Christian Photographers Community

I've had a very busy couple of weeks. We've been up to Dad's a couple of times to see how he is doing. My sister from Calgary is staying with him right now - having a visit before going to her daughter's graduation at Capenray in Quebec. This has helped as we know someone is with him as he's getting ready for his dialysis. He goes back to North Bay tomorrow for some training. I'm not sure if he'll be starting at that time. Judy, every time we've been up that way, we've been too busy and too pressed for time for me to get in touch with you. Maybe there will be more time in the summer, and when we're retired.
We went to Niagara Falls a week ago while I went to a conference. That was pleasant. I'll be at another conference in Mississauga from Thursday to Saturday, and have to do a presentation on Friday. I'll be glad when this week is over, as work has been very heavy.
My brother-in-law still can't see very well. He goes to see the specialist tomorrow.
Some other family issues have been difficult to go through but it's been very encouraging to know that God is there with us and our loved ones.
Etta Sue, I've been praying for you, that your surgery will go well, and that you will see so much better after the surgery.
Janet, I'm glad your book is doing well, and pray that God will continue to be honored through it.
So many prayer requests and people to pray for - I've been praying as I read the posts. Thanks for the prayers for my family.

Don't worry Betty we will meet up in God's timing!

Betty, good to read your posts, and prayers for your retirement and for your dad's health continue.

I just finished writing another article for our newspaper.  May is NF awareness month, so I am doing an article each week this month to try and educate people about this awful disorder.  The gal who runs the paper is a Christian friend and member of our church, so is very cooperative about publishing the articles.  Praise God!  The word will get out, and there will be a cure found for NF.  That's my statement of faith!!

I love the old hymns of the faith, including Farther Along.  Thanks, Judy.  And the title reminds me of a little smile story I read recently, so hope you can use a smile today:

Ole wasn't the brightest bulb on the string, but seemed to be a willing and hard worker, so when he applied for a job with the highway department, they decided to give him a chance.  He was hired to paint the stripe down the center of the highway.  Their minimum work standard was two miles per day, this work being done by hand.  Well, on the first day, Ole painted three miles of stripe!  His supervisors were impressed with that and glad they had hired him.  The second day, Ole only painted two miles of stripe, but, since that was their minimum work standard, they didn't say anything to him.  But on the third day, Ole only painted 3/4 of a mile of stripe!  They called him in and said, "Ole, what's wrong?  The first day, you did three miles; the second day, two miles, but yesterday, only 3/4 of a mile.  Can you explain this?"  And Ole replied, "Well, every day I get farder and farder from the paint can!"   

That's a good chuckle, Janet.     I'm so glad you're having some success with your book. 

It seems so strange not to have Etta Sue's daily posting.  I pray for fast healing and a quick return to our fold.

Yesterday brought rain all day and today the clouds linger on.  It feels quite chilly, but it's really just about normal for early to mid May.  I got spoiled with the upper 70's a couple of weeks ago.   

Hi everyone.  We had a brief but pleasant showers this morning and I know the yards will appreciate it for today.  It was cloudy all day yesterday.  I got my air conditioner checked out yesterday and all was well.  The system is going on 16 years so know that I will have to replace it one of these days, but hopefully not this season.  Stacey saw her surgeon yesterday to check on the incision.  The incision is not healing as it should and he told her it is going to take a long time as she is so diabetic.  She had to wait 2 1/2 hours to see him and was in her power chair about 5 hours and was really worn out last night.  Pat got a kick out of her comment from Stacey that she was totally surprised when the surgeon walked in and he was black.  She apparently had no recollection of him seeing her in the hospital.  We had met him and he had explained what they had done in surgery to us.  Guess she was too drugged at the time to remember, which is probably a good thing.  We just got back from Bible study and the usual Wednesday morning activities.  We decided to come home for lunch and then will go out to eat this evening so Pat doesn't have to cook today.

Happy 65th Gord.  It sounds like you have had a busy but rich recent days in being with friends and doing what you love to do.

Betty, it sounds like you are keeping very busy but the time must be getting short before you retire.

Janet, loved your funny story.

Jeanne, it is currently 70 degrees here but I am chilly due to the moisture in the air. 

Hi, friends,

Well, yesterday was a "wish I felt better day", so it's wonderful to be up and feel alive and know no matter our physical feelings, our Lord cares and understands.

Last evening a friend and I attended a women's health event held twice a year here in Nashville. It's at a 4-star hotel and costs nothing to attend. The medical community does such screenings as body fat, blood pressure, carotid artery scans, mammogram screenings, and others. Then, a huge ballroom is opened and we're served a nice fruit, cheese plate with other nibbles on the table. They even have red and white wines, but we never indulge. During the event, a panel of 4-6 physicians discusses their specialties and then the microphones are opened and people ask questions pertaining to their own health, and the doctors answer comprehensively. Afterward, they stay near the front where persons may go ask questions they may not wish to share with the entire gathering. And, a neat feature this time was a great steel drum artist played wonderful, soothing melodies as the health screenings were done.

Larry, I agree - healing takes much longer with diabetes. Yet, healing happens if we follow the medical team's advice. Once I was in a wheelchair or on crutches for many months, but the broken foot healed - Praise His name!

Etta Sue, we love you and are praying for you.

Gord, 65th birthdays seem special to me. When I was working, the insurance industry categorized us around that age as being "near aged." (Certainly, we're nearer than we've ever been before, aren't we!!)

I, too, have had ingrown nails cared for by my podiatrist. Isn't it amazing how the knowledge of such problems has changed through the years. Thus far my closet contains both left and right foot healing sandals, left and right rocker boots to the knee, and of course, various canes, walkers and wheelchairs. Oh, well, keeping them has saved me many $$ in these later years.

Now, to head out, order my new eyeglasses, take the partial plate to be repaired, and bring in a few items from Wal-Mart.

It will be so good to go to the prayer service at the church across the street. For only $5 we may eat a meal which consists of salad, meat, 2 vegetables, bread, dessert and drink. I know that really helps out parents with children, and assists them in meeting their busy schedules. And I really like the atmosphere of our seniors gathering. The seniors pastor is a genial man and many of the seniors are or have been theologians and biblical scholars. How great to hear new perspectives than my own on various biblical topics.

Well, must be about my schedule.

Love to everyone,
Ruth Ann

Yesterday we went to the funeral of our neighbor. It was a very emotional time. funny stories about him were told by some of his friends. The place was sure packed every bit of room in the foyer, hall, main room and over flow room were packed . We didn't go to the cemetery but came on home after stopping at the lawn mower repair place to order a new wheel for one of  mowers.

Marilyn, it seems funerals are always packed when the person was young, and especially when the death was an accident or suicide.  But sometimes, when an old person dies, there are barely a handful of people there at their service.  This seems sad to me.  One would think that many lives had been touched by a person of great age.....but maybe it's because so many of their contemporaries have already passed on before them.

Another day of hard work for me, but we got quite a lot accomplished.  I wrote another article for the paper, got that delivered, mailed a book, sent a couple of cards, worked on the garage stuff.  We took a load to the Sr. Center, a load to the dump, a load to Darrel's garage and a load to Beth's garage.  So we are making headway.  Oh, yes, we took down some cabinets and put up others.  Those things are HEAVY!!  I also went to see Beth, then came home, showered and dressed, fixed some strawberries and poppy seed bread and went to a birthday tea for my sister Jeanie.  Dare I say I am tired? 

I am fully expecting a good report from our Etta Sue as soon as she can get back online!

I'm going to get ready for bed!  Then will read or watch TV as long as I can keep my eyes open...........

Thank you Janet for your kind  and sweet comments. i agree about the older folks when they pas and nop one comes to the funeral.

Hi everyone.  The sun in just now coming up and we are to get no rain today.  The major activity for today is to attend my retiree's luncheon, which is held at Ryan's (not one of my favorite places but we don't meet for the food but the fellowship).

Ruth Ann, that health fair sounds like quite an event.  I can't image a steel drum providing soothing melodies but suppose it must have had a mellow tone.  Your prayer service and meal sound good.  Does this occur every week?

Marilyn, I can image what emotions must have existed at the funeral as the man was so young and has left such a young family.

Janet, the older we get the fewer of our friends that are left to attend the funeral.  As people get old and perhaps have to live in a care facility it seems their friends seem to fade away.  I remember my lamenting that only a very few of his friends came to visit him in the nursing home and he was always of sound mind and enjoyed their visits.  I am beginning to think you may be the original Energizer Bunny with all that you cram into a day. 

Larry, you are so kind to speak individually to us. I hope Stacey is doing as well as possible, and that both of you are getting along fine, too. Yes, our church always has a great meal on Wednesday nights.

Marilyn, our church was standing room only when my husband died. Yes, more individuals attend funerals for the young. It seems around here, some persons are opting for more private arrangements, with a get together in homes or other smaller venues for a time of remembrance and not even opting for a formal funeral. That makes me sad to think we cannot do formal goodbyes to our loved ones and friends.

Judy, those hymns really are a wonderful way for me to worship right here in my home. Thanks to you and the others who can post them for our spiritual uplift times.

Pat and Paul, thank you so much for continuing to host this site.

Also, I never remember to speak to everyone, but do know I love and appreciate each of you.

May our Lord grant His love and peace for each of us today.

Ruth Ann

Well, the "energizer bunny" is hopping more slowly today!  I had a really bad night again, with stomach disturbances.  I feel fine today, except for being a little tired.

I got another real shock this morning.  When I went to my chiropractor and friend, he told me that the lovely 23 year old girl who worked for him had killed herself!  That was shock enough, but the method she chose was really a surprise---she drove to Canon City, Colorado, to the Royal Gorge, a six hour drive from here, left a note in her car, and jumped off the bridge!     I couldn't believe it!  I expected him to say she swallowed a bottle of pills or something like that. They have not found her body and say it may never be found!  She was such a brilliant, talented girl, just ready to graduate from nursing school, and has a 2 year old daughter.  Dr. Saxon is devastated.  He always told her how important she was to him, that she was by far the best help he'd ever had, and would have done anything he could to help her.  But...she listened to the wrong voice, just as the kid at Hugoton did.  The devil is out to steal, kill and destroy, and he wants our kids!!  How we must pray for them!

I went by the hospital gift shop and sold them more copies of my book; then to the Jr. High school where I talked to the librarian and left a book so she can speak to the principal about putting it in the library there; also told her to tell him I am available to talk to the kids whenever they need someone as a speaker.  So I feel I have made a good start on the day.

Darrel unloaded one of the freezers, hauled it out on the driveway where it is thawing.  It was packed with frost, so needed to be done.  I'd better go help him now.  Later!

We have a lovely sunny day. 
Mel has taken some items to the auction house, the return will be small but our home has a little less clutter.
Our Cdn Tire gas station has gas for 5 cents off the regular price all day so the both of us will be filling our veh's  I do feel that it is a promo for their credit card, we have one that is filled in the drawer and not used the interest they charge is way to high.

Janet: I loved your smile for the day.

Marilyn:   I am noticing that most of older folk have lost most of their friends and family to death then I have also found that when the older person becomes forgettful and careless   they are forgotten about .  Forget that the ones doing the snubbing, thought the person was once very wonderful person.

Have a wonderful rest of the day. 

           

Hi Everyone...

Yes, it's been a very hectic couple of weeks with one thing and another.

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

I get the "One News Now" newsletter and this article caught my eye...



Pastors 'coming out'
Charlie Butts - OneNewsNow - 5/10/2012 3:35:00 AM



Dr. Ken Hutcherson of Antioch Bible Church in Redmond, Washington, is an outspoken opponent of homosexual "marriage." But the pastor has announced that he's the gayest man he knows.

Hutcherson, a former NFL linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, says Christians have given up many things, and one of them is the term "gay" -- a word that used to describe merriment, happiness or joy is now used to identify people as homosexuals. So he plans on reclaiming the word and promoting it as what believers ought to be.

"The Christian community I think is the true gay community because we are forgiven; we have our sins wiped away," he contends. "We're going to spend eternity with God. We should be extremely gay and happy and overjoyed with who we are, and that sets us free to have the ability to love others and to lead them to that same gay, happy lifestyle."




Another thing the homosexual movement has stolen away from Christianity is the rainbow, which the pastor points out is actually a reminder of God's promise regarding the destruction of the world.

"He did say he's going to destroy the earth, but it won't be by rain and water (Genesis 9:12-13)," Hutcherson notes, "and then he gave us the rainbow to prove it. And the homosexual community has taken over that. If someone mentions the rainbow today, it doesn't go back to the Word of God; it goes back to the homosexual community."

So the pastor has launched the national "Pastors Come Out" campaign to take back the rainbow and the word "gay" by refusing to surrender either to the homosexual community any longer.

Pat, that's really wonderful that Dr. Hutcherson is trying to reclaim perfectly good words like those and others.  I strongly suspect there are many, many other ones that need the same treatment, and if we would all use them correctly and often, we could be used to awaken some people.  Oh may it be so!

Hey there, Pat!  So good to see you back....and you, too, Al!

I did find the article in the newspaper today that I wrote, and the only change they made was to take my name off as the writer.      Oh, well, the intent is to educate people about neurofibromatosis, so if it gets read, it will still do the job it is intended to do.

Ruth, I am sorry your poor aunt is having such difficulties.  My own Dad had Alzheimer's, so I do understand some of what you're dealing with.

I will return!

Pat:  I had to read the first part twice!  We are just happy to read that the new baby is doing better so you and Paul can rest easier.  You two sure do travel the road a lot and almost as much as Bonsey. 

Larry:  It must take so much patience for you, Pat and Stacey each and every procedure she endures.  Prayers for continued patience as the healing continues. 

Wednesday's women in bible study is officially over for the season.  Everyone brought food for a feast and I confess to having 4 chocolate sweets.  Four!  It was great.   

Janet:  I have not heard that story about the girl going over the bridge.  Shocking and so very sad. 

Al:  How are you feeling?  Are you getting out and about more each week?  Peace for you and Marbeth.

Hi everyone.  I got up a little bit early this morning for no particular reason.  Other than a friend coming over to spend an hour or so this  morning nothing else on the schedule for today.  Yesterday I did get Pat's laptop redone with a fresh install of Windows 7 and then loaded most of the software she uses on it.  I still need to get it to recognize her printer but it will allow her to print on both of mine.  It took me about 6 hours of work to get that done but was needed as think she had gotten a virus on her computer as it kept shutting down and had basically become unusuable.

Ruth Ann, sometimes I just don't take the time to address everyone but once I start I wouldn't want to intentionally leave anyone out.  Of course, this results in very long postings but a person can always scroll through it quickly and go on to the next one.  No one is watching over our shoulder.    Stacey does seem to be doing OK and is still receiving home therapy.

Janet, what a tragedy with the young woman who had a full life ahead of her and to leave a two year old child.  There can be no explanation other than the one you suggest.  What mental torture a person must endure to get to this point and help would have been available if she had sought it.

Ruth, your comment about older folks being forgotten when they become senile is so true and so sad. 

Pat, glad to see  your post.

Al, you are so right.  Over our lifetime we have seen this happen many times.

Carol, one thing life has taught me is to take life on life's terms and to live in today and not worry about tomorrow.  When we trust in God things work out the way he wants them to be.  Pat's book club at church is starting a book on women of the Bible.

I am getting tired of "J" nights!  I have been over to Pat's for her to do my hair, then a quick visit to Beth, but can't understand her at all this morning.  Whatever kind of muscle relaxer they give her in the morning makes her unable to talk clearly at all.....so frustrating!

We are continuing to make progress on the garage clean out, think we will likely take another load to the Sr. Center today.

I don't know what the plans are for Sunday.....they are having a mother's day tea at the Legacy.  I have to plan things that won't keep Beth in her chair too long at a time.

Carol, I wondered if there would be anything about Mallory in the news up there.  They still haven't found her body.  Such a tragedy, such a waste!  She had so much to give, and to destroy all that potential is just the work of the devil.  We are all so saddened by it.

Back later!

I know in my heart that I posted yesterday but it isn't to be found today. 

Well, I am seeing more clearly.  My far distant eye is still dilated!  But my nearer distant eye is great for reading the Bible, magazines and newspapers and the computer!  BUT when examined yesterday a piece of the old cornea is still in my right eye.  So I have to use one of the drops every two hours until Monday morning.  Then Wednesday morning I am to be back to the Eye Specialists of Indiana by 6:45am!!  If the piece has dissolved, then I come back home.  If not, then I go upstairs, get an IV and have surgery again for the doctor to go back in the incision and suction out the piece of cornea!!  Then return the next day.  Weird that my right eye seems perfect...it's the left that is still not doing what I think it should! 

Then when I got home, I could finally used the computer.  I had 99 emails to receive since Monday night late.  They wouldn't upload so I could receive or send.  So I googled the problem and found Itok.com.  Since 2pm, Itok has had access to my computer.  I got my emails but at midnight last night they were still working on it.  I called them and shut the lid.  This morning I was to get a call between 9 and 10am.  No call.  But they still have access to my computer.  So if I don't notice anything by noon, I am calling again!!  Of course, the first person I talked to was English...the guru was Indian!!    (maybe my post disappeared due to the guru)

Kitty and I are going for Pizza this evening.  I think I could drive fine but she is coming to get me! 

  Hi Everyone!!! 

Trying to get rested up is sometimes difficult--especially when you have so much on your mind to mull over and think about.


I just read Linda's blog from last night and at the bottom, she has some lovely photos.  Cayla had a wonderful day yesterday and Linda got to leave the hospital for several hours with her friend which was so nice for her.

Have a read!  http://ourpreciouscaylajoy.blogspot.ca/2012/05/little-time-away-for-me-today.html?spref=fb


Etta Sue, your eyes don't sound that great!  Are they ok?

Janet, where are you putting the "stuff" from the garage?  Throwing it out?  I need to do that as well.  Who's Mallory?

It's so good to see you posting regularly again, Al!  Love your words of wisdom!

I will always remember your kindness to Paul and I, Carol, when we had the most wonderful night's sleep in your home.  Thank you so very much!

What a wonderful hymn, Judy!  "I am His and He is mine!"  What a wonderful statement.  I pray that all of our members here can say that from their heart!

All of you from the old SeniorNet days will remember dear Gladys.  If you haven't heard, she passed away last week at the age of 94 and we have a lovely Sympathy topic opened for anyone who wishes to leave a message for the family:

http://www.seniorsandfriends.org/index.php?topic=2475.0

Larry, I'm definitely going to have to think very soon of buying a new laptop and from viewing Paul's laptop, I sure am not a lover of Windows 7 but maybe I could learn?  Do you recommend it fully?  I am still using XP.  I will get one with a larger screen and also a huge hard drive and more speed.  I may phone you and talk to you more about this.  Money IS a factor!   

Pat, are you in Guelph still, or back in Virginia now?  Can you call me when it is convenient?  Mallory is the 23 year old mom who jumped off the Royal Gorge bridge this week.  Such a tragedy...she left a 2 year old daughter.  They haven't recovered her body yet.

We just got home from a funeral of a classmate of Darrel's sister.  His sis and bro-in-law are in town and will be here soon; they went to the cemetery, and we didn't.

Must run, Dolores and Norm will be here soon.

Here in Guelph, Janet.

I'll call you.  How long are Dolores and Norm staying with you?  I hadn't heard of Mallory.  Very tragic indeed.

My goodness!  I just searched it on Google and see that she was from your town.  I'm sorry, Janet.

It has been a most lovely day.

Pat: The year is getting closer when there will be no more updates for the XP programs and we will have to make the switch. At that time learn we must do.

I haven't heard one good thing about Windows 7., However, I think I will have to get a new computer  before too long, probably a laptop. I will probably buy the Pro version because it can be used in Virtual XP and I will need that for making stationery.

Pat how are the SSTPSP lesson coming along. I am learning to make posers in one of my groups.