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Morning Devotional...





For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. (Romans 7:19)

As we consider the potentials for moral greatness that God built into human nature when He made man in His own image; when we see how self-sacrificing and kind people are at their best moments; when we observe the innocent sweetness of a baby or the selfless, shining love of a mother we are scarcely prepared for the shock of reading history or scanning the daily newspaper.

That woman who stands with a smoking pistol in her hand over the body of her murdered husband—can that be the same woman whose face a few hours before was soft and radiant as she nursed her baby at her breast? That boy who plunges a switchblade into the heart of a kid from another part of town—can that be the same boy who before he left the house to join the gang on the corner spent half an hour romping with his little sister or affectionately teasing his mother? That young man who sits grim-faced and silent in the death house awaiting the hour when he must pay for his crimes against the human race—is that the same young man who a few months ago lay face down across the bed and sobbed because a plain little dog he loved had been killed by a car?

While the life of the ordinary person is not so dramatic and violent as those of the persons cited here, his conduct is nevertheless fully as contradictory. He blows hot and cold from day to day; he is kind and cruel, chaste and lustful, honest and deceitful, generous and covetous; he longs to be good and chooses to be evil, yearns to know God and turns his back upon Him, hopes for heaven and heads toward hell. He is morally loco.


We have all been infected by the moral locoweed of sin. As a result we fail to do the good we want to do and find ourselves committing the evil we do not want to do. Only in Christ is there deliverance!



It is only You, O Christ, who can cure me from this sin infection

From Devotions By Dr. Tozer

Two months ago today Ivalou had her stroke.  She has progressed so much but has a way to go yet.  She fell yesterday morning.  Doing what?  Making her bed.  She was walking around it and making it, got over balanced and fell.  She has a blood blister between her index and middle finger on her right hand but that is all.  She hasn't seen any new bruises...she bruises easy with blood thinner that she takes.  She said she knew she was falling so she just relax and fell.  That is good. 

So I got up this morning and heard her moving around.  I went down the hall to check on her and her bed was already made.  I asked her how she did it and she said she was in her wheelchair.  Good.  I told her to not try that standing again until the walking was automatic and normal...then add a task to it!  She said Okay! 

The Harvest Dinner was a winner.  I think there were 5 chairs empty at the tables.  And of course, the food was fantastic!  Then I came home for awhile.  I was at Kitty's at 2:30 and I drove to Carmel.  We swam for an hour swimming 30 laps and walking 4 laps.  Then she treated me to chips and salsa at Chili's!  I called Ivalou after I took Kitty home and she was fine.  So I went home and got in the shower to get all the chlorine off of me.  Then Ivalou and I watched 'The Patriots' last night with Mel Gibson. 

Today I have a dental appointment.  Ivalou is having Physical Therapy and Speech Therapy but Jane is coming to be with Ivalou in case she needs anything. 

The voting for Challenge # 38 is now open. We encourage you all to go vote in this challenge whether you entered or not. If you are a member you can vote so lets go vote.

Click here and go right to the voting poll!

Don

Good Morning It is good to see that Iva Lou has made so much improvement in the two months since her stroke and is doing a few things for herself,. Etta Sue I know that  really makes you happy that someone found her as quick as they did. Do you put PSP frames on the photos that you are showing?

Keith and I are going  down to Gilbert's on Wednesday. The dogs with be kenneled that morning. I made the reservations at the motel last night and got a real good deal using my AARP and senior discounts. We will be in Eureka for Thanksgiving at Ann and John's house. ( Sarah's Parents) . I will also make a visit to the nursing home to see Fay while I am there. She was 100 in July, and has been in the nursing home since about the end of September. I don't think I will be taking my Netbook with me, I want to get a good visit with the family and don't need a computer along to hinder that.

Remember me? I very rarely post, however, I thought I would today before you all forget who I am.
I spoke to JudyB on Saturday. She is recovering from a serious bout of bronchitis. Bad enough to send her, after two weeks, to the doctor's for antibiotics. JudyB asked me to request that you keep remembering Pat in your prayers as she deals with so much pain in her shoulders. JudyB was well enough to make it out to our church's Mortgage Burning Celebration, yesterday. We had a wonderful fellowship time, following; meeting many who were attending before the church building was even thought of.
As I read all of your posts, almost daily, I feel I am getting to know you. Because of this, I thought I would tell you a little about myself.
I was born  in Montreal, Province of Québec, Canada a little over 65 years ago. I was introduced to my Saviour by a life-long friend and accepted His sacrifice, for me, at the age of thirteen.
I have been married for forty-two years, this Wednesday, and have a daughter and a son and four super grandchildren.
The Lord blessed me in my work situation, so that now, as a retiree, I can still use the talents He gave me as a part time bookkeeper up here in the North.
I have made wonderful friends, up here and when JudyB and I met and traded our history, we were amazed at how God tied our lives together!
Because I have got to know you, through your posts, I just wanted you to know that my prayers are with you all.



RuthV

Hi everyone.  This has been a dreary and chilly day but a very busy one for me. 

I went to coffee, then a friend came over at 11 am and stayed until noon.  I then went to my Monday men's luncheon.  This morning when I started out in my older car I found I had a flat tire.  When I got home from coffee I called the Hyundai Roadside service and had someone here in about 15 minutes to change the tire. 

After lunch I went to where I have my tire work done and ended up buying 4 new tires as mine had reached the replacement point.  Then I stopped at two banks and finally got home a little while ago.  The housekeeper was here today and the yard men so things are back in good order. 

RuthV, thanks for telling us a bit about yourself.  Don't be a stranger here as we like to have people post as often as they can.

Marilyn, probably a good idea to leave your netbook at home although while staying in the motel it is nice to check up on things.  Hope you have a wonderful trip and time with your family this week.

Etta Sue, glad you were able to get out and do somethings today.  Certainly happy that Ivalou didn't have any problems from her fall.  She sure doesn't need any additional things to deal with now. 

Don, thanks for the devotional for this week. 

Carol, not too long ago I was able to get an inexpensive unit at Walmart that had the radio and a CD player.  Hope you find what you need.

Janet, you know I would be happy to help you anyway I can on your computer.  I no longer have Vista on my laptop as upgraded to Windows 7 over the weekend.  However, I think I will be able to remember how it works and perhaps steer you in the right direction.  If you need my telephone number just let me know.  I am sure the new puppy will bring some excitement into hour household. 

I remember you Ruth and we are glad you stopped by. Thanks for sharing that info about yourself and I would like to congratulate you on your 42'nd wedding anniversary. Hope it's a special day for you and yours.

Thanks also for the update on Judy, I was beginning to wonder where she was. Thought maybe she was still having computer problems. Tell her we are still praying for her and awaiting her return. We miss her.

Don

Rev. Al where are you? We haven't seen you in a little while. How is Marbeth doing on her new meds?

Don, thanks for the good devotional.

Larry, you and your family have my prayers. Also, Pat and Judy and so many others.

Today was busy for me, as well. I had physical therapy at 9:00, then got servicing done on the car (oil change, rotation, etc.). By then, it was lunchtime, so I met with friends for a quick lunch, then home to work on my apartment.

The Atlanta y'unguns are coming to Nashville Friday, so, let's see, ummmmm, looks like I have maybe a couple of hours to work on the apt tonight, and then parts of 3 more days.

Tomorrow's an MRI on my shoulder, Wednesday's a doctor's appt. for his assessment of the damage (but he hazarded a guess that I have a torn rotator cuff and torn bicept muscle in the left shoulder and upper arm area). Pat, I certainly understand about your right shoulder pain.

And, of course, my son (and possibly my daughter) will be eating together Thursday. This year, though, we've broken outta the turkey mold. We have reservations at an italian restaurant! 

After all, 68 years of turkey n dressing, probably qualifies me for a bit of a change...whadda y'all think?

Y'all have a great rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

Don, thanks for the new devotional.

Larry, I hope you can remember about Vista.  The main problem I have is that  when I click on a link it pops up that stupid box and won't take you to the link; then when you get back to where you started, another box pops up saying, "Oops!  A pop-up blocker may have prevented........."  Grrrr.

Daughter Kerri called earlier and was so excited about the puppy.  She said he came complete with toys, blanket, 'puppy purse' to carry him in, and some food.  She was putting the washables into the washer because the owner is a smoker and everything reeked of cigarette smoke.  Darrel is looking forward to getting the dog; and Kerri said he is so sweet, she would keep him in a heartbeat.    I already have a photo of him.

RuthV, good to have you posting, and I look forward to hearing more about you and your life, family and activities.  We are all like family here.

Ruth Ann, your alternative to turkey sounds great!  I'm relieved I don't have to do the cooking this year.   Enjoy your family!

Beth called and wanted a Subway sandwich, so we got one for ourselves to share while we were there.  She is saving hers for tomorrow, she said.

Etta Sue, it is good to hear the continuing good news of Ivalou's recovery.  You are both blessed to live next door to your sister!

I think I used up too much of my day's quota of energy early this morning at the gym!  I haven't had much left for the rest of the day.  So I have spent quite a lot of time editing my sister's new book.  I have about 3/4 of it done now, will probably finish up tomorrow, and if so, get it into the mail back to her the next day.

I am sleepy, so why not go to bed???  

Goodnight!

Good Morning everyone.  It looks like I am first here today.  Nothing has changed since I wrote yesterday so should be brief this morning.  Today's schedule is fairly light as only have a meeting this morning and then one of the roofing companies is suppose to come to look at my roof and give me an estimate.  I want to get one more estimate before moving further.

I sure did sleep good last night as yesterday I had the housekeeper put my electric blanket into the bedding and I was nice and warm all night.  I should have started using it a little sooner.

Janet, it sounds like your security settings may be too high.  In the browser you use click on options and look at the security tab to be sure it is set at midway.  Most webpages do not have popups but even if they do and you have that set it shouldn't prevent your page from loading, you just shouldn't get the popup.  I haven't had any problem with either of these.  Perhaps Ruth Ann can add some more light to this situation.

Ruth Ann, hope your MRI shows not the extent of damage your doctor feels will be there.  I have never had a problem with a shoulder so can't relate to that type of pain.

Don and Marilyn, good to see your postings.

G'moahnin' all y'all.  Marilyn - Rev. Al?  Surely you don't revere me, so no need to call me such names!

My cold is looser, whatever that means.  I think it's gradually getting better.  At least I can sleep decently, breathe through my nose, etc.  So I thank my Father, and I should thank Him much more than I do.  Had some good conversations with our youngest son up in Lacy, Wash. the other day (Lacy is quite near Olympia, which is Washington's capital.)  He may be losing his job with Walmart, so I'd ask prayer for a new job.  Personally, I think that's one of the really great things about retirement - you don't have to worry about losing your job!

Good morning everyone!  Somehow I've got behind here and only now have read yesterday's posts. 

Of course I didn't take notes, so I'm not going to try to reply to individual messages, except to say it's so good to see all here and to read of our Lord's continuing presence among us.

Hey Al, Rev can be sort for many things, like Reversed, reviled (oops not that one), Revered, Reverend,  take your pick.I prefer Reverend, Pastor Al. However to me you will always be just plain old Al. Is that OK with you?

Not much new here yet for today it is still early. I  have washed my hair and am sitting here with a towel on my head so I better go dry my hair now.

Hi, friends,

This morning I definitely had a big blooper -- had "a Janet night", so turned the light off for the last time at 3 am, then awakened bright & chipper at 6, so had a bit of breakfast and began doing things in the apartment ... my eyes began drooping, so without thinking I lay back down to rest awhile, and ... well, I kinda went back to sleep.    

Next thing I knew, there was a knock on my door. That dear man who has been so faithful to the Lord was checking on me, since right at that moment, we were to begin having our devotional Thanksgiving service, and I was scheduled to play.

Well, 7 minutes later, I rode the elevator down, hair brushed, fully dressed, and music in hand.

Thankfully, they're a loving, forgiving group, and commented they'd had senior moments, too!

I'm blushing in shame.

This afternoon's that MRI.

See y'all later.

Ivalou has been walking today with the half walker.  She is doing real well.  She even sat on a kitchen chair to have lunch instead of the wheelchair.  She went through her purse this morning and threw away lots of papers and such.  Then she had a stack of papers to keep and file so she did that in the little bedroom right after lunch. 

Now I have a load of clothes in the dryer and she will help fold them.  I will put them away.

Then it will be time to go feed my kitties and then time for relaxation!  Busy day!  The mailman just left the mail, too.

Hope everyone has a God-filled day!

Marilyn - there's a whole church of about 600 down in Davis that always calls me Reverend Al (I don't know what they call me in private).  They feel that it's a reflection on the Holy Word of God when I preach it there.  I respect that motive, even though I don't fully agree with it.  Keep in mind, though, that you DON'T say it "ol Al."  Plain Al will definitely do.

Okay, Plain Al ... Here's Plain Jane checking in! 

I have been (mentally) preparing to have guests for dinner here on Thursday.  It has been a very long time since I have cooked a big meal, and had guests in.  My daughter and her husband are coming tomorrow sometime, and I have invited my neighbors to join us for Thanksgiving dinner.  John (SIL), at first, had wanted to bring and cook the dinner for me, but I have a project for him and Ed, my neighbor, to work on and John says since he'll be working someone else can do the cooking. 

They will be bringing some of the groceries, however.

Thanks, Larry, I will check that and see if it helps.

Ruth Ann, seven minutes is surely forgivable.  But I know how you feel, I would be a bit embarrassed, too.  Just remember, you needed that sleep, or you wouldn't have fallen back to sleep.  

We went to Liberal today so they could check my hearing aids and see if I am having any problems.  I'm not.  

We will be leaving tomorrow for Los Lunas, New Mexico, and returning on Thursday, probably late.

Our new "baby"  wil be here in another couple of hours.  Grandson Mark is bringing him.

I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving with God, friends, family.

Hi, Jane!  I just know your day with family and neighbors will be great.  Enjoy!

Joy just called to say they'll be here in about an hour!  I hadn't expected them until tomorrow, so I'm scurrying around with all the last minute things I was planning for tomorrow before they arrived!  She says John wants to get in here tonight so he can have the whole day tomorrow to work!  Whatta guy!

Great for you, and for them, Jane.

It's been kind of a bummer day - at least the first part of it.

Then came that interesting MRI. I've never had an Open MRI before, but requested it because I didn't think they could get good pictures of my squeezed up shoulder in the closed MRI tube. When the tech told me it would be 20 minutes of whirring and noises, then put earplugs in, and told me I should close my eyes, I was obedient at least for a while. Then, since I'm not claustrophobic, I opened my eyes and checked side to side at my surroundings without head or neck movement. Yes, the noise was certainly interesting - at first I fantasized about being under the sea and hearing a ship slowly pass overhead, and the beeps and knocks and pings made me think about some under-sea recordings I heard on public radio. Next the sounds were like a sewing machine, and other such images floated through my head as the sounds changed.

Oddly enough, I was surprised that the 20 minutes was over when the tech came into the room. Yes, my shoulder hurt from having it in that one position for that long, but it certainly was an intriguing experience.

Next, a friend let me know that the Health Department was giving the H1N1 vaccinations and they had stopped restricting seniors. While there, met up with friends, and we ended the evening with a delightful inexpensive dinner (thanks to those coupons that I keep getting in my junk mail downstairs!)

Now, to enjoy being with my online friends for a while...

Hope to see y'all tomorrow. My surgeon's appt is at 2:30, so will try to let you know what he's decided after seeing the results of that MRI.

Love to each of you and good will to all those you love.

   Hi to all.   Well I don't remember if I told you all that last week that I was on my way home with my wife in the van and a lady that was not from this area came to a stop sign she did stop as I saw her do.   She thought that it was a four way stop but it is not and she proceeded to continue across in front of me and I almost stopped but did hit her and did approx $2500.00 to my vehicle she was charged.  Thank the Lord nobody was hurt.

Marilyn:  Have you made any banana bread yet?  Hope that it tastes good.

Al:  Hope that you will get your full strength back soon.  How is your wife doing?

Pat:  How is your shoulder I do hope that it is a lot better or at least you are getting less pain. Are you in Guelph or in Virginia ?

Well I have read the posting and hope that all will have a good week and again please continue to keep my wife in your prayers.  God Bless to all.   Gord.

Hi everyone.  We are to finally have a sunny day here and I am ready for it. 

We will leave in about 20 minutes to drive to my heart doctor's office where I will have a Nuclear Stress Test.  I had been concerned about being able to walk on the tread mill with the speed and incline but spoke with the tech a couple of days ago and she said you don't have to walk fast and it is basically a flat surface.  The walk will be 5 minutes and apparently the walking helps circulate the dye and offsets some of the side effects of the nuclear medicine they use.  I am suppose to be there at 9 am and the test is set for 10 am.  I have a feeling I will have pretty much an hour wait.  I will be glad when it is over.  I won't get any results today.

Tonight our church hosts 4 other churches in our area for an interdenominational Thanksgiving service.  Two other choirs will be joining our choir to sing two Thanksgiving special pieces of music.  I have attended this service the last couple of years and really enjoyed it.

Jane, just take a big breath and don't worry as things will turn out fine for your Thanksgiving dinner.  Glad your SIL will be able to do a project for you.

Ruth Ann, you have been one busy lady.  Glad that MRI is behind you.  I will never be able to have an MRI because of my pacemaker/defibrillator.

Janet, how is the new member of your household adjusting? 

Another gloomy day in Indiana.  And it is suppose to be snow flurries tomorrow on T day! 

Today is Ivalou's day for the doctor's office.  Then I need some groceries in my house since I will be home 4 days!  My cupboards are bare.  (I couldn't remember how to spell cubbords/cubboards and tried cupboards and the red line under it disappeared!)  And Ivalou has to do her pro-time check since tomorrow is a holiday.

Tony called me yesterday concerned about Charlene maybe having gall bladder problems.  She went to the doctor and after some tests at the hospital was told she has Crohns Disease.  Isn't that what Sony's son has?  I haven't talked to Charlene yet.

Just hope it isn't raining when I have to get Ivalou in the doctor's office.

I had a wonderful phone call yesterday.  My pastor called to ask if I would accept someone bringing me a Thanksgiving dinner!      He had a call from a complete stranger saying that their family wanted to "do something" for someone else for Thanksgiving and asked for the name of a possible recipient of a complete dinner.  And he chose ME!  How blessed I am! Praise the Lord. 

Enjoy your dinner Jeanne.

Blessed be the Lord!

Don

I am all ready to go the dogs are at the Kennel and I have both cats in the house waiting for Keith to come home and pull the Corvette out of the garage so I can put Grubby in the garage. I found out for sure that he like to use his own box. He has one in the garage and this morning I see that he has been using it. No wonder he wants out to the garage first thing int he morning. Now to get Keith to give him his own box int he house.

I am taking the laptop so will try to check in tonight  after we get to the motel if they have wifi to let you know we got there. I  may have to Keith for the laptop as he  wants to check his trains on ebay that he is watching.

Oh. how wonderful, Jeanne, the good Lord knew that you ARE a very deserving person to receive the dinner.  Enjoy.

Janie, good for you , the family there and someone else cooking.

My son is doing all the cooking , too, I just supply the ever popular "green bean cassarole"--there will be about 16 of us there, so my son has his hands full. My dil is baking pies now and I am "holding down the fort" at work.

Dear Al, that's what I call you --hope your cold is better and your wife is well.
Keep me in your prayers(I still have the usual work problems that I need plenty of prayers with especially with this economy affecting everyone and our family businesses need plenty of help and prayers.

To all you lovely caregivers, enjoy the day with family and friends , you need to enjoy the blessings from all to continue to help others.

Your Christlike attitude is so evident to those of us who read your messages.

Bless you and have a great holiday,

Joyce

Ruth, Larry is right, MRI's are not good but necessary.

I had one done for my shoulder , too, still haven't decided to / or when I will have surgery. Need my right hand to work, so I keep putting it off...

Larry, saw a newcast last night about having MRI's now even though the lady had a pacemaker.  Sorry that I didn't listen to whole program and find out more for you. But she seemed happy to have the MRI done and it worked for her.

The good Lord has provided the medical field with such wonderful and new knowledge for problems to be solve that never were able to do before.

Praise the Lord

Happy Thanksgiving to all

     I am grateful that we still have one day per year set aside as Thanksgiving - giving thanks.  The pilgrims prayed when they had the first Thanksgiving.  I have often wondered what the people who want to make everything secular in our country would like to change about Thanksgiving. 

Hi Jeanne!  What a blessed gift for you and you do deserve some pampering - as in let someone else cook!  Enjoy.

Hello Joyce!  It looks like a light cooking day for you as well.

Janet:  A new puppy!  Lots of fun and excitement ahead for you. 

Al:  Keep getting better with that cold.  Drink some chicken broth with a dash of tabasco. 

Larry:  Good luck on your test - it should be over now.  Have a nice holiday. 

Ruth Ann:  I think you are doing great!  You just needed a little more rest. 

I have everything ready for the large crockpot which I put the dressing in and slow cook for hours.  Also, one big dish of sweet potatoes with plenty of cinnamon and butter and a little vanilla.  Baking cranberry bread tonight. 
Take care all - I am thankful for so many reasons.