Christian Photographers Community

Well, I don't know if it's good or not, but at least we've got Marilyn "cornered!"  I don't make resolutions - I make revolutions, unless it's too much work.  So I haven't made any resolutions.  But I did pray that our Lord would move me to focus more on pleasing Him and serving Him.  Oh how I depend upon Him!  I can't do it in my own strength, that's for sure.

Janet - so many times it happens that one or more medical people think they have the answers to our problems - but don't.  Makes it pretty clear that we should sometimes get a second opinion, doesn't it?  Also makes it clear that we shouldn't give up too soon - that we should trust our Lord and go forward looking to Him.  Oh may I do that!

Marilyn, I have found that when I post something hoping for comments, I am usually disappointed.  But when I just make an off-the-cuff comment (as about soy milk!) that sometimes several have something to say on the subject, and then I am surprised.  Maybe the lesson in all this is not to have too many expectations, then we won't be disappointed.

But as to resolutions, I usually do make some, but choose not to share what they are, as they are mostly personal.  Well, I see yours are as well, but......Sunday the pastor talked about this, gave us each a paper with numbers from one to ten, asked us to fill them out and bring them back to church that night and share our "Declarations for 2008."  I chose not to share mine, so I stayed home.  (Is that rebellion?)  Hope not!

Diane made some pumpkin soup a few years ago, our family didn't seem to like it much.  But we ate some in Thailand that I liked quite a lot.  I liked hers, too.

Jane, how you doing, you old wood chopper you?    That job should keep your blood circulating!  So happy you aren't starting '08 in the corner! 

I have two eye appointments tomorrow, then will have the second cataract surgery on Friday.  Saturday I am supposed to teach for my painting group!  They are all good painters, so I will just pass out the materials and let them got to it!  I won't be able to drive yet, so Pat will drive for me and be my guest at the meeting.  I did the project for December but the weather prevented us meeting.  It is painting and then gold leafing on a plate.

Grandson Curtis just called to wish us a Happy New Year.  Says he will be sent to D.C. for something the end of this month.  The Air Force sends him to a lot of meetings.

Abby and I went to the Home this afternoon to play Disney Pictionary with Beth for a while.  Then Mom and Beth wanted Mexican food for supper, so we went and got that for them; then picked up my 91 year old friend, went back to the same restaurant and ate!  Then I had to take her to meet her Dad, because of my appointments tomorrow.  She didn't want to go home yet.

I'm rambling, so will sign off!  Bye!

Ruth Ann, did you read my message to you in my last post?

I don't make New Year's resolutions either.  I meant to say that when I saw Marilyn's post asking, but my granddaughter came home, so got offline then.  Sorry, Marilyn, that you felt ignored.  I'm bad about commenting, I know.  Now I'll go see what Happy had to say.

Al, you are becoming a poet.  Is this what we can expect in 2008? I think we should all see if we can post what we want to say, but make it rhyme. lol (or maybe I'm serious).

Okay, Nita.......let's see.........

Is it really time to make a rhyme?
Or should I wait for 2009?

 Good evening to all.  I have been reading about your New year's Resolutions and it is great to see each others thoughts on this.  

At our service our associate Pastor had brought up to the front of the church before the service started a box that was sealed and had one opening in it.  Then during the service the congrigation was asked to write down what they wanted to have mostly changed or healed in there life then bring it up and put it in the box and no one would see it but the Lord.  Later that day the box went to the senior pastor;s house and was going to be burned in his wood furnace.  So this was a little different and also a challenge.

I am not ashamed to tell you all that my request was that the Lord would help me to be much stronger in my prayer time and get the Devil out of that part of my life.  So I hope that you all could pray this for me.

C.P. is to share with others and I feel that I can do this and as I have said before that I do get lots of encouragement from the different post's.

Larry:   I do hope that you are feeling better and your strength is coming back

Pat. S.:  If you have not left for Virginia yet I pray for your safety and be careful of all the others on the road and if you get tired please pull over.  We love you and Happy New Year.

To all others again  HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Happy New Year to You!  It is 5:43 in the afternoon on January 2nd here in the Land of the Rising Sun.  It has been a very relaxing Christmas and New Years' Holiday for us.  It is especially nice to have Casey home from college for the first time in a year and a half.  And this was our first Christmas and New Year's Eve-and-day together as a family in 3 years.

It's a tradition here to send New Years' cards, rather than Christmas cards.  This is the one we've sent this year.

In His Grip,
Kevin







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Hi everyone.  It is really cold here this morning, down to about 20 degrees with a brisk wind.  I just got back from coffee at McDonald's and it was cold there as well.  I plan on staying in the rest of the day although I have choir practice this evening so will have to get out for that.  I am still fighting this miserable cough but it doesn't seem to be getting any worse and perhaps a little better.  I guess time will take care of it.

Marilyn, I don't make resolutions as usually can't remember them past January.  There is a strong custom here in the South that you have to have black-eyed peas and greens on New Year's Day.  Not for this fellow as I don't care for either one.

Etta Sue, I think that cold, stong wind blew its way down here.

Carol, we watched the Rose Bowl parade yesterday.  Before it was over I just felt that it was all too much.  Every year they seem to bypass what they have done in the past.  However, some truly beautiful floats.

Jane, I would freeze in your house.  However, I know that a wood fire is very warm and heats things up quickly.

Janet, I think Little Women was my grandmothers favorite book and she must have read it many times in her life. 

Ruth Ann, sure you were happy to hear from your son in England.

I have some things I need to work on today so can't tarry there this morning.  I haven't commented on many of the postings but have carefully read them all and appreciate your sharing with us all.

Al you don't have me "cornered" for long, Don't you know that by now?

Janet I have put you on my calender for prayer on Friday as you go for your cataract surgery. My grands don't come as often as I would like them too. In fact they hardly ever  come here. I do talk with Savannah on IM frequently. Those kids are so busy all the time and usually when I want them to come they are doing something else. You are so blessed to  be so close to your grands.

Hi Nita thanks for checking on Happy's post. About Bebe's birthday yesterday.

Gord we were asked at Sunday night prayer meeting and also in Sunday school what we would like to see in 2008 for our church But I also like your pastor's idea of the box then burning  it.

Hi Kevin nice to see you posting here again. We've missed seeing your beautiful photos in our photo challenges and the other threads as well.

Good Morning Larry, I have been to Curves and had my breakfast and now am ready for my day at work. I see it is after 10 am there in Georgia it is only 7:26 here. I see in other places that you are getting some much needed rain there.

To all who have not been here yet Hello to Jane, Liz, Karma, Nards, Etta Sue, Pat, Jeannine, Colin and Vec2 Colin, Kathleen, Artisan, et al.

Hi everybody!  I have been to my local eye doc; he says the left eye looks good, also pressure is down by 6 points, which is great news!  Now Darrel is pushing to leave as he wants to do a few things in Garden City, and I see Dr. Fry at 2:15.  Thanks, Marilyn, I appreciate the prayers about my second surgery.  It is scheduled for about 10 AM.

Hello to all, sorry I have to rush today!

I will say first that I read all the posts in Thought for the Week....  I don't comment on them very much....that's just me.

Recently I have been praying for what to do about Inky.  For the past month...not every day...Inky has been leaving me presents on the dining room carpet...not in the same spot either.  And has had two incidents of wetting on the floor.  I have noticed blood in her feces three times.  So I prayed to God what I should do.  God answered my prayers in saying to give Inky until January 1 and if she still leaves presents to call the vet.  Well, I can't afford much for the vet but I called this morning...after Inky left a present while I was showering.  I told them I had limited money.  But I finally captured Inky and put her in the carrier and off to the vet we went.  Now to wait for a phone call from the vet, telling me what they think is wrong and how much it will cost and then my decision to do that or have her put down. 

Ivalou thinks Inky may have a tumor since she is sooooo big and the two cats only eat a cup of dry cat food a day.  And Inky is hard as a rock...but she acts like she is fine....except when she leaves presents and then she hides for awhile...knowing she did something that upsets her Mommy.  But the blood is telling me something is wrong.  How would I have seen blood if she used the litter box all the time? 

I know I am blabbering but that is my outlet.  I have accepted that whatever happens is okay with me.  I have enjoyed having Inky as a companion since Dec 30, 2003 when she showed up at my doorstep! 

Today I am going with Ivalou for her protime bloodwork....unless the vet calls first telling me to come get Inky.

Awe, Etta Sue, you almost had me crying about Inky! I've got 2 dogs and 1 cat and even though they drive me CRAZY, it hurts me when they hurt.  And I understand about the vet bills!  But God know how we feel about our pets, so we turn to him on their behalf.  I will be praying about this situation.

Happy New Year all, I've been sooo busy, I just run through and scan each post.  We started Ebaying which keeps me tied up. 

Larry, did you enjoy your football game last night?  Georgia whupped up on Hawaii pretty good!  I watched most of it.

Marilyn,  If I make a resolution, I break it, so I just hope to do better.

It's cold in my neck of the woods today, so just trying to stay warm.

Y'all have a great day

Later,
Samantha

Happy New Year!
I am rather sore, due to a bad slide on the ice, down the driveway, (on a hill) with the garbage cans.  We had pickup on Sunday, due to N.Y. Day being the usual time, and it turned into a ice rink overnight.  Now that must of been a sight to behold, this old lady on her back, clutching the handles of the cans, speeding down on her back!!  Better me than my daughter...I am okay, simply discovered parts of me that I had forgotten about....Think an angel must have been around guiding my fall! 

Not given to making resolutions either...Have taken down the decorations and things are back to normal.  I am sorry about Inky and hope the vet finds out what is wrong and it is something that simple medication will resolve.  Never like to see a pet in distress.

Marilyn, I live in the same house as my Grd. but rarely ever get to see or speak to her...unless she is ill and needs something.  That seems to be the way of things for most, so Janet is indeed fortunate. 

Things to get done, so must go.  Thought this was sort of interesting, so will post it:

New Year's Day — January 1
Ruler of new beginnings, gates and doors, the first hour of the day, the first day of the month, and the first month of the year, the Roman god Janus gave January its name. He was pictured as two-headed (both heads bearded) and situated so that one head looked forward into the new year while the other took a retrospective view. Janus also presided over the temple of peace, where the doors were opened only during wartime. It was a place of safety, where new beginnings and new resolutions could be forged, just as the New Year is a time for new objectives and renewed commitments to long-term goals.

P.S.

If we must post
Our thoughts in rhyme,
I'm going to be silent
Most of the time!
               

God Bless,

Liz

I'd give a dime for
the rhyme,
and the tlhoughts
were sublime!

Liz:  Glad that your hill spill didn't do permanent damage. 

Al:  Al, pal, you are the greatest poet, and I want to hear mo-it...........hahahahah

Ruth Ann:  We have moved to Colorado often over the years, 4 times for myself as I came as a single gal - transferred from a job in Washington, D.C.  We now live in northern CO (Fort Collins) about 70 or so from all of the children.  I hope that you can get around next week when your son arrives - how sweet that he called you just to call early in the year. 

I started off the new year just awful.  All because I had to get to a fabric store to save a few pennies, when I came out onto a narrow snow-filled street, to make a right turn, I moved the minivan over a little to let another car come into the parking lot & (it is hard for me to write this without crabby words), I just grazed the bumper of a truck that was sticking out.  All my fault.  The truck bumper only had a smudge.  Waaaaahhhhhhh, our minivan has a damaged slide door & back panel.      So, have an email message into insurance & now all that I have been saving for something wild and crazy will have to go to the repair.  Well, I couldn't decide on what to save for anyway.  Am so put out with myself. 

Up to that point, I was feeling pretty good. 

Marilyn:  Come out of that corner & just let me mope a little. 

Don's back is out and I have shoulder problems  = we are of little use right now. 

Here is the best news even if it is just a little step up - son who is out of work has really been trying his best to keep up his spirits and we have been talking about prayer - he is praying.  It is so comforting to me to hear this from any of my children. 

Carol (Don't park too closely_)

Aw Carol, here is my shoulder, help your self. We can tell God all your troubles together.

Liz do take care of yourself.

I'm back home, tired and blurry-eyed, after having spent hours in the eye doctor's office....again.    I go back Friday morning for the surgery.

First, I want to say thank you to those who commented on how blessed I am by having some of my grandkids near and getting to enjoy them.  I heartily agree--I am truly blessed.  And I pray that you may have the same awesome privilege.

Lest you think my life is all sunshine and roses, I have a confession to make.  Day before yesterday, my son and his daughter Katy (only granddaughter besides Abby) were in town.  They went to the care home to see Mom and Beth.  When they were out of her room, Beth called me, so I went into town to see them.  BIG MISTAKE!!  Jim had been brooding, making up stuff in his head that he imagines I did or didn't do.....and he attacked me.  Verbally, of course, but he was absolutely trembling with rage!  I answered him calmly, without raising my voice, tried to reason with him, to no avail.  I was afraid he would explode and at worst physically attack me (he is 6'4" and very strong) or at least make a terrible scene.  Abby, Katy and Beth were in the room.......so I just said I wasn't going to listen to any more of it, and told Abby "let's go home."  It was awful, of course I cried buckets and didn't sleep that night.  I made light of it to Darrel, as didn't want him to go find Jim and then who knows?  It is heartbreaking to adopt kids, raise them the best you can and then have them act as if they hate you.  Okay,TMI.  Prayers appreciated, though.

I am really bushed, think I will just sack out.

Etta Sue, sorry about Inky.  We had to put our old cat down recently.  He was losing big tufts of hair, making messes everywhere, and was senile.  He would go to the vacuum cleaner closet door and meow to go out, thought it was the front door.  He was a good old cat, we had him for about 17 years.  I hope Inky can be healed without too much expense.  (((hugs)))

Carol, so sorry about your accident.  It's amazing how much damage a little thing can cause to a vehicle!  I hope the repairs are much less than you anticipate.  Is that your new 4 wheel drive?  I was so upset after the above incident that I almost got hit on the way home.  Thank God for His protection---Abby was with me! 

Liz, you shouldn't be doing tricks on the ice now!    I'm SO thankful you weren't seriously hurt!  That old ice is treacherous, and not a soft place to land, as you can testify!  Wonderful that you have a sense of humor.  (((hugs)))

Hi, friends,

It's the end of a long, very busy day, so I'm mighty tired. I didn't leave work until 9 pm, and still not through with the day's work - just had to stop for tonight.

Janet, yes, I read about how she was able to take care of her foot! Wow, wish it would be that easy for me. But, with diabetes and brittle foot bones, I figured I had the breaks because of the terrible swelling and so much pain I could barely rest at night, and then only if I hung my right foot over the edge of the bed.

Thankfully, this doctor has a wonderful reputation and is a person I can trust. At least thus far, I am not back in a wheelchair. But, it's here and paid for if I need to use it again - just not at all anxious to do it during bad winter weather!

It's great to hear from everyone.

Falls on the ice can really hurt - y'all take care, please.

Carol, Colorado is a beautiful state. I passed through it in a huge big hurry a few years back, and would like to be there again, but with more time to look and admire and absorb the beauties found there.

Y'all take care - I'm heading to bed! Brrr - it's mighty cold here in Nashville.

I'm reading through Matthew...I like the way this is paraphrased in The Message, "simple and austere..." 


In His Grip,
Kevin

Janet - God can heal relationships as well as bodies, so I pray He will touch Jim, open his eyes, and grant restoration and even blessing for you - all through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hi everyone.  It is really cold here this morning, down to about 16 or 17 degrees.  However, they predict it will get up to the 40s today and then cold again tonight.  Fortunately I don't need to be outside other than to go to coffee this morning and the cafe was warm, which was nice.  I went to choir practice last night and was able to sing as the cough doesn't seem to have affected my voice.  Our choir director was sporting a new engagement ring.  We had been expecting it and the choir is very happy for her.  She has been divorced for quite a few years and the man she is marrying has been a widower for several years. 

Kevin, that makes the passage easy to understand. 

Ruth Ann, it sounds like you are overworking again.  They will probably not let you retire as I doubt they could find anyone else who is so dedicated and willing to put in those hours.  Glad you are not having to use the wheelchair at this point.

Janet, I am so sorry to hear of your most unpleasant experience with your son.  Sometimes the way people feel have no basis in reality but in their mind it does, especially if something festers for a long time.  Maybe someday your son will realize what he has done and seek reconciliation.  We don't have to accept unacceptable behavior and I am proud of you taking Abby and leaving.  You can't control his thoughts or actions. 

Carol, don't be so hard on yourself.  You didn't do anything intentionally and what is done is in the past and can't be changed.  Hope the monetary damage won't be too severe. 

Liz, so glad you didn't sustain serious damage from your fall as something could easily been broken.  Your discussion of Janus was interesting and I had never heard that before.

Samantha, I did watch the game until about the 4th quarter when I turned it off.  It really wasn't a competitive game and there was obviously a mismatch.  I would have preferred a closer game but still glad that Georgia won. 

Etta Sue, sure hope you get a good report on Inky.  However, there must be something seriously wrong as that isn't normal behavior for a cat.

Marilyn, when you leave for work I am thinking about having lunch.  Of course, when it is dark here you are still in daylight.

Al, what you say is so true as God can do what man cannot and we should never give up.

first of all thank you for all the prayers.  Inky is back home.  The vet said I was feeding her too much...3oz. per cat daily.  Said to give her a tablespoon of raw pumpkin daily for fiber...her stool was too solid.  And to move a litter box into the dining room where she is preferring to use the floor.  And to get another litter box...one per cat plus one more!!  So they only got 6oz. of food before my going to bed.  I moved a litter box into the dining room.  And surprisingly Inky loves the pumpkin. 

But when I got up this morning...all was fine around the dining room table.  I ate breakfast and when I went into the living room to read my devotions, there was a pile not two feet from the litter box!!!  I didn't punish Inky...Ali used that box so maybe Inky will tomorrow. 

She keeps going to the food bowl that is empty and looking at me. 
I am praying that she will re-learn to use the litter box. 

It is very cold here today...only 10° right now but the sun is shining really bright.  That alone makes it feel warmer.

God is good all the time.  All the time, God is good!

Larry:  Thank you for your message.  Don told me yesterday to "put it in the past".  You are such a caring person.  My best to you and Pat.  Here is some interesting news, they said today that our area or at least Denver is warmer than Tampa and some parts of Florida.  Hope you are not into that freeze!

Janet:  Isn't it strange how children grow up in the same house and their brains can twist things so differently?  Sorry that you had to go through such a traumatic scene.  It may never change but so many will pray for you.  So, take care of yourself today - tomorrow will be a snap and you will be able to see clearly so soon. 

Etta Sue:  Good luck with your Inky!

Today, I will be cutting plastic templates for a project and also trying to do a little 'puter photo editing. 

 

Marilyn:  Thanks for the shoulder.  I feel better already.

Pat:  When I click (NEW), it seems that I am about two posts past my last post and today I missed the note from Marilyn because it was on the previous page.  I try to remember to scroll up to the end of my post - anything else I can do?    By the way, does your guy post on the same internet sites?

Carol

Thanks, dear ones, for the kind thoughts and prayers.  I have finally come to know that there is nothing I can do to remedy the situation; nothing would be heeded if I tried to talk, or write letters.  I just have to put it into the Lord's loving and capable hands and rest in knowing He loves me, even if my two adopted kids hate me, for unknown reasons.  Now saying I am doing this is much easier than doing it, and leaving it there! 

Carol, you are blessed to have such an understanding spouse.  Bless him!

I need to go put drops in my eyes!

Hi everyone. Sorry that I didn't have enough time to get here this morning. I have to go to the Hand Therapist this afternoon before I go back to work.

It is pouring rain here today and the wind is blowing. There was  almost ½ page in the newspaper by the local power company about  the possibility of the power going out. Well I am prepared, My cell phone is on a full charge, my Lantern is on full charge and my windup radio flashlight  is no problem I have one in my bedroom and one in my car. I have batteries for my other radio too. My cook stove is gas so I will have heat as well. I don't know if my heater has and electric igniting system or not. (I don't remember)

Thanks for the email Etta Sue I was worried about Inky, I know how special the two cats are to you.

Janet I have one Daughter In Law that has made up all knds of  bad stories about how my children were raised and how badly my second son, her husband, (He was a favored child due to illness.) was treated.  All lies and my daughter has tried for years to get her to know the truth., to no avail.

Sorry I don't have time to answer everyone.  Maybe later.

Quote from: Janet on January 03, 2008, 02:59:09 PM
Thanks, dear ones, for the kind thoughts and prayers.  I have finally come to know that there is nothing I can do to remedy the situation; nothing would be heeded if I tried to talk, or write letters.  I just have to put it into the Lord's loving and capable hands and rest in knowing He loves me, even if my two adopted kids hate me, for unknown reasons.  Now saying I am doing this is much easier than doing it, and leaving it there! 

You're right, Janet ... there is really nothing that can be done by anyone but God.  There are similiar situations in my family, with one grown "child" choosing Christmas Eve to harrange and berate the mother who has done nothing but love and support and pray.  It definitely made a very sad Christmas for her, but she also knows there is not one thing to do about it.  Seems this person has their own memory of childhood and it is very different from reality. 

My daughter, Dot, says it seems everyone wants to blame their parents for their problems.  She says, in AA meetings, they call that "banging on the highchair"  and time is allowed for that but then it is over and time to move on ...  "Okay, get off the pity pot, your time is up and it's someone else's turn."

We, on the west coast, are currently hosting a series of winter storms coming ashore.  They are predicting rain, high winds, even snow for the next few daze.  I have brought wood, enough for a couple days, up onto the porch so I will be able to keep a fire going without having to brave the elements! 

I have begun a rather unusual project – well, unusual for me, anyway.  I started this year reading the works of Josephus.  I may include the Apocrypha eventually.  The pastor/teacher at the church I've been attending often cites Josephus in his lessons and that makes everything much more interesting – for me, anyway.  It brings in a lot of the history of the times that are recorded in the Bible.  Although not Divinely inspired, they are history. 

Larry, I also (nearly) freeze in my house.  I keep the thermostat at 55º to keep the electric bill as low as possible, and then hope that I can heat things up with the wood fire.  Often, however, I don't get the fire going before the heat has come on several times.  Oh, well, it isn't all that bad.

My hands have begun complaining about my use of the computer and I have to promise them I will make minimum use of it as much as possible.  (It's that old guy Arthur again, y'know).  I thought I'd just replace computer time with reading, but that becomes a small problem too.     My eyes get very tired when I read ... I think I need new glasses.  That is just one more thing that will have to wait.

What else?  Guess I can watch television and/or listen to the radio.

Getting old(er) sure isn't for sissies.

I really am out of the corner, but have to take it easy for a while – maybe just until winter is over? 

Y'all take it easy now, and keep posting ... I can still read once in a while.

I went to the hand therapist today the first thing she did was give me a different wrap not the huge bulky brace the Dr. had me in. This on is Neoprene and is so comfortable and warm. She also taped my  thumb. I have two sheets of exercises to do twice per day, She is going t work with me on how to utilize different things to help with various tasks. Such as opening doors with my left hand, using foam pipe insulation on my lawn mower handle etc, so many things I can't remember them all.

Hey Al did  you ever remember why you called me?

Stay safe Jane, Liz and Nita.

Hi, friends,

Yes, these highchairs certainly get banged on a lot! (I know - been there and certainly empathize).

Hang on to your hats out there on the left coast.

Marilyn, that sounds as if the therapist is giving you some really good advice.

Well, must go - my UK son's coming in tomorrow night! YIPPEE!!!

In re-reading my last post it looks like I need to learn how to open doors with my left hand, not so I am right handed and it is my left had that is so painful. I will be using helps to be able to open doors with my left hand. Right no I can't do that. Even hold something between my thumb and index finger is very painful. I can't do hand sing anymore. It is even difficult to crochet for more than ten minutes or so. The exercises  may help to be more flexible with less pain. It is difficult for a person to learn to do things in a different way once you have learned. The example she use was crocheting, I can't fathom learning to do it a different way.

Hopefully Al, Myself, Jane Nita, Liz , Timberwolf and Jerad will not float away in these storms here in the west. My front yard looks like a lake in the low end. Please pray that we sill stay safe.