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Morning Devotional...


The month which was turned from sorrow to joy for them, and from mourning to a holiday.
Esther 9:22a

Recommended Reading


Philippians 4:4


DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT


While Israel's seasons are the same as ours, the Jewish calendar is different. The last month of the Jewish year, Adar, corresponds to our February-March. We consider February to be a short, intermission month standing between winter and spring. We celebrate Valentine's Day and presidential birthdays in February, but not too much else. (In Ontario we have Family Day on the 17th).


But on the Jewish calendar, Adar (our February) is a time to rejoice! During Adar, the Jews celebrated (and still do) Purim -- the deliverance of the Jews in Persia from the plans of the wicked official named Haman (Esther 9:18-32). It is a time to remember that "which was turned from sorrow to joy for them, and from mourning to a holiday; ... days of feasting and joy, of sending presents to one another and gifts to the poor" (Esther 9:22).

If February is nothing but a post-holiday month for you, don't spend it just waiting for spring. Take the opportunity this month to rejoice in your own deliverance "from the power of darkness ... into the kingdom of the Son ... in whom we have redemption through His blood" (Colossians 1:13-14). There is no greater reason to rejoice!

No duty almost is more pressed in both Testaments than this, of rejoicing in the Lord.

John Trapp

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What an inspiring devotional, Judy. Thank you. I also really enjoyed reading the stanzas of the song.

My daughter and her hubby invited me to eat lunch/brunch with them today.How nice to visit with them and the "granddogs." The meal had a Mexican theme - eggs with chorizo, pico de gallo, refried beans, guacamole, tortillas, shredded chicken made with chorizo and chipotle sauce. Yummy.

Then, it was time to rest in the living room and watch the Puppy Bowl X. How cute those little pups were falling all over each other! :)

May our Lord keep us safe during these wintry days.

Much love to all,
Ruth Ann

Thanks, Judy, for the good Thoughts!

Ruth Ann, your description of the Puppy Bowl made me chuckle, as it describes the Super Bowl as well.  That has to be the WORST game ever played in the Super Bowl!  I felt so sad for Peyton Manning and the whole team.  Seemed like the bad start dogged them all the way through, and they just couldn't seem to shake it off and get back to their usual performance.  Ah, well, such is life.  I always root for the underdogs, as I don't have a strong favorite, other than the Chiefs, and that's only because they are from my state!  Larry, what did you think of the game yesterday?  It was painful to watch, I thought.  I was making cards, so not watching intently.

It is bitterly cold here today, and the prediction is for -3* tomorrow, intermittent snow continuing for 12 hours, maybe to get 2-4 inches.  Time will tell!

I am exercising late today as the house cleaner is here and we can't leave, someone is required to be home when she is here.  I'm not really part of class just now, as Kristi is working with me individually to help me get the calcium built back into my bones!  So it is okay to go later in the morning.

I heard this the other day:  A guy was at a big football game and he saw a man standing up holding a big banner reading "JESUS LOVES YOU."  He was telling someone about it, saying, "The guy only had two teeth in his head, and they didn't match.  He was scroungy looking, looked like his hair hadn't been combed in a month..... couldn't God have found a better representative?...and so on."  But the Lord spoke up on the inside and asked him, "Are you ashamed of those who aren't ashamed of Me?"  OUCH!  Good food for thought!

Hi everyone.  We had rain all night and now is cloudy but the chances of more rain today goes down after noon.  It was 70 degrees here yesterday and is now 54 degrees.  We did meet Stacey and her friend and the friends granddaughter at the restaurant for lunch and then went back to her apartment to unload our trunk full of things we had for her.  We visited with her a little time in her apartment but not too long as she wasn't feeling very well at all.

Today is my men's Monday luncheon and then I have a meeting tonight.  I watched the first half of the Super Bowl and then listened to the second half on the radio.  It really was a dud of a game unless you are a Seattle fan.

John, what a nice thing to happen and that is a unique discount.  Some of our places will give a birthday free meal if you go on your actual birthday and show them your driver's license to prove you date of birth.  Our little rodent didn't see his shadow so maybe the rest of the winter won't be to bad in Georgia, although I doubt it. 

Carol, that is a nice number of charter members to start a new church.  Are many of these folks who come to winter in your area? 

Janet, from what you have said about Mark I felt he wouldn't give up but he has a right to feel his feeling now about the rejection but hope he will soon put this behind him as a learning experience.  They sure knew how to put pressure on him.  I think that would make anyone nervous.  We stopped at Kroger yesterday morning to pick up a few items Stacey needed and they were also very busy. 

Judy, I liked that devotional for this week.  Very interesting information and just hope I can remember some of that history. 

Ruth Ann, It sounds like your daughter made the Mexican type meal.  We had Mexican but at an expensive restaurant. 

Janet, as I stated above I thought the game was a dud.  I didn't really care which team won but sure hoped it would be a competitive one.  By halftime I felt the die was cast and that Seattle would win but perhaps not by such a lop-sided score.  Sounds like your weather is turning bad. 

Winter this year has been long and cold but I must say that today is a most beautiful sunny peaceful  Christmas card winter day. 

We live in a very small world but  there was on the loosing football team a fellow from the Toronto area. He was raised by a mom only, and  headed toward the prison system and his mom stood here ground with him - not giving up, he loved football and if moving to Florida which is what he wanted and a lot of her rules meant that he did what he dearly loved both of them have something to be very proud of.

To my friends Hello.

Hi, friends,

I'm sitting here after having had a very quiet day. Now it's time to check with CP friends, and then to check on email messages.

Larry, I got the authentic food, since my son in law is Mexican by birth, and now American by nationality. I'm so proud of him. And, they cooked the brunch meal together. He enjoys being in the kitchen as much as she enjoys it.

I'm thankful that few deaths have been reported from all these ice and snow storms coming through the country.

Well, must move along. Y'all have a good rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

This has been a long day for me, I woke up at 5 and because I was going to be spending the day out with John I wasn't able to go back to sleep.  :clobber: The doctor has me on a sleep apnea machine. I have been taking the mask off every night at some point and have no idea that I am doing it.  Well today John caught me firing it off!  I woke up and put it back on not knowing when I threw it (If that makes any sense).   Well at least now I know that I wake up right away and can readjust the stupid mask back on.  LOL

We were out just about all day and ended at a friend's home visiting while John had a guitar lesson.  He is doing really well.

His meals are all ready, and I will be up with the birds again tomorrow!  His truck is in for service so I have to drive him into North Bay.

Have a great night folks

I just thought I'd let you all know that I'm leaving the "land of ice and snow" headed to the northerly "land of ice and snow"!!!!  This has been the coldest trip ever to Virginia and Florida.  I've packed the car and my hands are freezing!!  So,, off I go.  Anyone on Facebook will be able to see where I am as I'll "check in" from time to time on the journey.  I'm trying to beat a freezing rain warning that is headed this way.  So, cross yur fingers for me please.  BUT I won't take any chances.

Hi everyone.  It is cloudy here today and have a 90% chance of rain.  However, it is to get to 52 degrees.  The housekeepers are here. Pat plans on attending a movie this afternoon with some of her women friends. Stacey was to see the eye doctor yesterday and they were putting in a new type of contact in her eye.  She will have to have her eye taped shut but I don't know how long.  She has her monthly appointment with her internist today and I do hope she gets back today before it starts raining in downtown Atlanta.  We didn't hear from her yesterday. 

Unexpected turn of events.  I went to start my PT Cruiser to back out of the garage and it was dead as a door nail.  Have arranged to have it towed to a garage to have it checked out.  I just had the battery checked right after I got the car so don't think it is that as the radio still plays.  It may be the alternator so expecting a big bill but have to get it fixed. Fortunately, I do have an auto club with unlimited mileage towing and this garage is probably 6 miles away.  The tow truck should be here within the hour.

Ruth, glad you had a nice day yesterday.  It sounds like the young man's mother deserves a lot of credit.  It reminds me of the movie they have out about the early life of Dr. Benjamin Carson, whose mother was a strong influence in his life and he became a world renown neurosurgeon.

Ruth Ann, glad you checked in and also that you were able to enjoy a quiet day.  I really wonder sometimes if I have ever really had any authentic Mexican food but probably have in various Mexican restaurants but some is Tex-Mex.  I don't care I like it anyway. 

Judy, I expect you will feel much better and more rested when you adjust to the CPAP Machine.  Pat used hers for seven years and really noticed a difference. 

Pat, don't envy you that long drive and sure hope the roads are OK. 

One more morning of bright sunshine before the snow comes.  Latest estimate is for a foot or more and then the temperature plug will be pulled and we'll be back in the super frigid zone.

Pat, I do hope you can get back to Guelph without running into any of snow and ice.  I'll be praying you all the way home.   :)

Ruth:  Your story just shows that people should "never give up" on others.  Nice ending. 

Nothing is going right this morning so I came in here to get my mind off those things.  See you later - must accomplish something. 

Pat:  Safe travels to you.  It sure is an iffy time of the year to be driving any direction.   I don't know how you do all that driving - it wears me out just reading your agenda.  Hugs

Hi, friends,

Carol, ONE thing went right - you came to CP to be refreshed. :)

Larry, I don't really care either, I like Mexican foods whether homemade or from a restaurant. Isn't it interesting how so many cuisines use many of the same foods and when the cooks finish, the resulting dishes taste so differently. It's a constant source of amazement for me.

Judy, I understand about the sleep apnea machine. I also have one, and if it doesn't fit just right, I find I've removed it, too. I understand from my doctor that one must use it at least 4 hours a night to gain the desired effects from the machine. I hope that the next one will be easier for me to put on and remove the mask, since I find it cumbersome to go through the process if nature calls in the middle of the night. ;)

Today has been a bit busy - I played piano for the devotional time downstairs. The young man who spoke has recently begun speaking, and it's so refreshing to see the earnestness as he struggles to convey his meaning to others. Today's message was the best yet.

Then, I took the next door neighbor to the grocery store. He kept saying, "Now, I don't HAVE to get everything today - I won't keep you waiting - will you be upset if..." So, I grinned, said, "Look, we set up the appointment for this afternoon, so I plan to pick up a few things, get a soda and a magazine, and read until you're finished. My time is yours today." So, it seemed to calm his fears, and he filled the trunk of my PT cruiser with his groceries. It surely must be difficult to need to shop and have no means of getting to and from the grocery.

I think I'm going to put on some chili for supper tonight - we have a really cold rain falling. And, I think this time I'll use black beans in the chili instead of pintos.

Y'all have a good rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann I kept it on all night last night.  WOOHOO That is a first.

John is headed toward Pennsylvania.........Concerned and praying.

We got the fringe of the storm, it snowed last night but is clear and overcast today.  I hope it stays that way.

God bless you all and if you are in the storm path stay home and safe.

Hello my friends. 

Soon I will be having lunch then returning to the computer to do the banking, it is time consuming but then it will be done for the month so I have no reason to complain.

Judy you say you got the fringe of the storm then that means we are in the middle of it and it is to continue until late this afternoon.

Pat- did you make it home in time?

Hi everyone.  We are at a hospice facility where Stacey was brought yesterday evening.  She had her 9th heart attack either Monday or Tuesday and was found yesterday afternoon when the hospice nurse couldn't get her to return her call and we hadn't been able to reach her.  The ER doctor called me and said we needed to get to the hospital.  The doctor told us she was terminal and the hospice people took over and arranged for a room here in downtown Atlanta.  Pat spent the night and I went home to get the car and bring what we needed as we will stay with her until the end.  She is being kept comfortable but she is non-responsive today and the death rattles have begun.  I would appreciate it if someone would report this in the Soda Shoppe and in Norm's Bait and Tackle as I just am not up to it. 

Larry, I have copied and posted your message in those two places.  My prayers for you and Pat through this trial and for Stacey's peace and comfort.

Dear Larry, JudyB just called me to let me know .... I am praying...

I have copied Larry's post into our Prayer and Praise topic HERE (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=12904.msg182945#msg182945).  Please visit there and leave a message of prayer and comfort for Larry and Pat.

Larry Praying

I also will be supporting Larry and Pat in prayer, as well as Stacey and other family members and friends. May our Lord bless and keep you, Larry and Pat.

Ruth Ann

Oh, Larry!  my heart aches for you and Pat.  I am so very sorry about this development, and will continue in prayer for the three of you.  Please try to get enough rest and take good care of each other during this toughest of times.  We love you.

Well, I posted here last evening and find that it must have gone into cyberspace.

I am just without words with regard to Larry and Pat and their dear daughter, Stacey.  It is just so awful and it seems so recent that we wer all sitting in Larry and Pat's living room talking about Stacey and her condition. 

If you glance in here, Larry, please know that I'm praying for you both and for the whole family circle.

Good Afternoon friends.
We have another cold breezy winter day, but at least it is not snowing.
Anyone watching the winter games. I am the the opening ceremonies will be tomorrow so many new events were added requiring an early start.

Larry: Praying for you and the family.

Have all of the friends hidden in the closet?

Thank you all for your loving support and jean  thanks for reporting for me yesterday.  We have been supported by friends and our minister and one of Stacey's pastors was here also.  Stacey is still transitioning and made it through the night and so far today.  One thing we have found is that gangrene has attached her other foot and leg.  There are many unanswered questions regarding what happened to her since we were with her on Sunday.  Both Pat and I got a few hours of sleep last night and today I have tried to stay busy putting in place what will be needed when she passes.  I have also been calling her doctors and canceling some accounts she has had.  I am going to post this in the other discussions and try to catch up from yesterday.

Larry, you and Pat and Stacey were the first ones to pop into my mind upon awakening today. Please know we all love you and are praying.

Ruth Ann

Bless your heart, Larry. 

Please tell Pat, I'm sending huge hugs. <3

Marilyn, I hope this will be a memorable birthday = a time for release from pain and looking forward to a wonderful new year.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Thank you Ruthann,  The meds I got today from th ER Doctor, seem to be working a little bit, I haven't taken the pain pill yet. He told me to only take that one at bedtime. I have suspected for sometime that I had some Fibromyalgia, but it really didn't seem to bother me very much until last Thursday when this pain started then continued to get worse/\. I hope my Internist will continue what ever medication works for me to curb the painful times.

Sorry Marilyn....Happy Birthday my friend!

I keep checking for an update from Larry.....

Happy birthday, Marilyn!  And I do hope you get relief from the problem, and that right soon!  Praying for you.

I also am checking for further news from our dear Larry.  And keeping on praying...........

I have not been to visit the site for awhile and am so sad about Stacey.  This year has not started out well for many and sad things just keep happening....My SIL's sister lost her son in a truck accident a few days ago and he was only 25 yrs. old.  A very talented and popular young man, in university with his whole life ahead.  Then I got an email from one of my oldest friends saying her husband was just diagnosed with ALS  and has only a few months to live.  We were all young together in Calgary and B and I shared a suite before marriage.  They finally realized what was wrong in time to put in a feeding tube while he could still swallow.  It is such a sad exit for such a nice person.  Sometimes it is hard to remember that God is in control....but he is, and we must always remember that.

We are having very cold weather here on the island, in fact, it was snowing this morning.  Not usual for this time of the year in our part of the province.  Some of our little birds are not surviving despite my daughters best efforts.  Our much loved little Anna's Hummingbird died the other day and not certain of the fate of it's mate.  Our wild birds are used to warmer days and nights.

Guess this post is not very cheerful.....so had best end and go do some work.

God Bless,

Liz

Happy Birthday Marilyn     :hbirthday: :hb2: :hb3:

I apologize for not getting here earlier but this has been a very busy day.  Stacey passed away yesterday afternoon around 4:30 pm.  I had taken care of the cremation arrangements yesterday morning so we packed up our things and went to the car.  We got in and the battery was dead.  Fortunately, one of our good friends had come earlier in the afternoon and was leaving at the same time.  I flagged her down and we left the car and she brought us home.  Her husband went with me this morning to the apartment and we packed up a lot of things that I needed to bring out here, especially papers and things that needed washing.  We will go back Monday and finish getting everything finished for the pickup.  We are donating all of her furniture as we have no need for it.  The big item was the adjustable bed and I learned that her friend at the apartments didn't have a bed so we are giving it to her and my friend will bring his moving pallets and take the bed to her apartment.  We also gave her most of the food in the refrigerator and freezer and will give her what ever linens and blankets she wants.  The big item left is the wheelchair and we hope the Atlanta Mission, where we plan to donate the items, will take it also.  If not there is a group nearby that reconditions medical equipment and provides it to those in need.  I got the new battery when I got back here and my other car is ready and will be picked up in the morning as it is ready. 

I haven't had time to read any messages since I last posted but will do that tomorrow as plan on a quieter day.  I am ready to turn in for the day as have had no time to rest.  Pat stayed home to field phone cars and to make some needed calls but she is exhausted.  We will rest up over the weekend. 

Larry, there is no need for an apology! 

My sympathy for you and Pat on the loss of your dear daughter.  My prayers continue for both of you for the peace and comfort of our Lord as you deal with all that needs to be done and as you deal with your grief.

God bless you.

Big Hugs to you both, Larry.   <3

Larry My thoughts and prayers are with you, so sorry for your loss.

We've opened a special topic for Larry and Pat Hanna where we can all share our messages of sympathy.  Let's post there even if you've posted here so that Larry will be able to print out the topic and have a lovely momento to remember Stacey.

Please post messages of sympathy and condolence to Larry and Pat CLICK HERE (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=12906.0)

Thank you all and it is so comforting to know my friends are so caring.  I have lots of details to attend to the next few days although have gotten a good start.  A friend went with me to her apartment yesterday and I found all of her papers and we brought a pickup load of the things that needed to be washed or we could use.  We will go back on Monday with this same friend and a friend from church who can help getting things ready for pickup by a charity.  Much of what we brought out will also go to charity. I am probably repeating myself. 

Don't worry about repeating yourself Larry.  We understand.

Earlier, I came in here to mention a jr. hockey player in Canada who is in a coma - from a suicide attempt.  Our grandson knows him well.  Such a shock for young people.  I did not mention it because of the news from our Larry on his daughter, Stacey. 

Marilyn:  Belated birthday greetings to you - good that you are taking care of yourself and seeing the doctor for your pain. 

We have a dear friend coming to visit for the next two days - she lost her husband in November and we have know each other for over 30 years.  They winter in Tucson and she is driving here so we can take her to visit mutual friends and take time to walk her little dog around the area too. 

It is a long prayer morning and giving thanks for all we are so grateful for peace of mind.  Hugs to anyone who needs a hug.

Hi, friends,

Larry, do know that we love, appreciate you, and are supporting you and Pat with our prayers.

Ruth Ann

Hi Larry So sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that our prayers are with you during these difficult times.

Hi everyone.  I love you all as my brothers and sisters in Christ and know you are supporting me.  Yesterday was a very difficult day for both Pat and I and the support and love of our friends and family helps.  Our minister was hear late yesterday afternoon as we begin to make arrangement for the memorial service.  I will know the date after seeing the pastor this morning as he needed to check the church calendar.  Pat found a very meaningful song that will be sung by a dear friend and I have talked with our church organist and will get the music to her this morning when I go to church.  Here is a link to the song:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdUY_iVmhVI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdUY_iVmhVI)

I know this won't be an easy morning at church but I feel the need to go and know whether it is today, next week or a month from now that I first went back it would be difficult.  Pat isn't ready to venture out as she has taken this very hard.

I sorted through all of Stacey's papers and miscellaneous items and the next step will be to start organizing them so I can have the information I need in the days ahead in canceling a few accounts and making some notifications. We did get our other car back from the garage so we are a two car family again.

Please feel no need to comment further on my ramblings as you all have certainly supported us.  I will probably continue to write things related to what is happening in the next few days as coming to these message boards daily is a part of my life.   

That certainly is a fitting and comforting song, Larry.  I'm glad Pat found it.  And I understand her mother's heart and the loss she must feel.  I pray for comfort for her and that her sorrow will soon turn to joy, as she looks forward to that day she and you will be reunited with your lovely daughter.  Please do feel free to say whatever you like about this situation.  We know it is all-consuming right now, and besides, we want to be here for you!

Prayer continues.

It's time to start a new "Thoughts for the Week"...

CLICK HERE TO GET THERE (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=12910.0)