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BIBLE MEDITATION:

Matthew 28:1-7 King James

1. In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
2.  And, behold, there was a great earthquake; for the angel of rhe Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
3.  His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow;
4.  And for fear of him the keepers did shake and became as dead men.
5.  And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye; for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
6.  He is not here; for he is risen, as he said.  Come, see the lace where the Lord Lay,
7.  And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and behold he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him; lo, I have told you.




DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.
Hebrews 6:19


RESURRECTION BAY
from: Today's Turning Point by Dr. David Jeremiah

In the movie "The Hunt for Red October", the opening scene was filmed in Resurrection Bay, Alaska. This dramatic setting received its name in 1792 when the Russian trader and explorer Alexandr Baranov was forced to find refuge there during a vicious storm on Easter Sunday. Resurrection Bay has the distinction of remaining ice-free even in the dead of winter. Even in squalls and storms, it provides safe harbor.

As Christians, we anchor our souls in Resurrection Bay. The world may be caught in a thousand tempests, and storms may arise from all directions. But the empty tomb assures us of tranquility and a passageway to heaven that will never ice over. Jesus died and rose again to give us peace with God and the peace of God -- life both eternal and abundant. We anchor our souls in the haven of rest.

As hymnist Priscilla Owens put it: "We have an anchor that keeps the soul steadfast and sure while the billows roll, fastened to the Rock which cannot move, grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love."



In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil.
Edward Mote

HYMN HISTORY:

Rev. Alfred Ackey (1887-1960) was preaching during an evangelistic crusade. After the service he was trying to persuade a young man to give his heart to Christ, when the man said, "Why should I worship a dead Jew?" Ackey stated, "HE LIVES! I tell you, He is not dead, but lives here and now! Jesus Christ is more alive today than ever before. I can prove it by my own experience, as well as the testimony of countless thousands." Later that evening the young man gave his heart to Christ. It was during this experience that Ackey wrote not only the words but also the tune for our hymn, "He Lives."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I serve a risen Savior, He's in the world today;
I know that He is living, whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him He's always near.

In all the world round me I see His loving care, And tho my heart grows weary I never will despair;
I know that He is leading thru all the stormy blast,
The day of His appearing will come at last.

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!
The hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find,
None other is so loving, so good and kind.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am ready to go out the door to church to celebrate the Risen Christ!

Kitty and Bob should be home today.

I am going to Ivalou's son's house for Easter Dinner.

HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY!!

Hi everyone and Happy Easter.  It is an overcast morning but close to 60 degrees.  We had rain during the night and more is expected today.  I guess last week caught up with me yesterday and still feel it today.  I got about 10 hours of sleep last night but went to bed a couple of hours before that and this morning I don't feel rested at all and am a bit short of breath.  No chest pain so nothing to worry about just another one of my tired days.  We are planning on going to the hospital later this morning and spending a couple of hours with Stacey.  That will be the main activity for today.  This is the first Easter service at church I have missed in many years but just not up to that and the trip downtown as well.  I did get my Federal and State income Tax filed yesterday electronically.  That is a relief as time was beginning to run out.

Marilyn, good news for you on the medical front.  You have done a wonderful job on your weight and diet plans.  Keep up the good work. 

Etta Sue, those low bikes sound anything but pleasant to ride.  Glad you were able to be with Ivalou's family for the Easter dinner and get done with the kitty patrol. 

Judy, I have mentioned to Stacey several times about how many folks are praying for her and she so appreciates it. 

Carol, glad you are home safely and that you don't have to cook for Easter dinner. 

Ruth Ann, hope you have a wonderful Easter day.

Jeanne, I like the graphic for this week as it reflects the joy of the Easter time with our risen Lord. Thanks for the devotional for this week.

Janet, Happy Resurrection Day to you and to each person visiting this discussion group.

Christ the Lord is ris'n today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heav'ns, and earth, reply, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids His rise, Alleluia!
Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!
Foll'wing our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

 





   

Well our plans for an afternoon and dinner at Christian friends came to an abrupt halt. We were heading out, and stopped for a coffee, When I headed back to the car I saw antifreeze pouring out of from under the hood......Not good news. The car was overheating, and within minutes we were out of water/antifreeze, stopped on the side of the road. Thankfully we have CAA and were towed to the garage we use, then got a relative to drive us home. That was a nice visit. We are home, and john is working on the neon getting it fixed.  (He got it fixed.) We haven't used it all winter, and discovered there is a seized wheel at the back. You know it never rains but it pours!!!  I never need to go anywhere during the week, just watch, I don't have transportation, and I will need to go somewhere!!

It is good that this happened when it did and not on our way south to Guelph on Thursday.  God will protect us many times if we listen.  We listened.  Who knows what we were being protected from by not going to our friend's home.  Another delay, but in that I say Thank you!  We made a connection with another family member....Again I say Thank You.

HE IS RISEN!!!

Happy Easter everyone.  My daughter cooked a lovely turkey dinner for us and this person in truly blessed by having such a caring family.
I posted this and it disappeared when Judy did a post, so am doing this in word and will paste.   It is hard for me to type now due to arthritis and would like it to stay put!
Mentioned in that post how my SIL could really benefit from prayers as is terribly stressed due to his business.  One contract he had for 30 years, who were very pleased with his work, was bought by an Eastern Co. and gave the contract to some cheapy firm  who pay their employees terrible wages.  Had the nerve to ask him to work for 1/3 the wage and are making thousand more than he charged.  So staff had to be laid off.  Now another large contract that he has had for years, has a new manager and put the work out to bid without renewing his contract.  Companies are coming into the valley, paying slave wages,  doing shoddy work and putting decent companies out of business.  My SIL is a decent, moral and kind man who has long term employees and pays them good wages and benefits.  I don't know how all of this if going to end.  He is going to be 60 in a couple of weeks and not able to retire.  Neither are his employees.  So unless he is able to keep that contract, I just don't know what will happen.  All this stress is also very hard on my daughter, who as most of you know, is anything but well.
Larry, I am so sorry about Stacey.  I will pray for her as well as Beth.  All we can do is hold onto our faith in Jesus.  At age 80 I am finding it hard to deal with all the changes that keep happening in our world.  Things are spinning out of control at an alarming rate.
I really enjoy the devotions, music and graphics and especially the stories that Janet posts.  They are first rate and bring back lots of memories. 
Think I will go and hug my cat now.....and move her.  She has stolen my chair!
God Bless,

Jeanne:  Bright and beautiful picture for this week!  Thank you and also thanks for the meaning to "He Lives". 

JudyB:  It seems that you and your hubby as well as us two have had vehicle issues this week and everything turned out better than we expected.  I do hope all of your vehicles will be properly working. 

Liz:  There will be an answer for your son.  Sorry about all the frustrations in change for the not so good  things in life.  It boggles my mind to see the younger ones settle for mediocre work. 

Happy Easter to all.  We had a lovely late lunch and only two of the family were out of the state so we give thanks for everything.  Some computer problems lately - otherwise, we have things back on track mostly. 

He is risen indeed!  Just as He said.  I heard several Easter sermons today, at our church and then more on TV.  All good sermons.

Our daughter and gr dtr came and brought a ham dinner to my house.  What a treat, all I made was a pitcher of iced tea.  I really enjoyed the meal, as I was rested pretty well.  I can't stand long enough to do much cooking anymore, so I gladly let them take charge completely.

I think that blow hard new president of North Korea is just sounding off again, but we can't afford to ignore his threats.  I would not notice so much except gr dtr Patty and family are living in South Korea, have been there for a month now, and she has told her mother a code word she is to use if she and young son have to leave there in a hurry.  Their car has not arrived yet so they have to walk almost everywhere.  I don't know if her soldier husband rides with one of his buddies to the base or not. She is home schooling their son. 

It is getting more Spring-like now, and feels so good to sit out on the patio and enjoy the outdoors.  This winter has taken a toll on this old lady, and I am so glad it looks like it is finally gone. 

It is getting late, guess I better sign off.  I hope everyone has enjoyed the day.  I watched part of the final episode of "The Bible" tonight, just could not watch the violence our Savior endured so that we would have opportunity for salvation, and assurance of heaven. 

Larry, still praying for Stacey, and I hope you are rested up by morning.  This is hard to keep up the pace I am afraid.  I know you rest when you can, but that is not always possible. 

Blessings,
~Janice

I hope you've all had a wonderful Easter. 

It was especially awesome to see the message posted by you, Liz.  I've missed you so much.  I'm sorry about your arthritis too.  I will continue to remember you and your family in prayer.

Larry, you and Pat have been through so very much in the last while.  Please know that I'm thinking of you so much and praying for you all.  Give my love to Stacey.

It's so late so I must go to sleep.

How good it is to hear from our Liz!  I pray things get sorted out for your son in law so that he can keep his business going and keep his employees.  It is sad that so many do shoddy work and are not honest in their dealings.  Thanks for the compliments on my stories--I appreciate that!

Janice, I'm sure that having loved ones in South Korea is worrying! I pray that idiot North Korea has for a president doesn't do something totally stupid and provoke nuclear war on all of us.  We are truly living in dangerous times, and the last days are here.  But I do know God is in control and will be forever.

We took Beth to our church's Saturday night service, then yesterday morning Darrel and I attended services at Country View Baptist, following which, we picked up Beth and went to Hugoton where we enjoyed lunch with Diane's family and then spent the entire afternoon out in their back yard.  The weather was perfect, and it was fun watching the little girls hunt Easter eggs and then play with them for hours.  Beth loved being outdoors, a rare treat for her.  I was concerned she might get sunburned, so pulled her back into the shade, but later she asked me to put her back out into the sunshine..  When we took her back to the home, the residents were in the dining room, and the first words out of Beth's mouth were, "I spent the whole afternoon outside!"    She is so easy to please it almost makes me cry.

Today Beth has an  appointment with a urogolist in Garden City, so I will be leaving here in a bit to go with them.  They allow me to ride in the bus with them because I am (at least technically) still an employee of the care home.  A dear friend passed away last week and her funeral is at 2:00 today, so I am hoping we get back before then so I can attend.  She was the last founding member of our church.

Now I'd better stop, as you probably don't want to read a whole book right now!   

Hi everyone.  It is a nice sunny morning here in Georgia and it is to get to 72 degrees this afternoon.   I am happy to report that I am feeling much better this norming and think the tired spell, which I have occasionally, has now passed.  We had a nice visit with Stacey yesterday.  Pat had made some ham sandwiches to take with us rather than trying to get to the cafeteria at the hospital. So as Stacey had her lunch we ate our sandwiches.  It wasn't the typical Easter dinner but it served the purpose and the sandwiches were made with ham.  Stacey was in a good mood yesterday.  She will be having another surgery on Thursday where they will do a skin graft to cover her foot and so will be in the hospital for several more days.  The cardiologist said the latest chest x-ray indicates there may be some fluid around her heart and they are keeping a close watch on it.  They are still working on the unidentified infection that is causing the blood count to be so high but said the numbers were down a bit, which was good to hear.  We probably won't try to go back down to the hospital again until Thursday, when she has the surgery.  I watched both of the basketball games yesterday and sure was sorry to see the terrible accident that the Louisville player experienced with a very bad bone break of his leg.   

Judy, sorry to here you are having car problems and that you had to miss your afternoon and dinner at Christian friends yesterday. 

Liz, have you thought about getting software that would allow you to dictate your postings rather than having to type them.  I am not sure that there isn't a built in program in Windows 7 that will do that.  I know that Dragon has a very good speech recognition software.  Sorry to read about the difficulties your SIL has experienced with his company.  These situations can create such stress for all involved. The world seems to be changing very quickly and certainly not all for the better. 

Carol, glad to read that your car problems turned out better than expected. I wonder how our younger people and those still in the work force are ever going to be able to save for retirement since many companies are going to part-time employees without the benefits. 

Janice, so nice that you didn't have to do much for your Easter dinner.  There comes a time when the younger generation must step in and take on these responsibilites.  Worrisome situation in North Korea and especially for your family under the circumstances. 

Pat, thanks for your concern.  We just take things one day at a time and so far have weathered the storm as we all must when things seems to pile up for any of us.  This week is starting out to be a little less hectic. 

Janet, so nice you all could spend the afternoon outdoors and know that must have been a wonderful things for Beth.  It sounds like you have a very busy day ahead of you today.

Easter Sunday weather was beautiful - mild and sunny, although those at the sunrise service must have shivered a bit with 28 degrees.   And it turned out to be quite special for me.

I was sitting quietly, reading, when there was a knock on the door and there was a neighbor with plate of food - what turned out to be about three meals worth for me.  I thought it was really special that they thought of me, since they had six extra cars at their house and it must have been really hectic there.  Then a couple of hours later he came back with an assortment of desserts.  More to save for another day! 

Plus, after I had stuffed myself with ham, potatoes, string bean casserole, etc. - and was wishing I hadn't eaten quite so much - a call came from one of the single ladies at church asking if I'd like to join her for dinner.  I felt bad that I had to refuse that since it meant she'd be alone, but there was no way I could eat anything more.

The weatherman played an April Fools trick on us today......It was snowing quite heavy when I woke up.  John has been dealing with snow since he left the house.  I'm home, warm, have food in the fridge, and need nothing! 

The church was packed and three people went forward during invitation.  Always great when Christ receives new followers. 

Sunday school was sparce...I think the women had to go home and cook. 

Ivalou and I came home and then we went to Jeff's house.  At first we didn't think we could get there.  There was a road closed...putting in a round about.  I went through an addition....came back out where we went in!!  Then tried another addition.  Ended up in the parking lot of a huge Catholic church and finally got back on the road to Jeff's house.  We came back a different way! 

Oh, the little kids were delightful yesterday.  When Kailin was asked why Easter was so special, she said, 'Jesus woke up from the dead so that we will never die but will live our eternal life in heaven with God.'  She's four! 

Ivalou and I both have lunches today fixed by Linda from leftovers.  Two days in a row of Easter dinner!! 

I was so tired when I got home that I took a couple of hours nap.  Then I watched 'The Bible'.  I thought the series was very good.  Glad I watched it. 

Then I headed for bed.  I do believe last night was the best night of rest for a long time.  I took the last of my Mucinex this morning. 

Tonight is Church Council Meeting. 

It is cloudy but sunny in Indiana.  Windy...Old Glory is standing straight out to the east.  It's a little chilly at 39°. 

Did the image ever load for you?  April Fool!!

You got me, Etta Sue!  I clicked on several things trying to get that image to load!

Jeanne, how nice of your neighbors to "feed " you so well.  God bless them!

Well, what a long, nearly useless day this was.  After rushing to get there, we sat and waited for over four hours at the doctor's office.  But, the good news is, no obstruction, nothing wrong he could find.  By then we were all very hungry, so went to Golden Corral and ate---too much.    There were four of us, the two CNAs, me and Beth.

And I can sure tell I missed my nap today!  Just got home a half hour ago!

Easter dinner was at son's home - the single son.  He was heading straight after to the mountains so we all pitched in to cleanup.  By the way, our area would need 7 feet of snow to be normal.  Water problems for six states from this lack of Rocky Mountain snowfall. 

A series of computer problems and it has been hard on Don as we are trying to recovery from the drive.  Our neighbors had us over for dinner tonight and she made individual Shepherd's Pie with asparagus on the side and a plum coffee cake.  I had cooked a crockpot of split pea soup all day here and we will have that tomorrow - that ham bone from yesterday came in handy. 

I accidentally swallowed my morning pills tonight and realized it right away then took my nighttime pills - good thing I don't take too many pills and two are double calcium so that is alright. 

Etta Sue:  Ha back to you.  I saw the X and didn't touch it.   

Hi everyone.  It is another sunny and beautiful day here in Georgia.  I was able to sleep in a bit later today as we don't go to coffee on Tuesday and Thursdays.  The situation here has changed again.  The doctors told Stacey yesterday that her foot amputation is not healing and that it may be necessary to remove her entire foot.  Pat is concerned that the stent in the leg may have closed, which can happen, as she is complaining about pain in her leg.  They also told her they see fluid accumulating around her heart, i.e., congestive heart failure as her heart isn't strong enough to pump the fluid off.  We had not planned to go back to the hospital until Thursday but may go again today.  We don't know what or when something is going to happen to the foot but assume it may be on Thursday.  Stacey hasn't called yet this morning.  However, there is good news also that Pat is doing well.  She will have her last home PT on Friday.  Yesterday she was shown how to sit in her easy chair so she can get her feet up and that made her very happy.  She had been sitting at a card table to use her computer and now can go back to what she is used to.  I put the living room back in order again as put away the table.  Each day she seems a bit stronger if she could just build up some stamina and hopefully that will come with time. 

Jeanne, you were certainly blessed on Sunday to have such nice neighbors and you get to enjoy the food for more than one meal. 

Judy, that wasn't a very nice April Fools trick getting the snow.

Etta Sue, where there is a will there is a way.  Glad you were finally able to get to Jeff's house Sunday.  Glad you are resting better. 

Janet, our men's group ate at Golden Corral yesterday.  I am finding the older I get the less appetite I have.  I visited the salad bar but passed on the other items and had a little dessert (still haven't lost my taste buds for sweets).  It was terrible that Beth had to wait so long to see the doctor but it sounds like good news that she received.

Carol, there have been a couple of times I have taken my morning pills at night.  Maybe your life will slow down a bit for you this week so you both can recover from your travels.

I've taken my scraped hand to the doctor twice so far and will be going again on Thursday.  He says it is healing nicely.  But trying to keep the bandaging on the right hand dry and clean certainly is a hassle.   

I heated up another plate of Easter dinner last night - the rest of the veggies, etc., and I have enough of the ham slices for a couple of sandwiches.  Ham & cheese with lots of mayo on whole wheat bread.  Ummmm

Jeanne try wearing a plastic glove over the bandaging, to keep it dry, You wouldn't have to wear it all the time just when near water......That would help keep it dry.

Larry I am sorry about Stacy. I pray the medical profession soon get's to the bottom of the problem.  Is there any way they can aid the removal of fluid around the heart?  It is a blessing that Pat is doing better.

Carol I have done that as well with my meds, however more often I forget my bedtime dose and have to take them in the morning.  Mine too are mainly vitamins.

I have an assignment to complete this week, I want to get it done by tomorrow.  I will be away on Thursday and john will be home Friday, so I don't want this on my mind while he is home.

Judy, I do have a rubber glove that I use for things like dishwashing, etc. but it makes those chores take longer.  Actually I did have two pairs of rubber gloves from when my wrist was in a cast, but somehow there's only one glove left - thankfully it's for the right hand.   

Larry, I meant to say how sorry I am that Stacey's troubles seem to be multiplying.  Now I know why I woke up during the night with her name in front of me.  You, Pat and Stacey can all be sure my prayers continue.

So sorry to hear of Stacey's troubles.  I pray that the medical personnel gets a handle on every thing soon.

I have two things done and two to go.  I have been to the pool and my nails are a bright 'Ruby Pumps' color.  I will think of Mom when I look at them...her name was Ruby. 

Now to take Ivalou to the DDS and then lunch.  We found out a few years ago that Sandstone Pub has great hamburgers so we are going to see if they are still good today. 

Then I am sure a nap is in store when I get back home.

It was only 28° when I left this morning but now it is a whopping 37°!  I will be so glad when the freezing point is done for a few seasons!

Hi Everyone...

Larry, this is not good news about Stacey.    I'm truly sorry.  BUT...  great news of how well Pat is getting along.


Sorry I've been AWOL this week.   As some of you know and as I've mentioned before, Ross, one of my Moderators on Photography Cafe is very, very ill and yesterday, the doctor went in to see him and he was told that he only has a "few days, perhaps a week" to live!  He's not a believer and I'm quite saddened by this.  He's a wonderful friend.  (He was Paul and my wedding photographer in May of 2008).

For any of you who are registered on Photography Cafe (or who wish to leave a message), here's a topic we opened for Ross...

http://www.photography-cafe.com/forum/index.php?topic=19491.0

There are some photos in there for all to view.

Pat, are you able to testify to Ross about his salvation?  I'll be praying.  Thanks for the information and the links. 

Larry, I was hoping to see better news of Stacey this evening, and am so sorry to see that things are not improving for her.  I will continue praying for her, and for you and Pat, as well, of course.

Beth is in the hospital.  Today at lunch, they tried to take her blood pressure and couldn't even get a reading, nor could they get a pulse!  So they called the ambulance and rushed her over to the emergency room, then later decided to admit her for maybe 48 hours to keep an eye on her.  They think the problem is they increased her muscle relaxer and also put her on Cipro for the UTI she has, so the combination of those may be the culprit. One day at a time, Sweet Jesus.......  I went in and stayed with her until 5:00, will of course stay  in close touch.  I asked them to please try to get some kind of call light she can use, they were working on that when I left.  She is near the nurses station, so that may be a really good thing for her!  And she got her new glasses this afternoon, was so happy about that. 

This is our small group Bible study night, last one before a break.

It never rains......It pours!  First Stacey then Jeanne's hand now Beth.   Boy we need to be praying for the families of those who are here!!!

Larry will keep us updated, Jeanne please you too and Janet keep updates coming.