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Oldiesmann: I'm not aware of any Jenny. Not sure why activity has died down on this site so much though 2023-06-12, 00:06:36

JennyW: Also, does anyone know other photo sharing sites that are Christian? 2023-05-16, 08:47:03

JennyW: Hello Everyone! I really miss activity on this site. I've been discouraged by photography sites where you have to sort through so much explicit content in order to see photos that truly glorify God. I'd love to see this site pick up again. 2023-05-16, 08:46:36

Janet: Carol, I am just reading this.  So sorry for your loss, glad your beloved Don knew the Lord and you have the assurance of his eternity  and that you WILL see him again.  Much love to you.  Janet 2022-06-18, 08:49:36

Oldiesmann: So sorry for your loss Carol. Praying for you and your family :( 2022-05-01, 17:13:05

Carol: My husband Don is with the angels.....Our family was able to hold  ourselves together for the last moments.  Juar rhoufhr you might want to know. 2022-04-29, 23:35:15

Carol: Thankful:  Don is home from hospital.  I found him unconscious with head outside on the floor and the rest was in the shower.  At the same moment, one son was walking through the front door to visit.  Two fire trucks came racing in and they took over After 2021-12-29, 22:01:26

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JudyB: I will be back this evening to start July's thoughts..... The wedding was beautiful! 2021-07-02, 11:51:09

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Thoughts for the Month ~ December

Started by JudyB, December 02, 2019, 11:02:51 AM

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JudyB








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  • Prayer and Praise     Thanks for visiting this area of our site to share prayer requests and items for praise!








 

Morning Devotional...


From Chris Saunders

2 Thess 1:7-10 is about the Second Coming of our Lord and Saviour at the end of the seven year Tribulation period. This does not involve us at the moment as we shall be long gone to be with our Lord before then.
Verse ten is amazing when you think of it..people will still be saved during the Tribulation because of Paul being saved on the road to Damascus, there God anointed him to be the Apostle to the Gentiles, and the Gospel given to Paul had a reverberated all over the world and nothing and no one has been able to stop it. This Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached until the Lord comes back to rule to the end of time.
Salvation is available for all who can believe it..those who cannot have no hope.


JudyB

The Christmas Season is upon us.  Are we ready?  Ready to dwell on his birth without all the trappings and glitter? THe reason for the season is so easily curtained off, and not really seen.

This story says it best.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKMOyZi-jNg


JudyB

Sing along.






What Child Is This?
(Click to hear music)

Words: William C. Dix, The Manger Throne, 1865.

Music: "Greensleeves," 16th Century English melody



   


What Child is this who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.





Carol

It is or can be the most wonderful time of the year.  Always think of the gift of love we share. 

Jacqueline

#4
This Dec 25th for me is going to be so so lonely, i would give absolutely anything to have my Richard back with me on this very special day of the year, if only but, sadly i - we, will never have this chance again...Little did i - we, realise at the time, that last Christmas day was, would be our last ever Christmas day we would share together...but it would be, it was...

Marilyn...
...I would urge you to rethink, as i would not wish you to have to live with regrets...as for me, Christmas day is the day to be with our loved ones if we still are blessed to have loved ones to share a Christmas day with, as we can never take next years Christmas day for granted that any of us will be here to enjoy it...I will be by myself and just want to get Christmas over with this year, i shan't be doing Christmas, not that i wouldn't want to, just that i cant....oh how i wish i could put the clocks back to Christmas day of our past 20 years together, my Richard and our three fur - babies....
" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Jacqueline

#5
Last Christmas i bought an artificial 4 ft Christmas tree ( which we both loved ) and said to my Richard, " I am buying a Christmas tree this year as this might be our last Christmas together, " we might not be here this time next year to enjoy another Christmas, well sadly what i said has come true...I would love to enjoy a Christmas again, just like we once enjoyed our Christmases, Richard, me and our three dogs, our fur - babies...but this is now the loneliest place on earth for me...I so envy you all who have partners and family at this time of the year...you are truly blessed..


i
" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Marilyn

Jackie: Keith will be fine while I am gone. I really need this break. People who have never lived with someone with Alzheimer's/Dementia do not realize what a toll that burden takes on a person's emotion s and physical body. A carer can go home at the end of a shift, but the spouse has to live with it 24-7-365.  In all the classes I have taken it is highly recommended that that person take 4 hours 1 afternoon a week and get away and do something for oneself. Also recommended  is one full weekend a month. My Dr. has also recommended and knows I will be going away for a couple of days.He will not be alone I have someone coming in and will be in phone contact frequently.
"Good people take care of their animals, but even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel" Prov. 12:10
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JudyB




Hark the Herald Angels Sing
(Click to hear music)

A great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, saying,
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests."
Luke 2:13-14


Words: Charles Wesley, Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1739

Music:Music: "Mendelssohn," Felix Mendelssohn, in his cantata Festgesang, 1840, honoring printer Johann Gutenberg; arranged by William H. Cummings in Congregational Hymn and Tune Book, by R. R. Chope, 1857





Hark! The herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!"
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th'angelic host proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"


Refrain
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King!"



Christ, by highest heav'n adored;
Christ the everlasting Lord;
Late in time, behold Him come,
Offspring of a virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
Hail th'incarnate Deity,
Pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus our Emmanuel.


Refrain


Hail the heav'nly Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Ris'n with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die.
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.


Refrain


Come, Desire of nations, come,
Fix in us Thy humble home;
Rise, the woman's conqu'ring Seed,
Bruise in us the serpent's head.
Now display Thy saving power,
Ruined nature now restore;
Now in mystic union join
Thine to ours, and ours to Thine.


Refrain


Adam's likeness, Lord, efface,
Stamp Thine image in its place:
Second Adam from above,
Reinstate us in Thy love.
Let us Thee, though lost, regain,
Thee, the Life, the inner man:
O, to all Thyself impart,
Formed in each believing heart.


Refrain





Here is Charles Wesley's original version:

Hark, how all the welkin rings,
"Glory to the King of kings;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!"


Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
Universal nature say,
"Christ the Lord is born to-day!"


Christ, by highest Heaven ador'd,
Christ, the everlasting Lord:
Late in time behold him come,
Offspring of a Virgin?s womb!


Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see,
Hail the incarnate deity!
Pleased as man with men to appear,
Jesus! Our Immanuel here!


Hail, the heavenly Prince of Peace!
Hail, the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
Risen with healing in his wings.


Mild He lays his glory by,
Born that man no more may die;
Born to raise the sons of earth;
Born to give them second birth.


Come, Desire of nations, come,
Fix in us thy humble home;
Rise, the woman's conquering seed,
Bruise in us the serpent's head.


Now display thy saving power,
Ruined nature now restore;
Now in mystic union join
Thine to ours, and ours to thine.


Adam's likeness, Lord, efface;
Stamp Thy image in its place.
Second Adam from above,
Reinstate us in thy love.


Let us Thee, though lost, regain,
Thee, the life, the inner Man:
O! to all thyself impart,
Form'd in each believing heart.





JudyB

Good morning this chilly December morning. -10C (14F) here in North east Ontario.

Marilyn go and enjoy the time with family.  I know that you are missing the Keith you knew a few years back. You need the break, its well deserved.

Jacqueline I know you will have a difficult Christmas this year.  Do you have friends that are also alone?  Perhaps each of you could get together and supply part of the meal and enjoy the time together.  I little inexpensive gift, or a silly gift, for a bit of fun and laughter.  There are so many empty chairs at Christmas gatherings, so many gone ahead of us leaving us alone and lonely.  I pray for each of you as you travel these rough roads.

Our daughter lost her daughter 18 months ago.  Last Christmas she was numb, this year she is feeling everything.... I understand that toughness.

Have a great day folks, enjoy what the LORD has given you. 

I have challenged people to read their Bible.  We are 3 days behind here on CP.  If we read 1 chapter a day of the book of Luke, we will have read about the entire life of Christ this month.  Now if we were to read a chapter and a half, for 3 days we will have read the entire life of Christ by Christmas  Eve

Let me know if you are interested in doing this!


Carol

I don't quite know what to write - just sending you cyber hugs and prayers. 

Carol

After missing more than a year of meetings, I went to a genealology class yesterday and promptly remembered how much work goes into it - do I have the right to take time for this - second guessing.  Our dear friend here has macular degeneration and it is changing her life.  No more taking the car out - now she has help with a cleaning woman coming in.  She also forgot a few things as I suspect, this is a traumatic change of life. We can pick up groceries and other little things plus she has close relatives who already help. 

We spent Thanksgiving alone since the crowd gathering numbered almost 20 and Don cannot understand anything said with so many talkin over each other.  It is alright.

Judy:  I am on a year of bible study & this one is Charles Stanley and I really like it.  The other one year study finished and it was nice to start another one.  I do best by jumping into the reading first thing in the morning.  It is very thoughtful of you to share your prayer and reading time.  Oh, to mention, I just finished knitting a pink scarf with only knit, knit and so on.  Easy but I still have to pay attention or there will be a mistake.  :).

Janet:  Are you ready for Christmas?  Did you see the heavy snow Denver had?  It must have gone east to you.  Don is from Duluth, Minnesota and we saw terrible film on those roads.  I remember being stuck there more than once - even a terrible storm after Easter.  That place never warms up.   


JudyB



JudyB

For those of you who have a n empty chair at your table, Listen to the words of this song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yFXfAGl17M&list=RDw2MtaH3dMRY&index=2


Jacqueline

#13
Judy...
...i know yo mean well but, dont you think i am doing this, i have tried and all have let me down...you really would not believe the promises of help these people make...or the rigmarole of what one has to go through to even apply for any help...only to be told " you dont fit their quiteria..."
,
" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Carol

The doorbell rang and it is a box filled with medication from the VA - Veteran's Administration all for Don.  It saves us driving through traffic to pick up meds. 

A cousin and wife driving from Minnesota, pulling a trailer have been stuck for 5 days in a little town in New Mexico.  A thief stole tire bolts and when cousin Jim pulled on to the freeway a little later, one tire came off.  A second tire did the same so he had to get emergency and they took him to a  business site - truck repair place.  The parts have not been arrived to the little place yet but here is the good news.  The residents and repair shop people are being so kind - they drove them to a grocery store plus plugged in his electricity so Jim and wife can eat and sleep in the trailer.  The blessing is:  tires did not roll towards any oncoming traffic and all are safe.  A Christmas blessing!

Judy:  Thank you for the music!  I hope and pray that you will sell hay and have funds for wood heat. 

 

Jacqueline

#15
I have only recently become a fully fledged member of the Oddfellows ( Lodge ) and attended a church Carol Service yesterday afternoon so I met a small " private " group for my very first time...and yes a handful were very friendly and welcoming, when after the short service we sat at the back where someone was serving a cup of tea and a mince pie....

Judy...
...i am so remote and so isolated here where i live, way down in the valleys ( although picturesque stunning ) a parkhome with just 25 homes where everyone keeps to themselves...and very few help will venture out to here...I am truly stuck here with a steep uphill slope ( the long open lane leading to the lane that leads out onto the main road several miles away, ) and a down hill slope to the homes at the bottom...one definitely needs a car and a car i dont have..also a stunning place ( hills and valleys, and the sea view ) for walking a dog, dogs but i have PP-Multiple Sclerosis so cant even walk very far, and would never be able to get up that steep hill on the lengthy lane that leads towards out, then another lengthy lane with cars, holiday makers that lead up on the clifftop car park......this place is idyllic for able bodied and dog walking...



" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Jacqueline

#16
Judy...
...Of course when i - we came here three years ago we came here the two of us, with our two dogs but we lost one dog, our dog number three within seven months of coming here, now my Richard too has gone ( he was the car owner - driver ) and the other dog re-homed just outside this parkhome in a large house with another dog, so you see how my life has been turned upside down in a short matter of time...Three years ago there were four, now just the one left....me...i am very frightened and lonely..

Oh the church i attended yesterday was a traditional old church, very cold inside and a dangerous concrete step to the loo, but at least they had a loo, many of our churches dont....and sadly hardly anyone sang, so not a lively small congregation service but the male vicar had humour... i of course was sitting alone as being new to the group i did not know anyone but after the service i had time to get to know a handful and they were friendly and very helpful and welcoming to the Odfellows Hand - In - Hand as they are known...

We realy lost a good one the day we lost our Larry Hanna...I, just like the rest of us, i am really missing him and his regular daily postings, he was a very special person indeed..
" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Marilyn

#17
Good morning. Jackie, it is good to see you posting and that you are starting to get out a bit and join some groups. I too have joined two support groups for dementia caregivers both on Facebook, and also one that is local. I am still able to take Keith to church and out to supper. He will be gong with me to California for Christmas this year. Last year he was unable to go as was having to be at the hospital every day for infusions.


We are doing well but feel fairly isolated. I do have someone coming in to do most of the housework for me, She is really doing a thorough  cleaning of things that havin't been cleaned in years. She will come to feed Keith's cats while we are gone and my Freckles is going with me. I take her everywhere I go. she is my best friend. I will be taking her to the Cancer center tomorrow to visit with the people in the Chemo room\, They love her to visit with them.
"Good people take care of their animals, but even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel" Prov. 12:10
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Jacqueline

#18
Marilyn...
... yes, do both go to California this Christmas as one never knows what next Christmas has in store for any of us...next Christmas is never guaranteed...

Yes people love stroking and petting dogs, dogs are great ( feel good ) therapy..i hope to have a dog in my life sometime in the future, as my late father often would have said..." we live in hope..." yes we sure do...


" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Rebot

Greetings Carol  I am replying to your message from November 14, as I have just read it.  Sorry for not responding sooner than now. 

And the reply is also for you as well Janet.

It is a very wet and windy day on the Isle of Man.  Which is what made me think of the warm weather on our cruise.  We sailed from Southampton in the UK.  and we had three days at sea day.  Our passage was through the English Channel and then across the Bay of Biscay, going past the coasts of France and Spain during the three days.  There was a Force nine gale with winds of fifty five miles an hour, or 90 kilometres an hour.  The ship shuddered a bit, but as P&O's Britannia is a big ship and with stabilisers, the journey was not as rough as we thought it might be.  After thirty six hours the seas moderated.

The first port we stopped at was Madeira, a very pretty Island with lovely flowers and shrubs. We enjoyed our day there, having visited Madeira before.  When we left the Island, we had five days at sea as we were crossing the Atlantic on our way to the Caribbean.

The first Island we stopped at was Antigua where we took an adapted tour of the Island, for passengers with disabilities.  Next day we stopped in St Kitts and we decided to stay around the town centre near the port.  On the next day we stopped in St Lucia and we took a taxi ride to tour the town, which we enjoyed.  On Thursday we stopped at St Vincent and took another taxi ride of the town, once more very enjoyable.

On Friday our last port of call was Barbados and we took a tour of the Island, again an adapted tour.  And like Antigua, the tour of Barbados was very enjoyable.  We stayed on the Britannia overnight before the flight to Gatwick, London on the Saturday.

We enjoy cruising and the staff onboard are wonderful with able bodied and disabled passengers.  They cannot do enough for you to make your cruise a memorable holiday.  Ellie

Marilyn

"Good people take care of their animals, but even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel" Prov. 12:10
Click for North Bend, Oregon Forecast" border="0" height="100" width="150        My Website

Janet

Well, after days of wondering what on earth had happened to this place, I went to CP's main page, clicked on forums, and there you were!  I guess something happened and November didn't get locked.  Also I didn't get any notices, email or otherwise, but all's well that ends well, and here I am!

I won't attempt to comment on each post just will say it's good to see you all here posting about your life events, good and not-so-good.  We are doing fine, I'm still going to therapy, have felt better since Saturday. So I hope to continue to feel better!

No, Carol, I'm not ready for Christmas, but I seldom am ready early!  I have been doing a lot of playing in paint!  Doing acrylic pours can get addictive, and there are so many different ways to do it, all producing different results.  I have everything ready for this weekend, as Daughter Kerri is coming from Salina, and Diane thinks she can get away from the store and come up to "play" with us, too!

Sorry you had to forego the big gathering, but I sure understand.  I am noticing more and more dimness in my vision due to the MD.  So I'm wanting to paint as much and as fast as I can while I can still see!


Marilyn, I see you have decided to take Keith to California with you, and I wish you well with that venture. I hope he feels well and the dementia stays at bay during that time.  Please stay safe!

Jacqueline, I'm happy to see you back here posting.  We need all of our people, and miss those who don't post.  Like you, I miss our dear Larry every day, and wish him a wonderful first Christmas in heaven.

Ellie, it sounds like you had a very enjoyable cruise with interesting stops.

Carol, we had only a tiny skiff of snow on Thanksgiving eve, so the big one missed us.  We do need moisture, though.

Well, now that I have found my way back, I will see you soon!
[/size][/color]
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Jacqueline

Ellie..
...as you know, me and my daughter lived in St Lucia ( Vieux Fort ) for six months, i was 31 my daughter was 12-13 at the time...
.
" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Rebot

Greetings Jackie  Not sure if we visited Vieux Fort. One of the areas we visited had busy market days. Splendid weather while we were there. I

Marilyn

Good Morning everyoner. I will be going to the gym in just a short while. Freckles gets her bath today so I will be taking her to the groomer. I also have to go by the Hospice office to pick up the folder on my new hospice patient. So I( can go ovewr all the information before I go to visit him.
"Good people take care of their animals, but even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel" Prov. 12:10
Click for North Bend, Oregon Forecast" border="0" height="100" width="150        My Website

Rebot

Greetings Everyone   Much colder on the Isle of Man today, dry and better with no rain.

Janet  Do you go on many cruises?   With hubby in a wheelchair, being based on board a cruise ship for 7 or 14 days.  I find the easiest way for us when travelling     

Rebot

Greetings Everyone  Much colder today and lots of rain earlier.

Jackie  A big day in the UK today, who will win?  Ellie

Jacqueline

Ellie...
...you would have visited Castries..as i did often..

Janet...
... yes not many of us left now is there...
" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Rebot

Greetings Jackie  One of the splendid churches we passed but did not enter was the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, in Derek Walcott Square.

The surname Walcott had hubby thinking the square  was named after a famous West Indian cricketer.  I searched Google and it was the wrong Walcott, as the cricketer was Sir Clyde Walcott.  Derek Walcott, I found out was Sir Derek Walcott who won the Nobel prize for Literature in 1992

Rebot

Christmas Greetings Everyone  A cold day on the IOM, only 44F or for those who use Celsius, 7C. 

Rebot

Greetings Everyone  A cold day here on the Isle of Man.  As yet I have not ventured out and as it is gone 7.15pm. I doubt I will.

Janet

No, Ellie, we don't do many cruises, have only done two thus far.  Except for European River cruises and Small ship cruises; we have done a number of those.

We started getting a nice snow this morning--then it stopped and in just a little while, every flake was gone! Daughter Kerri left for home (about five hours Northwest of here) and said it got heavier and roads slicker all the way home, but she made it safely. She and I did a lot of acrylic pouring while she was here!  Fun!

I need to make some calls tomorrow.  We are thinking of taking the whole family on a nice trip in 2020!  Need more information!

No, Jackie, not many of us left in here, but each of us is precious to our Father God.  And to each other!

We are going to Moscow tonight to their Christmas Cantata, and supper with gift-wrapped desserts!  Then back tomorrow night for the great-granddaughters' school Christmas program.

Today has been strange because we missed church this morning!
 Kerri didn't seem in a hurry to leave, and we sure wren't going to act like we wanted her to leave, so just visited until she decided to go.  By then, Church had started.  In her defense, we didn't remind her that our church starts at 9:15!  She left at 10:00.  ;)  :)

See you all another day!  Be blessed!
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Rebot

Greetings Janet  We never thought about cruises as a type of holiday, as we preferred to holiday for a two week stay in a hotel or apartment around Europe and the UK.  As hubby's mobility has lessened over the years, we tried a cruise, as others had recommended with varying forms of disabilities, that it was a type of holiday that suited them.  How right they were as hubby can enjoy this type of holiday.

We have never thought of River cruises, are the ships of a size that allows for wheelchair access on and off the ship? 

Carol

Counting the days now - our oldest son will be driving from Montana to Arizona over the weekend.  Praying for safe roads - it is snowing there this week. Sunny and cool here right now.

Rebot:  That sound like a lovely and relaxing cruise.  Are you almost ready for Christmas?  My cards are mailed.  I sure do not bake and cook like other years - no Hot Fudge Sauce for gifts this year. 

Oldiesmann:  Do you like the Honda Sonata?  I hope it is good on gas mileage. Take care!


Too many interruptions today.   

Marilyn

Hello everyone. I have been here to read, didn't have much to say. Furry friends had their  Christmas party on Saturday. Keith and I went and had a wonderful time.  We will be leaving next week Tuesday for Gilbert's place in Eureka California. Wew will stay in a motel this year, Gilbert's place is way too small for  us to stay there. He is in a small one bedroom place for now (since his divorce). He recently got a better job, now he is will Eureka Oxygen with better pay and the weekends off. With Lincare he was on call weekends. The kids have sure grown up, Savannah is now 23 and Forest is 19. We I first came on CP  20 years ago Frorest wasn't born yet.
"Good people take care of their animals, but even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel" Prov. 12:10
Click for North Bend, Oregon Forecast" border="0" height="100" width="150        My Website

Rebot

Greetings Carol   Christmas preparations are going well here.  I finished the Christmas Cards and the few letters I send to family and friends at this time.  Family that we cannot visit and they cannot visit us. Mostly because of the distance between us and yes, age plays a part also. 

Like you, I do not cook as much, but I do a full Christmas dinner.  Ell

JudyB

From Chris Saunders

" This I command you..that you war a good Warfare.
Holding faith and a good conscience, for some have made a shipwreck of their lives!"..1Tim 1.
Warfare..yes we live in a hostile world, if you doubt this just stand in a public place and start to preach the Gospel...you will get plenty of comments and eventually a Policeman may even appear.
Some have even lost their faith and ended up on the Rocks of unbelief..yes, shipwrecked.
They have gone back into the world from whence they were saved and now are of no use to their Lord, they are still saved and will enter Heaven but sadly with no reward..no crown. Don't be like them fight the good fight of faith..follow on to know the Lord even more than you do.
One day you shall hear those golden words." Well done good and faithful servant, enter in to the Joy of your Lord."
Carpe Diem.


Jacqueline

#37
Judy...
...quoting your " just stand in a public place and start to preach the Gospel...you will get plenty of comments and eventually a Policeman may even appear "
...thank heavens we still have an open air public place in the heart of London ( UK ) called " Speakers Corner...Hyde Park where one is free to stand on a soap - box and say what they want - freedom of speech...no policemen involved...
...think you may have one in Regina Saskatchewan...located on the north shore of Wascana Lake...dedicated by the Earl Mountbatten...( Wikipedia )

" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Rebot

Greetings Jackie   Splendid my old stomping ground, London where I lived for most of life, has Speakers Corner, what a gift we have in freedom of speech.  Did you know that it dates back to 1866 and in 1872, an Act of the UK Government  made it a place for public speaking.    And people like Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin and George Orwell spoke there.

Rebot

Greetings Everyone  Catching up on emails and why not on a wet day.  Seems the UK and the Isle of Man are having a rainy period this past few weeks.   

Carol

I am cleaning this little desk in order to have it ready for oldest son who is arriving Monday. All the Christmas cards are mailed and now to make cranberry sauce and a few other dishes - we will drive about an hour to cousin's house in a small desert town. Her son & his family are missionaries . Another cousin will be visiting. He and wife had to stay about 5 days in a little town in New Mexico awaiting two parts for the tires (the parts had been stolen on a previous stop).  Everyone was so kind and helpful - it turned out better than we thought.

Rebot: While visiting Speakers Corner, everyone was ranting against the USA - we stood and listened for a while.

A phone call now - a cousin and husband from Seattle are visiting in the area but the dates they chose are not ones we can make for a meeting. 

We expect a rainy Christmas this year. It doesn't matter - this is a day of Joy!

 

Janet: Take care. Prayers for you two!

 

 


Janet

Wow!  Seems I somehow got behind again, sorry! Everyone is making Christmas plans, and that's as it should be!
We aren't doing much, just going to daughter Diane's for the day, and maybe the evening before.  We went to Garden City yesterday and finished our shopping, so I'm wrapping today, between doing the laundry.

Granddaughter Abby is on  her way home from college this afternoon. Her brother Mark and wife won't be here until the 26 or 27th, from Florida.  Curtis and family live close, so they don't have to travel to see either set of parents--or grandparents!

We always divide the work of a big meal among us.  I think I'll be making pies, cauliflower and broccoli salad, and something else.
Makes it easier when there are at least three of us working on it!  Diane tells me we're having ham.

I have been missing most of the things here in town that I enjoy attending, because of not getting to drive at night.  Darrel doesn't care to go, so home I stay, too.  :(   But I tell myself, "It's not really important."

Back to that wrapping!
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Rebot

Greetings Carol  Why were the speakers ranting against the USA?  I would be interested to know why.  Ell

Carol

Counting down for Christmas. I keep going to the store for one more thing. There is also a football game on Monday night so I need to add a snack or two for the guys.  Our oldest son should arrive Monday afternoon and I want to have some healthy snacks around.  He started driving from Montana early this morning and I tried to get him to plan on a three day drive to no avail.

Rebot:  It had to have been on one of our Republican presidents or even the Vietnam War.  Tell us what Boxing Day means and when you celebrate. Thank you.

Yesterday on our walk, we saw a lone coyote just meandering down the street.  We stay clear and they seem to not be bothered or care about sharing the road with us.
It is different being in Arizona for the winter.  One medium sized tree is heavy with grapefruit.  Every year I bag about three grapefruit to each bag and set all on the sidewalk. People drive over or bike or walk by and take as much as they like and they are careful to not take all.  Nice to hear a cherry greeting.

There is a free Balance Class and that is a good thing for me to take since having a hard fall (tripping over an obstetrical) in a parking lot outside church last year. That begins in January. 

Janet: Everyone likes to do pot-luck dining anymore because it sure lightens the load of fixing a full meal.  We really do not eat full meals so often either.  You will adjust to the "new normal", because you have always come through so many times of sadness.  Hugs to you!

Judy:  Do you have much snow?  Prayers for you and all the family.

Listening to Christmas music today.     

Rebot

Greetings Carol    Christmas Day and Boxing Day, in fact all the Christmas period is all about family to hubby and I.  We will spend Christmas Day on our own, but meet up with family members on Boxing day, also known as you will know as St. Stephens Day or the Feast of St Stephen.

The name Boxing Day in the United Kingdom is derived from when the rich or well off people who employed servants gave them the day after Christmas Day off.   And also, the servants received a special boxed up gift from their Master or Lady of the house.

I doubt and hope that tradition does not happen now.   We believe in equality for all people and want to see a world free of strife and disharmony.   
 
 Ellie

Carol

Our oldest son arrived and will be here for another few days then he will be away and return for another week. We had a wonderful pre-Christmas day with cousins and chatted with our children & grands via telephone- so great to talk to all.

Rebot:  How kind of everyone who gives a gift to someone working for them. 

It always takes me a while to adjust to writing the new year date - where did this year go?  Too fast! 

Stay safe. 

Janet

#46
Only three more days in 2019!  Then, like you, Carol, I will have to be careful when dating things for a while!

We had a lovely Christmas.  On Christmas Eve, we went to oldest daughter's in Hugoton (only 30 miles) and had a nice visit with them and Abby, who is on college break.  We attended a Christmas eve service at a church there, came back to their house and ate delicious tortilla soup Diane had made, opened a few gifts.  Then we drove home, waited an hour or more, then went to our church for Midnight Christmas eve service.  It started at 11:00.  It was a really great service!

On Christmas day we got up around 8, had a leisurely morning, opened our few gifts to each other, then drove back to Hugoton and spent the day with Diane's family.  Shortly after we had lunch, Curt and Toni and the three girls came, so we had time to visit with them too.  I had invited John to dinner, he said he would come, but when he hadn't arrived by close to 1:00, I called him.  He said he wasn't coming, as he "wasn't feeling very well".  I told him I wished he had called me, as we were waiting for him.  He's been doing better lately.  Well--I tried!

I had a surgical procedure scheduled for Monday, but found out grandson from Florida is coming tomorrow, so called and postponed it until Jan. 17th.  Not something I look forward to doing, anyway.  :P

I have been having so much fun doing acrylic paint pouring!  And I got alcohol inks for Christmas, so I'm ready to start experimenting with those!  Gotta keep the ol' brain learning new things.  And it makes me happy!

I wish you all a wonderful new year!  May 2020 bring us all blessings and joy.
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Carol

Christmas went so fast - we did have chats with everyone and that makes us feel better.  Our eldest son has been visiting and we drove to the airport this morning as he has a week scheduled in Houston.  He will be back here for one more week. 

Our church at home has a program for military families - they often live on a shoestring. The nicest card came for thanking the proceeds from sewing projects - it was so easy I want to do that again. It is fun therapy to sew and better yet to give it to the craft sale. 

I am trying to fix Vegan dishes - we always have some vegetables but need to expand the recipes for some good tasting vegan in the family. 

Judy: Do you have snow on the ground?  We always need it for moisture, it always looks beautiful and then again, it can make it a dicey drive.  Are you knitting anything?  I am only knitting a narrow scarf.

Rebot

Greetings Everyone   We are late with our Christmas Greetings.  Happy Christmas

Carol

Prayers for good health for everyone this year.

Rebot:  We have been watching a marvelous parade from London. It is the mayors sections plus visiting bands and such from all over the world.  It is the most unusual parade with a lot of color, even the great cars from the UK are shown. 

My January calendar is ready to be hung on the side of the fridge.  Vegetable soup is simmering in the crock pot.  Growing up - mom had a stove that had a built in a round area that fit a large pot.  We had hot oatmeal in the morning and many stews and soups daily.  The kitchen always smelled so good with home baked breads and soups.  After every Sunday church, there was most of the meal ready.

 

Rebot

Happy New Year To all Our Friends

Carol  It was London's New Year Parade, my home town.  it goes back to 1987, though it had another name then.  About 8,000  people took part.  Ell

Janet

We watched the annual Rose Parade from Pasadena, California  This is the 109th year it has been done, with never a cancellation in all that time!  The floats are always so gorgeous, with every surface covered with flowers, seeds or other plant material.  I'm sure most of you, if not all, have watched it.
I would have no idea how to find a parade broadcast from London, but it would be such fun to see!

I have been playing with my new alcohol inks again.  What a challenge!  Much harder to paint with those than watercolors!! But if I persevere, maybe I'll get the hang of it!

We had our Christmas with grandson and wife from Florida last night. We're so blessed to get to see family as often as we do!

Our K-State team lost a "squeaker" to Navy yesterday, in the final few seconds of the game.

I've been remembering all the artsy and crafty things I have done in my lifetime, and think I will see how many I can list, just for fun!

I hope to see posts from everyone who still uses this site, even occasionally, to get our new year of 2020 off to a good start! How about it, folks?
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Jacqueline

#52
As we face the starting of our New year, please let us give a thought to the loved ones of last year that we have lost, whilst we are still here to venture forward...To all our missing loved ones, never to be forgotten, you will always be in our memories, and forever in our hearts.....
" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Don

Happy New Year Everyone! Hope everyone has a Blessed and prosperous new year.

I don't get here often anymore and I hardly ever take a picture unless I need it for reference to a project I am working on. All the grand kids are grown and I don't see them near as much as I would like to. My, time sure does fly. Hope all are doing well. GOD is good.

Don   
Don

Eph 2:8,9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Please Feel Free To Critique My Photos

Canon 20D
(Nifty Fifty) EF 50mm 1:1.8
EF-S 17-85mm 1:4-5.6 IS USM
EF-70-200mm 1:2.8 L IS USM
Extender EF 1.4x

Carol

Don: Time surely does fly by - now to learn to write a new year already.  It is good to "see" you.

Watching the dreadful scenes of fire in Australia -it has to be heartbreaking for so many people.

Tomorrow, we will pick up our eldest son at the airport and he wants to drive us to visit my favorite and faithful cousin. There is frozen Vegan soup for him - it was hard to not throw in a bone of chicken or beef at least. I stuck to the recipe. He likes the crock pot of oatmeal with dried fruit.  No sugar.

A sad Christmas letter arrived.  It had the news of a passing of Don's old friend -a year ago.  Wish we had known he was ill. 

Janet:  I have been to the Rose Bowl parade - sat on the sidewalk not far from grandparent's retirement house.  Also, watched the U of Washington play and win - with my second ticket for my dad.  The flowers on floats were spectacular. 

 


Marilyn

Not feeling   great, but doing OK with the chest pain. that started yesterday. Hard to tell where it is coming from/ Could ue prayer. Just place my Walmart order for the very first time. So easy. I am trying to get used to this new keyboard. It is black and I did have one that had yellow enlarged keys. I will have to do better about not watching my hands.
"Good people take care of their animals, but even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel" Prov. 12:10
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Carol

Marilyn, it sounds like you need a check-up - prayers for a good diagnosis. 


Rebot

Greetings Marilyn  Thinking of you and well done with the Walmart order.  I use online buying a lot now, but the first time I sent for something, I wondered if I had given our address to the UK company.  Was I glad when the parcel arrived. Ell

Janet

#58
I am really tired!  Did my therapy exercises shortly before bed last night--not a good idea!  I couldn't go to sleep, so got up and read until 1:30, then slept late this morning, which I dislike doing.  I got the laundry started, then started cleaning out the cabinet where we keep snack type stuff; this led to the refrigerator, which was in dire need of a good cleaning and purging.  Darrel kept coming in to see what I was doing, so I put him to work!  He kept sneaking (not really) back to his chair, I kept asking him to help; finally he stayed.
He carried all the throw-aways out to the dumpster and helped clean the parts of the refrigerator.  I took it completely apart inside--that doesn't happen often!  Now I have all the clothes folded except the ones still in the machine, and am ready for a rest!  I think I will tell Darrel I deserve to be taken out to dinner tonight--or tomorrow after church!
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Jacqueline

This video was posted on our sister site and thought it worth sharing on our Christian site...

https://www.youtube.com/embed/N5ddoyfn6g4
" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Rebot

Greetings Everyone  Between yesterday and today I have taken down the Christmas decorations and the Christmas tree. 

Janet

Thank you, Jaqueline!  I had heard this song before, but really enjoyed hearing it again and seeing the beautiful pictures  with it!  No one can compare to our Jesus, the Son of God!
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Marilyn

Carol I an feeling fine again, I really believe it was all due to stress. Thank you though I appreciate your advice.
"Good people take care of their animals, but even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel" Prov. 12:10
Click for North Bend, Oregon Forecast" border="0" height="100" width="150        My Website

Rebot

Greetings Everyone   Lots of rain on the Island today, I think most of the North West of England is having a wet day. 

Carol

We picked up our oldest son at the airport. We made a funny error and drove right past him.  Several people waiting for their pick-ups had a good laugh.  The reason is:  it is super dark here at night because of the observatory rules in the entire city over lights at night. All is well, we are having a great visit. He will drive us to a border town this week - no, we never ever spend a night over the border.  But- the shopping areas are heavily guarded with heavy armed men.  Returning stateside, we line up with our passports and answer a few questions.  Special dogs are checking out everyone.  Not a time for joking around.

My backyard neighbors have a new rescue dog.  It is shaggy looking and named Coco so we will take time for a slow meeting. 

Janet:  Take a break from all that housework. 
 

Janet

  Well!  While baking a cherry pie for Christmas dinner, the filling bubbled out and was stinking up the house as it burned on the bottom of the oven.  A few days later, we decided to use the auto oven cleaning feature, and we did.  Oven nice and clean after wiping out the ash and small clinkers!  However, the next time we went to use it, it wouldn't heat.  Said 75* when we tried, in other words, room temperature!  So today we pulled it out from the wall, took off the back, found model and serial numbers, then I got online and found the heating element for it.  That was quite a job, but I ordered one for $58 instead of having to replace the whole stove for more than $300.  That element just burned right in two!  Never had that happen before!

Anyway, the sides and back of the stove got cleaned, also the floor underneath!  Ha!

I got dismissed from therapy last week, but am supposed to continue the exercises at home twice a day.  Sigh...  So we're going to the gym again.

Carol, do take every precaution while in or on the Mexico border.  That has become a dangerous place in the past several years.  I know you are aware of that!

Marilyn I hope you're feeling better by now!
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Rebot

Greetings Everyone  We went out today to the West of the Island.  It was a very windy day, but after early rain, it stayed dry.

Rebot

Greetings Everyone   No wind here today! I decided to tidy one of our borders, lots of leaves to clear.   Nearly time for some lunch, it might be a late lunch at sometime about three pm.