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Morning Devotional...





I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot.
Revelation 3:1


God will speak to us if we read and study and obey the Word of God! But when He does speak, we should speak back to Him in prayer and devotion. Otherwise, we are among the Christians who are mired down right where we are. Many in our congregations have grown older and yet are not one inch farther up the mountain than on that day when the sun first arose on them in conversion. In fact, some are not even as far advanced along the way with God as they were a few years ago. If these things are true, I can only conclude that there are "common" Christians—men and women who no longer hear the Lord speaking to them, as they should. Can they really think that this halfway Christian life is the best that we can know? In the face of what Christ offers us, how can we settle for so little? It is a tragedy of our time that so many are settling for less than the Lord is willing to give!

In the face of what Christ offers us, how can we settle for so little?



Lord, I want all that You will give me. Make me willing and able to reach the top of the mountains You have prepared for me.

From Devotions By Dr. Tozer

May the Lord Bless And Keep You! Hope everyone has a great day.

Hi everyone.  For the first time since spring we had to turn the heat on here last night as it 50 degrees this morning and will be even colder tonight.  However, the sun is brightly shining.  Yesterday afternoon we took a trial run out to the Augusta Airport.  Having had to deal with the Atlanta airport for so many years, this was a delight as there was no traffic on the roads, most of which are an Interstate bypass and then another four lane, very nice road.  We checked out the parking and the terminal is not large at all.  On the way home we made a brief stop at Walmart for a few items and so I could walk for about 10 minutes.  Today will be church day and then out to lunch.  I watched the Georgia/Missouri football game last evening and Georgia was finally the winner.  Both South Carolina and Clemson also had wins yesterday. 

Jeanne, your chicken noodle soup sounds just right for a chilly day. 

Janet, sounds like you both enjoyed the evening out at the dinner theater.  I sure am glad that women do the planning for weddings and not the men. 

Carol, if you don't hear well being around 17 other people would be daunting and tiring.  Hope Don was able to rest up. 

Ruth Ann, one of the real joys of retirement is being able to rest when we need a break.

Don, thanks for the devotional thoughts for this week.  It is a good one.

Good Sunday morning to all of you!  Don, thank you for those words from Dr. Tozer--a good reminder that getting older is no excuse to get lax in our Christian life (our climb up the mountain.)

I attended a concert by The Four Freshmen last night, over at Johnson, which is only about 22 miles away.  I went on the Seniors bus, and then my sister and her fellow brought me home.  I didn't want to call and get Darrel up; but it turned out he stayed up and waited, to come get me.  Not being allowed to drive at night is a pain sometimes.

This afternoon we are to go to Hugoton to meet the truck driver whose trailer we hit in the accident.  He wants to tell us what he saw in his mirror that day.  Our church is having its Fall Fest this evening from 4-7, with a chili cook-off and an ice cream making contest.  We are to meet Steve at 2:30, so might miss the church festivities.  That's all right, we have been trying to make this meeting happen (both Steve and us) ever since Darrel came home from the hospital.  It will be worth it.

Larry, glad the trip to the airport is an easy one for you.  I know Pat will enjoy having her sister there for a week.  I know I would enjoy having one of mine here!  (any one of them!)

Yes, Larry, we ladies do have the planning.  I guess that would maybe cause lots of fussing if the men tried to help too much.  But I would welcome some help!  (I think!)

Beth and John are to meet with the pastor of the church they are attending, where they will be married, today.  I called and made sure the church was available before I put their announcement in the paper! 

I need to get busy.  I overslept this morning, need to get some breakfast!

Don:  thank you for devotions on keep on climbing that mountain. 

My Don is taking another morning nap.  He is all turned around on his sleep pattern and is so tired.  It just isn't like him so he will take it up with his next physical in about six weeks when we get home.  The trials that go with distorted hearing have taken a toll.  He is going to try new hearing aids too. 

Larry:  Trial runs to destinations are such a good idea.  I missed a mammogram appointment once since there are two different streets with the same name in a SW Denver suburb.  Isn't that a puzzle?  One in Littleton and one in Lakewood which are next to each other.  Apparently, my mistake happens every so often so they were very gracious about it. 

We had lots of thunder and lightning yesterday and more on the menu for this week.  I am hoping weather gets better by Thursday as one son is arriving for a few days - he is going to a wedding.  I have a full day of classes in genealogy on the university campus & Don is driving - because it is going to be so long, we have booked a motel so he won't have to drive back at night in that dreadful massive city traffic.  This way we may be able to visit with some relatives as well. 

Hi, friends,

It's good to read that devotional, Don. Thank you, and thanks to all those who contribute to these devotional messages. I appreciate them.

It's been another quiet day for me. I've done a lot of praying about my children and some of their difficulties today.

Y'all have a good rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  We are in the 40's this morning but the heat pump has kept the house at a consistent 68 degrees, good sleeping, but not cold.  It is sunny outside and should be a very nice fall day.  Our pastor was away yesterday so our Associate Pastor filled in and had an excellent sermon.  After lunch we stopped at Taco Bell for lunch.  We had eaten at one in Aiken, South Carolina about three weeks ago and really enjoyed what we had.  However, yesterday we decided to write off the one here in North Augusta as it wasn't very good.  The afternoon and evening were spent resting and watching TV.  This morning  Pat has a Circle meeting at church and I plan on attending a meeting at noon.  This evening is the monthly Methodist men's dinner and speaker meeting, which I plan on attending.  That will be plenty for one day. 

Janet, hope your meeting with the truck driver was satisfactory for all concerned.  Did you make it to the Fall Fest at your church last evening?  The Four Freshmen are probably getting pretty old.  However, I bet they put on a nice show. 

Carol, the first time going anywhere for us here it a task since most things are in places or areas we have not been before.  The second visit is much less stressful.  Do hope you weather will be nice when your son gets there.

Ruth Ann, like you I appreciate everyone who provides our Devotional Lessons on a weekly basis.  Glad you were able to have a quiet day.

Yes, Larry, our visit with the truck Driver, Steve, went very well.  We were able to tell him some things he didn't know about the aftermath of the wreck, and he told us how everything unfolded from his perspective.  What a wonderfully nice young man he is!  So soft-spoken, kind and gentle with his little kids, 5 and 2 1/2 years.  I was really impressed with him.

And we did make it home in time to eat too much chili and homemade ice cream at the Church's Fall Fest.

Beth isn't feeling well; she is so sleepy all the time; she has something wrong with her left eye, it is really bloodshot and is hurting; and her mouth is sore.     John didn't go see her today because he was having stomach trouble.  Sigh.......

I visited with a photographer today.  I think we will hire her, as she will take both still and video, and put them onto CDs and we can have any prints we want printed anywhere we want.  And I don't think she is over-priced.  Boy, wedding costs can add up really fast!

I need to call Diane and get some recipes for the food she wants me to make for Mark's and Tiffany's reception on Friday evening. 

We are to go to LaJunta, Colorado to get Beth's wheelchair on Wednesday!  I pray it is exactly what she needs.

Hi, friends,

I've had a busy hurry up and wait kind of day.

First the cleaning lady came. She didn't seem to feel well today, so several things were left undone. I did catch that she didn't mop the tiny kitchen floor, so a stain was still there. So, she did that. I suspect she waved at the bathroom and went to other duties.

Then, I went to the dentist - another long wait. Hopefully the dentures will be better fitting when they return from the lab.

Next, a late lunch at a McDonald's. I like the idea that I can get breakfast foods all day now.  As I ate, I enjoyed listening to the BBN music broadcast.  One of the selections was the musical rendition by a men's chorus of the prayer of St Francis of Assisi, a prayer by which I have tried to govern my life.

Unfortunately, I had a senior moment and didn't turn off my headlights.  So, I was stranded on the lot until AAA finally got to me 3 hours after I parked to eat my late lunch.

Next, a trip to my sister in law's apartment to feed the cat and empty the litter box, then get the trash to the trash chute.

So, I'm pretty tired, and have an even busier day tomorrow.

Y'all have a good rest of the day. It's so good to come to join our conversation.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

  Well hi to everyone.  It seems like forever that I have been here.  Aim sorry but we had a wonderful summer for the first time in about two years because of Noreen's knee.  Well she had such a good time this summer and she was able to do a trail at one of our largest national parks here in Ontario Canada.  The trail was two k/m around a lake and she was able to do the whole thing so we were so excited about that.  She also was just away on a bus trip to New York City with her girlfriend and they had a wonderful time   We also were able to go to a cottage with our whole family except for one of our sons could not come but it was so good being together as a family.   God is so good and we are so thankful for all your prayers for Noreen and all of our family.  Please continue to pray for our middle Son Dan as he is not saved and also has some marriage problems.  Well it is good reading all your post's and being here again.  God's richest blessing's to you all.    Gordon and Noreen.   The snow is coming

Hi everyone.  Another beautiful day that started out at about 43 degrees but is to get up to about 71 degrees by 5 pm.  I am picking up the fellow that needs a ride to coffee this morning and think my son will join us at the cafe for awhile.  He was out and spent several hours with his mother last evening while I went to the men's meeting at church.  I had the best steak at the dinner that I have ever had at these meetings.  It was just delicious with no bone or extra fat.  This weekend the men's group is doing something they call "Project Warm" where they provide the labor to help people with smaller problems with their homes such as a leaking roof or a replacing rotting boards in the floor of mobile homes.  United Way provides the materials and the men the labor. This is to be done on Friday and Saturday.  While I can't do the manual labor they needed someone to take meals out from the church to the workers and I volunteered to help with that job as I certainly can drive.  They have 8 teams that will be working on 8 projects.  We are looking forward to the arrival of Pat's sister this evening around 6:45.  She is having a really long day as her daughter has to take her early this morning to the airport due to work requirements and she will have about a 4 hour wait there for the plane.  We know she will be totally exhausted when she get here. 

Janet, nice you could meet with the fine young man who was the truck driver and I bet he was happy to see you both healed up and active.  Sorry to read that Beth and John are both feeling under the weather.  It sounds like finally the day is arriving for you to pick up the wheelchair for Beth. 

Ruth Ann, you sure didn't need to have that long wait at McDonald's to get your car started.  My PT Cruiser has an alarm on the lights if I open the car door and they are on.  I am certainly glad it does as I would probably go off and leave them on.  It sounds like you had a full day and then another one yesterday.   Hope today can be quieter and more restful for you.

Gord, so good to see your posting and to see that Noreen's ordeal has finally ended with the knee problems and she is now enjoying life again.  It sounds like a wonderful time with your family vacation.  I hope you are doing well yourself. 

   Hi Larry and Pat.  Thanks for your reply.  Hope that you and Pat are doing well.   We have had a very busy summer but that is good as Noreen was able to be with me and enjoy all things.  Our weather is overcast today and around 64 degree's so not to bad.  We are just going out to a couple of stores and also Walmart then we are meeting friend's for dinner.  I had a minor surgery on my left hand carpel tunnel which so far is good but still have some healing to do and cannot lift any heavy things.   The doctor told me it would be at least 6 month's till I get full strength back.    Well must go for now.   May the Lord be with you all on C.P. and that the Lord will give you many opportunities to be a witness for him.   God's richest blessing to you.   Gordon and Noreen.

Gordon:  Happy Thanksgiving to all Canadians - I see you are at the pumpkin pie already.  I wish that our Thanksgiving wasn't so close to Christmas because it just gets too busy at that time of the year. You have a new leader in Canada and his father was well-known some years ago as well.  It is certainly good to read that Noreen is so much better and enjoyed a trip as well.  Take gentle care with your left hand.

Larry:  Your Project Warm sounds like a winner.  Sometimes, very little things can be done to a house to keep the cold out and that helps a lot of energy costs. 

Sorry to read that Beth is not feeling well. 

PAT  We haven't heard from you in such a long time.  What is happening out your way?  Where are you now?  Any snow? 

Hello everyone, Just stopping by for a few minutes to tell you that I had Bebe put to sleep  on Friday, just 2 days short of a year ago that Happy went to sleep. She will be cremated and her ashes will set on my dresser beside Happy's ashes. They are together again at the rainbow Bridge. The cancer that she had in the roof of her mouth spread and ate a hole in the side of her muzzle. Until that happened I was just going to let her pass at home, but she stopped eating so it was time to let her go peacefully.

This morning I took Freckles to one of the senior assisted living facilities for a visit and  stopped to talk with a 94 yr old gentleman from my church. I knew he was there and what room he is in. Tomorrow we go to Baycrest  hospital/rehab. It really helps me to  have Freckles and be able to take her to visit the patients.

Our neighbor from across the street is up on our roof  with a blower, helping Keith get all the gutters and  roof cleaned off. These huge fir trees   really fill the gutters up with needles.

Marilyn, my sympathy.  I know Bebe was like a family member to you and you must miss both Bebe and Happy.  Hopefully, having Freckles should make things a little easier.

   Hi Carol.   It is the right hand not the left.   Thanks for the thought but please keep praying.   Gordon.

Hi everyone on another beautiful morning and it will be warmer to today than the last couple of days.  Pat's sister, Mary,  did arrive on time and after a few missed turns on the way back from the airport (it was dark and I couldn't read the street signs) we finally got to Ruby Tuesday's for dinner around 8 pm.  When we got home Scott was here to see his aunt.  Today is the big bazaar and luncheon and then dinner tonight at the church.  Pat and Mary will work a 1-3 pm shift.  I have no specific plans other than to attend the dinner tonight and probably the Bible Study following the dinner.  In a little bit I will take the car to the gas station to fill it up and also stop at the grocery store to get a couple of gallons of distilled water for Pat to use in her CPAP machine.

Marilyn, I am sure having Freckles means a lot to you and to be able to do your dog ministry must also bring you a lot of joy, as well as joy to those who get to see Freckles. 

Hi, friends,

I was truly ready for today's rest-up day.

It was great to hear from everyone.

And, I note that today's Paul Halbach's birthday. I hope you have a good one.

Y'all have a good rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  Another beautiful day on tap and looking forward to it.  I am picking up the fellow who cannot drive a few minutes before 10 am  to take to coffee and will probably take him home around 11 am and then go to the church for the Wisdom group meeting at 11:30. That is all I have on my planned schedule.  I haven't heard Pat and her sister talk about anything special on for them today and expect it will be a day of rest for them as they both were very tired last evening.  We did go to the church for the dinner but did not stay for the following Bible study as we all were tired. 

Ruth Ann, glad you could rest yesterday.  I had lost track of yesterday being Paul's birthday.  It was also the day my oldest great grandson turned 13.  My, how the years have flown.

Hi everyone on a bright and sunny morning.  Today and tomorrow I need to be at the church at 10 am to help get the meals ready to take out to the workers on our Project Warm teams.  I understand the meal consists of a sandwich, chips, drink and I don't know what else in a paper bag.  Scott was over late yesterday afternoon and had dinner with us and then he played a fun game with Mary and Pat and laughed a lot.  I was so good to hear him laugh again as it has been awhile.  He plans on coming over again this morning as he doesn't have to work until this evening. The housekeeper should be here late this morning and I think the ladies plan on going shopping for a little bit later this afternoon.  I won't be surprised if we don't go out to eat this evening as there are several places we want to take Mary while she is here to visit. 

Hi, friends,

Today has been a waiting day for me.

I took my car in for some work including front brakes. Well, the repair shop called and says although my brakes are squeaking, they don't need repair work. So, that reduces the bill considerably.

Now I'm waiting to be picked up. How thankful I am to have found this shop. They're unusually kind to single moms and widows. They even tithe one Saturday a month to change oil and do minor repairs for these women at no charge. And, for bigger repairs, someone will take me home, then when the work is done, pick me up.

Another way I'm grateful today is that my son's life was spared and property not seriously damaged during that super typhoon that hit Philippines in the last few days.

Y'all have a great day today.

Much love to all,
Ruth Ann

Howe good to have good news from Ruth Ann!!  Yea!
'
And good to hear Pat and Larry are enjoying her sister's visit, and that Scott is able to laugh again!  Wonderful!

We got the new wheelchair on Wednesday!!  It is going to be such a blessing to her and everyone who helps with her!  She can sit more upright;  the new type cushions don't cause her pain anywhere, and it's so much easier to handle.  John said it was so easy to push her up into the van yesterday when he took her to get yet another tooth filled; and[ that she can sit facing the front now, instead of being sideways, so they both like that a lot!

Yesterday, Darrel and I went to Garden and got the tail light and turn signal replaced on the Lincoln; and they washed and vacuumed it for us, too!  He also had an appointment at the VA.  All they did was measure around his legs in two places, for compression hose.  So we were glad we had other business, it would have been a pain to drive over 100 miles just for that!  Diane had ordered a whole sheet cake for the reception for Mark and Tiffany tonight, from Sams in Garden City, so we picked that up for her, along with several other items she wanted for the dinner.  Today, I made two batches of Dirt and Worms and Darrel made Cherry-pineapple ice cream.  Diane expects around 60 guests, so that takes a lot of food! 

Mark and Tiffany are flying here, I haven't heard yet if they have arrived.

John will be bringing Beth, too, so they can see her new chair!  Finally good news on several fronts for our Beth!  Thank you, Lord!

And with that, it's time for me to go get dressed, as Diane needs me there a little early to help with  final preparations.  See you later.

Our email has been down---all over this area---for a day and more, so that's been frustrating.  But now it's back!/color]

Hi everyone.  It looks like another really great day here.  We should get up to about 81 degrees this afternoon. 

The lunch delivery went well yesterday.  My route had only one worker so took only three lunches, two for the residents although when I got there was told it was a single lady living in the house.  So the workman had an extra lunch.  They assigned me a delivery that was not far from where I live and in an area I was familiar with so had no problems finding the location.  I hope to get the same route again today. 

Pat and Mary decided against going shopping yesterday although we did go to Wifesaver's last evening for the very good chicken dinner they have on the menu. Last night we had to watch the Royal Baseball game as Mary is a big fan.  They won and are now going to play in the World Series.  The ladies plan on going shopping this morning.  This afternoon I will watch football, probably either in my office or in the bedroom, so the ladies can watch something else. 

Ruth Ann, I had the same experience with brake repair at a Midas shop.  The dealer had told me I needed to have the brakes repaired but after they were inspected at Midas they said they were not ready to repair and I was able to drive the car for another year or so before needing the repair.  Certainly a blessing that your son's life was spared and that their was not much property damage.  I haven't heard about the situation in Mexico last evening with the terrible hurricane hitting land. 

Janet, what great news regarding the new wheelchair for Beth.  It sounds like it is what you had hoped it would be.  To bad you had to make that long trip just for leg measurements.  However, he should get the proper size compression hose.  I have been wearing coompression hose for several months now and they really do keep the swelling from my ankles and they sure feel good on my legs.  The only problem is they are a bit difficult to get on but not a significant problem.  I have never had cherry pineapple ice cream and it sounds delicious.  Look forward to hearing more about the reception of Mark and Tiffany.   

Hi, friends,

Well, I would like to turn off this mousepad on my computer. When I took it in for repair, they undid my settings. I had set it to disengage when a mouse was present. I'm so sorry they did - now I can't find where I made that change.

UPDATE: So, I finally did find that setting - how thankful I am!!

I'm also very thankful that my son in Houston is safe, even with the flooding from the tropical storm Patricia that is occurring.

It's so good to hear the good news from Larry and from Janet.

Let's hang in there.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Hi everyone on this Sunday Morning.  It is still dark outside at 7:30.  It is suppose to be a repeat of yesterday as it is to be sunny and a high of 81 degrees.  We plan on going to church this morning but will come home for lunch as Mary fixed a nice beef stew yesterday evening.  Today is our son's 52nd birthday and he will come out for lunch before he has to go to work at 2:30.  Tomorrow we will take him out to lunch at a nice restaurant as he hs the entire day off. 

Delivering the meals yesterday went very quickly.  Then we went to Belk's Department Store to see if we could find some clothes.  I didn't find what I wanted and totally wore myself down.  We did stop at Kroger for a few items and I got a fall plant for outside my office window.  I passed on eating lunch as was just too tired and spent a good part of the day and evening resting and watching football. 

Ruth Ann, I know what you mean about the annoyance of the touch pad.  I am glad you found how to turn yours off.  You have had worries about two of your sons in flood situations.  Glad the son in Houston is safe. 

Yea!  Our internet is back up--for now, anyway!  I was able to read a lot of my email on the iPhone, but didn't try to post from it.

Larry, your son is a bit over one year younger than Beth.  She turned 53 on Aug. 28.  I wish him a happy birthday!  You asked about the reception for Mark and Tiffany....it was really well attended, and we really had to hustle to feed over 80 people, when they expected 60!  It was fun, though, as Curtis brought his Karaoke stuff, and Jeff is such a ham!  They sang and danced and had a great time.  They had to bring in more tables and chairs and set them up on the dance floor, so all that activity was after everyone had eaten and a lot had left.  There were quite a few little kids there and they really had fun!  I was so pleased that Dolores, Darrel's sister, got to come.  She had a friend drive her from Amarillo, as she really shouldn't be driving and her husband is now nearly blind from macular degeneration.  She says he is passing out and falling now, and has hurt his back and his shoulder.  They are trying to get him in to see a doctor soon.

Mark and Tiffany had a bad headwind, so the flight took over six hours!  They said it was very bumpy at first, but then settled down.  Diane is a great cook and the dinner was delicious!

Six weeks now until Beth's and John's wedding!!  That means this Mom has a lot to do!  I will be going with Curtis' wife, Toni, to Garden City on Tuesday to shop for the flowers.  She has graciously offered to do the lion's share of making the corsages, bouquets, etc.  And I hope when we get to that week, she will help me decorate the church, too.  Today, I will get the invitations laid out and choose the photo for them, so I can take them to the photographer tomorrow.  She will print them for us, for the same price as Walmart's or Walgreens, and the ones she showed me looked really nice.  So much to do!!

I hope everyone is doing really well today.  And I hope our internet stays up!!

Time to move on over to a new week. Join us HERE