Christian Photographers Community

Good evening, everyone.

I've spent most of the day trying to get two computers connected to the same dsl connection.  Verizon said I needed a "gateway", so I ordered that and a usb adapter from them.  I tried, but couldn't get the config right to connect I guess.  Then someone said I didn't need my dsl modem now, so 'could connect the wired computer(mine)directly to the gateway, which is the modem/router.  So I did.  Still not working upstairs.  Then someone said I needed a wireless NIC for the upstairs computer.  I ordered from Newegg today.  Then I read I don't need that if I have the USB connecter, which I do.

Isn't this fun??  It's just as confusing to me as it sounds when I type it out.

Marilyn, you don't need a tripod to get a picture of yourself.  Just get the camera in really strange positions, like at the top of your head, or some way you'd never think of doing, and click away.  That's what I did to get some ones that my family really likes. haha   

Some have commented on my blue eyes.  Actually they're light green, but just look blue in the picture.

Jane, I do like the rain, as you know.   I guess I don't get bored, rather have to look for things to do inside.  How are you waaay over there?
It's hard to remember being silly.  I know joyful, but silly?  Us?

Karmat, kid conversations can be so cute.  I loved your evesdropping story.  So cute.  Did I ever tell anyone that my grandaughter, Angel, had Kawasaki when she was around 3 or so?  I guess Jane knew, but don't know if anyone here knew.  I guess it's not a common childhood disease.    She was like a round pumpkin from the Prednisone.  Her skin read and peeling, she itched all over and was as grumpy as a bear.  But she came out of it with no heart damage that they know.  Praise God.

Heh, Nards.  How u b?

Marilyn, I can tell how you care for Ruth just by how much you talk about her.   When my sis, Sue, comes home, she talks about her couple all the time.  She really, genuinely cares for them.  It's like talking about family now. Caregivers are special people.

I was ready to put on my jamies and head to bed, but wanted to check in here first.

I thought there might be another dead dog poem from Colin.

Goodnight all, God bless you. Nita

Nita, I didn't realize she had had kawasaki.  It is a scary disease, and I don't think it is too common.  One of the tricky parts is that you have to do a bunch of other tests to rule out different things with the same symptoms before they test and treat for kawasaki.  unfortunately, if you wait too long to treat it can do some major damage.  it can cause aneurisms (spelling?) throughout the cardiovascular system that are lifelong.  My sister-in-law was very aggressive in seeking treatment, so they treated Brooks early.  His initial reports were minor heart damage, then minimal damage, then they could find no damage.  I think he still has to see a cardiologist every year or so, just to make sure, but I could be mistaken.  Apparently, there is a correlation between professional carpet cleaning and toddlers (who play in the floor a lot) getting kawasaki. 

It is a bright and sunny day today, definitely not what the weatherman was expecting.

Did ya'll hear about the bus wreck in Atlanta?  Apparently it drove off of a bridge and onto I-75.  I haven't seen teh details yet. 

Take care, and be good today.

Hi everyone.  After a really stormy day and night in Georgia it is a glorious day here.  We had some terrible tornados to the South of us in Americus, which is close to where Jimmy Carter has his home.  The hospital was destroyed and a number of people were killed.  We have also had a terrible bus accident in Atlanta where a charter bus carrying a college baseball team from Ohio went over the side of an overpass and fell onto Interstate 75.  There were a number of fatalities and a lot of injuries.  Hopefully that is the bad news from this area for awhile.  Fortunately we just had rain in our area. 

We had a wonderful time last night.  After a very enjoyable dinner out with friends we all went to this concert at their church.  In Georgia there is a men's and a women's choral group (and an instrumental group) composed mainly of music directors and instrumentalists from Southern Baptist Churhes.  There were somewhere between 200 and probably 250 singers, an orchestra, a beautiful grand piano and they had brought in a hugh new Allen Electronic Organ for the 2 hour concert.  The music they sang was glorious and they could really turn it on in the loud places.  They finished the program with Bach's Worthy Is The Lamb and Amen from the Messiah. 

Today my friend from Maryland will be here to visit for several hours and I am looking forward to his visit.  This evening I expect I will be picking up our daughter to spend the weekend with us. 

Nita, I am having trouble with my wireless system now as my laptop can't seem to find it to lock onto.  I am hoping I can get it fixed soon.  I would think your upstairs computer would have to have some type of wireless card if you are not able to have an ethernet direct wired connection.

Janet, my wife very rarely fries anything anymore although occasionally she will get some fried chicken from Krogers.  I always take the skin off so hopefully not getting too much of the fat.  I remember growing up we had lots of fresh fried chicken.

Liz:  I always thought the Lamb and the Lion were only related to March weather.  Interesting.

Larry:  That is very sad news about the storms and the bus crash.  It sounds like a terrible day for so many.

We had hurricane strength winds last night - this happens too often especially at this time of the year.  Our relatives and friends in Minnesota are getting socked now with a blizzard - back to back blizzards.  We just went through that not long ago. 

Colin:  Hello.  How is your weather?

Carol

Well we have had a little that the south had.  We saw pictures of Toronto and Hamilton and they were really hit hard with the weather.  We got snow, but not as debilitating as some had.  As is normal the power went out, and all the clocks were flashing today.  Pat how are you doing today?  I hope you have no plans to go out.  At least not till the roads are clear.

WE are not long up.  John went to get the car finished.   The supply house for the parts made a mistake, and ordered the wrong parts.  As a result he had to leave early and redo the trip into the city.  I haven't heard that the job is done yet.  

In January one of our sister churches had a fire and the main part of the church burned down.  About 2 weeks later 2 cabins for the camp affiliated with our church burned down as well.  The final result was kids playing around.  John will get to see the damage done this Monday and Tuesday.  HE has the final part of a course to go to.

Several weeks ago I mentioned that there was a man who had a brain tumor that was inoperable.  This man went back to the doctor and had another scan to find out how much this tumor had grown.  Amazingly there was no sign of any tumor, even having been there!  Don't we serve an awesome God?  

Well have to run
God Bless
Judy

Larry, you can't know what you're doing to me when you describe that concert at the other church!  I am stirred to the depths just thinking about the Bach and Handel numbers.  THAT'S music!  Oh the symetry, the order, the sheer beauty of such soul-stirring music!  i could almost hear it in your description.  I would indeed travel a long way to hear such things!  They far exceed modern chorus singing, though I thank Him when even that is done in a worshipful manner.  But oh the GREAT music of the past, and especially from those authors!

I could use prayers and encouragement today.

Beth called, crying, to tell me that John has told her "it's over."  He has been acting really strange for some time, arguing with all the people in their Neufibromatosis Chat Room, getting angry if Beth doesn't jump to his defense, no matter what he is arguing about, etc.  Beth is not only upset because she wants to keep the friendship, but also because she is concerned that John may have a brain tumor.  Those are common in people with NF, and his mother had one that led to her death.

I tried to encourage her, and she has decided to call John's sister and ask her if they have noticed John's behavior becoming strange and argumentative lately.  I also told her that the first warm day, I will come and take her out for the day, maybe to another town to eat out and do a little shopping.  They do need to get out occasionally, but the weather just hasn't been conducive to that lately.  When they are in an institution  like that, their worlds seem to rapidly shrink to those four walls, especially if they don't get out some, and have people coming to visit.  Sigh........

The fried chicken was good!    We know that's a NO-NO, but once in a great while Darrel gets hungry for it, so last night was the time.  We rarely fry things any more, either, have cut way down on salt, are eating more fruits and veggies, etc.  Anyway, we are trying to do things right!

I had other things to say, but before I started to type, the phone rang, and you already know "the rest of the story."  So I will get on about my day.  I had a really short night, was awake from 12:30 until about 4:00 AM.   Not a good day to have added stress. 

Good morning!

Definitely hated to hear of the tragedies in Alabama and Atlanta.  I pray that the survivors will look to God. 

I hope you all have a good day.  I'm feeling as well today as I have in a long time.  I really hope it continues   Thanks for your prayers.

Back to work! 

Bernard

Good Morning to all.
Janet I am praying for Beth and for John. I know what stress is like for you too sister, praying for you also.

Nards gald to hear you are feeling a little better. 

Larry Ah such a wonderful concert.

Do all ya-all remember Pinkie? I am going to post a prayer request for her. Please check the prayer forum.

Got to go do that now.

Taking a break - I have been cutting fabric to make a binding (the edge) for a table runner.  Don is taking a nap.

Marilyn:  Sure do remember Pinkie - I'll check.

Janet:  That is very strange behavior from Beth's friend.  Either he is having a stressful time handling something in his life or health problems as she thinks. 

Am missing our long chats with cousins and friends in Arizona this year.  We have been miffed over the high rental fees - because we would spend so much time fixing things for the seniors who would rent things out & they do not know how to fix things.  Well, now we have had one of the worst winters in years here. 

Will check back later.
Carol

Marilyn no parcel yet.

It is late, and John is not home tonight.  He works part time plowing snow and tonight he is cleaning up the roads.

Pat how are you making out with the snow you got?  Do you need shoveling done?  Up here we had a snow day from the schools today.  It was a nice break for the school kids.

Well it is late and I am off to bed,

God bless and NN
JudyB

Hi everyone.  I will be first in today.  I slept well last evening until about 2:30 when I awoke and my mind went into gear and I wasn't able to go back to sleep.  I laid there until 4:30 and decided to get up and get busy.

We had a very nice visit yesterday with our friend from Maryland.  He was here about 5 hours and we talked non-stop.  While he was here the telephone man came and installed the new telephone line and said he was enabling the DSL connection that I had been told wouldn't be available until May 9th.  In a few minutes he had that done as only had to hook up some wires on the outside of the house.  He told me the DSL modem might come even yesterday afternoon and sure enough about 3 pm the Fed Ex man delivered it.  So now I am all set to switch over to DSL.  I will probably do so today.  Yesterday I downloaded and saved the files I had on the old server since I will soon lose access to them.  I particularly didn't want to lose my family reunion home page. 

Last evening I picked up our daughter at 7:30 and she is spending the weekend with us and will be attending church with us tomorrow, which is so nice.  The way God works in our lives when we surrender to him is truly amazing.  I stand in awe.

Carol, I sure wouldn't want to have hurricane strength winds as it might blow down my house.  You all have had a very tough winter.  I expect my sister in Northern Iowa got socked again with a lot of snow as well as my granddaughter in upper New York state.  We had very pleasant weather here yesterday and should have it again today but tomorrow we expect it to be cooler but still above freezing even at night.

JudyB, it truly is amazing how often we order something and they dont' get the right parts.  Eventually it was will work out but just creates a lot more work and effort for everyone.  Hope John had success getting the right parts yesterday.  Glad you all didn't get buried in snow although know you all are used to it.

Al, we are fortunate in our church to have a choir director who believes in the tradional music.  She commented Wednesday night about a state contest for middle schoolers in music she had participated in the previous weekend and that they had used a lot of glorious religious classical music.  In just telling us about it she got tears in her eyes as it had been such a moving experience. 

Janet, I am sorry to read of the distress Beth is experiencing and know that as a parent we also are affected.  I hope her call to John's sister will help her understand what is going on.  If this behavior is contrary to the norm it could easily be related to some health issue.  We can't fix someone else's problems but we can always be willing to listen and often that is a very big help. 

Nards, hope you and your family are feeling more chipper.  It is nice to see you posting more often.

Marilyn, I will check out the prayer request you have posted for Pinkie.  I do remember her.

Well I hope to get a lot accomplished today since I am getting the early start.  Hope this turns out to be a nice day for each of you.

Good Morning I usually go work out on Saturday morning but I am not going today. I have a heavy feeling in my abdomen that I am dealing with, hoping it is just gas.

Ruth's neighbor called already, Ruth is  over there telling them she is scared. I spoke with Ruth and she does this on the weekends to try to get her son to come. He already told her he cannot come every weekend. I told her I will be there when I am supposed to be there.

Not much is new here, the sun is shining today. Praise the Lord. I haven't heard back from Gilbert if he is going to let the kids come to stay the night tonight. Knowing him he will call at the very last minute and tell me to come get them.

Sorry that I am sounding so pessimistic this morning it is one of those days

TTYL

Marilyn, it's okay.  We all have those days sometimes.

Trav had a basketball game this morning.  His little team is really starting to figure it out.  Today, the team they were playing would steal the ball if anyone player held on to it too long.  So, rather than just driving and shooting like they have been doing, they figured out that when the other team 'swarmed' them, they could throw it to an open player under the basket and their team would score.  That was cute (and impressive) to watch.  They are starting to figure out the "team" aspect of it now.  Remember, these are 4, 5, and 6 year olds, so the whole concept of "team" is new to them.  Travis has also learned 5 or 6 Bible verses during the season (he gets a new one each week) and they have devotions at halftime.  The teams go out and have team devotions, and a preacher or teacher will give a quick salvation-oriented devotion to the "fans."

I've got to go to a baby shower here in a few minutes.  I'm taking Kristi with me, but hopefully Bernard will be home in time to stay with Travis.  Then, hopefully, a few minutes this evening to spend as a family.  Seems there is a lot to do these days.  I think I'm about ready to move to a mountaintop and become self-sufficient.  Except I have a black thumb, so we'll probably starve to death. 

Take care.

Oh, when will Etta be back?

kamrt

Karmat - that's so cool about Travis!  He's learning concepts that will carry over so well into everyday life.  "Team" play is one of the most important concepts of all, and it is so often not learned by adults.  And the importance of strategizing to score the right goals in life.  And the idea of having a man for each function.  All kinds of good stuff!  God bless!

Hi, friends,

I had to work today, so am in, now, and ready to relax for awhile.

I have news of Theresa. You remember that we've been praying that she would, essentially, arise from almost dead, and that the family will come to know our Lord.

Thursday night when the fqamily left the hospital, they had very heavy hearts, for the decision was to be made to turn off the machines yesterday.

When they arrived at the hospital, she was tremendously better, is continuing to improve, and, while the original statement was made that most likely she would lose all her fingers and her feet, the latest assessment is that she may have to lose the tips of some of her fingers, but NOT her feet.

We may be seeing a healing stright from God Himself.

So, let's keep praying for Theresa, and that the family will, indeed, turn to God through witnessing this recovery.

Ruth Ann

Wow Ruth Ann that IS good news. Praise the Lord.

My grands are coming to spend the night Gilbert called about an hour ago but idonotknow what time they would get here.

I have been trying to find out what the memory verse is for tomorrow for Savannah's class. The pastor's daughter is in the class but she didn't know. I called the teacher and she will call me back this evening.

I lost a graphics file for my stationery's  yesterday and have been blessed that someone in my group had saved a whole bunch of me stationery's, I have almost all of them back now and saved them to a CD.

This has been a quiet day.  We didn't get a lot done but instead it was peaceful.

On TV tonight is the movie "The Diary of Anne Frank"  I remember well reading and rereading the book.  It is such a touching story of a young girl's life in hiding.  I am going to see if Coles has the book in stock and pick up a couple of copies.  One for Melaura and one for my own library.

The dogs are funny.  We let them out for about an hour sometimes more if they are playing.  When they come in they each head to their own cage to settle for the night.  Tonight they both decided that they wanted to go into the opposite cage to what is normal for them.  Took a bit to get them sorted out and they appeared to be laughing at me as I coaxed them into their own bed.  Silly animals.

Well it is getting late.  I want to turn in early.  John is off again plowing, but he won't be putting in a full shift.

Night all and God bless you tomorrow as we worship our Lord together in separate places.
JudyB

We are just home from Amarillo, Texas (400 mile RT) but I wanted to pop in and say hello.  We went to visit Darrel's Mom and pick up her papers so he can do her income taxes.  She had a cold and wasn't feeling well at all.  But she's doing really well for a 94 year old---doesn't even use a cane to walk or anything, still lives in her own apartment, in an independent living arrangement for seniors.

We took Abby with us and enjoyed spending the day with her.  And she and I got to shop a little bit, too.  On the way down, she and I and Darrel had a good visit about our piano lessons and progress.  She's so proud to be way ahead of Grandma! 

Beth is back to a more even keel now.  John has apologized and says he still loves her.  But she's still concerned about his health and was planning to call his sister.  I hope someone can persuade him to go get checked out; I doubt the man has had a physical in many years.

Ruth Ann, what good news about Theresa!  God is so good........prayers continue for her and her family to come to a saving knowledge of the Lord.

Marilyn, thanks for the prayers.  Enjoy your grands and have a much better day tomorrow!

Hi, JudyB.  How are all your two and four-legged kids doing? 

I think it's time to lay my weary body down.  See you tomorrow!

We went to Saturday night church service and the sermon was by a pastor from the synod office - actually, I had been his temporary secretary for a short time years ago.  It was time for a yearly pledge and we all brought our written pledges up to the altar then went back to the kitchen area for a gathering and meal.  I don't think Lutherans can gather without eating. 

News that a neighbor had surgery for a lump in her breast & it was cancerous but the great news is that the surgery got it all - she will still have radiation treatments.  Our newest pastor is recuperating from a car crash on the freeway - in an ice fog, he drove into an accident with a semi truck & other car & is now in ankle cast up to his thigh plus ribs were broken & slighter hand injuries.  He can't drive for the next 8 weeks. We are gathering kitchen items and also have six quilts to send on a truck to the Navajo nation soon.  I hope some other churches will have more quilts - am sure there will be more as they load a semi truck in the city here and head for a different reservations year-round. 

Good Sunday to all, Carol

Hi everyone.  I got my DSL connection working but my router seems to be out of commission as I can't get my other computers on my own network.  I was on the phone with my son well over an hour yesterday and we basically concluded my router must be bad.  It isn't very old.  Am trying to upgrade the firmware in it but not sure how to do it.  This is becoming very complicated or my brain is slowing down. 

We have another pretty but chilly day here.  We are not going to Sunday School but will leave for church is about 15 minutes.  Guess we will both have to drive this morning as Pat and our daughter don't seem to be moving very quickly today.  They will come a little later.

Ruth Ann, that is indeed good news on your friend.  This makes several instances where we can see the hand of God intervening that I have heard about in the last couple of weeks including tumors suddenly no longer being there.

Carol, sorry to hear about the accident that your pastor experienced.  Driving on snowy and icy roads can be very dangerous.  Of course, driving on any roads can also be dangerous.

Janet, glad to hear that Beth and John are on better terms.  He must have just been having a bad day.  Too bad he decided to make her day very unpleasant as well.  Glad you had a good trip and that Abby was able to go with you.  Keep working on those piano lessons--it just takes practice.

JudyB, been a long time since I saw that movie and don't know that I have ever read the book. 

Marilyn, it sounds like things worked out well with your grandchildren and getting back your files.  Hope you are feeling better today.

Karmat, it is a lot of fun to watch the development of the little ones.  It has been many years since we went through that with our children.  I remember putting a basketball goal over our garage in the 70s.  That was a mistake as everytime the ball hit the backboard it echoed through the house. 

About time to leave for church.

The grand-kids didn't get to come last night, it was after 8:30 when Gilbert called me back. The kids were tired and cranky and kept telling him that he didn't call me back. Well he didn't because I called and left a message on their answering machine on Friday. He called yesterday as I said in an earlier post. Now I don't know when they will be able to come, they have a swim meet next weekend on both days.

Today is the last of a series of three messages on  tithing and giving. Pastor Danny is going to hand out little booklets on the subject after church. This has been such a good series.  I know that some Pastors do not like to preach money sermons.  Danny's whole theme is there are 3 ways of giving called the 3 T's. Time, Treasures and Talents.

One Sunday he had a treasure chest by the altar and we  were asked to put some of our treasures in there.  Some gave cash, or a pledge of some work to be done at the church, one  couple gave a car and there was a check for $10,000. given. Other gave commitments to give to some of the other things, like world missions, teen challenge etc. A set of expensive chrome tire rims were given to be sold on EBay.

TTYL

I am baaaack!!  After 6 luscious beautiful warm days in Florida, I am back....to snow!  Yep!  As soon as we crossed the Indiana State Line, it was snowing. 

We left in fog that got us about 2½ hours behind.  I was planning on staying a little south of Mongomery, AL, but they put me on hold and wouldn't come back on the line.  I called again and it was busy...they were holding for me.  So I called a motel in Dothan, AL, and got a room.  But that I had drove over 700 miles and almost 11pm when we stopped.  We got to Kaye Don and Barb's before dark the next night. 

We saw the Manatee's.  We went to Jungle Gardens in Sarasota.  It was windy on the beach.  It was very interesting at Desota National Memorial and Selby Botanical Gardens was fabulous.  Of course, lots of great shopping and eating.  Sunny and warm every day.

We left Bradenton with clouds and it started raining when we got near Macon, GA.  Also that was when the interstate turned into a parking lot!  We saw 6 accidents going through Atlanta, GA.  We stayed in Carterville, GA. 

Then we headed north on I-75 in wonderful sunshine.  After another parking lot in Cincinnati, we spent the night at Jo's house, Ivalou's daughters.  Edie had a baby boy, Feb 22, so Ivalou and I had to see Adrian Carter before coming home.  He's a keeper! 

And guess what?  We woke to SNOW yesterday morning and drove home in snow flurries.

Ali and Inky were indifferent to me at first but then warmed up to me later.  Ali on the back of the couch and Inky in my lap while watching TV made me realize I was home again! 

I have read most of the posts.  I laughed, sighed, prayed, cried and agreed.  But I am not feeling well today.  I went to church but only stayed for one service.  All I will say is I took some medicine that has 'lax' in the name.  Hard for me to sit and my legs are hurting.  Hope to have relief soon!  TMI 

We have a lovely sunny day although a little cold.

Judy B:  What kind of hydro thingy has been installed.  We are to get a new meter outside but  nothing inside.   
Janet:  I hope that Beth is feeling better soon.
Pat:  Please give my get well wishes to Judy M.

Dinner this evening is going to be beef soup: Great for a winter day.

For those on some kind of diet here is something I read:

My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four. Unless there are three other guests.     Orsen Welles


Ruth

More thoughts for today:

Without God's love for YOU & ME, The days of the week would be:

Mournday,Tearsday, Wasteday, Thirstday, Fightday, Shatterday & Sadday. Give God the Glory Who made the days a Blessing to US! Have a strong conviction that it shall be well with you this year, I am of the opinion that no matter how many obstacles you come across this year you will succeed. You have been destined to make it and you shall surely achieve all your goals this year.  God Bless You. Go on and praise Him . . . Get your praise on!



Let GOD be the center of your life this year, talk to Him more each day. Let Him direct your path. Spend more time in His word

Judy, I remember reading The Diary of Anne Frank while still in school; and have reread it and seen the movie since that time as well.  It made a strong impression on my then 13 year old (or so) mind.

Our church is gearing up toward our Women's conference, coming next month.  We are having Rebecca St. James in concert to kick off the meeting.  Some have been asking "How in the world did you get HER to come to such a small town?"  God can do what man cannot do! 

I filled out all the forms to renew Beth's Medicaid and SS Disability, sent them off, and they came back yesterday, wanting more information, statement from her doctor, financial records, etc.  I hope we don't have to do this every year.    I have everything now (I think) except for the statement from her doctor.

So much to do.........so little time.  It feels as if my life follows this pattern.  I would like to break it, but how?  I'm really praying about this.

Nice to read all your posts today.  I'm missing Colin and several others.  Hey, guys and gals----come on back and talk to us!!  Please? 

Hi, friends,

Etta Sue, welcome home! We've missed you.

Janet, I agree, we're missing others of our group, too. Y'all come on back - we care.

I had a bit of tummy upset this afternoon. Needed to work, but was chilling and so ended up spending the afternoon and evening in bed. Seem to feel much better now, thank goodness.

Y'all have a good evening.

Ruth Ann

WELCOME HOME, ETTA SUE!!  WE MISSED YOU!! 

Hey everyone,
Hope ya'll are having a great week... mines been well BUSY.... we have the three year old til tomorrow but we have to go to the custody case with my sister tomorrow... today has been a busy day  at work so now i'm just enjoying a little bit of me time then its off to bed and what not... hope all is well with all ya'll!
Sarah

It's that time again.  Time to  click here for a clean week!