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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.

This is a warmer day here in the north, still a damp cold which is penetrating.  We have survived the worst of the winter and hopefully spring is on the way.

I am envious of those of you who have the spring weather.  Enough of that.  God is good all the time.

I have shortened curtains and put a zipper into a hoodie.  I have a zipper to put into a jacket as well but there is no rush on that, it is a spring jacket.  After the girls leave I am going to go through all my material and repack it.  I have quite a stash.  I am hoping as well to complete a quilt I have on the go for John.  The center is a panel of an eagle flying over mountains.  Carol I could use your expertise! 

Talking to Doug today, I described a plumbing project I want to take on.  He is one credit away from his plumbing tickets.  So he has advised and I will start slowly on picking up the supplies he wants and perhaps we can surprise John.  We hane a powder room and main bathroom on the main floor of the house and all the bedrooms are upstairs.  I want to move the main bathroom to the second level.  This is something I have wanted to do for 12 years!!!  Maybe now Doug is here we can get it done.

Well have a good afternoon and evening. Not likely that I will be back on line today.

I was here earlier, nothing to say.

I went to Lakin (about 30 miles north) and had a soup and salad luncheon with my Red Hats friends.

I have emailed both of our Thai "grandkids" and given them our arrival information.  I hope we get to see them both and spend a little time with them.  We met both of them when we were in Thailand four years or so ago.

Sorry to tell you, Judy, but it is into the mid to high 80s here again today.  Darrel has been watering the trees, we are needing rain desperately.

Why does Etta Sue think she has to do in one day everything that she should have done in 8 days but was gone?  Laundry is done.  Mail is sorted.  Went to the bank.  Got cat food.  Went to Kitty's.  Balanced check book.  Printed a card.  Paid bills.  But now I am relaxing! 

Next is getting caught up on all the TV's shows I recorded while gone! 

Need to check out the new stills and motions on the website that the church paid for.  Need to clean up my emails on here, too.

It is really nice here today.  Just wore a jacket when I left this morning.  Perhaps spring is on the way.  My bottle gas bill hopes so!

So little time and so much to do!  And I keep thinking of that swimming pool at the RV Resort in Bradenton...if I lived there, I wouldn't get anything done but swimming!!

Hi, friends,

What a WONDERFUL day! It was sunny and warm (in the mid 50s), so a dear friend from church and I went shopping to the medical supply store - she needed a rolling walker with a seat. It was such fun to see her ask outright for a green walker when the man gave her a blue one to try out! She told me later that "every rolling walker with a seat that I see is either cherry red or blue, and I wanted to be different!" She was just like a kid with a new toy. 

Then, I had a coupon for buy one/get one free at a restaurant downtown (new to both of us). She absolutely loved it, and chuckled about being almost 80 years old before she got to eat bison (or buffalo)! I laughed and said that's to give you muscles so you can manhandle that walker. 

Later, we drove through a park that is near the home where she grew up.

So, it was a great fun "field trip" for both of us. I was so relaxed from that wonderful day that I sat down on the couch to rest a moment and look at my mail, and woke up an hour and half later, still holding on to the tv remote.

Y'all have a great evening.

Hi everyone.  Once again I find I didn't stop by yesterday.  It was a busy day and once again I wasn't feeling up to par.  I am going to call my doctor's office today and ask to be put back on a medicine for pain that I took more than a year ago when it was new.  The doctor left me on it only two months as he didn't want me to be the tester.  However, when I saw him last Friday he said he has been having good results with it and the early concerns have proven baseless. 

I spent most of the day, after coffee and getting a new battery for the Saturn, sitting in my easy chair and working on the applications for the Golden Games.  I should complete work on the 2nd batch today when I print out the  participation certificates for the 97 applications.  I don't have anywhere to go today after coffee and I am glad.  I hope to feel up to working here at my desk.

Janet, glad to see you are feeling better and I think I would stay away from that pancake/sausage meal as well. 

Good to read all the messages.  Al, I now remember your comments about the piano player--just had a senior moment.

Ruth Ann, I had confidence in you that you would do well at the piano.  Glad you had such an enjoyable day.

Etta Sue, you sound a bit like me in that if I have a lot of projects I sort of tear into them and enjoy seeing them done.

Judy, glad you got your furnace working as sure don't want to stay cold in Canada.  I don't want to stay cold in Georgia either and today we are to get up to 63 degrees, which will be nice.

Marilyn, will you be able to do the same type of work in Oregon and does it require a new license or more schooling?  Hope your packing goes well.

Don, your greenhouse sounds like it is a lot of work and worry.  Hope you don't have to do the 2-hour bit for very long during the night.  You must be quite a gardener.

Kelly, glad you are enjoying your new job and adjusting to the new shift.

Gord, I also enjoyed, as usual, our conversation on the phone the other night.  Glad you are recovering and hope you will soon be back in fine voice.

Good morning, friends,

After a great night's sleep, it's time to begin the day. How nice to be here to speak first with y'all!

Larry, I'm surely sorry you're feeling not so good right now. I pray the pain and weakness will diminish.

It's gonna be pretty here in Nashville, too. I think I'll get laundry, housekeeping chores done before lunch so after lunch can be a bit of fun and getting out and about.

Yesterday as I was helping my friend out of the car, we noticed the first leaves of her forsythia bush were beginning to peek out. Ahhhh, a harbinger of springtime.

Larry Hanna wrote:

QuoteDon, your greenhouse sounds like it is a lot of work and worry.  Hope you don't have to do the 2-hour bit for very long during the night.  You must be quite a gardener.

Thank you Larry for your concern. Last night should be the last night for a while and I am hoping the last night for this year. This house froze back in Jan. and i have a mess, it didn't kill the plants,300 ferns,100 lantana baskets and 25 spider plants, that were ready to sell but it has really set them back big time. I have been plagued with all kinds of problems this winter but that is ok. The Lord will provide. Isa 41:10

My customers tell me I have a green thumb but I know it is a gift from the Lord. I have thought about posting some photos, and I might, we will just have to wait and see.

I must go, it is 10:35am and I have not gone to work yet, had to get a couple more hours of sleep.

Oh btw my grandson has his first baseball game today at 4:00pm and that just thrills my soul.

Hope everyone has a blessed day.

Don

I am waiting on a man to come and fix my kitchen window.  It has been broke for a couple of years.  He said it sounded like a pin broke.  I called him but he never returned my call.  This time a church member was having windows fixed and she told him to call me!  Edit:  He was just here.  Only 5 minutes.  But I watched him fix it and now I can fix it if it happens again on a window.

I walked my 20 minutes this morning.  I sure can tell that I hadn't done that 20 minute constant walking for 9 days!  I was huffing and puffing!  

Glad it is trash day today.  I had lots of trash.  It was heavy walking it to Kaye Don's.  

I got caught on a few TV shows.  Nice to not miss my favorite shows...just a few days late.  

It is to get to 58 degrees today!!!!!!  Yeah..and it is 47 degrees now. It is cloudy and overcast!  I have the inside front door open...makes the living room brighter since it faces north!

Good morning.  Well the girls are gone. It took a bit to get them ready but the excitement was there.  They were both nervous about flying. because of all the crashes lately, but that would be soon overcome when with their peers.  The trip is going to be amazing with a visit with the NB prime Minister and a sleigh ride tonight, a trip across Confederation Bridge and a visit to PEI.  They will have a Mess Dinner Saturday night and LOADS of shellfish.  Also they will be soldiers for a day in an old fort in NB.  They will be sleeping in the armories in Miramache for the duration.  Many of us as parents wished we could hide in the suitcases of our kids so we could enjoy the trip as well.

I have to run and get wood in before the snow covers it entirely.  Yes it is snowing again.

Good morning from Kansas! 

Good day. The weather seems to be a little colder here today.
But I guess it will go and down in the next while seems to be normal around this time of year.
Today is my anniversary so hubby is taking me out to supper

Larry I hope you feel better each day. You are such a blessing around here

QuoteOh btw my grandson has his first baseball game today at 4:00pm and that just thrills my soul. Excited Excited Excited Excited Excited

I know the feeling - glad that you are having such a good time.

Marilyn:  I had to read your note twice - first, I thought you had put your Apple computer and Blackberry PDA in the oven - eeekkk 

JudyB:  Your quilt for John sounds like something I am going to make for a grandson who is working on the Eagle rank.  My panel is two eagles flying over the mountain and pinecones on the edge of the panel.  I have seen pinecone cotton fabric some place but can't find it in Arizona.  I am going to make a full size quilt so he can use it - perhaps the pinecones but there is also some patriotic stars that would be great as well.  Take it with you so you can get a background to go well with one of the colors - good luck.  You could also do blocks around the panel and both sides as well - just put it on the floor and think on it. 

Split pea soup is simmering on the stove, I just finished sorting pills for the next month, (we both take calcium now too).  We walked this morning but I wasn't up to the hour walk so came home - now sipping    We had a wonderful visit with my two cousins and they may not be able to work at the orphanage in Mexico any more because it is becoming too difficult with the travel and working every day.  He made a bunch of wheelchairs (not like the ones we see here but helpful).  He has been going there on vacations for more than 20 years - giving of time and they have always taken a load of clothes in as well. 

Thanks Carol for the suggestions.  I will watch out for pinecone fabric......I've seen it too. 

Good afternoon everyone, I haven't don't much today, I  did go have my nails done and went to PT. after lunch I took both dogs to the dog park where I  took the other dogs when I was working.  had hesitated about taking both of mine by myself, but they did real well on their leashes. They seemed to know not to pull on me. We had the park to ourselves and they had a good time running and playing.

Now I have a blanket that needs to come out of the dryer and put back on the couch. It is the one I keep on the couch for the dogs.

Well, thanks be to God - we were able to do our time on the treadmills today at the fitness center.  They've given us a very special rate for the year last year and this, so it's easy on us financially.  And it does us so much good.  I go 20 minutes at a fairly slow speed.  Even then, though, it leaves me puffing a bit.  Helps me sleep at night, too.  I thank our Lord we're able to do this at all.

   Hi to all  was able to go to do my volunteer at the mission today.   Thank you Lord for the strength that you gave to me.   It seems that the weeks come and go so fast and the weekend is here again.

Al:  Tonight I was able to go to the Y.M.C.A and do my workout and it makes you feel so much better after you do it.  I do 15mins on the treadmill and the same amount of time on the stationary bike and then 12 laps around the track.  Then I do my weights and tonight I was able to do over 12,500 lbs on 7 different stations so when I finish it feels so good.     How are your legs doing hope that they are getting better.

To all others on C.P.  have a great weekend and a great day in the Lords house on Sunday.  God bless to all.

Hi everyone.  It is soon be time to head for the senior center for the Friday men's coffee.  My neighbor is riding with me this morning.  We take turns as to who drives.  Then I have the rest of the day free (or at least think so at this time.)

I thought I had the day free yesterday but shortly after noon our daughter called and said she had been at the ER across the street with her foot and found she had two more broken bones in her foot, including a re-break of one that had previously been broken.  They put her in a boot device that goes almost to her knee and gave her some pain medication and a prescription.  She had no money so we made a trip downtown to get her medicine, leave her a few dollars, and did some grocery shopping for her.  It was almost 8 pm before we got back home.

We got a pizza to share with her while we were there.  There was no problem with traffic on the trips down or back.

I am happy to be able to report that I had a very good day yesterday.  I woke up feeling refreshed and walked a few laps a the gym and felt good all day long.  I am counting on today to be the same.  Pat also was feeling good yesterday.  I think this is another example of God's plan for us in that making the trip the day before would have been difficult the way I was feeling.

I have read all the posting but will not make individual comments at this time as it is time to leave the house.

I am trying not to get my hopes up but that is being hard to do now that March 6 is here.  Today is the day I go to the urologist to see about the InterStim Therapy.  I am hoping that I come home with the 'test' since my regular urologist and this one is in the same office.  I feel that this will be a life changing procedure for me since all my life I have looked for the words 'Women' or 'Ladies' on doors!

Ivalou is going with me in case for some reason I won't feel like driving home. 

Keep me in your prayers!

Best wishes, Etta Sue!

Larry, my diabetes food doctor told me to save my boots and healing sandals, for they can be reused. It seems that women diabetics, in particular, have problems with broken bones in the feet. I've had them in both feet, and once was in a wheelchair for about a year, and was in one of the velcro boots up to the knee for 8 months.

I'm so thankful that y'all are able to get to the fitness centers. Yes, it really does help, even though for me there's some pain when I first begin either riding the bike or walking. The weather's getting so nice that I plan to work in actual walks outside to go to the library. It's across the street and up the hill a bit. Will make a nice walk. I'm anxious to see what periodicals they take. Maybe it will give me lots of reading diversity at no extra subscription expense.

Y'all have a wonderful rest of the day.

I got an email from my sister saying her book is done, and she picked it up today and then called me.  She said it looks really nice, and she will send my seven copies no later than tomorrow, so I should have mine to read on the way to Denver!  Yippee!!  I can hardly wait!

When I get home, I will be hosting a book signing for her at our library.  I have it all set up, and some promos written.

I'm so glad that Al, Larry and Ruth Ann are feeling better and able to exercise.  I am back up to swimming half a mile; working my way up to a mile again.  And I feel so much better!!  This morning I was just euphoric, I felt so good, and so grateful to God for life, health, family, sunshine, and so many other blessings.

Etta Sue, best wishes for the therapy, and I will be interested in hearing the results.

What a change the temp is really up there.  Many are not wearing coats it is that warm.   

Ruth

Yes Ruth it is that warm here too. 

The fan on the furnace quit yet again.  I have ceramic heaters going so I am warm.  John will be home tonight.

Here is a quote I received from a friend.


May you all grow that kind of garden.

Etta Sue I am praying.

I am here lurking, nothing new here. I am having company coming in and a couple of hours so  will not be posting over the weekend.


All y-all have a blessed weekend.

(Kevin they say that  where my family comes from too, Missouri
)

The weather person is saying that we are about to have a lot of snow dumped on us again.....It is like one continuous bad dream .  After all, this is when the flowers are supposed to be out and the weather warm.  Who ever heard of winter clothes and boots in March on Vancouver Island?

Misty is still not well and has to have another check next week.  Healing okay....but still weak and clinging to me all the time.  I am not exactly used to that as she is usually outside most of the day.  She is so nice and clean and since claws were cut, I don't lose skin when playing with her. 

Not much to say.  The news is so terrible and it makes my heart hurt.  It is as if all the things in Rev. is happening right now.  I am so glad to not be alone and have the kids.  Can't even imagine what it will be like with the Olympics here next year....

Someone once wrote:  "If you can't improve on the silence
                                   you should say nothing."

So Pleasant Evening/Day and God Bless.

Liz

QuoteWell, thanks be to God - we were able to do our time on the treadmills today at the fitness center.  They've given us a very special rate for the year last year and this, so it's easy on us financially.  And it does us so much good.  I go 20 minutes at a fairly slow speed.  Even then, though, it leaves me puffing a bit.  Helps me sleep at night, too.  I thank our Lord we're able to do this at all.

Al:  It is so good for your heart as well - very good news.  There is a woman in this neighborhood who is in early dementia and her doctor tells her to walk - apparently the exercise is good for the brain as well.  Boy, I need a marathon   

Etta Sue:  I hope that your news is the best news possible. 

We had three over for dinner last night and I just made tacos with salad.  Easy and they stayed a few hours to visit.  Good friends over the years. 

I didn't get the best news from the surgeon but I got good news.  I didn't get the procedure yesterday but I am to be called for scheduling the surgery since he does it at Methodist Hospital or a Methodist Surgery Center.  I watched a video about InterStim Therapy.  Then talked to a PA.  Then the doctor came in.  He said there was three procedures that could be done to help but he thought the InterStim Therapy was a more permanent way to go.  So I will be getting the 'test' to wear for a few days or a week.  Then will be scheduled for the permanent implant if the 'test' works!!!  Wished they would have called me yesterday to schedule the surgery.  Can you tell I don't like to wait on anything???

It is warm in Indiana, too!  It is already 61°.  And is suppose to get to  68­°!!  Whoooeee!  That's what I have my furnace set at.  I may have to open up a window or two and get some fresh air in the house!!

Ali and Inky have been sitting on the table in front of the picture window watching Kitty TV.  The birds are excited!  Spring is coming!!

AND DON'T FORGET TO CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS OR YOU WILL BE LATE FOR CHURCH TOMORROW!!!! 

John read your post Etta Sue and said "Well that's alright (the temps) they can give me a load down there next week!"

The snow is melting here at a good rate.  Not too fast.  We have had our first signs of spring though....a thunderstorm!  I enjoy watching the lightening but it was at night when I was heading to bed.

I am missing the girls.  I am sure they are having a blast though.

Bye for now and God bless.

Happily the weather person is consistent in being wrong and the ground is still green....changed to snow showers on Sunday.  This site is beginning to sound like a weather report....

God Bless,

Liz

The same old same old around here and yes it is raining.  Earlier I went to Wal Mart to purchase a battery for my Aunt's telephone - now she will be able to chat hands free for a long time.

We have a birthday in the house so have made a cake and just waiting for the 30 minutes till it is done.  OOps the bell is sounding cake done and when it is cool I will put the icing on.

Have a great day.    Ruth

Happy birthday to !  May everybody in the house enjoy!

I just can't believe your weather, Liz.  It isn't supposed to do that up there!

Hi everyone.  This has been a busy but enjoyable day.  Pat went to a quilt show with her good friend from church.  After coffee I attended a meeting and then went out with a couple from the meeting and their two young grandchildren joined us for lunch.  I sure enjoyed getting to spend the time with these two lovely children and a very nice couple.  They were taking these granddaughters to the Big Apple Circus at Stone Mountain this afternoon as an early birthday gift as they both have March birthdays. 

I came home and rested for a little while.  I am watching basketball on TV and trying to get caught up on the e-mail and message boards.  Then I must get to work on the Golden Games applications I got yesterday.  It isn't difficult work but is both time consuming and data intensive.  Fortunately I have someone who double checks my finished work in case I overlook something, omit something or just make a plain old error. 

Liz, you have had a tough winter.  Sure hope your pet recovers soon.

Etta Sue, hope the test goes well so you can have some permanent help.

Janet, it is nice to read your very positive posting saying you are feeling good rather than feeling poorly from that job you had. 

Thanks for saying that, Larry, as I hadn't even realized how much better I am feeling since I stopped working at that job.     Glad you got to enjoy those kids, and had a good day.

Liz, sorry about your hard winter.  We are still enjoying the "winter that wasn't" here, today I went out for a walk in the wide, wide world, as the children's story goes.  It is a lovely day, and with only a light breeze.  Wish you were here to enjoy it!

I went in and spent some time today with Beth, made a list of books she would like to read, in case Curtis or Mark can figure out how to download them to her Sony Reader.  If not, back to Target it will go, and I will order the Kindle.  The Kindle 2 is out now, and it also has voice capabilities, so will read the books to her if she doesn't feel like reading.  Beth is growing sweeter and sweeter these days, and all the nurses love her.  They assured me that she will be well taken care of during the move.  So I guess this Mom can stop fretting about that.

I also spent time with Mom, read her the obituaries in three papers, listened to her reports of the phone calls she got today, read her the Dixon family newsletter.  So now she's caught up, too.   

This coming week is going to be really busy; we have something on the calendar for every day, and then Saturday is our departure!!

Darrel just brought in the mail, so I will see what we got, then do some more 'stuff.'  See you later!

Janet, I don't know how you feel about embryonic stem cell research, but Obama just freed it up via directive.  I'm convinced that people like your Beth might benefit.  It seems to me that the use of stem cells in her case offers the best (and possibly the only) solution to the problem.  Are there any research universities anywhere near you that might be doing research and need a subject?  It just might be worth looking in to.

Well, we are now having a blizzard and Amanda is driving home from work on that tricky Malahat!   

Stem cell research certainly does open all sorts of hope for people.  I am with you on that, Al.  Michael J. Fox was on TV again and he is an example of a great need that is being ignored. 

Wendy is becoming more crippled every month and requires shots in both neck and back now.  She will soon have to stop driving and can only do short distances.  Her pain is constant.  So if anything can be found to help, it will only be found by research.

Liz

Al and Liz, I am all for ADULT or umbilical cord stem cell research/therapy, but am against embryonic stem cell research which destroys the life of a tiny human being.  Also, there has not yet been even one application using embryonic stem cells producing a cure or great improvement; but there have been over 80 of them, using adult stem cells.  This is the difference that the main stream media chooses to ignore.

We do have a medical school at KU, in Lawrence/Kansas City area.  We have been in contact with them to see if they are doing any research on Neurofibromatosis, but they aren't at this time, anyway.  And they won't accept Beth into the trials for NF that the Mayo Clinic is conducting because she is not ambulatory.  So we hit a brick wall at every turn.  But I know God has Beth in his loving arms, that He loves her even more than I, as her mother, do, and that His will will be accomplished in her life.  I told her sister Diane that I wonder if the reason Beth is becoming sweeter and sweeter is that she is nearing heaven.  Sigh........

I do hope the research continues with cord blood stem cells and adult stem cells, so that the amazing promise they hold out will come into being.

We will just miss getting to see our grandsons, granddaughter-in-law and great granddaughter.  They are all heading home on Friday and we are leaving early Saturday.    I sure would love to see them, especially little Alexis.

Maybe I will get to see all of them in May, at Mark's college graduation. 

Hi everyone. It is a beautiful Sunday and I did remember to reset the clocks this morning and remembered the time change when I looked at the clocks during the night.  Pat isn't feeling up to par this morning so we are not planning on going to church.  The choir is in the loft this morning to help with the congregational singing but are not doing an anthem as our director will not be there.  I think I will take Pat out to brunch so she won't have to cook today. 

Janet, a number of the folks involved with the Book discussions on the SeniorLearn (which was set up by Ginny Anderson after the SeniorNet discussions went away) have purchased the new Kendall II devices and seem to really like them.  They are very light and adaptable and load the books quickly and, I understand, wirelessly.  I hope the Sony reader works out for Beth.  I hope you will be able to relax and not worry about the move while you are gone.  There is no sense in worrying about something you can't control or participate in since you will be away.

Al, it looks like most of the policies of the previous Administration are quickly being wiped away.  I just hope they are wise decisions.  I am very worried about out country but can do little about it other than vote so know I need to follow my own advice I just suggested to Janet.

Liz, hope the blizzard didn't last too long and that you all are OK.  Sorry to read that your daughter continues to get worse with the pain.  I see this happening with our daughter as well and it is hard for a parent to accept.

We have a light covering of snow on the ground this morning....could have been worse!  Usually have cherry blossoms this time of year.....once upon a time here on the island, we laughed about shoveling blossoms instead of snow!

I also fixed the clocks.  Watching curling as it is that time of year again.  Since it became so popular, they are all acting like TV stars.  At least it keeps the language civil.....

I agree with you Janet about embryonic stem cells...was thinking about the other research being done.  Guess nothing is simple these days.  Hope you have a great vacation. 

Pleasant Day/Evening and God Bless.

Liz

Good day everyone . Will its a cool but sunny day here today.

We had a great service this morning. And I thnak God for preachers who bring the word every week.
I just had pizza for dinner and I think I will go for a nap seems like I am missing a hours sleep somewhere

We remembered to set our clocks forward last night; our pastor did not!    He wasn't late, but was the only member of his family present, so I think the rest of them didn't get out of bed in time to come.

Larry, I really don't worry about things at home when we are away; but I just want to make sure all bases are covered, so to speak, before we leave.  We will try to find some kind of cell phone, probably prepaid, so we can check in, as I don't feel comfortable being out of touch for that long.

We serve such an awesome God!  He knows the end from the beginning, and always has our best in mind.  Our part is to follow and obey, and he lavishes us with love and blessings.  Thank you, Father!

I need to make a few phone calls, see you later.

It is that time again. 

While thoughts of God are still in our hearts after attending our worship service, let continue with a devotion to begin our Thoughts for the Week of March 8.

   Good afternoon to all.   Praise God for an other day and my wife had the strength to be able to go to church which is a plus.  We also had  alot of heavy rain and thunder and lighting.

Etta Sue.  I hope that you will get good reports when you do go to the doctors just give it all to the Lord and he will do what is in his will for you.

May the Lord be with you all this week and I am feeling much better and am almost finished the medication that the doctor gave me.

Good evening all.  I am making this short.  Be back later. 

Gord Glad Noreen is a bit better.

Thanks someone for locking this thread for me.  Duh!  I forgot.  So here is my previous post to direct you to the new thread.

Thoughts for the Week of March 8.