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Morning Devotional...

WALKING IN THE OLD PATHS Jeremiah 6:16 By the late Jack Scott 4. The Old Guide Book

In the years of long ago when I was a child, I often heard my mother sing a hymn that somehow I understood was very dear to her. Sometimes I would find her sitting alone singing it with tears on her cheeks. As the years rolled by its importance to her seemed to increase.

Some would have thought it a very strange choice had they heard her quietly sing it. Most people who knew her would have been surprised to hear her sing at all, for she never sang in public. Not even with the congregation. While others sang, she would follow in her hymn book intently with her eyes and I suspect with her heart. Her lips would not move, nor her tongue utter a single syllable. Those who knew our circumstances (although they were probably few in number) would have been astonished at the words:




Over the years we had accumulated few of this world's goods and it was a constant struggle for her to feed and clothe the family.

What then were the blessings that a very poor Irish woman could sing about? They certainly had no value on the stock market and could not be accumulated in the local branch of the Belfast Savings Bank. The "passbook" in which the blessings she sang about were listed was an old black leather covered Guide Book. On the spine in faded gold letters were two words which made up the title, "Holy Bible". The pages were more worn than the cover. Once white, they had long since yellowed with wear and age and tear drops.

My mother probably never heard of John Locke, philosopher and writer, but she would have agreed with the truth of his statement when he said, "It has God for its Author, salvation for its end, without any mixture of error, for its matter: it is all pure, sincere, nothing too much and nothing wanting."

Theologians refer to the Bible as God's Special Revelation to Man. The wonders of creation testify to us of God's unsurpassed wisdom and power, but the Holy Scriptures tell us so much more about God, and it helps us to understand ourselves if only we are willing to accept its teachings. In it we see that God is holy, just and righteous and at the same time, gracious, loving and merciful.

Woodrow Wilson, twenty-eighth president of the United States, spoke truly when he said, "The Bible is the one supreme source of revelation of the meaning of life."

Paul, the apostle, reminds us in 2 Timothy 3:16 and 17 that: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

It is true that ungodly men have attacked the word of God and tried to destroy it down through the ages.  Many have used or attempted to use "facts" of science to disprove its truth. In 1861 the French Academy of Science published a booklet listing over fifty supposed "facts" to contradict the Bible. Atheists of the day rubbed their hands in glee as they ridiculed the Christian faith. Today all of the claimed "facts" are rejected by men of science.

In the early and mid-nineteenth century, archeologists said that they were confident that their findings would discredit the accuracy of the Bible. A few years ago, I heard a lecture by a professor of the Department of Archeology at the University of Toronto in which he said that the Bible is now considered by many archeologists to be the most reliable guidebook to finding remains of old cities etc. in the middle-east.

Yes, the Bible is an old guide book. In fact it is the only truly reliable guide book on the path of life.

An ancient writer said: "Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105 NKJV)

Despite the attacks of Satan and puny men, "We rest upon the impregnable rock of Scripture". (Winston Churchill)



There are many "great and exceeding precious promises" (2 Peter 1:4) found in the Old Guide Book we call the Bible. There are countless multitudes of blessings in this grand old book. One outshines all the others and accepting it is the condition for receiving and enjoying all the other blessings. It is described many times over. We shall look at only a few instances where it is mentioned.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." (John 3:16, 37)

What love God expressed to us in the coming of His Eternal Son in the body of human flesh! True God and true Man to suffer the penalty of sin upon the cross. What a blessing to know that those who repent of their rebellion and sin and trust Him as Lord and Saviour possess eternal life.

Paul in his Epistle to the Ephesians 2:4-10 gives us a great summary of this wonderful blessing. "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

You can enter into this the greatest blessing that can ever be known to mankind. Why not do so now by faith in Jesus Christ?

"Behold, now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of Salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2b).

---

Jack Scott loved his Lord! He passed away on January 10, 2001 after a lengthy illness.
He is missed greatly by his family.

Wonderful devotional Pat, thanks, I needed that.
Seems depressing messages are going around. I had emailed a friend who no longer goes to our church, he graduated and got a job down south, to get the information about our church computers says he's not there any more and I'm on my own. I knew that and haven't asked him anything until now. There were 2 things he forgot to tell me and I asked him. Someone I thought a friend and he blows me off with he's not there any more and don't bother him with any of it. 

But I guess I don't need someone like that, with God's help I will figure something out and if I have to start fresh with all that stuff then I guess I will.

Well, see you all later. Hope everyone has a blessed morning!

<><Jeannine\\\\\\\\\

What a wonderful post Pat. Your husband Jack was truly a man of God. It is so lovely you have his devotionals to share with us. We are truly blessed by them. thank you Pat.

Hi Jeannine..this depression thing seems to be catching. I had some more depressing news this morning. The devil is really out and about! Well I am down but not out and neither are you Jeannine and we wont let ourselves get depressed...will we! We have a wonderful Saviour and He is in control. You take care. I shall return later in a more cheerful mood I hope and try to brigthen up the day for you. God bless

Must dash..going to Broughshane...remember Pat?   I SHALL RETURN!

I am still doing my own little countdown to Christmas here to keep you all right! There are now FOUR weeks to go! 


I think Etta Sue said Portglenone had a very narrow street. A part of it is narrow but in the centre of the village it widens out. It is a very busy little village and its street is packed with traffic. I was standing on the pavement the other day and a irate lady came up to me and bellowed... son..that traffic is desperate..I cant get across this street at all. Look dear...I said...there is a zebra crossing on down the street there. Well ..she roared..I hope it is having better luck than I am! And off she stamped!   
Hi everbody...I made tae but it will be stewed now so ye mae put on some fresh stuff. See you later.

Winter is here once again & it is really chilly.  The furnace was running a lot to keep up and that is why I awoke at 5 A.M.  Much too early.

Marilyn:  I remember your mentioning twins - what a handful for you.  My father was a twin and twins run in the family but it didn't happen to me and luckily so because my guy traveled so much - it was enough with four children.  My brother in the Seattle area said snow was falling yesterday - rain on top of that and it looked like a mess again. 

Janet:  I am sorry that you had such a heartache day.  I have a good friend who has a son & 4 children she has never seen because of a twisted frame of mind he has but she doesn't pray and you and I know the comfort of prayer. 

Colin:  I was listening to Radio North - too bad someone had the bad manners to send you a not so nice message.  I will have some tae with you - thank you very much. 

Jeannine:  It is bothersome when a friend shuns or drops you.  I am sorry that this happened and perhaps something was going on in his life that he handled your call very badly. 

Pat:  I googled this recipe for you on Amish Bread Starter:

[AMISH BREAD STARTER   

Makes enough to keep and share. 2/3 c. milk 2/3 c. flour
Combine the above ingredients in large, airtight container with lid and store at room temperature; do not refrigerate. Container must be non-metal. Stir starter every day for 17 days. For the next 10 days, handle starter to the following instructions: On day 18, do nothing. On days 19, 20 and 21, stir. On day 22, stir and add: 1 c. sugar 1 c. milk

Stir again. Stir on days 23, 24, 25 and 26. On day 27, add: 1 c. sugar 1 c. milk

Stir. Take out 1 cup three times. Give 1 cup each to two friends and keep the remaining cup for your self and use in the Amish Bread recipe. When you give the starter to your friends, and with the remaining starter you have (not including the 1 cup you will use in the Amish Bread recipe), include the following instructions: Do not refrigerate and do not use a metal spoon when feeding this starter. On day 1 (the day you receive your starter), do nothing. On days 2, 3 and 4, stir. On day 5, stir in: 1 c. sugar 1 c. milk

Pour mixture into large glass mixing bowl; mixture will rise. Stir on days 6, 7, 8 and 9. On day 10, Stir in: 1 c. sugar 1 c. milk

Stir, then pour into 3 (1-cup) containers and give to 3 friends. Note: By mixing up starter on the first day of the month, the calendar will be your guide. Yields 5 cups.


This sounds similar to one I used to make - umpteen years ago.  Thanks for the Christmas songs. 

Carol

This is for you Jeannine. I hope it helps.

Jesus will walk with you when others are gone
Each weary step of the way
At your side He will always hold on
Never will He leave for He is there to stay
Nearer to Him He will tightly hold
In your trials and despair
Nothing can take you from arms that fold
Encircling you in their love and care

Colin

God bless

I called my twins yesterday to wish them Happy  Birthday and found out that Carole had a lump removed from on breast earlier this week. It was sent off to a lab to see if it was malignant or benign, ell I know that with my God all things are possible and I told her that we are claiming her  negative right now.  Please pray for Carole.

Add me to your prayers as well because I have a small red spot with a little knot under it on one of mine. I know it is nothing but will tell my Dr. about it when I go for my Yearly checkup On the 5th. I will probably be gone by then.

Thank you Pat for posting the Old Guide Book sermon. I needed that this morning.


It seems as though as we get closer to the time of year that we celebrate the birth out our Saviour, The attacks of Satan increase,  illness, depression, accidents, disease, etc. you name and he does it. Let us not allow that old slime ball to get to us. The Lord rebukes you Satan, get thee behind me. Stay prayed up and watchful that he doesn't get into your thoughts, because as Joyce Meyer wrote The battlefield is in the mind, that is satan's playground. Keep your thoughts on Jesus and stand on the word of God. Put on your armour and keep on standing.

We have had a major downpour, I read in the paper that we are in for an El Nino year and that we should get prepared for flooding. To get outr emergency packs ready and have one in the car as well. Now that the rain has let up I need to get ready to go workout.

I haven't seen my 4 older children since 1996 and one of them longer than that. They do not keep in touch with me and I don't even have addresses for three of them. I call the twins  every few months, they don't call me. Gilbert my yougest and I are very close. He has a different father than the 4 older ones and they have never treated him like a brother. He wants nothing to do with them.

Talk later.

I was sitting typing here and happened to look out the window and saw such a beautiful rainbow. I got into a splutter looking for my camera mobile phone..which was stuck in my pocket. The time I got it on camera mode and dropped it and had to reset camera mode again and then open window to get better view of rainbow...It was near gone!   . I managed to get tail end of it and might post it. I shall see!

Hi Carol..actually the text message was a pleasant one. It is a long story. It was from someone I had built up a very deep and close friendship with only to have it ended by them about two months ago. I was shattered and heartbroken. I was trying to get over the emotion of it. I had tried to build a dam to hold back the tears and was succeeding a little until I got the text yesterday and I am afraid the dam burst. It is complicated a little. I think I give too much of my heart to people. Even loved ones break it at times. I know One who never broke my heart when I give it to Him and that is my Saviour. I give you all a mention on Radio North. There is some fault on the computer and when it is fixed ..you can all send in requests for me through the net. There is a page on the Radio North website for doing so but the presenter told me yesterday it does not seem to be working at the moment. I will keep you posted.

Anothe two rainbows have arrived and I am away to get the crock of gold..you know what I mean Pat 

God bless

Thank you Colin and God Bless You!  <3That indeed does help. I do know that Jesus is there through it all, it just hurts a little when someone you care for blows you off or leaves you "shattered and heartbroken".  :'(I wish I could write a poem just as beautiful for you but don't have that talent.  BUt I will pray for you and maybe come up with a picture for you.

Marilyn ~ I am so sorry things have to be that way for you. Sooner or later they may see the error of their ways, I pray God will work on their hearts.

Carol ~ Thanks. I do remember having some of that Amish Bread a long time ago and it was good.

Think I'll go learn how to make an animated gif like Etta Sue puts up. I am crazy enough to give it a go.

Blessings,
<><Jeannine

Enough to know you are a friend Jeannine. 

Colin,

Christ made us His
O how happy are we
Let His loving arms enfold you
In love, grace, and mercy
Never let go, no matter what.

Sorry it's not up to your standards but it's my prayer for you.

Off to learn animation.

Blessings,
<><Jeannine

That is beautiful Jeannine...that is the first time anyone has written a verse about me and for me and it is all the meaningful because it comes from the heart. That is where all the best poetry comes from so yours Jeannine is the best to me. Thank you for caring.
God bless

Before I forget, Carol, I copied and pasted your Amish Bread Starter into the Member's Recipes.  Now we need the recipe for the Amish Bread.  Do you have it? 

Colin ~ I clicked on your name where you post and looked at the google map where you live.  My question is what are the white spots in your area?  Was this taken in the winter and it is snow?  Hope you know.  Curious minds, well, mine, anyway, wants to know!  BTW, Colin, I love Radio North.  I like Country Music and the Country Music in the States today is almost Rock.  I like the older type songs that are sung on Radio North. 

I came home from church yesterday and decided since it was very nice out...almost 70°F...that I had better take advantage of it and do some more yard work.  So I changed clothes, got my pruners, rake and utility cart.  I cut down my Hibiscus and Butterfly Bushes and then raked the leaves out of my rocks that surround my house.  Then I had leaves all over my drive so I got out my lawn mower and 'swept' the leaves across the drive into the grass...then mowed the grass and leaves in that area.  It sure looks nicer now. 

Ivalou is coming over this afternoon to cut my hair.  She is my beautician.  She does a great job in my thinking so why not?  I had better get busy in here and fix me a bite to eat before she gets here.

I am so happy that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.  It does seem that somewhere I read that December is a very depressing month.  Satan works hard to keep us from thinking of why we celebrate CHRISTmas.  There are a lot deaths, accidents, fires, just about anything to take our minds of the Reason for the Season...Jesus Christ!

Because of you, Colin, I made my Christmas cards this year with this message:

On the front, I typed the words Merry CHRISTmas, (the person/people's names)!   Then below that I have a beautiful image of Christ's head. 


Inside I typed this:

   Names of Christ

   Wonderful
   I Am
   Teacher
   Holy Child

   Love of God
   Offspring of David
   Vine
   Emmanuel

   First & Last
   Resurrection & the Life
   One & Only
   Messiah

   End
   Tender Plant
   True Bread
   Almighty

   Savior of the World
   Unspeakable
   Express Image of His Person

And on the back side I always put

Created for you
       by
   Etta Sue

Pat, I love Jack's writings.  Thanks.

Carol, thanks for the starter recipe.  I have the one (a bit different, I think) that my friend gave me, will make the first bread today.  So if anyone wants the recipe for the bread, and you don't have it, I can post that.  It must be quite sweet, calls for a package of instant pudding.  I'm thinking the recipe must have been modernized along the way! 

Colin, how nice for you and Jeannine to write verses for each other.  The thing I most like here is that the members encourage each other.  I hope your hurt and heartache heal quickly, with the loving help of Father God.

I got back into the swing of exercizing today, and hope I didn't do too much damage over the holiday by eating much more than I usually do.  Got to get it back off..........Christmas is looming! 

We are going to eat at the Senior Center today as they are serviung oven fried chicken, and Beth wants us to pick up meals for her and her friend Gloria.

Larry, I'm so pleased with your news of Stacey, may it continue!  God bless.

Oh!  Colin asked what is a potato bar?  Well, they bake big potatoes, then you go through the line and put whatever toppings you like on them:  Chili, cheese, sour cream, butter, chopped onions, etc.  Not a calorie in the lot!    Then there were several desserts from which to choose, and water or tea to drink, coffee, too.

Gotta run!

Hi everyone.  After a good nights sleep I am once again functioning.  It is another beautiful day here.  Pat has gone to work on crafts again this morning.  The craft sale is this coming Sunday so all of this effort will be over for awhile after this week.  I know the ladies will be relieved to have this craft sale behind them.  They use the money to support the Senior's ministry of our church.

Pat, always nice to see Jack's fine devotionals.  Thanks for sharing them again.

Colin, as always your poetry is very nice and so is your humor.  Sorry to read you have been saddened.

Etta Sue, your card is very nice.  So many of you are so talented in writing poetry and doing graphics.  My talents are in other areas.  It sounds like you are having the same type of weather we are.  When Carol has cold weather we know it is headed our way so know it will be getting colder soon.

Jeannine, I don't have any idea whether I could help you with your webpage problems but would be glad to try unless it is something unique to your own computer equipment at your church.  I have done a lot of webmaster work.  If I can help just send me an e-mail and I will help if I can.  Hard to understand why the former webmaster wouldn't be of assistance.

Marilyn, glad you were able to speak to your twins on their birthday.  Sorry to hear of the problem your daughter is experiencing and also that you are.  Please do not delay having the problem checked.  We have a close relative who put off having a similar problem checked and now will have a radical masticomy (sp) done on Wednesday.  She had waited only a few months after finding the problem and didn't do the additional testing her doctor wanted to do at that time.

Janet, I bet Abby has those older brothers wrapped around her little finger.  Glad to see they had such a good time playing Monopoly.  So sorry to read that your son and granddaughter didn't bother to contact you while they were in the area.  Sometimes our kids do things that are beyond understanding.  While I have a good relationship with my son he does something that are beyond my understanding such as refusing to have anything to do with his daughter or his grandchildren, whom he has never seen beyond pictures I have sent to him when I get them from my granddaughter.  Just don't give up hope, as I don't give up hope,  that someday these children will realize how juvenile their reactions have been. 

Janet, you asked when our cantata will be sung.  We are doing it the evening of December 17.  There will be a fellowship supper and then the children will do their Christmas program and the evening will be capped off with the chancel choir singing the cantata, which will involve a candle light ceremony.  It should be very nice.

Ruthie, I agree with you on the issue of saying Merry Christmas.  I was very frustrated last year to find it difficult to buy Christmas cards that had anything to do with Christ. 

Ruth Ann, glad to read of your super weekend with your family here in Atlanta.  Wasn't the weather just glorious?

Well think it is time for a little nap.

I see I have the two people most intelligent people with me at the moment...Etta Sue and Janet so I am going to ask a question I forgot to ask earlier....

Why is there only 25 letters in the alphabet at Christmas?

Hi Janet... Jeannine and I are a pair of poets....or is it poet and poetess? Thank you for your concern Janet. I am ok. I like your potato bar!

Hi Etta Sue...that is brill. Your cards will be beautiful. I will get to the white spots later on photo when I research it. Wish Pat would shift that balloon up the road a bit. This thorn bush is terrible to live in. Glad you like Radio North. I will get you to listen in on a Monday when Martin Moore comes back from his holiday and then we will have a bit of craic!

I know you all have admired my garden and the beautiful lawn I have. I put down the turf for it last year. it was the best I could afford and it came in rolls. I was so glad I had my son Gregory to help me with it. He stood and watched and every now and again shouted.. now now Da!...keep the green side up...remember...keep the green side up! I would have been lost without him! 

God bless

Hi Larry...nice to see you. Thanks for your kind words...God bless

Hey Colin...I have the back done to a cardigan started several years ago that I could send your way....maybe if your wife and I work together we might get a sweater that you and my Bruce could share...

QuoteJeannine, I don't have any idea whether I could help you with your webpage problems but would be glad to try unless it is something unique to your own computer equipment at your church.  I have done a lot of webmaster work.  If I can help just send me an e-mail and I will help if I can.  Hard to understand why the former webmaster wouldn't be of assistance.

Actually the problem is figureing out how to access the control panel. We changed our name to something that people would recognize as a church and maybe be able to bring more people in that way. He sent me the html to change the pointer to our new name but says he doesn't have the info i need or ever did have it. He is the one who changed/set it up like that.

Otherwise I have updated the site except for that and figured out how to get the audio MP3 I make of the sermons up.

Thanks for the offer anyways, I need to talk to the person who paid for the service and see if we can change it that way. Here's hoping.

Blessings to all,
<><Jeannine

QuoteSorry to hear of the problem your daughter is experiencing and also that you are.  Please do not delay having the problem checked.  We have a close relative who put off having a similar problem checked and now will have a radical masticomy (sp) done on Wednesday.

Thank you Larry for the heads up, I have had my appointment with the Doctor for more than a month and will be sure to tell her  about this latest discovery on Saturday.

I have moved my prayer request into the prayer section. Please do pray for me and my daughter.

Later

Colin ~ I could have saved you some money.  My brother and sister rent out their land to a Sod Farmer.  I could have emailed you some sod/turf!!  And you do have to lay it on the ground 'green side up'! 

Carol ~ I went to the web and searched for Amish Bread Starter and all of them for the beginning ingredients had yeast or sugar in them.  Did you miss an ingredient?  And perhaps we need your Bread recipe to go with that Starter. 

Thanks for the comments about my CHRISTmas card for this year. 

I got my hair cut and now ready to settle in for the night.  Tomorrow I need to wrap Christmas gifts.  I have never done that with two cats in the house!  (Last year, I felt so rotten, I bought Gift Cards for everyone.)

Hi Sue...an arm and a back for a sweater..now we are making progress! Just the front and another arm to go..Brill. I did a little bit of knitting myself once. We had to learn at primary school. I have a scarf which is about three miles long for I never learned to cast off! It is also full of button holes..well holes where I dropped stitches. I thought I was doing well when I learned to knit purl! Bruce can have sweater for the summer and I will wear it in the winter. Is that ok?

Hi Marilyn..will be praying for you. God bless

Hi Jeannine...I do hope you get website sorted out.

Nobody has answered my question yet!

God bless

Hi Etta Sue...how did I miss you! I will talk to you tomorrow.
Lovely haircut!

God bless

Dear Pat,

It was a joy to read about your husband's mother and the great blessings that she received from reading her bible.  The man who God used to show me the way of salvation pointed out a hymn to me once.  I've never heard anyone sing it, but the words are appropriate I think.  Here's the first verse:


I love that hymn and it's good to know that myriads of people, like your mother-in-law, have cherished their bibles and come to know the God that the scriptures write about.  Thank you for posting Jack's encouraging message.

God bless everyone, the folk who will remember me and the new ones too.

Anthony.

Anthony Welcome Home. Come back here real often we have missed you. How is your Mum?

Thanks for the prayers Colin. I am not worried or scared, I know where I am going.

Hi Anthony...

So nice to see you.  I've been wondering how you've been and how your mother is.  AND SAMMY!!!

Thanks for the kind words about Jack's little devotional.  I still enjoy reading them.

Now...  Who's taken a photo today?  I see some in the Gallery by our new member, Doc!  Hope you all take a look.

Well, folks!  Help me congratulate our very own Kevin!  He had Photo of the Day on the Photography Cafe and now that photo has been voted Photo of the Week!

Colin, I just read your question, and I don't have the answer........but I'm sure you will tell us soon. 

Marilyn, my former neighbor recently found a red spot just in front of her armpit, had her doctor check it out, and learned she has the most aggressive form of breast cancer.  She had her first chemo treatment last Tuesday.  So do get that checked!!

Thank you, Larry and Carol, and Colin for your kind words re my son.  Life has many heartaches, but Jesus carried them all.  Sometimes I wonder why it still hurts so much, though.

Etta Sue, that is a very beautiful and meaningful CHRISTmas card!  Ya done good, girl!

I decorated my living room window and the coffee table today, now I think that will be it for this year.

Kevin, that is really a beautifully done shot!  Love the lighting!

   Many Times  

On the Amish Bread Starter, I am afraid that I went to google and copied one that looked decent.  I didn't even think about the entire recipe.  

I am so sleepy tonight.

Marilyn:  Get thee to the doctor, see if you can change to earlier appt.  Marilyn - sending prayers that your children will see the light.

Larry:  It is really chilly here.  Be prepared.  

Goodnight all.

Hi, friends,

Pat, I really love the song "Count Your Many Blessings." Thank you so much for the devotional.

Those poems with the red highlighted letters are wonderful. Y'all are so creative.

I have struggled with depression for years, so I can certainly understand what those of you who deal with are facing. Remember, hold on tight to God's hand.

Janet and Marilyn, I understand the pain of separation. So I can certainly understand.

I'm SO grateful for things I saw in my family in Atlanta. God is moving MIGHTILY to change hearts and to work His will in their lives. Thank goodness, He cares for us on all levels - health, emotional health, creativity, and so many more that I can't begin to name them all.

It's time to humbly praise Him for his loving kindness.

Ruth Ann

Well here we are the day is almost over, but it was lovely just the same,  and yes I got my baking done and in the freezer.

Mel has another cold, so I trust that it does not come my way.

Will check in tomorrow some time.

Ruth

Hi Kevin...what a beautiful photo. I congratulate you on your awards. The tree is absolutely fantastic. I like the way you have it in the foreground to one side. The background is beautiful too. I am amazed how fuzzy out of focus it is. I daresay this was not to detract from the main part of your photo which is the sunlight hitting the ground highlighting the foliage. Surperb stuff. Oh sorry Kevin...the deer..I nearly forgot. Its ok. Pity about its six legs. Apart from that it is not too bad.
Congratulations anyway my man! Well done!

Janet...you will find the answer to my question in Pat's carol Holy Night! I am offering a BIG PRIZE for first correct answer!

Marilyn dear...please go and get checked out. To pray is the least I can do. God bless

Hi Pat..I love the Carol.

Hi Kevin...I was only joking. Your photo is beautiful. I love wildlife and nature. Congratulations to you Kevin on your award. You deserve it.

Oh the six legs?.... two at the back and forelegs at the front! 

God bless

Colin,

I was surprised that you thought it was a pity that deer had six legs!  All country boys know that!

Thanks for heaping praise on me.  Please reply to this and do it some more!

In His Grip,
Kevin

Hi Kevin wonderful photo of the deer, great framing too. I tried to post on PC but  I couldn't get logged in with my old login info. So you will have to settle for my comments here. 

Thanks Pat, for posting my Deer photo here.  It is a pleasure to glorify God through photography.

Thanks Marilyn for your sweet words.

Colin, choosing a smaller aperture number causes the smaller depth of field.  I chose f6.3 for this shot.

In His Grip,
Kevin

Kevin, congratulations on a great photo. Out of focus, 6-legged deer and all.  

Marilyn,  I think you should tell your doctor what you've found and see if you might get in earlier.  At least asking about it might be a good idea.  If he wants to see you earlier, then it's God's appointment, and if not, then God is still in control.

Pat, I loved the devotional!

It's been kind of cold here today.  We've had rain and hail most of the day.  Maybe we got your storm today, Marilyn.  When I read about the storm, and you asking about Jane and I, I was wondering what you were talking about.  Yesterday was nice here.  Just some rain.  Today is another story.

Did Al and Marbeth get back yet? 

I'm always surprised at the many people who suffer with depression.  I always felt guilty, as a Christian.  I remember when I first read that Martin Luther often suffered through depression.  It was such a weight off my shoulders.  God loves those who are depressed.  I felt it was a weakness in me, my faith wasn't strong enough.  I knew I was so in love with Jesus, and knew He could remove it from me in an instant.   For His own reasons,  I go through seasons of depression.   Not hopelessness, never hopelessness....but just the blanket that closes me in for awhile.  I'm not afraid of it anymore.     So there are many of us I see.   God is too kind an loving to leave us this way unless it is for a higher purpose.   

Sometimes He draws us inward, and it isn't depression, though may mimic what we've known before.  It's so hard for us to be silent and still. I know God talks to me in times when I withdraw from other voices.

Now I've forgotten what everyone else said.  I could go back, open another window first, but I won't.  I've been reading every day.

Colin, your poetry is great, and I see you have become inspiration for others to get started.   Cool!

Etta Sue, we're doing our tree this weekend. (sister, Sue and I)  I have a few decorations up.  I want lots of lighted things this year.  I've never wanted that before.  I want lots of strings of lights outside, and garland and lights inside.  I want lit lamp posts and houses, (I have my church my son got for me a few years back).   I think I'm turning into a kid again.  Even a Lava Lamp sounds neat.  I'm a strange turkey.

Gotta go visit with Sue.  Blessings, Nita

I know most of you are still sleeping as i post this so I'll whisper good morning until you read this.

I pray that those who suffer depression will find a way out of it and find the joy that is found in Jesus Christ. Just know that He is with you always and will comfort you.

Marilyn ~ just get to the doc's quickly. My mom had to have a radical mastectomy about 6yrs ago and couldn't do chemo. They gave her a pill to take for 5yrs and now she is cancer free.

Kevin ~ beautiful picture. We don't have anything like what you have around here.

Colin ~ unless it's a cultural thing I think the two letters missing are X, because there is no X in CHRISTmas, and Z because there is no end to our praise. But no one said I was the brightest bulb on the lights.   just goofy!

Hope everyone has a quiet and restful night in the Lord.

Blessings,
<><Jeannine

Hi everybody...my we are all depressed! This is not good! We will have to cheer each other up.I will start...I was in town yesterday and looked in a shop window and saw suits for £5. I said...my that is cheap (by the way..our turkeys are down in price..they are going cheep for Christmas..but I digress!) Anyway I went into the shop because I needed a new suit and said to the lady...I will buy two of your suits at a £5 each. She looked at me amused and replied...Sir; this is a dry-cleaning shop and that is the price you pay to have them cleaned!  Red faced or what!


I shall return later to reply to you all but I must go and get my breakfast. The wife has just shouted....how would you like your fried egg.. and I have just replied...along with another one! Maybe that is not what she meant!

Talk later...God bless

Back again...the fried egg was good!

Hi Jeannine...You are not correct. One letter missing in alphabet at Christmas. There is I think another version to this question so I will take any correct answer along with the one I am thinking about. My answer is in Holy Night..the beautiful carol Pat posted. As you know me it will be something fool 

Hi Nita... lovely to hear from you again. You will soon all be poets. Now I wish someone would teach me how to sing! They asked me to sing solo at church one night. Solo that they would not hear me! 

Hi Kevin... I will get you to advise me on buying a digital camera within a reasonable budget. I do like your photo. Well done!
I knew you would understand about the deer. Us country boys are not gulls! See in my green island we have black birds which are not blackbirds but are crows and ravens etc. and we have black birds which are blackbirds but some of them are more brownish but are still blackbirds. Only county people know these things!
I am glad you titled your picture DEER for I thought it was a sheep.

Hi everbody else...I will go and investigate the white spots on my location photo Etta Sue. Maybe some one sneezed when they were taking the picture!

God bless

Sorry Pat...you moved the balloon the wrong way. Go back up round the bend and count about four green fields and stick it at end of fourth and you will not be far away. You did well to get it so close. Etta Sue..I cannot figure out the white spots yet. It could have been taken in the winter. I will study it further.

God bless

Morning Colin ~ could it possibly be the L?

Is anyone else awake here?

Blessings,
<><Jeannine

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YAY! My first animated gif worked.

<><Jeannine

Quote from: Colin on November 28, 2006, 06:00:00 AM

Hi Kevin... I will get you to advise me on buying a digital camera within a reasonable budget. I do like your photo. Well done!

I knew you would understand about the deer. Us country boys are not gulls! See in my green island we have black birds which are not blackbirds but are crows and ravens etc. and we have black birds which are blackbirds but some of them are more brownish but are still blackbirds. Only county people know these things!

I am glad you titled your picture DEER for I thought it was a sheep.

Ah, yes, Colin, we too, back in my home state of Louisiana, have blackbirds and black birds, some are birds that are merely black, which no one considers a black-without-the-space bird, and one blackbird with a red patch on its wing (and a great song in its beak), which is not an all-black bird, but definitely a true blackbird.

And my dear Colin, in the southwestern part of the U.S. there is a pronghorned sheep, that is, some say, a deer, and not a sheep at all.  And as some on the other side of the world from me, not familiar with this tiny 6-legged variety, may confuse its specie, and make an embarrasing comment along the lines of, "Hey Kevin, nice shot of your neighbor's canary."  Oh, I could never let that happen.

It is about my bedtime.

In His Grip,
Kevin

Hi everyone.  Just back from coffee at the cafe, which is all decorated for Christmas, and a short trip to the grocery store and bank.  I have a meeting to attend this morning so won't be home long.

I think I had mentioned before that I am seldom bothered with a sense of depression, although have experienced it on a few occasions but for no length of time.  I feel very fortunate as know this is a problem that has bothered my wife and is not pleasant for the person having it. 

Kevin, congratulations on your photo.  It is beautiful. 

Jeannine, with regard to your webpage problems, if you are able to upload to the server you should be able to determine what company is involved from the settings.  Then you could do a search to find out how to contact them on behalf of your church.  Perhaps they could set a new temporary password  and let you know what it is and how to access the control panel.  Then you could set a new password once you access the control panel.  On your other problem with the MP3s it is a simple matter of uploading the mp3 file to the server (I used a separate subdirectory in which to place them on the server) and then just code a regular link.  If you need an example you could go to my church website at www.wpcsnellville.org and click on the sermon link on the left.  You will see an icon where there is an audio file available for the sermon.  On the sermon page go to view and look at the code for that page and you will see how the audio is linked. I was surprised at how simple it was to do it.  If you need further help please let me know.

Colin, fried eggs is something I have never liked.  I always want my eggs scrambled so I can put a lot of ketsup on them to hide the taste.  I also have never cared for eggs that the yolk runs all over the plate.

Nita, it sounds like you are in a very festive mood.  I am not sure my wife will do any decorating this year as we are going to have a very quiet Christmas with probably just our daughter here.  However, she is very sentimental about Christmas so Pat may decide to do some decorating.

I see I am running out of time as must leave shortly.  Hope this is a good day for you all.  It is overcast here today but is still fairly warm.

GÔÔD Morning!!

Cokin ~ I don't know your answer either.  But I am listening to 'O Holy Night'.  Does that count?

Jeanine ~ You made a beautiful animation!  The ones I have at the bottom of my posts, I made.  Well, most of them.  The ones at the top of my posts, I copped from the web or emails. 

Kevin ~ Congratulation on the POTW.  I couldn't leave a comment so I will comment here.  Great Job!  Love the subject and how it is composed.  Love the fuzzy background and the framing of the tree on the left.  The lighting is perfect.  Six-legged deer, four-legged deer and two-legged dears are my favorites!

Marilyn ~ At least call your doctor and tell him what you have discovered.  Don't put it off, please!  We need you and early detection is the best! 

If I had as many comments on my photos as Kevin has on his, I would post something every day!

I love hearing that you all are in the decorating mood.  I have enjoyed mine this year especially since I am in no pain this year.  Make the season be more festive.  So far my two furkids have left the tree alone.  We will see what happens when they get more used to it.

I am headed to Pendleton for some cat food and kitty litter.  The last litter I bought, they must have left out the clumping ingredient.  It doesn't clump and therefore is getting smelly.  I think that is why one of my furkids is leaving presents on my carpet...another this morning    I have to do something....I can't have that forever! 

Hi Larry...I like my eggs any way as long as the whites are done.  I even like to dip my toast in the soft yellow...yum!

Larry, I kind've figured on doing that just wasn't sure and now have to wait til the lady comes back who has the info. Great looking website, to bad I don't like frames and tables, kind've strange that way.

Etta Sue, your animated gifs is what prompted me to give it a go. Need lots more practice though.

As to the Christmas decorations, well, Michael is occupying the space that the tree used to occupy. Well, Michael might appreciate a very small tree on top of the pulse oximeter that is on his bed, at least he will be able to see it and enjoy it.

Ok, off for some food.
Blessings,
<><Jeannine

Good Morning one and all. I have read some positive things and some negative things about my discovery. I really don't want to hear the negative because I know that all things are possible with God and what ever his plans are for me are for good and not for evil., His plans are for a future and  hope. I am going to be anointed and prayed over tonight at our Univera meeting, so after that I will call the Dr.'s office and see if I can get in earlier.

I have been healed by God  of a lump I found in 1998, both the Dr. and I found it, then I was anointed and prayed for at church and when I went back for the Mammo and ultrasound even a manual exam the lump was no where to be found, both the Doctor and I shouted Hallelujah!

A woman at church had a Word of Knowledge about this Sunday at prayer meeting and said it was only a swollen gland. I know that some of you do not believe in the Word of Knowledge for today, but I do. It is a Pentecostal thing. Right Janet, Nita, Jane and Kevin.

I am not that worried about this as I know whatever happens I know where I am going.


However my greatest fear is losing my hair,      It has taken me a long to to get it this long, and I want it longer.

Talk later

Carol ~ Since I didn't see any Amish Bread Starters without yeast or sugar when I googled, I took it upon myself to add a different recipe that included two bread recipes.  I just couldn't rest thinking something was missing in the original recipe and ladies ruining their ingredients.   

So for all who were interested, here is the starter and the bread recipes. 
Amish Friendship Bread Starter & Three Bread Recipes.

I still don't see how when you add 6 cups of ingredients to the original 3 cups, you get two cups to give to friends and keep one cup...

Well done Jeannine for getting my question right.

No...L  No ...L the angels sang. Noel at Christmas!.... that just leaves 25 letters in alphabet at Christmas time. All right... I know it is silly!

I did put up a prize...A bottomless bucket with no sides. It will be in the post!

Hi Larry...you do not like fried eggs..that is a tragedy. All the better if the yolk is runny!  I like to poach eggs but the farmer has caught me doing it! 

Hi Kevin....like the picture of your collie dog. I am so glad there is some one else here who understands the countryside and its animals. I know there are more wild animals in America than there is in Ireland. A neighbour man of mine went out shooting geese. I asked him if they were wild. He said...now they were not too happy!  I put rabbits on my head once...at a distance they look like hares (hairs)!  Sleep well.

Etta Sue, have fun with figuring out those recipes!  I know I won't be keeping a starter and baking every 10 days.  We don't eat much sweet bread, for sure do not need it, and you can only give away about so many loaves and starters!  I baked the two loaves last evening, and the bread is really good.  Darrel ate 2 or 3 slices while it was still warm.  Another difference in this and the one I read on here is that for this one, you use a plastic zipper bag, squeese (it says Mash the bag) every day, rather than having to stir.  Seems less trouble this way.

Larry, when my daughter Diane was very small, every time I put a bite of egg into her mouth, she would gag!  She still doesn't care for eggs, except deviled.  I don't think I want catsup on my eggs, though. 

Colin, I will go back to the song and see if I can figure out how your quirky mind works. 

Etta Sue, I love the roses and diamonds gif!  Jeannine, congrats on your gif, it is great!

Nita, I would love to see your festive house when you get it all decked out!

Kevin, we all enjoy your photos.  I bragged on you yesterday! 

I, too, have been amazed at how many Christians suffer from depression.  A few years back, I had a serious bout of it, and my pastor prayed with me daily for about two weeks.  I will share how he prayed; in hopes that it will help some of you as well.  He always prayed that the serotonin levels in my brain come to a normal level, as that is the hormone that controls our moods.  After about two weeks, the depression was gone, even though the family situation that brought it on was still there.  Now, whenever depression rears its ugly head, I am quick to pray as my pastor prayed for me, and it hasn't been able to get a grip on me again, praise God.  Hope this helps some of you.

My sweetheart just got home from the doctor; he has a sinus infection, so has some pills.

I think I shall go wrap some gifts and see what else I need to buy for whom.  We are cutting way back on the Christmas spending this year.

To all here who may be feeling depressed or anxious or concerned about something. Jesus knows all about our troubles.
God bless.

Colin, I actually did think of that...no L.  I read (true story) about a guy whose daughter had a baby, and she named her Kristi Noel.  When she talked to her dad and told her the name, he said "Who would ever put an L in Kristi?"  

I, too, am a country girl.  I was raised on a dairy farm, so still remember a lot about animals and that sort of thing.  I think farm living is the best way for kids to grow up, but not too many have that option now.

Okay, now I really am going................

Quirky!...I will give you quirky Janet!

Colin.........

Etta Sue whats to understand, you only have 3 cups of liquid The flour and sugar are mixed in the liquid it is still 3 cups not 9.  

Came home early today Jan had a rough night and wanted to rest, wasn't in the mood for lunch and I had finished all my work.

Ruth might get to come home this week according to her son. She is to talk with the Social Worker and the Physical Therapist today.   

I am making another quilt I think I already told you that, so I am going to get back to work on that now. 

Later y-all        

Got my pin on map sorted out Pat. I think it is near enough at home now.
You did a very good job getting it so close.Take care.

I don't think I've posted since we returned yesterday (at least, if I did, I can't find it).  So - we're BACK!  We had an absolutely glorious time with the people of Grace Valley Christian Center, Davis, CA.  I preached there last Wednesday evening about the best way of giving thanks, which is to take more from God!  Then I preached on joining the inner circle  in Mark 4:1-20, then, Sunday evening it was from Mark 4:21-24 about becoming more and more acquainted with Christ our Light.  The people (about 600 of them) are very eager to hear the Word and very, very hospitable, and the result was that we had breakfast, lunch or dinner at several different houses.  What a glorious time!  thanks be to God!

Also, on the way back, we came by a different route than the one for going down.  Praise God for that choice - the one we would have used required chains to be carried, which I don't have (and don't want!).

Marilyn - I do know how you believe relative to the Pentecostal view of maladies, but, with that view, it obviously could not hurt to get that checked by a doctor, since they, too, have been given to us by God.  He will guide the doctor, too, and you can trust Him to guide you to doing the right thing.

I've really enjoyed reading all the posts since I was last here. I would love to have a loaf of that Amish bread, but don't do much cooking at all any more. My son doesn't eat with me or eat what I cook, so I usually eat my main meal at work, then have a sandwich or bowlful of dry cereal with milk for dinner.

The great teasing that I heard tonight was wonderful. I'm so thankful that I've had my depression that lasted for years lifted just recently. What joy it is to have peace.

Y'all have a good evening.

Ruth Ann

WELCOME HOME, AL!! Good to have you back with us again, and I'm so glad you had a "glorious" time!

Etta Sue, when the dry ingredients dissolve into the liquid, it does increase the volume, but not double, so you will wind up with a bit over five cups of batter, three to give away, one to keep for next time, and the fifth to use for the bread that time.    Darrel really is enjoying the bread.

Ruth, I would love to send you a loaf of Amish Friendship bread!  Do you think it would keep all right until it arrived in the mail?  (I'm serious!)  And I'm overjoyed that your depression has lifted, too.

I got what gifts I had bought, wrapped and under the tree, so now I can tell what else I need.  I've never wrapped anything before the first of December before!  WOW! 

Tonight I put away my Thanksgiving table linens and decorations and got out some Christmas ones.  But I'm not satisfied with how the table looks, so will likely be changing it again tomorrow.

And......isn't this all just fascinating?    Sorry, TMI.

Our temperature is predicted to drop by a whopping 50 degrees by tomorrow afternoon! B~R~R~R~R~R!!!!   

OH, what a busy day I've had today from about 10 am till 5, home to print the minutes for tonight's meeting and out to my evening meeting and just home!

Not sure I feel like this "busy-ness" anymore.

Welcome home, Al.  So happy you're back.

Will I have three minutes before I need to leave to pick up the follow I take to coffee with me each day.  This will be a busy day as we have Bible study this morning and this evening in choir.  I need to go back over the choir cantata music a couple of times before tonight so don't think I will make it back here today.

Janet, not happy to hear of your changing weather as that will likely head our way.  It is suppose to be 68 for today and tomorrow and then into the 50s.

Our daughter did not do well on the test she took at IRS and now has no job so she is back in the market looking for work.  Unfortunately, her health situation doesn't allow her to take certain types of jobs.  However, she must find one to support herself.

I enjoyed all the postings.  The bread sounds very good and Marilyn, I will be praying that your problem can be resolved by prayer.

Jeannine, I have always liked to use tables because it allows me to control where things display.

Hi to everyone.

I doubt if I make the Amish Bread...bread is my downfall. No one had better give me a bread maker...I love hot bread smothered with butter and/or jelly/jam!  MMMMMmmmmm!

Colin ~ I am wondering how long it takes you to write one of your poems?  The ones you have been posting, are they in your archives or are they fresh from your mind?  As easy as your poems read, it is a wonder that we don't all talk in rhymns every day! 

Al ~ Glad you are back!  I just thought of something.  With your sense of humor AND Colin's, the rest of us don't have a chance!   

Well, while I was wrapping Christmas gifts yesterday my electric fireplace quit on me.  I called the company this morning (Ontario) and, of course, they needed the model and serial number.  And where is that?  You have to pull the insert out of the mantle and it is on the back.  I told them, I couldn't do that by myself and that they did send me a new receiver for my remote almost two years ago.  So I gave her my phone number and she found the model of receiver that I received.  She asked me if it worked without the receiver in the wall...plugged in direct.  Well, I didn't know it would work that way.  She said to try that and if it worked, I had a faulty receiver.  If not, then it was in electric insert itself.  Well, my plug in is behind the mantle!!  So I got my arms and legs puffed up for energy and moved that heavy mantle enough to get the receiver out of the plugin.  The plug from the insert was stuck in the receiver.  So I had to pry it out...the receiver got too hot!  But now it is working without the receiver/remote.  I just have to turn it on and off on the front panel of the electric fireplace.  I know....too much information.  But when I do something like this all by myself, I feel I really accomplished something! 

Today is my day to drive Nancy and Walter to Indiana University.  They are having a pitch-in today, since it is the last session of the year.  The kids have to study for finals between now and Christmas.  We won't be going back until the New Year...and that's not that far away! 

Welcome Home Al!

Hi Ruth Ann, the bread does sound tempting doesn't it. My hubby does all the cooking and I do most everything else.

Hi Etta Sue, you sure do find the great gifs.

Hi Larry, sorry, I figured out tables and they're ok but frames give me agida(sp).

Hi Janet, would love to tell you to keep the weather but it's headed our way too. Today is 65 on the porch and beautiful.

Hello to everyone else and God be with you today and every day! 

Blessings,
<><Jeannine

<>< <>< <>< <>< <><                                    ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>



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I have been for my workout, took Mieka to visit Beth, did some errands, and now home again and have no idea where my hubby is!  He mentioned he might go to Hugoton to see the chiropractor, maybe he did that.  I'm quite sure he will find his way home again. 

The weather is much colder but the worst won't hit until sometime this afternoon.  We are supposted to get a little snow, not enough to do any good, just a nuisance.  I'd like to see a really wet, heavy snowfall.  The ground is so dry, it would be a real blessing.

My almost 90 year old friend called and wants me to meet her at the Sr. Center for lunch, so I will do that.  Menu says lasagna today.

Larry, I wish I could keep the cold away, but so far, no one has given me control of that.  (And aren't you all glad?  I am!)  Hope Stacey finds a job that suits her abilities and her needs really soon.

I need to go make and drink a shake!  See you later!

Good Morning, afternoon or evening depending  where you are in the world.
It is very cold here today right now about 40°,  The grass is still frozen etc. I have been for my workout, and back home again to have breakfast and my  juices plus a protein drink that I make myself.

Al if you didn't read by it too fast, you would see that I do have a Dr. appt. on the 5th. God has blessed Doctors with wisdom, knowledge and the talent to learn all that they know. Too bad the drug companies just want our $$ and don't use the natural things, or make anything that actually HEAL us, but only give us side effects that need another DRUG to alleviate those symptoms. At least my doctors use the best of both worlds and the company that I work for has the best scientists, labs and equipment in the world. Plus a plant library of over 5,000 plants, and supplies  all the aloe to all the other companies in the world.

Got to get busy, I have to go to the store stop back at Curves and pick up the  food list I left there this morning, then get back to work on my quilt. I hope it warms up enough to get out to walk the dogs, I may have just bundle up to do it.

TTYL

Hi Everyone...

I've had another busy morning and lunch hour.  I just got home from Judy McKenna's.  She thinks she's done something to her new hip and is in bed and if she has to get to the hospital, Norm will call an ambulance.  They'll keep me posted.

Well, how are you all?

Have you taken a photo today?

Hi, Pat!  I can't speak for the others, but I'm doing great!! 

Sorry to hear about Judy's new problem.  Goodness, she has had more than her share, hasn't she.  I will pray for her.

I just popped in to see what had been added since my last visit.  Now I need to go and order a print for a grandson.

I am doing great to, Pat, i am just back from the store and got my groceries put away now I am about to bundle up and take the dogs for  their walks., beforfe I have a little lunch.

Hi everybody....how's it cuttin'? I have not just the time now to chat to everyone. Sorry

Etta Sue...you did ask how long it took me to write some of my poems. If I am really inspired...a very short space of time. Most of the poems I post here were done for the radio station ..Radio North. I did one every week. The presenter set me a theme...and sometimes at very late notice!...and he done his music and read my poem based on that theme. So I had not really a freehand as I had to follow his theme. It was tough going at times. I did this for two and a half years. Last year I did a twelve week countdown to Christmas based on different numbers in the Bible. You may have noticed I did five and four here. Etta Sue...if you visit my website ..you will see most of my poems there. I have been there most of the day putting a Christmas theme to the front page and added nine Christmas tunes to the poem pages. I think I have sat to long at the computer and I would need to take a break. I will drop by later.
God bless for now

Hi Marilyn...thank you for visiting my website and your lovely comments. I am glad I had the Christmas decorations up!
God bless.

Hi, friends,

I just got in from dinner with my daughter. It's good when someone phones and asks me to be with them (especially when it is one of my busy children).

Janet, most likely the bread would survive the trip. I'll send you an instant message.

The comments and poems and laughter and songs and devotions and love for each other and for others that emanate from this website are really impressive. I really appreciate y'all and Pat for founding (and funding) this site for us and putting in so much time in administration and back-behind-the-scenes labor. Pat, I really love and appreciate you for what you do and for who you are and for Whose you are.

Ruth Ann

Carol I have coppied that recipe for the Amish Bread Starter.  I will be making soe up for Added breads for the family.  My bread machine is getting a good work out at this time.  New recipes are always welcome.

Colin poetry runs in your veins.  You are so very talented.  We have a young friend who is a Rap Artist.  And the raps he has come up with are awesome, really worshipping our Lord and Saviour.

Marilyn I got your package.  Thank you.  I will start tomorrow.

Pat I am trying to come down before Christmas.  We will see, I will call you.

Must go the girls need to be shooed off to bed so Night all
ay God give you all a blessed  nights rest.
Judy

Hi Folks,

I hope all is well.  I dropped by to see if there was some talking about small and large apertures, depths of field, shooting landscapes, macros, or still lifes.

Oh, while I'm here, Marilyn, I saw where you mentioned my name in a post about the Word of Knowledge, and about it being a Pentecostal thing.

I don't know that the gifts of the Spirit are anything but a Bible thing.  I am a penetcostal believer, of which there are so many varieties, as there are of baptists, methodists, and so on.  I am not a cessasionist, for sure, seeing no reason or rhyme why some think that the gifts of the Spirit are for a time gone by.  I do what I can, though, to make sure that the gifts are operated in accordance with His good and wise Word. God gives his kids common sense, too.

And while I love talking about such things, I am available to any who'd like to share some photo talk with me.  God is so glorified when brothers and sisters get along, and I find it a thrill when that common ground is about snapping and sharing an instant of HIS beauty through the medium called PHOTOGRAPHY.  After all, we are...



I'm gonna get some things ready for Christmas now.

In His Grip,
Kevin

Hi everyone...I was just reading Etta Sue's capers with her electric fire. It reminds me of the time my friend Paddy Watt went to America to fix an electric chair in one of their prisons. He is a brilliant electrician! The govenor came down to see how he was getting and asked Paddy if he had got the chair fixed. Begoragh...said Paddy..it is well you got me to fix it. That thing could have killed some one the way it was!
I have been left instructions to get the Christmas tree up today so I will have to go to the attic and fetch it. It is an 8ft tree and has to be built up from scratch. It is an all day job nearly. All the branches have to be folded out and attached to the main trunk or stem. Then it takes ages to get the lights on and decorations. It is really nice when it is all finished. I shall pop by later.
God bless

Morning All,
 
Colin, I remember those days except we had 4 very inquisitive cats who wanted to help. Then they would climb up into the tree and peak out. They were crazy to say the least.

Blessings to all,
<><Jeannine

It is so hurtful and a shame that one suffers mental  and physical abuse from their own flesh and blood. That a family can torture one of its own and leave them mentally if not physically crippled. Here we have the earthly family where one would think they would find love and protection. No one outside that family has abused or mentally tortured me in any way. That is the family I was born into. When I got saved I was born into another family where once again one would expect to find love; help and compassion. Here we are talking about brothers and sisters in Christ. Yet when I was in the deepest depression and asked some of these brothers and sisters to help..they hurt me deeply by turning their backs on me. Just as in the earthly family there was no love or help given. Outside this spiritual family my help came and again my hurt came from within this family and not from without it. I told my minister my testimony and he was shocked and then choose to ignore me. I had bottled up my sorrows for so long and was getting so depressed. My doctor told me I was not only depressed but it was so ingrained into me. This was about twelve years ago that I went seeking for help because before that I did not want to embarrass the family. Of course I knew Jesus and of course Marlene was there. Being a Christian has kept me going but God gives us friends so we can help each other. That was all I was seeking. Just someone to phone and ask how I was and have a little chat. These things are so little but they mean so much. But no...inside twelve years...not one Christian lifted that phone. The minister never came to the house to pray or strengthen me yet he knew my circumstances. Then through sending one poem into Radio North my Good Samaritan came. She was a producer of the gospel program but I am afraid unsaved..yet took time to phone me and chat. She scolded me many times and would not let me indulge in self pity. For over two years we were very good friends. Through her and her son Martin I got lifted from depression. They used one of my poems every Sunday. Martin even put music to one and recorded it on his Gospel CD. Every week I had a purpose in life. I had to get a poem written each week for a start. So many good things happened to me through them but I must cut this story short. Circumstances has forced me and this lady apart for about two months now. Nasty tongues have been at work. I was upset over the end of friendship until she contacted me on Sunday past. I do not know what to do. Because it is a man talking to a women people make snide remarks and yet my wife was approving of our friendship because she knew she was helping lift the depression. Am I supposed to turn my back on someone who has helped so much. Am I supposed to ignore her? I can honestly say this is tearing the heart out of me. Sorry for this long discourse but my heart is burdened here. I just dont know what to do. The above poem was written in tribute to her and of which she recieved a copy. She has been a brilliant friend.

Hi everyone. 

Colin, I think what I would try to do if I experienced your situation would be to ignore the snide remarks because obviously these people who make them would not be my  friends and it is really none of their business with whom I have a friendship.  As long as my wife was supportive I really wouldn't be concerned about any other comments.  I do understand that all situations are more complicated than what the surface may reveal but I sure wouldn't want to breakup a friendship of many years as really good friends are of great value as you well know.  Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us as well as your lovely poems and your humor.

Etta Sue, glad you were able to get your electric fireplace working again.  IT sounds like the remote control must be one of the weaknesses in their system.  Sometimes the manual approach works the best.  The remove for our TV in the kitchen quit working yesterday and I haven't been able to get it going.  I tried changing the batteries but that didn't help.  Fortunately we can control it with the manual controls.

Kevin, that is really a neat graphic that you used in your last posting.  Since I am not a photographer I really can't discuss matters pertaining to photography. 

JudyB, I am like Etta Sue in that I really love homemade bread (actually almost all types of bread) but don't need to be eating very much of it.  I really like French bread for the crust and lightness.

Ruth Ann, glad you could enjoy the time with your daughter.  I certainly agree with your comments about this site being friendly and supportive and the fine work that Pat does to provide the site and keep it functioning.

Marilyn, it is suppose to get cold here tomorrow but so far today just some rain.  Pat just opened up the house for  a little bit for some fresh air.

Janet, I agree that I was saddened to read that Judy Mc is experiencing new problems.  Sure hope it doesn't require another long hospitalization.

Jeannine, I sort of agree with you on frames as they get pretty complicated.  It use to be that some browsers wouldn't handle frames very well.  The man who took over the church webpage from me a few weeks ago is using FrontPage and really likes it.  He has produced some really nice looking pages.

Today is Calvin Cove and we are going to start singing Christmas music for this and the following three weeks.  I will conclude my weekly participation in Calvin Cove following the Christmas banquet but may go periodically next year. 

Hope this is a good day for everyone. 

Colin ~ Ignore those who speak evil of your choices.  God knows what is in your heart.  God is with you everywhere.  He knows your heart.  Jesus listens in on your conversations with this lady.  Would He be ashamed of what has transpired between the two of you?  I think not.  I tend to think that when people gossip about such things, it may be because they are guilty of the same things.  Reminds me of a church lady that told the man he should stop visiting the bar and stop his drinking.  He asked why she said that.  She said, she saw his truck parked in front of the bar.  He said he wasn't in the bar that that was the only place to park when he went to the grocery.  She said, Hmmmph!  Likely story.  The next morning when she got out of bed the gentlemans truck was parked in front of her house.  The end of the story!  Colin, you seem just a happy man and it is hard for me to realize you are depressed.  You hide it very well in your posts.  Does these busybodies know you suffer from depression? 

As most of you know, I am a member of a large church...1200+ members.  We have an email list.  When you send an email to so and so@pccc.com (not real email address), it goes to over 300 email addresses.  It is awesome.  If you are in need of a washer, you may find it on the email list.  If you want to get rid of a sofa and chair, you do so with this email list.  If you have a prayer request, you get over 300+ prayers said.  And praises are posted also.  It is awesome.  If the children's department are in need of so many items, they are received through this list.  If it is requested to furnish a meal for a shut-in, it is answered through this list.  The list of pluses for this list goes on and on.  It is great!  Homes have even been bought and sold on this list.  You are not to use the list for your profit, such as your business profitting from our church members through this list but for instance, one of our ministers was transferring to Florida.  Their house sold and they requested for some people to help them load a UHaul truck.  15 people showed up and the truck was loaded in less than an hour!  I guess what I am saying, is the emails get the messages out a lot quicker than any telephone service!

It was a rainy trip to Indiana University yesterday but all was fine.  Walter's sessions at IU won't resume until the middle of January. 

I slept in late this morning...real late.  But decided I needed to go to the bank and to the P.O. to get some stamps.  But there was no parking spaces in front of the P.O. so I parked in front of a restaurant.  So after getting the stamps, I got some breakfast.  Very good breakfast for $5. 

Now I am doing laundry and listening to Christmas music.  I need to print some Christmas cards this afternoon.

Colin, I agree that you should try to ignore those whose tongues are causing you pain.  You said this lady has a son, does she also still have a husband?  If so, and if he and your wife both approve of your friendship, then nobody else has a right to attack your friendship.  That's my opinion, anyway.  And, why must people attempt to turn a clean and beneficial friendship into something else for the simple reason that the friends happen to be of opposite genders?  This is only the work of our enemy, the devil.  And he is under your feet, so tell him to go HOME!  (We know where his home is!)

Ruth Ann, I got your message, and as soon as I bake some more in just a few days, some will be on the way to Nashville!  (((hugs))))

Etta Sue, you posted while I was composing, and I haven't read your post yet, but hello!  And good job on getting your fireplace going!!

Hi Everyone...

Just got home from giving my friend her injection.  I have a very large Avon order to pack and it's all in my living room!   

I must get it done today.

I think I'd like to have some of the Amish bread.  I love home made bread.

Thought any more of a new camera Colin or are you waiting to see if "Santa" is going to bring you one?

Well ... Hello everyone!

I have been out and about for the past week or so ... My daughter Joy was here and we went to Spokane to visit with Dot (my other daughter) and then came back via Portland where we visited before coming on home on Tuesday.  We had to buy chains for Joy's car (because all weather reports said "carry chains") but she will be able to turn them back in at the store in California. 

Joy left here shortly after midnight today and called about nine hours later to tell me she was just arriving in Sacramento so.....all is well.  Of course, she was heading for someplace where she could lay her weary head and catch some zzzzzzz's.  She was not feeling really well and that has been wearing on her for the past couple days also.

I have stuff to take care of and just wanted y'all to know I'm back in the mix here and will be popping in as I have the opportunity. 

Y'all take care .....

If it stops raining, I'm going to go out and see if I can get some Christmas lights after dusk tonight.

Anyone else?

Colin,

You needn't apologize for your writing such a long post.  It is said that God's family ignored you in your need.  Even after we are saved we are not perfect, and still need to grow into understanding about how to love one another.  So many of us don't know how to relate to someone in our church who has special needs.

Also, Colin, if you let me know what you budget is for a camera, I'd be glad to advise you on a purchase.  I'll sing and dance to get some photo talk going here!  And you wouldn't want to hear or see either of those! 

In His Grip,
Kevin

Hi everyone and thank you all for your comments. I honestly do not know what to think anymore.The lady...I will call her Jean but not her real name though I think Pat knows who she is...was a great help to me. She was supportive of all the poems I sent in to the programne. In fact she urged me to send in one entitled HELL which I was shying away from for even I thought it was a bit strong. My poem was read out twenty minutes into the programne and all my poems have good messages in them. Some of them were very hard hitting. At the end of the programne Martin the presenter sumed up the proceedings and he was getting more evangelical with his message. Jean and I used to discuss the programne and sort out a Bible question for it each week. We had many good debates on God's word and I was able to witness to her many times. She does not like people preaching to her but I was able to do it in a quiet way. I thought I was getting somewhere with her as I witnessed and along with my poems I was getting a good message across. Her son Martin was even getting more spiritual. Then just two months ago she told me that Martin was getting to preachy..the program was getting to holy...and could I write my poems so that they would be more happy-clappy. I told her that I could only write what God left on my heart and I wrote to please Him and not her. I asked her to let me write my poems the way I always had but she did not want that. So I resigned. About two hours after I had resigned...I got a phone call from the co-producer telling me to have no more contact with Jean as Jeans husband was supposed to be accusing me of a lot of things. I thought this was a bit odd coming so shortly after my resignation. I have met Jean about six times..always in the company of Marlene...and her husband has always been there. Marlene is testimony to all this. Then Jean asks me on Monday to have a phone conversation with her and in the background I could hear her husband who did not seem to mind at all we were chatting. i do not understand any more. I once prayed hard to get a job I loved doing and got a gardening one. This was ideal. I thought this was an answer to prayer. Inside a year..my back went bad and I had to give up the gardening. I prayed so hard for that one special friend to help and God brought Jean into my life and then she seems to have been taken from me as well. Now when anything good happens to me..I think it is all going to end up in heartache. But then Marlene has been and is a good thing in my life and I have had no heartache there. So I just let God do His will and accept what comes to me. And He has been so good to me since I resigned and did not compromise. I am here with you boys for a start. I have made so many friends in other places through the net. I had a modest website before which was not getting many hits until other dear people in America helped me set up another one which gets about twenty hits per day. Yes God has blessed me so much because I choose to honour Him. Yes people did pass snide remarks about me and Jean but if I am upsetting her husband by talking to her I will have nothing more to do with her. As I say I do not know what the situation is. Right..I have poured out my heart so now you know.
I love being here and enjoy the fellowship. I can see God's hand in the way He has directed and it is amazing...He used Jean to get me to write so many poems so I would have plenty to put into a website. He has used that website to take my poems to a worldwide congregation and in return He has given me more friends. He got me to leave one Radio station so my poems could go into another radio station and as a result one was read out at a funeral service. God is amazing. I never could plan all these things but He can. We serve a mighty God. Sorry for the long sermon.
God bless you all

Thanks for sharing, Colin.

I'll continue to pray for you and this situation.

I was sitting listening to this carol on a CD so thought we could listen together...

Hi Kevin...I had a repy written for you and I think that gipe Pat wiped it off. Anyway..I lost it!      I would actually like a good camcorder but would be grateful if you could advise me on a digitial camera. Around the ton or slightly over but if you could recommend a cheaper one I would be grateful.
Thank you! 

Howdy folks. Sorry I am so late getting in here this afternoon. I stopped in this morning and read Colin's post, I have been praying about it off and on today in my travels and  even while I was in Kmart with Jan. I bought a few little things and a gift for a baby shower and one for mom too.

Colin I think everyone has said the same things I would have told you but I wanted to seek God before I said anything. You have lots of new friend here Brother and we love you no matter what.

Hi Jane I was wondering what happened to you. Glad to hear you had a nice time with your girls.

Wow Etta Sue that is fantastic about the emails getting things done.

I mowed for the last time this year and Bill across the street is going to do the winter maintenance on the mower for me before I put it away.

TTYL

Hello and thanks everyone for your support and prayers. I know God has guided me here and I am content. Ok...I managed to get the Christmas tree built up. Marlene was away for the day so I had to do it myself. Between cooking and washing dishes and computing etc...I was kept busy. Then I got a text message from Gregory to pick him up in Portrush which is thirty miles away. The driving conditions were awful. It was lashing with rain and the roads were awash. The large puddles caused the car to swerve at times so I had to drive with caution. As a result of my being called away; I did not get the lights on the tree so that is a job for tomorrow. Now let me tell you of someone who means everything to me and He is.......


God bless

Oh, Colin.  Your poem is so beautiful.  My eyes just flowed over all on their own.    Our wonderful Jesus; no one has ever loved us as He.

I have done a few more things re decorating.  Sue has to put her tree together before we can decorate that this weekend.  That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.  I'd probably have long limbs at the top short ones at the bottom.

We, who take pictures, need to help our Kevin out by speaking about things like apertures and depth of field (that's the only one I know.haha)  I will take some pics tonight and try to post some of my Christmas so far.  I remember awhile back on here, maybe a coupla Christmases ago, I was interested in how others were creating nice soft light images, while mine were blurred and ugly.  I took umpteem zibbledeillion pictures last year, drove all over looking for lights, and was only pleased with maybe 3.

My doggies were groomed today.  Hair all short and much whiter.  They weren't too impressed with going, but now they feel really cute.  Of course, they are.

Have you noticed how God takes us through so many paths?  Some seem confusing and dark, and we wonder if God is even in this place.  And only in looking back, do we see that there actually was a path, and God was still leading, and yep, he even led me right into the bramble bush!   I think it's all about the lesson of trusting Him in all things.  And losing all semblance of SELF sufficiency.  I'm very self sufficient.  Unlearning what was necessary before to make it, comes hard.  Letting go of everything, every plan, and simply listening to His voice for today is very hard for me.  He knows that, and oh boy, is God a good teacher?  lol  He won't give up till I pass the test.

Marilyn, you were able to mow???   It's been too wet here. 

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Every good thing comes from God.  Everything from God is good. Jesus, our Everything and All. 

I'm headed to look at the gallery, and then to the store.  What do you want for dinner?  Nita

Nita the grasss was wet but I had tomow it anyway, all the rain made it grow, I know there is more rain coming as the paper has said we are going into another El Nino year. So I had to do it before  more rains came.

Not much else is new here Oh I am taking both dogs to have their toenails trimmed tomorrow.

Hi, friends,

Kevin, I would discuss cameras if I could, but I'm an absolute camera novice. I would be useless to you.

However, there are others who are particularly good with their work, and may be able to get a conversation started on the technical aspects such as you're hoping to discuss.

Pat, I'm sorry you're dealing with so many busy and stressful things right now. I truly hope these burdens will begin to lift.

I wish I could respond to everyone, but am really weary tonight.

Y'all have a good evening.

Ruth Ann

Hey, Anthony!! I was so happy to see your post a couple of days ago.  How are things in your little corner of the world?  Do come back in and catch us up on your news!

I did a little painting today, a candle holder which holds three votive candles.  I painted snowmen on both sides of it.  It's rectangular wood, with three holes in the top to hold the glass votive holders.  It is for the gift exchange in my painting group.

Etta Sue, the Friendship bread isn't like making bread, and I don't think it could be put into a bread machine.  It's more like cake batter.

Pat, do you want me to mail you a loaf?  I think I need to bake some again in about four more days or so.  Would that be allowed to be sent into Canada?

I'm tired, and tomorrow we have to take Beth to the orthopedic guy in Garden City.  I really hope he can fix her one brace, and make another one for the other foot/leg.

See you later.

Aren't there some threads on here where Cameras etc technical stuff is discused, if not there should be. I would be ofno help whatsoever I am an amateur to the max. I know so little about Ff stops and lighting etc. geez probably nothing of interest to anyone else, But I am willing to learn.

Kevin maybe you should open a thread specifically for discussing those kinds of things.

There is, Marilyn and has been for months and we're trying to get more folks in there to discuss that as well as more commenting on photos.   Some don't but that's ok.  Just trying to encourage.

Not sure, Janet.  I don't really think it would get across the border. 

Judy McKenna is in the hospital.  She's in there for complete bed rest for a couple of days.

Oh Pat I am so sorry to hear about Judy Mc. I also knew that there are thread concern the technical stuff I have read them. That was also my way of encouraging other to look at them.

I must get ready to go to Curves then off to clean house for the Stockwells. I told her that I wanted to quit when Ruth gets out of Rehab, but she  begged me not to, so today when I eave I am going to give them a letter of resignation with a referral to someone else. I am not leaving them with no one to do the  job. However I do need to make them understand that my patients come first because they can not do for themselves.

Gotta go now

About 10 minutes from my home by bicycle, along a stretch of river, are some reeds and tall grass where waterfowl, mostly wild ducks and herons, like to hang out.  It's also a great place for sitting and reflecting on God's Word, praying, and meditating.  Oh, and for trying to get a picture of the local bird population.

For the past few mornings, after coffee, and before the sun gets above the morning clouds, I bicycle over, camera bag on my back and prayer list in my heart, hoping for that "special shot", but not too worried about it either.

Waterfowl are tough to shoot!  I mean with a camera.   The ducks have just arrived from China and Siberia and are quite jitterish, so they aren't letting me get too close.  This morning I brought a couple of secret weapons...two duck calls.  When I was a youngster in Louisiana, I was no slouch when it came to getting the ducks and geese in close for a different kind of shooting.  This morning it was quite windy, and while I did manage to get a few birds to swim over in my direction, they were just a bit out of range.  And the early morning low-light conditions makes it a bit of a challenge, too.

But still, meeting with God, while enjoying His creation, and praying for others, is a great way to start the morning.

Here are a couple of birds that got curious, but then got smart and flew off to where they thought they were safe.

In His Grip,
Kevin



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Hi everyone.  It is turning out to be a glorious day here in Georgia.  It rained earlier but now the sun is out.  It was 63 degrees this morning but suppose to go down during the day into the 50s and perhaps into the 30s tonight. 

We had a good turnout at the Senior Center for the men's coffee this morning, about 15 men.  It is a nice and casual time when we sit and visit with each other.  We have no officers and no programs and I think that is why the group has prospered over the 11 years we have had this senior center.

Colin, thanks for your further sharing.  I can tell that your heart is saddened by these turn of events but when God closes one door he most often opens another and hopefully new friends are waiting to make your acquaintance.  You certainly have made many new friends here.

Jane, glad to see you are back home and it sounds like you had a nice visit with your daughters and enjoyed your time away.  Of course, it is always nice to get back to ones home.

Pat, sorry that Judy Mc had to go into the hospital.  I hope it won't be for too long.

Etta Sue, your e-mail list sounds like a good idea. 

Kevin, I enjoyed your photograph. 

Janet, hope your appointment in Garden City goes well today.  The bread sounds delicious.  Pat had some of that starter several years ago and so I know the bread is very good as we had several loaves of it.

Marilyn, it is nice of you to provide a referral for the folks for whom you are going to have to stop cleaning.

Nita, those built up Christmas Trees are nice but they can be difficult.  We have had a couple of them and when all the branches are spread out on the floor you wonder if they will ever get in the right spots.  We are not putting up a tree this year.  Pat has a little beaded tree that has lights and it is very pretty and this that will be our tree (unless she changes her mind).  It may be that only our daughter will be with us at Christmas.

Well I better signoff for today and get busy on some other projects.

If you were outside my door today, you would be like this kitty.  No snow but lots of rain and the wind is blowing like a Kansas windstorm.  And it is only 31°F.  My lights have went out three times in the last hour so I am hurrying to get this posted.  And the sump pump is turning on and off quite frequently!

Tonight Ivalou and I are to go with Tony and Charlene out to eat and then exchange Christmas presents. 

Not looking forward to going out in this wind.  This is the first time I have hear the wind whistle in this house since I had new windows installed.  Brrrr!  Makes you feel cold whether you are or not.

Howdy everyone...see..I am begining to talk like a western!

Thanks Larry for your words of encouragement.The branches of my build up tree have letters of the alphabet on them so it is not hard to build up.

Hi Kevin...Love your photo. Wish I was there with you.

Hi Etta Sue...you never cease to amaze me with your thingamajings....that kitten is so cool..well cool and cold. Love it!

Hi Pat...sorry about Judy Mc. Hope she feels better soon.

Good day to the rest of you all.

In this part of Ontario we have rain and more rain I just hope it does not freeze.

A couple of weeks ago I placed an order from Sears catalogue and it seems that it has got lost so I had to re-order.

I have the day off work so that means a 3 day weekend to get the house decorated for Christmas. 

Colin: One day at a time as you progress through this situation.

I have copied and pasted the Amish bread rec. so I will be giving it a try.

Have a great day    Ruth

Good morning from a sunny but cool coast of Oregon....

My daughter called to let me know she has returned the chains to the store and the credit has been made to my credit card.  She said the guy at the store was "really grumpy" about her bringing the chains back "so early" ... She said he didn't want them returned for a refund until April 1!  She explained that she has no plan to need them again and that she lives in Mexico ... that made a difference, I guess, but he was still grumpy about it!   

Anyway, she is still pretty sick and will be spending the weekend with friends trying to get better.  She'll take Bryan to work and then go to her friends' and "just chill" she says.

Thanks, Marilyn and Larry for noticing that I posted...    One of the main reasons I don't post often here is the very reason mentioned by Kevin and others... I am not a photographer and I know nothing about all the technical stuff, let alone anything else.  I can appreciate others' work but that's about it.    

So sorry about Judy Mc .. She has had such a difficult time for a long while. 

I care about, and pray for, all the concerns mentioned here and I know God will make a way where there often seems to be no way.  His ways are indeed not our ways and His thoughts are much higher than ours.  We can only trust Him to do all things well ... and in His timing.

Y'all take care and I'll be listening ... or watching ... or whatever.   

P.S. Kevin I really love that photo of the ducks taking flight ... Also the one of St Nick you put in the mini-challange.    I (sometimes) wish I could do that sort of work with the eye for "the perfect shot" like you and so many here have.   

Hey, Jane!!  Welcome home!  I'm sorry I missed saying that earlier, but I love you, and always enjoy your posts!

Kevin, I know the terms: f stop, DOF, shutter speed, etc., but that doesn't mean I understand them!  I do try to frame my photos as I want them, have a great telephoto lens and enjoy taking lots of pictures, but I'm not up to speed on the technical stuff.     So, maybe you will have to educate me and others here who seem to be in the same boat.

We just got home from Garden with Beth.  The guy is going to make braces for both her legs, the kind that bolt into her shoes.  She hasn't worn shoes for a whole year now, so it will be an adjustment, but hope it will stop those ankles from flopping over.  He told us to go buy some compression stockings for her, which we did.  Those should help the swelling and fluid accumulation in her lower legs and feet.

I'm beat, think I will go flop in my recliner and watch the news.

Janet - I use compression stockings, so I certainly can relate to what you want to do.  One caution - they're hard to get on.  The Elder Store, at 1-888-833 8875 can be very, very helpful.  They have a white "sock grabber" (or "puller") that can help Beth put them on (or anyone else helping her).  It's shaped like a semi-tube.  You put your sock over it, then put your foot in it and pull, and the stocking goes on.  Much easier.

Hello and goodnight ...sorry I overlooked you earlier Nita..so glad you like my poem. You have a soft heart.God bless

Hi Ruth...It is tough going. Up and down like a yo-yo emotianally. Thank you for your kind words.

Do you know...I am going to go to bed tonight thinking about compression stockings! I need something compressing round my belly!
God bless all.