Christian Photographers Community

AMEN Pat.  It is sometimes so hard to forgive those who have hurt you, but that little work "as" in the Lords prayer is so important.  Praying for forgiveness and asking God to give the feelings, like the cars of a train come after the engine.  The feelings come after the act of obedience.

Have a good day everyone.

Forgiveness is one of the most necessary things in the Christian life, but, in my humble opinion, one of the most missunderstood.  It isn't saying the other person is right.  It isn't changing our opinion of what's been done.  It isn't any kind of magical act that pushes the wrong suffered out of the mind.  Rather, it's a deliberate commitment to cease dealing with the wrong suffered.  It's saying, "I refuse to bring this up again. I refuse to mull it over in my mind.  I dismiss it from any and all conscious deliberation.  Simply put, I'm not going to deal with it any longer, and I'm going to leave it with God alone.  I will not seek retribution, retaliation, or anything else.  Unless you bring it up again or unless you commit again the act that started the whole thing in the first place, I will not henceforth even bring it up. 

Simply put, you can't change your feelings, but you can change your response.

Quote from: JudyB on January 20, 2009, 02:39:27 PM
We have had the introduction of a President.   Compare that to this introduction by a black man as well..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEMrz0QhhA0

I've seen this before, but is sure was refreshing to see it again.

Thanks Judy

Ed That video had me in tears.  Amazing clip.

Al Many times a person can be so in the thick of things that the "problem" is their life.  In times like this we need to be constantly forgiving and then praising God for what he "HAS" done.  Good praise music at times like this really helps keep the mind focused.

Thanks, Janet, for the devotional for this week...

And, thanks to you, Pat, for today's devotional message.  Al, I agree with every word you wrote!  I believe God does, as well.

I'm leaving for my appointment with the doctor in a few minutes ... Then, when I'm through there, I have to return my car to the mechanic for installation of the cam sensor that didn't arrive yesterday.  I should be all ship-shape by this afternoon.

Marilyn:  My password wasn't working on Facebook - I sent a message to you.  Now to remember to check it out!

Cool this morning but will be into high 70's here today.  A bit of rain tomorrow.  Cousin left & he did not ask how much we were paying in rent.  A big step for him!  He testifies a lot & they are having problems with a few mutual relatives who are tired of it - I know there is a fine line there. I am sure that I don't testify enough & hope that my lifestyle shows something even if it isn't always spoken. 

Washing clothes - Janet, I spilled sewing machine oil on blouse & pants so am soaking & working on that problem.  Two big spills in one week - 

Try some oxy clean or some spray and wash on those spills.  I find the spray and wash works well.

AL--that is one of the best explanations of what forgiveness is I have ever read!!  Right on!!

I got up early, was at the hospital at eight, the Home brought Beth--then they tell us she is FIFTH in line for surgery and it likely won't be until about NOON.    So after making sure she was comfortably settled on her gurney, I came home because in my haste, I had forgotten to take my pills before I left.  Now I must get back up there and probably do more waiting..........

I will be back later to report results.  Thanks for praying.

Janet What an ordeal.  Yes am praying.

In all my reading here I missed something, Beth is having surgery today?

My friend Willa (83) who goes to Curves with me every day, Jane you  met her fell this morning at Curves and broke her hip. We were getting ready to leave, she was standing on one of the recovery stations talking to another lady, she turned and stepped off with one foot and down she went. The last I heard about ½ hour ago is they were waiting for the Orthopedic surgeon to arrive.
She sure can use your prayers, I already called our Pastor and told him. I  praise God for friends like  Willa.

Carol I got your message.

I got the same devotional as Pat in my email this morning. Thanks you Jesus for your forgiveness.

Not a good age to take a tumble  like that.  Yes I am praying.

I am working with Elizabeth in memorizing Scripture.  She has just about got Psalm 1 memorized.  This is a good review for me too.  Kassie has chosen not to memorize the Psalm but she sure is getting the points out of it.  Next we are going to Romans 12.  We will be done Psalm 1 this week.  Anyone want to join us for Romans 12?  we will be starting it on Monday.  Let me know.  She writs out a verse on an index card and takes it with her to school everyday and reviews it as she is able.  In the morning we go over the verses that she knows and then add the next verse.  She is learning well.  Interestingly since we have started she has become a happier person.  I find that interesting!

Hi everyone from a very cold Georgia.  It was 17 degrees this morning and when I came back from coffee this morning I saw the post office had delivered a box that contained ink cartridges I had ordered.  It had been at the mailbox since late yesterday afternoon.  I have called the company to ask if the cartridges would have been damaged from the obvious freezing.

Janet, I must have missed something in an earlier posting as can't recall why Beth was having surgery.  I am praying that all has gone well for her today.

Marilyn, so sorry to hear of Willa's fall and know she has some tough days ahead.

Carol, I hope you are enjoying the warm weather.

I appreciated the thoughts expressed on forgiveness.  Al, your words were very profound.

This morning was Bible study with the pastor.  We had a good group out even with the cold weather.  Several of the group went on to the donut place for some fellowship time today and then Pat and I stopped at our recently reopened Cafe and had a sandwich for lunch.  It was very good and they have really changed the looks of the place and cleaned it up very nicely.  I have choir practice tonight.

Good to see all of the other postings.

Good day to all.
See the prayer needs here and praying.
It has been a beautiful cool day here today
Good to read about forgiveness. I believe forgiveness releases an individual from being held captive by  any thing negative .

Thank You, Father, for teaching us that You know all things.  I don't know much about Beth's situation, but I know You know all.  Oh grant, i pray, Your special mercy so that the physicians will have Your wisdom and insight, and so that everything will go very, very well.  Oh let this be done through our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Amen to Al's Prayer

I am finally home, so tired I can barely hold up my head.  Instead of 8:30 OR noon, Beth finally was taken in for her surgery at 2:00, and came out of recovery at 3:30.  The surgeon removed about 18 neurofibromas.  That was the reason for the surgery--some of the neuros had changed, engorged with blood and started bleeding and hurting, and refused to heal.  Beth looks pretty bad; lots of sutures, several places on her face, her shoulder, one breast and he removed a big cluster of them from her back, which the sling on the lift they use in moving her was irritating.  Now is the hard part--keeping from injuring the sites until they can heal.  No bandages, so they are seeping and running.  He even removed two from her eyelid that were starting to interfere with her sight!

Anyway, thanks for the prayers, and I will be back.  I need some rest; am working again at 6 AM.    I knew I should have quit!

I was wondering how many times now I have sat waiting while Beth was undergoing some kind of exam, surgery or procedure.  Lots!  But I am so thankful the Lord has allowed me to be here for her every time she needs me.  God is so good!!

Oh, Janet - peace and prayers for you and Beth.

Marilyn:  Sorry for your friend's fall.  It can certainly happen in an instant - a prayer for her tonight. 

JudyB:  I did get that stain out with my stick of Shout & soaking for hours.  How sweet that your little ones are memorizing - One of our sons refused to memorize for confirmation and barely made it through but he did know it all at the last minute.  He really got that pastor upset. 

I made a pot of veggie soup & added ground beef at the last minute then brought some to a neighbor here and we had it for our dinner tonight.  Enjoying the weather - Larry - I notice that there are a couple of days that the temp is the same here as the Denver area so they are way above normal at home.  Rain is expected here tomorrow which should settle the dust at least. 

For some reason, I missed getting "notified" since this morning.    

I made it to the doctor and, as I expected, he ordered several tests.  I hadn't eaten anything because I figured that would happen.     He's checking my thyroid again (it's been a year since the last labs on that) and for diabetes (  ) and to find out if I'm "losing iron" ... and a couple other things.  The results should be back by Friday, he said, so I will call then and see what they can tell me.

I took my car back to the mechanic and got the cam sensor installed ... only came to $147.49 so that's done ... then, this evening after retrieving my car, I came home and sat down to watch TV. I took my glasses off and had them on my lap ... and promptly fell asleep!   Well, a few minutes later, the phone rang so I jumped up to answer it ... wrong number ... and poured a cup of coffee than looked for my glasses .......... yup, they were on the floor in front of my recliner and one lens was out and the frame was all out of shape!   Good thing I live close to Wal-Mart and the Vision Center was still open.  Whew....

Janet, I'm glad Beth (finally) came through the surgery, but I know how much this takes out of you -- and her -- As Al prayed, I agree ... Sorry you have to work again in the morning.  Yup, you shoulda quit when you had the first inkling that it was the thing to do ..... I pray God will give you strength.

I have a couple issues I am dealing with at the moment, but I know God is able to handle it all with amazing ease!     I am just leaving it all on the back burner to simmer and awaiting His solutions.  One day at a time and that day in His loving care. 

Gotta go ... my fire is about to go out.  See y'all later -- or in the morning.   

QuoteThank You, Father, for teaching us that You know all things.  I don't know much about Beth's situation, but I know You know all.  Oh grant, i pray, Your special mercy so that the physicians will have Your wisdom and insight, and so that everything will go very, very well.  Oh let this be done through our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Amen and praying in agreement with Al for Beth

Al: Thanks for kind words about forgiveness - I will be making a copy to carry in my purse and Bible as I so very much needed that several yrs ago when someone shocked me to the core - infact it was so bad that I needed professional help . 

Janet: Prayers for you and Beth

In a very few minutes I am leaving to do some errands and stop for lunch at Wendy's Rest.

Ruth

Janet ~ So sorry that Beth had to have another surgery but I am praying that she will be much more comfortable and possibly more mobile because of the surgery.  And Janet...QUIT WORKING.  You have too much on your plate for a job.  Especially a job that you hurt afterwards! Take a job teaching painting or something you really like!

JudyB ~ I heard somewhere someplace that to memorize scripture to not have the written words out in front of you after awhile but to have the first letters of each word.  Example: 

John 3:16 NIV
"F G s l t w t h g h o a o S,
t w b i h s n p b h e l.

Liz ~ I  love 'Dewey'!  On chapter 9.  Reading a chapter every night before going to sleep.

Sorry I wasn't here yesterday but I knew it would be a full day.  Kitty and I left at 9:30.  I set my GPS for the Indiana State Museum.  Well, it took me to the old museum but I knew it was west so I found it with no problem.  Kitty had eaten at the L.S. Ayres Tea Room as a little girl when it was at L.S. Ayres (closed now) but this one is at the museum.  I had a wonderful Ham Loaf, mashed potatoes and mixed veggies that I usually don't eat (squash, zucchini, red bell pepper strips, onions) but I do believe these were in butter and they were delicious.  And of course, poppy seed rolls.  And Kitty remember as a little girl she always got the Snow Princess dessert.  So we ordered one each of those.  We felt like little girls when our dessert came.  The skirt was a pound cake baked in a round bowl.  Then hollowed out and filled with ice cream.  Then turned upside down and covered with sugary meringue with sprinkles and fruit slices trimming the bottom of the skirt.  Then they place a ceramic doll on top (waist up doll)...the Snow Princess.  Delicious.

Then we went to the Indianapolis Zoo to go to the White River Gardens and see the Tropical Adventure.  We were disappointed in the lack of blooms but the event just started Jan 17th.  But we had the green house all to ourselves and took lots of pictures. 

All and all I think Kitty had a memorable birthday celebration.

Then last night I went to church for the Projection Team meeting.  Ruth Ann, the minister's wife, and I were the only ones to show up.  She called the secretary and she came.  So the three of us learned a lot about the making of the cue lists so we each can make them now if needed. 

Also I have been asked to take impromptu photos of the church, congregation and class rooms while in session for our Church Directory that will be made in February!  That's an honor. 

Now today I am relaxing.  I have already taken my trash and stopped at Ivalou's and she cut my hair...getting shaggy!  Now it is time for lunch and then I am putting on a pot of chili to eat for the next few days. 

Please, everyone have a God-filled day!

Hi everyone.  Just back from helping a choir member with some computer problems she was having.  It is warmer here today so not so unpleasant to be outside.  It is 47 degrees here and suppose to go to 51 degrees.

Janet, glad that surgery is behind Beth and expect she is pretty uncomfortable today with all those places where the skin would have been cut.  Hope she heals quickly.  Sorry to read that you had to work today.

Etta Sue, what a busy day you had last night.  It sounds like you are becoming very busy at your new church.  They obviously know talent when they see it.

Jane, glad you got your car back with no larger bill than you had.  Hope you get good results from your blood tests.

Time for a little rest after a busy morning.  Four of us did the mile+ walk at the church gym this morning.

Thanks Al for the great words on forgiveness.  They are ones that I will try to remember the next time I find myself carrying a grudge.  "Unless you bring it up again or unless you commit the act again that started the whole thing in the first place, I will not henceforth even bring it up." 

Ed and Janet - please be aware that I've slightly edited my statement about forgiveness.  Hope it reads better now.  Thanks for your words about it.

I'm home after a 12 hour day, and my tail feathers are dragging.  After work, I went to see how Beth was doing, then had to go to another meeting of the moving committee at the home; then Mom wanted me to read the newspapers to her---thankfully, not the whole things but just all the obituaries.    I told her that her name was missing, so she could sleep well tonight.

Beth is feeling pretty bad; didn't even have them get her out of bed today.  She looks like she ran through a barbed-wire fence, and her eyes are pretty swollen.  She had a headache, too.  And was asking for her ice packs to be refilled.  So we got those things taken care of, then I had to go to that meeting.

No, unfortunately, this will not give Beth any mobility back.  But the nature of neufibromas is that if they change, they are at risk of turning cancerous.  So because of the ones that were bleeding and not healing, they decided to go ahead and just remove them.  I hated for her to have to go through it, but she didn't seem concerned about it.  I'm not sure she was too happy about it today, though.  I just hope they heal quickly and don't leave too bad scars.

Jane, sorry about your problems, but you sure know WHO holds all the answers!  If we didn't know He is in control, what on earth would we do?

Etta Sue, you are right, I do need to quit.  I talked it over with Darrel and he agrees that whatever I want to do is fine.  He is so good about that; pretty much lets me do whatever I want; but isn't afraid to express an opinion, either.  Our two young Mennonite girls are both quitting next month to go do missionary work for a time, so they don't want me leaving, too.  But......I probably wont go back, after we get home from this next trip.

They are predicting some cold and snow for us, starting about Tuesday.  That's probably good, at least for the trees and such.  We have really been spoiled with the nice weather this winter.  I call it (so far) the winter that wasn't!

Carol, a big pot of soup sure sounds good!

I know I haven't addressed everyone; please forgive me.  I will do better when I am not so exhausted.

Here is some fun for you! 


Poke and prod the spider with  your  mouse ,  also 'grab' one of its legs with your mouse and  drag it around  the  screen  -- tell me it's not alive!
Also anywhere on the map use arrow and  then hit the space  bar and it leaves little bugs, watch the  spider go after them; this is pretty clever - and creepy too!
   
  click here:
http://www.onemotion.com/flash/spider/ 

And some food for thought.  I know this has been around before, but it really is worth reading again.  I don't know why it didn't copy in red and blue, but you can tell who is speaking.






THE LORD'S PRAYER ANSWERED
Rather cleverly done.
This is in two parts,
the prayer ( in blue type ) and
GOD ( in red type)
in response.
It is very good.
*****************************************************
Our Father Who Art In Heaven.
Yes?
Don't interrupt me. I'm praying.
But -- you called ME!
Called you?
No, I didn't call you.
I'm praying.
Our Father who art in Heaven.
There -- you did it again!
Did what?
Called Me.
You said,
'Our Father who art in Heaven'
Well, here I am.
What's on your mind?
But I didn't mean anything by it.
I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day.
I always say the Lord's Prayer.
It makes me feel good,
kind of like fulfilling a duty.
Well, all right.
Go on.
Okay, Hallowed be thy name . .
Hold it right there.
What do you mean by that?
By what?
By 'Hallowed be thy name' ?
It means. .  it means. . good grief,
I don't know what it means.
How in the world should I know?
It's just a part of the prayer.
By the way, what does it mean?
It means honored, holy, wonderful.
Hey, that makes sense.
I never thought about what 'hallowed' meant before.
Thanks.
Thy Kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
on earth as it is in Heaven.
Do you really mean that?
Sure, why not?
What are you doing about it?
Doing? Why, nothing, I guess.
I just think it would be kind of neat if you got control,
of everything down here like you have up there.
We're kinda in a mess down here, you know.
Yes, I know;
but, have I got control of You?
Well, I go to church.
That isn't what I asked you.
What about your bad temper?
You've really got a problem there, you know.
And then there's the way you spend your money --
all on yourself.
And what about the kind of books you read?
Now hold on just a minute!
Stop picking on me!
I'm just as good as some of the rest of those people at church!
Excuse ME.
I thought you were praying
for my will to be done.
If that is to happen,
it will have to start with the ones
who are praying for it.
Like you -- for example.
Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups.
Now that you mention it,
I could probably name some others.
So could I.
I haven't thought about it very much until now,
but I really would like to cut out some of those things.
I would like to, you know, be really free.
Good.
Now we're getting somewhere.

We'll work together -- You and ME.
I'm proud of You.
Look, Lord, if you don't mind,
I need to finish up here.
This is taking a lot longer than it usually does.
Give us this day, our daily bread.
You need to cut out the bread.
You're overweight as it is.
Hey, wait a minute! What is this?
Here I was doing my religious duty,
and all of a sudden you break in
and remind me of all my hang-ups.
Praying is a dangerous thing.
You just might get what you ask for.
Remember,
you called ME -- and here I am.
It's too late to stop now.
Keep praying. ( . . pause . )
Well, go on.
I'm scared to.
Scared? Of what?
I know what you'll say.
Try Me.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
What about Ann?
See? I knew it!
I knew you would bring her up!
Why, Lord, she's told lies about me, spread stories.
She never paid back the money she owes me.
I've sworn to get even with her!
But -- your prayer --
What about your prayer?
I didn't -- mean it.
Well, at least you're honest.
But, it's quite a load carrying around all that bitterness
and resentment, isn't it?
Yes, but I'll feel better as soon as I get even with her.
Boy, have I got some plans for her.
She'll wish she'd never been born.
No, you won't feel any better.
You'll feel worse.
Revenge isn't sweet.
You know how unhappy you are --
Well, I can change that.
You can? How?
Forgive Ann.
Then, I'll forgive you;
And the hate and the sin,
will be Ann's problem -- not yours.
You will have settled the problem
as far as you are concerned.
Oh, you know, you're right.
You always are.
And more than I want revenge,
I want to be right with You . . (sigh).
All right, all right . .
I forgive her.
There now!
Wonderful!
How do you feel?
Hmmmm. Well, not bad.
Not bad at all!
In fact , I feel pretty great!
You know, I don't think I'll go to bed uptight tonight.
I haven't been getting much rest, you know.
Yeah, I know.
But, you're not through with your prayer, are you? Go on.
Oh, all right.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Good! Good! I'll do that.
Just don't put yourself in a place
where you can be tempted.
What do you mean by that?
You know what I mean.
Yeah. I know.
Okay.
Go ahead. Finish your prayer.
For Thine is the kingdom,
and the power,
and the glory forever.
Amen.
Do you know what would bring me glory --
What would really make me happy?
No, but I'd like to know.
I want to please you now.
I've really made a mess of things.
I want to truly follow you.
I can see now how great that would be.
So , tell me . . .
How do I make you happy?
You just did.
______________________________

Now Please pass this on!!!   

Janet, my "problems" are certainly not problems ... just stuff.  I talked with my daughter Joy a couple days ago and again today and we are mulling over some things ... I told her we'll just leave it on the back burner to simmer and see how God turns it into a savory stew.... she agreed: we put the ingredients in the pot (keep adding) and let it simmer.  That, she says, is living by faith.  

Doctor's office called this afternoon and all my test results are back and the only thing he had to say was for me to take OTC iron twice a day because, as I already knew, my iron is low.  

Y'all take care, now, and I'll be back d'rectly ....  

Gord  John heard Noreen on WDCX last night1  Interesting!

Car started with little problem today.  I was expecting the worse.  Kass seems to have the secret touch and can start it when no one else can.

John has headed to N. Carolina and won't be home till Monday.  At least he is getting miles.  Truck drivers are paid for the most part by the mile not by the hour.

The girls are in to exams.  Kass has struggled with music from the beginning, but yesterday she passed athe playing part of the exam.  Now to get her through the studying and understanding the theory part.  Kass has English to get through.  It is a struggle for her.  I hated exams/school because every time I would go into an exan I would blank out and not remember any of what I learned, thus failled most of the exams.   Lets keep all our kids who are into exams in prayer that our Lord will bring to remembrance all they have learned.

Have a great day folks

Good morning!  I have been to my chiropractor (he even sent flowers to Beth, bless his heart!)  Now I need to do something with my hair and go to Beth's care plan meeting.  What I really want to do is rest. But it's okay, I am happy I am able to do stuff.  (Just wish somethimes there wasn't so MUCH stuff to do!)

Later........