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The Cantata was wonderful.  Such beautiful voices and solos.  And the Chime Choir is awesome.  And then the candlelight ceremony.  Breathtaking.

Kitty and I had a great time.  I wish everyone could see her house.  Every room has a tree...even some of the bathrooms...she has 5 bathrooms.  Decorations everywhere!  Mine looks like Bah Humbug after seeing hers! 

Time for beddy-bye!  Better go vote first though.

Don't forget to vote!!

Wonderful devotional, Etta Sue.  I have often thought about how Lazarus emerged from that tomb "bound hand and feet with graveclothes."  Did he hop?  Did he shuffle by inches?  Or did the power of God just pop him out and stand him there in front of all those amazed people??  God is so awesome, and the ways He chooses to do things are never what we might expect!  Well, maybe I should say often not.

Our cantata went really well!  The congregation seemed to really enjoy it, and the church was full.  Our daughter Diane, husband Jeff and granddaughter Abby came, and we ducked out afterward (they were having sandwiches and cookies at the church) because Jeff wanted to eat at the Taste of China instead.  Then they came to our house and visited for a while, and we called both Curtis and Mark while they were here---or, rather, Jeff called them.  The boys will be home next weekend for Christmas break.

Time to hit the hay, so goodnight, all!

Thanks Etta Sue...

I'm so happy that your cantatas went off well.  May the Lord be praised.

Here's one I'm not familiar with but seems so nice...



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Our Christmas Choir program is this friday and saturday. The dress rehersal is on tuesday. I have never felt so unprepared. Because of the 12 hour shifts I'm on I miss choir every other week, and I have missed the last two practices because I have been ill.

Oh, my Smokey.  You're going to have to do a lot of singing in the shower to practice! 

Good Morning All,


Etta Sue that is a beautiful devotional. I have often wondered how Lazarus felt when he came out all wrapped up like that.

So glad to hear that everyone's Cantata's are going well, we have never had one that I remember.

Pat that is a beautiful song, I've never heard it before. Couldn't seem to make the words fit the music though. I'm an alto but don't have time to sing in the choir any more.

Smokey hope you get it all down before the big night, you'll be fine. What part do you sing?

I hope everyone else has a blessed and God-filled day. I will try to check in later when more of you are up. It's lonely in here at this hour.   But I have God so it's not bad.

Trusting
<><Jeannine

TWO weeks to Christmas!

Everyone seems to be DIEING to get my poem Heaven read out for them!

I will not reply to everyone indeevid...indivedu...er...one at a time! I have read all your posts. What busy lives you all lead. God bless.

Thanks Etta Sue, for the great devotional.

And now, at 10pm, Japan Standard Time, I am thinking about our warm bed and wondering what Colin is up to.

I took a lot of pictures today, prior to and as the sun rose.  And then I drove to the country with my wife and her mother to get some mustard greens.  Yummy.  While there I snapped a picture or two of the countryside.

Keep checking the gallery for a post from me.

In His Grip,
Kevin

PS...I don't have access to the shout box for some reason, so if you shout, please know that I am not ignoring you.  I can read what you are yelling, I just can't respond.  Really!  Ask Pat...tell them Pat

Pat: Thanks for the Brightest & Best song. 

Am slowly waking - I take a nighttime cough syrup & do sleep'

Larry I read the Seattle article about Christmas trees being taken down at the airport.  Even though the trees are considered secular, anything Christmas has to be forbidden.  Also read that people are not buying Merry Christmas cards.  I see the Salvation Army has bell ringers at WalMart, Kmart but not Target. 

Saw only the headlines on an article about Meals for Wheels in trouble & it is probably because of the change in gas prices this year.  Lots of people losing jobs so it has to be worrisome - we can all pray for all those concerned.

Carol

Hi Everyone...

I'm off for a sleepover.  Packing my jammies in a bag and I'm headed off to Janice's for the night.  She's invited Geordie too.

Happy Monday!!    I went and worked out, then Darrel and I went out to Pioneer Electric for their Member Appreciation day....today is when they give out checks to their owner-members for a percentage of the profits for past years.  A nice check for $98.76 comes at a good time, dont' you think?  We have a really good, progressive company, and our telephone, internet and cable company is also Pioneer and owned by its members. TMI? 

Carol, I heard on TV that, although Target is not having the Salvation Army bell ringers at their stores, they did make a nice contribution of $3.2 million dollars to them this year.  So I'm no longer ticked  at them. 

Our town got new Christmas decorations for Main street a few years ago, and I do not like them at all.  They are those dorky banners that hang on the light posts, and say "Happy Holidays from Ulysses."  In the first placed, they NEED to say Merry Christmas, and in the second place, they do not show up at all, you have to look for them.  I'm thinking of writing a letter to the editor, something I do occasionally when I get frustrated at the status quo. 

Tonight our ladies' meeting is at my buddy Pat's house, and I'm to bring a relish plate, so need to make a dash to the grocery store.  Then tomorrow night is the Christmas dinner at the Care Home, and Wed. night, we vote as a church on whether to purchase the land for a new building.  Thursday, the kids invited us to go to the movie "Facing the Giants" with them......so busy week again!  But fun!

Pat, glad you and Geordie got to go for a sleepover!    And you and Geordie are welcome at my house anytime!

Smokey, do you get CDs to listen to, of the cantata music?  We have found those to be so helpful in learning the songs.  I know you will do well, brother!

Kevin, my procrastination did it again, I didn't get any entries into the Christmas preparation challenge.  Sorry.  I did take several! 

We stopped by Dollar General a while ago to pick up more wrapping paper, so I believe I will go and wrap more packages.  Talk to you later!

Good Day everyone I have been to Curves to workout and on to Tai Chi, Now I have a pot of Chicken veggie soup on cooking.

I have to go by the bead store to get  a couple of Lobster claw clasps to fix my Medic alert Bracelet. I made the bracelet myself and yesterday I got it caught on something and it gave way. Other than that I don't have to go any place today.

However tomorrow is another story, I have to leave Jan's at noon to get to a business luncheon then at 7 PM another business meeting.


Colin another great poem from you thank you so much for sharing you wonderful talents with us here on CP you are  a wonderful addition to the group.

TTYL

I woke late so now everything is late.  I took the trash out and then had my breakfast and read my devotions.  Then I decided to drive to Pendleton and get my furkids their food.  They have to Urinary Tract Cat Food...well, Ali does and how do you keep Inky out of it.  I was buying Purina but they didn't eat much of it but this food from the vets office, they eat more ..... and expel more.  Keeps their pipes open!!  Then I went to the Dollar General in Pendleton. 

I took my shower after I got home, ate some lunch...leftover from lunch yesterday... and now catching up on the pc.

Tonight is a pitch in dinner for the Photo Guild.  Looking forward to that.

Thanks, Pat, for the "Brightest and Best" music.  It's a good one, but, like others, I've never heard it before.  Who/when/why wrote it?

Pat, beautiful song.  I had never heard that one before and played have played it a couple of times before managing to put the words to it.  I think I may be playing it again at home a couple of times.

This weekend was rather expensive and today isn't shaping up to be much better.  I took my car in to get the oil changed and also had the change the battery.  Not easy because the front driver's tire has to be removed to change the battery.  Today at lunch I went out to get something to eat and came out to get into my car and come back to the office and heard the hissing of air from the front tire.  I called home to get Bruce to come change it for me, and then started to pull out the spare tire and jack from the trunk.  A fellow in the parking lot having his lunch in his truck saw what I was up to and came over and proceeded to change it for me.  Chivalry is not dead!  Now after work will have to take it to the tire place and see how much road hazard I have left on the tire.

Now must get back to work.  Have a great day everyone.

Dear children,

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. Although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Now, having said that let Me go on.

If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can and may remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish. I actually spoke of that one in a teaching explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgot that one, look up John 15:1-8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it.

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile, it could make the difference. Also, you might consider supporting the local Hot-Line: they talk with people like that every day.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary, especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name. You may already know someone like that.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them (and I suspect you don't) buy some food & a few gifts and give them to the Marines, the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

P.S Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work. Time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember,

I LOVE YOU.

Thanks, Marilyn.  That is really good, and I hope you don't mind that I copied it to send on to others.   

Janet,

Add your photos anyway!  We'd love to see 'em!   They won't be in the voting part, but so what!?!  I'd just like to see your preparations .  Hey, it's Christmas!

Gripped,
Kevin

hello all!

just running through for a moment, seeing how everyone is.  i didn't get an entry into this contest, but i will try to vote!

It's cold in Western North Carolina, so we are staying in as much as possible.  I think the kids and I all are getting cabin fever though.

We had our Christmas cantata at church yesterday morning.  The choir director likes to do it as early as possible so she doesn't have to be stressed about it right before Christmas.    Of course, I'm the choir director, so I think that is a grand plan.  No one has argued with me yet.

Take care!

karmat

Wonderful posts everyone. I have read them all and each one is a blessing. I especially like your Dear Children one Marilyn.
Well it is my bedtime so I will wish you all goonight. God bless.

Breakfast  at McDonald's
Please  read until the end.

This  is a good story and is true, please read it all the way through until the end!  


I  am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college  degree.

The last class I had to take was Sociology.

The teacher  was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had  been graced with.

Her last project of the term was called  "Smile."

The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and  document their reactions.

I am a very friendly person and always smile at  everyone and say hello anyway, so, I thought this would be a piece of cake,  literally.

Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest  son, and I went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning.

It was just  our way of sharing special playtime with our son.
We were standing in  line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to  back away, and then even my husband did.

I  did not move an inch... an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me  as I turned to see why they had moved.


As  I turned around I smelled a horrible "dirty body" smell, and there standing  behind me were two poor homeless men.

As I looked down at the short  gentleman, close to me, he was "smiling".

His beautiful sky blue eyes  were full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance.

He said, "Good  day" as he counted the few coins he had been  clutching.

The  second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the  second man was mentally challenge d and the blue-eyed gentleman was his  salvation.

I held my tears as I stood there with them.

The young  lady at the counter asked him what they wanted.

He said, "Coffee is all  Miss" because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the  restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be  warm).

Then I really felt it - the compulsion was so great I almost  reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes.

That is when  I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every  action.

I smiled and as k ed the young lady behind the counter to give me  two more breakfast meals on a separate tray.

I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on  the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman's cold hand.

He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, "Thank you."

I leaned  over, began to pat his hand and said, "I did not do this for you. God is here  working through me to give you hope."

I started to cry as I walked away  to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, "That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope."

We held hands  for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we  had been given were we able to give.

We are not church goers, but we are believers.

That day showed me the pure Light of God's sweet  love.

I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this  story in hand .
I turned in "my project" and the instructor read  it.

Then she looked up at me and said, "Can I share this?"

I  slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class.

She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this  need to heal people and to be healed.

In my own way I had touched the  people at McDonald's, my husband, son, instructor, and every soul that shared  the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student.

I graduated  with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn: UNCONDITIONAL & ACCEPTANCE.

Much  love and compassion is sent to each and every person who may read this and learn  how to
LOVE PEOPLE AND USE  THINGS - NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.

If  you think this story has touched you in any way, please send to others.
There  is an Angel sent to watch over you.

In  order for her to work, you must pass this on to the people you want watched  over.

An  Angel wrote:
Many  people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave  footprints in your heart.

To handle yourself, use your head.

To  handle others, use your heart.

Keep  this going   

HAVE A GREAT  DAY!

Karma, I think that's a grand plan, too!  How did your catata go?  Good to see you again!

Marilyn, some of that I agree with, but if we just lie down and let them steamroll us, taking Christ out of Christmas, along with the rest of the things they are doing in the Culture War, then soon all of our freedoms will be chipped away.  Because we are Christians, is all the more reason to fight against such things.  I think a  Lot of things "attributed" to God speaking, are not His voice at all.  And we all know December 25 was not the actual date of Jesus' birth, but does it really matter WHEN we celebrate it, as long as we DO remember?

I need to go fix a relish tray for the get-together tonight.  Anyone want a celery stick?  

I do believe we should stand up for our constitutional rights - for the sake of others if not our own sakes - but I also believe we should do the things contained in the "letter," because they will be the very BEST testimony to our relationship with Him.

Janet for one thing I did not write that letter so please don't be upset with me over what you disagree with, I happen  to feel that  fighting against some of those things would be wrong for a "Christian" to do. Arent we supposed to represent Jesus? What would Jesus do? God is Love and we are to love  others and show them God's love.
I am sorry you got angry with  was that letter says. The letter was a blessing to me.

When someone says "Happy Holidays" instead of Merry Christmas  just smile and say "Thank you and Merry Christmas to you too"

IMHO Too many Christians are not showing the love of God  by protesting every chance they get.

Sorry for stepping one any-one's toes I did say in my humble opinion.

Hi everyone.  Glad to read that the Cantata's went well.  We are not doing ours until next weekend so still have a couple more practices.  Our choir director also prepares separate part CDs for us and plays the piano note along with the recording and sings our part (I sing Bass).  Our choir director has perfect pitch which is something I do not have although don't have too much problem as I do read music.

We had a very busy day.  Pat and I both had dentist appointments and one tooth each that needed a filling.  We then went to the mall area and finished up Christmas shopping, ran some errands, I had a blood test done at Kaiser, we ate out at Smokey Bones, one of our favorite places, and then came home and I had a nap.

We really warmed up here today as it got to 63 degrees and it was bright and sunny.  We really enjoyed being out.

Etta Sue, that was a good devotional today.

 

I get tickled each time I hear or read, "What would Jesus do?".  Jesus would come to earth and die for this bunch of ingrates.  Oh, He did that already!  And on His way to the cross, He was very confrontational and absolutely uncompromising in doing what pleased His Father.

Some "thoughts" from Isaiah, Chapter 9...

     The people who walked in darkness
      have seen a great light.
   For those who lived in a land of deep shadows—
      light! sunbursts of light!

   You repopulated the nation,
      you expanded its joy.
   Oh, they're so glad in your presence!
      Festival joy!
   The joy of a great celebration,
      sharing rich gifts and warm greetings.

   The abuse of oppressors and cruelty of tyrants—
      all their whips and cudgels and curses—
   Is gone, done away with, a deliverance
      as surprising and sudden as Gideon's old victory over Midian.

   The boots of all those invading troops,
      along with their shirts soaked with innocent blood,
   Will be piled in a heap and burned,
      a fire that will burn for days!

   For a child has been born—for us!
      the gift of a son—for us!
   He'll take over
      the running of the world.
   His names will be: Amazing Counselor,
      Strong God,
   Eternal Father,
      Prince of Wholeness.

   His ruling authority will grow,
      and there'll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.
   He'll rule from the historic David throne
      over that promised kingdom.
   He'll put that kingdom on a firm footing
      and keep it going
   With fair dealing and right living,
      beginning now and lasting always.
   The zeal of God of-the-Angel-Armies
      will do all this.

In His Grip,
Kevin

Quote from: Marilyn on December 11, 2006, 07:54:09 PMSorry for stepping one any-one's toes I did say in my humble opinion.

I read both of your posts and was touched by both of them.  Both of them had something to say to me.

While I have not always objected in writng or with my checkbook to merchants who say Happy Holidays that doesn't mean that I don't think we are in danger of letting the world take over this special celebration time.

As for the smelly men in McDonalds, I have not experienced up close and personal their "smell" but that doesn't mean they are not all around us. 

When God gives us an opportunity we need to be looking for it and not miss it, whether it is righteous indignation or giving a tray of food to someone.  Or perhaps just a word of encouragement.

So, I will view the nativity scene at the entrance to our town and be thankful that the churches, businesses and citizens of Wayne have funded this scene.  And I will look for opportunities that God puts in my path... smelly or not.

By the way Marilyn....thanks for interrupting my day and giving me reason to stop and be thankful and to think.

What a great devotional for this week's discussion, and such good comments from all tonight.

Marilyn, I tend to agree with Al, and I wanted you to know I liked the message in your postings.

Karma, how nice to see you. And, since you're the choir director, I think you did a good thing - the closer to Christmas it gets, the more difficult it is to work all of our commitments in comfortably.

Kevin, I enjoyed reading your post.

I, too, saw a cantata this weekend. They're such a wonderful showcase of God's blessings to man in that not only do we get reminded of the story of our Lord's birth in human form, but we also get to enjoy the creative talents of so many of His people.

Sue, I was gifted by different gentlemen holding the door at 3 various locations one day recently. Such goodness is to be appreciated, and of course, appropriate warm smiles and spoken thanks give us an opportunity to share our gratitude. Sunch small acts of courtesy, such long-lived memories of them!

Etta Sue, my elderly kitty has some renal insufficiency, but will not touch the food from the vet. So, he and I talked about it, and he said to let her eat the food she's able to eat, and when her quality of life is past, then we'll need to think about letting her cross the "Rainbow Bridge."

Pat, i appreciate your quick little posts, and the beautiful songs you bring to us.

Janet, my hat's off to you - you really are a busy lady. I don't know how you're able to accomplish so much. And, you've been blessed with wonderful talents!

Friends who post in the photography discussions, I hope to soon be able to sit at my leisure and enjoy the galleries. It's not that I'm ignoring you on purpose, it's just there's little time. Here it is, almost 11:15 tonight, and I'm not yet in bed. The alarm's going to go off much too soon to suit me tomorrow morning, I'm thinking!  

If I've not mentioned you, it's because of a "senior moment" - I really appreciate all who comment here.

Ruth Ann

Good Morning Everyone.  It isn't quite time to leave for coffee and since I have several things on the schedule today I decided to go ahead and post even though I posted late last evening.  We have our Senior Christmas luncheon at our local senior center.  Traditionally the club buys the meat and we all bring a dish.  We are having a white elephant gift exchange.  So Pat won't have to cook tonight as we will have had a big lunch.

I am happy to say that we do have a Christmas tree in our senior center, in fact they were also in the county senior center at the luncheon the other day.

It is suppose to be very nice here today and is already 50 degrees this morning.

Our daughter had her eyes checked yesterday as had not had that done before.  She is a diabetic so this was important and there was no illness found in the eyes but she does need glasses for reading.  She had a 1 pm appointment but called around 7 pm saying she was still waiting to see the eye doctor.  She was having the test at the huge Atlanta county hospital.  She called about 9 pm and said she was finally home but exhausted. 

Ruth Ann, I don't envy you having to face that you may soon have to put your cat to sleep.  As I said about three weeks ago we had to do that.  I was certainly surprised when I got a sympathy card personally written by the vet and also one from our neighbor. 

Kevin, thanks for sharing the Isaiah verses.

GÔÔD Morning, All!!

First, thanks to all who commented on the devotion I posted.  Again, my devotions are from a book that has a devotion for every day of the year...365 short stories from the Bible.  I love the question and thoughts after the stories...really makes you think.  But the last time I tried to get one of these books, it is out of print and not predicted to print more.  Sorry!  But I did take time once to type out the Book, chapter and verses to read for each day and then typed the question and thoughts.  Printed out it is 33 pages.  But then you can read your favorite version of the Bible and still have the question and answers at the end.  If anyone is interested, I could email that to you.  Just a thought!

The gathering with the Photo Guild was superb.  We all enjoyed the great food that we prepared for us and then we saw two slide shows.  The first was a Medical Mission in Honduras.  The lady made a movie of her photos and her specialty in photos are of children.  She sure captured the beauty of those darling children as well as the scenery around the area where they performed surgeries and gave out medicine and advice to the residents. 

The second slide show was primarily in Utah.  Utah is a very scenic state from the Arches to Canyonlands.  I recognized a lot of the scenes since I have been fortunate to travel in Utah several times.  The photos were superb...probably because the gentleman and his wife arose early and were at the sights before daylight!! 

Wish I could show you both of these slides shows.

Today is a day of rest.  Really cloudy and rainy out today but chilly.  So a nice day to stay in and veg out!

Good Morning All. I would like to thank those who commented on the two long posts I  added here yesterday the  letter from Jesus and the story about the family at McDonalds.  I posted them because they both touched my heart. (Not that I have to explain why I posted them to anyone.) I am thankful that they also touched the hearts of others here at CP.

I have a busy day today. By the way I finished my quilt yesterday and delivered it before I thought to take a  photograph; Sorry!

The grand-kids did very will in their swim meet over the weekend. i didn't go but  perhaps I can go to the next one, which isn't until March.

Still raining here alot. Thank you God for the rain. I took the dogs walking yesterday afternoon in the rain, it wasn't pouring at the time just a light rain.

Gotta go now.

Thanks for the nice devotional, Etta Sue.  I really enjoy them....and that Christmas Tree looks a lot like the one upstairs at my daughter's....mine is much smaller.  Misty keeps trying to take the ornaments off ... 

I also liked what you posted, Marilyn.  Things are so confusing these days, especially for a sr. like me who is now in her seventies.  Values keep changing.  A Salvation Army Church has opened in Victoria that is for golfers.....picture of the minister on the front page with his club, stating they take the church to the course.  No red shield at the church, not wanting to advertise they are S.Army.  Problem is, with all the relaxing of values, what is left to value??


Today is the day for my left eye to be zapped with a laser.  Won't know for a time if the treatment is going to lower the eye pressure.  Guess my one real fear is losing eyesight and not being able to function.  Not really fear.....things will work out in the end. 

Weather is still topsy turvey on the island.  Snow hanging around but melting from the rain.  Almost gone from the yard and that makes Misty much happier.  Me too, as she comes in dragging stuff in her long fur.  That cat really can be a mess!

Do any of you remember the poetry of Robert Service?  For some reason, I picked up a book of his 'Best' to read again.  Always found the poems amusing, tho'  at times rather rough.  Had forgotten this one and think it tells much about human nature and the 'soul'.

The Quest

I sought Him on the purple seas,
I sought Him on the peaks aflame;
Amid the gloom of giant trees
And canyons lone I called His name;
The wasted ways of earth I trod:
In vain! In vain! I found not God.

I sought Him in the hives of men,
The cities grand, the hamlets gray,
The temples old beyond my ken,
The tabernacles of to-day;
All life that is, from cloud to clod
I sought. . . . Alas! I found not God.

Then after roamings far and wide,
In streets and seas and deserts wild,
I came to stand at last beside
The death-bed of my little child.
Lo! as I bent beneath the rod
I raised my eyes . . . and there was God.



--- Robert Service


Could be I was thinking about my son when I picked up the book.  How he always loved the outdoors and nature.  We have no idea where he is and years have gone by.....my son got into drugs at a early age and into trouble as a result.  Then, despite our closeness, simply walked away from everyone.  So when I see homeless men, I always check to see if one might be him.  Sometimes life can be very cruel.

Time to go.  We all have problems in life....God didn't promise they would go away while here on earth.

Pleasant Day/Evening and God Bless.

Liz

I have enjoyed reading the posts.  Not commenting on them at this point, though they were all good.  This I will say, too often men are turned off from helping ladies out because many will refuse the help and then quite rudely.  Too bad that these ladies react like that, they spoile it for all of us.

We had our small group meeting Christas Party last night.  The ladies and I were discussing ourt embarrassing moments.  What a lot of laughter we shared.  Then as the evening progressed the laughter continued..  For a gift we had to give a tacky that had a theme and nothing bought.  Last year I gave an old sledge hammer head as a gift.  It was brought back this year as a painted door stop!  Such creativity! We had to have a theme for our gift and the theme for the "door stop" was don't stay the same become better!  Two of us gave candles, one with an old broken down bushel and a candle.  We both used the same verses.  These gifts are great for their creativity.

We had a bird.  She was high up above where I thought the cats could get.  They are just kittens after all.  Well the cats got to her somehow, and the bird is gone all that is left is feathers.  That has left me feeling sick.  Poor thing, it used to talk to us as we would walk by it.

We are to have miild weather for the next 14 days.  That is welcomed, we still have wood to get in.

Well I have to go, time has flown today, I have a lot to get accoplished, so bye for now
JudyB

Sad about your bird, Judy.  We have lots of birds in the yard and they seem to be fine.  Misty wears a very large bell and has little chance of sneaking up on them.  Of course, it does tend to keep me awake at night when she starts to play with her toys.

Wish we could put bells on humans to warn them about 'human cats' in the Christian world.  Problem is, it might drown out the sermon in church

God Bless,

Liz

LIZ~Thank you for that poem.  It really touched my heart.  I understand your mother heart regarding your son.  God bless.

LIZ, (((((hugs))))) to you.  I am often surprised by how many of us have family sorrows.

I'm not feeling like saying anything today, as I feel very beaten down and misunderstood about my post yesterday.  But I still say STAND UP FOR WHAT'S RIGHT and stop letting the enemy steal from us. 

Maybe I will be back.........don't know yet.

JANET~ {{{HUGS}}} to you, too!  Don't let it get you down ... happens to the best of us.   

Good morning

Here's a few lines from a song that I like...


In His Grip,
Kevin

 

I'm reading good things this morning, and still working on the same mug o' coffee!

From Psalm 133, The Message PARAPHRASE

How wonderful, how beautiful,
   when brothers and sisters get along!
It's like costly anointing oil
   flowing down head and beard,
Flowing down Aaron's beard,
   flowing down the collar of his priestly robes.
It's like the dew on Mount Hermon
   flowing down the slopes of Zion.
Yes, that's where God commands the blessing,
   ordains eternal life.

Gripped,
Kevin

JANE, I think I could get to lit it over here in the corner with you.

I certainly believe in Miracles.

Three years ago, a little boy and his grandmother came to see Santa at Mayfair Mall in Wisconsin. The child climbed up on his lap, holding a picture of a little girl. "Who is this?" asked Santa, smiling. "Your friend? Your sister?" "Yes, Santa," he replied. "My sister, Sarah, who is very sick," he said sadly. Santa glanced over at the grandmother who was waiting nearby, and saw her dabbing her eyes with a tissue. "She wanted to come with me to see you, oh, so very much, Santa!" the child exclaimed. "She misses you," he added softly.

Santa tried to be cheerful and encouraged a smile to the boy's face, asking him what he wanted Santa to bring him for Christmas. When they finished their visit, the Grandmother came over to help the child off his lap, and started to say something to Santa, but halted.
"What is it?" Santa asked warmly. "Well, I know it's really too much to ask you, Santa, but ." the old woman began, shooing her grandson over to one of Santa's elves to collect the little gift which Santa gave all his young visitors. "The girl in the photograph . My granddaughter .. Well, you see ... She has leukemia and isn't expected to make it even through the holidays," she said through tear-filled eyes. "Is there any way, Santa ... Any possible way that you could come see Sarah? That's all she's asked for, for Christmas, is to see Santa." Santa blinked and swallowed hard and told the woman to leave information with his elves as to where Sarah was, and he would see what he could do. Santa thought of little else the rest of that afternoon. He knew what he had to do. "What if it were MY child lying in that hospital bed, dying," he thought with a sinking heart, "this is the least I can do."

When Santa finished visiting with all the boys and girls that evening, he retrieved from his helper the name of the hospital where Sarah was staying. He asked the assistant location manager how to get to Children's hospital. "Why?" Rick asked, with a puzzled look on his face. Santa relayed to him the conversation with Sarah's grandmother earlier that day. "C'mon .... I'll take you there," Rick said softly.

Rick drove them to the hospital and came inside with Santa. They found out which room Sarah was in. A pale Rick said he would wait out in the hall. Santa quietly peeked into the room through the half-closed door and saw little Sarah on the bed. The room was full of what appeared to be her family; there was the Grandmother and the girl's brother he had met earlier that day. A woman whom he guessed was Sarah's mother stood by the bed, gently pushing Sarah's thin hair off her forehead.

And another woman who he discovered later was Sarah's aunt, sat in a chair near the bed with weary, sad look on her face. They were talking quietly, and Santa could sense the warmth and closeness of the family, and their love and concern for Sarah. Taking a deep breath, and forcing a smile on his face, Santa entered the room, bellowing a hearty, "Ho, ho, ho!" "Santa!" shrieked little Sarah weakly, as she tried to escape her bed to run to him, IV tubes in tact.

Santa rushed to her side and gave her a warm hug. A child the tender age of his own son -- 9 years old -- gazed up at him with wonder and excitement. Her skin was pale and her short tresses bore telltale bald patches from the effects of chemotherapy. But all he saw when he looked at her was a pair of huge, blue eyes. His heart melted, and he had to force himself to choke back tears. Though his eyes were riveted upon Sarah's face, he could hear the gasps and quiet sobbing of the women in the room. As he and Sarah began talking, the family crept quietly to the bedside one by one, squeezing Santa's shoulder or his hand gratefully, whispering "thank you" as they gazed sincerely at him with shining eyes. Santa and Sarah talked and talked, and she told him excitedly all the toys she wanted for Christmas, assuring him she'd been a very good girl that year. As their time together dwindled, Santa felt led in

His spirit to pray for Sarah, and asked for permission from the girl's mother. She nodded in agreement and the entire family circled around Sarah's bed, holding hands. Santa looked intensely at Sarah and asked her if she believed in angels.
"Oh, yes, Santa ... I do!" she exclaimed.
"Well, I'm going to ask that angels watch over you!” He said.

Laying one hand on the child's head, Santa closed his eyes and prayed. He asked that God touch little Sarah, and heal her body from this disease. He asked that angels minister to her, watch and keep her. And when he finished praying, still with eyes closed, he started singing softly, "Silent Night, Holy Night . all is calm, all is bright." The family joined in, still holding hands, smiling at Sarah, and crying tears of hope, tears of joy for this moment, as Sarah beamed at them all. When the song ended, Santa sat on the side of the bed again and held Sarah's frail, small hands in his own.

"Now, Sarah," he said authoritatively, "you have a job to do, and that is to concentrate on getting well. I want you to have fun playing with your friends this summer, and I expect to see you at my house at Mayfair Mall this time next year!" He knew it was risky proclaiming that, to this little girl who had terminal cancer, but he "had" to. He had to give her the greatest gift he could -- not dolls or games or toys -- but the gift of HOPE.
"Yes, Santa!" Sarah exclaimed, her eyes bright.
He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead and left the room. Out in the hall, the minute Santa's eyes met Rick's, a look passed between them and they wept unashamed. Sarah's mother and grandmother slipped out of the room quickly and rushed to Santa's side to thank him.
"My only child is the same age as Sarah," he explained quietly. "This is the least I could do." They nodded with understanding and hugged him.

One year later, Santa Mark was again back on the set in Milwaukee for his six-week, seasonal job which he so loves to do. Several weeks went by and then one day a child came up to sit on his lap. "Hi, Santa! Remember me?!"
"Of course, I do," Santa proclaimed (as he always does), smiling down at her.
After all, the secret to being a "good" Santa is to always make each child feel as if they are the "only" child in the world at that moment. "You came to see me in the hospital last year!" Santa's jaw dropped. Tears immediately sprang in his eyes, and he grabbed this little miracle and held her to his chest. "Sarah!" he exclaimed. He scarcely recognized her, for her hair was long and silky and her cheeks were rosy -- much different from the little girl he had visited just a year before. He looked over and saw Sarah's mother and grandmother in the sidelines smiling and waving and wiping their eyes.

That was the best Christmas ever for Santa Claus. He had witnessed --and been blessed to be instrumental in bringing about -- this miracle of hope. This precious little child was healed. Cancer-free. Alive and well. He silently looked up to Heaven and humbly whispered, "Thank you, Father. 'Tis a very, Merry Christmas!

If you believe in miracles you will pass this on..I did!
--
Food for Thought: Income is important, so we go to work. Most of us go 5 days a week and will work later than scheduled if asked. Food is important, so we eat. We try to do this two or three times a day. Sleep is important, so we try to get rest each day of the week. So, if God is important, how often do we work for him? How often do we pray? Read our Bibles? Attend church? Hmmm

Hi...I have read and enjoyed all your posts. I will be thinking and praying about your eye Liz. Take care. Lovely poem!

Janet..I do hope I have not added to you feeling down. I know what it is like to be misunderstood. I enjoyed Marilyns letter and there was much food for thought in it but I respect you for standing up and defending what is right. When I did my first little booklet of poems I made my minister go over them to make sure they were scripturally correct. We do read at times lovely words but if they are not based on the scriptures ..then at the end of the day..they are only a lot of nonsense. Yes Janet..we should contend for the faith..we cannot sit on the fence. My faith was brought to me at great price..my Lord died for me...and many Christians give their lives in cruel circumstances so I could enjoy what I have today.
On a personal note Janet...I think you are a lovely lady and full of life. I wish we could spend a few afternoons painting together and chatting. If I have in any way contributed to making you feel down..I am truly sorry. God bless.

Hi to everyone else...God bless!

Oh holy Father . . . I pray just now for Liz.  I pray that her son may indeed be living, that he may be seeking Jesus Christ, and that Liz will find him.  I ask ask You to extend this mercy through our Lord Jesus.

Hi Folks!

I had my sleepover!  It was nice to get some hugs from the grandkids and Janice and I went to a Christmas evening at their church.  Lovely!

Liz, my  heart goes out to you at this time.  I don't know what it would be like to look into the eyes of a homeless person wondering if it was your son.  I wish I could give you a big hug. 

Liz,

I am praying for you.

In His Grip,
Kevin

I am praying too Liz. There are two of my sons that at least I know what state they are in and they aren't homeless, they have just chosen not to have any contact with me. So I do feel some of what you are feeling and I can empathize with you.  I know it hurts sister, my heart cries with you.

=Janet Nothing I said was meant offensive in anyway, I already said that. I still sign petitions and write letters, boycott stores etc. I am just not as verbal or outwardly adamant about some things. Other things I just let go and let God  be God. Cheer up sister. 

I try not to say things that will step on anyone's toes or hurt their feelings. When I post something that touches my heart and someone  finds something in the content that is totally opposite of my intentions. Well what can I say my feelings get hurt and I may get upset and go sit in the corner myself. In the past I have called Al and told him I was not going to post on CP anymore but I came back and wasn't gone long enough for anyone to miss me. 

My heart hurts so much for the pain I hear in some of my beloved friends' voices.

Please forgive me for causing pain. Like Jabez of old, I certainly don't want to cause pain.

I love all of y'all with the love of our Lord.

Y'all have a good evening.

Ruth Ann

Excuse me, please, Jane.  I'm leaving our corner to say
''ENOUGH ALREADY!!"  I'm okay now, and will just ignore things like that in the future (please help me, God). 

Now lets get back to having a Merry CHRISTmas season and talking about GOOD stuff, okay?

Good stuff?  As in fun?  Okay.  Here goes!

Signs of Christmas Everywhere

Toy Store: "Ho, ho, ho spoken here."

Bridal boutique: "Marry Christmas."

Outside a church: "The original Christmas Club."

At a department store: "Big pre-Christmas sale.
Come in and mangle with the crowd."

A Texas jewelry store: "Diamond tiaras -- $70,000.
Three for $200,000.

A reducing salon: "24 Shaping Days until Christmas."

In a stationery store: "For the man who has everything...
a calendar to remind him when payments are due."
by L. Jon

Anyone else got some cheer?

Gripped,
Kevin

Going to look for some, Kevin!

On my way!

This should make us all smile.

Absolutely super, Pat! Thanks!!   

Jane, I laughed at that a few years ago and we so surprised to have it mailed to me again the other day! 

Try this one:  Where it says type in your message I just typed "Merry Christmas"  You'll love it!   

http://www.star28.net/snow.html

That's a good one, Jane!

Good one, Pat!  Now to check Jane's!

Kevin

COOL ONE, JANE!!   That is one smart penguin!

Gripped,
Kevin

Oh, that was so great!  Wendy came down about something and watched with me.   


Thank you for the kind words and prayers.  I just got back from the eye dr., it takes quite a long time for the treatment, due to the drops and things.  When it was over, I took Wendy for dinner as Amanda and Ralph were both out, Amanda sleeping and Ralph working!

Pressure is down a little in the eye he did before, so that is a good sign.  I am simply going to live healthy, do my best, and leave the rest in God's hands.  But it is nice to have a place like this to come, where others sometimes share things when the hurt pays a visit....So many blessings to be grateful for.  We are doing things for others this Christmas, rather than gifts for us.  Amanda and her friends have bought children's clothes for donations, we are going to prepare food for the SPCA animals and give them some help, etc.  Wendy has different families she is going to help, I do the Gospel Mission, and so it goes. 

Here comes Misty, jumping on the bed by my computer, looking to see what Gramie is doing.....Time to go.

God Bless and thanks for making me laugh!

Liz

Thanks Pat and Jane, I loved both of those!

Liz, glad your eye pressure is down some.  I always look forward to your posts.  And doing for others at Christmas is an especially nice thing to do, God bless you and your family for your loving and giving hearts! 

I hear my pillow calling me, so I'm answering the call!

Just some bragging here...

On the Photography Cafe:

Pat, I'd seen the singing Santa and reindeer last year, but loved it as much this year.  It made me smile all over again.

Jane,  The Penquin one was cute too.  I saved both of them to send.

Liz, my heart was so moved by your telling about your son.  I agree with the heartfelt messages and prayers of others.  My son is addicted, but he is here in town and I see him.  I'm so glad that Wendy is there with you.

Kevin, your picture is exquisite!!  The lighting is delicious.   A win worthy photo for sure.  Congratulations.

I've been helping my daughter puppy hunting.  She's getting my grandaughter one for Christmas...if we can find one.  I've looked at adorable pics of little soft critters.  I'd take them all if I didn't remember how much just two can cost, even if they are worth every penny and more than numbers could count.

Marilyn, I'd seen that letter from Jesus just recently.  I copied it too.
My daughter once told me, in speaking of differences with her hubby and daughter, "I pick my fights".  She meant that some things were not worth the scrabble and other things to valuable to ignore.  Fighting much would negate the impact of what she chose to confront.  I think Christians should be like that.   I'd much rather see us learning to love with an active determined agenda, than to protest with the same agenda. haha  Love is powerful, love breaks barriors and changes hearts.
We haven't got that figured out here in the United States.  No one will convince me otherwise.  We use power to get our deeds done.

And we are all different, and God knows that about us.  I'm so glad He loves us the way we are.

One thing we all agree on.  Laughter doeth good!!

It dideth me good tonight.  Nita

  Thank you Pat for the birthday wishes, though no candles for me, can't be calling the fire dept out to the house!

I enjoyed both the reindeer and the penguin.  They both were really good.  Thanks to all who find those things and post for us all.

Have a great day,
Samantha

Kevin:  A beautiful picture!  thanks for sharing.

Pat & Jane:  Really cute video cartoons. 

I am awake much too early and waiting for Don to wake-up.  Havingc - and need to go to the gym and exercie then meet friend for  and quilting at the church this afternoon (as if there is really time for quilt group this month). 

Carol

Hi Everyone...

I'm going to be so busy for the next couple of days. 

Judy McKenna has been told that her surgery is tomorrow in Hamilton and Norm needs a ride so not sure now what my plans are.  Had Christmas "do's" both tonight and tomorrow night.

I also have to give my lady friend her Thursday injection tomorrow.  Busy, Busy.

My friend went to see her grandson in the school "Christmas" play last night in Brampton and she says it was just awful--not her grandson but the whole program.  They did Hanukkah, Hindu, Muslim, other religions and Christian things all in the same program all mixed up and her grandson did a Hanukkah one!   Both of us thought together that if we were over there in those other countries, they sure wouldn't be doing something for "Christian" values in their school plays!  And the "Christian" song that they did was Jingle Bells and another that didn't mention the name of Jesus at all...just Santa Claus.

Christmas time is suppose to bring gladness but sometimes it is sadness that comes to mind.  That's okay.  God helps us with both emotions. 

I have a fun one also. Santa and his Reindeer!

Today is Red Hat Society Day.  We are going out to eat and then go back to member's home for fun and games.  The hardest part was finding $2 gifts for game prizes. 

My brother and his wife got in from Florida yesterday.  They will only be here a few day...a little over a week and then they will head back to Florida.  Good talking to him yesterday, though.

Thanks for the hymn, Pat - it's one I like very much.  Jesus actually had to feel the shame, the sadness, the guilt - everything.  Only He felt it as only He could feel it.  Oh Jesus, cleanse me from the sins that did these things to You, that do these things to You even now!

Good morning!  I'm off for my swim!

Colin, I have posted those pics of the snowman candleholder you wanted to see.

Have a great day, everyone!

Good Afternoon Everyone,

Well I'm not proud, those stories and letters made me cry, they really touched me.

Between hitting reply and starting to type I've forgotten what I was going to say to who. Guess I'm having a "senior" moment way to soon. or too much on my mind. The computer at church has driven me buggy for the last time. I told my pastor it was way beyond the scope of my knowledge. I can do pretty good with them but it seems if you look at it wrong it crashes.

Oh well, I too am very thankful to be able to come here and read and pray and just "sit in the corner quietly" when I need to. Thank you all and Thank You Lord for brothers and sisters who don't judge, just love!

Ok, time to work on dad's computer.  Am I crazy or what? It's for Christmas.

Trusting,
<><Jeannine

Happy Birthday Samantha!

The Christmas dinner at the care home last night was really nice, and the food was good.  The Mennonite people came to sing Christmas songs for our entertainment, and later Santa and Mrs. Claus showed up.  Several children sat on old Mr. Claus' lap and told him their wishes, then one 95 year old lady did, too! 

Nita, I agree that we must pick our fights (choose our battles), otherwise we would get nothing else done in life.  But I will never agree to placate those who would strip our country of its Christian heritage, not negotiate with terrorists.  Have you posted pictures yet of your Christmas-dressed-up house?

I just unloaded my camera again, so will go and resize more photos, maybe post a couple.

Good Morning!

Thank you all so much for the compliments about my pict.  I got up a bit early for that one!  And waited, and waited, watching, an occastional sea bird go by, but it wasn't a boring wait at all.  It was GLORIOUS watching God's creation "unfold" and being there to thank Him for such beauty, and at the same time, run down my prayer list, and I almost forgot, get a picture or two!

Oh, the breadmaker just beeped!  Yummy!  Fresh hot WHOLE WHEAT bread for breakfast!  There's somethin' else to be thankful for!

WHO WANTS A SLICE!?!?

In His Grip,
Kevin

I'll sure take a slice, Kevin!  And I commented on that glorious photo in the gallery when I saw it a day or two ago.  Wonderful!!

Kevin I'll take a slice of that bread with  some butter and strawberry jam please. Have y-all sent  your "Christmas Card" to the ACLU? I did. After I mailed it I now can't find the address. or I would post it here. I made sure it was a card that talked about Jesus.

My Beth just sent me this:

THE U IN JESUS


Before U were thought of or time had begun,
God stuck U in the name of His Son.

And each time U pray, you'll see it's true,
You can't spell out JesUs and not include U.

You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name,
For U, He was born; that's why He came.

And His great love for U is the reason He died.
It even takes U to spell crUcified.

Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand
He rose from the dead, with U in His plan?

The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew,
and this word resUrrection is spelled with a U.

When JesUs left earth at His upward ascension,
He felt there was one thing He just had to mention.

"Go into the world and tell them it's true
That I love them all - Just like I love U."

So many great people are spelled with a U,
Don't they have a right to know JesUs too?

It all depends now on what U will do,
He'd like them to know,
But it all starts with U.
          Will YOU pass it on?
               When Jesus died on the cross he was thinking of you!

Thank you Janet for sharing.

Hi everyone...computer has been red hot today with Gregory working on it but I have managed to get it for five minutes. I have read all your posts...enjoyed and laughed at the thingamajings..and searched fot Janets snowmen but I did not find them! Did comment on your photo Kevin in the gallery and I am glad you remembered to take one or two! Janet...they expect us to be happy and sastisfied with terroists in goverment in this little country of mine. For over thirty years they slaughtered my kith and kin and now a large majority of the minority population have given them a mandate to be in goverment. These are men who went out at night with evil intent to murder and bomb and by day walk round as respectable people with suits and ties on .I could say more but I would only get too angry.
God bless everyone.....Good night!

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY WISHES TO YOU BABYCAKES!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUE!

Colin, the photos are in the Christmas challenge area.

Glad you understand how I feel.  

Another chuckle for all of you:

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY? (written by kids)  


You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.

-- Alan, age 10


No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with.

-- Kristen, age 10


WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?

Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.

-- Camille, age 10


HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?

You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.

-- Derrick, age 8


WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?

Both don't want any more kids.

-- Lori, age 8


WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?

Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.

-- Lynnette, age 8 (isn't she a treasure)


On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.

-- Martin, age 10


WHAT WOULD YOU DO ON A FIRST DATE THAT WAS TURNING SOUR?

I'd run home and play dead. The next day I would call all the newspapers and make sure they wrote about me in all the dead columns.

-- Craig, age 9


WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?

When they're rich.

-- Pam, age 7


The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that.

- - Curt, age 7


The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do.

-- Howard, age 8


IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?

It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them.

-- Anita, age 9 (bless you child)


HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED?

There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there?

-- Kelvin, age 8


And the #1 Favorite is........

HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?

Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a truck.

-- Ricky, age 10

Oh to be a kid again!

 

Hi Janet...your candleholder is beautiful and the snowmen are well painted. Did you do it in oils... you are a talented lady...and I do understand how you feel.

Also Janet...you are sending me to bed tonight laughing my head off! Those statements from the children are hilarious! 

God bless!

Hi, friends,

I'mreally getting excited - my son from England is in the states now, and I've been able to speak with him twice today. Will see him when we all gather at his son's (my grandson) graduation from college on Saturday. Then, we're planning the big reunion and gift exchange for the Saturday prior to Christmas. What fun! First time we will be together at Christmas in 25 years.

Ruth Ann

Well, another new member banned.

I have no idea how many we've had to ban in the last month due to their posting porn.  We've been so sheltered over the past 3 to 4 years and have not had this trouble but now it's starting.

They sure keep you on the ball Pat. I haven't seen any porn posted so you must be catching it right away.

Hi Colin - make sure to give your wife a Birthday Hug from me.  Thank you also for my birthday wishes.

Ruth Ann, how wonderful!!  I'm so excited for you!  25 years is MUCH too long not to get together, and now you will do that.  God is SO good!

Pat, sorry the devil is roaming around trying to stir up trouble even here on CP.

Sue, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Colin, tell Marlene HAPPY BIRTHDAY from me.  The snowmen were done in acrylics.  Thanks for your kind words, and glad you got some laughs from the kids' views of marriage.

I am really happy and excited tonight.  We just came home from our church business meeting where we voted to purchase 11.2 acres of land for construction of a new church building.  There were only 3 no votes on it.  WOO-HOO!!!

The interesting thing about this particular tract of land is that we had bought and paid for it once before (we being the members of our former church).  Then our pastor was struck down by liver cancer, three weeks from diagnosis to death, and the church fell apart.  (Much more to the story, but that will suffice.)  The devil stole the land, but every time the members of our former church drove past it for these past several years, we claimed that land for a Spirit-filled church....and now there will be one built on it.  God doesn't care what name is on a church, He only cares that our hearts are for Him.  So we are rejoicing tonight, even if we do have to pay for the land again.  God is able to do a quick work, and $50,000 is nothing to Him.

Sorry, probably TMI again.  But I'm EXCITED!!!

Happy birthday tomorrow, Sue.   

We are watching the Avalanche hockey game because our daughter & family are there - too long of a story but our grandson sold wreaths & made $600 for a hockey player's fund for children with cancer & that was matched with another $500 & the check now is about $1,500.  Anyway, they have a free night with the sister of the pro hockey player.  This was all our grandson's idea so it is nice to see them thinking of others.  

Ruth Ann:  What a great time you have to look forward to with everyone - enjoy!

Pat:  Sorry that you have to deal with the dreadful posters.  Such a time for Norm & Judy & it is really loading the "To Do" list for you as well - take care.

Sue:  Happy Birthday to you.......

Janet:  At least the land is still available - it must be double faithful.  

I went to church & no one told me but they were having a bible study today instead of quilting - I checked the calendar again & this is quilting day.  Never mind.  So, I didn't want to interupt & just went to Kohl's to look for one last gift.  

Carol

Good Morning Everyone,

Sue  -   

Kevin - beautiful picture, you sure have some wonderful scenery over there. I had a chance to be stationed in Japan but was stupid and got married, we are divorced now. What a dope I was.

Janet - That poem, The U In Jesus made me think of a verse Michael's nurse and I were talking about; "When I look at Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars which You have established; what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man, that You visit him?" Psa 8: 3-4 Now we know why don't we.

Ruth Ann- I pray you have a wonderful time with your family.

Pat - Good catch!

I gave up on dad's computer and will give him Frankenstein instead, that works and will do what ever he needs it to do. Just have to put Narrator in the start up so it comes on for him. Yesterday was not my day to be playing with computers like that.

OK, time to go, see y'all later!
I pray everyone else has a wonderful, God-filled day!

Trusting,
<><Jeannine

Happy Birthday to all of you December birthday people...you know who you are!!

I am up and about early...early for me.  But perhaps I am posting before those west coasters!.....

Red Hats was fun.  After dining out for lunch we went to the Queen's home and played a game to divvy out the gifts we brought.  I ended up with a Red Hat ornament, a Red Hat pin, a Red Hat snowmanlady, a couple of kitchen towels, and a candy cane.  Lots of fun! 

And today it is bright and sunny in central Indiana.  43°F and suppose to rise to 56°F.  Shirt time weather outside but also people will come down with the flu or a bad cold.  My SIL from Florida was without a jacket yesterday...today she will have the sniffles!  And go to the doctor this afternoon.  Sorry, but I am probably NOT exaggerating. 

Hi everyone.  I was so busy yesterday preparing and finally getting my annual Christmas letter and Christmas cards ready and mailed that I didn't have time to stop by and so am very behind in posting.  We also had a 2 hour choir practice last evening and the Cantata is really coming together.

Pat, I will be keeping Judy and Norm in my thoughts and prayers today and praying that God will be directing the hands of the doctor.  That poor lady has had to go through so much and it continues. 

Liz, believe me you are not alone with the heartache related to a child or children.  Glad your eye procedure is helping.

Jeannine, do you mean you decided not to be the webmaster for your church?  Computers can be very frustrating.

Carol, your grandson sounds like a very fine young man who thinks of others and gets things done.

Ruth Ann, what an exciting Christmas for your family. 

Janet, it sounds like it was met for your church to build on that land. 

Etta Sue, are you and Ivalou going to make a trip to Florida again this coming year?  Pat and I are going to be going down in mid-January for her cousins reunion. 

Nita, sounds like a lot of fun to puppy hunt.

I was so far behind in my reading of the messages that it isn't feasible for me to comment to everyone.  However, you are all in my thoughts and I appreciate each and every posting.  Hope everyone has a good day.  I am busy again today and have Calvin Cove this afternoon.

COLIN:  Tell your wife I said Happy Birthday !!!!!

Hi Larry,

No, I am still webmaster. Just the hardware part. It kept giving me different reasons for the "blue screen of death" and I just don't know anymore.

I'm still doing the web, that's more up my alley anyways. 

Have a great day in the Lord everyone!

<><Jeannine

It looks like I will be bringing Ruth home from the  Convalescent hospital either tomorrow or Friday, I went to see her yesterday and spoke with the Social Worker (who is the one to say when she can go home), I needed to let her know that I would be there whenever Ruth needed me. I have arranged with her former DIL to come stay with her for the first week to see how she does after I leave for the day.

Well I am off to Jan's to get her place ready for  company, the young man who  comes on Saturday's, well his parents are coming up for a visit and  Jan is going to  house them at her place.

C y-all later.

Good morning! (barely)

Carol, sometimes the messages about things at church just don't seem to make it through the pipeline, do they?  Maybe the mixup gave you a little needed time for other things.  Your grandson is certainly to be commended, bless him!

Nothing newsworthy here, so see you later!

Well, we are still on dry land, but have a new respect for that old Johnny Cash song about the water being '6 Ft. High and Rising'.  Storm after storm has been hiting the island and many thousands without heat and power.  God has truly blessed our street and only very brief periods without electricity.  So brief we hardly noticed.....More coming today and it is really quite dangerous.

Wendy and I went to Duncan yest. for her physio treatment (only what could be done without power) and most of the stores were closed.  We went to the Farmers Market, all dark, only cash please.  One clerk told about nearly being hit on the way to work by a falling tree.  Another person told about her husband being trapped in their truck with a small child, power lines having toppled around the truck at an intersection......and so on....Terrible thing for merchants to be closed during this season, small business will really suffer.

True story just for you Janet.  This was in the Victoria area.  A man was disgusted with the commercialization of the holiday and decided to make a provocative statement .....  he hung Santa Claus in effigy on a cross in his front yard.  (he is an artist)  Lots of people protested (as expected, right?) and Santa was stolen in the dead of night.  The RCMP found poor old Santa tied up on Ocean Boulevard and phoned the artist, who no longer wanted Santa back.  So they took Santa to jail.  They stated that Santa had been through a lot, but was confortable sitting in the office.  Have promised to release him for Christmas Eve.

                                 

I have continued to re-read the poetry of Robert Service and am amazed at how much of his work seems to be searching for God.  Do not know if he ever became, or ever was, a Christian.  Not much has been said about that.  Tho' one of his most famous poems, "The Shooting of Dan McGrew" was inspired while he was doing a poem for a Church Meeting.  One of his poems 'The Wonderer' is very moving.  It is about his wonder at the marvel of his hand, heart, brain, etc.  His wonder at a blade of grass, a grain of sand.  It ends like this:

If wonder is in great and small,
Then what of Him who made it all?
In eyes and brain and heart and limb
Let's see the wondrous work of Him.
In house and hill and sward and sea,
In bird and beast and flower and tree,
In everything from sun to sod,
The wonder and the awe of God.

This from someone who was once (tho' famous and rich) called the 'worlds worst best poet.  How little we really know or understand about other folks....and so it goes.

Regarding Amanda, one professor stated that her animations are the best he has ever seen from a student.  Very nice indeed!

Pleasant Day/Evening and God Bless.

Liz

Thank you Jane for clicking on the Report Post button and I've zapped that critter!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUE
With Love Mom

Question:  Where is the "Report Post" button? 

Don is taking a nap.  He has extreme heel pain even after a cortizone shot two weeks ago & no doubt will have a 2nd. shot next week.  New orthotics and really nothing has helped his pain over several months.  He takes a book along so I can run into a store & if he has to leave for the car, he has something to read.

We must attend a surprise party on Sat night the same time we usually go to church.  It is really our fault because most people can hear the sermon on Sunday but Don has so much trouble with all the children and background noise that we just gave up & go only Saturdays now.  I miss the social contact though so we do go on Wednesday nights. 

Larry:  Don did a letter only this year for the first time.  It seems as if that is most of what we receive from everyone else on the list.  Yes, this grandson is lightweight but plays hockey & stays right in there with older kids, he is one focused and determined young man when he wants to be ----   How are you & Pat coping with the holiday busy times?  Is your son & DIL coming for a visit?  I have not heard if he found another job. 

Ed:  Such a short post from you.  What are you doing for the holidays?

Janet:  I think it is so nice to have programs for those in homes.  Our granddaughter always goes with the Brownie group & the kids really enjoy those visits as well.  Will Beth come home for Christmas or will she be safer right where she lives?  Sending you a hug.

Liz:  This is some year - I have relatives in the Seattle area & the storms  have been going on a long time. 

Colin:  Is it time for you to rise and shine?  Have a cup of tea    oops, I gave you coffee.  Well, just put a tea bag in there & you won't know the difference.....   Hope you are going to have a banner day!

Etta Sue:  You just seem to be so organized all the time even with the many things you do for others.  Bet you are happy to not be mowing for a few months.   

Well, I know that the church in Loveland has quilting day tomorrow - those gals will never change for anything, even a blizzard.  I need to cut more fabric & get to it!

Carol

Quote from: Carol on December 14, 2006, 05:06:52 PM
Question:  Where is the "Report Post" button? 

If you look in the lower right of any post you'll see  "Report to moderator"

I've come upon a couple offensive/questionable posts lately.    (<--- Post Police )

Hi, Jane.  You still have power, I see.  Many are without I guess.  Did you hear there is a chance of 100 mph winds this afternoon and evening?  I have my candles ready, my scanner with fresh batteries, and my little propane heater ready.

I didn't know there was a report button, nor that there was trouble with yuckies coming with offensive posts.   Pat, you're a great zapper!

Still no puppy for Angel.  Kim talked to a woman today who is supposed to email pictures of a little girl she has.  If she likes her, they'll drive to Albany(Oregon) to get the little puppy.   

I'm having an afternoon cup of coffee and watching the storm out the window.  The wind isn't too bad right now.  I could be out in it and enjoy it.

Nita

Hi Nita 100 MPH winds, oh my don't send them here. But I am sure we will get everythign you get uless it blows east from your place. I am prepared just in case although I do hope my tent/garage is tied down good enough to withstand  the winds.

Hi Jane what have you been up to beside being the post police  haha. i know it's a dirty job but someone has to do it. 

Hi Carol I need to cut some more fabric too and get started on the next quilt I want to make. I think it will be quilts for the family for Christmas next year. at least for my son who lives here and if I get enough made then for the twins too. Soemthing for them to pass on to their kids from me.

Hi Liz thanks for the great email you sent.

Hi pat, Etta Sue, Janet, Colin, Al Moak wherever you are, Ruth, Sue Ruthie, Larry, Ruth Ann Samantha, Smokey, Jeanine, ED, Jim.

Larry, I would like to go to Florida but Ivalou and I need to find out when the Vacancy sign is on at Kaye Don and Barb's. 

Carol ~ How did you notice?  I have been told I am too organized.  Jerry used to tell me I have the most organized computer around.  Even the computer tech said I did.  Oh, well.  That just shows I am related to my little Grandma that washed on Monday, ironed on Tuesday, picked up on Wednesday, cleaned on Thursday, grocery shopped on Friday and baked on Saturday.  Sunday was for church and Sunday visitors at their house.  I'm not quite that bad...detailed organization.

I've been trying to watch what I am eating for about 4 weeks now.  I called the doctor's office for a blood test for lipids and glucose.  I go tomorrow.  I have to fast.  Why am I hungry when I can't eat?   

Hey there Nita ... and Marilyn!      

Yup -- lotsa wind over here on my side of town!  I don't think you would enjoy being out in what we have over here, Nita. I watched our resident swan try to keep from drowning this morning!  He was being blown about and dunked under the water; having an awful time.  Finally, I guess he decided to look for shelter on land and I haven't seen him since.  Even the ducks have taken leave of the water.   

I heard that the temperatures are going to dip really low over night and there is even a possibility of snow tomorrow!  Now that is unusual.  Also there are blizzard warnings for the passes.  Tell Kim if she drives to Albany to be careful! 

I have brought in a load of firewood and will be anticipating a cozy evening by the fire.  Might even make some popcorn to nibble on!   

Y'all take care now, y'hear?  I'll be in the corner on the alert as Post Police   

P.S. Hey Etta Sue~Don't you know that's exactly when you get hungry ... when you can't eat!     By the way, I think you did a little zap job for this  too ... Thanks to all y'all who keep our place clean!  You do good work.