Christian Photographers Community

 




Check out our News feature up top right under the Christian Photographers masthead!   Kind of neat![/size]


Link of the day...[/font]

• Highland Study Center  This looks very interesting.

• 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]

"For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,"[/color]
~Romans 1:20 NKJV~[/list]


Quote of the Day...[/font]

 "We fear men so much, because we fear God so little."
~William Gurnall~[/list]


Some News We Should Know About...

• Time Magazine Tackles 'Radical' Christian Evangelists in Muslim Nations
  WASHINGTON – President Bush isn't the only one with a vision to remake Iraq. Franklin Graham has one, too. With Operation Iraqi Freedom so quickly a success, the son of evangelist Billy Graham was in Washington on Friday. He's working on plans to reach Iraqi Muslims for Christ and help evangelical churches flourish in the biblical lands of Abraham and the Garden of Eden.      God bless him!

• Photo Moment: 'Hijack This!' Nose-Art on US Navy Carriers  [/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...


I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys...as the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.       Song of Solomon 2:1, 3



During the cold, harsh winter everything is buried deep beneath the snows, waiting for the warming sun to melt it all away.

Life has its seasons and its times. Perhaps this is the winter of life for you--cold, dreary and lonely.

But listen to the Saviour's voice, "I am the rose of Sharon, I am the lily of the valley."

Rest in the comforting shadow of His person and His presence. This will drive away the blues and cheer the heart.
                                                                        ~James Comte~

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Thanks, PAT ... I really appreciate your leaving the light on so I don't bump into stuff while looking for the door knob in the dark.    

I have been reading here all day (yesterday, too) but just didn't have whatever it takes to make comments.  I really enjoy coming here to visit and/or just sit quietly in the corner to bask in the warm hum of friendly conversation.  

I will be back later with (possibly) more to say ... just wanted to put my foot in the door to hold my place.

Y'all take care and have a stupendously awesome day with the Lord.

Good morning everyone and thanks Pat for the devotional.  It is good to know that we have the Almighty God to cheer us while we are going through such tough times - or our winter season as the devotional puts it - if God be for us, who can be against us.

I do pray that everyone will have a great and blessed day today and I look forward to  your fellowship.

Anthony.

Good morning all, Just stopped in to see who was up.  I am not sleeping well so I decided to see who else was up.

Thanks for the devotional Pat, I know you put a lot of work into this for us.

Have a good day everyone, and God Bless

JudyB, what a surprise to see you posting already.  It's a bit of a nuisance when sleep goes from us and I hope you manage to have some rest.

Thank you for posting and God bless,

Anthony.

   Good morning everyone....good to see the early birds stopping by for a bit of a lift to our spirits this morning....
Well last night it was snowing a wet snow and it was soooooo cold.....but the Lord had warmed my heart through the love of my family and the joy of His presence...what more could I ask....

Pat...thanks so much for the devotional this morning..it is so true that only Jesus can warm a cold cold heart...if it were not for the burning of His presence what would we be like this day? Only Christ can melt and change our frozen hearts and give us the joy and peace and fill the void that only He can fill . When we realize our need for Him and open that door to our hearts freely.....He comes in and cleans it an sends out the aroma of love and forgiveness and joy that spreads to  those around us.....Praise God for sending us this gift.....no words are good enough to describe it.

good morning Anthony,Jane,and Judy...I pray you all have a wonderful day basking the Lord's love today. God bless.
Paulette.

Pat Scott:  Thanks for reminding us to bask in the presence of the Lord!  Sometimes, we can make life so much harder than it needs to be!  How nice that you handed out bandaids to the children!  Always the fixer!  

I did read the article about Franklin Grahmn.  He caused quite a stir at the Columbine service  in Littleton,  CO when he envoked the name of Jesus so many times much to the annoyance of the many Jewish people present at the community prayer service.  I don't know about muslims but am sure some were in that crowd also.  He is not his father, who would have been a bit more delicate and invited back!  It will be interesting to see just what happens in Iraq and Afghan.. I know a family of missionaries in a muslim country (relative to me) and they are not allowed to show their religion or have a church, etc.  And, they are in a more modern muslim country!

Anthony:  so cyberspace has your best post ever!   I am happy to see that you wrote another.  

Judy:  Those busy days just fly, don't they?

Etta Sue:  What a story of Ivalouis eye sight!  Glad that they could diagnosis her problem.

Sonja:  Thinking of you whizzing by on I-25 today and wishing you health answers that can be treated.  Honk as you pass Harmony Road.

Judy B:  Sorry about your not sleeping.  It can affect everything all day long.  Are you still driving on the road - the semi?  Carol

It's good to see so many posting this morning, but where's mercychild, we miss her when she doesn't post

Tenderheart, I can't believe that you are still having snow.  How long does it go on for?  Our Spring is well and truly here now and the weather is beginning to warm up a bit.  I liked your added thoughts to the devotional this morning.  Hope you have a great day today.

Carol, I must say that I am more concerned about the number of Christians being murdered in hostile countries, than I am about Muslims in the west getting upset because someone names the Lord Jesus Christ in public.  I don't believe in any form of persecution of people who belong to other religions, but I do believe that christians should be able to shout the name of Christ whenever and wherever they wish.  That is just my opinion of course.  I  hope  no-one minds me speaking my mind.  Anyway Carol, it is good to see you posting today.

I had a bad day yesterday because I am trying to return a faulty camera to the shop and they don't want to give me my money back.  It looks as though I am going to have to go to the solicitor.  I would appreciate some prayers, because I have never issued legal proceedings in my life and feel a bit nervous.

God bless all and catch ya later.

Anthony.

Good morning everyone.  It is good to read all the new posts this morning.  As I sit here in our den, in my own recliner, looking out to window at the beautiful green trees and green lawn,  it is good to be home.

But as the song says, "this world is not my home.  I'm just a passing through."  So I think this morning of our real our permanent home.

2 Pet 3:10-13
10   But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.
11   Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives
12   as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.
13   But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. (NIV)

I hope you all have a good day.

--- Papa John      

Hi everyone.  We had a fairly chilly night, had to get up and add a cover  to be comfortable.  Like Judyb, I wasn't sleeping very well last night. It is warming up this morning and the sun is very bright in a clear sky.  I have someone coming to pressure wash the house this morning to remove the mildew buildup.  This man did it for us a couple of years ago and did a good job.  Then we are meeting friends for a late lunch, early dinner at Red Lobster.  Later today Pat has someone coming to see about getting cleaning services and then tonight is choir practice.  So it is going to be a busy day.

Etta Sue, it sounds like you had good news yesterday on Ivalou's eyes in that their catching the problem prevented something terrible from happening.  Two or three extra trips seems a small price to avoid loss of sight, as you indicated.  

Pat, I really like the new "news" feature at the top of the page and the fact that it is constantly changing.  I believe John 3:16 was what I first noticed as well.  Know you will enjoy the Janice's graduation today.  

Papa John, I agree that it is great to travel but extra special to return to our own home.  Glad you had a safe trip home.  I know what you mean about being glad to have the highspeed internet connection available again.  Your scripture verses this morning certainly make me glad I am a Christian and can look forward to the coming of the Lord with anticipation and not fear.

Jane, I understand your message.  Sometimes I just don't have anything to say and othertimes I just can't seem to stop writing (like today).  Of course, we can always just stop in and say hi, like you have done.



Anthony, it is a shame when a merchant won't stand behind their product and you have to resort to the courts for redress.  Hope that all goes well.

Marilyn, I will see if I can send you a picture of our cat, Mr. Tiggers.  I believe I have one that is sized properly.  It will probably be a day or two before I get that done.

Judy, I don't believe we have ever had freezing weather or snow after this time of year here in Georgia.  Folks feel it is safe to plant their tomato plants after the 21st of April.  Hope you team won last night.  I really don't understand the game of hockey so seldom watch it.

Sonja, hope you have a good and safe trip.  Look forward to your postings when you return.

Paulette, I see where Jen gets her writing ability.  You express things very well.

Carol, I am glad that Franklin Graham speaks up and ignores what is politically correct.  I am becoming concerned that we as Christians may be so concerned with political correctness in following the way of the world that we are giving up our rights to worship as we please.  I would not ask a Jewish person or a Muslim to not say something in my presence because I would be offended and I expect the same right to declare Jesus Christ.  

Guess I had better move on to some other things.

See you all later.

Good Morning.
Pat thank you for the devotional and I agree with Anthony about shouting the name of our Lord Jesus Christ whenever and wherever. JudyB soory to hear about  your sleeplessness. Jane, God morning to you also. Papa John than youfor your added scriptures to our devotional.
Tenderheart, I love yourposts always so full of praises for our Lord.
This is my day  off always things to do. I need tomake and appt. for Gitsie to be groomed on Saturday.
Well I will return in a little while going tocheck out the other forums now.
Have a real Blessed day.

Marilyn

Godd morning Larry I see we were posting at the same time.

Just to note to say hi to Larry and Marilyn.  I have plodding on with French study this afternoon.  The idea was to be able to speak to the African refugees who have been attending our church, but I think I have bitten off more than I can chew.  I am finding it very difficult.

Anyway, hi Marilyn - it is good to read your bright posts each day sister and I trust you have a good day off and that you are able to finish all of your jobs.

Larry, I trust  you will have a better job done on your house than I had done when buying the camera.  It is good that you have had used this man before and I hope all goes well.  Thank you for your thoughtful post.

I forgot to mention Etta Sue, and I am sorry for that.  It is good news that Ivalou's eye problem has been spotted and that the doctors seem to have everything under control.  God bless you and your sister.

Sonja, have a good trip away and I look forward to seeing hearing from you on your return.

Well, I am actually going for a lie down because I feel shattered as we Brits say.

Catch you all later.

Good morning everyone!  Bright and sunny here but really cool.  Mid 30's this morning.  But the birds are singing their melodic songs.

I talked to Ivalou this morning.  We are both praising God in giving education to doctors/surgeons that knows if a tiny drop was put into her eyes, she might have been blind.  Thank you God.  Praise the Lord.  And certainly, a couple more trips to Indy is a blessing instead of the alternative.

Jerry is coming today to work on my lawn mower.  I plan to try another PSP lessons that already some of the other students are having problems with.  This is one problems with being the initial students in these tutorials.  We are helping to get the bugs out!  But they are fun and I am enjoying them.

Jerry just walked in the door!

Have a great and blessed day!!

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"God can take sour, bitter things in our lives and blend them into something that smells and tastes as sweet as honey."

Anthony, when I was in college (many, many years ago) I took French in summer school.  As soon as I finished and passed the I seemed to immediately forget it.  My goal had been to prove to myself that I could do a foreign language.  I think I remember only one word after all these years and that is the word for inkwell.  I can't even spell it anymore but know that Papa John will be able to do so.  Why we learned the word for inkwell has always remained a bit of a mystery.

The man coming to pressure wash my house called a little bit ago and said he just got out of the dentist office.  We rescheduled for later this afternoon, after we get back from our lunch with friends.  That should work out well.

Larry,

I can't think of a French word for "inkwell" but the word for ink would be "encre" and the ink would be "l'encre".  Fortunately languages came easy for me.  I still enjoy running across someone who speaks French so I can have a conversation.

Papa John

Whew!  Here it is almost noon, and we just finished our breakfast!  (I guess we can skip lunch, huh?)

We had an interesting morning.  The lady who is head of the aquatics facility called yesterday and asked us to bring our scuba equipment and inspect the sides and bottom of the indoor pool.  It has been losing a tremendous amount of water, and they don't know where it is going!  The pool goes down about 4 to 5 inches overnight---that's a lot of water, and adds to the problem of keeping the temperature regulated.

So we got our gear together this morning and spent an hour and a half underwater.  We inspected every square inch of the sides and bottom of the pool, but only found places where the grout was missing in spots.  Those shouldn't be leaking, though.  So it appears the problem is somewhere in the plumbing of the pool, which will be a tremendous expense to repair.  I was really disappointed, as I prayed we would be able to find the problem.  But it was fun to spend some time underwater, even though the only fish I saw were really big, and wearing bathing suits!

I didn't sleep well at all last night, either, so spent time in prayer.  Wonder what is ailing all of us here, that we are having trouble sleeping??

I need to get busy, as the morning is gone, and I am just getting started on my regular chores.  It is nice not to have to "punch a time clock" though.

I shall return later to see what everyone has been doing today.  Anthony, get a good rest and put your shattered self back together!

I have been going through drawers and my closet removing things that I will never have any use for up north and some of the old around the house type of clothing, purses and other stuff I have grown out of over the past five years. Since I got off drugs I have put on 43 lbs. Went from 115 and a size 5 pants, to 158 and a size 16 pants. I was in a 14 for 3 years. Its all this good life of not working cleaning houses and moving around so much that has happened. lets not talk about weight. I do look a lot better with the weight on at 5'9". At least I am healthy. Praise the Lord. TTYL
Marilyn

Larry and Papa John, I am still planning on trying with the French.  The tutor said I am doing well and might be able to miss year two and go straight to year three.  He must be seeing something that I can't see

Janet, it sounds like you had an interesting morning even if you didn't manage to find the problem.  How nice that they felt comfortable enough to call on you for help.  It must give you a nice feeling. (BTW, I am less shattered now after an hour in bed )

Marilyn, what a wonderful testimony you have of the Lord's delivering power.  You will have to shout your testimony from the housetops when you get up North.  There will people who will need to hear it.

God bless all.  The fellowship has been great again today.

Anthony.

Good afternoon...Jerry thinks he has fixed my mower....with WD40!!!  Anyway, it starts okay.  If it doesn't stay fixed, then it means a new starter.  Tony gave me the mower so I can spend money to keep it going!

I have been working on my PSP lessons.  I have 5 of them done.  Now I have the two bonus ones to do.  Then I am done until I start Artist lessons in June.  Pat, is that what you are doing now?

It is a beautiful day.  I have been inside but it is bright outside.

Anthony, it sounds to me like you are doing well with your French.  Just keep at it.  Remember the "Repetition is the mother of learning."  That's what my old Greek teacher used to tell us at the University.  You are so close to France you should be able to make some trips over there and get in situations where you are obliged to speak French.

We just got back from the Nursing Home.  It was a very nice dinner with an excellent speaker.  We enjoyed it very much.  Tonight we will be going to church for our mid-week Bible study.  Good to see everyone here.

- - -  Papa John        

Good afternoon everyone.  I didn't even make it to CP yesterday.

I, too, have been having nights of sleeplesness.  Last night I did sleep very well, but the night before I was still up at 3:30 am.  I prayed, listened to music, listened to "go to sleep now" music, prayed some more.  I asked the Lord if there was anything or anyone I should be interceding for, but I guess not.  Just a season of not sleeping well, I guess.  I did get a few hours, and woke yesterday refreshed.

 Yesterday was beautiful!  Wasn't it, Jane?  I was able to get a good deal of the mowing done, broke a pipe, had the water turned off, called the repairman, who came right out, got the water turned back on, and continued mowing.  A productive day, and every moment I was talking to the Lord about it.   I "reminded" him everything I owned was His, so if He wanted US to spend lots of money on plumbing repairs, that was ok with me. (grin)  It took the repairman less than an hour.  

Sometimes, even in things that others may think is a normal occurance, you just know it's God.  I knew.

   I liked the devotional, Pat.  I think a lot about seasons...especially winter, where most things happening are underground ...unseen mostly.
I know God created seasons, both natural, earthy, and spiritual.  It's good to remember that when it seems no life is showing..it's good to remember that the roots are being nourished by the death of the outward thing.  

I think of my Jonquils, they look so ugly now, but I need to allow them to die down naturally so the roots can have the nourishment. What looks like deadness, is actually life being turned inward to nourish the living thing...   So in the seasons of my spiritual journey, I remember that each one is in God's plans and are a part of the whole.  I remember, but sometimes I forget.  I'm remembering again.  Praise God.  Praise God.

   Now that the day is almost over for most of you....haha.....have a wonderful, blessed, day.

       love, nita

Oh NITA!  That is so very true!  When everything seems dead and dying, we need to be reminded that "life is being turned inward to nourish the living thing."    Thanks for the reminder.

Yesterday was a gorgeous day and today we have cold rain again.  Spring time in Oregon!      

I have been reading and studying the Bible this morning since an early morning phone call from an anxious friend requesting prayer.  God is so good ... ALL the time!  I was reminded of King Hezekiah when he received a threatening and disturbing letter.  He spread it out before the Lord and "prayed earnestly" ...  Again, when he had been told he was going to die, he turned to God and prayed earnestly.  God heard him (both times) and gave him peace and caused his enemies to be destroyed.  (2Kings 19 and 20; Isaiah 37 and 38).

Gotta go ... tonight's church, and I need to get around here and pull myself together.  

I'd love to respond to everyone's posts here, but ... well ... you know ...    

Please continue your conversation ... I'm listening.    

Papa John, that was the word for inkwell.  I have actually used it in conversation whenever I spoke about taking a French course.  I think it is a beautiful word.  Unfortunately, I have no other French words to go with it.  

Janet, the mental image of a big fish in a bathing suit staggers the mind!  

Nita, your comments remind us that all seasons are needed.  

Big fish in a bathing suit? hmmm what subject does fall under eh???

Well Anthony in answer to your question...about the snow...well usually bout this time of yr. it is all gone and is nicely warm....but for some reason this spring is late in coming to us...and the snow was not much of a snowfall at all...just a sprinkling....poor Jen is patiently waiting to plant her garden and has had way too many setbacks...but oh well...this is Canada right!!

Hopefully it will start to warm up real soon...anyway...the Lord bless you all and Keep you in His loving arms of grace and mercy...
Paulette.

Good After noon Just stooping in for a moment to  try something out here. and to say God bless you all. I Love you.
Marilyn

                               

Aahh  Marilyn  I love that dove.  Can I borrow it?

OK Larry, I will give you a sentence using the ink in French.  Don't spill the ink on the table.  "Il ne faut pas renverser l'encre sur la table."

--- Papa John

Bonjour!  Since we're on the subject of French .  Papa John, how long did you take French for?  I'm afraid I've lost a lot of it, since I haven't used it.  J'avais commencer l'ecole, au dixieme annee, puis mes parents me l'enseigner, et ils ne parlent pas le Francais.

Hehe, like I said, it's been a looong time!  I miss it though.  And I'm getting really rusty.  I find a lot of little words I'm forgetting.  I think I'll get myself a little French/English dictionary and practice.  My brother also speaks French.  For those of you who missed that, it basically just says I started school in French immersion, all the way to tenth grade, then I was taught at home, and neither of my parents know French.

Be interesting to speak it again.  God bless you all.  Jen.

More often than not, the weather systems begin in he West, then move east.  If that is the case, then be aware of the rain and snow still coming!  We've had rain here off and on for the last couple of weeks.  But - let's thank God for what He sends.  It's far better than if it were left to us!

AMEN, Al!  Can you imagine what we could do if we had control of the weather? haha