Christian Photographers Community

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

• I would like to thank again our friend Judith from Dayton, Ohio who very kindly composed our lovely scripture to go with today's devotional. 

Morning Devotional...






WALKING IN THE OLD PATHS
Jeremiah 6:16
By the late Jack Scott



The Shepherd's Psalm--Part (iii)




Perhaps you can imagine the scene. In the far distance, the sun shines over the misty blue mountains. Below them lie the upland moors covered with deep rich purple heather and golden yellow gorse. Immediately in front of us, and just beyond the field gate on which you and I are leaning, is a beautiful verdant pasture.

The grass is lush and wild flowers grow in colorful array. If we stand quietly, we can hear above the soft rustle of the wind, the musical drone of the honey bees as they gather nectar from delicate blooms.

About five hundred yards away, the cool, clear waters of a river flow serenely and silently towards the distant sea.

A little flock of sheep, some with lambs, lie peacefully undisturbed near the river's edge. If we were to look at them through our binoculars, we would see them gently chewing their cud as they draw nourishment from the abundant provision of fresh food. They surely are the picture of contentment and tranquillity. This is something like the picture that Psalm 23 calls to my mind.

"He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters." (Psalm 23:2) Why are the sheep in our little scene so peaceful, so content, so unruffled as they enjoy the warmth of the afternoon sun?

I think my shepherd friend, Johnny Crawford, would tell us that a flock such as we have described are free from fear, have enough to eat and are not plagued with parasites. If we remove any one of these conditions the sheep will not be at peace.

Has not God given us a lovely picture in Psalm 23 of the condition of His believing people? In Psalm 95:7, we read "For He is our God; and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand." Every good shepherd will care for his flock, removing the sheep from danger, providing medical treatment to prevent parasites and ensure sufficient food to keep them strong and healthy.

Our "Good Shepherd" has done so much more for His flock than the best of earthly shepherds. To start with He says to us in John 10:11, "I am the Good Shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep". He paid the ultimate price to purchase His flock and to deliver them from the fear of eternal death. "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:32).

In Christ our shepherd we have all we need for eternity. When we realize that "I am His and He is mine", fears quickly diminish and should fade away. When the Shepherd is present the wolf will seek some other prey. We need not fear man or devil, even if they kill us we shall live with Him.

If we are aware of His divine presence we will find food abundant for our souls and our spirits will rejoice in the Bread of Life, for He feeds us with food sufficient for our requirements. This He does as we seek to feed on His word and to find Him there. We can, with the Shulamite maiden experience the bounty of His hand. Listen to her words, "He brought me into the banqueting house, and His banner over me was love." (Song of Solomon 2:4) My friends let us feat on the good things of His word as we bask in the sunshine of His love.

"He leadeth me beside the still waters." Sheep like human beings need more than food to live; both need water if they are to survive. In Revelation 21:6, we read, "And He said to me, 'It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts'."

What is the water of life? The Lord Jesus when speaking to the woman of Samaria told her of "living water" which if a person drank he or she would never thirst again. "But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14).

The Old Testament prophet Isaiah talks about that water in Isaiah 12:2,3 "Many people shall come and say, 'Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths." And the Lord Jesus Christ explains its meaning for us in John 7:37-39, "On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, 'If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.' But this He spoke concerning the Spirit whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified."

We see then that the water is the Holy Spirit whom we receive by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ the Great Shepherd. The Holy Spirit is needed to give life to those who are dead in sin. He is God's agent in the new birth as we are told in John 3:8 "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit". And it is His presence that sustains eternal life in all those who come by faith to the Lord Jesus for Salvation. It is He who enables us to become true disciples of the one who loved us unto death; the good shepherd who gave His life for the sheep.

If you and I are truly united by faith to the great Shepherd we can enjoy peace greater and more beautiful than any earthly scene. No matter what our material blessings or lack of them we have a peace that passes all understanding, food that nourishes for eternity and water that quenches the thirst for satisfaction in a way the broken cisterns of earth cannot satisfy.

To know this Shepherd is to love Him, and to love Him is to know Him in a way that can only be experienced by His flock. We will close this part of our studies with His gracious invitation as it is found in Isaiah 55:1-3a "Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance. Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live."

Can you afford to reject this lovely overture of love and mercy? If you are one of His sheep, does not the knowledge of His love thrill your heart and cheer your spirit?

---

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

What a wonderful blessing Jack had and what a wonderful blessing he passed on to us.  Thanks again for sharing, Pat.   And thanks Judith for the photos/graphics.

Hi everyone on this sunny Monday Halloween morning.  We expect to get to 83 degrees this afternoon.  Today will involve going to my noon meeting and getting Pat to her 4 pm Chiropractic appointment.  I will just take care of several other errands around the house today including preparing some roast beef for our dinner tonight and taking care of some washing.

I had written a fairly long posting commenting to each person who had posted since I was here yesterday but in trying to edit using two screens I managed to delete what I had written.  So I am just going to say I appreciate all of you and don't think I wrote anything that you all can't live without knowing. 

Pat, thanks for getting us started on this new week and the graphics are so appropriate to Jack's writing. 

Another wonderful message from Jack-and a lovely picture.

Many \problems with laptop now.

Good Morning,.  We had something almost terrible happen yesterday to our Harry cat. He is the one I saved from being put down because he has Leukemia. Well yesterday late afternoon he was sitting on the planter outside the bay window, Keith saw  a male either teen or young adult walking across the lawn to the planter where Harry was sitting. Keith  got close to the window the person saw him and took off, then Keith went out and brought Harry into the house. We are not letting any of the 3 cats out today, We will shut them up in the bedroom with one of the litter boxes and keep them there until the trick or treater's have all left and it is bedtime.

This afternoon freckles and I are participating with the other Furry Friends in a Halloween show/program at one of the Residential Facilities. We will be in costume, Freckles in her Frog costume and I am going as a Cowgirl, All I am adding to my attire is a western shirt and a straw cowboy hat. Someone will be taking pictures and I hope to get some of them.

Hi everyone on an overcast first day of November.  My agenda is fairly light today with the main activity being an appointment with my Cardiologist at 12:15 this afternoon.  It is a followup appointment from seeing her two months ago.  I have already fixed Pat's breakfast as she wasn't moving very well this morning and have emptied the dishwasher and cleaned up the kitchen. 

Yesterday was a very busy day.  I contacted Comcast as I had decided the modem/router I was using was failing and will could be the source of many of the problems.  The tech at Comcast agreed with me so I took the device back to Comcast, which isn't very far from where I live and replaced it.  I then went on to my meeting stopping at the Target store for a tube of Crescent rolls that Pat wanted for a recipe.     I came home and rested for awhile and then got up and helped Pat get our roast beef in the oven for our dinner.  It was soon time to go to the Chiropractor and when I got home I spent an hour with Comcast to get my new device activated.  Scott was off work yesterday as it would have been his 24th wedding anniversary and he came out and had dinner with us and stayed a couple more hours.  He was very down yesterday.

Our new neighbors moved in yesterday as the big moving van arrived and was here most of the day.  Seeing all of those boxes going into the house brought back some memories of us a couple of years ago and I have to say I am glad it is them and not me. 

Carol, computer problems are so aggravating as one is usually in a muddle as to what to do. 

Marilyn, I do hope you got some pictures yesterday of you and Freckles in costume so we can see them.  We did not turn on our outside light last night and had no Trick or Treaters at the door.  Our living room area is at the back of the house so not easy to see if we are home.  I wasn't going to answer the door anyway.  Glad your cat wasn't harmed.   
 

Larry I have to resize the pictures before I an post them.

Hi, friends,

Well, here in Nashville on November 1, we broke the record high in temperature. Imagine, it's in the upper 80s, at this time of the year.

I've been reading all the posts since I was here last.

I see we're busily about the Lord's work and also taking care of ourselves.

Pat, I'm so sorry you're dealing with such pain. Thank you again for sharing Jack's writings with us. Etta Sue, it was good to see you here again. What a blessing to read of the prayer support for Jeanne's daughter-in-law. And to hear of recent and upcoming events and trips.

I'm trying to keep things together.

Y'all have a wonderful rest of the day with our Lord.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  We have sun today after a day yesterday when it stayed overcast all day and the temperature went no higher than 75.  Today we expect to get to 80 degrees.  Yesterday I saw my Cardiologist for a followup appointment and don't need to see her again for 6 months.  I was shocked as was finished and on my way home within 30 minutes of my appointment.  That was most unusual.  Later I took Pat  to the chiropractor.  Today should also be quiet and I will fix the sausage muffins for Pat and I don't know what else.  I will eat tonight at the church with Scott and then he plans on coming out to spend a few hours with us. 

Ruth Ann, you were much warmer than we were yesterday.

I love contributing my photos with Scripture for Pat to use with her Thoughts for the week. I haven't been here in a little while. Lots going on with us right now. We are waiting upon The Lord for clear direction. There does seem to be an open door, for which we are praying about. Thank you for your kind comments on my Scripture pictures and I humbly thank you, Pat for choosing to use them.

I am trying new things and found this way to animate some Scripture. This is the first I made.

Hi, friends,

Larry, may our Lord richly bless you as you contribute to the running of your household. I hope your visit with the cardiologist was satisfactory.

Judith, that's a lovely animation. Thank you for being active here at CP.

I had my first physical therapy assessment and exercises today. I'm a little tired and shaky from it, but it definitely told me as well as my therapist where we need to put emphasis.

Y'all have a good rest of the day.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Hi everyone on this Thursday morning.  It is to be another nice day here getting up into the low 80's this afternoon. 

We had a nice dinner at church last evening, one which Scott thought was among the best he had eaten there.  Then he came to the house and we had a very nice visit.  He seemed to be over the down mode he had been in on Monday. 

I seemed to stay very busy yesterday.  Today will be no exception as need to stop at Walmart for a prescription on my way to pick up my friend for coffee, will bring him home and then go back to the church for the Wisdom Class, which doesn't end until 12:30.  Then Pat has an appointment at 4 pm with the Chiropractor.  I am going to suggest that if she is up to it we go out for our evening meal.  I did watch most of the World Series game last evening but fell asleep and missed the 10th inning and had to check the news this morning to learn that Chicago won.

Judith, certainly nice to have you share your talents with us and your talent shares the Word of God with each graphic. Glad to read that you all may have an open door for your future doing what you both want to be doing. 

Ruth Ann, if I recall correctly you have been helped by the physical therapy in the past.  I sure hope you get the same good results this time and know you will put your best into the endeavor.

Ruth Ann and Larry, Thank you! I have always loved art, but never had the opportunity to go to college, but I thank The Lord for allowing me to do what I can for Him.

Hope you all have a very good day and The Lord bless you.

Hi everyone on another beautiful Friday in South Carolina.  Today will be COSTCO day as have a 10 am appointment there to see the eye doctor for my yearly exam.  I plan on picking up just a couple of items after the exam. Then this afternoon, if Pat feels up to it, she will go to the optical department to see about getting new lenses for her glasses and wants to look around as she hasn't been in a store for probably three months.  She will use one of the electric carts to get around so should be OK in doing this.  I will do some more shopping as we need to restock several things like meat for the freezer.  The housekeeper will be here this morning and the yard was done on Wednesday so things we will be back in order by the afternoon. 

Judith, have you ever considered starting college as age is not particularly a factor at the college level?  Many college courses are now available online and one doesn't even need to go to the campus.

Love your nice new animated graphic, Judy!  Precious!

Hi Larry... You're so busy. I can't keep up with you!  LOL

Hi to everyone else.  I may drop in a little later as the pain meds start to work. 

Larry, may your day go well and be a good day out shopping. Yes, I have considered it, but The Lord just never gave peace nor the provisions for going. In spite of my not having further education in art, I do believe, without question, that The Lord has enabled me to do many things for Him and I truly take none of the credit, but give all glory and praise to Him. It is just an eternal honour to serve Him and do what I can to share the Gospel. I sincerely appreciate your suggestion. That means a lot to me!

Prayed for you and your wife this morning. I also prayed for you, Jeanne and you Pat. Hope your day goes well for you both.

Good morning, I haven't posted for a few days, no excuse either. Yesterday Freckles and I had a visit at the hospital and Wednesday we went to the  Residential and Rehab center just around the corner and up the street from here. Tomorrow we are having our Christmas picture taken at the pet store where I shop for her food. They called and are comping a 5 X 7 photo of her and I.

I talked with Gilbert last evening, I had invited them up for Thanksgi9ving but their finances won't permit them to make the trip to Oregon. The are just 207 miles straight down the coast from here. It is a winding trip down Highway 101 right along the ocean quite a bit of the way, It is beautiful going through the redwoods and along the ocean., We will make the trip down for Christmas.

We are both doing well,  no health concerns, Keith is taking at least one walk with Freckles and I daily, I take Freckles with me for 4 walks per day and do about 5 miles total, sometimes 7 miles total.

Hi everyone on this Saturday morning.  It looks like our high this afternoon will be 71 degrees but sunny and no rain.  I did go to my eye appointment and found I needed new lenses and that the cataract in one of my eyes had grown quite a bit.  I made the decision to go another year before dealing with it.  However, to replace the lenses they have to send my current glasses off for about a week.  Since that isn't going to work for me I had to purchase a new pair of frames and will put back my old ones, which I got last year, as a spare.  For some reason I was tired the rest of the day and really didn't accomplish anything else.  Nothing on the schedule for today other than to clean and fix up some fresh vegetables and plan for dinner tonight.  I know we are going to have ham and acorn squash and if I don't run out of energy I will make up some coleslaw.  I am looking forward to watching some college football this afternoon although I see that South Carolina doesn't play until 4 pm and Georgia plays at 7:30 PM.  So my afternoon rest period shouldn't be impacted by football. 

Pat, sometimes is sounds like I am busier than I really am.  However, some days I probably do push a little too hard and then pay for it the next day.  It sounds like you are experiencing a lot of pain and I sure hope that lessens for you before long. 

Judith, I am sure you are one busy lady and a lot of our learning isn't from books but from doing.  There is always a lot to do in our Christian life involving the church and our friends. 

Marilyn, how nice of the pet store to comp you a nice picture with Freckles.  I am sure you are a good customer for them and that they also support the work you and Freckles do with the hospital and nursing home visits and other visits such as schools or groups.  It won't be long until Christmas when you and Keith can make your trip down to see Gilbert and his family.  I am not sure I could walk two or three blocks anymore much less miles.  You are to be commended on your daily walks and nice that Keith walks with you daily. 

Hi Everyone. Been a long time since I have posted here but thought I would take a few minutes to say a few words. We are entering into a busy time here as winter is starting to approach. I was out last week for the first run at the snow with lots more days to come I'm sure. We have also just had our roof re shingled which left a massive clean up to do but now is done. Our firewood still has to be stored in the basement. We are usually done with that by now but this year it seems things are way behind schedule. Maybe because I have slowed down a bit.

I had a CAT Scan and an MRI on my back and was diagnosed with spinal stenosis. The doctor has referred me to a neurosurgeon later on this month to discuss future options on how to deal with this problem.  A friend once said, John don't get old, it's painful. Now i know what he meant. But no sense complaining about it. It is what it is and we need to move forward as best we can.
Need to keep reaching for tomorrow, and do the best we can. Trials and tribulations in life happen, but that doesn't mean that God is not for us. Sometimes we are sent trials as a way for the Lord to strengthen us for some plan that He has for our lives. Living in history prevents us from moving forward. Blessings everyone. Till next time John.

Hi everyone on this beautiful cool 44 degree Sunday morning here in South Carolina and only to get up into the mid-70's this afternoon.  I am almost ready for church but it will be a little while before time to go.  I did remember to set my clock back last night before I went to sleep.  The three college football teams I follow won their games yesterday.  I will watch some Pro-footfall this afternoon.  Nothing of note to mention regarding yesterday as it was a quiet day. 

John, nice to see your posting but sorry to learn that you are having severe back problems.  The truck driving must have been hard on your back.  It sounds like you are expecting a busy snow season.  Will Judy also be clearing snow this winter.  I hope you can get help putting the wood in your basement for winter. 

I'm sorry about your back news John.   This is what Dad had and had surgery for it in York Central.  I think that they've developed a much better way now to deal with it.  Thinking of you.

I won't comment on other posts at this time.  Having a very bad "Pain Day" so will go and see if Voltaren Extra Strength will give some relief.

Thought this would interest our friends "south of the border" on this "Last Sunday Before the Election"...


Heavenward by Scotty Smith

THE SUNDAY BEFORE THE ELECTION
November 6, 2016

     After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this." At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. Revelation 4:1-2 NIV

Heavenly Father, as crazy-making, anger-fueling, and fear-stoking as this election year has been in the United States, it still pales in comparison with the political world of John the Apostle's day. And the gifts you gave Christian's living in Rome in the late first century, are the same gifts you give us today—a peak into heaven's courts, a vision of the occupied throne, and an affirmation of the "must-ness" of your sovereignty.

As often as I return to this text—as many times as I marinate in it, pray in, and worship by it, what stands out to me on this Sunday before we elect a new American president, is the glorious phrase, "I will show you what must take place after this". You're not the God who deals in "might's" but "must's"—not in possibilities, probabilities, but in actualities. Everything you plan must and will take place. There are no accidents, just providence. We don't have to like our new president; but we can trust our eternal God. Hallelujah, so very Hallelujah!

For the rest of the book of Revelation you revealed yourself to John as the God who is sovereign over all evil and joy, worry and worship, persecution and praise, kings and crickets. Everything you have planned "must take place," up till the Day of the Wedding Feast of the Lamb, the eradication of evil, the wiping of every tear, and the Day of all-things-new.

This doesn't make life easy, but it sure makes it good; it doesn't make it stress-void, but it sure makes life peace-full. Father, as we in the USA head to the polls Tuesday, may we do so with our eyes filled with a vision of the occupied throne of heaven, and our gaze set on Jesus—the author and perfecter of our faith. Help us love our neighbors, trust our God, and long for the Day. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus' righteous and reigning name.

Very much to the point, Pat.  I have to keep reminding myself that no matter what comes next, God is in charge!  Thanks.   

JohnB:  We have a dear friend who copes with spinal stenosis.  She has an injection several times a year and that helps so much.  Prayers for you - I hope someone helps lug the wood into your basement. 

We are in Socorro, New Mexico - stopping early on our drive to Tucson.  We actually could drive father but have reservations at the motel and will get an early start again tomorrow. 

I just dread turning on the news. 

Our oldest son and wife did a walk for Leukemia. 

Pat:  Thanks for your wise input by Scotty Smith. 

I will not be opening a new "Thoughts for the Week" tonight as I'm having a bit of difficulty with my FTP program.  Too tired to work on it any further.  Hopefully it will be fixed by morning.

Pat...

Hi everyone on another bright and soon to be sunny morning starting out at about 51 degrees and is to go only to about 71 degrees this afternoon.  My schedule is light today with only my Monday noon meeting on the agenda.  However, I may make a trip to COSTCO and be there when they open as we need to restock our refrigerator with some meat.  Thankfully this is the last day before our big election day tomorrow.  I will need to rest up so I can stay up later and watch the returns. 

We had a very nice Church service yesterday as it was All Saints Sunday and as the names of those who had passed away from our congregation were read one by one a bell was sounded and as the service continued until the end when four bells were run in different corners of the church. The rest of the day was quiet and enjoyable with some listening to Don's musical program, taking a nice nap and then watching some football.

Pat, that was an interesting piece on "The Sunday Before the Election".  Jeanne, I agree with you and I do believe that God is using the world situations to carry out his plan until we reach that Day of all things new. 

Carol, hope the rest of your trip to Tucson has gone well today.  Are you there for the winter months now or will you be returning to Colorado for the holidays? 

Pat, we will be fine and you need to take care of yourself first before worrying about us.  I hope today finds you feeling in less pain and not so tired.  Pain is certainly tiring. 

Good Morning!

Just thought I'd say that we'll use this topic till the weekend so let's talk about whatever is on your heart.

First of all, I had a problem with FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and then I have been struck with a lot of pain and just couldn't think of things regarding HTML.  So we'll open a new Thoughts on the weekend.

GO AND VOTE IF YOU LIVE IN THE USA!!!

I was going to put this in last evening but didn't get to it...



Heavenward by Scotty Smith

The Day Before We Elect a New President

     Do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matt 6:31-34

     Heavenly Father, tomorrow we'll elect a new president in the USA—a great honor and important matter. Grant us wisdom as we prepare to exercise this privilege; but that's not all we need as we get ready for Election Day.

     Father, settle our hearts by your Spirit, fix our gaze on Jesus, and fuel our trust in you. If you command us (and you do) not to be anxious about the core issues of life—eating, drinking, and clothing, certainly you expect us not to be anxious about who will warm the seat of the oval office. Keep us perpetually aware of the warm-seated throne of heaven.

     Because you're not nervous, we shouldn't be fear-full. May we do less politicking for our candidate today, and more praising of our God. As our Father, you know what we need in America, just like you know what is needed in Uganda, the Sudan, Switzerland, Israel and China, for you will be exalted among the nations—all of them.

     We don't understand all your reasons for choosing to seat certain kings and remove others (Dan. 2:21). The secret things—the mysteries of providence belong to you (Deut. 29:29). But we do know that you've already installed Jesus, as the true and eternal King; and we know that peace and laughter, not unrest and consternation, fill the courts of heaven (Psalm 2:4-6).

     So in all of our seeking, we intend to seek first your kingdom and the righteousness of your kingdom—in the polling booth tomorrow, by loving our friends who vote differently than us, and by trusting you for the outcome. Our hope is in you, Father, not in chariots, horses or men. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus' triumphant and loving name.

Hi everyone on this election day here in the USA.  It is going to be a very nice day here in South Carolina for the folks who go to vote.  We have had early voting in this State as several others are doing.  However, I am sure the lines and waiting time will be long today.  It is in the 40's here this morning and predicted not to get out of the high 60's this afternoon.  The only thing on the schedule for today is to take Pat for her 11:30 am chiropractic treatment.  I may make a quick trip to Walmart to pick up prescriptions for us both. 

Yesterday I had a pleasant surprise in that Pat went to COSTCO with me and was able to get the last available electric cart so she could get around the store.  She hadn't been in a store, other than restaurants, for over 3 months.  I ate a quick early lunch while we were there as didn't have much time when I got home before needing to leave for my Monday noon meeting.  The rest of the day was spent resting and taking it easy. 

Pat, thanks for sharing the Scotty Smith sharing on our election.  He pegs it well as we need to put our trust in God and not man and the country will go on regardless of who is elected.  Hope you are get some relief from the pain today. 

Our Pastor posted this on his Facebook page yesterday.  I thought it was good and a nice bit of humor so wanted to share it with you. 

Half Of Congregation Dies Of Starvation As Sermon Goes 15 Minutes Over Time
   
RUSSELLVILLE, AR—Roughly half of the churchgoers at First Baptist Church Russellville died of starvation Sunday after the pastor tragically went 15 minutes over his standard sermon time, local sources confirmed.

"We don't know if the pastor simply lost track of time due to passion while preaching the word of God, or if something more nefarious was going on," police chief Dwayne Carroll told reporters Monday morning.

  "It's hard to imagine that Pastor Frank did not notice the panicked glances at phones and watches, along with the thunderous stomach growls and moans of agony reverberating throughout the sanctuary within minutes after he began to breach his normal closing time," the chief continued. "Whatever the case, he went well over his standard allotted time for delivering his message, and roughly 75 people in attendance simply could not hold out, succumbing to their hunger before the the end of the church service."

Thankfully, the other half of the congregation was able to make a speedy exit as soon as they were dismissed, frantically rushing out the doors and flooding all local restaurants for emergency sustenance.

"Pastor Frank should have known the dire consequences of a church service going even a minute past its normal ending time," one survivor noted to reporters. "I mean, people have to eat."

Police Chief Carroll confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.

PAt, thank you for your wise input concerning our national suspense.  It has been sad for me since we have known the past politics in Arkansas. 

Otherwise, we are grateful to be here on a cool Tucson morning.   IT is almost an even 900 miles from door to door.   OUr elderly friend has relatives gathered and we expect a call anytime.   It has been wonderful knowing such a strong woman who always looks on the best side of everything with here strong Christian foundation.  Oh, to be just a little more like her.

It is a wonderful, cool morning.  The grapefruit tree has 11 hanging low.  The little lime tree has some too.   Two Bougainvillea shrubs are full of red blossoms and we can see the neighbors in the background.  LOvely colors we do not see in Colorado.  This is a little place just right for the two of us and we expect friends and neighbors to visit but my limit is two or there is no bedding.   I hope Don can be well enough for some visitors and we do expect to see most of the children.

Larry. That is nice news that Pat was able to go to the store with you.