Christian Photographers Community

Morning Devotional...


Consider the lilies of the field...
Matthew 6:28

Behold the fowls of the air....
Matthew 6:26

The Lord Jesus taught lessons from the creatures who are planted in the earth, unable to move their roots but able to bring fragrance to God.

By contrast, He taught about creatures who rise to heights far above the earth--the fowls of the air.

Here are lessons from both:

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Niters to you Karmat and Pat.............  

Guess I'll sit here all night and see if anyone gets up and wants to chat

Sorry Lee...  I just went to our Error Log and see that I slammed the door in your face again!  Hope you don't have any bruises.

You almost got me, PAT!  

... and to answer your question: Yes, I will be going by myself for the MRI tomorrow (today).  The way I go any other place, too!  

Thanks, LEE~  

Hi Everyone!

Sorry I didn't get around to posting much yesterday(today still for me) But, I haven't felt well the last couple days..
KarmatCongrats on joining WW-I hope that my weigh in goes good on Thursday-Judy come and join us..we would love to have you.
Ive been trying to go to bed earlier at night-so I can get the rest I need..Last night I was in bed by 11..Which is amazing for me lol.
Meika I am praying for you and the people that are in the midst of these fires.
I have a prayer request for a little baby that has a blood disease she is only 2 months old..her name is Utonia please pray for her.
I have used front page to do a website for some christian friends of mine-if anyone is interested they can go and look at it..here is the web address..
www.gonowhelp.com
I didn't find it that hard to use-but I had done some previous websites. Eventaully I want to learn to do html and when I get that conquered then I won't need front page ..lol.
Hope everyone has a blessed day.
Hugs
Rachelle

Quote from: Lee Kirkwood on October 28, 2003, 12:04:54 AM
Guess I'll sit here all night and see if anyone gets up and wants to chat

<---- waiting for Mr Lee to awake up to chat all night........

<--- waiting

<--- waiting

I think I can hear him snore  


Hi Ms Pat  

Hi Ms Jane, I do pray you are well for the doctor today.

Mr Hanna I pray you are well today.

It is a busy day for me today at my home. We have now nine families here to stay with us from the fires here.  They are all wonderful people and it is sad to see they must find a new homes.

We are safe here at my home i think. the fire it is not bad in the Malibu as other place, but if there is a wind it will perhaps be bad here soon too. The smoke it is so bad I can not go out at all. The power it is off some times too. The stores are at a strike and closed here, the roads are all closed from fire and the schools are closed too.   It is a crazy place today, but I am safe.

I wish you all well today. The devotional it is of the birds and the creatures and the beauty they bring honor to God. I am sad today for the beauty I know here it is gone this week. The creatures must find a new home too. The beach it is black from the fire and the sky it is dark here all day. I know God is sad to see the beauty it is gone. I pray for the one that make these fire. I pray God will teach them of the beauty in every tiny thing and forgive them that they take away this beauty.  

Hi Ms Rachelle, I will pray for tiny Ms Utonia tonight. ((hug))

Meeks I tuned into the KTLA tonight.  It is indeed terrible.  They have managed to keep it from crossing the 118 so far.    I know this area, I have driven it many times in the truck.  I am indeed glad you and your friends are safe.    I hope you have enough food supplies in the house to feed all those people! ! !

I will look into WW and see if at this time it is affordable.  We are on a very tight budget.

Prayer is going up for Utonia.

Pat is tomorrow (today) another extraction?  Are you not done with that yet? (extractions that is)

Lee you still up??? Still want to chat?

{{{{HUGS ALL}}}}

MIEKA~I am sorry we never seem to be synchronized to "talk" to each other any more.  

I truly hope and pray that you are safe there in your home in Malibu...and I feel such a sorrow for those nine families who are without homes now.  You will be a good hostess to them, I know...and God will bless you for all that you do to help.  I love you, my friend.  I will be okay with the doctor appointment.  I'll let you know how it went as soon as I get home.  

Y'all take care.  I'm off to bed now, and then it will indeed be "tomorrow" for me!  

Good morning All 10.05AM

PatThank you for the good devotional this morning.

Now i have had a bad night i could not sleep it was 3.13 AM when i have writen on CP.

It is cold in Holland on this moment it is 1*C but the sun is shining.

Pinkiea nice new photo of you.

MiekaI am happy to see you how is it where you are living.
Janealso today you are in my minds and in my prayers.

Papa JohnI am happy to see you you are still every day in my prayers
I wish you all a very good day

Is Jesus your Saviour and constant companion?
If He isn't, He can be.
Call on His name in faith and invite Him into your life.
Then te name of Jesus will become to you the most precious of names
                                      Vernon Grounds

No other name can save me,
 No other name beside,
But Jesus Christ the risen Lord,
The One they crucified
                                   Brandt
Hugs and Blessings
Love RIA

OH DEAR I LOST MY POST....
THESE THINGS COME TO TRY US...."THE OUTSKIRTINGS OF HIS WAYS"...

PAT  Thank-you for the lovely words today.  I do appreciate them.

We do feel at times that we are "hemmed in" as if our wings have been clipped......Stiff legs, pains and heart problems, depressions, all these earthly complaints....GOD IS GOOD. WE SHALL PRAISE HIM!

Let us see Papa John to our example this day...Looking only onto Jesus...our fore-runner.

And the One sitting on the throne said "SEE I AM MAKING ALL THINGS NEW!"............I will give to the thirsty the springs of the water of life - as a gift.  Everyone who conquers will inherit all these blessings, and I will be his God and he will be my son (or daughter)....HE TOOK ME TO A TOWERING MOUTAIN PEAK and from there I watched that wondrous city, the Holy Jerusalem, descending out of the skies from God....It was filled with the Glory of God and flashed and glowed like a precious gem, crystal clear like jasper" The Revelation 21:5,6,7,10,11.

RIA my dear sister..... for us.  Jesus loves you and I do. You are His "Delight".

MIEKA the Lord keep you safe as the "apple of His eye".

JANE Dear One.  I pray for you.  May all be well.  Let it be a "warning" only in Jesus' Name. Amen!

Prayers  today.
and Love,
Jenny.

Pat - A lovely devotional this morning. I hope that my thoughts are in tune with Ria and Jenny.



No matter how tired I may be, I cannot find sleep until I have made my requests known to my God. It matters not how often I have prayed during the day, this is something I must do, no matter what. Some nights I enjoy great liberty and my pillow is indeed sweet as I drift along into Beulah's Land.

Other nights it seems as though I am spitting feathers. Vain repetition mingled with great doubt and unbelief make up my prayer. As if God were deaf, I repeat myself over and over again, often trying different phrases or terminology as if that will somehow impress the King of Kings!

These days I confess that I have more of a yearning for His Presence and nothing else. It is what my soul needs most and nothing else really matters. If He will join me in fellowship and be my constant Companion then I have a greater confidence that all that I ask for will be given. It is a love affair and He has ravished my heart and has won me for Himself.

Sins and iniquities that once kept us apart have been washed in His precious blood. Sins of commission and omission, sins of ignorance have been covered by the blood. He provides an atonement that delivers me from guilt even before I know that I am guilty! My Beloved gives me songs in the night.

He loved me from all eternity. He called me by my name and told me that I was His. He promised me that none shall be able to pluck me from His hand. He promised me that His love for me will never die, that He will never leave nor forsake me. He embraced me this morning with nail pierced hands and whispered in my ear, 'be still and know that I am God.'

Last night I struggled to form any kind of prayer. I felt spiritually dead and I was also keenly aware of the exhaustion of 'trying' too hard to get in the Lord's good books. Trying too hard to win His favour. I felt useless, hopeless and I even remember shaking my head and saying, 'what is the point?'

He could easily have left me in that condition and today would once again have been a burdensome experience for me, but He had mercy upon my soul when I least expected it.

He lifted my soul from its slumber as surely as I lifted my children from their cots when as babies they were crying, afraid of the dark and helpless. There is strength and safety in my Father's arms that is comfort indeed for a weary soul.

I talk with Jesus whenever I am alone, seeking His Will and sometimes arguing with Him. When things go right I am happy to give praise, however when things go wrong as they often do, I am quick to point the finger in blame.

Can you have a Best Friend if you cannot share the good as well as the bad? He knows my every thought even before I think it. True it is wrong to blame the Lord for any problem that may arise in my life, but He orders my path and my way. If I acknowledge the Lord in all my ways then when difficult times come who then is to blame?

Faith thankfully talks a different language! It does not point any finger it simply trusts even when things are not easily understood. Living by sight and by feelings leaves me like a drunk man staggering to and fro. Never stable and always prone to a fall.

God knows what I want but He knows even better what I need. His grace is sufficient for me and He proves that daily. He never fails me nor lets me down. I on the other hand fail Him continually. He has never failed to supply my need, yet so often I fear that His timetable is far slower than mine!

Prayer I believe is an acknowledgement that help is required. I can do nothing on my own. I need the Lord's help in everything that I do. I murmur against Him so often, especially when I am impatient.

I am always looking for instant fixes and easy answers.
I wonder if I will ever learn patience. It seems that I am more impatient now than I ever was.

Even my impatience keeps me praying! Sometimes it is out of frustration, other times it is a genuine cry for grace but I am most thankful that my Lord has not yet shut His ear to my pitiful cries.

I can tell Him all that is in my heart and mind and He listens. Whenever He answers my prayers it is the most wonderful gift imaginable. It is a gift and always wrapped in love.

Pray without ceasing and get to know your Saviour, the One that sticketh closer than any brother. He is my Best Friend in this world, is He yours? I pray that this reminder to pray will spark an uplifting of hearts unto God and that He will delight in answering such. Our God answers prayer. Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.

LOL

Your brother in Christ

Iain

IAN....I wasn't going to pop in again  but I have just been praying and reading as the Lord led me.
Gosh I was just the same last night.....too tired to pray..but I did by the Grace of God!

A few minutes ago I started singing "What A friend we have in Jesus"..................and the "oh what sins we often forfeit, Oh what needless pains we bear  all because we do not take it to the Lord in Prayer."

I felt shut in again this morning and then through prayer I was led to a feeling of peace and thankfulness and drawn to these words which I would like to share....

                               IN NARROW WAYS

Some lives are set in narrow ways,
By Love's wise tenderness.
They seems to suffer all their days
Life's direst storm and stress.
But God shall raise them up at length,
His purposes are sure,
He for their weakness shall give strength,
For every ill a cure.

                                  YOUR PLACE

Is your place a small place?
Tend it with care! -
He set you there.

Is your place a large place?
Guard it with care! -
He set you there.

Whate'er your place,it is
Not yours alone, but His
Who set you there.

                         ..........................


Both of the above by John Oxenham.
a great Christian.

Good morning to yo all this fine Lord's day...I pray that you are all feeling fine and loved by our Lord this day....
Jenny am sorry to hear that you were feeling shut in this morning at times I know how hard that can be to cope with....I have been there a few times myself and I can tell you I do understand how you must feel....and it is really good to know that the Lord has given you the peace that passeth all understanding and has given you His grace.....keep seeking His face...He has His reasons for why He allows us to bear these burdens in our lives....I am praying for both you and Iaian....God bless you sister.....

well I must be off now.....my daughter and her new baby are now starting to settle in a bit more and things are quite hectic around here these days......
will post more later on though....God bless you and and have a wonderful day.
Paulette

Just a quick hello to all!!

Mieka, really glad to see you are okay.  Thanks for stopping in.

Bye for now!

Hi all!

Haven't been here.... same situation as Rachelle (hope you are feeling better!) - I have been battling a terrible cold. Last night was the worst.. feeling sick to my stomach and sore throat. Oh well.
I have decided to stay away from the cold medicine... I think it actually makes me feel worse!

Meeks... I am thinking of you and your family. How kind of you to take others in!
My Aunt and Uncle, and 2 of my cousins and their spouses also live in the Southern California area. We actually have yet to hear from them.  
We have called, and have emailed. No response as yet.

I have also been working extra hours... this is the busy season.. preparing for people's Christmas portraits and cards at the studio.

Hugs to all!

Karen

PS: I am sorry I have not reposted the photos of the kids in the Photo forum. I will hopefully get some time later this week to fool around with it.

Well, it is good to see each one of you this morning:  Karen, Nards, Paulette, Jenny, Iain, Ria, Jane W., Rachelle, Lee, and Pat, Karen, and of course, Mieka,

Mieka, we are thinking of you and of all those who are touched by those terrible fires.  May the winds die down and the rains take over and give you relief.  I know so many are suffering from these fires.

I was thinking this morning about strife which sometimes arises among the people of God and which is disheartening and discouraging.  I am happy the congregation where we worship has peace and love and where you can feel the very Spirit of God as we meet to worship Him.  I love the wonderful instruction of the Spirit in   Rom 12:16-21  ---
16   Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17   Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
18   If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
19   Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.
20   On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."
21   Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
(NIV)

I hope you all have a good day today.


--- Papa John              <)))><<

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Hi everyone from an overcast and chilly Georgia this morning.

Jeanne, sorry to see you are having problems with XP and the Front Page.  I am not sure what your file saving problems may be but in XP if you click on the Start button and "My Comptuer" you will get the file manager.  You will need to click on the folder toolbar item and that will open your file manager in the view you are more familiar with from Win 98.  If it is a matter of where Front Page is saving your files you should be able to set that in the options or preferences for that program.  As I have said before my little exposure with Front Page has not bee positive as I don't like all the extra html coding they use.

Again I appreciate the many expressions of concern and the prayers that are being said in my behalf.  I also share the concerns for the many other folks here who have expressed prayer needs for themselves or friends or relatives and certainly the fire situation in California is terrible.  I also have some distant relatives in that area but have no contact with them.  Mieka, it is wonderful that your family is welcoming so many of the homeless.  In times like these people's concern for other people is exhibited.  

Welcome to Crafty Sue.

The devotional thoughts were excellent this morning.  In the devotional today from Oswald Chambers the following stood out for me so I want to share it with you all:

Quote"The salvation of God does not stand on human logic, it stands on the sacrificial Death of Jesus.  We can be born again because of the Atonement of Our Lord.  Sinful men and women can be changed into new creatures, not by their repentance or their belief, but by the marvellous work of God in Christ Jesus which is prior to all experience.

Jane, do hope your MRI isn't a long test.  Sorry to read that you are feeling so alone.  You know there are a lot of folks here who care very much about you.

Thank you Pat for the devotional.  It was just right for my day.

Hi Iain.  I have been thinking about you and again am moved by your words.  

Meeks, I am praying for you, your family and that the fires will soon be brought under conrol.  Dear friend, how we are going to miss you...

Thank you Jenny for the email and for the poems this morning.  I have two friends who will also be blessed by these words.  Also the poems Pat posted with the devotional.  This is starting out to be a really fine day!

I must go and polish my little place like a crazy woman, as Meika would say.  The Realtor is bringing someone to see it today and I want them to be impressed by its' shine....not notice how small my wee home is!

Hi Lee.  Are you awake.  Good morning to you also Ria.  Hope you have a fine day and feel better.

God Bless.

Jane, I am thinking about you today and praying the MRI will go well, and they will find no porblems.  Beth has had to have several of those, and like Jack, she says the noise is the most bothersome part of it.  I sent you an email last night.

Mieka, I hope everyone there is safe and that the terrible fires are put out soon.  There has been too much loss already.

I have more stuff to do today, and must steal away into that quiet place with my Lord, as my heart is very heavy.  I cannot bear my burden alone.......I must tell Jesus!

I wish for all of you a wonderful, God centered day.

Pat the devotional this morning makes me sad to think of all the little animals and wildlife that have lost their lives and their homes in these terible fires. Let alone the people who have lost all thy had, homes, lives, loved ones. God's wonderful beauty destroyed by someone who started the fires.

Iain I have spent many ight repeating myself in prayer, trying to find the right words to get my point across to God. As if He doesn't alredy know what is in my heart. I seem to just babble on at times.

Jane I may be next door to my son, but they arent home very much and I can't even get him to mow the tiny patch of grass in front of my house. as far as asking him to go someplace with me he is always too busy doing his own thing. I have been doing things by myself for so long I don't even bother to ask, I just go alone.

Sometimes it is scary going to Dr. appointments or tests not knowing what they will find. As far as MRI"s are concerned I am somewhat claustraphobic and don't think I would be comfortable going through one of those machines.

If I wasn't on antidepressants, I would  be very depresseed. You have all seen my posts before I got the meds. So you must know how depressed I was.

Anyhoo Thank you Pat,Iain and Papa John for the devotionals, Now I must get ready for work.

TTYL

Jane ~ We are your family!!!  I know that we live far away but this site brings us closerthanthis at times.  My sister is only 70 steps away but I sometimes feel that is miles away.  That is mostly when I feel like I am imposing on her by wanting to drop in or hear her voice on the phone.  Jerry is here a lot and that helps some, too.  My happiest times is when the phone rings...usually after 9 p.m. and it is my son....just wanting to chit chat with his Mom.  I love those times.  But I know how you feel.  I have felt alone in a room full of people.  I don't get lonesome either....just lonely.  

Mieka ~ I am praying for those dreadful fires to cease.  And more so, those people who cause those dreadful fires.  They need help.  God can help them.  What a terrible thing to happen in your area just before you leave for China.  Remember the happy times, Ms Mieka!!  {{{{hugs}}}}  Lee must have fallen asleep like in Gethsemane!!  

Papa John ~ Your church sounds like mine....a church built on LOVE!  It is wonderful when you feel God's presence in His house with His children all worshiping Him.  I know your church is larger than mine....and ours is the largest in the county...and you are adding on again!!  I would love to visit your church someday.  I am so happy you got a good report yesterday and I can see it in your posts that you are gaining strength each day.  

Karen B ~ I am looking forward to meeting your children and you through your photos.  

Here I go again.  I didn't take notes and I just know that I will miss someone if I try to post to everyone....so I had better stop while I am ahead....

Doing some laundry now.  Then going to Jerry's and take him to another business meeting.  Then we will rest some and have some dinner and go to our Small Groups meeting tonight.  I really enjoy these meetings.

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"We tangle up the plans the Lord hath wrought, and when we cry in pain, He says, 'Be quiet, dear, while I untie the knot.'"

Hi all.

Papa John that was a timely reminder.  When we have had various  "hot topic"  discussions here I think of those verses.  Pat remember Mother's words when there was a quarrel,  "Oh how they love one another".

Ria I am sorry you didn't sleep well last night.  I have been there.  

Jane awaiting the news of the MRI  

Liz Praying that this bay be the ones to buy your place

Larry I am not puter literate enough to do the fancy things you and so many others do.  I really admire the talent God has given you.  

Karen I am sorry you are not feeling well,  I have the cold as well.  I find that drinking hot tea helps clear the head and throat.  It also soothes the soreness of the throat.  Hang in there girl.. . . . . this too shall pass.

Paulette YOu must be so proud of the grand daughter.  I always love the "new baby" stage.  They are so helpless and dependent..

Jenny when you feel shut in, come more often to CP. I have found that my friends here ease the strain.  In the winter there are days when it starts snowing and doesn't stop for 3-4 days.  I can't/don't leave the house till the roads are plowed.  I do not enjoy winter.  I did enjoy your words.

Iain AMEN

Rachell drink alot.  Hot drinks do help.  Also I went to that website.  You are a talented lady.

Pinkie I love the new picture!

Well It was a late night home last night.  I had Kassie with a migrane headache and Mel with tummy problems.  I did manage to get some Christmas shopping done, and that was fun.  I want to be finished by the middle of November.  Our family prepares the Christmas hampers for the church members that does not  have much for Christmas.  It has given the girls a different outlook on what Christmas is all about.

Lee are you back yet?  Morning brother!

Everyone else Hellllooooo from Northern Ontario.

Just stopping by again to thank all of you for your love and words of encouragement.  I feel I need to clarify something, however.  I am not saying I need someone, family member, physically with me.  It's just the knowing that there is a someone nearby that matters every once in a while.  Does that make sense?    I have done things and gone places by myself for many years ... I don't mind at all.  But there are times, occasionally, when I would like to know there is someone within reach if I should feel like reaching!    

MARILYN~I'm claustrophobic too!    

I have my bestest friend (Nita) living just across town from me.  I don't see her often, but I know she's there!  If we don't connect via email or IM, then it will be by phone.  I don't like to intrude on her family time, though, so try to take that into consideration.  I know she likes her alone time, too, and lately she hasn't had a lot of that.     It isn't necessary for us to be together ... it is comforting to know she is there.  And I know she prays for me.  One neat thing is that the women's group meets in my home every week and she comes to that!    I see her more now than I used to, that's for sure!  

JANET~ I got your email last night and appreciate your writing.  Take care ... and know that I am praying.

It's time for me to see about something for breakfast, so I'll see y'all when I get back ....

Hi just jumping in to say hi.

Trying ot straighten the house a little.  Beginning to teach Travis to help clean up after himself.  It is an exercise alright -- an exercise in futility.  For every toy he puts up, he gets another out!!    Of course, that's nothing to hte bottle of baby oil he opened a few minutes ago.  

Gotta go, little man needs attention

Be careful now, I said they were going to get harder..........

What hymn starts with these five words.......

"WHY SHOULD I FEEL DISCOURAGED"

Pat...........

Your #2  Nopffff


Mieka.......ZZZZZZZZZHuh? did someone say something?ZZZZZZZGuess notZZZZZZZZZ

Pat, Iain & Papa John many thanks for the words of encouragement today.  Papa John some part of your posting will come my way almost every day so again it is a reminder.

Diner tonight is Chili who is going to join my husband and I ?

Ruth

His Eye is On the Sparrow











(I confess -- I looked it up.  I hummed hte whole thing but couldn't remember any of the words.  I guess that is the instrumentalist coming out in me!)

Quote from: Ruth on October 28, 2003, 12:41:46 PM

Pat, Iain & Papa John many thanks for the words of encouragement today.  Papa John some part of your posting will come my way almost every day so again it is a reminder.

Diner tonight is Chili who is going to join my husband and I ?

Ruth

Bernard, Travis, and I will be there at 6:30.

I wish.

Lee---His Eye is on the Sparrow!  Shucks, that wasn't hard!  I love that song.

Jane, I am with you today.....just know it.  Thanks so much for your caring and friendship.

I pray Pat has a good day today traveling to London for her dental appointment.  I understand it is preliminary work toward the next crown.

Karma----Hi!  I remember one time my little ones got up in the middle of my brand new bedspread and "used" a whole jar of gooey cream (don't remember the brand.)  Yuck, what a mess!!  Fun now to look back and remember, not fun at all at the time.  Enjoy these days, Travis will be in college before you know it!  Time seems to go faster and faster all the time.  Does it feel that way to the rest of you?

I got my new tile floor all cleaned and mopped.  (No, we aren't finished yet, but the kitchen is done.)  We have friends coming for supper tonight.

I have some framing to do today, see you later!