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Morning Devotional...


Longing For Christ
Alistair Begg

I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if you find my beloved, that you tell him I am sick with love.
Song of Songs 5:8

Such is the language of the believer panting after present fellowship with Jesus-he is sick for his Lord. Gracious souls are never perfectly at ease except when they are in close communion with Christ; for when they are away from Him, they lose their peace. The nearer to Him, the nearer to the perfect calm of heaven; the nearer to Him, the fuller the heart is, not only of peace, but of life and vigor and joy, for these all depend on constant fellowship with Jesus. What the sun is to the day, what the moon is to the night, what the dew is to the flower, such is Jesus Christ to us. What bread is to the hungry, clothing to the naked, the shadow of a great rock to the traveler in a sun-scorched land, such is Jesus Christ to us. And therefore if we are not consciously one with Him, we should not be surprised if our spirit cries in the words of the Song, "I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if you find my beloved, that you tell him I am sick with love."

This earnest longing after Jesus has a blessing attending it: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness";0 and therefore, supremely blessed are those who thirst for the Righteous One. Blessed is that hunger, since it comes from God: If I do not experience the blessedness of being filled, I will come again in my emptiness and eagerness until I am filled with Christ. If I do not yet feed on Jesus, I will continue to hunger and thirst after Him. There is a hallowedness about that hunger, since it sparkles among the beatitudes of our Lord. But the blessing involves a promise. These hungry ones "shall be satisfied" with what they desire. If in this way Christ causes us to long after Him, He will certainly satisfy those longings; and when He does come to us, as come He will, how sweet it will be!

¹Matthew 5:6.                                                             

Hi everyone.  It is a delightful morning here in Georgia.  It was 65 degrees when I went to coffee and the humidity is low.  We are suppose to have about zero chance of rain for the next three days and that will be welcome.  Didn't have as good a day yesterday as on Saturday but we did get to church.  We then went to Red Lobster to meet our church friends but didn't stay as it the parking lot was filled and we knew there would be a long wait.  I just didn't feel up to waiting so we came back to our little town and stopped at Subway for a sandwich, which was good and I got home and rested the rest of the afternoon.  I just got back from the barber shop and don't like quite so much like a sheep.  As we were leaving the Subway yesterday the man who had waited on us was leaving the same time we were and he said I looked like President Reagan (no one had ever told me that before).  I thought that was nice but Pat brought me down to reality when she reminded me that Reagan is dead.  We had a good laugh over that.  In a little over an hour it will be time to head to Athens again to start the last two weeks of treatments.  Pat has decided she will go with me each day.  Friday when the treatment was over my blood pressure was 74/48.  The tech took it in the other arm and it was 80/50. 

Janet, it sounds like you had a wonderful weekend.  Pat and I have never stayed in a B&B either.  Glad your computer is running better.  Happy to read that the new chair process for Beth is now started.  Hope it doesn't take long to get it.  By the way, it is my plan to stay around for quite awhile longer.    Of course, one never knows what God plan is for us other than it is for the best whether we understand it or not.    Thanks for the very kind words.  I feel a special closeness to all of my computer friends with whom there is constant contact. 

Carol, it sounds like you and Don have been working too hard getting all the cabinets ready but know you will enjoy having them renewed.  Hoping the best for your grandson and nice that he can live with a family and not have to be off by himself.

Pat, thanks for that great devotional thought for this week. 

It looks like we're in for a few days of slightly warmer temps, into the 80's, and higher humidity.  It's hard to realize August is nearly over with Labor Day and school openings next week.

Larry, with BP readings that low, it certainly makes sense for Pat to go with you for your treatments.

Jeanne, School started here over a week ago already!  They haven't waited until after Labor day for years now.  Good that the schools are all air conditioned these days!

Oh, my....the news from Syria is so awful.  But I don't want our country to get into yet another war!  What to do?  What to do?  (Yes, pray, pray, pray.)

Larry, no wonder you feel so tired, with such low BP.  I'm glad Pat can go with you for your treatments.  Prayers for you!

Where is everybody today?

I'm here not feeling very good. Waiting for the Dr. to call in a prescription for this UTI.

Oh, Marilyn!  UTI not fun!

Not fun at all.  The Dr. finally put Beth on a maintenance dose of antibiotic because she was getting UTIs so often.  It is supposed to keep her from getting them and I sure hope it does.  Hope yours is soon gone, Marilyn!

   Good evening to all.  Well this weekend has been one of the busiest for a long time and Noreen was able to go to both of what was going on.     On Sunday we had a family getogether at her sisters and a lot of the family were there so that was good for Noreen to be able to take part and they had a big birthday cake and there was two having birthdays and Noreen was one of them. so it was a very long day but we all made it thru.

Then today we had to go back into Toronto again for a funeral and that was for Noreen's aunt and if she had lived till next month she would have been 103 yrs. old and they say that she was very with it right up until she was not so well.  So we came back home and Noreen had to go to physio right away and she was very pleased when she came out as she has a better movement in her knee by an other 10 degrees which the physio is very happy.    :thumbsup  So please keep praying for her. we both continue to thank you all for your valued time in prayer for others.

May the Lord be with you all and give you a great week.

Pat thanks for your devotional glad you are home safe.  Big sis.

                                           All our love.  Gordon and Noreen.

Marilyn;   UIT is no fun for sure. 

Pat thanks for the devotional.    The baby sweater is a little more than half done.

5 of us went to the local Swiss Chalet for lunch. we did have a very enjoyable visit a lot of catching up on how we have all been. While inside we got another down pour of rain, earlier in the morning he had also got a down pour as well.

Hi, friends,

I only saw a doctor and went to dinner, so here it is 11 o'clock at night, and I'm already tired!!

At any rate, it's gonna get worse before it gets better. I have to have a big injection for pain next Tuesday, but have to stop all NSAIDs (aspirin, naproxen, etc.) on Thursday. So, I'll be glad for that treatment next Tuesday.

However, I stated to friends today that that part of my body is the same age as the rest of me, and it deserves to hurt after all the things I've put it through in the last 73 years.

Sorry you're having the UTI problems, Marilyn. I think every woman can identify with that for sure. "Un-fun"

Love to all, most love for our Lord!

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  It is going to be another beautiful, sunny day here in Georgia today.  Yesterday was just about perfect in terms of the weather.  I had a really good day yesterday, sort of like Saturday, in terms of feeling good.  I actually looked forward to attending my Monday night meeting whereas for the past several weeks it has been an effort to make myself go to it.  I was able to start my treatment several minutes early yesterday so got done at a good time.  Pat went with me and we stopped at Chick-fil-A for ice cream on the way home, which was enjoyable.  Nothing on the schedule for today other than my 27th treatment.  I am down to single digits with just nine to go. Pat is planning a trip to Aldi's this morning.  Pat talked to Stacey and to our son yesterday and they were sounding more positive than over the weekend. 

Jeanne, our kids around Atlanta have been in school since about Aug 8.  When they took my blood pressure readings yesterday after my treatment it was in the 70's over 40 something in the left arm.  She immediately took it in the right arm and that reading was 90/50 so she said she would use that arm in the future as we liked those readings better.  I don't know whether Pat will want to go with me today or not and really doesn't need to as I seem to be feeling OK this morning.  She will be tired from her trip to Aldi's.

Janet, the world situation seems to be spinning out of control.  I am with you in not wanting us to get involved in another war. 

Marilyn, sorry to read you are not feeling well.  Hope the medicine takes care of the problem quickly. 

Gord, so nice to see that Noreen was able to participate in a couple of things as sure that helped lift her spirits.  Her aunt certainly had a long life.  It also sounds like the physio is helping her a lot and she will probably continue to make good progress. 

Ruth, it sounds like some of the rain we have been having moved up your way.  It is always nice to visit with family and friends over a meal. 

Ruth Ann, it does sound like you may have some unpleasant days at the end of the week until you can have the pain injection.  I had to chuckle at it being eleven o'clock at night and you being tired.  I can't remember the last time I could stay up that late.  I may be awake until that time but at least am laying down and can close my eyes. 

Quote from: Ruth on August 26, 2013, 09:43:32 PM


Pat thanks for the devotional.    The baby sweater is a little more than half done.

Ruth, looking forward to seeing the sweater!!!  I just love the colour you bought.

Hi all,

Nothing really profound to say today. It was a beautiful Monday in Houston. By beautiful I mean rainy! Any time we get rain I'm thankful. Today the sun is coming back and hot is on the plate for the rest of the week. I'm itching to get some shooting in. Just not sure where or when.

Looking forward to the long weekend coming up. Plans are to cook out with my Son, daughter-in-law, and five grandkids this coming Friday. I haven't seen them in several weeks so should be a fun time. The camera will be coming with me. 

My wife and I are considering renting within walking distance of my office when our current lease is up. Still praying about it and investigating. The cost will be higher but we will also save money in commuting costs, yard care, utilities, etc. Putting a pencil to it to figure out the bottom line. But how cool would it be to simply walk to work and avoid the Houston traffic?

My grandma is still going day to day in hospice care in the nursing home. My dad says she sleeps most of the time and is getting weaker. She doesn't eat much at all. We expect the Lord to call her home anytime. But who knows? It could still be weeks or months. She and we are prepared for whatever God has in mind.

God bless you all. It's good getting to know you through your words on this board.

-Jim

Hello Friends: 

I have been doing some catch up with printing Medical receipts from our health care provider, what they do not cover we use the difference for income tax. they pay 80% and we have the balance it is a small amount for us to cover but at year end it adds up.
Yes this is what I call organized.

Mel has been helping a friend with a small job only to find he did not take enough tools so he just returned to get a file is what I think he said.

Our little patch of green beans is almost done, I trust there will be enough for dinner tonight.

Good to see you, Jim.  I'm sure you're looking forward to the time with the grandchildren - and keep that camera going.  We want to see!!!   The waiting for the end as our grandmother weakens bit by bit is not easy, but at least you have the assurance that she's ready, and you'll see her again some day.

Ruth, I agree that's being organized!  Good for you.    Green beans have never been a favorite of mine, but I hope you have enough to enjoy tonight. 

I am doing better today. This morning I went to pick up the script of ci;pro that my Dr faxed in first thing this morning. I can't eat of consume anything with milk, calcium, magnesium or zinc. So it looks like I can't even take my vitamins for a week.  My morning Cereal is a No no also because the almond milk that I use contains calcium. Well I will figure it out and  eat what I can.

Hi, friends,

It's about time for the evening news, so I think I'll leave after saying goodbye, and that I enjoyed each posting today.

May our Lord bless each of us real good today.

Ruth Ann

 :)Good evening to all.  It has been a very overcast day but very very humid and at least up in the 80"s  We had our grandson's today and that makes it a long day as they have so much energy.  Well not much more to say.  Going up to my sons for a swim.  God bless to all.  Gordon and Noreen.

I felt much 'peppier' today than yesterday.  The control knob on the air conditioner in the bedroom broke, so we cannot turn it on.  Stupid cheap plastic spindle, and it broke off right at the base.  Everything else is metal! So until Darrel can obtain a new switch, it is HOT in there, thus affecting our sleep.  But last night was a little cooler, so I slept better.  Okay, enough of that!

We went to Garden City today for "parts" for the new addition.  Got floor tile and grout, door bell switch, entry knob (lever) and locks for the new door, and other assorted "stuff."

Jim, it is so nice you have joined us, and I am with you in wanting the rain!  We had some good rains that finally broke the drought, but it's already getting dry here again, and hot as well.  Enjoy the time with your family, those are truly the best times of our lives.

I don't think I told you all that my daughter Diane got bitten by something (probably some kind of spider) at a hotel in Denver.  Her arm swelled to almost twice normal size and was very red and feverish, and there was a blister about the size of a quarter.  She called and asked me what she should do, and I said take another Benadryl (she has those for allergies) and put an ice pack on it....but PLEASE  go to a clinic or emergency room and get it checked.  Abby was with her and asking her to go, too...so she did.  She is home now and called me yesterday with an update.  She saw the doctor at home and he gave her two more prescriptions.  Those things can be really bad!

Abby asked her who she was calling and Diane said, "When all else fails, call mom!" 


Okay, I'm outa here now!   

I have posted in Prayer and Praise for Ruth Ann here. Please check it out and let her know you are praying for her.

Hi everyone on another nice day here in Georgia without the prospect of more rain today.  My main activity will be going to Athens.  I am feeling good again today, this is four out of the last five days so am optimistic the treatments and the change in medicine are helping me.  Stacey did get her food stamp situation worked out yesterday by going to the office.  She got there at 8:30 and got called at noon to see someone.  It is not much money a month but is a little help.  She then went to an appointment with the place making the artificial leg and got to put it on and walk just a few steps.  They had to keep it for some further adjustments but I think she will get it to take home tomorrow.  It was a full day for her but apparently her depression was a little better as she was able to get out of her apartment. 

Jim, are you ex-military and a gun enthusiast?  I have many friends who like to go shooting.  Unfortunately, most of my friends anymore are too old to go hunting and fishing anymore.  I went hunting with my dad when I was growing up but am really not an outdoor person and have other interests.  It sounds like you should have a wonderful weekend with family.  Do you have other children and grandchildren.  I have only a son and daughter and one grandchild but 4 great grandchildren. 

Ruth, I am thinking that this year I may have enough medical and dental expense to make it beneficial to itemize on my tax return.  I will wait until the end of the year and then add everything up.  It usually doesn't work out to my benefit but have some large expenses this year.  Enjoy that last batch of green beans.  We haven't had any fresh green beans this year but eat a lot of canned green beans. 

Jeanne, green beans are one of my favorite vegetables along with corn. 

Marilyn, is your cereal something you can eat without milk?  Glad you are feeling better.

Ruth Ann, glad you stopped by.  The evening news can be pretty depressing at times if we let it.  I try to avoid being effected by it but want to know what is happening. 

Gord, hope you enjoyed your swim and that it helped you relax after a day with your young grandson. 

Janet, good to read that your drought was broken for a bit.  A spider bite is very scary and not something to fool around with.  Glad Diane got treatment. 

Hi Judy, I will check out your posting in Prayer and Praise.

Our one grandson is still playing jr. hockey in Canada and he is staying with a Billet Family.  It is just fantastic the way everyone cares for these boys on teams.  There are more stages to this and we actually do not know where he will end up living for some time but there are wonderful families who take in the children (young men) and everything is organized.  We had smiles when told that they played cribbage and the Billet Father beat g-son one game and lost to him on another.  They all go to church and there is a chaplain available - neat guy, I am told.  Coach is super nice as well.  We are feeling better about this adventure. 

Don is on a walk and I am reorganizing a pantry.  Sure.... taking a break now.  Lots of breaks and there is no time line for this job.  Just to see the mess is enough to keep on going but really things are different now and we don't care about getting everything done in split second time.  What  a relief.  It is more important to stop and chat with the neighbors and to check in here.  Isn't that the truth? 

Something is in the water or air - we cannot figure out why yesterday about 5 different cars were driving so erratically.  Swerving and taking chances that any police would have pulled them over and I was ready with the cell phone & memorizing license numbers. 

Take care all.  I said another prayer for each of you.   

Marilyn, what a difference there can be among doctors treating for the same illness.  For my UTI I was given a course of strong antibiotic pills and warned to eat lots of yogurt to prevent a yeast infection! 

Today is Beth's 51st birthday!  We are very thankful for each year God sees fit for her to stay here with us, as a few years ago, we didn't think we would get to have her very long.  I went in and had lunch with her.  Lousy lunch, but good chocolate cake the homemaker made for her!  She has a dozen lovely green roses from John, another bouquet from my sister and her husband, and got more flowers from a friend with whom she used to work, as I was leaving.  Also green balloons tied to her chair!  Of course, John sent other gifts as well, and another friend sent her four tops (blouses) and chocolate!  We are having the pizza party tonight, so her birthday is going great!

It is very hot here and the AC in our bedroom is still broken.  The guys are in there replacing the sheet rock that got soaked in this last "episode" and they are sweating like crazy!  I put a fan to blow on them which helps, but not enough.

Time for me to change my clothes and get ready to head to pick up Beth!

   Hi to all.  Well I have just sat here and looked at all the post"s and good reading.

Janet: Have your husband tried with a pair of pinch plyers to turn on the A/C as I had the same problem a long time ago and it worked. Today it is very humid but the day is nice and we better enjoy it now because winter will be here to soon. Hope that you get things fixed soon and no more construction.  God's blessings for now.  Gordon and Noreen. Janet it is so nice that your daughter is able to enjoy a wonderful day and tell her that



Gordon and Noreen say a big happy birthday to her.

Carol and Don.  who does your grandson play for in Canada and where is he located?   It is nice to be able to do things when you feel like it and also quit whenever you feel like it. Look after yourselves.

Larry :  It is so good to here that Stacey is having better fittings for her artificial leg and I do hope that she will be able to get it working for her very soon. Look after Pat and yourself and overdo it. God"s richest blessings to you and your family.

To Jim our newbie and all that I may have missed keep praying as things look like they are going great for Noreen and Praise the Lord for all of you as our Computer  Family who no the Lord as their Saviour praise his wonderful name.  God bless to all.  Gordon and Noreen.

Janet;   Wish Beth a Happy Birthday Lord willing may she have many more.   
              Ruth     



   

Jeanne I mis-read the  information sheet.  It sad not tot YKE the medicine with milk or yogurt. I have to w\ait 2 hours after eating  those thing to take the pill.