Christian Photographers Community

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I just received this in my mail and want to share it with you all.
As I've read Ria's comment about a somewhat non-festive Holland I realized that not all of us will be able to join in the Christmas celebration at a church, not all churches are able to bring members together to form a choir or any other celebration.
So, for you all,  but especially those of you who still want to join into a special celebration and lack opportunity, here it is........

A blessed season to all!

Margit

I am happy to see you Margit we are missing you is Chris also allright

What a nice website have you put on CP

And the Christmass photo's of Manchester?
So beautiful.
Must you come in Holland nothing
Germany is also nice but my great wish i on a day to go to Londen i think that is also nice with Christmass. Thank you Margit
Bye love RIA

         There you go Ria  

http://web.icq.com/shockwave/0,,4845,00.swf]    

Now, THAT is so funny, Chris!  HAHAHAHA!

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Pat thank you for the nice hymn

Chris and Margit also this website is so nice hahaha  i have also save this one
i can play with the sites
thank you

I wish you all a very goodnight it is 10.20PM in Holland i go read poems and then
time to go to bed.

Till tomorrow
love RIA

Hello everyone. well some of us are here.
WHERE IS EVERYONE ELSE?

I've been to church and back home again. The storm was really bad last night as I am sure Jane and Nita got it before I did.

The wind was so strong I had to bring my Trash Barrel in the house or it would have blown away. There is power line that goes from the main pole to the pole for my electric meter that is hanging  almost to the ground. The land lord has been here  to feed the horses this morning and I hope he has called it in. I am going tocall him shortly.


Be back later

Thank you for the comments on the little graphics.  It does seem funny to see someone else posting one that I have just like it.....Pat!!!!  I almost forgot about my PSP lessons.  This is one way I can show them...

Church was awesome.  Our pastor just got home Kenya, Africa, Friday night.  He was sporting a beard...didn't shave for 2 weeks.  Kinda looks good on him.  His sermon was about the birth of Christ.  He would talk and then the choir would sing, then he would go on with his sermon and then the choir again.  Really made the message double in strength with words and music.  Then today was The Bridge...teen church.  Jerry nor I had heard the new Youth Minister, Danny Curry.  So we stayed for teen church.  Now the music I don't believe I could take a steady diet of but what an uplifting sight to see.  We were in the old santuary and it was standing room only...probably close to 400 people in there.  Danny is a fast talker with some humor.  He told the story of baby Jesus.  How many times have I seen a Nativity Scene, knowing that there was Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, an angel, shepherds, Kings and animals.....all looking at Baby Jesus.  But today it finally hit me that the lowest of people, the shepherds, along with the highest of people, the Kings, were the ones the angels chose to see Baby Jesus.  Proof that Jesus was born for ALL.  He also explained the difference between happiness and joy.  You are happy because of outside influences but joy comes from within.  Without Christ in your heart, you don't experience joy.  Well, today I left church with joy in my heart.  Awesome!!

Chris, I have your comical URL playing in the background.  It was cute at first....now?  Maybe I had better shut off some of those reindeer!!!  Thank you.  Very cute!!!

Going to church this morning, I thought that the highway department forgot they had snow removal equipment.  Nothing was done until I got about a mile from Jerry's.  On the way home, it was melting so it was pretty good!

I am so glad they found Saddam Hussein!  Now maybe we can get this fighting and killing over with and return back to normal....whatever that is.

I received this in an email today from my cousin...a retired minister's wife.


"A LETTER FROM JESUS "

  Well, as you know, it's almost time for my birthday again.

  Last year, they had a really big party for me and it seems like they will again this year. After all they have been shopping and preparing for it for months now, and there have been announcements and advertisements almost every day about how soon it's coming! They really do go overboard about it, but it's nice to know that at least one day of the year some people are thinking about me a little.

  You know, it's been many years now since they first started celebrating my birthday. Back then they seemed to realize and appreciate how much fun it is for the little children. Just the same, it seems that most folks are missing the point of it all. Like last year, for example, when my birthday came around, they threw a big party, but can you believe it? I wasn't even invited! Imagine! The guest of honor, and they forgot all about me.
 
  They had begun preparing for the festivities months in advance, but when the big day came, I was left out in the cold! Well, it happened so
many times in recent years,
 
  I wasn't even surprised. Even though I wasn't invited, I thought I'd just quietly slip in anyway. So I came in and stood off to the side.
 
   Everyone was drinking, laughing, and having a great time when all of a sudden in came this fat fellow in a bright red suit, wearing a phoney white
beard shouting, "Ho Ho Ho!". He looked like he had more than enough to drink.

   When he collapsed into a big armchair, all of the children went running over to him excitedly yelling, "Santa! Santa!" I mean, you'd have thought he was the guest of honor and the whole holiday was just for him. Then he began telling them the most ridiculous story you ever heard! That he lives at the North pole with a crew of dwarfs and that every year on my birthday he rides in his sleigh pulled by a bunch of flying reindeer, delivering presents to
children all over the world! I mean there wasn't a word of truth in anything that he said.

  Imagine telling such poor, little, impressionable kids such far fetched fables!

   Finally I just had to leave. I walked out the door. It was no surprise that no one even noticed that I had gone. As I walked down the street, I felt about as lonely and forlorn as a stray dog. I could not remember the last time I felt that low. Maybe you don't think I cry?

  The little manger scene you put in the corner of your living room is really touching! It's good that people commemorate my birthday like that.
 
    Did you know that nowadays, in some countries, the authorities won't even allow manger scenes placed in parks, streets, or public places anymore? Not to mention their schools! I'm not talking about Communist countries!

   I'm talking about the good, old USA. Imagine! What could be more innocent than a manger scene to remind people of my birthday? Yet it's banned!  They've passed laws against it to make it illegal. What is this world coming to?
 
   Another thing that amazes me is how, on my birthday, instead of giving me presents, most people give gifts to each other!  And to top it off, it's
usually the kind of stuff you don't even need! Let me ask you, wouldn't you find it odd if when your birthday came along, all your friends decided to celebrate by giving gifts to each other, and not giving
you a thing?  Someone once told me, "Well, it's because you're not around like most people are, so how can we give you a present?"
 
   You know my answer to that one?: "Then give gifts of food and clothing to the poor, give help to those who need it. Go visit the lonely! Any gift you give a needy fellow man, I'll count it as if you gave it to me personally.  ("And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matthew 25:40).
 
   Well, sad to say, things are getting worse every year. You can just imagine my shock a few years ago when I began seeing them taking the title out
of my birthday greeting and replacing it with an 'X'? What an insult! Think of it!   Xmas!... What if I wrote you a birthday card and said Happy Birthday X! You'd probably never talk to me again!
 
  That is just about how I feel.
 
   XMAS - NO!
 
   What more could they do to push me out of the picture on my own birthday? It reminds me of what happened to a friend of mine recently, a sweet, elderly fellow. He is from the poorer side of town, and he's been trying unsuccessfully for years to join the church. It was a very exclusive church for the proper kind of folks, and they just did not think he was
good enough to be a member. I found him one time sitting on the church steps with his head in his hands . I asked him what was wrong. He told me about it. I put my arm around his shoulder and told him I knew just how he felt. I've been wanting to enter that same church for 20 years and they've never let me in either.
 
  Well, there is an end to even my patience. So I'm going to let you in on a secret. Now this is something I have been planning on doing for quite sometime. I'll have my own party! How about that? It's going to be the most fantastic feast you could possibly imagine! It might not happen this year, but I'm sending out the invitations now. I know you'll want to come.
There is going to be room for billions, for everyone who wants to come! Some really famous old timers and celebrities are gonna be there and I'll reserve you a seat of honor right with them. So hold on to your hat because when everything is ready, I'm going to spring it as a big surprise!

  Many people are going to be left out in the cold because they didn't answer my invitation. Let me know right away if you'd like to come. I'll reserve a place for you and write your name in Large Golden Letters in my Great Big Guest Book!
 
  All My Love, Your Friend
 
  *~*~ *~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*~ *~*~*
  Bringing you God's Word daily.

Nice devotional Pat.  Thanks.
The rain stopped after I got home this afternoon.  Poured this morning and was cold.  A pleasant surprise at church...the bldg. was warm!

We had a missionary, home from Kenya, who took the service.  They showed a movie of their work...so pretty with the lights off and the tree and candles glowing.  The music was also great.  Piano and flute.  Then wonderful Christmas carols.  It was worth going out in the storm.

I feel sad for Ria.  Would it not be better to go to the Baptist Church every Sunday, since it seems to fill a need.  Not saying this because I attend a Baptist Church.  Find it best to attend a church where the spirit is fed...that can also be another denomination.

Margit, loved that church!!!  Thanks.

Read a little blurb at the bottom of our bulletin:

Dear God, I have a problem... it's me.
Dear Child, I have the answer... it's Me.

The capture of Saddam was a wonderful Christmas present for the world.  As a Christian, I have mixed emotions about what should follow.  Perhaps we need to be concerned about the military keeping him alive to stand trial...and those who stand guard.

God Bless.

I'm back. I am just taking it easy today it is very cold for me, although not as cold as those of you where the snow is. I don't know if I could live inthe snow as much as I prefer to be above freezing.

I don't have much to say I just wanted to get another post in since it has been so quiet here for the last few days.

Janet where are you? Papa John where are YOu?  Ruth ann where are you? Paulette Where are you? I could go on and on with the Where are you's. I hope our people are well and healthy.

Later.

Hello everyone

I just stoped by to read the post and say hello.

We had a great service today.  It sure makes one glad to be a Christian and have the "hope" we do enjoy as Christians.

We are certainly living in troubled times, but we need not to worry because He has the whole world in His hands.

I was just thinking as I write this, about troubled times.  Being a Christian is like having a bridge over troubled waters.

Well it made sense to me when I thought about it, as I read it I am not sure it will make sense to others.  

I will leave the thought there for your pleasure.

I broke a part of a tooth off yesterday eating a fruit cake baked by our neighbor,

(it was a real good cake)  

Tomorrow I will be at the office of the Dentist when he opens, begging him to give me some help.  I happen to know they are really booked up right now and will be closing for the Christmas holiday soon.

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Firstly - .... HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUE!!!

Marilyn - I'm here.... and I've missed everyone lately too.  I think its probably just because everyone is so busy these days.

Etta Sue:  Thats quite the story about Jesus' birthday., I'd love a copy of that.

Margit:  Love that ICQ Merry Christmas Reindeer.....we needed that laugh!

I'm rejoicing along with everyone knowing that Suddam H. will never be in power again.!!

Pat -  OVER 6,000 posts!...wow!!!

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Yes Marilyn - ...Looks like you and I are the only party-pals.

Pat has left the area!...HAHA....we'll have to tell her about all the fun she's missed!!

I see Jeane, Jane and Karma have come in.... LETS PARTY!!

I'll bring the chips'n'dip...any takers for the punch?

HAHAHA!  Thanks for the party!  I hadn't even noticed how many posts I had!  Guess it's all those photos I post for people.  Guess my total will go way down when everyone registers for Jeanne and Sonja's Web Page Class!

OK!  Here I am, ready to party.

       

HAHAHA!  

HAHA.... way to go Jeanne....Now, Marilyn has left!

BTW - Jeanne - those graphics (is that what you call them), you did welcoming the new members are beautiful

I don't know how you guys do it....you are all so talented!

Oh... I've missed Janice lately..... hope she is okay!

Nice music Pat. I have it playing now.

Since there are so few posts today, will type out a little story that is sort of nice.  Old fashioned....

Drinking From My Saucer

I've never made a fortune, and it's probably too late now.  But I don't worry about that much, I'm happy anyhow.  And as I go along life's way, I'm reaping better than I sowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer.
'Cause my cup has overflowed.
Haven't got a lot of riches, and sometimes the going's tough.
But I've got loving ones all around me, and that makes me rich enough.
I thank God for His blessings, and the mercies He's bestowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.
I remember times when things went wrong,
My faith wore somewhat thin.
But all at once the dark clouds broke, and the sun peeped through again.
So Lord, help me not to gripe about the tough rows I have hoed,
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.
If God gives me strength and courage,
When the way grows steep and rough,
I'll not ask for other blessings, I'm already blessed enough.
And may I never be too busy to help other's bear their loads.
Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

- author unknown

I guess we could share all the goodies with Sue, ok?

Judy, at least for me, it's not talent at all - just an easy to use graphics program.  

Liz, that's lovely.  Thanks for sharing that with us.