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Morning Devotional...





All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world. Revelation 13:8


No one was ever saved other than by grace, from Abel to the present moment. Since mankind was banished from the eastward Garden, none has ever returned to the divine favor except through the sheer goodness of God. And wherever grace found any man it was always by Jesus Christ. Grace indeed came by Jesus Christ, but it did not wait for His birth in the manger or His death on the cross before it became operative. Christ is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. The first man in human history to be reinstated in the fellowship of God came through faith in Christ. In olden times men looked forward to Christ's redeeming work; in later times they gaze back upon it, but always they came and they come by grace, through faith.

We must keep in mind also that the grace of God is infinite and eternal. As it had no beginning, so it can have no end, and being an attribute of God, it is as boundless as infinitude.


Just as God's grace had no beginning, so it can have no end, and being an attribute of God, it is as boundless as infinitude.



Thank You, Lord, for Your great grace through which men and women in the past and men and women still today come into Your presence.

From Devotions By Dr. Tozer

Simple, yet powerful!  Tozer really had a layman's handle on Scripture and communicating it in easy to understand terms.  Thanks for sharing this week's devotion Don!

Hi everyone. Another overcast day with a chance of some showers this afternoon.  I had one of my down days yesterday where I just wanted to keep my eyes closed and lay down and rest.  Today may be the same but want to go to church this morning but that will be it for today.  I have had these episodes before and know they will pass in a day or two.  Pat enjoyed her women's luncheon yesterday. 

Carol, it sounds like you have a family that sees the world.  Glad to read that your grandson that plays hockey is also pursuing a good education. 

Ruth Ann, is your SIL still in rehab or has she been able to go to her apartment?  Hope you feel rested enough to go to church today.

Janet, what a full day you had yesterday.  Any one of those things would have been more than enough for me. 

Marilyn, I have had experience now with the iPad, three Kindle Fire' HDs and now the LG tablet.  All of them work well and the Kindle Fire HD is a very nice one at a reasonable price.  In fact, there are new models just now being released.  I would recommend that you consider a 10 inch tablet rather than the smaller 7 inch one.  I am still very happy with my iPad 3 and have no plans to upgrade to a later version.  It has been very reliable but so have the others.  Pat has not had the LG 7 inch tablet long but it is nice although does require a data plan because it has 4G and LTE capability so she isn't tethered to where she has wi-fi.  Just check around and find the one you like best.  I am sure the Samsung and some of the other tablets are of equal quality.

Don, thanks for sharing the Dr. Tozer reading for our weekly devotional.  What a wonderful thing God's Grace, extended through Jesus Christ, is to humanity.  So sad that people are turning away.

Great devotional Don.

Dr. Tozer said: "In olden times men looked forward to Christ's redeeming work; in later times they gaze back upon it, but always they came and they come by grace, through faith."

Old covenant or new covenant it has always been by grace.

I have been back from vacation a week now and think I'm about finished deleting and editing pictures.  Here is one from Arches.

Larry I'm thinking I will get this one, http://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-Yoga-10-Inch-Tablet-59411051/dp/B00JAIEAHC/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

Hi, friends,

Sadly, I didn't awaken till 12 noon today. So, for times like these I record a minister from Atlanta whose sermons are powerful and thought provoking. So, I will listen to it later this evening.

My sister in law is still in rehab, so I am trying to get her apartment ready for when she's able to go home.  A lady is going to help me a couple of days this week, so I won't be doing all of this alone.

I went by her apartment tower this afternoon and was able to get a cart to carry the things to her apartment.  It took 2 trips to get it all done.

It's good you have the energy to do so much, Janet. Long before your need to rest, my body would have been crying out, "HELP!!"  Marilyn, it's so nice to anticipate getting a tablet. Guys, I so much agree, God's grace is absolutely amazing, and seems to be extended to us just when we need it.

Y'all have a good rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann, you outdo me as far as energy is concerned.  I decided yesterday that outdoor line drying of the laundry is now a bit much.  It's about time to start drying on a rack in the house anyway, and who knows what next spring and summer will bring.     Maybe I can handle just the sheets, and maybe even the towels.  There's nothing like that fresh air smell.   We'll see.

Marilyn, you haven't said anything lately about your vertigo problem.  Has it been solved or are you still suffering?

Jeanne, I have come to the conclusion that I am just going to have to live with the Vertigo, I have learned not to make sudden moves and what to expect if I lay down flat of my back or on my right side.  If I start out on  the left side and slowly turn over I don't get the dizziness. If I lay down on more than one pillow I don't get dizzy. So I start out on two pillows and  gradually  switch to just one with my eyes closed. I can take the Meclazine from time to time but it isn't a good idea to take it all the time and become dependent.

Getting the tablet is how AI am doing something nice for myself when I get the money. It is coming from the unclaimed funds  in California. What it is  is the death benefit from one of my step uncles  that my mother was the beneficiary on a small $700 policy.  The forms didn't ask me if I knew where it was coming from but if they ask me I will tell them. I sent copies of my birth certificate, my  mother's death certificate, my drivers license and social security card. Gee it cost me $53 to get my mother's death certificate. If I would have tried to get it when I went to Stockton 2 years ago from the county recorders office it probably would have cost me a lot less.

Marilyn, I am sorry you still have to contend with that vertigo.  But you seem to have come to terms with it and have found how to keep it at a minimum.  How nice that you have a little extra cash coming to you.  I'm sure you'll enjoy the tablet, whatever brand/size you decide on.   

Hi everyone.  Another overcast day with the possibility of light showers throughout the day and evening.  It is to get to 75 degrees today.  I am feeling like my normal self today.  The housekeepers are here and the yard people should be here later today or tomorrow.  Pat has gone for her weekly massage.  When she gets home we will go for a late lunch.  Other than my normal Monday evening meeting I have no other plans for today.

Buddy, nice picture of the Arches. 

Marilyn, Lenovo is a good brand and I have had several of their computers, including my current desktop.  I think you will be very happy with it.

Ruth Ann, thanks for the info on your SIL.  I know it is a big job putting something together for someone else.  Glad you won't be in her apartment alone later this week.  Those carts are so handy and we used to use them all the time at Stacey's apartment before she moved to the last place.  They didn't have the carts there so we got something we could take with us to get stuff to her apartment. 

Jeanne, agree about the smell of things taken from the outdoor lines but it sounds a lot safer for you to dry inside, especially when there is snow or ice on the ground. 

Larry, thank you!

Hi everyone.  Wow, it sure was quiet here yesterday and I do hope everyone is OK.  It looks like we will have a warmer, up to 80 degree, day and actually see the sun for the first time in several days.  Pat and I did go out to eat lunch at Chili's yesterday and had one of their new entrees, which was very good.  We then stopped at the new Sprouts grocery store and Pat got a few items, including 5 pounds of apples to make some homemade apple butter.  She hasn't done that in a long time.  Today should be a fairly easy day as other than my normal Tuesday morning meeting the rest of the day is clear. 

I just posted a prayer request here.  I am asking the prayer warriors to join us in prayer.  I will keep the link updated.

I've prayed for Jeff and his family.

Thank you folks please keep praying!

You have my assurance of prayers for Jeff, Judy.

I went shopping today for things my sister in law needs to live in her new apartment. Now it's probably too late to be out and I still need to deliver to her apartment.

Tomorrow's time for taking a friend to the doctor early in the day. It will be difficult to get her walker in my car without moving those items purchased today.

Time seems to march on by, doesn't it.

May God richly bless everyone as only He sees we need His blessings.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

I have posted an update to the prayer request.

Also praying for Jeff.

coffe just brewed.  A new coffee machine was purchased yesterday only because we kept forgetting to shut the old one down. 

Watching two quail.  One is in charge!  Wonderful orange flowers on the shrubs at a neighbors yard and  Tucson has great temperature right now.  A severe hailstorm was missed at home and our back of the. House tree had leaves stripped. 

Lovely picture of the Arches.  Thank you ,  we drove through Navajo Nation and it is so picturesque as well.  It had just rained so everything looked so clear.

Sitting outside every night and just marveling at God,s universe.

Stunning photo of the Arches, Buddy!  So clear, I could almost feel the atmosphere!

I had such a sweet day yesterday.  After going to the gym, Darrel told me that Abby (granddaughter) had called.  She was playing in a golf tournament here and wanted Grandma to come watch her.  She had previously told me she is not allowed to talk to anyone except her coach while playing!    I drove out to the golf course (we do have a lovely one here!) and a man came out of the clubhouse offering me a key.  I'm sure he saw the puzzlement on my face, so he told me it was for a golf cart.  Abby was playing on the very far back corner of the course, so he didn't want me to have to walk that far.  (I could have, though!)  Our weather was just perfect!  We'd had a rain the night before; there was no wind, and the temperature couldn't have been nicer!  I enjoyed the beauty of nature, the perfect day, and of course seeing my Abby playing golf.  I'd never ever been on a golf course before, but things were so lovely I told Darrel it made me think of learning to play golf!    AND....I got some photos, too!  Now when Pat writes out those instructions for me, I can post some!  (Hint, hint, Pat!)

We have been to the gym this morning, and I'm dressed and ready to go have lunch with the Red Hat ladies.  This afternoon I need to type up the story from the last interview I did.

Ruth Ann, you are a marvel!  Most people who have even a portion of your physical limitations wouldn't even consider helping others, but you keep on giving.  I'm sure our Father smiles on you each day! 

Larry, hope you are doing well.  Carol, good to hear your news.  Judy, I am praying for Jeff.  Jeanne, I love the fresh smell of clothes dried on the line, but don't have a line anymore.  I had to chuckle at a commercial for a clothes drying rack on TV.  They were calling it an "indoor clothes dryer!"   

Later, Peeps!

Hi everyone.  It is another very day here in Georgia.  It was cool this morning and is around 75 degrees now and go warmer as the day progresses.  I was gone all morning to coffee and Bible Study.  I skipped Dunkin' Donuts this morning to go to Kaiser to get my flu shot.  I had about a 45 minute wait as they were busy. 

Judy, it sure doesn't sound good for Jeff.  I am praying for his family as well as that is not an easy decision they face.

Janet, that sounds like a one of a kind day you had at the golf course.

Trying to be brief today as it is late for me to work on the message boards.

Yesterday I did some food shopping and when I got home I discovered that one of the items I had purchased (and paid for) had not been packed.  So now I have to take my register tape and see about getting the item.  That's the second time in the last couple of weeks this has happened.  I think  the young folks packing the groceries need to be taught to pay more attention to what they're doing and less to conversations and joking with the cashier.   

Judy! How is your friend Jeff toDay?

Don has been busy draining a friends hot water heater and she needs to buy a new one plus have some flooring fixed when returning ext week.  He only wanted to sit outside tonight and look are the stars but I found a leak under the kitchen sink at our place.  I couldn't stop the drip and it looks like he has fixed it temporarily.  Need a new faucet so that is on the agenda for tomorrow. 

Jeanne the very same thing happened to me yesterday.  the clerk helped me and missed one sack so it was waiting for me after driving back.  we were talking.  I should keep quiet and not chat so much. 

Hi everyone on another beautiful early fall day here in Georgia.  It is up to 64 degrees on its way to 83 later this afternoon.  I have a light schedule today with just my men's Thursday luncheon at 11:30 and then someone is coming to the house for an hour later this afternoon.  Pat is going to go out for lunch with a friend also so won't have to worry about fixing dinner.  She got her apple butter made yesterday.  I want to get some English Muffins today as we like the apple butter on them. 

Jeanne, we have had that same experience with getting home and either the item wasn't rung up that we needed or it hadn't been put in our bags when paid for.  We have never had a problem of them arguing with us.  At Aldi's this isn't a problem as you do your sacking after the items have been paid for and you need to bring your own bags. 

Carol, I guess finding and fixing the things that need repair is one of the reasons you are in Tuscon now as you prepare your place for later in the fall and winter so it will be ready for your wintering there. 

Pat just printed out the following for me and I thought it was worth sharing:

10 Rules for Happy Living

1.  What other people think of you is none of your business.
2.  Stop beating yourself up, you are a work in progress.
3.  Don't compare your beginning to someone else's middle.
4.  Don't stumble over something behind you.
5.  Assume the good & doubt the bad.
6.  Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket.
7.  Worrying will never change the outcome.
8.  Don't let yesterday take up too much of today.
9.  The secret to having it all is believing you already do.
10. Be yourself, everyone else is taken
and one to grow on....Work Hard and be Nice to People!
          Source:  www.onegoodthingby jillee.com

Larry, please thank Pat for me, and thank you as well.  I love those rules for living! 

We have been to the gym, and I had quite a heavy workout with weights.  But I'm so thankful that I am still able to do the things I need to do, and going to the gym is a big part of maintaining my strength and flexibility.

Oh, my!  Ebola....over 100 people have potentially been exposed now in Texas.  Then there is the strange virus that is causing paralysis in children.  We need to seal our borders, and be wary of who comes into our country, and from where!  (IMHO, of course) 

  I have posted more pictures of our Niagara Falls trip in that folder (?) if you would like to see them.

Please pray for Beth today, she and I both could use some encouragement about her healing.  Thanks.

I will return later!

Larry, those are excellent rules of living.  I laughed at the mental picture I got of stumbling over something behind you.   

Janet, now that you have those written instructions we'll be looking for lots more photos from you.  You and Beth continue to be in my prayers.

I have posted an update...Life support comes off today.

Judy:  Letting one go off life support is a monumental decision for the family.  My prayers for all involved.  This just brought back memories of my parents.

We have been running around getting special batteries for the phone and so many little things.  The phone isn't charged yet and has been ringing then shuts off when we try to answer - maybe tomorrow this will work.  On the cell phone, we did get a call from son who has major roof damage on his house and he is the one who can't afford the deductible.  He says huge chunks of the roof are showing and the roof is only two years old.  We feel so bad for him because his truck really needs repairs.  The roof damage is all from a big hailstorm. 

Hi Larry!  There is more to do on this place than we originally thought.  One problem is that if on new piece is put in place, the surround area looks shabby.  So, we are trying to do things ourselves and now need to have some really handy man come and take charge - Don can only do simple electricity for instance.  The dishwasher is 23 years young and sounds like a diesel truck - and I do know what a diesel engine sounds like -    We found a Kitchen Aid on sale and it is supposed to be quiet.  Don is doing what he can to help our friend who lost her husband before Christmas.  She doesn't need these hassles right now with enough on her mind. 

Janet:  Please tell Beth that everyone considers her a special girl and we all pray for her health. 

Hi everyone.  We are going to have more of a fall day today.  While at coffee this morning we had a brief rain but more is expected this morning and our high today is to be 73 degrees.  I have no plans for today and am thankful for that as am very tired, despite a good nights sleep. 

Janet, sorry that Beth's healing is needing encouragement. 

Jeanne, I guess if you are stumbling over something behind you it must mean you are backing up and not going forward.  I hadn't really thought that one out before I read your comment.

Judy, the decision about the life support withdrawal is one that no person or family ever wants to have to make.  It does help when you know what the person wants in that regard but still very difficult because it means you are giving up hope. 

Carol, so sorry to hear of the additional repairs and replacement you are finding needed on your new place in Tuscon.  Also really bad news for our son with his roof.  Pat just told me she was in a state of shock as had just read in her quilting message board that Pam Bono and her husband are dead.  He apparently shot her and then killed himself and the dog.  Apparently their assistant in the quilting business found them on Sept 21st. 

Larry, I can imagine that Pat would be in a state of stock.  The news of the deaths would be bad enough, but to then have that explanation of how it happened must be devastating to anyone who knew them.

When I got up at 4:30 this morning, the wind was howling, but, praise the Lord, it's just breezy now, and cool but not cold.  It is October, so we can expect changes in the weather toward colder nights, especially.  Indian Summer is my favorite season! 

So sad about the needed decision to withdraw life support.  That's never an easy one, for sure.

Carol, it seems you and Don are always having home repair problems!  Sorry.  It would be nice if you could just relax instead of fixing stuff.

Larry, hope your strength and energy return by morning!  Blessings to you.  Sad about the couple...and the dog.  I always wonder WHY?  Also, why couldn't he have started with himself, and left the others alive?

I may attempt posting more pictures later, I am feeling sleepy right now.

Hi everyone.  We woke up to a much cooler morning and it was only 51 degrees when I returned from coffee a little while ago.  Tonight it is to get to 38 or 39 degrees.  I am feeling much less exhausted today than I have the last couple of days so looking forward to a nice weekend.  I have nothing on the schedule for today and just church tomorrow.  I will be watching some football today. 

Awoke to the cell phone ringing in the kitchen where it was charging - Lowe's called at 6:37 am to tell me that they will be here this morning - later.  We did have time for a refreshing walk and a bowl of cereal with chocolate bits in it.  That does wonders!

Thank you for devotions with all of the emphasis today on grace given freely to each of us.

Larry:  I don't know the name of Pam Bono but will look it up.  A really faithful friend in bible study lost her daughter and two grandchildren (the entire family) when the son-in-law shot all including himself.  This was in California and apparently over the loss of money.  My friend is such an inspiration - she is now helping another member of our group through the suicide of her very close granddaughter last year.  Peace be with all in the family you mentioned. 

Janet:  This place in AZ is 23 years young - that is young in my opinion but the heat takes a toll - there is no way it would be easy to live here in summertime.  We left when it hit 107 last spring.  We bought this little fixer-upper because Don does like to do some repairs and it was a deal as they say.  As to the sad story from Larry, I too ask why would anyone even think of taking another life just because they are despondent? 


 

We have been without hydro since 9:00 last night  till 1:00 this afternoon.  The house is finally warming up and I have been able to get online for the last updates on Jeff. 

Please check Prayer and Praise.

Hi, friends,

I've been out and about today. Made additional purchases for my sister in law's apartment. A lady is to help me on Monday to get things in "apple-pie-order".  Won't it be nice for her to arrive in her newly set up apartment without the stresses of doing the work! It makes me smile to think of that moment.

I also got a bit of fresh fruit for me, and stopped by McDonalds to get that Premium Chicken McWrap - grilled chicken with a salad rolled in a tortilla. Yummy. Now, I don't need to cook supper.

It's so interesting to hear of each person's activities. We're actually a pretty lively bunch.

Y'all have a good evening with our Lord.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  For the first time since last spring we had to turn the furnace on this morning as it was down to 67 in the house and 42 degrees outside.  It is only to go to 63 today but will warm up starting tomorrow to more normal temps.  I had a much less tired day yesterday, for which I am grateful.  We will be going to church this World Communion Sunday and it is a joint service.  I hope to listen to most of Don's classical music program this afternoon and then around 4:30 watch the Falcon's play the NY Giants. 

Carol, several years Pat attended a quilting retreat in the North Georgia mountains and Pam Bono was the featured speaker and her husband had designed a number of rulers and products.  Pat has belonged to her on-line club this last year but this was the last month of her subscription.  Pat also watched a lot of her videos that were online.  Pat also likes Bonnie Hunter and had a class with her at the retreat.  Some families have to endure such terrible tragedies and suicide usually leaves few answers. 

Ruth Ann, I hope your SIL will appreciate all the effort you have put into your act of love for her in setting up the apartment and will be able to enjoy it a long, long time. 

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