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Morning Devotional...


Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. --Hebrews 10:22

What a relief to find the writer to the Hebrews encouraging us to "draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience" (Hebrews 10:22).

A sprinkled conscience-surely this is a gracious thing for men and women in the world to know!

One of the most relieving, enriching, wholesome, wondrous things we can know is that sudden sense of the lifting of the burden as the conscience goes free-God giving freedom to that conscience which has been evil, diseased and protesting.

Peter wrote about this and called it "the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 3:21).

This is the kind of conversion I believe in-when your sins are cleansed and forgiven through the blood of the Lamb, you will know it!...

A transaction has taken place within the human spirit. The heart suddenly knows itself clean and the burden lifts from the mind and there is a true sense that heaven is pleased and God is smiling and the sins are gone.

A transaction within the human spirit-that is the kind of forgiveness I believe in!
Dr. Tozer in Echoes from Eden, 65-66.

"Lord, I'm overwhelmed this morning with this 'sense that heaven is pleased and God is smiling and the sins are gone.' I fall on my face before You in heartfelt worship. Amen."

I knew what I was talking about....just figured you all knew, too!!  ha!  No, my husband had five children by his first wife.  So Melony was the youngest of five which makes her have four siblings.  She has one son, Jacen.  He is married and just had his third child.  I found out the viewing isn't until Tuesday and the funeral Wednesday.  That's a long time since the death was Thursday, I think.  But one of her sister is coming from California tomorrow. 

Ivalou called this morning...she has a sore throat, coughing, etc. and said she wasn't going to church.  At church they asked me where she was and I told them she was home with Turkey Flu.  Well, that is the closest bird she has been to lately!  Bird flu...get it?  We got some extra things in our bulletin so I took her a bulletin from church. 

Also the weatherman was finally right.  When I got up the ground was covered with white stuff.  While I was reading my devotions, it was so beautiful.  The snow flakes were as big as ping pong balls...I kid you not!!  Beautiful!!  But by the time I was leaving, it had already raised in temperature and it was slushy on the ground and what was coming down was almost rain!  Suppose to get more of the thick stuff tonight! 

We shared in Sunday School, attended church, went to lunch with Pat and Gaylon, then I went home with them and put color on Pat's hair; then she took me over a couple of blocks to the home where we have our small group study.  Darrel met me there, now we are home again.

I am watching Home for the Holidays on Hallmark.

In the morning as soon as I get home from my chiropractic appointment, we are leaving for New Mexico, to trade vehicles with grandson Curtis and Toni.  Plans at this point are to return home on Wednesday.  So you will all have to hold the fort until then!  ;)

Pat:  Thanks ever so much for devotions reminding us of our cleansing of sins and abundant grace that is so freely given.  Hoping you are feeling well!

Gord:  The turkey is put into a tall pot of boiling oil and that entire thing is set over rocks in our case - in the back yard with a fire extinguisher handy and all three of our sons baby-sat the turkey while chatting & standing in the frigid weather.  The meat is cooked so quickly - skin is crisp and the entire bird is so moist & good.  Lots of work though, I wouldn't do it.  How are you???

Marilyn:  I have been away & sorry to see that you have wrenched your back in some way.  Back pain just stops everything - do hope you are better and will be better with the chiropractor visit.  Prays for you.  

Janet:  Welcome Home!  Gee, you are a busy one.  You have sent me emails before - I don't know what happened - try again.  Thanks.  I keep on doing the little things here as well and try to put in daily time for cutting fabric so I can finally bring something to sew when we go to Arizona in January.  I can only do so much per day.  Edit:  I see that you are on the road again tomorrow morning - have a safe trip! 

Etta Sue:  How sad for the family.  45 is much too young - prayers for the family.  

Melody:  I forgot what I was going to mention to you - just saying hello!

Colin:  It is snowing here - how about your spot on earth?  

I wore my boots since Friday as DIL drove me to their place in the mountains.  Yes, it snowed most of yesterday and picked up last night - then we came back in a lot of heavy snow & ice and a couple of vehicles were in ditches but not over cliffs, thankfully.  Our son has a sinus infection and had to get on a plane at about 5 A.M. today for Honolulu.  He was miserable but has to be there.  Played games and worked a puzzle with a grandson & then we took a walk around the village.  

Thanks Carol!  It's so nice to hear that someone got a blessing from the devotional.

I'm feeling better...yes

Morning all.  We have more S N O W.  Another 10 cm during the night with another 15 due today along with freezing rain.  Kass was up at 6:30 blowing the driveway out so we could get into work/school.  She loves school and hates to miss.  All the busses are cancelled today.

Tis all for now, Praying for the needs represented here.

Elizabeth sent me this.  She is the only person in Geography class because of the "snow day".  I think we have seen it before, but it is fun.  Have a great day everyone.

http://www.riversongs.com/Flas/today.swf

Hi everyone.  It looks like the rainy weather is over here.  It was in the mid-30's here this morning but the sun has come out and it is beautiful.  They had snow in the North Georgia mountains and schools were canceled in a couple of counties.

I just finished making the arrangements and giving the down payment for a used Jazzy Powerchair for our daughter.  They are to bring it to her apartment a week from today to demonstrate it and we will make a decision at that time as to whether to complete the transaction or not.  It comes with new batteries so should be just like a new one.  We are getting it from the Scooterstore so should be able to get it serviced if needed sometime in the future.  This powered wheelchair should give her the mobility she needs to be able to work and get whereever she needs to go in the Atlanta area as all of the buses and MARTA trains are handicap accessibly.  We decided not to try to use the Power Scooter for fear it would overturn as it has almost done that several time with our daughter-in-law.

Our son and his wife didn't make it over this last weekend so we hope to see them next weekend.

Pat, thanks for the devotional.  I always like the writings of Dr. Tozer. 

Judy, it sounds like you are really getting hit with the snow.  It is nice that you daughter so much wants to get to school that she is willing to get our early to deal with the snow.

Pat, glad to read that you are feeling better.  It sounds like you are missing out on the snow by being in Virginia. 

Carol, glad to see that you didn't have any trouble with the bad roads.  Do you take your sewing machine to Arizona with you or just do hand quilting?  I remember several years when we were going to our timeshare in Florida that we hauled Pat's sewing machine and all the related equipment with us in the car so she could quilt while we were at the timeshare.

Janet, I think the Hallmark channel played Christmas movies all weekend.  I know we watched some of them.  Hope you have a good trip to New Mexico.

Etta Sue, it sounds like you were getting quite a bit of snow.  I also love to see those big flakes but really don't miss the snow.

Melody, glad you so enjoy Christmas.  We no longer put up a big tree but have a very small one that sits on a table.  I gave our big tree away to charity this summer as knew we wouldn't use it again. 

I have a men's luncheon to attend at 1 pm today.  Nothing else on the agenda for today.

Lots of rain and fog here on the island.  Mild for this time of year....hope the snow stays away!

Last week my daughter was not well and so I was busy with cooking, etc. Yest. they left for a 4 day stay in the States to get a little sun and rest.  Amanda and I went to the airport with them, the fog was real thick.  Wendy said it reminded her of that old movie with Jim Backus, where he was a pilot and kept saying....I can't see, I can't see!  Anyway, the plane did take off and I am left to console Squeek (cat) who is feeling mighty sad and lonely.  They will be back on Thursday, at which time Squeek will turn her back and ignore them.

I put up my little tree and decorations, so things look sort of like Christmas.  Playing lots of carols, etc.  Since we are not buying presents, it makes life easier.  Tho' it is my plan to get Amanda some new clothes for when she goes looking for a job in the new year.  She has lots of clothes, needs some that are more suitable for an office.  Will have to wait for some real good bargains after the holiday.  Wendy and I will do this....

Marilyn, I did pray for you.  Not hard to forget, as my back hurts most of the time.  Hope you are better....I was too tired to come in and post..also did not have much to say!  Any room left in that corner, Jane?  Think it must be getting a little short on space ;)

Nice devotional, thanks Pat.  I have something in my Bible that people seem to have forgotten these days....

Some books are meant for our inspiration,
The Bible is meant for our transformation.

Ah well, that's just the thoughts of an old lady!   :)

Pleasant Day/Evening and God Bless,

Liz

Sounds like a nice chair, Larry.  Is it really "jazzy"?  or is that the name of the company?

Yes, there's a "snow day" for Rebecca up in Guelph today so Rebecca is all alone in the house as Terena now works out so of course, she's really concerned!  Oh well, Andrew sounded just fine with it.

Hope the rest of you are having a wonderful day!

Time to get the Christmas decorations out for CP!  Hope you all enjoy the festivity! 

I was up real early this morning...6am.  I was ready and waiting before 8 am for Jane, my neighbor, to pick me up.  We went to a restaurant in Noblesville to meet other people who had attended Durbin Elementary.  I went to Durbin for 8 years and then to Lapel for 4 years.  Even my Dad went to Durbin...an older school and Durbin today is a new building and only 6 grades.  There was only one man that was younger than me but with me having siblings older, I recognized about all the 40 other names.  It was fun! 

Then when Jane brought me home, I got in my car and went back to Noblesville to the WalMart.  I needed several things and knew it would take some time so didn't say 'Yes' when Jane asked me if I needed to go anywhere else.  It is cold out.  Spitting snow and the wind is fierce and only 28 degrees!  But the roads are clear...that helps a lot when you have to get out in the cold weather. 

Ivalou is still a little sickly but she did go to the drug store, the bank and get gas in her car today.

Now time for a nap....ZZZZZzzzzzz!!

Good afternoon, everyone!

I've been busy doing stuff for my business today.  I am going to sell some of my photography at a gift shoppe where I live.

I'm taking down my fall decor and dusting today so I can then put up the Christmas decorations!  I'm feeling much better, but still can't exercise AND breathe.  I'm not doing therapy on my finger to get the range of motion back after having to have it splinted for so long.  I exercise it and then it goes back in the splint cause I could really hurt my tendons if I hit or jam it again, now.

Pat- glad you're feeling better.

Etta Sue-Cute decor!  You're right on it, aren't you?  :snowman:  That's as close a Christmas smiley I could find here on PC.

I didn't get to read everyone's posts, so I am not commenting to many.  Sorry.  I hope you all have a wonderful day, though.

Blessings, Kathleen

Thank you Pat for this devotional. I have been struggling this past week and you have reminded me of how loving and caring our God is. To realize this is truly uplifting. I am going into hospital this Saturday to have surgery for two hernias and being reminded of God's love is a great comfort. I wonder if I might ask for your prayers for a dear friend of mine. Niki is very close to us and has been diagnosed with Breast cancer for which she is currently having chemotherapy.  If all goes well she will have a partial mastectomy in January. Niki's oldest daughter,Mary, is our God daughter. She is now a beautiful young woman of twenty-one and is studying drama at university.  Niki's illness has sadened us deeply and it has been God's love that has been our rock through this. Niki lost her husband,Peter(my closest friend and brother in Christ), to cancer four years ago. They have six children with the youngest fourteen and the oldest twenty-five. I have felt through all of this God has been close to us all.
Thank you for this forum. While I haven't been contributing, I have been following the thoughts and daily devotionals. I have also been praying for you all.
May God truly bless you and enrich your lives,
your brother in Christ, Rob

Rob I will be praying for your friend Niki and also for you as you go in for your surgery. In fact I am praying as I type this.

Thank you all who have prayed for me, Today I am pain free. The pain left as quick as it came on me. I took a pain pill yesterday and as you all know I don't like to take any kind of pharmaceuticals, but the pain was so bad I took that  pill. so the pain was gone most of yesterday (which I attributed to taking the pill) and when I woke this morning there was still no pain. So I know it was the prayers.

I usually sing that in June or July, when I'm wishing summer was over and the cold dark days of winter would return as quickly as possible, I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas I mean.

Hi, friends,

I'll take a moment from packing and getting my affairs in order to say hello. I'm just about ready to meet with the apartment leasing manager tomorrow afternoon. Simply need to make certain that the medical information is all there so that they can finalize their decision about whether I'll be able to move in. The apartments are able to help low income seniors because of government assistance, but along with the assistance come all SORTS of hoops that the applicants (and apartment management) must jump through successfully in order to be able to be a tenant. Hopefully all the research, etc. that I've been doing will make it simpler for him to follow and that we'll be able to finalize my plans very quickly.

It certainly would be nice to be in the apartment in time to have Christmas at my "new digs."  :) That would be truly marvelous.

Gotta go - lots more checking to do before going to bed.

Love all of y'all.

Ruth Ann

I am dreaming of a white Christmas.....Yes, it is not a dream.  We have a lot of white!

Snow stopped in the late afternoon yesterday.  Thankfully it did not start again.

Pray for John as he has a Dr's appt tomorrow.

Have a great day and God bless

All the needs here - praying.  I didn't take notes but thought of each of you as I read the posts.

Rob:  Your good friend - praying

Ruth Ann:  I didn't know that you might be moving.  Yes, it would be very nice for you to be settled before Christmas.  Otherwise, how have you been this season - besides busy?

Pat:  thanks for the song

I got up this morning and could not turn on the t.v.  We were watching a video last night and I have not learned how to change from that to t.v. - another thing to learn.  Really do wish things were only ON and OFF and the words were larger so I wouldn't have to get my reading glasses.  Do have a cup of  :coffee: though, can still manage to push that button  ^-^

The family will decide which service we will attend on Christmas Eve soon.  There is quite a choice but we have to see who is working that day and how late. 

Larry:  We decided early last year to rent for three months and have given our word so must follow through with it - in Tucson.  The rec center has a room for sewing with Bernina machines but not always available so I will surely drag everything needed including my own machine down there - have been cutting fabric so there will be something for me to stitch.  Yes, a good idea for Stacey to use the Jazzy scooter as it sure would be awful to tip over.  You and Pat must be so relieved this week! 

Marilyn:  That was a quick recovery.  Are you baking for the holidays? 

Al:  Just checking with you - how is everything going this week with your legs?  Is the therapy helping?   

JudyB:  Yes, for John and his Dr. appointment.  You will surely have a white Christmas!  Are you sewing any gifts this year?  I am knitting some scarves and want to learn how to make prayer shawls to give to one of the churches near here - they keep a supply on hand and it would be easy to do that in the evening if they give me a very simple pattern.   :)

Hi everyone.  We had a heavy frost last night but it is nice and sunny today and the frost is melting.  Fortunately McDonald's was nice and warm this morning.  It was very comfortable for me but some of the other men in our group felt it was too warm.

Pat, the chair is actually called a Pride Jazzy Powerchair.  Here is a link that has a picture of the chair:  http://www.pridemobility.com/jazzy/jazzyselect.asp (http://www.pridemobility.com/jazzy/jazzyselect.asp)  if anyone is interested in seeing what it looks like. It is not an inexpensive item and usually people have insurance or Medicare to pay most of the cost.  Unfortunately, that is not the situation but if she is going to be able to be independent that has become a necessity.

Judy, hope John's doctors appointment goes well.  It sounds like you have enough white for the time being.

Ruth Ann, hope you can get all the bridges crossed in your apartment application process so that you will be able to move in soon.  Once we make decisions like this is it good to get the process behind us.

Summicron, I can't say I look forward to winter as am always cold.  I think fall is probably my favorite time of the year although spring is nice as well.

Marilyn, it is good to see your posting that you are feeling no pain from your back and hope that is the situation today.  Did you get to the chiropractor.  My wife is seeing the chiropractor this morning as her knee is really bothering her and it is painful for her to walk.

Rob, sorry to read the new of your friend with the cancer.  It seems there is so much of that now.  It is good she has your support.

Kathleen,  good news on selling some of your photography in a gift shop.  

Etta Sue, unless you have seen the folks you had lunch with throughout the years, it can really be a surprise to see them after a long period of time.  I experienced that when I attened my 40th highschool class reunion.  Next May will be my 50th highschool class reunion but probably little chance I will make it.  The group grows smaller since we had the last highschool class for the school so everyone attending as a graduate would have gone there 50 years or more ago.  Hard to believe time has gone by so quickly.

Pat, thanks for the Christmas music.  I am listening to it as I write.

LIz, I am sure you are glad to see your daughter and son-in-law be able to get away for a few days.  I think you have the right idea about buying presents.  We will buy gifts for our great grandchildren and the adults will get small monetary gifts as neither Pat nor I are up to doing much Christmas shopping anymore.  

I have a meeting to attend this morning and that is it for the day.  I need to work on my Messiah music sometime today.  We begin to have special practices starting Thrusday night of this week in addition to our regular choir practice.

Carol, I am sure you will enjoy your three months in Tuscon where it will be warmer than Denver.  Having your own sewing machine sounds like a good idea.  Even the portable machines get heavier the older we become.   :lol:

Carol: Yes I am making most of the gifts....as time allows.  John is getting a strip quilt for his truck. I have just about all the blocks cut out, and now the assembly.  The girls have requested a dress each, and with them I am doing the 1.   something needed, 2.   something wanted, and 3.   something of eternal value. The eternal value will be a pocket sized concordance. Last year was a Bible dictionary and the year before was a new bible.  We hope to increase their research tools for Bible study each year.  

Gotta run, a lot to do today.

Brrrr!  Another cold day with tiny snowflakes falling.  Only 25° right now. 

Ivalou is on her way to Ohio to take something for her daughter, Jo, to use as a Christmas gift.  Actually she is taking edgers for your yard.  Jo is going to paint them white and decorate them like snowmen for Christmas gifts for the Moms of the kids she babysits for.  Personally, I wouldn't have ventured out to Ohio today.  It was snowing when she left.  Now is is partly sunny but suppose to change to rain and snow tonight.  That means SLICK!

I am to go to Kitty's this afternoon or this evening and we are going to make Chocolate Christmas Mice.  That's a tradition for her so since it a two-person job, I am helping again this year. 

We will either make the mice this afternoon and then go have Mexican or go have Mexican and make mice this evening.  It's her call! 

 Good day to all.
its still warm here today and my husband is putting up all the lights outdoors.
I am finishing putting up the rest of my decorations inside. I am getting there. :thumbsup:
Carol-hello to you also and may God Bless.
Pat good devotional .

I was wondering if some of you can share some of your favourite Christmas songs.
If you have a link to it that would be nice and we could listen to it.
One of my favourite is: Hark thy herald angles sing

Another foggy day here on the island.  Always a worry with my granddaughter driving the Malahat early in the morning.  Now that her Mom is away, worry has fallen to her Gramie! ;)

I am starting to think that watching the news is a health hazard.  After electing a Prime Minister in Oct., we are now having the defeated parties forming a group to overthrow the minority gov.  The power hungry political parties here are much more interested in 'self' than the country.  They are planning a 'bloodless' coup to overthrow and take power.  So the next few days will be critical.  I can' t believe what is happening to our country.  Like Janet, I sometimes have to VENT, even tho' this is probably not the place to do so.

It was nice to read your post Ruth Ann as have wondered how your house renovations were going.  That was the last of your posting here and on Sr. Net.  Sometimes reading the posts of people is like a book with many pages missing.  Hope you get the new apartment.

Time to go and get busy.  Glad that you got the chair for your daughter, Larry.  Have seen how scooters can tip over.  She is surely blessed to have parents like you and Pat. 

Marilyn, don't get too cozy in the corner with Jane.  I enjoy reading your posts.

Pleasant Day/Evening and God Bless.

Liz

I woke in the night with a headache and it is  still going   along pretty good even after the chiropractor appointment. I have to go back on Friday.

Yes Carol Iam baking for Christmas and making candy as well as  very thick crocheted hot pads for gifts. for the hot pads I am crocheting with 5 skeins of yarn at once using a Q size hook. i am getting all my odds and ends of yarn used up too that is good.

Keith wants cookies for Christmas so yesterday at K-mart I bought 3 pkgs of cookie mix it was 10 for $10. I bought one each of Chocolate chip, sugar and peanut butter.

I got on the scale sat Curves this morning  and I don't like what it told me. I have a big pot of cabbage soup going on the stove that will probably last me all week.

Must get back in the kitchen and do the dishes now.

Aside from the obvious answer of:  Jesus......
What is your favorite part of the Christmas holidays?

Mine is getting the house ready for the Christmas "look."  I no longer do outside decorations, but the inside gets a complete makeover.  Donna has put up all of the decorations......now for the tree. 

I continue to resist Donna's insistence to get an artificial tree.  I can't wait until I can walk in the house and smell that nice evergreen smell that permeates the house.

Ah!!! .......then there the mince meat pie.

We have caught the Christmas spirit around this house.

Thank you, Carol, for asking about my therapy.  It started yesterday.  They wrapped each leg, then wrapped each leg more, and, after they did that, they wrapped each leg!  I mean they're loaded with wrapping - supposedly the compression brings the swelling down.  It has brought it down about an half inch today.  After measuring, they wrapped, wrapped, and wrapped again.  Please pray.

I got home a little while ago. The interview was long and involved -- including I had to affirm that I don't plan to "add to my family" within the next year!  :idiot: Don't THINK so! I came away with 4 minor little assignments that can be taken care of in the next day or so. And, since the government officials make the final move/can't move decisions, both the apartments and I will need to await their final decision. Hopefully it will come right away. He was very encouraging, though, so maybe this will be finalized before I am ready for it. Wouldn't that be nice.

Al, so sorry to learn about your leg problems. When I was undergoing that 6 weeks of physical therapy, at the end of each session, my leg was elevated and a cooling "splint" was wrapped around it that both chilled and squeezed the swelling out of my leg. I always felt so much better after those treatments.

Well, maybe there will be enough time for me to begin getting active on the internet again.

The decision to make the move to apartment living was made after we had the house renovations assessed by professionals. It would have been nice to keep the house, but likely I would have had to find another job to pay the payments on the loan. So, it's better to sell as-is, let another person assume the decision making on how best to renovate the house, and move on with my life.

I've always wanted to retire to this particular apartment complex, so if the government approves, then I'll happily go there, even though a 42-year stay in this house has certainly given me many memories to cherish.

We decorated our church for Christmas this evening, so there was lots of hustle and bustle and happy kids and chattering adults of all ages. Thankfully, there was one really tall man and a tall lady who helped with the tree trimming - for certain, these short legs of mine couldn't have lifted me THAT high!

Gotta go to bed - it's mighty late, and I'm definitely really tired.

Y'all have a great rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  Another cold night bu it should be nice today.  I have about 15 minutes before leaving for coffee.

I have a busy day as have to make a trip to Atlanta to pick up medication for our daughter at Grady hospital.  I will stop at her apartment and get the bed madeup and want to get a new router I got installed so we can eliminate the cable across the floor.  It is also time to pay the rent and check to see if she has any mail.  I think she will stay with us until Monday, when hopefully she will be ready to go back to her apartment.  That is when we have the appointment scheduled with th powerchair folks and it needs to be at the apartment.  I will have no way to transport the chair.  She is able to walk around the house with the aid of the walker. 

I am hoping my friend Rod will ride down to Atlanta with me this afternoon.  He would be able to quickly help me set up the router for the wi-fi in her apartment, although I am sure I will be able to do so.  If he can go, and I asked him yesterday and he was going to check his schedule, we will stop somewhere and have lunch. 

Al, glad that your treatments have started and you are already seeing some impact on the swelling.

Ruth Ann, it sounds like you got good news yesterday.  Hopefully the favorable decision will be forthcoming shortly.

Ed, two things at the top of my Christmas enjoyment list are singing with our church choir on our special Christmas music.  The second is the joy I had last year in seeing my great grandchildren be so excited on Christmas day.

Marilyn, I hope your headache is gone this morning.  It sounds like you have have a cookie house for awhile.

Liz, I am inclined to think that most politicians think of themselves and their power first before the good of the country.  Don't you find that it does no good to worry?  I sure do.

Melody, I bet your home is looking very festive now.

Etta Sue, hope you had a fun day yesterday making those Christmas mice.  How was the dinner out?

Judy, I like your approach to Christmas.  Thanks for sharing that.

Fun with Kitty yesterday.  First we went to La Charreada for dinner.  I love Nacho Supremes and have found that Tostaquac tastes the same at Nacho Supremes and about $2-$3 cheaper!  So I had two Tostaquac and Kitty had Quesadillas!  Great dinner. 

Then we went to her house to make the Christmas Mice.  They are so easy so I will tell you all how to make them.  First you need waxed paper or parchment paper on a couple of cookie sheet or a flat surface.  Then you need to drain marraschino cherries with the stems on paper towels.  Then unwrap Hershey Chocolate Kisses.  Then you need to melt Chocolate Bark in the microwave or a double boiler.  I dipped the cherries/rear ends in the melted chocolate and placed them on their sides on the waxed paper.  Kitty then put a kisses/heads on their sides on the chocolate end of the cherry opposite the stem/tail and quickly put two slivered almond between those two as ears.  After the chocolate has set, Kitty used the squeezed red gel and added red eyes and a nose/on the tip of the kisses.  She likes to put them in fluted nut cups for each setting at her table or to take to dinners.  They are cute as buttons!!! 

Then we talked....and talked....and talked.  Her husband had went to a Purdue Basketball game and wasn't coming home until after 1am.  I looked at my watch and it was after 11pm.  I told Kitty I had to get home before my carriage turned into a pumpkin!! 

I got up this morning and took a CD to church (I took the secretary and the minister a Chocolate Mouse), went to Kitty's to get my jean shirt that I left, then to the gas station to fill up the car AND get a Pumpkin Spice cappuccino.  Yumm!  Then after I got home I put a letter in the mailbox. 

Now all I have to do is go get the mail when it is delivered. 

I don't think Ivalou is home yet.  I haven't seen any signs of life over there!! 

It is so windy.  All summer it seemed the wind just wouldn't quit and it is still continuing!  So the 35 degrees feels much colder than that!

Hi, friends, everything's taken care of with the leasing manager "homework assignments" except for the address and contact number for my life insuyrance policy. This process is so detailed that I laughingly told someone the other day that I think all they haven't asked is whether my gramma was right or left handed!  :o

Larry, when I was having such a problem with my legs, I seriously considered trying to get a scooter (not a Jazzy), but am doing better since the knee replacement. Here's hoping your daughter continues to improve and is able to be productive and happy very soon.

Y'all have a good day.

Ruth Ann

My headache left after I laid down to rest for awhile yesterday afternoon,.

I've just returned from taking Happy to the Vet and am $98 lighter in the pocketbook. He has what looks like either a growth or something in one of his toe pads. We are treating him with antibiotics and  pain meds for one week to see if the swelling goes down. If it doesn't that means it is a growth. I also got some medicated shampoo for him as he appears to have a dermatological issue, and got the DHL boosters for both dogs, I will inject them here at home.

Gotta go eat my supper now.

Well Al, lets hope the therapy works some wonders for your leg, really do, but we must remember that this is also the season for wrapping things up, hope it isn't gift wrap they're using. You'll probably feel like you've got the weight of two legs on one, God bless you with a healing anyway.

Talking about Marilyn's dogs, I remember the last time I visited Pennington flash, there was a chap out with four lovely black and white collies. He told me three of them were his, and the fourth one was a neighbours which he looks after weekends, said, "This one's lodging with us, bed and breakfast like." So I said' "You know what kind of a dog that is, don't you?" "No what kind is it?" I said, "A boarder collie."

Sum - love them puns!  That's my kinda humor!  And yes, I'm all wrapped up for the season - but I'm hoping the "season" ends in the coming week.

Well Michael Happy is a "Border Collie"

I am ready to go out the door to take Charlotte to the NEW Indianapolis Airport.  Glad Jane is driving.  Her flight goes out at 10:30am but I don't know if we are going to stay until after she takes off or just drop her off.  I have no idea when I will be back home.  Just happy that it didn't snow like it was predicted but it is cold!!!  See the temp below!

Goood to read that all of you are doing well ... it is good to see each of you too I have missed all of you too ... I will do my best to come back soon !!! :)

Hello Tbear, it is so good to see you posting again,. How have you been? How is your family?

Hi everyone.  After a very busy day yesterday and being gone from before 10 am until 5 pm and then to choir practice, I was really tired last night. 

Today we had an extended time at coffee this morning as there was a new man who one of our group knew who joined us and no one seemed to be in a hurry to leave.  I then went to the Credit Union to activate some new ATM cards they had sent and then stopped a Krogers.  I came home and straightened up the kitchen and did a couple of other choirs.  Pat had to go to the dentist to get her new crown set and run a few more errands.

I plan a quite rest of the day until this evening when we have another special choir practice to work on the Messiah.  It is coming together nicely.  We had 28 at choir practice last night which was great.

Time for lunch.

http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=7811.0 (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=7811.0)

^ OK this is where I shared at about what is new with me ... so take a look and seee you soon alll !!!

Hi, Tbear, it's nice to meet you! I'm back from the chiropractor - was adjusted, and am really glad my son was doing the driving -- I fell asleep on the way home!

It's mighty cold here in Nashville, so, I think I'll grab a few winks -- maybe I'll wake up looking and feeling better. If so, then I'll count it as BEAUTY SLEEP/  ;D

Y'all have a great day.

Ruth Ann

We got home last night about 1:30 (so I should say this morning.)  After getting up and eating some breakfast, we set out, but didn't even get to Albuquerque (20 miles from where the grandkids live) before the pickup started smoking like a furnace, then died.  We pulled off the highway, Darrel opened the hood, we saw oil all over the engine, and watched as a big puddle of oil drained out onto the ground.  Thank God for cell phones!!  We called Toni to come get us, and to bring along a phone book so we could find a towing company and a repair place.  Well......we did get those things done, went back to Los Lunas until about 4:30 when the repairs were done, then back to get the pickup, and then the long drive home.  We were in four states:  New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma and finally Kansas!  :thumbsup:

It's good to read all your posts. 

Larry, so glad Stacey is getting a powerchair.  I don't know what Beth would do without hers; she would be bedfast....and miserable.  Sounds as if your Christmas plans are very nice.

Carol, I will try again to email you my opinion of the Shack.

Pat, thanks for the devotional and glad you are feeling better.

Etta Sue, I think I will make some more mice, thanks for the reminder.  I will have to do them by myself, if I can work quickly enough.  More fun when working with a friend!

We had a little snow the day we left for N.M. but it melted very quickly.

I have so much to do, and the days are flying past!  I can barely believe December is here already!

Ruth Ann, I'm believing you will get an emphatic YES as your answer!  God bless you.

Marilyn, will you make a couple dozen extra cookies and send them via cyber express to me?  ;)

Al, all wrapped up and no place to go?  I do help the treatments bring you great relief and improvement.

I simply MUST get with it!

We do have snow. 

Janet:  What an ordeal for you but good that you could get help for the car. 

JudyB:  Very thoughtful gifts for your girls.  I have been cutting 3 1/2 in. X 6 1/2" rectangles of assorted fabrics to make a quilt for our bed - and keeping it in the brown/gold/purple tones of mostly leftover batiks.  The two last quilts I made were of batik cottons - my favorite fabrics.  This is taking forever, have 450 rectangles and need about 120 more at least.  With the leftovers, have been cutting 2  1/2" squares for another someday quilt of everything in the closet.

Liz:  Glad that you are "venting" as we need to know what is happening.  I didn't understand about that news item.  Yikes.

Marilyn:  Mighty thick hot pads, you will never burn your hands.

Ed:  We have used a fake tree ever since one we brought home became a fire hazard even before Christmas one year.  It is safer even with the low wattage bulbs.

Al:  With all of that leg wrapping, I know a hockey team that could use you as a goalie.   ::)  Nothing would get through you!  Love to you!  A half inch less is really dramatic.

Melody:  "Silent Night" is always sung at the very end of our services.  Perfect ending to Christmas Eve night.

Ruth Ann:  You have made great practical thoughts into your move plus doing so before it becomes a rushed move.

Marilyn:  Ouch in the vet bills.  Take care.

Karen:  Love your Angel Bear.  I do hope all is going well with you and your family. 

I have a beef roast with onions in a crockpot and there is a loaf of whole wheat molasses bread in another crock pot.  Smells divine - heavenly and very good.  We went out to buy gas and to pick up a few things; not a good time to be on the icy roads here today.  Tomorrow is my mammogram.

Such a reason for giving thanks - this afternoon has been completely restful for me. Not sleeping, but enjoying peace and quiet.

And, maybe trying to "rest up" for tomorrow! First a doctor appointment, then lunch with my wonderful ex-boss, then a mammogram, then going with my friend to her church for their traditional Messiah sing-along. It's a huge, wealthy congregation, so we'll be treated to be able to follow the scores and sing along with the Nashville symphony and with a large choir full of beautifully trained voices. I always come away from that evening with SO much thanksgiving for the traditional "high-church" music, as well as hymns passed down through the ages and now the new praise choruses. God has truly blessed us with composers and authors with talents and insight granted to them in writing this music. It blesses my heart to know of the deep love for God and commitment that it takes on the part of the composers and authors to share  their own praises to our Lord, and allow us to participate by worshipping through music as well as be edified and led by godly fellow Christians and reading of the Word.

Lately I've been preparing the PowerPoint files used in my own church's Sunday worship services. Oh, what a blessing to read the words and sing along to the music silently as I work.

Well, speaking of that PowerPoint work, I just got the emails from our music director, so must get busy.

Y'all have a wonderful rest of the day.

Yes it is me ... I wanted to come over and see all of you since some of you I have on facebook while others ... not sure but if you do please look me up as I would love to hear from you. 

Well, so much news so little time but here is a run down of what is new at this end of the world ...

~ My oldest son got married in August to a wonderful young lady
~ My # 2 whom Etta has met ... moved out last summer
~ My daughter is getting ready to finish her 2 year fall semester of college ( more to go )

~ My daughter & myself along with her dad went to see Kelly Clarkson & Reba McEntire in concert back in October ...   it was a great concert I really enjoyed it too being the first and only concert I have ever been too. However husband did not like   he said the sound was to loud ... well get a life all concerts are loud !!

~ I have been working since April on a wonderful job and it has given me lots of $$$ to put away for fun things to do ..

So, that is me in a nutshell of what has been going on so ... if you do have facebook look me up sometime as I do have RUTHIE and so I have Pat too so look me on there page and come over and see me sometime ..

Take care all
Merry Christmas & God's Blessings,

I have just received an email from one of my other sons, one of the twins, his oldest son  and his wife have given me my 3rd great grand child. James Thompson,. 8.5 lbs 19.5 inches long. born on 11/29/08.

COOOOOL ... good for you GRANDMA !!!!

Cool and Crisp here on the island.  No rain today....but it is on the way again!

Congrats on your new G. Grandchild, Marilyn.  I hope to be around for one if Amanda doesn't wait forever to get married.  At my age, that might be a problem ;)

Carol, our gov. is in a mess and you are not the only one who doesn't understand.  We have what some of us consider to be an system that seems to confuse even the politicians.  There are 4 parties, plus a couple of independent that are voted into parliament, then the one's with the most votes are the party in power.  The Prime Minister is the leader of the party with the most votes, who is in this case, a minority party, due to the others having a combination of more votes.  Sort of sounds like a lesson in how not to form a gov. doesn't it?  Three of the parties with the combination of votes that are greater than the gov. in power (?) are forming a coalition to throw out the ruling party. They claim that he has lost the confidence of the house.  So the Prime Minister appealed to the Gov. General, who has higher power and has been granted the right to suspend parliament for a short time.......thus closing the house and stopping the coup on a temp. basis.  Most of us with sense, want the present Prime Minister to remain in power. He is a Christian and a smart man.  So you thought your elections are a headache.... :ticked:  I also didn't mention that Quebec (one of the three) doesn't even consider Canada their country and call themself a separate nation, while trying to mess up the economy of Canada.  That is why we have both French and English on/in everything....  :yakyakyak:  Wow, if you read all of that, you are now as confused as this person.

Nice to see you back, TBear.  That concert sounded like fun.  My daughter and SIL just went to the states and saw Bette Middler, she even signed her book after the concert and held my daughter's hand and talked with her.  Needless to say, Wendy was thrilled.  We both love her music and especially 'The Rose' and 'Wind Beneath My Wings.' 

Ruth Ann, is that the church Amy Grant attends?  I wondered because of the Nashville Symphony.....Have always wanted to go to one of her concerts.  Understand the Christmas one is especially nice.

Hope that you are feeling a little better, Al. 

Pleasant Day/Evening and God Bless.

Liz

Hi everyone.  It is a cold but sunny and beautifully clear day here in Georgia.  It is only to get up to about 47 degrees today.  We had the men's coffee at the senior center with 10 men in attendance. 

I don't have anything else on the schedule today so am looking forward to a relatively quiet and restful day.  Tomorrow our son and his wife are suppose to come over for a visit.  We are planning on going out to eat as Pat cooked for them last weekend and they weren't able to get here and she doesn't want to do that again.

Tbear, it is nice to see you posting again.  It sounds like your family has been very busy as have you.  I think I would agree with your husband on the noise level of the concert.  I don't understand why they have to have the music so loud that it can actually hurt your ears.  Please don't be a stranger.

Ruth Ann, a good thing you weren't driving when you went to sleep.  I hope you enjoy the Messiah.  It should be great with the symphony.  We will be doing our performance of the Messiah with a 9 piece orchestra, including some members from the Atlanta symphony.  We had a special choir practice last night and our director is pleased with where we are in our preparation.  We have three practices next week, including the dress rehearsal next Saturday morning with the orchestra.

Janet, glad you made it home safely.  Having a car breakdown is something I really dread.  Glad you were not halfway home when that happened.  We hope the powerchair will give our daughter independence so she can get out and about without damaging her feet more or using up all of her energy.  The foot doctor doesn't want her stressing her foot and the condition is developing in her other foot.

Carol, I read Pat the paragraph about your quilt block preparation.  Do you have a big stash of fabric and that seems to grow and grow?  I know that seems to be the case with Pat although she sometimes comes back from shopping with more fabric. 

Marilyn, congratulations on your new great grandchild. 

Liz, your political situation does sound like a mess.  It appears that governments are in a mess all over the world. 

I went for another early morning Chiropractor appointment this morning, my second this week and go again on Wednesday. I guess I did quite a bit of damage when I took that fall my last trip to Oregon. Then I waited too long before going to the Chiropractor. My neck is still sore  now. I need to put the ice pack on for awhile.

Happy's foot doesn't seem to be getting any better but it has only been two days of medication so far. I hope he doesn't have to have surgery, because I sure can't afford to  add anymore to the card that I use for the vet only. Right now I can pay my bills and buy food for the dogs and I 'm lucky if I have some left for a few groceries. I thank God for the free food programs  where I can get a bag or a box of food, not necessarily stuff I would use tho'. My neighbor buys me  perishables when I take her to the store.l I get milk and veggies there maybe some margarine.
Keith also buys me groceries when he comes, but I don't ask for much.

I can't wait to get moved up there, so I will have  some extra money after we share expenses, I won't have to be paying the amount of rent I pay here.

Don is feeling hip pain and now it has been the sciatica nerve. I wish that he would go to a chiropractor but he says it is too early.  Early Smirly - that is what I did a few years ago within a couple of hours of pain and it stopped the problem. 

Liz:  I did laugh when you explained your politics.  Isn't it all funny and sad at the same time - here too but very few have a sense of humor.  Is this great grand nearby? 

Larry:  Pat is right about not cooking because all of you will enjoy your visit and not have to "w**k"  I am cutting those little pieces because they just sit in boxes and never match anything so this will be a project down the line, or something I can pass on....

Al:  What does "sorta here" mean?  In body but not mind????

We have a holiday luncheon with the homeowner's tomorrow and then Don said he would meet with friends for dinner the same night.  At least the streets are better today with some sun out the ice is melting. 

Have a safe weekend.

I was impressed with the new Indianapolis Airport.  We didn't go inside the terminal but it was only about 15 minutes from the time we left I-70, drove around to let Charlotte out at the departure airlines and back to I-70.  Then Jane and I stopped at a Cracker Barrel for lunch.  A fun day.

Today Kitty, her 2-year old granddaughter, Katie, and I went to the Gingerbread Village at Conner Prairie.  Katie had fun playing in the play area with the other little kids.  Then we ate at a Mexican restaurant.  Katie was in a funk....too tired...to eat.  She fell asleep in the car on the way home but suddenly woke up.  Poor Kitty.  She doesn't know what to do with her.  And I sure wouldn't know. 

And tomorrow I am to go stay with Katie while Kitty and Bob go to Bob's aunt's funeral.  Maybe I need prayers. 

Well I got discouraging news today.  The Phys. Therapist is still quite positive on the eventual outcome - she says we will get the swelling down.  But now they're saying maybe up to a month that it will take to get the job done.  Please continue to pray.

I am late getting in here to post....again.  Better late than never, I hope.

Marilyn, congrats on the new great grand!  :)

Al, sorry your progress is slower than we had hoped; prayers continue.

Etta Sue, I am loving your Christmas graphics!  Thanks so much for brightening things up in here.

Larry, when will you get the power chair for Stacey?  It would be so nice to hear your music presentation, I know it will be beautiful.

I went to see Beth and Mom today, found them both sick.  Beth with bowel trouble, and Mom with a high fever, so I got them to call her doctor, get some tests; and they said she has a urinary tract infection.  I think there is something more, because her face was flushed and quite swollen and puffy.  Partly from the fever, but not all, I'm thinking.  They got her started on medications for the infection.

I got a schedule from Park View today; they have me scheduled for six shifts during December.  Not too bad.

I relented and put up the Christmas tree this afternoon.  Now maybe I will get into more of a Christmas mood.  I always enjoy the tree, just don't like putting it up.

Liz, here there is great concern and a suit has been filed because Obama cannot prove he is a natural-born citizen of this country.  If not, he is NOT eligible to be president.  He provided a fake birth certificate from Hawaii, but his grandmother says she was present at his birth---in Kenya.  And the beat goes on........

Abby is dancing in The Nutcracker tomorrow night.  This will be her first performance 'on point' and she is so excited about it!  Of course I will be toting that camera along, even though we can't take photos during the performance.  Last year I got a great shot of her afterward, which I later used to paint.

I know there were others I wanted to respond to, but am so tired I can't think clearly.  So will try to do better another day!

:whistle: Let it snow!  Let it snow!  Let it snow!   :whistle: And it is outside my windows.  Now the problem is, I have to get out in it to go to Kitty's.  I am to watch Katie while Bob and Kitty go to a funeral today. 

Then I have to practice with the Sunday Plus since I am doing that tomorrow morning at the church services. 

New fallen snow is sure pretty!!!

Good Morning: not much is new here this morning, I am doing some laundry a little vacuuming and thinking about mowing  today. It sure need mowing and the grass is still pretty wet. I have all my cookies baked now so that is done.  Nothing else to talk about for now.

'The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow
Gave a luster of midday to objects below.....'   ;)  Yes, it is beautiful, I love snow, but not driving in snow or on ice.

I spent 30 minutes looking for a recipe for pretzel salad, because Beth asked me to bring that for the holiday dinner Monday night at the home.  Couldn't find it.....then thought...COMPUTER!!  I'll bet I could find it online!  And sure enough, I did.  As my Dad would say, "Worked slicker'n a button!"   :)  Now I will buy the ingredients when I go to town, and be all set.

I should go to a wedding shower today.  Curtis' old girlfriend got married last Saturday, shower is today.  I haven't had a chance to go find anything for them, though, so.....

I want to do some more Christmas preparation, also will call Diane and ask her if she would like me to bring something for supper, as I know she won't have a chance to cook, and the Pizza Hut is always swamped after the dance.  I can't wait to see Abby dancing in The Nutcracker again!  ::)

We cleaned and filled our hot tub a few weeks ago, and it sure is nice to go get in it and get warmed up good before we go to bed.  We hadn't used it in about four years....don't ask me why.  I guess because Darrel's legs didn't hurt enough to prompt him to suggest we get it done!  :-[

I hope everyone is doing well, happy and healthy!

TBear, good to have you back!

Hi everyone.  It is an overcast and rather chilly day but not snow here in our area.  We are hoping our son and his wife will be here in a little while.  We haven't heard anything from them all week but he told me last weekend that they planned to come this weekend.  We tried to call them at their home and also their cell so we could let them know we planned to go out to eat.  Last week Pat had cooked and they didn't come and we had told them we were going ahead and eat since Stacey is a diabetic.  So they probably will expect us to do that today.  All we can do is wait and see what happens.  We haven't seen them since last Christmas so certainly hope they make it.

Janet, we are taking Stacey back to her apartment tomorrow and the powerchair is to be delivered at 2 pm and demonstrated and we will make a final decision on it.  I am positive we will keep it unless there is an obvious problem. 

I need to have my pacemaker/defibulator checked again so called yesterday for an appointment and when they called back they said they had a cancellation for tomorrow at 3:45.  Their office is just a few blocks from where Stacey lives so this will save me a trip later to get the check.  I couldn't believe my good luck with the appointment since we will be at her apartment tomorrow afternoon.

Al, hope you don't get discouraged by the slow progress as a month will pass and hopefully you will be a lot better. 

Larry how nice that you can get those things taken care of on Sunday, the power chair and your pacemaker. The only Dr's that I now of that are open around her on Sunday is the Hospitals of course, and The Seventh Day Adventist Dr's. offices.

Good Saturday to all.
I just came home from a lovely wedding at church. A couple the Lord has done a great work in their lives.
Al-praying this therapy will indeed work quickly for you.
Larry -great to know things are working out for Stacy and to see what the Lord has done in a short time.
Hope all is well and doing fine. God Bless (https://www.christianphotographers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi33.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fd100%2FChristine721%2F373.gif&hash=75b709e70cc3e265ba586f8d49d92792ced432b5)   (https://www.christianphotographers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi33.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fd100%2FChristine721%2Fbighugsmall-2.gif&hash=25a447558b6b07a51064f97487c333d1c19a72f0)

Wet and cool, here on the island.  Lots of rain today :(

How is your dog's foot, Marilyn?  I hope things are okay.

It was grocery shopping day and I am tired.  My daughter is getting things to give in the Christmas hampers and I am tuckered out from carrying it all into the house.  And that is just the start......

We went to the Sally Ann and I got a cute little cat ornament and three plates, plus a Richard Clayderman CD.  My kind of shopping.  Usually only get CD's.....needed some extra plates and they were nice and not expensive!  Couldn't resist the little cat ;)

Wendy brought back a cute joke from their trip.  So here is a little smile:

Two gals were walking their dogs along a posh shopping area, when one decided it would be nice to go into a lovely lounge for a snack.
Her friend said it wasn't possible, they didn't allow dogs inside.
"No problem", she replied, putting on her sunglasses.  "I'll tell them I am blind."  The doorman stopped her and explained dogs were not allowed.  "That's my seeing eye dog", she stated. 
"What, they are using Doberman Pinschers now?"  he asked.
"Oh, yes, they are being trained to do this sort of work and are really  good at it."  she responded.       So he let her in.

The friend decided she was not going to be left outside, so put on her sunglasses and entered.  The doorman stopped her with the same request to leave.  "I'm blind,"  she said.  "This is my  seeing eye dog."  "I can't believe this,"  the doorman responded.  "They are using Chihuahua's now."
"WHAT", she sputtered...."They gave me a CHIHUAHUA!"

                        :)

It really sounds better when Wendy tells it!

Pleasant Day/Evening and God Bless.

Liz

What a busy day yesterday!

First a doctor's visit.

Then, christmas shopping - met a friend who was ringing bells for the Salvation Army, so we had a nice chat and shared a hug. His wife is in poor physical condition. So, we discussed her for a few moments.

Next was lunch with my former boss.

Then I had my mammogram, and took another friend to lunch who was also bell-ringing for the Salvation Army. It was nice to drink a soda with her while she warmed up a bit - it's really cold here in Nashville for those poor bell ringers.

Well, the beauty salon was across the street and I needed a haircut, so stopped there.

Then, the 20 miles to my friend's house to go to the Messiah sing along. Unfortunately, she was not well enough to attend, so I picked up a bit of dinner for us at the Cracker Barrel and then spent the night at her house.

So, today's been a day to try to recover from all that activity!

Y'all have a good evening.

Ruth Ann

I am all ready for church.  Today I am going in early since I am running Sunday Plus and need to be there when the Praise Team practices their singing.  I am anxious. 

Tonight at 7pm is our Christmas Cantata at church.  Ruth Ann, the minister's wife, does a fantastic job with the choir.  Last year, I was truly impressed!  I know this year will be better!

It snowed nearly all day yesterday but you can still see blades of grass in the lawn.  It was windy...so windy.  I did hear the snow plow go past around 5:30am.  The road is clear...don't know what they plowed.  The temperature is down in the single digit so it is cold.  Just saw a snow plow on the highway about a ¼ of a mile away...hmmm!

Gotta go!

Hi everyone.  It is another sunny and beautiful day here in Georgia but not warm.

I am ready for church.  Our church has a craft group who make things for a sale of decorations and baked goods.  These are offered only to members of the congregation once a year and today is the day.  Pat didn't participate in the preparation of the crafts at church but made a number of rice bags (that are great to microwave and use for aches and pains and also she made a couple of batches of her delicious caramel corn.  I will leave in a few minutes to take the caramel corn over to a friend who will go ahead and take them on as there are earlier services than we attend.  She already sent the rice bags to the church.

Marilyn, obviously I made a mistake yesterday morning when I mentioned seeing the doctor and taking Stacey home today.  For some reason I had it in my mind when I wrote that yesterday was Sunday.  All of this is actually happening tomorrow, Monday.

Liz, I love the music of Richard Clayderman also.  I am just partial to piano.

Ruth Ann, sorry you didn't get to go to the performance of the Messiah, at least I am assuming that from your posting.  It sounds like you had a busy day.

Good Morning I am ready for church,it is almost 8 AM and don't need to leave here until 10:25 as the church is  about 1½ blocks away and starts at 10:30.

Not much new here this morning, I did get the mowing done yesterday.

Pearl Harbor anniversary today. 

What a beautiful service early this morning.  Five young men led the singing & they could all be on stage - so much talent.  What gifts people share.

Don had to take a little snooze when we came home.  I had a phone call from friends in Arizona who wanted the phone number of another friend so they could visit each other - hope it works out.  It looks like the children don't want a regular dinner on Christmas eve and intend to have appetizers with desserts, of course.  So, now to look up some different recipes.  Really it will be easier for the cooks and dishwashers so that is a good idea.  They are so traditional that it just amazed me but I know the girls have talked this over and the boys have to go along.   ;)

We ate out twice yesterday with lunch of the homeowner's here.  They led the group with saying grace before lunch.  We have noticed that in our dinner club as well - that is so nice.  Also had soup & salad with friends last night.  Tuckered from just talking away. 

Larry:  How nice that your appointments are working out this time - you need a break from all that driving. 

Al:  May your month of therapy pass quickly and give you the needed results. 

The mountains are outstanding now with fresh snow and deep blue skies - what a wonder we are so privileged to observe. 

Quote from: photobro on December 01, 2008, 07:38:36 PM
Thank you Pat for this devotional. I have been struggling this past week and you have reminded me of how loving and caring our God is. To realize this is truly uplifting. I am going into hospital this Saturday to have surgery for two hernias and being reminded of God's love is a great comfort. I wonder if I might ask for your prayers for a dear friend of mine. Niki is very close to us and has been diagnosed with Breast cancer for which she is currently having chemotherapy.  If all goes well she will have a partial mastectomy in January. Niki's oldest daughter,Mary, is our God daughter. She is now a beautiful young woman of twenty-one and is studying drama at university.  Niki's illness has sadened us deeply and it has been God's love that has been our rock through this. Niki lost her husband,Peter(my closest friend and brother in Christ), to cancer four years ago. They have six children with the youngest fourteen and the oldest twenty-five. I have felt through all of this God has been close to us all.
Thank you for this forum. While I haven't been contributing, I have been following the thoughts and daily devotionals. I have also been praying for you all.
May God truly bless you and enrich your lives,
your brother in Christ, Rob

Hi Bob:

I'm so sorry for the tardy reply to your post.  We've been down in Winchester, VA and down there where Paul is building a house, we have no internet connection yet and so I'm just trying to get caught up while here in Washington area.  

I have just now prayed for Nikki and I pray that she is doing much better.  Could I ask that you keep us posted about this?  I will continue to pray.

Quote from: Ed on December 02, 2008, 03:53:07 PM
Aside from the obvious answer of:  Jesus......
What is your favorite part of the Christmas holidays?

Mine is getting the house ready for the Christmas "look."  I no longer do outside decorations, but the inside gets a complete makeover.  Donna has put up all of the decorations......now for the tree. 

I continue to resist Donna's insistence to get an artificial tree.  I can't wait until I can walk in the house and smell that nice evergreen smell that permeates the house.

Ah!!! .......then there the mince meat pie.

We have caught the Christmas spirit around this house.

Hope we see some pictures, Ed!

Quote from: Ed on December 02, 2008, 03:53:07 PM
Aside from the obvious answer of:  Jesus......
What is your favorite part of the Christmas holidays?

Ed, my favourite time around Christmas is as you suggest, "Jesus".  I like to dwell on thoughts about HIM.

But I've always enjoyed decorating my home with nice things too.  I love to see the tree and have lots of candles around the house all burning and smelling their lovely scent.  I really enjoy baking my special Christmas recipes like Scottish Shortbread and Mince Pies too.

And I have enjoyed making Christmas gifts through the years for my family and friends.  And I enjoy knowing that my handiwork was appreciated by seeing these garments worn in later times and all "holey" from use!  :)

Quote from: TBEAR on December 04, 2008, 07:49:01 AM
Goood to read that all of you are doing well ... it is good to see each of you too I have missed all of you too ... I will do my best to come back soon !!! :)

Lovely to see you Karen!

Hurry back!

Quote from: Al Moak on December 05, 2008, 09:47:30 PM
Well I got discouraging news today.  The Phys. Therapist is still quite positive on the eventual outcome - she says we will get the swelling down.  But now they're saying maybe up to a month that it will take to get the job done.  Please continue to pray.

My dear Alan...

It grieves my heart to read of your struggles with your legs.  Please know that both Paul and I continue to pray for you.  We are so enjoying going through the Songs of Worship together and then when we pray at the end, we always pray for you and your situation with your legs.

God bless you my dear brother and please tell Marbeth that my prayers are for her as well.

Quote from: Liz on December 04, 2008, 10:49:06 PM


Carol, our gov. is in a mess and you are not the only one who doesn't understand.  We have what some of us consider to be an system that seems to confuse even the politicians.  There are 4 parties, plus a couple of independent that are voted into parliament, then the one's with the most votes are the party in power.  The Prime Minister is the leader of the party with the most votes, who is in this case, a minority party, due to the others having a combination of more votes.  Sort of sounds like a lesson in how not to form a gov. doesn't it?  Three of the parties with the combination of votes that are greater than the gov. in power (?) are forming a coalition to throw out the ruling party. They claim that he has lost the confidence of the house.  So the Prime Minister appealed to the Gov. General, who has higher power and has been granted the right to suspend parliament for a short time.......thus closing the house and stopping the coup on a temp. basis.  Most of us with sense, want the present Prime Minister to remain in power. He is a Christian and a smart man.  So you thought your elections are a headache.... :ticked:  I also didn't mention that Quebec (one of the three) doesn't even consider Canada their country and call themself a separate nation, while trying to mess up the economy of Canada.  That is why we have both French and English on/in everything....  :yakyakyak:  Wow, if you read all of that, you are now as confused as this person.

Liz, thanks for this news. 

Down here, it's almost as if Canada doesn't exist.  :(   I've been trying to get news all week since Janice (my daughter) alerted me to the fact of the problems and waited till yesterday to find out how the meeting with Mr. Harper and the Governor General went! 

This has certainly been a terrible time for all Canadians this week and to think that even the Bloc are involved in this coalition is despicable. 

Abby did a fine job dancing in The Nutcracker.  Making memories for herself and family, too.  ;)  I made supper and took it down, they appreciated it so much.  Those kids just work so hard, and stay far too busy.

Our pastors are in Ethiopia today.  They are adopting a boy and a girl from there.  They took their 13 year old daughter along.  They also have another daughter and a son.  I know it was a long, hard trip, and also know the return trip with a four year old and a baby will be even harder.

The Youth Pastor preached this morning and did a good job.

Pat and I and two other gals went to the Parade of Homes this afternoon, then Darrel and I went to our small group Bible study.  We stopped early and all went to the care home and prayed for Beth.  There were eleven of us in that room, and I know there was enough faith and power present to blow the lid off hell!  I fully expect to see changes in her condition, God says His Word will NOT return to him void, but will prosper in the thing whereunto it was sent!  Praise God!

Larry, so glad you can take care of your appointment and Stacey's chair in one trip.  Did your son and wife ever show up or call?  I hope they are all right.

I have to work the early shift in the morning, then the dinner at the home is at 5:30.  So I need to go make the food I am taking now.

Pat, it is so good to have you back with us.  Say hello to Paul for me.  I miss you.

Hi Janet...

Thanks for the "welcome back".  I'm leaving again in the morning for Winchester where there is no internet connection so will be AWOL for another couple of days. :(

Don't work too hard, Janet.

Hi everyone.  Will leave for coffee at McDonald's shortly.

Our weekend was pleasant but we were sad that our son and his wife didn't come over after all.  They didn't even bother to call and tell us of their changed plans.  Fortunately my wife had not prepared a big meal as she had the weekend before.  We did talk with our son about 1:30 after he saw we had tried to call.  So we don't know when we will be seeing him--I guess whenever he gets here.

We will take Stacey back to her apartment around noontime and get her settled back into her apartment.  I am going to try again to get the wireless working at her apartment.  I think I was trying to use the wrong username to get to her internet account and now have the information.

Pat, good to see you posting.  I was thinking that just like you experienced your first Thanksgiving in the USA that you will be introducing Paul to some of your Christmas customs.  It should be an interesting time for you both.

Guess I had better get the day started.  Janet, don't work too hard today at the Home.

We finally have a new "Thoughts" opened for the next week.

Please join us THERE (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=7820.0)!  :)