Christian Photographers Community

Morning Devotional...


But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
Matthew 14:30


It is not a slow process for a body to move from above water to beneath it. When we sink, we do so quickly, and so the "me" of Peter's prayer could well have ended in bubbles.

However, the power that upholds the universe came to his rescue.

Peter was distracted, but his distraction never modified the Lord's care for him, nor the ability He demonstrated to him.

We all fail, sometimes miserably, but the Lord understands our intentions and desires.

He stands by, ready to help just when we need Him most.
--Garry W. Seale









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I'm just posting now so I can be first for a change! Ha ha ha.  I'm ready to get to bed, see you all tomorrow!  Sweet dreams...........

Nighty, night Janet!

Talk to you tomorrow evening!

Thanks for the devotional, Pat.  I am listening to the music while typing this.  Love that hymn.  We used to sing it in choir.

A foggy day here on the island and quite chilly.  So much for our Indian Summer, tho' lovely while it lasted.  Amanda has a virus and stayed home today.  Looks as if it will turn into a bad cold. 
I am busy keeping litter boxes clean, feeding both cats and spending time with Misty in the garage.  Did get a little drawing done tho' and hope to get away tomorrow.  We have to take Squeek to the vet for shots as the previous owners never let us know her medical history, despite repeated requests....

Marilyn, I am sorry about the trouble in your church.  Seems every church that I have gone to during the last 35 yrs. has gone thro' splits and troubles.  Only go for communion now and this church recently went through a split and is still not on track.  Glad that I look to Jesus to lead and not churches.  The Lord doesn't have a hidden agenda!!

Etta Sue, I like your new picture.  One of these days I will get around to doing one....You can all count my wrinkles

Larry, sorry about all your computer problems.  Read a little silly blurb:

If you are having computer problems, this is what you need to do...

Take the mouse thingy and click on the whosit, then scroll down to the third thingamagig, highlight it and copy and paste to the whatchamacallit. It will take you to the gismo that you are looking for.

Works for me everytime!

I really appreciated the posts today as felt rather depressed.  Think it is because of the bad feeling both Wendy & I got from church yesterday (Sunday).  Read all your encouraging words and feel stronger again. 

Sarah, I am so sorry about your Grandmother.  She was lucky to have you and that must have given lots of pleasure ...

Time to go.  It is 11PM here and another day has sped away. 
Pleasant dreams all and God Bless.

Liz 

Good morning All.

Thanks again Pat for an apt devotional. Jesus is the Captain of my boat, He never lets me sink too far under the waves. Praise His glorious Name.

          Jesus Jesus Jesus.
          Sweetest Name I know,
          Fills my every longing,
          Keeps me singing as I go.

I am sorry re your experience of churches Liz.  I heard a preacher once say that splits in churches are good for growth of The Church..  Think about it!

A very cold morning indeed here, although we have sunshine.   

God Bless you all.
Love,
Jenny.

For me, church splits are most painful. It's a shame we are so flawed as humans. However, our God is awesome - the same forever.

As a teenager, I faced a huge challenge in the tiny country church my dad pastored. The reason of this challenge should remain private. But, suffice it to say, as a 16 year old, it caused me to look deep within - to determine whether I believed in people, or whether I believed in God.

After much Bible reading (I was looking at that bible recently and it is well worn, underlined, written in, and tear stained), I chose God.

Therefore, while I attend worship and love the church, Godi is my Pilot and I'm thankful to go where he directs my ship.

Ruth Ann

Sometimes a church "split" can grow more churches.  When it is done the right way -- such as establishing a mission or planting a new church in an area.  Most of the ones I have seen though were caused by pure devilment.  And while after years the hurts can be healed and the two churches can "fellowship and worship" together, in the interim, there seems to be a lot of bitterness and jealousy between the two.  I'm just amazed over some of the stuff that churches fight over. :-/ 

Anyway, I'm like Liz.  I try to follow Jesus and not man, and I try to do what I can in my church to help others do the same. 

I gotta go now; Travis and I have a bunch of stuff to do today, and we gotta get started if we want to get finished!!

have a wonderful day!

Good Morning: Whatever happens at my church I am going to stand by the head deacon who has been given charge of the church. Of course God is the real one in charge.

Today I have to take Gloria to Eureka to make a date for herself in Superior Court. She is fighting the decision of the DMV to take her liscense. We tried for 2 hours yesterday to get some information by phone and people are so rude at times.

I will be going to see Fay this afternoon before she goes into surgery.

Got to go now and do my Physical Therapy exercises. My appointment for today was cancelled, one of the therapists is out recovering from something.

TTYL

Loved the pictures of all the trees!  Great work Pat & Soni!

We happened to run into one of our street people and he is employed - yipee!  Working all night stocking shelves.  Here is a very clean and educated person but some mental problems and we just hope that he can keep this job. 

Carol

Morning, folks!

Have a good day!
Soni

Carol

This is wonderful news.  Such a great encouragement to you in the mighty work you do for Our Lord.

God Bless
Luv U.
Jenny.

Hi Soni,

Huggies,
Jenny.

Yes, it is a new picture.  Skinny?  The only thing that I have that is skinny is my billfold!!!!!

Did anyone happen to catch Dateline this past week on TV?  Rick Warren, the writer of "The Purpose Driven Life" was interviewed.  Seems the church that he started in their living room now has 16,000 members and is on 120 acres of land.  They even have shuttles to transport people from their cars to the doors.  He has stopped taking a salary from the church and donates 90% of the profit from his books to the church...of which "The Purpose Driven Life" has been a top seller for months!!!!  They dress conservative.  He said one way to recognize a guest is they are dressed up in suits etc.  One thing that struck me was even though he is against abortion, how could he preach against abortion because there may be a lady in the congregation that has had an abortion and he is a preacher to bring people to Christ and heaven....not one to drive them away because they had done wrong in the past.  Makes sense to me.  Also when asked if he would become a televangelist, he said No.  But he makes it a point to never be with any female other than his wife alone.  

Anyway, I thought it was a very interesting interview.  The interviewer (I can't remember his name) acted as though he was very interested in Rick's answers and made you feel that he was going to get the book and read it before reclining for the night.  That a first!!!!!!!

Now that I am reading the book for the third-fourth go around, I am still finding things I didn't realize before.  

'The Purpose Driven Life' is a sure-fire book to get one out of the doldrums!!!

Don't get me wrong...the Bible is number one!!!  But Rick has a way of pulling scripture out of the Bible to make one realize that God is love, we are created for God's pleasure and everything we do, have, say or are is God's plan.

Another bright and sunny day in Indiana.  Jerry and I went to Noblesville yesterday and the dust was flying everywhere.  The farmers sure can't complain about their crops this year.  Other than a lot of rain early in the spring, the crops have sure flourished.  And nothing is keeping the machinery out of the fields during the harvest...unless it is the price of gasoline!!!!!  Of which was $2.059 for Regular yesterday.  I needed gas but only got $10.  That is the highest it has been in Indiana since the day after 9/11!!!!


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"Wouldn't it be nice if those dearest to us were the nearest?"

Good morning everyone!  Yes, ETTA SUE, I watched that interview with Rick Warren.  The church my daughter attended, in northern California, started much the same way.  Her pastor set up a card table outside Wal-Mart and just talked with people as they stopped by.  Later he would visit their homes and eventually they gathered in a group ... now they have a huge complex and probably 5 or 6 thousand attending services each Sunday.  Actually, they have services on Saturday night as well as on Sunday because their building can't hold everyone at once! ... This pastor's name is Rick also, and the attire is the same as at Saddleback.  A lot is the same, in fact.

I have been badgered by the IRS for over a year, and add all the other "stuff" I've been dealing with and it feels like I've been beaten at times.  Saturday's mail brought yet another piece of news that I didn't need.     BUT ... yesterday a friend stopped by with a card of encouragement and, in the card was a check.  God is so good to send the ravens at just the time of need.  This month I need to have my car registered, pay the house insurance, and a few other bills that are pending besides sending a sizeable sum to the Revenue Dept.  Always something, but God knows.

I'm off to the grocery store and Post Office now ... I'll be back soon!  Y'all carry on, and have a great day! 

Good morning to all.  Almost 10 am and the sun hasn't broken through yet.  I think we're supposed to have sunshine again, so it should be soon. 

My back is doing its "thing" today.  Actually is started last night, and as usual, I don't know what I did to cause it.  Anyway.....I'm walking like an old bent over lady today.   You think because, this day, I might be an old bent over lady?haha      It always goes away, so I'm believing that's just what will happen.  I know I have osteo, but God is good.  When I need my back to be strong, it always is.    I guess today is a muddlin' along day.

I was reading a news thing about stem cell research and cloning "as a therepeutic project".   I felt this deep sadness come over me.  Where do you think it will stop?  How much will God allow? 

Etta Sue,  I didn't see the Dateline interview.  I wish I had.  I keep the book by my bed still.....but haven't read it again.   I think I'll open it again.   I still haven't been with a group who's used it as a study focus.  That would be encouraging, for sure.

I, too, feel a church split is so painful.  It literally tears at your spirit.  That's the time when I really know that we, the church, are in all reality a living entity.  Even when I can say, with my own understanding, that it's good, best, necessary, whatever.....the pain is deep and lasting.  A friend (it was Ruth, Jane) said that she was surprised the church had even made it, with all the humans in it...haha.   God knows how to take care of His Own.  We'll survive, grow, change from glory to glory, and in the end be presented, without spot or wrinkle, to the Master, the Lover of our souls.  Hallelujah!!

I'm in total agreement with all that has been said.  We follow Jesus.....we keep our eyes on Him and follow Him alone.  Along the way, we gather as He places us.  I'm truly glad that I met Him before I'd ever been with Christians or in church. 

                           GOOD NEWS FOLKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

October 5   

Failure and Success: No Past At All!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things
have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 
--2 Corinthians 5:17

In our churches we often sing, "Arise, my soul, shake off thy guilty
fears." But nothing happens and we keep our fears. Why do we claim
on one hand that our sins are gone and on the other act just as
though they are not gone?

Brethren, we have been declared "Not Guilty!" by the highest court
in all the universe. Still there are honest Christians, earnestly
seeking the face of God, who cannot seem to break loose and find
real freedom. The grave clothes trip them up every time they try
to move on a little faster. Satan uses their past sins to terrify
them.

Now, on the basis of grace as taught in the Word of God, when God
forgives a man, He trusts him as though he had never sinned. God
did not have mental reservations about any of us when we became His
children by faith. When God forgives a man, He doesn't think, 'I
will have to watch this fellow because he has a bad record.' No, He
starts with him again as though he had just been created and as if
there had been no past at all! That is the basis of our Christian
assurance--and God wants us to be happy in it. 
I Talk Back to the Devil, pp. 6-7

"Thank You, Father, for that glorious freedom of forgiveness. Thank
You for Your marvelous grace. No past at all! What a wonderful,
incomprehensible truth! I humbly and joyfully worship You this
morning. Amen."

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Hello to all of you!  I am chasing my tail today, is what it feels like, anyway.  Beth is having more trouble; now she is having lots of jaw and neck pain, and constant headaches.  She is having trouble dressing herself..........where do we turn?  I am just so distressed, I don't know what to do, or who to call for help.........she wants so bad to be independent, but it's looking less and less possible.  We ( Darrel and I) cleaned her heater and got it going; I cleaned the bird's mess (constant chore) and got her laundry going, took out her trash, etc.  God knows, and He will provide.

Three headless bodies found near Mosul in Iraq today:  two Iraqi males, and one American.  What beastly brutality!  You CANNOT reason nor negotiate with terrorists!  

I have still a lot to do, but do wish you all a great day, and God's richest blessings.  See you later.

Yes indeed,
               the bible tells us that we ARE a new creation, we don't read that we one day WILL be a new creation, but that we ARE!
Can we all remember the time it began?
That glorious moment when God captured us, when He changed us forever, when we became His Child.
A place reseved for us in the Father's House, sealed with the Spirit, born again,cleansed and sanctified.
That glorious day when the angels in heaven rejoiced over that sinner who was saved from hellfire.
The lost coin, the lost sheep brought into the right sheepfold, there to be kept by the grace of God.
Greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world, praise God.
You are of God little children, and have overcome them!
Not WILL overcome them,, no..you HAVE overcome them!
You are the victors in Christ, not WILL  be, you ARE!

http://www.preciouslordtakemyhand.com/christianhymns/victoryinjesus.html

Love Chris.

Quote from: Etta Sue on October 05, 2004, 11:45:37 AM

One thing that struck me was even though he is against abortion, how could he preach against abortion because there may be a lady in the congregation that has had an abortion and he is a preacher to bring people to Christ and heaven....not one to drive them away because they had done wrong in the past.  Makes sense to me.

Rick Warren must speak out against abortion.  If someone is in the audience that has had an abortion, they need to know that there is forgiveness for them.  If someone is in that audience that is considering an abortion they need to know that it is wrong.

He/we cannot remain silent on issues of the Bible, for if we do, "The rocks will cry out."

A person expressed a concern about correcting someone who was doing something wrong.  He was fearful that the person would be driven away.  Someone much wiser replied, "Where will you drive them to?  They're already going to Hell?" 

That doesn't mean to jump on them with both feet either.

MY OWN EXPERIENCE:
A friend of mine (John) had just became a Christian.  At the time he was living with a lady and had been for about 5 years.  I knew this was wrong but didn't mention it to him.  I was afraid he would not want to move out....actually I was afraid he would give up on serving God, because the cost was too high for him....so I said nothing.

He approached another Christian (Jack) in our workplace and told him, "Lately things have not been going right for me." And he proceeded to list them.  The more mature Christian told him he was living in sin with the lady and he had to either marry her or move out.

John then came to me and said, "I thought you were my friend.  Why didn't you tell me what Jack did?"

I was wrong for not speaking out...but never again.....

PS   They did get married.

Re: Church Split:

Norm and I came from a church split.  You never completely get over it.  Friendships are lost, and I believe it takes a generation to get over it.  I try to shield my husband from distention in the church (when I can)., as he is a fairly new Christian, and I don't want to discourage him.

Etta Sue:  I wish I had seen that Dateline program.  Is that the church's name...Saddleback?  Wonder where they got that name?  There must be a story behind that name.  I wonder if the interviewer was Stone Phillips.  I say that, because, my son knows Stone....and believes he comes from a Christian family.  He is sure that Stone's interest in spiritual things, is sincere.

Judy - Saddleback is a community in the LA area, so the church was simply named after its location.

Good evening to you all.....my, my, it is getting chilly here in Guelph....this morning it was below 0.....brrr....not quite ready for that yet.....but it is nice and fresh smelling...and that is great when you hang the laundry outside.......hahaha....

just thought I would pop in for a few mins. and let you all know how things are going......and it has been good......but oh my......soooooo busy my head is spinning......
as you all or most of you know....my oldest daughter Jen is now married...they were living in Fergus....but have just found a new apt. in Guelph and made their move last week....I have been over there helping her out when I can....but my little grandson keeps me very busy indeed....he will be 1 on the 23rd of this month.....and he is such a sweetheart........

the homeschooling is going....a bit slow at this time.....due to the little one....and adjusting to his activity level....but it is good. Hannah is doing very well and so is Ben.....

all is going well......actually.....cannot complaiin....

well must be off now....hope to pop in again...God bless you all and have a great evening.....
Paulette

I saw the interview.

I am so disgusted with Gloria today. I told her  wanted to go to the hospital to pray for Fay, because it might be the last time I get to see her alive. Gloria deliberately kept me 2 hours overtime shopping. I didn't have the time to drive back to Eureka to see Fay before her surgery. I am so disappointed. Oh Lord I hope she comes through the operation so I can see her again.

Marilyn, it was this week last year I had colon cancer surgery and the doctor was satisfied he got it all.  Thursday I have another colonoscopy to check to see that it hasn’t come back.  I pray for Fay that her report will be good.

This morning I had an appointment with the cardiologist and he said things were looking good and to come back to see him in six months.

Good to see everyone today.  I am always sorry to hear of church troubles.  The church was purchased with the blood of Christ and it will survive.   

Acts 20:17  From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church.
Acts 20:28  Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.
Eph 5:22-23  Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.  For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.  (NIV)

God bless you all.

--- Papa John             
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Hi everyone.  I seem to be getting in a rut of not getting here until late in the evening.  We just had some errands to run today, had to have another blood test done to check the PSA level, and then had Calvin Cove for singing this afternoon.  Of course, I then had to have a nap and then do more work on Pat's computer and the day just sped away.

Judy, thanks for asking about Pat.  The last couple of days she has been feeling better than she did last week. 

Papa John, it sounds like it was a good day at the cardiologist's for you and yesterday for Darrell.  It is always good to hear them say they will see you in six months or a year.

Marilyn, sorry you weren't able to get to the hosital in time today to see Fay before her surgery.  Gloria doesn't seem to be a very considerate person.  It also sounds like she is fighting a losing battle concerning her driver's license. 

Janet, it sounds like you all are going to soon have to have some full-time help for Beth.  So sorry as this seems to be happening all too quickly.

Jane, it sounds like the Lord has provided when you were in need.

It is getting late so will sign off for tonight. 

Hey Sue thanks for forwarding the lovely e-mail from Stephen.  I do hope that he learns all of the in and outs with his new camera.


Ruth

Jane I agree with you God is so good; He knows our every need before we are in need.

Done watching the debate; interesting but I kept dozing off.

Printed out a week of PSP lessons, ordered more ink. that was my evening.

Haven't heard anything on Fay yet.

Good Night.

Well, I'm just popping back in before the door gets slammed on me!   

Yes, Larry and Marilyn ... God always meets my need at just the moment it is needed!  I love that about Him!  Today I have caught up on all pending bills: renewed my car registration, paid an installment on my house insurance, paid a credit card bill, renewed my AAA membership for another year, and bought groceries!  Then I went out and cut the grass around my house and got back in and cleaned up in time to watch the Vice Presidential debate!  I feel like I have really accomplished something today!   

Marilyn, I know how disappointed you must feel at not getting to Fay before surgery.  We know there is no distance with God, though, so we can be fully assured He was with her!  I pray you will receive a good report on her post surgery.

Gotta go .... For some reason I am feeling just a tad tired.      See y'all tomorrow!

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be the name of the Lord Most High

There's a song in there somewhere, I just finished singing it to myself....what a way to end the day!!!

Amen, Fast Eddie .... I agree!