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Morning Devotional...






A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver."  Proverbs 25:11


A gentleman was seated in a busy public place when he heard the surpassing sweetness of the voice of a young lady who sat near him.  This servant of Christ inquired of the lovely youngster whether she loved the Saviour and belonged to Him.  She flippantly replied, "I am not a Christian, and so I suppose I do not love the Saviour."

"Then my dear young friend," said he, "what will you do with that voice in Eternity?  Shall it be spent in the wailing of the lost forever?"

The Christian man said no more, quietly took his leave and left her to her own reflections.  The piercing question and the thoughts they engendered were the means of her conversion.

Who knows what a fitly spoken word, empowered by the Spirit of God could do in the life of an individual.  A fitly spoken word can polish-up like a golden apple, framed in silver, and be the effectual means of bringing a lost soul to Christ.

I would think words fitly spoken would be of more value than violent, vitriolic words of condemnation.  I believe fitly spoken words would be more convincing than condescending or cajoling words.  I would assume that loving words, fitly spoken would have the desired effect, for, "Charity never faileth:..."  (1 Cor. 13: 8)

What will you do when the next occasion arises to place a golden apple on the doorstep of someone's heart?  Or what will be framed in silver that falls from your lips today?  What will it be...?

Dr. Tim Green, Day Heights, OH

Wonderful devotional, Pat.  It does make me stop and consider what I will do or say whenever an occasion arises to speak of salvation.  Thank you!

Hi everyone.  We escaped any more snow this morning.  We rain during the night but the temperature stayed up and while we were at coffee this morning we saw some blue sky.  Almost all of the snow is gone now except for a remainders of snowmen that had been built in the neighborhood.  

I am happy to be able to say that Pat is feeling better today.  Her shoulder muscle is still very sore but she is not in anywhere near the pain she had for about three days.  Hopefully the worst is over.  

Today is the day the housekeeper was due but don't think she will make it as isn't feeling well.  

My men's luncheon group is going to have lunch today at Macaroni Grill.  I always enjoy their food.

I did sing in the choir yesterday but quite a bit of it was in the upper range for basses and my throat just closed up and I couldn't get the note out.  So I just moved my lips.  I think my cold is about gone today.  We did have a nice Senior luncheon after church.  The decorations were beautiful and the food was very good.  The entertainment was cancelled at the last minute as several of the ladies who were in the group performing live in North Georgia and were still snowed in.  So we got home at a good time, for which I was thankful, as wasn't feeling the best yesterday and needed the rest.  

Pat, thanks for the fine devotional.  I think it emphasizes how God uses us in ways we probably never realize.  That is why we need to guard our actions and words when with others. 

Wonderful devotional Pat.  Yes we have to be prepared on one hand and watch our words on the other!  Thank you for the reminder!

John and I went our for a Valentines, anniversary dinner.  We had a wonderful time at a new restaurant for us, The Eagles Nest.

We have had a bit of snow, and as we drove last night watching the snow was like watching sparkly diamonds in the air around us.  It was beautiful.

Have a great day everyone.

Well, after Ivalou got to church yesterday she started feeling bad.  Said she was feeling weak and wanted to go home.  Said she didn't want David Barker, an EMT, have to revive her.  So we left right after church.  I came home and got a bag of stuff for Goodwill and took it to Goodwill, ate at Taco Bell and went to Lapel for an RX refill.  I called Ivalou and she said she was feeling better but didn't know why she felt so weak at church. 

I think the class has decided to keep our 50th Reunion celebration the same and those who can stay and/or attend the Commencement a week later will.  The commencement is postponed because of making up snow days.  We have 6 more weeks of snow/ice.  Who knows how many snow days! 

Ivalou called and canceled rehab for today since we are to get 2"-4" more snow before dark.  I had already swept my deck twice and about an inch of snow each time!  Everything is white...roads, grass, snow drifts...everything again! 

But Ivalou needed some money, so we went to Lapel to the ATM, the drug store for RX refills and I started home.  She thought we were going for breakfast so we ate breakfast at the Bulldog Corner.  I was going to cash a small check but the bank is closed for President's Day.  So now we are home and not going anywhere...not even to the mailbox...no mail today! 

Kaye Don and Barb flew back to Florida today.  They should be there by now.  Their flight was at 7:30 this morning.  She is having back surgery in Florida the 22nd.  I guess if you can't talk a surgeon into surgery in Indiana, you talk one into it in Florida!  I have never seen anyone have so much surgery as Barb and Saturday at the reception, she acted like nothing was wrong at all with her back!!!  Even I can't stand still very long.  Thank God, I can sit, lie down or even walk and my back doesn't hurt.  But just standing...like at Walmart to get checked out...ouch!  I hurt! 

My heat pump has been making loud noises...the compressor outside.  First it sounded like a truck idling.  Last night it sounded like a motor boat.  The compressor is outside my bedroom window.  And it isn't throwing out as much heat.  So I called the installers this morning for them to come and check it out.  Don't want it to go out on me...it saves me heating bill money!

Etta Sue you and your sister may not WANT to go back to the ER, but if she feels rough again I would suggest you take her.  There may be something going on that needs attention.

Pat it was nice to talk to you and Paul this morning.  I miss our talks.

Has anyone heard from Don?  He is missed!

We have cadets today, Kass has arranged a sports night.  Should be good as it is both inside and outside and she has arranged to have hot chocolate as well.

Got to go.

Pat:   Thanks for the devotional.

Since I have been away many sad/happy events have happened.  2 funerals, one is a 64 yr. young gone home to eternity and the other just this week only God knows for sure.  
My cousin was admitted to the hosp. early this morning with bowl issues the Dr. has said it can be corrected without surgery and she should be home in 2 - 3 days. The Dr's. will be trying to stay away from surgery as she is a frail person. The other not so good is my brother to that more will be known in a couple of weeks.

Pat/Judy:  I am sure that you will remember Mikey what the real issue is I do not know except that he is/was in Sunny Brook Hosp. with yet more med. issues.   Such a patient & kind person.

I have completed a sewing project and accomplished a lot of tidy up jobs.  I had started a counter cross stitch kit perhaps 5 yrs. ago and I am going to start trying to get it finished.

Time to go I have just heard hubby arrive home after being at the fishing show with our son and his friend.

Ruth

See the Canadian Women's Hockey Team GO!!!!

 :cheer:     :thumbsup2: :clap: :woohoo: :excited:

We had a really nice time at the Valentine banquet last night. and I had so many nice compliments on my Viet Nam outfit.  Darrel wore one of his shirts he had made in Thailand.  We did get a couple of photos taken.

I worked this morning and had a Dr.'s appointment this afternoon.  Sort of a slow day, so I have been reading.

Pat, I hope your shoulder is better by now.  And glad that Larry's Pat is feeling some better.

Ruth, sorry about your heartaches lately.  Sometimes it is a tough world.

Hi, Etta Sue!  I wish I could let Barb have this darn surgery they want to do on my tongue!  :P

Good morning, folks.

The winners of the mini challenge "Details, Details" are posted Click Here (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=9433.msg145170#msg145170) to see them.

Should I mention it is snowing in Indiana?  I know I have about 15 inches of snow on my deck.  I shoveled about 8 inches this morning from the path I shoveled twice yesterday!  BUT I did get to the garage and used the car to make paths in my drive, Ivalou's drive and next to the mailboxes so the mailman will shut the doors on the mailboxes.  Last week, he opened them, put mail in but didn't shut the doors.  I found one letter of Ivalou's in the snow!!  So now we make sure he can get to the mailboxes. 

Today is suppose to be Euchre.  I have tried to call the hostess twice but she isn't answering.  Will keep on trying.  It isn't until 3pm. 

I have turned off my heat pump and I am using the electric fireplace to compensate using the furnace in my awake hours.  Just the furnace at night.  I called to get the heat pump fixed again this morning.  They are to be here tomorrow afternoon. 

Always something.  About the time you get ahead someone puts out their hand!  That's life!

Looks like the games have people glued to the TV to cheer on their teams.  I am cheering the Canadians....even thought they cannot hear me!  The weather seems to be holding things up out west today...

There is a communication breakdown in cadets, one of the cadets is not doing what she should and Kass has gone over her head. to the next level up.  We'll see what happens.

I have stuff to get done, be back later.

We Just got the call.  John's cousin passed away this morning.  As many of you know this is not unexpected.  Please pray for his wife and family in the coming days.  Bob was 74.

I got back to Guelph on Saturday after a rather full week of shoveling snow in Falls Church VA. The house there is on the market and still waiting for a buyer. The snow in Winchester will just have to melt over the next three weeks or so!
The following is from an e-mail I received while I was gone and I thought you might like to read it too. - - -

                         * * * * * * * * *

I once read that a coincidence is just when
God chooses to remain anonymous.......  
 

   The SPARROW at STARBUCKS


The song that silenced the cappuccino machine

It was chilly in Manhattan but warm inside the Starbucks shop on 51st Street and Broadway, just a skip up from Times Square . Early November weather in New York City holds only the slightest hint of the bitter chill of late December and January, but it's enough to send the masses crowding indoors to vie for available space and warmth.
For a musician, it's the most lucrative Starbucks location in the world, I'm told, and consequently, the tips can be substantial if you play your tunes right. Apparently, we were striking all the right chords that night, because our basket was almost overflowing.
It was a fun, low-pressure gig - I was playing keyboard and singing backup for my friend who also added rhythm with an arsenal of percussion instruments. We mostly did pop songs from the '40s to the '90s with a few original tunes thrown in. During our emotional rendition of the classic, "If You Don't Know Me by Now," I noticed a lady sitting in one of the lounge chairs across from me. She was swaying to the beat and singing along.
After the tune was over, she approached me. "I apologize for singing along on that song. Did it bother you?" she asked.
"No," I replied. "We love it when the audience joins in. Would you like to sing up front on the next selection?"
To my delight, she accepted my invitation. "You choose," I said. "What are you in the mood to sing?"
"Well. ... do you know any hymns?"
Hymns? This woman didn't know who she was dealing with. I cut my teeth on hymns.. Before I was even born, I was going to church. I gave our guest singer a knowing look. "Name one."
"Oh, I don't know. There are so many good ones.. You pick one."
"Okay," I replied. "How about 'His Eye is on the Sparrow'?"
My new friend was silent, her eyes averted. Then she fixed her eyes on mine again and said, "Yeah. Let's do that one."
She slowly nodded her head, put down her purse, straightened her jacket and faced the center of the shop. With my two-bar setup, she began to sing.
Why should I be discouraged?  
Why should the shadows come?
The audience of coffee drinkers was transfixed. Even the gurgling noises of the cappuccino machine ceased as the employees stopped what they were doing to listen. The song rose to its conclusion.
I sing because I'm happy;  I sing because I'm free.
For His eye is on the sparrow,  And I know He watches me.
When the last note was sung, the applause crescendoed to a deafening roar that would have rivaled a sold-out crowd at Carnegie Hall. Embarrassed, the woman tried to shout over the din, "Oh, y'all go back to your coffee! I didn't come in here to do a concert! I just came in here to get something to drink, just like you!" But the ovation continued...  I embraced my new friend.. "You, my dear, have made my whole year! That was beautiful!"
"Well, it's funny that you picked that particular hymn," she said.
"Why is that?"
"Well . .." she hesitated again, "that was my daughter's favorite song."
"Really!" I exclaimed.
"Yes," she said, and then grabbed my hands. By this time, the applause had subsided and it was business as usual.. "She was 16. She died of a brain tumor last week."
I said the first thing that found its way through my stunned silence. "Are you going to be okay?"
She smiled through tear-filled eyes and squeezed my hands. "I'm gonna be okay. I've just got to keep trusting the Lord and singing his songs, and everything's gonna be just fine." She picked up her bag, gave me her card, and then she was gone.
Was it just a coincidence that we happened to be singing in that particular coffee shop on that particular November night? Coincidence that this wonderful lady just happened to walk into that particular shop? Coincidence that of all the hymns to choose from, I just happened to pick the very hymn that was the favorite of her daughter, who had died just the week before? I refuse to believe it.
God has been arranging encounters in human history since the beginning of time, and it's no stretch for me to imagine that he could reach into a coffee shop in midtown Manhattan and turn an ordinary gig into a revival. It was a great reminder that if we keep trusting him and singing his songs, everything's gonna be okay.
The next time you feel like GOD can't use YOU, just remember...
 
•   Abraham was too old
•   Isaac was a daydreamer
•   Jacob was a liar
•   Leah was ugly
•   Joseph was abused
•   Moses had a stuttering problem
•   Gideon was afraid
•   Sampson had long hair and was a womanizer
•   Rahab was a prostitute
•   Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
•   David had an affair and was a murderer
•   Elijah was suicidal  
•   Jonah ran from God
•   Naomi was a widow
•   Job went bankrupt
•   John the Baptist ate bugs
•   Peter denied Christ
•   The Disciples fell asleep while praying
•   Martha worried about everything
•   The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once
•   Zaccheus was too small
•   Paul was too religious
•   Timothy had an ulcer...AND
•   Lazarus was dead!
 

No more excuses now!!
God can use you to your full potential. Besides you aren't the message, you are just the messenger.
God bless

Thanks Paul for sharing that.

Thanks Paul!  What a lovely addition to this week's "Thoughts".  One of my favourite pieces too.

Thanks, Paul.  I'm so glad you posted that.   :thumbsup:

Hi everyone.  The day is flying by but I wanted to come and read the postings.  I had a busy morning with the normal activities.  The housekeeper just got here after cleaning another house.  We was scheduled for yesterday but was ill and had to cancel.  She will do two rooms today and I think she is to come back tomorrow to finish the rest. 

Happy to report that Pat is much better today.  She felt like working in the kitchen.  She is hosting a game day on Thursday with some women friends and was making a big pot of a delicious chicken soup, which will be the entree for the meal.  When I got up from my nap this afternoon I put together a broccoli/cauliflower salad that I really like.  It also has cheddar cheese and bacon and green onions with a nice dressing.  It is one of my favorite but we don't have it too often as it is really a lot of chopping and work to put together.  I do very little food preparation in the kitchen other than to fix my own breakfast and lunch.  I can heat up a TV dinner once in a while.  :)

Paul, glad to see you got through the snow and back to Canada.  Our snow is all gone now as we had rain night before last and it melted the 3 or 4 inches we had on the ground.  At our Valentine Dinner for the seniors at church Sunday the lady who MC'ed read the Starbuck's piece as the main part of the substitute program.  It is a good story.

Judy, sorry to read of the death in your family. 

Ruth, also sorry to read of the problems your family has been experiencing.  It seems there are so many people who are ill.  We have also had a fairly large number of deaths within our church family already this year.

Etta Sue, sure glad Ivalou is feeling better.  Don't send that snow down this way.

Well I have some computer work I need to get done for the Senior Golden games so best get to it.

Paul, thank you for sharing that.  I don't think I had read it before.  It reminded me of the friend who was here recently, who also lost a teenage daughter.

Today was my last day to work for a while.  I am rather glad about that.  Getting up so early made me so sleepy I was falling asleep at home every time I sat down.  They will call me if they need me.   I did go back this afternoon to help a little with Ladies' Tea.

Larry, glad Pat is better.  Hope you both stay well!

I must now turn my attention to preparing for my portrait class next week!

Thanks so very much for that, Paul.  I really appreciated it.

Paul:  Thank you for the message.

Larry:  Belated birthday greetings to you, enjoy the week.   

Etta Sue:  I hope that your heat pump continues to work.  

JudyB:  No, I had read about your relative so it wasn't unexpected but it is still sad for the family.    Hugs

          Judy:  Go USA Women's Hockey   .........

I have been glued to the t.v. while sewing a quilt top now the third afternoon in a row.  My machine has been sitting on top of the dining table so I would not miss much.  And, the Swedes have a Gold medal for X-country, whew!  Wonderful for the young man who got the first Gold Medal for Canada and his brother with Spinal Bifida was so thrilled for him.  

We are packed and ready to head for Arizona on Friday but --- snow is coming Thursday so we will check it out and leave that morning if needful.  

So sorry about John's cousin, Judy.

Hi everyone.  I am checking in early today as will be gone all morning and then have choir this evening.  I think I will be able to sing without problems tonight.  Sunday I had no higher notes and it felt like my throat was frozen--an awful feeling when trying to sing.  My cold is pretty well gone now, for which I am grateful.

It is cold here this morning.

What?  No snow in the near future in Indiana?  Did I hear right?  But they are saying light snow Saturday evening!  And the temperature isn't to be above freezing so this white stuff will still be here for awhile. 

Thanks, Paul, for the story.  We never know when we are among angels.

I haven't even had time to watch the Olympics.  I just get snippets about it.  Yesterday USA was ahead in medals...that's good for USA.

Euchre was so much fun!  We played cards, then ate meat loaf, mac and cheese, green beans, salad and Diet Cokes.  Then we sat around Jane's table and talked awhile.  Before we left we all had to clean our cars off.  A fun evening! 

Today is rehab and getting my heat pump fixed.  But no snow makes my heart smile.

Good morning everyone! 

Etta Sue, I love that "Hello" animation!  It's a lovely sparkly start to my day.  ;)  Sounds like you really enjoy your euchre evenings.

Larry, I'm so glad your cold is so much better.  When it comes to singing, they can use me to clear a building.   ;D

I was supposed to go to a meeting last night, but there was nearly six inches of heavy new snow on my front steps and driveway, not to mention my car, it was still snowing, and the temperature was hovering around 20 F.  I decided that much exertion in those temperatures wouldn't be a smart thing and was just about to call and opt out.  But before I could call, the phone rang and the meeting had been canceled.  :D  Then later in the evening, after it stopped snowing, I heard my neighbor clearing the porch and walk.  So now I can clear the car off in stages this afternoon and I'll be in business!  The Lord is GOOD!

GO CANADA Men's Hockey!!!

Elizabeth slept in today ...got up with 15 minutes to spare....going to be a rough day for her.  I hate sleeping in lake that.

The steering box on John's truck needed replacing so her has been off longer than expected.  Then last night they decided that they need to replace the rad.  Sooooo He is still home.  YEA for me but that is not good for the pay check.

Got to run
God Bless you all.

May I share this email I received here.?? Long but well worth it.

Passing the Purple Hat to You

IN honor of women's history month and in memory of Erma Bombeck who lost her fight with cancer.
 
IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck
(written after she found out she was dying from cancer).

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
 
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
 
I would have talked less and listened more.
 
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
 
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
 
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
 
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
 
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
 
I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
 
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
 
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.' There would have been more 'I love you's' More 'I'm sorry's.'

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute.look at it and really see it . live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!

Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what
Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.

Thanks, Joyce.  Good advice for all of us.   :D

Thanks, Jeanne.

Thanks for sharing your email, Paul, that was great.

Hope you have better luck with the sale of your house, ours has been on the market for two years ...Everyone loves my house but no mortgages to be found for it (and trust me, we have lowered the price quite a bit)

Mostly , the people say the house is to big for them to handle--big victorian with lovely chestnut wood throughout and high  ceilings and pocket doors.

But the good Lord above knows the reason why I haven't sold yet, and someday HE will let me see why.

And I will probably say "Praise the Lord" you were so right for making me wait so long. Because I trust HIM for everything, I KNOW for a FACT that HE has something better planned for me and I will wait

Have a good day to all

Joyce:  Thanks, I have always enjoyed the wisdom in the writings of Erma Bombeck.  She was so funny that her little windows on life made me laugh out loud.  Remember having sprinkled men's shirts and forgetting them in the refrigerator - well, I did just that thing.  Who can think of everything when there are 4 little munchkins in the house?  Your house will sell - we had one just like you describe and it finally sold. 

Larry:  Cannot imagine why your voice felt frozen - I hope that your cold improves. 

Well, I am feeling  :-[ because I heard Don tell me yesterday that we would leave a day early if snow was coming - it is - and he just told me that the plan was always Friday. 

Hi Everyone!

It's so nice to come in here and read all of your "newsy" posts letting us know what you are all doing.

We've had such a strange winter this year so far.  We've not had to do much digging out due to deep snow at all.  It's been kind of nice!  ;)



Paul and I were reading our devotional the other morning and this one I thought I'd share with you all:


God is Nowhere

"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God..."  Psalm 14:1

"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God..."  Psalm 53:1


God has said it twice; that is a double dose of reality.

An infidel lay dying.  At the foot of his bed were these words written in chalk, "God is nowhere."  His little daughter came into the room and stood beside the death bed of her daddy.  He feebly and with some remorse asked her to read the sign.  She silently sounded out the words and then in her lilting voice, exuberantly read, "God is now here!"  The father's eyes filled with tears, for his child's rendering of the fateful sentence.  The dying man recognized the error of his former life and felt himself a lost sinner in the presence of God.  He humbly repented of his past unbelief and found God to be the friend of sinners and the Saviour.

My advice to you would be the words of the prophet Isaiah, "Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:  Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts:  and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon" (Isa. 55:6,7).  It is a foolish thing and a dangerous game men play to believe that "God is nowhere."  He is everywhere and He is now here for you, "...whither shall I flee from thy presence?  If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there:  if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there" (Psa. 139:7a & 8 ).

Thanks, Pat.   :thumbsup:

That's a truly beautiful set of thoughts, Pat.  Some think of the omnipresence of God merely as a doctrine, but oh how we need to see it as an intensely practical doctrine!

Just checking in to let all y'all  know I am still around and here reading all the posts. I have been real busy with lessons in animations and in PSP stationery classes. I am learning how to change  parameters in scripts so they will be  more of my own creation, I sure do like what effects I am getting in PSPPX2 Ultimate. Etta  Sue you would love the program for your photos. The only thing is you will need a DVD player to install it on your desktop, I don't have a DVD on my tower so they sent me a download link then I put it on my tower and on my Netbook. I have an external drive that I keep  things n and that I  use to back up my desktop.

I have already been out around 10AM for my two walks It is beautiful here today  didn't even need my sweatshirt so just tied it around my waist and went on my way. Total walking time 40 minutes. Probably did about 2½ miles.

Today was a 'light sweater day' here, so nice.  I have been enjoying watching some of the Olympics;  I especially enjoy the figure skating and the couples figure skating.  That little redheaded guy won the gold in snowboarding tonight, he was really happy, of course.

We are going car shopping tomorrow.  :(  The transmission is out of the Cruiser, and repairs would be around $2000, more than we want to spend on it.  Phooey.  I don't want to buy a car.  If you have extra prayer time (or is you just want to help us out) please pray that God will lead us to the perfect vehicle for our needs.  Thanks.  Darrel is thinking Ford Fusion...........  I don't know.

Anyway, it is time for bed, so good night all.

Marilyn, I have Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 so I doubt if I would pay for having the Ultimate.  I will check it out on the web and see if it would be worth it.  Right now I would love to know how to make snowy photos white instead of blue!  Anyone??

Well, the heat pump had ice under the cover and the fan was hitting it.  So he cleaned out the ice and left with me having the same amount in my billfold.  But this morning it was making the same noise.  I will wait and see if it changes during the day although I don't think it is suppose to get above freezing.  I just went out there to see if there was snow against the cover but not much.  And the compressor wasn't on then so it was quiet.  Oh, well.  Just glad I have that dilemma.  That means I have heat in my house!

Today Kitty and I are going swimming.  And then Hobby Lobby and Marsh's grocery store.  Yesterday I got some black jelly beans at Marsh and Kitty wants some for her g'kids Easter baskets.  Love jelly beans and black are the best!  Hey, they are fat-free so that means 'healthy', right??

Just looked at the 7-day forecast and the high for all those days is 33° and that's today!!  No snow until Saturday evening but that isn't to end until Monday morning!!  I keep telling myself to love this snow...we will wish it was cooler in July!  It is beautiful I must say.  So thank you, God, for your beautiful eye candy!

Really I don't mind snow...it is the temperature that I don't like.  If I didn't have to bundle up to go outside, I would like the temperature, too!  And I will be happy to get back into my sandels and Crocs!!

Hi everyone.  It is a beautiful day here in Georgia and seems to be warming up a bit.  Still a bit of wind that has a bite but much better than yesterday.  

Last evening I attended the Ash Wednesday service at church, which was well attended.  Afterwards we had choir practice.  However, there were only 3 men there to practice and not too many women.  I learned last night that one of our church members was murdered earlier this week up in North Georgia.  The service is Saturday.  I do not know the person or the family.  

Today is Pat's ladies game day here at the house.  She is putting the last touches on the chicken soup she made for lunch.  It is a very good recipe she got from a friend several years ago and uses lemon to add a bit of a tart favor to the soup, along with lots of chicken.  A couple of the ladies are bringing side dishes so the soup and some veggies is all Pat had to make.  I helped her get the table leaf in the table and think things are pretty well organized.  She is feeling much, much better than at the end of last week.  

I will spend the day here in my office and then take a nice nap this afternoon.  I have already been to coffee and we walked a mile at the church gym.  It is nice to have a day ahead where you don't have to go anywhere.

Janet, I don't envy you in car shopping.  I always dread having to do that as always feel I have been taken advantage of whether that is the case or not.  I have also enjoyed the figure skating and the events I have seen on TV.  Yesterday was a good day for the USA in terms of medals.  

Marilyn, you are going to be an expert in PSP work.  It is obvious that you really enjoy it and the results are certainly great.

Pat, thanks for sharing that devotional thought.  My mind can't get around the idea that you could live in the universe and not see the handiwork of God all around you.  I know we often fail to acknowledge the glories and miracles we see happen in our daily lives but it doesn't mean they are not there.  Glad you have not had to deal with a lot of snow this winter.  It has been a strange weather season, but guess we tend to say that about every season.

Carol, I was talking with the choir director last evening about my throat just locking up in the higher range of notes.  She had no explanation but understood what I was talking about as did several other choir members who said they had experienced the same thing in the past.  Last night I didn't have any problem so think it must have related to the effects of the cold I had last week.  I was fortunate in that the cold was only a light one and seems to be gone now.

Joyce, thanks for sharing the Erma Bombeck advice.  There is much wisdom contained in her observations.

Judy, hope they have John's truck fixed by today.  Does he always drive the same truck?

Jeanne, sounds like you were wise in planning not to attend the meeting with bad weather.  Others must have come to the same conclusion.

Etta Sue, glad your heat pump problem wasn't serious.  I have had heat pumps freeze up and once they thawed out they were fine.  I don't think the fact that jelly beans have no fat really makes them a health food. :lol: :lol:  Good try though.  I do not care for the black jelly beans but do like all of the other flavors.  Pat likes the black ones.

In this morning's email:

Note >From Judge

During court one busy day, the judge quietly passed the clerk a note reading: "Blind on right side, may be falling. Please call someone."

Understandably alarmed, the clerk called for help before whispering to the judge that paramedics were on their way.

Puzzled, the judge pointed to a sagging Venetian blind on the right side of the room and explained, "I was thinking maybe someone from maintenance!"

*Thanks to Pastor Tim for this joke!*
cybersalt.org/cleanlaugh

 Etta Sue  I didn't know you already had X2. Good. To change your snow from blue to white  use the Hue and Saturation  and play with that until you are satisfied with the color of the snow. if you  have other things in the picture  besides the snow,  first go to layers promote the background layer;  then select the snow with the freehand tool. Got o adjust and select Hue and saturation.I have included screen shots

GO CANADA

Christine Nesbitt won Gold in speed skating ahead of the Netherlands.  It is a dray in this house whether we rejoice with her or mourn the Netherlands loss... they did get silver and bronze though

Well, I'm going to enjoy watching the olympics tonight.  Hockey game is just starting!

Hey it's after nine in the morning over there on the right coast.  Where is everybody?

I'm here Alan.

Doctor's appointment today so will be away for awhile.

Hope everyone has a lovely day this Friday.

Hi everyone.  Not much on the schedule for today.  I have already been to coffee and six of us walked at the church gym this morning. 

It is a beautiful day here and suppose to warm up a bit.  I have nothing on my schedule for today.  I did get another batch of Senior Golden Games applications to enter into the database and prepare a report on each one and a certificate so have plenty of work to keep busy today.

Does Canada still recognize 'If Day'?  I read about 'If Day' in my
Daily Bread devotion (http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml) this morning. 

Marilyn ~ Yes, I have had PSPPX2 for quite awhile.  I also have PSP 8 on my laptop because of the Animation Shop with it.  Kitty tried to tell me how to make snow white but she was telling me she has a setting on the camera.  She has a Canon.  Mine is a Sony...no comparison in what they can do or the price.  Personally, I like my Sony...almost a point and shoot.  Thanks to your Hue and Saturation advice.  Will try that today! 

Kitty and I went swimming yesterday.  I will have to say that I think I am getting better.  At least, I swam three laps freestyle all the way across without floundering!!  I bought some goggles a few weeks back and that helps me to have my eyes open under water and I swim faster with my face in the water!  Thank God for Kitty's eye sight, though.  Before getting out of the water, I dunked my head backwards to get my hair out of my eyes.  Kitty said later that something was in the water.  My Goggles!  I had my goggles up on my head and when I dunked my head they came off! 

After we went to Hobby Lobby, Marsh's and Don Pablos to eat we went to Kitty's house for her to show me her Wii.  I talked her into getting Wii software titled Just Dance a few weeks back.  So I got to see that and her Wii Fitness Plus.  I will probably have a Wii one of these days.  Looks like a great way to get some exercise and have fun at the same time. 

Another sunny day in Indiana but still below freezing.  There are some spots of grass showing and all the snow is melted off the pavements.  Weird that it melts off pavement when it is below freezing and sunny but glad that happens.  Not planning on going anywhere today...a ho hum day!  Yay! 

Be it known to you, Etta Sue, that reading quickly the first time through, I thought you said that when you "dunked backwards" your head came off in the water!  Well, I'm glad it didn't, 'cause they're harder to put back on.

I'm concerned about Larry this morning.  It appears that he spooked a zebra from the local circus, which got loose and led police a merry chase down the interstate.

Funny Al!  I saw that on FOX news and saw that it was Atlanta and thought about Larry!  :)

I missed that bit of news about the zebra (and Larry?  ;D ).

During my long wakeful hours I've discovered CNBC after the NBC Olympics coverage goes off and saw the the Canadian hockey won last night and then came curling.  I love watching that - and again the Canadian team won.   :cheer:  Of course, if Canada faces USA in anything I'll have to change my support.   :D  I was happy to see that the overbearing and conceited Russian Pluscenko (spelling?) didn't get gold in men's figure skating, but I would have been even happier if he'd come in fourth instead of second! 

Hi everyone.  I want it know that it wasn't my zebra and I wasn't out there on the interstate chasing it.  :)  Apparently the drivers slowed down so as not to spook the zebra, which was lose from a circus here in town. 

We had a nice evening yesterday.  We met the two couples we often eat with at Texas Roadhouse and then went to the home of one of the couples and played dominos. 

I had a quiet day yesterday and didn't begin to get done what I had intended.  Perhaps I will get some of it done today.  I have about 60 new applications for the Golden Games to process.

I am enjoying watching the Olympics and it is certainly a good one for the USA.  Jeannie I agree with you on the Russian skater.  I think he was certain he would win another gold medal. 

Etta Sue, I think a lot of people enjoy the Wii.  I have never had the opportunity to use one or be around one.

Hope this is a good day for everyone.

I am back!  Seems a lot has been going on in your lives during my brief absence.  Mine, too!  We prayed about finding a car, prayed we would be led to the perfect car for our needs, at the best price; get the best trade-in, that the new one be reliable and trustworthy, and even a color we both like.  God is faithful!  He led us to one we both really like, even though it isn't one we had even considered before going.  We found a lovely Mercury Sable, '09 model, suede white, with more "bells and whistles" than we even knew existed!  It has 21,000 miles on it, a few more than we wanted, but not bad, and was a one-owner car and has been very well cared for.  Interior is two tone, pale gray and darker gray, which I like a lot.  I dislike black or charcoal interiors, and that's about all they make now, with the addition of tan colors, darker and lighter.

Also, they gave us over twice the book value of the Cruiser (sight unseen!) for the trade!  And, much to my relief, the mechanic found the transmission wasn't out after all.  It had a very clogged filter!  (I wasn't even aware there was a filter on the transmission!  And they even gave us two certificates to go eat pizza, so we can have a couple meals out!  I was very satisfied with the deal.  The total price, including fees and taxes was about what Darrel had decided we could do, so as I said, God is faithful!  We did drive a Ford Fusion, really a nice little car, but smaller and lighter, and the price was within a couple thousand of the Sable.  The sable is quiet, rides and handles like a dream.........I think we will be very happy with our purchase--especially when we get it paid off!  ;)  We test drove a really nice Lincoln, too, but it was several thousand higher, and BLACK inside.  The Fusion was black inside and out!  NO!  On a country road, it would never be clean!  Okay, enough already about the car!.....except for this  ;)...Darrel said after we got the PT back, that we could have driven it for several more months, but we had already made the deal, and a few months wouldn't have made much difference.

Etta Sue, I dislike black candy of any kind, so you can have mine!  Darrel got some of those sugar free jelly beans (he loves jelly beans) and they gave him the runs something terrible!  Hope you don't get that effect!

Larry, enjoy your slow day.  We all need those occasionally.  I won't be having one anytime soon!  Today is scrapbooking day, then my portrait class is all this coming week, then the following week I have to have a physical, and then surgery, for which we will go to Dodge City.  Yuck.  I'd rather skip it entirely.  I am more than tired of doctor's stuff.  We have been so busy that I even forgot to go have the nurse look at my TB test she did, now I wil have to have it done again.  :( :-[

And now, before this gets to be a book, I will say .....  see you later!

Janet, praise God for leading you to the perfect car for your needs!  Amazing what He will do for us when we let Him!   :thumbsup:  I don't like black cars, either.  Not only do they get dirty the fastest of any color, but to me they always look like something either  for a funeral or a "mafia" car. 

Cars.  I hope I need to purchase another one someday.  That means that I hope I live long enough to need a different car.  But not enthused about the cost or using my money for it but I guess that is better than giving my money to a nursing home... 

And my least favorite color for a car is silver.  I feel silver isn't finished.  It looks to me like the primer and needs another color on top.  As for interior, I would rather have black than tan...that to me looks like newborn baby stuff!  I had a Tropical Teal Geo Prism once.  Loved that color.  More green than blue but if you could see a tiny square of that color in the parking lot, you knew it was your car. 

Well, my heat pump is still making noises.  But it is heating the house.  Just don't know if I should keep using it or shut it off and use that expensive gas. 

Today is a baby shower for Charlene's oldest twin.  Carol is due to have Claire Elizabeth sometime in April.  She conceived through InVitro and is having a hard time...she has fibroid cysts in her uterus as well as Claire.  She lives in Troy, Michigan, so it is hard for her to be away from her Mother right now.  I crocheted her the cutest shocking pink baby afghan and edged it with a ruffle of neon colors varigated yarn.  I think it is the prettiest baby afghan I have ever made.  Ivalou is going with me. 

It was snowing when I first got up but has now stopped!  But we are suppose to have more snow in the next few days!

I have not read all the posts.  I am on my way out, to return the car we borrowed. 

The funeral went well....if that is possible for funerals.  The family did well......it was/is taxing for families to bury a loved family member.  Jean will feel the loss today....after family goes home.

It was good to meet with family members that we haven't  seen since John's uncle passed away.  IT is sad that as we age families go their separate ways.  It used to be that we would meet up at weddings, now it is funerals.  Bob was the first of our generation on John's side to "graduate".  As was said about our brother "The final exam was a tough one."

One thing that was said Bob was well enough to go on a mission trip a year ago.  He started to go downhill rapidly about 3 - 6 months ago. His work here on earth was done.

I have a lot to do today so I won't be back till later.

Janet what are you having Surgery for?  Yesterday I went to the Doc who will be doing my Colonoscopy on Wednesday to pick up the prep and have him explain everything that he will be doing. Today I woke up with a full blown head cold that I knew was coming yesterday. I sure don't feel god and hope I am good enough on Wednesday so the procedure won't get put off and I have to do the prep again.

Al Where are you and what  have you been doing? How is Marbeth? I sure miss being able to call you to see how you are doing.

Where is Don? He is also among the missing.

I spoke to Don's wife last night.  They are busy in the greenhouses preparing for the coming year.  They are presently preparing their hanging baskets.

We are home, the girls and I.  They bought themselves hair dye, so guess what they are doing!!!  Hair grows out, or grows in which ever the case. 

I am tired tonight.  I will be back tomorrow.

Marilyn - not sure what you mean, "where are I."  Same place as before.  Marbeth is slightly better, but she has a tremor in her right arm and hand.  Pray that it'll go away.  Otherwise, all is relatively well.

I am home for a brief break before I go to the concert.  Had a good day, got a lot of scrapbooking done.  I worked on Alexis' and ran out of pages; think I did about 12 pages, which is a really good amount for one day.  ;)

I went by the care home and had the charge nurse look at my arm.  I hope that prevents my having to get the TB test done again.  :-\  Beth was in a good mood and happy to see Pat and me.

I have a hemoangioma on the tip of my tongue.  It has grown from the size of a match head to the size of a marble, and the doctors think it needs to be removed.  It doesn't bother me, except I am self-conscious about it because it is so ugly.  Not often anyone sees it, but if they do, they always ask, "Oh, my!  Did you bite your tongue?"  The ENT Dr. says it will be painful and bloody, and that he will have to re-shape the tip of my tongue, so it won't be forked.  I told him I'd rather not speak with forked tongue.  ;)  He wants me to have a full physical, including chest X-rays and blood work, before I go.  I will probably have to stay at least one night, for pain control.  Sigh........ ???
The surgery is set for March 4.  I just want to get it over with so I don't have to dread it.  Physical is the second.

It is foggy, drizzly and cold here and has been most of the day.

See you tomorrow!

Janet, that doesn't sound like fun!   :(  I'll be praying for you.

Judy, thanks for letting us know that the reason Don hasn't been around is due to his business, not because he's sick. 

Al, prayers going out for Marbeth's hand and arm, and for your well being, too.

Well Al it is good to know you are still in your humorous self. I will pray for Marbeth.

The only thing I really dread about the colonoscopy is that I have to go with out my pain pills after Tomorrow night. The Dr. said if I really needed them I could take them. the only reason he said not to is because the thin the blood,. If he comes across a polyp there might be some bleeding but probably not because the cauterize  it right away. I just don't want to have my hands and feet in pain. I am probably stressing over nothing. God is in control  and there is nothing for me to stress about.

Janet I had forgotten that you had that on your tongue. Oops I am now 70 ya know.  <3 haha

Marilyn, I'll be keeping you, too, in my prayers.  It's never easy (at least for me) to stop anticipating what might or might not happen and just leave it in God's hands. 

Janet ~ I remembered your tongue after you told us again.  I imagine the tongue is a hard place to heal so do stay overnight.  Also I sent you an email and it came back.  Do you know why?  It was you gmail account.

The baby shower was great and everyone ooohed and aaaahed over the shocking pink baby afghan I crocheted.  On the way home Ivalou and I had Long John Silvers.  I haven't had that for years.  Really good. 

The rest of the evening was the computer and TV.  Not much going on.

And it was really nice to wake up this morning with the temperature above freezing!!  And we didn't get that snow that was predicted for Saturday night.  And I hope we don't get any tonight.  Ivalou is to be at rehab by 8am tomorrow morning...also the trash needs to be taken to Kaye Don's drive. 

I am ready for church, then probably out to eat with the women and I feel a nap coming on this afternoon.  Another one of those nights. :o

Hi everyone.  I was able to sleep in a bit this morning as had stayed up late watching the Olympic coverage.  I have really enjoyed the games this year.  The elation that you see on the faces of the winners is something to behold.  I will probably watch more of the Games later today.

It is still 90 minutes before time to leave for church.  Pat said she doesn't want to go out with the group for lunch so we will probably just stop somewhere for something quick to eat. 

I spent several hours yesterday finishing the book "The Lost Symbol" by Dan Brown.  It is a complex book but I found it very interesting.  It was over 500 pages and was able to read it in about 4 or 5 days.  I have three other books from the library I would like to read in the next few days.  I seem to take spells at reading.  I love to read but often don't get much of it done as spend time on the computer.

Janet, I sure don't envy you the upcoming surgery.  That sounds like a place you really don't want to have surgery but we have to do what we have to do.  I know you will be fine.  Your new vehicle sounds very nice.  These new(er) cars really do drive nicely.  Hope you really enjoy it.  I remember when you got the PT Crusier.  Pat's cousin in Florida has one of those and he really likes it.

Etta Sue, it has been a long time since we ate at a Long John Silver's place.  May have to give them another try.

Marilyn, sure hope you are able to have your procedure on Wednesday.  I think the anticipation is much worse than the actual test, at least that was my experience.  I have learned to take things as they come and know that "this too shall pass".

Al, glad to hear that Marbeth is better.  Hope you are doing well.

Judy, hair dye is certainly something that isn't permanent.  I am sure your girls will have fun with the dye.

Well I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday.  It is a beautiful day here in Georgia.

Marilyn, I got a chuckle out of your saying "Al, good to see you are your humorous self.  I will pray for Marbeth."  It just struck me as funny.  ;)

For me, the dreading was many times worse than the procedure, and I dragged my heels every inch of the way.  :-[  This next surgery is concerning because of the great blood supply to the tongue.  He told me there will be lots of pain, that I won't be able to speak clearly, eat anything hot (temperature wise) or spicy until it heals....not a pretty picture.  He says it should heal in two weeks.  I know the mouth usually does heal quickly, because of the good blood supply.  The thing that made me decide to go ahead with it was that he told me about an elderly lady he knows who has one "bigger than a walnut" that makes it hard to even close her mouth, interferes with her speech, and is now to the point no doctor wants to touch it.  If mine wasn't growing, I would ignore it.  Mom has one she's had for many years, but it hasn't grown at all.  Phooey.  Jeanne, thanks so much for your prayers.

We had a missionary couple speak at church today.  They are called to minister to the Native Americans, were planning to go to the Apache in Arizona, but God led then to Lawrence, Kansas, where there is the ONLY college for Native Americans in the whole U.S.!  They have students from 130 to 150 different Native American Nations attending that college.  Have you ever heard about that school?  I surely hadn't.  It is Haskell University, and what an awesome opportunity it presents for spreading the Gospel, showing love, and helping people.  I was really impressed with this young couple and their ministry.

Larry, we had the PT Cruiser for seven years, and I really liked it.  Would not have gotten rid of it, but.....you know the rest of the story.  It never did get even close to the mileage they said it would get, though.

Time to find something for me to eat.  Darrel had his version of chop suey, left from last night.  But I don't know that he left any for me.  He knows I don't care for some of the things he puts in it.  ;)

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