Christian Photographers Community

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 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 whatever it might be, please feel free to join us.

This week's devotional is entitled, "The Danger of Unbelief" by Alistair Begg

See you in the coming 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...


The Danger of Unbelief

I give them eternal life, and they will never perish.
John 10:28


The Christian should never think or speak lightly of unbelief. For when a child of God mistrusts His love, His truth, His faithfulness, it is greatly displeasing to Him. How can we ever grieve Him by doubting His upholding grace?

Christian, it is contrary to every promise of God's precious Word that you would ever be forgotten or left to perish. If it could be so, how could He be true who has said, "Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you."¹ What would be the value of the promise--"'The mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,' says the LORD, who has compassion on you"?² What truth would there be in Christ's words--"I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand"?³ What value would there be in the doctrines of grace? They would be all disproved if one child of God should perish. What value could be placed in the veracity of God, His honor, His power, His grace, His covenant, His oath, if any of those for whom Christ died, and who have put their trust in Him, should nevertheless be cast away?

Banish then those unbelieving fears, which so dishonor God. Arise, shake yourself from the dust, and put on your beautiful clothes. Remember, it is sinful to doubt His Word in which He has promised you that you will never perish. Let the eternal life within you express itself in confident rejoicing.

The gospel bears my spirit up:
A faithful and unchanging God
Lays the foundation for my hope,
In oaths, and promises, and blood.



¹ - Isaiah 49:15
² - Isaiah 54:10
³ - John 10:28-29

Hi everyone.  Wow, what a rainy night we had last night and it is overcast again this morning.  Just my usual Monday agenda today and the housekeepers will be here early this morning.  Yesterday we didn't go out to eat with the group but stopped at our local pancake house, which has a broad menu, for lunch and came home and rested the rest of the day. 

Jeanne, the older I get the more I enjoy being with friends.  It sounds like you will be getting some of the same type of weather we had last night and may have again today. 

Judy, it sounds like you have a pleasant weekend to anticipate all week.  I am glad to see you are no longer stressing about your exam.  Will you be continuing with the line of study and taking more courses in accounting?

Janet, I bet those projects you might not have gotten done yesterday will still be available to do today. 

Pat, thanks for sharing the Allistair Begg graphics as they are beautiful. It looked like that young child was having a great time feeding mother in that last graphic.   

John, I don't know about others but I often wonder how I was able to find time to work full-time and do everything else I did at one time.  I guess our stamina has a lot to do with matters.  I am sorry to read about the sore knee as that must be painful as you drive.  Sorry we couldn't get together for a bit when you were in Georgia but as you say hopefully the next time.  Sure nice to read that your work situation has improved with the new dispatcher as detected you were quite unhappy with the old one and the amount and type of work he assigned to you.

Carol, I have had to replace a couple of wireless mice over time as they just quit working correctly.  With the old type mice you used to be able to clean the ball and see improvement but I haven't found that to be the case with the laser type mice.  Nice you met another quilter and she is a new neighbor.  Pat is beginning to spend more time working on her twin quilts.  She has 400 strips to sew and then will but them apart for small triangles and start sewing them together.  The quilts should be colorful and quite nice when finished.  I didn't hear from our son until about 9:30 last evening.  He manages a Pizza Hut and they had a very busy weekend and he had put in a very long day.  Your family really leads a busy life with all that travel.   

Pat, thank you for this week's devotion.  How comforting to know that we can never be forgotten by our Heavenly Father! 

John, don't count on having any extra time when you retire.  That's when everyone says, "You're retired now and have the time - will you help with...."   :o

Larry, I worked and worked; got one project completed.  It was getting my trip story finished (three installments, well, really, the last two) and getting the photos attached, for our local paper.  And this morning, what do you suppose happened?  I get an email saying they will not be able to run the final two.  "It took up too much room in the paper" was the excuse given.  :ticked:  They could have told me that last week and saved me hours of work!  Well, they are the losers.  And I do hope that the people who enjoy reading it will be calling and asking them WHY they didn't run the rest of it.  (As Abby told me on Facebook the other day: "Grandmother.  Settle down."   :)  :-\  Well, now to get it ready for you folks to read and see.  At lease I feel it will be appreciated here.

Praise the Lord, we got some rain last night.  I don't know how much, but any moisture is wonderful and so  appreciated here.

Good thoughts today, Pat.  Thanks.

We don't like the sound of the menu at the Sr. Center today so aren't going for lunch.

Tomorrow, we are going to Wichita.  Darrel has an appointment with the Veterans' medical facility, and we have a few more things to do there as well.  Not sure if we wil come home the same day or not.

Judy, I am so glad you aren't stressing yourself out over the exam now.  Good for you!  Accounting would be the LAST thing I would want to study!  ;)

Yup, Janet .... it sure will be appreciated here (your story and pictures, that is).   <3

I am getting ready to take off for California again.  I'll meet with Nita this afternoon (haven't seen her since Faye's memorial in April) and then I'll finish putting stuff in the car so I can leave in the morning.

Joy and John have moved the TV from the mobile to their cabin in the mountains, and there is no internet there, either, unless Joy brings over her laptop, so I probably won't be able to visit here for the next couple weeks.  Y'all be careful, now ..... I could always get to a library and check in, y'know.    :D

I'm looking forward to seeing my sisters in a few days.  One is coming from Missouri and the other from Tennessee ... they're questioning the temperature in Sacramento ..... haha  Just know it's gonna be HOT!!
:o

We can be thankful for air conditioning, and swimming pools.   :thumbsup:

I just got back from Pembroke where I was helping out with our new grandson, and it took me some time to read and catch up.

Judy: I'll be praying for you as you have your test.
Jane: Enjoy your time away.
Jeanne: You're right about not having more time during retirement :)

Our new grandson had to go back into the hospital for a few days because of jaundice. They were able to put him under the light for jaundice, and he is back home and doing well. His parents found this difficult, especially his mother. She said she felt like Niagara Falls. I can remember some of that when I had babies too.

Jane, have a great time with your sisters but...  HURRY BACK



It's great to see you, Betty.  Is Pembroke very far from your home?  I've been to Pembroke and it's certainly a long way from Guelph!!!  :)

Pat Distance is relative!  You are not far...... Betty is closer!  When going to see a loved one distance doesn't matter!

And then there's cyberspace!   ;D

Hi everyone.  It is another overcast day and there is rain in the area and it is suppose to rain off and on again today.  Our Monday Men's Luncheon group enjoyed our lunch yesterday and we had eight men present and they put two tables together to make a big square so we could all see and talk to each other.  It was nice and I know we will be going back in the future.  I have a light day planned today with just a meeting to attend this morning.  Pat has a dinner outing with her book club unless she decides not to attend.  I do hope she goes as it is good for her to get out more and she always enjoys it. 

Janet, too bad about your not getting your full story published.  At least you know we will enjoy it and appreciate your hours of effort in putting it together. Glad you got some rain. 

Jane, hope your trip to California will go well and that you will have a great week with your sisters and other family members. 

Betty, glad your new grandson is now doing well.  A new mother doesn't like to be away from the baby.

Pat, Judy and Jeanne, anything more than an hour or so away can seem too far except that cyberspace.  :)

Amazing Grace--- I went out to water two tomato plants in back and and found on the other side of a fence - sunflowers and one is blooming.  They mow about three feet wide next to the fence which is irksome to me and this is such a sweet story.  The sunflowers originally were a gift to plant from my neighbor who is battling cancer.  They have not been seen in two years so I can't wait to tell him that --they are back. 

Pat: Thanks for the devotion on non believers.  I try not to assume anyone is a non-believer because there is an old saying about someone being in a foxhole in battle and that would be a good time to ask their belief.  Yesterday was just up and down in thoughts for me regarding everything with the children, of course.  Not with us but their lives and it was finally just before falling asleep that I really did realize once again that God is in control.  I do know it but there are times when doubt creeps in.  It is like hanging on to a cliff top with one hand and trying to pull yourself up. 

Anyway,, one son who hiked was for a cancer drive and weather for them was perfect with bands playing music on the way at a ski run.  Yesterday, we went to IKEA and I shopped for a couple of things while Don read his Nook then I had such a time finding my way back to the 2nd. floor.  Just following arrows backwards  ^-^  - bought two vases and napkins.  Don chose a frozen apple pie so now wants neighbors to come over tonight. 

Time to hustle a little.   

HAHAHA! 
Judy, just wondered how far Pembroke was from Betty!  :)   Just for interest sake!  ;)

Larry, sounds like a great luncheon you had with the men.  It's nice when a restaurant goes the extra mile to make you comfortable.

Carol, I love sunflowers.  Some of the seeds must have fallen without the birds getting them (or squirrels).  I have many smaller sunflowers growing under my bird feeder where they drop the seeds.   I sure know what you mean about IKEA!  I never can find my way out.


I've been trying to get carpets shampooed and what a job moving furniture and waiting till carpet is dry before moving furniture back.  I've done half of a small bedroom, most of the living room and today I hope to get the dining area done and part of my bedroom.  I also have to go and buy some peat moss to add to the earth in some concrete planters that is water-logged and put some geraniums in them for the summer.  (I'm late, I know)  I also have to get my car checked as it keeps stalling and I'm thinking that maybe the alternator is the cause!  $$$$$$$

From Allistair Begg....

Good afternoon, friends,

It was a joy to read of comings and goings of everyone.

This was the morning I was asked to play piano and sing for the devotions downstairs. The song I was impressed to sing was "Where Can We Go But To The Lord." Then, the young man who spoke was giving his very first talk before a group. He did well, with the topic being go to the Lord for forgiveness and strength. Isn't it interesting how the Lord will take charge of a service with all parts going to strengthen the whole!

News - I am a new mother-in-law. My oldest son, whom I've often told you recently was doing much better, got married last week. What a busy, happy time for the family. :) The happy couple have invited me to eat with them this evening. So, I'm looking forward to that.

Now, to leave the computer and fix a bit of lunch. :)

Y'all have a wonderful rest of the day with our Lord.

Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann:  How lovely to look forward to your son and his wife's new marriage. 

Pat, Judy: I'm about a 2 1/2 hour trip from Pembroke. I made the trip twice in one week, so have been glad to be back home. And you're right, Judy, distance doesn't seem so far when it's family. We used to have to drive 10 hours to visit family, so this seems much shorter.

Jeanne: Cyberspace does make people feel much closer. Texting on the phone has helped so much this year with the baby, and with my Dad being so ill. It has meant that I can be in contact with family almost immediately and is much cheaper than phoning with my cell phone.

Carol:

QuoteYesterday was just up and down in thoughts for me regarding everything with the children, of course.  Not with us but their lives and it was finally just before falling asleep that I really did realize once again that God is in control.

It's hard sometimes, isn't it. We need to keep reminding ourselves that He is in control, and we can rejoice that He is in control. He sees us, He hears us, and He cares about us ... and our loved ones.

I thought we were staying home for a bit, but we had offered to take my Dad to see his sister, so we are heading to Burk's Falls to pick him up and go to Fort Erie on Thursday to see his sister. I know that he will want to speak with her about the Lord as she doesn't know Him. Dad wasn't sure about going because he was concerned that it would be a lot of difficulty taking his dialysis equipment with him but I think we can manage okay.

 


I was chatting with Bonnie today and she has posted in Prayer and Praise here (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=12664.new#new).  Please check in to P&P and pray for our dear friend!

I was talking to Gord Here (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=12642.0) is the update.

We made the long trek to Wichita and back home today.  That's four hours each way.

Please pray for my dear sister Shirley.  She got bitten by at least three ticks, and is now in the hospital.  She had a fever of 106*, excruciating pain all over her body, deep in the tissues and muscles.  They have been running tests, etc., and are now saying they think she has some sort of blood disorder because of the tick bites.  It seems ticks can cause not only Lyme disease, but rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer s, and a number of other things.  Needless to say, family reunion, which was scheduled to be at Shirley's place this weekend, has been canceled, all we care about is her getting well.  Prayers much appreciated.

And for the good news--it is raining!

 :)  Hi to all that come to C. P.  Well if you do not read the payer  and praise then  I just would like to repeat what I said on there.  As Judy B. said that she has been giving you all updates on Noreen and it has and will be a lot longer for her to have complete relief from the second surgery and to get rid of the terrible pain that she has.

I am so grateful to you all for your support and your prayers.  May the Lord richly bless you all.  All our love to you all.  Good night for now.  Gordon and Noreen.   :thumbsup: :cp: :rocker:

Exam day.....1:00 pm this afternoon.

Judy--go forth in faith and confidence and ACE that test!  You can do it!

Thank you Janet!

Hi everyone.  I am just back from Bible study, a quick trip to Kaiser for another blood test and finally at quick stop at Walmart for some bread and fruit.  I got some sandwich buns but forgot the bread.  It feels very much like rain.  We had a significant rain yesterday afternoon as well.  Pat didn't go to Bible study with me this morning.  I spoke yesterday with my good friend who is suffering with the prostate/bone cancer and he is not doing well. 

Carol, sunflowers are something I never see here in Georgia but certainly did as I was growing up.  I understand your feelings regarding your children.

Pat, don't envy you with the carpet shampooing as that is a tough job. 

Ruth Ann, glad your son has found a soul mate and that his health has improved. 

Betty, I don't text much but there are times when it comes in very handy.  Glad you are now closer to family.  Nice of you to take your father to see his sister. 

Janet, certainly hope your sister does not have Lyme disease.  That is what has caused my friend in Maryland so much pain and anguish even to the point where he was diagnosed with mad cow disease.  Fortunately, it wasn't that and he is now doing better.  A temp of 106 degrees is certainly dangerous.

Hi, friends,

It's a wonderful day to praise our Lord for His goodness and mercy. Truly, they are renewed afresh each morning.

Y'all have a great day with Him.

Ruth Ann

Update on my sister:  They think now she may have West Nile Virus from mosquito bites, as her symptoms seem consistent with that.  Thanks to friends here, who had been through that, they are checking it out, anyway.  She was in such horrible pain last night she was begging them to put her out of her misery!  They gave her Vicodin, which made her even sicker; then put on her chart that she refused pain medication.  She did NOT, only asked for a different kind.  We are so thankful that her daughter is there to watch out for her, as she (JoAnne) works in the health care field, knows many medical personnel there, and can really run interference for her mom.  Continued prayers appreciated.......

Praying Janet.

Exam is done......i finished early and was able to double check my answers.  Then I began second guessing myself.  That was the time to quit. 

The weather here is wonderful, the dogs still are in the outdoor pen.  I am wanting to get the mowing done, that will depend on the battery and having enough gas.  If either are negatives I will wait till tomorrow and do it then.  The battery looses charge and needs replacing.  If the charger isn't on it I will set that up and check the gas foe tomorrow.

I was talking to RuthV today she is very busy with her book-keeping business, so she wishes everyone all the best.

Again everyone thank you for the advice and prayer on my behalf for this exam, I am really appreciative to each of you.

 :)Hi to all.  Late night or very early morning report on Noreen.  She saw the dostor the other day and he says that he feels there is no more infection which we praise the Lord for.  But she is still got the brace on and we will not know for two weeks when that can come of.   Sh e still has a lot of pain and cannot move it a lot so again please continue to pray for her.  Good night or morning.  Love in Christ to all.   Gordon and Noreen.  :thumbsup: :cp: :rocker: :bananadance:

I will be praying for Janet's sister and Gord's wife. 

Trusting that Judy did well on her exam.

Speaking of our friend Judy, she suggested that I ask my supervisor for forgiveness re something I said to her weeks ago.  I called her and said I had something I needed to apologize for.  Said that I was not very gracious, or even accepting, of her telling me thank you for taking on the overnight shifts.  I told her, rather bluntly, that I was doing it because I wasn't getting enough hours without doing it.  Not very Christian of me, was it?!

I told her that my lack of manners was weighing me down for the last few weeks, and that I truly appreciated her taking the time to thank me for a job well done.   She thanked me again for doing the shifts, and thanked me for calling. Seems I made her day. 

I feel much better now, and had the best sleep I'd had in many days. 

Praise the Lord for wise friends like Judy...and for putting it on my heart to ask her what I should do.

Hi everyone and a bright and sunny morning.  This is the first time in several days I have been able to say this.  I was able to sleep in a little later today as plan on staying home all day.  Pat has a dental appointment today but doesn't need me to go with her. 

Good Morning Ruth Ann.  Hope today is another good day for you.

Janet, have to wonder why the doctor's would want to give your sister a pain medication that would cause her more pain because it doesn't work for her. Thank goodness her daughter is in the health care field and can be there for her mother.  Sure hope she is in less pain today. 

Judy, relaxation day today since you finished your course yesterday.  I have learned never to look back as it is a total waste of time.  You did your best and what else could be asked of you.  I am sure you are much harder on yourself than anyone else is.  Nice to hear that RuthV is busy with her work. 

Gord, so sorry to hear that Noreen still has to use a brace, which must make getting the needed exercise to keep the knee from being stiff very difficult if not impossible.  Hopefully the pain will lessen each day.  How are you holding up under the stress of the situation?

BonnieA, good for you in making the amend and fortunately it was well received but even if it had not been one person involved would certainly feel a burden lifted.   

Good morning!  It is bright and sunny here and will likely get hot again, but yesterday's reprieve from the heat was so nice.

Bonnie, glad you did as the Lord (and Judy) prompted you to do, and that you got good sleep afterwards.  We so need to keep our consciences clear.  I have had to apologize a few times when it was so hard to do I had to pray really hard before doing it, but felt so relieved afterwards.  Bless you!

I just talked to my sister Shirley, and she sounded a little bit better.  They did go back through their records to find out what pain med she had after her hip replacement some years ago, and gave her that, and she isn;t vomiting it up now.  The blood doctor had just been in, and said she has some kind of a massive infection; but what it is, they still don't know.  :'(  I feel so bad that such a sweet and wonderful person is having to endure this.

Darrel switched to consumer cellular for his cell phone and they are to switch all his numbers today.  We plan to go to Liberal so he can get a holder for it, I can get a hearing aid repaired, and he can take me to lunch for a belated birthday treat.  Should get to see our son-in-law Jeff, too, and get the car washed.

Right now, it's time to go to the gym.  :tiredtread:

There is a poor air quality alert around here because of more wild fires.  Because of several years of drought, rain only temporally solves the problem.  I had a small surgery yesterday and today Don has his CT scan today, which he is allergic to the test solution.  Not fun for the next day either.  We are hunkered down so to speak. 

Betty:  Bless you for your comment in reply to my moaning about things out of control in our family. Thank you for your comforting words. 

Janet  It is always good to have a family patient advocate when hospitalization or serious matters are of concern. 

Hi Bonnie! 

Gord: Still praying for Noreen and you.

Has anyone heard from Pastor Al lately? 

I forgot to say that yesterday (when several wild fires popped up in this state) a fire began close to our church but it was put out rather quickly.  thank heaven.  There is a conference of hundreds of pastors here this week - along with their spouses. 

Gord you need to quit being a night hawk!  that designation is reserved for Pat and I LOL.  Noreen needs you and you need to be rested, try to get more sleep brother!

Bonnie we all know the right thing to do, it is a matter of doing it and sometimes that needs just a nudge in the right direction.  You have also given me such nudges!  Thank you for that.

I can hardly believe that it is over and I don't have to turn to my notes and start studying or working on an assignment.  A good feeling of freedom.  Now to go to the gas station for gas and get the mowing done!

Friday, if John gets home in time, we will be heading south......That will save a rush trip on Saturday.  We will have time to see Pat this trip, it has been too long, eh Pat?

Must run god bless all of you

Hi Bonnie...  Good job!  ;)

Janet, hope Shirley is a lot better soon.  Not a nice malady!

Carol, I phoned Al the other night.  He was in bed and sounded very congested so we must all pray for our dear brother.

Glad you ha a sleep in Larry

Pat:  Thanks for the update on Al.  Sorry to hear he isn't feeling up to par. 

 :)  Hi to all and thanks for continuing to pray.  I think that Noreen may have had a better night but today she has been sleeping all day but she did get up as 1 of our grand son's came in with his mum and brought flowers for  Grammy.  He is grammy's boy and the other one is my boy and it is so funny that this is the way that they are. :thumbsup:

Larry.  You asked how I was holding up and with the Lord's help and lots of prayer the Lord is helping me.  But I do need to get some more strength to be able to get many things done around the house :coffee:  I do hope that your daughter is doing well and also Pat.  God bless.

Carol:  I do hope that those fires do stay away from you as there has been so many all over the place.  May the Lord keep you safe. :)

Judy B.You should know that I am a night hawk as you have known me long enough and even when I was young I stayed up late.  Hope that you are able to get your grass cut.  My daughter came today and cut my back yard and will come later this week and we will both do both front yards as my neighbour is away.

Well to all others on this wonderful site May the Lord bless you and give continued strength.   Love in Christ to all.   Gordon and Noreen. :thumbsup: :groupwave: :cp: :banana:

Hi everyone.  It is going to be another lovely day to start the summer season.  The sun is shining and it will be warm but not too hot.  Pat spent most of the afternoon at the dentist getting site preparation for a new crown.  Today is coffee at the Senior Center and then a friend is coming over to spend an hour with me right after coffee and the termite inspector is to be here between 10-12 this morning.  That will be it for today for me unless Pat wants to eat out this evening.  Stacey saw the PA at the surgeons office yesterday and her stump is healing nicely and the scar is about gone.  The goal is to have at least a temporary artificial leg by Christmas so she will be able to once again come to our home for the holiday.   

Carol, it sounds like this is not being one of your better weeks for either you or Don.  Hope your recovery is swift.  It also sounds like a good day to stay indoors as much as possible.  That fire close to your church would certainly create concern among the conference attendees and spouses.  Glad the fire was put out.

Judy, glad you will be able to spend some time with Pat on your trip.  I take it you are now beginning to relax from the tension of the course.  Hope your got your yard mowed.

Pat, thanks for the report on Al.  It sounds like he isn't doing too well at the moment. 

Gord, sure the grandsons brought joy to you both.  Glad to read that Noreen may have had a better night as perhaps that will signal better days ahead. Our daughter has been doing OK this week. 

Larry, I am happy to read better news for Stacey.  It's time she had some good news!

We had a nice trip over to Liberal yesterday, and loaded up on good, healthy things to eat, too.  (At Walmart, that is.)  Also had a short, but enjoyable visit with our son-in-law.  Some guy drove a dual-wheeled truck into the automatic bay of Jeff's car wash in Hugoton about four weeks ago, and demolished the automatic bay.  Over $90,000 in damage, plus the loss of income for however long it takes to get the repairs done and reopen.  Jeff was emailing back and forth to the guy's insurance company yesterday....again.  They wouldn't even have known who did it, but the guy went to the police station, once he got his truck out of the car wash, and said, "I broke the car wash......kind of."  Thank God, the police told Jeff who it was, and got the guy's insurance information.  He was driving a company truck!

My friend Pat colored and styled my hair this morning, and for my birthday, she did my nails, so I should look nice to attend the wedding tomorrow.  My friend Paula's granddaughter is getting married.

Sorry to hear that Al isn't doing well at this time, pray he will improve quickly.

Time to go to lunch.  I'm taking along a healthy salad and healthy dressing!

Folks if you have been watching the news you will see that Calgary Alberta is a disaster zone.  Please be praying for the folks there.  The Trans Canada Highway has been wiped out with the flooding, and homes washed away.  Mych help and prayer is needed.  The Red Cross isn't doing anything yet, till the water recedes.

Oh, my!  I haven't seen the news for a couple of days, so wasn't aware of this.  Last time I watched, it was Mexico being washed away.  "Everything that can be shaken will be shaken."  And it's happening right now!

You have that right Janet.  Soon and very soon!

We do see a few things happen around the world with either BBC or looking on the internet.   :(  Sad state of affairs.  Calgary is so flat that I remember so there is no where for the water to run.  \\

Yes, this has been a trying week.  I do have blessed news that my test was benign.  Don also is much better today and is right now working on our t.v. setup. 

Gord.  We are alright but there is a ravine in back and it has been dry.  I just saw a deer munching lunch and she is not afraid of cars passing on the road...wish the drivers were more alert.  You two need a much deserved rest when all the medical concerns are over. 

Larry:  Glad to read that Stacey's leg is mending.  I hope she gets a state-of-the-art prosthesis as they are making these so much better all the time.  Yes, a concern over air quality here and we can't wish the summer/fall away.  We are in the process of selling our cabin in the mountains - it has only taken two plus years.  Maybe this will go through. 

I am feeling so upset by the terrible disaster in Calgary and simply can't get my mind to accept what is happening.  Many years were spent there both before and after marriage.  It is unreal.  So far 100,000 people have had to be evacuated and the whole city is under deep water...the loss is enormous.  There is also bad flooding happening in BC and no real end to the continuing damage. 

If one takes a informed look at today's world, it is like a living movie of the Book of Revelation.  Not just the wars and natural disasters, but the complete collapse of ethics, morals and humanity as once was was considered normal.

Mostly over the years I drop in with something cheerful to say and a bad joke or two ..... Guess being 80 has made it a tad harder to do....Or could be that using this iPad makes me grumpy!

I come to read quite often and to pray for folks.  Looking forward to your story and photos Janet.  Tomorrow I am going to make 3 batches of Strawberry Jam, so had best rest up as now things are done in very slow motion!!

God Bless,

Liz

Liz, that's just what I often say about living in Revelations.  We are in the end of the end times, I believe.  The next huge event will likely be the total destruction of the city of Damascus. That is clearly predicted, and what with all the problems in Syria, could be imminent.  And now our government wants to send even more arms to Syria.  The whole world seems to be going crazy! But our God is still in control, and these things must come to pass, but we must keep the faith and keep our eyes on Him!!  So good to have you posting today!  Do try to pop in and say hello more often, will you?

Carol, so good to hear better news of you and Don today.  Sad that Calgary is being washed away, while Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas are drying up and blowing away.  Crazy weather.  Hope the fires don't come near you, and that the wildlife will find enough food to survive.

I discovered I have some framing to do, so got into my studio this morning and cleared off the tables.  Now I have room to work and will make myself get caught up on that!  Fair time is fast approaching!

God bless you all on this Saturday we have been given.  Another day to praise the Lord and thank Him for all our blessings......and there are SO MANY!!

Hi everyone.  It is a near perfect morning here in Georgia with low humidity, sunny and not yet too warm.  I don't really have anything special on my agenda for today.  I hope to finish listening to the John Grisham book.  I just opened my Comcast bill for my internet and find that for the 4th month in a row they have put a charge on my bill for rental of the modem, which I own and do not rent.  This time they also added a $2.99 change of service charge because of the erroneous  charge last month. Each month when I call and go through a long process and they remove the charge they assure me the problem is fixed.  l can't believe the incompetence of this company.  I am about ready to go back to AT&T for Internet service.  Last night starting at about 7 pm from my next door neighbor's pool area started the loud drum beat and later was joined by an electric guitar.  That stopped about 10:30 but they stayed at the pool until around 1:30 and then there was a final round of drum beating.  The young man who lives there must be in a band and guess they were practicing.  I sure wish they wouldn't do it outside.  I am going to check into the noise ordinance for our county.  I don't want to call the police on my neighbors but that was almost unbearable.  Sorry about the complaints today.

Janet, I am always relieved when Stacey calls and we know she is ok for today.  Jeff is very fortunate that the guy who did the extensive damage is an honest person.  However, he likely will be in a lot of trouble with his company.  How long will it take to get the automatic by fixed?

Judy, terrible news about Calgary and other area in the flooding. 

Carol, so glad about your medical test news and sure you are relieved.  Also glad to read that Don is better.  Sure hope you are able to complete the sale of your cabin.  The real estate market seems to really be improving. 

Liz, good to see you post as it has been awhile.

A beautiful day here, too.  At least for now...  possible thunderstorms this afternoon, and the leaves are flipping over.  I have a load of laundry just about ready to hang out so I hope the sun and brisk breeze get things dry before any rain arrives.   ;)

Hi, friends,

I'll be fixing "Thanksgiving" dinner for my son and daughter in law for dinner this evening.  So, can't talk long.

Weather report is that we're having bright, partly cloudy day, temp is supposed to go above 90 degrees, and possibility of heat-generated thunderstorms this evening.

So, I may need to take towels to the door when I go downstairs to let my children in this evening. :)

Y'all have a good rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

We just got back from Fort Erie and Burk's Falls. It was a good trip, and we were able to visit with one of my sister's and her husband in Elmira, then we went on to Fort Erie, back to my sister's and then back to my Dad's in Burk's Falls. He was pretty tired, but he was glad he went and was able to visit with a close friend in Niagara Falls, and then his sister in Fort Erie. Fort Erie was new territory for me - very nice area.

I have a sister in Calgary who had to be evacuated, but they are back in their home now and there was no damage to their home. They were evacuated because all of the roads to their home were getting flooded, and eventually only one road was passable. It's hard to imagine all of the flooding - makes ours look pretty small in comparison.

Have a good weekend, everyone.

Betty:  I just searched for pictures from the flood in and around Calgary.  Huge disaster.  There is so much damage.  If memory serves me, the hills are to the west - much like our front range here.  Flash floods can happen. 

I was going to make a spaghetti sauce for our dinner and used the wrong spice so that quickly changed to a taco salad.   :crazy: 

Yes, it was very good to hear good news on test results.  Meanwhile, so many neighbors and friends are not having that outcome and I do wish it was different for them.  One couple suddenly have to move to assisted care as she had a stroke and is recuperating but has been partially blind, and he fell from the car and broke a bone but cannot endure any surgery.  There are lots of care places in the area so friends will be able to visit. 

Larry:  We cut off everything and just using the internet but our t.v. is now only the little local channels.  Talk about throwing money down the drain for all those useless channels.  Good wishes for your taming the noisy neighbor. 

Oh, Betty!  You were about 10 miles from me when you were in Elmira!!!  We could have had a coffee together. 

Hi everyone.  It is an overcast morning here but a moderate temperature.  We tried to see the big moon last evening but the sky wasn't clear so we were not able to see it.  Just a quiet day yesterday.  Today is church and getting something to eat for lunch.  I am not sure that Pat will be going today as she said she is aching all over and may not feel up to it.  She has been up and had breakfast but has laid back down.  I did get approval yesterday for my EECP treatments so expect to hear from the Heart Center probably Monday. Other than a few minutes of quieter practice yesterday afternoon there was no repeat of the noise all evening from the neighbors.   

Ruth Ann, nice to have the Thanksgiving dinner for your son and new daughter-in-law.

Betty, how nice to take your father to visit with relatives and friends and you got to go along to and see new territory.   Sure glad you sister had no damage to her home in Calgary.

Carol, sounds like you took a lemon and made lemonade with the wrong spice.  We always like taco salad. You are so right about paying for useless channel with cable that we never watch.  Pat does spend many hours watching TV and I enjoy the sports, especially football, but could easily live without them.  I am finding I spend less time watching TV as each evening after the news, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopary.  I will watch a Roadshow programs as always find them interesting when they are on.  I have started listening to a number of audiobooks from the library and am enjoying them much more than TV. 

We leave for daughter's house in a half hour - Don is taking a quick snooze. 

Larry:  I checked on the EECP treatment and it does sound helpful so I will keep you in prayers that this will have a good outcome for you.  Sorry about Pat feeling so tired.  I had a terrible night then fell asleep and woke up too late for church.  We think the air pollution from fires is bringing on allergies and for sure headaches for me - we need a drenching rain.  When will you begin this new program - it says a 7 week process. 

The Stanley Cup hockey game was on last night - I watched about half of it but did see one interesting goal. They should have moms control these games - just play for fun and winning but skate away from conflict. 

Don't forget to vote for photos!!! 

We attended the wedding of one of the twin granddaughters of our friends Roy and Paula last night.  Paula is the one doing home dialysis I have spoken about often.  It was a really nice wedding and reception, but Darrel started feeling bad, and today has been feeling really bad.  I have no idea what's going on, but it is starting to scare me.  He did go to church, but I couldn't get him to get up until 9, and church starts at ten, we have to pick up Beth, etc.  He drove erratically, ran over a couple of curbs, barely missed the side mirror going back into the garage.  Both he and Beth slept through church.  :-\  And he hasn't eaten anything all day.  I thought maybe it was his blood sugar, so got his stuff and had him check it, it was 140, so that's not the problem.  If he isn't better in the morning, we are going to the doctor!!

My sister is some better, but now has pneumonia from an excess of IV fluids they have been giving her.  And she is having some other problems as well.   :'(

You can well imagine, I am feeling a bit stressed out today.  But I do know God knows all about it, and He is still in control.

This has beem a long week for many of us.  I pray this week is better for everyone!
Check out our new week here (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=12671.0)!