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Simeon [said], "Can I stay alive until I see him?"

The Magi [said], "Saddle up the camels. We aren't stopping until we find him."

The shepherds [said], "Let's go.... Let's see."

They wanted the Savior. They wanted to see Jesus.

They were earnest in their search. One translation renders Hebrews 11:6: "God ... rewards those who earnestly seek him" (NIV).

Another reads: "God rewards those who search for him" (Phillips).

And another: "God ... rewards those who sincerely look for him" (TLB).

I like the King James translation: "He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" .

Diligently—what a great word. Be diligent in your search. Be hungry in your quest, relentless in your pilgrimage. Let this book be but one of dozens you read about Jesus and this hour be but one of hundreds in which you seek him. Step away from the puny pursuits of possessions and positions, and seek your king.

Don't be satisfied with angels. Don't be content with stars in the sky. Seek him out as the shepherds did. Long for him as Simeon did. Worship him as the wise men did....Risk whatever it takes to see Christ.

God rewards those who seek him. Not those who seek doctrine or religion or systems or creeds. Many settle for these lesser passions, but the reward goes to those who settle for nothing less than Jesus himself.

 

From One Incredible Savior: Celebrating the Majesty of the Manger
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 2011) Max Lucado

What a wonderful way to begin my day with our Lord! Thank you for reminding us to be diligent in our search for a deeper relationship with our Lord.

May each of us be richly blest as we worship today.

Ruth Ann

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes, Instead, it should be that of you inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.  1Peter 3:3-4

The Virtuous women is she really that hard to find?  Can we Really match up to her?  Does God expect us to? 

I thought I could for a long time. I thought I did for a long time.  I thought God expected me to for a long time.

I have been talking more about this on my blog.  A struggle I dealt with for a long time being a Mother, Business Owner and a Pastors wife.  I have been posting things like this since I started the blog a few weeks ago.  But God has lead me to tell my story.  So tomorrow my testimony please pray for me. 

youbejesustoday.blogspot.com

I also explain how I came up with the name for the blog.  Everyone have a blessed week.

Thanks for the new devotional, Jeanne.  Max Lucado is so good at alliteration--I love that sentence:  "Step away from the puny pursuits of possessions and positions...."   

Marlo, I will go read your blog.  My grandson who designed my web page told me I need to be blogging.  I know ZERO about that stuff, so I need to learn, and I'll bet yours is a good example for me.

Etta Sue, I certainly will autograph each copy I send to my dear friends here!  My pastor told me this morning that the church will have a pre-release event for me and Beth.  I am so happy about that.  The church has grown so much, and a lot of the new people don't know Beth or anything about her condition, nor that she hasn't always been this way.  It will be a teaching opportunity.

And Marlo, our new ladies group is named "31 Wannabees" for that chapter!  Many ladies have signed up, so I hope it will be a great group, and we will all learn and grow a lot!

I started fasting this morning, and what does my dear hubby say a few minutes ago?  "I guess that means you don't want the T-bone I bought for you, huh?"    Should I start tomorrow?  (Famous last words..)

Hi everyone.  I didn't get here this morning and then when we got home from church and going out to eat with our church friends I was tired so rested for a couple of hours but did read through the postings while resting.  However, it is difficult to write much of a post with my phone.  I forgot I could have used my e-book reader browser.  I spent probably 6 hours yesterday working on the Golden Game web site and got up and worked another 2 or three hours this morning.  I still have a couple of more hours of work to finish getting everything up to date and checking all of the links to be sure they are still good. 

Our minister started a new 7 week series of sermons based on the 12-step programs with today's sermon about being powerless over sin and putting our lives into the care of God.  I think it was be a good series based on the sermon today.  It did seem a bit odd to be sitting in the congregation rather than in the choir but I sure enjoyed the anthem they sang today. 

I watched the Atlanta Falcon's lose their game to the New York Giants so their season is over for this year. 

Our church held our annual commitment ceremony. What comfort I find in John Wesley's words through that ceremony he wrote.

And, our pastor also said a few words that really struck home with me. I have a tendency to be a perfectionist, so doing things little by little sometimes intimidate me. He told of a young man who was to work for a rancher and take down a fence. When he got to the fence it was really high, and he told the rancher he didn't see HOW he could take that fence down. The rancher replied, "It's really simple, son, just go board by board and before you know it, the job will be finished." That really struck home with me. So, I'll have lots to ponder on this week.

Marlo, I've copied your blog site address, and will go there to read shortly.

Love to all of y'all,
Ruth Ann

How do you get to Marlo's blogspot?  Not by clicking, evidently.  (Told you I didn't know about these things!) 

Hello Everyone for anyone who is trying to find my blog you will be able to get to it these to ways:


http://youbejesustoday.blogspot.com

www.youbejesustoday.com

the com site should be going if not this evening then tomorrow some time.  Thank you for the support and Prayers please remember me this week with the doctors they called today and changed my cardio appointment to tomorrow instead to Tuesday.  Thank you again,  Marlo

Oh p.s. everything on my blog I have gotten free.  So if anyone interested in starting one I can give you the sites of where to go.  I think also you can click on the links below and it will take you to my blog or should.  Marlo

Thank you for the devotional Jeanne. A good reminder for us.
And thank you for the prayers for my family (see Prayer and Praise - My Dad). It's been good to know that others are praying.
I'm getting ready to go back to work tomorrow after being off for the last couple of weeks ... it has been a good holiday, and we've been able to spend time with family. Back into a busy time:)

Hello, Betty.  Good to have you with us!  Tell us a little about yourself, your family, your interests, your job, whatever you would like us to know.  We're a pretty friendly bunch in here.

Good night, everyone!

Hi, friends,

It's about time to put the ole lady who lives in this apartment to bed, methinks! 

Thanks to each of you for your participation here. It really means so much to me.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  It was a very rainy night and suppose to be quite foggy this morning with more rain throughout the day.  Yesterday evening I was able to complete the updating of the Senior Golden Games website as finished the rules and did a general house cleaning of the site.  I tried to check every link to be sure they were still good and did some reorganization of a couple of pages.  Today the big activity this morning is to take my car to the body shop and pick up a rental car to use until my car is ready again.  At lunch today my men's group is going to a new seafood place that recently opened called "Aw Shucks" and this evening I have a meeting to attend so it is going to be a relatively busy day.  I was sorry to see the Atlanta Falcon's lose the game yesterday but they didn't play well.  The Denver/Pittsburgh football game was sure a good one.

Ruth Ann, your comments about removing the board fence remind me that every walk starts with one step.  I guess this is the same idea.

Marlo, I will check out your blog spot.  Always good to get the doctor appointments over sooner rather than later. 

Hi Betty, I see you will be getting back into your work routine today after enjoying a couple of weeks away.  I was always ready to get back as didn't want to miss anything.

Good morning, everyone!  It's a beautiful day!     Of course, it's dark and cloudy and you might even say dreary, but it's the day the Lord has made, so it's beautiful! 

Betty, it's good to see you posting here - hope we see more of you.  You can always be assured of prayers from this group - for your family and for you. 

Ruth Ann, I hope you had a good, restful night.   

Larry, there's such a feeling of satisfaction, isn't there, when a job like that web site is completed.  And a real feeling of gratitude to that loving Father who gives us the ability. 

This is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it!

Good thoughts to start our day, from Larry and Jeanne.  Oh, how good and pleasant it is to be among friends!  Thank you, Lord, for this place where we can be among friends and just be ourselves.

I have gotten a few things done, much more waiting for me.  I will be SO happy when we finally get things put back into their proper places.  The garage is still a maze.....

Larry, your  post reminded me of the country song 'I love a rainy night' which drives me crazy when I hear it, because that one phrase is repeated over and over and over and.......  But your posts are always welcome, I am just teasing you now.  Good you got all that computer work done, always a good feeling to complete a task.

Nothing on my calendar that I have to do today, so I can work all day and not worry about appointments!

Have a great day, kids!   

I wonder how much longer this will last?  I live on a country road with several homes on it.  But the last few days have been lots of bicycle riders and joggers!  They must be out exercising for the New Year.  I have no idea who these people are, where they come from or where they are going!  One jogger just went by...hat, gloves, sweat shirt, shorts and running shoes and it is only 31 degrees!  Question!  Has anyone ever seen a jogger with a smile on his face?     Me, neither!   

Marlo ~ I do believe you are my closest neighbor on CP.  You are just down the road from me!   

Small groups was fun last night.  We met at the minister's home.  It was about the same people as last year with some not there and one new couple.  Course, we all know each other!  One guy bought his wife the Kindle Fire and has free postage for a month from Amazon.com so he is ordering our books from there.  All I know we are going to study about heaven.  We are going to meet at 4-6pm.  I told them that is cutting into my Sunday nap time but I can handle it.  I will just change nap day to Monday!   

Then since I signed up for two Small Groups, the other Small Group is going to meet next Sunday evening and I will alternate groups.  So I don't know what we will study in that one yet. 

I am thinking I would like to have them all at my home.  Group 1 one week and Group 2 the next week.  Clean house 8 days!  I can handle that!  And the ladies will all help furnish the food.   

There goes the jogger the other way!!  Still not smiling!

Tonight is Church Council meeting.  I am doing some laundry.  The fur-girls are hungry.  They know it is noon time and time to eat!!

I thought I had posted something yesterday if only to check in. I see that I didn't. Not much new around here, well I guess there is, The sun is shining and it is not raining. It is a beautiful cold day here on the Oregon coast at 39°.

Larry I got a kick our of Sandy last  night, on another forum she posted that she was going to San Diego and make a sharp right to head for Texas.  I told her she would need a boat if she went right and to turn left. When she came here her GPS told her to turn left on my street, nope that was the wrong way and I had to talk her to my house, I was standing out in the middle of my street in the rain giving her directions.

Wel I am off to Yoga class shortly so I better change my clothes.

I am taking a break from cleaning, hanging pictures, doing laundry, trying to find homes for STUFF.  Have a bunch in the car to take to give away.  Maybe it will bless someone else!

I was another of those happy Tebow fans last night!  Way to go, Tim!

Time to look at today's mail.

Ruth Ann:  When did you get a roommate?  The old lady you mentioned.  Hugs to you. 

Grateful to be able to walk - it is so refreshing.  I never did jog but rode a bike for years until a fall.  Our family members do jog and or walk so that is good.  In my mother's little Minnesota town, there was a woman who walked daily way past her 100th. birthday so we all thought it must be good. 

  Carol I think she is unjustly referring to herself!!  "We" tend to do that, at times.

It's snowing here and after spending two hours on the road, already, I decided not to go to a meeting tonight; first because of the snow and, secondly, because it would mean another hour battling the snow!!

Etta Sue: I love having visitors because it gives me the opportunity to give the house a little more than "A lick and a promise"

My son is back from Europe and said that the Aerosinusitis he suffered on the way was not as bad, on the way back.

.

Quote from: Janet on January 08, 2012, 10:06:08 PM
Hello, Betty.  Good to have you with us!  Tell us a little about yourself, your family, your interests, your job, whatever you would like us to know.  We're a pretty friendly bunch in here.

Hi Janet, I can add some more stuff to what I put in the Newcomers area: I grew up in a Christian home, and received the Lord as my Saviour when I was very young. No regrets - so good to know the Lord through the years. I am married to a wonderful Christian man, have three children, and six grandchildren. We're really enjoying all of them. I'm probably going to retire in June, and am looking forward to spending some more time in photography. I've worked as a teacher, and am now an Assistive Technology consultant working in Special Education ... and have enjoyed working in this area.
I've enjoyed taking photos, and use a Canon T1i

Although I am a teacher, I'm working as a consultant for my School Board. I oversee all of the specialized equipment for the board - from computers and assistive technology, ipods, etc., to change tables and toileting systems, to FM Soundfield systems and Personal FM systems. I have an assistant who purchases the equipment I approve, and have 3 Educational Assistants who do computer training through the board, and I work with 2 computer technicians. They are a wonderful team to work with, which has probably made it much harder for me to decide about retiring in June. I'm still not 100% sure about retiring.

Except that ... I don't have enough time for photography, family, etc.. We live in cottage country, and are on a lake ... so we get to enjoy the lake, the bush behind, and the sky above. In the summer we go for short vacations in our travel trailer. This has also been fun. Our family really enjoy coming to the "cottage" in the summer. There are teachers in each of the families, so we get to spend time together more often in the summer.

Jeanne Lee - Thank you for the prayers. I've really appreciated the encouragement from everyone.

Yes, that ole lady is ME! 

Tonight I'm plenty tired. Waited in line (no seats for the handicapped) to get my license plate stickers for this year - an hour of standing is far too much, so the rest of the day was put on hold.

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

Love y'all,
Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  Another warm day yesterday and just a little bit more rain.  It is suppose to get into the lower 60s today with afternoon showers.  I did get my car to the repair shop yesterday and they called to say they had found more damage when they removed the bumper and were going to have to replace the bumper rather than just fix it.  The good news is that there was no structural damage to the car seen.  It may be 5-7 days before I can get the car back.  I have a big Mercury Grand Marquis as a rental and have had to park it outside as it is too long to fit well in my garage.   I did watch the college Championship football game last night, which wasn't very exciting as LSU didn't seem to be into the game.  I have a light schedule today with a quick stop at the store this morning and a meeting and then the rest of the day is mine.

Etta Sue, I certainly wouldn't be smiling if I were jogging.  That is hard work.  It is nice to see you so involved in your church groups and activities and it sounds like you are really enjoying it.

Marilyn, sometimes those GPS system maps are just not right.  However, they are still really amazing when you consider the technology involved.  I just read this morning that one of the computer manufacturers will soon have a monitor where you will control the cursor with the movement of your eyes, which will eliminate a lot of the scrolling and cursor movement with the mouse.

Betty, sounds like you have a very responsible job with a lot of duties.  However, retirement is very enjoyable, at least it has been for me and I have been retired a long time.

Ruth Ann, we have a great system in Georgia where you take a number when you come in the door and then sit down until your number is called.  There are no lines at the windows and there are a lot of windows.  You can also go through the drive in window to get your sticker for the tags and pay your tax on you car.  I wouldn't like to have to stand for an hour either. 

Happy Tuesday, Y'all!   

Betty, I surely couldn't do your job!  I am very technically challenged!  Thanks for sharing with us, and we look forward to seeing lots of your photos when you have more time to do the things you enjoy the most.

I don't have any great news today, still waiting on the arrival of the books!  Then I will have lots to do, getting them packaged, addressed and sent!  Thanks to all who have expressed your desire for one, I appreciate it SO much.

The house cleaner lady is here this morning for her bi-weekly two hours.  We haven't been at home the last two times she was scheduled, so there is plenty for her to do in spite of my efforts.  I will be so glad when the dust isn't so bad.  You would think it would be less by now, as the construction is almost finished. 

See you later!

Good Morning everyone  Janet how much is your book? I'm limited on funds due to doctor bills, but I would love to read it. 

Hello Mrs. Betty It is nice to hear from you.  Being a teacher is not an easy job I truly feel that the teachers in this country do not get paid enough to teach out children.  So I would like to say THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!

Etta Sue I believe so.  I lived in Harrison Indiana for awhile when I was going up.  Loved it beautiful country.

Larry,  you have the same name as my husband, but i think I would rather have you weather than ours it rains, gets cold, gets warm , no snow really yet. 

Jeanne Lee I pray you are having a wonderful day.

Marilyn I pray you are getting some rest.  As one who only sleeps 2 to 3 hours a night I know what needing rest means. 

My Prayers with everyone today.

Good Morning I have been over to the K-mart parking lot where the Pelican Bay Food Share was handing out cases if the small Ice cream sandwiches and fruit smoothies, I put the Ice Cream sandwiches in the freezer and took a bunch of the fruit smoothies to a family across the street. and will deliver some more to another neighbor when she gets home. There are 8 smoothies to a case, I had my freezer full of them from the last time they gave them away. so those are also going to the neighbors.

I have to go over to the mall to pick up the bracelet Keith gave me for Christmas , I had to have it made smaller as I have such small wrists anything in a regular size is too big.

Harrison, Indiana?  I had to look on Google Earth.  I had never heard of Harrison before.  I find it is northwest of Terre Haute.  I've been to and through Terre Haute many times.  It's not too far from me...maybe 70 miles! 

I have been busy today.  Up and in the pool at the rehab center within the hour.  Left a Chemo Wrap at the hospital and got two huge paper bags of yarn for the Crochet Angels to make into Chemo Wraps.  Went to the grocery.  Ate at La Casada.  Went to the bank.  Got a cappuccino at the convenience store.

Put everything away.  Changed sheets on the bed.  Read my Bible devotions.  Dryer is almost done and I am almost caught up online! 

Then it is crochet and TV and try not to forget to put the trash out tonight!     

I got a salad for dinner tonight so that will be a no-brainer! 

Marlo, I sent you an email. 

I have been to town to get business and errands done, visit and read to Beth, try to set up some book signings, as much as I can before the books actually arrive!

I'm going to watch the 700 Club, then get busy on the sorting/putting away/throwing away/giving away again.

Nice weather here today! 

Etta Sue you never know we may have meet along time ago.  I feel we might have.  lol

Janet ill check my email as soon as I am done here. 

Everyone have a blessed evening.  Dr. appointment went ok have a lot of test to do some starting tomorrow.  At least it isn't snowing and I have to get out in that so there is always a blessing in everything.  Thank you Lord for the Blessings I know of and the ones that I seem to overlook but you still give them to me anyway.  Amen.

   Good day to all.I have been reading the postings and it so good to here about all the different things going on in each others families and life. 

Jeanne Lee:  Thanks for the good devotional and its inspiring word. the Lord bless you for this.

Nothing much going on but Noreen my wife still needing your prayer as she has very many hard days of pain and not able to do anything.  I am so thankful that I am able to continue on but it does get frustrating some days being a caregiver.  But I do know that the Lord is able to get me through each day.  I hope that all of you here on C.P. have a great week.   God bless to all.   Gordon and Noreen.