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Morning Devotional...





Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. Hebrews 11:1-2


Remember that faith is not a noble quality found only in superior men. It is not a virtue attainable by a limited few. It is not the ability to persuade ourselves that black is white or that something we desire will come to pass if we only wish hard enough. Faith is simply the bringing of our minds into accord with the truth. It is adjusting our expectations to the promises of God in complete assurance that the God of the whole earth cannot lie. A man looks at a mountain and affirms, "That is a mountain." There is no particular virtue in the affirmation. It is simply accepting the fact that stands before him and bringing his belief into accord with the fact. The man does not create the mountain by believing, nor could he annihilate it by denying. And so with the truth of God. The believing man accepts a promise of God as a fact as solid as a mountain and vastly more enduring. His faith changes nothing except his own personal relation to the word of promise. God's Word is true whether we believe it or not. Human unbelief cannot alter the character of God. Faith is subjective, but it is sound only when it corresponds with objective reality. The man's faith in the mountain is valid only because the mountain is there; otherwise it would be mere imagination and would need to be sharply corrected to rescue the man from harmful delusion. So God is what He is in Himself. He does not become what we believe. "I AM That I AM." We are on safe ground only when we know what kind of God He is and adjust our entire being to the holy concept.

Faith is trusting God and what He has promised even when we cannot see and may not experience the fulfillment of those promises according to our personal calendar.


Father, my faith finds its resting place in You, in You the Eternal God.

From Devotions By Dr. Tozer

April Fools!!

Thank you, Don!  My, it seems posting a new devotion comes around pretty quick any more.  I'm next!

No news about Jacob yesterday.

Kitty called yesterday and asked if I wanted to go shopping with her for Easter stuff!  That girl spends more money for holidays.  Something for everyone in her immediate family.  And a pinata that she still needs to fill with candy!  She kept saying...I don't know what to get Alex and Matthew...16 and 24 years old.  MONEY!  Everyone appreciates MONEY!  But she hides Easter eggs in the house and they all contain money so she can't give them money for a gift!  And she fixes dinner for all of them.  What do they give her and Bob?  Nothing!

Well, I have my Caramel Corn made and I only had one bite.  Kind of hoping they don't like it and I can bring it back home!! ha!

It's been raining but suppose to get to 78 degrees today.  The sun is trying to shine right now and the flag is blowing from the southeast. 

Ivalou is going with me to church since after church we are going to our local Lions Club for the Palm Sunday Pancake Breakfast.  It's always good and they do have peanut butter for the pancakes with syrup!

Don, thank you for the new devotional for this week.  Etta Sue, you are terrible wanting people not to eat your caramel corn so you can bring it home.  That sounds like something I would say.  :)

A friend sent the following piece related to Easter and I found it inspiring.  It is long but I found it work the read.


THE STORY OF EDITH BURNS...

Happy Easter!

Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio , Texas . She was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as people. His favorite patient was Edith Burns.

One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because of Edith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room, there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young mother sitting beside her.

Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: "Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Then she would explain the meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved.

Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse, Beverly . Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood pressure.

Edith began by saying, "My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?"

Beverly said, "Why yes I do."

Edith said, "Well, what do you believe about Easter?"

Beverly said, "Well, it's all about egg hunts, going to church, and dressing up." Edith kept pressing her about the real meaning of Easter, and finally led her to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Dr. Phillips said, " Beverly , don't call Edith into the office quite yet. I believe there is another delivery taking place in the waiting room.

After being called back in the doctor's office, Edith sat down and when she took a look at the doctor she said, "Dr. Will, why are you so sad? Are you reading your Bible? Are you praying?"

Dr. Phillips said gently, "Edith, I'm the doctor and you're the patient." With a heavy heart he said, "Your lab report came back and it says you have cancer, and Edith, you're not going to live very long."

Edith said, "Why Will Phillips, shame on you. Why are you so sad? Do you think God makes mistakes? You have just told me I'm going to see my precious Lord Jesus, my husband, and my friends. You have just
told me that I am going to celebrate Easter forever, and here you are having difficulty giving me my ticket!"

Dr. Phillips thought to himself, "What a magnificent woman this Edith Burns is!"

Edith continued coming to Dr. Phillips. Christmas came and the office was closed through January 3rd. On the day the office opened, Edith did not show up. Later that afternoon, Edith called Dr. Phillips and said she would have to be moving her story to the hospital and said, "Will, I'm very near home, so would you make sure that they put women in here next to me in my room who need to know about Easter."

Well, they did just that and women began to come in and share that room with Edith. Many women were saved. Everybody on that floor from staff to patients were so excited about Edith, that they started calling her Edith Easter; that is everyone except Phyllis Cross, the head nurse.

Phyllis made it plain that she wanted nothing to do with Edith because she was a "religious nut". She had been a nurse in an army hospital. She had seen it all and heard it all. She was the original G.I. Jane. She had been married three times, she was hard, cold, and did everything by the book.

One morning the two nurses who were to attend to Edith were sick. Edith had the flu and Phyllis Cross had to go in and give her a shot.

When she walked in, Edith had a big smile on her face and said, "Phyllis, God loves you and I love you, and I have been praying for you."

Phyllis Cross said, "Well, you can quit praying for me, it won't work.. I'm not interested."

Edith said, "Well, I will pray and I have asked God not to let me go home until you come into the family."

Phyllis Cross said, "Then you will never die because that will never happen," and curtly walked out of the room.

Every day Phyllis Cross would walk into the room and Edith would say, "God loves you Phyllis and I love you, and I'm praying for you."

One day Phyllis Cross said she was literally drawn to Edith's room like a magnet would draw iron. She sat down on the bed and Edith said, "I'm so glad you have come, because God told me that today is your special day"

Phyllis Cross said, "Edith, you have asked everybody here the question, "Do you believe in Easter but you have never asked me."

Edith said, "Phyllis, I wanted to many times, but God told me to wait until you asked, and now that you have asked." Edith Burns took her Bible and shared with Phyllis Cross the Easter Story of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Edith said, "Phyllis, do you believe in Easter? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is alive and that He wants to live in your heart?"

Phyllis Cross said, "Oh I want to believe that with all of my heart, and I do want Jesus in my life "Right there, Phyllis Cross prayed and invited Jesus Christ into her heart. For the first time Phyllis Cross did not walk out of a hospital room, she was carried out on the wings of angels.

Two days later, Phyllis Cross came in and Edith said, "Do you know what day it is?" Phyllis Cross said, "Why Edith, it's Good Friday."

Edith said, "Oh, no, for you every day is Easter. Happy Easter Phyllis!"

Two days later, on Easter Sunday, Phyllis Cross came into work, did some of her duties and then went down to the flower shop and got some Easter lilies because she wanted to go up to see Edith and give her some Easter lilies and wish her a Happy Easter.

When she walked into Edith's room, Edith was in bed. That big black Bible was on her lap. Her hands were in that Bible. There was a sweet smile on her face. When Phyllis Cross went to pick up Edith's hand, she realized Edith was dead. Her left hand was on John 14: "In my Father's house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also."

Her right hand was on Revelation 21:4, "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

Phyllis Cross took one look at that dead body, and then lifted her face toward heaven, and with tears streaming down her cheeks, said, "Happy Easter, Edith - Happy Easter!"

Phyllis Cross left Edith's body, walked out of the room, and over to a table where two student nurses were sitting. She said, "My name is Phyllis Cross. Do you believe in Easter?"

If you believe in Easter, forward this on. God works in wonderful ways, and to believe in his power is to truly be free. If Jesus had e-mail, he'd do the same for you.


(Actually, maybe He just did)

"Father, bless this person in whatever it is that You know he or she may be needing this day"

Don, thank you for today's devotional.   A fine description of what faith really means.

Larry, what a great story about Edith Burns - and how wonderfully it relates to Don's devotional! 

How good it is to believe that Jesus LIVES!  And that He gave Himself for me and presently lives foor me!  May He also live IN me.

Today is April 1st but to the folk in a town farther north than were Judy B lives they got not an April fools but lots and lots of the white stuff called snow.

Larry All my best for Stacey and may the Lord guide the Dr's in what lies ahead 

Larry: I loved the Edith Burns story.

We did get a skiff of snow but it is now gone.  We did hear that communities to the North of us got a lot more!

Etta Sue, what a wonderful little cartoon for us today! I had laughed and told my friend by phone that today was April Fool's day, and she chuckled and then said firmly, "Yes, Ruth Ann, but it is ALSO Palm Sunday!"

And, for the granny and her 2 grandchildren (who are with her only for this week) that I've shared with you, we saw that they were wanting to be in church, that they were well behaved, and that they got the lunch steak that they each wanted. Oh, how we've prayed for them as they've had to be away from their granny for a few weeks because of a rehab program their mother was sentenced to which also required that the children be in the rehab place, too. I'll be trying very hard to make this one of the best weeks of their life.

Al, how great to read your posts.

Don, thank you SO much for that devotional. It's amazing to me that our Lord guides each person who brings the devotionals to us to a topic that I need to reconsider. Faith is such a nebulous thing, and yet, it produces such concrete results!

F   fantastic
A   adventures
I   in
T   trusting
H   Him

'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus!

I do so much wish I could remember each person's message, but understand that God knows the intent of my heart, and that He will be with us as we worship and pray together and sing along with the wonderful hymns.

I was begging God this week to literally, physically shut someone's mouth, just as he shut the mouths of those lions in Daniel's lions den experience. I believe he can and will literally do this through his strength and power!

Much love to everyone here, and also it's intended to go to your own extended family members.

Ruth Ann

Thanks for the devotional, story, song, etc.. All are good encouragements for us. We had some snow this morning too. Trees were covered - it looked like a Winter Wonderland, but most of it is gone now.
Otherwise, the ice went out of our lake about a week or so ago. This was the earliest that people remember it happening.
It's nice to see spring coming, and be able to get out more.

Here in unusually warm Nashville, TN, we are dealing with record high temperatures and also with HUGE pollen counts. No wonder my eyes are burning!  8) See, I'm wearing my sunglasses so y'all can't see how red they are!

Welcome back, Betty.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Janet you posted this in last week's  Thoughts

QuoteJanet Damon--Book site
Re: Thoughts for the Week~March 25
« Reply #64 on: Today at 08:46:44 AM »

We are going to Moscow for church today, and need to pick Beth up earlier.  So I will come in and post when we get home!  Happy Palm Sunday, everyone!
Janet

Today at 07:41:13 PM »

Our members must all be resting today!  I did some of that myself!  ;)

We took Beth and went to Moscow to church.  I was really disappointed in the service, but maybe it just was so much different from what we are used to.  I pray some people were blessed by it.

After church, we went over to Curtis and Toni's house, as they made lunch for us.  Their house has steps at both front and back, so no way to get Beth's wheelchair inside.  Thus, we had a picnic/barbecue in the back yard.  The weather was really nice, but the wind got up, which wasn't nice.  It got to 90 degrees here today!  It was so good to see the little girls again, too.  We stayed until close to 2 before Beth got to hurting and wanted to go home.  Bless her heart, she is a trooper!

I was scheduled to work tomorrow, but yesterday I called and told them to have the gal for whom I worked last Monday work instead.  I am relieved NOT to be working!

I have a list of possible things to do to promote my book, so will be working on those.  Also am to do a Bible Study on Thursday night, so need to work on that as well.  Always plenty of things to do!

Last night we went to a barbershop quartet singing event in Liberal, which was very enjoyable and fun!

Later, peeps!   :)

Glad you had a great day with Beth give her our love.

Hi everyone.  Another week is upon us and it looks like it will be more of the same weather-wise.  I am certainly not complaining.  The last few days we have been able to have the house open and avoid using the AC as it has been in the 80s but the humidity has stayed down.  Nothing new on the surgery for Stacey.  It is too early for her to call this morning so we don't know if today will be the day or not.  I will get the car filled with gas this morning so we will be ready whenever we need to go.  I spoke with her last evening and she said she has been sleeping a lot, probably the result of the pain medication.  If we don't go to the hospital today I have my Monday men's luncheon at O'Charley's and then an activity this evening. 

Janet, proud of you for taking care of yourself and telling your work to find someone else for you shift.  Regarding your book I told my sister about it last evening and she was most interested.  She told me about a book she thought was outstanding and I bought it from Barnes and Noble after we spoke.  I told my sister that we had known each other through the message boards for quite a few years and to let you know she was my sister. 

Betty, Judy and Ruth, hard to imagine snow when it is in the high 80s here in the SE USA. 

Ruth Ann, nice of you to take and interest in those little ones.  It sounds like they are going to have a bit of a rough life.  How old are these children?

Al, it is so good to see you posting regularly again.  God is awesome, I agree, and is what gives us hope for a better tomorrow when today is tough.

Jeanne, I thought that was a rather special story.  My friend sends me some really nice things and it is a joy to be able to share some of them with you all.

God does not set aside His righteousness, holiness or justice. He instead gave us a sacrifice that would satisfy the price, Christ paid that price.

The enemy tells the world that they aren't worthy, the cross didn't exist, Christ didn't rise again, and on go the lies. 

If we are not honest with ourselves and God, does it matter who we are honest with? 

I find this sad.

OK I'm off my soapbox!

I have been out and about and yes I spilled my Tim Horton's  :coffee:  :'( on the garage floor.

Larry I would put the picture that my BIL sent of the snow but sorry I do not know how.

I figured someone would call me out by saying I was hoping they wouldn't like the caramel corn.  ::)  I KNOW it is great but if I made 6 quarts of caramel corn for myself, I would eat all 6 quarts ... probably in one sitting.  The Small Group loved it but I also got to bring home some...which is gone now! 

I love the story of Edith Burns.  I wish I had that fire in me!  Larry, keep us up to date with Stacey. 

Jacob's grandma's birthday was yesterday so 29 family members were at the hospital celebrating Joann's birthday.  Jacob is continuing his movements and all and the family is hoping they leave for Atlanta tomorrow morning.

We had a short storm last evening.  Pea-size hail.  But it was told on TV that some of the surrounding areas got ping pong ball size hail!!  It sure sounded back hitting my front window and door window!  It only lasted about 5 minutes.  And then with the rain, the hail was soon gone! 

Today the sun is bright and not a cloud in the sky.  My house was hot when I got up so the heat pump/AC is set on auto.  It's windy but not a strong wind...the flag is dancing but hanging down! 

Tonight is Church Council meeting...that's it for today.  Maybe I will mop up that coffee spill on my kitchen floor???

Judy, thanks for moving my post.  I thought it sstrange that nothing had been posted all day!

This week is starting off great!!  Darrel had an appointment this morning for a physical before he gets his eyelid surgery on April 30th.  I told him I was going with him, because I needed to talk to Dr. Appling about Beth, and hadn't been able to make contact with him.  So I went along, taking the two natural health products I want Beth taking every day, and a hard cover book.  When I told him I am Beth's mother, he seemed genuinely happy to meet me, and he will write orders for them to give her the products as they should.  They have been really giving me a hard time about it at the care home.  AND....he was so glad to buy a copy of the book!  He asked me to sign it, and said several times, "This is so exciting!  I can't wait to read this!"  And he also told me he'd heard me on the radio (locally) and was impressed with the interview.  And yes, he did take care of Darrel, too!  ;)  Anyway, I'm happy to know Beth's (and our) doctor is in our corner!  Praise God!

After 90* yesterday, today is in the 60s.  But I went out and walked a few miles this morning, anyway.

Good to read all your posts, and may God richly bless each of you today!

Ruth glad it wasn't on your clothes.  Did you win a roll up?

It is so interesting listening to Christian radio.  Today it seems more than one speaker is preaching on the holiness of God.  How often we forget and get wrapped up in the world  and forget that first and foremost our God is Holy.  Isaiah said....CH 6:5  5Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.   

That chapter is an amazing passage of scripture.

Holy is the Lord God Almighty

We stand and lift up our hands
For the joy of the Lord is our strength
We bow down and worship Him now
How great, how awesome is He

And together we sing

[Chorus]
Holy is the Lord God Almighty
The earth is filled with His glory
Holy is the Lord God Almighty
The earth is filled with His glory
The earth is filled with His glory

We stand and lift up our hands
For the joy of the Lord is our strength
We bow down and worship Him now
How great, how awesome is He

And together we sing
Everyone sing

[Chorus]
Holy is the Lord God Almighty
The earth is filled with His glory
Holy is the Lord God Almighty
The earth is filled with His glory
The earth is filled with His glory

It's rising up all around
It's the anthem of the Lord's renown
Repeat

And together we sing,
Everyone sing

[Chorus]

Holy, Holy, is the Lord Almighty
Holy, Holy

Howdy I am passing though to let all y'all know that I was here reading your posts, praying for those who need prayer, and generally just relaxing  before I get up and get started again with what needs doing here today, folding the laundry, walking the dogs and taking it easy.

Larry, thanks for recommending my book to your sister!  I just received an order from her, and also an email note, so nice.

Judy, I love that song!

I get to keep my little great grands on Thursday!  Yippee!

Marilyn, it's nice to take it easy sometimes.  I am learning to do some of that more often.  ;)

Ruth Ann, I enjoyed your post today.  God bless!

Hi, today's been one where there was constantly something taking my attention, including an hour and a half of a conference call with the Medicare/Medicaid program that I now support. I'm a trained volunteer, and they even sent me a nice nametag and certificate.

It's so interesting, for I get THE most up to date information about what's available to seniors, those on disability, and those with needs for financial assistance. Today, we even had a very detailed overview of how the SNAP program works for "seniors" - whose definition is those over 60. And, I was immediately able to give that information to a wonderful Christian friend whose pension is very small each month.

Then, lunch with that friend, and now on the computer. In about an hour and a half, it will be in the car to take a young man to his work assignment this evening. Thank goodness it's still daylight at that time, or he'd need someone else.

And, surprise, the service rep who works with me on car repairs called early today, and if some parts aren't backordered, I MAY get Josie back as early as tomorrow or Wednesday!

Much love to everyone,
Ruth Ann

Judy B is going to post a picture of the northern snow for me.



[attachimg=1]

OK It worked.  That was April 1st a real April Fool surprise.

Hi everyone.  Another warm day yesterday and we finally had to turn on the AC as it became very uncomfortable in the house.  Today we are going to go to the hospital to visit with Stacey for a bit.  Tomorrow she is to have a hip replacement as apparently the hip was damaged too much from the fall for the break to be repaired.  Life sure throws us interesting curves sometimes.  She is only 47 years old. 

Etta Sue, glad you had some caramel corn to bring home.  I know about the temptation of eating it when it is just sitting there looking lonely.  :)  If you would send me via e-mail the information on Jacob's parents, i.e., names perhaps I can look them up while spending time at the hospital with Stacey.  They  will be in the building next to the hospital, which is connected by an underground tunnel so easy to get to. 

Janet, it sounds like the doctor is a fine man.  Glad you had such a positive experience.  I did get an email from my sister.  I know she will be blessed by the book and perhaps will share the word about it among her friends.

Ruth Ann, I will try remember you are a trained volunteer on Medicare/Medicaid as might need your council one day regarding something to do with Stacey.  I hope you get your car today.

Ruth, that snow picture is sure in contrast to what we see here in the SE.  Judy, thanks for posting it for Ruth.

Good morning!  A chilly start to the day, but we're promised bright sunshine and a little milder later in the day. 

Ruth, I didn't really need to see what snow looks like  :( but thanks to Judy for posting it for you.   

Larry, I hope your news from Stacey today is much better than it's been lately. 

Janet, what a wonderful wide distribution your book seems to be having.  I know all those who read it will find a true blessing, as I did.   :thumbsup:

Snow, sleet and fog here.  Power is out a lot of places but we have underground lines,  thank heaven for that invention.  No Bible Study this week and this would have been a canceled day anyway so that is good.  Friends picked me up for a coffee chat yesterday and we four talked for three hours.  How can that be? ;D  Love being home. One gal has a very sick husband just getting off chemo for thyroid surgery.  He was at a chemo appointment & driven there by a friend so she got out of the house - daily for weeks so this will be wonderful when the procedures end.  He is a retired pastor. 

Washing clothes & pre-treated the shirts where Don has had his nose bleeds.  It is alright this morning so we can only hope - or, he will get ahold of his doctor. Not his blood pressure - return to altitude and how dry it is here. 

Larry:  Perhaps the entire hip replacement will have a better outcome for Stacey.  Let us hope and pray this is a good choice for her health.  She is so young.

Janet:  Just ordered your book and am looking forward to receiving it.  I did not realize that Beth's condition was diagnosed at age four.  They really need to work on the disease. 

Al:  It is just great to read your posts once again.

Well, this looks like a crockpot soup day for sure. 

We had RAIN last night!!  Went to bed hearing the wonderful sound of rain; but woke up later to the sound of roaring WIND  >:(  I don't know how much moisture we got, but there are puddles outside!  Thank you, God, for the moisture!

Carol, thank you for the book order, and I do hope you enjoy the book.  I will mail it in just a little while, when we go to town to eat at the Sr. Ctr.  Good to know you are home, and hope the nosebleeds stop for Don.  How nice to have time to chat with friends.  Too often we just say hello on the fly, as everyone seems to always be too busy for a real visit.

Larry, I pray the hip replacement will mean a big improvement in Stacey's overall condition.  Our daughters are too young to have such serious problems!!  I'm so glad we can trust God for their futures......

Mark just arrived!!  It is his 26th birthday today--so I'm going to get a big hug NOW!!   :) :D ;D

A setback for Jacob which could be a blessing.  He had surgery yesterday morning on his colon on day 26.  On Day 1 he had surgery to remove his spleen and a part of his skull.  They inserted a feeding tube.  He is taking anti-biotics for pneumonia and an infection in his colon.  Well, it seems that when they inserted the feeding tube that they perforated his colon!  Surgery went well with being able to repair the punctures to his colon.  So now, hopefully, Jacob will become infection free and get off of the anti-biotics.  Hopefully he will improve daily now! 

So that means him going to Atlanta has been delayed a bit.  But they think it will still be this week. 

Church council meeting was short and sweet last night.  As soon as our county approves the septic system proposed for our new building, we can start building.  The state approved it.  The county did not!  They keep saying the run off will go north...everyone knows water goes south!  And it is flat land where the church is to be built!  Always something to delay.  We have been told that if we would have built in the county east of us...about 2 miles, we would already be in the building!!

This morning I went to the pool.  I have never asked the therapists for advise but I woke this morning with a stiffness between my shoulder blades...I can't think why.  She told me what to do so I incorporated that along with my walking in the water...I feel so much better now.  And after all that exercising, I went to Pizza Hut for the salad/pizza bar!  Now is that a defeating thing or not?

Now I am home, relaxing and watching the blue skies, no wind and feeling it getting warmer.  The mailman just went so I must see if I got some $$ in the mail!!

This must be a Grams day!  Curtis showed up, too!  So I took both my big grandsons to lunch at Taste of China, Mark's choice, since it's his birthday.

And Curtis got the book put on here as my signature, as Pat has been wanting me to do.  I don't know how to do that stuff!

Etta Sue---so glad they found the perforated colon!  VERY dangerous!  That's what nearly killed Beth last time. 

Hi, friends,

This day ended being TOO busy. So, I just canceled the last thing and literally climbed into bed to rest a couple of hours.

Now, it's time to follow our CP forum and enjoy being with y'all for a few moments.

The car should be ready tomorrow. What a nice Easter surprise, and little Josie is a gray-purple, so I'll be looking forward to having her in time for Sunday's worship.

Y'all have a good rest of the day with our Lord.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann: Great that you and Josie have been reunited and just in time for celebrating Easter.

We called our two nieces in Fort Worth, TX and they are fine.  One saw a tornado from work and had one dent in her car.  Lots of sirens so that is stressful but so good they have the warnings. 

Don records a television mystery for me and we watch it mainly because of the scenes of Seattle.  I know all the streets they mention and still recognize my home town although it was a little city at that time.  They really put heavy rain in the shows and that is not normal - just a refreshing mist is more like it. 

It snowed all day here and should quit soon, it is now warmer so the streets are not bad. I made a French Onion soup for dinner and it was so easy and so good. 
Don did not have any nose bleeds today so the episode may be over.  Thanks be!

JudyB:  Many thanks for the Promise song.   

Hi everyone. I am writing from the hospital waiting room.  They came for Stacey about 45minutes ago and the surgery should be underway.  The doctor said it would take about 2 hours and then she will be in recovery for awhile.  She was in a good frame of mind this morning.  The doctor told us they will be getting her uo this afternoon.  That is all I know at the moment.

Etta Sue, sorry to here of the additional complications for Jacob but glad they found them before he started his journey south.

Carol, you all are sure having the snow.  Hope it doesn't last long.  Glad you are safely back home.

Janet, nice you were able to celebrate your grandsons birthday and have the other grandson with you also.

We have a sunny and cloudy day here in southern Ontario, in a few minutes I will be leaving to take my Aunt for groceries and lunch at Swiss Chalet it seems that this is the most affordable restaurant around.

I did have other things planned but the above does seem to take priority,  you do what needs to be done.

Larry:  Prayers for Stacey and the family.

Ruth, how nice to see you here, and thanks for the emails!  Hope all is well with you up in the "North country!"

Larry, I am praying for Stacey, that all goes not only well, but supernaturally so, and that she recognizes the hand of God in all of it.  Blessings to you and Pat as you support her through another crisis.

Ruth Ann, glad you and 'Josie' will soon be reunited!   ;)

I have a whole bunch of framing to do, have put it off because of the remodeling mess, now no more excuses, so have to get to work!

I ordered another 100 of my books; they should arrive in the next few days.  My supply is quite low, PTL!

During my residence at Coleshill, Warwickshire, England, I became acquainted with W. W. Walford, the blind preacher, a man of obscure birth and connections and no education, but of strong mind and most retentive memory.

In the pulpit he never failed to select a lesson well adapted to his subject, giving chapter and verse with unerring precision and scarcely ever misplacing a word in his repetition of the Psalms, every part of the New Testament, the prophecies, and some of the histories, so as to have the reputation of "knowing the whole Bible by heart."

He actually sat in the chimney corner, employing his mind in composing a sermon or two for Sabbath delivery, and his hands in cutting, shaping and polishing bones for shoe horns and other little useful implements. At intervals he attempted poetry.

On one occasion, paying him a visit, he repeated two or three pieces which he had composed, and having no friend at home to commit them to paper, he had laid them up in the storehouse within.

"How will this do?" asked he, as he repeated the following lines, with a complacent smile touched with some light lines of fear lest he subject himself to criticism. I rapidly copied the lines with my pencil, as he uttered them, and sent them for insertion in the Observer, if you should think them worthy of preservation.

Music: William B. Bradbury, Golden Chain (New York: 1861)



   

Yesterday Jacob's vent was disconnected for 6 hours and Jacob breathed on his own with no assistance.  Now this to me sounds like it was disconnected accidentally!  Or not re-connected accidentally!  But Jacob did fine.  He's having problems with air in his colon after his surgery but that is not a major issue.  His numbers and everything is up to norm now!  They are still thinking they will be in Atlanta by the weekend.  The air flight is all ready when they get the word.

I have already mowed the yard, already showered, all dressed and I have had my lunch.  I am to take Ivalou for her massage at 2:40 and then we are to find something to eat before returning home. 

I have Crochet Angels this evening at 6:30 and maybe Wednesday Night Live if no one shows up for Crochet Angels.  We'll see.

Praying for Stacey and that she will be better than ever!

Busy day but it is a beautiful day.  Kind of overcast but nice!

Etta Sue:  Six hours off the oxygen for Jacob - that is very good news. 

One son came for a surprise visit as his house is having a new roof put on today.   Many new roofs here after a wind storm and we are going to to have ours checked as well.  Our son came because he wanted to get his dog away from all the stress - so we all had baked chicken and fixings of a spinach salad. 

Larry:  Prayers for Stacey to recover quickly. 

Well, the seatbelt assembly that was delivered had a defective part, so Josie's transmission work is finished and right front seatbelt should be ready by tomorrow. :) Y'all can tell I'm really looking forward to getting her, can't you.

Carol, about his nosebleeds - if they're due to dry air, I have that problem here in my 13th floor apartment. So, I found a small crockpot at Goodwill and keep it going day and night with water scented with cinnamon sticks and whole allspice. I've learned I can get small bags of spices at hispanic markets much more reasonably priced that at american supermarkets. And, the entire apartment smells wonderful, too! A win, win situation. I refill it once in the morning and again before I retire. BINGO! No more nosebleeds. :)

I truly hope Stacy is going to be much better following the surgery. I can tell y'all from experience that my right knee pain was so severe before the replacement, and of course, the bone pain was not easy to bear while the leg was healing and being worked so much with physical therapy.  BUT, the end result is that my right let will lie down flat when I straighten it, while the left surely will not. And, I've been sitting in my big recliner recently, and the right leg is the stronger leg - I can get the footrest to lock in place with the right leg, when I've watched adult men having difficulty to get that footrest to latch.

This morning, I took the granny and her 2 grandchildren to the dragon park and, they love it so much, they talked their cousin's father into letting her go also! What fun the 3 of them had. And, then we stopped by Captain D's (fast food seafood restaurant) and had a nice meal together. This link will take you to lovely pictures of the dragon, and now you will know why I love to take children of all ages there!

http://mosaicartsource.wordpress.com/2007/02/01/dragon-mosaic-sculpture-fannie-may-dees-park-nashville-tennessee/

Following my dental cleaning, I stopped by WalMart for a little while, and then "hid" in my apartment to rest.

Tomorrow morning the rental car will be  transporting 3 ladies and me to the Salvation Army for the Golden Agers gathering. I play piano and sing for them, and we all have a wonderful time telling jokes and sharing a few rounds of Bingo plus a nice meal for only $3.

Y'all have a good rest of the day.

G'nite,
Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  I have a lot I need to get done here at home today since I expect to be home all day after I get back from coffee and one more stop.  As far as I know Stacey is doing well.  She looked good when she returned to her room and was wide awake and didn't even seem groggy.  She wanted her Kindle and phone and several other items at hand.  I am so glad she got the Kindle Fire before all this happened as it will give her something to occupy her mind as she goes through recover. 

Ruth Ann, it sounds like you have a busy day planned.  Your Golden Agers sounds very much like the Calvin Cove respite program we have at our church.  For several years I went there once a week and played the piano and led them in singing.  Maybe today for your car.

Carol, I can related the noise of the new roof although it wasn't as bad as I had expected and we didn't find it necessary to leave the house.  It is nice you had that time with your son.  Hope you all don't need a new roof. 

Etta Sue, that sounds like encouraging news for Jacob.  Any advance is good. 

Janet, hope your framing went well.  It must have felt good to need to order another 100 books. 

Ruth, I am sure your aunt appreciates your attention and willingness to help her out and give her a chance to go out to eat.

Larry, I didn't get on the framing after all, so it's still sitting back there waiting on me.  I will be so happy when I do get it done (it won't be a quick job!) as I dislike having things 'hanging over my head' that I need to do.  There are about 10 cross stitch items, all different sizes, some very large, so it will involve a lot of work and planning.  But "I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength!"  :)

Ruth Ann, that is quite a dragon!  Wow!  Glad the little ones had a good time there.  Are they allowed to climb/play on the dragon?  Some of the tile edges look to be sharp, so I wondered.

Larry, good to hear that Stacey came through the surgery so well, what a blessing!

My little ones will be here for a while today, so I have eggs boiled for us to color together.  Love those babies!

I have the lesson at our small group tonight, so am working on that.  Prayers appreciated, as this will stretch me!  I want it to bless and encourage and challenge them.......

The edges of tiles where the children can climb are now rounded from so much use, so it would be very rare for a child to be injured. To know that everything about that park is planned for handicapped makes it very special to me. Even the walkways are graded so that manual wheelchairs can be rolled along them easily. Further, Lily's Garden is a wonderful climbing gymn also especially planned so that children in wheelchairs or pushing walkers can go up the ramp and experience being higher than the ground, and the hard surface underneath the climbing gym is nice for them to roll around there, too.

And, the little brick wall between the school for the severely handicapped (which is next door) has geometric "windows" built in, so the mind can be stimulated by seeing the sky and other things in view from a different perspective.

This makes it a great place for elders to visit, too, and what a happy place to be where we can hear children's happy voices.

Much love to everyone today, and prayers for those we're praying for.

Ruth Ann

Thanks for the lovely description, Ruth Ann.  What a wonderful place, so glad it is near you so you can enjoy it along with children!

That sure sounds like a wonderful place for children (and adults), Ruth Ann.  I could wish there were more places like that around the country!

I'm doing well here.  I even got out and drove down into McKinleyville to the pizza place the other day, and it went quite well (and the pizza was good, too). Hopefully, we'll be able to go to church soon.

It's kind of a bright gray sky this morning, which probably means it'll clear off after a while for some nice, bright sunshine.

Glad you are doing better Al, And your speaking of Pizza has made me hungry!

This being Holy Week - we will take communion at tonight's service.  We just cannot manage the Easter service on Sunday because it is at a huge & I mean huge outdoor area and thousands go to that place.  Don would never be able to hear one word & would be too disoriented.  Otherwise, we really do enjoy a lot of events and most of all our early morning chapel service.  Thanks be!

Ruth Ann:  Your idea of adding spices to the water sounds so nice.  Your dragon park looks very interesting - lovely tiles on the figures. 

Al:  Nice to do something normal and get out of the house.  Enjoy!

Four weeks ago today was Jacob's accident!  Jacob and his mother, Sheree, will leave for Atlanta tomorrow morning at 9am.  And yesterday, Jacob yawned!  Here is an interesting article about a yawn (http://www.thesavvygal.com/in-praise-of-the-yawn-five-fascinating-facts-about-this-biological-reflex-that-all-too-often-gets-a-bad-rap/)!

Hope I can make this story short and sweet!  I mowed yesterday and aired of the mower.  I noticed that debris was inside the air filter!  I couldn't blow it out and also, didn't remember seeing anything there before.  So I took a picture with my phone and sent it to Tony, asking is this okay?  He called me back and said he would come up and check it out after he left work.  He was here by 6pm.  The stuff was yellowish...looked like stuffing from a couch or chair.  Not lawnmower seats and I was hoping not Hawaii seats!  Definitely a mouse was involved.  Tony figured out how a mouse could get into the filter...busy little guy!  And the same stuff was all over the floor.  I kept looking around the garage to find the source of the stuff.  I finally found it.  A chamois cloth!!  It used to be big but now it is scraps!  Even under the cover on the Honda mower was a ball of the stuff about the size of a soccer ball!  Busy little guy! 

I had to leave for church and when I came home, every thing was cleaned up and my garage was all swept!!  Gotta love my big guy for doing that for me!!

Now to get some D-Con at the store! 

Praying for all the needs here and praising God for his praises!

Thanks, Etta Sue!  That is so interesting about the yawn!!  I have been sitting here yawning as I read it!  And hope that Jacob's yawn signals that he is recovering!  Nasty mouse!  Yuck!  They are so destructive!

We are about ready to go to our small group meeting.  I think we are having pizza tonight.

Well, after Salvation Army was over (lasts until noon), then Josie was ready, so I drove maybe 25 miles across town to turn in the rental car and get Josie. MY GOODNESS! Was God good to me! When all was said and done, the extra insurance purchased for when the car went out of warranty (that happened in the past, when it hasn't YET reached 60,000 miles :) ), the total cost for almost $2,000 of repairs was $50.

Praise His Holy Name! He provides ahead of time for us often, doesn't He.

Then, I scurried across town in another direction to get measured for my prescription shoes and insoles, and that, too, was an answer to prayer! For a year, I wore ill-fitting shoes that a different firm had ordered for me, and then went back to the 4-year old ones my foot doctor himself had ordered and fitted me with. THIS place carries the very same brand of shoe, and it's now on order - the correct size, correct catalog number, etc. Again, a big answer to prayer.

Next, was 10 miles toward downtown to pick up the granny and her 2 grandchildren for a 1-week-late birthday dinner, and since the little one didn't get to celebrate her birthday back in the winter with us, we honored them both with balloons, cards, pinwheels, and anything they wanted for dinner. A great time was had by all. After creeping through rush hour traffic in a pouring-down thunderstorm with heavy rains, I got them safely delivered, and then and 8.5 miles back to my apartment house.

I covered up with a fleece lap robe I keep in the car, hurried into the building, and several persons were near the door. "If it keeps on clouding up, folks, it's gonna pour down the rain!" I said, as I removed that dripping wet lap robe from my head and shoulders. We all chuckled, and I went to the elevator and rode up the 13 floors to the apartment.

:lol:

Guess who is tired this evening...

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Good night, everyone. Ruth Ann, Betty & I have been playing "Change One Letter" and we are all soooo tired, we will get back to it tomorrow.
- Ruth Ann: even if I weren't tired, your day would truly have exhausted me!!.
We have a Good Friday service tomorrow morning, so will see you all later tomorrow.

Have  :sleep:

It continues to be sunny, cool and breezy.  For the last several days the forecast for Sunday has been for a high of 62 F but now this morning they're saying it will stay at only about 57.  For the sunrise service on the beach it will probably be only about 25. 

Our Good Friday service is really not a service, more of a contemplation time.  For each of 3 hours there is an interlude of organ music, then scripture reading by the pastor and about 45 minutes of just quiet, all in a darkened sanctuary.  Such an overwhelming sensation of peace as you sit there. 

Hi everyone.  After coffee, as we left for home my neighbor noticeda screen in the tread of my front tire.  So I am at Kauffman tire having it checked out as don't want to get on the Interstate if the tire is impaired.  Today is the ROMEO men's luncheon and a friend is picking me up.  We are going to Olive Garden.  Al, what a pleasure to see you have been able to drive and get out to eat.  Stacey is suffering and yesterday they were giving her some blood and were taking her to do CT scan for something.  Pat talked with her this morning and she apparently got through the night ok.   I did get my taxes for last year figured out and was glad to see I didn't need to pay more.  I will go over them again in a few days to be sure study are correct.

It is a sunny and somewhat warmer day today.  John is away and I have no idea if he will be home today.  I'm hoping.

Spent a wonderful day yesterday with a friend, and got home late.  Isn't that the way with friends!

Have a good day of remembering what Christ did on the Cross for us, A good day to re-watch "The Passion (Of The Christ)" today and remember the beating he took was much worse that is portrayed.  I will be turning my copy on.

He died for us, that we may have our souls healed of sin, and live with Him in eternity.

I couldn't get on CP earlier.  I don't know if it was me or CP.  Lately my laptop will suddenly turn off, like I unplugged it.  It did that today and when I turned it back on, Shockwave Player  updated.  I was doing a Jigsaw Puzzle when the laptop shut off. 

Jacob and Sheree are in Atlanta!  They left Indy about an hour late but arrived in Atlanta around 11:45am.  What a Good Friday for Jacob!!

I am hoping that Jane, Marge, Betty, Ivalou and I ride together to Good Friday Service this evening.  Then we want to head to Steak and Shake for a snack or meal. 

Another bright and sunny day in Indiana but on the cool side.  A little windy but not blustery like the norm has been.

I was up early to watch the inspiring and informative Christian programs I like early in the morning; then showered and dressed and went to a funeral at our church.  This was the fellow I told you about months ago who (they thought) got Listeria from eating cantaloupe.  That was last September, and he had been in the KU Medical center hospital, in and out, in and out of ICU, in and out of rehab---for over eight months!  They never did decide exactly what was wrong with him, but he was paralyzed from the waist down from a few days after going to the hospital.  His wife came home for a few days at Christmas time, while their daughter went up to stay with her Dad, and she told my friend Pat that she knew she had to prepare herself, that he would die.  Eight months is a long time to be away from home, hanging around a hospital and not knowing if your husband will live or die.  Hard to imagine.  Thankfully, they do have  a son who lives in the Kansas City area, so Sandy was able to stay there most of the time when not at the hospital.  (TMI--sorry!)

I so enjoyed my little girls yesterday.  Little Chelsea will soon be two, and is the sweetest natured child, just a delight.  Lexi is sweet, too, but not a calm child.  She hasn't yet discovered that the world doesn't revolve around her!  ;)

After the service, I went and read to Beth until they came to take her in for lunch; then I went back to the church to help clean up after the meal that was served to the family.  Pretty soon I will go to Pat's so she can do my hair.  Then I need to do some cooking in preparation for Sunday!

Larry, sorry to hear Stacey is having pain, may God grant her relief SOON.

I'm sleepy, maybe I can get a short nap before going to Pat's!

Hi everyone.  We are having more seasonal weather yesterday and predicted for today as the house is a bit chilly.  We have refrained from turning on the furnace but that may happen later this morning.  I enjoyed a quiet day yesterday other than my ROMEO's luncheon at Olive Garden.  The place was packed and the noise level was very high in there.  The news from Stacey wasn't as good yesterday as she apparently has another infection that showed up yesterday afternoon and she was running a fairly high temperature.  They told her that due to the holiday it would probably be Monday before she would go to the rehab facility.  We plan on going down to see her later this morning. 

Judy, a nice commentary on this Easter season and thanks for posting the hymns.

Etta Sue, do you have your laptop on a smooth surface so that air can circulate around it?  I once had that problem when traveling and set the laptop on a pillow and it overheated and turned off.  After taking it in for repair (there was nothing to repair) I realized what the problem was.  Hope you and your friends were able to enjoy a nice time at Steak and Shake. 

Janet, what a sad situation of the man who died and what devotion displayed by his wife to stay by his side for such a long period of time. 

Today Christ was in the grave.  Can you imagine the feelings his followers had?  We know as humans how we feel after a loved one dies, but Jesus was their Lord, their hero they had worshiped him. Was it all in vain?

I know Peter felt guilt as possibly did many others.  I am sure the question in their minds was Why?  Why did he die, why was I so stupid to follow him, Why did God allow this. 

NIV  In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

Did they forget that? 

As we proceed with our day let us remember the shed blood of our Lord!

Good Friday service was very touching.  Our minister did a very good job portraying a Roman soldier at the Cross.  He described his part in Jesus' death...the cat tail, scourging by the cat-o-nine tails, the beatings, the crown of thorns.  Almost like the soldier delighted in doing this.  Then another soldier missed the nail head when nailing Christ's wrist to the cross so the soldier took over.  Bragged about getting the nail in with one blow!  Then the other wrist and then the two ankles together.  Jesus kept giving him this look.  Finally as they hoisted the cross up and it then fell into the hole with a thud and jolt, Christ gave him the look again.  Something happened to the soldier.  He found a cloth and soaked it in spoiled vinegar and raised it to Christ, knowing that the vinegar would relieve some of the pain.  But Christ refused it.  He just gave the soldier the look.  Steve did such a good job I forgot that he was Steve.  Tears just flowed.  So realistic! 

Afterwards five of us went to Steak and Shake and then two other couples came in.  Good fellowship. 

Marge earlier was in an accident.  Marge had made a purchase in Noblesville earlier and was returning it when she was hit in the rear at a stop light.  A big truck so her trunk looks like it is an accordian...all crinkled up.  Her car is drivable but it just makes you mad.  Thank God the other guy has insurance but it is the principle of the thing!  I don't know if she got her purchase returned or not. 

Ivalou and I have been invited to her son's home for Easter tomorrow.  This is Jacob's aunt and uncle.  Jacob was worn out from his trip yesterday.  Shepherd's was getting a CT scan of his head and giving him morphin to settle him down.  He was really active when he got there.  Sheree said the apartment was a lot nicer than what they have been in for 30 days with a nice kitchen area.  Baxter left yesterday morning at 5am and drove to Atlanta, so the two of them were searching for a grocery so that she can cook again.  It was a Good Friday for Jacob.  Now let's get on with the healing! 

Another bright and sunny day in Indiana.  It looks so nice out but I imagine it is a little chilly.  Seems that all the flowering shrubs are blooming about 2 weeks early this year.  My lilacs are so abundant...covered at the top of the bush.

I forgot.  Larry, I do have the laptop on a flat surface but I have noticed when this happens the computer icon is flashing a lot, meaning it is working in the back ground.  Then all of a sudden, everything goes black!  I guess what I need to do is shut the lid when I hear it working and running.  Almost like an updating working and then poof...all is gone!  But I do think this causes it to get hotter than normal and is a safety factor!

Etta Sue, friends of mine were able to solve their problem by purchasing a cooling pad to set under the laptop. I don't remember if they got it at WalMart or at Radio Shack.

I've learned that the vent for my laptop is on the lefthand side near the hinge. Well, with the arthritis & carpal tunnel pains & aches, how GREAT that warm air feels on my wrist and fingertips. :)

Larry, I'm still praying for Stacey. When I had my knee replacement, I had the luxury of being able to donate 2 pints of blood to myself prior to the surgery. And, wouldn't you know...it really did need to be used! So, it was a relief to know mine was available for me.

Also prayers for Jacob and family.  I'd love to be able to visit if I get to Atlanta anytime soon.

Today was a pancake breakfast for the Lions Club, followed by a refreshing time of prayer at our church. During Lent, we have a cross on the platform that is made of unfinished wood. Prayer requests are written down and then nailed to that cross. Imagine the blessings of being able to pray for each request nailed to that cross. It always moves me to be able to do so.

Now, I'll finish my chores and rest up for the busy day tomorrow.

As we prepare physically, mentally, and spiritually for the commemoration of the day our Lord rose from the dead, let us thank Him for his selfless death to atone for our own sins.

Ruth Ann

We went to a neighbor's house for a breakfast and everyone stayed almost three hours.  Don and a friend helped a widow by moving some furniture for her.  Don was at the doctor's office yesterday and they did take care of his nosebleed problem or at least it is much less than before he went for the appointment.  We shall see. 

We are meeting with youngest son this afternoon and they have a new rescue dog.    Tomorrow is church service at daughter's area & visit with them. 

Janet:  Your book arrived and I finished it last night!  It is amazing.  I passed it on to a neighbor and will then hand it to at least two more friends. 

Have a blessed Easter all. 

Thanks for letting me know the book arrived, Carol.  I was going to ask you about it.  Glad you enjoyed reading it.

I have been working all day.  Spent the morning cooking; made several things to take to Diane's tomorrow, and also did a meal and took that to my friends who are dealing with dialysis.  They had made a trip to Wichita for appointments, and were both worn out.  She said she's going to start calling me "Blessing."  And I said I receive that!  ;)

Beth so wants to go tonight to the church service, but called a while ago to say she may not be able to go.  Her body isn't cooperating today, it seems.  She is to call back about 5 to let me know if she's been able to eliminate yet.  She sure doesn't want that to happen at a church service!  Poor Beth, she is so longing for the Lord to heal her.  I try to stay strong and encouraging for her, but it hurts so to see her waiting year after year.

I worked this afternoon on lining out that big framing order, listing the stuff I need to order for it, etc.  It's a big job--eight pieces of finely done cross stitching, some quite large.  I hope the frames she chose hav en't been discontinued.

I'm tired; think I will take a little nap!  :sleepy:

The first day of the week (our Sunday) was the day of resurrection.  The early discioles met on the first day of the week, probably in commemoration of His resurrection  If, therefore, we are going to celebrate His resurrection, should we not do so EVEY Sunday?  I believe so.

The Bible does not tell us to celebrate "Easter" (the word comes from the pagan god Esdras, but the Resurrection is indeed more than precious.

Happy Easter Everyone!  Let's start Easter Sunday with a new slate.

Here! (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=12205.msg172016#msg172016)