October 31, 2011

I was able to get some neat photo's yesterday of the frost . . . so thankful Buffalo didn't get the snow the rest of the east coast got. Our poor trees still have not recovered from our October 13 2006 snowstorm (click words to see photos) - when leaves full on the trees - were weighted so heavy that trees could not withstand the weight and came crashing down - it looked as though a bomb had gone off - and we were without power for days! No ... I am very happy that we didn't get the snow yet.

But as I was saying - we had a nice frost yesterday - the little flower plot neat the street has some lavender, coreopsis and begonias. The begonias were completely done in. Although the coreopsis (pictured above) was encased in frost, later in the day - it was still fresh and lovely - standing strong.

I find the quote above so true - as the sun melted the frost and the flower popped up so nice and strong and lively . . . when I am feeling down in the dumps - a kind word, or thoughtful act does so much to bring me out of the funk I find myself in at times.

A reason to make sure I am a catalyst of sharing kindness . . .

October 30, 2011

October 28, 2011

This one is a reminder to myself . . .

Practice what you preach!

October 27, 2011

Little did I know, as I created yesterday's post, that a faithful and rock solid servant lay so close to death. Never a thought for their own earthly lives this faithful servant worked side by side with her husband in places where the gospel was not always welcomed by the governments. And yet they pressed on - working with people and bringing many to the knowledge of the Saving Grace of God.

And so today I ask that you please be in prayer for her husband and family, who have been left without her. Pray for the work that continues, and thank God for a woman who was so devoted to the Lord, an example for many - who is now safely enfolded in the arms of God . . .

October 26, 2011

This is one of my favorite Fall collages. Although the photo's represent the death of summer, I see in it a representation of the promise of God's provision and the promise of spring to come.

Too often I get caught up in the moment of the day - and forget that my life is just a whisper in the wind, and I am not here for my own joy, but to bring glory to my creator.

For the Lord is the great God!

The great King above all gods!

Psalm 95:3

Participating in Word Filled Wednesday HERE

October 25, 2011

And remember:

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, Who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17

October 24, 2011

Couldn't resist getting a shot of this guy climbing down the black walnut tree next to my porch. These guys store their food in the craziest of places! But you have to admire the balancing act and the strength of the jaws. I have to add one more shot . . .

Look mom ... no hands!

October 23, 2011

Guess I have not done so well this year - keeping up with a post a day. I admit, I have hardly taken my camera out since getting back from Europe at the end of July. Still I am struggling with getting thru all of the photos I took - and reliving the memories. We recently got our CD's and it took me back right away to the moments I treasure in my mind.

It is almost as if I want to escape the reality of the life I live. It seems I have been hiding away, a bit - finding myself lost in the world of fiction and stories. I find I finish one book and want to being another right away. I have read about 40 books since my husband bought me my kindle back in May. Kind of sad . . .

As I look back - realize that I have read the rest of my summer away - and even the month of September.

I did get my camera out last week - and went to one of my favorite trees - and captured this moment in time. Already one week later - the colors behind the tree have turned a more dismal brown and grey.

As we approach the long season of cold and darkness (when one would desire to hide away with a good book in front of the fireplace), I find I want to be back out in the life of the living - not hidden away in another time and place -

But I admit - it was the last books I have read that helped me to realize I wasn't created to hide myself away.

I have really enjoyed reading Lynn Austin's God's and Kings: Chronicles of the Kings # 1 (Friday and Saturday) and then yesterday and this morning read book #2 Song of Redemption. The story of Hezekiah in the old testament.

Oh, I know it is a fictional account and at times - some of the writings pull me out of the 'time and place' (for example: she referred to one of the characters stating that he had read the "book of Job" . . . did they even know what a 'book' was back then??) - but the desire was kindled in me to research Hezekiah - read the biblical account - read the historical accounts- see how Isaiah's prophecies fit into those moments in time - these books are a catalyst to make me search for the truth . .

"Hear, O Israel: the Lord is our God, the Lord is one,"

Words repeated over and over thru out the book. Burning a question in my mind - how many things in my life - are crowding Him out? And so the words that came to me today as I looked at the photo of my tree -

God loves us, God wants us, that is reality. He waits for us. If we only humble ourselves before Him - He will lift us up and enable us to do the work He has called us to do.

But we need to let Him . . .