Christian Photographers Community

It has been freezing a few nights here in Arizona and that plays havoc with the fruit trees. 

Giving thanks - Don fell on his side while cleaning a window from the outside of the house.  He came in and said he feels OK, gave him some gatorade and he is going to rest a while.   

Larry:  Don really like the sausage and egg recipe - I froze 12 and he takes one at a time.  I also made whole grain pancakes and froze the lot so he could have an almost instant meal when needed.  So sorry that Pat has pain from gout.  We have always heard that gout is very painful - I hope she finds something to help.

Ruth Ann:  Wonderful news that you can put your shoe on again.  Sometimes we take things for granted - an early Christmas present for you, for sure.

Janet:  Extra prayer for Beth.   

We would be packing and going in the two cars to Colorado tomorrow but scotched that idea and so glad.  Feeling terribly sad about not cooking for the family and our normal activities but it is good that Don is here and he can continue the regular exercise - and he has appointments he should not miss.  We had great news from the VA and that is they are replacing a hearing aid he lost without a cost to us.  Thanks be!!! 

I just finished cutting fabric and it was very tricky but that part of the project is over. 

Thanks ever so much to CP - you have me on track again!!!  I could not get in as the message was to reset my password.  Well, it worked.  Thanks for all you do!!!

We are enjoying an "almost balmy" 48* here in our corner of Kansas today!  Nice!  We went to the gym and our focus this morning on our own, as Kristi needed some days off--was on stretches to help relieve pain in certain areas.  We both felt better.......until we came home and did some heavy lifting and other stuff (such as shoveling snow off the driveway for me) that we shouldn't be doing.  Now the ouchies are back, but when there is nobody else to do the work, we just do it.    I know one of these days we will have to be  more careful.  So, Carol, I understand what you are talking about, too.  So glad Don wasn't hurt when he fell!

Darrel and I took the bedroom heater off the wall and into the garage, so he could take it apart and blow it out, as it hasn't been working for about three weeks.  Then he started working on assembling the new garage door.  It now takes both of us to open the one we have--one to push the button on the opener and the other to lift on the door until it gets up about two feet, otherwise, it sticks and stops about a foot off the floor.  Ah, the fun we have!! 

Larry, when Darrel fries chicken, he makes a greasy mess of the stove, too.  I just clean it up without comment, as I do so appreciate his cooking.  Now, years ago, before I learned (somewhat, at least) to control my tongue, it might have been very different!  God is so good to help our loved ones forgive us until we grow up some and learn to guard our mouths!  I'm sure I was probably hard to live with years ago!
I know this is likely not comparable to you and Pat; it just reminded me of the way we were and the way we are now!  God is so good!

Ruth Ann, so happy your foot is healing nicely!  Praise God!

Have any of you besides Jeanne and Larry seen the photos Jeanne posted for me?  Just wondering!

Janet I saw your pictures.

Thanks, Marilyn!

Hi everyone.  We woke up to a foggy and chilly morning with the temperature in the high 30's.  It will not get very warm all day.  This should be a pretty laid back day.  Scott will be with us later this afternoon and we plan on going to Tin Lizzy's for a late lunch/early dinner so I won't have to cook today. 

Pat did get in to see the doctor's PA yesterday morning and now has some medicine for the gout.  She said her foot was feeling better this morning so hopefully the pain in her toe will soon be a thing in the past. 

Carol, sorry to see that Don had fallen.  I wonder if he had the same experience I did a couple of years ago after standing at the fence talking with my neighbor I turned my body to start to walk and my legs didn't turn and I fell on my side with no damage done.  Fortunately it was grassy where I fell.  I guess I had my knees locked for too long while visiting.  Glad Don is enjoying the sausage muffins.  Did you use flour in place of the protein powder?  After all these years of making my own lunch I finally wised up and have started making three sandwiches at a time so I have them prepared for the next two days as well, which makes for putting together a quick lunch.  I also cut up two apples into pieces and can have pieces of apple for several days.  They keep will in the fruit tray of the refrigerator in a sealed plastic bag.  It sounds like staying in Arizona is a good idea for you two this year.  Things change with time and as we age and we have to adjust.  Sure glad you were able to get back on CP. 

Janet, it sounds like you about did yourself in shoveling snow.  It sounds like you could have used another trip to the gym.    Home ownership sure isn't for sissies as it seems there is always something going wrong and needing repair.  I told Pat that in the future if I am cooking it will be chicken baked or fixed in the crock pot and when she wants fried chicken I will just pick some up at Bojangles or somewhere else.

Hi everyone.  It looks like it will be a nice day starting out about 42 but suppose to go up to around 66 degrees this afternoon with no chance of rain.  I only got about 3 hours of sleep last night as could never go back to sleep after Pat came to bed.  This is going to be a busy morning as will pick up my friend and we will go to coffee.  I will take him back home and then go back downtown for our Wisdom Group.  When that is over I will go to Aldi's for a few items and then go to Walmart to pick up another small online order. Finally I have one other stop planned before coming home to get the air checked in my tires as the gauge shows a low tire.   Scott really enjoyed his meal with us at Tin Lizzy's late yesterday afternoon.  He had been called into work for a short time at the lunch period and then went home and fell asleep.  When we got home we visited for a couple of hours and then he headed back home as was tired. 

Marilyn, pretty Merry Christmas card but not sure what the names of the pets are other than Freckles.

Good Morning Freckles and I had two visit assignments yesterday and a meeting  for  a Hospice Conference,. Every two weeks   I have to attend a meeting  to report in person on my Hospice client from the way our visits go and heart the assessment of his condition from the  other members of  the team. I al,so do a written report after every visit.

I am thinking that I will  make the french bread today and put together the manicotti dish for Christmas eve  supper in  Ca. Then I will have all day tomorrow to do the last minute things and load the car, get it arranges so everything fits in neatly so it won't be sliding around as we go down the road. It has been copld enough that I can even load the food tomorrow.

A friend gave me a cute nice warm coat for Freckles  and also a rain cost for her. One of the other Furry Friend members gave it to her for her pit bull but he is too big so she gave it to me after asking the friend if it would be ok to give it to Freckles.

Larry the cats names are Fritzy, Harry and Buddy, As of two days ago one of the neighbors cats ( she has 3 more never allows them in  the house, even in this colder weather) has decided to live here his name is Shadow and is solid black not one white hair on him.

We are getting moisture in the form of intermittent snow and rain.  We will take it in whatever form, just prefer it not be ice!

We went to the gym this morning, the last day before the Christmas break.  We both needed it, as we have done a bit too much heavy lifting and moving stuff this week.  I called my buddy, Dee, and met her and her husband for lunch at Pizza Hut, then went to the grocery store for a few items to make the dishes Diane asked me to bring for Sunday night.  While there, John called to tell me the Care Home Christmas party with Santa was to be at 2:00; so instead of driving back home, I went up there.  And isn't this all just fascinating?   

Both of our recliners were getting in pretty bad shape, so we bought two new ones.  Our furniture store had them on sale for bargain prices, as they were "last year's models" and he wanted to move them.  We got one home, Curtis was here to unload it for us; but he had to leave.  Then we went back and got the other one, which is wrapped up in plastic and still in the back of the pickup, in the garage, waiting for Curtis to come tomorrow and unload it for us.  He said, "Ad you two don't even think about trying to do it yourselves!!     Love those grandkids!

Marilyn, where do Freckles and the cats stay while you are away?

I bought two books by Nicholas Sparks and Richard Paul Evans, two of my favorite authors, for Diane and Abby for Christmas.  I want to read them, so must decide if I have time before Sunday, or whether I will need to borrow them back!    Abby has agreed to take Kerri's gifts to her as she goes back to college.  She goes right through Salina on her way.

Tomorrow is Maxine's 100th birthday party!  Her birthday is actually on the 24th.

Larry, I hope you don't do too much today and get overtired.  When you have time, would you forward me the sausage muffin recipe?  Those sound good.  Thanks!

Hello to the rest of you out there, wherever you are!  And Merry Christmas, if you peek in!

Thanks for the pretty Christmas greeting, Marilyn!

Janet Freckles is going with us since she is also m y service dog she stays free at the lodging. Unless we are going to Sunriver timeshare, where she is not allowed, then she stays with another of the Furry Friends members. The cats for just the 2½ day will stay here I p;ut lots of  their dry food out for them in a big 9X13 pan  there are 3 ;litter  boxes for them to choose from. Otherwise one of the neighbors comes in to feed and water them let them out and back in again.

I have made the french bread, stuffed the manicotti noodles and have the pan ready to put in  the oven when we get tro Gilbert's house. I was so busy with that I forgot to thaw out something for supper so it looks like we will be having sandwiches tonight.

I will be starting back to the gym nexth month. Yay I am so glad of that.

Thanks for sharing your plans.  Have a great time!

It is another beautiful sunny morning here in South Carolina.  Yesterday was great as it got into the mid-60's with no wind so was quite comfortable outside. Today we will only get into the mid-50's but no complaints. 

I was very tired last night after only getting three hours of sleep on Wednesday night and then having a very busy day yesterday that I didn't wake up this morning until after 8 am.  Sleeping in is something I very seldom do.  I plan on a much quieter day and staying at home. 

I am trying to use the Windows Movie Maker on the videos of the Christmas Concert I took a few days ago as a lady from Church, who missed the concert, called and asked if I could share them with her.  I have never used the application before so there is a learning curve involved. 

Marilyn, thanks for the names of the pets.  It sounds like you have had plenty to keep you busy. 

Janet, I am sure you will enjoy your new recliners.  Are they are matching set?  Nice of Curtis to do the heavy lifting on them.  I emailed you the Sausage Muffin recipe this morning. 

Yes, Larry, the chairs match, but are a bit different in size, so his has a taller back; better fit for him.

Glad you planned to stay in and not do so much today.  And thanks for the recipe!!

We attended my friend Maxine's 100th birthday party today.  Her daughters really had it decorated pretty, and had gotten Maxine a new outfit, had her hair done, and she was wearing a tiara!  There was a good attendance,and I was pleased about that.

It warmed up to 38* today, and almost all of our snow melted.  Now they predict thunderstorms for Christmas day!!  We shall see. 

We stayed up to watch Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors, and it's a really good movie.  Now I'm going to bed!  See you tomorrow, probably.   

Hi everyone on a beautiful Christmas Eve morning here in South Carolina.  It started out at 53 degrees around 7:30 this morning and headed to 68 degrees this afternoon and only getting down to 50 degrees tonight.

I made a quick trip to Walmart before 8 am this morning for a few items in the grocery department.  I wanted rolls for our ham sandwiches and found some that looked delicious only to find out when I got home they were more like dinner rolls but they are going to have to do.  I got there before 8 am and by the time I left about 15 minutes later people were beginning to pour into the store.  Today I will prepare or help Pat prepare a few things for our dinner tomorrow.  I know she plans on baking a pumpkin pie for Scott and I got things to make my favorite holiday 5 cup salad. 

I have about decided not to attend the Candlelight service at Church this evening as there will be a large crowd and parking will be a problem unless I go very early.  If I don't go I will attend the Christmas service tomorrow.   

Janet, it sounds like everyone had an enjoyable party yesterday for the 100 year old lady.  Nice that you could attend.  Was Beth up to attending?  It is nice they had different sized easy chairs that matched.  Enjoy them and it is a nice Christmas present that you will use for a long time. 

.

A friend just sent this to me and I think it is very appropriate for the time of the year as well as interesting:

MAGNIFICENT LYRICS AT CHRISTMAS

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11

Every Christmas Eve service, the members of our church are blessed to hear our Worship Pastor sing "O Holy Night." This has become such a tradition at our church that the thought of a Christmas Eve service without it is, well, hard to imagine!

Here are some interesting tidbits:

On Christmas Eve in 1906, Reginald Fessenden, broadcast the first radio program, where he played "O Holy Night" on the violin. Therefore, the carol is the first piece of music to be broadcast on radio.
"O Holy Night" ("Cantique de Noël") was set to music by Adolphe Adam in 1847 to the lyrics of a French poem written by Placide Cappeau, a wine merchant and poet. Cappeau had been asked to write a Christmas poem by a parish priest.
And here is something I've never been able to figure out. Since "O Holy Night" was composed in French, why does the English translation rhyme?
The music is so overpowering in its beauty that we sometimes fail to notice the perfection of the lyrics. Read these lyrics, a magnificent poem, and contemplate the wonder and blessing of Jesus' birth.

Oh holy night! The stars are brightly shining,

It is the night of our dear Savior's birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,

Till He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angels' voices!

Oh night divine, Oh night when Christ was born;

Oh night divine, Oh night, Oh night Divine.

Celine Dion singing "Oh Holy Night"  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHdx77aAvkc

Many thanks for the sites on Christmas music. 

Here, I am quietly getting some things done and took a break to wish everyone a wonderful, peaceful Christmas. 

Don is napping early today - he did not feel well this morning while we went out for coffee, so I drove back to the house and we shall see if he gets better.  We do plan on going to the 5 PM service today but all will depend on whether Don feels well enough.  I have to make a dish for a neighbor's gathering tomorrow.  Wishing we were not going at all - she said 6 at the most and when I last talked with her, there will be 14.  Of course, Don's hearing aids have not arrived and he won't understand one word with all those people. 

It is sunny and windy today in Arizona.  All our children are in Colorado and many are going to enjoy winter sports this weekend.  We will put together a family SKYPE call most likely tomorrow. 

A blessed Christmas Eve to everyone!

Larry, we went to the grocery store today too and it was packed with people!  Darrel had to go back for some Cool Whip for me because what I had had mold on it, and he said it was just as full this evening.  It's disappointing when you buy something, then when you get home, it's not what you thought it was. 

I enjoyed the story about Oh Holy Night, one of my favorite songs.  There are so many good ones!  Thanks for sharing it.

Carol, sorry Don isn't feeling up to par.  It's hard to slow down and not be able to do the things we've always done.  I think most of us in here are facing similar situations.

Beth and John came out for an early supper and to open gifts with us; she was so tired and wanted to go home and rest for at least an hour before the candlelight service at church.

Jeanne, pretty graphic and song, thank you.

I must go check my hair and makeup; almost time to go to church!  Merry Christmas, all of you lovely and loved people!

Merry Christmas to you all.  We are going to have a beautiful day here with a sunny sky and temperatures getting up to 70 degrees this afternoon.  I will attend the 11 am service at Church this morning (there is no Sunday School today).  Scott will be here later this afternoon for our Christmas dinner and small gift exchange.  I did complete my project of getting the Christmas Concert that I recorded converted into an MP4 file format and put together and onto a DVD to give to the lady at Church who requested it. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!  I hope you are all enjoying some time with, or at least calls from your loved ones today!

This was our first time to attend the Christmas Eve candlelight service at the Methodist Church, and I was really surprised!  I went thinking there would probably be a very small crowd, but the church was packed!!  Even the pews in the very back and the balcony!  WOW!  And what a beautiful service (even from the very front row, where we sat!)    Next year, we know to go at least 30 minutes early! 

Beth and John didn't come this morning, he said she was tired and didn't want to.  But they will be at the family gathering later in Hugoton at her sister Diane's house.  They did attend last night.

AND......We had a lovely RAIN this morning!  The wind hit and blew very hard for a while (70 MPH) and then it let up some and the rain came---very hard and fast!  It only rained for a few minutes, but we got quite a lot, ad are so thankful!  I can't remember ever having rain on Christmas day before!  When we went to church, it was really nice; when we came out the wind was blowing hard again.  Hope it stops and doesn't dry things out again!

They had asked us to (each family) bring a dozen cookies this morning.  They said it would be a surprise what we would do with them.  They told us to keep them with us until the end of the service; then we brought them to the front, where there was a table with pretty boxes with signs in front of each with the names of the businesses in town where employees had to work today.  We set our cookies in or behind the ones we wanted the cookies taken to for those employees!  Nice!  They had volunteers who delivered the cookies.  Just a way to show God's love to those around us, in practical ways.

I'll stop now, before this becomes a book.  Have a God-blessed Jesus birthday!

I would like to wish everyone in CP land a very Merry Christmas and hope you all have a blessed day with family and friends. I just got back from the snow plow. Got called out this morning to clear some snow from an unexpected squall. Sun is shining now so should be good for the rest of the day.

[attachimg=1]


What Child Is This?
(Click to hear music)

Words: William C. Dix, The Manger Throne, 1865.

Music: "Greensleeves," 16th Century English melody


What Child is this who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Our Merry Christmas is coming to a close but I have something to share with y'all.
My daughter had her girls and (some of) her grandkids at her house today.  She made lasagna, she said.  I was supposed to go with Nita to her daughter's for dinner, but Nita hurt her back again so had to stay home with her heating pad instead.  I took some of the food I had cooked over to her and we had a nice visit.  I don't do lots of people (and exuberant kids) too well anyway.  When I got back home, I saw a post on FaceBook from my granddaughter Becky.  I have to share it with you....

This morning I greeted my downstairs neighbor with a Merry Christmas as he was on his way to church. He started to get in his car and then turned around and gave me a small care package to give to a homeless person on my travels today. It was a bottle of water, a new pair of socks, and a pack of crackers. I took it inside and told Karmen what it was for. She insisted we put a couple dollars in it. She didn't stop there. It wasn't enough she said. We added a blanket, a deck of cards, a washcloth, chips, a juice box, and more. We drove by a woman right down the street from home and pulled over. I let Karmen take the package out to the woman and tell her Merry Christmas. The lady turned around with the most sincere smile.
As we got back on the road I told Karmen how proud I was of her and I started to cry. When she asked why I was crying, I told her how that was once me sitting on the curb, cold and lonely without a place to be. She has a heart of gold and told me how happy it made her to do something for someone who has less than us. She might not listen or behave like she should but I cannot deny her spirit. Anyone that comes over knows how she always offers her piggy bank up, thinking that others need money more than her. I'm so proud of my little girl.
Please remember what today is about. Love, giving, appreciation, and kindness. If you can help someone less fortunate than most today. Do it. Save a plate. Give something that will help someone stay warm and comfortable. Trust me you won't regret it. Teach our children what it feels like to do something nice for others
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
"Do good, not for fear of consequences, but because its the right thing to do"
-David L. Kelly

The quote is from her dad.  Something he always said to his girls.

Becky said on her way home from her mom's she saw the same homeless lady in the same spot, but she was eating and playing a game. 

Hi everyone on this first day after Christmas.  Yesterday we enjoyed a 73 degree day with sun for most of the day.  Today is to be cloudy but still warm. 

We had a very enjoyable Christmas afternoon and evening with Scott. We had a nice dinner around 3 pm,  rested until around 8 pm and then had a piece of pie and opened our presents.  Santa was very good to me this year with some shirts, a nice gift card at Amazon and my SIL sent me two interesting gifts.  The first was four little boxes that contained "Inkers" that you use to line out personal information on documents.  The second was a device to clean your cell phone surface by putting it in the case and a UV  light kills germs. It is called Phonesoap. Here is the link to a video showing what it does:  https://www.phonesoap.com/phonesoap-videos/

We got to say Merry Christmas to our Granddaughter as she was speaking with her Dad.  She will be coming to live with him this week as on Wednesday evening he flies to upstate New York and they will fly back on Thursday.  We will be happy to see her again as had thought that probably wasn't going to happen again in our lifetime.

Janet, apparently our Methodist Church was packed on Saturday evening for the candle light service.  I did not attend but have attended other services of this type in years past.  I did attend church yesterday and the church certainly wasn't packed but understand that was expected since it was Christmas Day. It was a very informal service yesterday with the congregation asked to pick out several hymns and carols that they wanted to sing, a longer than usual Children's Sermon and then a relatively short sermon.  There was no problem parking yesterday although I went a little early in case there would be.  You were close to hurricane force winds yesterday but hope there was no major damage.  I was watching some of the Kansas City Chiefs football game played in Kansas City last night and it was raining there.  What a nice gesture that your Church did to provide cookies to the businesses in town where the employees had to work yesterday.   

John, it sounds like the snow plowing is keeping you pretty busy up your way.  Sure glad you didn't need to be out all day long. 

Jeanne, thanks for posting the Christmas Carol for us.  That is one of my favorites.

Jane, sorry to read that Nita has hurt her back again.  Nice of you to share what you had prepared with her.  Lovely story that your granddaughter relayed.   

John is out sanding and salt his span of roads. there are many road closures due to the ice storm that is affecting the whole province.  The truck I drive only plows, so i am home.

Have a safe holiday season, and if the roads are bad stay put till they clear!

How lovely to see posts today from Jane and Judy, in addition to Larry's news.

Jane, what a beautiful story from Becky.  I'm sorry to hear that Nita is having back trouble.  Please tell her she's in the prayers of her friends. 

Judy, great to have a message from you.  You are missed and it is always good to see your name come up.  I hope you had a lovely Christmas and that your winter isn't too severe this year.

I've been well fed by my neighbors, with a full dinner plate and all kinds of extra goodies, as well as some Avon products.  And of course, phone calls from my kids made the day shine.  The only dark spot is that my daughter-in-law in Arizona is in the hospital and wasn't able to enjoy the excitement of her two-year-old grandsons.  Please continue your prayers for her. 

Today I received this devotional from the late Adrian Rogers and felt I should share it with you:


Anticipation of an Even Greater Day

BIBLE MEDITATION:
"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:3

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
It's the day after Christmas. The glow on the tree is just a little dimmer because the anticipation of the day is now past. Ever feel that way about your walk with the Lord? Well, let me give you some good news, my friend. The best is yet to be!

That's right. Christmas Day is past, but Resurrection Day is coming soon, and I don't mean Easter. I mean the Second Coming of Our Lord is imminently on the horizon.

He is coming again. And that's not just "a nice thing;" that's a rock-ribbed truth! Jesus is coming again!

ACTION POINT:
Write down John 14:3 on a little note, and as you say goodbye to family and friends, give them this note of encouragement.

We tried to attend the 5 PM Eve service but a wild wind and rainstorm hit the area.  Enough that we did not want to venture out.  However, we did have SKYPE on and connected with all the family members - some in heavy snow areas.  Last evening was spent at a neighbor's house and Don was able to hear two dinner partners well as they had clear speech and loud enough voices - I was so happy that he could talk to two of the 14 people.  Hearing aids, come quickly please - no mail today, of course. 

Janet:  How nice that Beth felt well enough to come to your home.   

John B:   - stay safe in your driving and plowing. 

Jane:  What a wonderful story.  It shows that the smallest gift can mean so much to someone.  A kind act.

I made three more batches of cranberry walnut biscotti and intend to bag most of it for little gifts to neighbors.  It is always baked twice - first in the log form then cooled and sliced and baked thoroughly so they are crisp. 

Always thankful for a peaceful Christmas. 

Hi everyone on a foggy but reasonable warm morning here in South Carolina.  We are predicted to reach 70 degrees this afternoon.  I really had a good nights sleep last night and didn't get up this morning until 8 am.  Pat was already up and fixed her own breakfast. 

Today I will probably go over to COSTCO as Pat is about out of strawberries, which she likes to have for her breakfast.  I also need to go to Lowe's and purchase some new light bulbs.  Pat is going to try to get into see the Chiropractor today and I think we will eat our big meal out as she hasn't been out of the house since last Wednesday.  I also need to call Comcast about getting new rate for my Internet.  This is a job that I detest and have put it off about as long as possible. I don't know why I dislike this so much as almost always end up with nice people to deal with. 

Judy, nice to see your posting and glad you can stay in off the ice up your way.  I hope you and John had a nice Christmas. 

Jeanne, nice to see that your neighbor's took care to be sure you had a full dinner plate and gifts.  I am sure your phone calls from your kids was the highlight of your day.  Sorry to hear of your DIL being in the hospital and hope it isn't too serious.  Does she have twin grandsons?  Two is a great age for the excitement of Christmas.  Thanks for the Adrian Rogers devotional. 

Carol, nice to see you were able to attend the event with your neighbors and that Don was able to participate and enjoy the evening.  I am not sure I have ever eaten biscotti but probably have tasted it on a dessert tray at some function and not realized what it was called.  It does sound good. 

I was just here sitting quietly and thinking about what the New Year had in store for me and I just read this devotional email from Joni & Friends and thought I'd share it with you all.  It certainly blessed my heart and soul as I read it.






Inward Pain
by Joni Eareckson Tada

"A man's spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?" Proverbs 18:14

Which pain is worse, emotional or physical?  Like you, I've faced both kinds: crushing physical pain with no position in which I can get comfortable; crushing heartache in which my head spins with grief, and I can't stop the tears.

Physical pain is curious.  You can almost distract yourself from it.  Sometimes you can push physical pain right out of your thoughts by crowding your time and attention with other things.  Even in a wheelchair, I've devised clever ways to forget about my paralysis.

Ah, but inside suffering, that's another matter.  You can't put mental anguish or heartache behind you.  Those hurts create an emptiness that refuses to be pushed or crowded out of your thoughts.  It bites.  Gnaws.  Grinds away at your sanity.

You've felt that way.  Your heart has been stomped on; your feelings have been trampled.  A slandered reputation... a love relationship spurned... painful memories of abuse.  Yes, I'm convinced emotional pain is much worse than physical pain.  But I'm also convinced it does something to our heart that physical pain often can't.  Inner anguish melts the heart, making our souls pliable and bendable.  Because we can't drive it from our thoughts, it forces us to embrace Him out of desperate, urgent need.

Think about the ways in which God says He will take care of inner anguish.  He proclaims He holds you in the palm of His hand; He hides you in the cleft of His rock; He carries you in His bosom.  He sustains you with His grace; He sets your feet on a high place; He shelters you underneath His wings.  God is never closer than when your heart is aching.  Read the Psalms until you find one that reminds you of God's presence in your anguish.

Praise be to You, the Father of all compassion and the God of all comfort.  You heal our hearts; You are the prescription for pain.  I come to You today with my urgent need.  Thank You that You've promised You will be there to catch me.

Blessings,

Joni and Friends