Christian Photographers Community

Morning Devotional...


Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoreth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me.
Matthew 15:7-8

Sometimes the two parts of the body farthest away from each other are the lips and the heart.

Here Jesus quotes Isaiah's description of hypocrisy. Isaiah saw it in his day and as he prophesied, it was still rampant in the Lord's time.  Sadly, more time has done nothing to fix the problem.

Isaiah's words still ring true.

God grant that our lips would speak from the fullness of our hearts and that our hearts would be close to His, so that we might bring glory to God and words of help to everyone around us who needs them.
--Joshua Fitzhugh

Hi Pat:

I hope I can show some pictures or talk about trees.   Lovely trees this time of year.  On Saturday I will be going up north to see the colours and take pictures.  Hope I can get them on CP.  Just got back from EE.   Good Night.

Love Ruthie

Pat, hope your surgery went okay and your eye will be as good as new soon. 

Love Ruthie

Surgery is tomorrow, Ruth.  I leave at 11 am

I'll be thinking about you Pat.

Good evening and good morning! 

Pat, you drive safe!  ((hug))

I better get to bed. 
Night all!
Soni

Hi Pat and everybody...
Still no sign of Bonz.  I put flyers up in the 4 washaterias in the apartment complex, and around the post box building where folks get their mail.  Tomorrow I will put an ad in the newspaper for him.  I had a real hard day emotionally today.  Was going to fix myself some tuna salad, but I usually save the liquid off the tuna and give it to Bonz for a treat.  It took me 3 trips into the kitchen and back out again before I finally decided that this was crazy and I needed to just fix the tuna salad and throw the liquid down the drain.   I've never been so deeply impacted over the loss of an animal before.  I pray for his safety (he doesn't have any front claws) and pray for his return - almost to the exclusion of praying for anything else.  I hate to admit that, but that's how badly I want him back.  He's just such a character and a personality.  Even with all the trouble I've had with him...I love him.

Amen to that Pat. Thank-you dear.  Best wishes for today 

Pinkie, I am so sorry about Bonz, that is so worrying, no front claws.  Nothing to protect him, I do understand and pray for a miracle.

My own Pushkin cat is in here this morning preening himself, having had a good "fill up."    It's very cold outside and he does like to get warm for awhile, then off again hunting.  He is a hunter and no mistake, over the allotments to seek out rats and field mice (poor little mites)...and bring them home for his Mum.  I had never seen a rat before we came here and we did have a cat previous to him and Becky puss. ..that was our darling Fluffy. She was her own cat, liked her own creature comforts. Sadly she also liked tiny birds from their nests!!!

Judy Mc.
I heard on last night's news that Ken Bigley's mother has reminded those attempting to help Ken that he has an Irish Passport, since she is Irish.  Whether this will influence those holding him I can only pray.

Marilyn I prayed for Fay last night and she is on my heart this morning.  Let me know how she is please.  I will pop and see if you have updated Prayers.

God Bless you all.
Love,
Jenny.

Good Morning and thanks for the devotional.

Pat I wish you a speedy recovery

Happy Birthday to laurielblack


Ruth

Pat my first thought as I sat down to the computer this morning for a moment was to pray for a good outcome with your surgery.

I'm so sorry, Pinkie. I care deeply about our 4 animals, 2 cats and 2 dogs. It would grieve me to lose them, but I know it's down the line (our husky is 15 years old and so is my kitty Noelle). So, I must prepare for their loss. If he never returns, possibly the time will come when you'll be thankful you had Bonz and how much he has meant to you.

I'll be off line a couple of days - flying to a business meeting midday.

I haven't been able to check Hotmail for a day or two, so if you've written, don't feel like you're being ignored - just haven't been able to get into hotmail for a few days. I've contacted Microsoft about it.

Y'all have a good week.

Ruth Ann

Good Morning, I waited for a call for  Fay's family until 10 pm last night and haven't heard a word from them. They sleep rather late so I will have to call them later this morning, I will also be calling the hospital this morning. So I will post an update when I get home today, I plan on going to the hospital after leaving Gloria.

Jane I love those surprises from the Lord. 

TTYL

hey ya'll,
I only here for a bit.... i have to leave in a little bit for the funeral just thought i'd drop in and let you know i'm still around well ttyl
Sarah

My prayers for all who are undergoing tests this week, surgery, and having to attend funerals. 
Also for anyone who has concerns or sadness.

I finally picked up the journal for "Purpose Driven Life" and I am going back to the beginning of the book and starting over.  A little late for the book discussion but this is for myself. 

Finally able to walk for ten minutes on the treadmill although my sprained ankle swell daily even though I try to stop during the day and elevate it.  This could go on for a long time. 

Carol

I'm just stopping in this morning to tell Sarah I'm thinking about her and praying for her as she attends her dear Grandma's funeral.  (((hugs)))

Also praying for Pat........lots of love and prayers going your way, too.

Pinkie, I'm sorry about your cat, and hope he comes home.  Ours disappeared one time for NINE months---then showed up on the doorstep again, and he is still with us.  I hope you have a similar outcome, only much quicker.

I have to take Beth to the Dr. at 11:45, they called and changed the time from 10:45, which makes me miss a luncheon I wanted to attend, but I guess that's life. 

Phone.............gotta go!

This is a long post today.  I felt compelled to write a long one!!  So here goes!!!

Jane ~ I haven't been having problems with the IRS but I know the feeling.  It seems that this year I can't get ahead.  I am staying even with the incoming moo-la and the outgoing moo-la but it sure is frustrating.  I feel it is because of my rising costs of health-care for me.  Three years ago it cost me nothing...this past year it cost me $144 a month...just for the premium cost plus it costs me to go to the doctor now where the insurance used to pay for everything.  But I am just glad that I have insurance and that I am able to pay.  I can still enjoy some luxuries.   BTW, your daughter's church sounds similar to mine also.  It seems my church is getting more casual and more friendly.  I still love feeling GOOD when I leave church and know that God was present and was smiling all the time.

Nita ~ As a fairly new Christian, I haven't had to deal with a church divided.  I am sure there are problems at my church but since I live 25 miles away, I don't hear them.  Also since there are so many members...around 1500 now...you don't hear them either.  Just glad that you have found a church that you enjoy.

Chris ~ I agree.  So many Christians will not forget their past....but God does.  Confess your sins, repent, accept Christ as your Lord and Savior and your sins are nevermore.

Janet ~ Whatever is said will not be sufficient for your concerns with Beth and her independence.  God knows....he will let you know.  At this time, all we can do is pray.  Looks like both of you need help.  Just wish you live near.  A church email was telling me yesterday that one of the nursing homes in Greenfield is giving away 7 electric adjustable twin bed frames.  All you needed was the mattresses.

Fast Eddie ~ Rick Warren was speaking about abortion as a political agenda.  Yes, he does speak against abortion biblically. And also lets people know that past sins are forgiven by confessing, repenting and accepting Christ Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  Same with homosexual acts.  Hate the sin, not the sinner!!!  God says to love your neighbor....that means everyone....the lady sitting next to you that had an abortion, the homosexual that lives in your neighborhood...the murderer in your jail, etc.  But we are to hate their sins...but love the sinner.

Judy Mc ~ I don't think it was Stone Phillips.  Perhaps Jane will remember who the reporter was.  I don't usually watch Dateline but I did this past week because I got an email from someone at church stating they were interviewing Rick Warren.

Al ~ Thanks, Al.  I often wondered why the name 'Saddleback' also.  Now I know!!!
Paulette ~ Good to see you posting.  Reading all those names brought back memories of when you posted about them in the past.  Glad that Jen and her hubby are living close...that will help. 

Marilyn ~ Remember soon she will have a different caretaker.  I know you wanted to be with Fay before she went into surgery but it just wasn't in the plans.  Just pray for Fay....I did at 7 p.m. last evening.  And I live many miles away but I am sure that God heard my prayer and was with Fay.

Papa John ~ Great news from your cardiologist!  I am sure you will have just as great news tomorrow.  God is good!

Larry ~ I am praying that your PSA levels are down.  Also that Pat's pc is on the mend and will be working better than ever.  They sure do have a mind of their own, right?

Ruth ~ Hello there!  Thanks for stopping by!

Pat ~ I am so happy you enjoyed your day with Judy and your friend.  I will pray for your surgery today and also, for spending time with Geordie.  I know Geordie looks forward to his outtings.  Thanks for today's devotional.  Reminds me when I read somewhere....'We will be surprised who is in heaven and who is not in heaven when we get there.'

Ruthie ~ I, too, am looking forward in seeing the lovely colors of Fall.  I just hope we have the colors this year....it has been so dry here.

Sonja ~I pray you got some much needed rest as you can begin another great day.

Pinkie ~ Reading your post made me relate to you and your loss. I can't imagine my life without my girls now.  I know some day they will be gone but I hope not soon.  Ali got out in the dead of winter last year while I was holding the door open and talking to someone.  She never ever tried to get out before.  She ran to the corner of the house and then to the next corner....scared to death.  I had socks on but still ran after her.  I called her name.  Thank God, she turned and ran back but went past me and the door.  I finally opened the door and she ran back in.  She doesn't get close to the door anymore.  It's like she is saying...."I not do that again!!!!"  I am praying for Bonz safety and return or even closure.

Jenny ~ If I had mice in the house, Inky would get them, I am sure.  Ali?  She would ignore them.  I have had 2 mice in three years die in the basement but I also have poison down there.  Last evening Inky was making a funny noise and sitting on the dining room table...which is a no-no.  She spotted a spider on the ceiling and couldn't get to it.  I got it with a fly swatter and she was happy then.

Ruth Ann ~ You are a busy lady.  Are you counting the days until retirement?  A neighbor lady was last year at this time and retired January 7th.  Now she doesn't know how she had time to work!!!

Sarah ~ I will be thinking about you today as you attend the funeral.  I know you miss your Grandma.

Carol ~ Again, I am finding I am reading new things in 'The Purpose Driven Life'.  Very refreshing.

Jerry and I put some outside stuff in the garage in preparation of the thick, white rain that will be coming later this season.  Tonight we will be attending our Small Groups.  We have a new member that can't attend on Tuesdays so we are changing. 

<)))><<~~<)))><<~~<)))><<~~<)))><<~~<)))
"Broken things can become blessed things if you let Christ do the mending."

I am in the process of drinking that gallon of terrible stuff in preparation for the procedure tomorrow so I am not feeling well today.  I thought I would just stop in to wish you all a good day and to see if we had heard from Fay yet.  At her age the situation is is dangerous and we hope and pray for a good result.

Matt 19:24-26
24   Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
25   When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?"
26   Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
(NIV)

--- Papa John             
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Oh Papa John,
I am so sorry about that horrible stuff.

I want you to know I will be thinking of you.  I will pray especially for you dear one.
Jesus is holding your hand.  When  you walk through the waters He will be there. He won't let go....ever, dear Papa. God Bless.

Jane came and gave me Holy Communion today. She was 2 weeks early but God wasn't He knew.  He is being so gracious to me lately, with Prayer Meeting yesterday also., and that was a wonderful time together with dear sisters in the Lord.

Jane is encouraging us to use J.John's 10 +. Study Notes as our new Bible study.  The Anglican Bishop of Birmingham wants us all to use this and consider whether we have kept the Ten Commandments and to prepare for a wonderful together time which is planned for next year in Aston.  Wowie!!!  Bishop John Sentamu is a wonderful man!

Marilyn, keep those prayers going sis.  Things are moving  .  You are in mine.

Well I am going now to prepare for bed.  It's early but I shall cuddle up on the sofa and watch some t.v. "Baby it's cold outside."

Huggies.
God bless.
Jenny.

Hi everyone.  Am actually getting to CP before late in the evening as I have been doing the last few days.  This has been a rather slow paced day.  I did get up and went to the "Y" to walk and then to coffee.  Then I met Pat at a Mexican restruarant for a buffet lunch (won't need supper tonight) and then got a haircut and now have my car at the garage for an oil change and tire rotation. 

My daughter is also having an oil change and tire rotation and they called to say she needed two new tires and new wipers.  I told them I would check around a bit before making the decision.  I was shocked to learn that the oil change has gone up to $25, supposedly because the price of oil has increased drastically. 

I think I am about done with the work on my wife's computer and it is running very well.  Now it will just be a matter of tweaking things that might be different than she was used to in the past.

Janet, glad you were able to get the adjustable bed.  Pat and I looked into getting an adjustable bed as think that would be great.  That is the one thing I have enjoyed when I have been in the hospital.  Beth, that should give you a lot more control in retiring or arising.  Do you have a lift chair?  I hope the Home Health Care people will be of great assistance to you in helping you remain independent. 

Sarah, know this is a very sad day for you.  Have been thinking of you and your family today.

Jenny, it sounds like you had a full day.  Glad you were able to have communion.

Papa John, I think most of us (especially those of us that are senior citizens) can relate to your experience in preparing for your exam tomorrow. 

Etta Sue, great posting today.  Hard to think that winter will soon be here.  We are beginning to see a few leaves on the ground but things are still very green down here with the beginning of a brown tint in the yards.  I am hoping that my PSA count is down as well but what will be will be.

Pinkie, I expect you have already done this but have you checked with your local animal shelter?  Hope your cat returns soon.  We do get attached to our pets.

Carol, glad your ankle is getting better.  Sorry about the continued pain your husband is experiencing.

Marilyn, hope you get positive news regarding Fay today.

Pat, by the time you read this your surgery should be over.  Hope all went well and the problem is fixed.  Glad you and Judy had a nice trip yesterday.

Happy Birthday, laurielblack.

Hi to Ruth, Sue,  Sonja,  Ruthie and all who join us today.

Tonight is choir practice.  Don't think we will go to the Wednesday evening dinner tonight as we were gone most of the day.

Afternoon folks!  I know..it is so busy and I don't have a lot of time to post.  I do think of you all.  (hug)

Thank you, Etta Sue!

Hi.  I'm home from a busy day at work, and have time for dinner and then back out again to do some grocery shopping and banking.

Pat, I hope your surgery was successful and that you have an easy recovery.

Sarah, I've been thinking about you today.

Marilyn, I hope that Fay recovers from her surgery without too much difficulty also.

Papa John.....a gallon of terrible liquid.....my throat is constricting with sympathy gagging......

Hi Larry, EttaSue, Jenny Mom, and everyone else....just way too many names to mention because I know I would forget someone....and everyone here is IMPORTANT!

I took Beth to the doctor today.  This is the one Darrel and I see, also, here in town.  He is a very caring person and was very concerned to see her condition.  He ordered home health care and also some therapy for her, so that should be a big help.

While we were out, we went by to make sure Beth is still registered to vote (she is), stopped by to pick up a picture they used of her in the paper; went by to sign the papers for the new bed; went to lunch at Alejandro's (Beth's favorite); went to the library and got some books; and topped it all off with ice cream from the Sonic.  Whew!  I then came home, collapsed and slept for two solid hours.  Now I feel as if I've been drugged, but I needed the rest.

Etta Sue, great post today.  Well, all of them are, really.

Papa John, you are in my thoughts and prayers today, and tomorrow you will be, as well.  I fully expect a GOOD report from your doctor.

Darrel said I had a couple of phone calls while I was out or asleep, so I guess I need to return those.  I'm staying home tonight.

Talk to you tomorrow, kids!

 Â  Hi all mom told me to come in and post so I am being obiedient.I've had to drink that stuff too preparing is worse than the procedure.Pat,hope you feel better soon.I hope your cat comes home Pinkie.I can't get names straight so you'll have to be patient with me.
Meikas pup is sweet,fat and sassy,she can bark and growl and it's so cute.I saw my moms dr today andhe is going to contact my neurologist,and fig out what kind of pt I should be doing.John says hi to all of you.You all will have to get him to come in more.Well all I thank you for all your prayers too,John is talking to me on voice so better see what he is saying,TTFN,Beth

Hi Everyone:  My goodness....Etta Sue.... what a great post on here.  You put me to shame, as I can never remember to comment on all the things.  You must tell me how you do it....do you make notes?  Don't tell me you print the postings.

Beth:  Great seeing you on here.  Hope you know that so many of us here are continually praying for you.  Someday, I'd love to see a post from John.  Do you two live near each other?

Oh Pinkie:  I sure do hope that your little Bonz comes back home.  I have a friend whose cat disappeared like that one night, and he came home after being away for almost 3 months. He was very thin and bedraggled, otherwise, he was fine.  I sure hope you are soon able to tell us good news about Bonz.

I have missed a few posts, as I see by some of your comments, that Paulette has posted.  Paulette....how was the wedding?  I'd love to hear all about it, and also about your little grandson.  How old is he now?

Well, I'm closing early tonight, as my arm that I broke in June, is very sore. I saw my doctor today, and he is sending me to the orthopedic surgeon next week.  He thinks that the bone has not mended like it should.

Please pray that I don't need surgery on my arm.  With using a walker....I couldn't manage to do that with a cast on my arm.

Quote
Ali got out in the dead of winter last year while I was holding the door open and talking to someone.  She never ever tried to get out before.  She ran to the corner of the house and then to the next corner....scared to death.  I had socks on but still ran after her.  I called her name.  Thank God, she turned and ran back but went past me and the door.  I finally opened the door and she ran back in.  She doesn't get close to the door anymore.  It's like she is saying...."I not do that again!!!!" 

Etta Sue! Thanks for your prayers...I laughed right out loud when you told about your Ali getting out!  I can just picture the whole episode you described.  We can laugh about it now...but I bet it wasn't funny then!

Quote from: Larry Hanna

Pinkie, I expect you have already done this but have you checked with your local animal shelter?  Hope your cat returns soon.  We do get attached to our pets.

Yes, Larry...that was the first thing that I did...left them a flyer with Bonz's picture on it.  But starting tomorrow, an ad will be running in the Lost and Found in the local newspaper.

Believe it or not, it's that time again. But don't let me stop you - go right on to the next NEM!

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