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Morning Devotional...

Fences

"The ox knows his master, the donkey his owner's manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand."
-Isaiah 1:3

When I was growing up upon a farm in the hills of Maryland, God used horses to teach me a few of life's lessons. Such as, my sister's two horses, Shotgun, and his best buddy, Reds. The goal in life for Reds was to weasel his way through the pasture fence, while Shotgun was content to remain behind.

Reds would find a way almost every night to escape through the fence. After a late-night phone call from the farm over the hill, my sister would have to climb out of bed and hunt down her horse with a flashlight - usually finding Reds standing placidly on the yellow line of our country road, munching weeds and being target practice for oncoming cars. She'd lead him back, always finding Shotgun in the pasture, whinnying and waiting for his buddy to come home.

I've been like Reds. For the longest time I was restless, looking for life's loopholes to crawl through. But for what? Greener pastures? No, life's weeds. Shotgun knew his place behind the barriers. Unfortunately, Reds was relieved of his pasture privileges to spend his nights in the barn. If I wanted to be safe, I knew I had better learn a lesson from those horses!

Despite having an owner and master, the fact remains that we are not always content with God's control, or satisfied with His provisions. We sneak beyond the limits He has set for us. God has given us boundaries in our marriage, our friendships, and in our knowledge of evil. There are even borders for your desires and lines for your emotions. Stay within the boundaries God has placed around you.

Father, forgive me when I search all along the fence line of my thoughts for an escape. I want to stay behind Your fence of protection!

Taken from Diamonds in the Dust. Copyright © 1993 by Joni Eareckson Tada. Used by permission. Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530

Thank you for that Pat.

Hi Pat, Hi Judy,
I'm getting ready to go to Kentucky for a week.   Going to the National Quartet Convention.   Expecting a wonderful time of music and great speakers like Sarah Palin, David Jeremiah and others.   

I saw New Announcement and came in to find it.    Still looking.

Love Ruthie :D

Yes, Pat..that will definitely be "Glory for Me." Thanks so much for sharing that.

Here's one of my favorite hymns, In Christ Alone, written by Stuart Townsend:

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! who took on flesh
Fulness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

May you experience the Lord's blessings, each and every day, my new friends.

Bonnie
:bible: :thumbsup:

Pat:  Thanks for the message from Joni Erickson - she is the Joni who has the uplifting messages even after a paralyzing ski accident.  I have read her first book and now wonder if she has written more.

Janet:  email coming your way.

Larry:  We have a small shower and a big tub so they will take out the old, dangerous and decrepit shower along with the tub that has tile so wide  that it is awful to get out of and he will tile all that empty space and put in a larger shower with a tiled bench and a grab bar.   In the empty space, I might put in a dresser or something for storage.    Do you have an iPod?  Don received a free one and has really taken to it and I get to borrow it.

We have another fire in the state that will certainly grow.  It is NW of Denver in the Loveland area and several structures have been burned already. Praying for winds to calm.  The pictures from a helicopter shown on television are so spectacular.  No rain is promised so this could turn really ugly. 

We were invited to neighbors last night so Don could set up SKYPE for them - their church has a new sanctuary being finished so we will go and visit soon.     

Hi everyone.  It is a beautiful morning here with low humidity.  It is not suppose to get too hot today, which will be nice.  I enjoyed coffee with the men and then three of us went to the gym and walked.  I will have my men's Monday luncheon to attend at 1 pm and that will be it for today. 

Just got notice that a Jan Karon book I hadn't read is available for pickup at the library.  I think it is the further exploits of Father Tim.  I enjoyed the series of books she wrote several years ago about Father Tim.

Pat, thanks for the devotional thoughts today.  It is interesting how an analogy can help illustrate a principle for effectively. 

Carol, your new shower sounds great.  The grab bars are such a good thing to have available.  Our daughter has one the apartment building put in for her that goes clear around the wall.  We have a decent sized shower but wish we didn't have the Jacuzzi tub and it is not used and the space could have been better used with a larger shower.  However, at the time we bought this house that was one of the hot items that builders put in.  I do have an iPod Touch and love it.  It is really a computer with wi-fi as well as a music player.  It has a lot of applications on it.

Hi Bonnie.  Nice to see you posting and thanks for sharing the words to that hymn.  That is a good one.

Ruthie, also great to see you posting as it has been awhile.  Your week in Kentucky sounds like a lot of fun.  Are you in a quartet that is participating or just going to enjoy the music?

Janet, I didn't dislike English but really never called for diagramming sentences.  Hope you have a great week and do find a few minutes to check in while you are gone.

Hi Everyone!

I just read your messages here and so surprised (happily) to see yours, Ruthie!  I thought that you had already left!  :)

Bonnie, we must get together for coffee! 

Carol, are you near the fires?  It's awful to read about them and the total loss for so many.

You do so well, Larry, with the walking.  I must get started on doing that again.  I know it sure helps.

Hi Judy.  So glad you got that modem fixed.  ;)

Well, Paul is here.  We had a wonderful weekend at Royal City Baptist Church 10th Anniversary.  Lovely Potluck Banquet on Saturday and yesterday, just wonderful services.

I heard this in Bible Class yesterday morning...





We all want revival...

BUT...

We live in a world that is sick with sin!
The world is selfish and sensual!
The world is starving for love and the light of the Gospel!
The world is in sad shape today!

So...

If all the sleeping folk will wake up,
If all the lukewarm folk will fire up,
If all the dishonest folk will confess up,
If all the disgruntled folk will cheer up,
If all the depressed folk will cheer up,
If all the estranged folk will make up,
If all the gossipers will shut up,
If all true soldiers will stand up,
If all the dry bones will shake up,
If all the church members will pray up...


Then we can have a revival!

R.G.Lee

Hmmm!  Looks like I missed checking in here yesterday.  Shame on me!   :-[

I'm still slowly recovering my strength and stamina from the appendix surgery.  Never would have dreamed it would be such a slow process.  

My car has been in the shop since last Tuesday and I haven't heard a word from the mechanic.  I hope that only means he's waiting for parts.  I left a message on his voice mail this morning asking him to call, but he hasn't yet.   :(

Then, on Friday, my bathroom sink, with a new one-lever faucet that my son-in-law installed, started to leak.  A couple of fellows from church came over and tried to fix it.  It's OK for a while but then starts to leak again where the connectors are on the plastic lines.  The fellow who was here yesterday thinks that now it's the shut-off valve that's leaking and will need to be replaced.  

And to top it all off, Saturday morning when I turned on the computer I found I'd been attacked by a virus - a really stubborn one!  I finally got rid of it after some 6 or 7 hours of working at it.  

The weather has cooled right down to fall temperatures.  So far I've been able to get by without starting the furnace, but I'm afraid it won't be long.  

 :)

Good Morning Everyone!

Such beautiful messages! To God be the glory!

I am thinking about the hard-headed shortcuts I have tried to take in my life and the way that God has kept His hand on this wandering child and has always seen me through.

Recently, I have tried many times to take a trip to my hometown of Chicago. I have wanted it so much that it has brought me to tears, but the funds never come and a recent opportunity to ride along with a friend so that I could see some of my old friends, especially one who is dealing with a cancer challenge, fell through when the driving friend decided to fly, leaving me in a state of pouty-pity-party which I took to work with me Saturday before last.

I can barely describe the place that I work but I will try. I work in the office section of our clubhouse, which embodies an indoor pool, library, community or party room as well as a couple of other offices and an excercise room.

On Saturdays, there is usually preparation of some kind in the big party room by people who are having an event, so when I came in I could barely make out the outlines of three people sitting around the standing fireplace, because our offices are way up front.  I waved in the direction of the "outlines" and said loudly, "Good morning".  There was a chorus of female voices that answered with a cheerful, "Good morning" and I unlocked the office and went about my morning stuff. I normally go into the kitchen area to make two pots of coffee for prospective tenants who come in to take the apartment tour, or for tenants who like to come in and chat or the mail lady, who refills her thermos and stays a while.

I could hear the ladies voices coming nearer to the office and I was knee deep in files by then, but I looked up as they repeated their earlier greeting. When I looked up, I looked up into the eyes of a lady I had not seen for eleven years and just a couple of days earlier, had mentioned how much I'd missed her since she left Minnesota and moved back to Houston. She shouted, "Zenobia" and I came from around the desk and we were hugging and weeping and her two sisters ( biological ones) were standing there puzzled, not knowing what was going on, so when we were able to speak, she said, "This is Sister Zenobia from  our old church, and I have lost her for so many years". I mentioned something similar and the sisters were hugging me and saying, "Ann talks about you all the time".
So, it turns out that a relative was being honored on her seventieth birthday and they had flown in from Houston to celebrate and were occupying our guest suite in the back ( we have two hotel-type rooms for guest overflow and what not) and THIS Saturday was the day of the party.
They invited me to return to the party and I went after work and had a wonderful time of Christian fellowship with many people and we exchanged information ( they bought copies of my little book) and I am just thinking that if I had gone to Chicago, I would have missed Sister Anne.

This sounds like something "little" but God has done some major things in my life, often deterring me from life threatening ordeals and then giving me little gifts like finding Anne again, because He knew it would make us both happy!

I am so thankful that He keeps His hand on our lives. Each day is filled with the wonder and awe that He brings to our lives. The little things we barely notice, to the big and marvelous events are all orchestrated by His love.

Our God is awesome!
Have a GLORIOUS week in His name!
Zee

Ivalou scared me.  We were going to ride together to church.  I drove to her house.  Waited a couple of minutes.  Blew the horn.  Still waited.  I got out of the car and went to the door and knocked.  Nothing.  I have her key on my key ring so I unlocked the door.  Now I am thinking...what am I going to find?  I yelled 'Lucy!'  Nothing.  I went to the living room and yelled 'Ivalou!' and I heard from the bedroom 'What?'  I went down the hallway and she was just getting out of bed.  She went to bed at 10pm and didn't get up until I woke her.  Seems she started a new med that she thinks is making her sleepy. 

So I went on the church.  Yesterday the contractor for our new church was there to talk and show us a video of the proposed church.  Hope I can explain it.  The main entrance has a drive up/drop off area.  There will be parking on three sides of the church.  The entry/narthex is larger than a two-car garage.  Straight ahead is the sanctuary/basketball court.  400 22" chairs may be set up.  Straight ahead is the stage with baptistery behind.  All of this is surrounded by a hallway.  (two reasons:  code and it will be a walk track for the community) From the entrance to the right and on your right is a large classroom that could be a nursery, an exit, turn the corner, a family restroom, and two classrooms, a storage area, a classroom.  Turn the corner,an exit, two-three more classroom and an exit.  Then turn the corner and a small eating area attached to a huge kitchen.  CCC is noted for big family dinners and pitch-ins.  The kitchen is the size of a two-car garage with two refrigerators, two stoves, two sets of double sinks.  A working station in the middle and a past through to the eating/meeting area.  This area would be suitable for baby showers/wedding showers, etc.  Next are two restrooms...with more than one stall.  In fact, two stalls and two urinals in the mens and four stalls in the womens and another exit. Turn the corner and you see the pastors office and two staff offices and an open receptionist area and you are back to the narthex. 

The township I live in has no industries or commercial business or towns with such...strictly farm land unless construction/contractors has bought them out to build homes on the farm land.  So it sounds like this could and would be a nice building to use for a lot of uses.  I asked when ground breaking might be and they hope for this fall!! 

Then it was late so no Sunday School yesterday.  I came home and Ivalou and I went for Chinese at King Chef!  That's beginning to be my favorite restaurant. 

We came back by 2pm and at 4pm I went to the visitation for my ex sister-in-law.  I saw lots of people that I haven't seen for years.  I thank God that my ex, his wife and his three daughters, his family and I are friends.  Life is too short to have enemies! 

I was home by shortly after 5pm.  Ivalou called after 7pm and asked if I was home yet.  She started to watch TV after getting home and fell asleep again.  Just woke up!  That medicine sure is making her rest! 

Today was trash day and termite inspection day.  Then I mowed the grass...first time for 3 weeks.  I showered and had lunch.  Tonight is Photo Guild at 5pm.  Another busy day!

And Kitty is home from Myrtle Beach!!

Hi Larry,
I'm not in a group, just going to hear some amazing groups and hear some speakers!

Pat, I'm leaving at 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday.    Talk to you when I get back. 

Bye bye
Love Ruthie

The morning devotional was Wondrous-Thanks for sharing that excerpt Pat. Does make you take a look at your own life and how much you you test and checkout those boundaries. Oh that the Lord will open my eyes to see and the wisdom to know....

Hi Fellow CP'ers,

Pat, Judy, Ruthie, Carol, Strollin & Zeebers (glad to see some new faces), Larry, Etta-Janet---Glad to see all are doing well! Thank you Pat for emails to remind me of the wonderful folks here....

Jeanne Lee-Praying for a speedy recovery and for your vehicle, too....Zeebers-God does surprise us with wonderful gifts, that is pure joy! That is our God-full of love, for his children....

Hope you all have a God-filled, blessed day in all your goings, my Friends!!!!

WOOHOO  As Karma says!!!!  In North Bay there is a school program that is called the Dual Credit Program.  At the end of the semester she will have 2 secondary school credits as well as a College credit,  The Program she is in is called "Sampling the Trades" .  She will be learning some welding, small engine repair,and Auto body.  This takes just over 2 periods a day for the entire semester.     Now the point of all this that is so exciting is that in the entire North Bay area comprises about 13 - 14 secondary schools and only 13 students were chosen!  
Now on top of that she is flight commander in Air Cadets.  There seems to be nothing this girl can do!  Saturday is Gliding and Sunday afternoon in Battle of Brittan and That is honouring the soldiers who have died for our freedom.  

Yes a proud mama tonight!!1

We had a lovely visit with Melaura while we were waiting for kass tonight,  It has been a while , she and we have such busy lives.  It was lovely seeing her.

Hi, friends, I've been dithering and pondering, so have kinda been off line for a while. I'm praying about a decision I'll need to make soon (actually when the daylight savings time ends).

It's getting a bit late, so I won't stay online very long, but y'all know how much I love everyone here, and follow closely each post.

Have a wonderful day with out Lord.

Ruth Ann

The season always change so suddenly here. One week it's sweltering summer and the next week it's chilly and breezy and really fall. 

I finally got hold of the mechanic and he doesn't know what's wrong with my car!    :eek:  He thought, as did I, that the problem was in the front but when he put it on the lift he couldn't find anything wrong.  Now he thinks it may actually be from the back so he's going to check that today.  It's frustrating because it's been two weeks now that I've been without a car.  When the Lord decides to teach patience, He doesn't take any short cuts!   :D

Jeanne perhaps he is teaching you that you need to rest!  We all need to learn that.  Problem is the rats are winning!!!

The weather here has gone from sweltering heat to the normal cool weather of autumn.  We still haven't had a night frost though.  That is about a month late!  I remember a trip many years ago to Cochrane and we froze all night.  In the morning we got our of our beds and the grass broke as we walked across to the washrooms.  That was the beginning of August.  That day we went to Canadian tire and bought sleeping bags designed for -40 weather.  We weren't cold like that again.

Well I'm off John needs the phone.  Oh to have high speed!

Not much to say today.  I guess I said it all yesterday! 

Good afternoon:   I enjoyed this weeks devotional,      now it is back to finishing a relish that was started yesterday, needless to say the house smells like pickles. 

Yesterday was a most beautiful day and the same applies today as well

Now it is back to the kitchen

Good Morning, Not much going on here either. Not much to say, I am waiting  for the date to be set for the operation on my hand.

I just came back from a 3 mile walk down to the old cheese ranch and by a creek.  Lovely day and I am so grateful to be walking again after pulling some muscle in one leg.  Cannot do much today but stay out of the way as the guy is demolishing the shower & there is a little bin in the street for the junk.  It is a shame that nothing could be recycled but we do a good job on that in other ways.

Pat:  One fire is out.  No, we are nowhere near the fires - have been in other years.  The other fire was accidentally set by a fireman who had burned things in a fire pit three days earlier.  Apparently, there must have been one spark and that is all it takes in his dry desert area near the mountains.  His house is gone too.  Thanks for the message.  Oh, how nice it would be if you could visit with Bonnie. 

JeanneLee:  Recovery from surgery never goes as fast as we want.  So glad to see your smiling face in here.

Etta Sue:  Your sister is giving you so many frights and I do hope that they get her meds straight.  You need a calm life too - I will pray for you. 

Zeebers:  There is always a reason isn't there?  Just when we are (at least I get antzy), something happens that is out-of-the-blue and in this case what a nice surprise for you two girls. 

Ruthie:  You are in our little group.   

Juantal:  It really is nice to see you visiting here. 

JudyB:  I understand the importance of having time to visit with each family member and it is a gift whenever that occurs. 

Ruth:  Sweet pickles or Dill pickle relish?  I lean toward the dill but will sample your sweet relish.   

Hi everyone.  I am busy eating my lunch and trying to catch up on things here on the computer.  It seems there is always something to do on the computers.  Have a clear schedule for the rest of the day.  Of course, I will have to have a little rest period this afternoon.  I don't always sleep but just rest for 90 minutes or so.

Zee it is pleasant to see you cheerful message and it is a good reminder that God has a plan for our lives that we can't even imagine. I believe things happen for a reason, whether good or bad, as there is something to be learned.  Glad you were able to see your friend again.

Juanita, also nice to see you post.

Judy, it is nice that Kass is doing so well and I know you and John are pleased with her success.

Etta Sue, that sounds like a very nice church plan.  I think a lot of churches are going with the multi-purpose santuary/activity room.  Glad Ivalou had just slept in and not experiencing problems.

Jeanne Lee, I hope some of your neighbors or church friends are seeing you have food and a way to do what you need to do.  If you need help let it be known as others cannot read our minds.

Pat, the walking sure does help.  A couple of days ago my legs were feeling weak but feel much better today.  I just read that with Google Voice you can make calls from your computer to any number in the USA or Canada free.  I'll give you all a call in a day or so if just to say hello.  I'll test it our with my computer friend to be sure I know how to use the system.  

My hand surgery is now scheduled for October 7th, with two Dr appointments in between, first with my Internist to be checked out, then with the Ortho doc and the hospital for instructions prior  to surgery.

I have my car and it didn't cost a dime.  It's a Subaru with All Wheel Drive and it was the 4-wheel drive part that was the trouble.  It only needed to have the 4-wheel disconnected so that it's a front wheel drive only - a very simple matter of putting some sort of fuse in place. And it can be driven indefinitely this way.  Thank you, Lord!

Yes Jeanne I agree, Thank you Lord

Amen!

The relish I made was a sweet relish with the following ground ingredients:  the last of the green tomatoes from the garden, green pepper, cabbage, cucumber, and onion all ground with a sweet sauce that needed to be cooked for approx 15 min before putting in jars. I will be giving some away as it is to much for us and our children are now saying I do not like it although they did have it when living at home.   

Pickled Dills I like very much very easy to make but I have not had success. Someone else can do them for me.

The next item will be apple sauce and apple pies for the freezer best of all will be fresh apple sauce is the best. Mel also like apple crisp all of these I do not go over board on.

Mel has now found a mechanic that charges only for the work done not the amount of time that the calculated book price would be.  He just had a brake issue taken care of and the cost was parts and 1 hr of labor.  The dealer or other large outfit would have charged triple at least. Praise the Lord.

I have the results of the MRI.  It has taken a few days to digest.  Basically what the report has said, (I have a copy) is that I have 2 damaged rotator cuffs, torn ligaments and tendons as well as spurs in the joint.  None of the tendons or ligaments are broken through, that is the good news.  This can be surgically corrected, but that won't be in the near future.  The only surgeon he will send me to is in Toronto.  The only person down there is Ruthie and Pat.  Kass, 16, cannot be left home alone, as well we have dogs to care for and a wood furnace to keep lit.  He said that when the pain gets bad enough to go see him!!!  Wonderful!  {Sigh}.

BUT God is good and He is in control. 

Anyone who wants to read the report can!  LOL

Hi, folks. I'm justapassinthru tonight.  :)

Have you known joy even in the midst of trouble?

We know that the same God who raised our Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself along with you. All of these things are for your benefit. And as God's grace brings more and more people to Christ, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.... For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.

2 Corinthians 4:14-18 NLT


Too easily pleased
If there lurks in most modern minds the notion that to desire our own good and earnestly to hope for the enjoyment of it is a bad thing, I submit that this notion has crept in from Kant and the Stoics and is not part of the Christian faith. Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires, not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.

Trading My Sorrows

I'm trading my sorrow
I'm trading my shame
I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord

I'm trading my sickness
I'm trading my pain
I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord

Chorus:
And we say yes Lord yes Lord yes yes Lord
Yes Lord yes Lord yes yes Lord
Yes Lord yes Lord yes yes Lord Amen

I'm pressed but not crushed persecuted not abandoned
Struck down but not destroyed
I'm blessed beyond the curse for his promise will endure
And his joy's gonna be my strength

Though the sorrow may last for the night
His joy comes with the morning

JudyB ~ I'll tell you like I tell my son...when the pain gets to hurting too much then you will get something done.  Tony just sees the chiropractor weekly!  Helps for a few days then the pain is back. 

Thanks to the ones who commented on our new church plans.  Just wish it was done and we were going to service in it this Sunday!  Wishing my life away!

Today Kitty and her friend, Bendi, are going swimming.  That should be fun! 

I love this cooler weather and I love to sleep!  So with that being said, I will confess that I didn't get out of bed until 10am today! 

Bright and sunny and not a cloud in the sky! 

Ya know if I could arrange it for next summer in the 6 weeks while Kass is at camp I would do it.  Perhaps I should find out who the Dr. is and see what he says.  Thanks for the push Etta Sue.

I am heading in to the Bay soon, I have a few things to do.  groceries and such.  Be back later.

Good afternoon:  I went for the Wed. morning coffee and left hubby home sleeping. One of the things talked about at coffee was have someone going door to door asking to check your hot water heater followed with a sales pitch on how a replacement would be better etc etc and yes
we signed on the dotted line, thank goodness for being able to cancel within 30 days,   I made the phone call to cancel. Changing would not have made anything better in fact it would have been more money.   Then I made another phone call to cancel another middle person with the gas billing so now we will be paying the gas company direct and at present they are less $$$.

I picked up the mail and what a build up, you would think that we had been away on a vacation but to catalogues from Sears will fill the box fast.

Soon I will be leaving to prepay for a mystery bus trip on Sept. 25Th with the church should be lots of fun. Last year it was wonderful.   

Etta Sue:  I enjoy the cooler nights for sleeping as well, a good night is also a much better day
Judy: Is this your shoulder and when did it happen.
Larry:  You are faithful at remembering all of us when you come to visit.
Marilyn:  Good to see you.

It was good to be at bible study at last.  I don't believe I have ever studied Judges before now. 

Time in my sewing room too and that has been so nice. 

Three gals from Thailand came to church and they were selling beautiful handwork for very little - they have a conference in San Francisco next week.  I need to get to my neighbor today because I borrowed $20 from her just to purchase things being sold for Good Works.  The missionary we support is having paperwork problems they go to Indonesia. 

Ruth:  Good for you & I am so glad that you were able to cancel.  There as too many slick deals around.  Your mystery bus ride sounds so interesting. 

JudyB:  I hope you can wait for the six weeks next summertime but if not - it will work out alright.   

I think I've been in this apartment too long - I'm c-o-l-l-l-d! So, out comes the sweatshirt, even if it IS about 90 outside.

:idiot:

Ruth Ann

I have been here to read on the run so didn't post.Well Keith is gonna go to Portland for this weekend but doesn't know if he will leave tomorrow or Friday. Then from there he is going to meet his lifelong best friend  in Sunriver at their vacation home. He should be back late Tuesday or on Wednesday, depending on how soon his friend makes it to Sunriver.

I have a cake in the oven tonight, we just got the kitchen cleaned up from supper. I hand wash all the plastics and did the pots and pans too, Keith dries the dishes. He is such a sweetie.

I will be getting my flue shot tomorrow, I went to get it taken care of today but the computers at Medicare were down, probably overloaded with people trying to get approved for the flu shots.

Have you experienced God's comfort in times of sorrow?

You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy.

Psalm 30:11 NLT

Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return to Jerusalem, singing songs of everlasting joy. Sorrow and mourning will disappear, and they will be overcome with joy and gladness.
Isaiah 51:11 NLT


Mourning to joy
Have you ever danced at a funeral? That would be unthinkable, absurd. Funerals are times of reflection, sorrow, and mourning. We expect funerals to bring sadness and tears, not joy and celebration.

We mourn for many reasons, and each painful loss tears our emotions and causes us to regret past actions and missed opportunities, to wonder what might have been. Certainly nothing hurts more than the death of a loved one—we miss our fiance or spouse or child or parent or friend, and we long to hear that familiar voice and feel the person's touch.

Through the Scriptures, however, we learn that, one day, God will turn mourning into gladness and sadness into joy. That is God's plan. Because we know him, our ultimate destiny is heaven, and we have the solid assurance that one day all sickness, death and sorrow will be banished—we will be perfect and complete. All of this earth, including our pain, is temporary, but our joy will last forever.

Kitty's friend, Bendi, went with us swimming.  I swam 18 laps of which half were freestyle.  Getting better.  Then after all that exercise we went to Chili's and loaded up on chips, salsa, queso and Diet Pepsi!  Diet tastes better. 

I am ready to go out the door to take Ivalou for her bone density exam.  Then we will have breakfast somewhere.  Then whatever else we find to do. 

Vvv-roooom>>>>>>

 :coffee:   Hello all 

A day of gentle rain, I will be getting caught up on all of the jobs left undone, laundry being one.

Sitting here just delays all of off I go.     Have a great day

Etta Sue  what is queso?

We have had a buzz and hum on our phone line for a long time.  I finally had enough so reported it.  It is finally fixed.  No like Ruth I am off to do other things.  It is raining here too. 

Have a God day everyone.

Hi everyone.  I read messages yesterday but if I recall didn't post. 

When I got up yesterday morning I discovered that my computer power supply had died during the night.  I know I left the computer on as had been working on it at 9 pm when I finished cloning my hard disk.  Late yesterday afternoon I purchased a new power supply and put it in but couldn't get the computer to boot up from the hard drive.  I assumed I hadn't done something right in the installation.  This morning my best friend, who is a computer whiz, came over and we worked all morning trying to get it fixed.  Finally, a screen came up that told us to put in the Windows 7 install disk and then select the repair option.  We did that and the computer booted.  Don't know why but it worked and seems to be fine now. 

Ruth, glad you were able to cancel out of the contracts.  Some salesmen can be so convincing.  I am very suspicious of door-to-door people unless I know them.

Marilyn, it sounds like you and the dogs will have a quiet weekend.  I will also be away on Saturday and return Sunday afternoon so my wife will have the house all to herself. 

Carol, we enjoy our Bible studies on Wednesday mornings with our pastor.  We spent an hour delving into the cleaning of the temple from John, Chapter 2, yesterday.  It sounds like you got some good buys.

That's it for today.  Hope everyone enjoys a nice evening.

Judy Queso is Cheese.

Thank you Marilyn. 

Kassie has decided that she wants a BIG formal 16th birthday party.  No boys!!!  That blew me away, but only one girlfriend.  She has asked adult friends instead.  So we will have to see what transpires.  Pat you are invited!!!  I guess I will have her send out invites if she wants it formal.

It has rained pretty well all day.  Larry I would take your weather over this any day.

Hi, friends,

I was shopping today and found 2 nice folding chairs (director's chair style) that were very comfortable. Well, they already were marked down 25%, but I noticed one of them had some small stains in the seat. I mentioned to the lady at the register that I'd buy the stained one if they would give me a good deal on it. WOW what a good deal. They let me have it at 1/2 the marked-down price. Son, now I have a nice chair in my auto trunk that I can use at any time it's needed for a pittance.

:thumbsup:

G'nite, friends.

Ruth Ann

My it is quiet here today.

I am leaving some muffins, bran with dates like my dad made, and a full pot of hot coffee.  Wonder who will be at them first!

Whew!  I thought I had spelled 'queso' wrong.  Marilyn, thanks.  I know you know more about the Mexican foods and its spelling than I do.  This queso was spicy...not the white cheese that I usually get.  But it was good!

Yesterday, Ivalou got her bone density test done and then we had biscuits and gravy at Perkins.  Neither of us had anything else to do so we came home.

My house smells so good.  I just got two loaves of Pumpkin Bread out of the oven.  Tomorrow is the church bake sale at the Farmer's Market. So my contribution is Pumpkin Bread.  Ivalou is baking Fudge Brownies.  I will take them all to the church a little after 4pm and then Ivalou and I will go to Lapel to the Lion's Club Annual Fish Fry.  It is always so good and lots of fun to see people you haven't seen for years!  

Ohh  Etta Sue Leave a piece of pumpkin bread here I would love a piece!

Hi Everyone...

I've had a very busy week.  Paul arrived last Saturday, just in time to go to our church here for a Potluck Banquet.  We had our 10th Anniversary celebrations all weekend and what a wonderful weekend it was!

Today, I had two new windows installed and that's wonderful too as they were the only two left to be replaced from the originals.

Paul and I had some plans for the coming week up here but last evening he had a sore spot at the top of his leg.  Then he went to bed and at 4:30 am woke me up to say that his whole leg was so painful and when we looked, there were two red areas below his knee and the top spot had gotten much larger.

So, he left here at 6:45 am this morning to get across the border to see a doctor.  It looks like cellulitis to me but of course, we don't know.  Anyway, by the time he got to Springville, NY, he had a fever so he's now gone to the hospital.

I'm just sitting here waiting for the phone to ring to find out how he is or where he is and for how long and what the outcome is.

Please pray for Paul.  I couldn't go with him as these windows had been ordered back in May to be put in today and now they are in.

Oh Pat I am praying  here. Etta Sue did you save some Biscuits and Gravy for me. I love Biscuits and Gravy but I don't get to eat it very often.

Pat I have been trying to talk Keith into having double paned Vinyl windows throughout the house. This house still has the drafty old aluminum framed windows and it get so cold in this house in winter. We also need to have the carpets  professionally cleaned. I shampooed them earlier this year but it didn't make much difference.

I go to the ENT on Tuesday and Internist on Friday. I wills sure be glad to get all the Dr appointments over with and only go once a year for the annual appointment.

Keith is leaving this afternoon for Portland, the Sunriver he will be gone until Wednesday.

I got my flu shot yesterday and I think Jane is getting hers today while she is at her Internist's appointment  for the results of all her tests.

Pat:  Praying that Paul will be diagnosed correctly and that medication will help him quickly.  I don't know anything about what you thought might be happening to him.  What a challenge you two have with medical services and I don't understand why he has to come back to the USA.  When Don had his sudden hearing loss in Canada, we did wait all day but a very nice doctor spent time with us explaining the situation.  Our insurance covers out-of-country and perhaps Paul can add that to his coverage. 

Ruth Ann:  I can relate to your feeling chilly when the air is running.  We need AC but it is too much sometimes.  You can now be known as "The Negotiator" with your chair deal!   Good job! 

Tile is up in the bathroom & they just ran to buy the grout for today.  This entire job may take a lot longer than we were told.  They are doing a really nice job so that is most important.  A multi-bean soup is simmering in the crockpot.  So far, it is only veggies but I may add some meat. 

Hi, friends, I've been working on the look of my living room. It feels so much more "homey" with coordinated throws and pillows, etc.

Now, the challenge will be to keep it nice 'n pretty.  0:-)

Y'all have a great rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

Well, I'm finally getting here.  Pretty much out of breath, as usual, but since Marilyn mentioned my Dr. appointment I figured I'd best be checking in.

Doc says my heart is fine (I already knew that) and I should not have to have another treadmill/stress test the rest of my life.  Now, the results of the blood draw were a bit different.  I'm anemic and low on vitamin D ... and need to lose some weight (well I guess I knew that too!).  I got my flu shot and a pneumonia shot to go along with it.  Doc says it's recommended for people over 65.  I said I guess I managed to get past 65 and he exercised his great bedside manners and said I sure don't look like it!  He doesn't get any extra pay for that. 

So ... It is basically all the stress I've endured for the past several months (or more) that has effected my weight and hair loss and fatigue.  Although, I guess anemia would do that too.  My thyroid is okay and liver and kidneys are, too.  I'm just moving into the category of "elderly" .... I'll see him again in six months.  Let's see if I can lose a couple pounds and get my iron and vitamin D count up.  :-\

Date muffins and pumpkin bread I would like right now but it is to late in the day for coffee but a glass of water would be fine.

Pat:  Keep us informed about Paul. 

Yesterday I had said that we cancelled a couple of contracts just a few minutes ago a fellow from one of the companies was at the door trying to get us to change our mind and yes they had all the reasons why we should not cancel isn't that the way with things?

My to do list is now complete what a wonderful feeling. Now with the days natural light I will be sitting down to do more of my counted cross stitch. 

Hi everyone. 

Pat, so sorry to hear of the sudden illness that Paul is experiencing.  Sure hope it is nothing serious as sure it would be hard for him to slow down for a little while.

Jane, it sounds like your problems will be treatable and that overall you got a very good report.

I will be brief tonight as have not felt well today.  We did go down and have lunch with our daughter but I had to ask Pat to get the car and drive us home.  I rested and felt better but after being up for awhile think I will retire shortly for the night and hope to be back to normal in the morning as plan to go out of town as I mentioned yesterday.

I am home again, just finished reading all the great posts on here.  But I need to take the messages off the phone and see if anything on there needs attention.  So I will just say hello for now and talk more later.

I did take my laptop on the trip but had problems, so it didn't really work out for me.

Welcome Home Janet...I have missed the "blue" print!!!  LOL  Sorry the laptop didn't work out but hope the rest of the time was good.

Hi everyone.  Just waiting to go to coffee and then expect to leave at 9:30 for the less than 2 hour journey to where I have a commitment this weekend. 

I did get a good night's sleep and do feel better this morning and sure hope it lasts.  I will try not to overdo today but can always go back to my motel room if feel the necessity.  I am looking forward to the weekend.

Janet, glad to see you home and sorry to read you had problems with your laptop. When we went to Savannah at the end of July the motel advertised wi-fi but they didn't have a strong enough signal to allow me to get on my computer.  It wasn't a serious problem.

Hope this is a great weekend for everyone.

Have you known the comfort of God's presence?

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.... Be silent, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world. The Lord Almighty is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.

Psalm 46:1,10-11 NLT

There is a place of quiet rest near to the heart of God, A place where sin cannot molest, near to the heart of God.

O Jesus, blest Redeemer, sent from the heart of God, Hold us who wait before Thee near to the heart of God.

There is a place of full release near to the heart of God, A place where all is joy and peace, near to the heart of God.
Cleland Boyd McAfee


Finding comfort in God's presence
Where do you turn when unexpected tragedy strikes? Cleland McAfee, a Prebyterian minister in Chicago, had just received word that his brother and sister-in-law had lost both of their daughters to diptheria within twenty-four hours. Grief-striken, McAfee couldn't think of deep theological issues; he could only think of verses in the book of Psalms that brought comfort and rest to those who sought refuge in the Lord. As he meditated on God's Word, he wrote the words and music to this simple hymn, "Near to the Heart of God."

At the double funeral, outside the darkened, quarantined house of his brother, Cleland McAfee with a choking voice sang this hymn publicly for the first time. The following Sunday, his church choir sang it from their pastor's handwritten copy.

I have a free day; the first in about two weeks!   :tiredtread:

Yesterday was very hectic; worked at a client's place (at which time I realized I had left my purse at home!!), driving carefully home, visiting a neighbour, grocery shopping, picture taking and then waited for visitors who were expected between 4:00 and 4:30 P.M.

Unfortunately, they were not able to come so Everett and I went to hear Ava Olsson, Holocaust Survivor and Author of Unlocking the Doors, at a church in Powassan. She gave a gripping talk and a compelling message against intolerance. She also talks at schools and told us of many incidents where bullying was stopped!

Altogether it was a fruitful, if not tiring day!

Hello to all my friends on CP. I am praying for all of you who are facing health issues. For semi-young fogies of 66 & 68, Everett and I have been blessed with good health.

Reading about all the great baking many are doing, reminds me I should make and freeze some zucchini and blueberry loaves before my blueberries are unusable!

Ruth I forgot about Ava Olsson being here, I was wanting to hear her as well.
You will have to post in the recipes section the recipe for your zucchini bread!!!  It is delicious!

It is nice to see Kassie and Dad working together.  In this college course Kassie has taken a small motor apart and has done some welding.  Now she has to figure out how to put it back together.  It was a snow blower motor, and needs a new gasket....but the teacher has forgotten what brand it is so that may be a problem.  She is really enjoying this course, it is amazing that it is a college credit course taken at the college!

Got to go much to do.

Max Lucado was being interviewed today about his new book just out.  I don't know the name of it but all proceeds are going to Faith Based ministry and he calls upon each of us to do a little more to combat the poverty and help out in any way possible. 

Larry:  Sorry to hear that you had a day of not feeling well.  My prayers for your health.

I have been able to take my normal hour walk through the old ranch area, past a windmill that is still working, a pond, and a little creek where the water is running very low at this time of the year.  It is always good for a little meditation time but this morning I had a book on tape.  Most of the time I do like to go without any tape.  54* when I left and foggy so it reminded me of Seattle.   ;)

Janet:  Good to see you posting again. 

RuthV:  Nice that you have a free day.  Enjoy.

JudyB ~ The Pumpkin Bread looked and smelled so good.  Cut perfectly!  Hope it goes over well at the bake sale today.  All I ate were some crumbs and they were delicious.  Canned pumpkin seems to be scarce around here.  I finally found some when Inky was eating pumpkin but then she turned finicky and wouldn't eat it.  So I have several cans of pumpkin!  And I can't imagine a college course for girls that requires you to take a motor apart and put it back together.  I have done those sort of things but I didn't get any credit for it.  Just my own satisfaction!

Pat ~ So sorry to hear of Paul having so much pain and fever in his leg.  Is he still hospitalized?  Where did he end up? Are you going to see him now that the windows are installed?

Marilyn ~ I don't eat biscuits and gravy often...only at a restaurant.  If I fixed it at home, I would eat it all and how do you fix it for one?

Carol ~ A job well done does take time.  I am sure your new bathroom will look spiffy soon.  I wish we had places to walk around here that isn't traffic galore!

Ruth Ann ~ It is amazing how new throws and accents makes a room feel more 'homey'.  Good for you!

Ruth ~ I see you have a pushy company that still wants your contract.  When they are pushy like that, then it is a definite 'NO' for me.

Larry ~ Sorry that you were under the weather.  I am praying that when your body says take it easy that you do.  Seems like you do that....maybe not soon enough at times...  Enjoy your weekend. 

Janet ~ I just looked on the map and oh, how I wish you lived on the east corner of Kansas.  I have made up my mind I am taking a short trip somewhere and I plan to go to Precious Moments, at Carthage, Missouri, the last week of the month.  Too far for me to come and visit you at Ulysses.

RuthV ~ Isn't it wonderful to have a free day?  Seems we are all so busy but then that busy-ness keeps us young and agile!

I need to start doing some cleaning for Euchre here at my house on Tuesday.  Not doing the deep cleaning.  Did that in May.  At least I can say it was done in 2010!  So just dusting, sweeping and mopping and all the other normal things. 

Bright and sunny in Indiana.  The nights are certainly cooler but the days seems to be just about as warm as usual.  80° right now.  Fall is in the air!

Hi, friends, Here's a kinda tired ole gal sitting to rest just a moment. My kitchen is sparkling clean. :)

I turned on the classical music station loud enought to hear over the apartment and have been so happy and satisfied as I worked.

Sure is nice when you can have inexpensive entertainment, isn't it!!

Y'all have a wonderful rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

A fire has just started in Rocky Mountain National Park - Trail Ridge road is closed.  This is at the west end.  I called one son who is at a cabin but his is miles away from the fire and he can't see anything now. 

Ruth Ann:  Enjoy your lovely music.  It is a wonderful gift. 

Hi, friends, what a surprise I had in store for me this afternoon. My cell phone told me "You have received a message."

So, I checked, and my daughter wrote, "We'd like to come over this afternoon." So, I told her to come right on.

Well, I noticed her fiance was holding a big box, and when we got inside the building, it was a nice 32" flat screen tv!

Wow, what a gift. :)

Ruth Ann

Wow that is a great gift and I hope you had a wonderful visit!

How sweet of your daughter and her fiance'.

Is it because of the season, or what?  Everybody seems to have found new energy, and are posting more!  Yea!

We had a fun trip to Branson, Mo. with our senior group.  We have our own bus, the director's husband drives it, and she worked so hard getting us the best prices on rooms and shows.  We had four nights in the motel, saw seven shows, and with transportation, the whole five days cost only $309 per person!  Is that a good deal or is that a good deal?  ;)

The last show we saw was NOAH, at the sight and sound theater.  It is a great show, involving pyrotechnics, lots of animals, amazing lighting effects, etc.  And their whole purpose is to spread the Gospel.  They emphasized the fact that today is much like the days of Noah, and that our time here is short.  At the end, they gave the plan of salvation and an invitation to accept Jesus, and also to come forward for someone to pray with you about any need you had.  Refreshing!

Another thing I appreciate about Branson is their appreciation of all our veterans.  They were recognized at every show!  There were many reunion groups of military there, MPs, Navy ships, etc. so it was nice they were honored.

Since I got so far behind, I won't attempt to address each of you, but rest assured, I did read your posts, and pray for your needs, rejoice with your happiness and sympathize with your losses.  I must be getting around now.

Good morning, Janet! I'm up early, so thought I'd give y'all a greeting. Maybe no one will have a heart attack over this early post!!

::)

Ruth Ann

I am up too and ready for church.  I told Ivalou I would be over there at 9am.  After church her new glasses will be ready to pick up at WalMart and then I think we are having Kentucky Fried Chicken today.  That's the only fried chicken I will eat out so it sounds good!

It looks gloomy today...may rain.  We need it! 

Janet ~ Did your little bus happen to stop at Lambert's Cafe to eat?  You sure get your fill there and love those throwed rolls!  I love going to Branson but it has been awhile since I have been.

Ruth Ann ~ What a nice gift from you daughter and fiance.  I would love to have a flat screen but not until the one I have goes out or I feel I need a TV in the bedroom!

Carol ~ Do you mean your son can't see anything...of smoke yet or because of the smoke?

Hi everyone.  I got home from my weekend trip about 2:15. 

We had a nice trip back and forth through country roads and a good meeting. Unfortunately,  have to say I probably should not have attended as didn't feel well at all and the walking, including going upstairs to my room, really presented a challenge.  This morning I asked the friend I had ridden with if he minded driving across the road and parking at the convention center, which he did, including letting me off at the door.  I guess I am going to have to contact my heart doctor this week as am just not up to par and seem to be losing the strength in my legs.  When I got home I rested for a couple of hours and am feeling better this afternoon, but am just sitting in my easy chair and watching the football game.

Ruth Ann, what a lovely gift and am sure you will enjoy it.  A 32 inch screen is a very nice size. 

Janet, did your bus driver let you all off at the door of the theaters or did you have to contend with the parking lots?  What shows did you see besides the Noah show.  When we were there last November the Noah show was closed.

This has been a full day.  Kassie went to church looking really sharp in her cadet uniform.  After church she had to go to the Battle of Britain parade.  John has gone, and we are at last home.

Janet your trip sounds wonderful.

Larry get hold of your Dr tomorrow if you can, we are concerned.

Etta Sue I used to work at a plant cutting chicken into the 9 cut for KFC.  It was 32 years before I could eat KFC again.  I now enjoy it as much as the next guy!

Carol how is that fire?  Under control yet?


More to check out so bye for now.
Pat how is Paul doing?  And Lorraine?

Ruth Ann, I'm so happy for you, getting a nice new TV!  You deserve it!  :thumbsup:

Larry, so sorry you're not feeling up to par, and glad you will be checking with your heart doctor.  Yes, the bus took us right to the doors, everywhere we went.  The other shows we saw were:  Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede (supper); Jim Stafford--really good and he has very talented kids, a 13 year old daughter and a 17 year old son, who were part of the show; The Duttons, such a multi-talented family, Mom, Dad, all the kids, some of their spouses, and a lot of the grandkids, too.  They were on America's Got Talent, and finished in the top 10.  I loved that show!  Then we saw the Moscow Circus.  It was in Yakov Smirnoff's theater, but he wasn't there, we did see him via the screen, as he narrated the circus show.  We also had dinner there, a hot meal in a box labeled Yak in a Box.  I loved the ballerina who was in it, (the show, not the box!)and wished Abby could be there watching it.  Then we saw  Six Vocal Group, six brothers who can make any sound with only their voices--amazing!  Next was the New South Gospel Show, and then Noah.  It was a busy few days!

No, Etta Sue, we didn't go to that restaurant.  What are "throwed rolls?"  Do they throw them at you?  Sounds fun.

There is such a wealth of talent in Branson.  It is amazing!

It sounds as if we won't be getting another pastor for months.  Discouraging.  If I get too hungry, I will drive to Hugoton!

I don't know why this screen jumps when I pass a certain number of lines in my posts.  Wierd!

I believe Carol meant her son can't see any smoke from where he is.  Sure hope the fires are controlled soon.

Well, guess what? - It's that time again.  But go here and just continue right on.
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