Christian Photographers Community

Welcome to our weekly topic entitled, "Thoughts for the Week"!


Each week we start a new topic which begins with a short devotional and/or a hymn and then we share all week with other, our comings and goings in our daily life.

If you wish to share a scripture verse, tell us about an outing that was special, talk about your problems with your car, or whatever it might be, please feel free to join us.

This week's devotional is entitled, "The Danger of Unbelief" by Alistair Begg

See you in the coming week!

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

Morning Devotional...


The Danger of Unbelief

I give them eternal life, and they will never perish.
John 10:28


The Christian should never think or speak lightly of unbelief. For when a child of God mistrusts His love, His truth, His faithfulness, it is greatly displeasing to Him. How can we ever grieve Him by doubting His upholding grace?

Christian, it is contrary to every promise of God's precious Word that you would ever be forgotten or left to perish. If it could be so, how could He be true who has said, "Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you."¹ What would be the value of the promise--"'The mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,' says the LORD, who has compassion on you"?² What truth would there be in Christ's words--"I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand"?³ What value would there be in the doctrines of grace? They would be all disproved if one child of God should perish. What value could be placed in the veracity of God, His honor, His power, His grace, His covenant, His oath, if any of those for whom Christ died, and who have put their trust in Him, should nevertheless be cast away?

Banish then those unbelieving fears, which so dishonor God. Arise, shake yourself from the dust, and put on your beautiful clothes. Remember, it is sinful to doubt His Word in which He has promised you that you will never perish. Let the eternal life within you express itself in confident rejoicing.

The gospel bears my spirit up:
A faithful and unchanging God
Lays the foundation for my hope,
In oaths, and promises, and blood.



¹ - Isaiah 49:15
² - Isaiah 54:10
³ - John 10:28-29

Hi everyone.  Wow, what a rainy night we had last night and it is overcast again this morning.  Just my usual Monday agenda today and the housekeepers will be here early this morning.  Yesterday we didn't go out to eat with the group but stopped at our local pancake house, which has a broad menu, for lunch and came home and rested the rest of the day. 

Jeanne, the older I get the more I enjoy being with friends.  It sounds like you will be getting some of the same type of weather we had last night and may have again today. 

Judy, it sounds like you have a pleasant weekend to anticipate all week.  I am glad to see you are no longer stressing about your exam.  Will you be continuing with the line of study and taking more courses in accounting?

Janet, I bet those projects you might not have gotten done yesterday will still be available to do today. 

Pat, thanks for sharing the Allistair Begg graphics as they are beautiful. It looked like that young child was having a great time feeding mother in that last graphic.   

John, I don't know about others but I often wonder how I was able to find time to work full-time and do everything else I did at one time.  I guess our stamina has a lot to do with matters.  I am sorry to read about the sore knee as that must be painful as you drive.  Sorry we couldn't get together for a bit when you were in Georgia but as you say hopefully the next time.  Sure nice to read that your work situation has improved with the new dispatcher as detected you were quite unhappy with the old one and the amount and type of work he assigned to you.

Carol, I have had to replace a couple of wireless mice over time as they just quit working correctly.  With the old type mice you used to be able to clean the ball and see improvement but I haven't found that to be the case with the laser type mice.  Nice you met another quilter and she is a new neighbor.  Pat is beginning to spend more time working on her twin quilts.  She has 400 strips to sew and then will but them apart for small triangles and start sewing them together.  The quilts should be colorful and quite nice when finished.  I didn't hear from our son until about 9:30 last evening.  He manages a Pizza Hut and they had a very busy weekend and he had put in a very long day.  Your family really leads a busy life with all that travel.   

Pat, thank you for this week's devotion.  How comforting to know that we can never be forgotten by our Heavenly Father! 

John, don't count on having any extra time when you retire.  That's when everyone says, "You're retired now and have the time - will you help with...."   

Larry, I worked and worked; got one project completed.  It was getting my trip story finished (three installments, well, really, the last two) and getting the photos attached, for our local paper.  And this morning, what do you suppose happened?  I get an email saying they will not be able to run the final two.  "It took up too much room in the paper" was the excuse given.    They could have told me that last week and saved me hours of work!  Well, they are the losers.  And I do hope that the people who enjoy reading it will be calling and asking them WHY they didn't run the rest of it.  (As Abby told me on Facebook the other day: "Grandmother.  Settle down."       Well, now to get it ready for you folks to read and see.  At lease I feel it will be appreciated here.

Praise the Lord, we got some rain last night.  I don't know how much, but any moisture is wonderful and so  appreciated here.

Good thoughts today, Pat.  Thanks.

We don't like the sound of the menu at the Sr. Center today so aren't going for lunch.

Tomorrow, we are going to Wichita.  Darrel has an appointment with the Veterans' medical facility, and we have a few more things to do there as well.  Not sure if we wil come home the same day or not.

Judy, I am so glad you aren't stressing yourself out over the exam now.  Good for you!  Accounting would be the LAST thing I would want to study! 

Yup, Janet .... it sure will be appreciated here (your story and pictures, that is).   

I am getting ready to take off for California again.  I'll meet with Nita this afternoon (haven't seen her since Faye's memorial in April) and then I'll finish putting stuff in the car so I can leave in the morning.

Joy and John have moved the TV from the mobile to their cabin in the mountains, and there is no internet there, either, unless Joy brings over her laptop, so I probably won't be able to visit here for the next couple weeks.  Y'all be careful, now ..... I could always get to a library and check in, y'know.   

I'm looking forward to seeing my sisters in a few days.  One is coming from Missouri and the other from Tennessee ... they're questioning the temperature in Sacramento ..... haha  Just know it's gonna be HOT!!


We can be thankful for air conditioning, and swimming pools.   

I just got back from Pembroke where I was helping out with our new grandson, and it took me some time to read and catch up.

Judy: I'll be praying for you as you have your test.
Jane: Enjoy your time away.
Jeanne: You're right about not having more time during retirement

Our new grandson had to go back into the hospital for a few days because of jaundice. They were able to put him under the light for jaundice, and he is back home and doing well. His parents found this difficult, especially his mother. She said she felt like Niagara Falls. I can remember some of that when I had babies too.

Jane, have a great time with your sisters but...  HURRY BACK



It's great to see you, Betty.  Is Pembroke very far from your home?  I've been to Pembroke and it's certainly a long way from Guelph!!! 

Pat Distance is relative!  You are not far...... Betty is closer!  When going to see a loved one distance doesn't matter!

And then there's cyberspace!   

Hi everyone.  It is another overcast day and there is rain in the area and it is suppose to rain off and on again today.  Our Monday Men's Luncheon group enjoyed our lunch yesterday and we had eight men present and they put two tables together to make a big square so we could all see and talk to each other.  It was nice and I know we will be going back in the future.  I have a light day planned today with just a meeting to attend this morning.  Pat has a dinner outing with her book club unless she decides not to attend.  I do hope she goes as it is good for her to get out more and she always enjoys it. 

Janet, too bad about your not getting your full story published.  At least you know we will enjoy it and appreciate your hours of effort in putting it together. Glad you got some rain. 

Jane, hope your trip to California will go well and that you will have a great week with your sisters and other family members. 

Betty, glad your new grandson is now doing well.  A new mother doesn't like to be away from the baby.

Pat, Judy and Jeanne, anything more than an hour or so away can seem too far except that cyberspace. 

Amazing Grace--- I went out to water two tomato plants in back and and found on the other side of a fence - sunflowers and one is blooming.  They mow about three feet wide next to the fence which is irksome to me and this is such a sweet story.  The sunflowers originally were a gift to plant from my neighbor who is battling cancer.  They have not been seen in two years so I can't wait to tell him that --they are back. 

Pat: Thanks for the devotion on non believers.  I try not to assume anyone is a non-believer because there is an old saying about someone being in a foxhole in battle and that would be a good time to ask their belief.  Yesterday was just up and down in thoughts for me regarding everything with the children, of course.  Not with us but their lives and it was finally just before falling asleep that I really did realize once again that God is in control.  I do know it but there are times when doubt creeps in.  It is like hanging on to a cliff top with one hand and trying to pull yourself up. 

Anyway,, one son who hiked was for a cancer drive and weather for them was perfect with bands playing music on the way at a ski run.  Yesterday, we went to IKEA and I shopped for a couple of things while Don read his Nook then I had such a time finding my way back to the 2nd. floor.  Just following arrows backwards    - bought two vases and napkins.  Don chose a frozen apple pie so now wants neighbors to come over tonight. 

Time to hustle a little.   

HAHAHA! 
Judy, just wondered how far Pembroke was from Betty!     Just for interest sake! 

Larry, sounds like a great luncheon you had with the men.  It's nice when a restaurant goes the extra mile to make you comfortable.

Carol, I love sunflowers.  Some of the seeds must have fallen without the birds getting them (or squirrels).  I have many smaller sunflowers growing under my bird feeder where they drop the seeds.   I sure know what you mean about IKEA!  I never can find my way out.


I've been trying to get carpets shampooed and what a job moving furniture and waiting till carpet is dry before moving furniture back.  I've done half of a small bedroom, most of the living room and today I hope to get the dining area done and part of my bedroom.  I also have to go and buy some peat moss to add to the earth in some concrete planters that is water-logged and put some geraniums in them for the summer.  (I'm late, I know)  I also have to get my car checked as it keeps stalling and I'm thinking that maybe the alternator is the cause!  $$$$$$$

From Allistair Begg....

Good afternoon, friends,

It was a joy to read of comings and goings of everyone.

This was the morning I was asked to play piano and sing for the devotions downstairs. The song I was impressed to sing was "Where Can We Go But To The Lord." Then, the young man who spoke was giving his very first talk before a group. He did well, with the topic being go to the Lord for forgiveness and strength. Isn't it interesting how the Lord will take charge of a service with all parts going to strengthen the whole!

News - I am a new mother-in-law. My oldest son, whom I've often told you recently was doing much better, got married last week. What a busy, happy time for the family. The happy couple have invited me to eat with them this evening. So, I'm looking forward to that.

Now, to leave the computer and fix a bit of lunch.

Y'all have a wonderful rest of the day with our Lord.

Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann:  How lovely to look forward to your son and his wife's new marriage. 

Pat, Judy: I'm about a 2 1/2 hour trip from Pembroke. I made the trip twice in one week, so have been glad to be back home. And you're right, Judy, distance doesn't seem so far when it's family. We used to have to drive 10 hours to visit family, so this seems much shorter.

Jeanne: Cyberspace does make people feel much closer. Texting on the phone has helped so much this year with the baby, and with my Dad being so ill. It has meant that I can be in contact with family almost immediately and is much cheaper than phoning with my cell phone.

Carol:

QuoteYesterday was just up and down in thoughts for me regarding everything with the children, of course.  Not with us but their lives and it was finally just before falling asleep that I really did realize once again that God is in control.

It's hard sometimes, isn't it. We need to keep reminding ourselves that He is in control, and we can rejoice that He is in control. He sees us, He hears us, and He cares about us ... and our loved ones.

I thought we were staying home for a bit, but we had offered to take my Dad to see his sister, so we are heading to Burk's Falls to pick him up and go to Fort Erie on Thursday to see his sister. I know that he will want to speak with her about the Lord as she doesn't know Him. Dad wasn't sure about going because he was concerned that it would be a lot of difficulty taking his dialysis equipment with him but I think we can manage okay.

 


I was chatting with Bonnie today and she has posted in Prayer and Praise here.  Please check in to P&P and pray for our dear friend!

I was talking to Gord Here is the update.

We made the long trek to Wichita and back home today.  That's four hours each way.

Please pray for my dear sister Shirley.  She got bitten by at least three ticks, and is now in the hospital.  She had a fever of 106*, excruciating pain all over her body, deep in the tissues and muscles.  They have been running tests, etc., and are now saying they think she has some sort of blood disorder because of the tick bites.  It seems ticks can cause not only Lyme disease, but rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer s, and a number of other things.  Needless to say, family reunion, which was scheduled to be at Shirley's place this weekend, has been canceled, all we care about is her getting well.  Prayers much appreciated.

And for the good news--it is raining!

   Hi to all that come to C. P.  Well if you do not read the payer  and praise then  I just would like to repeat what I said on there.  As Judy B. said that she has been giving you all updates on Noreen and it has and will be a lot longer for her to have complete relief from the second surgery and to get rid of the terrible pain that she has.

I am so grateful to you all for your support and your prayers.  May the Lord richly bless you all.  All our love to you all.  Good night for now.  Gordon and Noreen.   

Exam day.....1:00 pm this afternoon.

Judy--go forth in faith and confidence and ACE that test!  You can do it!

Thank you Janet!

Hi everyone.  I am just back from Bible study, a quick trip to Kaiser for another blood test and finally at quick stop at Walmart for some bread and fruit.  I got some sandwich buns but forgot the bread.  It feels very much like rain.  We had a significant rain yesterday afternoon as well.  Pat didn't go to Bible study with me this morning.  I spoke yesterday with my good friend who is suffering with the prostate/bone cancer and he is not doing well. 

Carol, sunflowers are something I never see here in Georgia but certainly did as I was growing up.  I understand your feelings regarding your children.

Pat, don't envy you with the carpet shampooing as that is a tough job. 

Ruth Ann, glad your son has found a soul mate and that his health has improved. 

Betty, I don't text much but there are times when it comes in very handy.  Glad you are now closer to family.  Nice of you to take your father to see his sister. 

Janet, certainly hope your sister does not have Lyme disease.  That is what has caused my friend in Maryland so much pain and anguish even to the point where he was diagnosed with mad cow disease.  Fortunately, it wasn't that and he is now doing better.  A temp of 106 degrees is certainly dangerous.

Hi, friends,

It's a wonderful day to praise our Lord for His goodness and mercy. Truly, they are renewed afresh each morning.

Y'all have a great day with Him.

Ruth Ann

Update on my sister:  They think now she may have West Nile Virus from mosquito bites, as her symptoms seem consistent with that.  Thanks to friends here, who had been through that, they are checking it out, anyway.  She was in such horrible pain last night she was begging them to put her out of her misery!  They gave her Vicodin, which made her even sicker; then put on her chart that she refused pain medication.  She did NOT, only asked for a different kind.  We are so thankful that her daughter is there to watch out for her, as she (JoAnne) works in the health care field, knows many medical personnel there, and can really run interference for her mom.  Continued prayers appreciated.......

Praying Janet.

Exam is done......i finished early and was able to double check my answers.  Then I began second guessing myself.  That was the time to quit. 

The weather here is wonderful, the dogs still are in the outdoor pen.  I am wanting to get the mowing done, that will depend on the battery and having enough gas.  If either are negatives I will wait till tomorrow and do it then.  The battery looses charge and needs replacing.  If the charger isn't on it I will set that up and check the gas foe tomorrow.

I was talking to RuthV today she is very busy with her book-keeping business, so she wishes everyone all the best.

Again everyone thank you for the advice and prayer on my behalf for this exam, I am really appreciative to each of you.

 :)Hi to all.  Late night or very early morning report on Noreen.  She saw the dostor the other day and he says that he feels there is no more infection which we praise the Lord for.  But she is still got the brace on and we will not know for two weeks when that can come of.   Sh e still has a lot of pain and cannot move it a lot so again please continue to pray for her.  Good night or morning.  Love in Christ to all.   Gordon and Noreen. 

I will be praying for Janet's sister and Gord's wife. 

Trusting that Judy did well on her exam.

Speaking of our friend Judy, she suggested that I ask my supervisor for forgiveness re something I said to her weeks ago.  I called her and said I had something I needed to apologize for.  Said that I was not very gracious, or even accepting, of her telling me thank you for taking on the overnight shifts.  I told her, rather bluntly, that I was doing it because I wasn't getting enough hours without doing it.  Not very Christian of me, was it?!

I told her that my lack of manners was weighing me down for the last few weeks, and that I truly appreciated her taking the time to thank me for a job well done.   She thanked me again for doing the shifts, and thanked me for calling. Seems I made her day. 

I feel much better now, and had the best sleep I'd had in many days. 

Praise the Lord for wise friends like Judy...and for putting it on my heart to ask her what I should do.