Morning Coffee

brinny said:

Watching Joyce Meyer now

Love yer outfit Tammy

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Thank you Brinny...me too!! LOL
I can't wait till it cools off enough to wear my shirt like this. Wish I still had my boots..I do have some, but shoe boots now.
Hugs!

Good Morning all...thanks for the pretty pictures to start off my day!!
I haven't gotten this morning's edition of Morning Coffee yet...and I have a feeling that if I dig up an older edition, that as soon as I post it I'll get todays in my email.
Hugs to all!!!!

Thankful75 said:

Good morning everyone!! God bless and have a great day!!

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You to Tara!!!!

LOL...I guess I should decide tyhat if she hasn;t sent one in by a certain time I should post an old one...I'll go get one now.

Kitties are all sleeping..I can change that if I let the ferrets out ;-)

So...I asked you a question in the open fab 40's..but you had already left...are we going to the fair for my birthday again this year? or can we go to Gattlinberg instead?

Good day to you, I can not say Morning because of where in our world you may live. How about a Good NOW no matter where you are. Today is a good day, if only in your mind-after all...that's where it counts. Right? I want to take this time to say WELCOME to each of you on my mailing list. Thank you for allowing me to come into your home and sharing some quality time together. If there is anything you would like to share, please do. If there is a certain "Topic" (Within reason) you want talked about, please let me know. I do appreciate OUR TIME together. I am honored.
May God bless YOU twice as much as He blesses me this day,
Bonnie
~~~
Life IS what YOU make it-soooo
MAKE it a great one~

"Sweet Potato Times"
By: Susanne Scheppmann

Key Verse:
Ecclesiastes 3:1, "There is a time for everything, and a season
for every activity under heaven." (NIV)
Devotion:
Another Thanksgiving spent with my husband's family. did not want to go, again. I begrudged the yearly expectation to show up with a smile and a hot dish. My list of complaints grew each year as to why we shouldn't go. For example:
The turkey stuffing included raisins. The rolls were store bought.The glazed ham with pineapple slices was not to my taste. All we did was watch football, not play games.
The women mingled in the kitchen; the men hung out in the den.Plus, they always served sweet potatoes and I do not like them.
I griped incessantly each year pressuring my husband to stay home. My husband must have felt the truth of Proverbs 21:19, "Better to live in a tent in the wild than with a cross and petulant spouse." (The Message)
Now the funny thing about it, I love his family. However, my independent spirit yearned for my own holiday traditions. Any small displeasure validated my excuse not to spend
Thanksgiving with them.
Finally one year on the way to his parent's home, I snapped. The recipe I was assigned to bring was sweet potatoes. I'm sure you know the recipe that includes lots of brown sugar, marshmallows and butter spread across the top of the orange squashy vegetable. (Remember, I do not like sweet potatoes of any kind.) I wrapped the steamy dish in towels to transport it to Thanksgiving dinner. We piled the kids into the back seat. I plopped down in the front seat and my husband placed the hot pan of syrupy bubbling goo on my lap. As we rounded the first corner from our house, the pan slid, tipped and spilled all across my beige pants. My legs burned and my eyes filled with tears. I let all my pent-up frustration break upon my husband as my children sat silently with their eyes looking down. I ruined Thanksgiving for everyone.
As I look back, I realize how selfish I acted each year. My heart did not display thankfulness for my husband, my kids, the extended family or the abundance of
delectable provision God provided each year. All I thought about was me. Even worse, I illustrated a poor example of Christian behavior to primarily unbelieving relatives.
Times change.
Two of my three grown children now live out-of-state. My dear mother-in-law died a year ago. Funny how time alters our feelings. At this moment, I would jump at the chance to return to a past Thanksgiving. I would watch my children play with their cousins. I would hug my mother-in-law. I would bring that silly marshmallow orange glob and I
would eat it with relish. I miss those sweet potato times.
This Thanksgiving, remember to be grateful for the small things in life. And if you are married, give your husband the opportunity to say, "House and land are handed down from parents, but a congenial spouse comes straight from God." (Proverbs 19:14, The Message.) Joyfully give thanks to the Father God, not only for the food, but for the family, friends and circumstances that you find yourself involved with this Thanksgiving. Because times change and there is a season for everything.
My Prayer for Today:
Father, remind me that time changes circumstances. Let me display grace and thanksgiving throughout these holidays, regardless of what I want. Help me to exhibit kindness, patience and joy to my family and friends. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
1. Make a list of everyone you anticipate to gather with you on Thanksgiving Day. Write one compliment for each person and share it with him or her with a grateful heart.
2. If you crave something special to eat for Thanksgiving Day, stock your pantry with the ingredients. Decide to prepare it for the holiday or to enjoy it sometime this month.
Reflection Points:
What do I tend to complain about during the holidays?
Is there something I dislike that will change over time?
Would my husband say I am a congenial or petulant spouse?
How can I change my attitude to reflect a truly thankful heart?
Power Verses:
Philippians 2:5, "Your attitude should be the same as that
of Christ Jesus." (NIV)
Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." (NIV)
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, "There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace." (NIV)
~~~

"Grief"

The First Principle of the Journey: Be Honest
Day 43
Do you embrace honesty as a foundational principle in your life?
If yes, then honestly evaluate your emotions right now. What emotions and struggles have you experienced from the first moment of your grief until now, including those you have not admitted to others? Be honest with yourself and with other people.
"When you are suffering, you may sometimes tend to withdraw, pull back, and pull away," says Anne Graham Lotz. "I do think there is a time for that, and each day you should spend time alone with the Lord. But don't forsake other people, because other people can give you comfort and encouragement and help you keep your focus. Sometimes you can get so preoccupied with the problem that it consumes you. Other people can help give you a balance."
God wants you to be truthful with yourself and with other people. He wants to free you from the debilitating effects of withdrawing and hiding your emotions. Jesus says in the book of John that "the truth will set you free." Read the book of John to learn more about Jesus' teaching, His truth, and true freedom.
"Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. . . . So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:31-32, 36).
Lord Jesus, I want to be set free. Amen.
~~~
"Pain With A Purpose"

"How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart?" (Psalm 13:1-2, NIV)
Many times during the last decade I have cried out to God, "How long, O LORD, how long?" It has been a very difficult and seemingly never ending battle the past thirteen years as I have tried to recover from CFIDS ("Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction
Syndrome). Just as the Israelites moaned under the oppression of the Egyptians and longed to be free (Exodus 2:23-24), so, too, those of us who are sick long for complete healing and the joy of once again living life free of limitations. I know that many of
you who struggle with chronic illnesses and/or pain can identify.
Many days I have felt like the prophet Jeremiah, when he says in Lamentations 3:18, "My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the LORD." In Lamentations 3:1-20, Jeremiah pours out all of his complaints to the Lord as he experiences the hopelessness and distress of seeing the complete and utter destruction of God's holy city, Jerusalem. As he looks around at the cannibalism of mothers eating their children (Lamentations 2:20), and sees young and old lying together dead in the streets (Lamentations 2:21), he is overwhelmed with grief and sadness (Lamentations 2:11). However, at the end of
Lamentations, Jeremiah sings a different tune. He remembers God's great faithfulness and goodness to His people (Lamentations 3:21-24), and He is encouraged once again.
When times are tough and no answers are forthcoming, when our complaints against God are as long as Jeremiah's, we need to remember and meditate on the great faithfulness, mercy and goodness of our Mighty God. We must wait patiently for the Lord, as Psalm 37:7 commands. In the end, we know that God will come through for us and work things out for our good, as Romans 8:28 says. What a mighty God we serve!
Dear Jesus, help us to patiently wait upon You in our daily struggles, knowing that You promise to bring good out of them in Your time.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Tammi Rhoney and her husband, Todd, live in beautiful North Carolina with their two dogs, Francy and Jacob. They have been married ten years, and hope to adopt in the future. When able, Tammi enjoys writing, sewing, reading, decorating, cooking and traveling. She also enjoys reading God's Word and spending time with Him. Take a minute to visit her website at:http://www.lordhelpmyhusband.com.
*RestMinistries
~~~
" A Lighter You"

Philippians 2:13
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Jeff made his living as a night watchman at a large company. He sat for hours at a console that housed a bank of television screens. For his efforts, he pulled a sizable paycheck. Many of Jeff's friends criticized him for getting so much for doing nothing. His reply, 'Hey, if they're willing to pay it, why shouldn't I get it?' Too often people look for ways of getting something for nothing. As God's children, we should always be looking for ways to be the best people we can be, not cutting corners, but committing ourselves to the pursuit of God's pleasure.
Today's thought:
Today I will be the best dieter I can be!
*Crosswalk

~~~
"Holy Humor"

A new teacher was trying to make use of her psychology courses. She started her class by saying, "Everyone who thinks they're stupid, stand up!"
After a few seconds, Little Davie stood up.
The teacher said, "Do you think you're stupid, Little Davie?"
"No, ma'am, but I hate to see you standing there all by yourself!"

First and Foremost.... Happy Birthday Starr!!!!

And to my 2 new visitors..Welcome, I hope you join us daily!!

HBG... Any news yet on your tests hon?

Shawn...so who are we taking to the fair with us?..How cool that work gave you four tickets!!!! Maybe Kathy will let us take the girls and I'll have someone to go on the rides with...then I can spend the following 2 weeks in bed LOL
....OK... an older edition of Morning Coffee is coming up...haven't heard from Bonnie in 2 days...Hmmm
she's not in pain and all is well with her

An Older Edition.....Top letter/note from Bonnie also as it goes with the Edition
***************************************
Patiently wait... This is something God did not give me a boat load of. This word has been used as Bonnie has none...in my life since age one and up until yesterday- ha ha
My second son and his precious wife (Becca) in New Mexico are patiently waiting for the arrival of their first born daughter on the 28th of June.(Tony is my only child who has not had children yet. We thought he never would but God has blessed us). Mean while sitting here in Florida I am pacing the floors and I will not lie-patiently waiting is NOT what I am doing! . Mine and Anthony's birthdays are June 21st and wouldn't it be awesome if Payton arrived as our extra special gift? Three generations of June 21st!! Yes I even asked God as long as she would be okay, could she arrive on our birthdays. Maurice got on to me because he says I just can't wait for anything, I'm even trying to rush a birth. (Now ya' have really know me to appreciate this). He will not even bring inside Christmas gifts till Christmas eve because he says I will open them and not wait till Christmas day...(Okay so he is right but...) My logic: I might not be here Christmas day wouldn't you want me to at least see what you got me? (Smiling). I know I know my bad...but he brought a box in this past Christmas a week early and I did not even touch it. (Thought it would kill me). I do have to admit it is so hard for me but life with chronic pain will teach you to be still. Every time I am still, God is so vivid to me. I pray that if this is a challenge for you as it was for me that you also one day know when you are still, you will know that God is God~May you have a wonderful day this day. May you see, feel Jesus every where you go~ Get a fresh refil and come join me below, and maybe we will read something that will make our day a little better. Later (Never goodbye)
Bonnie
P.S. Speaking of my birthday....a huge THANK YOU goes out to Bill Wedge for my card and awesome gift! (I love them).
~~~~
"Pain With A Purpose"

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you
in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 NIV

Several years ago I decided to brush up on my skills and get some job training. Things went along well.
So, I decided to add some more training, for working in a medical office, and made plans to look
for a job in that field when I had completed all of the training.

I did so well with the class work that I was told that I would not have a hard time finding a job;
there would be many opportunities. I was excited about what was ahead. In my prayer time this looked
like this was all God's will.

Then I started to fall for no reason, pain started in various areas of my body, headaches were fierce
nd my typing became difficult for no reason. I did finish the training and started to write my resume
to go out looking for a job.

But: I fell again and it was necessary to see my doctor. The doctor sent me to a specialist. Instead
of going to job interviews I started months of endless doctor appointments and testing. In the end I was
diagnosed with several chronic illness'. Little did I know that the medical training I had would help me
understand some of the medical jargon used in my medical records.

I have wondered many times since;what is God's will? Reading 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 I found an answerraying continually was something I had been doing for others and myself, and kept doing without hesitation. Being joyful and giving thanks at first I hesitated....how?

Joyful I found out did not mean happy. Joyful and thankful were my responses to the LORD of trust,
worship, dependence, and reverence. They were attitudes saying okay LORD, I know You will see me through this.I am here LORD to do whatever Your will for my life is and I rest in Your care.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: A very kind, precious lady: Bonnie Hall
Bonnie Hall lives in East Central Indiana. Each day she manages her Celiac Sprue, Fibromyaligia,
Chronic Fatigue, and Arthritis with the Lord's mercy and care. You are invited to visit her web page:
http://www.geocities.com/moments_of_hope/ministry.html
*Rest Ministries

~~~~~
Why should I waste my time reliving the past
when I can spend it thanking God for my future?
Bonnie Brown-Burgess
~~~~~

"Grief"

The Second Principle of the Journey: Be Expressive
Day 44
Express your tears and your pain. In order to move on, you cannot push down and pocket your emotions; they must be fully communicated for you to heal.
"Everyone cries," says Dr. H. Norman Wright. "Everyone sheds tears. Some people do it on the outside, but some are only capable of doing it on the inside. From a health perspective, the shedding of tears is very beneficial to physical well-being.
"The people who are unable or haven't developed the capacity to cry are carrying a heavier load of emotion that can actually contribute to some physical difficulties. I don't think you should ever apologize for your tears because you never apologize for something that is a gift from God."
Pull out your emotions. Face the pain head-on. Mourn loudly. Weep bitterly. Be set free.
When Peter realized he had disowned Jesus three times, he "went outside and wept bitterly" (Luke 22:62). When Stephen, the first Christian martyr, died, devout men "made loud lamentation over him" (Acts 8:2 NASB).
Holy God, I'm so adept at pushing down my emotions that I don't know how to pull them up, but I know that I must. Give me the opportunity and the courage to let my emotions pour out freely. Amen.


A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances,
but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes.
-Hugh Downs

~~~~~
"A LIGHTER YOU"

Hebrews 6:18-19
That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil.
When waters get choppy and the foul weather blows in, those who sail know enough to drop anchor so they won't be capsized or dashed onto the rocks. We can learn a lesson from that. As we fight to lose weight, we may find the weather a little foul and the waters a little choppy. Thank God that He is our anchor in all situations of stress and turmoil. If we remember to place our hopes in Him, He will protect us from the temptations and desires that threaten to sink our diets. Call upon the Lord, and He will answer you, and you will be saved.
Today's thought:
God makes me immovable in my determination to lose weight!
*Crosswalk
~~~~~