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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.   

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.  

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!