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Morning Devotional...




Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. --1 John 3:21-22

When we go to God with a request that He modify the existing situation for us, that is, that He answer prayer, there are two conditions that we must meet: (1) We must pray in the will of God and (2) we must be on what old-fashioned Christians often call "praying ground"; that is, we must be living lives pleasing to God.

It is futile to beg God to act contrary to His revealed purposes. To pray with confidence the petitioner must be certain that his request falls within the broad will of God for His people.

The second condition is also vitally important. God has not placed Himself under obligation to honor the requests of worldly, carnal or disobedient Christians. He hears and answers the prayers only of those who walk in His way...(1 John 3:21-22; John 15:7)....

The truth is that God always answers the prayer that accords with His will as revealed in the Scriptures, provided the one who prays is obedient and trustful. Further than this we dare not go.
Dr. Tozer in Man, the Dwelling Place of God, pp. 86-87

"Lord, in the power of Your Holy Spirit, help me to be obedient today. May everything I think and do be pleasing in Your sight. Amen."

Am I first today?  That surprises me.  Of course, someone will likely post before I get this finished.

I hope all you other mothers had a lovely Mothers' Day.  We had a real marathon weekend!  We left early Friday, drove to the kids' and from there to Dodge City, where we picked up Jeff's parents, then on to Junction City, where we had rooms reserved.  We are lunch, changed clothes, on to Manhattan for Curtis's Commissioning Ceremony.  So now we have a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force in our family!  This ceremony was far more important to Curtis than his graduation, for some reason.  I asked him why, since graduation required five years of diligent study, but didn't really understand his reasons.


After the Commissioning, they had a cookout at their house (Curtis and Toni) and he had a lot of friends and fellow Cadets who came.

On Saturday, we did some shopping in the morning, then attended the Engineering College reception, followed later by the graduation.  I had never attended either a commissioning  nor a college graduation before, so it was all new to me.  Kansas State graduated over 2600 this year, a bit down from their average of 3500.  Anyway, after graduation, we went to a place called Doe's and had steaks to celebrate Curtis' achievement.  His Dad made a little speech about how proud we  all are of Curtis, thanking us as grandparents for our love and support through the years, and then told Curtis "The gravy train officially stops NOW!" 

Curtis will now go to Alabama for Officers Training, and then will be stationed in Albuquerque, N.M.

Yesterday, it was up early, eat, drive from Junction City to Bennington to daughter Kerri's; load up Mark's stuff (he had to be out of his dorm room in Salina by Friday evening, but has another week of school, so will be staying with his Aunt Kerri), then the long drive home.  We arrived just in time for Abby to eat a little bit, change into her dance costume and get to the school for her dance recital.   That lasted two hours.........we got home a little after 10 last night.  WHEW!!!

Anyway, I'm home now......until Friday, when we will leave again for two more graduations at Bennington!

Janet ~ Hint! Hint!  Albuquerque hosts the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta for a whole week in October!  Well, worth the trip to visit Curtis and Toni AND see about 700 hot air balloons in the air at one time.  Think about it! 

Pat ~ Thank you for the devotion.  I wish I would pray aloud in front of others.  My excuse is that I am by myself so much that in a bunch of people I forget my own name!! 

I am off for a blood draw and then to see my ENT.  In five minutes....I am outta here!

I am going for the results of my blood draw. I tried to get away with just going to pick up a copy of the results, but with a new doctor in the office she wants to see me. My own doctor now works at the Veterans clinic in Eureka.

I think I will probably mow this afternoon the grass is being pulled right up out of the ground and getting tall. I hope my mower doesn't bog down and make it hard to push  on through. It is not self propelled.

Gilbert and Savannah brought me a nice bouquet from their yard yesterday.

TTYL

Quote from: Etta Sue on May 14, 2007, 09:26:20 AM


Pat ~ Thank you for the devotion.  I wish I would pray aloud in front of others.  My excuse is that I am by myself so much that in a bunch of people I forget my own name!! 

Thanks, Etta Sue, for the excuse.  I, too, find myself tripping over my tongue in public...    Guess it's the living alone thing for me too.  

Janet, sounds like you all had a very fun and rewarding whirlwind marathon weekend all right.  And more to come?  Keeps one young, "they" say.  

It is really nice here on the coast today so I need to get outside and do some sprucing up in the yard.  Rhodie blossoms all over the ground and the grass is getting up there.  I also need to do some trimming on the shrubs    This is work that never gets done, it seems.   Ah well ......

A big G'Mornin' to all y'all and prayers continue from this corner of the world.  

Marilyn and Etta Sue expect good news when you get the results of the blood draw. 

I'll be back later................

Ruth Ann, I hope your hand is feeling better, and your sugar levels are staying.......well.........level!  Good to read your short, one handed posts.  We love you!

Jane, so glad you heard from your girls for Mother's Day.  All three of my girls sent cards, and Diane gave me a little gift.  It was her birthday, as well as Mother's Day, plus all the activities for Curtis and then Abby, so she had a really intense day.  Sometimes I marvel at how she handles the stress of her life.

Liz, how are you?  So good to read your post.  Our grandkids grow up way too fast, don't they?  Amanda is 20 already?  Goodness.  Is she still doing a lot of artwork?

Al, I would much prefer to attend a marryin' than a buryin', too.   But we all have those to face, don't we?

Can you imagine a teacher, substitute or not, showing the movie "Brokeback Mountain" to 11 and 12 year olds--in school??  I hope that family collects the half million from their lawsuit, and that more families join in the suit.  For goodness sake, are all bounds of decency gone now?

Okay, off the soapbox and back to work!

    Good day to you all.  Well we had a very busy weekend as all of my wifes sisters and the daughters and there daughters all get together for mothers day and have done this since there mother was alive.  What they do is go to some place that most of them have never gone to. and also they stay overnight.  So they have a great time  So I spent time at my oldest sons and we did some different things and it nice to be able just to spend time together as we do not live very close to each other.  I dont know if I told you all but the doctor has put me on diabetic tablets as my counts have not been good.  I was very upset at first as my brothers both have thi also but the middle one has type one since he was 42years old so I guess it's in the family.  I know that the Lord will look after me but my wife and I are thankful for your prayers.

PAT:  Thank you for your devotional and as always it was very encourageing.  Hope that you are looking after yourselve and getting lots of rest.  Love sis. 

JANET:  My goodness you have been very busy.  Make sure that you don't  do to much  and get so tired that you get sick.  God bless.

ETTA SUE:  I have just had all my blood work done again and thats when the doctor decided to put me on the biabetic tablets.  But life goes on.  Look after yourself.

MARILYN:  Hope that you are looking after yourself also and just keep trusting the Lord and he will give you all the strength that you need for each day.  God bless.

JANE.  Hi to you it must be hard to be alone but you always have your Heavenly Father with you.  He will give you the strength that you need for each day and also in his word he tells others to look out for the widow and to help them . Keep sending those good posts.

To all others may the Lord Richly bless you this week.

Good Afternoon

I had a busy weekend, I picked up my "new to me" car, a 2006 Pontiac Pursuit and stopped at my parents to wish my dad a Happy Birthday in addition to showing off my new wheels and then came home, got changed and went back out to dinner with my parents.  A very fine meal and finer company!

I called my mother to say happy mother's day and received a call from my daughter so felt content.  Gifts are not important, being acknowledged is!

Janet, did Curtis ever tell you why the commisioning ceremony was more important than his graduation?  Just curious.

Now must get back to work and get some things accomplished.  Have a good day everyone.

I did not get good news from my blood draw. My Cholesterol is way up again and my high protein diet is the reason. So i stopped at Longs to buy some Cholest-off and will be refilling my Niaspan. I could not believe that my LDL (the bad one) is up to 195 and total cholesterol was 272 when it was 195 in January. TRIPLE DRAT!!!!!!!!!

Hi everyone. 

We have had a really nice and pleasant weekend.  My sister and brother-in-law arrived about 2:30 on Friday afternoon.  We had a very nice visit before they left at 11 this morning to return to Missouri to visit with his mother and attend a wedding next weekend and then going back to their home in northern Iowa. 

On Friday evening I picked up our daughter and she spent the weekend with us as well.  We played a few hands of bridge and some other games where 5 of us could play.   On Sunday, we all attended the combined service at our church.  Annually we have a youth Sunday and they conduct the entire service.  We have a large number of fine youth and they did a very fine job in doing the worship service, including the music, prayers, Scripture readings and testimonials.  The theme was love.

Following church we went to City Slicker's and were able to be served fairly quickly.  We had a good meal.  We came home and rested for awhile and then I took our daughter back to her apartment. 

We have a delightful day today with the temperature around 70 degrees and relatively low humidity.  We have had the house open all day.  Today was our lawn service day and they arrived shortly after 7 am and started mowing.  Needless to say the owner of the company is going to get an e-mail from me indicating we were not impressed and request that we be scheduled later in the day.  One of our neighbors likes to sleep late and sometimes my wife doesn't want to be awake that early.

I have read all the postings but not going to make individual comments.  Maybe I can get back on track tomorrow.  We are now back to our regular schedule.  Today has been sort of a "let-down" day and Pat and I both have been resting and taking it easy.

Quote from: Marilyn on May 14, 2007, 04:32:58 PM
I did not get good news from my blood draw. My Cholesterol is way up again and my high protein diet is the reason. So i stopped at Longs to buy some Cholest-off and will be refilling my Niaspan. I could not believe that my LDL (the bad one) is up to 195 and total cholesterol was 272 when it was 195 in January. TRIPLE DRAT!!!!!!!!!

Oh Marilyn!  I'm so sorry this has happened to mess up your happiness.     I don't know how to change this effect but it looks like you have a handle on it already and will be just fine and dandy in no time.   

Larry I know the feeling of let-down after an exciting or much anticipated event.  You and Pat have been planning and cleaning and "doing" for quite a while in preparation for your sister's visit.  I think it's a lot like the anticipation and planning that go toward Christmas or Thanksgiving ... then it's over so soon and one feels "down."   

lost my post - too tired to write a long one again.

Hi Everyone.

Life for me has become hectic once again so I've just popped in for a few minutes to touch base with you all.

Mother's Day was lovely.

Hello, this Monday evening.

Marilyn, though it isn't proven, and I've only read about it one time, I started taking cinnamon capsules and my cholesterol went to the lowest it's ever been.
Mind you, I also take Lipitor, but I had been taking it for about a year, and it still didn't get as low as we wanted.  It did drop some when I went on a low carb diet, just eating complex carbs, but went to the lowest ever when I started the cinnamon.  My doctor doesn't know, and there isn't enough research for it, other than for diabetics which is great, but you could try.

I know how disappointing it can be when you're doing the right things and it's still up.  I have familial high cholesterol.  Do you?

I had a nice Mother's Day.  My son barbecued and my daughter bought a plant for me, from my dogs, haha...and she also bought one for my sister, Sue, which I thought was so sweet.  My other daughter called me last night and we had a nice visit.  She also sent an outdoor plant basket.  The delivery lady happened to be someone I used to work with, and always liked, so it was nice seeing her again.

I really like the devotional on prayer.  We need this reminder often.  I don't want to ask anything outside of God's promises and will.   What a mess I'd be if He let me decide what I needed. lol  It's such a comfort to just lean on Him , knowing He is Love and I'm His.  What a blessed life I live on this earth.  You too?

Larry, whenever I have company, no matter how enjoyable, I have a tiredness afterwards.   Not really a let down, but just looking forward to settling back into my mundane routine.   

Jane, I'm doing the pulling an occasional weed too.  Last year's flower garden, where Sue tossed lots of flower seeds,  is almost filled with flowers.  We won't be planting anything else.  No room.  I like that.

Blessings to each who come to post(or just read).  Nita

Hi everyone.

Just back from morning coffee at the cafe with my retired men friends.  Always an enjoyable.  I have a meeting to attend this morning and this afternoon there is a reception for our choir director, who is retiring from teaching middle school music. 

It sounds like there were a lot of nice mother's day remembrances.  Our son sent his mother a really neat basket of cookies.  Of course, I about fainted when I saw that the 5 cookies average cost was about $10 each, minus the cost of the delivery and packaging.  Our daughter gave her mother a lovely little book, and wall hanging about mother's and two cute little figurines of bears. 

Marilyn, sorry that your cholesterol has gone up so much.  Since I have been taking Vytorin all of my counts are well within the ranges and some of them very low.  Years ago I followed a very strict vegan diet with no meat or fowl and it didn't seem to have any effect on the readings after a year. 

Nita, it sounds like you had a nice day on Sunday. 

Jane and Nita, I know what you mean about the feelings after company leaves.  We had anticipated this visit for about a month and now it is over but we have some very nice memories and hopefully they will be back again before too long.

Pat, slow down so you have some time for yourself.

Ruth Ann, sorry that you lost your posting.  I know that is very frustrating.  Hope your hand is feeling better everyday.

I have some webwork to do today so guess I had better get busy as don't have too many hours at home today. 

Good morning, everyone!

Guess what?  I have a busy day today---imagine that! 

Poor Darrel has to go to Garden, Dodge and Liberal, all today, for trouble calls.  Why do they always seem to come in bunches?  He will go for weeks and never have one, then a busy "spurt."

I'm going to Crafts Day at the Home with Beth, then eating lunch with my Youth Friend, plus other stuff.  Later!

I am  back now from Curves, dressed for work, and still need to fix my hair and eat breakfast, of a small bowl of Special K with added walnuts, a few dry cranberries and maybe half a banana.

When I get to Ruth's house I am going to style her hair as she has a few more days before her hair appointment. Her hair sure gets in a mess most of the time. 
We are in the process of talking her son into hiring someone for the weekend. I gave him a referral now it is up to him.

Not much is new here, misting outside this morning the car is all wet and I needed the wipers on the way to Curves.

Nita I will look into the cinnamon I have heard that it is good for other things than the diabetic I read that it only takes about ¼ teaspoon per day and you can put that on your cereal. thanks for reminding me. Now if  I can figure out what complex carbs are. I will do a Google search.

TTYL

I went to the ENT surgeon yesterday morning.  He said good news and not so good news.  The good news is that the growth was early and small.  May 1st, he removed a 3mm x 7mm pre-canceous growth on my larnyx by pealing it off and then lazering the surface.  The not so good news was the growth did have some cancer cells in it but he thinks that lazering the surface killed the cancer cells.  But rather than take a chance, I am to have another surgery June 12th (6 weeks after first surgery) for him to lazer the area again.  And another week of not talking.  After that surgery, I will see him July 3rd to see what is to be done in the future. 

And more good news was that the growth was small enough to remove and not have to remove the vocal chords unlike a lady after me in surgery.  She was 39 years old and the growth was so large, he had to remove the vocal chords. 

So I am thankful that this was caught early and greatful for surgeons who have the knowledge to remove such growths.  And thank God that He enables such knowledge for the betterment of our health. 

As for the bloodwork yesterday...they stuck me three times before they could get any blood.  Grrrr!  It was to test my kidney functioning since she put me on a kidney protection tablet.  I got a call from the nurse yesterday afternoon saying the kidney functioning was okay but my potassium was high.  So they called in another RX....a diuretic!  Since taking the kidney protection pill, I have noticed I don't have to RUN to the bathroom.  Now I will with the diuretic.  And I have more bloodwork May 29!!

Sure hope these doctors get me regulated soon! 

And Thursday I got for a crown prep at the dentist. 

It sure isn't fun getting old. 

Oh, yes!  I got my first info from Medicare yesterday.  Turning 65 in September!! 

Euchre here at my house today and here I am at the computer!!!!!!!!!

Cinnamon Bark has been historically used as a digestive aid and to promote other health benefits. Recent studies indicate that Cinnamon may also help to support healthy serum lipid levels. In addition, Cinnamon contains potent antioxidants that help to support cardiovascular function.*

That's good news about the cinamon - I may try it too.

Hey where is everyone today? 

so tired, I'm not even wearing my glasses - am typing by "memory."

bandage came off - looks surprisingly good. it's a wonder what a long hot shower does.

Will read and comment tomorrow.

Howdy!  I've started a couple of new home bible studies and the rest of life is keeping me really busy.  Stop by my new blog when you get a minute.

http://pastorkevinspicts.blogspot.com/

Hope all is well with you!

In His Grip,
Kevin

Hi everyone.  I have a few minutes before leaving for coffee and then have a busy day ahead with Bible study this morning, our son and daughter in law visiting for a short time and a doctor's appointment this afternoon.  Then this evening is choir practice.  So won't have much computer time.  I did get my Golden Olympics work caught up for now.  The games are about over and only three more events to occur.  Then they will be sending me pictures to post.  I posted the first batch of those on the Golden Olympics website last evening.

Etta Sue, sorry to hear that the cancer cells were present but it sounds like the doctor is on top of the situation.  Your experience is a good example of why you don't ignore problems like this as they only have worse consequences later on.  Another week of not speaking is nothing compared to having to lose your vocal cords.

Janet, hope you had a nice day with Beth and your student and that Darrel's trouble calls went well.

Hi Kevin and Al.

Ruth Ann, you did a good job of typing without your glasses.

Marilyn, I have read about the Cinnamon.  You take good care of Ruth.

See you all tomorrow.

Good morning!

Ruth Ann, so glad that hand looks good, and I agree about the benefits of a hot shower.  Ahhhhhh......

Etta Sue, we are all rooting and praying for you.  As I said in my email, I'm so glad you went in when you did.  {{{{hugs}}}}

Larry, can you tell me how I can get power point put on my computer?  (I should have asked this privately, sorry.) 

The little craft class went well at the home.  I had to help Beth a little with the tiny parts, and peeling off the backs of the stickers we were using, but she did most of it and enjoyed it.  We made a little underwater scene with those foamies stickers, and then a dog and a cat using big jingle bells, wooden beads, etc.  I had to do those, as the parts were so tiny.  They were cute, though.

Both Darrel and I have doctor's appointments today, he with Dr. Plumlee in preparation for the shoulder surgery next week, and me with our eye doctor.  Church tonight.  And sometime in between, I must mat some photos and order frames for them.

Pat, we miss you.  What's happening in your life?  Love you!

Kevin, good to see you after a long absence.  I will check out your blog later.

Hello to the rest of you who pop in to read and or post.

Hi to all from Sequim, Washington.  Leaving in minutes.  We had a wonderful visit with two nieces & two of one's children.  Then, we boarded a ferry and toured Victoria, B.C. for two days and the lush gardens.  It was so beautiful and peaceful.  Slept late this morning & a busy drive as soon as I get going. 

Pat:  Hope you are well.  Someone mentioned your name.

Larry:  Hello - Pat wouldhave loved to have seen several quilt shops here - I didn't buy anything but hopefully have some new ideas. 

On the road & really need to do laundry today or tomorrow.  Carol

Good Morning

This has been a busy week for me.  BUT GOD IS GOOD!

WE have rain and it has been raining for 2 days and is to continue for the next couple of days.  That is good as we have such dry soil, already there have been forest fires in the north.  A friend was fighting fires on Sunday, he was at small group Monday so that was good news. 

I have been praying for each family and each situation here.  Ruth Ann take care and don't overdo it.  Love you sis.

May God richly bless each of you.

Hello friends!

I guess it's been a while since I've been here.  I'm not up to date on what's going on in your lives, but I've been thinking of you all.  

I have a praise!  I went to the eye Dr. yesterday and my degenerative cornneal disease (Fuch's Dystrophy-pronounced Fukes) is not progressing at this point!  There's been no change since my last visit.

We are now home from our three week vacation to sunny Southern California, where my hubby and I both grew up.  (I think we had a bit of shock going from the end of winter in Idaho to everything in bloom in CA-at least when we returned it was spring at home, too.)  Anyway, more than two thousand miles and 3,000 digital images later...we find ourselves back at home, safe and sound.  It seems no matter how wonderful your vacation, it's always so nice to come home.

We married off my hubby's older brother while we were there, my hubby being the best man.  It was a nice outdoor wedding and the park grounds were beautiful!  Our daughters danced their traditional Irish Step Dancing at the reception and my nieces and sister in law danced Polynesian style and we gave the bride and groom each a lei made of 100 $1 dollar bills that we tediously folded and had strung by another family member.  Classical guitar was played during the ceremony by the bride's son.  The bride and groom and others did a little ballroom and swing dancing.  It was quite a multicultural affair.  It was wonderful!

We did some sight-seeing.  It was weird to go to CA as a tourist and have people on the beach ask "Where are you folks from?"  And then telling them "Actually, we're from here but moved away 11 years ago and were here on vacation."  Met a few people who know folks in Idaho or that are thinking of moving here themselves.  

We rode the Coaster to Seaport Village and went to Horton Plaza, both places we went on our honeymoon 18 years ago, when we still lived there.  I think the kids got tired of us pointing out places we frequented when we were dating and first married and apartments we lived in when they were born and shortly before.  

We had a blast at the Wild Animal Park!  There were so many baby animals, being spring.  I'm overwhelmed thinking about rating, editing, processing, etc...all those pictures I took, but excited, too!  I know I got some great shots!  We went to the beach for the girls' spring school pictures.  I also have some of my oldest daughter doing her Irish Dance leaps on the beach, some with flash and some in silhouette with the sunset or remains of it behind her.

Time with family and friends was the best of all, of course!  I have plenty of pictures of all of our loved ones that still reside in San Diego county.  From nieces' softball games to the wedding and everywhere in between.  I praise the Lord for a wonderful trip free of accident or incident, unlike our last trip there.  He is so good to us!

You all have a great day and I will try to get some images ready for viewing on the web.  Oh, this will be a new experience as I will be doing them on my new Dell Inspiron laptop, which I'm hoping will help the whole process go faster since we upgraded everything specifically for photography.

I realize this has been lengthy.  Thanks for bearing with me, those of you who are still reading.

Shutterbugmom

Hi all!!!  Sorry to have been scarce the past couple of days.  This site is blocked at work (as are most sites <grumble>), so I can only post when I'm at home.

Everyone here is doing pretty good.  Bernard is still plugging along.  His allergies are bothering him, and the sneezing does not feel good.

Hope everyone is doing well today.  Take care!

Karma

Free PPS viewer... http://snipurl.com/2fz9  I love the one Larry sent out!  But then I really love all power point slide shows.

Shutterbugmom ~ Sounds like you had a busy, terrific vacation.  It is always fun to go home, isn't it?

Euchre is over for another 8 months.  I dislike the preparation...I generally entertain but after everyone is here, I thoroughly enjoy it.  I have everything put away and am relaxing today. 

I even made a Hawaiin Strawberry Pie this morning.  Diabetic.  I haven't tried it yet but it smells oh, so good! 

Cloudy and looks like rain any second today.  Glad I am planning on staying in!!