Christian Photographers Community

.

• NEW Mini Challenge #7~"TRASH or TREASURE"     Upload your photos today and until Aug. 15!  This subject was chosen by the winner of the "CANDY" challenge, Muddy_Sneakers!

• Mini Challenge #6~"CANDY"     SEE THE WINNERS!!  A new challenge will open over the day or so the subject chosen by the winner, Muddy_Sneakers!

• Garden Visitors  Let's post photos of insects, little critters, etc. that visit our gardens.

• Janet in the Koinonia Gallery Please visit and leave a comment. 

• A Tennessee Tale   I found this to be such a blessing to read submitted by ohenry.

• See the last photos uploaded to our Gallery

• Tutorials by ohenry   Check these out and practice.  They are very well written. 

Morning Devotional...

WALKING IN THE OLD PATHS Jeremiah 6:16 By the late Jack Scott 8.  The Shepherd's Psalm--Part (ii)

In Part (i) of our studies on the wonderful Shepherd Psalm, we looked a little at the character and saving work of the One to whom David referred as "My Shepherd". Before we proceed to examine some of the amazing benefits of being one of His sheep, we shall consider the marks which the sheep carry upon them.

Phillip Kellar, writing in his book, "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23", tells how upon purchasing his first little flock of thirty-five ewes, the former owner handed him a large sharp killing knife and remarked, "Well, Phillip, they're yours. Now you'll have to put your mark upon them." This would be a painful experience for each sheep, for it meant parting with a chunk of its ear, cut with Kellar's own chosen design. This peculiar cut would thereafter mark each individual member of the flock out as the shepherd's own property.

The person who hears the voice of the Good Shepherd and trustingly follows Him must forever bear the Master's Mark. This mark is described for us in Romans 6. We really should read the whole chapter, but for the sake of space, we will quote only a few verses.

"Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin. Now, if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all: but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:6-12)

Death to self is demanded and can be a very painful process but it is very necessary. You see the Devil has his own flock, which bares his mark of rebellion and sin. When Christ redeems us He expects to mark us out with His own characteristics of love, obedience and holiness. As we read in II Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new." As someone has said, "We are not saved by our works, but if we are truly saved our works will declare our new relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ."

We must realize the kind of sheep we once were and remember the flock to which we belonged; "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:6.). If we also understand the tremendous price He paid for us, then we will not wonder that he demands that we bare his likeness.

Despite what we were, guilty and lost, wandering on the desolate crags of Satan's domain, He redeemed us, called, us, and made us the sheep of His pasture if we are His by faith. In all His own he takes delight and tends them with loving care. Even in the midst of their trials and difficulties, the Good Shepherd leads His lambs with gentleness and grace. We may sometimes feel that He no longer watches over us, but if we wait upon Him the dark clouds of doubt will dissipate to reveal the sunshine of His tender love.

Before we begin looking at the blessings of Psalm 23, let us emphasize the Shepherd's mark upon us. In Ephesians 2:8 & 9, we learn that salvation is by grace (unmerited favour) accepted by faith. It is God's gift to us and it is "Not of works lest any man should boast". But that is not the end of the saga, because in verse 10, we read, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

As James tells us in James 2:26, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."

What kind of faith do I have? What kind of faith do you have? If nothing has changed since we first professed faith in Christ, a thorough self examination is called for. There are those who believe, or at least appear to believe, that we can trust in the Saviour and continue to live unrepentant lives. The Word of God emphatically teaches otherwise.

Friend, do you and I have the Shepherd's mark engraved on our hearts? If we can honestly say, "Yes, I have trusted Him and I love Him and seek to follow Him", then we can also truly say, "The Lord is my Shepherd" and from our hearts we can sing:



"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1). "I shall not want". Reassuring words but what do they mean? David had known poverty, heartache and rebellion in his own family. He had been a fugitive and a refugee. Warfare was fairly constant throughout his reign. Friends and loved ones had been unfaithful on more than one occasion. Few if any of us have experienced more difficulty and more troublesome times than David the sweet singer of Israel. Yet he could confidently declare, "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want".

If David's eyes had focused only on the things of time, he could have found no solace, no place of rest, no shady green pastures for his soul. David had found that place, where none but the redeemed of God can enter. The place of His presence, the place of peace. "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress. My God; in Him will I trust." (Psalm 91:1, 2).

If we are dwelling in the secret place of His presence, then we can experience the comforting words of the Psalmist "I shall not want." Perhaps one who is experiencing a difficult situation is asking, "Where is this place of His presence and how can I find it?"

The answer is not tedious or difficult , "that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height--to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:17-19).

If we, by faith, are conscious of the presence of Christ abiding within our hearts we will soon begin to realize the immensity and the immutability of His love for us. Spiritually we need nothing more, and since Christ in us is our hope of glory (See Colossians 1:27), we can truly say, "I shall not want."

I shall not want peace and joy if I realize His inward presence. If I lose my peace and joy, even in the midst of tribulations it is because, for the moment I have ceased to abide in Him and forgotten His abiding presence in me.

Although the blessings of the Psalm are relevant to our spiritual state and our spiritual pilgrimage, it is also true that He meets our physical needs as well.

Our daily provision for food, health and shelter are from His bountiful hand. He may not always give us what we desire, but in grace He meets our needs.

What a gracious Shepherd He is!

"Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13:20,21).

---

Jack Scott loved his Lord! He passed away on January 10, 2001 after a lengthy illness.
He is missed greatly by his family.

.

All I can say about that is "Excellent!"

Good morning, hello, happy day to all

Nice new pic, Pat.  Looking sharp, there!

Rainy day here in Western North Carolina.  Travis and I were going to go play nine holes of golf after I leave work, but that doesn't look too likely right now.

Anyway, just quickly checking in.  Hope all of you experience Jesus in a fresh way today!

Nice new pic Pat.  At first I thought you hadn't been on here, because I didn't see your picture.  I thought, "who is this new person?"  It's YOU.  YOU are the new person!

No fog this morning!  Highly unusual here.  I could actually see some stars last night.  Well, gotta go - our church may actually begin today to put the new roofing on.

Thanks Carl.  I'm so happy you enjoyed that from Jack.  I know that many come in here who are not members and I just pray that the words Jack wrote will be used.


Thanks Al.  Glad you like my new piccie!


Nice to see you Nard.  It's a lovely day here.  Not too hot.  Just perfect for picking blackberries and cutting the lawn. 

Hi everyone.  Our Internet connection has been down at the house since Friday afternoon and I am writing, using my laptop, from the public library which has a highspeed wireless available for patrons.  Pat is with me and wants to check her e-mail, as I have already done.  I will come back to the library in a day or so and try to catch up here.  Till later.

Good Afternoon: I see I forgot to post this morning when I ws here.

I got my house all nice and clean and boiled some lavender potpourri to make it smell good.  ave been busy sewing on my quilt putting it together, still a long way to go before just the top is done.  think I told you it was all cut in 3 inch squares. That is a lot of squares o sew together. I have them all in 8's now will put them int o 12's before I make up my mind what is next.

I think I will take the dogs for their walks now then  wash my hair.

Have a great day all y-all.

TTYL

That's going to be a great quilt, Marilyn...  Yes, lots of sewing. 


Larry, so sorry you've had internet problems.


I got a price for a new roof on my house.  Everyone says it's a great price.  The fellow says $2700. plus GST so about $2860.  I must have it done before the winter.

Wow Pat that's a lot of $$ But ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

Pat ~ Great new pic!

Nards ~ I see you are sporting a new pic also! 

Lunching with my classmates was great  We even had one gal that had never been with us before.  Then it was back to the woods.  Not as many this year as last year but a lot of our cousins showed up so that was great to see them again.  Lots of good eating...too much good eating. 

Everyone is gone now so now it is time to get into the shower and wash off the bug repellent!! 

Well we have had a BIG turnaround in the weather this weekend.  Hot days and really cold nights.  I have had to use all my sheets that aren't in use to cover the garden.  There was frost last night.

Kassie is being baptised tomorrow.  She has her testamony together and her clothes for after.  She is so sure of what baptism means and is sure of where she stands with our Lord. I am not sure if I will be able to take the pictures this year.  I am cautious of the change in body temp.  You  know you are getting old when.......

Well Have to run

God bless you all
Judy

Hi Judy.  That's great about Kassie!  I heard that you had frost too.  I was concerned about your garden.

Well the dogs never did get their walks, I have just been at home all day long. I did wash the kitchen window inside and out, I've also been out in the back yard to put up the hummingbird feeder and the bird feeder. Other than that I have been in the house all day.

Nothing new here so I will be back another time bfore I head to bed in a few hours.

I haven't been here for a while.   Sorry.     I just got back from mini golf with the singles and a fun time after at one of the Pastor's homes.  Boy was it every a beautiful place up in Aurora.   I figure it is worth at least $1 million.   We all sat outside and ate at little tables and then had entertainment from a saxaphone player.   

Pat, I like your new picture.   How's everything. 

Judy, great to hear about Kassie getting baptised.  That is a special time.  Hope you can get a picture in the tank.   

God bless

Love Ruthie

Hi everyone.  I came home from the library and about 6 pm thought I would try unplugging the cable modem once again (have done that many times in the last couple of days) and low and behold the Internet service was back as well as the voip telephone system we have, which depends on the Internet.  It is still OK this morning.  I plan on having the service call anyway as something is wrong somewhere plus the last time they were here they left some cable lose on the outside of the house. 

Pat and Nards I like your new photos.  JudyB I am sure this will be a highlight day in your life with Kassie being baptized.  I think that is a day we always remember unless you are baptized as an infant, which I was not, but which Presbyterians do. 

Nards, this Garmin Streetpilot GPS is really nice and I am glad I got it. 

Etta Sue, it is nice you could share time with your relatives.  Glad the weather cooperated.

Pat, it is better to spend the money to fix your roof before you get leaks and major damage in the interior of your home, which would be much more expensive to fix.  We will have to have our house reshingled in another couple of years as it is now 10 years old.  I hope to get a few more years out of them.  Thanks for sharing Jack's writing once again.  I have read them several times over the years and they are always worth a repeat reading.

Marilyn, you and my wife seem to share a love of quiltmaking.  Pat will be attending the American Quilter Guild's Annual Convention and show in Nashville in about 10 days and staying at the Gran Ole Opry Hotel (high rent district but she is worth every penny and I am excited that she is feeling well enough to attend).  Fortunately I don't have to go as she and her good friend are going together.

Rob, sure makes it tough to work when the computers are down.  Hope they will be fixed by the time you get back to work.

Karmat, that is indeed good news about the man who was missing being found and being all right.  So often this is not the outcome.

I hope everyone has a very nice Sunday and is able to attend a worship service and will praise God for his many blessings and most espeically giving us his Son as our Lord and Savior.

This is some kind of record or something - me FIRST!  Everybody must be sleeping.

Hi Ruthie - good to see you again.  Don't be gone so long next time.

Getting cool in the mornings here.  But I like it because it's so moderate all the time.

Well, I would have been first if Larry hadn't snuck in while I was typing.

I was the last one posting yesterday and now posting on this new Lord's Day.   No one in between!    Pat that is a great price for your new roof.   I paid $5,400 last fall and that wasn't the highest price!

Love Ruthie

It is Sunday morning, 7:30 A.M. and I have been up for a few hours now.  Finally found time to come and read the great devotional and catch up on the posting.  Never tire of reading Pastor Jack's words, Pat.

I have posted some pictures of the kid's 25th anniversary party yest.  It is really on Tues. but they are going over to the mainland to see Phantom of the Opera.  Wanted me to go, but Amanda has not seen it and I did a few years ago.  Also, needed to stay and look after the cats and bunnies.  So expect they will have a nice time and I will enjoy the peace......

That is a very nice picture, Pat.  I paid about that much to have a new roof on my house in Victoria....17 years ago.  So, seems pretty fair to me!

Al, Amanda got a new Mac, Tiger laptop.  So she has gone over to your side!  It does so much, 'tis  a wonderous thing to see.  I got her a book to help figure out what she hasn't already discovered.  The university gives a nice discount and it is needed for her coming studies. 

Nards, you look much improved!  A friend of the kids has a talented son who just won a full GOLF scholarship to the university of Hawaii......So, keep that little guy swinging

Larry, I surely do envy your wife going to the Opry!  Have always wanted to visit Nashville.  Doubt it will happen tho'......

Time to go.  Will have to have my church in front of the TV.  Guess that is not such a bad thing, if it gets boring, can always change the channel!

Pleasant Day/Evening and God Bless.

Liz

God Morning It is good to see Liz, Larry, Ruthie and Al here already this morning. I was here but didn't post.

Well I am going to church this morning first to Sunday school then to worship service. I am hoping that they have toned the music down on the new equipment that was used for the first time last Sunday. They were still working out the bugs but the music has been way too loud for months. I carry extra sets of earplugs and give them to others if need be. Some with hearing aids just leave them home or shut them off. Sometimes it bothers me and sometimes not.

Have a blessed day everyone.

Nice Picture Pat. 

It looked so good to me that I decided to update my photo.  I tried but could not locate one that I liked, so I went back into the archives and dug up one when I still had hair and it was still brown and I weighed a LOT less than I do now.

Actually one of the methods of my madness was just to see if I could upload a picture.  First I incurred an error message and thought about giving up.  Went back and changed the picture to JPEG format and it worked.

Who knows...one day I might even try to upload some of my pictures from our vacation travels.

Church was wonderful.  I heard to great messages on Forgiveness...forgiving seven times seven or even seventy times seven.  Several people went to the alter to forgive others who have hurt them before communion today.  A happy/tearful message.

Then it was Taco Bell and Kroger for some groceries.  When I got home Ivalou's daughter, husband, four kids and the boy's girl-friend is still here so I walked over to talk to them some.  Too hot over there so came back to the cooling A/C. 

Now I feel a nap coming on......ZZZZzzzzz!!

Liz - MACs nowdays are quite good.  Personally, the thing I like the best is that they're really much, much less likely to pick up viruses.  That in turn means that you don't have to have quite as many inti-virus softwares, etc.

Good evening everyone. It's been a busy Sunday. Early Church then Sunday School.... then off to Walmart to pick up some more things for my daughter to take to college.... (I think it's never ending) 

Great message in church and our SS class lesson was on "Little White Lies" and "Lying" in general and the effects and concequences. It was a great practical lesson.

I haven't had a chance to download stuff into my gallery yet, sorry. My daughter goes to school on Wednesday, maybe things will slow down after that. 

Have a great week and I will be in as I can.

Hi, friends,

My son replaced the broken router, so I can get back on my computer now.

Sadly, his elderly dog had to be put to sleep on Friday. She had cancer, and it seemed to have gotten so much worse with mental confusion, etc., plus falls for no reason out of weakness. So, although we will grieve (he's having an especially hard time, since he had owned the dog for more than 17 years), but know she's better off without having to endure any more pain and suffering.

Y'all have a good evening.

Ruth Ann

Oh Ruth ann I am sorry to hear about the dog.

Time to lock the door.

So here's where to go . . .

CLICK HERE