Christian Photographers Community

.







Morning Devotional...


The Gardener Bowerbird

Psalm 90:17

"And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of our hands."

Bowerbirds are found only in New Guinea and Australia. There are many types of bowerbirds each with unique habits. However, bowerbirds are best known for their love of bright colors and the great care they use in decorating their constructions. All this activity is carried out to attract a mate. Scientists say that the brighter a bowerbird's feathers, the less elaborate its constructions.

The gardener bowerbird wears some of the brightest feathers among the bowerbirds. This spectacular bird, about the size of a blue jay, was last seen in 1895. Then to his amazement, an ornithologist surveying the modern bowerbird population saw one the first day he started looking. As it turns out, everyone else had been looking in the wrong place for this mysterious bird. The gardener bowerbird has a yellow front and brilliant orange crest that goes over the top of its head, all the way to its nostrils. It builds a fairly simple bower that resembles a four-foot tall maypole surrounded by a three-foot diameter mossy area. This area has neatly arranged piles of bright-colored fruit around it. To attract a mate the male makes different sounds, some of which resemble a frog's croaking. He then holds brightly colored fruit in front of his chest to further impress the female.

The standards of beauty so universal among God's creatures testify that all of the creation is His handiwork.


Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank You that even though groaning under the burden of human sin, the creation still shows so much startling beauty. I ask that my life would always be illuminated with the perfect beauty of the forgiveness of sins through Your death. Amen.



REF.: C. Simon. Legendary Bowerbird Thrives in New Guinea. Science News, Vol.120 p. 326.

It's nearly 1:30 am.  I've had all kinds of computer problems this evening and just couldn't get online till now.

No comments as I must get up early.

Talk to you all tomorrow sometime.

Pat I would love to see a  photo of that bird. and the Nest it builds.

His Age-Long Imminent Coming (#20050722)
by Henry Morris, Ph.D.
"And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed" (Romans 13:11).

The apostle Paul wrote these words over 1,900 years ago, and yet Christ still has not returned. The early Christians were looking for Christ's return in their own day, and so have many believers in every generation since, yet we still wait.

This attitude of age-long watchful expectancy is both Scriptural and salutary, for Jesus said: "Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh" (Matthew 25:13). In fact it is impossible to correctly predict the date of His coming for He clearly said: "In such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh" (Matthew 24:44).

In his first epistle, Paul reminded the believers how they had "turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for His Son from heaven" (I Thessalonians 1:9-10). Years later he exhorted Timothy to "love His appearing" (II Timothy 4: 8 ). He had written Titus that each Christian should be "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13). To the Corinthians he said: "We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed" when Christ returns (I Corinthians 15:51), indicating he thought it possible that he himself might witness Christ's return. "We which are alive and remain shall be caught up . . . to meet the Lord in the air," he had also said (I Thessalonians 4:17).

There are many other such references, so it is clear that the early Christians were indeed watching for Christ, as He had commanded. We must not set dates, and we must "Occupy till [He] comes" (Luke 19:13), but we also must continue to watch, "For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry" (Hebrews 10:37). HMM

Every time I use this animation, I remember our loved ones from overseas. 

Ali sure can get insistent when she wants a drink from the faucet and I ignore her.  She just jumped out of the sink, to leaps on the floor, reached up with both paws and pulled my arm from the keyboard!  So I got up and turned on the water.  Geesh!  Does she have me trained or what?

Yesterday was a much calmer day.  I got 6 rounds on my afghan done.  Big rounds since it is over 75" long now.  Today I am leaving to take an elderly neighbor to the beauty shop.  Then today is Ivalou's birthday and she wants to go to O'Charley's for lunch.  After than I hope to crochet some more.  Only 7 more rounds and I am done. 

Hi, Kayln.  Have fun at your Grandma and Grandpa's!

I am thinking of all the Londoners this morning. 

Etta Sue:  That is a good length for an afghan.  Yes, sewing, knitting or something like that is so peaceful and calming. 

Don is getting the trailer and we will pack it today and head out very early tomorrow.  Carol

Hi everyone from a very warm and humid Atlanta.  I have done the things where I needed to be outside today so will stay in where it is cool.  My office gets fairly warm in the mornings but have an overhead fan that keeps me comfortable even if it is a bit warm.  The rest of the house, except these two front rooms where Pat and I have our offices are a lot cooler.

Carol, sure hope you have an uneventful trip this time and that your SUV behaves itself.  It is hard enough to drive in the mountains without having to worry about your car losing power.

Etta Sue, I am relieved to see that Pat and I are not the only ones that have been trained by their cat to do their bidding.  Our cat will come in here to my office and paw at my arm and if that doesn't work he starts chewing on the telephone cord or something else that aggravates me.  Often he wants the water turned on in the bathtub or will stop in the hallway and flop over so I will pet him.  He certainly has us trained.  Enjoy your lunch at O'Charley's.  We have those here also but haven't been to one for sometime. 

Pat and Marilyn, thanks for the devotional thoughts this morning.  That information on the bird was quite interesting and something I had not heard before.  The instincts of God's creatures are really mind boggling.

Pat, sorry to see you are having new computer problems.  It seems that somedays I spend more time trying to solve problems with my computer than actually using it.  I have used the MusicMatch Jukebox program to listen to my extensive music library and a couple of months ago I upgraded to the newest version and it is a real buggy program.  Yesterday I resorted to an earlier version and so am enjoying my music again this morning.  I tried to use ITunes player yesterday but it just won't work on this computer for some reason as it makes the music sound as if it is in a barrel.

JudyB, it sounds like you have very interesting guests.  I have never seen hawks up close. 

Ruth, my wife goes through her cupboards occasionally and retires items she isn't using very often.  We have several shelves out in the front of garage so she stores the big applicances, roasting pans, etc.  that are not used often there.  They are still readily available but we don't have to work around them everyday.  We keep them wrapped in plastic bags so they don't get duty.

Ruth Ann, I am sure that was not the report you wanted to hear from the doctor.  Glad that you will be getting a motorized scooter to help you get around and sure hope the electrical device will help the bone to heal. 

Janet, is there any chance that Beth could get one of the motorized scooters.  You certainly can't be injuring yourself each time you help her.  I know she has limited space in her mobile home but they go forward and backward.  Glad you all enjoyed the fair.

Sonja, that must be quite a rodeo in your town.  We used to go to the Syndey, Nebraska rodeo on occasion when I was growing up.  My mother loved to watch rodeo on TV.

Tbear, hope you have a wonderful trip.

Hope everyone has a nice day and everyone stay cool today if you live where it is so hot. 

Good morning.  I'm back from exercise and taking Beth to therapy.  She was moving a little better this morning, and I'm thankful for that.

I am really sleepy for some reason.  Guess I will come back later, after I move around and get more awake!

Janet: does your town have transportation for the handicapped? Where they come out and take them where they need to go? You need to be careful Sister, There are special belts that you can get from the medical supply houses to help in lifting and other such moves you have to do with a handicapped person. Meidcare pays for all such devices for home use to help the handicapped people, from walkers to motorized scooters to bed lifts etc. You can also get in home help that the state will pay for. I am paid by the state to care for Fay and Versal. In california it is called In Home Supportive Services and  the handicapped can get it through the Health and Human Services Department. Or through the Department of Aging and Disabled Adults.

I worry about you injuring yourself Janet. Please try to get some help with Beth. You can't continue to do it all because it is becoming a full time job for you.

Thanks for all the notes friends & our trip will be a good one for sure & I will do my best to get some pictures to bring back & to share with all of you too.

Well, I must say that LAST NIGHT we had TORNADO WARNINGS & HAIL & HEAVY RAIN & it was AWFUL outside & so we ah went to the basement & I am very glad that we did because it was a SCARY RIDE for sure !! Thank good news NO DAMAGE was done except that the CAT HOUSE was BLOWN OVER !!!

Well ... this is it until I get back so take care & see you all around the 3rd of August when I return home & to the boards & I look forward to hearing from all of you when I get back !!

Larry and Marilyn---I do not think Beth qualifies for some of the help.  She is on SS Disability, but not SSI.  This seems to me to be punishment for her being responsible with her money, so that she does have some saved.  You have to be a welfare case to get SSI or Medicaid here.  However, I do think maybe Medicare would pay for her to have a scooter.  The big problem then would be transporting it, also getting it up her rather steep ramp into her mobile home.  Thanks for your concern.  I know, too, that I cannot continue to do what I am doing, for the sake of my own health.  I just don't know what the next step should be.  She has it in her head that she IS GOING TO NEW YORK NO MATTER WHAT!!  Even though the doctor told her to forget it, that she isn't able to go.  I can't make her decisions for her, she is nearly 43 years old.  But she is making me old before my time!   Again, thank you for your concern.   And no, the only transportain available here is for Senior Citizens only.

This seems to be one of those days when I just don't feel up to doing anything.  I have my laundry going, and I guess it is time to find a bite to eat.  See you later.

Oh, dear Janet.  I can't believe there wouldn't be more help for Beth.....and you.  We really need to make this a priority in prayer here on CP.  God is able to open doors that weren't even there before.

  I, too, have seen that you are at a place of having to make some changes in caring for Beth.  You're sure right, you can't make decisions for her.  Does she know how much her decisions affect you?  You want to do everything you can for her to keep her life as normal as possible.  You're such a loving mom...but not superhuman (even though at times when I read your posts, I think maybe you are).  Letting go of what we cannot do is hard when it comes to our kids.  I know.  I know you are getting to be overwhelmed......I've been there......and someone needs to step in and be there for you.  Is there anyone?     We know God is able to give you new strength......but if He doesn't,  I know He'll show you the door to help you need.

We had a full afternoon and night of thunder, lightning and during the night heavy rain.  Did you have it there, Al and Marilyn?  My poor dogs were so afraid.  I got up and sat in the middle of them on the love seat for almost an hour during the crashing part of the thunder.  Ty was comforted, but Rocko, the little guy, felt he had to be on guard so would bark at every boom and run to attack something.  For their sakes, I was glad when it stopped.  But it was a magnificant light display, and in the process all green things were watered.

Blessings to everyone on this beautiful day. 

Janet:    I have been through the stressful time of having to care for my mom and it is very exhausting, and I was I the point of saying to the Lord is it going to me or her that goes home.  The Loving Lord knew what was best and took her home. 


Do take care of yourself which I know that you are doing your best.
Ruth

Nita and Ruth, thank you so much for your loving words, even though they brought tears to my eyes.  I can't figure out why I cannot seem to get back "up" as I don't usually stay feeling down for longer than one day.  I just feel like someone pulled the plug and drained every ounce of energy out of me, and for a person who enjoys staying busy, this is a real trial.  But I know that God sees the end from the beginning, and He is with me every step of the way.  I wish there were someone to help bear the load.  Darrel has been a rock for both of us, but it is telling on him as well.  If I just had someone who would take her for her next appointment in Amarillo, it would be such a help.  She has an older sister who lives right here in town, but she can't even be bothered to talk to us when we go to the doctor's office here, and she works there!  So I can't count on her.  Diane already has as much as she can handle, with her family and business responsibilities; plus the fact she will be away on the 4th when Beth needs to go to Amarillo.  Sigh.........   Well, I'm sure God has a plan, it's just that right now, he hasn't revealed it to me.

Abby is wanting to come for another visit, she will cheer me up and keep me from sleeping all afternoon, for sure!  I do know that wanting to sleep a lot is a sign of depression, it happened to me once before.  I'm fighting it with everything I can, so prayers on that score will be appreciated, too.  I don't usually "spill my guts" like this, I guess it was your kind words that tripped the trigger.  Sorry.

Janet - sometimes it's just frustration - from not being able to help the situation - that gets us down.  We don't realize just how frustrated we are, how helpless-feeling.  But it's there nevertheless.  The only thing I can offer is to suggest that you come, one more time, into the presence of God.  Tell Him you're frustrated and feeling helpless.  Then confess to Him that you actually are helpless, and that He is your only help.  Ask Him, then, to "take over" - to take all the things you can't do and to deal with them for you.  He's allowed these things into your life in order to move you to "let go and let God" one more time.  But His love is there.  He knows your path better even than you do.  And He also cares even more than you do!  I pray He'll give you a sense of that care through our Lord Jesus.

Nita - no, we're not seeing any of those weather systems you're seeing.  The most we've had is fog.  But remember, God gave you the well-watered garden!

I would never forget that, Al. He gives me everything I have.

I just went back and read, from post 1, Beth Needs Prayer.  I wanted to reread everything and I did.  My heart is so moved by her illness and pain, and you, Janet.......you have been so valiant in faith, and in love for your daughter.  Is she still getting help with nurses coming in?

I just ache for you, honey.  I'm going now to give it all to the Lord in prayer.  Someone said once that they believe the angels catch our tears and they are stored in the Lord's heart.   I do know he is moved with compassion in our sorrow.

Father, please.....

.

I've just read all the posts.

Carol, have a great vacation away camping.

Etta Sue, thanks for your nice graphics.  I love them.

Janet, oh, dear Janet.  Please remember that we love you and my heart aches for you and for Beth.  I just wish I lived closer and I'd take her to Amarillo for you. 

I have company coming in a few minutes so I can't spend much time on here right now but I'll be back.

Pat, thanks for the devotional this morning.  We lived in Papua New Guinea for five years.  We never saw any Birds of Paradise in the wilds.  One time we were up the mountain from Port Moresby and we saw a who flock of birds which looked like parakeets.

Marilyn, for some pictures of Birds of Paradise look here    http://www.earthlife.net/birds/paradisidae.html

Janet, stick in there and do the best you can.  That's all any of can do.  Caregivers do need to be careful they don't wear themselves out.  Thanks again for encouraging me to come back in here.

Al, good to see you.  You always have a good word of advice.

Eph 2:8-10
8   For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--
9   not by works, so that no one can boast.
10   For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
(NIV)

--- Papa John          <)))><<   

I am surprised that you are still on this day - Friday, isn't it?  It has been so hot and reaching record high's and here we are outside working on the camper - almost too much for us. 

Larry:  It sounds like your heat and humidity are too much as well.  Glad that you have air conditioning and can stay indoors during the afternoons & stay cooler. 

Janet:  I wish you strength - you have good friends in here you can always count on a comforting note from them.

P. Al:  I just love your message to Janet.  I am "listening" to your note to Janet. 

Pat:  Thanks, we hope everything goes well. 

We are leaving about 4 A.M. to get some miles on the road tomorrow.  It is around 900 plus miles to the campground near Glacier National Park, but easy driving as there are no big cities to go through and no big mountain pass.  See everyone in a week and half.

Carol

Well, well, look who's here!  Joy and I have (finally) arrived in Sacramento this evening.  We stopped for a iced coffee with Bryan at Safeway before he started his shift. Our host wasn't home from work yet, so we had a bit of a wait in the heat but we're inside now and Joy has showered and we've just ordered pizza!  We will be here until Joy's flight out on Thursday morning.  I'll take her to the airport and continue on my way home to Coos Bay.  I will be most happy to arrive back on the cool coast of Oregon.

Hopefully, this evening or for sure tomorrow, I will make phone contact with my granddaughter and her brother Tim.  Joy has other things to do and people to see and will be picking up packages that need to go back to Mexico with her.  I'm just hanging out and going with the flow so ... no problem.  If, as, and when I get to see/visit with the family will be as the Lord wills.

I have tried to read up on what I've missed but I know there is no way I can respond intelligently to each of you.

I do indeed want to let JANET know that my heart is torn along with hers over the situation there.  I know you trust God in all things and He strengthens you, but you do indeed need to remember that YOU need to take care of YOU!  I love you and agree with Nita that you are more than a super mom ... and there are times when we just cannot make decisions for our kids even if we want to.  Times like these we just have to release them into the loving arms of our Father and then crawl up into His lap and let Him just hold us close to His heart as He is also tenderly caring for our loved ones. 

I need to get downstairs and be sociable for a while.  Y'all take care and I'll be back.  Joy and I have been told to "make ourselves at home" here and we probably will.

I love all y'all and will be checking back in to see what's going on in your world.

Later ............. Jane

The Happiness Bank

The 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud lady, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with her hair fashionably coifed and makeup perfectly applied, even though she is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today.

Her husband of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, she smiled sweetly when told her room was ready.

As she maneuvered her walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of her tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on her window.

"I love it," she stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.

"Mrs. Jones, you haven't seen the room just wait."

"That doesn't have anything to do with it," she replied.  "Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the
furniture is arranged, it's how I arrange my mind.

I already decided to love it. It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do.

Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away just for this time in my life.

Old age is like a bank account: you withdraw from what you've put in.

So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories.

Thank you for your part in filling my Memory bank. I am still depositing."

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred.

2 Free your mind from worries.

3. Live simply.

4. Give more.

5. Expect less.

I received this from a dear friend in Edmonton Alberta.  I hope you enjoyed it.

This topic is now locked.  Please post in today's New Every Morning HERE.