and YES! I am a pathological photographer. My camera is attached to my hip and I carry a small backup camera in my purse (along side the bubbles O' course!!) ... go take some photos!! TODAY
Saturday, October 29, 2011
photos ... pics... PICTURES
and YES! I am a pathological photographer. My camera is attached to my hip and I carry a small backup camera in my purse (along side the bubbles O' course!!) ... go take some photos!! TODAY
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
learning
"Tell me & I listen. Teach me & I remember. Involve me & I learn." ~ Benjamin Franklin This is the way I 'learn' best and ironically the way I 'teach' best. Get involved and bring a friend with you!! What are you learning and teaching TODAY??? For we do learn and teach daily!
Monday, October 24, 2011
nature ...
I LOVE it ~ nature that is. I try to 'garden' and am somewhat sucessful. Wherever I go, I look for what is 'out' there. I am surprised by the familiar and unfamiliar. A rose ~ I had an anniversary rose garden in Idaho and now I have 3 Reserve rose bushes in California! They are linked to memories .... memories!! we all have them ~ and a LOT of mine are within photos ... or the ordinary, extra-ordinary, familiar and unfamiliar!!
Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." What don't you see? What do you hope for ... be still before the Lord and let Him show you.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
explanations ....
Ate at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and dined well and desserted upon olive oil ice cream. Me too .. I thought yuck and noooooo way! but NO!! incredibly smooth and velvety!! and yummy!! the rest O' these need no further explanations.
2 Mr. Readers ...
Yep! Darlin' D's dad got off the island after 8 years to visit his great grand-daughter! Yep .. and so, we headed north to 'play' ... here they are 2 Mr. Readers ...
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Prayer ...
I've been praying like I always do ... and yet, there's more! My heart is heavy and aching ... and I pray because there is more! I'm 'happy' to see baby girl grow and what I've learned from her in just 13 days ... and I pray. Decided to study a bit more on prayer ~ and here are just a few things I've embedded into my heart. Grace of tears (Job 16:20), listening with the heart to the Holy within (can you hear it?!), God's power to forgive is greater than my power to sin, we are called to life transforming obedience, covering in prayer, sealing ourselves with the Cross of Christ. There is just sooooooo much! Prayer ... keep it simple and short ~ but don't be afraid to be real and honest before your God! To be done individually and corporately .. with joy & love! To pray ... have you today?
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Six in the Suburbs: Outrageous & Awesome Halloween Party Appetizer, Th...
Six in the Suburbs: Outrageous & Awesome Halloween Party Appetizer, Th...: Last year, my sister-in-law made the most unbelievable display for the annual Halloween party...words can't even explain it- but all I ...
HAD TO SHARE THIS!!
HAD TO SHARE THIS!!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
9 1 1 ...
I heard a story today, about a family in a cornfield that were "lost". So, they called 911 and/or GPS to get them out of there! Okay ~ how many times have I been lost? many! driving around endlessly ~ should've called GPS! and YOU? ever been lost? in trouble? well of course! all of us have been, are or will be! 911 = Calling on the One who can help you, save you, rescue you, restore you ... heal you ~ make you whole and fully ALIVE ...
His name is Jesus! Jesus!!
His name is Jesus! Jesus!!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
The Source for our lives ...
“I am the Vine you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
The Source for our lives will make all the difference in how our lives are lived day to day. It is true, we can succeed and even do well for days, weeks, even years on our own muster. But to truly be successful? To keep on enduring without burning out? To keep on loving when there is not love left to give? That takes drawing eternal water from the Eternal Source.
As mamas we don’t want to give our children a cheap imitation of Christ’s love, we want to give them the real thing. We want them to see Jesus in and through us each and every day. We can only do this when we spend time with Him, allow Him to love on us, allow Him to heal our hurts, forgive our sins. We need to drink from that beautiful Living Water, drink in His grace, His love, His light, in order that we may continue to serve and love our families.
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10
(where do you go to 'be still?' I have a chair in my bedroom that's my new favO'rite spot!)
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
(GRACE ... )
Yes, we are weary. There is no time in the day, why is that? There is no peace.
Yet, have you really tried to carve out a little space just for you and Him? Or is it easier to remain busy than to go before the Father? Are you worried about how you might look before Him? Still thinking about yesterday when you yelled at whoever, or how you spent the money on something other than what you should have? Or are you embarrassed that you frittered away precious time on the Internet? (not that I would know about any of these things. me? moi? YES! me/moi!)
You don’t need to clean up to go to Him. He knows your weaknesses, your struggles, your failings. He knows you. And He wants to spend time with you. He wants you to ask Him for help, to rely on Him for your every need throughout the day. He adores you, and is proud of you. Yes, you.
“Lord, my they see the gospel in my daily life?!! And, now rest in His arms and admit your brokenness.” Yes, REST ... even me, moi!!
So, today, I encourage you to fall into His loving embrace. Enjoy the fellowship. Enjoy the grace. And then, when you are filled up, share it with your family.
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1
Are you like me and need to rest in His arms today?
What do you think? Where are you with eternal waters? Where are you with Jesus? call me!! .. wanna go for coffee??
The Source for our lives will make all the difference in how our lives are lived day to day. It is true, we can succeed and even do well for days, weeks, even years on our own muster. But to truly be successful? To keep on enduring without burning out? To keep on loving when there is not love left to give? That takes drawing eternal water from the Eternal Source.
As mamas we don’t want to give our children a cheap imitation of Christ’s love, we want to give them the real thing. We want them to see Jesus in and through us each and every day. We can only do this when we spend time with Him, allow Him to love on us, allow Him to heal our hurts, forgive our sins. We need to drink from that beautiful Living Water, drink in His grace, His love, His light, in order that we may continue to serve and love our families.
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10
(where do you go to 'be still?' I have a chair in my bedroom that's my new favO'rite spot!)
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
(GRACE ... )
Yes, we are weary. There is no time in the day, why is that? There is no peace.
Yet, have you really tried to carve out a little space just for you and Him? Or is it easier to remain busy than to go before the Father? Are you worried about how you might look before Him? Still thinking about yesterday when you yelled at whoever, or how you spent the money on something other than what you should have? Or are you embarrassed that you frittered away precious time on the Internet? (not that I would know about any of these things. me? moi? YES! me/moi!)
You don’t need to clean up to go to Him. He knows your weaknesses, your struggles, your failings. He knows you. And He wants to spend time with you. He wants you to ask Him for help, to rely on Him for your every need throughout the day. He adores you, and is proud of you. Yes, you.
“Lord, my they see the gospel in my daily life?!! And, now rest in His arms and admit your brokenness.” Yes, REST ... even me, moi!!
So, today, I encourage you to fall into His loving embrace. Enjoy the fellowship. Enjoy the grace. And then, when you are filled up, share it with your family.
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1
Are you like me and need to rest in His arms today?
What do you think? Where are you with eternal waters? Where are you with Jesus? call me!! .. wanna go for coffee??
Friday, October 7, 2011
b a b y ....
Baby, baby & baby!! Who knew she'd bring so much joy ~ and baby talk!! and kisses and lovin'? Baby, baby & BABY!!
Not often do I have all my family under one roof ... blessed and my family just got bigger!! and my heart has melted & grown GIGANTIC!! soooooooo in love ~ Baby, baby & baby!!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Blessing from God
10.05.11 Incredibly I became a grandmother this AM! Yep ... blessing from God ~ Makayla Ray Reader born 7:35AM, weighing in at 7 lbs. 14 oz. with 20 inches! Father God, thank you ~ my baby has a baby! Lord, guide them, love them, protect them, bless them ... show them you never ever give up on them!!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Pearls ... pearly Pearls
What is a natural pearl?
Most of us know how pearls are made. Just recently I 'discovered' that my own pair of pearls purchased on my honeymoon in St. Marteen are NOT real ~ totally shocked me when I went to have them restrung!
When a foreign substance invades an oyster, the intruder slips into the mantle tissue of the mollusk, causing irritation. It is somewhat like the oyster getting a splinter. “The oyster’s natural reaction is to cover up that irritant to protect itself,” as one source states.
As a natural reaction to this, the oyster secretes a substance known as nacre to envelope the foreign invader as a part of its self-protection. The nacre is secreted over and over creating layers around the irritant to make it smoother.
Over time, the layers create a shiny pearl of various colors (white, pink, black, red, blue and green). Pearls reach their full size over an average span of three years. Thus, the reason for their worth.
What is a cultured pearl?
Cultured pearls develop much in the same way. However, while natural pearls develop without human intervention, cultured pearls are cultivated through human manipulation, depositing the irritant within the mollusk.
What is a peril? The dictionary defines peril as something that causes an exposure to injury, loss, or destruction, grave risk, jeopardy, or danger.
Is there an irritant in your life, something that has attempted to destruct your life or invade your spirit? Has some circumstance, trial, or grief surrounded you, threatening injury or loss? (the answer is YES, because we all have or have had them!)
Some of our troubles emanate from our own human manipulation like the cultured pearl. We then try to cover them over by our own efforts. This usually results in the problem remaining as grit stuck in our craw rather than becoming a pearl.
However, some trials develop without our intervention. Like the irritant of the natural pearl, they just slip their way into our lives. And we wonder, how'd that happen?
The Lord takes all our perils, all those irritants and trials, hurts and heartaches, losses and griefs, and covers them over with His balm. He pours out the oil of His Spirit, layer upon layer, upon our souls and spirits until we have “beauty for ashes” and “the oil of joy for mourning.” (Isa. 61:3)
I don’t think it is any coincidence that the gates into heaven are each made of one gigantic pearl. (Rev. 21:21) God has taken all the perils, trials, and tribulations from the beginning of time and molded them into the pearly gates.
We shall enter those portals of pearl, passing through and leaving behind all that has grieved us throughout our lives, leaving our tears outside the gate and entering into the fullness of joy. I recently had my grandmother's pearls restrung. I wore them to her funeral in June ... and such a memory of having them and wearing them in honor!
Just as someone once said, “Nearly all God’s jewels are crystallized tears,” so all our perils are encapsulated pearls.
How long has it taken to make a pearl out of your irritant, your hurt, your peril? Are you still waiting for your pearls from perils? Hang on; it takes time. In God’s timing, all your troubles will be transformed into worthy pearls.
A pearl...a healed wound, born out of affliction. Are there any pearls in your life?
Let's talk ...
Most of us know how pearls are made. Just recently I 'discovered' that my own pair of pearls purchased on my honeymoon in St. Marteen are NOT real ~ totally shocked me when I went to have them restrung!
When a foreign substance invades an oyster, the intruder slips into the mantle tissue of the mollusk, causing irritation. It is somewhat like the oyster getting a splinter. “The oyster’s natural reaction is to cover up that irritant to protect itself,” as one source states.
As a natural reaction to this, the oyster secretes a substance known as nacre to envelope the foreign invader as a part of its self-protection. The nacre is secreted over and over creating layers around the irritant to make it smoother.
Over time, the layers create a shiny pearl of various colors (white, pink, black, red, blue and green). Pearls reach their full size over an average span of three years. Thus, the reason for their worth.
What is a cultured pearl?
Cultured pearls develop much in the same way. However, while natural pearls develop without human intervention, cultured pearls are cultivated through human manipulation, depositing the irritant within the mollusk.
What is a peril? The dictionary defines peril as something that causes an exposure to injury, loss, or destruction, grave risk, jeopardy, or danger.
Is there an irritant in your life, something that has attempted to destruct your life or invade your spirit? Has some circumstance, trial, or grief surrounded you, threatening injury or loss? (the answer is YES, because we all have or have had them!)
Some of our troubles emanate from our own human manipulation like the cultured pearl. We then try to cover them over by our own efforts. This usually results in the problem remaining as grit stuck in our craw rather than becoming a pearl.
However, some trials develop without our intervention. Like the irritant of the natural pearl, they just slip their way into our lives. And we wonder, how'd that happen?
The Lord takes all our perils, all those irritants and trials, hurts and heartaches, losses and griefs, and covers them over with His balm. He pours out the oil of His Spirit, layer upon layer, upon our souls and spirits until we have “beauty for ashes” and “the oil of joy for mourning.” (Isa. 61:3)
I don’t think it is any coincidence that the gates into heaven are each made of one gigantic pearl. (Rev. 21:21) God has taken all the perils, trials, and tribulations from the beginning of time and molded them into the pearly gates.
We shall enter those portals of pearl, passing through and leaving behind all that has grieved us throughout our lives, leaving our tears outside the gate and entering into the fullness of joy. I recently had my grandmother's pearls restrung. I wore them to her funeral in June ... and such a memory of having them and wearing them in honor!
Just as someone once said, “Nearly all God’s jewels are crystallized tears,” so all our perils are encapsulated pearls.
How long has it taken to make a pearl out of your irritant, your hurt, your peril? Are you still waiting for your pearls from perils? Hang on; it takes time. In God’s timing, all your troubles will be transformed into worthy pearls.
A pearl...a healed wound, born out of affliction. Are there any pearls in your life?
Let's talk ...
Monday, October 3, 2011
GEMS
Precious Jewels ...
Malachi 3:16-17a, Amplified Version~
"Then those who feared the Lord talked often one to another; and the Lord listened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him of those who reverenced and worshipfully feared the Lord and who thought on His name. And they shall be Mine, says the Lord of hosts, in that day when I publicly recognize and openly declare them to be My jewels." YOU are His! His special possession, His peculiar treasure! <3 MUST SHARE THIS ~~~> When I stand before God at the end of my life,
I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me". ~Erma Bombeck~
KWIM?
Malachi 3:16-17a, Amplified Version~
"Then those who feared the Lord talked often one to another; and the Lord listened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him of those who reverenced and worshipfully feared the Lord and who thought on His name. And they shall be Mine, says the Lord of hosts, in that day when I publicly recognize and openly declare them to be My jewels." YOU are His! His special possession, His peculiar treasure! <3 MUST SHARE THIS ~~~> When I stand before God at the end of my life,
I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me". ~Erma Bombeck~
KWIM?
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