Christian Photographers Community

• Prayer and Praise (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?board=3.0)    Thanks for visiting this area of our site to share prayer requests and items for praise!

• See the last photos uploaded to our Gallery (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?action=gallery)

---

Give me neither poverty nor riches -- feed me with the food allotted to me.
Proverbs 30:8b

Recommended Reading
Matthew 6:11


There is little in our culture today that encourages contentment. We are constantly bombarded with messages to make more, get more, and have more. Certainly, we should maximize the gifts and abilities God has given us, but not for the sake of personal indulgence. Every blessing of God is meant not only for our sustenance but also in ministry to others -- and all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

A wise man in the Old Testament, Agur (Proverbs 30:1), prayed that God would bless him with just the right amount -- not so much that he forgot to acknowledge God as the source and not too little that he might steal to get more (Proverbs 30:9). It would have been Agur's responsibility, of course, to honor God in the midst of much and refuse the temptation to steal in times of want. That was the perspective Paul took -- he said he had learned to be content in times of plenty and want (Philippians 4:12). Paul's entire life was in service to Christ and so he trusted God to provide what he needed.

Contentment -- trusting God for daily bread, as Jesus taught the disciples to pray (Matthew 6:11) -- is the best way to be reminded daily that God is the source of everything.



Contentment is an inexhaustible treasure.
Unknown

Thanks, Jeanne, and happy new week to each of you!  I especially like that quote at the end: Contentment is an inexhaustible treasure.  And I feel each of us will be tested in the next few years as never before.  BUT GOD.....

The wind did die down some, and Abby's play was delightful.  She played four parts, small, but important, and after all, she is just a freshman.  She was a hat seller, a wolf, a pepper shaker and a tap dancer.  Quite an assortment, huh?  I am so glad we are near enough to be able to attend all her activities like this.

It is time to go shower and dress for church.  See you later!

Hi everyone.  Another sunny and crisp morning here in the Atlanta area.  I was really lazy this morning as it is now a little after 9 am and I am just now dressed for church and having my breakfast.  Pat got up early this morning, she said around 6 am, as her flu has turned into a cold so isn't feeling well.  She did have a pretty good day yesterday and we went out with friends for diinner at the Olive Garden at 5 pm.  By the time we finished and left there were a large number of folks waiting to be served.  Other than church my day will be restful and will watch some football.  The Atlanta Falcons are playing the New Orleans Saints so expect they will be challenged today to maintain their no lose record.  I enjoyed the Georgia/Auburn game last night as Georgia won 38-0 and think this means they will play in the SEC championship.  They have just lost one game. 

Janet, it sounds like you had a wonderful time and saw some great shows.  We went to Silver Dollar City when our children were fairly young and I still remember also going to the Shepard of the Hills play.   Great that you could attend Abby's play and I know it was important to her to have you there to see her perform. 

Janet - All those years of joy and closeness between you and Abby, and now you are privileged to see some of her more matured results!  That was partly you there  playing those parts - auccessfulluy.

Good morning Jeanne, Larry, Janet and Al and to all the other who will be present here today.  it is good to see the three of you here this morning. Especially glad to see Al posting.  Bro. Al you need to come back more often.

I have to go to work today, it will be a short day as we only have 10 cats and 7 dogs scheduled for surgery.  I do lover what I do at the clinic.  I get to see some beautiful animals  and take care of them. I have  net some wonderful loving Pit Bulls. They have such a bad rap on them. We've had a few who were considered sort of sketchy by their owners but when i have handled them they have been so loving not bad dogs at all. i do admit that there are some bad ones out there but it is not right to judge a whole breed o by a few bad dogs.

We had icy streets this morning and walked gingerly into church - I had my boots on - then, when service was over the sun was up and things were slushy.  I have been feeling sick over the election results that so tarnish this states image but the sermon helped so much. 

Larry:  So sorry that Pat is not feeling well.  A cold at this time of the year can feel like the pits because it is too cold to sit in the sun.  Don is watching the Broncos. 

Janet:  What fun for you to watch the grands.  And, your trip to Branson sounds like it was a winner in so many ways.  Great for you two! 

We are grateful that grandson was not injured in last night's hockey game when the opposition slammed him against the board.  Not legal in Minnesota where he goes to school but that team was from another northern state so maybe they didn't know the new rules.  He skated this morning and made more goals so is doing fine.  We give thanks for his safety.  Sometimes, watching on the webcast isn't easy. 

Al:  Good to see your post in here.  How are you and Marbeth doing these days?  Blessings for your faithfulness in all things. 

Thanks, Larry, Al and Carol for the comments re Abby's play.  I sure do miss her now that she is growing up and seems not to have time for Grandma anymore.  :'(  But I never miss a chance to tell her I love her, and pray for her faithfully.  Our young ones need our prayers more and more in these times.

Marilyn, that is one job I would have no desire to do, glad you enjoy it, though, and bless you for caring for the animals.  I like animals, but not like you do!  ;)

Carol, I am so sorry Colorado voted the way it did.  It will likely cause problems for neighboring states as well.  Sad to see how our wonderful country is changing so quickly into one we don't recognize anymore.  But God is aware of everything going on, and He still holds the deciding vote!  Glad your grandson wasn't hurt.  Scary for you watching that happen!

I made a big pot of chili when we got home from church, and it's good, if I do say so myself!  I think I will go get another bowlful!

Al, how is Marbeth doing now?

Thanks, all of you, for asking about us.  Marbeth had to go back to the hospital, and now she's at the skilled nursing center to recuperate.  It turns out she had a low-grade pneumonia.  Hopefully, now, she'll get better and stay better.  Please pray.

Al  will pray for Marbeth, How are you handling doing things all by yourself at home? Do you have someone to come in and help you while she is incapacitated?

I had quite a scare last night. 3 am I woke up with awful chest pains. I laid there just observing how I felt and breathing, When my jaw started to hurt I woke Keith up and asked for Aspirin, he brought the whole bottle and I chew up two of them and drank half a glass of water. After a bit it all subsided and it was so hard to even think about going back to sleep, so I turned on the TV for a while. Then went back to sleep This morning I felt fine so I went to work a little after 10 and worked until 3:30. I felt just fine all day soi wonder if it may have been indigestion..

Hello everyone.

Well it's been a while since I posted here other than a devotional but I do think about you all. Hope everyone is doing ok. I log in just about everyday but have remained silent, don't have a reason that's just how it's been.

The weather here has been spectacular, we've had our first frost but temps have been great, up to 73 today, can't ask for anything more except that maybe the Lord will return today.

It's been almost 14 months since my oldest daughter and her family moved away and I got to say I don't  miss them any less today than I did when they first moved. I see them often and can call them whenever I like but I still miss them a lot.

What in the world would we do if the Lord moved away? It seems that our country and the world has forsaken him but I just thank God that he will never forsake us. To anyone reading this if the Lord does not know you your time is running out. There are multitudes that say they know the Lord but does the Lord know you? We say that this is a christian nation but I believe we are far from it. God has given us an easy way out in this time of grace. In the old testament the saints had to live the law and  make a animal sacrifice just to cover their sins and that didn't take them away. We as humans can not live the law! The pastor at our church is the most Godly man that I know and I have heard other pastors say this also but he can not live the law either and he will be the first to tell you that. The blood of Jesus Christ takes our sins away, as far as the east is from the west. My prayer for you is that you will accept Jesus as your personal savior before it's too late. There will be a way to salvation after the rapture but it is not going to be easy and times are going to be tough. Please ask Him to save you TODAY.  We are near the rapture and I really believe it could happen any day now.   Even so come quickly Lord!

Hope everyone has a great day.

Hi everyone.  It is not suppose to be such a nice day around the area as rain is due this afternoon and it is to be somewhat cooler.  Other than attending church yesterday it was a a quiet day.  Pat fought with her cold.  I was sorry to see the Atlanta Falcon's lose their game but stayed competitive to the end.  Today is just my routine Monday activities. 

Marilyn, we have had some very terrible instances of pit bulls attacking both children and adults here in the Atlanta area.  I just know I would never own a dog that I couldn't trust.  Glad your experience with them has been positive.  Glad you didn't have to go to the ER and that the aspirin stopped the pain.  Be sure to mention this to your doctor.

Carol, we as voters have had our say and not always gotten our way.  I just heard on the radio that the Obama administration has issued over 6,000 new regulations since coming to office, which averages out to over 68 new regulations everyday.  Since ignorance of the law is not accepted as a defense in this country many small businesses owners are placed in a very tough situation.  Glad your sermon yesterday was helpful to you on the new situation in your state.  I am sure it was a scary time when you saw your grandson slammed against the boards during his hockey game.  Glad he is OK. 

Janet, I would be very surprised if Abby does not find more time for you as she matures.  The teen years are a time of finding oneself as we all know if we remember our youth or that of our children as they grew up. 

Al, will be praying for Marbeth and for you as you have to function alone in your home.  Do you have neighbors you could call on if needed? 

Don, nice to see your posting.  Where did your daughter and family move to. 

Don, may I add a huge AMEN to your post?  Do come in more often, and write a bit, please.  You are missed when you choose to keep silent.

I want to get to the assisted living facility today and get another story.  Also have to go take a photo of the last Legacy resident I wrote about (today is her hair appointment day, and it doesn't stay looking good very long!)

This mess with the resignation of the head of the CIA is just way too suspicious!  Grrrr!

See you later!

And now the unexplained explosion in Indianapolis, killing two people and destroying several homes over a wide area. 

Today is supposed to be in the mid 60's and then tomorrow drop by about 20 degrees.   :yikes:

I am still alive and well here in wet Oregon., the rain has stopped and the sun is shining though my window right now. No I didn't go to the Doctor today. Tomorrow I am going to the clinic for labs and will see if my Dr has a moment for me to talk with her, however I have  10 AM, nail appointments so I may not have time to talk with her. She is going to call me when she gets my lab report.

I do have Mitral Valve Prolapse and I always ask whatever Dr. I go to is they can hear the Murmur, she did, other Dr's. have told me they couldn't hear it. I have the utmost confidence in my Dr. she  specializes in  the seniors and cardiology.

Spent this morning  cooking so bagels  and just doing little things around the house. I got my desk all cleaned off  of the papers and  other none essentials stuff, threw out a bunch of old catalogs that were laying around and dusted off my tower and monitor. My new computer is to be delivered on Wednesday and i didn't want to wait until then to clean off my desk. I will have the new computer and the old tower on the desk while I am transferring files to the new one.

Then we went to Walmart to do some shopping  and pick up some paint chips. He is going to do some paint at the office. Now I have a loaf of bread in the machine.

We are just home from a trip to Garden City.  We picked up things that are not available here in our little town; especially shoes!  I got a new pair of black Keens, and ordered a pair in brown, which they will mail to me.  And we ate at Applebee's, where they gave Darrel his meal in appreciation of his service to our country.  I understand that Golden Corral was doing that, as well.  So nice for the veterans to be shown appreciation!

Hey, if you have time, please google Fema coffins; guillotines; and concentration camps in the USA.  Then please tell me what you think.  If this stuff is really true, we are in deep, deep trouble, and ONLY the Lord can deliver us!  (He's the only one who can, anyway.)  There is some really spooky, scary stuff there!

I want to call some friends to see if they'd like to share supper with us.  We still have lots of that chili left from yesterday, and they love chili!  :)

Marilyn:  You may have acid reflux since it mimics signs of a heart attack with pain in jaw and such.  Glad you are going to the doctor and be sure to get your question in - don't delay.  You may need tests to resolve this incident. 

Janet:  I checked Snopes and they say that the pictures are of North Korean camps. So they say.  I only googled Fema coffins snopes.   Enjoy supper with your friends.  Don has to have our dinner ready two nights this weeks because I have two days of quilting scheduled - I wonder what he will make for us. 

Yes, thanks for thinking of our grandson.  He is so polite and considerate and loves the game of hockey.  He also tutors others in Spanish language - he sure picked up the language very well.  He is alright, they think his headache could have been a sinus headache and the team coach & all are eagle-eyed on each of the kids on the team so they err in the overprotective mode and that is all well and good.

Al:  It sounds like Marbeth's pnuemonia was caught in time - even so, she must have been feeling low.  She is in great care with high-skilled nurses - thanks be to God! and the prayers from everyone.  I hope you are able to sleep and get some much needed rest before she returns home. 

Larry:  68 new regulations per day - am I going to have to walk on Washington?  I do know from talking with son-in-law all about the new taxes on companies which produce medical devices that many many companies are closing and moving overseas & many many are concerned about their jobs.  No one seems to understand consequences of any quick move. 

Ruth Ann:  Missing you. 

Don told me that one place was going to donate money to Wounded Warriors instead of giving free food to the vets.   

Carol, I was told recently not to trust snopes any more because they are so left-leaning, and protect that bias.  There is another site that is more fair, called Truth or Fiction.

We are home again after taking the chili and eating with our friends.  He was going to take their grandson to Boy Scouts and had to leave early, so rather than worry about him having to come get her later, we just went to their house.  It worked!

I need to read several chapters, I think I am two days behind in my one year Bible.

A few showers here today and 20 degrees cooler than yesterday, a big change.

Larry, They moved to Beaufort, NC on the coast, about 2 hrs away.

Justin has a ball game today that will probably be canceled because of rain but I am headed to the coast anyway. Gonna try to leave early so I will have extra time to spend with my grand kids. If the game is canceled that's ok, it just gives me an excuse to go that I will not let pass by.

Hope everyone has a great blessed day.   

Our weather has done a complete about-face.  Last week a record low and yesterday a record high and today down 25 degrees or more.  It rained most of the night up until about 1/2 hour ago but still dark and dreary and only expected to get into the mid 40's - which is just about normal for mid-November. 

I heard on the morning TV news that Governor Cuomo is saying that folks in New York City who don't have power yet aren't going to get it.  It seems some places can't get power restored because of additional hazards in the area.   Oh, my!  how those people need prayer! 

Hi everyoe.  It is a sunny but very chilly 37 degrees here in Georgia.  I am just back from Walmart.  I went early, about 7:30, and that is a great time to shop especially using the riding cart.  I got some really good green seedless grapes and am enjoying a few as I write.  I plan to attend a meeting this morning and that will be it for today. 

Marilyn, just a few years ago my heart doctor mentioned he heard a murmur.  That was news to me.  Hope the bread was good.  I love homemade bread, something we don't do anymore.

Janet, several eating places here were also giving free meals to veterans.  There was a story this morning about the women from the military who are homeless and many with children.  Disgraceful that we can't provide for our veterans, both men and women.  Janet, I looked at the web link you gave on the FEMA coffins, etc.  The coffins I could see that could be needed in an attack where huge numbers of people are killed such as a nuclear explosion.  The guillotines I really wonder about.  It does appear that we are headed more and more to a one world government when we keep giving up our rights.  In my heart I don't want to believe in conspiracies but my head tells me it may be happening.  Our government doesn't seem to have any trouble lying to us.  I have heard the same thing about Snopes. 

Don, great that you can spend time with your grand kids.  It is sure colder here in the SE today.

Jeanne, where would you begin to rebuild your life if your home and whole area was destroyed.  I saw a man on the news last night from New York or New Jersey saying he has heart problems and other health issues.  I could relate to him because if something happened to our home I certainly couldn't tear out dry wall or take out ruined furniture and appliances. 

Carol, I have to wonder if we won't see more and more people laid off.  Our son called last night and told us he submitted his resignation letter to Publix and is going back to Pizza Hut.  Publix was not giving him the hours he needed.  I am saddened that Publix didn't work out for him as they would have had some benefits. 

Larry, I, too, do NOT WANT to believe those reports, but on the other hand, we shouldn't hide our heads in the sand.  Be sure to look at the sites on "Concentration camps in the US."  They say there are already 800 of them, built, being guarded, and ready for "occupancy".  Really scary, and they have videos of them, too.  I wonder HOW such things could be made up, if they aren't real.

Jeanne, I hadn't heard those poor people will not be getting their power back!  Not ever??  How in the world can they cope?  Winter is coming, on top of everything else!

The Grant Mennonite Church group is serving lunch to us at the senior center today, and they always have such good food!  This is for Thanksgiving.

I wish you all a peaceful day.

I have read all the posts.  News is both good and bad.  I'm not often able to get on line and really post.  I check the site on my blackberry but that is difficult as well.  Today the dial up is working, woohoo!

John has a trainee again this week, sounds like it will be only a week.

We had an awesome time at the OTA convention. Food was fabulous, however I think overpriced.  Breakfast was $90, lunch was $150 and Dinner was $250.  I skipped dinner, we couldn't afford that.  Of course the price was up there because there were high powered speakers.  They were good.......still the price....I can't believe people actually pay this. 

We have normal temperatures for this time of year, a skiff of snow on the ground in the mornings, not enough to slow us down yet though.

I will be back, when the internet cooperates!

Judy, what is OTA??  Those prices sound like political fundraising dinners!   :o  Hope you get your internet access sorted out!

Sunday was an awesome sermon letting us all know that no matter who won the election, God is in control! 

Then 3 of us went out to eat at Steak and Shake since the other two were going to the Secret Sister Revealing Party at 4 in the afternoon.  I came home and took a nap.  Ivalou called me and woke me up but I didn't tell her I had been sleeping.

Yesterday morning I got up to rain and decided to go to the pool.  When I left, it was thick rain.  By the time I got to the pool, it was big, white fluffy snow.  But it didn't stick on the roads...just the roofs and bushes. 

I came home and took a shower and started a load of laundry.  As I was eating a bowl of chili and watching TV...the TV went off and the lights dimmed!  About 12:30pm.  Really weird.  My microwave didn't have any lights on it but it was buzzing.  The oven time didn't display but when I opened the oven, the light inside was dim.  I opened the fridge and it looked dark but the light was dim.  The washer was still working but the spin cycle was very slow.  I have a red light by the power button on the TV when the TV is on.  I couldn't turn it off.  It seemed I only had maybe 40% of my power!

The neighbor lady called and asked if my lights was off and I said 'Yes and no!  On but dim!'  Hers too.  She said she called PSI and reported it!  Ivalou called and asked the same thing.  Teresa had just left and her TV went off and everything was dim. 

Kaye Don called me from Florida but we disconnected as soon as I said Hello. 

Finally I remembered Nicki saying she called PSI...Public Service of Indiana.  Our electric is Duke Energy!!  So I called Duke and the lady knew we were without power but I told her we had half power...she hadn't heard that.  Power to be back on by 4pm.

So anyway, I hung my clothes on a line to dry...glad I was out of the shower since I didn't have any water pressure.  Last evening was Photo Guild. 

All the people from Lapel said they didn't have any power either.  Then I noticed that Kaye Don left me a Voice Mail...he asked if we were out of power and that he heard...from Lapel to Florida...that something in the sub station blew up!!  I said that to one of the other guys and he called someone and they said a squirrel had gotten in the sub station and blew it up...power to be back on by 8pm. 

Finally someone called back home in Lapel and at 7pm the power was back on but this person's TV and satellite wasn't working right! 

When I got home, my lights were on so at least I could park in my garage.  But what a day...6.5 hours without power.  Then I thought...what is wrong with me?...people in the east have been without power and water for almost 2 weeks and some don't even have a home.  How thankful I should be!

And I heard about the explosion in Indianapolis but that's all.  Remember I don't watch the news! 

Today I took Ivalou to her class lunch and then we went grocery shopping! 

Now the mailman has came so I am bundling up my trash, take it out, get my mail and take Ivalou's mail to her and call it a day!!

Wow - what one little squirrel can do!  Those little critters. 

Janet:

QuoteI wonder HOW such things could be made up, if they aren't real.

Every day I could find things "made up".  Downright lies.  Don't politicians do this for a living - at least some do.  I will go right after posting to your site on Truth and put it on my list. 

Larry:  good that you son is able to switch jobs.  It is a concern.  Have you read about the up and coming taxes for medical devices?  Our son-in-law says that it is impossible to sell and the phone has stopped ringing.  Three companies in Minnesota have stopped all buying in response to this new tax on medical devices. 

Well, this has been a good day for me to accomplish some needful sewing.  I have now finished the table top for a gift and the reason I could sew for hours is that we were told that workers would appear after lunch.  It is now 3 PM.  I have a quilt meeting tonight up the block and Don will play cribbage here with that gal's husband. 

Larry:  Don is having his doctor write a letter concerning his loss of hearing so Don should be able to get off the jury duty list.  Otherwise, I would have to go there as interperter.   ::) 

JudyB:  What was the purpose of those lectures and meals? 

Well, I am just stalling here.  Must do something or someone will fire me. 

OTA is the Ontario Transportation Association.  It is an organization that helps truckers with legislation and education.  John has had a 1 1/2 years of a 2 year stint in the position of a Road Knight.  His meals were Comp. The speaker at breakfast was telling company heads how to deal with the different ages of people applying to their company.  He was really good.  Gave me an understanding of the reactions of family.  I said I skipped dinner, i mistyped, it was lunch I missed. All our meals were paid for by either the OTA or John's Company as was the hotel room.  It was a nice get away.

It is late, a "J" night for me.  Dogs are restless as well.

Night all

A Road Knight is an ambassador of the road for the trucking industry.  His duties included interaction with Members of parliament, the media as well as schools and adult groups.  The amazing part of the team he works with is that there are 3 Christians on the team! 

Carol, how well I know that lies are constantly made up and told, all over the media and elsewhere!  I just meant I don't see how they can fake all those pictures and videos---but technology is so advanced, nothing should surprise us anymore, I guess.

Yes, Etta Sue, being without power is most unhandy; but those who have been without for over two weeks REALLY have problems!  Now the CEO of their power company has resigned......hmmmm.  So much graft and corruption, all over the world.  COME QUICKLY, LORD JESUS!!  PLEASE!!

I went to a concert last night at Garden on the senior bus.  It was Masters of Motown, a group of ten people, they did a wonderful job, but it is not my kind of music, so I mostly sat there wishing I hadn't gone and that I were home!  :-\

The meal served to us yesterday by the Mennonites was, as usual, wonderful.  They always sing to us after we eat, and that was enjoyable as well.

I have an  appointment to interview a fellow at the assisted living facility this morning at 10:00.  He is nearing the century mark and has lived around here most of his life, maybe all of it.  I will be learning a lot more, I'm sure!  Everywhere I go, people stop me to tell me how much they are loving the stories, and that they read every one of them.  It has turned into something far bigger than  I ever imagined, and is such a blessing.  Thank you, God.  And I think it's past time for me to post another one in here, isn't it?  I'll do that!

And I got more good news yesterday--the Rotary club president from Boise City, Oklahoma, called to ask me to speak to their club on Nov. 28th about my book.Each time I get to speak, I get to sell more books, so that's a good thing!  ;)

Judy, good to hear you and John didn't have to shell out the big bucks for those meals!  And that you had a good time at the meetings.

Well, here I am on Wednesday.  I am deeply indebted to some of our closest friends from church who have come in to help me every day.  I can't get my shoes on or off, so they do that and help me with getting meals together, etc.  Our pastor is one of them.  Bless the Lord for His lovingkindness in them!

Praise God for loving Christian friends!  And Al, even though it is humbling to need the help and allow people to do those things for you, be glad our loving Father is providing the help you need.  God bless!

Praise God for another beautiful day.   :)

Janet and Etta Sue, I don't know where you gals get your energy.  But then again, maybe back when I was that much younger... 

Al, prayers continue for Marbeth for healing and praise for the help the Lord is providing for you through your church friends.

Today was to be a do-nothing day but my niece called this morning and asked me to go with her and Ivalou to King Chef this evening.  That sounds very nice and delicious!  Robin is Kaye Don's oldest so it will be great to catch up on the family!

Today is a partly sunny/cloudy day and very cold...29 degrees.  The man across the road took down his flag...how dare he!...so I have to look at my pine tree to see if it is breezy and it is a little.  Hope it warms up some!

Hi everyone.  We went to Bible study and an hour at Dunkin' Donuts.  It was 37 degrees here this morning and is now in the 50s.  Nothing else on the schedule for today and I had a nice rest as soon as I finished my lunch.  We had nine men at McDonald's this morning.  They are starting the remodeling up there and have closed their very busy drive-thru.  As soon as that is done they are going to reopen the drive-thru and close the dining room for remodeling.  We will have to go to Burger King for a few days until the dining room reopens.

Janet, the Thanksgiving lunch at the Mennonite Church sounds delicious. 

Judy, I never heard of such high meal prices at conventions.  I suppose most of the attendees must have been on expense accounts.  (I see that you didn't have to pay out-of-pocket for the meals.) What did they have for the meals that cost so much money?  Too bad you can't get a good internet connection.

Etta Sue, that power situation sounds like it couldn't have been good on your electronics.  However, perhaps that is better than a power surge. 

Carol, I have heard of the new tax on medical devices.  I think things are only going to get worse in the coming months as more people lose their jobs or are required to go from full-time to 29 hours.  I understand that if they work 30 hours or more they are considered full-time for the purpose of the health insurance. 

Al, so glad to hear you have such good friends from your church.  I have to help Pat with the strap on her shoe on the leg with the bad knee.  The one that was replaced she has no trouble with.  She has decided to go ahead and get the bad one replaced but couldn't get an appointment with the doctor until January and sure she won't get on the surgery schedule for several weeks after that. 

I am having so much trouble trying to set up Windows Mail. the instructions I have are just not working for me.

All I am glad to hear that there are those from your church helping you.

Janet:  I know - it is hard to know in this day and age if photos and voices are real and it is such a shame.  I really would not know either way.  Lottie has some good common sense for today's youth. 

I am so tired after driving one hour through the rush hour traffic each way and so happy that Don had a meal ready for me.   I have two days of quilt classes and it is rush hour in the dark so not at all easy out there with contstruction and so forth.  The gal & daughter own their shop and it has been there for years now in jeapordy because of impending taxes and most of all the healthcare - one full-time employee will be either let go (and she knows it) or have to take very few hours.  The older owner really wants to semi-retire so this is hard on her as far as work load goes.  11 of us in the class and 10 spoke out about future work problems, I didn't say anything because we are retired.  Anyway, it was really an interesting class and I go back tomorrow as well.  No coffee there to keep us awake, they are trying to squeak by. 

Al:  Sending up a prayer for you.  It is really good that friends are checking in on you.

Last night I slept more than I have in a long time.  Only one 1/2 hour break and then sound asleep again until 7:30 a.m.!!!  It's been so long since I've slept this many hours and this soundly that I'm feeling slow and groggy this morning!   :lol:  (That's my excuse, anyway. )

Jeanne, what good news!  And you will wake up soon enough!  How I love it when I get a good night's sleep!  And I hae been sleeping better lately, for which I am VERY thankful!

Today our "financial guru" has invited us to a lunch he is giving at the civic center.  After that, I have an appointment for an interview.  So I will hae two stories going at the same time, as I didn't get finished yesterday before it was time for Ed to go to lunch.  That's okay!

The sun is shining brightly, God's in his heaven and He holds the answers.  So I will try not to complain today, but to cheer those with whom I come in contact.

Hi everyone.  We had rain throughout the night and it is overcast this morning.  Nothing on the schedule for today and we don't go to coffee on Thursdays.  I asked Pat if she wanted to go out to breakfast but she preferred not.  She has decided to use her walker here in the house rather than the cane.  She is ready to have her other knee replaced but can't even see the surgeon until January 8th and then it will likely be several more weeks before he can schedule her for the surgery.  He is already booked up until January sometime for the surgeries scheduled.  We ordered our Thanksgiving turkey and trimmings yesterday from Publix.  It is really pretty expensive this way but Pat isn't up to doing much in the way of cooking.  Stacey wants to fix the traditional green bean casserole and I got most of the ingredients for the 5-cup salad.  Pat will bake a couple of pumpkin pies and sure fix a relish tray.  The turkey comes with mashed potatoes and gravey, rolls, and dressing.  Most of the left overs will be sent home with the kids.  I have an appointment to see my internist tomorrow afternoon late as think I have developed another hernia.  Do hope I am wrong and it maybe just a pulled muscle but the pain is re-mindful of what I had before I had surgery for the hernia. 

Marilyn, I have never used the Windows Mail but didn't have any trouble signing in with my Hotmail username and password.  I use Gmail.

Janet, I believe you did post Lottie's story a few days ago.  However, you have done a lot of things since then so don't give it a thought.

Carol, I saw the first time unemployment figures announced were much higher than expected (same old story month-after-month).  I expect to see many more people close their businesses and more people become part-time workers or unemployed.  Glad you are enjoying your class although the drive sounds tough.  At least that will be over today.

Jeanne, so glad to read that you had a very restful night. 

Janet, hope your luncheon is good and your interview goes well this afternoon.

Thanks, Larry.  I have removed the duplicate posting.  I need to make myself a different way to keep track of which stories I have posted.  Hope you do not have a hernia.  That's an easier way to do the big meal, and neither of you--should I say, NONE of you---needs to be slaving away in the kitchen for hours!

Some days just do not seem to have enough hours!

King Chef was fun last evening.  After eating we all talked and talked and talked...actually closed up the place! 

Today I take Ivalou for her eye appointment at 1pm.  I don't know if we have anything else to do or will come right back home.

It is another overcast day but bright out, right at the freezing mark!  I don't think a leaf is moving.  I guess you might say a typical fall day!

We found out recemtly that Heather and the family will be having Christmas with us.  I don't think I will order a turkey, rather get a couple of stuffed turkey rolls then add to that the fixings.  I have baking to do, that is a job John and I will do together.

I just paid all the bills, a necessary but none the less one I really don't like.  I have to make cuts in phone services as they are getting too high.

John has a trainee with him again this week.  He will be home friday hopefully early.

Have a great day folks, and God Bless

Etta Sue:  That sure looks like the cat Garfield.  Too funny for words! 

JudyB:  How lovely - your entire family will be together.  We have to celebrate a few days early with Christmas because half have parents in other states..    I sure cannot complain because everyone lives closer to me, so far. 

Larry:  Every day there is another problem with the workers and Don said he would paint the rooms himself just to get things going.  they seem to not understand what we have on the signed contract.  Good that you are taking it a bit easier with Thanksgiving. 

Etta Sue:  Every time I look, that cat is eating all the popcorn! 

[attachimg=1]

Well, maybe not quite that cold, but we do know it's November!   :lol:

Hi everyone.  We have a sunny and crisp day today.  Just back from coffee at the Senior Center.  We made he decision to start going to Burger King rather than McDonald's until they finish the remodeling.  They have torn up all of the pavement  around the building.  The only thing on the schedule for today is to see my doctor at 5 pm this afternoon.

Janet, I can assure you I do not do much slave work in the kitchen as never learned to cook.  I do try to help Pat in the kitchen but it seems that she sometimes resents it a bit.  I just see what a struggle it is for her to stand and cook.  We did get a little cart so she can place things on it from the pantry and not have to make more than one trip and do the same thing with multiple items from the refrigerator. 

Judy, it sounds like you have a good plan for Christmas and know you will enjoy having Heather and the family with you.  It seems that all the costs keep going up. 

Carol, hope you don't have to take your contractor to small claims court.  The last couple of time I had carpentry work done on the house it was accomplished very quickly. 

I have noticed a lot of chain business remodeling.  Are they remodeling to use up some of their profit so they won't be taxed so much?  A lot of car dealerships are remodeling and fast food places. 

Then I see on TV where so and so business gave a million dollars to so and so charity.  Or new cars to someone.  Or even homes to someone.  And I still say that if stores have sales every day then they are over-pricing things in the first place!  And no everyone seems to have 'reward' cards!!  Why don't they just lower the prices and cut out that middle part to get a bargain!! 

Ivalou got another shot in her eye for macular degeneration.  And she doesn't go back until March 15.  Then we went to Cracker Barrel for a meat loaf dinner! 

Kitty is in Ohio with grandchildren.  Katie fell yesterday at recess and broke her arm.  So Kitty is staying another day and asked me to check on her kitties this afternoon. 

My house smells good.  I just got some cornbread out of the oven.  I am going to make Cornbread Salad for the Harvest Dinner after Sunday School Sunday.  Yum! 

I started revising my calenders that I make each years.  That is the hard part and to make sure everything is right!  Next is to check to see if I need ink and card stock.

Another bright and sunny day in central Indiana.  It was cold...down to 26 degrees but hopefully the sun will warm things up...maybe to 48 degrees!

Don is going out for a walk on this sunny and crisp day.  I surely need to walk after sitting for two days.  Now to start thinking about Thanksgiving here.  First, a deep cleaning of the house if ever anything gets finished around here - dust, I can't keep up with it. 

Twinkies will be no more.  Oh, no.  The state fairs have deep fried Twinkies.  Terrible loss of jobs though so that isn't funny.  I have only had one or two Twinkies ever and they were good at the time.  Now, if it could be dipped into dark chocolate, wouldn't it be good for us? 

Larry:  We paid half the bill up front and will withhold the other half until they finish.  I just heard a story about someone in the area who paid for roofing without checking and her money was gone & roof was made worse by them just making noise up there.  Did you have your doctor's appointment today?  I was wondering how that turned out.   

Hi everyone.  Just stopping back by as I had to share the following, which I just read.  I think it will make your day with the message it contains.  It is called
]Take my Son.....

A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, fromPicasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art.


When the Vietnamconflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.

About a month later, just before Christmas, There was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands..

He said, 'Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly... He often talked about you, and your love for art.' The young man held out this package. 'I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this.'

The father Opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture.. 'Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift.'

The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.

The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection.

On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. 'We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?'

There was silence...

Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, 'We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one.'

But the auctioneer persisted. 'Will somebody bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?'

Another voice angrily. 'We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Gogh's, the Rembrandts. Get on with the Real bids!'

But still the auctioneer continued. 'The son! The son! Who'll take the son?'


Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. 'I'll give $10 for the painting...' Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.

'We have $10, who will bid $20?'

'Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters.'

The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son.

They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.

The auctioneer pounded the gavel.. 'Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!'

A man sitting on the second row shouted, 'Now let's get on with the collection!'

The auctioneer laid down his gavel. 'I'm sorry, the auction is over.'

'What about the paintings?'

'I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will... I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings.

The man who took the son gets everything!'

God gave His son over 2,000 years ago to die on the Cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is: 'The Son, the Son, who'll take the Son?'

Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything!

FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, WHO SO EVER BELIEVETH, SHALL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE...THAT'S LOVE

Please send this to ten people and back to the one who sent it to you.

God Bless.

Well, I seem to have somehow lost the email notifications again, so I had to come here the "hard way."  ;)  I thought it strange nobody had posted since my last one...... :-\

Anyway, good to see the new posts.  Larry, I used that in my Christmas cards a few years ago, think it's so good!  I am looking for a new one to use this year.  I cannot believe Thanksgiving is only a few days away!!

We went to Hugoton to see their community theater play and dinner last night.  It was the most enjoyable one they have ever done--called Love Thy Neighbor.  Just good, clean fun!  Granddaughter Abby's new boyfriend was there, so we got to meet him.  She isn't yet allowed to date, but they "like" each other.  She is fifteen now, can you believe it?  I can't!  Mark was also there, and Diane was the head cook for it, and Curtis was in charge of sound, so we saw them all except Jeff.

The big arts and crafts show is being held here today at the civic center, so I am going to meet my friend Pat there.  Later, we might do some card making, it is scrapbooking day, but I'm not organized for that right now.

I have put in lots of hours on the story series this week, even got Beth's done, as she was talking more clearly when I went to see her, so I took advantage of the improvement and interviewed her.  That girl never ceases to amaze me!  She came up with some things she hadn't told me before, about her outlook and expectations in life.  What a blessing she is!

I must get with it!  I've been up since 6, and now have to hustle to meet Pat at 10! 

Hi everyone.  This has been a very busy morning.  When I saw the doctor yesterday he diagnosed my problem not as a hernia but diverticulitis of the large intestine.  So I had to get two antibiotics at the pharmacy, have blood drawn, and pick up the barium drink as I had to have a CT scan.  That is where I am just back from as was able to get in for the scan this morning.  So now am eating my lunch which tastes pretty good since I wasn't able to eat anything this morning other than toe drink two sessions of the barium solution and hour apart.  It will be sometime next week before the results are available.  I was relieved that I am not facing another surgery.  We did go to Burger King this morning for coffee and will be meeting there until McDonald's is finished with the remodeling.  I am ready to rest this afternoon and watch some football.  I  just checked and the game is being televised by our ABC station.

Janet, wonderful that you could interview Beth and get new insights into her thinking.  I take it you are not exhibiting in the arts and crafts show? 

Well, I got a warning ticket from the Lapel Town cop!  After checking on Kitty's kitties, I decided to get a cappuccino.  Lapel changed the speed limit last year so you have to slow down to 30mph...out in the country!  I checked and I was going 28mph.  Then I passed an intersection and the cop that was sitting in an alley pulled out behind me with his lights going!  I'm not  speeding...why is he stopping me??  I pulled over and he came up to my window...back window, really...and asked me if I knew I didn't stop at the stop sign?  What stop sign?  He said, the one just put up.  There have been signs saying a stop sign was going up for two weeks.  I told him I am sorry but I seldom come into Lapel from the southeast and didn't realize there was a sign and that I was looking at the construction for a new convenience store.  He didn't give me a ticket but wrote out a warning!!  Bummer!

I kind of panicked while trying to go to sleep last night.  I make my own Christmas cards and I don't have a clue as to what to do this year!  We have a 'mailbox' at church for those people who come to church.  We drop our cards in there instead of using USPS.  Then my Sunday School class sorts them and will distribute them December 16th.  A great savings!  So I must get my mind going and decide what to do this year!

Larry, your post is a great idea for a Christmas Card insert. 

Not much going on today but I have been so busy.  I have a Cornbread Salad put together.   :)  I have done some laundry.  I printed the Euchre tallies for Tuesday and next month.  I checked what previous years Christmas cards were...so I don't duplicate!  ^-^  I finished a Bible study by Max Lucado on Revelation...still don't understand Revelation....  :'(

And I got a call from the hostess for Euchre asking for a green salad from me for Tuesday...so I will have to go to the store Monday. 

Another bright and sunny day in Indiana.  I am beginning to like these days!!

Hi 

I came here for comfort.  My year old HP computer had the mother board replaced because the company was at fault with that model.  They sent the part but not the repair person.  So it cost me 179,00 and windows did not work. Kept asking for validation and not accepting the code.  So I finally did a factory reset. did not load windows and would not use my rec. disks.  I am at war with HP And Costco and am hoping the HP box will come to take it to their repair place.  So many lies...doesn't anyone tell the truth these days!

I broke the bank and got an IPad2  and trying to learn how to use the thing.  Sure not easy to type.  I am 80 yrs. and do not learn new things easily.  Good thing it is hard to type or my sad story would continue.

This site is a real blessing and helps my lonely life to be happier.  So know that many of us do read and try to stay strong.

God Bless,
Liz

Liz!!  How good to "see" you!  Sorry about your problems with HP.  I am finished with them, too.  I used to have so many things from HP, computer, printer, camera, etc.  EVERY one of them broke or quit working, and they wouldn't even talk to me about fixing them, just said "we will be glad to sell you a new model!" Fat chance!  NO MORE HP products for me!  The printer was brand new, never did work, and on the site, there were literally hundreds of complaints about that printer, and still no offers to make it right.

Anyway, glad you got an IPad (I'm not even sure what that is!)  So you are doing better with the new stuff than I am!  Which reminds me, Larry--the ebook reader I got is a Pandigital.  I can't figure out how to use it.   :-[  I hate how stupid it makes me feel when I cannot do stuff a lot of kindergarten kids do!  AARRGGGHH!

I went to the craft fair with Pat and we had a good time looking around.  The only items I bought were a Christmas tree skirt for her for Christmas, and two little headbands for the two older ggranddaughters.  Last of the big spenders, that's me!  The older I get, the more leverites I see.  Do you know what those are?  Things you see, and say to yourself, Leave 'er right there!  ;)  :)

Then we went to the library and spend a few hours making cards.  Then I went to see Beth, she was talking to John, and as I was leaving, I saw Carl Slemp, whose story was the second one I did.  I stopped to talk to him and he told me he is being baptized tomorrow!!  That just made my day!  He is such a nice man, and had told me he never went to church, but he has been going to the services there, and one of the chaplains led him to the Lord!  I told him how thrilled I was to hear that, and he asked why.  I said, "Because I want you to be in heaven, where I will be!"  I told him I will be there to rejoice with him tomorrow, and he seemed pleased to hear that.  God is good!!

Anyway, Liz, I got off topic, but want to say how happy I am to see you posting again.  I wish you peace and joy, and please do come in and post a bit often, so we know you're still there, okay?

Time to find something to eat for supper.

Well, I can say that God is able to bring good things out of almost anything!  Marbeth is back in the rehab and care center, now, out of the hospital, and hopefully healing a bit more each day.  But the result has beeb that our youngest daughter, who lives in Portland - who has been out of communication for the past few years - came down to see Marbeth yesterday.  Then, afterwards, came to our place, visited.  She had her "significant other" with her.  Well, it turns out that they wanted to take me to dinner over at a local restaurant.  So we did that too.  Then they are going to visit Marbeth again tofsy.  So we're back in communication!  Pray for Rachel - she needs  our Lord & Savior.

Greetings on a lovely "brisk" sunny day.   :D

Liz, it's so good to see a post from you.  I hope you get your computer problems straightened out, and meanwhile please let us hear from you via the iPad.   :thumbsup:

Janet, what wonderful news about Carl Slemp!   :cheer:

Etta Sue, not fun to get a warning for passing a stop sign, but so much better than a ticket!  You sure won't miss that one again!   ;D

Al, wonderful news that Marbeth's health is improving and equally wonderful news that your daughter is making progress at healing your relationship - even though it involves a "significant other".  I pray that situation will soon be corrected.  ;)

Hi everyone.  It is clear and sunny morning here in Georgia.  I have been doing some chores here in the house this morning and have worn myself down so will not be going to church today.  Pat's big toe has acted up again and she can't get a shoe on her foot.  In fact, she asked me to fix her breakfast this morning, which is a bit unusual.  We will just have a quiet day.  Of course, I will watch the Atlanta Falcons play this afternoon and probably some of other games. 

Etta Sue, glad you didn't get a ticket.  A warning doesn't give you any points on your license does it? 

Liz, it does seem people tell you what they think you want to hear.  It is very frustrating having computer problems.  I bet before long you will love your iPad2.  I got a very light blue tooth keyboard to use with my iPad when I want to type very much.  It was less than $20 and works very well. If you can't understand something about the Ipad let me know and I will see if I can be of help.  Nice to see you posting.  As Janet said I also do not buy HP products anymore after some bad experiences with their printers. 

Janet, I had a Pandigital tablet that I used as an ebook reader and did other things with it like email and web surfing. Tt was one of their first models and was a bit clunky.  I gave it to my DIL and she has had a lot of use from it.  In fact, for Christmas we are going to give her a new tablet.  Just remember that you do many things like your painting, framing, writing etc. that other people can't so don't be hard on yourself.  Try going on Google and search for your model of Pandigital and you will likely find some videos that give you a step by step walk through how to use it.  What a nice thing you experienced yesterday by seeing Carl Slemp. 

Al, your being reunited with your daughter is the reason we should never give up hope that things will work out in God's timing.  Hope this will be the beginning of a great reunion with her.  Hope Marbeth is able to come home before too long.

Hmmm.....no new posts since I was here earlier.  I went to town to drop off my shoebox gift for Operation Christmas Child, went to the craft show for a few minutes, read Beth and John (on phone) her story, then went and Read Bo Crocker his, and got his corrections.  Then I attended the church service there at the home, after which Carl was baptized. (Methodist pastor did it, so not immersion!)  I am just SO happy that Carl is now part of the family of God!!

I want to watch the PBS presentation of the Dust Bowl, as I know several people who submitted photos and/or were interviewed for that documentary.  It is ontonight and tomorrow night starting at 7 Central time.

See you later!!

Oh!  Larry, I finally figured out how to read the books that are on the device--I think it is a tablet--but have yet to find out how to connect to the internet with it so I can order more books.  I'm reading Pride and Prejudice, which was on it, and the first 15 chapters are rather tedious, to say the least, but I'm plowing on!  ???  It's supposed to be a classic, right?  By Jane Austen.  Okay, now I'm going!

Time to start a new week  Here. (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=12433.msg175745#msg175745)