A HAPPY HEART

We took a weekend trip down to Hill Country to see the wildflowers. On the way back we toured Fossil Rim and got to hand feed this delightful giraffe. I sat on the passenger side window and shot him as he stretched way above the car roof on the driver's side. He was about to stick his head in the window and take some feed from my husband's hand. I got to feed him, too. We couldn't get the smiles off our faces for quite awhile.

I couldn't help but think he was looking at me, and we were both thinking,
"Now that is one of the goofiest looking creatures I have ever seen!"

A happy heart makes the face cheerful.
Proverbs 15:13

Under His Wings

I edited this picture with high contrast and came up with these wonderful colors on the bird's feathers. It reminded me somewhat of Indian war paint. In fact, I found it interesting that scripture in the vicinity of the picture script spoke of protection from fowlers and arrows:

I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust." Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare...
Psalm 91:2-3

You will not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow that flies by day.
Psalm 91:5

Fragrant Paths

It's the time of year in Texas when I carry my camera with me in the car. You never know when you will see a patch of stunning wildflowers. I took a different way home this morning and passed this rocky hillside covered with a dense crop of bluebonnets. I couldn't get close enough to smell them, but found a path that got me in picture-taking range.

When we obey him,
every path he guides us on
is fragrant with his lovingkindness
and his truth.
Psalm 25:10

Two are Better

We had quite severe storms with lots of tree and home damage early this morning. I thought it might be an opportunity to go out to my flower road and catch some photos of birds circling for something to eat. I was magnificently blessed to get these tandom fliers.

It reminds me that it is good to ask for help sometimes. I am prone to do things by myself, and sometimes get overwhelmed with the task. Some things will not change much...like help in the kitchen while preparing a meal. Oh, but the dishes afterwards??? no problem! My lovely husband is glad to help, and we make a good team.

Pierced

I was drawn more to the previous photo of the sword in the sky last night. As I worked with it, God was showing me some things. I starting researching scripture to align with the word what the photo was showing me:

What I thought was the handle originally, really was the tip pointing down towards earth...the WORD in flesh coming to earth. The tip seemed to be piercing through a layer (of flesh), and blood seemed to be spilling out from the wound, covering the earth. The sword of the Spirit, the WORD...the WORD was with God, (Jesus), sent to earth to bear the sins of many on the cross.
In Isaiah (written before Christ had come to earth as man) it is written:

But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace.
Isaiah 53:5

...he poured out his life unto death,
and was numbered with the transgressors,
For he bore the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.
Is. 53:12

Amazing prophecy foretold by Isaiah. God continues in this present day to strengthen and confirm His Word and truth to us in mysterious ways.

Sensational Sunset

The view from Missy Lane was fabulous this evening. At one point I could see a huge sword across the sky. What wonderful postcards from heaven we receive if we would but look to the day's bookends: the sunrise and sunset.

Warrior

This photo in negative, black and white, struck me as with the strength of a warrior. I found these scriptures to be very encouraging:

The LORD is a warrior;
the LORD is his name.
Ex. 15:3

In your unfailing love you will lead
the people you have redeemed.
In your strength you will guide them
to your holy dwelling.
Ex. 15:13

You will bring them in and plant them
on the mountain of your inheritance~
the place, O LORD, you made for your dwelling,
the sanctuary, O LORD, your hands established.
The Lord will reign for ever and ever.
Ex. 15:17-18

Tree from a Mustard Seed

I have heard scripture about having faith the size of a mustard seed, but this morning heard a scripture about the Kingdom of Heaven:

"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a tiny mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but becomes the largest of plants, and grows into a tree where birds can come and find shelter."
Matthew 13:32

On the way home I came upon this striking silhouette of a bird in high branches. It confirmed the earlier word and filled me with the desire to keep encouraging, even if it is rejected. The kingdom of heaven is at hand, and mustard seeds planted can grow into great faith.

Keep planting seeds....

Flowers Fade

Humble Yourselves

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord,
and he shall lift you up.
James 4:10

Out of Darkness

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.
1 Peter 2:9

Firstfruits of Flowers

I decided to give myself a treat by going for a drive along my favorite country road in search of wildflowers. I saw my first bluebonnet last Thursday along the freeway, so I was hoping to see an offering of first flowers along this route where I could safely stop to get a photograph. I came across these signs of spring and send them out as firstfruits of wildflowers in Texas.

Mine Forever

Sometimes we joke in my family about how the aliens left me, and will be returning to get me some day. Someone even told me once, quite seriously, that I had a son on another planet.

To be quite honest, sometimes I do feel like an alien here on earth, and I hunger for heaven. It is my real home. I will run the race in front of me and listen for instructions. I have much to be grateful for! Oh happy day when I get to go home.

I have no one in heaven but you;
I want nothing on earth besides you.
My body and my mind may become weak,
but God is my strength.
He is mine forever.
Psalm 73:25-26

Great and Hidden Things

CALL UNTO ME AND I WILL ANSWER THEE, AND SHEW THEE GREAT AND HIDDEN THINGS WHICH THOU HAST NOT YET SEEN.
~Jeremiah 33:3

I find myself being very patient with my camera, asking God to show me what He has hidden...to reveal it for His glory. Many times, after such a request, my eye will be drawn to something I did not see before. These are a few photographs that happened by asking and waiting...
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Don't you want to see great and hidden things? Find hidden treasure? God is promising that if we call to Him, He will answer and show us hidden things.