Christian Photographers Community

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Morning Devotional...

Luke 2

Christ Born of Mary

The Birth and Childhood of Jesus
1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.
2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.
3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,
5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.


Glory in the Highest
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
10 Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.
11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:


        14"Glory to God in the highest,
        And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"


15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us."
16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.
17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.
18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.
20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them. [/list]








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It is 11:52 here, and we have just come home from Hugoton.  It was great to see the boys and spend some time with them.  I am realizing that they are both adults now, at 21 and 18 respectively, and hope we get to spend many more Christmases with them, and with Abby, too, of course.  They will be here tomorrow along with our other kids, so we will get to have some more time to enjoy them.

Soni, lovely passages of Scripture for Christmas Day.  I never tire of the wonderful story of Jesus' birth.  And I want to be ever mindful of what His coming, His life, death and resurrection purchased for me.  Praise God, Praise God, Praise God!!

Thanks for the nice comments on the photos of Beth and John.  They are having a great time together, and are so much alike!  They also went to Diane's tonight.

Pat, travel safely, and come back to us here.  Blessings on you!

I must get to bed----but...I want to wish all of you..........

ALL THE BLESSINGS OF CHRISTMAS, AND THE JOYS IT BRINGS!

I came in to wish all of you a wondrous and happy Christmas.  May your celebration of His birth bring special joy to you and your families this year. 
Keep safe and warm too!  It was -6º here last night, to be a bit warmer tonight. 
Love to all of you,  Janice

Since  its after midnight for me, I can do this now. :)

HAPPY CHRISTMAS FROM THE UK.
http://www.oremus.org/hymnal/i/i272.html

What can I give him,
poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd,
I would bring a lamb;
if I were a wise man,
I would do my part;
yet what I can I give him
give my heart.  :) ;) :D

ecember 25   

Trials and Pain: Cooperate With the Inevitable

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever
state I am, to be content. 
--Philippians 4:11

This idea was once expressed better by a simple-hearted man who was
asked how he managed to live in such a state of constant
tranquility even though surrounded by circumstances anything but
pleasant. His answer was as profound as it was simple: "I have
learned," he said, "to cooperate with the inevitable."...

Though we cannot control the universe, we can determine our
attitude toward it. We can accept God's will wherever it is
expressed and take toward it an attitude of worshipful
resignation. If my will is to do God's will, then there will be no
controversy with anything that comes in the course of my daily
walk. Inclement weather, unpleasant neighbors, physical handicaps,
adverse political conditions--all these will be accepted as God's
will for the time and surrendered to provisionally, subject to
such alterations as God may see fit to make, either by His own
sovereign providence or in answer to believing prayer.
Born After Midnight, pp. 64-65

"How can I complain in the light of the worderful gift of Your
Son, born to give life-and victory? Work Your will in my life
today as I celebrate the incarnation and all that it entails.
Amen."

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'I'm dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones...........................'

Who says, 'dreams do not come true?'

Greetings from Bonnie Scotland. Even bonnier now that it is covered in snow. This is the first white Christmas we have had for a good many years and it makes such a difference.

I pray that each home will enjoy the Lord's favour today, though there will be many I am sure with an empty seat at their table that lsat year was filled. May the Lord Jesus Christ be the Head of all our tables today. Be thankful for all things and be sure to accept the greatest gift this world has ever known - Christ Jesus our Lord.

God gave everything He had, the most precious of gifts for a sinful and rebellious people like you and me. He is the God that has changed our lives not only for time but for eternity. He has given us a new song to sing, He has created a clean within us, our sins and iniquities He will remember no more, and He has given us a story to tell.

Let us use the gifts that He has given us to spread this Good News with all our might, in the prayerful hope that others who are as yet strangers to God and to hope may come to know the blessing that God commands ...'Life that shall never end.'

Love in Christ to you all. Merry Christmas from the Isle of Lewis.

Your brother in Christ

Iain

Hi everyone and again Merry Christmas.  Thanks Sonja for putting in the Christmas story as our devotional this morning. 

We are looking forward to a nice day with family and some good food as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.

Pat, glad to read that you had a safe, if somewhat frightening trip yesterday.  I know you will enjoy your time with your family.  Drive safely on your way home.  It is the other driver that bothers me sometimes particularly when the roads are bad.

Iain, wonderful to see your positng and Christmas greething. 

We are not going to have a white Christmas this year but it looks like people a lot further south of us in Georgia as well as other states.  I understand Houston had 3 to 5 inches of snow, the first time in many years they are having a white Christmas.

Enjoy your families and friends today.

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We had a wonderful time last night. Took lots of photos which I will share later. I took them out of the camera so I would have lots of room for more today. Gilbert and especially Sarah was thrilled with the gifts she got a 10 piece set of Revere ware, a George Foreman Grill and a mini chopper, plus some personal items. What fun we had giving to each other. Gilbert made me a beautiful blown glass candle holder and the candle in it. Each one had a gift for me. I feel so good today to be celebrating christmas with my family. This is the first in 10 years that We have been at my house.

I am Going to Fay's to prepare her breakfast then she has given me the rest of the day off, so I will come home and cook my enchiladas before going to Eureka. Sarah and Gilbert are also taking Mexican dishes. We are having an Ethnic and traditional dinner combined.

Great to see you today Iain.
Soni thank you for the christmas Story.
Janet love the photos of Beth and John they look so happy.
Pat be safe.
Etta Sue stay warm today and be careful out there in the snow.
Ruth Ann have fun in Atlanta.
Papa John Have a blessed day.
To those I have not named Merry christmas and many blessing to you today.

I will see all of you later.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

I'm up here in a nice winter storm. 

How nice to see everyone who has checked in so far today.  Thanks Bob.  Never worry about posting too early as it's the right tiime somewhere in the world!

Hi Suzanne, great to see you here as well.  DON'T BE A STRANGER!  Hope your little family has a nice day today.

Thanks Larry for all you do and Soni, great scriptures for today!

Janet, I'm noticing that my grands are growing up.  It sure makes a difference too.

Glad you had a nice time, Marilyn!  Great to have these family times.

Hi Chris.  Great devotional from Dr. Tozer.  Thanks so much for sharing with us so faithfully each day.  I just enjoy Dr. Tozer so very much.

and Iain, I dreamed of you last night!  HAHAHA!  I don't remember what the dream was about but I was visiting your little family out there in the Atlantic ocean on your island!  So wonderful to see you in here today with us.

Lovely to see New Mexico represented in here too, Janice.  Have a wonderful day.

Now, we're stuffing a turkey and making buns and doing all kinds of family things so I must get back to them now.

I'll check in a little later.

Merry Christmas from snowy Indiana.  It is cold...4° and white everywhere.  A wonderful Christmas morning.  All is quiet.

I got a call from Ivalou this morning.  Her two daughters in Ohio are not going to venture out in this weather.  Even though it is all white here....it is mild here.  Surrounding us, everyone has more snow than we have.  So Christmas dinner for Ivalou and her family will be tomorrow.  Her son and his family are coming tomorrow also. 

Now, tomorrow is my day to run the lights at church so Jerry and I are going to church.  His daughter, DIL and 3 grandsons are coming from Ohio tomorrow afternoon to his house.  Lynn is suppose to call here this evening to tell us what time.  I want to see them all.  It will help to know when Lynn and all might be at Jerry's.  Everything will work out.  Just want everyone to be safe in their travels and for all to have a Merry Christmas. 

Jerry and I exchanged our gifts this morning and we are going to Ivalou's for lunch for the three of us.  It will be a great Chrsitmas and is already!

The story of Jesus' birth always brings tears to my eyes.  Such faith that Mary and Joseph had.  What an honor given to them.  Amazing to know that a human gave birth to our Lord and Savior!  Overwhelming!!!
"Bethlehem's stable was the first step in God's love-journey to Calvary's cross."
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Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to everyone.

Trying to snow here today been a long time since we had a white Christmas.

First task for the day was to ensure the wild birds had their nuts and mixed seed.  It is a joy to see them tucking into their food. 

I have a family of eight sparrows visiting now.  Once was the time in my childhood days when the sky would be black with sparrows and starlings and other species.

Back to the cooking hope you all have a nice Christmas  Day.

Alan

I just had to drop in to say Merry Christmas to everyone.  We got four inches of beautiful white snow over the last few days making it a white Christmas here in the Ozarks.  Took a picture from my office patio door this morning to share with you. 


Here's hoping everyone has a great day and a happy New Year!

Gwen

Talking about birds Alan. Have you come across the blue breasted robin down your way yet? We have two red breatsed ones in our garden but I'm hopeful of photographing a blue one.

Well folks, I'm stuffed..........turkey, roasties and trimmings...........ZZZZzzzzzzzzzz.

Enjoy your day.

Well gwen, if my office had a view like yours I doubt that i would get any work done at all. Beautiful.

Good morning on this Christmas Day.  We still have some snow and ice on the ground and almost enough to call this a White Christmas.

Beth and James came in while ago and others are on the way.  By dinner time today the house will be full.  I am excited thinking of our all being together again.  I have been so blessed with a wonderful loving family.

God bless each one of you today.  


--- Papa John          <;D)))><<   
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MERRY CHRISTMAS CHRISTIAN PHOTOGRAPHERS!     GOD'S RICHEST BLESSINGS TO EVERYONE.


LOVE RUTHIE

I am "home alone" today but I like it this way ;)  Wind and rain are expected later today and tonight, but at the moment we have overcast skies and some sun trying to make an appearance. 

Later I will be cooking the salmon fillets a friend gave me a couple months ago.  <SONI~I'm going to use the recipe you posted for Lemon Pepper Salmon.>

I want to share with y'all that I received this in this morning's email ... My son-in-law has remained in Mexico while Joy is in California with Bryan.  He (John) sent an account of his experience with his friends as they celebrated "an authentic" Mexican style Christmas.  I didn't know where to post the lengthy account so I put it in Manna...
You can read it here:
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Merry Christmas everyone.

Jane, I see that sunshine.  I hadn't heard about the wind warning, but it's really warmed up hasn't it?

Yesterday, Christmas Eve, I took Amy to her new family.  A nice lady was wanting her for her parents who had recently lost their little dog.  It wasn't a  "for sure" thing......we wanted to see how Amy reacted to them, and they to her.  Karen called me last night to say that it was 99% sure.  They love Amy and she was sitting on the couch between her parents when she called.  I'm so happy for her, but still it was sad last night for us here......the puppies and me.  Now Amy won't have to be around teenagers she fears, because of the abuse she suffered before.

I gave the puppies their presents......new soft toys, and typical of kids.....they both wanted the same one. :)

I'm going to my daughter's later for a small dinner.   Jane, I thought you had plans!  :-\ 

I love reading about all the family things going on.  Your snow picture is so pretty, Gwen!! 

I'll just hang out here in the sunshine and wait for our storm.   Maybe I'll drive out to "my" rock later and watch the waves crashing against it.   :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone.

We are having a milld and wet day here on the island. 
Last night I cooked the Christmas Eve dinner and we went to a lovely church service at a small Anglican Church that the kids prefer.  It was most beautiful!  The rain stopped long enough for everyone to go outside with their candles and sing Silent Night at the close of service. 

Today we are going into Victoria for our Christmas Dinner and then to Butchart Gardens to view all the beautiful lights.  Will also indulge in hot chocolate.....

Pleasant day to all.

Liz      :)

God came to this earth so long ago so that He might also come by His Spirit today.  May He make His presence known to all today!

Liz - I hope it's ok for me to envy you!  I love Butchart Garden, especially with the lights.

Afternoon Folks!

Hope you all are having a Merry Day!  ;D

Did you all get what you wanted?  hehehe...

I got a pair of shoes I've been wanting.  That was a surprise!  :o

The kids all got up around 8:30am and it took till about 11:00am to open all the gifts.  

Chandraya played Santa this year and handed out all the presents.  She read everyones names.  What a big girl!

We are heading out to eat somewhere.  Maybe Perkins. 

See you all later.
Soni

Well  I have been by the computer all day. Enjoying time with the Lord. Praising him for his son, who is the Savior of mankind. The Holy Spirit, the 3rd part of God, for his gifts he has given me. Resting so peacfully with the Lord. That all mankind may be save, through accepting Christ, our Lord. Following his ways, that no man/woman, would be left behind. Praise God in the highest, for he is worthy.

Resting in the Lord's arms.
Bob

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Merry Christmas!

We're just about to sit down to a massive turkey.  Also, Janice has a big ham cooking away.


Hi Etta Sue!  My special greetings to Jerry too.

Thanks for the greeting Ryan!

How nice to see you check in Alan.  I've missed seeing your posts.  Also, Alan, I got it!  Thanks so much!

Gwen, what a lovely view.  It's been snowing up here at my daughter's most of the day. 

Andrew, my grandson has been enjoying the Word Association Game as well.  Thanks for playing with him.

Iain, I've never even heard of a blue breasted robin, let alone see one.  You'll sure have to show us that photo when you get it.  How about opening up a gallery in our CP Gallery, Iain so that our new folks can enjoy your wonderful photography?


Great to see you checking in, Ruthie.  Say hello to Brian for me.

Hi Papa John...  Hope you continue to enjoy your wonderful family gathering.

Hi Jane... Thanks for the link to the Mexican Christmas.  I'll have a look at it when I get home tonight.  It will be very late.

Nita, how are you?  Enjoy your dinner with your daughter.  Hope you come back later.


Hi Liz! Great to see you checking in today as well. 

Al Moak, always a good word from you.  Thanks for that!

Sounds like you had a great morning, Soni.  Glad you got your shoes you wanted.  I won't be opening any presents from my kids until Monday when we have our big family gathering together at Andrew and Terena's home.

I'm so happy to read your post full of praise for our Heavenly Father, Bob!  Thanks again for being one of our members.  I love to see your name pop up.

Hello Janet!  Hope you are rested up.

Well, nearly time for this big meal so if possible I'll check in again later.

Love

Pat

Pat, thank you for allowing me to be a member of this forum.

For the grave cannot praise thee, death can not celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth. The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth. The LORD was ready to save me: therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD. Isaiah 38:18-20

I come with my heart full of praise today. Our day yesterday was wonderful - Leslie had a good day and was able to bee with family and friends, even able to watch and cheer "his" team on TV along with the other guys.

The children, especially Georgia, were delightful. How precious to view Christmas through the eyes of a child.

We've arrived back in Nashville and now, it's time for me to rest - I certainly need it.

Ruth Ann

This is what I got for Christmas. 

Shoes (http://www.sonifopictures.com/myshoes.jpg)

We went to the Asian Buffet for dinner.  It was great.  Nobody was there.  We just might have a new tradition.  hehehe...

Sonja, very nice shoes.

Ruth Ann, that is wonderful news concerning your son's participation in your family events.  Hope you get rested up tomorrow from your trip.

Nita, glad you found a good home for your pet.

Jane, sorry you had to be alone today, unless that was what you desired. 

Our family left around 5 pm after we had a very nice afternoon of eating and our gift exchange. 

Hi Pat:

Yes Brian and I went to the Travel Lodge for dinner and had turkey as well as other great food.  Now we are looking at pictures from the past.  In a little while we are going to go to Lorraine & Kamyl's for dessert.  But I AM TOO FULL!     Hope you are having a wonderful time with Janice & Phil and the children.   God Bless

Love Ruthie

Well, it has been a great day here. By mid morning they started arriving and by one o’clock when we sat down to eat there were 20 of us and we had a wonderful time. The food was delicious with turkey and dressing with gravy, ham, a special cheese hominy dish, green beans, sweet potatoes, asparagus, cranberry sauce, a frozen salad, a fruit salad, stuffed eggs, hot rolls, and deserts including coconut cake, carrot cake, chocolate cake and red velvet cake.,

Martha and I took 90 pictures and I have uploaded around 80 of them in Webshots. If anyone would care to take a look you can go to      "http://community.webshots.com/user/jpmurphree/0" you can click on the pictures to see them full size.  If you have a phone access it may be slow.

Well, the new year is almost here now.  In just one more week Cornelia and I will finish reading the Bible out loud another year.  Time is going by so slowly for us but time  with God is seen from His prospective. 

2 Pet 3:8  But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.  (NIV)

--- Papa John          <;D)))><<   
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Wishing everyone the best over the holiday season.  We spent Christmas with 3/4 of the family - oldest son & family were out-of-state with her family.  Lovely music at service last night.  We talked about last year when we were at a service in a barn and it was frigid but a very simple and meaningful time.  This, too, was wonderful with great music and the joy of seeing many families celebrating the true meaning of Christmas. 

Carol

It's really fun to read about what all of you did today.  We had a wonderful day, too.  By 2:00 everyone was here and we had a real feast.  It is easier for me now that my daughters make and bring food, then no one has the whole load.  About half of the younger ones got involved playing some DVD interactive game about movies, and we finally had to ask them to turn it off so we could exchange gifts! 

We had a good visit will three daughters, son, both my granddaughters, and two grandsons, plus my kids' natural father and his sister, and John.  God has been so good to all of us.  If our youngest daughter had been here, the circle would have been complete.  She says she will come in January.

George has found a new home!  I don't know whether to be sad or happy about that.  He is the last of the puppies our dog Cookie had, and granddaughter Katy fell in love with him and begged and begged her daddy to let her have him.  He finally consented, so George will be going to live in Cheyenne, Wyoming.  We will miss him, he's so cute, and such a character.  But I'm glad he and Katy will have each other to love.

Iain, how great to see you here again.  I hope you know that we miss you when you don't come and visit with us!

I need to get something warmer on, my back is so cold!!  See you later!

Had a great time in Eureka today. lots to eat and lots of gifts for the children. They gave me more make up than I will ever be able to use in my lifetime. LOL And a Max Lucado calendar, I ate a lot and talked little, watched part of the movie elf.

Called Gloria to ask how she like the two prints I gave her, she sounded disappointed..

Well that's allf or tonight, Got to unload the camera again.

TTYL

merry Christmas everyone. this is John and Beth. weare both having a wonderful time together.We truly believe that God had both of us be born with NF so that we could findone another some day. it is a blessing. God is so wonderful. words can't do enough justice to his mercy and kindness. I (John) got to participate in the family gift exchange. managed to steal away a clock from Beth's mom. and I guess I passed Beth's Brother's test. whatever that was. we just wanted to come in and post andlet everyone know howit is going for us. Merry Christmas to you all.

I wrote a message earlier this evening and now it's vanished into thin air cyberspace.   :-\

I had a good Christmas ... the wind and rain arrived on schedule and made me happy to be inside.  I made the lemon pepper salmon recipe and added some pesto pasta salad and some sugar free jello and light whipped topping (non-dairy) so I indulged a bit myself.  I watched some movies on my new DVD player <gift from my daughter Dot>.

My daughter Joy called and she and Bryan were spending the day together at his home...the other adults are gone for the weekend...and they were going to watch movies and just enjoy being together.

I called my brother, in Phoenix, and had a nice conversation with hiim for the first time in a long time.

All in all, it was a very pleasant day and I'm trusting everyone else were just as blessed.

It's time to lock the door.  I'll chat with you all tomorrow.

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