Julie's Blog

New Look..?????

2009-01-04T12:52:00.000-08:00

Not sure if I like!

"Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow"

2008-12-11T16:17:00.000-08:00

Just a few shots from the North Pole.....Oh, sorry I forgot this is SOUTH LOUISIANA and that in just a few short hours this would all be gone. Loved it while it lasted.
I felt like a kid again seeing snow for the first time....what a fun way to start the day!!!!

"Yankee Grandkids"

2008-12-04T18:27:00.000-08:00

Christian and Alyssa

Hannah's Little Buddy

2008-11-12T06:12:00.000-08:00

Halloween 2008

2008-11-02T18:39:00.001-08:00

KIDS FROM MY NEIGHBORHOOD

Trying something new....

2008-10-09T07:21:00.001-07:00

High Dynamic Range Digital Photography

Taking three shots in quick succession and blending them to capture the nuances of light and color.The luminous color comes from exposure bracketing.... which is done by taking two or more different exposures of the same image and blending them to create one final image with a more dynamic color range (referred to technically as High Dynamic Range - HDR). This is a definition of HDR.

I used Dynamic-Photo HDR Program to work on this shot.
In this program you can use one photo and get a fake HDR or you can do it the I described above but I'm still learning to do that. It's also a free program. There are other programs out there that work better I'm sure but they can be pricey.
I don't know if this is something I would do all the time but it was fun to play around with this program.

Without HDR:

With HDR:

Oh, Happy Day....

2008-10-07T19:55:00.000-07:00

I got my microwave back....

Creature Comforts

2008-10-02T05:07:00.000-07:00

Okay, the morning of Gustau my microwave stopped heating. I thought at the time, no hurry about getting it to Sears to be worked on I don't use it that much. Well, famous last words.....I use it more than I thought.

~Reheating my coffee forty times a day
~Cooking my breakfast (oatmeal)
~Heating Hannah's lunch
~Boiling water for tea
~Popcorn button (Mike"s favorite)
~Rice button
~Rice button
~DiGiorno Pizza (Christopher's favorite)
~Defrosting meat when you forgot to take it out that morning

Okay, so I think you get the picture! I'll be glad to get my microwave back.

Hannah's New Friend

2008-09-21T05:23:00.000-07:00

Last week was one of those bitter /sweet moments for Mike and I. Amanda, Mackenzie's mommy had to be put back in the hospital after only being home for one day. Christopher had to go back offshore wishing he had more days off to be with his girls. Needles to say emotions were very tender.

Mackenzie had her first sleep over at Gram and Pops house. (sweet moments)

Hannah made a new friend and was a big help to me (Ju Ju). She's going to make a great mommy herself one day.

God is good and things seem to be getting back to normal or should I say the new normal. Gram's looking forward to Mackenzie's next sleep over.

Our sixth Grandchild

2008-09-12T09:03:00.001-07:00

Mackenzie Rose Snelling

Born September 11, 2008 at 12:50 a.m.

6 lb. 12 oz.

19 3/4 long

Hurricane Clean Up

2008-09-03T07:36:00.000-07:00

Mike and I got everything cleaned up after Gustav
and are hoping we don't have to do it all again
with Ike and Josephine closing in on the Gulf.
Praying they just go away!!!

Everyone in our family is safe and no damage
done to their homes. Just fence damage.

Praising God that Gustav wasn't as bad as first
thought it was going to be in Lafayette!!!!

PFC Snelling

2008-08-18T11:50:00.000-07:00

On August 15, 2008, my nephew, Devon James Snelling graduated from Marine Corps boot camp to become Private First Class Snelling. To see the young man I've watched grow up stand and pledge his life to serve and protect this country so that we can sleep a little safer at night was humbling to say the least. I could not be prouder of him then if he were my own son.

So many emotions run through you as you watch these young men close this chapter of there lives and move forward with honor, courage and commitment to what lies ahead. They have all truly become brother's through this experience.

As the Marines say Semper Fidelis "Always Faithful", may we to be faithful in lifting the men and women who serve this country in pray to our shield and protector, God in heaven.

He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak. Isaiah 59:17

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16

2008 Football Season

2008-08-07T05:36:00.000-07:00

We are a house divided!!!

This Generation.....

2008-07-16T18:29:00.000-07:00

As I was on my way home from service tonight, I remembered this song our son-n-law wrote. Thought the lyrics went well with Kevin's message. Blessed that Matt and Heather are so in love with there Lord and Savior.

Remnant Cry

by Matthew Duhon

Wake up! Arise and shine!
Your light has come
Wake up to find His mercies new with every morning sun
Don't want to say "amen" and fall asleep again
We were saved by grace for more than we've become

Rise up! With calloused knees and broken hearts
Rise up! We are a people called by God and set apart
We are not our own! We live for Christ alone.
Our mission is to be the hands that bear the scars

We are an army rising!
We are a remnant crying!

We are an army rising!
We are a remnant crying!

Come on! No more to hide in silent shame
Come on! Repent!
The kingdom's here is the hope that we proclaim
No time for argument!
No room for counterfeit!
By our love they'll know that Jesus is the way

We are an army rising!
We are a remnant crying!

We are an army rising!
We are a remnant crying!

We are the left out, cast down, laughed at
We are peculiar to say the least
We gotta go back and tell the rest that
Jesus came to set us free
How dare we hide this, keep this secret
When Christ has bled and died to meet the need
When they see us they must see Jesus
For us to be the church - the remedy

This generation will see the glory of our God
This generation will be the turning of the tide

This generation will see the glory of our God
This generation will be the turning of the tide

Sister Love.....

2008-06-23T06:49:00.000-07:00

Wish List....

2008-06-19T15:29:00.000-07:00

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond300/

New Grandson

2008-06-14T08:21:00.000-07:00

Caleb Matthew Duhon

Born: Friday June 13, 2008

Weight: 8lb. 13 oz.

Length: 21 inches

Heather (Mom) and Caleb are doing well!!

Memorial Day

2008-05-26T07:27:00.000-07:00

Remembering those who served.

Praying for those who continue to serve.

PSALM 91

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust!"
For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper,
And from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with His pinions,
And under His wing you may seek refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.

You will not be afraid of the terror by night,
Or of the arrow that flies by day;
Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.
A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not approach you.
You will only look on with your eyes,
And see the recompense of the wicked.
For you have made the Lord, my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place.
No evil will befall you,
Nor will any plague come near your tent.

For He will give His angles charge concerning you,
To guard you in all your ways.
They will bear you up in their hands,
Lest you strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread upon the lion and cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you will trample down.

"Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name
He will call upon Me, ans I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him, and honor him.
With a long life I will satisfy him,

And let him behold My salvation."

Our Family is Growing...

2008-05-22T19:38:00.001-07:00

2008-05-22T18:02:00.001-07:00

And Mike and I are loving it. Matt, Heather, Natalie and Eliana are still living in Dallas. Matt just graduated from Christ for the Nations. Heather is busy with the girls and expecting their first son. Caleb Matthew in due to arrive in late June. Natalie has her first dance recital coming up and Eliana doesn't understand why she can't go to dance with her. Sisters they are and best friends too. Both are looking forward to Caleb arriving. Eliana tells Heather often that she wants Caleb to come "today". I can't believe Natalie's going to be five in September, my how time does fly.

Please keep them in prayer as God shows them what he has in store for them next. They are excited and are trusting in Him. They know that God has carried them through three years of school, in preparation for the next season of there journey with Him. May God's blessing be overflowing for them as a family and in their ministries.

I'm very proud of them and I'm humbled at the faith they both have in our Heavenly Father as a couple and in their personnel walks with Christ.

I remember these drugs........

2008-04-04T08:57:00.000-07:00

Different drug problem.........

Editor's note:
The following letter has appeared on the Internet and was viewed by
many readers. Many felt it would be appropriate for the readers of Avoyelles Parish.

The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a Methamphetamine lab
had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question, "Why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?"

I replied, I had a drug problem when I was young: I was drug to church on Sunday mornings. I was drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather.

I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me.

I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity. I was drug out to pull weeds in mom's garden and flower beds and cockle burs out of dad's fields. I was drug to the homes of family, friends and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some firewood, and if my mother had ever know that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed.

Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, or think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today's children had this kind of drug problem, America would be a better place.

God bless the parents who drugged us.

Submitted by concerned citizen

2008-01-22T11:31:00.000-08:00

BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTER By Maya Angelou

'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean livin'' I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say.. 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect, My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heart aches, so I call upon His name.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!

2008-01-16T05:13:00.000-08:00

Eliana Joy.....

2008-01-15T16:28:00.000-08:00

Natalie Grace.....

2007-12-21T05:59:00.000-08:00

Why Jesus is Better Than Santa Claus

Santa lives at the North Pole...
JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh...
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year...
JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies...
JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited...
JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.

You have to wait in line to see Santa...
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap...
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, what's your name?"...
JESUS knew our name before we were born. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too.

He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly...
JESUS has a heart full of love

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO...
JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry"...
JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."

Santa's little helpers make toys...
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but...
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree...
JESUS became our gift and died on a tree...the cross.

We need to put Christ back in CHRISTmas, Jesus is still the reason for the season.

Happy Thanksgiving....

2007-11-21T17:31:00.000-08:00

Look around you. The blessings abound: The smiles of children, the beauty of a glorious sunset, the comfort of a warm bed at night. Small and great, there are
plenty of reasons to say to God, "Thank You".

Blessings from our house to yours.

Daylight-savings....

2007-10-30T06:07:00.000-07:00

Say goodbye to daylight-saving time November 4th, 2007.

The days are growing shorter...The leaves are falling too... The sun sinks early in the sky... Until it is no longer, blue... The clock is quickly ticking... It is that time of year... When we need to be reminded... The time to turn our clocks is here... We move an hour of daylight. To the morning from the night. If you forget to do it. It could be a terrible fright. Turn them back, not forward... And if you do it right... You will be able to enjoy... An extra hour of sleep that night...

A new look

2007-10-04T17:26:00.000-07:00

Can't wait for cold weather!!!

The Shepherd

2007-04-23T07:51:00.000-07:00

Hearing His Voice
by Os Hillman

He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God. - John 8:47Jesus said that the key to being able to hear God's voice is first to be one of His children. One of the great mysteries of the universe to my logical mind is how God can communicate with six billion people on the earth at the same time. It is one of those mysteries I must let go of because my "hard drive" would crash if I had to explain and understand this before I believed and trusted in Him. It is as though God places a computer chip in each human being, and when we place our faith and trust in Him, it becomes activated. We begin to communicate with Him. Jesus says that if we are children of God, then we can hear God's voice. He further explains this relationship in the following parable:

I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice (John 10:1-5).

The Shepherd is always representative of Christ. Sheep are representative of God's children. This passage tells us that the Shepherd communicates with His children. We are called by name and we can listen to our Shepherd's voice. There is another comforting aspect to this relationship. The Shepherd goes before the sheep to prepare the way. Jesus has already gone before us today to prepare our way.

Knowing the Shepherd and His voice allows us to have the assurance that we will not be fooled by another shepherd's voice. The sheep know His voice. It is only when we are dull of hearing that we mistakenly hear another's voice and follow it. Sin can create a poor frequency in our communication with the Shepherd. Make sure your frequency is free of static (sin) today so that the Shepherd can lead you and go before you.

Finally, distractions can also keep us from hearing our Shepherd's voice. When the sheep get entangled in the fence or wander off, they get too far away to hear the Shepherd's voice. We must stay in close proximity to the Shepherd to hear His voice. Stay close to the Shepherd today. Listen and follow. He wants to lead you.

What a great reminder this was for me today!

2007-04-07T04:18:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!!

He has risen, PRAISE GOD, He's alive!!

Gram's Texas Girls

2007-03-22T08:59:00.000-07:00

Natalie Grace

Eliana Joy

I miss them so much...

Yankee Kids

2007-03-10T08:14:00.000-08:00

This is our son Nick and daughter Mary who live in Buffalo, New York

Christian who is 4 years old

Alyssa Jade 7 1/2 months

How sweet!!! I just want to squeeze them both.

Inspiration

2007-03-05T08:37:00.000-08:00

It all happened in a moment, a most remarkable moment.

As moments go, that one appeared no different than any other. If you could somehow pick it up off the timeline and examine it, it would look exactly, like the ones that have passed while you have read these words. It came and it went. It was preceded and succeeded by others just like it. It was one of the countless moments that have marked time since eternity became measurable.

But in reality, that particular moment was like none other. For through that segment of time a spectacular thing occurred. God became a man. While the creatures of earth walked unaware, Divinity arrived. Heaven opened herself and placed her most precious one in a human womb.

The omnipotent, in one instant, made himself breakable. He who had been spirit became pierceable. He who was larger than the universe became an embryo. And he who sustains the world with a word chose to be dependent upon the nourishment of a young girl.

God as a fetus. Holiness sleeping in a womb. The creator of life being created.

God was given eyebrows, elbows, two kidneys, and a spleen. He stretched against the walls and floated in the amniotic fluids of his mother.

God had come near.

He came, not as a flash of light or as an unapproachable conqueror, but as one whose first cries were heard by a peasant girl and a sleepy carpenter. The hands that first held him were unmanicured, calloused, and dirty.

No silk. No ivory. No hype. No party. No hoopla.

Were it not for the shepherds, there would have been no reception. And were it not for a group of star-gazers, there would have been no gifts.

Angles watched a Mary changed God's diaper. The universe watch with wonder as The Almighty learned to walk. Children played in the street with him. And had the synagogue leader in Nazareth known who was listening to his sermons.....

For thirty-three years he would feel everything you and I have ever felt. He felt weak. He grew weary. He was afraid of failure. He was susceptible to wooing women. He got colds, burped, and had body odor. His feelings got hurt. His feet got tired. And his head ached.

To think of Jesus in such a light is---well, it seems almost irreverent, doesn't it? It's not something we like to do; it's uncomfortable. It is much easier to keep the humanity out of the incarnation. Clean the manure from around the manger. Wipe the sweat out of his eyes. Pretend he never snored or blew his nose or hit his thumb with a hammer.

He's easier to stomach that way. There is something about keeping him divine that keeps him distant, packaged, predictable.

But don't do it. For heaven's sake, don't. Let him be as human as he intended to be. Let him into the mire and muck of our world. For only if we let him in can he pull us out.

(from God Came Near
by Max Lucado)

Wait Patiently For It

2007-01-19T08:57:00.000-08:00

Discerning The Voice Of God

Quote:

IF YOU WANT TO HEAR GOD'S voice clearly and you are uncertain, then remain in His presence until He changes this uncertainty. Often much can happen during this waiting for the Lord. Sometimes He changes pride into humility; doubt into faith and peace; sometimes lust into purity. the Lord can and will do it.~~Corrie Ten Boom

Wait for the LORD; Be strong, and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the LORD
Psalm 27:14

The process of waiting for a message from God
is just as important a the message itself.

Expect To Hear It

2007-01-18T13:22:00.000-08:00

Started a new bible study today by Priscilla Shirer, Discerning The Voice Of God ~ How to Recognize When God Speaks

Wanted to share a few things from today's study.

Quote:

"GOD WILL SPEAK TO THE HEARTS of those who prepare themselves
to hear; and conversely, those who do so prepare themselves
will hear nothing even though the Word of God is falling upon their outer ears every Sunday." ~~ A.W. Tozer

"If we come to Him doubting His ability to speak, we will have a difficult time listening. So we must come expectantly." ~~Charles Stanley

We need to approach the Father with an expectancy that He will speak.

Do we (I) come expectantly?

Lord, open my eyes, ears, heart and my soul to your voice...
In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice;
In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch.
Psalm 5:3

Staying Young At Heart

2007-01-16T07:37:00.000-08:00

This past week Mike and I had the joy of having our granddaughter come and spend the week with us. I can't tell you how much fun we had so here are a few pics that say it better than I.

What a ham!

Natalie Grace Duhon

Sharing with her new friend Hannah.

Helping Pop clean out ditch

before the coming rain.

Storytime for our princess.

Oh, Gram can I go down on your back!!

Pop was much smarter than Gram.

I love a girl who can dress like a princess and then

the next minute put on a ball cap and

pretend to be driving a race car.

A granddaughter after my own heart.

Caught by Uncle Christopher

I hope you all enjoyed and got the picture.

New Beginnings

2007-01-01T17:15:00.000-08:00

Sun setting on the first day of the new year.

Lake Martin, Louisiana

The Promise

2006-12-24T07:27:00.000-08:00

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the goverment will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

"City of Lights"

2006-12-22T08:53:00.000-08:00

Natchitoches, LA

My Family and I had a very nice time. We walked around the town in 27 degree weather that evening but it was worth it. Need to put this on your list of things to do next year list.

Don't let the " Grinch" steal your Christmas

2006-12-14T15:40:00.000-08:00

Most of you know that my husband works for
Stuller Settings as the Security Manager,
once a month he puts together a news letter for the company.
I wanted to share a little of it with you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Home Security for the Christmas Holidays
By Mike Prem/Security Manager

The Christmas Holidays. What a great time for families and friends to get together, share good times and practice the tradition of gift giving.

Unfortunately the criminal element of society sees this as a great time and opportunity to burglarize your home and steal your Christmas. Unlike the Grinch they don’t have a change of heart and bring it all back. Here are a few tips to help prevent an incident occurring in the first place.

Placement – don’t display your Christmas tree and presents at the front window. This makes it easy for a burglar to see what you have and smash and grab presents

Occupancy – if your house is empty don’t leave signs of your absence. Burglars look for piled up newspapers, flyers left on door knobs and outdoor lights left on 24 hours a day. Check with a neighbor to pick up your newspapers, mail and doorknob flyers. Put your outdoor light on a timer.

Keys – everybody knows about hidden keys. Burglars check under rocks, under door mats, flower pots and around ledges. Don’t leave them there.

Locks – burglars do prefer unlocked doors and windows. Sliding glass doors are also a big problem. Keep them locked and secure that sliding door. Locksmiths have devices for sliding glass doors. Do not leave a door unlocked to run power to Christmas decorations. Have a electrician install a outdoor outlet for you.

Mailbox- do not put your name on the mailbox. A burglar can get your phone number from the operator with your name and address and can call your home to see if it’s unoccupied.

Phones – leave your answering machine message simple. “We can’t come to the phone right now” Do not leave descriptive messages telling any caller that you aren’t home.

Just a few things that might deter someone from burglarizing your home.

"Granny"

2006-12-07T08:31:00.000-08:00

Today would have been my grandmothers 88th birthday. She went home to be with the Lord three years ago. For as much as I miss her, I rejoice that she is in the arms of the Lord she served.

My favorite memories of her......

The smile on her face when we came running through the door to see her

Spending time with her in the summers

The way she sang silly songs to us kids

Sitting on the arm of her chair while she peeled fruit to share with us grandkids

The way she made funny noises when she would move around ( nickname "Grannygrunt" )

The smile she had the first time she held my son

The look on her face when I showed her photos on my laptop, that were taken that day!

But most of all for the love she always gave

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The cardinal was her favorite and everytime I see one it reminds me of her.

Loved and greatly missed

New Photo Blog

2006-11-26T17:52:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share some of the pics I take.

http://viewfromthelens.blogspot.com

Hannah "Bell"

2006-11-18T07:13:00.000-08:00

Hannah "Bell" is what Uncle Mike calls her.
She is great fun to have around.

She loves saltine crackers.

Saving that one for later.

Helping Aunt JuJu get ready

for Christmas !

Hannah and Max get along great!!

Gram's Future Stars

2006-11-06T19:30:00.000-08:00

Grandbaby's are the best.

Natalie Grace Duhon

Eliana Joy Duhon

Ipod Troubleshooting

2006-11-04T06:22:00.000-08:00

Okay...so like I don't have enough problems getting this blog thing down, now I'm having problems getting my music to upload to my ipod. I do have music on it already but went to add somemore and can't seem to get it to work. I've done everything I know to do, looking for anyone who can help me fix this problem.

Halloween Night

2006-11-01T09:35:00.000-08:00

I so had a great time Tuesday night taking photo's of our trick or treater's. The neighborhood kids were surprised that I wanted to take pictures of them. Hope you enjoy!! ( As you can see I'm still working on getting the hang of this.)

Still LOST

2006-10-26T20:02:00.000-07:00

I'm still not getting this!!!

LOST

2006-10-26T05:04:00.000-07:00

I'm not to sure this is working for me but I will keep on trying