Christian Photographers Community

• Prayer and Praise     Thanks for visiting this area of our site to share prayer requests and items for praise!

• See the last photos uploaded to our Gallery

---

What a glorious day to celebrate Christ's arising!  It is beautiful out! 

I am all ready to be a greeter at church today.  I am sure I will see many people I haven't seen for awhile, not because it is Easter but because it has been awhile since I was a greeter.

HE IS NOT HERE, HE HAS RISEN!  HALLELUJAH!!!

HE IS RISEN!  HE IS RISEN INDEED!!

He is risen indeed!

Hi everyone on this beautiful Easter day.  We will miss the Easter service this morning and instead make another trip to the hospital to spend time with our daughter.  Our visit yesterday seems to buoy her up a bit.  When we got there yesterday she was in terrible pain.  They had given her pain medication and it began to work and we saw she needed to sleep so we went to the waiting room for a couple of hours, checking on her every little bit and saw she was sleeping.  By mid-afternoon she seemed to be better as the end of the 3rd day had passed.  So we are hopeful that today we will find her feeling better.  It is likely she will go to the rehab facility tomorrow.For some reason she wants us there when they move her so we will probably go back to the hospital again tomorrow also. 

Etta Sue, so sorry to hear of Marge's car being hit by the truck.  I can relate since that is what happened to us before Christmas.  I take it she wasn't injured in the crash?  I am sure Jacob is in very good hands.  I know where the families stay and it is a very nice building although have never been inside.  The Woodruff's from Coca Cola fame have been very instrumental in things related to the Shepard's Spinal Center.  I haven't a clue as to why your computer working in the background would overheat.  Something must be using all of the CPU memory.  Thanks for the fine devotional for this Easter Week.

Ruth Ann, the doctor told us after Stacey's surgery that she had lost only about half as much as normal but more bleeding must have occurred.  Pat was able to see the incision site yesterday and said it really looked good. 

Carol, you all had a very busy day yesterday.  Hope the treatment will stop the nose bleeds for Don.  That can be so annoying.

Janet, it is obvious that your meals for your friends are very much appreciated.  You are a blessing to many people and more so now that your book is circulating.  I understand your feeling of hurt in seeing your daughter continue to struggle and not get better. 

Al, I agree with you that we should celebrate Christ's resurrection every Sunday.  I have never been able to understand why our churches are full on Christmas and Easter and not the rest of the year. 

Hi Betty and Judy and all those who stop by to read and hopefully post something.

There is only One, One Who stands outside the universe, amd brought about the universe originally, Who can bring about new life.  That One is GOD the Creator and Ruler of all, the One Who first said, "Let tlhere be . . ." and tlhere was. Jesus rose from the dead in the power of the Creator-God, and now He lives eternally, coequal. with the Father and able to give YOU new life.  O blessed be our Lord and GOD!

[attachimg=1]

The gates and doors were barred
And all the windows fastened down
I spent the night in sleeplessness
And rose at every sound
Half in hopeless sorrow
And half in fear the day
Would find the soldiers breakin' through
To drag us all away

And just before the sunrise
I heard something at the wall
The gate began to rattle
And a voice began to call
I hurried to the window
Looked down into the street
Expecting swords and torches
And the sound of soldiers' feet

But there was no one there but Mary
So I went down to let her in
John stood there beside me
As she told me where she'd been
She said they might have moved Him in the night
And none of us knows where
The stone's been rolled away
And now His body isn't there

We both ran toward the garden
Then John ran on ahead
We found the stone and empty tomb
Just the way that Mary said
But the winding sheet they wrapped Him in
Was just an empty shell
And how or where they'd taken Him
Was more than I could tell

Oh something strange had happened there
Just what I did not know
John believed a miracle
But I just turned to go
Circumstance and speculation
Couldn't lift me very high
'Cause I'd seen them crucify him
Then I saw him die

Back inside the house again
The guilt and anguish came
Everything I'd promised Him
Just added to my shame
When at last it came to choices
I denied I knew His name
And even if He was alive
It wouldn't be the same

But suddenly the air was filled
With a strange and sweet perfume
Light that came from everywhere
Drove the shadows from the room
And Jesus stood before me
With his arms held open wide
And I fell down on my knees
And I just clung to Him and cried

Then He raised me to my feet
And as I looked into His eyes
The love was shining out from Him
Like sunlight from the skies
Guilt in my confusion
Dissappeared in sweet release
And every fear I'd ever had
Just melted into peace

He's alive yes He's alive
Yes He's alive and I'm forgiven
Heaven's gates are open wide
He's alive yes He's alive
Oh He's alive and I'm forgiven
Heaven's gates are open wide
He's alive yes He's alive
Hallelujah He's alive
He's alive and I'm forgiven
Heaven's gates are open wide
He's alive He's alive He's alive
I believe it He's alive
Sweet Jesus

That song by Don Francisco is a favorite of mine!  And this morning, our son-in-law Jeff was in a skit to that song, playing the part of Peter.  It was very moving.  Jeff is a good actor and always willing to do things like that. 

Pastor Pam had the elders gather around Beth, they anointed her with oil and prayed for her.  Praise God!

We had a lovely time with family  today, and Beth was able to tolerate being in her wheelchair until about 2:45.   So we got to hide eggs and watch the little girls hunt them.  My sister Jeanie was there with her two granddaughters, so we had four little girls, such fun.  And my! What a wonderful meal we had!  Diane, Toni, Abby and I cooked lots of good things which were really enjoyed.

Now I think I feel a nap coming on! 

I hope everyone's having a good Easter. We're having a quiet one, which I'm enjoying. Nice break from work.

OK I will tell you about my evening before bed, last night.  We have birds.....and we have cats.  Enough said?  Well one of the cats made it to the top of the flight cage which stands 6 feet off the ground.  We make it a practice to put the cats into the bathroom with their litter before going to bed.  White one "Fluffy" went in willingly.  "Pumpkin" the multi-coloured one wasn't quite so willing.  She is under a year I suspect in cat years she is a teenager! I went to pick her up and she darted upstairs.  Cimi who usually is able to corral the cats quickly went after her with my "Get the cat!"  she found the cat and again I went to pick her up and she darted again.  Again Cimi found her and the cat darted.  Upstairs, downstairs, upstairs again, and again downstairs.  She was really on to us.  So I encouraged her with food.  She looked at me and jumped up on a chair.  She was watching me and didn't see John.  He caught her.  over 1/2 hour of chasing.  Fluffy has a 2+ month old kitten I call Spitfire.  He hisses and claws anyone and everyone be it 4 legged or 2.  I went to get him and up the stairs he goes!  Cim was faster, and managed to stop him before the cat reached the top.  We could see another chase beginning.  Anyone want a cat???  Oh and my birds are ok.  The flight cage seems to be cat proof!

What a lovely Easter!  I hope that Jeff and Linda's family knows how much I enjoy being with all of them at holidays or anytime.  Little Kailin is so cute.  She is a bright, red head with the cutest turned up nose.  She is 4 and is a talker and thinker!  She even had me being a tiger and she was a zebra!  We growled at each other and I pawed the ground!  She's a sweetie.  And little Brenna is only 9 months old.  Smiles at everything.  She gets in a standing position.  Let's go.  Does the hula dance and falls down!  Then does it again. 

And while we were together Sheree wrote on Facebook that Jacob is resting now and they are taking away some of his meds.  Shepherds think that his pneumonia is gone and will have a chest x-ray done this morning.  But they are sure he has an abcess in his right lung.  Sheree was happy to cook yesterday for Baxter and her.  She said she never thought she would be happy to cook again!  She really likes the apartment and Shepherd facility.

I am heading to the DDS in a few minutes to get a broken tooth repaired on my old partial.  I will be able to pick it up tomorrow afternoon. 

Judy, I can just see that cat chase!  I know from experience it's almost impossible to outwit a determined cat. 

Etta Sue, what precious little ones.  You can imagine the picture I have of you playing the part of a tiger!     It must have been a truly wonderful day.

Hi everyone.  Just back from coffee at McDonald's and doing a few errands.  After going to downtown Atlanta for three days in a row to be with Stacey we plan on staying home today as both Pat and I are pretty worn out.  Stacey is suppose to be moved to rehab sometime today.  She is having a lot of pain and we think they have given her so much pain medication that she isn't in her right mind all the time as some of her behavior has been less than commendable.  I think the doctors are doing all they can to help with Stacey's pain and the doctor told us yesterday they are concerned about giving her too much and stopping her breathing.  She has also had some chest pains and they took her yesterday morning for a CT scan and ultrasound as they were looking for possible blood clots but those tests didn't show any.  She has taken so much strong pain medication over such a long time that it is taking large amounts now for the hip pain.  Pat and I were are fearful that she won't do the exercises in rehab that is required and is going to end up bedfast. 

Jeanne, a very appropriate graphic and it certainly captures the eye.

Judy, have enjoyed the Easter hymns you have posted.  We missed the church service yesterday, the first time on Easter for many years.

Janet, glad that Beth was up to attending the services yesterday and the prayers are very appropriate.  Your Easter dinner sounds wonderful.  The one we had at the hospital cafeteria left a lot to be desired other than the piece of chocolate pie, which was excellent. 

Betty, a nice little break from work is always enjoyable and usually refreshing.

Etta Sue, yesterday while we were at the hospital I went over the Shepard's center and up to Jacob's room.  I didn't go in as both the parents were standing by Jacobs bed holding his hands and talking to him.  What a handsome young man.  I got their eye and told them they didn't know me but that I had known you for quite a few years.  I left my card telling them to contact me if there was anything I might do for them.  I was only there a couple of minutes.

We are going over our separate "To Do" lists this morning and making some headway.  Easter visit was with only 1/4th of the family and still we are grateful.  We did spend Sat with two of the boys and the last one was out-of-town.  Must say, that the Easter service we attended left us feeling disappointed - there was a new pastor at daughter's church and daughter & family felt the same.  The message was "He is Risen" so that we did like - unfortunately, too many people talked and talked so we all missed a lot of the service and Don couldn't hear it at all.  The sermon became political and we felt that was uncalled for in an Easter service, not that we like it at anytime.  It was such a strange experience.

Anyway, I should be able to get to my bible study this Wed morning and have a group of gals coming in the afternoon for a monthly "Needle Arts" meeting.  As soon as it gets warmer today, we are going out to the open space area behind our house to pick up a few things of trash thrown in by the awful wind storms. 

Larry:  I am sorry about all the pain Stacey has to endure and so many set backs.  May she continue to heal and feel better.  Nice of you to introduce yourself to the parents of Jason (Etta Sue's postings). 

I am home after working at the Legacy (care home) today.  I thought surely it must be near noon, looked and saw it was barely 9:00!  The morning just dragged along......  

Since getting home, I have called one of my framing suppliers, I hadn't bought from them in a long time, as business has been so slow I didn't need anything until now.  They had purged me from their system!  So I asked if that meant they do not want to sell to me?  So that gal got another one on the phone; she took my information again, assigned me a new customer # and now I can order from them, but not on open account.  I will just use a credit card, matters not to me!  So next, I emailed them a list of the mat boards and frames I need so they can let me know which ones they still have and which have been discontinued. 

Larry, I'm sorry things are still so tough for Stacey.  I know that the more pain meds one takes, the more they need.  What a trying life she has!  And hard for you and Pat, as well.  I do so admire your outlook, though.  And the closer I get to heaven, the more I think, "How bad can it be?  If one isn't here, and knows the Lord, they got a promotion!"  Now, you may need to remind me of this statement in the future....

My Mom went to heaven one year ago today.  Seems like such a short time, not a year!

The DON caught me as I left from work and told me she heard from the PT Dr. they sent Beth's records to; and she says she doesn't think there is anything she can do for her.  I told her that I didn't want to hear that!  She said she was telling me so she wouldn;t have to tell Beth.......  

Etta Sue, are you a good growler?  Did you (the lion) catch the Zebra?  Cute!  We sure enjoyed the little girls yesterday, so fun and refreshing to have children around again!

While I was feeding Beth yesterday, Lexi, who is four, looked at me so seriously and said, "Now Grandma, you be careful and don't hurt her teeth!"

I am going to TRY not to take a nap, so maybe I will sleep better tonight.  Last night I woke up almost every hour.

Judy, not fun trying to catch a wary cat!  When mine runs from me, it really aggravates me!  She knows I'm not going to hurt her, but sometimes gets so paranoid and runs around and around through the house.  Lately, I yell at her,  slap my thigh, and point to the open door, and she scoots out!  NOT going to chase that little monster!  (And yes, I do love the silly thing.)  She loves to get in my lap for a good cuddling/petting session, usually in the early morning.

I'm glad you enjoyed my cat's antics.  John and I went to bed wide awake and laughing.  Thankfully the radio music was soothing and we quickly went to sleep.

Larry Let Stacey know she is being prayed for.

Judy I sure did laugh at the antics of your cat and the racing aound the house. Good for Cimi being a big help to you.

Happy is still vomiting today is the third day. I called the vet and he sad no food or meds just water and ice cube until he goes in tomorrow at 3:45.

Janet i feel so sad for Beth, you both had such hopes that maybe the PT could help  her.

Larry praying for Stacey here.

Al good to see you too.

Etta sue aren't the little ones great. We can act silly with them and  no one thinks anything of it.

Hi Jeanne and Betty.

Hi, friends,

I felt so bad yesterday that I missed church. Then, slept most of the day, and was back in bed before 9 pm. That sinus infection sure had me in its grips. Today, it's breaking up.

It was another busy one - taking an elderly lady to the doctor, trying to help her see that she did NOT have another appointment today, but it will be at 1 pm tomorrow, instead. I fear her cognition is beginning to fail. Next was a very long appointment with the dentist (also for some work on my partial plate), then o the repair shop for the new tail light assembly.

Y'all have a great rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

Even after another "J" night, I feel my hope and confidence in the Lord being renewed!  I forced myself out of bed at 5:30 so I could listen to Joseph Prince.  And God is so faithful....He always rewards me with truth and fresh understanding of the scriptures when I listen to that young man--wow, what a powerful message he always brings.  He ALWAYS points us to JESUS!

Ruth Ann, I am praying for health and strength for you.  The enemy is set on keeping you down because you are such a faithful servant of the Lord, always going about doing good.  (((((hugs)))))

Marilyn, you sure do have a time with your dogs, don't you?  This problem surely isn't related to the recent surgery, is it?

Tate publishing is now doing a 45 second book trailer on my book, which is to be ready by the end of this month.  I hope you will see it on TV!  And....I received the additional shipment of 100 books yesterday.  Now I need more opportunities to promote the book.

I'd best go check my calendar and see what's on it for today!

[/color]

Whew!  Good thing I did check my calendar!  I had an 8:30 chiropractic appointment, and they always call the day before to remind you---but Darrel forgot to tell me.  I was a half hour late, but still had to wait, so all is well on that front.  I heard a still, small voice reminding me "check the calendar" and didn't obey immediately.  My bad.

We are still having cool and cloudy weather, which is nice.  More rain would be even nicer, but we appreciate this, too.

Later, peeps!

Ruth Ann ~ Sorry to hear you aren't feeling well but you seem to be better today.  I got your package Saturday.  I noticed on the address label you had '18th St.'.  Someone wrote above it '186th??'.  I got it.  I live on 186th St.  18th Street is in Indianapolis...the higher numbers are Noblesville.  But no problem!

Janet ~ So sorry you got bad news from the DON.  Something that no one wants to hear!  Glad you made it to your chiropractor! And hope you sell 100 more books lickety split!

Marilyn ~  Our fur kids sure do worry us when they aren't feeling well.  Ali is never sick since she had an FUTI years ago.  Inky has something bothering her digestive system about once every 3-6 months.  Constipation and upset stomach.  Then it goes away for a long while!

Larry ~ I am so glad you got to see Jacob and his parents, Sheree and Baxter.  She went me a PM on Facebook saying she got to see you even though it was a short visit.  I guess Jacob still has the contagious disease and everyone still has to be 'suited up' before entering his room.  She said they had him in his wheelchair yesterday...was suppose to be for 2 hours but ended up closer to 6 hours.  They would sit him in different positions and move his limbs for him.  Last evening he moved both his arms at once toward his chest and back out...just like the nurses were doing earlier!!!  He is still in a coma but they are weaning him from sedation and all.  And yes, Jacob is a very handsome young man.  They say he has a weird haircut due to the surgery on his head but otherwise he pretty much looks like Jacob!  Sheree said it was so nice to see someone that knew them even if it was a friend of a friend.  Hopefully you can meet her without her coverings soon.  Today is Day 34 of Jacob's Recovery!

And Larry, so sad that Stacey is having to have so much pain meds.  I don't even like to take an aspirin but if I did, I would sleep like a lamb!

Carol ~ A political message for Easter?  What were they thinking?  Never heard of that before!

JudyB ~ I forgot to comment about your cat antics but I understand fully what they can do!  Mine will chase each other until you can literally see the fur fly! 

Jeanne ~ I haven't played with little ones for so many years that at first, I thought...I can't be a tiger...what would others think?  Then I thought...I am old...who cares what people thinks!!...I want to play with Kailin.  It was so much fun!  But she lost interest when I asked what kind of noise a zebra makes...I guess she didn't know!  Don't they sound kind of like a horse neighing? 

Well, today I went to the pool.  Then I took a Chemo Wrap to the hospital.  We have a small restaurant called Ginger's Cafe and went there for breakfast...one biscuit with gravy and crispy hash browns.  While I was there I noticed I had a Voice Mail.  It was the dentist office saying that my partial was back already and I could come get it anytime but not between 1 and 2pm...that is lunch. 

So I left there and went to Meijer's.  I finally found some sandals that weren't thongs or heels!  I got two pair...also some milk and a few other items. 

Then the dentist is about 6 miles from there.  I got there after noon.  The false tooth on the partial was high so the dentist had to grind it down...so partial in, grind on this paper, partial out, grind the tooth down and over and over again.  All this time we were talking about Hawaii and what to see on the islands!!  Finally the partial fit fine and my Hawaii fix was satisfied also!! 

Now I am doing some laundry! 

Judy B the cats sure kept you busy.

Hi everyone.  We made another trip to Atlanta this morning.  Stacey was moved to the rehab center last evening after six pm.  The social worker called yesterday afternoon to tell us the rehab center did not object to her having the power chair so they can teach her to transfer to it properly.  They also will allow her to go to a designated area to smoke so she was bit happier.  After going to her room for a few minutes we went back to her apartment to get the chair and a few other items she had requested and then I drove the chair back the two tenths of a mile to where she is.  We didn't stay as the occupational therapist was there to evaluate her.  When we got back to our town we stopped at McDonalds for a quick lunch.  I laid down to rest  for an hour or so. We are in for the rest of this beautiful day.

I am so far behind in the readings since yesterday morning that I am not going to make many individual comments, although have carefully read all the postings.

Janet, it doesn't seem very professional for the DON person to put that responsibility on you.  It seems it is another set back in Beth long and difficult life (and not forgetting what it does to you as well). 

Etta Sue, I didn't notice that Jacob's parents had on special garb but may well have.  I just felt it wasn't appropriate to go into the room and certainly glad I did not.  It sounds like he is beginning to make some progress which must be very encouraging. 

Ruth Ann, hope today finds you feeling better.

Hi, friends, I'm back from an exhausting day of being with an elderly lady. She needed to go to doctor, get meds, etc., and her difficulties with cognition made all this difficult. By the time I got home, I was ready for a rest!

Now, it's time for a "beauty rest." So, I'll close tonight. It's been wonderful hearing your conversations today.

Much love to everyone,
Ruth Ann

Sorry I have not been visible here for a while.  I have been involved with a lot of family "stuff" but can, finally, come here to let y'all know of the very latest developments with my grandkids. 

Yesterday Becky and Karmen flew from Southern California to Northern California to move in with Bryan, in Rocklin, CA.  This is truly a big step toward their future.  Bryan has a two bedroom apartment and he has taken it upon  himself to help his cousin get on with her life.  She has been sleeping on the couch in her sister's crowded mobile since I got her off the streets of Chicago, the end of July.  While Candice was happy to have her there, it just was not a good situation as Karmen grew and the space didn't.  Also, any opportunity for finding work and/or an apartment was non-existant there. 

Bryan is excited to have company -- he gets lonely living alone with no family -- and has been buying baby things for several days, now.  He had his buddies come over yesterday, after an extended shopping spree to get crib, baby clothes, highchair, etc.  They wanted to meet Becky and the baby and, Joy says, it was love at first sight when they saw Karmen.  She said "you should have seen those big macho guys turn to mush over that little girl."  They told Bryan they really admire him for what he is doing for his cousin -- called him "the man."  I know that bouyed Bry's spirits.

I am just grateful that I was instrumental in getting this ball rolling, by getting Becky off the streets and into her sister's home with family and love for the first time in a few years.  There still are a few issues to be dealt with, but things are really looking up for all concerned.

Here's a picture of Karmen on the plane for her first plane ride.  I love it!