Christian Photographers Community

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Morning Devotional...


His disciples came, and took up [John's] body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus. When Jesus heard of it, He departed thence by ship into a desert place apart.
Matthew 14:12-13


It was a sad day in the life of the Saviour when His disciples brought Him the news of John the Baptist's cruel end.  Feeling the loss keenly, He got into a boat to be alone with His emotions.

It wasn't long before the crowds came to Him. When He saw their need, His heart was moved toward them (v. 14).

The Saviour keenly feels your loss, too (Heb. 4:15).

However, in the midst of your sorrow, He would encourage you to dry your tears and in turn minister to others with a heart of compassion, just as He did.
--James Comte

In a rush...........


It is horrible when you wake up and find that you feel as lively as firework in a monsoon, with little or no energy and when enthusiasm has fled. I wondered as I started to write this how many folk had managed to keep their New Year resolutions, after all it has been less than a fortnight since the turn of the year.

I did not make any as I have learned from my past failings. For me it is as difficult as trying to keep the tide from coming in. When I would do good, evil is present with me and the good that I would, I do not.

That just about sums it up for me. Of myself, I can do nothing and as far as I can make out resolutions and promises rely on 'me' and 'me' always fails!!

I am not sure why I am feeling as low as I am, perhaps it is just the time of year, perhaps it has been the lack of proper sleep and rest. Whatever it is, I do not like being like this. I want to be alive in my soul and I want a closer walk with my God.

They say that 'feelings' don't matter because the Christian walks by faith! It is true that we walk by faith but sort of people would we be if we disregarded our feelings? We would be no better than robots.

No, sorry mate, I need my 'feelings' and I never go anywhere without them! I don't always have to 'feel' good as long as I 'feel' near Him.

I hate the thought of walking at a distance from my Saviour. I know that if and when I do then I am at my most vulnerable and I cannot afford to be in such a condition.

I need His presence and His strength and His help every second of every day otherwise I will fall, backslide call it what you will but I do not want to go there!!

This morning however I felt 'flat! Just as if I was lying flat on my face on the ground without the ability or the zeal to raise my head. I even had to 'force' myself to pick up my Bible.

I'm glad that I did as I found someone else in that same position – Joshua!!

It never ceases to amaze me the number of times that I pick up His Word and my life is written on the pages before my eyes.

I read about the Israelites being chased and embarrassed by their enemies at Ai. Then of Joshua's questioning the Lord.

Something had gone wrong, but what! Something was wrong in my life, but what?

'The accursed thing' was in the midst of the camp. Achan had been tempted to take some of the spoils from their victory at Jericho – against the orders given by Joshua – and had hidden the goods under the earth in his tent. This simple act had left the Israelites defeated and shamed.

'Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face?'

'There is no point in lying down feeling sorry for yourself Joshua, get up and do something about it! Time to sort this mess out and time to get back on the rails once more.'

I can repeat the paragraph that I have just written and replace Joshua's name with my own. Something is wrong, something has been hiding away in my heart that is causing a disturbance!

Something that is covered in dirt has caused offence to God, leaving me walking at a distance from Him.

There may be many such 'things' that I could name this morning that are not right in my life but without doubt the one that springs to my mind is PRIDE!!

Pride seems to invade my soul unheeded and unseen! It is like a computer virus, it infects and does the damage before I can spot it!

With computer viruses I can point the finger of blame at someone else for infecting my machine, but not pride. No, that is all down to me!

So how does it happen?

Perhaps after a victory like Jericho! More often than not, it is after I have done something in God's name, have felt good about it and may even have been praised for it by others.

It happens to me when my guard is down. It may be only for a day or two when things seem to be going well.

My study is not as it should be, my prayers are not as fervent and I take the Lord and His goodness for granted. This sounds ugly and believe me it is, but it is also the truth.

Why then should I write about such a thing? The one main reason lies in the prayerful hope that the reader would not fall into the same trap. Satan would have us all 'feeling flat' and 'feeling sorry for ourselves' but God would have us rise and do battle.

Confession is made and Achan is put to death. I have confessed my sin unto the Lord and pride must for today be put to death.

I would love to be able to say that it shall never rear it's ugly head in me again, but that would be presumption and folly on my part. I will deal with today as that is all that I have.

I rise at the bidding of my Lord and my spirits are revived. Forgiveness is accepted with great joy and zeal returns. I back up what I have learned and make preparation for protective cover. I do not wish to be infected with the likes again.

Only the Lord can change the 'valley of trouble' (Achor) into the 'valley of hope.' He has done so for me this morning and I am now ready to follow Him and face my enemies. He provides the victory today.

'O why art thou cast down my soul?
Why in me so dismayed?
Trust God, for I shall praise him yet,
His countenance is mine aid.'

Psalm 42 Verse 5

LOL &  a big hug for Marilyn (Get well soon.)

Your brother in Christ

Iain

Iain Brother, brother

"and as he lay and slept under a juniper tree behold then an angel touched him...........
and the angel of the Lord came again a second gtime and touched him and said Arise and eat: because the journey is too great for thee.
And he arose and did eat and drink and he went in the strength of the meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the Mount of God."  1Kings19:5-8

Love and prayers.
Jenny

Good Morning 11.35 AM in Holland

PAT and Iain thank you booth for the devotionals this morning and Pat thank you also for the hymn "How great thou art".

SONJA i am sorry to hear that CHANDRAYA is ill i hope that she soon will be better i also was not like it when my son was ill and now he is 21 now i still don't like it.

AL thank you for the news about Marylin
when she is calling again will you give here my greetings.


JUDYB the problems they you have in Canada with the doctors they we have also in Holland
they have also never time and everything must going quick and when we are coming for one thing we may not ask
something others.

LAMENTATIONS 3:22-23
His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning.

   EACH  NEW  DAY

Oh, Lord how You love to bless us...
You stand waiting with the dawn
of each new day with a fresh supply
of goodness and gladness and grace
for the hours to come.

I WISH YOU ALL A BLESSED DAY
BYE LOVE RIA

What great devotionals from both Pat & Iain.

Pride is my downfall every day.  I have to confess over and over and my God is so forgiving.

Another thing that gets is my way of spending time with my Lord is my mind will wander....again, stop and confess.  He is faithful and I get right back on track  (or I write down what it is that gets in my way and then take care of it later).

So glad about our Marilyn.  I wish we could all be there to visit with her and help her through this.

God bless all today as we take Jesus with us into the 'marketplace'.

in His love, kathy

Pat and Iain thanks for the devotionals this morning.


Listening to the news we have snow and blowing snow which has already caused havoc on the roads, so carefully off to work we go.


Ruth

Good morning!

I am up bright and early this morning.  Chandraya slept well last night so hopefully fever and cough will be gone.  

I hope to get stuff done today I wasn't able to yesterday.
Seems the days go by so fast.

Lila Mae is on day 13 with Potty Training Boot Camp.
She is doing very good.  I put a pair of training pants on her last night and she actually pulled them off herself. That is a first.  The pull up diaper thingies are to hard to take off.  

Troy has swim meet in Cheyenne Friday and Sat. We might head down there if all the kids are feeling ok.  Not sure though, I need to check the schedule make sure Chandraya doesn't have dance then.

Karma, I forgot to tell you.  I bought some of that Mary Kay powdery stuff that has sparkles in it for Chandraya for Christmas.  She loves it.  Just a poof poof poof and she smells and looks pretty.  

Great devotion Pat!  Another example of Jesus putting his children first even when He is upset and hurt.  If we all did that this world would be so different.

Thanks Ria for your prayers.  I have never read in Lamentations.  I think I will take a look-see today.  
How is the weather there today?

Good afternoon, Jenny!   ((hug)) Thanks for thinking of me.

QuoteBy Kathy~Another thing that gets is my way of spending time with my Lord is my mind will wander....again, stop and confess.  He is faithful and I get right back on track  (or I write down what it is that gets in my way and then take care of it later).

This happens to me all the time.  I will do what you do, write it down and go back to it later.  Thanks!  (((hug)))

Afternoon Iain!  

I am also glad Marilyn is doing well.  

I'll be back later.
Soni[/size]

Hello!  I can't stay but wanted to say HI!

TTYL

Nard

hello everyone,
up and ready for school. today we have a game against yarbrough. so it shouldn't be too tough but only time will tell! they have 6 girls out on their team and we have 15! we out number them just a little bit especially when their girls foul out! lol sorry well i'll ttyl b/c i need to finish getting ready and get gone.
Sarah

SONJA  today sometimes we have sun
a little bit but the most time it is raining and there is a lot wind and that we will have the hole week not nice.
This evening we are going away to an
aunt from me she is a sister of my father the youngest.
In Holland it is now afternoon it is 2.25PM.
I wish you all a very nice day
Bye Love Ria

Like Nard, I can't stay long, but I did want ot pop in and say HI!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Jesus filled day!

Hi!  I can't stay long, either, as Darrel has some typing he needs me to do for him.  I wonder why?  He is a very good and very fast typist----hmmm....oh!  Probably because he is NOT a good speller!

Pat and Iain, I enjoyed both devotions today, and can really put myself in those places.  I often have to "stir myself up" in the goodness and mercy of the Lord, so I do not get down and discouraged.  That's no way to live!

Last night Beth and I went to a meeting, and the guy checking people in asked me if she were my HUSBAND!    I answered "NO, SHE is my DAUGHTER!!"  Do you think Beth looks like a man?  I don't!  She sure doesn't like it when people mistake her for a man, call her "sir" and stuff.

I only have a couple more days to finish packing.  Darrel keeps trying to close and lock the cases, and I say "Hey!  I'm not finished packing yet!"  We are leaving on Friday, around 10:00 AM I think.  Our flight out of Amarillo is pretty early on Saturday.

I'm SO glad Chandraya is feeling better!  I just talked to Abby on the phone and she said she is getting her hair cut today.

You don't have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great.

Good morning Janet, Karma and Nards!

Janet~I sure am going to miss you when you are gone.  I hope you have a fun vacation.  
Sorry about Beth and her being called a man.  I can't even begin to imagine how that would feel.  
Zachery did get called a girl at Perkins a few months back.   I wasn't to happy   that the gal didn't take time to look at him to see that he wasn't a she.  He was a little embarressed but I told him she wasn't paying attention.

I am going to get ready to run some arrends.  I will talk with you all later.
Soni

Hi Everyone...

Everyone is rushing today and I am too!  I have several errands to do today.


That's good news about Chandraya, Sonja.  I'm so happy that she's feeling a bit better.


Wow!  I can't believe that your holiday is coming up so quickly, Janet.  I hope that you get lots of wonderful photos.  I heard on the TV about various diving locations in the world and how the Honduras area has 47 kinds of "whatever"...(I'm not a diver)  like sponge or something but over in Indonesia, they have over 400 kinds!  And off Tasmania where the water is cold it's a different kind of "diver's paradise".  See?  I was thinking of you.  Ohhh, I know!  I think they said "coral".


Iain, you have no idea how I needed to read what you wrote today.  What a blessing, dear bro!  Thanks so much!

QuoteI don't always have to 'feel' good as long as I 'feel' near Him.

AMEN!


Jenny, good comments too.  Sometimes we get just as much of a blessing out of someone's little comments as we do a long devotional.  Ever notice that?


Ria, what a wonderful verse!

Quote

LAMENTATIONS 3:22-23
His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning.

Oh, Kathy, I guess we really need "blinders" like they put on horses so that our minds don't wander.  

QuoteAnother thing that gets is my way of spending time with my Lord is my mind will wander....

I have the very same problem!



Yes, Ruth, the wind howled all night.  I was awake so I heard it!  But today it's kind of calm out there and I'm hoping that it stays that way as I have a new little girl who is going to be delivering my Avon books for me and I don't want her to be discouraged before she even starts!  I go with her and keep the car warm and she can get in whenever she likes.


Cheyanne...That's where we were "storm-stayed" due to snow blizzards on Elk Mountain on I-80 and the next day, the chain law was in effect and we didn't have chains so we had to do a huge long detour to get around Elk Mountain on I-80, Sonja.


Hi to rushing in, Nards and Karma...  Hope you have a good day.

And our "almost Senior, Sarah"...   Don't work too hard at school!


Now, I must get!  I have so many things I must achieve today.

4 p.m. England.

BBrrrr.,I have just come in from a swift "scooter" ride. I intended to go around the block but I only reached the Police station at the bottom of the road.  There was such an icy wind blowing I had to come home, pronto!

You can join me in a cup of coffee if you would like to because indoors is the best place to be this afternoon.

Janet I have seen a picture of beth on this site and no-way did I think she was a boy/man.  Honestly some people need their eyes tested.  Let it go sis or it will fester.  We know our Beth that's all that matters and more importantly so does Jesus.

Gosh Soni You are a very busy Bee.  Do you ever stop still? Doing well with the toilet training Mum!.Wish I'd had disposable nappies when mine were babies., a washing machine would also have been nice. Ah those were the days!

NardsHi....bye!

Sarah Nice to see you again...Godbless.

See you all later or if not ( I am rug making) it will be tomorrow.

Love Jenny  

Well, I got Darrel's little chore done, so I came back to read some new postings.

Jenny, this happens to Beth often.  Like Soni said, people just aren't paying attention.  She said it happened twice in New York when she was with John.  One guy asked "What can I do for you two gentlemen?"  And John (bless his heart) said "SHE is a LADY!"  I won't let it bother me too much, I just feel bad for Beth.  She has too much to contend with already.

I guess I will go see what other clothes I want to take along!

Yes, probably corals, Pat!  In the South Pacific, Indonesia, etc. they have the lovely soft corals.  They are SO beautiful!  I hope I can learn the new camera housing quickly and get some good photos, so I can show you what I see.  On my NEWLY REPAIRED (soon, please Lord!) computer!  I am missing my photos, big time!

I will check in again later.

Hi, dear Ria!  Good to see you today!

Thanks for saying you will miss me, Soni! I will miss you, too!

Wish I were going to Cheyenne with you, Soni!  My son Jim lives there!

Yes, Janet, that's what this program was all about and I was thinking of you and Darrel the whole time it was on!  Were your ears burning?

Ha Ha...chuckle, chuckle.

Pat I am sending this to Helen.  William's 1 now, won't be long!

Jenny  

Hugs and more hugs for dear sister Beth

From Jenny

Just a little chuckle that I just received from my cousin in an email just now...








Operator: "Thank you for calling Pizza Hut. May I have your..."



Customer: "Hi, I'd like to order."



Operator: "May I have your NIDN first, sir?"



Customer: "My National ID Number, yeah, hold on, eh, it's 6102049998-45-54610."



Operator: "Thank you, Mr. Sheehan. I see you live at 1742 Meadowland Drive, and the phone number's 494-2366. Your office number over at Lincoln Insurance is 745-2302 and your cell number's 266-2566. Which number are you calling from, sir?"



Customer: "Huh? I'm at home. Where d'ya get all this information?"



Operator: "We're wired into the system, sir."



Customer: (Sighs) "Oh, well, I'd like to order a couple of your All-Meat Special pizzas..."



Operator: "I don't think that's a good idea, sir."



Customer: "Whaddya mean?"



Operator: "Sir, your medical records indicate that you've got very high blood pressure and extremely high cholesterol. Your National Health Care provider won't allow such an unhealthy choice."



Customer: "Darn. What do you recommend, then?"



Operator: "You might try our low-fat Soybean Yogurt Pizza. I'm sure you'll like it"



Customer: "What makes you think I'd like something like that?"



Operator: "Well, you checked out 'Gourmet Soybean Recipes' from your local library last week, sir. That's why I made the suggestion."



Customer: "All right, all right. Give me two family-sized ones, then. What's the damage?"



Operator: "That should be plenty for you, your wife and your four kids, sir. The 'damage,' as you put it, heh, heh, comes $49.99."



Customer: "Lemme give you my credit card number."



Operator: "I'm sorry sir, but I'm afraid you'll have to pay in cash. Your credit card balance is over its limit."



Customer: "I'll run over to the ATM and get some cash before your driver gets here."



Operator: "That won't work either, sir. Your checking account's overdrawn."



Customer: "Never mind. Just send the pizzas. I'll have the cash ready. How long will it take?"



Operator: "We're running a little behind, sir. It'll be about 45 minutes, sir. If you're in a hurry you might want to pick 'em up while you're out getting the cash, but carrying pizzas on a motorcycle can be a little awkward."



Customer: "How do you know I'm riding a bike?"



Operator: "It says here you're in arrears on your car payments, so your car got repo'ed. But your Harley's paid up, so I just assumed that you'd be using it."



Customer: "@#%/$@&?#!"



Operator: "I'd advise watching your language, sir. You've already got a July 2006 conviction for telling off a cop."



Customer: (Speechless)



Operator: "Will there be anything else, sir?"



Customer: "No, nothing. oh, yeah, don't forget the two free liters of Coke your ad says I get with the pizzas."



Operator: "I'm sorry sir, but our ad's exclusionary clause prevents us from offering free soda to diabetics."

I am rushing about too!  Not going anywhere but reclining so this arm doesn't hurt.  I was up late and slept late.  That really messes things up time wise.  Now lunch will be in the middle of the afternoon!!!

There are predictions of thick rain tomorrow.  Glad I don't have anywhere I have to go.  Just pray that the roads will be clear next Thursday when Ivalou will be driving me to the place for my injection.

Inky is so cute.  She is sleeping in a crystal bread plate that I keep my bills to be paid in.  Just a black spot with a little hanging over the edge.

Al, thank you so much for the report on Marilyn.  Why is it when you know you can't eat, that is all you want to do?  I can't have anything to eat or drink 6 hours before surgery Thursday.  Should I set my alarm for 5am and have breakfast?  Hmmmm!  

?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`
"The blue of heaven is bigger than the clouds."

Pat, that cartoon is so cute!  When we were in the orphanage in Romania, they had a whole semi-circle of potty chairs, and the little tykes on them.....so cute.  As the lady with me said when she took their photo "I feel a bit intrusive....."

I loved the story of the guy trying to order a Pizza.  I read it to Darrel, and he laughed, then said that's about what the world is coming to, alright.

Hi Etta Sue!  I sure hope that arm is better, and will stop hurting altogether after you get that shot!

Later.........

PAT what a lovely picture for Lila Mae

  "POTTY TRAINING BOOT CAMP"



JANET you are going on holidays i wish
you a nice time, but i shall miss you dear Janet.



We are going away this evening

Bye love Ria

Thank you, PAT and IAIN for the devotionals this morning.  I have to confess that I have found myself "flat on my face" the past couple days.   Some developments involving my ongoing problem with the Internal Revenue Service.  I felt "up against the wall" yesterday and last night, but awoke this morning with new thoughts of what I can do.  I know the Lord will make a way through this wilderness, it just seems almost overwhelming at times, is all.  

I am grateful that, even though the way seems rough and steep at times, He is holding my hand and will always lead me to Himself.  There, under the shadow of His wings I will safely abide!  

God is sooo good -- ALL THE TIME!

I'll say a quick hello to all here ... I just don't have time to stop with more at the moment.  I'm off to search the internet for whatever help I can find.  

Later.....

Sorry, Jane.  It's awful when you feel so crushed by beaurocracy.  I'm praying for you.


Just heard that there's an accident on our main Highway 401 west of London involving SIX tractor trailers and SEVEN cars and a couple have had to be airlifted out from the scene.

Hi all....can't stay...just dropped by to say hello and God bless you all.
Have a wonderful day....God be with you all as you travel about doing errands and so on...
Paulette

Paulette, where's Jen!???

Etta Sue, what's "thick" rain?

Hi everyone.  Have had an extremely busy day today and find myself about exhausted this evening.  I went to coffee this morning, then to the "Y' to walk about 2 miles, then we went to the Senior Center for our monthly luncheon and then to Calvin Cove.  I came home and rested for about an hour and then Pat and I went to the library and stopped to pick up our car at the repair shop, where we had to have a new water pump installed and have the oil changed and the annual inspection.  I will be going to bed early this evening.

Sure glad to hear that Marilyn came through her surgery well and was able to call you Al.  Etta Sue, sure the hours must be going slowly as you anticipate the date to arrive to get the pain shot.  Sonja, sure hope your daughter is feeling better today.  

I will try to write a little more tomorrow.