Thoughts for the Week~ September 13

Janet · September 06, 2009, 05:39:04 PM

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Quote of the Week

If you wait for perfect conditions you will never get anything done.
Eccl. 11:4, NLT

Morning Devotional...

PAUSE FOR A MOMENT

Do you ever wish that life came with a pause button? Do you ever wish you could just take a moment of your life and stay there forever? I was remembering a moment like that from my own life recently. It was the night I brought my newborn baby son home from the hospital.

My son was three weeks late in arriving, and my wife needed an emergency Caesarian section to bring him into the world. She was still in a lot of pain and sleeping when I heard him wake up during the night. Gently, I picked him up and carried him into the living room so my wife could sleep. Rocking him in my arms, I told him how much I loved him, and how I would always be there for him no matter what. Then I saw his sweet eyes gazing up at me, and the smallest of siles form on his lips. It was a moment of pure joy that I wished would never end.

Over the next 21 years, I watched my son grow into a wonderful young man. In spite of having to deal with Autism, he has still spread more joy, shared more love, and shined more light than I could ever hope to. He has brightened up every room he has ever walked into, and he has filled my life with so many happy oments. My only regret is that I let far too many of them go by without cherishing them as I should have.

Still, no matter how much we may wish it, life doesn't come with a rewind or a pause button. It can only be lived moment by moment. Do your best to embrace each moment as it comes. Celebrate each one of them as a gift from God. Cherish the moments of love you give and the moments of joy you share. Learn from your moments of pain, and grow from your moments of failure. Most of all, take the time to pause for a moment right now, and give thanks to God for your life and all the moments of happiness it has brought you. Life may be momentary, but the love it gives you lasts forever.

By Joseph J. Mazella

JudyB · September 13, 2009, 08:16:49 PM

Thank you Janet.. Good devotional.

Jane Walker · September 13, 2009, 08:20:11 PM

Thanks, Janet ... I can surely relate to this $:-\$
Still, no matter how much we may wish it, life doesn't come with a rewind or a pause button.

Life goes on and so must we ....

Larry Hanna · September 13, 2009, 08:30:06 PM

Hi everyone and Janet thanks for the devotional for this week.

Not much new here. Stacey thoughts she would go home today from the hospital but started feeling bad again and the doctor decided to keep her for one more night. She did seem to be feeling better today and they moved her to a regular room and took off the heart monitor. They are still giving her fluids.

We had a very good church service today and a large choir. We did an anthem based on the Finlandia and it was very moving. The sermon was also very good.

Pat continues to progress in her recovery.

Have a busy day tomorrow.

Pat · September 13, 2009, 10:36:16 PM

Hi Janet! Thanks for this week's devotional.

Marilyn · September 13, 2009, 10:56:11 PM

QuoteMost of all, take the time to pause for a moment right now, and give thanks to God for your life and all the moments of happiness it has brought you. Life may be momentary, but the love it gives you lasts forever.

Amen

Great devotional Janet, Thanks I needed that.

Gord Brown · September 13, 2009, 11:36:57 PM

Thanks for the devotional Janet.

Larry: Glad to hear that Pat is doing better. Hope that your daughter will feel better tomorrow. Lookafter yourself.

We had a wonderful service at church this morning and the power of the Holy Spirit was vey powerful in the whole service praise God for his goodness to us.

Well have a wonderful week and may the Lord be with all who post here on C.P.

Ruth Ann Bice · September 14, 2009, 01:35:17 AM

Hi, friends, I'm here for just a moment. Simply too sleepy to talk.

g'nite all.

Larry Hanna · September 14, 2009, 07:39:46 AM

I will post for today even though I posted fairly late yesterday. I have a busy day ahead as will leave from coffee and go to my daughters apartment to return the laundry I did for her over the weekend. Then I need to stop at BrandSmart and exchange the iPod docking station I bought on Friday as it didn't work with my iPod Touch. Then I have an appointment with my surgeon to have the stitches removed. Finally I need to be back here by 1 pm for my men's luncheon.

The housekeeper is coming today along with the yard people. Of course, I don't have to do anything with regard to these other than to pay them.

We haven't heard from our daughter this morning.

Don · September 14, 2009, 07:58:26 AM

Thanks for the devotion Janet, how true it is.

A beautiful morning here in NC this morning, 59° with a bright sun coming up. Thank you Lord for the light you send to us from your word and from your sun.

Already had my little walk and now I am off to help my new neighbor move in. Will start potting my next years fern crop today. Already have my soil made up, enough for 900 10" baskets, so all I need is a week to get them potted.

Must run, daylight is burning up!

Have a blessed day everyone.

Don

JohnB · September 14, 2009, 09:26:50 AM

Hi Everyone Just thought I would sit a few minutes and post. Larry know that you and your family are in our prayers that you are all restored to good health. Things are progressing here. Doug was here on sat. to cut some wood for our winter needs. I find it so frustrating to have to rely on others to get my work done this year. It goes so against my nature. I suppose God is giving me a message in all of this and I just have to sit back and let Him orchestrate all my needs. Weather has been good this year. Its almost as if the seasons have done a flip. we are now getting the summer weather that we missed out on in the summer. That works good though with getting things done in prep for he winter season. Noted that you mentioned that it was 59 degrees in NC Don. That's not much different from up here much farther north at the moment. However that is unseasonal for us. We normally have cooler weather at this time of year. Anyway got to run for now. Gods blessings on you all. Bonesy

Al Moak · September 14, 2009, 09:27:27 AM

Thank you, Janet, for the thoughts. It reminded me of one more thing for which to be thankful - that I live in the world, not only for me, but for His glory. Oh Lord, let it be so.

So Don - I assume from your post that you are a grower of some particular type of ferns. They are surely a beautiful variety of God's creation.

Janet · September 14, 2009, 09:45:52 AM

Good Monday to all of you!

After having had a couple days' rest, I am feeling like getting back at the job at hand, though surely not looking forward to it.

Thanks for all the kind words re the Thoughts---and a special thank you to whomever fixed my mistake. I couldn't figure it out, so had to pray someone else would, and repair it. THANKS!!

I have a dental appointment at 10 to get my smile polished. Then I must remember to use it a lot!

Prayers for Nita, Pat, Bonesy, Larry, Stacey, Etta Sue's gals, and any others mentioned here.

Etta Sue · September 14, 2009, 10:15:04 AM

Janet, thanks for the devotion. So true. Lauren said the other day that she wasn't going to live in the past or the future. Today is what matters.

Busy day today. I am having Euchre here tomorrow so I am mopping and sweeping. Not doing near as much as I did for CWF. This afternoon I am creating a crockpot of Texas Chili. We are doing it like a pitch-in. I am furnishing the chili, crackers and ice. Also the snacks on the tables. That's it. Everyone else is bringing something. So that makes it easier on the host!

Tonight is Killbuck Photo Guild. It is always amazing to me the talent in this photo group. Wish I could take each one of you with me.

Off and running.....

(^)(^)(^)(^)(^)(^)(^)(^)(^)(^)(^)(^)(^)(^)(^)(^)(^)(^)(^)

Don · September 14, 2009, 11:35:29 AM

Al wrote

QuoteSo Don - I assume from your post that you are a grower of some particular type of ferns. They are surely a beautiful variety of God's creation.

Right now I am growing two variety's, true Boston and Australian Sword or Kimberley queen. Yes you are right they are a beautiful creation from God.

I will try and post a picture later. Have to run right now and pick up baskets so I can get started potting.

Don

joyce robson · September 14, 2009, 02:12:14 PM

Still, no matter how much we may wish it, life doesn't come with a rewind or a pause button. It can only be lived moment by moment.

Do your best to embrace each moment as it comes. Celebrate each one of them as a gift from God. Cherish the moments of love you give and the moments of joy you share.

Learn from your moments of pain, and grow from your moments of failure. Most of all, take the time to pause for a moment right now, and give thanks to God for your life and all the moments of happiness it has brought you.

Life may be momentary, but the love it gives you lasts forever.

Oh, how wonderful these words are. Thanks for posting.

My husband and I were in a car accident last night and by the grace of GOD, we are fine--even the other guy was fine (his car destroyed) He rear ended our SUV with his poor 94 oldsmobile. Poor fellow, a young school teacher heading to his new position (car full of his belongings) My heart went out to him.

Bonesy, you sound like my husband. He is so impatient now that he can't use his arm as well as before his cancer . Doesn't like to rely on others---he feels he can do it faster than to wait for others to come around and help.

But he's learning.

Back later when I have more time.

Have to do my work and help my daughter in law with her work as her Aunt passed away and my DIL went off to Michigan for a couple of days.

Marilyn · September 14, 2009, 05:34:13 PM

I have finished making my Red Pepper Jelly 14 ½ jars. I can't wait for it to gel so I can have some on a mini bagel with cream cheese.

I have been so busy this morning and still have more to do, I have one more load of laundry to fold and walk the dogs before I start thinking about what's for supper. I plan on cleaning out the fridge for supper tonight.

Pat How is Geordie today?

Gord Brown · September 14, 2009, 05:57:09 PM

Pat: How are you I hope thatr you are both well. How is geordie I hope he is well. Noreen and I are enjoying our grandchildren so much.

To all others on C.P. have a wonderful week and may the Lord bless you.

Carol · September 14, 2009, 07:17:10 PM

Janet: Thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to write the devotions for all of us. Now - a pause in life is yet to be found. Don't those weeks just fly by much too quickly?

Etta Sue: I didn't tell you that the other day we saw a big amount of snow on the peaks - it is coming. You had better knit something warm for yourself.

Larry: Sorry that Stacey had to return to the hospital. She is really nice and close to get in there quickly so that apartment sounds like it is perfect for her and the needs. Praying for her BP to come down.

Ruth Ann: Darling baby pictures. How fun for you.

Don: We walk almost daily for an hour each time but certainly not as fast as you. It keeps my BP down and does make us feel better besides we can meet our neighbors out there and on occasion, a wild animal (mostly bunnies). Nice to see you posting in here.

I cleaned my craft closet this morning, mailed a box of much needed Skittles and Pringles to the g-son in Minnesota. He has hockey team tryouts for several days in a row this week & said he was "starving". Also, I worked on a quilt for an hour until this back started to ache and it is looking more interesting now.

We have our family reunion this weekend. There are two dogs in poor condition and now we don't know what we can do - all pre-paid at this point and no pets allowed.

Larry Hanna · September 14, 2009, 07:36:28 PM

Hi everyone. I will post twice today and probably pass for tomorrow as nothing special planned (although don't promise not to stop by). The good news is that our daughter was released from the hospital today and is back at her apartment. She is pretty week from having had strep throat, the regular flu, and then the dehydration and getting her diabetes in a turmoil. Hopefully she is on the road to recovery with a few days to regain some strength.

I had an appointment with my surgeon today and was dismissed as all is fine. The pain is gone and I had a very good course of recovery (for which I am thankful). He told me he felt my attitude had a lot to do with my recovery and lack of side effects. Pat is doing well in her recovery and is in day four. I think she is getting cabin fever so don't expect her to stay in too much longer. Since it is her left foot she can drive when she feels up to it.

Our local cafe, where I had coffee for so many years, has now reopened with a new owner. My men's group ate lunch there today and it was a very good plate lunch. She makes the salad herself and is particular about the vegetables.

A friend sent me the following, which is felt was worth sharing today. This one will tug on your heartstrings.



May God bless the all brave soldiers.

Daddy's Poem

Her hair was up in a pony tail, her favorite dress tied with a bow. Today was Daddy's Day at school, and she couldn't wait to go.

But her mummy tried to tell her, that she probably should stay home. Why the kids might not understand, if she went to school alone.

But she was not afraid; she knew just what to say. What to tell her classmates of why he wasn't there today.

But still her mother worried, for her to face this day alone. And that was why once again, she tried to keep her daughter home.

But the little girl went to school eager to tell them all. About a dad she never sees a dad who never calls.

There were daddies along the back wall, for everyone to meet. Children squirming impatiently, anxious in their seats

One by one the teacher called a student from the class to introduce their daddy, as seconds slowly passed.

At last the teacher called her name, every child turned to stare.

Each of them was searching, a man who wasn't there.

'Where's her daddy at?' She heard a boy call out. 'She probably doesn't have one,' another student dared to shout.

And from somewhere near the back, she heard a daddy say, 'Looks like another deadbeat dad, too busy to waste his day.'

The words did not offend her, as she smiled up at her Mum. And looked back at her teacher, who told her to go on.

And with hands behind her back, slowly she began to speak and out from the mouth of a child, came words incredibly unique.

'My Daddy couldn't be here, because he lives so far away. But I know he wishes he could be, since this is such a special day.

And though you cannot meet him, I wanted you to know all about my daddy, and how much he loves me so.

He loved to tell me stories and he taught me to ride my bike. He surprised me with pink roses, and taught me to fly a kite.

We used to share fudge sundaes, and ice cream in a cone. And though you cannot see him. I'm not standing here alone.

'Cause my daddy's always with me, even though we are apart I know because he told me, he'll forever be in my heart'

With that, her little hand reached up, and lay across her chest. feeling her own heartbeat, beneath her favorite dress.

And from somewhere in the crowd of dads, her mother stood in tears. Proudly watching her daughter, who was wise beyond her years.

For she stood up for the love of a man not in her life. Doing what was best for her, doing what was right.

And when she dropped her hand back down, staring straight into the crowd. She finished with a voice so soft, but its message clear and loud.

'I love my daddy very much, he's my shining star. And if he could, he'd be here, but heaven's just too far. You see he is a soldier

And died just this past year when a roadside bomb hit his convoy and taught brave men to fear. But sometimes when I close my eyes,

it's like he never went away.' And then she closed her eyes, and saw him there that day.

And to her mother's amazement, she witnessed with surprise. A room full of daddies and children, all starting to close their eyes.

Who knows what they saw before them, who knows what they felt inside. Perhaps for merely a second, they saw him at her side.

'I know you're with me Daddy,' to the silence she called out. And what happened next made believers, of those once filled with doubt.

Not one in that room could explain it, for each of their eyes had been closed. But there on the desk beside her, was a fragrant long- stemmed pink rose.

And a child was blessed, if only for a moment, by the love of her shining star. And given the gift of believing, that heaven is never too far..

Ruth · September 14, 2009, 09:29:41 PM

Larry: The poem is so precious

Marilyn · September 14, 2009, 09:37:41 PM

Thank you Larry for sharing that poem. It is so precious and meaningful.

Jane Walker · September 14, 2009, 11:08:38 PM

Once again my Father has supplied my needs. I found out, recently, that the person I was hoping to get wood from is out of the picture and I knew I'd have to find someone to buy wood from.

My neighbor found out that there is wood available here at the park for a very reasonable price ($100 a cord) and ... before I could go to the office and put in my order ... they went down there, ordered and paid for 1/2 cord of wood. The guys brought it right up and it was more like 3/4 cord. My neighbors and I got it into my shed and stacked and then I went out for the mail, which was delivered just as we got the last piece of wood in.

In the mail was a check for me for $128 from some back dividends (dating from Nov 2006) that AT&T had been "unable" to get to me because, they said they didn't have a current address for me. These dividends amount to about $3 a month and I hadn't even missed them because I just figured they weren't paying any more.

Because they had been accumulating for so long, the check was very nice to receive today! I paid my neighbor back for the wood and had some left over to deposit in my very enemic bank account.

I've always said "My Father knows what I need ... and He will supply ALL my needs" (and not to worry about tomorrow ..so, if I don't have it today, I don't "need" it today) .... He showed me (and my neighbors) that He is still taking care of me and I have nothing to be concerned about

.

JudyB · September 14, 2009, 11:32:20 PM

Amen Jane. He always supplies!

Don · September 15, 2009, 12:12:26 AM

Now ain't that just like God. Thank you!Thank you!Thank you Lord!!! for looking out for us.

Don

Jane Walker · September 15, 2009, 02:10:32 AM

You betcha, Don!

It's a great way to live.

JohnB · September 15, 2009, 10:30:45 AM

Mornin everyone. Just a quick post this morning before I decide how to spend my day. Larry be assured that you and your family are in our prayers and hope everyone is on the road to recovery. Joyce hope you folks are ok and not have any after effects of that collision. You are in our prayers, As a professional driver and also having investigated many accidents I have seen first hand some of the results of such experiences. Weather is cooler here today but that's ok. Well going to run for now Blessings everyone Bonesy.

Jeanne Lee · September 15, 2009, 10:31:35 AM

Larry, I've seen that poem before but every time I read it I get choked up and weepy. It's so beautiful!

I had evidence on Saturday of the Lord's protection. On my way to visit with my daughter and my #1 son, about 25 miles mostly on back roads, a saw a deer standing on the opposite side, facing toward the woods. I slowed down a bit, wishing I could get a picture but knowing by the time I pulled over and got out my camera the opportunity would be gone. As I got almost level with the deer, she changed her mind, turned and darted across in front of me and into the woods on my side. I managed to come to a full stop just as she got in front of my right headlight. If there had been another coat of paint on my front bumper I would have hit her. And if I hadn't slowed down when I did there is no way I could have avoided hitting her head on. Thank you Lord for slowing me down!

Janet · September 15, 2009, 10:34:46 AM

Thank you, Lord, for supplying all of our Jane's needs! Never too early; never too late--that's our God! May His name be praised forever!

We have a need for which we are praying. We really need at least two strong men for two days just before the auction, to help move some really heavy tools and equipment. Since those two days are the ones when I will be going to Salina for the State Senior Spelling Bee, Darrel is really feeling frustrated. But even if I were here, those things are just too much for a couple of kids our age! And I know that God will supply---surely there are men around here who would appreciate having a couple days' work (and pay, of course!)

Darrel had an alarm trouble call to run in Liberal, so I am going to try to get everything I can lift/carry out of Beth's trailer while he is gone. We are still plugging away, day by day.

Good news! The big house has been sitting empty since our two great renters had to leave; and now we are going to have a crew of seven men moving in. They are from Georgia, Louisiana, and other Southern states; here working on getting new lines and poles installed for our electric company. This is to repair the widespread damage from the devastating ice storm a couple of years ago. Anyway, to have some income from the house again will be nice.

Also--we are planning to go on a short term missions trip to Peru, the last of October. My good friend from my painting group is going; they will be visiting the project that her husband's memorial money went to complete; also we will be putting the roof on a parsonage. We have been wanting to go on one of these trips for sev eral years and it just hadn't seemed to be the right one or the right time, so I'm really happy about this opportunity to serve the Lord this way again.

I must get busy or I won't get enough done today. I must stop earlier than yesterday because I want to go to the big Home Products Dinner tonight.

I see Jeanne and Bonesey have posted while I was typing. Jeanne, I am praising God for protecting you from hitting that deer! And John, God bless and continue to heal you.

JudyB · September 15, 2009, 10:48:19 AM

Jeanne what an experience. Did you see another, We have a rule of thumb up here...where there's one there are two, and often more. I am glad you didn't hit it.

Today is cool and breezy. It is a typical autumn day. Still not much colour in the trees though. Usually they are turning bright reds and orange by now.

If any of you folks have Iris pictures please check out Don's Iris picture and feel free to add your pictures to the same thread. There are so many different colours and types of iris that we are making one topic with all of them.

Luka our new Doberman is pacing. We are still learning his language, and I am not sure what he is wanting. HE is definitely a mans dog. He is still following John around.

We are taking a trip a little bit south on Sunday. We have to gat rid of our chickens. I hope we have a nice day, there may be photo ops if it is!

Gotta go Praying for the needs here
God bless Judy

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Thoughts for the Week~ September 13

Janet

JudyB

Jane Walker

Larry Hanna

Pat

Marilyn

Gord Brown

Ruth Ann Bice

Larry Hanna

Don

JohnB

Al Moak

Janet

Etta Sue

Don

joyce robson

Marilyn

Gord Brown

Carol

Larry Hanna

Ruth

Marilyn

Jane Walker

JudyB

Don

Jane Walker

JohnB

Jeanne Lee

Janet

JudyB