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Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation!
Psalm 68:19

Recommended Reading
Psalm 68:19-20

If you've ever been hiking, you know those backpacks can get mighty heavy after a while. Packed with supplies (or books if you're a student), backpacks can make our shoulders ache and our back hurt. But step onto a bus or into a taxi and, oh, the relief of letting the burden slip from your shoulders as it's carried by the same vehicle that is carrying you. We still have our backpacks. We've not lost our burden. But now someone or something else is bearing it.

The New International Version renders Psalm 68:19, "Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens."

The English Standard Version puts it a little differently: "Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation."

And the New King James Version says: "Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation!"

Which translation is best? Why not choose all of them and praise our Savior who daily bears our burdens, bears us up, and loads us with benefits.


What a glorious Lord! He who daily bears our burdens also gives us our salvation.
Bill Bright


From the devotionals of Dr. David Jeremiah

Love that one, Judy.  Waaaay back when I was in grade school we learned that in music class - complete with the boys singing "come, come, come...." while the girls sang the chorus.   :D

Hi everyone.  No rain today and in the lower 80s by this afternoon.  I didn't get up early this morning as we don't have to be at church until 11:15.  We have now finished breakfast and have the kitchen cleaned up.  After church we will go out to eat somewhere and then have a restful afternoon and evening.

Etta Sue, does Ivalou takes an antidepressant?  If so, it is probably masking her emotions and she would have a tough time crying.  I remember the one time I took one for about 3 months when my dad was in the hospital losing his leg and mother was in the nursing home and I had suffered a second heart attack.  I couldn't shed a tear as my emotions were just flat.  Fortunately I seldom experience depression so haven't needed that type of medication again.  I watched the video and it is very touching as expressed a lot of love for his cousin and his family.

Marilyn, good to have drills so people know what to do in the event of a Tsunami or other natural or man made  disaster.  Living in a small town has many advantages. 

Janet, glad you found a good excuse to not have to clean your garage.  :)  I hope you don't forget to take time to do things for yourself, including doing nothing but resting.  Even though we are probably safe from Tsunami's where we live there are plenty of other disasters that can strike.  I remember years ago when we had 10 inches of rain in about 24 hours from a hurricane hitting the east coast.

Al, I never heard of being able to get a permanent absentee ballot.  We did use those the last election and expect to do so for the general election. 

Ruth, what you say about being our own worst enemy rings true.  When our committee of me, myself and I have a meeting in our heads it is usually bad news.  :)

Ruth Ann, what an interesting, if a bit annoying day you had dealing with the screenings.  Sometimes those mixed up days with unexpected events turn out to be the best kind.  It just shows we don't have to plan every minute of our lives for good things to happen. 

Jeanne, a wonderful devotional for this week.  Thanks for preparing it for us.  We need to be reminded of the source of our blessings on a daily basis.

Judy, that is a song from my childhood as well and have always loved it.  It has been a long time since I have heard it.

What a beautiful day we have Full of Sun and a gentle breeze.

Judy:  The Church in the Wildwood one of my favorites.
Larry:  It is wonderful that you acknowledge all of us that enter for a visit.
Janet: Say hello to Beth for me.
Marilyn:  It is good to have the drill in the event of a Tsunami but from my perspective I would not like        living in fear.

Mel has gone to the Bass Pro Store looking for a portable gas can for the boat, our son has the boat with him for a week and he sent his Dad a message saying that a previous seal had broke, Mel is of the thought that a new tank should be the way to go.  Doug (our son) just might have a suprise visit from us this afternoon. It takes 2 hrs at the most to get to where he is staying.

I also am glad I don't need to take anti-depressants.  They give them to Beth, and she always says, "I'm NOT depressed!!"  And she really isn't, but still they insist on giving them to her.  My eldest sister says, "How could she not be depressed?"  I don't know, just know her attitude is a source of amazement to me.

I got a surprise a while ago.  A fellow from the Rotary Club called and asked me to speak at their Tueday meeting.  He said he'd read the articles I did for the paper on May being Neurofibromatosis Awareness Month and thought this would be a good time to have me speak.  They will also allow me to sell books, so it's a blessing!  Praise the Lord!

Larry, we did go back and work on the garage more after the movie.  I think one more "hitch" at it and it will be done.  We moved everything, swept and mopped the floor.  But the floor needs at least one more mopping.  We painted the floor before the reunion we had a few years ago so we can make it look clean, and the dust isn't so bad when we sweep.  On Wed. we will go to Garden to pick up food items for the gathering, taking Abby along, as she loves family reunion and has been such a big help with the planning.  She wants to go, and I am glad, as she hasn't wanted to do much with me for the past three years.  I am so glad she is coming back into a closer relationship with me.  I have much for which to praise God.

I believe I will take a short nap!   :thumbsup:

Larry - yes, I am very glsd I can get the vote-by-mail arrangement.  I think that if you go to your county registrar of voters you should be able to get it where you are as well (permasnent that is).

Here in Oregon it is all done by mail.

Janet she may not be depressed, however, the antidepressants will help her muscles relax. 

Well, this has truly been a Sabbath for me.

How wonderful to come hear of your lives and how you're doing. :)

Y'all have a great rest of the day.

Love,
Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.   The housekeepers were here this morning and the lawn people will be here later in the day.  I am just back from coffee and a quick trip to the barbershop.   I have my usual men's luncheon at 1 pm and meeting this evening to attend so it will be a busy day.  I have just about finished up my work for the Golden Games for this year.  I think while everything is fresh in mind I will go ahead and set up the files for next year so they will be ready when needed.

Ruth, did you make your surprise visit to your son?  It sounds like it would make a nice outing.

Janet, I think that anti-depressants may be a common medication for people living in a care home whether they need them or not.  Good news on the Rotary Club front.  Have you thought about contacting some national TV shows or perhaps the 700 Club to see if they would be interested in interviewing you?  You have a powerful story to tell and share with the world.  I am sure that as Abby grows older she will return to strong relationship with you.  I so loved my grandmother and still miss her.

Al and Marilyn, voting my absentee certainly takes a lot less energy.  We were voting in a primary election and didn't want to vote too soon as some of the candidates were withdrawing before the date of the election.  In the general election that will not be a problem.

Ruth Ann, lad you had a restful day yesterday.

Question.  Who puts in the Text Enhance inserts?  I notice mainly on Larry's post there are blue words and when you hover over them it says, 'Text Enhanced'.  And today, every time I change pages, a 'Compare Photographers' ad pops in from the side.  Very annoying!  Is it me or is everyone seeing this??

Ivalou, Marge, Evelyn and I went to King Chef after church yesterday.  Then I went to Lapel to the bank, to get a cappuccino and to get some pretzels.

Once I was home I changed my bed linens and started some laundry.  I made Cinnamon and Sugar Pretzels with Splenda for a snack when Kitty came since she is diabetic.  Kitty came and we both pulled weeds in my rock landscaping.  She also brought me an old umbrella for my bisto table.  My umbrella snapped the cord and won't raise now.  Going with the trash Tuesday.  Pretzels and iced tea was great sitting under the umbrella at the bistro table!

Then she left and I fixed a bite to eat for supper and watched TV.  I was sure wanting Clay Aiken to win Celebrity Apprentice!

Today I went for my blood draw.  It was a twice stick draw.  They couldn't get it in my arm so they finally succeeded in the back of my hand...the same hand that got 3 IV's in the past 2 weeks!! 

Then to Bob Evans for breakfast.

Then to Walmart.  10-10:30am is the time to go to Walmart.  Several empty spots in the parking lot!  I like that.  I had some high priced items to purchase but was still shocked at how much my bill was!!  I wish my paycheck would raise like that!! 

Now I am drinking coffee and plan to read and take a nap this afternoon! 

That's my two days in a nut shell!

Etta Sue, strange things are happening to you!  I don't see any blue words in Larry's post and I've never seen anything that says "text enhanced".  And I don't get "Compare photographers" when I change pages!  I wonder what's going on with your computer.   :o

I( don't seen them either but there was a time when I did.

Love the song - an auntie and uncle drove to Iowa and were married at the little brown church.  He is now gone and she is in a home for dementia.  But - it was fun to see the song because I know my family played the music & we knew the words way back -- long ago. 

I don't see those messages, either, Etta Sue. Would another call to your internet provider be in order?

Right now I have a different computer problem. I get some sort of message when I first boot up about missing the MOM.Implementation file. All I know is that in order to print anything from the internet, I must "take a screen shot" of it, paste into Word or PowerPoint and then print out.

Now, it's time to rest - today's outing was taking the elderly lady to the Diagnostic Pavilion for some gastric tests involving barium swallow. So, we were gone from 11:00 until past 3:30, and also included driving abou 15 miles to pick up her new prescriptions, too.

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

Love to everyone who posts/and or reads in this forum. :)

Ruth Ann

Am I first this morning?  I'm surprised.

Yesterday, Darrel and I finished cleaning the garage floor.  That's a lot of floor to sweep and then mop two or three times.  Had to get fresh water with soap every little bit.  But it's going to look nice!  It's clean!!  Now all we have left to do is arranging the furniture (we have two couches, three recliners, a swing seat, and numerous chairs--most will be finding new homes after the reunion!) and set up the tables for eating.  Then I will get the glass cleaner and do a lot of glass cleaning, make sure the kitchen out there is good and clean, etc.  Tomorrow we are going to Garden to pick up groceries (they have a Sam's Club!).  And Abby wants to go with us!  Yes, Larry, after all this time and many prayers, she is returning to a closer relationship with me, and I am SO happy about that!  She has loved family reunions since she was tiny, and has been a big help this year with the plans.

I haven't had those problems either, Etta Sue.  Thank goodness, as I am not good with computer problems!

Larry, thank you for the suggestions.  I am always looking for new opportunities to tell our story. I will look into ways to contact some people on TV.  I called one of our local stations, missed the gal, and she hasn't called back.  Guess I will have to call again.  All in God's time, I do expect the book to sell many, many more copies.  Not because of me or Beth, but because this has been God's project from its inception.

I need to make an outline for my talk at Rotary.  I will let you know how it goes.  My prayer is that the words I speak will be a blessing to those listening, and God will be glorified in whatever I say and do.

I use Firefox for my browser and I think it is Firefox that is making words 'text enhanced' and the fly-in ad from the right when I change pages...but it is only on here.  Not Seniors and Friends.  Even Janet's post 'garage floor' is underlined and when I hover over it, the Text Enhance box pops up and says 'Garage Floor  Find it Now!'  Below that is Garage Floor Near Locate.com.  In fact, in her post 'computer problems' and 'thank you' is underlined!  It doesn't bother me if I don't hover over those words with the mouse.  But the fly-in ad?  You have to close it out to read what is on the page!!


Been to the pool.  Got my shower.  Next is going to Claude and Annie's, a restaurant with the SAMS group.  Then this evening is a fundraiser for Jacob at Texas Roadhouse.  Hope to get there, too! 

So it's a busy day!!

Etta Sue, it has to be something other than Firefox causing all of that.  I'm using Firefox and don't see any of it. 

Janet, I would love to be a member of your family so I could attend the reunion!  What a lot of work you put into it. 

I use FireFox and I don't see those things. i think I said that yesterday so I am repeating myself.  I used to see that when i used Google Chrome.

Etta Sue, did you find Garage Floor?  and was it clean?  :lol:

Jeanne, You are welcome to come, we usually have several people who just like being with our family who attend our reunions!  You'd surely be welcome!

Time to go speak at Rotary---you are praying, aren't you?

HI everyone.  It has been a very busy morning including a trip to Aldi's for some groceries, getting the car filled with gas and doing a couple of other things. We did have a bit of a storm here last night and this morning we had no internet.  I also heard that an apartment house a couple of miles away had suffered a lightning strike during the storm.  There is the chance for more of the same later this afternoon.  It is very nice here right now with mild temperature and low humidity.  As far as I know I am home for the rest of the day and as soon as I finish my lunch I will be resting for a couple of hours. 

Etta Sue, are you referring to my regular postings or when I share something from someone else.  I am not aware of any unusual setting for my normal posting and they don't appear any different on my screen.  When I went to Aldi's this morning I bought some canned green beans.  Just a couple of years ago they cost $0.33 a can and this morning they were $0.55 cents a can. Have you turned on the popup blocker in Firefox and also check the setting as there may be a setting to enhance the text to help accessibility for folks having trouble seeing.

Rather than write more personal responses to all the fine posting I have read I am opting for an afternoon nap. 

I'm heading back out to work shortly, but wanted to take the time to wish Pat and Paul a very happy anniversary.   :) 8)




Bonnie

Ahh, Bonnie, thanks for reminding me!

First, an anniversary prayer for Pat and Paul, that their lives together will be enhanced by the love of the Father, and then their love for each other and those in the extended family. We love y'all.

Then, Bonnie, good luck with working, and thanks for participating with us on some of the word games. :)

Well, there were some heartbreaks expressed at our Tuesday worship service downstairs. Two ladies dealing with cancer, various other problems, and also our speaker is dealing with a family crisis and couldn't come to be with us.

I had been asked to play piano and sing, and for several days, the song He Lifted Me Out had been impressed on my mind. Last night, I asked for Guidance to have a scripture to reference, and Psalm 30 came to mind. So, I simply sang the song, then read Psalm 30 and we each made comments. What a time of blessing for all. God often takes our lemons and makes lemonade, doesn't He.

Now, it's time to rest a bit, and then maybe go downstairs to help a severely disabled lady get hooked up to the internet with her new computer. If not tonight, then for sure tomorrow!

Y'all have a great evening with our Lord.

Etta Sue, do you have any extra toolbars added to the top of your screen? Sometimes websites add them, and we don't realize.

We had a quiet weekend, which  was nice. We were able to go out on the lake for a boat ride. We get some nice sunsets on our lake, so try to have our boat ride around that time at night. It's also a good time to see some of the animals and birds out there.

We were able to go to a concert on Sunday night in Huntsville (Ontario) to hear a male quartet. It's encouraging hearing their music and witness for the Lord. My Dad was able to come down and join us.

Our sister-in-law is still not doing very well. They have not been able to bring her out of her "deep sleep" since her lung biopsy last Friday. When they do, and they remove the breathing tube, she is in a lot of distress.

My brother-in-law had eye surgery again. The Dr. stitched up the opening in his eye, and they hope the pressure will come up in it.

You might have said how big your garage is already, Janet - but it sounds like it's as big as my house:) Enjoy your reunion! And yes, I've been praying!

Ruth Ann, I don't know the song, He Lifted Me Out. How does it go?

Have a great week, everyone. It's looking like a busy one for me.

Betty, the garage is 25 feet wide and 100 feet long.  We have overhead doors in each end, so by leaving one open and one closed, partly open or fully open, we can regulate the temperature pretty well.  It gives us lots of room to visit, eat, do crafty stuff, etc., and makes a really good place for the reunion.  We hosted one about three years ago and it worked well.  We also have a small kitchen in the end of it, just beyond my studio.  That way it keeps most of the traffic out of the house, and people mingle better.

If you would like to see photos of today's Rotary meeting where I spoke, you can go to Facebook and look for Ulysses Rotary.  There are 8 or 9 photos there and some nice comments.  Thanks.

Thanks, Betty, for the prayers!  I knew I had prayer support, because I could feel it!  They said I could talk for 20 minutes, and later, when I asked how long I talked, he told me "20 minutes exactly!"  And that included some time for their questions.  It was a really good experience, and I sold a good number of books!  Thank you, Lord!

Janet - Wow, it is bigger than my house:) I'm glad things went well for your talk.

Betty, we live in a metal farm shed which is 50 X 100 feet.  Less than half is living quarters, upstairs is Darrel's office and my frame room, then in ANOTHER upstairs is a huge bedroom (very seldom used, but maybe this weekend!) and a bathroom, then a big storage area.  Usually, our 5th wheel trailer is in one end of the garage, along with garden tractor/mower, barbecue grill, etc.  It's pretty handy having everything under one roof, until it's time to clean the whole thing!  :P  ;)

I've been awake since around 2, and have a busy day ahead.  How I pray I can start sleeping the rest of the night, at least until 5 or so!.

I hope to re-learn how to post photos so I can start sharing more fully what's going on in my world.

Now it's making sense to me, Janet. It sounds like a good arrangement to have.

Have a wonderful day today, everyone.

Thank you, Ruth Ann. I really enjoy word games of any sort, having been taught how to do crossword puzzles and play Scrabble at the age of 4.  I got my love for the written word from my mom and grandmother.

Not that I watch a lot of tv, but when I do I like watching Jeopardy and Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader, two shows that exercise the brain rather than the butt, lol.

I hope everyone has an awesome week.

Bonnie

Hi everyone.  I got up a little after 6 am this morning so will get a lot done before leaving for coffee.  We had more thunder and lightning last night but only a tiny bit of rain fell in our area.  This morning I have an appointment with the heart doctor's office to have my pacemaker/defibrulator checked and fully expect to be told it is time to replace it as had only .001 of the charge left before it reached the initial replacement mark.  There is still charge enough to allow two or three months to get it replaced.  I will drive to Atlanta this morning to see the technician and that will be my major activity of the day. 

Happy Anniversary to Pat and Paul and hope you get to celebrate many more.

Ruth Ann, you are so right in your lemon analogy.  Hope the internet hookup went well if you were able to do it last evening.

Betty, do you live next to a lake?  The concert sounded very enjoyable and glad your dad could join you to experience it.

Janet, that is a huge garage but sounds great for a family reunion.  I take it that is where your studio is as well rather than a room in your house as I had pictured it in my mind.  I see that your Roatary club speech went well and you sold a number  of books.   I just read your further description of your home and it sounds interesting.

Bonnie, we watch Jeopardy almost every night right after Wheel of Fortune, which isn't exactly a brain game but a very pleasant show.  Hope your week goes well.

Bonnie, I try stick to those quiz shows that require at least little bit of intelligence, too.  Like Larry, I watch Wheel (OK not a whole lot of smarts needed :0 ) and Jeopardy.  Are You Smarter has been taken off the few channels I can get, but I also enjoy Who Wants to be a Millionaire - especially since they've changed the format and it doesn't start out with kindergarten level questions. 

Larry, my studio is sort of part of the "house"--it is the last room on the side that has the living quarters.  I love it!

Darrel has gone to see the doctor about his feet (diabetes) and shouldn't be gone long.  When he gets home we are leaving for Garden to do the reunion shopping!  Plans changed; Diane needs a lot of stuff for her store, so we will meet her and Abby in Garden.

It's a perfect day here so far!  I went for a nice walk, and the meadowlarks and mockingbirds and others are SO happy today, singing their hearts out, so I joined them in praising God our creator!  I saw a jack rabbit in the pasture, crossed to the other side of the road to see better, it took off, and at least 8 or 10 others went hopping in every direction!  They are really getting thick around here again---coyotes must not be as numerous now!  What wonders God created for our pleasure!

I need to make a run to the bank before Darrel gets back!

Good morning, friends,

It was so GREAT to awaken feeling well this morning and to be up and about "loving" the apartment. :)

I think the doctor will be pleasantly surprised next week at the change in my health.

Maybe someone who has more experience finding midi's can help with locating the music for He Lifted Me Out. It speaks to the whole of our Christian experience - wandering without hope or help (almost) prior to finding our precious Lord's love, and how often the Tormentor does give us false evidence of our eternal future - THEN, He reached down and lifted me out. He put my feet in the narrow way leading to glory. He made me feel the love of God and how wonderful heaven must be. Then, looking forward, I can sing long the way, with heaven as my goal and the Bible to guide my pathway.

I think my son and I plan to eat at the small Thai restaurant not far away. It's quiet, and he wants to try more of their selections. I love Thai food!

May our Lord bless each of us "real good" today.

Ruth Ann

Good Morning one and all. It is still misting here, I wanted to get out and do some walking without the dogs so i could walk at my own pace/ Bebe like to stop and smell everything, but Happy is just the opposite he loves to  walk as a fact clip. He just doesn't want to walk as far as I want to, he gets tired. he is 14 now so he  gets to choose how far he wants to walk.

I searched for 'text enhanced ads' and am told it is malware.  And to check for an ad-on or extension.  I removed a Blekko toolbar through the control panel but still have the text enhanced...but so far not the fly-in ad...that one was annoying.  Also disabled another ad-on but so far the 'text enhanced' words are still there.  But this has all shown up since Itok cleaned my computer!!  I just ran the malware detector and it showed no defects.  Maybe that is what it is...the malware detector.  But it isn't you guys, it is my computer!

I am so ashamed of how late I slept today that I am not telling what time it was!!  I hadn't slept in for days and the bed felt soooo good!  I love to sleep! 

Yesterday was so busy.  The pool.  Took a chemo wrap to the hospital.  Home for a shower and head washing.  Then took 3 women and myself to SAMS to eat.  Home.  Was so sleepy while catching up online, I closed the lid and took a nap with Inky on my tummy!  Then Ivalou and I went to Texas Roadhouse for the fund raiser for Jacob.  Ivalou needed some items from WalMart so stopped there.  Took the trash out and finally could relax. 

I was kind of disappointed that Donald Driver won 'Dancing with the Stars'...should have been Katherine and Mark, I think.  And tonight is the finale of 'American Idol'.  I want Jessica to win!

I have a pot of chili soup on the stove.  The house is smelling sooo good! 

It is bright and sunny with no clouds in the sky.  I see the flag fluttering in a little breeze.  Great day to be out but where am I?  Inside!

Larry - I do live near a lake, in fact, it's right across a small cottage road from our house. We have a beach, boathouse, dock, and a couple of aluminum fishing boats. We don't own the property across the road, but have the use of it, and can have our "stuff" down there. So ... Our taxes aren't affected by it. It's fairly private here and quiet most of the time. Weekends are busier due to cottages coming.

Etta Sue - I'm glad you don't have the fly-in ad anymore. They can be a real nuisance.

Ruth Ann, thanks for checking about the music. It sounds like a good song.

Good morning!  It's another lovely morning here.  I actually got a bit chilly while out walking at 6:30, but it will soon be plenty warm.

My day is starting with a chiropractor appointment at 8, and will be busy all day.  My prayer today is that the Lord reminds me never to be too 'busy' to love people.  I read the other day that the acrynom for BUSY stands for Being Under Satan's Yoke!  I don't want to be there!

I will likely be back later!  8)

Hi everyone.  It is going to be another very warm day here with predictions of temperatures in the low 90 for the weekend.  Guess summer has arrived early this year.  I did have an uneventful trip to Atlanta yesterday.  The test did indicate that it is time to replace the pacemaker/defibrillator.  It is now 80 months old so has lasted 6 1/2 years and I was told initially it would be 6 to 7 years.  I have written to my cardiologist as to what is next in the process and just as I got home from coffee got a call from one of the nurses giving me the appointment date with the  Kaiser electro-physiologist and he will be doing the replacement in mid-June.  The leads into my heart are fine so those won't have to be replaced only the generator.  I have an open calendar today so look forward to just working leisurely here at my desk.

Ruth Ann, here is a link to the hymn you mentioned.  It is for a Youtube video of a Baptist church choir singing it.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyIlDNMvDAQ

Have enjoyed the postings from you all since I was here yesterday.  I am having trouble with this site this morning not being able to connect tot he server so am not going to make additional comments or try to make the above link clickable.  You can just copy it and paste it into the address line and be able to view the video.

I, too, had a hard time getting into CP today. 

Well, this afternoon, Ivalou and I are getting our haircuts.  I haven't had a haircut since last June...the day the lady hit my car!  So it is long now.  But I am getting tired of it so I want short again!

Also called this morning for my mammogram appointment which is next Tuesday afternoon.  So I will go for it and then to the pool.  Then probably eat somewhere and come home.  Then Wednesday I go to Cornerstone Inn in Nashville, IN, with my classmates for a couple of nights.

It's going to be a busy next couple of weeks for me!

Thanks for the link for the song - I really enjoyed it, and had never heard it before.

My dear wonderful friends!

Thank you so much for the Anniversary wishes.  They mean a lot to me and I wish I could just say "Thank you" to you all right in person.

Paul and I went to the Swiss Chalet tonight for supper--the same Swiss Chalet that we first met each other in so that was nice.

Now we're home and ready to turn in soon.

Thank you again.

Janet, I've been remiss in telling you how much I've enjoyed the book.

With our sick little granddaughter and the concern over her and the trip to Cleveland, Ohio to see her, etc. I was slow getting into it but now it's just thrilling and you've written so well.

I appreciate all your your kindness in wishing Pat and I a Happy Anniversary. It hardly seems possible it's four years already!

Pat and Paul...now please do not get upset with me.  But so many people today live together before they get married.  And here, you two got married 4 years ago and hardly live together!!  I only imagine your long range relationships brings you closer.  And thank God for internet and cell phones, right?!!

Well, hopefully today is my last day to go to the Eye Center.  The driver is to pick me up at 11:15 and I am ready. 

Ivalou and I did get our haircuts yesterday!  I will have to say...no wonder no one complimented me on my long hair!  I look 10 years younger and at least 10+ pounds lighter!!  I do think I will keep short hair from now on!

It is kind of overcast today with a breeze.  Over the weekend and at the big race, it is to be terribly hot.  The 500 track has installed several medic centers predicting heat problems for the spectators!  Course, most...not all but most...of the spectators don't even know there is a race on!  Can't see spending all that money to get drunk and not even see the race!  Can't see getting drunk at all but why at a big race?

That's it, folks!

Thanks so much, Pat.  I'm glad you enjoyed the book.  And, belatedly, Happy Anniversary!  I am still looking forward to your visiting Kansas!  ;)  Let me know when you are back in the US and I will call.

Etta Sue, I decided years ago not to ever let my hair get long again!  Harder to take care of, hotter, and makes me look older--the main reason I don't let it go to its natural silver white color!  I'm sure the new look gives you a shot of self confidence, always a good and welcome thing! 

I have been working too hard and sleeping too little.  I was beyond exhausted by the time I got to bed last night, then didn't sleep well, so am really dragging today.  I must get good rest tonight so I will be able to enjoy the family coming this weekend.

The reception and book signing at the Legacy last night was nice, but not well attended, which was a disappointment.  We did sell several books, and will likely sell at least a couple more to some ladies who said they didn't have the money with them last night.  Beth looked so pretty with her RED hair and a turquoise blouse, and she really enjoyed all the attention.  Several who already had the book came just to show support for us, and I so appreciate that.  A gift of time in today's busy world is no small thing.  And Beth's favorite nurse (who was unfairly fired) came, and it was wonderful to see her.  She's a lovely and beautiful person---(Sondra in the book.)

Today will involve getting my hair cut and styled, more cleaning and cooking, and I pray, some RESTING!!

And, I mustn't forget, I need to write the final article for the paper in my series on May being Neurofibromatosis Awareness Month.  Not much to do........ :P  ;)

Hi everyone.  Today is a beautiful day that is going to get very hot before it is over.  Fortunately, I don't have anyplace I need to go today and I plan on resting and taking it easy.

Pat, that was a beautiful Thanks graphic and nice note.  Paul, it was nice to see your picture and message popup this morning.  You both have put a lot of miles on your cars in these four years.  :)

Etta Sue, glad your eye situation is about over and that you got your hair cut.  My wife tries to go about every 6 weeks to have hers cut.  Interesting comment about the race fans. 

Janet, my beloved grandmother had the most beautiful white hair.  My SIL kept her hair a different color for many years and it was quite a shock when I saw her after she decided to let it be its natural color.  By the way, your hair style is very attractive so you must be doing things right.  My goodness, I sure hope you get some much needed rest.  I just don't see how you stand up to all that you do and still retain your health.  Stress is very hard on us. 

I have finally finished a major sewing project, which has occupied all my time for over a month.  I have been making scanner covers for the trucking company that John works for.  300 of these things,  I have taken pictures, and will this weekend post them for you all to see.

Night all

I'm so thankful we get to hear from you, Judy! And, it will be great to see those pictures. :)

Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann It was an enormous job, that I am so glad to have finished!

Hi everyone.  We are headed for a very hot weekend in the 90s and little chance of rain.  I had a quiet day yesterday mainly resting.  We have nothing special planned for the weekend other than to attend church Sunday.  Pat has made dinner the last three or four evenings so expect we will be going out to eat this evening and again tomorrow.  Nothing urgent to accomplish here at home.  I do have a few projects to keep me busy.

Judy, that was quite a sewing job and making so many of the same thing probably became a bit boring.  Glad you have finished the job.

I see that only Judy and Ruth Ann have posted since I last posted so will be brief this morning.

I agree with Larry, Judy, in that making 300 of the same thing would get tiresome.  What did you make them from--fabric, or some sort of plastic?  I look forward to seeing the photos, too.

Larry, it warms my heart each time you speak of how much you loved your grandma.  I pray my own grandchildren will remember me with a similar attitude of love and respect.  And, I try not to stress over things, but am not always successful.  I think it would be the stress rather than the hard work that would make inroads on my health.  I thank the Lord each day for health and strength, without Him I could do nothing!

Today the family will begin arriving.  I still have lots of work to do, but what doesn't get done before they arrive, they are welcome to help me do!  ;)  My prayer is that the peace of God settle into this place and touch each heart who enters here with His love and peace.  No strife, no tension, just good family time and fun together!

That being said, it's time to get back at it!  Have a great day, friends!

Hmmm, it's odd that I posted twice yesterday, once just prior to Judy's post, and then another in response to hers. Most likely we were posting at exactly the same time.

So, even if it's lost, you didn't miss too much. It was a busy day yesterday and will continue to be so today. The back to back events: a charity barbecue at the TN School for the Blind, then a birthday celebration for a sweet elderly lady who has had a severe stroke. I certainly hope the get together will make her life better, if even for just a little while. Lastly, we're having a dinner after church, so I must plan and cook something for that time of fellowship, too. :)

Larry, thank you for finding that link to the song. I enjoyed it and the words were easy to understand. There must be several versions of songs that tell of being lifted up from the miry clay. Below is the text for the song I sang:

He Lifted Me Out

I was out on the broad way of sin and despair,
Crushed 'neath my burden of sorrow and care.
My constant companions were trouble and doubt,
Till Jesus reached down and lifted me out.

Refrain:
He lifted me out of the deep, miry clay;
He settled my feet in the strait, narrow way.
He lifted me up to a heavenly place,
And floodeth my soul each day with His grace.

I was wand'ring afar from my Saviour and home;
Fainting and weary in sin did I roam.
I needed a hand to turn me about.
Then Jesus reached down and lifted me out.

I was building my home on the dry, shifting sand,
Casting my lot in a cold, barren land.
"You're doomed now for aye," I heart Satan shout;
But Jesus reached down and lifted me out.

I have started for heaven, my heart filled with song.
Wand'ring is over, my sins are all gone;
Thro' Jesus' own blood cleansed within and without,
Oh, praise His dear name! He lifted me out.

.

This is such a precious song. I wish I could locate the midi so y'all could hear it. I searched YouTube, but another song came up - it was nice, but not THIS song. As a young girl, my family would gather round the piano, especially when my beloved great aunt and great uncle came from West Virginia to visit on their 2 weeks vacation each year. This was one of the songs that they would ask me to play. We all harmonized, and since I was playing and no one else was available to sing tenor, I sang it. To this day, the harmonizing parts are really special to me, for they seem to complement the beautiful melodies so well.

Janet, hope your reunion turns out well, and that you won't get too tired.

Etta Sue, it's so good to hear you're going about your life "sans cataracts." Surely makes a big difference in both clarity and in colors, doesn't it.

I know I've not mentioned all our posters, but know they are read and enjoyed and prayed over. :)

Much love to everyone,
Ruth Ann

It's another of those beautiful, ideal days today.  One of those days when it's easy to rejoice.  Janet, I hope your family reunion can rejoice in the same wonderful weather.

  Good morning to all on C.P.   Well again it seems that I have not been on C.P. for a while and I am sorry.  It seems that so many things are going on and it keeps us busy.  I still say I don't know how I had time to go to work before I retired. :thumbsup:

Well it seems that you all have been very busy also and that is good.  Our grand children have been keeping us busy as we have to help looking after them as mummy and dad are working so we do have to help sometimes.

Paul and Pat.  A belated happy Anniversary to you both and it seems almost impossible that 4 years have past.

Larry and Pat.   Hope that you and your daughter are doing well and may the Lord richly bless you. :)

Please continue to pray for Noreen and Her back problems as they still are just the same.  I had a M.R.I. for my hip yesterday and do continue to have some pain with it but the Lord continues to get us through. 

May the Lord bless you this weekend and have a wonderful day in his house tomorrow,  Love in Christ,  Gordon and Noreen. :) :cp: :pine: :bananadance:

These scanner covers were made of heavy denim.  I used both denim and leather needles in my machine.  Last night I didn't sleep well......was thinking I had left something undone.....

UP and back here hopefully today will be a lazy one.

The yard is mowed for another week.  I didn't think it really needed mowed today but it rained last night and is suppose to rain Monday and Tuesday...so it was mowing today or tomorrow.  Didn't want to mow on Sunday so it is done....and it did need it!

The eye doctor said that my vision in my left eye is really good.  I took that to mean that it was better than some of the other people.  I told them that I was very pleased with my vision...that I could see far away AND see my fingerprints and everything in between the far and near!  I may not be able to read the tiny small print but how many people reads that anyway?  THEN they dilated my eyes!  I couldn't see a thing on the way home and even until I went to bed at 10pm last night.  Today is fine!  I can resume all my regular activity...wear eye make up, can rub my eyes some, can bend over but avoid lifting heavy weights for a couple of more months!  Can't wait to wear some eye makeup.  It's been a long time that I could see my eyes when I put on my makeup!!

And Janet, when I was a teenager I used that Nestle's Rinse to color my hair...it washed out after about 6 washings.  And it was a fad to peroxide a portion of your bangs.  I did that.  But I have never used a hair dye on my hair...never.  What you see on me is natural...dark brown and gray!

And they made me an appointment with my regular eye doctor June 8th. 

So yesterday afternoon I took a nap and went to bed early.  Also slept until fairly late today.  I am done with 'work' today so will do some reading this afternoon since I am caught up on TV shows also.     

Well, this day ended up being pretty hectic. In order to take medication to my son, attend that barbecue at the School for the Blind, go to the elderly lady's birthday bash, and then got a call that several of the items I put a bid on at the silent auction actually ended up being mine!

So that called for another round trip back to the School for the Blind again.

Then, since this apartment had NO bread, and NO fruit, and a coupon for $1.50 off on purchase of something I use regularly, I dashed into the store and bought exactly that...nothing extra. :)

Now, it's time for a long nap. Temperatures here exceeded 91 degrees today, and are predicted to go to 95, tomorrow!

May our Lord grant good rest this evening.

Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann, your weather report sounds like ours today.  Suppose to get to 96 degrees!  I plan to come home from eating out today and read. 

Years ago I read 'Clan of the Cave Bears' by Jean Auel.  Then the second book came out and I read it.  I found out recently that the 6th book is out!!  So.  I went to Amazon dot com and got the four that I didn't have.  I started reading Clan of the Cave Bears again yesterday.  My Dad read this also and he was to come to our house January 30th, 1987, to watch the movie on HBO.  He was killed January 13th that year.  Every once in a while when reading this again, I think 'my dad held this book and read these words'. 

I am ready for church and as I say, home this afternoon to read.  According to the radio, Speedway is a traffic jam as I type!!

Hi Everyone.  I slept in this morning until 8 am as no coffee group to attend this morning.  Have had my breakfast and used liquid nails to glue together some 2x4 pieces tomake a small step for Stacey.  Her new bed it fairly high and she is short so wanted a little step for one foot to help get on her bed.  I hope that works for her.  We will take it to her on Tuesday.  Other than attending church and eating out for lunch there are no other plans for today.

Janet, my heart doctor told me he felt certain in was the stress that caused my heart problems as I had become a workaholic and was dealing with a number of other issues in my life.  Glad to hear your say that if you didn't get everything done you wouldn't hesitate to ask for help from other family members.

Ruth Ann, if anyone finds the midi or mp3 of that hymn I will be glad to fix it for us to have in our hymn library here.

Jeanne, it sounds like you had cooler temps than we are experiencing and now the tropical storm is going to impact the Georgia, Florida and South Carolina coasts.  I am wondering if we will get any cloudy or rainy weather from it.

Gord, good to see you posting.  We are all doing OK.  Pat will see the knee doctor on Tuesday and expect a knee replacement will be in the works after that as soon as possible.

Judy, sounds like you deserve a break and a nice restful weekend.

Etta Sue, I don't think anyone intends for us to read that tiny print as they seem to be making it smaller all the time.  Glad to hear your vision is so good.  Hope you enjoy your reading today.  I have never read those Jean Auel books as guess the size of the book was too much. 

Time to start a new week HERE (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=12242.msg172791#msg172791)