June Caedmon's Blog, page 47
January 1, 2016
Inspired by . . . go forward
We serve no God Whose work is done,Who rests within His firmament;Our God, His labors but begun,Toils evermore, with power unspent.
God was and is and e'er shall be;Christ lived and loved - and loves us still;And man goes forward, proud and free,God's present purpose to fulfill.~Thomas Curtis Clarke
***
Lord, may we walk from darkness into light,from weakness into strength, andfrom folly into wisdom.Always forward, according to Your will,that Thy way may be known upon the earth.
Blessings,
December 29, 2015
Inspired by . . . new and a year in review
Star Wars isn't the only story ever written that doesn't start at the beginning. I've read others, only to discover that there was a new Prequel that had just be released. Prequels often add a backstory and fill in the gaps, fleshing out characters that may not have had as prominent a role in the main story.
When God gave me the word new as my one word for 2015, I had no idea what the year would bring. Now that we're quickly approaching 2016, the word new still resonates strongly. Looking back, I feel like 2015 was the end, rather than the beginning . . . as if 2016 might be the prequel to something . . . new.
That may have something to do with how the year began. With loss.
Early in 2015 a new void was created in my life when my dad unexpectedly passed away. The loss set the tone for much of the year, and the grief still lingers.
Although there was much JOY and blessing this year, I feel as if only part of me was engaged after that fateful day in February. I don't mean to sound melodramatic, and perhaps those of you who have suffered a similar loss can relate. There is a part of me that hasn't moved on. A part of me that is not embracing the fullness of life.
This feeling will pass, I'm sure. But perhaps I have to go back, in a sense, before I can move forward again.
Time will tell.
There were other new experiences for me in 2015, some of which I have plans to share in various ways. But for now, I'll leave you with a visual recap:
2015 in photos. (And it was really hard to choose!)
So, here's to a a new start, andanother year of . . .new.
Are you choosing a one word for 2016?
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Sweet Shot Tuesday, Through My Lens, Little Things Thursdays,
Bird D’pot, Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens, Wild Bird Wednesday,
Our World Tuesday, Community Global
December 24, 2015
Inspired by . . . Noel
Wishing you and yoursa blessedChristmasandall JOY in 2016
Shalom,
December 21, 2015
Inspired by . . . good news of great JOY
And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luk 2:10-11
For all people.
God doesn't care about your race, financial status, or even your creed.
His gift of salvation is free to ALL people. Why?
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Joh 3:16
Because He loves you.His gift came wrapped in swaddling clothes.Have you opened it for yourself?
Blessings,
Before:
Sharing inspiration here:
Playdates with God, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth, Weekend Whispers,
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, Still Saturday
Nature Notes, Sweet Shot Tuesday, Through My Lens, Little Things Thursdays,
Bird D’pot, Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens, Wild Bird Wednesday,
Our World Tuesday, Community Global
December 18, 2015
Inspired by . . . gifts for a newborn King
I was shocked to read a recent Washington Post article wherein the writer of the article called the little drummer boy a "jerk" and claimed the song was the worst Christmas song of all. Oops, actually, she said "holiday song." The term is telling, is it not?
I'm not ashamed to admit that the Little Drummer Boy is my favorite CHRISTMAS song, and it truly is a song about CHRISTmas.
If you're like the writer of the article, questioning the audacity of the little boy to who came to a baby shower without a gift and then played a drum, of all things, think about this:
What do you have that's fit to give a King? What do we have that is worth of laying at the feet of the Savoir of the world?
Nothing.
He asks only that we come.
pa rum pum pum pum
Humbly.
pa rum pum pum pum
To honor Him.
pa rum pum pum pum
And what does He want, really?
Not the loud, showy harshness of a rat-a-tat tat, but the soft gentle
pa rum pum pum pum
of your heart.
The writer of the article had it wrong; giving of yourself, to God, and to people is not a "get-out-of-jail-free card" for not having an expensive gift to bring.
Giving of yourself, authentically, is the only gift that matters. It's the power of Christ's love in this world. It's the one thing we need the most right now. And it's the only gift that will make a difference.
So come humbly. Come reverently. Honor Him. Give your heart this Christmas.
Then, He'll smile at you,You and your heart.
pa rum pum pum pum
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Playdates with God, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth, Weekend Whispers,
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, Still Saturday
December 15, 2015
Inspired by . . . the message of JOY
And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!" When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." Luk 2:7-15
God didn’t need the World Wide Web to announce the birth of His Son. He had created the heavens and the earth, the angels and their angelic voices with which to do the job. The angels didn’t appear in the courts of grandeur of the king either, they appeared on a lonely hillside, to the simplest of men.
The miracle of His birth, the Savoir of the World, comes to us the same way today. A JOYful carol and a shining light that finds the lonely places of our average life and transforms them into purposeful living.
We share a lot of interesting, and fun things on social media. Above all, this season {and in 2016!} let’s share about the transforming power of His love. Amen?
Shalom,
BEFORE:
Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Sweet Shot Tuesday, Through My Lens, Little Things Thursdays,
Bird D’pot, Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens, Wild Bird Wednesday,
Our World Tuesday, Community Global
Playdates with God, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth, Weekend Whispers,
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, Still Saturday
Inspired by . . . the message of JOYAnd she gave birth to...
And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!" When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." Luk 2:7-15
God didn’t need the World Wide Web to announce the birth of His Son. He had created the heavens and the earth, the angels and their angelic voices with which to do the job. The angels didn’t appear in the courts of grandeur of the king either, they appeared on a lonely hillside, to the simplest of men.
The miracle of His birth, the Savoir of the World, comes to us the same way today. A JOYful carol and a shining light that finds the lonely places of our average life and transforms them into purposeful living.
We share a lot of interesting, and fun things on social media. Above all, this season {and in 2016!} let’s share about the transforming power of His love. Amen?
Shalom,
BEFORE:
Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Sweet Shot Tuesday, Through My Lens, Little Things Thursdays,
Bird D’pot, Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens, Wild Bird Wednesday,
Our World Tuesday, Community Global
Playdates with God, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth, Weekend Whispers,
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, Still Saturday
December 10, 2015
Inspired by . . . Advent: whispers of His grace
Inspired by . . . Advent: whispers of His grace
Then the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this that you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate." Gen 3:13
Eve, the mother of all living. Yet, like all of us, her pride and desire to be like God brought death {sin} into the world.
How the enemy must have gloated over his victory.
But God.
God had already made a way. Ironically, a woman would once again have a vial role to play.
God’s plan of redemption was in place before Eve ate of the fated apple. I wonder if the enemy heard a whisper of it as the sunlight filtered through the apple blossoms, and the wisp of wind made merry upon the leaves.
Did the enemy hear a whisper of it when a little girl named Mary was born, and grew in favor? I imagine him cowering, seething in the darkness as Gabriel appeared in glory and spoke the prophetic words to the blessed virgin.
Things must have looked very bleak to the people living at that time. They were over-taxed, persecuted, oppressed. The government was in turmoil, and immorality was rampant. Sounds a bit like our world today, doesn’t it?
But those who were waiting, waiting and hoping with JOY and anticipation for the promise to be fulfilled, they saw the signs and they reJOYced!
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace, with which He has blessed us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of His will, according to His purpose, which He set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Him, things in heaven and things on earth. Eph 1:3-10
And so it should be with us. Nothing that has happened, is happening, or is going to happen on this earth that will change the day of His coming.
Advent is about much more than waiting and preparing for the arrival of His birth - it is for us, first and foremost, the preparing for the arrival of Him in glory!
Are you preparing your heart to receive a baby or a King?
Lord, work in my heart, tear it asunder if You must,
make fertile the soil to prepare me for
Your coming as my Lord and my King.
In Jesus name, amen.
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Playdates with God, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth, Weekend Whispers,
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,
December 6, 2015
Inspired by . . . a flash of red
Inspired by . . . a flash of red
a flash of red
in verdant trees
a cardinal!
bright
within its leaves!
soulsurvivor
(c) 3-18-2014
Before:
I hope you’re enjoying my ‘cardinals in the snow’ series. If you’re celebrating advent, you’ll notice the scriptures are following the symbolism of the candles in the advent wreath. The first being the candle of hope and the second being the candle of preparation. I hope you’ll take a moment to prepare your heart and mind to receive Him, and at the same time to ponder the glory of His creation. In truth, I find it difficult to separate the two.
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Sweet Shot Tuesday, Through My Lens, Little Things Thursdays,
Bird D’pot, Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens, Wild Bird Wednesday,
Our World Tuesday, Community Global
December 3, 2015
Inspired by . . . Advent: His name is Jesus
Inspired by . . . Advent: His name is Jesus
And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." Mat 1:19-21
Behold the virgin birth!
Should we be surprised that God chose such a righteous man as Joseph, and such a courageous woman as Mary to raise His Son?
During this second week of Advent I encourage you to ponder the back-story of His miraculous and JOYous birth.
Come down from the pomp and splendor of the trumpeting angels. Turn from the bright, twinkling stars for just a moment, and walk the dusty streets beside a simple carpenter and a teenage girl.
Never, in their wildest dreams, could either of them have imagined what God would ask them to do.
What kind of man was Joseph? Scripture tells us he was a just man. Even before the angel appeared to him in a dream, Joseph had decided to divorce Mary quietly, rather than shame her publically. His compassionate response tells me that he had feelings for her, which means he likely felt hurt and betrayed by what he believed had taken place.
What would life had been like for a young mother shamed in this way? Mary might very well have chosen stoning over the life as a single mother and outcast, except for the Promise that she knew grew within her.
Mary trusted God to protect her. She trusted Him even though she didn’t know His plan. We know about Joseph’s dream, but there is no evidence in scripture that Mary knew. When she said yes to God, she did so assuming the worst could happen. She had to have been terrified. One moment she was the apple of her father’s eye, betrothed to a good, stable man and the next . . . at best an outcast - at worst stoned to death.
Yet, she said yes.
What gave Mary the courage, and Joseph the confidence to say yes?
I think they were able to do so because they knew. . . how great is our God! They had been raised with the scriptures. They knew them intimately. Generation after generation had been waiting for the Messiah.
Just as we await Him now.
Their fear quickly turned to JOY and praise!
The long-awaited Savior was about to be born!
We can learn much from Mary and Joseph. They were real people. Dealing with real, life-changing issues. Just like you and me.
Are we compassionate, like Joseph, in the face of disappointment and betrayal?
Are we obedient and trusting, like Mary? Even when saying yes to God may mean losing everything we hold dear?
If there is one thing I’ve learned in this life, it’s that things are often not as they appear. God works in complex and mysterious ways.
But He can be trusted.
Always.
“For nothing will be impossible with God." Luke 1:37
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Playdates with God, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth, Weekend Whispers,
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,
