Christian Photographers Community

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"Rejoice in the Lord, O you [uncompromisingly] righteous [you upright, in right standing with God]; for praise is becoming and appropriate for those who are upright in heart."
(Psalm 33:1, Amp)

Praise. According to the Word of God, that's the most appropriate, becoming, thing that you as a believer can do.

Let me warn you though, God's idea of appropriate praise and yours may well be two very different things. The praise He calls for is joyous and uninhibited. And, at times, it's just plain loud!

If you don't believe it, look in the Bible and see the kind of praise that goes on in heaven. Read Isaiah 6 and find out how they act in the throne room. The seraphim shout in there until the doorposts shake! And when they do, the glory of the Lord fills the house.

When you get to heaven, you're going to be praising like that too. You're going to be leaping and praising God with every part of your being. But don't wait until then to start. Begin now.

Decide today that instead of praising God the way you like, you are going to start doing it the way He likes. Begin to release those praises joyously, uninhibitedly. Don't wait until you get to heaven to praise God with all your being. Do it now. He deserves it!

Hello all!

Etta, I do hope you are feeling better.  Something else to try and remember is to drink plenty of fluids.  And keep lots of moisturizers on.  That may help you feel a bit better when it comes time to shed. 

Okay, I understand what you mean abbut the women, now.  I was thinking there were more women than that, but I may have the chronology mixed up.  Regardless, even the other three I was thinking of had "questionable" histories.  I was thinking of Tamar (who tricked her FIL), Rahab, Ruth (a Moabite, I think), and Bathsheba (we all know that story).  So, yea, I think the fact that God allowed these "type" of women to be in the lineage of Jesus speaks to us about his unconditional love and acceptance for us.

Just as an aside -- we tend to speak of Bathsheba as "that woman."  But if we were to really consider the situation, we might find that we have more compassion for her.  (Disclaimor:  Did she sin?  Yes, I am not trying to sugar coat that or diminish her role in the sin at all).  The King, the most powerful man in the known world, has just summoned you to his court.  What do you do?  You are a woman in a time when women don't have a voice, or a very loud one.  What can you do?  I think if we had been in Bathsheba's shoes, we may have responded the same way.  (Again, had she stood up to King David, God would have taken care of it, 'cuz He's God and He can do things like that).  Also, (and Al, Larry, Pat correct me if I am wrong), but Bathsheba was the only one of David's wives that raised a Godly son. . . hmmmm.

I guess my point is, it is easy to look back and say, "She should have done this" or "He should have done that," when in reality, each and every day we make a lot of the same mistakes they did.  Actually, I think my original point (and quite possibly one of the points of the preacher) was that God can use anybody or anything for His glory.  Granted, if we would live Godly lives He could do a lot more, but He can work with and around our shortcomings and failures.


There was someone else I was going to respond to, but I have forgotten who/what it was.  Sorry.


Oh yea, Soni.  Basically, Bernard and I charge them a flat "sitting" fee.   Then, we do what ever processing is necessary (and with me that is usually a lot :/) then upload them to adorama or something and have 4x6s made as "proofs."  I put those in an album, number them, and let them order what they want.  I then order the prints from whoever made the proofs.  At least, that is our plan.  As this is just the second wedding I have done, Im still ironing out some rough spots.  Also, I don't know that this is the most profitable path.  We just do it as a hobby, so your objectives may be different.

Thanks Pat!!!! The shot of the little girl with the camera is my favorite also.  That is just a few of many photos from that wedding.  I don't even have the time right now to think about uploading anymore.  It will have to wait until next week.

Thanks Karma! I will pm you with more questions.

Janet you devotional is so timely. We have been discussing those very things in our Sunday School class. One thing the teacher keeps saying is the definition of  rejoice is "to make merry like a festival". If you were to walk into our church you wouldn't think it to be Pentecostal except for a few people like me who praise and worship the Pentecostal way.

I don't care what they may think I am enjoying praising the Lord, Even a little dancing at my place way in the back of the auditorium by the door. The worship pastor has ask me to come to the front to worship and praise. I have a couple of times but others do not take the hint. Of course his wife and I are a bit more demonstrative the everyone else.

Most of the people in our congregation have come from other denominations and  act like they are afraid to let go and relly enjoy praising the Lord. The Bible tells us to shout with joy to rejoice and keep rejoicing. Like you said lets start praising  the way GOD wants us to.


I am going to the doctor this morning to get something for  this cold and cough. I have heard from others that it is something going around that will only leave with medication. Got things to donow so I will be back later.

June 7 - Be Ye Holy

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"It is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy" (I Peter 1:16).

A great deal of commentary can be found on the subject of holiness, but how often do we go directly to the Scriptures and examine its straightforward teaching on this topic? The pursuit of holiness should be a priority because the Bible unmistakably teaches that God commands it! Moreover, it is a reasonable and attainable directive, not merely an esoteric topic to be pondered among erudite scholars.

Before we can obey this command, we must first understand its meaning. In the New Testament, the word "holy" is most frequently derived from the Greek words, hagios and hagnos, which denotes someone who is physically pure and morally blameless. In other words, God desires that we strive to be pure and blameless saints, "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification" (I Thessalonians 4:3).

Holiness may seem like an impossible goal for fallen sinners, and it is, "but with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26). Paul explained this when he encouraged Timothy to "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (II Timothy 2:1). Timothy was not urged to rely on his own strength, but to recognize that he could "do all things through Christ" (Philippians 4:13) who was the source of his strength.

The Scriptures are unquestionably clear that we are to "walk as children of light" (Ephesians 5:8 ), "For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness" (I Thes-salonians 4:7).

However, it is futile to attempt to attain holiness without depending on God's sufficient grace and the "power of His might" (Ephesians 6:10). "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God" (Luke 18:27), so as we rely on His grace, "let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (II Corinthians 7:1). MDR

Hey Marilyn, guess I am a bapticostical.  hehehe.  I don't dance as praise, not because I think it is "wrong," but because I simply have no rhythm.  But I agree with you, there are some people that just need to let loose.  I also fully recognize that for some, true praise and worship can take place while they are sitting quietly in the pew.  the only problem I have are people that insist only one way is the right way (to worship, not to Heaven )

It's library day.  So, if I can get us ready, we'll go. And then, I positively, absolutely must get my house straightened up today.  right, nards?

Lobstetta, hope your burn is doing better today. I would send a hug, but I dion't want ot hurt you!

Karma ~ Yeah, I don't know what version of the Bible the teen minister was using but mine also mentions in the ancesters of Jesus Tamar, Ruth and Rahab.  I don't remember it mentioning Bathsheba but my memory fails me quite often these days...well, most days.  But just like why did God send two spies to Rahab's home?  God new Rahab was a prostitute but he also knew she had the desire to change so He used the two spies to use Rahab for His purpose...to be an ancestor of Jesus.

Today I am going to the southside of Indy to meet and have lunch with a couple of SrNetters....Joan L and Whimzy.  Later I plan to get some groceries in unless the storms are here that are being predicted.  I heard earlier that the interstate is closed because of a terrible accident so I have to change my route...an advantage of living in Indiana...several ways to go to get to where you are going. 

I have already had little visiters this morning....Lydia and Lexie.  Ivalou went to a grandson's baseball game last night and brought g-granddaughter Lexie back to play with Lydia.  Lydia is 6...Lexie is 6 months younger to the day.  I took there pictures so I hope to post them later.  I have forgot about picture taking.  Need to do more of that. 

Gotta go! 

Hi everyone.  I have had a busy morning as after coffee at the Cafe I took Pat to an appointment, then we stopped and transferred the tag to our daughter's new car and then went to the grocery store.  That pretty well took care of the morning.  It is getting very warm here today, although it says only 78 degrees but the humidity is high.

I heard yesterday from the heart transplant coordinator that the doctors in Birmingham have rejected me as a potential candidate due to the prostate cancer.  I would need to be free of cancer for at least 5 years and by that time I will be too old to be considered a candidate.  I am a bit disappointed as I felt that offered me a potential option that I will no longer have.  They recommeneded a ventricular assist device that inplants a device into the chest with a battery connection that you wear around the waist.  It is used to keep people awaiting transplants alive or to extend life in some instances.  I am certainly not at that stage of the heart disease.  So I will praise God for each and every day I have in my future and am certainly not going to get depressed about this. 

Pat, I didn't realize you were planning to be away.  If you have a dialup internet service available to you it is very easy to setup the account on your laptop.  I am glad you are going to be able to go away for awhile and just hope you are not suffering while you are gone.  We would certainly miss you being away that long as you are the glue that holds this all together.

Marilyn, I don't mean to be critical but I would hate to think I was even capable of wiping off the kitchen counter if my wife isn't up to doing that or knowing when food needed to be thrown out.  If your pastor doesn't know how to do some of these things he certainly could learn.  We all do things we may not really want to do but need to do it rather than depend on someone else. 

Alma, it sounds like your schedule is really full.  That is a big yard to maintain.

Etta Sue, hope you have a very nice time with your SeniorNet friends.  I know those events are always very special.

Ruth Ann, do hope you will be able to enjoy your week off.  Maybe that will give you a chance to get a little stronger with some more rest.

Janet, thanks for the devotional thoughts for today.

Karmat, that sounds like quite a process with your wedding photos.  Enjoyed your posting about the women of the Bible.  I can't answer your question but perhaps Al will be able to shed some light.

Time for lunch and then a little rest.  Hope everyone has a good day.

Hi, friends,

I just got in from the doctor's office. Thankfully, my weight loss is now 30 lbs. (I started to say "and climbing" - but I reckon that's not good English if you're going DOWN not up!!!

I've coughed so much I'm almost afraid to drive to the camp grounds today - I may need to check on the pollen count before doing so, because our gathering place is a huge "pavilion" with a vented roof and ceiling fans, but no side walls. That could cause the allergies to kick in BIG TIME.

Y'all have a good day.

Ruth Ann

Hi peeps!

Ohhh, I've been so busy running around and trying to get things done before I go away.  It may be next week on Wed. or Thurs that I leave and I'll be gone for at least 3 weeks.  Ohhh, will miss all of you so much.


I was out trying to get the lawn cut today but only did a bit of it as it's so hot.  I've just come in to get cooled off by my fan and I'm drinking lots of ice water.


Larry, I'm so sorry.  This is not good news but our Lord and Saviour knows all about this and His ways are perfect and I know you know this too.  So happy to read your feelings on this.  Love you and Pat so much, Larry.

I'm off to cut a few more blades of grass...

Larry, I don't have dialup.  I have cable.  So this is beyond me.  I don't feel like getting involved with AOL.

Larry, I was going to say my heart went out to you, but then I realized that might not be appropriate.  <little grin>  Really, though, we will definitely be praying for you and your health.  I know you are a disappointed, and I am disappointed for you, but God created your ticker, and He knew the path your body would be going, so He must have a reason for it all.

Pat, I miss you already. 

(But, boy, are we gonna have fun here and at PC, or what??)

I read the morning posts and find it refreshing to learn about how other Christians worship the Lord.  Like Karmat, I am a somewhat subdued Baptist, who has learned that there is more that one way to worship.  Our personalities do not all fit in the same box......

So many Churches are destroyed by the unforgiving and narrow natures of many Christians.  So many lives are also destroyed and faith trampled into the ground.  I can't even begin to count the number of times that mine has nearly been destroyed by the 'mean spirited saints' who fill the seats in church.  Hopefully that has made this person more aware of the meaning to be found in:

1 Corinthians 16:14      "Let all that you do be done with love."


How can a Christian take offense from reading what the scriptures say?  We may not embrace and practise them in the same way.....but take offense....??

Marilyn, I love reading your posts and am blessed by your words and prayers.  So I am going to pray that you will continue to pass that joy along to all of us who come here to read and post.

Pleasant evening to all and God Bless.

Liz

I've had such a busy day.   Tried cutting the lawn but had to keep coming in for ice water...it was soooo hot.

I'll finish it tomorrow.  I went to go shopping and I was actually quite chilling in the supermarket and came out and started sweating profusely!

Wow!

I'll be back in a moment to do the NEM...

Time to start a new day...  CLICK HERE