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Morning Devotional...





. . . remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, 'In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.' These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not hav Jude 17-19

These are times of moral and religious confusion and it is sometimes hard to distinguish the false from the true. Our faithful Lord has tried to save us from the consequences of our own blindness by repeated warnings and many careful instructions. It will pay us to give close attention to His words. Toward the end of the age, we are told, there shall be a time of stepped-up religious activity and frenzied expectation, growing out of the turbulent conditions prevailing among nations. The language is familiar to most Christians: Wars and rumors of wars . . . nation shall rise against nation . . famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. . . . Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations . . and then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. Concurrent with this state of affairs will be a great increase in religious excitement and supernatural happenings generally. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. . . . And many false prophets shall rise. . . . Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Our best defense against false teaching is the personal, systematic study of Scripture. We have access to the Word of God and the ministry of the indwelling Spirit. Let's exercise our privileges.


O Lord, teach me from Your Word in these days of erroneous interpretation, mistaken contextualization and misapplication.

From Devotions By Dr. Tozer

Thank you Don, for this week's very timely devotional study.  It surely does seem more and more as though the predictions of pending end times are being accomplished these days. 

Hi everyone.  Another sunny morning but it is only 59 degrees headed up to 75 later this afternoon.  I slept in this morning but now ready for church.  Pat just got up and is having her breakfast but she hasn't said yet whether she is going to church with me or not.  Nothing planned for this afternoon or evening but sure I will watch some football.  I enjoyed the win the University of Georgia had over Vanderbilt last night.  It actually wasn't a competitive game at all as Georgia dominated almost from the beginning.  Stacey finally got home yesterday afternoon about 4 pm.  The doctor had written the discharge order the night before but it took all day to arrange for transportation the few blocks to her apartment.  They have told her the hospital would give her a voucher for a taxi home but they first had to check with Medicare, who turned that idea down, and then get whatever was required through the hospital administration.  She was fit to be tied in having to wait all day to get the few blocks to her apartment but very glad to be home. 

Etta Sue, getting shots for the rest of Ivalou's life  to retain the vision seems like a good price to pay.  Nice of Kaye Don to share the fish he has accumulated during the year. 

Marilyn, your soup sounds tasty.  No point in wasting the left overs.

Carol, see you will be starting your drive home today.  Hope you have a great trip.  Maybe the weird seasoning was the tainted clam chowder.  Glad you didn't get sick as well. 

Ruth Ann, hope you got the computer back to the place that you want it.   

Don, thanks for the devotional thoughts for this week. 

Jeanne, I agree with you on the predictions of the end times.  It is looking like the middle East is ready to explode.

Good morning friends.  I trust that all of you are enjoying your day of rest and worship.  I could not go to church because I overslept...could not sleep well during the night and then overslept.  I woke up disoriented and thought it was Monday.  I saw my newspaper on the kitchen counter and knew our daughter had brought it in for me.  But the funny thing was...I thought "but this is Monday, we don't get a newspaper on Monday! "

When it dawned on me that it was actually Sunday, I knew I did not have time to get ready to go, as I attend the 8:30 service.  So, I just made myself a cuppa coffee and sat back down to read my devotionals and then the newspaper.  All the past year taking care of Earl, we got used to several TV preachers and liked some of them quite well.  So, I have been to worship service here at home by watching a couple of our favorites.  Are we supposed to have favorites?  It does not bother me, but we had a pastor one time that thought that was wrong.  He said it was like, "It's all about me" thinking.   

I have had relatives visiting this past week.  While I enjoyed the visits, I did get quite tired.  My strength is not what it used to be and I cannot do the things I once enjoyed.  But I loved having two of my brothers and wives here, also a cousin, and her husband....all from Texas or Arkansas. 

Larry, I am so sorry to learn of your daughter's prognosis but I must say you do have the greatest outlook on things like that.  I have often thought that I wish I had your attitude towards troublesome events in life.....But I am trying to emulate you in that area.  It has to be peace-giving, your acceptance of life as it comes.  Sometimes good and sometimes bad. 

I cannot remember other posts well enough to comment, just know that I do enjoy reading your posts and hope to get better about responding.  My thinker is slowing down, and my forgetter is speeding up.  That comes with getting older I guess.  I will soon be 80 and is shows more every day. 

Blessings to all,
~Janice

Between the wait for the ferry and the ferry crossing then going through Seattle, we were only able to drive 450 miles today and that was about 50 miles too much for Don - so he says.  We did find a hotel with our coupon book and they don't have wifi but an ether connection which does work this time.  We are trying to stay up at least until 10. 

I sure do like naturend 055 - the random image.  Very interesting - the house has a story and it is easy to imagine the family has moved out. 

Janice:  Laughing at your thinker and forgetter story.  that was quite a bunch of folks at one time for a visit and no wonder you are tired after all that company. 

We had a message that no one has picked up the broken fence splinters in our yard - I think I did tell you of someone crashing through our fence and the brick wall that is the opening to our neighborhood - all in our side yard.  Sheriff is still looking.  We will see the damage by Wednesday and now I am wondering why insurance hasn't paid for someone to clean up the mess?   Oh, well.  Have to concentrate on driving for the next day. 

Hi everyone.  A most glorious cool and sunny morning here in Georgia.  The housekeepers are here and will finish up shortly for this time.  Pat has PT at 11:30 and I will drive her there.  Then at 1 pm I have my usual men's Monday luncheon.  This week it is only about a mile from the house that we are dining.

Janice, it is only natural that we like some preachers better than others but we have to be careful not to put too much emphasis on that aspect as that is not why we attend church.  I see these mega churches around Atlanta being built up by dynamic preachers and then something happens and the congregation crumbles.  You certainly had a lot of company all at once but it sounds like you really enjoyed it.

What is naturend 055?  I must have missed something and I do like to be in the know.  :)  I agree with Don at 400 miles in a day is a sufficient number of miles to drive.  Also the second day of such driving is also much harder and more tiring.  Fortunately, when we drive to Kansas City it is about 800 in total and makes two equal days of driving.   

Sunday was an awesome day...all around awesome.  The sermon was great...this series is on the end times and I agree, it sure seems that most things are pointing to Christ returning.  After a great lunch, I enjoyed my Sunday afternoon nap! 

But I didn't want to go to sleep last night. 

I have had a stiff neck the past 3 days.  I think it is the way I am sleeping...scrunching up my shoulder.  I can't find my hot/cold pad so I will see if Ivalou has it.

Now today, I remembered to order my meds online.  Next is I want to prepare my devotion for next Sunday so all I have to do is put it in its proper place.  Then I need to go to the bank and cash some checks and make a deposit.  And last but not least, mow the grass.  Soon and very soon the grass mowing will be ending for 2012.  Yeah!!

It is bright and sunny in Hoosier Land!  But very cool.  I will have to wear a jacket while mowing.  It's only 59°.  Brrrr! 

Etta sue you can make a great heating  pad by  taking a sock and putting in some rice , tie the end of the sock then heat it in the microwave. You can make it as loose or tight with the rice as  will make it comfortable and pliable for you.   You can drape it over a shoulder. or a leg and  hang it around your neck.
Long white socks make the best warmers or you can sew a  bag out of some flannel or fleece material. We use rice bags to keep the cats warm at the clinic. I have two, one I made  that I added lavender flowers and leaves with the rice and one I bought that has Chamomile and lavender added to  the rice that is shaped for the neck.

Etta Sue, I hope you found your hot/cold pad.  I know a stiff neck can be so painful, so I hope you have found relief by now.
I forgot to mention earlier, but thank you for describing Euchre for me. It does sound like an interesting and fun game.  Out here a lot of folks play "42", Earl was a member of a 42 League and enjoyed it as long as he was able.  I tried to learn it but never got very good at it.  When I was growing up, we played regular dominoes (I don't remember if it had a name).  And cards were not allowed at our house, I think they meant gambling to my Mom and that was a no-no.  We learned later that there were plenty of innocent games that were played with cards. 

Larry, we did not watch any of the mega churches.  We like to hear David Jeremiah and Adrian Rogers (he is deceased now) but they still show his sermons on TV at mid-morning on Sunday.  Gathering together with your own church family is ideal, but sometimes you find yourself at home on Sunday...that is what happened yesterday.  I am thankful for the opportunity. 
I hope you and Pat are having a good day.

Hello Jeanne, Carol, and others who come in today.
~Janice

Hi Marilyn, you were adding a post as I was typing mine. 
I make those foot warmers too (that is what we call them down here)  I use dry corn for the filler usually, although I have used rice as well.  My husband had very cold feet and these helped him sleep, they would stay warm all night.  I just used strips of flannel sewn together.

And, I, too,have used the rice warmers. In fact, not too long ago I told a friend about them, for she said she not have the money to purchase a heating pad. They stay warm quiet a while, too. I often use one to help the carpal tunnel pain in the right wrist. The sock shape helps get the warmth right to that area. :)

Yes, I know it's very late, but I've been concerned about something that has kept me awake at nights recently. Must redouble my efforts to "let go and LET GOD."

I wish I could say all the computer setup is now to my liking, but sad to say it isn't. I'll keep on trying.  ???

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  It is another cool morning in Georgia.  Yesterday was splendid and think it will be the same today.  Just got up as didn't need to get up early as will be home most of the morning.  This is one of the two mornings a week I don't go out to meet my friends for coffee so no rush. The only thing on the schedule for today is to attend a meeting late this morning.  Six men meet yesterday for our weekly men's luncheon and the conversation dealt mainly with football and the $11+ million dollars the winner of the weekend golf tourney had been paid.  The tourney was held in Atlanta and one of the men attended.  A couple of our guys are avid golfers. 

Etta Sue, hope your neck is feeling better this morning.  Pat has made many of the rice bags that can be either hot or cold.  The only problem with heating them is the rice sometimes smells a bit scorched.  As Marilyn mentioned it sounds like a sock would also work well.  The pt person told us how to make a good and very inexpensive ice bag from plastic bags and rubbing alcohol and water.  I am sure I described it at the time.

Janice, I never heard of using corn in a heating pad but expect it would hold the heat longer than rice.  I met no disrespect to the mega churches as know the bring the message to many and that God can use many situations.  I know the Sunday worship services on tv are a blessing to those who cannot attend for whatever reason.

Ruth Ann, sure hope you were able to sleep last night.  I hope you soon get your computer back the way you like it.

I did find my hot/cold bag at Ivalou's.  First she said she didn't have it, that she gave it back to me.  I told her I didn't think so since it isn't where I always kept it.  So she looked.  The bag was in a drawer in her bedroom but no box.  She looked in the linen closet in the hallway and the box was there.

Thanks for all the ideas of making your own hot/cold bag.  This one is 100% buckwheat and is probably 18" x 5".  Nice size for your neck and can even be doubled for spots on your back and such. 

I didn't use it last evening.  It seemed my neck was much better and I was conscious of the way I slept last night and woke up this morning pain free!  Thank you, God!

Today Jane and I are going to SAMS.  Ivalou said she didn't want to go and Betty is taking her daughter to her doctor after surgery. 

Then this evening one of the Sunday School classes is having a 'Meal On Us'.  They want to do this the last Tuesday of every month for the community.  It's not only for those who can't afford a meal....but also for those who only talk to the cat or dog while eating, eating alone, tired of eating your own food, tired of eating microwaved meals or box meals and most of all, would like some conversation with others while eating.  So Ivalou and I are going tonight to the church to eat! 

It's about time for Jane to show up.  She is driving today.

It is cloudy and gloomy today and may be rain this afternoon.  The trees are really turning in color.  Starting to get fallish!

Good morning, It is a beautiful day here on the Oregon coast, however there is the smell of smoke in the air from the fire  over in north eastern Oregon near Sisters. I've done a load of laundry and have been reading on the different forums that I go to daily. I really need to get busy on transferring some of my art work from one website to another. The server closed down on of my sites because I haven't visited their discussion forum in over a month. Boo, They sure are strict with the rules. Non of my stuff they from the closed down site still available at the server, It's a good thing I have it all  in my files and can re-upload it but I will have to change the links on about 50 different pages and re upload those as well. Lots of work involved.

I have an item of thanksgiving.  I visited my urologist today, and the result is that i won't hve to go to him for six months now.  I thank our Lord for His mercy.  I was fearing the possibility of sn operation, but it will not be necessary!

Al:  A prayer of thanks for your medical news!  It is always so good to see that there is a note from you - take care.

We are thankful as well for a safe drive home after visiting relatives and friends out in Oregon and Washington.  There is never enough time to see everyone and we felt a pang of regret in several areas plus when we drove close to Salt Lake City.  We just had to get home and now to tackle the list.  One first call I have to try to get rid of an automatic payment made to a company called Classmates - I only joined for two years and it was a special price and now I see that they took $39 out of the VISA account.  Underhanded people!  Checking it out, there are over 2,000 complaints against the company.  I should have checked it out better. 

We have a little rain here and it is parched so they always need rain.  Snow in the high country and we really want a big snowfall to catch up with water issues. 

Hi, friends,

I'm praising the Lord that the very thing Ive been struggling with seems well on its way to resolution.

And I spent some time with my son who lives nearby, including getting a good "verbal" scolding from his kitty! I'm certain she was telling me it had been too long since I visited. :)

Now, to rest in the knowledge that He is IN CONTROL. :)

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann I have taken the attitude that "It isn't my problem.....it is His."  As I tell myself it isn't my problem I am able to let go easier.

This has been a difficult day of memories, as well as hearing of decisions made.  Correct decisions, however they effect everyone.  Not my problem, however that doesn't erase the pain that one feels.  Yes we all have been there, knowing there is understanding helps lots!

Have a good night folks.

Hi everyone.  Just back from coffee on another beautiful day.  We are not going to attend Bible study this morning as Pat is moving very slowly and is just now up and eating the breakfast I brought back for her from McDonald's. However, we are going to try to meet our church friends at Dunkin' Donut about 10:45.  We especially want to do this as our friends that recently moved away plan to be there and hopefully Pat will feel like going out to have lunch with them.  Nothing else on the schedule for today. 

Etta Sue, glad that your neck was feeling better yesterday.  For years I have used a special pillow after having a sore neck for a long time.  It has the raised ridge for the next that is two sizes depending on the edge of the pillow.  It has worked for me for a number of years with no more sore neck.  Very nice idea for the "meal on us". 

Mariilyn, I read where Joan (Western Joan) was smelling the smoke also and I think she lives over the mountains from you although may not have that correct in my mind. Sounds like you have a lot of work ahead of you on your web pages.

Al, what great news and no operation necessary.

Carol, glad you are home safely.  Hope you have good results with the Classmates website and get your money back. 

Ruth Ann, isn't it wonderful the way that God's plan for our lives comes about in ways we can never anticipate?  I have seen it so many times when things look dire and I place the matter in God's hand there eventually is a solution.  It may not be the one I had in mind but is usually, if not always, much better. 

Judy, I think we share the same idea in putting things in God's hands.  I have control only over my own thoughts and feelings and sometimes make a mess of that.  We delude ourselves to think we really have any control over anyone or anything else.  I don't think this mean we don't care it just recognizes a reality of life. 

Just got home from taking Ivalou to the Nurse and out to eat.  She thought it was just blood work but then found out it was an appointment.  So after taking her clothes off and putting on a gown, they realized she needed the Medicare Wellness Exam so that Medicare would pay for her yearly exam.  So today was just consultation. 

Friday she goes for her mammogram, bone density and her left shoulder to be x-rayed.  The nurse thinks it is arthritis but I don't...it moves around too much and seems to be more in the muscle than joints. 

Then October 7th, I think, she goes for her Wellness exam. 

Ivalou said she wasn't going back  ::) ...too much paperwork and too much that has to be done to get something else done!  (Welcome to Obama world!)  She asked what does people do that can't physically go to the doctor?  She was told if she didn't have this Wellness exam and all this paperwork filled out that Medicare wouldn't pay for routine exams.  I had an Wellness exam but I didn't think I had to have one every year.  But things change in a moments notice.

We went to Bob Evans for breakfast...that was really good!

Now Ivalou has a 90 minute massage at 3pm but she is driving herself.  I am leaving around 1pm for the pool, then want to get the car washed in and out and then fill the car up with gas...getting ready to drive and take Senior Saints to Bear Creek Farms tomorrow. 

It has been raining a bit.  The sky is full of dark clouds.  Still hoping the car wash is open and can get Hawaii cleaned!

A couple of things on my mind today.

There are a number (if not all) of us with health and or spiritual concers for ourselves and friends.  Some of these people are having serious health concerns.  Many of which are not written or spoken about.  God knows these situations.  As we pray we cannot name every concern, so knowing God knows put our membership into Gods hands and ask him to move in each individual's lives......I know I covet your prayers I'm sure you will covet the prayers of others.

Yes Larry if it doesn't concern us we need to back away and let God take control.  So many times I get my hands mixed in and mess things up!  That doesn't mean we are not concerned.

Oh By the way does anyone have any pictures to add to the current challenge?  Check this (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=12383.msg175069#new) link out see what you have.  If you have a problem uploading let Jeanne or I know and we will help.

Sending out a prayer for each and every one here and those who cannot be here. 

Larry:  I SKYPED the classmate phone number and finally had someone answer and yes, I am getting all my money back & cancelling with them.  The automatic renewal was way hidden in fine print and I never agreed to it since the price went from under $10 for two or more years to $39 per year.  Imagine! 

JudyB:  You mentioned all of the concerns never mentioned in here and chances are they are immense in so many lives.  May all be comforted with our gifts of grace. 

How comforting to come and read the messages today. Y'all know how much I love each of you, and pray daily for those who are quietly dealing with pain of various types.

Much love to all.

I must go, for tomorrow will be busy with the funeral and pre-funeral visitation for a much loved 89 year old leader in our church and in our denomination as well. What an honor that his funeral will be held in the local church he loved so much and served so well.

G'nite, friends!

Ruth Ann

Yes, I am all ready to head out the door on this gloomy, rainy day for our Bear Creek Farms outing!  The radio reported sunny this afternoon.  I don't mind sprinkles but downpours, I can live without! 

I don't see it raining right now but it is certainly wet out there.  And cool. 

I just know the show and the food and the conversations with friends will be great today!! 

Hi everyone.  This has been a busy morning on a very nice day.  Pat suggested we go out to breakfast so we went to Steak and Shake and had a most delicious and inexpensive breakfast.  We had never gone there for breakfast before but a friend told me about it and he was right.  They have a large menu and the servings were heafty and tasty.  Then I brought Pat home and left again to stop by the bank to make a deposit, went to CVS to pick up something that Pat wanted, then to the gas station and finally into Kroger for a few items.  Needless to say that is enough for one day.  Pat is going to drive herself to PT in a little bit so I should be through running for today.  It is another beautiful Georgia fall morning but will warm up by afternoon.  Our son called last night from the ER where he had taken his wife due to the ulcer pain in her stomach.  This is the third trip there is a matter of days.  We haven't heard from him this morning.

Etta Sue, hope you had a nice rain up your way. 

Judy, well said on the many concerns that we all have.  Between this discussion and the Seniors and Friends discussions there are many folks with very serious health and other issues that need prayer. 

Carol, I don't see a benefit with the Classmates website work $39 a year. 

Ruth Ann, I imagine there will e a very large attendance at the funeral you are attending today. 

Hello everyone, I am trying not to feel this cold that has decided to come to  visit my throat and sinuses. I've had a scratchy/itchy throat for 3 day and this morning  my nose started to fill up. However I have not lost my sense of smell. I walked into the guest room this morning and  discovered by the ammonia smell that  Grubby has been using that room for a litter box, no solid stuff just the wet stuff. In the meantime I have been using every thing  under the sun to get rid of the smell, when I get my check I am going to buy so Urine Blast, that worked before so I hope it works this time. To top that off Happy wet the floor in the dining room last night while we were having dinner. He usually barks to go out but the past two days he has been a bad dog.

Gilbert and family may be coming up for Thanksgiving and I need to get that smell out of the house.  I had the house all clean and fresh after we rented the Rug Doctor and  I shampooed the whole house last month.

Oh, Marilyn!  I don't envy you the job you have ahead of you.  That odor from cats is so difficult to get rid of!

Hi, friends,

On The Dollar Stretcher website there's a nice article about different ways people got rid of that bad odor. Several of them sounded great. Maybe you'd want to check that site, Marilyn.  Also, I wonder if Happy may have a bladder infection or some other malady to cause him enough distress that he "loses it" in the house.

Well, Larry, you were exactly correct. Our church was almost shoulder to shoulder on every pew. He was really a wonderful leader at our college, in the community, and in our church. Oh, yes, he was also a good poet.

After the burial, the family returned to the church for the family dinner our church always provides. So, we fed approximately 60-65 people. What a nice way for the family to relax and wind down after such a stressful time. And, it allows our church members to express our love to family members. An old fashioned, but sweet custom.

Well, it's time to rest my eyes, as the man I do some consulting says. ;)

So, much love to all,
Ruth Ann

Today is erramd day.  I am off to town shortly, hopelullu get y heir cut as well.

Yjos is the day the Lord has made, rejoice and be glad in it .  Regardless what he alows to come you're way, God is in charge let Him direct your paths!

Hi everyone.  It has been a busy morning and it is overcast this morning with a less than 50% chance of rain today.  After coffee at the Senior Center I went to the hardware store to get a bolt that had been missing in a utility cart that we got yesterday and when I tried to put it together yesterday afternoon I discovered that part was missing.  I came home from the hardware store and finished putting the cart together.  I think that will be it for the day as it left me tired but will recover with some rest this afternoon.  Nothing else on the schedule for today and I am glad. 

Marilyn, I don't envy you trying to get rid of the pet urine smell from carpets.  That is so unpleasant and difficult to deal with. 

Ruth Ann, the lunches following funeral services are a very nice thing that churches do.  I know how much I appreciated it when we had mother's funeral as it gave us time to visit with family members.

Judy, hope this is a fine day for you.

Yesterday was very enjoyable.  The food was fantastic...lots of looking in the souvenir area...if you couldn't find it, you don't need it type place.  The weather was perfect after it stopped drizzling.  The show was super great.  George Dyer is a singer at Branson.  Quite the entertainer and not bad to look at either...with only him and three musicians on stage.  Great show. 

Now today I am taking Ivalou for tests.  She got a call saying her blood work showed high potassium and so I need to take her back to the nurse's office to get another blood test.  Then to Noblesville for her mammogram, the same building for her bone density test.  Then the same building but a different entrance, her x-ray on her left shoulder! 

By then we will be starved!!  Don't know where we will eat but somewhere before returning home!

Well, after the busy day yesterday, I've taken today for rest and relaxation.

Hope all have a wonderful rest of the day with our blessed Lord.

Ruth Ann

This cold has really taken hold of me. Get thee behind me Satan!!! This is NOT MY cold, I am not claiming it.

Here is the link to  another of my websites where I have posted the challenges from my group there are only twelve pages so far but if you click on the thumbnails  that will take you to that page.

challenges.grafxandmore.x10.mx (http://challenges.grafxandmore.x10.mx)

I posted this already, but it did not show up, so I will try again.  If both posts get processed, you will know why.

copy and paste again:

Good evening to all. 
I learned some good news, a new great grandchild will be arriving in our family, but I don't know yet when he/she is due..  We had given up having one to carry on Earl's family name.  He had six gr-dtrs but only two grandsons, and only one of them had his last name.  Now...at age 37 Shawn and his wife are expecting (finally!).  I wish Earl could have known that.  Of course I do not know the gender yet though. 

Another bit of news today, an answered prayer for sure.  Our daughter Elaine came by to see me after work, and it was her last day.....she is officially retired now!  I have been so concerned for her health, her job was ruining her health....all that stress and overtime. She had not told me that the agency had offered an early out, as it is the end of the fiscal year for Social Security.  She did the math and decided it was OK to go ahead and retire effective the 30th.  She worked in SSI area of the work, the hardest and most stressful part of the agency.  She paid off her house several years ago, so that is a big part of the decision, no mortgage payments.

Al, I remembered that you mentioned it is good for a church to raise up its own pastor.  This has happened,  more or less, at our previous church.  After we were gone from that church, they had the problem of many short term pastors, so they finally called one of their own young deacons to be pastor.  We knew him and his wife well.  They attended Earl's funeral service, and after the service was over and people greeting and consoling us, he told me that it was because of Earl that they stayed in that church.  They had originally intended to just visit as they wanted to visit other churches as well.  But, he said, Earl was so friendly towards them that they decided to look no further.  He was then a young Christian, and grew enough in his walk with the Lord that the church called him to be pastor.  I was so pleased to hear that.  Earl was very friendly and an encourager as well. 

Blessings to all,
~Janice

That's good news, Janice.  Ideally, a man should be recognized by his gifts among the congregation.

Hi everyone.  I awoke to a dark and overcast morning.  We heard some thunder last evening but only a few drops of rain.  Pat ordered two new bedspreads but when I put them on the bed she didn't like the color nor the loose weave and so we have them packaged back up and will return them the first of the week.  Unfortunately we have to pay the postage for the return but did get them from Prime so haven't had to pay postage two ways (at least directly).  I plan on attending a meeting this morning and that is likely the schedule for today unless Pat wants to go somewhere or we decide to eat out for lunch or dinner.  I will be watching college footaball games this afternoon and evening. Pat was really suffering yesterday and could hardly walk but seems to be doing better this morning.  In some ways she is better and in others she seems to be getting worse. 

Etta Sue, sorry to read of the continued and new problems for Ivalou. 

Marilyn, hope you are feeling better from your cold today.  Thanks for sharing your website.

Janice, new great grandchildren are a wonderful privilege of growing older. I doubt that your daughter will ever regret taking the early retirement.  Stress does a number of people and my heart doctor told me he believes it was a major contributor to my heart issues.  What a wonderful tribute to Earl from your pastor. 

Since Ivalou's blood draw and mammogram were scheduled an hour apart, I asked at the doctor's office if I could get my flu shot.  So I did get it and glad that is over.  The nurse asked me if I had had a flu shot before.  I told her that more times than she is years old.  I think the flu shots started for me in the early 70's.  My employment gave them to us free from a nearby doctor that came to the factory.  I have only missed one year...and that's the year I got the flu.  I said to myself...Never again!  My husband had a heart attack in 1979 and both of us got the flu shot in the fall.  Both of us felt yucky for about 6 weeks...we went to work but did a lot of resting also.  All those other years....the flu shot was wonderful!

Today I am just doing piddly jobs including a couple of loads of laundry.  I have some dead lilac bushes that I want to prune before the leaves fall off.  Maybe....I will trim the maple tree that the tree trimmer was suppose to top.  I am tired of running into the low leaves when walking or on the mower!  Then that will mean I need to go to the woods to take the limbs. 

Kaye Don and Barb were to leave this morning for Florida and not return until next April or May.  I haven't been out to see if they are gone or not but I presume they are!  His motorcycle was on the trailer yesterday...he likes to ride it here and in Florida. 

Nice and sunny today.  I turned off the heat pump...it was getting warm in here.  The trees are really turning beautiful colors...reds, oranges, yellows.  Just a few wispy clouds in the sky but bright and sunny! 

I am doing some better, I have been taking Mucinex every 4 hours while I am away, 1500mgs of Vitamin C twice a day and the Cold ease  every 3-4 hours. I forgot about raw garlic being a natural antibiotic. Well I just ate a garlic flower and it sure was hot.  I don't think I will be doing that again.

We did go out for dinner last evening but came home without hanging around to chat like we usually do. Here is a link comparing  my first photo before using Sensa and 6 month is the other. Took the new photos  yesterday. I can sure see the difference in my body as well as my attitude. Check out the facial expressions.  Click Here (http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd222/tudogmom/6months.jpg)

You're right, Marilyn, there is a very noticeable difference!  Congratulations!  :)

Thank you Jeanne

Time for a new week and a new devotion for this beautiful Sunday morning that God made just for us!

Click here (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=12396.msg175129#msg175129).