Christian Photographers Community

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

• See the last photos uploaded to our Gallery

---

I can't believe that 2007 is almost over.  A new year is around the corner!  I pray that everyone have a better year than last year in every way possible. 

I am taking Judy B, my classmate that had knee replacement surgery November 28th to therapy at 11am.  She has three sons and they have been taking turns staying with her so I haven't seen Judy since surgery.  I have talked on the phone to her several times but didn't want to interrupt her time with her boys. 

I was also invited to my nephew's wife's birthday celebration at Ryan's Steak Buffet at 12:30pm.  If I see I can make it, I will go but don't know yet! 

I hope everyones 2007 was the bestest ever and 2008 will be much better!!!!

   ETTA SUE:  Thanks for your devotional I guess I will be the first to read it.  May the Lord bless you in the  New Year and I hope that your health will be good.  It is so nice to read your post's and to here how you are so willing to help others so the Lord bless you for that.

Again to all others who post on C.P. may the Lord richly bless you in  2008 and also give you good health.  Happy New Year.

Well .... according to my clock/calandar we still have more than 24 hours left in 2007.  My daughter, Joy, is heading to Mexico at 6 a.m. and will be celebrating the end of this year and the beginning of the next with her husband.  They will be driving back to California in 2-3 weeks.  There are a lot of issues pending with family members, but God is in control and we totally trust Him.

I am distressed by the number of problems and illnesses in our CP family, as well.  I also have friends in dire circumstances ... I pray that each is resolved according to our Father's will and we can live in contentment and assurance that He always knows best.

I love all y'all and visit here daily (sometimes several times a day) and keep each of you in my prayers. 

See y'all later ... it's still 2007 where I live.   

What a coincidence, Jane - it's still 2007 here also!  But not for long.  And the Brits will be taking it out before we do.  And the Aussies - who knows (they stand on their heads, so how can they see the new year come in?).  And Keven - he's always seeing the rising sun, so maybe it's already here there.  Or is that there here?

Hi everyone.  Have just a few minutes to post before leaving to take Pat down to Atlanta  to see a special dentist to get a biopsy done on her lower gum.  They don't think it is anything too serious but want it checked.  Happy to say I am feeling much better today than I did yesterday and surely that was the bottom of the pit.  Still have the cough but it doesn't seem as bad this morning.  I had coffee as usual.  It is very foggy here this morning but suppose to burn off later and get into the 60s.  Then tomorrow night our cold weather returns down into the lower 20s at night.  We ended up with enough rain that this did not turn out to be the driest year on record for us, but just barely enough.

Etta Sue, thanks for the fine devotional.  Hope you get to enjoy the luncheon at Ryans today.

Happy New Year to everyone.  I must say that while 2007 hasn't been without problems it has been an amazing year for my family.  I try to turn my will over to God on a daily basis and he has done a wonderful job with my life these last months if I just stay out of the way.  I am very grateful.

Carol, you all are having some really bad weather for so early in the year. 

Ruth Ann, glad to hear you got a new camera and I hope you really enjoy it.

Good to read everyone's posting.  Time to leave for the appointment.

I only have a few minutes before I leave for work. I know that 2008 is going to be an amazing year for all of us. God is in control and all our prayers will be answered if we are persistent and keep on asking, keep on seeking and keep on knocking. We will receive, find and be answered. Hallelujah!! God is so good---All the time. Get ready folks for the amazing blessings you will be receiving in the coming year. "May you prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers".

Here I am!    I sort of slept in this morning, then watched Living the Life and the 700 Club in my pajamas, although I got up several times to put a butter braid into the oven, make coffee, and chase some cobwebs.    Abby slept until 9:30, and Darrel left for his PT at 9, so it was quiet.

All of the preachers I have listened to lately predict that 2008 is to be a year of new beginnings.  Every new year offers that chance, but this one in even a greater way.  I think we are living in the last of the last days and will see big changes on the world scene, and I want to be prepared for those changes.  I am going to do the 21 days of fasting with Jentezen Franklin and his church.  Fasting opens us up more to hear God's voice.

We have invited my friends Pat and her husband Gaylon for New Year's Eve dinner tonight.  Darrel has steaks thawing.  Gaylon will not attend church with Pat, so we try to witness to him by being his friends and including him whenever we can.  He's a really nice guy, but uses that tired excuse of having been hurt in a church many years ago. 

Carol, I thought I had been staying at home a lot since Peru!?!  Maybe it does sound as if I run around a lot, but mostly close to home.  Diane lives only 30 miles from us, and we have business (alarms) in Liberal, Dodge, Garden, Hugoton, and Johnson, so if there are trouble calls, we (Darrel anyway) goes there.  Everything is so scattered out in this area that we think nothing of a 60 to 80 mile trip one way; we are used to it.

Etta Sue, you're a good friend.  I look forward to meeting you, even if we don't live close.  You're always helping your friends, a wonderful trait!

Larry, glad you're better today!  Good report for Pat is being prayed; and I know you will be careful not to get a "back set" on that cold!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!

    HAPPY NEW YEAR!!    TO   ALL!! 
          
                                                          

It's closer now than it was before.  I can't believe that no one from the West coast has been here to say so.

I have.....let's see.........uh..about 7 1/2 hours before I step into my future.
Some of us are going at the same time.....and some of you are already there, or close.

I pray 2008 will be a year as some of the preachers and evangalists, and other Listeners, have projected.  Some have called it the year of the open door.  I've never heard many predict doom and gloom. haha   Our hope is in Christ alone.  Our future is in Him, our past is hidden in Him.  No matter what happens, we are just safe, safe, safe in the arms of God.  That's my prayer for each of my friends here...that we breath in a fresh awareness of The Holy Spirit as He ministers to us the things of God.  Oh, I want this..  I know we all do. 

Hello from high winds and snow - the winds are lighter tonight and we were able to get out and run a couple of errands today.  A semi truck was unable to turn into a round-about at one store and was really stuck in the snow.  Another huge truck was totally broken down and we couldn't turn into that road as it was blocking three lanes - two going and one coming.  It sure is difficult for the truckers.  And, did you hear that at least 2,000 people were stranded in the mountains with this storm and all the buildings available were filled - it had to be many more than that amount because this was hours long and all night as well.

Larry:  Yes, it is early in the year for this problem.  I am tired of winter already.  My best wishes for Pat and her dental problem.  Our youngest son has an infection over the weekend and with face all swollen, he called the dentist on Sunday so has been on Amoxicillan and is not in pain now but hopes to get into the office on Wednesday.  It is good that Pat is being looked after carefully. 

Etta Sue:  Thank you for the message on this last day of the year.  I hope that I can remember to write 2008 on papers 

I made split pea soup and we had french bread along with shrimp and a dip.  That was plenty filling.  Talked with the children and daughter is going to neighbors, the two youngest boys are staying in and relaxing - oldest son is in the mountains & they go to fireworks if it isn't too windy but don't stay late. 

Blessing to all.  Carol

Hi, friends,

Best wishes for a truly wonderful new year.

I'll be starting the year with a healing sandal on the right foot for a few weeks. Seems when the dog nearly pulled me down a few days ago that I got stress fractures in my right foot - metatarsal bones for toes 2, 3, and 4. So, it's swollen and wrapped with ace bandage, too.

Well, so many people have no feet - I should never complain about a bit of pain. We truly have much to be thankful for.

Y'all rest well, when you go to sleep - I think I may not make it through the news tonight before I konk out! 

In ten minutes or so, it will be 2008!  I just can't believe how quickly this year has passed by.  How we all should be ready for His coming and be ready also to meet our Maker.

Are you ready?

John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son, that whosoever  believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life."  Have you accepted His wonderful gift of His son?  He died for you.  How wonderful it would be if you were to enter the year 2008 as a new believer in Christ!


How Would You Know?  (the Savior's Words...)

If you never felt pain, how would you know that I'm a Healer If you never went through difficulty, how would you know that I'm a Deliverer? If you never had a trial, how  would you know that I'm a Comforter? If you never were in trouble, how would you know that I will come to your rescue? If you never were  broken, how would you know that I can make you whole? If you never had a problem, then how would you know that I can solve them? If you never had known suffering, then how would you know what I went through? If you never went through the fire, then how would you become pure? If I gave you all things, how would you appreciate them? If I never corrected you, how would you know that I love you? If you had all power, then how would you learn to depend on me? If your life was perfect, thn what would you need me for?

Ruth Ann, I'm so sorry that you are wearing that boot once again.  I do pray that you will be comfortable.

Thank you for all the good wishes folks for Paul and I.  He will be returning to Virginia on Thursday so I'll be scarce until then.

Happy New Year everyone.  A little over half and hour to go.  Grandaughter, Angel, is asleep in the recliner. lol  The old woman, me, is still up and waiting to see the new year in.

I just received a wonderful email.  It was from my sister, Faye.  She is home from the hospital now and is soooo happy to be.  She said she feels good except for being very tired.  Also said it was very scarey because she couldn't breath and couldn't get anyone's attention (when they did the chemo) and later heard the medic say there was no heartbeat, and she knew she was still here, and didn't want them to give up on her.  She's very grateful to be home and getting stronger.  Will work on a new drug starting next week.  And Faye being Faye, the first thing she wanted us, her family, to know was that there was no fault with the doctors.   Her daughter was becoming really frustrated with no answers.

Pat, the "How Would You Know" is so perfect tonight.

ok...I'm ready for 2008 and whatever God has planned for his kids.

Blessings, Nita

Just posting my New Years greetings to all here.
May you all be richly blessed in 2008.

Hi everyone and Happy New Year. 

It is turning windy and considerably chillier here today.  However, it is sunny outside.  We plan on watching some of the Rose Bowl Parade and then I will watch some of the bowl games.  Tonight Georgia University plays in the Sugar Bowl against Hawaii and I will certainly be watching that game.

The biopsy that my wife had yesterday turned out to be on the inside of her cheek and they had to numb her face in that area and make a small incision and then put in a stitch.  It will be a week or so before the results are known and we will have to see this same dentist again.

Nita, certainly glad to hear that your sister is home from the hospital.

Ruth Ann, sorry to read about your fractured bones.  Hope the pain isn't too bad.  How do you keep your foot warm in that healing sandal?

Carol, it sounds like driving in your area is a real challenge.  You got your 4-wheel drive vehicle just in time.

Janet, your discussion of mileage to go anywhere is sort of what we experience here in our area, although we are getting more and more shopping close by.  I just read in the paper this morning that there is another 300,000 sq. ft. of shopping going in up by the big new shopping area that just opened about a year or so ago.  A developer went in and bought out a whole housing development from the 80s and is tearing down all of the houses to build this additional shopping.

Marilyn, thanks for your good wishes for the upcoming year and also to each person who has expressed similar comments.

Pat, do enjoy Paul's visit. The new year looks SO promising for y'all. God's richest blessings be with the two of you, and with all those you love.

Nita, an error was made in my hubby's cancer treatment, as well, so I certainly empathize with what y'all are going through.

Larry, as far as staying warm in the sandal, it's not so easy! And, the last time I had to wear one was in the middle of winter. I learned then to keep a small sized trash bag on hand and a large sized rubber band to keep the foot dry during wet or snowy weather.

And, I discovered something yesterday that gave me pause to think. I guess I do have a small amount of vanity, because I certainly wished I could go home and get a black sock so that light colored ace bandage wrapping wouldn't be so noticeable! Then, I got this funny little thought running through my head, "Pride goeth before a fall." 

The weather here in Nashville is also supposed to be extremely cold today and tomorrow. Yesterday's high was in about 50, and today's may reach 35. Brrr - maybe it's time to burrow under the covers to keep warm.

Since we're such a diverse group, what traditions do y'all observe to welcome the new year?

Foodwise, I know we're going to include blackeyed peas and cornbread in our menu for the day. And, when I was growing up it was always traditional to see the new year in while praying. Although alone last night, I went to sleep while praying. What a great way to usher in a time of rest for both soul and body.

Y'all have  a good day.

Growing up my step father always made "Bacala" Translated that is Cod Fish balls. Deep fried Pastry with a piece of cod fish in the center on New years eve with other appetizers, Egg Nog and Tom and Jerry's, virgin of course for the youngsters. On New Years day it was a traditional Ham dinner with all the trimmings.

For me today I will make a pumpkin cheesecake using fat free cream cheese  for later. For dinner I will have a pork chop and a raw veggie and fruit salad, for supper I will have a bowl of soup.

Have any of y-all made any resolutions for 2008? I am going to eat more nutritiously, being careful to bring down my cholesterol and lose another 7 lbs to reach my goal of 160lbs. My spiritual  resolution is to read my bible all the way through this year along with the required reading in the book of John for the Women's Bible Study. It is been maybe 3-4 years since I have read it all the way through.

Pat Enjoy your time with Paul before he leaves.

Ruth Ann - thank you for coming in here.  We'd like Bice to do it twice, then thrice.  May we you entice?
That blackeyed peas and cornbread sounds like somelthing you'd do in Nashville.  I love cornbread.  Could you send some via Cyberspace?

We're going out for breakfast on this 1st day of 08.  It's relatively clear and destined to be sunny here today.

What a night in Indiana.  Those fierce winds started around 9pm last night.  Prediction of high winds, snow up to 6".  Well, they were half right....high winds!!!  A little snow.  I have corner windows to the southwest in my bedroom.  I could even hear my windows moving...not rattling but moving.  It sounded like the roof was going to take off.  The house creaked!  I kept getting up and seeing if it was snowing yet.  So after daylight, I realized it did snow but the grass is peeking through so it isn't the 6" that was predicted.  That wind is scary! 

I did stay up and watch Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's Eve at Times Square, New York City.  At least they had some good moral entertainment this year!  But as soon as that ball fell, I headed for the bedroom with a book. 

Ivalou called this morning to wish me Happy New Year.  I have already sent an email to Kitty....we do this several times a day!! 

Yesterday Judy B, classmate Judy, was so looking forward to eating out...first time since surgery in November...that I didn't have the heart to say I wanted to take her home and head to Ryan's.  We ate at Bob Evens and had a great time talking yesterday.  That rehab place is like Grand Central Station....people coming and going constantly!!

We have been watching the Rose Parade.  My grandparents retired in Pasadena and our family drove down from Seattle twice and walked just a few blocks to stand and watch the parade - we then went to the Washington football game at the Rose Bowl.  It was so exciting to be right on the sidewalk when the bands came marching by & the flowers were outstanding - this in many years ago.  T.V. is nothing like being right in the midst of things.
My grandparents had come from very rural areas of Sweden and farmed/sawmill too in Minnesota until retiring in Pasadena - what a change for them at the end of their lives. 

I just bought some fabric with Alaskan fish on the blocks on eBay.  I don't know who I will make a quilt for - Don suggested one brother of mine in Seattle.  It is a little wild in coloring but tha tis OK. 

Making lists of To Do's this morning - changing dentists and planning our trip to AZ and perhaps out to California north of LA.  We have been a little snow & cold-bound here you can add wild winds to that as well.  I honestly don't know how the pioneers managed to not lose their minds. 

Pat:  How is this going to work for you - I mean marrying a Virginian and you are in Canada.  Who is moving?  Part time?  We have a good friend who lost his wife & remarried.  They each kept their house and he has a cabin as well an an RV.  They are somewhere all the time but it seems to work well for them.  What a happy and fresh new year for you two! 

Ruth Ann:  Oh, no - what a shame.  I hope these bones mend quickly. 

Larry:  Developers seem to get the go-ahead and do anything they want.  Imagine the shock of Europeans over destroying homes and such only twenty some years old.  Our play is that age - good grief.  Such excesses in this country. 

Marilyn:  I grew up having fish often - almost daily in Seattle.  The fishermen couldn't always afford to pay dad for their generators and engines so they would bring salmon and crab to the warehouse - and he would just wait to be paid.  We did eat well  - my folks were so thrifty.

wordsculptor:  Happy New Year! 

Nita:  How great that you had some good news!

Al:  You are turning into my favorite poet!

Thanks Carol - you've got me over a barrel.
I'm glad you like my rhymes.
I get in over my head at times.

Noah's Ark

Everything I Really Need to Know I Learned from Noah's Ark:
1.   Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.
2.   Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone might ask you to do something Really big.
3.   Don't listen to critics. Do what has to be done.
4.   Build on the high ground.
5.   For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
6.   Two heads are better than one.
7.   Speed isn't always an advantage. The cheetahs were on board, but so were the snails.
8.   If you can't fight or flee—float.
9.   Take care of your animals as if they were the last ones on earth.
10.   Don't forget that we're all in the same boat.
11.   Stay below deck during the storm.
12.   Remember that the ark was built by amateurs and the Titanic was built by professionals.
13.   Remember that the woodpeckers INSIDE are often a bigger threat than the storm outside.
14.   No matter how bleak it looks, there's always a rainbow on the other side.
15.   DON'T MISS THE BOAT !!!!

Hey there, all y'all!  Happy New Year, too!   

Al, you're feeling mighty frisky these daze ... waxing poetic and all ........

Nita, I am so happy for you and Faye and the family ... I know she is thrilled to be home to start this brand new year. 

I learned of the blackeyed peas on New Year's Day from my once upon a time mother-in-law.  It is, indeed, a southern tradition.

I stayed up to see the changing of the years -- and a little more -- then went to bed.  I woke up a couple times while it was still dark, but only tucked the blanket tighter around my shoulders and slept some more.     Finally, I got up and turned on the TV for the early morning news ... dozed some more and decided to do NOTHING the rest of the day.  I watched the Rose Parade and now the games begin ... I changed all my calendars and started a new check register for my checkbook ... whoopee!  Now I'm here.  Somewhere along the line I have felt impressed to fast today ... dunno why, but I will. 

Now, I need to get outside for more wood and get a fire going in the stove.  I'm a mite chilly, and too cheap to turn the electric furnace up.  It's been coming on every little while anyway, and I have it set at 55º. Oops it just came on again!

The other day my daughter called while I was out chopping wood and, when I told her that's what I'd been doing (she called back later) she said "What are you doing chopping wood at your age?" 

"Well," I said, "someone's gotta do it, and I'm the only one here."   

C U L8R ....

It's here!  Happy New Year!  May we all be blessed with the comfort and love of God's nearness the whole year.

Ruth Ann, I must tell you about my youngest daughter's recent experience with stress fractures.  She was trying to lose weight, so had been running down eight flights of stairs at work.....her foot began to hurt something fierce, she went to the doctor, he said she had stress fractures.  Put her in one of those boots/sandals; which she wore for over two months, and it did not get better.  She went to another doctor, who said she needed surgery; that she had almost pulled the muscles loose that connect from behind the toes to the back of the arch.  She didn't want surgery!  The "rest of the story" is that she asked for a reference to a physical therapist for whom her sis-in-law works, and when she arrived, the therapist told her exactly what she'd been doing before, including the fact that she always ran down, not up, and always turned to the right!

Anyhow, she had three treatments from the PT, put her regular shoes back on, and now her foot is fine.  So much easier than the alternative!  I hope you get really good results, whatever route you go.

Abby and I are reading LIttle Women.  The original version...and it is rather hard plowing.  She used really old English words (I've had to look up several!)  I'm surprised Abby was reading it in fourth grade.  I think I was in 7th or 8th when I read it.  I'm finding that I have forgotten a lot of the story.

Abby and I managed to stay awake until midnight.  She's full of vigor today, but I'm dragging a bit.    Couldn't be the age difference, could it??

Carol, your plans sound good, and I hope the weather allows you to do whatever you want!

Pat, when you have time, please give me a call, will you?   

I guess I should call and find out when they want Abby back.  Also need to go check out the photos in the challenge.

QuoteHave any of y-all made any resolutions for 2008? I am going to eat more nutritiously, being careful to bring down my cholesterol and lose another 7 lbs to reach my goal of 160lbs. My spiritual  resolution is to read my bible all the way through this year along with the required reading in the book of John for the Women's Bible Study. It is been maybe 3-4 years since I have read it all the way through.

Was posted at 7:04 am there have been 7 posts since then and not one has chosen to reveal your answer.  Carol did comment on my post about the fish, Al called to find out where I bought the fat free cream cheese.

I am going back to the corner. I tried to start a conversation and  didn't get anywhere.

Aaawww Marilyn.  Let's not start the year off in the corner.      I don't make New Year resolutions ... just try to live each day as the Lord would have me. 

BTW no one commented on my post either ... but then, I didn't expect them to.  I didn't say anything that required a response.  Learned that a long, long time ago.   

Good morn..... ummmm afternoon, folks! Wow - I think I really needed a lot of rest today.

It was so nice to awaken with a call from my son who lives in England. He's going to be here later this week. It was just a brief call - "Mom, I love you, and wanted to speak to you first this year. I'll see you later in the week!"

Then had  abowl of cereal, felt sleepy, and just awakened a little while ago.

I got as far as the cornbread, and my son's headache came back. So, thus far, I've had a piece of cornbread (with a hint of jalapeno flavor) and a couple of cups of Chai spice tea. I'll do the rest of the cooking later this evening when he gets back up and ventures out into the rest of the house.

Marilyn, I really like anything with pumpkin in it. I've not tried pumpkin soup yet, but I hear it's delicious, and of course so full of good nutrients.

Larry, hope your cold is better.

And, that everyone is doing well. I, too, miss Judy B - didn't she say something about having some problems with her computer?

Pat, your posts are good to read.

Carol, what part of the country are you in?

Has anyone heard from Judy McKenna?

Yes, Al, I'll be back. especially when the internet speeds back up. I think many people are sending greetings today, it's extremely slow, and we have a cable modem!

Y'all have a wonderful evening.

Ruth Ann I haven't tried pumpkin soup either, One of these days I will.

Jane I  usually don't post something that  anyone needs to comment on but it is always so nice when someone does.  I was so hoping  to start a conversation today. Or even when someone says "hello" is a more meaningful frendly gesture. One tends to feel so insignificant when no one speaks to you.

Today is Bebe's 7th birthday. We have been celebrating by giving her bites of pork chops, a real bone, and I gave her a piece of the cheesecake, which she didn't eat, Happy ate it after she turned up her nose an walked away.

Nita I forgot to tell you that I am praying for Faye. Happy posted the story of how we got Bebe on my blog as well as on SN.

I am tired today, didn't sleep well after staying awake  until after 1AM, I was out of my regular circadian rhythm.

Back to the corner.