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Morning Devotional...



Psa 36:7  How precious is Your loving-kindness, O God! And the sons of men take refuge under the shadow of Your wing.

There are two - and only two - kinds of people in the world.  In the words of this psalm, they are "the wicked" and "those who know You."  David wants to remind those who come early in the morning to the tabernacle, of these two kinds of people.  He reminds them because he wants them to be in the second category.  He wants them to pray for the kind of light for daily living that can come only from God and from knowing God.

He begins by singing a summary description of "the wicked."  He says that "there is no fear of God before his eyes."  It's the reason they are the wicked, the reason, in fact, for everything they think and do in life.  It answers the question, "Why are they like that?"  The answer is that they are the way they are because God is not real to them.

In fact, the way the wicked see it, there isn't anyone at all  watching them – at least anyone who might be concerned about their behavior. Simply put, such persons don't think there's a God Who cares. But David is saying that the wicked "flatters himself in his own eyes concerning the discovery of his iniquity." For that reason, "He has ceased to be wise and to do good.  He devises wickedness on his bed; he sets himself in a way that is not good; he does not abhor evil."

You and I should recognize the description – It's a description of the relativism of our own day that says there's no God, so every man is therefore his own standard - what's right for you is right for you, and what's right for me is right for me.

But there is one thing we really need to be aware of: there really IS a God, and He's a God Who cares!  And those who know Him love His mercy and faithfulness, His righteousness and judgements, and His providence over all His creation.  They have discovered His lovingkindness and have put their trust in it.  They're "abundantly satisfied with the fullness" of that lovingkindness, and they drink of the "river of Your pleasures" - the joy of knowing and loving the reaL and true God.  Not only so, but they've even found that they can actually understand life.  They speak to their God, and they say, "with YOU is the fountain of life - in Your light we see light."

After the people have reaffirmed their faith by singing these words, then they're ready to pray.  So David leads them in the prayer of those who truly know God.  They sing, "Oh continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You, and Your righteousness to the upright in heart."  He prays that they might actually experience their God's dealing with them every day!  Their prayer seeks continuing realization of the Lord's reality, of His blessing, and of His care in their lives.

They close by praying to be kept from the influence of the unbelievers, lest they fall.  It's like one of the things found in the prayer our Lord taught His disciples. There they say, "Lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from the evil one."  That's what this prayer does as well. 

How do you want your day to go?  Could you use this model prayer?  Will you seek every day to know the presence and blessing of a real and present God?

Pastor Alan Moak

Hi everyone on a beautiful 77 degree Sunday morning.  It is to be a few degrees cooler today if cooler is the right term for a 97 degree afternoon.  I will soon go get something for our Sunday breakfast and then we will attend Sunday School and Church.  Following that Scott will join us for lunch at Ryan's Steakhouse.  About 6:30 last evening Pat had a call saying her sleep test had been cancelled as the tech had been in a car accident, apparently on the way to work.  She will hear tomorrow about rescheduling as the doctor wanted her to have the CPAP machine before the surgery on th 21st.  So we enjoyed a quiet evening at home.

Carol, I relate to the spilling as two days in a row I accidentally knocked my water/ice cup over.  I now have a heavier cup with a wide base and have had no more problems.  Sure hope Don is feeling much better today.  I think Pat's sewing room is setup and I will try to remember to take a couple of pictures and send via email to you.  Her new desk will be here on the main floor so it will be handy for her without going to her sewing room upstairs. 

Ruth Ann, like you I pretty well stayed in yesterday other than a quick trip to COSTCO right as they opened and a trip to the mailbox in the afternoon. 

Janet, nice to read that you were able to have a day of painting with friends.  I expect that really was a boost to your spirits.  Glad that Darrel can manage on his own while you are away.  Sure hope today finds his leg and knee feeling better.  Sure hope you can find the wheelchair that works better for Beth.

Jane, thanks for sharing again some of the find writing on the Psalms that our friend Al Moak shared with us years ago.   Our Sunday School class always has announcements, sings a couple of hymns, has a devotional brought by one of the members and then the Sunday School lesson and all of these are surrounded by prayer.  I was thinking as I read this if I ever volunteer to bring the devotional I hope I remember to look at the writing available from Al or from Jack Scott as thing they would make very find devotional thoughts. 

Jane:  Many thanks for sending us Al Moak's writings.  I so appreciate all  his works and agree with Larry in giving thanks for Jack Scott's messages as well. 

Janet:  My neighbor is having a time looking for a lighter weight wheel chair as well.  She doesn't have to handle it to the car too often as they don't get out at all except for medical appointments.  She showed me the chair and 3 walkers in her house.  Her husband is such a joy to know and thankful every day.  My prayers for all of you - Beth and John included.  What a story!  they have two cars and for three years he has not wanted to sell that 2nd. car because he believes he may be able to drive again.  The strange thing - medically speaking - is that is cancer is basically cured but the treatments have made him so weak and so vulnerable to any germs.  His health is like a see-saw. 

Hi, friends,

We've had a stormy afternoon here in Nashville with thunder rolling.

Janet, you make your Walmart order online, and if it's as much as $50, there's no charge for shipping it to you by Fedex.

I'm so thankful to hear of y'all being out and around. I think after the storms cease, I may go out for awhile.

Jane, thank you for the good devotional from our brother Al.

Much love to everyone here.

Ruth Ann

Hi Everyone.

I just had a phone call from Judy alerting me to the fact that Lee Kirkwood's daughter had posted on Lee's Facebook timeline that he was in hospital and they are requesting prayer.

I've opened a topic in our Prayer area and would request that we all go and read it and please pray for Lee at this time.

Here's a LINK to that topic.

Hi everyone.  It will be another 97 degree day with only a slight chance of late afternoon thundershowers.  Really looking forward to today as I will be meeting with some of my old coffee group that met at McDonald's several times a week.  We will meet in Madison at, you got it, McDonald's.  Scott is going with me and will likely do most, if not all of the driving.  A bonus of the day is being able to spend teh 5 hours in the car with him.  It is 2 1/2 hours each way but all Interstate driving and almost a straight shot.  After church yesterday we met Scott at Ryan's and had a nice lunch.  Then we took it easy the rest of the day.

Carol, will your neighbor's treatments for the cancer end anytime soon?  If so, he probably will be able to regain some strength and drive again.  That certainly gives him a goal to work towards.

Ruth Ann, not a sign of a thunderstorm down this way.  Hope you were able to get out for awhile yesterday

Pat, I read your notice about Lee Kirkwood.  I have visited the separate site you established and will do so again now and leave a brief note.  I don't think I ever participated in discussions with Lee but that doesn't matter.

Hi, friends,

It's another quiet day here in Nashville. We have storm warnings for this afternoon and tonight already posted.

Thank you Pat and Judy for alerting us about Lee's hospitalization. I certainly hope he recovers quickly.

Larry, have a safe and enjoyable trip to meet your old friends. How nice that Scott could go with you!

Y'all have a good day.

Ruth Ann

Huh?  Nobody posted today?  I wasn't on computer at all yesterday, so just read the posts.

Yes, I did enjoy the day of painting with friends, and even like the watercolor I did.  It's still sitting here so I can look at it and think about what I would like to paint next.

It has been about 103 here today, ugh.  Too hot for man, beast or plants!  My poor flowers are really looking sad.  I watered them early this morning while it was still cool, but it's just too hot for them.  Poor babies!   

I may have gotten a line on where to get a better wheelchair for Beth!  I hope!  She will have to be measured in many ways before they build the chair to fit her.  The one I saw came from Denver, and I do't think we can take her there, but Darrel said maybe someone could come here to measure her.  I wonder if they would have a form with all the needed measurements that a knowledgeable person (such as a therapist) could measure her and fill out.  Will keep on this trail, as I really would like to have the chair before they get married.  Many, many people are excited and/or interested, even some she has never met, and asking if they may come to the wedding!  I think this is such an awesome love story, and think some Christian news agency might be interested in coming out to do a story on them.  What do you all think?

In the morning I will go put a perm in the top and front of Beth's hair so it will give her some softness around her face.  The beautician at the care home was to cut/trim it for her this afternoon.  She wants to look pretty for an announcement photo for the paper! 

Best wishes to all of you, and try not to be out in this heat any more than you have to be!

I think a  story of Beth and john's love for each other would be nice written by a news agency.  Start phoning, Janet. 

When is the wedding?

Hi everyone.  It is going to be another very hot and dry day.  The lawn care people are working and will soon have my yard mowed and trimmed for another week.  I have to be at the dentists office at 9:30 this morning to finish up my bridge and another crown on the other side of my mouth.  As far as I know now that will be it for today and I am ready for a quiet day after the traveling yesterday for three hours. 

Scott and I had a very nice time in Madison.  We met the guys from Grayson, Georgia at 11:30 and visited until 2 pm.  We had a nice round table that easily handled the 8 men in attendance.  When we got home the desk Pat got for her birthday had arrived and Scott put all 28 pieces of it together in about 4 hours.  It was quite a job but looks really nice and is perfect for the spot Pat has it. 

Ruth Ann, sure hope those storms missed Nashville yesterday.  I saw on the news that there were more really bad storms in the midwest.  I enjoyed having Scott with me yesterday although he slept half of the way over and about the entire trip back.  He is emotionally and physically worn out. 

Janet, so far my New Guinea Impatens seem to be thriving.  They do get some direct sun in the mornings but by noon the porch is in shade.  I do water them faithfully early every morning and hope they will bloom throughout the summer.  The instructions said to keep them damp so not really fearful of over watering at this point.  Do hope your wheelchair lead will work out.  I should think Beth and John's love story and wedding would make a fairly unique human interest story.  If not, perhaps there is another book in your future to tell that story.  What excitement for Beth after days and days of days and days.  She and John certainly deserve great happiness. 

Hi, friends,

Well, the heat and heat generated storm warnings continue here in the Nashville and Middle Tennessee area. So, I scurried around and got to Walmart earlier than usual, then I'm taking care of a friend's mail, so went to the Post Office to take care of that little duty.

Now, I'm so thankful listening to Christian programming through the BBN radio app on my phone.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Well, what do you know, it's evening already!  The days are flying by--at least until noon, then I'm out of energy and can't seem to get anything more done.  I did get the top of Beth's hair permed, but didn't have time to do anything else with it, as it was time by then to come home and get Darrel.  I will have to experiment a bit to see how to make it look nice.

Pat, they haven't set a date yet.  I surely would like to get that new wheelchair before the wedding!  I do want to call a couple places to ask about getting a story done on them.

Larry, I would like to write a sequel to Beth's book.  I would really, really like for it to be able to include her total healing!  But that is not up to me, it's entirely in God's court.  Still, I believe if they (whoever) would do a TV story about them, that would help a book sell a lot better.  Just musing out loud here.  Or rather, letting my fingers do the talking. 

It was so delightfully cool early this morning that I put the AC on fan only, opened the windows; opened the garage door and let that lovely, cool air into the house.  By about 1:00 it was so hot you could barely stand to be out at all!  Man, such weather!  But I am so thankful that we nearly always have cool nights in the summer.

Darrel's orthopedic appointment is Thursday and he is hoping to be able to take off the boot.  He really needs to regain his strength, but I am concerned he may try to do too much too soon.  Maybe not.  I won't borrow trouble! 

Beth goes tomorrow to get those two neurofibromas removed that have been giving her trouble.  So I have to take Darrel to therapy, both of us to the chiropractor, Darrel for X-rays; then go to the dermatologist with Beth.  I don't think I will probably do much else tomorrow!

I need to get back to the gym!

Hi everyone on this Wednesday July morning.  It is going to be another 97 degree day today.  Pat has an early morning doctor's appointment followed up by a trip to the hospital for the pre-admission work and some lab work.  This afternoon we will take the Hyundai over to the dealership and leave it to have the 60,000 miles service work done on it tomorrow.  That will be it for today.  After the dentist yesterday, where I only got one crown and impressions for the final bridge to be made, I went down to coffee with the guys.  Last evening we went to Captain D'S and had a very nice meal. 

Ruth Ann, good to get out early before those summer storms and the heat hits for the day.  We try to do almost everything in the mornings and stay in where it is cool in the afternoons.

Janet, no wonder you are out of energy by noon with that kind of schedule with multiple appointments.  Sure hope Beth's surgery this morning is not too painful and that Darrel has good news from his therapy and other appointments. 

Happy Birthday BonnieA.

Happy Birthday Bonnie!!!!  \

It sounds reasonable to me that someone could measure Beth for a new chair.  Not many people could take that long trip. 

We had trim painted this week & garage door.  They put our address up in wrong order yesterday and we watched a son's in-laws drive right past the place as they were coming for a visit - then we figured out what was wrong so all is in order again.     A good friend arrives this afternoon for a short visit as he drives from Scottsdale, AZ to Minnesota.

Larry:  Our neighbor has gone through several courses of chemo and they cannot figure out why he is so weak.  I am still taking out all the stitches on a quilt as the machine stitches have been bunching up so it definitely needs a tune-up.  Enjoy your visit with the boys!

Good morning, I am back from the gym only did legs today. Yesterday my Chiropractor gave me a Sacroiliac belt to help hole that joint in place, I am only to wear it when I am up on my feet and moving around. He doesn't want me to become dependent on the belt. It is about 2.5 inches wide and fits half way betwee the upper  hip bone and where the  leg connects to the hip.

Freckles did fantastic at the hospital yesterday, she loves people and love to be petted. She seemed to like the men the best. Her next visit is next Tuesday at only of the local assisted living facilities. She is a natural at being a therapy dog., so well behaved too.

Hi everyone.  It is a very nice summer morning here.  Our high is to be 94 degrees today.  Yesterday was a very busy day and by evening both Pat and I were exhausted.  Today's schedule is light.  I do plan on going to coffee later this morning and then we will need to pick up the car from the dealership when it is ready but that is a short trip and not tiring. 

Happy Birthday Judy and I hope you enjoyed it.

Marilyn, sure hope the Sacroiliac belt helps with the pain.  It does sound like Freckles enjoys being with people and I am certain they enjoy seeing her.  There is something calming about being able to pet a dog.

Carol, Glad you got the address numbers on your house straightened out.  Nice of your friend to stop and visit you and hope you didn't have to work too hard in preparation or while he was there.  I am sure you would rather be puttying in stitches into your quilt than taking them out. 

Thank you for the Birthday Wishes!

Happy birthday, Judy!  And many more!

The dermatologist decided not to remove the neurofibromas on Beth's torso yesterday.  The one that had been infected so badly had shrunk up to a little flat thing with a red tip; not even 1/20th the size it had been!  The other one is still very enlarged, about the size of a walnut, and oozing blood all over.  I think she should have removed it, but she wanted to wait three weeks to see if it will shrink on its own like the other one did.

I'm still trying to get information on where to obtain a much better wheelchair.  I went this morning and curled Beth's hair.  Well, I put the curlers in; then she had a care plan, and I had to come home and pick up Darrel.  Now we are home but only for another 20 minutes before his Dr. appointment.  Then my plan is to bring him home, go back and brush out her hair, dress her pretty and get the photos taken!  We shall see if that plan flies! 

Carol, that would be an easy mistake, to get the house numbers in the wrong order.  Good you realized what had happened and got it corrected!

We got a wonderful rain last night--one inch!!  Praise the Lord.  But it is beastly hot again today; well over 100, I believe.  Probably 102 or 103.  Whew!

I need to finish here, get the car out again and go to the Dr's office--again.  I so hope we get a good report!

Hi friends,

Yesterday was not a great day, but today seems to be going pretty well.

I'm so sad that 4 of our Marines lost their lives at the hands of a gunman in Chattanooga. This is so sad, and what a loss.

Y'all have a good day.

Ruth Ann

Yes, Ruth Ann, I've been listening to Fox News since it started and it's so sad.

I'm glad that today is a better day for you.




Glad you had a nice birthday, Judy!  Sorry my greeting was so late but I had computer problems or internet problems for several hours yesterday.  All seems fine today though--so far.

Janet, you have to slow down!  You had me all out of breath just reading your post!!!  Glad that Darrel is a wee bit better and you too.  I'm sure that Beth's hair will just look so nice for some photographs.  Hope we see them here!

Judy  Happy Birthday to you......

Such a day for dreadful news with the loss of our service people and wounding of others.  Here, the movie killer was charged with 12 counts of  murder and 69 counts of intending to murder - one other was wounded.  Such a huge count of tragedies the wounded face many years of operations, etc.  Prayer for understanding. 

Larry:  We went out for a Chinese meal last night and our friend only wanted toast and coffee this morning - he was driving to Lincoln, Nebraska and then on to Michigan and plans on driving to and fro for two more months.  A Bernina repairman is coming next week - yea. 

Thank you For the birthday wishes!

Hi everyone.  A very unusual morning for me as I slept in until 7 am this morning.  The major activities for today include the housekeeper coming for the first time to clean and tonight taking Pat for her sleep study.  She has to be there at 8:30 p.m.  Fortunately nothing is really far around here and where she has to go is only 15-20 minutes away.  It is an easy drive, almost all of it on Interstate 20.  I did get the car back from the dealer after the 60,000 mile warranty work.  I even got a 15% senior discount on the bill which was very helpful as have never gotten such a thing from the dealer where I bought the car.  We are suppose to get to 95 degrees today.

The new house next door is really being built fast.  They were working on the second floor framing yesterday and the shingles are being delivered as I write this morning.  I guess they are trying to get a lot done while the weather is nice.

Janet, sure hope that in three weeks Beth will still not need the surgery.  You certainly had a full day. What a nice rain.  Unfortunately, as hot as it is there and here the effects from the rain don't last very long.  Sure hope Darrel got encouraging news from his doctor.

Ruth Ann and Carol, that was terrible news yesterday and how brazen to drive onto a military base.  Obviously the man who did this had a death wish.  This is really frightening because an event like this seems to encourage more and more senseless attacks.  It appears that so many young people are being recruited for acts of this type. 

Pat, glad your computer/service was operating better yesterday.

Carol, your state has certainly suffered many terrible events over the last few years.  I have not read the report of the actual jury findings in the theater case but am thinking they didn't find him innocent by reason of insanity. Pat has always had to take her Bernina in for service.  Nice that the service man for the machine will be coming to your house as those machines are not lightweight.   

I should be mopping the floor - but I am online looking for a new mop.  Looking for it before driving to each and every store, I should say. 

Larry:  You asked about the insanity plea for the evil shooter.  He did shoot  people in the theater - they were trapped inside  - he entered through an unlocked door.  I can't remember  if he unlocked it first from the inside.  12 beautiful humans died - he planned to murder the rest some are severly wounded.  That is a lot of bullets.  He planned so much - I am so glad that they did not call me for that exhausting jury duty that cost the state millions of dollars to defend evil.  Anyway, he is determined to be guilty and thankful to all in the jury that common sense prevailed.  Now comes the death penalty arguments and our present governor has put a moratoriam on actually putting someone to death a while back but he did promise to stay out of this trial.  He ran on using the death penalty - got into office and stopped a major case from going forward. 

It is too much to think about - I have to pray more about giving it over to God. 

Otherwise, I am going to visit with daughter and granddaughter for a night tomorrow and looking forward to being treated royally - they always do. 

Larry I want to thank you for responding to my post on the 15th.  How did Pat 's sleep turn out, will she be getting a CPAP machine. I sure do like the latest one I got I  think at leat 2 years ago. It iis so nice and quiet and it has a thermal hose plus I can adjust the temperature.

Janet I hope you can find a new chair for Beth

Hi everyone on this beautiful Saturday morning.  I had my alarm set for 5 am as I planned to pick up Pat from the sleep study at 6 am.  However, she called about 5:15 saying she was ready to come home.  We got back to house by 6 am.  I think I may be taking a nap later this morning.  My calendar has nothing special on it for today so can rest up for tomorrow. 

Carol, I have never understood the long, long delays in our justice system once a person has been found guilty.  The jury has to be exhausted from such a long trial and perhaps another month in the courtroom to determine the death penalty question.  Hope you will be treated royally tonight. 

Marilyn, she was only able to do one part of the study and may be called back to redo the test, which will not make her a "happy camper".  We don't know about the CPAP machine yet as the results of the test must be evaluated by the doctor.   

Hi, friends,

I'm about to head out to do a bit of shopping. So won't stay long.

Thank you all so much for this great place to stay in touch with like minded friends.

Y'all have a good day.

Ruth Ann