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Hello, everyone!  I hope you were inspired and challenged at your church services today.  We got some completely unexpected news:  our pastor is leaving.  No notice, not warning, just made arrangements, went and tried out at another church in another town.  It's not a done deal yet, but they will know by tonight.  Darrel and I are not unhappy about it, as we have been dissatisfied with the direction things have been going for a long time.  We talked about going to another church, but the Lord hadn't released us yet to leave.  Maybe this is the reason.  He knows the end from the beginning.

Larry, having a little motorcycly buzzing past your house constantly would get annoying!  The kid will probably get tired of the new toy and be off to something else before long, though.  Sorry about the circumstances for your great-grands; but God never makes mistakes when He creates a new baby.  We can just continue to pray that things change for that family.

I spoke to my youngest daughter last Sunday, and things are bad at her place, too.  She is a very hard worker, and had such high hopes for this marriage, as did we.  Her husband is a hard worker, too.....but he has become an alcoholic.  She says his Mom is enabling him, that he goes by his mom's every day after work and drinks (she keeps it on hand for him) until as late as 8 before he comes home and passes out on the couch.  She is heartbroken, would you please pray for Kerri and Ray?  Thanks.  Her two sons are still living at home;  one is out of school and working, the other is a Senior in HS this term.

Janet will be praying.  Larry try to tune it out, school starts soon.

Kassie's friend is here so I am off till they have turned in.

Janet praying here in Oregon. Having been married once upon a time  to more than one alcoholic. I can really empathize with your daughter. Once thing I hope she understands is that  an alcoholic can turn violent in heartbeat. I walked on egg shells for too many years.

Thanks Judy and Marilyn.  Boy, I sure hope he doesn't turn violent!

We have learned that the money at church has been being mishandled for a long time; it was even in the local paper this week that the church's taxes on the property haven't been paid.  Shameful.  I am so disappointed, both in the pastors and our board, who had to have known what was going on, but didn't take measures to correct it.  The devil will steal from you any way he can. 

What a wonderful 150th Year Celebration.  We had over 180 people at church yesterday.  Normally around 75.  And the church didn't fall in.  It is an old church and that's the reason we are building new.  It is on the brink of being condemned!   

The Sunday service was great with much tears.  We are fortunate to have 8 members that are over 90 years of age that were recognized!  The choir sang.  The congregation sang.  The sermon was right on target. 

Then we were all dismissed to go outside to a huge tent where tables and chairs were set up and a long row of tables with much food!  Like most small churches, the food was extraordinary! 

Then back into the sanctuary for congregational singing, The Shepherds again and The Zellers (two male cousins and three sons of one of them) sang...what harmony.  We watched the slide show and past ministers were recognized.  Then, that's all, folks!

When we were dismissed we all received a little book about the history of Clarksville Christian Church, a drink cozy and ball point pen.  The 150th Year Celebration committee is to commended!

I thought I would sleep good last night but I tossed and turned.

Today Kitty, Cherie and I are going to the State Fair to get our photos.  The fair was over yesterday!  And of course, we will eat somewhere. 

I am hoping to mow when I get back home.  Right now it is foggy and cool...not even 70 degrees yet! 

I am praying that everyone have a God-blessed day!

Janet there is a similar situation up here that really disturbs John and I, misappropriation of funds.  It is sad when neglect or greed take over.  Prayer is the only answer, and perhaps a new board?

Kassie's friend is here.  We are having a great time together.  Today is a trip to North Bay and lunch with Heather.  Perhaps some swimming.  These kids don't mind the cold at all, I know I couldn't do it.

I'm off, I have other computer work to do so Bye for now.

Hi everyone.  It looks like it will be a pleasant day today and the humidity is suppose to be lower but it will still be hot.

We had a quiet day yesterday.  Pat did go to church and we went to a new place just across the street from the church.  It is a diner that is staying open 24 hours a day.  The food was tasty and the prices in line with places.  On Sunday they give you a 10% discount if you show them your church bulletin, which Pat happened to have in her purse. 

A friend of mine loaned me a copy of the beginning of the John Adams series that appeared on HBO.  I watched a couple of hours of it and thought it was excellent.  It helps one appreciate our history. 

I have my men's Monday luncheon to attend today at 1 pm and that is about it for today.  I do have a little paperwork to work on in anticipation of a meeting next week that I have been asked to substitute for the man who usually leads the business meeting.

Our daughter is suffering with a lot of pain in the other foot so guess the neuropathy is attacking it as well.  Sure hope she doesn't develop the same condition where the bones will break very easily. 

I enjoyed all your postings but will not comment individually this morning.

I just finsihed reading the book Damien the Leper by John Farrow (Mia Farrow's father)  It is well written and what a story of courage, committment and sacrifice it is!  This young Belgian priest volunteered to go to Molokai in the Hawaiian Islands and work with the lepers on Molokai.  The conditions there were abomnible and he knew that would be his lot for the remainer of his life.  He did eventually contract the horrible disease of leprosy and died there among "his lepers."  Very thought proboking.  How much are we willing to sacrifice to serve God and our fellow human beings?  Do we want our creature comforts more than we want to do God's will?  I know I feel convicted.

Time to get busy here!  I have enjoyed a leisurely morning, but all good thing come to an end........

We went to Charleston yesterday afternoon ) that is where all the fishing boats come in) There was a Fish Festival going on but  all we did what hit one of the docks  to find a boat selling tuna. We stopped at the first one and bought an 11 lb tuna, had it filleted and brought it home for supper. I smothered it in Lemon Pepper, wrapped bacon around all four big pieces then wrapped each one in heavy foil so Keith to  put it on the grill and BBQ  it. It is so good. We only ate one of the pieces. So this week is going to be fish week   :thumb:

I saw on Facebook where one of my Grand daughters posted her phone  number some time back. I had copied it down and   installed it into my cell phone.  She lives in North Carolina and is Ron's daughter. I have not seen any of them  since  around 1990. I have chatted with Ron on Facebook and  posted back and forth with two of the girls. Last evening I decided I  would call Tina, the oldest.

We had a great conversation and both recalled the last time we had seen each other when she was 8 yrs old.  She knew who it was as soon as she heard my voice and said I sound just like my Daughter. That is so strange because my step father always said that my grandmother, mother and I all sounded the same only a different pitch.
I forgot that there is a 3 hour time difference so it must have been about 11PM her time when I called.

Hi Jeanne Are you back to your old self yet?

Hi, friends, the past several days have been a bit difficult for me, health-wise. I think I have had a pesky stomach flu, that still has not completely abated. No, I haven't been eating any eggs, so that's not the problem, thank goodness.

Here's a good report about my friend who has had so many ups and downs with her heart rhythm and rate the past 6 months. She's finally reached a level where the doctor is so pleased that today he told her that only if she had problems would she need to come in to see him, and to plan the next visit for 6 months. So, I chuckled and reminded her she needed to wish him and his staff merry Christmas and happy new year, since it will be February before we return to see him, God willing.

Well, y'all have a good rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

Well this has been quite a day.  I kept the kids busy with a lunch date with Heather and then a trip to Duchaney Falls.  They were plumb tuckered out but I was energized, Old lady me!  From there we took the long way home, and then set out to get pizza and swimming.  They are going for a bike ride and "star gazing".  It is so dark up here at night that it feels like you can reach up and touch the stars.

I am going to take it easy for the evening.  I have reading to do and John will be calling.

Night all.

We got our photos from the State Fair.  What a mess...tearing down the vendors areas and cleaning up the place.  Then we ate at Chili's.  All three of us visited at Kitty's home.  Then I came home and mowed the grass and used the lawn sweeper.  The yard looks so nice.

Today is our Senior group at church's outing.  We are meeting at Logan's Steak House at noon.  Last month we had 21 people! 

Then I plan to crochet and hopefully get this little baby afghan done for the youth minister and his wife's little Ellianna (due in October).

Hi everyone.  We have the nicest morning that we have had all summer.  Very low humidity and it isn't too hot yet.  There is just a hint of fall in the air.

I have a meeting this morning and then plan to go see a friend who is in the hosital about two towns away.  His wife said they think he may have a case of salmonella but the results are not back yet.  She said he was in pretty bad condition when she got him to the doctor yesterday morning.  

This evening, if I am not too tired, I plan to attend a concert given by a group called the Sons of Jubal.  They are all Baptist music ministers, choir directors or musicians.  This group is all men.  There is a women's component that I have heard but they are not singing tonight.  There are suppose to be about 100 men plus orchestra.  It is at a Baptist church in the next town.  

Larry, we, too, have lovely weather, following a nice rain last night it was at lwast 30 degrees cooler today than yesterday.  And record lows are predicted for tonight--should make for good sleeping!

Darrel and I went to Liberal today, did several things and had a nice time.

Marilyn, I love fish, but we rarely have any, as we cannot get good, fresh fish here.  (Well, it is only about 500 miles in any direction to water!)  

Judy, glad you are having fun keeping the kids entertained.

Etta Sue, things sure do tear down a lot quicker than they go up, huh?  And your church looks so much nicer and in better condition than ours, I was really surprised to read that you are getting ready to build.  We are too, or were, but now the money has disappeared, and even the taxes on the land we bought haven't been paid.  Thing have got to change!!!

See you all later.

I just read this and enjoyed it; thought you might, too!



Scripture: Romans 12:6-8
"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully" NIV

1. PROPHETIC --- If a gift is prophesying, let him use in proportion to his faith;
1. A lady in a red dress just moments before the blueberry pie hit the carpet had predicted the disaster and promptly informed the hostess who ignored her as insensitive.

2. MINISTER/SERVANT --- If it is serving, let him serve;
2. A man in a light blue suit immediately rounded up cleaning supplies and started cleaning the carpet.

3. TEACHER --- if it is teaching, let him teach;
3. A lady in a gray dress immediately instructed the little boy in the proper placement of his eating utensils so that he would never knock his plate on the floor again.

4. EXHORTER --- if it is encouraging, let him encourage;
4. A man with a bright yellow tie began to encourage everyone saying he has been through the same experience and defined ways to cope with the crisis.

5. GIVER --- if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously;
5. A lady in an expensive designer dress immediately reached into her hand bag and slipped the hostess a fifty dollar bill. Along with the fifty dollar bill is a business card with the name and number of the carpet cleaner service she uses.

6. ADMINISTRATOR/RULER --- if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; 6. A man in a dark blue business suit immediately takes charge of the clean up and repair organizing the guests to maximize the combined effort.

7. MERCY/COMPASSION --- if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully;
7. A lady in a green dress immediately takes the crying young child aside. She comforts his confusion and embarrassment after the lady in the gray flannel suit has completed her instructions.

(This illustration is more fully expounded by authors Don and Katie Fortune in their book, "DISCOVER YOUR GOD GIVEN GIFTS.")

Prayer: Father help me to apply the gifts you have given me to dramatically enlarge your kingdom. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

LOL John is very definitely the ADMINISTRATOR in the family.  Thank you for the explanation Janet, it is really interesting how each of us fit into the family (broad sense). 

Today Our company goes home.  It has been fun and I have kept up to two teenagers!

I have my laptop outside and I am sitting on the deck with a cool breeze blowing.  Also waiting on two men to come to remove the deep freeze, old kitchen sink top, water container from my furnace and an old sump pump from the basement and if they have room, two push lawn mowers from the garage.  They were suppose to be here by 10am.  10:40am now.  Why can't people be on time?

I am almost done with my baby afghan.  But I had to run to Walmart last evening for more yarn.  Should be done this evening...if nothing interrupts me. 

Kitty and I are going swimming this afternoon and when I get home I need to prepare macaroni salad for a funeral dinner at church tomorrow. 

Then tomorrow I will work in the church basement for the funeral dinner.  Hope we aren't as catty as 'The Church Basement Ladies' that we saw at Beef and Boards. 

I have around 10-12 Butterfly bushes around my house.  I wish you all could see how many butterflies are flying around. 

Just heard a loud noise approaching.  It was a helicopter that checks the power lines beside my house.  In less than a minute, the noise was gone! 

Hi everyone.  It has been a pleasant and very busy day.  After coffee we left so Pat could go back to the eye doctor's office to get a new prescription for glasses.  She didn't need to see the doctor but a technician, who also explained the prescription so she understand better what the numbers mean and how they work together.  Apparently Algebra is involved in the numbers they put on the prescription.  She will get some new glasses now.

We went from there and met our daughter at the cafeteria at the Shepard Spinal Center, which is a hospital across the street from where she lives. She can easily get there with her wheelchair, the food is good and reasonable and it makes a nice place to sit and visit.  We spent a couple of hours with her and took her some things.  We came home and have been resting.  Tonight is choir practice.

Janet, that is sad about the financial situation at your church.  However, it points up the fact that there should always be internal controls in place whereever money is involved.  It protects all involved. 

Judy, glad your visitors visit went well for all concerned. 

Etta Sue, the butterflies sound great.  We also have butterfly bushes in Geoergia.

I went to the  the Ortho Doctor yesterday and have an appointment with the hand surgeon on the 10th of next month. They are going to do not just the thumb joint but all the fingers too. I will be in a cast for about 5-6 weeks. This is going to be hard, getting dressed  brushing my teeth, fixing my hair, washing my face, etc. I can do this and I will do this. Preparing meals might be a little bit tougher.

They are going to do WHAT, Marilyn?  And is it one hand or both?  I have had two friends who broke both arms at once, they had a really hard time doing things, but husbands learned to fix their hair and apply their makeup for them.  Now, that's love! 

It is my left hand  and they are going to  replace the lowest joints in my fingers and the one at the base of my thumb. They will take a piece of one of the tendons in my wrist and  roll it into a ball and use that to create a ball for the joint to roll on for the thumb. The Dr. said it is better to use a piece of something from my own body so there is no rejection. I am having it all done at once rather than have to be cut  open again for the rest of the fingers at a later date. It originally only going to be my thumb. I am not sure yet what they will do for the fingers. I just want them to fix  them so the pain will go away.

http://www.cedarhand.com/basaljoint.html

Since I have such a fear of being put under I am going to ask Gilbert to come up and go with  me since he is my next of kin. I have both him  and Keith down as next of Kin.

Hello Everyone...

I know!  It's been awhile. 

I'm home here in Guelph where I have internet!  Paul is still down in Virginia waiting for a few appointments.  It will be so nice when we have internet down there.

Marilyn!!!!  That sounds awful.  Judy McKenna could certainly relate to what you are going to go through.  She's had many joints replaced over the years.

We had bad news of Paul's sister-in-law today and I'm going to update the topic in the Prayer and Praise area where you can read it.

This song has been on the radio a lot lately.  The words have stuck and I find myself singing it through the day.

Lead Me

I look around and see my wonderful life
Almost perfect from the outside
In picture frames I see my beautiful wife
Always smiling
But on the inside, I can hear her saying...

"Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't
Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, what about us?

Show me you're willing to fight
That I'm still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone"

I see their faces, look in their innocent eyes
They're just children from the outside
I'm working hard, I tell myself they'll be fine
They're in independent
But on the inside, I can hear them saying...

"Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't
Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, but what about us?

Show me you're willing to fight
That I'm still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone"

So Father, give me the strength
To be everything I'm called to be
Oh, Father, show me the way
To lead them
Won't You lead me?

To lead them with strong hands
To stand up when they can't
Don't want to leave them hungry for love,
Chasing things that I could give up

I'll show them I'm willing to fight
And give them the best of my life
So we can call this our home
Lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone

Father, lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone

Hi everyone.  Really looking forward to today and tomorrow since my calendar is clear and I can stay home and get some things done and not have to rush doing them.  Nothing new since I posted yesterday.  We did have a nice choir practice last evening.  Since my stent was put in I am quite a bit stronger than I was, including my voice. 

Marilyn, I sure don't envy you having that surgery.  However, know you will be pleased when the recovery period is over and you can not have all that pain. 

Pat, glad you are back in Canada where you have Internet access.  Paul told me they keep promising to install the lines in Virginia but find reasons not to.

Time for coffee with the guys this morning.

Good morning!  It's a pretty one here in the northeast.  Mostly sunny, but still pretty cool, probably won't get above the low 70's most of this week. 

A follow-up doctor's appointment this afternoon about the surgeon's and pulmonologist's reports, a bone scan next week with probably one more follow-up for those results and then I should be finished for six months.

That's good news, Jeanne.  We've sure missed you around here.

Praise God, Larry and Jeanne!  I am so happy to read of your improvements in health!

Marilyn, I went and read all about the surgery you plan to have.  While it does sound complicated, it sounds as if you have every reason to expect a good and lasting result.  If I were experiencing the pain you have talked about, I would opt for the surgery.  Now....inquiring minds want to know...what will they do to your fingers?  Have you suffered from arthritis for a long time?  I wish you the very best with this procedure.

I went for a nice walk again this morning.  The cool, fresh air is so nice!  Thank you, God.

I am not going to Santa Rosa, N. M. with Darrel tomorrow after all.  One of his Scuba students is riding with Darrel, so he won't have that 5 hour drive home alone, tired from the diving.  That's the reason I had planned to go, to make sure he stayed awake and help with the driving.  I am relieved not to go, as Saturday is Beth's birthday, and I want to have a little party for her.  This way, I can do that.

Today I plan to do some framing, and work on a couple of painting projects I have going.  Then, if there is any time left, do some scrapbooking!  Always something to do.  Oh, yes!  I also need to go to the care home and plan Beth's party; go to the store and get her an ice cream cake, and wrap her gift!  Think I will get it all done?  Not if I don't get at it!

It seems there is a lot of praise going on here in the Coffee House.  Praise God for answers to prayer even when we don't see them!!!

We had rain all night, it was interesting to listen to, especially when you are trying to get to sleep.

We are having a BBQ here on Saturday evening.  I am looking forward to it even though all who were invited are not coming.  Our friends and Heather are coming, so we will have a good time.  Burgers, sausages and perhaps pork back ribs as well as an assortment of salads and home made breads.  Even thinking about it makes my mouth water!

Kass is at work this afternoon.  She is volunteering at the food bank which will give her the volunteer hours she needs for school.  What is it like in the USA, do high school students need 40 volunteer hours in order to graduate?  We didn't have that when I went to school, but I will say I think it is a great idea.

Well I am off for now, be back later this afternoon.