Christian Photographers Community

QuoteMy heart is very heavy tonight.  I called Beth and she could barely keep from crying on the phone.  She isn't doing well at all, and is having so much pain.  She said she lay awake half the night last night crying and praying.  She said "I just want my miracle!"  We have believed for and waited for her healing for so long...........  But I KNOW God loves Beth and has her in the hollow of His hand.   

Janet I am so sorry.    I understand your mother heart. We all want and pray and hope for the very best for our childen.  You have been doing this for a very long time with Beth ... Surely God, in His infinite wisdom and love will honor your prayers.  He knows best.  He knows the end from the beginning.  Hold on to Hs unfailing promises and know that I am praying along with you for Beth's miracle. 

That was a nice devotional, Janet.  I am so sorry about Beth and will continue to pray for her.

Happy Birthday Karen.  I am sorry that your husband is still not able to come home.  Will also continue to pray for him.

Thanks for the email, Marilyn.  I have enjoyed reading them and loved the picture of the rain.

Read this in a Christian Magazine and thought it might be of interest.  Willl have to type it out .... :

HOW SCROOGE SAVED CHRISTMAS

Everyone knows about cold-hearted, money-grabbing Ebenezer Scrooge!  But did you know that his story not only changed the celebration of Christmas, it probably saved it from extinction!

In December 1843 when Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol' appeared in London bookshops, Christmas had long since waned.  Oliver Cromwell and his Puritans considered it a pagen holiday and in 1640 began to pass various laws to restrict it's celebration.  (Sound similar to our current politicians?) 

By winter 1843, the Industrial Revolution was hammering the final nails into the Christmas coffin.  Much of the population had migrated to the cities for work.  Their employers, like old Scrooge, weren't about to give the workers even one day to celebrate let alone the 12 days of Christmas as in the rual country life.

As "A Christmas Carol' became beloved in the English speaking world, Dickens idea of how to celebrate Christmas caught on.  People began to wish each other Merry Christmas, spent time with their family and strove for good times and good will.  Merry Christmas and God bless everyone....

I didn't know that......

Late and I am tired.  Pleasant Evening/Day all and God Bless.

Liz

I'm so sorry about Beth, Janet.  I understand your pain and your concerns too. 

Hi Liz!  Thanks for that post.

Hi Jane!  I'm going to bed now.  I've been talking to a dear friend on the telephone until now.  She needs our prayers and I'm happy that I could be there for her.

Good morning all, and thank you for your prayers.

I know the poem in ihe devotional isn't following Scripture strictly, but I thought its overall message was good.  My sister enclosed it in her Christmas cards.

I am going to swim today, as Kristi said she will not be there.  It is hard to stay as inspired without my "coach."  But when Darrel bought me some new slacks last Thursday, I had to get them two sizes smaller!!    So I am determined to hang in there with my exercise program.  I have found that it helps tremendously with the stress, too.  So I am benefitting in more ways than one.

I have a busy day today, errands this morning and class this afternoon.

Good Morning Thank you Janet for posting that I have copied and saved it  for future use.

Going to the meeting last night sure was something. The wind was blowing and it was rather warm for this time of year, it actually felt like a fall night in the desert. Not very many showed up and we got commitments from a few to come to the Board of Supervisors Meeting on Jan. 10th. I am going it will be my first time to speak before the Board of Supervisors. We will have 3 minutes each to say what we have to say.

It is really pouring rain out there this morning I think I may have to rent a boat to go to work. It sure is nice being in this house that is so well insulated that I only faintly hear the rain. In that old trailer it would be deafening.

Janet still praying for Beth here.

Well that's all for right now I will be back later.

Hi everyone.  Just back from coffee.  We only had 4 men there today and not many patrons at the cafe.  Guess things are moving into the holiday mode with school out of session and some people now on vacation.

Janet, so sorry to hear that Beth isn't doing very well and one can sense your deep concern in your posting.  I am sure you knew this was a possibility when you took her to the airport.  I certainly hope she will be feeling better shortly.  The devotional thought today certainly is representative of many households.  Janet, exercise is a good relieiver of stress.  Hope you have a good swim and the water isn't too cold.

Liz, thanks for the story behind Christmas.  I had never heard that story before.

Pat, sure you were a comfort to your friend.

Tbear, certainly hope Rolan is doing better today.  It sounds like he is where he needs to be at the present time so they can keep a close watch on him.

We are having our family Christmas this evening.  Originally we had planned it for yesterday but our daughter-in-law was very worn out from the three hour car ride to visit her mother and needed another day of rest.  Pat got the ham cooked and sliced yesterday so there is no major cooking left to do.  She is headed to the church in about an hour as the craft group is going to work with the Calvin Cove folks on a Christmas craft project. 

Marilyn, three minutes will go by very quickly in speaking to the supervisors.  I am sure you will be well prepared.

Hope everyone has a good day.

How about a little laugh or at least a smile this morning.  I just got this from my good friend, Rod:

The teacher, Ms. Pelzner, was very curious about how each of her students celebrated Christmas. She called on young Patrick Murphy. 

"Tell me Patrick, what do you do at Christmas time?" she  asked. 

Patrick addressed the class, "Well Ms. Pelzner, me and my twelve brothers and sisters go to the Midnight Mass and we sing hymns, and then we come home very late and we put mince pies by the back door and hang up our stockings.  Then all excited, we go to bed and wait for Father Christmas to come with all our toys." 

"Very nice Patrick," she said. "Now Jimmy Brown, what do you do at Christmas?" 

"Well, me and my sister also go to Church with Mom and Dad and we sing carols and we get home ever so late.  We put cookies and milk by the chimney and we hang up our stockings. We hardly sleep, waiting for Santa Claus to bring our presents." 

Realizing there was a Jewish boy in the class and not wanting to leave him out of the discussion, she asked,"Now, Isaac Cohen, what do you do at Christmas?" 

Isaac said, "Well, it's the same thing every year.  Dad comes home from the office. We all pile into the Rolls-Royce, then we drive to his toy factory. When we get inside, we look at all the empty shelves and begin to sing, 'What a friend we have in Jesus.' Then we all go  to the Bahamas." 

Quote from: Larry Hanna on December 20, 2005, 10:08:07 AM
How about a little laugh or at least a smile this morning.  I just got this from my good friend, Rod:

The teacher, Ms. Pelzner, was very curious about how each of her students celebrated Christmas. She called on young Patrick Murphy. 

"Tell me Patrick, what do you do at Christmas time?" she  asked. 

Patrick addressed the class, "Well Ms. Pelzner, me and my twelve brothers and sisters go to the Midnight Mass and we sing hymns, and then we come home very late and we put mince pies by the back door and hang up our stockings.  Then all excited, we go to bed and wait for Father Christmas to come with all our toys." 

"Very nice Patrick," she said. "Now Jimmy Brown, what do you do at Christmas?" 

"Well, me and my sister also go to Church with Mom and Dad and we sing carols and we get home ever so late.  We put cookies and milk by the chimney and we hang up our stockings. We hardly sleep, waiting for Santa Claus to bring our presents." 

Realizing there was a Jewish boy in the class and not wanting to leave him out of the discussion, she asked,"Now, Isaac Cohen, what do you do at Christmas?" 

Isaac said, "Well, it's the same thing every year.  Dad comes home from the office. We all pile into the Rolls-Royce, then we drive to his toy factory. When we get inside, we look at all the empty shelves and begin to sing, 'What a friend we have in Jesus.' Then we all go  to the Bahamas." 

Larry,
That was the best laugh I've had in a good while!

 
After Larry's funny about hanging the stockings, I thought this heading would be appropriate.  Keep looking at Santa and read the next frame, okay?

Karen ~ I am so sorry that Rolan isn't better.  I will pray harder.  I am praying he will be home for Christmas and feeling much, much better. 

Janet ~ What can I say?  I will just say that I am praying for you, Beth and all involved.  God knows what to do and he will whisper in your ear and tell you.  How would we ever cope in situations like this without God?  As far as me being busy....no way could I eat your dust..no way would I ever keep up with you and all you do! 

Well, I got a clean report from the Urologist yesterday....woohoo!!  I don't have to see her again until June...which is very nice.  We had a great time playing Euchere yesterday...such lovely ladies.  And last night was the bestest steak ever...especially when you are dining with family! 

Now today is another visit to the chiropractor.  Should start the PT today so hopefully when I don't return after the 1st, I can do the PT at home. 

Time to find something to eat and get to Noblesville....I think I will get my groceries for the weekend since it is nice and sunny...deceiving really, since it is only 21°F

God Bless All of You!

Hi everyone.  I can't tell you how pleased I am to see that there is a site like this on the internet.  my thanks to those who have worked on getting this up, so that those of us who are Christians have a place to come and share.  I am unable to get to the computer every day, however I will stop in often and say hello.

Fraoch

Hello all!

Janet, I 'm so sorry about Beth.  I will continue to keep her and you in my prayers.  Also, sorry I didn't do the NEM last night.  To be honest, I thought about it Sunday, and flat out forgot yesterday.

I've got a student here, so I've got to run.

Hahhahahahah Larry.  That reallly made me laugh.  Take care all!

I have a question I would like all of you to discuss.  It came up in a conversation recently.  If a Christian commits suicide, will they still go to heaven?  Some people believe they will go to hell; that suicide is self-murder and not forgivable.  So what do you think; or what have you been taught?  Thanks for your input.

My students will be here shortly, I need to see if the studio is presentable.

Quote from: Fraoch on December 20, 2005, 12:51:58 PM
Hi everyone.  I can't tell you how pleased I am to see that there is a site like this on the internet.  my thanks to those who have worked on getting this up, so that those of us who are Christians have a place to come and share.  I am unable to get to the computer every day, however I will stop in often and say hello.

Fraoch

Ohhh, it's lovely to see you post, Fraoch!  Check in just whenever you can and get to know the group on here.

Etta Sue, your little cartoon is great.  I got quite a chuckle out of it and am going to share it with a few good friends.

Fraoch, welcome to CP and we hope you will post whenever you have time to visit CP.  Pat gets the credit for the wonderful site and has a little help from a few others.

Hi Karmat and Babycakes.

We are awaiting the arrival of our son and his wife.  I am afraid this will be a very short visit tonight as he called earlier and said they had sat in the doctors office from 11 am until 1:45 and then were at the hospital for tests in preparation for her surgery on Thrusday.  He called again just a few minutes ago (about 4:30) and said they were still at the hospital awaiting a couple of more procedures and it might be 6 pm before they got here.  I am sure our daughter-in-law will be in such pain that she won't be able to enjoy our time together.  This has really been a strange Christmas for our family this year.  The house is very pretty and the food is about ready and the love is here so all will be fine as we celebrate Christ's birth at this time of the year.

Loved your joke, Larry.  That is a cute Santa, Etta Sue!

Came back to read before turning off the computer for awhile.  Have been busy cleaning litter boxes, feeding outdoor cat and friend, etc.  Now have to clean up and do some more baking for Wendy to take to someone in a nursing home.  Life is certainly never peaceful.....

Janet, that is an interesting question.  Trust you to ask and get me thinking.  Suicide is a sin just like lying is a sin, and all sins past, present, and future were dealt with on the cross.  Jesus promised that we have 100% assurance of Heaven through Him!  Thing is, there are verses to raise the 'What if' questions....For a non-Christian, we know the answer.  For a Christian, is suicide a form of murder (self), a deliberate sin that means we have turned off our salvation and rejected Jesus...?  I wouldn't want to take the chance and hope that desperation will not ever bring this person to consider it an option.  For anyone who is contemplating suicide, I can only hope enough faith will prevent the act.

Certainly, there are folks here who can address this with more authority.  Barbara Walters has a special on tonight about Heaven.  Has anyone seen it???  We get things a tad late here in BC.

God Bless.  I am off to make some butter tarts.

Liz

Janet, you could ask 50 Christians that question, and probably get 53 different answers.

My opinion -- To God, sin is sin.  If I were to lie and get killed in the next breath, I doubt many people would say, based on my testimony, that I had gone to hell.  If a person is a Christian, and they commit suicide (and yes, Christians can suffer from depression and attempt/commit suicide) I believe they will go to heaven.  That said, the "punishment" would be standing before God knowing that I made a decision that was His to make and His alone -- when my life was over and when my suffering was to end.

I guess how you approach this issue is based largely on your views of eternal security.  And on that topic, if you ask 50 Christians, you will get 75 answers.

Just my thoughts.

Liz -- I have read two interviews with Barbara Walters and her search for Heaven.  (One in Guideposts the other in Readers Digest).  Unfortunately, it seems to be a "feels good and everybody is right" kind of approach.  I don't have a TV, or I would watch, because it woudl be interesting to see how it is presented.

The answer about suicide I believe is in the Bible.  Read the story of Elijah, and how he felt after the Mount Carmel incident.  God did not condemn him.  Also this is another subject that we will fully know the answers to when we get to Heaven.

Yes, Judy, when we get to heaven, we will have all the answers!  But, somehow, that doesn't really help us here and now, does it?    And I, too believe that all sins are the same with the exception of not receiving Jesus.

Our snow really melted today, most of the roads are clear now.

Larry, I got a big chuckle out of your little story, and Etta Sue, I loved the poor Santa!  So cute.

Liz, I appreciated the bit about the Christmas Carol, too.  People have been trying to stamp out the Christ of Christmas ever since Herod tried to get the Wise Men to come back and tell him where Jesus was, so he could go kill him!

I'm so disappointed with today's Pennsylvania court ruling against teaching Intelligent Design in schools.  Somehow, Darwin's THEORY of evolution has been ensconced as FACT among the liberals in control of our educational system.  But our Kansas State Board of Education mandated teaching Intelligent Design in Kansas school---and a great furor has arisen!  May they hold their ground!

My power has been off all day long it came back on about 45 minutes ago. Here is a funny story for you.


Rock-Away-Rest-Home

Twas the night before Christmas at Rock-Away-Rest, And all of us seniors
were looking our best. Our glasses, how sparkly, our wrinkles how
merry,-------- Our punch bowl held prune juice plus three drops of
sherry. A bed sock was taped to each walker, in hope That Santa would
bring us soft candy and soap. We surely were lucky to be there with
friends, Secure in this residence and in our Depends. Our grandkids had
sent us some Christmassy crafts, Like angels in snowsuits and penguins
on rafts. The bedpans, so shiny, all stood in a row, Reflecting our
candle's magnificent glow. Our supper so festive --the joy wouldn't stop
-- Was creamy warm oatmeal with sprinkles on top. Our salad was Jell-O,
so jiggly and great, Then puree of fruitcake was spooned on each plate.
The Social Director then had us play games, Like "Where Are You Living"
and "What Are Your Names?" ---- Then out on the porch there arose quite
a clatter, But we are so deaf that it just didn't matter. A
strange little fellow flew in through the door, Then tripped on the sill
and fell flat on the floor. 'Twas just our director, all togged out in
red. He jiggled and chuckled and patted each head. We knew from the way
that he strutted and jived, Our Old Age Pension checks had arrived.
We sang --how we sang--in our monotone croak, 'Till the
clock tinkled out its soft eight-pm stroke. And soon we were
snuggling deep in our beds, While nurses distributed nocturnal meds. And
so ends our Christmas at Rock-Away-Rest. Before long you'll be with us,
we wish you the best. !!!!!!!

Marilyn, I don't know whether to  or  OUCH!!  Cute.

Janet have you heard anymore from beth?

Repeating a post I made elsewhere:
The first thing I want to do on here is to apologize for not being here all day.  At about 6:40 this morning, because of high and blustery winds, we lost power in the entire area.  I called the power Co., and they said they were on it and that it might be 3PM or after before we had it back.  Meanwhile, this AM also, I fouled up my computer so that I couldn't get the browser to work.  So, since there was no power, I couldn't even fix the problem and couldn't even find out if I was going to be able to do so.  Well, I had no choice, so Marbeth & I went out to breakfast.  Then, still powerless, we went out to lunch (I cringed at spending so much, but nobody paid attention).  Finally, about 3:30, after calling again and finding out we might have power back within an hour or two, we went to the mall to look at some things.  When we got back, lo and behold - power!  After appropriately whoopeeing, turning the lights on, etc., etc., I finally got on here.

Suicide is definitely NOT the "ultimate" sin, and the Bible does not teach that it is.  One who commits this sin does so without wholehearted commitment, and, when he/she comes before God, will have to answer for it just as he/she will for every other sin.  Then, I believe, God our wonderful, gracious Father, will turn to that person and say, "I have loved you, and My Son died for you.  I accepted His Sacrifice.  You CANNOT be lost, because you are Mine!."  I do believe that other sins, if they are committed deliberately and knowingly with the whole heart against the promptings of the Holy Spirit - are indeed "ultimate."  But our God is merciful.

Well, that's what I believe.  I've been wrong once or twice (certainly no more than that), but I have wrestled with the question, and that's what came of it.

Another thing happened with the power blackout and all - the computer and browser fixed themselves (actually, the Lord did it)!  I guess they just needed a good, solid resetting.

That was sooooooo funny, Marilyn!   


I am finished my baking and trying to watch (listen) to the Barbara Walters special about heaven.  Gad!  Karmat, you are so correct about the opinions of Christians.  Anyone looking for truth will certainly be confused after the two hours have ended.  Think I will go and bring Misty in and get a hug!  Time to turn off the computer for today.

God Bless.

Liz

Time to lock the door now.

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