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Welcome to our weekly topic entitled, "Thoughts for the Week"!


Each week we start a new topic which begins with a short devotional and/or a hymn and then we share all week with each other, our comings and goings in our daily life.

If you wish to share a scripture verse, tell us about an outing that was special, talk about your problems with your car, or the plumbing in your house, or the weather in your area - whatever it might be, please feel free to join us.

This week's devotional is entitled, "He Leads" by Max Lucado

See you in this new week!

• Prayer and Praise (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?board=3.0)    Thanks for visiting this area of our site to share prayer requests and items for praise!

Morning Devotional...


He Leads
by Max Lucado

         

Worrying is one job you can't farm out, but you can overcome it. There's no better place to begin than in Psalm 23:2  "He leads me beside the still waters," David declares. "He leads me."  God isn't behind me, yelling, "Go!"  He's ahead of me bidding, "Come!"  He's in front, clearing the path, cutting the brush. Standing next to the rocks, He warns, "Watch your step there."

Isn't this what God gave the children of Israel? He promised to supply them with manna each day. But He told them to collect only one day's supply at a time. Matthew 6:34 says, "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow.  God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes."

God is leading you! Leave tomorrow's problems until tomorrow!

From "Traveling Light"
                                                         

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Hi everyone.  Another sunny day here in Georgia.  I am ready for church but it will be about thirty minutes before we leave.  That will be the big activity for today with probably eating lunch out as well with our friends.  Yesterday turned out to be a super day for me as I felt like my old self and was able to get a lot of things done that I hadn't felt like tackling like getting my printer situation solved in my office by making it wireless.  I found it is even compatible with my iPhone and iPad so I can print directly from them to my wireless printer wherever I am located.  Technology is amazing.  I think the reason I felt so good yesterday was that my blood pressure finally got up to 90/53.  I just took it this morning and it is 86/47 so may not have the pep today I felt yesterday.  But I won't go there until I have to.  Pat and I went to our favorite Mexican restaurant for dinner yesterday evening and had a very good meal.  We did get to see and chat a couple of minutes with our great grandchildren, except the youngest who was taking a nap.  We used Skype and hope that can become a regular thing to do.

Jeanne, unfortunately you are correct about there being little if any chance we would ever be able to travel to New York.  We are going to have to settle for the Skype meetings with the great grans.

Carol, we have only been to New York state a couple of times and once was on a bus from a timeshare resort that Fred Waring had in PA.  Another time we drove into western New York and it was beautiful.  I have also been to Albany on business years ago but you don't see anything flying in and out of a place.  Glad you got home safely from the quilt exhibit.  Was it good?  Good for you in taking a stand regarding the bookclub.  It is sad that a few can ruin things for all. 

John, it sounds like hitting the road will be a rest for you compared to all the work you have been doing at home.  I bet Judy will be able to add and item or two to the list by the time you get home. 

Judy, hope you got rested last night. 

Janet, according to the weather yesterday it sounds like Kansas probably was in for more rain this weekend.  Glad you house has dried out. 

Ruth Ann, hope your granddaughter will be better today and you will be able to see her.  You sure don't need to catch anything. 

Pat, I bet no one will care that you had the Birkenstocks on this morning. 

Thank you for the devotional Jeanne.  It is good to know he leads us even when we don't "see" it!

John has gone,  :'(  Had to leave early to get to his drop on time.  I am so looking forward to his retirement.

We had wonderful friends here for Sunday dinner, terrific conversation, Love these friends from Redbridge.  I am also dogsitting for them for about 2 weeks.

Kim and I are going to have a relaxing remainder afternoon/evening.  Dogs will need a walk, and that will prove interesting with 5 dogs off leash!!!  Thankfully we have lots of property for them to run in with little to no traffic.

Till later....

Hi everyone.  It was another clear morning as I went to coffee this morning but was already beginning to heat us when I came out of McDonald's a little bit ago.  Yesterday turned out to be a very hot day.  We did go to the Chinese place to eat with 5 other folks after church yesterday.  This will be a typical Monday for me with my treatment and then attend a meeting this evening.  Pat talked to Stacey this morning and she isn't doing so good as is having more chest pain.  She was about ready to call 911 last night but delayed because the new lady is coming to clean her apartment today.  She thinks some of the problem may relate to the COPD she has as was having trouble breathing as well as the pain.  In the sunlight this morning I did find there is a dent in my back panel over the tire section from the deal hit and a tiny paint chip on the edge.  It really isn't noticeable and I don't plan on doing anything about it. 

Judy, I can't imagine having five dogs on a leash at one time.  Glad you and Kimi could enjoy a relaxing afternoon/evening as sure you were ready for it. 

Sure not much activity here yesterday.

What a way for John to end his weeks holidays. I think he would have been happier staying home!!!  He went to the mill and picked up the trailer to take to Minnesota, Back to North Bay to scale it only to find out that it was loaded wrong couldn't be scaled, and balanced correctly, and made legal.  So back to the mill to get it reloaded and "fixed" back to the scales in North Bay.  At this point it was 11:30 and he was still only in North Bay, not Sault St. Marie like he had hoped.  HE gets so frustrated with people who are incompetent in doing their job........They know the correct way, however the easy way is best.  He arrived in Warren at 12:15. At least he is started on his way. Delivery time has had to be adjusted to the customer. so there is a delay there.   I was just talking to John, he is in good spirits, even though he is tired.

We have a beautiful day here sun shining in a cloudless sky. 

Larry on 80+ acres I don't need or use leashes, I walk and the dogs follow me out to the fields and they run circles around me.

Have a great day everyone, God bless.

Hi, friends

I'm using a cell phone today. The devotional was great. How many times have I relied solely on God's opening or closing doors of/to opportunity. 'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus!

My granddaughter got better, so I am at their house today. The birthday skating party was a huge success. Now to see if grandson & his wife have plans tomorrow. If not, I'll swing by their new to them home and enjoy being w great grandsons tomorrow.

Wish I could say more, but cell phone has limited battery life.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Good evening folks.

I was just reading through the posts and I am missing seeing the goings on from Etta Sue.  I wish she would come and tell us about her FROGGS reunion!  Miss you sis!

I finally was talking to Pat.  We had a great talk about Hummingbirds, I will let her tell you the story!

I am heading to bed, see you all tomorrow!

If you received more than one "Announcement" email for the Thoughts for the Week, we apologize.  Oldiesmann and I are trying to fix something....

On Saturday, I was doing some laundry here in Winchester, VA and we have a line on the verandah--nice and long--.  I also wanted to put up a wasp trap that is green glass.  Well, all of a sudden, I saw hummingbirds--two of them--trying to get into the wasp trap at the bottom.  I sure didn't want that so I quickly went and made up some fresh hummingbird syrup and re-hung up their feeder that we didn't think they were interested in anymore.

When I hung it up, all of a sudden, I had a hummingbird in my hair on my forehead and almost at the same time, I had one on my left forearm and then two others flying around ready to fight with the ones on me!!!

I went into the house and waited.  I didn't see them again.

Well, today, I hung out more laundry as it was such a wonderful drying day and in the meantime, Judy phoned me and Paul brought the phone out onto the porch/verandah where I had been hanging the wash.

All of a sudden, Judy heard me sort of scream or maybe loudly exclaim and I told her a hummingbird just landed on my head!!!  I had just sprayed a hornet's nest under a table we have out there and I thought maybe the "whoosh" I heard was a hornet thus my scream!

I went quickly into the house and then the hummingbird used his/her food in the feeder.

So, that's my hummingbird story!!!


I miss Etta Sue too!!!

Pat it is too bad Paul couldn't take a picture of you and the hummers!

We are having a cold day here, I took the dogs out for their run in the field and cut it somewhat short, it started to spit rain and I didn't want to be caught in the downpour.....which never materialized.

The house is chilly and I am going to start adding layers, it is either that or start the fire.....a little early in the season for the furnace.

John made it to Minnesota safely and I believe on time for his drop off.  Now hopefully an easier trip back to Canada.
 
Had a question asked of me last night....What is the definition of faith? Hebrews 11:1 is the best definition I could come up with.  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  Can any one come up with a better definition?

Time to go, God bless.

It's been raining here all day, sometimes heavy and sometimes very light, but always raining.  I need a prescription refilled and tried to call the drug store to have it delivered - and my phone doesn't work!  No matter what number I try I get a message "action failed".  I'm hoping it's just a glitch in the service but if it's still not working tomorrow I'll have to take a trip the the ATT store to get it fixed.  Of course, as these things go, it's just over a year since I got it and I'm afraid that means the warranty is over.  Oh, well.

HELLO FRIENDS:

Yesterday Mel & I picked the green beans in our little garden, today they are cooked and waiting for there ride to the freezer.  While picking the beans we felt no more than 4 drops of rain.

I have started to knit a cardigan in the 12 month size only to find that I was one stitch not enough yes I unravelled it, it would have been ok but I like doing things right.

We have animal whistles on our cars in the hopes that they will keep natures creatures away. 

Judy: Does Kim stay up all night as well.  In our home day is to stay awake and night is for sleeping.

:coffee:

Ruth, I am usually in bed asleep about 11:30, Kim is gone by 10:00.  I like to read before I turn the light off.

This has continued to be a chilly day.  More like September weather, I sure hope it warms up!

Time to get supper ready back later!

Looking forward to seeing your cardigan, Ruth! 

What a day with problems with the CP software.  We apologize to those of you trying to get in and post.

It sure has been quite a day, Pat.  I had to laugh at myself when I saw your post.  Your weather gizmo was registering 57 degrees and it's 65 here.  I thought, my goodness that much cooler in Virginia?  Then it finally hit me - your weather gizmo is set for Guelph!  ;D 

Pat:  I just thought you were trying to help me remember by sending the message four times.   :D  What is wrong with Birkenstocks?  I know you think they are too casual but they are good for your feet and if you go to the 7:30 am service, it is very casual.  Just saying.....  so happy to read that Paul is doing well and you arrived safely. 

Jeanne Lee:  Good wishes on getting your cell phone fixed. 

Ruth Ann:  You wrote everyone on your cell phone...is that a Smart Phone?  Rest well. 

Ruth:  Is the cardigan for a close relative?  Kudos to you for ripping the yarn   - I have a problem to be solved tomorrow with help from someone at the Needle Arts meeting - mainly in how to attached all the rectangles so they become a cardigan/coat.  This must be a two going on three year project. 

It sure has been quite a day, Pat.  I had to laugh at myself when I saw your post.  Your weather gizmo was registering 57 degrees and it's 65 here.  I thought, my goodness that much cooler in Virginia?  Then it finally hit me - your weather gizmo is set for Guelph!  ;D 

Carol:  The cardigan is for our step great grandson.

The yarn was purchased at Mary Maxim when Pat and I went the color is Denim in a variegated shade that has been designed to create a pattern already it is looking lovely. When completed I will put it here for all to see.

Judy:  Have you got the labels done?

Labels are done and I love them.  Next time I will go for a smaller label. 

Jeanne have you checked our temperature? 56* right now.

I am still refusing to light the furnace, I will bundle up first!

Well here I am , was gone to Portland for the weekend. We left on Thursday because Keith had business in Yachats. he had to inspect the roof of a motel. the owner put us up for the night in a very nice room. The name of the place was Dublin House. We had Fish and chips across highway at the Big Blue Whale. On Friday we drove up to Portland to stay at Craig's house, On \Saturday we went to the  Bite of Oregon Festival. Lost of good food there. We came home on Sunday.

One of the Foster  Mom's from the clinic who lives just down the hill from me took care of the animals so i didn't have to board the dogs. She even came up here every two hours to take to dogs out for potty breaks. Both dogs are getting to old to be going to boarding. I worry about them. Happy is 15 now and Bebe is 12½. She has  a bad heart murmur, I don't know how much longer I will have my furkids so they both get the royal treatment. I am going to take happy to the groomer for some trimming up as he is starting to look a little shaggy.

Marilyn, it sounds as though you had a really full and enjoyable weekend!  Good that there is someone to look after the dogs for you when you're away.  That must make it much easier for you.  :thumbsup:

I tried several times yesterday to post, but could never get the box to appear.  I guess it was part of the site problems Pat and Oldiesman were having.  No big deal, I didn't have any really important stuff to say, anyway!  ;)  I just like keeping in touch with you all.

And it is now time to go to the gym.  When I get back, maybe I will have an email notification and less trouble getting here by the round-about way and the back door.

Totally overcast here, and spitting rain!  :)

We had rain last night that lasted well into the night, today we woke up to fresh clean air, blue skys and it seems a bit warmer.

Have to take Gdtr to the doctor, and then maybe a photo opp.......we'll see. 

I will be back.

Hi everyone.  Another cloudy day with good possibility of more storms in the area.  We did have a little rain again last evening.  Nothing other than the EECP treatment for today and glad as not feeling very chipper again today.  I did write my doctor last evening about my blood pressure and heard back from him this morning saying the reading I sent him were not good and he cut a couple of my medicines in half.  He also asked me to come in and see him next week if possible with Pat in attendance and I was able to schedule an appointment next Monday at 10:30.  It couldn't be any later as we need to leave to Athens at 11:30.  Pat is on her way to Walmart. 

Judy, glad John can take these frustrations in stride as he is doing what has to be done and has no control over whats other do.  Nice you can walk your dogs without leashes and I am sure they really like being free to run as they want. 

Ruth Ann, glad to see your granddaughter is better and you were able to make the trip.

Pat, that must be an unusual experience to have the birds land on you.  Suppose they mistook you for a tree.  You haven't died your hair red have you?  :)  I also miss seeing Etta Sue post and it is worrisome. 

Jeanne, that sounds like a problem with the phone company and not your phone.  Regardless of the warranty the ATT staff would likely answer your questions and see if they could help.  I have always found them helpful here and not asking about the warranty. 

Ruth, it sounds like you follow the adage if is it good enough to do then do it right. 

Carol, you sounds like Pat is having two or three year projects.  I know one she has had in the works probably 15 years.  She occasionally takes it out and does a little more. 

Marilyn, sounds like you had a delightful and restful weekend.  Nice your neighbor could help you with the dogs. 

Janet, I just realize from your posting that I had tried to come here yesterday morning and couldn't and didn't think about it the rest of the day. 

Very pretty day here.  Sunny but more fall-like than August with temp only 65 and quite a brisk breeze.  The promise for the next week is dry and mostly sunny.

Phone problem solved.  I drove the 20 + miles over the mountain to the ATT store and was greeted by a lovely young lady.  I explained that I couldn't make a call, she dialed a number and got the same error message.  She took the back off, took out the sim card, rubbed it slightly to clean it, put it back, closed the phone and dialed again.  It worked!  She said sometimes the sim card needs to be cleaned off.  And there was NO CHARGE.  Of course it only took her about a minute and a half.   :)  Anyway, my phone is now working and I was able to call to have my prescription refill delivered this afternoon.

God is good!   :thumbsup:

Jeanne, too bad you had the expense of the trip to the store for that, but maybe you needed to get out a bit, you think?  Glad your phone is working now.

Larry, glad you got the appointment you need, and pray you will hold steady in your health, and even improve. You have had far more than your share of challenges.

It's still cool and cloudy here.  I like it!  We have the house dried out, and are waiting on Lon.  He thinks he will be able to start here on Friday.  I hope so.  We already had the other project ready to go, and now this is added work for him.  Good for him, not so good for us, or at least for our pocketbook.  I think someone asked about insurance coverage--yes, they will cover all above the $2000 deductible, and for that I am very thankful.

My painting buddy is meeting me for lunch, and this afternoon I have another story to type up.  Darrel has decided he want to cook himself some ham with scrambled eggs and mushrooms, so he isn't going with me.

Etta Sue, please come back!

Larry:   First Born's at lot  of time have the do it right or don't do it at all
            attitude.  Our daughter is also a first born and she has the same
            way in doing things.  She has put her home up for sale , yes there were
            a few issues and as it turned out she was not sleeping until she  made
            arrangements for a home inspection. He was so thorough that  he made       arrangements for the repair to be done right.  Please be in prayer that
            the sale is fast.

Jeanne:  I will try to remember how your phone problem was solved in case it
               happens to us.

Judy:       How did you make the labels smaller I did not see a setting.

Marilyn:   Glad that you had an enjoyable time away.

A perfect day to hang laundry,  I also have another little job then outside I will be going.

Ruth I couldn't get the labels to line up so I have a darling daughter who is a wizz at this type of thing........she lined them up for me. I will be looking for 8 to a sheet of labels. 

I posted some pictures on FB tonight, Kim wanted to go out and take some sunset pics, and even though there was not o lot of red we did have some fun.

Life is a little hectic having 5 dogs here.....they all want out at different times, and we are always onto them.  Kim is becoming Alpha to the how to say what she wants dogs which is a great thing.  She has learned how to say what she wants them to do and actually mean it.  They are now obeying!  This was a WOW moment for her today.

Night all and God bless.

Hi, friends,

What a whirlwind kind of long weekend trip. It started with a call on Sunday morning that the skating party for my granddaughter was a "go."

Then, a 5 hour drive to watch young skaters learning/honing their skating skills. So cute!

Next, a "gallivanting" day with my daughter in law as she tied up loose ends on a home purchase.

Then an "I wish I wasn't so tired day." Followed by a quick late afternoon trip to visit grandson and granddaughter in law and the 2 great grandsons. The oldest one was a bit shy, but excited about living in his new "forever" home, and the youngest being shy for, MAYbe 2 seconds, followed by grinning, giggling, jumping and landing on his bottom on the couch (a good feat for a little one not quite 2 yet).

This morning, the oldest greatgrand was SO excited to begin his 2 days a week preschool. And, the little one was outgoing as ever, and wouldn't say "Bye-bye" to Grandma. "No, bye-bye" "Grandma sleep in Papa's room", etc. So his mom had to administer a big does of motherly hugs and kisses and then get him interested in watering the outside flowers so I could finally leave.

I landed in Nashville at 2 pm, then saw the knee surgeon for recheck on knee replacement, and consultation about one thing and another, then rushed home to get a shower, hurried to a restaurant to meet friends for a belated birthday dinner for me, then answered an every-2-year census bureau questionnaire about my home.

Was beginning to rest when I heard from my trucker son. Seems his truck broke down, he's breezing through Nashville in middle of tonight, then picking up his next tractor about 30 miles away.

So, I finally got up and decided to work off some of this nervous energy with being on the computer for awhile.

Y'all have a good rest of the day. :)

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  Today is suppose to be a rainy day and the forecast for the next several days is for more of the same.  I have a pretty quiet day planned for today and am hoping to feel a lot more energetic than yesterday.  I will be anxious to see if the change in a couple of my medicines helps the situation and lets my blood pressure be a little higher.  I did get a 9 foot USB cable that I had ordered a day before from Amazon and want to move my laser printer where I can connect it directly to the wall plate rather than using an extension cord.  My friend Rod did this with his identical printer that was having the same problem I am and it solved it.  The major problem I am going to have is getting the printer unplugged from where it is now, which is behind my computer desk.  Other than my treatment this afternoon I have nothing else planned for today.  Rod said he would go with me today as he did one other day.  I will check with him in a little bit to be sure he still wants to go and feels up to it. 

Jeanne, I have heard of pulling the battery to restore the functions of the phone but not that about the sim card.  That is something good to know.  Glad you are now phone connected.  I think we will likely be sending up some more rain in a few days. 

Janet, when I look at the challenges that Beth and Stacey and others have faced so bravely I feel my puny problems don't begin to compare.  I also try to keep a very positive mind and to be active even if it is just my mind by listening to a book or working on the computer.  I can listen to the book with my eyes shut.  Did you have a lot of water damage that is going to require extensive work?

Ruth, hope your daughter's home sells quickly and she will soon be able to stop worrying, which seldom accomplishes a thing except upset the worrier. 

Judy, it sounds like you are enjoying almost every moment with your granddaughter and participating in the things she wants to do.

Ruth Ann, it sounds like you earned the day of tiredness with many happy memories of those beautiful great grands.  That was a full day after a 5 hour drive.  I assume your son got his truck fixed and is back on the road if he is breezing through Nashville in the middle of the night.     

Sounds like a great time with the little ones Ruth Ann.  You will be tired however good memories will be worth it!

Out with the dogs and chatting with John at the same time gave us a chance to catch up. He has commented that the colour is going out of the trees, soon to be turning red.  I suspect that one night this past week we may have had a frost.  That is not unusual though for us in August!

Got to run. Back later.

Good morning everyone...

It's so nice to read all of your daily posts.  I'm waiting for a small amount of steel cut oats to cook for my very late breakfast and then off to do a big job of cleaning and sorting the pantry cupboard. 

Sunny and chilly and windy again today.  It seems early for it, but I'm back to sweatshirts this week - and even adding a sweater in the morning.  The nights are great for sleeping, though, snuggled under a blanket. 

On my drive over the mountain I noticed that every now and then there was an odd branch or two that had already turned orange - pretty much on schedule.

We have a beautiful day here, the sun is shining and the temperature is comfortable.

We are going out soon for groceries, and for pictures, I will post some later when we get home!!!

Boy, what a workout I had this morning!  Intervals....walk 2 minutes, RUN for 30 seconds, for a cumulative time of 30 minutes.  Altogether I walked/ran about 2 1/2 miles.  Puff, puff....  Kristi said I did good!

I just finished typing up another story, will post it here before I "put it away."  I think I am several behind on posting them here.  I had a nice call this morning from a lady who is really enjoying reading them in the paper, and we had a nice visit.  Nice to know my efforts are appreciated and enjoyed.  :)

Larry, we had plenty of damage, but nothing like what would have happened had we been away from home!  The insurance adjuster was here, but we haven't received her estimate yet for the cost of repairs.  I am so thankful Lon and his crew were readily available to come when I called...whew!  He will come to work on this as soon as he finishes the job he is doing at one of the banks here in town.

Ruth Ann, glad you got to enjoy those little ones.  They're great, for sure!!  ;)

Larry, I really admire your courage and positive outlook.  I know your life is made much nicer and easier by your mental attitude.  It would be awful for you and those near you if you had the attitude of "why me?" and "boo-hoo" all the time--but you are never like that!  God bless you, brother--you are one special guy!  Like you said, we never have to look far to see someone with far worse problems and challenges than our own!

I didn't go to lunch and am now quite hungry, so I'm going to the kitchen to see what I can find!

                                         TREASURES FROM GRANT COUNTY
                                                                           By JANET DAMON                                       
                                                      LORINA GILLEN

Lorina (Witty) Gillen was born at LeGrande, Oregon, on June 3, 1927.  She grew up in Eastern Oregon, not too far from the Idaho border, in a family of six siblings.  She had one sister and four brothers, and all are still living in Oregon except for Lorina.

Both of her parents taught school.  They taught in small one room schools in the country, doing triple duty as librarians, janitors and teachers.

Lorina completed grade school and high school in the Big Bend area of Oregon.  She attended college in Sterling, Kansas.  Her sister was 14 months younger than Lorina, and she wanted to go to college with her, so she managed to finish high school in three years, and the two girls went to college together.  Lorina completed her bachelor's degree there in Sterling.  She recalls that at the time, tuition at Sterling cost $400.00 per year.

She did sometimes wish she had gone farther with her education, as she wanted to teach.  She did take more classes, but didn't complete enough in the needed study areas to get her teaching certificate.

Growing up in a family of eight (including the parents) was a time of challenges, as the family lived in a one-room house.  They didn't have even one bedroom, and slept outdoors sometimes when the weather allowed.  Later, her dad built a "sleeping shed" which was an unheated, screened in structure.  He did put canvas on the sides in the winter.  The kids always walked to school, taking shortcuts across pastures and fields, and jumping over creeks.  They had lots of snow in the winter.  Lorina disliked going through the neighbor's pasture, because she was scared of the cattle.

Movies were a rare treat for the Witty kids, but she does remember two she saw—Tarzan and Elephant Boy.  She always loved reading, and her mother wisely made a deal with the librarian who would bring a box of books to their house every two weeks, then bring another box and exchange them, so they always had books to read.

Some of the games Lorina remembers playing at home with her siblings and at school are Black Man, Annie Over, Ring around the Rosie, London Bridge, marbles and tag.  The school had a merry-go-round and a giant stride.  The school also had a water pump outside where everyone got water to drink, sharing a communal cup.

Her mother had an old fashioned gas stove, and meals mostly consisted of produce from the garden.  They also had corn meal mush, and wheat mush, bread and milk and honey.  They washed clothes in a Maytag wringer washer, and Lorina says she was always getting her arms stuck in the wringer!  They hung the clothes on the line outdoors to dry.

She says she didn't date much, but did go to a few movies, and one fellow took her to a rodeo.

While in high school, Lorina worked with the crops raised around the area.  Some of the things she did were blocking beets, which involved using a hoe, weeding onions, cutting onion seeds and packing lettuce.
Lorina met Herb Gillen at Sterling College.  He was from Canon City, Colorado.  "I had no idea he would teach school in Kansas," she said, "or it might have made a huge difference.  This country is so different from the lush greenness of Oregon that it was very hard for her to adjust.  Lorina and Herb were married in Adrian, Oregon, at the Presbyterian Church in 1948, one year before they both graduated.  She said their wedding was wonderful—they went out in the field and picked fresh gladiolas; her bridesmaids wore their prom dresses; and she made her own wedding dress.  It had scallops around the neckline, which she remembers were difficult to sew.  It was of a sheer fabric, with a satin slip underneath.  Her mother painted the little bride and groom dolls for the top of the wedding cake.  They had a number of guests from the Bible Camp nearby, which was special to Lorina.

During her college years, Lorina was in one play she remembers, in which she had to pretend she was dying.  She says she doesn't know how convincing she was.

Following graduation, the couple moved to the tiny town of Bloom, Kansas, where Herb began his teaching career.  Daughters Barbara and Colleen were born during the four years they lived in Bloom; then they moved to Ford for another four years.  Herb got his master's degree in Greeley, where the family lived during the summers while he attended classes.  Bruce and Richard were born during these years, in Dodge City.  Finally the family moved to Ulysses where John, Alice and Shari completed the family.  Herb taught band, and also taught vocal for a few years because the grade school didn't have a vocal teacher then.  He split the days between teaching band and vocal.  Later he taught all the band kids, team teaching with Bud Meisel, and Herb considered Bud to be the best band teacher with whom he ever worked.  They had 6th grade, 7th grade, 8th grade and high school bands.  Herb taught band in Ulysses for over thirty years, until his retirement.

Some of Lorina's favorites are:  Holiday song:  It Came upon a Midnight Clear
Favorite food:  Chocolate dipped strawberries (Yes!)
Favorite movie:  Lily

The biggest difference Lorina sees in the world today from when she was young is that Christmas used to be a big celebration, and everyone took part in it, with a big play at school, always including the Nativity scene, then the appearance of Santa with bags of candy for all the kids.  Today, many are attempting to erase any mention of Christmas or the reason we celebrate it.  Another thing she says is that schools were better then, beginning the day with Bible reading, prayer and the pledge of allegiance.  And nobody even thought of objecting to any of that!

About manners and morals, she says "It is terrible today.  Kids are so rude.  They don't care if they run over you.  They are so undisciplined!  And drinking, drugs and sex are accepted, if not openly condoned.  Abortion and homosexuality are barely winked at today.  A lot more people used to attend church and honor God.

Lorina's hobby is reading.  She has enjoyed reading since she was a little girl.

About travel, she remembers that when the kids were small, she and Herb tried to take them to Oregon each summer, although sometimes there just wasn't enough money to make the trip.  "I used to make each of the kids a cloth bag in which to pack their stuff, "she said.  "We usually camped along the way.  It was about a 24 hour drive, so Herb was really happy when Barbara and Colleen got old enough to drive, as I did not drive back then."

Lorina also made one trip to Europe, visiting Austria, Czechoslovakia, Germany and other countries.  She really loved the trip.  She also goes each year to visit her siblings in Oregon.  Spending time in Farmington, New Mexico with daughter Barbara as well as son John and wife is another thing she enjoys.  Alice is in a concert group in Denver, so Lorina and Colleen go there to hear her in concerts.  Sometimes she travels by train to Albuquerque, where one of her kids meets her and takes her to the airport.  One special thing was that her kids gave Lorina a hot air balloon ride for her 80th birthday!  Go, girl!

One thing Lorina always wanted to do but hasn't (yet!) is to go to Hawaii.  However, she did get to go to Alaska.

Her worst experience while traveling is not being able to hike any longer.  She always loved hiking.

The achievement or accomplishment that gives Lorina the most satisfaction is having raised seven kids who are all living good lives.  Her youngest grandchild graduated high school last May in Las Cruces, N.M., and all the kids got together for that event.

A valuable lesson she would like to pass along to our younger readers is that God is extremely important, and salvation is vital.

Although Lorina didn't realize it at the time, the best years of her life were those when her kids were young.  Life was very busy and hectic, but those were wonderful times.  One thing she says she would do differently , if she could do it over again, is that she would spend more time enjoying her kids
Something she and Herb saved up to buy was a car they got just before Barbara was born.  It was a 1950 Ford, tan in color.
Something different she did to earn money was cleaning all the bathrooms in the big dorm room where all the girls at Sterling College lived.  "I don't think I did a very good job, though," she says.

Lorina finally decided when her kids were in high school, that she really needed to learn to drive.   So she enrolled in the driver's education class at the high school, and Herb Bender taught her to drive.  "I was in my 40s at the time," she said.

Her scariest time was when Herb had heart surgery in Dallas.  They made so many mistakes, such as giving him Coumadin when he was scheduled for surgery.  "We came very near to losing him then," she said.

Her hopes for the future of our country are that we would elect leaders who will turn the country around, get it back on track, back to our Christian roots.

The persons who most inspired or influenced Lorina was her husband Herb, and her grandma, who was her Sunday school teacher.  "Herb got me to thinking seriously about God, and got me to question things and think more."

She most admired her dad.  She describes him as "so quiet and easy going; he was fair and kind and a strong Christian."

Something she wishes she could still buy is 20 Mule Team Borax.  "It may still be available, but I can't buy it in Ulysses," she said.

The worst crime she remembers is Congress passing The Affordable Health Care Act and then the Supreme Court upholding it.

She considers the greatest achievement of the USA to be the drafting of our Constitution.

Lorina's favorite comic strip is Peanuts; her favorite novel is Anne of Green Gables; and she loves flowers of all kinds.

The biggest changes she has seen come to our area of southwest Kansas have to do with the schools.  "Kids do not respect the teachers, and parents do not discipline or teach morals now," she said.

Lorina's parents saw to it that their kids attended Sunday school, Bible school, and Bible camp.  She remembers riding to Bible camp in the back of a big truck which lumbered up the hills so slowly that the boys would jump out and run on ahead.  She accepted Jesus around the age of 10 and was baptized in a Baptist church.  Later a Presbyterian pastor came to town and started holding church services at the high school on Sunday evenings, so she always attended those, too.  "Denominational names never made any difference to me," she said.  "We all worship the same God and are headed to the same heaven!"

The worst things that ever happened to Lorina were having a son get on drugs and losing her husband.  The best thing is the traveling she has gotten to do.

She would like to be remembered as wanting everybody to be saved, especially her family.

The Gillen family always enjoyed getting together for Christmas.  She wants to emphasize that God and a good education are very important.

The greatest lesson she has learned during her years is that God is extremely important in life.  She cannot imagine what it would be like without Him.

One of her favorite memories is of the trip to Europe.  "I was gone 10 days, and it was so special", she says.

Her mother was an artist and a poet.  Lorina likes the things she wrote.  Her favorite type of music is classical.  Her favorite TV show is The 700 Club.  Her nickname was 'Nina'--- (pronounced Nena.)

The best pet she ever had was a baby skunk, and even though it was never "deodorized" it never sprayed them.

She says she was bullied in school by the older boys who always chased her and scared her.  Her son John was teased terribly in school.

Lorina says the first thing she does if she starts to get depressed is to pray.  The most important decision she made in her life was marrying Herb.

Advice to 18-year-olds:  Read your Bible!

And she says the smartest thing her parents ever did was to get their kids to Sunday school.

Lorina is a wonderful lady, as I am sure all who know her will agree.  I appreciate her allowing me to visit with her.
                                                                                         www.JanetDamon.com

CORRECTION:  In Louise Richardson's story, there was a big mistake.  She and her husband were happily married for 51 years before his passing.  I apologize for the error.  jd

I haven't started the Pantry cupboard yet.  :(   BUT I got my sheets and comforter off the bed and washed and hung outside on the line and they are now dry!  What a lovely sight to see your laundry all hung up and drying in the breeze! 

What a lovely article, Janet.  I so enjoy reading them!  You do good work, girl!

I was just reading the devotional from Allistair Begg and thought I'd share it with you all.  It was so good today...



August 14, 2013

Is Your Attitude Accurate?

You, O Lord, have made me glad by your work.
Psalms 92:4

Do you believe that your sins are forgiven and that Christ has made a full atonement for them? Then what a joyful Christian you ought to be! How you should live above the common trials and troubles of the world! Since sin is forgiven, can it matter what happens to you now? Luther said, "Smite, Lord, smite, for my sin is forgiven; if You have forgiven me, smite as hard as You will." And in a similar spirit you may say, "Send sickness, poverty, losses, crosses, persecution, what You will. You have forgiven me, and my soul is glad."

Christian, if you are thus saved, while you are glad, be grateful and loving. Cling to that cross that took your sin away; serve Him who served you. "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."¹ Do not let your zeal evaporate in some little exuberant song. Show your love in meaningful ways. Love the brethren of Him who loved you. If there is a Mephibosheth anywhere who is disabled, help him for Jonathan's sake. If there is a poor tried believer, weep with him, and bear his cross for the sake of Him who wept for you and carried your sins.

Since you are forgiven freely for Christ's sake, go and tell others the joyful news of pardoning mercy. Do not be contented with this unspeakable blessing for yourself alone, but publish widely the story of the cross. Holy gladness and holy boldness will make you a good preacher, and all the world will be a pulpit for you to preach in. Cheerful holiness is the most forcible of sermons, but the Lord must give it to you. Seek it this morning before you go into the world. When it is the Lord's work in which we rejoice, we need not be afraid of being too glad.

¹Romans 12:1

Gratitude is an attitude

Pat:  I do love the sight of laundry in the breeze but here no lines, only my clothes racks go on the deck.  We saw a wonderful story on t.v. showing the young man with the worst injuries from the theater shooting.  He is a happy person and gave his devotion to Christ as the reason for his outlook on life.  Amazing that they showed him on the media.  It was so great.

We had great news from a man who underwent surgery in his throat - only one doctor in the US could do the procedure to take out a hidden piece of cancer and it was not sure if there would be a loss of voice with that surgery.  I am sure they will take tests but the great news is that all cancer is removed and the retired pastor still has his voice.  Amen

Etta Sue:  Where are you? 

Don is patiently going through all our old slides and converting them to put on discs.  It took several days to get them organized in separate zip lock bags and then he had to buy a used slide converter for $20 and now everyone in the neighborhood wants to borrow it when he finishes.  I am so fortunate that he will take on this task.  Every day is filled with normal mundane tasks which I won't mention in here - who cares?  But isn't it wonderful to still be able to do these simple tasks?  Thinking of neighbors who had a stroke (she) and he had a fall and they had to be immediately sent to assisted living without even returning to the house. 

Thanks so much for your comments on the story, Pat.  I thought I had another appointment this afternoon, but they canceled.

Carol, it is hard to see those we know become incapacitated and have to go to alternative housing.  My 96 year old friend is still in the hospital, her daughter says they plan to keep her there until her swing bed time on Medicare runs out (100 days.)  Then they will move her into the care home.  That's all if she continues to hold strong.

Like Carol, I love hanging laundry out on the line, but  I don't have any clotheslines!

The clothesline is my only way of drying my laundry and I love it in the summer.  But come winter when it's too cold for these old fingers, or the snow is too deep on the way to the line, I settle for a rack over the heating vent in the bathroom.  Off course, that's also a good way to add moisture to the dry heat.   It's probably just as well I don't have a dryer any more.  I'd most likely use it all the time and run up the electric bill, and not have the clothes blowing in the fresh air in the summer. 

Jeanne what about a small apartment sized drier, they don't use as much hydro, I used one for years when my kids were young.

Took some pictures of Lake Nipissing tonight, The sky was beautiful.  Kim asked if the sky would be that beautiful when Jesus comes again.  Hard to believe that the sky will be even more beautiful.  I told her and she had a hard time believing that it would be better than our Northern sunsets.

As I was leaving the dock my foot went through a rotten board and down I went.  My first concern was my camera!!!  I have jarred my right side, hip, shoulder and landed on my elbow. I am having difficulty bending my arm. It isn't broken I can twist it back and forth so it is just well bruised. I am keeping on and off with the ice pack. Thankfully I have Kim here and she was able to get the groceries in for me and she has them all put away.  She is a sweet girl.

Well I am getting off here and letting my arm rest.

Good morning folks.  I slept well, and aches are relieved. 

We have a foggy day today, and the fog is lifting.  Really quite the sight to see the sun cause the fog to lift, it almost looks like smoke from fire!

I have to be gone, I will be back later.

Hi everyone.  I woke up this morning to hear rain hitting the house and is it still dark and gloomy with sprinkles.  It looks like it will be like this all day so I will be driving in the rain this morning.  Nothing special planned for today.  Stacey got good news yesterday when she went to the surgeons office as she was released and told she can now be fitted for the artificial leg.  She goes this morning to start that process.  The Scooter store also called saying they would be out today to put on the new tires and adjust her wheelchair. So she was pretty happy yesterday afternoon.  She will not be able to walk on the leg for awhile but was told she could stand on it like at the sink to kitchen counter until a little more healing occurs.  There is one little place they want to do a little more healing.  We had a cool day here yesterday in the lower 70's-a first for this summer and it is to be cool for several days.

Judy, no leaves turning down this way yet. So sorry to hear of your foot going through the rotten board and your injuries.  Certainly not something you needed now.

Pat, always good to see your post.  Hope you didn't overdo the cleaning yesterday.  How is Paul doing?

Jeanne, hard to believe it is time for sweatshirts but they sure do feel good when needed.  I have a bunch of them and wear them several months of the year.

Janet, it is wonderful that you are able to do such a strenuous running program.  Sorry to read that you experienced extensive damage.  Do you have PVC pipes for your water?  When I had this house built I had copper pipes installed for the water.  Thanks for you kind words which I appreciate. 

Carol, it is interesting how often people who have experienced terrible things and still have an "attitude of gratitude" give the credit to Christ.  Wonderful news about your retired pastor friend.   

Judy, the main reason I don't have a dryer is the initial cost.  Way beyond my budget.  ;)  But with no one else in the house, my laundry is minimal so the arrangements I have are just fine.

Judy, glad to know you are feeling better and no lasting damage was done when your foot went through the rotten board.

Yes, Larry, all pipes in this house are PVC.  Copper has become very expensive over the past number of years.  Glad you have the copper and thus are less likely to suffer this kind of damage.  So good to hear the good news for Stacey!

I had to go to the care home, and ran into a "brick wall" there again about Beth's chair.  I just do not understand why everything has to be a battle!  Her other chair is not repairable.  Her nurse called me about a physical problem and I asked her to speak to the DON about the chair issue.  She just called to tell me they will have the chair we took up for Beth in her room this afternoon!  About time! 

Also, I went to see my elderly friend Maxine, and found her in not a good state, unable to even talk to me.  Sigh......Now I am feeling down, but am praying and trying to leave all in the capable hands of our loving Father.

I will take my computer to Moscow this afternoon so Curtis can work on it for me.  It is giving me lots of trouble.  I have to find all the discs, etc. that go with it as he wants to completely reformat it.  So I will be offline for however long it takes.  He hopes to have it ready so I can pick it up on Sunday.

See you later!  :wave:

Hi everyone.  It is another dreary day here in the Atlanta area and was misting earlier but seems to have stopped for the time being.  However, it is still in the 60's, which is very nice.  Pat drove me to coffee this morning as she wanted to get to Kroger's early as had a a lot shopping to do for Stacey.  She was going to call me when she finished but when I was at McDonald's and went to take out my phone I discovered I had left it on my night stand (the one day I really needed it.)  So I borrowed my friends phone but couldn't remember the number for Pat's phone and had quite a time using his phone and finding the Google Contacts but finally made it and all worked out as I just watched for her to drive by the window where I was watching.  We came home and sorted the groceries and I put together a box fan that we had purchased for Stacey as her fan died.  Really no assembly required other than to slip the foot pieces into two slots (no tools required).  I then loaded the car with everything for tomorrow except the food, which will be loaded right before we get ready to go.  No other plans for today and will rest up for the trip downtown tomorrow.

Janet, sure hope the home got Beth's chair in her room.  Hard to understand why it seems most things require a battle anymore.  Hope Curtis can get you fixed up on your computer. 

Good Morning Jeanne.  Having the clothes washer is surely much more important than a dryer and as you say you can always use the extra moisture in the house during the heating season. 

hello friends:   

Ruth Ann:   Do you have your breath and energy back yet.

Larry :   You sure do a lot of work, I surly do enjoy your updates.

Janet:   Waiting for your return.

Judy:   Rotton boards are no fun.

Ruth, I am still here, plans got changed, as Curtis and family went to Amarillo today.  So Grams got postponed.

Larry, hope you have an easy and a pleasant trip tomorrow.

I went to the library and scrapbooked with friends.  We had a good time laughing and joking, and had lunch together, too.  Laughter is good medicine!

And ---drum roll, please!---GOOD news for Beth!!  They did finally put the chair we took for her in her room, and later the admin. called and told me they will be replacing her chair!  Yes!  Actually buying her a new one!  That's what needs to happen, since the staff are responsible for ruining her other one.  I don't know how soon that will happen, but at least they have said it will.  Beth told me tonight when we picked her up for church that she was a lot happier today, and I asked if it might have something to do with a chair?  She said YES.  She is at least comfortable in the one we took in for her.

I think I will go read for a while.  I don't like the program Darrel is watching---some dumb movie.

See you tomorrow!

Hi everyone.  Another dark, dreary and looks like rainy day here in Georgia.  The weather map showed more rain on its way up across our area.  Yesterday I think I was raining all day long, sometimes lightly and sometimes more heavily.  We will not attend church today as this is our Sunday to so down and spend time with Stacey.  We have a truck and back seat full of stuff for her.  Each time I think that the next time we shouldn't have to haul down so much but it never seems to happen.  I am sure glad we got the little light-weight platform to use in getting things up to her apartment.  That will be it for today. 

Ruth, I must be misleading you if you think I "do a lot of work".  I have really cut back and don't seem to get much accomplished.  If I get one thing done a day besides the routine things I do like the message boards and my coffee with my retired men friends I feel it has been a successful day.  It doesn't take much to sap my energy.  I just don't seem to be able to write briefly--but I appreciate your comments. 

Janet, isn't it great to be friends where we can joke and laugh and enjoy each others company.  Laughter is good medicine.  Great news on Beth's chair situation. 

Grandson & SIL must be into Canada this morning.  They made it to Spokane, WA last night - almost 1400 miles.  Too much for us anymore.  I am really going to concentrate on praying for "Thy Will Be Done" over the next months.  The alternative is to be paralyzed with fear.   We all have that wonderful choice. 

Janet:  I remember when Beth went into the home so young and everyone so old how it was difficult for you and her and now it is good that she has had you to go and fight her fights for reasonable care.  Does your state have a nursing care ombudsman? 

Growing up in Seattle, we had lines outdoors and in the basement - clothes were outdoors until a mist would come in - in and out often. 

JudyB:  Ouch and unforgivable that they had not repaired a dock.  That is a twice yearly chore.  Glad that you seem to be OK. 

Larry:  Nice news for Stacey.  I do hope that she adjusts to this really quickly.  As for you cell phone, we have discussed having one each but many times Don doesn't hear it ring so will that be an answer?  I don't know but we could use it.  He usually parks and reads a book or finds a table or bench with his book. 

We will know the name of the new senior pastor next week and then it will be voted on. 

Here is the joke from service this morning.  Our pastor remembered this from 60 years ago.

        A  farm family asked the new and rather portly preacher over for dinner.  They decided to have two chickens for the meal as they thought he would be a big eater.  They were eating the delicious fried chicken and the rooster kept crowing so loudly that the pastor mentioned it and asked why?  The farmer said that the rooster was the father of his two children today and they had just entered into the ministry. 

Carol, if Don could keep a cell phone in a pocket, it could be set for vibrate and he would feel it when a call comes in.

Since we took Beth and attended our church here last night, this morning we went to Hugoton to church, and what a wonderful service it was!  We were truly blessed.  After church we met Diane, Jeff and Abby at Pigs R Us for lunch, then went to their house and had a really wonderful visit with them.  I needed it, too!  I was really missing my daughter--and son-in-law and of course granddaughter, too!  Really did my heart good.

Larry, I hope your visit with Stacy was satisfying, too. 

Grandson Mark called Fri. evening to tell me he had gotten a scholarship!  Yea, Mark!  I asked him if there is anything I can do to help, and his answer was, "Well, I sure could use a dozen cookies!"  :D  So guess what Grams is about to head to the kitchen and do?  I told Abby about it and she said, "Well, remember, I like cookies, too!"  Love those grands!

Carol, I agree.  What on earth do people do who do not know our Lord?  Yes, worry, worry, fear and fear.....I am so glad we know HIM!  And while I am so disgusted at a lot of things happening in our government, still I can rest safely in the arms and protection of Jesus.  He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Must go bake!  :)