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BIBLE MEDITATION:
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
Have you ever stood and watched a painter paint a picture? He starts putting his colors on canvas. He's just splashing on the colors, mixing this one and that. You can almost hear him thinking, "A little more yellow here...."

And we say, "He's so good—how does he do that?" Then suddenly he'll get some colors and go swoosh! across the canvas. We say, "Oh, you ruined it! You've really messed up. Let's see how you get out of this!" And then all of a sudden it just comes together. It's a masterpiece!

Sometimes we look at what God does as God puts His colors on the canvas and say, "Lord, you're really doing well." Then all of a sudden God goes swoosh. "Lord! You've messed things up! How did You let this happen?" Have you ever felt that way?

Now it doesn't make sense to me when I watch that painter. It doesn't make sense to me, but it makes sense to him. And just because things are not making sense to you, do not think that they don't make sense. In Acts 12 we see Herod's ungodly power, James' death, then Peter's release. Yet all of these things are working together. We call that the sovereignty of God, the providence of God.

ACTION POINT:
In Acts chapter 12 in your Bible, write in the margin Romans 8:28. "And we know, we k-n-o-w, that all things work together for good to those who love God, who are the called according to His purpose."



From the Love Worth Finding Ministries of Adrian Rogers

Is this Sunday?  John is home and usually first day off is Saturday!  Yes this IS Sunday. 

Jeanne thank you for the devotional today.

Judy, you made me stop for a minute to think what day it is!   ;D 

Jeanne, as a painter, I loved the devotional!  I spent all week in a painting class, enjoyed it ever so much!  And I painted two paintings that I wouldn't have had the nerve to tackle only a few months ago.  One is the ruins of the Celsus Library in Ephesus, and the other is the scene (one of them) from the hot air balloon ride I took in Turkey.

I attended the play Annie yesterday afternoon in Liberal.  Granddaughter Abby was in it.  She spent the week before attending a performance academy camp at the college in Liberal, and this was their performance.  What an awesome job those kids did, and to think they had only spent one week in preparation!  They were really short on males, so some girls had to play male roles, such as policemen.  Abby played the butler!  So they had changed it to "head housekeeper".  It was very enjoyable, and we were quite proud of our Abby.  (As usual!)  ;)

Darrel's brother is in town and said he would be here at our house at 1:00--hasn't arrived yet.  Hmmmm.

See you all later!

Jeanne I have had to check several times today.   

I saw RuthV and her hubby this evening, we had a great visit. 

We have had great weather today, I spent some time watering my garden! There are a few things left to show their heads, mostly all is doing really well and I need to make a concerted effort in keeping them watered.  Even after all the rain we have had the ground was dry;

Have a great evening everyone!

Yes, Pat!  Happy, happy birthday!!  And don't forget--you are older than me!  :lol:  By NINE WHOLE DAYS!! :lol: :hbirthday: :hb2: :hbgift:

Happy Birthday Pat!

I'm at our son's in Pembroke. His wife had a baby boy last night, and I was privileged to be there for the whole time. Both are doing fairly well. She had had a kidney stone and was in the hospital a couple of nights before, but seems to be recovering okay from that too. This is their third boy, and our seventh grandchild.  I'll probably be here for a few days.

Hi everyone.  It is another overcast and probably rainy day here as just heard on the radio flash flood warnings for the metro area until 4 pm today.  We had a lot of rain yesterday afternoon and during the night.  We had a nice visit with Stacey yesterday.  Her apartment building has a lovely common room with tables and chairs where we can sit and eat and visit.  In fact I didn't even go to her apartment yesterday since we ate in the common room.  We had stopped at the Kroger deli for some friend chicken, potato salad and a sub for me rather than the chicken and when I took the food out of the grocery bag to put on the table there was no chicken.  Fortunately, Pat had gotten a large sub so we could leave half of it for Stacey so we just shared the sub and the potato salad and had plenty.  I called Kroger's when I discovered we hadn't gotten what we paid for and they said they would refund the money or replace the chicken.  When we got back to our town Pat went back into Kroger and came home with the chicken.  I just have my usual Monday activities. 

Jeanne, I really liked the devotional thoughts for this week.

Janet, glad you had such an enjoyable week at your painting class.  I thought of you as I read the devotional a couple minutees ago.  I sure would like to see a picture of your paintings from last week.  It sounds like Abby is quite the actress. 

Judy, it is amazing how fast the ground can dry up when the temperature it high.  Our ground is soggy but a day or two of warm weather and we need rain again. 

Happy Birthday Pat.  You and Janet have several months on me.  :)

Betty, congratulations grandmother on this new grandson.  It sounds like you have a good sized immediate family. 

Betty our daughter had her baby last night as well!  A girl!

Yes Larry the ground drys quickly especially when there is a constant breeze blowing.

Well I now have to finish my last assignment, and start preparing for the exam.  It will be multiple choice, which can be easier or confusing.....we will see.  That is on the 19th at 1:00 in the afternoon.

Had to come back today to share this beautiful video:  ​https://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?feature=player_embedded&v=nj2ofrX7jAk  (http://​https://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?feature=player_embedded&v=nj2ofrX7jAk)

Just stopping by to say

The VBS meeting went very well but I didn't learn a thing about registering the kids.  Sylvia and I are going to register.  Hope everything is set up this evening.

Larry, I couldn't get your YouTube to work for me.  My DIL sent this one to me today to enjoy.  I did.  Hope you dog lovers do too!!  Glenn Miller and Dog Routine (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18F_sIaimGM)

Jeanne, thanks for the devotion.  I, too, thought of Janet ..... and Kitty, since they are both painters.

And it seems God was busy last night bringing in two new little babies into our world. 

I am doing some laundry and then will find a bite to eat.  I will probably have popcorn tonight after VBS.

Cloudy and overcast today.  Kitty said it was raining when she got up.  I guess I missed that since I slept so late.  It was dry when I got up.  Quite breezy but that will dry the moisture. 

Boy, this has been MONDAY all day!  And it is 110* here, with such a hot, dry wind you would think it was coming right out of a blast furnace.  UGH.  Have I happened to mention that I hate the wind?  (And Larry, I wouldn't live here, except this is home and where my hubby lives!)  :-\

I have one installment (about half) of the trip story ready, but don't know where I should put it.  Pat?  Anyone?  Where?  And I will need help with the photos as I would love to post a few of those along with the story.

Darrel's brother and wife were here for a couple of days.  They live near McAllen, Texas, and came up to do some business.  He is 7 years older than Darrel and not in good health at all.  I was surprised he would even attempt the trip.  They had their daughter's boyfriend to drive them.

I'm going to work on the trip story some more.  See you later.

Love,
Janet

Janet, the best place for your travelogue is probably "Landscape and Travel".  Just start a new topic on that board and post your messages.  I'll be more than happy to help with photos or text or whatever.   :thumbsup:

We stopped early today in North Platte, Nebraska as they have the hottest windy day.  It feels like an oven to us because we have been in very cool and downright cold northern Minnesota then back to southwestern Minnesota where it has been rainy and foggy.  We drove 85 miles in heavy fog this morning and some people don't use headlights when they are on the highway - it was really  tense.  So, sun came out in South Dakota and now we are hot but this motel is nice and cool.  That is the weather report. 

We are so thankful for an incident on the freeway as we could have easily been in a rollover.  Don controlled the car just right.  I think that plus the fog just exhausted both of us so we stopped quite early and now will try to stay awake to a normal hour.

Happy Birthday Pat

Betty:  Enjoy the new babe. 

Hi all. 
We didn't have Spring this year.  A very late Winter and then Instant Summer!  Along with several dust storms...at least no tornadoes out our way, so I need to stop complaining.  We finally did get a little bit of rain, which was most welcome.  New Mexico has been declared to be in the worst drought of any state in the country.  Not a reputation you could be proud of.  At best, we are terribly dry, but this year and last...extremely dry. 

I have some good news; my gr gr-son accepted Jesus as Savior on Sunday.  He is 7 ½ yrs old, but is very serious little guy.  Sidney wants to be baptized but they are not sure yet whether to do that over there in Korea, or wait until they come home for a visit.  Patty and husband are still members of our church, and Sidney practically "grew up" in this church. 

My sister has been admitted to Health South for rehab, in Texarkana.  I hope she benefits a lot from their therapy.  Her daughter says the doctor told them if she had not been admitted to hospital when she was, he felt that she would be gone in 2 months. Sunday will be her birthday.  Maybe that will spur her on to taking care of herself. 

Jeanne, thank you for the devotional.  I see you enjoy Adrian Rogers writings too.  I heard another of his sermons yesterday.

Etta Sue, I hope your church has a good VBS.  How did the first night go?  I used to work in VBS long ago. 
Not able to do that anymore, but I can make cookies!

Carol, I know it is hard to drive in fog...so thankful Don was able to avert a traffic accident.  Sounds like you have been having an enjoyable trip, visiting with family and all.

Congratulations on all the new babies amongst the group. 

Larry, it's good that you and Pat were able to go have lunch with Stacey, and the place was ideal for your
little get together too.  Sorry that Kroger's forgot the chicken though, y'all had skimpy servings for your lunch. 

Happy Birthday to Pat, a little late.  Hope you enjoyed your day!

Hello to all others, I hope everyone is doing well.

G'night.   ~Janice

Hi everyone.  I think we will be having a sunny and warm day today.  Nothing new here and just have my normal Tuesday activities and will have the afternoon and evening free.  A friend came over yesterday and replaced our thermostat, which I really appreciated.  I am sorry that link I sent yesterday on gratitude didn't work.   This worked for me this morning.  This one works. Hope your Bible School went well last evening.  Let's try again on the link to the Gratitude video, which is worth watching.  I had put the hyperlink brackets around it but found that isn't necessary.  https://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?feature=player_embedded&v=nj2ofrX7jAk

Janet, it sounds like summer has arrived in your area big time. 

Jeanne, thanks for helping Janet. 

Carol, sounds very wise to stop early and get out of that heat.  Hope you experience no fog today as you drive on home.

Janice, it seems that some years skip either spring or fall. We certainly have no drought here in Georgia as are already 3 or 4 inches of rain above the avergage for the whole month.  My yard looks like a green carpet as they just mowed it yesterday so everything is very even.  Nice news concerning Sidney's acceptance of the Lord.  It sounds like your sister had a very close call.  Glad she is now out of the hospital.

Carol, you were very near my sister when in North Platte.  She lives in Hershey, but they attend church in North Platte.  Hope you get home without further problems.

Larry, thanks for re-doing the link.  That was a beautiful presentation!  Glad you have had rain, we are in such a terrible drought here.  And the wind is blowing again today.  Sigh......

Janice, always good to hear from you!  Wonderful to hear of another one being added to the Kingdom.

I got up early and spent time working on the second half of my trip story.

Dark, cold and rainy again this morning.  Like Larry, we are well above normal for rainfall - and only a month ago we were four inches below. 

I have to laugh to myself about this weather.  Gene always insisted that the last Friday of a month was the "weather breeder" for the next month.  Well, the last Friday in May was hazy, hot and humid -a high of 90 degrees and bright sun.  So far June has been 10 to 15 degrees below normal and very rainy with sunshine only for a few minutes at a time.  So much for that old wives tale!  ;D

It is good to read all the posts.  Pat has been in Ohio this week, she should be back sometime today.

Nearly everything is coming up in the garden, even the deer know it.  John tilled the garden yesterday and we say plenty of deer tracks.  I will have to let the dogs loose more often they keep the wildlife away.  We are at the end of a  municipality controlled road, however the road goes on and is considered  to be a forced road.  In the summer and autumn it can be quite busy, with people going back to the hunt camps.  The camps are a wonderful retreat for the owners.  There is no hydro back to them, however one has a windmill!.  We enjoy knowing these folks.

We had a lovely visit with Heather and the kids last night.  JC has agreed to come for a week to help John with a renovation we have to do.  It will be nice to have him here for the week.  I have asked Kim to come for the summer to help with the garden.  I will pay her a bit of the time, and this will be a learning experience for her.  She didn't give her answer but the thought of $$ at the end of the summer is a big hook!

I have 8 days to go till my exam.  I am trying not to stress about it, as it is all multiple choice, which I generally do fairly well with.  I have the final assignment to finish. then freedom.  I really understand the ditty "no more pencils no more books".

Well I am off.  Be back later!

Judy, I hope you don't mind my asking, but who are the two babies you have been posting about on Facebook?

Jeanne, thanks for your offer of help!  I will be contacting you.

Hot, dry, windy, UGH.  That's our weather report.

Two babies in St Louis who have congenital heart defects.  Parents have been asking for prayer. Caleb underwent open heart surgery on Sunday, and thankfully it was a success.  Sophia is 9 months old.  it has been determined that she needs a heart transplant.  That is why I have been passing on the requests for prayer.

I finished my assignment, only to find I have done something wrong. :yikes: :banghead:  I have asked RuthV to see if she can find the mistake. 

Have a great day everyone and a restful night.

Oh, Judy!  I hope you find the problem soon but please don't beat on yourself.  Take a deep breath and you can check it again.  Sad stories when transplants are needed for infants. 

Smoke is in the area and we can see the smokey clouds from one of the three wildfires - not at all near our place.  Actually, our cabin may be more in a fire area but we can't pinpoint where it is right now. 

#2 son will walk over later. 

#1 grandson has a new job and he will be assisting an elderly man who has beginning Alzheimer's Disease by driving the man to the bank and keeping him in his sights.  He is the one just graduated from high school. 

I am praying for both these babies.  1. That Caleb's heart operation has fixed the problem, and 2. that God's will be done with Sophia..  For her to have a new heart a baby has to die breaking another mother's heart.  I can't pray for that....it is just too hard.

I am headed to California tomorrow for Forest's 8th Grade graduation, that boy is sure growing up fast. it will be good to see the family and I am going to stop by and see Willa before I come back home.

Hi everyone.  It is going to be another very warm day today in the mid-90s.  Pat and I are going to Bible study and afterwards I will run over to Kaiser to have another blood test (I have to have 3 tests done in the next month because of the new medicine the doctor gave me for fluid retention.  Pat will go on over for coffee with our friends at Dunkin' Donut and I will join them when the blood test is over.  Nothing else planned for today. 

Judy, glad to read the one operation is over and apparently successful.  Isn't it amazing that they can now do heart transplants on babies if they can find a donor heart that small.  I sense you are really fretting over your exam but put it in perspective as to whether this is one of lifes biggest problems and maybe that will help a bit.  I always thought multiple choice was helpful as if you didn't know an answer for usre you could at least take a guess. 

Mariiyn, I expect you will be in California or back before you see this but just wanted to wish a good and safe trip.

Carol, they had a bit on the national news last night about the wildfires in Colorado.  Sure hope it doesn't get your cabin and stays away from your home.  I expect your own bed was very comfortable last night as you ended your trip. 

Janet, at least you know what to expect from the weather.  Hope your story writing went well yesterday. 

Jeanne, at least the lower than normal temps helps on the AC bill. 

Time to leave for coffee at McDonald's. 

Thanks for answering my question about the babies, Judy.  I was really confused, as I thought one was a grandchild of yours...then when I saw about the other, I really was mixed up!  Yes, praying for a transplant for an infant is tough.  There is a lady here who kept us informed about a little boy needing lung transplants---he finally did get them, lived for two more years and then died.  Tough situations, for sure; and how could one pray for organs from another baby?  We know things happen, but in those situations I pray for God's wisdom, as only He knows the final outcome.

Carol, glad you are home.  Sorry about the smoke--is it worse than the dirt we are breathing here?  If we don't get rain soon, I don't know what's going to happen.  But God does, and I believe He will send us rain!

Marilyn, enjoy your trip, the graduation, and the visit.  Come home safely!

Larry, I see we were posting at the same time.  I pray your blood tests show good things. 

Judy, why are you so wound up over this test?  Is it something you are taking with a plan to use in the future, to make income?  Is it really a life-changing thing?  Try to relax--remember "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of love, power and A SOUND MIND."  You will do well!  Don't get ulcers worrying over it, just do the best you can, praying for supernatural recall before taking the test.  Okay, off my soapbox now! (And I hope you know I am saying this in love!)  <3

I am praying for wisdom in the use of my time.  So much I want to do, so little time to do it!

Happy Wednesday to you all!

Love,
Janet

And Janet, add to that - so little stamina to get it done.   :)

This is an Alistair Begg Photo that Pat and I shared on Facebook.



[attachimg=1]


This is the comment I received from John's Cousin in Holland!

QuoteAndries Boneschansker This photo, it's one of our Dutch Lifeboats! This is the kind of ship I sail on for the Dutch Sea Rescue Institution. If you consider the conditions in which we go out on the rescue I'm sure He sails with us.

We arrived back last evening from Ohio.  We had a lovely few days since we left here last Thursday and headed for Windsor, Ontario where we visited with really good friends.  Then we crossed over into Detroit and headed down to the Toledo area and then east to Ashtabula, Ohio where we were till last evening with Paul's daughter.  Samuel, Paul's grandson, graduated from Home Schooling high school and they had a lovely Open House on Saturday. 

I had a wonderful two day birthday and now a third day reading all of your lovely messages to me.

So, a BIG THANK YOU for them!

Pat, I see that, however breifly, you were in my neck of the woods (S.E. Michigan). Glad you had a good time on your trip!

Pat:  It sounds like you had a great birthday or rather two day birthday. 

Janet:  Not breathing dirt but we do have smoke and so glad we are closed up with air on right now.  Coughing smoke and that one in Black Forest, Monument and now Colorado Springs is out of control.  The cabin is fine and that fire is in a place where we watch elk herds & listen to them bugle in the fall.  About 10 miles away from our place.  Still, very frightful to smell smoke with all the trees.  They have evacuated 1,000 Scouts from a camp in the Black Forest. 

More and more neighbors are having to leave their homes here and going into some kind of assisted living - two more houses for sale.   

Yes, Carol, it is sad to see our friends growing older and having to give up their independence.  But life marches on, for all of us.  Saw reports on the Colorado fires on TV tonight--scary, and so very sad to see lovely homes going up in smoke.  :'(

Praise the Lord!!  We didn't have wind today!! :cheer: :excited:

Wish I had known where you are, Smokey and maybe we could have met for a coffee.  ;)

Yes, Carol, had a lovely two day even and then home to read over 200 messages (birthday messages) on my wall on Facebook!!!  So nice to see.

Hi everyone ... it's been a while ...

Aunt Pat, I hope you had an amazing birthday.  I didn't forget, I was just traveling back from North Bay. 

Mom (JudyB) ... I understand what you are saying about the exam.  I can give you a little bit of comfort in that you know everything you need to know to do your exam.  He's been teaching you all semester what his test writing is all about and this exam is no different.  Mr. G is great that way.  I don't think he will have changed the exam from last year either, so I can tell you it is fairly easy.  Don't forget to breathe when you sit down for it, a tip you gave me when I sat down for it ... :D ... in the next week, I have several tests/midterms and a final coming up, so I totally get it!

I hope everyone is well.  I check in often, however I don't often comment (as you know).  But please know that your prayer requests are being remembered, and you are often thought of.

Hugs
Heather

Thanks Heather, it is the brain fog that concerns me.  I now understand why I struggled in school the way I did, my mind would blank and there was/is nothing I can do to bring back the rememberer!

Have a restful night everyone.

Hi, friends,

What a wonderful time I've had getting caught up on everyone.

Smokey, it's so good to see you here again. Please keep coming back - we miss you and all our other friends who peek in occasionally. (Hmmm - seems I'm becoming one of those occasional posters. :(  ) I've gotta do better about posting, too.

Life has been so very busy the past few weeks. My trucker son is here this week, and son #1 has had a guest, also. I most likely will have news from son #1 in the next few days. :)

Love to all of you everywhere.

Ruth Ann

Quote from: JudyB on June 12, 2013, 11:41:55 PM

Thanks Heather, it is the brain fog that concerns me.  I now understand why I struggled in school the way I did, my mind would blank and there was/is nothing I can do to bring back the rememberer!

Have a restful night everyone.

Of course there's something you can do, Judy.  You can PRAY - and request prayers from us!  (Which will be rising from Corinth)

Jeanne is right, Judy---GOD is greater than any brain fog!!  That is only caused because you doubt your ability to recall the information you have worked so hard to learn.  Now, take all the good advice you've been given in here:  Take deep breaths, relax, confess God's favor, ask for supernatural recall...and then ACE THAT TEST!!  We know you can do it!!

We are ready to go to the gym.  I went back yesterday, first time since before we left.  Darrel is going today, too.

I just got an email notice--John is coming!!  Beth will be SOO happy!  Yesterday she told me he hadn't called her in five days, not like him at all.  But they changed his working hours, and that's the reason, at least that's what Beth thought.  I'm always glad when he comes, he is so good for Beth.

I finished writing about our trip, so will be contacting you, Jeanne, for help with the photos.  First half is to be in our local paper today, I am anxious to see it.

Pat, I need to talk to you.  When would be a good time to call?  Let me know, also the correct number to use.  Thanks.  <3

Hi everyone on a hot and sunny June day here in Georgia.  According to the weather map we may be getting some of that bad weather that is now hitting the NE.  The weather sounds dire and I sure hope all of our cyber friends who live in the NE will be OK as well as all that live there.  I just took out the trash and made a trip to our mailbox and came back in feeling the effort.  So I plan to stay in today as I don't have anything on the schedule.  Pat will leave in a little bit to have a mammogram done at our mail Kaiser facility here in our county. 

Janet, they are telling us this morning that the little 12 year old who so needed new lungs got them yesterday.  Her parents never gave up when the system said no.  I hope she will have a normal life.  My blood tests from yesterday came back fine with no highs or lows noted. 

Jeanne, Amen on the "so little stamina" as I fight that everyday even when I don't do much of anything.

Judy, sure wouldn't care to be on a boat or ship in such a storm as your picture shows us. 

Pat, sounds like you and Paul had a lovely trip to Ohio.  A two day birthday celebration, now that is really big time.

Carol, glad your cabin is safe from the fires.  So sorry to read of the loss of homes of so many and the fires still continuing. 

Smokey, nice to see your posting.  Come back more often. 

Heather, good advice you offered your mother on taking that exam.  Also nice to see you posting. 

Ruth Ann, it sounds like some exciting times may be coming in your family.

Janet, so happy to see that John will soon be visiting Beth as know that brings such joy into her life. 

I thought some of you might enjoy this story.  It is a bit long but carries quite a message:

Magnolias

  I spent the week before my daughter's June wedding running last-minute trips to the caterer, florist, tuxedo shop, and the church about forty miles away.   As happy as I was that Patsy was marrying a good Christian young man, I felt laden with responsibilities as I watched my budget dwindle . . So many details, so many bills, and so little time. My son Jack was away at college, but he said he would be there to walk his younger sister down the aisle, taking the place of his dad who had died a few years before. He teased Patsy, saying he'd wanted to give her away since she was about three years old!
  To save money, I gathered blossoms from several friends who had large magnolia trees. Their luscious, creamy- white blooms and slick green leaves& nbsp;would make beautiful arrangements against the rich dark wood inside the church.
  After the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding, we banked the podium area and choir loft with magnolias. As we left just before midnight, I felt tired but satisfied this would be the best wedding any bride had ever had! The music, the ceremony, the reception - and especially the flowers - would be remembered for years.

The big day arrived - the busiest day of my life - and while her
bridesmaids helped Patsy to dress, her fiancé Tim walked with me to the sanctuary to do a final check. When we opened the door and felt a rush of hot ai r, I almost fainted; and then I saw them - all the beautiful white flowers were black.  Funeral black. An electrical storm during the night had knocked out the air conditioning system, and on  that hot summer day, the flowers had wilted and died.

I panicked, knowing I didn't have time to drive back to our home town, gather more flowers, and return in time for the wedding.
  Tim turned to me. "Edna, can you get more flowers? I'll throw away these dead ones and put fresh flowers in these arrangements."

I mumbled, "Sure," as he be-bopped down the hall to put on his cuff links.

Alone in the large sanctuary, I looked up at the dark wooden beams in the arched ceiling. "Lord," I prayed, "please help me. I don't know anyone in this town. Help me find someone willing to give me flowers - in a hurry!" I scurried out praying for four things: the blessing of white magnolia as ,&nbs p;courage to find them in an unfamiliar yard, safety from any dog that may bite my leg, and a nice person who would not get out a shotgun when I asked to cut his tree to shreds.

As I left the church, I saw magnolia trees in the distance.    I approached a house... No dog in sight. I knocked on the door and an older man answered.
So far so good . . . No shotgun. When I stated my plea the man beamed, "I'd be happy to!"

He climbed a stepladder and cut large boughs and handed them down to me. Minutes later, as I lifted the last armload into my car trunk, I said, "Sir, you've made the mother of a bride happy today."

"No, M a'am," he said. "You don't understand what's happening here."

"What?" I asked.

"You see, my wife of sixty-seven years died on Monday. On Tuesday I received friends at the funeral home, and on Wednesday He paused. I saw tears welling up in his eyes. "On Wednesday I buried her."; He looked away. "On Thursday most of my out-of-town relatives went back home, and on Friday - yesterday - my children left."

  I nodded.

"This morning," he continued, "I was sitting in my den crying out loud. I miss her so much. For the last sixteen years, as her health got worse, she  needed me. But now nobody needs me. This morning I cried, 'Who needs an eighty-six-year-old wore-out man? Nobody!' I began to cry louder. 'Nobody needs me!' About that time, you knocked, and said, "Sir, I need you."

I stood with my mouth open.

He asked, "Are you an angel? The way the light shone around your head into my dark living room..."

I assured him I was no angel.

He smiled. "Do you know what I was thinking when I handed you those magnolias?"

"No."

"I decided I'm needed. My flowers are needed. Why,  I might have a flower ministry! I could give them to everyone! Some caskets at the funeral home have no flowers. People need flowers at times like that and I have lots of them. They're all over the backyard! I can give them to hospitals, churches - all sorts of places. You know what I'm going to do? I'm going to serve the Lord until the day He calls me home!"

I drove back to the church, filled with wonder. On Patsy's wedding day, if anyone had asked me to encourage someone who was hurting, I would have said, "Forget it! It's my only daughter's wedding, for goodness' sake! There is no way I can minister to anyone today."

But God found a way. Through dead flowers.

"Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It's the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference."

What a beautiful story, Larry.  Thank you so much for sharing it with us. 

Beautiful Story Larry!!!  Puts perspective on everything in our lives.

Lovely story, Larry.  God always finds a way, when there seems to be no way!

Larry:  Wonderful and such a thoughtful story.  Everyone is needed for something.

I heard on CNN today that all of Colorado Springs has been force evacuated.  Not good news for those folks, Focus on the family is in Colorado springs, as well there is a camp in that area for underprivileged children that is occupied with children. I am praying for these folks praying that their lives will be spared. Their lives are more important than possessions.  It is so hard though to loose all your possessions.

This has been a long day trying. Spent the day in North Bay, sitting in hospital with a friend..  All turned out well nevertheless it has been long and tiring.  Now back to finishing off my last assignment.  Have a great evening everyone, and a restful night's sleep!

Hi everyone on another hot and sunny Georgia day.  It got into the mid 90's yesterday and we had some more rain during the early evening.  Pat and I had a very enjoyable dinner out last night with our friends.  The steaks at Appleby's were very good.  We haven't had a steak for a long time so really enjoyed it.  Today is coffee at the Senior Center.  Then we need to leave again about 10:30 as Pat has a meeting and at 11:30 I have the ROMEO's luncheon.  Today we are meeting at Longhorn's.  I think I will drop her off and go on to the Barnes and Noble store that is in the same shopping center as where we are eating.  That will be it for day.  My energy level isn't very high and the heat doesn't help. 

Glad you all liked the story.  Jeanne, it is a joy to share this special things I am blessed to receive in emails with you all.  Judy, I agree it does put things back into perspective and demonstrates that our lives have value even when we think they don't.  Janet, God has a way for all of us even if we don't understand it at the time. Carol, you are so right, we all are needed.

Judy, there is something about being in a hospital waiting that is very tiring.  Nice of you to be there for your friend. 

\We are leaving for Sun river ear;y tomorrow morning, I have already delivered the Dogs to the pet sitter and Harry (my cat) is at S/Nipped (the clinic where I work). I am relaxing for a bit as it has been hectic and busy so far today.  At the last minute today I've had to wash, dry and probably have to iron two of Keith's dress shirts. Just what I wanted to do NOT!!!

I haven't checked the news - there are wonderful stories of good Samaritans in the area.  Some are taking in animals or people and a lot of restaurants are passing out free food and beverage - some are letting people camp on their property and so on it goes.  The couple who did not survive were making phone calls at the last minute and that may have been their demise but who can tell what happened.  With these winds (again, today) it is really tough on the firefighters.   

The fire area is north of Colorado Springs but they did have some issues with the northern part of the city.  I have been to a weekend camp for the church and have not heard if that old wooden building has been touched or not.  They evacuate people because the winds are changing and such a fast fire - they knock on every door and sometimes just tell them to "Get out now!".  There are pictures of people running - police running and you just can't imagine the stress.  Bless our firefighters and all who are in there doing their best. 

I rode with Don to the VA for his blood draw this morning - he has a CT scan scheduled next week.  We had stopped at the cafeteria for him to have a light breakfast afterwards and found the building was in a lock down when we tried to go to the garage.  Will never know the reason.  I knit for awhile and he read his book. 

Our pastor's grandchild (five months old) living in Wisconsin is paralyzed and they don't know the reason - the father is a doctor - this would be a crisis for any parent.  My neighbor & good friend brought me up to date on the prayer list. 

One son is coming tonight to check out a backpack we have that is light - he is hiking a mountain near Vail tomorrow.  Not for us, we can barely make our own walks anymore.   ;)

I just had my chuckle for today.  I an dog sitting until the 21st of the month.  I have the TV on in the background.  Sue Thomas FBI was on.  Levi the wonderdog  had a new toy given to him. He barked, and caught the new toy and started squeaking the toy.  Autumn jumped up and ran to the TV to watch what Levi was doing.... My guys totally ignore the TV whether dogs bark (Cesar Milan) or not.  I couldn't help laughing at Autumn!!!

I am nearly done my assignment, it will be turned in done or not, balanced or not before bed tonight.

Happy Birthday

           :cheer:                           Ruth V        :hbirthday:




Goodnight all. 

Thank you for your kind greetings!!

JudyB and I were talking last night and encouraged me to come on today.

I have been very busy for quite a time with traveling (weddings and doctor appointments), work (bookkeeping and taxes) and other necessary tasks to help keep us, as a family, functioning.

I'll not catch up today as my daughter and three of my grandchildren will be here to visit for the day.

God Bless you all today!!

Hi everyone on another lovely day in Georgia.  I enjoyed my ROMEO's lunch yesterday at Longhorn Steak House.  Later this afternoon we are going over to friends to play domino's and then all of us will go out to eat this evening.  I expect it will be Mexican.  I went to coffee this morning but will stay home now until we go this afternoon as don't want to be too tired to enjoy the time with friends. 

Happy Birthday RuthV.  It looks like I may be a day behind in offering my best wishes but better late than never.  It sounds like you have really been busy with work and family events. 

Judy, hope you have now finished up on your lesson.  Animals each have a personality of their own.  Our pets never seemed to pay attention to televison.

Carol, in times of disaster the best in people seem to come forward.  Unfortunately it also often brings out the worst in some when their is looting.  I heard last evening that the fire situation may be better in your state now and saw there was some rain.  Certainly frightening news concerning your pastor's grandchild.  I don't think I ever heard of such a thing in such a young child. 

I guess Marilyn is either now or soon will be on her vacation to Sun River.  Hope she has a wonderful vacation.

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Yes Larry it is finally done and submitted.  Not necessarily all correct, but it is in.  Now to study for the exam.  I am not going to over do it, just review rules, and that will be about it.  Read over my notes to refresh my mind, and praying for peace.

Today I am going shopping, mowing the lawns, and meeting up with John.

I pray all have a great day, and God blesses each of you.

Judy, I have the date and time for your exam marked on my calendar so that I'll be sure to remember that's when you need extra prayers.

A lovely day here in northern New York.  A perfect day for drying the laundry - sunny and mild with a good breeze to take out the wrinkles.  And since my washer just shut off I guess I'd better get to it.   ;D

I used to have a clothes line and the post rotted and rusted it was in the ground so many years.  I must get another one.  I love hanging out my wash.

I have a picture of a flower from a tree and we can't identify it.  Can anyone help?






The tree was about 30 feet high and in London ON. 

I don't know what it is but it sure is pretty!

Beautiful flower on that tree.  It almost looks like something tropical. 

Our pastor's granddaughter is five years old - not five months as I originally wrote.  Still no word.  He is speaking tomorrow and since our children are once again scattered, I am taking Don to a late lunch at a French restaurant.  They have fabulous food and special prices on Sunday afternoon.  I also ordered a medical alert bracelet for him and it will have information on it where emergency can call an 800 number for his medical records and all pertinent information.  We probably should all be wearing something in case of being unconscious and no one knowing us or our medical condition. 

That is all.  good night and sweet sleep to all. 

Quote from: JudyB on June 15, 2013, 09:27:52 PM
I have a picture of a flower from a tree and we can't identify it.  Can anyone help?

Judy, that's a tulip poplar tree.  I didn't know we had them in Canada.  They are quite normal around Virginia and almost a "weed tree" like our Manitoba Maple.


https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&gs_rn=17&gs_ri=psy-ab&tok=_F1Jrmtvr7KviROzkHL1kA&suggest=p&cp=8&gs_id=v&xhr=t&q=tulip+poplar&bav=on.2,or.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.47883778,d.aWM&biw=1600&bih=775&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=0Zi9UfWJCcn-qAHM44CgCw#facrc=_&imgrc=sv8x5ZlxkhSJfM%3A%3BnyUgZLF_lhaZKM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.tulippoplar.com%252Fimages%252FTulip%252520Poplar%2525202.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.tulippoplar.com%252F%3B631%3B300




The tree was about 30 feet high and in London ON. 

My goodness, Pat!  What a wealth of pictures of tulip poplar trees!  And Etta Sue has one of those trees in her yard.  I thought about that, but wasn't sure I remembered what the blossoms looked like...anyway, thanks!

Pat, I will try to call you this afternoon.  I look forward to talking to you.

We attended church last night so won't be going this morning, unless we decide to go elsewhere.

I want to get several projects wound up today.  Must stop procrastinating!!

Have a blessed Sunday, friends.

Hi everyone.  It is another lovely summer day here in Georgia.  It will be warm but should be this time of the year.  I finally remembered to put our sun screens for the windshield into the car yesterday and that helps with it getting so hot inside a locked car.  We had a great time yesterday with our friends playing dominos.  It is sort of a circus when we play as one of the ladies had a stroke many years ago and is blind in one eye and it takes her awhile to play but she loves doing it.  Another one of the group is in early stages of dementia and has to be reminded and helped a bit and her husband has serious sight problems.  Of course these two couples are in their 80's and Pat and I are in our early 70's.  It takes us two hours to play one game of Mexican Train and then we go out to eat.  Last night we went light and ate at Chick-fil-A, which we all enjoyed.  It became a comedy of errors as first the lady who is stroke stricken can use only one arm and she picked up a package she thought was unopened salad dressing and it poured all over the table.  We cleaned that up and next the man with the vision problem set his small ice cream cone down on his tray and then hit the tray or cone and it ended up in his lap and then on the floor.  They gave him a new cone to replace that one as he hadn't even tasted it.  Finally, the lady who spilled the salad dressing then turned her drink cup over.  Fortunately, it had a lid so no damage done.  We all just had a good laugh and enjoyed what had happened without becoming upset.  Pat and I were still chuckling about the circus when we got home.

We are going to church this morning and out to lunch and then a quiet evening.  I am using Advance System Care Pro to tune up Pat's desktop and sure hope it fixes some of the problems.  It only found 10,801 problems so it was a time for a tune up.  If it doesn't I will be getting her a new desktop and hers is almost useless the way it has been running.

Pat, lovely graphic.

Judy, relax for awhile and keep the stress down regarding the test and you will do fine.  You have done the work and will refresh your memory before the test and you know you have a lot of folks pulling for you.  I have never seen a flower blossom like the one you posted but agree with Janet that it is very pretty.

Jeanne, do you hang your clothes outside to dry?  Nothing smells as fresh as sheets just taken off the line.  A great memory from growing up on the farm. 

Yesterday afternoon Stacey went back to the ER as the phantom pain had become so bad she couldn't take it anymore.  She was there until late in the evening but they got the pain stopped and she spoke with Pat this morning saying she was headed to church and that the pain hadn't returned.  Hopefully the cycle of pain is broken, at least for now. 

Carol, great idea on the medical alert bracelet for Don.  I always carry my medical history, meds and allergies listing in my billfold.  We did get Stacey one of the bracelets several years ago but don't think she wears in anymore.  She now carries the 5 star alert fob and they have all the information on her condition with just a touch of her button.    It is worth what we pay a month for it for our own peace of mind.

Janet, hope you get your projects wound up today that you want to complete. 

It's starting out lovely this morning, but the promise is for increasing clouds, showers, maybe some rumbles of thunder tonight, rain and possible thunderstorms tomorrow...  but the temperatures are expected to be in the low to mid 70's all week.

Yes, Larry, I hang my wash outside when the weather permits.  In the winter I dry it on a rack over a heating vent.   It sounds as though you just enjoy the company of your friends and everyone is able to overlook the little upsets and laugh over them.  That's how a true friendship should be.   ;)

Thank you Pat for the link. 

We are having a quiet morning then on to get John's meals ready.  He heads out in the morning, with a trainee from our home town.  HE will be home Friday then we are off on an adventure to the south to meat up with a friend I grew up with.  We are thinking we may head down Friday night, to make Saturday a little less stressful.  I am really excited about this visit, My friend Beverly had a knee replacement about 6 weeks ago. 

I am no longer stressing about the exam.  I don't need the credit, if I pass that will be great if not nothing really lost.  I am reviewing the GAAP's and how to apply them that is the part i struggle with, however I am sure I will do ok.

We had rain this morning.  Janet the rain we are getting has increased since i posted that picture!!! Hope the same is true for you!

Closing off for now!

Thanks, Judy!  No rain yet, but we remain hopeful. What is it that you are studying?  If you told us, I forgot.  :-[

Larry, so nice that you all continue to enjoy your friends.  None of us is exempt from the problems due to aging, it seems.  And if I don't get with it, those projects won't get completed today!

Jeanne, the weather you describe sounds heavenly to me!

I am sitting here chuckling over your post Larry.  It's so good that you can all smile together with situations like this. 

Janet, I'll be home.  ;)

Enjoy your day, Judy!

Have a wonderful Sunday everyone else.


I listen each day to Allistair Begg (http://www.truthforlife.org/) and on Facebook, he shares these wonderful graphics/photographs with either a scripture verse or a quote from some famous preacher of the past such as Charles Spurgeon or even himself and they are free to share.  They mean a lot to me so I thought you all would get a blessing as I do when I share them in here.  He has a wonderful message for fathers today for Fathers' Day.

From Truth for Life (Allistair Begg)...


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Hi Everyone Been a while since I have posted here. Been somewhat busy with work travelling between 2500 and 3000 miles a week and then coming home to get the garden in for the summer and un-stressing Judy with this course she been working on. Thank goodness she is done except for the exam so life can get back to normal. But then what is normal except a setting on your dryer. This week I went down south to Georgia on a rush run as the company was running out of supplies and then immediately had to reload back. Sorry I wasn't able to meet you this time Larry, but hopefully will be able to make it the next time when I'm not under such a time line. I did enjoy the weather though. It was great to get into the warm and need the air conditioning for a change. I have a new dispatcher and this guy is all the difference in the world to the type and quality of work that I am getting. Really enjoying the change. Right now I'm sitting resting my right knee to get it so I can be more comfortable walking and driving. I think I got a flare of Bursitis in it and its not to pleasant. However at it says in the Bible this didn't come to stay but it came to pass. A friend once said to me to not get old because its painful. I'm beginning to think he was right but unfortunately we cant stop the age train. And the older I get the faster time seems to go. There just isn't enough time to do anything anymore. Maybe retirement is the answer. Seems to not be enough time to go to work anymore. Well enough of my ramblings for now. Have a good and blessed day folks. John.

So nice to see your post, John.  Really sorry your knee is so sore.

No reason why but this wireless mouse has gone bananas and needs to have an extra click as scrolling goes loopy & fast.   

Hah!  Look at the words we use now as opposed to when we were just graduated and knew so much!  A mouse indeed. 

Another beautiful service - we will surely miss this retiring pastor.  His granddaughter is truly 5 1/2 months old as he showed the pictures on the big screen.  The main thing is that she is "doing better" - remember, I wrote she had a cold and it turned into a form of meningitis paralyzing her for a few weeks.  So, it sounds like more to go - usually that form never changes so this is a hopeful miracle.   Went to the market after church and after coffee and a scone while reading the paper.  Ran into a new to me neighbor who is a quilter and they want to stop by so be it one of these days. 

Two sons were able to make it otherwise all the children called today.  One had been hiking in the mountains, one has lots of acreage work, one daughter had a day for her husband planned, and one son is on the way to El Salvador.  These children make me dizzy. 

John:  Nice post from you but a sore knee is tough to get over while driving. 

John, nice to have you posting.  I hope that knee gets better FAST!

Carol, always nice to read your posts, as well.  Our families surely do get scattered, don't they?


Pat, lovely photo!  Thanks!  I went to Seniors and friends, but don't remember my password....... :-\

I'll re-set your password, Janet and send it to you.  :)

Everyone here has been such an encouragement to me with all your kind words and suggestions.  I hesitate to mention people because for sure I will miss someone.  This has been a long road and stressful.  My niece has said to keep going as that is how to keep my brain active.  Janet Larry Carol Jeanne John RuthV......and so many others.  The end is in sight and my mind is mush.  Janet you asked what I am studying.....Accounting. I love accounting, but I'm thinking my age is a  :banghead: that I keep bumping in to.  I keep knowing that God is with me and will bring to remembrance what I have studied.......as another person said I have to breathe...sometimes I do forget the deep breaths and that has no good effect on memory.

Again Thank you all for everything and if I missed your name I am sorry I do covet your prayers and appreciate the encouragement and suggestions.

Time to start our new topic for this week!

CLICK HERE (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=12662.0)