A steadfast mind...

I posted this picture of myself on another venue and a friend reposted with my eyes BLUE. She may have to post again with my eyes PINK due to the fact that I woke up with pink eye today! lol! I have had it a couple of times in the past year also and not at all before that since I was two years old.

I went into action to cancel appointments and headed towards my daughter's house to get some eye drops. I turned the corner onto the main road only to stop in traffic. It took me 40 minutes to get a couple of blocks, and an hour to reach my daughter's house. Then the trip home. It became obvious as drivers were reaching a fever pitch of frustration being late for work that I had to be vigilant to not get into another accident. People were being very pushy trying to change lanes and force entries or block intersections from cross traffic.I had to be willing to give up my slowly deteriorating attitude and not take on theirs.

I know that for me developing a peaceful state of mind comes through praying and praising and other ways of being in relationship with God. I have been under some physical and emotional stress also, and know that allowing myself to rest and relax will be for my best good and restore my creative energy to be of service to others. Praying and praising reconnects my trust and belief that God is aware and working out a path for all of us. The perspective gained from practicing the presence of God restores my smile, love, and enthusiasm for life.

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You will keep in perfect peace him
whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.
Ps. 26:3

Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws,
we wait for you;
your name and renown
are the desire of our hearts.
Ps. 26:8

My Shepherd

As we walk through these difficult days of the shadow of death with a friend, it has been exceedingly troubling to see peace escape him. I have silently spoken the 23rd Psalm at his bed, praying for contentment and secure rest. I count on the guidance, rescue, and protection of Jesus even through death.

I have been led to spend time in the fields of wildflowers. The paths and roads restore my soul as I take breaks to soak up the blossoming pastures of Texas.
A bit staged, but this is a little statue I found that I took to place in the bluebonnets. It reminds me that the shepherd will leave the 99 to rescue the ONE who is in trouble. He is a personal God of relationship. The rod and staff of our Shepherd King never rests. The gentleness as He carries each one from trouble to safe harbor in His arms melts my heart.

I pray that my friend will experience his head being anointed with oil and the great tenderness as the shepherd leads him to the banquet table. He loves good food, so I delight in imagining such amazing culinary creations that make French food seem drab! He will feast and worship the Shepherd King!
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The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

River of Delights

I took myself out for a little nature excursion before afternoon of work yesterday. I came by this fellow fishing. He was cautious, but didn't fly away as I neared to take his picture. It was delightful watching him fish in the bubbling water.

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They feast on the abundance of your house;
you give them drink from your river of delights.
For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we are light.
Ps. 36:8-9

Mare and Foal

I had some cancelled work this morning so took the opportunity to take a country drive. I caught this lovely pair off a country road west of Ft. Worth. The new birth of spring in wildflowers, crops, and babies is wonderful to behold!

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O Lord, you preserve both man and beast. How priceless is your unfailing love!
Ps. 36:6

In Green Pastures

I have pressed into spending some time in green pastures during this wildflower season. That time gives me a reservoir of strength and beauty from which to draw on in some stressful times. The rest for my soul keeps me lit up to help others. God infuses me with that rest and comfort that can come only from purposeful 'stopping' to smell the flowers and being poured into by the living God.

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He makes me lie down in green pastures.
Ps. 23:2

I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
Ps. 23:4