Christian Photographers Community

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Link of the day...[/font]

• Today's Oswald Chambers  You could "bookmark" this site and see the daily devotional.

• Creation Moment Listen to the Creation Moment every day for a new creation moment!  We can learn a lot from these!  Terrific if you are home schooling.

Verse for Today...[/font]

"O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?"
The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."[/color]
~1 Corinthians 15:55-57 NKJV~[/list]


Quote of the Day...[/font]

 "Grace is young glory."
~Alexander Peden~[/list]


Some News We Should Know About...

• Fake bank site part of Nigerian scam
  April 17 — They're certainly persistent. Another flavor of the well-known Nigerian scam has popped up, this one even more elaborate than the familiar e-mail solicitation. The scam appears to target former recipients who were initially drawn in by an e-mail offer, but abandoned the scheme half-way through.

• Photo Moment: Giant Pumpkin Wins World Championship [/b]  

From our forums...

• Christian Book Exchange Get books or donate them!  Wonderful!
  
  
• In The Kitchen We can never have too many recipes!  Post your favorites here!
  

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Morning Devotional...


"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and foraketh them shall have mercy."   Proverbs 28: 13

Repentance

A person can cover his sin in many ways. One thing that seems to be common to all people is to make up excuses as to why we are committing them. Excuses for sin come in a myriad of different formats. Some of them are that we blame our circumstances. We can suggest that we just can't help ourselves; that for one reason or another it is impossible for us to stop sinning. We can suggest that everybody does these things, and because everyone is doing it, why is it so bad if we join in. And there are many more excuses that we create for ourselves. All these excuses are aimed at covering sin, but God does not want us to cover our sin; he wants us to face up to what is happening and confess it.

It is very humbling to confess that we have done something wrong and that we are entirely responsible for our wrong doing. There seems to be something within everybody that would seek to justify their poor behaviour. This is where the excuses are brought into play. However, we need to bring ourselves low and crouch at the foot of the cross, so to speak, and confess that we have sinned and that we are solely responsible for that sin. Every form of self-justification needs to be stript away and the bare facts about our behaviour should be faced up to.

It is a wonderful thing that when we do humble ourselves in this way, we find that the God who we so feared, is a God of love and mercy. While we are making excuses for ourselves we are frightened that if we admit to our errors the Almighty God will bring great judgement upon our lives, but in actual fact that does not happen. As we admit to our faults and failings and accept that we are responsible for them, what actually happenings is that God shows us the great judgement that the Lord Jesus Christ endured on our behalf. God does not smite us, but He shows us the Saviour. He does not merely turn a blind eye to our sin as some people would foolishly suggest, but rather he shows us the enormity of it and that it has brought a dreadful judgement, but then he also shows us that the judgement of our sin has been born by the Lord Jesus Christ.

If you are troubled by conviction of sin and if you are being reminded by God the Holy Spirit that you have fallen short of the life that God requires of you, remember that the God who is convicting you is the same God who is trying to bring you into the glory of a christian life. Even while you are under conviction of sin, trust entirely in a loving God. Be honest about your shortcomings and then cling onto the cross of Calvary. You cannot justify yourself, but the work that was accomplished on the cross can bring you justification.

                                                                     ~Anthony Patrick~

• See further studies by Anthony HERE
  
  
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Well ... as usual, I'm here before sun-up!  Today is my daughter Joy's birthday.  She moved to Mexico last week and I have no way to contact her ... no phone number or address ... so I will have to rely on email and hope she finds a computer to access her yahoo account.  

Bryan, her son and my wonderful youngest grandson who is now in GA with the Army, sent me a beautiful Easter card via email.  I think he must have chosen it before leaving California and requested it be delivered today.  He thanked me again for the many prayers I've prayed for him.  [I'm not about to stop now, either!]

I'll be back later in the day to check up on y'all and see what's happening around CP

Thanks, Anthony, for the devotional.  You are so right: all too often it seems "easier" to blame circumstances, environment, peers, just whatever, rather than accept the responsibility for our own sins.  Disobedience is sin ... and sin is disobedience ... plain and simple.  But we have a loving and forgiving Father God just waiting with open arms to receive us and set us again on the path of righteousness.  

I've heard it said before that God has no grandchildren.  Each of us stands on our own before Him.  In the same way we can't come to Him on another's merits, we can't expect to blame anyone else for our sins, either.

Oops, I didn't mean to take over here.    

Y'all have an awesome day ... I'll be back

As you can seeby my post here., its after 3:AM... unable to sleep, so I thought i'd "check out the neighbourhood"!!

Upon checking under POLICIES, it states "no buying or selling merchandise".  does that apply to our Book Exchange that Larry is Moderating for us?

Are the books just being donated?  Posting costs of course.

This is just a thought....please don't think I'm complaining, or trying to stir up trouble.

One book I would love to get is the one someone in here mentioned already...written by Lisa Beamer whose husband was a victim of the terrorist attack on 9/11.

Of course thats fairly new....and not likely up for exchange just now.

My favourite books I like to read are autobiographies.

- Judy ..
sorry...this is a bit long.

Good morning everyone.  What a wonderful day everyone had yesterday; or, as the Shuford's would say - it was awesome.  Our own pastor preached powerfully, he seems to have gained greater liberty now the end of his ministry with us in view.  Our new leader comes to us on June 1st.

I was surprised to see the daily devotional this morning, but churches do tend to forget this subject and it is not to be feared, because we know we are serving a merciful God who wants only the best  for us.

Judy, I am sorry about the lack of sleep.  I have been in the same boat, but I hope that you did manage to get off eventually.  Yesterday morning another sister was posting while I was having breakfast, it must have been about 3:00am her time and she mentioned she was finding it hard to drop off.  Perhaps we ought to pray for the group as a whole that we manage to enjoy a sound sleep.

Sorry to ramble.  God bless all and see y'all later on.

Anthony.

I had that trouble with sleeplessness for many years. A dear friend suggested that I ask God to show me the name of a person for whom I should pray. Almost invariably, when I focus on that person and pray for his/her welfare, then sleep seems to slip in like a healing balm. I awaken refreshed and am thankful for my moments alone with God.

Y'all have a good day.

Ruth Ann

Good Morning Everyone!

I'm "up-and-at-'em" this morning as I have a very busy week ahead of me and I better get started on it.

Janice is graduating from Seminary on Thursday.  She started her course before getting married and then marriage interrupted her studies and she's just now finished so this is certainly something I don't want to miss.  I have a trip to London as well and an Avon order going in next week.  So...  

Sorry you couldn't sleep Judy.  I've been that way many times too.  It's certainly upsetting--especially when you're tired and you just can't sleep.

Oh, Judy, yes...  I forgot to reply to your question about our new section.  These books are FREE.  It's sort of like a recycling area.  So many books on our shelves and we don't know what to do with them so why not send them to someone?  We just pay the postage.

Good Monday morning everyone!  It is so refreshing to see the flowering trees and some green on the grass.  

Pat S:  My cousins live in either Minnesota, Seattle, or distant cousins in Sweden.  A long trip but we appreciate it when they visit.  We seem to make it many more times to their homes than they do here.  

Judy:  I have "Let's Roll" by Lisa Beamer and it is a library book or I would send it on to you.  It is difficult to find many religious books at the library - right now they seem bent on forcing the education of homosexuallity on the teens.  More and more of that information.  And, they call that diversity!!!!  Well, I won't get into that irksome part of tax-supported public education.

Time to start some house duties around here.  Carol

Good morning!  Early birds Jane and Judy, Patrick, Pat, Ruth Ann and Carol are up and with it today!

We went to town to swim, but they said the heater went out again and the water was down to 76, so we didn't get in-----b-r-r-r-r!!  I will try to do some walking today instead for my exercise.  Or if it gets warmer, we will go burn tumbleweeds again.

It is lovely to hear how so many spent their Easter day.  I agree with Karma that we sometimes get so that we don't really HEAR the message because we have heard it so many times before.  I love that Don Francisco song that was mentioned "He's Alive!"  It gives me goose bumps every time I hear it!  Very powerful song!  I also love "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" that Judy mentioned.  We did sing that yesterday.

Pat, thanks for putting in the music and words to "He Arose!"  I love that song!

I'm hoping you will all be requesting these books soon!

Talk to you later!

Hi everyone.  Pat and I are off to the dentists office for routine cleaning this morning.  I don't look forward to it.

Anthony, good devotional this morning.  It is so easy to make excuses rather than to face the truth of our own failings.

Judy, the only money involved in our Christian Book Exchange is simply the reimbursement of the out-of-pocket expense of the person who send the book on to a new reader.  I have been responsible for this same type of Book Exchange on the SeniorNet site for the last 5 or 6 years and it works beautifully.  We have exchanged almost 2,600 books during that time and I am not aware of there having been any problems with reimbursement.  

Larry

Good Morning to all who have been here and all who come. Anthony thank you for the wonderful devotional this morning. Pat you have a busy day planed today, may the Lord gaurd and guide you in your travels. Larry and Pat H. I am so thankful that I do not have to go to the dentist anymore.
I got some rather disturbing news last night. Gilbert called and told me that the Landlord there says that I will only be able to rent the singlewide for 2 years. As he is going to build a house on the property and tear down the trailer.   Well God can change all that.

Well I am off to check the other forums and my email too.
Marilyn

Good morning everyone!  I am go happy that everyone had a very Happy Easter day.  He is risen!

This will be a busy week for me also.  I have an eye doctor appointment in an hour and a half.  And Ivalou has cataract surgery tomorrow and then return to the surgery center the next day for a check up.  So I will be in out and maybe not much posting.

It is cool today.  May have to wear a jacket.  But the grass doesn't grow as fast...

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"Somewhere over the rainbow---that's where the airline will find my luggage."

Good morning, good morning, good morning.

Pat, I got your email this morning...haha....yep, I was online reading, but was too tired to post.  I decided I'd just come this morning while the day was fresh.

Thank you for the Oswald Chambers devotional site.  I've bookmarked it.  I used to read My Upmost.....
every day, but had gotten out of doing that. What a great servant, and he has been such a blessing to so many saints.

 I've started my Bible reading today with the rest of you.  Actually, I was in Romans Saturday too, but this will be good...as it gets me all over the Bible.

 I'm also starting my Paintshop Pro lessons today. Finally decided to make the most out of this program...

 I have been so amazed at the LOVE of God and His mercy and His desire to be intimate with His children.  I know this, but He has just manifested it in such a heart changing way these last few days.  I am blessed beyond measure.   I feel as though I'm more alive today than I've been in a very long time.   I smile a lot! lol  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

 Anthony, a beautiful, devotional.  

 Marilyn, we know that God can change anything that isn't going the way He's planned for His children.  If you are trusting Him, and I know you are, then you can know that whatever happens, it will be a part of the exciting journey.

  I'm finally down to books that I read over and over, so don't have any right now.  I usually give books away..or actually loan them, and don't get them back..haha....but I'll look and see what I could part with.

 Have a blessed day everyone.  love, nita  
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Hi, out of breath Pat here!  Just thought I'd say "Hi".  So many phone calls this morning.  I felt as if I was on a switchboard!  HAHAHA!

Now, I have my Avon all packed, and have to deliver it before the next one goes in on 28th so I'll have money to send!    

I had a phone call from Rebecca asking me if I was busy!  She wants to come and spend the afternoon with me!  

Marilyn, I must say how sorry I am at your news but God is still on the throne and He will look after the plans for your future.  I'll be praying to that end along with you.

 Anthony a great devotional:
 Being constantly reminded of sin in my life is the stepping stones of spiritual growth and happiness. One of my sins is that of food. We need food to eat but too much is a sin and that to can be seen as a poor testimony to others.

Like so many others I did not sleep well but I do feel that food allergies might be a problem. (spices)

Have a great afternoon.      

Ruth

It is evening here in the West Midlands.  I worked non-stop today adding some pages to the website, and it's good to come back to CP to read your messages.

Ruth Ann, that's a good remedy for insomnia, we will have to put it into practice.

Pat, that does sound like a very busy week that you have ahead of you, but it's nice to be busy with happy things.  Your daughter graduating must be a great time for you and the family and what an achievement on Janice's part to get through her studies after the break.  I  hope everything goes well.

Carol, I know what  you mean about the inappropriate education that is being forced on our children.  Right in the middle of the war, the government rushed a Bill through Parliament to enable teachers to instruct even primary school kids about this sort of thing.  It is not a democratic decision, they did it while everyone's attention was elsewhere.  

Janet, I'm glad you managed to get your swim today and that you might be able to do some more exercises later.  It is so important to keep these things up isn't it?

Larry, it's good to see  you this morning, and the book exchange sounds like  a great idea.  I pray that it will be a great success.

Marilyn, that must have been a great shock when you heard the news about the mobile.  It is good that you sound so positive in believing that God can overule.  This is something that we must all pray about and see the Lord move on your behalf.

Good morning Etta Sue, I do hope that everything goes well at the doctors.  It is a big day for Ivalou too.  She must be feeling a bit nervous.   God bless you both during the coming week.

Nita, it is good to hear you sound so possitive about the things of God.  His blessings certainly do not diminish as our years of knowing Him go by.  He is always faithful.  It is good to hear from you today.

Ruth, it is so good to hear from you today.  I am sorry that you can't sleep well either.  It seems like a comnon problem on CP doesn't it?  God bless you anyway sister.

I am off to look at the other forums and will see y'all later.

Anthony.

Hi to all I am at work now and it is going rather slow.So I just dropped in to say hello. Thank you all that you will be praying for me and my new home next door to Gilbert. Perhaps after the landlord gets the new house built, that would be my home, if it is affordable. Everything in california is so out of sight rent wise except for here in the desert. Thats one of the down sides of the situation, If only i had more income.
See you all later,
Marilyn

I am just making a quick stop her to say "Hi, everybody".  You can regard me as the slow, humble one.  I just can't seem to keep up with my life.  I think about you all very often during the day, but just don't seem to have time to be on the computer anymore.  

This has been a rewarding spring season and a wonderful Easter.  God is surely showing what a wonderful world this can be for those who believe.

Pat, I am sending you an email with a photo attached of a lone tulip that came up in the shrubbery in front of my condo this Easter weekend.  It is so unique with special colors and design.  It looks almost  like a message from God. You may want to post it on CP and share it with others.

Wishing you all a good day for now

Marilyn, two years is a long time and the landlord may change his mind.  Also in that time you will become familar with tje area and you will likely find other suitable places that you can live in the area.  As you say, God will provide for you.

Pat, great to hear of the accomplishments of Janice.  Will she be a minister, Christian educator or follow some other path with her seminary education?  

Mary Frances, I am looking forward to seeing your picture and also the picture of the tulip.

Anthony, working on webpages can be very time consuming but I find it very enjoyable work as you see the results of your efforts as you go along.  Of course, if it doesn't come out just right it can be very frustrating as well.

I am awaiting the air conditioning serviceman to arrive to check out the unit for the year.  Our dental appointments went fine this morning, no cavities or other dental problems.

See you all later.

Larry

Something to think about.  This is not a story directly about Christianity, It may be just a story, but often in stories we see ourselves.

Would you have done the same ??


Every now and then you receive a message that stops you in your tracks. Don't look for a punch line.  There isn't one. Read it anyway.

My question to all of you is: Would you have made the same choice?

At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves learning disabled children, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended.  

After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question.

"When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do.

Where is the natural order of things in my son?"

The audience was stilled by the query. The father continued. "I believe, that when a child like Shay comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes, in the way other people treat that child." Then he told the following story:

Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, "Do you think they'll let me play?"

Shay's father knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but the father also understood that if his son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging.  Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked if Shay could play.  

The boy looked around for guidance and, getting none, he took matters into his own hands and said, "We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning."

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the outfield. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as his father waved to him from the stands.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with  two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat. At this juncture, let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game? Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat.
Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible cause Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball. However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least be able to make contact. The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher. The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game. Instead, the pitcher took the ball and turned and threw the ball on a high arc to right field, far beyond the reach of the first baseman. Everyone started yelling, "Shay, run to first! Run to first!"

Never in his life had Shay ever made it to first base. He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled; everyone yelled, "Run to second, run to second!"

By the time Shay rounded first base, the right fielder had the ball. He could have thrown the ball to the second baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions and intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third baseman's head. Shay ran toward second base as the runners ahead of him deliriously circled the bases toward home.

Shay reached second base, the opposing shortstop ran to him, turned him in the direction of third base, and shouted, "Run to third!" As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams were screaming, "Shay, run home!"
Shay ran to home, stepped on to the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the  "grand slam" and won the game for his team. "That day," said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, "The boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world."

I had a very wise man tell me that you can always tell the character of a person by the way they treat the elderly, the young, and the disabled.

God bless all of you and have a better sleep tonight. Remember the Lord gives his beloved rest, take the awake hours to meditate and pray, and trust him to give you the rest you need.

Judy

Judy, what a beautiful message.

We can each take it within our own influence and ask that question.   I'm saving that one.  Thanks for posting it.

JudyB what a beautiful message, you have my eyes leaking profusly.  

Nita Nice to see you photo on here. Now we know who you are.

God Bless you both

Marilyn

Good evening everyone!  

I don't need my lenses changed so I will look through these glasses for another year at least.  Saved some money.  

Ivalou and I had lunch at a new restaurant.  We didn't know what kind of restaurant it was but we thought we would try it anyway.  Well, it was fast food but things like Breaded Tenderloin Sandwiches, Chicken Tenders, Roast Beef, Fish Filets.  Of course, fries and a coke.  But their main specialty is ice cream...milk shakes, malts, sodas and sundaes.  Too full for one of those though.

It is cold out....in the 50's but since I will be gone most of the day tomorrow and Wednesday, I decided to mow today.  It is cold.  My ears about froze off.  It is cold.  The wind was blowing fierce and nothing to stop the wind out here.  It is cold.  Did I tell you, it is COLD today?!

Well I have just dropped in for a minute.  We are on the road.  We have stopped for the night just north of Atlanta and tomorrow morning we will drive on to Nashville.  I can't be on line long because I am having to use battery power and it is low.  I'll be back tomorrow.  

- - -  Papa John

Pat, it's wonderful that you posted that particular verse this morning, it was one that has been read to me quite often this past week.  Wonderful how the Lord brings things to our attention over and over, as faithfully as we need it!

Anthony-wonderful devotional.  It's a trap that more and more people are falling into, myself included.  And living in today's society doesn't help, where people are raised and have ingrained into them that fault invariably lies with someone or something else.  And yet, to come to Christ we need to repent, and how can we do that if we never take any blame?  How can we dare to be without blame?  Christ has said, "Let no man say he is without sin". (paraphrase, because I can't remember the reference).  I think it is a serious matter when we are constantly shifting blame.

Lol, I'm sorry, I'm rambling on here.  I shouldn't actually be online for too long, I have other things to do too.  Hehehe.  But I was so encouraged to read the posts.  God bless you all.  Jen.

OOOOhhhh!!! OWwwwwww! Eeeee!!  I hurt all over!  We went out and carried tumbleweeds by the millions (seemed like!) and burned them, and I am so sore!  Guess I am out of shape.  Bad part is, there are still that many more to burn.  Oh, the joys of country living!

I think I will take a couple of Tylenol and go to bed early tonight!

Etta Sue, it was a beautiful day here today, but with smoke in my eyes I couldn't see to enjoy it too much!

Hi Everyone...

So busy today...  Andrew and Terena have just left with Rebecca.  I had such a lovely afternoon and evening with Rebecca.  (Got some photos too!)

Now, tomorrow, I have 14 Avon orders still to deliver and my Avon sales meeting tomorrow evening and after school, I'll be driving the little girl around to deliver the brochures.  She's doing this for the last time!    She's in Grade 9 and finds that her time is now filled with other things and other friends, etc. so I'll have to find someone else to help deliver them!  JEN?  

Then I have to go to a medical appointment in Hamilton on Wed. and then the graduation on Thursday maybe staying in the Toronto area overnight on Thursday night.  Just not sure.  I think in there somewhere I have a London trip too!  

Now, it's time for coffee!

My my Pat you are a very busy lady. I just placed and order with my Avon Lady today. I needed some blush. Avon is the only I like, I used to use Mary Kay as I sold it for awhile. But Avon had the color match after I ran out of Mary Kay, which is about twice as much as the Avon. in price.

Sonja was it you or Karma that said you singed up to sell Mary Kay??

It is quite windy here tonight about 20-30 mph and to get windier by tomorrow with a chance of rain.

Pat I haven't seen Jissup post here since she signed up. She maybe having problems getting on.

Well Be back later.
Marilyn