Christian Photographers Community

This past weekend was very busy. A lot of snow fell over night and the roads were a mess. John had a school bus driver improvement course to teach on Saturday. That is always a big day, with new bus drivers having a lot of questions.  Then we had to pick up office supplies and other things. We ate out which made an easier supper hour. We were both weary when we arrived home, and our "boys" the 2 dogs and 2 cats were glad to see us.    On Sunday we had a wonderful time at church, our pastor had a dynamite message on how to change from the inside out.  We went out to dinner again with friends from our sister church joining us. We then went to their place to park their 5th wheel trailer for them. John parks it in their garage every year. We headed home and again the boys were glad to see us. the continuing snow fall caused a power outage so off to bed we went. 

Our pastors message was based on Matthew 15 and Romans 12.  Matthew 15:12 Then the disciples came to him and asked, "Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?"

The chapter to this point was about man made rules, however I found verse 12 interesting.  How many of us are offended when someone says our rules are not Biblical? Jesus was attacking the man made rules and people were offended. they were outside rules and then in Romans 12
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.  In other words we are to change from the inside to create a new a holy life on the outside. 
If we do this we will see a change in our lives, the lives of those around us, and in our world. This world needs to see us shine and know we are different.  that only happens if our insides are shining for Jesus.

Good Day everyone - or evening to Jackie.   I am trying the Quick Reply post site.  The oven timer is set to go off soon for two loaves of pumpkin bread are half finished baking.  I am way behind in baking this year.   too much visiting but isn't that therapeutic as well?  Don is off for acupuncture treatment - it is helping this year.  Hooray! 

Judy:  Thanks for your comments mentioning man-made-rules.  Did John and you get all the wood stored indoors?  Put your feet up and rest a bit.  Are you knitting?  I had to pull apart a half knitted scarf because I cannot figure out how to fix a problem in knitting anything.  The yarn color is called Denium and it looks nice next to jeans. 

   

   

Hi Everyone. We are in for another cloudy and somewhat rainy day.  My main activity for today is a quick trip to Walmart to pick up a prescription and to get a few items we need so we can delay our next trip to Costco a couple of days. The person I was suppose to meet with this morning had to reschedule until tomorrow morning.  So it should be a pretty quiet day.  Yesterday I did get to the podiatrists office and had my toenails trimmed and also met earlier with the friend who came over. 

Judy, it sounds like you all are getting started on winter with the snow.  It sounds like you had a great Sunday service and must have a very good minister. I never mastered the art of backing up a simple trailer on the farm without a number of tries so can't image trying to put a 5th wheeler into a garage.  The other day I backed my car into the garage but decided it wasn't worth the effort in the future. 

Carol, I have used the Quick Reply box for years and this new one is even better since it has the formatting and other controls right at the top of the box.  I expect we will soon have the same thing in Seniors and Friends when the new software is installed. If I had to decide between baking and visiting the visiting would win out every time.  Sure nice to read that the acupuncture treatments are being helpful to Don this year. Whatever eases pain is always welcome.

Marilyn, I sure hope the recovery is continuing on pace for Keith. 

One of our members has lost her husband.  Here is the obituary.

https://www.eganfuneralhome.com/melvin-harold-tex-gray/

This was Ruth's husband.

Hi Everyone. We are in for another cloudy and rainy day with 100% chance of rain this evening and a fairly high percentage chance throughout the day.  This will be a relatively busy morning as between 9-11 the man is coming to check my oxygen concentrator for the normal 3 month checkup and at 10 am a friend will be here to work with me for an hour. I have completed all of my morning kitchen duties including just fixing Pat's breakfast.  Now it is time to rest awhile sitting here at my desk. This evening is our annual Thanksgiving Day Wednesday night meal at the Church with turkey and dressing and all the trimmings.  This is the one evening a year we have several veterans from the VA hospital, usually in wheelchairs, join us and also the rescue or comfort dogs will be there again this year as they were a big hit last year with not only the vets but also all attending the meal. Later Scott will be out to spend a couple of hours with us. 

Judy, thanks for sharing the information regarding Ruth losing her husband.  My condolences are certainly with Ruth and her family at this difficult time.  I did read the obituary and realized he was my age.   

I am really worried about this country.  I just signed on to one of my favorite places to check out a recipe, etc.  I could not get into the site because a block of instructions where the question was:  Gender - there were three choices.  Male, Female, Custom.  Apparently, they are forcing people to name your gender (which not too long ago was only two choices).  Has the world gone mad? 

Hi Everyone. It is a chilly and still rainy morning but the forecast says the rain will likely be over in a couple of hours.  I cancelled out taking my friend for coffee this morning as didn't want the responsibility of getting him out on a rainy morning. I am glad I did as seem to be running on low battery this morning and didn't even get up until 8:30. 

We had a great Thanksgiving dinner at the Church last evening with turkey, dressing, corn, sweet potatoes, green beans, broccoli and a dinner roll plus a pumpkin type rolled cake with filling dessert.  I was very good and the event was very well attended.  We had 10 Veterans from the VA Spinal Center as our guest and 5 or 6 therapy dogs and their owners in attendance.  Our Veterans and families were honored.  The Veterans from the Spinal Center were each given a beautiful knitted lap robe that the craft ladies had made this last year.  Finally our choir director/pianist played a number of Patriotic songs for us while we were going through the serving line and then everyone sang God Bless America.  When we got back to the house Scott put up the curtain fixtures and hung the new black out drapes that Pat had gotten and also put in the last slide out shelf.   

Carol, in answer to your question I think our world if not mad is on its way although I expect people have thought the same thing as the world changed in the past.  There was a disturbing report issued by the Government yesterday that our military may no longer have the ability to win a war with Russia/China.  Just what we need in something else one could worry about.  I wonder why a recipe website would be asking for a person's Gender (if I understood your comment). 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0mckI8Xfl8&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR2vleX12VRijv6qKtVef5oqPERFpvR0csVtrzWqtqqo1hov8-jfo-7xKEc

Everyone should take the time to listen to this!

Hi Everyone. It is a beautiful sunny and chilly day here in South Carolina.  When I got up this morning it was 32 degrees, our first freezing day of the season but we will be in the mid-50's this afternoon.  I am late getting here this morning as have been dealing with paperwork involved with the DMV and the sale of the PT Cruiser to my son.  As normal his first trip generated more paperwork needed so he was just here and hopefully that is taken care of.  I have already taken the vehicle off of the insurance policy so now officially only own one vehicle. The housekeeper is here this morning and Pat and I plan on going out for lunch today to enjoy the nice weather and to keep the kitchen clean for at least one day. I may pick up a couple of prescriptions from Walmart when we are out. 

Judy, I will check out the video you gave us the link for later today.

Hey Kids--I'm home!  We got here about midnight last night.  It was a very long day, up early, ten hour flight from Madrid to Dallas, then a 6 hour layover, then another hour and a half to Garden City and an hour drive home.  I've been doing laundry, sorting mail, etc. all day.

BUT--drum roll--My boxes of books were sitting at the front door when we got home!  So I also have a list of people who want a book (Larry, you're first!) and I bought some mailing envelops to send them in.

Since Larry asked, and some of the rest of you might want a book, the price is $17.99 plus $2 postage.  (I haven't mailed one yet, am guessing, but if it is more, I will cover it)  My address is :1320 W. Cimarron Ave; Ulysses, KS 67880

I have read all posts for the time I was gone, so good to catch up on your lives.  I won't comment individually tonight, as the jet lag is making my eyelids very heavy.
Darrel went to bed two hours ago!

See you all tomorrow!

Janet:  Rest well from your long trip.  Tell us about your experiences.   Best of wishes for your book sale.

Judy:  I am sorry that I only read Ruth's husband had passed right now, some way I missed that post and it popped up when I signed on this morning.  Thanks for the information.  You did the right thing in not cutting all that wood for winter this year.  Save your strength for everything else.  I hope you two will be safe and secure through this up and coming winter season. 

Don's laptop is not working this morning.  Disappointing.  We cannot gripe about such a little thing.  I think of all the people in California who have lost family and homes - even businesses are gone.  It is very sad.

Larry:  the site Pinterest is the one that has a box to click for a third gender. 

Hi Everyone. It is Saturday afternoon and I am watching the University of Georgia beat UMass and beating them handily.  A little while ago I helped Pat put together a pineapple upside down cake that is now finishing in the Instant Pot.  It made two small cakes so when this one is done she will put the other one in to cook.  We have some left over stew for our supper and a piece of this cake will really hit the spot.  I can't remember the last time she fixed one but always liked them.  This one is made with a pineapple cake mix and rather than the traditional Maraschino cherry, which I do not care for, she is using a half of a pecan, which I do like.  It has been a beautiful day.  This morning I make a quick trip to Walmart to pick up prescriptions for both of us and then down to the Church for the pancake breakfast that is held each year to raise money for our Bolivia Mission Team. I then went on to my regular Saturday morning meeting.  So it has been a full day and I will probably feel it tomorrow.

Janet, glad to see you are safely home but what a tiring trip to get back home.  Glad to see your books have now arrived and I certainly look forward to reading it.  I will put a check in the mail to you on Monday.  I hope both you and Darrel have gotten some extra rest today.

Carol, are certainly right that thinking about all of those poor people in California who have lost their family members and homes and now their is danger from mudslides when they get rain.  A non-functioning computer isn't very important, although annoying.   

I decided to go out to the big annual craft show, got really tired, so I came home.  Even with a light blanket over me here in the living room, My teeth were chattering!  So I got my pajamas and a heavier blanket. Darrel thinks I'm crazy, but when I'm cold, I'm cold!  And I can't help it!

I didn't find anything at the craft show that I wanted to buy, but did find several friends and have short chats with them.  A good friend is head of it, and she invited me to bring my books and set up a table to sell them tomorrow. I knew I couldn't last from 10-5 today, but tomorrow it's only 12-4.  I can probably manage that, by having a chair to sit on.  And we can still go to church!

  Welcome back Janet...
...that is what I now miss, the craft shows and garden shows that I - we, once went to back in Bedfordshire, they were always held at a Stately Home, either inside or outside in marquees...

Hi Everyone. We have had a beautiful day and when we left Church this morning it was up to 67 degrees.  We did go to lunch at the Sunshine Grill and I came home and rested.  Yesterday was a busy day as I posted about late yesterday evening.  Just watching some football and both of my pro teams last this afternoon.  However, the 4 college teams I follow all won yesterday so it was not a lost weekend in the football area. 

Janet, I hope your book sales went well this afternoon and that you could stand up to the task.  However, being able to sit down should have been helpful. 

Jackie, it has been a long time since we went to any type of craft shows and don't remember ever going to a garden show.  However, we did visit a couple of places whose business was gardens and they were really enjoyable.   

Thanks for the well-wishes.
 I did have a good day (afternoon) at the craft show! When I woke I felt so bad I didn't think I could do it, but after being up for a while, I felt better, so we went to church, then I went to the show for the afternoon, and I sold 10 books!  I'm a happy camper! 

I'm really exhausted, though, still jet-lagged.  Last night I thought it was time to go to bed; looked at my watch and it was only 4:00!  So I stayed up a few more hours, but just as well have gone to bed, as I slept in the chair anyway.   

Larry, I haven't asked Darrel how the teams he roots for did today, but he is still watching a game now.

Goodnight, friends. See you tomorrow!
 

Hi Everyone. It is a nice morning here and we should get up to around 68 degrees this afternoon.  I expect to have a quiet day.  A friend has been here for a couple of hours and just now left.  Since I wrote late yesterday afternoon I just wanted to check in this morning and say I am still here and looking forward to the day.

Janet, I hope you can give yourself a few days to recoup from all of your travels.  It sounds like you were near exhaustion.  Glad you were happy with your efforts and sales at the craft show. I just now put my check in the mail to you for my copy of your new book. 

Marilyn, if you are looking in just want to let you know I am still thinking of you and Keith and hoping that Keith is doing better each day and that you are taking care of yourself. 

Good late morning!  I got up at 5 and worked for a couple of hours; but felt so bad I went back to bed for two more hours.  A cold is attacking me, and I pray it goes away quickly!  I must go to town, mail a couple of books and make a bank deposit.  Maybe I will ask Darrel to do those things for me, I really don't feel up to doing anything except going back to my cozy bed!

Howdy from Oregon. Well thisng have develped here since I last posted. Keith had abdominal surgery on October 30 after developing sepis after the prostate surgery. He will be coming home today with Home Health taking care of his wound vac, he will be going daily to the Hospital infusion center to get his daily  special antibiotic that was delivered there from Mayo Clinic to OHSU In Portland then local. I just hope I can take care of him at home this time and he  won't be a danger to himself or his Wound Vac. Please send up lots of prayers. God has answered  many praywrs regarding Keith, he is still alive, The drs gave him 48 hours to improve or  it was DNR. That was when he was in ICU.

Yesterday, we had a call from my cousin and she and husband came for an afternoon visit.  I was able to put together a salad, chicken and bought a frozen blueberry pie to bake - it all went well.  Weather was so nice, we sat outdoors.

Janet:  I hope you can stop that oncoming cold.  I was awake at 5 also. 

Marilyn:  Best wishes for peace and comfort for you and all the family. 

What Child id This

The lyrics of the carol are taken from a poem written by Dix called "The Manger Throne". The part of the poem that was utilised as the song's lyrics consists of three stanzas in total. The first verse poses a rhetorical question in the first half, with the response coming in the second half. The second verse contains another question that is answered, while the final verse is a universal appeal to everyone urging them "to accept Christ". The carol's melody has been described as "soulful", "haunting and beautiful" in nature.

The context of the carol centres around the Adoration of the Shepherds, who visited Jesus during his Nativity. The questions posed in the lyrics reflect what the shepherds were possibly pondering to themselves when they encountered him, with the rest of the carol providing a response to their questions.

At the time he was writing the lyrics to "What Child Is This?" in 1865, William Chatterton Dix was working as the manager of an insurance company. He was afflicted by an unexpected and severe illness that resulted in him being bedridden and suffering from severe depression. His near-death experience brought about a spiritual renewal in him while he was recovering. During this time, he read the Bible comprehensively and was inspired to author hymns like "Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!" and "As with Gladness Men of Old".[1][4] The precise time in 1865 when he wrote the poem "The Manger Throne" is disputed. While the St. Petersburg Times details how Dix penned the work after reading the Gospel for Epiphany that year (Matthew 2:1–12) recounting the journey of the Biblical Magi; Singer's Library of Song: Medium Voice contends that it was actually authored during the Christmas of 1865.

Although written in 1865, "What Child Is This?" was only first published six years later in 1871, when it featured in Christmas Carols Old and New, a "prestigious" and "influential" collection of carols that was published in the United Kingdom. The hymnal was edited by Henry Ramsden Bramley and John Stainer; even though it is not known with certainty who paired the three stanzas from "The Manger Throne" with the music from "Greensleeves", the third edition of The Christmas Encyclopedia by William D. Crump and Stories of the Great Christmas Carols both suggest that Stainer – who was also responsible for "harmonizing the musical setting" – may have done so.

If you have a favourite Christmas Carol please post it here and I will try and find the history behind it, and post the carol!

Hi from chilly Vancouver Island.
We have been having rather strange weather but it has settled down to being cold the last few days.  I mostly stay inside but do have to go out tomorrow so plan to dress warmly.

I keep reading all the posts and praying for you folks as needed.  Though we all need prayer....I went back and read some of our old posts from 2003-06 and goodness we had so many interesting folks posting back then. Such strong faith and witness for the Lord. I wonder about so many of the regulars and why they no longer come to post. We need one another even more these days as our world is so troubled.

Someone mentioned the increased strength in Russian and China military...According to Prophecy that is right on target.  Reading Prophecy makes understanding what is happening today so my much clearer.  We are seeing Revelation in Real Time and it is not easy to accept.

Thank you Judy for your teachings and lovely music.  It makes a real difference in this old ladies life. 

My cat Teddy is doing well and has adjusted to living with us.  I am getting a vest for him and with a lead, will be able to have Wendy take him out in the Garden for fresh air.  He is getting too heavy and needs some real exercise. 

I have now got one of those Life Line things to wear as the kids will be taking a holiday soon and have concerns about my being alone.  Not very steady on my feet now and think a Rollator will be needed come Spring.

Marilyn, I am deeply sorry about all the problems you and Keith are having.  Know that you are in my prayers.

God Bless,
Liz

 

Liz:  It is so nice to see you posting - the rollator sounds like a good idea for many of us.  Yes, we do need each other.

Marilyn: Will Keith have some home care as he recuperates?  That would be a great help.

Judy:  Love many old songs - especially "Beautiful Savior"  My dad would always sing "The Old Rugged Cross". 

Don had acupuncture treatment yesterday and he stopped in at the VA (no easy task) to pick up the one hearing aid they had repaired.  By the time he drove in here, the hearing aid was not working again.  So, we will go to the other end of the city this morning and see what they can do.  He is concerned about Thanksgiving Day when we are invited to younger people's house (they say we are adopted by two brothers and wives and we have to come}.  There will be a lot of chatter and he will have a wonderful time but will not hear about 80% of the conversation. 

 

 

The home health nurse will come three times a week to change the dressing and the wound vac. I learned how to catheterize him until his bladder is retrained  for him to have the feeling that he has to urinate. I have a friend who will sit with him sometimes and will be here with him while I am at the hospital having my eye surgery.I have a list of caregivers to call and also the Area Agency on Aging has some respite care people. I will be bringing him home this afternoon. I am praying that his dementia will clear up a bit  after hew gets home.

Hi Everyone. I am back from an early morning trip to Walmart to pick up a few items.  I wanted to get there early so I could get an electric cart to get around the store.  When I went in there were two available.  The first one had power but something wrong and it wouldn't roll.  I got on the other one only to find it was dead.  So I had to walk to the other end of the store but was able to get a working cart there and complete my shopping.  Everything is put away and now I shouldn't have to shop again until next week.  I now have the rest of the day free and to rest up from the trip to the store. Just as I came out of Walmart it started to rain a bit but by the time I got home it had quit.  It is suppose to get into the low 60's this afternoon. We are having some of the chili Pat made the other day for our dinner tonight so that will be easy with little to clean up. 

Marilyn, sure glad that Keith is enough better that he can come home. It sounds like you have now had time to get things organized to care for him.  I hope he will be a cooperative patient but know you will take good care of him regardless.  When are you having your eye surgery. 

Carol, I know it is frustrating to think something is repaired only to find that it works only for a very short time.  I hope Don can get the hearing aid fixed today so he can enjoy the conversation at the Thanksgiving table.  Now nice of the couples to adopt you.  Perhaps you are grandparent representations to them.  The Old Rugged Cross is a song I haven't sung in a long time. You can find about any hymn anymore on YouTube. 

Liz, I am very glad to read that you now have been equipped with a Life Line and I would also encourage you to get a Rollator. When a person lives independently (and I know you live with your daughter) but still in your own place one can't be too careful.  I consider the Life Line like fire insurance as I am very happy I have it but hope I never ever have to use it.  My daughter used hers several times as did my DIL.  It also gives our loved ones a sense of peace that you have a way to get help if you need it and can't reach them.  Nice to read that Teddy is adjusting well and you are adjusting to him. 

Judy, thanks for posting the story and the link to "What Child Is This".  It is always a Christmas time favorite.  I am pretty sure that we will be singing Christmas hymns in a week or so at our Church services and for a couple of weeks afterwards.  The background of how hymns were written is always interesting. 

Janet, I wonder if your cold was brought on by all the changes in climate you experienced on your trip plus the chance to catch it on the plane.  I hope you can soon conquer it. I certainly hope you are feeling better today and if not just rest as that is usually the best thing for a cold.

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I don't have any  history on this one....

Liz!  I was so pleased and excited to see a post from you!  It sounds as if things are going well for you, and I'm happy for that!  Do come in and chat as often as you can, dear one.

I'm feeling a little better today, but still far from normal. Ugh, I have no patience with being sick!  I stayed in bed basically all day yesterday.  Grandson Curtis came by, wanted to take me to lunch, but I just couldn't do it.  Hate to miss a chance for a bit of time with him.  Darrel did my errands for me, bless his heart.  I got up this morning, and showered and dressed, and have mostly been dozing in my chair since then.  And I know you don't need to know all this, sorry!

We are planning to go to Diane and Jeff's for Thanksgiving. Abby will be home from college, will be so good to see her! My assignment for the dinner is two pies, so I hope to feel better tomorrow so I can do that.

Larry, I'm sure you are right about the reason I'm being attacked by a rotten cold.  But I still feel blessed to be able to travel.  And I'm also blessed to have wonderful health--this is the first time in maybe three years that I've had a cold.  So I'm thankful!

Marilyn, my hart goes out to you and Keith.  Such a difficult situation, but you seem to be handling it with strength and grace.  God bless you with good health and a sound mind to continue the journey you have now embarked on.  Let Freckles be a comfort to you.

Carol, Darrel's hearing aids have given him trouble, too.
He has to mail them in, but the turnaround time has been good, so far, praise be!  I hope Don gets his fixed properly; it's not pleasant not to be able to hear!  I had mine adjusted about two months ago, but am still having trouble hearing.  Will go have them adjusted again.

The housekeeper just arrived, so I need to get off the computer.  She usually has a question or two, and Darrel is at the dentist's.

Talk to you all later!