Christian Photographers Community

I was nervous talking in front of everyone.  I was shaking.  But everyone that talked to me about it said I didn't look or act nervous.  I remember getting up and telling everyone about Ivalou in the hospital and I choked up and couldn't even talk and was crying.  But I know that was a totally different scenario. 

Ruth Ann ~ I had forgotten about the character map and how you can copy and paste.  That would be simpler than changing my keyboard to calculator.  I might try that the next time I need a symbol or fraction.

Today is Euchre day.  I am running behind so I had better run on.

Janet:   I trust the van is an easy fix.

Ruth Ann:   Where did you find the character map.

It was another one of those days hot and a lot of errands and yes I will have to be out and about tomorrow doing different errands.  I checked out Wal Mart for a hot & cold bag with a zip in the top all sold out so tomorrow I will check another Wal Mart  it is good to have several within a 20 drive as long as you are in there area to start with.

will return.      Ruth

Hi Everyone...  Here I am in the parking lot of the HandyMart and Paul is in the front seat and I'm in the back--both of us with our laptops.  No internet at the house yet.  It's so upsetting.

Marilyn, thanks for those numbers. 

Janet, thanks for the lovely reminder in your devotional this week. 

Hi to everyone!

I am so thankful I got a good night's sleep last night, as had another really hectic day  today.  In fact, I just got home from the fair.  It was 107 here today, but cool in the building, enough that when I went outside it felt good for a couple of minutes.  There sure was a good crowd out there, they had had the turtle races, and I guess a few other things were going on, too.  I was busy taking entries in the art department, so didn't attend any of them.

Tomorrow I will be assisting the judge while she judges.  After we are finished with that, I can go check out the commercial booths, and listen to the entertainment in the big auditorium; then in the evening there is a talent show.

I sure am glad I don't have to work tomorrow! 

Ruth, I hope the van will be an easy fix, too, we take it in tomorrow morning.  But they think they may need to order parts.  I hope not.  Not having it available will pretty much ruin Beth's and John's time.   

I still have Windows XP, but the way I do it is to right-click the START button, then choose Search. Type in character map and see what comes up in the search.

Next, if you have the character map (most likely in some of the Windows files), then right-click on the character map and one of your choices will be to make a Shortcut - I choose that and tell the computer to put the Shortcut on my desktop.

And, for good measure, I put it near the bottom of my computer screen so it's easy to spot when I need it. You can get ⅓, ⅛, and other neat characters there.

Use it and have fun!

Marilyn, I surely wish I had to abilities you have with the computer.

Larry, do please take care of yourself - we love you.

Love and prayers to everyone.

Ruth Ann

What should be our attitude in prayer?

Then Eli realized it was the Lord who was calling the boy. So he said to Samuel, "Go and lie down again, and if someone calls again, say, 'Yes, Lord, your servant is listening.'" So Samuel went back to bed. And the Lord came and called as before, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel replied, "Yes, your servant is listening."

1 Samuel 3:8-10 NLT

Speak, Lord, in the stillness, while I wait on Thee; hushed my heart to listen in expectancy.
Speak, O blessed Master, in this quiet hour, let me see Thy face, Lord, feel Thy touch of power.
Emily May Grimes


God revealed

God revealed himself mightily to the prophet Elijah, sending fire to burn the sacrifice on Mount Carmel. But later, as Elijah moped on the mountain, the Lord taught him an important lesson. There was a wind, an earthquake, and a fire—but the Lord was not in any of these. Then came a still, small voice. That was how God chose to speak to His prophet.

The same is true today. We long for fire from heaven to silence the skeptics once and for all, but God doesn't usually work that way. Long ago He revealed Himself as a helpless baby sleeping in a dirty feed trough, and today He speaks quietly to ordinary people like you and me—if only we are still enough to listen. That is the sentiment expressed by Emily May Grimes in the words of the hymn, "Speak, Lord, in the Stillness."

Hi everyone.  Just got back from coffee.  It is going to be a very hot day here today (but not up to 107 like Kansas).  I don't have a single thing on the schedule for today and I think it is a good thing. 

I spent all afternoon and evening laying down yesterday as couldn't get rid of the pain in the chest.  I will take it very easy today and not do any lengthy walking as that is what brought the pain on yesterday.  So far today am just feeling tired.  Enough complaining.

Pat, sure hope they can have some Internet available for you and Paul before too long.  Do you have a McDonald's anywhere close?  Most of the McDonald's now have free wi-fi and encourage people to bring in their laptops and stay as long as you want. Our McDonald's finally got their Internet working and it is now reliable and quick.  I used it this morning to look up a couple of things.

Janet, sure glad the building was air-conditioned.  It sounds like you really enjoy the fair.

Etta Sue, hope you won at Euchre yesterday.  It has been a long time since I played that game.  We do have it available on the computer in the Hoyle games set.

Ruth Ann, thanks for the kind words.

Ruth, hope you got all your shopping done yesterday that you wanted to do.  We also have several Walmarts reasonably close.  I know of at least four within 10 miles or less.

Thanks for the piece on the "attitude of prayer". 

Soap and Water

A minister was asked to dinner by one of his parishioners, who he knew was an unkempt housekeeper. When he sat down at the table, he noticed that the dishes were the dirtiest that he had ever seen in his life.

"Were these dishes ever washed?" he asked his hostess, running his fingers over the grit and grime.

She replied, "They're as clean as soap and water could get them."

He felt a bit apprehensive, but blessed the food anyway and started eating. It was really delicious and he said so, despite the dirty dishes.

When dinner was over, the hostess took the dishes outside and yelled, "Here Soap! Here Water!"

*Thanks to Pastor Tim for this joke!*
cybersalt.org/cleanlaugh

Ruth Ann, You are much more   experienced at the computer than I am , I can only use to make lists and  some times to add things. Maybe??
I use http://www.planetburrito.com/tb/alt_codes.html to get my codes, Some I have memorized.

Well it is time for me to go meet Jane at the gym.  saw myself in a photo that was taken last week and I do not like the way I look so  wrinkled and overweight.

I have been to workout, came home and cleaned the tub in the master bath. That Tub has been used for showers only for so long that the  lever to change the flow of water to the  tub doesn't work anymore, I sprayed it good with WD-40 yesterday but it still won't budge.

I think I am going to take the dogs out for their walks in just a little bit. The wind has been very bad in the afternoons and the weather reports said that the wind is expected to be  25-30 mph all week in the afternoons, It sure plays havoc on my allergies plus it is cold as it is blowing off the water and the temp is only in the low 60's.

I sure have been sleeping good since we moved to the big master bedroom and the queen size bed. It is a lot cooler back there too. In the small master with  the two of us plus the dogs body heat in that room it gets too warm and the bed is my double.
No the dogs are not in bed with us they have their own beds!!  

I will be going to California sometime over Labor day, I want to go to my home church, visit with Willa and go to Blue Lake to see Gilbert and family.  Keith will be going to Portland to see his boys  in the next couple of weeks.

GőőD afternoon! 

Busy day and just now getting here.  First I went to Perkin's for breakfast.  Then to Pet Supply for cat food.  Then to WalMart.  Why can't I get out of there cheap?  Spent too much money but you can't take it with you! 

Thanks, Ruth Ann for reminding me of the character map.  I put it in my Quick Launch area.  So much easier to copy and paste from it than changing my keyboard to a calculator and back. 

Thanks, Marilyn for the website at Planet Burrito.  Often wondered how people got those other characters that don't use Alt+.  Not sure how you use it with #&.  It types those for me.  Do you know how to use them?

Just plan to stay in the rest of the day out of the humidity. 



 

Marilyn try spraying the lever with CLR.  That may work.

Long night last night. A dear friend had a problem and I was back and forth with her for a great deal of the night. 

How can I make my prayers effective?

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. As you make your requests, plead for God's mercy upon them, and give thanks. Pray this way for kings and all others who are in authority, so that we can live in peace and quietness, in godliness and dignity.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 NLT


Praying effectively

Paul urges Timothy to lift up requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving.

A request is a need, a deep desire for something we don't have—something only God can supply.

A prayer is a word of praise and adoration. A more accurate translation of this word from the original Greek might be to "worship in earnest."

Intercession is praying on behalf of others. Our prayers should regularly reflect this kind of selfless lifestyle.

Thanksgiving involved remembering those past prayers that have already been answered, acknowledging that we not only trust God's supremacy and involvement in our life but also how his hand has moved and guided us in the past.

When we pray effectively, we do more than communicate with God—we commune with him. We become one in mind and spirit and purpose. Today, let the focus of your prayer time be to connect with God in a very real and personal way, not as a slave would petition his master, but as a son would enjoy the company of a loving and gracious father.

I am glued to the window where my computer is.  There is a very small blackberry patch that was just ignored last year - only 4 or 5 bushes.  This year the birds have discovered the dried berries/seeds.  I sit here and watch the catbirds and robins as they land on the thin branches, which dip under their weight.  They flap their wings wildly to get balanced and then quickly grab a bite and leave.  I was going to have that area cleared out, but I'm having second thoughts.   

Phew!  HOT here again today!  The judge for the art was a friend from Dodge City.  We have known each other for probably 30 years, so it was good to see her.  We sure do not see eye to eye on art, though!  So it was an experience.  I just had to keep quiet and mark things as she judged.  Later she asked me if I wanted her to tell me why she chose a couple of things, and I did--She likes things that are sort of crooked, or make you wonder, what in the world IS this?  So it was interesting.  She asked me if I agreed, and I said, absolutely NOT, but you're the judge!  Just more proof that judging boils down to opinion, in the end.

Great news!!  The van is fixed!  And for only $30.00!!    The hinge on the back of the door was broken, and the guy welded it for us.  This makes Beth and John SO happy!!  

I did well on my fair entries; I got all blues on my art entries, plus a grand champion, and saw lots of blues and reds on my entries in collections; also a bllue on my scrapbook.  

Larry, I am glad you feel some better and that you don't have to do anything today.  I dread going back to work in the morning.

I want to rest a while.

JudyB: Wonderful verse and thoughts. The more time we spend in prayer the nearer we are drawn to Him. In turn, the closer we are to Him the more effective our prayers become. How great is that?

Larry: Sure hope you are feeling much better this evening.

Janet: You should post some pics of your art.

Jeanne Lee: Soap and Water?   

Ruth Ann:   Thanks for giving character map  directions, I will check it out in a couple of days as I will be having company tomorrow but perhaps she will do and say there it is done, so easy.

Janet:  Good the van is fixed.

Larry:  about the shopping Wal Mart was sold out so will have to wait until next year, as for the rest yes a trip to the Good Health Mart then to the town of Bolton for the rest I bought a lovely dress for half price then got my Free Stone Peaches that came from Georgia. Stopped in to see my aunt then home  a lot of driving and I am tired. 

Judy:  Thanks for checking out my Napa Cabbage Salad.

Time to relax        Ruth

Pat:  It is good to "hear" from you and I am sorry about the inconvenience of you and Paul not having internet access.  I do hope that you and Paul are now feeling better.

Come have a cup of    or whatever you want with a cinnamon coffee cake.  Don will start the biscuits & gravy pretty soon.  Sun is up and I have been up since around 5 AM. 

News on the radio is grim for this part of the country - however we are blessed to have and always will have the Good News

GÖÖD Morning!

Today is Ivalou's birthday.  10 months ago, I didn't know if she would be here for her birthday.  Thank God she is.  I don't know what I would do without my sister.  Don't want to think about that.

With that being said, I don't know what today will bring.  Her two daughters are here and I am not sure who else.  We may go out for Ivalou's birthday...may not.  I will just go with the flow! 

All I know is yesterday was such a hot, humid day!  Today will probably be the same. 

I did put on my cheap sheets on the bed and slept so much better.  Not nearly as hot. 

Off and running...well, off anyway!

Hi everyone.  Another hot day here in Georgia.

Etta Sue, when we bought the new bed the other day that lady warned my wife about buying sheets with a high thread count saying they are much warmer.  Since Pat is warm natured she didn't want that.  We have ordered a set of flannel sheets for me as I am always cold and this should work much better than the fleece pieces I have been using for sheets.  Hope Ivalou has a wonderful Birthday today.

Ruth, we seldom see Georgia peaches in our stores here in Georgia.  Guess they are mostly sent elsewhere.

Janet, congratulations on all your blue ribbons plus the others.  I am not surprised having seen the excellent work you do.  I agree with you on judging that involves the opinion of the individual judges.  Sure glad you got the van fixed and for a very reasonable price.

Jeanne, sounds like you have created a bird santuary in your blackberry patch.

What a busy day today! Up early, expecting to eat breakfast with my brother who was in town for his grandson's 3 hr. ear surgery. Poor little guy, now his head is completely wrapped in the pressure bandages including the ones that come down around the chin. And he's only 6.5 years old. Imagine trying to keep a really active little boy who LOVES sports to not be very active and absolutely NO p.e. for the next 2 months. Wow!

At any rate, children's hospital schedulers must not communicate well with the nurses in the surgery center - he was due to be in surgery at 9:30, and finally, the head nurse apologized and told them when scheduling made the change yesterday, they didn't notify surgical about it, so he finally went up, a bit nervous, very hungry, and somewhat fretful at about 11:30. That was a 3 hour surgery!

Well, brother and I finally met and had lunch together. He produced a card with a nice little restaurant gift card, then laughingly said that since it's supposed to be near 100° tomorrow, I'd better not cause a meltdown by blowing out those 70 candles! 

Then, got my drivers license renewed for another 5 years.

Then, took my friend and her 2 grandchildren to the Dragon Park to play for 2 hours.

Ate supper with them and took them back home.

Stopped by the church to water flowers, gather trash, etc., and managed to fall down the last 2 steps of the stairs in that empty building. So, I sat there on the floor until I felt like getting up, and thought, "H-E-L-P, I've fallen and I can't get up... ummmm, since I don't have one of those monitor things, I'd just better trust the Lord to help me to make it up on my own." Of course, He did, and now I'm ready to lie down with ice to that lump on my head.

Gracious!! Busy, busy day.

G'night, friends. Much love to all.

Ruth Ann

Good morning! It has been a busy week. I have my 16 year old grandson visiting for the week and still have been trying to keep my clients happy. Up to today, I've been doing alright and am just waiting for some figures to finish off a payroll report.

Ruth Ann!!!  You fell.... ALONE!!!.... in the empty church!!  Thank you, Lord for looking after her and pray that she had a good night's rest.

God bless you all. I did get to sit down for a tea with JudyB, last Monday and we are talking of making it a more often occurrence.

Ruth Ann ~ Sounds like you know now what some of us have been saying, 'I don't know when I had time to work!'  It's a good feeling, isn't it?  So sorry about the fall!

Larry ~ I believe it that the higher thread count on bed linens are hot!  Some say they like them because they are softer.  I would like slicker sheets like I had for the old mattress but I just can't seem to find them.  Maybe it is my expensive mattress pad that still holds in the heat??  Hmmm!!

I am all ready to take Ivalou to the heart doctor today for him to say, well, you are doing good.  Whatever you are doing, keep it up!

Then we will probably go out to eat somewhere.

As soon as I get home I am to call Kitty and we are going to go swimming.  I need a workout!  Get the kinks out!

Another scorching day in Indiana today.  And it isn't August yet!

Hi everyone.  We are suppose to have a heat index of well over 100 degrees today.  I do have to be out in it briefly from about 10:30 to 2:00.  Where I am going should be air-conditioned and the car is after it cools down.

We had a very nice group of 12 men at coffee at the senior center this morning.  One of the men brought pound cake that his wife and had and it was very good and nice and moist.  For a number of years we always had donuts on Friday morning but a few years ago decided to stop that as there were a number of diabetics and none of us needed them.  We each took our turn in buying the donuts.

Ruth Ann, concerned that you fell and there was no one about.  I hope you will consider only being at the church when someone else is there to help you if needed.  Glad you were able to spend a little time with your brother. A belated Happy Birthday.

Marilyn, that is a very pretty card you made for Ruth Ann.

Etta Sue, hope Ivalou gets a good report from the heart doctor and that you get to go swimming this afternoon.  On such a hot day the water should feel especially good.

RuthV, are you an accountant?  Hope you have a nice time with your grandson this week.

Hello Larry: Not a CA or a C.G.A., although took some of the courses at University level. My expertise is mostly gained from working in the financial field from 1962 - 2004. I was really happy to be able to supply help to small businesses in the area.... mostly in the bookkeeping capacity.

Having a wonderful time with my grandson. My daughter is doing a wonderful job!!  Next week I may have one of the other three; ages, almost eight, ten and thirteen.

Ruth Ann,   ! I've heard of ending a year with a bang, but I don't think that's what was meant! Thank the Lord that you were eventually able to get up by yourself.  

Best wishes for a blessed birthday and new year.

Ruth When Sarah comes to visit perhaps her and Kassie can spend some time together......Maybe they can go to Georges for an afternoon.  If that is a possibility, make sure she has her swim suit with her.

Ruth Ann  Be careful of those falls!  At our age we can't afford to fall!

Larry Kassie loves her fleece sheets.  She uses them summer and winter!  Glad you are feeling a bit better....

Etta Sue wish Ivalou a happy birthday from all of us here!

Jeanne I would pick those berries before the birds had the chance....I love blackberries!

RuthG It is always nice having company, it is also nice to have them go home.

I was going to work in the garden, but it looks like rain.  Well needed!

How can I deal with feelings of hopelessness?

"The truth is that you will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

Jeremiah 29:10-11 NLT


A future and a hope

Jeremiah 29:11 is a favorite verse of many, but it comes in a context that may add even greater meaning.

It appears in the middle of the prophet's announcement. The people of Israel were going to spend a long exile away from their homeland—70 years—as God's discipline. After that, God would return them to the land. In other words, God had a plan for their future.

Our sinfulness often leads to dismal situations and feelings of despair. But we must always remember that hopelessness does not come from God. God is the author of hope. Even the Exile, with its seeming hopelessness, was part of God's long-range plan for his people. And his plans were good.

If you are facing hopelessness, you may be inheriting the results of some other person's sinful decisions and actions. Or you may be reaping your own bad rewards. You may not have really discovered the hope that is found in God's love for you through Jesus Christ. Reject despair and seek out God's plan—and his hopes—for you.