Christian Photographers Community

 


The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitude.~William James




 



Morning Devotional...




"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him."
(2 Chronicles 16:9)

The Pharisees had a heart condition that grieved Jesus. Their hearts were hard and insensitive. If you'll look in Mark 3, you'll see what I'm talking about.

God was right there in their midst and they, of all people, should have realized it. They knew the Scriptures backward and forward, and Jesus fit every messianic prophecy written there. But the insensitivity of their hearts literally blinded them to who He was.

The hearts of the Pharisees were also hardened to the needs of the people around them.

That very same thing is still happening today.

Just think again about what those Pharisees were doing. They were:

1. Criticizing the minister of God.

2. Protecting their religious traditions instead of obeying the Word of God.

3. Worrying about their own welfare rather than that of those around them.

Have you ever known any believers who fit that description? Sure you have! In fact, every one of us has done those things at some time in our lives.

Every one of us, to one degree or another, has fallen prey to the same mistake the Pharisees did. We've gotten so caught up in doing and saying all the "right" things that we've let the tender warmth of God's love inside us grow cold.

I know that's true because if it weren't, we'd be seeing tremendous moves of God among us. We'd be seeing revival on every corner.

That's what God longs to do. God longs to pour out His Spirit in supernatural power and abundance through His Church. But we've developed a heart condition that's holding Him back.

Today if you are desiring an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in your life and the manifestation of His power in your church, check the condition of your heart. If you find any hardness there, repent and ask God to change you. Ask Him to give you the kind of heart that will allow Him to show Himself strong on your behalf.

Scripture Study: Mark 3:1-6 

Good  Morning: Well this kids and  I all slept in my  double bed with Bebe curled up near my legs and Happy at the foot on the other side, needless to say we were very crowded.

Thank you Janet for the dovotional today As I read it I am reminded that there are still many Pharisee's in the church today. In every church there are those who do all three of the listed things.

In my church there is a particular person  who does all three and it is so hard to carry on a conversation with that person.


TTYL

I got this in the  email from Suzanne this morning and want to share it here.

THE ANT AND THE CONTACT LENS
A true story by Josh and Karen Zarandona

Brenda was a young woman who was invited to go rock climbing.  Although
she was scared to death, she went with her group to a tremendous granite
cliff.  In spite of her fear, she put on the gear, took a hold on the
rope, and started up the face of that rock.  Well, she got to a ledge
where she could take a breather.  As she was hanging on there, the
safety rope snapped against Brenda's eye and knocked out her contact
lens.

Well, here she is on a rock ledge, with hundreds of feet below her and
hundreds of feet above her. Of course, she looked and looked and looked,
hoping it had landed on the ledge, but it just wasn't there.

Now far from home on a ledge, her sight blurry, she was feeling
desperate and began to get upset.  She prayed to the Lord to help her to
find it.  When she got to the top, a friend examined her eye and her
clothing for the lens, but there was no contact lens to be found.

She sat down, despondent, with the rest of the party, waiting for the
rest of them to make it up the face of the cliff.  She looked out across
range after range of mountains, thinking of that Bible verse that says,
"The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth."  She
thought, "Lord, You can see all these mountains.  You know every stone
and leaf, and You know exactly where my contact lens is.  Please help
me."

Finally, they walked down the trail to the bottom.  At the bottom there
was a new party climbers just starting up the face of the cliff.  One of
them shouted out, "Hey, you guys!  Anybody lose a contact lens?"  Well,
that would be startling enough, but you know why the climber saw it?  An
ant was moving slowly across the face of the rock, carrying it!

Brenda told me that her father is a cartoonist. When she told him the
incredible story of the ant, the prayer, and the contact lens, he drew a
picture of an ant lugging that contact lens with the words, "Lord, I
don't know why You want me to carry this thing.  I can't eat it, and
it's awfully heavy.  But if this is what You want me to do, I'll carry
it for You."

At the risk of being accused of being fatalistic, I think it would
probably do some of us good to occasionally say,  "God, I don't know why
you want me to carry this load.  I can see no good in it and it's
awfully heavy.  But, if you want me to carry it, I will."

"God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called."

Good morning!  And a big thank you to the kind soul who moved the NEM last night.  Here is my story (true):  When Abby and I came home from the fair , carnival and a bit of the rodeo, I had it all ready to move.  But there were four people still reading yesterday's, so I decided to shower first.  Then I sat down and started working on it, and the phone rang.  It was Beth, crying because she couldn't get her let up on the bed.  So off to her house I went, in my pajamas, got her settled in for the night, came back and was going to move it---and my monitor would not turn on!  I tried everything I knew, then went to bed.  I prayed every time I woke up, which for me is often, "God, please help me!  Make that monitor come on."  About 5 AM I noticed the tiny green light on the edge of the monitor was back on!  But I didn't want to wake Darrel and Abby (my computer desk is in our bedroom) so I didn't move it them.  God is SOOOOO GOOOD!!!   All the time!

Anyway, the fair parade starts soon, so I will be back later for a little chat.  Bless you all, and may God smile on you today!

Janet that is a good devotional thank you.  I am sorry you  had such a rough night.  I pray tonight will be better.

Hi everyone.  It is so warm already and humid that I found it hard to breathe when I was outside.  I plan to stay in today.  I didn't want to get out of bed this morning and seem a bit more tired today than I have been in the last few days.  Fortunately we have nothing on the schedule for today so no demands. 

Janet, I am sure the last thing any of us here on CP would be to want you to worry about not being able to put in the NEM.  A few hours certainly isn't going to make any difference by the end of the day.  I certainly understand you feeling of responsibility to get it done but if something like this happens again just know that no one is going to criticize you.  As you have said the Lord provides.

JudyB, that was a delightful piece you posted about the elderly lady and what a wonderful philosophy of life.  It reminds me of something I read years ago and have never forgotten.  We can only to angry or even sad if we decide to be in that state.  We can decide to take offense or not or to carry sadness for an unreasonable time only through a conscious decision. 

Marilyn, it sounds like you probably didn't have a very restful night.  That may be carrying togetherness just a tad too far.    Seriously, I hope you had a delightful time with your grandchildren.  That was a good story of hte ant and the contact lense as well.  There are little lessons to be learned from stories like this.

Jane, glad to see your posting and know that you are at your next destination.  It seems the days are really flying by but sure that home will look good when you get there.  Do hope you are able to see your other family members. 

Carol, hope you are enjoying the beautiful scenery and have a safe experience on the road.

Hope everyone can stay out of the heat today and will have a good day.

I have read all the posts and my heart goes out to Janet.  I know this burden is heavy for you but you must think of yourself as well.  Have you asked the therapist how it is best for you to move Beth and her wheelchair around?  Sometimes a different movement makes all the difference.  And is it possible for John to come to Beth this time?  Just thoughts.  But also give your burdens to God...don't take them back.  He will provide because God is good....all the time.

It is hot and humid today.  It is suppose to get to low 90's.  I am not relishing the thought of being outside at a pool party today but I will go.  The fellowship with my Small Group Bible Study is what counts.  Also one lady just got back from Mombasa, Kenya, after spending 10 days with others in teaching First Aid and teaching games, songs and playing of instruments to the children.  The missionary over there celebrated their third anniversary with the church he started with 454 in attendance Sunday.  How great is that? 

Good morning, friends,

I've found what appears to be a solution that may allow me to be on the computer a bit more. I found a wastebasket that will meet the space needs and also allow my heel to hang down in the "hole" while the plaster cast supports the leg on one side and rests the "ball" of my foot on the other side of the wastebasket.

Further, to minimize walking time, I purchased a printer that the guy at WalMart guaranteed me would work instantly with my work laptop. If that's the case, then I will most likely telecommute several days a week and only go to the office, say, once or twice a week when my bosses are actually in town.

Y'all have a good day. My daughter's taking me to one of my favorite Italian restaurants tonight to celebrate my birthday. I turned the big Six Five about 30 minutes ago.

You'll get a laugh out of my birth story. Mother knew at 4:30 that morning that I would be born soon, but was too modest to tell Daddy. It was during the annual district assembly for our denomination and it was the day for pastoral reports. So, she let him go blithely off to walk the 3 miles to meet someone with a car who took him to Charleston First Church for the day.

Shortly after he was gone, she realized she was in trouble. So, she desperately walked that same 3 miles to a phone and called the only relative wealthy enough to have a phone and a car. This was an unchurched aunt.

That dear lady panicked and dashed into the CHURCH shouting she had to have my dad RIGHT THIS MINUTE - broke up the proceedings and Daddy ran out the door with her. They drove the 8 miles out to where Mother was in my aunt's green coupe, Daddy crouched in the back area while she put Mother in the front and ran every stop sign and stop light shouting "Aye, G**, we're a-goin through!"

I was born on the elevator, going up to Delivery.

So, That's most likely why I'm always rushing to get somewhere - kinda like a day late and a dollar short.  

Y'all have a good day.

Ruth Ann

Good morning everyone.

Janet, thanks for the good devotional.   Sometimes you carry a heavy load.  We all need Marilyn's story of the ant and the contact lens.

Marilyn, thanks for the story of the ant and the contact lens.

Good morning Judy B.

Good to see you Etta Sue and Ruth Ann who have come in since I started writing.

Good morning Larry.   A good idea to stay in today.  We are hot and humid here in Nashville too.  Of course a day will come when it will be hotter than these summer days.

2 Pet 3:10-12
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.[/b]
(NIV)

--- Papa John          

Good Morning from a bright and sunny island.  We are having the most wonderful weather....ever since Jane came to visit Victoria! 

Thanks for the devotional, Janet.  Guess every church has the mentioned folks...sometimes we only have to look in a mirror to see one

I went to Victoria the other day to simply visit the seawall and walk where the wealthy tourists tread!  Had a wonderful day as the warmth has made my arthritis better and I can once again walk about and do things.  Not all things....but things!  Took some pictures and will post a few later.  Not spending much time inside at the moment, don't want to waste the wonderful days.

Had a bad scare about Misty as she took off for two days and nights.  Seemed to have taken her little pal along as he did not come to eat.  She always spends the night in the garage with lots of comfort and food.  Returned, tired and hungry and seems to be happy about not leaving again.  I felt like and idiot for being so worried (as was everyone but SIL) but she had a bad scare from the garage door and we were worried about her being hurt.  Think she was mad at me for not being there to protect her.....Billy comes to eat and his owners like the collar that I put on him.  So they are once again playing in the garden and all is right with the cat world

Janet, I am so sorry about all that you are going thro' at this time.  Was also going to ask if John could come and visit Beth.  Might help and possibly give her a more realistic view of her life and changes that must be accepted.  It is hard to accept physical problems and limitations.  My daughter is also going thro' much at this time and it is going to be a permanent condition.  God has been so good in giving her a husband who really loves her.  I am grateful for this every day.  Their whole life has changed since the car accident, in every respect, including financial burdens.  Fortunately, the case will finally be going to court this fall.  Possibly it will be settled without the court. Will have to leave that in God's care.

Here is a small smile for animal lovers:

Animal Truisms

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.
An aquarium is just interactive television for cats.
Buy a dog a toy and it will play with it for ever. Buy a cat a present and it will play with the wrapper for 10 minutes.
Dogs and cats instinctively know the exact moment their owners will wake up. Then they wake them 10 minutes sooner.
Dogs have owners. Cats have staff.
Dogs believe they are human. Cats believe they are God.
Dogs may shed, but cats shred.
In order to keep a true perspective of one's importance, everyone should have a dog that will worship him and a cat that will ignore him.
Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as gods. Cats have never forgotten this.



Pleasant day all and God Bless.

Liz

   

   

Abby and I are home from the parade.  My sister showed up next to us with her little granddaughter Autumn, and Abby wanted to bring her home with us, so now I have two "A-s" here.  She is a really good littlle girl, and keeps Abby entertained, entertaining her!    I will have to go to the fairgrounds later to pick up my paintings, and will take her home then.  Autumn will be 2 years old at Thanksgiving time.

Thank you all for the kind words and good advice.  I can usually stay on top of things pretty well, but some days..........     It does help trememdously to have you friends and your prayers.  I will do more inquiring about possible help available, as I cannot continue at this pace forever.  Last night I missed a step in the dark, on Beth's steps, and if I hadn't been holding onto the rail would have falled.  As it was, I hurt my arm again.  I guess I should have left her porch light on all night.

Al, I do continue to stay in the presence of God, asking for His guidance in this matter.  Thanks for your suggestions.  Nita, what a caring friend you are---thanks.  Thanks also to Jane, Marilyn, Ruth, Pat, Papa John, Larry, and anyone else whose name I am not thinking of at this moment.  I love all of you!

I was delighted to see our Pastor's family at the parade this morning, and know they got home safely from their vacation.  It is good to have them back!  They were really missed.

I had read that about the ant and the contact lens before, but it was good to be reminded that God does care about even the smallest details of our lives.  A contact lens is tiny in size but makes a BIG difference to those who depend on them to see clearly.

I do want to tell you that God smiled on me again yesterday.  When I met Diane to pick up Abby, I talked to her about what was (is) on my mind, because she took one look at my face and asked "Mom!  What's wrong?'  (I'm so transparent......     Anyway, she volunteered to take Beth to Amarillo on the 4th, even though she has to drive to Kansas City to market on the 5th.  She is a wonderful daughter, and tells me every time we talk or see each other that she loves me.  That takes such a load off my mind, knowing that Beth can keep that appointment, whew!  Thank, you, God, for Diane.

I think I need to check on my little ones.  See you later.

I forgot to answser the question about John's coming to visit Beth.  I asked the same thing, and they both say they WANT Beth to go there.  Don't ask me why----something about there being nothing to do around here.    She has it in her head to leave on Aug. 13th!  Only God knows what is going to happen.  I just have to leave it with Him.  For sure, her going there would give me a break, but at what cost to her?  And how can she even travel alone, in the shape she is in?  Sometimes she doesn't allow reality to intrude on her dream world. 

Liz, I know several of us would be so happy to share the bright, hot sunshine we are having with you!  It is really HOT here again today.  If I didn"t have to get out,  I wouldn't!  Thanks you for your kind words and concern.  And I do pray Wendy gets to feeling better.  I sure know how hard it is when your "child" is suffering, and there is nothing you can do to make it better.  (((hugs)))  And thanks for the grin. 

Liz, I'm certainly glad you were able to get out and warm up a bit.  When you're a bit colder, though, be sure to glance down toward the Olympic Mts. and think about being up there.  Suddenly you'll feel warmer where you are!  Thanks for those "Animal Truisms" - I'm saving them on my computer to read to others.

John and I got a real chuckle out of the animal truisms.  They are good.

I meant to mention that I have met the little girl I spoke of.  What a delightful little one.  This is the girl who has had a kidney transplant.  Aparently her medications come to 7000 dollars a month.  That sounds a llittle extreme, and have nothing to compare it to.  Perhaps someone else has an idea of reality here? 

John took my sewing machine in for service.  The serviceman was shocked at the fact that it was still running.  Well it is back and we are only $50 lighter in the bank.  So I am back in business.

Have a good day folks

Papa John it really is good to see you again!  Take care brother.

Well, I just got in from Canadian Tire and bought a new hose.

As I was driving I was thinking of all of our friends from the past who used to post here and I prayed for many of them...Ria in Holland (I sure miss her) and Jenny in England.  There are several.

Good afternoon to all  Gord Brown.
  Hi to Judy b. it is so good to see you and Johns picture, and to be  able to talk this way.

  It is a wonderful blessing to here all these stories from each person on this wonderful sight and to be able to get encouragement from each one.  As I have asked before that you continue to please pray for my wife Noreen as she contiues to have much pain in her lower back from surgery that she had over 2 years ago.  We know that the Lord is able to help in this situation and he will in his time but it is very hard to live day by day with it.  He has told in his word that he will look after us in all situations and he has and anyone is having problblems in your life or with youre children leave it with the Lord and I know that he will be ther for you.  May the Lord richly bless you all   Gord.

Janet  cannot express to you how much I am concerned about your physical and emotional health. I personally can testify about the toll being a caregiver takes on your body and your emotions.  Remember Gloria that one really took it's toll on me. Physically and emotionally.

A good friend of mine and one of our  prayer warriors passed away about 3 am yesterday morning. Her son found her when he got up and went in to check on her as he does every morning. Linda has gone to be with her Lord. Praise God she is now pain free. She was very large and diabetic, had been having nueropathy pain for so long in her feet and legs it was so difficult for her to walk.

The kids have gone home now, AH peace and quiet!! They  bicker so much with each other, We did go to the Farmers Market, the new Dollar Zone store, the Dollar tree store and the Co-op. Last evening we went for a walk with the dogs, I let Happy walk without his leash and he did very well I am proud of him. He is such a cool companion. The kids brushed him today for me.

More later

Pat Our cousin in Holland Albert has died.  He remained an unbeliever to the end.  His mother did not handle it well at all. On top of it all her eyesight went and she wound up in hospital with Catarac (sp?) surgery.  It appears to have helped.

Uncle Jan has now been placed in a nursing home.  There were problems with him being at home so this is a good move.   

John's other aunt, mom's younger sister has become senile and cannot even have a simple conversation. 

So much for Ria to try and deal with.

I have come to a conclusion.  We had better get a barn.  Between pet mice, and a rabbit, cats and dogs we are over run with pets ! ! !  They keep the pets clean and fed and watered, nothing is left for mom as far as that goes.  The dog Cimi thinks she is the mother of all the animals.  Even the mice are comfortable with her.  The turtle Melaura has eats right out of our hand,  It is really cute.  She wants to get another one, and if she can find one we will welcome it too.  We had to replace an aquarium as the original one was cracked.  Now that it is fixed we are setting it up as a turtle habitat.  There are already 2 aquariums in the house as well as small dishes of betas.  There are betas in the aquariums too.  Pets and more pets.  John and I want to set an aquarium up in the liiving room as well.

Well I must go.  Be back later.

JudyB, while you are watching all those colorful fish, just imagine them larger, then picture Darrel and me swimming among them.     (For any newcomers, a word of explanation:  We are scuba divers and love it.)

It is good to see you today, Gord!  And we will pray for your dear wife.

I am going to take it easy the rest of the day, I think!

Please, Janet, don't try to dive into one of those aquariums.

Welcome in here, Gord!  This is a prayin' bunch, so I think you'll find it good.

Al, I said IMAGINE!!  You do have an imagination, right? 

I for got the most important thing to tell y-all. The grandkids got saved, said the prayer of salvation with me

Great to see Gord Brown in here today.

Yes Janet I can imagine.  I would love to have a salt water aquarium but am told it is a lot of work.  I have often thought I would like to learn how to scuba dive just for that reason.

Gord good to see you here.

Have a good night folks

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