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Morning Devotional...

"And the LORD shall guide thee continually."- Isa_58:11


"The Lord shall guide thee." Not an angel, but JEHOVAH shall guide thee. He said he would not go through the wilderness before his people, an angel should go before them to lead them in the way; but Moses said, "If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence."

Christian, God has not left you in your earthly pilgrimage to an angel's guidance: he himself leads the van. You may not see the cloudy, fiery pillar, but Jehovah will never forsake you. Notice the word shall-"The Lord shall guide thee." How certain this makes it! How sure it is that God will not forsake us! His precious "shalls" and "wills" are better than men's oaths. "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

Then observe the adverb continually. We are not merely to be guided sometimes, but we are to have a perpetual monitor; not occasionally to be left to our own understanding, and so to wander, but we are continually to hear the guiding voice of the Great Shepherd; and if we follow close at his heels, we shall not err, but be led by a right way to a city to dwell in.

If you have to change your position in life; if you have to emigrate to distant shores; if it should happen that you are cast into poverty, or uplifted suddenly into a more responsible position than the one you now occupy; if you are thrown among strangers, or cast among foes, yet tremble not, for "the Lord shall guide thee continually."

There are no dilemmas out of which you shall not be delivered if you live near to God, and your heart be kept warm with holy love. He goes not amiss who goes in the company of God. Like Enoch, walk with God, and you cannot mistake your road. You have infallible wisdom to direct you, immutable love to comfort you, and eternal power to defend you. "Jehovah"-mark the word-"Jehovah shall guide thee continually."

Charles H. Spurgeon

Hi everyone on this 34 degree Sunday morning here in South Carolina.  We finally saw the sun yesterday, which certainly was welcome and we should have more of it this morning but then become cloudy this afternoon.  Our plans for today are to attend Sunday School and church and then will go somewhere for lunch.  I did get to Walmart yesterday morning and the Post Office but decided against going to coffee and just came back home and got quite a few little chores accomplished.  If I don't get things done in the morning anymore they will usually be put off until the next day.  I did take over a container of the Chocolate Peanut Clusters that Pat had made to our new neighbors.  I had a nice visit with the lady of the house and met her grandson, who is living with them.  I am planning on doing the in-home sleep study tonight.  It is just for one night. 

Jeanne, I have opened the webpage to do the voting on the photos and will view it after I finish the message boards.

Janet, hope the drive to Dodge City went well and that Abby came in first.  I am anxious to learn of the results.  Your upcoming trip perhaps will let you unwind and you will come home refreshed. 

Jane,  very fine Devotional Thoughts for this week.  God doesn't give up on him and is there to guide us if we are willing to be led and seek his guidance and direction.

Hope everyone visiting here has a nice Sunday.

We got home last night from Dodge City at midnight--but our coach didn't turn into a pumpkin!    We enjoyed the pageant, and were sorry that Abby didn't win.  We really felt she should have won, and not just because she is our granddaughter.  It just seemed that the girls who do not live in Dodge City weren't even considered.  I guess they only invite them because the organization wants the money!  When Abby came onstage for her dance, which was her talent, they started her music in the wrong place.  She stood, frozen in position without moving a muscle, while they tried three times.  She finally walked off to tell them what they were doing wrong.  They only allow 90 seconds for each girl's talent, and if she had started, she would have had to continue, and with the music wrong, it would have thrown her whole choreography off.  Anyway, they said "technical difficulties" and put her at the end of the lineup.  Then she danced beautifully, using the entire stage!  But she handled the delay with great poise and confidence.  Then, when asked the question, she gave the best answer of any of them.  Most were so flustered because they didn't know what question they would be asked, that they didn't really answer the question at all, just stumbled around.  Sour grapes?  Not really, I've been to enough of those things now to know when it's just not right.  The Lord told me when we were leaving home that Abby wouldn't win, so I wasn't as upset over it as I might have been.  I know it will work for good in her life.  We all have to handle disappointments in life.  Anyway, Abby is a winner in MY book!   

Our new son-in-law John is sick.  He didn't see Beth at all yesterday, and hasn't yet today.  She had them call him yesterday and he was throwing up, so I expect he is still sick today.  I will call him later.  I don't want to wake him if he's getting some sleep.  I went in after church and made sure Beth ate her lunch and drank water.  She said John is coming later, so I told her to ask him if he plans to go to the eye doctor with her tomorrow.  If not, then I will go.

I am supposed to get to see the photos the photographer I hired took at the wedding, tomorrow.

It is really nice here today!  No wind, and temps in the high 40s!   

Jane, I enjoyed the devotional and the song!  I hadn't heard that song for ages, so I sang along! 

We attended the Saturday night service and had the first communion for this new year!  I love taking communion.  It refreshes my thoughts and prayers.  Anyway, the sermon was really good with this pastor - songs were unknown mostly- they have Wednesday night services as well as three on Sunday morning.  The assistant pastor is from Minnesota and he knew exactly where we lived and all of our relatives live.  We will most likely go to one of the early evening services during the week because of Don unable to hear with the full musical service, etc. 

Janet:  I do so admire how you take the punches in life - I am learning from everyone in here.

This begins 8 weeks of several classes for us and I am trying to get a head start on things like pre-cooking a few meals to toss in the freezer.  meanwhile, so concerned about our faithful neighbors at home with tremendous health issues - surgeries, etc.  And, here we bask in the warm place -

Hi everyone on the 36 degree morning and tonight we will be getting into the upper 20's.  However, the sun is shining brightly this morning, which is most welcome.  We enjoyed a quiet day and did go to Sunday School and Church and then lunch afterwards.  I did not do the sleep study last night as our son called yesterday afternoon to ask that we leave a phone on all night (which I do anyway) as he thought he may have another kidney stone and would have to have help. He also thought it could be he has a pulled muscle.  Fortunately, he didn't call so will try to do the test tonight.  I plan on attending a meeting today and that will probably be the extent of my activities outside of the house.  I have plenty in mind to keep as busy as I want to be today. 

Janet, I know you are disappointed that Abby didn't win but that is way things happen.  I am sure the technical difficulty with the music didn't help her.  Sorry to read that John is now sick and sure hope Beth doesn't catch the bug from him. 

Carol, it sounds like the Wednesday night services would be a way to avoid the music that is so distressing to Don.  It sounds like you have a busy winter planned with the classes.  Do any of these relate to quilting?

I'm home from going to the appointment with Beth.  She couldn't even see the biggest, blackest letter with either eye today!  Scary.  Dr. put her back on strong antibiotic eye drops for another week; then if it comes back, that will indicate a blockage of her tear ducts.  To open them would be major surgery, not recommended for her, they said.    So I hope it doesn't come back!  if so, they will put her on maintenance drops to keep the bacteria under control.

Exciting news!  I got an email from the lady who wrote the article in the Hutchinson paper about Beth's and John's wedding.  She said the story was picked up by the Associated Press, and has gone all over the country, from Albany, NY to Albuquerque, N.M.!!  Wow!  Maybe some folks will be inspired to give to NF research so these people can be helped!

John still isn't feeling well, and Beth surely is missing him. 

Hi everyone.  I awoke to a 27 degree morning and it is only going to get into the low 40's this afternoon.  I did complete my in-home sleep study last night and it was a breeze.  I had a good nights sleep.  I plan on going to coffee this morning and have to mail back the machine I used for my sleep study.  Other than some work here in my office that will likely be it for today.  Yesterday afternoon Pat made turkey noodle soup from the bones she had put in the freezer from the Thanksgiving turkey so we will be having that for dinner tonight.  It sure smelled good cooking. 

Janet, if what comes back for Beth--the infection or her vision?  So sad that Beth's vision continues to deteriorate.  Good news on the newspaper article being widely published.  Sure hope today finds John feeling better but he sure doesn't want to pass anything on to Beth.

Our class for 6 weeks, two hours each is "Why is there antisemitism?"  It is about the beginning - the Jews worship one God and the others worshiped idols.  We are warned that the subject will be getting tougher in the weeks to come.  Not everyone there (30 plus people) are Jewish.  Great teacher.  My other big class is in genealogy. 

Larry:  No quilting class this round - I am sewing a little of a flannel quilt for a gift - it has bears, owls and moose on it. 

Janet:  I can only tell you that I sent up a prayer reading your post. 

Chatted with two cousins now here from Minnesota and another cousin from Washington.  We do love our visits here & getting together.  Also, I left messages for my neighbors at home - one is having some surgery. 

Hi everyone on a very chilly, no cold, morning here and it is to get up to only 45 degrees this afternoon.  However, it is sunny this morning and that is a great way to start the day.  Today's schedule is very light until this evening when we will go to the church for the weekly Wednesday night dinner and then the Bible study with the pastor.  For the first time our son is going to join us at the dinner. 

Carol, your classes sound interesting although two hours a session seems a little long.  Hope they give you a break during the class. Do you have to take exams? 

I hope everyone visiting here today has a good day.

Well, I saw the oncologist today to learn the results of all the tests to which I've been subjected.  It's all good.   

The PET scan shows clear and I will not need chemotherapy. I will be on Tamoxifen for the next 5-10 years because there is a low risk of distant recurrence in the next 10 years. The hereditary genetic test shows negative ... meaning I do not carry the cancer gene. I really wasn't concerned about it, but it is something I can tell my family.

I am most grateful for the early detection from a "routine" mammogram. It should have been sooner than 3 years from the last one, maybe things would have been different. But everything turned out well as it is. You can count on me being around for a while, yet.

Hi everyone.  It is significantly warmer this morning than the last few days as it starts out at 39 degrees and will be in the 50's this afternoon.  We had a very good meal at our Wednesday night dinner at church and our son said he really enjoyed it and will join us any week he doesn't have to work in the evening.  The pastor finished up the Bible Series we had been doing since the fall.  Today I will pick up my friend for coffee and then take him home and go on to the church for the Wisdom group with the pastor.  I think that will be it for today. 

Jane, what a wonderful report you received from your doctor.  It sounds like it couldn't have been much better.  Now you can get on with your life and put that worry behind you. 

Good morning!

I want to answer Larry's question first, lest I forget!  I meant, if the infection comes back in Beth's eyes.  They looked so much better yesterday, and she had her eyes open when I came in, and I sort of tested her to see how much she could see.  I'm overjoyed to report, she is seeing quite well again!  Praise God!  So I think it was the pus and matter filming her eyes from the infection, plus the strange (to her) lighting in the room, that made her vision so terrible at the Dr.'s office.

Jane, I am praising the Lord with you over your wonderful report!!  And I truly believe that your very positive attitude had a lot to do with the outcome!  You have made us so happy with that good news!! 

Carol, I wish I could take that class with you!  And, since your mention of "not everyone in the class is Jewish" I want to ask:  are you Jewish?  There aren't any Jews around here, that I know of, and I was so happy to meet some when we went on the trip to Israel.  I mean, in our traveling group:  of course I met Jews in Israel!     I pray regularly for the Jews and for Jerusalem!

John is finally over his sickness and back to see Beth, which makes them both very happy.  You should have seen her face when he walked in!!  She lit up like a light bulb!    And he finally checked on his car, and says it's to be done in three days.  Finally!  Beth is scheduled for an MRI on the 12th.  We hope to learn if the new problems she is having are being caused by the neurofibroma the CT scan showed at the base of her brain, and if there is anything that can be done about it.

I had a message from our honeymooning grandson's wife.  She said she did a dive on Tuesday and another on Wednesday and LOVED it!  She was thanking Darrel for taking them to the pool and getting her comfortable underwater.  I'm sure Mark is very happy about this, as he loves diving so much! They are in Cozumel, Mexico.

I'm to meet the gal this morning at 8:30 to get the wedding photo CD and video.  We have had trouble connecting because her child has been sick.  I hope she got some great shots!  And the story being picked up by United Press has generated some emails and other messages about the wedding!

Time to go!  See you later!!

Janet, so happy to read the positive news on Beth's eyes. 

I had to stop back by this morning to share this link to a very beautiful and relaxing short video with beautiful floral arrangements and quiet and comforting music.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/SN5c-m45fxs

Thanks, Larry.  That was lovely!

Good late morning all y'all, not much news from here today. It isn't raining so that's the good news.  I went down to the church around the corner to get some more Organic flours and some brown rice this morning, when I came back I frosted the carrot cake I made for Keith. I am not eating cake or  hardly any sweets any more. I gained back 10 of the 40lbs I lost so I am  trying to lose that 10lbs or my clothes won't fit me any more.

I took Freckles to  one of the Rehabs yesterday and to the Cancer Center after that. It never ceases to amaze me  how much the patients just love her and say how smart and pretty she is. Of course I feel that way and think she is the most amazing dog in the world.  When we were in California over Christmas, everyone was  amazed at all the things she can do on command. These are the standard  commands that she has to be able to perform to be a Therapy dog. Sarah threw a cracker on the floor and Freckles  started to go for it, I said "Leave It" and she walked  away. I told Sarah that the therapy dogs are not allowed to pick up anything from the floor, if she wanted to give her that cracker she would have to hand it to her, so she picked it up and handed it to Freckles, She is so gentle taking things from the hand. she just kind of uses her lips. I have taught Freckles a few tricks and when we go to the Police Dog training facility park, I am teaching her to  do some of the agility, she can just the hurdles and through the hoops then up on a 4ft high platform to get a treat.

Well enough about my dog. I hope everyone is doing well and itis timefor me to go prepare some lunch.

Well this sure seems like a good news day here!

Jane, great news.  You know it's answer to prayer and that prayer continues.   

Janet, good news about Beth's eyes today, John is better, new granddaughter-in-law enjoys diving as much as you...  things looking up.

Marilyn, Freckles must be a really special dog.  She seems so smart and you are rightfully proud of her.

Larry, good that your son wants to join the supper/bible study with you when he's not working.  Always a good feeling when our children want to join in with our interests.

Hi everyone. I awoke to a 46 degree dark and rainy morning.  The forecast is for rain the rest of the morning and then cloudy this afternoon.  Fortunately I have no plans to go out this morning and will just work here in my office.  Pat has come down with the full-blown cold during the night so guess I probably gave it to her.  This should be a laid back, restful type of day. 

Marilyn, I enjoy hearing about the activities you do with Freckles.  He must be a very lovable dog. 

Jeanne, I wish our son would attend the Bible study with us but it is something just to get him to the church to eat and I keep praying that one of these days he will return to the way he was raised and return to the church.  However, he is his own person and that is not something that we can do for him. 

Larry, that is right!  One step at a time.  At least your son is going to the dinner, and maybe the love he feels from those he meets will continue the drawing of his heart back to the Lord.  It's a start! 

I'm just checking to say I'm fine.  Have several errands to do plus need to start to pack for our upcoming trip!

Marilyn, I would like to meet Freckles!   

See you later!

Jeanne, Janet and Larry, Freckles is a very special dog thank you, I would love to have you all meet her and get to know her. She is so lovable. We are going visiting the patients at the local Hospital this afternoon with 5 other teams. We do 2 teams to a floor, fridays  there aren't a lot of patients, the staff gets some dog therapy too,.

Hi everyone on this cloudy Saturday morning in South Carolina.  We don't expect to see the sun today but it is to get to 55 degrees.  I had a shock this morning when I had a notice that some charges paid through PayPal had been disputed.  When I checked my credit card sight I saw that all of our charges since the last statement had been put into dispute.  I quickly called and got that straightened out.  Apparently when they had seen the fraudulent charge that had caused the issuance of the new credit card the person at the credit card company marked all of the new charges fraudulent when they transferred the charges to the new card.  Hopefully this is resolved as the money will be restored to the vendors.  I did get most of the passwords changed that could be a problem yesterday but still have some cleanup of duplicates to do in Last Pass.  I will work on some other projects here today and may decide to make a quick trip to Walmart and the bank later this morning.  Otherwise it will be a quiet day.

 

Good morning!  I got an early start again today, as I love having two hours or more to spend with the Lord.  That starts my day off right,and lets me hear His voice more clearly.  The enemy always whispers in my ear, telling me all the things I need to be doing.  So I reach for my pen and notepad and jot them down, then tell him to get away from me! 

Curtis had some work to do here in town yesterday, so he called me and we went to lunch together.  So nice to have a visit with him alone, long time since we had that opportunity.  He also came out and helped me with a couple of problems I was having on computer.  Thank God for Grandsons!  And Granddaughters, too!

The photos from Tiger Prints of the wedding are really nice.  Now, Jeanne, how do I get them to you, so they can be posted here?  I feel so bad.  I used to post photos here a lot, and now I can't remember even the first step.  And yes, Pat tried her best to help me.....  

I got a tiny start on my packing yesterday and intend to work on that some more today.  It is pretty cold where we are going, so will be a challenge to pack for that.  I'm sure it's no colder there than here, but I'm not outside much here when it's cold!

I want to get started, so I will talk to you later!

Janet, just attach a photo (or maybe three or four) to an email.  I'm anxious to see them!   

Hi everyone.  I got up fairly early this morning so I would have plenty of time to read my email, read and write on the discussion groups I follow, and read my Sunday School lesson and be ready for church a little after 9 am.  We are starting the day at 45 degrees and then it is downhill the rest of the day with the high predicted as 43 degrees.  Besides going to Sunday School and Church this morning and then getting something to bring home for lunch I have no specific plans for the afternoon other than rest and watching the two pro football games.  Pat's cold has really hit her and while she isn't up yet I seriously doubt that she will be going with me today.  She didn't feel like preparing supper so I went out and got a big Jersey Mike's sub for our supper.  It was quite tasty. 

Janet, nice that Curtis wants to spend time with you when he can and then comes and works on your computer for you.  Your trip will be here before you know it and this time you know there is someone there for Beth.  I look forward to seeing the photos that Jeannie will be posting for you. 

Time to start a new week HERE