tapped my fingers and toes, and was absolutely delighted I climbed outta my shell and went.

Y'all have a great evening.

Judy, I did catch part of Dr. Dobson's "farewell" address today.  What a great man he is!

Well, Darrel felt I shouldn't cancel that appointment, so I went, was sent to the hospital for blood work and X-rays, to the pharmacy for magnesium citrate (and told to drink the whole bottle!) and then to come back with the X-rays in hand.  I did all of the above, and then came home and stayed close to my friend 'john' for the rest of the afternoon.  Now I feel much relieved and much lighter!    Need I say that we will not be attending that pancake and sausage supper next year? 

I didn't eat at all today, until this evening, then ate some hominy Darrel cooked.  If I could keep that up for about a month, I would lose some weight, for sure.

Welcome home, Etta Sue!!

I guess you have heard that Obama picked our governor as his head of Health and Human Services.  Kansas' gain is the country's loss is my opinion of that.  She is very pro-abortion, in spite of what she SAYS.  She has protected, defended and entertained the infamous Dr. Tiller the Baby Killer ever since she has been in office.  So we aren't sorry to see her leave Kansas, but are sorry she will be in a position to do even more harm. 

Ruth Ann, it sounds like you are "blooming where you are planted!"  God bless you!

Thanks, Gord.  And I hope you are feeling much better yourself.

Larry, good to read that you feel up to doing some walking again!

I'm headed for bed now, so good night!

Larry - it wasn't me with the migrains.  It was a gal at our church - the only gal who could otherwise play the piano.  But because of that problem, she doesn't.  So we are led by guitar players.  It's ok, but I'd sure like Ruth Ann to come over and play for us!

Well I amfinally warm.  The fan on the furnace wasn't working right and we finally after a lot of texting John determined that either the idler arm has loosened or the fan belt was loose.  After 10 tonight Doug came over and did the guy thing and voila we have heat.  HE even lit the fier for me!  Boy it has been a cold day.

Tomorrow the girls go to New Brunswick and it will be a long day so I am off to bed.

Have a good night everyone.

Hi all,
I'm sorry I haven't posted for a few days; I've been really tired.  Have had a busy week. 
Hope you all are feeling and doing well; You all are in my prayers.
Haven't had much time to be online lately.  I've changed shifts at work; went from working
nights to evenings.  I'm in an adjustment period right now.  I've worked nights for some 15 years,
so I'm trying to get used to a new routine.  All in all, it will be good, though.  I'm looking forward
to being able to sleep at night like a "normal" person lol.
Anyway, stay safe, and I will see you all soon.
Prayers & Blessings,
Kelly

Hi Kelly

Hope you get adjusted to your new hours real soon. I know how you feel, I have a heater in a one of my greenhouses that is giving me problems and i am up every 2 hours to drive a mile and check. I'm sleeping on the couch if you can call it sleeping.  I'm praying for your adjustment. Good to see you posting.

Don

Good Morning I have just taken an Apple/Blackberry pie from the oven it sure looks good. Today is my last day of work and I am  still packing a little bit every day. With only 2 weeks left I really need to get it all packed up and read to go.

Etta Sue I am glad to hear that you are back home all safe and sound. That was sure a close call with your brakes,. I just had to add some Power steering fluid to my car as it was making that  weird noise again. It sure didn't take much to make it right. I am sure glad that I know how to do at least a few things to my car myself. It costs too much to take it to a garage for those little things.