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Morning Devotional...





He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' Matthew 25:45



No observant man will attempt to deny that a vast amount of Christian money is being spent on those who do not need it, while the poor and the needy and such as have no helper must often go unnoticed and unhelped, even though they too are Christians and servants of our common Lord. (The modern church would appear to be as blind and partial as the world in this matter.)

Our Lord warned us against the snare of showing kindness only to such as could return such kindness and so cancel out any positive good we may have thought we were doing. By this test, a world of religious activity is being wasted in our churches. To invite in well-fed and well-groomed friends to share our hospitality with the full knowledge that we will be invited to receive the same kindness again on the first convenient evening is in no sense an act of Christian hospitality. It is of the earth earthy; its motive is fleshly; no sacrifice is entailed; its moral content is nil and it will be accounted wood, hay, stubble before the judgment seat of Christ.

The evil here discussed was common among the Pharisees of New Testament times. In chapter twenty three of Matthew, Christ mercilessly exposed the whole thing, and in so doing earned the undying enmity of those who practiced it. The Pharisees were bad not because they entertained their friends but because they would not entertain the poor and the common among the people. One bitter accusation which they hurled against Christ was that He received sinners and ate with them. This they would not stoop to do, and in their high pride, they became seven times worse than the worst among the sinners whom they so coldly rejected.



Father, may I be a commited servant of Yours through whom You reach out to those in need

From Devotions By Dr. Tozer

Thank you Don!

We met a couple from Minnesota at church and they really know the town where my mother was raised.  They go to the bible camp that has been on the lake for years - Green Lake Bible Camp.  Then, we walked to the famous fountain here in Fountain Hills and did get a picture of the bright green gusher at noon.  There were cars galore coming in to see the St. Patrick's day green fountain spout. 

Ruth:  Sorry about the ordeal for your Charlene as you await results.  Thinking of you.

Jeanne:  Dogs are more forgiving than cats......  

Larry:  It always takes longer to recuperate than the hospital tells you - gentle hug to Pat. 
I wanted to tell you about Don's stylus - it is a rounded nub and I like to use it but that doesn't mean you would like a pointed one.  Never have seen a pointed one.  But - if you are still interested, we will be home in a couple of weeks and he will make one or look through his little box to see if there is one available.  We could send a picture.  The nub is about or less than 1/4 inch across. 

JudyB:  John is going to be near Bemidji - boy, is he ever going to a small town - Solway.  It is more like a suburb.  Good fishing in that area and canoeing too. 

We said fond farewells to everyone at church as we will watch the weather next week and go when it looks good.  Our youngest son is coming here on a business trip and we may wait for him if it can work out or else he will just stay here alone.  No t.v. or internet and the fridge will be empty but he made it work out last time - it is free and his company likes to save the money too. 

Carol he will be stopping at a truck stop at Bemidji.  That is where he will be spending the night.  There used to be a toll phone there, it has been removed as most everybody has a cell.  He does as well, however we don't use the cells when he is States side, as it racks up enormous roaming charges.  So I may not hear from him this trip.  If there is a problem I can text him to let him know.
Do you and Don live near there?  if so it would be wonderful to have a coffee with him!  Let me know this is a common stop for him.

I am watching the skating gala on TV of the World Figure Skating Championships. These skaters from all ove the world are such wonderful skaters.  Hard to believe the Winter Olympics are only 11 months away!

Have a great night folks!

Hi everyone.  It is an overcast, damp and rather chilly morning here.  We are suppose to have rain this afternoon and evening but to get up to 64 degrees before the day is over.  We had a pretty quiet day yesterday.  Mary did make us a totally homemade chocolate pie and today is fixing cinnamon rolls from scratch.  She will be leaving tomorrow morning to go back to her home in Missouri.  Pat's incision has finally stopped draining and that is good news. She will have therapy again today and the doctor has ordered a couple more home therapy sessions and then some further physical therapy at a facility. I have my usual Monday activities.  At lunch our men's group is going to  Shane's Rib Shack, which is a local chain and where we always enjoy going.  Late yesterday afternoon we all got in the car and went to the frozen custard place for a cup of their delicious custard.  Their flavor of the day was mint chocolate chip.  They only have three flavors each day, always vanilla and chocolate and a different daily flavor. 

Jeanne, cats have a definite way of communicating their displeasure with we humans when we don't do what they like. 

Judy, the Victoria's Quilts sounds like a wonderful project.  I know some of the quilting groups around here take on projects such as quilts for the children's hospital or other worthy causes.  Hope John has a great week with lot of miles.

Don, thanks for the new devotional thoughts for this week.  I have often worried a bit about our big churches with big buildings that cost so much to maintain.  Our church is very active in local and foreign missionary work including a project to reach out to the high school students from low income homes with after class mentoring and occasional special events.  During the prom season I know one of our ladies made prom dresses for 4 girls who would not have been able to have such a dress.  We participate with several other churches in our county in Family Promise, where our church hosts several homeless families for a week at a time. 

Carol, thanks for the info on the stylus.  What Don makes sounds very much like the ones I have.  I would appreciate seeing a picture of one.  Staying at your place sounds like a very good deal for your son's company and I am sure he appreciates it. 

Larry, good to know Pat is improving.  I'm sure you'll miss Mary when she leaves.  It sounds as though she has been a real help.

Our weather is still winter - both on the calendar and in reality.  After a night when the temperature dropped to zero we are now in a winter storm warning.  All the snow from last week is gone and will be replaced tonight and tomorrow by anywhere from 3 to 10 inches or more. 

Sounds like you are getting the storm we had last week Jeanne.  Hoping that spring arrives soon!

Larry A friend has had both knees replaced and has said that icing is the best pain reliever she knows of.  Better than all the pills for pain in the world. Enjoy the help as long as it lasts.

I have completed a third of my assignments, and am working through them quickly.  I do enjoy having something that stretches my brain!

Have a good day everyone!

We are having a very dreary, dark rainy day here in Indiana.  Kind of makes one sad.  I am doing laundry and this afternoon will be going to Kitty's to learn her routine for her cats.  I will be cat sitting for her while they go to Texas to check on their land down there.  I am thinking her routine is more detailed than mine.  But I am only going there once a day. 

Ivalou watched Ali and Inky while I was gone to Cornerstone Inn.  She said they welcomed her each day knowing they were going to be fed!! 

Not much news.

Oh, Larry, Mary will be missed.  I bet she's worth her weight in gold!!!  I'm glad that Pat is getting a bit better.  Give her a hug for me please.

Well, I've been to the eye doctor and am having such a terrible time trying to get glasses that will take my prescription.  The temples are about 1 cm too short and can't be altered and what a job.  I've got one more frame to see if an Asian company in Mississauga will be able to adjust the temples the needed length and if they can't, well, it's back to square one.

It's very, very windy today.  March winds!!!

I was just talking to Ruth.  I have posted about her daughter in law in Prayer and Praise Here.  Please keep these folks in prayer, I will try to keep you up to date as I am able.

Thanks for opening that topic, Judy. 

Pat, my grandmother had pince nez glasses on a ribbon that hooked onto her clothing when she wasn't wearing them.  Maybe you can get something like that.     Or maybe you can get the ones like opera glasses, that you hold in front of you.      I'm just kidding of course.  I've never heard of a problem like you have but it must be really frustrating.   What is "back to square one"?

 

Love that hymn, Judy.

Does anyone want some snow?  We have extra to share today.  Check it out HERE

I've been to the pool and I got my nails done.  I used to think it was silly to get your nails done.  My original nails are terrible.  Probably due to some medication that I take but they have been terrible for over 20 years.  They are ridged, split, and look at them sideways, they look like roller coasters.  And my cuticles were so dry that I was constantly picking them and pulling them off and therefore, bleeding.  I haven't picked my cuticles since Feb 4 when I first got my nails done.  My nails look so pretty, I doubt if I ever go back to my natural nails! 

Then I ate lunch at Taco Bell, hurried home to shower and wash my hair.  Now in and hour and a half, I am to be at Jane's to  play Euchre. 

Busy day!

Let's see those nails, Etta Sue!  Take a photo!

Nice hymn, Judy.  I have it playing here in the background.  One of my favorites.

Thanks for the song "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus".  If I close my eyes, I can almost hear it being sung. 

Twice, I have had a manicure - once before going in for surgery - just in case    and once a gift from our daughter where our granddaughter also had her first manicure.  Otherwise, I do my own and use a polish when starting to sew or knit but not to clean house - ugh.  A manicure does sound relaxing. 

We spent a few hours waiting for an air conditioner man to show up today - Don had taken the message and he thought it was the 19th and had marked his calendar for tomorrow and then I marked my calendar for today so we shall see if the guy arrives tomorrow. 

My walk was earlier before it started getting warm.  Now we will have to change to more clothes next week when we return home. 

JudyB:  We live SW of Denver.  Yes, it would be great to meet John for coffee if he came through.  Do you know anything about the town of Merritt in B.C.?  A junior hockey league?  You can email me. 

Hi:   I have a very sore knee and no idea what is wrong, no answers until an MRI in April.

Back to the old usual phoned my Aunt this morning she was getting onions ready for her lunch, I then asked do you have potatoes --NO.   Then more questions on my part so I have just returned from the grocery store with grocers cut some of them up and now I will be headed out the door going to her place and yes she will be so pleased with what I have done.   

I looked out the window a blinding snow blizzard it will soon stop.

7.02 tomorrow morning is the first day of spring. 

Hi everyone.  It is now 4:30 and this has been a whirlwind day but a very beautiful day.  We now have the house opened up for awhile and the sun is shining brightly.  We left for the airport about 10 am this morning and the trip was uneventful.  Mary just called a few minutes ago and is on the ground and her daughter is there to pick her up and take her home.  It has been a long day for her.  I got home a little afternoon and we had a bite of lunch and then laid down to rest but guess I am so hyped up today that I couldn't sleep.  When I got up I saw they Mary had left her meter to check her diabetes so got busy and just got back from mailing that, the computer I put together for her and some items that wouldn't fit into her suitcase via UPS. I was going to overnight the meter until I found that would cost over $70 so switched plans and came back home and got the computer and went back and had the UPS store pack i up for me.  It was pricey but know it all was packed much better than I could do and the box is to be delivered Thursday.  Stacey called this morning saying one of her toes is black and it is spreading up her leg.  She called the doctor's office and they told her she needed to go to the ER and have it checked out.  So we are awaiting to hear from her.  I am tired and plan on just reading the postings since I posted yesterday and only commenting if I can't control myself. 

Good news, Larry, that Mary arrived home and that you were able to send on the rest of her things.

But...  Stacey's news doesn't sound as encouraging.  I will be praying for an easy solution for her.

Ohhh, Larry, that doesn't sound good about Stacy's toe.  I hope she manages to get to the ER.

Glad you got the things sent to Mary.  It's been good to have her to help care for Pat.  Just lovely!

Hi Larry. I too will be praying for Stacey.

Jeanne, I hadn't read through all the posts in last week's thread, so didn't catch your post about your cats until tonight.  Made me giggle, a little bit, as it reminded me of how one of my cats let her displeasure be known years ago. I had ended up in the hospital while away on vacation, so was gone from home for much longer than anticipated. My sister was living with me at the time, so Squeaker's needs were being met.   
Well, the first night I was home, the little furry bundle ran away from me when I came in the door, then avoided me until I went to bed.  When I woke up in the middle of the night I wondered what could possibly be tickling my face.  Squeaker was laying on the other pillow, with her butt against my head!!

My Bella used to greet me at the door every day on my return home.  Now she stays on the back of the lazy boy, calling to me..and waiting for her pat.


Yes, cats do have a way of letting you know what they are thinking!

I have been talking about losing weight for several months, and researching various exercise classes, times, etc.  Most gyms have monthly and/or joining fees that are way out of my budget, so I've been looking at Jazzercise, Zumba, and aerobics classes on Youtube. 

Came across an article on Yahoo News about a 6'7" trucker who has lost 100 pounds since joining a Zumba class a year or so ago.  He enjoys it so much that he built a gym in his basement and has started giving classes.  He has about 7 videos online, and I have worked my way through 3 of them since Sunday night.  I always start with warm up stretches, and do more stretches between videos.  Great fun!!

   Good evening to all.   I have read through the posts and very interesting.  There is much need for prayer for you all who do have needs.  May you all have the faith that you need to trust the Lord to give you the strength to get through these things.

Larry;  I do hope that Stacey will get this looked after right away as that is so important.  Hope that you and Pat are also doing well and from reading I see that Pat is coming along.  God's richest blessings on you both.

Pat Hope that you get the glasses that you need soon.  It must be a little bit frustrating that you have to wait for this to happen. Hope that this will happen real soon.  Love ya  Sis.

Etta Sue:  Good to talk to you on Face book and it is such an easy way to do this. Hope that you had a wonderful time at the meetings that you just came back from.

Janet:  It was also nice to talk to you on face book you always sound that you are  so busy but that is good for us to do.  I hope that you and your husband are well and also your family. I still have not found your book that you sent me.

To all others I do hope and pray that you all have a wonderful week and again may the Lord give you all many opportunities to witness for him  God's richest blessings to you all.

P.S.  I forgot to ask you all to remember my wife again as she will be having her pre.op. for her surgery on the 26th of March then her surgery is on the 10th. of April at the Welland General Hospital in Ontario Canada and the pre op will be a long day and her knee is giving her a lot of pain.  Thank you.  Gordon and Noreen

Gord:  Ask and you shall receive - prayers for sure. 

Larry:  Stacey's toe issue - another prayer for quick medical attention.  Whatever can it be?  Nice that you were able to get the computer packed and sent & smart too because they will be insured if they pack it.  At least that is what I remember from the days we had a packaging business.  Long ago - when I had more energy. 

We met a very young couple who have nothing but are renting a one-bedroom apartment nearby.  They need everything - I could only give them a newly washed pillow but am considering making a package of some of the leftover food we have to remove from here when we go home.  We don't know their whole story, very odd that they have lived around here for long and have "nothing".  They do have two dogs and take good care of the animals. 

Bonnie:  I need to pay attention to exercise again and snacking.  Good for you - a Zumba class would send me to the ER. 

The temperature at home is 8 * F.  Brrrrr - and we are wearing cut off pants & short sleeves now. 

Good morning and Happy Spring!  You might be interested in checking HERE!

Euchre was fun yesterday after a full day of busyness. 

Kitty and Bob left yesterday for Texas for maybe 2 weeks...but knowing Bob, he will be home earlier than that.  I went over to her house Monday to learn what all needed done.  Whoa!  She has a list a mile long!!  Not only feeding the cats and cleaning the litter box but check the fridge...if the thermometer is in the red, raise the temp of the fridge, check the basement...if it is flooding, call Jim.  Empty the dehumidifier container.  If they haven't eaten all the dry cat food, then stir it up with your finger and add some fresh from the cup on the cabinet...open cup so it sure isn't fresh.  Turn off the light that is on and turn on another one but not the one by the couch because the cats will knock it over.  The paper won't be in the paper box, the guy throws it on the front porch.  Get the mail from the mailbox by the road.  Water the flowers on Sunday and believe you me, she has plants galore...I bet at least 40 plants and a little watering can.  Probably will have to be filled 20 times.  She has some plants that goes to the ceiling!  And I am probably missing something.  Oh, yes.  The cats like to be brushed!!  But Spot only likes his spine brushed.  Also I am to give them Cream of Chicken soup daily....the last time, they didn't eat it so I didn't feed it to them.  This is DAILY!!

Oh,well.  It will give me something to do!