A New Life

I was fortunate to get a photo of this Blue Morpho on my last trip to see the butterflies. These are especially difficult to catch, because as soon as they light they close up to this very plain brown color of the underwings. I am amazed at the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly; what beauty comes forth in the new life.

...through the glory of the Father,
we too may live a new life.
If we have been united with him like this
in his death, we will certainly also
be united with him in his resurrection.
Romans 6:4-5

Fruit of the Light

I was captivated not so much by this butterfly, but by the wonderful dewy dark green leaves surrounding this succulent fruit inside the Butterfly Conservatory. The citrus essence was almost an aroma as I looked on the intense ripe colors of the fruit. No wonder the butterfly was drawn to it.
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For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness,but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said;
Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.
Eph. 5:8-14

Do not Worry About Tomorrow

This poor little guy seemed to me like he was trudging off to a work day, or some worrisome situation. Often, when our family is together on Sunday night, one person will stutter "I...I...I," and a few will chime in together..."I don't want to go to work tomorrow!" This penguin's body language struck me in the same way as we humans start dreading the work week in the midst of play and rest on the weekend.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have often found some life verses skirting more popular, oft-quoted scriptures. I knew the jewel I was looking for was right after one I recently quoted on my blog. I searched the recent entries and found this nugget which follows the much treasured Matt. 6:33...

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matt. 6:34

That "one day at a time" slogan? Not new...very, very old {c;
Wisdom, indeed, to stay in the day.

A Time to Laugh

We took our grandchildren on a train to Dallas to visit the World Dallas Aquarium. We had a grand time, and I enjoyed having fun with a few of the pictures I took there. I hope they will give you a smile and a giggle!

We all need to laugh more...it is so good for us; and can be very healing. There has been research done on the effect of laughter with cancer patients that watch funny movies. Many show improved health and perseverence through treatments.

So, look for something humorous or funny. Have a laugh. Let it resonate through your whole body. You will shine, and probably feel better, no matter what you are going through.

There is...
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance...
Ecc. 3:4

Risen

The Place

Jesus spoke to his disciples in the garden of Gethsemane, before he went off by himself to pray:

"My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.
Stay here and keep watch."

They couldn't stay awake, as our Lord grieved and prepared for the coming arrest and crucifixion. He had told them shortly before at the Lord's supper, that all the sheep would scatter. They proclaimed their loyalties, yet went on the next few days to deny being his disciples.

What great love Jesus walked out for us by obeying his Father's will!


THE PLACE
COPYRIGHT 2002 (this blog hostess)

JESUS PREACHED TO THE CROWDS
ANd HE SENT OUT SEVENTY-TWO.
HE HAND-PICKED A DOZEN,
AND HE BEFRIENDED JUST A FEW.

BUT HE COULD NOT TAKE THEM WITH HIM
AS HE WRESTLED WITH GOD'S WILL.
THE OTHERS SLEPT AS HE GRIEVED AND WEPT
UPON THAT SACRED HILL.

MAY THIS CUP BE TAKEN FROM ME,
OR WILL YOU STRENGTHEN ME TO DRINK?
THE SPIRIT, LORD, IS WILLING;
BUT THE BODY IS SO WEAK.
~~~~~~~~
THERE IS A PLACE HE CALLS ME TO
WHERE I CAN'T TAKE TWO OR THREE.
I BRING MY TEARS AND BROKEN HEART
TO MY OWN GETHSEMANE.

IT'S A PLACE I GO TO SEEK GOD'S WILL,
AND I ALSO FIGHT THE CUP;
UNTIL I SEE... IT'S JUST YOU AND ME,
AND MY WILL MUST BE GIVEN UP;

BY SOAKING UP YOUR STEADFAST LOVE
INTO THE WEAKNESS THAT IS ME,
AS I BRING MY TEARS AND BROKEN HEART
TO MY OWN GETHSEMANE.

Job Description

Teach angels to sing...
Create everything...
Measure mountains in scales...
Your love never fails...
Collect tears when we cry...
Paint a breathtaking sky...

no need to apply...
job will not be posted...
has before time
been heavenly hosted.

We Are Broken

Based on Mark 14:3-9
song copyright of blog hostess

WE ARE BROKEN

WE ARE BROKEN, YES WE ARE;
MY JAR, AND ME, AND YOU.
WHY IS IT THAT THEY CANNOT SEE
THE THING YOU GO TO DO?
MY LIFE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN
BECAUSE OF TIME I SPENT WITH YOU.
~~~~~~~
LET ME PREPARE YOU FOR THE WOUNDS,
DON'T KNOW HOW I'LL BEAR THE LOSS!
LET ME WASH YOUR FEET WITH MY TEARS AND HAIR
AS I CONCEDE YOU TO THE CROSS.

AS YOU GO TO MEET THE FATHER,
TAKE MY OIL IN FULL MEASURE.
I LONG TO HEAR YOUR EVERY WORD.
YOU ARE MY ONLY EARTHLY TREASURE!

DESTITUTE, UNDONE,
AND IN LOVE IS HOW SHE CAME.
EVEN THE DISCIPLES
ONLY SAW HER WASTE AND SHAME.

SHE COULD SEE HE WAS GOING
TO HIS DEATH;
SHE DID THINGS OUT OF FASHION.
THE BUSY AND RELIGIOUS
DID NOT SHARE HER CHILD-LIKE PASSION.
~~~~~~~~~~~
WE ARE BROKEN, YES WE ARE;
MY JAR, AND ME, AND YOU.
WHY IS IT THAT THEY CANNOT SEE
THE THING YOU GO TO DO?
MY LIFE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN
BECAUSE OF TIME I SPENT WITH YOU.

Reap in Joy

I remember the morning in Colorado that I saw this grass heavy with morning dew. It seemed to me to be weeping. It brought to mind one of my favorite life verses:

Those who sow in tears
shall reap in joy.
He who continually goes
forth weeping,
bearing seed for sowing,
shall doubtless come
again with rejoicing,
bringing his sheaves with him.
~Psalm 126:5-6~

Even There

It seemed, when this butterfly settled on this leaf, that it had beckoned to the beautiful creature as a safe resting place...

If I take the wings of
the morning,
And dwell in the
uttermost parts
of the sea,
Even there Your hand
shall lead me,
And Your right hand
shall hold me.
~Psalm 139:9-10~

Consider the Lilies

Consider the lilies of the field...
Matt. 6:28

Eventhough the flowers are poppies, the sentiment is the same. The scripture says that they do not toil or spin. Perhaps we should take a lesson for how their faces seek the 'sun.' Seems like when I am face down or face skyward, I seek and find the 'Son' better than looking straight in front of me considering how I am going to fix all my circumstances. Seeking His will gets me in a physical posture of giving up my agenda for a much better plan!

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matt. 6:33

Them That Dream

I got this shot from quite a distance away.
It almost seemed dreamlike to me;
a little blurry around the edges,
but a focal point of beauty that engages.
Sounds like the makings of a good dream to me!

As I age, my heart stays young in the gifting of new ideas and the gratitude for the beauty that He lets me absorb through the lens. Whether it be blooms, creatures, sunrises, or waterfalls, the beauty of God's creation engages me and keeps me young. It inspires me to encourage others to dream and express their gifts.

...we were like them that dream.
Psalm 126:1

My Hiding Place

Thou art my hiding place and my shield; I hope in thy word.
Psalm 119:114

Rescue me from my enemies, O LORD,
for I hide myself in you.
Psalm 143:9

When I saw these silhouettes of butterflies through the leaves, I wanted them to come out into the open so I could see their colors. But then I realized the beauty and function of the hiding place.
They were shielded from view, from harm; unseen by most passers-by.

The Fool

The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." Psalm 14:1

With an open heart and mind, look upon a simple butterfly.
Not so simple, is it? Surely not an accident!

The Designer is brilliant. How can anyone but a fool say, "There is no God." Our creator reveals himself in what he has made. He made the butterfly;
he made you. His desire is to reveal himself in and to you.
Seek him and you will find him, even in a small breathtaking butterfly.


The LORD looks down from heaven
on the sons of men
to see if there are
any who understand,
any who seek God.
Psalm 14:2

Hold Fast

But you are to hold fast to the LORD your God.
Joshua 23:8

Some days I feel like I am hanging on by a rope. Through loss or sickness I think I might die. Sometimes it is even harder to watch someone we love go through an illness or loss than if the circumstance were our own.

But we are to pray in all circumstances and hang on to that tiny reed...it is the very hand of God. His angels minister to us and He collects our tears. He is the provider of the reed, the rope, the bridge, the hope.

In Your Tent

The Conservatory where the butterflies are hatched is quite humid, warm, and filled with pungent smells of tropical fruit and flowers. It actually feels like a protected large greenhouse tent. We get to enjoy their beauty as they feed, rest, and flutter by. I enjoy going to see them so much, and long to be there more often, knowing they will be gone by the end of the month.

I know on a personal note, that my heart soars with the butterflies when I am right with God. It gives me great joy and stability to know that I have a place in His tent. My security is under His wings, and He is my forever dwelling place.

I long to dwell in your tent forever
and take refuge in the shelter
of your wings. Psalm 61:4

By Your Side

The weather in Ft. Worth today is beautiful. My friend and I walked through the various gardens at the Botanical Center, waiting for our time to get into the Butterflies in the Garden. Many of the spring flowers were blooming, and these two seemed set apart. They reminded me that even when we are alone, God is with us.

Whether our journey has us at the mountain top or the valley of death, we are not abandoned. He is Emmanuel, God with us.

The LORD protects you;
the LORD is a shelter
right by your side.
Psalm 121:5 HCSB

Compliments of...

Well, this was the greeting card from the Big Guy as seen from Missy Lane in Texas this evening. Think He loves us?

The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Psalm 19:1

Pilgrimage

I was searching through older pictures and found this one taken near Jackson, Wyoming. After discovering Wilson Road, we would drive it early in the evening to get views of wildlife. The abundance of deer, elk, moose, and bear we saw on that trip was amazing. We know each creature was put in our path by the Maker of heaven and earth. We praise him and thank him often for the beautiful places we have been able to experience through our travels.

Sometimes my husband and I will look at each other, when trying to decide what to do for a fun evening, and laughingly suggest that we drive over to Wilson Road. Of course, it would take days to drive there from where we live, but we delight in the memories of those evening drives when the animals were all out covering the hillsides looking for their dinner.

One of those nights, coming to the end of the drive, we caught a glimpse of this glorious pink peak in the distance. It seemed to almost be detached and untouchable, yet awesome and comforting; like it was watching over the whole drama of the unfolding scenes below it. The grandeur of the peak drenched in ethereal light made my heart yearn for my home in heaven.

We know that the holy mountain is the end destination of our pilgrimage on Earth. We are spiritually on our walk to Zion, just as the Jews also kept their eyes on the mountains when they marched out of captivity back to Jerusalem. They lifted their eyes to the heavens, knowing where their help came from.

Are you focused on that holy mountain? We are pilgrims and strangers marching our way through this strange land to the holy city God has prepared for us. We need a lot of help along the way home. God is always there to give us counsel and direction for our path. We get the directions messed up, or refuse to use the Map because we stubbornly hold onto our own itinerary. We get into some treacherous places. But acknowledging Him in all ways will show us a way out and right direction for the journey home.

May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion. Ps. 20:2

Missy

Sometimes I will be sitting at the computer late in the afternoon with one eye on the horizon, watching for the makings of a beautiful sunset. My husband, at the other end of the house, will hear my rushed goodbbye as I tear out of the house with my camera. I will usually scream with delight something like: "It's gonna be a good one!" or "Gotta hurry, it's turning into a winner!"

I found, after a few breathless sprints around corners, that it was more prudent and fruitful to just jump into the car and do the route through the neighborhood to get to an open space by the creek. After taking these pictures I looked over my shoulder to make a mental note of the street name. I had to laugh...the street sign, with lovely clouds behind it looking toward the east, announced "Missy Lane."
I could imagine how much my blog friend would have enjoyed standing there on her namesake street watching a Texas sunset! She yearns for her previous earthly home.

I get similar tugs at my heartstrings when I receive pictures of the wildlife outside of my friends' home in Colorado. I just want so badly to be instantly transported to go to my 'other' home. I miss the smells, the birds, the wildlife, the mountains, and my buddies. It is a sanctuary for me.

In my Bible study last night Beth Moore made the point that we are really only here on the Earth for such a short time. In her video she remarked that this life is just a breath...the suffering here is short and the only amount we will have. She encouraged us to run the race. Our heavenly dwelling place awaits. Talk about a sanctuary!

I believe those yearnings to be other places on our planet is just a shadow of the true yearning our souls have to go be with our Father in his courts. We have experienced snippets of intimacy and beauty with the Lord through friends and creation at these places on our journey. They have made a deposit in our hearts. We cannot help but hunger for more! It is God himself that he has made us to crave:

One thing I ask of the Lord,
this is what I seek;
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple. Ps. 27:4

...let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
Remember the wonders he has done...Ps. 105:3-5

Dwelling Place

I've had the pleasure of being able to hang out with the BUTTERFLIES IN THE GARDEN in Ft. Worth last week. I stayed in the tropical setting for an hour, walking the paths through tropical plants laden with fruit and flowers. The smells, colors, and delight in chasing the butterflies filled up my senses with delight. It made me wonder how exquisite will be the courts of the Lord!

How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints
for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out
for the living God.
Psalm 84:1-2

Morning Watchmen

I approached these feathered morning watchmen perched high in search of breakfast. They didn't seem to be threatened by me, so I was able to get close enough to get a photograph. I had fun processing them in negative format, as if they were night watchers, also.

I wait for the Lord; I wait, and put my hope in His word.
I wait for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning.
Ps. 130:5-6

Eagles' Wings

I have been busy taking pictures, preparing for and attending a retreat, and catching up on some continuing education requirements. I am finally back to post some of my pictures.

This is the same picture, but the second is in negative format, and with added text. I took it at the water's edge during lunch break at my class. I am always fascinated by large birds in flight. But when I checked this one out in negative, it became quite powerful as a white bird representing spiritual rescue. God chases us to bring us to Him. Isn't that a wonderful, deep-down comfort to know we are so loved by our creator?