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Morning Devotional...

Why Frankincense and Myrrh?

BIBLE MEDITATION:

"And the Lord said unto Moses, 'Take unto thee sweet spices...with pure frankincense...And thou shalt make it a perfume, a confection after the art of the apothecary, tempered together, pure and holy: And thou shalt beat some of it very small, and put of it before the testimony in the tabernacle of the congregation, where I will meet with thee: it shall be unto you most holy.

And as for the perfume which thou shalt make, ye shall not make to yourselves according to the composition thereof: it shall be unto thee holy for the Lord." Exodus 30:34-37

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Not only did the Wise Men bring gold, they brought frankincense and myrrh. Frankincense speaks of His sinless deity, myrrh of His sacrificial death.

In Bible times they worshipped the Lord by burning incense, a sweet perfume rising up to the nostrils of God. It was a symbol of worship—to be used in the worship of God alone. Frankincense tells of the beauties, the fragrance, of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Frankincense represents Jesus, our Intercessor, and His intercessory prayers for us. Its fragrance speaks of the love and mercy of God.

Myrrh was used to embalm the dead. When the Lord Jesus Christ was being buried, they poured spices and myrrh into His grave clothes. "And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight." (John 19:39) Myrrh to embalm the body of Jesus.

In the gifts the Wise Men brought to the young boy Jesus, we see His sovereign dominion, sinless deity, and sacrificial death. He was born to die.

He is King and they brought gold.
He is God and they brought Him frankincense.
He is our Savior and they brought myrrh.

ACTION POINT:

Give—worship—witness—serve.
These are what a wise man will do.
I wonder, are you really wise? Do you understand that He was born to die?

From "Love Worth Finding" by Adrian Rogers

Jeanne, thanks for the devotional thoughts.  I found it particularly interesting as I had no idea the significance of what the Wise Men brought with them. 

Hi everyone on Monday Morning.  Nothing new since I was here yesterday afternoon.  Really not feeling any better than for the last four days.  I did get out for a bit this morning and go to coffee with the guys at McDonald's but will not be attending our Monday men's luncheon nor my meeting tonight. 

What a good devotion, Jeanne.  Thanks for that!

Larry, I'm sorry that you aren't feeling well.  I think Paul is trying to plan the Florida trip over again (that we had to cancel in November) for next week or the next.  Hoping to see you both. 

Well, I've hardly been on my computer since before Christmas so I think I better check emails, etc. and see what I've been missing.

Good day everyone.  It is cold here in the north.  We had a wonderful celebration with Heather and John, and the kids as well as with Pat and Paul on Saturday.  It is wonderful to spend time with born again believers during the holidays.  Heather's husband was telling us how Jack led him to the Lord many years ago......Jewels on Jack's crown that many don't know about.

I have tried through the years tried to keep up Mom's tradition of deep cleaning the house just prior to New Years Day so we go into the new year with a clean house.  I pray to have a clean heart as well this year. 

The animals are quiet so I am off to get various jobs done.

Hello, Friends!  I have spent some time on the phone today, attempting to book a trip to Israel and Jordan.  That's been on my 'bucket list' for a long time.  I made a tentative reservation for May, have two weeks to cancel and get a refund of the deposit.

Larry, sorry you aren't feeling well.  Have you ever read your bio in Members' Bios on this site?

Pat, are you getting any of the others ready with their pictures?  I don't want everybody thinking I'm falling down on the job!

I am going to the Pizza Hut to meet Beth and John for lunch.  See you all later!

Oh!  I had a mammogram this morning and the girl doing it was asking me about my family, we talked a bit about Beth, and she bought a book!  YES!!  Need to sell more of those, they aren't doing any good sitting here in a box!

I wish each of you blessings today!

Hello CP. :coffee:
  After the dreadful ice storm I feel that we are starting to get back to normal.  Mel is spending time out side chipping ice he is tired but will not give up until he has it finished. Yesterday he went to Aunties place and spent a whole lot of time lifting ice, I had made arrangements for someone to come and do the job you guessed it no one showed up so very frustrating.  I know the family on a personal level which makes it even worse.

Larry: We did not have alternative heating and with my knee being bad the chill went right through if we were to have had another cold night without heat a hotel/motel was looking very good. That expense we did not need to pursue as the lights came on.  We were much more fortunate that many others.

God Bless

Hi, friends,

It's been a rather quiet one for me today. I'm grateful that on the not so good days, we have a Father Who knows and Who cares.

That was a good devotional message, Jeanne. The information was also helpful for me to understand the true significance of the magi's gifts.

May our Lord be with us all.

Love,
Ruth Ann

Pat, looking forward to your visit. 

Judy, my mother always did a spring cleaning and a fall cleaning that was very complete.  Since we lived on a dirt and later gravel road and had no AC when I was growing up it really was needed. 

Janet, hope your trip works out for you.  Thanks for the reminder about my bio as can't remember and know I certainly intended to do so.  Have you ever thought about selling your book on Amazon as an ebook or does your publisher's contract prevent you from doing that?

Ruth, I agree it is very frustrating to have an arrangement for someone to come out and then they don't show or call.  Sure hope Mel doesn't overdo the ice chipping.  Being in a cold house is sure not desirable.  I think the longest we were ever without heat was during an ice storm here where it was off for three days.  We did have a kerosene heater.  A year or so ago I got a new kerosene heater as the other didn't appear safe but so far we haven't had to use it. 

Ruth Ann, I watched par to the Music Bowl game from Nashville and it sure looked cold up your way.  Glad you had a quiet day. 

Hi everyone.  I see I was the last to post last evening.  We have an overcast day but did see the sun peeping through a few minutes ago.  I don't seem to be feeling any different than the last few days.  I managed to get down a few bites of breakfast.  Recently I have found eating to be exhausting.  I guess it just goes with the territory and probably has something to do with my loss of appetite.  I have nothing on the schedule for today.  I see there are four bowl games on today so will try to watch one or two of them this afternoon.  I will try to stop back this evening and catch up on posting for today.

This is an early in the day Happy New Year to everyone.  I pray your 2014 is full of God's joy, blessed, and walking in His steps each day.  God bless each of you!

I had an email this morning from a list I'm on and I found this very interesting:



At the beginning of every original music manuscript by Johann Bach, you will find the letters "J.J." This stands for Jesu Java (Jesus help me). At the end of each manuscript you will find the letters "S.D.G." This stands for Soli Deo Gloria (to the glory of God).

Bach was born into a musical family in 1685. By the age of ten, both of his parents were dead. Still young Johann determined he would write music, and his music would be for the glory of God!

By the age of 17 Bach became the organist at the church. Soon he was given charge of the entire music ministry.
Throughout his ministry, he wrote a new cantata every month! Plus, during one three-year period he composed and performed (with his choir and orchestra) a new cantata every week!

Bach is now with the Lord, but he left a mark on this world with his music!

Hello Everyone!

This has been a very busy time for the Halbach's!  I just got home from a month away just the Monday before Christmas and then had a week to get ready for Christmas and the many appointments and church services!!  It's nearing an end now but I'm planning (after some much needed doctor's appointment, lab tests and Hiking Meetings, etc.) on returning south next week and then on to Florida when I hope to see Larry and Pat, Beverly and Chapin Pratt as well as family members!

Happy New Year to you all. 

I'm out now, while a turkey is cooking in the oven to buy some last minute things before the stores close and some much needed driveway salt!  Will be spending New Year's Day with ian in Orangeville.

Janet... ;)  I'll talk to you in our private working area.

Just a quick post before Judy and I go out doing some last minute things before the stores close.Its a balmy 10 F here today. Guess we are having a heat wave LOL. We are on the countdown now to 2014. T minus 11hrs 40 min and counting. Guess I will have to hit the road again Jan 2 and so starts the new year on the road. Hope everyone has a blessed New Year. It's going to be a year for me to retire and I am looking forward to it. I don't mind running the roads but am getting weary of dealing with the politics of dispatch. It's going to be great to be able to do what I want to do rather than having to do what is required. Anyway better run for now. Things to do and people to see. Balmy weather with snow to enjoy. Later folks  Have a blessed day.

We've warmed up - all the way to about 15 F!   :o  I guess by Friday we'll consider today as "balmy".  Friday night is expected to be well below zero.  I hereby issue an invitation to Al Gore to come visit on Friday.  ;D

Wishing all of you a very happy and healthy New Year! 

We had a good drive here in Arizona from our home south of Denver.  Upon arriving (it is a condo), we found a leaking toilet that is no doubt from the caulk pulling out and worse - a damaged ceiling over the tub from the upstairs neighbor's tub leak.  It has taken 4 days and I think it will be worked on Friday.  Don has been so sick with a cold plus an infection on his back and won't go to the VA until his cold is better - he is exhausted and I do understand that the VA can have one spending an entire day in there.  Too much at once.  So far, we believe the automobile tags will be Fed-X'ed here and we should get a call when available.  I will call all my relatives after we mend a little more - me too, I now have the chest cold.  All I am writing about can be fixed in due time. 

Larry:  I do hope Stacey will receive all the assitance she needs at this time. 

Janet:  So many up and down days for Beth - she must have been super tired on Christmas. 

A lot of you are in dire straights about the weather and I send my prayers and concerns for you . 

The produce is so fresh and nice here so I made a guacamole dip for us and we are overeating anything citrus to combat our colds.  Don spent two days working on getting our internet and phone ready and that should have been taken care of as we arrived but this tech company has never been reliable in all the years we have been here - a monopoly so they were three days late this year - getting better.  I have thrown bird seed out for the quail and not one has crossed the street yet - they are so cute with their bobble heads.  We hope to be able to get to church next Sunday and I want to work with the quilters a week from Wednesday. 

Grateful that oldest son & family had a safe visit in El Salvador and grandson is back in Canada and another grandson had a 100 mile snowmobile trip and granddaughter is in Cabo, Mexico.  We can't keep up. 

I certainly understand about not being able to keep up with the kids, grands, and great-grands! :)

I felt less wobbly on my injured foot today, so went to WalMart and felt I could walk in without my cane, although I did try to park in a handicapped space to be closer to the door. And, of course, used an electric shopping cart. Oh, my goodness, how the shopping carts have revolutionized my life.

I read of each person's good and difficult days, and please know that you're often thought of, always loved and prayed for.

May our Lord grant each of us a good crossing into the new year - 2014 seems a bit "foreign" on the tongue yet today.  :o  It doesn't seem that we should be rolling into the new year with such velocity!

Much love to all,

Ruth Ann

Well its T minus 1hr and 53 min and counting. Happy New Year everyone. May you all have a blessed and prosperous new year to be enjoyed in good health. :)

 :)   Well I guess I will be the first today.  So a big happy new Year to all on C.P.  and we wish you many many more of them to all.   

We can praise the Lord for answered prayer for my wife Noreen about  her eye surgery,  we saw the surgeon yesterday and he is very happy with the way it is healing so that you for your prayers.  She See's the other surgeon this coming Monday the 6Th. re her knee as she is still having a lot of swelling and pain.  So please pray for that day.

May God bless you all.   Thanks for the great devotional Jeanne it was so good.

Larry.  Hope that you are looking after yourself and Pat.

Well must go to sleep.

HAPPY  NEW  YEAR. :thumbsup: :cp: :groupwave:

2014 has arrived here in the frozen north with a vengeance. Temperature when I got up this morning was minus 26 C BRRRR that was a cold start to the New Year. Hope all have a great day today and take time to reflect on the coming year and remember that God is in control of what this year will bring for all of us. For Judy and I, we are looking at starting a new chapter in our lives called retirement. Now that won't mean end of work. As a matter of fact the way things are looking we will be busier than before. The difference will be that we will be doing things on our own terms instead of some else s agenda.  It will be great to turn the page. Heading back out on the road tomorrow and going to Wisconsin. I like travelling that direction as opposed to east. It is a lot less stressful and the atmosphere is more pleasant. going to run for now. Things to do. Have a blessed day folks and don't overload on New Years Turkey.

Hi everyone and Happy New Year.  It is another overcast and chilly day here in Georgia but in looking at the weather in the midwest and northeast I am certainly not complaining.  I did get up and go to coffee at McDonald's as other than getting there and back it isn't exhausting and I enjoy so much the hour I spend with friends.  There were only five of us there today.  I accidentally was awake to welcome in the New Year as woke up a few minutes before midnight.  I had gone to bed about 8 pm.  People were firing off firecrackers from about 8 pm until around 2 pm.  What a waste of money and how annoying to neighbors and to pets.  I don't plan on doing much of anything other than computer today and watching Georgia play in the Gator Bowl at noon while I rest. 

Pat, that was an interesting piece about Bach.    I can't imagine preparing a new cantata every month and certainly not every week.  You certainly do have a busy schedule and we are looking forward to your visit. I hope to be feeling much stronger by then and feel like eating. 

John, how much longer do you expect to be driving on the road?  You can keep the balmy 10F but see by your posting this morning why you felt it was balmy.  Your temperature this morning sounds terrible.  Hope the new storm system skips your area. 

Jeanne, I read an article this last week saying scientist who have been such proponents of global warming are having to admit they are wrong due to all of the ice.  God will always be in control of the weather and it will be exactly what he wants it to be. 

Carol, certainly not a nice welcome when you got to Arizona.  So sorry to read that Don has such a bad cold and an infection.  It must have been a pretty unpleasant trip for him and now you have the cold.  I hope it is at least warm for you all.  Stacey is getting assistance several times a week and was able to talk with the nurse who has her case when she was in so much pain a couple of days ago.  She is really enjoying being able to have a shower again as hadn't been able to get into the bathtub by herself for several weeks.  It sounds like you will soon be involved in the activities down there again and sure it is nice seeing old friends.  My folks so enjoyed the seven winters they spent in Apache Junction.  You do have one busy family.

Ruth Ann, I agree with you on the powered shopping carts.  Glad you were feeling stronger and was able to get to Walmart. 

Gord, glad to read that Noreen's eye surgery went so well and sure hope the knee surgeon will have something to offer as she has had a long ordeal.  How are you doing.

 :)Good day to all.  Praise the Lord for an other day and how he always gives strength each day.

Well John you think it is cold up there I just finished talking to a person in Saskatchewan and the temp. at that moment was -38 outside now that is cold and on Christmas day it was -45 so I think that I am glad to have -4 and try not to complain. :coffee:

Hi Pat and Paul  Hope that all is well and that you both are keeping healthy. :thumbsup:

Larry I do hope that your daughter is feeling a bit better as she has had such a rough year Noreen and her could compare some off there pain this year.  God's blessing's. :thumbsup:

Again to all on C. P.  Have a fantastic 2014 and a safe one.   God's richest blessing's.
                                                         Gordon and Noreen. :) :cp: :pine:

John, your early morning temperature was very close to our -5F and it won't be going up more than about 15 degrees during the day.  Then a few more days of really frigid weather, together with blowing snow expected to accumulate to about 10 inches or so.   I laugh - when I lived in New Jersey, if it got down into the 20's (above 0) someone was bound to say "It's too cold to snow"!   ;D  I'm just so grateful to have a nice warm home. 

Gord, such good news about Noreen's eye surgery.  Praise the Lord for His touch.  Prayers will continue, of course, for a solution to the problem with her knee.

Larry, prayers also for you to regain strength and appetite, and easier breathing.  I'm sure Stacey must really appreciate the care she's getting now.

   :)  Jeanne:  Thanks for your encouragement through prayer and the Lord does give us so much strength.  Have a wonderful day.  Gordon. :cp: :cp:

Happy New Year, everyone!  Darrel and I went to Hugoton to the dance at the senior center last night, and I thought our plan was to come home around 10, but we wound up staying until midnight.  I don't think I will do that again any time soon, as I'm not worth much today.  I got up at 6, but have been napping in my chair most of the time since!  Ugh!  I do not like this feeling!  We did have a pretty good time at the dance, though  He got up about 9:30, so isn't feeling the effects like I am.

Carol, sorry for your not-nice surprised when you got to Arizona, and that you are both suffering with colds and Don with infection besides.  Hope you get your tags, and get all the necessary repairs done quickly.  Those things tend to really 'bug' us, don't they?

I have managed to get the tree down, and most of the Christmas decorations lugged to the stairs.  When I finish, then I will carry them upstairs.

John took Beth to Garden City yesterday, but they never did get hold of her friend Mindi, so didn't get to see her.  He was out to take his shower earlier.

I'm not going to try to answer each one today, as I am so groggy.  Gotta wake up!!  It's 3:00 already!  :o

Hi, friends,

Happy New Year to all. May your days find you uplifted by our Lord's loving care and having a safe, healthy, happy, and spiritually growing year.

I've been quiet here in the apartment today. So, probably will want to go do a few things either tomorrow or Friday. :)

Much love to all,
Ruth Ann

I am going to take my tree down tomorrow. We aren't doing anything special today although I did fix a Sunday type of breakfast of Whole Wheat Waffles, Banana, an Omelet for Keith (I don't eat eggs very often I do like the Eggbeaters though), I eat my waffle with Cinnamon and Syrup, no butter, sometimes I use Coconut oil on the waffle or toast. I did go to the gym this morning and got in a good workout. I am now down 40 lbs and 56 inches. Ten of those inches off my waist alone. Ido feel so good about myself now, more self esteem and self confidence.

I also want to Wish everyone a Very blessed New Year. May your cup of blessings continually overflow.

Today Bebe has turned 13 years old, I found a growth on her bottom lip that concerns me, I am going ask the Vet if he would advise me to have it removed or not with; her bad heart murmur I really do worry . I think I would rather have any surgery done on the dogs at the clinic where I work do I can monitor their recovery myself, instead of just dropping them off someplace then going to pick them up. If anything was to happened to them I would feel like I deserted them in their time of need.

We were able to take a slow walk in the sunshine today after a late breakfast.  No church service  - does anyone remember when we did have church services the eve and the day of each new year?  Coughing is better but just one hint of perfume in an enclosed room would set me off for sure. 

John:  What are some of the activities you are planning upon your so-called "retirement"?  You do know that you will "work" a lot more in retirement, don't you? 

Larry:  The care for Stacey will be such a relief for you and Pat and Stacey as well.  It means someone will be checking in on her and you don't have to drive every day - blessings to all. 

Marilyn:  Good for you on your exercise.  I need to begin walking again.  Yes, the animals in pain or surgery - they don't understand what is happening. 

Hi Carol yes I will work in retirement but it will activities of my choosing instead of what is expected. Makes a big difference. I have lots to do at home with 80 acres and an old farm house and barn. Will be doing renos to the house. Garden in summer and woodworking  in winter. Think I will enjoy myself.

Hi everyone.  We are to have a cloudy and rainy day here in Georgia.  I don't expect to get out of the house today.  Pat and I did go to a local restaurant late yesterday afternoon as she needed to get out of the kitchen and I needed to get out of the house for a little bit.  I was able to get down a bowl of chicken enchilada soup and she enjoyed a hamburger.

We went in the PT Cruiser to eat, the first time Pat has ridden in it.  She wants to practice driving it here in the neighborhood should the unlikely event occur that she had to drive it.  Pat did get the Christmas decorations put away yesterday.   

Gord, thanks for your new years words and I hope you and Noreen have a good 2014 as well. 

Jeanne, if it gets much below 40 degrees I think it is cold down here.  Stay warm.  I think Stacey does appreciate the care she is getting. 

Janet, you must have danced too many dances.  :)  Nothing wrong with napping in your easy chair as that is your body telling you to take it easy.

Hi Ruth Ann, your words are always encouraging.  Hope you will feel up to getting out today or tomorrow. 

Marilyn, keep up the good work on your weight loss.  You must be about to reach your goal. 

Carol, I really dislike the smell of strong perfume.  Pat uses a White Shoulders bath powder and that isn't overpowering.  We certainly don't drive downtown to check on Stacey everyday and are lucky to make it every three or four weeks.  However, she calls her mother almost everyday. 

John, it sounds like you have a lot planned for retirement.  You also get the benefit of shorter work days as when you get tired you can stop for the day or just take a day off. 

These are days when it's hard to remember "This is the day the Lord has made" and it's not at all easy to "rejoice and be glad in it".  At 9:00 a.m. it's minus 4 F and the next several days (and especially nights) will be getting even colder.  It's snowing, expected to end up tomorrow with 12 to 14 inches, and not exactly sideways but it's definitely falling diagonally.  :D

At this point I would welcome snow.  It would mean that the thermometer had gone back up to a livable temperature.  Our pastor posted that it was -28, (-18F) and the temperature went lower than that during the night..  I know it was well below -30 when John got up.

I have 2 knitted outfits to finish and a sweater for John to do.  Thankfully Pat helped me with understanding the cables and hopefully I will "get it"!

Have a good day everyone and stay warm.

Judy, the snow we're getting now is falling/blowing at zero F - that figures at about -14C.  That's not really a "liveable" temperature as I see it.  :)  The meteorologist said it's unusual, but not unheard of, to have snow at these frigid temperatures.   Oh well, there's January then February and March - then comes April before we know it!   :D

Happy New Years to all.

It's so good to read the updates from everyone.

I've been inside and resting today. :)

May our Lord be with us, and may He bless us as only He knows best.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

It is currently -28C and dropping.  Brrrrr. Read that Timmins was -51C last night, breaking records. 

John had a sweet trip to MN and when he hooked onto the trailer the brakes were frozen.  He waited 3 hours for them to decide what he was going to do......and sent him south.  Got to Sudbury on Hwy 69 and the road is closed due to a bad 4 car accident, with 1 fatality.  He won't make his destination now on time.  Another trucker friend said there was a fatality in Bramalea today, what a way to start the new year.  I wonder where they stood with Christ.....

Try to stay warm folks

Busy today with chiropractor appointment, care plan for Beth, plans for taking her to Garden tomorrow to urologist, etc.  At least I have stayed awake! :cool:

Larry, John told me that someone had written a review of my book on Amazon, he showed it to me on his Kindle, and then he wrote a nice review as well.  The book is available on Kindle as an eBook.  Thanks for asking!

It has been very nice again today here in our KS. corner.  Started out really cold, but warmed up very nicely.

Looks like time to see about something for supper.  How about turkey soup?  That will finish off the left-over turkey.

Judy, I pray that John makes it safely home!

Hi everyone.  It hasn't been a good day for me today and so I wrote to my cardiologist and will see someone tomorrow in the cardiology department.  I will not go to coffee in the morning as it has been a struggle to get through the house today. 

Janet, thanks for the info on your e-book.  I will have to look it up and write a review as well. 

We will be in the 20's tonight with winds up to 35 miles an hour but the rain has stopped so should be icing unless there a puddles. 

Larry, it's certainly not good news that you are feeling so poorly.  :( You need to rest up so you can enjoy the upcoming visit from Pat and Paul.

Dear Larry, only YOU would think of doing that for me when you are feeling so bad.  Thanks.  But do take care of YOU first, please!  And I will be watching for your report of what the cardiologist tells you.

Larry:  Sorry that you are not feeling well today.  I do hope you get a good answer from the cardiologist very soon.  Do you SKYPE with Stacey?  if so, then you can "see" each other and check on how everyone feels. I see that Pat and Paul are coming for a visit....wishing I could be there listening in. 

We drove to the Phoenix VA hospital today as Don has an infection in his back and they told him to go to ER.  It was not a bad drive and we managed to take a quick road not the freeway.  Returning on Saturday - Don had a scalpel treatment on the infection and it is painful tonight.  Here I am not much use as my cold has returned with a vengeance - taking lots of stuff but coughing is out of control.  It will be better.  I made a two day production of a huge beef bone broth and then beef veggie soup.  Somehow, soup sounded good to both of us tonight. 

Jeanne:  I hope you keep your electricity in all of this storm -

Hi everyone.  Another day here in Georgia where it is going to be sunny but cold.  It is currently 21 degrees.  Thank you all for the concerns for me you have expressed.  Not feeling any better this morning and probably a little weaker.  Pat fixed my breakfast and I appreciated it.  I am in my office with the door pulled to with the little heater going full blast.  I will see the doctor at 3 pm today. 

Jeanne, I am looking forward to seeing Pat and Paul and sure hope I do feel better with more energy by then. 

Janet, it was certainly no problem to read the nice writeup you did on my biography as I was sitting in my easy chair. 

Carol, Stacey has never wanted to Skype so we have never done it with Stacey.  I also wish you could come and visit us as well as it would be like meeting longtime friends.  If you ever get to the Atlanta airport you know you have a standing invitation and we have a big king size bed upstairs or a fairly comfortable Lazy Boy sofa bed.  It sounds like you both are really under the weather and that soup does sound good.  Pat made a big 15 bean soup a couple of days ago and we have a lot left.  I may ask her to fix a little bowl of that for my dinner tonight as was able to tolerate it the day she fixed it (no implication the soap was intolerable). 

Minus 35 here this morning.  The sun is shining, but doesn't seem to be making a dent in the temperature.

John was stopped at Sudbury last night, there are 2 ways out and both were closed with bad accidents.  He stayed put went to bed early and said he slept well.  Heading south there were more accidents to contend with.  People forget how to drive!

Jeanne according to my weather info you are in for a dump of snow.  Stay home and stay warm.

Judy:  When does John stop driving the big rig?  You make me feel chilly just talking about the temperature.

Coughing & feeling weak from coughing. 

Larry:  Prayers for you, Pat and Stacey. 

Carol not for a while yet.

I have kept warm today, the outside temperature is up to about  -2F getting warmer and I am seeing the furnace not working as hard to keep it warm inside.

Interesting yesterday the big dog wanted out all the time, today it is warmer and he is content to stay inside.....Go figure!

Today was a different sort of day.  John and I went along on the care home bus to take Beth to the urologist in Garden City.  Two girls went, one to drive, the other to help with Beth if they needed to transfer her from her chair to an exam table  We were really happy they got her in almost at her appointed time.  The doctor didn't scope her, as she has an infection and he said it wouldn't tell him anything.  He recommended a new medicine, ordered a sonogram of her bladder and kidneys, and a test of her hormone levels.  She will have to go back in a month.  We stopped at Wendy's and got some quick food and ate it on the way home.

It is cooler here and they say will be colder tomorrow.  Lon is supposed to show up this afternoon to do some more of the work we have already paid him for doing.  He can't do the outdoor stuff, though, because of the weather.

Larry, How I wish I could come along with Pat and visit you.  And I am praying your strength and appetite will return in good measure so that you can enjoy their visit.  Blessings to you, my brother.

John's time with us is almost at an end already.  I always hate to have him leave, as his visits are so good for Beth, and seem to bring him joy as well.  He is one special guy!

Carol, I pray you and your husband will both be feeling so much better by now, or at least by morning!   Do  you go to Arizona for the better weather, or what?  It doesn't sound as if you either one felt up to making the drive this time.

I wish you all a restful and peaceful night.

I think I am allergic to Arizona because this cold  happens almost every year. 

We have another glitch that should be able to be fixed.  The car dealership in Colorado was going to hand deliver our title information along with our check so we could finally get the tags for our purchased vehicle.  Nope, everything went wrong.  The papers were delivered here today - so we have to call and send them back so someone in person can go to the county office for our tags.  At least that is what we were told had to happen.  Again, someone dropped the ball.  Don tells me not to worry -

Janet:  It is better weather here mainly but we come for visiting the droves of friends and relatives who arrive from both Minnesota and Washington.  The desert is beautiful though and we certainly enjoy the many parks and really the amount of time we can get out and walk or sit outdoors when possible.  It must be difficult for Beth to meet any appointment but surely good that they found she has an infection and can care for it immediately.  Nice for John to be there for a longer stay this time. Thanks for your prayers and I accept them with gratitude - although our problems are miniscule in comparison to many others.

Larry:  Here is hoping that your strength is improving each and every day. 

Hi everyone.  We awoke to a cloudy day but suppose to be sunny later today and to get to 46 degrees.  Our new LG Range is to be delivered this afternoon between one and five.  I don't expect to leave the house today except to put my PT Cruiser out on the parking pad as will need to use one side of the garage to store the old range until we can get someone to come and pick it up.  We want to donate it and Pat has talked to Habitat for Humanity and they will come and get it.  Home Depot would haul it away today but it still have a lot of value so would hate to see it junked. 

I did see the cardiologist's PA yesterday afternoon and after she was finished she talked to the cardiologist and popped in the room.  They don't think this it related to my heart but may be dehydration or some fluid accumulation.  They gave me the choice of going to Urgent Care there at the Kaiser facility or the ER.  However, the PA came an found us in the Urgent Care and said they didn't want me to stay there very long and there was a room full of sick people.  I told her I wasn't going to the ER at least until the blood tests and x-rays had been read.  So she ordered blood work and chest x-rays, which we did at Kaiser.  I would have spent hours waiting to be seen at the ER and it was clear across town and we would have gone at rush hour. They also told me to start using Boost or that type of drink until I feel like eating again. So I will take it easy this weekend (what's new) and drink a lot of water and see how I am feeling on Monday--an optimistic. In the meantime I can watch a lot of football and perhaps some basketball today and tomorrow.  This is day 10.  So that is what is going on.  I feel good until I have to move about or talk a bit or eat, so am in no pain. 

Judy, terribly cold there--I don't know how you could stand to be out in it.  I expect you were glad to know that John was off the road for the night and got a good rest.  Maybe your big dog is part an Alaskan Huskie.  :)

Carol, sure hope that cold is better today and Don is also feeling better.  The one time Pat went to Arizona with me to see my folks she came down with a terrible cold and vowed she would never go there to live.  It seems like incompetence is found everywhere.  What a mess on your car title and tags.  I know it has been a big worry for you.   

Janet, our girls just never get over one thing until there is a repeat or another problem.  Glad she saw the doctor.  It does sound like a very unpleasant trip but sure Beth appreciate both you and John going with her.  You know that you and Darrel would be welcome in our home anytime and would love to meet you in person.  Could you send me a link to the Amazon site with your ebook.  I tried to find it without success and want to write a review.

It is me again.  I will be short this time. 

My cardiologist just called after reviewing the blood test results and wants me to go into the hospital this afternoon as my sodium is dangerously low. He said I should be there by 3 pm.  It if gets much lower I could have a seizure or other serious problems.  I will going to the hospital down close to where Stacey lives.  This is not a cardiac issue.  The doctor said I may be  be in the hospital one day or more.

No worrying about me now as I will be fine and at least have an idea of what has been causing the problems the last few days.

Go with God, Larry, and know you are being prayed for!  Love you, brother!

Prayers Larry

Larry, my prayers go with you.   <3

Thanks for letting us know Larry.  And thanks Judy for phoning me to alert me to Larry's problem.

We'll be praying for you my dear brother.

Larry:  My prayers for you.

Don is on the mend so to speak  -  all he has to do is to go to the VA every other day for them to look at his back infection and see if healing is progressing.  We are so blessed that it isn't a big freeway drive and now we know the way. 

Ohhh, that's good news, Carol.  I'm so happy that Don is on the mend now...at least a little.

God bless you both.

Pat:  Thank you so much - it means a lot.  Neither of us can go and sit for more than an hour at church this morning - still coughing too much but it is better we can tell. 

By the way, I just wanted to mention that when we went in for our yearly Flu Shots, also had the Whooping Cough shot updated.  Very important even though we are not around any babies anymore, we do see them in public and they say that whooping cough is up.  I always thought it was because the familys were from other countries and came in without protective immunizations.  It is in a lot of cases but not all. 

Reading the news about Minnesota going through a cold spell much like what happened about twenty years ago.  When we lived there at the north end of a little lake, another ice age was being predicted.  There was  at least once as minus 70 wind chill and we made it to work and to school - very carefully.  So, these cold temps are no where near what we experienced not that many years ago.  My parents had many stories about the tough winters and even cool summers. 

Sipping coffee with chocolate cream added - it helps the cough.  :coffee:

Hi everyone.  Writing from the hospital and my sodium has gone back up to the bottom of the baseline where it has been with me.  So they will not force sodium solution via IV today.  I will have a cat scan of my stomach area but just heard it may not be until tomorrow as they are backed.  The hospital has a lot of flu cases but they did a test to be sure I was flu free and was.  I am still very short of breath with any activity and have little appetite.  Pat stayed the night but will go home this afternoon as I wouldn't be dismissed before tomorrow afternoon.  We did get reasonable sleep last night, which is surprising I a hospital.  So I will pass the time today watching football and then the new Downton Abbey on PBS.  I'll try to check in again in the morning. 

Carol it is interesting about the whooping cough vaccine.  I had a daughter get whooping cough from the vaccine!  Now I am told that is impossible, however the doctor at that time confirmed that the vaccine was the cause.  I always fear that vaccine since that time.  I am wanting to get the flu shot, we went in to get it but they were out of serum. so maybe this week when John gets home we can do it.

Larry I have been and will continue to pray for you. 

This morning I woke up early to go to the little girls room, went back to bed for an hour and slept far longer than intended.  I have missed church so will watch church on the TV.

Have a great day folks.

I do NOT get flu shots!  I have read so much really bad stuff about the things put into the suspension fluids, it's really scary!   It can cause Alzheimer's, autism, and a whole list of other terrible problems.  They said more people die from the vaccine than from the flu!  Just me, of course, you will all do what you feel is best.

Larry, thank you for checking in; I know I was thinking of you, and am sure others are, too.

No services at our church this morning, we do have a few inches of snow, and ice under that.  They opted for safety after trying to chip ice off the walks, ramp and steps.  I drove in for church last night, only to find a notice of cancellation on the door, but it said service would be held this morning.  NOT.  But at least we got a call to tell us, before driving into town!  I appreciate that!

Carol, do you know what caused the infection on Don's back?  Good to read he is healing.  Hope your cold is much better now, too.

John has only two days more here, and we will all miss him.  I do pray he can get home safely and without delays because of weather.

Hello friends.   

Yesterday was a very trying day emotionally, you do the necessary things for someone and then they give orders ........................ My it hurts.

As for today we have another storm I have had enough already and yes our hydro flashed a wonderful thought that it might stay off.

I have a little job to get started so will say bye for now

Woohoo John is on the way home. 

We are fine here a skiff of snow nothing much.  Etta Sue on the other hand has more than enough.  Her pictures remind me of this song!



Ruth call if you need to talk.

Great snow pictures along with the song - thanks JudyB.

We are missing snow at home.  However, we were just thrilled to watch grandson play hockey in British Columbia Okenagan valley over the computer.  His team won 3 to 2 or maybe it was 4 to 2.  They were behind and came through at the third quarter. 

Cousin from Washington just called and he is in Yuma, Arizona right by the border - near a Marine Air Base  - in a retirement area.  He loves to golf now that they are retired.  He put in many years of his vacations helping in a Mexican orphanage but it is too dicey to drive down there - isn't that sad? 

Janet:  It is always so sad for both Beth and John when he leaves. 

Ruth:  Sorry that you were so helpful and that person did not recognize your work at all.  Goodness, another storm - I hope you are prepared and everything keeps working. 

Larry and Pat.  Glad that you will be home tomorrow.  Larry, can you eat little portions just a bit more often?  Plus, you may add one of the high calorie drinks they recommend. 

Time for us to look into the new week.  Here (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=12882.0) we can continue to discuss our daily activities.