A New Life

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

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

Fruit of the Light

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

Do not Worry About Tomorrow

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

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

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

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

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

A Time to Laugh

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

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

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

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

Risen