June Caedmon's Blog, page 29
October 5, 2017
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 5
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 5
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 5
Psalm 35
Psalm 65
Psalm 95
Psalm 125
Today's Offering:
While we certainly want prayer to be a habit, even something we do without ceasing, we never want to forget that prayer is a privilege achieved at great cost.
Psalm 5, verse 7 reminds us that it is only because of God's great love that we may enter into His presence and bow before Him in prayer.
Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross is this "great love" in action. It is the act that tore the veil and allowed us into the very presence of a Mighty and purely HOLY God.
As we come into His presence with thanksgiving, praising Him and trusting that He hears our prayers may we remember that only Jesus can wipe out our sins and make us worthy to kneel before the Lord Who made us.
Shalom,
#write31days
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 5
Psalm 35
Psalm 65
Psalm 95
Psalm 125
Today's Offering:
While we certainly want prayer to be a habit, even something we do without ceasing, we never want to forget that prayer is a privilege achieved at great cost.
Psalm 5, verse 7 reminds us that it is only because of God's great love that we may enter into His presence and bow before Him in prayer.
Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross is this "great love" in action. It is the act that tore the veil and allowed us into the very presence of a Mighty and purely HOLY God.
As we come into His presence with thanksgiving, praising Him and trusting that He hears our prayers may we remember that only Jesus can wipe out our sins and make us worthy to kneel before the Lord Who made us.
Shalom,
#write31days
October 4, 2017
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 4
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 4
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 4Psalm 34Psalm 64Psalm 94Psalm 124
Today's Offering:
I don't know what your view is this morning but to me, these verses speak directly to the great evil we face and the greater God we serve.
How easy it is to forget the sun when clouds and rain rule the day. Likewise, when evil strikes, we recoil and forget that God is good.
But He is good. And just and right and He will, "Rise, judge the earth; repay the arrogant as they deserve." Psalm 94:2
He does hear us when we call out to Him. Psalm 4 Indeed, "Our help is in the name of the Lord, maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 124
"Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together." Psalm 34:3
Lord, we cry out to You in our affliction, knowing that You hear us and will save us. We bend our ear to Your teaching. This day, we promise to keep our tongues from speaking evil and our lips from telling lies. We promise to turn away from selfish ambitions and to be humble in all we do. We promise to seek peace, not just seek it but pursue it like water in a desert land. In all these ways we seek You, Lord, and know that we will never lack any good thing. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
Shalom,
#write31days
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 4Psalm 34Psalm 64Psalm 94Psalm 124
Today's Offering:
I don't know what your view is this morning but to me, these verses speak directly to the great evil we face and the greater God we serve.
They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim venomous words like arrows shooting suddenly, themselves unseen. Psalm 64:3 But God with His arrow shoots them down, and sudden is their overthrow. Psalm 64:7
How easy it is to forget the sun when clouds and rain rule the day. Likewise, when evil strikes, we recoil and forget that God is good.
But He is good. And just and right and He will, "Rise, judge the earth; repay the arrogant as they deserve." Psalm 94:2
He does hear us when we call out to Him. Psalm 4 Indeed, "Our help is in the name of the Lord, maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 124
"Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together." Psalm 34:3
Lord, we cry out to You in our affliction, knowing that You hear us and will save us. We bend our ear to Your teaching. This day, we promise to keep our tongues from speaking evil and our lips from telling lies. We promise to turn away from selfish ambitions and to be humble in all we do. We promise to seek peace, not just seek it but pursue it like water in a desert land. In all these ways we seek You, Lord, and know that we will never lack any good thing. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
Shalom,
#write31days
October 3, 2017
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 3
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 3
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 3
Psalm 33
Psalm 63
Psalm 93
Psalm 123
Today's Offering:
We may not (hopefully not) have physical, in-the-flesh enemies like David but we still face an enemy - - he is often clothed in light, seemingly innocent and oh, so nocuous!
But God knows exactly what we're up against. Everything created was spoken into being by His Word. Yes, even the enemy. Yet regardless of the enemy's plots and schemes, God's purposes will stand forever. This is a promise you can trust.
Lord, it is in Your name that we lift our hands in prayer and our voices in praise. Our eyes are turned to You and we await the blessing of Your return. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Shalom,
#write31days
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . . you can find the entire series here.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 3
Psalm 33
Psalm 63
Psalm 93
Psalm 123
Today's Offering:
We may not (hopefully not) have physical, in-the-flesh enemies like David but we still face an enemy - - he is often clothed in light, seemingly innocent and oh, so nocuous!
But God knows exactly what we're up against. Everything created was spoken into being by His Word. Yes, even the enemy. Yet regardless of the enemy's plots and schemes, God's purposes will stand forever. This is a promise you can trust.
Lord, it is in Your name that we lift our hands in prayer and our voices in praise. Our eyes are turned to You and we await the blessing of Your return. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Shalom,
#write31days
October 2, 2017
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 2
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 2
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . .
Today's Reading:
Psalm 2
Psalm 32
Psalm 62
Psalm 92
Psalm 122
Today's Offering:
Psalm 2 reminds us that nations and people have always raged and plotted against the Lord and His people. But we have nothing to fear. For He shall instruct and guide us. He is our hiding place in times of trouble. (Psalm 32) We are admonished to wait silently for Him. For He is our refuge and our salvation. (Psalm 62) His lovingkindness and faithfulness, indeed all His wondrous works are a reason to shout His praises and give thanks to Him. Because of His indwelling Spirit, we can know peace and be peace to others. Let us pray for Jerusalem, the city of His return. May we walk forth in peace this day and be a blessing to others. In Jesus name, Amen.
Shalom,
#write31days
Continuing the #write31day challenge . . .
Today's Reading:
Psalm 2
Psalm 32
Psalm 62
Psalm 92
Psalm 122
Today's Offering:
Psalm 2 reminds us that nations and people have always raged and plotted against the Lord and His people. But we have nothing to fear. For He shall instruct and guide us. He is our hiding place in times of trouble. (Psalm 32) We are admonished to wait silently for Him. For He is our refuge and our salvation. (Psalm 62) His lovingkindness and faithfulness, indeed all His wondrous works are a reason to shout His praises and give thanks to Him. Because of His indwelling Spirit, we can know peace and be peace to others. Let us pray for Jerusalem, the city of His return. May we walk forth in peace this day and be a blessing to others. In Jesus name, Amen.
Shalom,
#write31days
October 1, 2017
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 1
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus: Day 1
Welcome to #write31days!
If you missed the introduction, you can read it here.
Each day we will read five psalms and then there will be a short offering, which I pray will further bless and encourage you.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 1
Psalm 31
Psalm 61
Psalm 91
Psalm 121
Today's Offering:
Lord, thank You for those who have chosen to read and meditate on Your word today. Your word is a blessing and an encouragement to us. We know that You watch over us and help us to stand firm. You lead us and guide us, offering us a refuge from our enemy. You hear our prayers and we will sing and honor Your name day after day. We put our trust in You because we know that You will save us. We know our help comes from You alone. You, Lord, the great Guardian of Israel will guard us and help us now and for evermore. In Jesus name, Amen.
Shalom,
#write31days
Welcome to #write31days!
If you missed the introduction, you can read it here.
Each day we will read five psalms and then there will be a short offering, which I pray will further bless and encourage you.
Today's Reading:
Psalm 1
Psalm 31
Psalm 61
Psalm 91
Psalm 121
Today's Offering:
Lord, thank You for those who have chosen to read and meditate on Your word today. Your word is a blessing and an encouragement to us. We know that You watch over us and help us to stand firm. You lead us and guide us, offering us a refuge from our enemy. You hear our prayers and we will sing and honor Your name day after day. We put our trust in You because we know that You will save us. We know our help comes from You alone. You, Lord, the great Guardian of Israel will guard us and help us now and for evermore. In Jesus name, Amen.
Shalom,
#write31days
September 29, 2017
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus
Inspired by . . . Sing to Jesus
My view of the Psalms shifts when I begin to see them as a Jewish hymnal. This divinely inspired collection of hymns were recited and sung by the Jews in public worship. (1 Chr 16:7-36).
Jesus was intimately acquainted with the psalms and likely sang or recited a portion of them every day of His life.
The early Christians sang and prayed the psalms (Col 3:16; 1 Cor 14:26) and as the written word became more available to the common man, the psalms were likely the only part of the Bible a lay-Christian owned.
In short, "the psalms are the divinely ordained way to learn devotion to our God." (Timothy & Kathy Keller)
For this reason, more than any other, I have chosen the book of Psalms as my focus for the upcoming #write31days challenge.
Beginning on Sunday, for the following 31 days, I'll share with you a reading schedule that covers all 150 Psalms. Many of you probably already know and/or use this simple formula.
Through the daily reading of the psalms we will learn to see God as He really is, not just as we wish Him to be. [click to tweet]
The psalms will teach us a daily dependence upon God:
~through our petition and pledges
~by the mercy we receive from Him through confession and repentance
~and through the comfort He provides when we lament and pray
Most importantly, when read in the light of the entire Bible, the psalms bring us to Jesus! This truth will be revealed again and again as we read through the book of Psalms over the coming month.
Will you join me?
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus; #write31days
My view of the Psalms shifts when I begin to see them as a Jewish hymnal. This divinely inspired collection of hymns were recited and sung by the Jews in public worship. (1 Chr 16:7-36).
Jesus was intimately acquainted with the psalms and likely sang or recited a portion of them every day of His life.
The early Christians sang and prayed the psalms (Col 3:16; 1 Cor 14:26) and as the written word became more available to the common man, the psalms were likely the only part of the Bible a lay-Christian owned.
In short, "the psalms are the divinely ordained way to learn devotion to our God." (Timothy & Kathy Keller)
For this reason, more than any other, I have chosen the book of Psalms as my focus for the upcoming #write31days challenge.
Beginning on Sunday, for the following 31 days, I'll share with you a reading schedule that covers all 150 Psalms. Many of you probably already know and/or use this simple formula.
Through the daily reading of the psalms we will learn to see God as He really is, not just as we wish Him to be. [click to tweet]
The psalms will teach us a daily dependence upon God:
~through our petition and pledges
~by the mercy we receive from Him through confession and repentance
~and through the comfort He provides when we lament and pray
Most importantly, when read in the light of the entire Bible, the psalms bring us to Jesus! This truth will be revealed again and again as we read through the book of Psalms over the coming month.
Will you join me?
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus; #write31days
September 17, 2017
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 37:52
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 37:52
The oaks are offering up their acorns. Tossing them to the ground at my feet as I walk along. I tell them it's too early but they only rustle their leaves and smile. They know their wisdom runs deeper than mine.
A small flock of killdeer flies in. Their high calls fill the air and their white bellies gleam in the setting sun as they arc through the air. They are frequent visitors here and I enjoy listening and watching for them.
They turn my thoughts to another shorebird, the green heron. A lifer for me, I spotted this little hunchback in Granbury, TX earlier this month.
We finally took the time to stop at Houston Street Park. Otherwise known as Shanley Park or Bicentennial Park this beautiful park is tucked just behind the town square.
Filled with handicap accessible walking trails and large shade trees this park draws you in.
Numerous benches and picnic tables give you an excuse to linger and enjoy the fountains and flowers.
And whatever else might make an appearance . . .
As we head toward the autumnal equinox this Friday the sun is sleeping later and spending its time in the southern sky. I'm already thinking of October and the #write31days challenge. I've got a plan and look forward to revealing it to you soon. I hope you'll join me! And if you're taking the challenge, please let me know so I can plan to follow along!
What are you seeing through your lens this week?
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Bird D’pot,
Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens,
Wild Bird Wednesday, Our World Tuesday,
Community Global, Photo Friday, Little Things Thursday
The oaks are offering up their acorns. Tossing them to the ground at my feet as I walk along. I tell them it's too early but they only rustle their leaves and smile. They know their wisdom runs deeper than mine.
A small flock of killdeer flies in. Their high calls fill the air and their white bellies gleam in the setting sun as they arc through the air. They are frequent visitors here and I enjoy listening and watching for them.
They turn my thoughts to another shorebird, the green heron. A lifer for me, I spotted this little hunchback in Granbury, TX earlier this month.
We finally took the time to stop at Houston Street Park. Otherwise known as Shanley Park or Bicentennial Park this beautiful park is tucked just behind the town square.
Filled with handicap accessible walking trails and large shade trees this park draws you in.
Numerous benches and picnic tables give you an excuse to linger and enjoy the fountains and flowers.
And whatever else might make an appearance . . .
As we head toward the autumnal equinox this Friday the sun is sleeping later and spending its time in the southern sky. I'm already thinking of October and the #write31days challenge. I've got a plan and look forward to revealing it to you soon. I hope you'll join me! And if you're taking the challenge, please let me know so I can plan to follow along!
What are you seeing through your lens this week?
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Bird D’pot,
Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens,
Wild Bird Wednesday, Our World Tuesday,
Community Global, Photo Friday, Little Things Thursday
September 6, 2017
Inspired by . . . the Stone
Inspired by . . . the Stone
In light of all that is happening in the world, the black darkness moving in the middle east, the instability and threat of North Korea, the moral breakdown and devaluing of human life that ultimately leads to persecution, not to mention all the natural disasters that threaten our homes and our lives, in light of all this, where do you find your security?
During the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, the Jewish people found themselves in a terrifying situation. The Babylonian king had conquered them. He destroyed much of their city, desecrated their temple, and carried off their brightest and best men into exile. They were completely without hope.
In light of all this, Daniel, one of those brightest and best, writes about his experience as an exile in Babylon. His Divinely-inspired words reveal the sovereignty of God in every aspect of life. A sovereignty that extends even over the dreams of a pagan king.
The truth about God set forth in Daniel restored the hope of the Jewish people and it can restore our hope for the future and in the circumstances of our present day realities.
There is a lot of speculation about the interpretation of the dream in Daniel 2. But the message is clear: God sets up kingdoms and brings down kingdoms and His kingdom will never end.
In Nebuchadnezzar's dream the final, everlasting kingdom is described in this way: "...the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth."
Jesus said of Himself in Matt 21:42-44, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: "'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes'? Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him."
The angel told Mary, "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom, there will be no end." (Luk 1:31-33)
Do you believe:
Viewing events through the lens of God's sovereignty can influence how well, or not, we handle trials and tribulation. Being prepared for the storms of life, whether literal or figurative, is about more than having enough gas, water, and snacks.
Trusting God, seeking Him daily, and obeying His word will increase our faith and give us the strength we need to live joyful, righteous lives even in the midst of the storm.
Daniel didn't just endure seventy years in exile under a ruthless king, he excelled and was abundantly blessed!
In these uncertain, and often scary times let us follow Daniel's example and put our trust in the sovereignty of a gracious and loving God Who promises to never forsake us.
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus
In light of all that is happening in the world, the black darkness moving in the middle east, the instability and threat of North Korea, the moral breakdown and devaluing of human life that ultimately leads to persecution, not to mention all the natural disasters that threaten our homes and our lives, in light of all this, where do you find your security?
During the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, the Jewish people found themselves in a terrifying situation. The Babylonian king had conquered them. He destroyed much of their city, desecrated their temple, and carried off their brightest and best men into exile. They were completely without hope.
In light of all this, Daniel, one of those brightest and best, writes about his experience as an exile in Babylon. His Divinely-inspired words reveal the sovereignty of God in every aspect of life. A sovereignty that extends even over the dreams of a pagan king.
The truth about God set forth in Daniel restored the hope of the Jewish people and it can restore our hope for the future and in the circumstances of our present day realities.
There is a lot of speculation about the interpretation of the dream in Daniel 2. But the message is clear: God sets up kingdoms and brings down kingdoms and His kingdom will never end.
In Nebuchadnezzar's dream the final, everlasting kingdom is described in this way: "...the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth."
Jesus said of Himself in Matt 21:42-44, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: "'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes'? Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him."
The angel told Mary, "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom, there will be no end." (Luk 1:31-33)
Do you believe:
Human history is under the control of God and has a purpose that will be achieved. ~ Alistair Begg [click to tweet]
Viewing events through the lens of God's sovereignty can influence how well, or not, we handle trials and tribulation. Being prepared for the storms of life, whether literal or figurative, is about more than having enough gas, water, and snacks.
Trusting God, seeking Him daily, and obeying His word will increase our faith and give us the strength we need to live joyful, righteous lives even in the midst of the storm.
Daniel didn't just endure seventy years in exile under a ruthless king, he excelled and was abundantly blessed!
In these uncertain, and often scary times let us follow Daniel's example and put our trust in the sovereignty of a gracious and loving God Who promises to never forsake us.
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus
September 2, 2017
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 35:52
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 35:52
It's been quite a week. Being in the Texas Hill Country, the only thing Harvey gave us was a much needed, soaking rain. But thank you for all your continuing prayers for Texas! It is so encouraging to this weary heart to see all the good shining forth through the darkness of this tragedy.
The storm brought with it cooler temperatures and a nod to the changing season. I love fall but I admit, I'm not quite ready to say goodbye to summer.
I've been on the lookout for early migratory birds and/or any unusual sightings from the storm. So far the only one making an appearance has been the ruby-throated hummingbird. The male makes a hasty exit whenever I pick up my camera, but the female is more than happy to flaunt her stuff! The first shot isn't the best but I like it because you can see the pollen on her beak.
The shot below was taken from a distance in an area of the garden that was untouched by the sun. I thought it produced a rather fun effect.
My garden has finally gotten over the deer devastation from earlier in the summer and I'm not the only one enjoying the blooms!
Mournful Duskywing
Cotton Candy LantanaThe mealy sage is going crazy, flaunting its purple finery for all to see.
How often do you see a roadrunner up a tree? Not very often! This is only the second time I've captured one among the branches. They make the most interesting clucking sound!
I've been blessed with a family of Woodhouse's Scrub Jays and a family of Northern Cardinals this year. It is so entertaining to watch them interact. I posted a picture of two of the young cardinals feeding each other on my IG account last week. You can find it here.
The peanut suet is a favorite of all my yard birds.
It's hard to get a crisp shot with a swinging basket!
The snow-on-the-mountain [also called snow-on-the-prairie] is in bloom. These plants can grow over 5ft tall! A friend on IG challenged me to post some black and white photos and this plant's delicate blooms translate beautifully!
What are you seeing through your lens this week?
Have a wonder-filled day, friends!
Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Bird D’pot,
Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens,
Wild Bird Wednesday, Our World Tuesday,
Community Global, Photo Friday, Little Things Thursday
It's been quite a week. Being in the Texas Hill Country, the only thing Harvey gave us was a much needed, soaking rain. But thank you for all your continuing prayers for Texas! It is so encouraging to this weary heart to see all the good shining forth through the darkness of this tragedy.
The storm brought with it cooler temperatures and a nod to the changing season. I love fall but I admit, I'm not quite ready to say goodbye to summer.
I've been on the lookout for early migratory birds and/or any unusual sightings from the storm. So far the only one making an appearance has been the ruby-throated hummingbird. The male makes a hasty exit whenever I pick up my camera, but the female is more than happy to flaunt her stuff! The first shot isn't the best but I like it because you can see the pollen on her beak.
The shot below was taken from a distance in an area of the garden that was untouched by the sun. I thought it produced a rather fun effect.
My garden has finally gotten over the deer devastation from earlier in the summer and I'm not the only one enjoying the blooms!
Mournful Duskywing
Cotton Candy LantanaThe mealy sage is going crazy, flaunting its purple finery for all to see.
How often do you see a roadrunner up a tree? Not very often! This is only the second time I've captured one among the branches. They make the most interesting clucking sound!
I've been blessed with a family of Woodhouse's Scrub Jays and a family of Northern Cardinals this year. It is so entertaining to watch them interact. I posted a picture of two of the young cardinals feeding each other on my IG account last week. You can find it here.
The peanut suet is a favorite of all my yard birds.
It's hard to get a crisp shot with a swinging basket!
The snow-on-the-mountain [also called snow-on-the-prairie] is in bloom. These plants can grow over 5ft tall! A friend on IG challenged me to post some black and white photos and this plant's delicate blooms translate beautifully!
What are you seeing through your lens this week?
Have a wonder-filled day, friends!
Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Bird D’pot,
Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens,
Wild Bird Wednesday, Our World Tuesday,
Community Global, Photo Friday, Little Things Thursday
August 30, 2017
Inspired by . . . a synchroblog
Inspired by . . . a synchroblog
This is a synchroblog.
My dear friend, Linda, honored me with an invitation to participate along with a few other bloggers in simultaneously writing about what saved my life this summer.
My first thought, after being pleasantly surprised (and grateful) that she included me, was to ask, did my life need saving this summer? and if so, from what?
These are the questions I contemplated last weekend as Hurricane Harvey made landfall and headed across Texas toward my little cottage.
Unfortunately, many in Harvey's path needed life-saving assistance. In contrast, I hope none of the other writers of this synchroblog needed their lives, literally, saved this summer. I have no idea what anyone else is going to write about, but I suspect most will be discussing life in the figurative sense, rather than the literal.
Before I can talk about what saved me, I have to answer the questions at the beginning of this post.
If we look honestly at our lives we have to admit that we all need saving from something. For some of us, it's a situation, an unhealthy habit, or perhaps a burden.
All of us need saving from our sinful nature.
While there are a variety of answers to what saves us from situations, habits, and burdens, there is only One Who saves us from our sin.
Myself.
Some of you who read this blog with regularity may remember I mentioned a little visit to the ER back in March. As a result, I've been on more meds in the last five months than I've taken in my entire life. My body has not responded well. It has been a struggle for me. Mentally, physically and spiritually.
The aches and pains are easy to deal with compared to the brain fog and despondency; which is part medication-induced and part as a result of dealing with a chronic illness day-after-day-after-day.
I know many of you can relate to this.
So what, or better said, Who saved me?
God.
The awesome part is that He used all of you to do it!
Your comments, filled with prayers, wisdom, and encouragement reminded me that I'm not alone in my struggles. Your blog posts continually pointed me back to Him. All of it He used to keep my focus exactly where it needed to be.
On Him.
So I thank God, and I thank you for saving [my life] me from myself this summer.
As you go, please click through to these lovely ladies, Linda, Beth, and Lisa to see what saved their lives this summer!
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus
This is a synchroblog.
My dear friend, Linda, honored me with an invitation to participate along with a few other bloggers in simultaneously writing about what saved my life this summer.
My first thought, after being pleasantly surprised (and grateful) that she included me, was to ask, did my life need saving this summer? and if so, from what?
These are the questions I contemplated last weekend as Hurricane Harvey made landfall and headed across Texas toward my little cottage.
Unfortunately, many in Harvey's path needed life-saving assistance. In contrast, I hope none of the other writers of this synchroblog needed their lives, literally, saved this summer. I have no idea what anyone else is going to write about, but I suspect most will be discussing life in the figurative sense, rather than the literal.
Before I can talk about what saved me, I have to answer the questions at the beginning of this post.
If we look honestly at our lives we have to admit that we all need saving from something. For some of us, it's a situation, an unhealthy habit, or perhaps a burden.
All of us need saving from our sinful nature.
While there are a variety of answers to what saves us from situations, habits, and burdens, there is only One Who saves us from our sin.
For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Rom 7:18-25)
So what did I need saving from this summer? Honestly?
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. (Joh 3:16)
Myself.
Some of you who read this blog with regularity may remember I mentioned a little visit to the ER back in March. As a result, I've been on more meds in the last five months than I've taken in my entire life. My body has not responded well. It has been a struggle for me. Mentally, physically and spiritually.
The aches and pains are easy to deal with compared to the brain fog and despondency; which is part medication-induced and part as a result of dealing with a chronic illness day-after-day-after-day.
I know many of you can relate to this.
So what, or better said, Who saved me?
God.
The awesome part is that He used all of you to do it!
Your comments, filled with prayers, wisdom, and encouragement reminded me that I'm not alone in my struggles. Your blog posts continually pointed me back to Him. All of it He used to keep my focus exactly where it needed to be.
On Him.
So I thank God, and I thank you for saving [my life] me from myself this summer.
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. (Pro 27:17)
As you go, please click through to these lovely ladies, Linda, Beth, and Lisa to see what saved their lives this summer!
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus
