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Morning Devotional...





And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? Acts 9:6


The mystery of man's free will is far too great for us! God said to Adam and Eve: "Thou shalt not eat from this tree." Here was a divine requirement calling for obedience on the part of those who had the power of choice and will. When they disobeyed they usurped the right that was not theirs! The poet Tennyson must have thought about this for he wrote in his In Memoriam: "our wills are ours, we know not how; our wills are ours to make them Thine!" "We know not how;" then Tennyson girds himself and continues, "Yes, our wills are ours to make them Thine." As created beings, that is our only right-to make our wills the will of God, to make the will of God our will! God is sovereign, and we are the creatures. He is the Creator and therefore His is the right to command us with the obligation that we should obey. It is a happy obligation, I might say, for "His yoke is easy and His burden is light!" It is important to agree that true salvation restores the right of a Creator-creature relationship, acknowledging God's right to our fellowship and communion!


As created beings, that is our only right-to make our wills the will of God, to make the will of God our will!



Lord, there is no other power on earth that can match the force of your will. My will is indeed under thine as it ever was even when I thought it was not so. It is indeed a happy obligation. Thank you for your oversight.

From Devotions By Dr. Tozer

 :coffee:  Good morning to all.   Just ready to leave for church.  Again had a very busy day yesterday as I went to a men's breakfast and also lthey had a guest speaker and he was also a gospel country and western singer his name is Morris Mott and he is a pastor of two churches.  Very exciting and great testimony.  Then we had to help again with the grand kids so it never stops.  But the Lord is so good and always gives us the strength. :thumbsup:

  Have a wonderful day in the Lord's house.  Gordon and Noreen. :) :cp: :pine: :bananadance:

Thanks for the week's thought, Don.  Tozer's point is so simple to read and understand, but that doggone free will makes it so difficult to apply to our lives at times.  Since childhood, our culture ingrains in us to do for ourselves, pack your own weight, make your future happen; all things that hinder us from completely submitting to Him, or anyone else for that matter!  I can't speak for anyone else here, but in my life this is something I struggle with often...mostly when I become distanced from the Word. 

Sunday will soon be gone for this week!  I got up at 6 this morning, and put a coat of primer on all the base boards in the living room.  Got ready for church, we picked up Beth, attended SS and Church, then went to Pizza Hut for her lunch/party.  I had gone there to make arrangements several days ago, then sent Darrel yesterday to deliver the ice cream cakes and reconfirm.....and when the first of our guests got there, not a thing had been done!  The back room, which was supposed to have been reserved for our party, was full of people, and we had to stand and wait while some tables were cleared and cleaned.  I wasn't too happy with the situation and will likely not plan anything else there.  I asked to speak to the manager; she was too chicken to come out of the kitchen and talk to me.  She left it all up to one poor waitress to take care of everything.  It all worked out in the end, but sure was chaotic and not at all as we had asked.  But Beth had a good time and quite a few of the friends she invited came.  By the time we got her back to the are home, took in a full ice cream cake to put in their freezer, unloaded her gifts and flowers and her, I was worn out.

But I came home and put a coat of paint on the baseboards!  Then I took a short nap but got a call that woke me, so got up and put another coat of paint on the window trim.  We are trying to figure out where to put the LR furniture while the flooring is laid....kitchen and dining room are pretty packed already, so probably the stuff will have to go into our bedroom.

Have any of you painted an entire wall red?  How do you like it?  We painted one long wall of the bedroom red, and I feel it is overpowering and sucks up all the light.  Will have to figure out a way to relieve it.  We got some metallic paint to use on it, but I tried it on a small spot and do NOT like it........ :-\  Too many decisions all at once!!  I had everything in quiet colors before, so was trying to be a little bolder this time, but..... :eek: I don't know!

Here I am yammering on again.  I will stop now. :cool:

Thank you Don for the devotional...
How we DO struggle with our wills!! However God did not make a mistake. If we truly believe and are committed to Him, He can help us overcome..... however I find that it a day by day, moment by moment commitment!!
We have recently been under the teaching that our prayer life and our grounding in God's word makes it easier.
On Wednesdays we have been studying the book of Isaiah. How wonderfully patient God was with His people and how patient He is with us!!

Praying for Jeanne Lee in Corinth, New York. Foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, as Irene passes through!! ..... an all in CP affected by her!!

Hi Folks. Been a long time since last posting here. Been very busy lately and it doesn't look like it is going to let up any time soon. Probably not till after our canadian thanksgiving which is in October. I read all your posts about the videos that I was involved in making and really appreciate all the kind words that were written about it. I had a lot of fun doing that and am now involved with our CBC National news doing an interview and a ride along by a TV news reporter about how things have changed crossing the border. This is in review of the 10th anniversary of 911. This Road Knights appointment is really an interesting experience. Judy spoke with Jeanne Lee and everything is ok with her. Had some ran and is presently experiencing wind but nothing alarming apparently. We can thank God for having His hand of protection over her. I will go for now and head for bed. Leaving early in the morning for another week on the road. As that country song goes "On the road again" Blessings everyone. Have a good week. Bonesy.

Yes, Bonsey, God does keep His protecting hand over me.  In spite of the extremely high winds following about 5 inches of rainfall, my power was not interrupted.  Of course, that's not as much a concern in summer as it would be in winter, but I am thanking Him for His continuing care. 

And I think Him also for such wonderful and caring friends.  Judy's call was very welcome!  :thumbsup:

Hi everyone.  I had a quiet day after church yesterday.  Pat wasn't feeling up to going so stayed home.  She talked with our son and DIL last evening and learned that our granddaughter and family had to evacuate from their home in upstate NY.  Their apartment is on River Street so they would be vulnerable.  They have gone to his mother's to stay until they can return to their own home.  Today the housekeepers come and the yard people.  I want them to trim some bushes around the house as they are beginning to look pretty uneven and unattractive.  I just got home from coffee and the housekeepers were able to get the treadmill out of our master bedroom and into the garage, which apparently was quite a task.  Now I have a nice space to set up my electric piano and get it out of my office, where there was really no room for it. 

Don, thanks for the fine devotional thought for this week.  Sure hope you didn't sustain any significant damage from Irene.

Janet, we have a wall painted a deep red along the wall that leads to the bedrooms.  Pat wanted that as the backdrop for her white-on-white quilt.  It works very well.  The quilt was not shown off well against the white wall as it had been before.  We did make a mistake in not using a proper undercoating that had to put several coats of the red on to get it right.  Too bad that Pizza Hut let you down but glad the party was a success anyway.  Sometimes we just have to go with the flow and not let things not in our control upset the day. 

John, always good to see your postings.  Your Road Knights work sounds very interesting and it is great that you are enjoying the experience.  Have a good week on the road.

Jeanne, a relief to see you posting and to know you weathered the storm without even losing power. 

God morning or afternoon where ever you are. I finally got to have my coffee and some breakfast just a few minutes ago. I had to fast for lab tests, So I got that done as soon as the lab opened.

Janet I have always wanted a red wall.  I think it would look great with some of your paintings hanging on there. You also could got with light colored pillow on your sofa or drape a light colored afghan or some other kind of throw over a chair back. A large vase with tall flowers or some artificial  greenery.

Jeanne glad to hear that you are all safe and sound with no damage. I hope we hear from Don soon.

I haven't heard from Ron yet but did here from  my SIL she is fine there in NC. only some minor tree limbs and stuff like that.

Still drying out in Jersey and Penna.

Damage but not to family and friends, so all I can say is:

Praise the Lord.!!!

Sorry to say that I haven't heard much about the hurricane or even the quake last week.  I don't watch the news.  But I am happy to hear that you CPer's who live in the area are okay!! 

Our picnic went very well yesterday.  I took a nice long nap and then got Ivalou and Betty and went to church.  Quite a crowd.  The men roasted hot dogs on an open fire for all of us!  After eating there were fireworks that were leftover from last year when our picnic was rained out.  Too bad the firemen were too anxious.  They couldn't wait until dark so they weren't all that pretty! 

I was home before 9pm. 

This morning, I mowed the grass.  It sure was high but I didn't want to mow Saturday or yesterday since I will be gone next Saturday and Sunday.  So it looks like I will be mowing on Labor Day next week! 

I need to go to Ivalou's and get her rehab schedule for September in my Droid calender.

Don:  Thanks for your devotions from Dr. Tozer as they fit any time of life. 

Well, the cell phone just rang in my pocket and the computer had a call on SKYPE all at the same time - too bad the door bell didn't ring  :D  Then, my cell phone call broke up and so did the computer call - isn't technology a wonder? 

I think I probably listen too much to the news, Etta Sue. Maybe I should turn on the classical music radio station that I always enjoy so much.

It's been a busy, but pain-free day for the first time in over 2 months. So, those physical therapists know just the things needed to get me straightened out.

As of next week, I'll be going for 1 time a week for 3 weeks, then it is scheduled to end.

Can't stay on too much longer, must get going with my work about the apartment.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Well, tomorrow is the big day for me.  Cataract surgery at 1PM.  I pray for our Lord's mercy in it all - that it might go as easily as they say it usually does.

Al, I'm praying the same for you ... that surgery will go easily and you're recover quickly and fully.   :thumbsup:

I'll be praying, also, Al.

Praying here AL.  May you sence God's presence as you go into this and know His peace.

Will pray too, Al...

Hi everyone.  We heard from our granddaughter that she and her family had been allowed to return to their home yesterday after one night away.  She sent a couple of really short videos showing some of the flooding close to where they live.  Just had a normal day yesterday and expect the same for today.  It is to be another hot day here in Georgia.  Pat was feeling a bit better yesterday.  I am going to help her put on her sock in the morning as it is the bending of your bad leg that is giving her fits.  

Marilyn, glad you heard that your SIL that she weathered the storm.

Joyce, your is the type of report we want to read with no damage from the storm.

Etta Sue, fireworks before it gets good and dark sort of defeats the purpose.  Your picnic sounds nice and glad you had a crowd.  

Carol, you are just too popular with calls coming from every angle.  :)

Ruth Ann, always wonderful to hear that you have had a pain free day.  It sounds like the therapy is really helping.  

Al, when you read this you will probably have restored sight from your cataract surgery.  It doesn't take long to do the actual surgery.

I listened to this video a few minutes ago and it is a wonderful way to start the day.  Hope you enjoy it.:    [url]http://www.clarrissegill.com/videoclips/amazing_grace.php] (http://[/url)Hi everyone.  We heard from our granddaughter that she and her family had been allowed to return to their home yesterday after one night away.  She sent a couple of really short videos showing some of the flooding close to where they live.  Just had a normal day yesterday and expect the same for today.  It is to be another hot day here in Georgia.  Pat was feeling a bit better yesterday.  I am going to help her put on her sock in the morning as it is the bending of your bad leg that is giving her fits.  

Marilyn, glad you heard that your SIL that she weathered the storm.

Joyce, your is the type of report we want to read with no damage from the storm.

Etta Sue, fireworks before it gets good and dark sort of defeats the purpose.  Your picnic sounds nice and glad you had a crowd.  

Carol, you are just too popular with calls coming from every angle.  :)

Ruth Ann, always wonderful to hear that you have had a pain free day.  It sounds like the therapy is really helping.  

Al, when you read this you will probably have restored sight from your cataract surgery.  It doesn't take long to do the actual surgery.

I listened to this video a few minutes ago and it is a wonderful way to start the day.  Hope you enjoy it.:    http://www.clarrissegill.com/videoclips/amazing_grace.php

Finally, it is 69 degrees here in the morning and I am ready for my walk after  :coffee:  It is 41 degrees F in Grand Lake.  Our son & family were excited to see a moose and her calf in their yard at their cabin & sent a blurry picture. 

Al:  Your cataract surgery - praying it goes perfect - you will notice colors so quickly. 

Larry:  So glad that Pat is feeling a better.  Is she going to have knee surgery sometime?  So many people have knee surgeries that it is common now. 

Ruth Ann:  A pain free day ----wonderful.  Take care.

JudyB:  I read your forwarded email about the astronauts having communion on the moon.  Don't believe I have ever heard that before - talk about amazing.  After all these years, it is so refreshing to read that they actually had a communion. 

I think I missed posting yesterday, so chaotic around this house!  Lon got the crown molding put up in the living room, and I love it!  It really dresses up the room.  We just finished getting all furniture out of LR, scraping, sweeping, vacuuming and now he is mopping.  THEN the hardwood flooring will be laid!  YIPPEE!!

Larry and Marilyn, thanks for the encouragement re the red wall.  We are getting used to it, and feel we will like it a lot, especially when paintings can be hung, etc.  Larry, thankfully, we were warned that we needed a grey undercoat for the red, and it REALLY makes a difference, which we saw by painting an area on a wall not primed with the grey.

Today I will need to be away from home a while, as I made an appointment some time back for Beth to get her teeth cleaned, and I have to go to fill out all the required forms.  Then this afternoon we will go to Hugoton to make the final selection on the carpeting for the bedroom, then attend church with the "kids."  They have a special speaker for two nights, highly recommended.  I am looking forward to that.

Al, I pray you have as great results with your cataract surgery as I did.  God will be there in every decision and action, you can rest assured in that.

I must get busy....more painting to do!  Yes, the guys are getting paid to do it, but it's my house, and I want to help, plus it saves us $$$ when I can do some of it myself!

Etta Sue, like Ruth Ann, I probably watch too much news, but in these last days, I want to keep up with what is happening in our world.  Just too bad that most of it isn't good!

I love listening to Il Divo.  Listening to them brings a calmness to your soul.  Thanks, Larry.

Praying for you, Al, and that your surgery is successful and painless and recovery is quick and johnny-on-the-spot!!  (What does 'johnny-on-the-spot' mean?)

Ruth Ann, aren't PT's wonderful?!  They know exactly what to do to relieve the pain.  Ivalou's arm was hurting her yesterday and Jen (PT therapist) pressed on a spot and said does that hurt?  Yes!  So she moved her hand a little and pressed and Ivalou said the pain went away!  They sure know what they are doing. 

Ivalou has two sessions of pool rehab starting this Thursday.  Then after Sept 12th, if she thinks the pool is helping she can do pool maintenance like me.  Just wish she would let me drive when we go together.  She drove Sunday to eat after church and curbed the tires.  And she hugs the right side of the road...I am afraid she will run off and it will throw her in the ditch!  I may just have to tell her I will drive!

I find when I do watch the news that I am depressed from all the bad news.  I don't like that feeling.  Soooo, I seldom watch the news.  I did see some of the water damage from all the rain due to Hurricane Irene in Vermont last evening on the news.  So sad! 

I don't know what I would do if I looked out and saw a Moose and her baby!!  I get excited when I see a squirrel or rabbit!!  Right now I have bunches of butterflies flying around.  How do they know the bushes I have are Butterfly bushes???

I am still getting used to being in Hawaii...the radio, the A/C and all goes off on its own and then a phone rings.  I press the 'talk' button on the steering wheel and say 'Hello'.  The other persons voice comes out of the car speakers.  When I am done, I push the 'don't talk' button.  The radio, the A/C and all comes back on!  I guess you don't want a long conversation when it is really hot or really cold, hunh?  But it is hands-free talking and you don't have to fumble for your phone and turn it on and hold it with one hand while driving!  Love it! 

The phone rang this morning and woke me up.  A church member  wanted to know if I would share my Candy Cracker recipe.  She is going to call this afternoon before coming to get it.  They go to the lakes and she thinks they would be great treats for the lake kids there. 

And not because I am having company but this house needs a dusting and a sweeping!  So I plan to do that today!

Good Morning Obama is on TV talking to the American Legion it sure sounds like a campaign speech to me all the  promises, he makes me sick.

Not much going on here today, I haven't been doing much of anything creative and I need to get busy on another page for my website and some stuff for my groups. It is just too hard to concentrate when in so much pain, however today i am not in pain so I will try to get  something done.

Thank you all so much for your Christian love expressed via prayer.  We'll be leaving in about a half hour to go to the surgery center.  May our God bless your prayers to you as well as to me.

Prayers to you, Al, speedy recovery, success and a quick return....

Praying Al.

Joyce I sent you a Private message.  Did you get it?



We received some sad news today.  You can read about it HERE (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=11945.new#new)

 :)   Good evening to all.

Al will be thinking about you and hope that all goes well we will pray for you. :thumbsup:

Larry.  Glad that Pat is doing a bit better and I hope that you are not doing to much to wear your self out :coffee: Look after each other.  Gord.

Janet:  I do hope that you get the painting finished soon as it can get to a point that you get fed up and want to quit but it sounds like your almost finished.   Look after yourself also.   Gord. :thumbsup:

To all others we are still having good weather but at night it is starting to cool off and some of the trees the leaves are turning already and that is to soon.  Well must go for now may you all have a wonderful week and God's richest blessings.   Gordon and Noreen. :) :cp:

Well, I thought I had made a post about the results of the cataract surgery - but I can't find it now. 
It was quite an experience, and I don't know yet what to think of it.  I waited about an hour and a half while another man got his done, then they wheeled me in and did mine.  When he finally got through, sight in that eye didn't seem much better.  It still isn't.  I'm thinking I need to give it a few more hours.  Anybody know about that?

Hi Al!  Your first post went into the site for John (Bonesy) mother who just passed today.  I just went there to check after seeing a notice on Facebook.  Glad that your first eye surgery is over - take it easy.  I think it will take a while - they should have told you more.  Remember to sleep on the opposite side and make sure that your eye is protected all night.  Call them if you have any questions. 

Sorry I have not been here to post in a long time.  Long story short, my husband is in hospital for the 4th time this year (and twice in nursing home/rehab facility for rehab for 3 weeks).  We hope he can come home again tomorrow.  Last time he was in Amarillo hospital for almost two weeks.  So – my time is not my own these days, and it would be easier to handle except for having a bad back situation that cannot be fixed.  But I know that nothing is impossible with God.  And we do have a little help from Home Health. 
I would appreciate your prayers for both of us as we try to get better again.  Thank you.

Al, I hope your vision is much better tomorrow.  I had my annual eye exam last Friday and I have slow growing cataracts, and macular degeneration.  (Have had that diagnosis for over 2 years). 

Blessings,
~Janice

Hi everyone.  We had a delightful day here yesterday weather wise as it wasn't so hot and the humidity was low.  Last evening Pat and I went to Golden Corral for dinner so she wouldn't have to get a meal.  It was good.  We came home and watched "The Closer" and "Izzoli and Isles" that we had recorded from Monday night.  We enjoy both of these programs.  Today is Bible study this morning and then choir this evening and that will be plenty.

Carol, I really think Pat is going to have to have knee surgery at some time but it will be when she decides the pain has become too much. 

Janet, glad you were warned about the undercoat needed for the red.  I think we put on about 5 coats before we got it solid and not streaked.  Crown molding really does dress up a room.  We had it in several rooms in the big house we had before we retired.  Hearing the speaker hopefully gave your mind a break from the concerns of your remodeling. 

Al, hope your are able to read this much more clearly than before.  However, give your eyes a few days to adjust as I think that is quite normal. 

Etta Sue, I really like Il Divo as well as they have beautiful voices that work together so well and still have solo quality.  I agree with you in wanting to drive.  In the last few years my father was alive he always handed me the keys when we went together.  Just be honest with her on your concern and hopefully she won't be offended and will understand.  Like Janet, we watch quite a bit of the news as want to know what is going on in the world.  After all, how would my coffee drinking friends and I solve the problems of the world if we didn't know what they were?  :)

Marilyn, hope your website work went well yesterday.  Glad your pain went away for awhile.

Gord, it sounds like fall is finding you.  We are still several weeks away from it appearing here in Georgia.

Al, I think your posting was in another board as I just read it.  Hope you are seeing better this morning.  Remember your eye drops.

Janice, this has been a year of great struggles for you and your husband.  Do hope he is able to come home tomorrow.  Sorry to hear that you struggle with a bad back.

Thanks so much for your help Carol.  This morning it's some better, but not as good as I expected.  However, we're supposed to go in for a post-op checkup this morning, so then I'll hopefully find out more.  Thanks for your help.

Al, try to be patient and give your eye a little time.  The results are not instant!  And, as Carol said, do ask your doctor any questions you have  so they can explain what to expect.  Glad it is done, as I could tell by your postings you were quite concerned about it.  And why not?  We only get one pair of eyes!

Janice, so good to see you posting.  Sorry your husband is having such a tough go of it and hope he does get to come home soon.  Take care of yourself and try not to do too much and make your back worse.  (((hugs)))

Gord, no, we are FAR from getting finished with the repair/renovations/remodeling on the house!  Sigh.....  But the wood floor in living room is almost completed.  The guys will be gone the rest of this week and all of next, doing promised work for Lon's Aunt, then his Grandpa.  We will tear out the tiled shower during that time so he can put in the new Onyx one while we are away for a few days.  Nope, the end is not in sight yet!

Larry, the little break was nice last evening.  We chose the carpet for the bedroom so it can be ordered, went to Abby's open house at school, then attended church.  The speaker does a lot of ministering in the Holy Spirit, and he said at one point that there were three people there who have been struggling with sleeping (or not sleeping!)  I immediately raised my hand, and two other ladies and I went to be prayed for.  He spoke some really good things over me, I cannot remember all of them, so will get the CD of the service.  I do remember he said I have had a lot of struggles during the past year, and that sure hit the nail on the head!  But he said my life is now "on a roll" and will continue to get better, and that I will be a blessing to many people, which is my daily prayer.  So of course I am more than glad we went last night!  :)

The guys only have about a two foot wide strip the length of the living room to finish with the wood!!  YEA!!

Must run....see you later!

My daughter in law's father works with us and about two weeks ago he went in for cataract surgery(I never saw him so scared)-He laughed an hour later when he realized how simple the procedure was and he felt great--two-three days later he is saying-I wish I went sooner now I can't wait for the other one to be done.

THey just did the other one and that is taking longer to get the results he would like..But doctor said relax all is well.

dear, Al, take the advice and ask your doctor EVERYTHING that is on your mind...It will be a comfort while you wait for your sight to become brighter and brighter.

Prayers still being sent your way....

Kitty called last evening saying that her Excel is only printing two pages. She graduated from high school in 1961 with a lot more classmates than her husband and I in 1960.  I emailed her the Class of 1960 roster on Excel for her to use as a template for her class by deleting my information and putting her information in.  She was all done with it but it only printed two pages.  I don't know Excel...just trial and error.  But I told her I would be right over.  I saw some other problems and fixed them and finally got it to print all the pages by Print Layout or something.  Kitty is a happy camper now. 

Then Bob came in and we all went to a restaurant on a lake.  It was fun eating on the deck and watching the one boat!  Yes, only one boat on the lake!  It got a little chilly so we came back home, probably because of drinking a diet coke.  A good evening.   

I also got a phone call saying the wedding is on for this weekend.  My g-nephew is in the Navy at Groton, CN.  He had to pass two tests before they would give him a 3-day leave so he could go home and get married.  He passed the two tests!  Ivalou and I will leave Friday morning.  The wedding is Saturday evening and then we will come home Sunday.  It's about a 7-hour drive away at Big Rapids, MI.  It will be great to go to a wedding AND be away from home a couple/three days!

Today I am doing some laundry.

email from Pat:  They are driving to Yellowstone today and we will be in touch either tonight or tomorrow with plans still on track to meet this week.  I told her to take the time to take in the sights in the park.  There are some interesting spots and maybe a bear too.  So, we have been working at setting aside visiting time and that will be wonderful. 

Janice:  You have had a tough time and so sorry for your back problem adding to the stress.  We are all glad that you took the precious time to come in and chat for a minute.  Praying for you!

Al:  I just get upset when the doctor's office or hospital doesn't give you all the information - was a hospital volunteer years ago so I know the drill.  Do wish I could have been there to help.  How is Marbeth doing through all this?  Blessings to you two. 

Janet:  Did you sleep better?  I was told years ago to visualize a heavy sack of concerns/problems and then visualize throwing them all into the air for God to take care of --- it works. 

 :)  Good afternoon to all.   It sounds like everyone is very busy and doing many different types of things.

Carol:  If you meet up with Paul and Pat will you give my big sis a big big bear hug from me and tell her that I wish Noreen and I could meet up with you all. :thumbsup:

Al:  It sounds like things are getting better with your eye but I know quite a few people that have had this done and it seems that every person heals a different way so just keep trusting in the Lord and he will answer. ;D

My wife and I are of the hook today for babysitting as my daughter has been able to have a young girl from across the st come in to help so we were able to sleep for a good long rest.  My other oldest son has just purchased a new house  so now we will have to help in that area starting this weekend so Janet I will get my share of painting.

To all others in C.P. I hope that you all have a great Labour day weekend and you mothers will get a rest if you have young kids as they go back to school. God's richest blessings  Gordon and Noreen. :) :cp: :pine: :bananadance:

Check my blog for a full report of my doctor appointment today. You can get there by clicking on the  little world under my photo.

I am having a lot of trouble sleeping again, guess the old enemy doesn't want me to believe the Lord has taken care of that problem.  But I am believing this is only for one night!  I have been up so many times I have lost count.  I know I have been overworking, my back and legs are telling me so!  ;) ;)

Yesterday, Darrel and I moved our home canned goods off the shelves in the canning closet so he could take off the wood panels in the back of the closet which cover the pipes and shut-offs to the shower and lavatory in our bathroom (on the other side of the wall.)  Then we removed some cabinets in the bathroom.  This is all preparation for tearing out the tiled shower so the new onyx one can be installed while we are away.  We leave on the 12th for a 5 day trip to Branson, Mo. with the senior group.  We hadn't planned to go, but Lon needs us out of the way while he does the bathroom.  We will tear out the shower ourselvs to save money.  At $45 per hour, it adds up with lightning speed--after all, this isn't TAXPAYER money!  ;)

I took some Tylenol for the leg pain and feel sleepy again so will go back to bed and hope to sleep a couple more hours.  See you in the morning!   :sleepy:

I'm sorry you had rouble sleeping Janet.  Perhaps the time away will give you some much needed rest.  Take advantage of the time and remember there is nothing you can accomplish by worrying while you are away..... It is in the Lord's hands. 

We have the beginning of a few heavy days today.  It has been busy but today starts the visitation.  Saturday the funeral then recouping before the beginning of a new week, and a new school year.

Hi everyone.  I am looking forward to today as my calendar is clear in terms of having to go somewhere.  I hope to get a number of things done at my desk and will generally take it easy today and again tomorrow unless something comes up.  I hope to stop at the gym this morning and walk some rounds as have been neglecting it with other commitments.  We had a nice choir practice last evening and got our Christmas Cantata books and listened to some of each of the pieces on a rehearsal CD.  Each voice range will get practice CDs with the voice range emphasized.  We have had these the last two years and it makes private rehearsal a lot of fun as you get to sing with a professional choir and orchestra. 

Just back from coffee and then another fellow and I walked about half a mile at the gym.  Brought on arm pain so had to stop after 10 rounds. 

Al, glad to see you have a bit of improvement from the day before with your eye. 

Janet, I know by the time this is posted your wood floor will be in place.  I bet it is beautiful.  Glad you were able to get a little break and felt the prayer was helpful to you.  This is September so expect your book will be published sometime this month.  That should certainly be a highlight as well as seeing your house being put back together.  Sorry to read of your restless night.  It sounds like you and Darrel are really pushing yourselves.  Remember you need Janet time as well as work time.  Glad you have a trip planned to get away in a few days. Have you been to Branson before?

Judy, I will be thinking of you all as you go through the visitation and funeral

Joyce, I wish my wife would consider having knee replacement surgery but know she is scared of the idea because she told me so last evening when I carefully brought up the subject.

Etta Sue, I expect the reason her Excel was printing only two pages was that was what had been set before she added your information.  You  found the problem when you defined the print area again.  It sounds like you are looking forward to the wedding.  You will have a nice opportunity to have your new car out on the road for a longer trip.

Carol, I know of people who create a God Box and write there cares and concerns on slips of paper and put them in the box giving them to God.  In some of the literature I read there is a simple story about a person with a backpack who picks up rocks.  At first it is no problem but as time goes on and more are added the burden becomes to much to bear.  One by one the person removes the rocks by handing them over to God and the burden becomes lighter.  I love this story as it so well illustrates what you were discussing.

Gord, glad you were able to get some extra rest from babysitting.  It also sounds like an exciting time for your oldest son.  Is this his first house?

Mariilyn, are you glowing in the dark from all the x-ray exposure?  It sounds like you had a full day.

Glad that Carol is meeting up with Pat and Paul.  What a great visit that will be.  Have you met before?

Glad that Gord and Noreen could sleep in today.  I almost...almost feel guilty for how long I can sleep in the mornings.  I didn't do that until I started taking Zyrtec so I am blaming it on that!  I used to sleep to 8 something...now it seems 9 something unless I have to set the alarm for an earlier time!

Janet, when you are in Branson 5 days you will not have time to think of any problems back home.  Tip:  Leave your cells phones turned off.  Only turn them on for your calls out!  And enjoy your time away and all the shows!

I am sure it will be a happy time and a sad time at the visitation and funeral.  Judy, just remember, your loved one can't come back to you but you can go to her!

Larry, I am sure that the reason Kitty could only print two pages was because my Excel roster was two pages and Kitty added on to it.  But there was no way I could explain to her what to do on the phone even if I knew how to fix it.  So the trip to her house was due.  I love challenges and this one was for me.  But I got it fixed and printed all 4 pages.  And yes, I am excited for the trip to Michigan AND the wedding.

Today Ivalou is having her first pool rehab.  She goes one more land rehab and another pool rehab and then turned loose.  If she feels the pool helps her, then she can do maintenance like me for $5 a trip or $50 for 12 trips.  I know I am tired when I get out of the water and I worry about Ivalou driving after being in the pool.  I am afraid her legs will be too tired to drive.  So I will let her know to be very conscious of that today and think if she could drive or not.  We can go together but I want to do the driving...my car or hers.

Then the rest of the day will be packing.  We are to have internet in the motel so I probably won't be online until I am in Michigan tomorrow!! 

Miss me, okay?

Larry I forgot to ask Keith if I was glowing int he dark.   :lol:
I went to he pet store to buy the critters their food for the month and took the dogs to the groomer to have their nails trimmed this morning, this afternoon I have shampooed my hair and taken the dogs for their walks. I am just about  done with my packing for my trip tomorrow. I am looking forward to church, visiting with Willa and going out to Gilbert's house and of course stopping in to see Al and Marbeth.

Etta Sue I sure hope  Iva Lou lets you do the driving. Have you made oneof the dishcloths without the holes yet?

I want to thank you all who have given me info/advice relative to the cataract surgery.  You were all correct.  Today, if I take my glasses off, I can actually see BETTER in that one eye!  Doc says everything's ok, and, when I finally get new prescription lenses in my glasses, it'll be great.  But that'll be a while, 'cause the eye needs to settle down first, which takes a little time.  Anyway, it's going great.  Thanks be to our Lord for His mercy. And I want to pray for you, Janice, and your husband.  I pray our Father will strengthen you and enable you to get through this.  And I pray for your husband, that he'll be able to get home and stay home - with comfort very soon.  I ask our Father to do all this for you through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Guess who is coming to stay overnight? 

Gord:  I printed your note & will hand it to Pat. 

Larry:  You always enjoy your singing and the Christmas cantata will be so special this year. 

Al:  Great report from you today. 

Hi, friends,

I had a very busy day, which culminated in a huge headache that is now beginning to ease, thanks to extra strength tylenol.

Big Sky, I, too, agree that when I neglect my Bible reading and private time, my entire life seems to suffer. Thank you for coming to join our group - it won't be long until we'll worry about you if you're away. :)

Everyone else, it's good to catch up with your messages.

Marilyn, you're doing a great job with your blog and web pages.

Judy, I'll be thinking and praying for y'all this week.

Larry, please encourage your wife to go ahead with the replacement. Yes, the pain in the first few weeks after surgery is difficult to bear, but the relief (if she's able to keep up her physical therapy visits and her exercising later on her own), --- my goodness! It's difficult to explain how much better it is.

It's good to hear that various loved ones are in place following the bad storm on the east coast. Those storms strike terror into my heart, for certain.

May our Lord rest with us as we sleep. It is so much easier for me to be alone since I realized "Behold, He who keepeth Israel never slumbers nor sleeps." It's so much easier to leave it in God's hands and sleep, knowing he ever watches over us and cares for us. What a wonderful comfort that is for me.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  Another hot day here yesterday but was able to stay indoors most of the day.  Only one thing special to do today and that is get some blood drawn in preparation for an upcoming physical exam later in the month.  Then have the rest of the day to work on some other projects here at home.  It seems the days really zip by with little accomplished. 

Etta Sue, have a nice safe trip and enjoy the wedding.

Marilyn, have a great trip and enjoy your visit with your son and his family as well as Al and Marbeth and Willa.

Al, glad each day is seeing improvement in your eye.  Do you have to have the other eye treated as well?

Carol, I wonder who your guests will be?  I bet I know.  :)  Enjoy the visit.

Ruth Ann, it wouldn't do any good for me to suggest Pat have the knee replacement.  I know my wife very well and she will do it when she makes up her mind and can't stand the pain any longer.  She was back to using the cane yesterday. 

Larry you are right most likely.  Paul and Pat arrived last night after driving through construction and so much adventure.  They look great.  We chatted until someone realized it was after midnight and they had not slept very well the previous night.  Thankfully, we had a cooler night and this is more like the first day of fall, which is usually in August.  We will contact Jenny this morning - she had a knee replacement and has therapy going on this morning. 

Thanks for asking Larry.  No, I don't have to have the other eye done.  The only additional thing that needs doing is the optometrist's exam for new lenses in a few weeks.

I pray everything settles down well for you Al.

I will be leaving for Ca  about 10:30-11 as soon as i talk to the vet about the dosage on Happy's new allergy pulls.

We are in Big Rapids, Michigan!!  We got here and in the room by 3:50pm.  Around 275 miles.  We left around 7:30 but ate breakfast and lunch out and a couple of pit stops.  Nice room but we are both plum tuckered out!  We have seen one niece but she didn't see us.  The rest are probably at the Mother of the Groom's home.  We would just be in the way since the reception is to be in their back yard tomorrow after the wedding. 

The only problem I had is my TomTom GPS quit on me!  So I navigated here by Droid.  I could have used OnStar but that is only voice commands.  I like to see the tiny map.  But it was easy.  I got on Indiana SR13 about a mile and a half from home.  Stay on it until the Michigan Line and it turned into Michigan SR131.  Then we exited at 134 and there is Country Inn & Suites right next door to Meijer's!! 

I didn't sleep well last night.  I saw 2am on the clock and hadn't been to sleep yet.  I was up for the small room in the house after that but didn't look at the clock! 

I was here and posted earlier, but before I could post, we had a BIG lightning strike somewhere close, and our power went off.  It was raining really hard, the most rain we've had in ages, so we watched it for a while, then I told Darrel I wanted to go eat at the Pizza Hut, so we waited for a lull, got in the car to go, and.....couldn't open the garage door without power!  (He could have unhooked it and opened it by hand, but it wasn't that important.)  So we waited a little longer, then decided to go out to the other garage and take the other car.

I have a living room again!!!  :D  But we are afraid we are really going to dislike our beautiful hardwood floor.  Whenever anyone walks across it, you can see every footprint!  I was wanting something easier to keep, not harder!  But it's in and that's that.  We will drive to Wichita and get a big area rug for the middle of the room, and some runners.  And when this construction is done so there isn't so much dust, it will probably be all right.  It cleans easily with a swiffer or similar, but I don't want to have to do it every time a person walks on it!

Our workmen won't be back now until a week from Monday, so we will have a little break.  Then we are also leaving for Branson that day....so Lon will come before we leave to get final instructions about our bathroom.  The big tile shower is torn out, and it had more problems than we were aware it had, so it's just as well we are doing this now.  Once the onyx one is in, we should never ha ve leaky shower problems again!

After the guys left, I swept and scraped and mopped in the bedroom, trying to get up all the dust so it won't track into the living room.  Sure feels good to have one room sort of back in order.  I don't have my paintings back up or the stuff in the curio cabinets, window, etc, but will work on that a little at a time.  Then I will ask that they put plastic up between the living room and kitchen when they start working in the kitchen and laundry room.

Guess what?  I am tired!

And guess who is not coming to dinner?  It would have been wonderful to see Pat and give her a huge hug, meet Paul and have a nice visit, but they decided there were too many miles between Ulysses and Denver.  Well, maybe another time.  I would so have loved to go to Denver and meet them and Carol!!  And we would have if we weren't in such a mess here at home right now.

Okay, that's all!  Goodnight, folks!

Janet:  Pat took a ton of pictures - I think she deleted one of me that was just hysterical - I looked shocked/scared or whatever - it was a wild one.  Jenny just burst out laughing.  We had fun & a good visit.  Back to normal here & a lot of thunder & lightning - trying to send rain your direction.  Cool - it is FALL. 

Janet have a good rest.


Carol I'm glad you had a good visit.

Well, today was another busy one for me - physical therapy first. I found a message on my cell phone from my oldest ston. The apartment next to his had a fire today and all his floors are soaking wet. So, maintenance plus Serv-Pro did the vacuum water from carpet/turn on high speed blowers to dry the carpet, and he said the biggest dehumidifier he has ever seen.

Our poor Bourbie, the 'fraidy cat kitty, had a terrible time. He was lying on the floor and got his fur soaking wet, then he's been hiding in fear from the noises in the normally totally quiet apartment. My son said he tried to find him to evacuate him in his pet carrier during the alarm sounding phase with firemen and other emergency workers swarming all over the floor (his apartment is on 10th floor), but Bourbie couldn't be found. Finally, after looking literally every other place, my son turned back the covers on his bed, and found Bourbie, still damp, quivering and quaking with fear completely under the covers. By that time, the alarms stopped sounding. (WHEW!)

And then a friend in my apartment building pounded on my door frantic because certain R_x's had not been delivered yet and the pharmacy was about to close for the day. So, I problem-solved with him, and then had to spend about an hour & a half to let him answer my cell phone, for his had to be charged.

When that situation was resolved, he was so relieved he bought me a diet coke and took me to dinner at a buffet-type steakhouse.

Guess who's tired down here in Tennessee! :)

G'nite, friends.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  It was a very hot day here yesterday.  I managed to stay home all day and in where it was cool.  I prepared some reports needed for a meeting next Wednesday evening and did some other chores here at my desk.  Last evening I watched part of the Baylor/TCU football game.  Today I have a busy morning but then the rest of the day is mine and I plan on watching a lot of football, especially this evening when Georgia plays Boise State.  It should be a good game.  Pat went to see the movie "The Help" yesterday afternoon with two friends and they all really enjoyed it.  I have a request in to Netflix to get it when it becomes available on DVD.

Carol, I was happy to see that you all were able to get together for a visit.  The pictures of you three ladies that Pat posted on her Facebook page was super.

Al, you are fortunate not to have to have both eyes operated on.  Pat did hers about six months apart.

Etta Sue, glad you had a nice trip to Michigan.  I wonder what happened to your TomTom GPS?  I have not tried the GPS function on my phone yet as haven't needed to do so.  Would OnStar have given you step by step assistance all the way on the trip?  I have never had it on a car.

Janet, sorry to hear that you may be unhappy with your new hardwood flooring.  The rugs should help and you are probably right about the dust that probably continues to settle out of the air from the construction work.  What is an onyx shower?  You certainly have reason to be tired.  Hope you had a restful night.

Ruth Ann, is this your son that has the headaches that had the water problem from the fire?  It sounds like you had quite a day.  Your friend could have used his cellphone by simply connecting the charger as it works while charging.  Nice that you helped him and that he showed his appreciation by taking you to dinner.

Today is the funeral. THis has cost us an additional $800 over the cost of the prepaid plan  that she had, and that does not cover the normal out of pocket expenses.   It will all work out in the wash.  God is in control

The weather is HOT, and this afternoon during the funeral it is supposed to be raining.

Heather has been an awesome support for John and I.  She hasn't left out side since we left North Bay.  Thank you Heather for that.

I can't get to the pictures - am searching how to add Pat as a friend. 

Wonderful walk - no snakes as it has turned cool. Yea 

Hello from Michigan. 

Last evening we wanted Chinese Food.  I checked the app Where and went to one chinese place.  The outside door was open.  And when we stepped inside it was like an oven...so we left.  Another place was pretty big...lots of cars in the parking lot.  But when we got out and headed to the door, we saw For Sale signs every where.  Not open for business.  I don't know why all the cars were there.  So we ended up eating at a Big Boy. 

We came back to the motel and Kaye Don and Barb were outside on the porch.  They said there was a real nice Chinese Buffet just on the other side of a ravine right beside the motel.  So Ivalou and I went there for lunch today.  Stuffed....and I mean stuffed!!  Miserably stuffed!!  What was I thinking?  I really shouldn't have eaten so much!! 

Ivalou is in the shower and we should leave here by 3:30pm for the wedding.  Our nephew, Steven, the groom got here yesterday afternoon in time to go to the rehearsal.  The bride wants to wear a bracelet that my grandfather gave to my grandmother the night they got married, January 13, 1896.  It was told to me that Grandpa paid $2.98 for it.  For me?  It is priceless.  And the bride wants to wear pearl earrings that the kids got Grandma when Grandma and Grandpa celebrated their 50th Anniversary, January 13, 1946.  So one is old and the other is borrowed.  Both priceless! 

After that there is to be a reception at niece Lezlie's home in the back yard under a tent!  A buffet dinner!  Wow!  This morning we had a terrible thunderstorm with a lot of lightening.  Right now it is bright and sunny!!  Pray for the bright and sunny to stay....at least, until after everyone leaves the reception.

Steven and Veronica has to be back on base sometime tomorrow at Groton, Connecticut.

I've not used OnStar for directions. But I know they would only be audio directions.  I did hear that someone on the northeast side of Indy asked OnStar for directions to the Indianapolis Airport....west side of Indy .... and OnStar couldn't find where the airport was... :-\  Hope that isn't true but that would make you wonder...especially if you were paying to use OnStar.

I slept so good last night...hope I have another night of that tonight! 

Then  after the continental breakfast tomorrow morning we will head south to Indiana and home.  Hope to make home before dark!  No big hurry! 

That's it from sunny Michigan.

Carol - when you find out how to add someone as a friend, please tell me too!

Etta Sue, hope the rain that they had at Ann Arbor this afternoon that caused the football game to be ended early didn't interfere with the wedding reception.  Judy, hope your family can have a quiet day tomorrow and rest from the activities of past few days.  Glad to read that Heather has been such a comfort for you both.

Been watching a lot of football games this afternoon and in about 12 minutes the Georgia game will start.  I have been enjoying the games.

Carol and Al,
I usually go to someone on my friend list who I know is a friend of the one I want to send a request to.; like Pat I went to JudyB's. I find her in Judy's list of friends and click on the name. That brings up the person's info page where I can send a request (I try to send a comment of who I am).
That might not be the best way, however it has worked for me...... the person then has the choice of either befriending you, or not.

Carol I checked and you have Pat as a friend.  Go to your friends list and click on Pat Scott Halbach.  You will find her.

Well, it turned out to be a very different day than I had planned, but all turned out all right in the end.

I learned something I wish I had known many years ago - a person with very low vision asked me to help him get a newly purchased vacuum back to WalMart because not all the parts were packed in the box. When he took it to the customer service counter, they told him that WalMart will assemble things at no cost.

So, we took a seat, waited maybe 15 minutes, and he walked out smiling with a newly assembled vacuum cleaner. :)

It was 101 here, so when we got back to the apartment house, I was so thankful to get into my cool apartment, and thanked God for "things we take for granted that work." Now I'm resting after doing the laundry. While in the laundry room I met a new tenant, a lovely lady in a wheelchair who has such a great attitude even though she is disabled by MS and by being legally blind. We had a good chat, and I look forward to seeing her again from time to time.

Yes, Larry, it was my son with the terrible headaches who was affected by the fire. However, he seemed to be doing well. I'll call tomorrow to see if I can go by to visit a few moments.

Y'all have a great rest of the day.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

It stormed here yesterday morning....really bad.  Then the sun came out and was sunny the rest of the day.  The wedding was beautiful!!  Then the reception was wonderful.  It did sprinkle on us coming back to the motel but nothing hard.  I do have a nephew that is here that works on the Lapel Fire Department.  He said there were bad storms back home. 

When I got in the motel and looked at emails, Kitty said we are without power at home and there was a big limb in front of my garage.  Her husband and her came back and got the limb off the drive so I can put my car in the garage.  Also limbs down at Ivalou's and Kaye Don's.  So it looks like I will need someone to cut up a limb. 

Well, time to pack this thing up and head to the continental breakfast.  Everyone have a happy safe holiday weekend!

It's Sunday again already!  And I hope the Lord blesses each of you with a wonderful day!

Ruth Ann, You are always such a blessing to those you meet along the way.  That's what I pray often, "Lord, make me a blessing today to every person who crosses my path."

Darrel and I went to Garden City yesterday, where there is a Home Depot.  We took our time looking, and I discovered that place has lots of things I didn't realize they have, such as big area rugs at very reasonable prices.  We had planned to make a trip to Wichita to Jabara's to look, but may not need to, if we find one we like in Garden.  We were in the car, so couldn't haul one home.  I think that will go a long way toward solving the tracking problem on the new wood floor.  We purchased two runners to place in strategic locations, which were on sale.  We managed to spend over $300 there and another hundred at Walmart.  :o  Boy, the money goes, so much faster than it comes, doesn't it?  We bought a chair height toilet, as Darrel is tall and has some trouble with his legs, and he had been saying for some time that if we ever had to take the toilet up in our bathroom, he would replace it with a taller one.  We already have one in the laundry room bathroom.

I forgot to tell you that when Darrel saw his orthopedic doc, he got a shot in his knee and another in his shoulder.  They said the knee joint is good, looks as if he has torn a little disc.

I must get around so we can pick up Beth in time for Sunday School..........I have been neglecting her since we have been so overwhelmed with all the goings on here in the house.  :(

Hi everyone.  I was able to sleep in until 7 am this morning since we don't go to coffee on Sundays.  I am ready for church but it is still three hours before we will leave the house.  I just heard the weather for our area and we have a 100% chance of rain tomorrow and perhaps some this afternoon.  They indicated we could get 4 inches or more of rain in the next few days.  I watched a lot of football yesterday.  Some of the games were not competitive but there were a couple of really outstanding ones.  Unfortunately the University of Georgia was beaten by Boise State so their season isn't off to a good start.  Other than attending church there isn't much on the calendar for today so it should be a restful afternoon.

Ruth Ann, I sure didn't know that Walmart would assemble items for you at no cost or at any cost.  That is good information to have available.  Your new friend sound like a person one would want to get to know.  Glad your son is OK.

Etta Sue, you have a wonderful friend there in Kitty who came over to check on your property.  Is she caring for your cats while you are gone? 

Janet, you will never regret buying the handicapped type higher commode.  We have had one for several years and it is great.  Glad you found some rugs.  I agree the money goes out much faster than it comes in.  Good news on Darrel's knee joint.

Ruth V., I had forgotten how to find someone on my Facebook list.  However, I was able to view a lot of the pictures that Pat has posted from her trip.  She has some beautiful scenery.  I am sure Paul must have some beautiful pictures as well as know he is a good photographer. 

Yes, Ruth Ann, thanks for that tip on Walmart!  Good to know!  Some things are really a pain to assemble.

I want to pack for the little trip to Branson today, then continue moving everything out of my closet.  Also want to do more putting away and cleaning so that these next few days we can feel at home in our own house!  But I sure am sleepy, so a little nap may be in order before I start again on working. ;)

Time to move to a clean area....  It's all spiffy and new...


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