Christian Photographers Community

 


Come and join us this week and share with us your plans and thoughts for the week!  We sing, share and encourage other members here.

Hope to see you posting this week!

• Prayer and Praise (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?board=3.0)    Thanks for visiting this area of our site to share prayer requests and items for praise!

Today's promise: God forgives all sins, no matter how big

Why would God want to forgive?


"I will cause wonders in the heavens and on the earth — blood and fire and pillars of smoke. The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon will turn blood red before that great and terrible day of the Lord arrives. And anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. There will be people on Mount Zion in Jerusalem who escape, just as the Lord has said. These will be among the survivors whom the Lord has called."

Joel 2:30-32 NLT

If we say we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong.


1 John 1:8-9 NLT


Bound by His Word


"Why would God want to forgive people who have spent a lifetime denying him and hurting him? Why doesn't he just zap them? In our humanity we say that certain people don't deserve forgiveness. In his sovereignty and perfect love. God says, "I love and forgive those who, to others, appear unsalvageable." This is just one of the ways in which God's thoughts are beyond our own. His mercy is so overwhelming that it can seem unreasonable to us. Are you willing to let God's mercy do as it wishes — with anyone?

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If His conditions are met, God is bound by His Word to forgive any man or any woman of any sin because of Christ.

Judy, great devotional and beautiful hymn this morning.  A wonderful way to start a new week.  Thanks!!!  :thumbsup:

Marilyn, I didn't get it in for last week's topic, but I love your new avatar!

Thank you for the devotions. 

Ruth Ann:  Sending you a smiley face on your key episode.  I love the red truck in your restaurant trip. 

Update on local news about the little girl:  The young man in the blue car turned himself in and was released.  He was trying to find an ex-girlfriend and the mother of the young boy who ran  home and yelled for his mom  took a picture of the car and young man.  So, the awful people are still out there. 

Janet:  Driving in the fog is not fun at all.  It sounds like a stressful day is over now so enjoy this day of rest.

Hello,
I have a few more minutes but not long as I have homework to do tonight. My dad had a pretty big heart attack on June 25th. He was out helping at a fire and mom said he turned gray then said his check and arm hurt. Since they were out there on the ambulance he had a quick and fast trip back into town to get treatment. He had multiple labs done here and stayed a night at thworkie hospital here in town and then took a trip to Enid. We stayed in Enid from Wednesday afternoon til Friday afternoon. He had 2 stints put in and has another artery that could use stinting but they are unable to stint it due to the twists and turns it takes around the heart so they have put him on some medicines to control his pain with that blockage and are awaiting the heart to build its own bi-pass around the blockage. He is feeling back to his normal self and seems to be doing well except he has a hard time limiting his stress when he is the town administrator and several have been trying to make his job hard.
Ruth is a wild and ornery two year old. She is completely potty trained and working on being smarter than her mom. She is definitely going through the terrible twos but  I think we are starting to outgrow it a little.  I wouldn't trade her for the world she is goofy and smart and has a mind like a sponge. I'm not sure how to post pictures of her or I would.
As far as how I am doing, things are going great I work at the Lab at the hospital and have a great group of individuals that I work with. I am on call half the month for that and still am an EMT for the ambulance service here in town. My mom is the only full time paid EMT in the county so we stay at home quite often with one of us usually being on call for something. Now that I have typed a book about everything I should probably get to my homework for my second bachelors degree in education y'all have a great day :)
Sarah

Sarah, it's always great to see something from you.  Good that your Dad is coming along so well after his heart attack.  A blessing that it happened where and when it did, with the ambulance right there.

If you have pictures of Ruth on your computer, you can mail them to me (pairajeans@gmail.com) and I'll be more than happy to post them for you.  When you have some spare time (I know, what's that?) there are directions here on how to post them yourself, but meanwhile, don't hesitate to send them to me.  We all would love to see her - and you! 

A warning - Ruth will spend at least the next 16 or 17 years trying to prove she's smarter than Mom.   ;D

Larry Spay and neuter is all we do at the clinic,  it goes pretty fast. There are two operating tables and while he is operating on one animal there might be 2-3 more lined up on the other table on days like yesterday. This weekend it was all Feral cats that people have trapped and brought in. The total for the weekend was 108. From what I saw on Facebook they had 48 cats today.  We are only open 2-4 days per week this week it was 4 Mon and Tue then sat and Sun. I only worked M, T. and Sat. I don't work Friday or Sunday. There are only 4 paid people working there the rest are all Volunteers. We are Non Profit.

Thank you Jeanne. hat photo was taken Sept @ after a 16.6 lb weight loss, I am still working on  the next 16 lbs. down.

Just a note to say hello and good night!  I'm beat, and my eyes are burning.  Up since 3:30 AM and working all that time except for the time spent in church.

Darrel seemed happy with his birthday party, and we had a houseful of  people.

Good night!  See you tomorrow!

It is great to hear from Sarah and Ruth!  Loved reading your long post!

And Larry, the urgency is me.  I have always been one that when something doesn't work right or breaks, I want it fixed...yesterday!  So therefore, everything is working in my house.  If I hear a weird noise and it doesn't stop, I get it fixed.  But yes, I will need to mow at least one more time and mulch up the leaves while doing that.

Yesterday we had terribly high winds.  Today the leaves on the ground are gone.  They aren't in Ivalou's yard so maybe they are in Kaye Don's! 

Today Senior Saints are going to the Indianapolis Zoo.  It has been years since I have been there!!  It's only to get to 62 degrees.  Suppose to be partly sunny but right now it looks like rain any minute!  Just hope it doesn't rain!  I can stand the cold. 

Hi everyone.  It is dark and dreary here this morning and we had a little bit of rain during the night.  It is suppose to become sunny and up into the low 70s later today.  Today my Monday Men's Luncheon group is going to an Italian restaurant.  This evening I have a meeting so that will be my day today.  I really enjoyed the Falcon's game yesterday, which ended with the Falcon's winning on a very long field goal and only 1 second left on the clock.  They are still undefeated this year and it is the first time in their existence that they have had such a starting record.

Judy, thanks for the devotional thoughts for this week.  It is a very good one.

Sarah, what a nice posting and very informative.  Your dad should be OK if he takes care of himself.  I have a little experience with heart attacks and stents and heart surgeries and am still going (sometimes slowly) but still able to have a good life.  Your little girl sounds like a normal 2 year old.  Enjoy each minute of your as time goes by so quickly.  Each age brings its own challenges.

Marilyn, thanks for the information on your clinic.  I didn't realize it was a not for profit clinic.

Hi Janet.  Hope you were able to get some rest last night and can have a slower day today. 

Etta Sue, hope you enjoy the zoo today and the weather cooperates.

Well, soon as I "brush" I'm off to the dentist.  :P

Son #1 and I made a grocery and new auto inspection & license plate outing this morning.

Larry, I thoroughly enjoyed the services. They really would like for me to play for them permanently, but I need to pray for a  DEFINITE push from our Lord. I played for 50 years at all services for chuches, so don't know if I'm ready to take on more responsibility like that - it's our Lord's direction I'm seeking.

Well, must go - it's open mouth time in 30 minutes.  :-\

Ruth Ann

EDIT: I'm back, and, fortunately, the doctor can do a filling in that tooth that split - the $$$$ are too great for a cap at this time. WHEW!!! Now, I can probably sleep tonight. :)

Ruth Ann - God may indeed have another person in mind to play all the time - and you just part of the time.  God bless you in your thinking.

Oh, boy, am I tired tonight!  Was having a "J" night and took a sleeping pill about 1:30, and at 7:30 got a call wanting me to go to work!   :o  I should have been there by 6:30!  Mix-up in scheduling....  Anyway, I dragged my groggy body out of bed and went and worked until 3:00.  Wasn't at all what I had planned for my day, but the residents appreciated having someone to feed them!

Tomorrow I go to Cimarron and speak to the Rotary Club about my book, and as always, prayers will be appreciated.  Since I am not familiar with that town at all, Darrel is going with me.   ;)

Darrel's party was a success, I think.

Good to visit with all of you, as usual.  See you again soon!

Janet:  Many blessings to you as you speak in Cimarron.  The name always reminds me of the old cowboy shows. 

Al:  How is everything going these days?  Are you and Marbeth feeling well?  It sure is nice to see you posting.

We made a trip to Costco and talked about how some day we will give up on going to a big box store with our coupons only to just exhaust ourselves over parking, getting a tankful of gas there and just walking on all that concrete to stand in line. 

Thanks for asking, Çarol.  We're doing pretty well over all.  I'm still using a walker all the time, so I don't walk any long distances.  Please pray I'll be able to get along without it.

Al, please forgive me for not "speaking" to you last evening.  You are often in my thought, which means you are often in my prayers, as well.  Keep doing the things you need to do to regain your strength and balance, and it may hasten the day you won't need the walker any more.  (((hugs))))

I am dressed and ready to head out the door to Cimarron.  We will be leaving as soon as the house cleaner gal leaves....supposed to be at 10:00.  If you change your time, usually it means it will be a month before she gets here again!  So will let her do her thing, then we will leave.

I think the Lord may be calling me into another kind of service for Him.  I am enjoying the folks at the care home more and more, and they are alsing me to just stay a little while and visit.  Some have no family who come to visit them, and the days are SO long there.  I do have permission to interview two more for the little biographical sketches I'm doing.  Those little stories get them a lot of attention, and they love it!  (Even though some would never admit that.   ;))

I had another bad night, so am really feeling muddle-headed this morning.  I pray I can get my thoughts together for my presentation to the group to whom I am speaking.  I believe the Lord will help me.

Carol, thanks.  And I can really understand about Costco.  We don't have any in our area as yet, but the big Walmarts are bad enough.  So far, they don't bother me, but Darrel is starting to complain about how it wears him out when we go.

Well....NOW I am getting sleepy.  Why couldn't this have been during the night while I was tossing and turning and trying in vain to shut my mind off?  Maybe I will catch a little nap on the way to Cimarron, as Darrel will be doing the driving.

I will soon post another story for you to read.  And I found out who the lady's granddaughter is...the one who is mixed up, so I can finish that interview when I get hold of the g-dtr.

I think I'd better stop now!

Janet, my prayers are with you as you travel and as you give your presentation in Cimarron. 

Al, I know it can be frustrating at times to need the walker, but don't try too soon to get by without it.  I pray for the recovery of your strength and I just praise God that these helps are available to us in our modern days. 

Hi everyone.  It is a sunny morning.  We are just back from going out for breakfast as this is one of the days I no longer go to coffee.  We then went to Walmart and finally to a specialized shoe store where Pat ordered a pair of shoes.  Her feet give her lots of problems and it is difficult to fit her in shoes.  I need to get a card and money order in the mail for my oldest great grandson's birthday on the 19th.  He will be 10 years old.  That will probably be it for today. 

Ruth Ann, I can understand your reluctance to take on a permanent job of playing piano.  You often have days when you don't need to be out and that would put a lot of stress on you.  Glad you will be able to have your tooth filled.  You might be interested in a credit card called Care Credit that can be used for dental and medical care and there is no interest if the bill is paid off in a year.  This has worked very well for us as have had the three crowns done this year alone.  Of course I always pay it off before any interest would be charged.

Janet, am I confused as I thought you had decided not to work at the care home any longer?  Of course, whether you do or don't is none of my business but I am concerned about you pushing yourself so hard.  Hope your book speech has gone well today.

Carol, we have given up our Sam's Club membership because of the walking and large quantities that you usually have to buy.  Our closest Costco is at the mall and that is too far to go on a regular basis.

Al, the walker sure is better than falling.  I realize it is a pain to have to use it but know you are thankful to just be able to move around with that aid.

Good morning Jeanne.  It is amazing what aids are available to folks who need some help.   

So many times when I am reading the posts since I last posted, I am thinking of what I want to reply.  Then I read Larry's post and say to myself, that's what I was going to type, ask or say.  So....ready Larry's post and it is ditto for me!! 

The Zoo was a fabulous day.  We couldn't have picked a better day to be at the zoo.  While still home it was cloudy.  On the way to the zoo, it was partly cloudy and at the zoo, it was bright and sunny.  The trees were vibrant in color and we saw most of the animals.  The giraffe and the polar bear were hiding.  All the rest were out and about.  I got a beautiful shot of a tiger licking his paw and washing his face.  I got a shot of looking down on the back of a zebra...a view you seldom see.  Also the baby elephant and its momma.  The seals looked like statues and then raised their heads as if posing for me.  And this camera has 24x zoom so I got a really close up view of the rhino!  The rhino proves that God has a sense of humor!!

It was a really fun day with only 5 of going but we stuck together.  Five sets of eyes see more than just 1 or 2!  I was home by 4:30...my back was tired, my hips were tired and my feet were tired.  A good tired!

Today I am fine and this afternoon is Euchre.  Jane is coming to get Ivalou, Janet and I and off to Euchre we go!

I just love the picture of the year.  Thanks to DON for the picture from Babcock Park.

A short walk today and it just made me so tired for some reason. 

Etta Sue:  Will you be posting the pictures from the zoo?  LOL on Larry's ditto post.  Another thing that irks me is in the biggest and loudest stores, they have announcements that will jar your entire body and usually not understood at all. 

Carol, and then there are the stores that play awful "music" between announcements.  :yikes: I never have to worry about impulse buying in those stores - I get what I want and get out as fast as I can.

Etta Sue, we need to see those pictures!   :D

Hello everyone, I don't remember how long ago I asked you to pray for my Grand daughter Kimberly who was addicted to heroin. well last night she gave birth to a baby girl by C-section. I don't know the name yet or if Kim is still addicted. she was when I spoke last to her 2 months ago.  here is a photo of the Baby

(https://www.christianphotographers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi224.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd222%2Ftudogmom%2F472273_425514367496316_2023171024_o.jpg&hash=51912aecd99357c10f249aeb7e35de498bf1a180)

She's precious, Marilyn.  Thanks for sharing with us.  Do you know whether the baby has any ill effects from her mother's addiction?

Jeanne I don't know yet. But if Kim was still addicted the baby will be going through withdrawal symptoms  and will definitely be effected.

Well that's definitely something to add to our prayer list, Marilyn.  Please keep us updated?

Etta Sue, the Indianapolis Zoo was one of the stops on our recent trip, and I thought about you while I was there, and wondered how far I was from your home.  I did see the polar bear and got a couple good pictures of it.  We surely didn't have enough time to see all the animals, but that is a nice zoo.

Marilyn, so sad about the baby, and I will pray she is not affected by her mother's addiction.  That must be awful for a tiny baby to have to go through withdrawal.

My presentation was very well received and I sold seven books; also got another invitation to speak at a library event, so that was a bonus.  Then we came home by way of Garden City and stopped at Staples to ask about the books they had kept there after my book signing.  Due to a mistake on a label, it showed they were overstock, so they were sent "back" to the publisher!  And they were my personal copies, they hadn't been ordered from the publisher!  So they paid me for them in cash, apologizing and saying it was definitely their fault.  AND..Diane paid me for the copies she has sold in her store, so I will have quite a nice deposit to make in my book account!  Praise the Lord!!

I had a ticket to the concert tonight in Garden City, but am still so sleepy I knew it wouldn't be a good idea to go.  I could have had Darrel drop me off to meet the senior bus, but I decided the wiser choice for me was to come on home.  Plus I want to watch the debate tonight.

The older we get, the more we see the absolute necessity of making lists of thing we want to get from Walmart when we go.  I had only one thing on the list, forgot the list, and remembered that one thing just as we pulled into the garage!  :-\

I may have time to catch a short cat nap before the debate--I hope!  Otherwise I know I won't be able to stay awake for it.

Jeanne Kim called me and said that Kendra Marie is fine,  but she didn't tell the hospital that she is an addict she told them she had taken Codeine.  So I am not sure how long it will take before the baby starts to show and effects or even if she will. Kim said she thinks she will leave the hospital tomorrow or the next day. so they may be out of the hospital and the baby may be suffering withdrawals.  I will have to keep in touch with Kim to know what is going on.

Oh, my heart breaks for your little one! What terrible things these addictions do to our loved ones.

I tend to agree with you both, Al and Larry. I can't see the reason in committing myself to a regular position, when I'm not even up to attending my own church each week. However, those sermons were good and their content was Biblical and showed sound theology, as well.

Etta Sue, last time I went to a zoo, we had the awesome experience, late in the day, of being able to see a just-born camel and how tenderly the zookeepers were treating the baby and how they were helping "mom" to recognize and accept her baby. What a miracle new life is!

Today involved meeting the schedule to play and sing a song for the Tuesday devotional (I only need to do this occasionally for many of the speakers provide their own music) and taking an elderly friend to the dentist, then taking both of us to get flu shots.

Also, I've so often learned that an experience and how it was resolved in my own life has allowed me to share and sometime gently guide someone who is experiencing a similar problem. It was another elderly lady I take to the doctor. She called. I asked if she had begun to take a particular medication and she explained she tried it for the first 2 days and then was afraid to try it any more. So, I asked her not to attribute the all over itching to the medication - since I knew it had long preceded those 2 days.

Then, asked what had changed - well, as we went into it, she had switched to a perfumed bath soap from the one she had used for years. Further, she was switching back and forth to various laundry detergents.

So, she did not want to call her dermatologist, saying she would "only" be able to speak with the assistant. After some explanation about how that doctor wouldn't keep the assistant employed if not a good one and that the assistant had been trained to work hand-in-hand with the doctor to help patients. She was advised to toss the perfumed bar of soap and purchase soap for sensitive skin - her son did that today and she plans to use it tonight. Then, she asked about laundry products, and the assistant will get the answer from the doctor and share it tomorrow.

My memory of such a situation stems from an episode with my own children well before the oldest was 5 years old. Fabric softeners had just been put on the market, and I tried one of them. Without realizing what was happening, all 3 boys broke out with huge whelps, especially on one cheek, both arms from wrist to elbow, abdomens, and legs from knee to top of foot. Why was that? Well, the doctor stayed to examine them, and determined with gentle questioning, that all 3 boys were stomach sleepers causing all the touch points to get whelps and also that the fabric softener had been used. So, with wisdom, he suggested going to a less harsh detergent and to refrain from the fabric softener.  VOILA!! Issue resolved. :) Now, almost 50 years later, my friend can profit from my mistake so many years ago.

Several of you have posted, but I don't remember all names. Please know that each post is read and prayed over. Our Lord (and me, too) loves us more than we even ask or think. What a great promise as I prepare for bed.

Dear me, I've "written a book!"

Goodnight, friends.

Ruth Ann

Marilyn, I pray that poor innocent baby won't have to go through withdrawal.  Our Lord is in control.  And please do keep us informed.

Ruth Ann, what a pleasure to wake up to read your "book" from last night!  ;)  It is so true that often experience is the best teacher.

Ruth Ann, I enjoyed your "book".  Feel free to write us another, anytime!  I also have some experience along that line.  Beth's skin was super sensitive from birth, and the doctor advised me to purchase Basis bar soap for her bathing.  They do still make that soap today, and I have recommended it to several people.  Experience is the best teacher, for sure!

Good morning, Marilyn!  Good morning, Jeanne!

I have spent some time with the Lord, prayed, and thought about today.  Made a list of things I need to  do, and asked Him to be in control of  everything I do, everything I say, and to fill my heart with love for every person I meet today.  Now I feel ready for the day!

I read this today and wanted to share it:

This is what the Lord says:
Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans,
who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord.
They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future.
They will live in the barren wilderness, in an uninhabited, salty land.

But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water.
Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought.
Their leaves stay green, and they will never stop producing fruit.
Jeremiah 17:5-8

I wish you all a blessed day!

I can't imagine an adult going through withdrawals from heroin, let alone a tiny newborn.  And I sure can't imagine a new mother telling the medics that she had taken codeine and not confess to taking heroin knowing that that baby might suffer because of her addiction.  Sorry Marilyn.  That's my opinion.  I love you but sometimes people are just stupid!

I would like to post some of my zoo pictures but first I have to run them through Corel...they are way too big right now to even send in email! I may need your help, Jeanne.  I haven't posted photos for years on CP.

Ivalou got good news this morning.  We don't have to go for her pre-op appointment.  I thought she just had blood work, she has had all the things that need to be done.  She needs to call her heart doctor about the baby aspirin she takes daily to see if she is to stop that as well as warfarin five days before.  She found out she is to stop fish oil and multi-vitamin before also.  Hope she remembers all of this...I have enough problems remembering my own meds.   ???

So Ivalou and I are still going to go to Bob Evans for lunch.  Then she wants to renew her phone plan at Verizon.  Next to Verizon is where she goes for her massage and wants to talk to them to see if she should wait for her last massage since she is having surgery.  And I got the belt for the mower from Sears and want to return it to the Homestore in Noblesville. 

After that I want to mow and mulch my leaves! 

Still a big day!

Hi everyone.  Had a full morning as went to coffee and then Pat and I went to Bible study.  We then went over to Dunkin Donuts with nine other from the Bible study group.  On our way home we went through Wendy's for a couple of sandwiches.  Am now resting.  This iPad is so great for using while laying down. The rest of the day is free.

Marilyn, looks like a heathy baby but certainly a worry over the drug situation.  We will pray for the best and for your granddaughter to find her sobriety so she will be present for her child.  Too bad Jeanne Kim wasn't forthright with her doctor.

Great postings today.

Etta Sue you don't need to be worry  because I feel the same way. I know from personal experience what withdrawals are like. I had been on a Methadone detox program when I got pregnant with Gilbert, As soon as I found  out I was PG I told them to detox me off the methadone, I was completely off by the 5th month.  So Gilbert was born perfectly healthy.

There were other women on that same program who we dually addicted to the methadone and heroine because they never stopped using. Their babies we born addicted to both drugs. One was born a dwarf and had to sty in the hospital for 5 months withdrawing from the drugs. The mother had carried the baby for 10 months

Oh the horror stories I could tell you about women that I knew  who risked the lives of their babies. I thank God that I was of the right mind to get off the methadone before my baby was born.

Wow - such good messages today.

This one's short. ;)

My son (#1) and I went to the grocery, had a good conversation, and see him SO much happier than he's been in more years than I can count.

Now, it's time to cross the street for church.

Love y'all,
Ruth Ann

Hello All,
Its been a tad crazy around the house still. My sister has moved her family in with us while they get their house set up. She is the new manager at the local pizza hut here in town. I have completed all my homework for the week and am really thinking about shutting down the computer for the night and just enjoying some family time. We have been running around so much and starting tomorrow I'm on call for the lab til early monday morning. I hope you all have a great evening.
Sarah

Prayers for the newest baby for her safety and medical attention but most of all unconditional love. 

Bible study today was all on the last words of Job. Having missed five of the last six weeks, I was able to catch up only because of previously readings. 

Hi everyone.  We had some rain during the night but it suppose to clear off later this morning.  This was a sleep in morning and I took advantage of it so getting a slow start to the morning.  I don't have anything on the schedule for today so can take my time with what I do this morning. 

Ruth Ann, always good to see our children happy.  I am seeing the same thing in our daughter even with all the health issues she has.  I was talking with Pat's aunt yesterday afternoon and she had talked with Stacey a few days ago and Stacey told her how she was so much happier than she had been as an adult and who much her church met to her.  This certainly made my day.  She has told Pat and I the same thing but nice to hear it from someone else.

Hi Sarah, Carol, Marilyn and all who stop by later today.

Another 'J' night.  This time when I was shutting off lights to go to bed, I noticed Ivalou's outside light was on...at 10:30pm.  I went to bed and read awhile, shut off the light...tossed and turned and wondered about Ivalou.  She was so tired when we got home, I couldn't imagine her going anywhere last night.  It was too late to call her...too late to call Marge who she is generally with in the evenings.  So I got up and sat in the living room watching for car lights.  Nothing.  So I went back to bed at 1:30am convinced that Ivalou turned on the outside light by mistake and is in bed.

Just now I saw Marge go to Ivalou's and Ivalou got in her car.  The outside light is still on.  <3

And yesterday when we got home from Noblesville, I decided to mow.  The mower started fine.  It went into reverse and drive fine but it wouldn't engage the mower blades.  I pulled back to the garage doors and got off and looked.  A belt on the mower deck was off. 

I called Tony but had to leave a message.  I was trying to put the belt back on when I heard a weird sound...RAIN on the metal roof!  As quick as a snap of your finger was the biggest drops and the heaviest rain I have seen for a long time.  I got up off the pavement as fast as this body would allow, got on the mower and got the mower into the garage.  I was wet!!  I got an umbrella out of the car and came to the house.

Tony called...he was just leaving work and was coming to my house.  Bless his heart...four times he has been here in 5 days to fix the tire and belts!  He got it fixed, I think.  Haven't tried it yet!

And it rained all evening and in the night.  Today it is bright and sunny!  Strong winds so it will be drying the land pretty quick! 

That's it! 

Etta Sue, I am glad you don't have those "J" nights often.  I had a short night, for sure.  Darrel got up at 2:00 and said "We've got another flood!"  That got me up in a hurry!  The stool in our bathroom had run over and flooded the floor, went under the wall into the other bathroom, under the wall and into the closets in the garage, across the garage floor and under the cabinets on the far wall.  It had soaked the carpet in the hall about two or three feet.... :P  Thank God, it was only clean water.  So while he was figuring out what happened, I was soaking towels and squeezing the water out into the shower.  I think I did something to both my back and my left knee, as they are hurting.  So  I'm glad I have an appointment with my chiropractor tomorrow!

When we got the mess cleaned up (I don't think we have any lasting damage from it) and went back to bed, I never was able to go back to sleep.  So I got up and typed up the next story for my series.  But after lunch I did take a pretty long nap in my recliner!  And I'm still tired.

Larry, that is certainly good to hear about Stacey.  My youngest daughter is sort of "prickly."  I never know whether she will be warm and receptive or if she will freeze me out.  It sure makes dealing with her difficult.  I guess we parents just have to keep praying!

Now I will  go get another story copied for you!

                                                DONNA BEAUCHAMP

                                                     By Janet Damon

Donna Hardin was born September 9, 1937, in Pueblo, Colorado.  She lived in that area until she was in sixth grade, then they moved to Kingman, Kansas to care for her step-father's mother.  They returned to Kansas, Syracuse this time, where she attended junior high and high school, graduating with her GED in 1955.

Donna was boarded out from the time she was little, as her mother worked long hours and couldn't care for her.  Her dad had deserted them before she reached school age.  She said that life was 'normal' for her, so she didn't really mind.

  Some of the families with whom she lived wanted to adopt Donna, but that didn't happen, as she got sick and was hospitalized.  Her mother was a hairdresser/barber who worked from very early until very late.  She did a lot of military officers who liked getting haircuts, sometimes even color or perms, manicures, etc., but surely didn't want anyone to see them entering or exiting a beauty shop!

Donna first went to work when she was in junior high.  She had to get special permission because of her young age, and had to keep her grades up, showing them her grades regularly.  She says she didn't mind working and loved having the money to buy things for herself.  She had only two outfits to wear to school and was taunted about that, so one of the first things she bought was more clothes.  She also had to pay her own doctor bills and any other expenses she generated, so she learned the value of money early.

She had dropped out of high school to marry Gail Lutz, but continued her studies, obtained her GED and was allowed to graduate with her class.  The couple had two daughters, LaDonna and Debra.  The marriage lasted only nine years, but they remained best friends, and Donna was holding Gail's hand when he died.  She says they should have stayed together, but they were both young and headstrong, and decided to divorce.  In spite of the divorce, Gail was always there for Donna and the girls, helping whenever he was needed.  During these years, the family lived in the southwest Kansas area in the winter and in the mountains of Colorado during the summer, which Donna greatly enjoyed, as she loves the beauty of the mountains.  Her husband was running sheep during those years.

After the divorce, Donna and the girls stayed around Syracuse where her mother lived then.  She continued working to support the family; later moving to Ulysses where the girls finished their schooling.

Donna married Art Rich in 1962, and they were married 19 years at the time of his death.  In 1982, she married Hayward Beauchamp and this marriage is also a good one.  She says she was blessed to have three good husbands during her lifetime, but this one is the last!

For seven years, Donna did road construction work.  She enjoyed being outdoors and learning to operate heavy equipment.  Later, she started working for Pizza Hut in Meade, Kansas.  While managing the Hut there, she won #1 Pizza Hut in the nation!  This award is based on Quality, Cleanliness and Service.  That award was accompanied by a bonus of $5,000.00 and a free trip to San Francisco!  She was really thrilled with that award, but says she never could have done it without her excellent crew, who were hard working and willing to do whatever was needed.  She expressed lots of appreciation for her workers by first paying the taxes on the bonus, then dividing it equally between herself and her employees.

After moving to Ulysses, and becoming manager of the local Pizza Hut, Donna won the award Top Manager of the Year!   She says "You don't win awards like that unless you have a great team behind you!"  She worked a total of 14 ½ years for Pizza Hut.

Her work history also includes ten and a half years at IGA in Ulysses for Bill Werries and the following owner.  While in that job, she did various tasks: produce, checker, ordering and stocking, courtesy booth, and even worked some in the meat market.  She says she really enjoyed working there.

Donna says there seems to be more crime now; that kids are free to just roam anywhere they want, have no curfews, many don't seem to have to work for their spending money and that they get cars of their own much too young.

It seems that the young people (some, of course not all!) just don't care what sort of impression they are making, they have public displays of affection very inappropriately in front of anybody, dress in very skimpy clothes, wear too much makeup and seem to have no modesty.  This is sad, because it doesn't make them seem to have any self-respect or responsibility.

The person who most inspired Donna was a teacher she had in junior high school.  She would share her experiences with her class and then listen to their input.  "She was my counselor, too, and I grew very close to her."

Donna says, "I really admired that teacher and a Methodist preacher who taught us so much.  I admired my Mom, too...she had a rough life, but managed by hard work to raise me."

"I've always loved dogs, we had dogs while the girls were young, and taking care of them taught the girls responsibility for other living things.  I still have two dachshunds that now live with my daughter Debbie.

Some of the biggest changes she has seen in the world are that when she was young, many people could not afford to take vacations, so when she was finally able to, she greatly enjoyed it.  In those days, there were hardly any phones, and some of those were used for emergencies only; and there was, of course, no TV, Cell phones or computers.  I'm sure this sounds like the Dark Ages to kids today.

The big thing here in Southwest Kansas years ago was lettuce, cantaloupe and watermelon crops, along with the melon shed; and sugar beet production.  When the sugar factories closed, it dealt a hard blow to lots of farmers.

Some memories Donna shared with me:  "I had scarlet fever, followed quickly by rheumatic fever, and was sick a long time.  The teachers sent my school work so I could keep up.  I remember lying in bed crying because I wanted to go outdoors and play with the other kids and couldn't."

"Girls weren't allowed at that time to play competitive sports, but we did have a free throw contest in high school, and I scored 99 out of 100 baskets!  At the pool in Kingman, when I was nine years old, I saved the life of a 400# man.  He was lying on the bottom of the pool, and I managed to pull him to the surface and over to the side, where help quickly came.  He was mighty grateful, and surprised that I could do that when I was so small.  There was a write-up in the local paper about it."

"When I was young I went to the Methodist or Baptist church.  If I couldn't go on Sunday because I had to work, I always went on Wednesday.  I have always read my Bible and prayed every evening, that is very important to me."

"I remember a bad blizzard when I was a kid, but have no recall of the details.  And I remember the awful dust storms of the 1950s....One day we were in study hall, and there were kids sitting across the table, but we couldn't see them for the dust!  We could reach out and touch them, but we couldn't see them."

The achievement that gives Donna the most pleasure is winning the Pizza Hut awards.  She enjoyed all the years of working, meeting the public and helping people.

One regret she has is that she always wanted to go to the Holy Land, and she hasn't entirely given up that dream.  She would have liked to travel more, especially in our own state of Kansas.

A valuable lesson she would like to pass along is:  Show respect to elders and care how you treat people, what you do for them.  Be honest, don't lie!  Whatever it is, tell the truth.  If you do these things, God will be there and help you.  You have to have God in your life, to make it.

Her hopes for our country are for the fighting to stop, and to get God back into the schools and people's lives.

Donna would like to be remembered as a good employer who enjoyed her employees, and as one who helped others.

The greatest lesson of her life was learning how to respect and treat people.

Favorite song: One Day at a Time

Favorite quote: Honesty is the best policy.

Favorite scripture:  The Lord's Prayer

I had a post ready and it has gone poof.  Will try again later. ;(

Thanks, Janet, for the bio on Donna... it surprised me that she is two years younger than me, and a resident at The Legacy. I guess I just don't feel as old as I am, therefore act as though I'll live forever.  ;D
Actually, I have been known to say I'm planning to live to 120  ::)  We'll see..... and, of course, my Heavenly Father has something to say about that as well. 

I went to donate blood this afternoon, then stopped at the store for a few items before coming home.  Just after I got the bags out of the car, and into the house, I began to feel weak and dizzy ... I started sweating and thought I'd pass out. :yikes:  It took quite a while for this sensation to pass ... guess I shouldn't have made that detour on the way home. :-\  I'm okay now, but I usually am tired after donating blood .... almost always nap all evening aftewards.  I didn't think they took that much blood .... maybe it's tired blood, y'think?  :D

I need to let y'all know that, the very next day after I left for my latest trip to California, Nita fell and fractured several bones in her back.  :yikes: She tried to "tough it out" at home for a couple days but eventually an ambulance was called and she was transported to the hospital.  She spent a few days there, and then went to a Rehab center.  There she made great progress with her physical therapy and, three weeks later -- yesterday -- she was home again.  :thumbsup:  She's supposed to rest a lot, not bend or twist, and not lift anything.  She can still use our prayers, for a full and complete recovery, and I know she appreciates that.

Jane:  Thanks for passing along the news about Nita.  So sorry about her accident at home but glad that she is now in rehab where she should be and there will be progress.  Send along a note to her that she is in my prayers for a complete recovery.  Take care yourself and if you do give blood again, be sure to rest a while before walking out the door too. 

Janet:  Donna sounds like another winner. 

Don just sneaked in here to watch another game.  How on earth can there be so many games to watch?  Oh, well - it is better than any reality show.  We both have been reading a lot more with all the awful political stuff coming out our ears. 

Carol, Nita is at home now ... came home yesterday ... she posted briefly on facebook, but tires easily and it may be a while until she is able to sit at the computer long enough to visit her usual forums.

Jane, thanks for the news about Nita.  I'm sure she'll find she tires much more quickly at home than she did in rehab. 

Janet, thanks for the latest biography.  It always surprises me that these folks (most of them younger than me) have survived such hard times.  It sure makes my life look like easy.

Hi everyone.  A nice crisp and sunny morning here in Georgia.  Just back from coffee at the senior center where we had 10 or 11 men there this morning.  Fixed up my medicine for the next two weeks, emptied the dishwasher and folded some clothes so have had a busy morning.  I will attend the ROMEO's luncheon today and we will be eating at the Olive Garden so should have a good meal.  I will probably need to go to the store later today.  That will be it for today.  Pat is staying home today.

Etta Sue, you certainly have had your problems with your mower.  Glad Ivalou was fine and it was just a forgetful act.  My neighbor has called a few times to tell me our outside light is on.  Since Stacey doesn't live with us anymore we seldom turn them on so not much of a problem anymore.

Janet, not another water problem.  No wonder your back and knee hurt.  Hope you don't have to do major repairs again.  Very interesting story about Donna. 

Jane, glad you are feeling ok now.  Glad you were home when the weakness started.  I sure don't want to live to be 120.  Of course, I don't think I have anything to worry about.  :)  It has been many years since I could donate blood due to having had hep c and all the heart medicines I take.  Glad to know that Nita is home. 

Carol, sometimes the games are about the only good thing to watch on TV. 

Jeanne, reading the stories that Janet is writing also makes me realize how fortunate I have been in life.  I have never worried about my next meal or not had a home to live in. 

Thanks for letting us know about Nita.  She will be in my daily prayers.  Do tell her I am thinking of her.

And not another flood in Kansas!  Glad you think it didn't do much damage!

And Donna is another outstanding citizen of The Legacy!

I got my call from Chuck last evening.  Chuck and Julie are in Greenfield.  He wanted my address to put into the GPS so he could come visit me.  I told him I had an appointment to day and should be home by 3pm.  I have no ideas what their plans are but they are not staying here.  Because of the past, I have trust issues and I am alone now.  So say a prayer for me to have a backbone!

I need to get on my way to my appointment (the pool).

I will try to keep this short today!  Thanks for thecomments on Donna's story.  Yes, it shocks me, too, when I interview someone at the Legacy and learn they are either younger than me, or only a little bit older.  I surely have no intention of going to a nursing home, ever.  Of course, I doubt any of them did, either.  And I don't intend to live 120 years here in this sin sick world, either!  But, as Jane said, our Father is in control, bless his holy name.

I have to go to see Beth this morning.  It's time to see if she is ready to give up on the new computer with the voice recognition.  It is costing over $40 per month, and they only leave her $50 per month over what the home takes of her check, so if she can't use it, it's time to disconnect.  I'm sad about it, but we have had these set-backs before.

Larry, I keep forgetting to answer you question from last week, about my being retired.  I keep telling Debra I am retired, she says, "Oh, you kn ow you want to work for me" and keeps having the girls call me.  Guess if they call too often, I will have to practice saying NO again!

So sorry to hear about Nita.  And I will be praying for her.  Jane, if you talk to her, be sure to give her our love and tell her she is missed here.

It is fascinating how very much different one person's life is from another, I think.  This writing of bios could become addictive!  Now, if only there were a little $$ connected to it.........  But the Lord supplies, and I have everything I need.  I am doing it as a labor of love, anyway, and the Lord will repay.  He already is, with so many telling me they enjoy the stories!

Time to go see Beth!  Later, kiddos!

Janet:  You roll with the punches better than most people.... courage and faith! 

Jane:  Thanks for the latest on NITA! 

Don't you wish someone at the debates would ask the question:  "What is your favorite bible verse?} I know someone who would be stymied.   ;)

I was the last to post yesterday and the first today.  That means, I should have slept longer.  Coffee is ready  :coffee:  It is still so dark but the morning star is shining brightly.  Have a peaceful day.

There's a strange bright light shining in my window...  OH!  That's the sun!   :lol:

Good morning, Carol!  If I had come to the computer when I first got up, I would probably have been first.  ;)  But I spent an hour and a half in the Word.  Now I am up to today's date with my reading through the Bible again this year.  I had left my one year Bible in a bag with other books intended to take on the Cape Cod trip, so got 13 days behind then.....and then my friend took the bag by mistake, thinking it was hers, home to Scott City with her and it was anothe three weeks before I got it back.  In the meantime, I was using the one year chronological Bible, but now I'm back up to speed!

Thanks for the compliment, Carol.  I guess I do roll with the punches.  There have been so many I can't imagine where I  would be, if I didn't!

I am going to pack up my scrapbooking stuff and head for the library soon.  Hope I can accomplish something today on that project.

Lon, who did our remodeling job, came out yesterday to put the last few pulls on the cabinet (we ran  out, and he picked them up in Oklahoma City) and he wanted to buy some big tools (shaper, sander, sharpener, scroll saw, compressor) from Darrel, so I asked if they (Both Lon and Darrel) would agree to a bartering deal:  Lon would come and do more work needed here in areas not damaged by the flood, just never finished, and work out the price of the tools that way.  Lon was ecstatic, and Darrel agreed, so when he finishes a couple other jobs he is on, I will get more stuff done around here.  Darrel doesn't intend to use those tool anymore, and Lon really needs them, so it's a good deal for all of us!

Now that the sun is up, it will likely start to warm up!

I hope you all have a great day!  Here is a scripture I read this morning which I wish those in authority over the welfare mess would take to heart:

Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: "Those unwilling to work will not get to eat."
Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people's business.  We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and WORK to earn their own living.

2Thessalonians 3:10-12 (Emphasis mine>)

Good morning I will be going to work shortly, I was awake by 4:30 this morning, it seems to get earlier every morning. It's going to be a long day today, I wasn't supposed to go until 10 but that changed when the other recovery nurse  couldn't come in until 1 pm.  So I may be working alone this morning Yikes! that will be a busy time.

Hi everyone.  It is a bright sunny afternoon and the wind has come up a bit, which is unusual for us as we don't too often have wind here.  I think another front must be moving through.  I just finished lunch after being gone all morning.  I stopped and got a birthday card to send to our son who turns 50 on Thursday.  I will rest this afternoon and watch some football.  Georgia plays Kentucky at 7 pm this evening so football shouldn't prevent me from getting a nice nap this afternoon.

Etta Sue, hope your visit with Chuck went well.  At least he wanted to come and see you.

Janet, sorry that Beth hasn't been able to use the voice activated computer.  Regarding your working just a reminder that no is a complete sentence and we don't have to justify that answer with explanations.  You probably would never remember the dollars you might make from the stories you are writing but I doubt you will ever forget the smiles and hugs from those whose lives you have touched by spending time with lonesome folks and listening to them much less the hugs.  The barter arrangement sounds like a winner for all concerned.

Marilyn, sounds like you will have a very busy day.

Hi Carol.  Interesting comment on the debates.

The visit with Chuck and Julie went great.  I do believe he has grown up.  He is 58 now.  Nothing was mentioned about old times...when he stole silver dollars from his Dad, when he was in jail because of a run-away accident, when he brought his girl-friend and two kids to our house to live with us in a 10x40' mobile home, when he called me the night of his Dad's funeral chewing me out because I had the funeral so quick that he couldn't get here to see his Dad buried....etc.  We didn't mention those or any other negative things his sisters did either or his Mother.  They want to keep in touch.  We will see.  But all and all, it was a great visit!

I am going to look into Ivalou and I voting early...probably next Tuesday.  That way neither of us will have to get out on voting day...which is after her rotor cuff surgery.  We have no idea what she will be able to do.

Janet, I crochet all these Chemo Wraps and I have no idea who gets them.  I just have to imagine the comfort that they bring to anyone receiving chemo which is traumatic in itself.  It bring me joy to know I am comforting someone else.  Your bios are comforting The Legacy patron as well as their families and anyone that reads their bios.  Great job!  Better than $$$.  You can't take $$$ to eternity but you can take what you do for others to eternity.

It is partly cloudy today but windy again.  I don't know the temp but it looks fall-ish!

I feel a bit chastised about mentioning money.....but I think you all know me well enough to know that $$$ is not my motivator!  It does give me joy to see that the stories make the folks happy, bring them extra attention and make them feel valued.  That makes it all worthwhile.

I spent the day at the library and got absolutely NOTHING accomplished.   :-\  Oh, well, I needed a little 'down time' I guess.

Now I think I might just take a little nap!  8)

Hi everyone.  A bright and cheerful, but cool morning in our area.  In a few minutes I will leave to go down and help Stacey set up the modem/router for the ATT DSL service she is putting in instead of the Comcast, which hasn't worked properly and is more expensive.  I was hoping she could set it up herself as they provide good instructions but she has had a migraine headache the last two or three days and it is just too much for her to tackle.  Fortunately, this happens to be the Sunday where our church is having only a very brief service at 9 am and then heading out into the community for the "Send Sunday" to work on various projects in the community.  I participated with the choir last year when we went to a couple of nursing homes to sing for the residents and the choir is doing that again today.  Going down to Atlanta and back will be sufficient for me today and hope to get back shortly after noon, depending on what time I leave. 

Etta Sue, glad the visit with Chuck and Julie went well.  Sometimes we just have too put negatives behind us so we don't focus on them instead of the future.  Unfortunately, I fear many families have had similar experiences.  Good idea to vote early.  I read yesterday that over 260,000 people had already voted early here in Georgia in just the first four days. 

Janet, I had no thought of chastisement with my comments but was just thinking of the joys your efforts bring to others and will continue to give.  Glad you had a little "down time" yesterday as I am sure you needed it.

Hope this is a nice day for everyone.

LARRY, I'm sure you didn't, and thanks.  Have a safe trip to Atlanta and back today.

Darrel and I will also vote early, as we are leaving on a little trip to Branson with the seniors on Nov. 5th.  I just pray there is no way to tamper with the early votes.....

I want to catch a little nap before time to go to a church event at 4 or 5.  It starts at 4 with skeet shooting, and I'm not really interested in that.   ;)

Have a good afternoon---unless you have other plans!  ;)

Good evening friends, not very many here today. 
I voted early about 10 days ago.  Not that I was in a hurry to vote, but I figure there will be a long standing line on Election Day, and I cannot handle that.  I called the County Clerk's office and asked for a mail in ballot, and they sent me one the same day because it came the next day.
I imagine tomorrow night's debate will break all records for viewers.  I think sparks will fly!

Janet, I noticed the last lady you wrote the article about was named Beauchamp.  My grandmother's maiden name was the same.  This was in southwest Arkansas.  I have enjoyed your writings, you have so many talents and so willing to share them.
I had a laugh at your comment about having a good afternoon, unless you have other plans!  How funny~

Larry, I hope you got the modem and router set up OK for your daughter, and got home in time for lunch.  You are the expert around here!
My grand dtr set up the router for me, for my Kindle Fire HD.  I have downloaded several books I want to read....thanks to all of you who made suggestions of where to find books.

I finally got over the sinus infection but it was slow going.  I even got the infection in my eyes too.  This happened one time before, a number of years ago.  Both eyes were extremely red and I could hardly see because my vision was so blurry.  My doctor thought I had been crying.  I have macular degeneration and my vision is not perfect anyway. 

I hope Nita is doing OK now. 
Hello to all who come in yet, today.
Blessings,  Janice

Time to start a new topic for the coming week...

http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=12412.0