June Caedmon's Blog, page 70
August 16, 2014
Inspired by . . . Amy
Inspired by . . . Amy
Love of my heart, my stream runs dry;
O Fountain of the heavenly hills,
Love, blessed Love, to Thee I cry,
Flood all my secret hidden rills.
Waters of love, O pour through me,
I must have Love: I must have Thee.
Juvenile Northern Mockingbird textured with kk_printed
Lord, give me love, then I have all,
For love casts out tormenting fear.
And love sounds forth a trumpet call
To valiant hope; and sweet and clear
The birds of joy sing in my tree,
Love of my heart, when I have Thee.
Amy Carmichael
Edges of His Ways
Shalom,
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August 12, 2014
Inspired by . . . shore birds
Inspired by . . . shore birds
No doubt many of you will consider me odd when I tell you that during our four-day adventure to Galveston, TX last month we spent, all totaled, about five minutes on the beach.
Who has time for sunbathing when there are ships to be explored, wetlands to be navigated and shrimp to be consumed?
Of course, my five minutes on the beach was spent photographing seashells and seaweed, lol! I do look forward to returning to Galveston and exploring her beaches someday. On this trip I was far too enamored with the ‘locals’ to mind the beach.
The welcoming committee.
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It really is neat to watch the brown pelicans flying overhead. They are truly beautiful in flight. Maybe on the next trip I can capture one. These appear to be breeding adults, due to the dark brown markings on the back of their heads.
These black-necked stilts moved much too fast for my camera. This was the best shot I was able to get. They appear so fragile on those long legs.
SOOC
Another fast, and really interesting bird is the clapper rail. Can’t you just see his personality shining through! I love the way he blends into the marsh grasses.
SOOC
Tide pools are a great place to find the locals! I wanted to get closure to get a better shot of this tricolored heron, fishing with his friend the white ibis, but I was afraid I would scare everyone away.
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Here’s another shot of the white ibis.
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I saved my favorite for last. I could watch the great egret hunt fish all day long. They are so graceful.
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Their necks are so skinny! Some of the pictures I took looked really funny. This image was my favorite of all.
SOOC
I hope you enjoyed meeting some of the locals of Galveston Island!
Have a wonder-filled day,
Note: the links in this post, and all my posts are NOT affiliate links. I don’t make any money if you click on them. They just offer you a source for more information. I mention this because I’m seeing more and more links in posts that are affiliate links. Nothing wrong with it, just want to be clear about mine.
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August 11, 2014
Inspired by . . . blogs that inspire
Inspired by . . . blogs that inspire
That’s a bad title. It should read, “people that inspire,” because it’s not the blog, it’s the people behind the blog.
It’s YOU.
Writing it. Photographing it. Cooking it. Making it. Whatever it is YOU’re doing or sharing – YOU inspire me!
Neither of us has enough time today to sit here and read about all the different blogs out there that inspire me. Sad fact is, I don’t get to read all of the great stuff you’re putting out there every week. But I do my best to make the rounds to see how y’all are doing, what you’ve been up to, etc. I always try to leave my calling {comment} card. But sometimes you overwhelm me, or I’m just overwhelmed, and the words won’t come right then. So, rather than say something inane, I move on, knowing that I’ll be back to visit you again soon.
I have been thinking about doing a post like this for awhile now. So when I learned of a new linky party called #TheLoft and saw their prompt for this week, ‘blogs that inspire’, I knew it was time to get started. I say ‘get started’ because I would love to do a post like this each week. {Similar to Beth’s Friday Randomness} But I know my life me, and committing to a weekly post right now would just be setting myself up for failure. So I’m going to set a goal of once a month, and get started right now!
Without further ado and in no particular order, here are {some of} the blogs that are inspiring me this month:
Louisiana Bell – If you haven’t met Gail and experienced the unique beauty of her photography you are really missing out on something special! Gail is my lunch buddy. I look forward to my mid-day break from the craziness to visit her blog each day. Gail’s amazing photographs give my mind a few moments of peace, rest, and wonder of God’s creation. She is my daily JOY-break!
HeARTworks – Patsy’s art, scripture references and prayerful thoughts never cease to inspire me. She is a true encourager with a heart for God and His people.
Just Following Jesus – Elizabeth’s blog speaks peace and JOY to me every time I visit. She shares thoughtful, encouraging words blended with her beautiful images. I especially enjoy her still life images. Always a pleasure visiting Elizabeth!
The Wellspring – As the name implies, Laura’s blog is a deep drink of water. Sadly, I don’t always have the time to savor it as I should. Laura’s words will open some of those dry, cracked places in your spirit. Her prose will water them and give them life again. Take the time to savor. . . .
Simply Beth – First of all, there is nothing simple about Beth. I love her honesty and transparency in her walk with Jesus. She’s in the trenches every day doing the hard work, and sharing it with us. I love her for it. And next month I’m going to be right there {in spirit} beside her shouting, and crying, and cheering when her best friend finally comes home.
Okay, I need to stop sharing before you stop reading. I’m honored to share these five inspiring women with you. I hope you’ll pay them a visit, and leave your calling card. These five blogs are just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many of YOU out there who inspire me. I’ll hope you’ll come back next month on the 2nd Sunday, for more blogs that inspire.
Have a wonder-filled day,
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Inspired by . . . becoming a gecko
Inspired by . . . becoming a gecko
There is a gecko in my house.
This is a terrible thing.
Not because I’m afraid of geckos. Although, I am concerned that he could hide somewhere {like the bed} and I might squish him accidently {shudder}. That would be awful. For both of us.
I’m rather fond of geckos, and this one will most likely die in my house because he will not listen to me and GO OUTSIDE where he can live the life he was intended to live.
This evening when I got home and flipped on the light I saw him scurry into a darkened corner and I wished, for just a moment, that I could become a gecko. I don’t think I would like walking around with suction cups on my feet, but at least I would be able to talk gecko talk, and convince the little guy that if he stays where he is HE WILL DIE.
Those ‘become a gecko’ thoughts reminded me of a story that I heard many years ago.
It was a story about a guy who had stayed home from church on Christmas Eve because he just couldn’t believe in a God Who would be born a man. It just didn’t make sense to him. If God was God why would He do such a ridiculous thing as to become a man. The guy just didn’t buy it and refused to be a hypocrite by going to the Christmas Eve service with his family.
As he is sitting at home, watching out the window for his family to return from the service, he sees two little doves huddled together in the tree outside his window. The man knows that the temperatures are supposed to fall well below freezing that night and he is suddenly afraid that the birds will die in the cold. He comes up with the brilliant idea to open his garage door and shoo the birds inside for the night.
Of course you know where this story is going. The doves are terrified of him and the man has the same thought of becoming a dove that I had about the gecko. If only he could make them understand that he’s trying to save them . . . And with that thought, he suddenly gets it.
He gets why God came down to dwell among us.
So why did Jesus come?
to save His people from their sins (Matt 1:21) to shepherd God’s people, Israel (Matt 2:6) to fulfill the Law (Matt 5:17) to forgive sin (Matt 9:6) to call sinners to repentance (Matt 9:13; Luke 5:32) to reveal the Kingdom of Heaven (Matt 13:24, 31, 44-47) to preach the good news (the gospel) of God (Mark 1:38, Luke 4:43) to serve and give His life as a ransom (payment) for many (Mark 10:45) to give us abundant life (John 10:10) to bring division (Luke 12:49, 51)
You may have noticed that peace is not on the list. Do you find that odd? While it is true that Jesus IS peace, and He GIVES us peace, He did not claim to BRING peace. Quite the opposite, actually.
Confusing, isn’t it? Perhaps the gecko can help us understand.
I’m sorry I don’t have any pictures of real geckos to share with you. The little guy is just too timid for me to capture with my camera. His little mind can’t really comprehend much about this larger than life creature who is pursuing him. And what he does think about me is probably incorrect or, at best, incomplete.
"My thoughts," says the LORD, "are not like yours, and My ways are different from yours. Isaiah 55:8
I’ll keep praying that the little gecko will find his way back outside.
In the meantime, I’ll tread softly and keep an open mind.
Shalom,
Notes:
The story - If anyone knows the origin of the Christmas Eve story, please let me know. I was not able to find it.
The images – original artwork scanned and then various filters were applied in PSC. Very fun.
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August 8, 2014
Inspired by . . . His peace
Inspired by . . . His peace
For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,
and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him,
whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. Col 1:19-20
The hummingbirds are making war over the sweet nectar suspended from my porch and I’m sitting here thinking about peace.
World peace.
It’s what everyone wants . . .
Right?
I mean, if you were to ask the question, “If you could have anything, not for yourself, but for the world, what would it be?” Wouldn’t they answer: world peace? Wouldn’t you?
I haven’t checked the statistics, but I’ll bet it’s close to 9 out of 10 people.
Peace.
World peace.
It’s the answer to everything.
Right?
These wars and rumors of wars are setting the stage for the enemy’s grand finale.
Peace.
It’s his ace-in-the-hole, you know. He’s going to offer us world peace in the prettiest little package. All tied up with a bow.
And we’re going to be so weary of the fighting, the suffering, the death that we’re going to accept his offer faster than Eve snatched that apple from the tree.
And it will be the end of life as we now know it.
SOOC
The peace offered then will be just as false as the peace the world offers to us now.
The “if only” peace that breeds a cancer of ingratitude that eventually consumes the heart in which it lives, turning it to stone.
I beg you, do not accept the peace that the world offers.
Now, or then.
True peace comes only for God.
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.
Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27
Jesus has already given it to you. Enter into His peace with JOY.
Do not ever doubt it – though the lights may go out and the world may turn dark and cold.
You will keep Him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3
SOOC
We have His promise, that . . .
He who has begun a good work in you
will complete it
until the day of Jesus Christ Phil 1:6
Shalom,
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August 5, 2014
Inspired by . . . the cloud gazer
Inspired by . . . the cloud gazer
Yesterday was a gift.
After spending the previous day making birthday cakes for my grand-twins {which I’ll share more about in an upcoming post} I was blessed to have most of the day yesterday to recover. Which meant, in part, spending the day on my front porch cloud-gazing. I’m not one to be idle, so this is a pastime in which I do not often engage. The body, however, over-rules the mind at times, and bending over a table decorating flowers and sharks, well, let’s just say my back was talking louder than my to-do list!
Also can any understand the spreadings of the clouds, or the noise of His tabernacle? Job 36:29
It occurred to me at some point during the afternoon that I’ve always been a cloud-gazer. I have several distinct memories from my childhood of azure skies filled with large, billowy white clouds. I can remembering seeing a Chinese dragon over Newbury, Vermont one hot summer day after hiking to the overlook above the town with my family. I also have a clear memory of billowing clouds forming a backdrop to two jet airliners that were headed directly toward each other over Harvey’s Lake one brilliant summer day. Of course the adults on the boat with me knew that the planes were not traveling at the same altitude, but I still cringed when their paths intersected in the sky. {and this was pre-9-11}
It seems I have a tendency to look upward.
Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of Him which is perfect in knowledge? Job 37:16
It’s funny what you remember, isn’t it? As I get older, I seem to be remembering more of the past and less of the present, lol!
I find I am more apt to stay with a memory and play it through than I used to be. Some memories have become safer over time.
I’m learning a lot about myself.
For instance, God is showing me how He has used circumstances and people in my life to shape me into the, still, less-than-perfect, cracked jar of clay that I am today.
I hold more water than I used to. Or, better said, more of His spirit.
Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him:
and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen. Rev 1:7
I still have a long way to go.
Blessings,
Note: The, always inspiring, Sharon at Sharon Sharing God shared a profound and beautiful post about being sculpted earlier this month. You can read it here.
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August 2, 2014
Inspired by . . . His ways
Inspired by . . . His ways
“In me there is darkness,
But with You there is light;
I am lonely, but You do not leave me;
I am feeble in heart, but with You there is help;
I am restless, but with You there is peace.
In me there is bitterness, but with You there is patience;
I do not understand Your ways,
But You know the way for me.”
“Lord Jesus Christ,
You were poor
And in distress, a captive and forsaken as I am.
You know all man’s troubles;
You abide with me
When all men fail me;
You remember and seek me;
It is Your will that I should know You
And turn to You.
Lord, I hear Your call and follow;
Help me.”
~Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Letters and Papers from Prison
Shalom,
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August 1, 2014
Inspired by . . . Psalm 89
Inspired by . . . Psalm 89
I shall sing always of the loving deeds {mercies} of the Lord; v. 1
Your throne is founded on righteousness and justice;
love and faithfulness are in attendance on You. v. 14
Happy are the people who have learnt to acclaim You,
who walk in the light of Your countenance, Lord! v.15
To the Lord belongs our shield, to the
Holy One of Israel our King. v. 18
Yet You have spurned Your anointed one,
You have rejected him and raged against him. v. 38
SOOC
Sometimes, it is no easy thing to reconcile God’s providences with His promises, and yet we are sure they are reconcilable; for God’s works fulfill His word and never contradict it.
We misconstrue the rebukes of the Providence if we think they void the covenant.
Yet I shall not deprive him of My love,
nor swerve from My faithfulness;
I shall not violate My covenant,
nor alter what I have promised. v. 33
I shall establish his line forever and his throne as long as the heavens endure. v.29
Remember, our kingdom is not of this world.
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Remember, Lord, the taunts hurled at Your servant,
how I have borne in my heart the calumnies of the nations;
for Your enemies have taunted us, Lord,
taunted Your anointed king at every step. v. 51
The more others blaspheme God the more we should bless Him.
In blessing God, we encourage ourselves.
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God is true, and we will never distrust Him.
Blessed be the Lord for ever.
Amen and Amen. v. 52
Shalom,
Thoughts: taken and/or adapted from Matthew Henry’s commentary on Psalm 89
Images: I’ve been experimenting with abstract “painting” with my camera. These shots of the lantana in my garden are the first that have even come close to achieving what I’m looking for… the JOY is in the JOurYney – You can click here to see what inspires me!
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July 28, 2014
Inspired by . . . perspective
Inspired by . . . perspective
You’ve heard the expression “can’t see the forest through the trees”? It’s about perspective. Looking at something so closely . . .
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. . . that you miss the bigger picture.
Just the opposite can be true as well.
I think about perspective a lot.
When taking pictures, a different perspective can tell an entirely different story.
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But perspective is about a lot more than just seeing something from a different angle. It’s about understanding, too. Our perspective on something can be affected by what we know {or don’t know}, by our emotions, by our past experiences, etc.
Sometimes, we can look at a person or a situation, make a judgment – and be completely wrong. However, there are also times when two {or more} different perspectives can both be right.
Perspective is funny that way.
It’s not about our opinion, necessarily, many times it’s about how we view things – filtering them through our experiences.
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The book-made-movie, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, has an interesting perspective on perspective. While I don’t agree with the author’s theology, the overall point of the book has merit.
Another book that has merit, with whose Author’s theology I do agree, says this:
But many who are first will be last, and the last first. Mark 10:31
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you,
do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, Matt 5:44
Where do wars and fights come from among you?
Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?
You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain.
You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask.
You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss,
that you may spend it on your pleasures. James 4:1-3
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, James 1:2
A bit of a different perspective, wouldn’t you say?
Right?
Wrong?
or just different?
Whatever your answer, this perspective has eternal implications.
Blessings,
Other perspectives:
On being wrong
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July 27, 2014
Inspired by . . . our true capacity
Inspired by . . . our true capacity
Blessings,
