June Caedmon's Blog, page 60
February 27, 2015
Inspired by . . . a month in photos: February
Inspired by . . . a month in photos: February
I’m joining with Mona once again for a look back at the month, in photos.
February continued on where January left off. My dad once again has a new home. This time an eternal one. I can think of few events that would have such a profound effect on my world as his passing. Except for a few years in my early twenties, my dad and I have lived together all of my life. His absence is profound, and it will take a long time to settle into this new normal.
My dad’s life-work was genealogy. As an on-going tribute to him I’ve created a blog www.arandompost.com For those of you who are interested in personal stories, or anything with historical significance, you may eventually find something of interest there. Postings will be very random, and my dad’s last name was Post, so it’s a bit of a play on words. {smile}
In the meantime, here’s a look back at February 2015:
Quote of the month:
Grief never ends . . .
but it changes. It's a passage, not a place to stay.
Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith . . .
it is the price of LOVE.
~ Author Unknown
Favorite photo of the month:
Sprinklings of God’s mercy and grace:
1. Gifts of love and new life from a dear friend
2. A gentle and compassionate man that helped us with end of life decisions
3. God’s strength to get through each day
4. Prayers and support of family and friends
5. Cards and letters filled with memories of Dad
When you look back at your February,
what do you see?
Blessings,
June
Sharing inspiration here:
#oneword365
February 26, 2015
Inspired by . . . always near the cross: sacrifice
Inspired by . . . always near the cross: sacrifice
Continuing the series.
Sacrifice
Obedience
Submission
Faith
Trust
It is not feeling the Spirit
that proves my saved state but the
truth of what Christ did perfectly for me;
~Valley of Vision
Does sacrifice come easy for you? Or is it something you do only when it’s convenient? If the latter is true, then it is really not sacrifice at all.
We all have different things that we’re selfish about. Mine is time. I have so little “me” time, that I tend to hold it tightly when it comes. There are very few people who I will sacrifice my time for, and even then I do not always do so willingly - -read: “I’m doing this but I’m grumpy about it.”
Whenever we make a true sacrifice, whether it’s our time, money, material things, resources, the object doesn’t matter, the act of giving out of our need identifies us with Christ and brings us near the cross.
There is a balance here. We should be watchful of our motives. In most cases, our sacrifice should be known to only us and God.
There is no carpet of moss or bed of roses at the foot of the cross. The ground here is hard and rocky, littered with stones that pierce the flesh.
But our discomfort is minor to Him Who made the ultimate sacrifice.
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment,
worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 2 Cor 4:17
Blessings,
June
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February 19, 2015
Inspired by . . . always near the cross: humility
Inspired by . . . always near the cross: humility
This is a series I began back in January. You can find the first two posts here.
The thought comes from a line from a Puritan Prayer included in The Valley of Vision prayer collection.
. . . so that I may live always near the cross.
This post is a continuation of my ponderings.
Humility
Sacrifice
Obedience
Submission
Faith
Trust
There is humility at the cross. Oh, you can come to it with sneers and jesting, accusations and challenges. But only those who are humble can dwell there.
Our worlds can be so small. Even with technology that allows us to see other galaxies, our minds don’t often move past our home and family. The influence we have over our “world” can seem so large, yet every life, no matter how influential, is a but a vapor in the eyes of God.
Yet, He condescends to love us with such a great and sacrificial love. He abides in us and we abide with Him, the Creator of the universe!
Do you feel worthy of this great privilege?
If you do, the very pride that causes you to feel such will bar your heart from entrance. If you do not, be careful that you do not reject His love with the pride of false humility.
Instead, let us respond with wonder, gratitude and thanksgiving for Christ’s great sacrifice.
Dwell near the cross in humility, always in remembrance of what He has done for us.
Blessings,
June
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February 16, 2015
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 7:52
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 7:52
The call of the Eastern Phoebe outside my bedroom window this past week has alerted me to the change in seasons. It may seem early to most of you, but although the Phoebes have been here all winter, the back and forth calling has only recently begun again. My alarm clock is back. You can read about that here, if you want. They are such an adorable bird. I love watching their in-flight aerobatics!
The absence of green, red, and gold, silver, blue and white dripping from nearly every surface is another sign of the season change. Time to decorate with pastels and think about the awesome and the profound. The true meaning of Spring: rebirth!
The birds are happy about the warmer weather and, I like to think, happy about me being outside to play hide and seek with them again. As I walk along, they flit, over and beside me, from limb to stalk to leaf. They know the true meaning of self-less abandon and my spirit soars along with them.
Then I see what all the excitement is really about . . . the pear tree is just beginning to bloom!
Breathe deeply, my friend. Can you smell it? No fragrance made by man can compare!
I walk around the tree as if in a trance, intoxicated by the scent. Do the birds smell it too? Is it the smell that draws the birds and the bees to the beauty of the bud?
There is new life here – bursting forth. Can you feel it?
The birds look down at me from the upper branches, wondering why I linger.
What did she come for? What does she seek?
The answer tumbles forth on the slant of the morning sun.
Blessings,
June
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February 14, 2015
Inspired by . . . God’s Love Letter to Women
Inspired by . . . God’s Love Letter to Women
I hadn’t intended to do another post for St Valentine’s Day, but then I remembered this letter, and wanted to share it with all of you, my sweet friends.
Dear Woman,
When I created the heavens and the earth, I spoke them into being.
When I created man, I formed him and breathed life into his nostrils. But you woman, I fashioned after I breathed the breath of life into man because your nostrils are too delicate. I allowed a deep sleep to come over him so I could patiently and perfectly fashion you.
Man was put to sleep so that he could not interfere with the creativity. From one bone I fashioned you. I chose the bone that protects his heart and his lungs and supports him, as you are meant to do. Around this one bone I shaped you. I modeled you. I created you perfectly and beautifully.
Your characteristics are as the rib, strong yet delicate and fragile. You provide protection for the most delicate organ in man, his heart. His heart is the center of his being; his lungs hold the breath of life. The rib cage will allow itself to be broken before it will allow damage to the heart.
Support the man as the rib cage supports the body. You were not taken from his feet, to be under him, nor were you taken from his head, to be above him. You were taken from his side, to stand beside him and be held close to his side.
You are my perfect angel. You are my beautiful little girl. You have grown to be a splendid woman of excellence, and my eyes fill when I see the virtues in your heart. Your eyes - don't change them. Your lips - how lovely when they part in prayer. Your nose, so perfect in form, your hands so gentle in touch. I've caressed your face in your deepest sleep; I've held your heart close to mine.
Of all that lives and breathes, you are the most like me. Adam walked with me in the cool of the day and yet he was lonely. He could not see me or touch me. He could only feel me.
So everything I wanted Adam to share and experience with me, I fashioned in you: my holiness, my strength, my purity, my love, my protection and support. You are special because you are the extension of me.
Man represents my image, woman my emotions. Together you represent the totality of God. So man - treat woman well. Love her, respect her, for she is fragile. In hurting her, you hurt me. What you do to her, you do to me. In crushing her, you only damage your own heart, the heart of your Father, and the heart of her Father.
Woman, support man. In humility, show him the power of emotion I have given you. In gentle quietness show your strength. In love, show him that you are the rib that protects his inner self.
Love,
God
As much as I wish it otherwise, I did NOT write this letter, however I’ve long since lost the name of the author.
If you know who wrote this, please share in the comments.
In is my prayer that you’ll take these words to heart, and may we all learn
to show our strength, in gentle quietness.
Blessings,
June
Sharing inspiration here:
February 11, 2015
Inspired by . . . natural love
Inspired by . . . natural love
Being that St. Valentine’s Day is celebrated this Saturday, I have a love story to to tell you. It’s a bit unconventional, but I think you will enjoy it.
One day, last July, while I was sitting on my front porch, I noticed a pair of cardinals building a nest in a nearby cedar tree. I had already enjoyed watching the scissor-tail flycatcher family grow and fledge, and looked forward to meeting the cardinal family littles.
Within a day or two the nest was complete and momma cardinal was soon sitting on the nest full-time, which alerted me that eggs had been laid. Then, my husband and I went out of town for a few days and when we returned I was disappointed to see that the nest had been abandoned. I wondered why, but really didn’t give it much thought.
Time rocked along until one late afternoon when my husband set up the sprinkler to water the lawn. I’m always on high alert when we’re watering, because the water attracts the birds and animals. Today was no exception. The sprinkler was hitting one of the trees in our front yard and a pair of cardinals had come to bathe.
I took about a million shots! But it wasn’t until I downloaded the images onto my computer that I realized, to my horror, that the female cardinal had a terrible wound on the back of her head. I marveled that she was even alive. Birds are not hardy creatures and I was saddened to think that she would likely soon die.
I began thinking a lot about the wounded cardinal and her mate. I greatly hoped to see her again, to know that she survived. I watched for the pair, and listened for their call {one of the few bird calls I know} whenever I was outside.
A couple of weeks later I spotted the pair at my bird feeders. The female seemed to be healing, but what really surprised me was the male! I hadn’t noticed earlier when I photographed them bathing, but he looked like he’d been in a battle too!
I began to wonder if it was this cardinal pair that had built that abandoned nest in the cedar tree in early July. Perhaps the nest had been attacked and the female had been hurt defending her eggs. Male cardinals are very attentive to their mates and their young. It is not uncommon to see males feeding their mates, and caring for their newborn chicks. Many experts even believe that cardinals mate for life.
I could only imagine how this male cardinal fought to defend his mate and unborn chicks!
Instinct? Sure, you can argue that, but it’s been my experience that most non-dominant animals flee from attack, they don’t engage their attacker. Song birds are some of the most innocent, and docile creatures on our planet. It may be a purely romantic notion, but I believe these two are a love-match!
Love…
is a fruit in season
at all times,
and within reach of
every hand.
~Mother Teresa
Happy St. Valentine’s Day!
Blessings,
June
Sharing inspiration here:
February 7, 2015
Inspired by . . . drowning: a poem
Inspired by . . . drowning: a poem
Feet firmly fixed
shoulders back
face turned upward
I stand
Beneath an ocean
pouring out
one
drop
at a
time
It breaks
over my head
stealing my breath
one
drop
at a
time
I stand
feet firmly fixed
on the Rock
*****
Blessings,
June
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February 5, 2015
Inspired by . . . a friend to man
Inspired by . . . a friend to man
A HOUSE BY THE SIDE OF THE ROAD
SAM WALTER ROSS
There are hermit souls that live withdrawn
In the place of their self-content;
There are souls like stars, that dwell apart,
In a fellowless firmament;
There are pioneer souls that blaze their paths
Where highways never ran-
But let me live by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
Let me live in a house by the side of the road,
Where the race of men go by-
The men who are good and the men who are bad,
As good and as bad as I.
I would not sit in the scorner's seat,
Or hurl the cynic's ban-
Let me live in a house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
I see from my house by the side of the road,
By the side of the highway of life,
The men who press with the ardor of hope,
The men who are faint with the strife.
But I turn not away from their smiles nor their tears,
Both parts of an infinite plan-
Let me live in a house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
I know there are brook-gladdened meadows ahead
And mountains of wearisome height;
That the road passes on through the long afternoon
And stretches away to the night.
But still I rejoice when the travelers rejoice.
And weep with the strangers that moan,
Nor live in my house by the side of the road
Like a man who dwells alone.
Let me live in my house by the side of the road-
It's here the race of men go by.
They are good, they are bad, they are weak, they are strong,
Wise, foolish- so am I;
Then why should I sit in the scorner's seat,
Or hurl the cynic's ban?
Let me live in my house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
***
This was one of my dad’s favorite poems.
And it’s how I remember him . . .
As a friend to man.
***
In Loving Memory
Leslie Lowell Post
February 25, 1930 ~ February 4, 2015
I love you, Dad.
February 2, 2015
Inspired by . . . Life thru my lens 4:52
Inspired by . . . life thru my lens 4:52 5:52
I didn’t even have to open Laura’s book. Just seeing it laying there was all the encouragement I needed. Camera in hand, I headed outside.
We’ve had cold temperatures, rain, and in some places snow, here in south Texas. My spirit has been rubbing up against these four walls. Aching for a sunbeam to guide my way into His greater space.
So today I go. Despite the heaviness in my chest, caused by the very nature I seek.
Walk with me?
kk_scrapit
kk_organic
I’m drawn to the light. The way it dances around the edges of things. The way it changes what I see, and how I see it. Color, texture. Dark, light.
kk_rainyday
I’m drawn to the trees and their silent energy. When was the last time you just stopped, and touched a tree? Leaned against it . . . and listened?
Crazy? Maybe. But scripture tells us that “the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain” (Romans 8:22) If creation can groan, perhaps it can utter other sounds as well.
Do trees have a voice? You won’t know unless you listen.
“There is always music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it.”
― Minnie Aumonier
The heaviness in my chest forced me back inside all too soon. Icky cedar fever.
Thank you for walking with me, friend.
Blessings,
June
Sharing inspiration here:
January 30, 2015
Inspired by . . . a month in photos: January
Inspired by . . . a month in photos: January
This January lived up to its reputation as the month for new, and so far, my #oneword365 is coming on strong.
A little too strong.
I’m not happy about my new schedule, or my dad’s new home, but I am trusting God’s purpose in all of this new-ness.
As January comes to a close, I’m joining in Mona’s new “a month in photos” linky. (Mona’s even offering a free template if you want to participate!)
While it’s normal for us to look back at the end of each year, I’m looking forward to taking a look back each month of this new year.
Here’s a look back at January 2015. . . .
Quote of the month:
The experiences in our lives, when we let God use them,
become the mysterious and perfect preparation for the work He will give us to do. ~Corrie ten Boom
I admit, I cheated a bit using this picture of my dad. It wasn’t taken this month. It was taken sometime last year, late summer, I think. It’s a favorite of mine. And it represents a goal; an expression and a place of health that I’m praying we can get back to soon.
Favorite photo of the month:
Sprinklings of God’s mercy and grace:
1. The gentle hands of nurses and aids that truly care for the people in their care.
2. God’s strength to get through each day.
3. Healing rest.
4. Prayers and support from family and friends.
When you look back at your January
what do you see?
Blessings,
June
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