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Morning Devotional...





For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. (Romans 7:19)

As we consider the potentials for moral greatness that God built into human nature when He made man in His own image; when we see how self-sacrificing and kind people are at their best moments; when we observe the innocent sweetness of a baby or the selfless, shining love of a mother we are scarcely prepared for the shock of reading history or scanning the daily newspaper.

That woman who stands with a smoking pistol in her hand over the body of her murdered husband—can that be the same woman whose face a few hours before was soft and radiant as she nursed her baby at her breast? That boy who plunges a switchblade into the heart of a kid from another part of town—can that be the same boy who before he left the house to join the gang on the corner spent half an hour romping with his little sister or affectionately teasing his mother? That young man who sits grim-faced and silent in the death house awaiting the hour when he must pay for his crimes against the human race—is that the same young man who a few months ago lay face down across the bed and sobbed because a plain little dog he loved had been killed by a car?

While the life of the ordinary person is not so dramatic and violent as those of the persons cited here, his conduct is nevertheless fully as contradictory. He blows hot and cold from day to day; he is kind and cruel, chaste and lustful, honest and deceitful, generous and covetous; he longs to be good and chooses to be evil, yearns to know God and turns his back upon Him, hopes for heaven and heads toward hell. He is morally loco.


We have all been infected by the moral locoweed of sin. As a result we fail to do the good we want to do and find ourselves committing the evil we do not want to do. Only in Christ is there deliverance!



It is only You, O Christ, who can cure me from this sin infection

From Devotions By Dr. Tozer

Two months ago today Ivalou had her stroke.  She has progressed so much but has a way to go yet.  She fell yesterday morning.  Doing what?  Making her bed.  She was walking around it and making it, got over balanced and fell.  She has a blood blister between her index and middle finger on her right hand but that is all.  She hasn't seen any new bruises...she bruises easy with blood thinner that she takes.  She said she knew she was falling so she just relax and fell.  That is good. 

So I got up this morning and heard her moving around.  I went down the hall to check on her and her bed was already made.  I asked her how she did it and she said she was in her wheelchair.  Good.  I told her to not try that standing again until the walking was automatic and normal...then add a task to it!  She said Okay! 

The Harvest Dinner was a winner.  I think there were 5 chairs empty at the tables.  And of course, the food was fantastic!  Then I came home for awhile.  I was at Kitty's at 2:30 and I drove to Carmel.  We swam for an hour swimming 30 laps and walking 4 laps.  Then she treated me to chips and salsa at Chili's!  I called Ivalou after I took Kitty home and she was fine.  So I went home and got in the shower to get all the chlorine off of me.  Then Ivalou and I watched 'The Patriots' last night with Mel Gibson. 

Today I have a dental appointment.  Ivalou is having Physical Therapy and Speech Therapy but Jane is coming to be with Ivalou in case she needs anything. 

The voting for Challenge # 38 is now open. We encourage you all to go vote in this challenge whether you entered or not. If you are a member you can vote so lets go vote.

Click here (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=9163.0) and go right to the voting poll!

Don

Good Morning It is good to see that Iva Lou has made so much improvement in the two months since her stroke and is doing a few things for herself,. Etta Sue I know that  really makes you happy that someone found her as quick as they did. Do you put PSP frames on the photos that you are showing?

Keith and I are going  down to Gilbert's on Wednesday. The dogs with be kenneled that morning. I made the reservations at the motel last night and got a real good deal using my AARP and senior discounts. We will be in Eureka for Thanksgiving at Ann and John's house. ( Sarah's Parents) . I will also make a visit to the nursing home to see Fay while I am there. She was 100 in July, and has been in the nursing home since about the end of September. I don't think I will be taking my Netbook with me, I want to get a good visit with the family and don't need a computer along to hinder that.

Remember me? :hello: I very rarely post, however, I thought I would today before you all forget who I am.
I spoke to JudyB on Saturday. She is recovering from a serious bout of bronchitis. Bad enough to send her, after two weeks, to the doctor's for antibiotics. JudyB asked me to request that you keep remembering Pat in your prayers as she deals with so much pain in her shoulders. JudyB was well enough to make it out to our church's Mortgage Burning Celebration, yesterday. We had a wonderful fellowship time, following; meeting many who were attending before the church building was even thought of.
As I read all of your posts, almost daily, I feel I am getting to know you. Because of this, I thought I would tell you a little about myself.
I was born  ;D in Montreal, Province of Québec, Canada a little over 65 years ago. I was introduced to my Saviour by a life-long friend and accepted His sacrifice, for me, at the age of thirteen.
I have been married for forty-two years, this Wednesday, and have a daughter and a son and four super grandchildren.
The Lord blessed me in my work situation, so that now, as a retiree, I can still use the talents He gave me as a part time bookkeeper up here in the North.
I have made wonderful friends, up here and when JudyB and I met and traded our history, we were amazed at how God tied our lives together!
Because I have got to know you, through your posts, I just wanted you to know that my prayers are with you all.

:newbie:

RuthV

Hi everyone.  This has been a dreary and chilly day but a very busy one for me. 

I went to coffee, then a friend came over at 11 am and stayed until noon.  I then went to my Monday men's luncheon.  This morning when I started out in my older car I found I had a flat tire.  When I got home from coffee I called the Hyundai Roadside service and had someone here in about 15 minutes to change the tire. 

After lunch I went to where I have my tire work done and ended up buying 4 new tires as mine had reached the replacement point.  Then I stopped at two banks and finally got home a little while ago.  The housekeeper was here today and the yard men so things are back in good order. 

RuthV, thanks for telling us a bit about yourself.  Don't be a stranger here as we like to have people post as often as they can.

Marilyn, probably a good idea to leave your netbook at home although while staying in the motel it is nice to check up on things.  Hope you have a wonderful trip and time with your family this week.

Etta Sue, glad you were able to get out and do somethings today.  Certainly happy that Ivalou didn't have any problems from her fall.  She sure doesn't need any additional things to deal with now. 

Don, thanks for the devotional for this week. 

Carol, not too long ago I was able to get an inexpensive unit at Walmart that had the radio and a CD player.  Hope you find what you need.

Janet, you know I would be happy to help you anyway I can on your computer.  I no longer have Vista on my laptop as upgraded to Windows 7 over the weekend.  However, I think I will be able to remember how it works and perhaps steer you in the right direction.  If you need my telephone number just let me know.  I am sure the new puppy will bring some excitement into hour household. 

I remember you Ruth and we are glad you stopped by. Thanks for sharing that info about yourself and I would like to congratulate you on your 42'nd wedding anniversary. Hope it's a special day for you and yours.

Thanks also for the update on Judy, I was beginning to wonder where she was. Thought maybe she was still having computer problems. Tell her we are still praying for her and awaiting her return. We miss her.

Don

Rev. Al where are you? We haven't seen you in a little while. How is Marbeth doing on her new meds?

Don, thanks for the good devotional.

Larry, you and your family have my prayers. Also, Pat and Judy and so many others.

Today was busy for me, as well. I had physical therapy at 9:00, then got servicing done on the car (oil change, rotation, etc.). By then, it was lunchtime, so I met with friends for a quick lunch, then home to work on my apartment.

The Atlanta y'unguns are coming to Nashville Friday, so, let's see, ummmmm, looks like I have maybe a couple of hours to work on the apt tonight, and then parts of 3 more days.

Tomorrow's an MRI on my shoulder, Wednesday's a doctor's appt. for his assessment of the damage (but he hazarded a guess that I have a torn rotator cuff and torn bicept muscle in the left shoulder and upper arm area). Pat, I certainly understand about your right shoulder pain.

And, of course, my son (and possibly my daughter) will be eating together Thursday. This year, though, we've broken outta the turkey mold. We have reservations at an italian restaurant!  ::)

After all, 68 years of turkey n dressing, probably qualifies me for a bit of a change...whadda y'all think? :)

Y'all have a great rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

Don, thanks for the new devotional.

Larry, I hope you can remember about Vista.  The main problem I have is that  when I click on a link it pops up that stupid box and won't take you to the link; then when you get back to where you started, another box pops up saying, "Oops!  A pop-up blocker may have prevented........."  Grrrr.

Daughter Kerri called earlier and was so excited about the puppy.  She said he came complete with toys, blanket, 'puppy purse' to carry him in, and some food.  She was putting the washables into the washer because the owner is a smoker and everything reeked of cigarette smoke.  Darrel is looking forward to getting the dog; and Kerri said he is so sweet, she would keep him in a heartbeat.  :)  I already have a photo of him.

RuthV, good to have you posting, and I look forward to hearing more about you and your life, family and activities.  We are all like family here.

Ruth Ann, your alternative to turkey sounds great!  I'm relieved I don't have to do the cooking this year.   Enjoy your family!

Beth called and wanted a Subway sandwich, so we got one for ourselves to share while we were there.  She is saving hers for tomorrow, she said.

Etta Sue, it is good to hear the continuing good news of Ivalou's recovery.  You are both blessed to live next door to your sister!

I think I used up too much of my day's quota of energy early this morning at the gym!  I haven't had much left for the rest of the day.  So I have spent quite a lot of time editing my sister's new book.  I have about 3/4 of it done now, will probably finish up tomorrow, and if so, get it into the mail back to her the next day.

I am sleepy, so why not go to bed???  ??? ^-^

Goodnight!

Good Morning everyone.  It looks like I am first here today.  Nothing has changed since I wrote yesterday so should be brief this morning.  Today's schedule is fairly light as only have a meeting this morning and then one of the roofing companies is suppose to come to look at my roof and give me an estimate.  I want to get one more estimate before moving further.

I sure did sleep good last night as yesterday I had the housekeeper put my electric blanket into the bedding and I was nice and warm all night.  I should have started using it a little sooner.

Janet, it sounds like your security settings may be too high.  In the browser you use click on options and look at the security tab to be sure it is set at midway.  Most webpages do not have popups but even if they do and you have that set it shouldn't prevent your page from loading, you just shouldn't get the popup.  I haven't had any problem with either of these.  Perhaps Ruth Ann can add some more light to this situation.

Ruth Ann, hope your MRI shows not the extent of damage your doctor feels will be there.  I have never had a problem with a shoulder so can't relate to that type of pain.

Don and Marilyn, good to see your postings.

G'moahnin' all y'all.  Marilyn - Rev. Al?  Surely you don't revere me, so no need to call me such names!

My cold is looser, whatever that means.  I think it's gradually getting better.  At least I can sleep decently, breathe through my nose, etc.  So I thank my Father, and I should thank Him much more than I do.  Had some good conversations with our youngest son up in Lacy, Wash. the other day (Lacy is quite near Olympia, which is Washington's capital.)  He may be losing his job with Walmart, so I'd ask prayer for a new job.  Personally, I think that's one of the really great things about retirement - you don't have to worry about losing your job!

Good morning everyone!  Somehow I've got behind here and only now have read yesterday's posts. 

Of course I didn't take notes, so I'm not going to try to reply to individual messages, except to say it's so good to see all here and to read of our Lord's continuing presence among us.

Hey Al, Rev can be sort for many things, like Reversed, reviled (oops not that one), Revered, Reverend,  take your pick.I prefer Reverend, Pastor Al. However to me you will always be just plain old Al. Is that OK with you?

Not much new here yet for today it is still early. I  have washed my hair and am sitting here with a towel on my head so I better go dry my hair now.

Hi, friends,

This morning I definitely had a big blooper -- had "a Janet night", so turned the light off for the last time at 3 am, then awakened bright & chipper at 6, so had a bit of breakfast and began doing things in the apartment ... my eyes began drooping, so without thinking I lay back down to rest awhile, and ... well, I kinda went back to sleep.  :-\  

Next thing I knew, there was a knock on my door. That dear man who has been so faithful to the Lord was checking on me, since right at that moment, we were to begin having our devotional Thanksgiving service, and I was scheduled to play.

Well, 7 minutes later, I rode the elevator down, hair brushed, fully dressed, and music in hand.

Thankfully, they're a loving, forgiving group, and commented they'd had senior moments, too!

:-[ I'm blushing in shame.

This afternoon's that MRI.

See y'all later.

Ivalou has been walking today with the half walker.  She is doing real well.  She even sat on a kitchen chair to have lunch instead of the wheelchair.  She went through her purse this morning and threw away lots of papers and such.  Then she had a stack of papers to keep and file so she did that in the little bedroom right after lunch. 

Now I have a load of clothes in the dryer and she will help fold them.  I will put them away.

Then it will be time to go feed my kitties and then time for relaxation!  Busy day!  The mailman just left the mail, too.

Hope everyone has a God-filled day!

Marilyn - there's a whole church of about 600 down in Davis that always calls me Reverend Al (I don't know what they call me in private).  They feel that it's a reflection on the Holy Word of God when I preach it there.  I respect that motive, even though I don't fully agree with it.  Keep in mind, though, that you DON'T say it "ol Al."  Plain Al will definitely do.

Okay, Plain Al ... Here's Plain Jane checking in!  ;D

I have been (mentally) preparing to have guests for dinner here on Thursday.  It has been a very long time since I have cooked a big meal, and had guests in.  My daughter and her husband are coming tomorrow sometime, and I have invited my neighbors to join us for Thanksgiving dinner.  John (SIL), at first, had wanted to bring and cook the dinner for me, but I have a project for him and Ed, my neighbor, to work on and John says since he'll be working someone else can do the cooking. 

They will be bringing some of the groceries, however.

Thanks, Larry, I will check that and see if it helps.

Ruth Ann, seven minutes is surely forgivable.  But I know how you feel, I would be a bit embarrassed, too.  Just remember, you needed that sleep, or you wouldn't have fallen back to sleep.  

We went to Liberal today so they could check my hearing aids and see if I am having any problems.  I'm not.   :)

We will be leaving tomorrow for Los Lunas, New Mexico, and returning on Thursday, probably late.

Our new "baby"  wil be here in another couple of hours.  Grandson Mark is bringing him.

I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving with God, friends, family.

Hi, Jane!  I just know your day with family and neighbors will be great.  Enjoy!

Joy just called to say they'll be here in about an hour!  I hadn't expected them until tomorrow, so I'm scurrying around with all the last minute things I was planning for tomorrow before they arrived!  She says John wants to get in here tonight so he can have the whole day tomorrow to work!  Whatta guy!

Great for you, and for them, Jane.

It's been kind of a bummer day - at least the first part of it.

Then came that interesting MRI. I've never had an Open MRI before, but requested it because I didn't think they could get good pictures of my squeezed up shoulder in the closed MRI tube. When the tech told me it would be 20 minutes of whirring and noises, then put earplugs in, and told me I should close my eyes, I was obedient at least for a while. Then, since I'm not claustrophobic, I opened my eyes and checked side to side at my surroundings without head or neck movement. Yes, the noise was certainly interesting - at first I fantasized about being under the sea and hearing a ship slowly pass overhead, and the beeps and knocks and pings made me think about some under-sea recordings I heard on public radio. Next the sounds were like a sewing machine, and other such images floated through my head as the sounds changed.

Oddly enough, I was surprised that the 20 minutes was over when the tech came into the room. Yes, my shoulder hurt from having it in that one position for that long, but it certainly was an intriguing experience.

Next, a friend let me know that the Health Department was giving the H1N1 vaccinations and they had stopped restricting seniors. While there, met up with friends, and we ended the evening with a delightful inexpensive dinner (thanks to those coupons that I keep getting in my junk mail downstairs!)

Now, to enjoy being with my online friends for a while...

Hope to see y'all tomorrow. My surgeon's appt is at 2:30, so will try to let you know what he's decided after seeing the results of that MRI.

Love to each of you and good will to all those you love.

 :)  Hi to all.   Well I don't remember if I told you all that last week that I was on my way home with my wife in the van and a lady that was not from this area came to a stop sign she did stop as I saw her do.   She thought that it was a four way stop but it is not and she proceeded to continue across in front of me and I almost stopped but did hit her and did approx $2500.00 to my vehicle she was charged.  Thank the Lord nobody was hurt. :coffee:

Marilyn:  Have you made any banana bread yet?  Hope that it tastes good.

Al:  Hope that you will get your full strength back soon.  How is your wife doing? :)

Pat:  How is your shoulder I do hope that it is a lot better or at least you are getting less pain. Are you in Guelph or in Virginia ?

Well I have read the posting and hope that all will have a good week and again please continue to keep my wife in your prayers.  God Bless to all.   Gord. :thumbsup: :cp:

Hi everyone.  We are to finally have a sunny day here and I am ready for it. 

We will leave in about 20 minutes to drive to my heart doctor's office where I will have a Nuclear Stress Test.  I had been concerned about being able to walk on the tread mill with the speed and incline but spoke with the tech a couple of days ago and she said you don't have to walk fast and it is basically a flat surface.  The walk will be 5 minutes and apparently the walking helps circulate the dye and offsets some of the side effects of the nuclear medicine they use.  I am suppose to be there at 9 am and the test is set for 10 am.  I have a feeling I will have pretty much an hour wait.  I will be glad when it is over.  I won't get any results today.

Tonight our church hosts 4 other churches in our area for an interdenominational Thanksgiving service.  Two other choirs will be joining our choir to sing two Thanksgiving special pieces of music.  I have attended this service the last couple of years and really enjoyed it.

Jane, just take a big breath and don't worry as things will turn out fine for your Thanksgiving dinner.  Glad your SIL will be able to do a project for you.

Ruth Ann, you have been one busy lady.  Glad that MRI is behind you.  I will never be able to have an MRI because of my pacemaker/defibrillator.

Janet, how is the new member of your household adjusting? 

Another gloomy day in Indiana.  And it is suppose to be snow flurries tomorrow on T day! 

Today is Ivalou's day for the doctor's office.  Then I need some groceries in my house since I will be home 4 days!  My cupboards are bare.  (I couldn't remember how to spell cubbords/cubboards and tried cupboards and the red line under it disappeared!)  And Ivalou has to do her pro-time check since tomorrow is a holiday.

Tony called me yesterday concerned about Charlene maybe having gall bladder problems.  She went to the doctor and after some tests at the hospital was told she has Crohns Disease.  Isn't that what Sony's son has?  I haven't talked to Charlene yet.

Just hope it isn't raining when I have to get Ivalou in the doctor's office.

I had a wonderful phone call yesterday.  My pastor called to ask if I would accept someone bringing me a Thanksgiving dinner!   :)   He had a call from a complete stranger saying that their family wanted to "do something" for someone else for Thanksgiving and asked for the name of a possible recipient of a complete dinner.  And he chose ME!  How blessed I am! Praise the Lord.  :)

Enjoy your dinner Jeanne.

Blessed be the Lord!

Don

I am all ready to go the dogs are at the Kennel and I have both cats in the house waiting for Keith to come home and pull the Corvette out of the garage so I can put Grubby in the garage. I found out for sure that he like to use his own box. He has one in the garage and this morning I see that he has been using it. No wonder he wants out to the garage first thing int he morning. Now to get Keith to give him his own box int he house.

I am taking the laptop so will try to check in tonight  after we get to the motel if they have wifi to let you know we got there. I  may have to Keith for the laptop as he  wants to check his trains on ebay that he is watching.

Oh. how wonderful, Jeanne, the good Lord knew that you ARE a very deserving person to receive the dinner.  Enjoy.

Janie, good for you , the family there and someone else cooking.

My son is doing all the cooking , too, I just supply the ever popular "green bean cassarole"--there will be about 16 of us there, so my son has his hands full. My dil is baking pies now and I am "holding down the fort" at work.

Dear Al, that's what I call you --hope your cold is better and your wife is well.
Keep me in your prayers(I still have the usual work problems that I need plenty of prayers with especially with this economy affecting everyone and our family businesses need plenty of help and prayers.

To all you lovely caregivers, enjoy the day with family and friends , you need to enjoy the blessings from all to continue to help others.

Your Christlike attitude is so evident to those of us who read your messages.

Bless you and have a great holiday,

Joyce

Ruth, Larry is right, MRI's are not good but necessary.

I had one done for my shoulder , too, still haven't decided to / or when I will have surgery. Need my right hand to work, so I keep putting it off...

Larry, saw a newcast last night about having MRI's now even though the lady had a pacemaker.  Sorry that I didn't listen to whole program and find out more for you. But she seemed happy to have the MRI done and it worked for her.

The good Lord has provided the medical field with such wonderful and new knowledge for problems to be solve that never were able to do before.

Praise the Lord

Happy Thanksgiving to all

     I am grateful that we still have one day per year set aside as Thanksgiving - giving thanks.  The pilgrims prayed when they had the first Thanksgiving.  I have often wondered what the people who want to make everything secular in our country would like to change about Thanksgiving. 

Hi Jeanne!  What a blessed gift for you and you do deserve some pampering - as in let someone else cook!  Enjoy.

Hello Joyce!  It looks like a light cooking day for you as well.

Janet:  A new puppy!  Lots of fun and excitement ahead for you. 

Al:  Keep getting better with that cold.  Drink some chicken broth with a dash of tabasco. 

Larry:  Good luck on your test - it should be over now.  Have a nice holiday. 

Ruth Ann:  I think you are doing great!  You just needed a little more rest. 

I have everything ready for the large crockpot which I put the dressing in and slow cook for hours.  Also, one big dish of sweet potatoes with plenty of cinnamon and butter and a little vanilla.  Baking cranberry bread tonight. 
Take care all - I am thankful for so many reasons. 

Hi, friends, thanks to our loving Heavenly Father, I don't have to get shoulder surgery. There's an impact fracture which will heal itself and a partially torn rotator cuff and there's hope it will heal itself, too!

What a way to begin Thanksgiving for me.

God bless each of you who come to talk or to read and pray privately.

Just a quick hello.  I have been gone for several days and I really have no reason.  We had rain for most of the day then just at the end of the day and the sun came out.

Will try to stop by tomorrow and if not Happy Thanksgiving.

Ruth

Just a quick hello ... everyone else has gone to bed so I can have a few moments on the computer to check up with all my friends.

John and Joy arrived yesterday and today John started to work on the "small" project I had for him in repairing the bathroom floor.  Well, as usual, when he started the work it turned into a much larger project ... Had to go buy  2x4 and replace a large part of the floor ... said there is a lot of rot underneath and it runs further than just the bathroom ... and he showed me where it has been patched before.  So the "leak" and damage has been there a long time.  I always feel so bad when someone (mainly my neighbor) wants to fix something here because they find so much extended problems once they start.   :-[ 

Well, that project is completed.  Now, John thinks he will "fix" my TV ... I surely don't know what he figures to do.  The converter box that we all had to have doesn't do anything more than one channel, so I unhooked it and get four channels with just the indoor antennea (rabbit ears).  Well, I'll let him do whatever he thinks he can do .... I have a feeling he will find that his mother-in-law knows best after all.   :D

Jeanne~ I know exactly how blessed you feel with that generous and wonderful offer to bring you a complete dinner.  That is what John had said he wanted to do for me ... He said, to Joy, he just wanted to "do something nice for Mom" and he said they'd bring Thanksgiving to me.  Well, I just can't sit by and let someone else do stuff for me without trying to "help" myself.  So I got the recipes and some of the groceries before they got here, but they had stopped at Fred Meyers and really spent a lot of $$$ getting stuff.  Joy and I will be doing the cooking because John was working today and that's only fair.

My neighbors will be joining us for dinner tomorrow and are bringing a pie.   Seems nobody can just receive without giving in the process.  That's Thanksgiving!

I rejoice with you, Ruth Ann, that there will be no need for surgery.  I am thankful that you will soon be feeling better -- I know it is a relief just to know what the root of the pain and problem is.

Y'all have a great day of Thanksgiving and remember that, as Christians, every day should be filled with thanksgiving ... Be safe, be happy, and be blessed .... I'll be checking in later.

Just wanted to stop in and wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Hope all have a Blessed day.

Don

Happy Thanksgiving to all who are celebrating our many blessing today.  In reading the postings since yesterday I see a lot to be thankful for just among our CP family here.  Jeanne, so happy for you to be receiving the Thanksgiving Dinner and know you will enjoy it.  Jane, a new floor as it sounds like the other one probably wasn't very safe and then a wonderful thanksgiving dinner.  Sounds like a memorable day. Other blessing mentioned as well but won't comment on them now.

We will head down to Atlanta in about an hour and meet our daughter at the Shepard Spinal Center Cafeteria.  They are serving the traditional Thanksgiving dinner.  I feel blessed to be able to do this and to save my wife hours and hours of work in the kitchen, which take such a toll on her.  Only problem is that we won't have left overs.  :)

My test went well yesterday.  I didn't have to walk after all as when they hooked me up and found my pacemaker was pacing my heart, which I could have told them had they asked, they said the test would be performed with me laying on the table.  Prior to that part I had laid under a big machine that pictured my heart or measured or something.  This took about fifteen minutes with my arms over my head.  Fortunately, I don't have shoulder problems.  Then the test was performed and the isotope they used for this part dropped my blood pressure way down and I didn't feel very good at all but as soon as they stopped pumping that drug into the vein I immediately started feeling better.  Then I spent another 10-15 minutes under the big machine for more pictures or whatever.  In between times I spent quite a few minutes in a waiting area.  The entire test period stretched over about a 90 minute period.  I should hear some results in a few days.

Ruth Ann, sure happy to read you don't have to experience more surgery--certainly a reason for Thanksgiving today.

Joyce, I was told my the people who check my pacemaker periodically to never allow anyone to put me in an MRI machine.  Perhaps the technology has changed.  I will try to remember to ask about this the next time I have mine checked, which will be in a month or so.

I have bitten the bullet and have started the installation of Windows 7 on my desktop.  I thought today would be a good day as it takes several hours, or did on my laptop.  However, this is a clean install so may be faster.  I think I have all of the information gathered that I will need to restore my programs back when it has finished. 

Again, Happy Thanksgiving to you all whether this is the day you celebrate or not.  Everyday should be a day of thanking God for his many blessings. 

I, too, got a great surprise.  My classmate, Bev, called and wanted to know if Ivalou and I were having a Thanksgiving dinner today.  If not, she was going to bring food to us for Thanksgiving.  I am so surprised and grateful that she thought of Ivalou and I. 

But it seems that around 21 will be at Ivalou's today for dinner.  I have Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese going.  The iced tea and lemonade is made and sitting in Ivalou's garage.  That's my donation for the meal! 

I am praying that all the noise and people talking at once doesn't get to Ivalou.  She tended to do that when there were many people in her hospital room. 

Then I get to come back home and be with my two girls. 

Oh, yes!  I am still confused about it all but I don't think Charlene has Crohns Disease after all.  Last I heard, she had a cyst on one of her ovaries that burst!  That was what was causing the stomach pain and the diarrhea was from stress of the pain.  I think I will have to talk to Charlene to hear the whole story! 

Lauren is defying her nurse dad.  He said she shouldn't be around a lot of people but she said she feels rotten as it is and don't keep her away from her family!!!  So she is coming..the last I heard. 

Everyone count their blessings today and then we will all have many things to be thankful for on this Thanksgiving Day!

Each morning God's mercies are renewed afresh to us. How wonderful to know that He never, ever lets our "pot of mercies" run dry.

:)

Hi everyone.  We had a very nice dinner with our daughter today.  The food was very good and plentiful and also very reasonable.  Hope everyone has had a nice day.

As we approach the Christmas season, I have a party invitation for you all that was sent to me by a very good friend.
http://www.frontiernet.net/~jimdandy/specials/xmas.htm (http://www.frontiernet.net/~jimdandy/specials/xmas.htm)

I just read this in my morning e-mail and wanted to share it:

A fifth grade teacher in a Christian school asked her class to look at TV commercials and see if they could use them in some way to communicate ideas about God.   
 
Here are some of the results: scroll down.

GOD...
                IS LIKE L'OREAL
        "BECAUSE YOUR WORTH IT"



God is like. 
BAYER ASPIRIN 
He works miracles. 


God is like. 
a FORD
He's got a better idea.


God is like. 
COKE 
He's the  real thing. 


(This is great) 

God is like. 
HALLMARK CARDS 
He cares enough to send His very best. 


God is like. 
TIDE 
He gets the stains out that others leave behind. 


God is like. 
GENERAL ELECTRIC
He  brings good things to life.. 


God is like. 
SEARS
He has everything.


God is like.. 
ALKA-SELTZER
Try Him, you'll like Him


God is like.

SCOTCH TAPE 
You can't see Him, but you know He's there. 


God is like.
DELTA
He's ready when you are. 

God is like. 
ALLSTATE
You're in  good hands with Him..   

God is like.
VO-5 Hair Spray   
He holds through all kinds of weather. 


God is like. 
DIAL SOAP
Aren't you  glad you have Him?  Don't you wish everybody did? 

(that one is my favorite) 


God is like. 
the  U.S.  POST OFFICE

Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet nor ice will keep Him from His appointed destination.

God is like. 
Chevrolet. . . .the heart beat of  America   

God is like 
Maxwell House. . .
Good to the very last drop 

God is like.. 
B o u n t y . . . 
He is the quicker picker upper. . can handle the tough jobs. . .and He won't fall apart on you. 

BLESSINGS FROM
MY HOUSE TO YOUR  HOUSE

Enjoyed that Larry. Thanks for posting.

Don

I wonder if anyone else had the same concern I did about the fifth-grade teacher, though - is this a good thing for children to learn - commercializing God?

Hope everyone was well stuffed with stuffing or stuffed turkey yesterday! 

There were 20 at Ivalou's yesterday for their Thanksgiving dinner.  We had everything from turkey to sweet potato casserole and from pumpkin pie to date pudding!  Very good indeed! 

They have all gone home but three still at Ivalou's.  I was just over there and I think she looked very tired.

I have to take my car to get it greased, oil changed and maybe tire rotation.  My favorite thing to do!  No way!

My, it is SO good to read all of the Thanks being given to God for His wonderful provisions, goodness, mercy and kindness to all of us!!   :) :)

I had a quite long post almost ready to post, when this laptop decided to shut down and install updates, so it was lost.  Grrr.  That was on Wednesday, just before we left.  We had a nice trip through parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico, to grandson Curtis' for Thanksgiving.  Unfortunately, daughter Diane was sick, so she stayed home.  I hope she got enough rest to recover, and we missed her.

Curtis and Toni made a lovely dinner for us, and I was allowed to help with the prep and cleanup, so I didn't feel useless.  ;)

That little great-granddaughter Alexis is such a cutie!  She gets cuter every time we see her, and is so good-natured and quiet, a really easy child to have around.  They are expecting baby #2 in April, and are hoping for a boy this time.  It was nice to visit with them.  Curtis and I went for a nice mile walk in the afternoon, so I had some good Grandma time with him.

Ruth Ann, how I rejoice with you that you won't have to have shoulder surgery! PTL!!

Darrel has an appointment for an MRI on Monday.  They aren't sure what is going on with his shoulder.  This is the one he did not have surgery on, so now both of them are giving him trouble.

I want to take the new dog to visit Beth, and am not even dressed yet.  We got home at 1:39 AM, so slept in a little this morning.

Can you even imagine camping out for two days in front of Best Buy, to get one of their 'deals'?  I sure can't, but we saw people doing exactly that, as we drove home last night.  :idiot:  I guess they sort of make a game of it, though.  Anyway, I'd think you would have to!

In the lost post, I had addressed each of you, but won't attempt to recreate all of it now.  Just continue to thank our most wonderful God for He daily loadeth us with benefits!  Praise His HOLY name!

Oh, the Lord is good!  :cheer:

My dinner was delivered yesterday, just after noon.  And what a dinner! Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, squash, mixed corn and peas, cranberry sauce, extra gravy, dinner rolls, coconut custard pie and even mini York Peppermint Patties. And enough of everything for THREE full meals. 

It sure does feel different to be on the receiving end, but I guess this is one way the Lord is dealing with my pride.   ;)

Hi, friends,

Today's my great grandchild's baptism, so I'll be leaving soon for Alabama.

It surely does my heart good to know they as responsible, loving parents are taking this step to pledge themselves to rear him as a Christian.

I didn't want traditional food this year, so my son and I ate at a nice Italian restaurant. And, guess what! The first menu they handed us was --- a traditional turkey meal with some Italian twists. We both opted for something from the regular menu. :)

Y'all have a great day.

Ruth Ann

Happy Thankgiving for yesterday.   Mel & I watched the parade it was so wonderful, the floats are huge with lots of work & thought for it to work.

I phoned my SIL & brother this morning, my brother  got good news from the insurance company.  Now we need to get more good news about his health. 
Prayer for the both of them would be welcome as even she is not well. 

Larry:  Thanks for the invitation which I have accepted and will be inviting others to come along.

Just a few days ago the Sr's in town and possibly some that have moved away rec'd an invitation from the Lion's Club for Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings on Dec. 7th. 

This is also the day that I will be meeting Sue for dinner and a girls night out at one of the churches in her area. I had better hurry or I will be late getting to our place of meeting.
Ruth

There it is again.  My favorite animation.  Just keep looking at the blurb, folks! 

Well, we sure got a great blessing for Thanksgiving.  The physical therapist told Ivalou that she could walk now without the air brace AND without a walker!!  So she is au naturel!!  I haven't seen her walk yet since Jo is still there.  I know she wasn't expecting that so soon!  I got my car maintained and that was it yesterday outside of the house.

Kitty will be here in a few minutes.  We are going shopping and then swimming!  Love it!

Beautiful day today!  Bright and sunny but cold...32°.  It was colder but the sun has warmed things up already! 

Etta Sue, that is wonderful news about Ivalou!  God's hand is obvious in her recovery.   :thumbsup:

Great news, Etta Sue.  Hope Ivalou continues to progress until she is back 100%.

I went to a funeral this morning, then to visit Beth and Mom.  Now I want to get a few things done toward Christmas.  See you later.

Hi everyone.  It is a beautiful day here in Georgia and has warmed up from the near freezing we had last night.  Pat and I attended a meeting this morning and then went out to lunch with two other couples--which is always a lot of fun.  We had Mexican again so won't be needing much for supper tonight.

I have mentioned installing Windows 7 on my computers this week.  When I put it on my desktop something happened where I could not access my extensive music library, which was on a second hard disk and would not show up on the computer. I had a backup of it on an external hard drive I put together recently but the hard disk in that apparently failed (it was an old hard disk) so I was concerned.  My best friend, Rod, come over after coffee this morning and we moved some cableing in the computer and the 2nd hard disk showed up.  So this afternoon and I burning DVD's of all of my music library.  This will relieve my mind if my hard disk crashes since I can quickly restore the music library on another hard disk.  I have been needing to do this for some time. 

Etta Sue, great news on the continued progress for Ivalou and not needing to use the walker.  I am sure while she may have been tired from all the company it did her heart good to be surrounded by her loved ones.

Janet, glad you had such a nice visit over Thanksgiving and had special time with your grandson.  What did Beth think of the new dog?

Jeanne, just know that in accepting the gift of the special meal you brightened someone else's day in being able to give it. It sounds like you had quite a feast.

Ruth, glad you brother got good news on the insurance front and hope it will be followed by some good news regarding his health.

Ruth Ann, know it is special to get to witness the baptism of your great grandchild. 

Al, I hadn't thought about that commercializing God, but at least it caused the children to focus on God.

Don, thanks for the comment.  Some of the nice things I get just seem too good not to share.

Larry, please forgive my not mentioning the two things you shared.  I really enjoyed them and thank you.  I didn't think those things were "commercializing God", but rather, giving the children a new way to look for the wonderful attributes of God.  But since it is the Christmas season, and there is way too much commercialization this time of year, maybe that is why you mentioned that, Al.

Glad you didn't lose your music, Larry!!  Beth liked the dog, wondered why we didn't get a little puppy, and a famale.  I told her this one needed a good home and is already housebroken, then she understood.

I have been playing with my Cricut, and am so frustrated I could scream.  I guess some of us aren't meant to do this computer stuff.  :-\ :(  Anyway, I am giving it up for now.  So far, having it connected to the computer isn't helping me to do the stuff I want to do.  >:(

See you all tomorrow!

I think it is time I posted something. We had a great Thanksgiving trip south. We arrived  about  4:15 Wednesday afternoon. We got all checked in tot he motel and headed out to Gilbert's; Sarah made green enchiladas  for supper and they were great, I like the green rather than the red.

Then we sat around and drank Sarah's home made Blackberry wine and had a huge gabfest. The wine didn't have much alcohol content and it was very good. We stayed until about 9 Pm and headed back to the motel.

On Thursday morning wee went back to Gilbert's about 10am and  I finished  up the fruit salad. Keith and Gilbert went around measuring the house garage and property with Keith taking lots of notes and  lots of photos. Gilbert is going to do an addition to his house and Keith is drawing the plans.

Around 12:30 we head to Eureka to John and Ann's after we ate Keith took me over to the nursing home to visit with Fay. I used to be her caregiver, she turned 100 in July. She was still in her home labor day when I was there but has gone downhill ever since. We went back to where the kids were then we all headed back to Gil's where we stayed until about 9:pm then back to the motel to get up early and leave for home by 8am.

I went to pick up the dogs as soon as we unloaded the car. Keith's boys came over around  5. We all decided it was too go to the store for a frozen lasagna and to cook it so they went after Little Caesars pizza and a movie. We ate then watch The Changling on the big screen in the family room. The boys left here around 12:15 to go back to their grandpa's to  put up his Christmas decorations. Keith and I made Omelets for breakfast for them.

It sure sounds like everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family, friends and food! 

Janet ~ Kitty has a Cricut but I don't think she uses it much.  She has sooo many hobbies that she could do a different one every day for a year and still have some to do!! 

Kitty and I went to Office Depot, a camera shop, to Hobby Lobby, then we swam our 30 laps and walked 4 laps, on to Don Pablos and then to Kitty's home.  She couldn't get avery.com to work for a some new embossed notecards that she wanted to print.  You can print from online there so I got her fixed up on Avery.  Then she brought me home.

I went out to get my mail and then to Ivalou's to watch her 'walk'.  Seems that Jo took her to Walmart and wore her out.  She was asleep on the couch and didn't wake up while I was there.  But Ivalou purchased a new little microwave and some Correll dishware...lighter in weight and non-breakable!  The microwave is much closer to her kitchen table so easier for her also! 

So I came home and fixed myself a bite to eat and watched TV. 

I'll be back sometime today!

Good morning everyone.  It is another beautiful Sunday here in Georgia.  It is suppose to get up into the 60's this afternoon and is sunny today.  Tomorrow we are to have rain once again in the morning. 

I am ready for church and Pat is getting ready but still over an hour before we will leave.  I think we will have a pretty quiet day.  I just spoke with my daughter and she wasn't hurting this morning (unusual) and was going to attend her church today.  She had contacted the minister to be sure someone would put down the ramp she has to have to get her wheelchair into the sanctuary and to also have someone there to help her get down the ramp as it is pretty steep.  So she should be all set.  She has been told that in the next six months they will have their church more handicapped accessible.  She can get to the fellowship hall in the basement of the church but getting to the santuary is a real challenge.  There are a lot of steps.

I stayed up rather late last evening watching Georgia University beat Georgia Tech in the annual in-state challenge.  Georgia Tech has had the better season but this is a big win for Georgia.  They had lost last year to Georgia Tech.

I did get all of my music library backed up on 17 DVD's and think I will put them in my safe deposit box in the bank.  I have put lots and lots of work into them and don't want to lose them.

That is it for today.  Hope everyone has a nice day.

I feel Mr. Sandman knocking at my door so I had better send you all to a new room to post for the coming week. 

So put your mouse over the word 'here' (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=9247.msg141420#msg141420) and click!