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Morning Devotional...


Why Did Jesus Come From Heaven?



The much-loved Christmas song "O Holy Night" paints the scene of the world welcoming the long-awaited Savior.

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!

It recounts that powerful moment when the Messiah appeared, the hope of the world coming to earth as a baby. But what caused Christ to step down from heaven and live among us, God in human form?

Long lay the world, in sin and error pining
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.

Did Jesus come to make us happy? Did He come to make us good people? No, His mission was much deeper than that. Jesus sacrificed His life to save us from the death we deserved so that we could know Him and live eternally. His mission was salvation from sin; His motivation was love.

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices
O night divine, O night when Christ was born.

This Christmas, how will you live in response to the greatest act of love the world has ever known? As you come before the Lord this week, ask Him to reveal more to you about His precious Son, His costly sacrifice, and His great gift of salvation.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, open my eyes to the magnificence of Jesus' birth. Teach me about the power of Your sacrifice and show me the depths of Your love this Christmas season. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).[/size]
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Devotional material is taken from "Leading the Way," by Dr. Michael Youssef/i]

Thank you, Jeane, for a good devotional message today.

The grandchildren of my good friend who is nearly blind have spent the weekend with her, and they asked if I would go with them to Steak n Shake today. We had such a sweet time together. I'm thankful I had the time to take them many places the summers they spent with her. They're like a spare set of grandchildren.

It's so good to hear from all of you.

May our Lord bless each of you real good today.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone on a dreary and damp Monday morning.  After coffee this morning I plan on staying home the rest of the day until this evening, when I hope to go to a meeting, if I am not too tired.  However, Pat has an afternoon doctor's appointment and I may need to take her as her arm is giving her a lot of problems.  Her shoulder had gotten better and then yesterday she did repetitive motions in cleaning some silver and caused the severe pain in her arm.  I got the first two boxes packed yesterday of books in my office.  The housekeepers are due here this morning and will have to clean around some clutter associated with moving. 

I read quickly through the postings as want to devote as much time today as I can to sorting through two large plastic bins of family pictures, many of which came from my mother.  I enjoyed the Christmas remembrances. 

Jeanne, thanks for the new weekly devotional.  It does right along with what I heard in the sermon yesterday. 

Everyone reading this here please check the Prayer and Praise link here for news on Jane's daughter.  Let us lift our sister and her daughter up in prayer as we travel through our day.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.....Let this be in our prayers today.

Hi, friends,

It was a good day.

First, a doctor's visit for a friend, then to a restaurant to pick up a meal for her. Then on to the pharmacy.

Next, lunch with family members from Houston and Cincinnati and Hendersonville, TN.

A gift giving mission followed, then supper on the run.

Now, our ice hockey team is playing, so, of course, I really want to support them and watch the game on television.

Hmmm - wonder how late I'll sleep tomorrow morning?!

Y'all have a good rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  It is after 8 am and it is a dreary, rainy type morning.  We are suppose to have thunderstorms today and rain tomorrow but a sunny day on Christmas.

I enjoyed a good nights sleep and then stayed in bed this morning until about 8 am but was awake earlier and read the email and new message on the three boards I read each day before I got up.  I plan on having a quiet day today and to stay home and work on more sorting out of pictures to keep and other things.  I might even pack a box or two today. 

Ruth Ann, I have never understood ice hockey so seldom watch it.  You sure had a busy day yesterday. 

Hi, friends,

Yes, Larry, that busy day kept me sleeping later than I intended to today. I had less than 30 minutes from the time I awakened until, fed, dressed, medicated, and so forth, I picked up a lady to take her to the pharmacy and the grocery!

Now, I'll end up being tired from all that rushing.

Love to everyone,
Ruth Ann

We had a delightful overnight visit from two of our grands - brother and sister (19 and 17).  They decided to visit us and play cribbage with Don plus g-daughter wanted to see my fabric and pick out favorite colors, etc.  I finished this grandson's quilt after the last three days of hand-sewing the binding (with lots of pain cream on my hands).  This will be a gift sometime tomorrow.  We are going there for an overnight and most of the family will be together - two have to work late tomorrow.  So, the rest of us will be able to go to an early afternoon service - this is my favorite time together. 

We may be able to leave for Arizona on Saturday morning and it depends on the next snow storm.  High winds today and icy to walk when getting my haircut.  Really icy.  Baby steps is the only way on days like this! 

Larry:  Sorry about Pat's arm pain.  Have you tried a roll-on called Stop Pain?  It is OK for medium problems.  It is so hard to heal when there is so much to do when moving. 

Jeanne:  Thanks for the devotions so perfect for this week. 

Ruth Ann:  I like a good and clean hockey game - it is like watching a ballet on ice. 

Jane:  Sending a prayer for your daughter and son-in-law. 

Have a wonderful and safe Christmas.

Hi everyone.  I think it rained all night and more is forecast for today.  I will pick up our Nigerian grandson after coffee and a quick trip to Krogers' for a few items.  We will work on packing more boxes and plastic bins.  I did finish going through pictures yesterday and discarded those of just scenery of duplicates or unknown folks.  There is a Christmas Eve service at our church this evening if we aren't too tired to attend. 

Ruth Ann, you really must have been rushing around to get all that done in 30 minutes. 

Carol, Pat's arm pain was much better yesterday but the arm was still sore.  She did pack a couple of small boxes.  It sounds like you have fun plans for Christmas and then hope you are able to get to Arizona on Saturday as you plan. 

It's so good to hear from y'all.

I've enjoyed a conversation with one of my sons, and have been thankful to rest most of the day.

Carole, I laughed and told my daughter and son in law that it's their fault that I enjoy watching ice hockey so much. For about a year, they came to my apartment and watched the games that I saved for them on the DVD.

Larry, you're correct - I was really buzzing around during that 30 minutes.    I didn't think I could move that fast. <chuckle>

Y'all have a blessed Christmas eve.

Much love,
Ruth Ann

Merry Christmas to all.  We celebrated at an early candlelight church service with dozens of children.  All the offering went to two charities - it is the Lutheran church our daughter and family attend.  They support some refugee families.

Then, two of our sons came to daughter's house and we had such a wonderful visit.  We did not like the drive on the rural road in the dark and then close to our house all traffic was stopped both directions by police searching every vehicle.  Poor policemen are always working even on this wonderful time. 

Presented the hockey themed quilt to that grandson and had so many wonderful hugs from him.   

Ruth Ann:  I was surprised when you mentioned liking hockey so much.  There isn't the waiting around as in football but since I had three sons and a tomboy daughter, I just learned to like a lot of sports for the talent.

Snowstorm expected tomorrow - Janet had better be ready for some snow soon. 

Merry Christmas everyone. Hope you have a wonderful day.

Hi everyone and Merry Christmas to all of you. 

Our main activity for the day will be to meet our son and dil in Madison, Georgia for our Christmas dinner and spending time together.  The place we are eating is a truck stop and we have eaten there several times before and the food has been very good.  They are having a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings including a piece of pie. 

We did not attend the Christmas Eve service at our church last evening. Christian and I had spent two hours completing getting things ready to move in our bonus room. I was ready to just stay home last evening and rest.  Looking forward to some sunshine today. 

Merry Christmas to all my CP friends, may God richly bless you today and always.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!  As we celebrate once again the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, may we each feel His presence with us in special ways:  In the giggles of happy children, in the warm hugs of family members, in the rituals of whatever traditions your family keeps, and especially in the knowledge of His presence in our hearts.  Praise the Lord for his marvelous plan!

We will be going to Hugoton later, to celebrate with Diane and her family.  John will drive Beth in her van.  She has a fever this morning, so I advised them to wait until around four to leave.  We are to eat around 5:00, and Beth doesn't need to be up in her wheelchair any longer than necessary.  The nurse told me yesterday that it looks as if she may be really close to getting pressure sores on her bottom.    She just isn't looking well at all the past few days.  But our God is in control!

My heart tests show I have "significant leakage" of the mitral valve.  Now we are waiting for mor information/advice on the next steps.  But I am at peace, knowing God loves me, He has all my days planned and He is in control in this as in all thing.

I love you, dear friends.  God bless you, every one! 

Hi, friends,

Merry Christmas to each of you.

My sister in law and I went to a Christmas buffet provided by Shoneys. There was plenty of good food, and lots of appreciative diners.

It's so good to hear from each of you.

Janet, I truly hope Beth doesn't develop the pressure sores. I'm sorry you're dealing with mitral valve leakage. May our Lord guide you through the treatment process.

Larry and Carol, it's so good to hear from each of you. Larry, try to take it as easy as you can. Carol, it sounds like y'all have had a wonderful time with family. I, too, find it very difficult to drive at night on roads that aren't well lit.

Judy and Pat and John, y'all have a good Christmas.

And, may our Lord bless each of you who come our way.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone on this day after Christmas. We are to have another really beautiful day with sun and a high of 57.  Yesterday was also such a magnificent day with bright sunshine and warmer temps.

We did meet our son and dil in Madison as planned and enjoyed a feast, most of which came home in a take-away box.  Our dil has a card provided by her doctor asking restaurants to serve her child's portions as she only eats a few bites at a time due to the gastric bypass.  This was a buffet and when they brought out her plate we asked the waitress was this the child's plate as there was so much food on it and she said it was.  Our meals were delivered on a big platters with half of a thick ham steak slice, two nice slices of turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, corn bread stuffing and we also got a trip to the salad/soup bar.  The food was delicious and we were most pleased with the meal and the price.  We enjoyed two hours of visiting with Scott and Sheila and got home about 3 pm.   

This afternoon we plan on visiting with and playing some cards with friends from church.  They moved to a new home not far from us probably three months ago and we haven't been over to see it yet so looking forward to the afternoon.  I will continue to work on moving preparations this morning after coffee at McDonald's.

Ruth Ann, we used to have Shoney's in our area but no more as they have all closed.  Glad you and your sil enjoyed a nice meal there. 

Janet, my dad suffered with a stage 4 pressure sore for many, many months so know how terrible and painful those are.  Sure hope they turn Beth often so that she isn't afflicted with one.  Hope Beth was able to join in the family celebration yesterday.  Glad you at least know what the problem is with your heart.   

It is exactly 6 AM here this very minute.  The snow has stopped falling and there is more to come today.  Our oldest son and family are very likely on the road driving from Fort Worth, Texas to home here in a Denver suburb today. 

Janet:  Prayers for you and Beth.  Is John visiting now? 

We will pack the car today and get our trash ready for pickup tomorrow - meanwhile, must go to Walmart today for part of Don's prescription that wasn't available last time. Ugh - extra ugh for this is an awful day to go there.  Yesterday, we looked for a good old-fashioned Christmas movie - not to be found.  Unbelievable what is considered Christmas entertainment on t.v.  Still dark here so I have pushed the coffeemaker button (miss the old perking coffeepot sometimes) and now headed to the basement for a little time on the treadmill. 

I told my grandson that I needed to borrow his hockey gear and suit up for my venture into the store today - he loved that idea. 

Larry:  Just a note to tell you that I sat at the desk and rewrote all my passwords and Don will help me go over everything too - mission accomplished.  Happy!  You are making great gains for such a short time to move - it is the right thing to do. 

I hope everyone has had a truly blessed Christmas. 

I'm sorry I've been among the missing for a couple of days - nothing wrong, just crazy mixed-up days.  I think I'm almost back on schedule.   

My daughter sent me a Kindle Fire from Amazon and learning what I can do and how to do it has certainly added to the confusion.  Among other things, what a long list of free books are available!

I"ll try to be more regular and keep up with my computer "duties". 

Happy "day after Christmas" everybody!  We are all busy, it seems.  Beth was really low last night, or yesterday evening.  She barely was able to eat anything, and no matter how she tried, she could not make us understand anything she was trying so hard to say.    I thought she looked really bad, and was not alone in thinking that.  Diane and Darrel both told me they thought she did, too.  Her eyes are usually very bright; they were dim, she was very tired and weak, and her color was bad.  I was so distressed over her that I called her younger sister Kerri this morning to tell her.  She is sick, but said she would try to come see Beth.

I called and talked to John; he said Beth was sleeping, so I told him to call me when she woke up and I would come in.  When I went, she seemed to have rallied somewhat.  Her eyes were brighter, her color improved, and I could understand her again.  So when I got back to my car I called Kerri to tell her I think the situation is still serious but not critical, as I don't want her putting herself in danger to come.  She will call me later to tell me if she will come tomorrow or not.

And that's my update for today.

Hi everyone.  Yesterday we had a most enjoyable afternoon playing a Canasta game with our friends, seeing their lovely new home, and enjoying a nice spaghetti dinner with them. 

This morning after coffee I picked up Christian and we will finished up the moving preparations in the shed. 

Yesterday I called Dish to cancel the service and they offered me such a great deal I stayed with them.  They offered to reduce my bill by $50 a month for a year plus give me the month of January 2015 free.  Also there will be no contract and I will get free installation at the new home and don't have to do anything with the outside antenna on this house.  I will also get free the newest receiver/recorder although there will be a monthly charge for its use. 

Carol, hope you don't get too much snow and that your family had a safe trip back to Denver from Texas.  Didn't envy you having to go to Walmart yesterday but hope the pharmacy area wasn't very busy. 

Jeanne, you will love the Kindle Fire.  The picture is so clear and you are right there are many books available free.  Check out a website, which belongs to Amazon, called BookGorilla.com.  You just signup with your email address and you get a daily email offering books free or for very low prices.  I have gotten this each day for a long time and have well over 1,000  books in my library.  You can select what type of books you are interested in and when you buy it free you will get a confirming email.  The book cover will appear on you Kindle Fire but the book isn't downloaded until you click on it to download.  It is fun just to look at the book covers and the Kindle Fire is very light weight.  These are newer book that the author is trying to become known or a well-known author wants to gain new readers. 

Janet, it sounds like Beth may have just been worn out from not feeling well, the trip away from the home, and probably a lot of conversation with John.  Glad you found her feeling better after getting some sleep.  I understand your concern and hope she will be feeling even better today.  Probably my best advice would be to call Amazon and tell them what you are experiencing and they will undoubtedly know a quick and easy way.  Whatever you have purchased, whether paid or free, is stored in your account on the Cloud (their computers).  Here is a link shows the process of syncing content to your Kindle Fire:  http://www.wikihow.com/Sync-Kindle-Fire and you can try that before calling Amazon.

Thanks for your kind words, Larry.  Good news about your TV deal, and now you won't need to worry about the hook-up at your new place!  I know Christian will miss you!

About the Kindle Fire--I have a problem.  For a few months now, nothing I order has shown up on my Kindle Fire.  Do you have any idea why that would be?  I am missing so many books I would really like to read!    If you know how I might correct this, please let me know.  It was SO simple before! 

I haven't yet been to see Beth today, but Larry, you are likely right that she was just worn out.  She sure likes to stay on the go when John is around!  And her poor body just cannot tolerate it.

I plan to spend a lazy day today.  (Imagine that!) 

Larry, thanks for the suggestion about BookGorilla.com.  I'll look into it.  I already found one author - quite by accident - whose books it may well be worth paying for.  I looked for mystery/suspense and found "Foreclosure" by Traci Tyne Hilton, the first of a series.  There is a light Christian thread throughout the (excellent) story.  I intend to look for more of this series.  I also found a couple that sounded good - until I read the first couple of pages.  Such filth!   Those were immediately deleted.  My problem with the Kindle is that I'm spending way too much time with it and neglecting other things is should be doing.   

Janet I hope Larry has a solution for your Kindle problem.  If you enjoy suspense type stories you might want to look for "Foreclosure" among the free ones.  How frustrating it must be for Beth when she can't make herself understood.  I hope things are improving today.

Jeanne,  I did make some suggestions for Janet in my above posting.  Most of the books i have my Kindle library are mysteries.

For anyone interested Max Alderman has books on Amazon for Kindle readers.

Here is one on Revelation.

And Max's explanation

QuoteBy special arrangements with Kindle, I am able to give this commentary free...for three more days...you can get a free reading app if you do not have one. When you purchase it free, you still click as though you are buying, but the price will come up free. If you have questions, please let me try to answer them. God bless!

This was posted on FaceBook yesterday!

Hi, friends,

I was kept busy yesterday working to ward off a virus/cold. So, I did almost nothing all day except sleep.

I'm feeling much better today.

It's good to hear from y'all.  God is good, isn't He.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

We had a great visit with Gilbert, sarah and the kids.  It was a hectic drive down the coast as it was pouring rain and there were a couple of place where part of the road was washed out and one place it wa washed out all the across both lanes there ws a detour there  around that place.

We had a wonderful meal at Gilbert's, and the bean salad that Sarah prepared was fantastic. There were about 10 varieties of beans and she made an asian type of marinade for them with two kinds of rice vinegar some oilive oil and other spices.


We went to see Willa before we came home yesterday. The pet sitter gave us a bunch of fudge for Christmas. Mmmmmgood

Hey there, all y'all!  I had a fantastic Christmas also!  One none of us will ever forget.  UC Standford Medical Center is known as one of the best hospitals in the world, and has the best medical staff available.  This is where my daughter is being treated (had surgery on Tuesday, 23rd) her husband, son, best friend and I are here with her.  Christmas Eve she got up for the first time following surgery and, complete with meds pole, tubes and wires, nursing assistant, she and her entourage strolled "around the block" (2 nursing stations and entire unit) singing carols .... as we passed a nursing station, we picked up some more singers and soon had made the complete round with quite a following!

She is looking at getting to return to clear liquids by tomorrow, so she is slowly and surely making progress toward recovery.

How long will we be here?  Well, her friend has already returned home, but I and John and Bryan will be here just as long as Joy is.  So there!

Updates are available in the Prayer and Praise folder... 

Hi everyone on a rainy morning following a rainy night.  However it was a great night for sleeping.  I am using my iPad to read and post this morning. 

We got a lot done yesterday.  We got the shed all ready for moving and several other boxes were in the house.  I have very little left to pack in my office.  I then took Christian home by way of Old Navy where he bought a pair of slacks.  Unfortunately there was a very long line and it took 45 minutes or more to get to the cash register.

We plan on going to church this morning and then spend the rest of the day quietly resting.

Ruth Ann,  sure hope you have warded off the cold/virus.

Marilyn, glad you are safely home and had such a good time with Gilbert and family.

Jane,  your posting was very encouraging as it sounds like Joy is on the road to recovery.  I know it's very exhausting spending hour after hour sitting with someone in the hospital, but that it's a labor of love.

He is good indeed, Ruth Ann!  I "took it easy" yesterday, too.  Didn't sleep, jut didn't work! 

Larry, you're a gem!  Thanks for that link.  I figured out the problem.  A while back we had some kind of problem with our wireless, and changed our password.  Now, no matter how many times I try, I can't get the new password to work; and of course, Darrel doesn't remember the new one, either.  What I wrote down doesn't work.     Well, at least now I know what the problem is, so maybe when Curtis comes by, he can fix it for me, even if he has to change the password again.