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Where has August gone!  Here it is the first day of September!



Link of the day...[/font]

• Keys for Kids  If you have young children or grandchildren, you'll find this an interesting site.

Creation Moment [/list]



Verse for Today...[/font]

"This is why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor."[/color]
~Romans 13:6 and 7 NIV~[/list]


Quote of the Day...[/font]

 "Where reason cannot wade there faith may swim."
~Thomas Watson~[/list]


Some News We Should Know About...

• Ten Commandments Issue Isn't Going Away MIAMI -- Those familiar tablets with the parallel strings of thou-shalt-nots peek out from mossy granite blocks tucked into city hall gardens. They are chiseled into limestone monuments rooted on statehouse grounds and are cast onto bronze plaques that loom over county courthouses.

• Photo Moment: A Skier Tries To Escape Avalanche  [/b]  

From our forums...

• Our NEW Bi-Weekly Photo Challenge...OUR PETS  Let's see your pets!  Or your friend's pets!  Any pets!
  
  
• Photographs with a Scripture Message  This section is sure filling up and it's wonderful to see what we can do with our photos and sharing God's Word with others.
  

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Morning Devotional...


Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am.
John 17:24

I'll never forget our last visit with our dear friend, Les Green, missionary to Zaire, Africa.

Knowing he was close to death, we talked about how the Lord has prepared heaven for us, and is now preparing us for heaven. After we prayed Lester said, "Well, bwana, I'll see you in the morning."

The next day he went to be with the Lord. "I'll see you in the morning."

What a prospect!
                                                                             --Rex Trogdon

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Wow!  Look who is online at the moment...


Sue, Pat Scott, Al Moak, Sue, Carol, Janice, Jane Walker, pinkie, Ruth Ann Bice

Dear Pat - 'I'll see you in the morning.' These were the last words that my father spoke to me from his hospital bed. He passed away at 25mins after midnight! He knew where he was going! LOL


I spent much of yesterday with a heart full of mixed emotions. These last few days have seen many sudden and tragic deaths in our small community.

People we knew but were not related to. Relations we never really knew. Friends who had passed on words of wisdom to us in days gone by and young lives taken when they just seemed to be starting.

The gulls were squawking outside as I prayed this morning. The grey skies reflected the state of my own soul and the way I was feeling. My heart was heavy, burdened that I would know the safety of my own children's souls!

There was an urgency in my petitions for them today.

Once more I have been reminded of how short and unpredictable life is. We put tragedy and death far from ourselves when we hear about it. It happens to others, surely it will not happen to us?

Oh! My folly!!

Lord, save our souls!

I have this morning hope within my breast. I am able to pray. I have a prayer that I want my Lord to answer. Jesus Christ is my Lord and my God. He has come that I might have life and have it more abundantly.

I must lift mine eyes to the hills from whence comes mine aid.

His Word today was sweet to my soul. Already I feel refreshed and challenged. I gave a little time for Him and my soul wants more. I have an appetite to be in His company all the day long. I want to know this life more abundant.

I confess in shame that my soul is not always so with God!

Life seems to be getting more and more hectic. There hardly seems time to draw breath never mind spend a little time with our God or our family. Employers are becoming more and more demanding and we are more and more accountable for our time and our productivity.

Many fine Christians labour diligently throughout each day, come home and rush   their supper, then head either for a meeting or perhaps they may go visiting.

Often it is very late before they return home and this cycle continues day after day. Like Pat has highlighted already today, 'where has August gone?'

I have to ask myself if my daily life is built around my Lord or do I simply try my best to fit Him in whenever I can?

It is so easy to rush through a Bible reading in the morning, say a quick, often meaningless and faithless prayer, then head off to work. Many folk live for a 'lucky' break, where their fortunes may suddenly change.

Perhaps a lottery win? (No!! -  Do not get me started on that one!) It may be an  insurance policy coming to fruition, and all of a sudden life seems so much better. Holidays are planned, perhaps a new car is bought and there is money in the pocket to spend.

This is life!

Is it?

This world has a variety of ways of deceiving us and distracting us from the One thing needful. It promises us so much yet fails so often to deliver. So many things just seem to be outwith our reach. If we cannot have them then we become miserable. We murmur against God.

Life is just plain miserable!

Life is not fair!

We keep looking for life more abundant but we never seem to find it. The fault always lies with someone else and not with ourselves. Pride will not accept that we are capable of taking and making wrong decisions which end in misery.

We may have taken one drink or drug too many. The high we experienced was great for a little while, but it soon faded. We delighted in an illicit affair which fed our vanity and ego for a little time. But Oh! What damage!

How we would love to turn the clock back and steer ourselves clear of such situations. That however is not an option! God is not mocked. Whatsoever a man sows, that he shall reap.

Broken lives can be repaired!

Instead of returning to our first love immediately, repenting of our sin and accepting God's way of forgiveness, we complicate matters even further by trying to win back God's favour by our own good works!

We may pray and read, pray and read day after day but this is not God's way! This is like trying to climb a mountain with two broken legs! Instead of finding peace, we find that we are even more miserable than before!

The Good Shepherd has given His life for the sheep.
Some folks lives are simple. They are in that much of a routine that they find themselves in a spiritual rut or vacuum. Life is lived by sight! There is no time or room or even need for faith! They just do not have the time, will or energy to sit down with Jesus.

We all look for happiness and a measure of contentment in our lives. The only person denying us these pleasures is ourselves.

The Lord has told us in His Word that He has come that we might have life and that we may have it more abundantly. To know this life more abundant we must endeavour to REST in His finished work.

The more time we spend alone with Jesus the more we will get done in a day.

It is a love affair.

The more we get to know our Beloved the more time we will want to spend with Him. No one else can give to us what He has promised in His Word. Love, joy, peace!

Am I aware of these three gifts in my life today?  They are all freely available. They have been purchased by the precious blood of Jesus. Will God withhold any good thing from those who love Him?

As sheep we need not fear for anything. Our Good Shepherd is watching over us. He calls His own sheep by name and He leads us forth. Our duty is to follow Him. As sheep we hear His voice and we know it. This Good Shepherd laid down His life for us. His blood cleanses us from all our sin and by His stripes we are healed.

REST in Jesus.

Make time today to listen to what the Good Shepherd is saying to you. He IS speaking to YOU and to me! Do I have the ears to hear?

My prayer for you today it this, that you, your family and all connected with you may know life more abundant and also the blessing God commands – 'Life that shall never end.'

LOL

Your brother in Christ

Iain

8.50a.m.

Thanks Iain.

I haven't posted this last weekend.....Just as Iain said things seem to be going too fast.
I needed to spend some quality time with the Lord.....I believe I have done that.

I also spent time kitting and reading., my Bible, Joni's "More Precious than Silver" and for light relief a Steve Martini novel.......He's my favourite novelist.

I now have just one sleeve to finish on my cardi...Pat!!! My cross-stitch picture is sitting here waiting to be finished...I've done lots of cross-stitch items in the past....pre-"puter" days.

Christopher and I have made a decision, NO PUTER at weekends....I'm sure it's right for my soul.  I need to re-charge my spiritual batteries.

This from Joni....................

"There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole.
There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul.
Sometimes I feel discouraged,
and I think my work's in vain,
But then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again".

I love all of you In Christ Jesus
May He send "showers" of blessings to all.
Jenny.

Good morning 10.30AM

Pat thank you for your devotional and the nice music
Also thank Iain for your devotional.
I first have read what the others have writen yesterday the most have writen when it was night in
Holland.
But i hope that you all have had a good sunday.
I have not be to to the church. On this moment i can
not sitting on the very hard seats we have in the church.
I have take a look on the t.v.
There where 2 divine services on and an an programme that was only singing christian songs also
saterday evening there was an programme with
christian songs.

It is Labor Day in Canada and America may be also in England. I don't know what that is.

I wish you all a blessed day
God is with You All
Bye for now RIA

IN THE REFRAIN OF THE SONG THIS MORNING
WHE IN HOLLAND ARE SINGING PRAISE THE LORD
BUT THEN IN DUTCH
RIA

Just a short note this morning to say hello!

MEIKA, it is so good to have you back!

Abby is still here, and we have so many things to catch up, since I have been away from home most of last week.

Iain, great thoughts today....almost every day, I find myself too busy.  And the more I try to slow down, the more things seem to pile up, demanding my attention.

I will be back when I can.

Good Morning everyone>

Brother Iain: you put so well into word the thoght and feeling I have had so many times.  I cn relate to you feelings of everything moving too fast for me to keep up with. Those feelings of inadequacy before the Lord.  Thank you Brother for putting it into words.

Well today may be a holiday for the rest of the nation but I have to go to work. I think the only holidays I get off are Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Years if they fall on my days off. I have to check with the payroll office to find out. When you are a caregiver you can take a day off just beause it is a holiday.  Who would do your job.

TTYL

Hi everyone.  We are having a quiet holiday weekend.  Attended church yesterday and then out to lunch with our regular group.  

Several days ago I ordered "The Complete Works of Oswald Chambers" (think it is like the one Jane spoke of a few weeks back).  I have been reading the daily devotions from "My Utmost for His Highest" and the one today contained this statement:

QuoteContinually restate to yourself what the purpose of your life is.  The destined end of man is not happiness, nor health, but holiness...

I will probably never get all of this huge book read but it is a wonderful resource.  Since it came with a CD I put the whole thing on my computer but am enjoying just reading from the book.  

Etta Sue, your 40 Days of Purpose campaign sounds like something related to the books written by Rick Warren.  Is this related to his book "The Purpose Driven Church"?  I have not read that book but have read twice his book "The Purpose Driven Life".

Janet, glad to see you are back home and enjoying your time with Abby.

Marilyn, I am sure that check will come in handy.  You are right about the caregiver being needed regardless of holidays.  Glad you are enjoying your work.


Elizabeth, I certainly concur in your's and other comments regarding keeping marriage as it is.  The moral values of our countries are continually under attack.

Janice, it doesn't take a lot of voices to create beautiful music and it is the qulaity not quantity that often matters the most.  It was nice that your group could sing at church.

Carol, glad to read that Don is finally getting some healing and feeling better.  Sure he is happy to be able to get out and about again.  

Pat and Iain, good devotional thoughts this day.  Thanks for doing these.

Jenny, you mentioned the hymn "The Balm of Gilead".  Our choir director sang that without accompaniment during our offering time yesterday.  She has a beautiful soprano voice and it was very touching as it is such a great old hymn.

Ria, sure sorry to read that your back prevented you from sitting in church.  Do hope you will be feeling better today.

Mieka, good to see you posting again.  Your family sure does a lot of traveling.  I sure understand about it being good to be back home.

Papa John, probably tomorrow you should have less traffic in the Helen, Georgia area with the holiday over.  That is a beautiful setting but roads are a bit difficult there.  It has been several years since we went up that way.

Our son should be here in a little while and Pat is busy fixing things for dinner.  She is going to grill chicken for lunch.  I just got back from a quick trip to the fabric store for her to pick up a new rotary cutter and blades they had 50% off today and some velcro she needed for a project she is working on.

Hope everyone has a great day.

I am so glad that my church's website is updated frequently.  Here is the article that was written in our Newsletter about '40 Days of Purpose'.

40 Days of Purpose

While you are on the site, click on the left to learn more about my church...thank you.

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I have read all the posts and thank you, Pat and Iain for your comforting words....words to think about...words to change your thoughts....words to ponder over.  

I have 'talked' to Jerry on Instant Message this morning.  He seems upbeat today. He is getting quicker in typing and I am praying he will post on CP soon just so that you will know he is getting better in his own words.  I woke up early and saw white out my bathroom window.  Water, water everywhere!!!!  I went back to bed and then got up again.  Water, water in my basement.    I have ran the sump pump and there is less water.  I talked to Ivalou and she said she has never seen water in her backyard up next to the garage before.  She has lived their since '58.  Lots of water fell.  I looked for Noah and his ark but didn't see him.    But the water is going down quick...thank God for that.

?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`
"My mind not only wanders. sometimes it leaves completely."

Larry this afternoon i have been to my chiropracter
i may never more do strong work. Only light work.
He have say to me that i have a very weak back.
The next sunday i must teak care on the little children
from 0-3 years. There is also a special service for
children from 4 - 6 years. I often read taht children for
out the children Bibble and we talk about that
And i have asked our pastor or i can get in the church a normal chair. I hope that i get one
End spetembre the Bible studies are beginning
There are different clubs for eachs age
Ria
I hope you can understand this all

Good morning to all of you from wet, soggy, rainy Illinois! We had 4 inches of rain yesterday, and are wxpecting that much again today! Our farmers have been praying for rain; I just didn't think that they wanted this much! Pat and Iain, your devotionals, as always, were great--you both are talented in being able to put all of our thoughts into words! Pat, the song and music were so nice; that is one of my favorite songs! Etta Sue, even though my church is an independent Baptist church, it sounds alot like yours, from what I read! I wish all of you a restful holiday today here and in Canada, and ask Gods' blessings on all of you!
Love in Him,
Cami

A sunny, warm hello to all from Oregon's Southcoast!    I have been browsing here and there throughout these past days (weeks?) but just haven't taken the opportunity to speak up.  Today I wanted to tell Larry that, indeed, that is the same volume w/cd that I have.  I love it!  

In answer to those who commented on my insurance check: I talked with the adjuster Monday night and he had the check in Tuesday's mail!  I received it on Friday.  Even with my deductible, there will be more than I need to replace the ceiling fan and carpet in the bathroom.  I love how my Father sees to my every need ... With Him I can always "expect the unexpected!"  It's a wonderful journey!

Wonderful news Jane!
Hang on, there will be more.
Father God supplies ALL our needs!
Regards Chris and Margit.

CHRIS & MARGIT~ I know ... He has never failed me! God is good ALL THE TIME!   :D

It's so good to know that and realize it, Jane!  

Let's sing...

QuoteYou alone are my strength, my shield;
To You alone may my spirit yield.
You alone are my hearts desire,
and I long to worship You.

Thank you for posting this song up Pat.  A thought came to me that only people who are without strength will look to Christ to strengthen them.  Those people who feel that they are strong in themselves will never feel any need of Him.  This always takes the shame away from feeling so weak and dependant on the Lord.

It was a lovely hymn to sing just before my quiet time.

Anthony.

I just spent the most enjoyable hour or two just looking at some photos.

I wonder if you can get this link.  They are marvelous!

http://www.pbase.com/unclefrank

(I wonder who Uncle Frank is!)    He's sure a great photographer of flowers and humming birds, etc.

Home from work now and Here is my favorite song. Thank you Sister for posting that song. Iwoke up yesterday morning with that going over and over in my head.

Anthony, What a nice surprise to see you back here. How is everything with you? Did you move or am I having a senior moment (knowledge delay) here. LOLI ,pved, Now I am on the Northern Coast of California. 17 hours away from where I was in the desert.

Dear Iain:

After reading through your devotional I have to agree with you that it is so important to spend time with our Saviour and Lord.  

Most of the great men of God, giants in the faith, made sure they did spend much time with the Lord and this is where they received their strength, their comfort, their renewal.

I know it is hard sometimes to just leave everything and come away and be with the Master, but it is essential if we want to achieve or accomplish anything for God.

Thank you Iain, you have reminded me to spend more time with God so I can calm down and rest in Him.  The scripture says "In quietness and confidence shall be your strength"  Isaiah 30:15

Ruthie

Hi Pat:

Thank you for that wonderful song "As the deer pants for the water, so my soul pants for You"  Music refreshes us, and especially a song like this.  I sang it through a number of times.  

God bless.

ruthie

12.20a.m.

Thankyou Anthony and Pat.

A NICE LONG VERSION OF "THE DEER" TO TAKE ME TO BED........Beautiful.  Goodnight now.

Thank you Pat for the lovely pictures of the humming bird and wedding pictures and flowers.  I was looking at them while I was listening to the hymn.  Wonderful and relaxing.

Hello Anthony, I'm a newbie, just like you.

Ruthie

Well, hello, Jerry!!
How nice to see your name at the bottom of the page.  I do hope you are composing a post for us, I will watch for one.  

So good to see you here and to hear from Etta Sue how much you have improved.  That is wonderful, and I pray it will be continual and speedy.

Etta Sue, now I recognize the connection, I have heard of the "Life of Purpose" program.  Enjoyed seeing your church web page.  Maybe one day the photo challenge will be for our church photos!  I have one of ours I could send in.

Hello Anthony, haven't seen you for a while.  

Later.......Janice

 Hi all. I am writing this to let you know that I am not free of this notepad yet, but I will say hi once in a while.

I'm just dropping in for a minute writing this on the word processor to keep my on line cost down.  I'm not trying to read all the posts.

Today, being Labor Day the little resort town of Helen, Georgia, was crowded.  The main activity around here is tubing down the Chattahoochee river.  We saw many hundreds of kids as they floated down the river which passes by Loreley Resort where we are staying.  We drove around and Cornelia did a little shopping.  We looked in at the swimming pool but I thought the water was a little cold so I didn't go in.

I'm feeling a little better today after yesterday when I think I had a bug.  We both are getting a lot of reading done.

Cornelia and I continue our reading the Bible out loud.  We are now in Ezekiel.  Every night before we go to bed I will read a chapter and then Cornelia will read.  

Paul said to Timothy,  "Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine."  I believe one of the important things for Christians to is to read the Bible.  One thing we can all do is to continue in reading.  Every time I read it I believe I get a blessing.

I hope you all have a good rest this evening.

--- Papa John              <)))><<

 

Hello Everyone!

I'm just in from a lovely time at Andrew's and Terena's home for supper.  Rebecca is so sweet.  She has two outfits laid out on her bed for the morning--one in case it's cool and one in case it's warm!

She's so happy to be going back to school.

Nice to see you posting, Anthony.  I so agree with your post ...

QuoteA thought came to me that only people who are without strength will look to Christ to strengthen them.  Those people who feel that they are strong in themselves will never feel any need of Him.  This always takes the shame away from feeling so weak and dependant on the Lord.

Oh that Christians would realize that more and more.

I won't mention the rest, just to say it's so good to come back from supper and see Jerry and Papa John feeling a bit better and Ruthie enjoying Iain's devotional as did many of us.  

Thanks everyone...

Today was definitely a sweatshirt day - barely made 70 and rainy.  Oh, well.  At least we're not using electricity, running the A/C/!   The local grocery story had a sale this week on fans - 10" box fans for $3 each and 16" swivel desk fans for $5 each so I picked up two of each.   They should be a help in those between times when it's kind of warm and/or sticky but not really enough for the A/C.  

Tomorrow Gene has an appointment for a regular check-up at the VA Clinic in Elizabettown - almost two hours away.  We had planned on a side trip to Lake Placid to check on his sisters, but his back has been bothering him so much we may pass on that this time.

My daughter and family went back to North Carolina on Wednesday (Boo Hoo! ) and today was Jake's 9th birthday so we called them this evening.  Nine years!:o  Where does the time go?  I asked him how he got to be so big so fast and he told me "Year after year after year, Grandma."  Such logic at his age!

hello all!!  Like Papa, we spent a couple of hours today watching people raft and kayak, except on the Nantahala river in Southwest North Carolina.  Travis loved it!!  He watched for almost two solid hours, and never offered to run around or anything.

Glad to see everyone posting.  I especially enjoyed your devotional today, Iain.  I was just saying earlier that "life has caught up with me, now I need to catch up with my life."  

I am going to go "work" on some pictures now.  Maybe i can post some of the rafters in the next day or so.