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Morning Devotional...

Finding Your Way when Human Reasoning Won't Do

BIBLE MEDITATION:
"Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear Him, and keep His commandments, and obey His voice, and ye shall serve Him, and cleave unto Him." Deuteronomy 13:4

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
When we read a command in the Bible, whether we understand it or not, we ought to obey it. The Bible is not first and foremost a book to be explained, it is a book to be believed and obeyed.

So many times we want to tell God how He ought to do things. I can imagine those early apostles when they first met Paul persecuting believers. Those well-meaning Christians could have been praying for God to strike Paul dead, but what did God do? He struck him alive! And aren't you glad He did?

ACTION POINT:
Don't substitute human reasoning for obedience. God says, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Devotions taken from the messages of Adrian Rogers.
© 2014 Love Worth Finding Ministries

Hi everyone on a cloudy and probably rainy Sunday morning.  We will be leaving for Sunday School and Church in a little bit so am going to be brief this morning.  We had a wonderful time as Scott's guests at a very nice and very expensive restaurant called the Frog Hollow Tavern.  This was the place he and his wife went to celebrate their wedding anniversaries and this would have been 23 years.  We think it was a bit of a closure for him and he got though the evening very well.  I was sorry to see the KC Royals lose again last night although I didn't stay up to watch the entire game but know the Mets fans are happy.  These two teams only benefit from the first four games and I think either the other teams or Major League Baseball benefits from games 5 through 7.  It was also a bad day in football for the Georgia and South Carolina Universities. 

Jeanne, I really like the devotional though you shared with us today.  Thanks.

Janet, glad to read that your doctor gave you good news on the lump as it sounds like it is not something you need to worry about. Also glad you are feeling better overall from the antibiotic.

My daily Bible Study is so comforting and spot-on to the point of being meaningful each and every day.  I just am in awe of how perfect the WORD is for each of us.  Loving my study time. 

Don had another nose bleed this morning after going several months without a problem so that changed our intentions.  He was able later to go out for coffee and the store - with wads of tissue in our pockets.   Disheartening is the word for how we feel.  He has other problems to deal with as well.  We leave in two weeks for our drive back home (a day and half of driving).  He is fatigued at times so we will take our time and I will drive more miles each trip. 

Otherwise, the sweet quail have returned in abundance - they entertain us.  It is too difficult to get a good picture because a guard quail is always on alert. 

Prayers for each and every serious issue in here - and these are life-changing issues many times.  Hugs

Happy Lord's day everyone.  Yesterday some of  the Furry  Friends  group   Visited  an Assisted Living Facility for a doggy carnival. I took a lot of photos but some are rather blurred because the dogs moved.  I put them all on Photobucket anyway. http://s224.photobucket.com/user/tudogmom/library/Halloween%202015?sort=3&page=1  The dogs had a blast doing their tricks and getting petted by the residents. and the residents had a good time too. Staff gave us a "green" room to get the dogs dressed and read, they even made some doggy biscuits for treats and gave each dog  2 bags of treats.

After church today I took Freckles to the new Farm Slupply store that is now in the old KMart building. They were having a Kritter Kraze day so we just walked around letting people love on her.

We are still in Luke at church, today was Luke 24: 12,22-24, then we had communion after the teaching,. I can't call it a sermon because Pastor Don teaches more than he preaches.

Hi everyone on a very foggy South Carolina Monday morning.  It is currently 68 degrees and headed up to 79 degrees by about 3 pm.  It is to be rainy with some heavy thunderstorms throughout the day.  We have an appointment in Greenwood, South Carolina at 11 am with an attorney to talk about estate planning and updating our wills.  Scott is going to go with us as it is time that he had some idea of our business affairs.  The trip will be enough for today. 

Yesterday was All Saints Day in our church service as well as welcoming two new members to the congregation.  I did watch the Atlanta Falcon's lose there football game and then last evening watched the Royals/Mets baseball game but didn't last for the whole game as it again had gone into extra innings.  Pat told me that the Royals did come from behind and won the game and the World Series. 

Carol, sure hope Don does not again have a lot of nose bleeds.  I remember having these as a child and they were not pleasant.  I am sure you are not looking forward to the trip back to Denver.

Marilyn, I bet the residents of the assisted living facility loved having all of those dogs to pet and enjoy.  I will check out the pictures you posted.  How many dogs participated?

I was just talking to Pat.  She asked me to post here in thoughts that she has had a TIA, or mini stroke.  She is asking for your prayers, in the coming days.  I will try to keep you up to date as much as possible.  Oh and she is having a hard time with phone calls, she is very tired, so messages here are great!

Thank you for praying. 

I am praying for Pat and hope she recovers quickly

Dear Pat, Margit and I hold you very close to our hearts so can you imagine how the Lord Jesus can hold you, He will most certainly never fail you nor forsake you, just take it easy and listen to the doctor, Margit has been bleeding for a while and we finally saw a consultant who found a tumour in her bowel , so we are awaiting the biopsy results, God bless you my sister.

Judy - thank you for the news on Pat - send our love and prayers. 

Chris:  prayers for Margit as she begins her recovery. 

Please, Lord.  We need Pat!   

I am and will be praying for Pat's well being.  Thanks for letting us know, Judy.

Praying, praying!

Hi, friends,

Count me in on the praying. For Pat, for Jane, for Janet and family, for the nosebleeds and the long drive ahead for Carol and hubby, for Scott and Larry and family, and so many other needs.

Marilyn, those photos show how well the animals and their owners get along and truly how much y'all are able to accomplish in being furry friends to those who need them.

It's so wonderful to know how much He cares for each of us.

Today, I have a small word of thanks. Twice I've left my phone in the restroom at a small Walmart grocery store, and twice someone has turned it in to the office. I'm dissatisfied that I should be so forgetful, but entirely thankful that the phone was there and in good shape. Thanks be to God.

Y'all have a good rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone on this Tuesday morning.  So far no rain this morning.  Apparently only a small chance of more showers this afternoon and evening.  Our trip yesterday to Greewood, South Carolina too right at 90 minutes and it was raining all day so not the best driving condition but we did have a safe trip.  Our session with the lawyer went very well.  He looked over our wills and said there was no reason to redo them.  There are a couple of changes we will make in some other arrangements but they will not be difficult or expensive.  The poor attorney was suffering with pink eye and was pretty miserable. He told us he had experienced it about a month ago and it had come back.  Needless to say we didn't shake hands. 

I have a very light schedule for today.  I probably will go to coffee downtown in a little bit and may go back over to COSTCO for another adjustment on my glasses and that should be it. 

Judy, thanks for letting us know about Pat experiencing the TIA.  Glad she is now home from the hospital and can probably get much better rest than in the hospital.  Sure glad Heather is there to watch after her and help her out.  I like the other folks here are praying for a complete and speedy recovery.  Pat has been a special friend now for a long time.  I have also been missing seeing any postings from you and John.  Hope you both are doing well.

Chris, I know the waiting is hard for the report from the biopsy but expect good news.  As you indicated Jesus will be looking after you both in the days ahead.

Ruth Ann, you know that your prayers are always appreciated.  Certainly glad you were able to recovery your cellphone and don't be too hard on yourself for leaving it.  We all do some things like that and in the long run they just aren't that important.

Hi Judy.  I will definitely be praying for Pat. Thank you for posting the note re her condition.

All other concerns mentioned on this page will be lifted up too. 

Marilyn, you and Freckles are part of a wonderful ministry. Visiting seniors, brightening their days, and bringing joy to their world, is a blessing to them, and to you.

Pat went for an ultra sound today. No results yet, She is now resting, as this has knocked the stuffing out of her.  Continued prayer is appreciated.

Thanks, Judy, for keeping us informed and up to date. 

Hi, friends,

I'm thankful to have the update on Pat's recovery from the TIA. I've been praying for her and for our other requests.

Today I took my sister in law to eat at Fazoli's. Their food is surprisingly good, and for only $5, they have a during-the-work-week lunch special that includes choice of 2 menu items and medium size drink. Quite good and very filling.

Next was a wait while she shopped in the pharmacy. While waiting, I had a long talk with my former trucker son. He's wrestling with some decisions. I told him how strongly impressed I've been to pray for him the last several weeks. Later, we talked another hour on the phone. So, he will be in my prayers tonight. I'm praying specifically for him to be able to make the appropriate decisions.

Well, y'all have a good rest, and awaken with the prospect of our Lord's providing a wonderful new day ahead.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Hi everyone on this cloudy Wednesday morning.  Nothing specific on the agenda for today other than we will go to the church this evening for the Wednesday night meal.  The study with the Pastor is cancelled this week as he had to be out-of-town. 

Bonnie, nice to see your posting.  Hope you are doing well.

Judy, thanks for the update on Pat. 

Ruth Ann, for several years we had a Fazoli's nearby where we lived in Georgia but they didn't last and they made it into a Taco Bell.  I didn't know you son had given up truck driving. 

I didn't get in here yesterday, I guess.  The culture they did for me showed I have E Coli.  I feel rotten, but know this will pass.  I shouldn't even mention it, as others here have so much heavier burdens to bear.  I'm going back to bed now, and will pray for all the concerns mentioned here until I fall asleep, which I hope I can do.

Pat was at the Doctor today and I haven't spoken to her since she came home.  Janive took her.  Afyrt Janice went home Pat went to bed and has slept soundly.  Sleep is good and heals.

Hi, friends,

This has been a rest and recuperate day here in Nashville. While I have been in my apartment being quiet, lots of people are here for all the Country Music Week events. I'm probably glad I don't have to be out in it.

Janet, so sorry to hear about the e coli. Not fun at all.

Larry, he was a country music entertainer when he lived in England, and he's in Houston singing again.

Judy, thanks so much for the updates on Pat. May our Lord speed her recovery and grant strength to her and to those who are helping in her recovery.

Y'all have a wonderful rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

Judy, thanks for the good word about Pat.  I know she was online checking things out for a while yesterday, but not posting anywhere.  I hope that means she's feeling better.   

Hi everyone on another cloudy morning here in South Carolina with the prospect of clouds throughout the day.  I have a rather busy day planned as will pick up my friend and before we go to coffee will take him over to Augusta to the Chamber of Commerce to pick up maps of the Augusta area.  It really isn't very far, just over the bridge downtown and a few streets into Georgia.  Then we will go to coffee.  After taking him home, I plan on attending the Wisdom group at the church and when that ends at 12:30 plan on going to COSTCO to have another adjustment on my glasses.  Scott plans on coming over this afternoon and will put up a light fixture in Pat's sewing room to see if it gives better light than the miserable thing that is up there now.  He usually stays and has dinner with us on Thursday evening. 

There has been lots of activity this week at the house being built next door.  The last couple of days they poured the concrete for the driveway, sidewalk and front porch.  There are several trucks there this morning and it looks like today will be installation of the lawn sprinkler system.  It can't be too long now before they finish the construction and hopefully our new neighbors will be moving in. 

Janet, so sorry that you are having to suffer with E Coli.  Do you have any idea of where you got it?  Please allow yourself time to rest and recovery.  Don't be silly as of course you should mention it as I know we are all concerned about you.

Judy, thanks for the update on Pat.  Rest and sleeping will undoubtedly speed her healing. 

Ruth Ann, my DIL was a big fan of the Country Music week in Nashville and they attended a couple of time although my son disliked every minute of it.  I am sure the town is packed so a good time to stay away from those areas of Nashville feeling the impact of more tourists.  Thanks for the info on you son.  I bet he is enjoying singing more than truck driving.

Jeanne, it is encouraging that Pat was checking out the discussions. 

Good morning!  I am here, for a few minutes.  So good to hear a good report on Pat .and I pray her recovery goes fast and she will soon be well again.

As for me, I feel like a wrung-out rag.  I don't remember a time in my life when I have been so sick.  My entire body hurts, and I have had very little to eat in two days.  I do feel marginally better today, thank God.  People keep asking me where I could have gotten E Coli--I have no idea.  I asked the nurse, and she said, "It just happens.  Lots of times, when you have a UTI you have E. Coli, too." But I had never heard of it.  I guess it doesn't make any difference where it came from, just that I get over it.  So much to do getting ready for Beth's wedding, I don't have time for this.

I will be back.  I typed one sentence, then went to my chair and took a nap.  Now I think I will just go back to bed.

Judy thank you for the update on Pat, Janet I hope you get to feeling much better  soon. I've been busy, I have some soup going i the crockpot  for supper tonight. It is sure soup weather around here. Cold!! ands still  raining a little. Iwent to tke the dog for a walk and  discovered the rain and came right back in.

Yesterday  we had two  therapy dog visits, one was at the new cancer center where the patients  were receiving chemo.

Hi, friends,

Well, when I went to Salvation Army to play piano today, I didn't realize they were cooking Thanksgiving dinner for us.

Well, after such a good feast, naturally, I came home and had that nice after Thanksgiving dinner nap. 

Larry, I'm so thankful you are active in the church. That really helps a person settle into the community better after a move.

Janet, take care with that E Coli. That's no fun at all.

Marilyn, when it was raining or really cold, my sweet Shelby the golden retriever would stay as close to the side of the house under the eaves as she could. I still miss her.

Jeanne thanks for what you do here.

Judy, thanks for keeping us updated on Pat's condition.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Taking a sewing break here.  Don was so weak on Monday - near a collapse that we ended up in ER at the VA hospital which is about 25 miles south of here.  If he had fallen, there would be no way I could get him up -  with 7 hours of wonderful care and tests it was determined he was low in sodium and dehydrated by that time - he who salts everything in sight.  He is better today - thankfully!

Peace be with all of you who need a prayer. 

Carol, I'm so glad you got Don to the VA and the help he needed.  Prayers for both of you!

Marilyn, a dog is a great companion, and they are so intelligent they are helpful in many ways, besides just being good company.  I know you know this! 

Ruth Ann, glad you got to partake of a nice early Thanksgiving dinner!  And a nap is also nice!

The gal called and said Beth and John's invitations were in, so Darrel drove me in to get them.  But I feel so bad I can't even make myself take them out of the package and start addressing them.  I made a little pot of potato soup and ate a small bowlful of that, hope it helps.  My tummy is so sore!  This is not fun!  You got that right, Ruth Ann!  I just pray I feel a bit more like myself in the morning.

Sweet dreams!

Praying for you Janet, There have been so many with that ecoli. I read some place that we have been eating it for years and didn't even now it. It sure pays to wash everything before you eat it. I  wash my veggies with soap and water I use Dr. Bronners liquid pure castille soap it is organic. But you can wash them in vinegar water especially the leafy vegetables.

Hi everyone on a misty, cloudy but 70 degree Friday morning.  Scott did come over yesterday and tried to put up the new light kit but the base was two small.  On Monday we will go to the suppliers showroom and try to find a new fixture that will put out more light.  I am awaiting the arrival of the housekeeper around 11 am.  Pat is gone to a doctor's appointment and should be back around that time also.  That will be plenty for today.

Big progress on the new house next door as yesterday and today they have done the sodding and the mess has been cleared away that has been on the lot for sometime. 

Janet, sure hope today has found you feeling better.  It sounds like you are really miserable.  Please rest until you feel recovered.

Marilyn, the soup sounds good and I wouldn't be surprised if Pat doesn't decide to have that for our dinner tonight.  I know you are enjoying your therapy dog visits.  How long are these visits usually. 

Ruth Ann, you got a really early Thanksgiving Dinner and that was a nice surprise.  Being involved with our church has helped us feel settled in this new community. 

Carol, I fully understand how Don has felt with the low sodium as that is what put me in the hospital a couple of years ago.  Glad he didn't have to be hospitalized and hope his recovery is as fast as mine when they got the sodium level back up to an acceptable number.  Has he had this problem before.  I have not had any re-occurrence of the problem.

Larry usually the visit take about an hour to cover 1 floor  unless it is the Friday Hospital visits,  there aren't too many patients to visit on Friday. We do 3 floors in about an hour.

Thanks for the prayers and the suggestions, Marilyn.  I have NO  IDEA where I may have gotten E Coli, but I know I never want it again!  UGH...   Sounds like Freckles is adding joy to many lives...good for the both of you!

Larry, I do feel noticeably better today.  At least I have managed to stay out of bed so far, but am feeling really tired again now.  I worked on addressing the wedding invitations and have probably two-thirds of them ready to mail.  I wanted to mail them today, but the mail carrier came about two hours earlier than usual, so I guess tomorrow is soon enough. 

I'm excited about a possibility of some help for Beth, medically.  Will tell you more after I investigate some more.  She just isn't feeling at all well, and today John isn't, either.  He said he is coming down with a cold.  Please, please pray for them both!

I do hope Pat is feeling better each day.  I would call her, but don't want to disturb her if she is sleeping.

Hi, friends,

Carol, did the doctors give you guidelines for your hubby to follow? I've had low sodium in the blood issues for about 10 years. In fact, I found out today that it's trending low again.

When one of my sons commented that I never salt foods and should do so, the doctor replied that not salting my food was helpful for my condition, not the other way around. Also, they restricted how much liquid I drink. When I get the 3-month lab reports from the doctors I can gauge how much I must have been drinking by what the sodium level is. It's easy to control, but a person needs to get good guidelines from the doctors. Once, mine was caused by a particular medication I was taking. So, try to closely follow those instructions. I surely feel for y'all - it's not great to have to deal with this condition.

Larry, someone has been doing some construction work in the apartment above me - I've heard lots of drilling and hammering today. Maybe they were putting together a new piece of furniture. That would be a fun thing to do!

Marilyn, if I hadn't had to work so many hours before retirement, Shelby would have made a wonderful therapy dog. I might talk with my children about the opportunities to make others happy with a therapy dog.

Janet, take care and don't overdo while you're recuperating. It's exciting to think there's a possibility of help for Beth. You'll keep us on tenterhooks until you can share what's happening.

Pat and Judy, thank y'all for the updates on Pat's condition. May our Lord be very close to her as she recuperates.

Much love to each person who comes our way. May our Lord bless you real good (as a minister I knew was often saying).

Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann you might also let them know to go to the AKC website and  download the 10 requirements they must pass for the Canine Good Citizens certification, They have to be able to obey the 7 common commands of Sit, Stay, Down, No, Heel, come, Leave it, and a couple of others. Here in Oregon they are tested to see if they know those commands before they can be certified a Therapy dog.

Hi everyone.  It is another cloudy Saturday morning with rain in the forecast for this afternoon.  My schedule is light today as just need to make a quick trip to Walmart for a prescription and while there will try to get my walking done for today.  We tried to go out to eat last evening but guess we waited too late and the parking lot was totally full.  So we turned around and came home and had a bowl of soup and I had a piece of fresh apple pie that Pat had made. I will watch some football this afternoon and just have a restful day as yesterday turned out to be pretty busy.

Marilyn, an hour doing the rescue dog work in hospitals and other facilities is a nice time frame without being exhausting. 

Janet, was happy to see you were feeling better yesterday and hope today is even better.  I hope the investigation of possibly more medical help for Beth turns out positive. 

Ruth Ann, your advice on eating salt was contrary to what I was told although he said he seldom would tell anyone to eat more salt and in truth I really haven't as get enough in processed foods. I sure hope I don't get told not to drink as much water.  I think the noise from the construction next door should be about over.  I learned yesterday that the new neighbors are expecting to move in about two weeks so know why all the the hurry up in getting the house completed. 

Good morning!  I've been up since 4:30, as I just couldn't stay in bed any longer, my body said, "I need to move!"  And, since I don't plan to do much else today, I can take a nap later if I need it.  I had gone to bed quite early anyway.  This way, I had a good long time to spend with the Lord, praying  about Beth's and John's health, their wedding and their future, plus all the other concerns I have this day.

I will give you a little "sneak peek" at the reason I'm so excited about maybe finding help for Beth.  I have heard of a doctor in Oklahoma who may possibly have some answers for her, and have called his office and left him a message.  I did a lot of research on him first, as there has been a lot of negative publicity about him, but what I found was, nobody who had been treated by him had anything but glowing praise for him, the only negatives were from people who had not, and by people in health care who just seem unwilling to try anything new.  So I am hoping to hear something, maybe by Monday!  Please pray!

I still feel tired and droopy, but so much better, and the pain is almost gone.  Praise the Lord!

I think I have enough addresses to use up all the invitations I got, so will get more the first time I get to Garden City or Liberal.  I only ordered 60 the first time, as I didn't have the list done, and it still isn't complete, I'm sure.  I just pray I don't forget anyone who will be really offended if I do, because that surely isn't my intention!  EVERYONE who wants to come is invited and welcome! 

I need to get something to eat.  That's what my tummy is telling me, anyway! 

Hi everyone.  I arose this morning to the sounds of rain and in looking at the weather I see it is to continue through tomorrow.  We have already had our high temperature for the day and it is suppose to go down to around 50 degrees this afternoon and evening.  We plan on attending church this morning but have decided to come home for lunch rather than eating out.  Yesterday I took Pat down to the quilt show, which she really enjoyed.  However I stayed in the car as couldn't find a parking place reasonably close to the parks activities building.  When she was finished we went to the Mexican restaurant we had tried to go to on Friday night and had a nice lunch and thus Pat didn't have to make dinner last evening. 

Janet, I am praying for your situation with Beth and hope the doctor will be able to provide some new treatment for Beth that will help her.  I do hope you did take it easy yesterday as you said you planned to do.  Glad the pain is almost gone as of yesterday and hope it is totally gone by this  morning. 

Hope this is a nice day for everyone visiting here and that Pat is feeling better each day as she recovers. 

Larry, thank you for being so faithful in posting here!  I know I can count on a nice note from you every time, unless you are away or other reasons.

I feel better today.  I know the stuff isn't completely gone, as I have a really strange taste in my mouth, and am still really worn out, but I can feel progress.  I have two more days' worth of antibiotic, then will go back to be checked again.

Darrel and I went to church, then to Dollar General to shop for the Christmas Shoe Boxes we got.  We spent $45.00 and that just barely filled two boxes for girls age 6-9.  It was fun doing it together.  He got a kick out of shopping for little girls! 

I called the doctor I mentioned and left a voice message, so I am really praying he will call me back tomorrow.  We have looked at the atlas and see that he is about 5 or 6 hours away, which would be really hard for Beth, but if he will see her, I will figure out some way!!  I talked to our chiropractor about it and he is excited about the possibility, too. 

My body says it's time for a little nap under a cozy blanket!  Sounds good to me!

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