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Morning Devotional...

Psalm 52

Wickedness always hates righteousness.  That's why those who carry in their souls the great burden of their own rebellion against God hate those who have experienced forgiveness.  Guilt always does that - it produces hatred toward innocence, a desire to be rid of those whose very existence make the guilt worse by contrast.

The morning worship song before us recognizes that common problem, the problem of hatred that places the justified, righteous man in danger from the unrighteous.  It's a song of assurance for the saints of God who have to live in a sinfully hostile world.

It begins with God's indictment against the rebellious.  He says to them, "Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man? The goodness of God endures continually.  Your tongue devises destruction, like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.  You love evil more than good, lying rather than speaking righteousness.  You love all devouring words, you deceitful tongue!"

The problem is that the "rebellious" are failures!  They can't win, because God's goodness to the righteous stands like a mighty mountain, unmoved by all their hostility. It continues even in the midst of their persecution of the godly, even when in their hatred they attempt to "devour" them.  They can't win, and, on top of that, they're personally doomed forever!

Unless there's repentance, there's just one sure end for it all. The song expresses that terrible end when it says, "He shall take you away, and pluck you out of your dwelling place, and uproot you from the land of the living!"  Oh the self-deceived souls of fallen men! What an awful and certain doom they face!

The worshippers of the Lord, on the other hand, sing, "The righteous also shall see and fear, and shall laugh at him, saying, 'Here is the man who did not make God his strength!" As they look about them and observe the unrepentant those who are redeemed by the Lord will experience awe and reverential fear when they behold the justice of God upon these persistent sinners.  After all, they themselves could have experienced that same justice.  But they'll also "laugh" at their persecutors because they'll finally be safe from them, finally be freed from the terrors of this fallen world!

The redeemed can look forward to that final end and sing, "But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God - I will praise You forever, because You have done it, and in the presence of Your saints I will wait on Your Name, for it is good."  God's people can absolutely trust Him for a definite and final victory over the evil of this world!

How about you?  Do some people taunt you?  Are there even some who hate you and try, sometimes very hard, to drag you down to their level, or, failing that, to get rid of you?  Don't give in.  God's goodness hasn't ceased.  A blessedly perfect end is still before you!

Let's sing about our refuge.

Thank you Al for this devotional.  So many times you can't help but cry out to God when the world gets to you.

Yes, Judy.  We cry out - and find that He's there and has been all along.   

I am always crying out for HIM --Why?? Because I know that HE is always there for me...and that's all I need to know to get me by is "just knowing that HE is there".

We decided to take the house off the market for awhile.  The stress of selling in a down market was way to much to handle especially when everyone who sees it loves my victorian home and know that the price is just right but they still can't get a mortgage.

I pulled the ad and put it on my facebook page for anyone who wanted to see my victorian home that I was telling you about..

we are in Penna. enjoying the mountains, lake and just resting..Hubby out in boat and when he is finish fishing, I will go out for a cruise down the two lakes.

Happy holiday to all

Photos of the trip to the Sea Lion Caves yesterday

AL:  Thank you for devotions and the lovely song - it has been a long time since hearing that song.  How is Marbeth?  And, you never talk about your legs anymore so I hope that issue is over. 


Be sure to look over Marilyn's pictures

Larry:  I am so glad that you got another stent in place.  It has to help, doesn't it?  our friend had six stents put in last week & he feels so much better.  Isn't it strange that the arteries just keep on getting clogged?  Hugs to you.

Time to fix dinner here.  Belated Happy Fourth to all USA - keep praying for this nation to turn around. 

Oh, how great, and awesome pixs.

Love the view of the beach especially with the sea lions basking in the sun.

Thanks for sharing....

Yes, I agree we  need a lot of prayers to turn this world around...

Hoping everyone is feel better and getting stronger each day.

Heat wave here on the east coast, not able to do too much but drink lots of water...

And only getting worse as the week goes on...

No matter the weather, global violence, and inner turmoil....We can rest in knowing who holds tomorrow.  Lets Sing

We are in a motel in Amarillo, and their WiFi sure isn't very good.  I just lost my whole post.  Please pray for Darrel.  We are to be at the hospital at 6 AM tomorrow.  More to follow.

hello everyone:  we were away for the weekend which was enjoyable but so many things are just not the same as this was my brother's cottage. It was good because I did find out some things as well.

upon arriving back home a phone message from out son,telling us that a farming neighbour from the past was killed in a terrible  farm accident (crushed)

we are experiencing very hot and humid weather and in fact a good portion of Toronto is without hydro. the king & queen are here and infact they are in the area without hydro interesting.

Ruth

Janet:  Prayers for Darrel today. 

Ruth:  Farming is still a dangerous occupation - so sorry about your news of a former neighbor.  Am sure they will have a generator backup for any place the Queen may be staying.  Isn't she a poster board for longevity and stamina? 

Nothing to report other than I am missing something and once again turning the house upside down.  It will be 90* F here today and cooler tomorrow.

Praying for Darrell

Praying Janet.

Christian Small Publishers Association Awards

Growing Up Yanomamö :

Missionary Adventures in the Amazon Rainforest

2010 Biography Book of the Year



Deep in the Amazon rainforest lives the last stone-aged tribe in the world. Their lives are centered around the witchdoctor, or shaman, who cavorts with evil spirits and leads their people into fatal massacres, tribe against tribe. The NY Times describes Growing Up Yanomamö as "Huck Finn with an Amazon twist." However, the missions work with the Yanomamö has been hotly debated for decades. Mike's parents have lived with the Yanomamö since the early 1950s, first with New Tribes Mission and now with Mission Padamo. Mike has first-hand knowledge of the changes that have taken place within the tribe and also with the government from the time of his birth until now.


I heard this young man on Focus on the family,  The story is amazing.  Have any of you read it?

Great photos, Marilyn.  I remember being at Sea Lion Cave a couple of times.  I have that same photo taken out of the 'window' of the cave.  I remember hearing them bellowing outside and, of course, the smell.  Not pleasant but necessary for the sea lions. 

I got the birthday card and gift to Betty yesterday.  Also the gas containers for the lawn mower are filled.  Also went after 3 items at Dollar General and came back with twenty and they didn't have one of the three I went after!! 

Then last night was an awesome church council meeting.  We tended to try to do things on our own until one man let us know that we don't change our commitment to God, we pray for leadership and decisions that are pleasing to Him. 

I talked to Gord on the phone yesterday.  Love hearing his Scottish accent!  Very nice talk.  So hello Gord!! 

Today is a do nothing day.  Kitty and Bob are car shopping.  Ivalou has company.  It's too hot for much of anything other than sitting in the A/C keeping cool!  See, Gord, I can be un-busy! 

Etta Sue the smell wasn't bad, maybe because they have ventilated the caves somehow plus there weren't that many Sea Lions  around at the time we were there.  There were more out in the sun on that ledge where the Bull was preaching to his harem.  

I have been to the Fitness center, done a load of dark laundry that is in the dryer now, made my Green Pepper jelly ( Had to do it over because it didn't set) I have a Photoshop lesson on Clone stamping that is overdue. thank goodness Jeanne is my mod.

I need to vacuum the small master bedroom, I am expecting  an internet friend from SF to come for a visit later in the month and  want that room  spic and span. I think Grubby maybe have  pee'd in there I smelled something yesterday. So I better get busy.

Thanks for the prayers, friends!  Darrel was in surgery for an hour and a half.  Things went really well, and he isn't in much pain.  He's eating, napping, watching TV--almost like he was home! 

The hospital's internet is much better than at the motel.  Dr. says he will likely keep Darrel for two nights, so looks as if we will be going home on Thursday.

I am so sleepy after two bad nights and early morning risings.  Yawn!  I think I will get in that recliner over there and try to take a nap.

Pleasant dreams Janet

Janet:   Thanks for the good news.

Carol:   Many areas now have generators and yes they did have one but dinner plans were changed in that they brought the meals in from several locations.  The Royal Visitors took it all in stride.

Another hot one here today.   Thank goodness for air conditioners.

I had a phone call from our daughter and she has been on the sick list but seems to be on the mend after seeing a walk in doctor.

Mel has just got home from spending time with our son and now it is time to get dinner/supper ready.
Oh yes I must say that the mouse went on strike, replacing the batteries was all that was needed.     

Ruth

Dr. Bordelon was just in and said he might take the catheter out and dismiss Darrel tomorrow!  That would be good........but we just want to do whatever is best for Darrel!  He didn't bleed nearly as much as the doctor expected, nor is he bleeding much at all now.  He is on "high octane" antibiotics and they are flushing water through him.  Dr. hopes this will take care of the problems of the recurring infections.

Yesterday Darrel took me to Michaels, and I got my scrapbooking fix.    Nobody else seems to carry the additional pages for some of the scrapbooks, so I got those and they also had some neat stuff on sale!  For my birthday, Pat got me two new scrapbooks which she thought would be nice for my Guatemala and Costa Rica photos.  I almost have Guatemala done!  Now, aren't you glad you have that valuable information? 

Joyce, Carol and Etta Sue thank you for looking at my photos of the Sea Lion Caves and commenting on them. I appreciate you taking the time to  click on the link and take a look.

Thanks for the reminder, Marilyn!  I looked at the photos, too, and they are so nice.  I commented on them, but, unfortunately, that was in the post I lost last night.

If I knew how, I would post a video of the dive on my birthday!

I think soon I will go to the motel.  Hanging around a hospital is not a fun way to spend time.  But I am glad I can be here with my honey.

Thank you Janet

Everybody must be busy or sleeping in this morning!  The doctor was in early and removed Darrel's catheter, so as soon as he can void, we will be heading back to Kansas!  God is SO good, ALL the time!

Larry, I hope you will ask the strong men who deliver your beds if they can please move the heavy, bulky headboard upstairs for you.  I'm thinking they wouldn't mind doing that.  Anyway, I hope so.  We asked the guys who delivered a new king sized mattress to move the old one upstairs, and they did, no charge.

Darrel is not to do anything for two weeks, and has two jobs he needs to finish, so I may be an alarm tech for a while.  Curtis is home for a few days, so he will probably be helping.

See you later!

Kitty and I were going swimming.  She called and said that she was taking Bob to the doctor...when he takes Tylenol he is in pain.  I suggested that he may need stronger pain pills that will knock him out so he will have complete rest and she said he wouldn't take them!!  He certainly hasn't rested.  He walks, goes, rides and up all hours doing things.  He isn't working but he isn't resting. 

Anyway, I think I will go swimming by myself and then stop by Charlene and Tony's on the way home.  I haven't been to their home for months.  It would be nice to have time with Charlene and all the little kiddies that she watches.  I haven't done that for a long time!  Sounds like a plan to me. 

Ivalou still has company.  I took her mail to her yesterday and no one was home.  So put her mail in the door. 

Looks like a hot day out there.  I sure am glad I don't have to mow today!  Yesterday was our hottest day of the season.  Now it can cool off.   

How does God show himself to you?

To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity. To the pure you show yourself pure, but to the wicked you show yourself hostile. You rescue those who are humble....As for God, his way is perfect. All the Lord's promises prove true....

Psalm 18:25-27,30 NLT


Faithful and dependable
A hot morning shower, a fresh cup of coffee. The lights in your kitchen and bathroom. What would you do if you were deprived of the basics of your dependable morning routine? Many of us would start shutting down. It's easy to take hot water and electricity for granted. The same is true of faithful love. It's easy to take for granted the person who is always there to listen to your problems. It's easy to take for granted the person you run to when you're frustrated or in trouble. It's even easier to take for granted God's faithful care for you and your family. Every day God sustains the world in which we move and live. He provides food, clothing, and opportunities for employment. Most important, he showers love and concern on us every day. Our God is a faithful God. He is entirely dependable.

That same type of faithful and dependable love is the foundation of every strong relationship. Love is cheap if it's given only when things are going fine. Our love for others must be consistent and dependable.

Hi everyone.  This has been a very hot and a very busy day.  We attended Bible study this morning, then to the donut shop for some visiting.  Then, since today is our 48th anniversary, we went to Longhorn Steakhouse for lunch and had a very nice lunch. 

I had called this morning and was able to get in at 2 pm to get my new crown seated and then at 3 pm for the 6-month cleaning.  Unfortunately he found two other small cavities in adjoining teeth where there were filling so will have another dental appointment in August to get them fixed.  I can't believe the cost of two small fillings.  However, I am thankful to have my teeth and have them in good condition, which is the way I want to keep them. 

This evening I have a business meeting to attend at 7 pm.  I have the materials ready for the meeting.  I have found no time for resting today but think shortly I will rest for a little while as am running out of energy. 

Janet, glad to hear the good news concerning Darrel and hope he was able to be dismissed today.  I know he has been battling this problem for quite awhile.

Marilyn, I looked at the sea lion pictures.  Very nice.

Tomorrow we have to be at the eye surgery facility on the other side of Atlanta at 7:45 am, which means we will be in the rush hour traffic.  We will leave early and hope for the best. 

For those who have posted but to whom I haven't commented, just know that I always read the messages and appreciate the postings.

Ruth:  LOL on your mouse on strike.  This laptop was acting up but Don shut it down & brought it on and everything is fine - temperamental thing!

Janet:  What fine news - yes to your praise of who is in charge. 

JudyB:  I read your note about the tribe in Venezuela - my parents knew Jake & Freida Toews before they were married & Jake actually lived with our family for several months or half a year, I forget.  They built a "house" in the jungle & Jake put in a wooden floor - he could fix so many things.  My dad sent them generators.  They & the family were with New Tribes Mission.  So many missionaries were kicked out of the country that I don't know if there are any left but we really loved getting letters & it was so interesting.  I remember the children coming to our house - they did not really know about windows & some things we take for granted. 

I am about 1/3 finished with another prayer shawl - maybe this one will be good enough to donate.  The first one I did was fine and then I tried to knit with three strands of yarn - big mistake for me.  I think that whoever receives my shawl will be praying that I do better the next time - do you think???

We went out for a breakfast sandwich & coffee & accidentally ordered the custard cream puffs  - this has to be a one-time thing.  It was great! 

Is God not hearing you?

Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving!

Exodus 14:15 NLT


When God waits

There are a lot of why questions that we lift up to God. Every day people are looking to heaven and crying out in frustration, "Lord, why aren't you doing something about this? Why is this happening to me?" We saturate the airwaves with the why questions of life.

I'm convinced that God has one answer for almost every one of those questions. He says, I'm just waiting on you.

When Moses and the Israelites stood on the edge of the Red Sea watching the Egyptian army close in on them, they cried out to God in fear. They began praying that God would somehow rescue them. And look what God said: "Tell the people to get moving!" (Exodus 14:15). To paraphrase, "I'm just waiting for you."

Too often we spend our days waiting for a miracle. When trouble comes, we cry out to God for help. When things don't move fast enough, we blame God for taking his time. And all the while God is saying to us, I haven't gone anywhere. I'm just waiting on you.

And what is it that God is waiting for? Often he is waiting for us to lay aside our own agenda and trust him....Whenever God waits, he waits for a purpose.

And when we finally come to our senses and do the thing that we know he wants us to do, he moves with a vengeance. The Red Sea parts, and things start to happen.