New Every Morning~December 27

[Pat]

Morning Devotional...


GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you
good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord,"
Luke 2:10-11.

Beloved, the greatest wonder ever revealed in heaven or earth was the wonder recorded in the verses before us for consideration. In His
sovereign good pleasure the God of heaven sent His angel, together with a multitude of heavenly host to proclaim, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Never before was such a joyful message proclaimed; never was such peace proclaimed; never was such overwhelming and soul's ravishing
tidings brought to fallen man that Jesus was born in Bethlehem's manger.

This eternal wonder was the fulfilling of the promise made to our first parents in the garden of Eden, and the answer to the prayers and longing desires of all God's dear children-including many righteous
kings and prophets.

According to God's eternal decree and His adorable providence, the moment had come wherein the wonder of wonders should be revealed to the amazement of heaven and earth-God manifest in the flesh! The tidings of great joy were that, "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other," in this God Man, Psalm 85:10.

Rather than leave one sin unpunished our heavenly Father "...gave his only begotten Son..." to suffer, bleed and die, making "...peace through the blood of his cross," Colossians 1:20. This is the peace spoken of by the angel to the shepherds of Ephratah.

This peace between an offended God and a guilty sinner could only be obtained by God, "...who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ," not imputing our trespasses unto us. "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him," 2 Corinthians  5:18-21.

Sin would be the only thing that could cause fear for such a heavenly host, so what were these good tidings? His name shall be called "JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins," Matthew 1:21. "Fear not!" Oh, beloved, I would to God that we could say this to every one, but have you been saved from your sins? Has Jesus been born in your heart? Or do you still love sin?

Does your heart cry out with the Apostle Paul, in Philippians 3:10, "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death"? Do you long as Paul did, for that intimate relationship with Christ, desiring to be raised with Him unto that newness of life? Do you long to be made conformable unto His death? "For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God," Romans 6:10.

If we can say with the apostle Paul, "For our conversation is in
heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus
Christ," then we have nothing to fear, and we can take part in those good tidings with great joy.  Amen.

BEHOLD! The grace appears
(Click to hear music)

                          BEHOLD! The grace appears
                            The promise is fulfilled!
                        Mary, the wondrous virgin, bears,
                             And Jesus is the child.

                           The Lord, the highest God,
                             Calls him his only Son;
                        He bids him rule the lands abroad,
                          And gives him David's throne.

                            O'er Jacob shall he reign
                             With a peculiar sway;
                        The nations shall his grace obtain,
                           His kingdom ne'er decay.

                           To bring the glorious news
                           A heavenly form appears;
                        He tells the shepherds of their joys,
                            And banishes their fears.

                          "Go, humble swains," said he,
                              "To David's city fly,
                         The promised Infant born to-day
                             Does in a manger lie.

                          "With looks and hearts serene,
                           Go visit Christ, your King";
                       And straight a flaming troop was seen;
                         The shepherds heard them sing:

                            "Glory to God on high,
                          And heavenly peace on earth;
                         Good will to men, to angels joy,
                           At the Redeemer's birth!"

                             [In worship so divine
                         Let saints employ their tongues;
                          With the celestial host we join,
                          And loud repeat their songs:

                            "Glory to God on high,
                          And heavenly peace on earth;
                         Good will to men, to angels joy,
                           At the Redeemer's birth!"



Gospel Chapel Ministries

[Lee Kirkwood]

Good evening folks.  It was nice to read how you all enjoyed your individual Christmas celebrations.  Mine was about the same, with dinner at our friends and then candle light services.  Vivian and I spent Christmas day alone (On purpose) and worked together preparing a turkey dinner for two.  It's really great this way......lots of left overs.

I didn't hear anyone mention football.  Hummmmm.  Guess I'm the only football nut in here.  A great game in Honolulu last night.  Cal did great also tonight, and more tomorrow.

Al.........HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO YOU AND MARBETH


Pat.........

Nice to see you well.

[Maria]

GOOD MORNING  11.05  AM DUTCH TIME

PAT thank you for the very nice devotional this morning and also the lovely hymn
I hope you are feeling you good my dear Sister in Christ

WE have had terrible weather with Christmass storm and rain and the hole days dark

Today there is a little bit storm but the sky is blue.


There is a flu epidemic in Hollland  but i
hope that i it not get. But i am cold.

But my retinitus is over that is making me happy.


But i hope that you all have had nice days.

John 14:6
I am the way and the truth and the life.

          IN HIM
   
   In His birth is all hope...
   In His way is all light...
   In His Word is all truth...
   In His love i all life.

I WISH YOU ALL A BLESSED DAY
BYE LOVE RIA

[Chris & Margit Saunders]

Just a quick word to say,, great to hear from you Lee,
and Ria, very glad to know your eyes are better!
Best wishes to all, and Pat-take it easy ok?

[Chris & Margit Saunders]

Subj: Insight for Leaders  
Date: 27/12/03 05:01:42 GMT Standard Time
From: lmi@flash.net
To: tozer@litmin.com
Sent from the Internet (Details)



December 27    

Trials and Pain: Long Eternity to Enjoy Ourselves

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the
world, the love of the Father is not in him.... And the world is
passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God
abides forever.  
--1 John 2:15,17

Any appeal to the public in the name of Christ that rises no higher
than an invitation to tranquillity must be recognized as mere
humanism with a few words of Jesus thrown in to make it appear
Christian....

Christ calls men to carry a cross; we call them to have fun in His
name. He calls them to forsake the world; we assure them that if
they but accept Jesus the world is their oyster. He calls them to
suffer; we call them to enjoy all the bourgeois comforts modern
civilization affords. He calls them to self-abnegation and death; we
call them to spread themselves like green bay trees or perchance
even to become stars in a pitiful fifth-rate religious zodiac. He
calls them to holiness; we call them to a cheap and tawdry happiness
that would have been rejected with scorn by the least of the Stoic
philosophers....

We can afford to suffer now; we'll have a long eternity to enjoy
ourselves. And our enjoyment will be valid and pure, for it will
come in the right way at the right time.
Born After Midnight, pp. 141-142

"Lord, may I be faithful to call people to that which is important
to You, at whatever cost. Thank You that 'we can afford to suffer
now; we'll have a long eternity to enjoy ourselves.' Amen."

[Chris & Margit Saunders]

-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\  / Charles Spurgeon's MORNING & EVENING  http://www.heartlight.org/
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                                        Saturday, December 27, 2003



MORNING:
   
      "Can the rush grow up without mire?"  
             -- Job 8:11

The rush is spongy and hollow, and even so is a hypocrite; there is no
substance or stability in him. It is shaken to and fro in every wind
just as formalists yield to every influence; for this reason the rush
is not broken by the tempest, neither are hypocrites troubled with
persecution. I would not willingly be a deceiver or be deceived;
perhaps the text for this day may help me to try myself whether I be a
hypocrite or no. The rush by nature lives in water, and owes its very
existence to the mire and moisture wherein it has taken root; let the
mire become dry, and the rush withers very quickly. Its greenness is
absolutely dependent upon circumstances, a present abundance of water
makes it flourish, and a drought destroys it at once. Is this my case?
Do I only serve God when I am in good company, or when religion is
profitable and respectable? Do I love the Lord only when temporal
comforts are received from his hands? If so I am a base hypocrite, and
like the withering rush, I shall perish when death deprives me of
outward joys. But can I honestly assert that when bodily comforts have
been few, and my surroundings have been rather adverse to grace than at
all helpful to it, I have still held fast my integrity? then have I
hope that there is genuine vital godliness in me. The rush cannot grow
without mire, but plants of the Lord's right hand planting can and do
flourish even in the year of drought. A godly man often grows best when
his worldly circumstances decay. He who follows Christ for his bag is a
Judas; they who follow for loaves and fishes are children of the devil;
but they who attend him out of love to himself are his own beloved
ones. Lord, let me find my life in thee, and not in the mire of this
world's favour or gain.

[Janet]

Good morning!  Much to ponder already this morning.  Thank you, Pat and Chris.

Good morning, Lee!  There are football "nuts" aplenty in my family!  Since K-State won the Big 12, my son in law and two grandsons, Curtis and Mark, are going to the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl in Tempe, Arizona.  They are really hyped about that---or, to use Sonja's word, jazzed!!  I hope the Wildcats win again!

Ria, I am so happy to hear that your eyes are better now.  That must be such a relief.  Our weather here is unseasonably warm--nearly 70 degrees yesterday!  But the wind sure had a chill bite to it!

Jane and I had such a fun time visiting with dear Mieka on Yahoo last night!  What a joy you are to me, Miss Mieka!

I have three hungry grandboys waking up, and no milk in the house---so guess where I am headed?  Right!

More later!

[Carol]

An interesting message about the rush growing in the mire and muck - thanks.

This has to be a busy day to make up for being away for four days.  Carol

[Sonifo]

Wow, I can't believe the new year is almost here.  Boy, does time fly!

We will be busy today.  

This is so cool.  I just read in our newspaper that we can walk at our local college indoors.  I am going to do some more looking into this.  

Got to go. later peeps.
Sonja

[Etta Sue]

(Yawn!!)  My doctor prescribed Indocin and Flexirol....ZZZZzzzz....makes me sleepy.  Not suppose to drive....ZZZZzzzz.  But I am suppose to run the lights tomorrow for both services at church...ZZZZzzzz.  Maybe Jerry can drive if I can't...Yawn...When I am ZZZZzzzzing, I don't hurt.  But when I am at this PC, IT STILL HURTS!!!  I had x-rays of neck and shoulder.  Will find out what they show Monday!  

Sounds like everyone had a wonderful Christmas.  

Happy Aniversary to Al and Marbeth!!!!  Wow!  49 is almost 50!!!!

<)))><<~~<)))><<~~<)))><<~~<)))><<~~<)))
"Live is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can."

[Marilyn]

Good Morning, Thank you at and Chris for the devotional today. Lots to read.

I tried to stay in bed longer this morning but at 7 the phone rang, a friend from down south that I hadn't heard from is quite awhile.

Don't have anything planned for today, just going to relax and take it easy around home. Do some more reading and praying.

I have a crock pot of chili beans going for the church potluck tomorrow.

TTYL

[Larry Hanna]

 Hi everyone.  Once again it looks like our folks are busy and many away this weekend.  However, the devotional thoughs from Pat and Chris are certainly rich and worth pondering.  

It is a beautiful day here with bright sunshine and it is warming up.  There were not many at the cafe this morning.  I had planned to go walking at the Y but decided against it as had a lot of angina during the night and so decided maybe I should not push myself with the walking today.  Hopefully by Monday I will be able to resume my walking schedule.  I came home thinking I would have all morning on the computer but my dear wife decided it was a good morning to clean out our master bedroom closet.  It is fairly large and holds a lot of stuff.  I sorted through my clothes and we came up with a lot of other items to donate to the Goodwill.  I have a car trunk full now and will stop there on Monday to donate them.  Our closet looks a lot better.  I am sure we won't miss a thing that we are getting rid of and will appreciate having more room in the closet and on the shelves.  She also decided that today and tomorrow the Christmas decorations have to be taken down and put away as the housecleaners come on Monday.  I sort of hate to see them disappear as have really enjoyed them this year and have listened to hours and hours of Christmas music while sitting at my computer.  

My wife's cousin sent her the following explanation of the "Twelve Days of Christmas", which I found very fascinating and wanted to share with the group.  Have any of you heard this before?

People often think of The Twelve Days of Christmas as the days preceding the festival.  Actually, Christmas is a season of the Christian Year that lasts for days beginning December 25 and lasting until January 6 - the Day of Peiphany- when churches celebrate the revelation of Christ as the light of the world and recall the journey of the Magi.

>From 1558 until 1829 people in England were not allowed to practice their faith openly.  During this era someone wrote "The Twelve Days of Christmas" as a kind of secret catechism that could be sung in public without risk of persecution.

The song has two levels of meaning; the surface and apparent level as well as the codified hidden meanings as were known only by members of the church.  Each element in the carol is a code word for a religious reality:

The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ.

The two turtledoves are the Old and New Testaments.

Three French hens stand for faith, hope, and love.

The four calling birds are the four Gospels. . . Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

The five golden rings recall the torah (Law) the first five books of the Old Testament. . . . Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, & Deuteronomy.

The six geese a-laying stands for the six days of creation.

Seven swans a-swimming represent the sevenfold gifts of the Spirit.

The eight maids a-milking are the eight beatitudes found in Matthew chapter 5 verses 3-10.

Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the spirit found in Galatians chapter 5.

The ten lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments found in Exodus chapter 20.

Eleven pipers piping stands for the eleven fruitful disciples.

Twelve drummers drumming symbolize the 12 points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

There you have it, the hidden meaning of the "Twelve Days of Christmas" and the secret behind the song.  Hopefully, you'll find this as a "New/Old Meaning" to the season.

Ria, sure am glad to hear that your eyes are much better and Etta Sue I do hope the medication will take away the pain and allow the body to heal.  

Lee, I noted there is a triple header of pro football on both today and tomorrow as well as the scheduled bowl games today.  I appears there are no bowl games tomorrow.  I will probably watch some of the games.  Our Atlanta Falcons will play their last game of the season tomorrow.  It has been a disaster of a season for them and the coach was fired a couple of weeks ago.  

Marilyn, it is good to take a day off once in a while and just rest.  

Sonja, hope the college walking location works out well as sure it is too cold and snowy for you to walk outside this time of the year.  

Carol, remember you don't have to get everything done today!  There will be tomorrow or the next day and if not it won't make any difference.  

Well I have rambled on long enough and it is now about time for lunch and a little rest.
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[Jane Walker]

Good morning!  I, like Marilyn, thought I'd sleep in this morning but also received a phone call that started my day sooner than expected.    

It's raining and cold here and I need to get some wood in for the fire ... there are only so many layers of clothing a person can put on to keep warm, y'know!  

Yes, Janet, we sure did have fun with Mieka last night.  I so enjoy her.  I miss the late nights when we would be here at CP together ... Mieka sometimes has trouble sleeping and me? well I'm just a night owl!  

LARRY~I have known of the twelve days of Christmas (nearly) all my life.  In fact, my mother would always leave the Nativity Scene up until the 6th of January because that's the recognized visit of the Magi and, as you noted, Epiphony.  I haven't taken my few decorations down yet.  I like the lights and candles and greenery ... and the nativity scene.

RIA~Take extra care of yourself during this time of the flu epidemic in Holland.  For sure, you don't want to be sick with it.  

CHRIS~Your devotional thoughts are very apt for this time in my life.  Thank you.

I have a few things that need to get done today, so perhaps I should get started.  Y'all take care, now, y'hear?  

[Lee Kirkwood]

Larry.........

The most unstable, and thankless job in the world is being a pro coach during a losing season.  The Atlanta Falcons have never been on my list of favorite teams.  They play, and have always been, an enemy of the Rams

[Larry Hanna]

Lee, I am a native of Missouri and lived for nine years about a mile from Arrowhead Stadium where the KC Chiefs play.  However, I have never been to a pro game.  I also lived in the Washington, DC area two different times and became a real fan of the Washington Redskins.  Part of the time was during the Joe Gibbs era with the Redskins.  (To our friends from other countries, this probably sounds like gibberish--sorry!)

Jane, we continue to observe the Christmas season in our church through Epiphany Sunday but I had just never heard of the true meaning behind the song.  Hope you got that wood in without having to get wet and chilled.  

[Janet]

Since it is getting on into the afternoon and we are still on page one, here is a misty-eyed story for you.

Bottle Caps and Golden Bells
By Margo Fallis

Adam reached for the box of ornaments. As he grabbed it
in his hands, dust from a year's storage flew into his
eyes and up his nose. He sneezed, nearly dropping the box.
"I've got it," he said, relieved.

Elizabeth, his wife, giggled with delight as Adam set the
box down on the kitchen table. "I can't wait to go through
them." She grabbed a cloth and wiped the dust off the top
of the box. "Mom saved everything us kids made. I wonder
if she kept the bottle cap ornament I made for her in
second grade," she sighed. "Grab that other box, would you,
honey? I think there are more in there. Oh, how I hope she
kept that ornament. It was the first one I made for her."

While Adam pulled the other box down, Elizabeth cut open
the boxing tape that sealed the lid together. She lifted
the two sides. "Look, Adam," she laughed, holding up a
small-framed picture of her brother. "I remember when
James made this. He was so proud to have it hanging on
our tree," she said, dangling it in front of her face. A
tear ran down her cheek.

"What's the matter, Elizabeth?" Adam asked lovingly.

"I can't believe Mom's not here any more. If only I'd
known last Christmas would be her last, things would have
been so different. I miss her, Adam," Elizabeth cried,
falling into her husband's arms.

Gently he enfolded her, holding her tenderly. "I'm sure
she would want you to remember her with joy and gladness.
Let's be thankful that she saved all these ornaments and
everything else," Adam said, looking at the dozens of
other boxes lying around the attic. "I don't think she
threw one of her children's things away. She loved you
all very much."

Elizabeth wiped her tears away. "You're right. Mom would
want us to be happy this Christmas and celebrate life."
She put the ornament down on the table and picked up
another. "I remember when Sarah made this," she said,
chuckling. "I helped her with the glitter. Mom made us
put newspaper down to catch it, but it still got all over
the floor." She picked out another and another, and went
through the whole box.

"I didn't see the bottle cap ornament," Adam said, moving
the old newspaper at the bottom of the box to make sure
there were none left unnoticed.

"I wish she'd kept it. The day I made it at school, I
came running home to show her. I was so excited. It had
taken me hours to make it. I had to hammer a hole in
every bottle cap and then thread string through them.
Mom must have had a bad day, because when I came home,
she scolded me about my room being messy. We ended up
getting into a fight. I threw the ornament at her and
shouted some pretty mean things. Mom picked it up and
started to cry. I think she felt bad for scolding me.
She came to my room and said she was sorry and hugged
me. I cried, too, and said I was sorry." Elizabeth's
eyes misted over, as she remembered that day. "If only
I could take back that moment. If only I'd have told
Mom I loved her just one more time before she passed
away."

Adam quickly opened the other box. "Maybe it's in this
one. If not, imagine how much fun Sarah and James will
have when they see all these. Their kids will love them,
too." He started taking the ornaments out.

Just then the front door burst open. Jared came running
into the house. "Mom! Look what I made in school today!"
he shouted. He ran into the kitchen and his backpack
bumped against the table. Some of the ornaments fell
onto the floor. The picture frame ornament broke into
pieces and flew all over the room.

Elizabeth looked at Jared. "Look what you did!" she
shouted. She knelt down and picked up the pieces of
wood. "Why don't you be more careful!"

Adam watched his son. His face changed instantly from
one of joy, to one of sadness. "I'm sorry, Mom," he
frowned and walked into his room. The ornament he'd
made at school for his mother lay on the table.

Elizabeth stood up and saw it lying there, and her
heart could take no more. "Oh no, Adam. What have I
done?" she cried. She picked up the ornament and
looked at it. It was a golden bell with Jared's
picture glued to it and a small poem dangled from
the bottom. Elizabeth read it with sobs:

"Dear Mom:
Every single Christmas
I wake up filled with joy
Happy that I was chosen
to be your little boy.
I hope each time this bell rings,
that you will always know
That I really really love you,
Merry Christmas! Ho Ho Ho!"

Elizabeth wiped her tears and knocked on Jared's
bedroom door. "Can I come in, son?"

"Yes," a soft voice replied.

She opened the door. Jared sat on the edge of his
bed, frowning. "Honey, I'm so sorry that I shouted
at you. It wasn't your fault. Sometimes backpacks
get in the way. Do you forgive me?" she pleaded and
smiled.

Jared threw himself into his mother's arms. "Yes,
Mom. I love you." Both mother and son cried tears
of love.

Adam stood at the door watching for a few moments,
then went into the kitchen. A few minutes later, he
called, "Jared, Elizabeth, come and see the tree."
They came out of the room, both smiling. "The tree's
got something special on it this year, Jared. I hung
your ornament that you made for Mom, right here," he
pointed.

Jared ran up to the branch and looked. "It looks
good right there," he said, proud as could be.
"What's this funny ornament?" he asked, screwing
his face up. "Mom?"

Elizabeth walked over to the tree and started to
cry. Hanging next to her son's bell was her bottle
cap ornament.

"You found it," she whispered. She ran her fingers
over each one and touched each piece of yarn. "It's
right where it belongs; next to Jared's." She hugged
him tightly. Adam came and stood next to them. "Thank
you, honey," she said, kissing him on the cheek.
====================

[Marilyn]

Ok for you Janet, you went and just jerked the tears right out of my eyes.
That was sure a good story.
I am still here at home haven't gone anywhere except out to the mailbox. The kids all went to the snow today, but not this lady I don't like to be that cold.

I posted my Christmas photos to my web site and to here.

TTYL

[Marilyn]

I just received a call from Pastor Al. He will be offline for a few days. He thinks his modem went out,., He has been on the phone to his ISP and they have tried a few things that didn't work, and the computer has changed things that he didn't do. So on Monday he is taking the computer in to the shop for  diagnosis.

[Janet]

Less Than a Glass of Water!

Dear friends:

There are few more destructive emotional diseases than worry.  It robs
us of our physical and emotional energy.  And, at times, worry makes us
virtually ineffective as witnesses for Jesus Christ.

Some time ago I was amazed to read the following scientific fact:
According to the National Bureau of Standards, a dense fog covering
seven city blocks to a depth of 100 feet is composed of something less
than one glass of water!  Isn't that incredible?  

This can be compared to the things most people worry about.  If those
things were reduced to their true size, you could probably fit them all
into a water glass!

While it may be very difficult to have this perspective when we are
engulfed by the dense fog of life's struggles, it helps to remember this
and have an understanding about fear vs. faith and love.

Someone has said that the things worried about never happen.  That may
not be always true but I know it is true in many, or even most,
circumstances.  Worry needlessly saps our energies and serves no
purpose.

Worry is a form of fear. Speaker Joyce Meyer says that fear is False
Evidence Appearing Real.  Fear is the opposite of faith, or is negative
faith.  In effect, you could say that fear is faith in the devil, even
if unknowingly.  This, of course, is not the same as the reverential
fear of or respect for our great Creator God and Savior.

Faith is the antidote to fear.  Someone has said, "When fear knocked at
my door, I sent faith to open it, and no one was there."

Love is also a reliable antidote to fear.  God's Word says: "Perfect
love casts out fear" (1 John 4:18, NKJV), and "Love never fails" (1
Corinthians 13:.  "Never fails" is as reliable as you can get.  

Here is another key passage: "If God is for us, who can be against us?
He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how
shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? (Romans 8:31-32).

About worry, our Lord Jesus simply says don't:  "Therefore I tell you,
do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your
body, what you will wear.... Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow
will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own"
(Matthew 6: 25-34, NIV).

Yours for helping to fulfill the Great Commission
each year until our Lord returns,


Bill Bright

[Judy McKenna]

Wow - where have the days gone?  Another Christmas  has come and gone....already!!  I trust it was a wonderful day for all of you.

Our family was all here.  There are only 11 of us., a neighbour who lives by herself, having become a widow this past spring, was invited over to join us for Christmas dinner.  She thought she would be "putting us to trouble"  .. her words....imagine... only one more person.  We enjoyed having her in our home...and I think she enjoyed the fun and laughter from our five grandchildren who were here.  This dear lady  never had any children...she was an only child, as was her husband, so she has no family whatsoever!

Christmas can be a very lonely time.... Lets remember to pray for those who "feel alone" at this time of year!

Have YOU ever felt "alone" when in church? ... I have., and its a terrible feeling isn't it.

I would like to hear your comments on this.

.... Judy

[Ruth Ann Bice]

Yes, it's quite possible to be VERY alone even in a group. None of my children has attended any church service at my church with me for many, many years. It's not that they don't like my church, they just don't think of it since the two in Nashville aren't church-going individuals. How I wish that would change!

Thankfully, when I'm in Atlanta, I can attend services with my son and his family.

But, just occasionally, it would be SO nice to have a family member sitting on the pew beside me.

Ruth Ann

[Jenny]

1.15 a.m.England.

Its very late for me but I have had more "puter" problems...
anyway I am just calling in to say hello.

Judy Greetings dear sister.  Yes I have felt loely in churches, sometimes I have wished to be part of the "Holy huddles" but I am thankful that the Lord has always led me on to somewhere I feel welcome and right. I did learn however that it sometimes depends on me making the first overture.

I am saddened greatly by the television pictures tonight of the Earthquake in Iran. I feel that my thoughts and prayers at this time must be directed towards these dear people.  There are many Iranians in England and I find those I have talked to, absolutely charming.  Christianity owes much to Iran(Persia) who sheltered Christians after the death of Jesus.

Goodnight dear ones.
God Bless.
Jenny.

[Janet]

That is so true!  And one of the main reasons we attend church in a town 30 miles away---because the kids and grandkids are there every Sunday!

Here are a couple of grins for you!

CHRISTMAS FIREMAN
In a small Southern town there was a "Nativity Scene" that showed great skill and talent had gone into creating it. One small feature bothered me. The three wise men were wearing firemen's helmets.

Totally unable to come up with a reason or explanation, I left. At a "Quick Stop" on the edge of town, I asked the lady behind the counter about the helmets.

She exploded into a rage, yelling at me, "You damn Yankees never do read the Bible!" I assured her that I did, but simply couldn't recall anything about firemen in the Bible.

She jerked her Bible from behind the counter and ruffled through some pages, and finally jabbed her finger at a passage. Sticking it in my face she said "See, it says right here, 'The three wise man came from afar.'"






AT THE GRANDPARENTS
Two young boys were spending the night at their grandparents. At bedtime, the two boys knelt beside their beds to say their prayers when the youngest one began praying at the top of his lungs. "I PRAY FOR A NEW BICYCLE... I PRAY FOR A NEW GAMEBOY... I PRAY FOR A NEW DVD..."

His older brother leaned over and nudged the younger brother and said, "Why are you shouting your prayers? God isn't deaf." To which the little brother replied, "No, but Gramma is!"

[Marilyn]

2 cute little funnies Janet. Where is everyone today?

Hi Jenny I wondered what had happened to you. I do hope you have gone to bed dear sister.

Ruth Ann so nice to see you posting. I know you don't get here as often and you would like.

TTYL

[Lee Kirkwood]

Janet..........

You're a first class NUT.



Judy.........

I believe if we felt alone in a church we wouldn't be in God's house, just a building full of dead people.  There are many "dead" churches in the world.


Ruth Ann..........

I know the feeling when you speak of "family" by blood.  In my case it's because I've moved so far away from them, and when they visit they wouldn't attend because of another faith (Except for my youngest daughter who is truly "Born Again").  But, my Christian family is there, and they are the ones I'll spend eternity with.


At half time during the 49ers and Seahawks game i swithched to the Ice Skating in Toronto. Really a beautiful performance.  If it was in New York, I doubt  they would have been singing and skating to Christian Christmas music.

Marilyn........

Put some meat on your bones and go to the snow, it's fun.  Actually Marilyn, cold weather is a lot easier to live in than hot.  You can dress for the cold, and can always light a good fire.  Even in a bathing suit, it's hard to cool down, or find a cool place in hot weather


Larry..........

I've always been a fan of the Redskins.  I don't like the score right now: Phili 31-----Redskins 0

[Jeanne Lee]

My team (Cowboys) and Gene's team (Giants) will both be playing tomorrow - mine at 1:00 and Gene's at 4:00 - eastern standard time, of course.  The Cowboys have at least clinched a play-off spot and the Giants...  well there's always next year.  Reminds me of a story.

A couple was divorcing and both were seeking custody of their young son.  The judge asked the boy, "Do you want to live with your mother?"  The boy answered, "No.  She beats me."  "Well, then", the judge said, "you want to live with your father."  The boy again shook his head and said, "No.  He beats me."  So the judge asked him "Well who do you want to live with?"  The boy said "The Giants.  They don't beat anybody!"

[Sonifo]

I am off to bed.

Nighty night, folks.

[Kathy]

I've been catching up on what's happened since Christmas.  All my children were here  with their families along with my sister & her dgtr.  We did have a good time together.  There has been some undercurrent feelings this past month...but I thank God everything was put aside for this special day.  Although all my children have not accepted Jesus as their Savior, they all know who He is and why we have Christmas.  

My sister, Laura, stayed here with me for the last two nights and we got to enjoy being sisters.

I am glad to see that Meika is back with us.  She is such a dear one.

Also, Ria's eyes are better.  Praise the LORD!  

Now, lets get Etta Sue back to feeling no pain without having to be so sleepy.

Where are you Pat?  I pray you are not sick.

[Pat]

It's been a busy day for me.  I'm sorry I've been absent from CP.  I'm home now though.

We didn't have many friends stopping by today in here.

Hopefully, tomorrow will be better.

It's time to lock the door.  I hope I don't "bunk" anyone's head (as Mieka used to say!)

Here's a link to tomorrow's topic.

http://christianphotographers.com/yabbse/index.php?board=2;action=display;threadid=2052