CloudShine

2011-11-21T21:28:00.000-08:00

"Hospitality: What Matters"

Does hospitality matter? And if it does-why?
Yes, hospitality does matter, and here’s why from my perspective.
As a child of God, we are not instructed to find a cave and sit there being Godly until our life is over. Rather we are told to “Love one another.” Examples have been set and we are to go so far as to go and bring someone-anyone- in to our home, to our feast, and to share with them.

This, then, is the essence of hospitality. To care enough for others, that we will open our hearts, our homes, and our tables. This is more than a cursory, everyday kind of hospitality. This is fine china, crystal goblets, silver, and a “Let there be thankfulness to God” table runner kind of hospitality!

The quiet message of giving thanks and doing all because of God’s love to us, and to others is the key to having and sharing God’s love.

Be thankful-share God!

This is my initial opportunity to share from the DaySpring Ever Grateful collection. I received this lovely table runner which is great for fall in elegant shades of dark brown, taupe and cream. I love the quiet, faithful message embroidered on each end with the words

"Let there be thankfulness to God".

There is great attention to detail in both design and message. There is a wonderful opportunity to use it everyday by reversing sides. The reverse side is a beautiful pinstripe for more casual occasions. This table runner can serve as a visual reminder of our faith and our gratefulness. It is regularly priced at $34.99 and is on sale right now for $17.49. That's a 50% savings! Check out the Inspired Deals page at (in)Courage.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this item free from DaySpringthrough the (in)courage website. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Happy Thanksgiving!

All thoughts and opinions stated in this post and on this blog are my own
and freely given!

#indeals.

http://www.dayspring.com/seasonal/thanksgiving/thanksgiving_gifts_and_d_cor/

Lead On

2010-10-03T20:40:00.000-07:00

Every country has many examples of courageous men and women who have accomplished great things under extremely challenging conditions. These men and women saw the need for action, believed in what they were doing, inspired others, and in spite of incredible odds, changed the world.

This is the essence of leadership.

These people accepted their leadership roles and responsibilities, motivated and inspired others and made things happen.

SummerTime in OK

2007-07-26T09:07:00.000-07:00

SummerTime in OK

2007-07-26T09:06:00.001-07:00

SummerTime in OK

2007-07-26T09:05:00.001-07:00

SummerTime in OK

2007-07-26T09:02:00.001-07:00

OK

2007-05-14T07:20:00.000-07:00

Just Hoping...

2007-05-14T07:07:00.000-07:00

No posts for many days
Equals loss of interest

Loss of interest equals
No more readers

No more readers equals
Increased anonymity.

Increased anonymity equals
Greater freedom

Greater freedom means
Perhaps I'll post again.

God and birds

2007-03-08T07:38:00.000-08:00

When God Paints X

2007-02-13T15:11:00.000-08:00

How We Suffer and Are Replenished

Rivers of sorrow
never ending
return as mist to clouds
and fall again as rain.
Droplets spoil our sky today
but lap a grateful shore tomorrow.
The world is kept alive like this
fed on rain and sorrow.
All the pain in the world must rise
a single tear at a time.
As sure as there is sun today
clouds will cry again
tomorrow.

Copyright ©1999 by Nathan Harms

When God Paints IX

2007-02-13T15:10:00.000-08:00

Isn't this a glorious light? Even a glory light!
When I saw this picture I was reminded of a story sent to me by a friend.
So- I include it here, with thanks.
A great story by Max Lucado.

You are in your car driving home. Thoughts wander to the game you want to see or meal you want to eat, when suddenly a sound unlike any you've ever heard fills the air. The sound is high above you. A trumpet? A choir? A choir of trumpets? You don't know, but you want to know. So you pull over, get out of your car, and look up. As you do, you see you aren't the only curious one. The roadside has become a parking lot. Car doors are open, and people are staring at the sky. Shoppers are racing out of the grocery store.The Little League baseball game across the street has come to a halt. Players and parents are searching the clouds. And what they see, and what you see, has never before been seen. As if the sky were a curtain, the drapes of the atmosphere part. A brilliant light spills onto the earth. There are no shadows. None. From whence came the light begins to tumble a river of color spiking crystals of every hue ever seen and a million more never seen. Riding on the flow is an endless fleet of angels. They pass through the curtains one myriad at a time, until they occupy every square inch of the sky. North. South. East. West. Thousands of silvery wings rise and fall in unison, and over the sound of the trumpets, you can hear the cherubim and seraphim chanting, Holy, holy, holy. The final flank of angels is followed by twenty-four silver-bearded elders and a multitude of souls who join the angels in worship. Presently the movement stops and the trumpets are silent, leaving only the triumphant triplet: Holy, holy, holy. Between each word is a pause. With each word, a profound reverence. You hear your voice joining the chorus. You don't know why you say the words, but you know you must. Suddenly, the heavens are quiet. All is quiet.The angels turn, you turn, the entire world turns and there He is. Jesus. Through waves of light you see the silhouetted figure of Christ the King. He is atop a great stallion, and the stallion is atop a billowing cloud. He opens his mouth, and you are surrounded by his declaration: I am the Alpha and the Omega. The angels bow their heads. The elders remove their crowns. And before you is a Figure so consuming that you know, instantly you know:Nothing else matters. Forget stock markets and school reports. Sales meetings and football games. Nothing is newsworthy...All that mattered, matters no more...For Christ has come...

When God Paints VIII

2007-02-13T15:06:00.000-08:00

Psalm 96
O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.
Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.
For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.
O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.
Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.
Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.

When God Paints VII

2007-02-13T14:39:00.000-08:00

I have always been a prairie person. (I can't say 'girl'...I would have to say 'old lady', and my computer just won't type those words!) I love the wide open spaces and feeling the wind rushing past. And yet, just for a little while, I would like to experience mountain life. To look up at such grandeur, and let the stability of a scene like this permeate my spirit... yes, I think I could give up the prairie for a little while. Even loving a river's white rush as I do, I could reflect in the peaceful calm of a mountain lake.

Stability and peace. Two very rare and precious commodities in the restless whirl of our busy lives. Schedules change, disruptions come. And we keep on going. How do we maintain the peace and stability in our souls? By focusing on the maker of the mountains. Knowing His peace which passes all understanding. By taking a moment to step out of the rush into His presence.

When God Paints VI

2007-02-13T11:41:00.000-08:00

Contrasts. Look at the contrasts. The majestic monolithic mountains! The delicacy of the flowers! In the world of designers, it could be said this is the work of two distinct creators. But in the realm of our great God-- we know the creator of the mountain also created each wispy flower and every unique snowflake on the mountain. Now I wonder... have you ever made something that you did not know and recognize? Perhaps a piece of furniture? Or a tasty dessert? (no poking or pointing here) Seriously. If the God who made us does not know and recognize us --who could? We can rest assured-we are known! We are known and loved.
He recognizes our frame-who we are, and who we could be. He knows our strengths (the mountains) and the weaknesses (the flowers). I can be at peace knowing He knows. And if He made me and knows me... He can heal me. He knows me...I want to know Him.

When God Paints V

2007-02-09T12:37:00.000-08:00

Every time I look at this picture I think of the song "My God and I". And I envision walking here communing in my spirit with the Lord. And it seems so indicative of life...you can't quite tell which way the road turns, nor be sure of what lies just around the bend of the road. But in spite of all of those uncertainties-I can walk life's road with confidence because I walk hand in hand with Him.

When God Paints IV

2007-02-09T10:53:00.000-08:00

Wouldn't you like to be a tree planted on the edge of this tranquil scene? We can be a tree planted by the waters... I remember the song we used to sing about that. "Just like a tree planted by the waters , I shall not be moved." What do you suppose is the significance of being a tree? Or of being by the waters? Or of not being moved?

When God Paints III

2007-02-09T10:28:00.000-08:00

Do you think this has been enhanced or tweaked a little? Do you suppose the swans were added for effect? Either way it is a fantastic panorama. Can you imagine the results if we were to give God a digital picture of ourselves and our entire life and say to him...fix it ! Go ahead, have free reign. Take out the flaws, adjust the parameters, add more light ! Make it pleasing in your sight, and I know it will be pleasing to others. Hey--let's do it! Let God have the canvas of our lives and see what happens!

When God Paints II

2007-02-09T10:16:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been in a situation like this...when you feel the beauty? Sometimes I think we never will comprehend the depth of beauty in the heart of God. A beauty that extends into every attribute of His existence. And as children of God, shouldn't we likewise exhibit this beauty? In every aspect of our own lives?

When God Paints

2007-02-09T09:56:00.000-08:00

Wouldn't you love to experience this view? And it is only one of the myriads of canvases God paints every day! I am in awe.

A New Day. A New Year.

2007-01-19T11:48:00.000-08:00

And to wake up on the first day of a new year and see images like this...does it not set your soul to singing? Think of this same God caring so much for us that he gives unrequested gifts such as this! It definitely sets the tone for a blessed year ahead.

"Rejoice and be ye glad, and again I say rejoice."

Psalm 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.

May our walk this year be blameless in His sight. Today, tomorrow and all the days to come!

Looking Back

2007-01-19T09:17:00.000-08:00

A very similar picture to my view on New Year's morning. I always think of love when I see the moon. No, not as lovers do... but as a gift from a loving heavenly Father. He gave us the moon and he probably didn't have to. At least it doesn't play as important part in our existence as the sun does. ( I do acknowledge its relationship to the tides and the seasons. I know all that.) My point in this pointless rambling is just to say that every time I look at the moon my heart says- "Thank you. I love you, too. " It seems such a gentle reminder of God and his watch care over us. Day and night. And it is so easy to watch the moon as it travels over our little world. No sunglasses needed. Just enjoy. And to be sure, the many times I remember my earthly father staying up all hours of the night watching an eclipse with a teenager writing a report, makes the moon a special treat also. So as the New Year came in and I saw the beautiful moon...I felt God's loving care in my life and said a prayer of thankfulness.

And then as I read another blog on New Year's Day, I saw a really spectacular picture of the moon and wanted others to share it also. And for some really cool moon info check out the monthly names of the moon on this great blog on 01-02-07. Actually I was just thrilled to see someone else comment on one of my favorite things in this world God has made for us!

He gave me the moon ! And I love Him for it !

Thanks, T S T !

2007-01-17T10:50:00.000-08:00

And I like the picture on your un-blog !

The sun still shines !!

2007-01-17T10:37:00.000-08:00

I have been sooo busy that my new blogging hobby has suffered... but I will be back. And meanwhile the sun shines on !

Thought Provoking

2007-01-02T14:03:00.000-08:00

This may become a favorite:

Broken & Beautiful

There’s a businessman, there’s a widowed wife
A smiling face with a shattered life
A teenage girl with a choice to make
It’s crowded here in church today

And the preacher says as the sermon ends
“Please close your eyes, bow your heads
Is there anyone in need of prayer,
Oh Jesus wants to meet you here”
Cause we all fall short, and we all have sinned
But when you let, God’s grace break in.

Well he’d never been to church before
But he came today as a last resort
His world was crashing in
And he was suffocating in his sin

But tears rolled down as hope rushed in
He closed his eyes, raised his hands
Worshipping the God who can
Bring him back to life again
Cause there’s nothing more beautiful at all
Than when His sons and daughters call, broken

Broken and beautiful, beautiful
Come as you are
Surrender your heart
Broken and beautiful, beautiful

Mark Schultz - Broken & Beautiful
From the album Broken & Beautiful

Imminence

2006-12-29T07:31:00.000-08:00

The Up Look

2006-12-29T07:17:00.000-08:00

I have received many blessings in my life, one of which was my Dad.
Today I hear him singing:

When God spoke unto Noah, and told him to build the ark,
The Lord knew well the vessel would cheerless be and dark,
So God said, build a window, with outlook toward the sky,
That when it’s dark and lonesome, you’ll see Me standing by.

Refrain:
The storms will come, but fear not, oh, children, I am nigh,
And through the upper window, you’ll see Me standing by.

It may be that affliction will rack and rend your frame,
Until your mortal body is seared with fevered flame,
But do not be discouraged, just lift your tear-dimmed eye,
And through the upper window, you’ll see Me standing by.

Perhaps you’ll suffer losses, like houses, lands, and gold,
And you will feel you’re homeless, and penniless, and old;
But sweetest peace and comfort will lift your painful sigh,
When through the upper window, you’ll see Me standing by.

It may be that bereavement will take a loved one dear,
A soul that brought you gladness, real happiness and cheer;
But it will cheer your sad heart, when loved ones from you fly,
When through the upper window, you’ll see Me standing by.

Thanks John, for these lyrics. http://timelesstruths .org

See...the Sun !

2006-12-28T07:21:00.000-08:00

DarkSkies

2006-12-27T09:00:00.000-08:00

In the middle of winter the skies are dark as I leave home for my one hour commute to work. So I walk outside in complete darkness requiring lights to navigate safely. But within minutes the sky has become a changing palette of colors. Sometimes myriad shades of gray, or perhaps many variations for which I do not have names.
For example, the other day having left at my usual time, I became increasingly aware of a glowing pink on the western horizon. It caught my attention, since to my knowledge, the sun still rises in the east. Glancing in the rear view mirror I see the eastern sky is still as dark as night. As we topped the next hill I saw the tops of all the tall trees were the same glowing pink! Leafless as they were, it presented a striking resemblance to paintbrushes ready for a masterpiece.
My view of the sky soon revealed the origin of the light show as I saw a bright golden flash- then an orb of gold spreading in the east. The morning session of painting with light had begun. The dark disappeared and beautiful serene blue took its place. Each and every little wisp of cloud became an indescribable shade of pink. The sky became an experiment of pink on blue. I forgot the darkness which had greeted me when I opened my door only a few short moments earlier. Gone was the need for artificial lights--I was bathing in glorious living colors of light .

I remember just the same type of experience when the dark cloud of satanic oppression was lifted from my life and I could once again revel in the wonder of God's glorious light. From experience I can now say: 'This too shall pass. The darkest hour is just before a beautiful dawn. And truly joy comes in the morning. '
Wait out the darkness, never give in. The SON is coming!

My world, your world, His world

2006-12-26T14:19:00.000-08:00

Christmas Colors

2006-12-26T13:42:00.000-08:00

Do you turn on your Christmas lights when Christmas is past? (and I don't mean hanging on your house year-round.) But just a little while longer?
Last night there was so much starshine, it caused me to think of the star that shone so bright for the birth of our Lord; And for the length of time it must have shone for the Wise Men. Can you imagine that sight ? Or was it only visible to those who were looking? Have you ever driven by and scarcely glanced at a display which may have taken hours for the owners to prepare? But, not being interested, it didn't even merit a second glance. How many today do not see God's light which He has put out there for every man? They don't comprehend what it took for God to send his only Son... and all that surrounds the story of His birth.
Is it our responsibility to bring attention to the magnificent display of God's love? Like the shepherds so long ago... yes, I must tell others of the light and life they are missing out on.

YES, I will leave the lights shining for a little longer --who knows, someone might notice and stop out there in the darkness and ponder the light shining from my heart.

This little light of mine...

What I want for Christmas

2006-12-26T13:25:00.000-08:00

I have been tagged by The Lazy Philosopher to participate in a Christmas Meme. I have to list three things I want for Christmas and three things I do not want for Christmas, then tag five others by leaving a message in their comments referring them back to this post.

Three things I want for Christmas:
1.) Mended relationships
2.) Happy sounds-the laughter of children and adults
3.) Time to reflect on why God gave such a precious gift

Three things I do not want for Christmas:
1.) Tears from broken hearts
2.) Sad empty eyes lacking the knowledge of redemption
3.) The hustle and bustle of commercialized christmastide

Since Christmas is past I will not send the tag on to others. But you can comment if you like.

Multiple Favorites

2006-12-22T09:39:00.000-08:00

2006-12-22T08:25:00.000-08:00

EMS Christmas Prayer

Please make this, Lord, a silent night,
This one night of the year.
No sirens wailing through the dark,
No shouts of hate or fear.
No crumpled cars and twisted steel,
No blood and tears that spill.
No messages of grief to take,
To homes that suddenly grow still.
Please, King of Peace, no drunken fights
That wreck the family tree.
And all the dreams of some small child,
Who clings, in fear, to me.
Let travelers tread the tinseled streets
Safe from assault and harm.
On this night, this special night,
No red lights, no alarms.
I'd like to be at home, Oh Lord,
Where spice and cedar scent the air.
I hope the children don't wake up,
Until I can be there.
Please make this Lord, a silent night,
No hate, or hurt, or crime.
But if this cannot be,
Oh Lord, Help me get there in time.
Amen.

Christmas Clouds

2006-12-22T07:27:00.000-08:00

I love today's sky. It makes me think of Christmastime. What sky do I see? A gray, totally overcast sky. Why does it feel like a holiday? Nostalgia. Pure , plain and simple. This practical person occasionally lapses into reminiscing. I remember all the snow storms, sledding parties, and hot cocoa with family and friends. The boys always bringing out the Monopoly game, Dad cracking nuts, Mom making fudge and serving hot buttered popcorn. Dad reading the nativity story from the Bible to one and all. A holiday did not mean stress or hurry-skurry to my childhood home. It was thoughts of God's goodness and the delight of sharing it with others. Do I view the past through rose colored glasses? Sure, why not?!
And I hope to recreate some of that same peace in my life today and in the lives of those around me. Just as God helps to remove the pain of past failures, and allows us to live in His peace daily with no condemnation over past dark skies... in the same way I want to share the story of His birth and His peace through salvation to every one I meet. So I think of Christmas past with peace, and know I can look to the Christmas of tomorrow with the same confidence. I love a gray winter sky for all its' memories, and I love our Lord for all the memories he has replaced with peace.

So look at a winter sky, think of pleasant memories and praise God for all He has done , is doing, and will do for us in our future.

Merry Christmas to all of us , and may our New Year be the most blessed we have ever had.

RainShine

2006-12-20T07:39:00.000-08:00

Today the skies are gray and wintry. The steady rain fluctuates from fine mist to drenching downpour. And I'm thinking of today's beautiful sunrise... No, I didn't see it and I'm confidant there wasn't one to see with the physical eyes. But I felt the sunrise in my heart. I know that God made a beautiful sunrise and someone somewhere was blessed as a result. In my drizzly world I am blessed just knowing this is another day God has given. Now -what am I going to do with it? Just as God was faithful to make another day, another sunrise, I must be faithful to do my best to bring the sunshine of God's love into the hearts and lives darkened by delusion and distance.
As I feel and sense the light of this day, my prayer is to light someone's way to God's eternal day. So as the rain dampens your life, breathe a prayer for light and share the Son.

Cameras and Clouds

2006-12-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

I have a camera in my heart- I added cloud pictures today. It was a cloudy, blustery day. Perfect for walking down a winding lane- conversing or communing. Instead, in the middle of the rush hour rat race, I watch gray turn blue, pink edges appear, bright spots open and within moments the sun is brightening every one's day. So many times we see the clouds and turn away, back into ourselves waiting for it all to go away. Instead let's look for the bright spots , the turning of the colors. God is always there. He is in that cloud and in the sun that drives the darkness away. Patience proves what we sometimes cannot imagine is even there. In my love affair with the sun, I have discovered I love the clouds also! Without those gray menacing moments, how could I possibly know the awesomeness of the sun?! Or properly appreciate it's warmth?

Oh, how many times have I concentrated on, yes even been consumed by, the dark things in my life... where was the sun at those times? Right where it always has been and ever will be. Why did I not see it? Perhaps I turned away too soon, or forgot to look for the rainbow. But now I know the sun was in its grandeur shining as always. There was just something between me and its warmth and light.

May I always remember God is in His heaven and all is right with the world. Even if I cannot see it through my finite eyes. Pain may cloud my life, but God's infinite grace will clear my skies.

SunShine

2006-12-08T12:57:00.000-08:00

What is sunshine to you ? Are you aware of it? Does it effect you?

"If we keep our face to the sunshine we cannot see the shadow. " - Helen Keller

"Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy."- John Denver

"...For He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." - Jesus Christ, Son of God

Of course, sunshine effects us all. But we may not be aware of it's influence. And no, I don't mean just the current common usage of S.A.D. (the seasonal disorder). Nor do I mean a tree-hugger's idea of nature's resources and our effect on them . I speak only of the wonderful gift and blessing given us by a great big God who designed our world. And did it with us and our comfort in mind. Just stop for one minute and imagine our life with out sun... That would effect us.

I never want to take the sun for granted. This gift, or the Giver.

I love sunshine. I love God.

Many times we hear trite references of the "sun" and the "Son"...but I don't want to do that. I do sincerely see many, many wonderful word pictures and thought processes when my heart bathes in the warm light of His love.

Pause a moment in the sun -how does it effect you?
Pause a moment in His light -how does He effect you?
Pause a moment in reflection - how do WE effect others?

Create ??

2006-12-08T12:18:00.000-08:00

The tab at the top of my page says "Create"... I've been taught only God can truly create anything. So I am safe here. I will not be creating anything. Rather, thinking with my keyboard. And I can think lots of things. Not having an inclination to compel anyone to listen, I will think my thoughts here. Perhaps someone will think along with me and share a thought or two. All on a totally voluntary basis, of course.

Welcome, and come think with me.