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Morning Devotional...
by Dr. David Jeremiah



Seasonal Changes: Plans

A man's heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.
Proverbs 16:9[/b]

Think for a moment about all the plans you have in place right now: You plan to finish reading this devotional; you plan to take care of chores and tasks this weekend; you plan to do certain things next week; you plan to accomplish some family objectives this fall; you plan to take a vacation, get involved in a committee at church, retire, enjoy your senior years, and spend eternity with Christ. We live with plans -- from the small to the sacred and everywhere in between.

Scripture commends plan-making -- especially Proverbs (3:5-6; 16:1-4, 9; 19:21; 20:24). Proverbs even commends the ants for "planning" for the winter by storing up food in the summer (Proverbs 6:6-8). Yet for human planners, there is one caveat when it comes to making plans: God's plans always take precedence over ours. Every plan we make should carry the conscious addendum, "As the Lord directs." In a parable the apostle James taught, planners are told to say, "If the Lord wills . . ." (James 4:15).

So, make your plans for this weekend, this fall, and the coming year. Just allow God to direct your steps. And trust that if He changes your plans, it is a chance to walk by faith(2 Corinthians 5:7).


God's plan will continue on God's schedule.
A. W. Tozer

Hi everyone.  We are to have another warm day here in Georgia in the lower 80s.  We will attend church this morning and then we plan on taking our Nigerian "grandson" out to lunch with us and bringing him back to the house for a few hours this afternoon. The last time he was here I told him he was now a member of the family and that while he visits to make himself home and we do not entertain him as such, but just enjoy his company.  It was a good day for Georgia as they won there football game over Missouri in a big way. 

Judy, it is amazing how folks could support the ISIS group that murders innocent children.  Everyone has the right to their own opinions (even if they are wrong).   

Ruth Ann, when we lived in Maryland some boys came by and smashed our mailbox with a baseball bat.  Our neighbor was an FBI officer and he saw them and chased them and caught them and they agreed to replace the mailbox, which they did.  I guess the FBI man made a citizen's arrest as don't think his authority covered ruing mail boxes.  Glad your SIL and daughter are taking care of the mailbox problems.  Also nice to read that DIL with the burns is feeling a bit less pain. 

Marilyn, any more news on your great grandchild with the retrovirus?

Jeanne, Thanks for getting us started with a new Devotional Thought for this week. 

Wonderful devotional message, Jeanne Lee!  In a way, my maternal grandmother modeled this message every night when she tucked her kids and grandkids into bed.  In her native Spanish language she would say, "goodnight, see you in the morning, if God wills!"

Larry they will be taking James off the oxygen today to see how he does. Here's some  quotes from his mother's Facebook page\.

This is what I know about James today from his mother's Facebook page.

Doctors were just here. They are completely removing his oxygen and they will just monitor him closely. If he does well without it, then they will discuss possibly sending him home later today.

And this earlier  Since being in the hospital, James has had almost all Eagles fans for nurses, etc. But at this mornings shift change his nurse and respiratory therapist walked in wearing Broncos gear so he was feeling a little left out. He made Wes bring him his jersey so he'd fit in. He's much happier now and says, "woohoo! Go Broncos!"

And this: James is in no way a morning person which makes it very difficult for the respiratory therapists and nurses when they need to wake him for something. At 5:00 am they decided to do all kinds of stuff including removing his IV. He was being very dramatic and yelling stuff like, "It hurts so much! I don't EVER want to do this again! It hurts more than losing one of my hot wheels! Now I'll NEVER be able to sleep EVER AGAIN!!!" He was back asleep within 3 minutes. If only it were that easy for me. After listening to him scream for an hour and fighting with him to do his breathing treatments before that, it's now the time that my alarm usually goes off and his oxygen keeps dropping below 90 which means the alarm sounds. I've been laying here forever trying to fall asleep and now I realize I should probably just give up because shift change is in 30 minutes so the new nurse will be in to check his vitals all over again..

Thanks for the devotional Jeanne Lee.  It's always "If the Lord wills", we don't know if we will be alive tomorrow or not.

James is being released from the hospital

H, friends,

Jeanne, thank you for the devotional. I've been working with a friend who is learning how to serve our Lord, and she was so surprised that it's best to pray "as God wills." It's wonderful to see someone who is learning and growing day by day.

Our pastor's sermon really was good today. Last Sunday and today, his sermons have been on the way God led Moses to bring the Israelites through the wilderness. How plainly his lessons spoke to me. Then, a new member of our congregation told us about a time recently when the Lord checked her spirit about something, cautioning her to wait for His time. The wait proved to be beneficial, and things are working out for her. How uplifting!

Now, to see if my son is able to call today...

Marilyn, it's good to hear James is able to leave the hospital.

Y'all have a good rest of the day with our Lord.

Ruth Ann

We have internet again by spending $ on a modem and a router.  Just in time to read updates on a friend in hospital with induced coma - she has Parkinson's Disease and now has encephalitis.  Not good. 

Liz:  Good to see your post.  it sounds like you are having decent fall weather. 

Children's hospital in Aurora, CO is really top-notch.  Great news for the family of James. 

Reading the missionaries letter, there is so much anti-Jewish and anti-Christian in that area.  Shocking to see this again after all it isn't that long ago since WWII and the hatred it still there. 

Don has been busy repairing our internet and t.v. reception.  We continue to work on this house - it is hot in the afternoon but really cools the minutes during sunset and we open windows and sleep well in 60  degree weather at night.   My little sewing area is set up and the old Husqvarna (Viking) is humming contentedly - happy to be producing some fabric tissue holders for little gifts - next come pot holders and table runners.  We are going to sign up for two lectures on "near death" experiences.  This is so interesting and I read a good book written by a pastor who indeed was pronounced dead for over 30 minutes and now tells his story. 

DIL has a newer vehicle - she is a teacher & hail totaled her car while she was at school.  Two sons are still dealing with their damage & roofs as well as taking care of our soon to be new roof again.  Insurance will crush everyone in the state with rising payments. 

Every day we are grateful for what we have. 

Don has been working on our internet and I thought that everything had been lost - however, I found you once again.     Nice this morning and we are about to take a walk before the heat rises.  No news on our friend who has been unconscious for more than a week and feeling sad for her family.  One son had to leave to go back to Minnesota. 

Wishing you all a very good week!

Hi everyone.  It is a bit foggy and sort of a dreary morning here in Georgia but will get up to about 80 degrees this afternoon.  I am getting a slow start this morning as stayed a little longer at coffee this morning.  I knew the housekeepers would be here and that Pat didn't have to leave at 9:30 for her massage as the lady is out of town this week.  Nothing on the schedule until this evening.

Marilyn, it sounds like James is recovering.  I see he was able to go home yesterday.  It is hard for the little ones to deal with having their life changed so much being sick.  Anyway it sounds encouraging.

Carol, so sorry to read about the added problem for your friend and having encephalitis.  It seems we are seeing more and more of the anit-Jewish rhetoric and actual actions in the last couple of years.   

I have been missing my email notifications, and so much has been happening in our lives that I got several days behind on our posts here on CP.  But I'm all caught up now, and have sent up prayers for those needing them

Darrel's sister called last Tuesday night to tell us their daughter April had died, quite unexpectedly.  April was 56 years old, and had lived such a sad, wasted life in so many ways.  She lived alone in an apartment there in Amarillo.  Her parents had talked to her either on Friday or Saturday; then went to pick her up for visitation with her granddaughter on Tuesday.  She usually was watching for them and came out as soon as they drove up, but that day, she didn't.  They honked, then pounded on the door; decided she wasn't home so went to the visit without her.  Afterward they went back and again knocked and called.  Her dad noticed one window was open about two inches, so he called through the window; still no response.  On the way home, he mentioned there was a terrible smell coming out the window.  Her mom immediately suspected the problem, so they called the apt. manager and asked him to meet them there.  When they arrived, there were cops, EMTs, and an ambulance there, and they wouldn't let them come in.  Later, at the funeral home, they asked to see her and were refused.  Anyway, she was cremated (only choice) and they had a memorial service for her on Friday, so of course we went.  We needed to be there to support them, it is such a small family.  Really a sad time.

And one of granddaughter Abby's school friends was killed in a vehicle accident a week ago.  She has been really upset over that, understandably.  Add to these all the terrible news coming at us over the airwaves daily, and all I can say is, "I'm so glad to know the Lord, the only one who can give us hope in these times."

I have been busy on the computer all day, other than time at the Fitness Center and a visit with Beth and Maxine.  And I do NOT like spending hours on computer, as I get very frustrated!

Okay, time for GOOD news!  At the little girl's funeral in Hugoton, one high school boy got up and began to pray, and the entire crowd stood up and joined him!  Praise God for young folks who have been taught the Word!

Hi everyone on a very rainy, stormy Tuesday morning here in Georgia.  It is only suppose to get to 71 degrees and we may see more rain and storms during this morning.  Other than attend a meeting this morning I have nothing else on my calendar for today.  However, it if stops raining I may try to get to the barber. 

Janet, so sorry to hear of the death of April and can certainly relate to some of the feeling her parents must be feeling.  Time makes the bad and sad weaken in our minds and we can focus on what was good and loving about the person.  I also feel for Abby as it is hard to lose friends at that age (or any age for that matter). 

Janet that is terrible both deaths, and in many way so unnecessary.  But God.

On Monday we helped our friend park his 5th wheel trailer into the garage.  Because of construction John had to blind side it in......a little more challenging!  Like the pro he is he made it look easy. We had a wonderful time after dinner reminiscing about our driving days.  Great time of laughs and fellowship.

I have been busy filling out 25 pages of forms to obtain a Visa for entry into Myanmar!  Whew!!

I must run in and visit my Bethy girl, she has asked for something from Sonic for her supper tonight.

Hope you are all having a good day!

Hello Everyone...

I know it's been a long while since I've posted but so much has been happening in my life and family and sometimes it's best not to chat about it. 

I had a lovely Thanksgiving Weekend up at Janice's home.  The weather was kind of drizzly but all the children were home from University and/or just visiting from another city and it was just lovely.

Jeanne, what a great devotional this week.

I needed that.  "...If it's the Lord's will.."   

Hi everyone.  After a dreary and very wet day yesterday today is beautiful, sunny and cool.  It is not suppose to get above 70 degrees this afternoon.  I attended Bible study this morning but didn't attend the after class session at Dunkin' Donuts.  Pat was tired this morning and didn't feel like going.  The yard people were here early and now we are all trimmed up, including the bushes.  Looking forward to a quiet afternoon and evening.

Judy, I bet your friend really appreciated your help in parking his trailer.  I never could back anything up very successfully.

Janet, I had to do a search to see where Myanmar is located.  I wonder why such a long questionnaire?  Is this required by our State Department or that country?

Pat, good to see your posting.  Glad you had a nice day with family on Thanksgiving. 

Larry, we also wonder why they changed the name from Burma to Myanmar.  The information is required by the country you want to visit; in this case, Myanmar.  But I would wager nobody ever reads it--all they really care about is the $70 per person!  In Jordan, they didn't even take the paperwork we had, with photos attached, etc.  They just said, "No, just give us the money!  That's all we care about!"  At least they were honest! 

Pat, I never seem to remember just when Canada celebrates Thanksgiving.  Glad to hear you had a pleasant day!  We miss you in here when you don't post, though, but do understand.  Some days are just .... difficult.

Time to go eat, and I am still in gym clothes!  Better run!

I've just had a delightful visit from my pastor.  He called a couple of days ago and said he always made a habit of visiting the "fallen women" in the congregation.     The gal who provided the transportation I needed must have reported about my tumble. 

Hi, friends,

I'm whizzing through today. Have an appointment in an hour and have a ways to go before I'm ready for 4 o'clock.    Where did the time go?

I know, I did some heavy cleaning earlier in the day.

I received a sad, worn-down-from-pain message from my daughter in law. I would appreciate continued prayers for her. She faces another surgery next week with skin grafts, which she really is afraid of. Thank you for your prayers.

Well, truly must go.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Just read this on FaceBook, I believe it is an update from the Message Larry posted.


Dear Friends, Just a few minutes ago I received the following text message on my phone from Sean Malone who leads Crisis Relief International (CRI). We then spoke briefly on the phone and I assured him that we would share this urgent prayer need with all of our contacts.
"We lost the city of Queragosh (Qaraqosh). It fell to ISIS and they are beheading children systematically. This is the city we have been smuggling food too. ISIS has pushed back Peshmerga (Kurdish forces) and is within 10 minutes of where our CRI team is working. Thousands more fled into the city of Erbil last night. The UN evacuated it's staff in Erbil. Our team is unmoved and will stay. Prayer cover needed!"
Please pray sincerely for the deliverance of the people of Northern Iraq from the terrible advancement of ISIS and its extreme Islamic goals for mass conversion or death for Christians across this region. May I plead with you not to ignore this email. Do not forward it before you have prayed through it. Then send it to as many people as possible. Send it to friends and Christians you may know. Send it to your prayer group. We need to stand in the gap for our fellow Christians.
(PASSING THIS AROUND. PLEASE PRAY!!!!)

Judy:  There is something very wrong that a catastrophe happening overseas is not front news - violent and evil doings and so many people do not even know what is going on in this world. 

It was great fun to call two cousins today and tell them that we have arrived but we are much too disorganized to have anyone over yet.  All the handymen I have called - none have returned a phone call.  We were asked to take a tour of the area and buildings this morning and that was two hours out of the day - came home, fixed lunch and then we both napped for about ten minutes.  Just to refresh - and I baked pumpkin bread with added mini chocolate bits.  Using the oven for the first time and it behaved grandly.  Tonight is chili and salad and the cupcakes I baked are frozen so they will be ready in case anyone stops by for a little visit.  A friend arrived at her house today so we will let her recuperate and see her when she is ready.  I sewed a dozen tissue holders that fit in purses for gifts to the quilting group at home and now have to make some for the bible study gals at home too. 

Jeanne Lee:  Love the "fallen woman" joke from your pastor.   He sounds like a keeper.   

Hi everyone.  It is sunny morning but it only 55 degrees and will only go to the mid-60s today.  This is going to be a busy day and I got up feeling tired, even after a good night's sleep.  I have a dental appointment at 10 am for a cleaning and then my men's luncheon at 11:30 and finally a friend is coming over about 4 pm for an hour.  I haven't made it to the barber shop yet but that will probably have to wait until tomorrow. 

Janet, that must have been refreshing when you were told the truth in Jordan about just wanting the money. 

Jeanne, were you rather taken back by your pastor's comment about the "fallen women"?    Glad he came to visit you. 

Ruth Ann, I feel for your poor DIL and knowing she faces more pain with the skin grafts. 

Judy, I believe this is probably the same message that is continuing to circle around the world.  The more prayers the better. 

Carol, those mini-chocolate chips couldn't hurt any bread.  It sounds good. 

My computer is down and won't boot up.  On John's right now, don't know when I will be back.

Jeanne, I, too, got a chuckle from your pastor's "fallen women" comment.  I love a good sense of humor, and obviously he knows you have one!

Larry, I hope your tiredness goes away, or at least doesn't get worse.

I just got home from story hour at the library, where I read my new children's book to about 14 pre-school aged children and their mothers.  They seemed to enjoy it, and I know I did.  The library girls had a whole "pig-themed" day in honor of my book.       Nobody bought a book, but at least I didn't have to travel out of town to this event.  And maybe they will buy some later.

I went to a tea party/birthday party with my little scrapbooking group last evening.  We had way too much good food, so I am fasting today!  It was a fun party.

Ebola is all over the news now, and they are just ignoring the ISIS crisis.  I am so glad God is God!  And that HE is in control of all things!

See you all later!

Cloudy, rainy, windy and warmer than "normal" today.  The leaves are falling almost as fast as the rain.   

Yes, my pastor has a wonderful sense of humor and I enjoyed his "fallen women" comment.  He was here about  an hour and we covered several subject - some heavy and serious and some light and fun.  He's been with us for about 30 years and no one in our congregation wants to even think about his retirement.  We've watched his three children grow up and now we're loving his grandchildren. 

Hi, friends,

It's been a busy day that is now slowing down a lot. I played piano for Salvation Army today, then took a lady to the grocery, popped in to see my sister in law a couple of minutes, and talked with one of my sons.

Now, it's just about time to sit down, watch the news, and prepare for tomorrow. My sister in law has learned she will likely be discharged on Thursday of next week, so I need to make certain the apartment is as ready for her occupancy as I can.

Thank you for praying for my daughter in law.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann:  I have not forgotten your DIL and her painful skin grafts. 

Our friend has been unconscious for more than two weeks now with no diagnosis.  Her husband, also good friend, has not been able to speak about it but we usually get an email every few days.  Nothing now.  They are checking her for West Nile Virus. 

Well, I went in to the den for a ten minute nap and awoke about an hour and a half later.  We are just not used to heat.  Don set up a new t.v.  Our other one has gone bonkers on the audio and everything sounds raspy to me so Don could not understand it even with the TV Ears he uses.  This one is much clearer and even catches more stations. 

Years ago, we had young children and so did our pastor.  We invited all to dinner and asked Pastor Harry if he would like to say grace.  He did.  He said "Grace".  It didn't take us long to catch his joke at the table - of course, the kids loved him and thought it was brilliant.  He may have been a little tired from the three sermons on that day. 

Hi everyone.  It will soon be lunch time and I am just getting back from a busy morning.  After coffee at the senior center I went to the location where we can vote early and cast my ballot.  I stopped at the barber and got a much need haircut and finally I went to Walmart for two or three items.  It has been a nice morning to be out as it currently is only 63 degrees.  I should be home the rest of the day. 

Judy, hope it isn't a serious problem but sounds like it could be a hard drive failure. 

Janet, I dragged through yesterday and do feel better today.  I bet you had a blast at the library getting to see the reaction of the little ones to your book. 

Jeanne, you are fortunate to have had a pastor for 30 years.  Our pastor has been at our church for 10 years now. 

Ruth Ann, I was going to ask you if your SIL was still in rehab and you anticipated my question.  You did have a busy day. 

Carol, it sounds like you needed the extra sleep.  What kind of TV did you get? 

Hi, friends,

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

I feel a bit tired, but need to finish up getting sister in law's apartment ready for her to occupy.

Thank you for praying for my daughter in law.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann