Christian Photographers Community

h my so many families with prayer requests for loved ones, I am definitely praying for Pap John and Cornelia.

Hi everyone.  I also am praying for the many needs we have seen expressed here over the last several days involving our family members.  Isn't it reassuring to know that God hears our prayers and has a plan for each of us.  We just need to trust that God is working in each life and while that plan may not be what we think we would want it to be, we don't and can't know how God intends to use each situation. 

Last Wednesday night and for the next two Wednesday nights our pastor is discussing the current best selling book called "The Shack".  Pat got the book several days ago and read it but I had not read it but did sit in on the Wednesday night discussion and decided I wanted to read the book.  It is really a thought provoking and challenging book that requires one to think about how we see God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  I am about half way through the book and will be reading more of it this weekend as want to finish it before next Wednesday.

It is a beautiful day today, although it is getting a bit warm.  We just returned from our regular Saturday morning meeting and shortly I will rest and watch some football this afternoon.

Marilyn, thanks for sharing the video.  I also believe that Governor Palin is the real thing and certainly a breath of fresh air on the political stage.  I am sure you will quickly find more work.

Larry, my daughter sent me The Shack for Mother's Day, and I posted the link in here. (Nita is the only one who responded at that time) It is really a wonderful story of the journey into a relationship with God. 

PAt, Marilyn and Ruth Ann I am praying for the  families that are experiencing such heartache.  

I am at the store for a short time, we are having a salesman from one of the companies we buy from cone in and I am looking for specific materials for cloth diapers.   Such a hunt to find the right thing at the right price.

The computer will be needed soon so I am running yet again, and Love you all.

JudyB

This is something I think appropriate for all who are experiencing the loss of loved ones:

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The Dragonfly

Once, in a little pond, in the muddy water under the lily pads, there lived a little water beetle in a community of water beetles. They lived a simple and comfortable life in the pond with few disturbances and interruptions.

Once in a while, sadness would come to the community when one of their fellow beetles would climb the stem of a lily pad and would never be seen again. They knew when this happened; their friend was dead, gone forever.

Then, one day, one little water beetle felt an irresistible urge to climb up that stem. However, he was determined that he would not leave forever. He would come back and tell his friends what he had found at the top.

When he reached the top and climbed out of the water onto the surface of the lily pad, he was so tired, and the sun felt so warm, that he decided he must take a nap. As he slept, his body changed and when he woke up, he had turned into a beautiful blue-tailed dragonfly with broad wings and a slender body designed for flying.

So, fly he did! And, as he soared he saw the beauty of a whole new world and a far superior way of life to what he had never known existed.

Then he remembered his beetle friends and how they were thinking by now he was dead. He wanted to go back to tell them, and explain to them that he was now more alive than he had ever been before. His life had been fulfilled rather than ended.

But, his new body would not go down into the water. He could not get back to tell his friends the good news. Then he understood that their time would come, when they, too, would know what he now knew. So, he raised his wings and flew off into his joyous new life!

Author Unknown

Love that story Jane!!!

I love that story, too, Jane.  Thanks!

Paul and Pat, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of the loss of Paul's brother.

Marilyn, thanks for the Sarah Palin video.  They showed a tiny clip of it on some Democratic thing the other day, trying to show how "narrow minded" they think she is.  I was really delighted to know she is a turned-on Christian!  (Of course, from the first time I saw her on TV I thought she probably was!)

Plans can certainly change at a minute's notice.  We are all packed up, hooked up to the trailer and ready to drive to South Texas.  When I called to tell Darrel's brother we were coming a day earlier than planned, they told us not to come.  They have had so much rain the ground is saturated and say if we tried to drive on it we will get stuck.  So now we are not going.  At least not now.

I was reading Citizen magazine, from Focus on the Family, early this morning and read a very encouraging article about all the wonderful results being obtained from using adult stem cells.  It talked about cases of tumors disappearing......now I have hope that we can find a doctor who will use that treatment on Beth, maybe she can get some relief and gain back her mobility.  That would be such an answer to prayer!!!  I need to do some research and see where that is being done, etc.

That is certainly a strange title for a book--The Shack.  Do you know why it is called that?  I sure wouldn't expect it to be about what you say it is!

I'm kind of at loose ends with the sudden change in plans.  Guess I will take puppy Sarah to visit Beth.

Janet, it is a story that, for the most part, takes place in a shack in the wilderness of northern Oregon ... The real journey starts after the first 2-3 chapters.  You can read about it online at TheShackBook.com

Don is doing some electrical work but not in this part of the house.

I saved the Sarah video for him to watch.  We talked about politics last night with son & his wife (who will always vote Dem) but it was interesting. 

Pat:  You may be on your way - my sympathy to Paul and you - it was nice that you could meet his brother recently.

Jane, thanks for answering my question about the book.

We rented our big house today, after it has set empty for two years.  Guy drove up and asked to see it, came back today and gave us a check.  Then he and his step brother who lives with him came back and started mowing and trimming!  YES!!  It will be so nice to have good renters, rather than like we had in the past who tear things up and leave them that way.

I took Sarah to visit Beth, she licked her face a little too much!  So I took her to the man in the home who loves dogs so much, and he really enjoyed the puppy.  I went to Subway and got Beth and Mom each a sandwich for their supper.

We went up and moved the stuff in the garage by the big house, so the guys can get their cars in.  I found some pretty glass fruit and a big crystal bowl, so am going to dress up the dining room table with them. 

See you tomorrow!

My clients husband passed away this morning, she called me to let me know that she won't be needing me this coming week. Please pray for the Gilkey family.

You all  have  such interesting things to  say!  I wish I had things like that to say on  here.  Oh well,  I'm just lil' 'ol me.

Went to a meeting for our denominational executive committee last evening, found out that our Director of  Missions will be moving  on.  His wife absolutely must have a different climate, and the only one they've  been able  to find  is Hawaii!  So, believe it or not,  it is very likely that he will receive a call to the pastorate of the only fairly  large evangelical church in Honolulu!  Almost makes me wish I were still open to receiving calls!

Janet - it's truly great  that  you were  able to  rent  out the house!  May our God bless both families - theirs and  yours. Also, may our God bless your efforts  to find a stem-cell solution for Beth.

Relative to Sarah Palin - I'm thinking that  this may have been the biggest possible boost to McCain's ticket.

I'm hoping I can see the Shack book online.

I'm still here.

I probably will be leaving on Wed. morning after going to the doctor's office, heading to Virginia and then Thursday, we'll go to Boston, Massachusetts and then the funeral is on Friday morning.

The Shack.  I just got my copy back from my sister yesterday.  I'm rereading it.  Larry, I agree that this little book does challenge our conception of God.   It was easy for me, not having met Jesus in church, but in my own home, and not even knowing Christians.  I met Him and knew Him as my Best Friend and with intimacy and joy.  I didn't know any better. lol  I still don't.  I have often said that Jesus loved me so much and wanted so much for me to know Him,  He would have spoken to me through a Sears Roebuck Catalog if that's what it took.  That's how much He loves us.  He wants to intermingle with our lives in every day circumstances.  He wants to laugh with us, cry with us, be humorous with us. (sometimes you just feel too good not to laugh out loud) and hold us in His arms as a little child needs a mama.

He truly is Everything our hearts could ever think of needing.  I could never love Him so much if He was any other way.  When Jesus first begin to reveal Himself to me, He could have come to me in any way He wanted.  I didn't know anything, and had no reference.  He didn't come as a stern Father, but as pure Love.  Before I ever knew Him as God, He was my Hero, my Rescuer, my Best Friend, my Spiritual Lover, my Hope, my reason for living. 

Yes, I liked the book.   It was a reminder of that Love.    Nita

Nita your  testimony of Jesus is so wonderful, thank you so much for sharing. I knew most of it already as Jane had shared that with Al, Marbeth and I when she first visited us. The way you express your love for our Lord is so awesome.

When I opened the back door to let Bebe out the awful odor  came rushing into the house, there must have been a Skunk out there that I startled when I opened the door. When she came back in the odor was on her but not real strong so I  wiped her down with practically straight white vinegar. it seem to have dissipated now so I let them both back out. It seemed very strong in the back porch  for awhile until I opened the door again. Whew I am so l glad she didn't get sprayed.

I have lots of time to get ready for church so now I am going to read in Ecclesiastics for a bit and pray.

Pat:  Have a safe trip!

Al:  The level of activity here in CP leaves me breathless - isn't it interesting?

We decided to visit a church group that meets at a school today - it is an offshoot of our former church (which is much too far to drive). 

Company last night - and the night before.  Everyone wants to see where we live now. 

Hi everyone.  We will leave for church in about an hour. I slept in this morning as didn't have to leave the house before 8 am as I do the other six days of the week.  I really enjoyed the leisurely pace this morning.

Jane, thank you for the link to the page about "The Shack".  Last Wednesday night there was quite an interesting discussion on what some of the things were that had stood out to those who had read the book.  I underlined a few more things as I have been reading.  I also liked the story of the beetle.

Judy, hope you were successful in finding the material you were looking for with the salesman.

Janet, you canceled trip is a wonderful example of why it is best to stay in today.  Obviously we have to pack up in advance of leaving on a trip but also must remain flexible as we don't know what God has in store for us each day.  Certainly glad to read you have been able to rent your big house and hopefully you have some stable renters who will take good care of things.  I have had a rental house and it was a really a happy day when I sold it and knew I would never have to deal with something like that again. Do hope you can find the information you are seeking and the right doctors regarding the stem cell research. 

Marilyn, your client's husband certainly didn't linger once he was on Hospice. 

Hi Al.  It sure looks like God's hand at work with your Director of Missions and his call to the church in Honolulu.

Pat, it sounds like you have a very busy week with many hours on the road.  I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers this week as well as Paul and his family.

Nita, a wonderful confession regarding your love for Jesus.

Carol, hope you and Don have a fine worship experience at the new church that you are visiting today.  Finding a new church home has always been a part of our moving experience. 

  Good day.
Just came home from church and it was a great service this morning.
It was mission Sunday and we had an emphasis on Missions. One of the young ladies that just came back from Malawi, Africa and she shared how they ministered there. It makes one realize we need to reach out to the Lost its such a late hour we live in. And we have been called into the kingdom for such a time has this.
Pat will be remembering you in prayer.
may you all have a great day.

I was ½ hour late for church. I didn't know they had gone to two services two weeks ago. This was the Baptist church that I have been to before. There was a speaker this morning who spoke on prayer. Very good service.

Jane ~ I loved that story.  The best is yet to come!! !!

Well, I went forward during invitation to change my membership to Clarksville Christian Church.  I never felt more welcome anywhere in the world than I did this morning.  After church there were probably 40 members welcoming me with a hug.  Even two ladies said my Mom would be very happy if she were still alive. 

They need another chimer!  I can't sing.  I don't play instruments but I can count and they said that is the requirement...to count.  I might just do it.  But if it takes standing...I don't know...will have to think about that.  I guess first is to find out.

Three of us ladies went to a new restaurant in Noblesville called 'Five Guys'.  Hamburgers and french fries.  Never frozen burgers and never frozen fries.  So good.  A little pricey for a burger and fries but good.  Three of us shared the fries....there were that many!!

This evening I am going with Tony and Charlene out to eat.  I am thinking Steak!! 

Our new member, Pixel has posted several poems he's written in Poet's Corner  Just scroll down and have a read. 

http://pages.suddenlink.net/baraboo57/checkingonu.html




God Bless,

Liz

Ohhh, that's a good one, Liz!!!

 

Hahahahaha Liz

Keith is so sad tonight. His cat has been sick for a few days and he doesn't think she will make it through the night. She has been under the covers in his bed for two days and night. I had him give her water from an eye dropper but now she but now she starts howling and crying when he lifts the blanket  to check on her. He  promised me he would take her to the vet in the morning if she makes it. Please pray for Keith and the kitty.

Thanks, Liz!  That made me laugh right out loud!

Thanks for the kind words about Beth, and about our getting new renters.  I do think they will be good ones!  God is good.  All the time.

Church went late again today, was past 12:30 when we got out, so not a lot of time between then and being at work at 2:00.  I haven't been home all that long.  Today wasn't a hard day, but I'm always glad when the work is done and I can come home.  This may well have been my last day, anyway.

We need to do some things relating to our sponsoring of a couple on the upcoming Walk to Emmaus, and being home this week will enable us to get those things done.

Pat, I will be thinking of and praying for you and Paul this week.  Please stay safe.   

I just read that the president of Iran says he will be overjoyed if Obama is elected, because of his Muslim background.  He says that will be the key to them taking over America. 

I wish you all pleasant dreams!

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