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Morning Devotional...

Psalm 46

God is the Savior of His people  - no matter what the situation. They are, after all, His kingdom, and He's always willing and He is always able to successfully defend them.  That's the theme of this song. It's a theme calculated to renew the courage of Israel's warriors, as well as that of the entire nation in the face of war.  

It would do us well as we we read it to be reminded of Jehoshaphat's experience in the war he had to fight against the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir.  In that circumstance, you should recall, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, and he prophesied to the army the day before they were to go out to face the enemy.  He said,

"Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat!  Thus says the Lord to you: 'Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's. Tomorrow go down against them.  They will surely come up by the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the brook before the Wilderness of Jeruel.  You will not need to fight in this battle.  Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord Who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!  Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you!'"

Because Israel was God's kingdom, He intended to defend it in a way that would reveal His power and glory.

Needless to say, the result was indeed the promised victory for God's army.  And the lesson to be learned was simple and straightforward - You are GOD'S people, therefore HE will fight your battles!  So the singer says, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble!"  The people were thus reminded, each time they used this song in worship, that, in every battle, they were to trust not themselves, but in Jehovah their covenant Lord.

And at any time in Israel's future, it would never matter how strong the enemy was or how great the odds against them.  In ALL cases they could still sing, "Therefore we WILL NOT FEAR, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling!"

The reason for this trust in Jehovah is revealed in the promise of verses 4 and 5, where the people are told that

"There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God.  God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved."  

God manifests His presence there because it is indeed His special city, and it is therefore impregnable.

The promise is for us as well.  We should be reminded of it in the prayer our Lord taught His disciples, a prayer in which He instructed them to say, "For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever."  The people of God are His kingdom, His property, His delightful possession, and He will always defend them -  because they are His!

There's a time coming when all battles will cease, when God's rule on earth will be complete and glorious.  The psalm reminds us of that glorious future as well.  The people sing, "He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire!"

God is just telling them - and us - in this song that not only Israel, but all the universe is His, and there's a time coming when all evil shall be utterly removed, when His rule alone will be seen not only in Israel, but in all His creation!

With that glorious end in view, and with the God Who brings it about doing the speaking, the psalmist's conclusion is appropriate.  He says to them and to us, "be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"

Today we are closer to that glorious day when our Lord shall return to cleanse and renew His creation.  In view of that hope, then, we too should be ready for all the battles of this world, whether they are against our own flesh, the world, or the Devil himself, for "the battle is not yours, but the Lord's"


Al Moak


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

Don't be afraid...I am with you.   What a message.  Our God is a mighty fortress, In Him we can trust.  Thank you Al.

Hi everyone.  Al, thanks for your writings on the Psalms.  I one you are using this week is really a good one.  I think those of us with some years behind us can relate in a personal way that when we put out trust in God and seek his will for our lives he provides and protects us not from the trials but from being broken by them. 

Today should be a beautiful, sunny, and relatively cool day here in Georgia.  It is suppose to stay in the lower 70s.  Today is the day for the housekeeper to come and also the yard men so things will be back in good order by this afternoon.

Yesterday we had a delightful surprise when our step grandson stopped by with his wife and 19 month old son, Sean.  Believe me Sean kept everyone entertained and busy.  We had a great time but as soon as he left both great grandma and great grandpa took a long nap.  It is amazing how much energy these little tykes have at that age.  It had been several months since we had seen him and he had really grown and is a carbon copy of his father at that age.

Don, sorry to read that you are not feeling well and hope you are better by this morning.

Etta Sue, do many women wear aprons in your area.  I remember my mother always wearing one but my wife never does.  So glad to read of the continuing progress of your sister in her recovery.

Carol, it sounds like you had a full day with your relatives.

Judy, sure that will be a delightful ceremony of praise when your church is able to burn its mortgage.  I remember one occasion when our church did the same thing.

It is time to leave for coffee.  My good friend, Rod and his wife, are flying to Branson, MO. this morning to spend 5 days at a resort with his wife's brother and wife.  I hope they have a wonderful time.

Well, today's forecast was for sunny and around 70, but somebody forgot to tell the weather.     The sky, at 9:45 a.m., is very overcast and the temperature is only in the mid-50's. 

EttaSue - aprons!!!  I remember them well.  A clean one every day.  And sometimes, depending on what you were cooking, you'd need a second one.  Of course they were cotton and after washing, every one had to be ironed.  Then, after a good many years, we began wearing jeans for housework during the week.  Sunday still meant a "good" dress for church and an apron over it as soon as you got home and started fixing Sunday Dinner!  Now I still have a couple in the drawer but haven't used one in years. 

The mini challenge "Let His Light Shine" is now open for voting.  You can check out the wonderful entries HERE and vote for your five favorites.  (Just be sure to choose 5 before clicking on "Submit")

Thank you Larry,I do feel better this morning although I am not over what ever it is that has jumped on me.

Well I've never worn a apron but I do remember them. My grandmother wore them and I haven't seen anybody wear one since she passed on in the early 70's.

BTW I still miss my grandmother. She has second place in my heart next to Jesus! I sure hope my grand kids feel the same way about me.

Don

Love the stories about aprons.  I have one that I bought in Minnesota made by the Humong tribe out of Vietnam or were they in Cambodia?  The stitches intrigue me because they are so similar to Scandinavian stitches I have seen.  We are one in the world - really.

I just heard from a gal who graduated with me at high school and what a sad story with her - alcoholic husband who tormented their adopted children and then a divorce & she wasn't able to work.  Very meager income.  

Well, we are off to donate to Goodwill & it is Senior Day there so we always look if there is anything for the cabin.  Still no gas line at the cabin - I can't even think about it.  Our son is in charge of that issue.

Etta Sue:  LOL on "checking the engine".  

P. Al:  It isn't all the time I even think about the gift we have - that we can and should put our entire trust in the Lord.  Sometimes, it is a thought that comes rather delayed and that is sad but true.  Nevertheless, it is there for us day after day.  Thanks for reminding us of our perfect gifts. 

No, I don't think any women wear aprons today but most of us remember our mothers or grandmothers wearing aprons.  There is a lot of different designs and purposes for aprons and this was what the speaker showed us and told us.  Very interesting and brought back lots of memories. 

Ivalou has moved to rehab.  She knows she is going to have longer therapy sessions now.  I went over and got her some clothes and shoes to wear.  She should be ready to go tomorrow!  But I doubt that I get her clothes to her before her first therapy session starts! 

I took my laptop today and she Skyped with my daughter-in-law and with my friend in Mexico.  Now I am trying to find out if her daughters in Ohio have mics on their laptops/desktops and they could Skype and see Ivalou and Ivalou could hear them!  Or see, too, if they have Webcams.

Tomorrow is Lauren's surgery in the afternoon.  So say a prayer for her if you would, please!

I am tired.  Hopefully I will get to bed around 11pm. 

Good Evening:       
Life around here is one big mess.   When it rains it pours and yes we had hail mixed with rain this afternoon.

About wearing aprons I wear one when doing deep fried fish the favorite of many.  I also have been known to use a long towel as well.

The family which is all of them are out taking care of a family situation.

My thought and prayers for those in trouble.

It is getting late and I am very tired.

Well Again Cadets has me home late.  Kass is showering to get the gell out of her hair,  Elizabeth has ended her cadet career and we had a good evening together.  This will be a late night for me...I have a difficult time winding down after the night in NBay.  Kass is trying out for the colour party.  I am hoping she makes it.  Tryouts are for the next couple of weeks, there are places for 3 with 4 trying out.  Someone will be eliminated.  Also this year everyone who was on the drill team last year is guaranteed a spot this year as well there are rumours of a regional competition.  So it will be a full year.  Thankfully she has found a group of good friends at school who encourage, as well a similar encouraging group at cadets.

Elizabeth is looking into the veterinary assistant courses with the thought of doing a co-op in grade 11 or 12 in an animal hospital.  She is so good with animals and little kids that it will be a hard decision as to which way she will go.

As far as aprons fo I have never worn one.  My ex boss got a pattern to have kids make aprons...I knew it would not go, people just don't wear them any more...Ruth is the exception!  LOL

Ruth I am sorry your family is having a hard time. I am praying for you all.  Have a good rest. Often things look brighter after a good nights sleep.

Etta Sue I will be praying for Lauren

Don another night's rest and you will feel better I hope.  I am praying brother.

All the other requests for prayer...I am remembering.

Hi, friends,

I spent the afternoon getting med$$$, (the Rx tech told me to call the mfg of the meds, since I'm now in that dreaded "donut hole.") Whatta drag! I'll be paying this credit card bill in installments, which is not my normal habit - I usually pay in full. Oh, well, thank goodness for credit, and for a concerned tech who gave me that tip.

Y'all have a great rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

   Hi to all I just wanted to say hi to all on C.P. again still keeping busy.

Today I had an appointment witha surgeon and he has told me that I have carpal tunnel and he wants me to try a brace for six weeks then see him and if it is the same way he will want me to try an other six weeks but if that does not work I will have to have surgery so again I ask you for prayer that the brace will do the job and that I will not have to have surgery.

I have read most of the post's and all very interesting happy belated birthday to all.

Paul:  Nice to see you posting and also all the others.  God bless to all.  Gord.

Hi everyone.  I have a few minutes before leaving for my normal morning coffee at McDonalds. 

Our daughter is in the hospital again as couldn't get vomiting stopped.  She did not wait as before to go to the ER and when they saw her and her sugar count and heart rate they admitted her.  I have no idea how long she will be there. 

Not much on my schedule for today.  I do have a meeting to attend this morning and then will have a quiet day, although never know what might come up during the day or what I might decide to do.

Don, I liked your comments concerning your grandmother.  I also was blessed with a wonderful grandmother, whom I dearly loved and miss to this day.

Gord, hope the brace solves the problem.  Carpel tunnel seems to be quite common but I understand very painful.

Ruth Ann, hope you can get some help from the drug companies.  I am very fortunate in that my health insurance does not have a donut hole where costs are not covered.  However, except for a couple of medicine I have been getting the others at Krogers for $10 for 3 months.  Kaiser uses many generics.  Pat has had to take antibiotics and Publix fills these free for a number of different antibiotics.  So far she has gotten three prescriptions free, including a new one yesterday.  I told them I would give them all my business of this type.

Judy, young people in deciding what they want to do after high school or college do have a challenge. 

Ruth, hope things smooth out for your family quickly.  Sometimes the hurdles seem very high.

It is cool here this morning, currently 50 degrees.

Good morning everyone!

Larry, I'm so sorry to hear about your daughter's latest problems.  I pray the Lord's healing touch on her and His peace and strength for you and Pat.

Have you voted yet for your five favorites in the latest mini challenge "Let Hs Light Shine?"  Click Here  If you haven't checked out those entries you'll be amazed at the different and wonderful ways the subject has been interpreted!

Talking about aprons, I wear  one most of the time when I am cooking and sometimes when doing house work.

Larry I am continuing to pray for Stacey.

Larry:   Sorry to hear that Stacey is back in the hosp. will be praying for her.

Judy:  Has Elizabeth just lost interest and time for cadets or is it an age  progression thing. 

Marilyn:  Aprons are and can be most beautiful but my problem is when I gained weight they shrank, but I do have one that is handy and easy to wear. 

Still feeling tired but do have concerns for the family time will heal as Larry said.

Time to get the evening meal ready.    bye for now.

Ruth She didn't want to be in cadets last year but she had committed for the year and I wouldn't let her quit mid season.  It was a step in fulfilling obligations and commitments.  So when this year started I gave her the option to quit before the season actually began.  It really was a loss of interest, as she is heading in a different direction in life to Kassie.

We have the fire going today.  The girls said they saw snow this afternoon.  Too early, too soon, too cold.

Got to run
God bless you all

    Good evening to all hope that you all had a great day.  Today was an other day at the mission to go to pick up the eggs and that was about it

My wife was at Christian woman's club today and they have changed the name in this part of Canada and I cannot think of it for the moment.  She enjoys going to it as all the ladies are so helpful to her and try to make her as comfortable as she can be.  She is also the prayer coordinator for the group and they meet the week before to discuss things and also pray for the meetings.  This takes her mind away from her constant pain and helps her to do planning.

Judy B.  Has John gone back to work I do hope that he takes it easy for the first couple of weeks.  It sounds like you are very busy at home hope you are looking after yourself Talk to you soon SIS.

Larry:    Hope that your daughter will get her strength back soon and also am glad to here that you and Pat are getting well God bless

Marilyn:  I read about the banana bread and my wife makes it  quite often and I will try to remember to get her recipe which is her mothers.


May the Lord be with all  Gord.

Larry:  Sorry to read that Stacey has been ill with something so difficult for her.  Prayers for her recovery.

Pat:  Thanks so much for UNTIL THEN.  I do appreciate the oldies.

This is our 47th. anniversary.  Who would have thought that it would last    I guess we always thought our marriage would last and now we have been together we would never change too much.  We went out for a lunch at a fish place that gave us a coupon for 10 per cent off the bill.  Don had the halibut and I had a small crab Louie salad.  Ate so slowly because my gums are inflamed, am swirling warm salted water - this is all the fault of this new dentist that I dread going in there but now have to finish what she started.  Am on antibiotics and eating yogurt so all will be mending some day. 

Tomorrow is the women's bible study and they do have a breakfast but I will only drink  coffee.  Cutting back on food and exercising longer as my physical comes up in December.  No cookies.  My neighbor is picking me up and later this month we plan to help fill several thousand packages for the troops at church.  It is a massive undertaking from all the pictures I have seen.  I bought toothbrushes and mostly needy things, not food for the troops.  They like the gel-filled foot supports for their boots. 

I have an urgent call from a teacher friend.  She ia asking for prayer for a difficult situation she is facing.  She doesn't want detaild known, God knows the situation.

John has finally called.  They are pushing the miles, but he is only doing what he is able.  He needs time to get his endurance up.

Gord, if you come back on check out the "Newcomer Introductions" Ruth has joined CP under the name RuthV.

I amheading to bed Night all

Gord thanks for thinking of me and I would very much appreciate the recipe.

Pat:  Don't think I have ever heard that one,thanks for sharing.

Carol: Happy belated anniversary and congratulations.

Judy:  I'm praying here for your friend. Its tough for teachers these days.

          Tell John not to over do it.

Have a blessed day everyone, I'll be back later.

Don

Pat, thank you for that beautiful hymn.   

Autumn is settling in around here with pretty chilly nights and cool days.  The colors in the trees are fantastic - our Lord is such a wonderful artist!   

My visits with my daughter and grandchildren are over for this year.  They're heading back to North Carolina early tomorrow morning.  Prayers for their travel safety, please.

Hi everyone.  Another beautiful and cool day here in Georgia.  Have had a quiet but busy morning here at home getting the bills ready to pay tomorrow.  This evening I have choir.

Stacey had an endoscopy done this morning as they try to find out what is causing the vomiting.  She is stablized with that problem at the moment.  I have no idea when the doctor will release her to go back home.  Yesterday she was on a clear diet.  Pat spoke with her a little while ago as we hadn't heard from her this morning.  She was groggy from the procedure so will call us when she feels up to it.

Happy Anniversary Carol and Don.  Pat and I have also been married 47 years this last July.  When we think back on the years it is hard to believe how quickly these years have passed. 

Good Morning everyone. I boiled up a pound of liver and cut it up for the animals. Fritzy, Happy and Bebe were all right there  as I was cutting it up, begging for treats. So of course they got some, Then I noticed that it was raining again and called Grubby into the garage and  gave him two teaspoonfuls of the liver.

I have one load of laundry in the dryer and one in the washer and still have to go change the sheets on the bed and do the kitchen floor.
We had tacos for supper last night and will have leftover grilled Parmesan cheese coated chicken breasts tonight.

We have had some crazy weather the last couple of days, it rains for awhile then the sun comes out for awhile then it rains again.  On the news last night it said that the  west coast was on tsunami watch too but that it wouldn't be much.

Quote from: Marilyn on September 30, 2009, 12:31:31 PM
We have had some crazy weather the last couple of days, it rains for awhile then the sun comes out for awhile then it rains again.  On the news last night it said that the  west coast was on tsunami watch too but that it wouldn't be much.

Hey!  This is Oregon, Marilyn ...   I had to put on long sleeves this morning!

BTW, that was not termed a "watch" because they just wanted people to stay away from the beaches and bays in case of undertows and such.  It was supposed to reach here at high tide so that was the caution ... no big deal.

I'm heading out to Farmers Market in a bit, and then I'll leave more of my fresh Rosemary at the mini-mall where I have a table.  Guess it's time to pay for the rental of that table, too.  Then I'll pay the rent here on my way back home.  I'm probably in for the rest of the day ... Not much going on in my corner of the world.

When we used to live up in Oregon, there was a saying we used to hear a lot.  It was, "If you don't like the weather here, wait a moment!"

Larry, sorry to hear about Stacey being in the hospital.  Hope she gets to go home soon.

I got a call last evening from Teresa, Lauren's mother.  Lauren's surgery for some reason was delayed until 3pm so she was still in recovery when Teresa called.  They tested or whatever 7 lymph nodes and none showed cancer!!  Yay!  And since there was no cancer in the lymph nodes they did the double mastectomy and inserted the implants.  She might have to have some tweeking later but it won't be an under anesthetic surgery!  She was probably surprised to wake up with ta-tas!  And she is probably home now!!!  Teresa is a dental assistant and Lauren's Dad is a registered nurse.  They have it arranged that one of them will be with Lauren all the time.  She will love being pampered for....about a week!  Then she will be wanting to be out and about.  We don't know when chemo starts. 

I went to the meeting with Dr. Miller today for Ivalou.  Not much was discussed since yesterday was her first day of rehab.  The doctor said she will be in rehab 3-4 weeks.  They did get her a brace for her right leg since they tested her for light touching and she didn't feel anything on her right leg and arm.  But they can still teach her to walk even if she doesn't have any feeling in that leg and arm!  Remarkable what can be done!  I went to Speech therapy with her and then came home to do little necessary stuff and hopefully a nap this afternoon.

Now for a third prayer request.  My son, Tony, is to have a colonoscopy next Tuesday and a endoscopy Wednesday.  He has been having problems with various things health-wise for about two month.  They found out he had a bacteria in his blood stream similar to an ulcer.  He will be 49 in January.  This mother was so pleased that he even went to the doctor/gastrologist.  Now to find out why he has blood in his stool. 

Now who was it that said...when it rains, it pours??

Hey there, Etta Sue, that's really good news you're bringing us today ... well 'ceptin for Tony.    Sure will pray that he sails through these tests and gets answers -- but answers with little or no concerns attached.   

Quote from: Al Moak on September 30, 2009, 02:23:14 PM
When we used to live up in Oregon, there was a saying we used to hear a lot.  It was, "If you don't like the weather here, wait a moment!"

Yup, Al, that's the truth .... and, you're not a true Oregonian until you develop webbed feet!   

Thanks all for your anniversary greetings.  That is so sweet to come in here and find those notes on this site.

Etta Sue:  Now, if you can only get your son, Tony, to get my son Philip to have a colonoscopy - My best for a clear checkup. 

We have high high winds this afternoon.  It is snowing in the mountains at our cabin.  The latest news is that our son went over the head of the young man who has been supposed to be helping our situation and we found that that young man has done nothing.  Why, I have no idea.  He was told umpteen times that the developer could not be reached and is a criminal hiding in another country.  He knew all this and just kept leaving messages at an old phone number.  So, a woman working there went over to that desk and just picked up the gas line order and was taking it straight to her boss - we shall see.

Other than that - I had a wonderful morning at bible study with my neighbor. 

Well, we spent 22 years up there in waterlog county watching it rain, snow, hail, sleet, sun, and oh yes - ooze.  You had to have web feet - couldn't walk on the water without them.

We even went picnicing at a park near Tilamook one time in the rain.  There was a covered gazebo at the center of the park, so we ate in there.  That's what Oregonians do - they picnic in the rain!  But we loved Oregon - God made it a wonderful place!

Carol - it sounds to me like a new and different contractor wouldn't be a bad thing.

Don & Carol     Happy Anniversary       

We have been married for 46 yrs and often wonder were has all the time together gone.  Yes the years keep adding up.

Things here have kinda settled down but we have miles to go yet.
We must just remember the good and the bad will take care of itself.

It is chilly in southern Ontario and yes I have turned on the furnace - sure feels good I must say. 

This is the first time posting to this board.

I am really enjoying getting to know everyone, but it will take me a little time.

I know three of you, very well. JudyB, who lives about 10 miles (16 km, up here in Powassan) from me and introduced me to this site; Gord, who along with his dear wife, Noreen, could not have shown Jesus' love more, to me in 1994; and Kat, my daughter, who just joined (she's LOVES photography).

As I read through the posts, I realize how much you uphold each other in prayer and I KNOW He hears and answers........ from personal experience.

Currently 38 F  (4 C) with a few snow flurries. We are trying to delay starting our outdoor furnace as our wood supply is not near what it should be. It's currently 61.8 F, in the computer room........ tolerable with a nice thick woolen sweater!! I have two comforters on the bed, so I should be toasty tonight.

Oh yes, about aprons. I have two or three sitting in my kitchen drawer, along with the dishtowels. I do pull one out, every now and then, if I'm dressed to go out and need to do something messy in the kitchen. My grandmother, who would be 120 years old now, ALWAYS wore one doing kitchen chores.

We have new folks who need to be welcomed.  I hope that all of you will go over to the Introductions area and go down the list and if you see a "New" icon/button, click on that and please post a welcome.  

Hi Ruth!  It's lovely to have you posting in here.  Hoping to get to know you in time. 

Hi Ruth nice to "meet"  you, I am another one who lives in Oregon, Jane, Nita and myself all live close by. At the most maybe 5 miles from Nita and about 3 from Jane.

I moved here in march to get married, I was in McKinleyville, California, and have known Al for about 6½ years. I have 5 kids altogether , 13 Grands and 5 greats now. The youngest son and family live in blue Lake which is near McKinleyville, about 4½hours drive from where I am now.

I also have 2 dogs and 2 cats. Happy a male 14 yr old Border Collie mix, Bebe a female 8 yr old Amstaff terrier mix, Fritzy and grey and white Tabby and Grubby a Tuxedo cat, both cats are male.

Happy Anniversary Carol & Don.  

Sorry I have not been around this summer.  In May I made the decision to finally have knee replacement surgery on both knees.  June 30 was the first and Sept 8 was the second.  

I knew when I made the decision my summer w.b. spent cooped up in the house.  I have been out of the house only 3 times since Sept 8.  

While I still have some pain it is no longer keeping me from the computer and more importantly...from church.  

I met a guy a while back who was a month ahead of me.  I asked hiim when the pain went away.  He said, "I'll let you know."  Ha Ha  I am looking forward to pain-free walking, etc.

Hey Ruth I am so glad Kat has joined.  Kat if you come here to Thoughts Welcome!!  Can't wait to get to know you better!!!

Ed Sorry about your knee.  If we'd known we would have been praying!

Kass had ground school today.  That was 6 - 9, and we sat reading. Elizabeth got her homework done in the car.  This is going to be a crazy winter.  Between drill team, ground school, and cadets we are in NBay 3 days a week.  Looks like we will have to drop Friday nights in town now.

The girls are in bed, I am heading that way soon.

Those of you who have prayer requests, I am praying.

   Good evening to all.    It is always nice to come on C.P. and to get encouraged by your post's.

Ruthv.:   Well it has been a long time since we have seen your face and it is so good to here that you are on C.P.   How is your daughter doing?  And what about your hubby. you can get my email address if you click on my picture      WELCOME.

Ed.   It so good to see you back and I have had some friends that had the same as you have just had done and they are doing well.  I do pray and hope that the pain will leave very soon.

Must go to bed.   Good night to all.

Hi Everyone!

Great to see you all and read your posts.

Life is so hectic these days for me and sometimes I wonder how to get through all that I need to get through. 

Don't forget to please welcome the new members.  They don't know about Thoughts for the Week and they need to know that they are welcome here at CP just as we all needed to feel welcomed by other members so please post in the Introductions area.

Talk to you soon.

Hi everyone.  Another truly beautiful day here in Georgia.  I went to coffee this morning but the conversation was so boring (or lacking) I left in about 15 mintues.  Of course, I was the only one there!  

We just spoke with our daughter.  She had had a test this morning to test the ability of her stomach to empty food properly.  She has heard nothing on the results of any of the testing they have done so far.  We were planning on going down to see her in the hospital but she encouraged us not to make the trip.  I think she will be sleeping as has been doing a lot of it.  She is still suffering from nausea but not the vomiting.  I really didn't like the idea of being in the hospital with all the flu cases that are occurring but would have gone to see her.  

The dentists office called this morning saying my crown had come in so I will go at 1:30 to have it put on.  Pat is going with me and we are going Sam's before the appointment to get a few items and to have lunch there.  She will use the electric cart to get around as her foot is still hurting her a lot.

RuthV, welcome to CP.  It is nice to see you posting here.  

Etta Sue, glad Tony is taking care of himself.  Glad Ivalou is getting started with her rehab.

Ed, sounds like you have had a long and painful summer.  I have a cousin who had both knees replaced at once.  I also have another friend who did like you and had both done but got one done and a few months later did the other.  He is now walking very well.

Carol, do you all have any involvement with the crooked contractor?

Good to read the other postings.

hello all, sorry i have been absent just been a hectic few months which seems to be the normal for me anymore. anyways i'm here and doing well but i must be off i haven't been feeling to great and so i've slept when i'm not at work anyways have a good day!
Sarah

Hi Sarah.  When's baby due?

december 25th mom says i need to have her on dec 23rd (at night :S) lol

We'll be thinking of you, Sarah.  Merry Christmas!!! 

My granddaughter is a Christmas baby.  Well, maybe not a baby any more at 18.   

Ivalou is still improving!  Today she pivoted on her right/bad foot!!!  She was beaming to know she can do that.  And in OT she was batting a balloon back and forth with the therapist!  She aimed better than the therapist.  And she ate good for lunch and for dinner.  She said she dressed herself...all but pulling her pants up.  So she is doing great!  Her speech gets better every day.  The test will be when one of her daughters comes this weekend and sees her progress. 

I ate breakfast at home...just a bowl of cereal, skim milk and coffee.  I didn't eat again until 7pm.  I can't do that.  I was getting shaky before eating tonight.  But I didn't want to leave Ivalou without her having company.

Yea for Ivalou!    Sounds like she's making remarkable progress.   

Sarah, I'm sure you are just wanting your baby to be born healthy (and the sooner the better, right?).  I have a great granddaughter who was the first Christmas baby born in Sacramento, in 1998.  In fact, she is the only girl my (#2) grandson has -- 4 brothers -- The other grandson has 3 boys. So I guess you'd say there's a shortage of girls in that part of the family.

Etta Sue you mist take care of yourself.  If you don't what help will you be??  You have a lot depending on you now.  I am praying for you sis, but take care of you self and eat regular.

Had a call from John.  When he headed out yesterday there was a problem with his air brakes.  It took time to get that fixed so he was late getting out on his trip.  Thankfully he knows his machine and hears when something is going wrong.

We have help coming in on Saturday...e are praying the rain stops, or blows over.  It is difficult working with machinery when it is raining.

I am off to bed.  Night all!

Telephones are wonderful!  Glad John could call, Judy.  Still dark here, though I've been up an hour and a half.  Not too much happening today.

Hi everyone.  Sarah, good to see you posting.  

Our daughter was released from the hospital yesterday afternoon.  They did several tests and the results showed that the diabetic neuropathy has now damaged the nerves of her stomach so that the food is not leaving the stomach as it should and thus the nausea and vomiting.  This is named Gastroparesis.She is also losing weight.  They have given her a new medicine called reglan to try to help her.  Here is a link if you are interested in learning more about this condition:  http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gastroparesis/index.htm  Ruth Ann, are you familiar with this condition?

Pat's new Acer Aspire Netbook came yesterday so I spent the late afternoon getting it going and protected. I am using the new free Microsoft Security Essentials program.  I hope she will get a lot of use from it.  I still have a lot more work to do on it, which I will start on when I finish reading the message boards.  I don't have to go anywhere else today, as far as I know.

Yesterday, I got my gold crown put in.  I thought it was going to be several weeks still before it would be ready. 

Judy, you sure wouldn't want to have a big truck out with faulty brakes. 

Father, I pray for Larry's daughter.  I pray that the newest medicine will work well, and that her problem may be quickly corrected.  Enable her to trust in You, Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ.

A bright and sunny day in Indiana.  Sunshine always makes one feel better.  I plan to have lunch here at home and then head to the hospital.  I am anxious to see what Ivalou can do today!  She amazes me.  And Jo, her daughter from Ohio, is coming this evening for the weekend.  She will be amazes to see her Mom do things that she couldn't do last Sunday! 

I am taking care of myself.  Yesterday was a fluke...I forgot that I hadn't eaten anything until I was getting shaky.  (That was a first!)  I need to put something in my purse to snack on if that happens again. 

I read all the posts and I am sorry that I am not commenting on them.  Just know that all of you are on my prayers and concerns list.  I do feel that when we have concerns and problems, they draw us closer to God. 

I mentioned to the minister the other day that I truly think there is an advantage of having weird names...Ivalou, Kaye Don and Etta Sue.  When someone says a prayer for Ivalou, God doesn't have to think...Ivalou who?  He knows exactly who Ivalou is because there just isn't that many Ivalou's in the world!  That's my story and I am sticking to it!   

Etta Sue You make me smile.  Thank you for that.  I am still praying.

Amen to Al's prayer for Larry's daughter.  I am praying here too.

All the rest of the needs I am praying.

This morning I was on the treadmill in the basement watching one of the five channels we get downstairs - weeping along with others at the Extreme Makeover of a single father with 5 boys go from poverty to a really expensive home & food for a year.  Everyone was crying.  The finally had beds. 

Al:  We camped in the light rain and the weather didn't stop us from anything when I grew up in Seattle.  Never did own an umbrella. 

Larry: Stacey has had so many difficult things lately.  She is due for some healing.  Praying for her and her doctors. 

Al & Larry:  We bought a foreclosed home (cabin) that was about 80% finished so we and one son & wife are doing everything ourselves except what we can't possibly fix.  The place is ready for a CO - certificate of occupancy except for a little thing - heat.  A gas line has been promised within two weeks, nightime is down to 15*F there. 

Ruth:  Thank you - we had a nice, quiet anniversary.  It seems like yesterday.

RuthV:  Welcome!  And, your daughter is on here as well.  Terrific.  You have some wonderful neighbors.

Ed:  Thank you - we are fortunate indeed to have any anniversaries. 

We are waiting for the temp to rise a little more and then will go for a walk in Waterton Canyon.  Hope to see some of the Rocky Mountain Sheep. 

I signed an online petition for Huckabee site - it is an open letter to congress to:  balance, cut and save.  Does anyone think that would ever be possible?  Our state requires a balanced budget and it makes so much sense, even more so in the worst of times. 

Mom's Phone

Because my mother had a habit of losing her cordless phone, I bought her a phone with a clip on it so she could attach it directly to her belt. A few days later, I walked into my mother's home and found her standing in the middle of the living room, halfway dressed. That didn't strike me as odd so much as the fact that she was holding her pants to the side of her head and speaking into them.

"Don't look at me that way," she yelled. "The phone started ringing and I couldn't figure out how to undo this stupid clip!"

*Thanks to Pastor Tim for this joke!*
cybersalt.org/cleanlaugh

Hey!!!
Look who got Photo of the Day today at Photography Cafe!

HAhahahahahahaha   Good laugh Jeanne!  ROTFL

Hey Pat I didn't know you went for a walk in my woods!  That picture is beautiful.  Way to go!

HAHA!  Thanks Karen!

Yes, the Jack Scott Hike is tomorrow and I thought I'd go and see the area before tomorrow and I took a few piccies on Wed.

Jeanne:  That was so funny!  You can just picture the phone ringing in the wrong moment. 

Pat:  Lovely photo of inviting woods. 

  Nita    

I have been trying to learn how to delete and other things from the MP3 we got this year.  We bought it for listening to books on tape in the car but now that Don is having hearing problems I doubt that it can be used except by me alone when I go walking    Music and sound is still distorted. 

Thank you for the birthday wishes.

I had a good day.  Got to visit with my sisters, and my daughter came with a fruit arrangement.  Little Maycie, ggrandaughter thought that was the best thing ever, and we had to open it right then and start feeding her fruit.

Seems I don't get a lot done since Maycie has been with me.  Well, I can't say that really.  I just get different things done than before.  I'm so grateful that God has given me the strength to do this, and His peace and patience too.  Everything is new to little Maycie, and it's such a joy watching her.  I do get tired, but have discovered I sleep better now. lol  God's grace again.

Again, thank you for the birthday wishes and cards.

Our Mini-Challenge #36 "Let His Light Shine" is open for voting until October 4 - and that's tomorrow!!!

Such beautiful and meaningful expressions of the subject - Click Here for the first one.  Look them all over.  Then go to the top of the page and vote for your five favorites.  

Happy Belated Birthday Nita

Jeanne: About the phone a good chuckle for sure.

Etta Sue:   Your family names how did they come about?

It is good to know that Stacey is back home.

It seems that we now have several Ruth's here on CP perhaps I should start using my second name.

Yesterday we had very good friends for dinner a lot of laughs and shared memories.  About the aprons I remember my mom and grandmother putting on a clean apron to visit one of the neighbours.  Seems odd by to-days way of thinking because now we would remove the apron it even going next door. How times have changed.

I best be on my way to get some of my to do list done.

Ruth ~ I don't remember if I ever heard where Ivalou got her name but there was another Ivalou in the county so maybe Mom liked her name and named Ivalou.  Kaye Don is named after a racer from England.  Not sure if it is the same spelling but Kaye was the first name and Don was the last.  Our Dad was into racing motorcycles at the time Kaye Don was born.  My name?  Mom saw it in a True Confession magazine!     I don't know if it was Etta or Etta Sue though.  Jesse James' girl-friend's name was Etta.  Etta Kett was a cartoon and paper doll when I was little.  And then Etta James, the singer.  And I see Etta in the crossword puzzles a lot.  And I can find the name Etta in cemeteries...women who were born in the 1800'!!  Our parents names were Ruby and Cedric...first 'C' like a 'K' not an 'S'.  We all know when we hear our names that people are talking to us or about us!

I have decided to take a break from the hospital today.  Jo is at the hospital and probably will be all day.  There is really only one chair for guests.  And Ivalou will be having therapy today since she didn't have therapy Monday and Medicare requires 5 out 7 days therapy. 

So Kitty and I are going swimming.  She is excited.  She had cataract surgery and she sees 20/20 now.  She is seeing things and colors she hasn't seen ever!!!  We will go to Hobby and Lobby to return some yarn and purchase more yarn to make Lauren some chemo caps.  And I hope we go to Don Pablos...I am having Mexican food withdrawals!   

Happy Birthday Nita!!  Forgive me for being late.

Don

Hi everyone and Happy Birthday, Nita. 

It is the most beautiful day that God has provided for Georgia today.  The folks attending the Georgia football game in Athens (about 30 miles from where I live) will bask in the sunshine and I hope a win over Louisiana State University.

I had a busy morning but the rest of the day should be quieter.  I will watch the game on TV while doing some more work on Pat's new Netbook.  I think she is enjoying having it as she can sit in her easy chair and use it rather than having to be in her office.  We can also spend a little more time together in the evenings in the family room.

Jeanne, I guess the lady in your story was fortunate to be at home when the phone rang rather than out in public. 

Pat, that was a beautiful picture that won the prize.  You are such a good photographer. 

Etta Sue, your discussion of names and how they were selected brings to mind the story back of my name.  I was named Larry Clinton after a band leader who my dad liked, or at least liked his name since he wasn't greatly fond of music.

Nita, you get done what is important and the rest really won't matter in the long run. Glad you are enjoying the time you are spending with Maycie.

Carol, thanks for the explanation regarding your cabin.  Hope they get the gas line in before the snows cover the ground and you have to wait until spring.

Al, thanks for that special prayer for my daughter.

 :)Good afternoon to all .   We are having an overcast day and not sure if it is going to rain.  Well this turned out to be a very busy last couple of days.   Yesterday I had to go to a funeral outside of Toronto that was about two hours from my house.  Then had to go drop of wedding gifts in the city of Toronto by the time I started home it was the beginning of rush hour and it was pouring like cats and dogs as the saying goes.  Then at night I had a banquet to go to.   Saturday started with praise teem practice then pick up the wife do shopping come home have lunch then head to Toronto for a 60th birthday party.   Must go for now.  God bless.  Gord.

Goodwill had almost everything 50% off today and I picked up two new sleeping bags for $5 each.  If we don't use them ourselves, they will be appreciated by the homeless. 

I was standing in line at Jo-Ann's fabric store with my coupon - in front, both people recently lost their jobs & one gal has worked for almost 50 years but is being ignored in her quest for work.  There are more and more sad stories.  Need to keep praying for those unemployed and those who are not getting annual raises as well.

Here, we have set several new cold marks - I think it has been four nights in a row. 

Don has asked the sound system people at church about getting a hearing aid for the chapel and they were supposed to call before Sunday so now I don't know what they will tell us.  I think he may stand outside until the music part is over and then come in and sit by me for the sermon. 

Gord:  You sure are the party guy this weekend!  Raining cats and dogs too - I am glad that it wasn't sleet because it is that time of the year.  Take care. 

Ruth.  I know RuthV and helped her set up her account.  She will be known as RuthV  The other two Ruth's are easy to know who is who and her being RuthV that should keep it clear.

We have spent the day on wood.  What a job that has been.  A friend brought his wood splitter, and he and I worked on splitting wood for the most of the afternoon.  As we split it we threw it downstairs, and the girls stacked it all.  They are not quite done but have made a good start on the stacking.

The forecast was for rain all day.  Several of us prayed for clear skys till the wood was done, the sun was shining most of the day, until everyone came in for afternoon coffee, then when coffee as about done the rain started.  Everyone ran for the equipment and got it under cover.  We can thank God that He heard our prayer for a good day.

John is complaining of hunger so I have to run

Till later
JudyB

Etta Sue thanks for the name explanation it can be very interesting how names are chosen.  My name was chosen by my mom as she did not care for dad's choice. It does seem that we all have a story of how our names were chosen by our parents.

We had a day of mixed weather then around 6 p.m. it really poured.

 

Hi everyone.  We are suppose to have a nice Sunday weather-wise with the high at 71 degrees.  I like this time of the year and feeling a little briskness in the mornings when I go outside. 

I will head to church before too long.  Today is communion Sunday and that service usually runs long so Pat will not go with me as she needs to take her antibiotic at noon with food.  She will finish this round of antibiotics up tomorrow.  I think she is going to have to see the doctor about her foot as it doesn't seem to be recovering as she had hoped. 

Judy, glad you were able to get some wood in for the winter.  I imagine you were really tired last night and the girls as well as working with wood is tough.  I remember helping my dad for a few years as we used to burn wood for heat.

Carol, the unemployment situation sure doesn't seem to be getting any better.  I fear the improvement figures we hear or read in the news are numbers picked from the air rather than solid improvements.  When things were going well we were told over and over how bad things were and now that they are bad our news media and Government tells us how good they are becoming.  Interesting world we live in.  Hope your church can accommodate Don with a hearing aid.  I would think the sleeping bags will come in handy at your cabin for some of the young folks. 

Gord, you really had a busy day yesterday.  Hope you can find sometime for rest today.

Gord ~ I read you went to a 60th birthday party.  I thought...Wow!  That's old!  Then I remembered.    I am 67!    

JudyB ~ Here you are cutting and stacking wood and I am dreading having to get my cart out and pick up fallen limbs at my house and Ivalou's.  We need a boy to do this!  

Kitty and I swam for an hour...well, in the water for an hour.  I swam 16 laps and Kitty swam 20 laps of 25 yards each.  I am practicing getting my face in the water.  I never learned to swim without a nose clip and I can't find an adult size one.  I can put my face in the water just standing but swimming...water goes up into my sinus'.  

We left there and went to Hobby Lobby to return some yarn and get some more funky yard to make Lauren a couple more chemo caps.  She starts chemo in 6 weeks!  

Then Kitty and I went to Don Pablos.  Very good.  

Today is church, then eat out with the ladies and then go to the hospital.  Jo chatted with me last evening and Ivalou's stroke condition is apaxia.  I need to check it out online.

Jeanne, I just got in under the wire!  But I voted.

I had a wonderful week painting with good friends, and got de-stressed quite a lot.  This has been a very stressful summer/Fall for me.  But after the auction on the 17th, I hope we can just take it easy for a while and get rested up again.

Nita, I hope your birthday was wonderful, and here are my belated but still sincere wishes for a fabulous year!

Hi, friends,

I met 9 folks from S&F in Missouri on Thursday, then ate lunch with my niece and toured where she works and her town and then her house. So, it was a wonderful trip. But, yesterday when I arrived in town, I was literally too tired to eat.

The tiredness continues today, but oh how thankful I am that God allowed that trip.

He's so good to us, and knows just what we need.

Oh, yes, about names -- well my dad couldn't spell, and when my mom suggested "Patsy Ann" he exclaimed, "Lordy, Margaret, I'd NEVER be able to spell it!!" So, I'm Ruth Ann instead. 

Larry, I've been researching about gastroparesis, because my meds seems to kick in much later than they should...this could be a gastroparesis indicator, especially since I've been diabetic now for almost 40 years. Even with good control, the side effects of this condition continue to mount.

RuthV, it's SO good to know you're here with us. How great that you have such good friends!

Janet, welcome home. Ed, I can attest that the knee pain will begin to fade away. It's been about a year and 2 mos or so, and the pain is now gone. Thank God. Isn't He wonderful to allow individuals to come up with ways to make our older years better. I was speaking with someone not too long ago about the large houses of yesteryear where elders spent their years quietly - sometimes with cataracts overtaking vision, sometimes with painful joints, etc. How blessed we are to be able to remain as active as possible as long as possible.

Y'all have a great day.

A new week is upon us so I am locking this topic.

Click here and zoom right over to a new Thoughts for the Week!

Don