Christian Photographers Community

The mistake was down to me, I thought it had read " soup and pud " but it was, " soup 'n pudding & a cuppa " 

And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34 NIV)

Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" that is, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Matt. 27:46 (NIV)

"It is finished." John 19:30 (NIV)

Lord Jesus, it's hard not to feel conflicted about calling the day of your crucifixion "good." That there had to be a day when you—the eternally glorious, righteous, loving Son of God, would be made sin for us, is not good at all. But at the same time, that you would freely and gladly give yourself for us on the cross is never-to-be surpassed goodness. It is quintessential goodness.

From the cross and your heart, came these two impassioned cries. "Father forgive them" (Luke 23:34) and "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matt. 27:46). The first required the second. The second secured the first. Together, they humble our hearts, silence our words, and fuel our worship.

And then there's the third cry. "It is finished." Nothing is left undone, concerning our salvation and for the transformation of our world. Once and for all, perfectly and fully, we have been reconciled to God. You became sin for us, than in you, we might become the righteousness of God (2 Cor. 5:21)—the Just for the unjust, the Beautiful One for the broken ones, the Lamb of God for the rebels from God. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

A millions years into our life in the new heaven and new earth, we'll still be filled with childlike wonder and ceaseless gratitude, for your sacrifice and love for us. Because you were fully forsaken, we are forever forgiven. Because you exhausted God's judgment against our numberless sins, we now live by the gift of your perfect righteousness. We bow our heads in awe and raise our hands in praise. So very Amen we pray, in your all-glorious, all-grace-full name.

Thank you Jeanne, for opening this new "Thoughts for the Month" for April.  I am sorry that I've been "so absent" but I am thankful for the prayers on my behalf from those of you in here who are continuing to pray.

This has been a very long journey...(on May 1st, it will be 18 months!).

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

One of my Facebook friends took this photo.

I just touched something on my keyboard that wiped out all but the last half sentence of my post!!  And I don't see an "Undo" button like I had on my PC.  Frustrating!

Pat, thank you for the beautiful words on Good Friday.  That term really troubled me as a child, until I realized that without it, there would be no redemption from my sins; no way into heaven!  We just got home from Good Friday service at out church, and it was very meaningful.  This is the first time we have been attending a  church that holds both Maundy Thursday and Good Friday Services.  Last night's service was different than any I'd ever attended.  There were twelve tables around the perimeter of the fellowship hall, and after we had a fellowship meal together and the Pastor read the Scripture account of the Last Supper, when Jesus told the Twelve that one of them would betray Him, the lights were turned out, leaving only three candles on each table for light, and twelve men who had volunteered, one by one (acting the parts of the Disciples) read what they had written about their meeting Jesus, becoming close friends with Him and walking with Him for three years, ending with their dismay that Jesus said one of them would betray Him, and asking "It couldn't be me......could it?" It was a really meaningful service.

Pat, I am so sorry for this VERY LOOOONG and hard time you have had/are having health-wise.  I knew it had been far too long, but didn't realize it's almost 18 long months!  And my prayers continue for you, dear friend. And Larry,you and Pat have had more than your share. As have Jeanne and Ruth Ann.  Well, most of us who are still posting on this site are in the same age group, and those things do come with the passing of the years, I guess.  But we never want our friends to suffer!

My precious granddaughter Abby just called to thank me for the Easter card I sent her.  She has grown up into such a sweet and thoughtful young lady.  How I love her!  She got neither today nor Monday off classes, so won't be home for Easter, but it isn't long until college is out for the summer!

I need to do a couple things and then get myself to bed, see you tomorrow!

I came back to thank Pat for passing on the photo of the cross made with hands.  My scrapbooking group did that last summer, but didn't get it as nicely as this!

Pat...what a pleasant surprise to come in this morning and see your postings...a special thank you for the photo of " hands, representing the cross..."
I know too well about what comes our way to have to deal with, the what comes and goes and the what comes and stays, like many members here, I have had my share...and still do have my share...but we are a Christian group who all share the one thing, and that is belief in our God that all will be put right in the end, we put our trust in his hands...in the meantime my prayers go out to all our forum family so that we may continue to post...

Hi everyone.  Today starts with another bright and sunny morning.  However, the forecast is for cloudy this afternoon but getting up to around 84 degrees.  Later this morning I plan on going to the Masonic Lodge as this is their annual BBQ Dinner to raise money for their charity work.  My friend who told me about the event said one dinner should be enough for Pat and I to share.  So I will get one meal and we will have it for our evening meal. Nothing else on my schedule for today. 

Yesterday was basically another lost day as I spent most of it just laying down resting and listening to music.  I took a diuretic pill this morning as my exhaustion could relate to the Congestive Heart Failure and fluid may be accumulating around my heart.  I hope this helps as want to feel up to attending Church tomorrow.   Our choir did their Easter music last evening as a part of the Good Friday service but I just wasn't up to attending. 

Carol, Pat liked the Chinese place and it was OK but not my favorite.  However, she said the food was too rich so we probably won't be going back for a long while if ever.  Fortunately we live close to the Costco as it is probably about 3 miles from us and an easy drive. 

Jackie, thanks for the explanation of "pud". 

Pat, thanks for the Good Friday piece.  I have wondered about the Good Friday designation but hope I understand.  Glad to see you posting and know it has been a long, long struggle for you.  You certainly don't need to apologize.  You know we all love you and pray for your recovery. Interesting photo.

Janet, I did a quick Google search and found this information on how to undo an action on an iMac:  Undo and redo actions. To undo the last action, choose Edit > Undo from the Edit menu at the top of the screen, or press Command-Z. To redo the last action you undid, choose Edit > Redo from the Edit menu at the top of the screen, or press Command-Shift-Z.  This year our church also had a Maundy Thursday and the Good Friday service.  Unfortunately I didn't feel up to attending either of them.  Is Abby looking forward to the summer vacation from college?

We have been watching a series on the bible on t.v. and it showed the parting of the waves as Moses led his people - it looks so real.   

Pat:  Thank you for today's inspiration.  Yes, it is good to never stop praying and you are included.

Larry: Have a good and healing rest!

I brought a double batch of Don's biscuits and gravy over to our faithful neighbors.  He has been lovingly cared for since the leukemia diagnosis years ago and is so weak.  She fell on the ice and broke bones in her elbow and hand and for 2 1/2 months there has been either a family member or friend staying with them.  Amazing family and friends.  Now the good news is that therapy is supposed to help so she should be able to grip the wheel of a car and drive again - prayers answered there. 

Looking forward to the favorite music on Sunday morning - play it loud and proudly!

Larry Hanna....sad you have had to miss various church functions over this Easter holiday period due to your exhaustion...I can understand your reluctance on going as I too am rather glad my top of leg is playing up with its electric shock, and spasm'ing  movements today, and not yesterday, as I would not have been capable of attending yesterdays mid day church related function...I know you would not appreciate me mentioning but, I am concerned over your health at the moment, re, your mention of " congestive heart failure and fluid build up..." as I always say..." act on your own gut feeling, if something doesn't feel, or seem right, it most probably isn't...do not neglect it and hope it will just go away, or right itself...at least you are doing right in resting up...

Happy Saturday! I just finished baking Empty Tombs for supper tomorrow night at the grandkids, as I thought they will be a good object lesson on Easter for the great-grandgirls.  But they were a lot more work than I'd counted on!  Now my back and shoulders hurt.  But I can rest, as have no big obligations today.

Larry, Abby is looking forward to the summer break, even knowing it will be a hard summer for her.  She is determined to take as much responsibility for her college expenses as she can, and has already obtained employment for the summer.  She got an internship with a crop quality service.  She will be working 6 days a week, walking around 20 miles a day, checking weeds, soil moisture, health of crops, etc.  She will have a company vehicle to drive from field to field.
She won't have any free time to speak of, but she says she is determined to do it, as she will make enough money to last her through the next term, and possibly a little to add to her investments Darrel has started for her.  Last summer she took care of a little girl, whose parents paid her very well, and she has stretched that money to last the whole term!  (Any wonder we are proud of Abby?) 

I need to go see Beth.  I want to ask her if she would like something pretty to put in her hair for church tomorrow.  And I need a couple things for a cute project I want to do with the little girls tomorrow.

Jackie, I didn't mean to exclude you in my mentioning those dealing with problems in their health, as I did think of you, and hope you knew you were included with the rest.  I hope you feel especially good tomorrow for the Easter service!

Hi there, Carol!  Darrel would love some of Don's biscuits and gravy!    He was saying yesterday that if he wants to eat that, he has to drive over 200 miles and pay over $100.00 to get it.     He was referring to the fact that when we go to Oklahoma City to fly on a trip, the motel where we stay has that for breakfast.  I told him he could cook it himself cheaper!  LOL  And likely a lot better, too.

I'm going to rest a bit, then go to town.  I'm glad I only have two stops to make there.

Have a blessed Resurrection Day, everyone!

Good afternoon we have made our weekly Walmart run this morning and gone for a walk . I now have a loaf of sour dough bread   in the oven. I just make the dough in  the machine anymore and do the rest by hand and bake it in the oven.

Singing practice went very well last night.  I will sing at the end of the service which I think is an appropriate time to sing "I know my redeemer lives. I wish I could remember how to sign the song as I sing. It has been too long since my college days when I learned to Sign language and not using it. We are having a  breakfast potluck at church before the service. I am making an egg, hash brown, tri color peppers, turkey sausage, pepper jack casserole  to take for the potluck.

I've got my share of painful problems, That is why I go to the Chiropractor so often rather than take pain pills. I only take those when absolutely necessary. The back pain  coupled with the PTSD  can make times very difficult Oh an the Peripheral Neuropathy   from time to time. I pretty much have that under control by taking 1000 mgs of Magnesium every night. If I keep moving, exercising and walking I do better than just sitting around all day.

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Hi everyone.  We have a another nice day for Easter.  We will miss the Easter service today as just don't feel up to getting out.  I hate to miss going as it is one of the few days we see our church generally full. 

Yesterday I did drive down to the Masonic Lodge and purchase two of their BBQ dinners.  There was so much food that one of the meals feed both Pat and I last night with some BBQ and hash with rice left over.  We will have the other dinner for our main meal today.  The food was delicious and they sure had a big turnout with cars everywhere.  Fortunately, I was able to park very close to the line for the take out meals. 

I did watch the golf yesterday afternoon and will do so again today.  It is a very tight match with a number of players in contention.  One of the players tee shot ended up on the bank of a water hazard.  When he got to the ball there was an alligator at the every edge of the water close to his ball.  Play was delayed until the caddy took a golf club and nudged to animal and it went under and out away from the bank. 

I read this a little while ago and found it quite interesting so wanted to share it as it fits with the Easter season:

Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection?
The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes.The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded and was placed at the head of that stony coffin.

Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!'

Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple out ran Peter and got there first. He stopped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in.

Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side.

Was that important? Absolutely! Is it really significant? Yes! In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day.

The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every  Jewish boy knew this tradition.

When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it. The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table until the master was finished...

Now if the master was done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers and his mouth and clean his beard, and would then wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table.

The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days the wadded napkin meant,  "I'm finished..."
But if the master got up from the table and folded his napkin and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because....the folded napkin meant
"I'm coming back!"  AND  SO  HE  SHALL

Carol, it is pretty amazing what they can create on the computer that isn't real.  Nice of you to take food to your disabled neighbors. 

Jackie, thank you for your expression of concern for my health.  I have been dealing with heart problems for over 30 years.  I am just hoping this is just an abnormal time and not what the future holds but only time will tell.

Janet, I have never heard of a baked "Empty Tomb".  I just looked them up and saw a picture of them.  All that walking and being outside this summer will be quite a task for Abby.  She is an unusual young lady and sounds like she want to be very independent.  I hope Beth and John were up to attending church this morning.

Marilyn, fresh baked sour dough bread is so delicious. Hope you enjoy singing your solo at church this morning.  With all of those good ingredients your casserole must be delicious. 

Jeanne, thanks for the Easter graphic and posting the Easter Hymn.  I have know that hymn since I was a child.   

HE IS RISEN!!

Thanks be to God.

I'm thankful to see another Easter day. 

My sister in law is still very ill.  They've given her 5 units of blood thus far, and have run several tests, thank you all for your prayers.  Yes, Larry, I go to her apartment to feed the kitty.

I attended worship through connecting live with a worship service online.

Y'all have a wonderful day.

Ruth Ann

Jeanne:  Thank you for the Easter song 

Larry:  Interesting about the folded napkin - so many things are more meaningful than we think.

Ruth Ann:  Glad you had an interesting and good sermon today.

I am not going to complain about the church service today - it is what it is and apparently what the youthful crowd is pushing.  We arrived early for the chapel service at  7:30 am and we were told to go to the main auditorium for an 8 am service.  (Nothing we could find on the internet site).  People had tickets for seats but they found two seats in the 2nd row in front of all the speakers.  You would not believe the loud music - it was almost staggering to us and I saw a few walk out.  We cannot go there - feeling so sad about the entire thing.  I am going to the women's study this week but we will try to go either Wednesday nights or even Saturday nights and if that doesn't work, we shall have to search again.  It is fantastic to see the growth of youth -

Otherwise, it is sunny and a little cool now and I keep working on cleaning and purging stuff.  We had a nice visit with youngest son and wife.  He has been working so hard both at his job and on the house - a new house behind him has built a barn and that place will have a few horses. 

Janet: Your Abby sounds like a delightful young lady - your treasure!

Carol...
...on the one hand it is good to know so many young are attending church in today's society, on the other hand, maybe their kind of church is not catering for all ages...It may take you some time, but shop around until you find a church you are both comfortable in, if that is possible where you live...I am comfortable in my small church as the parishioners tend to be mainly seniors, although this was the first, and only church, that I have attended since moving here a year ago...

Ruth Ann...
...sorry to hear of your recent concern over your sister-In-law...I too am thankful to see another Easter day but, also shared with sadness as it was an Easter Saturday when I lost one of my darling fur-babies, she passed away on the floor in my kitchen, with me at her side, God bless her, it would be eight years ago now, and still Petra is very much missed by me...

Hi everyone.  We have a sunny morning and should see 86 degrees before the day is over.  Yesterday was a very quiet day with my main activity being watching the golf tournament from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  For the first time ever a man born in South Carolina won that event.  We were able to have our second dinner from the Masonic Lodge BBQ event last evening.  I have no particular plans for today.  If I feel up to it at noon I will attend my Monday noon meeting. 

Ruth Ann, glad you are able to connect to your worship service online.  The miracles of electronic.  Later this week I can go to our Church's website and hear the sermon from yesterday since we missed the service.  I just have to remember to do so.

Carol, too bad you were subjected to sitting in front of the speakers.  I don't think I ever heard of a church service that required tickets to get in. I hope you can find a service that you both can be comfortable attending.   I become very annoyed by the very loud, clanging noise behind most commercials on TV anymore.  I don't consider it music as most often it seems to be a few notes played over and over. Occasionally I hear a commercial with soft music in the background and what a nice change.  Does your son live on an acreage?

Jackie, glad you like the small church you attend in your area.  Our Church has an early service, a contemporary service and then the traditional service.  I see a lot of older folks attending the traditional service and more and more young people. 

Good Day all - or good Evening to Jackie!

It is so nice outdoors and we shall take a walk soon.  I read what I wrote yesterday and know that I won't give up on the Wednesday bible group.  Don has a cousin and wife arriving tomorrow and we believe they will be leaving the next morning because of their commitments in Minneapolis. 

Larry:  Don cannot hear when music is in the background and someone is speaking.  He believes his latest aids are worthless so he has another appointment next month.  ----sigh ----

Everything is blooming - achoo! 
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Jeanne, thanks so much for posting my all-time favorite Easter hymn!!  It just doesn't feel complete on Easter unless I get to sing He Arose!   

We attended the early service, done completely by the young people, and what a great job they did!  And the music wasn't loud!  Then they served breakfast to everyone, followed by the regular service.  So we were in church from 8:30 until 12:30!  It was great!  Then we came home, rested, had a hamburger, and watched TV for a while before driving over to Moscow for supper with the kids.  Wonderful day!

Yes,Carol, Abby is our treasure!  And I am delighted that grandson Mark and wife (in Florida) went to a sunrise service at Bok tower, then to church, and daughter who had been away from church for years also attended sunrise service, breakfast, then church, with her new boyfriend.  Praying for your family pays, even when it sometimes to take forever to see the results.  Now, to keep praying for all of them, and especially the two grandsons who are out of church.

Larry, that alligator had no idea it was delaying the match!     Good it only took a little prodding to get it to move.  TV time is expensive!    I hope you felt up to going to your luncheon today.

Marilyn, I go to my chiropractor pretty often, as well.  I truly think those adjustments keep me from having far more serious problems.

Darrel helped me rearrange my "office" (actually a corner of the living room) this morning.  I remembered a narrow folding table I have, got it out and measured the height, found it is 2 1/4 inches shorter than my desk, so I'm using it now for the Mac.  We put my little desk behind me against the wall so I can have the things in it I need handy.  If this doesn't work, I'm not sure if I need computer glasses or a new chair!    Curtis came by a while ago and got the Mac connected to the wireless printer, so that's another step in the right direction.

I pray our Pat had a good Easter, and maybe even felt able to attend church.  I know she really misses that!

Carol, I sure hope you and Don can find a church where you will be comfortable, especially Don, with the music level.  Why do they think louder is better??

HUH!!  Darrel just got a letter from our doctor FIRING him as a patient and forbidding him to go to another doctor at that clinic!!  Can you imagine?  He was unhappy because Darrel didn't have a list of his blood sugars when he went in the last time.  I knew I should have gone with him!  I have an appointment with him tomorrow, and that will probably be my last visit to him.  We did notice the terrible surgeon who almost killed Beth is now the director of that clinic,
another good reason to go elsewhere!

Hi everyone pn an overcast morning.  We do have a 60% chance of rain this afternoon around 2 pm, when I have to drive for about 30 minutes to get to a new doctor's office.  I am seeing a dermatologist just for a check up since I have had carcinoma in the past.  I plan to eat an early lunch and then rest for 90 minutes or so before leaving. I did not attend my meeting yesterday as had to make a trip to the church to drop off the peanut butter and jelly to Pat's Circle meeting.  Then I stopped at Aldi's for a few items.  Pat had planned to go to Aldi's but just was in a lot of discomfort.  By the time I got home I was ready to rest for awhile.

This morning got off to a rocky, although as I think of it now a rather humorous one.  However, I didn't feel that way when it was happening.  I was fixing Pat's breakfast and got the water started for the coffee, including putting the coffee pod in the coffee maker.  When the lights went on indicating it was ready I pushed the button and continued to make Pat's breakfast.  When I went to get the coffee I discovered I had not put a cup under the spout so had coffee all over the counter.  So I cleaned up the mess and started the water for an actual cup of coffee.  When I went to get it I saw I had a nice cup of hot water as had forgotten to put the coffee pod in the maker.  The third time was the charm and Pat actually had a cup of coffee.  Fortunately I didn't burn her scrambled eggs.  In the scheme of things this really wasn't important at all just aggravating at the time. 

Carol, too bad that Don's hearing aids haven't given him any quality of hearing.  Hope you enjoy a nice visit with Don's cousin today. 

Janet, our young Church folks are pretty amazing.  We have a youth Sunday and last year we had a middle school Sunday and then a high school Sunday and all of the kids did a great job.  Glad you had a great day.  We should never give up on our children getting back to Church when they have been brought up in the Church.  I saw this happen with our daughter and am still waiting on our son but at least he is coming to the Church for the Wednesday night meals. They were brought up in the Church.  I had to wonder if the alligator at the edge of the golf fringe was just licking it lips anticipating a hearty meal.  It sounds like you have a nice desk and computer arrangement now. We did not attend any of the Easter services last week as neither of us felt up to it.  Was this a local doctor that fired Darrel?  If Darrel has a smart phone I am sure there is an app where he could record the blood sugar counts as taken. 

Hi everyone on an overcast day here in South Carolina.  We are suppose to get up to 80 degrees this afternoon.  Yesterday afternoon we had a series of very nice rain showers.  We needed the rain.

I did see the dermatologist yesterday and all was fine.  He did freeze off a little growth on my temple simply because it bothered me.  Today should be a pretty laid back day.  Our granddaughter arrived a few minutes ago and she and Pat are headed to Costco.  Pat wants to get there when they open at 10 am so she can get a riding cart to get around in the big store.  We have our Wednesday night dinner at church tonight. 

Think you may like this short video.
http://1funny.com/man-dog-hummingbird/

Hi everyone.  It is a bright and sunny morning here and headed up to about 85 degrees this afternoon.  I have a full morning planned as need to stop at the bank for some cash.  Then will pick up my friend who lives just up the street from the bank and we will go to coffee.  I will bring him home and then stop at the barbershop in the Walmart Shopping Center as really need a haircut.  Finally, will go on over to the Walmart to pick up two prescriptions and get a couple of other items.  I will come home and have lunch and then will take it easy for the rest of the day. 

Today is the 18th. anniversary of Columbine high school shootings.  The principal had a safety facility named after him yesterday - very emotional.  It was unbelievable that day - and a few weeks later I remember visiting the makeshift memorial. 

Clouds are coming and it will be cooler for a few days.  We had a wonderful visit with Don's younger cousin and wife and they want us to stay with them in Minnesota and gather their brothers and sisters so we can meet again.  Everything I fixed for food ahead of time turned out OK and easy - still, visiting just wore us out.  Wish it wasn't so. 

Time for coffee - I did the treadmill today and listened to the radio instead of walking outdoors.  We are more adjusted to the higher altitude but I won't run up the stairs   

Carol  I was remembering Columbine this morning I  so vividly remember that day and oh how I prayed for the kids and the families. It was on my TV and I just prayed and prayed.

Freckles and I will be going to the Hospital shortly to visit the patients. There will be 6 teams 2 teams per floor.

I was taking care of a little grandson a day or two after Columbine and one of the students killed had lived in that house previously.  Massive bunches of flowers were delivered to the front door with requests from Larry King, Oprah and others so I had to find a neighbor there who knew where the family had moved.  I cannot explain how sickening the whole ordeal was - and only stopped at the makeshift memorial once. 

We may have snow in a bit - it is that time of the year. .   

Hi, friends,
My sister in law is now out of the hospital, but seems very weak. I continue to be concerned about her.

I'm also dealing with a recurring pancreatitis problem. It should go away soon, at least I hope so.

May our Lord be with us and uphold us with His Righteous Right Hand.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Never realised it has been four days since I made my last post, even though I come in daily to read....My thoughts and prayers are with all who are dealing, and coping with their own illnesses....As for my top - inside of right leg has become alive with movements these last few days, more than usual, so not been out and about as the leg is not trust-able at the moment...Anyway, my leg does what it wants, when it wants, it controls me, I have no control over it...Other than that, not much else is going on apart from our weather is changing for the better...We saw an ambulance passing down our slope yesterday so wondering which neighbour was in trouble, anyway I am sure Richard will get the feedback when he is out walking Toby, if he is lucky to see anyone as we are very remote on this small site...Well I am posting now at 6.20am, my first cup of tea in hand, my first cup of many...