Christian Photographers Community

What a great devotional for this week's discussion, and such good comments from all tonight.

Marilyn, I tend to agree with Al, and I wanted you to know I liked the message in your postings.

Karma, how nice to see you. And, since you're the choir director, I think you did a good thing - the closer to Christmas it gets, the more difficult it is to work all of our commitments in comfortably.

Kevin, I enjoyed reading your post.

I, too, saw a cantata this weekend. They're such a wonderful showcase of God's blessings to man in that not only do we get reminded of the story of our Lord's birth in human form, but we also get to enjoy the creative talents of so many of His people.

Sue, I was gifted by different gentlemen holding the door at 3 various locations one day recently. Such goodness is to be appreciated, and of course, appropriate warm smiles and spoken thanks give us an opportunity to share our gratitude. Sunch small acts of courtesy, such long-lived memories of them!

Etta Sue, my elderly kitty has some renal insufficiency, but will not touch the food from the vet. So, he and I talked about it, and he said to let her eat the food she's able to eat, and when her quality of life is past, then we'll need to think about letting her cross the "Rainbow Bridge."

Pat, i appreciate your quick little posts, and the beautiful songs you bring to us.

Janet, my hat's off to you - you really are a busy lady. I don't know how you're able to accomplish so much. And, you've been blessed with wonderful talents!

Friends who post in the photography discussions, I hope to soon be able to sit at my leisure and enjoy the galleries. It's not that I'm ignoring you on purpose, it's just there's little time. Here it is, almost 11:15 tonight, and I'm not yet in bed. The alarm's going to go off much too soon to suit me tomorrow morning, I'm thinking!  

If I've not mentioned you, it's because of a "senior moment" - I really appreciate all who comment here.

Ruth Ann

Good Morning Everyone.  It isn't quite time to leave for coffee and since I have several things on the schedule today I decided to go ahead and post even though I posted late last evening.  We have our Senior Christmas luncheon at our local senior center.  Traditionally the club buys the meat and we all bring a dish.  We are having a white elephant gift exchange.  So Pat won't have to cook tonight as we will have had a big lunch.

I am happy to say that we do have a Christmas tree in our senior center, in fact they were also in the county senior center at the luncheon the other day.

It is suppose to be very nice here today and is already 50 degrees this morning.

Our daughter had her eyes checked yesterday as had not had that done before.  She is a diabetic so this was important and there was no illness found in the eyes but she does need glasses for reading.  She had a 1 pm appointment but called around 7 pm saying she was still waiting to see the eye doctor.  She was having the test at the huge Atlanta county hospital.  She called about 9 pm and said she was finally home but exhausted. 

Ruth Ann, I don't envy you having to face that you may soon have to put your cat to sleep.  As I said about three weeks ago we had to do that.  I was certainly surprised when I got a sympathy card personally written by the vet and also one from our neighbor. 

Kevin, thanks for sharing the Isaiah verses.

GÔÔD Morning, All!!

First, thanks to all who commented on the devotion I posted.  Again, my devotions are from a book that has a devotion for every day of the year...365 short stories from the Bible.  I love the question and thoughts after the stories...really makes you think.  But the last time I tried to get one of these books, it is out of print and not predicted to print more.  Sorry!  But I did take time once to type out the Book, chapter and verses to read for each day and then typed the question and thoughts.  Printed out it is 33 pages.  But then you can read your favorite version of the Bible and still have the question and answers at the end.  If anyone is interested, I could email that to you.  Just a thought!

The gathering with the Photo Guild was superb.  We all enjoyed the great food that we prepared for us and then we saw two slide shows.  The first was a Medical Mission in Honduras.  The lady made a movie of her photos and her specialty in photos are of children.  She sure captured the beauty of those darling children as well as the scenery around the area where they performed surgeries and gave out medicine and advice to the residents. 

The second slide show was primarily in Utah.  Utah is a very scenic state from the Arches to Canyonlands.  I recognized a lot of the scenes since I have been fortunate to travel in Utah several times.  The photos were superb...probably because the gentleman and his wife arose early and were at the sights before daylight!! 

Wish I could show you both of these slides shows.

Today is a day of rest.  Really cloudy and rainy out today but chilly.  So a nice day to stay in and veg out!

Good Morning All. I would like to thank those who commented on the two long posts I  added here yesterday the  letter from Jesus and the story about the family at McDonalds.  I posted them because they both touched my heart. (Not that I have to explain why I posted them to anyone.) I am thankful that they also touched the hearts of others here at CP.

I have a busy day today. By the way I finished my quilt yesterday and delivered it before I thought to take a  photograph; Sorry!

The grand-kids did very will in their swim meet over the weekend. i didn't go but  perhaps I can go to the next one, which isn't until March.

Still raining here alot. Thank you God for the rain. I took the dogs walking yesterday afternoon in the rain, it wasn't pouring at the time just a light rain.

Gotta go now.

Thanks for the nice devotional, Etta Sue.  I really enjoy them....and that Christmas Tree looks a lot like the one upstairs at my daughter's....mine is much smaller.  Misty keeps trying to take the ornaments off ... 

I also liked what you posted, Marilyn.  Things are so confusing these days, especially for a sr. like me who is now in her seventies.  Values keep changing.  A Salvation Army Church has opened in Victoria that is for golfers.....picture of the minister on the front page with his club, stating they take the church to the course.  No red shield at the church, not wanting to advertise they are S.Army.  Problem is, with all the relaxing of values, what is left to value??


Today is the day for my left eye to be zapped with a laser.  Won't know for a time if the treatment is going to lower the eye pressure.  Guess my one real fear is losing eyesight and not being able to function.  Not really fear.....things will work out in the end. 

Weather is still topsy turvey on the island.  Snow hanging around but melting from the rain.  Almost gone from the yard and that makes Misty much happier.  Me too, as she comes in dragging stuff in her long fur.  That cat really can be a mess!

Do any of you remember the poetry of Robert Service?  For some reason, I picked up a book of his 'Best' to read again.  Always found the poems amusing, tho'  at times rather rough.  Had forgotten this one and think it tells much about human nature and the 'soul'.

The Quest

I sought Him on the purple seas,
I sought Him on the peaks aflame;
Amid the gloom of giant trees
And canyons lone I called His name;
The wasted ways of earth I trod:
In vain! In vain! I found not God.

I sought Him in the hives of men,
The cities grand, the hamlets gray,
The temples old beyond my ken,
The tabernacles of to-day;
All life that is, from cloud to clod
I sought. . . . Alas! I found not God.

Then after roamings far and wide,
In streets and seas and deserts wild,
I came to stand at last beside
The death-bed of my little child.
Lo! as I bent beneath the rod
I raised my eyes . . . and there was God.



--- Robert Service


Could be I was thinking about my son when I picked up the book.  How he always loved the outdoors and nature.  We have no idea where he is and years have gone by.....my son got into drugs at a early age and into trouble as a result.  Then, despite our closeness, simply walked away from everyone.  So when I see homeless men, I always check to see if one might be him.  Sometimes life can be very cruel.

Time to go.  We all have problems in life....God didn't promise they would go away while here on earth.

Pleasant Day/Evening and God Bless.

Liz

I have enjoyed reading the posts.  Not commenting on them at this point, though they were all good.  This I will say, too often men are turned off from helping ladies out because many will refuse the help and then quite rudely.  Too bad that these ladies react like that, they spoile it for all of us.

We had our small group meeting Christas Party last night.  The ladies and I were discussing ourt embarrassing moments.  What a lot of laughter we shared.  Then as the evening progressed the laughter continued..  For a gift we had to give a tacky that had a theme and nothing bought.  Last year I gave an old sledge hammer head as a gift.  It was brought back this year as a painted door stop!  Such creativity! We had to have a theme for our gift and the theme for the "door stop" was don't stay the same become better!  Two of us gave candles, one with an old broken down bushel and a candle.  We both used the same verses.  These gifts are great for their creativity.

We had a bird.  She was high up above where I thought the cats could get.  They are just kittens after all.  Well the cats got to her somehow, and the bird is gone all that is left is feathers.  That has left me feeling sick.  Poor thing, it used to talk to us as we would walk by it.

We are to have miild weather for the next 14 days.  That is welcomed, we still have wood to get in.

Well I have to go, time has flown today, I have a lot to get accoplished, so bye for now
JudyB

Sad about your bird, Judy.  We have lots of birds in the yard and they seem to be fine.  Misty wears a very large bell and has little chance of sneaking up on them.  Of course, it does tend to keep me awake at night when she starts to play with her toys.

Wish we could put bells on humans to warn them about 'human cats' in the Christian world.  Problem is, it might drown out the sermon in church

God Bless,

Liz

LIZ~Thank you for that poem.  It really touched my heart.  I understand your mother heart regarding your son.  God bless.

LIZ, (((((hugs))))) to you.  I am often surprised by how many of us have family sorrows.

I'm not feeling like saying anything today, as I feel very beaten down and misunderstood about my post yesterday.  But I still say STAND UP FOR WHAT'S RIGHT and stop letting the enemy steal from us. 

Maybe I will be back.........don't know yet.

JANET~ {{{HUGS}}} to you, too!  Don't let it get you down ... happens to the best of us.   

Good morning

Here's a few lines from a song that I like...


In His Grip,
Kevin

 

I'm reading good things this morning, and still working on the same mug o' coffee!

From Psalm 133, The Message PARAPHRASE

How wonderful, how beautiful,
   when brothers and sisters get along!
It's like costly anointing oil
   flowing down head and beard,
Flowing down Aaron's beard,
   flowing down the collar of his priestly robes.
It's like the dew on Mount Hermon
   flowing down the slopes of Zion.
Yes, that's where God commands the blessing,
   ordains eternal life.

Gripped,
Kevin

JANE, I think I could get to lit it over here in the corner with you.

I certainly believe in Miracles.

Three years ago, a little boy and his grandmother came to see Santa at Mayfair Mall in Wisconsin. The child climbed up on his lap, holding a picture of a little girl. "Who is this?" asked Santa, smiling. "Your friend? Your sister?" "Yes, Santa," he replied. "My sister, Sarah, who is very sick," he said sadly. Santa glanced over at the grandmother who was waiting nearby, and saw her dabbing her eyes with a tissue. "She wanted to come with me to see you, oh, so very much, Santa!" the child exclaimed. "She misses you," he added softly.

Santa tried to be cheerful and encouraged a smile to the boy's face, asking him what he wanted Santa to bring him for Christmas. When they finished their visit, the Grandmother came over to help the child off his lap, and started to say something to Santa, but halted.
"What is it?" Santa asked warmly. "Well, I know it's really too much to ask you, Santa, but ." the old woman began, shooing her grandson over to one of Santa's elves to collect the little gift which Santa gave all his young visitors. "The girl in the photograph . My granddaughter .. Well, you see ... She has leukemia and isn't expected to make it even through the holidays," she said through tear-filled eyes. "Is there any way, Santa ... Any possible way that you could come see Sarah? That's all she's asked for, for Christmas, is to see Santa." Santa blinked and swallowed hard and told the woman to leave information with his elves as to where Sarah was, and he would see what he could do. Santa thought of little else the rest of that afternoon. He knew what he had to do. "What if it were MY child lying in that hospital bed, dying," he thought with a sinking heart, "this is the least I can do."

When Santa finished visiting with all the boys and girls that evening, he retrieved from his helper the name of the hospital where Sarah was staying. He asked the assistant location manager how to get to Children's hospital. "Why?" Rick asked, with a puzzled look on his face. Santa relayed to him the conversation with Sarah's grandmother earlier that day. "C'mon .... I'll take you there," Rick said softly.

Rick drove them to the hospital and came inside with Santa. They found out which room Sarah was in. A pale Rick said he would wait out in the hall. Santa quietly peeked into the room through the half-closed door and saw little Sarah on the bed. The room was full of what appeared to be her family; there was the Grandmother and the girl's brother he had met earlier that day. A woman whom he guessed was Sarah's mother stood by the bed, gently pushing Sarah's thin hair off her forehead.

And another woman who he discovered later was Sarah's aunt, sat in a chair near the bed with weary, sad look on her face. They were talking quietly, and Santa could sense the warmth and closeness of the family, and their love and concern for Sarah. Taking a deep breath, and forcing a smile on his face, Santa entered the room, bellowing a hearty, "Ho, ho, ho!" "Santa!" shrieked little Sarah weakly, as she tried to escape her bed to run to him, IV tubes in tact.

Santa rushed to her side and gave her a warm hug. A child the tender age of his own son -- 9 years old -- gazed up at him with wonder and excitement. Her skin was pale and her short tresses bore telltale bald patches from the effects of chemotherapy. But all he saw when he looked at her was a pair of huge, blue eyes. His heart melted, and he had to force himself to choke back tears. Though his eyes were riveted upon Sarah's face, he could hear the gasps and quiet sobbing of the women in the room. As he and Sarah began talking, the family crept quietly to the bedside one by one, squeezing Santa's shoulder or his hand gratefully, whispering "thank you" as they gazed sincerely at him with shining eyes. Santa and Sarah talked and talked, and she told him excitedly all the toys she wanted for Christmas, assuring him she'd been a very good girl that year. As their time together dwindled, Santa felt led in

His spirit to pray for Sarah, and asked for permission from the girl's mother. She nodded in agreement and the entire family circled around Sarah's bed, holding hands. Santa looked intensely at Sarah and asked her if she believed in angels.
"Oh, yes, Santa ... I do!" she exclaimed.
"Well, I'm going to ask that angels watch over you!” He said.

Laying one hand on the child's head, Santa closed his eyes and prayed. He asked that God touch little Sarah, and heal her body from this disease. He asked that angels minister to her, watch and keep her. And when he finished praying, still with eyes closed, he started singing softly, "Silent Night, Holy Night . all is calm, all is bright." The family joined in, still holding hands, smiling at Sarah, and crying tears of hope, tears of joy for this moment, as Sarah beamed at them all. When the song ended, Santa sat on the side of the bed again and held Sarah's frail, small hands in his own.

"Now, Sarah," he said authoritatively, "you have a job to do, and that is to concentrate on getting well. I want you to have fun playing with your friends this summer, and I expect to see you at my house at Mayfair Mall this time next year!" He knew it was risky proclaiming that, to this little girl who had terminal cancer, but he "had" to. He had to give her the greatest gift he could -- not dolls or games or toys -- but the gift of HOPE.
"Yes, Santa!" Sarah exclaimed, her eyes bright.
He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead and left the room. Out in the hall, the minute Santa's eyes met Rick's, a look passed between them and they wept unashamed. Sarah's mother and grandmother slipped out of the room quickly and rushed to Santa's side to thank him.
"My only child is the same age as Sarah," he explained quietly. "This is the least I could do." They nodded with understanding and hugged him.

One year later, Santa Mark was again back on the set in Milwaukee for his six-week, seasonal job which he so loves to do. Several weeks went by and then one day a child came up to sit on his lap. "Hi, Santa! Remember me?!"
"Of course, I do," Santa proclaimed (as he always does), smiling down at her.
After all, the secret to being a "good" Santa is to always make each child feel as if they are the "only" child in the world at that moment. "You came to see me in the hospital last year!" Santa's jaw dropped. Tears immediately sprang in his eyes, and he grabbed this little miracle and held her to his chest. "Sarah!" he exclaimed. He scarcely recognized her, for her hair was long and silky and her cheeks were rosy -- much different from the little girl he had visited just a year before. He looked over and saw Sarah's mother and grandmother in the sidelines smiling and waving and wiping their eyes.

That was the best Christmas ever for Santa Claus. He had witnessed --and been blessed to be instrumental in bringing about -- this miracle of hope. This precious little child was healed. Cancer-free. Alive and well. He silently looked up to Heaven and humbly whispered, "Thank you, Father. 'Tis a very, Merry Christmas!

If you believe in miracles you will pass this on..I did!
--
Food for Thought: Income is important, so we go to work. Most of us go 5 days a week and will work later than scheduled if asked. Food is important, so we eat. We try to do this two or three times a day. Sleep is important, so we try to get rest each day of the week. So, if God is important, how often do we work for him? How often do we pray? Read our Bibles? Attend church? Hmmm

Hi...I have read and enjoyed all your posts. I will be thinking and praying about your eye Liz. Take care. Lovely poem!

Janet..I do hope I have not added to you feeling down. I know what it is like to be misunderstood. I enjoyed Marilyns letter and there was much food for thought in it but I respect you for standing up and defending what is right. When I did my first little booklet of poems I made my minister go over them to make sure they were scripturally correct. We do read at times lovely words but if they are not based on the scriptures ..then at the end of the day..they are only a lot of nonsense. Yes Janet..we should contend for the faith..we cannot sit on the fence. My faith was brought to me at great price..my Lord died for me...and many Christians give their lives in cruel circumstances so I could enjoy what I have today.
On a personal note Janet...I think you are a lovely lady and full of life. I wish we could spend a few afternoons painting together and chatting. If I have in any way contributed to making you feel down..I am truly sorry. God bless.

Hi to everyone else...God bless!

Oh holy Father . . . I pray just now for Liz.  I pray that her son may indeed be living, that he may be seeking Jesus Christ, and that Liz will find him.  I ask ask You to extend this mercy through our Lord Jesus.

Hi Folks!

I had my sleepover!  It was nice to get some hugs from the grandkids and Janice and I went to a Christmas evening at their church.  Lovely!

Liz, my  heart goes out to you at this time.  I don't know what it would be like to look into the eyes of a homeless person wondering if it was your son.  I wish I could give you a big hug. 

Liz,

I am praying for you.

In His Grip,
Kevin

I am praying too Liz. There are two of my sons that at least I know what state they are in and they aren't homeless, they have just chosen not to have any contact with me. So I do feel some of what you are feeling and I can empathize with you.  I know it hurts sister, my heart cries with you.

=Janet Nothing I said was meant offensive in anyway, I already said that. I still sign petitions and write letters, boycott stores etc. I am just not as verbal or outwardly adamant about some things. Other things I just let go and let God  be God. Cheer up sister. 

I try not to say things that will step on anyone's toes or hurt their feelings. When I post something that touches my heart and someone  finds something in the content that is totally opposite of my intentions. Well what can I say my feelings get hurt and I may get upset and go sit in the corner myself. In the past I have called Al and told him I was not going to post on CP anymore but I came back and wasn't gone long enough for anyone to miss me. 

My heart hurts so much for the pain I hear in some of my beloved friends' voices.

Please forgive me for causing pain. Like Jabez of old, I certainly don't want to cause pain.

I love all of y'all with the love of our Lord.

Y'all have a good evening.

Ruth Ann

Excuse me, please, Jane.  I'm leaving our corner to say
''ENOUGH ALREADY!!"  I'm okay now, and will just ignore things like that in the future (please help me, God). 

Now lets get back to having a Merry CHRISTmas season and talking about GOOD stuff, okay?

Good stuff?  As in fun?  Okay.  Here goes!

Signs of Christmas Everywhere

Toy Store: "Ho, ho, ho spoken here."

Bridal boutique: "Marry Christmas."

Outside a church: "The original Christmas Club."

At a department store: "Big pre-Christmas sale.
Come in and mangle with the crowd."

A Texas jewelry store: "Diamond tiaras -- $70,000.
Three for $200,000.

A reducing salon: "24 Shaping Days until Christmas."

In a stationery store: "For the man who has everything...
a calendar to remind him when payments are due."
by L. Jon

Anyone else got some cheer?

Gripped,
Kevin

Going to look for some, Kevin!

On my way!

This should make us all smile.

Absolutely super, Pat! Thanks!!   

Jane, I laughed at that a few years ago and we so surprised to have it mailed to me again the other day! 

Try this one:  Where it says type in your message I just typed "Merry Christmas"  You'll love it!   

http://www.star28.net/snow.html

That's a good one, Jane!

Good one, Pat!  Now to check Jane's!

Kevin