June Caedmon's Blog, page 35
February 13, 2017
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 07:52
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 07:52
“A flower blossoms for its own joy.” ― Oscar Wilde
If this is true, it may explain why our pear tree always blooms in February. It simply cannot help itself. Every year, at the first hint of warm weather the buds appear.
Enticing beads of hope that encourage a heart already yearning hard for spring!
The stamens reach high above the petals, beckoning pollinators of all shapes and sizes. Soon the butterflies will come and my heart will be full.
We planted a new tree on this hill this past year. A Redbud. I was surprised to see it budding out as well.
Another week and its buds will be open. A blaze of cranberry against a sea of green.
Maybe it's the full moon wooing the trees into bud?
Was Friday night's eclipse visible where you were? The snow moon was beautiful, but alas my eye could discern no shadow.
I'm joining Lisa, Kristy, and friends again this week for the #shadesofwinter challenge. This week's prompt is #warmup so I had a bit of fun with some still life shots.
I'm not nearly as talented as the other party goers, so be sure to visit!
You can never get a cup of tea large enough,
or a book long enough to suit me." C.S. Lewis
Do you follow me on Instagram? I usually post an image every day with a short devotional. I'd love to interact with you there!
What are you seeing through your lens this week?
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Life thru the Lens,
Wild Bird Wednesday, Our World Tuesday,
Community Global, Photo Friday, Little Things Thursday
“A flower blossoms for its own joy.” ― Oscar Wilde
If this is true, it may explain why our pear tree always blooms in February. It simply cannot help itself. Every year, at the first hint of warm weather the buds appear.
Enticing beads of hope that encourage a heart already yearning hard for spring!
The stamens reach high above the petals, beckoning pollinators of all shapes and sizes. Soon the butterflies will come and my heart will be full.
We planted a new tree on this hill this past year. A Redbud. I was surprised to see it budding out as well.
Another week and its buds will be open. A blaze of cranberry against a sea of green.
Maybe it's the full moon wooing the trees into bud?
Was Friday night's eclipse visible where you were? The snow moon was beautiful, but alas my eye could discern no shadow.
I'm joining Lisa, Kristy, and friends again this week for the #shadesofwinter challenge. This week's prompt is #warmup so I had a bit of fun with some still life shots.
I'm not nearly as talented as the other party goers, so be sure to visit!
You can never get a cup of tea large enough,
or a book long enough to suit me." C.S. Lewis
Do you follow me on Instagram? I usually post an image every day with a short devotional. I'd love to interact with you there!
What are you seeing through your lens this week?
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Life thru the Lens,
Wild Bird Wednesday, Our World Tuesday,
Community Global, Photo Friday, Little Things Thursday
February 10, 2017
Inspired by . . . a terrible love
Inspired by . . . a terrible love
If you've lived for very long at all, you know that love hurts. Even in the best of relationships, there are times when the actions of our loved one can cause us pain.
The very nature of love demands that we hurt when our loved one is hurting. This is especially painful when the one we love seems determined to hurt themselves. There are times when we can give a loved one everything, set them up for guaranteed success, and yet through destructive behavior they tear it all down, throw it all away.
Our love, no matter how great and true, cannot fix them or their circumstances. Our love cannot save them.
If we were to take the greatest of our human love and magnify it against a glass as big as the sky it would not even come close to the enormity of God's love for us.
God's love is immeasurable. It is beautiful. It is terrible.
God has given us everything. Including the free will to accept Him or deny Him. In every circumstance of our lives, even when those circumstances are determined by the bad choices of other people, we still have a choice.
A choice to move closer to God or to move away from Him.
Often we treat God's love in the same way our wayward loved ones treat us. Yet Jesus stands waiting at the door. Ready to enter in if we will but whisper His name.
In Ephesians, Paul prays that we might know the love of Christ, though it is "beyond knowledge." To know the unknowable is only possible by the work of the Holy Spirit. As He enables us to understand and increase our intimate relationship with God, we are filled, more and more, with a continual filling of His love. The more we love Him the more He loves us.
We cannot out love God.
Perhaps you have a loved one in your life who is intent on a destructive path. Remember, our prayers can be the lights in the darkness that bring them home. Never give up.
Perhaps you're experiencing the terrible side of God's love in your life right now. It may not feel much like love. But I urge you to see it for what it is - a greater love than we can comprehend. A love that seeks only your best. I encourage you to humble yourself before Him, to repent. Immediately the terrible will become tender and you will see Him as He truly is.
It is my prayer that you may be able to comprehend what is the width and length and depth and height and to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
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
If you've lived for very long at all, you know that love hurts. Even in the best of relationships, there are times when the actions of our loved one can cause us pain.
The very nature of love demands that we hurt when our loved one is hurting. This is especially painful when the one we love seems determined to hurt themselves. There are times when we can give a loved one everything, set them up for guaranteed success, and yet through destructive behavior they tear it all down, throw it all away.
Our love, no matter how great and true, cannot fix them or their circumstances. Our love cannot save them.
If we were to take the greatest of our human love and magnify it against a glass as big as the sky it would not even come close to the enormity of God's love for us.
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 11:11-13)A wonderful love, tender, and true streams out of the vastness of His resources. [click to tweet]
God's love is immeasurable. It is beautiful. It is terrible.
Love is beautiful but it is also terrible - terrible in its determination to allow nothing blemished or unworthy to remain in the beloved. ~ Hannah HurnardIt is this, terrible, aspect of His love, I believe, that so often causes us to reject Him. We misunderstand the love that He gives. The love He offers does not always look like the love we know.
God has given us everything. Including the free will to accept Him or deny Him. In every circumstance of our lives, even when those circumstances are determined by the bad choices of other people, we still have a choice.
A choice to move closer to God or to move away from Him.
Often we treat God's love in the same way our wayward loved ones treat us. Yet Jesus stands waiting at the door. Ready to enter in if we will but whisper His name.
In Ephesians, Paul prays that we might know the love of Christ, though it is "beyond knowledge." To know the unknowable is only possible by the work of the Holy Spirit. As He enables us to understand and increase our intimate relationship with God, we are filled, more and more, with a continual filling of His love. The more we love Him the more He loves us.
We cannot out love God.
Perhaps you have a loved one in your life who is intent on a destructive path. Remember, our prayers can be the lights in the darkness that bring them home. Never give up.
Perhaps you're experiencing the terrible side of God's love in your life right now. It may not feel much like love. But I urge you to see it for what it is - a greater love than we can comprehend. A love that seeks only your best. I encourage you to humble yourself before Him, to repent. Immediately the terrible will become tender and you will see Him as He truly is.
It is my prayer that you may be able to comprehend what is the width and length and depth and height and to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
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 6, 2017
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 06:52
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 06:52
This week I'm joining Lisa and Kristy for the #shadesofwinter challenge. Which really is a challenge since I'm in south Texas and it is definitely not #snowbeautiful (our first prompt) here!
So I'm sharing snowy scenes from our trip to Colorado last November.
It really was #snowbeautiful !
Have you taken a trip lately? Where did you go? Was it beautiful?
Blessings,
PS If you'd like to join us, you can find out more about the challenge here on Lisa's blog.
Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens,
Life thru the Lens, Our World Tuesday,
Community Global, Photo Friday,
Little Things Thursday
This week I'm joining Lisa and Kristy for the #shadesofwinter challenge. Which really is a challenge since I'm in south Texas and it is definitely not #snowbeautiful (our first prompt) here!
So I'm sharing snowy scenes from our trip to Colorado last November.
It really was #snowbeautiful !
Have you taken a trip lately? Where did you go? Was it beautiful?
Blessings,
PS If you'd like to join us, you can find out more about the challenge here on Lisa's blog.
Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens,
Life thru the Lens, Our World Tuesday,
Community Global, Photo Friday,
Little Things Thursday
February 3, 2017
Inspired by . . . a memory of obedience
Inspired by . . . a memory of obedience
Saturday marks the two-year anniversary of my dad's passing from this life fully into the next. I still can't think about that time without experiencing a raw, sort of tearing in my heart. But last September, on a quiet hillside in New England, a bit of healing was begun as we honored my dad by remembering his life.
Now when I think about my dad, I like to remember the days when he was strong, healthy and full of life. Much like he was in December 2005.
That time holds a special memory for me. One that has a lot to do with where my dad is today.
On a chilly Arizona night in a sparkling blue pool, my dad and I stood shivering after having acted out the symbolism behind the truth of Romans 6:1-18.
Neither of us was newly saved. But we were newly convicted.
Our church had recently hired a new pastor and one of the first things he did was to determine whether or not the believers in the church had been baptized - as adults.
Let me be clear, baptism does not save you. It is only by the shed blood of Jesus that you are saved. But scripture makes it pretty clear that publically professing Jesus as your Savior and being baptized is part of our obedient response when we believe in Him.
While it may have been my pastor who made me aware of my lack in this area, it wasn't my pastor who convicted me and made me want to do something about it. The Holy Spirit through the scriptures did the work of conviction.
I can't speak for my dad but since I know he didn't like drawing attention to himself or swimming in December any more than I did, I have to assume that he was under the same conviction.
So what's my point? In part, I'm just sharing a special memory of me and my dad. More importantly, if you are a believer who has never publically professed your belief in Jesus and been baptized as an adult I encourage you to examine the scripture and to pray about taking this step of obedience in your own life.
For me, the experience remains a treasured memory of the past and a bright hope for the future.
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
Saturday marks the two-year anniversary of my dad's passing from this life fully into the next. I still can't think about that time without experiencing a raw, sort of tearing in my heart. But last September, on a quiet hillside in New England, a bit of healing was begun as we honored my dad by remembering his life.
Now when I think about my dad, I like to remember the days when he was strong, healthy and full of life. Much like he was in December 2005.
That time holds a special memory for me. One that has a lot to do with where my dad is today.
On a chilly Arizona night in a sparkling blue pool, my dad and I stood shivering after having acted out the symbolism behind the truth of Romans 6:1-18.
Neither of us was newly saved. But we were newly convicted.
Our church had recently hired a new pastor and one of the first things he did was to determine whether or not the believers in the church had been baptized - as adults.
Let me be clear, baptism does not save you. It is only by the shed blood of Jesus that you are saved. But scripture makes it pretty clear that publically professing Jesus as your Savior and being baptized is part of our obedient response when we believe in Him.
While it may have been my pastor who made me aware of my lack in this area, it wasn't my pastor who convicted me and made me want to do something about it. The Holy Spirit through the scriptures did the work of conviction.
I can't speak for my dad but since I know he didn't like drawing attention to himself or swimming in December any more than I did, I have to assume that he was under the same conviction.
So what's my point? In part, I'm just sharing a special memory of me and my dad. More importantly, if you are a believer who has never publically professed your belief in Jesus and been baptized as an adult I encourage you to examine the scripture and to pray about taking this step of obedience in your own life.
For me, the experience remains a treasured memory of the past and a bright hope for the future.
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
January 30, 2017
Inspired by . . . January: a look back
Inspired by . . . January: a look back
Then came old January, wrapped wellIn many weeds to keep the cold awayYet, did he quake and quiver like to quellAnd blewe his nayles to warm them if he may;For they were numbed with holding all the day,An hatchet keene, with which he felled the woodAnd from the trees did lop the needlesse spary.Fuerie Queen & Spenser(As recorded by Edith Holden in The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady)
* * *
This year, I'm continuing my month-end practice of looking back at the previous month in pictures - often with a few words mixed in.
January itself is a month when we tend to look back at the year before and plan for the year ahead. I did some of that here.
January is, for me, a rather bleak month. And you can hear a yearning for spring in most of my posts this month.
Even most of the photos seem to lack their usual color.
January was a bit different for me this year in that I didn't feel the normal let down after the Christmas holiday. The wonder hasn't faded. I think the reason for that is, in part, because I haven't stopped seeking Him. His birth has given way to the manifestation of His presence and I'm intentionally seeking Him daily. [click to tweet]
One of the ways I seek Him is through prayer. Far from being an easy discipline, I know I'm not alone in my struggles to learn how to "pray without ceasing."
One of the tools I'm using is Timothy Keller's book on Prayer. In just the introduction he tells us,
He then goes on to help us in Understanding Prayer and Doing Prayer. I'm only on chapter four and already I feel like his words have had an impact on my prayer life.
Our words matter. Both the words we offer to God and the words we speak to each other. I've been struck anew this month by just how much words impact our lives. Carefully choosing the sources of the words we listen to and the frequency with which we tune into those sources doesn't mean ignoring the world around us. However, our first and last source for Truth should always be God's word. [click to tweet]
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, Life thru the Lens
Then came old January, wrapped wellIn many weeds to keep the cold awayYet, did he quake and quiver like to quellAnd blewe his nayles to warm them if he may;For they were numbed with holding all the day,An hatchet keene, with which he felled the woodAnd from the trees did lop the needlesse spary.Fuerie Queen & Spenser(As recorded by Edith Holden in The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady)
* * *
This year, I'm continuing my month-end practice of looking back at the previous month in pictures - often with a few words mixed in.
January itself is a month when we tend to look back at the year before and plan for the year ahead. I did some of that here.
January is, for me, a rather bleak month. And you can hear a yearning for spring in most of my posts this month.
Even most of the photos seem to lack their usual color.
January was a bit different for me this year in that I didn't feel the normal let down after the Christmas holiday. The wonder hasn't faded. I think the reason for that is, in part, because I haven't stopped seeking Him. His birth has given way to the manifestation of His presence and I'm intentionally seeking Him daily. [click to tweet]
One of the ways I seek Him is through prayer. Far from being an easy discipline, I know I'm not alone in my struggles to learn how to "pray without ceasing."
One of the tools I'm using is Timothy Keller's book on Prayer. In just the introduction he tells us,
"We must know the awe of praising His glory, the intimacy of finding His grace, and the struggle of asking His help, all of which can lead us to know the spiritual reality of His presence."To which my soul responds, "Yes, exactly!"
He then goes on to help us in Understanding Prayer and Doing Prayer. I'm only on chapter four and already I feel like his words have had an impact on my prayer life.
Our words matter. Both the words we offer to God and the words we speak to each other. I've been struck anew this month by just how much words impact our lives. Carefully choosing the sources of the words we listen to and the frequency with which we tune into those sources doesn't mean ignoring the world around us. However, our first and last source for Truth should always be God's word. [click to tweet]
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,
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, Life thru the Lens
January 27, 2017
Inspired by . . . Five Minute Friday: Control
Inspired by . . . Five Minute Friday: Control
You may or may not be familiar with Five Minute Friday. It's a group of writers who meet weekly and write a five-minute post based on a word prompt provided by Kate Montaung the night before. It's a wonderful community - - I can say that because I read many of the bloggers who participate. This is my first time.
I'm not much of a "prompt" type of writer. But the words that came to me this morning seemed to fit this week's word, so I thought I'd join in the fun of this community. You're welcome to join, anytime.
Control . . .
Scripture tells us that we are "not of this world" and that we are "strangers and aliens." The deeper my relationship with Christ becomes the more loosely I feel tethered to the things of this earth.
That doesn't mean that I don't love deeply and dream big. But when people fail us and plans change we can't let it destroy us. [click to tweet]
We cannot let outside sources dictate our actions and cause us to fear.
God is in control. He is our constant when all else is failing and falling apart. He never changes.
When we put God back in His rightful place of having control over our lives we are free to love and dream in ways we could never have imagined before.
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Five Minute Friday, 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
You may or may not be familiar with Five Minute Friday. It's a group of writers who meet weekly and write a five-minute post based on a word prompt provided by Kate Montaung the night before. It's a wonderful community - - I can say that because I read many of the bloggers who participate. This is my first time.
I'm not much of a "prompt" type of writer. But the words that came to me this morning seemed to fit this week's word, so I thought I'd join in the fun of this community. You're welcome to join, anytime.
Control . . .
Scripture tells us that we are "not of this world" and that we are "strangers and aliens." The deeper my relationship with Christ becomes the more loosely I feel tethered to the things of this earth.
That doesn't mean that I don't love deeply and dream big. But when people fail us and plans change we can't let it destroy us. [click to tweet]
We cannot let outside sources dictate our actions and cause us to fear.
God is in control. He is our constant when all else is failing and falling apart. He never changes.
When we put God back in His rightful place of having control over our lives we are free to love and dream in ways we could never have imagined before.
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (Joh 8:36)
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Five Minute Friday, 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
January 23, 2017
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 04:52
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 04:52
January desperately needs flowers. [click to tweet]
So writes one of my IG friends and I wholeheartedly agree.
So this week I'm sharing with you some my favorite blooms from 2016.
“I must have flowers, always, and always.”
― Claude Monet
“People from a planet without flowers would think we must be mad with joy
the whole time to have such things about us.” ― Iris Murdoch
The winter is over; the rains have stopped; in the countryside the flowers are in bloom. This is the time for singing; the song of doves is heard in the fields.
(Son 2:11-12)
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
January desperately needs flowers. [click to tweet]
So writes one of my IG friends and I wholeheartedly agree.
So this week I'm sharing with you some my favorite blooms from 2016.
“I must have flowers, always, and always.”
― Claude Monet
“People from a planet without flowers would think we must be mad with joy
the whole time to have such things about us.” ― Iris Murdoch
The winter is over; the rains have stopped; in the countryside the flowers are in bloom. This is the time for singing; the song of doves is heard in the fields.
(Son 2:11-12)
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
January 20, 2017
Inspired by . . . the light of Spring
Inspired by . . . the light of Spring
All the leaves are brown and the sky is gray. I can't get that song out of my mind and I bet now you can't either.
I'm out for another walk on a winter day. Now that the cold snap is over it doesn't feel much like winter, though. This girl-of-summer is okay with that, especially when it means the lack of finger-crippling cold equals more time spent building our home.
Today, I've ventured out to document the progress. I could share those pictures here but you would just look at them and say, "Uh? A house. Really?"
I feel that way at this stage too, so I'm trusting in those with a higher knowledge than myself.
I'm also out looking for beauty. Winter's beauty is easy when the earth is dressed in white. When snowflakes excite the imagination and ice transforms the lines of a stick into extravagant art. You have to look deeper when everything is brown and gray.
There is beauty in death. A terrible beauty. And we all must face it.
But I long for the beauty of the living. The peach blossoms (soon) and the butterflies.
Maybe this is why I could never worship or pray to a dead god.
I know that my Redeemer lives. I know it like I know how to breathe.
We may learn our greatest lessons in the darkness of the winter, but my soul continually longs for the light of spring.
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Small Wonders, 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
All the leaves are brown and the sky is gray. I can't get that song out of my mind and I bet now you can't either.
I'm out for another walk on a winter day. Now that the cold snap is over it doesn't feel much like winter, though. This girl-of-summer is okay with that, especially when it means the lack of finger-crippling cold equals more time spent building our home.
Today, I've ventured out to document the progress. I could share those pictures here but you would just look at them and say, "Uh? A house. Really?"
I feel that way at this stage too, so I'm trusting in those with a higher knowledge than myself.
I'm also out looking for beauty. Winter's beauty is easy when the earth is dressed in white. When snowflakes excite the imagination and ice transforms the lines of a stick into extravagant art. You have to look deeper when everything is brown and gray.
There is beauty in death. A terrible beauty. And we all must face it.
But I long for the beauty of the living. The peach blossoms (soon) and the butterflies.
Maybe this is why I could never worship or pray to a dead god.
I know that my Redeemer lives. I know it like I know how to breathe.
For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will stand upon the earth. (Job 19:25)
We may learn our greatest lessons in the darkness of the winter, but my soul continually longs for the light of spring.
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Small Wonders, 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
January 16, 2017
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 03:52
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 03:52
We took a trip to Colorado last November and although I have shared some images on IG and featured a few black and white pictures in LTML 51:52 I'm sharing my favorite captures with you today.
We missed the aspens this year, nevertheless, Colorado's stark & lofty landscapes still took my breath away.
The majesty of the mountains hold you captive. The still, reflective waters seep into your soul.
Looking down from the ascended heights can leave you dizzy and disoriented. This is a view of Silverton coming around the last curve of the mountain. (my hands may have been shaking just a little!)
Thankfully, the ones who have mastered those heights and beyond have a way of connecting you back to the earth.
My best guess on this bird ID is a Swainson's Hawk. Feel free to correct me. This was taken just outside of Gunnison, CO.
Continuing on from Silverton, we drank deeply of the waters as we weaved in and out of the Blue Mesa Reservoir.
No ID help needed here. Words fail me when searching for the right way to describe the feeling inside when I spotted these two bald eagles and their juvenile from the road.
Wonder.
Awe.
Reverence.
These words merely scratch the surface.
Sometimes the very thing you're longing for is hiding in plain sight.
What are you looking for or what have you found this week that has filled you with WONDER and JOY?
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
We took a trip to Colorado last November and although I have shared some images on IG and featured a few black and white pictures in LTML 51:52 I'm sharing my favorite captures with you today.
We missed the aspens this year, nevertheless, Colorado's stark & lofty landscapes still took my breath away.
The majesty of the mountains hold you captive. The still, reflective waters seep into your soul.
Looking down from the ascended heights can leave you dizzy and disoriented. This is a view of Silverton coming around the last curve of the mountain. (my hands may have been shaking just a little!)
Thankfully, the ones who have mastered those heights and beyond have a way of connecting you back to the earth.
My best guess on this bird ID is a Swainson's Hawk. Feel free to correct me. This was taken just outside of Gunnison, CO.
Continuing on from Silverton, we drank deeply of the waters as we weaved in and out of the Blue Mesa Reservoir.
No ID help needed here. Words fail me when searching for the right way to describe the feeling inside when I spotted these two bald eagles and their juvenile from the road.
Wonder.
Awe.
Reverence.
These words merely scratch the surface.
Sometimes the very thing you're longing for is hiding in plain sight.
What are you looking for or what have you found this week that has filled you with WONDER and JOY?
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
January 13, 2017
Inspired by . . . bounty
Inspired by . . . bounty
For many, January is a lonely month. A bleak and desperate time. Suicide rates are at their highest and other statistics prove out the struggle that many have as we face the very heart of winter.
But there is HOPE. There is always HOPE. And we find that hope by looking to Him and considering all that He has given us:
A family to train us,
laws that defend us,
homes that shelter us,
food that nourishes us,
clothes that comfort us,
the longevity of health, senses, understanding, memory, affection, and free will.
He has made summer and winter, day and night; all of which revolves to serve our welfare.
Yet all of this proof of His loving-kindness, all this bounty, is not enough. Each will pass away. The sun and moon, all will pass away.
None of these things will save us.
In His infinite goodness, God has eclipsed all these things by the wisdom and grace bestowed upon us by the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.
May we freely claim the redemption that has been set before us. May we have faith to grasp the promises that are our HOPE; promises that provide for our every need and protect us from every evil.
May we believe in this HOPE and may we live as we believe.
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Small Wonders, 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
For many, January is a lonely month. A bleak and desperate time. Suicide rates are at their highest and other statistics prove out the struggle that many have as we face the very heart of winter.
But there is HOPE. There is always HOPE. And we find that hope by looking to Him and considering all that He has given us:
A family to train us,
laws that defend us,
homes that shelter us,
food that nourishes us,
clothes that comfort us,
the longevity of health, senses, understanding, memory, affection, and free will.
He has made summer and winter, day and night; all of which revolves to serve our welfare.
Yet all of this proof of His loving-kindness, all this bounty, is not enough. Each will pass away. The sun and moon, all will pass away.
None of these things will save us.
In His infinite goodness, God has eclipsed all these things by the wisdom and grace bestowed upon us by the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.
May we freely claim the redemption that has been set before us. May we have faith to grasp the promises that are our HOPE; promises that provide for our every need and protect us from every evil.
May we believe in this HOPE and may we live as we believe.
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Small Wonders, 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
