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When my daughters were single-digit ages—two, five, and seven—I wowed them with a miracle. I told them the story of Moses and the manna and invited them to follow me on a wilderness trek through the house.

"Who knows," I suggested, "manna may fall from the sky again."

We dressed in sheets and sandals and did our best Bedouin hike through the bedrooms. The girls, on my instruction, complained to me, Moses, of hunger and demanded I take them back to Egypt, or at least to the kitchen. When we entered the den, I urged them to play up their parts: groan, moan, and beg for food.

"Look up," I urged. "Manna might fall any minute."

Two-year-old Sara obliged with no questions, but Jenna and Andrea had their doubts. How can manna fall from a ceiling?

Just like the Hebrews. "How can God feed us in the wilderness?"

Just like you? You look at tomorrow's demands, next week's bills, next month's silent calendar. Your future looks as barren as the Sinai Desert. "How can I face my future?" God tells you what I told my daughters: "Look up."

When my daughters did, manna fell! Well, not manna, but vanilla wafers dropped from the ceiling and landed on the carpet. Sara squealed with delight and started munching. Jenna and Andrea were old enough to request an explanation.

My answer was simple. I knew the itinerary. I knew we would enter this room. Vanilla wafers fit safely on the topside of the ceiling-fan blades. I had placed them there in advance. When they groaned and moaned, I turned on the switch.

God's answer to the Hebrews was similar. Did he know their itinerary? Did he know they would grow hungry? Yes and yes. And at the right time, he tilted the manna basket toward earth.

And what about you? God know what you need and where you'll be. Any chance he has some vanilla wafers on tomorrow's ceiling fans? Trust him. "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes" (Matthew 6:33-34).


 

So True.  Sometimes we wait for an answer that has been promised and after years, we moan and groan.  We forget that God has His own itinerary.  I believe....forgive my unbelief.

A policeman pulled over a car because it was going so slow and walked up to the driver, a little old lady who had three ladies in the back seat.  She was clocked at 22 mph and he asked her why she was driving so slowly.  She said that she was going the speed limit and the policeman said that the speed limit was 55 mph but he saw the sign that the road name was highway 22.  He also noticed that the three women in back were quite pale and asked if anything was wrong.  One lady said that they had just got off Highway 159.      Get it?

We were back in our church today and then went to pick up a newspaper and doughnut before coming home.  This is so silly, but we have to buy the paper at the gas station and the Lamar's doughnut shop does not have a paper but they do have cushy chairs.  Sipping coffee, eating a doughnut, and reading the newspaper just go together. 

Our son's new roof leaks.  He had a different roofer.  I hope there isn't a problem.  We are getting a new roof too and the roofing owner talked with Don and has asked to come over with help as he (the roofer) wants to start a medical assistance company & that was Don's background.  Small world & Don loves to help in any way he can. 

Sermon talk was about how easy it is to gripe.  Our pastor said he was moved up to First Class on a plane & just loved it & the entire ride others who paid FC were griping and groaning about everything.  He reminded us to give thanks. 

Yup Carol I got it!

I was here yesterday, looks as if I didn't post, though.  Sorry!

How easy it is to gripe--for sure!!  I am trying to stop griping about the music (?) at church!  But...I looked around yesterday and couldn't see ANYONE singing!  All new songs every Sunday, so loud and seem discordant to me.  Several were talking about it in the afternoon at Spring Fling, and none like it, but some say we might as well get used to it, as this is the way it's going to be.  It's "modern" they say.  Whatever happened to harmony, melody?  Ah, me.....so hard.  I have always loved the music service so much...until lately.

I am working today, will be inquiring what they give Beth in the mornings, and why.  I took her to church, and she literally couldn't keep her eyes open the entire service!  If it is something she really needs;, can they either give it to her two hours earlier, or after she gets back?  It's a lot of work taking her, then she sleeps through the whole service.  (In spite of the loud music!  )

My boss is finally convinced I am serious about wanting to retire!!  (Only from that job, though... )  So she is planning a retirement party for me.

As you can see, I am up early.  I'm praying for a wonderful day for all of us, with opportunities to tell others of the goodness of our Lord!

So many times we have become overwhelmed with "stuff" that we forget.  It WILL be worth it all when we do see Christ!

Hi everyone.  The day started out sunny but has clouded up and we have the chance for some rain later today, which we really need.  It has been a busy morning as after coffee I went to walk with my friend in the park (the weather was so nice this morning).  I then went through the drive-thru at Kroger's pharmacy to pick up and item and finally went to the car wash and had the car cleaned inside and out.  Today is our Monday men's luncheon and we are going to an Asian Buffet that we enjoy and is very reasonable.  They have over 250 items on their buffet.  I also need to make a trip to the bank.  This evening I have a meeting to attend so it is going to be a full day.  I called the dentist's office this morning and thought I had a 3 pm appointment  to start work on the tooth that broke off.  However, in a few minutes they called back and said the dentist had something come up and wasn't going to be available today.  So I have an appointment in the morning at 8 am.  Fortunately the tooth isn't hurting so waiting another day should be fine. 

We had a nice time at lunch yesterday with Stacey.  We didn't stay very long as she was hurting and tired and wanted to take a nap after getting more pain medicine.

Jeanne, thanks for the devotional thoughts for this week. It reinforces the knowledge that we need to live "One Day at a Time" and let God take care of tomorrow, as he always does.

Judy, you are so right that God's timetable isn't our timetable.  The Hymn is so appropriate to the devotional thoughts.

Carol, loved your joke and had to go tell Pat about it.  It sounds like Don is going to be able to use his expertiese to help the man.  Bad news when a new roof leaks.  I know I was a bit concerned after we had our new roof but it seems to be fine.  I think the company folded right after they did our work as had tried to contact them again and got no response.

Janet, I agree with you on the music of today.  If they would turn down the volume often the words are fine.  However, I see no reason to repeat a phrase over and over again.  Nice you are going to get a retirement party and that you have decided to retire from that job. 

About the music.  I have come to love the "new" as well as the old, however I believe the "new" is in the hope to attract the younger generation.  I do agree the volume should be turned down.  My question is this, Does the new really do what they are hoping?  If the words (on the radio, or TV) cannot be heard and understood, then why sing them. 

I keep coming back to the verse "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." John 12:32  Even today we are to lift up the name of Christ and let Him do the rest.  Does our music, whether old or new do that.

I couldn't agree more relative to the music.  Actually, though, the music isn't just intended to do something for those hearing it, but it'supposed to be an expression of the feelings and thoughts of those singing it.  When I have worshipful thoughts. they aren't usually expressed blaringly. loudly, and with almost no thought at all.  It isn't merely youth that's involved -  I'm afraid it's often untaught, careless, and irreverent youth, youth that is possibly unconverted.  I don't wish to sound hard, harsh and loveless, but I do think it's something to be dealt with in our largely unspirtual day.
There, soapbox now vacated.

I guess I am fortunate.  I like all Christian music...old and new...and don't seem to know the difference until someone 'old' points out that we are repeating the same words over and over.  We just have a piano and bass guitar in our church so it isn't louder.  Sometimes we have a CD as the background, which I truly enjoy because it is more than a piano and guitar.  And I do believe it brings the younger people.  Words?  They all are glorifying God...even if they are repeated over and over.  That's my opinion.

As for replying to everyone's post....ditto to Larry's post!

I just got a call from my doctor's office in response to my calling them this morning and asking for samples for my cholesterol  meds.  I have a huge deductible and until I hit it, these meds would cost me $364 for three months.  As soon as a medical procedure is met, my deductible will be met...but I need to go pick up these samples today! 

No new news of Jacob today.  Maybe no therapy yesterday. 

It is a lovely day today.  I have no heat or a/c on and I have a window open a little since it is very windy!  A beautiful windy April day! 

Well .... I will try again!      So many times, this past week, I have started a post to respond to all who have commented about the improvement in Becky's living situation and Bryan's taking on of the responsibility, only to be interrupted by a phone call from someone who feels like talking!    It is really difficult to type a message to y'all and keep attention on the caller... I'm not good at multi-tasking. 

Becky and Karmen have been really enjoying their new living environment.  Becky cooks and bakes and I'm sure Bryan is happy to be the recipient of it all!  Joy has been helpful in driving them around, gathering up such necessities as car seats, diaper pails, bath supplies .... you get the picture.  When Becky expressed surprise and gratitude, Joy told her it was a baby shower.  Becky said she'd never had a shower ... well we know that ... she was homeless when Karmen was born.

Joy and John have decided to postpone their trip to Mexico until this fall, so that means Bryan will have his own mother to join with his grandma, aunt, three cousins and three second cousins, for Mother's Day!  Should be an eventful day.   

The only glitch in everything (but really not so terrible) is that Bryan's truck is in the shop ... again!    He has had a lot of trouble getting it -- and keeping it -- up and running.  He substitutes his bicycle for transportation, but it's a bit complicated for carrying groceries or when it is raining, as it has been lately. That's where it's very helpful to have Joy within driving distance.   

Speaking of rain ... we have it here, on the Oregon coast most of the time.  I don't mind it, in fact I rather enjoy it.  Just so I don't have leaks in my roof ... or elsewhere ... and my car is in good working order. 

I have a few items to get ready and/or purchase in the next few days, and I'll be on my way south in time to be in the Sacramento area for Mother's Day and a good visit with family.  Hoping to connect with Jean's kids and their families while there, but this is an iffy situation.  It has been quite a long while since this has happened.   

Well I am finally here to add my two cents to the music discussion. At the church in McKinleyville the music has been so loud for the last 5 years that when I lived there I wore earplugs during the song service, When I go there now I don't even know most of the songs and the music is till so loud it hurts my ears.The sound is all controlled on the sound board at the back of the church and I have complained a lot of times to no avail. Those who wear hearing aid do not wear them to church anymore.

Over the weekend I created and uploaded 2 new webpages on the latter page there are a couple of  cute tags I made for you to download and use, one is "Happy Birthday", one is blank and one says "Thank you". They are zip files and will download if you click on the tag itself. This is the tag page
This is the other page some of the pages do not work well in Firefox so much be opened IE

One more comment about the music:  Yes, most of the words are fine, it's just the blaring, loud music that hurts our ears that bothers so much.  And I would like to sing at least ONE familiar song per weel!  As I told you before, Darrel mentioned it to the pastor, and said we might be looking for another church if this didn't change.  His response:  We will miss you!     I am trying hard to not complain, to enter into worship in spite of disliking the music so much, but it is hard.  Help me, Jesus!

Work today was fine.  I just got home after working 8 1/2 hours, and am feeling the need for a little nap! 

God bless you all!  Thanks for the comments, now I don't feel it is just Darrel and me. (About the music.)

Janet, I think your plan for retirement is GREAT! It's hard to continue to work many hours ('specially when we're "of a certain age")! 

Today's trip was to take someone to the eye doctor, then a visit with friends at a quiet little restaurant. The lady I took loved her food so much she ate every bite - quite unusual for her.

Now, to rest a bit, then get ready for that early morning doctor appointment - yuck, it has to be a fasting blood draw this time.

Y'all have a great rest of the day,
Ruth Ann

Well with all the comments on music, I sure hope you are enjoying the selections I am making here on CP!!!

Judy, you made me smile!  How our old human nature likes to see if comments (especially negative ones) are aimed at US!  And of course, nobody was referring to the music here!  Even if they were, they don't have to listen to it, they can scroll on by!  NONE of the old hymns are ever played nor sung at my church any more, and there are so many that I love.  Now, you just smile and go on posting songs! 

Housecleaning lady comes this morning for her two hours, so we were just discussing what needs most to be done.  If I get busy and work that same two hours, a lot gets done.  I work a lot harder and faster than she does, but I still appreciate the help, and we just give donations to the Senior Center to help pay her.  She only comes two hours every two weeks.

Beth has a dental appointment this morning to get some of those teeth filled.  They are doing better about brushing her teeth now, and I have had to buy more anti-cavity mouthwash for her, so know they are using that, too.

AND....I want to get in there and finish up some painting today!  I have the 'bug' again, now that my space is finally usable once more!  I have a few unfinished items from my painting group meetings I'd like to finish and get put away somewhere where they can be used.  I hav e finished several things already in this last week.

I slept until after 6 this morning!  Wow!  But by doing that, I missed listening to Joseph Prince and Andrew Wommack, and they are both such excellent teachers of the Word.   

Talk to you later!

Judy - your selections have been greatt!

And, though I said I was getting off the soapbox, I'll add just another thought: remember that fairly recent  song that went, "Something beautiful, something good; all my confusion He understood.  All I had to offer Him was brokenness and strife, but He made something beautiful out of my life!"?
  Well, He did do that, you know, and now I want  to offer Him something beautiful.  Does that mean something discordant, exceptionally loud, and repeated repeatedly? I don't think so.



1!

But then again, we're told to "make a joyful noise unto the Lord".  Doesn't say it needs to be soft or harmonious or operatic, only joyful and a noise.     Which is not saying I enjoy those loud repetitious verses that go on and on without any noticeable melody. 

I would love to hear from our younger and also newer members on this topic.  I know everything they youth do is LOUD.  In most cases that I have experienced, they are joyful.  However not all of the new Christian Contemporary Music even mentions our Lord, so how can it be called "Christian"?  That is the main contention I have with our local radio station.  If it is composed by a Christian singer does that automatically make the music Christian?  I don't think so.

I was raised on the hymns of Ira D. Sankey and find I miss them as we worship in our church.

 
I have several items to take care of today but with aging perhaps tomorrow but then does tomorrow ever come so it had better get done today.

About the music selections here on CP they are beautiful and if we find them too loud or not loud enough we have the volume control button to solve that.

Has the installation of speakers in our churches lead to all of the volume issues ?

Hey!  I have a solution!  Why don't you all move to my area and attend my church?  We don't have room for a band on the stage so our music isn't loud.  It may be repetitious but they still glorify God.  Think about it.

Once we had a pianist substitute.  She played the old style way of playing the piano.  I didn't know which note to sing...so may trills and runs.  That's what bothers me.  But again...remember I am lyric illiterate.  I really have to concentrate of what those words are meaning.  I can chew gum and walk at the same time but I can't sing and concentrate on the meaning of the words!  I will be able to do that in Heaven...

I went to the pool today and then to Good Will to stock up on books to read.  I told Ivalou that when she sees my car in the drive to call me when she is ready to go out to lunch.  She is having Euchre today and figured this would give her a rest as well as not dirty up her kitchen again. 

We both had a huge hunk of meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy and buttered corn!  Really good.  We both cleaned our plates! 

Now to go play Euchre this afternoon.

Jacob had a smaller trach put in with a voice piece on it so when he does try to talk, he will be heard.  Therapist are trying to encourage him to follow commands but nothing so far.  It isn't God's timing.

Hi everyone.  I was gone all morning and have just gotten up from a rest this afternoon and just noe took a couple of tylenol as  had a dental appointment this morning to have my broken tooth tended to and am just now feeling the soreness.  When they looked at the x-rays and digital pictures they pointed out that the tooth next to it was a cracked and it was one full of filling that appeared dark grey.  They recommended that I go ahead and have a crown done for that tooth as well and it make sense to me.  Fortunately, root canals were not required on either tooth.  It took them about 2 1/2 hours to get to the temporary crowns and will go back in three weeks for the permanent crowns.  It was interesting trying to eat with a numbed upper lip.  I experienced absolutely no pain this morning which is pretty amazing, including the shots to deaden the area.  I then went a meeting I had this morning and that will pretty well be it for today.  Pat has a book club meeting this evening and when she gets home we will go out to eat somewhere.

Thank you, each of you, for coming here - now that I've heard from my CP family, I can proceed with cooking for a meal at church tonight.

Isn't it wonderful to be able to worship with both the christian hymns and the newer choruses! Thankfully, God will bless us through His holy Word, and also through the other elements involved in our communication with Him and service to others on His behalf.   (Judy and others, thank you so much for enlivening my worship at the computer through the wonderful music. I just wish I knew how to set my player so it will repeat.)

Today, I had a most extraordinary experience. If not too tired when I return from Bible study, then I'll tell it to y'all. But, just a little preview of the first hour and a half of my morning, my doctor says to "return for your next checkup in 3 months," SOOOO, I figure he thinks I'm going to live at least that long.   

So long until later!

Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann:  I hope you are not too tired after bible study.  What can this surprise be?

Larry:  It is scarey when a someone works on your house and then goes out of business.  I hope everything is alright.  Our roofers are having a tea for all the ladies and another roofing company wants to take everyone to a lunch at Mon Ami (a French cafe nearby).  We are being wined and dined.

Janet:  That is difficult for you and especially when Beth is so tired that she sleeps through the service.  Bless you.  Is the message recorded anyway so she could listen at times when it is bad weather to take her out or other reasons?  Gosh, that message from the pastor sounded so short & snappy and it would be good if you can talk to him another time - maybe he didn't mean it.  Being a secretary for a two churches, I can tell you that everything is dumped on the pastor and maybe he did not mean to answer so short.  Maybe a lot of others feel the same way about the music.  We go to a church in AZ where the woman leading the choir & other music has about taken over the service with her lengthy productions but we are not about to say a thing.  It, of course, is a mismash for Don to hear with his problem.  That is all - I have been thinking of you.  Stay safe from those dreadful storms. 

Easter, our church had over 14,000 in attendance at an outdoor place and symo-cast at the church itself.  They set a record of bringing almost two tons of food for the food bank.  Those who attend church are far more generous than the average person. 

Jane:  You will have to make a visit with all that joy going on.  It is so great to hear your happiness. 

Al:  Good to see your post.  Back in the groove again, our personal pastor Al. 

Etta Sue you had that wonderful lunch and made my mouth water...Real comfort food in my books!

I a, glad you enjoy the hymns.  As Ruth said you can control the volume yourselves which is a benefit.  I guess I am one of the crazy people who likes the music cranked.  John follows me around turning the volume down only to have me crank it up again!.  LOL

Working on one of the rooms that we are renovating.  Hopefully it work will be done soon.  We are moving a 4 piece bath upstairs, and that will save the near spills on the stairs at night. 

Have a great evening folks!

I've been busy with family issues, so have not written in here lately. However, I do like reading the entries ... so have been interested in the comments about the music. I have some mixed feelings about music. I enjoy most music as long as it is honoring to God ... and sometimes I like it loud too, but usually that is when I am in the car driving, not when I am in church. We have a very small church, and have a wonderful pianist, and we sing a mixture of hymns and choruses. However, we also visit our childrens' churches, and they are geared more to the younger generation. I usually enjoy the singing there too ... they have drums, trumpets, electric keyboards, etc... but the volume is not super loud and I believe that what they are singing is honouring to God too. Often they include hymns in their worship times too, which probably helps some of us older generation people (I think I'm starting to fit into this criteria). I'm not sure how people feel who go there all of the time, but I know that it can be refreshing for us.

I've had a pretty long, but productive day, and now am ready to sleep!  But first, I will read today's scripture portion.  I may have some good news to share in a few days concerning things at the care home.

Good night!  Sleep tight!  Don't let the bed bugs bite!
But if they do, then squeeze them tight, so they won't bite tomorrow night!