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Thank you for the clean new gathering room for this week.

I really enjoyed your devotional.

After Friday's temps of 78 degrees F, tomorrow's is supposed to be a high of only 40 something! And, during the night they said we could get a light snowfall. Wow - come to Nashville and expect changes in the weather. Everyone always says that, for that's the way it is here.

I'm very tired, so will go to rest now, and pray that all will be granted peace and serenity for a good rest, also.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

I am experiencing something very unusual for me.  I do not feel at all well.  Have had two "J" nights in a row, and have to work today.  Phooey.  I was awake nearly all night, fighting whatever this is, stomach problem of some kind.  But I fully expect it to be gone quickly!!

Making it through until time to go home sounds nearly impossible, but with God's help, I can do it.

Janet, a prayer for His healing touch and comfort and strength as I read that.   

Ohhh Janet.  I'm praying!  Ive had in the recent past many "J" nights.  You will get over this.

Ruth Ann enjoy the cooler days,  Stay in if you can. 

Hi everyone.  We have had a pretty chilly night but it looks like the next few days are going to be sunny and a bit cooler than last week.  There is a severe warning out for our area for tonight for a a freeze and also a fire warning due to low humidity and winds this afternoon.  We had a nice day yesterday as attended church, went out to eat with one other friend, and came home and had a nice rest.  Then we went back to the church at 4 pm for a special 90 minute meeting concerning things going on in our denomination. 

Today should be a routine day with my men's luncheon at 1 pm and then I have a meeting to attend this evening.  However, tomorrow will be something else as we have to pick up our daughter in Atlanta and get her to the hospital by 6:15 am as she is having the permanent pacemaker/defibrillator implanted in the morning.  One of her friends is planning on staying with her overnight in the hospital and then staying with her for a few days until she feels up to taking care of herself.  Her friend is certainly a blessing to us as well.  We will go back on Wednesday to pick them up and take them to our daughter's apartment.  I will probably be late in writing tomorrow or do a short posting from my smartphone while at the hospital. Please remember her in your prayers and thoughts today as she is quite afraid of the procedure because she has a hard time with anesthetic in terms of her blood pressure.   

Judy, it must be pretty cold up your way.  Glad John's truck didn't give him problems.

Etta Sue, thanks for the new devotional for this week. 

Janet, sounds like you are pushing yourself when you don't feel up to it.  Remember you must take care of yourself.  Do hope you will be feeling better later today.

'J' nights seem to be popular in this quorum!  Me, too, last night but I think it was because I had a cappuccino around 7pm.  Weird.  I can drink my coffee in the late morning and take a nap in the afternoon.  Why can't I sleep at night if I have caffeine in the evening?  Duh!  So I got up and played games on the computer until 1:30am.

This morning I slept late...I don't know why...I guess because I can.  I had my breakfast and then my devotions.  THEN I got my sweeper out and swept the floor.  Too much kitty litter everywhere!  It feels good to know my floors are swept! 

Now I can sit at the computer without feeling guilty. 

I just got an email from Pastor Steve saying someone is going to be at the church tomorrow at noon to pick up any clothing, etc. for the tornado victims in the south.  I think I need to go through my closet again!  If I am not wearing them, then someone else can!

Tonight is a meeting for VBS for this summer and council meeting!

Etta Sue more people should clear out their closets.  So many could benefit from it.

The furnace is finally catching up and the house is warming. Still -15C outside, sun is bright but doesn't seem to be warming.  Even the dogs didn't want to stay outside!  Normally I can't get them in!

John is heading to Guelph, won't be there till this evening.  Wish he had a car there he could do some visiting if there was.

I am working on a jig-saw puzzle- - - 1000 piece, it is much harder than I expected.  Bye for now

Hello everyone.  I've been here to read but didn't feel like saying anything. I have been very concerned about raising the $$ for Happy's surgery. the Lord has already sent me two  angels who are  going to donate to his care. God is so awesome, he always answers my prayers.

I made it through the shift at work, and collapsed in my chair for a nap when I got home.  It was a slow day at work; for that I am so thankful!

Our poor little Blue went over the Rainbow Bridge today.  Vet said her whole left side was paralyzed, and he didn't think she would ever walk again.  Darrel feels so bad about it, he says he doesn't think he will get another dog.  This makes three in a row we have lost at a really young age.  Each one for a different reason.  He will really miss that dog. 

Larry, I will be praying for Stacey.  She certainly has had more than a fair share of problems health-wise.  Do take care of yourselves, too, okay?

I still feel really punk.  I don't know what it is, but it surely has knocked the starch out of me!

On a brighter note--Lon came out and put the bathroom cabinets in today; says the ones for laundry room should be done in a couple (or three or four...) days!

I think I'll go take a couple Tylenol and see if that will help.

Marilyn, that is really a LOT of money to spend on a dog, especially when you don't have the money yourself.  When faced with huge vet bills, we always talk it over and ask each other if that is a wise use of money, when dogs don't have that long a life span.  I know you love your dogs, so it's your decision.  Good luck!

Etta Sue, I can't drink coffee in the evenings, either, for the same reason.  But I can drink tea, and it has caffeine, too.  So what makes the difference?  Of course if I drink tea, I have to get up, but can usually go right back to sleep again.

Jeanne, thanks for the prayers--they are the reason I made it through the day!

Janet tea is good in the evening.  Yes it has caffeine but most people don't drink it as strong as they drink their coffee, so less caffeine per cup.  I haven't had coffee in years, and I seldom have tea now.  It seems to make me hungry.  Really don' know why.  I hope you are back to "normal" soon.

Larry I to am praying for Stacey.   You take care and don't over-do it.  The house is finally warm.

John has 400 miles in about 24 hours to run,  That is typically about 8 hours driving.  With this cold he will have plenty of time to rest and start feeling better.  YEA!

Well my dinner is about ready so bye for now.

Janet if Happy was in pain and not doing well over all I would ask the Vet if it was time for happy to go to Rainbow Bridge. However since Happy is doing well other wise, his eyes are still good as is his hearing. He still acts like a puppy when it is time to go for a walk. I think it is worth having the small tumor removed so it will not grow and block his anus making him to being able to go potty; and paying for it anyway I can. It certainly is not worth having  him put down over a small tumor. Thank you very much for your input, I do appreciate  it. I make all the decisions about the dogs since they are mine so there is nothing to talk over with Keith, He loves them as much as I do.

I am now sorry I said anything about it earlier. I only wanted to share how good God is.

I've been thinking this evening about the things we take for granted - reasonable health, ability to bathe and drink at will, eat a bite when hungry, etc.

How wonderful it is that through it all, God is here ALL THE TIME for us, and He cares for us as He cares for His only Son.

Love to all of you,
Ruthnn

Marilyn, I feel like I've hurt your feelings, and that was surely not my intent.  Each of us must make the decisions we feel are right for ourselves, our families and our pets.  Please don't apologize, you can feel free to say whatever is on your mind in here, after all, we are among friends.

Darrel is really missing Blue, but there isn't anything I can do to make it hurt any less.  He will have a lot of dogs to greet him, if dogs really do go to heaven! 

Ruth Ann, I certainly agree with you!  Each time I visit Beth, I am reminded how thankful we should be for every bit of movement we have, for being able to do things for ourselves, even the smallest of things!  And I was talking to a really tiny little lady who just entered the care home a couple weeks ago, one I have known for years---she is nearly 98 years old, but always has a smile and tries to do the exercises they have there.  Today when I served her breakfast, I asked if she would like anything else to drink, and she said (with that twinkle in her eye) "Not unless you have a beer!"  What a delightful character!  She might weigh 65 pounds--tiny!

At the age of 23 George Beverly Shea (1909 - ) had a hard decision to make. He could accept a job offer in a secular singing position in New York City with a great salary and wide respect;  or he could continue singing in
churches and for Christian radio programs. 

While sitting at the family piano, he started to prepare a special hymn for the Sunday service.  On the piano he found a poem by Mr. Rhea F. Miller.  He immediately began to compose the music for the poem and used the song that same morning in his father's church service. 

He also used those words to direct his life and has shared his song, "I'd Rather Have Jesus"  with audiences around the world.

I'd Rather Have Jesus (1)

     Forty years ago Bev Shea was attending the Bible School in Ottawa (Ontario) where I was teaching. He loved to sing. After more training in New York City he was given an audition at one of the radio stations and was offered a contract.

     He asked that he might sing Gospel songs. He was told that he might use one occasionally, but he would have to use the songs on the Hit Parade.

     What would he do? His mother was praying.

     On Saturday night she placed a poem on the piano. In the morning he composed a tune for it. One verse was:  "I'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold: I'd rather have Jesus than worldwide fame; I'd rather be true to His holy Name!"

     Bev turned down the contract.

     A short time later he was offered a position with a Chicago radio station where he might use the Gospel songs he loved. While there he met Billy Graham.

     The rest of the story is well-known.

—R. Barclay Warren

I have a recording by George Beverly Shea of that beautiful hymn, and I also have it sung by Jim Reeves of long ago Country Music fame. 

Thanks, Judy, for including it here.  I love the assortment of hymns you post - a mixture of those I've known and loved together with some I've never heard before.   

Well, I certainly should feel great today - shhhhh! it's a secret I overslept!

It's such a pretty day to go vote - I think I'm heading to the polls right now.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

I am tired already!  I got up, ate breakfast, read devotions, called Ivalou to ask if she wanted to go to the pool today.  No, it isn't a good day for her.  So I gathered everything together and off I went to Noblesville.

First stop was to take Chemo Wraps #10 and #11 to the front desk at the hospital.  Then to the pool.  Several were in the water that I talk to so I did that while exercising. 

When I left rehab I saw in the same area an Ace Hardware and their rock salt on the sidewalk.  So I went there, paid for 4-40# bags and a gentleman put them in the car for me.

While eating lunch at Bob Evans, I decided to send an email to all the church members with email and ask if anyone would come get the bags of salt out of my car, into the basement and into the softener. 

When I got home, I parked the car in the drive.  I brought in my swim bag and purse and out the back door I went after propping the outside door open.  I carried in two bags of salt and down the steps and dumped them in the softener.  The other two bags are sitting at the top of the stairs.  I guess I am just too impatient to wait for someone else to do it for me!!  Now I need to relax in the warm water at the pool again!

Now here I am at the computer.  When I get done doing my routine on the computer, I will start Chemo Wrap #12.  I think it will be a ripple one this time. 

A bright, sunny day in Indiana with not a cloud in the sky.  A bit windy but so far this year that has been a given.  And the temp is in the low 50's.  That's good!

Etta Sue you have inspired me to go swimming as well.  It will be a few weeks before I am able to but that is the aim, 2X a week!  I think it will help with the shoulder pain as well as the hip. 

I can't get warm today.  Furnace is running and hot but I'm not feeling much of the results.  Perhaps a hot shower would help.  It has warmed up outside, and is damp, I think the dampness is the problem.

Jeanne you are welcome.  If you have a favourite let me know and I  will see if it is in the list!

Have a great afternoon, I'll be back later.

And I'm also inspired to go to the Y much more often than in the past.

I can certainly understand why Paul said how much he wanted to do the right things, but continued with the wrong ones instead. Eventually, he improved, and eventually, I will too.

Love to everyone,
Ruth Ann

Sniffling and sneezing...I am off to bed!

 Hi everyone.  Yesterday was a very long and filled with a series of unexpected events.  Stacey had fallen four times the day before and had a big goose eggs spot on her forehead and also has messed up her hip.  We were able to get her in the car and to the hospital on time but after they evaluated her the doctor determined the pacemaker implant was going to have to wait for a CT scan of her head and an x-ray of her hip and the blood work showed she has another infection.  During the day her blood pressure crashed again.  Because she required too much nursing attention on the regular cardiac care unit they moved her to cardiac critical care where she is still located.  She was terribly dehydrated and they worked on that all day along with a strong antibiotic to fight the infection.  We stayed until about 7 pm last evening and then came home and she called about 10 pm saying they had taken her for the CT scan and hip x-ray right after we left but she hadn't heard anything.  Pat talked with her nurse this morning and they still haven't received the results but she said Stacey was feeling better this morning.  So we don't know what to expect today but don't think the procedure will be performed and if it is not, and nothing else comes up today and if it doesn't we don't plan on going back to the hospital.  A friend of hers, who is planning on staying with her after she gets home from the hospital will be with her at the hospital and will let us know if there are any changes. 

I am tired today so am a bit lazy and will not write individual responses but have read all the messages and as we do for each other share in the joys, losses, illnesses and other problems that life send our way as a part of the human experience.  I do appreciate all the prayers and concerns expressed by you all. 

Larry, my prayers are certainly for Stacey, you and Pat.  My, what an ordeal.  God bless you all.

I started Chemo Wrap #12.  It's a ripple this time with the same colors as the last few.

Tonight is Crochet Angels at church and Wednesday Night Live.  I doubt if I get to WNL. 

What a beautiful day today.  It was already 60° when I got up.  So the front door, the side door and the spare bedroom door is open for sunshine and airing out!  The front room was beginning to smell musty.  And of course, as soon as the door opened, the daybed was occupied by two fur girls!

It is windy...it's Indiana 2012..and there are some wispy clouds in the sky.  Bright sunshine.  Too pretty to be inside but I think I about done myself in yesterday by carrying the rock salt.  I even took a nap on a week day!  I don't hurt but just tired.  But I did it and the job is done!  And the soft water felt great in the shower!

Larry, what a stressful day you and Pat and Stacey had.  I'm praying that today will bring better news.

I'm hoping today's warmer temps will give me a chance to clean the snow off the car and get rid of the huge pile that was plowed right up to the front of it, very effectively blocking me in.  There are errands to be run - bills to pay, reports to mail, and the larder is getting pretty thin.

Larry after yesterday you deserve a lazy day today.  Let Stacey know we are praying for her.

I didn't run fast enough....John's cold caught me.  I can't turn off the tap , my nose won't stop dripping.  I'll be ok though.

Oh, Larry!  What a stressful day for all of you!  Please do be 'lazy' today and know our prayers are with the three of you.  And thank God for Stacey's friend, too.

I need to figure out ways to sell more books.  Do any of you have further ideas?  I can't give for NF research until I pay the original cost of the book and start to make a profit.

I am feeling better today, had a GOOD night last night, so am happy for that!

Jeanne, sorry you have snow in your way!  Wish we had something wet!  And dust and dirt blowing do not count as wet.  :(n  So far today, it doesn't look too bad, but usually gets windier as the day goes on.

I got everything put into those new cabinets, so no more stacks of boxes in the hall!  Yay!

Janet get a TV station to do an interview with you and Beth. Talk to surrounding area newspapers and try  to get an interview with you and Beth from them.