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Morning Devotional...


Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O Lord.
Psalm 130:1

There are times in life when we need to learn to pray "out of the depths."

Jonah prayed from the fish's belly in the depths of the sea, and God heard him and answered.

Paul and Silas prayed from the depths of the prison and the Lord answered with an earthquake.

There is no circumstance so bad that you cannot pray and seek help from the Lord. You don't need an appointment, and there is no test to take. You don't have to pay for the visit.

Just start praying!
                                                                     --Carl Knott

Wow!  First after midnight!!!!  Well, for me anyway.  

Woooooo EEEEEEEEEEEEE!  Papa John!!!!!! That is the bestest news I have heard for a long time.  I know going home will be the best medicine since you left home!!!

Yes, Judy!  Our sermon was the same.  For the next 5-6 weeks they will be on 'The Purpose Driven Life'.  Then, I believe, November 2, we are having a party at church.  I know I have only read two days but I really like the way Rick Warren writes.  During the simulcast and the room was full of 800-1000 people, Rick asked how many were parents?  Several people raised their hands, then realized he couldn't see us....he was on TV!  That shows how great a speaker he is.  

I think the big part of my backside is stuck in this chair.  I have been doing PSP lessons today.  I have 6 done but gave up on one of them.  I was getting madder and madder.  I love challenges but this one got me!  I gave up!  

Hey, since it is after midnight, I can put my quote on now!

?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`
"You should enjoy today while it's here, because someday today will be a long time ago."

Goedemorgen allemaal / Good morning all  9.50AM

Pat thank you for the devotional this morning

Papa John what a good news you are coming home
God Bless you

Now Thanksgiving day is Over ?
But Ruthie you have say the right words.
I say we must everyday be thankfull for all what we have.

We have a new sunny day in Holland but early in the morning and the evenings and nights are cold.

My son his first day on his work was good. He has had
no pain on his ankle and foot also one thing to be
thankfull.

  Christian, when your way seems darkest,
   When your eyes with tears are dim,
    Straight to God your Father hastening,
     Tell your troubles all to Him.
                                                       Anon

I wish you all a sunny good day
Bye for now
Lots of Love RIA :)
                           

Hello Again CP's :) :)

For come reason, my computer at home would not let me in here at all last night.  I had such a busy weekend that I just couldn't get around to posting...family dinner for the grandson who is going to join the infantry in the Army :'( :'( in November.  He will have basic training in Fort Benning, GA.  This is a sad time for me because of the situation in Iraq..but I did ask him to pray about it before he made up his mind. (whether he did or not is between him & the Lord)

Pat, I hope your Thanksgiving day was special for you.

Etta Sue I am studying the Rick Warren book/journal by myself and maybe I can get some ideas from you as you study.  Continue to share.

Ria I will have to go back and see what has happened Sun and yesterday. Did you get a  report from the Doctor?    You are in my prayers

I just read from this AM posting that Papa John is going home  :) :)  Well, let's just "Praise The LORD!"

and toal the others...a blessed day.  I hope to be back and catch up on what's been going on.

What a Red Letter Day--Papa John is coming home--Praise be to God for his healing powers

Etta Sue, Judy and Kathy--Several months ago I got Rich Warren's book "The Purpose Driven Life" from the library on the recommendation of a good friend.  I liked it so much that I ordered a copy for both my wife and myself and have now read through it twice.  I decided to put it on the shelf for a few weeks and then will reread it again over the 40 day period.  I found it complemented the daily devotional readings so well and that Rev. Warren gets his points across so well.  Our church has had at least two different time of study of the book, including a current class and they are going on to study "The Purpose Driven Church" as well.

Pat, the devotional certainly points out that prayer is always available to us anyplace and anytime.  The writer said a lot in a few words.

Marilyn, glad to read you are getting your car window fixed and it appears that the Lord is looking after you and providing what you need again in a wonderful way.

Janet, glad to hear that your tile work is progressing so nicely and hope your hands stop hurting quickly.  Glad Curtis got your computer fixed and that it is running faster.  

I will be gone most of the day today as have to leave right after coffee this morning to take Pat for a medical test and then have Calvin Cove this afternoon.  

Sarah, hope your chemistry test turned out well.  I sounds like you are putting foth your best efforts.  Parents always want their children to do their best.

See you all later.

It was the custom for the eldest son to be granted two thirds of the estate left to the family. He received double what the others sons did. I doubt if Elisha could have asked for a better inheritance. I heard a sermon preached on this text almost twenty years ago and I have prayed that same prayer ever since.

'Lord, grant me a double portion of thy spirit.'

I want all that the Lord is willing to give me! I want my family saved. I want health and strength of body and mind and the ability to earn an honest living for my family. I want revival to come to our land once more. I want to shine for my Saviour for the short time that remains.

I ask daily for these things. It is not all that I ask for, however this has been the core of my prayers since first I met the Lord.

Am I being greedy? Perhaps I am, but I seek neither wealth nor worldly gain. What I do seek and ask for is more of a personal communion and walk with the Good Master.

The further I go on in this life the more desperate I am for this Friendship to grow and be all consuming. He has proved to be so dependable, so reliable, so loving and caring that He is all that a Christian could ever wish for in this life.

If we experience 'moments' when the power of His blessed Spirit is upon us then surely it is our desire to ask for more? Others cried, 'evermore Lord give us this bread!'

The Lord truly delights in giving and that is the nature of love. It seeks not her own but delights in the object. It is the Lord's way to give. Should His children be any different?

We reel and stagger daily like one drunk. Often we feel as though we have reached our wit's end. Those upon whom we relied have let us down and disappointed us. Friends have failed us. Once again we feel the hurt deep within our souls. We faint.

The Lord however, remains faithful when all others let us down and forsake us. There is no need for us ever to feel lonely and if we do then the fault is ours and not the Lord's.

If I have learned anything through various trials is it that each one involved a separation. It is not a pleasant thing to be separated from those with whom we have become dependant, but the Lord wants us to lean more on Him than on anyone else.

He does not want us to feel isolated or lonely, rather He is more than willing to fill any such void we may feel in our lives.

No doubt that Elisha felt in awe of his mentor and perhaps was fearful of the challenges that lay ahead. I believe he made the perfect request in seeking a double portion of his spirit. If the spiritual state of Scotland or any other place is at a low ebb at present then surely what is required is men and women who are filled with the Holy Spirit. Ask and you shall receive.

The gift has been purchased with blood and the Lord will withhold no good thing from those that walk uprightly.

If we are to make a difference or an impact in our daily lives then we need to be infused with resurrected power. We must possess the dynamic of the Spirit that will replace fear with confidence, unbelief with faith, hatred with love and turmoil with peace. We need to be different!

Let us be bold today in our request and let us ask God for a double portion of His Spirit. A warning must be attached to this post. Do not expect the Lord to give you such a gift in order for you to keep it under wraps! Fret not my brother or sister, allow the Lord to use us as He sees fit.

Let us be greedy for God today. Let your light so shine before men that they will know that you have been with Jesus. The Lord shall light my candle so that it shall shine full bright.

LOL

Your brother in Christ

Iain

Iain!  Wonderful to see you!  How are you doing?  Missed you around here for a while.  So glad you're back!

Pat-how was your turkey dinner yesterday?  Did you go to your family?  

Kathy, sorry to hear about your nephew.  What a decision to make!  It must be hard on the family as well.  We will be praying for you, and for him.

Well, we had a wonderful thanksgiving this weekend.  My fiancee's family went to New Brunswick, but he and his dad remained here.  So we had them over for the turkey dinner Sunday.  Then yesterday, we went for a nature hike, a place called Kelso, Pat I'm sure you've heard of it.  We went crawling through dark, damp underground caves, got all muddy and scratched up.  But it was so much fun.

Anyway, now we're going to have to get back into the swing of things, with the kids schooling and everything.  I hope all you Canadians had a wonderful thanksgiving, remembering, of course, the most Precious thing we have to be thankful for.  And I hope that the Americans, and international brothers and sisters have equally as blessed a thanksgiving.  God be with you all.  Jen.

Iain thank you for your words very good

Katthy on this moment our own doctor has not
get a letter from the hospital i must wait.
And Kathy i am praying for your grandson that he has
to Iraq
also Jane i am praying for your grandsons the one in
Iraq and the who must go to Iraq.

I wish you all a good afternoon and evening

Love Ria

Hello everybody :)

Good morning dear people.

Oh, Iain....your message is like an early morning visit with the Holy Spirit.  I know God desires us to hunger, ask, always wanting our intimate relationship with His Son to be above all else.  It's so easy to be about our daily life, being a good person, secure in our salvation, and still be so far from our First Love.  And as I was reading what you had written, I had to agree, that when you start praying this way, and God grants your aching desire, He truly does separate you from whatever you lean on without Him.  

  I want to confess here that my heart has not been in this place of longing for some time.  There were many things that happened in my life, and somewhere I hardened my heart some.
I know that I can't harden my heart in any area, not even one, without losing the intimacy with the Master.  You can get so far away that you forget what that sweet togetherness is and don't recognize how far away you really are.  Lord, please forgive me.

Your words, Iain, have  touched my heart so much because they are reminding me of where I was, reminding me that the things that happened truly were from God, and the Holy Spirit is causing the pain I feel, as I relate to your messages. I want my heart to be overflowing with Love, I want to be so overwhelmed with His touch that I am forever unable to function without His daily felt Presence.

 I want the hunger God is causing you to write about.  You are stirring that in me again.  I'm sitting here crying again.  Yes, Lord.  Yes, Lord.  I need You.  I need to feel your heart beat. I need to feel Your Presence.  I can't go on like this.....I feel so empty.  Lord, touch our hearts again.  Master, refresh us with Your Touch.  We are needy.  I am needy.  I need YOU!

  Iain's words might not say the same thing to anyone else.  God is reminding me of so many things, and reminding me of where our relationship was, and where it is now.  He's also letting me know that it's not selfish to pray for His Presence every day.  I just don't do well at all without Him. :)  Some people are so strong, but I need His touch every single day.  I've been the one to walk away.  Not Him.  And I'm the one who feels like a lamb in a strange pasture.   :-\  I don't want to come near to my Beloved just doing the right things, but with a heart newly on fire for Him.

Hi there, NARDS.  You came in while I was editing my post. :)

You are pretty new here, so I haven't met you yet.  Welcome, and I hope you like this place as well as I do.  There are so many neat Christians here; you can just be yourself.  You can see that from my last post. HAHA   I would never say that on any other place on the internet.  This is a truly safe place with honest believers who love each other.

Having said all that:  Maybe you already know most people here, and just made it to CP. :) :)  Welcome, anyway.

(https://www.christianphotographers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sonifopictures.com%2Fhiya.gif&hash=63393e207dab9383536c6c3392b930dfdcd08ef6) fellow cp'ers!

It is good to here that Papa John will be coming home from the (https://www.christianphotographers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sonifopictures.com%2Fhospitalbed.gif&hash=3aabdddbd4515b497086313a3f640118caffaa1a)  Thank you God for answering our (https://www.christianphotographers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sonifopictures.com%2Fpray.gif&hash=7ba55223d136464505de2cb115188e682d092616)
A little (https://www.christianphotographers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sonifopictures.com%2Fcheerleader.gif&hash=6dd8b2744588a6c0cc5ce48b9c5b619a55173c22) for God!

I didn't teach yesterday so I have double the work to do today.  It was well worth it though. I got to know a friend a bit better while I was ditching. (https://www.christianphotographers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sonifopictures.com%2Ffunnyhat.gif&hash=d2430e4454a5a3061a7fb96b1bc2cca901f4d3de)

The kids at our church have started up a christian (https://www.christianphotographers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sonifopictures.com%2Fband1.gif&hash=559e39735ba93d9e3d150c3f1db1252ad0239522) I think it is a big step for the kids in our church.  
Troy plays the quitar and Zachery plays both guitar and violin.  

Great posts today.

I have to get going with my new website, so I will talk to you all later.
(https://www.christianphotographers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sonifopictures.com%2Fhaveaniceday1.gif&hash=001f8163910dd6a09a872976cbd330a06ba16540) Sonja

Good Morning everyone. Thanks Pat for the devotionl on prayer. Iain you devotional of prayer really hits home and the two devotionals blend so well together.

I have often prayed for the double portion. Maybe in ways familiar to all or maybe different, I have prayed for a double  portion of His love at the dark times. A double portion prosperity in the bleak periods. A double portion of closeness to Him. Etc. Recently I have been praying to hear His voice.

I am going to work a little earlier today than usual, as I have to take some large quilts to the laundromat for Bea and take her shopping, before going to  see about the car window at 1 pm. So I had better get myself ready.

TTYL

Great devotionals this morning.  I, like Nita, am sitting here with tears running down my face.  Why do we just keep going on our merry way, paying lip service to our Lord, but with our hearts seeking other things. :'(  Forgive me, Lord.

My heart is so heavy this morning.  Those we love can hurt us as no other can, and I have received a very, very hurtful email from a family member for whom I have been praying desperately for some months now.  I pray I can still be an influence for good in this young man's life, and that some of the seeds I sow will bear fruit.  I do not want anyone to go to hell, and so much more that applies to our family members we love.  So I will continue to pray for him, that everywhere he turns, there will be Christians to minister life to him, that he will see the error of the path he has chosen and turn to God.

I'm sorry to "dump" on you today.  Prayers appreciated.  I love each of you, my dear brothers and sisters...........

I just read this again and wanted to share it with you.

VOICE OF COMPASSION

I heard a story about Fiorello LaGuardia who was mayor of New York
City during the worst days of the Great Depression and all of WWII. He
was adored by many New Yorkers who took to calling him the "Little
Flower," because of his name and the fact that he was so short and
always wore a carnation in his lapel.

He was a colorful character -- he rode the New York City fire trucks,
raided city "speakeasies" with the police department, took entire
orphanages to baseball games and, when the New York newspapers went on
strike, he got on the radio and read the Sunday funnies to the kids.

One bitterly cold night in January of 1935, the mayor turned up at a
night court that served the poorest ward of the city. LaGuardia
dismissed the judge for the evening and took over the bench himself.
Within a few minutes, a tattered old woman was brought before him,
charged with stealing a loaf of bread. She told LaGuardia that her
daughter's husband had deserted her, her daughter was sick, and her
two grandchildren were starving.

But the shopkeeper, from whom the bread was stolen, refused to drop
the charges. "It's a real bad neighborhood, Your Honor," the man told
the mayor. "She's got to be punished to teach other people around here
a lesson."

LaGuardia sighed. He turned to the woman and said, "I've got to punish
you. The law makes no exceptions. Ten dollars or ten days in jail."
But even as he pronounced sentence, the mayor was already reaching
into his pocket. He extracted a bill and tossed it into his famous
hat, saying, "Here is the ten dollar fine which I now remit; and
furthermore, I am going to fine everyone in this courtroom fifty cents
for living in a town where a person has to steal bread so that her
grandchildren can eat. Mr. Bailiff, collect the fines and give them to
the defendant."

The following day, New York City newspapers reported that $47.50 was
turned over to a bewildered woman who had stolen a loaf of bread to
feed her starving grandchildren. Fifty cents of that amount was
contributed by the grocery store owner himself, while some seventy
petty criminals, people with traffic violations, and New York City
policemen, each of whom had just paid fifty cents for the privilege of
doing so, gave the mayor a standing ovation.

Someone beautifully said, "Sympathy sees and says, 'I'm sorry.'
Compassion sees and says, 'I'll help.'" When we learn the difference,
we can make a difference.
__________

This reading is found in Steve Goodier's popular book
   A LIFE THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
       60-second readings that truly matter

Good Morning!  It's good to see you all: Pat, Etta Sue, Ria, Kathy, Larry, Iain, Jen, Nards, Nita (!!)  ;D Sonja,  Marilyn and Janet.   :D

Right now I am looking out the window and see three deer roaming across my yard!  They come 'most every day, I suppose, but my glads are gone and the roses are where they can't get to them, so I guess they're just checking the lay of the land for "next time" ...

I have been here every day, I usually slip in and leave again without disturbing any of you.  I have been in a quiet place lately.  Just nothing much to say or add to what everyone else is saying.  I love you all, though, and consider you family.  I don't know why I get this way from time to time.  Maybe Nita can understand.   ???  

Nita and I had a great visit with AL and MARBETH MOAK yesterday.  That was good.   :D We had coffee and chat for a couple hours, and then prayer before they needed to get on their way.  

KATHY~I understand, perfectly, your feelings about your grandson.  My youngest grandson took basic training at Fort Benning, GA this year as well.  He graduated August 1, and is now stationed at Fort Lewis, WA and scheduled to go to Iraq next month.  He is only 17 years old and pretty apprehensive about this deployment.  His mother is in Mexico and unable to communicate regularly with him.  I think they hooked up for one phone call a couple weeks ago and that's been it!   :(
This is not easy on us grandmas, is it?

One thing I do know, and have reminded my daughter and grandson, God has had His hand upon Bryan since his birth (even before). All that he has experienced and that has effected his life has been training for this moment.  God wouldn't bring him this far to leave him now.  I KNOW Bryan is in the hollow of His hand and He will continue to keep and guide him.  

NITA~I so relate to all that you are saying (writing) this morning.  You say it so much better than I ever could, though.  All I want is a closer, ever closer, walk with the Lord.  I want to be so totally empty of self that nothing in my life is "me" but only Jesus.  Any effort on my part to do or be anything is just that ... effort on my part!  I only want to be "restfully available" and relaxed into His loving Presence.  I'm not greedy...I just want ALL of Him!

Y'all have a good day and I'll be around ...

(https://www.christianphotographers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhome.thirdage.com%2FFamily%2Ffren2him%2Fjanequil.gif&hash=1cff0b4fb8fb70b6a3977e0a701fe2038b9eecd6)

Good morning again!  Short night for me.  

Sonja ~ What a happy post!  I love all your smilies.  I wish I could hear Troy and Zachary in their band.  That is great!

Larry ~ I think that everyone should purchase 'The Purpose Driven Life'.  When we are done reading it we will know what on earth are we here for!!!  I can find myself on every page so far!  I am happy to know that there are others on this site that is reading/has read this book.  We all read one book in common....now many of us, a second book in common.

Kathy ~ Did you see the simulcast?  Rick Warren is a great speaker.  It was an hour and a half long but no one left the auditorium.  Well, one lady across the aisle about went to sleep but she perked up near the end.   ::)

Nita ~ As I was reading your post, I was thinking...Nita, needs to read 'The Purpose Driven Life' also.  It is my opinion that everyone would benefit from this book!!!

Janet ~ Don't be too hard on yourself.  Our purpose in life is to bring others to Christ.  We get hurt but God knows the reason you are suffering is because you love Him.  I just read your story on the New York City mayor.  If only we all had that compassion for fellowman!

Today is rainy in Indiana.  I want to go to Lapel to the library and get my flu shot this afternoon.  Then Jerry and I are to go to our small group meeting at 7PM.  I am really looking forward to this meeting!

Good morning, Jane.  You sneaked in while I was composing.  Ha....I had a typo....I typed composting~~Well, maybe that, too!!!  8) 8)

I received this in an email today.  It isn't inspirational unless you don't like change.  Everyday is different but this tells how we have changed.  Now some of you will not know much of what was in the past....Some of us experienced the past!!   :o

---

Down Memory Lane

A little house with three bedrooms
and one car on the street,
A mower that you had to push
to make the grass look neat.

In the kitchen on the wall
we only had one phone,
And no need for recording things,
someone was always home.

We only had a living room
where we would congregate,
Unless it was at mealtime
in the kitchen where we ate.

We had no need for family rooms
or extra rooms to dine,
When meeting as a family
those two rooms would work out fine.

We only had one TV set,
and channels maybe two,
But always there was one of them
with something worth the view.

For snacks we had potato chips
that tasted like a chip,
And if you wanted flavor
there was Lipton's® onion dip.

Store-bought snacks were rare
because my mother liked to cook,
And nothing can compare
to snacks in Betty Crocker's® book.

The snacks were even healthy
with the best ingredients,
No labels with a hundred things
that make not a bit of sense.

Weekends were for family trips
or staying home to play,
We all did things together --
even go to church to pray.

When we did our weekend trips
depending on the weather,
No one stayed at home because
we liked to be together.

Sometimes we would separate
to do things on our own,
But we knew where the others were
without our own cell phone.

Then there were the movies
with your favorite movie star,
And nothing can compare to
watching movies in your car.

Then there were the picnics
at the peak of summer season,
Pack a lunch and find some trees
and never need a reason.

Get a baseball game together
with all the friends you know,
Have real action playing ball --
and no game video.

Remember when the doctor used
to be the family friend,
And didn't need insurance
or a lawyer to defend?

The way that he took care of you
or what he had to do,
Because he took an oath
and strived to do the best for you.

Remember going to the store
and shopping casually,
And when you went to pay for it
you used your own money?

Nothing that you had to swipe
or punch in some amount,
Remember when the cashier person
had to really count?

Remember when we breathed the air;
it smelled so fresh and clean,
And chemicals were not used
on the grass to keep it green.

The milkman and the bread man
used to go from door to door,
And it was just a few cents more
than going to the store.

There was a time when mailed letters
came right to your door,
Without a lot of junk mail ads
sent out by every store.

The mailman knew each house by name
and knew where it was sent;
There were not loads of mail
addressed to "present occupant."

Remember when the words "I do"
meant that you really did,
And not just temporarily
'til someone blows their lid.

T'was no such thing as "no one's fault;
we just made a mistake,"
There was a time when married life
was built on give and take.

There was a time when just one glance
was all that it would take,
And you would know the kind of car,
the model and the make.

They didn't look like turtles
trying to squeeze out every mile;
They were streamlined with white walls & fins,
and really had some style.

One time the music that you played
whenever you would jive,
Was from a vinyl, big-holed record
called a forty-five.

The record player had a post
to keep them all in line,
And then the records would drop down
and play one at a time.

Oh sure, we had our problems then,
just like we do today,
And always we were striving,
trying for a better way.

And every year that passed us by
brought new and greater things,
We now can even program phones
with music or with rings.

Oh, the simple life we lived
still seems like so much fun,
How can you explain a game,
just kick the can and run?

And why would boys put baseball cards
between bicycle spokes,
And for a nickel red machines
had little bottled Cokes?

This life seemed so much easier
and slower in some ways,
I love the new technology
but I sure miss those days.

So time moves on and so do we,
and nothing stays the same,
But I sure love to reminisce
and walk down memory lane.

Good morning, all! Pat and Iain, thank you for the wonderful devotionals; they went so well together! Kathy, Etta Sue and Judy; I'm in a ladies Bible study at my church, and we are studying "the Purpose Driven Life" too; it is really inspiring, isn't it? I'd like to apologize in advance for not being here much the next several days; we are going to a wedding out of town, but my vision has acted up again, and all the posts are very blurry; I'm sure it is nothing like before, but it takes time to clear up. I won't be seeing the doctor until next week. Gary will be reading the posts to me, but I won't be online much; it is just too difficult. I will be back to posting agian as soon as I can. I love all of you; thank you for being here!
Love in Him,
Cami

Quote from: Nita on October 14, 2003, 09:23:20 AM
 I don't want to come near to my Beloved just doing the right things, but with a heart newly on fire for Him.

Like Nita, I have been missing Iain.  I want to thank Iain for his devotional this morning.  And I want to second the words Nita spoke about wanting a fresh fire for the Lord - not through works, but through a heart of flesh, tender, listening for Him, our Beloved.

Etta Sue, I enjoyed the walk down Memory lane.  Do you know who wrote that poem?   I also liked the "Voice of compassion"

I received two "gooduns" yesterday from a dear internet buddy.  I purposed in my mind to share at least one with you all today.  Hope you don't mind...

KISSED AND TUCKED IN  
    A young man cowered in the corner of a dirty,  roach infested death row cell in a South Carolina prison.  His body curled in a fetal position, he seemed oblivious to the filth and stench around him.  His name was Rusty; He was sentenced to die for the murder of a Myrtle Beach woman in a crime spree that left four people dead.  Police arrested twenty-three old Rusty Welborn from Point Pleasant, West Virginia in 1979, following one of the most brutal slayings in South Carolina history.  Rusty was tried for murder and received the death penalty for his crime.  
   Bob McAlister, a deputy chief of staff to South Carolina's governor, became acquainted with Rusty on death row.  Bob had become a Christian a year or so earlier and felt a strong call from God to minister to the state's inmates, especially those spending their last days on death row.
Bob's first look at Rusty revealed a pitiful sight.  Rusty was lying on the floor when he arrived, a pathetic picture of a man who believed he mattered to no one.  The only signs of life in the cell were the roaches, which scurried over everything, including Rusty himself.  He stared blankly at Bob as he began to talk, but did not respond.
        During visit after visit, Bob tried to reach Rusty,  telling him of the Love that Jesus had for him and of his opportunity,  even on death row, to start a new life in Christ.  He talked and prayed continuously, and finally Rusty began to respond to the stranger  who kept invading his cell.  
   Little by little, he opened up, until one day he began to weep as Bob was sharing with him.  On that day, Rusty Welborn, a pitiful man with murder and darkness behind him and his own death closing in ahead of him, gave his heart to Jesus Christ.
     When Bob returned to Rusty's cell a few days later, he found a new man. The cell was clean and so was Rusty.  He had renewed energy and a positive outlook on life.  McAllister continued to visit him regularly, studying the Bible and praying with him.  The two men became close friends over the next five years, in fact McAlister said that Rusty grew into the son he never had, And as for Rusty, he had taken to calling McAlister "Pap."
      Bob learned that Rusty's childhood in West Virginia had been anything but "almost heaven."  His family was destitute, and Rusty was neglected and abused as a youngster.  School was an ordeal both for him and for his teachers.  Throughout his junior high years he wore the same two pair of pants and two ragged shirts. Out of shame, frustration, and a lack of adult guidance, Rusty quit school in his ninth grade year, a decision that was to be just the beginning of his troubles.  His teenage years were full of turmoil as he was kicked out of his home many times and ran away countless others.  He spent the better part of his youth living under bridges and in public rest rooms.
   Bob taught Rusty the Bible, but Rusty was the teacher when it came to Love and Forgiveness.  This young man who had never known real Love was amazed and thrilled about the Love of God.  He never ceased to be surprised that other people could actually love someone like him through Jesus Christ.  Rusty's childhood enthusiasm was a breath of fresh air to Bob, who came to realize how much he had taken for granted, especially with regard to the Love of his family and friends.
   Rusty became extremely bothered by the devastating pain he had caused the family and friends of his victim.  Knowing that God had forgiven him, he desperately wanted the forgiveness of those he had wronged.  Then a most significant thing happened:  the brother of the woman Rusty had murdered became a Christian.  God had dealt with him for two years about his need to forgive his sister's killer.   Finally, he wrote Rusty a letter that offered not only forgiveness but also Love in Christ.
   Not long before his scheduled execution, this brother and his wife came to visit Rusty.  Bob was present when the two men met and tearfully embraced like long-lost brothers finally reunited.  Rusty's senseless crime ten years earlier had constructed an enormous barrier between himself and the brother. The Love of Christ obliterated that barrier and enabled both men to realize that, because of Him, they truly were brothers reunited on that day.  It was a lesson Bob would not forget.
     Not only did Rusty teach Bob McAlister how to Love and Forgive; he also taught him a powerful lesson about how to die.  As the appointed day approached, Rusty exhibited calm and assurance like Bob had never seen.  
On his final day, with only hours remaining before his 1:00 A.M. execution, Rusty asked McAlister to read to him from the Bible.  After an hour or so of listening,     Rusty sat up on the side of his cot and said," You know the only thing I ever wanted was a home, Pap.  Now I'm going to get one."  Bob continued his reading, and after a few minutes Rusty grew still, very still.  Thinking he had fallen asleep, Bob placed a blanket over him and closed the Bible.  As he turned to leave he felt a strong compulsion to lean and kiss Rusty on the forehead.  A short time later, Rusty Welborn was executed for murder.  A woman assisting Rusty in his last moments shared this postscript to his story:  

As he was being prepared for his death, Rusty looked at her and said.   "What a shame that a man's gotta wait till his last night alive to be kissed and tucked in for the very first time."
   Does it seem almost unbelievable to you that a convicted killer,  a man who had brutally murdered an innocent woman  with little or no thought for consequences,  
would mourn the fact that  
As a child
No one kissed him;  
No one tucked him in?  
That is a Tragedy
 
This true story was copied from a book  
"From Bad Beginnings to Happy Endings."  
This was a book that Billy Graham sent out to all that asked for a copy.  

Quote from: Nita on October 14, 2003, 09:37:49 AM
Hi there, NARDS.  You came in while I was editing my post. :)

You are pretty new here, so I haven't met you yet.  Welcome, and I hope you like this place as well as I do.  There are so many neat Christians here; you can just be yourself.  You can see that from my last post. HAHA   I would never say that on any other place on the internet.  This is a truly safe place with honest believers who love each other.

Having said all that:  Maybe you already know most people here, and just made it to CP. :) :)  Welcome, anyway.

Thanks a lot :)  I've actually been around CP for a long time now; Karmat is my wife and I'm sure you know her.  That's been a year or so, I think, maybe more.  We joined within days of each other, but I'm just never able to spend as much time here as she does.  CP was even hosted on our website for a short time once upon a time :)

You guys are all very special to us.  Thanks so much for all the Christian fellowship that happens here.  I'm delighted that this site is really about a bunch of Christians who happen to like photography rather than a bunch of photographers who happen to like Christianity.  The priorities are right, and I like that.

Thanks also to Iain for the great advice this morning.  I like that :)

Thanks for the devotional Pat & Iain.  Yes, it is so good that we can pray, anytime, anywhere.  What is also wonderful is that in our world, we don't have to pay.  Some people are paying a very high price for that privilege...

I loved your poem Etta Sue.  Will print it and send to friends...

Hi Ria, hope you have a good day.  Thanks for your poem.  I always love to read your posts.

Pat, did Amanda send off the pictures?  I hope they didn't get lost in space.

Sonja, my granddaughter loved your site and we both were thrilled with the picture of the windmill.  The colors are so lovely.  Your post this morning was a terrific way to bring smiles...

Hope Jenny is okay and I  now share in the cold misery.  Darn computers simply won't stop spreading the virus around!

Will check back later and hope you all have a good day.
Don't feel badly Janet...They only respond when your words are staying in the brain.  God Bless, Liz.

Pat.........

Thank you for your devotional this morning.  Prayer is indeed in order.  Not just for ourselves whether for just causes, or for what might be considered as well intended selfish reasons, but for others who's needs may well far exceed our own.  Iain touched on these as well.  For reasons only known to the Lord, the Kirkwood houshold has been confronted with another trial.  Last Friday I visited the animal shelter for the express purpose of finding a cat to replace Snickers (My little buddy of seven years).  I found one the ladies at the shelter believed to be the most docile of all the cats at the shelter.  Well, yesterday our Vet told us why she is so docile, so may have leukemia.  The blood test should be back in his office by now, and as soon as I get off the PC I'm going to call him.  We've asked our Lord to cure this precious little life if it is within His will.  We don't EXPECT Him to answer this prayer according to our desires, we simply pray He will.  We all know that God answers EVERY prayer we take to Him, though His answer may not be as we wish it to be.  If it isn't, then we must look to Him and understand that His wisdom and purposes are above ours, and only GOOD can, and will come from His answer.

Thanks for listening.

<color=green>  I want to thank you again from your many mamy prayers  I have been going through hundreds and hundreds of get weil cards with prayers.

I am now a cancer survivor and have aslo survived a seond heart opertion.  T thank God and PRAISE  HIM every day.  God bless you all.

Papa John

 ;D Papa John (((hug)))

I love you, I am SO happy you are home. It is my every prayer that you are well and home before I go on my trip soon. I know you need a much rest and I pray each day for both you and Ms Cornelia.  :-[

I have miss you for this time you are away. I am very happy to know your house in the heaven is far too big to be ready for you this week.  :oPerhaps you will need to stay with us for 80 more years, yes?  ;D

Janet My heart breaks for you.  I have been there sister, and I have news for you.  THERE IS LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL.  You just can't see the end of the tunnel yet but there is an end.  Leave your hurt and burden at the cross and leave it there.  Don't pick it up again.  You and this individual will get there trust God.

I love you sis.

Janet that is one really touching story.

Etta Sue Great poem.  I am copying it our and passing it on.

There are such a lot of great stories today.  

Papa John We are so Blessed to have you back.  I second what Meika has said that your home inheaven isn't ready for you yet! ! ! ;D  We all are glad for that.

Jane I understand I have been here many times and been silent.

Lee, :'(

Sonya can you put some of their music on CP for us to hear?  It is great to see kids worship God in music.

Well everyone I have to go and get supper ready.  I will be back tonight

Love Judy

WELCOME BACK PAPA JOHN!

What a delight to find a post from you!  Praise our Blessed Lord for His healing touch on you.

Papa John - Wonderful to see prayers answered. Take care dear brother and look after your dear wife. She has gone through her own 'surgery' lately.

Rest and enjoy the Lord's favour. You are both very much in my thoughts and prayers each day.

Your brother in Christ

Iain

Mr. Bernard!  Once you mentioned the name "Karma"....smart me......I figured it out.   ;D    

Janet, I hope your heart is feeling better now.  It's painful to feel the message of love is rebuffed, but you know, honey, that what appears on the outside isn't always the way it is.  In fact, sometimes the further the message goes into the heart, the louder the noice of rejection. :)   I pray what you have spoken, and the love you have shared, will stick like glue to this person's heart.   And you can just give it to Jesus, and know that it's really up to Him now.  It just hurts.  I understand.

Etta Sue I really liked that poem Memory Lane.  It's so true, and made me smile a lot.  I've copied it  to read again.  I guess I'd better take a look at The Purpose Driven Life?  

Pinkie, the story of Rusty was both beautiful and terrible sad.  Beautiful because he was given real life and eternal life, and sad because I can't stand to think of all the little Rustys out there now who have never been tucked in and kissed goodnight.

Lee.....I'm so sorry about the little cat.  We don't understand why, but God does.  Be sure and let us know what happened.  Bless his heart and yours.

 Jane and I had lunch at the senior center today.  It was nice.  We used to go there occasionally, but haven't gone in awhile.  For $3.50, you sure get a big lunch.  AND they say grace before.  I like that too. :)

 Tomorrow morning Kim, my daughter, and I are heading up to Portland for her eye(s)surgery.  We'll be gone for two days, so I'll let you know how it went when I get back.  I'm expecting the very best.

Papa John, do you think anyone is glad to see you back at CP???HAHA
Bless you, bless you, bless you.  So good to see your post.

Well Papa John, and Cornelia!
What can we say but--

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Good to see Papa JOhn posting!
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HEY ya'll
WEll schools out basketball practice is over (still doing good no injuries on the team yet this year) we want to make it a year without any injuries taking people out of the games! we can do it! well as you are all wondering i made a 93 on my chemistry test pulling my grade up to an 85 but that still won't be pleasing to my mother she wants it at at 90 or better  ??? that's hard to pull it up that much. i will hope to find the new pictures i got sunday from domenics baptism and our youth rally!
today i no longer have my headache but my nose is running (might need to have someone with energy go catch it for me) and i'm freezing! it's really cold here. means its October even though i don't want it to be that late in the year.  i have been thinking i'll be able to vote in the next presidental election:S means i'll have one vote in the say of who our president is! what a power! hehe i'm being silly now! well i'm going to check up on what i missed!
Sarah

Hi Everyone:

Thank you Pat for the great devotional.

I have a prayer request...... I'm on my way to EE (Evangelism Explosion)   and  going to talk to a girl named Ruth about the Lord.  She came to the church some months ago.  Please pray that the Holy Spirit will prepare her heart.

Thank you.



Love Ruthie

Dear Janet.........

I know you know that salvation is not our responsibility.  This belongs to our Lord God.  Jesus commands that we do one thing, and one thing only in this regard, and that's to give witness of Him to the lost.  Wide is the gate, and wide is the path, but we Christians know from world history that few take the path open to them.  Our hearts are, and will continue to be heavy for those we love so much, as we witness their constant refusal to acknowledge God's free gift of salvation.  All is not lost until that person we are praying for dies in his/her sins.  Until that time we have the one thing your message clearly says...."We have HOPE, and in so possessing this longing and loving hope, we continue to pray for them until one of us dies.  As you see under my picture, "Born once, die twice.  Born twice, die once".  Let's all continue to pray for their "second" birth.  Love ya young lady. :-*

Papa John........

Well, well, well, so you [do] have a voice after all.  These loving folks in here wouldn't let the day go by without mentioning you and their love for you.  Kinda infectious.  Old ducks like us know that prayer is truly answered, and in your case the Lord's will is to have you around for a while to continue your witness.  Congratulations on your recovery, and may God continue to bless you.

BTW, nice to meet you.  Hahaha not like the commercial on TV. ;D



Ruthie......

The church I was saved in has a modified EE and call it DE (Decipleship Evangelism).  I went through the program and had the pleasure of seeing several make a commitment to the Lord, including a Jew.  My witness now is not as structured and you might say it's on a more gradual and interpersonal way.

I love reading your posts because of your church involvement and love for our Lord.  I will pray as you so rightly say it....."The Holy Spirit will prepare her heart".  That's where it starts.

Report on Flory........

Flory was listless and had been sleeping for two days except for when I held her to give her water with an eyedropper and the medication Dr. Moody prescribed.  She ate, but not much.  She was out when we went to the vet's office.

Instead of givibng us  info via phone, our Vet wanted to speak to us personally.  He was amased and shaking his head this morning when he said the blood test were completely clear and the lab could find zero problems with her blood.  Dr. Moody said he was unable to tell us what was wrong with Flory as she had every sign of having leukemia, including the clowdyness in her eye, which he said is a strong indication along with all of her symptoms.  

When we arrived home today Flory was tearing up the house running from room to room, up and down all three stories.  We have a cat that changed from near 10% to 100%.  Her fever was gone and Dr. Moody is scratching his head.

Lee it is obvious that God healed Flory.
Hallelujah!!

Quote from: Lee Kirkwood on October 14, 2003, 08:37:10 PM
We have a cat that changed from near 10% to 100%.  Her fever was gone and Dr. Moody is scratching his head.

WoW...What an awesome testimony to the healing power of God - even for our loved animals!

PAPA JOHN!!!  WELCOME back home!!  We are all praising God for carrying you through and bringing you back to us!!

Dear friends, thank you for your special messages to me today.  Maybe soon I can share the story with you, just now, I am so heartbroken I can't.  But I do believe that the words I sent him did strike a chord in his heart, otherwise, he would never have become so angry he could attack me in such a vicious manner.  Thank you for your kind words and for your prayers.  I need them!

Lee, I am happy to read about your little cat! :)

Karmat your #54 in reply to my # 46 on the 13th October was appreciated.  I posted #46 thinking I was being funny.  ???

I hope no one was offended by the reference to their Thanksgiving and my comparing it falling on the 13th the same as our Columbus Day celebration.  I am perfectly willing to share our Columbus Day with every one.  In fact you may come down and enjoy the many sales at our Department stores on Columbus day. BYOM..bring your own money. (smile) :)

We ate no Turkey yesterday, neither did we go shopping for a mattress or any other sale item. (grin) ;D

Your comment on the Tee shirt reminded me of the advertisement at the "Chick fillet" Food places.  ( I hope all are familiar with "Chick filet"

They have a sign in front with a picture of a cow with the words "eat more beef".  People ignore the sign and eat more chick fillet sandwiches.  Just like those who thought up the commercial, knew it would work (grin)  ;D

I enjoyed today's morning devotional (October 14th).  In fact the morning devotional is a must read every day.

Sure nice to see a post from Papa John.

Have a good evening every one.
Boots

Well here we are back in our own little apartment.  Good to be home - but good trip as well.  Had a wonderful meeting with Jane & Nita up in Coos Bay.  How wonderful to have brothers and sisters in Christ!
I took some pix, and I will be getting them into the computer and to Pat in a day or so.
Nita - I so appreciated your response to Iain's message.  I too need revival.  We need to love HIM, not just ritual, doctrine, etc., etc.  All those things can and should be important - if we love our Lord first.  I often think of 2Cor. 4:6 - "For God, Who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts to give us the knowledge of the glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ."  THAT's the answer to it all.  We need to love HIM.

I  have been lurking in here off and on since I got home from work.

Al I knew you would enjoy that little thing I sent to you. LOL Not you HUH? ;D

Lets all pray for Jenny she has the full blown flu with a very high temperature.

Janet I will comtinue to pray for your family member and for that situation to change. We know how awesome God is so don't let this set back get you down.

Hey Jerry How are you?

Welcome back Papa John. we sure have missed you.

Pat where  have you been today?

Hello Cindy if you are lookling in. we miss you too.

Hello all!!  Sorry I haven't been in much today. Tuesdays are really busy for me!!  This is the first chance I've had to sit down at the 'puter all day.

The wind is blowing something fierce outside.  Usually, we cannot even hear it in the house, but right now it is whipping.  It will probably blow all the leaves off, which is bad, because the peak just started and I haven't gotten all my pics made yet.  Maybe next year.

I did get some pics of my niece and one of her friend's biology class today.  They are homeschoolers, and were dissecting a fish.  Yuck.  I will not be posting them, as they are really gross.

Boots, I caught and appreciated your humor.  Between you and Chris and your oh so subtle senses of humor, I stay in stitches at the 'puter.  Read their posts, carefully, my friends, they are humorous.

Take care, I have an early day tomorrow and need to do some things before bed.

Nite nite!!

My, this site has been busy today.  I posted earlier and have come back to say 'Welcome Back Papa John.'

Thanks for the update about Jenny, Marilyn.  I was wondering earlier about her health.  Will pray for you Jenny.

Good luck on your tests Sarah.  I have a 16yr. old granddaughter and know that 90's don't come easily.  She has a website and if you are interested, send me a message and I will give you the address.  She raises Holland Lapps (rabbits) and they are sure cute.

Etta Sue, I have ordered Rich Warren's 'The Purpose Driven Life' from the library.  Was surprised that they have it in the catalogue.  Nice surprise!

Lee, I am sure glad about your new kitten getting better.  Always have believed in praying for our pets when they become ill.  Goes to show....right!

Just got off the phone from talking with Al and he is growing so weak now.  I have a cold and can't go for a visit and it is hard to know how to help him deal with the way his body is now shutting down.  Can only keep saying for him to hold tight to the Lords's hand and know that he doesn't have to make the journey alone....I have not had experience with helping someone who is dying and feel quite inadequate and not up for the task.

Janet, certainly can relate and can only repeat that if you hadn't touched  a nerve, he wouldn't be responding!  I am still waiting to hear unpleasant things from my brother....or not...

Have a nice evening and God Bless.  Liz

Janet - I feel for you too.  I have a sister (my ONLY sister) that never gets in touch with me.....NOT EVER. I haven't heard from her in 3 years.  We live less than 2 hours away.

It would break my parent's heart if they knew. Thankfully the Lord called them home when He did!\\

Jenny., I am so sor that you are so ill!  I miss your wonderful posts here. Please be assured that I am praying for you!

Would someone tell me where Papa J. posted?  Right now I'm too tired to stay up to look., so I'll look for a reply tomorrow morning.

.... Thanks!... Judy

Thank you Lee and anyone else who prayed for me tonight in EE.

My team went down the city on a bad rainy night and met a Japanese lady named "Ruth".
She had the right answers to the questions, "Does she know for certain that she would go to heaven?" and "What would she say if God said, why should I let you into my heaven?"  She said, "Jesus died for me and I have received Him into my heart."   Apparently she had received Jesus in Japan.

We had a nice time of fellowship and I presented the gospel for my new trainee, so he can learn it.


So glad to hear Papa John is feeling better.  Please continue to pray that God will continue the healing and he will feel 100%.


Praise God.



Love Ruthie ;)

Hey ya'll
The cubs lost :(! one more game and they can make it into the world series. that would be good!
Janet I hope that tomorrow is better for u and that u can help this guy!
i finally went and found all the parts to my comp and got it back up( that was a challenge)
mom and dad put the camera somewhere so i don't know where the new photos are :S maybe i can find them tomorrow when i have some more time.
we are out for fall break thursday and friday :D! well i need to get to bed b/c even tho tomorrow we won't do anything it's still an early day!
Sarah

Hello Everyone...

This has been a "quiet" day for me.  Guess we all have them from time to time.  

I won't address each of you tonight but I must say how wonderful it was to see Papa John's post.  Oh, what a happy day!

Let's continue to pray for him as he gets stronger and stronger.

Now, I'm closing the door a few minutes early.

But PLEASE continue to discuss stuff in the new topic.

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