Blue Skies and Cherry Blossoms...

Cherry Blossoms  Poem by Raksha Bhat

Cherry blossoms pink and glee under the rainbow skies A night that meets the yellow sparkle of cheerful fireflies Blades tall sway and swing with the winds in joyous green Birds white that fly past the window before they are seen Suns and moons happy aplenty on the mountains plain Paper boats that run and sail along in the evening rain Castles on the sand that are built let the strongest be A smile blooming out of the blues for the soul to see Deep midst the heart live these wishes and dreams Blessed abound is this little life than it truly seems Joys within are many that last beyond the search of bliss Yonder not are the gifts to gain and we fight only to miss.

Waves of Mercy...

I took this image, while at the Oregon Coast with my family a few weeks ago.  It was a beautiful day, filled with adventure, discovery and pure rest.  The kids climbed and then rolled down a huge sand hill for what seemed like hours. My husband dozed in the warm unexpected afternoon sunshine near my side. I sat watching my family enjoy the day and also watched a man as he rowed about on his paddle board.  At times the waves would move in such a way, it actually looked as if he was walking on water.

He would paddle and paddle and from where I sat on the shore, it looked as if he where standing perfectly still. "Where does he think he's going?" I thought..."He's working so hard for nothing it seams." Boy isn't that how we can so often feel?. Can you relate? Day in and day out, spinning our wheels, paddling our little ores. For what? To where? Why?

As I sat and watch him the Lord spoke to my heart... I heard him say, "Do you see how small man is, do you see how emence I am?  I delight when my children enjoy my all that I have made. I made it just for you.  Be still and know that I am God that I am with you in the storm and also the calm smooth waters. Come to me and let me be your strength to press on each and every day.  You are on a journey toward home, home is with me and I long to be with you. Be still and know that I am God. For now, enjoy, give thanks...for the tide of life will ebb and flow but I remain constant and faithful always.

It has not been till these past few years that I feel as if I am actually cluing into the purpose of life. Do Tell....you say...well it is not for the labor, it is not for the seeking after the wind, it is ALL for God's Glory!

I think the guy out on that paddle board might just have a few major things figured out. As I watched his figure glide across the water, It was if I saw a painting that revealed Gods Mercy and Grace. As people we often try so hard in our own strength and end up going nowhere. We push ourselves to try to know all the answers and figure things out and in our pride we often fall into seeking glory for ourselves. We try to control the world and those around us. We fool ourselves into thinking that we are headed in the right direction and we fail to even ask God if we're on the right course. In Gods divine Love for us it seams that even when we fail and get off coarse , he is merciful to provide the right current to send us right where he needs us to be.

I encourage you to take a moment to ask God if your headed in the direction he intends for you? If you find yourself drifting and unsure, be still and know that He is God, wait upon him to guide your path. Trust in Him, he is Faithful. Once you know that direction God intends for you,  with His help than paddle with all your might to and for the Glory of God.

This images also prompts my spirit to pray for Japan (03/11/2011)...Lord let your Mercy Flow.

Rejoice!

Photo by Sarah Allen....from Through the Lense of Worship

Choosing Thankfulness at ALL times...

I absolutely love the huge tree planted in our front yard. It's a vivid reminder of each season transitioning into another. I can truly say I enjoy each magnificent display of change it offers. The Winter months can be desolate, cold and often unrelenting with wind, rain, frost, ice and snow. The branches are barren and lonely from loosing their colorful display of crimson red, burnt orange and vibrant yellow leaves of Fall. Winter eventually gives way to Spring. The small determined buds begin to appear in abundance. Hope is in the air once again as we see the sun shining between the rain showers and rainbows. Summer brings lush green refreshing beauty, as the tree beckons children to climb, find safety and mystery in it's height and strength. Then just as every season comes and goes. Autumn appears in all it's glory and graces the world with a canvas of watercolor. To pear up to it's branches is like an invitation to breath deep, enjoy, reflect upon all that we have to be thankful for.

As the leaves fall the clean up begins and the cycle starts all over again. As I looked at these leaves twinkling in the sunlight, I felt my spirit reflect that I have as much and more to be thankful for than this tree has leaves....My heart is full of gratitude too numerous to count!

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."

                                                                                                                       Colossians 2:6-7

There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven...

the Words of Ecclesiastes 3 says it best.

  a time to be born and a time to die, 

   a time to plant and a time to uproot, 

  a time to kill and a time to heal, 

   a time to tear down and a time to build, 

  a time to weep and a time to laugh, 

   a time to mourn and a time to dance, 

  a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, 

   a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, 

  a time to search and a time to give up, 

   a time to keep and a time to throw away, 

  a time to tear and a time to mend, 

   a time to be silent and a time to speak, 

  a time to love and a time to hate, 

   a time for war and a time for peace.

In each season of life, there is an unveiling of life's,  joys or sadness, griefs or celebration. It is so good to know that God walks with us through it all. Storm or Stillness, God is with us, teaching us His will and His ways season by season.

My husband and I love to reflect upon this poem called the Paradox of man...no mater what season we are in we try to be....

Strong enough to be weak;
Successful enough to fail;
Busy enough to take time;
Assured enough to cry;
Leading enough to serve;
Serious enough to laugh;
Rich enough to be poor;
Victorious enough to lose;
Important enough to be last;
Loving enough to be angry;
Wise enough to say I don’t know;
Right enough to say “I am wrong”;
Compassionate enough to discipline;
Conservative enough to give freely;
Mature enough to be childlike;
Righteous enough to be a sinner;
Courageous enough to fear God;
Planned enough to be spontaneous;
Controlled enough to be flexible;

Free enough to endure captivity;
Knowledgeable enough to ask questions;

Great enough to be anonymous;
Responsible enough to play;
Industrious enough to relax.

Happy Thanksgiving...

Light in the Darkness...

My husband and I went to the coast for a short get-a-way a few weeks ago. It was a stormy night and I found myself sitting on a balcony in the dark, looking out over the rough sea. It was a rare moment, to be alone, quite and still. My thoughts were swirling about all life has brought to our doorstep lately. I was comforted to be sitting in the presence of God, who is all knowing and is much bigger than any concern of my heart.

As I prayed and lifted my eyes out to the black edges of night before me. I saw a tiny light flash on the horizon. It flashed once and than the sky became black once again. Then out of no where the light flashed brightly again, making it's presence clear and visible for all to see.

The Light in the Darkness was a Lighthouse in the distance! In that moment, I felt the Lord allowed for me to see that light in the dark of night, to remind me of His power and His presences in the quite or in the storms of life. I was reminded that even when all seems dark in our lives, He is there. It was as if He spoke directly to my fear and said, " I am here in the darkness and the unknown of night, I will shine light into all of darkness and hidden shadows. It may seam as though I have retreated at times and the darkness may try to prevail. I have not gone away, I am here, I am at work, I will return and continue to shine light for all to see and the darkness will be known and will be no more. Darkness, can not exist where I am. Those that are lost in the blackest of night will come to find shelter, healing and rest only if they recognize and love the light."

"He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light." 
Job 12:22

I know lighthouses are often photographed and paired with Bible verses about Christ being our light, but it's with good reason. I was not able to take any pictures of that lighthouse the night at the ocean, but I happened to have been gifted a lamp recently. Amazing theme going on in my life lately! I love it when God does that! The lamp has helped remind me on a daily basis of Gods promises. I choose to place this lamp next to roses as a symbol of the unfolding of beauty that comes in time as light helps things grow, change and become more beautiful because it receives light.

"The Buds and the branches were all one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold." 

Exodus 37:22

Just as a lamp is used to shed light only a few feet before us, a lighthouse is used to warn ships of dangerous coast lines or reefs, unsafe waters, or other dangers. They both shine light in the darkness in different ways, but both allow for us to see and follow it's path. The lamps light is consistent but only shows us a few step at a time. A lighthouse guides ships safely into harbor with short burst of light and then dissipates. This is where walking by faith comes in. There is so much unknown before us and it is our choice to keep moving forward, even if the light seams to have gone dim. Before all our fancy technology the lighthouse was perhaps the only guide on a dark night. I trust you see the parallel to Christ as our lighthouse. Like a ship ignoring a lighthouse, we run a terrible risk if we choose to ignore Christ's guidance or warnings.

"I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them."

Isaiah 42:16

As the weeks have passed since I sat in the glimmer of the lighthouse on that stormy night, I have spent time searching the scriptures for verses having to do with darkness and light. It seams the two go hand in hand! I am intrigued by light not just as a guide in our darkness, but also by it's power and beauty. I have found that light is often most powerful, gentle and beautiful when in contrast to darkness. The darkness is not fun, it is not pretty on it's own...but all in all the darkness seams to have it's purpose to ultimately give Glory to the Light!

I have been reminded time and time again of this truth. When I look at the moon and the stars in the sky, their beauty speaks volumes of our creator. Even when they disappear behind the clouds.. I know they are still there and God is still powerful! The mountains hide some days, but they are still strong and beautiful.

When I helped paint a house recently. I noticed that when a light color is painted over dark....it bleeds through....it took hard work and persistence to cover the darkness. This is how Chirst covers our sin. With His love and mercy He pursues us and covers our sin. The light then shines out of the darkness.

There are many descriptions of Darkness and Light in the Scriptures...some warnings, some... full of hope and healing... all worthy of our humility and surrender from darkness to light.

You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light.
2 Samuel 22:29

History Reveals...

More than Conquerors....

A few weeks ago I was taking some photographs of my neighbors flowers. I was drinking in the colors, textures and smells. A scripture came to my mind as I reflected about how completely different I am compared to who I used to be.

"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;

the old has gone, the new has come!"

2 Corinthians 5:17

I continued on and as I approached one particular flower, all seamed peaceful. It was not until I drew closer that a little surprise was waiting to be discovered. Do you ever feel like danger is lurking in the shadows, just waiting to pounce and devour? The beauty entices and draws you in and then hiding ever so silently in the darkness lies something unexpected and even frightening.

There is always some unknowns in our lives (those hidden dangers) just waiting to be revealed by time and circumstance. Weather we are in the grip of illness, injury, uncertain future or death.

We all have to face our fears in one form or another.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

James 1:2-4

I believe that darkness and light, sorrow and joy, suffering and healing, grief and acceptance, bondage and freedom go hand in hand with one another. This is Gods design. Darkness, suffering and pain isn't just a black void that destroys us, it is a means to define and reveal to us just exactly where the light exists.

Being held in the darkness of our fears in some strange way can actually become a gift that helps us all see how bright the light really is and how much we need (Him).

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Be self-controlled and alert.

Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for some

one to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings."

1 Peter 5:7-9

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword.

For your sake we face death all day long;

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are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Romans 8:35-39

"Mamma- I want to catch a bird today!"

It all began when my son woke up one morning on Grandma and Grandpa's farm...the first thing that came out of his mouth was "Mamma- I want to catch a bird today!"

He was very specific... " a Robyn or a Humming Bird."

So being the skeptic that I am...I replied..."Oh Honey...birds are way to fast to catch, why don't we stick with catching bugs!"

Little did I know God had other plans!

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14

Low and behold as I opened the door to let some fresh air in after moping the kitchen floor...this little fella found his way right inside the house and right inside our hearts.

Thank you Lord for hearing the desires of our hearts and answering our prayers in only ways that you can do. Thank you for teaching me and our children that you love us, care for us and are always with us. Just as I held one of your tiny creations in my hands, you also hold us.

And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3

Spring Rain...Pedals A-Flame

The Wonders of it All...

This past weekend I was able to "tag-along" on a Girl Scout over night to the Oregon Coast with my daughters troop. We had a wonderful time exploring and just being girls! As a final outing before heading home, we were able to get up close and personal with some fascinating sea creatures. These are the images I would like to share for Through the Lens of Worship, this week. As a child, I remember seeing things like this, saying "Huh- pretty cool" then quickly moving on to the next best thing. Wow- not this time... The colors, the shapes, forms, textures, uniqueness and beauty of it all, made me linge. I was in absolute Awe! Awe of the power and awesomeness of God and all He has created. I enjoyed taking picstures of all the vibrant colors before me and even got to touch some too!

"The LORD does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths." Psalm 135:6

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!" Revelation 5:13

"Was it not you who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep, who made a road in the depths of the sea so that the redeemed might cross over?" Isaiah 51:10

"You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea." Micah 7:19

Week 2: Through the Lens of Worship

I went for a walk with my precious four your old son today. We were both so excited to get outside and feel the warmth of the sunshine on our faces. My son's main goal was to hunt for ladybugs...These shiny red and black polcka-dotted critters are his absolute favorite thing in all creation right now.

I was looking forward to bug hunting too, but also thought it would be a perfect opportunity to bring my camera and see what God might reveal to my little man and me.
I decided to make this my second entry for Through the Lens of Worship .

As we walked together, we noticed all the new buds on trees and shrubs. We began looking for all sorts of shapes and colors too. It was so much fun to watch Luke, seek with such enthusiasm for all the little treasures that nature has to offer. The tiniest blue flower popping up amongst the grass was his first a delightful find.

Then it was on to a pretty purple flower that had a little critter buzzing around inside! Luke had so many questions about this little bee. We sat for quite some time and watched this little fella as he flew from flower to flower so heavy with pollen that he practically crash landed as he darted from pedal to pedal.

The scripture that came to mind as we enjoyed God's Creation: "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."

Romans 1:20

The Lord Blessed Luke with the swift capture of over 20 ladybugs!

Each one was placed gently into his yellow lidded bug cage and are now safely placed on his bedside table for the night.

As our adventure came to a close Luke was joyfully singing a song he had learned at preschool earlier in the day. With no prompting from me, I heard his little voice singing, "Our God is an Awesome God, He reigns over Heaven and Earth...Our God is an Awesome God!"

I agree Son...I Agree!

For: Through the Lens of Worship

In my endeavored to mature in my walk with the Lord and grow in my passion of photography. I am thrilled to have come across a blog called Through the Lens of Worship. I am excited to participate in this form of "Creative Worship" twice a month. The concept of this exercises is ultimately to spend time seeking God with camera in hand. Worship is the activity. Glorifying God is the goal.

After spending time with God and taking photographs along the way, I will then post the images and take time reflecting and sharing about what the Lord spoke to my heart. It may be a scripture, a word of encouragement, vision or song. I look forward to seeking after the Lord through the lens of a camera and capturing maybe just a tiny hint of His Glory. May these images and words bless Gods heart and yours.

A Time for Everything

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace."

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8