Christian Photographers Community

 









 



Morning Devotional...

What God Is Like
Psalm 103:1-22  NLT

    1  Praise the LORD, I tell myself;
       with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.

    2 Praise the LORD, I tell myself,
       and never forget the good things he does for me.

    3 He forgives all my sins
       and heals all my diseases.

    4 He ransoms me from death
       and surrounds me with love and tender mercies.

    5 He fills my life with good things.
       My youth is renewed like the eagle's!

    6 The LORD gives righteousness
       and justice to all who are treated unfairly.

    7 He revealed his character to Moses
       and his deeds to the people of Israel.

    8 The LORD is merciful and gracious;
       he is slow to get angry and full of unfailing love.

    9 He will not constantly accuse us,
       nor remain angry forever.

    10 He has not punished us for all our sins,
       nor does he deal with us as we deserve.

    11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him
       is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.

    12 He has removed our rebellious acts
       as far away from us as the east is from the west.

    13 The LORD is like a father to his children,
       tender and compassionate to those who fear him.

    14 For he understands how weak we are;
       he knows we are only dust.

    15 Our days on earth are like grass;
       like wildflowers, we bloom and die.

    16 The wind blows, and we are gone--
       as though we had never been here.

    17 But the love of the LORD remains forever
       with those who fear him.
        His salvation extends to the children's children
    18 of those who are faithful to his covenant,
       of those who obey his commandments!

    19 The LORD has made the heavens his throne;
       from there he rules over everything.

    20 Praise the LORD, you angels of his,
       you mighty creatures who carry out his plans,
       listening for each of his commands.

    21 Yes, praise the LORD, you armies of angels
       who serve him and do his will!

    22 Praise the LORD, everything he has created,
       everywhere in his kingdom.
       As for me--I, too, will praise the LORD.

Which characteristic of God in this psalm helps you understand him better?[/size][/color]

    David's praise focused on God's glorious acts. 

   It is easy to complain about life, but David's list gives us plenty for which to praise God--his love, forgiveness, salvation, kindness, mercy, justice, patience, tenderness--we receive all of these without deserving any of them.  No matter how difficult your life's journey, you can always count your blessings--past. present, and future. 

   When you feel like you have nothing for which to praise God, read David's list.
The Best of the Bible--365 Must-Read Bible Passages[/i]

Glad to see Janet back.  I missed you!

I thought I would post tonight instead of in the morning.  I am going with Ivalou and some of her church people to a luncheon.  Will be fun.  We used to do this quite often but haven't for the last year.  Will be nice.

G'Morning ... I want to let you know, ETTA SUE, that your contributions here, and the devotionals you post, are very much appreciated.  Thanks for your faithfulness.

Also...thank you Karma, Ruth Ann and Janet, for your comments.  I never expected feedback or a pat on the back.  I love all y'all and appreciate your Christian friendship.  God is soooooo GOOD --  All the time!!

Etta Sue, wonderful!  I love that Psalm.  It really makes me think when I start to complain.

Thanks again and have a great day and please give my best wishes to Ivalou. 



Hi Jane!

Etta Sue:  Thank you for your post on Psalm 103 today!  I am up early to work on a discussion and lesson on prayer for our "New Start" kids and I checked it on CP and there was your inspirational post to kick start my efforts.  May I also use your comment at the end ..."It's easy to complain but..."?  It fits perfectly with my lesson.  Thanks again.

Pat: 

In response to the poll on the future of CP I would like to add that I am one of those daily readers who do not necessarily sign in or post.  Although I am not completely computer illiterate I do have some kind of inexplicable handicap about posting pictures into the forum and I am not able to navigate the sight as easily as I would like all the time.  I have mastered posting photos in the album and do so quite occasionally.  I am learning and have unrepressable hope and expectation that I will master all of this.

I truly enjoy this site and feel a "family" atmosphere and acceptance here.  I am still a little shy about jumping into conversations, etc. but that is my personality.  So with a little shyness and a moderate amount of ineptness, my posting history is slim.

I would like to add that I enjoy the photo gallery as is.  I would not like to see it get "competitive" or "professional" to the point that it discourages anyone from sharing.  I think that photographs are a wonderful way to get to know each other and to share in God's love.  When I post my photos I am not looking for critique or compliments - I just feel that there is an audience here with which to share a little of myself and my world.

Right now (summer) I have my three grandchildren (ages 5, 3 and 3) all day, every day and that limits the amount of time I can spend on the computer.  In the fall, when they return to preschool and school I will have more time to enjoy parts of this site that I have not yet entertained. 

Thanks to everyone for your inspiration and your "friendship".

DiAnn

Good morning, friends,

I'm almost late for work, but wanted to wish everyone a good day.

Ruth Ann

Great to have you here today, Grandmom (DiAnn).    Thanks also for your comments. 

Ruth Ann, have a good day at work.  Hope your mouth is slowly getting better and better.

Good Morning. Hey Etta sue you have posted one of my favorite Psalms. I  go to Psalm 103 frequently and  recommend it ot others frequently. Parts of 103 have become parts of my daily prayers. Thank you for you work here as a moderator and the work you put into the devotional you post. Praying the word is important to me.

I am going to all three jobs today, as you all know Thursday is my long busy day. On Monday I am going to the Senior Resource Center where there is someone to help me get signed up with the best insurance program to suit my needs. It is the first time I am using the Resource Center. It is different from the Senior center, as in they are there to find the help that the seniors need in all kinds of differernt thing. They even help to get medical equipemnt if one needs it. They are the ones who have  brought out things for Fay to use, such as the phone with the great big numbers and loudness for the blind and the hard of hearing. They found another Doctor for Versal. Safety bars are another thing that  they supply. Helping to find new doctors etc. many services.

Grandmom good to see you here today. Also good morning to Ruth Ann, Pat, Jane , Al and all those who have not been here yet. I do enjoy reading all that is going on in other's lives.

DiAnn - I don't think I've seen you here previously (I think I sometimes wear blinders or something), but I sure welcome you here!  I think there are probably a lot of people like yourself who enjoy the site but have grandkids, kids, job, etc., etc. that keep them from doing much posting.  But it's truly wonderful to know that, in Christian love, we're all here for each other, pray for each other, and just plain care.  We're all growing, and we aint there yet, but He's workin' on us, and our brothers/sisters sure help!

I agree with Marilyn (who, as usual, was posting at the same time as myself) who said the following:

QuoteGood Morning. Hey Etta sue you have posted one of my favorite Psalms. I  go to Psalm 103 frequently and  recommend it ot others frequently. Parts of 103 have become parts of my daily prayers. Thank you for you work here as a moderator and the work you put into the devotional you post. Praying the word is important to me.

Also, Etta Sue - I greatly enjoy yout graphics!  They're fantastic!

Good Morning from sunny Vancouver Island.  At least it was the last time I looked out the window

Thanks for the devotional, Etta Sue.  I have said it before and will say it again, "Your graphics and wise sayings' make my day. 

Nothing like asking folks what they think, to jump start the posting!  Many interesting comments.  We are a mixed group of young and old, excited and reserved, all trying to do our best and follow God in a complicated and dangerous world.  My little devotional had this comment today:

"If you're living for Christ you may lose some friends, but you won't lose their respect."

Thanks for the comment on my sketching, Pastor Al.  I am sort of reserved about such things....Rather post Amanda's work.

Thanks for your comment about my adventures with Misty & Squeek, Larry.  They are a constant source of amusement.  Someone once wrote about their cat:

"He's better than a child!  He eats cold food straight out of the can, toilet trained himself and is never going to need money for college."
       
           

Lots to do so must go and get started.  Glad that you are back Janet.  Hope all is well with Beth and that John is okay.

Pleasant day all and God Bless.

Liz 
 

Good morning again!  Hi backatcha, Pat! 

I am getting excited (for me that's a BIG thing) about being with my two daughters in a couple weeks.  Joy is coming from Mexico (I'll pick her up at the Eugene airport) and Dot will be arriving, in Seattle via Amtrak, from Spokane and we will spend a night at Discovery Bay before going on to spend two nights in Victoria.  Then, back to Seattle for a night before putting Dot on the train for her return home.

Joy and I will then see about getting some dental work done for her by a family friend in Emunclaw before driving to California for a few days with her son Bryan and, hopefully, my other grandkids and great grandkids (Jean's family).  We will have two nights in Windsor, California and wing it for the rest of the time we are there -- in and around Sacramento.  Joy will leave from Sacramento airport for her return to Mexico.

Joy has membership in a Time Share with Worldmart and all of the above accomodations are through that.  She only has to pay $50 for housekeeping and the accomodations are world class.  I couldn't see Dot having to drive by herself from Spokane and back again, so took care of that by paying her way on Amtrak.

This will be the very first Mother-Daughter get together in our history!  It will be so nice just the three of us for these few days.  Joy and Dot have not seen each other since Joy lived in Idaho, 5 years ago.  I have seen one or the other several times but always with others around.  This will be just us and we are really looking forward to a relaxing enjoyable time of bonding.

On another note: Joy and John are involved in a huge project in Mexico.  They are developing a world class resort area south of Puerto Vallarta.  In the plans are first building thier home, then a sales office (probably a big tent) and then they'll have me come for a visit.  Next, they will have a condo for me to live.  WhooHooo ..... I know this is a dream and they have great plans for the rest of the resort area but I don't mind dreaming along with them.  As Joy says "This may take a while, you know we're in Mexico and things just move a lot slower here."  Okay, I'll give them a couple years.   

Well, that's my big news of the day ... I'm off to get my car serviced (gonna be doing a lot of driving soon) and then I hope to have my friend give me a perm in the next couple days.  I'll be around ... and never forget --- I'm watching you!!

Hi everyone from a very hot Georgia.  I have to get out again in a few minutes to go to the church for singing with the Calvin Cove folks and then will stay in the house.  I just saw the postman drive by going down the other side of the street so I hope he gets back by here before I leave so I won't have to get out again after I get back. 

I want to add my thanks to Pat, Etta Sue, Al, and Janet (hope I am not leaving anyone out) who prepare the daily devotional readings for us.  I also want to thank Marilyn and Chris (and again others who post special devotional pieces here).  I don't comment about them as often as I probably should but I also know it is not for compliments that these fine folks put in the hours of effort in preparing and posting them. 

Jane, that sounds like a wonderful time that is upcoming.  It sounds like it is time for you and your daughters to have some time alone.  That sounds like quite a project in Mexico.  Hope it all works out for them.

It is good to see everyone posting today.

Thanks, Larry.  Yes I am really looking forward to being with my girls.  This will be July 13 through 18 with them and then Joy and I will go to California for probably another week.  She really can't take much more than two weeks away from their business in Mexico, but there is also business she needs to take care of in California so .... she is on the go a lot these days.  I'm just glad it's her and not me.  I think I'm getting to the stage of wanting to just relax and let the rest of the world go by.   

Take it easy on these hot days, Larry ... I'm a bit concerned about the heat in California in late July.  I have become too used to the coolness of the Oregon coast.     But, at least, there is air conditioning in all those places we'll be traveling.  That's one thing I do NOT have here except in the car.

Sounds like a great time ahead of you, Jane.  Wow!  Will you be near the ocean? 

My, there are a lot of interesting posts here today!  Good to read about your busy lives!  Grandmom, don't be shy--we really don't bite!  It is nice to read your post, and Pat and the other moderators appreciate your comments and feedback.  Thanks.

Larry, it is really, really hot here, too.  I would rather have it a bit cooler, for sure!  I have promised to take Abby and our pastor's three children swimming soon, and I am really dreading sitting in the hot sun to watch them.  I'd rather get in the water with them, but not sure I could keep an eye on all of them that way.

Liz, I appreciate the humor you add each time you post.  That tells me you have a good sense of humor, which is really a great help in making it through life, in my opinion!  So keep on smiling!

Etta Sue, you do know how to enjoy life!  That is so nice. That was a great Psalm.  I read some in Psalms and some in Proverbs each day, and love them.

Jane, I am delighted for you!  What a wonderful time you and you and your girls that will be, and you get to see your guy Bry, too!  And the other grandkids, I hope.  Praise God!  And the Mexico plans sound great as well.  God must sure love you, girl! 

I started my new job this morning.  I think it will be quite easy and enjoyable.  I just vacuumed and changed the bed for them today, and we worked on a list of foods they like, and a grocery list.  I will go back this afternoon and prepare their supper for them.

I need to get Abby something to eat before I take her swimming.  Playing in the water really makes one hungry!

See you all later, and thanks to those who said you missed me! 

HELLO FROM ... NORTHWEST & VERY SUNNY OHIO !!

WOW ... things have been busy at my end !!  My daughter is home from camp for almost a week & she had already made a MESS OF HER CLEAN ROOM that I worked ever so hard to make NICE while she was gone ... OH WELL I tried !!  She had a good time and the LORD worked blessing while at CAMP too. I'm meaning that 4 came to him & were BAPTIZED and so it was a wonderful blessing too. One of the four that were baptized was a young lady from our own congregation and the best part was that her DAD - was the one that baptized her so it was wondeful !!  Another was a friend of my daughter's and she ah was baptized on FATHER'S DAY which was wonderful to hear !!  So, it was a good week all around !!

Our old house is slowly getting done and so with some luck it will GO UP FOR SALE really soon !!  And, I hope that we can sell it too !! 

Well, better be heading off and get some RIBS started in the oven for dinner tonight so take care & see you all again soon !!

I love ribs!  I'll just be down at your house right quick!  Can you save me some?

Quote from: Pat Scott on June 23, 2005, 01:21:45 PM
Sounds like a great time ahead of you, Jane.  Wow!  Will you be near the ocean?  

Yes, PAT~Discovery Bay is a resort area on the very tip of Washington ... on Puget Sound.  Then, of course, Victoria is on Vancouver Island (maybe I can touch base with Liz??), so that's water fer shur.  Windsor, California is near Santa Rosa and not the ocean and neither is Sacramento, but I will survive with air conditioning and the enjoyment of family and friends.  There is a pool and hot tub at each of the places we will be staying, as well, so that will be good.

JANET~

QuoteJane, I am delighted for you!  What a wonderful time you and you and your girls that will be, and you get to see your guy Bry, too!  And the other grandkids, I hope.  Praise God!  And the Mexico plans sound great as well.  God must sure love you, girl!

 

My Pastor Bev used to tell me "You're His favorite!"  and I do believe that.    

Hi Karen .. you popped in while I was composing myself   [/b]

Well, hope you take your camera, Jane.  I need ocean photos!

I certainly plan to do just that, Pat.  I got one of those one-time use cameras the other day, so I'll have something! at least.   

That's great Jane.


Karen, it's so hot here today.  I was going to walk to deliver some Avon and it was just too stiffling so I hurried in the car and then got home to my cool room here.

It's nice and sunny, and warm here in WNC.  Guess ya'll just need to come on down.  Not too hot, not cold.  Right about right, I believe!!

I can't believe it is already after 5 pm (my time).  The last time I looked at the clock it was only noon or so.  Wish I could say I have been busy.  Well, I have been busy, but I haven't gotten anything done.

I wouldn't want to steal Jane's thunder, Pat, but I gurantee she'll not be near the ocean.  In fact, she'll be in the hottest parts of both Oregon & California.  Oh Jane - find that air conditioning!

You betcha, AL ... Thanks

Wow Jane that's quite as trip you have planned for you and your daughters, I know you are thrilled that you will be spending so much time witht hem and maybe getting to see your other granddaughters while you are in the Sacramento area.

Liz I enjoy your postings as well  and would like to see more of your sketching and paintings.

Janet be careful out there in the sun, use sunscreen and wear a hat.

All -y-all need to be here on the west coast where it is nice and cool, warm a little but not hot.

I'm home from work now and just got caught up here in NEM so dicided to post a little.

Hey Pat hows the shoulder. I am pain free for today. The traction is working wonders for me.

Larry take it easy brother, don't get overheated.

Quote from: Marilyn Fisher on June 23, 2005, 08:15:40 PM
Wow Jane that's quite as trip you have planned for you and your daughters, I know you are thrilled that you will be spending so much time witht hem and maybe getting to see your other granddaughters while you are in the Sacramento area.

Thanks, Marilyn ... Joy has made contact with Tim, my oldest grandson, so we are hoping we will all be able to get together at least for a little while.  Tim is the worship leader in his church as well as just becoming the "Director of Fine Arts" so he is working on writing their Christmas production and an original Vacation Bible School program while he continues to work at the El Dorado County jail with the Sheriff's Office.  His wife is very busy as well ... just took a teaching job at the school where their boys attend.  Brendon is 9 and going into 4th grade and Sean is 6 and starting 1st grade.  I will love, more than anything, to see these boys and hope to also see Dave, my #2 grandson, and his children.  Time is far too short to be missing out on family connections because of stupid misunderstandings and personal grudges.  Of course, the girls: Laura age 17 and Tricia age 19 are very special to me and I always try to see them although it is not always possible.  Keep us in your prayers and I leave it in God's hands.

The kids really enjoyed their swim, and I put on shorts so I could sit on the edge of the pool with my feet in the water.  That helped keep me from broiling so much.  Marilyn, I read your warning just now---too late!  I did get the front of my left leg burned.  I made sure the kids all had on sunblock, but forgot about Grandma!    I also wore sunglasses and a visor because I cannot stand bright sun otherwise.

Karen, good to see you posting again.  Pat, don't get too hot!  It's really beastly here---upper 90s.

After I brought Abby home, I went to cook supper for Maxine and Oscar, and when I got home, Darrel had cooked spare ribs on the grill. MMMM!  I took Beth a big batch so she will have those for a few meals.  Also took her some fried potatoes and onions, her favorite.

Now I think I will get dressed for bed and read a while!

See you later, alligator!

I came back to say, Jane, that I hope you get to connect with all of your grandkids.  What a RED LETTER YEAR this will be if you can see all of your family!  WOO-HOO!!

Quote from: Janet on June 23, 2005, 08:30:04 PM
I came back to say, Jane, that I hope you get to connect with all of your grandkids.  What a RED LETTER YEAR this will be if you can see all of your family!  WOO-HOO!!

You're absolutely right, JANET!  I guess maybe you can understand why I am getting excited.     I still have a couple more weeks before I can get started on this great adventure!

Jane - I'm so happy for you!  Have a terrific time with your daughters.  I'm anxious to see your pictures.

Janet:  I missed you!  How is Beth doing...and also John?  Are they "still an item?"

I hope you will be able to witness to Oscar and Maxine....or, are they Christians alreaady?

Hi TBEAR!!