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Morning Devotional...





How often do you want to "get even?"

The Lord despises double standards of every kind.

Proverbs 20:10 NLT

Never pay back evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible. Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. For it is written, "I will take vengeance; I will repay those who deserve it," says the Lord.
Romans 12:17-19 NLT

Don't say, "I will get even for this wrong." Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.
Proverbs 20:22 NLT


God's measure



How often do we see the evil around us and pray for God's justice? We wonder, Why does God allow this evil to go on! This kind of thinking leads to two of the most common double standards: (1) judging others more harshly than we judge ourselves, and (2) believing God should judge others but remain lenient with us.

The Lord despises double standards because they elevate one person at the expense of others. These man-made standards also lack the mercy of God.

In our cry for fairness, we should not forget the frightening consequences of justice. As sinners, God could justly destroy each of us today for missing the mark of perfection. When we remember that God's patience and mercy block his judgment towards us, we will more likely show others patience and mercy.

WISE WAYS  Before you rush to judge another person, ask yourself whether you would be able to endure the same standard.

Back to the question, "How often do you want to "get even?""  Ever feel like you are loosing the battle with forgiveness?

Losing

Oops!  It appears I posted too soon.  Hope at least Larry and Chrisle will read the post I did a few minutes ago.

Sorry Janet.  YOu could copy and paste it into today's thoughts.  Go to Modify ccopy what you wrote and then repost on today's ..I would have been done before you posted if my puter didn't have a mind of its own!

I got a call this morning from my friend who passed away in Mexico's sister, Carole.  She is wanting to have a 'Celebration of Life' for Rex January 26th in Lapel.  She said she just couldn't wait until spring so it will be this January. 

Church was great and Sunday School was great.  Five of us ladies went to Applebee's for lunch and then home.  I know Ivalou needed a nap and I got a much needed nap also! 

Then TV for the evening.

Today I am doing some laundry while watching the sun shine. 

Then when I take Ivalou's mail to her, I want to start her car to make sure it still goes!  It hasn't been started for about a month!

We returned from visiting a cousin late yesterday.  My back is still "out" but better and I did take a walk.  This is something I rarely experience.  Tomorrow is knitting group and I am still working on a long sweater - this is now the 2nd. year of it so you can imagine how much this interests me. 

Concerns about friend's health and other things - let go, let God! 

Take care. 

Just a short note tonight to ask for prayers for Darrel, as we go to Amarillo tomorrow to see about his heart.  God bless you all!

Carol, prayers for you.  I know it is difficult to have back issues when you are used to feeling good all the time (Most,anyway) so I will be praying for you.

Bonnie A sent me the most beautiful email..

Good morning folks!  This is the day that the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it!

John spent the evening and night in Montreal.  The temperatures were way down last night, however during the night things got better and it is considerably warmer today. We had a lot of wind here as well as cold.  I do believe that brought in the warmer weather.  Not enough for a melting of the snow, but enough to use less wood in the furnace.

I watched a western last night, it was a long one about moving hundreds of horses from Oregon to Montana.  I was most interested in the end credits.  It was a true story about a family, in Montana's history, back in the early 1900"s.  Names were changed, but the facts were kept to the truth.  "Broken Road" was the name, I am wondering if there is a book written about it. I wouldn't have a clue who the author would be though.

Time to sing!

Please check Prayer and Praise, There are new prayer requests there.

Hi everyone.  This has turned out to be an interesting day for us.  Pat had a 10 am appointment in Atlanta with the Orthopedic doctor about her knee. After talking with her and looking at a recent x-ray he wanted an x-ray of her hip, which they did.  It is the hip that needs to be replaced and that is scheduled for February 25th.  We will have to go down for a pre-op appointment on February 12th.  He said the knee looks pretty good and the hip replacement may solve the problem with him.  When we left the doctor's office we called Stacey and she met us at a nearby dining place and we all had lunch.  We are celebrating her birthday early this year but if she feels up to it and the weather is OK we will bring her out around January 31st, her actual birthday for an overnight visit and a little further celebration.  We had a good trip down and back from Atlanta and I had a nice nap when we got home for an hour or so.

Judy, I think I forgot to express my appreciation for the devotional thoughts for this week.  Thank you.  I tried to find if there was a book by the title of that movie but had no lunch searching.

Larry it certainly sounds as though your day was full!  Good that the doctor found that the real trouble for Pat is her hip, not her knee, before the wrong procedure was done!  So nice that you could meet with Stacey for lunch and celebrate her birthday early.  I hope things will work out for her actual birthday.   

Some of our snow has started to melt and it looks as though most of it will be gone by the end of the week.  Temperatures for the next few days are expected to be in the mid to upper 30's!!!

It has been a long time since I was last here but here I am saying hello to everyone.

I went to the chiro. earlier this afternoon to have my bones put in place for another month.

Dinner is in the oven so I had better go and check it out, cannelloni and butternut squash.

Busy day today.  Haircuts, lunch, Big Lots, home and me back to Noblesville to the pool.   I got something to eat at Arby's and home again.  Trash is out for tomorrow pick-up! 

I went to Ivalou's to get her trash and she had fallen asleep in the chair.  She said she was tired and decided to sit down and rest awhile and fell asleep.  The TV wasn't even on!! 

Now I am in and nothing to do tomorrow! 

Yay!!

It was in the 40's today so quite a bit of snow has melted.  I still have drifts in the yard but I can get to the garage and the mailbox without walking on snow now!  My red car is in a badly need of a wash job!  Red on top and gradients down to brown!!

Hi Everyone...

I got to Winchester at about 3 pm yesterday afternoon.  I had a terrible trip down with snow, freezing rain and rain and ice and muck from I-90 in Buffalo all the way south to Ridgeway, PA.  What usually takes just over 4 hours to drive took me 10 hours so I stopped at a Super 8 motel in Clairfield, PA to sleep for the night.  I'm so happy I did.  Then yesterday, I had a leisurely drive further south to here.

Glad you stopped Pat.  Better safe than sorry.

Larry the movie was Broken Trails, my mistake.  I love history put to film. 

Let us meditate on what all Christ has done for us as we prepare for the night!

Pat, it is great to hear from you and know you are safe and sound in Wincester.  You certainly chose the worst kind of weather for your drive.  Are you and Paul still planning on going to Florida to visit some of his family?

We are leaving on Thursday morning early, Jeanne, for Daytona. 

Good to know, Pat.  I'll keep you on top of the list for travel mercies!     By the way, how is the shoulder?

Thanks for asking Jeanne.  It's going to take awhile till my arm is all healed.  But I can knit and drive!

And post and take pictures?   

Good morning!  We are back home again, after our trip to the Cardiologist in Amarillo.  Darrel had another nuclear stress test, but they didn't give us the results.  They will call later in the week (I hope) and tell us what was found.  Then, if he needs further attention, we will return on Jan. 24; if all is well, they will cancel that appointment and give us one in six months.  I hope we don't have to go back (for that) until July.  Darrel is feeling fine now and I am so thankful--so is he, of course!

After leaving the doctor's office, he felt pretty good, so we did go shopping for a while.  I got FOUR new pairs of pants, four bras and some new underwear, so I'm all fixed up for clothes again.  And everything we bought was on sale!    What a deal, huh?  Oh, yes!  I also got a new dictionary, something I have been wanting for nearly two years!  I'm a happy wife today!    It amazes me how God can keep on developing our relationships when we cooperate with Him.  He wants us to grow closer and closer to Him and to our loved ones, all through life.  What a wonderful God we serve!

Larry, glad your trip to Atlanta was good, and that they found the real source of Pat's trouble.  Also that Stacey is better and you could celebrate her birthday with her.  How old is she?

Pat, I wish you didn't have to do all that driving.  Goodness!  I cannot imagine doing that, especially alone.  Love and miss you, dear friend.

Jeanne, glad your snow is melting.  Ours is mostly gone now, and we are ready for more!  They are predicting rain this week, which is even better!

Etta Sue, sounds as if you had a busy day--but then, you often do!

We had hoped to have at least a short visit with Darrel's sister while in Amarillo, but when I called to ask if they could meet us for supper, she was "flat in bed" she said, with a cold.  Maybe next time.

On the way to Amarillo, after the sun came up, I started interviewing Darrel.  I learned a couple things I didn't know before!  This is such a rewarding "job" and I am really enjoying it.  And I think it will be very meaningful to the families of those I am writing about, as nearly everybody intends to do something similar with their older loved ones, and so few ever get it done.  So at least they will have the stories I am writing to keep for their descendants.  I don't know when I will finish Darrel's, but at least I got it started.  I intend his to be much more in-depth, as it is mostly for me, anyway.  If I have it published in the paper later, I will shorten it for that.  But for the book I am thinking of, it will be full length.  One little thing he said, when I asked him what advice he would offer to younger folk, was "Treat your woman with respect."     I like that--a lot!

Darrel is up and dressed for the gym, so I'd better go get dressed, too.  See you later!

Janet, what a lovely upbeat message from you this morning!  I'm so happy that Darrel is feeling so much better, and that obviously gives your spirits a real lift!  Of course, new clothes help. too!   

The temperature went down to about 5 (above, thank goodness) overnight and is slowly climbing - maybe even above freezing later this afternoon.   Oh well, spring weather is only another 7 or 8 weeks away.     (Sounds like less using "weeks" rather than "2 months".  )

Ahhhhh finally the furnace is going,  will be warm soon.  Jeanne we will be having warmer temperatures this week as well.

Out in Sashatchewan the highway between Regina and Moose Jaw was closed last night due to accidents and blowing snow.  Many were stranded in Regina, sleeping on mats on the floor in the bus station.  Not an easy time.

Wr have so much to be thankful for.  so much God has done for us, first in giving His Son..

In Facebook 2 of us are starting to persue an attitude of gratitude to our Father who gives to all generously.  This hymn is to carry that theme on here in Thoughts.  What have you to be greatful for?

A beautiful hymn, Judy.  And the most important line (IMO) is the last one "If we let God have his way."  How often I find I'm trying to manipulate things as I think they should be. 

Waiting again for the heat pump guy!  I had heat yesterday afternoon while I was gathering the trash.  Then last night it got cold (to me) again.  I check and no heat coming from the unit.  It has two indicator lights...if two are blinking, then it is approaching the designated set temperature.  If one is blinking, then it has reached the designated set temperature and is on standby!  It was blinking one.  The temp was set at 74° and the thermometer right below this unit said 69°!  That's for the furnace and I am not going to raise the temp for the furnace above 69°.  I turned off the heat pump and waited about 5 minutes.  I turned it back on and raised the temp to 80 something...never got two lights blinking...just one blinking and cool air coming out!  So I shut it off.

The heat pump man says that even if it is 40 something out, the outside unit will still ice up and he still thinks I need a heating element installed under the heat pump at the cost of $125 plus labor to me.  It didn't do this last year or the year before or the year before that!!!  I am thinking that the problem should be fixed instead of a device that is costly to me to fix that problem!  I just tried it again and not working right and it is mid forties out there!!

Not much news today.  Just trying to keep warm and comfy!  I can't imagine living way north like JudyB with a coal/wood furnace!  I remember the old days when the whole family surrounded the heating stove to keep warm!

AMEN, Judy!

Hi everyone.  Another day fast fading.  I was gone all morning, first to coffee and then to Bible study.  Today, even though Pat wasn't with me as she didn't go this morning to Bible study, I went with the group over to Dunkin' Donuts.  One of the group who now resides permanently at an assisted living facility was there and then as we got to coffee my good friends Bob and Mary came in.  He is the one who moved up north and has the prostate and bone cancer.  I was glad I had gone to coffee as had a chance to visit with him.  We have a wintry looking day but the temperature is mild, which is enjoyable.  Pat talked with her sister last evening and her sister is going to come and spend a couple of weeks with us when Pat has her surgery.  I hope we have talked her into flying as it is over a 20 hour bus ride from Kansas City to Atlanta.  It takes only two hours to fly plus the time getting to and at the airport.  She is Pat's only living sister and they are very close.  Nothing else on the schedule for today other than to read the message boards since yesterday.

Ruth, nice to see your posting. 

Etta Sue, guess you can enjoy a two-tone car for awhile.  It is hard to keep cars clean when you have to drive in melting snow.

Pat, that sounds like a nightmare trip for you.  Glad you stopped to rest and had a better second leg of your trip.  Hope you and Paul have a great trip to Daytona.

Janet, glad you are home.  The last nuclear stress test I had last year was much easier than the one before it as didn't experience the momentary sick feeling from the dye.  Fortunately my cardiologist was at the hospital and got the result of mine immediately so I didn't have to wait for results.  Can't beat sales for clothes.  My sister-in-law found a real bargain of $30 little girls dresses for one of her great granddaughters that had been marked down to $2 each.  She said she bought 8 of them for less than $20.  She is really a good shopper and loves to shop. Stacey will be 48 on January 31st.  Our son will be 50 at his next birthday.  My mother wrote a very fine story of her life that I treasure and also wrote one on Dad's life.  I was amazed at the details she remember from her youth and friendships over the years.  I like Darrel's philosophy regarding the women in our lives and I agree 100% with him.  My wife and I have never been disrespectful to each other in these 50 years of marriage.

Judy, that has been a hymn I have sung all of my life and it is a good reminder of what God does for us.

Etta Sue, we had a heat pump in Maryland and it would ice up plus I never felt warm with it.  We have a heat pump for the bonus room over the garage and when Stacey was living here it froze up one day.  Now we keep it off as no one goes up there.  I also can remember days growing up when we hovered around the one heating stove we had for the house and we would shut off the bedrooms to keep the rest of the house warmer.  Guess I was fortunate in that I slept on a daybed in the living area until I was 19 and Dad added two rooms and a garage onto the house and I had my own bedroom at last. 

Larry, did you happen to go back to last week's thoughts and read my explanation/correction about the war funding?  I hope you did.  Thanks.

Quote from: JudyB on January 08, 2013, 10:32:15 AM

Wonderful Grace of Jesus
(Click to hear music)

"The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you."
Romans 16:20


Words and music by Haldor Lillenas


Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Greater than all my sin;
How shall my tongue describe it,
Where shall its praise begin?
Taking away my burden,
Setting my spirit free;
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.


Refrain
Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,
Deeper than the mighty rolling sea;
Wonderful grace, all sufficient for me, for even me.
Broader than the scope of my transgressions,
Greater far than all my sin and shame,
O magnify the precious Name of Jesus.
Praise His Name!


Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Reaching to all the lost,
By it I have been pardoned,
Saved to the uttermost,
Chains have been torn asunder,
Giving me liberty;
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.


Refrain


Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Reaching the most defiled,
By its transforming power,
Making him God's dear child,
Purchasing peace and heaven,
For all eternity;
And the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.


Refrain

JudyB, I just have to mention that my mom really loves this song. She used to sing in a choir and this was one of the pieces they just kept on practicing. Thank you very much for sharing!

Now I am waiting on a sensor for the heat pump.  Something about the sensor quit working to tell the unit the temperature outside.  So I am back to the furnace.  Funny, I didn't turn up the furnace and last night I got too hot in bed and took off the extra blanket I had on it.  So I am thinking the heat pump was cooling the air inside instead of heating it!  I am super comfortable with just the furnace and the fireplace going but...$$$$ for propane!

I also checked and I bought this heat pump/AC June 5, 2009.  I remember one winter, it didn't work for about 2 months because of a leak of freon.  Now this year!

Today is my class lunch at Golden Corral.  So I can't tarry.  Must get a face on and head out the door! 

Our snow is melting but there is still a lot on the ground.  I think my drive way is finally snow free again though!  I would like to get Hawaii washed but it is predicting rain this afternoon.  I guess if it isn't raining, I will get her washed...if it is raining, I might just get a free wash job!   

Hi everyone.  When I got up this morning I thought I would have a quiet day as didn't have anything on the calendar but have ended up with a very busy morning.  I got a haircut and then stopped at the grocery store for several items and then at the drug store for an item they had on sale.  I will have a much slower afternoon, including a rest period. 

Janet, yes I did read your explanation about the war funding.  The bankers will always go where the chance to profit is available.  It makes one wonder who is really pulling the strings on all of the conflicts in the world.

Etta Sue, we are having a bit of a warm spell down here.  Yesterday it go into the low 60s and more of the same today.  Both days have been overcast but that is typical of the winter days.  We have a slight chance for some showers today.  I always like going to the Golden Corral as there are so many choices and the food is always good.  We have a couple of them fairly close by to us. 

Appears to be  nice day. At least the sun is out but looks like there is some wind.  Will venture out later to go for a little walk. It was really beautiful yesterday! Took the opportunity to go get groceries. It was very much needed as we haven't had a grocery order for about one and one half months.  Just purchased eggs and what sale items they have  had on in our local store. Much too expensive here in our town.  We usually go to Saint John or St. Stephen to shop.  Yesterday we chose St.Stephen as there were a few things across the border that we needed. I still do a few cake orders so I needed some spare cake boxes. They were out of the size I wanted so that means another trip back to Wal Mart in another month or so. While over we also gassed up. Yeah for cross border shopping!
Janet I looked into getting the book. Now I have to have an order number from the U.S post office to have items delivered to our delivery place in  Calais,ME. The store wasn't opened when we were there so I will drop the form for the number off next time over.  It always costs us less to have whatever we buy online shipped as far as Calais and then pay the taxes at the border ourselves.

I agree with jibee.  "Wonderful Grace of Jesus" is a beautiful song.  We used to sing often in church. With the change of pastors things change and it seems they bring new ones and forget the older songs and hymns.  It seems a shame as some of the older songs have so much feeling and depth to them.

Larry, it was nice to read that you have an enjoyable visit with friends at the coffee shop.

Etta Sue....keep warm!

God bless you all and may he keep you safe as you walk with him today.

jibee  That is one our youth group loved to sing with all the parts incorporated.  I loved to request it when there was a request time for hymns. The fact that you know it is something to be thankful for!

Etta Sue you were warm!  That is something to be thankful for!

Larry you are having warm days!  That is something to be thankful for!

Chrisle you live near the border, and can take advantage of the US deals!  That is something to be thankful for!

No I am not a Polly Anna, I am looking at ways we can show an attitude of Grattitude to our Heavenly Father for what He is doing in our lives....Join me as you go through your day!

The sun is shining and the temperature is above freezing!  Not the norm for January, but very enjoyable.

My #1 son and his wife sent me a gift debit card for Christmas and I've finally made a couple of online purchases with it.  I ordered a battery charger and extra battery for the camera my daughter and son-in-law gave me, and a bathroom scale.  Items I don't really need, and wouldn't ever try to stretch my regular budget for them.  But isn't that what gifts are supposed to be - things you want but don't need?     And with free shipping I don't need to us my gas to go shopping. 

The camera came with a battery but the battery could only be charged in-camera - the latest thing, I guess.  But I want to always have a spare battery available, so now that will be taken care of. 

My bathroom scale bit the dust a couple of months ago.  It had been drenched in a water leak and at first I thought I had salvaged it.   But even though all the water seemed to be out of it the insides must have still been wet and got rusty, and after a couple of weeks it just "froze" completely.   Now I'll be able to keep track of my weight. 

And yes, Judy, that's MUCH to be thankful for!  He not only supplies my needs, but my wants as well.   

Amen Jeanne!

Many of us feel this way...............

Help, O Lord, for the godly are fast disappearing! The faithful have vanished from the earth!

Neighbors lie to each other, speaking with flattering lips and insincere hearts.

May the Lord bring their flattery to an end and silence their proud tongues...

Lord, we know you will protect the oppressed, preserving them forever from this lying generation, even though the wicked strut about, and even is praised throughout the land.

Psalm 12:1-3, 7-8 NLT

Judy, I try  to live in an attitude of gratitude, but it helps to be reminded sometimes.  This year, I am trying to complain less...even though there is MUCH to complain about!  (Government, etc.)  But complaining doesn't help--prayer does!

Beth has another terrible headache today.  She seems to be getting them almost every day now.  She looked like someone had hit her in the head with a baseball bat---just sort of stunned, and her color is bad today.  Sigh.....

I am sore from top to toe!  Yesterday, Kristin had me work out my arms, and today it was my legs.  Ouch!  But so good for me.  I did intervals today, and my top heart rate was 151.  Whew!  Darrel had to just walk and take it easy.  Even so, he broke into a sweat, which he usually doesn't do even when walking fast(er).  Still no phone call from Amarillo.

We had rain last night!     Wonderful!  And it has been cloudy and overcast all day today.  Prediction for dangerously high winds tomorrow, though, and I do not like the wind!  (No complaining, huh?    sorry.)

I see our new restaurant is to be opening for breakfast starting January 15!  People have been wondering and waiting....

Later, Kids!

Thank you, Judy and jibee, for sharing those wonderful hymns.  Judy, I am glad to have a partner in my quest to approach life as the Lord would want me to, with an attitude of gratitude.  In the same vein, I am glad to walk with you on your journey to do the same.

Pat, I am glad you stopped for the night instead of continuing what sounds like both a treacherous and a dangerous drive. 

Sorry I have not been on in recent months, but I am glad to pop in now and again.  I will continue to pray for issues as they arise on here and on Facebook. 

Bonnie

    Well thought I would say Hi to everyone.

Got home this afternoon which may seem early, however I was out for a 9 day stretch this time. So it was time to come home and check out the home front. Dogs didn't bark at me so that was a good sign. They hadn't forgotten me yet. Had quite a tour this trip time and if you are interested in following my tour you will probably have to get out an atlas. It started North Bay ON to Rouyn Noranda PQ. Then Kapuskasing ON and on to Thunder Bay and then south to Princeton MN. From Princeton to Cloquet MN and back through to North Bay, Montreal PQ and then on to Quebec City PQ. From Quebec City to Windsor PQ back Montreal and back to Rouyn Noranda and then south to North Bay and Toronto and back to North Bay to finish for the weekend. Phew everyone tired yet LOL. All in the life of a trucker. Looking forward to a few days with my sweetie before I hit the trail again.
I am thankful that God has provided me with steady work in these times of uncertainty for so many. Also very thankful they He is my pilot and allows me along for the ride as the co-pilot. With Him in charge I feel much safer on the road in all the changing weather conditions that we in the north contend with. When I was travelling from Kapuskasing to Thunder Bay the majority of the miles was on snow pack roads which is common up here in the north. However I know He looks after me and His will be done. I have peace with that.
We need to be thankful for what we have and not covet what is someone else has. I was at one time one of those who had to keep up with others and what they had but have learned to be content with what I have and let others have their things and whatever issues go with it.
Thank You Lord for providing for our needs. Let us be grateful. I got to go now> will check back in later this weekend. Bonsey

Hi John. So nice to hear from you.  Yes, I am tired out after reading about your 9 day trip.  So thankful that you and Judy have each other, and that you have a shared love of the Lord. 

Bonnie

Bonesy, I hope you're getting some needed rest at home before you start on your next whirlwind journey.  It's great to hear from you whenever you have a chance.  Please know that prayers for your safe travels go with you at all times- often in the wee small hours of the morning when sleep eludes me. 

We are heading out today to get odds and ends done, then home hopefully early.  We have dogs that scratch the door to come in.  In doing so they have removed the weather stripping from the bottom half of the door.  Yesterday was mild enough that we thought we would get new weather stripping, in preparation for the next cold spell.......it is coming!  I am hopeful we will get that accomplished today.

WE are having Ruth V and her husband over for lunch on Sunday after church.  We are looking forward to that, Ruth is skilled with computers and John is having a problem with his.  I will try to get some pictures of us while they are here and post them for you alll to see!

Heather is in college now, boy I miss her.  As you think about our friends here at CP heep her in your prayers.  This is a new venture, it is a 3 year course then she would like to go on to university.  I am so thankful that she has a good Bible believing church just around the corner from where she lives, she is being fed spiritually as well as academically.

Got to run, John is ready to go and I need to eat!

Hi everyone. We have a very warm and damp morning and it apparently rained a little during the night.  We had a nice group of men at coffee this morning and today is my ROMEO's luncheon at 11:30 and no other plans for the day except a quick trip into Walmart when I finish lunch to pick up some ground pork for Pat to make her sausage.  Neither Pat nor I are feeling very perky today.  Think I must be going through another of the tired periods I have occasionally.  This too will pass.  I fixed some breakfast for Pat and by the time I finished I could hardly hold my head up and it wasn't that much work but please don't be concerned as this happens to me when I get very tired.

Chrisle, it must be interesting to be able to shop in two countires.  Do you have any trouble in crossing the border?

Judy, there is always something we can find to be grateful for if we try, even if it is just that our eyes are open today.  We need the not so good days to help us appreciate more the really good ones.  I got the email about the hymn and will get it put together as soon as I can.  It sounds like Heather is getting settled in and hope she will love the college work.

Jeanne, glad you used your gift card for some items outside your normal budget.  That is why I always enjoyed getting money as a gift from my folks as I didn't have to justify in my mind spending it as coming out of the household budget.

Janet, so sorry to hear of Beth's bad headache.  Pat just talked with Stacey and she has had a terrible headache for three days.  Hope you escape the high winds.

John, glad to see you made it home safely.  I have never heard of most of those places you had to haul to during your trip.  Glad the dogs remembered you. 

Hello everyone, Sorry that I have been a stranger lately, however I have been here reading every day just didn't have anything to say. It looks like the weather is clearing up there is sun coming in my window. I have been trying to get the dogs walked every day between the rain showers. it is still pretty cold, but if I bundle up real good I think I can get that done today. We will be going out for supper this evening  where we go every Friday night to have dinner with some of Keith's high school graduating class and their wives. There are usually 5-7 couples, The waiter always has our water or tea already on the table when we get there and he knows what each of us will order. Keith and I always split the Macho Chicken Burrito.

All is well here at my house, I keep telling Keith he better get the flu shot before he catches it, because with my compromised lungs I do not want the flu or even a mild ace of it. I've had my shot last October.

Janet I am sorry to hear that Beth is not doing well, I will continue to pray for her.

Etta sue we are looking at getting a gas line to the house and adding  two gas heaters one in the living room and one down the hall in the entry to the Master Bedroom, there id already a gas line that  comes as far as our front yard, we just need to have it run to the house from there. With this house being all electric the bill gets pretty high in the colder months.

I was out for my usual walk. Well, not really walking more like plodding through knee deep snow! I got some exercise and fresh air so the purpose was fulfilled. Also dropped off some apple peelings for the deer or the crows or whoever finds them first.

Judy, I have so much to be thankful for.  Sometimes the little things are forgotten. Thanks for the reminder!

Larry, it is a privilege to be able to shop in both countries.  We live about 30 miles from the border. They ask more questions now and we do have to have a passport since 911. But  we don't have any problems with our coming and going. If there is, then it is entering back to Canada! Once in awhile they do spot checks.  We have managed to miss them for quite some time now. 

Working on a cross stitch so I will get a little more done on that before super. It is just a small project so it won't take long and I should finish it up this evening. I am doing flowers in the corner of a warming cover for bread rolls. By the picture this warming cover is supposed to fit into a basket for presentation. Hmmm I will see about that when I get it finished. It just might end up being something else! 

Short note but I wanted to say hello to everyone.

May you find joy and harmony in your day.
God bless!

John, so good to have a newsy post from you.  I have a question:  What is PQ?  I never saw that before.  I wouldn't want your job for all the snow in Canada!  Nor for money, either!  But I am very glad you and others like you do that job!  Thank you!  And stay safe, please.

Larry, we didn't escape the wind--we have winds of 55 MPH today, gusting to 70 MPH.  Ugh.  I'm not going out again today if I can get out of it!

It is warmer here, though--up to 61 last time I looked.  So between that and the wind, our snow will be gone for sure.  The mud looked like it had dried up a lot overnight already.

Marilyn,thanks for your thoughts for Beth.  I do hope both she and Stacey can stop having those awful headaches!

I need to go switch the laundry!

We have much to be thankful for.  The governments in both countries need to tighten their belts and in doing so we the people will suffer.  However we cannot keep going on the way we are.  If we ran our households the way the government runs theirs.......we would be bankrupt.  To avoid that the first thing to be cut back would be our childrens exorbatant allowances.  Yes they will scream but they would scream more if they had no home or food!  OK off my soap box!!!

We have a rainy day.  This is our January thaw.  Sidewalks are slippery and the roads are wet.  The higher temperatures are wonderful.  We don't use as much wood on days like this!

This is the day (with all its joys and heartaches) that the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Janet PQ is Province of Quebec...

Wow!  What a difference a few days make!  It is 56° outside at my house!  I just got back from taking Ivalou to the bank and the drug store.  While out we ate at Woody's!  We saw several people without jackets!  It has been partly sunny after a night of rain.  I heard the sump pump running a few times in the night!  The snow is almost all gone and even looks like the grass is greener than it was before the snow! 

I would be happy if it didn't get colder!!

I am missing my Windows Mail service that I had on the old laptop.  I don't like this Outlook Mail at all!  I can't put pictures within the text...only as an attachment!  I can't send group mail.  I can't change colors of fonts or change fonts very much...maybe 6 different fonts that all look alike.  I can change the size but the next paragraph it is back to the tiny size.  Just don't like it at all.  I am going to see if I can find Windows Mail online and use it!  Sometimes I am smart with computers....sometimes dumb as a box of rocks! 

Good to hear from Bonesy!  And Bonnie!  And Jeanne in a nice long post!  And Marilyn!  And Chrisle!  And Janet!  And Larry!  and JudyB!

Hi, friends, both my computer and I are back in communication. The computer was in for a tuneup, and my son and I went almost to Chicago to meet up with his new co-driver. Apparently his company has had second thoughts about a solo driver, since the truck was in such bad shape they turned that truck back in to the dealership.

At any rate, I'm here and he's on the road again.

The wonderful music is AWESOME, Judy. Thanks for posting it.

I've always felt an attitude of gratitude rather than attitude of "griping" is the best one to choose.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Etta Sue I don't like Windows mail either so I downloaded Windows Live mail. It looks more like the old OE. But I haven't figured out how to put pictures within the text yet.

Hello friends!

Pat:  Glad that you are safely on your way home and now you get to drive to Daytona - will I be seeing you driving that famous race track?

Janet:  Hugs to you and Beth.  I hope they find out the cause of Beth's headaches - they must be so exhausting for the dear girl.  Praying.

I could feel the cold come in when Don was standing in the door trying to get some pictures of quail eating seed out in the yard area.  We hope they turn out alright.  We are feeling sad about a young neighbor here who has not shown up and her condo is for sale - she has been battling cancer and last year told me that there was still one tumor - she is the same age as our oldest son & such a delight to know. 

Larry:  Prayers for your Pat re:  the hip surgery.  We have heard good things about hip replacements in that the recovery is much faster than knee surgery.   Do want it to go as well as we have heard from friends.  I thought of you when we stopped by a Fry's electronic store in Phoenix.  We don't have them in CO. 

Good very early morning to you all!  I was awake literally all night; finally got up at about 4.  My painting meeting is today, hope I stay as wide awake to drive as I was all night!

Carol, good to see your post.  Where are you now?  I can't keep up with you and Pat!  Blessings to you today.

Talk to you all later!

Good (foggy) morning to all.  The snow is very slowly disappearing with the above average temperatures.  But we'll only have two or three more warm days and then we are supposed to go back into the deep freeze, so we may still be keeping some of it.   

I'll be doing some grocery shopping this afternoon while it's still mild and before more rain comes.   Not my favorite thing to do, but when I start to gripe I think of the people who have to do their "shopping" at food pantries and who don't have a warm, dry home to take the groceries home to, and who don't have working refrigerators and freezers to store them in.  Thank you Lord for taking care of me!

Well, it looks like my son Jonathan will be coming down from Olympia, Wash. to live with me somewhere near the end of March, first of April.  It'll be a lot less lonely, that's sor sure.

Al, that sounds like good news.  I think.  I get the idea you're not too sure, but are settling for at least less loneliness.  I know the Lord is in the situation and I pray you and your son will see His leading to His perfect will.

Al I am sure you will be thankful for that! Being alone all the time surely drains a person, I know that from experience.  I also start to imagine all sorts of things happening, however the Holy Spirit reminds me I am cared for by the Father.

We have a full day planned today.  Delivering all sorts of "Stuff" to our kids This is gradually emptying our house of what we have no use for and they can store their own "stuff". It is amazing how much room we have as a result!

Jeanne we too are having a mild patch, a January thaw.  This for us is often a forerunner of a deep freeze that seems to last forever.  I am just thankful we still have lots of wood to burn and to keep warm!

Gotta run have to go with John and pick his truck up.  There is a water problem, he looses coolant, however the dealer can't find out where the loss is originating.  So another week on the road monitoring it and see if it shows anything.  It is amazing the bells and whistles he has with this truck, and all at fingertip reach.  ahe pushes a button on the steering wheel and finds out where all the fluid levels are.  If the water is down he knows instantly.  KNowing there is a problem he carries extra and checks the water level every stop. 

Well I have to go.  Look for ways God has blessed you this day!

Hi everyone on a nice warm winter morning.  It was 61 degrees when I went to coffee at 8 this morning but now is 57 degrees.  Not much on the schedule for today other than watching some football this afternoon and evening. I did finish the Lincoln book.  I had thought there were about 1200 pages to read but found the last 300+ pages were footnotes of where the author had obtained the information incorporated in the book and I didn't need to read these. 

Late yesterday afternoon we made the final decision and ordered the Lifeline service for Stacey.  We went with the more expensive service that would activate were she to become unconscious.  I learned it is waterproof.  Between her heart condition and the diabetes plus a number of other problems she has I wasn't comfortable with just the type where she would have to push the button to summons help.  That would work in case of a fall but not if she were to be unconscious.  She should get it the first of the week and she has a friend who will help her set it up who has done this for others so I won't have to made the trip down to her place to set it up for her.

Marilyn, nice you have the Friday night dining group.  You sound like me in usually ordering the same thing each time.  Pat is now talking like she will get a flu shot whereas she hasn't in years past.  She doesn't want it get sick at the time she has her hip surgery. 

Chrisle, your walk sounds like it was very difficult slogging through the snow.  Glad you have no problem going back and forth from Canada to the US.

Janet, that is pretty severe wind you encountered yesterday.  It would be hard to keep a car on the road or a person upright with a 70 mph wind.  Stacey did get rid of her headache yesterday but her heart must have been racing as she called Pat three or four times and then later in the afternoon talked with me three or four times, which is unusual.  Of course, we were talking about the Lifeline.  Hope Beth was feeling better yesterday.  Maybe it is a letdown from John leaving. Maybe you can paint with your eyes shut today since you weren't able to sleep last night.  I know this isn't a joking matter.

Judy, I detect on will on the part of our government to cut back on the spending.  We have seen our local government do some cutting as they must stay within their revenues each year. 

Etta Sue, it sounds like you need to consider Gmail as you can do all of those things you want.

Ruth Ann, that is quite a drive going almost to Chicago.  Was it a leased vehicle that was in bad shape?

Carol, I seldom go to Fry's anymore as the store is just too big and my stamina is too low.  I have inquired about the need for electric carts but they don't have them and apparently won't get them.  So sad about your neighbor.   

Jeanne, you make a good point about our blessings in being able to shop in the food markets and having a warm home. 

Al, wonderful news that you will have your son living with you in a few weeks. 

Judy, I didn't know trucks were so sophisticated as being able to monitor the water levels. 

Good morning, the sun is shining today it looks like the weather report might be right for a change, It is supposed to be sunny all week.

Al I am glad to hear that your son will be coming to live with you and take care of you. Have you given any thought to getting caregiver, Maybe you could call  I am positive that you are eligible for some one to come out a few hours a day or a few days per week to clean, do laundry and cook for you. The kind of things I did for my clients. The phone number for IHSS In Home Supportive services if 707 476-2100, they will send out someone to interview you.

Larry, I do have gmail...you have to have a gmail account with Droid.  But only a
few people know what it is.  When I think of all the insurances/businesses etc. that I need to change the email address, I would rather keep embarqmail and using Outlook Mail than change...as of right now!  Some day, I will change...I don't usually put things off but this one I am.

Marilyn, I did LIKE Windows Mail...not Outlook Mail which is what I am using now.  I did find out yesterday how to send out an email to a group..on Outlook Mail and on Century Link websites...not the email app on Windows 8.  I did research and found out you can put Windows Mail on Windows 8 but it takes a lot to do it...not doing that! I don't think I have used Windows Live Mail. 

Well, it is already 59° in Indiana and was foggy and rainy.  We are in a Flood Watch but so far so good!  I think the weather guessers said 60+° tomorrow and then drop to freezing the rest of the week!  Good ol' flu weather!!

JudyB:  I only remember the one verse from the latest song - it has been a long time since hearing the entire song.  Thank you.  I do remember the beginning of the refrain.  It is always good to give thanks. 

Al:  Great news that one son is coming to be with you for some time and I pray it will be an enjoyable time for both of you. 

Janet:  We are still in AZ - and no one is visiting this week because of the very cold weather.  I am just finishing a table runner for a cousin's wife.   Thinking of Beth - is she any better this week? 

Larry:  All of these huge stores are becoming an entirely too difficult to manuever and just "find" what we are looking for these days.  Your mind will rest easier now that you have helped Stacey with the medical alert.  Blessings for her.  Broncos are tied right now.  Update - now ahead but 8 minutes to go.  Ahhhhhh

Our single son skyped us and said he had a crockpot going today with chicken and sweet potatoes in it.   It sounds interesting. 

I have a roast half cooked on the stove, it wll go nto the fridge when t is cool and back into the oven in the morning so that it is ready for lunch time company.

We were out today and I had the opportunity to go on Tim Horton's high speed Wifi.  What fun I was able to see and do much more than I ever could with dial up.

Everyone have a great evening/night.  Rest in the Lord. 

This ia J" night.  Still awake while John sleeps.  Hope others are having a better rest!

I thought I was going to have a 'J' night with the rain and the sump pump running and it being warmer in here but I got an oscillating fan from the front bedroom, put it in my bedroom and with the fan going, I slept like a baby!  My ceiling fan in the bedroom works but I can't get the lights to turn off with the chain.  My son says I need a light kit!  I could turn it on but need to un-screw 4 bulbs!  Getting the fan from the front bedroom was simpler!

I am all ready for church.  Ivalou and I are greeters at the back door today.  I will bring her home after church and go back to Sunday School and to eat out with the ladies.  Then Ivalou and I are to be at her granddaughter, Melissa's house this evening for a birthday dinner for her Mother and brother. 

If it keeps on raining, I will have lake front property!!

Thanks for the number,  Marilyn, but I already found out that I don't qualify for IHSS.

 Seems everyone was pretty chatty yesterday!  That's a good thing!

After a restful night's sleep, I feel like myself again!  Praise God!  If only I could find that switch to turn my mind off, I would sleep so much better.  (And yes, I do pray!)  I am not worrying about anything, but my mind just keeps humming...about all sorts of things.

Al, I pray you and your son will enjoy each other's company, and this will be an arrangement that will bless both of you.  How many kids do you have?  Please stay in touch.

I made it to painting and home safely; and when I walked in the door Darrel told me Diane had called to say they were waiting for us.  They were having a "send-off" for Grandson Mark who is leaving today for Illinois (very close to St. Louis) to go to school for Airline Mechanics.  So we got in the car and headed for Hugoton, and had a lovely evening with kids, grandkids and great-grandkids.  They youngest one is four months old now.  They had just taken her to the doctor, and she is only in the 7th percentile in size.  Now, they didn't do all that measuring and weighing and such when my babies were small; but Curtis said that means that 93% of babies Jenna's age are larger than she.  She is healthy and strong, just tiny.  And boy!  She is never still!  Those tiny legs and arms go like a windmill, constantly!  She only weighs eleven pounds--tiny!

Larry, I do hope Stacey having the Lifeline will give you and Pat more ease about her.  I didn't know they had ones that detect unconsciousness--that's good!I'm glad you seem to know how to not let worry overwhelm you.  I am listening to James Merritt preach right now about learning how NOT to worry.  I don't usually worry much, either--at least, not for long.

Carol, I notice more and more recipes and talk about sweet potatoes lately.  I love sweet potatoes, and they are loaded with good stuff.  Nice that your son does know how to cook for himself--but he does have a wonderful cook for a Mom!
Enjoy your break from company!

Judy, I didn't even know that song had verses!  I learned it as a very young child, and I remember that the day I accepted Jesus, I went around the rest of the day singing that chorus!  I love it--thanks!

Oops!  I want to listen to Jentezen Franklin now--be back later!

Hi everyone.  It is a dreary looking morning here and only 45 degrees.  I really slept in this morning as seem to be very tired.  I think we will not try to make it to church this morning.  Nothing particularly wrong but just not energetic.  No particular plans for today other than to watch the Atlanta Falcons/Seattle Seahawks game at 1pm.  I apologize for the length of my posting yesterday and will try to be briefer today.

Etta Sue, check the settings on your current email and see if you couldn't just have any messages forwarded to your gmail account and you could leave your return address in gmail set to your current account.  I do this as don't want to use the email service of Comcast.

Judy and Carol, I sort of remember that hymn from my youth like a youth camp song.  I remember we had a little book of such songs that the young people sang from. I just looked in my music and found it.  It was called "Youth Sings, a Praise book of Hymns and Choruses.  Sure enough here is that hymn on page 100.  Anybody remember a hymn called "Altogether Lovely" by Wendell Loveless?    Carol, sorry about the Broncos. 

Judy, glad you found a wi-fi source that you can get to once-in-a-while.  Sorry you didn't sleep well last night. 

Janet, I hadn't read your posting about being chatty yesterday when I wrote the above so please don't think my comment had anything to do with your comment.    That is a small child but sounds like she is perfectly healthy.

Larry, no apology needed for a long posting--I know that I, for one, enjoy everything you write.  You are a favorite brother!

I must get ready for church.  We aren't taking Beth today.  She does feel much better, but it is bitterly cold here, and neither she nor Darrel needs to be out breathing the cold air, so she will attend the service at the home, and I will visit her later.

Must run!  Back later!

Larry I do remember that hymn!!!  We used to sing it as well.......asking a lot here can you add it?   

I did get to sleep and slept well.  Got up later than intended, however feel much better.

Other than Ruth V and her husband coming over we don't have much on.  Most of John's meals are ready I just have to add to todays lunch and we will be ready for another week.  I am so thankful that John has a refridgerator in the truck it makes meal prep and storage so muvh easier.  Also saves on the cost of buying over the road.  If he had to buy the $$ value would be well over 200 a week. It isn't always easy to prepare a weeks worth of meals and to have the imagination to create variety.  still it is better than having him buy.

Have a great day folks.  Etta Sue I will post the hmn after you post the new devotional!

Judy, I never knew there were verses to that hymn.  The refrain is one I often sing - over and over.  Of course, only when no one is around to hear my warbling!   

God loves your warble Jeanne, I'm glad no one hears my croaking!

Just like our weather...time to see some new scenery.

And a new place for us to jot down our thoughts is right here.