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Morning Devotional...





As he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled.
Acts 24:25


We who rejoice in the blessings that have come to us through the Savior need to bear in mind that the gospel is not good news only! The message of the Cross is good news indeed for the penitent, and also to those who obey not the gospel, it carries an overtone of warning. The Spirit's ministry to the impenitent world is to tell of sin and righteousness and judgment. For sinners who want to cease being willful sinners and become obedient children of God, the gospel message is one of unqualified peace, but it is by its very nature also an arbiter of the future destinies of man. Actually, the message of the gospel may be received in either of two ways: in word only without power or in word with power. The truth received in power shifts the bases of life from Adam to Christ—a new and different Spirit enters the personality and makes the believing man new in every department of his being!

The message of the Cross is good news indeed for the penitent, and also to those who obey not the gospel, it carries an overtone of warning.



Lord, I am reminded that to truly be Your son I had to surrender all to You. Help me daily to renew Your Lordship in my life by remembering what Your salvation requires.

From Devotions By Dr. Tozer

Hi everyone on a glorious, sunny and crisp Sunday morning here in South Carolina.  It was 60 degrees as I went out to walk this morning and I had on a light and if felt good.  Today will be our typical Sunday schedule of Sunday School and Church and then getting something to eat before coming home.  I will watch some Pro Football later this afternoon.  I enjoyed watching the Georgia/Vanderbilt game yesterday afternoon in which Georgia won although Vanderbilt gave them a good contest. 

Marilyn, thanks for the information and nice that people could come and pet the dogs.  I just say an interesting piece on TV a few days ago on training dogs to recognize cancer.  It sounds like Freckles may have self-trained. 

Jane, you know your postings are welcome anytime you post.  Sure hope the wildfires stay away from your daughter and grandson.  That would be terribly frightening.  I guess you would have to have things together in case of the need for a quick evacuation.  Glad you had such a good checkup from the doctor.  Good idea to wait until the cooler weather hits California before making your next trip there and hopefully the fires will be out by then. 

Ruth Ann, I guess we can really sense that Fall is on its way with the cooler temps.  There was a big crowd at Vanderbilt yesterday for the game with Georgia, although they said it wasn't a sellout.  Once again you were there for a friend to help her get her medicine. 

Don, thanks for your Devotional thoughts from Dr. Tozer for the week. 

Don, thanks for the devotional and reminder that the Gospel carries good news for the saved, but a warning for those who have not accepted Jesus.

The last few mornings have been quite chilly - in the low 50⁰s.  But it warms up pretty well to around 80^o or 85^o by afternoon.  It will soon be time to get out the sweat shirts.

Don:  Many thanks once again for devotions - Dr. Tozer is a gifted writer.

Both of us were brought up in cool weather areas of the country - well, downright frigid for Don is from Duluth, Minnesota (right off frozen Lake Superior).  So, I meant to say that the cool down is welcome here with windows open all night.  We now have smoke not only from California but apparently a fire south of here.  Snow will stop all of this fire danger. 

We enjoyed an afternoon play watching neighbors grandchild - she is in a musical and had a song and dance routine.  All the hours of practice they put in just to produce a show for a short time.  It was fun - although we could not understand all of the words - it was for our friends we went to the play.  Now, we are trying to find out if we are getting company tomorrow or not - they have not answered emails and are supposed to be on their way from Minnesota. 

Hi everyone.  This morning is very similar to what we had yesterday in terms of a cool 61 degree but sunny morning. On these chilly morning I think I may have to alter my walking plan to do it a bit later when it warms up or find an inside place to walk as the cool wind this morning gave me a little problem with Angina.   I have made a to do list for today as want to get several things accomplished, none of which are difficult but just take time.  I have a couple of calls to make and need to go to Walmart and stop by the Credit Union and plan on attending a meeting at noon. We had a nice day yesterday.  We decided to go to Firehouse Subs for lunch yesterday and had a very good sandwich.  Then spent the afternoon in a restful mode, listened to Don's program and then caught some of the football games.  The Atlanta Falcon's play this evening around 6 pm so will probably watch that game. 

Jeanne, it is cool enough here the last couple of days to want to wear a long sleeved shirt, which I am wearing today.

Carol, it is a shame your friends are keeping you in the dark about whether they are going to keep their planned visit with you or not.  A simple call or email goes a long way in eliminating doubts.  It sounds like the play would have been fun.  How old was the neighbor's grandchild?  I am surprised you are getting the smoke all the way from California. 
   

Hi, friends,

It's still a cool day here in Nashville. Our temp was 50 at 6am.

A neighbor is dealing with mental illness.  It really pains me to see what they're going through. I've been praying that the Lord will guide the doctor in administration of medications to help this person.

Tomorrow I'll be playing piano for the devotions period downstairs, then taking my sister in law to shop. Poor lady is not doing well at all. I'm concerned about her.

Well, how interesting about Freckles' newly discovered skills!

Y'all have a good rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

Taxes taxes taxes - went way up - just as I discovered a crack in a bathroom sink and isn't it always that way?

Now, we are learning that the sanctuary city here is going to take in a few thousand (which will turn into more) from Syria.  I wonder if they will be Christian. 

Yes, company is arriving any time now - they have had a few setbacks with road repair work and now they are in the real hectic rush hours traffic here.  They will be exhausted. 

Mental illness is such an issue and we need to care more considerately with these people.  So many are homeless. 

Lots of sad news and it is hard to not dwell on it but we have our blessings to never forget.  I am blessed to have food for the table. 

Hi everyone.  Another beautiful, pre-fall day that started out about 61 degrees and should get to about 85 late this afternoon.  Yesterday was a full day and it was topped off with Scott coming out for dinner to have some of his Mother's tuna casserole.  He was going to see his doctor's PA today as he may have bronchitis.  Our activities today are centered around Pat seeing a new internist that is about 11 miles away from where we live. I will go in with her so if we like him I can have him as my internist also.  I expect she will want to eat a big lunch out so she won't have to fix dinner tonight.  I had a nice visit with my neighbor across the street while I was out walking this morning.  I hadn't really seen him this summer as has been so hot everyone stayed indoors.

Ruth Ann, sorry that your neighbor is struggling with mental illness and that your SIL isn't doing well.  It looks like you are about 10 degrees cooler each day than we are. 

Carol, I feel for the refugees but also understand how difficult it is for the countries accepting them in dealing with the many, many problems that they face.  Supposedly most of the refugees from Syria are Syrian Christians and that is why their homes have been burned or otherwise destroyed and they fear for their lives at the hands of ISIS.  Hope your company finally made it through the Denver traffic and arrived safely at your home. 

Shortlly I am going to theCoos bay Library  with freckles so the kids can read stories to her.

Hi, friends,

Well, I'm inside and resting here at the computer.  It's so good to hear from y'all. Maybe Freckles will have a story she can tell some day, Marilyn.

Y'all take it easy, and if you think of it, please pray that the spine steroid shot I get tomorrow will ease my pain.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Hi everyone on an overcast morning but a little warmer than the last few mornings.  It is to get up to only 81 degrees this afternoon.  Today will be play it by ear day.  I may go to coffee and also stop by the pharmacy at Walmart to pick up medicine from prescription changes made for Pat by the new internist.  He spent over and hour with her yesterday as think he didn't have any other patients waiting on him. He is quite a talker.  He has only been with the University Health System since January and this is a satellite office where he is the only doctor.  I will be going to him later or if a problem develops that I need to see an internist.  I got the package of paperwork to fill out in advance of a visit.  This evening we have the Wednesday night dinner at the church but no Bible Study Class as there is a special event for teachers that has a special speaker and will involve our minister who teaches the Bible Class. 

Ruth Ann, I prayed for you and for the skill of your doctor in administering the shot to your back today. 

Marilyn, I bet the little ones loved  reading for Freckles.  I had never thought of that idea.  Also expect Freckles got a lot of petting and attention.   

Hi everyone on this Thursday morning.  It is a delightful morning, clear sky and about 65 degrees as I went for my walk and only going up to 85 this afternoon late.  We had a nice dinner at church last night.  Today I will go to coffee.  I expect a call before leaving the house to go pick up a fellow to go to coffee with me who sometime ago suffered a stroke and who not yet able to drive.  After coffee I may need to take him home and then will return downtown to the church to attend the Thursday Wisdom Class.  That will be about it for today.  I did watch off the the 8 to 11 debates last evening and then some of the commentary afterwords.  So it was rather late before I closed my eyes for the night. 

Hi, friends,

The shot yesterday was more traumatic than the other 2 that I had back in 2013. The needle actually penetrated the nerve, and the pain was almost more than I could bear. He had to numb the nerve in that leg to give me release from the pain, but then my knee buckled when I tried to stand. If the doctor and x-ray tech had not been on either side of me, I would have fallen.

So, I really needed to rest yesterday afternoon and night. By taking a pain pill, I was able to rest throughout the night in relative comfort.

The headache has continued today, so again, I rested all afternoon.

Now, I feel more like myself, so will be picking up with regular duties tomorrow.

Thank you all for your prayers.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

I don't know what's going on with my email notifications, but I'm not getting them!  It is just easier to come here via those; but I found you again!  Did you miss me?

I went to our annual Grant County Home Products Dinner again on Tuesday night.  It was very enjoyable, good food, good speaker, and the Lt. Governor was there and also spoke.  A little 8 year old boy sang the National Anthem, and wow! did he ever do a great job!  I learned the next day that he is legally blind; can see only shadows.  I thought it was a bit strange that his mom walked him up the stage steps, over to center stage, then handed him the mic.  He told one of his school buddies, "They said there were lots of people there, but I didn't see them!"  Maybe he had no stage fright that way.

I read that at least seven out of ten of the "refugees" from Syria are actually Isis members, using this crisis as a way to get into other countries, especially America.       I fear for our country and for the world---NO!  I do not fear!  I know great trials are ahead, but I will not fear, for the God of the Universe is my helper, my strong tower, my very present help in time of trouble.  So I will pray and not fear.

I thought the debate went on too long, and was disappointed that the moderators seemed to be intentionally provoking the candidates to squabble.  I was quite impressed with Carly Fiorina, as I hadn't previously heard her speak.  It's still a long time until the election, and I'm sure we will all be really tired of all this well before Nov. 6, 2016!

We have had some problems lately; refrigerator quit; microwave shorted out and set itself on fire; more well problems; , etc. etc.  But we have to remember, it's all just stuff.  And a lot of stuff we can live without--not conveniently, but possible.  I'm just very thankful that so far, we are able to replace the things we need.  We are using a tiny microwave we had years ago in the camper, but as Darrel said, "It's big enough to heat up a cup of coffee!"

Look up, for our redemption is drawing near!

Hi everyone on a beautiful Friday morning.  I walked and it was about 67 degrees out.  However, I was later than usual as woke up at 6 am and read my email and the discussions I follow each day and that took about an hour.  As I was still laying down I closed my eyes as they were tired and the next thing I knew I had been back to sleep for an hour.  I can't remember the last time I fell back to sleep after awakening in the early morning.  Nothing special on my schedule for today and expect to be home all day.  I have a few minor projects to accomplish.  I was able to get a haircut after the Wisdom class yesterday so that avoids another trip downtown today.  I did watch the Clemson/Louisville football game last night and it was sort of a cliffhanger at the end but Clemson ended up winning. 

Ruth Ann, sorry to read about the problems with the shot but sure hope today finds you with the headache gone and feeling better and the shot working to give you relief from the back pain.  Certainly glad you didn't fall in the doctor's office when you got up and your leg gave way. 

Janet,  wow you all are having so many problems with appliances, wells and other issues.  Surely things will soon settle down.  I think there are several more Republican debates scheduled as well as a couple Democratic debates coming later.  I felt the three hours was too long but saw CNN had their biggest audiences perhaps ever.  I am also reading that the viewer numbers were heightened by a lot of viewers from foreign countries.  Surely some of the candidates will drop out of the race before long. 

Did you know we have another challenge?  HERE  We're voting now, until Sept. 22 (4 days away).  So take a look at all the entries and vote for your 5 favorites.  You don't need to have an entry to vote, we want everyone to take part.  Please!

Hi, friends,

Yes, Janet I miss you, and our other online friends, when you're away. Each of you is an important member and your comments are valued.

Thankfully, I do feel better today, and will likely try to get out for a while tomorrow.

Larry, I, too, find that time passes while my "tired eyes" rest.

Y'all have a good rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

Okay, I voted!  Some really good photos in there, several more I wanted to vote for, but alas, it said only 5!

Hi everyone.  It is a bright, sunny and so far pleasant Saturday morning here.  I just came in from my walk and it was a most comfortable temperature to walk although enjoyed a light jacket.  I only made one round (I usually do two plus a little) as I apparently forgot to take my nitro tablet before starting out and had to cut the walk short.  Yesterday was a day of rest but did meet Pat for lunch downtown as she had gone over to Augusta at noon for something.  She called when we finished and we both arrived at the restaurant at the same time.  As far as I know I will be home all day today.  It is Saturday so will be watching college football, especially the South Caroline/Georgia game at 6 pm.

Ruth Ann, hope you got along well with your time away from home yesterday. 

Jeanne, like Janet, I also viewed the photographs and voted.  Some really good photographers participate in the contest each time. 

Happy Saturday, Y'all!  It is nice and cool here this morning, and for a change, the wind is not blowing!      

We are going to Garden City today to bring the new car home, as we received the check from the stock Darrel sold and can finish paying for the car.  We feel this will probably be the last car we will purchase, as it should serve us well for quite a few years.  Then, Larry, I can tell you about how it rides!  But I expect it to be lovely and comfortable.  Darrel asked if I am going to drive it home, so I probably will.  I'm sure all the new 'gadgets' will take some getting used to, but we have time! 

We still haven't heard from Wish Upon a Wedding.  I wish they would just give them a yes or a no, so we would know how to proceed with the planning for Beth's and John's wedding.     I'm trying to be patient, really I am!

I got to spend a little time with g-g-daughter Chelsea yesterday.  That child is such a delight!  Then I had lunch with her mom, Toni, and little Jenna.  Lexi was in school, but Chelsea doesn't have school (pre-k) on Fridays.  Jenna turned three recently, and is finally warming up to me a little bit.  She is really coming out of the lead poisoning now, starting to grow and gain weight, so I think all is going well in that department.  God is so good!  Their house is going to be grand, when it gets finished.  They are working on hanging the sheetrock now, so that will make a really big difference.  In case you have forgotten (I probably would have!) they had to move out of their house and completely gut it, because all the paint was lead based and Jenna got lead poisoning.  Well, they have added on a lot and it's looking really good.  Of course it is costing a fortune, but I don't have to pay for it!    They will enjoy it, I'm quite sure.  Okay, enough, already!

Darrel is finally up now, so we can get ready and go to Garden.  I want to do a few things while we are there, the main one being to find some shoes I can wear for two weddings and for church for a long time!  I can no longer tolerate wearing high heels!  I call those one-hour shoes, and most things last longer than one hour! 

Yesterday, Darrel found a snake inside the garage!!  And it's still in there somewhere, I guess.  We haven't gotten it out, anyway.  It's a bull snake, so no real danger.  He's more scared of snakes than I am.    So it might be up to me to get it out!  He said it was about 2 1/2 feet long, but moved pretty fast!

I wish you all a wonderful day!

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