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Morning Devotional...

Luke 22:32 "But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren."

U-Turns Allowed

Been there. Done that. How quickly we use that modern cliche when someone tells us of an experience they've had.  Perhaps the incident was an embarrassing action.  Most of us relate to daily happenings in the lives of each other. We laugh together at our human foibles or offer a sympathetic smile or nod.

Are we quick and positive in a response when a brother or sister has stumbled in their Christian walk?  Certainly we are not to smile at wrongdoing and sin, but a negative attitude toward a person is not right either.

How should we respond?

Jesus gave is an example when He warned Peter of his upcoming denial. "When you have come through a time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start. "

Recall your times of stumbling and reach out.  Make a call or visit.  Write a note.  Remember God allows u-turns.

Dear God, how easy it is to see the failures of others. Remind us of Your forgiveness. Show us the way to reach those who turn back to You.  In the name of our wonderful Redeemer, we pray. Amen.

Taken from 365 Devotions

Good devotional Judy Thank You. We never see ourselves in the same light as others see us. We need to be more empathetic to others and be quick to reach out a hand of support and not criticism. The most disheartening thing that I personally have experienced in my Christian walk is the gossip of others. I have been the victim of such gossip and as a result I have a hard time trusting. I know I have also been guilty in the past of this, but since coming to realization of what this does to others, I have made changes. We all need to take a long hard look at our actions in this area, and offer a helping step up to others rather than a critical put down. As a Few lines from a song on Christian goes that I have heard a lot lately Quote  why can`t we all get along, We are all singers in the same old song, so why can`t we just all get along.
Well we got dumped on last night Folks. We have a 2 foot snow drift behind our car this am and it is still snowing out there. Guess I will fire up the snowblower a little later on and clear the driveway when it stops snowing. This is only Jan 6 and already we have lots of snow here. Looks like a winter for lots of it. Wonder if I could find a market for it further south where snow is a novelty. thinking maybe market it as snowmen for sale. Some assembly required. LOL
I got home last night just before the storm so God was good to me to spare me having to deal with it. Probably hit the trail again tomorrow. Have some things to do so will be on my way for now. Blessings everyone.

John: Maybe Janet would like some of your snowmen assembly required!

You are so right about the destruction gossip does. 

I would, but you're a couple days too late!  We have snow here, too--more like 2 INCHES THAN 2 FEET, THOUGH.  Oops, hit the caps lock by mistake.  I'm gland we don't have a lot, as we have to drive John back to the airport tomorrow.

I feel cooped up in the house and don't know what to do with myself!

Hi, friends,

Larry, I certainly can empathize with the low sodium issue. It's a matter of concern to all of us. We love you, our Christian brother.

I'm so thankful that Beth and John have such a loving, enduring relationship. May our Lord richly bless each of you, Janet.

Ruth, you have my prayers.

Well, there are those I've not mentioned. Please know that I love each of you and wish only the best for all who come here, either known or as guests.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  I am home as of 4 pm.  I awoke this morning after probably the best night sleep in a hospital I ever had as had 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep.  My sodium is now back to where it needs to be and had gone back up for two days by two points a day without intervention after having had the sodium solution by IV for me and apparently that is what was at the bottom of this and why I had felt very good or wanted to eat for the last 12 days.  Once I got back to the room things really moved quickly and they soon brought me a meal and it tasted very good and I ate everything on the tray.  The nurse came in with another bag of IV fluid but shortly the doctor canceled that as I hadn't had dye injected, just drank for solution.  The doctor soon came in and said the CT was clear and I was free to come home.  I am still weak but am feeling good.  We are suppose to get down to 7 degrees today with some 10-20 mile winds.  Tomorrow will be a good day to stay home.  I know places north of us are having much worse weather so not complaining.  Hope you are all OK and don't lose your power or have frozen water lines.  Thanks for your prayers and concern as I was in worse shape than I realized.

Till tomorrow. 

Hallelujah!  Thank you, God, for Larry's good report!  So good to hear, Larry, and thanks for keeping us informed.  Now it's time for you to just rest and enjoy being home!

Ruth Ann, thank you for your kind words.  We are really happy that Beth and John found each other, too!

Larry, what good news from you that you're home and feeling much better.  Praise our Heavenly Father!

We got up to 40 F at 11:00 this morning and supposed to get down to zero or below tonight, only single digits above zero tomorrow.  Rain last night and the warm temperatures got rid of every bit of the 14+ inches of snow on my car.  So I took advantage of that and got some grocery shopping done while it was still mild.   

I was only going to mention good things from today and that was when I was on the computer this morning and just before the ceiling fell in all over the master tub from the condo above.  Drats - something was not fixed - you think?  We do have a lovely new white toilet sitting next to the mess.  Not to worry, they will work on this when the renter upstairs stays home long enough for them and then work will finish on our ceiling - again. 

I wrote to the children and expect phone calls anytime.  They worry about us all the time but want us to visit with relatives.  Well, it will happen but maybe a few weeks off until we can get our ducks in a row.  Speaking of fowl - the quails have returned and they make anyone laugh - so silly birds. 

Larry:  Good that you are home and they have solved the problem. 

It sounds like tomorrow is a good day to stay home for everyone. 

Hi everyone.  I was late getting up on this 8 degree morning here in Georgia but is suppose to go up to 26 degrees this afternoon.  Pat had to wake me this morning after sleeping for 13 hours on my new heated mattress pad.  My appetite is back.  We will be staying in today as our house is nice and warm.  I have my little heater in my office going full tilt. 

Jeanne, sure glad the rain washed the snow off your car and got out while it had warmed up. 

Carol, this will be a year to remember as to your first couple of weeks in Arizona.  Doesn't the landlord have some responsibility for the repairs with the right of access for emergency situations? 

Oh, my, Carol!  I can truly empathize with you on the bathroom ceiling collapse!  We have been through that TWICE!  Not fun, not at all.  I hope the necessary repairs will be done asap!  I hope you have another bathroom....do you?

John and I took Beth to the hospital for her tests (sonogram of her kidneys, bladder and liver) and I heard him just come in the door, bringing the cot and bedding back.  Sure do hate to see that dear guy leave.  He's such a blessing.  We will leave as soon as he gets his stuff together and into the car.

Must run open the car trunk for him!

I'm starting to sound like a broken record.  It's cold...  it's cold....  it's cold...  My outdoor thermometer is just a hair under zero - may make it this afternoon and we don't look for anything above freezing until Friday.  I'm sure glad the Lord got my car started yesterday.  If I had waited until today to get groceries I'd be in big trouble, but now I can stay in where it's warm and cozy - and watch the seasonal flag on the trailer across the road blow so hard it looks like the pole is ready to break.

Yes we have another oh so cold day, in the night we hear the ice cracking and we truly expect it will happen again tonight. I think they call it ice quakes.

Mel put the snow blower to work yesterday, in fact  he got more work than usual ours and the neighbors drive then he was asked to do 2 more also one of them was just at the road and the other was the full drive. 

Presently I am shredding paper and getting last years records in place for income tax. 
Larry: I am glad that you are feeling much better.
Janet: When will John be returning for another visit?

Hey we are talking about it being so cold soon we will be talking about it being so hot,

Hi, friends,

It was so chilly in the multipurpose room where the devotional services are held that the minister who spoke today cut short his message so that we could all retreat to our warm apartments.

Of course, you can guess what happened...as soon as I got warm, the ole eyes closed and off to dreamland I went!   The nap really helped.

I'm sipping a warm cup of tea now, and trying to decide what to have for supper - maybe soup would be a good option. 

Oh, dear, more plumbing problems. I'm so sorry you're having all those problems with the plumbing.

I trust that John's trip home will be uneventful, and that Beth will have really good memories of his visit.

It's so good to see Larry home and feeling better.

Well, love to all,

Ruth Ann

Jeanne and Ruth, wish you had had the same weather there as we had here.  It got up into the 40s and felt quite warm, after below 0 temps!  We had a pleasant afternoon getting John to his plane and buying groceries. (Pleasant except the paying!)

I helped John carry in his BIG  bag and his carry-on (while Darrel parked the car.)  The gal told him he would have to pay an extra $100, after they had already charged him $25 for his one checked bag.  I said, "But he already paid $25 for it!"  So she checked with the supervisor, and she said, that's right, he owes another $100, because his bag is 5# overweight.  HUH??  I asked, "Really?  $100 for 5#?"  They said yes, unless he could take 5# out of it.  John said, "I don't really know how I could do that"  and Janet said, "Of course we can, John!  Drag it over here!"  So we moved two pairs of jeans and his camera into his carry on--which wouldn't zip then!  and saved him a hundred bucks!

He always brings four times as many clothes as he needs.  I have told him before not to bring so many--I do have a washing machine!  Maybe he will remember this the next time!  I always wash all his clothes before he goes home, anyway.

Yes, Ruth Ann, I know Beth has good memories of his visit to keep her happy until next time.

Ruth, John said he will be back next summer, wasn't sure if he will come at fair time or for her birthday.

See all you lovely people tomorrow!

Larry:   I am so proud of you - your appetite is back and you slept well - nice and cozy.  We own our condo and the condo upstairs is a rental and that owner lives in Chicago.  He is usually stingy but kept telling us things such as "God bless you two" and so forth and this is a huge difference from last year.  It will get done but the renter had to be home when it is being worked on. This too shall pass. 

Janet:  Sorry that the airlines are not as nice as they were when I worked for one of them - what a drastic change.  Now that is quick thinking Janet!  Good for you.  When do you hear about Beth's MRI? Yes, thank heaven this is a small place but it has a 2nd. bathroom. 

Tell Mel to take care being the Good Samaritan on snow blowing driveways.  It is the cold on lungs that is so dangerous - he is a hero of the neighborhood. 

Ruth Ann:  I could use a cup of your warm tea tonight - still a nagging cough.  I am so glad that your own abode is warm. 

Carol, I'm not sure when they will have the report back on Beth's sonogram.  From what he could see initially, he said everything looked good.  I'm sure glad you have the second bathroom.  I well remember the days when only quite wealthy people had a second bathroom--and now, in this house we built, we have four of them!  Times have changed.  Some things for the better, but so many for the worse.  I pray daily that Jesus will come quickly!

I made us a nice smoothie for breakfast:  two apples, orange juice, frozen peaches, frozen bananas, whey protein powder and 1 tsp. flax oil.  M-m-m-m, good! 

Today is Red Hats and we are having a carry-in dinner, so I need to make something for that, which is compliant with the Daniel Fast I am doing.  And I have a pot of bean on the stove (not for that!).  Now, why is it, that when you are trying NOT to eat things you shouldn't, that FOOD is all you can seem to think about?  I want to keep my mind stayed on the Lord, after all, that's what fasting is all about.  I fasted with only water for two days to begin.  TMI!! Enough, already!  Sorry.

Be back later!

Hi everyone on a bright, sunny day with the temps going up to above freezing today.  We also have no wind, which really helps.  It was 8 am before I got up this morning and guess I am going to have to set an alarm on the days I am going to coffee.  I feel much better today, like my normal self, than I have in a long time.  Tomorrow is my retiree's luncheon and I had previously notified the organizer that I didn't plan to attend but changed my mind this morning and will go as have missed several of the last get together's.  Pat and I plan on going out to a late lunch today and will have a light supper tonight. 

Carol and Janet, we also had a ceiling collapse several years ago from a toilet leaking in the bathroom above so can also relate. 

Janet, sure yesterday was a sad day for Beth seeing John leave. 

Jeanne, glad you are stocked up on food and can stay in until conditions improve.  We didn't have Bible Study today as we knew the parlor where we meet at the church would be cold and it is mainly older folks in attendance and we don't need to be exposed to that.  We should be back on schedule tomorrow. 

Ruth, I had never heard of the ice quakes until this year and also where it sounds like thunder when certain cold conditions exist. Glad Mel had the snow blower and was able to also help others. 

Ruth Ann, sounds like your minister was wise as you sure don't need to be exposed to cold conditions.  I have enjoyed hot tea a couple of times recently when I didn't feel like eating. 

Janet, the airlines are really ripping people off with these additional charges everywhere you look.  Glad you saved John that $100 by a simple rearrangement. 

Carol, I didn't realize you owned your own condo.  I am surprised the other owner wouldn't grant permission so the problem could be fixed.  Hope he comes back soon.  Guess you just have to close that bathroom off and pretend it isn't there and not let it spoil you time in Arizona. 

I had to laugh in that I can remember when people didn't have any bathrooms in the house.  We have come a long ways. 

Larry, I remember that, too!  All the years I lived at home, we did have running water in the house, and had a bathroom--but we only had a bathtub in there!  After I married, my husband installed a toilet for my parents.  Boy, am I glad I don't have to go outdoors in the night (or day) any more in the freezing cold to the old 'two-holer!"   

I remember those "going to the outside" days, as well.

The pipes are frozen at my house, so tomorrow I'll be meeting our plumber out there to assess damages. Thankfully, this time, since I followed my son's instructions about the plumbing, he has generously offered to bear the repair expense. And, truthfully, I'm SO grateful for him and for a good plumber.

Y'all have a good rest of the day with our Lord.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  I am up early as I woke up around 4 am and couldn't go back to sleep so a couple of hours later I decided to get up and do something useful.  Yesterday was a very enjoyable day as I felt great, Pat and I went out to a great lunch at our favorite Mexican restaurant, and it warmed up nicely into the 40s.  I am looking forward to another good day as I have my retiree's luncheon at noon, as I mentioned yesterday. 

Janet, I know exactly what you mean by being glad about not having to go outside in the freezing cold.  I like these creature comforts we have.  As my wife says I am spoiled and I intend to stay that way.  We have worked hard all of our lives and now are enjoying the benefits of a comfortable retirement. 

Ruth Ann, sure hope that you don't have any extensive damage to the pipes in your house by the freezing.  I am sure there has been a lot of that in this area as well although haven't heard much said about it.  We are fortunate that the plumbing in this house isn't in the outside walls and we have drain back outside outlets.  I doubled checked as soon as I got home from the hospital to be sure I had turned the outside water off and I had.

Hope everyone has a good day today.   

Well, I have a case of the "fumble-fingers" today! I was typing away, when POOF!! right before my eyes, I did something and that post went away.

Oh, well, it was primarily a bit of chatter.

So, suffice it to say that I accomplished all but one thing on my "honey do" list. It's pretty neat to be able to list the things needing to be done, and then figure out a way to satisfy the list. 

Y'all have a great rest of the day with our Lord.

Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann...even if you have to be your own 'honey'!   

  Good evening to all at C. P.    Well I have read all the post's from the last few days and you all have a lot going on. 

Larry I am so glad that you are back home and that you are feeling a lot better.  Please look after your self  and don't do any more than you have too.   Please say hi to your wife and if Paul and Pat are coming your way say hi to them.  God's richest blessing's

Judy B.  Hope all is well and that you are staying warm and we are having very cold weather  here this year and it has been a long time since we had it this cold for a long time.

Janet.  Hope that you do get good results soon re the M.R. I. sometime the wait time seems so long.  I still have not found the book that you sent me and please again remind me the name of it. sorry to bother you.

I am sure you have heard about the big Ice storm that Toronto got and also a lot of freezing and I have a friend who still has no heat due to them finding in his roof asbestos and also his Rad's broke and damaged all his bedroom floor  and two rooms and this was all a few days before Christmas so everything had to stop

Update on Noreen my beautiful wife. I think that you all about the detached retina well it seems to be O.K. and she has an app. next week on the 15th in Hamilton Ontario.  So we hope to get great result's.

But the bad news is that she has to go back into the hospital and have what the call a Revision operation for her knee.  a complete knee replacement and also scrapejng to clear the infection that she has inside her leg. so this has been a very rough Christmas and New Year.
so we please ask for you all to continue to pray for us as we need a lot of prayer.

We are so grateful for your continued love as a family who worship and love the same God and have this freedom/  THANK THANK THANK YOU..   Gordon and Noreen 

Hi everyone on a rainy, misty but not too cold day here in Georgia.  I did make it to coffee at the senior center this morning, the first time in three weeks.  I am moving slowly today so will be having a quiet day.  I don't know whether Pat will get out for her usual Friday activities or not--she hasn't told me yet.  I enjoyed the retiree's luncheon yesterday although was pretty tired when I got home.  I haven't gained much strength back yet but I am fine otherwise.  I will just take it easy the rest of the day. 

Ruth Ann, very frustrating to lose a message.  I don't do it often but have had it happen.  I see you are a list maker as am I.  There is a sense of accomplishment to be able to mark things off plus it helps me keep from forgetting things.  I have been know to write them on the list after I did them so I could mark them off as done. 

Gord, I am taking things easy but seem to have no choice as don't have the energy or the breath to do otherwise.  I am awaiting to hear from Pat and Paul and hope they haven't scratched us off their plans as we are ready for them.  We are looking forward to seeing them.  Hope you are staying warm.  We had a couple of really cold days but that has passed now and it is more seasonal for us now.  What a terrible thing your friend in Toronto is experiencing.  I sure hope he has someplace to stay where it is warm.  I don't think I knew about the detached retina that Noreen experienced.  Glad it is doing OK.  Stacey scratched her retina and has seen the eye doctor or his nurse quite a few times and it was getting better and she scratched it again and it isn't healing well.  She now puts an eye cap over it at night as she apparently scratched it in her sleep.  She is having to have it checked every couple of days and she has periods where she can't see out of the eye at all.  Oh my, another knee replacement sounds terrible but obviously something has to be done.  Maybe all will be well this time. 

Hope everyone else is doing well and staying warm. 

Hi, friends,

There's not too much to say today, so I'll assure y'all that I pray for the requests and care when we have problems.

Much love to all,
Ruth Ann

Gord, the name of my book is Rising Above, and you can see a little picture of it at the end of each of my posts.  Good to have you posting again, and hope all goes well for both you and Noreen.  It wasn't an MRI that I had, only a mammogram, and I got the report back yesterday that all is well.

We went back to the gym today after a few weeks' hiatus.  I walked two miles on the treadmill and did some stretching, and am wanting to get back to the weight lifting.  I feel that really improves my strength and muscle tone.

We are watching a re-run of the documentary on the Dust Bowl.  We both recognize some of the people in it, and some of Darrel's relatives are in the pictures shown.  Darrel was born in 1937, just at the end of the dust bowl days, and I a few years later, but we have both lived through plenty of dust storms, especially in the 50s and then again in the 70s.

Tomorrow is my painting group.  I dropped out for a year, but missed the gals so I joined again and this will be the first meeting for me to attend.

Isn't this just the most exciting stuff you've ever read?   

   Thanks Janet for the info.   I do hope that you all have  a wonderful weekend and I do not have any more updates on my wife yet.  May the Lord richly bless you all.   Gordon and Noreen.

Hi everyone.  I have a few minutes before heading out to pick up my friend so we can go to coffee at McDonald's.  We had a very rainy night, heavy at times, and with lightning and thunder on several different occasions.  Each rain period didn't last very long.  It sounds like it is still drizzly outside and we are suppose to have 100% chance of rain again today.  The best news from yesterday was that I spoke with my son and his wife has gained 5 pounds and is feeling better physically and mentally.  He still has to feed her through the feeding tube as she isn't strong enough to push the plunger down into the tube.  I had planned to get my sister-in-law a new computer but decided yesterday to get her a new Kindle Fire HD.  There was a special offer with $30 off and it made it very reasonable.  I am having it sent here so I can basically set it up and will then send it to her.  I should have it on Tuesday as it was an Amazon Prime item so no shipping charge and two-day delivery.  She has a laptop that I fixed up for her when she was here helping Pat and I but hasn't gotten it on the the Internet.  However, she said her granddaughter should be able to get her connected to the wi-fi system in she and her daughter new home (new to them) that they moved into a couple of months ago.  I haven't decided whether I will get out later this morning or not and may just stay in where it is warm and dry after coffee this morning.

Ruth Ann, I had to chuckle when I read your comment about not having much to say.  I feel the same way about what I had to share today but I sure was able to find a lot of words to say it.  Brevity is not my thing.

Janet, I was just now able to find your book on Amazon and will try to remember to write a review later today.  You said John had written a review but it must have been on Barnes and Noble as it says there are no reviews.  I can't remember whether I told you I had printed out my story that you worked up for me, put a cover on it, and have put it with my papers for family after I am gone.  Thanks again for preparing it.  Glad you are rejoining your painting group and bet they will be glad to see you back.