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Morning Devotional...



Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.... And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. --1 John 2:15,17

Any appeal to the public in the name of Christ that rises no higher than an invitation to tranquillity must be recognized as mere humanism with a few words of Jesus thrown in to make it appear Christian....

Christ calls men to carry a cross; we call them to have fun in His name. He calls them to forsake the world; we assure them that if they but accept Jesus the world is their oyster. He calls them to suffer; we call them to enjoy all the bourgeois comforts modern civilization affords. He calls them to self-abnegation and death; we call them to spread themselves like green bay trees or perchance even to become stars in a pitiful fifth-rate religious zodiac. He calls them to holiness; we call them to a cheap and tawdry happiness that would have been rejected with scorn by the least of the Stoic philosophers....

We can afford to suffer now; we'll have a long eternity to enjoy ourselves. And our enjoyment will be valid and pure, for it will come in the right way at the right time.
Dr. Tozer in "Born After Midnight", pp. 141-142

"Lord, may I be faithful to call people to that which is important to You, at whatever cost. Thank You that 'we can afford to suffer now; we'll have a long eternity to enjoy ourselves.' Amen."

Hi everyone.  We have a cloudy and chilly day in the Atlanta area but suppose to warm up in a day or so.  Our Cantata last evening went very well and was well attended.  I will take our daughter back home later this morning and try to get her computer setup on wi-fi.  I did a lot of maintenance on it while I had it here so hopefully that should be an easy process.  I have an appointment this afternoon to have my pacemaker checked. 

Ruth Ann, the choir gave me a lovely wall hanging that said "To everything there is a season. a time for every purpose under Heaven"  (Ecclesiastes).  I thought it was very appropriate and will always appreciate it and looking at it will bring back many wonderful memories over the years to come.  They also gave me a little Christmas figurine of a caroler and a very nice card signed by choir members with little messages. 

Judy, of course I felt a bit of sadness if knowing it was my last time to sing with the choir but also a sense of gratitude for the wonderful friends I made with the choir family and to God for the ability to sing over these many years. 

Terry, join with us for a few days and you will feel you have known us for a long time.  We love having new folks join with us and share about their daily lives and families as they feel comfortable.  I feel much closer to the folks on this website than I do to a large part of my family.  Sure glad you found us.

Gord, for years I have wanted a home with a garage to accommodate my cars as I never liked to get into a cold car or a blazing hot one in summer.  I was very surprised years ago when I lived in Alaska that very few people had garages.  You had to have an engine heater in use during the winter so you could get your car started and also deal with the ice and snow on the cars. Gord, that is a beautiful solo pieces that you sang.  Our son seems to be doing fine now and has recovered from his surgeries and then the little bout with the flu.

John, as always it was good to see your message.  Glad your driving conditions have been good so far this year.  While we haven't talked about it yet I think Pat and I will consider my new desktop computer and her Kindle Fire as our Christmas for each other.  There will be 5 of us here at Christmas so will have something under the tree for the others and know they have something for us so we will be continuing our family tradition of sharing gifts after a finger food type of meal. 

Carol, sounds like you have winter out your way with the ice.

Marilyn, it is always nice to have a routine type day, at least it is for me.

Pat, thanks for the devotional thought for the week. 

Pat, a wonderful devotional this morning.  And a lovely graphic for the Christmas season.

Larry, what an appropriate wall hanging to apply to your retirement from the choir.  Now it's your turn to sit back and enjoy the results of the efforts of other people.

Terry, as Larry said, welcome to our "family".  We share each others' concerns and joys, always remembering that God is in control at all times.

Oh how I would love to have a garage, especially in winter.  But the rules of the trailer park say "No garages", so I'll just have to continue clearing the snow off the car.  It would be much easier without a roof rack, but we didn't think of that when we bought the car - 14 years ago!   

Bonesy, don't forget, when you make a stop in Wilton you're going to give me a call!

Pat, Your devotional was great. We are assured that we have the Holy Spirit living in us to help us in times of trial. What a blessed assurance and how much needed!!

I am without a vehicle..... my brakes failed on Friday in North Bay; 50 kilometers (30 miles) from home. I had to have it towed to a garage and I'm waiting to find out what it will cost me to get it back on the road. We have some wonderful friends who took us to a Christmas dinner on Saturday and let us borrow their vehicle, with the promise to pick them up for church, yesterday. I am supposed to work today, however had no way to get there; hoping for Wednesday.

I have been in every day to read, and keep up with everyone on C.P. Terry, it's true that the friends you find here become an extension of your family.... I love & pray for them all, even though I don't post often.

Thanks, Pat, for the lovely devotion. 

One of our congregation sang 'Mary, Did You Know' yesterday.  I get goose bumps when I hear that song.  Such a wonderful song. 

Crochet Angels displayed all their finished items to take to Third Phase.  We have 40 items.  That was all done in about two months!  I called Third Phase Saturday and told them what we were doing.  They were delighted and said that they were positive they would get some great use out of them.  I think I will take them tomorrow. 

Marilyn, I have seen the photos of Jackson on here and FB but failed to comment.  I do say he is a keeper!  Such a pretty baby!

And Larry, now you will sit in the pews and listen to the choir...and imagine the joy you gave others while you were singing in the choir.  And what precious gifts the choir members gave to you! 

Bonsey, remember if you are around Indianapolis, give me a call.  I would love to join you in a cup of coffee and great conversation!

One of our Elders passed away Saturday evening.  He was 82 and at church last Sunday.  His health has been failing the past two years.  His burial will be Wednesday.  Our church will have a funeral dinner for the family.  I love working at those dinners with all the other ladies.  Not for the reason but for the togetherness. 

Tonight is our Christmas Dinner with my Photo Guild.  We won't be showing photos but one of the members asks for 5-6 photos from the members and then puts them on a DVD with music.  Always nice to see the wonderful photos of the Guild members.  I think there will be another program but not sure what.  And of course, great food!

Good morning everyone, I am going to bake the last Banana bread this morning and perhaps make another batch of fudge. Then I am going to thoroughly clean my kitchen floors and counters. I make such a mess when I get the standing mixer out and use so many bowls and measuring cups.

Hi Etta Sue you posted  while I was typing. Thanks for the nice comment on Jackson. Keith is so proud of his first grandson.

Hi, friends,

I've been listening to a friend with her troubles for a while, so needed to come here to praise the Lord for another new day and for His mercies that truly are fresh every morning for us.

I am thinking of the song that talks about the riches of God. How comforting to know He's with us and carries us when we're too weak to walk alone.

Unsearchable Riches

Oh, the unsearchable riches of Christ,
Wealth that can never be told!
Riches exhaustless of mercy and grace,
Precious, more precious than gold!

Precious, more precious,
Wealth that can never be told!
Oh, the unsearchable riches of Christ!
Precious, more precious than gold.

Y'all have a wonderful day.

Ruth Ann

What a wonderful rendition of this hymn!  Please CLICK HERE and then you can follow the words below or just sing along with them.  What a wonderful choir!

Pat:  Thanks for the music. 

RuthV:  Sorry about your car and I hope it doesn't cost you too much to have it fixed. 

I spent 1/2 of the day dealing with a mistake from my doctor's office to where they sent a prescription request.  The pills were sent to me but are not covered by my insurance and they say I owe almost $100.00 even though they were never opened.  My prescriptions are covered at another place - and this was a computer entering error I am sure. 

Also, still need a oven & need repairman to call back. 

For fun tonight, we are going to listen to the high school orchestra where grandson has two trumpet solos.  Is it ever dark outside and yes, there is ice on the road. 

We parked in a waiting area by the airport last night and every car was practically jumping when of all things - the beleaguered Broncos won.  Behind 10 to zero with five minutes remaining, they caught up & tied the game.  In sudden death overtime - field goal.  Denver Broncos with ever faithful Tim Tebow won 13 to 10.  Our son was watching the game in the plane prior to landing & the entire plane went wild. 

Just thought you might like to know 

Carol, I saw a very inspirational clip on TV this morning about Tebow.  What a wonderful example of Christianity that young man is.  I'm so proud of him!  And glad the Broncos won, too (because of him.)

The guys came today and took out all the upper kitchen cabinets, got the walls primed.  He said the top cabinets are all cut out, but they sent the wrong dimension of lumber for the backs so he couldn't put them together.  The right material is in now, so he will just send Dallas to paint tomorrow and he will be putting the cabinets together.  Says we should have the kitchen back together by Friday.  We will see!    What will be, will be okay, I know things happen that are not in his control, so I am not getting upset about it.  Have decided not to decorate at all for Christmas, (Unless I really get inspired when the kitchen is done!)  I haven't bought a gift, nor even hung a wreath.....never have I had a Christmas like this before!

Larry, so glad your choir family gave you such thoughtful gifts.  It is so nice to be appreciated.

Ruth, I hope you get your car back soon, and without too much expense.  It's really hard to be without a car!

Marilyn, I saw the pictures of the baby.  He is precious, and God must have a lot of faith in us humans, to entrust such sweet, innocent lives into our hands, don't you think?

Beth's aunt gave her a pretty ring last Christmas, and she has worn it constantly.  But on Friday, her hand swelled up inexplicably, the ring was really tight and her finger was turning blue, so they had to cut it off.  Now I am wondering WHY her had swelled up like that.

I got called in to write out a statement of what I saw and heard when Myrtle passed away last week.  Then I had to sign it before a Notary.  So while there, I went in and read a story to Beth and John, who was on the phone.  He will be arriving this Saturday, and neither he nor Beth can hardly wait!

I finally got all the complicated mats cut for those six big pieces I am framing.  Tomorrow I will get them stretched and cut the glass, and if the frames arrive, start putting those together.  Since I have only one corner vise it will take a while to do all of them!

It is cold here!

Carol, all Paul is talking about is Tim Tebow!!!!  He just phoned his brother in Oregon to talk about Tim Tebow!!!  So I can imagine the plane erupting!!!

Tim Tebow

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Pat:  It is so wonderful.  It may not last but at least people are acknowledging someone of faith - and the Christian faith to boot.  What could be better at our time in history?  Hugs to you & Paul.

We had a fantastic time at the high school concert.  The acoustics were so good and people quiet that Don was able to hear our sophomore grandson in his two trumpet solos.  Tears of joy.

I forgot to say that church had songs Don knew on Sunday AM and he sang.  More moments of thankfulness - just loving the season. 

Janet:  Only one hand was swollen?  Do they have a doctor to check Beth's hand?  You have the right attitude about the kitchen but we sure do like things working in the kitchen. 

Thank you Janet and Carol. Because my regular garage did not have the right diagnostic tools, I had the car re-towed to a Chrysler dealership. I'm waiting to hear from them.

Because we are without transportation, both my husband and I are missing our usual studies in town. However, I have much to do here at home.

Pat: Even though troubles come, it's great to remember, "it is well with my soul." I do love that song!!

Dallas is here, painting in the kitchen; Lon is in his workshop, building the upper cabinets, he just has to assemble them; and Sharon is here trying to figure out how to clean around all the misplaced stuff!  Life is good......

I have no idea why only one of Beth's hands swelled up.  Another mystery.  Carol, I am thanking God along with you about the blessings of the season for you and especially Don.  I have some idea how he feels; our new worship leader (KID) plays so loud you cannot hear the voices; I asked him Sunday morning if he was aware that Christmas is this month?  He said yes, so I asked if we were going to sing any Christmas songs, he said yes again.  Well, he opened with a VERY LOUD, jazzed up, almost non-recognizable version of Joy to the World.  I am not happy about the change in music........

I got all those mats cut yesterday, now I must get in there and assemble the things. 

Ruth, nice to see you.  I included your nieces' stories in the book, but unfortunately, they were edited out.    Editor said she only wanted to hear Beth's story.........I was disappointed in that, as I felt the information in your girls' stories would be helpful in understanding Neurofibromatosis.

Blessings to you all!

Hope you get wheels soon, Ruth!  Did you have to take it to North Bay? 

Janet, and all of this renovation was caused by? 

It's been a long many months!!!!

Being without a car can certainly be a challenge.  When mine was a couple of days in the shop recently, my son-in-law came by and seeing the empty driveway just drove away, sure I wasn't at home.    

I certainly understand about "moving back in" after major work in your home. My apartment is still not as I want it to be.  All things come with time, and it will be SUCH a good thing when it's as I want it to be for welcoming each day with our Lord (and with the occasional visitor!).

Today's really busy, so I must prepare to leave home, probably for the rest of the day.

May our Lord be with each of us today.

Ruth Ann

Yes Pat, I had it initially towed to Powassan, however the garage did not have the tools to properly diagnose and fix the problem; ABS - brakes, all dual powered! So yesterday I called CAA to ask if they would tow it back up to the Chrysler dealership in North Bay. I'm anxiously awaiting their phone call.

Quote from: Jeanne Lee on December 13, 2011, 10:59:50 AM
Being without a car can certainly be a challenge.  When mine was a couple of days in the shop recently, my son-in-law came by and seeing the empty driveway just drove away, sure I wasn't at home.    

Jeanne, I had this happen too, with some friends. Everyone expects to see a car in the yard, especially when we live so far from town.

Here is a link to some of the gifts I made this year. I did all of these yesterday.
Click Here

Hi everyone.  Am sitting here eating lunch after a very busy morning.  Nothing special other than dropping Pat off for some shopping at Walmart and then picking her up after my task was completed.  Unfortunately, she had a rather lengthy wait at Wal-Mart as her legs give out on her but she could sit down at the McDonald's in the store and wait for me.  Needless to say we will be going out for dinner tonight.

I was behind so many postings that I am not offering any individual comments today.  Will give you all a break from my long postings.

What a busy day for me today.  Even I am tired.  First I ate breakfast and then read my devotions.  Then off to Noblesville to Third Phase.  Third Phase is a home for abuse women.  They are allowed to stay at the home for 12 month while learning how to cook, clean, sew, can, freeze, set tables, laundry...all the skills that most women know but these women were never taught.  They also receive legal advice and counseling about their abusive relationship with their spouse or significant other.  If they have children, they stay there also.  Some will study and get their G.E.D.  Some will find work.  But the requirement is that they are all there at dinner time and all have to sit around the table, pray and eat together.  It is a Christian based home so they are taught about Jesus Christ as well.  In 12 months they graduate and are on their own again. 

The lady I talked to this morning was Kathy.  I took in all the hats, scarves and mittens the Crochet Angels made.  Then I told her I would be back tomorrow night to eat with the Lions Club.  She smiled real big and said 'And I know what you are going to eat!  I am the cook!'  Then she told me what the menu would be.  I loved the smile when she said 'I am the cook!'  She is also waiting for her G.E.D.  It was suppose to be in the mail a week ago.  So I told her it would be in the mail today. 

Then I went to the pool.  When I went out to get in the water, there were only two therapists in the pool.  No one else.  That's a first.  Soon others came in.  I was in the water an hour and a half!  Water-logged!

Then I ate breakfast at a little cafe. 

Off to Walmart then for groceries.  Saw so many people I know shopping there also. 

I wish I could relax now but Ivalou and I are going to a visitation at the funeral home this evening after 4pm.  Then I can come home and relax. 

It's been a cloudy, rainy day so far today with the temps in the low 40's right now.  But it looks like a cold winter day out there! 

I am finished with my shopping and wrapping/bagging the gifts, all except for the Banana bread that is in the freezer. I will take it out next week a couple of days before we head out to California on Christmas eve. We are going to Portland this Friday and I already have their bread on the counter thawing.  I've made the reservations at Puppy Love  for boarding the dogs so  all is ready here.

I have a doctor appointment this afternoon to find out  the results of my blood work. hope my Cholesterol numbers are still going down and that everything else is OK. I just got a 90 day supply of the Crestor, maybe I'll get to use it and maybe if my numbers are good I won't.

I  hope everyone clicks on the link to the earrings I made. I am quite pleased with the results. It has been so long since I have been able to  hold my tools in my left hand; and making 5 pair in one day is  quite an accomplishment. I am wearing the red ones today. The crystals are all Swarvoski (sp) Crystals that I purchased over 10 years ago. I did straighten out that on that is crooked in the picture after I took the photo.

Quote from: Marilyn on December 13, 2011, 01:35:23 PM
Here is a link to some of the gifts I made this year. I did all of these yesterday.
Click Here

Those are lovely, Marilyn.   I'd like to make jewellery.

Quote from: Larry Hanna on December 13, 2011, 01:43:09 PM


I was behind so many postings that I am not offering any individual comments today.  Will give you all a break from my long postings.

Awww...  you aren't giving us a break!  I look forward to your newsy postings, Larry.


I had my flu shot today and my arm is a bit sore.  Feels like I have the flu! 

Etta Sue, what a wonderful sounding place for these ladies to stay.  Sounds as if you had a great time and I wish I could join you for the meal! 

(What are you going to eat?) 

Marilyn, those are lovely.  You are so talented! 

Thank you Pat and Jeanne

Pat, you really are behind!  In August our house flooded because of a malfunction in the water well.....entire house damaged, all carpets and cabinets were ruined.  Anyway, the renovation is ongoing, and we are HOPING it will be finished by Christmas, but I highly doubt it.  I do hope the kitchen will be done, though.

I worked on my Christmas cards and letters some, then decided to go to the home and get Beth's done for her, so that chore is done, except for mailing them.  Mine aren't done, but hers are.  And I add her name to ours on all the family ones; no need to double up.

My friend Mary is supposed to arrive tonight.  She has promised to help me repaint the trees and birds in the dining room, they got painted over yesterday and today.  She did call today and say she will be here tonight!  Yay!!!

Marilyn, those earrings are very pretty!

I will be so happy when we can put things back where they belong!  I'm tired of the mess!