Christian Photographers Community

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"Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth."

Psalm 73:25 NLT


Heart's Desire


In The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe when the Beavers inform the children that Aslan is on the move, the children feel a strange stirring in their hearts. Peter in particular says he's "longing" to meet this Aslan....he doesn't say he's curious; he says he's longing, and that carries a very different meaning....

To long for something means you've had it in your mind for a while, the way you fix your heart on getting that iPod for Christmas.... Longing carries with it the concept of desire.

Yearning Desire. It's a theme that weaves throughout the life and works of C. S. Lewis. In Surprised by Joy, he introduces the concept of longing as the signature quest of his childhood and young adulthood.

It wasn't until Lewis converted to Christianity that he eventually realized what he'd been longing for: God. Not the Norse gods of the pagan world, not even the gods or spirits of fantasy worlds, but the God of the Bible — a real, living Being in whom we can have life forever.

With our own friends, part of our role is to help them understand that their longing comes from an inborn desire to know the King of the universe. And, like the Beavers with Peter, we are to tell our friends about the King — that his return is imminent, that he is on the move even now.

We're all longing to meet the true King. Will you recognize his name when you hear it? Will you help others do the same?

Adapted from Walking Through the Wardrobe by Sarah Arthur (Tyndale) pp 77-83

So often I long to "go Home" as I see our Almighty God moving in our world.  ain one sirtuation, the Middle East problems are escalating, as they are here at home.  We see fewer and fewer people leaning toward our Lord on one hand and on the other more are coming to a saving knowledge of Him.  Hold on God is moving, we need to long more for him daily!

Janet yes I did have surgery on my left hand 2 years ago Oct. 7th, That is the hand that still bothers me the most, I do have arthritis in both hands but it isn't all that bad that they are deformed. That lft hand forefinger has Reynauds syndrome ever since the surgery so I goes all white and completely numb and ice cold for a short period of time, the joint that was replaced at the base of my thumb is what hurts the most.

I am sitting here with a plastic bag covering my hair to keep it warm unti.l the time is up to rinse the color  out and apply the conditioner. Yep I am coloring my hair this morning.

I bought the latest edition of PSP yesterday for only $24.99 the Cyber Monday deal. I have used a pirated version on my old computer but I didn't want to take a chance on putting that on this new computer. I am only using licensed versions of any software I add to this computer.

I had a pleasant, very pleasant, surprise this morning.  I got a call from our dear friend, Ruth Ann.  She was in Greenfield, Indiana.  So I directed her to my house for hugs and a visit.  She didn't stay long because I had to leave by 9:30 to take Ivalou to her surgeon for an appointment...which went very well!  Next time, Ruth Ann, you need to let me know sooner and we can spend the day together and you the night here!

And Saturday night I got a different surprise!  I found a leak in my garbage disposal.  When I got to church yesterday I asked a handy man if he knew a good plumber.  He gave me the number of a kid he graduated from high school with that is a licensed plumber.  I called Carl after I got home from church and eating out...told him what I wanted...to take out the garbage disposal and plumb it so it doesn't have one since I am on septic and afraid to use it anyway!  He said he could do that...would I be home this afternoon?  Yes.  So he came around 3 and left at 4:30.  Not bad.  $75.  The big problem was the dork that put the garbage disposal in used floor sealant instead of what he was suppose to use.  It sealed but it had to be chipped off with pliers!  That's what took Carl so long.  Anyway I have the number for a good plumber now. 

I don't care for those inflatable decorations either.  Seems the poor likes those and they are kind of expensive!

I am going to the Doctor tomorrow to discuss that chest pain incidents of almost two weeks ago and also the drastic change in my cholesterol going fro 141 to 263 in the 3 months since she took me off Crestor.

Yikes, Marilyn! Be sure to go and also let us know of the results. Thankfully, we pray for and with each other all the time, but, of course, knowing some of the issues helps prayer to be more specifically directed.

Etta Sue, it was truly so good to see you. And, her decorations are simply lovely! I started to laugh and tell her the amount of decorations in my home - 1 nice little decorated evergreen on the kitchen table that will go to my son in law's farm after the holidays

Now, to rest - that trip was necessary, and God provides the strength, but I'm ALSO very grateful that He has provided a nice warm apartment with a comfy bed. I'm feeling somewhat better now, but upon arriving home this afternoon, I reached for my nightie, took the night meds, and turned in. Whew! Little by little, I keep telling myself.

Now, to move onward. Tomorrow's an appointment for the old lady who rides to doctor appointments with me, and Wednesday is an appointment for me-THIS old lady  !

May our Lord grant peace and safety to each of those who come by here, and also to their families and loved ones.

Good night, friends.

Ruth Ann

Thank you, Judy B. for the devotion from CS Lewis.  What an interesting man. 

Marilyn:  It has been two years since your hand surgery - hard to believe.  Sorry about the problems you are having and the pain as well.  Well, it is good to take care of your other numbers so the doctor will have answers for that too. 

How nice that Etta Sue and Ruth Ann were able to get together even for a short time. 

I went for a mammogram and the machine was down so tomorrow at noon it should be fixed.  So, we went to see the movie, "Lincoln" and it was really a good movie.  Home to eat the last of the leftovers.  Then, I put in a call to an older cousin who had just driven to Arizona from Minnesota to thank him for all the family history that arrived in today's mail.  It has been another good day - such a great gift. 

Carol Lincoln is the Free Senior Movie tomorrow morning. We are both going, I will be sure to report back in after the Doctor appointment and let you know what she said and what if any tests she orders. I think I amy not have told them about the Mitral Valve Prolapse but she did hear the murmur the last time I was there. I will be sure that gets in my chart tomorrow.

I have had many family physicians in my life and only one said I had a heart murmur.  Every time she got that stethoscope out and checked me, she said 'There it is!  Your heart murmur.'  No other doctor has told me that!

Today is SAMS and I thought Ivalou was going but she just called and said her legs were wobbly today.  But tonight is the Meal on Us and she said she thought she might go to that if I am going.  Less people tonight to run into her!

Ruth Ann, hope you got some much needed rest last night.  Driving can be very tiring.

Hi everyone.  We had an overcast morning and now a little after noon it is skrinking but not too chilly today.  I had a good time at my men's luncheon yesterday with 4 other men.  When you have Mexican for lunch you don't need dinner.  I am just back from attending a meeting and that will be it for today.  I am looking forward to reading more of my John Grisham novel and resting this afternoon and evening.  I know this isn't very exciting but it is my life for today.  I did make Pat her breakfast this morning and she says I am getting pretty good at scrambled eggs and toast.  I also peeled her a "Cutie", which is a Clementine.  I have been enjoying a couple of these every morning for the past few days.  Stacey is sort of homebound due to her battery failing in her wheelchair.  She awaiting a call from the Scooter Store as to when they can come and replace the batteres.  She has had experience with being out and having the batteries totally fail. 

Judy, thanks for the devotional thoughts for this week.  Interesting points the author makes regarding the longing in each of us to find the God of our understanding.  Also thanks for posting the hymn.

Marilyn, it sounds like you got a good price on the PSP. Hope your doctor's appointment today goes as you wish it would and you don't have any particular heart problems.

Ruth Ann, glad you made the trip safely and hope you are feeling much more rested today.

Etta Sue, nice surprises and good outcomes.  I agree it isn't wise to use a garbage disposal with a septic system.  We haven't had a garbage disposal since we lived in Maryland for that very reason.  Stacey was very pleased to find that she had one in her new apartment.

Carol, I understand that the movie "Lincoln" is very good.  We will wait to see it on DVD or Netflix.  I think I am going to get the ebook on Lincoln that Doris Kerns recently released although it is a very long book.  I have always been fascinated by Lincoln and consider him of the the best Presidents we have ever had.

I'm so thankful to be back home here at CP. Yes, it was great to rest as long as I needed this morning. Now, it's about time to give this apartment some "mother love".

Y'all have a good day.

Ruth Ann

I am just back home from a meeting in Garden City.  I went with our Senior director, it was a meeting on Kancare, which is taking the place of Medicaid in our state.  When we got back, the gal who works for LaVonne asked, "What did you learn?"  And my answer was that we learned we should have stayed home!  What a waste of time!  Made me so aggravated!  Oh, if you are a welfare, single, obese, pregnant mother, there is a lot of new stuff:  They PAY you to go to the doctor, pay for Weight Watchers classes, then give you a $50 gift card for going; give you a baby shower (!?!), new clothes for both you and the baby, give you money to buy "professional clothes" to go for an interview, Pay for your kids to join a kids' club, etc., give you a free cell phone with 250 minutes per month, if you agree to receive texts from them to remind you of your appointments (wouldn't want to miss out on getting paid for that!)....and it went on and ON!  Talk about the Nanny State--cradle to grave care.  There was lots more.  And I only went to learn what changes are in store for Beth, didn't learn one thing about that!    I hate having my time wasted!!

Anyhow!  How are all of you?  I need to make an outline for my talk tomorrow to the Rotary club in Boise City, choose which clothes to wear (nobody bought me a new PROFESSIONAL OUTFIT), and generally get myself settled and pray over the talk.  If you would, please pray the talk will be well received and books will be sold.  Thanks.

Larry, thanks for putting in the link to the charitable organizations comparison.  I can't find it, guess I must have deleted it, I get SO much email.  And I couldn't find it by Googling, either.

I'd best be getting busy here.  See you later.

I went to my Doctor appointment today I saw the Nurse Practitioner. She put me on Pravastatin for the high cholesterol. When I got home I discovered that I still have 26 Crestor tablets left from when the Dr. took me off them So I will mention that when I go back next month for labs. I am also wearing a Holter Monitor for 48 hours to check my heart and may be having a stress test later, she is going to talk that over with the Doctor. So that's the report more will come after I get the Holter Monitor report.

Lincoln was a wonderful movie, I recommend it to all.

I'm just stopping by to bid you all a good morning before I leave for Boise City.  That is 100 miles from here, so I must leave early, need a little time to find the place where they meet.  It's so many years since I lived there, I can't remember where the Scout Hut is located.  It's a small town so shouldn't be too hard to find!

Curtis and family came up last night, and he hooked up my Christmas gift!  When we built this house, we put ceiling speakers in, and Darrel had all the wires coming into a closet in the corner of the living room.  So those wires have just hung there for about 17 years now, and I finally told Darrel I am tired of waiting for music!  So Curtis got online and ordered everything we needed; the boxes arrived, and he came and hooked it all up!  Now I can listen to CDs, radio or whatever, anywhere in the house!    Darrel will pay for the equipment, of course, and my gift from Curtis is his work.  Love my guys! 

Please remember to send up a little prayer for me today, for safety on the road and success with my talk!  Thanks!

There were several at SAMS yesterday but Ivalou called about an hour before us leaving and said she wasn't going.  But she would like to go to Meal on Us in the evening.  So Meal on Us was a great meal...and I was glad that Ivalou got out and visited with some other people.

I am waiting now on Kitty.  She is coming to see my Christmas decorations and then we are going to the Swim Shop and the Apple Store.  Then find somewhere for lunch.  She will bring me home and then I am heading back that direction to go to the pool. 

Tomorrow....nothing to do!

Hi nice to join you for "coffee" this morning. This is a very busy week for me. Doing a lot of baking. Church is having a bake sale on Saturday. So, baking for that and also for a former work boss. He plows snow for me and his wife asked me to do their Christmas baking. They have 3 small kids and works full time as a nurse. Therefore she is very busy. I do enjoy baking though as that was my profession. I probably won't be able to "visit" CP much this week. God is so good and always provides.
Blessings

Welcome, Chrisle! You will be instantly accepted and loved by this wonderful group of Christians. I can't wait to learn more about you. It sounds as if you live a rich and fulfilling life.

Janet, may God go with you each step of your way today. So many times when we go to meetings such as that new state-led insurance, we don't come away with what we wanted to hear, but at least you are aware of what's going on. Therefore, I always try to attend for tidbits to share with others.

Marilyn, the Pravastatin seems to be a good medication for me. My muscle pain essentially went away with the change to it. So, good luck with your Holter monitor - in the 70's and early 80's, I wore one at least once a month, so the medical personnel will use the information gained to be able to be of more assistance to you.

Larry, hope you feel well today.

Carol, I enjoyed your comments yesterday.

Al, hope that your wife gets better.

Judy, please let Pat know we love her and care.

Etta Sue, as busy as you stay, it's hard to believe you have one of my "do-nothing" days.

If I missed your name, please know that I enjoy reading all posts, and hope you'll forgive me.

Love to y'all,
Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann, it sounds as though you are feeling better today.  I hope I'm not being overly optimistic.   

Chrisle, welcome to this warm and loving Christian site.  If you have any questions, just ask and someone will have an answer.  Would you please cyber-send some of those home baked goodies my way?  I used to do a lot of baking (and cooking in general), especially when my three kids were all teenagers and "inhaled" food.   

Good Morning Chrisle Welcome to this group of loving praying Christians. We are so happy that you have joined us, when you have some spare time please tell us more about yourself.  I live in Oregon with Keith, 2 cats and 2 dogs. I have 5 grown children of my own and 3 of his. I have 15 grands and 9 great grands. I am 72 yrs young I am a web designer and graphic artist and work as a volunteer at the local Spay and Neuter Clinic as one of the recovery bed techs. I am a retired Geriatric Care Manager. (Care Giver) Now its your turn. 

Chrisle  it is good to see you hopping right in and joining the conversation.

Larry which John Grishom are you reading? I think I have read most, however there may be a new one out that I don't know about yet.

This is another year for knitting.  I thought I was about done, only to have 2 family members speak up and put in requests so I have 3 more to go. Yikes and it is almost December first.  One will be for a January birthday, so that gives me a bit of time.

Have a great day everyone, may God bless you all!

Hi everyone.  I was gone all morning so am now eating some lunch and catching up on the message boards.  Right after coffee I stopped Krogers to pick up a couple of items and a prescription I will need on Friday.  Then I headed to Kaiser for my annual physical.  Since I had had blood tests a few days ago it wasn't necessary to get anymore.  I did get the wax removed from my ears so should be set to hear well for a long time.  The only thing that came out of it was an order to get a bone density test done, something I have never had.  Pat has just left to have lunch with a friend at the pizza place close by.  They like the Greek salads they can get there.  Then we plan to eat out this evening as it has been several days since we went out to eat. 

Janet, I don't blame you for being disgusted with the results of your seminar.  I just Googled "charitible organization leaders pay" or something like that to get that link.  How nice to have the speaker system now working.  We had that in one home we had and did enjoy it.

Marilyn, it sounds like the PA gave you quite a few things to keep you busy.  I just bought the new Liincoln book that Doris Kerns Goodwin has written and read the first few pages.

Chrisie, welcome to CP.  We hope you will become a regular participant.  Our church is having its annual bake sale and craft fair the next Sunday.  The senior ministry is helped by the proceeds or special things like new tables for the Fellowship Center are purchased.  Are or were  you a chef or pastry cook?

Ruth Ann, I do feel well today. 

Hi Jeanne.  Young folks can sure put the food away.  I have to marvel at how some families with several children can afford to feed them with todays prices.

Judy, last night I finished the Grisham book "The Rackateer".  As always it was good and an easy read.

Good afternoon everyone, and a special welcome to Chrisle 

Maybe I should introduce myself, since it's been so long since I've made an appearance here.    Sorry 'bout that, I've been busy... or at least I've been thinking about a lot of other things and so seldom have anything to say that's worth reading.  Not that this is!  I do read here every day, when I'm notified of new messages.  Which, reminds me:  I was not getting notifications for about a week or 10 days.  Had to come in the back door just to see who had been here.   

Today I bought myself a Christmas present (or two).  I was at Wal-Mart and saw a really neat "entertainment center" ... looks like the oldtime radio, but is 5 in 1 ... a radio, CD player, cassette player, and a 3 speed record player!  I came home and looked online and it was $30 more online, so I went back to the store and picked it up.  (I did pay for it as I went by the checkout stand! )  I had already been checking online for a combination VCR/DVD, went ahead and ordered that while I was at it.     Now I'm all set (or will be when the VCR/DVD is delivered) for Christmas -- or anything else I might be in the mood for.  I have a large collection of records, as well as cassette tapes, DVDs and CDs. 

My neighbor passed away the 8th (2 days after the election).  He's the man who has been so very helpful to me, by building, repairing, doing yard work, etc.  He had been in Hospice care for a couple weeks, but he said he wanted to live until after the election.  He did that, by a day and a half.  He also believed he would be alive when Jesus returns, but he didn't make that one.  His wife went home with her daughter, who lives in Washington, but emailed that she will be back on Friday.  I've had the keys to her house and mailbox so I could pick up her mail and keep an eye on her home.  She does that for me whenever I'm gone, too, so it's a neighborly thing to do. 

As a matter of fact, I need to go out and get the mail now, while we are between showers here.  The wind is starting to pick up and we are scheduled to have three storms coming in off the Pacific ... one after the other, starting this evening.  We've already had rain off and on today.  Oh, well, this is Oregon after all.

I'll be back later, so y'all behave while I'm gone. 

Ruth Ann does the Pravastatin cause you any digestive problems. The NP told me that  it is one of the older medications and well tolerated, and does not interfere with other medications. She said "You can even drink grapefruit juice with this drug" I told her I don't like grapefruit juice.

Hi Jane maybe we need to welcome you back to this coffee shop. 

Judy I have been working on getting a baby afghan crocheted so I can get it i  the mail before to arrive in South Carolina before Christmas.

I have good news about my grand daughter, she is finally off the heroin so i do thank yhou for all your prayers. God did and interventions for her. She is now a mamma of a beautiful baby girl.

A hearty welcome to Chrisle!   I'll have any leftovers from your baking - thank you.  Come back soon so we can all chat with you more.   I live just southwest of Denver. 

I was able to get to Wed. bible study and they finished on Job today.  The book of Job helped me personally at a dark time so it was nice to go over the lessons learned.  What a great and good group at our table and I can't be thankful enough for meeting my study friends.  In the afternoon, I went to the new book club in our area and a friend came with me so she was happy to meet and chat about the books we will be reading.  So far, the choices have been uplifting. 

#3 child came for a dinner as I made Shrimp Etouffee.  He brought his dog along because Loki (the dog) has hurt his paw from jumping so we are trying to keep him quiet until the next appointment with the vet. 
Tomorrow, back to the salt mine ---- I mean that house duties are calling. 

Whew! It's been a tiring day. But the long, long visit with the doctor was really productive. We are MOST thankful for good doctors who willingly work for a long period with a patient. I know he lost money on me today, but that's why I've been his patient for 20 years - he's a good man. And a wonderful doctor.

So, we're still dealing with a few medication changes. And he was very pleased with the additional 10 lbs. weight loss - all together, this brings the total to exactly 50 lbs. How very thankful I am!

Now, to rest, and prepare to go shopping for groceries, and spend a bit of time with my oldest son.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

A belated welcome to Chrisie!  I'm just finishing my coffee and catching up on y'all.  Marbeth was doing better yesterday, so I'm praying that wull ciontinue today.

Good morning!  I had a good day yesterday; my talk was well received, and several books were sold.  I went by and visited my former sister-in-law, so that was nice, too.  On the way home I stopped at my daughter's store and also got to see Abby for a minute.  So God answered prayer!  Thanks!

Marilyn, I cannot take any form of statin drugs.  They cause terrible joint pain.  My cholesterol is always high, but every cell in our bodies is bathed with cholesterol, so I was told that isn't the problem.  The problem is when it starts to stick in our arteries, and our heart doctor told us to take B-50 every night and that will prevent the sticking.  That's what I am doing, and I feel great.  If I should die suddenly, I'm the winner!  I really don't worry about it.  I also have common mitral valve prolapse, never have had a sign of a problem with that, either.  I go to the doctor when they will no longer renew my two little prescriptions for blood pressure, which is maybe once a year.  How very thankful I am for excellent health!

Ruth Ann, how have you lost the weight?  Just watching your diet?  I want to lose some, and we are now going back to the gym.  That helps so much, because the exercise actually cuts your appetite.  That's a good thing!  So glad your health is improving! 

Jane, so good to see you here again!  I know you have as much to say as any of us, you just choose not to say it!    There are times I could take lessons from you.    But we miss you when you stay quiet.

Chrisle, welcome!!  Come in and chat, any time!  As you can see, we just talk about whatever we choose.  Sometimes important, oftentimes trivial, but we area all friends in here.

Today  will involve going to the gym, visiting Beth, visiting dear Lillian (whose story I put here a while back) as Pat told me last evening she isn't doing at all well, and they are afraid she is about to go home to heaven, deciding on how much decorating I will do for Christmas, hunting something I "put away" and can't find (yet) and maybe interviewing another lady.

See you later!

Hey there, Al!  You posted while I was typing.  Glad to hear Marbeth is improving and hope she will soon be home.  Also hope you are doing better each day.

Good early morning, friends,

It's great to be able to come here and see my friends, old and new.

I'm going to take it easy for a couple of hours, then prepare to do several errands with my oldest son.

And, friends have come back after visiting in Virginia for several weeks - so, they would like to meet for a meal later.

Y'all have a wonderful day with our Lord.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  Got up a little late this morning but have nothing planned for today so will be a laid back and relaxed day.  Pat and I did enjoy a nice dining out last night.  It was Italian night at this local sports bar, which has a nice dining room and is never too busy.  It is owned by two Italian guys, whom I have met and talked with a bit.  They have many TV's around the walls but keep the sound off on them.  So you can watch the games, if on, but not be bombarded by the noise.  It looks like it will be another nice day here up into the 60s this afternoon.  Stacey got new batteries for her power chair yesterday so is now not afraid to venture from the apartment for fear the batteries will give out entirely.  They last just a little 12 months but she uses the chair a lot.  She did have another fall as she was dizzy, like she was when she broke her hip.  Fortunately, no damage done.

Jane, nice to see your posts and you certainly have something to say.  Nice to see you are treating yourself to some things you want and will enjoy.  Nice of you to keep an eye on your neighbor's place and get her mail while she has been gone.

Marilyn, that is good news about your grand daughter and that is why we never give up on them.  I have never had any side effects from the statins I have taken for many years.  I am now on Lipitor generic. 

Carol, isn't it interesting that we seem to get what we need when we need it such as from your study of Job.  I almost think we hear differently when the lessons are to help us.

Ruth Ann, losing 50 pounds is indeed an accomplishment. My doctors at Kaiser also seem to take whatever time is needed with me.

Al, hope Marbeth is doing even better today.  Are you able to go see her? 

Janet, you are so fortunate to be in such good health.  It is indeed a blessing.  It sounds like your plate is full for today.