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Morning Devotional...


Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing.
Matthew 7:15a

Recommended Reading
1 John 4:1-4

"Jesus does not offer an opinion," wrote A. W. Tozer, "for He never uttered opinions. He never guessed; He knew, and He knows. His words are not as Solomon's were, the sum of sound wisdom or the results of keen observation. He spoke out of the fullness of the Godhead, and His words are very Truth itself."1

Our world has lots of opinions, and most of them are wrong. In an increasingly secular society, we must guard against false teachers both inside and outside the church. Evolutionary theory saturates our scientific community. Humanism frames our laws and judicial decisions. Professors and educators exclude God and discriminate against Christian teachers. The entertainment industry churns out moral propaganda like ancient Rome. Popular preachers export a diluted message. And even our busses and subway cars declare there is no God.

Jesus warned that false teachers would dominate the last days. But secular opinion cannot withstand divine truth. And Jesus is very Truth itself. It is important to know Him and study His Word. How much more do you know Him today than you did yesterday? Know Him and study His Word.

It is well that He spoke... and it is good that we listen. His words are the essence of truth.
A. W. Tozer

Wonderful devotional, Jeanne!  How we must be aware of false prophets in this day and age!!!

I'm more and more convinced by events that we are seeing signs of "the end times".  I'm ready!   :)

I'm back online!  Had two and a half days of problems.  Got a nasty virus of some kind, masquerading as Windows Vista Security--and no matter what I did, only those windows would show.  We went to Diane's for supper last night, and I took my laptop along so Mark could work on it.  He spent two hours working to rid it of that virus.  It was working fine there, but when we got home, I couldn't get online.  Finally, I gave it up and went to bed.  Started trying again this morning; same thing.  So after opening time, I called for help, and someone at Pioneer Communications was able to help me get back online, praise the Lord!

SO.....Jeanne, thank you so much for covering for me for this week's Thoughts.  I thought about calling someone, but kept trying until I felt it was too late to be calling and disturbing anyone.

Yesterday was my birthday!  I am so thankful to my Creator for having excellent health into my seventh decade of life!  He is such a loving Father, and I am fearfully and wonderfully made!

Did I tell you folks that my sister Shirley is in Africa right now, doing Missionary work?  It is a terrific story:  Shirley went to Bible Camp when she was 14, and the Lord called her to be a missionary to Africa.  When she got home, she told the folks, as they were advised to do, and our parents really "downed" the whole idea.  So she never followed up on it.  BUT....the gifts and calling of the Lord are without repentence!  Now, 60 YEARS later, she finally got and took the opportunity to go!  And she is having a wonderful time and seeing many souls come into the kingdom because of her obedience!  Her updates are awesome, and if you would like to read them, I will post them here.  It's really exciting to know that God doesn't care whether you are 14 or 74, He is looking for a willing and obedient heart.  Please pray His continued protection and health for Shirley.  She will be there four more weeks!

John and Beth are having a great time together.  Makes my heart smile to see and listen to them together!  What a blessing!

Hi, friends,

My goodness, Janet! What issues you have had! It's certainly good that you're able to be back online.

The news about your sister being in Africa is exciting, and I cast my vote for hearing updates through you. :) Had I not developed certain health issues, the plan was that I would volunteer to spend 6 months to a year volunteering in various missions around the world. However, although I cannot do so, my brother and sister in law are following our Lord's leading and have been to several countries in His service.

Welcome to the "gettin older, gettin wiser, growing closer to the Lord" club!!!  :cool: It's so great to know you had a super birthday yesterday.

Today is R&R day for Ruth Ann. An extremely busy weekend has given me the motivation to find nothing to do unless it's absolutely necessary today.

:lol:

Our Lord knows all, understands all, and above all, LOVES all. Praise His Name today.

Ruth Ann

Janet, I also cast a vote in favor of reading your sister's updates.  Please!

So glad you had a lovely birthday, in spite of all your computer problems.

I am thankful today (should be every day).  Yesterday morning I turned things on, but the computer didn't respond at all.  Checked the power strip - ok.  Took the computer into the kitchen, plugged it in - no go.  So took it in to the shop today, found out there's a switch I didn't know about - all ok now!  It's good to  be back.

Janet you have my vote too.

well I am here without very much to talk about, It is good to read everyone's postings. I may not post every day but i do read every day.

I ave done 3 loads of laundry today, and created on stationery for one of my groups. I'm waiting to hear back from my HTML teacher for approval of my lesson 4 and  a link to lesson 5. I also need to make another page for my Website, just keeping busy,.

I was hardly on during the weekend as my connection was so slow.  I am working at 14.4Kbps.  No multitasking just wait and wait.  Not much patience left for dial up!

Happy Birthday Janet, may it be the best one yet.

Al:  Was that an On/Off switch the shop showed you ...... ;D  Just kidding.  It can be frustrating and I just went through a time with this laptop again today.  Every once in a while, the wifi doesn't work & we can't find the reason. 

Janet:  Hi birthday girl! Have a wonderful day.  I love your description of John and Beth meeting - it is perfect that they met. 

Our son-in-law has not been paid in several weeks & his company is in Switzerland - those awful people have not paid others in over a month so this does not look good.  There is always good news bad news & unfortunately, the last year and half has been one bad news after another for them. 

We did have the thrill of watching a bull moose feed on leaves in the tall brush and watched a momma moose (called a cow) with her little one scamper away.  No pictures at all.  It is always a charmed day when we encounter wildlife.

JudyB:  We sure did get accustomed to faster sign-on and it seems so old-fashioned to sit there and wait.  It sounds like your girls are really great kids (young women now) and doing so well.  It is just lovely to hear about them. 

Janet:  Your sister is doing such a great soul-filling task in volunteering.  I would love to be doing something again and just can't spare the time now. 

We, and one son with his wife, found a run away little white dog last night.  All of us searched houses in the neighborhood and one young man said he would watch the sweet little dog until it could be claimed or he would just keep him.  Whew - I was so taken that I almost said we would take the dog but really it is too hard here to have a dog.  Mr. Coyote and Mr. Fox are around too often.  But it would be nice to have the fluffy little one right now.   ;)

Dear All in the States,
We are really pressing on in Malawi.  We ministered in two  villages last week and plan to go to two more this week.  It has been a very interesting, challenging and rewarding experience.  The villages are very primitive, with grass roofs, no running water and no electricity.  The trip out to them was also quite an experience.  Every stop we made we were swarmed with people anxious to sell their produce of bananas, squash, potatoes, roasted in it fire corn, etc.  Also many were asking for money or food.  They are very poor people. It is heartbreaking to see the barefood, ragged, dirty little children, with protruding tummies, etc.
When we reached the village we were met by many people with shinning eyes and big smiles, singing, dancing, clapping a welcome to us.  When we got out of the van, they began to sing and worship the Lord for a good long while.
The team began setting up the equipment to show the "Jesus film" right away as it was already getting dark.  We had brought a generator with us so we had light and power for the work.  The people were really excited about the film.  Regretfully, the generator refused to run properly, so we had to give it up until the next day.  Instead, there was preaching and teaching, worship and song.  There was a wonderful response to the gospel when the invitation was given.  I think over half the people responded to receive the Lord Jesus.
The next day, there was follow-up and more worship.  They had a set of home-made drums and a guitar as well as a bass guitar.  They make beautiful music and their singing was incredable with singing in parts and the blending of voices lifted to the Lord.  It was wonderful.  The children, even the very small ones were dancing, clapping their hands and singing along with the others.  Mothers with babies tied to their backs were dancing while the heads of the babies bobbed up and down, but they never cried.
After a meal,cooked by the village ladies, of goat, cabbage, rice and nsema, we set up for the medical clinic.
We had to stretch ropes around the trees to try to keep  the crowd at bay, as everyone seemed to have a need.  The Malawian pastors, especially the ones who came with us from Blantyre, have an incredible knowledge of the Word and are gifted preachers.  They also intrepted for us when we spoke. 
A little black man by the name of Stanley George was assigned to be my partner to pray for each person before they came into the circle for medical attention.  It was a wonderful experience as the Lord enabled me to operate in the gift of the word of knowledge as well as healing.We would take turns praying for them after finding out what the need was.  Stanly proved to be a great prayer partner.
That evening the generator worked great and two films were shown with another good response following.  People poured into the village from surrounding villages and filled the space on the big tarps we had brought for them.  It proved to be a positive thing that the generator had failed the first night.
We were allowed to set up to sleep in the church building, which is one room about 20X40 made of hand made brick, with a grass roof and no closing door.  We were a team of 11 people and the cots are only about 6 or 8 inches off the floor, which is clay and bumpy.  It is difficult to get a chair to set evenly anywhere in there.  ( The few chair in the village were reserved for our use.)
The "cimbuzy" or out-houses were constructed especilly for us out of sudan grass, thatched together.  No roof and a bundle of fodder for the door.  Out heads were exposed when we stood in there.  Ther was a small rectangular hole in the floor which was hollow underneath.  It took some skill to use it without making a mess!  The shower was basically the same except for bricks laying on the floor for drainage.  They furnished a bucket of water with a dipper cup to toss or pour water on ourselves.  The pail of water would shower several people and was a real blessing after the dusty hard work we were doing.
They are experiendcing a drought and the ground is two to three inches of the dirtiest dirt I have ever breathed.  There was a constant cloud of dust boiling up as the people danced and worshiped the Lord.  They are so joyful and happy in spite of their hard life. WATER WELLS FOR AFRICA has installed wells all around the country but it is not enough.  They still have to carry water quite a long distance daily.
The little girls wear dresses and have no underware.  If they need to go, they just go.  It is the natural way.  The boys wear mostly short pants and a shirt.  They are a pathetic sight, really, with some of them holding their rags up to keep them on their dirty little bodies.
I taught the children each morning, using a flannel graph.  They loved it and responded to the invitation in great numbers.  Afterward, some of the team took them out to play soccur or other games until the very long church service was over.  Then lunch and time to pack up for the next village.
It would be impossible to tell you of all that has happened in just this one week.  God is really moving and the people love Him with a devoted kind of love that makes me ashamed of myself.
I plan to write a book about this experience when I get home so I am trying to keep a journal but I am way behind as I can't write in the van and there is no time for it once we get there.
I want to tell everyone what it is like here.  I wish you all could experience it for yourselves because it is hard to explain.  I am taking many pictures as well.
The team is wonderful to me as are the people in the villages.  I was honored yesterday by the Chief of All the villages for coming so far at my age.  He wanted to make Eli a village chief for bringing me to Africa!

I was sick last night and this morning with a sinis problem and chilling, so they left me here at the motel and had Eli stay with me to make sure all was well.  I am feeling much better now.  I think it was the dust.  They will be back soon so I need to go prepare for whatever will be happening tonight.  Tomorrow is another day, another village. 
We have two teams going out doing basically the same thing.  The villages are only visited once by Foursquare and it is a really big deal to the people.
Keep praying for us and watch for my next book!

Love to all.
Shirley

Janet, thanks for posting Shirley's message.  How wonderfully the Lord is working through the group.

Thank you Janet that was very interesting.

Carol, you would mention the on-off switch!  Yes, it was that.  On our previous computer, the switch was a noticeable "bump" on the back right side - easy to identify.  On this one, it's on the left back and very unidentifiable.  You can hardly tell it's there.  I looked for it very specifically several times, but didn't find it.  Oh well - I know where it is now, and I thank our Lord it was such an easy fix.

We NEVER cease to learn when we come to our beloved website!

Janet, I can't tell you how thankful I am for Shirley's message. I can't write all the details, but God laid on my heart for me to make (for me) a sizeable contribution to the Jesus Film Project to be used in hispanic countries. It was made to honor the memory of a deceased family member. As a result, I learned of several conversions to trust our Saviour for forgiveness of sin. These individuals are regular, contributing members of a thriving hispanic protestant community. :)

The Jesus Film Project has become a light in the darkness for so many.

Al, it seems like each day, I learn something new about some sort of technology. Keep on learning - it keeps us young! :)

I hope all of you don't feel ignored if I don't mention every post, but each of you is very special to me, and I love you dearly .

Have a great rest of the day.
Ruth Ann

Belated birthday greetings to you, Janet.  I was at a "Thirsting For God" Conference at the Faith Mission up here in Canada and wasn't around my computer much all weekend.  I hope you had a wonderful time.

Love

Pat


Here's a special card for you!

CLICK HERE (http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcardm.asp?code=2925924847274&ob=1&cont=1)

Hi from a very hot Atlanta area.  It was really sweltering yesterday and more of the same today with high humidity.  I have to be out this morning but not in the afternoon thankfully.  A light schedule for today with just coffee at McDonald's and then an eleven o'clock meeting to attend.

Etta Sue, I saw on the weather where your area was covered with some storms.  That was a really high reading, must have had a lightning strike close by.  :)

Jeanne, a fine devotional for our thoughts this week.  This has been a subject of concern to me for a long time as we see our church struggle with various human issues.  I agree with you on the "end times".

Janet, a belated Happy Birthday.  I seem to treat everyone the same on birthdays in that I am always a day behind.  I hope I don't get a reputation.  So glad you experience good health and welcome to the club of the 70s.  Glad you got your computer back up and running.  It sounds like your sister is where she belongs at the moment.  I am sure she will have some memorable moments to share of her experiences and the people she met.  What an interesting posting from your sister.  It provides an insight into other cultures.

Ruth Ann, hope you enjoyed your day of R&R and that it revived you.

Al, wonder who pushed the switch to turn your computer off?  :)  Glad you are back on line and no problem with the computer.

Marilyn, it is good you have projects that interest you like the html lessons.

Judy, I don't think I could tolerate that low speed after getting used to high speed internet. Of course, I understand we do what we have to do but like you, I wouldn't like it a bit.  I became very impatient here when we were experienceing the server problems.  It is really nice now.

Hi Don.

Carol, a month without pay sounds terrible.  This must not be a very reliable company your son works for. 

I understand about strugging financially. When I was between jobs, one little company I worked for maybe 6 weeks, had 2 of my paychecks bounce. So, fortunately I was able to move on.

Y'all have a good day.

Thank you for the birthday wishes, and you, Pat, for that beautiful card!  I actually joined the 70s club last year!  I was scuba diving on my 70th birthday, which was a real thrill!  I thank God every day for excellent health.

Also glad you enjoyed Shirley's report.  She is like me and our older sister Doris, in that we are all hard workers, something we learned early and well!  I will find her first report and post that; then if you want to read more, I have three reports from her grandson Eli, who is also on the trip.  Being from a different generation, he has a different point of view, and that makes it interesting.

Pat, now you are no longer older than me!  :)

We are going to go to Liberal today to do a couple of things.  I need to go to the hearing aid place during my birthday month to renew my "free batteries for life" agreement and have my hearing aids checked, cleaned, etc.  No big deal, just means a trip over there.

I went for a nice walk, probably something over a mile, early this morning.  It was nice and cool then, but the temperature is rising rapidly.  When I came in, I turned on the fan on the AC to pull the nice, cool, fresh air into the house.

Larry, I am also guilty of being late with birthday wishes pretty often!  But belated ones are welcome, too.  It stretches out the enjoyment of the day.

John bounced in yesterday morning saying, "Beth sent me out to change my shirt, so we can wear shirts alike."  He has bought several tee shirts for both of them that match, and they enjoy wearing them.  He comes in to shower and change, and right back to Beth.  I'm so happy they have this time together.

See you later!

Here I am checking in for today. I have read all the postings. I had to chuckle at Al and his on off switch problem, taking the computer to the shop only to be told about that.

Larry I do not envy you  your weather, I had enough of the heat living in the desert for 10 years to last me for a 3 lifetimes. It was hot  living in central California for 50 summers too. I am supposed to got visit my  kids that live there some time in July probably next year. It will be hot them too.  July because that is the only month that my DIL doesn't have to drive the school bus.

Janet I think of you so often, being a scuba diver, swimmer and so active and healthy at our ages. I consider  myself pretty healthy even though I deal with COPD, Sleep Apnea and allergies. I walk every day that it isn't raining. Then I walk  if there is a break in the rain. I go the the gym 5 days a week.

Good afternoon folks.  My connection is faster today and hopefully it will stay that way. Outside the temp is 68* in the shade, and after earlier this week and the weekend that is cold. 

Kass is into exams now and will be done on Thursday.  Strawberry picking will begin soon.  I have to find a straw hat as I intend to pick this year as well.  It will be interesting to work with Kassie.

We had an interesting night last night. There was an animal at the door, dog, wolf, coyote, I don't know.  The dogs were barking and I heard something bark back.  Eventually it went away.  At one point John got up and checked but don't think he saw anything.  I do see footprints in my garden.  It wasn't a yip or howl, but a bark, so I suspect it was a stray dog.

Well I have to get going.  Back later tonight.

A beautiful first day of summer.

I had a couple of errands one of which was checking on a Strawberry Super that is tomorrow evening the person that usually gets our tickets is in Alaska so will not be attending.    The other errand was going to a shoe outlet store with the hopes of purchasing a pair of house shoes, yes I did that as well.

I have now been home for several hours and have diner on cooking - it is beef vegetable soup with dumplings.

Al: you are not alone about the on/off switch on the computer Mel was told but did not inform me.  As some would say mennnnnnnn.   A small problem Mel was also told that whenever there is a need to transport the computer always turn the switch off.     

I have a very full day tomorrow also Mel has confirmed arrangements for our sewer connection we have had 3 quotes and one has not responded the quote of today is the one we are taking.

Hi, to everyone. I went for my bone scan today, and the tech and I had SUCH a lovely conversation. :)

On the way in, someone coming down the hall asked "How are you?" and I laughed and said, "FINE, until someone here tells me otherwise!" Corny, yes, but we both laughed as we went our ways.

My friend who lost her kidney and part of the other is home now, with home health plus a dear friend who lives upstairs at her home. They are taking excellent care of her.

My hip is still painful from the muscle spasm yesterday, so I've walked with a cane to be certain my footing is good.

Yikes, Judy! I'm not certain I'd like something trying to get in my door! Maybe if it was a lost dog, he/she thought maybe a bark would help bring some food for a hungry tummy.

Must go - need to rest, and my sweet granddaughter is anxious to talk with me by skype, so I must go to the laptop. :)

Y'all have a good day as you grow closer and closer to our Lord.

Ruth Ann

I am back home.  We had a nice day, were able to collect from two customers who were WAY behind, took son in law to lunch, saw the progress on his car wash, Mark arrived there so got a couple good grandson hugs; we both got our hearing aids cleaned and checked, and mine turned up a bit.  The serviced Darrel's too, even tho he got his from the VA, because they are the same brand as mine.  Nice!  Then it was to WalMart where we picked up a few items, and I got more photos they had printed, got them for a good price.  Now we are home, with everything put away and watching the news, plus the latest on the Casey Anthony trial.  That is such a mess!

Marilyn, it's good you are taking care of yourself.  I keep saying, "We only get ONE body, better take care of it!"

Al, I also got a chuckle about your off/on switch.  ;) 

Ruth, what is a Strawberry Super?  I have not heard that term before.  Hope you got great prices on your shopping.

Ruth Ann, you are a delight!

Hey, Larry!  Hope you are doing great today.

Judy, I'm surprised you didn't open the door just to see what was out there!

Hello to everyone else, too!

Janet I didn't get up!!  Let John take care of it!

Really tired tonight so heading to bed in a few.

Yesterday we had a very hard rain just before leaving for rehab and while driving to rehab.  First time in all my years to see water across both lanes of SR32 between here and Noblesville....in three places!!  On the way, back it was okay.  Ivalou's field is still flooded...probably will need replanting but they didn't replant last year!  So a huge bare spot that will grow up in weeds will be next to the road!

Today....ah, today!!  I didn't get up until late, ate my breakfast and read my devotions.  Put on old clothes and decided to mow while the sun was shining.  While mowing, I decided when I was done to change clothes and go to a Chevy car dealership.  I left driving a 2002 Chevy Malibu and come home with a 2011 Chevy Cruze.  My wants was RED with black leather interior and a sun roof and the right price.  We found the car.  Red?  Check.  Black interior?  Check.  Leather?  Check.  Right price?  Not checked.  Told him it was $500 too much.  He left.  Came back.  Right price?  CHECK!  So I am sporting a RED car.  Probably my last car...especially new car.  It drives like a dream!!  Someone told me to call it Tom...Tom Cruze!  So I guess I will cruising with Tom! 

When I got home, I drove in Ivalou's drive.  Went in and asked her if she was ready to go somewhere.  She got all the way outside and ready to get in the car and said...this isn't your car!  Is it?  So we went to Pendleton and got us a milk shake and back home.  Had to get out the manual to see how to adjust her seat! 

Do you guys get the commercial where there are two guys...one calls his wife who is on a plane ready to leave somewhere and she uses her remote to start the car for the two guys?  I can do that with my Tom!

I have a picture on Facebook for those who are on Facebook.  Just search for Etta Sue Gann.  Don't know if this will work or not but try it! (https://www.facebook.com/ettasue)

Bed time!

Forgot....Thanks, Janet, for Shirley's memories.  Very interesting to read.  Wish I had the guts to do something like that!

Etta Sue, it takes guts to go out and buy a brand new car, all by yourself, too!  I'm just curious, how many miles did your Malibu have on it?

Your link works great, and that's a good looking ride!  Congratulations!

This was the first report from Shirley in Africa.  She posted it on Facebook.  I'm glad she is now using email instead.  Janet

Malawi update 1.


by Shirley Williams on Monday, June 13, 2011 at 6:22am
.



Dear Delbert, JoAnne, Kenneth, Craig, \Leanne, Janet and all you people on my friends list.  We have had a busy three days in Blantyre, working on the attic in the church.  Foursquare.  We worked until 7:00 last evening and finished.  it was a hard job.  Two men helped us though.  The lumber yard was unique.  Rough tembers stacked on the roof of little buildings.  It was supposed to be 1X8 but it was almost two inches on one end.  Green and wet.  Very heavy.  Of course the little battery operated tool we brought would not handle the work.  We fried the batteries the first day and had to take a mini bus down town and buy a corded 7 1/2 inch saw.  It cost $100.00 U.S.  but it was worth it . I had to tell them what to buy and it became my job to cut the boards.  I couldn't get into the attic as you would have to be part monkey to make it.  It was designed that way to prevent theft.

The ladder I used to repair the ceiling which was pushed down from walking on it, was a challenge.  It was make of tree limbs and the steps were about 2 1/2 feet apart!

As Church was starting yesterday, a young girl I had met the day before, came and ask me to help with the childrens class.  I was not prepared, but went and it turned out well.  The children were very attentive.  There were about 25 little bright faces smiling at me.

This is a very interesting experience.  A city of well over a million people, each trying to ek out a living in a very poor nation.  Average income is $300.00 per year.

I wish you could see the shops and the open markets.  Tiny shops 6X8 maybe, joined to one another line the streets.  The sidewalks, if there are any are lined with men working at tredel sewing machine, making everything from suits to purses, Card table where they work repairing cell phones, watches, clocks, etc.

Every street corner is occupied with people trying to sell something.  People beg for money or food all along the way.  The tell me if you give to them you will be mobbed. 

The rest of the mission team is supposed to arrive today or tomorrow.  Then we will begin our mission to the out lying villages.  That will be a total new experience.



This afternoon we are going to go to some shops and look for souvineers (spelling)

We have to quibble over the price of everything, so I will let Eli buy for me.  He has some experience at it and can understand them.  They speak English but with a very strong Malawian accent.



Tim and Eli are wonderful traveling companions.  They really look after me, which is a good thing.  Even the climb up the hill from the highway to the church is a challenge for me.  It is steep and rocky.  I am out of breath by the time we get there.  Everyone has to walk to the church as it is on the side of the mountain and there is no road up there.



We have to catch a Japanese make mini bus everywhere we go, which is quite a challenge in itself.  They pack it full like sardines in a can, and it smells almost that bad.  The old buses are so beat up and rattlely I wonder if they will make it, but the brakes are good.  They have to be.  If one hits a pedestrian they have to immediately take the person to the hospital and the driver will be charged and usually face jail time.  They are very skilled drivers as well as very careful.  The steering wheel is on the right and they drive on the right.  The roads are awful, especially inside the bus terminal.  I don't know how to explain it.  Rocks, holes, bumps, everything to make it rough.



The people carry everything on their heads.  The women can carry a baby on their back and a tub of something on their head and walk over this rough ground as if it were a smooth sidewalk.  They are amazing. There are very few overweight people here.  I think they walk it off.  They walk miles every day.  There are many vehicles here, but the average person doesn't own one.  If they did it would be awful because the streets are dangerous to cross as it is.  They do have a few traffic lights though.



We will be coming to the internet cafe every week to send you an update, so if you want to send a message you can do so on facebook. I hope it will still be there when we come again.



I miss all of you back there and my dogs!



Until next time.



Shirley









Janet Damon Thanks for that update, Shirley! It sounds a lot like some of the countries we have visited. You continue to be careful, okay? We miss you and want you home safe and sound, so you can tell us all your adventures in person. Love and miss you, dear sister!
June 13 at 10:24am



JoAnne Young
Mom it was so good to hear from you, you paint a very interesting picture,I can see the smiling faces of the children,what a joy it is to teach attentive children! I pray every morning for you and the group ministering. Remember the same Sp...See More

June 13 at 6:52pm







Craig Garman
Mom I am also elated to have a mother who has taken the opportunity to go on this life changing missions trip. Not only life changiing for the ones you went to minister to but for yourself and those of us who get to be a part of it through ...See More

June 15 at 7:15am










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I know I couldn't do that???  Way to go Etta Sue!

Janet are you still going on that mission trip?  You mentioned it a while back and don't know if it is cancelled or not,

Slept well last night. Was awake way too early.  Got a text from Heather and she is at the bus station in Toronto with no money to get to her destination.  Finally got hold od her husband and got that sorted out,  God always wakes you up in time.

Looks like today wll be a rainy day.  Hope it clears at some point!

Love the report from Shirley.  She makes you have a perfect visual of what she is doing.  Great writer!  Tell her I said so, Janet!

Ah, that's one of the drawbacks for being a widow for almost 20 years.  You have to learn to do things yourself.  I bought my Malibu new in January 2002.  Nine years and 5 months later it had 93,902 miles on it.  The Cruze had 24 and I put 8 of those on test driving it. 

Ivalou bought a new 2001 Buick and it doesn't have 50,000 on it yet!!  And now that she is having rehab, she says she is putting too many miles on her car!  But when we go anywhere on long trips, I drive my car.  Mine has been to Florida 2-3 times.  Missouri.  I can't remember where all. 

Today is an appointment with our LP Nurse Andrea for Ivalou.  Then a lay over so we will find something to eat.  Then Ivalou has rehab and I have rehab.  Then I would like to go to WalMart and return my speakers that didn't work for me and some items for my covered dish for Sunday's picnic at church.  And guess whose car I am driving?? ??

Sun is trying to peek but it is suppose to rain today.  Tom Cruze got wet last night when I took Ivalou for a drive.  And will probably get wet today.  That's okay.  The rain drops makes the Metallic Red sparkle more!  ;)

Hi everyone.  The morning is about gone.  We had a nice shower while at McDonald's this morning and it had ended by the time we left.  We are predicted to have more rain this afternoon or evening.  However, the temperature is in the 80's today and really appreciated.

Etta Sue, your link worked well. What a nice looking car.  Is that a picture of you or Ivalou?  Now you will have to plan some car trips to get it out on the road.  The remote start will be nice during the winter to let it warm up a bit before you get into it.  Don't you wonder what they will come up with next.

Ruth Ann, hope you are feeling better today.

Janet, thanks for once again sharing your sister's story of her mission trip.  It is obviously an experience never to be forgotten.

I know I haven't commented to everyone but just know I have read your postings and will try to catch you next time.  We had a good Bible study this morning.  Unfortunately Pat wasn't feeling up to going or doing anything.  Her fibromyalgia is really acting up.  Have choir tonight but then we get a five week hiatus from practice and singing on Sunday mornings.  I am looking forward to that but will miss the singing.

Judy, the trip I mentioned was the one Shirley is now on.  She really wanted me to go along so she could come home sooner (she is a real home-body) but I prayed about it, and God wasn't calling me to go on this one.  He said for me to stay at home and support her.  So I am doing that.  I gave her money, and pray for her daily.

Larry, give Pat my best wishes for her to feel better quickly.

I woke up at 2:30 and wasn't able to go back to sleep, so am dragging now.  Went to the Care home and had lunch (monthly barbecue) with Beth and John, then clipped and filed her fingernails.

A dear painting friend passed away; I will be attending her funeral tomorrow.  :'(  It's hard to see them go, but I know that she is in a much better place, can walk again without a walker, and no liver cancer.

Here is Shirley's grandson Eli's first Malawi update:

   Date: Thursday, June 9, 2011, 7:13 AM




Hey Guys! Hope you guys are all doing great! I know I am! Found out the other day that I can recieve text messages in Africa for free, so if you want to get ahold of me or just say something nice, I will get those messages from you guys! Thought you guys should know.



We did great on getting here! It took an eternity, it seemed like. We got to the airport in KSC and our flight was delayed, which put us on our toes. We got to Chicago about 10 minutes before the plane left, and as usual, the gate was a mile away. Ha ha! That was okay though, I sprinted to the gate and had them save a spot for Tim and my Grandma, they got there in time and we got on the plane with no problem. We then took an 8 hour flight to London, slept most of the way, after watchin a bit of TV. In London, we left the airport for a while, got to see Westminister Abbey, Big Ben, the Thames, and the eye, as well as riding on the Tube (or the Underground) (Subway). That was cool. I guess grandma has never really been on such a thing, so we just had to. From London, after our 8 hour layover, we got on the plane to Nairobi, and only had to be in the airport for about 2 hours, then got on a plane to Lilongwe, Malawi. We all tried to stay awake during Malawian time for our benefit! IT WAS HARD!!! Regardless, we got to Lilongwe and met with a guy from the Foursquare Church, Lomgomba? I think that was his name. He took us by his care to Blantyre, another 4 hours, which was horrible. Not that the ride was horrible, it was trying to stay awake and getting to the hotel and whatnot. Soooo sleep deprived, but we got back and did our thing by 6....got to bed by nine! It's winter here, so at 4pm we already wanted to go to bed--that would have been 8am in Central Time hours!



Woke up this morning and I'm completely rested! I love being in Malawi, it is such a pretty place. Got to meet Snoya yesterday, which was amazing and fun and great! Today we're just resting. We exchanged the money that we had, got a cell phone, got some water and coffee (Grandma is addicted), and now we're at the internet cafe. It seems like today will just be a rest day, we kind of need it. But! Tomorrow, we start on the attic! That should be fun. We found out that they have pretty cheap plywood here, so we're going to look at that tomorrow, take some measurements, and get started. We have till monday to do so, then the entire team comes in from Lilongwe that day. Me and Tim are doing great, we're energetic and moving like torpedoes, not so much grandma, but we're trying to slow down for her sake! I think she's most just city shocked! I know that sounds weird, but we are in a big city with lots of people, and She's a country girl, so I think that once we start going into the villages she'll be fine! We start that on next wednesday. If your interested: medical team is going to be in Chikwawa, Malawi and the preaching team is going to be in Nsanje, Malawi. Googlemap it! :) Me and grandma will be on the medical team, while tim's on the other team. It seems like we have a busy start! I LOVE IT! THE MORE WE GET DONE, THE MORE WE CAN GLORIFY GOD...HA HA! At least, I hope that's how that works. :P



I think for the remainder of the day, we'll probably go shove some African food down my grandma's throat, walk around, and just rest for the rest of the day. I wanted to get you guys updated. Please continue to pray for us. We love you guys and thanks for all your support!
--
Elias R. Garman

Janet:  How interesting the reports from Africa!  Thank you.

Al:  not many would admit not thinking about the ON/OFF switch - you are a winner in my mind.   <3

Sick here with a viral intestinal thing.  Now on some meds & there will be a scan of the esophagus in future. 



 

 

Hi, friends, WHADDA DAY! Isn't it great that our Lord grants us strength and wisdom in difficult days.

1. I got an email from my cousin about our sweet Mabel who died last week. Her arrangements include funeral and burial in Kentucky tomorrow and then a memorial service here in Nashville on Monday. Since she loved SO many people here in our apartments, and since I'm her cousin living here, many people have stopped to express how lost they feel without her prayers, loving hugs, and radiant face. So, I took the information from the email and prepared an announcement about the memorial service to be posted downstairs. The "uppity" person at the window gave me some flack, but when I returned tonight, it was posted along with printed out map and directions from a website.

2. A dear friend has been growing more and more sick for abut a week and a half. So, when I called for my daily update, she was so ill someone was there to even help her dress. Last night she let me know the extent of her problem, so I knew a hospitalization was imminent. I phoned the doctor (am in her charts as her emergency person) and explained the problem. Reminded them about being her emergency person but that someone else had kind of bullied her into being willing to see the dr.

3. Next, a call from the doctor's nurse: "We are admitting her to the hospital so please come fetch her and take her there." So, quickly I dressed and scurried to the doctor's office. HE HIMSELF pushed her wheelchair to my car, lifted her up to help her get in (shes 83), and gave me instructions to ark at the visitor's entrance and take her directly to her room. He considered her hospitalization so urgent that he had cut all the red tape and admitted her by telephone so she could begin treatment immediately.

4. Next was calling those who love her, and settling into a chair to rest in her hospital room.

5. Someone came to relieve me. I headed home to get my medications, get a bit of lunch (ummmm, by this time it was 4:30 pm), and see someone with whom I had an appointment.

6.Got a call from my disabled son. I have a sleep study tonight and have such a raging headache I'll need you to take me.

7. Spent 30 minutes at the nursing home comforting and singing to my 90 year old cousin (about whom I spoke the other day).

So, now, it's after 8 pm, and the next task is to set up my medications daily doses in their own little holders for the next week.

(WHEW!!!)

After how shower and snack, I think I'll head for the bed.

G'nite, friends!

Ruth Ann

OH, my, Ruth Ann!  You didn't just have a day, I think you had at least two of them in the last 24 hours!  May our Father continue to give you strength. 

Ruth Ann, you continue to be a blessing wherever you go.  May God continually uphold you and give you strength for the journey.  What a loving, giving heart you have.  <3

Thanks Carol, but you need to understand that I did think of the on/off switch and looked for it - but couldn't find it, though I looked fairly carefully.  On my previous computer, it was on the right side of the back, and it a was pretty obvious "bump" back there, but on this one it's not obvious at all, and it's on the right side.  I just couldn't find it! But at least now I know where it is.

Ah!  Africa!  Eli is a great writer.  Love him already!  You can tell he has love for everyone! 

I am thinking I would love to go to Africa but I also want to go in my Cruze!  Can't drive my Cruze to Africa!!  And I can't think of anywhere I would like to go for a couple of days!  Ivalou and I were going to Dayton to get her granddaughter but the g-daughter decided to stay home with her sisters and brother while Mom goes on a mission trip to New York City next week.  So that is out!  Maybe we could go somewhere overnight 4th of July weekend! 

And Larry, that is me on Facebook with my Cruze.  Some one said to call it Tom (Cruze) but now I am thinking of changing it to Hawaii (cruze)!  It's bright red and vibrant...that's Hawaii! 

Today is a do nothing day.  Not even laundry!  I have a meeting tonight at church for about an hour but that's it.  Other than that I plan to 'cook' some lunch, catch up on recorded TV shows and knit.  And I think I have some updates on my Droid. 

Does anyone know about Bluetooth and/or On Star?  I have both available on Hawaii!  I talked to On Star and have gotten an email from them, watched a video.  I doubt if I keep it after the free OnStar runs out!

Etta Sue, I don't have any bluetooth experience, but know that it works with cell phones.

How nice to have the new car and its fun gadgets! :)

I'm off to make "hospital rounds."

Will see y'all later today, most likely.

Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann you made me tired just reading about your day yesterday. 

Had Kass at physio today and he has given her more home exercises.  I think her ankles will be strengthened when all is said and done.

Have a good day.

 :)  Good day to all .  I have been going over the post's and it seems as per usual that all of us have a very busy life but that is good and it keeps us young.  I have been busy since last Wednesday as my older brother has arrived from Scotland and we have been going to lots of places.  I am sure that many of you know that I was promoting the Ernie Haase and Signature Sound concert where I live and it was a great success.  Praise the Lord for that  and the two other concerts that went on were also a success.  My brother enjoyed that very much and then my best friend gave me a gift for my birthday to go to  The Last Night Of the Proms. which is very British but also it is so funny that you will never forget it so it has been so much fun. :thumbsup:

We also went to Fantasy Island which is on Grand Island N.Y. just outside Buffalo then the next day we went to buffalo Zoo and we did this with our own kids and our grandkids so it has been very busy but that is good. ;) :)

I again thank all of you who pray for Noreen and I and please continue to do this as Noreen has some very hard days. We both trust that you are all having a wonderful summer and that God's richest Blessings to all an C.P.   :)

  Love in Christ to all.   Gordon and Noreen. :coffee: :cp:

Gord, it's always good to hear from you.  You seem to have been totally enjoying your brother's visit!

It's a typical early summer day here in northern New York.  Cloudy, cool, breezy and thunderstorms rolling through.  One this morning was a real banger.  When I hear those loud, house-shaking crashes I always think of the line in "How Great Thou Art" - "...I hear the rolling thunder, thy power throughout the universe displayed". 

Good thought, Jeanne.  I wish we would hear some rolling thunder and feel some cooling showers!  We did have a little shower early this morning, just barely enough to pock up the ground, but cool off the temp a little.  We are thankful for each and every drop!

I was up and out early, to drive the hundred or so miles to my friend Deloris' funeral.  She was something of a pioneer!  She was an early graduate (1947) of KU (Kansas University) after having graduated from Colorado Women's College.  She had a degree in business and had planned to become a buyer for a large store; but life has a way of changing our plans.  She came back to SW Kansas to work as a teacher for two years, and during that time met and married her husband, became a farmer, adopted two kids, was one of the first women in the nation to serve on a school board; did all the accounting and books for the farming operation, learned to paint, plus lots of other things.  She was a very sharp, intelligent woman, and a wonderful, caring friend.  She was 85 years young, and I shall miss her.

Gord, good to see you posting again!

Etta Sue, have fun getting acquainted with Tom or Hawaii or whatever you decide Cruze's name is to be.  I'm sure you will find a fun place to go for a couple days' retreat!  Glad you enjoyed Eli's report--want to read another one?
See everybody later!

Al:  Do understand. We have our 2nd. Nissan car and this one has the gas on the right passenger side so both of us have pulled up wrong to the pump at times.   I have been meaning to ask how your legs are faring these days.  What are you up to these days? 

Ruth Ann:  Your friends and neighbors are fortunate to have you close - good for you for your caring observations. 

Your friend was a pioneer in schooling - that little college in the Springs is world renowned now.  Yes, life just throw us in ways we never dream about.  Sorry for your loss but you sure do have great memories. 

Etta Sue:  Will have to see a picture of your new red car.  Red cars get more tickets...... so I have heard.  They just look like they are speeding.  ^-^

Carol - thanks for asking re/my legs, etc.  All things considered, I'm doing fairly well, although they're still  pretty swollen, so they don't bend very well and they're heavy.  So, all in all, I'm not doing any sprinting.  Can't walk very far or very fast - which I'd like to be able to do.  So I need patience from our Lord.

Janet I enjoyed Eli's letter.

Not much going on here, Craig and Stephanie are coming down from Portland tonight but won't be staying here. We will be getting together with them tomorrow to have dinner at A Chinese place.

I have been working on the Baby Afghan  a little bit each day until my hands start to hurt again. today I started working on another page for my website  and got stumped on what kind of an image I want to create. I just had a great idea I wil do a  Christian page with Jesus in the image. Thank you Jesus!!!

Well it's Friday, so here we go again!  Nothing on the agenda this morning, so we have a little free time.  Social security is a week and a half away yet, so we won't be spending up a storm, that's for sure.

Hi eveyone.  The schedule is light today.  Just need to take our daughter back to her apartment.  However, that takes up the morning.  We had a very pleasant day here yesterday with light rain all morning and then reasonably cool weather the rest of the day.  It appears to be overcast for today.

Janet, what a sense of excitement the young man projected through is posting.  What an experience he is having and it sounds like it could be life changing for him.

Ruth Ann, what a day filled with service for others.  You are to be commended for your kindness and gentle heart.

Etta Sue, I have used Blue Tooth with my new android phone and computer and it worked very well.  I think it works very well and isn't difficult to setup.  

Gord, great you can have your brother visit and do things with him such as attend the concert.

Janet, Deloris had a very interesting life and background.  Sorry that she is no longer living.

Carol, I had the gas cap on different sides of cars for a long time and always had to check or would be on the wrong side.  Fortunately, both of my Hyundai's have it on the driver's side, which is more convenient.

Marilyn, enjoy your webpage building experience.  It is always nice to see the results of our efforts.

About time to leave for Atlanta.  Hope everyone enjoys a nice day.

Carol ~ Here is a picture of Hawaii and I (http://s195.photobucket.com/albums/z77/EttaSue/?action=view&current=110621New2011ChevyCruze.jpg)!

Larry ~ I noticed that I have Bluetooth on Droid and I have Bluetooth on Hawaii!  Now to find out how to get them to work together.  Maybe I should read my instruction book, ya reckon?

Janet ~ I like Hawaii better than Tom.  The only drawback is since I have Hawaii, the car, I doubt if I will ever see Hawaii, the islands ever again!  Not until my rich uncle passes away and leaves me all his money.   ::)  Or my ship comes in...but I never sent out a ship.... :(

Gord ~ Good to hear from you.  And I see you and Noreen have been busy, too!  I said something about your post so phffft!  :lol:

Today is swim rehab for me.  My time was 3½ hours before Ivalou so we decided to each drive ourselves.  She was having wobbly legs Wednesday so I called to make sure she was okay to drive today.  She got a call this morning from rehab saying Jen, the therapist, is home with three sick children today.  But I have swim rehab with Jacquie so I will be leaving by 10am. 

Then a bite to eat and I need water softener salt and a few things from WalMart.  Then home until church Sunday morning.

Here is Eli's second update:

Date: Monday, June 13, 2011, 6:06 AM


Hey guys! How are all of you! I'm fine...ha ha! It seems like that is all i say when i'm in Malawi! They love their greetings! I'm loving it here! The weather is perfect, the terrain is amazing, the people are soo cool and we're actually getting some work done. The last couple of days have been busy. We get to work around 9am and don't stop until about 6 or 7! That's been okay, not gonna lie! We finally finished building the attic in the church, and tomorrow, we will be working on the inventory of all the Water Wells for Africa things. The rest of the team flies into Lilongwe (the capital) today, and it seems like they will be spending the night there. Then they have a four hour bus ride to Blantyre. They'll be tired, so me and Tim will probably be doing some shopping tomorrow for all the teams, plus doing the inventory! It should be fun. I'm loving riding in the minibuses here! they crammmmm about 4 people in a row (the seats meant for 3) and fit about 18 people in a little van sized bus! I think grandma is getting the full experience of city life and Africa life! It's fun to see her reaction to most things! She really likes taking pictures of the natural stuff. Me and Tim were joking the other day that grandma would be one of those nature observers where we would be the cultural observers! She's got sooo many questions that we can answer either...I wish i knew more so that i could clue her in...That's why we have Snoya I guess.

Oh, the attic! We got it built in three days! We had a carpenter helps us build it--Edwin White, from the church! He does everything by hand! He was really put off on using a power saw, but then we showed him how much faster it would take and he seemed to love it. We saw him use it the other day, and it was one of the funniest things to see! He just ripped right through the wood. Tim, Grandma, and I just stood back hoping that he wouldn't hurt himself. He was persistent though. Snoya loved it as well...we told him, he could be a carpenter now! Again, the attic took us 3 days to build--after Edwin told us that it would only take us one day...again, he's african, so that means a totally different thing! Snoya kept teasing him about it! He also wouldn't use hand sanitizer without washing his hands first. That was pretty funny as well.

Yesterday, was sunday, so we went to church. Grandma is the new children's pastor...for a while. They want her too teach. She says she loves it due to the fact that the kids actually pay attention. She said she would still be teaching if American kids were the same... :(  She brought soo much material. It's actually really cool because Snoya was telling us about how the church was praying that we would bring children's material and my grandma came with a whole bag full! God answers prayers! Amazing that she got to help in that!

As i said before, the team comes in tomorrow and we'll probably be getting ready to go into the villages. I'll have to send an update on that whenever i get back from their. We're planning on sending two teams: one medical team and a seminar team. Grandma and I are on the medical team. Wendy will be the medical leader, while i'll be the seminar leader on that team. Tim's going on the Seminar team, which should be fun for him. Pray that he has some fun with that. He's been preparing to preach for almost six months now and sometimes those teams can be very structured...too structured at times. Pray that God would give us all the right words to pray and that people would respond to the Jesus Film and the preaching that comes with it. God will move, but we must be prepared to assist Him...of course, he doesn't need any of us, be we want to be able to help him as best as possible!

Oh! I got a phone number while i'm here! I don't know how to dial out from the US to Malawi but I can give you the country code : +265.

The phone number is:
099-284-0383

try it one of two ways: +2650992840383 or 0112650992840383
one of those ways should work. I get calls for free, but if one of you wants to call, you can do so with an international calling card. i have no idea how much that will cost though. Erica: please give that phone number to my mom. She doesn't have an email, so you know...

thanks again guys for all you prayers. i'll try to keep you updated as much as possible. love you guys!

--
Elias R. Garman
eliasgarman@gmail.com

May I suggest using SKYPE for international calls - you can sign up for overseas calling for a nominal fee and I do mean nominal.  You do need a microphone for your computer and a decent sound but those are not too expensive. 

Al:  I understand about the Soc. Security and am very worried that that will be one of the first things cut or stopped for a few months just in one of these strong arm political moves. 

Etta Sue:  Love your new car.  I don't know anything about them but it is sure cute - how will it be in the snow?   Front wheel drive?  Love the color. 

Janet:  Most interesting news from Africa.  Thanks for sharing. 

Chicken and sweet potato for dinner tonight.  This is the first meal I have made in at least three days.  Way behind on everything but so thankful to be on the end.  Listening to a book about settlers in Massachusetts & they barely survived.   

Boy I could sure survive very, very well on chicken & sweet potatoes!  Can you send some by cyber post?

I thought I would stop in and see how everyone is doing these days.  As for us, we are about to melt out here on the Plains.  It was 106º today. Thank goodness for the air conditioner!  And today Amarillo had their all-time high record of 109º, the highest temp since records have been kept for 130 years.  We get our TV news from Amarillo and Albuquerque.  I have a feeling that Janet also had a hot day too. 

Etta Sue, you got yourself a fine looking red car!  It is a beauty, and I know you will enjoy it.  Do you have your first trip planned yet?

Al, I agree with you, chicken and sweet potatoes sound mighty good.  Almost a Thanksgiving dinner.  Let me know if that cyber post works and I will try my luck at getting a nice dinner that way too!

Earl is still on Home Health care.  In some ways he is doing well, but not so much in other ways.  He had his 6 month kidney checkup on the 10th, and his kidney function has dropped significantly since his last checkup.  He is at 23% now, and that is getting too close for comfort, as it may lead to dialysis before too much longer.  All this was caused by the illnesses he has had this year, and the additional meds.  He has chronic kidney disease stage 3.  This was caused by the diabetes.  We are thankful he is doing as well as he is, it could be a lot worse.  The Lord is our strength and we trust Him to see us through the difficult times.. 

We received the sweetest letter from our son's "step-daughter in law" today, from Texas.  Her husband is/was our son's step-son.  She is expecting a baby boy and her due date is tomorrow.  She told us that she wants to name him after our son.
I sent her a little outfit that our son wore as a tiny baby, which I had saved after all these 50 years.  It brought tears to my eyes when I found that little light blue outfit in the dresser drawer. 

Hello to all who visit here tomorrow.  I am bad about forgetting what you all have posted, but I do enjoy reading. 

Like Janet, my page is jumping like crazy so I will sign off for now.
G'night
~Janice

Hey, I was reading SOOOO much earlier, and then life got really hectic, so here I am, preparing to bed down for the night. :)

Those messages from Africa are great, Janet!

Etta Sue, I liked seeing you and the new car, too. :)

I've had Skype for quite a while. In fact, someone called me tonight on Skype. It's grand.

G'nite, friends,

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  We had some more rain last evening but it didn't stay around too long and again did no damage in our area.  I think, other than going to coffee, I am going to have to take the day off from going anywhere as seem to be exhausted again.  I had a good night's sleep but got up feeling tired, which I really dislike but it is what it is..

Etta Sue, you can probably blue tooth your music or audio book thru your car speakers.  That makes me wonder if my car came with bluetooth, I will have to check but don't think it did.  Etta Sue, you may have hit the reason my ship never came in either.  I hadn't thought about not sending one out.  :)

Janet, another very interesting posting from Elias.  How long are they staying over there?

Carol, I really don't think they will do anything to Social Security that involves anyone already on it or about to be eligible.  Everything I hear discussed involves changes for those not yet eligible. 

Janice, you have us beat on temperature although we had had a day or more in the high nineties.  Touching story about the tiny garment.  If you are typing on a laptop that has a touchpad, that is likely the problem.  Most have a way to turn that off when not needed and if not, an old credit card or piece of cardboard will cover that area with a couple little pieces of tape and you should be in business.  This is a very common problem. 

Hope everyone has a great day. 

Larry, I took your suggestion and taped one of those fake credit cards over the touchpad, and it really helped; however, the jumping screen seems to occur after I have typed four or more paragraphs.  Strange.  Sorry you are feeling tired today.  Just take it easy, okay?

I was up and out early to get our Prairie Pak.  This is a really nice thing, saving nearly half on the groceries we get once a month from Prairie Land Foods.  For $23 we got chicken breasts, sausage, ham, ground beef, cheese, apples, oranges, leaf lettuce, celery, bananas, carrots and green onions!  :)  Quite a few people purchase a Pak to give to those in need.  I stayed to help hand out the food.  The people push an empty box along the tables while we stand behind the full boxes and put the items into their box.

Janice, so good to hear from you again!  I pray Earl's condition doesn't deteriorate any further.  Nice that you found the tiny outfit, and it will mean a lot to the new Mother.  Yes, it has been really hot here, too.  Yesterday was about 102 and still, which as you know, is unusual.  The temps are predicted to be well over 100 all this coming week!  :P

I'm glad you are enjoying the Malawi updates.  Eli is my sister's grandson, and his dad was killed in a truck accident when Eli was only four years old.  His mom is a Mexican, and speaks quite poor English.  We are proud of Eli for staying in church, even though he had to go alone, and following the Lord.  He has a passion for missions.

Oh!  To answer Larry's question--they will be in Africa for six weeks!  Then they are going to Rome for three days or so, sort of to unwind from the frenetic pace.  This will really stretch Shirley, who is a real homebody.  Usually about three days away from home is her limit!  She told me someone asked her husband Delbert at church, "What are you going to do while Shirley is gone?"  And he said, "Anything I want to!"   :)

Darrel and I went to Dodge City last night to attend a play.  This was my (late) birthday celebration.  The play was The Octette Bridge Club and was quite enjoyable.  It was about 8 sisters who got together twice a month over the years to play bridge, swap gossip, etc.  Had some drama, some comedy, really good acting.  Fun.

Beth and John are enjoying their time together so much.  He will be worn out from loading and unloading her in the van so much.  Tuesday we have to take her to Liberal for a swallowing test.  He has two more weeks here.  Oops!  They just arrived for a little visit; guess I'd better get off her and talk to them!

We have had rain all week here.  It started when John left for his trip and is ending now, and he is heading home!  My grass is long again and as soon as it dries I will be mowing yet again.

Janet I have enjoyed the mission reports.

Good to "see" you Janice!

I will be back!

Just doing a little cleaning on this computer before we meet with youngest son & wife.  They sold their house & trying to finish the sale on a bank owned home.  What drama is involved - the former owners kept coming back and taking even fixtures & had to be warned.  As the buyer, our son is not allowed to even call the bank to see how things are coming - isn't this the dopiest way to do business you have ever heard????  They wanted acreage and will get their wish. 

Al:  Chicken and sweet potato - I will fix it if you just come this way. 

Janice:  Those are awful high temps.  How sweet that you have those baby clothes saved all these years.  I saved a few things too but no one ever wore them.  It sounds like Earl has a full plate of health issues - my prayers for you two.  Keep checking in. 

Oh, how I wish I could have gotten the window sticker on my car.  I don't know if my car has front-wheel drive or not.  But you know...when you are retired and the snow is coming down or already deep, you don't have to get out in it!  Thank God, I have never had problems driving in any weather. 

And as for Bluetooth...I don't know what Bluetooth does but I was thinking I could answer phone calls and talk through the speakers and such.  Wasn't thinking about playing music on my phone on Bluetooth.  I have AM/FM/CDplayer and XM!  That's enough music!  I guess I need to check online what Bluetooth does! 

Love it!  Love it!  Another report from Africa!  I will never get to see Africa myself so it is great to read Eli's reports!

And I am praying that Earl's health goes upward...not downward.  I am sure you feel honored to have a baby named after your son.  Hope you get to see the baby with your son's outfit on or at least, a photo.  And no, Janice, I don't have any trips planned.  I need to get over Vacation Bible School and rehab before thinking about a trip.  My friend, Kitty, and I have decided we need to go to Shipshewana, Indiana, on a Tuesday.  The town is Amish and on Tuesday they have an open outside Flea Market.  Anything and everything!  Horses to kitchen items.  Shipsehwana is in northern Indiana...about 2 hours away!  Nice drive!

I have a credit card taped over my touch pad also.  My mouse was jumping also.  Sure does help.  But it didn't jump before it was fixed by PC Help last year so I figured it was a problem they caused or didn't check. 

Great suggestion about Skype.  I don't know anything about international calling but I love talking on Skype.  Especially when you have a laptop.  My friend in Mexico has seen my whole house AND snow on the ground as well as corn and soy bean rows in the fields!  Great for show and tell to those who live away!  Mexico must not be international since I don't pay anything.

Kaye Don is building a deck on the front of his house.  He hasn't seen 'Hawaii' yet so I think I will change clothes and go to Lapel for a few things.  I will stop at Kaye Don's going or coming back. 

Weather?  Well, last night...the prediction was rain today.  Ha!  Bright and sunny with some white puffy clouds in the sky!  I am thinking that weather rock is the best idea yet!

Janet, the newsletters from Malawai are wonderful.   :)  And what a great visit Beth is having with John.  He certainly is good to her - and for her!

We started out dark and chilly and rainy this morning, but now we have a bit of hazy sunshine and it's warming up a bit.  Still very damp feeling, though. 

Beth and John just left.  We went through her BIG box of movies and music DCDs, they took the ones they want to use.  Then we talked about Tuesday.  They want to have another photo taken while he is here, so I looked on my computer and printed out good coupons from PictureMe.com and then called and made the appointment for Tuesday, before we have to be at the hospital for her test.  Then I called Mary, our friend in Dallas, she is going to come before John leaves, as she has never gotten to meet him; then called Beth's favorite nurse who is no longer at the Home; she promised to come see them (and me!) on Wednesday!!  Must be a God thing, to make all connections in one day!  Praise the Lord!!

Etta Sue, yes, Mexico is international!  We tried to call Diane once just after barely crossing the border, no luck!  Now, how did that cell phone know the difference in 100 yards?  Google maps?  Anyway, it is not the US, so it is international.

Carol, I bought a few sweet potatoes last week, too.  Love 'em!  and they are so much better for you than white potatoes, especially for diabetics.  Darrel has a pot of beef stew on, and it smells wonderful!

And here is the last report from Eli.  Should have new ones from both him and Shirley by Monday!

Date: Monday, June 20, 2011, 6:01 AM


I have to make this super fast! I miss and love all of you guys!
You're amazing. Continue to keep us in prayers, also, the teams are
starting to get sick...it's cold season here...keep us in prayers.

We went out to our first villages this week. I went to two...Jesse and
Singanu! We did the medical clinic thing and showed the Jesus Film and
the Passion of the Christ in one village and a corny movie called the
Cross and the Switchblade in the second. They were well recieved. I
think I preached one of the best sermons that I've ever done...it was
on Ephesians 4, Titus 1 and 2, and the Kingdom of God! Got to annoint
some pastors and just do some good teaching! They recieved it very
well and asked us to stay longer...not possible though, but we left
with their blessing! Second village was amazing. I didn't preach in
that village, but did more of the medical stuff, jesus film stuff, and
children's ministry! It was pretty cool. I'm learning a lot from just
playing with the kids! Oh and we should the Passion in the first
village. People were sobbing, i think that they had a really good
response. We had some comments later that they would have never
guessed that Christ did so much for us in just 12 hours! It went over
really well!

Second village, Grandma was a beast! She knows how to pray!!! Not
gonna lie! She is our prayer leader during the medical team, and some
of the people that wen't for clinical help just walked away after she
prayed for them because they were healed! Amen and amen! She is also
huge on giving words of knowledge! It's amazing what she is doing! She
loves the kids and the Chief of the village fell in love with her and
gave her an extreme honor. Her testimony is so great and they just eat
it up! I also got offered a village by the Supreme Chief, which was
amazing...little does he know that I would be a tyrrant...ha ha! no!
It was an amazing honor!

We're back in Blantyre for the day, and I stayed behind at the hotel
with grandma cuz he's got a sinus infection...no bueno. pray for her!
It's super dusty out here right now, so we're just inhaling dirt 24/7!
It's better than getting stuck in the mud i guess.

we go out to 2 villages this next week as well. it should be super
fun! Bathroom jokes are always the lifters for the days! been praying
a lot, been contemplating a lot and i absolutely love this place, but
there's a huge world out there. i absolutely know that i am called to
teach though! I don't think i care where I go, i just want to teach
the bible to people!

Mosquitos suck. period.

John Rusk: Pastor Chabwela is the new president of Foursquare Malawi

Witchcraft....got to cut some charms off of some people in this last
village. We're annointing people like crazy and pretty much telling
people that they don't need us to get right with God or see miracles.
We're doing a lot of passing the torch to the people, which is how it
should be! We're also encouraging them a lot! I think they need
it...they feel inferior to us sometimes, and there is no need for that
whatsoever! God is moving and he's speaking to us. I really love where
Grandma is at in this place, she's really in her element! She hates
the city, but sure can minister to people like another! I love
bragging on her! It's fun!

Aunt Leanne: do me a favor and pass these updates onto grandma's
grandchildren and aunt Joanne, i don't have all their emails and
whatnot...oh and uncle craig of course! lol

thank you guys for praying for us and sending me emails back...it's
nice to here for you guys. favor: send me some news updates, i'm
totally lost on what is going on in america! lol. :)

love y'all!

Janet, great news about Beth and John and upcoming visitors,  and a wonderful report from  Eli.  Thanks!

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST!!

I just got a very short email from Shirley's daughter-in-law, saying she got a text message from Eli in the wee hours of the morning saying that Shirley has pulled a hip, and that it is really bad. 

I don't know if 'pulled' means dislocated or something else; also don't know if she fell or what, or whether it is the hip she had replaced about two years ago.  But we need to pray!  The devil will NOT keep her from doing what God called her to do, in the name of Jesus!!

Janet, I'm praying now! 

I'm praying Janet

I LOVED reading his post from Africa! May the Lord bless the ministry of these persons who love God and others so much. Their ministry will ripple like waves from a pebble tossed into still water, imagine, I've just been trying to imagine, the individuals who will be praising our Lord around His throne in heaven because of this ministry.

Our Father, in Your Son's Holy Name we pray for Shirley's health, and ask that You send the Comforter to encourage and strengthen her, as well as to encourage and strengthen the rest of the team as they minister without her while she recovers. And, if it is within Your will, we KNOW that You will work all these things according to Your riches in Heaven. We pray humbly and in Thy Son's Name, Amen.

Y'all, lets take the rest of our day praising and drawing closer to our Lord.

Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann, I have been thinking along those same lines.  I was thinking of the song Thank You, the one that talks about all the people in heaven coming to thank the person for giving to the Lord, and that's why they are in heaven; thinking about all the ones who will be there because Shirley was courageous enough to make this trip.

No further word, thanks for praying, and please keep it up.  I will be back later or in the morning early to post Thoughts for the new week.

I am praying, Janet!  You know I am!

And I know Mexico is international for cell phones but I talk to Mexico on Skype 1-2 times a week and I don't have to pay the international fee.  I think if the other person doesn't have Skype, you have to pay.  In other words, use Skype on your computer to call someone's home phone in another country, you may have to pay a fee. 

Ivalou called last evening and asked if I wanted to go to our local Lions Club and have fish for dinner.  So I drove Hawaii and picked up Ivalou, Marge and Betty.  The fish is soooo good at this Lions Club.  It was great and of course, I got to see people I hadn't seen for a long time!

Today is church, then Sunday School.  At noon we are going to a lady's home that her family is having a 90th birthday get-together for her.  A light lunch will be available.  Then at 5pm games are being played at church and 6pm is eating a potluck dinner.  Right now it is cloudy, gloomy and has been raining.  Hope that stops before 5pm.  But if it doesn't we will eat in the basement of the church. 

Hi everyone.  After a lost Saturday spent mostly laying on my bed resting I seem to be feeling better this morning and will be going to church.  Today we sing in the choir loft for the last time for five weeks.  We take the month of July off from practice or being in the choir loft.

Pat just told me she saw on the weather that some severe weather is headed our way later this afternoon. Hope it doesn't do the damage that recent storms have. 

Janet, wish we had something like the Prairie Pak available to us.  It sounds like something that would be very helpful to our daughter. Hope your A/C is working well as that sounds extremely hot.  I liked Delbert's response.  :)  Wonderful that John can get Beth out and about.  I bet they both will be tired when the three weeks are over but also have a lot of good memories.

Carol, your son was fortunate to be able to sell his home.  Hope they enjoy their acreage.  That is the last thing I would look for in a new home. 

Etta Sue, what kind of window sticker are you speaking about?  Why not call your sales rep and ask about the front wheel drive?  I think you could if your phone has blue tooth.  You are very handy so bet you could set that up or your sales rep would probably help you since it was a feature of the car.  Etta Sue, I would suspect that when the PC Help ran its programs it put that feature of the touch pad back into active service.  There is probably a combination of a function key and one of the numbered F keys that toggles that on and off.  That is the case with my laptop. 

I may be wrong but I don't think Skype when calling computer to computer knows you are International as you are using the worldwide internet system and not the phone lines.  Etta Sue, I see you have posted basically what I am saying.  To call an actual phone number would involve a fee just as it does in the USA.  I know this because our daughter uses Skype to call land lines and to receive calls from land lines and we pay a fee for both types of services.

A special Hi to Judy, Marilyn, Jeanne and anyone else I have commented to. 

Janet, what a wonderful testimony from Eli and his love for his grandmother just flies off the page.  So sorry to just ow ready of Shirley's hip problem.  Certainly not something one wants to encounter so far from home.  I will pray for her.

Good morning all!  Gray and dull, but it's a beautiful day that the Lord has given us.

Yesterday afternoon I turned on TV to watch the Wimbledon tennis match and the sound I was getting was just terrible.  At first I thought maybe it was just the one channel, but everything sounded the same - very, very scratchy and completely changed voice tone.   I'm still not sure whether it's the TV or my hearing aids, but I suspect it's the TV.  Other things like the phone, the "ding" on the microwave, etc. still seem OK.  I was hoping it would be the hearing aids - they're still within the guarantee and could be repaired for free.  But it seems more and more as though it's the TV.  I'll check later this afternoon to see if maybe it's just a connection that has loosened up.  The Lord just doesn't let me stay too comfortable!   ;D

Praying Janet.


A beautiful day here in the North.  Sun is shining in a cloudless sky.  The temperature is going up as well.  Thank you Lord.

Have a great Lord's day everyone.

Etta Sue open the hood of your car and see which way the engine is positioned, if it  is crossways with the oil stick in the middle of the  of the front you are front wheel drive, If the engine is inline with the body of the car and the oil stick is on  the side then it is not front wheel drive. It is easy to tell if your car is front wheel drive or not.

Time to start a new week.  Here. (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=11833.msg164395#msg164395)