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Morning Devotional


by Colleen Swindoll

When I was growing up as one of the four children of Chuck and Cynthia Swindoll, people often assumed our home was some quiet spiritual habitat, as if we discussed theology, fasted, and softly hummed hymns for family fun. Truth be told, the Swindoll family functioned like most families: there were always dishes to clean, socks to fold (they never matched), conflicts to resolve, animals to feed, instruments to practice, and a garage that continually collected stuff. Our lives held lots of noise and loads of laughter, but we also experienced tragic heartbreaks and seasons of sorrow. We, too, knew the unexpected and unwanted invasion of deep pain, dark betrayal, and difficult circumstances. This is simply the result of life lived in a sin-saturated world.

I sometimes chuckle when I think about people's inaccurate perceptions of my family. What isn't funny, however, is when members of God's family have unrealistic expectations and false beliefs about what life should be like in His family. Those false beliefs are often at the root of spiritual conflicts and bewilderment. If you've asked God "Why?" or thought I never expected this — or questioned His goodness, faithfulness, justice, or kindness — it's essential, I've learned, to examine your expectations. Why? Because we all have assumptions and beliefs about the Christian life.

As a preacher's kid, I was taught about God's unchanging nature, His promises, His forgiveness and, best of all, His grace. I also learned the truth of God's inspired Word, including difficult passages such as 1 Peter 2:21:

This is the kind of life you've been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step. (MSG)

All of this was true, I knew . . . in my mind. But without realizing it, I also clung to unrealistic expectations and false beliefs about the pleasant, happy life of good Christians. When things began to fall apart in my adult life, my picture of the serene Christian life did not match up to my daily realities. In 2005, I lost nearly all of my hearing. That same year, four or five very complicated, disabling conditions were added to my son's previously diagnosed autism and developmental delay disabilities. And slowly, my false beliefs about Christ blew away like dust in a dry wind.

After several years of spiritual bewilderment, I ceased wrestling with Jesus for control of my life. In humble submission, I accepted Christ as He really is — Lord over every aspect of my life. Surrendered, I experienced the sustaining presence of God's mercy, grace, and peace . . . and I accepted that my new reality included hardship and suffering. I had spent many days in anguish, wondering Why? But once I surrendered fully to God's sovereignty, I began to replace that question with another: "Lord, for what purpose?"

My friend, this may be where you are in your relationship with Christ. Letting go of false notions of the Christian life and embracing Jesus as Lord will profoundly affect your life. As mine did, your life will undergo revolutionary change when you learn to turn the accusatory attitude often hidden behind the question "Why?" into a submissive and teachable spirit. Each time your life doesn't meet your expectations, I encourage you to ask Jesus, "Lord, for what purpose have You brought this grief, this tragic accident, this horrible loss, this unchanging diagnosis, this child with disabilities into my life? What am I to learn?" Suffering is a profound mystery. Asking this question doesn't mean that the answers will suddenly become clear or that the situation will change . . . but your heart and your perspective will. It helps me to remember that God never gave suffering Job the answers he asked for. Instead, Job got more of God.

Samantha good to see you again!  Glad things are coming around for you.  I am continuing to pray.

Jeanne and Al your help has been invaluable.  Thank you

Have a good night/week everyone.

Judy, you did it!  Thanks for the devotional.  I have always enjoyed Colleen Swindoll.

Quote"My friend, this may be where you are in your relationship with Christ. Letting go of false notions of the Christian life and embracing Jesus as Lord will profoundly affect your life."

How true is this!!

Hi everyone.  Woke up fairly early this morning and have time to write a little before leaving to pick up my friend and go to coffee. 

Today at lunch time my men's luncheon group will be going to Five Guys Burgers and Fries.  I have been to one of their places not long ago and the burgers are very good and very filling.  I haven't tried the fries. 

The housekeeper is suppose to be here today.  She was ill last week and not able to come so the house is needing a little attention.  Pat and I don't really mess it up very much but it does get dusty and floors need to be mopped or swept, etc.  You all know the drill.

Judy, that is a very good devotional for this week and what she talks about is so true.  One lesson I have learned that helps me stay in today and not dwell on tomorrow is that it is fine to make plans but don't plan the outcome because that creates an expectation and often God has some other outcome in mind for me so that the expectation becomes a disappointment.  It was such a relief to me when I stopped worrying about what was past since there is absolutely nothing I can do to change what has gone on before in my life.  Similarly, I have no idea what tomorrow holds so I best enjoy today.  This has allowed me to enjoy the day and be thankful for it rather than missing the day because I am consumed with what is to come.  Often what I think might happen doesn't  so why worry about it.  (Sorry for the long discourse this morning.)

Samantha, nice to know you haven't forgotten about us.  I enjoy your postings and am happy to see that things appear to be working out for you all in terms of a church life.  I believe God leads us where he wants us to be when we seek his will for our lives.

Janet, it appears the vandalism wasn't done by children but rather by a tenant of the building, perhaps someone facing eviction.  You get all types of people in a large 15 story apartment building.  I will be watching the postings here to see if Dr. Jost does visit Beth today and has some encouraging news for you.

Good Morning everyone...

It's a lovely day here in Virginia...not too hot!  Not sure yet what the week has in store for us but we'll know soon I'm sure.

Thanks Judy for opening a new place for us to post in.  Good devotional.

Yes, Judy, good material.  I had never read anything by her before. (Where have I been?)  I will read it to Beth.

Larry, that is great advice.  I am trying to do the same thing, but still catch my mind darting to the future, or sometimes to the past.  As you intimated, that is futile, we can only live this day, this reality, so we need to stay in the now.  About the vandalism, I think that stuff often gets blamed on kids, when adults are the culprits.

Hey there Pat!  Good to "see" you.

Beth is feeling better today, ate a real good breakfast and it stayed.  Also knew when she needed the bedpan--she doesn't often have any warning.  So we are just waiting for Dr. Jost.  I came over early so as not to miss him, so of course he didn't come in early.

The gal at Critical Care Transfer with whom I made arrangements to take Beth home called earlier to ask if we had word yet on her release.  No.  

Samantha, you obviously know more about your cell phone than I do.  I can't even manage to retrieve my voice mails.    Thanks for the prayers.

Etta Sue and Jane, thanks for the get-well-o-grams!  Those always bring smiles to Beth's face!  She also got a very sweet and meaningful card from one of the CNAs at the care home.  Jennifer says Beth is her very best friend, and I want to share with you what she wrote in the card:

Beth:
All of us cannot wait until you come home.  You are an amazing person and I know God has been with you all the way.  I know that God brought me to Kansas and away from the pitiful excuse of a life I was living.  I also know that He wanted you and I to become friends.  Beth, knowing you has taught me some things about life I might have never known.  You have done for me far more than I can ever do for you.  Please come home soon because I miss you.
Love you and see you soon.   Jennifer

Day 52 and holding on..............

Great devotion, Judy!  I don't think I have read her before either but she is a very good writer...holds your interest to the very end. 

Larry ~  Life is too short to worry about yesterdays and tomorrows.  I just wish I could take that advice when holidays come around or when I feel I have been slighted!  I am generally an upbeat person but there are times I get down and then I get down because I am down!   !

Janet ~ I am praying that Dr. Jost comes today and gives everyone the good news that Beth can go home! 

We didn't go to Chinese yesterday.  Seems that Ivalou and Marge went the night before...I told Ivalou that I was hungry for Chinese.  But Ivalou's birthday is Wednesday and she wants to go back for Chinese then.  I love this Chinese place south of us.  It is a sit down Chinese and you really feel pampered.  I think whenever you have cloth napkins, it is a special place to eat for me!  It is a nice, clean area with all the niceties.  We don't do buffets after church because of some ladies that have a hard time seeing.  We can help them but they don't like to impose on us to help them.   

Today I need to mow and perhaps Ivalou and I can go somewhere and have supper tonight.  She needs to get some pizzas for Euchre tomorrow and I need some milk.  Isn't that a good excuse to get supper while out?

You know Janet perhaps it is the "Holding On" that is the lesson.

I think you may be right about that, Judy!

Still no Dr. Jost, but a couple of his interns came in, looked at the wound, someone had said it had developed a new fistula (it hadn't).  I asked if they were going to remove the Malencot tube, and the male resident said NO, in a snotty way, and marched out.  Well....about ten minutes later the female intern came in with some supplies in her hand, and removed the tube!  I asked why the sudden change, and she said because the care home said they wouldn't take Beth back with the tube.  I had just told that guy that very thing!!

Anyway, she is rid of all the tubes and drains except the Foley, and she's had that for a long time.  They have a call in to her admitting doctor to see about when she will be released.  When things start moving, they move quickly.  I guess when they do release her, I will have enough time to go check out and clean my room ar RMc.  

The Malencot tube has had no drainage the past few days except the Sprite they flushed it with.  The infectious disease doctor said she will keep Beth on the antibiotics for a few more weeks until she is rechecked with another CT scan to make sure no fecal matter is seeping into her system.

Anyway---I hope that bright light I see at the end of the tunnel isn't an oncoming train!

Ohhhh, Janet...

My heart goes out to you.  I'm so happy you've had this laptop to use to keep us all informed during this time.

Let's all pray together that this might be the end of this chapter for awhile for our Beth.

Janet, what a difference a day makes.  It sounds like things are really improving quickly and you both will be headed home soon.  The note that Beth got from the aid at the home proves once again, to my way of thinking, that God has a purpose for each life regardless of our physical problems.  That was such a wonderful note.  Years ago I was a Deacon in our church in Missouri and one of the joys I had most Sundays was to deliver the sermon tape to a lovely lady who was basically bedfast from the effects of polio many years earlier.  It just brightened my day each time I visited with her and was blessed by her sweet disposition.  God knows where he needs each of us to be. 

Thanks LARRY!!!

What a wonderful hymn to sing.  We don't need to worry about tomorrow or the future because that is all in the Blessed Controller's hands!

I love that song, Larry.  I've sung it many times, but now I associate it with the memory that it was the song my daughter, Jean, sang at church after receiving her diagnosis of "diabetes" which turned out to be terminal pancreatic cancer.  People in attendance that Sunday still remark about that day and the great faith Jean exhibited.  Now, whenever I sing it (or try to) I tear up and have a lump in my throat that makes it difficult to get through it.  

Could we all please go and encourage Bob HERE?

Thanks so much!

I wrote a note and it was not posted because of a glitch.  And, it was soooooo interesting.  hahaha \

Al:  We are in Eureka tonight and have a long drive tomorrow as we go around Crater Lake and north - this part of the trip was not planned very well.  I have a very good friend from teen years who lives in Silverton and we
only have time to meet her for morning coffee on Wednesday and then we drive on until north of Seattle.   

Today, we drove through the Avenue of the Giants - the redwood tree forest in this area.  Inspiring and so terrific to view.  Everyone is always looking UP.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone always looked UP for guidance in everything?  I could be better at checking out what is the "right" thing to do more often, myself.  I am truly grateful for a chance to sit by the water today even though it was really chilly and windy.

Carol, you should at least phone Alan!  He's great to talk to on the phone.  Or are you near to where he is?

Carol - you basically drove within less than a mile of me!  In fact, we may have been out and driving up or down the highway the same time you were.  It would be great to get to talk with you, but I understand the need to hurry on by.

Hi everyone.  Since I posted late yesterday afternoon this will be mainly a quick check-in this morning.  Other than a meeting to attend this morning and a quick trip to return something to a store where Pat bought it yesterday, I will have a day at home unless God has something else in store for me today. 

Carol, that sounds like quite a trip.  I am sure you will be glad to get to where you are headed. 

Can't stay long.  Ivalou and I are going to the east state line this morning to get her daughter, Jo and g-daughter, Lydia.  Her g-son is driving them to Richmond from Dayton and we are bringing them back here for a day or two.

Then Euchre is at noon.

Bright and sunny.  Not good for driving east but we will manage.

Carol - say hello to Silverton for me.  We've been through there hundreds of times when we used to live just south of Portland.  There's a park there called Silver Falls State Park.  It's extremely beautiful, with seven major waterfalls.  I've held a baptism there and hiked the trails many times.  I preached at a church in Silverton, too.

Memories eh Al?  All pleasant.

Wish I could be a fly on the window of Carol's car to view these wonderful sites!

Good morning everyone, just stopping by to say hello and be on my way to other things more pressing.

Today is sort of a bummer thus far.  No difinitive word on a release date, no CNA to help the nurse, so mom gets the job.  Beth ate well but then threw up at least half of it.  Truth be told I am feeling grumpy today.  In spite of taking loads of vitamins, I feel like I might be coming down with something---and I don't have time for that.  So I must pray, and 'buck up' and get on with it.  They said maybe tomorrow or Thursday we can go home.  But I want a day without the 'maybe' in front of it.

Carol, that sounds like a lovely trip.  Enjoy it for me, as I would love to be traveling there with you.

I think that after I feed Beth her lunch, I will try to get a nap.

Here comes a doctor--or maybe he is a resperitory therapist.  Darn.  He just walked in, said hello, walked back out. 

I'd better go now and come back when I feel brighter about things. 

I got all my pressing things taken care of, shampooing my hair and drying it, running the dishwasher and putting  the contents away after they were done and general straightening up and dusting the chandelier over the  dinging room table as well as replacing a bulb.

Janet what a bummer, I know how bad you want to go home and stay there.

Carol I know how much you have enjoyed traveling up Highway 101 through the Redwoods. Did you come on up the Oregon coast a little bit? Where did you cross over to inland Oregon? Was it one 199? that road sure has a lot of curves?

Pat how much longer are you going to be in Virginia? How is Geordie doing?

I am doing  fine, no pain today except for the tension in my shoulders that I get when  on the computer too long. I fell yesterday while walking Bebe and skinned up my left knee, wrist and hand. I had to hike back up hill for about 3 blocks; by the time I got up that far  to turn the corner and  walk down hill to the house there was blood running down her leash. I got home cleaned myself up and took a Happy for his walk.

Keith's youngest son, Corey, is in town for a week working for his dad doing some chores around the office. So Keith brought him home for lunch yesterday and I got to meet him.  He sure is a  nice kid and really took to the dogs, even took their photos with his phone.

Corey wanted to see his old room yesterday and a bunch of my boxes and tubs are stacked in there, he couldn't even get to his closet where Keith put all  his stuff when he cleaned up the room so I could put some of my stuff in there. Yikes what a mess, I am still unpacking and trying to find places to put the stuff out of the garage so I can get my car in there. I have my china cabinet in the garage and another cabinet that I really want in the house.

Elizabeth and I have had a good day.  We picked up her glasses.  Zellers offers two pair for $99. and we got the 2 pair.  They look good on her and her words were "I can see!"  She then bought a pait of shoes and an other trinket she had been wanting.  So now to wait for the next baby sitting job!

She is now mowing the lawn for me. 

Have a good day.

Coming in for a minute to say Hi!  We are having very hot weather here on the island.  Forcasting in the 90'sF. for the weekend.  I like it around 75F. but thats life.....

Nice devotional Judy.  I have not come in to post Happy Birthday to folks, so Be-lated Birthday Greetings to all who were missed.

Still following your reports Janet and praying. 

Not much new to post.  Watched the Space Shuttle pass over us last night at 10:14 P.M.  That was kind of exciting.  Got a stiff neck from looking up as it went past.  One of the guys on the Space Station was  from the valley and his folks went to my church.  Strong Christian family....Hope everyone comes back okay.  We are living in exciting times.  My daughter sang 'Happy Trails' to the shuttle as it went past.


I am going to go and finish an interesting book by Susan Wiggs.  Her books usually take place on an island off Seattle and are always good.
The garden is beautiful and I am real lucky to have a cool spot to read.  Misty usually joins me......of course the fact that I also bring along a cat treat does help!

Pleasant Day/Evening and God Bless.

Liz

Where do I begin - just tuckered out.  We drove out of Eureka today and so sorry Al - I was wondering where you would be - took the long and beautiful drive around Crater Lake & jumped out a few times for viewing.  Loads of road construction put us way behind then there was a fire near Crater Lake & we sure could see the smoke, the fire trucks too but they kept the north entrance open so we were able to not have to go back, thankful for that nice happening.  Oh, for trucks & they are triple here in Oregon.  Oh, my goodness, they go one forever & tail-gate each other.  Must say that they drive 10 mph slower than where we live so that much is safer. 

I have spilled coffee enough & other happenings so I had to wash clothes tonight & just made it when they were closing the door to get my dry stuff out (almost dry).  Meeting my good friend tomorrow - she used to own the Silverton Bible bookstore, Al.  I will try to see where she attends church.  We have a huge bed in this place and I think it is wider than any we have seen. 

Janet - strength and patience sending them to you'

I have not forgotten anyone - just too tired to name names.  Going to just north of Seattle and sometime tomorrow I will be watching the ferries come and go from a little park, sipping coffee or perhaps a paper cup of clam chowder. 

Hi everyone.  Just back from coffee.  Pat just left to attend the Bible Study at the church.  I elected not to go this morning as am expecting a call and didn't want to miss it.  Nothing new down this way so not much to write about.

Carol, I don't think I have ever seen a semi pulling triples.  I think doubles are bad enough to deal with on the road.  Hope your drive goes well today and that you were able to have a good nights rest last night.

Janet, sure hope today is the day you hear something about the release date. 

Liz, I take it that the expected temps are higher than you are used to on the island.  Once while we were in Florida we were able to get close enough to see a space shuttle flight shortly after it was launched. 

Good Morning from Falls Church, Virginia!

Right now, our new member, Bob Hall is undergoing his surgery.  His wife will be letting me know later how he is doing.

Please leave a message in the topic where we spoke about this HERE.  HYou'll also see the beautiful photo that is Photo of the Day on the Photography Cafe today and it was taken by Bob!

Let's flood that topic with "Get Well" messages for this new member.

Carol, it's lovely to read about your trip.  Not nice to see the forest fires though.  That's how it was for me in 2003 when out in Calgary and all of the wonderful mountain shots I was hoping to get were mountains of smoggy smoke!

Enjoy your trip.


HI LIZ!!!

What an exciting time to be able to view the space craft going over.  Could you see that it was the space craft or was it just like a light moving?

We got to Richmond and back with Jo and Lydia just fine.  Plenty of time before having to leave for Euchre. 

Euchre was fun.  One of the ladies turned 80 last September.  She was a sprite 80!  But since her birthday, she has really went downhill.  She has been in the hospital 4 times since spring.  She insisted on coming to Euchre...the doctors won't let her drive.  She looked so tired.  Her color wasn't good.  And usually she is the life of the party and scores high in Euchre.  But not yesterday.  We even told her leave early and she didn't say no.  So say a prayer for Jody if you would. 

When we got back home, Jo had cleaned Ivalou's vinyl siding and her cement walks with the power washer, trimmed trees, swept the drive and was edging her river rocks and pulling grass/weeds in them.  Today she is probably painting Ivalou's hallway since it is rainy and dark and gloomy!  I don't know when she will be returning to Ohio. 

Today is Ivalou's birthday and Ivalou, Jo, Lydia, Kaye Don, Barb and I are going for Chinese.  Kaye Don is working at the golf course until 2pm so we will leave soon after that.  Hopefully we will still get the lunch menu prices! 

Dark and gloomy in Indiana!! 

WE ARE GOING HOME TOMORROW!!!!

And both of us are SO happy!!  The ambulance is to be here and pick up me and my stuff at the R.McD House at 9:30, then be here to get Beth at 10:00.  So tonight I will clean my room good, and only have to strip the linens and take them downstairs, let them check the room and turn in my keys.

Of course, Beth doesn't want to go yet.    She asked why can't we go today?  The answer is that the care home is completely painting, sanitizing her room and cleaning the carpet.  It isn't ready yet today.

The gals are here to get her up in the Barton chair, and I have to get my "office" out of the way, so I will be back later.  But we are two happy gals today!!

Praise the Savior, you who know Him
Who can tell how much we owe Him?
Gladly let us render to Him
All we are  and have.

This is my reaction to  your message, Janet.

Yes Al  and
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below,
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts,
Praise, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

This is from James MacDonald

QuoteGod's promise is an assurance God gives His people while they walk in faith.

How often do we give up and question the promise given us, doubt God and then move to fulfill the promise in our own strength? Father give us strength in the waiting!

Janet, that is the posting I have been hoping would be here each day and am so happy that Beth and you will be able to return your homes to continue the recovery for the both of you. 

Now THAT'S a red letter day, for sure!  

Quote from: JudyB on July 22, 2009, 02:27:06 PM

How often do we give up and question the promise given us, doubt God and then move to fulfill the promise in our own strength? Father give us strength in the waiting!

Judy, this is so true.  We think we need to "help" God (or remind Him) .... He doesn't need our help!  He only asks that we Trust and Obey.  

Ohhhh, Janet!

I'm so happy and what a wonderful answer to prayer! 

Yes, yes and yes!!  I agree with all of you.  And Beth and I both know beyond a doubt that it is prayer that pulled her through.  What an awesome God we serve!  I just want to curl up in His lap now and take a nice nap.  zzzzzzzz...........  I know I have expressed my thanks to all of you for the prayers over and over, but words cannot convey the depth of my gratitude for all the prayers on our behalf.  So....THANK YOU AGAIN!!!

That is wonderful news, Janet.  I am so happy for both you and Beth.
God must have had a reason for all of this.....perhaps you have both changed lives without knowing.....certainly the fact that you are still able to express gratitude is an inspiration to many of us.

Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart.  


I just got back from having my perm.  Nice.  Looks soft and natural.  I personally dislike a perm that looks like a brillo pad on one's head!  She is a talented, nice young woman, who  gets to do my daughter, granddaughter and me.

My SIL follows the space news and told us when the Shuttle would be over our house.  It was a bright light, Pat.  Quite different from a plane.  Doubt if even your camera would have been able to get a good photo.  
Larry, that would have really been exciting!!!

Must go an do some ironing for the kids.  Actually, SIL got one of those really good steam machines for me to use.  Fast, good, easier than standing for such a long time with an iron.  Then it is on to cleaning the cat litter boxes.  Ho, Humm!!

Pleasant Day/Evening and God Bless.

Liz

Hi, friends,

Puff, puff!!   I'm back, and have read all the posts since I stopped coming here to be with my son. He's back in England, and things are looking up for all of us.

I had chiropractic visit today and my ole bones certainly feel better.

Y'all have a great evening. What a day for THANKSGIVING - Beth and Janet get to leave the hospital. Thank you, our Father, for Your lovingkindness to us all and to Beth and Janet especially today.

We are in Mukilteo (just north of Seattle) and one cousin & husband are coming to pick us up & we will go down to the ferry dock here and just find a nice place to eat and walk around.  This is where we used to camp on the beach but it is very ritzy now as all of this region. 

Janet:  Wonderfulnews

Pat:  I do remember smoke in Calgary from everyone's notes.  It sounds like you are really making the move and good for you two. 

Ruth Ann:  Glad that your "bones are feeling nice"! 

Marilyn:  I am sorry that I missed your note that you fell and scratched yourself - owie.  Be careful....  We took the 101 and through the Smith Redwood forest area and then the winding highway from Eureka all the way to Salem.  What a trip - beautiful.  Loved it.  Then, when we got on #5 this morning what dense traffic almost all the way to north of Seattle.  This used to be a little city and I miss all the green trees that have been destroyed for progress but there is no way to go in this narrow area.  It is so wonderful to be here though.

Al:  My friend goes to a Foursquare church in Silverton.  She was brought up Nazarene.  She has promised to come and visit us some day.

JudyB:  Wonderful for Elizabeth "to see" -

Tomorrow is my brother's birthday and he is picking us up and taking us out for Cajun oysters - think I will pass. Yuk  It is also our 2nd. son's birthday. 

OHHHH Ruth Ann They sound good, I love oysters.

Well I have made 5 jars of a lemon jelly/jam/marmalade. Not sure what to call it. but it is tart and really quite good.

We have had lovely weather for 2 days now.  BUT rain tonight.

Got to run Elizabeth wants the computer.

Hi everyone.  I am looking forward to today as the schedule is light.  I will, of course, go to coffee in a few minutes and then we likely will walk at the gym.  This afternoon I have a man coming from a music company to look at my piano and see what needs to be done to put it back in top shape.  I have had it since the 1970s, as I recall, and really only had it tuned a couple of times.  It still stays in tune pretty well but think the hammer felts need to be sanded down.  This is a Mason-Hamblin piano and in doing some research I was shocked to find that it is a highly rated brand. 

Judy, the jelly sounds good.  I love lemon pies, cakes and things it is used on.

Carol, glad you reached Seattle.  Enjoy your stay.  I agree with you on the oysters.

Ruth Ann, glad you were able to have the time with your son and hope that now you will have time to relax and enjoy your new place. 

LIz, sure your new hair do looks very nice. 

Janet and Beth, sure that today will be a memorable one for you.  Hope the ride back in the ambulance isn't too bad.  My experience in riding in an ambulance several times is that they forgot to put in the springs to soften the ride and I felt every bump. 

My only experience riding in an ambulance left me wondering - before I really knew we were going, we were there!  Otherwise, the attendants were amazingly good, took care of absolutely everything.
Well, I couldn't have any coffee this morning yet, because at 8:30 I'm to have a fasting blood draw to see how the cholesterol count is going.  Afterwards, I take Marbeth to her quilting group, then go over to the coffee shop, and then I'll HAVE my coffee!  And a muffin, and anything else they can scrounge up for me!

Marilyn, what a beautiful card! I want to save it to see it again later.

I slept late this morning, then answered a couple of emails. "Hmmm," says me, "I think I'll take a shower."

So, out I came, only to know that 6 people had called while I wasn't available! Isn't that funny how things like happen.

So far, it's lunch with my former boss, Jim and late dinner tonight with my daughter and her fiance.

Y'all have a wonderful day.

Happy Birthday Again RuthAnn!  I sent you and Email and posted on Facebook.

Kassie is working at the food bank again today.  She enjoys this.

We have rain yet again.  I wonder when summer will be here?

Got to go, much to do while Elizabeth is gone.

Great news!  Janet and Beth going home!!  Hooray!  God is soooo good!


What a fun day!  I took the trash out this morning and went to Ivalou's.  While visiting with Ivalou, Jo and Lydia, a car drove in the driveway.  In came Teresa, Emily, Isabel and Gus...another daughter, another g-daughter and two greats.  They asked me to stay for lunch and more visiting!  I just got home.  But a great day! 

It is bright and sunny and the temp is just right...not too hot...not too cold!  Great!

I have had an afternoon of trying to change passwords on the accounts for Elizabeth.  She has been hacked....well we got them all changed and not likely to be hacked. 

A friend who is a local Pastor has said he is going to make an ark.  I have told him he can use our property.  It is raining yet again.  We may need it.  This is to go on for 5 days!!!

Got to go I am changing passwords as well.

Happy birthday, Ruth Ann!  I'm so glad you're here, and this marks the day you arrived in the world, so it's a great day!

Well, I had the blood draw.  The tech. had to try 4 different spots to try to get some.  Oh well, they got it now.

Well I am now much lighter in my wallet than when I left this morning to take Happy to the vet. He has skin problems, is allergic to fleas and now he is on  a Prednisone type drug for dogs, an antibiotic, and an allergy pill plus has to have special shampoo for the Seborrhea. One of the meds is on the Wal*mart $4 list so I am getting that one there, at the Vets it was $35+.

Then when we got home I let the dogs out of the car (no leashes)  Bebe spotted Grubby in bushes and they both took off after her, I unlocked the door, threw my stuff in the chair grabbed the leash and took off after the dogs. I didn't have to go far, the cat got away from them and they were just standing there, I told Bebe to get in the house and  put the leash on Happy.

I came in called Keith and he was coming home early for lunch so I washed my hands and fixed our lunch.  

Just picked up Happy's med from Wal*Mart now I am plumb tuckered out. from all the rushing around today. I printed out July and August so I can make a schedule for  Happy's meds to make sure I only give him the ones I am supposed to for certain amount of days. Just call me Nurse Marilyn.

Hi, friends, it has really been a great day. Apparently, the moment I got in the shower this morning, the phone began to ring. Several voice mail messages, several phone calls I picked up and then text messages, Facebook messages, and here, as well.

So, Marilyn, I think I feel like you must feel - I'm all tuckered out, too, just from celebrating! 

Janet, hope you and Beth can now recover from the long trip in the ambulance.

It's been so good to have the time to get back online again. Happy retirement to me!!!  I can shout that since the bringing to the apartment from the house has finished. I really do feel like I'm retired, now.

Y'all have a wonderful rest of the day with our Lord.

Hi everyone.  Ruth Ann, I always seem to be a day behind in birthday wishes but they are no less heart-felt, so Happy Birthday to you.  Glad you had such a nice day.

Today is coffee at the senior center.  My neighbor is picking me up this morning as we alternate weeks driving.  Then I have to go see my cardiologist at 10:45 and it is about an hours drive from here.  This is just a routine visit.  Then I will call our daughter and see if she is back home and if so will go to her apartment and then take her to Wal-Mart to get something that is too big for her to handle in her wheelchair.  I am sure we will have lunch together.  That will be enough for today.

Judy, I hope you don't get enough rain to need an ark.  That should be an interesting project and fun to watch it being built. 

Marilyn, those fleas can really do a number of our pets.  I remember years ago with our poodle he had allergies and lost a lot of his fur one time.  Hope the medicine takes care of the problem.  That sure is a pretty card you made for Ruth Ann.

Al, my wife has found that drinking a lot of water for several days before a blood draw has really helped.  She had a blood draw yesterday and didn't have any trouble, whereas the time before they had to stick her 7 times to finally get about half the blood they needed and then she hydrated and went back and finished having the blood drawn.

I agree, Larry.  For Al, drinking lots of water before going for a blood draw helps tremendously.  The nurses tell me that is my homework before appearing in the office.  Ask Nurse Marilyn...I think she has to do homework also.   

Not much happening around here today.  Oh, I did make a chocolate cake that will turn into a Mounds Cake for Sunday's pitch-in after church.  Then at 1pm, I am to go to Kitty's.  Seems she has 6 more photos to mat to take to the State Fair tomorrow!  I will help her with them.  Nothing like working at the last minute.  Then we may play on the laptops. 

Hope to hear from Janet soon.

Well decided that we need a new weatherman.  There has been no rain today.  I have been out most of the day doing this and that, and no rain.

John is home for the weekend.  He has to get the regular blood tests done on Monday morning.  So he is home till then. 

We have things to do in the garden before supper....so I am off for now.

KASSIE IS COMING HOME TODAY!!!

Hi folks,

The kids in Georgia are enjoying their vacation which started today. Precious memories are made on vacation, aren't they!

My cousin's taking me for catfish dinner this afternoon. It's a great spot, and when you're passing through Nashville, let me know - I'll be happy to meet you there.

It's so good to hear from everyone. Tonight, while others are getting ready for bed, I'll most likely make use of the laundry room downstairs! It's well past time to go. We have a lovely, spic & span clean place with a LARGE machine and about 7-8 regular size machines, as well as 3 big commercial dryers. What a treat to wash, dry, fold and be back in my apartment in about an hour. Ya know, a gal could be spoiled with such good treatment!

Then, it's time to prepare the Powerpoints for Sunday. Y'all have a wonderful rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann - is it ok to envy you just a little bit?  That laundry room sounds so great!  We have one in our mobile park, but there's just one ordinary machine to wash and just one ordinary machine to dry, and it takes Marbeth about 3 hours to get everything done!  So if it's ok with you, I'm going to envy you a little.  We could take our things downtown to the laundromat, but the expense is prohibitive.  Maybe we could send them to  you!

Sure appreciate y'all commenting on my blood draw.  You're undoubtedly right, but there's one problem - I had to go for the draw less than an hour after I  read your messages!  Maybe next time.

Judy, your weather person must have gone to the same school as ours.  Instead of extreme heat the past two days, we have had cooler weather.  Will see what happens tomorrow.  My daughter and SIL are going to Seattle on Sunday and weather there is forcast for the 90's.  Hmmmm??

Amanda (gd.) was coming home last night and had to swerve to avoid hitting a deer.  Lost control of her car and hit a huge tree.  Damage to her car is bad but can still be used.  Repairs will have to wait as it would not be wise to report to the ins. co. and increase rates.  Mountie said she was lucky to be alive and next time it would be best to hit the deer rather than risk loss of control.  She is a wonderful driver and never had an accident before.  Was on her way home from doing a good deed for a friend on vacation.  Proof of the old saying "No good deed goes unpunished." 

I pray for all of them each day, so other than a sore neck, God certainly did protect her life.....Proof of prayer, also!

Fighting a battle with ants today.  Not certain who is winning.  I can't spray because of the cats, so using other methods.  One was to pour boiling water outside on the walk in front of my door.  Another is the use of a poison on piece of paper, placed where the cats can't get at it.  Life can be tricky

Pleasant Day/Evening and God Bless.

Liz

   Good morning to all.  Again it seems to be so long that I have been on C.P.  Idon't knowwhere the time seems to go an other week is gone and it seems that you are all keeping very busy.

This week I was doing my volunteer at the mission driving to pick up bread and other things I was there 3 days and also the food bank on Thursday so it was a busy week.

I am also trying to help my son that is now living at home for now  I ask that you please pray for Danny as he still cannot make up his mind what to do with the situation that he finds himself in re his marriage.

Judy B.  Thanks for the devotional.

Al: Or Larry I am not sure who put that good old hymn but it sure was good to see it.

Janet:   Great news and I pray and hope all goes well.

Must get to sleep God bless you all and have a wonderful weekend.

Hi all, I just read all of your notes.  I was brushing my teeth and there was a short power outage but the 'puter is fine as it has stored energy.  Sure got dark in that bathroom  Feeling weary because of chatting with ex-schoolmates so much last night.  some look twenty years older than they should and some look almost twenty years younger.  I think I look about my age.  One very odd man I had never known was totally either on drugs or alcohol and he kept saying Denver people are out of balance, took my purse & finally I just had to force my purse back & just wished him well & said it was so nice seeing him again.   Very strange. 

One gal is coming to visit me as her son lives very close so she will be there in Sept. I believe.  Sept is the month that everyone comes as all my relatives and friends rush from Minnesota to Arizona.  I found out that a boy I dated a long time ago died very early from alcoholism.  Very sad - he did not drink when I was a senior.  Tonight is the dinner & Don will come tonight.  This will be at the Seattle Yacht Club and it will have another outstanding view.  Can't see enough boats.

This motel has a morning set up of breakfast so it is so nice to read the paper and have a scone.  Guess I will change from my p.j.'s so as not to startle anyone. 

Carol - when will you be going back to Colo.?  Will you be coming back the same way you went?  If you're coming back by way of Crescent City, Eureka, etc., and if you'd  like to do  so, give us a call (707 839 5230).

   Hey where is all the people I think you all must be doing lots of chores or busy with your families.

Hope that you all have a wonderful day.

Paul and Pat.   How are you both?  Look after each other.

God bless to all other C.P.

I see Janet hasn't posted yet.  But when she was home a couple of weekends ago, she couldn't get on CP from the desktop and her wireless wasn't available yet at the house.  She doesn't remember her name or password to get on CP at home...    When Pat gets back online she will have to help her! 

Well, we got 5 pictures matted yesterday and the gentleman helped Kitty with her desktop.  Then Kitty and I went for pizza!  I love pizza out...so much better than frozen, then baked pizza! 

Today 5 of us went to the Indiana State Fair grounds and we all have our photos entered into the photography division.  Then the 5 of us stopped at Micheals for a bit...nice sale on lots of crafty items.  Then we all went to Don Pablos for lunch.  Yumm! 

I was home fairly early. 

Oh, yes.  Tony came up this morning to work on my lawn mower.  It hasn't been mowing very good lately.  Mowing high/low and I ended up with a striped yard.  You should have seen how much grass was packed under the deck!  It's a wonder the blades even moved!  And now it has been raining most of the day and I can't try my 'new' mower out! 

Doing some laundry and when I get caught up online, I need to put together my Mounds Cake for the pitch-in after church.

Well here I am,Finally!!!! I have been so busy this morning, We got up around  7:30, I fed all the animals, then we went to Wal*Mart to get a few groceries. came home fixed breakfast, mixed up a Butter cake, got that int he oven. Unloaded the dishwasher, peeled 4 apples and made an Apple crisp, by that time the cake was out of the oven. Put the Apple Crisp in the oven washed up the mess I had made between the cake and the apple crisp with stuff I don't put in the DW. While that was baking I washed the big front windows inside and out. Are you tired yet?

Now it is 1:41 and getting close to the time I take the dogs for their walks, I think they can tell time too. They start getting antsy about the same time every day.

Nice day here on the island.  Not too hot and not too cold.

The kids decided to check with the insurance co., despite what the not so bright RCMP officer told them.  There will not be a mark on her record, nor an increase in rate.  Falls into another slot.  $300 deductible, no increase, and it will pay for the approximate $3000 repairs.  So, despite being sore, Amanda is a much happier person today.

I am reading a most interesting book 'The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane'.
It is written by Katherine Howe, who is a descendant of a woman who survived the Salem Witch Trials.  The author is completing her PhD in American and New England history.  The book goes back and forth from the 1600's and our present time and is an indepth (fiction based on fact) study of the cultures.  Not much has changed with our human race, simply refined a few traits.

We took a large load of food to the local food bank drive today.  They are having a special drive to supply the empty shelves.  So much need....

I am making dinner tonight, so must get busy.  
Pleasant Day/Evening and God Bless.

Liz

This has been an interesting day. We all pitched in and got the housework done...didn't take long.  We had the pastor and his wife from the (new) church we are going to.  Very nice folks.  We are having company for supper, they are bringing dessert, and supper is ready. 

The forcast is rain for 6 days.  We are getting it in spurts.  when it comes it is very heavy.  Kassie has taken Meteorology in ground school.  she is pretty accurate as to when the rain is actually going to fall.  We worked on dinner early as there were power fluctuations. 

Well our folks are due here soon so I am off for now.

I can't believe it's been so long since I last checked in here!   Shame on me!   Too much to get caught up on so I won't make any particular references to what's been posted.  

Time to go to our topic for this week (July 26)

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