Christian Photographers Community

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Good morning to all.  I can't wait to get to the morning devotionals.  It has a way to lift up when you're down.  I have never thought about the suffering of Christians as something we have to do so that we could get the prize at the end of our journey.  Thank you for posting this great lesson Pat.

May you all have a blessed day and may the Lord keep you all.



Adri

http://www.robrapino.com/music.html

Good morning to all!  Karma seems to be feeling some better this morning, so praise God for that! 

I gotta get busy, but I wanted to drop in for a minute.  Good day to all of you; I pray that God's favor is evident in your life. 

Quote from: Adri on December 28, 2005, 02:52:25 AM
Good morning to all.  I can't wait to get to the morning devotionals.  It has a way to lift up when you're down.  I have never thought about the suffering of Christians as something we have to do so that we could get the prize at the end of our journey.  Thank you for posting this great lesson Pat.

May you all have a blessed day and may the Lord keep you all.



Adri

Adri, I'm so very happy that you enjoy the daily devotional.  That sure makes it worthwhile to those of us who do this each night.  Thanks for letting us know and please keep checking in each day.  God bless you, Adri. 

Quote from: Chris & Margit Saunders on December 28, 2005, 06:00:42 AM
http://www.robrapino.com/music.html

Thanks for the link, Chris.  I just enjoyed my tour around it.  I might purchase his CD!


Nards, that's good that Karma is feeling a bit better.  Not nice being "under the weather".

Thank Pat for the devotional today.

Pouring rain here this morning been going on all night long the dogs just barely ran out long enough to take care of their biz and right back in the house to lay by the heater and get warm again. I should have moved my trash can out to the street last night before it got bad but I forgot.

There are so many sick people around and the prayer chain calls have been many. There is some kind of flu that affects the stomach and some have had that for more than a week. Others have pneumonia, bronchitis, sever colds. etc. Please pray for those who are suffering with his afflictions.

I am feeling a little better each day, the cough is pretty deep but it doesn't hurt. I slept real good for about 4-5 hours the was wide awake. My little lavender scented pillow seems to be helping me sleep sounder for a longer length of time. I sleep with it tucked under my chin where I can inhale the scent.

Well today I am not sure if I will go to Versal's this afternoon. she is one of those ho need prayer and there is nothing to do at her house, I got it all done over the last two days. I will call her and see if she wants me to come as I leave Fay's.

Ok I am done rambling along here and boring you to death.

TTYL

This Photo Needs a Caption!

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HI everyone.

Mariyln, your posts are never boring.  Most of us do certain routine things each day that make up our day and give us a sense of accomplishment.  It is better we write about what is happening, even if we have said similar things in previous days than not to post at all.  It is what friends do.  I enjoyed our brief telephone conversation on Skype last evening.  It sounded like you were right in the same room.  Glad to hear you got a set of headphone with a mic built in as they really make the experience more enjoyable as it eliminates any feedback from speakers.

Sorry to read that Karmat is ill but glad to see your note Nards that she is feeling a little better today.

Pat, that is indeed a good devotional today.  We don't often think in those terms.  Hope your headache is gone.

We are having a bit of rain today and some lightning and thunder.  I don't we are suppose to have any serious rain.  The temperature is pretty good.

Guess I had better get busy on some projects.  Hope this is a good day for everyone. 

Gotta run.  Can't stay long.  Went back to bed after taking out the trash.  Phone woke me up.  Ivalou and I are going out to eat and then to the movies to see "I Walk the Line".  Will let you know if it is worth it or not! 

Raining in Indiana, too but 52 degrees!!!  Whooo-eeee!

Hi Larry and Etta Sue.  Talk to you later!

I received this as an email from a dear friend from Alberta.  It is a sobering reminder.

The Room

17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something  for a class.  The subject was what Heaven was like.  "I wowed 'em,"  he later told his father, Bruce.  "It's a killer.  It's the bomb.   It's the best thing I ever wrote."

It also was the last.  Brian's parents had forgotten about the  essay when a cousin found it while cleaning out the teenager's  locker at Teary Valley High School.

Brian had been dead only hours, but his parents desperately wanted every piece of his life near them - notes from classmates and  teachers, his homework.

Only two months before, he had handwritten the essay about  encountering Jesus in a file room full of cards detailing every  moment of the teen's life.

But it was only after Brian's death that Beth and Bruce Moore  realized that their son had described his view of heaven.  It makes  such an impact that people want to share it.  You feel like you are  there." Mr. Moore said.

Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day.  He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen- Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole.  He  emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line  and was electrocuted.

The Moores framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the  family portraits in the living room.  "I think God used him to make  a point.  I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it, "  Mrs. Moore said of the essay.  She and her husband want to share  their son's vision of life after death.  "I'm happy for Brian.  I  know he's in heaven.  I know I'll see him.

Brian's Essay

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one  wall covered with small index card files.  They were like the ones  in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical  order.

But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and  seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings.  As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention  was one that read "Girls I have liked."  I opened it and began  flipping through the cards.  I quickly shut it, shocked to realize  that I recognized the names written on each one.  And then without  being told, I knew exactly where I was.

This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system  for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big  and small, in a detail my memory couldn't  match.   A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began  randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought  joy and sweet  memories, others a sense of shame and regret so  intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was  watching.

A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given,"  "Jokes I Have Laughed at." Some were almost hilarious in their  exactness:  "Things I've yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't  laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered  Under My Breath at My Parents."  I never ceased to be surprised by  the contents.

Often there were many more cards than I expected.  Sometimes fewer  than I hoped.  I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I  had lived.  Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each  of these thousands or even millions of cards?

But each card confirmed this truth.  Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.  When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched," I  realized the files grew to contain their contents.  The cards were  packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found  the end of the file.  I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality  of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.

When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body.  I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing  to test its size, and drew out a card.  I shuddered at its detailed  content.  I felt sick to think that such a moment had been  recorded.  An almost animal rage broke on me.  One thought  dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards!

No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!"  In insane frenzy I yanked the file out.  Its size didn't matter now.  I had  to empty it and burn the cards.  But as I took it at one end and  began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single  card.  I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as  strong as steel when I tried to tear it.

Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot.  Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self- pitying sigh.  And then I saw it.  The title bore "People I Have  Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused.  I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches  long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on  one hand. And then the tears came.

I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried  out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of  file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever  know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key.


But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him.  Not here.  Oh, anyone but Jesus.  I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards.  I couldn't bear to watch His response.  And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw  a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the  worst boxes.

Why did He have to read every one?  Finally He turned and looked at  me from across the room.  He looked at me with pity in His eyes.   But this was a pity that didn't anger me.  I dropped my head,  covered my face with my hands and began to cry again.

He walked over and put His arm around me.  He could have said so  many things.  But He didn't say a word.  He just cried with me.  Then He got up  and walked back to the wall of files.  Starting at one end of the  room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name  over mine on each card.  "No!" I shouted rushing to Him.  All I  could find to say was  "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him.  His  name shouldn't be on these cards.  But there it was, written in red  so rich, so dark, and so alive.

The name of Jesus covered mine.  It was written with His blood.  He gently took the card back.  He smiled a sad smile and began to sign  the cards.  I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so  quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last  file and walk back to my side.  He placed His hand on my shoulder  and said, "It is finished."

I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."- Phil. 4:13

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

If you feel the same way forward it to as many people as you can so  the love of Jesus will touch their lives also.  My "People I shared  the Gospel with" file just got bigger, how about yours?

The movie "Walk the Line" is great if you like Country Music, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash.  Very well portrayed! 

Thanks Etta Sue - that's one I've wanted to see. This helps.

JudyB - that brought tears.  Thanks.

Thanks Judy!  Wow!  Yes, needed the box of tissues for sure.

Etta Sue, thanks for letting us know.

Yes I have the tears too.

I just got home a few minutes ago and just in time as now it is really coming down hard. I  noticed that the River closest to here, (Mad river) is just about ready to go over the top on the McKinleyville side of the bridge. Closest to North Bank Road.

TTYL

"I believe, help my unbelief!"
~Mark 9:20-24.

Remember the story? The disciples brought a boy, with an evil spirit, to Jesus. And when the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into convulsions.

Then Jesus asked the father, "How long has this been happening?"

"From childhood," was the response. "...But if You can do anything, take pity on us and do it!"

Then Jesus said to the father, "IF You can?  All things are possible to those who believe."

This is the only place in Scripture where Jesus makes this kind of statement. The father said, "...if You can..." And Jesus said, " 'IF You can!' Why do you still question, what will it take for you to believe, really believe that I can do anything?"

The father's response is commendable. When he realized his need to trust completely and not fret any longer, he cried out, "I believe, help me my unbelief!"

Some of us reading these words are facing the most unbelievable situations or problems anyone could imagine. We've come to the absolute end. We've done everything humanely possible. There is nothing left that WE can do - zero!

So what do you think God is saying right now? "All things are possible to those who worry?" No. "All things are possible to those who attempt to work everything out their way?" No. But "ALL things are possible to them who believe."

Children of God, LEARN A FAMILY SECRET, we - that is YOU and I - are precious to God and He specializes in those things that are totally impossible to us. But being a Gentleman and a Father, He won't grab them if we insist on hanging onto them. WE MUST TAKE OUR HANDS OFF OF OUR IMPOSSIBLE SITUATION! Instead ask God, IN ABSOLUTE FAITH, to take over!

Let me give you a statement I'd like you to commit to memory. Repeat it orally several times. It is something I say to myself every day I wake up. It never fails to bring those so-called "impossibilities" into proper perspective:

We are all faced with a series of
great opportunities
brilliantly disguised as
impossible situations!

God SPECIALIZES in things thought impossible, all we need to do is ask Him to handle it, and then leave it with Him in a faith that simply WILL NOT DOUBT! ~Charles Swindoll.
* * *
When confronted with a Goliath-size problem, which way should we respond ~
"He's too big to hit";
or like David, "He's too big to miss?"
* * *
Evening and morning were the fourth day [Wednesday], and GOD saw that it was GOOD!

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Hi, friends,

I've been battling illness, but have rested all week. Today I felt like going for a stroll through two of those everything for $1 stores. Came home very tired and rested a couple of hours.

It's nice to feel like sitting at a computer this evening.

Ruth Ann

Hi Chris, thank you for the link to Rob Rapino.  I didn't know he had a website.  
if you want a CD, my brother Ken can get one for you.   Rob Rapino goes to his church.  Belleville Alliance.  I will write out the words for                    Written In Red.

                  In letters of crimson, God wrote His love
                   On a hillside so long, long ago
                   For you and for me
                   Jesus died
                   And love's greatest story was told

Chorus         I love you, I love you
                   That's what Calvary said
                    I love you, I love you
                    I love you written in red.

                    Down through the ages God wrote His love
                    With the same hands that suffered and bled
                    Giving all that He had to give
                    A message so easily read

He adds in       Oh precious is the flow
                    That makes me white as snow
                     No other fount I know
                     Nothing but the blood of Jesus

                     Chorus


Well if you can hear this song, you would love it.  

God bless

Love Ruthie
                   

Ruth Ann, it's lovely to see you!

Ruthie, I'd love to have a copy of that CD.  I liked what I heard in the samples on his site.

Quote from: Marilyn on December 28, 2005, 07:00:51 PM



"I believe, help my unbelief!"
~Mark 9:20-24.

Thank you for sharing that, Marilyn.  I'm desperately working to strengthen my faith to the point that I REALLY trust God, and not just say that I do because it's the "right" thing to say.

nard

Hi everyone.  We had a reprieve from the rain for awhile today, but now it's back.   I haven't heard whats happening to some of the rivers today, but I'll watch the local news and find out.

Jane called this morning (while I was in the shower)to say she arrived in Sacramento last night around 6.  I was glad to hear from here since the weather seems to be bad all over.  I know she's looking forward to seeing that new grandbaby.

Ruthie, thank you for posting the words to that song.

I heard a story today, on CBN, about a man who was in the ocean in a kayak for....I think it was 5 days...and that's where he learned to really trust God.  When he could do nothing but pray, and read the Bible he had with him, and gave up in his own strength, God rescued Him.  He is a Christain, just wanted to get away and rest, so took his kayak and was following the coastline until the wind came.  I don't think I want an alone-in-a-kayak-in-the-pacific-ocean testing, but  I do want to know that I know that I know that I trust God.  One thing I can say for sure.  I'm not there.  I want to be, but I'm not.

I know Nita, it is easy to say we trust God when everything is going good.  It's in the hard times that we need to say "I trust God with my life"

A friend at church had a heart attack and when they found some arteries blocked and had to do surgery right away, apparently he said "Well my life belongs to God, so whatever the outcome, it is up to Him"   He was a wonderful witness to the doctors and nurses in a time of crisis.  He was fortunate to have Pastor Charles Price's heart doctor, who is very good.  I see Gary every week and am so impressed with his faith in God.

I have been thinking lately about Resting in Him.   We need to tell God out concerns and then just leave it to Him and Rest in Him.  Again it is easy to say, but I am learning.

Love Ruthie

Quote from: JudyB on December 28, 2005, 11:50:26 AMThe Room
17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something  for a class.  The subject was what Heaven was like.  "I wowed 'em,"  he later told his father, Bruce.  "It's a killer.  It's the bomb.   It's the best thing I ever wrote."

I checked this email out and found it a partial truth.  I have posted the "Rest Of The Story" below.  While this is not a true story, it is non-the-less good enough to force one to think of the value that one places on the things in this life.  I whole-heartedly agree with Joshua Harris' statement in the final paragraph.

I liked the story because at times I have felt just as "Brian" felt.  I visualized myself in heaven, but not feeling worthy.  I stood at the back of the crowd around Jesus.  I knew that I belonged there, but I was ashamed to face Him or to meet the gaze of His eyes.

Now I know that none of this is true, but I thought it just the same.  And yes, I do want to get to the point where I do things because I trust God to do them and not because it is the right thing to do.  Until I reach that pinnacle, I continue to do what is right, because it is right to do so.................PBPWMGINFY (Please be patient with me, God is not finished yet)

JudyB & Nards: Thanks for the thought provoking posts.

Ed
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Summary of eRumor:   
This long email is in two parts.  The first part describes 17-year-old-Brian Moore, a student who was a part of a group of Christian athletes.  In preparation for leading a discussion at one of the meetings, he wrote an essay that he titled "The Room." 

Two months later, Brian was dead.  He had a traffic accident, which he survived, but was electrocuted when he stepped on some downed power lines.  The remainder of the first part of the email talks about what a quality guy Brian was and how much it meant to have "The Room" as a part of his legacy.   

The second part of the email is the essay itself, a very moving description of a dream in which he experiences a sobering review of his life and a powerful encounter with Jesus Christ.


The Truth:   
"The Room" was actually written by speaker and author Joshua Harris and is in his book "I Kissed Dating Goodbye."  He says it was something that he put on paper as the result of a dream he had while in Puerto Rico for the 1995 Billy Graham Crusade and published in his magazine the same year. 

Interestingly, Brian Moore was also real.  He did attend the high school described in the eRumor and lost his life as the result of a traffic accident shortly after having presented "The Room" for the meeting of Christian athletes.  His friends and family believed that he had written it and the story about Brian was passed along to others sincerely. 

Joshua Harris told TruthOrFiction.com that he appreciates people getting the facts straight about the origins of "The Room" but is more concerned that people hear the message of the story than knowing who actually wrote it.

It's that time again. 

Time to close this door and open a new door here.