Christian Photographers Community

Just wanted to stop in and wish everyone a Blessed Christmas! 

My step-daughter and her family are coming so it is going to very busy here.
The candlelight service last night was awesome.
OK, gotta go.

Trusting,
<><Jeannine

Have a Blessed Christmas!

Early afternoon with me this grey Christmas day in Northern Ireland! Presents have been opened and the dinner is on and all is well with the world!
I do hope you all have a wonderful day!
God bless!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Good Morning  and Happy Birthday Jesus

The kids gave me a new mouse pad that is a Hologram of three dogs  I am having so much trouble trying to control the  mouse, it wants to go all over the place andnot where I want it to go. 

All is quiet on the western front this morning except for the raindrops onthe window and the breeze blowing through the trees. Happy is sleeping at my feet and bebe is on the couch all curled up.

Have a great day y-all

Merry Christmas everyone.  I am just back from a trip to Atlanta to pick up our daughter for the day.  We had a lovely time last evening as we went to church with her for a musical program and then a traditional candlelight service.  This is the church she has been attending and it is the first time we ever went to our children's church.  It was a very memorable experience.  This is a small Methodist church but they have a very large and beautiful organ and the music was lovely as even though it was a small choir they did a number of solos and one trio. 

When we got home last evening Pat made some fudge and some peanut brittle.  At the moment she is preparing the ham to put into the oven. 

We had rain all night and it is continuing now but still isn't cold.  This was a great day to be driving as there were relatively few cars on the road, even on the Interstate.

What a wonderful day to celebrate the Birth of the Christ child.  Without Christ, where would we be?  For sure, no hope, no reason for the season.  Thank God! 

I just looked at a site that you all may enjoy as well.  World Time Zones  Looking at this, I realize that Karen in Australia is 16 hours ahead of me, New York City Time .  Kevin is 12 hours ahead of me and Colin is 5 hours ahead of me.  That makes me realize that they are all stuffed and probably taking naps when us here in North America are anticipating and salivating the thoughts of Christmas dinner. 

I am not sure how many will be at Ivalou's...she isn't sure either but we know of three and maybe more.  Kitty called me to say their home is germy...she has the stomach flu so she wanted me to know that in case I didn't want to enter a germ-filled home.  Her little granddaughter in Ohio is sick also and probably won't be there today either. 

It is no wonder we all aren't sick.  Unusually warm weather.  Warm with cool breezes and rains.  Enough to make anyone sick.  Plus people not feeling well but feeling like they have to get out for social gatherings and last minute gift purchasing.  Tis the season to be yucky amongst all the merriment!

Bonesy ~ Great to see you posting.  Looking forward to seeing more in the coming days...you promised, right?

I found a new smiley this week...  Pat, you make put it on CP for all to use. 

Again....

Wonderful Christmas blessings to each and every one of you!!

We had a good time last evening with the kids and grandkids.  We had supper (dinner to city folks!)   then went to church.  It was a different sort of service, several of their young people sang solos, played the piano, etc.  The pastor read a thing about a comparison of Santa Claus and Jesus--- ---and then more singing.

Back to their house, where gifts were opened, lots of ooohs and ahhhs, very happy time.  While we were in China, we had some 'chops' (hand carved stone signature stamps) made for Curtis, Mark, Abby and Jeff.  When Mark (the one who LOVES all things Oriental) opened his, he was SO happy!!  He said "Grandma, you must have read my mind!  I was going to order one of these, and the dragon is the design I wanted!"  That was nice to hear.

Bonesey, your new job sounds very enjoyable.  I think success can be described as doing what you love, and making a living while doing it.  Congratulations.

Darrel and I have opened our few gifts to each other, and he reassembled my computer for me.  Curtis said it is Internet Explorer hanging up and that I need to install Firefox.......will see if I can get that done later.  We need to get dressed, go pick up Beth and head back to Diane's house.  I will make the filling for the cream pies after we get there.  Seems when I transport them, they always get shook up!  So it's easier to just wait and do them there.  And isn't this just fascinating?  

Larry, one of the comments I made yesterday in the lost posts was that I am so thrilled every time I read of your daughter's progress, and I am rejoicing with you and Pat about that.  

Pat, thanks for the new smilies!  Anyone up for a   ?

I'd better post this quickly before it hangs up again!

MERRY CHRISTMAS, AND GOD BLESS US, EVERY ONE!!

Etta Sue,    HI!  We were posting at the same time. 

See you all later, must run now!

Update on my daughter Carole Yes she does have breast cancer she is going to research all the alternative types of therapy before she consents to any of it. She did say she was going to have Radiation and take Tamoxifen .

Good Morning and Merry Christmas to everyone!

We are going to have a quiet time today, the turkey is cooking in Wendy's oven, I have my usual sauce to make for the Plum Pudding, plus help with the dinner preparations, etc.  Only presents for Amanda this year, so not going to watch her unwrap them, since Wendy & I wrapped them together yest.  No surprises there!!
We decided to take a year off buying presents and do something for folks who could use a little help from Santa.  And yes, there is a Santa, and we are it!! 

Last night we watched the most beautiful program about Yellowstone Park.  Photo's that took away my breath and made me long to have enough talent to paint God's splendor.  The kids have a huge TV with High Definition and surround sound, so could be totally blown away by the beauty.  What an amazing world God created, it was like stepping back into a world that he wanted us to have....

Marilyn, that is so cute and you have a wonderful talent.  Hope that your dogs are happy together again.  Misty and Squeek are another story....Squeek refuses to be friends.

Time to go now.  Wendy wants me to come upstairs and have lunch with them. 
Will look forward to hearing more about your work, Bonesey.  What a great way to spend your life.

Merry Christmas and God Bless.

Liz

Just stopping by to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! 

I have been watching the ice skating on TV today.  It's raining here but no wind so that's a plus.   

Marilyn~Sorry about your daughter's diagnosis but I know she will be very thorough in her research and that, along with prayer, will get her through this in fine fettle.

What does that mean anyway -- fine fettle?     My mother used to say that all the time.  I just took it as she meant it -- that everything was going to be fine and dandy ... hmmmm another expression for all occasions.       

I am thankful that Joy has been able to connect with her sister's family and has spent some very happy and loving times with them.  She says she is the grandma now since Jean is gone.  There are 10 grandchildren from Jean's four kids ... and 5 of them are under the age of 18 months!     I think I like being here at a distance from such a gathering!   

Well, I think I will take myself out for dinner today, so I'll see y'all when I get back.

Hi, gang, I'm in to my home safely before the bad weather hits.

It worried me to go over Monteagle Mountain, but just as I got there, the heavy fog lifted and I "drove over on dry ground." Then, only a short distance from the foot of the mountain, the misty conditions started again.

Saturday's Christmas gathering with all my children was a wonderful treat for us all. The little ones were squealing with delight as they opened their presents, the older folks were hugging and laughing and joking. (What an answer to prayer for me - we were all together for the first Christmas celebration in 25 years.)

As we ladies cooked Saturday morning, the guys gathered round the table with the children and decorated little snoman cakes. There was some real creativity going there, with green snowmen, little children with dyed-purple lips from the purple icing, happy faces on both snowmen and children alike. One guy helped chop onions and peppers for casseroles, another rolled up his sleeves anbd did a stint at the kitchen sink preparing the pots and pans for the dishwasher, the dog quietly crept around to see if there were any crumbs she could find, and carols were playing on the stereo.

Then, after the big feast and gift giving, everyone gathered around to decorate a gingerbread house. Such fun! There's a tourist attraction near Chattanooga called Rock City, and the advertisements are painted on the roofs of barns and bird houses on all the highway approaches to Chattanooga. So, one side of our gingerbread house says "See Rock City"!

Another outside wall has the University of Tennessee orange "T" and the University of Georgia "G" on it.

There was lots of joking and hugging and story telling, and memories being shared.

A most unique gift to me was from the December 3, 2006 Sunday paper. My former pastor phoned the following day (Dec 4) telling me that the bank choir in which my late husband sang in 1960 was featured in our newspaper, so my daughter found the photo in the newspaper along with its little writeup framed for me so that I can take it to work to put on my desk. Such a great gift. And, all the other gifts were received with gratitude.

Another gift I am so glad to receive is my very own autographed CD from my favorite country music singer (my son who lives in England)!

It was perfect that my little granddaughter's favorite entertainment character right now is Dora the Explorer. How much she enjoyed interacting with the Mexican-born guy in our midst. He was sharing the correct pronunciation with her and her little tongue was trying hard to roll the R's, etc. just right. You should have seen the twinkle in his eyes and big grin when she was trying to imitate him.

So, lots of fun was had, and our get together ended with several people taking pictures. So, I have numerous promises of e-mailed photos.

I'm thankful for a good trip back, and am now ready to rest for a little while.

I'm so thankful to have been blessed with 61 Christmases as a born-again child of God. Happy Birthday, Jesus! How wonderful to have given my heart to Him at age 5 and to have walked with Him - through joy and pain, happiness and great sorrow, in sickness and in health - and to know that the blessed Holy Spirit has been my comforter and guide.

Y'all have a good evening.

Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann~It is obvious your cup of joy is full to overflowing these days.  I'm so happy for you!  What a wonderful time you have been blessed with!      And gifts that you will cherish for ever and ever.      

I went to dinner and did what is expected of a person at Christmas dinner -- I stuffed myself!        I had turkey and all the trimmings: stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean cassarole, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce after a delicious salad.  I brought the piece of pumpkin pie home with me and plan to take care of that after a while.   

I trust all y'all had a wonderful time of celebrating Jesus with your loved ones. 

I'll talk atcha later....

I hope you have all had a wonderful Christmas day! 

We are in relax mode here and since we have unusually cool weather for this time of year, it's even more enjoyable!

For some days the Lord has been impressing on my heart to post here another one of my stories. I've tried to ignore that feeling, but it comes back stronger each time in come here, so all I can gather is that some of you need to be encouraged with the message of hope, despite seemingly impossible circumstances.

May new hope arise in your hearts as you enter soon into a new year, as you read this story based on Isaiah 35:1-2 NIV; Hosea 2:14-15 .

In His love,


DESERT SONG

Violent winds suddenly invade the scorched desert wilderness, instantly turning it into a sand-filled tempest. The wind snatches up millions of sand grains - savagely heaving them to and fro. Empowered by the wind, the sand becomes an abrasive assailant against the rugged terrain of the valley called Achor. Nothing is able to withstand its devastating blast.

But things are not always as they seem, for in the midst of nature's cruel lashing stands a solitary plant. It is incredibly vulnerable to the adverse elements. Despite the deadly conditions, the withered plant tenaciously holds its place in the parched earth. Unable to hear the roar of the wind, but able to feel the full brunt of its ravaging force, the single stem bends awkwardly with each burst of the wind's unrelenting fury. The plant's flexibility, even though dead, is an enigma. Perched on top of the stem is the plant's seed housing - the dried up remains of a once vivacious flower. The assault of the wind tears asunder the casing and its precious seed is abducted by the raging wind...scattered...lost forever.

At an unknown distance from the lone desert plant, the airborne seeds are suddenly dumped by the hostile wind like despised refuse. Without mercy, the seeds are left for dead on the barren ground. Moments later, as if driven by a vindictive after-thought, the wind again assaults the seeds with its harsh breath, burying them with sand. Their futile flight has abruptly ended in a shallow grave. A second death, final in its lonely silence...unnoticed...insignificant.

The cruel wind departs the valley as suddenly as it appeared and is replaced by unending days of stifling heat and frigid nights. The unruly elements demand their place in the brutal and unyielding desert landscape. But, as in all extremes, the unexpected happens...

The usual monotony of the sun-bleached day has been shrouded in grey, bilious clouds. Without warning, the heavens rend above, sending down huge raindrops, which fall at random on the burning desert sand. A peculiar speckled pattern of dry and wet spots appear across the ground. But not for long. Before the earth can greedily swallow the moisture, a deluge falls from the heavily impregnated sky. The hardened ground, unable to cope with the sudden rush of water, has become a shimmering desert pool.

With the deluge exhausted, the ground begins to receive the life-giving liquid. Seeping into the desert floor, the precious water finds numerous hard obstructions on its downward journey. The caress of the water on the long-forgotten seeds instantly awakens something deep within them. Sending out a shoot to investigate the water's invasion to their dark seclusion, the seeds undergo a metamorphosis. Their resurrection from the dead has wrought a sudden transformation, as the desire for life has been encrypted within the seed.

Spawned by the drought-breaking rain, the tender shoots push their way through the moist earth. The sand has become pliable after the rain, despite the years of relentless sun-baking. With singular determination, the tender shoots press upward, while the once hibernating seeds simultaneously send roots on a downward mission for more moisture and nutrition.

The shoots' eruption through the desert surface carries a note of victory with it - the cry of one that has defied insurmountable odds and triumphed! The jubilant shoots are met by a burst of fresh air and immediately adorned with the sun's welcoming embrace.

With astonishing speed the shoots become stems and the stems produce leaves and most ingeniously of all, flower buds.

The tightly closed buds slowly, carefully unfold their delicate petal treasures one by one. What had been concealed in the secret place of death is now blossoming in the open place.

Can the desert contain the joy of colour? Can the desolate place bear the sound of song? What once laid dormant, dead and forgotten, is now alive in a sea of vivid colour - exuberant with new life.

Songs of gay abandon now fill the valley of Achor. The place of bitter death has become a way of hope.

The hues of the desert crocus are mesmerising in their brilliance. Their dance - alluring in the gentle, cool breeze - a wave offering to the Creator.

The flowers of the desert are rejoicing in song. They have overcome!

By Karen Elengikal


From Isaiah 35:1-2 NIV; Hosea 2:14-15 NIV.

Beautiful, Karen!  I agree with you that it may be some here are in need of encouragement and that is just what your story brings.  God bless you for listening to that still small voice.   

Karen, just this very morning I was reading in Hosea 2.    I was led there by a daily word I receive by email.  Isn't this interesting?  Yes, thank you for listening and then posting this story.   Nita

Hi Pat, Janet, Al, Etta Sue, Marilyn and other CP users... wanted to wish all of you a wonderful Christmas with precious memories.  Bless you all.

Good Morning ... did everyone have enough to eat Christmas Day?  Today is my favorite, cold leftover turkey   No cooking involved!

It is really early, dark outside, so have not checked for rain yet.  We are going into Victoria to shop as it is Boxing Day here in Canada.  All the stores put things on 1/2 price and real bargains are to be found...I need to get out and walk as my back is painful...what better place than a nice dry mall.

That was an interesting story.  Wonderful how God made our world so things would continue long after death.  I keep thinking about that Yellowstone Park film.  How the animals survive the most cruel winters, how bears actually give birth to their young while hibernating (yes, it's true).  Imagine the surprise!!  How a fox, who did not feel fear of man, walked right up to the photographer, had a good look, then went about it's journey, totally unafraid.  Yet, it is a world filled with stalking wolves, cowardly coyotes, etc.  Not unlike our world today.

I guess this is a time of year when we reflect and memories (good & bad) seem to abound.  Negative thinking seems to also abound in our society.  Not for the Christian to dwell on negative thoughts.  What is past, is finished.  We are told to go out and help others.  To be filled with positive energy and always to remember what God told us...."I am with you always."

                               

Pleasant Day/Evening and God Bless.

Liz

Hi everyone.  It has turned much older here this morning and McDonald's (where we had coffee this morning) was really chilly probably because the heat had been off for over 24 hours).  Glad to get back to my office, which is nice and warm. 

Gareth, good to see your posting. 

Karen, you are a very descriptive writer and I appreciate your sharing your writing with us.  Each element of nature is a necessary part of the cycle of life for the plants.  You can also make the human connection.

Nita, it is a small world we live in and isn't it interesting how often coincidences seem to occur.

Jane, that sounds like a Cracker Barrel Christmas dinner.  Pat and I once had a Thanksgiving dinner in a Cracker Barrel when we were traveling on that day and it was very good.  I am glad you enjoyed your meal.

Ruth Ann, it sounds like you had a memorable Christmas with your family reunited.  Glad you had no trouble in your drive home.

I can relate to the joy you express even though our situation was quite different here in that only our daughter was here with us.  However, it was joyous to me as I felt like she really participated as a family member rather than just being here physically.  I know that probably doesn't make a lot of sense but it sure does to me.  It is only through God's will that her life has been turned around. 

Liz, scenery on the high definition big screen television set is really something.  It was nice of your daughter and your son-in-law to share with someone else.

Marilyn, so sorry to read of the cancer that has attacked your daughter.  It seems that so many people are having to fight this retched disease.  Fortunately, many of the treatments are fully successful, especially when the cancer is found early.

Janet, I have used Firefox for quite awhile and have to say it is my preferred browser for the Internet.  I hope that solves your problems.  It sounds like you really hit the spot with the Oriental gift for Mark and the other grandchildren. 

Etta Sue, always unpleasant to hear of folks under the weather at holiday times. 

I have a nice quiet day planned or unplanned, as the case may be.  There is little on the calendar this week and that is a nice change.

Karen - your use of words is most interesting.  Certainly produces pictures in the minds of readers.  Keep up the good work.  Thankfully, the death that has truly produced life aboundant is the death of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Well, today is a very special day: it's the 52nd anniversay of marriage for my wife and I.  We have reservations at a place called Abruzzi's (Abruzzi is the name of an area in Italy).  They have the finest Italian cousine there, and we both enjoy Italian (my grandmother's maiden name was Campiglia, to go along with the Dutch on the other side of the family).

It continues to rain, rain, rain here on the Lost Coast of N. California.  The last two days have been almost constant rain.  So the earth here has indeed been washed refreshed, and now thoroughly soaked.

GARETH!!  How wonderful to see you again!  Do come more often, won't you?  We miss you.

Karen, that is a well written story, and thank you for sharing.  God's business is bringing life out of death, and your story is a little snapshot of that power.

Larry, thanks.  I was planning to ask you today about Firefox, so now I know.  I'm so happy with you over the positive changes in your daughter.

I'm being attacked today with........uh..........negative thoughts, possibly depression, and I know it is the enemy.  I think what has helped bring it on was watching Beth struggling without success to open her gifts.  Her poor hands just don't want to work.  I ended up having to open her things for her.   I'm really talking to myself this morning, reminding me of God's goodness and mercy and love. And I know that this, too, shall pass, and I will soon be my normal, optimistic self.

On a brighter note, I did get an email today from my youngest daughter.  I don't hear from her often, so that was a treat.  Part of the problem today is missing her and the grandsons, and the other two kids who seem to have forgotton I exist.  All I can do is put it in the hands of my loving Father.  I know many of you are dealing with worse situations, so I shouldn't complain.

Marilyn, I'm so sorry to hear about your daughter's diagnosis.  As Larry said, treatment is much better now, and with your prayers to help, she will be fine, in the name of Jesus.

I really need to get going.  I will try to come in and address the rest of you wonderful folks later!

Ah yes the rain. Happy is laying between me and the desk making it very difficult to type so I now have the keyboard in my lap. Well now he moved.

Going back to work today but the last two days have been a nice break.

Karen I thoroughly enjoyed your story of the seeds and the desert. Having lived in the Mojave desert here in California I  can appreciate your descriptive phrases regarding the heat and the wind.

Christmas was wonderful with the two celebrations. Sarah's mother made me a beautiful quilt in a floral design that  looks Oriental, later I will take a picture of it  and post it in my gallery.

I see the wind blowing the  big tree  next door as I look out my window this morning. I remember our terrible wind and rain  from last New Years weekend, and how AL was cut off  his electric for 5 days me for two days. I am prepared this year. I  don't have a lot in my freezer, I have an emergency battery operated  lantern and windup radio and flashlights. Two cases of bottled water and plenty of food for the dogs and my cell phone is fully charged, I have a old fashioned land line phone as well as the cordless. So when he electric go off and the cordless no longer works I still have service. Too much useless info here right?

Got to go to work now

BYE

Possibly my posting has the opposite effect and not what was meant at all...Janet, I can relate only too well with your sadness about Beth.  I watch my daughter struggle with constant pain and marvel at her positive and courageous approach to life.  It is hard to keep from being angry at God for the way their lives have been changed by one selfish moment when a driver ran a red light, almost five yrs. ago.  One thing that I was trying to relate is that living in the past simply won't help.  We were looking at film of when Amanda was tiny and I know how hard it was for Wendy to see herself, filled with energy, walking and running on the beach.  I think back to the years of pain in my own life and sadness about family matters, but living in the past won't change anything.  So that is why I stated that God wants us to look forward, not back on unhappy things in the past.  We can't change our childhood...goodness knows mine was a horror.  We can't change our failures in life or the failures of others.  We can only look ahead, trust that God will always have control, and know we can rest in His love.  I sent a email to Marilyn saying that I will pray daily for her daughter, as I do for Beth and others.  Sometimes I feel like a little tree, clinging to a rock that is high on the mtn. in my much loved Alberta, but that tree continues to reach up towards the light......That was all I meant by my post.....most of us here are Christians.  It is nice to quote scripture and religious speak, sometimes it is nice to read what is real and that is what keeps one strong.

Liz

It was wonderful reading about everyone's Christmas and reading the story that Karen wrote. 

Hi, Gareth!!!  Good to see you post!  Come back!!

I didn't go to Kitty's, not because she was sick but we had a waiting time here.  We thought Ivalou's daughter would be here by 2pm but she didn't get here until 5pm and then we found out that Kaye Don and Barb were leaving this morning and returning to Florida.  So we waited for Teresa and all of us spent time with Kaye Don and Barb.  It was 8pm before I got back home...in the rain! 

But when a bathroom call came at 2 something this morning, everything was white!  Snow!  Then I heard the snowplow go past the house twice.  When I got up this morning, it was melted on the pavements and spotty in the grassy areas.  But did look so clean and refreshing.  I ate my breakfast and read my devotions and then tackled taking down my Christmas tree and decorations.  All is down and put away for another 11 months!  Now the furkids have their Kitty TV back!!  They are happy!! 

My dear Liz---My post had nothing to do with what you posted!  I had to go back and read yours again; and I see why I probably gave you that impression.  Actually, when I read yours earlier, I was (and am) in agreement with everything you said.  I do not have these times often, for that I am very thankful, as pity parties for one are NOT fun!  I admire your courage, plucky spirit, and the way you always look to the light, reaching for the positive things in life, in spite of the cruel blows you've been dealt. 
So, please do not think your words upset me.  And I apologize for giving you that impression.  ((((hugs))))

I'm feeling better now, I just called my sweet Diane, to share something her younger sister sent me, as Diane doesn't have internet at the store or the new house yet--still waiting.  Anyway, she always makes me feel better.  I have never had reason to doubt her love or loyalty.  God bless her!

I think I will go play with my scrapbooking stuff.  That should make me think of happy times!!

Etta Sue, I feel like that poor (fat) snowman today!!  Cute!

Etta Sue - I note two facts about the snowman rolling down the hill:
   1.  It's the easy way to go
   2.  It's fast.
All I have to say now is - - - - HELP!  I'm on the hill!  I'm rolling, rolling, rolling . . .

Hi y-all I am home until 5 PM when i go back  to prepare Ruth's supper. I have been there to fix her dinner (lunch to some of you) after I left Jan's Man today is such a dreary day very gloomy outside.

Jan gave me a  nice little stainless steel teapot with the basket inside for the loose tea, It holds two cups of water. I am not heating the water in there  but pouring in the boiling water over the leaves. She also gave me a kitchen timer that is a ladybug.   

I did get some things that I will never use so maybe I will just pack them up with the christmas decorations and regift them next year to someone else. I already regifted some kitchen towels and potholders that I didn't need and  probably would never use. Did you guys get stuff you didn't need and wouldn't use?

Sarah loved her foot spa that I got for her and Gilbert was crazy about his Leatherman's tool. I sure get a lot of use out of mine. He had it with him yesterday and used it to open  some of the presents for the kids.  I can't believe that my 10 year old grand daughter received a cell phone from her other grandma.

Gareth good to see you here again, Have you been traveling? Are you Pastoring a church now?

Wow Etta sue you are already getting rid of Christmas at your house. Putting away allt he decorations. I always leave mine up until new Years. Don't ask me why that's just the way it always was at home. 

Janet I still pray for Beth, Liz I pray for Wendy and Amanda.

Quote from: Larry Hanna on December 26, 2006, 10:06:27 AM

Jane, that sounds like a Cracker Barrel Christmas dinner.  Pat and I once had a Thanksgiving dinner in a Cracker Barrel when we were traveling on that day and it was very good.  I am glad you enjoyed your meal.

Yes, Larry, the meal was quite a bit like those served at Cracker Barrel except it was at a local restaurant in Coos Bay.  In fact, that is ALL that was being served yesterday, between 1 and 9 p.m.  They had turkey dinner, ham dinner, or a combination of turkey and ham ... it was probably the only restaurant open, too.   

Marilyn~ I didn't get anything that I couldn't use ... I didn't get anything, period!  My daughters called me (and so did you!) and that was about it.  Dot sent a 5x7 photo of her youngest, Jessica, in the uniform of her middle school's volleyball team.

My heart is full just knowing that Joy and Bryan were able to make connections with Jean's family and their children.  I pray this will be an ongoing thing.  I believe it will, as Joy has promised to stay connected with regular phone calls and Bryan is planning to celebrate his 21st birthday (January 8th) with his cousin Tim. 

   GOOD EVENING TO ALL I HOPE THAT YOU ALL HAD A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS AND LIKE MOST OF US WE ALL HAD TO MUCH TO EAT.

WE WERE INVITED TO MY OLDEST SOMS INLAWS FOR DINNER WHICH IS ALMOST A TWO HOUR DRIVE AND THE DRIVE OUT WAS GOOD.  THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 18 THERE AND IT WAS A LOT OF FUN AND OF COURSE TO SEE THE CHILDREN THEY GROW UP SO FAST. THEN ON THE WAY BACK HOME THE WEATHER WAS NOT SO NICE GOT A LITTLE BIT OF SNOW FLURRIES.

THIS WHOLE WEEK WE HAVE FAMILY COMING TO THE HOUSE AND ITS WONDERFUL HOW THE LORD HAS ANSWERED OUR PRAYERS AS WE ASKED HIM TO USE OUR HOUSE FOR HIM AND THAT PEOPLE WOULD SEE THE LOVE OF CHRIST HERE IN OUR HOME. THERE IS JUST SOMETHING ABOUT BEING ABLE TO SHARE AND GIVE TO OTHERS.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK AND MAY THE LORD RICHLY BLESS YOU ALL.

Merry Christmas to everyone!  I know it is a difficult time of the year for those who are ill, away for various reasons from family, or just have tremedous trials to endure.  My heartfelt wish is for your comfort and peace. 

We were able to drive out of this heavy snowfall and enjoy several days of visiting.  Christmas Eve,  we attended a beautiful church service with a very good sermon and good songs from the choir and the congregation.  Am so pleased that everyone comes but it almost broke my heart to hear that one of our sons just would never go to church unless we had this tradition.  And, after all of the prayers I have made of asking for an emergency angel to come and put a whisper is the ear or some sign... it just isn't going to happen but I am not going to quit those prayers.  I surely don't know what I did wrong in bringing those children to church but our daughter is the only one who attends when they can.  All in all, we have so many blessings that I have to put this heartache aside. 

We are home today and now another snow is predicted in two days so must run and get quite a lot accomplished in case it is a big snowfall. 

I read the last two days comments - my best to everyone.

Carol