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Morning Devotional...


My Spirit Rejoiced in God

"My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior."
Luke 1:46-47

It's amazing how God works in our lives to bring us to that place where He can move freely in us to accomplish His will. It is interesting to study how God called Abraham, Isaac, Moses, David, and Joshua. How instructive is the response of each as God spoke to them of serving Him.

Little did Mary know, when going about her domestic duties, what a single day would bring forth in her life. When God's time was come, she was informed of God's plan regarding her. She was filled with surprise and fear; but after the angelic messenger spoke to her of the peculiar favor that God had prepared for her, she yielded and committed herself with all of her concerns, into the hands of God. She could not help but know that submission to this plan of God might ruin her character and even affect her life. But she knew, that the one who had chosen her for this singular blessing, was able to protect and care for her in every way. When Joseph was told of this, he too responded in submissive obedience to walk in the path God was leading them.

In spite of all the fears, apprehensions, and consequences that surrounded both of them in a most alarming way, they chose to believe God and follow Him fully. When you are faced with unusual circumstances, how do you respond? Do you choose to worry and to be distressed, frustrated, and anxious? Or do you exchange all of this for His lordship in your life, in submissive servanthood, and cheerfully "cast all of your anxiety upon Him, for He cares for you." Wouldn't it be wonderful if all of us would respond in glorious praise and adoration, because He had chosen us to serve Him? Can you fathom the magnitude of these words? Service for God is the overflow of super-abounding devotion. It is the echo of my identification with His indwelling presence. It is the natural response of His life being lived in and through me. To serve the Lord is the deliberate love gift of a nature that has heard His still small voice saying, "This is the way, walk ye in it."

The story is told of Stephen Olin, a shining light in the early years of the Methodist church. He had become greatly discouraged and was about to leave his place of service. In a significant dream, he saw himself working in a rock quarry, swinging a pick ax repeatedly on an extremely hard rock. Unable to break the rock, he decided to quit. Suddenly, a dignified stranger appeared at his side and asked, "Were you not given this task by God?" "Yes, he replied." "Then why should you think of abandoning it?" "My work is not accomplishing a thing; it's useless." "Your duty is to pick, whether the rock yields or not. The work is in your hands; the results are not. Carry on." He resumed, and the rock burst into thousands of pieces. Stephen Olin awoke, realizing that faithful, submissive serving was what God required of him; the results were God's. Sometime later, by the Holy Spirit's mighty power, a great revival swept across New England through his ministry. Obedience is our responsibility; the results are His. "DARE TO BELIEVE" in the unfailing faithfulness of God! When we can't see His hand, dare to trust His heart!

© 2007 by Ed Powell. Used by permission

A Wonderful Praise Report!

Back in 2006 Meika introduced one of her friends, Kittykins, to our site.  If you click on Kittykins name, you can choose to view "All Posts of this Member" and you'll see where she said back in 2006 that she wasn't a Christian but rather an agnostic!

Well, praise the Lord, Kittykins (Polly) has come back to our site and posted a wonderful "PRAISE!" topic that I'd really appreciate all you reading and posting in.

She's been wonderfully saved and is now married as well.

HERE'S her topic

If anyone has opportunity to communicate with Mieka, please send love and hugs from Ruth Ann.

Pat, I love that scripture used for our devotional this week. I've often tried to put myself in Mary's shoes and tried to feel the humble awe and complete willingness in her spirit as she learned the news that she was chosen to be our Lord's earthly mother.

Pat:  thank you for the message about where we belong and why.  Very true.

Larry:  Life is a seesaw, isn't it?  Here is Stacey with her tremedous health problems and at the same time you can rejoice in your son's permanent job offer.  

A beautiful sunset over the hills tonight and it is still hot outside.  The AC is running non-stop and thank heaven that we have it or we would be always in the basement.  We sign our house away tomorrow and the daughter of the new owner wants to walk through here to check again. Am feeling stressed by having to do everything for everyone else but this too shall pass.  Yesterday was a surprise early birthday party for #2 son.  He was really shocked and happy so many friends showed.  He is coming up Thursday and we are taking him to lunch and of course we will load his truck with stuff as he is very near our new home to be.  

I don't know what happpened to our dear mama Mallard.  She wasn't here when we got home last night and still there are abandoned eggs but one looks like it was fully opened.  Another two were cracked and others did not develop.  Am so sad for her.  

Happy Monday, everybody!

Darrel and I are going to Garden City to celebrate our anniversary.  It was Friday, but I was working, so we postponed our little outing.  We don't have to be home for anything at a certain time, so can take our time and enjoy ourselves.  This is 27 years for us; I am hoping we can make 50!

Right now, he is waiting for me to cut his hair, so I will finish (or post again) later.

Done, and since no one else has yet posted, will continue this one.

Beth has rallied    On Saturday, her friend and favorite nurse took Beth's van and took Beth and Gloria (friend also in the home) then stopped in another small town to pick up Beth's friend Mindy (from college days, still a wonderful friend.)  They had a "girls' day out" and in their words, they had a blast!  Yesterday, Beth was still bouyed up by the day and I'm so happy for her.  I know she loves her Mom, but she needs friends her own age, and it is so good for her.

I really messed up when I booked that trip.  We would have missed grandson Mark's college graduation, family reunion and my painting class!!   So this morning I got on the phone and changed the dates, and now we will be leaving in March rather than May.  Whew!

Carol, I'm so sorry about mama mallard.    I was looking forward to seeing photos of her with a whole row of ducklings waddling behind her!

I need to get off here and get ready to go!  See you later.

Hi everyone.  Just back from coffee and it is going to be a hot day today, up to 97 degrees.  My friend from Maryland will be here later this morning, usually he doesn't get here until 10:30 or so, to visit for the day.  At lunch time we will go to meet for lunch with the other men I usually meet on Mondays and then come back here for more visiting.  When he leave I will go over and help my friend with his Internet.  I thought he was all set but apparently the modem was bad and they are sending him a new one that should be at his house sometime by early afternoon. 

The news with our daughter isn't any better.  She was told yesterday that the infection has penetrated the bones in her feet in at least three places and they will do the MRI to determine the extent of the invasion.  They are putting in a picc line today, which is a catheter in her arm into an artery in the chest into which the intraveneous IV's can be fed.  She will have to have IV's twice a day and the duration will be determined after the MRI is done.  These can be administered at home by a visiting nurse and they may be able to teach her to do it herself.  The doctor has told her to stay off her foot as much as possible.  She is having severe pain but they have started on the Neurotin, which she has been taking at home, which helps the neuropathy and thus the pain.  If they don't get this infection cleared up she will likely lose her foot, but we won't go there until necessary.  She expects to be in the hospital at least a couple more days.

Janet, hope you and Darrel have a wonderful day in Garden City and enjoy your anniversary.  Do you have a special restruarant where you like to eat in Garden City?

Carol, just do what you can do and don't worry about the rest.  I find if I prioritize what I need to get done I do the most important and the other items can, almost always, wait until another day.  It helps me keep my life in balance.  I know you are going to be busy for the next few weeks until you get moved and settled into your new home.

Pat, that is a great praise report.  Thanks for sharing it with us.  Thanks for the devotional for this week.

Marilyn, sorry here that your dog is limping.  It is so hard to see our pets obviously being in pain. 

Etta Sue, you have had quite a busy last few days.  It is nice to see old friends, even after 49 years. 

Ruth Ann, what a week you had last week.  I am certain it will be one with good memories.  Obviously you are very respected and like by the people you have worked with.  Guess we are going to have to call you "party lady".    Maybe this week won't be as hectic for you.

Melody, perhaps the strawberries will do better next year.  That seems to be the way of gardens, some bounty years and some when the harvest is more sparse.

Al, yes we are happy to know he has finally found a good job.  It seems like it has been a long time but they have managed to get by.

Larry, I'm truly so saddened that Stacey is going through this terrible problem with her foot.  We'll be remembering her and the whole family circle in prayer.

Good morning.  My husband passed away 17 years ago today.  Doesn't seem possible.  Sometimes it seems like yesterday...other times, like it was eons ago.

After an exciting weekend, I have nothing to do today.  Well, other than take the trash, do some laundry, read my devotions and exercise.  Now I am relaxing and waiting on the clothes to dry on the line outside.  Thought it was going to rain while I was reading my devotions on the deck.  Got cloudy and the wind picked up.  Now it is sunny again. 

Tony came last evening and fixed the air compressor.  Now it runs like a new one!  I don't use it a lot but just like wind shield wipers, when you want to use them, you like for them to work! 

Now to look forward to Beef and Boards and really celebrating Ivalou's birthday which is tomorrow!!

Larry, I'm very sorry to hear about your daughters medical problem. I will pray for you both.

I have not been feeling well but I do expect tomorrow will be a better day.

We also had a wonderful computer virus which took our computer man the best of one day to get arrested although there are still some glitches - better days ahead.

I am leaving to do an alteration on a pair of slacks they will be smaller which makes me feel good.

Earlier I called our inter-net provider and had part of the package cancelled a savings of a few dollars.

Buy for now         Ruth

I thought I would post another little video for you all to enjoy or perhaps cheer you up. I am distressed to see so many of my friends here having so many problems at the moment. Please know I keep you all in my prayers. I am glad to report my Mum is home from the hospital and seems to be doing well. It seems to be a worrying time for a lot of us. God bless and take care.

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=92679831737705c8839f

I'm thankful for a good day today - it's plenty hot, of course, but that's to be expected here in Nashville for the middle of summer. Let's see, don't "dog days" begin in August? Edit: Well, I see I was wrong about my dates. But, this link makes an interesting read.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_Days

My mom used to be scared of her shadow (and ours) during the month of August, cuz she believed that was the month when many children caught polio. Oh, what a wonderful discovery when the vaccines were developed!

Y'all have  agreat day.

Larry:  May you have strength and courage - peace be with you and Pat.

We just had a shocking phone call in that my cousin's son (who is a missionary in a Muslim country) had a heart attack at the age of almost 42 and he is recuperating after a stent was put in - now in Munich hospital.  She is flying there, called me from the Minneapolis airport.  It did sound like he was better after the stent but what a shock to all. 

We signed the contact that our house is sold today but the dim-witted other real estate guy didn't know enough to get the money to us and the lady who is buying is out of this country so now we are waiting this week for a phone call that the money has been wired - meanwhile, it isn't sold until we get the money.  It should be alright by tomorrow.  We semi-celebrated by going out for lunch and I didn't have any bread or hash browns either.

Colin:  Thanks for the very nice pictures - Jeannine looks like she is having a great time. 

Good day. 
I just love this devotional today and I would want to be able to say like Mary -My soul doth magnify the Lord.
Rejoicing over the praise report.

Larry will continue to pray for Stacy. And hopefully next year I will have more strawberries
Carol -praying for your cousin's son to have a quick and full recovery.
Colin love these photos of N. Ireland-beautiful place.
I also viewed the one of you playing the accordion. I really enjoyed this. I love the song Lily of the valley. Glad to know your mother is doing much better. God Bless for sharing

Larry, we ate at Lone Star Steakhouse, had a nice little steak, and I had a baked sweet potato while Darrel had twice-baked potato.  I had some tortilla soup, which was excellent!  He had steak soup.  I had mentioned to our waiter that we were celebrating our anniversary, so at the end of the meal, he brought us a big Brownie ice cream and fudge sauce thing with two spoons.    MMM...I really need to check out Weight Watchers now!

I'm so sorry about Stacey's foot.  Beth told me yesterday they say the skin on her heels is breaking down.  I hope they will take steps to protect them, for pressure sores are so hard to heal, and she doesn't need more pain!  I pray Stacey's treatment will be fully effective.  And I'm so happy your son got that job!

Carol, sorry about the money mess-up.  This move is so stressful on you, hope it is all done as early as possible.

Colin, I enjoyed your video.  You do live in a beautiful green world over there! 

Ruth Ann, you had quite the week, didn't you?  My goodness!  But soon you will have time for rest and contemplation.  Best wishes for successful surgery and a supernaturally fast recovery!

Ruth, hope tomorrow is a brighter day!

Etta Sue, enjoy your outing to Beef 'N Boards!

I got new glasses today!  I have never been this excited about new glasses before!  And they came with a cute pair of clip on sunglasses, which don't really clip on, but rather snap on with a magnet!  They are to wear while driving, as the transitions lenses do not darken in the car, because of the tint in the windshield.  Now I can read without scrambling for those little cheap "cheaters" they gave me after my eye surgery.

I also splurged and bought myself some expensive shoes, which are supposed to be really good support.  They said to only wear them for a couple hours the first few days, or my leg muscles will get sore.  They make me feel as if I'm walking on uneven ground.  They're called "MBT Physiological Footwear."  I hope they will lessen the pain in my feet and legs.  Also got another pair of New Balance athletic shoes.

Okay.......TMI already!    I will see you all another day!

  Where is everyone this morning?

Hi everyone.  Nothing new to report.  Our daughter is still being treated in the hospital.  I know she rests in God's hands and not mine so I am not worrying unduly.  Of course, I am concerned because I love her and it is never nice to see our loved ones suffer but we cannot bear that suffering for them.  We just try to be here for her.

Janet, good for you in treating yourself to something special and expensive.  You deserve it.  Glad you enjoyed your steakhouse visit.  The breakdown of skin is very serious.  Are they using lamb's wool pads on her heels to protect Beth's skin?  I remember them doing that with my Dad when his skin was so fragile.

Melody, good to see you posting yesterday and joining right into the conversation.  That is the key to enjoying discussion boards and the nice thing is we can do our postings when it is convenient for us individually.

Carol, must have been the realtor's first closing.  Surely he didn't expect to receive the papers until the money was passed on.  Hope it all completes today.

Ruth Ann, it is hot down here as well.  Yesterday I had to go out in my car around 4:30 pm and I couldn't get any cool air.  I thought my A/C was broken.  However, on the return leg I finally noticed the on/off button light showing it was on was off.  I don't remember pushing the button so it must have occurred accidentally and I just didn't realize it.  It is working fine now.  I sure appreciate your call yesterday afternoon and we can never have too much information about health situations.  My wife enjoyed talking with you also as I said goodbye to my friend from Maryland, who had spent the day with us.

Colin, I enjoyed your video.  Many of the shots, such of the big old trees and rolling hills looked very much like areas around where I grew up in the Northwest corner of Missouri.  Jeannine, were you taking pictures of branches?

Ruth, hope you will soon be feeling better and that you got your sewing project completed.

Scotty, thanks to you and all those who have expressed concern for our daughter.  All the concerns and prayerss are appreciated.

Etta Sue, it is always good to know that the equipment we have will work when needed.  Glad the air compressor was fixed by your son.  Hope you enjoyed your day with not much too do yesterday.

Pat, thanks to you and Paul for holding our daughter and our family up in your prayers.  

My Internist called late yesterday afternoon saying he was concerned about a low sodium count in my last blood tests.  It is below the minimum standard number.  He has ordered more blood tests and told me to come in and see him on Friday.  

Hope this is a good day for everyone.  I plan on staying close to home today after attending a meeting this morning.  

Good Morning:  Bebe seems a little bit better this morning, She slept all night in the crate, I let her out about 4:15 am and she got on my bed for a little while.

My client's husband seem to be improving at times and the at other times seems to be regressing, He is trying to hang on through the month of August when both their sons will be visiting at different times during the month from Georgia and Alabama.

It is still overcast and cool here. Summer just has not visited the lost coast yet this year. I haven't seen blue sky in a couple of weeks then only briefly.

Larry I am praying for Stacy.

Janet Wow I looked your shoes up online, They are expensive but they look comfortable. I have 1 pr of expensive shoes that my Podiatrist ordered for me.  but I don't wear themt o work I wear my hightop basketball shoes with Superfeet orthotics added. I need the extra ankle support but not all the time.

Ruth sorry to hear youare not feeling well. Are you retired yet? Or just off for the summer?

Larry where in northwest Missouri did you grow up? My mother's side of the family is from that area. Mercer county, Spikard is one of the family names, Yates, Applegate and Wilburn are others.

Melody:  thank you for mentioning my cousin's son in prayers.  He & his wife have 8 children - 2 very disabled adopted in the country where they work for The Lord.  He goes into the orphanages and takes them home one-at-a-time as it is a true death sentence to be in their orphanages - ignored by the family.  Then, with rehab and love they also bring the parents in and many times the child can go back to live with the family.  We are waiting for news.

Janet:  What a nice anniversary treat - a brownie.  We have been staying away from sugar for two weeks - yikes, I crave it so much.  By the way, we will not be here in March when you go overseas.  What a trip that will be for you two!

Larry:  You just posted that the other real estate guy was new - no, he has been around but seems to be very incompetent - we are going to write a complaint as soon as we get the money.  I dropped the Honda keys with the remote at the signing yesterday and didn't know it - they fell off a special chain - thank heaven the people asked our realtor.



We walked for an hour again and friendly clouds covered the sun so we felt cooler.  Dry and hot for the next week.  Fire danger very high.  

Remember the search helicopter flying around my area a few days back???  Well, when I went to the doctor last Friday I noticed a fence down at a corner near me with the fence posts broken off and tire tracks.  Someone ran into it from the highway.  Well, Sunday I remembered that there were horses behind that fence.  So I am thinking that the search helicopter was looking for the horses!!!  And that is the reason why the police were at that corner also.  But I don't know if they caught the horses or not.  Fence wasn't fixed yet so if they are back, they are in another area. 

Glad I figured that out!!

So many of you are having health problems or someone dear to you are having health problems.  Just rely on knowing that prayers are being said from Indiana. 

My internet was down again this morning.  Nothing I did would bring it back.  So I called my DSL people again.  Seems several in my area were down.  So a technician is coming here at 3PM THURSDAY!!!!  They sure don't know how much I rely on internet, do they?  Anyway, I was playing my Mahjongg games when I noticed the modem had four lights.  My internet was back.  It rained last night.  I think something about my internet service doesn't like the moisture from the rain. 

Tonight is 'Smoke on the Mountain--Homecoming' at Beef and Boards.  I am really looking forward to it since the same crew last year was my favorite show of all times.

G'Morning ... I am really sorry for not getting in here (where you can see me) more often.     I have been working through some situations and concerns with the family and that has kept me occupied for a while.

It breaks my heart to read of the serious health problems for so many of our members and their families.  God is STILL on His throne and He is STILL concerned about each of our needs.  I am, and have been, praying for all.

My neighbors must've got tired of looking at my falling down house, so they have been working on it for me.  Last week they came and painted the two "ends" and started tearing out the shed where I kept wood.  Well ... then they found that the wall on the enclosed back porch was in not so good shape, so started tearing that out.  They thought they'd use the roof from the woodshed to repair the wall. 

Once they started, it was apparent the whole wall was rotten so, for the past couple days, my neighbor has been rebuilding that portion of the back porch area.  I feel so bad about all this.  I'm sorry they have had to be concerned about my mess and now that they have to put in so much time and labor to bring it into some semblance of correctness. 

My neighbor told me yesterday that "It's God that is doing this."  He says God gave him the desire and ability but He is doing the work (through him).  You have no idea how grateful I am.   

Well, I've enjoyed being here again this morning. It's been a tranquil morning, sitting in my bedroom listening to programs as I work. I'm doing some serious going through things, putting drawers to rights, cleaning out closets, etc. Things I just couldn't do when I was working. Ahhhh, it feels so GOOD to see little improvements I've wanted to make getting done!

And, the surgeon's office called for some insurance information, etc. The lady was really nice and I enjoyed speaking with her. Will do all the preop stuff on Friday afternoon, then I plan to meet with close friends for dinner.

I think the family is whisking me off to a town midway between Birmingham and Nashville for my birthday dinner tomorrow night. What fun - to take a trip just to have a great time of love and fellowship with those closest to me.

Y'all have  agreat rest of the day.

Thanks to those who commented on the video. I think Larry that Jeannine took a photo of everything she saw! Melody I hope you have recovered after watching me strangle tunes on the accordion. 

Hi to everyone else.

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=9502a1fa054f943509bb

Please enjoy the video. God bless

Our county fair is this week, so today I took my 91 year old friend Maxine out to enter a painting.  I also entered five paintings.  Tomorrow I am going to go out and help in the art department while they do the judging.  I learned today that the judge is a dear friend whom I have known for close to 30 years.  It will be fun to see Dave again; he lives in Dodge City.  But knowing who is judging makes me really happy that I hadn't yet signed any of my entries, so there cannot be any favoritism.

This afternoon, Pat and I did each other's hair color.  Now I'm doing laundry while I catch up with all of your news.

Larry, Beth's care plan meeting is this Thursday, and I will certainly ask about some lamb's wool for her heels.  I hope your daughter is doing better today.

Etta Sue, thanks for letting us know what the helicopter was searching for when it hovered over your house.  Another mystery solved! 

Time to put more clothes in the dryer and washer!

Good day. Today has been a day of rain and more rain
Hopefully tomorrow it will improve.

Larry Thank you for  your encouragement to step in and post here

Carolthanks for sharing about your cousins son-I will continue to pray for them.

Colin I really did like the accordion video.
And i just viewed the one you posted also and enjoyed. You live in very beautiful country.

God's blessing to all]

We talked with my cousin's husband and their son (in hospital in Munich) is going through more tests.  They may or may not use a balloon treatment for a 2nd. clog to his heart - perhaps meds and a strict change of diet.  They have lived in Uzbeckistan and now this adjoining country eating like the natives for years and it is a high fat diet, not good at all.  Things have to change right now. 

Jane:  Such a sweet gift from your loving neighbor.  Enjoy and accept the goodness. 

Ruth Ann:  Happy Birthday - wishing you a wonderful time with your birthday celebration!

Melody:  You are a dear to pray for my cousin's son.  He talked to his dad today and his mom is trying to get a hotel closer to the hospital in Munich.  I wish that I could help her.  Send some rain, we are very dry here in Colorado. 

I just updated my profile, a little early as we don't move until into August.     Anyway, I am not sure exactly where I will live as I can't see the name of a side street.  Will need a map of the area for sure.   

Hi.  Just popping in again.  I babysat for little Maycie again today.  I'm always drained when she leaves, though she is such a joy.

Jane, that's so nice of your neighbor to do what he feels God told him to do.  You can't argue with that.  You can be extremely grateful, as you are, but think of the reward this neighbor is building while he's building for you. lol  God takes care of us single women, doesn't he?

Our county fair started today too.  I used to love to go and look at the entries in the art and cooking section, the pets, the commercial exhibits too.  I haven't gone in a few years and won't this year.  It's a really big deal for the merchants in the small town of Myrtle Point, Oregon.  They count on what they make at this time.  They have no every day tourist attractions that I know of, other than a Logger's Musuem, so this fair is their time to benefit. 

Larry and Janet, it's so sad what is going on with your girls.  My heart just hurts as I read about what's going on with them.   And in all things, we know that God is working a way, and His ways are perfect.  It's good that they both have parents who know how to touch God's heart in their behalf. 

God bless,  Nita