Picture the Word

My Christmas Card

2011-12-24T06:46:00.000-08:00

I remember getting this photo in my beloved Colorado. It epitomizes my whole heart for evangelism with my photography. When I am drawn to a divine appointment like this it makes my heart pound, my eyes shed tears of gratitude, and my knees bow. Christmas, Emmanuel, God with Us!

Merry Christmas!

Sweet Season

2011-12-14T11:48:00.000-08:00

This morning I got busy making candies to fill bags for neighbors, friends, and my husband's work gifts. These are EASY, FAST, and YUMMY!

Peanut Brittle
microwave version:
Mix in glass bowl: 1 c. sugar, 1/2 c. corn syrup, 1/8 tsp. salt, 1 1/2 c, raw peanuts
cook 3 minutes, stir with fork. Cook 2 minutes more.
Stir in tsp. butter, tsp. vanilla, and cook 1 minute more.
Remove, add tsp baking soda, stir, spread onto greased pan.
(I put my batch out in the cold garage, and it was ready to bust apart in 10 minutes.

Peanut Clusters
Melt pkg. of chocolate bark. Stir in jar of roasted peanuts. Fill small muffin tins with mixture and let set.

Vanilla dipped chocolate fudge
Fudge made with your own recipe, rolled into balls, and dipped in melted vanilla bark.

Chocolate dipped peanut butter fudge
1/4 lb. Velveeta, 1 c. peanut butter, 1 stick butter, 1 lb. powdered sugar, 1 tsp. vanilla...
Melt first three in microwave 3 minutes. Stir until smooth, add sugar and vanilla. Press into ungreased pan, chill, cut and serve.

fyi, I made the chocolate fudge also with Velveeta. Don't freak until you try it. You will freak when you taste it because it is freaking good. Tons of recipes for it on the internet.

Cranberry Crunch
Melt package vanilla almond bark in microwave. Stir in 2 cups craisins and 1/2 box of Perky Rice or Perky flax cereal. You could probably use Grape Nuts if you are not wheat sensitive. Make sure all is coated and put by spoonfuls onto cookie sheet or in small muffin tins to firm up.

All of these recipes are Gluten Free.

Enjoy!
Merry Christmas!
Connie

"Come, follow me"

2011-11-30T08:05:00.001-08:00

I was able to get a couple of prints of one of my favorite photographs from Michigan matted and framed for the photo booth at Heritage Trace Clubhouse tomorrow night. I will also have the same photo available in a greeting card.

I would like to share with you why this photograph was so strong even before I saw it developed. The composition was not something I had to plan, but jumped out at me screaming the commitment and faith it takes to be a disciple of Christ. The red vines on the grand tree by the water caught my eye at first. Then I realized that the sweeping branch of the tree was framing a sailboat. The scene spoke to me of the themes of evangelism and faith: evangelism to be salt and light for the world, and faith that strengthens our Christian walk. Jesus calls us on a path to and with Him through our storms, keeping our eyes on the only true prize.

~~~~~

At the calling of the first disciples Jesus saw Peter and Andrew, two brothers who were fisherman, casting a net into a lake. He said, "Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men."Matt. 4:19

Jesus continued to add to his disciples and traveled through Galilee teaching, preaching, and healing. He took a time apart with his chosen disciples to teach them the Beatitudes. There would be spiritual joy, but suffering for those who would be fishers of men for Christ. Blessed they would be in the kingdom of heaven, though their worldly circumstances would certainly not be pathways full of wealth and ease.

However, the good news for all of us in discipleship is that we are to..."Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven..." Matt. 5:12
because THERE, after all, is where our true treasure resides. It cannot be earned, but is freely given; a truly invaluable future hope.

2011-11-28T07:10:00.001-08:00

Hey Photo Peeps!

Wanted to let you know that I will have a booth of photos and cards this Thursday night at the Holiday Festival at Heritage Clubhouse: 9536 Courtright Drive, off Heritage Trace Prkwy, Keller, TX. So if you are local followers of my blog and photography, PLEASE come see us. I will have 8 notecards with scriptures, and several sizes of matted and framed prints that you have not seen yet.

There will be games, crafts, food and music. Dec. 1st, 4-8, so the Christmas decorations will abound.
I would love to see you and tell you about the stories of the photographs!

Here are a few pix you have not seen that will be there in cards or frames:

Desert Light

2011-11-28T02:00:00.001-08:00

We recently attended a wedding in Arizona. Our friends' daughter was married outside on the grounds of a golf course with Superstition Mountain in the background. The weather cooperated and the event was lovely. The light was incredible for some of the photographs I took there.

~~~

I have had occasion to visit the area around Phoenix a few other times in the last years. My uncle lived at Mesa before he passed a few years ago. He took my mother and me out to Superstition Mountain to show us some of his favorite places.

Then another trip to Arizona to a wedding afforded visiting the area and traveling north to the Grand Canyon with my husband. It was an amazing journey.

The desert blooms in its own special way. It seems like parched land, but there is always something present that proves life. It is a good thing to remember. Rejoice Always, even when circumstances are telling you that death wins. It is the great lie of the enemy. We have, through Christ, eternal life. We have the choice to be grateful, no matter what. We have the ability to love because He first loved us. There IS light in the desert, and abundant LIFE. Praise Him!

Be Imitators of God

2011-10-24T12:12:00.001-07:00

As we traveled the almost empty roads of Northern Michigan country we were treated with many reflections of fall foliage in lakes. Anytime I see reflections I pray that I might be looking more like Him each day. My feet walk off the path and my defiance gets me lost, until my prodigal stubborn heart again is willing to turn back from the path not of His choosing. Sometimes I don't realize I have gotten off the path until I hear some unloving thought or word come out of me.

I must say these days that it is not always love and humility being shown by Christians in the spotlight. Many times words are, embarrassingly, judgmental and arrogant. I think of the hymn verse of 'they will know we are Christians by our love.' That doesn't get conveyed when we beat folks up that don't agree with our belief.

If we boast in anything, let it be the Lord, Himself. His will, not ours, is the standard. Nobody has ever walked perfectly but One. It doesn't mean that we should quit trying to do everything unto Him; gathering grace and wisdom when we fail.

Trying to force our beliefs and choices on someone else will probably get the opposite reaction that we desire as His disciples. Sort of the reaction of 'a man convinced against His will is of the same opinion, still'. Love, humility, service; pathways of the fruits of the Spirit: those are the things of God put in us to be His Light in this world of self-will and misery.

God knows that becoming imitators of Himself takes a relationship of abandoning ourselves to Him and becoming willing to listen and follow. Nothing in the world is more worth the effort than to hear some day, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"

I encourage you to go out and be imitators of God today. Smile, be joyful, and full of random acts of kindness. Walk humbly, and boast in the Lord. Let His peace rule your heart and His light shine from it.

A Time for Every Purpose

2011-10-22T11:50:00.001-07:00

To everything there is a season...
and a time for every purpose under heaven.

Oh, how many times I have sung those words of Ecclesiastes and 'Turn, Turn, Turn' through the years!

Sometimes we hold onto old ideas or outgrown careers because it is just easier than doing the work to cross the river of fear and do something that has been calling us to a new season. Personally and professionally I want to do everything I do unto God; and it is time to stretch myself again in how He has been letting me minister through my hands as a career to more opportunities for evangelism through my photography.

I think it is awesome how God has put in each one of us a way to carry the message of His love and grace, hope and courage, to do the things we cannot do in and of ourselves. For me, it is exciting and magical to tell you how and where I took my photographs. It is easy to share God through those stories. Many photographs I shot at the time were very strong, but others did not develop into the point I was supposed to get until I revisited them later.

~~

This particular photograph was taken at a rest stop in Michigan. It is the first one I took. When we were landing in Detroit it appeared that all the trees were still green. I thought we had come too soon to see the colors. But not far up the road towards the Upper Peninsula God gave me a gift of seeing the foretaste of the colors to come as we continued north. These brilliant leaves had fallen down to impress upon my spirit the promise of fall foliage to come.

Doing everything unto God has the by product of true satisfaction and appreciation of what He has put in us to do. The relationship that we can have with God through Christ is a truly amazing process. He did not form us and send us out on a rudderless boat. He journeys with us and gives us wisdom if we but ask. We do not have the promise of an easy life; but we do have the promise that He will never leave us. That is the only thing standing when all else fails; knowing He goes into every day as my guide, my shepherd.

Wrappings

2011-10-21T14:38:00.001-07:00

Since our last trip (which took us to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan) I have been busy with stepping out into the world of marketing my photographs. I will keep you updated. It is exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. But I know it is the path which I am to take in sharing the world of beauty God has let me see through my camera.

I was impressed more than anything by the issue of light in the scenes of Michigan. We saw so much coastline and several lighthouses. We witnessed a few at sunrise and sunset reflecting gorgeous tones of light at the bookends of the day. There were numerous rivers and lakes as well that mirrored the colors of fall foliage at their banks. I will try to get an image posted every day for awhile.

~~~~

I began thinking about the nature of wrappings. We wrap ourselves in fancy homes, coats, 600 count sheets, comfy favorite slippers and blankies; add your own wraps to the list. They are all but dirty rags when compared to how God can paint a mountain with fall foliage or add sound to layers of waterfalls. One of my favorite scriptures kept visiting me as I saw beautiful scenes such as this one at Lower Taquamenon Falls:

He wraps himself in Light...
Psalm 104:2

Changes

2011-09-22T10:46:00.001-07:00

I love shooting butterflies, especially when they are on brilliantly colored flowers. Their lives are so short, as are the lives of the flowers they light upon. They are so incredibly stunning and graceful as they meander through the gardens.

The orange color of the center stage in this photo is such contrast to the lavender that surrounds the main attraction. I would not paint a room in my house 'orange' or wear that color on my body, but I am so appreciate it when a sky is spread with orange/coral tones or a butterfly wears it so well.

The butterfly reminded me that my high school colors were orange and black, until we consolidated with the little town down the road and the colors became black and white. Their colors were green and white, so it seemed a good compromise would be black and white; one color taken from each town. Thank goodness they did not choose green and orange together! Although a green and orange garden is gorgeous, a cheerleader outfit is not.

I think of all the changes that I have been through since those high school days. I will be 60 next year, married 40 of those years to my one and only husband. We have married daughters and four grandchildren. I can feel the season of changes as we go towards retirement and I have been getting nudges to chase yet a few more dreams.

Our bodies deteriorate, and we are but vapors; not really having many more days in the scheme of things than the butterflies or flowers that fade so quickly. In the life to come we will put on immortality. There is such fleeting beauty here, yet it draws us to it as we are drawn also to God. Beautiful beyond description!

~~~~

We shall all be changed.
1 Corinthians 15:52

~~~~

Conversations with H & G

2011-09-21T05:49:00.001-07:00

I had an extraordinary time with a Great Blue Heron yesterday morning. As I approached a pond at the end of a trail I thought I saw a Great Blue Heron. I could sense him looking at me, and began to pray peace between us. Except for the big turtle and some dragonflies, we seemed to be totally alone with God. The heron stayed at the pond and followed me with his eyes as I rounded the corner and came closer. He showed no aggression or fear. I began to speak to him and he actually approached me during his slow walk back and forth in the pond. It was a heart link between God, the Heron, and me. I was delighted to have been given such a precious time covered in love by the Father!

~~~~~

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Colossians 3:17

Buzz and Flutter

2011-09-20T11:23:00.000-07:00

My schedule cleared today because of clients being sick, so I took off with my camera to the Botanic Gardens in Ft. Worth. The bees and butterflies were everywhere, and I even saw a blue heron and some hummers. These are my favorites of the buzz and flutter bunch this morning.

Encourage Yourselves

2011-09-13T18:25:00.001-07:00

Just talked to my husband, who is on the road sick with the same nasty summer cold that I have. It again went over 100 degrees today in Texas; to be exact, 107! Tomorrow will be a record 71 days this summer over 100 degrees. Lest I feel sorry for myself that loneliness has no solution without spreading the germs, and I am tired of the homemade chicken soup I made myself and mountains of Kleenex everywhere, I see a solution to get out of the house without exposing anyone else. It is time to encourage myself in the Lord.

I looked up the phrase I had remembered about encouraging ourselves to see in what context it was said. It was certainly more than a 'cold' and a bit of stir crazy loneliness that was revealed in 1 Samuel. David and his men had returned to Ziklag after the Amalekite raid. It was destroyed by fire and their families had been taken captive. The men wept until they could no more. David could hear talk of his impending stoning, but HE ENCOURAGED HIMSELF IN THE LORD. My little cold, in comparison to this scenario, is really nothing.

I found myself out in the car at sunset letting the Lord minister to me. I went out with a spirit of seeking and finding. I found fields of the last two flower shows of the summer: False Purple Thistle and the star-shaped flower bushes that crowd the pastures at the end of the Texas summer. I know that when I see them the fall weather is not far away, PRAISE GOD! I caught beautiful rays highlighting a water tower, and a calf nursing before nightfall. All in all, it was good to get out of the house by myself and spend some time getting grateful and praising the Lord. So be encouraged, if not by someone else, by yourself! Know that the Lord is good all the time.

A Strong Tower

2011-09-11T06:03:00.000-07:00

I wrote this song ten years ago,
and thought it fitting to share again today.
May our country find new strength,
unity, courage, mercy and grace; truly
sow the fruits of the Spirit
as we move forward from
this milestone in our history.

A STRONG TOWER
By Connie Wisman 9/01

THE NAME OF THE LORD IS A STRONG TOWER,
AND FOREVER IT WILL STAND.
IT IS THE LORD’S PURPOSE THAT PREVAILS
AND NOT THE PLANS OF MAN.

MY EYES SAW MANMADE TOWERS FALL.
MY HEART FELT UNTOLD NUMBERS CALL-
UPON THE NAME OF JESUS.

MY EARS HEARD HERO STORIES
OF PEOPLE WALKING OUT THEIR FAITH;
LAST MINUTE CALLS TO LOVED ONES
BEFORE THEY SAW THE PEARLY GATES.

I SAW SERVANT FEET OF STRANGERS
WITH YOUR MERCY IN THEIR EYES.
I SMELLED THE PRAYERFUL INCENSE
AS IT LIFTED TO THE SKIES.

I PRAY THE UNBELIEVERS
WILL NO LONGER WANT TO BE APART-
THAT THE COLD AND LUKEWARM CHRISTIAN
WILL LET THE FIRE COME TO HIS HEART.

THE NAME OF THE LORD IS A STRONG TOWER
AND FOREVER WILL IT STAND.
IT IS THE LORD’S PURPOSE THAT PREVAILS,
AND NOT THE PLANS OF MAN

MY EYES SAW MANMADE TOWERS FALL-
MY HEART FELT UNTOLD NUMBERS CALL
UPON THE NAME OF JESUS.
CALLING-
JESUS, I LOVE YOU………..JESUS, I NEED YOU…….
JESUS, I’M COMING………..JESUS………I SEE YOU

As Time Passes

2011-09-09T13:47:00.001-07:00

It is now a year ago today that my friend Jim Durkin passed. The year leading up to his death was a walk that was not easy for anyone involved. A small group of people came together to get it covered.

I realized it was the day when we were watching Good Morning America this morning. They were discussing the coming ceremonies in two days, and I realized that it was the 9th of September. There were reports of new threats targeting American soil as we near the 10th anniversary of the Towers coming down in New York City.

That morning ten years ago Jim and I were on the phone all morning in disbelief as we watched the second plane hit the second tower in real time on television. Jim used to work for American Airlines and had his own perspective to add to the horror of what was happening live before our eyes as the stories of the airplanes began to unfold.

~~~~

Jim passed on September 9th of last year. I guess if you live long enough and are willing, you will be at someone's bedside caring for them through to the end. There are piles and rooms and mailboxes full of stuff to handle even after the person dies. It took about a year, though the 'estate' was miniscule, to clean up and put to rest all the stuff.

I have come across more pictures of times we spent together in France. This portrait we displayed at his memorial was a sketch of him done by a street artist. When Danielle made a trip with me to Paris we both had ours sketched in front of Notre Dame. I can still hear his animated travelogues of historical points during our long walks through the city and French countryside. He loved to share stories with visitors. Indeed, my life was so enriched by him. He was more my brother than my own siblings.

As his health deteriorated he could still manage to get out to have meals at our home or restaurants. I recall one night when he came to dinner with his visiting New York cousin that he announced he wanted to eat early (not in character with his typical late arrivals), went over afterwards and laid on the couch, and soon after asked his cousin to take him back to the nursing home. Come to find out later, he left because he thought he was going to die on our couch and did not want the grandkids to have to remember that. In a way, if you knew Jim, that was tender and hilarious at the same time. He did always like to be the center of attention, and did not like it so much when a grand child of ours would steal center stage. But at this particular juncture he did not want to have the focus be on him if it meant dying in our living room with the family around.

As time passes our memories are bittersweet, and the stories shared are precious; even of the ones that were horrendous as we walked through them. A small group of people bonded and were able to get to know one another. There were 'spokes' of people that never touched except when we came together because of Jim's illness and death.

We do not know the number of our days. Surely the folks trapped in the towers did not expect such a day when they went to work. It is enough to stay in the day, and one will come be your last. As our pastor reminds us, 1 out of 1 of us dies. How will we run our individual races?

I hope that Christ will continue to be more and more at home in my heart. (Eph 3:17). I want to be mature and act maturely so that my character reflects Christ. I fall short, but I keep at it. We must encourage each other to love God and one another.

Rejoice Always!

2011-08-25T07:49:00.001-07:00

We were so hopeful this morning when we sat down to coffee and thought we heard thunder! Husband went off to work, and in a few minutes the unmistakable sound of rain was hitting our skylight in the kitchen. Ah! There is nothing like the touch and smell of rain, even though it be only a little in a time of drought. Maybe we really appreciate it because it has been so long for such a simple, but life-giving entity.

I quickly got into the car with my camera to go down to visit the creek at the edge of our development. I saw a hawk across the dry creek. There were a few patches of stream left to reflect grasses and rocks that had become more exposed by the lack of water. As I returned home I saw the rainbow in the western sky and the strange pattern of wet/dry streaks on the concrete.

I was at the creek a few weeks ago looking at the effect of the drought and searching for life signs. I always find them if I but look. It is the same for God: you will find Him if you seek Him. Even in a drought, rejoice always, for He is with us; He cares for us! Sometimes it is in the drought that we realize our need for Him and truly reach for the life-giving love and care for which a thirsty heart yearns.

~~~

A sense of God's wholeness,
everything coming together for good,
will come and settle you down.
It's wonderful what happens
when Christ displaces worry
at the center of your life.

Phillippians 4:7 The Message

You Fill Up My Senses

2011-08-18T05:14:00.001-07:00

I could hear John Denver singing in my dream last night. I was shown, while hearing the song of 'You Fill Up My Senses' how that applies to God giving us ministries. Let me go stroll through the manifestation of touch, smell, taste, sight, hearing in my own life. This is not meant to be a list of MY accomplishments, but a spurring on and encouragement to each of you that HE HAS GIVEN YOU GIFTS AS WELL FOR THE BODY. Believe me, I am in awe of those that can organize events, things, and people; administer, oversee finances, run committees, deeply understand and navigate technical waters/computers. lol I have been around long enough to know they are not my gifts, but they might be yours!

God has let me express His love to others by TOUCH through my massage therapy, and by giving hugs or touches to convey not only my love for others, but His love for them as well. We can only love because HE first loved us. He has let me minister through SMELL and TASTE by sharing meals prepared for others. He has graced me with the ability cook and to set a beautiful table to serve as a preview of the BANQUET that awaits us in heaven. He has put in me the passion to be a warrior for women that have been abused.

He has let me minister through sound (HEARING) by giving me songs and being a compassionate listener. He has let me minister through SIGHT by use of colors; making banners, preparing a restful and peaceful flow of colors in my massage room and home as a whole. He has put me in places to photograph breathtaking and unbelievable things in order to bring others to the awesome presence of God.

I think that all the senses work together in strengthening the of flow for the glory of God. For instance, it makes a difference how songs are put in order for worship. There is a building in each song, and a connection between songs that makes the worship service more effective. It follows for me that it makes a difference what color your massage room or sleeping area is painted. It makes a difference how building of flavors, smells, colors, and textures of food build upon each other to construct a meal for guests. The impact on our senses that draws us to worship God is one of the way He fills us to do his work.

The impact of a tremendous divine appointment to see a spectacular scene to pass on to you is but to draw you to Christ, Himself, WHO WAS PRESENT AT ITS VERY CREATION! He is present and expressed through our senses, if we allow ourselves to get out of the way and let the LOVE flow out from us that was poured into us. He flows at our tables, on our walls, through our words and touch, through our works and hearts.

God has ministered to me so much especially through photography and song by giving me opportunities to witness things and receive songs to sing that help MY unbelief. Those are not things to keep to myself. They are for the Body. So many times people have responded to me about a photo, "How can you see THAT and not believe in God?

~~~~

Believe me when I say that the senses and how we receive and pass things on through our ministries comes down to the heart. At the end of the day I do not covet your praises about my photos, massage, decorating, cooking, skills with color, singing, hospitality, or whatever. I am a right-brained, creative introvert. These are things God has given me with which to minister. He gives us gifts differing. We all have strengths, gifts in which to flow. My heart's desire is that you would feel peace and inspiration through these offerings that would lead you to the GIVER OF ALL GIFTS. He fills us up to be poured out for the Body.

Per my blog, I am glad that you like my photographs. Don't get me wrong; I am human and it makes me feel good that you enjoy the photographs. But I hope when a photo brings you to your knees or ministers to you in some way that you would see the awesome Creator! Not saying, "Oh, Connie", but "Oh, GOD!"

Like looking through these TENT ROCKS in New Mexico to the light and great ROCK calling us in a direction; it is life giving to know that God gives us visions and dreams to point our way to how He would work in us His purposes.

~~~

And we know that in all things
God works for the good
of those who love him,
who have been called
according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

With the Greatest of Ease

2011-08-15T19:52:00.001-07:00

We were able to go with the entire family to the Barnum and Bailey circus on Wednesday night. It was wonderful to see the animal acts, clowns, stunts, and amazing feats of all kinds. But for me, the most thrilling to see were the balancing and trapeze acts that took the skill of one built upon another to accomplish. These represented years of practice, many falls, and a building of trust with the partners. The skills were not perfect at first or hundredth attempts.

I remember as a young girl putting a pole between two trees out on the farm and trying to walk across. We kids also got pretty good at barrel rolling. I also remember swinging my siblings by their arms, and see my children swing theirs in the same way. I had tons of dreams that I could fly.

My granddaughter loves to be swung around in every direction by her father. It brings smiles and giggles instead of fear because she trusts the one that has a hold on her. Hmmmm.

There is something about swinging and balancing in high places that is intrinsic in our nature to try to escape the bonds of earth. I love to watch my oldest granddaughter swing. She gets so high, and likewise swings on the monkey bars with the greatest of ease. My grandson, however, loves to fly across the room from one sofa to another. He literally flies! There is a consciousness that is stirred up. It has intensified as well in me as I have been able to ride in helicopters, hot air balloons, and ski lifts as an adult. I get the same rush of fast movement as I have been able to increase speed skiing down a mountain.

It is not that I have a death wish; but I look forward to the time when, with the greatest of ease, I will be loosed from the earth and the bondage of self. For now, we need to help each other balance life's terms with the faith that we have until that day.

~~~~~

Two are better than one,
because together they can work effectively,
if one of them falls down,
the other can help him up...
Ecclesiastes 4:9

I want us to help each other
with the faith we have.
Your faith will help me,
and my faith will help you.
Romans 1:12

Early Morning Rain

2011-08-13T05:44:00.000-07:00

We awoke to the unfamiliar sound of rain this morning! I went outside to smell the fresh air and feel the raindrops on my skin. The street lights reflected onto the glimmering, running water in the road. The crape myrtles and ligustrum hung onto every precious drop. How refreshing!

The grass has become yellow and crunchy. The highways, only a few months ago crowded with wildflowers, cry for a drink and cringe at the cigarette butts thrown casually out of car windows. Trees, lawns, and bushes are taking their last breaths all through Texas. It is only a little rainfall, but how refreshing! We receive it with glad hearts! You know you don't live in Nebraska anymore when you race out to take pictures of snow and rain.

~~~

The Lord will guide you continually,
and satisfy your soul in drought,
and strengthen your bones;
you shall be like a watered garden,
and a spring of water,
whose waters do not fail.
Isaiah 58:11

Seeing is Believing?

2011-08-08T10:15:00.001-07:00

On this past Friday morning I was out doing some errands and stopping at a few garage sales along my path. I found myself passing by an apple tree while getting back to the main road. I noticed that lots of birds were feeding on the apples. As I got out of the car to get closer to take a picture of the fruit I noticed green movement. When I stepped closer a flurry of green birds flew off into the tall trees in back of the lot. I rubbed my eyes, and though I saw them I still did not believe what I was seeing. Doubting Thomas I was.

When I went back the next day with my camera I saw them again. A few were in the apple tree; but most of them were across the street. I had to strain to see them hidden high in the green leaves. The neighbor to the apple tree told me that they had migrated from the Texas coast last year and again this year. They returned to the apple tree.

I thought again how God sets me up. I stop to take a picture of one thing and find the He has positioned me to see something that is so awesome that it is hard to believe, even though I see it right before my eyes. God is good!

Gram Sandwich

2011-08-03T14:00:00.000-07:00

I kept two of my grandchildren today while my daughter went to a medical class. I had gotten a shirt and some sunglasses for my grandson, and some skorts for school for my granddaughter. I found some sunglasses in my stash as well that I gave her to match the sundresses I made her from a sleeping shirt she brought over to use as a pattern.

Faith has loved fuchsia and purple forever, so when I pulled out this yardage I knew it would be well received as a long summer dress. The short one with sunflowers was a remake from a very large size Acapulco shirt I found at a garage sale. I put it away until the idea came to match the remake.

We went around the corner to Subway after a vote of choices. I was able to get a gluten free sandwich there as well, and we enjoyed a great lunch together.

My husband Skyped us from Israel, and it was great to see and talk to him with the kids here. Phone and computer problems at the first of his trip made the days very long without voice communication.

When my daughter came to pick them up after her class I was blessed to be a gram sandwich surrounded in a big hug by my daughter and grandchildren. Much joy and laughing today!

~~~

He will fill your mouth
with laughter
and your lips
with shouts of joy.
Job 8:21

Help in our Weakness

2011-08-02T15:30:00.000-07:00

I knew when my husband was going to be gone for a week and a half that it would be an opportunity to clean out corners and clear clutter out of my house. I have made promises to myself before to exercise every day or throw /give away 10 things every day. I need God's help to be able to do those kinds of things. They are not necessarily fun, but there is much satisfaction in completing the tasks, one day at a time.

One of the pressing things I have wanted to get done is paint an accent wall of navy blue in our master bath. I started yesterday afternoon and finished today. I have also gotten a few other huge tasks started. You can't finish unless you start. The start button, for me, does not keep the motion going forward unless it is fueled by God. Discipline, if it were easy, would be evident everywhere. A simple definition for discipline? G...ood O...rderly D...irection: GOD. Without God I run out of gas, gumption, and grace. With God? All things are possible!

~~~~

The Spirit helps us in our Weakness.
Romans 8:26

Parched Ground

2011-08-01T20:08:00.001-07:00

Isn't God good that he put in us the capacity to stay in the moment, but also the capacity to bring up a memory. We can remember a place of wildflowers growing on the banks of rushing waters when we are dwelling in a time of parched ground. We can remember fertile, lush fields when we are in the midst of flooded lands. There is a cycle, and things pass.

My friend from Colorado always reminds me, "It came...to pass." The circumstance we are in, whether it be flooding or parched ground, will not be forever.

We can sing praises of thanksgiving that we have beautiful memories of past times and hope for a future. God is good.

~~~~

He turned the desert
into pools of water
and the parched ground
into flowing springs.
Psalm 107:35

Shine Brighter

2011-07-31T20:32:00.001-07:00

We were driving through Burlington, Ontario when we saw signs that indicated windows to the water. They were small areas that were provided for public access to the lake. This one gave us an expansive view to the water. As the sun's rays moved across the water, millions of diamond-like twinkles jumped around on the surface. We saw a flight of geese barely skim the water on a morning glide across the lake. We visited for awhile with a delightful Canadian couple, and took our time to really take in the spot God provided for us to enjoy the gleam of dawn becoming the full light of day. It was good not to be in a hurry and take the time to receive the gift of the spot to which God had led us for refreshing.

~~~~

One of the long standing remedies for being miserable is to do something for someone else. It is amazing how getting out of yourself and helping someone else will bless you with a better attitude. It is especially fun to do something for someone anonymously and not get found out, but know the delight the person garnished from the gift. When we use our God-given talents to help someone it not only brightens the life of the receiver, but the giver as well; both shine brighter.

~~~~~~

The path of the righteous
is like the first gleam of dawn,
shining ever brighter
till the full light of day.
Proverbs 4:18

Names Found

2011-07-28T16:56:00.000-07:00

As we made our way out to the country of Ontario we stopped at a small public entrance to the water in Burlington. I will post more pictures of this lovely spot on the next blog entry. I found this lovely yellow flower and was able to identify it today as swamp candles.

I have seen lots of milkweed in Texas, but it is yellow or white. I found this pink version up in Ontario. I also found, in a wildflower book I bought today, a picture of the light blue flower and identified it as chickory. I came across this beautiful Pink Lady's Slipper along a lake trail up in Algonquin Provincial Park. I had always wanted to see it in the wild, and finally got my wish!

~~

I am thrilled when I get to see a new wildflower, and even more excited when I am able to identify it later. All this pressing in to find names got me to think about this Revelation scripture:

I saw heaven standing open
and there before me was a white horse,
whose rider is called Faithful and True...
He has a name written on him
that no one knows but he himself.
Rev. 19:11-12

More Boats

2011-07-27T18:45:00.001-07:00

I delighted in seeing all the different kinds of boats on the water at Thousand Islands. Some were quite simple; others were very extravagant. Some were motor powered; others were man and wind powered. I thought about the ability to create that God has put into us to find different ways to move upon the water. Yet, no matter how fast or far a sea ship or space ship goes, it will not be out of His sight. This knowledge can bring us discomfort or peace. He is ever present and awaits the return every time we have gotten off course with our hearts.

~~~~

If I ...dwell in the uttermost parts
of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me...
Psalm 139:9,10

Boats and Birds

2011-07-26T12:14:00.001-07:00

We enjoyed seeing most of the osprey nests occupied with young ones. The gulls and cormorants were numerous. But the thing that really caught my eye and made me chuckle was the finger island with the birds on it. I had to rub my eyes to identify what the orange ones were. There was a real gull to the left tip of the island. The three atop the boulder were, however, of the plastic genre. Wondered if there was someone hiding, taking pictures of the goofy photographers taking pictures of the fake birds. Sometimes you have to just laugh, even if the joke is on you.

~~~~

Thought for the day...
keep your sense of humor!!!

Thousand Islands Boat Cruise

2011-07-26T11:46:00.000-07:00

The next place we headed to after Niagara Falls was Gananoque to take the boat cruise through the Thousand Islands. There are actually over 1800 islands in the area. We enjoyed seeing the boats, water birds, and the extremes homes found on the islands.

One island held the Boldt Castle. It is now owned by the U.S. Government. Some of the tour boats there to allow people off the boats to take tours of the grounds.

Just as impressive to me as the extravagant homes was the island with a single tree, and the several islands that were home to just one quaint private residence. A few islands were housing lighthouses along with throngs of waterbirds. There was always something new to see around each corner as a new group of islands came into view. The boat wasn't crowded and it was very relaxing to be out on the water without having to maneuver the boat.

~~~~

Let him reign from sea to sea,
and from the Euphrates River
to the ends of the earth.
Psalm 72:8
~~~~~~~
I will do some postings of birds and boats of the Thousand Islands to follow this one.

Get out of the Boat

2011-07-25T14:03:00.000-07:00

I got this picture of a rowboat from the Thousand Islands tour on Lake Huron. It was a relaxing time boating through the many islands; some with nothing on them, some a single home, and one a castle. I will post more of those on the next entry. But I thought this one should stand alone.

~~~~~

During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost." they said, and cried out in fear.

But Jesus immediately said to them, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."

Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."

"Come," he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

Come follow me...

2011-07-25T13:55:00.001-07:00

This is one of my favorite boat pictures from our Canada trip. I saw this empty canoe on a pier up in Algonquin Park in Ontario. It reminded me of the call to discipleship. Fear has stopped me from doing some things I really wanted to do. People pleasing has gotten me to say yes to doing things for which I really had no passion. When I really lean into prayer and meditation to discern where it is that He wants me to follow, I usually get an answer. Jesus and the leading of the Holy Spirit have kept me many times from being the victim of these stealers of my joy: fear and people pleasing.

~~~~~~

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, and I will make you fishers of men."

Double Whammy

2011-07-25T06:25:00.001-07:00

I felt like I got a double whammy of spiritual meaning in these two photos. I realized that I was seeing a lamppost and rushing water in the same scene. Somebody had told me once that if you are a Christian songwriter, you are not done writing until you have written a song about water and light. Well, I have one of each, but the songs are still coming. Yes, thank you Lord, for the songs and visions you give to us!

Water and light are two elements I love to photograph. Spiritually, they remind me that God and His Word are life, itself, and a lamp to my feet.

~~~

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet,
and a light unto my path.
Psl 119:105

Canadian Paths

2011-07-20T18:26:00.001-07:00

These are a few paths we took while in Ontario:

1. We encountered this turtle on a hiking trail. He spanned about a foot and a half. We kept our distance!
2. This section of highway was quite impressive. It made me think about the people that worked to clear a path for the road.
3. & 4. The bridge going into Thornbury was decorated with flags and gorgeous flowers to celebrate Canada Day.
5. A boardwalk made a path possible through a marshy trail at Algonquin.
6. A nearly empty highway rises to shadows of hills in the distance.

~~~

He guides me in paths
of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Psalm 23:3

Still Waters

2011-07-20T18:04:00.001-07:00

When I first started taking photography more seriously I sometimes did not even realize that I had captured a reflection in a scene. I now keep an eye out for water, windows, mirrors; anything that might yield a mirror image. Another lesson was that sometimes I had the wrong lens on the camera to get a faraway scene closer or get a sky and a lake included in the scene. I had the wide angle lens on for the last two photos and the telephoto on for the first two. For the sunset captured in the lake behind our cabin it makes you realize that there must have been a sunset above the trees. Interesting things to think about when you look at a photo.

The first photo was one of my favorites from the trip. A fallen tree made a reflection that almost looked like a spider web. It was quite intricate, and beautiful reflected on the still water. God leads me into paths on our travels that we could not have imagined. They do, indeed, restore our souls.

~~

He leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
Psalm 23:2-3

How Majestic

2011-07-20T06:08:00.000-07:00

I took these photos from the plane on the way home from Canada. We were landing rather late, so got to see the wonderful transition of sunset and the light catching whole bodies of water. The texture of the water could still be seen as the golden light reflected on these glassy natural mirrors. Whole lakes and rivers became like molten gold as the wave of brilliant yellow/orange washed over the surfaces. The big lake reminded me of a Chinese dragon. I thought, looking at these huge expanses of Earth, how creative and majestic is our God! I prayed for myself that I would, as well, reflect His Light.

~~~

You have set your glory above the heavens...

When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
what is man
that you are mindful of him?

O Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name
in all the earth!
(verses from Psalm 8)

Things that made me smile...

2011-07-19T17:26:00.000-07:00

Our friends had a wonderful bouquet of white and red flowers on a table to greet us as we entered our room. They laid out hats and a Canada journal on the bed. We had purchased Canada shirts with big maple leaves on them at a Walmart before we got to Thornbury. Now we would be appropriately dressed to attend the Canada Day Parade through their town. Turns out we might have been a little boring and underdressed for the excitement of the Parade! People will wear outrageous things in a parade!

You know you have to smile when a woman spectator and the pig in the parade are wearing the same wig. You know you have to smile when you see a dog riding a skateboard in the parade, and seeming to enjoy it. You know you have to smile when you see a guy that big willing to wear that hat and a kilt. You know you have to smile when you have spent a great day with friends!

I remember lots of small town parades growing up. I rode on plenty of floats and helped decorate a few. There were always clowns and animals, special cars, and farm machinery. We always kept a close watch readying ourselves to pounce on tossed candy. We had big smiles.

The thing about thinking about things that make you smile is that it probably has put a smile on your face.
~~~~~~

Prov 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit
dries up the bones.

Canadian Barns #2

2011-07-15T12:22:00.001-07:00

Some part of me is a little sad at seeing barns decay and fall. I think I identify as I am also aging and graying. But with my increased age I also feel like there is much I want to do yet, and I still have gifts to give to the Body of Christ to reflect a heart that loves Jesus. I have more peace than I have every had in my life, despite some circumstances of my life we face daily. We all have our crosses to bear. But when we can share with others our faith, no matter our age, the soul grows more serene as it matures.

~~~

Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, O God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your might to all who are to come.
Ps. 71:18

Canadian Barns

2011-07-14T17:18:00.001-07:00

I have always loved seeing barns as I travel through country sides. When I see one in the distance on road trips I sort of think of it as a nostalgic treasure. I have asked myself why they intrigue me. I think it is because I used to go hide out in the hay mount to teach myself chords and sing with those great acoustics! I would sometimes take my guitar out into the pasture, but that flatland of Nebraska makes you too easy to see even from a great distance.

I think, spiritually, barns represent a place to keep the harvest. Also, it meant shelter sometimes for livestock. Shelter and safety were some issues for me growing up. I wonder, when I see old barns what stories they hold.

I found the Canadian barns, even though they might be falling down, were pristine and not surrounded by junk. I seldom saw a junky yard in town or country. When I saw a barn coming into view II would try to focus without having to stop the car, so many shots were deleted that were blurred as we flew down the road. But I must say in fairness, I did ask the driver to slow down many times; and he was quite willing, if it was possible, to turn around for me to get a shot of a really cool barn.

~~~~

I rejoice at Your word
As one who finds great treasure.
Ps. 119:162

Watching and Waiting

2011-07-14T07:43:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite places on this trip was in Algonquin Park at Canisbay Lake. Eric was content to sit by the water as I took a stroll to see what visitors might be on the wildflowers along the paths. It was refreshing to both of us to just be quiet and alone, relishing in the refreshing presence of God.

I have found a helpful tip about photographing butterflies and bees on flowers is to be patient and study where they often return. Focus on that blossom and take the picture when they land on it! I have gotten pictures of red dragonflies this way. They are so fast that it is hard to catch them still but for a moment. A moment is all you need! But the patience required to wait for the moment? That is a gift of the spirit that comes with much willingness to wait. In the waiting there was a time spent in prayer and praise. Quietly watching and waiting have great rewards!

~~~

I'm in the very presence of God...oh, how refreshing it is!
Ps. 73:28

Take a breath

2011-07-13T15:09:00.000-07:00

A friend asked me today if I was disappointed in our trip to Canada. My pictures were nice, but not the dramatic scenes I usually capture on vacation.

I thought about the difference between this trip and others. I think we still had the anticipation of seeing new territory together and getting lodging along the way without reservations. I think the difference was how we were breathing most of the time. Except for Niagara Falls, most of the territory we saw was rolling farmland, level lakes, and rolling hills. There was not the extravagant terrain that we often see. I noted a difference in how we would take a breath of peace so often in what we were seeing. The mosquitoes were making war on us; however, the hikes even in the rain and the smells of the forest were very peaceful. There was no phone service, and we were secluded from the busyness of business and big cities. I found myself exhaling and inhaling peace.

When you look at the Grand Tetons from a hot air balloon it takes your breath away. When you look into a deep canyon outside of Jasper it takes your breath away. When you fly over the Grand Canyon in a helicopter it takes your breath away. But when you examine the beauty of a wildflower, see a single sailboat on the water, take in the reflection of a fallen tree in a lake, or wonder about the history of an old barn, you find your breathing slowed and peaceful.

We were guided to peaceful places where we could take a breath and have a great, peaceful sense of His presence.

~~

It is good to be near God.
Ps. 73:28

Hawkweed

2011-07-12T18:17:00.001-07:00

I found a half dozen wildflowers on this trip that I had not seen before. When I first came upon the tall stalks with tiny red buds I had no idea what they were. When I saw clusters later that had partially opened I was able to identify them from a wildflower book at one of the visitor centers. The hawkweed was prevalent all over Ontario, but especially along roadways and next to lakes. I found a small yellow flower with the orange ones, and found that it was hawkweed as well.

One of my husband's favorite places to sit by the water was also one of mine as well. It was at a lake at the end of one of the trails at Algonquin Park. I took a walk and found lots of butterflies and dragonflies enjoying the hawkweed. Getting a photograph of a flower as well as a bee/butterfly, or other visitor is a double blessing. I will save some of those pictures for the next post.

~~

If God cares so wonderfully
for flowers that are here today
and gone tomorrow,
won't he more surely
care for you?
Matt. 6:30

Fields of Gold

2011-07-11T17:01:00.000-07:00

One of the repeated scenes that made my heart leap is when I could see a field of rapeseed coming on the horizon. I first saw a field of it on a trip to Idaho. It is so cheery that you cannot help but take a big breath and break into a smile.

The fields were often speckled with yellow wildflowers as well, and were great color treats as they surrounded barns. The barns and farms were, for the most part, very well taken care of. We RARELY saw junky yards in town or country.

It was especially nice to see a Canadian flag flying in front of a field of gold. Since Canada Day was July 1st, there were Canadian flags everywhere. We saw them on horses, barns, heads, cars, shirts, fences, farm animals (a teaser for a future post of the Canada Day parade we witnessed in Thornbury.

~~~~

Let the fields rejoice, and everything in them!
1 Chron. 16:32b

Lodging #3

2011-07-10T17:47:00.000-07:00

These are all more photographs I took at Spencer's cabins. The owner had beautiful hanging baskets at the main house. The flowers, canoe, water's edge, and boats all spoke well of the hospitality we experienced there and throughout Canada. Our expectations need be only the expectancy that your love is forever and true, and that you have a plan for us. You meet our need.

~~~~~

My God will meet
all your needs
according to his glorious riches
in Christ Jesus.
Phil. 4:19

Lodging #2

2011-07-10T15:22:00.001-07:00

In the morning as we woke to beautiful light on the water at Spencer's cabin, I took a walk to see what I could see. I have found it valuable to look for the big picture and the small one. The awesomeness of the light streaming through the trees looked like the majesty of the Lord himself warming me and piercing me with His light. Yet my eyes were opened to the universe of small spider webs that spanned the grasses and became visible as the light caught them and brought them to my attention. Though small, I took pleasure in how they stirred my heart to praise and worship Him.

~~~

Stand before the Lord in awe.
Psalm 4:4

Lodging

2011-07-10T14:15:00.001-07:00

One of the ideas to which we have become very fond is to not get lodging reservations for a trip unless it is the first night. We don't want to stay longer in an area if we feel like we need to get on down the road; or we decide we want to stay longer in a place than we might have planned. We have not had to spend a night in the car yet, so it seems to be working for us. Given that we were in moose and bear country it is a good thing!

Our first night, as we were close to Niagara Falls, we just stayed in a Comfort Inn close by. We enjoyed the Falls, and got on the way to the 1,000 Islands area, which had been recommended by our friends in Thornbury. The drive was very relaxing except for the ride through Toronto, which went on forever. Living in a huge metroplex in Texas, I was ready to get out in the country away from bad traffic and many people.

As the sun lowered in the sky and the road narrowed into small towns and farmland, I saw a vacancy sign on the side of a barn. We figured a two bedroom cabin at the side of the St. Lawrence River in the heart of the 1000 islands was not going to be easy to find. We spoke to the owner and got a cabin (very rare as fishermen come worldwide to stay there weeks at a time) for the night. It was an ethereal time to be set apart.

The owner saw my camera and told me to make sure to get a picture of the blue heron that fishes from the boat dock. She had shared how they had five the previous year, but they migrated during winter to a place with oil spill, and only two came back. I certainly wanted to find him, and he turned out to be very accommodating.

The sunset, sunrise, water, heron, stillness, and seclusion were all a wonderful way to settle in to a very relaxing vacation. I felt like we had been led to a hidden treasure. The God joke was that the woman who rented us the cabin had the same first and last name as one of my friends at church. That put a big smile on my face as I thanked him for his provision.

~~~~

You are safe in the care of the Lord your God,
secure in his treasure pouch.
1 Samuel 25:29

Reflections in Canada #2

2011-07-09T20:23:00.001-07:00

This vacation in Canada took us through lots of waterways, country sides filled with vine-covered barns, lakes, woods, and charming towns along with two huge cities of Ottawa and Toronto. The terrain might not have been as breathtaking as some others we have traveled, but it had a pristine, quaint, restful spirit. We had lots of reflections to see with so many lakes mirroring their surroundings. But we also had many times of resting beside lakes as we took the time to reflect and rest.

These particular photos were taken in Algonquin Park around a huge rock that protruded out into the lake. It beckoned the passerby to come rest awhile. We both needed a break away from the loud and crazy city, and the triple numbers on the thermometer. It was good to not have an agenda, and just sit awhile on a rock, being quiet, and letting the peace wash over us.

~~~

Be still, and know that I am God.
Ps. 46:10

A New Creation

2011-07-08T13:44:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a very special time with my oldest grandchild. She had been expressing a desire to be baptized, so we gathered yesterday evening to witness the event.

Earlier in the day her mother made her a cake for the celebration to follow. Then we went shopping for a dress and shoes. We had the dress narrowed down to a few, when we realized that the blue one had butterflies near the hem. They have always symbolized a transformation into beauty; a new creation coming out from the cocoon.

We had some lunch, and Gram went to find some flowers. Nothing less would do for Faith than a dozen hot pink roses. She was aglow! I pray she will be a powerful example of love and redemption as she matures in her faith.

When Faith was born I wrote a song for her. The last verse:

My prayer for precious FAITH, my Lord,
is that she'll pray and sing and dance;
and have such joy within her heart,
abandoned to the GREAT romance with
YOU, the author and perfecter of our "FAITH"

~~~~

2 Cor 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,
he is a new creation;
the old has gone, the new has come!

Reflections of Canada

2011-07-07T07:09:00.000-07:00

I loved seeing the reflection of trees, heron, and canoe in the lakes of Algonquin. They reminded me that my greatest prayer for myself is that people see Christ in me, and would be drawn to become his disciples. We, like the heron and many in boats, are fishers. Now, spiritually, we Christians are called to become fishers off women and men. We are sent out by the Great I AM to tell the story of Jesus.

This evening I get to go see my grand daughter get baptized. She has come to this decision herself, and it is the biggest decision of her life. I ask for all your prayers for her that she would mature in Christ and reflect the gifts of the Spirit as she grows in faith and discipleship.

Blessings Raining Down

2011-07-06T14:56:00.001-07:00

A rainy day on vacation in a new place affords photographic opportunities otherwise not available on a sunny day. The showers we experienced at Niagara Falls, and later on while hiking trails at Algonquin provided opportunities to see beads of water on leaves, walkways, leaves, shiny moss; and a wonderful rainbow spanning the Falls. The heady scents in the forest as it became even more verdant with rain made me take deep breaths of the awesome aromas from boughs and flowers along the pathways.

Many times showers bring us abundant crops and blessings. We must have the rain for the harvest. The Lord knows how to pour out blessings and quench our thirst with His generous water of life. So when it rains I look for the water droplet on a flower petal and the rainbow that may follow the showers. His abundance of love poured out on us is extravagant; beyond what we can imagine.

Often, when it has not rained for awhile, I find myself going outside to just let a rainfall drench me into a fit of giggles. Often, rainfall is accompanied by lightning and thunder in the spring storms of Texas, so I try to constrain myself to staying inside when clouds are swirling and lighting is popping everywhere. (I can just hear my husband saying, "Yeah, right!") I really do have the 'constraint' gene, though it is not well developed. A stormy sky is one of my weaknesses, I confess! And standing in a gentle rain is one of my delights. Hiking in the rain in Canada will be a very special memory.

~~

See if I don't open up heaven itself to you
and pour out blessings
beyond your wildest dreams.
Malachi 3:10
THE MESSAGE

God's Timing

2011-07-06T07:37:00.000-07:00

When we decided to go to Ontario for vacation I started to do research. We had wonderful experiences in western provinces of Canada, so I focused on provincial parks in Ontario along a route to intersect visiting our friends in Thornbury for a few days. When I came upon the huge Algonquin Provincial Park I was delighted to read their almost guarantee to see moose right alongside the Queen's Hwy 60 going through the park.

Our first day at Algonquin was a bust as far as seeing moose. The lakes, beaver dams, wildflowers, and trails and mosquitoes were numerous. However, it was rainy off and on, and we got pretty soggy, muddy, and a little chilly out on the trails. The rain did not seem to stop the mosquitoes. I had on bug repellent, but still managed to get bitten in my left eyelid twice!

The second morning we decided to go all the way to the eastern gate and work our way back through the park to take roads and hikes we wanted to see again, plus go down a few we had passed the day before. We saw a moose way off in the distance. I was a little disappointed, but when I later started to feel my heart quiet and fill with gratitude for all that we had experienced, it was only a few minutes later that the moose appeared right in the ditch at the side of the road!

When we left the west gate and returned to our room at Algonquin Bound, Jason encouraged us to go back into the park. He was sure we would see more moose because the sun had come out and they would be near the road. Eric graciously agreed to drive back into the park for a short distance. Within fifteen minutes we saw two other moose.

~~~~

So many times I feel driven to attain a certain goal or see a certain thing. I find that if I will trust God's timing and wait upon Him, I will be truly blessed. I may not get the exact thing that I wanted, but usually the things I do receive exceed that for which I asked. I don't think God responds to manipulation or formulas for moving him. I think what gets his attention is when a human heart truly surrenders its will to follow His will instead. Listening and watching through my photography has brought me more growth in patience, gratitude, and understanding in what He directs me to see and do.

~~~

Listen for GOD'S voice in everything you do,
everywhere you go.
Proverbs 3:6
THE MESSAGE

Blueweed

2011-07-05T19:36:00.001-07:00

One of the first wildflowers we noticed in abundance upon entering Canada was blueweed. At first glance I figured it to be part of the lupine family similar to the bluebonnets in Texas. Then I changed my mind and thought perhaps it was a type of pentstemon. When I got to look at a spire closely I realized it was something I had not seen before. I was able to identify it from a wildflower book at a store in the Algonquin Provincial Park.

The blueweed was stunning in a grouping by itself, but stood tall and in contrast often in patches of pink clover or ox eye daisies. In a field by itself lending a wonderful blue stripe to the panorama of trees and field, it took my breath away. It was exciting to find a new wildflower. I actually found a few more on this trip that I had not seen previously. Opening my eyes to the blessings of tiny things is as exciting as watching the tons of water flow at Niagara Falls. It is good to be able to be present in the present, no matter the size of its package. This was a delightful one to open, and see repeatedly in the landscapes as we continued on through the countryside of Ontario.
~~

If God cares so wonderfully for flowers
that are here today and gone tomorrow,
won't he more surely care for you?
Matthew 6:30

Rushing Waters

2011-07-05T06:51:00.001-07:00

We just returned from a wonderful week in Ontario. We entered Canada from the Buffalo area, and got to experience Niagara Falls for the first time. The massive, rushing waters were incredible. I had to use both lenses to capture the depth and close up aspects that were so thrilling to behold. The specks at the top right of the first photo are boats carrying people to the base of the falls.

The weather was a little cold and rainy, but provided the conditions to experience the rainbow over the falls. We took the tunnels tour of the Journey behind the Falls, and got quite soaked. We decided, already being chilled to the bone, to pass on the Lady of the Mist boat ride. On the return trip to the airport we saw the falls from the U.S. side, and the sun provided a clearer vista.

I am always amazed at seeing such awesome wonders that God has created. Those experiences fill me with gratitude that we have a Creator of wonders, yet we are each significant to the God who created the universe.

~~~
Stop and consider God's wonders.
Job 37:14

Keep Watch

2011-06-23T20:15:00.000-07:00

My friend and I know better than to think we are ever in a place where there is nothing to see. We keep watch and so many times are led to see amazing things in unexpected places. These three photos were taken in the backyard of a garage sale right in Evergreen. The woman and young man told us about a bee hive that had collected on a limb in the back yard. I saw a single bee close by on the flower, but it was awesome to see the number of bees altogether hanging on the limb, They were not aggressive, and I had a telephoto lens, so proceeded with caution to get a photograph.

There are always things going on around us, but we must keep vigilant and quiet ourselves to hear and see them.

Simple Elegance

2011-06-19T17:11:00.000-07:00

My Colorado friends have taught me much about simple elegance. They don't have lots of things, yet the way they serve each other and their guests is nothing less than simple elegance. Dale puts love into the preparation of fish for the grill, or making us a fire to enjoy the millions of stars seen after it gets dark on the mountain. Lessy knows how to add the finishing touches to her meals with a flourish of decoration or simply delicious sauces and dressings for veggies, salad, and pasta.

One of our traditions is to exchange prezzies (presents) upon my arrival to their cabin. They are never very expensive, but often found at garage sales or second hand shops. But they bring squeals of delight upon opening. We anticipate the reaction of the other as much as the anticipation of what our treasures will be.

I learn how to be a servant with a glad heart, and also a child in receiving with delight and gratitude the simple gifts we exchange. One of the prezzies I received this last trip was a set of delightful cloth napkins with a moose in the corner. Upon returning home I found two green pottery dishes at a garage sale that had an orange clay rim that matched the napkin. When I served my husband dinner tonight with the cloth napkin and the plate filled with baked chicken, baked potato, and sliced avocado he got a big smile on his face. It made him feel special.

We all are. You know, special. When we take a few extra minutes to find ways to serve others we glorify God. We can take joy in completing jobs and blessing others. It is the secret of simple elegance. And I believe God smiles in pride as He sees his kids maturing and sharing love in these simple, serving ways.

~~~~~

If anyone wants to be first,
he must be the very last,
and the servant of all.
Mark 9:35

Small Wonder

2011-06-18T13:09:00.000-07:00

These small wonders are SUGARBOWLS. I have seen them usually farther north than Colorado. However, this time the forests and meadows around Evergreen seemed to have an abundance. I saw them in colors ranging from dark blue, periwinkle, shades of purple, and maroon. They are called sugarbowls because the sepals flare outward and give the flower a fancy Victorian sugarbowl appearance.

I think some of my fascination with these beauties is their feathery plume and silvery hairy stems. The fingerlike leaves stretching in beautiful lines remind me of beautiful ballet dancers. The last photo, in particular, almost brought me to tears. I caught this lovely dancer on an early morning walk through the meadow. It seemed as though she was just waking up, and in her graceful stretch allowed me to photograph her in an upright position. It evoked a small writing which I put on a note to myself on my cell phone...

'Stretch, Lady Sugarbowl. Awake to let your cup be filled by the sweetness of the Son! Dance with your Maker, and celebrate the Life He has given you!

~~~~~

A quite proper way to start the day, before our feet hit the ground, is to acknowledge and be filled by the sweetness of our Lord. It is indeed sweetness for God to use such a small wonder He brilliantly designed to remind me of how to wake up!

Telling Stories

2011-06-16T10:27:00.001-07:00

Generation after generation stands in awe of your work;
each one tells stories of your mighty acts.
Psalm 145:4
The Message

~~~~

These photos were taken at Lake San Cristobal near Lake City, Colorado. I had seen the lake from an overlook a couple of times on previous trips, but never traveled around its perimeter before. The scenes of peaks, water, grasses, and trees were intoxicating.

There were lots of inlets and grasses extending into the lake to provide places for wildlife. I spied this family of Canadian geese from afar, and slowly made progress towards them in hopes that they would stay close for a photo op. I saw the parents scoot their youngsters toward the water, where they embarked for a swim. The youngsters were surrounded by their parents as they left a beautiful "V" of waves behind them.

~~~~

My blog is about telling stories of the Lord's power and majesty. As I stand before mountains, wildflowers, waterfalls, butterflies; wherever He sends me, I an indeed in awe of His work. I especially love to see generations of wildlife. I have been privileged to see moose, elk, deer, bears, buffalo, fox, marmots, and waterfowl with their young.

As these particular youngsters found themselves surrounded by their parents, I hope you will have a hunger to travel alongside God and your hearts will increase in love for Him and your fellow travelers, including all the wonderful animals that have been put on the earth.

Through the Waters

2011-06-16T04:50:00.000-07:00

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.
Isaiah 43:2

~~~~~~

A short distance off a main road near Lake City brought a view to the incredible canyon and waterfall in these pictures and those of the previous post. The composition and majesty equalled that of the falls at Yellowstone. The added benefit was that NO ONE else, but my friend, was there at the same time. Such beauty and raw power of tons of water cannot elicit more response than simple praise and awe of what God has done, and is doing.

He leads us beside still waters, but does not leave us as we find ourselves in the rushing waters of life. I feel like, after a non-rushed, quiet time on back roads in Colorado the re-entry into Texas traffic and heat has been brutal. But a day trip yesterday with my two girls helped provide a little bubble of retreat that was so good for us. Laughter, lunch, trying on and buying funny hats: all added to the lightness and time together that becomes a special memory.

Whether we be along still waters or rushing waters, God is Good All the Time!

Just a Smidgen

2011-06-15T04:47:00.001-07:00

I took these two photographs, one after the other, of the same place near Lake City, Colorado. The first one showed just a smidgen of the vista in front of me. The other showed a more complete composition of the immense scene.

I felt the stirring of heaven as I looked upon this sprawling beauty. Just the mountain by itself was amazing. Then the aspen grove added its magic. As the valley fell away to the canyon and rock outcroppings, it was nearly more than I could take in. On my next post I will reveal the astounding waterfall that was just to the left of this incredible scenery.

We can only see a part here, but can only imagine the stunning and thrilling love and beauty that is our eternal home. It gives me hope to look upon scenes like this. It reminds me that He holds me close and gives me daily strength to finish the race. As I stand before such grandeur, I long to hear as I stand before my Father in Heaven, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"

Being Present

2011-06-14T12:52:00.000-07:00

Give your entire attention
to what God is doing right now,
and don't get worked up about
what may or may not happen tomorrow.
Matthew 6:34 The Message

~~~~~~~

That advice is pretty easy to follow when you come upon a scene like this. We had taken a road veering off from the southern part of Lake San Cristobal. We found ourselves in one scene after another of unbelievable beauty. This one may be a scene I will hold in my heart and mind when I center for prayer. It calls you to sit in the chair at the edge of the water and breathe in the amazing creation of our Lord. It paves the way to relax in His loving sovereignty.

A Good Lesson

2011-06-14T10:23:00.001-07:00

While on a walk near the cabin of my friends I heard the familiar sound of a hummingbird. I soon found myself being circled by it for nearly a minute. He was not aggressive, but stayed in his circular path for enough time that I was amazed at his interest. Perhaps it was my bright blue jacket?

My dilemma was whether to put my hand out, hoping he might land. But I did not want to injure or startle him. The other dilemma was that he was too close to photograph. I just had to BE STILL and enjoy the encounter. As he finally lost interest I was able to photograph him a few yards away as he got busy in the dandelions.

I find that, even when I am still, I am fidgeting. Just ask my family when we sit down together to watch a movie. lol! Or my husband when I am sleeping. Always moving.

The hummingbird gave me the gift of making me be still and just enjoy him; a good lesson.

~~~~~

Be still and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10

That is NOT a horse!

2011-06-11T19:22:00.000-07:00

Last week I was able to take my spring girl trip to Colorado. We slipped away from her home and husband to revisit a wonderful ranch south of Lake City called 'The Oleo.' It refers to itself as 'The Poor Man's Spread.'

We were in a different cabin closer to the entrance, so the walk down to the trail heads was a longer distance than I had walked on previous visits. I left my friend, by her request, to sleep in as I left to take my morning walk. When I had finished the long trek to the trail heads I turned back towards the cabin. The morning light on the huge valley with a wide swath of stream and willow down the center was a sight to behold. I was hoping to spot a moose amongst the many interesting colors and shadows playing around the rippling stream's course.

Due to the extreme size of the valley I decided to walk closer to the fence that kept the horses in. I heeded my husband's request that I watch where I am stepping. The stones and snakes could pose a great danger if not careful. I would take four sure steps while watching my feet, then pause to look up and scope the willow. On one upward glance I saw a few of the horses gathered at the fence. The next glance up I saw another horse had joined them. Quickly, my identification was changed to the new guy being a MOOSE! He headed toward the fence and easily cleared it. I clicked the camera and he looked at me. Mind you, I was quite a distance away, but he heard it and turned his head to look straight at me. I stood still, amazed as he turned back and sauntered uphill into the forest.

At about the time the gorgeous moose entered into the forest my friend came driving up just in time to get a glance. I was short of breath from the altitude of 10,500 and the fact that my heart was racing and the adrenaline from seeing the moose was freshly coursing through my veins. I was glad to get a ride back to the cabin, and delighted that we had both witnessed such a beautiful animal!

Stormy Skies

2011-05-23T16:12:00.000-07:00

Ah, Lord God!
You have made the heavens and the earth
by Your great power and outstretched arm.
There is nothing too hard for You.
Jeremiah 32:17

~~~

This past Saturday lots of folks were watching the skies waiting for the end of the world. The thing is, nobody knows when that will happen. Today brought stormy skies, but nothing parted the stormy formations to reveal the return of Jesus.

I was out trying to solve a few problems today when I noticed the awesome clouds. I didn't get anything accomplished, but instead got a new set of decisions to make. Several of those in a row make me a little nuts. However, asking advice and not making quick decisions was the path I chose to take.

No matter when Jesus returns, it is a worthy goal to walk in the spirit: pressing in to think, do, and be in line with his return at any time.

Cathedrals

2011-05-20T12:16:00.001-07:00

Wildflowers this season have been filled with those seeking their nectar. I especially loved how these two butterflies entered deeply into the pink primrose blossoms. It is as if the flowers are cathedrals that draw the butterflies, moths, and bees in to seek the sweetness of the Lord. It is their purpose to carry the sweetness and pollinate other flowers; to serve in spreading the splendor of the Lord; to enable others to bloom.

The fragrance and quiet places of these blooms helps me, as well, enter into a cathedral of the spirit, teaching me to be still and taste His sweetness. When I have been quiet and filled with this splendor how can I do less than the butterflies and carry in service the message of his great love and beauty?

~~~~

Worship the Lord
in the splendor of his holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth.
Ps. 96:9

Thistles

2011-05-19T17:11:00.000-07:00

Depending on where thistles are found they are poisoned, dug up, cursed, or admired. These were not in my front yard, and I found them exceedingly beautiful. The whole ridge of thistles afforded a periwinkle invitation to the beautiful pastoral scene beyond.

As I began to take my focus from the crowd to the single thistles I found each to be very different from the other. I don't think I have ever seen two entwined thistles like the couple in the second photograph. I have rarely seen thistles with white centers like the first and last. But I am often drawn to photograph the bees, bugs, and butterflies that find them irresistible.

It is fun to watch the stages of flowers in the field as they speak of the miracles and mysteries of God's creation. Even if they are but thistles, they have their 'day' before they are gone. Though they are small, we can see God's hand in the masterpiece of each one.

~~~

When you send your Spirit, they are created,
and you renew the face of the earth.
Ps. 104:30

His courts

2011-05-19T15:19:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I cannot help but feel that a wildflower cropping is nothing less than one of God's courts. The flowers are glorious as they all turn their faces to the sun. Be they tiny or grand, they fill my heart with gratitude as I perceive how wonderfully each one is made.

~~~

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
Ps. 100:4

For the Birds

2011-05-19T14:49:00.000-07:00

Last night, since there was no choir practice, we headed out after dinner to enjoy the sunset and find some water. We are well trained from our travels to know the wildlife sightings increase at dawn and dusk as they are out finding food. We are also prone to sit awhile at a riverside, or walk around a small lake, taking in the tranquility of ripples in the water and the wind blowing through the grasses and trees alongside.

We are fortunate to still have a lot of undeveloped country around us, and even where there are neighborhoods they have been nestled to wisely use the creeks and ponds to add to the water elements being enjoyed by the residents. Last night we enjoyed seeing a white egret, many flocks of birds, a blue heron, and several ducks and geese. I love seeing the large water birds. Hope you will enjoy these as well.

~~~~

But I have stilled and quieted my soul...
Ps. 131:2

Seize the Season

2011-05-15T14:49:00.000-07:00

Hubby opted for a long run instead of another motorcycle ride this afternoon. Yesterday and today were glorious. I blessed him to go out on foot as I left to drive through the country roads savoring the tail end of the wildflower season in Texas. We will soon be in the sweltering, dry and crispy Texas summer. Wildflowers will have to be sought after by visiting other places.

We finally got some decent rain and the Indian blankets are rallying. They were the first I saw this year, and are now covering fields along with later bloomers. I was also seeing, in the last week, the field cacti starting to bloom. For the most part they are yellow. But sometimes there are mixed blooms of orange, coral, and yellow on the same plant. I went out today mainly searching for the multi-colored blooms. I came by these this afternoon.

A blooming cactus reminds me that we are not promised a thorn-free life. We will have trouble. Jesus certainly had his share! There is such beauty in life not to be missed by dwelling on the thorns. We don't lose heart because we know we are being renewed daily as we continue to fix our eyes upon Jesus.

~~~

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
2 Cor. 4:17

It all depends

2011-05-11T19:11:00.000-07:00

I was coming home from choir practice tonight and stopped at the grocery store, then the pharmacy. Upon leaving the grocery store I saw the sky, looking like hail clouds. Beautiful, but ominous. I headed for the pharmacy off the next freeway exit. I noticed the sky was losing the dangerous look and becoming an awesome sunset. This was after a day of high winds and repeated heavy rains.

When I got close to the pharmacy I took a turn off to look back at the western sky. This is a road I have traveled hundreds of times, mind you, but I never saw this pond from this direction at sunset. It looks like lowland swamp with apartments at its edge looking from the freeway to the east. IT ALL DEPENDS on your perspective if something looks messy, hopeless, scary, or beautiful, peaceful, and hopeful.

My perspective at the grocery store told me the sky was possibly dangerous. My perspective on the other side of the pond gave me a wonderful new place to watch the Texas sunsets reflected in water. God had me in a position to discover something wonderful right under my nose. It would not have been a road I would have taken in the day, but the beauty of the sunset made me take the first available turnout to see it before the color faded. A single tree in the pharmacy parking lot offered a wonderful focal point to be framed by the coral painted sky.

Our perspective, staring at scary clouds and the underside of the tapestry of our struggles looks pretty messy. But on God's side looking down, the stitches are being woven together to make us beautiful. He has a future and a hope for each of us. We can depend on God's power to transform us not on our plan, but His.

~~~~~~

Paul encourages in Ephesians 6:10:
Last of all I want to remind you that your strength must come from the Lord's mighty power within you.

Piles of Smiles

2011-05-10T20:27:00.000-07:00

My girls both gave me gifts of writing for Mother's Day. I have told them that I would much prefer a love letter to stuff. They gave me my heart's desire.

It is also great fun to pile up for a picture. It was interesting that Papaw, Faith, and Ashlyn all had on turquoise. Gram and Riley had on outfits of blue and green. Charlie was happy to be wearing the orange shirt with a big bug on it that I found him the day before.

It is wonderful to play together. I hope as they grow into times where they will want to spend more time with their friends instead of their grandparents that they will cherish the memories of these times when they were young and piled together on our laps giggling, smooching, tickling, and just loving each other. I find these times we are being able to be close to children and grandchildren in the spirit of love are so precious.

~~~

And may the Lord make you
increase and abound in love
to one another and to all.
1 Thessalonians 3:12

How sweet it is...

2011-05-09T08:21:00.001-07:00

I had an amazing weekend with my husband. Most of it was centered around Mother's Day, but some was about our regular attempt to really spend time with each other on the weekends. We had a lovely dinner in the West 7th area of Ft. Worth on Saturday night. I got a delicious gluten free pizza at Fireside Pies, then some wonderful frozen yogurt for dessert.

Before retiring he asked me if I wanted breakfast in bed or to go out somewhere for breakfast. I opted out of both, since we would be going out for dinner with the family, and had to be at church early to rehearse for choir. Upon rising I found this lovely vase of yellow roses on the counter. What a guy!

After church we went shopping and made a pretty big purchase of new, smaller living room couches. Since downsizing our house, our overstuffed couches with a million pillows are really too big for the smaller room.

We met our kids at Bobo Tea House Noodles and had a yummy dinner, then returned home to make some freshly baked cookies to go along with Kroger's Private Selection ice cream flavors of Chocolate Ganache and Black Raspberry Dark Chocolate Chunk. Believe me when I say either flavor will make your eyes roll back in your head. Yummo!

It was an outrageously special weekend. I will continue tomorrow with some kid/grandkid stories. My entire family was so loving, but I can tell you it all began with this wonderful man I married. How sweet it is to be loved by him. I think more than any other person I have ever known that he exhibits the fruits of the spirit. Living with this man has helped me be a better person, no doubt. I am truly blessed.

~~~~~~

Galations 5:22

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Banners up

2011-05-02T14:24:00.000-07:00

Finally all the work was done on the five big banners I made for the Easter season. Hanging them was an amazing experience, seeing them catch the light and decorate the walls at church. Some of you that were following the process live in other places and had asked to see them hung; so here they are.

The bottom two photos are of the stained glass panels that were in storage from a former church. Some needed repair, and were then hung lighted in the sanctuary. It is a beautiful place to gather as a church family.

~~~

Gather together and praise the Lord!

The gift of time

2011-04-28T16:55:00.001-07:00

There is a theory that was written about how we receive love; our love languages. I determined that mine were verbal or written affirmations of affection and spending time with me.

By those admissions I spent the day receiving and giving love to this little one. We were carrying on a tradition of new babies getting photographed in many different hats. The lass cooperated brilliantly,

not only with wonderful poses and gestures, but full of smiles and coos. If we were not already madly in love, we certainly sealed the deal today. It is a precious gift to establish fun traditions that take time with each other to accomplish. I am the Gram with the cam, I am. ...and she is the latest ham in the fam, she is!

~~~~

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
2 Cor. 9:15

Stages

2011-04-27T06:10:00.001-07:00

I was excited to get these Indian blankets, wine cups, and campions in different stages of maturing. I get to see the lifespan of maturing flowers when I am out in the field. It makes me think about how Christ is helping us with our personal growth as we lean into his will. I want to be pleasing to my God in my thoughts and deeds. Needless to say, I fall short many times a day, Thank you, Lord, for your grace and mercy!

I had a friend tell me that she looks through the cross to everything she says and does. A very good visualization to practice! That effort will save much regret. Another tidbit of wisdom I try to practice is having restraint of pen and tongue. Again, this will save me and others much misery!

We will all have a little talk with Jesus. We reap what we sow. Makes me sweat a little! But I know above all that He loves me; that accounting will not leave me less loved, but cleaned up. I need to be concerned about my own behavior in word and deed; my own story. I long to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" We will all go through different stages as we mature. No one has been perfect but One.

~~~~

So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.
Romans 14:12-13

Ray of Hope

2011-04-26T18:15:00.001-07:00

Sometimes we get so weighted down by circumstances that we cannot seem to see even a ray of hope on the horizon. Perhaps our finances are in the dumpster or we are fighting an addiction or illness. Maybe our marriage is in trouble or we have not been able to find work. Perhaps our spirits have become so dry that we are doubting the very existence of our heavenly father. But it is important, nonetheless, to not lose sight of the fact that there is nothing too hard for God. Even if things seem hopeless, with God all things are possible.

Sometimes I forget the rest of the story of Jesus. He was born of a virgin, he died on the cross, rose again from the dead, and IS COMING BACK AGAIN! When I see powerful rays like this in the sky I expect him to come bursting through any second.

~~~~

Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.
Jeremiah 32:17

Focused Thinking

2011-04-26T14:24:00.000-07:00

You may be thinking that I have too much time on my hands to be playing out in the wildflowers with stuffed animals. I have been thinking the opposite: that I need to seize the days while the flowers are blooming, because they will be seeded or mowed shortly to make way for the dry, wilted days of Texas summer. I get a kick out of collecting fun characters at garage sales and sticking them in the flowers. Call me crazy, but their personalities, though only fabrications, seem to be joyful in the flowers. I know I am happy, feel close to God, my imagination is fired, and my thinking is catapulted to peaceful and spiritual things. I hope by the capturing of their playfulness and happiness that some of that joy will be passed on to you as encouragement to guard your thoughts and practice being pure and happy. I remember a little jingle that advised, "don't worry, be happy!"

I have used the example before of a person telling you "Don't think of the color, BLUE." Well, of course something blue pops into your head. Being proactive, you might use a positive statement of "THINK of the color, PURPLE." The WORD of GOD gives us a similar course of action: the Philippian hymn in Ch. 2 starts out, "Let this mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus!" Wow, how on earth can anyone do that? Actually, in a couple more chapters we get proactive suggestions about how to do it. We are advised in Ch. 4:8-9 to think about what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, praiseworthy, and elegant. Think about the things you have received and heard from God or seen in him and put them into practice. His peace will be with you.

~~~~~

Those who are pure in their thinking are happy,
because they will be with God.
Matthew 5:8

All Creatures

2011-04-25T13:04:00.001-07:00

At the end of our sunrise service yesterday we were scattered in the wildflowers waiting for the sun to rise. I ventured out to the church property again this morning to take some pictures of the gorgeous and varied wildflowers. The Indian blankets were especially varied and colorful.

As I wandered through the wildflowers I began to sense that I was not alone. A bear here, a kitty there, a doggy in the distance. Before I knew it they were walking towards each other and gathering into a wonderful choir. I felt my heart full of gratitude as well when I heard their beautiful rendition of a St. Frances of Assissi hymn.

ALL CREATURES OF OUR GOD AND KING,
LIFT UP YOUR VOICE AND WITH US SING
ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA!

Light and Life

2011-04-24T19:46:00.001-07:00

Because of the contrast of light and darkness in the stormy sky this Easter evening I found myself looking up scriptures to see what I was led to share about the photos. I could see a star shape in one photo; a face in another. A few seemed to be showing warfare between light and darkness in the heavens; a very battle for our souls.

The good news about Easter is that Light/Life/Love wins. I love the scriptures I found in 1 John, and hope they will give you great joy and confirmation about Jesus and the resurrection, and a stirring up of gratitude for the greatest gift ever given. It was to me a testimony of repeating to us that fact that these men saw him, touched him, heard him, loved him. More than that, it was a reconfirming of his identity for all time and the reason for his becoming a man and dying for us.

1 John 1-7
(emphasis mine)
That which was FROM THE BEGINNING, which WE HAVE HEARD, which WE HAVE SEEN WITH OUR EYES, which WE HAVE LOOKED AT and OUR HANDS HAVE TOUCHED~~this we proclaim concerning the WORD of LIFE. The LIFE appeared, WE HAVE SEEN IT and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the ETERNAL LIFE, which WAS WITH THE FATHER and HAS APPEARED TO US. We proclaim to you what WE HAVE SEEN AND HEARD, so that YOU ALSO may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the FATHER and with HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST. We write this to make our joy complete.

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: GOD IS LIGHT; in him THERE IS NO DARKNESS AT ALL. if we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk IN THE LIGHT, as HE IS IN THE LIGHT, we have fellowship with one another, and THE BLOOD OF JESUS, HIS SON, PURIFIES US FROM ALL SIN.

~~~~~~

I hope this Easter yielded deepening of your faith and a recommitment to a spiritual union with the LIGHT and LIFE of Jesus. He sacrificed himself to atone for the sins of the whole world.

HOW GREAT IS THE LOVE THE FATHER HAS LAVISHED ON US THAT WE SHOULD BE CALLED CHILDREN OF GOD! John 3:1
We no longer need to fear death because He has overcome it, and we can look forward with confidence to a future with Him. There is no fear in love; we love because he first loved us. God has given us eternal life in His son, Hallelujah!

Threes

2011-04-23T09:00:00.001-07:00

These photos are some of my favorite 'threes' taken in the last few months. When I see beautiful threes I am reminded not only of Jesus between the thieves, but the end of the story to the crucifixion. Jesus is risen from the dead and goes to speak to many besides his disciples. He tells them that he must leave, but will send a Helper, Counselor in his name. He promises to leave his peace with them.

The beauty of the Holy Trinity is another one of my favorite threes: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. We are blessed to approach God directly through the work of the cross. Indeed, God will live in us as Spirit. He has given us beauty for ashes.

Another favorite 'three' of mine is a marriage with God at its center. I am grateful to have such a one. God is our foundation that grows us in love for one another and others.

My favorite 'three' words are: I LOVE YOU! We know that we love because He first loved us. LOVE, true LOVE, is a fruit of the Spirit. So anything that is truly love is of God. Yes, what the world needs, NOW and ALWAYS...LOVE!

Between thieves

2011-04-22T11:06:00.000-07:00

Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which is called Golgotha). Here they crucified him, and with him two others~~~one on each side and Jesus in the middle.
John 19:17-18

~~~~

I cannot see a lovely setting of three blooms, especially around Easter, without thinking of the three crosses at Golgotha. Both of the men framing Jesus on their crosses were robbers, and deserved this death according to law. However, one of the men asked to be remembered when Jesus came into His kingdom. The other continued to hurl insults. Yet, Jesus died for all of us; not just the ones present at his side and the crowds calling for his crucifixion a short time before. Every one of us, even not yet born. All God's children.

Jesus was severely beaten, humiliated, betrayed, and nailed to a cross between thieves. In that physical condition GREAT LOVE was still able to speak these words:

"FATHER, FORGIVE THEM, FOR THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING."

When Pigs Fly

2011-04-20T15:21:00.001-07:00

I saw a cloud yesterday before the storm hit. It caught my attention right away because it looked to me like a pig flying. I drew my vision of how it could be a pig and included it with the photo. Now, the rest of the story as to why I posted the picture.
~~~~~~~~

We had a wonderful time at Pastor's Bible Study on Monday night using our imaginations in dramatically speaking some lines of Jesus and Thomas in response to situations presented to them. One of the readings was about the healing of a boy with an evil spirit. The father of the afflicted boy asked 'IF' Jesus could do anything to help. Jesus replied, "If I can?" Hmmm, how do you think he might have said that? In contemporary terms might he have responded, 'Seriously?' He continued on to say "Everything is possible for him who believes," and healed the boy.

The other one poignant to me was Jesus appearing to Thomas, who had not been with the other disciples when Jesus came back after the crucifixion. The disciples had relayed to Thomas that they had seen the Lord. Thomas replied in a sort of "When Pigs Fly" fashion: "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." Yes, doubting Thomas.

A week later Jesus came and stood among them. He said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."

Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
John 20:24-28

In what tone of voice do you think Thomas said that last remark?

~~~~~~~~

Jesus did many other miraculous signs (When Pigs Fly sorts of unbelievable things, my insert) in the presence of his disciples
(Jn 20:30,) but these (examples) are written down that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Jn. 20:31

The Torn Curtain

2011-04-20T15:08:00.000-07:00

I took this photo a couple of days ago. I had just finished a banner for church that included the idea of the earth shaking as Jesus gave up his spirit. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. (Matt. 27:50) He conquered death and brought us redemption through his work on the cross. This pink ripple was probably a jet stream that caught the sunset color and wind to make it appear as a torn curtain.

I often stop to gaze at cloud shapes that minister to me. I love to see rays of light or rainbows, storm clouds building, and sunrise/sunsets. I have enjoyed the shapes so quickly 'here and gone' with the help of the blowing wind. They are all wispy love letters that help to build my faith and gratitude.

Bunnies in Blooms

2011-04-20T12:43:00.001-07:00

I must admit great frustration at trying to find religious cards for Easter, even in Christian stores. They were far outnumbered by bunnies, chicks, and chocolate themes. But the true meaning of the holiday has often been overshadowed by the commercial boon to the economy in sales of gifts, candy, decorations and cards.

Having said all that, I also know that the meaning of Easter comes down to one word: LOVE. I have been getting the eggs filled for the Easter egg hunt for my grand children. It will be a joyful time to watch them find and count their eggs, eat a traditional meal together, love each other up, and celebrate the risen Christ.

I have been spending lots of time in the wildflowers and occasionally let the 'kids' out of the bag to play in the blooms. It gives a focal point to the flowers, a perspective on their size, and makes me smile. I am about spreading the hope and joy of the Lord through my blog. So forgive the bunnies and chicks in the flowers if you think they have strayed too far from the true meaning of Easter. I want to spread lots of smiles and a little joy of the Lord. It is our strength, and how we need it! Not much carries a more loving message to others than a laughing, smiling, cheerful Christian with contagiously joyful fruit of the spirit. SO SMILE and carry the message of LOVE so that they might know the LORD!

Every Turn

2011-04-18T15:43:00.001-07:00

While out on the Bluebonnet Trails we spotted a few garage sale signs. Following one such sign led us off the marked trail and to an extraordinary private residence. From the posts at the entrance we saw thick fields of wildflowers alongside a beautiful curved road leading up to the house and out buildings. As we stood gazing in amazement at the gorgeous and lush mixture of wildflowers, the owner drove alongside us to enter her place. She stopped and welcomed us to drive into the property and up to the house to take pictures! How graceful and generous! There was a small pond in the distance, but we didn't tarry into the flowers and stayed on the edge to take some photos. She had also given us advice that the large patches and ponds attract copperheads and water moccasins. Yikes!

We had a plan, but the garage sale got us off OUR plan to a new and better road to discover a place we had never seen before in our Ennis wildflower travels. We try to lean in with watchful eyes and listening ears to hear God's voice as we seek his guidance on our trips. God will use things, in this case a garage sale (by the way we found a ski helmet for me for 5 bucks!), to get you into position with every turn for a teaching or blessing.

~~~~~

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will guide you with My eye.
Ps. 32:8

Dim Reflections

2011-04-18T14:56:00.001-07:00

Now we see a dim reflection,
as if we were looking into a mirror,
but then we shall see clearly.
1 Cor. 13:12
~~~~~~~~

Anytime I get to see a reflection in a lake I think of that Bible verse. I was especially blessed to see donkeys, cows, and bluebonnets around the ponds in our Ellis county drive Saturday afternoon. A peaceful drive, no worries, and viewing some of the most awesome country vistas made for merry, overflowing hearts of the two traveling companions!

Surprise, Surprise

2011-04-17T18:15:00.001-07:00

We were fortunate to get our tasks done early on Saturday and got an early afternoon start to go down to Ennis to drive some of the Bluebonnet Trails. The closer we got we could see that the bluebonnets were not past their prime as the patches in DFW, and the Indian paintbrush and primrose were also well represented.

I have been a wildflower freak all my life, so when I find one I haven't seen before in my travels I am quite surprised. My first surprise was a small orange flower amongst thick bluebonnets. From my picture research in a Texas wildflowers book I believe it to be a flameflower. The deep blue and orange together was glorious.

The second surprise was a fairly big flower in a ditch alongside a huge field of bluebonnets. It seemed to be the only one. It reminded me of a wild onion or garlic type bulb configuration. The main flower was about 5 inches, and the stem extending upwards was another 3 or 4 inches. It was quite spectacular.

The third was a completely white bluebonnet. I had seen very pale blue ones in previous years, but this was my first time seeing a pure white bluebonnet. I got a smile in the spirit of seeing a flower at Easter appearing white as snow.

When we decided to go to Ennis I thought that we had traveled the trails so often that we would see pretty much the same scenes and flowers as we have in the past. The interesting hitch was that, by following a few garage sale signs in search of something cute to sit in the flowers, we found ourselves on some roads that were not marked as part of the trail. We found a few wonderful surprises and actually found a ski helmet for me at one of the sales for only 5 bucks. God is good all the time!
~~~~~~~

Acknowledge Him in all ways and He will direct your path.

Pink Primrose

2011-04-15T20:14:00.001-07:00

The pink primrose has been one of the stunning performers in the wildflower show this spring. I was shocked to find a front yard in a neighborhood this morning that was full of them. The first and last photos were taken of that yard. It was obviously a home no longer or never under the constraints of the cranky HOA (Home Owners' Association.) A carpet of 'weeds' would get one a nasty fine for such a purposeful planting of what would be considered a weed.

The prettiest patches have been in some other unexpected places as well. The little lavender poodle found herself a pretty place to rest just off a parking lot on a busy street right in the midst of many stores. The most lavish and varied tufts of pink were found on an embankment of the freeway not far from us. I managed to find a safe place to pull off in order to get a quick shot of the varied shades of pink patches of pretty primrose. Say that ten times fast!

Pale pink, hot pink, coral pink, fuchsia pink; all good. My grand daughters concur. Their mothers; not so much. But they are resigned to make peace with the color because they have girls that seem to like hot pink as much as their gram.

Even if you don't like pink, give a long look at a patch of primrose the next time you pass one and look at the amazing veins, shapes of the leaves, yellow centers; and realize they are masterpieces. Then think of how God knitted each one of you together in your mother's womb. Amazing Creator!

Taking Refuge

2011-04-13T10:47:00.000-07:00

I just got a call from my daughter that she had to take Ashlyn from the Dr. appointment to get shots to the emergency room instead because they thought she might have whooping cough. My daughter is pretty grounded, but very concerned. I am praying without ceasing for protection by the power of His name. I know she is under His protection and care, and that the ones that surround her take refuge in Him. Having said that, please keep this little one in your prayers for healing.

~~~~~~~~~

It was brought to mind how the bees and butterflies are drawn to the sweetness of the flowers. They settle to taste the nectar and fill themselves.
~~~~~

Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
Ps. 34:8

I will sing of your strength, O Lord,
in the morning I will sing of your love;
my refuge in times of trouble.
Ps. 59:16

Green Pastures

2011-04-12T19:14:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite life verses is Psalm 23. I often find myself in green pastures or beside still waters in my search for wildflowers. I keep the scenes in my memory as a library of pages to visit in dreams, meditation, or stressful times. These photos were taken around Azle, Texas. The vistas brought the rest and peace of this Psalm to mind:

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Psalm 23:1-3

~~~~~~~

I have found myself giggling and dipping into these places in my mind to remember the rest and peace that Jesus gives. Giggling? Yes, because I have been given many opportunities to practice patience and humility per my surrendering impatience and pride to the best of my ability as a sacrifice for Lent. I have been told never to pray for patience, because you will get opportunities to practice. True that!

But I found myself quietly chuckling when, more than a dozen times today, I had a chance to let someone go before me in traffic or store lines. It was nice to feel the relief of giving up the struggle, and having small victories of grace.

For God So Loved...

2011-04-11T06:55:00.000-07:00

For God so loved the world
that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
~~~~~~~~~~~~

The making of this banner, 4' X 7':

The last series of banners I have worked on for our church deals with Christ's passion, death, and resurrection. I researched symbols and ideas, chose colors and textures of fabrics, drew out designs, and most importantly, prayed for inspiration. I would like to share the story of this particular banner as it progressed past what I had in mind for it to be 'finished.'

I began with the concept of a slanted cross to signify the position of Jesus, beaten and bleeding, carrying it to Golgotha. I added the tan earth, and a bright blue stripe above it (in my mind to add a color punch to divide the two bland colors of earth and light blue sky.) I used a flannel-backed gold foil tablecloth I found at a garage sale to make the letters and nails.

As the banner progressed I contemplated adding drops of blood falling from the areas of nailed flesh. Well, that would not be pretty, I thought. I fought against it as being too gruesome, but "IT WAS!, HE WAS BEATEN NEARLY TO DEATH BEFORE CARRYING HIS OWN CROSS TO DIE FOR YOU!" was what I heard in the spirit. "IT WASN'T PRETTY, BUT IT WAS BEAUTIFUL!"So be it; the drops of blood needed to be there to tell the whole story.

As I progressed to the crown of thorns I was going to draw it on in brown or grey paint to show the mundane vines and thorns. The soldiers had made the crown to mock him as 'king of the Jews,' and struck him in the face. The truth, however, is that Jesus is KING OF EVERYTHING, and this cross needed to be gold on this banner to signify his true identity.

As I moved the banner in my impatience, some of the still wet liner paint got onto a portion of the sky. Now I had a dilemma of how to fix the booboo! I went back to bed and asked God to give me inspiration as I slept. When I got back to work on the banner I added more earth above the blue strip. Then it struck me what 'the rest of the story' was as I stepped back to look at the whole picture: the blue strip became the symbol of the earth shaking and rocks splitting as Jesus gave up his spirit. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.

This tearing of the curtain is Christ's making it possible for believers to go directly into God's presence. I also then saw the bright blue color as the symbol of Christ being the bridge over the river; and he, himself, being the river of life; conquering death through his work on the cross.

Making this banner blessed me so much. I got to experience God's rescue as I messed up the process, and let him show me the path of fixing and finishing it to tell the story with some added levels of understanding I did not have when the process began.

For God so loved the world...AMAZING LOVE!

THANK YOU LORD!!!

Beside Still Waters

2011-04-09T14:50:00.001-07:00

I was out going to garage sales this morning looking for banner fabric and picture frames. One of my stops was at the far end of a development that ended in an open area along a creek. I got out to look for dragonflies and see what I might see, although it looked at first glance as though there were not any wildflowers along the creek. As I walked the edge of the creek I began to look closer and found several wonderful small wildflowers. I had not seen them at first because I was looking at the big picture of the creek.

As I walked back from my discovery of several small beauties, I looked up to see the wonderful panorama in front of me. I had gotten preoccupied with the amazing tiny blossoms and had lost the big picture. Isn't it funny how we can get focused on the small things and lose sight of the big picture? Just as importantly, sometimes our focus on the big picture often tosses away the beauty of the little things on the way.

When I looked at the panorama of the creek, grasses, and Tx. field in front of me I was filled with peace. Peace beside still waters does not mean lifeless; on the contrary, it means full of the peace that passes all understanding. It flows from living water; full of life. Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you. Do not let your hearts be troubled." In the big pictures and the little ones He is my source of peace.

Bee Blossom

2011-04-08T15:26:00.001-07:00

I passed this wonderful patch of bee blossom as I was on my kids' house. I wasn't quite sure that it was gaura because it was so red. Usually the elegant, lacy spikes are very light pink. Before they bloom they look a little like asparagus. They appear so fancy that I imagine a tiny Victorian tea cup would be right at home in their midst. Per its name, it attracts bees; however it had another visitor on this day.

I get fired with enthusiasm when I find a new color of wildflower or an undiscovered place full of blossoms to investigate. The time spent in the 'wild' gardens alone drenches my spirit and fires up my heart strings to play praises to God.

Beautiful Faces

2011-04-07T18:50:00.000-07:00

My day was filled with beautiful faces. Some were the faces of flowers turning towards the sun. Some were of stuffed toys that were sitting a spell to get out of the blustery spring wind. The scent of the bluebonnets enticed them to spend more time just enjoying the beauty of the blooming field. The best beautiful face was of a babe new to the Earth, not yet two months. I got to spend the day taking care of her.

These beautiful faces are all but shadows to the thrill of seeing my Lord, Jesus, face to face some day. The flowers will fade, the stitched toys will soil and deteriorate, and we all will pass away as grass. Yet, eternity awaits us. He has given me such beauty to behold in my life, and I am blessed to be able to seek His beauty in His creation now in this earthly body. Sometimes I can hardly contain the joy. I seek His face, and to dwell in His place. As the song says, "I can only imagine!"

Color me Joyful

2011-04-06T13:22:00.000-07:00

My artistic eye is always drawn to color, so when wildflower season is upon us in Texas I am quite giddy. I know, before close enough to identify the flower by size, shape, or smell, I can tell you what it is by its color. The periwinkle/blue/turquoise jewel tone colors are my personal faves in my own wardrobe, but I look horrible in bright yellow or orange. However, show me a field dressed in giant yellow sunflowers or thick with Indian paintbrush and I nearly fall to my knees with excitement as my heart praises my creator. I am crazy about whatever color God splashes onto the earth in flowers.

There is much to be thankful for each day. Today I am so grateful for all the beautiful colors God put into His creation; especially the joyful palettes of wildflowers!

Paintbrush

2011-03-31T16:09:00.001-07:00

Ever notice how our time line is not the same as God's? Either things are not in order or on time according to our schedule. Making a plan is a good thing. But make it loosely or lose your mind. Expectations can throw you for a loop. We do not get the blessings of taking it easy and getting surprised in a good way if we become too rigid. I have noticed that the expected order of appearance of wildflowers has been topsy-turvy this spring. The first sighted by me this spring was an Indian Blanket; usually showing at the later stages. I typically see Indian paintbrush first and then bluebonnets. Pink primrose and verbena show, with many yellow wildflowers, and then the blankets.

I also went through the same color dilemma with the varieties of paintbrush as I did the bluebonnets coming in different colors. These photos are both of paintbrush varieties. I have seen paintbrush in coral, white, yellow, red, purple, and fuschia, Don't even start on what colors black bears come in. It can't be a black bear if it is brown or honey colored. It must be a grizzly. That is for another day. So many lessons in nature!

I am delighted to find a fuschia paintbrush, as well as a crimson bluebonnet. It stirs the expectancy in me to watch closely to catch when God might swirl His paintbrush in a new color on an old idea.

See what?

2011-03-31T15:50:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we see something and our brain identifies the shape, but the color is wrong. We rub our eyes to refocus and see if another look might clear things up and the shape/color will match what we expect. It just can't be what I know that it is, because it does not fit in the box. That's what I thought when I saw this plant and knew it was a bluebonnet. Not just any lupine, but a BLUEBONNET, except that it was CRIMSON. I had seen bluebonnets in deep to light blue, white, yellow, and light lavender. But this one blew my mind. Right shape, wrong color. It was identified as an A & M crimson bluebonnet. Isn't it beautiful?

Sometimes we have to update our image of a thing or a person, including ourselves. Our judgments or expectations hold to what has been in the past, and do not allow a new definition to come forth. We keep ourselves or someone else stuck in an old definition. We don't try because we think we will fail. We don't start because we think we cannot finish. We don't go because it is scary. We don't pray because we have decided God doesn't hear us. We don't grow because our box is just fine, thank you very much.

In this past year I persevered in going snow skiing a few more times. Something clicked with my skills and I got into the joy zone. I got my own pair of skis for my birthday to go with my own boots. Making progress at 59 in such an endeavor is a gift from God. I cooperated: I went to the slopes and put on the skis. I kept at it. It reminds me that I can still get better at skiing and I can still pursue making progress at other things as well. I intend to lean into that river of life. I want abundant life; to live and give abundantly.

Blue Star

2011-03-31T15:35:00.000-07:00

I got into my wildflower books and identified this one as the Blue Star. I have rarely seen it, but it is definitely one of the 'stars' of the wildflower showing in our area this spring. Several fields close by are filled with its soft blue clusters atop tall stems. They lent themselves to typical Texas scenes in front of old fence posts, scattered among mesquite trees, and lining barbed wire fences.

I am delighted to find a flower that I have not identified or seen before. It reminds me that, when there seems to be no solution, there may be a 'new' thing just around the corner. With God all things are possible!

Stop by to see another 'new' thing tomorrow. It blew my mind!

Fresh Air

2011-03-31T14:36:00.000-07:00

This pink pig usually sits
in a pink chenille chair.
but escaped out the door
to get some fresh air.

She found two-colored verbena
and gorgeous primrose;
though she will not be wheezing
through her fabric nose.

Now me? I might pay
with itchy eyes and a sneeze.
I must play in wildflowers;
just as blooms draw the bees.

I rush out to find them
in the short Texas spring.
Taking joy from wildflowers
is a very good thing!

~~~~~~

Flowers appear on the earth;
the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves
is heard in our land.

Verbena Bunnies

2011-03-30T15:56:00.000-07:00

Being an introvert, in relation to how I get energized, I can tell you that I really need to have some time by myself; especially after being cramped into an event with hundreds of people. I think that is okay. I know that Jesus had to go be alone with the Father to get refreshed. Guess I'm not in bad company.

Other times, it is very precious to spend time with just one other person. Most of the time, for me, it is with my spouse, a grown child, or a very good friend. I know I treasure my adventures with my husband, grown daughters, grand children, and with my good friends. Seeing something for the first time and being there with someone you love sometimes multiplies the 'WOW' factor. Those times make special places in the heart to remember acts of courage, times of persistence in finishing a steep trail, or times to giggle and shed tears of gratitude for the opportunities together. They help us to remember to help one another have courage and make us witnesses of overcoming. They are treasures higher than silver and gold.

One of the things I struggle with is the chant on my shoulder of not being good enough. I know I can do lots of things well, but still stumble into the 'not measuring up' pot. I hold onto the healing balm of my heavenly Father that I do not need to 'do' anything in order to be loved by Him. But at the same time, I am called to give my life for Him, and long to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant!".

I have some times coming where I really need to lean into the experience, strength, and hope of God working in my life. We all do, don't we? Getting away by myself or with one or two others is essential in my life to being able to get refreshed and restored to sanity.

Wild Things

2011-03-30T13:10:00.001-07:00

This spring the wildflower showing is not as plush as last year due to the lack of rain. However, spring in Texas is my favorite time of year. I go out in search of patches of wild color, and take delight in finding only a single bloom at times. I have found several kinds, and taken the liberty of letting some of my wild friends play in the flowers as I photographed the blooms. This first little bunny found a hillside of verbena. Glorious, is he not?

I plan on posting a different flower and some playful wild creatures every day for awhile, so be sure to stop by and 'smell the flowers' without having to sneeze! I hope, as you visit my blog, that the scenes will help you remember to thank God for the carpets of flowers and the eyes to see them as we pass by.

Abundant Life

2011-03-23T18:41:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful 59th birthday I had today! It started out with breakfast with my two girls, son-in-law, and two grandchildren. A wonderful plate of hash browns, two eggs, and FIVE slices of BACON... now really how good is that? Then I went to do some errands before getting a MASSAGE. I returned home to do some work on Easter banners for church. Then I showered and got ready for my birthday dinner with my husband at Tillman's in Ft. Worth.

I had a wonderful honey crusted salmon steak sitting in an unbelievable LAVENDER sauce. Skipped the hors d'oeuvre so we could indulge in the table side S'mores. These are the 'BAM' version of campfire sammies. The marshmallows are GIANT, in flavors of coffee, maple, and orange. We toasted them, put them on a homemade graham cracker (I brought my own GF version), and topped with a slab of dark chocolate, followed with another graham cracker. It was a spectacular meal from start to finish.

Before the main course was delivered my husband handed me a note. It was telling me that I was getting my OWN skis delivered tomorrow. I can tell you that it is not as important to get stuff as it is to be appreciated and spend time together. The skis were a representation of promise of fun times ahead with my husband and ski friends. The breakfast was yummy, but the time my kids gave me was precious. I had abundant life and love conveyed to me today and received the message that I was precious to my family.

I sort of think it is the same way with God and His kids. We can give him all kinds of stuff and money. But I think the most important thing, what He made us for, is relationship. He desires that we spend time with Him. Love God and one another. It is the very core of abundant life; not how much stuff or money we have. Abundant life is about the condition of our hearts. God sees the heart of each one of us. How do we respond? Ask Him to move in.

The Big Picture

2011-03-22T12:11:00.001-07:00

You can imagine with a new baby in the family that everyone has an opinion as to who she favors. These two pictures have rendered lots of laughs and nods of heads. In the first photo she looks like her daddy. My mother thinks so! In the second picture she looks like my mother. The baby's father thinks so, too. Too funny that each of them thinks the child looks like the other. It is comical how we all kind of wish to ourselves that someone might think she looks like us. We take a bit of pride in it.

I was smiling to myself as I was hearing all this 'who she looks like' banter that God is smiling when He sees us grow in relationship with him; progressively looking more and more like Jesus. Don't you want people to see Jesus when they have dealings with you? I humbly desire that to be truth in me as I grow in Christ. He is the one I want to look like in thought, word, and deed. That is the big picture.

WE ARE BROKEN

2011-03-09T08:03:00.000-08:00

I found this pitcher and basin last summer at a garage sale. I also found the piece of fabric I serged to make a tablecloth at another garage sale. As I was cleaning the stored things out of the craft/guest bedroom, I decided to bring these items out and make a Lent tablescape. I had originally thought wildflowers would be in the pitcher. But I knew when I brought it out that it must be filled with Easter lilies.

When I see a pitcher and basin it brings to mind foot washing. I can envision the aching love and humility of the Christ as he poured water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the disciples. I remember the admonishment from Christ to Peter as he was denying Christ the act of washing his feet. He said, "if I don't wash you, you can't be part of what I'm doing." He told Peter that his act of foot washing would be also the act we would all be called to do as his disciples.

The other Biblical scene that comes to mind with foot washing is that of Mary washing Jesus' feet with her tears and hair. Hair down, walking into a room full of peopl; kneeling and washing Jesus' feet was quite scandalous. Yet, it was an act of great love preparing Jesus for his death. She risked judgment to enter there and show him that he was her treasure.

This song was one I wrote ten years ago, yet I can still hardly sing it without tears collecting in my eyes. I am again convicted with the humility we must have to accept what Christ did for us. My heart is indeed broken in this season in remembrance of Christ walking out the steps leading to his crucifixion.

WE ARE BROKEN
By Connie Wisman copyright 2001

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 LOVE AND 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
BECAUSE OF TIME I SPENT WITH YOU.