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Morning Devotional...


Transformed by Grace

He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 
Mark 16:9

Mary of Magdala was the victim of a fearful evil. She was possessed not just by one demon, but by seven. These dreadful inmates caused much pain and pollution to the poor frame in which they had found a lodging. Hers was a hopeless, horrible case. She could not help herself, and no human power could set her free. But Jesus passed that way, and without being asked and probably while being resisted by the poor demoniac, He uttered the word of power, and Mary of Magdala became a trophy of the healing power of Jesus. All seven demons left her, left her never to return, forcibly ejected by the Lord of all.

What a blessed deliverance! What a happy change! From delirium to delight, from despair to peace, from hell to heaven! Immediately she became a constant follower of Jesus, listening to His every word, following His winding steps, sharing His busy life; and in all this she became His generous helper, first among that band of healed and grateful women who ministered to Him out of their means. When Jesus was lifted up in crucifixion, Mary remained the sharer of His shame: We find her first watching from a distance and then drawing near to the foot of the cross. She could not die on the cross with Jesus, but she stood as near to it as she could, and when His blessed body was taken down, she watched to see how and where it was laid.

She was the faithful and watchful believer, last at the sepulcher where Jesus slept, first at the grave where He arose. Her loyalty and love made her a favored beholder of her beloved Master, who deigned to call her by her name and to make her His messenger of good news to the trembling disciples and Peter. Grace found her useless and made her useful, cast out her demons and gave her to behold angels, delivered her from Satan and united her forever to the Lord Jesus. May we also be such miracles of grace!

Charles H. Spurgeon

Happy New Week to you all.

Life has been hectic for me since returning to Guelph.  Son Andrew has four hives of bees in my back yard, two of which he is going to put together to make one strong hive before winter.  He put a bee escape in three of the hives to allow the bees to leave the boxes where the honey is and not return.  A week later, he went and got the boxes with only stray bees in them and put them in my garage for storage until he could take them to the place where he extracts the honey.  All normal so far and exactly what we did growing up.  We put ours in Dad's garage until we were ready.

Anyway, crazy me, I went out to the garage, opened the door and left it open for about an hour forgetting about the bee boxes filled with frames and lots of honey.  The bees outside smelled it and put out the word.  I went to the garage an hour later and put my hand around the door to close the garage door and bees were dive-bombing my hand.  I couldn't believe it!  The garage window was absolutely covered with buzzing bees.  The boxes of bee frames filled with honey that Andrew covered with garbage bags was covered with bees.  I tried putting the garage door down again and again and it wouldn't go down.  (as if something was in the path of the "magic eye" stopping it)

I went outside from my front door and tried the pad on the outside at the front of the house to put it down.  It wouldn't go down.  I then realized that so many bees were flying into the garage that they were blocking the "magic eye" (I don't know what you call it).  So I ran and got the hose.  I put it on a full spray--not gentle but sort of poweful and as bees divebombed me, I sprayed up in the air and finally all the while of spraying into the garage, around the door and outside, I got the door down so no more bees could get in.

Now I had the problem of thousands of bees in the garage!!!

Texted Andrew who was at work on a new job miles and miles away in south Mississauge near Toronto.  He couldn't understand any of this and how so many bees in just one hour could get in my garage.

That's not all!

I have a fruit cellar UNDER my garage and there are two grills/air openings on either side of my garage that are boarded up in the garage and go down to the fruitcellar.  Well, the bees can get through the steel screening!!!  I got the hose and sprayed this opening.  I went into the house and through the basement (I was like a drowned rat by this time with all the spraying up into the air) to the fruitcellar and when I opened the fruit cellar door and turned on the light, there were bees on my light bulb.

I texted Andrew, "This is like a house of horrors!!!  It's like a horror movie!  Hope you get here right after work."

Well, he came and what we found under the garage window was like a carpet of bees all clumped together about 6 inches across and folded over the window sill and down the wall about a foot!!!  We didn't know how to get that captured so we opened the window hoping they would try to escape.

He brought the boxes of honey into my living room!!!  Here they were away from any further intruders.  There were about 25 bees with the boxes which I very gently ushered out the window as they landed.  We don't kill bees.  They are too valuable.

So, here I am with three large boxes which Andrew could hardly carry they have so much honey in them in the corner of my living room beside the couch!!! 

The next morning, I went to the garage and the carpet of bees (almost like a small swarm but not a swarm as there was no queen) was still there.  I opened the window a bit more and by afternoon they did leave me and fly back to their hives.    There were still the odd bee in the garage but nothing to be alarmed about.

I just thought you'd like to know why I haven't been in CP this week!

Thanks, Pat, for the devotional about Mary Magdalene.   

Now, about those bees....

To begin with, no way would anyone keep even one hive, let alone 4, in my yard.  And then the boxes of honey with "a few stray bees" in my garage (if I had one).   Nope!  Wouldn't happen.   I've been stung enough times that I keep as much distance as possible between me and a bee.  But if you have any extra honey...   

Hi everyone on a cloudy Monday morning following and evening and night where we ended up with 3 inches of rain.  I couldn't believe my eyes but have checked my gauge three times and that is what it says.  I certainly didn't need to water this morning and I had turned the system off several days ago.  We might see more rain at times for the next three days.  I did attend Sunday School and Church yesterday morning but Pat decided to wait one more week.  The main thing on tap for today is that Scott is coming over and will go to COSTCO with us this morning.  This is his day off.  If it isn't too late when we get back I will go to a meeting at noon.  I did some computer work on Pat's computer this morning, including reinstalling a printer so she can print from it and also changed the setting so it won't power down. 

Pat, thanks for the devotional thoughts from Charles Spurgeon.  He certainly was a powerful writer and teacher of God's word.  What an ordeal you experienced with the bees.  I really know nothing about beekeeping but would have to think long and hard before I would put them in my garage and don't think I ever would consent to them being in my house.  Glad you finally got things under control.  Did you get stung in all of the activity with them?

Jeanne, I think I would be like you regarding the bees.

Pat that is crazy.  Water works, smoke works better......like a smoker? (Those who don;t know that "smoker" is not a person but a piece of beekeeping equipment.) Keep your kitchen door shut and the windows till he gets them moved!

Hi everyone on a beautiful and sunny South Carolina morning.  The lawn people are finishing up my yard as I write so the day is getting off to a good start. 

We had a big shopping trip to COSTCO yesterday and I bought Pat a new desktop but have pretty much decided to return it as it isn't what I expected and seems to have a very weak wireless reception in our living room, which is where she will be using it.  I spent several hours working on it yesterday but not sure I want to spend anymore time on it.  I also wanted a fast computer and this doesn't seem to be it.  I have 90 days in which to return it.   

Pat held up really well during the shopping and Scott seemed to enjoy it.  Their fresh made chicken salad is really delicious and we all enjoyed a nice sandwich with it at lunch yesterday.  Today should be pretty quiet (after the lawn people leave).  Scott plans on coming out again this morning and assembling the steel shelves for my closet.  If it works out I will go to coffee downtown and that will probably be about it for today. 

Hope that all who visit here today enjoy a pleasant and rewarding day that God has given us. 

A surprise phone call today from an old friend who moved to North Carolina - she is flying in tomorrow and we worked it out that we can meet her in Fort Collins (where I knew her) on Friday.  Whew- the days just fill themselves . 

Pat:  Do bees migrate?  We paid a huge sum last year for saving honey bees to be removed from inside our house - it is so steep and high outside that there was no way we could have done the job.  After that episode, I hung hummingbird feeders out this year but took them down when bees appeared - no way are they coming back.  I sure am glad that you were able to save the bees and not get stung.  Enjoy your summer in Guelph. 

Another cool morning here and hot later so I am washing mattress pads to dry them outside on a laundry rack - no clothesline allowed here (isn't that stupid?).  Hot water, soap & bleach and lots of sunshine for these twice a year.  Pillows too.  I have decided that I can never go to a nursing home because they wouldn't fuss as much on my laundry.  It would be nice for someone to fix lunch though.   

I am getting email from a lot of high school gals - they have cabins or property in the Chelan, Washington area and there still is fire danger.  From my own search, there seems to be a consensus that fires may be almost over by Sept. 15th. - they are counting on cooling by that date.  This isn't in the news anymore - it just isn't shocking enough. 

Back to my daily bible verses read - I need to catch up on yesterday too.  Next week, our former pastor returns for 4 weeks of our Wed. classes.

Hi everyone on a 75 degree and bit humid morning.  It is to get up into the mid-90's this afternoon.  The big activity for today is that Pat has a doctor's appointment this morning with the surgeon and should be released.  Yesterday, I decided we would give the new computer a try.  I moved an wireless repeater to a different location, which seemed to help the wireless reception.  So I spent 5 hours setting the computer up like Pat likes it with the games she plays and the programs she uses.  There is still another hour or two of work to do but I should pretty well finish it up today. 

Carol, you obviously have a lot of good friends and that is a nice way to fill up your calendar.  I sure hope those fires our controlled or out in a couple of more weeks.  That is still a lot more destroyed forest and probably homes.  Where we now live we could have a cloths rack in the back as long as it couldn't be seen from the street.  However, I am not going to suggest it to Pat.  She is a bit fussy about the washing also.  Like you I am looking forward to a resumption of the Wednesday night dinners and the following Bible study after that is taught by our pastor.   

Larry:  It sounds like you and Pat settled into a good neighborhood and it is so comforting for all of you (with your son) are close.  You two are sure getting involved in the community quickly - way to go!  The 'puters take a lot more time than you expect. 

We have another couple visiting next week as they are coming from Minnesota on their way to San Francisco - I think I will make two salads and perhaps chicken soup - breakfast is easy too and I am sure they won't stay long.  tomorrow, we will drive one son in for a lasik eye surgery. 

We had our flu shots at Safeway today - they keep records so it is so easy. 

Hi, friends,

I'm thankful for the devotional and also for everyone who posts here.

I spent a good part of the day with my sister in law. Took her to the doctor, then we ate grilled fish at Captain D's, finally a trip to the pharmacy.

Larry, you asked about the election. Yes, it is our local election. I voted early but listened to the mayoral candidates' debate this evening. I'm satisfied with my vote and this evening confirmed my choice.

Well, y'all have a good rest of the day.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Hello from a nicely wet Vancouver Island.  We are so greatful for the rain.  Sad that it has also brought flooding in many places ....

Misty got worse two days ago and I knew it was time to say goodbye.  Amanda came with us as she left work early to get help for her vertigo. The clinic we go to now has the most kind and gentle staff.  So different from the rude and uncaring place we used before.  Misty did not feel a thing.  First put to sleep and then given the final injection.  We left her after to be cremated and will put her ashes under her favorite Lilac treein the garden.

I will miss my little friend terribly as she has been such a good ompanion for  12yrs .

Midnight and trying to type this on my iPad.....Time to say goodnight!

God Bless
Li
But she got one more month of joyin the garden and was happy until the end.

Hi everyone.  It is going to be another hot Southern day here as we expect to get to around 95 degrees this afternoon.  It was already 75 degrees as I walked a little bit ago for 10 minutes.  I am still working on Pat's new computer and should finish installing her quilting videos and other programs sometime today.  I plan on going to coffee in about an hour and then will stay downtown to attend the Wisdom Group at 11:30 this morning.  Pat was released by the surgeon yesterday and told she can do whatever she wants to do now.  It is nice to have this 6 weeks of recovery over.  Unfortunately her fibromyalgia is really making her ache all over. 

Carol, I have set up so many computers over the years that I should be used it always running into a snag or two.  This new computer has no CD-ROM so have to copy the CD's with all her quilting videos and files from CD's to a big memory stick and then load the programs from the stick to the new computer.  Fortunately, sometime ago I got a memory stick that holds 128 Gigs and that has really come in handy.  It sounds like you have a few very busy days planned.

Ruth Ann, glad you were satisfied with your vote in your local election and it sounds like your choice won.  It certainly was a busy day for you yesterday.

Liz, glad you finally are getting some good rain and hope that has cleared all of the smoke.  Sorry that the end finally came for Misty but you know you gave her a great life and she gave you a lot of joy and memories.

Hi, friends,

It's also a hot day here in Nashville.

I took someone to pick up some medications, then came home, climbed into my big comfy recliner, and promptly went to sleep.

I'm sorry for your loss, Liz. Animals are such a real part of our lives. I loved all our family's pets, but chose not to get another when I moved to the apartment tower. I enjoy petting others' dogs or kitties when I have the opportunity.

Marilyn, those pictures of Freckles were cute.

Y'all have a good rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  Another clear morning with better than halfway chance of an afternoon shower.  It was a busy morning yesterday as had coffee downtown, had a nail removed from a tire that was slowly losing tire pressure, and attended the Wisdom class.  Last night I enjoyed the South Carolina/North Carolina football game, which South Carolina won.  I really don't have anything on the schedule for today so will just play things by ear. 

Ruth Ann, good for you and your kind deeds to help others who need some assistance. 

Hi, friends,

Larry, are we holding down the fort right now? I miss so many of our regulars.

Today has been a stay at home day. The cleaning lady came this morning. Unfortunately, if I stick with her, I think I'm going to need to teach her some things. Oh, well, she did the majority of the work well.

Now, it's time to rest and watch a bit of television.

Y'all have a good rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone on this Saturday morning, which begins this Labor Day holiday weekend.  It is very pleasant out this morning.  I just stayed home yesterday and probably will do so again today.  This afternoon the College Football Season really begins in earnest and I will be watching some games and keeping tabs on the golf tourney.  Really didn't do much yesterday as wasn't feeling up to par.  Pat did get out on her own for a couple of hours.

I just read this article on the importance of hydration.  I think as we get older this is a very important area to keep tabs on.  Here is the link:  http://www.ba-bamail.com/content.aspx?emailid=17179&memberid=1010343

Ruth Ann, I agree about letting people (like the cleaning lady) know our thinking as we can't expect someone else to read our minds.  The lady probably wants you to be completely pleased with her work. 

Hmmm,,,seems I lost the email notifications again, so I got several days behind in here!  It's been crazy around our place lately!

Pat!  I would have been scared silly with that many bees around!  Good you have been around bees a lot and didn't panic.  What an experience.  Honey is wonderful, hope you get some extra for all the trauma and drama!    We sometimes get a lot of yellow jacket wasps, and boy their stings hurt!  No bees, though.

We have been casually looking at cars, thinking about what we wanted to get to replace the wrecked Mercury Sable.  We looked at a Chrysler 300 and a Chrysler 200 in Liberal.  We liked the 300, except for it having a black interior.  We didn't want that.  The 200 had a lovely white interior.  But we were just looking.  Then a couple days later, we had to go to Garden City for some things, and went by the dealership where we got the pickup a few months ago, and they had a new Lincoln Hybrid.  We weren't seriously interested until the manager told the salesman to let us have it for $1000 less than they paid for it!  That got our interest!  It is a 2014, a hold-over, and they wanted it off their lot, as the 2016s are coming in now.  Well, anyway, we are now the owners of a ruby red Lincoln, with white interior.  Red would not have been my choice of color, but a deal is a deal!    We made a $10,000 deposit on it and will go back and get it after Darrel sells some stock, or whatever he intends to do.  He had computer problems yesterday.  Seems the hackers had gotten to it.  He let his anti virus expire!!   I couldn't believe he did that!  Anyway, after spending more than the initial cost of the computer, it is all cleaned up and protected again.   

Our refrigerator also died, so the same day we bought the car, we bought a new refrigerator.     Boy, the money sure goes away a lot faster than it accumulates!!  (I'm sure you have all noticed that!)

While we were in the car place, my cell phone rang, and it was Numotion, calling about Beth's wheelchair.  I had been waiting two weeks for that call!!  So she will soon (in a few weeks) have a custom made wheelchair which should make all our lives, especially hers, a lot easier!!  It's an over eight thousand dollar chair!!! but they are giving us every discount they can find, since it's private pay.  So they got it down to $6200, then took off another hundred because I paid by credit card right then.  And they will take off the tax if her doctor writes a generic prescription for a wheelchair for her.  I told them I was sure he would do that, and Darrel had an appointment to see him yesterday, so I went along and asked him, and he did that, and faxed the scrip to them, so that saved us more.  He also suggested that we should find a way to take it off our taxes, maybe through the Community Foundation, so I will look into that.  YEA!!  Finally some good news for Beth!!

Well, really, she has had a lot of things lately to make her smile, what with John being her permanently now and all the wedding plans.  And friends from church are planning a shower for them.  They want us to make a list of things they can use, since their situation is different from most.  God is so good!  Still no word yet from Wish Upon a Wedding, but maybe soon!

Liz, I'm sorry you had to bid Misty goodbye, but it sounds like she had a great life with you and gave you pleasure and companionship.  ((((hugs))))

Carol, you are really the hostess with the mostess!!  I'm sure all who visit you would agree!  I wish Darrel would get a clothesline put up for me!  I just don't feel this new washer with no agitator gets things as clean, nor does it make them smell as clean.  And there are lots of things you can't bleach.

I'd better stop, getting way too long-winded here.    Sorry.

Hi, Larry!  I see you posted while I was typing.  We don't have plans for the long weekend, except doing some stuff around here, and I want to make Beth an ice cream cake as I was away on her birthday.  Labor Day doesn't seem like a real holiday to me, never has.

Hi everyone.  It is an overcast Sunday morning here in South Carolina.  However, the temperature was delightfully only 71 degrees when I went out for my morning walk.  Pat is going to Sunday School and Church with me this morning for the first time since her surgery.  We will get something to eat after church and then have a quiet afternoon and evening, as we usually do. 

Janet, so nice to read about the good things that are happening in your life now, such as the new car and word on the wheelchair.  I had to look up the new car and i sure is a beauty and I bet it rides like a dream. 

Time to start a new "Thoughts".

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