Christian Photographers Community

• Prayer and Praise     Thanks for visiting this area of our site to share prayer requests and items for praise!

 



Morning Devotional...




Heavenward by Scotty Smith

The First Sunday of Advent

     You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, "Here is your God!" See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isa. 40:9-11 (NIV)

     Heavenly Father, on this first Sunday of Advent, we praise, bless and adore you, for the privilege of reflecting on your great generosity in these coming weeks. Our hope is real because your faithfulness is certain. Show us, once again, how every promise you have made finds its emphatic "Yes!" in Jesus (2 Cor. 1:20).

     Fuel our wonder and enflame our hearts. Help us engage with the story of Jesus' birth with childlike wonder and renewed hope. Bring familiar Scriptures alive in fresh and transforming ways.   

     Speaking of which, Father, I love Isaiah's description of the Messiah as the One who will "gather us up in his arms, and carry us close to his heart." To be tended as vulnerable lambs, to be held close to your heart, and to be gently led—what more could we possibly desire? Yet he, who is now our Good Shepherd, was first the Lamb of God, who bore our sins on the cross. There is no greater love.

     But he also comes as the Sovereign Lord, with "sleeves rolled up," to rule over all history and every heartache, and over all kings and every crisis. Nothing and no one can alter, subvert, or change the story you are telling, and the kingdom you are advancing, through Jesus. Thankfully, these aren't mere metaphors, Father; for metaphors can't save us, only inspire us. The gospel is true. Hallelujah, it is true!

     Indeed, the hope of Advent puts all nations on notice: There is only one true King, and he is Jesus; and the coming of Jesus puts us—your people, face down in adoring love. Over the next several weeks, show us, yet again, how Jesus is a most wonderful and grace-full Savior—Immanuel, the God who is very much with us and who is totally for us. So very Amen we pray, with great anticipation, in Jesus' matchless and merciful name.

Hi Everyone...   

First of all, I want to wish you well, John.  I'm so sorry that you are going through this with your back.  Definitely I will be praying for you.

I've had to go off the "schedule" that I had of posting all Jack's "Walking in the Old Paths" but my pain has increased as had the prednisone and I'm spending too much time in my bed and my chair in the bedroom.  I thank you all for your prayers on my behalf.

Larry, the "5" and "6" numbers is the number of 5mg pills.  I was as high as 60mg daily and then she was reducing my level to try and get me off but I could only get as low as 3 pills at 5 mg each  and then 4 pills at a time and now I'm increasing to 6mg starting tomorrow morning.  It's been a long 8 months with this and I would be so happy if it were to be over. 

Hi everyone.  It is an overcast 51 degree morning here in South Carolina but expected to get to 69 this afternoon.  They have put the possibility of some rain in the forecast for the next few days and it will be most welcome as it is very dry here.  We still haven't had a killing frost and flowers are still in bloom outside, including my 5 small azalea bushes in front of my porch and my potted Impatien plant that waited until late to bloom. 

Pat did feel up to going to church with me yesterday.  I went to Sunday School and then left a few minutes early and came back home and picked her up.  It is almost exactly a 10 minute drive each way and we got there just as the minister was making announcements before the service began.  After church we went to the Sunshine Grill and split a club sandwich.  They are very large and Pat just removed the wheat bread from her portion and had plenty to eat.  We did get a call from our Nigerian "grandson", who had just returned to college from being home for Thanksgiving. 

Today is going to be a light day with only my noon meeting on tap.  I just did something that will save me a trip to the Credit Union.  I had a couple of small checks to deposit.  So I used the mobile app on my phone to deposit them.  It worked wonderfully well and I could immediately see the balance increase as it was accepted.  I decided not to attend the Men's monthly meeting tonight at the church as it will be dark for the trip both ways.  I do plan on attending a special Christmas music program that will be held Thursday evening at our church with our choir director playing the piano and the choir singing with apparently some other special musical  things planned.

Janet, you know that we all miss you when we don't see your postings.  Glad your email notification system is now working for this discussion.  My wife talked to her sister in the Kansas City area yesterday and she said it was raining heavily there and I see more rain is predicted from a new storm coming up from the South.  May be you will get some of that rain. 

Carol, glad you were able to meet your two sons for dinner yesterday.  This Featherweight sewing machine I got for Pat is a 1950 build.  I had a text from my son saying he had opened the case yesterday and the machine was in great shape.  Do you take your Featherweight with you to Arizona? 

John, you are so right that we must always move on and adjust to whatever God has in store for us, both the good and the not so good such as severe pain and try to make everyday a good day as you said.  I do hope you won't overdo or lift too much and cause further pain.  I know living on an acreage and burning wood isn't going to make it easy  for you to back off. 

Pat, Thanks for the new devotional thoughts for the week.  Scotty Smith is a very good writer and this Advent piece is most appropriate.  Thanks for the further explanation on the quantity of medicine you are having to take.  I pray that you get some relief of this severe pain soon. 

Pat, thank you for the Scotty Smith message - Advent is a beautiful time as we wait to celebrate the birth of our Savior.  I'm so sorry you haven't been able to control the severe pain.  I pray your doctor will be given special insight into the problem.

Larry, it is such good news that your Pat has improved enough that she was able to attend church.   

Pat sorry to hear that you have to take so much prednisone, I know it can have bad side effects on a person's body. My mother was on prednisone for years, it sure didn't help her osteoporosis any, just made it worse.

I tood Freckles to church with me again yesterday, she is such a well behaved girl and everybody just loves her.

Keith is feeling much better and finally got his appetite back over Thanksgiving.

I am so happy to be getting the email notifications again!   

We are having a lovely warm day here today, don't even need a light jacket to go outdoors!  But the predicted rain over the weekend didn't materialize--only blowing dust.    I see parts of the country are getting big snows already, so I hope we get some, too.  Or rain--we are not picky!

I caught a fingernail in a drawer pull on the cabinet on Thanksgiving day and broke the nail right across the middle, halfway down.  It popped the polish off the cuticle half, and it bled and hurt like blazes!  I put an elasticized bandaid around it to protect it from getting ripped on off and so far, so good.  But I cannot feel the keys under it as I type, so am making lots of mistakes.  No biggie, just an aggravation.

We lost a wonderful 24-years old man of our town.  He was so very talented, smart, friendly, a wonderful Christian.  Had been to China working in an orphanage for handicapped children several times, had finished college and gotten a good job  Was coming home for Thanksgiving, and evidently was distracted while driving, went through a stop sign and was hit by a big milk tanker truck.  He was the oldest of three sons, and his parents have also adopted two little girls from China.  The whole community is in mourning.    Such a terrible loss, for his family. his friends, and the world.  He won; he is in heaven, but oh, his poor family!

I just hate this talk about a re-count of the votes in three states!  Trump won!  Give it up! 

I know I should be making preparations for Christmas, but I just don't seem to have the energy or the want to!  I really don't care if I even get a tree put up!  And that is so NOT me! 

I hope you all have a lovely evening!

Hi, friends.

Pat the devotional was wonderful. Thank you for sharing more of your physical challenges. That helps us be better prayer warriors for you.

Larry, it's so good to hear from you. I'm thankful your Pat was able to go to church.

Marilyn, it is good news that you and Freckles went to church, and that Keith is better.

Jeanne, it was good to hear from you again. Hope you're doing better.

Janet, it's also good to hear from you. That's sad about the young man's death.

I've been dealing with another tumble. This one broke two toes on my left foot. And the big toe nail had to be removed and the foot doctor found an infection under that nail. So it's dangerous with my diabetes. I'm now on antibiotics.

May God bless all who come here with His own unique kind of grace and healing and comfort that we need today.

Much love,
Ruth Ann

This morning started with freezing rain making for some icy spots for folks who had to drive earlier.  But the temperatures in this area seem to be above freezing now, with some places even expecting near 50^o by this afternoon. 

Ruth Ann, I'm so sorry to hear about your latest tumble and the problems with your toes.  I pray the foot doctor will quickly find a successful treatment for the infection.

Hi everyone.  We are starting this day with a few very short showers and have the prospects for more rain during the next couple of days.  It was 68 degrees when I got up this morning and predicted to reach 75 degrees this afternoon. 

The main activity for today is to attend the Adult Fellowship Luncheon and Program at the church.  As I mentioned yesterday today is a special musical program.  I love music so  have really been looking forward to this program.  Either before or after I will go to the place where Pat and I get our CPAP supplies to get her a couple of nose pillows for her head gear.  I also want to stop by Office Deport as yesterday I stopped at another Office Depot to get a notebook that Pat needed for a cookbooks she had me print out.  The price was $5.99 but when it range up it had been discounted down to $1.  I asked the clerk if that was right and she said it was as many items had been greatly discounted.  If they are still at this price I will get several as need to replace some that I am using that are pretty worn out. 

Jeanne, I was very happy to have Pat go to church with me and she was warmly greeted back by a number of the other attendees.  I am still preparing her breakfasts and helping with the other meals to help her keep off her feet as much as possible as that is what brings on the back pain.  The mornings seem to be the worst time for her.

Marilyn, sure glad to read that Keith is feeling better and that his appetite has returned.  If he loses his appetite again watch out for low sodium.  At least that was experience about 3 years ago that ended me up in the hospital.

Janet, it seems like you all get very little rain.  Is your area turning into a desert?  I know they were having some heavy rains in Missouri and that another storm area has or will be moving up through that part of the county.  Your finger nail expereience sent a big chill down my spine.  I hope it will grow back.  What a terrible tragedy for your community and for those he would have helped in the future.  He was so young. 

Ruth Ann, I think we need to wrap you in cotton to protect you as you are having too many falls.  I know that diabetics have a much harder time healing or at least that was Stacey's experieence.  Do you have anyone helping you with shopping or getting you where you need to go?

Larry I think your last paragraph wasmeant for RuthAnn not me.

Did I tell y'all that I had a nice visit with my Hospice patient on Saturday? Freckles and I went to visit him and found his up at the sink washing a Golden delicious apple. He has dementia, but otherwise is ambulatory and speaking.

I found somethings in a closet here that were left by Keith's ex. They are brand new still in the boxes and will make  great gifts for some family members. One is  two Santa mugs and a pitcher for hot chocolate, I think Forest will like that.

Ruthann I'm sorry to hear that you've had another fall and have injured your foot. You sure have to be careful with those infections with MERSA and CFIDS so prevalent  these days. When we vist the medical facilities they have big stop signs on the doors so we don't go in to visit in that room.

I am so sorry to read of all the health issues for my friends here.    I, most certainly, will be in prayer for each of you: Pat, Janet, Ruth Ann, Jeanne .... and Larry's Pat and Larry as well. 

My sister is very near the fires in Tennessee and that concerns me.  There is such an urgent need for rain or snow or whatever will put those horrible wild fires out in that whole area of the country.  California knows about such things but it seems this is something fairly uncommon in the east.  Extreme draught and wind whipping the fallen leaves ... perfect recipe for wild fire.

It is cool in Tucson and tonight is a 2nd. freeze warning so we wrapped a key lime tree and a grapefruit tree - they are both small but very productive.  I know zero about fruit trees. 

So sorry to learn of the health problems  -

     Ruth Ann:  I will keep you in prayers for complete healing and pain-free tomorrows.

    John B:  Take care, prayers your direction as well. Hi to Judy!

     Pat:  and Larry's Pat: John B: Is there any way you can get to a deep warm water pool?  It sure helped me to wear a waist float last year and just float as that straightens out all the muscles and felt so good. 

A sore throat cropped up yesterday so I am staying clear of everyone - already better today after making soup from leftover turkey and making a lot of broth.  I slept on the trundle bed in the little room and am trying to not pass on my germs to anyone.  Today is much better already. 

Larry:  I did not bring the Singer Featherweight this year.  Instead, brought the heavy Bernina and need to get on with that work.  This quilt is going to need more than straight stitching. 

Time for a nap and more antibiotics. 

Jane:  The lack of rain has caused fires in so many places - about 300 acres burned in the Denver area in a place called Green Mountain.  I also read that Israel had a lot of fires and many were set - hope they find the culprits.  Take care. 

This seems to be the year for natural disasters, doesn't it?  Gatlinburg, Tennessee is in flames too.  The fires in Israel were set by the Palestinians, and I do hope they are punished!  We need some really good news now for at least several days, have had way too much of the bad!

I had a good visit with Beth and John today, as had a few things I needed to tell them.  Her aunt on her Dad's side died yesterday.  She had turned 91 on Nov. 7th.  Her son said she requested to be cremated and for there to be NO service!  I find that sad.  But he will do as she asked.  I was wondering if the service would be this week, before we leave for Branson, now I need not worry about it at all.

Ruth Ann, I am so sorry to read of your fall, and the problem with the infection in your toe.  I pray everything heals up quickly! 

Carol, hope that sore throat is all gone by now!  I try to start taking extra Vitamin C and Zinc at the first twinge of a sore throat, it really helps put a stop to it.

I visited my friend Maxine today, and reminded her that day after tomorrow is December first, which means that her birthday is coming up fast!  (She will be 100 on Dec. 24th.)  She said, "Oh no!  My birthday isn't until Dec. 24th!"  I told her that's coming really soon, or so it feels to me.  She said time drags for her because she can't get up and do anything.  I'm sure it would for me, if I were in that same place.

I need to buy a new computer.  This one is old and I'm afraid it may crash.  It's starting to act up, and Windows crashed the other day.  (But came back up when I rebooted, thank goodness.)

Pat, I surely do hope you are feeling better now, and that your pain has lessened.  I hate to think of you taking so much prednisone, but when you need it, you need it.  Beth used to have to take it, but is off it now.

Larry, that was a nice surprise to find what you were buying was on such a good sale!  I hope they had more of the notebooks when you went back.

Darrel and I are going to Hooker, Oklahoma and then to Liberal,Ks. tomorrow.  Then will attend the Wed. supper and the first of the Advent studies if we get home in time.  I hope we will!

Jeanne, you stay in and stay warm, okay?   

Time for me to go to bed.  Early day tomorrow, again!

Hi, friends,

Thanks for your prayers and thoughts.

Yes, Larry, we diabetics are slow to heal. No, I still drive and try to tAke care of my errands.

I am really tired tonight, so will sign off. Y'all have a good rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone on another overcast morning.  We did have some nice rain yesterday afternoon and evening and more is predicted for this evening.  I did really enjoy our adult luncheon at church.  The program was outstanding and was highlighted by several piano duets by our very talented choir director/organist/pianist and her sister.  The choir members present also sang several Christmas type selections as well as a piece from "The Sound of Music".  We topped all of that off with a good meal of a pasta dish, salad, bread and dessert.  I did go to Office Depot but struck out as the price had actually gone up than it was originally before the sale price.  Also there machine to put spiral bindings on things was out of order.  So I came home and had a nice nap and quiet afternoon.

I plan on being home all day today until time to go to the church this evening for our Wednesday night dinner.  I am hopeful that Scott will come out in advance and we can go together so he can do the driving.

Marilyn, your last comment about my posting needing to be to Ruth Ann has left me scratching my head and it was addressed to Ruth Ann.  What am I missing?  Glad your first Hospice visit went so well.  Did Freckles get to go with you or is that not allowed with the Hospice type work?  Nice to find some Christmas gifts already in your home and it helps on the bank account at this time of the year. 

Jane, thanks for the prayers for Pat and I.  I certainly hope your sister escapes those horrible fires in Tennessee.  At least she has time to gather some things that she would need to take with her.  Those fires are in the news everyday especially since they are affecting Gatlinberg and the area where Dollywood is located. 

Carol, do you often get freezing weather in Tuscon?  Your suggestion about a warm water pool is a good one.  However, I am not aware of whether such is available around here.  I know there is a community pool but sure it is not kept warm and I expect the same is true for the "Y" pool.  Sure hope that sore throat is gone for you today.  When we used to got to Florida for our week in the timeshare many years Pat took her big Bernina and it was heavy.  She has worked in her sewing room a couple of times for a few hours in the last few days, which I find encouraging.

Janet, it is one thing when fires are started by nature, as this is part of a regenerative process, but certainly not part of it for arson to be the cause.  I sure hope some of the rain we had yesterday and may have today goes on to Tennessee and helps put out those fires.  You haven't mentioned Maxine in sometime.  It is really something to reach the age of 100.  We have a lady who sits in front of us at church who is 101 years old and very spry.  She comes with her daughter and SIL.  She is hard of hearing but uses the hearing devices the church has available and stands whenever the congregation stands.  Exciting time when we get to buy a new computer.  I sure hope you have or will quickly back up your files so they won't be lost if your computer crashes.  You can also backup your email addresses.  A quick Google search will generally give you access to a video of how to do most anything on the computer including backing up.  It sounds like you and Darrel have a busy day in store today. 

Ruth Ann, glad you are still able to get out and do your errands.     

Just a quick update on John's post. 

I will never forget hearing Jack (Pat's) say "I thank God for this sickness, it has given me more people to witness to.  Judy, remember the Bible says "In everything give thanks for this is the will of God concerning you!"' And witness he did.

So with this problem of John's I am giving thanks.  Not that he is in pain but rather that we will see His work in in our lives and that will be shown to others.  There are many obstacles that we are facing at this time.  The timing of the surgery being the greatest.  We depend on he pay from the snow plow for our winter needs as well as the income from the school bus in the spring and hay in the summer.  If surgery is too soon we loose the winter income, if it is too late we loose the spring and summer income.  For those living in Canada you know that our PM is talking and working on cutting the pensions of the seniors....... It will be interesting to see God's faithfulness in this.

John is in a lot of pain.  He rarely complains, as a matter of fact the only way I know is he starts just sitting and not moving much except to lean forward at the waist to relieve the pressure on the back.  If he is walking I take hold of his arm (like a lady, lol) to add the extra support... People around never know that he is in pain, that is just his way.

I am trying to do extra around here, so please keep me in prayer as well that God would give me strength to do what I need to be able to relieve his workload.

Thanks for listening.

Judy, I was so glad to see a post from you.  It seems it has been a very long time since we heard from you.  I am so sorry to know of John's back problems and I am praying for his relief.  I'm sure it means a lot to him to have you there beside him. 

I understand your worries about losing part of your income, but of course I know you remember that God, in His own way, will always provide what we need.

Love you, Judy.  Let's hear from you more often!

Larry I sure thought saw my name there instead of Ruthann's. Yes Freckles went with me to visit my Hospice patient, we are certified Therpy dogs and handlers so are allowed to go into all the medical facilities. We are not allowed to go into any room that has a large stop sign on or next to the door, into the rooms of patients who have had joint replacement surgery.

Raining here this morning supposed to clear up this afternoon. Keith has a Dr appt at 12:30 toady.

Hi everyone.  After a very gloomy day yesterday we have bright sunshine and a much cooler morning.  We expect to get only in the lower 60's this afternoon.  We did get another 1/2 inch of rain last evening.  Today is going to be a busy one as will soon leave to pick up my friend and take go to coffee, then take him home and then go back downtown to the church for the Wisdom group, which hasn't met for the last couple of weeks.  Then this evening is the special concert at the church that I want to attend. 

I did get to have dinner with Scott and and he come out to the house shortly before time to go to dinner and went back with me.  He then drove home.  He had had a crown preparation at the dentist yesterday and was still numb.  He didn't stay very long last evening as it was raining hard and he was getting sleepy. 

Judy, good to see a posting from you.  I can relate to trying to do things to help our spouses when they are suffering so with back or other pain.  I can understand your dilemma.  Why is your Prime Minister trying to cut the pensions for older folks?  Please take care of yourself.

Jeanne, I agree with you that when we put our trust in God, as I am confident John and Judy do, things will work out.  Sometimes we are tested.

Marilyn, no problem about the posting mixup.  Glad you could take Freckles with you on the Hospice visit and bet the gentleman enjoyed having Freckles visit with him. 

Hi Every Buddy. Not much is new here on the Oregon coast. Just taking it easy for a few days. I have the Wine Walk booth tomorrow evening with two other teams. Keith is going to the usual Friday night dinner with one of the guys.

I have to call the chiro this afternoon and get an adjustment=and see if that will help my knee. It is very painful when I bend it as much as it will bend. Yike the pain is terrible., It doesn't bother me to walk though.

I finally applied for a Medicare advantage program I have to wait until CMS approves the plan. I still can't get Keith to sign up for insurance. I bet he would agree if I would pay for it but that ain't happening.

I think it must be December!  The temp was 13* when I got up!  But it has warmed up nicely, into the upper 50s.  I got my new winter coat from Duluth Trading yesterday, so I'm ready!!  Bring on the snow!!      We had a nice trip to Hooker and Liberal yesterday.  I got that broken nail repaired, so it should be good for several weeks, then we will see if it has grown out enough.  Then Darrel got his hearing aids adjusted at the VA.  It took them two months to get their software installed!  But he can hear better; and just in time for the Branson trip!

Judy, it really is nice to read a post from you.  Do take care of yourself as you take care of John and try to take a lot of the load off his shoulders.  We have to remember we aren't made of steel, either!    I'm sure you know all this, but if you're anything like me, you kind of forget to be careful while you are helping your husband with those chores.  Do come in and chat more often, even just to say hello and let us know how you and John are doing!

I called son-in-law Jeff while we were in Liberal yesterday, and we met him for lunch and had a nice visit.  He said he thinks Abby and her boyfriend have broken up, which delights him and pleases this grandma, too. He is a nice boy, but didn't treat our Abby as he should, and was raised totally differently from the way she has been raised.  She is young, and it's better for her to be free and enjoy her college years.  (IMHO, of course!)    I suspected this, as I asked Abby on Thanksgiving day if Jordan was spending the day with his family, and she said "I have no idea!"  And she didn't seem at all upset about it, either.

Ruth Ann, I hope your feet aren't causing you a lot of pain, and that you don't have to get out unless you want to.

Jeanne, are you staying in where it's warm?  I hope so!

Marilyn, it sounds as if Freckles is a great companion for you and brings you and others joy.  Good for both of you!

Pat, if you peek in, know that you are loved, thought about and prayed for!   

Larry, enjoy the music program tonight!!  Our town is having a Christmas Light Parade tonight.  I want to go, but unless Darrel will take me, I can't.  It's a pain to not be able to drive at night, but I do want to be safe.

Michael has finally been able to find the problem and now we're able to post our new photo challenge HERE. 

I'm sure you have some favorite things you'd like to show us - especially during this time of Christmas decorations and memories.  So take lots of pictures and if you have trouble posting them (maximum 4) just let me know.   

Hi everyone.  This is one of the coolest mornings we have had all winter as it got down to 37 this morning and will only hit 60 late this afternoon.  After a busy day yesterday today should be much less busy.  The housekeeper will be here later this morning and Pat and I plan to eat out at noon or mid-afternoon.  Pat told me yesterday she wanted to get out of the house today as has been in all week. 

The concert last evening was wonderful.  I was able to video most of it with my iPhone so Pat can see it.  There was a large crowd and they had to put out more chairs.  The concert was about 2 hours long with a 10 minute intermission.  I did go pretty early and got both a good place to park and a good seat on the aisle in the second row but there wasn't a chair in front of me in the first row so I had no problem doing the video. 

Tonight and tomorrow afternoon the neighbors home across the street is being featured in the North Augusta Tour of Homes.  She has apparently been collecting nutcraker figures since she was a little girl.  The outside of her house is beautifully decorated and I am sure the inside is as well.

Marilyn,  I hope you were able to get into see the chiropractor and that he could help your knee.  Glad it doesn't hurt as you walk.  It seems like a wise move to have the Medicare advantage plan as medical costs are really something as we all know. 

Janet, it sounds like you got a lot accomplished on your trips to Liberal and Hooker.  Certainly timely for Darrel to get the hearing aids adjusted.  I hope you got to attend the Christmas Light Parade last night.  Our little town is having their annual Christmas Parade in a few days.  They have a number of parades each year and other events.  Unfortunately we just aren't up to taking them in. 

Jeanne, I will try to remember to take some pictures and post them. 

Darrel graciously took me to the light parade and we enjoyed it, even though it was quite cold!  When I got up today it was 14*, and it is overcast, so not warming up much yet.

I have a hair appointment and will also go by the senior center and get my toenails trimmed, go to the care home to get some info so I can call BCBS, and probably cancel Beth's.  She just doesn't have the money to cover the cost of that insurance, and I don't think they are paying hardly anything on her, anyway.  The gal who was in charge of all that is gone.  When I asked if she was in, the receptionist said, "She doesn't work here anymore."  I am wondering if that was her choice or not.  Hmmm.

I need to get going, and get my errands done.  Need to check in on my friend Dee, as I haven't seen her for at least a couple of weeks.  I went by but she wasn't home

Larry, glad Pat feels like getting out of the house today.  Will you go across the street and see the well-decorated house inside?  I would enjoy that!

Janet I too have a hair appointment today, for color and cut. I haven't had a full head color in I can't remember how long it has been well over 20 years. I've just had either highlights or low lights.  I am trying out the color now so I can determine if that is the way I want it for the wedding next August of Keith's youngest son.

Also this evening there will be 3 teams of Furry Friends participating at our spot to showcase our dogs and what we do at the Appliance store for the Wine Walk people to see. We do this every first Friday. We now have some emergency  information cards to sell for $1.00 each. They go with the car registration in case of accident and identify who to call to come and take care of your dog in case of an accident. Or to go to your home to take care of you dog or pets.

Since Freckles is my Service Dog she has a vest and identification attached to the vest that states that in case of an accident she gets transported with ME.

Hi everyone.  A chilly but nice Saturday morning.  We are predicted to only get to 58 degrees today and to be even cooler tomorrow with rain starting in the late afternoon.  I got out early this morning and made a fast trip to Walmart to get a couple of items and now am set to stay home the rest of the day.  I will watch some football this afternoon and probably evening.

Yesterday Pat and I enjoyed getting out together.  We went to Tin Lizzy's for our main meal of the day and then came back from Augusta and stopped at the Office Depot where we bought a chair that is adjustable on 5 legs with wheels and arms that Pat hopes to be able to use in the kitchen.  She is feeling better and wants to resume some of the cooking responsibilities (and I am not complaining although I know I will need to be here arms to reach things in the cabinets so she doesn't need to get up and down as that is what is painful for her.  Hopefully the chair will be high enough to to used in the kitchen.  When I went to pay for it I found it was discounted so saved about $25, which was nice.  Now I have to get it put together or wait until Scott comes out Wednesday and ask him to assemble it.  I have several things I want to accomplish this morning such as fixing me some frozen fruit cups and grate some cheddar cheese.  Next week will be a big shopping trip to COSTCO to stock up on several things. 

Janet, glad you were able to see the light parade.  I guess I shouldn't complain about it being chilly here when you have such cold weather.  In looking at the weather map it appears a lot of snow will be falling around the mid part of the country and will be colder this next week.  No, we will not go across the street during this Parade of Homes as it costs $20 a person and that covers 7 or more houses and there is no way we would be able to do that.  There did appear to be quite a few people who came to see the house last night.  I don't think I would want to open up my house for tours. 

Marilyn, I hope you are happy with the hair coloring.  Only in the last couple of years has Pat's hair turned a grey and it is a very pretty color.  I told her it was time as I have had grey/white hair for many years.  I hope your showcase of the Furry Friends went well last night.  I had never thought about providing information on the care of the pets if something were to happen. It sounds like a good idea and I hope you sold many of those cards. 

We had snow last night!!   But it's all gone now, as it is fairly warm--well, less cold, anyway.  It seemed to have good moisture content, and we are happy for any moisture we get!

We have gotten the refrigerator all cleaned out, and are almost finished with our packing for the little trip to Branson.  We are really looking forward to it.

Marilyn, I got my hair trimmed and styled.  I decided to let it be white and stop messing with color.  And I have had so many compliments, such as, "Oh!  Your hair is so beautiful, and it shines like silver!"  Sounds good to me, so silver it shall stay!    What color did you have yours done?  I'm not sure if you are a redhead or a brunette!  Which is it now?

Larry, that chair sounds like it may really help Pat, and I hope it does.  I am finding that standing for a long time, doing things like cutting up things for a big salad, canning, or just doing kitchen work for hours is making my back hurt.  It isn't unbearable, and goes away when I stop and rest with my feet up, but I now take those tasks I can do sitting down to the table and do them.    It just took me a while to wise up!

Hey!  K-State is beating TCU, at least in the third quarter.  They have a really good team this year!

I have been trying to sort out problems with Beth's insurance and her bank account.  For unknown reasons, she suddenly doesn't have enough money to pay her monthly expenses!     And the lady at the care home who signed all the residents up with new doctors and insurance has left suddenly.  Makes me wonder if there's a connection. ? 

Monday is Beth's and John's FIRST anniversary!!    We are so thankful for John and the happiness Beth has enjoyed because of him!  God bless them!

I need to do some more "stuff".  I won't post in the morning, as we have to be in Hugoton at 6 AM to get on the bus!!  Stay well, everyone!

Janet it sound to me like that lady  has been  embezzling some of the money of the patients.

My hair is now a shoulder length bob and  a reddish brown.

We  Freckles and I had a visit this morning at one of the nursing homes then went to play day with some of our other furry friend dogs at the dog park. This afternoon  In just a few minutes I am taking her to visit our Hospice patient at one of the Memory facilities. I alos need to make a loaf of bread this afternoon

Janet I would love to hitch a rid to Branson in one of your bags,.

Marilyn, I think there may be an extra seat on the bus, which would be more comfortable than squeezed into a small corner of my bag--We are sharing one bag, so it's pretty full! 

Hi everyone.  It is going to be a very chilly and rainy day here in South Carolina.  It is not suppose to get above 50 degrees and that is fairly early this morning and then into the 40's the rest of the day.  Once again I plan on going to Sunday School but will leave early to come home and get Pat so she can attend church with me.  We will have to get something to eat before we come home and then just have a quiet rest of the day.

There were many cars on our street yesterday as people came to see our neighbor's home on the Tour of Homes.  A couple of the ladies in my Sunday School class were helping with it.  It obviously was a big success.  Downtown yesterday afternoon they had their annual Christmas parade.  I was glad I was at home. 

I hope Janet and Darrel have a very enjoyable trip to Branson today and see some wonderful Christmas shows.

Marilyn, it sounds like you and Freckles had a very busy day yesterday. 

Hi everyone on another overcast morning after a night of rain.  We will only get to 59 degrees today and late tonight and into the early morning hours we have 100% chance of more rain.  The rain is welcome as we are in a drought here in South Carolina.  Pat did go to church with me yesterday and then we ate lunch out.  The housekeeper had the flu last week and missed on Friday but Pat talked with her last evening and she will be here this morning.  I plan on attending my Monday noon meeting and I don't know what else we may do today.  We need to go to COSTCO for some major restocking but not sure it will be this afternoon. 

Of Wolves and Lambs
by Joni Eareckson Tada

"And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together, and a little child shall lead them."  Isaiah 11:6

Theologians and preachers will debate the timing and meaning of this prophecy.  Is it before or after Christ's rule in the Millennium?  Is it in heaven or is it on earth?  Is it figurative or real?

You can debate it for millennia, if you like, but I can tell you that I've already seen it come to pass.  Really.  You could, too, if you received permission from the Colorado State prison system to go to a small workshop in one of its medium security prisons.  There you'd find an inmate, his tattoo-covered arms carefully restoring an old wheelchair.  He'd tell you he's not doing it for the money.  (He's not.  He only gets $12 a month compared to the standard $600 a month for the other work in prison.)  He'd tell you it's rewarding to him to do something for someone else who's got it worse off than he does.  And he'd tell you he's doing it because he loves to.  That's my wolf.

And the lamb?  Oh, she's a Chinese girl with cerebral palsy who's going to get her first wheelchair because of the wolf's strong arms.  She'll go outside of her house for the first time.  Maybe go to school.  Maybe even watch the Chinese New Year outside, on her own, and not on her father's back this time.  That's something she would never have gotten to do if it had not been for the wolf.

The lamb and the wolf will both have been led by a child -- a child that broke the chains of sin in that inmate's life.  A child that can free the Chinese girl to walk the streets of heaven someday.  A child that was born in lowlier conditions that either will know.  A child who died in more agony than either the wolf or the lamb could ever imagine.  A child who heals both of their broken hearts and promises both of them freedom.

Few would call that man in prison a friend, Lord.  And few would call that girl lovely.  But I join that wolf and that lamb and follow You to Calvary.   

Blessings,

Joni and Friends

What a beautiful analogy by Joni!  Thank you, Pat.   

Hi everyone on a overcast and still lightly rainy morning.  We have had about 2 1/4 inches of rain in the last two days.  It looks like it is about over as the prospects are low for the rest of the day and evening.  I got up this morning and fried up a pound of sausage and mixed up a new batch of sausage muffins for Pat's breakfast over the next few days.  I will try not to drop one of them on the floor as I did last time.  Here is a link to a picture of the batch of muffins I just made: http://photopeach.com/public/upload/data3/farm5/s/s/i/siteman81/2526814c63fa692f59e1fe5a6911d3c8.jpg

There is nothing specific on the calendar for today although we may make a trip to COSTCO later today as long as it is not raining.  Yesterday I did not attend my noon meeting as planned as my heart was letting me know it was there and that I needed to rest.  I didn't want to cook last night so we went to Ruby Tuesdays and had a delicious dinner. 

Pat, I loved that story you shared and also the beautiful graphic of the falls, which also reflects God's awesome work. 

Hi everyone on this Wednesday morning.  So far it is overcast but to get to about 60 this afternoon. While the rain stopped yesterday it was a very dark and damp day outside.  I worked here at home all morning, rested and then went to COSTCO and stocked up on several things. No riding carts were available so I walked the store very slowly.  Fortunately I have now been there often enough to have a general idea where things are located on the shelves and in the freezers and coolers.  There is no dinner at church tonight so we will prepare dinner hear to share with Scott when he comes out late this afternoon.   

Thank you,friends, for great reading this evening. I'm sorry for being absent so long.

I'm recovering well, but slowly. Soon I'll be forced to go out to get supplies. It seems that many are working on the Christmas gift list so roads and stores are crowded.

Y'all have a good evening.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  We have the promise of some sunshine today, which will be very much  welcomed.  Our predicted high is 57 for this afternoon.  Today will be my normal pretty busy Thursday with coffee and the Wisdom group and then a quick trip to Aldi's on my way home as need some fresh vegetables and a few other items.  I hope that will be it for the day.  We plan on a nice salad with some of the rotisserie chicken on it for our evening meal. 

Yesterday I finished up the cookbook project for Pat preparing an index by recipe of the special 174 page cookbook we printed and then adding another 70+ pages of additional recipes she had found over a several year period and making a separate index of these by page number and then alphabetical by recipe name.  Yesterday afternoon I did get her kitchen chair assembled and I think it will serve the purpose well.  The island we have in the kitchen has the top extending out from the base on one side where she can pull the chair under and get close to the working surface.  We will just have to see how it works out.  Scott came over for dinner last evening and then set up Pat's Christmas village and a few other decorations.  We plan on leaving the village up year round as we had done in our other house so we can enjoy it all year long.  It is atop the entertainment center so is not in the way at all. 

Ruth Ann, glad to read you are recovering, even if at a slow pace.  Have you considered placing your grocery order online and then you would just have to go to the store at an agreed upon time and someone would place the items you ordered in your car.  We have done it twice now at Walmart and it worked like a charm and I can see us using this service much more in the future.  Here Kroger's is also doing it I expect some of the other grocery chains will follow suit.  I am hoping before long they will offer delivery as well. 

Hi everyone.  We have a sunny and cold 30 degree morning here with prospects of it only getting into the 40's today.  I do need to get out and get a haircut this morning as beginning to look like the shaggy dog.  Other than that I expect to stay home today and have no big projects to work on but several small things.  Yesterday was a pretty busy day as usual with Pat's monthly chiropractic appointment at 4 pm, which I had forgotten about but she hadn't.  I did watch the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Oakland Raiders last evening and then had a good 8 hours of sleep. 

We're hoooome!    We had a very enjoyable few days in Branson; saw eight different shows, including the spectacular MOSES. Plus having a backstage tour of the wonderful Sight and Sound theater before watching Moses, and driving through the wonderful Branson Christmas lights.  We also had a little time for shopping, and a nice and very informative tour of the College of the Ozarks, also known as "Hard Work U" because it's the only college in the US where students can go for free, just by working a certain number of hours per week  And now they have expanded and have kindergarten through 12th grade on campus, as well.  They have their own dairy, a bakery and jelly kitchen, a lodge with an award-winning restaurant and a hog farm located far enough away they don't have to smell it all over campus  It's a really wonderful set-up, and I'd never heard of it before.

We got home last night and now this ol' girl better get with the program if anything "Christmassy" is going to happen around this household!

Glad to hear that all of you seem to be doing pretty well now!

And I just heard from youngest daughter, and she plans to come tomorrow!!!  YES!!!!

Ooooh! Janet!  Welcome back, you were missed.  It sounds as though you had a wonderful time in Branson. 

The cold has settled in , at least for a while, but so far the snow has been pretty light.  Of course, it's only the very beginning of winter - three months minimum to go.  But at the noon news it looked as though the bitter cold nights around zero over the weekend have been cancelled - unless I didn't see the forecast clearly.

Larry, I hope your day turns out to be as peaceful as you're expecting.   

Jeanne we have friends in Buffalo saw on the news this morning that they  really got a lot of snow.

Hi Janet welcome back you can let me out of your bag now. 

This evening is the Hospice Christmas party. I don't like driving after dark, but the Hospice education center isn't very far from here,.  Tomorrow is the Furry friends Christmas party. I am taking a Pineapple Coconut cake.

Freckles and I visited my  Hospice client today. He is such a sweet old man, Navy man too, we pray together before I leave him. He has dementia and is a fall risk. His wife was his caregiver but she just couldn't do it anymore.

Hi everyone on another bright, sunny and cold Saturday morning.  When I got up this morning it was down to 28 degrees and we will see only the mid-40's today but we have no wind so that shouldn't be uncomfortable.  Yesterday I wore my leather coat for the first time since last winter and it felt great.  The calendar is clear today.  I do think Pat and I will go out to eat later today so she can get out of the house for a little bit. 

Janet, glad you are safely home.  It sounds like you had a very nice and enjoyable trip to Branson.  You did a lot in the few days you were gone.  I hope you have a great visit with your youngest daughter today. 

Jeanne, I do hope you avoid that severe cold.  At least you can stay in where it is warm.  I did have a pretty peaceful day yesterday.  We had left overs for dinner last night so didn't even have to deal with preparing an evening meal.

Marilyn, Buffalo seems to really get hit with the snow most years.  I hope you have and will enjoy the Christmas parties this weekend.  That Pineapple Coconut cake sure sounds good.

My goodness, Marilyn!!  I forgot all about you being in my bag!  You should have been kicking and screaming before now, and I'd have let you out sooner! 

What a wonderful day Kerri and I have enjoyed!  She arrived at 11:00, and Beth and John came out to eat lunch with us.  Then Kerri and I went into the studio and started painting, Beth and John watched for a while until Beth got so tired she was ready to go home.  Kerri wanted to do a watercolor of her dog Pete, a French Bulldog.  It turned out  so neat!!  She started one before, gave up and was going to throw it away, so I asked her if I could play with it, and I did.  I will try to figure out how to get them to Jeanne so she can post them for me.  Then Kerri did another one, of flowers.  She is very talented, but hadn't painted in 15 years or more.  Maybe this will make her want to come home more often!  (I hope!)

After a nice steak supper with Darrel, she and I went out and sat in the hot tub a while to get the kinks out, and now I am ready to go to sleep!

See you all tomorrow!  Sleep well, and sweet dreams!

Hi everyone.  It is chilly here this morning as it was yesterday.  It is predicted we will hit 50 degrees about 3 pm today.  I will attend Sunday School and then come back home and pick up Pat so we can go to church together.  I will call before coming home to be sure she feels up to going to church.  Yesterday was a very laid back and restful day for both of us.  We did go out to Wifesavers for a good chicken dinner.  They have very good meals for a very reasonable price.  I will rest and watch football this afternoon.

Janet, having seen pictures of a couple of your paintings I can understand why your daughter would be talented as a painter.  It sounds like you had a great time together yesterday. 

Yes, Larry, we did!  And this morning we went to church, came home and started cutting mats for the two watercolors, I found frames that looked good with them and also a wood frame for the painting of flowers on canvas.  So she is a lucky girl, to have a Mom with everything she needed to complete her projects!  I did get photos on my phone of all of them; now if someone will tell me how to get those to Jeanne, I will do that!  I know how to post them on Facebook, but not how to get them anywhere else.  Sigh.....I hate either not knowing how or forgetting how to do this techy stuff. 

I am very tired, so this is about to get shut down for today!

Janet, just "attach" the photos to an email to me.   

Hi everyone on an overcast morning.  It appears we may have had a little rain during the night.  We should get to about 65 degrees this afternoon.  I did get to Sunday School and Church but Pat wasn't feeling up to attending.  North Augusta was having it's Christmas Parade yesterday afternoon so I had to find an alternative way to get home as the main road in front of the church was blocked.  Fortunately, I have now lived here long enough to know what to do and had no problem getting home.  I didn't get anything for our lunch yesterday and we just ate what we had at home. 

From Wednesday through Saturday evenings last week our church had an event for the community called "Return to Bethlehem".  We did not attend but yesterday as I got to church I drove through the little village that the church sets up and it was most impressive with about 15 different type houses, businesses, the court of Herod, and the Inn set up. There was a cast of people representing the towns people and tradesmen of the small village, all in costume.  It took several hundred people to build the sets, setup the racks of costumes and all the other particulars necessary to put on a production like this.  They even had a live camel and perhaps some other livestock.  They announced that there was an attendance of 4,456 people who attended.  There was no cost.  Our church has been doing this for a number of years and during this time over 48,000 people have attended. 

The only thing on my schedule today is to attend my noon meeting.  This morning I need to shred some cheese and cut up some green peppers so they are available for Pat's scrambled eggs for breakfast over the next few days. 

Janet, you are right that it is not everyone who has an art studio and the materials on hand to frame paintings.   Let me know if you need help getting the photos off your phone onto your computer so you can upload them here as Jeanne indicated.  I usually just select the photo on the phone and send it via email to my computer.  Then I download it from the email usually to my desktop as that is easy to find. 

Hi, friends,

It was good to see y'all again today.

Fortunately the temps are in the 40s. So, I have a couple of errands to run. My foot is healing. Each time I change the dressings, I'm thankful to see progress.

Y'all have a wonderful day.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  We have had a couple of hours of heavy rain that has now slacked off but a good chance for more today and tomorrow. We got to almost 70 degrees yesterday and 65 is predicted for the high today.  Later this morning I have to pick up an online order of groceries from Walmart and also get a half-dozen items at Aldi's.  That will be the big activities of the day.  Yesterday morning my former coffee group of men friends called me from McDonald's via a video call and I had the opportunity to speak briefly to each of them as we shared season's greetings.

Ruth Ann, nice to read that your foot continues to heal.  Hope you got your errands done yesterday.

Let's start a new week HERE!