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Morning Devotional...



BIBLE MEDITATION:

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee." Psalm 55:22




DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

A man was carrying a heavy load of grain down a country road. Another man in a wagon being pulled by a horse saw the man walking and said to him, "Mister, you need a ride?" And so the man got in the wagon. But he kept the load of grain on his shoulder. The wagon driver said, "Man, put that down and relax!" The rider said, "Oh no. It's enough for you to carry me without having you carry this too."

Have you ever done that to the Lord? You say, "Lord, I'll let You save me, but I'll carry my own burdens." How foolish we are to do this with the God who hung the stars and planets.



ACTION POINT:

If you can trust God to save you from hell, don't you think you can cast your burden upon the Lord right now?

Simple and perfect thought to get the week started!  I am so glad to see your post, Jeanne Lee.  Your extended absence concerned, particularly in light of your recent issues.  My prayers for you, Pat and others struggling with health challenges is that the Lord will take on those burdens, allowing you rest and comfort in Him.

Hi everyone.  We have a good chance for a thunderstorm this afternoon and a predicted high of 90 degrees although we usually exceed the prediction. 

After church yesterday I stopped at Ruby Tuesday's and placed to To Go order for lunch for Pat and then while that was being prepared I went nearby and got myself a Firehouse Hot sub to take home.  By the time I got back to Ruby Tuesday's the meal was ready. I then had a quiet, peaceful and restful afternoon.  Later a friend from church stopped by and we visited for an hour or so.  We did watch some of the Olympics last evening. 

Today will be busy as need to get a few groceries in preparation for dinner with Scott this evening, attend my noon meeting and then get the dinner preparations underway.

Jeanne, I really liked the devotional thought you shared with us for this week.

Ken, nice to see your posting.

Jeanne:  thanks for devotions - always a good message of "Let Go, Let God".  I first heard that phrase years ago.

Ruth Ann:  Thankful you were not hurt. 

I am trying to type my little message here and there are 4 update messages flashing.  there has to be so much hacking or wannabe hacking that wants to get into our computers. 

We did watch the swimming on the Olympics and what a fun race to see the men's relay win.  My back is terrible and acting up - trying to get a handle on it with special exercise, etc.  Yes, I need to relax and let the Lord take care of this issue. 

News around this state is that this state supreme court which ruled against Christians over a little business that did not want to bake a cake for a "different" wedding.  However, this state court just ruled pro muslim in favor of their taking 5 brakes per working sessions for their prayers.  Nothing in the one newspaper on this case but it was all the news on the take-down on the little bakery store.   

Larry I am thinking of getting a GPS Device for my car, Do you have any recommendations as to brand and type or price.

Hi, friends,

I'm back from a little shopping expedition to Sam's and then to Walmart to finish up. Now, I'm listening to the Olympics as I work on the computer.

It's so good to hear from all of you.

Jeanne, thank you for that great reminder in the message for the week.

Larry and Carol, I certainly hope that the pain and suffering from backaches will ease, and that all will be comfortable.

Marilyn, I know you asked Larry, but I just thought I'd chime in with what I use - it's my iPhone. I downloaded Google Maps onto my phone, and remember to plug in the charger to the phone so it won't get too "tired" from telling me where to go. 

Y'all have a good rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone it is very early for me but woke up a little after 2 am and laid here for awhile and decided I might as well do something productive so read all my email and mornings readings I do daily.

Yesterday turned out to be a very busy one.  I made a trip down to Aldi's for some groceries needed to prepare dinner last night. At noon I attended my meeting and then rested for awhile and then got busy filling out papers for my appointment this morning. I had totally forgotten that Pat had a 3:15 appointment with the chiropractor and she had gone to sleep in her chair but woke up a little after 3:15.  I called and they said to come on to the appointment so we were not too late.  The doctor explained the X-rays and what he felt was needed to help her. She will be seeing him three times a week for several weeks and then fewer times until she gets to the point where a once a month visit to maintain what has been accomplished. It will be a bit expensive but worth every cent if she can be made to feel better and live and active life doing what she enjoys doing. When we got home I got busy on supper.  Scott was here and helped as needed. 

Today should be a little less hectic as we have some delicious beef and vegetable soup for supper tonight that I made with the remainder of the roast. I will see the Hemitologist/Oncologist at 10 this morning and Pat has a five pm appointment back with the chiropractor.

Carol, it is so sad to see what is happening to our country with court rulings like you described. Sure hope you can get relief from that back pain. Right now Pat cannot use the foot control on her sewing machine due to her back.

Marilyn, if you have a data plan with your tablet you can use what Ruth Ann suggested or I use an app called Waze which is similar. There is no cost to use either of these. If you need a stand alone GPS I have used both the Garman and the Tom Tom devices.  I preferred the Garman.  I think the price has come down a lot for a basic unit. The GPS has certainly been helpful to us over the years and especially since we moved.

Ruth Ann, glad to see you were up to some shopping after your fall.

Little by little, bit by bit...  The Lord is bringing me back slowly and I'm trying to remember "God is in charge".   

We have a Garman (Nigel is the name because of his British accent).  Nigel is stubborn and was wrong three times.  Sometimes, we know better than Nigel.   

Sorry about Pat's back problems.  It puts a stop on her fun sewing. 

Another beautiful morning here - so blessed.  Just a bit of a breeze and the nights are so cool and refreshing.  We had coffee in the church coffee shop yesterday - overlooking the entire front range and we like to stop by and read in that room.  I bought a book of devotions by Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg, "Today's Moment of Truth". 

Larry,

If Pat uses a Singer sewing machine, this mouth operated air switch may be something to look into:

http://www.bedhandles.com/ByteSwitch1.htm

Bed Handles, Inc., 2905 SW 19th Street, Blue Springs, Missouri 64015   Info and Sales: 800-725-6903

I've read where some people have also brought the foot pedal to the top of the sewing table and use their elbow or forearm to operate it.

Hope this helps.

I do have an Android phone with Google maps I will try using that  and see what happens.  However I do think a GPS device is in order. We will see.  I've been busy as usual this morning, Took freckles for a walk, Had bread in the oven before breakfast  and a cake in the oven as I type.

I have had two wonderful experiences with taking freckles to visit lately I am very proud of her.  At one of the nursing homes on Saturday my partner and I visited a hospice patient that she seen frequently.Freckles jumped right up on the bed with the patient (the dogs are not supposed to do) I told her to get off but my partner said it was OK that she  really liked to dogs. Well the  patient asked me how old was Freckles so I told her. After the visit  my partner asked me if the patient had asked how old was Freckles and i said yes. Well as it turns out that  patient doesn't speak and has never spoken to my partner during the visits.  Wow!!!

Another experience was at the Memory care Center for Alzheimer's and Dementia patients. I had not been there for 6 or so weeks with Freckles. I went in to one of the units and there was a lady sitting alone at one of the tables; as soon as she saw Freckles she said " Oh Freckles come here" it is so rewarding to see the patients come out of their shell. One of our group has taught her standard poodle to go Woof Woof after the first stanza of How much is that doggie in the window" on of the  patients at the Memory Care center, sang the whole song after Ruthe  did that.

Hi, friends,

It's so good to hear y'all today.

I don't have a lot to say except I hope you have a wonderful day.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  I don't usually post twice a day but have a commitment in the morning so will have limited time. We had a brief but very heavy downpour a little after 4:30.  Fortunately, it had stopped by the time we left to get Pat to her 5 pm chiropractor appointment.

My 10 am appointment with the doctor this morning turned out to be a longer delay than the one last week.  I didn't get to see the doctor until about 12:30.  However, I really liked the doctor and it appears we won't be doing much now other than an ultrasound of the liver and some additional blood tests, which can be done in his office on the day I will see him again in a month.  I stopped and had a chicken sandwich at Chick-fil-A and then went to Walmart to pick up prescriptions that Pat needed.  When I got home I was more than ready to rest and was able to get a brief nap. 

Jeanne, just good to see your name on the posting.  Take care of yourself as that is the most important thing.

Carol, the coffee shop at your church sounds like a nice thing to enjoy and a nice place to read. 

Ken, thanks for the info.  Pat doesn't have a Singer as has had Bernina sewing machines for many years.  I don't think they have anything like that for a Bernina although they have a knee control.

Marilyn, what wonderful experiences you have had with Freckles.  I bet you really enjoy your visits at the hospitals or other locations and seeing the folks respond to the joy of an animal. 

Ruth Ann, thanks for posting and I hope you also had a wonderful day.  While I was busy today it still was a very good day.

Hi, friends,

I'm so thankful that the printer I bought was reasonably easy to install.  This is the first time I've installed one - my son who lives overseas always did that task for me.

Now, I'm ready to experiment with it a bit.

Y'all have a great day - I'm thankful you were able to report, Larry, and it's wonderful to hear from everyone who posts here.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  We have a cloudy morning and only expect to get to 90 degrees this afternoon but not likely to get any rain.  We did get a brief downpour yesterday morning.  We have had enough rain that I didn't need to water the yard this morning.  I hope to have a fairly quiet and enjoyable day today.  I will pick up my friend from the Assisted Living Home and we will go to coffee and then I will bring him home again and head back to the church for the Wisdom class.  I do plan on making a potato salad today and perhaps a broccoli/cauliflower salad as well. Pat is really feeling no better and didn't even attempt to lay in the bed last night but slept in her easy chair, where she is not in pain. 

They are making great strides on the new home across the street.  On Tuesday they put down the concert floor of the home.  Yesterday they put up most of the first floor wood for the walls and they are back there again this morning continuing the construction. 

Ruth Ann, glad you got your new printer installed.  Anymore they almost install themselves.  I had to order ink cartridges for my Ink Jet printer and the Brother's Laser printer yesterday.  The ink are so expensive.  It wasn't too long ago I put new cartridges in for the color printer but Pat got a quilting course and the manual was 43 pages long with lots of unncessary color and it used up all of the color ink. 

Hope all will experience a good day today.  Jeanne, Pat and any one else not in top shape I hope you are beginning to feel a bit better each day.   

Hi, friends,

I have had a pretty good day today. The cleaning lady came and got lots done, thank the Lord. It's great that she's helping me.

Larry, I'm sorry you're having to pick up on the kitchen chores, but the experience really is good for us. I taught all my 3 sons to cook and do household chores, and each of them has been thankful, for they've had reason to use those skills as adults.

Yes, printer ink really is expensive! I bought ink ahead for my old printer and need to give the inks (and the printer) away, since it won't work with my computer any more.

Y'all have a great day.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Two of the three items on today's calendar are over - now, just to wait for the last and the cell phone just rang with the news the A/C people are coming for a lasting check-up.   Don went to his monthly men's breakfast and 9 guys were present.  Several WWII veterans came but a few were missing.  Another diner must have been listening as he bought breakfast for everyone at the table.  No, Don is not WWII at all - he was in the Air force (remember the Strategic Air Command?) He used to fly to Omaha headquarters weekly - I have no idea what that was all about. 

Mysterious ways - my cousin's husband had a hard fall from a horse several months ago and has been in rehab.  Here is the amazing news.  The hospital found cancer contained in one part of his kidney and he had that surgery this week - all the cancer is now gone.  The mystery is that he didn't have the fall, that would have been so difficult to detect.  Amazing Grace!!!!

Larry:  So sorry that Pat isn't feeling well enough to rest in bed.  I hope she can find help soon. 

All our children know how to wash clothes and cook & clean.  When they were teens, I had a top spinal surgery and could not do much for weeks.  The boys spouses are glad they have such helpful husbands. 

We have watched some of the Olympics - cheered heartily for M. Franklin from CO.  What a great attitude - so positive and happy. 

Hi everyone.  We have another overcast morning but expected to get to about 93 this afternoon.  The housekeeper will be here later this morning and Pat has a chiropractic appointment.  The good news here is that Pat is feeling a lot better.  When I got home yesterday afternoon, she told me that all of a sudden the severe pain was gone although the soreness remains.  She was able to walk without the cane or walker and actually felt like fixing the main dish for dinner last evening.  She did sleep again last night in her easy chair as is more comfortable than laying in bed.  I am looking forward to a quieter day today and tomorrow as other than drive Pat to her appointment this morning my schedule is clear. 

Ruth Ann, my mother did teach me how to cook when I was younger but any skill not practiced for over 50 years is pretty much a lost skill. 

Carol, how nice that someone bought the men breakfast.  I do remember SAC as I grew up only a hundred or so miles from Omaha.  Great that the cancer in your cousin's husband was found and now is gone.  I believe things happen for a reason and this is a great example where the fall from the horse may have saved the man's life.

Hi, friends,

Well, I'm in from the bone doctor. He said that I had come very close to needing a plate put in my leg from the near-fall that ended up fracturing my shin bone back in April. He says to continue wearing my black boot until next time I see him in 8 weeks. Altogether, when I go back October 18th, I will have had this fracture for 6 months, 2 1/2 weeks.

I trust our Lord for the reason for this long recovery period, and pray that I won't become weary before the end is in sight.

Larry, what good news about Pat's severe pain easing up; and, Carol, your 2 bits of good news, payment of the food bill and also your cousin's early discovery of the cancer give us heart, and hope, that our Lord sees all things, knows all things, and cares tenderly for each of us.

Love to all who come here.

Ruth Ann

I do believe I posted a couple of days ago, but I guess the cyber gremlins got it! 

I have been working pretty hard, at least, for me!    I don't think I could do a really full day's work anymore!  But we did get two boxes of peaches put in the freezer, and I accomplished other household chores.  Then yesterday afternoon, Abby and I went and got our nails done again.  She is moving to Manhattan for college this weekend, so it will be a while before I see her again.  And it seems like, once they leave home, things are never quite the same again.  I know Her parents and we, her grandparents, will really miss our Abby!

It's so good to read bits of good news from some of you about health improvements, surprise pick-ups of restaurant tabs, doggy visits to folk who need her, and good report about cancer disappearing.  Our God is so good, all the time!

We have been watching bits and pieces of the Olympics.  I must say, I don't care for the sand volleyball; partly because I don't understand why they wear those skimpy bottoms!     Maybe I'm jealous because NO WAY would I ever, past or present, be seen in public wearing so little!  (Off my soapbox now.)  The trampoline, the gymnastics, the rowing and the swimming were awesome.  I saw about 15 seconds of the horse Dressage event!

I'm going to United Sisterhood tonight.  That is women from any or all churches in the area.  They have worship and a special speaker.  Should be enjoyable. 

I hope to see you again tomorrow--if the gremlins don't get me!   

It is indeed nice to read some positive news from so many, what a blessing from Him indeed!  And our Jeanne Lee is working her way back, which is truly exciting.  Still, so many need prayers for healing, comfort and even thanksgiving!  Would be nice to see Pat and Judy back in the mix one of these days, God-willing.  While you don't see me very active here on a regular basis, I always find it an uplifting place to return to see everyone lifting, encouraging and sometimes just listening to each other.  This community is a true blessing for many.  You all are in my prayers often, as I know you are praying for each other. 

(And Janet, you did post a couple days ago, but posted on last week's thread    )

Hi everyone.  We are in for another hot day.  I got out early and got haircut, stopped at the Walmart grocery area for some cream so I can make the sausage muffins Pat likes for her breakfast and then to the hardware store and finally pick up my replacement windows.  Apparently it has been there for some time but no one let me know until I called yesterday. 

Unfortunately, Pat's release from pain was pretty short lived as she is back to using the walker  and ice packs.  She slept again last night in her easy chair. 

My neighbor just stopped in and we had a very nice visit.  He was on the overpass as the motorcade of John Kennedy approached and saw the shooting.  He has given a talk about these events and subsequent history many times. I requested he give his talk to our Senior Lunch group at church and he accepted the invitation.  He will speak at our October meeting.

I now have the rest of the day to take things peacefully.  We had dinner in hand as will have the left over stir fry and port over fresh cauliflower that has been put through the food processor.  We used it in place of rice and it was actually quite good.  I really don't care for cooked cauliflower or broccoli but do like them both raw. 

Thanks to all of you who made the comments about Pat feeling better.  Guess we just need to remain patient and trust that in a little while she will be back on her feet and be able to resume her normal activities. 

Ruth Ann, sorry to hear your leg bone is not healing as quickly as you would like and that you have to continue with the special shoe.  I know those are a bit clumsy as have used one a couple of times, as has Pat. 

Janet, working up two boxes of peaches is certainly quite a job.  I remember my mother canning and freezing peaches and how good they were later during the year.  Nice you had the special time with Abby before she goes to Manhattan.  It is hard to believe she is now college age. 

Ken, nice to see your fine posting.  We all have to pick how we spend our time.  Reading and then posting here and in a couple of other discussions on Seniors and Friends has become a way of life for me and is a part of my normal morning routine.  These discussions have wonderful people and we become like family with always room for new folks to join in as they will quickly feel at home. 

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood!  Cool, so far, but warming rapidly.  I gave Darrel a haircut earlier, then we went out to the Farmers' Market to see what was there.  I bought one blueberry scone, and he bought six ears of sweet corn.  There were lots of onions there today, one was nearly as big as a cantaloupe!!  Biggest onion I have ever seen!

Larry, I'm not big on cooked cauliflower, either, but I sure have been seeing a lot of recipes using cauliflower instead of potatoes or rice.  I haven't tried it yet, but I know it would be healthier.  We are trying to eat more healthfully, so I do need to try it!  Let us know how you liked yours, please.

I thought it rather sweet that the 21 year old from Singapore who beat Michael Phelps last night had idolized Phelps since he was 12 years old, and that Phelps came over, gave him a hug and congratulated him.  Michael has lots of gold medals already, so this ONE probably means lots more to the younger guy than it would to him.

The meeting I attended last night was very uplifting and encouraging!  I'm SO glad I went, even though I dislike going to meetings alone.  The speaker assured us that God has big, wonderful plans for Kansas, and especially for Southwest Kansas!!  I have heard that prophesied for years!    There was a lot more to it, but I can't tell you like she told us, so won't attempt it!  (Are you relieved?)

I had calls from both of my older sisters this morning!  Guess it is Sisters' Day!!

Ken, good to read an encouraging post from you today!  Come chat with us more often!

I think I will go to my studio after lunch and work on that Peru painting some more.  I want to stay in the painting mood, at least until I find out how to proceed with my book project.

I wish you all a lovely day!

Hi, friends,

I'm to go out to meet my grandson for some down-home style catfish and fixin's. Yum, yum. But best of all will be the time with my grandson. He's turned into such a wonderful young adult - a great teacher, father, husband, grandson, and Christian.

So, Larry, I'll be putting on that big boot - it's one of those with all the buckles that goes up to the knee and has a curved sole on the bottom. Yes, they're clumsy, but so much better than the plaster ones that you can't remove for daily hygiene.

It's so good to hear from all of you. May our Lord bless each of us, as only He knows what we need.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Hi, again, friends,

I just want to praise the Lord for being so uplifted by listening to my grandson this afternoon. God sure is good.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Hi everyone on a beautifully clear but very warm morning here in South Carolina.  I will go to Sunday School and Church in a short while.  I fixed breakfast for Pat and myself, watered my plants and started to unload the dishwasher only to discover I hadn't turned it on last evening.  I will pick up a good lunch for us and then plan a quiet afternoon and evening.  Pat had a rough night and although she tried for a couple of hours, couldn't stand to stay laying down in bed.  I am so thankful she has a comfortable easy chair where she can be without pain.

Janet, be sure to try the finely chopped cauliflower as I think you will like it.  We finished up the pork and stir fry for dinner last evening over the remaining chopped cauliflower and it is very good.  I am glad you enjoyed the special meeting you attended. 

Ruth Ann, I hadn't been visualizing the boot on your leg being so big.  I have seen that type but not had to wear other than the shoe type that didn't go above the ankle.  Nice to see you had a great time with your grandson and that he is such a fine young family man.

We've opened a new "Thoughts for the Week" HERE