Christian Photographers Community

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Morning Devotional...

Back to School: Backpack

Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.
Ezra 7:10 (NIV)

Recommended Reading
Ezra 7:1-10

Are you familiar with phrases about having our daily devotions? Where did that term originate? We don't know when the word devotions was first used for our periods of Bible study and prayer, but it's appropriate. The word devotion means "earnest affection for a person or a cause." It's a better term than the word commitment. We can be committed to a cause out of sheer duty; but to be devoted implies commitment plus affection.

When we're devoted to learning God's Word, it helps to have the right study tools. The primary point is having a Bible; and a good study Bible is indispensable. Many Christians also use a personal notebook to record their thoughts. A concordance (either online or in book format) can help locate all the occurrences of particular words in Scripture. And a simple one-volume commentary can yield helpful insights on difficult passages.

As our children head back to school, it's time to don our backpacks and enroll in the Ezra School of Bible Study -- devoting ourselves to the study and observance of God's Word and to teaching it to others.

"As you study your Bible with the help of the Holy Spirit, and live out the truths that God reveals to you, you will discover new stability, strength, and confidence. (Kay Arthur)


From the devotionals of Dr. David Jeremiah

Hi everyone on this Sunday Morning.  I see on the calendar this is Grandparent's Day.  I did pick up the young Nigerian lad (his name is Christian) after coffee and when we got home we gave him the Kindle Fire HD and he was delighted.  I spent 90 minutes or so getting him registered with an Amazon account and going over how to use the device.  However, he is very computer literate as are all young people these days (or so it seems) and will experience no problem using it.  He then wanted to wash both of our cars, which he did out in the heat of noontime and barefoot on the hot concrete of the driveway. I had thought he was 16 but found out yesterday that he is 17 and will be 18 in November.  When he came here they placed him as a freshman in high school and so he is a sophomore this year.  However, he has furnished the school his transcript from Nigeria and hopes to be reclassified as a junior and perhaps as a senior.  He attended private school in Nigeria and apparently was an "A" and "B" student.   

I didn't spend much time out in the heat but was exhausted and went to bed at 7 pm and didn't get up until about 8:30 this morning.  We will go to church but come home for lunch as this evening we are going to a pot luck at a church and coffee drinking friends home.  This is to get those involved in our church's Honduras Mission project together. Pat is helping make dolls and pot holders for next years mission trip and we have supported it financially.  It is at 5 pm so it won't be late when we get home.  That will be plenty for today. 

Carol, what a wonderfully restful time you and Don had at the cabin with the possible exception of the hike to see the waterfalls which sounds exhausting.  I firmly believe we are where God wants us to be. 

Jeanne, thanks for the very fine devotional for this week. 

Happy Sunday to all!  Just spent 20 minutes chatting with a neighbor - she lost her husband to Parkinson's Disease about two years ago.  She always waters our flowers when we are away and now she has a chance to go and visit relatives and a trip with her children so I can reciprocate in a few ways.  Thankfully not to care for her too energetic dog though.     Don has an appointment with the VA tomorrow morning and that entails a drive of at least 45 minutes through awful detours and such so I am obliged to do some house stuff this afternoon as tomorrow is one long day away.  He is having computer problems with passwords not working and it isn't good right now.  The simple to solve days are gone.  I need to spend a lot of time updating my two pages of computer passwords - now, isn't that the craziest thing you have ever heard?  It is mind-boggling what we have to endure sometimes.  My mother would say, "It will be alright". 

Wed. Bible Study begins this week.  Can't wait to see the gang at our table. 

Larry:  Note to Pat that I have downloaded a pattern for a "Tumbler" quilt.  There is an acrylic template so I will us that first cut it out and see how to sew it.  Has Pat ever made such a pattern?   

A beautiful remembrance for the day, Marilyn.  Thank you. 

Thank you Jeanne, I just want to put together something simple  to wish everyone a happy day. I think all of us on this site are grandparents.
I hardly ever do a PSP tutorial anymore, I just make  up my own images as I go along, it's more fun that way. I am still in VS and two other groups.

I didn't get to the computer until this evening.  We attended the early service at church, then I decided I wanted to invite our friends for supper, the wife is on dialysis, the husband can barely walk with a came.  He needs knee or hip surgery but feels nobody else can take care of her, so won't even go to a doctor.  Anyway, they always enjoy coming over, they both love deviled eggs and I make them a big bunch as often as I can.  Anyway, I dis some experimental cooking, and it was fun; they enjoyed it, and had a full plate of deviled eggs to take home.   She is so painfully thin!  Goodness, every time I see her, I think she can't possibly get any thinner, and then she does.  So I wanted to bless them today.

Carol, I would love to meet you, and you, too, Jeanne.  And Larry, and Jane, and Marilyn, and........we could have our own CP Bash!  Wouldn't that be fun?  But I truly feel the day is very near when we will all meet in Heaven!  What joys await us there! 

I need to be getting to bed.  I do not want to be late for my meeting with my Father in the morning!

Hi all,

My wife and I are on vacation.  We drove around 14 hours yesterday and made it a little west of Denver.  Today we made it to Arches and drove around there and took some pictures.  We are in Moab, UT. now and plan to go back to Arches in the morning then to Canyon Lands.

My wife has some podcast of Ligonier Ministries so we listened to a couple of them this morning.

Janet, you are so right!  That meeting in the future with all our friends and our Father will be the ultimate joy! 

Meanwhile, I pray that you, and Buddy, and our other travelers have nothing but pleasure on your journeys.

                                 

Another warm sunny day here in the north.  John has been called upon to help with the balance of his haying.  This is a job Lloyd usually has done by the 3rd week of July not September.  Such has been our summer....rain most days.

Have a great day everyone!

Hi everyone.  We have an overcast and probably somewhat rainy day ahead.  It was hot and humid here yesterday and we had quite a lot of rain late yesterday afternoon.  Pat and I did go to the special get together last evening relating to our churches Honduras Mission program.  There were 18-20 people there and we shared a nice pot-luck dinner and viewing a slide show of pictures from the trip in June.  We learned a lot about the living conditions of the small villages that the people that the mission teams assist. 

The village where our church has worked the last two years and will go to for the next two years has no electricity, they cook in outside clay ovens and the primitive  living conditions they have. Since there is no electricity and the people are very, very poor, one of the ladies of the mission team has found a light source that is powered by solar power and uses LED lights.  She had several on the tables so we could actually see what they look like.  They normally sell for $15 but for mission work, which is why they were created, they will sell for $10 each and the team hopes to raise enough to buy a case of them, which is 94 lighting units and will get the $10 price for them.  It is hard to describe them so here is the website if you would like to see what they look like:  https://www.mpowerd.com/our-story From this site it will show several different slides if you wait a few seconds between them.  I am thinking of ordering one to have on hand for use in a power outage as they are quite bright.

Nothing unusual on the schedule for today.  I am finally feeling rested this morning and recovered from the effects of the heat on Saturday.  Pat has gone for her massage appointment and I am going to suggest we go out to eat lunch so she won't have to cook tonight. 

Carol, I am passing on your comment about the acrylic template for the "Tumbler" quit on to Pat as I haven't a clue. 

Marilyn, pretty graphic that you made. 

Janet, what a blessing you are to your friends.  I bet they enjoyed not only the meal but being able to spend some time with you and Darrel.  Did you read the comments from Franklin Graham regarding his feeling that we may well be seeing the playing out of the last days before Jesus returns.  I also wish we could have  CP Bash but I know that our travel days are pretty well over and so it will probably have to be in Heaven. 

Jeanne, as always good to see your posting.  Hope you are liking your weather.  Ours are cooler this morning.     

Buddy, hope you have a wonderful vacation.  Utah has some beautiful country as does Colorado.

Judy, I know from my farming days that putting up hay is a big job, especially if it is very hot.  Of course I know that hay balers are much different today than when I was growing up. 

Buddy:  Enjoy Utah and I do hope you don't have any delay from the tunnel blasting on I-70. 

Janet:  It was so nice of you to have dinner for friends.  Sounds so good.

Larry:  That solar power light is quite the invention and so sensible for gifts to poor poor people. 

It took more than 20 minutes to make an inspection appointment on our new hot water heater.  That is a robot taking the message and the robot kept verifying then asking again and again.    

Don has another VA appointment this morning and he is trying to install a carbon monoxide alarm that came without instructions.  Do you hear the chirp chirp chirp?

Monday again already!  How quickly the weeks fly past.  I had a good workout this morning, but it may be the only day this week I go.  I am speaking to Rotary Club tomorrow (About the new children's book); I have a chiropractor appointment, then a nail appointment.  Maybe I will go on Wednesday, don't know yet.

We did enjoy the time with Roy and Paula last night.  I should do that more often, but it seems things are always screaming for my attention.  Guess I just need to tell those things to, "Shut up!"  and then do what I want! 

Larry, those lights look really cool!  We no longer go camping, but they would be great for that.  Do I understand right, the price is $10 for each one?  Are the youth selling them to raise money for the missions trip?

I hope Buddy has a great time and sees lots of wonderful things on his vacation.  We haven't been to Utah, except through the lower corner; not to the neat sights yet!  But it's on my bucket list!

Larry, I didn't read  Franklin Graham talking about the end times.  Could you tell me where to find it?  I am reading a book called The End Times in Chronological Order.  In my daily Bible reading, I am in Isaiah now, and finding there is a lot I need to understand more clearly.  There is always something fresh and new every time we open the Book! 

Carol, thanks for clarifying where you are now.  If you were choosing, where would you most want to live?

Jeanne, thanks so much for the good wishes for our trip!

It is nearly time to go to the Sr. Ctr. for lunch--Swiss steak and baked potato today--and I need to stop at the bank first.  So I'd better get Darrel to turn off the cooking show he's watching and head out!

I've been off line since Friday evening. A strong thunderstorm blew through and we've been in brownout conditions all weekend. My wife called me at work and told me we got full power back about 6:30 pm. tonight (Monday) There are still thousands without power in the metro Detroit area.

Glad we've got you back, at least.   

Hi everyone.  This is going to be a very nice day with low humidity and moderate temperatures.  I have a very quiet day planned with just a meeting to attend this morning.  I wanted to share two links with you this morning that I think you will enjoy.  They are self explanatory.

Send in the Clowns:  http://www.yourememberthat.com/media/10939/Send_In_The_Clowns/

Issraeli Technology:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/uVlERTFVSpo?rel=0

Hope this is a nice day for each of you.

Carol, what type of inspection do you have to have done on your hot water heater. 

Janet, sometimes we let busy work get in the way of doing the things we really want to do that would be so beneficial to ourselves.  According to the website if we bought those lights individually they would cost $14.99 but for mission projects they offer them for $10.  My friend Rod has another brand that does the same thing but I don't think it collapses.  I visited him yesterday and he was going to show me but couldn't locate it.  He later sent the link to the website.  They actually have one that has an adapter to recharge a cell phone as well as providing light.  The Franklin Graham comments were highlighted in several different news sources. I did a quick Google search and found many references to them including this one:  http://endofdaysprophecy.wordpress.com/2014/09/05/charisma-news-franklin-graham-are-we-in-the-last-hours-before-christs-return/

Smokey, I saw you all had some really bad storms up your way.  Glad you have your power back on now.  Sometimes we don't appreciate it until it is off and we keep clicking those light switches that won't work. 

It's a chilly one here this morning.  In the house at 10:30 it's 68 F.  If the nights get much cooler I'll have to start closing windows so the heat doesn't come on.  It seems such a short time I've been able to leave everything open.

Just made a haircut appt. for this morning - senior time is less expensive and I get the same good haircut.  It may be less but I won't skimp on the tip because these girls have greater expenses and don't make much.  I don't know how this gal makes it with her 7 year old boy to support.  Bless the underpaid workers!

Janet:  What a question - where would I live.  I was raised in Seattle, the most interesting city life with lots of time at the docks and camping, fishing, boats in our lifestyle.  We are so fortunate to have all the children here and they have good jobs, and we do love the mountains - the weather is really decent here as well.  Will live wherever the family lives - have adapted to any weather, even Minnesota and Texas but mornings are wonderful here.

Larry:  It is an inspection of a new hot water heater.  Don did get the new smoke detector to work and it isn't chirping anymore.  Tell Pat thanks for her information on the email.  Our quilt group - Fat Quarters - will meet tonight on our 2nd & 4th Tuesday of every month.  Interesting name that only quilters understand. 

Tomorrow is the first bible study of the fall season.  Can't wait.   

Quote from: Jeanne Lee on September 09, 2014, 10:39:15 AM
It's a chilly one here this morning.  In the house at 10:30 it's 68 F.  If the nights get much cooler I'll have to start closing windows so the heat doesn't come on.  It seems such a short time I've been able to leave everything open.

Jeanne .... 68º F. is a warm day here. 

Larry the problem hasn't been the heat with the haying.  it has been rain.  We have had perhaps a dozen days without rain, with very few being consecutive days.

Today we were to have bad thunderstorm activity, it was cloudy for about 7 - 8 hours, no rain and now the sky is clear!

I have been reading and dwelling on the Psalms.. If you have the chance read Psalm 2.  Very interesting.  I have read it many times but it impacted me in a different way today!

Hi everyone.  I got up a little earlier as will be gone all morning to Bible study and our usual hour or so at Dunkin' Donuts and wanted to post before I leave for coffee this morning.  We had a great day here yesterday weather-wise and today is forecast to be the same with it only getting to 84 degree and only a small chance of rain. The exciting news here is that Pat finished piecing the two identical quilt tops for our beds.  She is going to have them machine quilted by a long-arm quilting machine.  She is very relieved to have finished them as has worked on them for many months.   

Jeanne, we haven't been able to have our house open more than a couple of days this whole year. 

Carol, I feel the same way about tipping the wait staff at restaurants as know they struggle and the time period when they are busy is limited.  Actually I also understand the name of your quilting group as Pat takes advantages of those fat quarters pretty often, usually form the Missouri Quilt Company.  I am just glad these things bring her happiness and joy. 

Jane, I think I would be very uncomfortable living where it is cool and damp a lot of the time since I am cold even here in Georgia much of the time. 

Judy, isn't it interesting how each time we read the Scriptures we often see new insights into what the words mean.  The words haven't changed but we have. 

Good morning!  It is really nice here and we had some rain last night.  We are always thankful for any moisture we get.  Hard to believe, though, that Las Vegas, usually desert area, is experiencing flooding!  And Phoenix, too!  How the weather patterns are changing.

Carol, I kinda thought that's what your response would be--that you would choose to live near your kids!  I'm not a quilter, but I do know what fat quarters are!    (Not money, that's for sure!  )

Larry, tell Pat congratulations on getting those quilt tops done!  I'm sure you will both enjoy them and they will brighten up the room.  Sometimes I wish I had learned to quilt--still could, if I wanted to enough.  But my interests lie in other areas.  And the quilters need people like me to appreciate their efforts! 

I had an interesting day yesterday, with three things on my calendar.  The most important (to me) was a speaking engagement for the Rotary Club, which meets at noon.  They asked me to come and speak about the children's book.  I tried and tried to outline some remarks, and make a few notes, but I just couldn't do it!  I prayed about it and felt the Lord said to me NOT to make any notes, but only depend on Him to give me the words at the time.  That was scary!  But of course, He never fails!  I continued to pray and trust Him right up until the time I was introduced, and it went very well, and was well received.  And several people purchased copies of the book, too.  God's still working on me, and how very glad I am that He is!  I never want Him to stop!

It's time for me to get to the gym!  See you later!

I came back to thank Larry for the links he posted yesterday.  I clicked on them and learned several things!  Thank you, Larry!

Hi, friends,

The days just seem to hurry together, leaving me feeling like they're just a blur as they whiz by.

Now that the computer/printer problem has been fixed, I can now enjoy y'all again.

You were right, Larry - the computer shop uninstalled and then reinstalled the drivers and they work great.

I've been working on getting things from my sister in law's house and taking them to the apartment and arranging them neatly. She is still at the rehab center, but is gradually getting stronger and stronger. From the activities they've had her doing in occupational therapy, they must be planning to release her soon.

Well, must go - it's getting late - ummm, actually it's really early on Thursday, now!

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  It appears this is going to be a very nice late summer day getting to 88 degrees this afternoon and a chance of some pop-up showers.  My schedule is light today as just have my Thursday men's luncheon, which is going to be right down the road from me a little ways.  Pat and I ate there the other day and were satisfied so hope it works out for the men. 

Janet, it is nice to read your postings and see you are experiencing some rain as know that is most welcome.  I saw the news reports from Las Vegas of the terrible flooding.  With your artistic abilities I bet you would be a wonderful quilter but good to concentrate on where your interests are.  Besides you would probably have to add on a room to your house for you material "stash".    Pat ordered the batting for the quilts yesterday and contacted the ladies who will do the long arm quilting on them.  She will then have to finish them with the binding and they will be ready for use.  You are most welcome for the links.  Someone had shared them with me. 

Ruth Ann, I relate to the days going by in a blur.  Hope your sister-in-law can be released from rehab soon and it is will nice she will have the place she is moving ready for occupancy thanks to your efforts.

I was touched by this post on Facebook by Colin!

GOLDEN
Weeping leaves like golden tears
Kissing gently frosted ground
Beneath gnarled tree; soft under feet
A golden carpet spreads around

Frost has loosened holding stem
Breeze has caught them in her breath
Sets them on the dewy grass
Like golden coinage of untold wealth

A tree once stood in leafless form
No crown of beauty could it wear
For on its trunk cruelly nailed
The Son of God was hanging there

Weeping blood like crimson tears
Flowing softly to the ground
Beneath gnarled tree at His feet
Peace for my soul was finally found

Golden leaves of a carpet deep
A golden path that I tread
Soon to walk a golden street
With a golden crown on my head

Colin Moffett

What a beautiful poem.  Thanks for posting it for us, Judy. 

Colin -  Judy B:  Thanks ever so much.  The poem is perfect for what we see this month - the golden leaves of Aspen.  Aspen trees are dying in our high country forests - things are changing much too quickly there with the beetle kill on the evergreens.  We do adore our aspen when they are in their glory - the end of Sept.  Everyone rushes to the mountains with their cameras. 

Fall is here today.  65 degrees F in the house, just a tad cool.  Wearing flannel shirt.

Larry:  Please post a picture of Pat's twin quilts.  What a job!   Atta Girl Pat!!!

Janet:  Not more money - I'll have to remember that one. 

Yesterday was bible study on Wed and we started the book of James.  This looks pretty intense (the study they have written) and I am sorry to be missing so much of the lessons as we will be away at the end of the month.  Met new neighbors - really disabled so much that both Don and I thought they would be better off in some kind of assisted living.  We volunteered to drive them but we are gone so much that I hope they call the little bus as she cannot drive (eye condition).  He cannot walk at all.  Their daughter brought them here and she works full time. 

Also, I had an email from an old friend who has a daughter going in for intense pancreatic cancer surgery - praying for them.  They live in Eugene, OR and have to go to Portland as this can only be performed at the largest hospital so it is very serious. 

We may have snow tomorrow but this will pass in a day or two - I believe.  Last night, supper was homemade French Onion Soup and it did turn out alright. 

Judy, thanks for posting Colin's great poem!

It is moisty and cool here today.  Surely can feel Fall in the air!  We leave in the morning for Niagara Falls, supposed to be in Hugoton at 7 AM!     I can hardly wait to see Pat again, and to meet Gord, too.

Here is a smile for you today:

The Children of Israel

Little Joey asked the teacher, "There's somethin' I can't figger out."

"What's that, Joey?" asked the Sunday school teacher.

"Well, accordin to the Bible, the Children of Israel crossed the Red Sea, right?"

"Right."

"An' the Children of Israel beat up the Phillistines, right?"

"Er--right."

"An the Children of Israel built the Temple, right?"

"Again, you're right."

"An' the Children of Israel fought the 'gyptians, an' the Children of Israel fought the Romans, and the Children of Israel wuz always doin' somethin' important, right?"

"All that is right, too," agreed the teacher, "So what's your question?"

"What I wanna know is this," demanded Joey, What wuz all the grown-ups doin?"

Hi everyone on an early (for me) Friday morning.  About 6 am we had a heavy downpour for about 15 minutes and a 50% chance of more rain this afternoon.  For the first time in a long time I have to unlock the senior center this morning as the two men who usually do this are out-of-town.  I hope I can remember how to make the coffee.  After coffee I am going to go for a quick few items at Walmart and then plan on being home the rest of the day. 

Judy, wonderful poem by Colin as usual.  Thanks for sharing it.

Carol, I remember the beautiful trees in fall colors when we were in Denver years ago around November 1st.  There were many shades of yellow.  Did you get any snow as I see Denver apparently had some and South Dakota had the earliest snow on record.  Our Wednesday Bible class did a study of James as I recall some time ago.  Pancreatic cancer certainly is a very, very serious illness. 

Janet, hope your trip is wonderful and a very cute humorous piece about the little boys question about the children of Israel. 

Well, the sweatshirts are back.  For at least another week we'll be in the mid 40's at night and only up to the lower or mid 60's during the day.  It also means no more having all the windows wide open and curtains blowing.     As much as I love the fresh air, I sure don't want the furnace coming on yet.