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Go with me for a moment to witness what was perhaps the foggiest night in history. The scene is very simple; you'll recognize it quickly. A grove of twisted olive trees. Ground cluttered with large rocks. A low stone fence. A dark, dark night.

Now, look into the picture. Look closely through the shadowy foliage. See that person? See that solitary figure? What's he doing? Flat on the ground. Face stained with dirt and tears. Fists pounding the hard earth. Eyes wide with a stupor of fear. Hair matted with salty sweat. Is that blood on his forehead?

That's Jesus. Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Maybe you've seen the classic portrait of Christ in the garden. Kneeling beside a big rock. Snow-white robe. Hands peacefully folded in prayer. A look of serenity on his face. Halo over his head. A spotlight from heaven illuminating his golden-brown hair.

Now, I'm no artist, but I can tell you one thing. The man who painted that picture didn't use the gospel of Mark as a pattern. Look what Mark wrote about that painful night, he used phrases like these: "Horror and dismay came over him." "My heart is ready to break with grief." "He went a little forward and threw himself on the ground."

Does this look like the picture of a saintly Jesus resting in the palm of God? Hardly. Mark used black paint to describe this scene. We see an agonizing, straining, and struggling Jesus. We see a "man of sorrows." (Isaiah 53:3 NASB) We see a man struggling with fear, wrestling with commitments, and yearning for relief.

We see Jesus in the fog of a broken heart.

The writer of Hebrews would later pen, "During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death." (Hebrews 5:7 NIV)

My, what a portrait! Jesus is in pain. Jesus is on the stage of fear. Jesus is cloaked, not in sainthood, but in humanity.

The next time the fog finds you, you might do well to remember Jesus in the garden. The next time you think that no one understands, reread the fourteenth chapter of Mark. The next time your self-pity convinces you that no one cares, pay a visit to Gethsemane. And the next time you wonder if God really perceives the pain that prevails on this dusty planet, listen to him pleading among the twisted trees.

The next time you are called to suffer, pay attention. It may be the closest you'll ever get to God. Watch closely. It could very well be that the hand that extends itself to lead you out of the fog is a pierced one.

Thanks, Jeanne, for this morning devotional.  I've always admired the word pictures Max Lucado paints, and this is really good.  I believe what he writes about the suffering of Christ ... and that His (nail pierced) hand will be strong upon us to lead through whatever trial or "fog" we are experiencing.  I've had personal experience and I know it's true. 

Thanks Jeanne!

Hope we have hundreds and hundreds of posts this week!!!

Thank you Jeanne, I too have always liked the words of Max Lucado in his descriptions of Jesus life. Oh how I look forward to those hands holding mine as I enter the heavenly gates.

Hello!  I couldn't get online last night, so finally this afternoon I unplugged the modem for a while, then plugged it back in, and here I am!

And----I had a neat surprise this morning!  When I looked out the kitchen door, everything was white!  I said, "What?"  then looked out the window, and all the trees were laden with snow, and the ground was white, too.  So I woke Darrel to tell him we got snow!  What a blessing to our parched ground.  I know some areas have had way too much snow, and too much rain, but we need and welcome it so much.  And it was beautiful, so must have fallen without any wind.  It has almost all melted now.  Send us some more, Lord!  Thank YOU.

Ah yes, the spelling bee...   I didn't win.    But I did my best.  I feel like I let a lot of people down, especially my Mom, who wanted so much for me to win.  The sad part is, I spelled all except one of the first 50 words correctly (written ones) but then second-guessed myself, and changed one, which knocked me out of the second round, the oral spelling.  And I knew every word they asked in that round!!   Phooey.  Well, maybe next time.  Want to see some of the words?  Here are some samples:

nauseous; supersede, deciduous, buoyancy, soliloquy, caffeine, munificent, encephalitis, ubiquitous, exegesis, obsteperouous, terahertz, tachycardia, flagellate, milliflous, daugerrotype, egalitarian, prognosticator, ricochet, kaleidoscope, fugue.

That should give you some idea! 

Jeanne....Tears.  Thank you for the picture.

Thank you Jeanne for the wonderful devotional.... I, too, have been drawn closer to God by the fogs. If you don't mind, I am going to copy your devotional and put it into my "Bible Studies" file to bring it back to mind from time to time.

Janet, you did your best!!  And the words!!  I would have fallen out at "munificent"!!  Congratulations for getting into such a competition.....

Thanks, Ruth! 

Janet, those are some words.  I never remember how to spell "nauseous" and I've been nauseous since last evening.  Couldn't go to church today because I was nauseous.  Now, having spelled nauseous all these times in this post and hoping I'm not nauseous tonight, I hope I always can spell that tricky word "nauseous" from now on!!! 

 

Been A busy Weekend here. We went to church in Hugoton because today was a Farewell Sunday for the pastor of their church . It was a sad but great service . He preached on God's Plan for us and how we may think we know what we are supposed to do but don't and definately won't until God reveals it to us . We went out to eat and visited some family. However, after going to Amarillo yesterday and the ambulance pager going off at 2 this am and Ruth up at 3 and wow :S just makes for a long tiring day. I am sad to say I am ready for bed and it is only 730 :S. Janet- You did you best at the spelling bee and thats all anyone can ask for
I am off to eat supper and head to bed so I can teach tomorrow (only 30 school days left this month not counting weekends)
~Sarah

Janet I couldn't have spelled those words!  YOu did well!!!

It is late.  Kass is home tonight, she babysits during the week, and comes home when she is able.  This will be over soon.

I am off to bed.  Night all.

Well, g'mornin! My disabled sister-in-law spoke with me on the phone for almost 2 hours, so I'm really late getting here.

This Sunday was our pastor and his wife's 20th anniversary at the church. What a great day it has been, and how great to see how well loved they are in the community,, and amongst other pastors.

I'm so grateful God has let me work through some serious doubts a few months back, but the fact is that when I'm too old or too disabled to drive, then I'll be forced to begin attending the church directly across the street from my apartments. It's a great church with many of my old friends, but the ties at the tiny church where I'm member are also long lasting and very strong.

Jeanne, what a wonderful thought you have given us to reflect upon this week - what our wonderful Lord has gone through simply out of His great love for each of us.

Again, may God richly bless all who come this way today, Ruth Ann

I'm glad this week's devotional seems to have touched so many of you as it did me.  I had something entirely different planned but when Friday's email brought this one I knew it was "the one".

HI everyone from a stormy, rainy, chilly Georgia.  I was awaken this morning early by thunder and lots and lots of rain.  It stopped for a bit and began again during the time we were at McDonald's for coffee and had pretty well stopped again when we left. 

The housekeepers were suppose to be here this morning but when I came home they were not here and Pat is still asleep so don't know what is going on.  She really wore herself out on Saturday when we sat and finished sewing the back side of the binding by hand to the quilt.  I haven't seen her that tired in a long time and don't think she has gotten rested yet.  She did take the quilt to her good friend and gave it to her yesterday as it was her friend's birthday.  Her friend was almost overwhelmed at the gift and I know Pat got a lot of joy out of doing it for her. (My wife just woke up and she told me she thinks she may have the flu so had called the housekeepers not to come today as didn't want to expose them. I sure hope this is the flu that many people have been experiencing where it takes several weeks to recover.)

I have my men's luncheon to attend today and we are going to another new place not far from here.  It was a Mexican restaurant and apparently has changed hands had still has Mexican and American food and it presenting itself as a sports bar.  This is the third one in our area to be a sports bar.  It is a nice facility and just hope the food is good.  Hope the rain is over by the time I have to leave the house about 12:45 this afternoon.  We always meet at 1 pm as the crowds are gone and the places are always a bit quieter.

Jeanne, thanks for the devotional thought for this week.  Our minister preached on the experience of Jesus in the garden and the fact that we are like the three disciples who couldn't stay awake while Jesus prayed.  I thought the devotional described well the fact that Jesus suffered the anguish, pain and fear that is go human as we do. 

Judy, hope you are feeling better today. 

Ruth Ann, it is wonderful that you have a church very close by to where you live that you will be able to attend when you are no longer able to drive.  One of the problems of living in a neighborhood as we do is that the auto is the only means of transportation although a few churches do have church buses but don't know whether they limit their pickups to children or not.  We have some churches closer to where we are attending but still requires a trip in the car.

Sarah, it sounds like you weren't able to get much sleep.  What are you teaching?

Janet, I am sort of like Pat in that there are a few words that I just never spell right.  One of them is restaurant and I always have to use the spell check to correct it.  I think there are several of those words you listed that would certainly have tripped me up.  Congratulations on how well you did and it sounds like there is nothing for you to beat yourself up over.  You did your best and that is all that is ever required from any of us.  Of course, I know we hold ourselves to a higher standard than those around us hold for us.  Glad you had the experience and you can look forward to next year.

Etta Sue, a very cute story.

Jeanne, thank you so much for the devotion.  I have a paint by number of Jesus at Gethsemane and often wondered why it showed Jesus as serene. 

And Janet, I don't know the meaning of half of those words so they wouldn't be in my vocabulary.  I misspell 'separate' a lot.  And still don't know when to use 'effect' and 'affect'! 

Our catered dinner yesterday was wonderful.  Home-cooked food!  Mashed potatoes, roast beef, chicken dumplings, broccoli salad, layered salad, green beans, rolls and dessert of cobbler or cake.  Then coffee, iced tea or lemonade.  Delicious. 

Last evening we had Small Groups.  Pastor Steve had us do it different.  Instead of him doing all the talking, he forced allowed us to participate.  We divided up in two groups and each took a chapter of our study book (Max Lucado).  Then 'we' had to tell everyone what we discussed.  Interesting. 

Today is rehab and Ivalou is going to Lions Club tonight to eat.  So we are going to eat first and then go to rehab so Ivalou will be hungry again to eat at the Lions Club.  Kitty is going to call me when she gets back home and we are going to meet here, her house or the pizza place.  We will decided later.  She is going to cat sit for me Friday when I will be in Nashville, IN, for the Women Retreat. 

I just came in to read, finding out how all my friends on C.P. are doing.

If you lose this website, I for one, would tremendously miss my morning "cup of coffee" with you all.

Although I don't post much, my love and prayers are with you. God has given me such contentment and kept me busy in what I love to do, bookkeeping, and given me a place to live, marvelous Christian friends  .... and then had JudyB introduce me to all of you!!

Larry, praying for Pat that the bout of flu will not last long!!

We have a member who is challenging all of the members on

Read about it HERE.

What fun!!

Good afternoon to all of my CP friends   

Yes it has been a very long time since I last put anything on paper but God has been so very very good.  It was sad that Mel had his curling accident and needed surgery  but slowly he is on the mend therapy starts April 8th.

I have been going to chiropractors for many years and even at this time I was directed to make a change and with resistance it happened and already I am feeling so much better.  God has been good.

Larry: Thanks for the web of last week I have saved and forwarded it to some friends.

Pat:    I trust that CP will not be gone forever.

Janet:   Good for you on the spelling as I would not have done as well as you

Sarah:   I am glad that you are back.

Marilyn:   Are you out taking the doggies for a walk?

Judy:      I almost gave you a phone call about your shoulder and the cold packs and he said it is not for him something warm feels much better.

Tonight I will be going to play Euchre actually it will be more talk than playing.

Etta Sue:  I always do look more forward to going home rather than another place unless there are friends and family where I want to go.  Have you been able to go swimming lately? 

Larry:  Oh, no - do hope it is not the flu for Pat.  I am sure her quilt gift was such a treasure for her friend. 

A dove stayed on our little patio wall for hours this morning and I put water nearby but she didn't take any - something must have stunned her and she is now gone, hopefully to continue recuperating. 

Was thinking of Janice and Earl, and so many who are in pain.  Prayers for all. 

Hi, friends, it's cool and sunny here. Since the forecast last night suggested rain for today, I'm really grateful it hasn't happened yet.

My friend has had a painful growth on her thumb for quite a while, but hasn't been able to get it removed due to being laid off from her job for over 2 years. Ouch!

Today, God provided a financial way for her to be seen, so I will be driving her to the appointment and back home. I would appreciate prayer for my friend, Deborah - one of God's very faithful and loving servants.

Love to all who come this way,
Ruth Ann

Our senior pastor is heading to Iwaki, Fukushima, which is near the damaged nuclear facility.  One of our churches is near there and he's heading there to bring relief.  He'll be there for 3 days.  Thanks for prayin'!  His name is Hiroshi Horikawa.

Prayers for Pat (NO flu!) and for Kevin's pastor.  So many needs all around us!

Mom was itching all over today.  They said the toxins are building up in her system, so had faxed both her doctor and the hospice nurse about it.  She had been scratching herself, and her nails were sharp, so I smoothed them down with an emery board.  Probably they will give her something like Benadryl, which will make her sleep even more.  She really didn't feel like talking to me today, and that's okay.  She fell asleep so I spent time with Beth, writing, writing.......it is a bit discouraging to know how much there is to say to tell her story.  Please pray that we can write it in such a way as to bring glory to our Lord.  He has done so much for her, and for me.

Ruth, I saw the photo of Mel's arm on Facebook.  Ouch!  Glad the surgery is done and the healing well underway, and soon the rehab will be over, too.  Give him a hug for me.  So good to have you posting again.

Hi everyone, It's been a while since I have been here and hope all are doing well. It's good to see all of your faces again!

Jeanne that devotion was right on time, I needed It. Thank You!

Don, He does have perfect timing!   

YIPPEE!!  Have you looked at the challenge lately??

Don, good to see you again.

Jeanie, I neglected to tell you how the devotional blessed me--sorry--it did!  Thanks!

It is very overcast and gloomy looking here.  I surely hope that means some moisture is on the way.

Does anyone have some computer advice for me?  I only have this laptop, and it doesn't have Word or anything on it, which I really need for the book.  Should I buy a new desktop, or buy a word program or word processor and install on this machine?  And if I do that, will I need more ram?  I am such a computer dummy......   But I need to be able to add and change, and can't readily do that on paper!  Anyway, that is too slow!.  Help!

If Larry or anyone else has advice for me, please email me, as I need to get moving, and this site will be down for a little bit.  Thanks so much.

Quote from: Jeanne Lee on March 29, 2011, 08:33:12 AM
Don, He does have perfect timing!   

He is a Awesome God to say the least!

Quote from: Janet on March 29, 2011, 08:42:18 AM
YIPPEE!!  Have you looked at the challenge lately??

Don, good to see you again.

Jeanie, I neglected to tell you how the devotional blessed me--sorry--it did!  Thanks!

It is very overcast and gloomy looking here.  I surely hope that means some moisture is on the way.

Does anyone have some computer advice for me?  I only have this laptop, and it doesn't have Word or anything on it, which I really need for the book.  Should I buy a new desktop, or buy a word program or word processor and install on this machine?  And if I do that, will I need more ram?  I am such a computer dummy......  But I need to be able to add and change, and can't readily do that on paper!  Anyway, that is too slow!.  Help!

If Larry or anyone else has advice for me, please email me, as I need to get moving, and this site will be down for a little bit.  Thanks so much.

Janet do you know about this?

http://download.openoffice.org/

It will do anything that microsoft office will do and It's Free. I don't use these kind of programs much but from what I have seen it looks like microsoft office but the names are different. It will open microsoft office documents also.

I will send you a link in case you don't see this.

Hi Janet.  I was going to suggest Open Office as well.  YOu can go from MSWord to Open Office, but you cannot go the other way.  Our girls found that out the had way at school.  But if all you need is a word processor then Open Office is a good one.

The burner motor on the furnace quit several weeks ago hee so we got another load od wood in and have been burning solely wood.  The wood was not as dry as the first batch so was rather hard to get going.  Yesterday,we were again out of wood so I went to see the fellow who looks after our oil furnace to find out some costs, and was told to replace the motor could be upwards to $600 for the motor alone.  I was also told that befor I decide and replace the motor Tim should come and see what is actually wrong.  He came.  It was the motor BUT he was able to replace the bearings. Total bill $120.00  Yes God is good. Aparently the bearings on this motor are sealled,and cannot be oiled whice was the problem.  He rarely has to replace a motor on a furnace like ours.  Tim is a good man to talk to.  He doesn't make me feel like I am just a stupid woman like a lot of service guys do.

We have another beautiful clear day here, the temperature is supposed to be above freezing, so (maple) sap should be running.

Have a God day everyone!

I was going to suggest openoffice, too.  Hope it works for you, Janet. 

And I haven't been swimming for a couple of weeks but Kitty and I are going today!  Yay!  I need it! 

I didn't realize Ruth plays Euchre.  If you are ever in Indiana, make it the third Tuesday and you can go play Euchre with my group!  Fun, isn't it?

I am so happy that Ivalou is doing so much better.  She went to Lions Club last night and around 8:30pm, she called me telling me she was home but she was going to bring me some banana pudding.  Actually I think it is a butterscotch pudding with chopped peanuts in it.  So I turned on my flood lights and she came over here.  I asked her to come in and stay awhile.  She said she left her door open but she could stay a little bit.  She left at almost 10pm!  So good to see her sitting in my living room.  God is good!  If I had nothing but her eyes to tell me she is better, her eyes say it! 

I am getting anxious to go to the retreat now that it is so near.  We are leaving at 2pm Thursday and back Saturday afternoon.  And the weather is to be sunny and beautiful!  Good shopping weather!  Now to decide what all to take...computer?...how many changes of clothes?...GPS since I am driving Betty's car?....but I have a GPS on Droid so maybe just the car adapter?  Hmmmm!