Christian Photographers Community

Greetings Janet  Best wishes with your health problems.

  Greetings Carol  The move from London to the Isle of Man, was as you say refreshing, it is a splendid place to live.  Like London was in the 1960's, a peaceful way of life without the hustle and bustle of London. 

Greetings Jane  I am not sure we have corresponded on this site.  I send my best wishes to you.

Jackie:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of many kinds,because you know of the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking anything. 
James 1:2

Perhaps others can write one of their favorite soothing readings?


Off to bed early tonight after so much driving - we are worn out.

Good evening folks.  This has been a rough week for me, All is much better now, just very tired.

As many of you know our 18 year old grand daughter died on June 30th. There is no reason to go into details as to why just that the family has had a hard time wrapping our minds around her dying.

In the job of cleaning up and going through her things Heather Kimi's mother found her Bible, the one I gave her for Christmas 2013.  Heather has given it back to me.

Here are Kimi's words, written in the front and back of her Bible.

Glorify God in your temptation.
Agree with God about your struggle.
Believe the gospel: Jesus died for you.
Get with people who agree with God.
Fight like you believe God's promise
Don't try to fight this alone; if you could fix this you would have.
Know your triggers, weak points.
Choose your accountability partners carefully.
Celebrate your victories- large and small.
KEEP FIGHTING
Don't compare your struggle with anyone else's
1 Corinthians 12:4-26
There is no action like a body their action like other people are better. We know that because of what Paul said in this passage.You can't say to the feet I don't need you, you can't say say to the head I don't need you.
God has built me uniquely no one is the same, God has given me a purpose that no other person has.

What is your SHAPE
S; Spiritual gifts
H; Heart
A; Abilities
P; Personality
E; Experiences

Kimi had passages underlined in both old and new testaments, with notes in the edges of the pages, pointing out things she wanted to remember. I am humbled as I read her notes, and scan through her writings.  For the time being I will be using her Bible for my studies, and let her words wash over me.  I know she is with her Saviour, that helps, however reading her words has hit hard.  I really never knew that this was where Kimi's heart was. She didn't talk about thins like this with this old Gramma.

We are already half way through April.  I still have a hard time getting onto this site.  So I am waiting for the beginning of May and will start a new page then.

We had snow again last night, and Wednesday is supposed to reach a high of 61F.  We are concerned with the higher temperatures, flooding is a big problem. as a result of the amount of snow we had this year.  There was a heavy layer of snow before the really low temperatures came.  As a result the ground is not frozen.  It is however saturated with the runoff.  We have a creek on the road that if the runoff gets too bad, it will flood the road.  Thankfully the township is keeping a close eye on it.

Well I am off to bed, So good night/good morning!

Greetings Judy B  Such a young age to pass away at eighteen year of age.  But Kimi's chosen passages from the Bible show a very wise  young lady.  In reading your post and what Kimi wrote, it shows me I never too old to learn from my children and grandchildren.

Hi Everyone.  For the second day we have clear skies with a high expected of about 75 this afternoon. I was really embarrassed this morning as have it in my mind that today was my appointment for the ultra sound.  When I looked at the paperwork this morning is saw that it is next week just as my calendar right in front of me shows as well.  I had gotten up early and was all ready to go and was ready to fast this morning before having blood drawn after the test.  Fortunately there was no harm done as we didn't make a wasted trip.  Today is the day to fill my medicine boxes for the next two weeks and will have to order some medicines also.  I did empty the top shelf of the dishwasher this morning and also folded a load of clothing.  I think that is my limit for today.   

Carol, glad to see you had a safe trip home and hope you can have a few days to recover from the trip.  I have never gotten into watching hockey and must say I don't really understand the game very well.  Is your grandson still playing hockey?

Ellie, glad to see you home safely as well and know that you had a few days with family.  Sometimes a break in our normal routines is a good thing. 

Jackie,  a suggestion and that is to do a search on the Internet for Bible verses on Grief.  The Bible says a lot about grief.  There is a wonderful website called Bible Gateway with a powerful search tool and many of the Bibles there use a reader and sometimes it is helpful to have it read to us as we follow along.  I have a wonderful Al-Anon book that says a lot about grieving and I plan on sending you some of the paragraphs from it later today or tomorrow. Jesus is there for you and wants to help you carry the burden you now have.  I looked up the "Five Stages of Grief" and think this website could be helpful to you :  https://grief.com/the-five-stages-of-grief/ .

Janet, sorry to hear of your computer problems with the Apple protection program but glad they were able to help you.  That is probably money well spent on getting the lifetime protection so you have a resource to turn to for regular maintenance. Glad you found us again. 

Judy, sorry that you have had such a tough week. It is not easy to go through a loved ones things but sure the Bible will be a cherished thing for you in the month and years ahead.  You also might find some of the references I left for Jackie helpful.  Can you give us an update of Pat.  I am sure the strong belief that both she and Paul share are a source of comfort to her each day.

Greetings Larry  I think you might have been more embarrassed if your appointment had been last week and not next week!   

This will be short, as it's been a long day and I am exhausted.  Went to our Urologist today and learned the reason for several of my recent problems is that I have a UTI.  Ugh.  So when the culture results get in (on Friday) I will get whatever antibiotic they prescribe.  Meantime, I'm to take the Amoxicillin I already have on hand.

We took our son-in-law Jeff to lunch and enjoyed visiting with him; and on the way home, stopped in Hugoton and visited a bit with Diane.  It's so nice to have part of the family close.

Larry, I have done similar things many times--or at least several times.  I'm always embarrassed, and usually when I check the calendar, it's written there as plain a can be!

Jackie, I have been watching for verses that may be of comfort and encouragement to you, will be sending along as I find them.

Good evening, friends!  I am so glad we have each other!

Greetings Janet  Sorry to hear about the UTI, the antibiotic I was prescribed for UTI did not suit me at all.  I took Amoxicillin and it cleared fairly quickly.   

Janet...thank you, yes please do...because again, I wouldn't know where to start, which verses I should be reading...
Edited, just found funeral bible verses...

Good Morning. I am keeping a close eye on Freckles. She is on bed rest for a week. She has developed arthritis  in her spine, there is one disk  that is gone possibly degenerative disk disease, She is on pain meds every 12 hours, no jumping in or out of the car, no Furry friend visits for now. She also has a raging ear infection in both ears. She is 10 yrs old now, so she is definitely a senior dog, She goes back to the Vet in a week and may be starting acupuncture.

Greetings Everyone  Sunny and warmer today on the Island. 

Judy:  Sending thoughts of peace and love to you and all the family.

Larry: Yes,that g-son is playing and also coaching younger ones.  Girls play hockey too - they have their own team. It is a game of strategy and endurance.  Always good to come here in the morning and see your post.  Hello to Pat!

There is an alert for a woman in the area who has threatened to shoot at schools.  Another mentally misguided soul who needs help  - praying she will be stopped.  It is on the national news.

We are going to church Saturday night here and will drive north of the city for dinner on Easter with daughter and family.  I thought it would be easier for us to not go to the huge service and visit all in one day - would be too much for Don with his hearing issues.  We sure miss some gatherings but always thankful that so many people consider his hearing loss and crowds are too taxing for him.

Easter blessings to each of you!

Hi Everyone.  I am just going to check in for today as am very weary.  The last two or three days has caught up with me so will just take it easy the rest of the day with extra rest.  I have read all of the postings since I posted yesterday.

Larry Hanna, I remember the Bible Gateway, do you remember when I had to read for the first time, Acts 2: 1-21 and its hard to pronounce words in front of the lady Bishop, how nervous I was..

I Have done a brief search on Bible verses to read at funerals, and out of some that came up I like these two...
John 14: 1-3
Psalm 34: 18

But Richard wasn't religious, nor do I think any of his family are either...

Greetings Larry  Take it easy.  When we feel we have more energy, we tend to overdo things.   [size]

Good evening!  I have had another peaceful day painting with friends.  I did one small one I like, and another that isn't any "great shakes."

Carol, I heard today that the mixed-up 18 year old "woman" shot herself.  Why would anyone get 'infatuated' with school killings?  So many mixed up people in this world.

I am so sad about the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris burning.  And to think, we were just there!  If it was arson (they are saying at this time none is suspected) but, if it was, I surely hope the culprit is caught and punished.  There is no punishment that would fit such an act of destruction, but things like that embolden others to copy-cat.

Jackie, I'm glad to hear that you are looking in your Bible for the comfort you need.  And I will continue watching for verses I think may be of help to you. If I ever get through this siege of doctor visits, I will be able to concentrate better.  Tomorrow I have to see eye specialist about macular degeneration. I have been very tired and draggy today, hoping my energy rebounds soon! 

Marilyn, I've not heard before of a dog being on bed rest.  How do you keep her in bed?  I surely hope Freckles rebounds soon, I know how special she is to you.

Ellie, thanks for your kind words.

I wish you all a good night's rest in the blessings of our Lord.

She stays in her crate with the door open, she mostly sleeps all day.

Marilyn--Well, of course!  Having never used a crate for any of our dogs, I sort of forgot about them.  Thanks for the answer.

Hi Everyone. We have another cloudy but still nice day in preparation for tomorrow which may not be nice at all with a good chance of some severe storms tomorrow.  Scott and the girls were here last evening for dinner.  Right before they got here a couple of ladies from our Sunday School brought us a big meal of a lot of ham, squash casserole, lima beans and a great lemon pie.  Scott took are car back to his house last night to take it to the automotive place to get the oil changed.  They just called saying that work was done but that we needed two new tires and it was time to change the spark plugs and do some other maintenance work.  It will be a little less than $700 dollars and I went ahead and authorized them to do the work.  They were going to take Scott back to his house for the day and will come and get him this afternoon when the work is completed and he will bring the car back tonight when he comes out as he usually does on his days off. 

Jackie, I do remember when you read the Scripture at your Church Service. 

Ellie, you are right about overdoing when we feel better since we want to help when able. 

Janet, glad you were up to going to your painting group yesterday and hope your eye appointment goes well.  I also hope you are feeling better from your fall.

Marilyn, it sounds like Freckles needs the rest and know where she can get it.

It is a sunny and cool morning here which is so normal. 

Larry: Sorry about that auto repair bill - it is shocking what services cost these days.  Glad that you have loving attention from church members. 

My good friend here goes to a mega sized church and there is a group of men of good will.   They came to her house and fixed a lot of things she could not do - all is for help to widows or housebound.  Isn't that a wonderful service? 

Janet:  Hard to believe of all the school shutdowns over the Columbine shootings.  Everyone is asked to not say the name of the killers but pray for the families of those who were lost children.  We lived not too far from the park and school - it was too sad for words.

Janet:  Good to take care of those appointments.

Marilyn:  Wishing you well as you care for Freckles. 

Jackie:  For me, I have set aside a daily time to read the good book

Yesterday, I walked over to a good friend's house and we caught up on news.  My intention is to check in with everyone possible. 

Hi Everyone. Just checking in today.

I came in and read all posts yesterday, just ran out of time and energy and didn't post myself.

Carol what a wonderful thing, the "Men of good will!" That is true Gospel in action!  Good not to give any attention to the school killers; that's what they want. I wrote a short note to Mathieu, our trip leader in France and told him I felt so bad about the Cathedral; he wrote me back a nice note in return.

We have had hard winds for a couple of days, as we do every year around this time.

Larry, I am getting a bit better each day from the fall. Sure makes me realize what damage one fall can do to a body!  Chest, back and arms still hurt, but knee only hurts after I sit a while, then it stiffens up again.

I want to post this for Jackie before I go to get my hair done:

Isaiah 41:10  Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

Adding this from The Upper Room:

Recently, I encountered a street sign, Rough road, next three miles."  Immediately my car began to shake and bump. I'm glad I know it's only three miles, I thought, or I might turn around and go back.  Usually in life we don't know the duration of a rough patch.  Often our struggles can seem endless.  Those who are unemployed, chronically ill, or living in war-torn areas do not know when they will find relief.  But in times of uncertainty, we can trust God's sovereignty and love for us.
When I was a teen, my mother was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and given only months to live.
One morning, facing another uncertain day, I prayed, "Lord, I can handle anything as long as I know when it will happen."  Then I noticed a poster in my room that pictured a young woman looking out a rain-covered window thinking 'I'm afraid of tomorrow.'  Below it was the outline of a hill with a cross, and the words, "Don't worry.  I've been there before."  I felt God's peace as I realized that no matter how long the road ahead, of us is or what the outcome will be, Jesus not only knows every trial we will face but has already walked that rough road before us and will see us through.

Prayer:  Dear Father, help us to know that even in times of greatest uncertainty, we can be assured of your faithfulness.  Amen.

I hope this brings some measure of hope and encouragement to you today, Jackie.

Hello, Larry!!  Praying many blessings of peace, strength and health for you today!

Janet...
...thank you, that was so calming, reassuring and thoughtful..." I encountered a street sign, rough road.." I am going to save this, and keep reading it to spur me on...

Hi Everyone.  We had a very stormy day yesterday with tornado watches and warning and a significant amount of rain that occurred several times. However, we were spared any high winds and I have not heard of any tornadoes hitting around our area.  Today is also suppose to be cloudy and cooler but only a very small chance of rain.  After spending 20 or the 24 hours yesterday in bed I do feel somewhat better this morning and think I will be able to get a few things taken care of.  Yesterday morning my blood pressure bottom number was 46 but is up to 55 this morning, not high enough to take the diuretic but must better than yesterday. We will be having a quiet day here at home. 

Jackie, glad to see that things are working out for you in terms of neighbors beginning to become aware that you can use a little help and you are getting things lined up to be able to get out for some social life when you are ready. What seems overwhelming become manageable when we just deal with one thing at a time.  It sounds like you do have some good neighbors.  You have a lot to live for although your life is going to be different. 

I have read all of the postings but will once again take a pass on making individual comments to everyone.

Jackie, have you heard of the little devotional book Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young? I love it!  It amazes me that almost every time I read it, which I do every morning, what it says applies to my life that very day!  Only God's Word can do that. If you would like a copy, I'm sure you can Google the name and find it, I know Amazon has it.  I would send you one, but the postage would likely cost more than the book! I will copy here today's reading:

Do not be afraid, for I am with you.Hear Me saying, "Peace, be still," to your restless heart.  No matter what happens, I will never leave you or forsake you.
Let this assurance soak into your mind and heart until you overflow with joy.  Though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, you need not fear!

The media relentlessly proclaim bad news; for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  A steady diet of their fare will sicken you.  Instead of focusing on fickle, ever-changing news broadcasts, tune into the Living Word--the One who is always the same.  Let scripture saturate your mind and heart, and you will walk steadily along the path of life.  Even though you don't know what will happen tomorrow, you can be absolutely sure of your ultimate destination.  I hold you by your right hand, and afterward I will take you into Glory.
               ________________________

Sarah uses pure scripture for these devotions, and at the bottom of each page is listed the references of the scriptures used.  I know that Carol also uses this little book, probably others here, as well.  I hope you will get one, as it has proved to be such a blessing in my life, and I feel it will be for you as well.

Larry, my thoughts and prayers continue to be with you!

I was visiting with a friend yesterday and she asked me to buy her a Bible.  She wants one easy to understand, without all the "thees" and "thous", etc.  I'm pleased to find her one.  I feel the New Living Translation will be the best for her.  So I'm off to visit Google!

Have a great day, everyone!

Janet...
...I am ashamed to say, no I haven't heard of it...I will look up amazon UK and see if I can order it right away...In the meantime I shall copy and paste and save what you have just written...