Christian Photographers Community

Did ya miss me?  I just got back from Ohio and brought Ivalou back home.  I spent the night over there last night. 

It looks like I missed the tea that was being passed around.  I can drink tea but like coffee best and cappuchino next to best.   

And Soni!!  Hi there!  I was just looking at the picture of all of you and was wondering how Zachary is doing?  How old is he now?  And Troy?  He's a young man now.  And the girls, Chandraya and Lila Mae, bet they have the boys chasing them now.  Good to see you posting.  Come back when the time is convenient and let us know about you and yours. 

And Kathleen, at the bottom of the postings, if you enable notifications by clicking Notify, you will be sent an email when someone posts after you.  Even if you wait a day or two, you will go back to that forum by clicking the blue letters on your email, and you will be at the next post after you posted.  Convenient and saves the hunting for where you left off!  Try it...you might like it!! 

I didn't sleep well last night...strange bed, too hot, too noisy.  So I know I will sleep better tonight.  And I have to get busy on the baby afghan because a shower is coming up within the next two weeks. 

Ha Ha to you too Pat!
 
Of course I missed you Eatta Sue...hi to everyone else..read all your posts and praying for you all. Take care.

Hi everyone. 

It is good to see all the postings since I was here yesterday morning.  We resumed our weekly Bible study with our pastor this morning.  We hadn't met for two weeks because of the holidays.  It was nice to get back to the Bible study. 

Following the Bible study a number of us responded to the request to help take down and put away the Christmas decorations from our church.  It was a big job and I must admit I wasn't much help as can't lift but did what I could.  Then a group of us went across the street and enjoyed lunch together.  I came home and took a nap.  Tonight we resume choir practice for the new year.

Karen, thanks for sharing the writeup about your exhibit and the good news of the success of the exhibit. 

Soni, certainly nice to see you post and to hear of our little pal Zachery.  I still remember his postings.  It sounds like you are on the right track.

Ruth Ann, I think I have a pretty good idea of what you are praying about. 

Janet, glad to see you are able to get out and about again.  Glad your leg is feeling better.

Kathleen, don't worry about not addressing everyone who posts.  I think we all understand that sometimes we come here with limited time to devote and if there are a lot of messages since we last posted it can be an overwhelming task to try to address everyone.  Because we mentions a few folks by name shouldn't be taken as a slight to those not mentioned and on another occasion they will be addressed.  Occasionally I try to do that as each and everyone who posts is important.  You will soon find that you begin to know us from what we reveal of our lives via our messages.  Just do what you are comfortable in doing.

Quote from: shutterbugmom on January 03, 2007, 12:36:39 AM
I'm trying to get fancy...this type should be blue, we will see if it is.  Aren't you proud of me for stretching myself?  he he

After you type, you can highlight all of the text that you want to be blue and then click on the color code and it will be blue.  I checked your post and you had the code right but both the "turning it on" and the "turning it off" codes were BEFORE your text so it didn't read it.

Sad News...

Ruthie, Judy and I will be attending a funeral on Monday.  Our dear aunt came through the surgery just fine but she faded in the recovery room and is now with her Saviour in Glory.

I will miss her greatly.  She was one special lady who we all loved dearly.

Our Aunt was indeed a wonderful lady.  She will be indeed missed.  Living up here in the North it was difficult to get down to see her but we did at every possible opportunity.  The last time I had a meal with her she had cooked 8 - 9 vegetables and 4 different desserts.  What a feast.  I will remember that meal. 

Keep our family in prayer on Monday, the funeral at this point will be at 1:00pm.

JudyB

Pat, Ruthie and Judy ... Please accept my condolences for the loss you have just suffered.  I pray the Lord will sustain you with His wonderful love and PEACE in knowing your aunt is now with Him in Glory and that you will all be together once again.

I'm really sad that you've lost your dear aunt. May God be very close as you grieve for her.

Ruth Ann

Soni - it's great to see your smiling face here. Please return as often as time allows. I'm thankful y'all are taking the time to determine what he can and can't eat. That's quite a challenge, but the results will most likely be quite worthwhile.

Good evening everyone.  I hope you all have had a wonderful day.  I have a question that I really would like your imput on, if you can.

How does one know if they have went too far in the wrong direction with God?  It was mentioned today about if you keep Gods commandments then you love him, and if you don't then you don't love God.  (How many times have we (me) not kept the commandments? Does that mean I don't love God?)  If this is too heated, don't worry about it.
I just would like to know.  Life can be very confusing at times.

Pat, I'm so very sorry about your Aunt, and am praying for you and your family.

Remember us when you pray, also.

Thanks a bunch,
Samantha

SONI!!  Great to see you here!  I have been thinking about Zachery so much, and wondering how he is doing.  Thanks for the update.  I trust your family all had a good Christmas.  Pop in and talk to us more often, won't you?  And we would love to hear from Zachery, too!!  He's a sweetheart!

Sure we missed you, Etta Sue, glad you are safely home.

Ruth Ann, I'm praying for you.

Pat, Ruthie and Judy, sorry about your loss, but isn't it wonderful to KNOW where your dear aunt is?  Oh, how do folks get through these times without the Lord?

My buddy Pat and I decided to drive on to Dodge City this afternoon after visiting the museum, and had such a fun afternoon shopping at Hobby Lobby and Dollar Tree.  All we bought was scrapbook stuff.    I should open a store, I have enough stuff!

We saw miles of splintered highline poles East of town, some that had the big transformers on them were broken in three pieces!!  My, the forces of nature are really something!  It was warmer today, so a lot of thawing, but we are still snow covered here.

I'm tired and want to read a bit, so goodnight!

When Don is ready, we will go to the gym    I catch up on the news as each machine has its own television, is that not techie?  It is for me.

Pat, Ruthie, and JudyB  My sympathy on the loss of your much loved aunt.

Soni  So nice to see you posting and best of all is the news that Zachery is doing well with your tender care.

Just answering the phone and tasks keep getting heaped on me because I don't have an excuse.  Now, they want me to present 3 quilts to a Habitat family at the early service on Sunday.  Trying to get my other project finished this month, feeling more than a little overwhelmed right now . 

A good friend had her eye surgery (cataract) the same week as mine and at the same clinic - a real problem for her because she can only see color out of that eye now & mine is 20/20 vision.  They are meeting with the eye doc & one of the other partners today and I am praying that she (who is a diabetic) absolutely gets the proper treatment to get her vision back. 

The third funeral for Pres. Ford was my favorite with wonderful songs and singing plus the ceremony itself.

"Morning has broken...."
Carol

Judy, Pat and Ruthie, I am so sorry that you aunt didn't make it out of recovery. I am praying for your family.

Last night at the Women's bible study our teacher handed out  some papers with the words  "Goals for 2007"  at the top. She told us to spend this week seeking God and asking Him what HIS goals are for us this year. Not ours but HIS. She gave us some examples of what God gave her. So far His is telling me to "Shut up and Listen" and to Turn off the Computer and TV.

So I am out of here.

Good morning!

Carol, I know that overwhelmed feeling---been there, done that.  Darrel used to tell me all the time that I needed to learn how to say NO!  And I finally have learned to do that---sometimes.    Try not to let it stress you out.

Another busy day for us, involving a trip to Garden City.  After being home several days in a row, here we go running around! 

Karen, I don't remember if I said it before; but thank you so much for putting in the article about your photo show.  I really enjoyed reading it.

Phone keeps ringing, duty calls, must go!

Addendum:  Last phone call was Beth--she is really sick, they think it may be her gall bladder.  Prayers appreciated.  Thanks.

Hi everyone.  I am writing this moring from the Saturn dealership where I am having the oil changed in the car in preparation for our trip to Florida in a little over two weeks.  We are looking forward to the trip.  After I finish here I will stop by Kaiser and get my blood test done for cholestrol.  It is a nuisance but know it is important.  

Marilyn, that is an interesting exercise to prepare the listing.  Sure hope you are not saying you are not going to use the computer at all but rather just cut back.  I am also cutting back on how many hours I use the computer although probably still spend too much time on it but truly enjoy it.

Carol, sorry to read you are feeling stressed.  I have decided I can say no as well as yes if I don't feel it is the thing for me to do.  The experience of your friend with the loss of vision sounds like my cousin who has basically lost her eyesight.  However, she also has glacoma.  I hope they will be able to help your friend.

Janet, it is always enjoyable to go shopping with a good friend.  I always enjoy doing it with my good friend and we often go to the computer store even if we don't have anyting to buy.  We haven't done that for awhile.  He is in the air heading to Las Vegas for the PC Users annual convention and then the Consumers Electronics show that follows.  He attends these events each year and has done for for many years.  He will be gone about a week and I will miss him being at coffee each day and our other contacts.

Samantha, I don't believe God ever quits loving us although I am sure he may be displeased with our actions and wayward thoughts.  We can always go to him for foregiveness if we are willing to take that action.  I am sure others will add to these thoughts.

Pat, JudyB and Ruthie, I also extend condolences on the loss of your aunt.  How wonderful it is that you had her for so many years.  Ninety plus is really something is a real blessing if she has been of sound mind and reasonable health.

Hope everyone has a good day.  We are suppose to have rain late this evening and then a lot of rain the next couple of days.

Samantha - God never tells us in His Word that the number of times we may come to Him for forgiveness is limited.  But the one thing that is very, very evident is that each time must be accompanied by true repentance.  Repentance is a combination of things.  It includes sincere sorrow for sin committed, confession of it to God (not merely to self or other people), at least some realization that it is rebellion against the infinite love of God, and a definite determination to cease committing that sin.  No matter how many times you come to God with these things, it is not too many times.  But sometimes we need to confess that we weren't as sincere as we ought to have been - then we need to repent of that too.  To sum up - the death of our Savior on the Cross was of such infinite value that all of our sins were indeed covered.  He said, "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out."

Ruthie, Pat and JudyB ~ So sorry to hear of your dear aunt's passing.  But isn't it wonderful with God's provision, you will see her again.  And also refreshing to know she is face to face with our Lord.

Samantha ~ God doesn't stray from us...we stray from him.  No matter what we do, he is right there if we only seek him.

Well, number three happened and is happening as I type.  I got up this morning, jumped in the shower and had my hair all suds up with shampoo and the water quit!  Yep, no water.  I noticed when I turned on the hot water that it wasn't a full stream but thought, when the pump turns on, then it will be okay.  Same as when I turned on the shower...not a forceful shower.  But it made a growling noise and stopped.  I got out and called Ivalou to see if I could come over there and rinse my hair.  I am certainly glad I live out in the country next door to Ivalou.  I am sure if anyone saw me half running across the yard with my robe on, a towel on my head and carrying towels and clothes, they would wonder what is going on with her?  But I got in Ivalou's shower and finish the job I started.  I have called the plumber...had to leave a message and no return call just yet.  Will call again if I don't hear anything by noon.  I think being without water is just about as bad as without electric.  But out here in the country when the electric is out so is my water...   Anyway, I hope I get it fixed real soon.  Ali wants a drink from the faucet but there is no water!! 

Goodmorning evryone.
We are starting the day with cloud cover but so far still no snow on the ground. This is an extremely unusual yaer up here this year. Normally we would have a foot and a half of snow on the ground by now. I am not complaining though as I enjoy not having to deal with snow on our roads. I guess to many years and unpleasant sights seen as result of weather while I was driving for a living. On monday Judy and I will be travelling south to Toronto for her Aunts funeral so we pray the weather will hold for us. Althogh in one sense this is a sad occasion, it is also a time of celebration in a life well lived. She enjoyed many years with us alll and in reason health for her age and we can take comfort in the fact that she has now gone home to be with her Lord. She has the family with fond memories of times spent with her. Judy and I were reflecting back just last night of occasions we have spent with her.
Well a new year is upon us and I was just talking to my Executive Director this morning about getting together and go over the plans for this year regarding the ministry needs. We have a busy year ahed of us and many positive things are happening. Once we put staff in place to preform varies functions in our ministry, the exe. dir talk the brakes off and the Lord has been moving in a mighty way, using us to reach truckers for the Lord. There is no doubt tha God loves truckers too. However due to schedule retraints and customer demands they often miss out on recieving much needed spiritual food. Both Christian and non-christian truckers will frequent our chapels and spend time talking to the Chaplains. It is a vital ministry that few churchs arer set up to get into so we go forth and work as you hands extended to reach the men and women of the transportation industry.
It would be greatly appreciated that folks uphold us in prayer, that we will go forth in the Lords will and that the Lord will supply the resources necassary to do his work. Pray that we will go forward in the Lords timing. That we do not get ahead of God and also that we do not lag behind Him. It si a wonderful work and I am really enjoying what I am doing as the Director of Personnel. I work from a home office which is good for the family and there is travel involved to go to the chapels but not near the same as my life on the road driving truck.
Well I will go for now and get on with some other things I need to get done.
May you all have just a Blessed day in the Lord and be in a contiuous state of worship.
In His service , Bonesy

Good morning everyone!

I just want to start by saying thank you to all of you for your encouragement and understanding, as well as tips on how to do things on this site; such grace you have shown to this newbie.  

Also, thank you for all the lovely comments about my photos that I've posted so far.  It's encouraging to hear that other people enjoy seeing my work.  God has certainly blessed me in being able to learn to capture some of his awesome creation in a respectable manner. (especially with my memory and concentration problems that I'm left with from the car accident-they say I have permanent partial disability from it...also limits my time at the computer, making my job as a photographer and forum user even harder)

But, God is gracious!  He is kind and loving.

Samantha-God's grace and mercy is sufficient to welcome you back into the fold at any moment of repentance, no matter how far you've strayed.  In Christ, we no longer have to uphold the law, though I believe we will be blessed for doing so.  Everyone sins, that's why Christ died for us.  It's that rebellious act of continuing in intentional sin that can lead us to a hardened heart.  I can tell that's not where you are, since you are seeking Him and asking for help in this area.  Hope that made sense and hope it helps.  Keep seeking Him and doing His will as best as humanly possible!  That proves you love Him, too!

Etta Sue-Sorry to hear about your water problem.  I will pray for a speedy repair!  I laughed at the word picture you gave us of running to your neighbor's house, but I suppose it wasn't so funny for you.

Ruthie, Pat and JudyB- I am praying for comfort for you.  I understand loss very well.  I have lost many close family members: Grandfather Nov. 1997, Sister Dec.31, 1998, Mother-in-law (not your average mother-in-law) Jan. 9, 2001, My Father July 9, 2001, My hubby's brother May 2, 2003.  I have been a little melancholy lately because my father's birthday was Jan. 8th (I will post a special photo that day) and then we have the anniversary of my mother-in-law's death on the 9th.  Time does make the grief come less often, but when it hits, it's still just as fresh as ever.  Just cry out to the Lord, Jesus will interpret your tears into words for the Father.  During times of grief, I have often cried out to God with no words.  He is faithful to comfort and send the comfort of others.  I'm thankful that all these family members of mine are in heaven now; not so with my sister-in-law's cousin that was recently killed in a car accident.

Guess I've rambled on long enough.  Have a blessed day, everyone!
Kathleen
P.S  I'm mainly a coffee gal, but I can enjoy tea as well.

Thanks for all of your messages to Ruthie, Judy and I.  We appreciate them so much.  Our aunt was so special.

John, are you and Judy going to stay here for the night?

Hello everyone,
I hope all is well with ya'll. we got quite the snowstorm here and it knocked out our power for 46 hours then we got it back for 15 hours and back off for 5. Dad said we got about 16 inches here with 10 foot drifts in many place. Anyways I hope all is well with everyone i know we have thrown out our entire freezer and refigerator here and then at the store (Pizza Hut) we tossed everything that was in the walkin and some of the freezer in the trash can LOTS of food loss. I know that there are places in north western and south eastern cimarron as well as south western texas counties that are without power and i know at my moms place of work they have been on their generators since friday morning at 9 am. right before the storm moved in with snow  they are predicting more snow starting friday so who knows that this strom will bring for us because the wind is going to be here too as normal!  anyways i need to be off and about to get things done for everything! ADIOS
Sarah

Pat it is not likely we will come down on Sunday.  WE have the two dogs to care for as well as Cimi.  Cimi will come with us, as is normal.  BUt I am concerned that the weather holds for the nwxt few days.  We will get extra hay for the dog houses and they should be ok.

We are still working on getting wood in.  A neighbour has come to help John and I hear them making excellent progress.  Donny is a good neighbour even though he has no faith in our Lord.  We use times like this to walk the talk.

Well I must go.  Have read all the posts, and am praying for each need.

God Bless
JudyB

I have just read the sad loss of a dear sister gone to be with her Lord. I extend to Pat; JudyB and Ruthie my deepest sympathy. I have read many posts here from you all and in them I find; along with laughter and happiness; sorrow; pain and lonliness. As Christians; I believe we should care and help each other. I have gotten to know some of you quite well and I consider each one to be a dear friend. I finished this little poem tonight because I was thinking of you all and as poetry is the best way I can express myself..I posted it for you to read. If I do not write here at times..know I have not forgotten about you and I do read all your posts. Take care my friends and God bless.....Colin

Colin:   Lovely poety! 

Marilyn:  I forgot what I was going to mention to you - will just say hello & take care.

Janet:  Thinking of you and Beth!

Larry: Isn't it fun to take a laptop along

Etta Sue: LOL on your trip across the field to rinse you hair but I hope your power doesn't go out again.

Bonesy  It is great when you love your job and this sounds perfect for you plus you are not on the road so much.  Take care on your trip.

Our oldest son is on planes so often and he is giving us a lot of miles so we can put together a free trip -  a very long trip next fall.  So, Don is on the computer planning away already. 

Carol

Thank you Pat for the song.  Oh that it might be and continue to be a reality!  And thank you, Colin, for the poetry to express your thoughts of wanting to be with those you love in their need, being unable to be there, but knowing that there is One Who IS there.

This is one of those strange days - you'd think it was spring already!  Sun one minute, clouds and rain the next minute.  Getting cooler and cooler, though, and I understand it's supposed to get quite cold (for here) this evening.  Snow level is to fall to 1000 feet, so it's not too far away.

Bonesy - I thank our Father that He's using you for that ministry.  I pray that He'll empower you and send to each and every soul who He may call.

Larry I am not going to completely quit using my computer, I am just going to be spending less time  on the computer and more time in prayer and the word.

Carol you were probably going to say something to me about  our Women's' Bible study assignment. I have taken up knitting, right now I have just cast on a bunch of stitches and and knitting back and forth, maybe a lap robe if it isn't wide enough for an afghan. Mostly it is for practice.

Etta Sue What a scene you drew. Freezing weather and you in your robe and towel on  your head.

Bonsey we had a trucker  minister in our church. His name is Jim Cody. He doesn't drive long haul anymore, he drives logging trucks now and is home every night.

Lovely poem Colin. I think of you so often.

Janet praying for Beth here.

Pat, Judy and Ruthie your family is on  my church prayer chain.

Sorry to those I have left out.

Later alligators

Colin, that was a most beautiful poem.  I think it touched my heart more than anything I have read lately.  Thank you.

I am sorry for your loss, Pat.  It is always hard, no matter their age. 

Have been feeling ill the past couple of weeks, so not on the computer other than to read some of the posts.  Watched the funeral services for President Ford as he was a man that I personally respected.  Was much moved by the service from his own church and by what President Carter said about them both believing in Jesus.  What a different end from that of the man in Iraq.....

Samantha, I agree with what is posted about the commandments.  Saw a little something about that subject when reading my 'Our Daily Bread' and it caught my attention. It is about the tenth commandment.

The tenth commandment takes us to the human heart. There is a modern legend in which the devil is asked what he thinks of the atomic bomb: "A mere trifle, a child's toy! I much prefer the explosive power of the human heart!

I think that God understands our human hearts and is quick to forgive.

Small Smile:

A Sunday school teacher asked, "Johnny, do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark?"

"No", replied Johnny.  "How could he with just two worms?"

                                       

Pleasant Day/Evening and God Bless.
Liz

Hi, friends,

Thanks for your expressions of support. Colin, thank you for the beautiful poem.

Marilyn, I have to do the same thing occasionally - get my priorities straight. God first, others next, me last. It reminds me of the accrostic I learned a few years ago.

J esus
O thers
Y ourself

That has always really tugged at the strings of my heart.

Samantha, continue to search and reach out with questions. In my opinion, God's forgiveness is as near as the first step we take toward Him. What a comforting thought!

Oh, dear, Etta Sue, what a dilemma. Thank goodness Ivalou is close. But having your own water supply is so important...

Bonesy, my dad was a bi-vocational preacher who drove an 18-wheeler. He often was approached by other truckers about spiritual matters. In fact, his CB call sign was Good News - what a way to advertise his faith.

I'm really thankful for 2 things today - that God gives us strength to go through stressful times and feel His supporting hand and the warmth of love radiating from Heaven. Also, from a very down to earth perspective, I'm really thankful that my son felt well enough to work on my laundry room - replaced the dryer vent hose, installed the new washing machine and worked diligently at troubleshooting until he solved a pesky leak problem.

And, another reason for thanksgiving - y'all are aware that he really struggles with depression. Well, this morning, for the first time in probably 6-8 months, we actually had a several-minute conversation on general matters.

God is good, isn't He!

Ruth Ann

Colin Thank you for the poem. 

Everyone else who is praying thank you from all of us.  Our 2 cousins, our aunts son and daughter, are having a rough time. 

We are just in from going to town.  Picked up a pattern for a dress for the wesdding.  I had the material so just a matter of putting it together.  Then the girls reminded us that we were out of dog food.  woops they wouldn't be happy campers with out food!

Got to go sewing to get organized.\
Night all JudyB

 Hi to all. I have looked through and read some of the postings and will try to get to read more of them inthe days to come.

Pat Ruthie and Judy and John. Well the last time that I attended Willowdale Baptist I think your aunt was there and after a few things I pointed out to her she remembered me.  I am so sorry to here that she is gone but she is in a much better place. Noreen and I will pray for you and the family and please give my condolances to them.

God Has been so good to us this past year and we want to thank you for the prayers that have gone forth on behalf of my wife and myself.

I have a very important prayer request for my nephew and his wife for there brand new baby girl Nicole she was taken into hospital just after Christmas witha viral type infection and they had to put her in an incubater and put an I.V. into her head.  She started to get better and they tool out the I.V. but had to again put it back as she got worse. Sowe ask for prayer.  Mum and Dads names are  Jeff and Cathie.

May the Lord richly bless you all  Gord.