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Without the birth of Jesus....we wouldn't have His resurrection!

Hi everyone.  It was nice speaking with Etta Sue this morning when she called saying she had no Internet and asked me to help her get the weekly discussion started here.  I think I got the pieces in order so we should be set for the week.  Etta Sue, thanks for the devotional and hope you haven't been off-line too long.

It is a beautiful day in Georgia.  It is still only 37 degrees but suppose to get into the 50s.  Other than my Monday Men's Luncheon at 1 pm I have nothing else on the schedule.  I am glad of that as not feeling as good as I have been.  I attended a Christmas program at the Methodist Church, where my good friend and his wife attend.  They were both in the choir.  I wasn't able to get a handicapped spot as there was a very large crowd.  So I had to park quite a ways from the entrance and walk up a slight incline.  When I got inside my heart was telling me that it didn't care for that.  So will just take it easy today.

The housekeepers were just here and the house is all nice and clean and ready for the weekend.  We be celebrating Christmas with family on Sunday, when our son and daughter-in-law come over from North Augusta, SC, to spend the afternoon with us.  We plan on getting our daughter on Christmas Day so she will be here.  Pat is planning the menu, which will be based around a baked ham.  Sure she will be making a few other items.  She is not making the usual fudge as no one needs it.  We are looking forward to the occasion.

Carol, so sorry to read of the accident experienced by your son.  I understand about the intercity hospital ERs.  Not a place anyone would be if they didn't have to be.  Our daughter has spent many hours awaiting just to be seen.  I expect your son will be on crutches for quite awhile.  

Ruth, it sounds like your special mice are quite the attraction.  I think I remember when Etta Sue described them but can't remember the details.

SmokeytheDog, you are most welcome.  Occasionally I get pieces like that one that I just want to share with others.  Good to see you posting.

Before you bypass this carol read the words....Our Pastors daughter changed Bing Crosby's words to make them more appropriate for this season

Judy, what a great job your pastor's daughter did with the new words to White Christmas!  Thanks for sharing it with us.

I'm so glad to know that Etta Sue's problem is "only" that she has no internet.  Thanks, Larry, for stepping in and bringing us her devotional for this week.

Thank you so much, Judy, for calling me and reminding me that I was doing the devotion this week.  I was at Ivalou's and taking our trash to the road.  When I got back home, I discovered my internet was down once again.  So since I thought calling Judy back would cost me since she is in Canada, I called Larry.  And likewise, Larry, so great to talk to you and put a voice to a face!  And Larry, you did a fantastic job in moving my devotion to here.  Thank you!

Well, my routine is when I see Al post a new week, I 'compose' my week and put it in the back room.  I usually leave the book I use out for a reminder to do my 'job' Sunday afternoon or evening.  My routine changed.  I put the book back on the shelf so I didn't have my reminder when I posted yesterday afternoon.   ::)   :-[

I called my insurance company that is from my retirement company this morning.  I am thinking that my supplement to medicare hasn't paid much...not near as much for the premiums I pay.  So I called my insurance man and he is coming Wednesday to talk about insurance.  In the meantime, I am going to see what my supplement has paid and also show him my retirement insurance booklet. 

And tomorrow is Euchre.  We are going to a restaurant that will allow us to play Euchre.  I knew Ivalou needed to go to the doctor's office to get her blood pressure checked but knew if we left by 11am that would be plenty of time since she won't need to see the LPN.  So I called two other ladies and told them I would get them, go to the doctor's office and then to the restaurant.  THEN Ivalou tells me her appointment is at 11am!!  I didn't know she had an appointment...thought she could go in anytime tomorrow and get her blood pressure checked since she didn't have to consult with anyone!  So Ivalou called the office and she has an appointment at 11:30am.  And she is ticked.  She hung up on me.  A total misunderstanding.  I am getting used to this.  She 'thinks' she tells me and she hasn't.  I didn't have it in my calender on Droid, so she didn't tell me she had an appointment!  I am sorry.  Venting and TMI for all of you.

But I also did a load of laundry, have made my last batch of Party Mix AND fixed and ate my lunch. 

Busy day! 

Carol, I am so sorry about your son's accident.  What a difference a few seconds can make.  I do hope he will have a miraculously quick healing period, with minimum pain.  Hugs to you!

Larry, glad you didn't have to "hike" any farther, and please take care of you!

Etta Sue, glad you're back online.  And I understand about your sister.  Those strokes change things, and those of us who love the victim just have to adjust, try to be patient, and love them anyway.  But I do know how frustrating it can be!  Hugs to you, too!

Ruth, I haven't tried the ginger yet, as don't know what form of ginger to use.....I have a ginger drink mix, would that work?

I went to the care home, met my sister, we talked to the Director of Nurses about Mom.  She is having problems, is so frustrated, so gets angry and acts out; and they are not being very kind and patient with her.  I think we got things smoothed over, and I talked to Mom and told her that if she wants to go home to be with the Lord and all her loved ones who have gone before, it is okay.  I reminded her that she has lived a long, mostly happy life, had a good, long marriage, raised her kids, saw her grandkids, great-grands and even great-great-grands, etc.  She says she wants to go, so I reminded her that God promised to give us the desires of our hearts, so she just needs to have a talk with Him and tell Him what she wants.  Then Jeanie and I prayed with her, and she seemed much more peaceful and relieved when we left.  They took her power chair away from her, as she was seen driving it several times with her eyes closed; that is what precipated the problems.  She went on strike, said she wasn't going to take her meds until they give her chair back!  We did get her to take her meds.....so, for now, things are better.

I have lots to do, better get with it.

Janet how sad that things go wrong at the end of a persons life like that.  Is there any way they can reduce the power in the chair and then give it back?  If it would just creep along whe could be still mobile, but still curtailed.

It ooks like yesterday was a busy day for all.  Things were quiet here on CP.  We don't have much time left to do the last few things.  Then Christmas will be over.  I find it so sad that there is so much commercial build up to do, do, do, do, do, that many are not done, even when the day passes.  This year doing is not my focus.  sitting back and enjoying the season is.

Well, when I used the shovel on the deck, it looked like another 5-6 inches of snow last night.  The temp is higher than it has been for two weeks...32°.  But it is suppose to start raining...freezing rain.  And four of us ladies are to go to a restaurant today, eat and then play Euchre.  I have already prayed that the rain wait until around 4pm and if not, that everyone stays safe.  No falls.  No accidents. 

It does look pretty out there.  So pure and white.  The traffic is running good on my road and across the field I can see a state highway and the traffic is about the same speed there. 

And this is the first day of Winter!! 

Janet ~ I remember having the same 'talk' with my Mom about a week before she went to her 'homegoing' in heaven.  It helps you also to know that when she leaves, you know that she knows it is okay with the family.  Mother's are caregivers and she doesn't want to leave her loved ones.  She is torn right now...which way to go!  Good for you! 

Carol ~ I forgot to mention to you how sad I am about your son's accident.  So scary so far away from help.  I thought about that yesterday off and on all day.  I pray his healing will be fast and right! 

Time for finish getting dressed and then get out in the cold!

Good morning!  Cloudy and chilly again today and probably most of the coming week.  But the only snow we're expecting (short term) is flurries and showers.  

Janet, I'm so sorry your mother is so unhappy.  I was fortunate in that my mother was always pleased with the nursing home and how they cared for her.  The only sad part was that she would so often say, "Are you sure you're my Jeanne?"  

Hi everyone.  I have a few minutes before needing to leave for my last out of the house activity for the day.  Happily I am feeling good again today so will try not to do anything that changes that.  It is amazing what a good nights sleep will do.  It is rather dreary here today and some rain showers are expected off and on.  At least it is 43 degrees so not to cold.

We had a good time at coffee this morning and a friend of mine joined us for the first time.  He has recently retired and wants to do gardening in a big way.  So I introduced him to my other friend who has been a large gardener and sold his produce for many years.  He says he will not have a garden this next year as getting too old (over 80) and has bad knees and other health problems.  However, we have heard that same thing for the last several years.

Janet, I know the talk you had with your mother was not easy for you but it was a very courageous thing to do.  I think all of us as we get older can understand that a day may come when we long for our heavenly home especially if things in this life no longer hold the interest for us or pain and suffering have taken over our lives.  

Etta Sue, glad to see you back online.  Hope the Euchere goes well and the weather cooperates.  I was surprised at how easy it was to move the discussion since there is a button just for that activity.  When I spoke with you, which was very enjoyable, I was thinking about needing to just copy and paste but that wasn't necessary.  

Judy, thanks for sharing the the new version of White Christmas.  I just about got sick this morning when I read that one of the commentators on our National Public Radio was apologizing because she had used the words Christmas party in her commentary.  This country has gotten to a pretty bad point when we are not even free to use the words we want to use.  I bet holidays of other religious faiths will be mentioned when the times arrive.  So sad.

Well it is time to leave.  Jeanne, I was happy to help Etta Sue out as I know you are when someone asks for help.  Glad you are not getting much snow today.

It's a beautiful day here on the Oregon Coast ... nice start to the first day of Winter.  ;)

I am ready for my trip/visit north tomorrow.  I will be driving to the Eugene airport and, from there, will be on a plane to Spokane, WA.  I will get to celebrate Christmas with Dot and Jessica ... in the snow!!  Dot has ordered me NOT to drive up there ... I really have no desire to do that anyway.  Not with all the snow and ice along the way -- and in Spokane!!

Dot works near the Spokane airport, so she will be able to meet me there and return me on her way to work on the 28th.   :thumbsup:

I want to wish y'all a very pleasant day and a most Merry Christmas ... however you choose to celebrate.  I like what Judy has planned "sitting back and enjoying the season."  That's what I'll be doing, too. :)

Yes this is the first day of winter which was beautiful and sunny.

I turned the computer on to do some banking then stopped here for a minute or two on my way before finishing the job.

Judy:  Look for my mouse e-mail

Janet: whatever ginger you have on hand give it a try but the one I used was the powder that comes in a container for cooking and mix with honey. My cough is almost gone and so is the medicine so will make a new batch.     1tsp ginger powder and enough honey to blend the two together.

Jane:  Good to see you again.
Larry:  I always enjoy you coming to say hello.

Time to go as Mel has dinner almost cooked   

Janet:   I am back again about the ginger I said powder    the most common term would be ground ginger   I hope this will help

How nice it is to come in here and read all your notes & find a song often.  I think the motto for this spot should read something like - Come and de-stress your life today - and that isn't even a word but it feels like less stress.

Son went home tonight with leftovers to heat in the microwave and he wanted to start a regular routine in his own home.  He may have a legal problem with work and the corporation is wrong in this case so we just hope and pray he does not need to get a lawyer involved. 

My house is back to almost normal now but I sure do miss him and the dog.  I always wished for a big house & all the children still living with me like the Walton's family on t.v. Isn't that funny?  Am sure it would drive everyone over the edge. 

Ruth:  Somewhere, I did write down that cough recipe ages ago.  It did work when I used it. 

Larry:  Tell Pat to simplify everything for the special meal and perhaps buy dessert - just enjoy.  I know she will enjoy Sunday and so will you. 

Janet:  Sorry that your mom feels anxious about her living conditions right now.  I brought mom a soft yellow teddy bear that seemed to be of some comfort - at least it comforted me whenever I saw her with that teddy bear.

Etta Sue:  Thank you for your words too.  It must be tough for you when your sister gets confused and not easy when you can't go back to the days before the memory problem.  Hugs to you!

Jane:  Have a safe trip and wonderful visit. 

Three gals are taking me to breakfast this week, they wanted me to get out of the house.   

Ruth I checked not there yet.

I have my tree and some decorations up.  To get the full effect I will have to turn off the lights.  Heard from John, just briefly.  I've told him to let dispatch know that I would like him home on Thursday.  They seem to be accomodating that.  But the downside of that is hw will likely be gone for New Years.  Our friends won't be back from Florida yet so I am not sure what I am going to do.  We see.

Carol I understand about coming here and de-stressing.  You are right.  I enjoy hearing about everyones day(s).

Be back later before bed.

In this day where we worry about so much...I was reassured when I got this in my email.


This week's promise: Give your worries to God, for he cares for you

He Will Not Forget

"And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow."
Matthew 6:28 NLT

God knows your name

"A good friend of mine once went to visit his brother during a time of deep crisis. His marriage was struggling, his business was near collapse, and his money was drying up quickly. He had just sold his home and moved into a one-bedroom apartment and had no idea how he was going to dig himself out of his financial and relational problems.

My friend listened as his brother confided in him about his deep frustration. "Some days you want to go outside and shake your fist at heaven and say, 'God, why don't you help me?'" his brother said.

My friend looked at his brother in the eye and said somberly, "That wouldn't do any good. He doesn't even know who you are." The two looked at each other for several seconds then burst out laughing. The two brothers had spent their lives trusting God and studying his Word, and the absurdity of the statement left them both in stitches. Years later, the brother told my friend that his joke had brought him a great deal of comfort during his trying time. Even more, it gave him renewed perspective.

We've all felt abandoned by God at one time or another. God cares deeply when we suffer, and he is right there beside us all the time.

At times like these the best thing to do is put your hand in his and trust him with your future. Because he not only knows what you're going through, he knows exactly who you are.

from Embracing Eternity by Tim LaHaye, Jerry B. Jenkins and Frank M. Martin (Tyndale) p 166

Thanks again, Ruth.  My cough is much less now, but it sure takes a while in the mornings to get my head cleared out.  (I'm sure you know what I mean!  ;))

Carol, glad your son could go home; we all feel better when in our "own space," even though we appreciate being able to visit our loved ones.  I still haven't heard from my youngest daughter, so am thinking they don't plan to come for Christmas..........again.  I just don't understand.  :'(  Enjoy your breakfast out with friends, so nice of them!  Hope your son doesn't need a lawyer.   ($$$$$$)

Judy, hope your plans work out.  It must be so hard dealing with the wood burning furnace, the snow, the roads.......plus having your husband away so much.  But I'm sure you are both glad he has a job.

We attended the care home employees party last night, which was nice.  A good meal was served, there were many door prizes, and then gifts exchanged by playing 'Robbers Bingo.'  I'd never played that before.    a lot of the CNAs and MedAids did not come because they are upset about their hours being cut--again!--after the first of the year.  Things are getting tougher out there!

Today Dr. Saxon (our sweet chiropractor) and I are meeting with Beth.  She and I both have gifts for him, and I am hoping this won't make him feel bad, but we appreciate him so much we just wanted to do something special for him.  I painted him a special painting which I'm sure he will love.  The title is Forrest's Prayer Bench.  (Forrest is his first name.)  This thing is jumping too much, will explain the painting later!

Hi everyone.  While it is cloudy this morning it is suppose to clear off this afternoon and it is already 57 degrees, which we are enjoying.

We had a most pleasant surprise yesterday afternoon when the doorbell rang and it was one of my coffee buddies that had moved to Florida about 6 years ago.  He has two sons up here but seldom comes up.  We visited for and hour or more.  He is very sad in that he lost his wife last September from cancer.  However, he is trying to go on with his life but admits how lonely he is now.  It was nice to see him.  Then this morning he came to coffee with us and was able to see a couple more of his friends.

We have a memorial service to attend this afternoon at our church.  An elderly man had a severe cardiac arrest a few days ago and died the next day.  If I have my facts correct they have been married for either 60 or 70 years.  They were very spray and often ushered at church.  We didn't know them well but want to be there for his wife.

Janet, is the resident census down at the home where Beth is and is that the reason for the cutback on help?  I am very doubtful that they have reduced the fees they charge.  Glad you cough is better.  Very nice thing you are doing for your chiropractor.  It is nice to let people know that you appreciate them.

Judy, I like the Week's Promise you shared with us.  Sometimes we feel isolated from God but it is us that have withdrawn and not the other way around. 

Carol, Pat has reached the point where she must plan her special meals so that the work can be spread out over more than one day.  I know she plans on cooking one of the hams and perhaps both of them a day or two ahead.  Our daughter has requested that her mother make some ham salad that she will have to take home as that has been a traditional way to use up some of the left-over ham and we all like it on sandwiches.  I don't think we have had any of it during this last year.  It was our tradition to have the big meal on Thanksgiving and then more of a help yourself sandwiches  and finger foods for Christmas.  We are cutting back on the sweets as no one needs them.

Ruth, does Mel do a lot of cooking at your house?  I am not a cook so unless it goes between two slices of bread or out of a box I don't make it.  I take care of my own breakfast and lunch almost everyday and then Pat cooks (when we don't eat out) and I do the cleanup. 

Jane, I think you are very wise to fly and not try to drive.  It sounds like they are having some really bad weather in areas of the West.  Glad you will be with Dot and Jessica rather than being along for Christmas.  I heard on the radio or TV that there is somewhere that they have had 17 feet of snow already.  That makes me very glad to be living in the South. (I never can remember whether North, East, West and South should be capitalized so just looked it up.  It said referring to areas should be capitalized but directions would not be capitalized. Jane, if I recall correctly you were an English teacher so do you agree with what I found out?) 

Faith Hill: A Baby Changes Everything Lyrics

Songwriters: Nichols, James Timothy; Wiseman, Craig Michael; Wiseman, Kim;


Teenage girl, much too young
Unprepared for what's to come
A baby changes everything

Not a ring on her hand
All her dreams and all her plans
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything

The man she loves she's never touched
How will she keep his trust?
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything

And she cries!
Ooh, she cries
Ooh, oh

She has to leave, go far away
Heaven knows she can't stay
A baby changes everything

She can feel it's coming soon
There's no place, there's no room
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything

And she cries!
And she cries!
Oh, she cries

Shepherds all gather 'round
Up above the star shines down
A baby changes everything

Choir of angels sing
Glory to the newborn King
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything
Everything, everything, everything

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

My whole life has turned around
I was lost but now I'm found
A baby changes everything, yeah
A baby changes everything

I heard Faith Hill sing this last week and have wanted the words.  It was so special to hear her sing it,  I don't know whether LArry can get the music for that or not,  It is rather new.

Larry Ruth's husband and John are both very adept in the kichen.  The meals they prepare are tasty and healthy.

Haven't heard from RuthV this week, except at church. I will call her later this afternoon.

HAve a great day everyone.

Blessings to all on this wonderful Christmas season.

Please check this out--so perfect, tells it all.

http://www.andiesisle.com/didsheknow.html

I called my insurance through my retirement company Monday and at the end of the call she said 'Happy Holidays'.  I told her that I say 'Merry Christmas'.  She then let me know that they were all told at the company to say 'Happy Holidays' so as not to offend anyone.  So we both wished each other a Merry Christmas and hung up.  

My insurance man called today to cancel coming here today.  He is to be here tomorrow at 10am!

Euchre was so much fun.  We all ordered what we each wanted for lunch.  Then we moved to two square tables and played Euchre.  Everyone was gone but the waitresses, cooks and us!  We didn't leave until 5pm.  But so nice.  We didn't have to prepare food, clean house, wash dishes, set everything up for Euchre or put it away!  I am the one that takes the Euchre tallies.  Then the hostess purchases a small gift for the last one that makes a lone.  And we need pens/pencils for the tallies.  That's it!  I will remember if I feel I don't want to clean house or cook, to call a restaurant to see if they allow Euchre there!  

And the weather co-operated fully!  No rain at all all day.  The roads were semi-cleared by the time we left to eat and play.  They were clear coming back home.  Thank you, God!  

Now I have nothing to do today.  Hungry for breakfast at lunch so making bacon and eggs for lunch!

Trying out a new vacuum cleaner & washing all the bedding today.  Ready for any overnight guests but none are coming now. 

Joyce:  Thank you for the lovely and meaningful site.  Perfect message. 

Etta Sue:  We enjoy breakfast any time of the day.  Especially when traveling because it just seems lighter than any full meal.  Love your Merry Christmas to the office worker - I can't believe what has changed in this country. 

Jane - I'm most glad that you can fly into Spkane.  I've driven that route hundreds (or possibly thousands)  of times.  The Columbia Gorge  is a different world, weatherwise.  Wind, snow,  ice, traffic - in abundance.  Not a place to  drive unless you absolutely have to.  May our Father bless greatly your time there.  I know that by the time you read this you'll probably already be there or even back, but our God isn't limited by time.

I noticed the comment that you had been an english teacher.  I came ever so close to doing exactly that.  I did become an editor/writer.

Oh, thank God, I was able to read all this week's posting tonight. Just wanted to send love and hugs to everyone. May you have a wonderful Christmas, filled with the deep and abiding joy provided only through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and his crucified. I am so often comforted by our Comforter. It's wonderful that when Christ returned to His Heavenly Father, He left us with the Comforter.

A brief update, left eye is losing detailed vision rapidly I and will soon have the left knee replaced. Familywise, God is in control and He loves each of my family members, just as He loves each of us.

May God's love and blessings be with us as we celebrate this wondrous season, and then may those blessings and faith and joy be granted to us for the next year, as well.

Love, Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann, it is so wonderful to see a posting from you!  We have all been upholding you in prayer, and I send my love to you.  We miss you so much, and know you will come and read and post whenever possible, so just take care of yourself and come in when you can.   <3

I wanted to describe the painting I gave Dr. Saxon.  I had asked him some time back, if I were to paint a picture for him, what would he like?  He said he loves the mountains, would like a mountain scene, with a bench in it somewhere, where he can picture himself sitting and talking to Jesus.  And he'd like a little stream running past.  That's what I painted, then had a small brass plate engraved for the frame, with the words:  Forrest's Prayer Bench (second line) by Janet Damon.

When he opened it, he was overcome!  He even cried!  It was awesome that something the Lord helped me do was so meaningful to someone we love so much.  He just couldn't find enough words to thank me.  What a wonderful Christian guy he is.  His reaction sure made all my efforts worthwhile.

Beth gave him a Christian tee shirt, and he really loved that as well.

I'm to the point the screen is jumping, so will stop now!

I am ready and waiting for the insurance man to get here.  Looks like good roads out there so he shouldn't have any problems getting here.  He is from Muncie...about 45 minutes away. 

We are anticipating a new baby as a new church member anytime.  In fact, Mommy was due the 18th.  Last I heard, she is at the hospital.  Well, she went Tuesday but they sent her home.  She went back yesterday.  She is a tiny girl and Jessa is going to be a big baby.  She's the one that I crocheted the baby afghan in 5 days for. 

I am enjoying Christmas this year.  I think it is because I don't have all the decorations out and therefore, can reflect more on the reason for the season.  Love it!

Bye Jane and Hi Ruth Ann!

Oh, Ruth Ann, how pleased I was to see you were able to post this morning.   :)  My prayers are for you to receive miracle healing, if it is the Lord's will.  And to know His peace and comfort through whatever He has in store for you.

I hope you'll be abundantly blessed this Christmas.

Hi everyone.  It has really turned chilly here today and the weathermen are saying they think we will have some snow on Christmas Day.  I heard them say there hasn't been snow on Christmas Day in this area since back in the 1800's.  Our son and his wife are coming on Sunday rather than on Christmas Day so hopefully any snow would not be a problem.  They also don't have to drive on any mountains and it is very flat between here and Augusta.

I am sitting here listening to the recording of our Christmas Cantata.  Always sitting in the back row you don't hear how it all comes together and I hadn't even realized that there was a soprano solo part.  I knew about the bass solo as was sitting next to the man who sang it.  I am going to try to put together a webpage to share with the choir and can share the link with any of you wanting to hear it.  It is a wonderful telling of the Christmas story.

Pat was to have breakfast with a friend of hers this morning but when she got to where they were to meet found that the friend was ill and couldn't make it.  She had left a message on the phone while Pat was at the grocery store and when she came home she didn't check all the messages.  So she came home to have breakfast.  We got our running around done early this morning so can stay in where it is warm the rest of the day.

Janet, I know the reaction to your painting truly touched you and I bet that will be a cherished treasure by Forrest. 

Ruth Ann, sure glad to see your posting as have been worried about you.  Fortunately I believe it was Judy had talked with you and let us know why you weren't posting.  If you are not up to posting but are reading just a simply Hi would cheer us. 

Al, I am nosy but why did you have to make the trip to Spokane so many times?

Carol, it sounds like you are all ready for overnight company and now they aren't coming.  At least you will have things ready when needed. 

Etta Sue, meeting at an eating place sounds like a great idea as everyone can enjoy the day without being worn out from preparations. 

Joyce, blessings to you this Christmas season.

Judy, I have made a note to check and see if I can find the music for the words you posted but if it is new am not optimistic. 

In the following devotional verse in Eccliasties really hit me....


Another busy Christmas?

"Just as being too busy gives you nightmares..."

Ecclesiastes 5:3 NLT


Christmas slippers
"While we are called to work hard, we must make sure that our work doesn't so preoccupy us that we endanger our health, our relationships, or our time with God.1

A woman died, leaving behind her husband and one daughter. The little girl soon became the very apple of her daddy's eye. He loved to spend time with her, but because he had to work, they had only their evenings together. After dinner each night they would talk and play games; sometimes she sang for him. He treasured every moment.

One night the little girl announced, "Daddy, I need to go to my room early tonight. I have something I have to do!"

He felt very disappointed, but he let her go. She continued this pattern for a solid month. Finally, Christmas Day arrived, and early in the morning she burst in on her daddy and proudly displayed a pair of crude crocheted slippers she had made for him. It was this project that had taken her away from her father for every evening that month.

Her father thanked her warmly and gave her a big hug, but then he said, "Honey, I would rather have had you with me all those lonely evenings than to have these slippers, as beautiful and comfortable as they are."

[As in the story of Martha and Mary], God wants our presence more than our slippers. He wants our devotion more than our work. It really is a matter of balance.2

1from the TouchPoint Bible with commentaries by Ron Beers and Gilbert Beers (Tyndale) p 1298

We all would prefer our childrens persence to the gifts they give, even though we love the giftf as well.

Slept in today , I was up late last night watching a "Different" Christmas special.  It was a touching one, called "The Gathering". 

I have things to do and must get at them.

i just got this from Joni and Friends:


Joni and Friends Daily Devotional
December 23, 2010
Dear Pat,
What Child Is This?


"You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus."                                                               

                                                                      --Luke 1:31





            If you ask the man on the street what he thinks of the babe of Christmas, you'll be surprised at the answers.  Just look at the folks who were there when it happened.



            The innkeeper was downright indifferent-a census had come to town, and he was busy ringing up the cash register.  Then there was Herod-he tried to destroy everything connected with the Christmas celebration.  Consider the shepherds in the field-only after the angels bent over backward to explain the celestial fireworks were their fears finally put to rest.



            The wise men were curious, poking here and there with questions until they found answers that satisfied.  Still others, like Simeon in the temple, waited.  Other people hoped, like Anna the prophetess.  Then there were those who, like Mary and Joseph, worshiped the newborn King.



            People haven't changed much since Bible times, and the man on the street responds in much the same way.  Are you, like the innkeeper, indifferent?  Too busy?  Are you still searching, looking for answers?  Or maybe you're frightened because the baby in the manger asks too much of you.  Stop to think how you would have responded had you been the man on the streets of Bethlehem that night.



There are a thousand different ways to respond to the news that a Savior has been born to deliver man from his sins.  But the fact remains that until a child was born, this world was cloaked in utter darkness, abandoned, hopeless, and lost.  But for unto us, a child is born, a Son is given!  There is only one response:  Worship and joyous praise!



Lord Jesus, I only have one response to Your birth:  Joy!  No more let sin and sorrow reign, nor thorns infest the ground!  For You have come to make God's blessings known far as the curse is found!

Blessings,

Joni and Friends
www.joniandfriends.org

Hi everyone.  Another beautiful and chilly morning in Georgia.  We are continuing to listen to the weather reports and they are still saying we have a good chance of some snow tomorrow and perhaps on Monday. 

I went to coffee this morning but the man who opens the Senior Center wasn't there.  One other friend was waiting so we spoke and decided to go on to McDonald's.  A little bit later two other friends joined us and we enjoyed a nice unhurried time. 

I was expecting to drive down to Atlanta this morning and pick up our daughter.  However, I called her from McDonald's and awoke her.  She indicated she had understood I would come tomorrow morning to pick her up, which had been the original plan.  I said that was fine and will do so tomorrow morning.  This means she won't have to spend three days here, which really wears her down as there is more walking here that she has at her apartment.  We don't plan our family Christmas until Monday and now that may be iffy should the snow come and make it difficult for our son and DIL to get here.

Judy and Pat, I appreciated the devotional material you posted yesterday.  Judy, I so agree with the father in your story as it is having a little of my children's time that is important and not the gift. 

I will go ahead and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.  I expect traffic will be light here for postings tomorrow. 

Merry Christmas to you as well, Larry.

I'm just waiting for Paul to drive in.  We'll have a service tonight at church and that will be nicer.

Merry Christmas.

Ruth Ann:  So nice to see you posting.  My prayers for your recovery on your knee operation and the best care for your eye as well. 

We are going to the 2 PM service because of dinner scheduled after 5 tonight.  Will pick up son (who had smashed his kneecap in snowmobile accident).  He is managing fairly well. 

Pat:  Enjoy your Christmas service with Paul. 

Love to all,

Busy morning all ready.  Remember years back when I drove a couple to Indiana University for Speech Therapy for the man who had had a stroke a few years back?  Also drove them to Michigan for bio-feed back on his leg?  I read online that he passed away the 17th.  With all my busyness yesterday, I forgot to call her.  So I made a nice sympathy card for her today.  I don't think you are suppose to put letters inside sympathy cards but I did anyway.  All is in the mailbox.

Also doing some laundry.  And I have a pot of Chili on the stove for lunch and probably dinner, too.   

I also got a letter yesterday in the mail for Federal jury duty.  I have never served on a jury before.  I was thinking it was jury duty at our local courthouse.  Then I realized it is downtown Indy!  Just put the questionnaire back in the mail today.  If I am accepted I will be on call Feb 7 thru Mar 7.  They are to let me know two weeks in advance.  I won't mind doing it other than the drive to downtown Indy.  After doing it once, it will be okay! 

I am all caught up with my recorded TV shows.  Nothing but reruns next week.  So I suspect I will be doing a lot of reading, perhaps cleaning or whatever.  If the snow would melt, hopefully, I would do some swimming! 

Oh, yes.  Baby Jessa was born at 11:44 yesterday.  She wasn't as big as was expected.  7 pounds and a few ounces and 20 inches long.  That's a nice size baby but not for how huge Mommy was!  She will probably go home today sometime! 

Tonight is our Christmas Eve service.  Always a nice service.  Ivalou said that Marge wanted Betty, Ivalou and I to meet her somewhere for dinner and then go to Christmas Eve service.  I doubt if anything will be open that late.  I am sure everything will be closed by 6pm.  So Ivalou told Marge to call the restaurant to make sure they will be open.  Not thinking this is a good idea so I will probably have chili.

I am praying that everyone has a happy, safe Christmas Eve and a totally Merry Christmas!!

Hi everyone,

Here is my Christmas present to you all.  I have put together a quick webpage on our Cantata we did last Sunday evening and have used the recording that was made of the performance.  This is such nice music and the Christmas message is so well presented that I wanted to be able to share it with you all (unless you are Cantataed out.  It was a great joy to practice and then perform this with an orchestra.  I hope you will enjoy it. You will need to open the webpage in Chrome or Firefox or use Quicktime in IE8 as the files are m4a rather than mp3 files.http://gwinnettseniorgoldengames.org/larry2010/Index.html (http://gwinnettseniorgoldengames.org/larry2010/Index.html)

Larry - thank you so very much!  I have a Macintosh, and I don't have the appropriate software, but I was certainly able to tell that the performance of that cantata was quite impressive - I'd like to have been there!  Praise the Lord!

I've listened to all of the singing and what a lovely performance it was too!

(Nice that Paul was able to attend the practice with you.)  ;)

I have struggled several times to get on line today.....the joys of dialup.  All the kids are home from school and spending time on the internet.  The connection is at best 19.2 and more often 14.4  It seems all the communities around us are getting high speed...so soon it will be out turn.

Merry Christmas everyone and I pray each of you enjoy the day remembering who's birthday it really is.

I must go as John is waiting for me.

Merry Christmas to all at Christian Photographers,Let us all keep in mind That on this day the rich and poor received the greatest gift of all .The healing Grace Of God, Jesus Christ. God Bless You All.

(https://www.christianphotographers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.seniorsandfriends.org%2Fgallery2%2Fd%2F5750-1%2FGolden%2Bmanger.jpg&hash=3c04dfb26cbdf3507c151ab0b9cade69c16d68ff)

Merry Christmas, CPer's! 

I am praying that everyone has a Merry, Safe Christmas. 

We had more snow last night in the night but I don't think it is bad on the roads.  A lot of people must be staying home.  Not much traffic out there. 

I am going to Ivalou's around 1pm for dinner.  There should be 18 of us for dinner.  Then we will play games around Ivalou's huge table.  And gifts for everyone!

Hi everyone.  It is a cloudy and chilly 37 degrees.  At least the snow and rain has not yet started.  They say we may have up to an inch of snow in the Atlanta area.  

I just got back from Atlanta where I picked up our daughter.  She will spend a couple of days with us.  

Pat made and apple and pumpkin pie this morning.  Yesterday she did the hams and cut them up, fixed the mixings for the green rice casserole, cut up the potatoes for the potato said and several other things.  She will make mac & cheese in the morning but think that is the last thing she has to make.  

Hope everyone is having a wonderful and blessed Christmas.  Jeanne, that is an interesting rendering the the young Christ child.  

CRPoppy, nice to see you posting and thanks for the Christmas wishes for us.

Judy, I can't even imagine trying to do anything productive on the Internet at 14.4 speed.  I am amazed that you can do what you do.  Hope this next year will be the one where high speed Internet comes your way.  

Pat, glad you were able to hear the music.  Al, can your Mac play regular mp3 files or does Mac have it's own mp3?  I checked and there are converters for m4a files to Mac mp3 files.

Etta Sue, sounds like you all have a very fun day planned.

Ready to enjoy a restful and peaceful day today.  Sure I will watch some football or basketball on TV.  

NIGHT OF HOPE

Night of hope
Long ago
Born a baby
Meek and low
In a stable manger bed
The Son of God lay down His head

Chorus.....

Rejoice with angels, sing with them
Praise the One born in Bethlehem
Come with gladness, come with joy
He's your King this baby boy

Night of joy
Long ago
A baby lay
Sleeping so
On a mattress of soft soft hay
The Saviour of men gently lay

Chorus.....

Rejoice with angels, sing with them
Praise the One born in Bethlehem
Come with gladness, come with joy
He's your King this baby boy

Night of nights
Long ago
Baby Jesus
Coming low
With all ours sins He can cope
The Saviour came that night of hope

Chorus.....

Rejoice with angels, sing with them
Praise the One born in Bethlehem
Come with gladness, come with joy
He's your King this baby boy

Colin Moffett

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyk0jBiT2IY

I hope you are all having a Blessed Christmas Day!

It's lovely to see those of you who have stopped by.  Great to see you, Judy!

Colin, welcome!

crpoppy, how true--we must remember God's great gift at sending his Son into the world to die for us--the greatest of gifts.



I only have a couple of minutes as I'm waiting to stir the Chex Party Mix that Pat Hanna got me started on.  We'll take it to the kids' home tomorrow.

I'll be back.



I got this from Joni and Friends:



p Outside


"In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength."                                                               

                                                                 --Isaiah 30:15





            It was a chilly night in Bethlehem.  People escaped the cold, damp air and crowded into the little inn at the end of the street.  They had left their donkeys and camels in the back stable, had shut the door, and were now laughing and chattering with distant relatives they had not seen in years.



            Family ties were renewed over bowls of hot soup and goblets of wine.  People broke bread together, swapping stories about their long journey.  A teenager boy strummed his lyre, and several fathers clapped their hands in time to the music.



            While balancing a tray of meats and breads, the innkeeper answered a knock at the door.  A man calling himself Joseph stood outside with his cloak pulled tightly around his head.  It was late, cold, and he and his young wife who was heavy with child needed a room.  The innkeeper could barely hear Joseph speak with so much background noise, but he managed to explain that there was no room-only an empty stall or two in the back stable.



            The innkeeper quickly apologized and slammed the door shut against Joseph.  Outside, Joseph stood and listened to the laughter behind the door.  He sighed deeply, turned, and quietly led Mary to the stable.  While a celebration of music and feasting continued behind the warm walls of the inn, yards away, the Son of God quietly entered history.



Sometimes the most special moments of Christmas happen not during a crowded party but in cool, quiet silence.  In the midst of bustling activity, God seeks out the quiet heart.



What a contrast between the serene stable and the busy inn.  If only someone had taken the time to peer out a back window, or leave the party to check on his donkey, just think what he would have discovered!  Perhaps he would have seen the angels, the shepherds, and yes, even the Son of God.



Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, there's room in my heart for You.


Blessings,

Joni and Friends

Colin, it's good to see you here.  Thank you for that lovely hymn.  

Pat, thank you for relaying Joni's message.   I love chex mix and used to make it often.  Of course until I get my teeth squared away it's out of the question, anyway.   ;)

Things seem slow on here today.  I guess everyone in the area got new computers for Christmas and they're all online!   :D

"Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!"

Hi, everyone.  I haven't been in in ages and ages.  I haven't been able to access CP for whatever reason.  I thought it was just something on my computer, and didn't even mention it until Pat mentioned someone else, with my provider, not being able to get here either.

Yesterday I spent 1 1/2 hours with a Frontier tech trying to figure this out.  He took over my computer and checked everything........then contacted his supervisor and he led him to try some other things, but nothing worked.   He went to a site called ultraunblocker and could reach here via my computer that way, but no other way.

I finally convinced him to just let it go (he told me it had become personal for him. lol) and finally he did give up.  I felt like I knew him.  Jason was his name.  He told me to have a blessed Christmas, and I realized he must be a Christian.  I wished for him the same.

Today, I thought I'd try again, and here I am.  He must have found a way to do more after we hung up??  Anyway, I'm glad I can get here again.  I hope Marilyn can too.

I had a blessed and quiet Christmas.  Good night for now.  Nita

What a wonderful Christmas day spent with 18 family members and filling our tummies!!  And to top it off, I listened to Larry's Christmas Cantata from his church.  What beautiful music! 

Today we are having our Christmas Cantata after the Sunday service since the cantata was postponed due to bad weather earlier in the month.  After that is a cookie reception and then since I have plenty to eat here, I will come back home. 

And I will probably take a Sunday afternoon nap!! 

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas spent with your loved ones.  I did.

Hi everyone.  Sitting here reading and enjoying a cup of hot chocolate.  Our son and his wife gave us a nice assortment of it with different flavoring.  Mine was flavored with peppermint and very delicious.  It had to put in a couple of marshmallows.

Not since 1882, according to the newscasters, has Atlanta experienced a white Christmas.  Well yesterday was the day.  It started snowing about 4 pm and continued until we probably had an inch of snow on the ground.  Just took a couple of pictures of this historic event for our area. 

We had been planning for several weeks to have our family Christmas on the 26th, thinking that was the day our son and his wife would be able to be with us for a few hours.  Well yesterday about 11:30 the phone rang and it was our daughter-in-law saying they were about 20 minutes away.  They had always planned on being here on Christmas Day and my wife had just misunderstood.  Fortunately, she had most of the food prepared ahead of time so she quickly finished the potato salad and I helped get the table ready for the food and the other things ready.  We had a great day, enjoying the food and especially the time together.  We had a nice gift exchange and then we noticed it was starting to snow.  So they packed up their car and headed back to Augusta.  They called when they got home and had experienced no problems on the roads.  So we had a Christmas to remember. Needless to say my wife was exhausted as was I so we had a very quiet evening.

Nice to read about what each of you did yesterday. 

Our early church services were cancelled but our 11:15 service will be held.  I plan on attending but sure their will not be many people there. Doubt that we will have a choir this morning.  The rest of the day will be a restful one enjoying the company of our daughter who is still with us.

Etta Sue, glad you enjoyed the Christmas Cantata.  I know you are looking forward to the Cantata at your church.  How big of a choir do you have?  We had 30 this year and we have more men in the choir than I can remember us every having, which is great. 

Hope everyone has had a very enjoyable Christmas with family and friends and in remembering the reason for the season.

The celebration of Christ's birth, at least on the day we set aside for it, is past once more.  But let's endeavor to keep Christmas in our hearts every day!

You will find a clean slate for your very welcome posts, comments, stories and whatever you want to share  here. (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=11297.0)