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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 (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.

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!! :cheer:   ;)  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. :D

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. :thumbsup:

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 :thumbsup:

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. :cp:

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 (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=10499.30)

What a beautiful morning again!  And what a long night I had!  I was still wide awake after 3:00 a.m.  :ticked: 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.   ;D ) 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.   :o  

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.   :thumbsup:

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!  :lol:

 






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 (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=10499.0)

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!!  :P 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!  :ticked:  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.

Have you received God's mercy?

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.

Psalm 103:1-4 NLT


Pardoned
The essential act of mercy was to pardon; and pardon in its very essence involves the recognition of guilt and ill-desert in the recipient. If crime is only a disease which needs cure, not sin which deserves punishment, it cannot be pardoned. How can you pardon a man for having a gum boil or a club foot? But the Humanitarian theory wants simply to abolish Justice and substitute Mercy for it. This means that you start being "kind" to people before you have considered their rights, and then force upon them suppposed kindnesses which no one but you will recognize as kindnesses and which the recipient will feel as abominable cruelties. You have overshot the mark. Mercy, detached from Justice, grows unmerciful. That is the important paradox. As there are plants which will flourish only in mountain soil, so it appears that Mercy will flower only when it grows in the crannies of the rock of Justice: transplanted to the marshlands of mere Humanitarianism, it becomes a man-eating weed, all the more dangerous because it is still called by the same name as the mountain variety.

C. S. Lewis in God in the Dock

But, Larry.  What can you use besides Adobe Flash Player and Adobe Shockwave if that is what Shockwave says to use?  Hunh?

Janet, so sorry to hear of your nephew's illness.  I haven't heard of anyone having hepatitis for years.

Pat, I know you will be in hog heaven when you get internet at your house in Virginia.  The convenient store will miss you though...

JudyB, I would love to come to your BBQ...wish I could wiggle my nose like Samantha on 'Bewitched'.

Jane, with your weight gain (and inability to lose); hair loss, fatigue, shortness of breath, etc, I can't imagine why you think something could be wrong.  It's not like you have had major changes in your life in the past year.  Do get those tests and listen to the doctor and mind him.  Ya hear?  Wish I lived near you...we could do fun relaxing things...walk in the park, go for drives, sit and chat or watch the clouds go by together. 

Ivalou's daughter is here from Ohio.  Teresa comes here when she needs a break from grandkids and a daughter with breast cancer getting treatments to kill those cancer cells. 

I just got through using the ShopVac in the garage.  Looks pretty spiffy out there.  With all the junk removed I could have a party out there! 

Oh goody!  Etta Sue is having a party in her nice clean garage!   :hb2:   :woohoo:

 :)  Hi to all.  Well I am almost packed and ready to go tomorrow to the airport.  I am very excited and can't wait to see my family.  Could you please continue to pray for my previous requests.  Thank you.

May the Lord richly bless you all on C.P. :thumbsup:  Gord.

Gord, I pray the Lord will protect you and give you travel mercies.  I'm also praying for the hearts of your family to be opened to salvation. 

Wow!  What shall we all take to Etta Sue's garage party??   

Of course, I'll bring some Irish Wheaten Bread and fresh Lemon Curd! 

Gord, I did try to email the devotional to you, but for some reason it wouldn't work.  Sorry.

Boy, Beth's party just about wore me out.  I didn't have any help, and made dozens of trips down various halls, out to the car, to the kitchen, etc.  Then cut the ice cream cake, served it, served the punch, took everyone's to their tables, tried to greet everyone, etc.  We had lots more people than I expected, which was so nice.  Beth is loved by so many people!  And she got roses, candy and another sweet gift from John.  It is an acrylic stand-up with lovely things he wrote about her.  Really romantic!  <3

Darrel got home a little bit ago, I was happy, as I didn't expect him until much later.  His divers all did really well, but didn't enjoy that 61* water!  Brrrr.

I'm trying to visit with Darrel, so better get off here.  See you later!

Etta Sue I have lots left over....you could still come and enjoy a meal!!!

We had a wonderful time with Heather's family and our friends.  Far too much food, but it was good.

I am tired as is John so we will be off to bed very soon. 

After a minor hiccup or two, my laptop is running in tip top shape.  Now for it to stay that way. 

Yesterday was a ho-hum day after sweeping out the garage.  Kitty called and said she was in Noblesville and wanted to stop by and tell me about her sister and what she found out.  She has the beginnings of Dementia.  Sad.  She's not 70 yet. 

Then Ivalou called and wanted to know if I would like to go with her and Teresa out to eat Chinese.  (always think of Mieka when I say that!)  So I grabbed a shower real quick and walked to Ivalou's.  Marge went with us so we had a little party at The Great Wall. 

Then home.

Today I am working the overhead projector system.  Hopefully will go out to eat with Teresa and Ivalou...then home...and hopefully a nap.  I love my Sunday afternoon naps!

Hi everyone.  Slept in for an extra hour this morning but am now ready for church, which will start in a couple of hours.  Other than attend church, which is the highlight of any day, I don't plan on doing much today.  I pretty well got things caught up on my desk so really can just have a relaxing day.  I don't know whether we will go out to lunch with the group today or not, depends on what Pat wants to do. 

Last evening we went up to Zaxby's for dinner.  They have very good food featuring chicken.  Pat enjoyed the fried chicken salad and I had a grilled chicken sandwhich, which is a big meal. 

Etta Sue, I really don't know of anything we can use in place of the Adobe Flash so we just have to put up with the fairly constant updates. 

I was speaking with a friend yesterday and she said she had just gotten a new laptop and was going to have to buy Microsoft Office.  I told her about Open Office and a couple of other programs she can use that are free.  I suggested she try them and if not satisfied then purchase the programs.  She called late yesterday afternoon to thank me as had been playing around with Open Office and thought it was great.

Judy, glad your party went well.  Now you can feast on the left overs and have a little break from cooking.

Janet, it sounds like the party was a big hit.  Beth sounds like such a sweet person I am not surprised that she has many friends.  Hope you feel rested today from your efforts yesterday and will be able to take it easy.  Glad Darrel made it home safely.  Has he warmed up yet?

Gord, we will be thinking of you while you are gone.  Hope you have time to check in here from over there.

Hi Pat and Jeanne and all those looking in today.   

Shall I bring some potato salad to the garage party at Etta Sue's?  Judy, why don't you bring all those left overs from your BBQ? 

A beautiful sunny day for whatever kind of party we want!   ;D

Hi, friends, sure wish I had gotten here in time to ask Gord to take our best wishes to Colin. It's so good to hear from all of you, but, I'm certainly sorry to learn of Marilyn's hand issues. Thankfully, she'll have some help in getting dressed, etc. I remember that was not an easy time when I had those 3 carpal tunnel surgeries.

Gotta hurry - need to get to church.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann I have been practicing doing things one handed, I can put on and take off my make up, put on a sports bra  However I think I will need some help with my  long hair I can't just  brush it and let it go . I told Keith he is going to have to learn how to make a braid.

Sounds like a plan Jeanne I will bring some salad and burgers.  Will be a blast!

I had too much garlic at supper last night.  Paying for it ever since.  IT is a horrible allergy, did you know garlic is in everything?  Didn't trust myself to church today.   :'(

We have Heather's son here, JC (John Christopher) till tomorrow.  He is such a pleasure to have around. Great company for Kassie.  It is amazing how much they are alike in looks and attitude. I will have to get a picture this week of them both.

I will be back later.  Make sure you all vote in the Challenge.  We have a lot of wonderful entries!

Let's move that party in Etta Sue's garage into a new week!  We can just bring all the goodies HERE (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=10662.msg154380#msg154380)