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Morning Devotional...




When they were come to the place, which is called Calvary....
Luke 23:33

I wonder what Calvary means to you?

To the crowd on that occasion it was a place of crucifixion and the end (or so they thought) of Jesus.

To the believer, however, Calvary is the highest point of love displayed. Calvary was not the end, but rather the starting point in relation to salvation, for it was "at the cross, at the cross, where we first saw the light and the burden of our heart rolled away."

Tell me, what does Calvary mean to you today?
--John M. Clegg





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Hello again!  Pat, thanks for the Thoughts for today.  I am so glad Jesus gave his very life that I might be set free from my sins!  What a Savior!  What a love!

Nothing new, really, just checking in again.

Thank you, Pat.  How blessed we are that Jesus died in such agony for our salvation.

Hi everyone on a beautiful but chilly morning here in South Carolina.  It was 34 degrees a little while ago and only to get up to 46 degrees today.  Late yesterday afternoon the discomfort in my chest finally went away and I had a great nights sleep and woke up this morning feeling rested and ready for the new week.  We did go to church yesterday but came home right after and Pat fixed me a bowl of Lentil soup (and it was good) and then I laid down for the afternoon and napped and watched the football game. 

This morning I plan on getting my toenails trimmed and will attend a meeting at noon.  Over the weekend I ordered a new cushion for my desk chair and it is suppose to be delivered today. 

Janet, hope your packing went well yesterday and that Beth and John made it to church.  I do hope your wrist is feeling much better today.

Gord, nice to see your posting but sorry to learn that Noreen is experiencing new leg problems and do hope it is nothing serious.  I had to lookup Bundle Branch Block as, while I heard of it, I didn't really know what it was.  I do hope your upcoming hospitalization will not be lengthy. What can they do for this condition?  I will keep you in my prayers.   

Pat, thanks for the new weekly devotional.  Where would we be without Calvary? 

Jeanne, your comment on the devotional is well said. 

Hi everyone.  I see that no one else stopped by and posted yesterday.  Last night was our men's meeting at church where we had a delicious steak dinner and heard a fine speaker who spoke about his life and the fact that he couldn't do a lot of things but God can when we turn it over to him.  It is a cold 23 degrees here this morning but a glorious morning with clear skies and bright sun.  This morning I am making a trip to the county seat to file my Homestead Exemption, check on why I never received a voter registration card and try to find out why my car tag renewal and tax bill came from the wrong county.  Pat and I registered to vote several months ago and in a little while she got her registration card but mine never came.  The county seat of Aiken County is in the town of Aiken, about 17 miles from here.  I think that will be about it for today other than a phone call to reschedule our dental cleaning as I scheduled it the same time as our senior group meets at church for lunch and a program which we want to attend. 

Good Day everyone!

Hello to Gord!  Prayers for you and Noreen.  How super nice that your brother came for a visit.  A bit chilly at this time of the year.

We are back from classes from a Jewish lady professor - it is all about the why - the beginning to antisemitism.   Things we had never heard about ....

My 2nd. cousin has sold his place and they are going home to Minnesota later next week - so we will drive over there (about a plus hour drive) and see if we can help pack.  It won't be much as they sold their place furnished.  Meanwhile, hoping to bring his twin brother and wife along for the short visit - if she is healthy enough that particular day. 

Janet:  It will be good for you to get away -

Larry:  We had an issue with our voter's registration and they did not forward our ballots.   

Pat:   - it is nice to "see" you.  How are you feeling?   Thank you for these devotions and especially for this song. 

Hi everyone from cold and chilly Guelph!  The wind is blowing so hard and the snow is flying and swirling around.

All my tests are now done so now I await for the time to have an appointment with the Stroke Specialist.  It's been a trying time indeed but God is on the throne and it's comforting to know that I am in the hollow of His hands.

I'm glad that you felt well enough to go to church Larry.  and that steak dinner sure sounded good!

Carol, your class you attended sounded interesting and the coming move for your 2nd cousin sounds easier than most if they are selling furnished! 

Janet, I've missed the news of you travelling.  Where are you going?

Hi Jeanne!

Hi, Pat!  Good to see your posting.  That must mean you're feeling at least a little more "up".   

Good evening.  You know how some days are better than others?  Well, for me, today was one of those "others".  Nothing really bad, just frustration of waiting, waiting, and waiting some more.  Beth's MRI was scheduled for 11:15; they finally took her about 12:30.  She came out after 2:30, then we went to eat, and it was 3:30 when we finished.  That was just a hamburger place.  So I got back home after 4:30.  Whew!  Way more sitting around than I am used to doing.      Anyway, now it is wait to hear from the doctor what the MRI with contrast shows, and what is the next step in trying to help Beth

Her friend Mindi, who lives in Holcomb, only six miles from Garden City, came over and visited with us at the hospital while we were waiting, so that really helped the time go faster.  I brought along Beth's albums of wedding photos to show her.  She is such a blessing, and has been such a loyal friend to Beth ever since college.

Pat, I will send you an email about the trip.  Wish you were going with us!

Good to read your posts, Larry, Carol and Pat! 

Thanks Janet.  Will look forward to your email.

Hi everyone from a chilly 28 degree morning but sunny and no wind.  We are expecting to get to 46 degrees for a couple of hours this afternoon.

I had an interesting morning yesterday.  I had been given the wrong information at the courthouse as to when I could file for Homestead Exemption so will have to go back next year in April sometime to file for it because you get it the year after you have completed one year in the state, which will be in a couple of days but have to wait until the next year to file.  I did get a voter registration card in a couple of minutes as I was in the voter system.  Finally, I had to go to the DMV to get the record corrected as to the county in which I live. However, I was able to pay my property tax on the vehicles so had the receipts to use at the DMV and was able to get the new tags for the cars.  The person who had entered the info into the State database on my initial driver's license had coded the wrong county although their other information showed it was this county.  Therefore I had to fill out a new form and have a new driver's license issued. Pat will have to go back in and have her driver's license reissued as well. 

Today my plan is to tackle some health insurance matters and also go back to the credit union to put some documents back into the safe deposit box. Scott plans to come out as this is his day off and he also plans on going to the supper at church with us tonight. 

Carol, it is too bad your cousin couldn't wait until winter was over to return to their home in Minnesota. 

Pat, glad your test are now done and hope you are feeling much better.  Wish I could send some of our nice weather up your way.  It was cold but no wind and a sunny day yesterday and I really enjoyed getting out yesterday morning.

Janet, all that waiting and basically taking most of the day for the tests and eating out must have been exhausting for Beth as well as the rest of you.     

Here is an update on Gord  http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?action=post;board=3.0 in Prayer and Praise.

Judy, there was nothing there, sorry.

I got my nails done this morning, as I want them to look nice while away  Two more appointments tomorrow, as few things to add to my bag, and I'm ready.

Pat, I am going to try calling you, as I would rather talk than type!     Bet you thought I was going to say than eat!   

I am so happy that Pastor Abedini has been released from prison, after four long years!

Larry, glad you got several of your errands accomplished.  Yes, Beth was worn out when we got back.  Whew!  What a day.

Later, Peeps!

Judy, your link did go to a blank "reply".   Here is the one you want:  Gord

Hi everyone on a cloudy 37 degree morning with rain a possibility for this afternoon.  My plan for today is my usual Thursday activities, i.e., pick up my friend for coffee and take him home and then attend the Wisdom class. 

Yesterday my son called saying he needed my help as his car wouldn't start and he needed some WD-40.  It ended up he needed a new battery and so he came back to the house with me and borrowed the PT Cruiser so he wasn't without transportation.  He got a new battery and his car is now running.  He came back around 5 pm and returned the Cruiser and then we took him home to pick up his car and we all attended the Wednesday night dinner at church.

Janet, it sounds like you are just about ready to "hit the road" again on your trip. 

Jeanne, thanks for the link on Gord.  I just checked it out and left a brief message.

I am about ready to leave the house and start another busy day.  I have two appointments again this morning, plus waiting for word from Dr. Rosin about the results of Beth's latest MRI.  I am expecting to hear from him today.  I did check via computer and found that her Neurologist and her neurosurgeon in Amarillo are both still practicing, so wrote their information down to give Dr. Rosin.  Maybe we can get an appointment sooner than 3 to 4 months, which is the usual wait time for one in either Denver or Wichita..

I had a short but enjoyable visit with Pat on the phone yesterday!   

It is either colder here, or I'm just feeling it more this morning.  B-r-r-r-r-r!

If I learn anything further about Beth's condition, I will come back and update you.  Pray, please!

Janet, I'm praying that you can get information about the latest upsets for Beth taken care of quickly.

Now it's time to vote for your one favorite photo of all the winners during 2015.  Check them out HERE

Judy:  Sorry to read that Gord has been waiting so long for a diagnosis on his pain.  Prayers for Gord & all the family.  That is such a long time to be in hospital. 

Janet:  This is the first time I have ever seen you mention a Denver doctor.  All of the latest medical buildings are at the east end of Denver - and the VA is building out there as well - a good 35 minutes plus drive from our house - but the VA is so far behind schedule - that is a national scandal.  There will be an answer for you. Praying. 

Larry;  my cousin just wanted to be sure to sell this year - they plan to go slow and only drive in decent weather.  It is so nice for both your son and you & Pat to be living close and able to help each other.  Yes, batteries can't stand the deep cold or the very hot weather. 

Pat:  Thanks for the update.  We do love and appreciate you!   

I am setting up an online account for groceries with a national store - we have this at home and it is good to have handy in case of any health problems.  My foot is aggravating me today - so why walk on that concrete slab?  They will deliver for a charge but it is free if we pick it up - you just have to give them a time window.  It is like having an unpaid helper. 

I'm feeling sad tonight.  The second MRI confirmed what they thought with the first one.  Beth has neurofibromas inside her spinal column that are squeezing her spinal cord.  Not only that, but there are "hundreds" of lesions on her brain that appear to signal that she also has MS.    She will need surgery to remove the neurofibromas as soon as possible--if they think she can survive the surgery.  So they are going to call her neurologist and see how soon they can get her an appointment.  These two are the doctors we had for her prior to her being admitted to the care home.

We will go ahead with our trip, leaving information on how to reach us if needed.  I really feel torn about leaving, but Darrel really needs a break.  (As do I, for that matter.)  I know she is in God's loving hands, and there is nothing I could do even if I stayed home.  I doubt they can see her sooner than when we get home, anyway.

I'm going to take some pain meds and go to bed.  I had very little sleep last night.

Carol, Beth has never seen any doctors in Denver, but the nearest neurologists and neurosurgeons are either in Wichita or Denver.  Amarillo is closer than Denver and the same as Wichita.  We hoped that since she was an established patient they would see her sooner.

Hi everyone.  It is raining, but moderately so far, and will continue at least this morning and perhaps throughout the day.  Our high today is to be 46 degrees.  This should be a very quiet day as I have no plans to leave the house other than to get the mail late this afternoon.  I have things I can do here at my desk and have a publication I want to finish reading today. 

Janet, what a discouraging diagnosis that Beth received.  The only solace perhaps is that we know that God loves her and has a plan for her life just as he does for ours.  She has weathered so many obstacles in her life and now more obstacles.  You all are fortunate that John has become a daily part of her life and can be with her through these new trials.  I am happy to see you are still going on your trip as it sounds like you both need some diversions from the daily activities that have kept you so busy. You know that I will be praying for you all. 

Carol, I have heard about the huge cost overruns on the new VA Hospital in Denver.  I am sure the new VA Hospital will be most welcome once it is completed. 

Carol, what National store are you setting up the food account?  Pat and I are ready for this and can certainly drive to pick up the order once it is ready as it is getting around in the store that is the problem. 

Hi, friends,

Well, Ruth Ann's "taxi" came to a screeching halt this week because of bad weather here in Nashville. I "don't do" driving when the weather is icy or snowy.

We have a forecast of 5-9" today, with all officials advising for people to stay home until it's safer to go out.

It was nice to get a call from one of my sons - just checking to make sure Mom is inside and warm. The answer is absolutely and thankful to be in this warm, safe building. Knowing the bad weather was forecast, I got provisions to last for a couple of weeks, just in case. 

Thank you, friends, for your updates. Pat, it's good to see you again and to learn that you've passed through your testing phase. We love you.

I pray for Beth and her health issues. May God be with her.

Carol, thanks for letting us in on your busy life.

Larry, your comments each day are so welcome.

Judy and Jeanne, thank you so much for what you do and most all of it behind the scenes.

Much love to everyone.

Ruth Ann

When I visited Beth today (John was there, too) I felt impressed that I should tell her what the MRIs found, and what that may mean.  So I told her.  She cried silent tears running down her face.  She wanted to wait to get an appointment until I could go with her, but I told her nothing will be done at the first appointment, so she asked, "Will you be there if I have to have surgery?"  I told her that of course I will!  Poor baby.  Why she has to go through so much, I do not know.  But I do know God is good and He will see us through whatever comes.

We leave in the morning, so  I got my house-sitter all lined out as to how much water to give the plants, what the cat needs, etc  Shouldn't have to worry about the place while gone.

All of you please stay safe and well while I am away.  Not that I can do anything for you even if I'm here!  But I can!  I can (and do) pray!

Much love to you all,

Janet

Hi everyone.  The big news from here is that we had a little snow overnight.  It was just enough to turn the roofs white and almost cover the grass.  The drives and streets are clear and just wet.  I now notice it has started to snow very lightly again and the forecast says it might continue until about 2 pm.  I will stay in again today unless Pat wants to go out to eat this evening although I doubt she will want to do that.  I expect to do more reading today as don't have much to work on here in the office unless I get started on my income taxes.  However, there is no hurry as I can never file until March sometime when I finally get the final documents on an investment we have.  They send a preliminary form but don't get the final figures until then. 

Ruth Ann, glad you are safely in your apartment with plenty of food and hope you don't lose heat.  I saw some pictures from Nashville last night on the news and it looks like you got hit pretty hard.  Since we are retired we seldom have a need to get out until roads are in good shape. 

Janet, I am a firm believer that it is better to know what is wrong with us rather than to let our imagination go wild trying to figure it out.  It is evident how much Beth loves you and depends on you being there for her as you have been throughout her life.  I wondered the same thing about Stacey with all of the health issues she had but they were something over which I had absolutely no control so I had to put them in God's hands.  Have a wonderful time on your trip.   

My #2 Son Ron, came to visit me yesterday and it was a complete surprise. He had planed on coming Wed. or Thurs. But then had to work both days,he  ended up getting off Thurs, texted me and called me but some how my phone sound was off and I didn't get anything. So when he knocked on the door I was surprised, it was a wonderful visit He got here about 2:30 and stayed until almost 7, he had a 4 hour drive back to Portland in the rain. His flight this morning  got as far as Phoenix and the next leg to Philly was cancelled. However he was transferring flights to go to Texas for a couple of days to see his girlfriend. http://s224.photobucket.com/user/tudogmom/library/2016?sort=3&page=1

Time to start a new "Thoughts".

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