Christian Photographers Community

• Prayer and Praise     Thanks for visiting this area of our site to share prayer requests and items for praise!

• See the last photos uploaded to our Gallery

Morning Devotional...

Psalm 24

Who is the owner of the premises where you live?  Now please understand that I'm not asking whose name is on the deed.  I'm asking Who it is Who really owns it.  It isn't you, you know, even if you have your name on the deed.  The answer is in the first line of Psalm 24.  It goes like this: "The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein."

The psalm is called a "song of ascents" because it was sung while ascending Zion's hill to the tabernacle.  The use of the song was meant to produce an attitude of awe and reverence toward a holy God  a God Who could be approached only by worshippers with clean hands, hearts, and minds.

The question here is obviously more than appropriate.  It asks about what attitude is needed for those who come into the Presence of the majestic  God.  It's the question that ought to be on the mind of each worshipper.  At least for the moment in which they come, all the people need to be aware that God sees them, that He CARES how they live, that every action and every thought passes before His all seeing eye.

He cares whether they have "clean hands and a pure heart."  He cares, in other words, what they've done with their lives and why they've done it.  Have they helped the needy?  Have they robbed widows? In modern terms, have they taken more money than they should really have taken for what they've done?  Have they sacrificially cared for those more needy than themselves?  Have they been completely honest in all their dealings? And what about their hearts?  Are they inclined to care about their thoughts as much as the Lord cares?  Simply put, do they love Him with the whole heart?  Or do they perhaps aim to please someone other than God first (idolatry).  Do they desire things more than they desire to please God? In plain words, do they or do they not go about each day seeking to please Him?

But then comes the realization that, in the final analysis, only the Lord Himself and His Messiah can pass these tests. Only He is truly holy, and He is, in fact, the very King of holiness (here called the "King of glory!").  He deserves all praise as people come into His house. In fact, God's Messiah deserves to enter the gates first as the owner of the house!  As the "Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory!"  So, having sung such words, the people are then and only then ready to enter into the very Presence of the King.

It's the same for us whenever we come into our Lord's special presence among His people.  So, when you join the congregation for worship, how do you come?  Do you come quietly, with the realization that He is there?  Are you clean in the cleanness of Jesus Christ?

Do you in fact realize, as you open your eyes every morning, that you are even then in the very Presence of the Holy One of Israel? Do you realize that He actually cares what you do, what you think, and what's in your very heart of hearts?  Are you ready to live the day in His sight?  Oh how we should pray with our Lord, "Lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from the evil one, for Thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever.  Amen!"
Al Moak

Sorry for getting this new week's start in here so late!

Al: I am very impressed that we awaken to the presence of the Lord.  It has always been interesting to me as to what subject is the first thought upon wakeing.  Today, and other days these past months - my first thoughts have been on our son who is need of a job.  There is always something in our sub-conscience and those thoughts have been put there - our personal designed brain waves.  Will keep praying for the right frame of mind.

Zero here and light snow.  It is actually warmer in the mountains, except for some of the valleys up the hills.

Carol

Amen to that !!
                        My attitude every morning is one of Thanksgiving. This day is a Gift from God!  I have had to face my mortality and know that each day should be savored. My prayer is that all of our blessings should flow through us and touch others, that they also may feel the love of God and praise HIm.

Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait on the LORD
      Shall renew their strength;
      They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
      They shall run and not be weary,
      They shall walk and not faint.

Amen Al!

Good Cold  morning, it is cold here today.  John has gone, and had no trouble starting his truck.  Many in the northern fleet called in to dispatch that they had problems starting.  John plugged his block heater in last night.  He says "good truck", I say it's the driver not the truck. 
Larry Yes he has cupboards, and a fridge, Was given a TV by our dayghter, and has a lunch box heater (takes about an hour to heat a meal) but no microwave.  He had one a number of years ago but when he went off the road into the office he sold it to another fellow driver, not expecting to drive again.  That will be a purchase to make, but it requires an inverter, and that is a cost we are not prepared to pay.  THe inverter is cheep enough but the company insists on installling it at the drivers cost.  That cost is in excess of $150.  The lunch box heater works, as he plans his stops and takes the time to plug it in ahead of his meal stop.  Yes he does enjoy prepared home cooked meals.

Carol your story reminds me of a story John tells.  He bought a clock in the shape of a truck, an alarm clock.  At night he set it for the time he was planning on getting up.  In the morning the truck clock went off with the sound of a truck starting, then the air horn sound and word saying "Get up! Get Up!". He was so shocked out of a dead sleep that he jumped up hit his head on the top bunk dove into the drivers seat to "stop the truck moving!" only to find out that the truck was still shut down and the sounds continued in the bunk.  He never used that alarm clock again.  Our grands enjoy the sound of the air horn though.

Hi Ruth Ann, Samantha, Marilyn and Al!

Have a good day everyone.
JudyB

 
Ivalou and I were asked to go to Applebee's today for lunch and then to a movie theater to see 'Bucket List'.  After taking the trash out today, I called her and said unless she really wants to do it, I think I would rather stay in where it is nice and warm.  So we are staying in today.

Tomorrow I am driving Ivalou to her Pro-time blood test.  Since she has been taking antibiotics, she has to be tested to see if her blood thickness/thinness is okay.  It is suppose to snow tonight after midnight.  Last night the weather said 2" of snow.  Today it is saying 1" of snow.  May not snow at all now... 

Tomorrow is Kitty's birthday.  I made her a card last night and put it in the mailbox when I took the trash out.  Forgot that today is a National Holiday so the card won't get to Kitty's on time.     I guess I could take it to Lapel and put it in the P.O. but too cold!!

I don't blame you Etta Sue.  I have to go out tonight as it is Cadets and Small group.  Wish I had an option there but I don't.

Times like this I wish for a heavy blanket of cloud to keep the cold above them. 

Must go have to review history, and while one girl does history the other will work on Science.  Off and running.

Judy, would you please resend the email about what families in other countries spend on food a week?  This is so interesting and enlightening, and as you said, reason to count our blessings.

  I tried to forward it and lost the entire thing.  You can send it to my other address:  rainy4me2004@yahoo.com

Thanks,  Nita

Monday again!  Where does the time go?  It's very cold here, too.  I was talking to a friend in Alaska last night, and it was nearly 50 degrees colder in Kansas than in Alaska!  Brrrr.

I have been doing laundry and cleaning today.  Trying to clear out some of those areas where I stuff thing that I don't know what to do with.  You know how that can multiply!  I'm determined to get rid of a lot of stuff.

Marilyn, glad to hear you have a "secret" to smile about! 

Carol, I like that idea!  Maybe we should all invest in an air horn! 

This is my final week of my 21 day fast.  I'm doing well with it.

I do not appreciate really loud music, either!  It physically hurts my ears.  Unfortunately, some seem to think louder is better. 

Ruth Ann, I'm so happy you had that time with your son.  Hope you get that computer just like you want it soon!

I need to get back at it!

Good afternoon. I think it still feels like morning because it's a holiday. However, I've had breakfast with the kids from Atlanta before they left to go back home. The reunion yesterday afternoon was really special.

It seemed the Bices couldn't deal with Sherman's death, so after I was working 80 plus hours a week and said I could no longer host the family get togethers, then no one of them has called or sent cards, or invited us to family to-dos.

As busy as I was, I didn't even notice for a couple of years, but finally realized that even if they have been less than communicative, the children and grandchildren still need to at least have nominal contact with them. So while my son was here from England and my daughter who works nights was off for several days, the kids from Atlanta came up and we met my hubby's brother, his wife, and sister at a cafeteria yesterday. They put us in a large back room that was completely ours after about the first 30 minutes. Oh, how nice to relax and talk and tease and take pictures, and introduce the little ones to their great aunts and uncle and count our blessings that we all are still alive.

My heart is still warmed when I think of the way it turned out.

And, some more prayers are being answered.

Can you believe I heard my daughter and daughter in law planning that they will get together in Atlanta when they're down there for a hockey event. Oh, how many prayers I've prayed for a thaw in relations and that I could live long enough to see it. She and my oldest granddaughter (nearly 12) even exchanged cell phone numbers! 

And, my son in Engand, who once pastored a small church, but is completely out of church, went with me back to our old home church not once but twice! Again, a possible beginning of another answer to prayer.

The song that's running through my head is "Don't Forget to Pray" - and the phrase I started thinking about was "Oh! How praying rests the weary, it can turn your night to day..." Maybe I see the first glimmers of dawn.

Thank you, God.

Your humble servant, Ruth Ann

Good Morning...yes, it's morning here in the land of the rising sun...Japan.  Today, the sun is rising, but hindering our view are heavy grey clouds.  And it is COLD!

I've been enjoying trying to get good pictures of a little migratory bird called the "white eye".  They are unbelievably cute and colorful.  God gives us good things to just enjoy!

I am enjoying Matthew's gospel, too.


  When the Pharisees heard how he had bested the Sadducees, they gathered their forces for an assault.   One of their religion scholars spoke for them, posing a question they hoped would show him up:   "Teacher, which command in God's Law is the most important?"

  Jesus said, "'Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.'  This is the most important, the first on any list.   But there is a second to set alongside it: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.'   These two commands are pegs; everything in God's Law and the Prophets hangs from them."

In His Grip,
Kevin

I just realized that I haven't posted yet today. his evening I am going to be trying out for the Mckinleyville Community Choir. Their write up said they are in need of male voices but that everyone is welcome, But I thought What the heck I may as well do it.

Do yourselves and someone else a favor.  Take a moment to browse through the Gallery.  Type a comment or two.  It can be very encouraging to someone, who is trying to capture just a moment of God's glory, and to share it with us.

In His Grip,
Kevin

Yes Kevin you are right about the galery.

Ruth Ann We are always encouraged to see answered prayer.

Good evening tonight,  The descussion was on Romans 12.  Good subject.

I am off to mark school work so Byr for now, Good night and stay warm God bless.

Thanks for the devotional, Al.  I have to confess, the first thought that enters my mind in the morning is:  Can I get down to the floor to pick up my slippers, so I can put them on my feet?  Usually, this involves getting down on my knees, picking them up, then sitting to place them on the feet!  Sometimes prayer might help.....

Cold here on the island, but no rain today.  I have been busy taking up the slack, meals, etc.  When I fell on the ice taking out the garbage cans, told my daughter that her husband or daughter needed to do this the night before.  Of course she didn't listen and took over...hurt her back two weeks ago and is in terrible pain as a result.  Went with her and SIL to the emergency ER on Sat., stayed with her while he went back to work, spent two hrs. there so she could be given a shot to ease the pain, then another three hrs. waiting for him to be able to drive us home.  She is not getting any better and won't, as yet, go to her own dr. .... tho' that may not help anyway.  The ER doctor said it would take about three weeks for her back to get better, (she is always in pain from the car accident).  So now SIL is taking out the garbage the night before...Moral of story is:  Why not listen to old Mom in the first place?  Most things can be resolved using logic.  I am getting much to old for all this work and stress.....    Guess running up and down the staris from my suite is good for the circulation tho'......

Marilyn, your little secret is certainly intriguing.   Hope all works out okay.

Read all the posts and love hearing about everyone's adventures, or lack thereof.
Have not been getting out for anything interesting, so not much to contribute from my world.  Here is a little poem that I find rather nice:


I never saw a moor,
I never saw the sea;
Yet know I how the heather looks,
And what a wave must be.

I never spoke with God,
Nor visited in heaven;
Yet certain am I of the spot
As if the chart were given.

It was written by Emily Dickinson.

Pleasant Day/Evening and God Bless.

Liz

I went over to the choir and they wanted $75.00 if I decided to join the choir.  So that is now a dead issue.

Soon I will be telling you more and the intrigue will keep you guessing what is making me smile so much. I am a happy camper.

Oh liz I am so sorry about the problems there.  It is not easy I understand that.  I pray you feel the presence of God as you do what is needed in the next little while.  Sis I am praying for you.

Marilyn too bad about the choir.  Something else will come up.

Judy I can sing all I want a church for free that; sounds like the best deal.

I need some prayer for an unspoken request, needing wisdom and confirmation on an important situation going on in my life.

Hi everyone.  Just a few minutes before I need to leave for a meeting this morning.  It is cold here and rain is predicted but probably not ice in our area.  Sure hope that is the case.  Nothing else on my schedule today.

Marilyn, I agree with you that I love to sing but don't want to pay a fee to be able to do so.  However, suppose they needs some funds to buy music.  Years ago I sang a year with the Gwinnett Choral Guild and there was no fee.  They raised their funds through concerts. 

Ruth Ann, glad you had such a wonderful weekend with your family.  Hopefully some family relationships have begun to heal.  It can happen as I so well know based on our experience this last year.

Al, thanks for the devotional.  Certainly food for thought. 

Don't have time to make more individual comments and need to be leaving.  Hope all have a good day.

Marilyn, you rascal, just dangling that carrot.   

LIz, I can relate to the child having back problems.  Our duaghter hurt her back at work with two herninated disks.  She is not able to work now and nothing seems to be helping her.  This has been going on for several weeks and she doesn't seem to be getting any better.  Hope that is not the case with your daughter.

Ruth Ann, I am rejoicing with you over the first light of the dawn of a new day for your family.  God is just SO GOOD!!  Hearing about your family, and remembering the huge improvements of relationships in Larry's gives me hope for my own.  As you said, we must keep praying!

Liz, so sorry Wendy also hurt herself taking out the garbage.  She does need to learn her limits and observe them.  I remember that little poem by Emily Dickinson!

Marilyn, you are making me think there is a man in the picture!    Did they say what the money is to be used for?

Kevin, I must go see what's new in the gallery.  Thanks for the reminder.

Boy!  Stock market down by 400 points this morning!    But it has already rallied by 100 points.  If I kept close track of it, it would make me very nervous, so I don't.  Darrel keeps me informed.

                     Some UN-useful information

The Average rat can:
wriggle through a hole no larger than the diameter of a quarter.
Scale a brick wall as though it had rungs.
Swim a half mile and tread water for 3 days.
Gnaw through lead pipes and cinder blocks.
Multiply so fast that a pair could have 15,000 descendants in a year.
Plummet five stories to the ground and scurry off unharmed.


I want to go exercise, see you all later.

Marilyn ~ Me, too!  I am thinking a man has come into your life.  If so, does he have a single brother??

I called Kitty early this morning and wished her Happy Birthday!!

Well, I got Ivalou to her pro-time blood check up.  Everything was A-okay.  She was told that whatever she is doing to keep it up because her blood was perfect.  2.4

Then we went to a breakfast buffet, then to the grocery to get some groceries before we get snowed in, then to fill my car up with gas. 

And here I was...not wanting to spend any money until the end of the month.   

And I got a call from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, that they received my email wanting to attend a class on using Microsoft Movie Maker...pictures and music...Thursday evening.  Kitty and her, SIL, Cherie are going also.  Now waiting for an email telling me which building it is in.  Sounds like fun and we are also allowed to purchase software at the university cost!!  May purchase a new Microsoft Office since mine is 1998.  And would love to find a book on Microsoft Excel!

There was a wet snow when I got up this morning.  None on my drive except right in front of my garage door and beside of my deck.  Strong winds make it very, very cold!!  Weather Bug says 22° F with a wind chill of 11°.  Brrr!

Good morning, woops afternoon everyone.  last night was a long night.  I wasn't able to sleep mind racing overtime so I came to the computer and finished a BIG project for homeschooling.  I am glad it is done, but I am tired today.  tonight will be an earlier night for sure.

It is snowing. That means a warmer day.  No wind and no blowing snow.  That in itself is a blessing.

I haven't heard from Pat, I will make a call later this week to see how she is doing.  Keep her in your prayers.

Etta Sue I am with you about there being a man in Marilyn's life!

Off and running, God bless
JudyB

Larry, Janet, Judy, and Etta Sue, maybe    and maybe not  It all depends on how one looks at it, maybe it is a carrot after all. I'll never tell.

you are playing with us Marilyn.

Well I am being upped into another level with Piano.  I am really enjoying this but yes Pat I do need to practise more.

The snow is lovely.  We gave Kassie and Elizabeth a small inexpensive digital camera for Christmas.  Well on the way homew from piano lessons Kassie went nits clicking pictures.  Now Larry I wish I had your expertise.  I need to load the program to let her down load the pictures she took.  We will see how they turned out.

Must run, supper to prepare.

love all
JudyB

It's in the air or maybe the water.

The moon is up and it looks Wonderful tonight. 

Janet:  The air horn really blasted my own ears too!  We all had a good laugh. 

JudyB:  I am glad that John is so well taken care of by you on good meals on the road because it sure is hard to find something healthy when driving.  So you are waiting to hear from Pat as well.  Give her our love.

Our son who has been out of work for several months was told that an offer from his former company is in the mail - that is all we know and it is hard to wait, I wish that they had overnighted the letter or something quick. 

Marilyn:  Hmmmmmm, you are being so coy.  I have had an idea but not saying anything until you tell us. 

Larry:  Sorry to read that your daughter is experiencing so much pain - it just isn't fair. 

Kevin:  Hello in the land of the rising sun -  what kind of heat is normally used in homes?  It was below zero here this morning. 

Liz:  Sorry - everyone should listen to a mom!

Carol

Good moanin' everyone.  Carol - have you heard anything yet  regarding that job offer to your son?  I pray it may be just what he needs and wants.

Well, gotta go to phys. therapy then shopping.

Dr Steve, the president of the photo guild that I belong to, sent me an email with 13 pictures he took at Yellowstone a couple of days ago.  It was -40F!!  I forwarded the email to some of you...trying to remember who has fast service and who doesn't.  Larry, yours came back for some reason...sent to your gmail account.  Anyway, if anyone want to see these calendar type shots, email me at ettasue@embarqmail.com  You need to have fast service because the volume of these shots are large.  They are fabulous shots! 

I think CP was down for awhile.  Thank you, Ian, for checking things out while Pat is in Virginia!  I got on CP earlier but was unable to post.  Then I couldn't get on CP.   

Bright and sunny in Indiana.  But still very cold...17°F. 

I both phoned and emailled Ian Pat's son and didn't get a reply, but I think he was proibably already working on the problem.  Thanks Etta Sue for the heads up.

This is a cold day here in the north.  Sun is shining though and the dogs are lying in the sunny parts of the house.

Today it seems all I am doing is putting out fires with the girls.  If there is something to squabble about they are, and over such small things.  As my dad used to say was, "Quit the quibbling!".   

I have a job.  I don't know the hours, but I am looking forward to this experience.  I will be working in another material store, but also selling sewing machines.  I will get demonstrators to try out as well.  Woohoo!

Well have to mark work and help with math.
bye for now I will be back.
Blessing on each of our members