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Morning Devotional...

Psalm 22.1.  "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"

David is leading the people in singing a minor-keyed dirge about the utter desolation and total abandonment he felt when it seemed that the Lord would not hear him - when it seemed like he had been finally and permanently cast off - cut off from the Lord Who was his only source of life and meaning in this world.

And he doesn't charge his Lord with wrong doing even in such abandonment. Instead he sings, "But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel."  He explains that what he means is that their fathers trusted God and were delivered in times of crisis, that they cried to Him and didn't need to be ashamed, because He heard them.

But, David says, he himself isn't like that.  He hasn't been worthy of  salvation like that, because, he says, "I am a worm and no man; a reproach of men, and despised by the people." He even sees himself as being ridiculed by the people, because they see him as deserving his fate, as being abandoned because he deserved to be abandoned.

We too deserve to be abandoned, because we've  rebelled against a God Who deserves only love and praise.  But, wonder of wonders, our Lord Jesus Christ experienced on our behalf all the abandonment we deserved!  He Who "did always those things that please the Father" had to feel as though He had done NOTHING to please the Father!  He experienced all OUR guilt.

Even in the midst of his depression, though, David expressed his utter dependence upon Jehovah.  He cries out to his apparently unhearing God that he's facing the greatest of enemies and that it's almost too late to save him.  He says, "Many bulls have surrounded me; strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me.  They gape at me with their mouths, like a raging and roaring lion." The predicament  is desperate.  He says, "I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it has melted within me!  My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue clings to my jaws!  You have brought me to the dust of death!"

Even his people, too, considered him a lost cause.  David says of them that "They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots" - as though he would have no further use of them.  But, dear friends, so it was also for the greater Son of David as well - and so it was for us IN Him. 

But even in that extreme David persisted.  He had trusted his God from his earliest moments, and he would therefore not cease to pray to Him now - even though he knew himself to be unworthy.  He prays what no doubt seemed to him like a final, desperate prayer: "But You, O Lord, do not be far from me!"

So for our Lord Jesus, as well.  When He was charged with all the sins of all His sponsored people and was guilty with their guilt, then He continued to call upon His Father nevertheless.  And the result explodes forth in David's following words.  He literally shouts out, "YOU HAVE ANSWERED ME!"

So it is for ourselves as well.  We were lost and abandoned, worthless and deserving of eternal damnation.  But He brought us to call upon Him nevertheless, brought us to cast ourselves upon His mercy - and in Him we too are saved! YOU HAVE ANSWERED ME!"

Did you deserve to be abandoned?  Do you trust in the One Who was abandoned for you?  Do you rejoice in HIM?
Al Moak

Amen Brother Al

Hi everyone.  Just back from coffee.  It is misty and chilly here this morning with more rain predicted this morning.  We have had a little over a quarter inch of rain and sure hope we have more today.  The warm house feels good and I plan on staying in today. 

Al, thanks for the great devotional message for this week. 

Marilyn, sorry to hear of your pain and that cyst or fatty tumor in your wrist.  That must be very unpleasant.

Etta Sue, I have Euchre in a game set that I have on my computer.  I enjoy playing against the computer once-in-a-while.

Sarah, you certainly do work alot.  It sounds like you have a heavy schedule between work and school.

I am listening to Focus on the Family, Dr. Dobson is giving the best and the wordst of the companies who censor the word Christmas, and all the Christmas symbols out of the Christmas season.  It is worth going to focusonthefamily.ca and seeing the website and list of offenders, and the non-offenders.  So often today we hear "happy Holidays" or now even "Winter Greetings" and all the remembrances of the true meaning of Christmas removed.

Thank you, Al, for the great devotion. 

Good afternoon from a rainy day in Indiana.  Yesterday was a great day with attending my church, eating out and coming back home for a nap. 

Today I am going with Ivalou to get her blood tested to see how to adjust her coumadin.  Tonight she has a sleep test at the same office.  She has no idea why she is being tested while sleeping, just that the doctor ordered it when they found out her heart was out of rhythm.  She is to be there at 9:30pm and they boot her out of there by 5:15am.  Going in the dark and coming home in the dark.

Hello all!  Just stopping in to say HI!

Hope all the 'mericans had a happy thanksgiving.

Now, on to CHRISTmas!!  Whoooooohoahoahohaoah!  (I like Christmas!)

Hi everybody.  A little while ago I got a phonecall from Marilyn.  It turns out that her ISP has a problem, so she can't get online. I told her I'd tell everybody she didn't want to talk to any of you.  I don't think she believed me.  Anyway, she'll be back when Mr. Cyber gets his act together!

     Good evening to everybody. I am trying to catch upon reading the post's again.  I don't no where the time seems to go.  It seems that we are helping our daughter with our new grandson a lot but thats o.k..

Yestreday I was singing with the large choir that I am in and as per usual it was a long day but so much fun.  We had 82 members show up and we sing acapella barber shop style and all gospel songs.  We do use a few background c.d.

Thank you for the great begining for the week Larry it was good and also the song we used to sing that one all the time.

Pat:  Thanks for your previous devotional and also the hymn which I was going to sing tomorrow at a Christian Womans Meeting but the background music was so slow. Glad to here that you are looking after yourself.

Judy B:  Hi sis.  How are you doing up there in cold country.?  Stay worm.

To everyone else have read your posts and will pray for you all Gord.

Morning Gord.  Yes we are staying warm.  In Church on Sunday we sang Majesty...I could hear you singing along with us!

The girls decided to go and get more of the cut up wood in yesterday and were blocked by a slippy road. They had the tractor and trailler hooked up.  There is a hill they need to climb before going down the hunt camp drive.  They got stuck on that hill.  I give them A for effort, a really good try.  Looks like the snow machine has to get running.  We just have a skiff of snow but enough to cause a problem.  Winter is indeed here.

I tried to install a printer with drivers off the net.  It didn't work and I am not sure why.  I have to either get Heather over to fix qhat I have done wrong, or I have to take it to her.  Either way it won't happen till the end of the week.

Got to go, alot on the agenda for today.

God bless JudyB

Hi everyone.  It looks like our rain is over for a few days and it has warmed up a bit.  We didn't get much rain.  Pat did a lot of cooking yesterday as had purchased a turkey before Thanksgiving and fixed it yesterday with a lot of other dishes, made a pecan pie and a big pot of chili.  She also made the best dressing and gravy I have tasted in a long time.  Needless to say we will be eating well all week and she sure shouldn't have to cook much.  A friend also gave us some ham and a dozen eggs that his son had brought from Arkansas when we came for Thanksgiving. 

Judy, after you downloaded the drivers for your printer did you actually install them and then go to add a printer in the control panel?  It sounds like you have some slick roads up  your way.  I remember growing up where we had an unpaved and ungraveled road from our house out to the driveway and on which we had to walk to school.  Brings back memories.

Gord, it must be great to sing in a choir of 82 voices.  Our choir is usually 16 to 20 and at Thanksgiving we had a combined choir of maybe 50 voices and that was really nice.  Years ago I sang for one year with the Choral Guild here in our county and enjoyed it but my health interseded and I had to quit after one year. 

Al, thanks for sharing the word on the problem Marilyn is having with her ISP.  That can be so frustrating as we get very used to having Internet access.  I hope they get it fixed for her shortly and we will see her posting (Marilyn we miss your postings when you aren't here!)

Karmat, nice to see you post in with a posting.  Sure you and Nards are very busy with your family and jobs.  Hope Nards is feeling well now and recovered from his surgery.

Etta Sue, the heart doctors all seem to be very concerned about sleep apnea as know it is hard on the heart.  It is wise to have that checked out since Ivalou is having issues with her heart. 

I have a meeting to attend this morning but nothing else on the schedule for the day.  I have been working through a tutorial on some new web authoring software called NetFusion and it is really neat.  It does things with menus sort of automaitically that I have tried to do with my own coding and never succeeded.  It has a large tutorial manual that I am going to print out and then tackle or redo of our current church website even though I probably won't be doing the page too long this time.

Hi, everyone.  I just wanted to tell you that my sister, Faye, had the surgery yesterday and all the cancer was contained in her uterus.  They were able to get it all.  We are rejoicing!  Nita

Wow!  I woke to bright sunshine today!  Sunshine makes a big difference in your day.  Makes you feel happier!  Sunshine with 40° seems so much warmer than rain and 40°!!

Nita ~ God is good...all the time.  Good for Faye...now she can get on with her life!   

I woke at 6:30am and Ivalou's living room lights were on.  When she came home from the Sleep Clinic, she got the newspaper and was reading it.  Well, I went back to bed and didn't get up until after 9am.  After breakfast and my Bible devotions, I called her.  She said she had wires all over her, ankles, hair, forehead, something around her waist, EKG and on her finger.  She was to sleep on her back which she seldom does because she doesn't like the cover pushing on her toes...she has pins in two toes.  But they said for her to try to sleep on her back.  She said that it maybe took her a half hour to get comfortable and she didn't wake up until they woke her after 5am.  Now she has to wait a week to find out the results of her Sleep test. 

Please say a prayer if you so desire for Judy B, my high school classmate.  She is having knee replacement tomorrow.  She will be gone from home at least two weeks because she goes into rehab probably by the weekend.  She is long over due for this surgery.  I really don't know how she has kept working at WalMart in the financial department. 

I have visions of getting out some Christmas decorations today!

Oh Father, please greatly bless Judy, Etta Sue's highschool classmate.  I pray You'll bring great good out of this knee replacement.  I pray she'll very soon turn to You and shout out her thanks to You through Jesus Christ our Lord.

And thank You, O gracious and merciful Father, for what You've done for Faye!  Oh how good You are!  I pray you'll keep cancer away from her now.  Oh do these things through Jesus Christ our Lord.

hello hello!

I'm so glad to hear that Faye got a good report.  I will be praying for her (and your classmate, Etta).

Don opened the chocolate covered popcorn we bought from grandson - it is all his fault.  We had to put it away because - it was so wonderful that we couldn't stop eating.  Good grief.  Lots of chocolate on the popped corn.  Way to make it. 

Marilyn:  I am sorry that you don't want to talk to us (Al said so)   

Pat:  I have given that Rejoice Radio site to several friends and anxious to hear if anyone has listened to it. 

When does Janet return?  Is she climbing a mountain in South America? 

Al:  The verse you used: 

QuotePsalm 22.1.  "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"

reminds me of one the lowest of times in my life and it was so good to know that we are never really forsaken. 

EttaSue:  Wonderful news on your friend, Faye.

High winds today and chilly temps arriving now.  We have just a little snow left and not much expected for the mountains.  Way below average snowfall so far - ski resorts are really nervous. 

Carol

The beginning of psalm 22 reminded me of a recent piece that I wrote.

Communion ?

The quiet room,
drowns in the noise
of the lonely solitude of self,
weight of forever upon unsteady shoulders.
The vacuous emptiness of paper
stabbing pain into brimming eyes
in a dungeon,
captive to ignored pleas
and chained by futility.
Each shackle like Marley's plight.
Each endless link heavier than the one before
sealed with infinity.
The light has dimmed, curtained by fear
and the nonsense of perceived reality.
There is no truth beyond the moment;
what was and what is to come,
fellow torturers of care and hurt.
In the chasm of pain,
numbed beyond another wound,
we have communion.
You and I.
You and I, and nothing left.
Bankrupt of joy,
love exposed and seared,
this is communion
starved of the bread of life
and the providence of wine.
Your tears,
precious wine of your soul,
flooding my chest
with each forced breath
each abandoned thought of another day.

Hi everyone.  I got up a little earlier this morning as it was time to fix my weekly medicine boxes for the next two weeks (I have two boxes).  I usually then have to order replacement medicine, which I do over the Internet.

This morning is our Bible study with the pastor a the church.  Then tonight I have choir practice.  That will pretty well take care of my day, as far as I know now.

Nita, that is certainly good news about your sister.  Hope she has a speedy recovery.

Etta Sue, I had to chuckle at your "vision" to get your Christmas decorations.  I don't think that is going to get the job done although it may give you the encourage to get that job done.  I agree with you on the sun shining making the day seem so much better from a mental standpoint.

Carol, we bought a tin of covered popcorn from the little cub scout next door and he delivered it a couple of days ago.  It certainly was expensive but hope it will be very tasty.  No bigger than the tin is we won't be eating too much of it.    I have listened to the Rejoice Radio a little bit and it is very nice.

Hi Al, Karmat, Wordsculptor and all who come by to visit.  I see we still haven't been able to hear from Marilyn and I agree it must be about time for Janet to get back from her trip.

Good morning.  It's almost 5:30 am and I'm waiting for the coffee to finish.  I fell asleep in my chair last night and slept from 8:30 to10:30, then went to bed and right back to sleep.  I think it was the relief of knowing Faye would be ok that just let me sleep so hard.

Anyway........I'm up and ready for what the day brings.  And maybe it'll be a new grandbaby.  It's getting close for sure.

It seems strange not reading something from Marilyn.  I hope she's back up soon.

Wordsculpter, your poem is hard to read.  Very well written and painfully real... and raw. Tell me how it came to be.

Etta Sue, now that I've done animation classes, I really notice all of yours.  I forget; did you do them all or just collect them?  Animation is really fun so far.  I love doing snow and rain. haha  I'm a water person, ya know.

Pat, I have Rejoice Radio bookmarked and up on my links bar so I can click easily.  I listened for a few minutes yesterday, but it was a teaching and I knew I wouldn't be at the computer long enough to listen to the entire message.

Now on to a nice cup of coffee with Hazelnut creamer.   Have a blessed day, everyone.  Nita

Hi everyone   
Leaving the corner for a while to share a precious email I got.  Blessings to you all.... xx

Does God still speak to people?

A young man had been to Wednesday night Bible Study.  The Pastor had shared about listening to God and obeying the Lord's voice.  The young man couldn't help but wonder, "Does God still speak to people?"

After service he went out with some friends for coffee and pie and they discussed the message.  Several different ones talked about how God had led them in different ways.  It was about ten o'clock when the young man started driving home. Sitting in his car, he just began to pray, "God...If you still speak to people speak to me. I will listen. I will do my best to obey."

As he drove down the main street of his town, he had the strangest thought to stop and buy a gallon of milk.  He shook his head and said out loud, "God is that you?" He didn't get a reply and started on toward home.  But again, the thought, buy a gallon of milk.

The young man thought about Samuel and how he didn't recognize the voice of God, and how little Samuel ran to Eli.

"Okay, God, in case that is you, I will buy the milk." It didn't seem like too hard a test of obedience. He could always use the milk. He stopped and purchased the gallon of milk and started off toward home.

As he passed Seventh Street, he again felt the urge, "Turn Down that street."  This is crazy he thought and drove on past the intersection.  Again, he felt that he should turn down Seventh Street.  At the next intersection, he turned back and headed down Seventh.  Half jokingly, he said out loud, "Okay, God, I will".

He drove several blocks, when suddenly, he felt like he should stop. He pulled over to the curb and looked around. He was in semi commercial area of town. It wasn't the best but it wasn't the worst of neighborhoods either. The businesses were closed and most of the houses looked dark like the people were already in bed.

Again, he sensed something, "Go and give the milk to the people in the house across the street." The young man looked at the house. It was dark and it looked like the people were either gone or they were already asleep. He started to open the door and then sat back in the car seat.

"Lord, this is insane. Those people are asleep and if I wake them up, they are going to be mad and I will look stupid." Again, he felt like he should go and give the milk.  Finally, he opened the door, "Okay God, if this is you, I will go to the door and I will give them the milk. If you want me to look like a crazy person, okay. I want to be obedient. I guess that will count for something but if they don't answer right away, I am out of here."

He walked across the street and rang the bell. He could hear some noise inside. A man's voice yelled out, "Who is it? What do you want?" Then the door opened before the young man could get away.

The man was standing there in his jeans and T-shirt. He looked like he just got out of bed. He had a strange look on his face and he didn't seem too happy to have some stranger standing on his doorstep. "What is it?"

The young man thrust out the gallon of milk, "Here, I brought this to you." The man took the milk and rushed down a hallway.

Then from down the hall came a woman carrying the milk toward the kitchen. The man was following her holding a baby. The baby was crying. The man had tears streaming down his face.

The man began speaking and half crying, "We were just praying. We had some big bills this month and we ran out of money. We didn't have any milk for our baby. I was just praying and asking God to show me how to get some milk."

His wife in the kitchen yelled out, "I ask him to send an Angel with some. Are you an Angel?"

The young man reached into his wallet and pulled out all the money he had on him and put in the man's hand. He turned and walked back toward his car and the tears were streaming down his face.

He knew that God still answers prayers.
 

This is so true. Sometimes it's the simplest things that God asks us to do that cause us, if we are obedient to what He's asking, to be able to hear. His voice more clear than ever. Please listen, and obey. It will bless you (and the world).

      

Nita ~ Some of my animations are from the web but most of the ones at the bottom of my posts are mine.  I made one for each day of the month while Jerry was still here.  About drove him batty!  But it was fun!  My biggest problems are stray pixels.  If they are on white background you don't see them...   Where did you take lessons on animations?  Sounds interesting!!

kingsdaisy ~ I have read that true story before but very much worthwhile to read again.  Brought tears again!

Another bright and sunny day in Indiana.  And it is to get to 52° and right now it is 36°.  I think winter is officially here according to the temps. 

I plan to get caught up online and then go to the hospital to see Judy.  Two of her sons and her brother were with her this morning during surgery.  Maybe she will be in a room when I get there.  Where she is having surgery and where her room will be is quite a distance.  So if I wait to feel she is in her room, I won't have as far to walk!!  See there is a method to my madness!! 

Etta Sue, I went through Stepping Stones Through PSP.  It's a Yahoo group.  There are 5 sets of lessons, steps, and then you can be invited to join either the animated lessons or stationery.  I chose the animated.  It's pretty basic, but when you don't know anything about animation, it's perfect.  And that's me.   What lessons did you take?

Medicare has decided to put me on a drug plan, during this enrollment period.  I thought it was already noted that I have ChampVA with their Meds By Mail plan, but I guess not.  Now I'm trying to DIS-enroll.  I've been trying for two days to contact them by phone.  Yesterday I was told that they'd contact me in two days.  They tried this morning, and my son thought it was a telemarketer and hung up.   Then I called them back, sat with the phone to my ear for half an hour and then the power went out for a minute and the phone went dead.   Maybe God's trying to show me that my patience level is not where it should be.  I always thought I was patient. haha   So tomorrow I guess we try again.  I don't want to do it today.

edit:  Kingsdaisy, I forgot to mention that I thought the article you posted was so neat.  I think we all, at least me, question if and when we really, really HEAR God.  And confirmation is the sweetest voice.   Thanks for posting it.

Meant to post this a little earlier but I suppose it is still the Autumn. Thank you Pat for the Radio link.
Hi everyone else!

Nita Kas was watching me here while I was readsing the posts.  We have a friend called Helen who she thinks you look like!!  That is why you look so familiar!  Now about the animation course, is it still available?  Could you IM me with the details?

We have another cold day here in the North, with more snow on the way.

I had an accident with boilling soup last night.  A bowl full spilled all over my upper thighs and left arm.  I immediately went to the  shower and then put bags of frozen veggies on the red areas.  I fully expected a major problem, but, God is good, I have just a couple of red spots and no blistering except a couple of small ones on my wrist.  God is so good!!

Well I really must go, I have to get going with the girls on school work.

Till later
JudyB

Quote'Wordsculpter, your poem is hard to read.  Very well written and painfully real... and raw. Tell me how it came to be.'

this is the appended note which accompanied the poem:-
It is a confused piece, coming I suppose from a confused mind. Within its lines I travelled from being sorry for myself about family situations over which I have no control, to that communion which can only take place between one soul and the maker of souls, and then on to the shared depression of spouses when prayers seem unanswered. Upbeat, it seems, will have to wait for some other day.

Don is heading to Denver for a board meeting and won't be home until late - the roads are clear (well, not clear of the vehicles).

wordsculptor:  I so admire anyone who can sit down and write with such a passion.  Thank you.

JudyB:  Great that you were not too seriously burned.  Frightening.

Nita:  Perhaps I could take that lesson as well.  I will search Yahoo and hope to find it.  Am always so engrossed in sewing that this has take a big back seat.  Not enough hours in the day.

Carol

Colin:  What a beautiful piece.  Hope you don't mind, this one sits very close to my heart.

JudyB:  Amen - God is so GOOD!  I'm so glad you're okay.

Etta Sue:  I always admire your graphics so.  I wish I could do that!

Wordsculptor:  It takes so much to express one's purest heart especially in such a manner - thank you for sharing it here with us.

Nita:  You're so right!  Confirmation sure is the sweetest voice - isn't it AWESOME!!

  Hmmmm.... chocolate covered popcorn........!!   

Wordsculptor I understood only because I have been there. 

We are expecting 15 CM of snow, now that sounds like a lot but when converted it is only 6 inches.  That is not so bad.

I have gone through my material and have found pieces that I can use for the family Christmas presents.  That means I have to really work and get the patterns out and get going on the items.  sooo I will be scarce for a while.

Well that's it folks, I have to go and figure out patterns.
Night and God bless.

   Good evening to all and have been reading all the posts.  They are very interesting and will remember you all in prayer.

Judy B.  I am so glad that you did not get bad burns.  It is so easy to do that kind of thing.   Please look after yourself and say hi to John and to Heather..

Pat.  How are you hope that you are not doing to much.  Look after yourself and dom't overdue things.

The last to days have been great we were abke to spend time at our granddaughters and she has changed so much sunce we saw her last. she is getting longer and has gained some more weight.  Also our grandson went to the doctor and he has gained also he is up to 11lbs. so he is heavier than his cousin,  she is 10lbs.13oxzs.  so they are growing very well.   My grandson's back problem the medical team will check on him every two months for now.  But do please continue to pray for him that the Lord will work a miracle on his back.  Thank you.

Well it's time to go to sleep.  Have a wonderful rest of the week and a great weekend in the Lord's house.  God Bless.

Thank you Kingsdaisy and I dont mind at all. Really nice to meet you. Enjoyed reading your post about the email you got.

Hi everyone else!

Up and on the 'puter, just checking out something that I thought about immediately upon waking. 

Kingdaisey:  Hmmmmm, that is a cute and different name and I wonder where you thought of it?  I can barely walk by the canister of the chocolate covered popcorn and last night I had a few pieces and quickly slammed that cover down before temptation overcame my weakness for sweets. 

Gord:  Wonderful that you could spend time with the grands - will pray for your grandson. 

Must run.     going to the gym.  Carol

Hi everyone.  Not much new to write about today.  We did have a good choir practice last night and will have another tonight.  Our Christmas music is coming together very nicely. 

Our grandson is coming over around noon to clean the house.  It has been a little longer than my wife likes to have since the last good cleaning but we don't really mess it up very much.  It will be nice to have everything nice and clean again.  I just now dusted and straightened my office so all he needs to do is vacuum. 

This afternoon I plan on visiting with a man from our church who has had to go to a care home as he is suffering from dementia. He and his wife joined our church the same Sunday we did so we have known them for about 11 years.  A few months ago he got lost and was found wondering in a nearby town.  The doctors have told his wife that he can't be left alone again and she still has to work to support them so didn't have any other choice. 

Judy, sorry to hear of your burn but glad you took quick action.  The snow doesn't sound very pleasant.

Gord, I can read from your message the sense of joy in being with your grandchildren.  These are very special relationships.

kingsdaisy, I hope you will continue to post often.  Thanks for sharing the story as it is a good one.

wordsculptor, thanks for the explantion about your poem.

Colin, another wonderful poem, thanks.

Nita, isn't it frustrating for some bureaucrat to sign you up for something without your consent.  Good luck on getting through to them to get the situaiton straightened out.

Etta Sue, hope your friend came through her surgery without complications.

Hi Carol.

Wordsculpter - excellent use of words in your poetry.  The poem did indeed have a very sad, depressing feeling to it, but then - it was supposed to!  I really appreciate the use of words like that.

Nita ~ I 'searched' for Stepping Stones Through PSP.  First on the list was ways and where to purchase and make stepping stones.  Finally I saw it where it is a Yahoo Group for PSP'ers!  So now I have it book marked.  Will have to look at it later though.  Not much time right now.

Larry ~ Thanks for asking about Judy B.  I was going to call her in a few minutes but she called me.  She said she is feeling fine but can't move her leg or knee at all.  I reminded her that she HAS to do what the nurses and the doctors say or she may not walk again.  No pain, no gain.  She said she knew that!  Hopefully when I go with Ivalou to the cardiologist today, we can stop by the hospital to see Judy. 

Not much going on.  Kitty did call me last evening and ask if I would like to ride to Circuit City to look at a new camera for her.  She has a Canon Rebel...with all the bells and whistles.  They are going to Disney World in January and she wants a smaller camera.  She likes shooting in RAW...you can save more pictures if they are shot in RAW.  And this Canon she wants shoots in RAW.  Canon Powershot G9 for something like that.  But she thinks she will get a better deal if she gets it online...$10 less and more accessories with it.  But she only had until midnight to get it ordered.  Haven't heard from her yet today. 

Then we stopped at Chili's for chips and salsa and a Diet Pepsi!  Fun evening.  Oh, yes!  When we were getting out of the car at Circuit City, Kitty realized she didn't have her purse.  So she couldn't spend any money anyway!!

Sorry, Nita!  I forgot.  I took PSP Imaginarium tutorials way back in 2001 and 2002.  I can't remember the ladies name that was the 'head' of it but she was from Australia.  I just looked in my Old email addresses.  Jamie Furner was her name.  Lots of fun but I did damage to my neck from sitting at the pc so long.  Ended up having to have a Selective Nerve Root Injection while under x-ray.  But no pain at all now or since.

I know...TMI!

Hello!  Do any of you happen to remember a lady named Janet?  Well, she is home again! 

I will come in and post tomorrow, really am worn out just now.  We were over 40 hours in transit coming home.  Had such a wonderful time, though, and can't wait to see the pictures larger, so going with Darrel to Liberal tomorrow and will be at Wal*Mart for some time choosing which ones to print, but will keep them all on discs.

I have read all but this week's posts, hope all those of you who have been sick are back "in the pink" by now!

Uh   Oh, yeah, I seem to remember someone by the name of Janet who used to be a regular here ..... 


Get some rest then come tell us all about it.   

WELCOME HOME JANET!!!  YOU WERE MISSED!!   

       WELCOME HOME JANET.  YOU Have BEEN MISSED VERY MUCH IT IS GOOD TO SEE YOU HOME SAFELY. 

GOOD MORNING TO ALL.

       ***** W  E  L  C  O  M  E      H  O  M  E      J  A  N  E  T !! *****

Can't wait to hear all about your trip!

Colin:  Really nice to meet you too   

Larry:  It is great that your grandson helps you and your wife with vacuuming.  It's nice having everything clean - makes one feel good yes.

Pat:  I hope you are getting better and feeling stronger by the day.  Sure miss you here even from the corner   

Marilyn:  Hope your ISP gets sorted out soon - dunno what ISP is but whatever it is its keeping you from us so I hope it gets fixed 

Al:  You mentioned having Dutch background, do tell more.  You know, my granddad was a Professor in Theology (he's now retired) and taught at University of Stellenbosch here in South Africa.  He travelled all over the world for his studies and teachings, and also one of the translators of the Bible in our Afrikaans language.  I myself grew up with Afrikaans being my home language, but my granddad and all before him grew up with Dutch as their home language.  They all lived in the Netherlands.  Only my dad was born in SA and stayed and here we are!   

Carol:  I also like my name because it is very special for me.  Six months after I got Saved I had a profound encounter with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  He called me His Daisy.  Simple and uncomplicated, and that that is what makes me beautiful to Him, my gentle spirit.  And from then on I was my Kings' Daisy.  Now it is my favourite flower!  I like the plain white ones, they are such glad little flowers!   
I agree Carol, sweet stuff is sometimes so hard to stay away from!!

Etta Sue & Nita:  Is PSP short for Paint Shop Pro or for PhotoShop?  I'm sure it will be lots of fun to learn how to make my own although I'd probably need a lot of time.  I'll need the course for people that doesn't know a thing about animation...

Hi to everyone else.. 

Our schools are closing today for the long December summer holiday.  It's becoming increasingly hot and reaches 28 degrees Celsius already - I believe that's 82.4 degrees Fahrenheit.  Apparently it will become hotter.  As a chronic headache and migraine sufferer, that's not good news.

Will be picking up my son at school shortly and then off to the market for fresh fruit and veggies.  Then its off to my dads so Marcèl can have a nice swim.

May everyone enjoy a Blessed day today filled with the Love of our Lord Jesus.

xx

Good Morning Gord and JudyB !!

Hi everyone.  Just waiting until it is time to leave for the senior center for the Friday men's coffee.  My neighbor usually goes with me but he and his wife made a large donation to the fire department for a unit to provide oxygen for sick snakes, dogs and cats.  I didn't realize the fire department got involved like this with animals but know his wife is a lover of animals and worked with an animal shelter for many years.

I had a very busy day yesterday.  After lunch I went to visit a friend at a care home who has dementia.  Then I went to Ace Hardware to look at a little red wagon  for our great grandchildren and then to Walmart for some Christmas shopping.  I bought some toys for the great grandchildren and a couple of other things for Christmas.  It was 5 pm when I got home and Pat and I went out to get dinner and then had to be at the church at 7 pm for a two hour choir practice.  Hope to have a quiet day today as don't have anything on the schedule after coffee.

kingsdaisy, that is a wonderful story about your screen name.  Sorry to read that you suffer with migraines.  I had those for many years and my children have them.  I no longer suffer with them.

Janet, I was glad to see your posting and know you are home safe and sound.  I look forward to seeing some of your trip pictures.  Hope you had a good nights rest. 

Etta Sue, it sounds like it is a good thing you had your purse with you.  Hope Kitty found the camera she wants.

Hi Al and all those who visit CP today.

Kingsdaisy - five brothers with the last name of van ter mook came from the town of Mook (right next to the German border, and south of Arnheim).  People were always calling them "Mook", as rhymes with Luke, so it got changed to Moak.  The town is on the stream by the name of the Mook.  There's (or at least was) a hotel there by the name of Mollenhoek.  The brothers came over here to the state of Michigan, and later on one of them migrated to California in about 1850.

I haven't taught at seminary, but I did graduate from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia.

It's my understanding that Afrikaans is very, very close to pure Dutch.  I didn't major in Theology.  I majored in Greek and Hebrew.  i do teach Greek to a few students these days.

I talked to Marilyn on the phone this morning.  She is expecting someone from Earthlink to come today, but who knows whether they'll be able to get her back online!  She says she may need a new modem.  Apparently Earthlink is not extremely reliable, but for some reason she'll have to put up with them at least through next June.  She passes on her greetings to all of you, and says she'll be back asap.

Janet! ! ! !  Home!!!

Kingsdaisy ~ PSP does stand for PaintShop Pro.  PhotoShop is Photoshop.  People who use either one says their software is best.  The Photo Guild that I belong to uses PhotoShop.  I see things being done on PhotoShop that can't be done on PSP and vice versa.  I am happy with PSP.  And it is tremendously cheaper. 

Ivalou got great news about the echo-gram and the nuclear test.  No clots and no damage.  But she failed her sleep test big time.  Seems she stops breathing for 10 seconds every minute or two.  So now she has another sleep test December 17.  I think this time they will put a CPAP on her and see if that helps to regulate her breathing.  She asked me, 'As many nights as we have slept in the same room, have you noticed me stopping breathing?'  I said, 'Well, some nights you are quiet.  I can't say you snore but your breathing gets loud.  So if your breathing got loud, I just got up and put in my earplugs!  So no, I never noticed.' 

But her best news is that she will be fine.  Just never stop taking the coumadin or the topril. 

I got my car maintenance done today and was going to eat breakfast in Pendleton.  One restaurant was closed.  The other one didn't have a parking space...full!  So I came back to Lapel and had breakfast.  Very good! 

Kitty emailed me and said that she got an email saying her camera is being shipped today and should arrive at her home next Tuesday.

It is bright and sunny in Indiana....but only 40°.  When I left this morning it was only 26°!!  Brrrr!

Hi Everyone!

Been a very busy week for me but here I am!

So happy to read all of your messages.

Etta Sue and Nita, I'm taking the Stepping Stones lessons.  Just started so haven't a clue how I'll manage with my busy schedule.


It's SO-O-O good to see your posts Kingsdaisy! Thanks!

Lots of problems with our Yahoo today so I don't know when I can begin the PSP lessons & now I am fearful of the time it will take.  Cleaning, wrapping gifts, some baking - my life is pretty full.

kingdaisy:  So, you are in Cape Town (or is that one word?).  No wonder you are so much hotter than we are today.  It sounds exotic and wonderful in that part of the world.  Someday.....  We live in northern Colorado right next to the Rocky Mountains.  We are close to Wyoming as well.  We ended up here because of jobs and also Don was stationed in the Air Force (Strategic Air Command) in Cheyenne, Wyoming but we have lived in several other states and I have moved to this state four times.  So, it must be meant to be ----and four adult children live withing an hour & half from our house. 

Janet:  Looking forward to the pictures.  Glad you are well.

Colin:  Hello - I am listening to Celtic music on Pandora.  Lovely and sad music. 

Larry:  I didn't know that the fire departments had a different unit just for animals - snakes, I think not for me.  Once, I was having coffee at a gal's house and after a little while she mentioned that son's snake was loose.  I almost jumped on the table.

Carol, so far the lessons for me haven't been too time-consuming.

Why don't you try anyway?

Pat:  I have PSP 7 and the lessons are for newer editions.  My question:  Is it possible to upgrade the #7 to one of the newest ones?  I see that there is an upgrade to the X2 for about $60.Love the music.  Thank you. 

I use PSP 9, Carol.

I'm not sure if you can upgrade to that.  I have VX but I don't use it yet.

 

Pat:  Loved the song of Mary's Boy Child and it has been years since I have heard it played.
As for the PSP, I should really get something newer than the 7 because there have been problems with it for the last year off and on. 

Chilly here tonight and snow in the mountains.  The newspapers are calling it a gift from heaven.  Isn't it amazing that they dare mention the word HEAVEN?  We are reading.

Whew!  Busy day....again.  But boy, do I have a batch of prints!  I tried to be conservative and only order the very best ones, still ended up with about 500 or so. 

I am having bad trouble with my eyes, can't see to read without a magnifying glass.  I read two books on the way to Peru, and after we got there, I wasn't able to read the whole time, nor since getting home.  Yesterday I saw my eye doctor and he referred me to the specialist for a cataract evaluation.  I sure hope he will take them off this time. (I saw him two years ago).  This is really interfering with my life!  Dr. Copeland told me to "moan and groan and complain a lot" when I see Dr. Fry.  I can do that!    I can't do much without seeing. 

Anyway........thank you all SO MUCH for the welcomes home!     I sure appreciate that.  I did get online while in Peru, but couldn't remember my registration name and password, so I couldn't post. 

I am trying to figure out our calendar for this month.  How to make everything fit???  Not enough days.

KingsDaisy, welcome!  I'm enjoying your posts so much.  My grandma's name was Daisy, so I like the name, and also love the flowers, especially the white.  They just seem so pure and so cheerful.

And yes, I will post some photos, but not tonight.  But, Pat---I will go and vote.

Glad you're going to vote, Janet!  Thanks so much and it's so good to have you back home here where you belong!

Love ya,

Pat

http://joe-ks.com/archives_may2005/Elastic_Baby.htm  Click on that for a good giggle!

Janet sorry about your eyes.  Take care eh?  We all love you.

I am not going to respond to everyone, Just know I am back here in my corner praying for each of the needs here.

God Bless
JudyB

Good morning all.  I've been awake all night waiting for a baby.  My daughter went into the hospital yesterday at doctor's insistance.  He wanted to monitor the baby as she wasn't moving much.  Then she started really moving.

But there was a crisis when her heart slowed way down.  The nurse had Kim down on her hands and knees, I think to see if it was the cord around her neck, and it was.  What if she had been home?  God knew she needed to be there.   Things have been ok since then, but she stopped dilating at 4.5.  Her doctor was preparing her for the chance of  a cesarean birth.  Today should give us more information.  My dear sister, Pam, is her coach so she, and Paul (Kim's husband)stayed at the hospital last night.

The report that my sister, Faye, was ok was not really accurate.  Although they got the cancer in the uturus, (t was the cervix, niece told me), the doctor has some results back and found cancer cells in her stomach.

I've been up all night, and decided to work through my emotions by doing some computer painting.  So I painted what was in my heart.  My painting is still rough, but I love doing it.

Pat, glad to hear you are taking the lessons.  What most people didn't like, and what I liked most, was learning about the art media tools, but mostly just the smudge brush.   That one little thing, just showing us how it can be used (you will have to paint clouds on one of your lessons) opened up a new path of creativity for me.  I'm just going to keep going.  I have to get better.  Right?

Here's my painting.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nita_hrnr/2078283518/

have a blessed day.  I'll let you know what I know when I know.  Maybe a pic of my brand new grandbaby.   Nita

Hey there, Nita ... Thanks for the info re: Kim and Faye ... I'm (still) praying.   

I love your painting.   Yes!  In all things God is there ... Take care, Bestest.

Good morning!  I finally got all my photos onto the computer (I think).  Had some problems along the way.  I need one of my grandsons here for a couple hours!

Nita, what a night you have had!  I am praying that mom and baby are fine, and that your sister will be, too.  Life can sure hand us stress at times, can't it?  I LOVE your painting!  I must paint this afternoon, as I have to teach my group next Saturday; the project is gold leafing, and it's been years since I did any of that.

I wish there were a simple way to share a big batch of these Peru photos with all of you.  Things are getting so busy it may be some time before I can work with them.  There are some really neat ones, though! 

I must go see about a Christmas tree upstairs.  I have three, and my friend Pat wants to borrow one.  She needs a slim one as hers is too wide to fit the space she has for it.

Later, Kiddos!  Love you!

Nita praying as well.  See if you can lay down and get some rest today, you will need it.  As to the painting, yes God uses that to show us how creative we really can be.

I have one of the grands here today.  Kim is such a sweetie.  JC didn't come his behaviour was off and we didn't bring him.

Tonight is our Christmas dinner at church.  I always look forward to this time of fellowship.  People come from all around, and eat, fellowship and sing together with everyone  dressed up in their party best.

Well I must go, I have a huge pile of sewing projects in my head to ge tdone, so bye for now and God Bless.  Nita I will be praying as I sew.

Merry Christmas everyone!!

December oneth!  How can that be?

Nita ~ Praying for your loved ones.

Ivalou came over this morning and she is really jazzed.  Her grandson, Erik,  a Senior this year, has been accepted at Indiana University in the medical department.  Right now he would like to be a Physical Therapist!  Now that doesn't mean he will be going to IU...just that he can if he wants and the $$$ are there. 

Cold today.  So cold, I slept in.  That isn't hard for me to day lately!  I love to sleep!!!  It is only 29° right now!!  Brrrr!

Nita - I think your painting is great.  It is so suggestive.  That Cross appears in just the right way.

MEGAN REN'E KIRK....born at 9:45 am, Saturday, December 1.  Weight: 7 lbs. .25 oz., 19 1/2 inches.  And, of course, so beautiful that she takes my breath away.

Still no word from my niece about what the doctor said about Faye.

Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement.

Now I'm having a cup of tea and seeing if I get sleepy.  A nice nap sounds good.  Nita

Oh, and thank you, too, for the words about my painting.   You're so kind.  I will get better, you know.   blessings, Nita

Ooohh Nita ... CONGRATULATIONS!!
and
I know you are sooooo happy that part is over and can't wait to get that little one home where you can hug her and hold her and hug her and love on her to your heart's content.

Get some rest now ... as someone said "You'll need it!"

Ohhh, Congratulations, Nita!

What a lovely name too.

I love your painting as well.  Do you mean that this is ahead of me in these classes?  I can't paint!


Well, it's our Christmas Dinner tonight at church tonight too and I'm one of the "carvers" so I'm off to go and get ready for the evening.

We have a winter wonderland here on the island today!  It is supposed to continue for the weekend.....So slippery, lots of ice under the falling snow!  I hope that my granddaughter will be able to get home from work at 5.  Folks here are not the best drivers, even when conditions are good. 

Congrats Nita.  I am so sorry about your sister.  Have prayed for her. 
I like your painting.  Have never tried to paint on the computer.  Can I use PSP 8 for that....Must get back to drawing and watercolors again.  Seems that I am always busy,  with the house being turned upside down. Wendy is getting things changed for the new floors, painting, etc. in Jan.  Squeek (cat) comes down and sleeps on my chair during the day, trying to feel secure.  She is old now and gets upset easily.  Like me 

The music is nice, Pat.  So is that radio station.

Glad you are back, Janet.  Now if only Marilyn could get back on the internet!

We are doing something different this year.  Not giving any gifts, except to my granddaughter.  We are giving to the folks in need and also getting things together for the SPCA and staff.  Treats, food, etc. for the animals and something in the way of nice choc. for the staff.  Hope we don't get snowed in for the season.  So many of the homeless suffer.  We have more and more need all the time now.

Time to go.  I am going to deck the little tree, etc.  Seem like a good day for it, what with the snow and all.  Could someone give that link for the computer painting again....thnk it would be fun to see what it is all about.   

Pleasant Day/Evening and God Bless.

Liz

Hi everyone.  The day has slipped away and I don't seem to have accomplished very much.  Of course I started the day having coffee with my men friends at the local cafe.  We found the cafe had new owners today.  We knew there was a good possibility that would be happening.  Sure hope they are successful as the last owner wasn't doing very well although he had a very clean and nice looking place.  However, people didn't seem to care for his food and he had dropped back to just serving breakfast.  This is an older lady and her husband.  I think the place needed a women's touch rather than kids just out of highschool.

We then went to a meeting and out to lunch with several friends.  I took a short nap when I got home and have been watching several football games.  The school where I got my degree advanced today to the Division II semifinals next week and I was able to follow the game on streaming audio through the college radio station.  Technology is great.  My best friend is a Virginia Tech grad and his team won the conference championship for the Atlanta Coast Conference and will play in a major bowl game.

I spent sometime this afternoon doing comparison shopping on some things we want to get as gifts for Christmas.  It takes quite a bit of time but it certainly much easier than shopping in the stores.

Janet, I do have a suggestion for you in sharing your photos that are too much to share here.  I use a site called Snapfish, which is free except to buy at least one print each 12 months.  I have loaded almost all the photos we have that I have scanned or taken with a digital camera to this site.  You can create albums, put captions on them, and share them with friends.  They have tools that upload the photos automatically so it is very easy.  It is also a good safe backup place for digital photos, although I also try to keep them backed up on CDs or DVDs.  You determine who you allow to see your pictures and they receive an e-mail that invites them to look at the pictures.  There are other sites that work in similar fashion.  I have ordered prints from them and been very happy with the product.  In fact, I just ordered some, including an 8 x 10 last evening.

Nita, congrats on your new grandchild and so glad to read that all seems well.  Sorry to hear that your sister has new concerns with the cancer.  Your painting was very nice. 

Liz, we have had several Christmas times when we have really cut back.  However, this is a special year with our family all being together and we have the three little great grandchildren.  The major emphasis is on them rather than the adults.  We will all be together on Christmas day and this will be a first for our family in about 25 years. 

Etta Sue, that is good news about Ivalou and she will likely find she feels much better after using the CPAP.  I know Marilyn uses one and my wife used one for 7 years.

Janet, my wife can relate to your eye problems as her cataracts seem to be getting worse very quickly. 

Carol, when I see my neighbor I have questions for him about reviving snakes and who would do that. 

I posted a picture of the new Ms. Kirk in my gallery.

I did take a nap and now I feel even sleepier.  Going to bed early tonight I bet.
I'm going to love helping Kim out with the baby, but Paul, her hubby, has next week off too.  Perfect timing to be off work if it has to be.  The mill where he works was just one business that was hurt by the recent railroad closure here.

We are expecting a big storm.  Are your hatches battened down, Jane?  I just brought my little camp heater(propane) in just in case I lose power.  No electricity means no heat.  The storm isn't due until tomorrow, but just in case....

Janet, welcome home. I keep some of my pictures on Flickr.  I'm sure that works much like Snapfish, except they don't process photos, just store them.
I have family members who use Snapfish.  That way we, family, can go and look at the photos, and buy whatever prints we want.  I usually just look...and then download what I want.

Blessings,  Nita

  I hope Earthlink can give Marilyn some clues about why she isn't able to get online.

Everything is running slowly here on the computer - I am using the laptop while Don is downloading a program that was already downloaded but isn't there - into thin air.  Oh, it is so aggravating at times     Listening to tv replay of the debates this week.  Am sick to death of politics right now.  But - the former debates were worse.    Sipping tea.  

Pat  Don bought the PSP Photo X2 and it is installed.  I wrote a note back to the person who has the lessons and asking if this software fits her lessons.  Will see what she replies as I sure would like to get something started.

Nita:  Oh, how lovely for you!!!! Enjoy the newest baby .  Your picture is very moving - the rough sea looks like the average life of most of us.....but the cross is always there to pull us through.  

Janet:  I am so glad that I had the cataract surgery last year.  Having a laser touch-up in a week and that is all but it is great to see the mountains clearly.  I still use reading glasses though and so does my neighbor.  500 pictures - WOW, waiting to see them.  How are you two recuperating from your long trip?  

That is all tonight.  Carol

Nita, I just looked at the new Ms. Kirk's photo ....    She is really beautiful, and looks wide awake and ready to face the world.  I know you will be itching to get your hands on her -- and your arms around her -- Can't wait, I know!!   

Yup, the storm is upon us ... and my hatches are battened down.   

I love storms.   

Well, we had a wonderful Christmas Dinner at church this evening and then a little service afterwards with some carol singing as well.  There were about 100 out to the dinner and lots of strangers so that was really good.

Then when I got home, Andrew and Terena were just leaving so they saw me and turned around and came back and we've had tea together and now they've gone home.

I took about 80 photos tonight of all the folks at the dinner so the pastor will be able to print whatever he wants and put them on the belletin board for all to see.

I was the "chief ham slicer"!  HAHAHA

.

NITA how wonderful to have a new baby in the family.  Love on her and we will all be praying.  As our old pastor used to say, more will be cought than taught.

We too had our Christmas dinner at church.  What a wonderful time of felloship ew all had.  The lower auditorium was packed, no idea hopw many were there.  The food was delicious and the deserts.....well they stay with me, so I tried to behave.

We had Kim with us at the dinner tonight.  She is socute, very definite what she wanted to eat, and then anxiously waited for desert, when she was done eating she said to me, "Now I want to go home!" When we got home she willingly went up to bed and was assleep in minutes.

Jophn leaves early tomorrow for Wisconsin.  He will be going through the Saule, and heading right into the storm that is coming our way from Wisconsin.  Keep him in prayer as he drives this week.

Well I am off, have a good Lord's Day folkd and God bless.

JudyB

Congratulations, Grannie Nita!

I looked at the weather site this morning, and they're predicting winds of up to 40 mph.  I am personally hopeful that they won't be higher than that.  I still have very vivid memories of the Columbus Day Storm of Oct. 12, 1962 with its 100+ mph winds.

Congratulations, Nita, on the new granddaughter!  I haven't seen her yet but I will! 

It was a surprise when I entered the sanctuary this morning.  Our Christmas Music cantata was Friday, Saturday and tonight.  A dessert theater.  We have individual chairs instead of pews but the sanctuary was full of round tables with red or green table clothes and crystal candle holder centerpieces and eight chairs around each table.  We had wonderful music from the choir....probably 45-50 people.  I say 45 -50 because I know one lady said she would join the choir if our new choir director got 45 members and she was in the choir!!  But sitting at tables like that made it seems more cozy...more relaxing. 

Our month of December sermons will be on The Christmas Story--The Birth of Baby Jesus.  Like both ministers said, How do you make the Christmas Story new and improved?  But both of them did.  The sermon title today was 'Before Once Upon a Time'  Starting with page one of the Bible.  That was the beginning of Christ, right?  When God created earth?

It is really dreary here in Indiana.  Not too cold but dreary rain and dark and cloudy.  Nice napping day!

Hello again;
I have finally got caught up on the reading along with an extended phone call.  We are in the throws of a storm  Mel blew the snow in the drive way this morning and now he is saying that it is clare ice just not a nice day to go out.   

I have a roast of in the oven cooking waiting for me to go and add the potatoes carrots onions.  As for the dessert I have not decided on that.   

Like the rest here we to are getting ready for Christmas.

Ruth

Nita, I'm so happy for you--to have a new grandbaby.  Nothing is sweeter!

Thanks for the tips on storing photos.  I used to use snapfish, haven't been to the site in a long time so they may have deleted my photos.  I had a lot of them on there from Yap and  Palau .  I really hadn't even thought of them lately.  I must see what I can do.

I think the trip has caught up with me, I can barely hold my head up today.  Well, I guess I should have expected that, after spending 40 hours in transit!    I have a touch of sore throat and an aggravating cough; not going to church tonight.

Son in law Jeff (Abby's Dad) was in a play last night.  It was sort of a slapstick comedy, light-hearted and fun, and not too long.  We enjoyed it.  He really loves acting.

I simply MUST find time to practice piano before Tuesday, or my teacher will think I've forgotten everything she taught me!

Hi everyone.  We attended church this morning and then Pat and I just went to McDonald's for a quick lunch. 

It was a nice warm day here but they predict some rain during the night and then sunny but windy and much colder as tomorrow as we get the cold from up north. 

I spent several hours this afternoon working on the church website.  I am trying to get the homepage straightened out and in a shape I can work on it until it is redone by a professional early next year (hopefully).  I made a lot of progress but will need to work some more on it as it looks fine in Firefox but not Internet Explorer.

Tomorrow I have a busy day as have an appointment to get my pacemaker/defibulator checked.  This will be my first time with this practice, which is where my cardiologist is chief of that service.  Then I have a dental appointment in the afternoon to have a filling replaced that came out last week.

Sorry to hear you are having storms out west and hope they aren't too bad.

I am listening to wonderful celtic music on Pandora..... just finished two lessons of Paint Shop Pro and hope that they are alright.  Talking with children and trying to arrange to meet at a family pizza place next weekend for Don's birthday.  Had an email from a cousin and her runaway adopted granddaughter is still missing after about two weeks - very stressful.  Talked with another cousin tonight as well.  I treated Don to dinner and a play Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat what wonderful, professional voices we heard for this size little city.  It was such a good play. 

Etta Sue:  I think it was your state where a van carrying hockey players overturned and one youngster died.  It is so sad, and the children have to get to meets and so forth so it becomes quite dangerous for them to be out.  Glad that you liked your service. 

Ruth:  We really try to work around the weather & poor roads but sometimes have appointments that have to be met.  I know what you are going through - doesn't it seem to last for months on end?  Take care.

Larry:  You certainly are warmer than our temps.  Are you going to have Christmas or something around the day with the grandchildren once again?  It sounds like full days of hugging to me - what could be better?  I am taking an online class on a Paint Shop Pro and this time, I hope to actually finish and stay home to work on this -

Pat:  I sent in two lessons and stopped for tonight.  You must be way beyond me.  I still need to take the two-hour tutorial that came with the X2. 

Have to get up and get to the gym for water exercises that start at 7:30.  Then, must do some sewing on gifts and wrap the last few things & then I can start to open some decorations.  It just seems like we turn around and it is another nighttime. 

Carol

This is a c-c-c-cold day here today.  The storm has hit and another is on the forcast for tonight.  School buses have been cancelled,  cadets have been cancelled, as has piano.  That leaves small group and I won't be going, if everything else is cancelled I am not taking my chances for that.

I haven't heard anything from John, He is traveling the penninsula between Lake Superior and Lake Michigan.  The roads are only 2 lanes through that area, and the lake effect is treacherous.  Please pray God's safety over him.

We still have our grand daughter here, and looks like she will be for another day.  She has been such a joy to have around.

Well I have a lot to get accomplished.  This is a good day for sewing, and I have several projects on the go.

Bye for now, I will be back
JudyB

QuoteStarting with page one of the Bible.  That was the beginning of Christ, right?  When God created earth?

Etta Sue - No, Christ did not begin with the creating of the Earth, since He is eternal, just as the Father is eternal.  In John 1:1, 2 it tells us, "In the beginning was the Word (Christ)."  The verb "was" would be much more accurately translated "was being", or "was already being."  Our Lord Jesus Christ was always with the Father, and it was by and through Him that all things were created, but He Himself is not created, for He is God, along with the Father and Holy Spirit (not three Gods, but one God in three persons).  Don't try to understand the Trinity, because He is far beyond our understanding.  Just believe in it.  

Carol ~ If it was Indiana where the hockey players were in an accident, I didn't hear about it.  But then I am not a news buff either. 

Al ~ I guess I am not very good at words.  Yes, I know God, Christ and the Holy Spirit are one so Christ wasn't created.  But Christ is on page one of the Bible.  So that is where the ministers got 'BEFORE Once Upon a Time'.  Long before Christ was born as a human.  Thanks for correcting me. 

Brrrr!  The wind is terrible here.  Like Kitty says, How can the sounds of the waves in an ocean sound so peaceful but the winter winds sound so menacing?  Brrrr!  I muted my television several times last night...it almost sounded like a huge truck in my drive idling but when I muted the tv all I heard was the wind.  And this house is so sound, you seldom hear anything outside.  I even 'drove' my trash to Kaye Don's this morning.  And there is a skim of white stuff on the edges of the road and all.

I am going with Ivalou this afternoon for her to get her car maintenanced.  Then we may stop and see Judy B, my classmate, at the hospital. 

Kitty is waiting for her new camera.  It was in Indy last night.  Suppose to be delivered by noon today! 

Good morning!  I haven't even stuck my head out to check the weather yet!  But have been really busy, anyway.  I am going to eat lunch at school with my youth friend, Diana.  I'm taking her a doll from Peru, and we are painting little wooden snowmen; should be a fun time.  I wish we had a full hour to work, but make do with the time we have.

I also finished the gold leafing project I will be teaching on Saturday at my painting group.  It turned out not too bad.  I wish now I had left some of the painting out or used different colors, but everyone will use whatever colors she chooses, so it's okay.

I still feel draggy, but I just cannot seem to get a good night's rest, wake up around midnignt and stay awake for hours.  Phooey. 

Carol, I wish I could find time to work on computer lessons.  I seem to be chasing my tail!  And I have not one---correction--ONLY one decoration out for Christmas.  Whew!  Will I ever catch up?

I must run, talk to you later!

I forgot the new Thoughts for the Week.  I am ready to run out the door but will do it when I get back home. 


So sorry!!!

We have been having terrible weather here on the island.  Two days of heavy snow, now heavy rain.  Power was off for several hours yest. and keeps going off and on now.  Twice since I sat down to read the news on the computer.  We are lucky with having gas heat, and my daughter has a gas cookstove, so I went upstairs and had my tea last night.  Mine is electric   May end up doing that again, from the way things are going.

While waiting for the power to come on again, I did something that I have not done in awhile....wrote a poem.  Not much of a poem, used to write much better things....Anyway, the news sort of made me sad, so will do the same to you....

CHRISTMAS

Can you feel it?
A strangeness in the air.
People longing for relief,
Escape from world despair.

How sad a gift so real,
Is almost lost from sight.
The reason Christ was born-
To give Eternal Light!

     L.W.

Oh well, I did warn you it was mediocre.  Could expand the thought, but the power will probably go any minute, and more verse would only end up saying the same thing.



God Bless,

Liz

Liz, I think it's beautiful.  You should write more.

We are having stormy weather today.  I have my police scanner on, and there are trees and power lines down everywhere.  I can hear the stress in the policeman's voice when the dispatcher sends another line down alert.  They are running all over.  So far my DSL hasn't been down.

I'm staying home and keeping warm.  Just got a call from my daughter.  Mom, dad, and Miss Megan Kirk went home today.  Now the new adjustment begins with a brand new baby.  The last baby Kim had was almost 18 years ago.   I think they'll do fine.

Blessings, Nita

I am so sorry I am late in posting the new devotion .....but better late than not at all! 

To find a new Thoughts for the Week click on December 2