19 July 2014

Today's Readings and Stuff -- Saturday, 19 July 2014

been another tough day.  As I mentioned previously,  Dear Wife met with the Orthopedic Doctor Thursday after that morning's session with the Physical Therapist, in the same facility.  His finding was that the regular supervised sessions have accomplished some real good, but probably can accomplish no more.  Further exercises are a good idea, but she can do what is needed without the oversight (and expense) of the the Physical Therapists there, we just need some equipment.  We purchased some ankle weights earlier in the month which helps, and we have a Wii Fit system.  She found on one of those "for sale used" sites a computerized New Balance recumbent exercycle, one that's about identical to what the therapy center uses.  List price on it is around $400.  Seller was asking $40.  We agreed, and made the 40-mile round trip this morning.  Got it in the vehicle somehow, without any disassembly, brought it home got in in and set up, somehow.  Takes up an awful lot of space in our little living room, but there it is.
But that was the extent of her energy.  She spent the rest of the day in bed, in pain, and mostly asleep.  Doubtful she'll leave the house tomorrow, and I fully expect to have her back in the doctor office Monday. 
We shall see.

=================================

The Old Testament reading is Psalms 28, 29, and 30.


1
Unto thee will I cry, O LORD my rock; be not silent to me: lest, if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.
2
Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.
3
Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts.
4
Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours: give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert.
5
Because they regard not the works of the LORD, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up.
6
Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications.
7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
8
The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed.
9
Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever.


1
Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
2
Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
3
The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters.
4
The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.
5
The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.
6
He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn.
7
The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire.
8
The voice of the LORD shaketh the wilderness; the LORD shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh.
9
The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory.
10
The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever.
11
The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.


1
I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.
2
O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.
3
O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.
4
Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
5
For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
6
And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved.
7
LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled.
8
I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication.
9
What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?
10
Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper.
11
Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
12
To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.


=================================

The New Testament reading is verses 1-14 of Acts 21

1
And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:
2
And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.
3
Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.
4
And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
5
And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.
6
And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.
7
And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.
8
And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.
9
And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.
10
And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.
11
And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.
12
And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.
13
Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
14
And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

18 July 2014

Today's Readings and Stuff -- Friday, 18 July 2014

It's impossible to not be concerned about yesterday's shoot-down of an unarmed passenger plane traveling between Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur.  Nearly 300 people aboard, all dead.  and it seems passing strange that this is the second major airline catastrophe this year involving Malaysian Airlines.  Not sure I'd be willing to board one of their planes, ever.   Lots of speculation over the questions of who did it, how, and why?  I don't know the answer.  Someone has reminded me of a little incident about a hundred years ago, the Lusitania, an incident that the vile Woodrow Wilson uses as a reason to involve the US into World War One.  Whether this could have similar results is not yet known.  My uninformed guess is that the pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine had gained access to some fairly sophisticated Surface to Air Missiles, and used one.  The choice of route is also coming under scrutiny, normally such flights skirt war zones.  Don't know.  This may not turn out well for the rest of the world.

And it's been a "day" so far for us as well.  Dear Wife came down ill, or "more ill", yesterday evening.  A bladder or even a kidney infection is likely to blame, and she also had a very bad reaction to a new med that the neurologist had prescribed for intense headaches that are part of her very severe migraine episodes.  She began getting into real hallucinations, not "just" the weird lights and pain that are part of her "regular" migraine episodes.  The nausea accompanying the infection was no help; she decided to sit in a hot bath for a while, and promptly threw up, IN the bathtub.  Threw up about six more times during the night.  So we called the Primary Care doc's office this morning, got her in 40 minutes later, which included getting her up and dressed (and me too) and managing a 20 minute trip through an area I call "the Red Light District", since the dolts running the town have managed to  have both dreadful streets, and also lights that seem deliberately arranges so that you stop at ALL of them.  We very nearly did.  Made it on time.  Just.  And doc prescribed Cipro for the infection, and arranged restart on some existing meds whose refill limit had been reached.  I brought her home, put her to bed, had a cup of coffee and one of yesterday's leftover muffins, and drove the 20 minutes (in the opposite direction as before, and through another Red Light District) to go to pharmacy. Doc office had promised to call in the refills Real Soon Now.  Well, "Real Soon", like its cousin "Right Away", seems be be capable of various interpretations.  In this case, 'right now" meant just as I was entering the pharmacy, some 90 minutes after we'd left the doctor's office.  So I puttered around near the pharmacy for about an hour,   Finally got the pills, stopped and bought a tub of cottage cheese and some chicken soup for her and came home.  Of such things is our life these days.

============================

Old Testament reading -- Psalms 25, 26, and 27. Psalm 27 is a favorite, and there is good music to go with it.  I've sung this in several choral groups in several states, wish I could do so again.


1
Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul.
2
O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.
3
Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.
4
Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.
5
Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
6
Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.
7
Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.
8
Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.
9
The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
10
All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
11
For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.
12
What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.
13
His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.
14
The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
15
Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.
16
Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.
17
The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.
18
Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.
19
Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.
20
O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.
21
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.
22
Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.


1
Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.
2
Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
3
For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.
4
I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.
5
I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.
6
I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:
7
That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.
8
LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.
9
Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men:
10
In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes.
11
But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.
12
My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the LORD.


1
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
2
When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
3
Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
4
One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
5
For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
6
And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
7
Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
8
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
9
Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
10
When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.
11
Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
12
Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
13
I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
14
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.





============================================

New Testament passage is verses 17-38 of Acts chapter 20.


17
And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
18
And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,
19
Serving the LORD with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:
20
And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,
21
Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
22
And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
23
Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
24
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
25
And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
26
Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
27
For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
28
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
29
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30
Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
31
Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
32
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
33
I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.
34
Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
35
I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
36
And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.
37
And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,
38
Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.


17 July 2014

Today's Readings and Stuff - Thursday, 17 Juy 2014

another one of "those" days.  Dear Wife had an appointment with eye doctor for 08:30 this morning.  I took a wrong turn, OK, took two wrong turns, but we made it with seconds to spare.  While en route she called the Physical Therapy center to affirm that the Orthopedic Doctor she saw yesterday had given orders for her to cease the physical therapy, it's done as much good as it can and little more can be done until her knee absolutely demands surgery.  Which could be many years and the knee will probably outlast her.  So we went to eye doc. Got new prescription for glasses.  Took the prescription to the WalMart vision center.  Turns out that her prescription does not cover grinding the prisms into the lenses.  So we did some paperwork and will have to come back next week after her Disability check hits -- after we paid bills and bought groceries, we have $1 in bank until my next check in five weeks.  I do have a small amount of cash, but not much.
While there, we checked in at our bank, notifying that she'd lost her debit card.  They put a hold on it, but we were heading to the last place she was known to have it, which is at yet another WalMart (don't ask) in the adjacent state (we live on a state line) so they suggested we check there before further action and meanwhile had a "hold" on transactions with that card.
Went home and had a quick lunch before setting out.  Went to the bank where she'd left he card in the ATM.  They'd found it, gave it two days, and had shredded it this morning.  So, next week when we go to order her glasses, she'll sign a paper and order a new card.  Picked up three of her prescriptions at the pharmacy.
Came home, she stretched for 45 minutes and then went next door to "watch" beloved grand-niece.  She roped me in on it as well, she's now got a bladder infection or the like, and a real case of diarrhea as well.  Had planned a major excursion in the morning with niece, going to a big regional flea market type thing.  It's down near the Ohio-Pennsylvania-West Virginia corner, the area I was born in actually, and my mom used to teach school in that town.  I haven't been in there in more than 40 years, but used to go frequently with my dad when he & mom owned a small country market.  LONG ago.  Will see if Dear Wife is up to it in the morning.


I need to do a second load of dishes and crash myself.  Wife already is asleep.

==========================================

The Old Testament reading before us is Psalms 22-24
Many of us have memorized the 23rd Psalm, and that is a good thing to do.  When a kid, I also memorized Psalm 24 and it has sometimes been a comfort.
But look at verse 1 of Psalm 22.  Sound familiar?  It should.  The words of Jesus on the cross. If it was good enough for Him. .......

1
My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
2
O my God, I cry in the day time, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.
3
But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.
4
Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them.
5
They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.
6
But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.
7
All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,
8
He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.
9
But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts.
10
I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother's belly.
11
Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help.
12
Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.
13
They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion.
14
I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.
15
My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.
16
For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.
17
I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.
18
They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.
19
But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me.
20
Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.
21
Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.
22
I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.
23
Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.
24
For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.
25
My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him.
26
The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.
27
All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.
28
For the kingdom is the LORD's: and he is the governor among the nations.
29
All they that be fat upon earth shall eat and worship: all they that go down to the dust shall bow before him: and none can keep alive his own soul.
30
A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.
31
They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this.


1
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.


1
The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
2
For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
3
Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
4
He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
5
He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6
This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.
7
Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
8
Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
9
Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
10
Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.



==================================

The New Testament reading is verses 1-16 of Acts 20


1
And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.
2
And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,
3
And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.
4
And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.
5
These going before tarried for us at Troas.
6
And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.
7
And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.
8
And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.
9
And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.
10
And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.
11
When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.
12
And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.
13
And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot.
14
And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.
15
And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.
16
For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.


16 July 2014

Today's REadings and Stuff -- Wednesday, 16 July 2014

I fel awful.. no strength or energy at all, and there were things that I had to do today, and managed the most important ones, but barely, and no more than that.  Not sure what the problem is.
Had Dear Wife to her Physical Therapy session at 09:30, then to an appointment with the orthopedic doctor in the same facility.  Result of all of that is that her knee is getting stronger but the hardware put in back in 1990 or so is pretty much wearing out. Until it finally does, there's not much that can be done for her.  Recommend she continue to work the joint to build up the muscles and tendons.  With respect to the shoulder, there's nothing to be done.  The damage she suffered in the fall she took back in 2012, the one that broke her ankle, resulted in healing with parts out of line, she now has a tendon that connects clavicle to scapula that is wedged under some parts that it should run over.  Surgery might, perhaps, possibly diminish some of the pain, but at the cost of 20-30% of the range of motion.  So nothing to be done.  She has another PT session scheduled for tomorrow, and we'll see what the plan is after that.  I'm told there is a gym membership available to people in or demographic for only about $15/month, which might be worth it.  And she's found an exercycle on the local "for sale cheap" web site for only about $40, which is a good deal, and we're planning to go pick it up Saturday.
Stopped en route home at local grocery, ostensibly for eggs but of course had to check produce and half the rest of the store.   Then home and a bit of salad to eat, and then crash for a while.
I still feel like a limp dishrag and have NO appetite whatever.  That's not terribly unusual:  I don't get hungry, normally, until the fast is over a day and sometimes more.  Just a weirdness of mine.  But usually once I start to eat, I get an appetite.  Not today nor yesterday.  Wife thinks it's related to the loss of energy and I guess that's possible.
So I don't feel real profound again.  Been spending a lot of time the last day or so in a running silent conversation with the Lord, some things need sorted out and He's granting some insights.  Am grateful, very.

Got word today that we have a Commanded Presence at two separate Events of The Year on the same Sunday afternoon upcoming.  Wife's nephew's daughter, another grand-niece, has a 3rd birthday coming up.  (I don't recall big fusses made over such things when I was a kid, we generally had a cake and candles and a small gift or two, but it was just my parents and us kids.  Nothing more.  Now, it seems to be A Big Thing.  I guess that's OK.
The other Event is the High School graduation Open House for wife's cousin's grand-daughter.  It was the earliest it could be scheduled for a lot of reasons, not least of which is that they're in the midst of a difficult long-distance relocation.  So we'll try to do both, and they're only about 15 miles apart.  But no matter what, someone will be miffed, probably both camps.  Not much I can do about that.

===================================================

  The Old Testament passage is Psalms 19, 20, and 21.  Psalm 19 is a long time personal favorite of mine.


1
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
2
Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
3
There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
4
Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
5
Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
6
His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
7
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8
The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9
The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10
More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11
Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
12
Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
13
Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
14
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.


1
The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;
2
Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;
3
Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah.
4
Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.
5
We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.
6
Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.
7
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
8
They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.
9
Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.


1
The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!
2
Thou hast given him his heart's desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. Selah.
3
For thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness: thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head.
4
He asked life of thee, and thou gavest it him, even length of days for ever and ever.
5
His glory is great in thy salvation: honour and majesty hast thou laid upon him.
6
For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance.
7
For the king trusteth in the LORD, and through the mercy of the most High he shall not be moved.
8
Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee.
9
Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger: the LORD shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them.
10
Their fruit shalt thou destroy from the earth, and their seed from among the children of men.
11
For they intended evil against thee: they imagined a mischievous device, which they are not able to perform.
12
Therefore shalt thou make them turn their back, when thou shalt make ready thine arrows upon thy strings against the face of them.
13
Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power.




===============================================

The New Testament reading is verses 21-41 of Acts 19.

21
After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.
22
So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.
23
And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.
24
For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;
25
Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.
26
Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:
27
So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.
28
And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
29
And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.
30
And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.
31
And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.
32
Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused: and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.
33
And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.
34
But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
35
And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?
36
Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.
37
For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.
38
Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.
39
But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.
40
For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.
41
And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

15 July 2014

Today's Readings and Stuff -- Tuesday, 15 July 2014

another early morning.  Had an appointment for me at a local specialist.  Appointment for 08:00.  Finally called in around 08:45.  Sat in room until 09:30.  Met briefly, scheduling some invasive outpatient testing at the hospital he works through, same place Dear Wife will have similar tests run, but mine are two weeks out.  Hers were scheduled for Friday, but en route to pharmacy, got call from hospital lab:  the drug needed for her test is out of stock and therefore the test is set for Tuesday next.  There will be another, similar test for her a few days later, upper GI rather than lower GI.  Rough week for her, and for me as I sit and fret.
Nice thing is that the monthly retirement check hit the bank overnight, so we go from having about $0.37 to a bit more than that.  Enough that I could get some gas.  Which was good, because we had very soon after the previous, an appointment with her neurologist, a matter of some severe and ongoing migraine headaches, bad enough to be a concern.  It appears that the condition is "collateral damage" from some of her other conditions, and the finding is that nothing much can be done.
So after that (which was about a 30-mile round trip) we came back near home and bought gas, then went to the grocery store and the pharmacy in it as well. 
AT the store, ran into an old dear friend of Dear Wife's.  One of those not-really-a-cousin but family friend and closer than a sister friends.  With her 20-year-old grand-daughter, and her 3-year-old child with no husband present.  Lot of that going around in this area.  With the usual emphasis on getting WIC, food stamps, etc. etc. etc. 
Stocked up on groceries.  We were in not-too-bad a shape with respect to canned goods and frozen foods, but things like break, milk, produce, paper towels, etc. we were real low on.  So we stocked up on the stuff we needed, and came home.  Put stuff away and then I crashed.  Haven't felt well all day, just drained out.
Got up around 8, started preps to make something to when next door niece yelled over the back yard and we went over and ate a little bit on their back porch.  We are about to do the crash & die thing again.  I don't feel real profound today, just drained.

===========================================
The Old Testament reading of the day is Psalms 17 and 18.

1
Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.
2
Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.
3
Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
4
Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.
5
Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.
6
I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.
7
Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.
8
Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,
9
From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about.
10
They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.
11
They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth;
12
Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.
13
Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword:
14
From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.
15
As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.


1
I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.
2
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
3
I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
4
The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.
5
The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.
6
In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.
7
Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.
8
There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.
9
He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet.
10
And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.
11
He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies.
12
At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire.
13
The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire.
14
Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.
15
Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils.
16
He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.
17
He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.
18
They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay.
19
He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.
20
The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.
21
For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.
22
For all his judgments were before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me.
23
I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity.
24
Therefore hath the LORD recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.
25
With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright;
26
With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward.
27
For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks.
28
For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.
29
For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.
30
As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
31
For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?
32
It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.
33
He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places.
34
He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
35
Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.
36
Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.
37
I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed.
38
I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet.
39
For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.
40
Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.
41
They cried, but there was none to save them: even unto the LORD, but he answered them not.
42
Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind: I did cast them out as the dirt in the streets.
43
Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people; and thou hast made me the head of the heathen: a people whom I have not known shall serve me.
44
As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me.
45
The strangers shall fade away, and be afraid out of their close places.
46
The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.
47
It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me.
48
He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.
49
Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.
50
Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.



======================================

The New Testament reading is verses 1-20 of Acts chapter 19.

1
And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2
He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3
And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
4
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
5
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
7
And all the men were about twelve.
8
And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.
9
But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.
10
And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
11
And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:
12
So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.
13
Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the LORD Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.
14
And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.
15
And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?
16
And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
17
And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
18
And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.
19
Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.
20
So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.