Christian Photographers Community

Janet we are watching that game. University of Oregon VS K State. We are winning so far.

Heating bills?  When the furnace runs as much as it has this week, it not only means more propane, but also higher electric bills because the blower fan is run by electricity.   

I've been laughing about the increase in Social Security payments for this year.  I get $14 a month more than last year.  And my lot rent went up $10 a month.  A net increase of $4 a month!!!   

Hi everyone.  It is chilly outside, only 32 degrees, and to early to tell if we will see sun today.  Finally yesterday afternoon the sun came out and that was nice. I have been to  coffee at the Senior Center and later this morning I need to go to Kroger's for a few items we need.  If Pat is up to take I will take her to a meeting at eleven and then pick her up later.  Beyond that my day looks pretty free. 

Judy, I also find that late phone calls usually aren't good news.  However, my sister-in-law talks with Pat often fairily late as knows that Pat stays up late and she is an hour earlier than us in terms of the time zones.

Etta Sue, I wasn't surprised that Stacey was out yesterday even for a little while.  With her chair she doesn't have to exert herself as if she were walking and she didn't stay out very long.  However, she is very tired.  You have more years of retirement than I as I am just going on 18 years next month.  Thanks for the update on Jacob and what an ordeal this has been for all concerned.

Ruth Ann, sounds like you will be appointment weary after today.  One in a day is plenty.  Glad that only one is for you.

Janet, sorry about Kansas State losing to Oregon last night.  They had something in that game I never knew was possible that was a one point safety.  We were talking about it at coffee this morning.  Glad you had a nice trip to Dodge City yesterday and didn't have to fight the weather.

Marilyn, sure you are happy with the outcome of that game. 

Jeanne, now don't go on a spending spree with all that extra Social Security money. 

You ae right about hydro charges going up in the winter, Jeanne .  Our wood for the most part is free but we still have higher hydro bils because of the fan running almost continually.  Also because of my birds we have an electric heater going to keep a steady heat in the room where they are.  It really becomes difficult when our expenses continue to rise higher than our income. 

I had a good night last night, and woke just before the plow went through.  I have shoveling to do, not looking forward to that.

I have been thinking on the verse Romand 6:1  What shall we say then shall we continue in sin that Grace may abound?  God forbid! How can we who are dead to sin live any longer in that sin.
I know so many people who sin and know that what they are doing is sin, yet their attitude is "Oh well God will forgive me!" Where is the change in their lives that separates them from the world. 
Can we as a group of individuals live like we are dead to sin and leave it behind us?  A dear friend upon becoming a Christian made a move in her life to get out of an immoral life and live alone, striving to be more like Christ.  Can you join me today as I  make that my aim, to be more like Christ in how I live?

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Ah....sunshine!  It sure makes it seem warmer even if it is only 22°!!  My solar heat is even running off and on! 

I know, Jeanne.  I am wondering where I might spend $21 more a month this year!  I am sure someone's hand will be out to collect it! 

I went to the pool yesterday after taking the jewelry to the jewelry store to be repaired.  Even that is expensive but replacing said jewelry would be much more.  I would love to afford to return to Hawaii and replace the ring with another one but I can't so I will pay for it to be resoldered.  Then the two pairs of earrings that needed fixed will cost way more than the cost of the earrings.  But I like those earrings so I will pay!  He did fix the necklace while I was waiting for free! 

Then I browsed Dollar General in Noblesville.  It is a larger store than Lapel's store.  I even found self-threading needles!  Who would think they would be at Dollar General? 

Last evening was watching TV and trying to keep warm.  The bed felt sooo good! 

I really need a haircut but I don't know when that will happen!

Is anyone else experiencing a pop up bar at the bottom of the screen?  When I close it, the letter 'T' is on a square to the bottom right.  It just started today!  It seems to be about Biblical sights so is it something to do with CP?  If so, is there a way to get rid of it?  I don't care for it.   

I don't have a pop up bar Etta Sue.

Etta Sue I get that from time to time, I think it has something to do with Windows 8, I sure can't find where to get rid of it.

Yeah, that game started out bad for Kansas State, and didn't improve as time went on!  A 90+ yards run back for a TD on the first kick was not the way K-State fans wanted to see the game start!  Boy!  Those Oregon boys can RUN!!

Jeanne, try not to spend all of your big raise at once!  I think I am now getting around $30 more in Social Security than my Medicare costs.  So I can really go wild, too! 

Judy, I cannot imagine all the extra work of your old house, using wood for heat, having to do lots of shoveling, etc.  It should keep you healthy, provided it doesn't kill you!  You and John must love it up there in the Northland, or I guess you wouldn't still be there.  But I do hope you can find ways to make it easier on yourselves, as none of us is getting younger!

Etta Sue, besides the warmth, the sun just makes you feel more cheerful, more hopeful, doesn't it?  But boy, is it ever BRIGHT out there, glaring off the wonderful, beautiful snow!

Larry, I didn't know about a one point safety, either.

I brought Beth's little Christmas tree, the swag from her door, and her decorations home.  Lots more to do to get her room back in order.  Poor John!  His plane was to leave at 1:45, and he called Beth at 4:30 to say he was still sitting there in the Dodge City Airport!  I hope it didn't cause him to miss the rest of his connections!  Am anxious to have him call Beth and let us know.

I had a great workout this morning; Darrel went to the doctor.  He was still waiting when I got there after the gym; and Dr. Appling says he does need to go to the cath lab again, and I was able to move our appointment up from the 15th to the 8th.  He told us to be prepared to stay for a few days.  (That is in Amarillo.)

See y'all later!

QuoteYeah, that game started out bad for Kansas State, and didn't improve as time went on!  A 90+ yards run back for a TD on the first kick was not the way K-State fans wanted to see the game start!  Boy!  Those Oregon boys can RUN!!

The like to start the game with a Bang, and yes they sure can run, that kid that made that touchdown is from Los Angeles and he was a track star in high school and played foot boall as well for two team, one in school and one for an inner city team Coached by Snoop Dog A Rap artist.

About time for us to leave for our regular Friday   night Mexican dinner with friends.

Hello everyone, I tried to send a post last night but lost it before I could get it posted.  Now I have forgotten most of what I said, it must have been real interesting, huh? 

Jeanne, I have got you beat for the lowest SS raise.  Mine is all of $4.      I only worked part time the last several years before I quit working though, so it  did not add up to much.  I do have another income however, that is enough to pay oll of the bills adequately.  My husband retired from Civil Service many years ago, and was drawing his annuity.  Now I get the survivor annuity because he took a reduced annuity in order for me to be covered later.  Besides the SS, I also received a notice this week from OPM about the raise for this year.  That raise is some better than the SS raise.  That is the good part.  The bad news is, upon examining that notice, I found that they did not withhold any income tax in 2012 from my annuity.  Now I will have to pay all of that when I figure the 1040 for this year.  I used to have a small tax business  and have always done all of our returns.  (I was a bookkeeper when I worked for the public and not myself). 
I went online and now OPM will withhold income tax beginning Feb. 1.  I had no idea they were not withholding tax, I just assumed they were.  Actually I thought that was required. 

It snowed some again here today.  Not a pretty snowfall, real fine flakes and seemed to be kind of dry (blowing around).  I guess that is what they call powder. On the TV weather reports for NM they tell of conditions at the ski resorts and I often hear the terms, "powder and packed powder".

Gonna call it a day, it is getting a little late.
G'night all.  --Janice

Good morning folks. Slow day here. Have pretty much everything caught up for this week. A wash to do do later but that's all. I might go out for a short walk.  Too much snow and cold to do much else outside.  Too old for sledding     News is scarce in NB. I plan to be a couch potato today.  Perhaps play around with some photo editing. Trying to do some perspective photography.
May you find joy,love and laughter in your day.
God bless

Hi everyone.  Just back from coffee at McDonald's with three other fellows.  It is a beautiful morning  with the sun shining brightly.  I have no specific plans for today so will just do whatever comes up.  Late this afternoon and this evening the pro-football playoff games start so will watch some of the two games on today. 

Etta Sue, I haven't experienced the pop up bar of which you wrote.

Janet, interesting that Darrel's doctor told you to go prepared to stay for a few days as usually going into the cath lab results in a person being able to be released at least by the next day unless there has been a heart attack where additional monitoring for a day or two is necessary.  Of course, he might have been referring to a possible delay in getting an appointment for the cath.  Hope Darrel gets good news. 

Janice, I also chose the survivor annuity for my wife when I retired about 18 years ago.  Actually the federal retirees receive the same percentage raise as the SS recipients, ie., 1.7%.  I do have withholding from my civil service retirement check each month as is much easier than doing quarterly estimates.

Chrisle, it is nice to be a couch potato once in a while. 

I received an email this week from a friend.  In the email it said to take a jar an each day as God blesses us to write the blessing down and put it in the jar.  when you are discouraged, take the slips of paper out and read God's blessings and realize even when discouraged that God is blessing you!

Judy, I read a similar thing:  it said to take a jar and every day, write something on a slip of paper for which you are thankful, then read them with your family on Thanksgiving.  Both would bless us, I'm sure.  Guess I need to look for a suitable jar!

Larry, I thought the advice to be prepared to stay was because if they have to put in another stent, Darrel would probably be hospitalized for at least one or two nights/days.  We had planned to do some clothes shopping for me, but if we can't, that's all right, too.  I do have clothes!

Chrisle, I have been vegging out today so far, but getting some things done, too.  I am reading a fascinating book called Binding the Strongman in America, which is really good information on spiritual warfare, and explains how the sins of one group of people, or government, etc. against another, can create a pathway for evil that will persist until someone takes authority and destroys it.  It almost makes my hair stand on end to read of some of the awful things that were done to the Native Americans in this country!  But I decided I needed to put the book down and check my email; then I will go to town to conclude my interview with George.

Janice, sorry your post got snatched by the cyber gremlins, but glad you wrote another one!

I shall return!

I figured the pop up bar at the bottom is either Windows 8 or Firefox since I saw it on another website other than CP.  It has several clickables that is related to the website you are on.  It's just annoying.  And even when I minimize it, it will come back when I change pages!  Marilyn, if you find out how to get rid of it....please, let me know and I will do the same!

Nothing planned today so not much to say!  It is sunshiny and bright out there.  Still white snow with tinges of gray on the edges of the paved roads!  I guess that means that we are breathing clean air here in Indiana!!

Just finished watching a movie, a short one, but a tear jerker, called "The Grace Card".  It was on secular TV!!  This is a movie about faith grace and forgiveness.  If you can find it on your computers it is a worthwhile watch.  I recorded it earlier in the week.  It was created by a church in TN and has a few hi powered actors in it.....Louis Gossett Jr for one.  If you are able to get and watch it, have the tissues handy!

John will be home later today and is leaving tomorrow again.  He called asking i prepare some food for him for the coming week. Guess I'd better get at that!

I was in Memphis, TN in that very church a couple of years ago. Many in the congregation took pivotal roles in the movie.

Yes, it's really a good one - makes us think, doesn't it.

Well, I'm off to be with family (2 sons) so will talk with y'all later.

May our Wonderful Lord be praised today.

Ruth Ann

I go down about 2 miles to a Starbucks almost every dsy.  They're s wonderful bunch of employees in there.  They treat me almost like a family membe.  There's often another fellow there when I' m there by the name of Daniel.  He turned out to be a Christian, snd so we've fellowshipped quite s lot when we've both been there.  What a blessing thats been!  He may come to our church this Sunday.

Ruth Ann do they actually use the Grace Card?  I watched it again today with John.  WHat amazes us is that this was on Public TV not a Christian Station!  An amazing testamony for that church!!!

Got John's meals ready and supper was waiting.  That makes tomorrow easier. 

Off to bed Night all!

When I was working, my best friend was Rose.  We were together at work and our families were together a lot after work.  I was with Rose and some other co-workers the day I found out Ivalou had a stroke three years ago.  Rose was fine then.  I found out that Rose had to go through chemo for lung cancer.  She was pronounced cancer free.  But a few months later, it was back.  I believe she has had two or more rounds of chemo since.  I did take her a Chemo Wrap last summer.  I asked her sister how Rose was doing since Christmas.  But yesterday another sister let me know that Rose has brain cancer.  There is nothing that the doctors can do.  It will be quick...maybe around two months.  Rose has gone through so much.  I know she is ready and I am so glad that her and Jim found God.  Soon she will be in the arms of our loving God.  I need to go see her this week.

I am all ready for church.  Ivalou is going also today!  It is above freezing this morning.  First for this year!!  It snowed some last night but I don't see any signs of new snow!

Just know that I feel a nap coming on this afternoon!

Hi everyone.  It is an overcast morning.  I slept in until a little after 8 this morning.  I watched a bit of the two pro football games that were on yesterday but spent most of the late afternoon and evening reading the book about Lincoln.  It is 1200 pages long and I am over half the way through it.  It is so interesting that it is hard to put down as it describes Lincoln and the men he surrounded himself with in his cabinet and the struggles of trying to conduct the Civil War.  It makes me realize that politics today are probably no different than they were in the early part of our country.  We plan on attending church this morning and sure we will eat out after church either with the group or just Pat and I. 

Judy, I saw that same suggestion about putting a note in a jar when we recognize our blessings.  Too bad that John will have such a short time at home between trips. 

Janet, you are probably right about what the doctor met as with Darrel's heart history they would probably want to monitor him at least over one night after a stent would be put in. 

Etta Sue, regarding the annoying popup I suggest you copy the verbiage of it and put it in a Google search and you will likely find information to help you understand what is happening and how to turn it off.   Such sad news concerning your friend Rose. 

Ruth Ann, hope your visit with your two sons went well and was most enjoyable for you all. 

Al, so happy to see you are getting out and have found a Christian friend to share a cup with you at Starbucks.  As time goes on your circle might grow.  If I see a man at McDonald's, of our age group, eating alone I often have approached him and invited him to sit at our table.  I certainly don't do that everyday but on several occasions.  To my knowledge, all of the men in my coffee group are Christians. 

Larry the time between trips is something we had agreed on.  He had the time from Friday before Christmas through to the second of January off so it is no problem that they have him working through the weekend.  He went out on Wednesday.  It is a blessing that he has last night and part of today off.  Where the problem comes is he is going to the east to deliver. (Montreal and Quebec City).  That usually means that he will be heading east coast of the USA and that is something he doesn't like.  He says "let the younger drivers do that I've paid my dues with the east coast!"  He refuses to go to NewYork City and that is often the destination.  Our hope and his request was that he head south toward Georgia or Florida.......that would have taken him out over the weekend and he would have  been out of the cold for a few days, as well as giving him really good miles.

well I am off till later I will post todays hymn later hopefully in the new week!

Good afternoon, friends,

It's a lazy afternoon. We had a great worship service with our pastor involving the children in placing the wise men and the camels properly in their places to worship the child Jesus when they found them some time after the actual birth of Jesus.

With a simple sermon like that, you would have been surprised with the audience participation he encouraged, etc. What a way to incorporate all worshipers in the Epiphany story.

Well, my sons and I did very much enjoy our dinner last evening.  Now, time to rest up a while.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

We went to My Father's House today in Hugoton.  Beth called and said they had given her the muscle relaxer that makes her sleep all morning, (they "forgot" it was Sunday) so we decided that was a good opportunity to go there.  They had a really good service, and grandson Mark was called up and prayed for,concerning his decision to go back to school, etc.  He is leaving at the end of the week.  It was good to be with all the family there, including the 3 little greats.

I just read a really good book called "Binding the Strongman Over America" by John Benefiel.  It included a lot of information I had never heard before!  Are you aware of the huge amount of Baal worship right here in our country?  I was shocked.  If you read it, I think you  will be amazed as well.  And encouraged!

So good to read all your posts!  I want to finish up a story and time is getting away from me, so I better get busy!

Larry, what is the name of the book on Lincoln?  In the book I just read, it says the Federal Reserve (Which is neither Federal nor reserve!) has financed BOTH sides of every war we have been in since it (reserve) was formed, including the Civil War!    There is so much corruption it is discouraging---but GOD.....

Etta Sue, I am sorry hear of your friend Rose being so ill.  That is sad, especially after just recently losing your friend in Mexico. 

Al, it's good you met a new Christian friend at Starbucks.  We don't have a Starbucks here, but I had one of their coffees somewhere once.  Maybe it was at an airport.  Either Lubbock, Dallas or Little Rock.  I thought it was too strong and poured it out.

I didn't go to church this morning...went back to bed at 7:00am.  Had been up since 3:00am.  Sleep evades me a lot.  I did get to hear one of Adrian Rogers' sermons  on TV later, however.  I am glad they are still airing his sermons, they are well lworth hearing . He passed away several years ago.

Y all have a good week.
-- Janice   
PS: my name is not pronounced the usual way.  It is like Janeece.  for some reason my mother wanted it this way.

Edit..could someone change my picture to just me alone, please?  I don' t know how to do that.  Reminds me, I recently pulled off my wedding band.  Was hard to do too, after wearing it these 56 years this month.
I do not have a more recent picture.  Our church had a new directory made, but on the day of our appt to get our picture made, my husband was taken by ambulance from the hospital to the nursing home/rehab center. 

Good morning folks!  Sun is breaking out here. Few flurries yesterday and this morning.  Didn't amount to much though.  Did get out to church yesterday morning.  I wondered about the roads and the threat of snow.  Decided to go anyway and all was well. It started to snow just a little as I was leaving church.  In the afternoon and evening we watched some web casts of church services. Picked out a few churches down through the U.S. They were very good! 
Today I need to clean the house as I neglected to do any thing on Saturday. After that I will make some bread and hot dog rolls.  I try to make my own bread during winter months.

Janet, wherever did you get the book "Binding the Strongman Over America"?
I would enjoy reading literature like that. I looked on Amazon the price was and no kidding.... $440.00 to over $500.00!  Hmmm didn't realize book prices have come up that much.  Perhaps it is time I hone up on my writing skills. 
We don't have a library here to borrow books if they did have it.

Etta, I love your graphics. They always make me smile.

May you feel the love and peace in your day that only Jesus can give.

Hi everyone on this January morning.  It looks like it will be a nice day here in our area.  We did attend church and then went out to lunch with 6 other friends.  We were both tired when we got home so took naps and then enjoyed the evening watching a program on PBS featuring the castle that is the location of the series on PBS called Downton Abbey followed by the two hour beginning of the third season of the series.  That kept me up much later than I normally stay up so really slept well last night.  Today will be my typical Monday with the resumption of my Monday Men's Luncheon at a local buffet and then I have a meeting to attend tonight.

Janet, the Federal Reserve was created in 1913 so came after the Civil War.   The book I am reading is called "Team of Rivals: Lincoln" by Doris Kerns Goodwin.  I had no idea there was Baal worship occurring in this day and age.

Chrisle, was shocked when you said you didn't have a library where you live.  I guess we are spoiled as we have a wonderful library system in our county with 15 branches so every part of this large county is well served.  Unfortunately, due to the economic situation in America they have had to cut hours and now will have to cut $1 million dollars from their annual materials/books budget for this year.

Larry, you are right!  So I went back and re-read what the book says, and it says "Those who control the Federal Reserve and the central banks of the world control the money supply.  Since they control the money, they control the country.  It matters little who the President is because, to a great extent, they control both political parties.  They have financed both sides of our wars since the early 1800s.  They financed both sides of the Civil War.  They financed both sides of World War I and World War II."  Thanks for letting me set the record straight on that.

And Chrisle, I got the book from Amazon for (if I remember right,) $12.  I know I was looking for another book my sister recommended to me, called The End Times in Chronological Order, and found prices like you saw!  But later I found it for only a few dollars and ordered it.  So you might try again---also try looking on half.com, as they sell previously owned books pretty cheap.  Good luck!

Janice, thanks for telling us how to pronounce your name!  I had been saying it wrong (to myself) all this time!  I know it must have been hard to take off your wedding ring.  I know a few ladies here whose husbands have passed away, who wear either his or her ring on a chain around their necks.  Everyone needs to do what they feel is right for them!  Thanks for the funny email you sent.

I have been to the gym and got a really good workout, working on arm and back muscles today.  Kristi is a marvel, she always comes up with something new for us.

I emailed my latest story to the paper, now must take the photo card so they can have the photo to go with the story.  But I need to go to town for that.

May you all be blessed by the Lord's presence in your lives today.