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Morning Devotional...

Psalm 32

The first and last stanzas of this song tell it all.  They tell us that he whose transgression is forgiven and whose sin is covered is truly blessed.  Such a person will be "glad in the Lord and rejoice," and they can "shout for joy, all you upright in heart!"

There's only one proper reaction to these wonderful facts.  You and I need to trust the Lord enough to confess every sin to Him.  The   reasons given for doing so are more than adequate. David himself says that "When I kept silent, my bones grew     old . . ." He experienced real and  physical symptoms of depression, and he had no peace with God.  It's difficult to confess sin - but it's far MORE difficult to "keep silent."

David adds a second reason.  He says, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,' and the result for him was, "You forgave the iniquity of my sin."  Simply put, confession is the way to God's forgiveness.  God doesn't say, "If you have sinned I'll automatically forgive your sin and cleanse you from all transgression."  He says you have to CONFESS!

He adds still another  reason.  He tells us that through confession God became his "hiding place" - He preserved him from trouble, and surrounded him with songs of deliverance!

God Himself speaks still another reason.  He says, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye." If we confess our sin and are forgiven, then God will teach us and guide us. Simply put, our whole ongoing relationship to God depends upon our confession.

So, finally, it can all be summed up simply by saying, "Don't stubbornly refuse to confess your sins to God!" 

Are these enough reasons for you?  Do you sometimes feel depressed?  Is there guilt in your soul, so that you need to "get it off your chest?"  Won't it be better to overflow with songs of deliverance and be kept from trouble?  Do you want your life to be guided by the Lord?

If these reasons are enough for you, then daily, hourly, CONFESS your most hidden, your innermost, your most habitual sins!  "He is faithful and just to forgive your sins and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness!"  TODAY!Al Moak

Here's a hymn that reflects these thoughts.  Just click to hear the music.

   Jeannine and Frank.  I am so sorry to here of the passing of your beautiful son Michael but he is resting in Jesus arm's now and will be made whole.   Ipray for you both that the Lord will give you strength to get through this very hard time.   God Bless you.   Gord and Noreen.

Good morning everyone,

First, Colin, thank you so very much for posting here for me,  you are a blessing to us, especially to me, and I thank God everyday for the friendship He has given us. God bless you dearest friend!

Thank you all for your prayers! Michael's passing was sudden, he just quit breathing, he had not been sick and had just come back from a walk with his nurse. Michael is home now with God and I know he is walking and singing and totally whole. He was a precious gift from our Father and I am so thankful to Him for blessing my life with Michael. Thank you all again for your prayers.

May you all have a God filled and blessed day!

As always, Trusting In Him,
Jeannine

I am truly sorry Jeannine and thank you for letting me put up this poem. I am always here for you. God bless.

Take care everyone else.

I mourn with you Jeannine and Frank.  May you sense His presence as you walk this difficult pathway.

We have 2 spaniels.  Out of last years litter we gave a pup to a dear friend.  This pup has now (finally) delivered 8 puppies of her own!!!  So tonight I am heading out to their house to pick out my (replacement) pup and check out how the new mom has done.  One thing I make sure of with my females, (Angela is doing the same) is that the female only has one litter a year.  There is a market up here for spaniels.  Being bird dogs, the hunters look for them as working dogs.  Elizabeth is looking forward to the spring as she is taking the courses to start training basic obedience and working up into agility training. This will be good for her as well as for our pets.

Saturday was a busy day.  We had 3 men and 3 youngsters come and work on helping to get our wood supply in.  The youngsters worked really hard.  John taught one 17yo young man how to operate the chain saw and how to work the lawn tractor.  This fellow is special needs, and few have given him a chance to actually operate anything.  He did well, and the trainer in John was gratified to see him do the fantastic job that he did.  The two other kids worked hard stacking wood, and filling the trailers to bring the wood back to the house.   The men will be back again on the 27th, and that should be the balance of our wood supply for the winter.  We have the fan on this week to speed up the drying process.

Pat, John was down in Guelph last night, he didn't try to call, as he knew you would be down south.

We are praying for the folks in Texas.  Such devistation, such loss.

Well have to run, work calls.

Colin such a wonderful tribute to Michael. I can just picture him dancing with Jesus. being  in the arms of our precious Lord. Bless you dear Colin for your friendship with Jeannine.

Bless you Frank and Jeannine, my prayers are with you during this time of grief.

Colin - that's the very best you've written!  Thank you for that.

Jeannine and Frank ~ I am so sorry for your loss of your son, Michael.  Rest knowing that Michael is in the arms of Jesus.

Colin ~ You did it again.  Your best poem ever brought tears of joy to my eyes just reading and knowing that Michael is enjoying Heaven to the fullest.  God Bless You for your precious gift of poetry! 

Indiana had high winds and rain yesterday.  Tailwinds from Ike.  I was taking a nap with Inky when all of a sudden Inky was making funny noises.  She doesn't meow...she mews.  I woke up and I could hear the wind.  Even a vacuuming wind...probably wind being forced in the crawl space of the house.  I came into the living room and the trees and bushes were blowing sideways.  My bistro table with the umbrella which I put down yesterday morning was blown over.  Dead limbs all over my yard.  Then it calmed down and then started up again.  After I took the trash today, I surveyed the house.  Thank God...all is fine.  I figured I would have shingles to be replaced but none are blown up even.  Just lots of dead limbs.

Ivalou called and said her daughter in Ohio has a big tree down in her back yard that took down the power lines to their house.  In the front yard is a huge tree and it is splitting.  They will have to have it cut down also.  Their area is without electricity.  And Jo was to take Erik today to Cincinnati University for his first day of college. 

The news last night said there were over 197,000 homes in Indiana without power.  My power didn't even flicker but I was without internet for awhile. 

Today it is dreary but calm.  Cool.  59° at 11:15am...that's fall weather!!

Jeannine, I am just now reading the messages from yesterday and certainly want to express my condolences.  I know that Michael was one of those special persons that God allows some folks to have for whatever length of time.  

Colin, beautiful poem and thanks for sharing it.

Al, thanks for the devotional reading for this week.

Our son is still in the hospital.  He is having an endoscopy done today and hopefully, if nothing is found with that, he will be able to have the other stent put in tomorrow and be able to go home by Wednesday.  

I have a luncheon to attend at 1 pm with a group of men friends sharing a common interest.  We are going to a new place for me called the Red Robin.  

Jeannine, it is good to see your post this morning.  God bless you both as you adjust your lives and hearts around this sudden loss. 

Colin, I agree with the others:  What a beautiful poetic tribute to a very special young man  ... Your friendship with this family is a true blessing, especially as they walk through this difficult time.

G'Morning to all the rest of our CP "family" today ... I have been a bit "down" for a few daze but I know it is only a temporary thing and this too shall pass.  I read here every day (sometimes several times a day) and can't help but marvel at the stamina our Father gives you to make it through all the illnesses and alarms that you do.  Truly He is a sustainer of our faith and the strength to our souls.  God bless each of you this day that the Lord has made.  We WILL rejoice and be glad in it.! 

Keith with Fritzy

I saw this and thought of all the young people we see with game boys and video games "stuck" to them.  Perhaps this will help a parent with such a child.  It is a little long, but well worth the reading.

September 12, 2008
Vol 9, Issue 28

Baton passGet Ready to Lead!
"It's simple. We're just changing the world."

It's time to break the stranglehold of media addiction.

More and more parents are realizing that electronically-mediated experiences have cast a spell in their homes, shutting down creative thought, stifling family relationships, and wasting huge amounts of time. Get Ready to Lead newsletter subscribers weighed in on the subject, and here are 19 ideas that resulted from the discussion. Hopefully you'll find some things here that will help you break the addiction and reclaim your family.

1.      Plan an intervention. Action is needed. Now. Expect backlash. Addicts don't appreciate intervention. They get angry and defensive. When you change your family's media habits, you can expect a lot of whining and complaining. If anything, this is proof that the addiction is real. Many of the folks who wrote talked about how their kids came to appreciate their efforts only long after the fact. Keep it up!

2.      Focus on the relationships first. If kids perceive that you're changing your family's media habits as a knee-jerk reaction, they'll probably be resentful. If they see that you're willing to engage more with them personally and invest time, money and energy to promote healthy, enjoyable replacement activities, they'll be more open. They will still think you're weird, though.

3.      Explain the "why" behind your media decisions. The biggest reason for breaking media addiction is that it is an incredible waste of time. Many parents who wrote said that they had to explain this over and over to their kids, in the same way that parents have to emphasize over and over again why they don't permit a junk-food diet.

4.      Don't be a hypocrite. If the kids know you turn on the TV and zone out after they're in bed, your efforts to break media addiction will be fruitless. Read more. Talk about what you're reading. Make audio books the centerpiece of time in the car.

5.      Replace media with better experiences. Involve kids in "real life" activities where, as Lynn Fote puts it, "They are doing real things with real responsibility and can see real results." Sports, missions, music, field trips, planning and producing events, service, political campaigns.

6.      Reading around the dinner table. Evalyn Harris says, "It meant that supper was family time, not just a 5 minute gobbling down of food.  Now when my children, who are adults, come home, or go on vacation with us, they still want us to read together."

7.      Earning media consumption. Gwladys Keating said that her grandkids earn "tokens" toward being able to watch DVDs or special television programs. Bret Nystrom requires 30 minutes of reading before any television watching. Dan Vanasse requires 30 minutes of reading for every ten minutes of computer games. Galen Taylor requires two sit ups and one push up for every minute of computer gaming.

8.      Become a bibliophile (book lover). Books are "mind snacks" according to Lisa Floyd. Show your own enthusiasm by acquiring and reading good books. It doesn't take a fortune to do this. Libraries have yearly sales (often the good stuff that no one wants to read), some bookstores allow you to return books for half price and use the money to buy new ones, and many websites make books available FREE on-line. Encourage kids to write book reviews for extra credit and recommend books to friends to see how many of their friends they can get interested (great exercise in persuasion).

9.      Emphasize stewardship. Breaking media addiction, at root, is about making wise choices with our resources. Time is a resource. Money is a resource. Becky Hanemaayer explained how she encouraged good stewardship by teaching her daughters to shop at thrift stores. "When they were around junior high age I gave them each $20 when we went to a thrift store (in August, just before school began) and told them to look carefully, sometimes the tags are still on clothes. Well, the 2nd child decided she was going to get a new blouse. She went to K mart, bought one blouse. The other 2 girls came home with at least 8 tops each. To this day our 2nd child insists on shopping at garage sales & thrift stores first!

10.  Get your hands dirty. Bruce Munings does science experiments with his kids and lets them have a small vegetable patch in the garden. He uses insights from www.farming-gods-way.org to help make the most of the gardening time.

11.  Let them read past bedtime. Several subscribers wrote in with an excellent idea: give each kid a bright bedside lamp and tell them, tell the kids: "Bedtime is at 'X'; you can either go to sleep or read for 30 minutes."

12.  Declare bedrooms to be electronic media-free zones. Lots of wise parents shared the dangers they thought were present with letting kids have TVs, DVD players, computers and video game consoles in their own bedrooms. Most thought it was much better to have these things only in one common area of the home, if at all. Set a condition that parenting monitoring is a condition for kids having their own computers and cell phones.

13.  Make reading the focus of a family date night. Dawn Vanasse and her family go to Barnes and Noble for a date, and each kid gets the money to purchase a book. The cost of this is probably about the same as going out to a restaurant, and much longer lasting.

14.  Introduce kids to current events. A tool like World Magazine (and their children's counterpart, God's World) can help kids understand what is going on in the larger world. In a nation where most kids seem blissfully ignorant of everything that is important, this will prepare them to be initiative-taking leaders rather than passive followers.

15.  Converse! Laura Watkins says "My husband and I speak as if we are intelligent people.  We use difficult words in conversation with each other and with our 6, 5, and 3-year-olds, too. This has helped them to both foster greater vocabularies, as well as to become comfortable with the practice of asking what a particular word means. The result? They use the words themselves."

16.  Use electronic devices as tools, not as care-givers. Carol Curtis points out that television and video games are not "rest." The research bears this out: "leisure" time actually is correlated with decreased happiness and lower self-esteem. People are happiest when they're productive--learning, growing, exploring, studying, playing sports, etc.

17.  Play games. Board games, table games, trivia games...especially things that are mentally stimulating. Whereas television requires absolute passivity, games encourage group participation and alertness.

18.  Set expectations properly. Kathy Koch points out that parents shouldn't send their kids off to learning events by saying, "Have fun." Sometimes learning is hard--it isn't "fun" in normal sense, and we shouldn't give children the impression that "fun" is the value of highest importance. Kathy suggests replacing "Have fun" with statements like "Show respect," "Participate boldly," "Listen well," "Set high expectations of yourself," "Help someone today."

19.  Make reading economically valuable. Wendy Stapleton paid her kids $5 a book, but what really stimulated them was a reading contest at school to see which class could read the most. The point is that reading became seen as a means to reach a desirable goal. The hope is that with good reading material in hand reading will be seen as a value in itself.

By Jeff Meyers.

Good day
Jeannine -praying for you at this time.
Colin-marvellous poem and such a tribute to Michael
Larry-contining to pray for your son.
Al Moak enjoyed the devotional and the song very fitting.


Its a beautiful day here and I have just had a good walk.
Now its time to look for something for supper.
Have a blessed day all

My sympathy to Jeannine and the entire family on the loss of your dear son, Michael.  I love the poem Colin wrote just for Michael.  May you be granted strength and peace during these difficult days. 

I took puppy Sarah to the care home this morning, and for over an hour she was petted, loved, held and cooed over by the residents.  She was one tired baby, but loved every minute of it!

It is absolutely beautiful weather here today, so I am going for a long walk/run in a little while.

May our Lord bless and keep each one of you.

nothing like going to school on your birthday to really set the tone but oh well... another year older another day wiser and yet it seems like only yesterday i was just in high school here i'm about to graduate college. but for the rest of the day is relaxing and having family time

OH HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARAH!!

and no I'll bet you don't want to go back to high school!  Congratulations on college, and I am sure you'll graduiate with great marks!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARAH.  I hope it is a wonderful year for you.  Wish I became wiser with each year.  At this stage, for me, it seems to work in reverse

'Tis a beautiful day here on the island.  In fact, one of many beautiful days that we have been having.  I seem to finally have defeated the Super Bug and went for a nice long walk today.  My, what a good feeling.

So sorry about Michael and I also offer my prayers and condolences to Jeannine and family.  Colin, that poem is indeed one of your best and clearly tells how Michael is now set free.  It also brought tears to my eyes.

Finally found a computer cart for my granddaughter, got a surge protector and gel mouse pad.  So she is set for her new computer.  Her art school starts in a few days. We made a deal, I pay for her monthly gas and she gives me a ride to Victoria  once a week, so I can attend the Sr. Centre that I like.  Will go home on my own.  Everything starts too early for me to go by bus and I miss out on classes. 

Keith and the kitten look happy together.  A little quality time and it will be his kitty.  Please post more pictures....

I was also feeling a little down, Jane.  Got to wondering if the friend I used to know and room with, way back in the 50's, was okay.  She married a Texan and they left Calgary.  We stayed in touch briefly, but my life was sort of changed and they did not like my ex.  Wise people.  I did a google search, thinking they might still be in Texas.  He was in the oil business.  Turns out they went back to Calgary, now retired and living up island in what sounds like a lovely retirement development.  Not brave enough to get in touch.  Strange tho', feels sort of like one day we might meet again.    

Time to go.  Pleasant Day/Evening and God Bless.

Liz

Yikes!! I got here so late tonight that now I have to say I truly hope you DID have a great and restful birthday, Sarah, and that you truly will find a way to begin enjoying life more as soon as college graduation comes about. I truly hope your new year will be spectacular, with God's abundant blessings on your life.

Jeannine and Frank, I feel so saddened to learn of Michael's passing, but am thankful that he didn't have to linger. Jeannine, I wonder how you and your new knee are doing, and Frank, please be assured that I pray earnestly for you and your health.

Colin, thank you for that great poem. How wonderful it is to be gifted with a talent such as yours.

Etta Sue, my brother and his wife are also affected by the Ohio storms - siding blown off, a couple of big trees to be removed, worries about whether foods in the freezer will be edible by the time the electricity comes back on, etc. When I left for church yesterday, just the short walk to my car left my hair in shambles and I could feel the big gusts of wind affecting my driving, as well. Two men were on a local golf course about 9 am yesterday morning and a big tree blew over on and killed them both. Ike was some storm!

It's so good to hear from all of you. Today Shelby and I walked past 8 houses, so actually walked about 1/2 mile round trip. My knee is a bit sore and stiff tonight, and I noticed that when the dog gets up from lying down, she limps, too.

Well, y'all have a good rest of the day. May God shine His favor on each of you.

    Good day to all.

Colin:  God has truly blessed you with writing poems.   This one that you have written for Frank and Jeannine is so beautiful and I think so many of us on C.P. were not able to hold back the tears.  Thank you so much.

I hope that you all have a wonderful week and may the Lord give you all many oppertuneities to witness for him.  Good day and God bless.   

Good Morning, it sure is wet outside, just fog though. Yesterday I was on the phone for 1hr 45minutes trying to reach  the Community Action Agency, never did get through, busy, busy. went to walk the lady and her dogs, edited a bunch of photos of the new kitty and put them in my gallery, I will post some in the pets folder today.

Today I am going to clean out my little pantry cupboard. It is one that I bought with 4 shelves and 2 doors when I first moved here because of the lack of cupboard space. I want to make sure I have everything in jars that the ants might get into. In winter the ants come in through the light switch plate in the bathroom I am thinking maybe I should put ant  poison under the plate.

I also need to make a follow up call about another part time job.

See Fritzy's photos  HERE

All y-all have a blessed day.

Hi everyone.  I am happy to be able to report that our son was dismissed from the hospital last evening and was to return to work today.  They are going to have to wait two weeks for the ulcers in his stomach to heal and he is wearing a nitro patch to keep the chest pain at bay.  I asked him if the nitro patch was giving him a headache and he said so, which is a good indicator that he needs the patch.  He said that one was next to the nicotine patch he is wearing to be able to stop smoking.  He will have to go back into the hospital in a couple of weeks to have the other artery blockage stented but needs to be able to take the Plavix when they do that to help keep the stents open.  I know he will feel better in just being able to return to work for a few days.

Judy, I liked the article you posted and wish I would have had the wisdom in the article when we were raising our children.  I am sad to admit that we used the TV as a babysitter at times.  Of course, we were there and also watching TV.  Fortunately the programs were not as bad as they are today in terms of morals and violence.

Marilyn, I liked the picture of Keith with the kitty.  Hope your followup call today on the job is productive for you.

Janet, I remember when my folks were in the nursing home and there was a man who made rounds once a week with his dog and the residents loved it.  I think most everyone reacts favorably to dogs as they are usually so loving.

Sarah, happy birthday even if belated.  The older you get the faster the years seem to go by.

Liz, I would encourage you to take the first step to make contact with your friend from you younger days.  I would be very surprised if she wasn't delighted to hear from you and to renew the acquaintance.  If she isn't you would at least know that you made the effort.  It sounds like a good arrangement with your granddaughter and a very generous one on your part.

Ruth Ann, it sounds like your rehab is really going well.  I bet it has been a long time since you were able to walk a half mile.  Little steps lead to longer journeys in subsequent days.

A special hi to those of you who have posted but I didn't make comments to today. 

The housekeeper is here today so we will have a nice clean house again by this afternoon.  Pat had to make an emergency trip to the dentist this morning as she broke off a large chunk of a back molar.  She was to see the chiropractor this morning but had to reschedule.  I am going to attend a meeting this morning and then should have a quiet day.

Geegee, hope you look in and see these birthday greetings from me. I truly hope you have a great day today and that this new year in your life will be a good one.

Today will be a busy one for me. Doctor's appointment at 3:00, then a haircut, then a bring-in-dinner at the church followed by Bible study. So, the dishwasher's running now, then cooking begins, etc.

Yes, Larry, it's been a really long time since I was able to walk that far. In fact, I did pretty good, but Shelby dog was limping later in the evening. And, believe me, we ambled along, certainly not at exercise pace.

I'm really thankful to hear your son may be able to return to work tomorrow. That certainly helps the psyche to know you're being able to return to productivity, even if for a short while.

Janet, hope your sister's knee improves right away.

Marilyn, I'm certainly hoping and praying that you'll get another sitting job right away. And, that you'll enjoy it more than the previous one.

Y'all have a good day with the Lord, today!

My but we were lucky to not have any more problems with the storm Sunday.  Ivalou called and said her two daughters in Kettering, Ohio, is without electricity and not predicted for it to be back on until the end of the week.  Jo said the insurance wouldn't take care of her two downed trees but a neighbor helped out and they were told if it was cut up small enough, the city would pick it up if it were at the curb.  So the neighborhood kids have been carrying wood to the curb.  Jo got her cell phone charged where her husband works.  The grocery stores are closed...no electric.  Meijer's is open but it is chaos there.  Erik was suppose to go to Cincinnati University for his first day of college Monday but Cincinnati is without power as well.  I guess CU has power with their own generator but was told that Erik was needed more at home and not to come to college until next week.  That was nice.

At least no one was hurt and this, too, shall pass. 

It is bright and sunny here today.  Cool and is to stay cool all day.  I have windows opened.

Also please pray for my friend, Rex.  Rex is a high school classmate and he sent me an email I think in June.  He lives in Mexico with his wife and her family.  We have been sending emails back and forth since June.  He likes talking to someone who is English speaking.  Ha!  Anyway, he has heart problems and even has a Pacemaker.  Since the 4th of July he has had to go to the Medic at least 4 times with heart problems.  Last week they had high water in his city and about 6 inches of water in their home.  Rex's pacemaker shocked him twice and he had to go to the Medic.  (Said it felt like when he had the defibulators used on him) I haven't heard from Rex since Sunday evening...just as the Steeler and Brown's game came on TV.  I am fearing the worse and I don't know if his family will or is capable of letting me know anything.

Marilyn:  Nice picture of Keith and the new kitty cat. 

Don is on the tall ladder - I couldn't talk him out of waiting for one of the boys to hang a light in the entry.  He is fine and I help by handing him the light when he wants it.  I have an entire crock pot of split pea soup on the countertop today and forgot to turn it on.  Yesterday, I made chicken and veggie soup and froze portions.  The new church that we went to last week (at the school) sent a loaf of bread over & it was so good.  I wish that I had seen the gal who left the bread. 

Mums are starting to look good in the front yard pots.  They are the bronze color - same as the ones I chose for our wedding.  Fall colors on the first moment the weather changed - I remember the cool breeze that appeared when I went to walk up the outdoor stairs to change from a single person.  It felt like an omen to me - a good omen. 

Larry:  Good luck to your son!

Jeannine:  Hugs to you each and every day. 

Summicron:  Hello - are you better today? 

Another lovely day here in Kansas!  I don't remember when we last had so many of them in a row, and I am rejoicing and enjoying the weather so much.

I will be taking Beth to the Home Products Dinner this evening, also picking up our friend Pat. 

I swam a mile again today.  I hope to have the scales show a loss this evening at weigh in!!

I got more information on Neurofibromatosis today, and want to start making some calls about clinical trials that are going on, see if help for Beth is available.  So much to do, so little time. 

When is Pat going to be back?  I miss her.

thank you all for the birthday wishes i really do appreciate them... i am off to study just got home from work... need to pass this semester which is going to be hard!

  Sarah. I pray you will do good this semester

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SARAH!!  How many years have we known each other now?

I'm just home from the Home Products Dinner.  Huge crowd, good food, good music by the students of one of our talented music teachers, both piano and strings, and pretty good entertainment by a comedian.  He was a bit long-winded, though.  The keynote address was by our Lt. Governor, and after hearing him, I wish he were governor instead of the one we have. 

Now it's time for some ZZZZZZZZZZs.

Another sunny day in Indiana.  I left yesterday to get cat food at the Vet's and then stop by Kitty's on the way home.  Ivalou, Kaye Don and Barb were picking up sticks and limbs and taking them back to the woods to burn.  Kitty had company when I drove by her house.

On the way back, I called her to see if she still had company.  No, but she has Katie, her granddaughter, and neither of them slept the night before so she was hoping Katie would take a nap and she would, too.  So I didn't stop. 

So I decided to come on home and pick up limbs in my yard.  When I turned in my drive, all of my fallen limbs were gone!!!  Ivalou, Barb and Kaye Don picked mine up also!!!  Now I owe them!! 

Ivalou goes back to the cardiologist today for training on a machine that she can do the prick to her finger and call it into somewhere, then if she needs coumadin change, the doctor's office will call her and tell her the dosage.  Keeps more on top of it and less gas used in going to the doctor.  I will go with her and take a book to read.  Then, guess what?  We will go out to eat somewhere.     It is my day to choose so I think it will be Chinese today!!

Hi everyone.  I am just home from Bible study.  However, this morning our pastor wasn't there as had to go to court with his daughter regarding an accident last spring.  So one of our group brought a video tape in he had made on "Walking the Bible" that had been on PBS.  Unfortunately, the VHS player didn't play it well and so after about 20 minutes of bad viewing he called it a day. 

I then went over to Dunkin' Donuts but didn't stay as it was frigid in there--so I just came on home.

Tonight is the third of the three session on the book "The Shack" that our pastor has been conducting.  I expect we will eat at the church tonight before the class if Pat feels up to going.  She had a chiropractic appointment this morning and he adjusted her knee again and it was aching.  So she left early and came on home and may not feel like going tonight.  After the book study I have choir practice. 

Etta Sue, I hadn't heard about all the problems in Ohio.  It was nice of your family to go ahead and pick up the limbs.  Enjoy the Chinese meal.

Janet, hope you find the information regarding Beth's condition that you are seeking.  Good luck on your weigh-in tonight.

Carol, it really scares me to see an older person get on a ladder although I suppose it is a step ladder and those seem less dangerous unless the person climbs too far up on them. 

Good Morning, I woke up today feeling like I have a cold coming on, haven't had one since Dec. 2006 so I guess I am about due. I still have to go take the lady and her two dogs for a walk in about an hour.

It has been so foggy and wet mornings that it looks like it has rained the night before. Anyway I don't think I should be looking for a job until this cold is over I wouldn't want to give anyone a cold who is in compromised health already. Caregivers have to be careful about things like that.

Sarah I hope you had a very pleasant Birthday, Sorry  I am late wishing you a Happy Birthday.   

Have a great day everyone.

Thank you all for the comments on the poem and the prayers for Jeannine. It broke my heart to write the poem and one I was wishing I did not have to do for years to come. I am so sad for Jeannine. I am so glad she had a little break with me in N. Ireland. When she went home, Frank took bad and was in hospital for seven weeks. Michael took some seizures as well and she has just got her right knee replaced. Now she has lost her beautiful son and only God knows how she is coping. What a lovely service of thanksgiving she has planned for dear Michael. She has told me all about it and I know there will not be a dry eye in the church. Please keep her in your prayers. God bless

Good afternoon all,

It's been rough this week, they came to take back the equipment Michael used, boy was there alot. His advocate was here today and filled her car with a ton of supplies and there are still more. This is really tough, seeing all his things leaving the house and seeing the gaping emptiness of where it all was.

Anyways, the service for Celebrating Michael's life is on Friday and I have been told I cannot hide in back with the computer doing the powerpoint. I have done a slideshow with pictures of Michael and a poem I wrote for him. I will upload it and post the link after the services. In the meantime, here is the poem:


Thank you all for your prayers, God bless you all.
Trusting in Him,
Jeannine

Thanks, Colin ...

Jeannine, my heart aches with yours as I read this beautiful poem. 

What a difficult thing it must be to see that "great emptiness" where Michael's life has been.     May God continue to hold you close to His heart as these coming days pass so slowly and heavily.   

Hello Colin and it really was a beautiful heart felt poem

Jeannine This must be a difficult time for you but I think you captured what you are feeling in this poem.
May the God of all comfort be your strength at this time.

Jeannine I can only echo what others have said.
God Bless you sister and Frank too.

beautiful poem.

I am still getting used to being a new wife. But I have now learned how to do the laundry, wash the dishes in a timely manner, and have the patience for a kitten that has a problem with obeying a good percentage of the time.

my younger brother recently accepted Christ and it's been the highlight of my month getting to talk to him on a whole new level.

i've been feeling sick lately so things have been stressing me out more than they usually do.

have church tonight, studying 2 samuel. good stuff to learn....

Welcome, Pitbullangel - it sounds like you're growing and changing and staying extremely busy! We'd love to hear lots more from you.

Jeannine, my sincere condolences on your loss. I'll be praying as you celebrate his life during the service commemorating his passing.

Etta Sue, I surely do enjoy the graphics.

Janet, I truly hope you're able to get Beth involved in one or more of those trials, and that the results will be quite helpful for her.

Y'all have a good rest of the day - I'm kinda achy from the physical therapy today, so this afternoon was a quiet one. So, will head back to bed now.

May God be with us, every one.

Lovely day again on the island.  We could get used to this.....

Jeannine, your poem is lovely and I will continue to pray for you.

PitBullAngel, you seem to have all the essentials covered.  About the kitten, a small spray bottle of water is helpful in teaching it right from wrong.  Say NO and spray a little in the face....they catch on to what is wanted in quick time!!!   Plus, it makes one feel less annoyed! 

Just stopped in for a moment.  Work to do.

Pleasant Day/Evening and God Bless.

Liz

Hi everyone. 

Jeannine, my heart was touched by your beautiful and so appropriate poem.  May tomorrow bring you a sense of peace knowing that you did all you could while God entrusted this special little person to you and now he has freed him from the bondage of physical limitations.  Grieving is such an important part of the process we must go through and fortunately God helps us through these times when we seek his help.  I will continue to pray for you and Frank.

Today is another day we go to take our daughter to a doctor's appointment to check on her foot and to get refills of her medicines.  Hopefully this won't be an all day affair.  We will also have to take her to the grocery store and her mother will do the laundry while I take her to the doctor. 

A special welcome to PitBullAngel.  You are off to a great start here on CP in terms of getting to know folks and letting us know a bit about you.  We hope you will post often here. 

Marilyn, hope that is a false alarm on the cold.

Not a false alarm Larry I have the whole thing, sinus, chest, lower left lung pain, bronchial area tightness all of it. I do have things to do today like taking the lady to walk her 2 dogs, going to pick up my Senior food supply and I wanted to have  my nails done today.

I am taking Generic Zicam meltaway tablet every 4 hours and using Halls cough drops. later I will go get some Mucinex to break up the stuff in my chest. Hopefully  I will improve greatly over the week end when I can rest without having to go any place.

I could sure use a lot of prayer  if all y-all would be so kind.

Jeannine:  You have had an experience that most of us never encounter.  Something that took over your life and you dealt with it in the most loving way. 

Marilyn:  Re: your cold - keep on that Mucinex - it seems to help. 

Larry:  Don did hang two light fixtures - I will have the boys take our big ladder away one of these days.  He doesn't have any problem but just the thought gives me the heebie jeebies.  Ace Hardware has sent us a coupon for Sat. morning & yesterday Don showed me the three things I need to buy early that morning to get a discount - he will be in the mountains at a plush resort with a board that has one weekend per year to gather. 

is ready.  I wake up earlier and either come in to check the computer or turn on the t.v. - and that is because my eyes seem to take a while to adjust to reading. 

My cousin called last night & told me that her son (missionary) is very slow in recovering from heart attack.  It has been six weeks - I really think he should be coming back here to the states for another evaluation. 

Good morning everyone.  I am totally frustrated today....It is just one of those days!

Looks like my week is to become busier (sp).  Kass is wanting to join the band.  That will have me out late every evening during the week.  I am going to have to cut back somehow, just not sure how at this time.  Perhaps by leaving band till next year.

The mornings are quite cool here, frost most nights.  The days are still warm though, typical September weather.

God bless all of you and KNOW I am praying for the needs here.  Jeanine, rest in knowing we are upholding you in prayer here!

Beautiful weather continues here.  So do thankful praises for it! 

Jeannine, thinking of you today, may it be a time of thanking God for the years you got to spend with little Michael.  Just knowing he is free and whole is such a comfort, isn't it?  I will pray that the hole left by his home-going will soon be filled by something else that will bless your lives.

Larry, hope your day isn't too long and tiring.

Ruth Ann, good for you, being faithful with your therapy.  Love you!

Marilyn, sorry about that cold.  Miserable things!  Will pray for you.

I went to Liberal with Darrel yesterday, helped him run wire for a new alarm system, then we did a little shopping at Wal*Mart.  Saw son in law at his car wash and stopped to chat with him a bit.  He had bad news.....his Mom has been diagnosed with lung cancer, metatastic already.  He lost his Dad to lung cancer about 8 years ago.  I remember him and his sisters begging their Mom the day of his Dad's funeral, to PLEASE quit smoking, and she said "I'll try."  But she is still smoking to this day.  So sad.

Miss Abigail is really busy these days, with school, dance (she is so excited because she gets to go "on pointe" this year) Girl Scouts, Awanas, and on and on.  Sometimes I think kids are in too many activities.  They need time to just be kids.  That's Grandma's unsolicited (and unspoken, to them) opinion.

Today is Youth Friends day, then my painting class I teach in the afternoon, so always something.  Maybe I shouldn't say anything about Abby's schedule! 

Now it is time to go for my walk/run.  I was very disappointed at weigh in, as had only lost .4 this week, after having been so careful of what I ate, and exercising hard.    Better luck this week....at least I didn't gain, right?

Jeannine ~ What a lovely tribute to Michael.  The first thing I thought of when I heard of Michael's passing...he is running the streets of gold...he is shouting for all his glory!  He is whole!!  I know you are missing him and will be for the rest of your days on this earth but think how it will be when you see your little one whole and in the arms of God. 

I still haven't heard from my friend and classmate Rex.  I called his sister that still lives near me.  I left a message.  I haven't heard anything back yet.  I know she calls her brother in Mexico.  Maybe she can get information since his Mexican family speaks some English. 

I went to Kitty's this morning.  She has granddaughter, Katie, this week.  Kitty's sister-in-law, Cherie, and niece, Amy, came with g-nieces, Madison and Rylee.  Madison and Katie are only a month apart in age but Madison is about 10 inches taller.  I can see where they are advanced over the other in total different areas.  Cute little girls.  Rylee is three months old. 

Ivalou called me and said her Jo called.  Still no electricity in Kettering, Ohio, but she did take Erik to Cincinnati University after a tearful leaving of home.  He is a tender-hearted young man and I hope he stays that way.  Jo came back after dark...no stop lights or lights in Cincinnati or along I-75 all the way home.  Said it just didn't seem right and then when she did get back home, she still had to enter a dark house.  Their electricity wires were pulled from their house by the tree falling so they aren't expecting to get electricity back until at least Sunday!!  I can't imagine.

I had my Chinese leftovers for lunch today.  Better today than last evening actually.  Tonight Ivalou and I are going to another viewing and funeral.  This time our cousin's husband passed away.  Big family so we will get to see lots of relatives. 

Good day to all.
Its a bit cloudy here today and temp. is starting to go down a tiny bit
pitbullangel-Hello and good to see you post
Mariyln-praying that flu will go quickly.
I won't be around the weekend I am going to attend a woman's retreat with the woman at church.
Looking forward to a weekend of hearing the word and a refreshing time in the presence of God.

Thank you JudyB, Janet, Liz, Carol, and Melody for your prayers.
I am feeling much better since your prayers touched heaven for and the Lord touched me. I  knew He would  fix me today. I have been out to walk the lady and her dogs and wore a sweatshirt under a jacket to make sure I stayed good and warm. My next door neighbor and I went and picked up our food boxes and  senior brown bags. This afternoon I am going to the Farmers Market  and stop at Ray's Food Place(cuz I don't think Safeway has  enough of the natural foods there) for some Free Range Chicken broth, I will wait until tomorrow to get my nails done.

The sun is out now Praise the Lord. Blue sky and sunshine, has made my day. This morning I had the overhead lights on not just the lamp,so I could get some light on me.

Hi, friends,

Under His Shadow, here's hoping you have a very good birthday today. Hope all is going well with you.

I've had problems staying awake today. Likely that's caused by a couple of things - chilly weather not warming up until midday and also that new blood pressure pill. I've heard others feel sluggish when a new b/p medication is prescribed for them.

So, not much to say, just peeping in.

Ruth Ann

This has been an upsetting day.  My daughter had her physical at the dr.'s and there is a lump in one breast.  Also something not right with the urine sample.  She will be going for a mamogram as soon as there is an appt. made at the hospital.  Takes a couple of days for the other results.

My poor wee daughter has had so much pain from the accident and so much stress the past long while, this is not a plus in the health dept.  So I am asking for your prayers that everything will be okay and it will be benign.  I believe in prayer and know that some of you are most sincere in that area. 

Marilyn, I hope that you feel better soon.  Judy B., sometimes a Mom has to say 'wait'. 

My new cell phone let us down today.  I had it in my purse and could not hear the ringing when my daughter phoned.....so much for modern gadgets.  Will have to carry the dratted thing in my pocket!

God Bless,

Liz

Liz, I am so sorry you have had such upsetting news re: your daughter.  I know how such things can pull at a mother's heart.  I will, most certainly, be praying for Wendy as well as you -- God can do (and does) all things well ..... 

Liz Will pray for your daughter

Liz I have prayed for Wendy and will continue to to pray for her.

Liz, I'm adding my prayers as well.  I know well how this news hurts your mother heart. (((hugs)))

I called Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota today and asked about the clinical trials ongoing in the study of Neurofibromatosis.  The lady took some information, said they would call me in 3 to 5 days, if not to call them back.  THEY CALLED BACK THIS AFTERNOON!!  I was so surprised!  Praise God!  The chances sound really good that Beth will be accepted in the trials.  First step is for me to call and make an appointment for her to be evaluated.  That will mean a trip up there--a very long way for someone in her condition.  I will inquire into the possibility of having her flown there.  So many things to consider, but at least it is a possibility of help for her.  Prayers appreciated.

I want to watch the interview of Sarah Palin by Sean Hannity.....see you later!

Liz:  Prayers coming your way for your daughter, Wendy.  Our daughter has had several scares over the years.  It is so good to keep on having those physicals and mammograms.  

Son & wife just stopped by on a walk with their dog - it is so nice to have those two close.  Their walks are in the dark at this time of the year.

Janet:  What great news.  Keep us posted. 

Thanks everyone.  It is a great comfort to know that she is being prayed for.  If her health was not already so bad, I would feel less worried.

Janet, that is wonderful news about Beth.  I will pray that she will be accepted and helped.  The fact that there is help out there must give her (and you) new strength.  You are truly an amazing lady, Janet. 

God Bless,

Liz

Good early morning, friends,

First, Liz, I have also had numerous issues with breast problems - I understand Wendy's being upset, and from a mother's perspective, I have a daughter and we've had some scares with her, too. Yes, I've already begun praying for y'all.

Janet, there are organizations that do provide flights for seriously ill patients. Maybe we can find one that will help you and Beth out. A van ride would be mighty difficult for her.

I'll be at a Christian ladies' retreat beginning early this afternoon, so won't be available until at least Sunday afternoon, possibly Monday.

Y'all have a good weekend.

Liz Praying

Janet Praying.

Many months ago I lost a book that John ordered from Charles Stanley.He has been quite disappointed about this and the girls and I have looked everywhere.  I thought it had been thrown out.  Well today when I cane into work the book was sitting on my desk!  Thank God for a Christian boss!!!

Time is flying and must go
JudyB

Praise God.  I got a phone call last evening from Rex's sister, Carole.  He is in the hospital.  I couldn't talk.  I was in the car and had forwarded my home phone to my cell phone.  She called back this morning...first of all she thanked me for being a friend to Rex.  His wife barely speaks English but said Rex enjoyed talking to his friend, Etta Sue, who speaks English.  The only thing she got out of the wife is that Rex is 17% better and may come home today.  I was fearing the worse. 

Janet ~ I hope you get all arranged for Beth to go to Mayo.  That would be wonderful to get help for her.  I am praying for her.

Liz ~ I am praying that Wendy's new discovery is nothing more than something that needs aspirated.  I used to have that done at least once a year but thank God, that has stopped with age. 

My heart is with Jeannine and her family today. 

Nothing to do today but perhaps mow the lawn.  Tomorrow afternoon is an 80th birthday party and a neighborhood cook out back in the woods in the evening.  So busy tomorrow. 

Bright and sunny here in Indiana.  Nice fall weather.  I have windows open and enjoying the nice fresh air.

Hi everyone.  A beautiful day here in Georgia.  I just got back from going to the grocery store for a few items.  I noticed that the Kroger gas station had tape all around it and was closed so guess they are totally out of gasoline.  This is the condition that several of our stations are experiencing.  However, I did notice the price had dropped about ten cents at the Quik Trip on Wednesday and yesterday.  

Our trip to take our daughter to Grady Hospital yesterday went very well and we were only there about 3 hours.  I also got the best parking space at a meter right outside the pharmacy entrance to the hospital.  She didn't want to use the wheelchair yesterday, although not sure the extra walking was very beneficial to her as it appears the infection is starting again on the side of her foot.  The podiatrist has put her back on an oral antibiotic and will change it next week if it doesn't seem to be controlling the infection.  Afraid we are seeing more of the serious effects of the diabetes.

I have an easy schedule for today.  I will be away tomorrow and part of Sunday.  I haven't decided whether to take my laptop with me but probably well so may be able to check in tomorrow but not promising.

Judy, don't forget that you have to take care of yourself while trying to meet the needs and wants of your children.  Glad you found the book.  It sounds like someone had borrowed it and now has returned it.

Ruth Ann, hope you have a wonderful time at the women's retreat.

Liz, was so sorry to read of new concerns for your daughter and thus for the family.  Hopefully the tests will come back benign.  Can you increase the volume of your new cellphone so the ring is louder?  My phone has seven different volume levels.

Carol, good idea to have your sons take away the tall ladder.  

Janet, you could check with your local airport or the closest larger one to see if they have something called "Angel Flights" or know of a similar service.  I hear one of our talk radio hosts speak of it occasionally as he owns a plane and does these missions.  I would caution you on just leasing a plane, as we did to get my folks to Northern Iowa from Northwest Missouri.  If some men hadn't been available at the airport to help lift my dad up the steps into the small door of the small plane and also to help boost mother up we would really have had a mess.  Perhaps a commerical flight where she could use her chair to get into the plane would work as it would certainly shorten the time over a motor trip.  

Marilyn, glad you are feeling better.

Well, this is long enough so just a special hi to those of you I haven't mentioned by name.

Good day!  I have been busy making inquiries regarding Beth.  I called a friend who owns a small plane, he is willing to fly her, but his plane will be really difficult to get her into and out of.  We will need ambulance and crew both here and at the other end to transfer her.  Then also will need a nursing home or similar, to care for her while in Rochester.  So many logistical problems.  But I am determined to do all I can to get help for her.  I mentioned Angel Flights to Beth, she said she had checked on it and that they won't take anyone who can't walk.  I will check again, anyway, and thanks for the suggestion.

I sort of wish I weren't going to be gone so much for the next six weeks.  I really need to be here and keep working on getting Beth to Mayo.

Thanks for the kind words, suggestions, and especially for prayers on getting this all worked out to get her there..

Hi Everyone...

First of all, my deepest sympathy and condolences to both Jeannine and Frank!  How sad to say "Farewell" to your wee son. 

What a lovely poem you wrote, Colin.


I've been very busy since last being here.  I drove down to Virginia, met Paul and we both drove up to Andover, Massachusetts for his brother's funeral. 

I will be here another week.

Pat:  Be sure to take time to care for yourself too. 

Janet:  There just has to be a way to make this happen.

I am washing clothes - made a bowl of popcorn and watched a movie about Africa.  Don is at a fine dinner tonight in the mountains.  He had to read a lot before going to the meeting and I hope he sleeps better tonight.  The pastor at the church we just visited sent a very nice note - I think I will offer to help him even if we go to another church.  Have taken time to write to nieces and family in Sweden and so forth today.  We have invited everyone - it would be a shock if they all came at the same time. 

Going back over today's posts I see  have not posted although I have been here several times reading. I feel so much better today, thank you all for your prayers.

Janet I will be praying that you can find the best flight for Beth to get to Mayo Clinic for the trials, Won't it be absolutely wonderful for Beth to get some help that will make her quality of life be so much better.

Larry I do pray that Stacey's foot will heal properly, I remember when Gloria's toe got so infected and would not heal properly then she had to have it amputated, then she got a staph infection in the hospital. this is not going to happen to Stacey I am sure.

Etta Sue glad  you finally heard for your friend Rex's family.

Well, it's time to get to bed.

It's a chilly evening here in Virginia.  It was beautiful all day and hot but now, it's turned quite chilly.

Tomorrow, one of the grandchildren out in Winchester has a birthday party so we'll be off out there to celebrate with her.

Glad you're feeling better, Marilyn.

hello all and thank you for the bday wishes been a LOOOOONG week... and the weekend will be just as long i think... but time still flies by to me.... janet i think i've known you for about 4 years or so (since 2004 maybe) anyways must be off i work in the morning even tho i just got in.... it will be ok its money... have  a good night
sarah

Good morning all,

Reading and praying for all here!

Thank you all for your prayers and support. The service celebrating Michaels life was beautiful, not a dry eye in the place. It is amazing how many lives he touched and were changed by one very special little boy who could not talk but who gave unconditional love to everyone.

Well, here is the link to the video I made for his service:
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=a2f9504ac4178f027e6c

Thank you all again and may you have a God filled and blessed day!
Jeannine

Hi everyone.  I have a few minutes before needing to leave for coffee this morning and then leave to attend an event in Macon this weekend so will do a quick posting.

Janet, a small plane would be extremely difficult.  It was so hard to maneaver with my Dad that once he got in the plane he sat in the jump seat at the back closest to the door.  The aisle was so narrow to the four other seats in the plane that it was all we could do to get mother seated as we had to hold on to her.  I am sure it was pure misery for my dad as he had a terrible pressure sore but he didn't say a word of complaint.  There was a three hour lapsed time from the moment the ambulance picked them up at the nursing home (think Mother went with us in the car) and until the nursing home had picked them up and they were situated in the new nursing home.  Janet, where there is the well there is the way and I am sure you will get the details worked out. 

Jeannine, I know it must have been a great day of celebration as well as sadness for you and Frank and those that loved Michael.

Pat, good to see you posting.  I know you and Paul have been very busy. 

Marilyn, we are taking things one day at a time with Stacey.  The tests don't indicate the infection to be a staph but we really wonder since it won't go away.  We saw on the news last evening a bit about super infections and that is really scary as she has had so many antibiotics that have been very strong.

Carol, nice of you to stay in touch with your Swedish relatives.

Hi Sarah and all those joining with us here today to speak a bit about their lives.

Thank you so much Jeannine for sharing the video of Micheal's life with us here on CP. no dry eyes here either this morning.

Father, I pray today for Janet and Beth.  I pray You'll clear the way for her use of air travel.  I pray You'll bless the visit to Mayo.  Finally, I pray You'll bless them both greatly in all this.  I pray You'll glorify Yourself in it all through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Good Morning....for a few more minutes.

Jeannine ~ Thank you for sharing the memorial video of Michael with us.  He is precious to our hearts also.  You have a wonder voice for narrating videos. 

What beautiful weather we are having in Indiana.  Sunny.  Fall.  Cooler temperatures.  Nice breeze.  Low humidity.  Just wonderful. 

As I said yesterday, Ivalou and I are going to an 80th birthday party this afternoon and then this evening we are going to a neighborhood cook out back in the woods. 

We couldn't ask for any better weather. 

Good Morning again.  Not much going on here today, I am feeling much better and will be going out shortly to have my nails done. it is overcast here as usual for this time of year. It will probably burn off by this afternoon
that's all for this time folks.

Jeanine, what a precious tribute to a precious life.  I know you feel so privileged to be chosen to be the one to take care of Michael during his earth visit.  And now he is home again.   I'm thinking of you and praying too.  Nita

Thank you all! I wanted to honour Michael's life, he touched so many people without ever having to say a word. He saw people with unconditional love and people just responded to him in such an amazing way. I am in awe of my little boy, he taught me so much, and he taught me so much more about God. I miss him so much, feel kind've lost without having him to care for and to whisper to, or to entertain. But he is home, in our Father's loving arms, hopefully telling Him all he wished he could have said to us. Thank you all for you prayers and words of support. I was truly blessed to have Michael as my sweet son.
God bless you all and may you rest in His loving arms tonight, surrounded by His love and peace.
Forever Trusting In Him,
Jeannine

Jeannine:  Such a loving tribute to Michael. 

We are home tonight and feeling rather tired after a t.v. DISH person came and stayed here hours - he was a little odd and made us both uncomfortable.  Don keeps getting nosebleeds - not high blood pressure and his doctor makes light of it.  Sure!  It isn't normal to me. 

Pat:  Now you have an extended family to keep track of - I mean anniversaries, birthdays and ever so much.  Are you in your new home?  What fun for you!

The 80th birthday party was beautiful.  She has a lovely family of four boys and their families. 

Then the cook out was great.  Probably about 30 people.  We filled out plates and it started sprinkling.  Just as we got through eating, it started getting serious.  So we loaded everything in the cars and headed home.  I was in the house by 6:30pm.  Short party but I did find two more photographers. 

It is foggy and gloomy today.  First Sunday attending Clarksville that it hasn't been sunny.  I notice that with the stain glass windows.  I have no idea where us women will eat today but I am sure we will somewhere.  Then to come home and relax.

Good morning almost afternoon; church was awesome this morning. I was so touched by the worship. I went to just a little church where I have been before, there were only 20 people in attendance. The invocation was from Psalm 150. The worship started. Oh my the Holy Spirit touched me so much it was hard to remain standing but I did. Yes I danced, those of you who know that I am Pentecostal understand dancing before the Lord. I could not help myself I had to dance.

Hi everyone.  I got home this afternoon around 3:45 after a busy day and a half at the meeting I attended in Macon, Georgia.  I had a good time and will be attending this same meeting about three times a year as a representative of a group I participate in.  I was so tired when I got home I had to take a nap, which I did for about 90 minutes and think I could have slept through until morning. 

Hi Kids!  We are just home from a weekend in Santa Rosa, New Mexico with our Scuba Class, diving the Blue Hole.  Perfect weather, congenial people, good time, but glad to get home.

Well, I called the number I was given to make an appointment at Mayo Clinic; and things went downhill from there.  This lady said "We don't study Neurofibromatosis here!"  My answer was, it says on your website that you are doing clinical trials right now, especially on people with tumors of the spine.  I told her I had already spoken to two people there, and what they told me.  She finally said she would get in touch with the head of their Neurology Department, and will call me back.  Of course the person she needed to speak to had left until Monday.........sigh.  Sometimes I feel we take one step forward, two steps back.  But if they think I am giving up, they do not know me!  I will call them three times a day for months, if that's what it takes!  Anyway, thanks for the concern and the encouragement.

Larry I know a small plane would be really difficult.......on the other hand, the 300 mile trip to an airport large enough to use jetways would also be hard on Beth.  It is really a problem, that's for sure.  But we will persevere!

Pat, glad you are home.  I miss chatting with you.  I know you now have a whole different life, and I understand.  (Still miss you, though.)

Carol, you must truly be "the hostess with the mostest!"  I hope you find the reason for Don's problem.  Doesn't sound like "nothing" to me. 

We are leaving one week from tomorrow (Monday) for our European trip.  So much to do before then, whew.  I must start packing or I won't have what I need, that happens when I pack in too big a hurry.  I sure would like to have some answers about Beth before we leave, but we will only be gone for two weeks this trip.

Jeannine, that was a lovely video and poem tribute to Michael.  He reminds me so much of another little boy I helped care for for a few years.  They are so sweet and lovable, one cannot help loving them.  God bless you as you go forward to the time you will walk those golden streets together.  (((hugs)))

I need to get wet scuba gear rinsed and hung up to dry and start organizing the things I need to pack!

It's that time again.  Time for a new week.  Come join us in great conversation and comraderie here!