Christian Photographers Community

Greetings Everyone  A splendid day out visiting family.

John is home. Yes he had knee replacement surgery. So glad it is over. The pain is bearable as long as he stays on the pain killers.  He hates taking them, however he does about 45 minutes before doing his exercises.

Heather has been here helping me.  She is such a blessing.

Our little guy Rambo is being a nuisance (my words) he wants to be on top of his dad, and that would not be a good idea!  Oh well soon little guy soon.

I am fine Janet, Didn't hurt myself.  The heavy part was the bed spring.. I let it slide down the stairs and that made it easier.  It is better for John to not have to climb the stairs at this point.  Soon!

Heading to bed folks.  Love to you all God is good all the time!

Here is something you may find enlightening, Heather wrote it for a Facebook post.


On the heels of suicide awareness day, I posted this in a grief group set up for survivors of suicide. I felt led to share it publicly.

Suicide is not the easy way out, like most people think ... it is viewed as the end of the pain that is felt by those who take this journey. It's easy to say that it isn't the answer, but for the person who attempts it, whether successful or not, it certainly feels like it is.

Most who are serious don't talk about it, but there is the exception to this "rule". Even if someone is talking about it, it should be taken as a serious call for help. In most cases, if someone is talking about wanting to die, finding out if they have a plan is critical. If someone is talking about dying, AND they have a plan, try to get them professional help and brace yourself for them to take that final step.

There are a few recorded cases of depression and suicidal thoughts in the Bible. I believe these have been recorded for a couple of reasons. First to help those who struggle with depression and suicidal ideation. Second to help those who love those who struggle, and sometimes complete that struggle by taking their own lives. Saul took his own life in 1 Chronicles 10. Elijah suffered with severe depression and asked God to take him from this life in 1 Kings 19. Even Jesus was depressed, He didn't want to die, and asked God to spare His life on the cross, in the Garden of Gethsemane.

We need to open up the discussion tables and make mental illness less of a taboo subject, so those who struggle don't feel so alone.

I have come to this place, being someone who has attempted to take my own life (23 years ago and only by the grace of God, with the help of a dear friend, was unsuccessful), and as the mom of a beautiful young lady who did take her own life. On both occasions, my life was forever changed. If you are trusted enough to be told that a person is feeling like life would be better if it was over, don't tell them that it isn't the answer. They won't hear you. Get them talking about why they feel the way they do. Validate their feelings. Ask them if they would hold on just for a day, and them for another ... try to find solutions, with their help, to the reasons they feel the way they do. And remember they aren't looking at suicide as an easy way out ... they are just in so much pain they can't see past it, and it feels like dying is the only answer to rid themselves of the pain they are in.

Before June 30, 2018, I would have never dreamed that I would be living the life I am now ... a life without my beloved youngest daughter. But this is my new normal. I pray daily for those who suffer in silence.

Send me a private message if you ever just need to talk to someone. I can't promise I'll answer immediately (I work full time in the evenings), but I will answer you. Let's work together to lift the stigma!

Hi Judy B  Glad to hear John is home from his surgery, make sure he takes his recuperation from surgery, at a pace that is right for him.  And though we don't like taking pain relief, it helps if only for a limited time.

Splendid to see you mentioned Suicide Awareness day, as a week yesterday, I attended a political meeting, which I mentioned on this site.  Though, it was not really political but a meeting regarding Mental Health issues, which is a subject that does not see enough resources being spent on those who need help with mental health problems.

Also, there is still a stigma with mental health issues, as people tend to not talk about the subject.  And those who have mental health problems, suffer in silence about their problems, when they only want a listening ear.  Ell

Judy: I applaud you for your openness in telling the story of Heather.  Your openness and testimony of true faith will be used for someone who needs to read/hear your message.   

Greetings Everyone I saw this quote earlier,splendid words.

What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of people. That is what love looks like.

Saint Augustine

Lovely quote Ellie. I have prayed that way for years.
"Lord  thank you for eyes that see, feet and legs to take me where you want me to go., Hands and arms to reach out and be Your hands extended A moth to speak your Words Ears to hear."

Well it is similar to the quote.

Greetings Marilyn   I did so enjoy reading 'Lord  thank you for eyes that see, feet and legs to take me where you want me to go., Hands and arms to reach out and be Your hands extended A moth to speak your Words Ears to hear.'

I try to help hubby as much as I can.  But, he does not ask me why do I have recurrent pain issues.  And ever since I have known hubby, he tells me in life it is not what he cannot do, but what he can do.

John is doing much better today. We went out to pick up some forms for him and he had a bit of time outside walking around.  This has been encouraged (walking) by the physio department.

I am really feeling tired.  Can't seem to get rested. I sleep well, just not feeling rested. prayer is coveted.

Greetings JubyB  We are glad to read John is improving.  And the walking is what I recommended, when I was working.  Sending our thoughts that you sleep well tonight.

Hello, Friends,
I was in and read the few messages on Monday, but just couldn't think of anything to say.  Yes, I know--very uncharacteristic for me! 
But here I am again.

Glad to hear that John is up, doing some walking and on the road to recovery. Marilyn, Hope Keith is better, along with you and Freckles, too.

Carol, how are you and Don?  I had been feeling better (more energetic) but I think being up too late last night at the Home Products Dinner left me really tired today.  I did go paint with my friends and enjoyed the day in spite of being tired, though. 

We plan to go to Salina to our youngest daughter's on Friday and help her do some home repairs she's intimidated to tear into, not knowing what she will find.  She has learned to do many repairs/installations by herself, but this was troubling her, so we're glad to help.

I'm reading a fascinating book called Heaven is SO Real by Choo Thomas.  It has sold over a million copies, and I'm surprised I hadn't heard of it before last week, when a friend who had bought a copy for the church library told me about it.  It's....WOW!

I'm going to shower and go to bed and read a bit longer.  I have a really busy day tomorrow and then an acrylic pouring class tomorrow night, then leaving for Salina on Friday morning.  Whew!

May God bless us, every one!!

Greetings Everyone  A splendid weather day here, sunny since this morning and 66F, lovely!

Good day everyone!  Don is still sleeping after being awake most of the night. Our granddaughter came for a surprise overnight and her drive to her new job is a lot closer from our home.  She has a job where she can put in the 8 hours at any time - what a nice concept it would have been to be so flexible. 

Five friends each gave me their favorite bible studies for my birthday and it is time to choose which one to start.  They asked me what I wanted and I told them just lend me any studies you have used.

Judy:  How are you and John coping? 

Janet: I hope you are having some cooler mornings as well.  It is so refreshing. 

Carol, yes, our mornings are refreshingly cool--so nice!

Hello, Ellie!

I'm about to leave for another appointment.  Later, Peeps!

We are coping carefully.  Physio starts on Tuesday and I have a test on Tuesday.  I am so thankful for our neighbour Lloyd.  He is taking John to his physio both days next week.  A friend from church will bring him home.  That takes a load off my mind. 

God knows our needs, and he has met them.  No complaints here! God is good, all the time!

Have a good Lords Day folks!

We are home again!  We helped our daughter; and her son came over and was a huge help, as well.  We needed his youth and strength.  And it was great to see him, we hadn't seen him since Beth's funeral.

It's always good to be back home!

Good morning everyone. Not much is new here, foot still very painful. I go back to the podiatrist tomorrow morning totalk about doing the surgery to get rid of the heel spur. Your prayers are  coveted.

Greetings everyone!  Sorry to be away - I read all of your notes.

Here, we have had some shocking news and trying to recover and understand.  Slowly,we are coping. Our great friends and family are all praying and truly, I can say it is helping.

Staying busy helps, I am sewing some sturdy covers for two headrests that attach to chairs. Also bought fabric to finish off a quilt I started with all the 2 1/2 inch squares cut from leftover fabric over years.  It looks old-fashioned. 

Giving thanks for faithful neighbor and friends.

Judy: Prayer for successful treatment for John and for your physio. 

Janet:  Having family visits are super great! 

Our granddaughter is coming for another overnight visit tonight.  We love it that she works closer to our house. Chicken soup is in the crock pot and there is a Caesar salad in the fridge.

Carol, thoughts of concern and also prayers about your unnamed situation.  Staying busy is often the best thing in times like those.

I went and painted with my friends today, and I think every one of them showed up.  Nice!

Tonight is dinner at church.

Hello to everyone!

Surgery on my left foot is scheduled for Nov. 1. I still have to go to the lad for a blood draw and to ,y regular physician for an appointment, then back to the podiatrist for the pre op on Oct. 22. So the ball is rolling now. aI will be in a boot for approximately 1 month then a 6 week checkup. After the first of the year I will make the appointment for the right foot. *I could have had done sooner if I was willng to travel out of town to one of the other pacs  m,y Dr operates. I chose to stay local.

Marilyn:Good wishes on your up and coming foot surgery. 

Remind me to never do any sewing when stressed - I thought it would be comforting and made a mess.

I called an older 2nd. cousin in Minnesota - we try to stay in touch with all the cousins & relatives.  He was wounded in Korea and has had numerous knee surgeries now they finally talk replacement.  Such a dear couple to have known for years.It is truly good therapy to "catch up" with friends and relatives.

Janet - thank you. You mentioned POURING ACRYLIC - that sounds nerve-wracking to me.  Are you making bowls?  Don't breathe that air? 

We had our annual flu shot today - so, far no flu for either of us and the family for many years - we all go in the fall.   

Marilyn, do you have a heel spur in the other foot, too?  Not sure I understand what you will be having done, but prayers for the best possible outcome!

Carol, acrylic paint isn't at all toxic!  It's water-based and the pouring is such fun, not at all nerve-wracking, as there is no way you have control over the final outcome, anyway.  At least in the beginning, maybe after I learn more, I may be able to have some control, but basically, each piece is a surprise!  Not making bowls or anything like that, just pouring colors onto canvas and tilting around to get different effects!

For many years, we refused flu shots, but did take them last year,and had no bad effects from them, so may take again this year.

Yes Janet I have heel spurs in both feet. The surgery is to remove the spur in my left foot, not sure how they do that I will get an explanation when I go back the  22nd.