Christian Photographers Community

• 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!

• See the last photos uploaded to our Gallery (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?action=gallery)

---

Ivalou, Marge, Betty and I went to our little church for Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.  So many families there!  The singing was great and the message was about our wonderful, marvelous Christ Jesus. 

And you know us four would find some place to eat before coming back home.  Steak and Shake are open until midnight tonight so we had steakburgers!! 

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!

Thanks, Etta Sue.  No better devotional can be found for Christmas than the story from Luke's gospel.

I have finished the FINAL proofreading of Rising Above, and found only one typo and two places where I think a comma would clarify a bit.  Now, tomorrow when Curtis is here to show me how to do it, I will mark these corrections on the PDF file of the book, return it to Tate Publishing, and then.......hope to be able to order books VERY SOON!!  Praise the Lord!

I need to get myself to bed.  We do have services at church in the morning, I think shorter than usual, including communion, I believe.  We went to Hugoton last Sunday, so I'm not positive about things.

Merry, Merry Christmas to all my dear friends here!  God bless us, every one.

(https://www.christianphotographers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi495.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Frr320%2FJubilee_bucket%2FMANGER3.gif&hash=c302439779f5ccf55d4e96efca52c2bcc878e420)

Hi everyone and Merry Christmas {a day late since if you read the digest it will be the day after Christmas).  I have a few minutes before the rest of the family arrives so will write a few lines.  I think things are about as ready as they can be until the last minute.  Pat is putting together the last dish, mac and cheese to fix in the crockpot.  It is a new recipe for her to fix it this way.  So far no rain so our son and DIL and friend should get here this morning without having to drive in rain.

Janet, you can include me on the list of buyers of the book.  Wonderful the devotion of John to Beth.  I am sure it makes the holidays special for both of them.  Glad your kitchen is usable and you are well pleased with it.  Form you posting last evening, it appears your copy of the book came for your one last review.  Does the publisher only print the books as the orders are submitted? 

Our son called a few minutes ago and they are in the area and should be here in the next 10 minutes or so.

Etta Sue, it sounds like your Christmas Eve services were very nice and inspirational. 

 :)MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!!

May we all remember to celebrate Jesus' birthday and remember all He does for us each day of our lives.  I am so humbled and grateful when I think of all He has brought me through, and saved me from, as well!

Al, if you look in, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers today.  I pray you will soon be home with Marbeth.

Larry, no, I haven't yet gotten the actual proof book, but it was mailed several days ago, from Mustang, Oklahoma.  That's why I am perturbed that we haven't gotten our mail for four days!  I wanted to be able to show the family today when they come here for Christmas dinner.  But I know, God is in charge of all things, and this is no exception.  There must be a reason for the timing.  And the Tate people are off until Wednesday, anyway.  I received the book in a PDF file to make any corrections, and I need someone to show me how to do that.  I just made notes of the pages I found mistakes on, so I can find them again easier.  And I think yes, during that first six months period they print the books as they are ordered.  Then when it is released to all the bookstores, Amazon, etc. they print big batches of them for those places.  I could be wrong on this, but that's what I understood from my friend Patty Bultman whose book Tate also published.

A big THANK YOU to all who want books!  Remember, I will need your mailing addresses so I can send them ASAP!

Time to get dressed for church!

Thanks so much for your prayers, thoughts.  Nothing has changed yet.
I am thinking that evey day of the year should remind us of Jesus' coming, and we should thesrefore fejoice coninuallly in it.  May God so fill our hearts. Amen.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

Merry Christmas to all.

I've put in a rather urgent prayer request for our three week old grandson in Florida.  Please go to our Prayer area and pray for wee Colten.

And now I only have the last two of the Twelve Days of Christmas to post.  I'm sorry that they all came in "bunches" but I so enjoyed them each day in our devotional and so thought that this would be kind of neat to share with you all.

"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise:..."  Matthew 1:18a
"And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ."  Matthew 1:16


It is very significant that the Bible "does not" say that Joseph begat, but that Jesus was born of Mary.  All the rest of the folk in the genealogy recorded in Matthew one are "begats" of their earthly father.  This Child was and is the only begotten of the heavenly Father!  (See John 1:14).  Yes, He is God's only begotten Son, so that He can and does make many sons through His life, death, burial, and resurrection, "...for he shall save his people from their sins" (vs. 21).

The supernatural act that placed the seed of God Almighty in the womb of the virgin is mind-boggling, but faith budding reality.  I submit, that one must believe in the virgin birth to even be saved!  It is a foundational pillar of the Gospel story.  He became what we were, so that we could become what He is!  Paul said that though Christ was equal with God, He eliminated His reputation, took upon Himself the role of a servant, and allowed His glorious self to become humbly a man (see Phil. 2:6-8).  Oh, the grace that brought salvation down to man!

What must it have been like in the lamp-lit delivery room of Deity?  How did Joseph feel?  What did Mary think?  When did the blessed birth actually take place?  What did the shepherds imagine had transpired?  How did the heavenly host rally contain themselves at the first advent—the imposition of God into the realm of human reality?  Oh, the wonder of it all!  Think, that God, in Christ would leave the throne and come to earth for fallen man, to lift them from the morass of mortality, and bring them life, eternal life!  Oh, What a Saviour!!

"...thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, ...He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied:  by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities."  Isaiah53:10b and 11


Every tawdry seasonal tune that trades tinsel for truth fades in the presence of he One in the manger.  All who came into His blessed presence that first Christmas morn saw the Ancient of Days and the Day Star born.  They did not notice perhaps the humble setting of the Saviour's nativity, but were enamored with the One who's name is above every name.

Little did they know that those tiny, little feet would walk on water, and step on a cloud and ascend back to His glory.  Were they aware that those chubby baby hands would toil in a carpenter's shop, be nailed to a tree, and then reach way down for you and me?

Could they have known that the holy offspring's heart, the size of an acorn, would beat out a love song down through the ages of how love lifted the lost and comforted the bereaved?  How could they know that the blood that coursed through His veins would be shed on a hill, not but five miles away and yet reach the lowest depths and redeem the sin sick soul?

Did they know those rosy cheeks would be kissed by a traitor, his beautiful brow pierced with thorns, and his back furrowed by the flogger's lash?  Could they see into His tiny eyes and know that they saw the sin of the world, the fate of the lost, and the need of all mankind?  No, I don't think they knew all that the first day of His life on earth or the twelfth, but we do today.  We know He redeems the penitent, His grace is all sufficient, and his mercy is beyond compare!  O worship Him with me and have a Merry Christmas!!

I know it is the day after Christmas and I apologize for being late but I do want to wish you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS.

May all your needs be graciously met by our Lord and Savior in the coming years.

Thank You GOD for your precious gift to all of us.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!

We're having our family Christmas gathering today at our son's home so busy soon peeling potatoes and making a bean casserole.  (That's my contribution to the dinner)

Hi everyone.  Just back from coffee and in a few minutes will leave to take our daughter back to her apartment. We are suppose to be getting some significant rain later today and then again tomorrow.  It rained all day here yesterday.  We did have a delightful time yesterday with plenty of food, a nice gift exchange, and good family time together.  Our son and DIL got here about 9:30 yesterday morning and stayed until about 3:30 yesterday afternoon.  They took a lot of the food that was left home with them as well our daughter this morning.  Pat and I were both pretty tired by the time the festivities were over and I went to bed early last night but feel fine today.  A friend sent us a delicious Boston coffee cake and I am sitting here with a nice piece of it and a cup of coffee.

So nice to read about all your Christmas activities and plans.  We went to our friends for dinner.  What a wonderful peacrful day.  After dinner the Christmas story was read out of one of Mother's old Bible story books.  When we got to the end the 11 year old saif..."Look there are questions!" so we went through the questions.  It is amazing how much these kids know....

Today JOhn was supposed to go to work, but that has fallen in the wind so he is home!  YEAAAA.  We have a family friend coming to visit and stay for supper.  That will be nice for all of us.

I am off and hope all have a good holiday week this week.

December 25, 2011, may be over but the love for our Christ Jesus is forever!  The material Christmas is over.  The spiritual Christmas is never over! 

The sun is shining, the jets are flying in a cloudless sky and leaving their vapors behind, the wind is moving the limbs on the trees and the American Flag across the way is waving gently.  A wonderful day to be inside and looking out! 

I am super happy everyone had a Merry Christmas with our Savior and our families.

Well dear brothers/sisters,  here I still am in Eureka Care and Rehab center.  They didn't do much here for the holkday.  They did have a bunch of kids come and sing to us, bul that's all. Pray that I'll knlw whether to request the Dr. to go ahead and remove my prostate.  The idea would be to remove the cause of my problems.  But I assume there would be significant revover time for the surgery.  Only our Lore knows what I should do.

It is too bad you couldn't have gone home for the holidays.  It sure takes the "merry" out of Christmas doesn't it.  One day we will see the true Merry and be filled with His Joy.

AL I have been praying about that situation. Whether to operate or not, I have no opinion.  One person was told 10 years if we operate and 10 years if we don't, so that is up to the individual and their Doctor. God bless and guide you my friend.

Good morning!

Prayer request:  Darrel is having cataract surgery this morning in Garden City, please remember him in your positive prayers for the very best result!  Thanks.

We will be leaving within the hour to go to Garden.  I was here to read yesterday, but too wiped out to write anything.  I got called in to work, and that messes up my schedule for working or sleeping for a whole day.  Maybe it is time to retire.....again.  :-\

I am so perturbed at the US Post Office, I could scream, if it would do any good.  This is absolutely the worst excuse for SERVICE from them I can remember in my lifetime!  No mail for us now for SIX days!!  I know my proof book is there, and I cannot get it!  GRRR!  Neither Darrel nor I needs to be out shoveling a three foot drift from in front of our mailbox, and they refuse to deliver the mail unless they can drive up close enough to put the mail in without leaving the vehicle.  I asked them to just pull into the driveway and honk, we will walk out and get the mail!  Or leave it at the post office so we can pick it up there!  It might be another week or two before that snow melts, with the temps below freezing day and night!!  Uh....can you tell I am frustrated?   :-\

Yesterday while I was at work, I popped into Beth's room to tell her something, and she was sleeping; while John patiently sat by her recliner, playing with his new Kindle Fire.  He showed me how it works, and I think I might just decide I need one of those!  ;)  His love and devotion for Beth is just amazing, and such a blessing.  His birthday is the 30th, and she wants to do something special for him (well, that would mean she wants ME to do something!  ;))  I don't yet know what that might be......

Our carpenter didn't come yesterday, but did call, and Darrel told him we will be away today so he isn't coming today either.  It is easier to be patient when I look at my beautiful new kitchen!  My whole family thought it was beautiful, too, even though it isn't yet finished!

Al, only you can make the decision concerning your prostate.  I'm sure they have explained to you the changes in your life having it removed would mean, and you are the one to decide if you can live comfortably with those changes.  I am praying for God to give you wisdom concerning this, and to spare you from any depression while you ponder it.  Blessings to you, and a big hug, too!  :)

I must go get ready to leave.  I will definitely be driving today!  When we went to pick up John, Darrel's vision was so bad he was a menace on the highway!  I suggested he let me drive home, and he did.

I hope you all have a great day, and that YOU get your mail!! 

Oh!  Darrel just told me he isn't having the surgery today, just the preliminary exam.  Oh, well, pray anyway!  Prayers are always good!  ;)

Let it snow!  Let it snow!  Let it snow!  We are finally getting a good snow.  The great big flakes.  The Christmas shopping kind of snow.  The kind that sticks to your eyelashes!  Everything is covered except the roads.  The pavements must still be too warm for the snow to stay there and is melting.  But the radio said it would be gone this afternoon!  Hmmm! 

Today is SAMs.  I am to drive Ivalou's car and take her and Betty.  I usually have some funny or inspirational thing to read but I don't have anything this time.  I may think of something.

Oh how the Post Office has changed over the years.  I can remember when I was young (OK, that's a long time ago  :D ) and deliveries were twice a day, regardless of the weather.  All during December there were deliveries on Sunday, and there was even one on Christmas day!  All that for three cents - and only one cent for a post card or if you didn't seal the envelope with the Christmas or birthday card, just tucked the flap inside. 

Hi everyone.  We had a very rainy night but it looks like the storm front has moved on as the sun has now popped out.  I have a meeting to attend this morning and then the rest of the day is free.

I was sorry to see the Atlanta Falcon's lose the game last night to New Orleans but they are still going to play in the playoffs.

Judy, sure that John could use the extra day to rest and enjoy being with the family.  Sounds like you had a nice Christmas celebration.

Al, I am sure you will make the right decision regardiing the surgery. 

Janet, the cataract surgeries seem to almost always turn out well.  It sure doesn't take them long to do it anymore, but see your later note that this is just he prelim visit.  Sorry you are having so much trouble with your mail delivery.  Maybe you could, via the computer, put in a hold request for a couple of days, and indicate that you will pick it up after the hold period.  So sorry that you are experiencing such frustration regarding the book.

Jeanne, having the Post Office work the way we remember it used to be has become a just a memory.  I have a friend who is retired from the Post Office and he was telling us at lunch the other day that the unions insisted the carriers only sort their mail to handle a certain number of pieces her minute while they would be able to do it a lot faster. 

John goes out on a short run today....and really isn't happy about it.  We get some of the family over on New Years Day, and that will be nice.

It is snowing, and according to the forecast will be snowing for the balance of the week. I guess winter is indeed here.

We got home yesterday about 2. I went to pick up the dogs right away came home made a loaf of Rye bread fed all the animals and deleted almost all the emails I got while I was gone except for a few. Then I started cleaning up my computer and uninstalling programs that I never use. Today it is back to the same of thing as I always do laundry, bake a cake ( haven't done that yet., hand washed some dishes that don't go in the dish washer. Went to the gym and to Bi-Mart to get my meds, Vitamins and Calcium. I have to bathe both dogs, they stink like the stable. We had a great time. Good weather going rained while we were there and lots of fog coming home. Saturday night at Gilbert's house at his in-laws on Sunday after church.

Keith gave me a beautiful  bracelet  for Christmas made with beautiful magnetic iridescent beads and the latch isn't a latch but two magnets that make it just  snap together when I lay it on my arm. I must have a lot of iron in my blood because that part sticks to my arm over my veins.

Hi, friends, this has been a very different Christmas time, and a memorable one.,

By the way, my little great grandson has figured out that he can try to say "Grandma" but it comes out "Murmer."  :) That's not too bad when he only gets to see me about every 6-8 months and he's barely 2 years old. How sweet to hear his chatter.

Well, I'll be praying with y'all for your requests.  Pastor Al, it's wonderful to hear from you.

And, it was so good to hear about your Christmas celebrations.

Love to you all,
Ruth Ann

WE HAVE A REAL BOOK!!!  yessss!

While we were on the way to Garden City, I called the PO and asked to speak to our carrier.  (She had been off for several days).  She said she noticed we had a lot of accumulated mail, and I told her we hadn't had mail since the day early last week when she brought it to the door.  I explained that neither Darrel nor I were supposed to shovel snow, and that we were on the way to Garden about his eyes, and asked if she could possibly just open the door and lay the mail inside.  "I would be happy to do that for you!" she responded.  I thanked her profusely and gave her a big "God bless you!"  And sure enough, when we got home, there was the envelope with the book, right on top of the pile!

Of  course, I looked it over quickly, then drove in to show Beth and John.  John was so intrigued by it that I let him keep it tonight, he is to bring it back in the morning.  Also, one of Beth's favorite nurses was there--the one who called our doctor and thus saved her life!--and I showed it to her.  She was SO excited!  Several nurses crowded around, and they all want a book!

Tomorrow, I should be hearing from a publicist, letting me know how soon I can order books!  It is hard to believe it is finally a reality!  And you all are among the first to know!

Larry, I know most cataract surgeries now have good results, but I always like to have any medical procedure covered in prayer.  They set the surgery for the first eye for Jan. 23, unless they get a cancellation and can get him in sooner.  Then the other eye will be done a couple weeks later.

I need to check email!  See you tomorrow!

I know how jazzed you feel about having your book in your hands!  Reality!  Did you sleep last night? 

Living out here in the rural country area, our mailman used to take things to a neighbor for nothing...things like eggs, recipes, pies etc.  They sure wouldn't do that today.  Once I even rode with him!

And we used to have a railroad track across the way, between us and the state highway.  You could almost time it when that train would be passing through.  If kids were standing outside, the engineer would blow the whistle and then throw candy out for us!  I would love to smell that train smoke again!  Ahhh!

We went to SAMs yesterday and then took some letters to the P.O. for Betty.  She said they were tax checks since she has to pay quarterly.  She said she never mails letters with big checks in them from home.  She is afraid someone would steal them.  I asked her have you ever had anything stolen out of your mailbox?  No.  Then she said that they weren't due until January but she always mailed the last one in December so it would be counted for this years taxes!!!  She's something else! 

Then Ivalou needed some RX from the drug store.  They had called her twice.  But they weren't filled yet so she still had to wait!  I needed milk and their milk was going to expire Friday so we went to the Dollar General where the milk would last a few more days! 

Today Kitty and I are going to Indianapolis to a mexican restaurtant and to an artist store where she needs to spend a gift certificate before the end of the year.  Probably a gift certificate she got LAST year for Christmas!! 

I don't know what else will be before we get home! 

Hi everyone.  We have a chilly but sunny and no wind morning here in the Atlanta area.  I have nothing significant on my agenda for today so plan to have a nice laid back kind of day.  We had a big group at coffee at McDonald's this morning, which was enjoyable.  I learned something this morning and that is there is a gourd magazine.  One of the men brought in something he had printed out with a picture of some of the unusual shaped gourds he raises.  I am sure you all wanted to know this.  :)

Marilyn, glad you had such a nice trip.  That sounds like an interesting bracelet.  I have heard of the magnets for necklaces but not for bracelets. 

Ruth Ann, those little children bring such joy as we see them develop and learn. 

Janet, so happy you finally received the actual book and know it must be so exciting.  You know that I also want to buy a copy as soon as you are taking orders.  Glad John was able to see it before he had to leave. 

Etta Sue, I agree with your friend in wanting to mail things directly at the post office.  It is frustrating when gift certificates have an expiration date on them. 

Larry, I'll trade you some of our wind for some of your sunshine.    :D  The clouds are so heavy today that I need to keep lights on in the house and we're under a "wind advisory" until midnight.  Not an easy day to rejoice in, but I'm trying.

My new washing machine works wonderfully well, but now my microwave is kaput.  At least I think it is - it started to smoke from the little vent on the side wall.  I know that's not right, so I've pulled the plug.  Amazing to find out I haven't forgotten how to cook on the stove!   :lol:

Jeanne I'll gladly help you give away your wind if they will also take mine. we are supposed to have gusts up to 70 mph today. It is raining now and will be the rest of the week.

Janet you must be ecstatic, like Etta Sue said Did you sleep last night?

I had a real nice conversation the JW lady that comes here once a month. yesterday she just came to visit and explain to me why they don't celebrate Christmas. I had ask her that when she was here before Christmas but she was in a hurry to get to a meeting I was  busy too, and she  had just stopped her to drop off the latest leaflets. I have read some very interesting articles in those leaflets, even some  recipes.

Larry they have been making various types of magnetic bracelets for years, and selling them as an health tool for arthritis, just like the copper bracelets; but that is not what this bracelet is. It does work though. I was having some right shoulder pain for a couple of days I switched the bracelet to my right  arm yesterday and today the pain is gone. Who knows it could be that the pain just stopped anyway without the bracelet. The lady at the store swears by these bracelets, she wears one on each arm 24/7 and says it helps her be pain free. She just sells them on consignment for someone else.

Yes, Etta Sue and Marilyn---surprisingly, I did sleep last night!  It's a wonder, huh?

I wanted to tell you all that the lady who did Darrel's tests and measurements yesterday at the eye doctor's, I noticed moved in a rather odd, jerky kind of way.  Later, when we were in another room and the overhead lights were on, I saw immediately that she has Neurofibromatosis!  I asked her about it and she seemed really relieved to meet someone who actually knew what she has.  I told her about Beth, John, the book, the NF chat room, and she was so excited!  She wants to go to the chat room, she said she has never had anyone she can talk to about NF who understands what she deals with every day.  She later tracked me down in two other rooms of the clinic to ask questions and give me her email, and when we left she gave me a huge hug.  What a blessing!  I was able to encourage her and she encouraged me that the book will bless many people.  God is so good.

Our carpenter is back today, putting in shelves in the upper cabinets, pulls and knobs on doors and drawers, also has the plate rack ready to install.  Progress!  YESSSS!!!  :D

I need to call the photographer and ask some questions.  Be back later!

Hi, friends, now, I can sleep in my own bed tonight. :)

I got back in at midday, rested a while, took some phone calls. Then had a 4 pm appointment.

Now, it's time to rest again!  ;)

Ruth Ann

Janet Congratulations on the book?  It is always wonderful to meet someone who understands what you are experiencing.

John has weather to deal with.  Road closures because of weather and accidents.  He isn't well and got very little sleep last night.

I am heading to bed very soon

Have a really good night folks.

Ruth Ann, I'm glad you're home and comfortable again.  Be sure to get that extra rest!   :)

Judy, I'm praying for John's safety and improved road conditions.

Since I pulled the plug on my microwave I'm learning all over again how to heat up leftovers, and I'm re-discovering pans that have been pushed to the back of the cupboard.   :lol:

Jeanne, that would be my case I'm sure--without a microwave!  Amazing how we have come to depend on those!  I hope you can get another one soon.  If you were near, I'd bring over the one Beth had that is just gathering dust in our garage.

I must go to the store this morning for ingredients to make Strawberry Pretzel salad.  That's what Beth asked me to make for her neighborhood dinner tonight.  Theirs got cancelled/rescheduled because of the snow.

Darrel is busily putting things in the upper cabinets of the kitchen, since we now have shelves in them!  Ah, progress!  :)  8)

Also I need to go back to Build.com and order more pulls and knobs, as Lon didn't count enough.

Judy and John, you have a special place in my prayers today.

See you all later!

HI everyone.  Yesterday proved to be a very restful, laid back type of day and I think today will be the same.  Pat and I did go out to eat at Red Robin last evening and had one of their big hamburgers.  While it was very chilly yesterday morning it really warmed up nicely during the day.  I did salvage a number of parts from an old computer and I may work on my new computer.  I have some better parts than came with this inexpensive computer, such as a better sound card and video card that will allow me to once again use the second monitor.  However, that is not something that has to be done today. 

When I got home from coffee Pat had brought in the big plastic bins we store the Christmas items in and is starting to repack things away. 

Jeanne, I don't miss the wind so don't think I will accept your kind offer of wind for sunshine.  We had enough wind a couple of days ago to last for quite awhile.  We generally get very little wind.

Marilyn, I like your new photo.  Wow, gusts of 70 mph is really windy.  Whatever is causing the pain to cease is worth the effort. 

Janet, I should think your new book will enlighten a lot of people who perhaps have never heard of NF or encountered anyone having the condition.  It is always encouraging when we can be of help to someone else as you were to this lady taking Darrel's measurements.

Ruth Ann, hope you were able to get a good nights sleep last night.

Judy, so sorry to hear that John isn't feeling well and then having to contend with bad roads. 

I just received the following from a friend and felt it was worth sharing so wanted to share it with you all.

IT'S WHAT YOU SCATTER

I was at the corner grocery store buying some early potatoes. I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily apprising a basket of freshly picked green peas.

I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes.

Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller (the store owner) and the ragged boy next to me.

'Hello Barry, how are you today?'

'H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas. They sure look good.'

'They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?'
'Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time.'
'Good. Anything I can help you with?'
'No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas.'
'Would you like to take some home?' asked Mr. Miller.

'No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with.'

'Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?'

'All I got's my prize marble here.'

'Is that right? Let me see it', said Miller.

'Here 'tis. She's a dandy.'

'I can see that. Hmm mmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?' the store owner asked.

'Not zackley but almost.'

'Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble'. Mr. Miller told the boy.

'Sure will. Thanks Mr. Miller.'

Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me.

With a smile she said, 'There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever.

When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, when they come on their next trip to the store.'

I left the store smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short time later I moved to Colorado , but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys, and their bartering for marbles.

Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one.  Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died. They were having his visitation that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could.

Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts...all very professional looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, standing composed and smiling by her husband's casket.

Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket. Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one; each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes.

Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller.  I told her who I was and reminded her of the story from those many years ago and what she had told me about her husband's bartering for marbles. With her eyes glistening, she took my hand and led me to the casket.

"Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about.  They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim 'traded them.  Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size, they came to pay their debt."

'We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world,' she confided, but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho.'

With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband.  Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles.

The Moral:
We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds.  Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath.

Today I wish you a day of ordinary miracles ~ A fresh pot of coffee you didn't make yourself...

An unexpected phone call from an old friend... Green stoplights on your way to work...

The fastest line at the grocery store....

A good sing-along song on the radio...

Your keys found right where you left them.

Send this to the people you'll never forget. I just did...

IT'S NOT WHAT YOU GATHER, BUT WHAT YOU SCATTER THAT TELLS WHAT KIND OF LIFE YOU HAVE LIVED!

Larry:  So true - it isn't at all about what you gather. 

Pastor Al:  How good to see your post.  I am behind in the news so I just want to send a prayer that the doctor will talk with you and help you through the surgery possible decision. 

Janet:  Hooray - the mail came through to you.  And,..... The Book!  I will want to buy one for our church library when all is finished.

We are in Arizona after one of the easiest drives here ever.  Have not sat down until today with two days of setting things up, getting the phone & internet working and still more things to come.  Lots of people want to visit and this year I sure want to hold them to certain days so I can get to the knit group & the quilt group - washing clothes now.  Will check in with you later. 

I haven't had a Strawberry Pretzel salad for years.  I love the salty and the sweet together! 

I got up this morning, ate some breakfast, grabbed my two finished Chemo Wraps and swim bag and headed to Noblesville.  I took the Chemo Wraps in and told the volunteer that they were for Ms. Barnes.  She asked who I was.  I told her.  It was Ms. Barnes.  Such a tiny lady.  Probably less than a hundred pounds dripping wet.  But I got to meet her.  Two ladies were sorting and tagging Chemo Wraps so I got mine there while they were doing that.

Then I went to the rehab center to get in the pool.  The locker room was dim.  Hmmm!  So I tried the door to the pool.  Locked.  I went back to the desk and was told the pool was closed, they always closed the pool two weeks at Christmas and New Year.  I told her I was told last week that it was open here this week and closed next week.  She asked someone else and it is open this week....but I had the wrong time.  I could be in the pool this afternoon, not this morning. 

So I headed home but decided to go to church so I could get something put into the church bulletin for Sunday. 

Then I went to Ricker's...a local convenient store that Ivalou gave me cards to get free cappuccinos!  So I had a Pumpkin Spice cappuccino! 

I got home and decided to do some laundry.  Tony called and came to visit awhile.  Now I am catching up online.

I am hoping to start another Chemo Wrap this afternoon.  Shades of blue this time! 

Hi everyone.  We are suppose to have a very nice day today and through the weekend and then it will get colder.  I ended up yesterday afternoon by installing the video card and audio card I had taken from my old computer into my new desktop.  Pat also got all the decorations for Christmas put away and they are stored in the garage for next year.  Today will be a pretty busy morning and early afternoon.  I have a couple of appointments this morning after coffee and then it is our ROMEO's luncheon with the men from the church.  Today we are eating at the new Olive Garden.  Just hope the crowd isn't as big as it was the first time I was there.

Carol, nice to see you had a good drive to Arizona.  Good for you in setting some boundaries as to when you can host company and doing things that are important to you as well.  Hope you have a great winter down there.

Etta Sue, it sounds like the pool has definite communication problems with its patrons.  Too bad that you didn't get to swim.

The Olive Garden is one place I avoid.  My family all love to go there and took me along for one lunch treat.  I really dislike anything that has any snap or sting to it, and there was really not a thing there that I could enjoy.    :(  Except for the company!   :D 

It's snowing very lightly and there is a slight dusting on most surfaces, but it's slowing down now and supposed to warm up by this afternoon.  A couple of mild days coming and then by Monday night the bottom falls out.  Nighttime temps near zero (or possibly below  :yikes:) and not getting much above 20, if it gets there at all, during the day Tuesday and Wednesday.  Oh well, at least the days are getting longer.   ;)

Dinner at the Home last night was nice, but I felt sorry for the several residents who had not one guest attending.  :(  Beth had John, Diane and me; Dr. Saxon called at the last minute to say his daughter had been kicked by a horse and he needed to stay home and keep an eye on her.  The salad I made was wiped out!  :)

I am ready to go to Pat's and let her do a transformation on my hair!  Be back later!

Hello Everyone

It's a bright chilly day outside so nice to be indoors. 

Larry, that's some story you put in about the boys and the marbles.  Wow.  I've copied it and shared it with a few.

Janet, your mail problems sound horrible.  But how nice that your mail lady finally brought the mail to your door!!

My eye is getting better and better.  I can't say that I'm seeing any better without my glasses yet but upon reading the information I got before the surgery, it says that it could be 12 weeks before I see improvement in my vision.  Today it's very scratchy and some of the drops hurt at times but I'm doing well. 

Yes, time to put the Christmas things away, Larry.  I'll start to do that later today I'm thinking.

It's so nice to read all of your posts. 

Jeanne, I love the Olive Garden.  I never noticed any special snap or whatever that other word you used when I've eaten their food.  LOL  I love that place for a special occasion.  When I used to visit my brother and we'd go out for lunch, he always took me to the Olive Garden.  We don't have one close by here.

I was surprised that no one posted after me yesterday afternoon until Larry posted this morning!  Where is everyone?

I got a call from Ivalou.  Marge, Betty, Ivalou and I were deciding which theater to go to to see 'We Bought a Zoo' and the time.  So I drove Ivalou's car and left at 3:20pm.  I got Marge and then Betty and headed to Hamilton Town Center to the big theater there.  It's been a long time since we went to the movie and there were more than a dozen watchers!  This theater had 50 or more there!  And it was a cute, great movie!  Not one swear word.  Matt Damon, Suzanne Johannson and Elle Fanning in it.  Elle is Dakota Fanning's little sister and a darling little girl!  Little?  She was born in '98 so she is 13 but played a 6-7 year old!  Beautiful animals.

Then we left there and decided to go to the Olive Garden.  Not my favorite restaurant either.  1) I think the food all tastes the same.  2) Everything is way over priced...pasta $10+!!!  3) It is a noisy restaurant!  But there wasn't a parking spot available in the huge parking lot at 6pm.  So I drove to Noblesville to Applebee's where there was still a 30-35 minutes wait!  On a Thursday night!!!

I could count 5 empty tables but yes, we still had to wait.  Short on waitresses!!!  We got seated and it seemed forever to get a waitress to come and take our drink order so we ordered our entree at the same time.  Then it took forever to get our food.  My tomato and lettuce was limp for my burger!!  Then it took forever for the bill to come and then forever for our change.  I got home at 9:05pm! 

When I was married, I didn't pay any attention to what food in a restaurant cost!  And my husband didn't pay any attention to what groceries cost even though he worked behind the meat case in a grocery!  Now that I am single, I do both...for instance, at Applebee's a cheeseburger costs a dollar more than a hamburger...same sides...same dressings.  A dollar for a slice of cheese?  Nope!  I'll take a hamburger!!  But I was surprised to hear that it was no extra cost to get the twisted chips instead of the french fries!!  So I had what I wanted for $7.35 with the Applebee's Golden Card discount! 

Since I went to the movies, I didn't start my blue Chemo Wrap.  But today since it is rainy and gloomy out, what a nice day to do that! 

I heard a ruckus before getting out of bed today.  When I got up, I saw blue yarn all over the utility room floor.  I started rolling it in a ball and when I got in the living room, the floor looked like a huge spider web!!  Ali!!!  Ali will be 11 this year and I love it when she gets a spurt and wants to play!  Not every day but once in awhile she finds something and plays for an hour!  Love it! 

Etta Sue I haven't seen you mention Ali in a ling time. Our Grubby doesn' play, I don't think he knows how.He is the stray that adopted us  two summers ago. However he does like to hide in any box that I lay on the floor., and sleep on the big round dog bed.

It looks like the sun has come out today maybe it will stick around for a few hours, the temp  is 52° right now, warm for December.

I am still having that pain near my shoulder blade.  I took  an Aleve this morning at breakfast but it hasn't helped time for the heating pad.  I think my neck is out of whack because that place hurts when I turn my head.

Got in a good work out this morning, and rode the bike for 2 miles/7.5 minutes. had a nice conversation with a yoga teacher and got a few quick points from her. I went back to the yoga class yesterday where I used to go. New teacher there and the  poses have changed with the teacher.

Warm here today.  Probably 55-60 deg.  I have the catheter out today, but it may only be temporary.  I go to the urologist this afternoon. They transport me over and back from where I am at Eureka Care & Rehab.  We'll probably have to make a decision  on possibl sugery (remove prostate).  Please pray.

Time to get caught up!!

I have read all the posts and very happy that you all had a good Christmas, some different, but good. I felt this year that we celebrated the actual reason for the special day, rather than the gifts and tinsel. My love to everyone on C.P.; enjoy your get-togethers, rest and other activities.

Both my daughter and I had our vehicles back in time for Christmas, so we were all able to spend Christmas Day together along my son and a couple of friends. Because of the snowfall on Christmas Day, my daughter and her four children slept over and didn't leave until 4:30 the next afternoon.

We decided that my son needed to get back home, on Tuesday, as there was more snow in the forecast and he needed to get ready for his trip, today, to Europe. It was a good thing he did as we didn't get shoveled out until noon, yesterday. JudyB: sorry we were not able to go visiting!

Last night and today I have been working on year-end jobs. It will only get busier until April 30th.

Al: you posted as I was composing. May God show you His will as you consider your options.  Will continue to pray!   :hug:*

God bless you all,
RuthV

Well the sun wasn't here buy for a very few  moments, then it clouded up and began to pour and it poued for a bit then stopped. crazy weather. 

Good to see you Al.

Today was a really fun day meeting my cousin & her husband at a huge flea market - I bought reading glasses & another pair of sun glasses.  We are slowly adapting.  She forgot her purse on a bench and it was turned in by a shopkeeper - bless her heart.  We raced around looking all over the place & it was a blessing to have an honest person with a good deed. 

PAT  Love your new picture. 

Larry:   I will probably not mention anything to visitors unless it is something I shouldn't miss.  We do have fun visiting. 

Missing huge wind storms and snow at home right now. 

Al:  Thinking of you. 

Hi eveyrone.  Yesterday went as planned and was a really busy day.  Twelve men from our church met for lunch at Olive Garden.  Fotunately, one of the men had gone an hour earlier than we were to meet and got our name on the list as there was an hour wait.  Even when we left at 2:30 there were still a lot of people waiting to be seated.  This new location for them seems to be very popular.

Today should be much less busy.  I have a couple of things to do this morning and then the rest of the day should be pretty much free.  Today is the beginning of some bowl games involving the better teams so will tune in and watch some of the action.  As usual have several projects to work on at my desk dealing with some end of the year treasurer's work for an organization and some more work to do for the Senior Golden Games that will soon be underway in the new year.  We have no plans for this evening as always feel safer inside my home of New Year's Eve.  Our weather is suppose to be nice until about Tuesday when it is to get colder. 

Jeanne, the last several times I have been at Olive Garden I had the soup and salad special, as did most of the guys yesterday.  The place was so full yesterday that it was hard to hear the person across the table from you but we still had a very enjoyable time of fellowship.  I think the bottom is suppose to drop out of our warm days about Tuesday of next week with a lot colder temperatures in store.

Janet, sounds like a nice time at the dinner at the home.  It is very sad when folks have no one to support them when they become confined to a care home situation. 

Pat, good to see your posting and know you are doing well from your surgery. 

Etta Sue, unfortunately all restaurants, at least around here, seem to be a bit overpriced.  However, know that just as we experience cost increases at the grocerys store they also have to deal with cost increases.  I find it hard to pay $9 and $10 dollar for a hamburger with a little side of slaw but that is the going price now, except at McDonald's and fast food places. 

Marilyn, I bet your Grubby likes to sleep in the dog's bed just to aggravate the dogs.  Our cat always like to play in boxes as well or get into an open suitcase.

Al, hope your doctor's appointment went well and that you have been able to make the decision that is right for you.

RuthV, it sounds like winter and the snow finally caught up with your area.  Glad you had a nice Christmas.

Carol, I bet that was a scare for your cousin in losing her purse.  Glad it had a happy ending.  I take it you do not miss not being in Denver for the wind and snow.  :)

Happy New Year's Eve to all of you!  We will stay at home tonight, as we usually do.  Darrel bought some nice T-bone steaks, but we will wait until tomorrow night to cook those, as we have unexpected company coming tonight, and don't know how long they will stay nor if they plan to eat with us.  We are going to have a wonderful gourmet dinner tonight---hot dogs!  :D  We had sandwiches last night, with Beth and John and Pat here.  I didn't bake a cake for John, as he is diabetic and we talked it over and he didn't want a cake.  He is happy just being with Beth, bless his sweet heart.  After eating, we played a game Beth and John received for Christmas called Logos.  I didn't do too well, as I don't really pay attention to commercials!  But it was fun, and we finally called a draw--or John and Beth won by one point, I think.  John knows a lot of trivia, so is a good game player.

Today Lon will come and lay the rest of the glass tile for the back splash.  He ran out of the mastic needed for it, and had to get more.  Luckily, the son of a lady who works at the lumber yard was coming and stopped in Hays to pick it up for us!  Home Depot in Garden was out of it.  Always something, it seems.

I need to go to the store for ingredients to make another strawberry pretzel salad to take to Diane's tomorrow.  Our church is not having services, and Chip Brim is to be in Hugoton at the church the kids attend.  I really like him, and would be going to hear him even if we were having services.  Diane invited us to stay for lunch, so I want to bring something.  Beth and John will go, as well.

Sorry, I am rambling here.

I wish you all a wonderful last day of the year 2011!!

Speaking of Ali.  She seems to be doing things she's never done before!  Today as I was reading my devotions, I have my Bible opened on a buckwheat pillow on my lap.  Here comes Ali.  That isn't unusual since she usually lays beside me and wants massaged!  But today she walked up on the Bible and across to the arm of the couch.  Then turned around and decided the Bible was a good place to lie down.  So she did!  Then she looked at me as if to say, 'I did good, didn't I?'  She's something else. 

Neither of my fur-girls likes small places.  More than likely you will see them sleeping in a corner or even the middle of a room on the floor.  I put boxes or paper sacks down and they pay no attention to them.  But they do like open suitcases!! 

I am staying in today.  I thought I needed to go to the bank for some money but I have enough for lunch tomorrow so I will go tomorrow before coming back home.  Since I have to get up early for the projector system, I probably won't even see the ball fall in NYC! 

I started a blue Chemo Wrap yesterday.  It has 14 shades of blue for the first rotation.  I used some shades up so rotation two won't be as many shades.  It's about 10" wide already!  I am also making it 10 stitches longer! 

I am praying that everyone has a safe ending to 2011 and a prosperous 2012!! 

Hi everyone.  Nothing new here.  Next drs. appoint. will be Turesday.  It appears I don't need a major operation, though a relatively minor procedure may be called for.  Thanks to our Lord for His mercy!  If everything goes well in that visit, it's possible I could go home within a week or so. Pray that it may be so.
It's cool but sunny here today.

Al, it is great to see you posting and keeping us up to date with your progress.  And it will be even better when you can tell us you're posting from home!   :D

Al, that sounds like some pretty exciting news!  Will be praying that you get through it in fine fashion and get home quickly.

Today is the anniversary of my daughter Jean's passing.  It was when the year was changing from 1999 to 2000, and so much comment and anxiety about what that would mean.  It meant a great loss to our family, and changes that are still being felt profoundly.   Her daughter posted on facebook how she misses her and can't understand what it means when people say "Everything happens for a reason" .... Jean's girls were only 12 and 14 when she left them.  They have had a rough time growing up since then.

Life goes on, and people change and grow, hopefully we are all being the very best we can be -- and drawing closer to one another -- and the Lord.  

John and Beth are here, we are waiting for Sondra to arrive.

Jane, the changing of the year is always a time for reflection.  Sorry it means sad times for you, but it's good you are looking to the future with optimism. 

I wonder, what will 2012 mean for this sin sick world?  But we know that God holds our futures and He will cause us to triumph, no matter what the enemy throws in our paths!  God bless us, every one!  :)

Happy New Year everyone!

You know sometimes we wonder if God really answers prayer.  However Al this is a definite answer to prayer.

All the dogs are bathed, cats are happy, big Tom is happy watching our birds.  We all have had a productive day.  We are picking up Alex, Kassie's Boyfriend.  He is in for a shock he will be sleeping on the couch .........

Got to run

Judy it's  better that he be shocked and  know that in your house there are rules to be followed.

Jane Sorry this is a bad  time of year for you.


Urgent

My friend Willa's great grand daughter is missing. She is 16 and the family thinks she ran off as Tammy (her mother) had been having problems with her  (Michelle). I posted the flyer on my Facebook page. she has been gone since the 23rd. The family and Michelle need lot of prayer for her safe return.

Marilyn, I know that has to be pretty concerning for Willa and the family ... I am praying for a safe conclusion and return for Michelle.

This is not a bad time of year for me ... I was merely making an observation.  Memories linger, y'know.

This is 2012, and so many burdens, losses, and heart aches, yet we know God is Soverign.  Let us make our resolution be that we trust His soverignity  as we proceed through another year.

Oh, how I wish I lived near Atlanta and Larry could help me with my laptop.  Yesterday I started getting the 'not responding' windows...lots of them...and the Microsoft Windows Search Indexer window that states it has stopped working.  Then a troubleshoot window pops up.  I have done all the troubleshooting and it seems my next resort is re-installing Windows!!  That I am afraid to do by myself!  I have the Toshiba CD/DVD for Windows...the last time, I had to pay for Vista but the next time I hope I just have to pay for installing it.  My laptop is usable but frustration when it 'freezes'.

Happy New Year!!!  Hoping this year is better than last...we say that every year, don't we? 

I am ready for church and all of a sudden the wind came up....fiercely!!  Really blowing hard out there!  Hope I can get to the garage!!

A new day;

A new week;

A new month;

And

A new year!

Time to move on -

CLICK HERE (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=12094.msg169382#msg169382)