Christian Photographers Community

• Prayer and Praise    Thanks for visiting this area of our site to share prayer requests and items for praise!

 



Morning Devotional...






A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver."  Proverbs 25:11


A gentleman was seated in a busy public place when he heard the surpassing sweetness of the voice of a young lady who sat near him.  This servant of Christ inquired of the lovely youngster whether she loved the Saviour and belonged to Him.  She flippantly replied, "I am not a Christian, and so I suppose I do not love the Saviour."

"Then my dear young friend," said he, "what will you do with that voice in Eternity?  Shall it be spent in the wailing of the lost forever?"

The Christian man said no more, quietly took his leave and left her to her own reflections.  The piercing question and the thoughts they engendered were the means of her conversion.

Who knows what a fitly spoken word, empowered by the Spirit of God could do in the life of an individual.  A fitly spoken word can polish-up like a golden apple, framed in silver, and be the effectual means of bringing a lost soul to Christ.

I would think words fitly spoken would be of more value than violent, vitriolic words of condemnation.  I believe fitly spoken words would be more convincing than condescending or cajoling words.  I would assume that loving words, fitly spoken would have the desired effect, for, "Charity never faileth:..."  (1 Cor. 13:

What will you do when the next occasion arises to place a golden apple on the doorstep of someone's heart?  Or what will be framed in silver that falls from your lips today?  What will it be...?

Dr. Tim Green, Day Heights, OH

Wonderful devotional, Pat.  It does make me stop and consider what I will do or say whenever an occasion arises to speak of salvation.  Thank you!

Hi everyone.  We escaped any more snow this morning.  We rain during the night but the temperature stayed up and while we were at coffee this morning we saw some blue sky.  Almost all of the snow is gone now except for a remainders of snowmen that had been built in the neighborhood.  

I am happy to be able to say that Pat is feeling better today.  Her shoulder muscle is still very sore but she is not in anywhere near the pain she had for about three days.  Hopefully the worst is over.  

Today is the day the housekeeper was due but don't think she will make it as isn't feeling well.  

My men's luncheon group is going to have lunch today at Macaroni Grill.  I always enjoy their food.

I did sing in the choir yesterday but quite a bit of it was in the upper range for basses and my throat just closed up and I couldn't get the note out.  So I just moved my lips.  I think my cold is about gone today.  We did have a nice Senior luncheon after church.  The decorations were beautiful and the food was very good.  The entertainment was cancelled at the last minute as several of the ladies who were in the group performing live in North Georgia and were still snowed in.  So we got home at a good time, for which I was thankful, as wasn't feeling the best yesterday and needed the rest.  

Pat, thanks for the fine devotional.  I think it emphasizes how God uses us in ways we probably never realize.  That is why we need to guard our actions and words when with others. 

Wonderful devotional Pat.  Yes we have to be prepared on one hand and watch our words on the other!  Thank you for the reminder!

John and I went our for a Valentines, anniversary dinner.  We had a wonderful time at a new restaurant for us, The Eagles Nest.

We have had a bit of snow, and as we drove last night watching the snow was like watching sparkly diamonds in the air around us.  It was beautiful.

Have a great day everyone.

Well, after Ivalou got to church yesterday she started feeling bad.  Said she was feeling weak and wanted to go home.  Said she didn't want David Barker, an EMT, have to revive her.  So we left right after church.  I came home and got a bag of stuff for Goodwill and took it to Goodwill, ate at Taco Bell and went to Lapel for an RX refill.  I called Ivalou and she said she was feeling better but didn't know why she felt so weak at church. 

I think the class has decided to keep our 50th Reunion celebration the same and those who can stay and/or attend the Commencement a week later will.  The commencement is postponed because of making up snow days.  We have 6 more weeks of snow/ice.  Who knows how many snow days! 

Ivalou called and canceled rehab for today since we are to get 2"-4" more snow before dark.  I had already swept my deck twice and about an inch of snow each time!  Everything is white...roads, grass, snow drifts...everything again! 

But Ivalou needed some money, so we went to Lapel to the ATM, the drug store for RX refills and I started home.  She thought we were going for breakfast so we ate breakfast at the Bulldog Corner.  I was going to cash a small check but the bank is closed for President's Day.  So now we are home and not going anywhere...not even to the mailbox...no mail today! 

Kaye Don and Barb flew back to Florida today.  They should be there by now.  Their flight was at 7:30 this morning.  She is having back surgery in Florida the 22nd.  I guess if you can't talk a surgeon into surgery in Indiana, you talk one into it in Florida!  I have never seen anyone have so much surgery as Barb and Saturday at the reception, she acted like nothing was wrong at all with her back!!!  Even I can't stand still very long.  Thank God, I can sit, lie down or even walk and my back doesn't hurt.  But just standing...like at Walmart to get checked out...ouch!  I hurt! 

My heat pump has been making loud noises...the compressor outside.  First it sounded like a truck idling.  Last night it sounded like a motor boat.  The compressor is outside my bedroom window.  And it isn't throwing out as much heat.  So I called the installers this morning for them to come and check it out.  Don't want it to go out on me...it saves me heating bill money!

Etta Sue you and your sister may not WANT to go back to the ER, but if she feels rough again I would suggest you take her.  There may be something going on that needs attention.

Pat it was nice to talk to you and Paul this morning.  I miss our talks.

Has anyone heard from Don?  He is missed!

We have cadets today, Kass has arranged a sports night.  Should be good as it is both inside and outside and she has arranged to have hot chocolate as well.

Got to go.

Pat:   Thanks for the devotional.

Since I have been away many sad/happy events have happened.  2 funerals, one is a 64 yr. young gone home to eternity and the other just this week only God knows for sure.  
My cousin was admitted to the hosp. early this morning with bowl issues the Dr. has said it can be corrected without surgery and she should be home in 2 - 3 days. The Dr's. will be trying to stay away from surgery as she is a frail person. The other not so good is my brother to that more will be known in a couple of weeks.

Pat/Judy:  I am sure that you will remember Mikey what the real issue is I do not know except that he is/was in Sunny Brook Hosp. with yet more med. issues.   Such a patient & kind person.

I have completed a sewing project and accomplished a lot of tidy up jobs.  I had started a counter cross stitch kit perhaps 5 yrs. ago and I am going to start trying to get it finished.

Time to go I have just heard hubby arrive home after being at the fishing show with our son and his friend.

Ruth

See the Canadian Women's Hockey Team GO!!!!

      

We had a really nice time at the Valentine banquet last night. and I had so many nice compliments on my Viet Nam outfit.  Darrel wore one of his shirts he had made in Thailand.  We did get a couple of photos taken.

I worked this morning and had a Dr.'s appointment this afternoon.  Sort of a slow day, so I have been reading.

Pat, I hope your shoulder is better by now.  And glad that Larry's Pat is feeling some better.

Ruth, sorry about your heartaches lately.  Sometimes it is a tough world.

Hi, Etta Sue!  I wish I could let Barb have this darn surgery they want to do on my tongue! 

Good morning, folks.

The winners of the mini challenge "Details, Details" are posted Click Here to see them.

Should I mention it is snowing in Indiana?  I know I have about 15 inches of snow on my deck.  I shoveled about 8 inches this morning from the path I shoveled twice yesterday!  BUT I did get to the garage and used the car to make paths in my drive, Ivalou's drive and next to the mailboxes so the mailman will shut the doors on the mailboxes.  Last week, he opened them, put mail in but didn't shut the doors.  I found one letter of Ivalou's in the snow!!  So now we make sure he can get to the mailboxes. 

Today is suppose to be Euchre.  I have tried to call the hostess twice but she isn't answering.  Will keep on trying.  It isn't until 3pm. 

I have turned off my heat pump and I am using the electric fireplace to compensate using the furnace in my awake hours.  Just the furnace at night.  I called to get the heat pump fixed again this morning.  They are to be here tomorrow afternoon. 

Always something.  About the time you get ahead someone puts out their hand!  That's life!

Looks like the games have people glued to the TV to cheer on their teams.  I am cheering the Canadians....even thought they cannot hear me!  The weather seems to be holding things up out west today...

There is a communication breakdown in cadets, one of the cadets is not doing what she should and Kass has gone over her head. to the next level up.  We'll see what happens.

I have stuff to get done, be back later.

We Just got the call.  John's cousin passed away this morning.  As many of you know this is not unexpected.  Please pray for his wife and family in the coming days.  Bob was 74.

I got back to Guelph on Saturday after a rather full week of shoveling snow in Falls Church VA. The house there is on the market and still waiting for a buyer. The snow in Winchester will just have to melt over the next three weeks or so!
The following is from an e-mail I received while I was gone and I thought you might like to read it too. - - -

                         * * * * * * * * *

I once read that a coincidence is just when
God chooses to remain anonymous.......  
 

   The SPARROW at STARBUCKS


The song that silenced the cappuccino machine

It was chilly in Manhattan but warm inside the Starbucks shop on 51st Street and Broadway, just a skip up from Times Square . Early November weather in New York City holds only the slightest hint of the bitter chill of late December and January, but it's enough to send the masses crowding indoors to vie for available space and warmth.
For a musician, it's the most lucrative Starbucks location in the world, I'm told, and consequently, the tips can be substantial if you play your tunes right. Apparently, we were striking all the right chords that night, because our basket was almost overflowing.
It was a fun, low-pressure gig - I was playing keyboard and singing backup for my friend who also added rhythm with an arsenal of percussion instruments. We mostly did pop songs from the '40s to the '90s with a few original tunes thrown in. During our emotional rendition of the classic, "If You Don't Know Me by Now," I noticed a lady sitting in one of the lounge chairs across from me. She was swaying to the beat and singing along.
After the tune was over, she approached me. "I apologize for singing along on that song. Did it bother you?" she asked.
"No," I replied. "We love it when the audience joins in. Would you like to sing up front on the next selection?"
To my delight, she accepted my invitation. "You choose," I said. "What are you in the mood to sing?"
"Well. ... do you know any hymns?"
Hymns? This woman didn't know who she was dealing with. I cut my teeth on hymns.. Before I was even born, I was going to church. I gave our guest singer a knowing look. "Name one."
"Oh, I don't know. There are so many good ones.. You pick one."
"Okay," I replied. "How about 'His Eye is on the Sparrow'?"
My new friend was silent, her eyes averted. Then she fixed her eyes on mine again and said, "Yeah. Let's do that one."
She slowly nodded her head, put down her purse, straightened her jacket and faced the center of the shop. With my two-bar setup, she began to sing.
Why should I be discouraged?  
Why should the shadows come?
The audience of coffee drinkers was transfixed. Even the gurgling noises of the cappuccino machine ceased as the employees stopped what they were doing to listen. The song rose to its conclusion.
I sing because I'm happy;  I sing because I'm free.
For His eye is on the sparrow,  And I know He watches me.
When the last note was sung, the applause crescendoed to a deafening roar that would have rivaled a sold-out crowd at Carnegie Hall. Embarrassed, the woman tried to shout over the din, "Oh, y'all go back to your coffee! I didn't come in here to do a concert! I just came in here to get something to drink, just like you!" But the ovation continued...  I embraced my new friend.. "You, my dear, have made my whole year! That was beautiful!"
"Well, it's funny that you picked that particular hymn," she said.
"Why is that?"
"Well . .." she hesitated again, "that was my daughter's favorite song."
"Really!" I exclaimed.
"Yes," she said, and then grabbed my hands. By this time, the applause had subsided and it was business as usual.. "She was 16. She died of a brain tumor last week."
I said the first thing that found its way through my stunned silence. "Are you going to be okay?"
She smiled through tear-filled eyes and squeezed my hands. "I'm gonna be okay. I've just got to keep trusting the Lord and singing his songs, and everything's gonna be just fine." She picked up her bag, gave me her card, and then she was gone.
Was it just a coincidence that we happened to be singing in that particular coffee shop on that particular November night? Coincidence that this wonderful lady just happened to walk into that particular shop? Coincidence that of all the hymns to choose from, I just happened to pick the very hymn that was the favorite of her daughter, who had died just the week before? I refuse to believe it.
God has been arranging encounters in human history since the beginning of time, and it's no stretch for me to imagine that he could reach into a coffee shop in midtown Manhattan and turn an ordinary gig into a revival. It was a great reminder that if we keep trusting him and singing his songs, everything's gonna be okay.
The next time you feel like GOD can't use YOU, just remember...
 
•   Abraham was too old
•   Isaac was a daydreamer
•   Jacob was a liar
•   Leah was ugly
•   Joseph was abused
•   Moses had a stuttering problem
•   Gideon was afraid
•   Sampson had long hair and was a womanizer
•   Rahab was a prostitute
•   Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
•   David had an affair and was a murderer
•   Elijah was suicidal  
•   Jonah ran from God
•   Naomi was a widow
•   Job went bankrupt
•   John the Baptist ate bugs
•   Peter denied Christ
•   The Disciples fell asleep while praying
•   Martha worried about everything
•   The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once
•   Zaccheus was too small
•   Paul was too religious
•   Timothy had an ulcer...AND
•   Lazarus was dead!
 

No more excuses now!!
God can use you to your full potential. Besides you aren't the message, you are just the messenger.
God bless

Thanks Paul for sharing that.

Thanks Paul!  What a lovely addition to this week's "Thoughts".  One of my favourite pieces too.

Thanks, Paul.  I'm so glad you posted that.   

Hi everyone.  The day is flying by but I wanted to come and read the postings.  I had a busy morning with the normal activities.  The housekeeper just got here after cleaning another house.  We was scheduled for yesterday but was ill and had to cancel.  She will do two rooms today and I think she is to come back tomorrow to finish the rest. 

Happy to report that Pat is much better today.  She felt like working in the kitchen.  She is hosting a game day on Thursday with some women friends and was making a big pot of a delicious chicken soup, which will be the entree for the meal.  When I got up from my nap this afternoon I put together a broccoli/cauliflower salad that I really like.  It also has cheddar cheese and bacon and green onions with a nice dressing.  It is one of my favorite but we don't have it too often as it is really a lot of chopping and work to put together.  I do very little food preparation in the kitchen other than to fix my own breakfast and lunch.  I can heat up a TV dinner once in a while. 

Paul, glad to see you got through the snow and back to Canada.  Our snow is all gone now as we had rain night before last and it melted the 3 or 4 inches we had on the ground.  At our Valentine Dinner for the seniors at church Sunday the lady who MC'ed read the Starbuck's piece as the main part of the substitute program.  It is a good story.

Judy, sorry to read of the death in your family. 

Ruth, also sorry to read of the problems your family has been experiencing.  It seems there are so many people who are ill.  We have also had a fairly large number of deaths within our church family already this year.

Etta Sue, sure glad Ivalou is feeling better.  Don't send that snow down this way.

Well I have some computer work I need to get done for the Senior Golden games so best get to it.

Paul, thank you for sharing that.  I don't think I had read it before.  It reminded me of the friend who was here recently, who also lost a teenage daughter.

Today was my last day to work for a while.  I am rather glad about that.  Getting up so early made me so sleepy I was falling asleep at home every time I sat down.  They will call me if they need me.   I did go back this afternoon to help a little with Ladies' Tea.

Larry, glad Pat is better.  Hope you both stay well!

I must now turn my attention to preparing for my portrait class next week!

Thanks so very much for that, Paul.  I really appreciated it.

Paul:  Thank you for the message.

Larry:  Belated birthday greetings to you, enjoy the week.   

Etta Sue:  I hope that your heat pump continues to work.  

JudyB:  No, I had read about your relative so it wasn't unexpected but it is still sad for the family.    Hugs

          Judy:  Go USA Women's Hockey   .........

I have been glued to the t.v. while sewing a quilt top now the third afternoon in a row.  My machine has been sitting on top of the dining table so I would not miss much.  And, the Swedes have a Gold medal for X-country, whew!  Wonderful for the young man who got the first Gold Medal for Canada and his brother with Spinal Bifida was so thrilled for him.  

We are packed and ready to head for Arizona on Friday but --- snow is coming Thursday so we will check it out and leave that morning if needful.  

So sorry about John's cousin, Judy.

Hi everyone.  I am checking in early today as will be gone all morning and then have choir this evening.  I think I will be able to sing without problems tonight.  Sunday I had no higher notes and it felt like my throat was frozen--an awful feeling when trying to sing.  My cold is pretty well gone now, for which I am grateful.

It is cold here this morning.

What?  No snow in the near future in Indiana?  Did I hear right?  But they are saying light snow Saturday evening!  And the temperature isn't to be above freezing so this white stuff will still be here for awhile. 

Thanks, Paul, for the story.  We never know when we are among angels.

I haven't even had time to watch the Olympics.  I just get snippets about it.  Yesterday USA was ahead in medals...that's good for USA.

Euchre was so much fun!  We played cards, then ate meat loaf, mac and cheese, green beans, salad and Diet Cokes.  Then we sat around Jane's table and talked awhile.  Before we left we all had to clean our cars off.  A fun evening! 

Today is rehab and getting my heat pump fixed.  But no snow makes my heart smile.

Good morning everyone! 

Etta Sue, I love that "Hello" animation!  It's a lovely sparkly start to my day.    Sounds like you really enjoy your euchre evenings.

Larry, I'm so glad your cold is so much better.  When it comes to singing, they can use me to clear a building.   

I was supposed to go to a meeting last night, but there was nearly six inches of heavy new snow on my front steps and driveway, not to mention my car, it was still snowing, and the temperature was hovering around 20 F.  I decided that much exertion in those temperatures wouldn't be a smart thing and was just about to call and opt out.  But before I could call, the phone rang and the meeting had been canceled.    Then later in the evening, after it stopped snowing, I heard my neighbor clearing the porch and walk.  So now I can clear the car off in stages this afternoon and I'll be in business!  The Lord is GOOD!

GO CANADA Men's Hockey!!!

Elizabeth slept in today ...got up with 15 minutes to spare....going to be a rough day for her.  I hate sleeping in lake that.

The steering box on John's truck needed replacing so her has been off longer than expected.  Then last night they decided that they need to replace the rad.  Sooooo He is still home.  YEA for me but that is not good for the pay check.

Got to run
God Bless you all.

May I share this email I received here.?? Long but well worth it.

Passing the Purple Hat to You

IN honor of women's history month and in memory of Erma Bombeck who lost her fight with cancer.
 
IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck
(written after she found out she was dying from cancer).

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
 
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
 
I would have talked less and listened more.
 
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
 
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
 
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
 
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
 
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
 
I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
 
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
 
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.' There would have been more 'I love you's' More 'I'm sorry's.'

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute.look at it and really see it . live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!

Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what
Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.

Thanks, Joyce.  Good advice for all of us.   

Thanks, Jeanne.

Thanks for sharing your email, Paul, that was great.

Hope you have better luck with the sale of your house, ours has been on the market for two years ...Everyone loves my house but no mortgages to be found for it (and trust me, we have lowered the price quite a bit)

Mostly , the people say the house is to big for them to handle--big victorian with lovely chestnut wood throughout and high  ceilings and pocket doors.

But the good Lord above knows the reason why I haven't sold yet, and someday HE will let me see why.

And I will probably say "Praise the Lord" you were so right for making me wait so long. Because I trust HIM for everything, I KNOW for a FACT that HE has something better planned for me and I will wait

Have a good day to all