Reaching Out and Up

Come Ride With Me

2010-07-23T10:29:00.000-07:00

Just had to post one more photo from Bill. My husband loves his little Miata convertible. Now two of his male friends have bought one for themselves! However, Bill has certainly gone the second mile by getting a dandy trailer.

Wouldn't you enjoy a ride, while the soft breezes caress your hair and skin, and the sun slowly slips away leaving you a golden kiss?

Meet the Author/Photographer

2010-07-14T22:00:00.000-07:00

Salt Lake Desert - Photo by Bill

I was so delighted to get another photo from Bill. I also enjoy his emails. Once you read a note from him, you will feel like you know him a tiny bit.

"Everything was perfect to get what I wanted...well almost everything. I had forgotten that Gila monsters, sidewinder snakes, black widow spiders and tarantulas were hiding under every single desert plant when it gets dark and they grow in both quaintly and size as the shadows grow longer.

"But I was there to get the job done and my own life was of scant value in comparison with the completion of the mission. I bailed over the roads edge onto the desert floor. Scampering about in a high stepping manner that occasionally caused my knees to hit my chin.

"That method was not working...the creative process was hostage to my fear. I stopped and thought it over; eventually reconciling that my life was pretty much forfeit now and I should just go down shooting. With that heroic decision I went down by doing belly flops and butt plunks on the desert floor on a quest to afford my lens what it most craves - an intimate relationship with some very special photons that emerged only 8 minutes ago from the raging thermonuclear bowls of the sun, zooming across 93,000,000 miles of empty space and bursting into our atmosphere, careening over the mountaintop so close they almost did not make it, and splattering it's self in phantasmagorical golden colors onto delightfully arrayed fronds of some desert plants of my choosing.

"And there it is...the sun, the mountain, plant...all lined up so you can see the whole journey in a single shot. How flippin' cool is that? Fortunately, I am still here to tell about this...after narrowing escaping countless flashing fangs in the darkness." LOL

How fun was that! I also think, the more time you spend with God, the more you will like Him.

A Bit Reflective

2010-07-11T17:07:00.000-07:00

Photo by Connie

It is warm and muggy here. It is Sunday. I am in a bit of a reflective mood.

Originally I saw this log with a duck on it sunbathing while a muskrat swam and sniffed and peeked at the duck. It was a sweet nature moment. I did not have my camera so this is all I found upon my return.

I was not sad when I returned - I was only reflective.

Today I reflect on the goodness of God. He is my strength, courage, and my log on which to rest.

My husband is undergoing an unexpected job change. My home has been under constant change for a year as we have made preparations to rent it for elder care. This week, the lady who is going to rent, decided it will soon be time for us to leave.

You mean; my husband is undergoing a job change and we are going to be without our home?

Did I laugh or did I cry? Neither. (Try numb, confused, stressed - ha! Maybe instead of neither, I could say both!)

We will trust God - He knows the timing of everything. I will reflect on WHO HE IS and rest in Him.

Lots of Reminders

2010-07-07T09:05:00.000-07:00

Photo by Connie

There are lots of reminders this time of year that God has done wonderful things for us.

"I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well." Psalm 139:14

Fourth of July

2010-06-30T09:37:00.000-07:00

Photos by Mona

The fourth of July will mean lots of things to different people. Some will think only of picnics, watermelons, firecrackers, flags, airplane shows, or maybe - just maybe - a few will remember that this is a day we celebrate becoming a nation.

America wanted the freedom to be a country where the government would stay out of religion, where we could speak what we felt, and where we could live without excessive taxation.

There is an old adage - politics and religion do not mix. Who are they kidding? Everyone has a religion - even if it is the religion of worshiping self and self ideas. Everyone looks at politics through the lens of what they believe (their religion) - even if it is amoral, godless, inhuman, excessive, suppressive or clearly defined by a chosen church.

When we, with a faith in God, refuse to vote or participate in political things, we hand over our country to those who believe the opposite. We simply allow the humanist, atheist, muslim, or whomever to make laws which support their ideals. Then we can only point the 'blame' finger at ourselves for allowing them to govern us.

This fourth, I hope you have your picnics, light your firecrackers, go to your air shows, and have lots of fun. I also hope you take time to ask yourself what you are doing to keep your freedoms.

Never Leave A Mess

2010-06-24T06:17:00.000-07:00

Photo by Connie

A devotional I read several weeks ago keeps going through my mind.

'Never walk away from a mess - in areas we have responsibility for or have authority over'. That stopped me cold, then I continued on.

'When something is out of order or in disarray - whether spiritually, mentally, emotionally or physically - do what is in your power to eliminate the chaos. If you do not have the power to change, ask God in faith for His help.'

1 John 5:14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

Fear vs Faith

2010-06-21T12:32:00.000-07:00

Photo by Connie

This pilot wanted to give my grandson a ride, but Nicholas' fear kept him from saying yes. Getting a photo of him sitting in the cockpit was as close as he could come to a take-off.

Then Sunday his SS lesson was all about fear vs. faith. A lesson on Job. We tend to forget why Satan received permission to test Job. Job was afraid he would loose everything (that which I feared has come upon me). That fear opened a door and replaced his faith.

FEAR can be anything. The fear of failure, the fear of loss, the fear of depression, the fear of sickness .. anything.

FAITH is standing on the Word of God and applying verses to your life to strengthen your belief in God. The interesting thing - the more fear we allow in our lives, the less faith we have.

I encourage you to keep adding faith to your life. Job held onto one piece of faith - he believed in God and would not curse God. He erroneously blamed God for what Satan had done, but he would not curse God. God responded to that and stopped what Satan was doing and blessed Job with twice as much.

Feel like doubling your faith? I do!

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-18T21:53:00.000-07:00

Photo by Connie

I pray that you and your father have a wonderful day this coming Sunday. Many of us no longer have our fathers and am so thankful for the memories we have. Shown in this pic is the father of this home making memories with his grandson - the First Catch!

Memories are made by time spent with someone. I know God would like some special memories with each of us. Maybe you will make a special memory with God this Sunday!

Deception

2010-06-06T19:16:00.001-07:00

Photos by Connie

Which is bigger? The flower above or the flower below?

he first photo is one cluster of petals known as the rhododendron. The bottom photo is one cluster of petals known as the miniature rhododendron. The bottom blue cluster is actually no bigger than one of the pink flowers within the large cluster. The blue flower is probably 1/10th to 1/20th the size of the pink flower. It is easy to be deceived by macro photography.

That is what the enemy wants to do with our frustrations, difficulties, adversity, and mistakes. He presents our problems to us through macro lenses and makes us think they are so big we cannot overcome. He is the chief deceiver. Don't let him make you think something is too big for God.

God does not deceive. When He says He can forgive anything, or heal anything, or help us, HE can!

Search Me, Oh God

2010-06-01T08:26:00.000-07:00

Photos by Connie

We had a memorial day visitor who kept my family entertained. We learned that they are good tree climbers! I do not know if he was looking for food, but it is unusual that he was around during the day. I love the little dark mask around the eyes.

Those searching eyes made me think of this verse: "Search me oh God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts." Psalms 129:23

Sharing Your Faith

2010-05-26T11:05:00.000-07:00


Photo by Connie Trying to reach out to people who lack spiritual understanding and refuse to hear? You can only speak the truth as a seed planted and release them to God. You must resist the temptation to try to force them to "get it". Flesh cannot perceive the Spirit. Speak what God gives you to say and move on without regret. Do not allow frustration to settle in your spirit. Instead know that you have obeyed God and that He is in charge. John 14:17 ... the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

Come Away With Me

2010-05-18T09:02:00.001-07:00

Photo by Connie

A devotional today made me really stop and think. It was talking about prayer and was presented from God's viewpoint.

From that viewpoint God was saying, why do you just talk at Me? Why not come away with Me and talk with Me? Why not give Me full attention and spend time face to face with Me?

I thought that was a good reminder that God is a person who wants to be closer than a prayer list or a prayer room. He wants a very personal relationship with us.

So 'Come away with Me' and have a very personal time with God today.

Something to Think About

2010-05-13T20:30:00.000-07:00

Photo by Tim Bero in Nanjing

"How far you go in life depends on you being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant with the weak...because in your life you will have been all of these."

George Washington Carver

A Keeper

2010-05-03T20:42:00.000-07:00

My sister sent this photo and a few thoughts to me. She is not the photographer so I do not know who to thank, nor were these thoughts original with her, but they are keepers.

We never know when we will loose someone or something worth keeping. So while we have them, it is best to love them, care for them, fix what is broken and heal what is sick. This is true for our marriages, children who make mistakes, dogs with bad hips, aging parents and grandparents, a best friend who moved away, or a sister-in-law after a divorce. We keep them because they are worth it.

Why look back and regret that we did not care enough when we had a chance?

Be a 'keeper'. Reach out to someone today and let them know how much they mean to you.

Time to Rest

2010-04-28T19:38:00.000-07:00

Photo by Connie - Mt. Hood

I am weary. You have noticed I have not even had time to blog. This too shall past and hopefully I can get back on track soon.

I am so glad that I can go to God and find rest. Thankfully Jesus said, 'Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest'.

Everyone is different. Everyone needs rest for different reasons. We can never walk in other's shoes and know exactly what they need. If you have a friend who seems weary, battle worn, or ship wrecked, offer them the best - some rest.

Maybe you are the one needing rest. It is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Go to God and rest.

A Brand New Ending

2010-03-26T10:18:00.000-07:00

Photo by Bob

This was an exciting photo op for us because: 1. We do not live near the beach. 2. We rarely get to the beach. 3. I have never seen a rainbow over the ocean. 4. If you look closely, you will see the faint colors of a second rainbow!

Then my camera would not 'click'. Finally my husband ran to the car and got his small camera. At lease we had 'our moment' now on disc.

All that excitement aside, I love this exciting thought: "Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending." ~Carl Bard. To which I add, that is especially true if you are including God and Reaching Out and Up.

Moments to Think

2010-03-23T17:48:00.000-07:00

Photo by Connie

My husband and I escaped this weekend so he could have time to do our taxes. We always find a sunset a special moment to think ... this time we left thinking about the Sunday sermon.

Why was David a 'man after God's own heart'? Why does the Bible mention him more than any other man? He committed so many sins and did so many things wrong - yet he was a man after God's own heart.

David knew how to RESPOND TO GOD. As we Christians grow and learn more about the character of God, we move beyond our usual expectations of what God can do for us. We begin to see how important our relationship is with Him. Our lives quit revolving around us; they begin to revolve around God.

David learned that when he sinned, he needed to ask God for forgiveness. When he was afraid, he immediately trusted in God, not man or circumstances. When he needed strength, he praised God. When he felt down or lonely, he went to God and met with Him. When his enemies were defeating him, he trusted God to send help.

He did not wonder what to do - he began to praise, to intercede, to confess. He knew what to do because he knew the character of God and responded to God.

In your moments to think, I pray you are responding to God. If not, study the character of God - get to know HIM - you will be so glad you did.

God Brings Order - not Chaos

2010-03-18T11:05:00.001-07:00

Spring is coming to our area. It was fun to go out with the camera last night and find daffodils. The seasons and everything in them are so full of order!

Photos by Connie

Every two to three weeks I get to spend some time with my husband. (He had to take a job out of state last year.) Sunday we headed here, but the 2.5 hour trip became a 7.5 hour trip. The van broke down and we had to leave the van and a load of things. I keep trying to solve everything in my head and 'laughed' when I read the following devotional and the word 'micromanage'.

The devotional read: "Go to God and let Him relieve you of every burden. Make your requests known to Him. Your faith will bring forth God's will in every circumstance. Give up trying to micromanage every detail of your life. Let God bring order out of chaos and let Him establish peace. Trust God to reveal His purpose in your life and bring it to completion."

Philippians 1:6 ... being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it ...

Okay God, I will try not to micromanage today.

Loves me, Loves me not ...

2010-03-15T19:22:00.000-07:00

Photo by Mona

Ever play that game as a child? Did it ever affect a major decision you made?

Does God play that game with each of us? NO! He has decided to love us, but that does not mean He always loves what we do. He never gets the two mixed up - His Word to us is not a game. Because He loves us so much, he never changes His mind about the rules of life He gave us. Humans are fickle and manipulate. God does not manipulate - He loves us, but there are things He hates for us to do.

Don't pull the daisy petals apart trying to figure out God ... instead, spent time in His Word. While you are reading, remember how much He loves you.

Burnt Biscuits - a story shared

2010-03-11T09:32:00.000-08:00

Photographer unknown

When I was a kid, my mom occasionally made breakfast food for dinner - especially after a long, hard day at work.

On evening long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and burnt biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone would notice. All my dad did was reach for his biscuit,
smile at my mom and ask me how my day went at school. I do not remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite.

When I got up from the table that evening, I heard my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. I will never forget what he said, "Honey, I love burnt biscuits."

Later that night, I asked Daddy if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she is really tired. Besides, a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone."

Life is full of imperfect things and imperfect people. God can help us to accept each others' faults and struggles - it is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy and lasting relationship.

So, please, pass me a biscuit; the burnt one is just fine.

Contentment

2010-03-05T21:24:00.000-08:00

Photo by Bill

I have been studying about Paul and his ship wreck. Paul did not fight the circumstances of his life, although they did get pretty rough; he chose to stay content.

Contentment in the Bible is always used in the present tense.

Situations change faster than you can flip a fritter. Your ice-cream gets warm and your coffee gets cold. While things happen to us, around us, or in us, we can choose contentment.

It is something we learn and can not explain. We either are or we are not. Philippians 4:11-12 "For I have learned to be content in whatever state I am in."

Have a contented day!

Burst Your Own Bubble!

2010-03-03T05:45:00.000-08:00

photo by Bob

Here is my grandson having a great moment - wearing Grandpa's hat and blowing up a balloon as big as he wants. The little cheeks are getting tired ... they are bulging ... who will end up with the most pressure? He or the balloon? This was his moment to burst is own bubble.

God would have us break our own bubble. We can hang onto disappointments, mistakes, and things that make us feel insignificant or like a failure. Or we can accept that God does not drain our hearts of hope so we can learn a lesson.

Burst your bubble by being faithful to God. We get confused and measure the value of our life the way others do. We can lose our hope and our dreams, or we can make the decision to let God work through all of these by being faithful to Him.

Take one more deep breath. Choose to blow away the past and suck in a breath of fresh air as you let God refresh you. Focus on the one thing that matters - being faithful to Him.

In God's Strength

2010-03-01T08:29:00.000-08:00

Foggy Morning Take-off - photo by Bill

The wing span on this bird is amazing! As I started this week I am reminded that the power for my 'take-off' depends upon God's strength, not my 'wing-span'. I do not have to rely upon my wisdom or understanding. I do not reply upon past circumstances.

I can start this new day, new week, new month with God as our source. I can have renewed hope, renewed courage, renewed energy and do what needs to be done as long as I let Him empower me. You can too!

Foggy Days

2010-02-23T08:59:00.000-08:00

Photo by Geneva

I live in a part of the world that has many, many gray days. It may not be raining, but the sun is not shining. Foggy days can be literal, or figurative. Either way, we can gradually loose perspective.

I am reminded of what the children of Israel did when they were 'in their fog'. They murmured until God was so tired of their complaining and sin that he caused the earth to open and devour some, and caused fire to burn 250 men (Numbers 16:30-35 and Numbers 26:10-11).

Psalms 106:13-21 sums it up by saying they forgot God their Savior.

Sometimes we do not notice how deeply we are allowing the 'foggy days' to affect us. Did you notice that the tree in the photo has a dozen birdhouses? On your 'foggy days' have you forgotten God your Savior? We do well to remember Him, talk to him, and give praise to Him. Praising Him is how we see the 'birdhouses' he puts out for us!

Being Flexible

2010-02-18T14:14:00.000-08:00

Photo by Mona

This has been one of those weeks. Every day has been topsy-turvy. All the plans were make, the general schedule was laid out, then day after day I had to be flexible and re-plan the day.

This little guy went somewhere and it turned cold. Mommy obviously had forgotten his coat - so? She made do and it certainly brought a smile to many faces.

When we have to change, we can ask God for patience, understanding, endurance, and the ability to be flexible. With God helping our attitude, not only will others smile, but so will we.

Thought For The Day

2010-02-15T07:13:00.000-08:00

Photo by Elizabeth

"To make mistakes is human; to stumble is commonplace; to be able to laugh at yourself is maturity..." William Arthur Ward

Five Favorite Things

2010-02-11T07:13:00.000-08:00

Parsley did something on her blog that was fun, and made me feel like I knew her a little better. Since this is Valentine weekend, and we are remembering things we love, I would enjoy reading about 5 of your favorite things. Because of the caliber of reader's on this blog, number one for all of us is GOD! So give me five more things - I will start - knowing that tomorrow I/you might say something different.

See's Candy
My husband's laugh
Grandchildren saying "I Love You"
Watching the sunset
Holding my husband's hand after 42 years

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-09T08:16:00.000-08:00

When I line up all the following red letters, they spell Valentine. Blogger will not let me keep the format, unless I do a lot of HTML. I do not have that kind of time today, so will just send this message to remind us of the wonderful Valentine God sent us.

For God so loVed the world,
That He gAve
His onLy
BegottEn
SoN
That whosoever
Believeth In Him
Should Not perish,
But have Everlasting life."
John 3:16

When The Storm Ends

2010-02-04T08:13:00.001-08:00

Last weekend a blizzard howls through my sister's yard. Before the night was over, she could not get out of her house. She was alone. She is almost 70. Her husband was gone. Would the power go out? Would she loose her only source of heat before the blizzard would end in another 24 hours?

Totally snow bound. Every door held shut by snow.

The snow was sticking to the east windows creating a strange darkenss. I called several times to make sure she was holding up okay. One more night to go ...

The next day a neighbor could be heard in the front yard. He arrived with a truck which could scoop up the snow, clearing the long driveway, unplugging the garage, finding the sidewalk, and opening the doors.

Relief. The storm had ended. Help had come.

Now, a week later, none of the snow has melted as the freezing weather continues. But today my sister and grandson play. Her heart is lighter, visibility has returned and she takes time to dig a snow cave. The very thing that was threatening her, can now become 'fun'.

Is life your snow? Is God your neighbor? Have you learned to play again?

Do You Pray the Scriptures?

2010-01-29T08:38:00.000-08:00

Photo by Mona

The scriptures are God's Word for us. The scriptures have power and can speak into our lives and into our situations. Have your ever prayed the scriptures?

Take a verse and read it - it is good! Take a verse, make it personal and pray it - it changes your life.

Psalm 107:28 goes from "Then they cry to the Lord in their trouble and He brings them out of their distresses" to your prayer: "I will cry to the Lord in trouble and He brings me out of my distresses".

Psalm 91:1 goes from "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the almighty" to your prayer: "I will dwell in the secret place of the most High. I shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the almighty."

Feel the difference? Feel how it reaches into your heart and helps you to believe? Feel how you have strength when you confess God's Word! Ah, you too, can soar!

A Merry Heart

2010-01-27T09:00:00.000-08:00

Photo by Tina

Here is a photo of Tina with her four daughters! I loved it so much I asked permission to use it. Did you know you can buy socks all mixed up like this at Hallmark? Of course, a family full of girls does not have to depend upon Hallmark - just a crazy laundry day, or a bag of socks like I see at my daughter's home. LOL

It made me smile. Or did I actually laugh out loud? One thing I know for sure, a merry heart doeth good like a medicine.

Impossible?

2010-01-24T08:15:00.001-08:00

Photo by Bob

I know God will not give me anything I can not handle. I just wish that He did not trust me so much.

Get Wisdom and Understanding

2010-01-23T19:34:00.000-08:00

Photo by Elizabeth

Life rolls along, and we sometimes forget how important are our daily decisions. They often are seeds shown which produce a harvest that takes on much greater significance than we dared to believe. It is to our advantage to choose according to God's wisdom.

Proverbs 4:7 reminds us that wisdom is the principal thing. Then the verse says something interesting - in all your getting, get understanding.

I often feel like, not only do I have to ask God for wisdom, I have to ask Him for understanding.

Bent But Not Broken

2010-01-19T18:56:00.000-08:00

The photographer, Mona, titled this photo Bent But Not Broken.

Sometimes we feel that way - at least the bent part. How do we keep from breaking?

1. Find a scripture verse to claim as yours. If nothing fits, just keep reading the Psalms over and over until you are assured of the same hope the psalmist found.

2. Know that 'this too shall pass'. Situations may stay the same for longer than we want, but we can change. We can change our attitudes and our outlook by turning to God. When we remember that He cares and is helping us, we can believe again for a better day.

3. Make 'bent' a position, not your mindset. Spend some time in prayer until you are renewed. Out of those times in prayer, God will encourage you and keep you from breaking.

Polar Bear Attack

2010-01-16T22:09:00.000-08:00

Did the title conjure up images a little less pleasant? I think our mind can do that with life as well. We can think something will be worse than it really is. We can anticipate trouble when it is not in the making. We can see the worse in someone when we should have looked for the best.

Let God give us a better perspective. Actively resist the temptation to give in to negative thoughts and ideas. Do not allow emotional responses to rule.

Turn to God and see life through His lens.

Give God A Reason to Bless You

2010-01-10T06:12:00.000-08:00

We all would love for God to bless us. We pray daily that God will bless us and those we love. We pray for our churches and country to blessed by God; but why should He?

God often blesses us because we have a personal relationship with Him - He is God, and blessing us is something He does. However, you can give God reasons to bless you!

God blesses us when we are kind, give of our means, work hard, forgive, obey His Word - He puts laws into place that are no respecter of persons. You simple sow what you reap. Good sowing is not passive, but very active and very selective. Give God a reason to bless you today.
(Photo by Elizabeth)

Caleb Courage

2010-01-07T11:36:00.000-08:00

This morning, my husband heads up and over an Oregon mountain range and was greeted with this beautiful sunrise. He and others were pulling over to take photos - I am so glad he stopped!

I have been thinking about Caleb Courage. Here was a man who knew the authority God had. He understood the power of God and that God can do anything. He allowed God to empower him and Caleb walked with courage when others did not.

Maybe you need that today - the courage to face an unpleasant task, to face a difficulty, to face exhausting routines. Maybe you need some Caleb Courage today - the source is God, just like the sunrise He sent.

Happy New Year - find joy

2010-01-01T11:24:00.000-08:00

In all the hubbub of family activities, my youngest granddaughter finds my piles of baskets. Moving away from others and their busy moments, she 'nested' down for her moment of private peace and happiness.

That is what we have to do daily for us to find joy in 2010.

'Nest' down with God each day. Let His peace renew you. In the quiet times with Him you will find the joy you need to make 2010 a great year for you.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-23T12:14:00.000-08:00

To believers, this is the best time of the year! As we celebrate the birth of Christ and what that means to us, we find courage to face another year, to dream again, to love, and to forgive. We remember once again to put aside the trivial and focus on what is truly important.

May you have a Christmas filled with God's love, regardless of your circumstances.

Christmas Moments

2009-12-21T10:42:00.000-08:00

A moment together ...

A moment of surprise - granddaughter wanted to stay with Grandpa ...

A moment to treasure with the grandchildren ...

A moment of laughter and fun ...

May you have many special moments this Christmas - and get some of them on camera!

Kitchen Wisdom

2009-12-18T21:36:00.001-08:00

Stuff a miniature marshmallow in the bottom of an ice cream cone to prevent ice cream drips.

Just suck the ice cream out of the bottom of the cone! You are probably lying on the couch with your feet up.

To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the potatoes.

Buy Hungry Jack mashed potato mix. Keeps in the pantry for up to a year.

Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.

Celery? Never heard of it!

May all your Christmas baking be successful!

Quietly Moving Ahead

2009-12-14T08:08:00.000-08:00

I took this photo while we were driving down the freeway in northern Idaho a couple winters past. The snow load was just amazing!

Some times we think life is quieting down, then we really get dumped on. We get discouraged because we do not see immediate results.

That is when we have to stay calm in our faith and be patient. Our quiet trust in God is so important. God is still at work in our lives and He will get very personal with us if we are willing to trust Him.

Psalms 73:28 But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all Your works.

Do You Say Merry Christmas?

2009-12-08T08:03:00.000-08:00

We have been so intimidated by our culture, I thought this was a good shot in the arm - albeit a very lively shot in the arm!

As I was listening, I wondered if many believers were not becoming like Peter and denying Christ every time they gave in and said, Happy Holidays, instead of Merry Christmas. What do you think?

Thanksgiving

2009-11-24T17:37:00.000-08:00

This photo, taken by Mona, shows the closing hour of a day as a combine makes its last swipe down a field of grain. Harvest time; to me - thanksgiving time. I never think of one without the other.

This is a special weekend. Family and friends will get together. We can let pre-conceived expectations ruin our family times if we expect perfection. Some of you may find Selfish Sally, Snooty Sam, Mouthy Martha, Ritzy Rose, Angry Ann, or Greedy Greta at your family dinner. LOVE THEM. It is not your job to change them. Just relax and let them be who they are.

If you have compassion and forgiveness, for that is how love is shown, you will come to the end of your thanksgiving day with the same warm, gentle feeling the above picture invoked.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving and reap the harvest of real love.

I Believe series part IV

2009-11-16T09:22:00.000-08:00

My niece, who lives in Montana, took this from her office window last Friday. Now I feel cold. Winter seems to be coming kind of fast in the west.

As we continue this short journey, looking at some lessons learned, I will share three more thoughts for today.

I Believe... Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally differently.

I Believe... Credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I Believe... Maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them, and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe series part III

2009-11-13T07:42:00.000-08:00

This is a memory from summer - a photo I did not use. The actual size of each peony is amazing. They usually end up on the ground because they are too heavy for the thin stalks, but I always enjoy that corner of the yard for a few weeks. I will share three thoughts for today:

I Believe... It isn't always enough to be forgiven by others; sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I Believe... No matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I Believe... Our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

God can help us in those three areas. We are not left to work it out on our own.

I Believe series part II

2009-11-10T18:11:00.000-08:00

I always love my stop at Courtney's to see what she has added. This tree with autumn colors changing from the top down is such a good example of how autumn approaches us! Ah, we may change slowly from the top down, but we really change when we change from the heart out.

I Believe... You can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe... We are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I Believe... Either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I Believe series part I

2009-11-09T22:56:00.000-08:00

This grosbeak full of autumn colors was taken by Mona. I will share some special photos, while I share some great thoughts which were sent to me. I do not know who to thank for these thoughts, but it will take several days.

A Birth Certificate shows we were born; a Death Certificate shows we died, and pictures show we lived!

I Believe... Just because two people argue, doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe... We don't have to change friends if we understand friends change.

I Believe.... No matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I Believe... True friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I Believe... You can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I Believe... it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

Are We There Yet?

2009-11-02T20:27:00.000-08:00

I had to laugh when Mona sent this photo, taken by herself, with the added caption, "Are We There Yet"?

Sometimes life just feels that way!

Spiritually speaking, NO, we are not there yet! But do not despair. We are not 'there' because He sees that we can have more faith, learn to trust Him more, love others more, pray more ... you fill in the blanks. I know He is still working on us.

Being Loved

2009-11-01T08:05:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I do not know which is cuter, the little boy in glasses or the puppy! My little grand-nephew can not hug the puppy enough, and the puppy just is not sure about it.

Sometimes I think God wants to love us more, but we are the ones who hold back. Today is His day. The Sabbath is His idea. I hope you are taking time today to spend with Him, because He still has more love to give you.

Amazing Tenacity

2009-10-27T10:19:00.000-07:00

Wave after wave, hour after hour this bird stood stood its place. It was like watching a version of 'No Fear'.

Certainly it was in its element. It had been here before. It knew when 'too much' was approaching and had a tolerance I could not imagine from my view point.

When I am standing on God's word and what He says, I can have amazing tenacity. I do not fear what others fear. I not do see as others see. I make it through life's storms because my trust is in God, not the situations around me.

Harvest Fun

2009-10-20T09:32:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to post this for fun.

My sister found this unique way to decorate a pumpkin without the carving, the broken knives, or the mess in general.

It makes me smile every time I see it!

Sharing a photo

2009-10-13T07:37:00.000-07:00

My week will be too busy to blog, but I just wanted to share a photo my sister's friend took. As near as she knows, this is an albino hummingbird. I thought it was amazing! I guess I never thought about any of the birds being an albino, furthermore I rarely see an albino in any the species.

Fret Free

2009-10-10T04:41:00.000-07:00

This is a pretty dramatic photo by Bill. This photo shows a cloud precipitate into an inversion layer sunset, with cross winds mixing another layer of clouds. A pretty rare moment with a camera.

When I read this scripture, I knew it fit the turmoil/peace that is found in this photo:

Psalms 37 5-8 Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret - it only causes harm.

Have a fret free day - in HIM!

A New Look at Autumn

2009-10-09T05:36:00.000-07:00

I hope you smile!

God owns it all

2009-10-07T23:13:00.001-07:00

This breath-taking photo by Bill is taken near Orfino, Idaho. Sometimes, I think God just likes to show off!

Psalms 89:11

The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it.

Meet a Friend

2009-10-04T22:57:00.001-07:00

I love the uniqueness of these photos! I always enjoy my stop at a blog called, A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words. I asked for permission to share a few of her photos so I could introduce Courtney to you.

While some of us blog about our families, our thoughts, life and etc. she simply shares her photos. I really think you would enjoy following her blog. I would encourage you to meet a new friend today. How about stopping by A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words and take a peek at her posts. See if I picked any of your favorites!

Busy

2009-10-03T07:16:00.000-07:00

This wonderful photo by Mona reflects what I hear and see when I stepped outside this week. The birds were so busy and noisy! They must be putting away for winter, or saying their farewells until spring.

I know fall is a busy time for the gardeners, and moms with school children. The season brings a new pace that roars right into Christmas.

I hope you and I do not get too busy to spend time with God. I am sure He enjoys our chatter (the Bible says He laughs over us) and our work (the Bible says that work is a reward and blessing); however, He delights in the time we spend with Him.

Let's give Him reason to delight in us today!

Why Worry?

2009-09-29T21:39:00.000-07:00

These birds, as shared by Mona, do not have a worry in the world. Sitting among the barbs, they take life as it comes.

We must chose to refuse to be overwhelmed by looking forward to what might demand out time, energy and resources. God's grace is sufficient for the demands of today. We must learn to take one moment at a time and one step at a time. We must practice trusting God with all out hearts.

Frustration removes us from God's presence and takes us off course. Let God quiet us as we trust Him.

Matthew 6:34 reminds us, Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Thankful

2009-09-28T21:43:00.000-07:00

I am always so thankful on laundry day. (photo by Elizabeth, taken in Italy)

I am kind of an old-fashioned woman and do my laundry on Mondays. You remember what the dish towels always said -

Sunday - church
Monday - laundry
Tuesday - ironing

Oops, I forgot a few. Is Thursday for cleaning house, Friday for shopping, and Saturday for cooking?

Why am I always so thankful on laundry day? Because I don't have to carry the water in to heat on a wood stove where I carry the wood in and the ashes out; I don't have to scrub the clothes on a scrub board, breaking my back as I lean over the thing; I don't have to carry the water out and then spend hours hanging up the clothes only to have the weather not co-operate and have to bring them back inside.

What things remind you to be thankful?

Tillamook Rock Lighthouse

2009-09-24T08:54:00.000-07:00

My husband took this photo this week when on the Oregon coast. Tillamook Rock Lighthouse has quite a history. The storms off the Oregon coast are so strong that the job of keeping a light house like this one is very treacherous and expensive. Keepers had trouble with mental stability and eventually the lighthouse was closed. The final note in the logbook stated:

Farewell, Tillamook Rock Light Station. An era has ended. With this final entry, and not without sentiment, I return thee to the elements. You, one of the most notorious and yet fascinating of the sea-swept sentinels in the world; long the friend of the tempest-tossed mariner. Through howling gale, thick fog and driving rain your beacon has been a star of hope and your foghorn a voice of encouragement. May the elements of nature be kind to you. For 77 years you have beamed your light across desolate acres of ocean. Keepers have come and gone; men lived and died; but you were faithful to the end. (more info can be found at http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=135)

I am so glad that God does not quit when the going gets rough! He will be faithful to the end.

On The Mountain Top

2009-09-22T19:54:00.000-07:00

This photo, taken yesterday by my husband as he flew over Saddle Mountain in Oregon, reminds me that we do have highs and lows in our life.

God reminds us to remember the 'highs' for they strengthen our faith when we are in the valley. He reminds us to tell our children about the victories, so the stories will help them to remember to turn to God in their time of need.

Let's remember the mountain experiences of our life - use them for faith to continue!

Attitudes

2009-09-15T09:45:00.000-07:00

Our attitude toward life defines not only who we are, but the quality of life we are after.

Been having a tough day? Maybe not ... after viewing these photos that came to me unknown. What changed? Only your attitude toward today.

These little sweethearts belong to my oldest son. Everything looks normal ... but the oldest girl can not talk. She has aproxia and the thoughts in her head have a very hard time getting translated into actual words.

At four years of age she is able to say only a few words. She is very intelligent and finally found happiness after two years. We know God has good plans for her life.

Our attitudes will define the quality of our life - more than the tangible qualities of our life. Let God help us to have good attitudes!

Remember to Touch

2009-09-13T22:30:00.000-07:00

Zella's photo of an Autumn evening in New England always makes me stop and linger. God seems to touch me through nature. It also reminds me how important the human touch is to each of us.

'Tis the human touch in this world that counts,
The touch of your hand and mine,
Which means far more to the fainting heart
Than shelter and bread and wine;
For shelter is gone when the night is o'er,
And bread last only a day,
But the touch of the hand and the sound of the voice
Sing on in the soul always. by Spencer Free

Touch someone today - you never know how long that memory will linger.

Opportunity or Hard Work

2009-09-12T23:37:00.000-07:00

Opportunity
Master of human destinies am I!
Fame, love, and fortune on my footsteps wait.
Cities and fields I walk' I penetrate
Deserts and seas remote, and passing by
Hovel and mart and palace - soon or late
I knock unbidden once at every gate!

If sleeping, wake - if feasting rise before
I turn away. It is the hour of fate,
And they who follow me reach every state
Mortals desire, and conquer every foe
Save death; but those who doubt or hesitate,
Condemned to failure, penury and woe,
Seek me in vain and uselessly implore.
I answer not, and I return no more.

John Ingalls further leaves the thought: "The catch is that opportunity almost always involves some breasting of of the tide - i.e., hard work. Many people would rather simply wait for their ship to come in."

How many flowers bloomed by your window this summer? How many did you plant?

This photo taken by Elizabeth, while in Italy, made my think about the seasons in our life. So much of the beauty we find in each season will depend upon the actual amount of work we put into it.

God cares about each phase of our lives; He sends many opportunities our way, but we still have to work for the results we desire.

Loved and protected

2009-09-09T22:08:00.000-07:00

Bill went to the zoo and came home with this! It is amazing the love and protection the animals give there young.

It is such a beautiful visual of the love and protection God desires to give us. Rest in Him today, snuggle close and feel His love.

Be of good courage!

2009-09-07T21:11:00.000-07:00

I wonder how many times the Psalmist took pen in hand when he saw a sunset? Sunsets always make me stop and wait, and think. (photo by Elizabeth)

"I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

"Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage,
He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, on the Lord!" Psalms 27:13-14

Victim Mentality

2009-09-06T21:34:00.000-07:00

Are we trapped within walls of our own thinking? Do we allow ourselves to become victims of circumstances by constantly thinking about them and dwelling on them?

Victim mentality keeps us within ourselves and our own space. We can be so close to something beautiful and never enjoy it when we hang unto our past experiences.

Like this intriguing photo taken by Elizabeth in Italy, there is so much more to see - and we do not see it!

Take a step of faith today. Be done with victim mentality. Move on with God. You will love what you find beyond the walls of self and self pity.

Style or Principle

2009-09-05T09:54:00.000-07:00

What do you think of this quote?

In matters of style, swim with the current;
in matters of principle, stand like a rock.
~Thomas Jefferson~

Okay, my picture from Elizabeth is perhaps a little too energetic for the quote, but I do not have too many water and rock photos! However, the quote has intrigued me.

Sometimes as believers, I think we make mountains out of mole hills. So much so, that an unbeliever is no longer interested in our principles. They then want nothing to do with Christ, Christianity, or what we believe.

What do you think?

Sunset harvest

2009-09-02T08:31:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite harvest photos my Mona.

Isn't is just like God to bring serenity and beauty to a very busy day! I think sometimes he just pours quiet and peace into our lives. Sometimes we don't even stop and ask for it. Like the wheat dust rolling across the field He comes to us.

How much we enjoy Him is our choice - we either linger in His presence or get up and return to our daily work without realizing that He came to us.

"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength ...." Isaiah 40:31

Harvest Time

2009-08-31T12:23:00.000-07:00

Mona has shared some of her harvest photos with me down through the years. My Dad was a wheat farmer and this 'city' girl really misses harvest time.

There is nothing like it in the city. Nothing. Sometimes I stand on my deck and almost cry yearning for the smell of wheat, the activity, and the productivity. You can see with yours eyes the result of what you have sown. The barns and graineries are filled with new hay and grain. The pantry shelves are lined with all the canning jars now full for another year. The freezer is full or will soon be full. Harvest time.

In the city you may or may not have produce to freeze or can. Your paycheck comes ones a week, twice a month, or once a month. Seldom once a year.

You never get that immense feeling of 'what you have sown you will reap'. We forget how that principle is true for our spiritual lives, emotional lives, and physical lives.

We need that longer term look at things to really understand how important 'sowing' becomes. God says we will reap what we have sown - in every area of our lives - during an unknown time frame.

May you have a wonderful harvest - in every area of your life!

Twilight Guadiness

2009-08-29T19:00:00.001-07:00

Bill calls his photo 'Twilight Gaudiness'!

Sometimes I think God would like us to see the changes in our lives as a bit of 'twilight gaudiness'.

As believers, we know He can take moments, events and circumstances and improve on them. However, it can be our nature to dread the change and fail to see the beauty of the discipline, the lesson, or the new challenge. We can make a decision to be a little more hopeful, a little more excited - to have more gaudiness in our twilight moments.

Choose 'twilight gaudiness' the next time something happens! People will love the new beauty they see in you.

Holding steady

2009-08-27T09:01:00.000-07:00

These trees in Hawaii (photo by Elizabeth) have shown their ability to hunker down and endure.

This is a hard time for many families as many are loosing jobs they have had for years. The winds of uncertainties have blown and taken away all the things that were common place.

The most important thing we can do, when life is blowing adversity our way, is to hunker down with God. Spend time with Him. Talk to Him. Listen to Him. Let the roots of faith go deep, making you strong, and holding you through troubled times.

Beginning again

2009-08-26T11:26:00.000-07:00

I feel like I am beginning again after a long absence. What I thought might take only weeks, has taken months.

This photo by Elizabeth reminds me to accept the changes; take time to stop when needed; smell the flowers along life's path; be willing to begin again.

That can be so true of your spiritual life. If you and God have had a long spell apart, do not wait any longer to begin again. I know He is waiting for you.

Rice Butterfly

2009-06-16T22:09:00.000-07:00

My sister took this photo - I had never seen rice butterflies before. They are stunning! You also see the container of nector they use just to attract them and to feed them.

Today I am just sharing a photo I love. I will be without internet connection for awhile and need several weeks from blogging. I will miss the fun interaction with you and will look forward to returning.

Remember, God loves you!

Life and attitudes

2009-06-11T21:02:00.000-07:00

Life is very much like this picture; full of beauty while at the same time full of thorns.

What did you see first when you looked at the photo? Are you a pessimist or an optimist? Is your glass half full or half empty?

How happy or troubled we are is often in our attitude. Life is both happy and full of problems. The optimist and the pessimist are both technically correct. However, it is our attitudes which makes the difference in how we feel and respond to ourselves and others.

It can even affect how we respond to God. God is not our problem. We are! He can help us change our attitude and find more beauty and happiness in every situation. (Photographer unknown)

Love as a Touch

2009-06-10T06:22:00.000-07:00

As we get older we may forget how important our touch is to one another. We get busy burning the candle at both ends and everyone is clamoring for our attention. Family, friends, work, peers, and total strangers all require a certain amount of our time.

Let's not forget our 'love'. The one with whom we have made a vow. Remember to touch.

As believers, we must also remember to 'touch' God. We do that in our prayer time and as we meditate on His word. We desperately need those moments when we quiet ourselves and linger until we feel his presence and know He has touched us.

Song in my Heart

2009-06-03T21:28:00.000-07:00

Tonight I feature a photo taken by Mona. Her blog features many birds, but this one is a favorite - the western meadowlark, the Montana state bird. Its beautiful song can be heard over the prairies and hills, fields and plains. Its splash of color is so welcome and cheery.

Has something or someone taken the song out of your heart? At times like that we do well to focus on God and not the problem. Let Him guide you toward solutions, accept the challenge, and move forward. We hurt ourselves so much when we hang onto the problems. Hang on to Him and let Him put the song back into your heart.

Hot Day Opened the Lilacs

2009-06-02T22:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday all the buds were closed on my French Lilacs. Today was warm; actually it was very warm for our area. In fact, today broke all records for heat.

I was too busy to give the heat much thought, but as evening approached I found myself standing in front of a window trying to cool off. Immediately I noticed my lilacs had opened.

I grabbed my camera and hurried into the back yard. This is a tiny lilac bush, and the French Lilacs are later than others and much lighter in color. Their strong scent was powerful, everything you would want in a lilac.

The result of heat. God talks a lot in His letters to us about 'heat', 'pressure', 'times of testing'. He never promised that every day in our life would be easy, but He did promise to be with us. He also explained how the 'heat' in our lives can make us beautiful - tested, proven, strong, full of good character - a scent that will draw the unbeliever toward us!

Bees in the flowers

2009-06-01T22:17:00.000-07:00

Thought I would just share this intriguing photo taken by Bill. The lovely soft yellow reminds me of all I love about spring and summer - sunshine!

Notice how swollen the legs of the left bee are - a very successful day.

I pray your day is going well.

Busy as a Bee

2009-05-30T10:41:00.000-07:00

This 'Bee in the Shadows", taken by Bill, explains me lately. My husband has taken employment in another city and we are in transition. It will actually be at least a two year transition because we need to stay connected here for a minimum of two more years.

While he stays there during the week, I will live in both places and keep both places. You ladies know what that means - keeping both places clean, the laundry done, the dishes done and etc. (!) LOL

In the meantime, I am packing up part of the house to sit up another 'house' so I am not getting back to my blogs very often. I think things will settle down but I am not sure.

I hope to read all your blogs today and get caught up with your posts. All of you are as 'busy as bees' as well.

God's Power

2009-05-26T22:26:00.000-07:00

This beautiful water falls can be found in Oregon. You can almost hear the roar of the water and feel the fine spray on your skin. The power of this falling water is tremendous.

As we keep our faith in the power of God, we no longer lean on the wisdom of man. This water fall is nothing compared to the power of God. As we continue to believe in Him, we will not be disappointed! (Photo by Bill)

Thoughts on Staying Young

2009-05-24T19:14:00.000-07:00

The tears happen.
Endure, grieve, and move on.
The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves.
LIVE while you are alive!

Laugh often, long and loud.
Laugh until you gasp for breath.
And if you have a friend who makes you laugh,
Spend lots and lots of time with them.

(source of thought unknown)

I hope you have smiled today - God loves you.

Rest

2009-05-19T23:27:00.000-07:00

Like the bench at the end of a shaded path, God beckons that we come to Him for rest.

Sometimes it seems we have a lot to say, or come to God with our head full of scriptures, or we have the answer and are just looking for validation. Let's try it the other way around - let's just come to Him and find rest.

Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Photo by Elizabeth)

Waiting

2009-05-18T20:54:00.000-07:00

Waiting for a prayer to be answered or for direction can be so hard. We tire faster than these tiny legs.

If we would learn to praise Him while we wait, the waiting would not be so hard. Praise is a powerful tool we can use in every situation.

Praise keeps us focused on Him, not us or our problems. Praise opens the door to refreshment and trust. Next time you are waiting, try praising too! (Photo by Bill)

What Are You Planting?

2009-05-17T22:43:00.000-07:00

* If you plant honesty, you will reap trust

* If you plant goodness, you will reap friends

* If you plant humility, you will reap greatness

* If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment

* If you plant hard work, you will reap success

* If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation

What are you planting? (Author unknown)

Peace

2009-05-15T22:13:00.001-07:00

We just came home from prayer meeting. Yes, it is Friday night, but for us it was that one time each month that we meet at church just to pray.

Worship music plays softly in the background and each person finds a place to spend an hour with God.

The time came and went; the music stopped; every thing was so quiet; then we all felt His peace.

Maybe we did not get all the answers we wanted. Maybe we still had concerns or burdens, but they seemed so small and insignificant in His presence. His peace is so beautiful.

Setting People Free

2009-05-12T21:24:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we have situations in our lives were we must set someone free. It is our nature to want to control things. We tend to control people, too, when we leave them feeling guilty when it lies within our power to emancipate them. How do we free them?

*Forgive that person totally by refusing to tell everyone what we know.
*Keep the person from feeling intimidated. Keep reaching out to them.
*Enable the person to forgive themselves.
*Let the person save face.

Allow them a sense of self-esteem, a sense of dignity and self-worth. When Prime Minister Joseph of Egypt looked at his eleven scared brothers and said, "It was not you who sent me here, but God," he was letting each of them save face. (Gen 45:8)

Philemon said,"If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me." - another person set free.

(Photo by Bill; thoughts from The Sensitivity of the Spirit)

Yellow Rhododendron

2009-05-11T21:05:00.000-07:00

I could not photograph this to suit me. I am not sure I have ever seen a yellow rhododendron before. The minute I saw it I took off at full speed, finding a trail where there was none, walking on rocks that begged to twist my ankle, and pushing back undergrowth that wanted to snap me in the face. Then I was there ... and the angle was not right, the lighting was not enough; I just did not know how to capture this beauty.

May we be so quick to spot beauty in others. May we look past the difficulties, the thorns, the rough edges, and try to see what God sees in them. We are commanded to LOVE one another - let us look for their beauty and remember those qualities. (Photo by Connie)

Changes Ahead

2009-05-10T23:34:00.000-07:00

The tulip season will soon come to an end. We welcomed with open arms and hearts these bright faces of spring, yet the winds and the rains are opening their petals causing them to drop. The first flowers of spring are almost gone and the second round of flowers are brightening the corners of our yards.

In your spiritual life, have your sensed the change? The seasons of our life are not stagnant. The work of God moves as needed. Are you in tune with what God is doing next? Our moments with God from yesteryears are too 'faded' for tomorrow.

We can move ahead with God, or lag along behind and wonder why we do not see another round of 'flowers'. (Photo by Connie)

Ask and You Shall Receive

2009-05-09T21:09:00.001-07:00

Remember the neglected garden? Well, my husband is not bashful. He goes right to the door as soon as he sees that someone has moved in. No, they do not want the rhubarb, take it all; soon it will be torn out to become a new lot for a home.

Yes! My husband is making the dessert for Mothers Day dinner - a very special treat the men do for the women of the church. When you do not know what knife to use - use them all!

He made the Rhubarb dessert all by himself. Isn't that just the best! Now he has a salad to figure out and the meat ... He does the same meat dish every year because all the men ask for it!

What are you asking God for? You just might get it. (Photos by Connie)

Quieted by a Foggy Sunrise

2009-05-08T22:02:00.000-07:00

For some reason I need the quiet this photo emanates. Sometimes I get tired of everything I need to do or figure out. Sometimes I just need to stop.

Psalm 131 says it well; "Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor my eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great matters, nor with things too profound for me. Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul."

There are times I just need to quiet my soul. (Photo by Bill)

Bleeding Hearts

2009-05-04T18:22:00.000-07:00

These thoughts were passed on to me today, but I do not know the author.

"To get something you never had, you have to do something you have never done.

"When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better." (Photo by Connie)

Green nail polish

2009-05-03T21:13:00.000-07:00

We have lived in Northwest for 26 years and I always get tickled this time of the year.

It seems that God has been running around painting all the newly grown 'nails' with lime green nail polish!

He has such a wonderful sense of humor! It is a sweet reminder of this verse:

Luke 6:21 Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. (Photos by Connie)

Keep Believing

2009-05-01T21:52:00.000-07:00

This volcanic terrain offered a pleasant surprise. It seems impossible that anything could grow here. Yet a pod of something became a spot where a plant took root.

Often we get in very difficult places; solutions seem impossible. This reminded me that with God, all things are possible. You may not know what to do, but God does. (photo by Bill)

The Master Makes a Difference

2009-04-30T21:08:00.000-07:00

I did it! I took my first bird photo! Can you imagine the excitement as I softly walked around the duck so the sunlight would be on him and not on my lens? I would actually capture some 'duck colors' and not just a silhouette. I know the background is lacking excitement, but the sunlight shimmers on the brilliant head feathers. Note the shaft of a few feathers, the fluffy tummy feathers beaded with moisture, and the orange webs of orange feet. He is acting coy with his head turned away; the beady black eye gleaming while the white neck ring lies perfect, defining the separation of colors.

Exciting ... until I received a photo from a master. Suddenly my duck is not so great anymore.

Here the master shows Mr Tippy Toes doing his thing. The duck tail feather are vividly coiled against the backdrop of water. Look at that wing and foot action - your heart flutters and you actually stop breathing as you look at this photo. Whoa, what a contrast.

The master's touch makes a big difference. Who is the master touching your life? Or are you still trying to do everything yourself. (Photo by Bill)

A Deeper Look at Psalms 23

2009-04-29T22:08:00.000-07:00

These thoughts are not original with me, but I treasure what i have copied in the margins of my Bible about Psalms 23.

The Lord is My Shepherd; - that's relationship
I shall not want. - that's Supply

He makes me to lie down in green pastures; - that's rest
He leads me beside the still water. - that's refreshment

He restores my soul: - that's healing
He leads me in the paths of righteousness. - that's guidance
For His name's sake. - that's purpose

Yes, thought I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, - that's testing
I will fear no evil; - that's protection
For You are with me. - that's faithfulness
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. - that's discipline

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; - that's hope
You anoint my head with oil; - that's consecration
My cup runs over. - that's abundance

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; - that's blessing
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord - that's security
Forever. - that's eternity (Photo by Bill)

God really cares for us!

Pure Happiness

2009-04-28T21:19:00.000-07:00

Remember the first time you asked Jesus into your heart? Remember that light, wonderful, clean, happy feeling!

My seven year old grandson came to me last Sunday. A bright smile crossed his face as he asked me if I knew what he had done that week. I did know, but I wanted him to tell me.

"Oh, Grandma, I asked Jesus into my heart!" ... and the angels in heaven rejoiced ... as did we. (photo from B. Leedy)

Garden of Neglect

2009-04-27T18:39:00.000-07:00

Today, while walking my neighborhood with my camera, I passed a fertile wonderful garden spot that was totally neglected this year. All the plants were in disarray. My heart was heavy - I knew the elderly gentlemen had been sick. I knew the family was now gone and no one was left who cared.

Then I realized how much I wanted the rhubarb. It was not mine to take so I just walked away. It would go to waste.

I wonder how God feels when He looks at us - when we neglect our relationship with Him. We have so much potential in Him; did we quit caring? Because we ignore Him, does he walk away, feeling like so much is going to waste?

Praising God the Creator, Not The Creation

2009-04-26T19:07:00.000-07:00

I finally planted a few flowers - I could hear the humming birds scouting. I think the humming birds prefer red flowers, but for now mine look pretty wimpy - so no photo of them! LOL

Okay, this little thing is really the size of my thumbnail. What detail is found inside once the camera focuses on it! What an amazing creation by God. Why is it important that I praise God and not the creation?

Romans 1:24-25 "Therefore God gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their heart, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator.

Romans 1:26-27 "For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful."

As believers, we need to know where all this 'stuff'' has been coming from. It is no small thing to ignore and deny that God is the Creator.

Let us enjoy all the beauty God put around us. Let us join the rocks and the hills in praising God!