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Link of the day...[/font]

• Leading Little Ones to God  This is the internet version of the book that Jack and I used as our children grew up for our Family Devotions.  It's a terrific study to use with children and new Christians as well.  

• 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]

"Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."[/color]
~James 5:16 NKJV~[/list]


Quote of the Day...[/font]

 "Deny sloth not only continuance, but countenance."
~Thomas Adams~[/list]


Some News We Should Know About...

• Canada: Gay marriage inevitable, Liberals told    TERRIBLE!!!

• Photo Moment: Etna eruption in Sicily viewed from space [/b]  

From our forums...

• "Motherly Photos" Mother's Day is this coming Sunday in North America!  Do you have any photos to share of mothers?  This could be you doing your motherly duties or your pet!
  
  
• FREE BOOKS Pay only the postage!!
  

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Morning Devotional...



Then his master shall bore his ear through with an awl.                                     Ex. 21:6
If ye love Me, keep My commandments.                   John 14:15



A Hebrew servant bearing the marks of the awl through his ear would be easily identified in the streets and marketplaces as one who loved his master, his wife and his children, and was thus recognized as a servant forever.

We have a heavenly Master.

I wonder, as we walk the streets and market places of our lives, if we are just as easily identified as Christ's ones.

It is as we obey the truths of God's Word that the world will recognize our love for the Master, seeing that we are His servants forever.
                                                           ~Charlie Tempest~

Hi Pat: thank you for the devotional.  Hey this is a first for me to be here first. You closed up early tonight.

I wonder How many would recognize us as christians. Looks are so deceiving. Would we be recognized by our word? by our acts? certainly not by our looks. I guess it would depend some on how our countenance looks, I think other Christians may recognize us as fellow Christians.

Well regardless of how I look, I love the Lord with all my heart, mind, body, soul, and spirit. He is my everything, my all in all. I can't make it without Him.  I look back and wonder how I got as far as I did without Him in my life. I believe that God knew us before the foundation of the world and that he knew who would rebel and who would not rebel. Who would accept Jesus as their Savior and Lord and who wouldn't. It is the free choices we make in our lives, and yet God already knew what those choices would be before we were formed in our mother's belly.

Well there's my sermon for the night. Good night to all of you who come after me and I know there will be some.  

Good Morning to you Anthony. top 'o' the mornin' to you. How is Sammy today? Better I pray.   How is your Mum doing?

God bless
Marilyn

Hi Marilyn...

I often think of the little chorus or ditty from my younger days that goes something like...

"Our walk speaks louder than our talk"

There's some truth in that for sure.

My friend Becky, since about 1942, sent this to me.  I thought it was worthy of passing on in honor of Mother's Day.  It really touched my heart and I hope it will yours.  ~Janice


For those fortunate to still be blessed with your Mom, this is beautiful.  For those of us who aren't, this is even more beautiful.

The young mother set her foot on the path of life.  "Is this the long way?" she asked.  And the guide said:  "Yes, and the way is hard..
And you will be old before you reach the end of it.  But the end will be better than the beginning."

But the young mother was happy, and she would not believe that anything could be better than these years.  So she played with her children, and gathered flowers for them along
the way, and bathed them in the clear streams; and the sun shone on them, and the young Mother cried, "Nothing will ever be lovelier than this."  

Then the night came, and the storm and the path was dark, and the children shook with
fear and cold, and the mother drew them close and covered them with her mantle, and the children said, "Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near, and no harm can come."

And the morning came, and there was a hill ahead, and the children climbed and grew weary, and the mother was weary.  But at all times she said to the children, "A little patience and we are there."  So the children climbed, and when they reached the top they said, "Mother, we would not have done
it without you."  And the mother, when she lay down at night looked up at the stars and said, "This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned fortitude in the face of
hardness.  Yesterday I gave them courage.  Today, I have given them strength."  

And the next day came strange clouds which darkened the earth, clouds of war and hate
and evil, and the children groped and stumbled, and the mother said:  "Look up.  Lift your eyes to the light."  And the children looked and saw above the clouds an everlasting glory, and it guided them beyond the darkness.  And that night the Mother said, "This is the best day of all, for I have shown my children God."

And the days went on, and the weeks and the months and the years, and the mother grew old and she was little and bent.  But her children were tall and strong, and walked with
courage.  And when the way was rough, they lifted her, for she was as light as a feather; and at last they came to a hill, and beyond they could see a shining road and golden gates
flung wide.  And Mother  said:  "I have reached the end of my journey.  And now I know the end is better than the beginning, for my children can walk alone, and their children after them."

And the children said, "You will always walk with us, Mother, even when you have gone through the gates."  And they stood and
watched her as she went on alone, and the gates closed after her.  And they said:  "We cannot see her, but she is with us still.  A Mother like ours is more than a memory.  She is a living presence."

Your Mother is always with you.  She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street; she's the smell of bleach in your freshly laundered socks; she's the cool hand on your brow when you're not well.  Your Mother lives inside your laughter.  And she's crystallized in every tear drop.  She's the place you came from,
your first hoe; and she's the man you follow with every step you take.

She's your first love and your first heartbreak, and nothing on earth can separate you.....Not time, not space....not even death!

May we never take our Mothers for granted.

That is some story.

For those of you who are interested I have posted a picture of my grandkids now so take a look and let me know what you think!

Good night and god bless

I enjoyed all of the messages yesterday.  Pat, that was a great event when you were able to give that lady a hug.  Just think how she must have been feeling.

Papa John, thanks for your insights into the scripture.

Janet, the baseball story is so thought provoking.  Thanks for sharing that with us.

Janice, A lovely story about mothers.

Everybody else God bless you.

What a very searching devotional this morning.  The world around us needs to know about the Saviour and it is only us who can spread the gospel to them.  It makes me think a lot.

God bless everyone.  My cat is jumping around almost normal today.  God must be answering prayer.  Thanks or your concerns one and all.

Catch y'all later.

Anthony.

Hi everyone.  After a stormy day yesterday it is again overcast and more storms are predicted for this afternoon but not the severe type we had yesterday.  There is a lot of flooding in places in the Atlanta area, however, not here where we live.

Today I have an appointment at 11:45 am with my cardiologist for a followup visit.  I never look forward to these visits but know it is necessary.  Then I have to drive on over to where my daughter had car trouble to get a refund on the alternator I ordered for her car but which we never picked up.  For some reason this store cannot handle a return and credit back without seeing you in person.  I will never do business with this company again as nothing seems to be related to making things easier for the customer, just the store and I have never run into this situation before.

Janice, your story about the Mother is particularly touching to me as this will be the first Mother's Day since I lost my Mother.  I have to admit it brought tears to my eyes.

The devotional this morning causes one to stop and think about how others may see me and whether they can see Christ in me.  

Good Morning Everyone...

Lots and lots to do today.  Then tonight, I must go to the town where I used to live to a funeral parlor where my old boss is.  So, another day of running around.

Thanks Janice for that little article on "Mothers".  Even though it is several years since I lost mine, that really touched me.

Hello to all who come later...

Enjoy your day!

Larry:  The whole point of seeing your cardiologist is to not go to the store afterwards and go through an upsetting time -    try as you might!  

Mother's Day - I always feel so sorry for those who have lost children and those who cannot conceive a child.  I think that it is a sad holiday for many.  Sorry, but I think it is a Hallmark hype day.

I have a question about William Bennett.  He wrote a book on virtues for children - excellent - and is such a bright man.  I am heartsick to hear about his extensive gambling - no matter if he lost millions, or lost a dime (we really don't know the amount).  He says he is stopping right now.  Do any of you have any thoughts about this?  

Carol with so many questions today.  

Good morning.  We have rain and thunder this morning again.  It is after 8:00 o'clock and it is still almost dark outside.

Pat, thanks for the devotional.  It brought to my mind two scriptures:

John 13:34-35  "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  ,By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."[/u]  (NIV)

Matt 5:14-16  Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.  [/b](KJV)

We are not to do good things to be seen of men.  But we are to let our lights shine so people will know we are Christians and give God the glory.

--- Papa John      

Good afternoon everyone.  It's good to see people's posts and to read your thoughts.

Larry, it sounds like you have one of those days to go through today.  As my old pastor used to say, sometimes we have good days and sometimes we have God days (he never would confess to having a bad day).  I trust you will be able to get everything done that needs to be done today.

Pat, it sounds like you are going to have a bit of a God day today too.  Was your boss a christian?  I trust everything will be ok at the funeral.

Carol, I had to smile at what you said about Mother's day.  I think there is a lot of that about celebrating these things.

It is a beautiful day today here in the West Midlands.  My mother is enjoying a sit in the jungle garden and I have some writing to do, so - see y'all later on.

Anthony.

Pat ~ Tears came to my eyes when I read a complete stranger wanted a hug because of finally being cancer-free!  What a joy to celebrate.  Thank God!

Marilyn ~ I love to receive sincere hugs.  There are some people whose hugs are not sincere.  Like 'church hugs'.

JudyB ~ It seems funny to read of your temperatures.  Are you average for your area?  I think today was the first day this year, I walked my trash to the road in sandals and no jacket.  Very nice out today here.  

Sonja ~ I am glad you are learning more about Crohn's.  That is a comfort for you and Zachary.  I just love your little picture on your profile.  Is that Lila Mae?

Judy M ~ Yes, I sometimes get restless nights....mostly because I took too long of a nap during the day.  But when I get a night like that....I try NOT to nap the next day and then that night, I get a restful sleep.  Works for me!  

Janet ~ Your baseball game story is so true!  Thanks for sharing.

Karma ~ You couldn't leave well enough alone, could ya!  Ya had to remind Janet and Pat to have a look see, dint ya?  

Marilyn ~ Your website is coming along fabulously.  I have stopped with mine since I am taking more PSP lessons in June.

The morning devotional is great.  Just yesterday while waiting in the waiting room for Ivalou, a man was swearing...not real loud but loud enough for me to hear.  I got the book I was reading and opened it up wide and moved so he could see my bookmark. It is heart shaped with the words 'I (heart) JESUS!' on it.  I didn't hear him swear anymore.  I looked up at him later and smiled real big and he gave me a great smile back.  Made my heart smile.  No words were spoken between us but he knew I am a Godly person and did not appreciate his words.  Hopefully he will read His Words soon.

Janice ~ Your Mother story is great.  And so true.  Our mothers will live in our hearts forever.  Our very first love.

Anthony ~ So glad to hear about Sammy and her improvement.  Remember I had a scare a couple of weeks ago with Ali.  I thought she was getting what poor little Victor had.  But Ali is fine now.  Yes, God does answer prayer.

Larry ~ I pray you will have great results from your cardiologist.  Sometimes I feel these doctors are scalping the seniors.  Have you had tests done that you have no idea what they are for but the doctors just assumes that you need them to verify you really didn't need them?  Oh, prices our insurances, and us, pay to keep us healthy!!!

Pat ~ Stay safe today as you do your travels.  Funeral homes aren't fun to visit but you do see people you haven't seen for a long time.  Joy and sorrow both.

Carol ~ My mother is gone now but I have many memories of attending Mother/Daughter banquets at church with my mother and grandmother.  Does everyone's churches have Mother/Daughter banquets and Father/Son banquets?

Papa John ~ Good morning to you and Cornelia.  And thanks for the addition to the morning devotion.  It is like you put the icing on the cake with your additions...

Today is a return to the Eye Specialist Surgery Center for Ivalou and I.  She will get the patch removed today and only have to wear the patch at night.  And she will be scheduled for surgery on the other eye.  I saw her this morning and she is fine.  

Jerry is on his way back to Ohio for more junk stuff from his storage.  A friend of his there is taking what he doesn't want so he can turn in the keys and be done with the storage over there.
I pray safe travel for all who are traveling today.

I just love this days inspirational from Barbarb Johnson.
?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º° `"Your day goes the way the corners of your mouth turn--SMILE!!!

Good Morning: This is really weird. My clock on the wall says 7:22 am and the time above says 7:50 it seems to be gaining time.

Well today I am going to do some more packing I am trying to get everything packed up that I am not going to use between now and the time I leave here. What a job. Throwing stuff away that I will have no use for or giving it away to someone who actually does needit. The last time I moved Igave away most of my furniture so when I moved in here all I had was a few pieces. Some antiques that hve been in my family for 100 + years, like the china cabinet and cedar chest, my bed and another dry sink that I picked up someplace.

Well better get dressed and get busy.
Ttyl Marilyn

It looks to be a really nice day here in SW Kansas today.  

Larry, I have to go to the Dr. today, too.  I hate going, and usually doctor myself, but they sure do frown on that!  I need to get something that will WORK for a change, for my blood pressure, so I hope that whatever he prescribes this time will do the job.

Etta Sue---no, our churches do not all have the banquets.  But the Senior Center has a lovely Mother/Daughter banquet, and Diane is coming up Saturday night to attend it with me.  Beth is going with my Mom.  They do a great job, go all out with the decorations, and also have a nice program.  I missed last year, because we were away on a diving trip.

My grandson is graduating from Nursing school on Saturday, too, so it's going to be a tight schedule.  He graduates in Liberal, and the banquet is here.  He has already found a job, on the organ transplant team with the Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City.  They were really impressed with the knowledge he already has.  He has worked in nursing homes and hospitals for several years, before and during his nursing training.  He really loves the work.  They are starting him out at a great salary, with moving bonus and shift differential, so he's off to a great start in life.  Way to go, Aaron!

I have to get something to eat, then get ready to go to the doctor; talk to you all later!  Glad you enjoyed the baseball story!

Hi Marilyn!  We seem to often post at the same time!

I wanted to mention that I opened several more threads in the Precious Bible Promises section, so please go and add any Scriptures there that you would like.  Thanks!

Hi Janet. We sure do don't we. Have a blessed day.

Good morning Everyone...
Pat great devotions today.....I pray that all of you are well and that the Lord has been taking the top spot in all your thoughts today.
I am babysitting today and the kids are a bit on the restless side.....so am racking my brain to see what we can do.....it is a bit on the cool side today....
Well am off for  now . God bless and take care to all of you.
Paulette

  Mr Anthony,
It is funny to me that we are all so sad for this poor kitty.

I think perhaps we should all be happy for him because he got to eat a mouse SO big he can not move around, yes?


(i am glad he is better today)



Ms Janice, I do like your story, but it does tear my heart.

 
EEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

I HAVE A THREE STARS TODAY
(I did not even know it, what ever did I do?)

:dance :dance.....  

[/b]

When you get an email notification that someone has sent you an IM (Instant Message ) here on Christian Photography, don't click "Reply" to it in your email program.

If you do, you'll notice that the address your reply will go to is christian_photographers@rogers.com and that's me!

I almost feel like an eaves dropper!  

So, make sure that you click on the Instant Message up at the top right of this page and that way the proper person will receive the IM.

  Oh NOoooo, was it me?  

Thank You Pat! Mieka, No it was not you. It was me.

Haha... Meika - even if it was... its no problem!  Pat is good at reminding us what to do. (I've had plenty of reminders).  sometimes I think I need a "smack with a wet kleenex!!...LOL

Reminder from me:  Did you remember to VOTE today?... I did!

Janice:  I echo Pat's remarks., I still miss my mother very much; even though its been five years since the Lord called her home.

Pat:  Is the funeral you are going to for a Barbara Wilson?  I see in our paper where she died of cancer, and she drove for Elliott bus lines.  If not, did you know Barbara?

Judy - I must go and look at your grandchildren's photos.

Marilyn:  Moving is a dreaded chore isn't it?  I dread the day we have to move.  Norm's workshop is a nightmare.

I bought some salmon steaks for tonight's dinner.  Think I may "fire up the barbie" for the first time this year!  Has anyone here done their salmon on the barbeque?

  Is it forbidden to post my thoughts in the manna forum? Or should they only go in here?  

This is from Ms Sonifo in the manna
Job 34:14&15
14. If it were his intention and he withdrew his spirit and breath,
15. all mankind would perish together and man would return to the dust.

God is so kind to us. Even though we sin He still loves us.  He gave us His Son to die for our sins.  God did not have to do any of this.  He could have just turned us all to dust again.  He is a kind God and a Loving God.  I am so happy to be a Christian and to know Him.

It is my wonder if we will still make a mistakes in Heaven? Will we still break things? Will we still have many questions?

It wasn't only Denise!    It's been many people and I've just sent them on to the rightful owner.  Oh, I hope you all don't get angry with me and tell someone else in an IM reply HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

No, Judy, I'm going to Richmond Hill to Marshall's Funeral Parlor.  It was my ex-boss who died.  I don't know the lady you are speaking of.

Well, I'm about ready to go and I won't be back till late tonight.

So...  Talk to you all later.

Mieka, when we get to heaven, we'll be so busy worshipping God that we won't have time to break things and all of our questions will be answered by then!  Won't that be a wonderful day?

Mieka:  <<<<<<HUG>>>>>>

Anthony:  Your mother was sitting in the jungle garden!  I hope that you can find her!

Carol

Mieka, when we get to heaven, we'll be so busy worshipping God that we won't have time to break things and all of our questions will be answered by then!  Won't that be a wonderful day?

Worship:  
Reverence offered a divine being or supernatural power; also : an act of expressing such reverence.
A form of religious practice with its creed and ritual.
Extravagant respect or admiration for or devotion to an object of esteem.

I am so puzzle by heaven.   will we get to have other fun? and spend time with friends too? I want to know more about Heaven.

I am just about ready to go to bed now.  I just finished the French class; we seem to be getting smaller every week.  I thought I would say goodnight to everyone before I go to bed.

Papa John said:

QuoteWe are not to do good things to be seen of men.  But we are to let our lights shine so people will know we are Christians and give God the glory.

That's a great encouragement for the group.  I trust that will be our main aim for all of our future days.

Etta Sue, it's great that you had the courage to witness to the man at the waiting room.  The bible says that if we confess that we know the Lord in this evil generation, then He will confess that He knows us before the angels.  Keep on witnessing Etta Sue.

Marilyn, you must be feeling excited about the prospect of going to live by your family.  I trust everything goes well with the move.

Janet, I trust that everything will go well at the doctors.  I am sure that God works through doctors and nurses too.  It sounds like your grandson Aaron believes that as he is going to work in the profession.  What a great opportunity he has.

Paulette, whatever you decided to do today, I hope you have a good time.  Where's Jen lately?  I have been missing her posts.

Meika, I think my cat has been eating too many insects.  She eats ants, spiders, moths and even wasps.  Perhaps that's got something to do with it.  I like the idea about the mouse though  BTW, great going that you have three stars today.  Two more stars and you become a Llama

Judy, I never heard the expression smacked with a wet kleenex that gave me a chuckle.  If you've got any spare salmon steaks, just post them up onto your webspace and I'll download them

Meika, I am sure that the saints will know one another in heaven, but we will be so caught up with the goodness of God that we won't need anything  else to think about.  It will just be a deeper understanding of God's love, never coming to an end - always fresh and new for the rest of eternity.  What a time we have in store for us.

Carol, thanks for your concern over my mother and the jungle garden.  We did have to send a search party out for her, but we finally got her inside and by the fireside

I do pray I haven't missed anyone out, but please forgive me if I have; it wasn't intentional.

I am going to bed now so see you all in the morning.

Anthony.

Mieka,  I guess we all have questions about heaven which we cannot answer because not a lot is revealed in God's word.  

Deut 29:29  The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.  (NIV)

I Jn 3:2  Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.  (NIV)

There are many pictures in Revelation which are figurative.  They help us understand that it will be marvelous and more wonderful than we can imagine.

Rev 21:21-23  The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass.  I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.  The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.
(NIV)

I believe, Mieka,  these symbols are saying to us that we cannot understand as mere human beings the glorious things God has prepared for us.  

Rev 7:17  For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."  (NIV)

Rev 21:1-4  Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.  I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.  He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."  (NIV)

So we all have questions about heaven which will be answered when we get there.  God bless you.

--- Papa John      

Mieka, I think we all want to "know" about Heaven.  But God does not give us all of the answers or explanations.  He wants us to believe without knowing.  That's what faith is.  I believe that when we get to Heaven it will be so wonderful to be in God's presence and see Him face to face that we won't need or want anything else except to worship Him.