June Caedmon's Blog, page 31
July 16, 2017
Inspired by . . . a royal priesthood
Inspired by . . . a royal priesthood
Do you think of yourself as a priest?
I confess, I do not. A scribe, at the very least. And even that unbelievable privilege is one I am often ill-equipped to perform.
But if we are His, then we are priests because He has made us such.
Christie Purifoy in her beautiful and holy work, Roots & Sky, talks of "the work of keeping and caring."
Holy work.
Folding the laundry. Sweeping the floor. Taking time to be in relationships with others.
The admonition from Colossians 3:23 that whatever work we do should be done as for the Lord, not for men. That is what makes these tasks holy work. Not the simple act performed, but the motivation, the engaging of thought combined with the simple, daily task.
The turning of our minds from the secular to the sacred.
As we fold the laundry we think of the man or child the article will clothe. We pray for their well-being both physically and spiritually. As we sweep the floor we are thankful for the home that protects our family. We worship Him for His goodness to us.
At its heart, the priesthood is simply being a witness.
Whatever your current role in life, mom, dad, engineer, burger-flipper, caregiver, executive, unemployed, bedridden, you can fulfill the holy work of the priesthood by your witness.
It is not so much what we do but how we do it that matters.[click to tweet]
Shalom,
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
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1Pe 2:9)
Do you think of yourself as a priest?
I confess, I do not. A scribe, at the very least. And even that unbelievable privilege is one I am often ill-equipped to perform.
But if we are His, then we are priests because He has made us such.
And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are You to take the scroll and to open its seals, for You were slain, and by Your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth." (Rev 5:9-10)Understanding this role is a life-long journey. For me, it is just a glimmer, a shadow forming against a dark mirror. Perhaps you are further along.
Christie Purifoy in her beautiful and holy work, Roots & Sky, talks of "the work of keeping and caring."
Holy work.
Folding the laundry. Sweeping the floor. Taking time to be in relationships with others.
The admonition from Colossians 3:23 that whatever work we do should be done as for the Lord, not for men. That is what makes these tasks holy work. Not the simple act performed, but the motivation, the engaging of thought combined with the simple, daily task.
The turning of our minds from the secular to the sacred.
As we fold the laundry we think of the man or child the article will clothe. We pray for their well-being both physically and spiritually. As we sweep the floor we are thankful for the home that protects our family. We worship Him for His goodness to us.
At its heart, the priesthood is simply being a witness.
Whatever your current role in life, mom, dad, engineer, burger-flipper, caregiver, executive, unemployed, bedridden, you can fulfill the holy work of the priesthood by your witness.
It is not so much what we do but how we do it that matters.[click to tweet]
"This witness, in word and deed, in happiness and suffering, is always this: God is God, and He is love, and through Christ all can be redeemed. Everything, including our own hearts, can be made new. Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory!" ~ Christie Purifoy, Roots & Sky, pg 157The turning of the mind from the secular to the sacred is not easy work. But it is kingdom work. And the benefits to ourselves and to those around us are eternal.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Rom 12:2)
Shalom,
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
July 11, 2017
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 28:52
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 28:52
That happy thought graces the front of one of my birthday cards from last month. I still have it propped up on my desk to remind me to take the time, if not physically, at least mentally, to rest in His love throughout the day.
It fits nicely with my goal of learning to pray without ceasing this year. Another big shift for me has been my sleeping habits. I'm in bed a lot earlier these days and subsequently up earlier. I've never been a morning person, I like to start my days slowly.... but getting up earlier has truly been a blessing. The extra time to sit and reflect on Him and observe nature has been a balm to my soul.
Who can resist rising early to experience seeing this guy bathed in the gold of the morning light?
And this sweet little white-winged dove who has been greeting me each morning for the last few days.
I finally have a couple of halfway decent shots of the black-chinned hummingbirds to share with you this week. These are for you, Floyd!
Warning! If you spot one of these near your hummingbird feeders, get a stick and safely relocate them to another area of your yard. Adult praying mantis can kill a hummingbird. This guy was on my butterfly weed and nearly snagged a pipevine swallowtail earlier in the week.
The Black-crested titmice are another bird that can be difficult to capture. I was happy to get this picture. He looks like a youngster since his crest isn't fully black yet. Always on the move!
We have two families of cardinals that come to feed and bathe. I never get tired of them. It's fun to watch them feed their babies and their mates.
My Dreamer says I only get excited about the colorful, exotic birds and never post about the sparrows. This isn't true of course, I love all the birds.
But who doesn't get excited about seeing a Vermillion at the water trough?
A-hem, lest you think I don't love the sparrows . . . Here's a sweet lark sparrow inspecting the branch for his next meal.
And the sprinkler brought out a host of field sparrows the other day.
It was so fun to watch their little puffed up bodies playing in the pools. They are so sweet.
Once again, the cardinal made the final splash.
What are you seeing through your lens this week?
Stay cool, peeps!
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
"Take time to relax and rest on your day in the intimate comfort of Jesus' unchanging love."
That happy thought graces the front of one of my birthday cards from last month. I still have it propped up on my desk to remind me to take the time, if not physically, at least mentally, to rest in His love throughout the day.
It fits nicely with my goal of learning to pray without ceasing this year. Another big shift for me has been my sleeping habits. I'm in bed a lot earlier these days and subsequently up earlier. I've never been a morning person, I like to start my days slowly.... but getting up earlier has truly been a blessing. The extra time to sit and reflect on Him and observe nature has been a balm to my soul.
Who can resist rising early to experience seeing this guy bathed in the gold of the morning light?
And this sweet little white-winged dove who has been greeting me each morning for the last few days.
I finally have a couple of halfway decent shots of the black-chinned hummingbirds to share with you this week. These are for you, Floyd!
Warning! If you spot one of these near your hummingbird feeders, get a stick and safely relocate them to another area of your yard. Adult praying mantis can kill a hummingbird. This guy was on my butterfly weed and nearly snagged a pipevine swallowtail earlier in the week.
The Black-crested titmice are another bird that can be difficult to capture. I was happy to get this picture. He looks like a youngster since his crest isn't fully black yet. Always on the move!
We have two families of cardinals that come to feed and bathe. I never get tired of them. It's fun to watch them feed their babies and their mates.
My Dreamer says I only get excited about the colorful, exotic birds and never post about the sparrows. This isn't true of course, I love all the birds.
But who doesn't get excited about seeing a Vermillion at the water trough?
A-hem, lest you think I don't love the sparrows . . . Here's a sweet lark sparrow inspecting the branch for his next meal.
And the sprinkler brought out a host of field sparrows the other day.
It was so fun to watch their little puffed up bodies playing in the pools. They are so sweet.
Once again, the cardinal made the final splash.
What are you seeing through your lens this week?
Stay cool, peeps!
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
July 8, 2017
Inspired by . . . the dance of the cross
Inspired by . . . the dance of the cross
I love the romantic expression of this verse. It's given me a lightness to my steps this week as I've pondered the words and the deeper meaning.
In my spirit, my arms lift and my knees bend into the graceful stance of a ballerina. The words dance. Mercy and truth embrace, then glide away from each other. They return as righteousness and peace . . . and kiss.
The dancers fade. The cross remains.
This is the dance of the cross.
God's mercy, withholding from us what we deserve, embraces Truth: Jesus Christ.
It is both a proclamation and an invitation.
Won't you join the dance?
Shalom,
The image above and many others are available for your free use. Find it here at Scripture Pictures
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
I love the romantic expression of this verse. It's given me a lightness to my steps this week as I've pondered the words and the deeper meaning.
In my spirit, my arms lift and my knees bend into the graceful stance of a ballerina. The words dance. Mercy and truth embrace, then glide away from each other. They return as righteousness and peace . . . and kiss.
The dancers fade. The cross remains.
This is the dance of the cross.
God's mercy, withholding from us what we deserve, embraces Truth: Jesus Christ.
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (Joh 14:6)Christ is our righteousness. For we have none of our own.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Rom 3:23)God accepts Jesus' righteousness as our own and as a result, we have peace with Him. [click to tweet]
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God, being but to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit. (1Pet 3:18)This is the dance of the cross.
It is both a proclamation and an invitation.
Won't you join the dance?
Shalom,
The image above and many others are available for your free use. Find it here at Scripture Pictures
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
July 4, 2017
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 27:52
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 27:52
(The red, white and blue edition)
I've shared my Vermillion Flycatcher with you before. He doesn't come up to the cottage often, but when he does, it's always a treat.
Like all flycatchers, he's fun to watch as he darts through the air capturing bugs. But this time around he had other maneuvers to show me!
I hope you enjoyed his antics!
Have a safe and blessed holiday, friends!
Blessings,
(The red, white and blue edition)
I've shared my Vermillion Flycatcher with you before. He doesn't come up to the cottage often, but when he does, it's always a treat.
Like all flycatchers, he's fun to watch as he darts through the air capturing bugs. But this time around he had other maneuvers to show me!
I hope you enjoyed his antics!
Have a safe and blessed holiday, friends!
Blessings,
July 1, 2017
Inspired by . . . law and peace
Inspired by . . . law and peace
I've had this scripture from Psalm 119 come up several times in my reading this past week. When God does that, I try to pay attention.
We all want peace. We all want to walk through this life without stumbling. [click to tweet]
This promise from God's word tells us how to achieve peace and how to be protected from those things that will cause us to stumble.
But do we really love God's law? We want to. But it's not easy, is it?
Following His law can be inconvenient and downright painful at times.
We fail repeatedly and we forget about His grace.
The key for me in this verse is in what it instructs us to do: love God's law
Following, and obeying His law will come.
It has to begin with love.
So how do we get there? Loving a set of rules has never come naturally for me. You?
It starts with knowing His law.
We have to know what God's law says. Reading the totality of His word, not just the ten commandments, and letting it speak to your life. God's word is filled with His precepts, direction on how to live.
Psalm 119:45 says, "I walk in freedom wherever I will, because I have studied your precepts."
Then we have to begin living His law.
Again, this doesn't come naturally. We should daily preach to ourselves the Gospel of grace, for we will fail. But eventually, His law will become ingrained in the habits and responses of our everyday life. Psalm 119:54 says, "Your statutes are the theme of my song throughout my earthly life."
Finally, the path to loving God's law is paved with trust.
Much of the time our lives don't resemble the reality of His promises. We must trust, by faith - - believing that He will do what He says He will do. [click to tweet]
Psalm 145:9 says, "The LORD is good to all, and His mercy is over all that He has made." And Romans 8:32, "He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?"
Knowing, living and trusting will lead to truly loving God's law because these things will lead you to love HIM. Then you will be able to lift your voice with the psalmist and declare:
"Come, listen, all who fear God,and I shall tell you what He has donefor me;I lifted up my voice in prayer,His praise was on my tongue.If I had cherished evil thoughts,the Lord would not have listened;but in truth, God did listenand paid heed to my plea.Blessed is GodWho has not withdrawn from me Hislove and care." Psalm 66:16-20
Shalom,
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
I've had this scripture from Psalm 119 come up several times in my reading this past week. When God does that, I try to pay attention.
We all want peace. We all want to walk through this life without stumbling. [click to tweet]
This promise from God's word tells us how to achieve peace and how to be protected from those things that will cause us to stumble.
But do we really love God's law? We want to. But it's not easy, is it?
Following His law can be inconvenient and downright painful at times.
We fail repeatedly and we forget about His grace.
The key for me in this verse is in what it instructs us to do: love God's law
Following, and obeying His law will come.
It has to begin with love.
So how do we get there? Loving a set of rules has never come naturally for me. You?
It starts with knowing His law.
We have to know what God's law says. Reading the totality of His word, not just the ten commandments, and letting it speak to your life. God's word is filled with His precepts, direction on how to live.
Psalm 119:45 says, "I walk in freedom wherever I will, because I have studied your precepts."
Then we have to begin living His law.
Again, this doesn't come naturally. We should daily preach to ourselves the Gospel of grace, for we will fail. But eventually, His law will become ingrained in the habits and responses of our everyday life. Psalm 119:54 says, "Your statutes are the theme of my song throughout my earthly life."
Finally, the path to loving God's law is paved with trust.
Much of the time our lives don't resemble the reality of His promises. We must trust, by faith - - believing that He will do what He says He will do. [click to tweet]
Psalm 145:9 says, "The LORD is good to all, and His mercy is over all that He has made." And Romans 8:32, "He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?"
Knowing, living and trusting will lead to truly loving God's law because these things will lead you to love HIM. Then you will be able to lift your voice with the psalmist and declare:
"Come, listen, all who fear God,and I shall tell you what He has donefor me;I lifted up my voice in prayer,His praise was on my tongue.If I had cherished evil thoughts,the Lord would not have listened;but in truth, God did listenand paid heed to my plea.Blessed is GodWho has not withdrawn from me Hislove and care." Psalm 66:16-20
Shalom,
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
June 28, 2017
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 26:52
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 26:52
Summer has wrapped me in her warm embrace and I'm hugging back.
We topped 100 degrees on the solstice, a nod to my previous home state of Arizona. But Texas is never harsh for long and the heat was quickly followed by glorious days where the temps hovered in the 80's and there is enough sky candy to convince you to lay on your back and risk being stung alive.
Today is one of those days. But I'm content to watch the clouds meander by from the safety of my front porch.
I was surprised to see that I've taken over 300 photos this month. I'd have to post a daily blog to be able to share them all!
These first images are from the beautiful River Road Park in Boerne, Texas. I've been trying to get there during the golden hour for months!
These Egyptian Geese are beautiful but not native to Texas (or even North America). They are actually not a goose at all but a Shelduck, which is a cross between a goose and a duck.
It was challenging to get a clear shot of this Muscovy mama and her four ducklings. They were so fast!
The turtles are pretty fast too, but I managed to catch one or two. I think they look so old and wise, don't you?
I would like some confirmation on this ID, but I believe this is a juvenile yellow-crowned night-heron. The adults look completely different!
Back at home, I had a rare visitor. The Ladder-backed Woodpecker. I really didn't get a good picture of him, they are small and fast!
He has a bright red cap which you can't see very well in these pictures.
My friends (not) the deer are still coming by to enjoy the bounty of my flower beds. I find their behavior to be downright impertinent.
A funny thing occurred to me as I was looking through these next images; some people turn on their sprinklers for their kids to play in during the summer. We turn them on for the birds :)
How are you staying cool this summer?
What are you seeing through your lens this week?
Have a wonder-filled week, 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
Summer has wrapped me in her warm embrace and I'm hugging back.
We topped 100 degrees on the solstice, a nod to my previous home state of Arizona. But Texas is never harsh for long and the heat was quickly followed by glorious days where the temps hovered in the 80's and there is enough sky candy to convince you to lay on your back and risk being stung alive.
Today is one of those days. But I'm content to watch the clouds meander by from the safety of my front porch.
I was surprised to see that I've taken over 300 photos this month. I'd have to post a daily blog to be able to share them all!
These first images are from the beautiful River Road Park in Boerne, Texas. I've been trying to get there during the golden hour for months!
These Egyptian Geese are beautiful but not native to Texas (or even North America). They are actually not a goose at all but a Shelduck, which is a cross between a goose and a duck.
It was challenging to get a clear shot of this Muscovy mama and her four ducklings. They were so fast!
The turtles are pretty fast too, but I managed to catch one or two. I think they look so old and wise, don't you?
I would like some confirmation on this ID, but I believe this is a juvenile yellow-crowned night-heron. The adults look completely different!
Back at home, I had a rare visitor. The Ladder-backed Woodpecker. I really didn't get a good picture of him, they are small and fast!
He has a bright red cap which you can't see very well in these pictures.
My friends (not) the deer are still coming by to enjoy the bounty of my flower beds. I find their behavior to be downright impertinent.
A funny thing occurred to me as I was looking through these next images; some people turn on their sprinklers for their kids to play in during the summer. We turn them on for the birds :)
How are you staying cool this summer?
What are you seeing through your lens this week?
Have a wonder-filled week, 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
June 23, 2017
Inspired by . . . a common need
Inspired by . . . a common need
Black Swallowtail Butterfly
I wonder how much the Samaritan woman really understood when she asked Jesus for, "this water." How much do any of us understand at the beginning of a relationship? We have a need, a desire and we seek fulfillment.
Whether it be a husband, wife, friend, casual acquaintance or an addiction. It all begins with a need. Most relationships leave us wanting more. I need my coffee every morning -sometimes even again in the afternoon - we grow tired of our husband or a friend lets us down.
The woman at the well understood all this. Husbands had failed her and she'd failed them. Friends shunned her and there was a constant thirst deep within her soul that water could not quench.
"Sir, give me this water."
In response Jesus addressed her sin. The woman neither denied His words nor ran away from them, so great was her need.
Until we come to the place where we are able to face our sin and own it, we will never accept what Jesus gives. [click to tweet]
The woman received what Jesus offered her. So changed was she that she left her water jar and sought out the people of her village to tell them the Good News.
She no longer needed water for bathing - His love cleanses us
She no longer felt ashamed - His love clothes us in righteousness
This woman's story is commonly known. A common story, about a common need. But Jesus' approach to this woman was decidedly uncommon. For Him to speak to a woman, and a Samaritan woman at that, shocked His disciples.
Perhaps you think that God wouldn't speak to someone like you. Or maybe you've come to the well so often that you no longer expect to find Him there.
He is there.
He is waiting.
For each of us.
How will we respond when He says, "Give me a drink."
What do I have to offer Him today?
Only my heart.
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
Black Swallowtail ButterflyJesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water." (Joh 4:13-15)
I wonder how much the Samaritan woman really understood when she asked Jesus for, "this water." How much do any of us understand at the beginning of a relationship? We have a need, a desire and we seek fulfillment.
Whether it be a husband, wife, friend, casual acquaintance or an addiction. It all begins with a need. Most relationships leave us wanting more. I need my coffee every morning -sometimes even again in the afternoon - we grow tired of our husband or a friend lets us down.
The woman at the well understood all this. Husbands had failed her and she'd failed them. Friends shunned her and there was a constant thirst deep within her soul that water could not quench.
"Sir, give me this water."
In response Jesus addressed her sin. The woman neither denied His words nor ran away from them, so great was her need.
Until we come to the place where we are able to face our sin and own it, we will never accept what Jesus gives. [click to tweet]
The woman received what Jesus offered her. So changed was she that she left her water jar and sought out the people of her village to tell them the Good News.
She no longer needed water for bathing - His love cleanses us
She no longer felt ashamed - His love clothes us in righteousness
This woman's story is commonly known. A common story, about a common need. But Jesus' approach to this woman was decidedly uncommon. For Him to speak to a woman, and a Samaritan woman at that, shocked His disciples.
Perhaps you think that God wouldn't speak to someone like you. Or maybe you've come to the well so often that you no longer expect to find Him there.
He is there.
He is waiting.
For each of us.
How will we respond when He says, "Give me a drink."
What do I have to offer Him today?
Only my heart.
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
June 17, 2017
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 24:52
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 24:52
Hello, friends!
I'm just barely making it for week 24! This week went by crazy fast. June is slipping through my fingers at an alarming rate.
Our son is getting married today - fun! and tomorrow is Father's Day.
I've been thinking a lot about my dad this week. Silly things, like breadcrumbs in the mayonnaise jar, remind me of him.
As with most of us, Dad's hearing was the first to go. I can remember him saying that as long as he could hear the birds, the rest didn't matter much. He could always hear the birds.
So this week I'm sharing a series of flycatchers with you. These birds are some of the most entertaining visitors to my yard. And some of the most challenging to ID.
Eastern Phoebe
Great-crested Flycatcher
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
ID ??? Eastern Wood-Pewee ??
Vermillion FlycatcherHappy Father's Day!
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
Hello, friends!
I'm just barely making it for week 24! This week went by crazy fast. June is slipping through my fingers at an alarming rate.
Our son is getting married today - fun! and tomorrow is Father's Day.
I've been thinking a lot about my dad this week. Silly things, like breadcrumbs in the mayonnaise jar, remind me of him.
As with most of us, Dad's hearing was the first to go. I can remember him saying that as long as he could hear the birds, the rest didn't matter much. He could always hear the birds.
So this week I'm sharing a series of flycatchers with you. These birds are some of the most entertaining visitors to my yard. And some of the most challenging to ID.
Eastern Phoebe
Great-crested Flycatcher
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
ID ??? Eastern Wood-Pewee ??
Vermillion FlycatcherHappy Father's Day!
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
June 11, 2017
Inspired by . . . unprofitable servants
Inspired by . . . unprofitable servants
American Lady
This was my thought the other night after reading the following scriptures:
Why does this line of thinking grieve our Father's heart? Does God make mistakes?
He formed you. Down to the very last freckle (or not), the very last curl (or not). Dark, light, blonde, brown, blue-eyed, He created you, perfectly, in His image. No mistakes.
He gave you certain gifts. He chose particular blessings to bestow. All according to His perfect purpose for your life.
Yes, we are all called to love and serve Him. But there are many ways, and many paths we follow to fulfill the plan and purpose of our life.
Envy and self-pity are two of the biggest boulders the enemy uses to block our path. [click to tweet] The dynamite that will blow those boulders sky high is our sacrifice of praise.
May we all walk worthy of our calling in Christ Jesus.
And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Eph 5:2)
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
American LadyWe are often too severe with ourselves about the things that matter little and not severe enough about the things that matter most. [click to tweet]
This was my thought the other night after reading the following scriptures:
So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'" (Luk 17:10)
Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. (Rom 3:27)
For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? (1Co 4:7)
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:8-10)
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. (1Co 15:10)
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen. (Rom 11:36)
"But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from You, and of Your own have we given You. (1Ch 29:14)
Enter not into judgment with Your servant, for no one living is righteous before You. (Psa 143:2)Everything we are, everything we have, comes from His hand. How we must grieve our Father's heart when we look at her hair or her writing, her house, her family and wish that was us. Or when we look at ourselves and think, fat, plain, frumpy, too short, too tall, too skinny, boring. Not good enough.
Why does this line of thinking grieve our Father's heart? Does God make mistakes?
He formed you. Down to the very last freckle (or not), the very last curl (or not). Dark, light, blonde, brown, blue-eyed, He created you, perfectly, in His image. No mistakes.
He gave you certain gifts. He chose particular blessings to bestow. All according to His perfect purpose for your life.
Yes, we are all called to love and serve Him. But there are many ways, and many paths we follow to fulfill the plan and purpose of our life.
Envy and self-pity are two of the biggest boulders the enemy uses to block our path. [click to tweet] The dynamite that will blow those boulders sky high is our sacrifice of praise.
Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. (Heb 13:15-16)When we fill our hearts with His love, by honoring Him with our lips and sharing the gifts we have been given, envy and pity have nowhere to grow. Rather WE grow in the things that really matter.
May we all walk worthy of our calling in Christ Jesus.
And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Eph 5:2)
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
June 8, 2017
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 23:52
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 23:52
I do love these early days of summer.
The air still holds a hint of fragrance. The birds are still nesting and raising their young. The heat has not yet zapped us and made us lazy!
It's the beginning of a new season! The sun shimmers and we look forward with anticipation to all we have planned. The weddings and parties and backyard BBQ's! Days at the lake or the shore. Early mornings and late evenings on the porch. Trips to places known and unknown. Memories to be made!
Summer usually means more butterflies. Sadly, I haven't seen as many around this year. Which made it all the more exciting to find a pipevine swallowtail sampling the blooms this week. These beauties are difficult to capture because they rarely stop! I think this is the first time I've ever captured their dorsal side!
It was late afternoon so the flower beds were in the shade. Otherwise, you would have seen the iridescence in their wings. My friend, Kim, raises butterflies and you can see her beautiful images here.
One of the reasons I'm seeing fewer butterflies may be because the deer have been eating my lantana blossoms this year. The little buggers. I will be happy when we get our fence up! In the meantime, I've started using the deer repellent spray again. It's a good thing, too, because there are plenty of babies around this year. I found another one "hidden" in the grass just the other day.
It's always fun to watch the babies. Here is a shot of the Mockingbird twins I introduced you to last week. They are learning to navigate the suet feeder.
The Woodhouse's Scrub Jay twins are learning, too! They haven't adapted to the swinging basket quite as well as the mockingbirds!
The pretty house finches don't mind the swinging basket and they're happy to share!
Such a pretty bird!
I've been going through so much suet that I buy it in bulk on Amazon! I can't blame the baby birds. The gold-fronted woodpeckers get more than their share.
And I'm currently fighting with four of these rascals!
Don't let that sweet face fool you! These guys can eat a hole in my sock feeder faster than I can get out the door to chase them away!
We've had a lot of rain but no one seems to mind. The black-chinned hummingbirds continue to feed through all but the fiercest of storms. Small and mighty wins the day!
What are you seeing throughyour lens this week?
Have a wonder-filled week, 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
I do love these early days of summer.
The air still holds a hint of fragrance. The birds are still nesting and raising their young. The heat has not yet zapped us and made us lazy!
It's the beginning of a new season! The sun shimmers and we look forward with anticipation to all we have planned. The weddings and parties and backyard BBQ's! Days at the lake or the shore. Early mornings and late evenings on the porch. Trips to places known and unknown. Memories to be made!
Summer usually means more butterflies. Sadly, I haven't seen as many around this year. Which made it all the more exciting to find a pipevine swallowtail sampling the blooms this week. These beauties are difficult to capture because they rarely stop! I think this is the first time I've ever captured their dorsal side!
It was late afternoon so the flower beds were in the shade. Otherwise, you would have seen the iridescence in their wings. My friend, Kim, raises butterflies and you can see her beautiful images here.
One of the reasons I'm seeing fewer butterflies may be because the deer have been eating my lantana blossoms this year. The little buggers. I will be happy when we get our fence up! In the meantime, I've started using the deer repellent spray again. It's a good thing, too, because there are plenty of babies around this year. I found another one "hidden" in the grass just the other day.
It's always fun to watch the babies. Here is a shot of the Mockingbird twins I introduced you to last week. They are learning to navigate the suet feeder.
The Woodhouse's Scrub Jay twins are learning, too! They haven't adapted to the swinging basket quite as well as the mockingbirds!
The pretty house finches don't mind the swinging basket and they're happy to share!
Such a pretty bird!
I've been going through so much suet that I buy it in bulk on Amazon! I can't blame the baby birds. The gold-fronted woodpeckers get more than their share.
And I'm currently fighting with four of these rascals!
Don't let that sweet face fool you! These guys can eat a hole in my sock feeder faster than I can get out the door to chase them away!
We've had a lot of rain but no one seems to mind. The black-chinned hummingbirds continue to feed through all but the fiercest of storms. Small and mighty wins the day!
What are you seeing throughyour lens this week?
Have a wonder-filled week, 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
