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Janet I have had arthritis in my hands for Oh probably 20 years. My left hand has always been the worst. However the pain didn't get  this bad until  about 3years ago.  They are going to fix my finger joints where they are connect to my palm, I think that might be done the same way they are doing my thumb. Did you see all the pictures of after surgery and the huge old  dressing I will be wearing?

I know that I will be incapacitated for quite awhile, going through the Physical therapy and healing of the surgical procedures.  But it will be worth it to be pain free. This is really going to put a damper on my workouts, my legs will get  quite a workout until I can use both arms /hands.

I may take a month off from the gym. I don't know how soon all this will happen but I have to make a batch of Blackberry Jelly and get it shipped off to a friend before  hand.

The funeral dinner is done and over.  I had forgotten how hard that work is.  I don't think I have ever washed that many dishes and silverware.  We have 70 dinner plates and some paper plates were used plus the silverware plus the serving spoons plus the dishes when the bowls were empty!  Then wiping down the tables and putting the table clothes away and breaking down the tables and chairs and putting them away.  Whew!  But the meal is much appreciated by the families of the deceased.  I remember how much it helped when my Mom and Dad passed away. 

I had a hard time getting to sleep last night so it was a short night.  I am so tired right now.  I always seem tired the day after swimming and today is more so. 

And I am having computer problems again.  Again I get the email notice that someone posted on CP after me, but when I click the URL, a window pops up saying that it can't be found and did I type the URL correct?  I copy and paste the URL into Firefox and it works fine.  This happened before and I can't remember what I did to fix it.  Any suggestions??

Uh.....RESTORE, Etta Sue?  I don't know.  Yes, those dinners are lots of work.  Does your church do this as a service of love to the families, or are they charged for it?  After you answer, I will tell you why I asked.

I got all my list of stuff done except wrapping Beth's gift!!  Go me!!    And besides that, I finished reading a book to Mom.

Marilyn, you mean your knuckles?  Ouchie!  If you get them all done at once, your bandage (at first) will be huge!  When Mark cut his hand a few years back, his bandage was big, and we teasingly called him The Claw.  I had to go to therapy after my carpal tunnel and Guyon's canal surgery.  Not fun, but necessary.

Kass is off on a run with John and I am alone....Go me!!!  Etta Sue it was a short night for me as well last night.  So tonight is a take it easy evening.  They will be back late.

Janet yes it will be my knuckles and they have to do something about the  tendon that goes up the side of my hand by the little finger. It goes into a spasm and  caused my finger to go way out to the side and the side of my hand curves inward. Hard to explain without drawing a picture.

I am going to California on the 4th and I called to remind Gilbert that I am coming down. He tells me that they won't be home but will be at a baseball tournament.  am taking down the plans that Keith has drawn for  the addition to Gilbert's house.  I told him I don't know when I will be able to get down there again what with the surgery and recovery. Oh well I will visit with Willa and  friends instead. I stay at Willa's house anyway when I go down. Then I will go to my home church on Sunday.

I just had an update on Joni who has been battling cancer.  I thought it would be good to share it with you...



Thursday, August 26th Update from Joni

While sitting in the back of the van yesterday, driving home from my second round of chemotherapy, Ken had on a CD playing low, "I Can Only Imagine." I had to swallow hard and push back the tears; not so much of discouragement, but of wistful longing for that blessed Day when disease and disability will seem like a long ago, half forgotten dream.

My daily strength is pretty erratic, but when I'm at my lowest ebb, I stir my soul, remembering that these challenges are not only for my sake, but for something bigger. Something is stirring in the heavens and I believe it's a struggle for the souls of the world's disabled. When I pray (and when you join me), we are doing spiritual battle, 'muscling' back the kingdom of darkness and clearing the way for the success of the Gospel in their hearts, whether through Wheels for the World, Family Retreats, Wounded Warrior Getaways, or whatever. And it's our afflictions, praise God, that give our prayers a special audience with God (Psalm 10:17). So when this stretch of cancer is behind me, I believe we'll see it as a period when the Spirit gathered a bountiful harvest of happy, new believers into Christ's kingdom!

One more thing. After last night's rough sleep, Ken showed me this morning the e-devotional for August 26 that Joni and Friends sent out. It so sharpened my focus on Jesus, that I just had to pass it on...


A Heart of Silver

"He has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs... Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me."
- Psalm 66:9-11, 20

"The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart."
- Proverbs 17:3

"I love you, God," we say all the time. And we do... I do! But we easily deceive ourselves unless that love for God is proved through a test. Love will say, "I'd do anything for you, God; follow you anywhere." Obedience will say, "... and let me prove it." Obedience is not so much for God's sake, but ours. God wants us to realize the depth of our love for him.

And so he tests us. He is the one who brings us "into prisons" and "lays burdens on our backs." All the while he never "withholds his love from us." His love drives him to test us in order to refine us like silver. When gold is put through a refining process, it involves heat, as in a furnace. But when silver is refined, it involves pressure, as when one crushes a metal in a crucible. When a test heats up, you want to escape; when a trial is pressuring, you want to collapse. If we hold on, remain faithful, and rigorously obey, our hearts become refined. Obedience melts away pride and prejudice. Obedience crushes into dust self-centeredness revealing a heart, pure and at peace.

Others will notice when you come forth shining after a crucible experience. They may applaud your perseverance. Even this can be a test: "The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives" (Proverbs 27:21). Your response? "Praise be to God... he has not withheld his love from me."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


Oh Lord, refine my heart so that my love for you is real and genuine. I would rather have this trial than a dull, dry heart.

Thank you for that Pat.

   Good day to all.  Again I know that it is been a long time since I have been on the site. I do not know where all the time goes to.  This time on Manday morning I will be flying to Scotland to see my 93 year old Mother and I am very excited about this.  She is having some medical problems but she still is able to continue a conversation but is having great trouble with her walking.  I ask that you all would pray that I will have the op pertunity to be able to witness to all of my family and tell them about  Christ.

Many things have been going on in our lives since I was last posting but to many to put down at this time.

Janet:  Thank you for the devotional and it was very encour ageing.  I am so sorry to here about your kids it is so hard when this type of thing happens I will pray that the Lord will give you and your husband and also the kids the strength to get through this.  If possible and you have time could you email me the devotional A.S.A.P. so I can take it to Scotland.  ngbrown@cogeco.ca   Thanks.

Hi Larry.  Hope that you and Pat are looking after yourselves I hope that these kids are not driving you nuts. As said before they go back to school soon.  I am sorry to here that your daughter is having so much pain again will also pray for her.


Etta Sue:  Hi I hope that you can get your computer fixed soon.

Pat;  Hi hope that you are well and glad to see that you are back in Guelph.  I was talking to Colin and I may be going to see my Uncle in Belfast so I may get to go see Colin as he is only about 35 or 40 min. away from there place.  It is so nice to see you back on the site also.  God bless Sis.

Judy B:  Hi to you and also just pray for the request for Scotland and that the Holy Spirit will give me the op pertunity to be a Strong Christian.Thanks again. Little sis

To all others Thanks for all your posts and I pray that you will all continue to post and encourage others to come onto this sight and enjoy the fellowship.  God bless.   Gord and Noreen

P.S.  Please pray for my wife while I am away that the Lord will look after her and give her safety and good health.  Thanks.

Morning everyone.  

It is a chilly morning here in the North.  No night frosts yet though.  When that happens we know winter is on the way.

At about 9:00 pm Jeanne and I will be closing the Challenge.  You have about 12 hours left to post your pictures.  We have a wonderful topic, "Motorized Transportation" and great entries.  Add yours to it HERE

What a beautiful morning again!  And what a long night I had!  I was still wide awake after 3:00 a.m.  But then I finally fell asleep and woke up at 8:30.  I'm convinced I sleep better at night if I have a nap of about 1/2 to an hour in the afternoon (I know, sounds backwards but that's me.    ) and yesterday I didn't get one. 

Anyway, now I'm awake and rested.

Does God treat you the way you deserve?

Praise the Lord, I tell myself; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, I tell myself, and never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He ransoms me from death and surrounds me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle's! The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly. He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious; he is slow to anger and full of unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does he deal with us as we desire. For his unfailing love toward those who love him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west.

Psalm 103:1-12 NLT


About this week's promise
Mercy is compassion, poured out on needy people. But the mercy of God, which he expects us to model, goes one step further. God's mercy is undeserved favor. Even when we don't deserve mercy, God still extends it to us. Our sin and rebellion against God deserve his punishment; but instead he offers us forgiveness and eternal life. If God was merciful toward us despite our sin, how merciful should we be toward those who have wronged us?

Hi everyone.  We had a nice group at coffee this morning at the Senior Center.  Then four of us went to walk at the church gym but walked only about 1/2 mile.  This was the 4th morning this week and I think I am just worn down by it.  Fortunately, really don't have to go anyplace today although may make a quick trip to the library.

We had a small rain during the night.  Everything is amazingly green for this time of the year. 

Good to see all the postings since I posted last. 

Gord, have a good trip overseas and I hope you find your mother better than you expect.  I am sure your visit will be a boost for her.

Etta Sue, I think Janet recalls correctly that your last computer problem was solved by a system restore.

Judy, as far as I know we don't have a mandatory requirement for our high schoolers to be volunteer work.  That has always seemed an oxymoron situation as it is hardly voluntary if it is required. I think it is great to do volunteer service but I just don't think it should be done because of something hanging over our head like not being able to graduate.  Just my opinion.

Janet, please pass on my Happy Birthday wish for Beth.  Hope this is a most enjoyable day for her and I know you will do all you can to make it so.

Great animation Pat.

Good Morning Pat

Larry the 40 hours of volunteer time gives the graduation certificate. If a student does 80 hours as Kassie has they get 1 extra credit. If they do 120 hours they get a scholarship for $120.  Also there is an option of extra credit with Air Cadets for volunteer time.  I feel as children they need the encouragement to volunteer and in doing so they have an understanding of how other people live.  The way Kass is heading she will get the award in Cadets for volunteer work as well as the scholarship from the school.

From a teens perspective.
Quote Kassie, "I think it is good because people need to know how to work... and even if it is at the local food bank or humane society... it teaches them how the work force operates... if it was in elementary school yes I disagree only because they are too young to understand... but I am going into grade 11 and I think it is just awesome that I need 40 hours of volunteer work because it teaches me how to work... Also we have co-op it too teaches us how to work however it isn't for long and only for half of a day... so you really don't get the education in the whole work force as if you were volunteering... you will only get the knowledge of the course you are taking... eg. i am taking hairstyling but it will only teach me about hairstyling... that wont help me be a better youth pastor or even youth councilor... so i do believe it is very important that young adults (teens) need volunteer hours."

Thanks Marilyn.  Snagged it somewhere!

Hi Ruth!  Great weather!  Supposed to be a nice weekend too.

All of a sudden yesterday, the clickables in email started working.  I didn't do a restore system but I did un-install IMBooster.  I love going to www.shockwave.com and working their Daily Jigsaw puzzle.  It has been getting slower and slower and then, I can't seem to 'preview' here...I click 'post' and forget about the preview.  Well, I sent Shockwave an email about my problem.  They suggested that I un-install my Adobe Flash Player and Adobe Shockwave and re-install them.  Also make sure that Java and Java Script is enables...add ons or plug-ins on Firefox.  Then restart the computer.  I did that and I worked their puzzle in half the time that it took yesterday morning.  And I didn't have Java Script enabled!  Today I will try to 'preview' and see if that is fixed! 

I love it when you have a problem and the suggestion of what to do works! 

Today Ivalou and I got our haircuts done.  Soon after Ivalou was in the car, she said that Barb called her this morning and Barb canceled her thumb surgery because she was sick all night.  That woman is the sickest woman I know that still can do what she wants to do!  So instead of sitting with Kaye Don at the surgery center, Ivalou and I had breakfast at Perkins.  Then we went to Deals for a gift bag, greeting cards and ribbon for my baby gift for the Youth Minister and his wife. 

When I got home, I thought about sweeping out the garage.  I am glad I got that out of my mind...I would lots rather be inside where it is nice and cool and relax!!

The preview and post worked perfectly!  YEAH!!!  I do believe I am back in business!!

Great Etta Sue!  Now if I could only get my computer working right I would be happy!

Great news, Etta Sue.

That's good.

Well ... I finally got around to rescheduling the Dr. appointment that I had to cancel the end of March when Tom had his stroke.  I discussed a lot of things that have been going on since the last time I saw him ... such as weight gain (and inability to lose); hair loss, fatigue, shortness of breath, etc.  He said a lot of things could be contributing ... thyroid disease, anemia, stress, (can't figure that one    ) heart, diabetes, on and on ..... he sent me to the lab for a complete work-up; scheduled a Myocardial Stress Test/Lexiscan, and said that will help him figure out what's going on with me.  Well, I guess I asked for it.    

The doctor asked me if there was any history of cancer or heart disease in my family .... my mother had colon cancer; my dad had lung cancer; my daughter had pancreatic cancer and my brother died with a massive heart attack ... guess so!  The stress could possibly be these past several months of running back and forth to take care of business and the illness and death of my husband (and dealing with his not-so-wonderful daughter).  Could be, just could be ...... I don't know if I snore, but he also mentioned sleep apnea ... I think he'll be testing me for that as well.  We'll get this figured out eventually.  

Jane you are a medical book of problems.  They will get sorted out, and you will feel good again.  Praying sis.

Marilyn I haven't commented on the upcoming surgery.  Know that I am praying for you as well.

Pat Praying the Paul gets the internet lines hooked up soon. 

Off to do some baking.  BBQ tomorrow, and having family and friends.  Pat you want to come...you could stay over!

Thank you Judy.

I'd love to come, Judy!     But, I think I've "driven myself out" lately! 

 






All members of Christian Photographers may vote in this challenge "MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION"--even if you didn't enter.  And we sincerely hope that you will vote for your top TEN favorites.


VOTE HERE

Lots of posts since I posted--that's wonderful!

Jane good to see you, but sorry to read of all your "possible" problems.  But He who created you is still in control, and He can make everything right again.  I cetainly do not envy you for having to go through all those tests!!  But we do what we have to do, right?

Good grief.  I saw just now on TV that they are now marketing a serial killer doll!    As if people need any encouragement to do evil..... .

Busy day today.  Going to get our Prairie Pak food, then to farmers' market to see what's there, visit Mom to tell her that my sister's son is dying (hepatitis) and this afternoon Beth's birthday party.  I have been up since 5:30 doing stuff I want to get done.  Darrel is in Santa Rosa, N.M. with his Scuba guys.

I will vote when I get home, before the party, etc.  No time just now.

Hi everyone.  It is a cooler morning here and suppose to stay in the 80s.  There is a hint of fall in the air in the early mornings.

Our next door neighbor's are having a garage sale today so expect more traffic on our street.  Several days ago they had a big dumpster delivered so either they are remodeling or getting ready to move.  They are not bad neighbors but the little boy riding his little, noisy motorcycle for hour after hour around his house does wear on ones nerves. 

I think we have a pretty quiet day today.  I had a nice time at coffee and we will go to a meeting in a few minutes and then the rest of the day is clear.  Pat got her new glasses yesterday so doesn't have to deal with the glasses on a string around her neck anymore.  She will wear them full time.

Janet, the serial killer doll is a further sign of the destruction we see occurring in our country of morals and values.  Sorry to hear of your nephew.  Sorry to hear of your nephew's serious health situation.

Jane, it sounds like it is time for you to find out what, if anything is wrong, so it can be addressed.  You have been under tremendous stress this year and that does terrible things to our bodies.

Etta Sue, I am not thrilled with the Adobe products.  I have never seen anything that had to be updated as often.  Glad your problems seem to be fixed and you had a good response from the customer support of the software developer.

Judy, I appreciate your sharing your views, and those of Kassie, on volunteering.  I think volunteering is a fine thing.

Hope everyone has an enjoyable day.  I plan to do so.