Christian Photographers Community

• Mini Challenge #12! "CHRISTMAS PREPARATIONS"   Our new challenge!!  Just keep on adding what your Christmas preparations are and we'll go back to a real challenge in the new year where we'll vote.

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• See the last photos uploaded to our Gallery

Morning Devotional...


Psalm Psalm 9:6-8, 13.  "O enemy, destructions are finished forever!  And you have destroyed cities; even their memory has perished.  But the Lord shall endure forever; He has prepared His throne for judgement.  He shall judge the world in righteousness, and He shall administer judgement for the people in uprightness.  Have mercy on me, O Lord!  Consider my trouble from those who hate me, You Who lift me up from the gates of death."

The key words in this psalm are, "but the Lord shall endure forever."  The wicked of this world have indeed done many terrible things.  They have even destroyed cities so that even the memory of them has perished.  For this reason, the wicked come to think of themselves as invincible - they boast in their accomplishments.

But what they don't realize is that there is a Judge Who sits in the heavens quite unruffled by all their shouting and boasting.  He easily outlasts them all, and He silently but inexorably prepares their quick and final destruction!  When it comes it will be fitting and it will be final.

That's why David can confidently pray for mercy.  He's experienced the merciful hand of the Lord before.  He's been lifted even from the very gates of death, and he knows that, at last, he will be be able to "tell all Your praise," and "rejoice in Your salvation!"  He summarizes it when he says, "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God, for the needy shall not always be forgeotten; the expectations of the poor shall not perish forever."

The application to us is this: NEVER GIVE UP!  God has not left His throne.  Just be sure you are righteous, and then, at exactly the right time, He'll take up your case - and His judgement will be evident to all, and you will triumph at last! About the time the enemy of your soul is partying and boasting, then he will be silenced, and YOU will do the rejoicing!
Al Moak

HI everyone.  Just a few minutes before I leave for coffee.  I am happy to say I am feeling much better this morning than I did yesterday.  My heart was really acting up yesterday.  I did manage to go to church but didn't go back for Sunday School after having taken Pat to the church early.  She had to stay after the service to help with the craft sale but I told her I needed to come on home and rest and so she got a ride with friends to get home.  I spent most of the day in bed and then went back to bed around 7 pm.  Anyway, looking forward to a good day today.

Colin, sometimes it takes things like the accident or some, what seems like terrible event at the time, in our lives to make us wakeup and "smell the roses" and appreciate the marvelous grace of God and his protection.  The last few months I know we have seen miracles occur in our lives.  I realize that they were occurring before but often I was too dense to recognize them.  I am so grateful to God for each day.

Janet, your small get-togethers sound like a great thing to do.  Our church over the years has stressed small groups and it truly is the way to get to know people.  Sorry about Darrel's TV set and hope it isn't anything serious. 

Al, thanks for the fine devotional this morning.  I needed those words as well.

Jane, it is go great to know that God is control of our lives. 

Well time to head out.  Hope this will be a glorious day for you all.

Three weeks to go to Christmas day. You would all be lost if I did not keep reminding you!

Hi Larry...It is good to smell the roses!

Hi Jane... I think you are a bit like myself. I am quiet too and like to sit and look out windows. If there is at least three in a room.. I am the one listening and putting in an odd comment. I do not like being the centre of attention. I enjoyed visiting your website and please be proud of it for it is off you and from you and it is yours. I hope you keep adding more to it. If you are not here..I will know you are in the background smiling. God bless.

Hello to everyone else...by the way Janet...thanks for telling me the colours you used in your paintings of the snowmen. I sure would love to see them.

God bless

Hi Jane...are you 5' 3" standing up or lying down? Just curious!

Hi Marilyn...When you know God is in control of events one must try and listen to what He is saying or why things happen the way they do. Marlene was awful sore this morning...hopefully the doctor will give her stronger painkillers later on. I am trying not to make her laugh..it hurts her.
God bless

Good Morning Y'all!

Been lurking lately, no time to post.  Colin, sorry to hear of your wife's accident but so thankfull she is ok.

Today is my baby's 10th birthday.   Now he is not a baby anymore, much less a little boy.  Where did the time go?
Got to go birthday shopping today, and bake his birthday cake!  I remember when my mother would bake me a cake for my birthday.  Wonderful memories!

I hope everyone has a great day today, and may God richly bless each one.

Samantha

Hi Al...lovely post to start the week with and beautiful hymn. Hope you are keeping well.

Hi Samantha...what do you mean lurking? Happy birthday to your young chap. I never had a birthday party or a  birthday cake in my whole life!  
Thank you for your thoughtfulness about my wife. She is doing ok..just very sore. Enjoy your son's birthday.

God bless

  Hi Colin!

Just for today, it will be your birthday too!







Samantha

Quote from: Colin on December 04, 2006, 08:17:27 AM
Hi Jane...are you 5' 3" standing up or lying down? Just curious!

Okay for you, Colin    You had to ask!  (I notice you didn't ask the same of Marilyn at 5' 7½") 

Good Afternoon folks.  It is a sunny day here, John has just left to travel around the province.  He will have good roads today. 

We have small group today, I do enjoy these evenings, getting together with friends and studying the Bible together.  I have to get busy and get some baking done It is my turn today to provide the snack with the study.

The girls are studying spelling words that have a latin root.  It is fun listening to them try to pronounce the latin root. 

Well had better get going and get baking.

Bye for now
JudyB

Ask a simple question and people are ready to crown you!   Ok Jane..I will ask Marilyn the same question as I asked you...are ye Marilyn 5' 7" when yer lyin' doon or stanin' up?...O O O...I forgot about the half inch! That is very important.

Hi Samantha..that is really nice of you and thank you very much! I will have to say my BIRTHDAY is coming up soon in this month!
The 15th! . I know you ladies do a lot of baking!

God bless

I slept an hour later this morning than usual.  Guess I must have needed it!

I'm busy today, cleaning a bit and baking for my little party in the morning.  I hope several come.

Larry, thanks......Darrel found the problem with his TV.  The light tube (looks like a bulb to me!) burned out and broke, so he has another one ordered, to the tune of $300!!    Man!  For just the bulb?!?!?!  He just bought this set in Feb. of 04.  Seems to me the bulb should have lasted longer.

A friend called and asked us to come eat at the Sr. Center and to bring the China album, so we did.  I see people getting bored quickly, even after all my hours of hard work.    But I guess you have to have either gone there, want to go there, or be interested in world history.  It's okay, I made the album for us, and we enjoy the memories it brings to mind.

We have also been asked to present a program for the Lions Club, and to talk to our Sunday School Class about China, on Jan. 14 and 15.  Maybe it won't bore them to hear us talk. 

Nice devotional for the week, Al.  Thanks for the heads-up about it being three weeks to Christmas, Colin!  I do need reminding.

And I'm not even mentioning my height, for fear of getting the same question!!   

Hello, you over in the corner.  Oh!!  It's Jane!!

I was trying to put some Christmas lights up and had tied a board against a tree that I was going to criss-cross lights over.  Well, after coming out with too many lights, I guessed my calculations were not right so I was trying to measure that board with a tape measure and havin' the hardest time.  Each time I'd get the tip of the measure 3/4 of the way up, it would come tumblin' down.  My son walked by and said with a chuckle, "Dad, why don't you lay the board down and then measure its length?"  I answered, "because, smarty pants, I want to know the height of the board, not the length!"

Anyway, the outside and inside of the house is very nicely decorated.  I have posted a couple of new picts in the gallery, though none of the house yet.

Speaking of light...

Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will soon be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory.  The people who walk in darkness will see a great light—a light that will shine on all who live in the land where death casts its shadow.  Israel will again be great, and its people will rejoice as people rejoice at harvesttime. They will shout with joy like warriors dividing the plunder.  For God will break the chains that bind his people and the whip that scourges them, just as he did when he destroyed the army of Midian with Gideon's little band.  In that day of peace, battle gear will no longer be issued. Never again will uniforms be bloodstained by war. All such equipment will be burned.

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  His ever expanding, peaceful government will never end. He will rule forever with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David. The passionate commitment of the Lord Almighty will guarantee this!  Isaiah 9 (NLT)

In His Grip,
Kevin

Hi Janet..I guess you are the same height from feet to head as you are from head to feet. These things are hard to understand I know but there you go. Janet... you can chat to me about your album of China over a nice chinese take away and a nice china cup of tea. On our TV at the moment there are programnes about a retired preacher going round China to find out about Christianity. He tells about what is allowed by the state and about the underground church. It is very interesting. I would love to walk along the great wall of China. It is not nice when people show no interest in your work after putting so much effort in to it. Take care Janet.

Slowly getting the Christmas tree finished. I put the lights and most of the decorations on it and Marlene the soul is adding a few more baubles. She got stronger painkillers today and hopefully she will get more ease from her pain.
Goodbye for now...God bless

Hi Kevin...Just saw you mate. These young boys think they know everything dont they Kevin? I would have measured it the same as you! 
Take care.

I'm Baaack!!!  You didn't even miss me, did you?       

I came home from being with Tony and Charlene Friday night and no DSL...no internet.  Then when I got up Saturday, I had four lights on the modem but after breakfast and devotions, only two lights...no internet.  I called my DSL people.  Of course, they can't send anyone on Saturday or Sunday and the appointment was today between 3 and 5 pm.  But the phone rang at 8 am and the DSL tech said he would be here in a few minutes.  He checked the post outside, the box on the outside of the house, the phone jack by the computer, the other 5 phone jacks in the house...all was fine but no DSL.  Finally he said he was going to the junction box about a half mile away and see if anything was awry there.  He called back and said there are 12 customers without DSL...only 4 of us called in...and that Embarq needed to send someone to install a new card.  That was around 11 this morning.  At 3:30pm I had internet again.  Talk about withdrawals!! 

Saturday night was our Victorian Dinner.  Some of you remember me posting pictures of the Victorian dinner but no one said anything this year to me about pictures, so I left my camera at home and enjoyed looking at all the decorated tables and listening to the speaker.  Ivalou, my sister, Jo and Teresa, Ivalou's two daughters, and Edie, Ivalou's grand daughter went with me this year.

Then Sunday was Ivalou's Christmas at her house.  There was twenty-two of us there.  What an enjoyable time! 

Colin ~ Do give Marlene extra hugs and kisses just to show her you really don't want to lose her.  God is certainly good, isn't he?  I never have my doubts about him but he sure instilled my faith in Him when I read the close call that Marlene and her cousin endured!  Wow! 

Jane ~ I love your Website.  Keep up the good work.  I miss your posts cause I really enjoy reading them.  You are like a lot of us...a warped sense of humor....   Well, I am speaking for myself.  I guess someone with a warped sense of humor thinks everyone has a warped sense of humor...(Whew! I think I got out of that okay....)

I won't commment on everyone's post.  Just know I missed you guys while my internet was down...

Hello everyone.  I am finally settling down to write a few words for you here.

Colin I am the same tall as I am flat on my back and from head to foot as well as foot to head give or take that ½inch.

I have wrapped all my Christmas gifts and next will be the card to get done. i went to Curves about 7 AM and actually lost a pound. Whew I thought that would never happen.  I have walked the dogs and tonight I am going to a baby shower at the church.

The Social worker at the care home where Ruth is call me today and they want me to work 8 hrs per day with her. I think it is going to have to be a split shift because they want me to put her to bed too. I will find out as we go along.

That's all for now folks.

Hi Etta Sue...I would give Marlene a tight hug but she is too sore to squeeze! It was a very bad smash and God is the reason  Marlene and Margaret were carried away from it living. Marlene managed to mobile me from inside the crashed car and my son Steven; who was listening in. quickly went to the crash scene.  I had to wait on Gregory coming home half an hour later as I was busy packing a suitcase in case Marlene would have to stay overnight in hospital. Marlene had assured me that she and Margaret were all right so that had eased my mind a little but I was still frantic. Thank God for HIS mercy.
Etta Sue..it is so lovely to see you back. I DID MISS YOU!!

Hi Marilyn...how are you? So glad you lost a pound.You are doing well. Keep it up.

You know...I am sitting laughing at that big BAAAACK!! that Etta Sue used. That is a wumin that ken gulder.

Hello to everyone else...so nice to be here and not alone.
God bless

Colin,

I thought my board-measurin' attempt at humor might be the key to your riddles...   I am a mere 5'6"inches/165cm tall when standing, and when lying down, and this is no lie, the same length as I was tall .  Now, if I could figure out how to reduce the circumference of my midsection, when either lying or standing, without a great deal of pain, I'd be a happy fella.

In His Grip,
Kevin

Quote from: Etta Sue on December 04, 2006, 06:35:02 PM
I'm Baaack!!!  You didn't even miss me, did you?    

Jane ~ I love your Website.  Keep up the good work.  I miss your posts cause I really enjoy reading them.  You are like a lot of us...a warped sense of humor....  Well, I am speaking for myself.  I guess someone with a warped sense of humor thinks everyone has a warped sense of humor...(Whew! I think I got out of that okay....)

Yup, I did miss you!     Sorry you had so much problems with/without your internet connection. 

It's funny (to me) that I have basically ignored my website for a very long time.  I only went there the other day to check Colin's comment in my guest book. ( It was then that I realized the counter wasn't even working!       )

I used to have a very elaborate website with AOL.  A friend from SN showed me how to make tables and I had photos of all my kids, their kids and their kids' kids there... Also lots of poems and music files, etc.  Then came the day when my daughter (or her husband, to be exact) decided I couldn't have any more photos of their kids because they didn't want them on the internet.  One of my grandsons also became very protective of his kids so... all photos for Grandma ceased to exist!  I promised on bended knee, with much pleading, that I would never again post any of their photos anywhere but I guess they didn't trust me.      

Anyway, I finally decided to quit AOL and didn't have a clue what to do with my webpage ... or how to keep it up on the big www. 

I tried to save some of the photos, and went to Thirdage but the enthusiasm was all gone.... and I don't have a clue how to put music files on that website.

I basically ignored the whole thing and lost all interest after Jean died, too.  About a year ago a friend from SN told me she "couldn't get to Jean's page" and I told her that was 'cause there was no such thing.  It was then that I wrote that last page and uploaded it and forgot about it.  That is until Colin wrote that he had been to visit.  Okay ... TMI but I just thought I should 'splain myself a bit here.

As for our "warped sense of humor" .... hmmmm   I have always been told I have a "wry humor"  or "dry humor" ... maybe when it gets dry it warps?      Anyway ... I like myself and God loves me and that's all that matters to me any more... so there!   

P.S. Hey there, Kevin -- you snuck in while I was contemplating....

I get your (and Colin's) idea about the length/height thing.... But he coulda said length y'know!!  hmmmmph     I am NOT as tall lying down as standing, by the way!   

Well, y'all, I've heard that Abraham Lincoln (Colin, that's one of our more famous presidents) replied when someone asked how tall he was that his legs were just long enough to reach the floor.

I most likely can measure my legs the same way, but must confide that my four-poster bed is too tall for me, so I step on a footstool, then get in bed.



It's good to hear from everyone today - wow, time really flies fast, doesn't it. Such a short time until Christmas.

Ruth Ann

Oh, Boy!  Colin and Kevin make quite the pair, don't they?    So glad that Marlene feels enough better to add a few baubles to the tree.  Gentle hugs to her ((((hugs)))).

I have things as ready as they will be for my little shindig in the morning.  I told my friend Pat that if anyone comes to my house looking for dirt, I wouldn't want to disappoint them!  When you invite folks over who have never been in your house, you start to see it with "new" eyes, and things don't always look so good.  Hmmmm.

Colin, I will take a photo of the snowmen candleholder before I wrap it up, and post it on here.  If I can remember how! 

I'm tired, and busy day coming up.  I'm going to go to Garden with Pat after the ladies leave tomorrow, and do a bit of Christmas shopping.  Actually, I'm nearly done, and have most of my cards out.  Feels pretty good!  I'm usually much later getting it done.

Jane, I will go look at your web page if I can find it.

Etta Sue, of course we missed you!  I thought you had probobly gone for another little trip!  I'm sure you enjoyed the Victorian dinner without having to take so many photos, though they were so nice.  Sometimes it's nice to just ENJOY. 

Be good, kids, I will be back to check on you! 

Hello everyone.  I was trying to decide if I even got in here yesterday.  If not, I've read everyone's posts.  Yes, you are all sort of strange.    I used to read and smile at good news and neat things you say.  Now I find myself laughing out loud, thanks to Kevin and Colin.  My sense of humor.  I guess I'm strange too. haha

I've been busy doing little stuff today.  I did do a little thing on using PSP and framed it.  I'm hanging it for Christmas.  I'll post it in the Christmas Challenge if anyone wants to see it.

It IS getting close to Christmas!!   I haven't bought one gift yet. LOL  I keep thinking that I don't have much money, so will be getting less for those I get for, and that keeps me from getting started.  I know they will like whatever I get, but it's hard to say "Gramma is broke this year".  Well, actually I've said it and I think they thought I was kidding.

But, oh boy, do I have a lit up house!!!  I've never had this many decorations.  My son put the outside lights up today.  Sue said she'd pay the extra on the light bill. haha  She really wanted this, so I got caught up in the happy.

Colin, I've printed out your My Jesus poem.  I have to do it again because I don't like how I've lined it up or the font.  I let my daughter read it, and of course, she wants a copy too.   I'll do it again and frame it this week.

Oh, I'm so sorry about the accident but so grateful that all are ok.  Poor Marlene. I pray she'll be back to her pain free self very soon.  Did you say how Margaret was doing now?

Jane, I just read your last page that others mentioned.  I hadn't seen that page, I don't think.  Maybe I did and forgot.  I know it's hard when things that are/were important to you don't seem to follow to another generation.
We've already talked about how we're giving pictures to our kids now.  Paring down, I think it's called. haha     I'm so glad you have your two daughters who love you and care about you.

I think I'm shorter than I was taller before.  And probably taller than I'll ever be.  But not as short as I could be.  Last bone density test shows a 6 percent improvement. yoohoo!

Marilyn, congratulations on the pound loss.  You deserved it.  And about time too, eh?

I can't remember what everyone posted, and that's no surprise.  I'll just say goodnight and see what the dogs are up to.  Oh yes.....and post my picture first.             Nita, who is waiting for Christmas

Hi, Janet.  I almost didn't see you.  It's really easy to post your snowman in the Christmas challenge place.  I want to see it too.

Hey there Nita ... 

I changed my candles from Thanksgiving tan and orange to Christmas red ... That's it for decorating at my house!      

I was thinking about calling you a while ago ... obviously I didn't but here you are so I get to "see" you after all!  I can only imagine your place all lit up for Christmas.  Did you get out to Shore Acres this weekend?  Joy really enjoyed our tour last week.  I think she was surprised, too! 

Hi Janet ... yup, it's me over here in the corner ... just listenin' and watchin' .... think I'll have another 

Colin, I am thankful that Marlene is still with you, and I pray that she regains some of her strength back before next week. You both will have some celebrating to do!

Marilyn, want to come wrap my presents?  Or write my cards, or do some baking?  I fear I may not get much done this year....once again, time is getting away from me!

Ruthie, Happy Birthday if you look in!

Now, time for bed and work again in the morning.

"New Beginnings" was the name of a photo competition over at Photography Cafe.  Our very own Pat was the top vote-getter!  Her photo beat out 39 others entered!

Here's her winning picture!



To see the little bird up close click here.
http://www.photography-cafe.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=102&pos=14

Please heap lots of praise on her for a well-deserved winning photo.

In His Grip,
Kevin

Oh, Pat...that is so precious!  You couldn't get a better "New Beginning".  Congratulations on your win.  I don't see how you could NOT win with a picture like that.  You must be proud of it.

Jane, I was gonna call you tonight too...but didn't.  I will call tomorrow.  And speaking of Christmas....I decided to do it at my house this year. (I can do this..I can do this...I can do this. haha)   Do you have plans?  It's the usual for us, you know.  Nope, never got to Shore Acres yet.  It was all purty, eh?

Happy Birthday, Ruthie!!

Colin, does Pat know when your Birthday is?  She does, doesn't she?

Nita

Oh wowee woo hooo WOW Pat ... that is a most awesome photo ... as Nita said I don't see how you could NOT win with that shot.  Congratulations!!   

Yup, Nita... Shore Acres was real purty fer shur!  Even moreso than last time I was there.  Yuh gotta get out there!  And don't forget your camera!   
Oh, to answer your question: I ain't got no plans 'tall ... as usual.   

Thank you so much, Kevin for sharing my joy of winning that competition with the folks here.

I was totally shocked.


I was unable to sleep and so got up and decided to look into our gallery and am overwhelmed by the work of one of our members.  Please have a look.  What great images he has and he has scripture on his work.

CLICK HERE

Colin,

About a camera...not sure how much a "ton" is, but I've found a camera that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, and is Canon's newest compact digital camera--it's very impressive.  Maybe you can check on the prices in your part of the world--everything here costs a few tons (I think).

Here's the link...

http://www.canon.co.uk/For_Home/Product_Finder/Cameras/Digital_Camera/PowerShot/PowerShot_G7/index.asp?ComponentID=393634&SourcePageID=384853#1

Once you let me know which direction we need to go price-wise, we can work from there.

I'm just trying to figure out how I can convince Midori that she needs this camera .

For the folks in the US, here's the Canon USA link...

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelDetailAct&fcategoryid=144&modelid=14321

And for our Canadian friends,

http://www.canon.ca/english/index-products.asp?lng=en&prodid=1100&sgid=23&gid=2&ovr=1

In His Grip,
Kevin

Hi everyone...another quick visit. Have been cooking and doing the washing. It is out drying on the line and by the look of the darkening sky..the rain is not far away!
I have posted some photos of the Christmas tree. I have just remembered I have something else to put on it but it is more or less finished. Some more decorations to put up and then that will be that!

Hi Kevin...have not checked out the camera yet but I will! Thank you very much.I fancy I will get a camcorder. I had one before (which decided not to work and was too dear to repair) and I so enjoyed using it. I always like to buy the best I can afford but I have always have to work to a tight budget. By the way..a ton is £100.

Hi Pat..congratulations on wining the competition. A brilliant photo which fulfills completely the requirement of the competion..New Beginings. Well done you!
Another lovely carol you have posted.

Hi Jane...Take care. I am going back for another visit to your website. Just get me an easy chair to sit in. Ta!

Hi Janet...It will be nice to see your snowmen! Marlene is still sore. The minister came up to visit. He is a bit of a comic...he told her to make a slow recovery so I would have all the cleaning; cooking etc to do! Around March would be soon enough to be on her feet. He is a wag! He admired the Christmas tree and then said if it had been any higher I would have had to put a hole in the ceiling for the star. I said I thought that was a better idea than mine for I was going to dig a hole in the floor to lower the tree.

Hi Nita...If I could get my scanner to work I would do you the poem myself and post it to you. That is nice your daughter wants one as well. As I am typing this..my friend Joe; who writes the gospel page in one of our newspaper; mobiled for me to send him a Christmas and New year poem for the paper. I will have to get that done. Thank you for your concern about Marlene. Margaret is sore but thankfully all right.

I must go now for there are visitors in so i am sorry if I have missed any of you. I will try and get back later.