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Morning Devotional...


..Patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.    Colossians 1:11


It is one thing to be patient and longsuffering in a trial, it is quite another to be so with joy.

The secret is to look to Jesus, "Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross" (Heb. 12:2). We don't enjoy the trials but we can endure them while enjoying the prospect of resultant blessing.

By looking to Jesus we are "strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness."

Whatever trial you are in, look beyond and see how God is working in you through it.

Rejoice.
                                                                             --David J. Logan

The last line of the devotion "Whatever trial you are in, look beyond and see how God is working in you through it." reminds me of what Henry Blackaby says in "experiencing God."  Always view your circumstances with the backdrop of the cross.  

The other day, it was requested that I tell an experience I had.  Before I do, I want ot make sure it was the right one.  Was it the one about the little girl in Russia?

I hope everyone has a wonderful week.  Sorry I haven't been posting much, but I can assure you I have been reading regularly.

Love "youns"
karmat

Hi there,
I did come back again!
I just finished reading your posts for today and I was so late getting finished, I now have to post for myself on tomorrow's page!!  Boy, am I slow.      

I don't really have anything to add, except I enjoyed all the songs!  I have a scene memorized from my childhood of my grandfather (the one with the violin) walking through the house singing "On that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise", and so on.  I love the old songs.  Thanks, Pat.

It is a little after 10:00 PM here.  Guess I will sign off now, and go read in my family's website.  We have been having a great time in nostalgia-land lately, with lots of old photos and comments.  

Blessings to all,
Love, Janice

Good morning 11.15AM in Holland
Thank you Pat for your devotional.
I hope you all have had a very good weekend.
First i have read page 3 and 4 from yesterday because
then i was sleeping.
Thank you Marilyn for the nice webpage you have send. It is very nice there.

But now today
I have been swimming this morning. We have an indoor subtropical swimming pool. We also can ge swimming in the winter. There is also a bubble bad and that water is so warm. I often go.
At 7.ooAM i am going on my bicycle to the swimming pool. On that time there are mostly woman also man
they go swimming before they are going at work.
At 9.00AM there are coming schoolchildren they are
getting swimming lessons.
I always have on my glasses when i am swimming
others i am seeing nothing. And the children do have
also balls. That is dangerous when i have my glasses on. That is the reason that i am going so early sometimes also in the evening. But it was very nice.

Mieka i am happy i have seen you i love you Mieka.
Now i wish you all a very good day.
God Bless YOU
Bye for now
Love RIA

I'm back again after the long weekend of not posting here in NEM.  Saturday I went to Charlotte,NC to put my car in the shop.  They gave me a loaner until they can fix it.....something about the electrical sensors, etc.  I tried to catch up reading from Sat & Sun...but got so sleepy on the 2nd Sun page that I just went to bed at 10 PM...then my sister called me and we talked.  
Today is the new week! and we have been asked by our pastor to pray for our future church goals and how we can build up the body of Christ here in our rural area.  This could be quite exciting when we all as a church pray daily for God's leading.  It reminds me of what Henry Blackaby talked about in "Experiencing God".  
Prayers are being said today for those who are having tests done at the hospital...Norm, Al, and Ria's father
As Pat's devotional says...it is one thing to be patient when we have trials...another to be joyful.
I cannot remember ever being joyful when tribulation struck me..but I do remember going to the Psalms for my strength from the LORD.  I'll have to start working on the joyful part and begin to sing praises whenever I feel down.  
CallWave says my phone is ringing.. It's already 7AM
I am late again!  God bless to all.........kathy

Hi everyone.  Back from morning coffee at the local cafe.  Will go to water aerobics this morning.  Pat can't go because she has jury duty this week.  Fortunately, she seems to be feeling somewhat better but still is feeling tired.  After water aerobics I will go to the SeniorNet Computer Learning Center at the big Senior Center in our county and help coach a class on file management.  For some reason the principles involved in managing computer files seems to be hard for new folks to grasp.  We have created a two session class to help them become more proficient.  I will sit at the computer and demonstrate as the instructor talks.  

We are suppose to have up to an inch of rain this afternoon with thundershowers.  We need the rain.

Marilyn, that is a very pretty area that you live in.  I enjoyed seeing the pictures from that area.

Pat, another fine devotional message this morning.  

Will try to get back later.

Our church has grown so much in the past six months that we started having our Sunday morning services in the Christian Life Center...a room the size of a regulation basketball court plus large stage.  The sanctuary seats around 400 comfortably....this room 700+.  Today was the first service in there other than Easter Sunday.  We will continue in this room until another building is built probably.  The chairs aren't as comfortable but maybe that will keep people alert!

Our lunch was superb yesterday.  I still don't know how they do it.  It is about 15 on the team of cooks, movers of food, etc.  They set up two lines under an awning.  We got a tray, plate and plastic ware.  Then a choice of pork chop or pork burger.  Then a little bowl of green beans, applesauce and watermelon.  Then a grilled corn on the cob.  You took your tray to another awning and got your condiments.  Then sat down to eat.  Oh, another awning had drinks....ice tea, lemonade, punch.  After that was all done, inside was an ice cream bar.  Ice cream, chocolate sauce, carmel sauce, sprinkle, nuts, strawberries, brickle, etc.  Superb!!!  We have these picnics outside a couple of times a year.  Really great to see people in a casual setting and their kids, too.  

After that we went to Jerry's.  Jerry watched the NASCAR race.  You guessed it, I tested out the couch.  Woke up.  Put my head at the other end and went back to sleep.  Jerry's couch is still great for napping!!!!

We had popcorn for supper and I came on home.  Watched some TV and went to bed.

Today, I am going to my urologist to see if I have any tumors in my bladder.  Pray for a clean bladder for me, please.  Ivalou will go with me so I am sure we will eat somewhere before returning home again.  It is raining.

Everyone have a great day!!!!!

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"I have a photographic memory.  Unfortunately, it only offers same-day service."

Another great devotional from our Pat. Thank you Dear Sister.

Etta Sue it sounds like you had a wonderful meal and good time at your church.

Next Sunday we are having what is called "Friendship Sunday" with a big barbeque, games for the kids, the dedication of our new flag pole and new flag. It will start at 2 p.m. Hey Al I am inviting you and Marbeth to attend with me. give me a call. Or I will call  you.

Had a good nights sleep again last night and will be going to work in Trinidad this morning. So I will be back here in just a little while.

Pat Thank you for all the devotionals you give each day.  They are a blessing to me and I go through the day.

We had a wonderful day yesterday.  As I mentioned Saturday, Pastor Dennis spoke on "When God Says No" yesterday morning.  I was amazed at the humour he put into his message.  HEre are some of the examples of God's no's.  and at the end of each "no"  is a period.

No. . . . . .  you may not have extramarital sex.
Adam . . .  No you may not eat that fruit.
Abraham. . .No Ishmael will not have the blessing.
Moses . . .No you may not go into the promised land.
Daniel. . . No i will not keep you out of the lions den, I  will protect you in it!
Jesus Christ. . . . No I will not let this cup pass. . .
Paul. . . . . . . . no I will not take that thorn from your side.

My if God can say "No" To these saints how can we say "Why is God saying "NO" to me?"  How many times have we crossed a bridge and learned a lesson only to cross a similar bridge again and again.  He wants to teach us that He is Soverign and that we can trust Him and his "no's"  My, that is so hard, we become like a 2 or 3 year old when God says no.  I watched Byrtan last night, at 3 stamp his feet and yell when his dad said no to an additional chocolate cookie.  Are we stomping our feet and raising a figurative fist to the heavens when God says NO!

I am sure many of you know the music to the last song, now pat if you have the music ti would be nice for those who don't know the music!

Here is another one that we sang.


As we continue through this week with all the heartache and concerns, and words that hurt, let's cast our burdens ypon Him and then LEAVE them there.  How many times have we given Him the burden at the cross anly to walk away and pick it up again?  I know I have done that, and found out that he cannot do anything with it if I am holding on to it!  Boy his answers are awesome when we let the burden go!

OK I will get off my soap box!

Judy Mc, I can't imagine the rudeness and lack of Christian spirit which you experienced.  You need to pray for that lady that she might someday accept Christ.

Pat, I did enjoy the song, "At Calvary."  I didn't go to sleep until it was over.  I also enjoyed, "Lord, I'm coming Home."

Ria, it is always good to see you.  We lived in Brussels for five years, 1967 -1972 and during that time we made several trips to Holland.

Larry, I see you are going to get some rain.  It started raining last night when we were at church and it rained all night long.  We had over four inches at our house.  We have flash food warnings all around here.

Etta Sue, our congregation has some problems similar to yours.  A good problem to have.  The auditorium can seat around 800 using chairs in the aisles.  A few years ago we started an early service.  The last three weeks we have had over 1,000 present.  One reason for this is a lot of University students attend and school has started again.

Mieka, we are all sad you will be leaving us.  Hopefully in China you can get on line long enough to come in and let us know how you are.  You know we all love you and we pray for your safety and happiness.  Continue to put your faith in Jesus.

--- Papa John              <)))><<

Good day to all of you here on CP!  

Judy Mc I am with Papa John, just can't imagine someone being so rude, especially to a new attendee in church!  The leadership need to be made aware of that problem.  But please do not judge the whole church by one person's lack of good sense!  Bless you.

I am working on photos, and my Mom called and wants some of her scrapbooks that she thought she didn't want, so I must hunt for those and take them to her.  Lots of stuff to do today---sure feels like a Monday!

I will return later, after I put out some of these brush fires!

Etta Sue I will keep you in my prayers today.  Thanks for all the nice comments on my photos.  You would be the only one here who would know truely what our family is like..since we met in person.  Thanks ((((hug))))

Pat thank you for another wonderful devotion.  It really hit home for me..it is a good reminder and great advice.

Karma thanks for the quote by Henry Blackaby.  I have heard of the name but not sure what he does.

Good morning to everyone who popped in.  Have a great day!  

Hi there, Sonja!  Good to see you in the midst of your busy morning!

Thanks Janet.  It is good to see you! I hope you are having a wonderful day!

Love Sonja

Hi Everyone  

Papa John, you are a wonderful man, and I hope you will know how I treasure my time on the CP with you.  

Ms Ria I thank you for your kindness. I like to swim too here at my home. Often it is alone and I sometimes wish there is others here to play ball when I swim.  

Ms Judy B, (((hug))) I do hope your eye is ok, yes?  
I like very much the story of NO. It is a NO of lesson, yes? I do hope I can undarstand each time I have a NO.

Hi Ms Marilyn  
I love to look at the pictures at the beach near your home. I SO love the beach. I have not ever live away from the sea for all my life. Soon I will be far away from sea and in the very cold too.    

Ms Kathy,
I cannot remember ever being joyful when tribulation struck me../ I'll have to start working on the joyful part and begin to sing praises whenever I feel down.
I like this thought today. Ms Karmat did tell me many month ago that I should ask God what am I to learn from this. I ask him each time now. It is a help to me to know He is with me to help me to learn and each problem is a lesson of life.  

Mr Moak, I pray you are well today.

Ms Etta Sue (((hug))) HelOOOOoooo  

Ms Karmat, I love you and I miss you when you are away.  

Hi Ms Jannice and Mr Hanna.  

And MS PAT !!!!  
I love you and I thank you each day I am here for the Christian Photographers. It is a wonderful home of friends. I do take everyone with me when I am away. I keep you in my heart.   a happy sadness of love in this story book of life.

  Hi Ms Janet and Ms Soni (((hug))).

I did take a very long time to make my post and I did not see you are here.

I love you both.  

Etta Sue, here is an idea for your fund-raising for the new addition to your church!  

The minister was preoccupied with thoughts of how he was going to, after the
worship service, ask the congregation to come up with more money than they
were expecting for repairs to the church building.  Therefore, he was
annoyed to find that the regular organist was sick and a substitute had been
brought in at the last minute.  The substitute wanted to know what to play.
"Here's a copy of the service," he said impatiently.  "But you'll have to
think of something to play after I make the announcement about the
finances."

During the service, the minister paused and said, "Brothers and Sisters, we
are in great difficulty; the roof repairs cost twice as much as we expected,
and we need $4,000 more.  Any of you who can pledge $100 or more, please
stand up." At that moment, the substitute organist played "The Star-Spangled
Banner." And that is how the substitute became the regular organist!

  HAHAHahahaha

Is it for true ms Janet? I think only a joking, yes?

Hello Marilyn,  

        Did you go to the fair? Or should I say had the fog burned off to the point that you were able to go? How is your camera working out? Talk to you later. Melvin  

Good Afternoon Everyone!

Karma, what a terrific quote...

QuoteAlways view your circumstances with the backdrop of the cross.

If we all did that, .....

I really miss our Iain.  I always look forward to his devotional in the morning.  Do you miss reading it?

Nice to see you Janice!   Glad you enjoyed the hymn sing yesterday!  Can you share the URL of your family website?  I'd love to see it.


Nice to see that you swim, Ria.  I know that Janet will be happy to read that!


Hi Kathy!   Sorry about your car.  My goodness, cars sure cost us money, don't they?  Sometimes I think I should sell mine!  We'll join you in praying for your local church, Kathy.  


Larry, it's raining here today.  We've been told that we'll get more rain than we got at the tail end of Isobel but with no winds.  We sure need the rain.


Oh, Etta Sue, let us know about the test results.  I'm praying!  Aren't couches good for napping?


I'll come, Marilyn!  HAHAHA!  Speaking of Al, I hope we're all praying for both Al and Norm McKenna today as they undergo those nasty colonoscopies.  


Thanks JudyB for your list of "No's"  That's a great list for sure.  No, I don't have the music but will do a search and see if I can find it.  I'm still playing the last one from yesterday's New Every Morning as I really want to learn that one.  I may put it on here again today so that we can all learn it together (those of us who didn't know it that is!)


Glad you stayed awake, Papa John, for the hymn sing yesterday.  LOL


Oh, Janet...  Hurry back.  We want to see some of your great underwater photos that I know you are working on. Don't we everyone?


It's so wonderful to see your smiling face popping in here, Sonja!  I just can't tell you how it makes me feel.  I so enjoyed my little trip to Denver with you and I loved playing in the basement of the hotel!  LOL  Now we need to see some more!  Glad that the little devotional was a blessing to you my dear friend.

Hi Mieka and Melvin!

I never saw your messages until after I posted mine!

If you look down at the bottom of the main page of Christian Photographers (click on My Community) you'll see that we have 98 members!

I'd sure love to see that number "98" change to "100"!

So...

Papa John i also am happy when i see you
Have you also been in Holland in springtime
in a big garden we call it the Keukenhof there are
in springtime the garden is only open in springtime there are
a lot of springflowers. It is very beautiful there
Love Ria  

Mieka i will be sad when you are leaving us i love you
and i always pray for you also when you have leaving
us then i pray for you dear Mieka
Love for you all  Ria

Pat i was very nice swimming so early in the morning
then you are good wake up
Yes i also hope that Janet have read it. I am not
afraid of water
Love Ria

Yes, Ria, I, too, love the water!  Maybe I am part fish?!?!  So it is good to read that you enjoy swimming, too.  It is so enjoyable, and so good for us, too!  My husband always swims with his glasses on---then of course, his mask, when diving.  He likes to see--just like you!

I am off to work on those photos!

Mieka I will be posting a bunch of underwater photos, and I hope you like them!  Of course, I hope everyone does, but you said you like thinking of me swimming with the fishes, so........

And yes, I think the fund raising story is a joke!  (Maybe it would work??)  Hahaha!

See y'all later..............

Pat thank you for the very nice song
Love Ria

Janet ~ Thanks for the story.  Will send it to Pastor David.  He likes to make jokes .... usually about himself...and the drummer loves to put 'his' ending to the jokes.  Like ta-da-ta-dum!  Then everyone laughs.

Well, I went to the urologist.  It was a long time from the time I was on the examing table under she appeared in the room to exam me.  Quality time to talk to God.  She pronounced me 'clear'.  Hallelujah!  She could have said the other way and I wouldn't have been surprised.  But I have a new prescription...we will see how it works.

Also Ivalou and I had Chinese again today.   In honor of Mieka!!!    Mieka, I truly am praying that when you go to China that  you have internet service so we can keep in touch.  We miss you when you are away!!!!

Etta Sue, here is another joke for your pastor.  I heard Joel Osteen tell it on his program last night.

There was a pastor who had been preaching for 30 years.  One day he was searching for something, and came across a box in the closet containing three eggs and 150 dollar bills.  He asked his wife what it was about, and she said "Well, when you started preaching, I decided to put an egg in that box every time you preached a poor sermon."

The preacher felt pretty good, that in 30 years, he had preached only three poor sermons!  Then he asked, "well, what about the $150.00?  Where did that come from?"

She answered "Every time I got a dozen eggs in the box, I sold them for a dollar!"