June Caedmon's Blog, page 34
March 31, 2017
Inspired by . . . bitter herbs
Inspired by . . . bitter herbs
As we walk with Jesus toward the cross we find ourselves in a large upper room, reclining at the Passover table. The sharp smell of bitter herbs and human sweat mixes with the pungent odor of the oil lamps.
Water laps against the side of a wooden bowl as Our Lord kneels to wash the feet of one who will abandon Him. One who will deny Him. One who will betray Him.
Don't rush over these familiar verses. The message and warnings of the discourse here are muli-layered and of great value. (Matt 26:18-49)
Lean in when the Lord speaks, "Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me."
"Is it I, Lord?"
We have all denied Him in some way. Failed to speak. Failed to act.
Sit with that for a moment. Let it hurt your heart.
But do not despair.
For we have something the terrified and disillusioned disciples did not have in between the kiss of betrayal and the empty tomb. [click to tweet]
We have the cross and the resurrection.
We have Jesus, Himself.
Rest in these truths. Let them comfort you in times of failure. Let them embolden you to go forth and speak and act in His name.
May we always be willing to admit when we fail Him. To come to Him in humility and repentance and accept the bread of forgiveness He offers, which is His body, broken for us. [click to tweet]
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
As we walk with Jesus toward the cross we find ourselves in a large upper room, reclining at the Passover table. The sharp smell of bitter herbs and human sweat mixes with the pungent odor of the oil lamps.
Water laps against the side of a wooden bowl as Our Lord kneels to wash the feet of one who will abandon Him. One who will deny Him. One who will betray Him.
Don't rush over these familiar verses. The message and warnings of the discourse here are muli-layered and of great value. (Matt 26:18-49)
Lean in when the Lord speaks, "Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me."
"Is it I, Lord?"
We have all denied Him in some way. Failed to speak. Failed to act.
Sit with that for a moment. Let it hurt your heart.
But do not despair.
For we have something the terrified and disillusioned disciples did not have in between the kiss of betrayal and the empty tomb. [click to tweet]
But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee."We have the Holy Spirit to teach us and guide us. To comfort us when we fail. We have grace and forgiveness.
We have the cross and the resurrection.
We have Jesus, Himself.
Rest in these truths. Let them comfort you in times of failure. Let them embolden you to go forth and speak and act in His name.
May we always be willing to admit when we fail Him. To come to Him in humility and repentance and accept the bread of forgiveness He offers, which is His body, broken for us. [click to tweet]
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
March 27, 2017
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 13:52
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 13:52
Spring enters with a chorus of bird calls. This is the most active time of year for the birds and I want to camp out on my front porch and take it all in.
The Mockingbirds are deliriously animated in their courtship. Sitting high atop the oak trees, reciting every playlist they've ever learned in hopes of attracting a mate.
The smaller birds, like the Black-crested Titmice and the Carolina Chickadees, chase each other through the trees, chattering as they go.
The Carolina Wrens are a fickle sort. Building a nest here, only to abandon it for a better location over there.
My sweet Phoebe's are a joy to watch and wake me every morning just before dawn with their gentle calls.
Yesterday, I watched two red-tailed hawks ascending the thermals, the sun burned their undersides golden as they dipped and soared. I'd love to follow them back to their nesting site but my world has boundaries that theirs will never know.
The Vermillion Flycatcher and his mate dashed through in a flash of tangerine-red. So brilliant my eyes can barely hold the color.
The black-chinned hummingbirds are back. Two so far. I have two feeders in the yard and they still don't want to share. When the ruby-throats start north the real wars will begin.
The finches are at the feeders again after feasting in the fields all winter. And the sweet chipping sparrows are enjoying the suet I keep stocked.
Soon the migratory birds will begin passing through and I'll have fun trying to identify them one-by-one. If you're interested, allaboutbirds.org is a great resource site.
Bird watching is a great excuse to slow down and take note of the world around you - you'll be amazed at what you can find in your own backyard!
So tell me, what are you observing through your lens this week?
Have a wonder-filled day,
Spring enters with a chorus of bird calls. This is the most active time of year for the birds and I want to camp out on my front porch and take it all in.
The Mockingbirds are deliriously animated in their courtship. Sitting high atop the oak trees, reciting every playlist they've ever learned in hopes of attracting a mate.
The smaller birds, like the Black-crested Titmice and the Carolina Chickadees, chase each other through the trees, chattering as they go.
The Carolina Wrens are a fickle sort. Building a nest here, only to abandon it for a better location over there.
My sweet Phoebe's are a joy to watch and wake me every morning just before dawn with their gentle calls.
Yesterday, I watched two red-tailed hawks ascending the thermals, the sun burned their undersides golden as they dipped and soared. I'd love to follow them back to their nesting site but my world has boundaries that theirs will never know.
The Vermillion Flycatcher and his mate dashed through in a flash of tangerine-red. So brilliant my eyes can barely hold the color.
The black-chinned hummingbirds are back. Two so far. I have two feeders in the yard and they still don't want to share. When the ruby-throats start north the real wars will begin.
The finches are at the feeders again after feasting in the fields all winter. And the sweet chipping sparrows are enjoying the suet I keep stocked.
Soon the migratory birds will begin passing through and I'll have fun trying to identify them one-by-one. If you're interested, allaboutbirds.org is a great resource site.
Bird watching is a great excuse to slow down and take note of the world around you - you'll be amazed at what you can find in your own backyard!
So tell me, what are you observing through your lens this week?
Have a wonder-filled day,
March 25, 2017
Inspired by . . . His good pleasure
Inspired by . . . His good pleasure
The percussion of the seed pods on the cottonwood tree call the chickadees to frolick in her branches.
I don't think the trees tolerate the birds. I think they glory in the touch of those tiny nails against their skin, reminding them of their purpose. Their reason for living.
Were the trees made for the birds or the birds for the trees?
It matters not when you consider the great Truth. The circle of life connects us all.
God made all. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made. (Jn 1:3)
Why?
For His good pleasure.
And ours.
He is a God Who delights in giving good gifts to His children.
How are you embracing the gifts and blessings He is pouring out on your life?
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
The percussion of the seed pods on the cottonwood tree call the chickadees to frolick in her branches.
I don't think the trees tolerate the birds. I think they glory in the touch of those tiny nails against their skin, reminding them of their purpose. Their reason for living.
Were the trees made for the birds or the birds for the trees?
It matters not when you consider the great Truth. The circle of life connects us all.
God made all. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made. (Jn 1:3)
Why?
For His good pleasure.
And ours.
He is a God Who delights in giving good gifts to His children.
And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" (Luk 11:9-13)When we embrace the gifts He has given us and respond with praise and thanksgiving for all He has done we are freed to love others as He has loved us. [click to tweet]
How are you embracing the gifts and blessings He is pouring out on your life?
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
March 20, 2017
Inspired by . . . do the next thing
Inspired by . . . do the next thing
Sometimes I get stuck.
Overwhelmed by all there is to do or all I want to do, I end up doing nothing.
Sometimes nothing can be good. Like when it amounts to rest, stillness before the Lord. But sometimes doing nothing amounts to unproductive [mindless] activity. This is not good.
I hate days when I can't focus and go from one mindless activity to the other. You, too?
The balance between rest/stillness and mindless activity can be challenging. Especially when physical circumstances force you to slow down.
Every day, hundreds of times a day, we all make the choice to do the next thing. The motivation behind our choice is what makes it mindful or mindless.
Often we're simply responding to basic needs. Our bodies need to be fed and cared for. Financial obligations met. Houses cleaned. Yet even within these tasks, there are choices.
I know how easy it is to fall prey to allowing Life to dictate my choices. Getting into reaction mode, rather than being pro-active. Because it's easier when Life is coming at you full force. But easier is often not better.
So how do we keep our motivation pure and make the right choices when we do the next thing?
The simple answer, which isn't simple at all, is to keep God at the forefront of all we do. I'm learning that this is more about establishing a habitual discipline than it is about taking chunks of time out of the day. We don't have to stop and go into our prayer closet for 30 minutes every time we need to make a decision. Certainly, there are major decisions that require significant prayer. But when we are conscious to involve God in our everyday routine, simply pausing to acknowledge that we need Him throughout the day, we will find ourselves breathing prayers for guidance naturally. [click to tweet]
He has given us the Holy Spirit to direct and guide us. So, why do we mostly ignore this precious gift!? Imagine running on the power of the Holy Spirit throughout the day rather than your own? I expect that sounds good to a few weary souls out there. I know it sounds good to me!
These breath-prayers have been a challenge and a focus for me this year. As with any spiritual discipline, they take time and I'm nowhere close to having this all figured out. But every time I remember to seek Him and acknowledge my need for His presence during the day I am blessed and my choices and actions honor Him.
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, 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
Sometimes I get stuck.
Overwhelmed by all there is to do or all I want to do, I end up doing nothing.
Sometimes nothing can be good. Like when it amounts to rest, stillness before the Lord. But sometimes doing nothing amounts to unproductive [mindless] activity. This is not good.
I hate days when I can't focus and go from one mindless activity to the other. You, too?
The balance between rest/stillness and mindless activity can be challenging. Especially when physical circumstances force you to slow down.
Every day, hundreds of times a day, we all make the choice to do the next thing. The motivation behind our choice is what makes it mindful or mindless.
Often we're simply responding to basic needs. Our bodies need to be fed and cared for. Financial obligations met. Houses cleaned. Yet even within these tasks, there are choices.
I know how easy it is to fall prey to allowing Life to dictate my choices. Getting into reaction mode, rather than being pro-active. Because it's easier when Life is coming at you full force. But easier is often not better.
So how do we keep our motivation pure and make the right choices when we do the next thing?
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. (Isa 26:3)
The simple answer, which isn't simple at all, is to keep God at the forefront of all we do. I'm learning that this is more about establishing a habitual discipline than it is about taking chunks of time out of the day. We don't have to stop and go into our prayer closet for 30 minutes every time we need to make a decision. Certainly, there are major decisions that require significant prayer. But when we are conscious to involve God in our everyday routine, simply pausing to acknowledge that we need Him throughout the day, we will find ourselves breathing prayers for guidance naturally. [click to tweet]
He has given us the Holy Spirit to direct and guide us. So, why do we mostly ignore this precious gift!? Imagine running on the power of the Holy Spirit throughout the day rather than your own? I expect that sounds good to a few weary souls out there. I know it sounds good to me!
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. (Joh 14:26)
These breath-prayers have been a challenge and a focus for me this year. As with any spiritual discipline, they take time and I'm nowhere close to having this all figured out. But every time I remember to seek Him and acknowledge my need for His presence during the day I am blessed and my choices and actions honor Him.
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. (Rom 8:26)How about you? Are you mindful of God during the day? Do you acknowledge your need for Him in the daily minutia of Life?
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, 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
March 13, 2017
Inspired by . . . a curious harmony
Inspired by . . . a curious harmony
A cold front came in last night. The clouds are low and plentiful today, casting long gray shadows through the cottage windows.
Time seems suspended. Still.
There is a curious harmony at work in these days. While there has been a physical shift in my world out of necessity, there has also been a spiritual one.
At first, I couldn't name it. This change. So foreign it was to my being.
The striving is gone.
I no longer feel the drive to be pro-active in my faith. Rather, my spirit is content to wait and simply respond to His promptings, His leading.
It has been a subtle shift. My life hasn't stopped being crazy.
But I have stopped being crazy.
A simple pause, ever so slight, in the middle of whatever, to acknowledge His presense. Breath prayers. A nod to His majesty. I'm learning, slowly, to pray without ceasing.
I have so far to go. Yet I already feel like a new person inside an old skin.
As we enter the second week of Lent I feel deeply embeded in the darkness. Not a scary evil darkness. No, evil cannot dwell with our Lord. There is nothing to fear from the darkness of the Lenten season. Christ has gone before us. We have nothing to fear by following.
I have not given up for Lent. Rather I have added. Added more of Him into my every day. In walking with Jesus in His last days, as He made His way to Jerusalem, teaching and healing along the way, we have the gift of hindsight. We know what He knew.
He was walking to the cross.
This juxtaposition - the light that surrounded Him as He taught and healed even as the darkness of death overshadowed Him - this, too, is our reality.
As the days get longer, the trees and flowers burst forth with new life, we walk with Jesus into darkness.
We do this in a spiritual sense, but we also know the reality of physical death. At some point our earthly bodies stop growing and begin dying. For some, the pain of this reality comes sooner than others.
So even as we go about our lives, living loud and joyous, we are walking into darkness.
I don't say this to be macabre. But rather to point you to HOPE.
For if we never acknowledge the reality of death, we won't live our lives in the fullness of the hope we have in Christ. [click to tweet]
Just as the grave could not hold our Lord, neither will it hold us.
To remember His life. To meld it closely with our own. Because our lives are not always loud and joyous. Sometimes they are dark and silent.
And we need to know how to stand in the dark and silent times.
We can stand, even walk victorious through them . . . because of Him.
Shalom,
Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, 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
A cold front came in last night. The clouds are low and plentiful today, casting long gray shadows through the cottage windows.
Time seems suspended. Still.
There is a curious harmony at work in these days. While there has been a physical shift in my world out of necessity, there has also been a spiritual one.
At first, I couldn't name it. This change. So foreign it was to my being.
The striving is gone.
I no longer feel the drive to be pro-active in my faith. Rather, my spirit is content to wait and simply respond to His promptings, His leading.
It has been a subtle shift. My life hasn't stopped being crazy.
But I have stopped being crazy.
A simple pause, ever so slight, in the middle of whatever, to acknowledge His presense. Breath prayers. A nod to His majesty. I'm learning, slowly, to pray without ceasing.
I have so far to go. Yet I already feel like a new person inside an old skin.
As we enter the second week of Lent I feel deeply embeded in the darkness. Not a scary evil darkness. No, evil cannot dwell with our Lord. There is nothing to fear from the darkness of the Lenten season. Christ has gone before us. We have nothing to fear by following.
I have not given up for Lent. Rather I have added. Added more of Him into my every day. In walking with Jesus in His last days, as He made His way to Jerusalem, teaching and healing along the way, we have the gift of hindsight. We know what He knew.
He was walking to the cross.
This juxtaposition - the light that surrounded Him as He taught and healed even as the darkness of death overshadowed Him - this, too, is our reality.
As the days get longer, the trees and flowers burst forth with new life, we walk with Jesus into darkness.
We do this in a spiritual sense, but we also know the reality of physical death. At some point our earthly bodies stop growing and begin dying. For some, the pain of this reality comes sooner than others.
So even as we go about our lives, living loud and joyous, we are walking into darkness.
I don't say this to be macabre. But rather to point you to HOPE.
For if we never acknowledge the reality of death, we won't live our lives in the fullness of the hope we have in Christ. [click to tweet]
We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. (Rom 6:4)We can walk by faith, I believe, because we know how the story ends.
Just as the grave could not hold our Lord, neither will it hold us.
Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1Co 15:51-57)This is the hope we have that when our earthly life is done, we shall live eternally with Him. This is why we should take these seven weeks of the year to remember His death.
To remember His life. To meld it closely with our own. Because our lives are not always loud and joyous. Sometimes they are dark and silent.
And we need to know how to stand in the dark and silent times.
We can stand, even walk victorious through them . . . because of Him.
Shalom,
Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, 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
March 8, 2017
Inspired by . . . God sees you
Inspired by . . . God sees you
Hello, friends,
Thank you for your grace while I've been away for a few days.
I mentioned, briefly, in my year-end post that I had received a challenging medical diagnosis in 2016. I had a flair up about 10 days ago that ultimately landed me in the ER last Thursday. My first time ever in the hospital.
I don't share this for your sympathy, or even the sweet well wishes I know you will be quick to offer. I mention it because . . . God.
Only God could provide an ER doctor who was an expert in my condition. (His son was diagnosed twelve years ago and ever since he has made it a point to learn everything he could about the disease.) Dr. Rice immediately saw that this was all new to me. More importantly, he saw that I had not understood nor accepted the full import of my condition.
He was able to speak some sobering truths to both my husband and me. But he also gave me hope.
He saw me, he saw my situation. He cared.
And through him, I knew that God did too.
And that's what I want you to know. Whether you have a chronic medical condition, a chronic relationship, bondage to a particular sin, an over-scheduled life, whatever your situation is - big or small - God sees you. He cares about You and about Your Life!
Just like you hurt when a loved one is hurting, God hurts when you're hurting. [click to tweet]
Don't ever doubt it.
My condition isn't curable, but it is manageable. And while I'm still a long way from acceptance of my situation, I know without a doubt that there is a purpose and that His grace is sufficient.
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, 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
Hello, friends,
Thank you for your grace while I've been away for a few days.
I mentioned, briefly, in my year-end post that I had received a challenging medical diagnosis in 2016. I had a flair up about 10 days ago that ultimately landed me in the ER last Thursday. My first time ever in the hospital.
I don't share this for your sympathy, or even the sweet well wishes I know you will be quick to offer. I mention it because . . . God.
Only God could provide an ER doctor who was an expert in my condition. (His son was diagnosed twelve years ago and ever since he has made it a point to learn everything he could about the disease.) Dr. Rice immediately saw that this was all new to me. More importantly, he saw that I had not understood nor accepted the full import of my condition.
He was able to speak some sobering truths to both my husband and me. But he also gave me hope.
He saw me, he saw my situation. He cared.
And through him, I knew that God did too.
And that's what I want you to know. Whether you have a chronic medical condition, a chronic relationship, bondage to a particular sin, an over-scheduled life, whatever your situation is - big or small - God sees you. He cares about You and about Your Life!
Just like you hurt when a loved one is hurting, God hurts when you're hurting. [click to tweet]
Don't ever doubt it.
My condition isn't curable, but it is manageable. And while I'm still a long way from acceptance of my situation, I know without a doubt that there is a purpose and that His grace is sufficient.
But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2Co 12:9)I've missed connecting with all of you here and visiting with those of you who have blogs. I'll see you soon!
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, 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
February 27, 2017
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 9:52
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 9:52
Hello, friends.
I'm a little under the weather, so I'll keep this brief and just share with you some of my favorite captures from the last week.
It's hard to be glum with the birds singing and twittering outside your window, so I've included links to some of their calls under each photo.
Songs and Calls
Calls
Songs and Calls
Somebody has a bald spot, lol
Songs and Calls
Somebody is grumpy because they're not getting all the suet.
Songs and Calls
My id may be off on the last two. They are either House Finches or Purple Finches. I'm going with the Purple Finch because the color extends so far down the breast. House finches tend to have color just on the upper breast and a lot of streaking down the front making them look like they're wearing little pantaloons.You can see one here to compare. They would have been easier to identify if I had some shots of his back as they are noticeably more colorful than the house finch. House finches are regulars here, unlike Purple finches, but these two may have wintered nearby and be passing through as they head north to their breeding grounds in Canada. Feel free to share your thoughts.
Also, I totally failed at the #shadesofwinter challenge this week. But if you head over to Lisa's or Kristy's you'll find lots of wonderful #wintershadow shots!
Have a wonder-filled 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 a little under the weather, so I'll keep this brief and just share with you some of my favorite captures from the last week.
It's hard to be glum with the birds singing and twittering outside your window, so I've included links to some of their calls under each photo.
Songs and Calls
Calls
Songs and Calls
Somebody has a bald spot, lol
Songs and Calls
Somebody is grumpy because they're not getting all the suet.
Songs and Calls
My id may be off on the last two. They are either House Finches or Purple Finches. I'm going with the Purple Finch because the color extends so far down the breast. House finches tend to have color just on the upper breast and a lot of streaking down the front making them look like they're wearing little pantaloons.You can see one here to compare. They would have been easier to identify if I had some shots of his back as they are noticeably more colorful than the house finch. House finches are regulars here, unlike Purple finches, but these two may have wintered nearby and be passing through as they head north to their breeding grounds in Canada. Feel free to share your thoughts.
Also, I totally failed at the #shadesofwinter challenge this week. But if you head over to Lisa's or Kristy's you'll find lots of wonderful #wintershadow shots!
Have a wonder-filled 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
February 24, 2017
Inspired by . . . weighted blankets
Inspired by . . . weighted blankets
Have you heard of them? these blankets filled with plastic poly pellets, similar to what's inside Beanie Babies. Some people are calling them magic blankets because they are said to help calm anxiety, prevent insomnia and even help people with Autism and PTSD.
Reading about these blankets reminded me of a dream I had the other night. I was lying in bed and had a sense that a great, but not unbearable, weight had descended upon me. Not only on top of me but it enveloped me completely.
This weight was not abiotic. I could sense it's spirit next to me even as it's essence surrounded me. The sense of peace was absolute. So much so that, even now, the memory of it gives me a sense of calm.
Such a perfect peace can only come from one Source. I awoke to feel as if I had been sheltered under the wings of a mighty, yet gentle bird.
Source
Even so, it is important to remember that it is God, and God alone, Who gives us peace and safety for our souls.
Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, 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
Have you heard of them? these blankets filled with plastic poly pellets, similar to what's inside Beanie Babies. Some people are calling them magic blankets because they are said to help calm anxiety, prevent insomnia and even help people with Autism and PTSD.
Reading about these blankets reminded me of a dream I had the other night. I was lying in bed and had a sense that a great, but not unbearable, weight had descended upon me. Not only on top of me but it enveloped me completely.
This weight was not abiotic. I could sense it's spirit next to me even as it's essence surrounded me. The sense of peace was absolute. So much so that, even now, the memory of it gives me a sense of calm.
Such a perfect peace can only come from one Source. I awoke to feel as if I had been sheltered under the wings of a mighty, yet gentle bird.
SourceHe will cover you with His wings; you will be safe in His care; His faithfulness will protect and defend you. (Psa 91:4) [click to tweet]Such is His great and mighty love for us! He longs to bring us under His protection. Yet so often we refuse and demand our own way.
"How many times I wanted to put My arms around all your people, just as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you would not let Me!" (Luk 13:34)God will never force us into His nest, even though He knows it is the safest place for us to be. [click to tweet] His word promises peace to all who love Him and accept His protection.
But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may exult in You. (Psa 5:11)I've been sleeping under the weight of blankets for years. I have no doubt that these new "magic blankets" which are said to "cause[s] the brain to release neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine that improve moods and induce a calming effect" will improve your sleep and help reduce anxiety.
Even so, it is important to remember that it is God, and God alone, Who gives us peace and safety for our souls.
In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. (Psa 4:8)Shalom,
Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, 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
February 20, 2017
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 08:52
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 08:52
We had a severe thunderstorm last night. The kind that has you lying in bed thinking about where the lightning might strike and roof tiles hurtling through the air. It was impossible to sleep, the rain was lashing the west side of the house hard enough to peel paint. I imagined awakening to trees stripped of their leaves and most of their limbs, standing like naked sentinels. But they are made of sterner stuff than my imagination. We had no visible damage and, best of all, there were raindrops to photograph.
I don't have a macro lens, so it's a bit tricky. But I did get one or two worthy shots.
As promised in last week's post, the pear tree is in its dress whites this week. I wish I could share the scent with you {sigh}.
If I wasn't such a ninny I would string up a hammock and sleep under its boughs. I would dream of Narnia in the springtime and the bees and butterflies would bring me nectar for food.
Trees are so much wiser than we humans. They are older and remember things we never knew. They know things about the earth that we should have kept sacred but instead, have chosen to forget.
The great, bending oaks and still-naked hackberry don't judge the pear for flaunting its spring finery. They know God made each according to its kind.
They are wise enough to see that the individual, unique and special, is still part of the whole.
Since the pear tree and the butterflies, and the south Texas weather are determined to be more like spring than winter, the #shadesofwinter challenge is becoming more challenging by the week.
This week's prompt is #winterathome and Lisa, Kristy and the other participants have posted some lovely, snowy examples!
As I pondered this prompt and what winter at home looks like for me I kept coming back to the one thing that is constant in my home during the winter. The poinsettia.
I buy one as soon as they're in the stores and their red and dark green leaves brighten my home well into spring. Despite the fact that poinsettias are a tropical plant, they symbolize winter at home to me.
What symbolizes winter at home to you?
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens,
Life thru the Lens, Our World Tuesday,
Community Global, Photo Friday, Little Things Thursday
We had a severe thunderstorm last night. The kind that has you lying in bed thinking about where the lightning might strike and roof tiles hurtling through the air. It was impossible to sleep, the rain was lashing the west side of the house hard enough to peel paint. I imagined awakening to trees stripped of their leaves and most of their limbs, standing like naked sentinels. But they are made of sterner stuff than my imagination. We had no visible damage and, best of all, there were raindrops to photograph.
I don't have a macro lens, so it's a bit tricky. But I did get one or two worthy shots.
As promised in last week's post, the pear tree is in its dress whites this week. I wish I could share the scent with you {sigh}.
If I wasn't such a ninny I would string up a hammock and sleep under its boughs. I would dream of Narnia in the springtime and the bees and butterflies would bring me nectar for food.
Trees are so much wiser than we humans. They are older and remember things we never knew. They know things about the earth that we should have kept sacred but instead, have chosen to forget.
The great, bending oaks and still-naked hackberry don't judge the pear for flaunting its spring finery. They know God made each according to its kind.
They are wise enough to see that the individual, unique and special, is still part of the whole.
Since the pear tree and the butterflies, and the south Texas weather are determined to be more like spring than winter, the #shadesofwinter challenge is becoming more challenging by the week.
This week's prompt is #winterathome and Lisa, Kristy and the other participants have posted some lovely, snowy examples!
As I pondered this prompt and what winter at home looks like for me I kept coming back to the one thing that is constant in my home during the winter. The poinsettia.
I buy one as soon as they're in the stores and their red and dark green leaves brighten my home well into spring. Despite the fact that poinsettias are a tropical plant, they symbolize winter at home to me.
What symbolizes winter at home to you?
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens,
Life thru the Lens, Our World Tuesday,
Community Global, Photo Friday, Little Things Thursday
February 17, 2017
Inspired by . . . living the Gospel
Inspired by . . . living the Gospel
Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth is a friend of mine. At least I'd like to think that we would be friends if we ever meet in real life. As the driving force behind the True Woman Movement and Revive Our Hearts ministry Nancy has touched thousands of lives.
I've been enriched by her bible studies over the years, and convicted and encouraged by the message in her books. I was delighted when she found love in the autumn of her life. God has a way of equipping us for our ministry, amen? [click to tweet]
I was watching the trailer for her newly released book, Adorned, just the other day. It's a beautiful video, showing numerous scenes from her wedding day. A video not unlike the one my daughter-in-law had made for her own wedding last fall.
The voice-over to the video promotes Nancy's new book, which is based on Titus 2; the scripture focuses on older women mentoring younger women. This is the true essence of Nancy's heart.
Since I was watching the video on FB, when I finished watching I moved my cursor to react to the post and noticed that among the thousands who had reacted with like or love, even wow, one person had reacted with the angry face.
Disappointed but not surprised, I know that Nancy's message of biblical based womanhood is not embraced by everyone. But I was curious as to what the viewer could have found in the video and message that made them angry. So I scanned the comments to see if they had commented as well.
Alas, my curiosity was not to be satisfied. Perhaps they clicked on the angry face in error? That is a hopeful possibility. However, during my scan of the comments I did find one among the many good wishes and excitement about the book that gave me pause:
I sensed that this person's question was sincere so I went back a couple of days later to see if any further discussion had occurred, however, as is typical of my experience with FB, I was unable to find the post.
The negative comment and the cloud of sadness enveloping it has stayed with me. The fact that I and thousands of others can watch Nancy's wedding video and feel nothing but joy for her newfound happiness while this lady's response clearly comes from a place of hurt is a stark reminder that we don't all view life through the same lens. We can't know what this woman has gone through, or is going through that would warrant such a comment.
This post was about as far as you can get from the political arena. Yet there it was, an angry, defensive, unwarranted attack. Fairly mild, but hurtful none-the-less.
Friends, I know many of you are weary of the battle. Believe me, I'm weary too.
Some of you feel called to debate the political [and other] hot topic issues of our day. Called to speak out against every evil you see happening in our world. If that's your calling, I salute you. And I pray that the Holy Spirit will give you the power to speak His truth with grace in love.
But if you don't feel this way - - that's okay, too. The apostle Paul didn't stand up and preach a sermon about slavery or the other evils being perpetrated in his day.
Instead, Paul preached the Gospel. He addressed the evil in the world by pointing people to the only Solution. To the only Source of redemption and change.
And that is what we are called to do.
But there are those in darkness who ARE searching for the Light. There are those who WILL respond. As followers, we must try to be like-minded with Christ.
And if He is not willing that any should perish, then we shouldn't be either. [click to tweet]
Go forth in the power of the Holy Spirit. Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.* [click to tweet]
Shalom,
*attributed to St. Francis of Assisi
Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, 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
Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth is a friend of mine. At least I'd like to think that we would be friends if we ever meet in real life. As the driving force behind the True Woman Movement and Revive Our Hearts ministry Nancy has touched thousands of lives.
I've been enriched by her bible studies over the years, and convicted and encouraged by the message in her books. I was delighted when she found love in the autumn of her life. God has a way of equipping us for our ministry, amen? [click to tweet]
I was watching the trailer for her newly released book, Adorned, just the other day. It's a beautiful video, showing numerous scenes from her wedding day. A video not unlike the one my daughter-in-law had made for her own wedding last fall.
The voice-over to the video promotes Nancy's new book, which is based on Titus 2; the scripture focuses on older women mentoring younger women. This is the true essence of Nancy's heart.
Since I was watching the video on FB, when I finished watching I moved my cursor to react to the post and noticed that among the thousands who had reacted with like or love, even wow, one person had reacted with the angry face.
Disappointed but not surprised, I know that Nancy's message of biblical based womanhood is not embraced by everyone. But I was curious as to what the viewer could have found in the video and message that made them angry. So I scanned the comments to see if they had commented as well.
Alas, my curiosity was not to be satisfied. Perhaps they clicked on the angry face in error? That is a hopeful possibility. However, during my scan of the comments I did find one among the many good wishes and excitement about the book that gave me pause:
"You would think she's the only person that ever had a Godly wedding."There was one reply to this comment and it mirrored my own thoughts: "What gave you that impression?"
I sensed that this person's question was sincere so I went back a couple of days later to see if any further discussion had occurred, however, as is typical of my experience with FB, I was unable to find the post.
The negative comment and the cloud of sadness enveloping it has stayed with me. The fact that I and thousands of others can watch Nancy's wedding video and feel nothing but joy for her newfound happiness while this lady's response clearly comes from a place of hurt is a stark reminder that we don't all view life through the same lens. We can't know what this woman has gone through, or is going through that would warrant such a comment.
This post was about as far as you can get from the political arena. Yet there it was, an angry, defensive, unwarranted attack. Fairly mild, but hurtful none-the-less.
Friends, I know many of you are weary of the battle. Believe me, I'm weary too.
Some of you feel called to debate the political [and other] hot topic issues of our day. Called to speak out against every evil you see happening in our world. If that's your calling, I salute you. And I pray that the Holy Spirit will give you the power to speak His truth with grace in love.
But if you don't feel this way - - that's okay, too. The apostle Paul didn't stand up and preach a sermon about slavery or the other evils being perpetrated in his day.
Instead, Paul preached the Gospel. He addressed the evil in the world by pointing people to the only Solution. To the only Source of redemption and change.
And that is what we are called to do.
I [Paul] charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, Who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. (2Ti 4:1-2)And why is it so important that we "be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill [our] ministry."? (2Ti 4:5)
[Because] the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. (2Ti 4:3-4)That time may be here friends, but we must continue to preach the Gospel. But more than that - - we must live it.
"The gospel will not be heard and received by our culture, by our generation, by your children, by your neighbors, by the people in your workplace; the gospel will not be received if it cannot be seen in the lives of those of us who profess to believe it." ~Nancy DeMoss WolgemuthIt's true that not everyone will be drawn to the Light of Christ in our lives. Not everyone will embrace the love we offer. In fact, openly living a life for Christ may open us up to more ridicule, contempt, and even persecution.
But there are those in darkness who ARE searching for the Light. There are those who WILL respond. As followers, we must try to be like-minded with Christ.
And if He is not willing that any should perish, then we shouldn't be either. [click to tweet]
Go forth in the power of the Holy Spirit. Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.* [click to tweet]
Shalom,
*attributed to St. Francis of Assisi
Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, 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
