Christian Photographers Community

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Hope to see you posting this week!

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Morning Devotional...


How has God protected us in the past?


Before the mountains were created, before you made the earth and the world, you are God, without beginning or end.

You turn people back to dust, saying, "Return to dust!"

Psalm 90:3-4 NLT


Our Help in Ages Past

O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home!
O God, Our Help in Ages Past
ISAAC WATTS (1674-1748)

In 1714, the people of England were anxious. Queen Anne lay dying, and she had no son or daughter to succeed her. Who would be the new monarch, and what changes would that make? Isaac Watts had reason to worry. His father had been imprisoned under the previous regime because his views did not please the ruling family. As a young child, Isaac has been carried by his mother to visit his father in jail. But Queen Anne had brought a new tolerance, and freedom for the elder Watts. Now that she was dying, what would happen?

Isaac Watts turned to Psalm 90 on this occasion and penned what may be the greatest of his more than six hundred hymns. In essence, it is a poem about time. God stands above human time, and in Him all our anxieties can be laid to rest. The greatness of our eternal God was a favorite theme of Watts. When the events of the day bring worry, the God of all ages remains our eternal home.

Hello to my dear friends especially Ruth Ann Bice , Ruth Ann I love the calls.  I would like to thank you all for the prayers.  I continue to go back and forth to the doctors. They say we know what's going wrong but, we don't know why or how to fix it, I told them last week that it was OK because my LORD knew. I go back this coming Tuesday.  I pray all of you are well I will try and stay in touch more from now on I have truly missed you.  In Christ,  Marlo

I have been really bad..... reading but not posting!  :bonk:

All is well with us, and the things that aren't are in the Lord's hands and He will see us through to fulfill His will.

Still involved in a lot of bookkeeping and getting tax files completed... deadline is April 30th if people want to receive the government rebates in July and also not pay penalties on balances due.

I play "Change One Letter" in the Fun Stuff, because it takes just a moment (or an hour if I'm stuck   :D )

Thank you for all your posts and inspiration.

Hello All,
I have read a lot of the posts but have been really busy and unable to post. I have been busy with work and Ruth. Last Sunday in the way early morning hours a small town here in NW Oklahoma was hit by an EF3 tornado killing 6 and injuring many others. The biggest reason why I come to post today was to ask that y'all pray or continue to pray for them as many of them are confused about where to go or start to rebuild. There were 89 homes lost and 13 businesses.  As the weeks go on they are going to need many uplifting prayers so they rebuild and work on moving forward with their earthly lives. Thanks
Sarah

Judy, in the little poll, did you really mean we could select up to 27??  I think that would be every one of them!  ;)

Marlo!  Wonderful to see you posting again!  Isn't our Ruth Ann a blessing, though?  Such a sweetheart!

We enjoyed church in Hugoton, lunch with the kids, and now I am about to enjoy a nap!

I thought this map was very interesting considering we are suppose to be a non-Christian nation.  http://www.usatoday.com/news/graphics/pew-religion-08/flash.htm (http://www.usatoday.com/news/graphics/pew-religion-08/flash.htm)

Sarah, I can't even imagine the devastation to the mental health as well as the property losses and of those who survived the tonado and there have been so many communities hit already this year with the main tornado season just approaching. 

RuthV, glad to see you posting.  I am sure you are busy since this is coming to the end of your tax filing season.  Ours ended a last Tuesday.

Marlo, you certainly know where to put your trust and how will be carrying you thoughout whatever health battles you may face.  I feel our attitude has such an important part to play in our health and recovery from illness. 

Judy, thanks for preparing the devotional thoughts for us this week. 

Good day to all I guess that you all must think that I got lost.  Well there are so many things that have been going on since I was last on this site.  My family have been keeping us busy and also the grand kids.  I also had to take physio for my hand a lot longer than what I thought it would take but when I wake up in the morning it is still sore but that is o k as it get to be o k. very fast and the pain goes away.

You all are still very busy people and it is so good to read some of your posts. :) 

I will try to stay on site more often as I do miss it a lot.  May the Lord give you all a great week and that you all have oppertunity to witness for him.  God bless Gordon and Noreen. :) :cp: :pine: :bananadance:

Wow - I like your survey, Judy - chuckled when I saw that I could choose every one of them:)

I have a busy week ahead of me. I'm working on making arrangements for retiring the end of the school year, or "graduating from the work force" as my daughter reminds me. We will be taking my dad up to North Bay again on Tuesday so that we can learn more about the dialysis treatments he will be doing. Then on Thursday night we will be going to Niagara Falls for a work conference for me. My husband is going with me and we will be there until Saturday when we have to head back home as we need to be back for church responsibilities on Sunday.

Thanks to everyone who has been praying for my Dad and my brother-in-law (see Praise and Prayers). I appreciate it and my Dad is amazed that people so far away have been praying for him.

I do read the posts even though I don't always write - and I pray for each person putting messages up. This is an encouraging group to be part of.

Sarah:  We only see a few minutes at the most on the news regarding the drastic change of life and loss of friends and family on these storms and I often wonder how they begin again with their lives.  I cannot imagine losing every little thing and in some cases, their work places as well.  Prayers for all and prayers of gratitude for what we have in our own lives. 

Hello Gord!  Stay awhile!

The roofers were here & pounded the roof for hours so we had to get out for sanity sake.  I did some cleaning this afternoon and will do the rest of the house tomorrow.  Dust, I mean. 

I put 27 so there would be no limit to your favourites..  I am glad you are enjoying it.

Wonderful message on fear today, I went to the pastor after saying he stopped too soon.  He has left us hungering for more.  Isn't that how it should be?

I will be back tomorrow.

Hi Judy..... I forgot to mention that I would have voted for a Saint Bernard, if it had been one of the choices.   ;)
We have had two of them; one before my daughter was born and the other for 12 years. Barnum grew up with my children and was sorely missed when he died in 1996.
Yes they are massive dogs, however have hearts to match!!

Sarahm, I was watching for any mention of those tornadoes coming near anyone on C.P. The areas hit have been in our prayers, and those in our church.... we will continue to pray for those who were so drastically affected.

It is absolutely wonderful to see all of you posting! I wish there was a little cartoon for a person jumping for joy-I'd use it tonight.

Sarah, how sweet of you to come speak to us. It would be wonderful to get an update on both you and Ruth. Yes, we need to continue to pray long after the news announcements of nature's devastation stop - the recovery and struggles continue.

Our own Don can certainly speak to that with what he has gone through after nature's fury was unleashed on his area.

Ruth V, it's great to see you, too. And, Betty, an update is SO welcome. Marlo we continue to love you and pray for (AND with you) and your family.

As for dogs, one of the best was a mutt that adopted us, and many times protected the babies. What a great dog she was. Also, I absolutely love golden retrievers. We have had 2 really special retrievers - so loving and sweet and eager to please.

Today was ended with a fun time at the church across the street. They held an inexpensive dinner to benefit a wonderful outreach to those with addictions and deal often with either imprisonment and/or homelessness. It was kind of a men's talent show with magic (not) tricks, cute jokes, funny presentations including one on how to use a plunger to unstop the bathroom commode.  :cool: Finally there was music and a most WONDERFUL testimony from a man Jesus rescued from the depths through the CrossBridge program. How wonderful to see that the man who is chef at our M-F cafe set up to help benefit CrossBridge is that rescued man! And, further, he is now a counsellor to help others cross that bridge to health and salvation!

And, I go to sleep tonight with the anticipation of getting to have breakfast with my brother and his sweet wife. They've been in town visiting their daughter and family, and we want to get together before they drive back up north again.

May our Lord bless and keep each of us this day is my prayer.

Ruth Ann

Wow!  A big WELCOME HOME to our previously MIAs--Ruth V., Sarah, Gord, Betty, and Marlo!  So good to have you posting again.  Life certainly does get hectic, and I understand how the days can go by leaving things undone that we had every intention of doing.

This is SUPPOSED  to be my last day at work.  Time will tell.....and I am working in the Special Care Unit today, the one for Alzheimer's residents.  I haven't worked that one for a while, so will have to refresh my memory on who likes what, etc.

I am awake now since 2:30, so I'm sure a nap will be on my agenda after work.  I will TRY to stay awake, because it would be really nice to be able to sleep the whole night, rather than just the first half of it, but will see how I do.  Sometimes the eyes just want to close in spite of my best intentions.

If we are going to accomplish anything in April, we'd better hurry!  ;)   8)

I heard some awful news yesterday.  The 15 year old grandson of my friend who wrote a book before I wrote mine was killed Saturday.  No details yet, only that it was a gunshot.  I don't know if it was accidental or suicide.  Patty was so crazy about that boy (as we all are about our grandkids) and I know she is devastated.  Dominick was in my granddaughter Abby's class in school.

Sarah, do you have friends or relatives in Woodward?  It took a minute for me to realize it was Woodward you were speaking of in your post, as that is quite a distance from where you live.  Not that distance should make any difference in praying for those folks---and thanks for reminding us to pray for them.  Would love to see some photos of you and Ruth.

A chilly week ahead - Friday it may not even get to 40 F.  But praise God we're not getting the snow here that the western part of the state and the high peaks in the Adirondacks are getting.

Thanks for the devotional, Judy.  God is indeed our Protector now as in the past.

But Judy, I wish you had added a choice for "none" in the poll.  I don't really like dogs.   :(

Hi everyone.  We have a very chilly and very windy day here in Georgia.  I had to stop at the gas station a little bit ago and the wind really has a chill to it.  My schedule isn't too heavy today.  I do have my men's luncheon at 1 pm and we will go to the Golden Corral and then I have a meeting to attend for an hour this evening.  Pat talked with Stacey this morning and she was in tears as was in a lot of pain.  She really overdid yesterday as was in her wheelchair from before 9:30 until about 6 pm last evening.  She attended her church and stayed for a meeting afterward and then went to her apartment rather than going back directly to the rehab center.  She wasn't scheduled for any rehab yesterday.  Guess she has to test her limits.

Gord, so good to see your postings.  Glad the pain in your hand has greatly improved. 

Betty, being retired has many great benefits, particularly the ability to see your own schedule.  However, my sister retired several years ago and didn't like it so went back to work part-time.  Sorry to read that your dad has to have dialysis.

Carol, are the roofers finished?

Judy, better to be left hungering for more of the sermon than looking at your watch to see if it isn't about over. 

RuthV, I think you are the only person I know who has owned a Saint Bernard. 

Ruth Ann, hope you have had a great time with your brother and SIL at breakfast this morning.  Your rescue mission work of your church sounds wonderful.  We always need to remember we are all God's creations and he doesn't make any junk. 

Janet, I just know you would have a special quality to share with the memory impaired folks you will have dealt with today.  I have a special place in my heart for the wonderful caregivers that interacted with my folks during the time they spent in a care home.  What a disaster for your friend regarding the death of her grandson. 

Jeanne, we are going to be much cooler here for a couple of days and then back into the 80s.  Today is a sweat shirt day for me to stay warm.

It is so nice to see some of our absentees posting again!  I know our lives are busy but do try to make an effort to post more often.  We miss you! 

I didn't feel the best after eating out yesterday so took a nice long nap with Inky and Ali Cat.  My son even called and asked me to go with them to an Italian place in Carmel and I said, 'Some other time.  I am not feeling too good today.'  By bedtime I was feeling much better. 

Today I am chilled.  I even turned on the furnace to take the chill out of the house.  We are to have a cool week with the highs only in the 50's and low 60's.  Brrr!  We certainly had a short spring! 

Seems my schedule this week all falls on Tuesday.  Pool, taking a Chemo Wrap to the hospital, eating out with SAMS, Verizon store for a new phone, Walmart to schedule an eye exam appointment and grocery shopping. 

And I try to mow the grass on Wednesday and this week the prediction is 50% rain.  Hope not until I get the yard mowed. 

Yesterday, Sheree wrote.....
Sunday 4/22/12 day 46

QuoteGood weekend! Company from Indiana! Jacob's Grandma Burress, Aunt Linda and cousin Parker got to come down and spend some time with us! While they were here something new Jacob started doing was stretching! He stretched his arms and legs out along with a body stretch several times. He woke up a little yesterday evening and did seem to be looking at them for a few moments. This afternoon (yes after they left) he has actually opened both eyes and had them open for over 30 minutes! This was a definite first to have both eyes open! Friday evening Baxter and I were sitting with Jacob before bedtime and he had his right eye open for at least 2 and a half hours !
God is so good !!! Trust in the Lord with all your heart !!!

Linda is Ivalou's daughter-in-law and Parker is Ivalou's grandson.

Hello all y'all Did ya miss me?

I've been here to ready several times daily But didn't say anything.  Gotta go now.

Yes, I HAVE been missing you, Marilyn. :)

Breakfast with my brother and wife was so special. We only get to see each other maybe 1 or 2 times a year. He sees the surgeon day after tomorrow (Wednesday) about that injury he sustained prior to Easter. I truly hope the surgery will relieve the numbness in his leg (and the pain) that he's had to endure.

And, I was able to share a few things with her about elder medications, Medicare, etc.

So, all told, we left with hugs all around and expressions of love.

Y'all have a wonderful day with our Lord today.

Ruth Ann

Well, today is the last day that the Home Health people will be coming.  They've had a bath person, a phys. therapist, an  occupational therapist, and a social worker coming ever since I got home from the rehab place, but they're officially discharging me  tomorrow.  So I'll have to do the showers on my own and getll myself out to walk as often as possible also.  A few minutes ago Marbeth and I walked over to the mailboxes (accross the street) and back.  So I guess I'm supposed to be a relatively normal human being now!  I trust the Lord that everything will go ok.

I've been keeping busy with my graphic work and   creating new webpages. I am waiting for the PT people to call me to set up times for me to go see if they can do anything about the vertigo, It is becoming less and less as time goes by. My head where it hit the ground is healed and finally has stopped hurting. My left knee and wrist are still painful, the right knew is the one that bothers me so much of the time so nothing has changed there either. You can see the newest web creation at http://mychallenges.x10.mx/10/10.html (http://mychallenges.x10.mx/10/10.html) please sign my guestbook if you happen to take a look at the page.

Hi everyone, especially Judy.  It was wonderful sharing a pew and a meal with you, John, Pat, and the other members of your group. 

As you so lovingly pointed out, I have not been posting here in the Thoughts for the Week.  I guess I felt I had nothing to contribute; at least not regularly.

It is cold and blustery here. Must be feeling the effects of the same front that is passing through Georgia...oh so far south of us.

I had a good report from the Defib clinic last Wednesday, though I was chastised for having stopped taking my Atenolol  (Beta Blocker).  I don't like the way I feel when I take it, but the reality is that it was helping my heart rate stay in a normal range. The nurse said that I would normally have somewhere between 3 and 10 episodes...times when an irregularly fast heart beat was detected and/or paced, but I had had 45 in the last 6 months. Guess I had better listen to her, and remember that I am on the lowest possible dose. 

The Lord gave these doctors and nurses the desire to help heal and care for his children, so I must remember that these meds are a help not a hindrance.

Hope you all have a fantastic week.

Bonnie

I forgot to mention that I would have voted for Golden Retriever as my favorite dog, but it wasn't an option.  Every Golden I have ever met has been gentle, loving, and an absolutely useless guard dog because they are so eager to welcome everyone into their circle of love.

Hello,
I am back again. We are doing well. Ruth is getting bigger and continues to love daycare (which has been the best decision I have made to put her into daycare vs having her in a one on one babysitting). She is two and very full of life.
Janet- no friends or family in woodward we have just moved closer (Beaver) and had an EMS unit in woodward during the storm. Will have to post more later I just got a call to return to work
Sarah

Al, even though you will probably miss those home health people, it is a good thing, shows you are gaining back the ground you had lost!  So it is something to celebrate!  Just don't get too feisty--remember to take care of yourself as you continue your healing journey.

I just talked to my friend Pat, and she is still in Lubbock, Texas.  Her dad is in really bad shape, won't likely live more than a few more days.  They were moving him to a hospice facility today.  But they know where he is going; and she said they have had some good, sweet times with him these past days.

I learned my friend Patty's grandson's service will be at the Middle School in Hugoton at 5 on Wednesday.   So much heartache for some wonderful people.  One just wants to scream, "WHY, God?"

Marilyn, glad you are getting better each day.

Today was quite a day at work! The gal who was to work on the 400 neighborhood failed to show up, AGAIN, and they pulled the girl from PT to cook there.  She was utterly lost!  So they came and asked me if I would trade with her, as the 100 one is easier (the Unit).  I said yes, so went and got most of the residents' breakfast cooked and served, then another gal came in to take over, and I went back to the Unit.  There aren't many residents in there, so it is easier, but I don't mind the other one, I'm used to it.  Anyway, the new admin. came in, taking her dog around to visit people, and she told me they want to have a book signing for me!  It will be during National Nursing Home Month, which is May.  That's perfect, as May is also NF Awareness Month!  So I will be writing an article for the paper about NF, and they can "kill several birds with one stone."  :)   :D  Sure helps when you can get a board member to go to bat for you!

Darrel is frying chicken and it smells so good!

Larry:  You may like to read the book, "What is so Great about Christianity", by D'Sousa.  I take it in pieces to digest it better but it really tells the statistics of Evangelical Christians rising in numbers.  Surprising, as we hear the opposite.

Janet:  My neighbor just finished your book & it is an eye-opener to her re. the disease.  We will pass it on.

Our two favorite dogs in the family were a Golden Retriever named Missy and the other,  a Norwegian Elkhound/Husky mix called Spike.  Spike followed the children home when we lived in Minnesota, he stayed and protected us from hunters walking through the property and snowmobilers on the lake.  He was the best dog ever & Missy was a clown and so smart.  She flunked training class because she wanted to flunk - we just loved both dogs.

Gotta go - neighbors calling.

 :lol:  Good evening to all.  We are having winter weather tonight snow flurries and blowing and cold so the poor plants don't know what to do as they are all flowering and nice and green.

Had a great day had the grand kids here as there Mum had to go for orientation for her summer job. Please pray for her as she is having a hard time as the university informed her that she has to get 6 more credits and they had said before that she would not have to do this so it is very hard for a mother with two little ones her name is Stephanie.

Noreen my wife is still having many bad times with her back and she still needs lots of prayer as also the side effects from meds do not help. :thumbsup:

I have also been having a lot of problems with my left hip and I am getting a M.R.I. on the 25th of May to see if they can figure out what is causing this pain I already do know that I have arthritis in it . :)

Well I do hope that you all have a wonderful and safe week and we will pray for you all.  Gods richest blessings to you.   Gordon and Noreen. :banana: :love: :cp:

I forgot to ask yesterday....Larry, what is the difference between Evangelical Christians and Mainline Christians...or Main(something) Christians?  I even searched 'Evangelical Christians' and came up with nothing understandable to me. 

Al, sounds like you are graduating!  Are you having a party?

I am off to Noblesville and hopefully will return with a new phone and an eye exam appointment and some groceries! 

Everyone have a great day with the Lord!

 Hi everyone. I haven't felt up to par the last three evening and most of the day yesterday.  However, don't think it is anything to worry about. I think the effectiveness of some of my heart medications may be reaching their limits and this may be something I just have to learn to deal with on a daily basis.  I hope this too shall pass but it will take a few days to find out. This should be a relatively quiet day with only one activity this morning and then the rest of the day free. 

Etta Sue, what type of new phone did you select?  So glad to read of the progress in Jacob's recovery.  Etta Sue, I don't think I can answer your question on the difference between Evangelical Christians and Mainline Christians.  Perhaps someone else can shed some light on it.  I do know that quite a few of our Presbyterian churches affiliated with the PCUSA are leaving and associating with the Evangelical Presyterians. 

Marilyn, we did miss you but  I had seen postings from you somewhere else so didn't put the two things together.  How is the dizzyness?  I saw your later posting so read about the PT folks.

Ruth Ann, glad you were able to spend time with your brother and SIL.  That is something I haven't been able to do with my sister and BIL for several years.

Al, sounds like you are making very good progress. Small steps lead to little bigger steps on the path to recovery.  Our daughter will be having some Home Health care for some days after she gets home. 

Bonnie, it sounds like the meds are important for your situation.

Sarah, glad the daycare is something that Ruth enjoys.

Janet, our minister preached a sermon on "Why does God allow people to hurt" and his answer was basically it is something to which we can never know the answer other than if it part of the life experience and God will get us through those times.  Good news that they will have a book signing for you at the home.

Carol, very often the news we hear has nothing to do with reality or the true facts.  The book you suggest sounds interesting. 

Gord, sorry to hear of the additional education requirement your daughter now faces.  Sure wish Noreen could find some help with her back pain.  Hope the MRI points to the problem in your hip.

I'm just breezing through to catch up, will be back later with some thoughts re Evangelical vs Mainline Christians.

Lots to do today, isn't that unusual?   ;)   :lol:

I think I forgot to mention that Sunday I called my son Roger to set the dates for my trip to ca in July. I will be staying at his place. I am going by train and will leave Oregon on July 18 arrive there on the 19th return home on the 25th after leaving there the night of the 24th. I am excited to  go and hope to see at least 3 of my kids that I haven't seen since briefly at my Mother's funeral. In June Keith and I will be gone from the 10th to the 17th on vacation splitting the time between two of the timeshares. 3 days on the coast HERE (https://www.viowners.com/resorts/Embarcadero.html) and 7 days HEREl (https://www.viowners.com/resorts/Sunriver.htm)

I love the last words of the chorus of that song! "Grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love." Praise His wonderful name.

So good to hear from y'all today. I'm could feel better today, but our Lord knows how to take good care of each of us, no matter the problem. Yes, Bonnie, it will be better to take that medication - irregular heartbeats certainly aren't very good for us. I know - I've had 'em. :)

Thanks be to God that you're better, Al - we're continuing to pray for and with you, as well as for the other requests here at CP. We love you, and God loves you even MORE!

Y'all have a great day today in your walk with Him.

Ruth Ann

OK I am home from a whirlwind trip to Toronto then to my sisters, for 2 nights and finally home from Toronto last night leaving at 9:15.  We headed in blowing snow but wet roads.  At Gravenhurst after the big bend we were into the most terrible winter weather I have driven in for over a year.  The roads were snow covered and slushy as well there was heavy snow blowing into the window, both hypnotizing and blinding. That was about 11:00, 2 hours from home, with the conditions it took 3 hours.  After 2:00 we arrived home, tired and frazzled. We were up 4 hours after getting to bed, to head to North Bay to a doctors appointment and pick up my little girl.  Cimi was will looked after at  our friends in Redbridge.

We spent 3 days in Toronto at the Truck Show with John doing his duties as a Road Knight.  I did so much walking that I have been in intense pain with my hips and knees.  The joys of getting older!  The last day I stayed at the OTA booth handing out the giveaways.  That gave opportunities to sit more and rest.

Another highlight of the Hotel stay was the fire alarm.  At 2:50 AM Friday night Saturday AM, it went off waking the entire hotel!!  I suspect someone pulled the alarm as a prank.

On the weekend we met with old (not in age) friends including Bonnie  (strollin) and others. Church Sunday morning was wonderful...being able to hear the pastor we have come to love so much.  I left wanting more of the message .....which is in 3 parts ;(  How I wish I could go back for the next 2 weeks to hear the remainder.  It is an amazing feeling leaving church wanting more.

In the evening we went to church with Pat.  It is more of the traditional type of service, as I enjoyed that as well.  I need my glasses there though as they use hymn books and not the words projected on a screen, which I prefer as I can see the words better.

A wonderful visit with Pat and friends now home to rest up for the next time!

I received word from my course instructor that I achieved a mark of 84% on the Nationa Exam, toward my attaining the Personal Support Worker certification. Such a relief, even though I trusted that I would do well.  Going to school while still working, then doing the required placement, was a struggle, but the Lord got me through it. 

Thank you, Ruth Ann, for your encouragement and oh so gentle reminder re my having to be dilligent in taking my beta blocker.

Yes, Judy, it was lovely spending time with you. Hope to see you again real soon.

Each and every concern brought forward this week has been added to my prayer list.

Thank you all for listening, praying, and sharing.

Bonnie

We decided to go up to Dad's last night since the weather didn't look like it would be very good for driving today. We were earlier than you were though, Judy, and just had to face very wet snow. I'm sorry you had a bad trip, but am glad you got home safely. Trust your trip today went well.

We took Dad up to North Bay today through the snow storm. It actually got better the closer we got to North Bay. Dad's appointment went well, although he is feeling overwhelmed about the whole dialysis thing. My sister arrives from Calgary on Thursday for a two week visit and will go with him to the next appointments. He is learning how to do his dialysis at home, which looks like it will be a challenge.

Thought you might like to see our snow:
(https://www.christianphotographers.com/community/d/10344-2/snow.jpg) (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/v/Betty/snow.jpg.html) (https://www.christianphotographers.com/community/d/10346-2/snow2.jpg) (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/v/Betty/snow2.jpg.html)

The first picture is at Burk's Falls, and the second picture is what it looked like when we were going past Powassan - just thought I'd let you see what it looked like in JudyB and RuthV's area this morning.

Betty:  And, here we are experiencing record heat.  Unusual for us because we often get a late spring storm but the month of May is about to begin and you never know. 

Roofers are back - we are exhausted.  Will check in tomorrow. 

Bonnie I KNEW you would do well!!!

Betty Yes it was bad, yet by the time we left this morning the roads were clear!

Pat and Paul are requesting prayer for Paul's daughter and new baby.  The baby was born this morning and is facing a series of operations.  Pray that God guides the doctors in the decision making and in the surgeries as is necessary.

This is a "J" night.  So I will head off again and see if I can get some zzzzzzz's.

On a dark, stormy, night, when the waves rolled like mountains, and not a star was to be seen, a boat, rocking and plunging, neared the Cleveland harbor. "Are you sure this is Cleveland?" asked the captain, seeing only one light from the lighthouse.
"Quite sure, sir," replied the pilot.
"Where are the lower lights?"
"Gone out, sir."
"Can you make the harbor?"
"We must, or perish, sir!"
And with a strong hand and a brave heart, the old pilot turned the wheel. But alas, in the darkness he missed the channel, and with a crash upon the rocks the boat was shivered, and many a life lost in a watery grave. Brethren, the Master will take care of the great lighthouse: let us keep the lower lights burning!
D. L. Moody.

   

It seems a bit surreal reading about Judy's trip through blowing snow, and the others up there, when we are having such heat here.  It was 99* yesterday!  And one place in Kansas saw 100* temps.  Crazy weather, for sure.  "Everything that can be shaken will be shaken" says the Word.....we have no idea what other things are coming upon this world.  But we do know WHO hold the world in the palm of His hand!

My little ones are coming today to stay with me while their mommy and daddy go to Garden for the sonogram which will tell us whether the coming baby is a girl or a boy.  Curtis REALLY wants a boy, as this is to be their last baby

This afternoon I will drive to Hugoton for the funeral of my friend's little grandson.  It appears he took his own life....so awful.  Little things can be magnified by the enemy until a child thinks death is better than life.  It is heartbreaking.  Only 14 years old and gone far too soon.  :'( :'(

I'm going to get a   :coffee:

Well, I have been discharged from Home Health, which means no more visits by the bath fellow, the physical therapist, the nurse, etc.  I have to get along on my own now.  Pray I'll succeed.

I'm glad I don't live where it snows now.  I had enough of that when we lived in the mountains, where it snowed about 60 days each year.  I had to drive through it  up at Lake Talhoe every night to my work.  It was about 25 miles one way, and many times I had to follow a truck in front of me in order to see where the road was.  Where we are now it never snows..  So I know what Judy's trips through blowing snow were like, but I don't want any more myself!  Isn't it a bit late for snow there?

Yes it is a bit late for snow, however we have been known to have a snowstorm in July!  We long for the better weather.

I got the Droid Razr since I am familiar with Droid features.  I seldom used the slide out keyboard so this one doesn't have it.  It is much slimmer, bigger monitor and lighter in weight! 

Today, in a few minutes I leave to get my eyes examined.  I hope he knows what is wrong with my right eye and I get it fixed by glasses or surgery! 

Gotta go....things to do....

The weather seems to be topsy-turvy all over this year. 

So much sadness in the world.  My friend Pat called to tell me her Daddy passed away at 1 this morning......then a little while ago a classmate of mine from HS -- her husband called to tell me she will not be at the alumni banquet because she had a stroke in Feb. and has been in Colorado since then.  I had called and left her a message saying I hoped to see her on Sat. night.

Almost time to find something for these little girls to eat!  They have made Play Doh cookies, checked out every item in the toy box, eaten some apple, rocked in the rocking chair, played peek-a-boo, and anything else they can think of to keep from being still for one minute!  ;)  And Lexi has informed me "We are NOT having a girl baby!!  Our baby is going to be a BOY!"   ;D  Today we will know.  She still doesn't really like having a little sister, so she sure doesn't want two of them.  But little Chelsea is a doll, very calm and sweet natured, and never even minds Lexi snatching things from her hand.  She just calmly goes and finds something else. 

And I know...TMI....so I'm outa here!

Hello everyone I thought I woulld give a shout out to my special friecials and c,p,
Went to the doctor Taking schools today rand everyone else is redy to updated
Today

Hello everyone I thought I would let you all know that I am praying and thinking of you daily.  I read the updates everyday but most of the days I don't have the energy to respond.  Your words encourage me daily.  I have a praise report at least I feel it as one.

My nephew Jonathon is a Senior in High School.  He went to a State science competition this past weekend in Kentucky.
He cam in second in FORENSIC SCIENCE.  He is the first person that as every place in Forensic Science for his schools history.  What a Great accomplishment.  I am so proud of him.  He told me we are not to have pride, I said true but,  we can be proud of someone or something.  Love you Johnathon David. 

Hi everyone.  Just up from a nice afternoon nap.  We were gone all morning as this is our morning for our Bible study.  I then dropped Pat off at the donut shop for the time of fellowship while I went to Kaiser and picked up medicine I needed and then joined the group and finally  the whole group went to the nearby cafe for lunch.  It is a beautiful day outside and has warmed up this afternoon. 

Stacey will not be released from therapy tomorrow as she had thought but has been told it will be Saturday.  We will go down and help her get her things back to her apartment and be sure she has everything she needs for awhile in terms of food, etc.  She seems to be making progress and is going to her apartment sometime during the day for a little while.  I guess that should toughen up his hip as the ride up the sidewalk in her wheelchair is very rough, or at least it was to me.  Of course, she knows where she needs to go slowly as is familiar with the walk.

Marilyn, it sounds like you have a nice summer planned with the vacation to the timeshares and the trip to California.  It sounds like it should be a very special time with your three children.  Do they all live in the same area and is it southern California?

Ruth Ann, hope you are feeling better this afternoon.

Judy, what a nice trip (except for the weather) that you and John had.  It is always fun to go but also very nice to get back home whether you are gone a few hours or a few days.  At our church they print up copies of the hymns being used for those with vision problems.  There are always extra copies and I use one of them as the hymn book is so heavy and the print fine and the lighting not good and it really helps.  I got used to them as the choir uses them to avoid having to deal with hymn books during the processional or in the choir loft as they use folder to hold their music. 

Bonnie, congratulations on your course work.  Will you be working as a home health worker?  Our daughter is going to need this type of help when she gets out of rehab.

Betty, does your dad live alone and will have to deal with the dialysis by himself?  Glad you had a safe trip.

Carol, are your roofers using the nail guns or hammering?  Our son and DIL just had part of the roof replaced on their old home because of wind damage. 

Judy, neonatal cardiologists can do marvelous things these days to repair heart damage.  I am sure this will be a trying time for all the family but sure they will be covered in prayer and God will be keeping them in the palm of his hand to see them through the ordeal ahead.

Janet, hope Curtis and his wife will get the boy they want.  Will this be their third child?  So sad about the suicide of the young man.  We can never know what causes a person to have such despair and his family will suffer for the rest of their lives.

Marlo, having joy in the accomplishments of ourselves or others isn't pride in my book.  I can't imagine what forensic science means in a highschool setting.



Al, it sounds like they feel you have made significant progress.   Like you I can't imagine living where there is a lot of snow, but have been there and done that.  There is no way I could shovel snow and doing so was really the first signs of my hearth problems that I became aware of back in 1987 when we lived in Maryland. 

Etta Sue, I am thinking when I replace my phone that I may go with an iPhone.  I like the android phone I have but find it requires a lot of rebooting and loses the wi-fi connection often.  However, I will have this one another year plus.

We had a beautiful day today. I sent in my retirement letter ... so will be retiring the end of June. I have a lot to get done before then - I don't think I'm counting the days with a "can't wait" but with the idea that it's not much time to get everything done that should be done. However, once I go, I won't have to worry about it, will I :)

Larry, my Dad does live alone. My Mom went to be with the Lord almost 4 years ago. He's going to be 82 in July, and has had good health up until the last year. He has been a real example to our family with the patience and fortitude he has faced everything this year, and is facing with the dialysis. He is hoping to be able to do this on his own. I have two sisters living in Ontario, and a brother and sister in Alberta, so most of the support he gets is from us in Ontario. My sister from Calgary is coming tomorrow to stay with him for a couple of weeks before she goes to Quebec for her daughter's graduation. The timing is perfect for having someone with him right now.

Larry, I have an iPhone through work, and will probably get one when I retire. My Educational Assistants have Androids and they like them, but I think the iPhone gives more options, at least at this point in time.

We're on our way to Niagara Falls tomorrow evening. I'm hoping to get some night time photos of the city and falls. Our hotel will be overlooking the falls. I'm looking forward to the "break" even though I'll be working on Friday.

Praying for everyone ...

I had a lot of catching up to do! The snow, that Betty took a picture of, covered our satellite dish and we were without internet. My husband had taken down the ladder I used during the winter, so I just had to wait until the Sun's rays melted the snow. This morning it was very sporadic so I just turned off the modem to relieve my frustration of getting "DNS lookup error"s and "The connection to the server was reset while the page was loading."

I just came in from a prayer meeting.... there has been much discussion in the church that prayer is the foundation of revival and living the kind of life that will point people to their Saviour....... tonight the Holy Spirit spoke to the hearts of those in attendance. I think He has great plans for this area of Ontario and I am excited!!!

Good Morning everyone!  This is the day that the Lord has made we will rejoice and be glad in it!!!

It is raining here today.  All the work John planned to do while he was off has fallen by the wayside.  The outdoor work that can't be done in the bad weather will have to wait.

I have a lot to get accomplished so I am off for the day.

Hi eveyrone.  Just back from coffee and now have the whole day ahead without having to leave the house (I hope).  I have several projects to attend to today including preparing some financial reports for an organization for which I serve as treasurer.  Pat is planning to meet a friend for lunch.  So not much to write about today.  We will need to go to Atlanta on Saturday to help Stacey get her things home from rehab.  She can get herself there by the power chair.  We can also then see that she has what she needs from the store for awhile.

Betty, it is a nice feeling to know you have reached the point where you can retire.  It sort of takes the pressure off.  Hope you have a good trip to Niagara Falls.

RuthV, I don't think I would be very patient with waiting for the snow to melt if it cut off my internet. 

Judy, sorry you weren't able to get the work done that you had wanted but I bet it will wait until you can tackle it. 

The boy's funeral service last evening was incredibly sad, yet hopeful.  We were assured by two pastors that Dominic had received the Lord as his Savior, and we will see him in heaven.  The big question--WHY?--was answered like this:  Dominic was listening to the wrong voice--for only a little while--and made a decision that took away his life here on earth.  But did it take away his salvation?  Absolutely not.

There was a huge crowd there, and the eighth graders--his classmates--sat together.  Several boys his age were pall bearers, and their faces were so said and pained it broke my heart.  One thing for sure, they will never forget this experience.  From the photos they showed and what the three men said at the service, this was a tender-hearted, fun-loving boy who was nice to everyone with whom he came into contact.  So to take his own life was really out of character for him, making the shock even greater.  The enemy is after our kids, folks!  How we need to pray for them!

Ruth L. thank you for the comments on my webpage.  Knowing at least one person reads them, I will try to be more diligent with my updates!

I have a really hectic few days through the rest of this week and weekend.  So I need to spend extra time in prayer.

I have read and enjoyed each post, won't make comments just now, as must get busy on my 'list for today.' 

Blessings to all of you!

I just had to come back here this morning to share the following story that a good friend sent me this morning.  Again it is long but worth the read.  Janet, that must have been a tough funeral to attend and I certainly agree with you on what our children are facing. 

A Truckers Story

If this doesn't light your fire, your wood is wet!

I try not to be biased, but I had my doubts about hiring Stevie. His placement counselor assured me that he would be a good, reliable busboy. But I had never had a mentally handicapped employee and wasn't sure I wanted one. I wasn't sure how my customers would react to Stevie.

He was short, a little dumpy with the smooth facial features and thick-tongued speech of Downs Syndrome. I wasn't worried about most of my trucker customers because truckers don't generally care who buses tables as long as the meatloaf platter is good and the pies are homemade.

The four-wheeler drivers were the ones who concerned me; the mouthy college kids traveling to school; the yuppie snobs who secretly polish their silverware with their napkins for fear of catching some dreaded "truck stop germ" the pairs of white-shirted business men on expense accounts who think every truck stop waitress wants to be flirted with. I knew those people would be uncomfortable around Stevie so I closely watched him for the first few weeks.
I shouldn't have worried. After the first week, Stevie had my staff wrapped around his stubby little finger, and within a month my truck regulars had adopted him as their official truck stop mascot.
After that, I really didn't care what the rest of the customers' thought of him. He was like a 21-year-old in blue jeans and Nikes, eager to laugh and eager to please, but fierce in his attention to his duties. Every salt and peppershaker was exactly in its place, not a breadcrumb or coffee spill was visible when Stevie got done with the table. Our only problem was persuading him to wait to clean a table until after the customers were finished. He would hover in the background, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, scanning the dining room until a table was empty. Then he would scurry to the empty table and carefully bus dishes and glasses onto his cart and meticulously wipe the table up with a practiced flourish of his rag.
If he thought a customer was watching, his brow would pucker with added concentration. He took pride in doing his job exactly right, and you had to love how hard he tried to please each and every person he met.

Over time, we learned that he lived with his mother, a widow who was disabled after repeated surgeries for cancer. They lived on their Social Security benefits in public housing two miles from the truck stop. Their social worker, who stopped to check on him every so often, admitted they had fallen between the cracks. Money was tight, and what I paid him was probably the difference between them being able to live together and Stevie being sent to a group home. That's why the restaurant was a gloomy place that morning last August, the first morning in three years that Stevie missed work.
He was at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester getting a new valve or something put in his heart. His social worker said that people with Downs Syndrome often have heart problems at an early age so this wasn't unexpected, and there was a good chance he would come through the surgery in good shape and be back at work in a few months.
A ripple of excitement ran through the staff later that morning when word came that he was out of surgery, in recovery, and doing fine.
Frannie, the head waitress, let out a war hoop and did a little dance in the aisle when she heard the good news.

Belle Ringer, one of our regular trucker customers, stared at the sight of this 50-year-old grandmother of four doing a victory shimmy beside his table.

Frannie blushed, smoothed her apron and shot Belle Ringer a withering look.

He grinned. "OK, Frannie, what was that all about?" he asked.
"We just got word that Stevie is out of surgery and going to be okay."
"I was wondering where he was. I had a new joke to tell him. What was the surgery about?"

Frannie quickly told Belle Ringer and the other two drivers sitting at his booth about Stevie's surgery, then sighed: "Yeah, I'm glad he is going to be OK," she said. "But I don't know how he and his Mom are going to handle all the bills. From what I hear, they're barely getting by as it is." Belle Ringer nodded thoughtfully, and Frannie hurried off to wait on the rest of her tables. Since I hadn't had time to round up a busboy to replace Stevie and really didn't want to replace him, the girls were busing their own tables that day until we decided what to do.

After the morning rush, Frannie walked into my office. She had a couple of paper napkins in her hand and a funny look on her face.
"What's up?" I asked.

"I didn't get that table where Belle Ringer and his friends were sitting cleared off after they left, and Pony Pete and Tony Tipper were sitting there when I got back to clean it off," she said. "This was folded and tucked under a coffee cup."
She handed the napkin to me, and three $20 bills fell onto my desk when I opened it. On the outside, in big, bold letters, was printed "Something For Stevie".

"Pony Pete asked me what that was all about," she said, "so I told him about Stevie and his Mom and everything, and Pete looked at Tony and Tony looked at Pete, and they ended up giving me this." She handed me another paper napkin that had "Something For Stevie" scrawled on its outside. Two $50 bills were tucked within its folds. Frannie looked at me with wet, shiny eyes, shook her head and said simply: "truckers."
That was three months ago. Today is Thanksgiving, the first day Stevie is supposed to be back to work.

His placement worker said he's been counting the days until the doctor said he could work, and it didn't matter at all that it was a holiday. He called 10 times in the past week, making sure we knew he was coming, fearful that we had forgotten him or that his job was in jeopardy. I arranged to have his mother bring him to work. I then met them in the parking lot and invited them both to celebrate his day back.

Stevie was thinner and paler, but couldn't stop grinning as he pushed through the doors and headed for the back room where his apron and busing cart were waiting.

"Hold up there, Stevie, not so fast," I said. I took him and his mother by their arms. "Work can wait for a minute. To celebrate you coming back, breakfast for you and your mother is on me!" I led them toward a large corner booth at the rear of the room.
I could feel and hear the rest of the staff following behind as we marched through the dining room. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw booth after booth of grinning truckers empty and join the procession. We stopped in front of the big table. Its surface was covered with coffee cups, saucers and dinner plates, all sitting slightly crooked on dozens of folded paper napkins. "First thing you have to do, Stevie, is clean up this mess," I said. I tried to sound stern.
Stevie looked at me, and then at his mother, then pulled out one of the napkins. It had "Something for Stevie" printed on the outside. As he picked it up, two $10 bills fell onto the table.
Stevie stared at the money, then at all the napkins peeking from beneath the tableware, each with his name printed or scrawled on it. I turned to his mother. "There's more than $10,000 in cash and checks on that table, all from truckers and trucking companies that heard about your problems. "Happy Thanksgiving."

Well, it got real noisy about that time, with everybody hollering and shouting, and there were a few tears, as well.
But you know what's funny?

While everybody else was busy shaking hands and hugging each other, Stevie, with a big, big smile on his face, was busy clearing all the cups and dishes from the table.

Best worker I ever hired.

Plant a seed and watch it grow.

At this point, you can bury this inspirational message or forward it fulfilling the need!

If you shed a tear, hug yourself, because you are a compassionate person.

Well.. Don't just sit there! Send this story on! Keep it going, this is a good one!

AMEN!!!!!!!

Linda posted some photos of her dear little Cayla Joy (Paul and my granddaughter)  in her blog last night.  I thought some of you might like to take a look and as you are looking, please pray for this little one.

http://ourpreciouscaylajoy.blogspot.ca/2012/04/pictures-of-our-precious-cayla-joys-1st.html?spref=fb


And if you just want to see one photo, here's one you might like to see:


[attachimg=1]

And here's the best one!!!  Linda posted this one this morning.


[attachimg=1]

What a wonderful visit it's been with y'all this morning.

Pat, your littlest sweetie is a living doll! Yes, I'll be praying with everyone for her and her parents and extended family. God is faithful! And, He loves us tenderly and cares about every little tiny detail of our lives.

Oh, so much to comment about, but our Master's business for me today is to fetch and carry - fetch a lady and carry (that's "drive" here in the South) her to the doctor's office, then fetch and LITERALLY carry medications to my disabled son.

If God allows, I'll rest this afternoon, before attending a charity dinner for the wonderful unit at the church which is in the Master's business of rescuing and helping rebuild lives of those who have become addicted, been imprisoned, or are homeless. How gladly I wrote that check last week!

Through CrossBridge, I have become pen pals with a lady who still has 9 months to serve of a sentence down in Memphis, TN - BUT, she is now a christian and the 2 directors of CrossBridge testified at her latest parole hearing which resulted in a greatly reduced sentence. God works in mysterious ways, His will to perform. :)

Well, time to "get presentable" and head to the car.

Much love to everyone,
Ruth Ann

Pat thanks for the pictures.

Ruth Ann you are a marvel with all that you do!

Larry that Truckers Story is very typical of the gruff tough cowboy truck driver.....It really blows the image I think.

We are having company tonight, an unsaved local couple.  Pray we are a good witness.

It is snowing yet again, big white globs of snow. our car is covered. as is the ground.

Have a great day!

I received this in an email from strollin.  its too good to not share.

After returning from Sunday School, Mom asked her little daughter, what the Sunday lesson was all about ?

Her daughter answered, " Don't Be Scared , You'll All Get Your Quilts " Needless to say, Mom was perplexed.

Later that same day, the Pastor of the church happened to drop by for tea. During their conversation, the mother asked the Pastor " What was this mornings Sunday school lesson all about " ? The Pastor set down his tea and replied.

" Be Not Afraid, Thy Comforter Is Coming "

  If I am your Facebook friend, you may already know that I am having cataract surgery May 8th for one eye and May 9th for the other eye.  Then the 9th they will set up an appointment to return for a checkup and to make sure I am alive!! 

When Dr. Miller said cataract surgery, I said 'Oh, Great!!'  He looked at me kind of weird and I said, 'I don't like surgery but if that is what it takes to be able to see out of my right eye again, I am all for it!'  Has anyone ever had mono-implants?  I have always wanted contacts...one for far-sighted...one for near-sighted.  Dr. Miller told me they can do that and even have bifocal implants now.  My one concern is most people after implants have to wear glasses again eventually.  Will these implants be a problem if I need to wear glasses again?  I guess I will search online for some answers or I am sure the Eye Specialists will know the answers. 

The best part is Eye Specialists is located at 19th and Meridian in Indy...about 45 minutes away.  They provide transportation.  I will get a call Monday evening from the driver to tell me when I will be picked up.  Then get my surgery and they bring you back home.  Another call that evening and the driver will tell when I will be picked up, get my surgery and they will bring you back!  How wonderful is that?

I have read all the posts but won't make comments today.  Just know that prayers are going out for those with prayer requests and praises to God who have had praises. 

Last evening was the first fundraiser for Jacob....a cookout at the high school that he attended.  The biggest praise is it was damp with a little rain and sunshine that made perfect double rainbows!!  God was there!  Jacob is still in a coma but he pointed a finger to the therapist yesterday.  And after the therapist put a ball in his hand, he dropped it in the therapists hand.  He just keeps amazing all of us!  God isn't through with Jacob...he will return!

Got word that Kaye Don and Barb are headed home this morning.

It is hazy today but the sun is shining.  Windy again!  Temp is low 60's.

Larry I am going to central California, Stockton which is 50 miles south of Sacramento. Roger lives in Stockton, Carol lives in Manteca 10 miles south of Stockton,,on lives  north of Sacramento. Ron lives in North Carolina, he won't be there.

As I sit here at my desk under the window i can see a little birdie coming up to the window and pecking, I don't know what to feed it, if it is a seed eater or not,

Beautiful baby!  I will pray for complete healing on her future foot surgery.  Paul and Pat:  So glad you had a close visit with Cayla. 

Ruth Ann:  Praying for strength as you "Fetch and Carry".  I lived in Texas and finally had to ask what they meant by carrying a person.  Everyone at work had a good laugh at me. 

We have had two more days of roof hammering and the reason is the county inspection wants something done differently so the contractor is fixing everything right now.   I woke up really fast last night after getting up & stepping on wet carpet around 2 AM.  Then, I proceeded to search & found wet carpet in two closets so I decided Don would have to wake up.  We found the problem under the sink drain & stopped it right away - then, I dug out the Little Green Machine we have had for years of cleaning small spills on a carpet.  It vacuums up water.  Put a fan in there & pulled things out of the closet.  Yes, we finally got to sleep & also had naps.  Company is coming but not until Saturday - thank goodness. 

Wed was bible study in the morning and a lunch at our leader's house.  She asked everyone to bring something, I brought chopped tomatoes and we made a haystack salad of mexican ingredients.  Very good.  Long day for me because I had driven gals to Tues night quilt group and was still stressed from driving on dark roads with no markings - not fun at all. 

Marilyn:  Enjoy the family visit - it sounds great. 

Beef stew leftovers tonight.  Beef was finally on sale - we sure have been eating chicken a lot more for years and beef tastes so good when you don't have it too often.  Meat isn't always on the menu either.  I still make the five hour oven stew after 50 years of cooking.  Yep - actually cooked since the age of 8 or ten. 

Well, I understand about doing the family's cooking at a young age. I started early, too, and the memories of those days are standouts in my young life. What fun I had!

Etta Sue, I wish I had been offered the mono-type implants. The only reason I wear glasses is that my implants were set up for distance vision, so I must wear trifocals (top, pure glass-middle, for computer use and piano playing-bottom, reading lenses). Oh, well, I really enjoyed wearing the mono-type compacts for a few years. How great to have the surgeries so close together!

Oh, dear, we've had thunderstorms with hail predicted, and I now hear the hail hitting my windows. Wow, more damage for little Josie PT cruiser!

"Montezuma" must be mad at me...I've been dealing with his "revenge" all afternoon, so had to get someone to take my place at that dinner tonight. :(

Larry, I thoroughly enjoyed reading that message. The story I have about good-hearted truckers comes from a very long trip my 4 children and I took in 1975. I had trained my 14-yr old son to drive just enough that he could get us to another town if my back went out on the trip. But, that's not what happened. Instead, we left El Paso, TX about 2:30 in the afternoon, expecting to find a motel where we could rest when we were driving back east across Texas. NOT TO BE!!! Two truckers realized my predicament (dad had sent us on vacation with his CD radio) and one got in front with the other in back. As the night wore on, the one in back would really blow his horn if I began to drive a bit erratically. Finally, the one in front led me to a Holiday Inn just as dawn was breaking. It's then that I learned he was mayor of his town, and served as assistant pastor in his home church. So, thanks to God's merciful kindness in sending these two godly men to "shelter" me as I drove alone through that long night, we got into the motel, and my oldest took himself and the other 3 out to enjoy the amenities of the hotel while I slept. Isn't it so wonderful that God provides, even when ignorant ladies take on a challenge such as that without any warning of the dangers involved for the night ahead. Praise His Holy Name!

Now, to shut down the computer and try to get settled in for the night ahead. :)

Much love to everyone.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  The sun is about to come up and it looks like it will be another very nice day in Georgia.  This morning is our morning to participate in the Senior Golden Games by playing Rummikub.  It starts at 9 am so I will have to make my time short at coffee this morning so we can get there on time.  Then late this afternoon we will be playing dominoe's with the other two couples we get together with and then will go out for the evening meal.  I was so saddened to learn that Pat Howe had lost her valiant fight with cancer.  What a terrible struggle she had and I can't even imagine what she had to deal with on a daily basis.  She will be missed. 

Pat, a beatutiful baby and thanks for sharing the pictures.

Ruth Ann, you had quite a day yesterday.  It is so thoughtful of you to support the work of your church in helping those caught up in the disease of addiction.  Hope the charity event was a huge success.  My daughter's church has such a program and I am convinced it had a lot to do with her coming back to the Lord as she has.  It is hard to remember that each of us is one of God's children and deserve love and respect.

Judy, glad you liked the trucker's story.  Just because a person has a crusty exterior sure doesn't mean they don't have a soft heart and care about others. 

Etta Sue, you are quite brave to do the eye surgeries a day apart. I wondered if the surgery center provided transportation for you and I see that they do.  More good news concerning the slow recovery of Jacob. 

Marilyn, thanks for the clarification concerning your trip. 

Carol, not good to get up and step on wet carpet.  Glad it wasn't a major repair problem.

Ruth Ann, it sounds like you have a very good story of your own experience with truck drivers and their kindnesses to  you.

Hmmm--how does the notify button get disabled?  I got way behind in here again!   I'm watching the 700 Club, so be back in a bit!

Yes, next day surgery is a little new for this facility.  I don't remember when Ivalou had surgery but for her and Mom, they had one eye done.  They wore a patch over that eye for a week.  Then a week later, they checked that eye and did surgery on the other eye.  Then a patch on that eye and a week later you went back for both eyes to be checked and were done.  Now instead of 3 weeks, it could be 3 days.  And they had to put in eye drops every so often each day.  I will let you know how they do things now...in a few days!

I am trying to think whether I want one eye far and one near or the bifocal implants.  I don't think the bifocals are covered by insurance, even though I have three insurances.  So I guess $$ will be the factor in that.  I haven't read the whole book I received yet either.

Sheree wrote yesterday...

QuoteApril 27, 2012 day 51
They had made several attempts to plug Jacobs trach but he would have difficulty breathing so last night they did a scope of his throat and found 50% blockage or stenosis. His doctors will be meeting as a team to decide the next step since they are still treating him for a blood clot but this may involve surgery to repair the blockage.

It does seem that there is more wrong with Jacob than what is being told.  But my mind's eye still sees him crossing that stage to get his high school diploma with his other classmates!!

Parker was telling his grandma, Ivalou, that the fund raiser at the high school Wednesday night raised over $8,000 for Jacob and his parents!  What a blessing!

Today I am going to Kitty's to make sure her two kitties have food and water.  Then this evening I am going to Tony's and then Tony, Charlene and I are going out to eat at 'On the Border'!  Didn't surprise me that we are going Mexican.  Not at all!

Very bright and sunny today with very little wind.  BUT the temp is on in the 40's!!

Etta Sue, Darrel's cataract surgery was very recent, and they waited two weeks or so between the first and second eye.  And YES he had to do the drops--I can't imagine they would discontinue those--but who knows what changes in a short time or in different areas.  And they haven't been required to wear the eye patches for years, only really dark, protective sunglasses, which they give you.  That's the way of it here--I don't know about there!  And Darrel paid extra $$$ for what they called a toric lens, which is to correct astigmatism.  He does need glasses for reading.  But he has worn glasses most of his life and really likes the transition lenses, so after his eyelid surgery on Monday and the healing time, he will get glasses.  I recommended he get plain glass in the top and reading in the lower part, transition lenses, and he will be more comfortable.  I found it was a royal pain having to hunt for reading glasses every time you want to read something!  Much easier to just wear glasses, and for those of us who are used to that protection in front of our eyes, it just feels more comfortable.  We weren't told about the mono type of lenses, though, but I'm sure they do have those.

Pat, what a cute baby.  I will go check the prayer section to learn what the problem is concerning her.

Ruth Ann, the constant helper in time of need, bless you!

Larry, thanks for sharing the trucker story.

Carol, I, too, learned to cook at a young age, and each of my daughters could put an entire meal on the table for the whole family by the age of 9, and none of them have ever regretted knowing how to cook! In fact, they are all very good cooks---better than their Mom!  Beth loved to cook as long as she was able.

Good news re Jacob, and may God continue the healing in his young body.  Great that the fund raiser was such a success.  People are usually very generous when it comes to helping someone, especially those they know.

We have a terribly windy day here today--- :P  YUCK.

I must go, tons to do, we are leaving early this evening to attend a play in Dodge City with friends, so have a shorter time to get stuff done.  The play is Harvey--should be lots of fun!  The Chinese Acrobats were good last night, too.  And tomorrow night is my HS reunion, and I get to speak about my book and sell those, so you can see I have lots to do!  Why do things always seem to come in bunches?  :-\

A bit discouraging today as the roof did not pass inspection in four places.  It will be taken care of but the ladder is still tied down right in front of our garage (they leave a tied ladder for an inspector). The contractor had to fire one crew out of the 3 crews he has working.

I made pumpkin bars and refrigerated all, well, we did have to taste them first.  Mom was excellent at pies and we remember going to the alley in back to pick blackberries for a fresh pie.  Nothing better than Washington berries and it must have been the refreshing misty mornings with the afternoon sunshine. 

Well, here I am, about ready to say "Good Morning!"

As the day wore on, I felt better. So today's agenda was to take the disabled young man to work, then drive about 30 miles north of town to get a much needed item that was offered through Freecycle.com. That lady was so sweet. She almost loaded me down with gifts including a half pint of honey straight from the hive, a pen that will be nice for my carpal tunnel pains - is't round and fat. :) Also she had fixed a lovely plant for my apartment, and gave me a great ceramic baking item from Pampered Chef! She insisted on having lunch with me, and her homemade spaghetti really "hit the spot." Yum! We had not discussed faith, but enjoyed sharing our favorite Bible verses, and even sang along with a CD of fine old Christian songs. What a nice mini-vacation!

Then I ended up at my son's apartment to take his meds to him, and what fun the kitty Sasha and I had playing together. I was even able to get her to take treats from my fingers. He said he had never been able to get her to do that for him.

So, the last half of the day was great!

I really like your cartoon today, Etta Sue, and will be praying for you and the doctor and insurance can agree on the very best option for your eyes. What a difference it made for me. I also waited 2 weeks for the second surgery, and during those 2 weeks I was constantly delighted to see that my friends actually DID have color in their faces, and the flowers and decorative trees and bushed really made an impact. I could hardly wait for the second surgery. :)

It's so good to see everyone here, and to enjoy the contributions to the conversation. You just don't have any idea how great it is to hear from each of you.

It's time to rest my eyes for this evening. Tomorrow will be scurrying around to prepare for an event tomorrow afternoon and continuing into Sunday.

Much love to our Heavenly Father first, then to each of you. Rest well.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  I have a few minutes before coffee so will write a few lines.  We had a very full but enjoyable day yesterday, including the late afternoon of dining with friends and then playing Mexican Train until about 8 pm.  Today the big activity will be to go to Atlanta and help Stacey get everything back to her apartment from rehab as she is finished with it today.  I did the grocery shopping she needed yesterday.  It will be mid-afternoon before we get back home.

Carol, it is strange they couldn't find another place to tie their ladder.  Sorry that the roofing saga goes on and on for you all.  I guess we were fortunate as our roof took only two days.  We don't have inspectors in Georgia and I didn't see any ladders being tied down.

Ruth Ann, what a unique experience you had on your trip north of town to meet the lady.  This world has many fine people and it sounds like you met one.

Etta Sue, when we were waiting at the eye doctor's office for Pat to see the eye doctor we talked to a woman who had the different lenses in each eye.  One was far-sighted and one was near-sighted.  She said after a few days her brain adjusted to this and she was glad she did it.  Pat wanted nothing to do with that type of arrangement.  I have worn glasses so long that I don't think I would be comfortable without them.  I have always had good food at "One the Border". 

Janet, Pat had to wear the eye patch for each of the surgeries she had.  Guess that differs by doctor.  I agree completely with you on how difficult it is to keep up with two different pair of glasses.  I have worn progressive lenses now for several years and can't imagine not having them.

Good morning!

What a fun evening we had last night, attending the dinner theater play with friends.  Harvey is a really fun play, and although I haven't seen the movie with Jimmy Stewart, I could just see him, in my mind's eye, playing the part of Elwood.  Jimmy Stewart is (was) my all-time favorite actor.  I did a really dumb thing---left my cell phone and my bracelet lying on the table there in the theater!  I missed them when we were half way home, and my friend called back and left a message there as soon as we got to her house.  I hope they won't mind packing them up and mailing them back to me.  I never should have laid them down!  I have prayed over this and believe I will get them back!  :-[  :-[

Carol, getting your roof fixed shouldn't be such an ordeal!  My goodness, good help is sometimes really hard to find.  Your cooking always sounds so good!

Larry, I hope you and Pat don't overdo it today.  Glad Stacey has the rehab behind her now.

I'm going to look a few things up on the computer, then work on my talk for tonight some more.  It will be another late night for us.

I didn't realize till today that I didn't post a hymn yesterday.  Sorry about that, I will post one now.

Thanks for all that was said about cataract surgery.  I am looking forward in seeing clearly, better, colors, in dim light, in bright light and anything else.  Eye Specialists of Indiana (http://www.eyespecialistsofindiana.com/about-esi/) have been in business since 1987.  I was there with Mom and Ivalou.  It seems this two story house is a hustle bustle...kind of like herding cattle with people going every direction.  But the staff is very efficient.  Seems when you reach the back door, you are ready to go home!

I just got home from going with Ivalou to the drug store, Woody's Restaurant, the bank and Dollar General.  She did pretty good driving.  Only scared me a couple of times.   :o  Mostly it is her jack rabbit starts and stops.  Plus she has a heavy foot.  She drives way too fast!!

I would like to do some house cleaning today.  Maybe I should re-phrase that...I am going to do some house cleaning today.  Much needed!!

Sheree wrote...

QuoteApril 27, 2012
BIG day with Speech Therapist today. Jacob was the most awake the therapist had seen him. On command Jacob raised his index finger two different times, opened his hand, squeezed her hand, turned his head to look at her and had both eyes open. Praise the Lord!
This was the most Jacob has done in a session! So proud of you Jacob! You were working so hard !

Soon we are all going to read that Jacob is awake!!

It has been raining today and very chilly.  Great time to do some house cleaning!

Hi everyone.  It looks like it is going to be another  very warm day here in Georgia on this Sunday morning.  We are planning on attending church and then will probably eat out and then have a restful rest of the day.  We were able to get Stacey moved back to her apartment around noon time yesterday.  She was very glad to be finished with the rehab.  Fortunately at her apartment building they have a new exercise room that is available at no additional cost to the residents so she can continue to do some of the rehab type work.  When she isn't using her power chair she will have to walk with a walker for support.  Late in the afternoon she called in a panic saying she had lost her credit card.  So I immediately got on the phone and called and had the card blocked.  It wasn't 20 minutes after I did that when the phone rang again and she said she had found it.  I will call today to see if the block can be removed and if not tomorrow will have to arrange for new cards to be sent. 

Janet, it has been years since we attended at dinner theater and it was so much fun.  I don't think they have any professional dinner theaters around here although we do have good stage plays.  Sure hope you will get your items back that you left on the table.  Hope your talk last night went very well and that you sold out on your books.

Etta Sue, your eye clinic sounds like an assembly line.  I think most of them are run about the same way. 

Judy, thanks for posting the hymns.

I am ready for church.  A busy day and a busy week this week.  Something on my schedule for every day until Saturday. 

I did get my house cleaning done between phone calls.  I did crochet some on a Chemo Wrap.  And I did get caught up on my TV shows! 

Sheree said last evening...

QuoteApril 28, 2012
Jacob was very sleepy today so we just let him stay in bed and sleep most of the day.
We did ask him several times to raise his finger to show us a #1. He responded after a long delay - so thankful he is starting to respond to commands as we keep moving forward ! Thank you Jesus !

But I had a 'J' night last night!  I didn't have caffeine and I thought I would go to sleep easy since I was tired from house cleaning.  I don't know what it was except the alarm was set!  And not much chance of a nap this afternoon.  So bedtime will be early tonight.

Larry, the theater group at Boot Hill in Dodge City isn't a professional group, but they are really good.  It started out as a community theater group, but they have been going for 30 years now, and a lot of the people have been with them for years, so they are good!  Very enjoyable experience.  And they did find my things and are to mail them to me; then I will reimburse them for the postage--and I plan to add some $$ for their trouble. ;)  The incident with Stacey and her credit card sound exactly like something Beth would do.  I don't know how many times she has panicked and told me she lost something, only to tell me later she found it.

We had church outdoors in a park by the swimming pool this morning.  The weather was absolutely perfect!  Then we had a baptismal service where 17 people were baptised!  Praise the Lord.  All that was followed by a lovely picnic.  We brought Beth and she stayed awake and really enjoyed being outdoors for that time.  I was concerned about sunburn because she insisted she wanted to be in the sun.  I did notice that her head was really red in the parts of her hair!  :-[  Oops!

I am going to update my blog on the webpage, you might like to check that out if you are interested.  I don't want to type it all twice.  Okay, yes, I do know how to copy and paste.  :-[

Since we got home at midnight last night I just might take a nap in a while.  We have to leave really early to get to Garden in time for Darrel's eyelid surgery.

Larry & Janet : Stacey & Beth are your children but the both of you just keep on keeping on and that is a real encouragement for me as I try to do for my aunt, she does appreciate what I do  but with the short term memory on its way out it is so very difficult and also the few relatives that we have left they are backing away from taking the time to even phone her.
This coming  month is going to be tiring for me as she is have her second cateract operation on Wednesday I will be praying that this goes as well as the first then enjoy her joy as she will be able to have balanced vision.

Janet:  About our rental hot water tank the company really did a game playing and we just gave up, they changed the rules in their favor.  If we had known at the time I feel that we perhaps would have been owners and not renters of the tank and in time I do feel that we will purchase one rusty water, once a year fee to have it cleaned is far less money than a monthly rental. Currently we are paying $25.00 a month and I say for what.     So much for my griping.

Etta Sue:  We also have that type of eye clinc here as well. You can be at them for at least 4 hours although I did feel that they could be faster.

Our son came by for a few minutes after lunch to bring his dad some paint and to pick of some of his fish from a fishing trip that was in the freezer.

The sun has been shinning bright all day.

What a week this has been.  I love Sundays. 

I had a quilt meeting in Golden at the Mountaineer building.  When you go in the front door, there is a super high wall of several floors where you can climb the wall.  I didn't do that but opted to take the stairs instead of the elevator.  354 quilters came to the state council meeting.  CQC it is called.  Very interesting - the speaker is from New York City and she was so humorous and talented as her showings were all cloth kaleidoscopes.   Imagine the patience of sewing. 

Coming home late in the afternoon and our friends had not phoned so we thought they were still in Tucson - nope, a phone call and they were not far from our house.  We went into high gear here and set up our bedroom for it is on the main floor & he cannot do the stairs to our guest area.  I made a dessert and salad but opted to buy the bake it & top our own pizzas.  Papa Murphy's pizza, it is good.  We had a great visit as always.  They left around 11 AM today - he is in such pain that there is no way we could have taken him with us to church.  He is having a meeting at Mayo Clinic this week.  They are under such stress, I think they just forgot to call and we have noticed little things like that for a few years. 

Larry:  We have all gone through the trials of mislaying things.  I am always and forever looking in my sewing room & it is organized and labeled but I put something down in the wrong place for just a second.... sure is aggravating. 

Time to close this week's postings and now we have a new one for you all.

See you there! (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=12229.0)