Showing posts with label reflections. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reflections. Show all posts

Sunday, September 11, 2011

The Butterfly Bush

 Just as the floodwaters carved out a new landscape in my backyard, the tide of fear, shock, sadness, and anger that followed carved out a new reality for me. Life is different now. In some ways, it will never be the same again.

The pictures above were taken in our yard on 8/27/2011 - the afternoon before Irene arrived.  This is our yard just 4 days later...The force and power of the water was incredible...

I was thinking today about Noah's flood...how incredibly powerful that must have been. Imagine the fear that filled Noah's heart as the rain pelted the ark and all living creatures outside perished. Imagine the faith, as he waited in the ark for the waters to dry up. Imagine the hope that welled up in his heart when that dove returned with an olive leaf!

Imagine the mud they must have stepped into when they exited the ark!

I found my "olive leaf" today -- a single, straggly stalk of green. It had been badly battered by the power of the flooded creek;  power that had downed trees, moved trucks, relocated boulders and bridges, had even moved houses off their foundations. It had stolen away large chunks of grass and yard, plants and flowers. Yet here, on the very edge of the eroded lawn, still rooted in the earth where I had planted it just this spring, reaching toward the sun, was my butterfly bush -- the survivor. This little bush not only hung onto its scrap of dirt - it waited until the waters receded and then mustered up all its strength to produce -- a blossom. A beautiful purple flower. Promise of another season to come, when all the debris will be finally cleared, grass will be planted, and (I promise) there will be new butterfly bushes planted alongside my survivor to keep him company....

 Irene may have taken much, but I am finding so much more that she has given. But that is the subject of another blog.....

Today is a new day. Tomorrow is a new tomorrow. I will hope, trust, stand, and reach toward heaven, and rooted firmly in the soil of my Father's garden, I will blossom, just like my little butterfly bush.

"For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Revelation 7:17

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Girlfriends in God - Daily Devotion

http://www.girlfriendsingod.com/Default.aspx?tabid=97
God really, truly loves us. He takes notice of what we do, our joys and tears. Isn't that amazing? I enjoyed these devotional thoughts by Gwen Smith of GIG --

Monday, June 7, 2010

Did I Make the Right Decision?, Christian Careers, Jobs, Employment

Did you ever face a big decision wondering how to find God's will? There's a song that David Patillo sings, called "When To Do What" which I have sometimes felt is the recurring theme song of my life. Did I make the right choice yesterday? Last week? 20 years ago? Am I making the right choice now?

"Sometimes I say yes, sometimes I say no, sometimes I hold on, sometimes I let go; sometimes I am right, but not always so; when to do what, that's what I want to know."

I have found that, in my life, the right choice is always to stay close to God. He will lead, and He will bless and use me as I seek His will. It's not easy to see where the path is leading today or tomorrow, but if I keep my hand in His we won't go wrong! The following article gives some insight on this too. Blessings!

Link

Monday, May 31, 2010

Memorial Day Weekend


This was just her 2nd T-ball game ever, and our first as grandparents!

It was a weekend for family, friends, fun, and memories. Just a few pictures...

Saturday, January 30, 2010

"Cold enough for ya?"

                                                                                         
COLD IS A RELATIVE THING. 

65 above zero:
Arizonians turn on the heat.
People in Upstate New York plant gardens.

60 above zero:
Californians shiver uncontrollably.
People in Upstate New York sunbathe.

50 above zero:
Italian & English cars won't start.
People in Upstate New York drive with the windows down.

40 above zero:
Georgians don coats, thermal underwear, gloves, and wool hats.
People in Upstate New York throw on a flannel shirt.

35 above zero:
New York city landlords finally turn up the heat.
People in Upstate New York have the last cookout before it gets cold.

20 above Zero:
People in Miami all die.
Upstate New Yorkers close the windows.

Zero:
Californians fly away to Mexico .
People in Upstate New York get out their winter coats.

10 below zero:
Hollywood disintegrates.
The Girl Scouts in Upstate New York are selling cookies door to door.

20 below zero:
Washington DC runs out of hot air.
People in Upstate New York let the dogs sleep indoors.

30 below zero:
Santa Claus abandons the North Pole.
Upstate New Yorkers get upset because they can't start the snow-mobile.

40 below zero:
ALL atomic motion stops.
People in Upstate New York start saying...'cold enough fer ya?'

50 below zero:
Hell freezes over.
Upstate New York public schools will open 2 hours late

Friday, November 27, 2009

Be Thankful for What?

Taken from Ann Landers' 11/22/01 column. Used with permission.

www.ReviveOurHearts.com

Info@ReviveOurHearts.com

Things To Be Thankful For

Dear Ann Landers:

I hope you will print something a friend in Australia sent me.

I think it's perfect to run on Thanksgiving. -- Bee in Fairfax, Va.

Dear Bee:

Please send my best wishes and warm thanks to your friend in

Australia. Here's the thoughtful piece she sent:

Things to Be Thankful For

Be thankful for the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means you have

enough to eat.

Be thankful for the mess you clean up after a party, because it means you have

been surrounded by friends.

Be thankful for the taxes you pay, because it means you're employed.

Be thankful that your lawn needs mowing and your windows need fixing, because

it means you have a home.

Be thankful for your heating bill, because it means you are warm.

Be thankful for the laundry, because it means you have clothes to wear.

Be thankful for the space you find at the far end of the parking lot, because it

means you can walk.

Be thankful for the lady who sings off-key behind you in church, because it

means you can hear.

Be thankful when people complain about the government, because it means we

have freedom of speech.

Be thankful for the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it

means you're alive.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

True Woman | Neighborliness Report Card

Link

Think of your most strained and difficult relationship. I found this to be very convicting.

Monday, May 25, 2009

True Woman | No Greater Love

True Love -- what does the phrase bring to your mind? I found this blog to be very encouraging and convicting.

Link

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

True Woman | Instructed to love

Link

Why do I have to be commanded to love God, my Creator, my Heavenly Father, my Rock? Could it be because of my rebellious, fallen nature?

How can I help but love Him? Click on the link above for some thoughts on the subject.

In His Love,

Nancy

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Come What May

This is amazing, and worth the few minutes it takes to read/watch....At the end of the article is a link to watch the film.....Enjoy! -- Nancy

Moviemaker’s Goal: Real Life Imitating Art

Homeschoolers, production company depict challenge to Roe v. Wade

World Net Daily Article

October 11, 2008

Debate teams representing the 300 students at Patrick Henry College have won the Moot Court national debate crown twice in the school's eight-year existence, and they've defeated debating bastion Oxford twice, including once in England using UK laws, but now they're reaching higher. They are hoping that real life will imitate their art.

Combining with Advent Film Group, the Virginia evangelical school's debaters are featured in a new film presenting arguments that one day could be used to overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that found a right to abortion in the U.S. Constitution. "Come What May," which already has been shown to packed houses in Grants Pass, Ore., and Harrisonburg, Va., is expected to

be available for screening online later this month.

In the movie, Caleb, a Christian student attending Patrick Henry, is caught in a moral tug-of-war as he challenges Roe v. Wade at the National Moot Court Championship. At the same time, the character's mother, a feminist attorney, argues the case at the U.S. Supreme Court, but on

the opposing side.

The microbudget project – essentially created with a volunteer team of students advised by a handful of movie professionals – already has had half a dozen offers for distribution, according to George Escobar of Advent Film Group. He told WND the plans are for the movie to be streamed online on GodTube later this month, but exact details still are being worked out.

"Our intention is that people see the compelling arguments for overturning Roe v. Wade if there are the right Supreme Court justices on the bench," he said.

In the Roe v. Wade opinion, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun hinted the decision eventually could be overturned, leaving abortion laws up to individual states. He concluded that if the "personhood" of the preborn could be established, "the case, of course, collapses, for the fetus' right to life is then guaranteed specifically by the [14th] Amendment."

The advances in scientific and medical knowledge over the past four decades have created huge conflicts over the issue of the beginning of life. Voters in Colorado will decide Nov. 4 on a ballot initiative that would recognize the unborn as a person – given the same constitutional protections as anyone else – from the moment of conception.

Grants Pass Valley Family Forum director Dean Welty believes the time for the issue to be given to American citizens is now. "This movie tells how Roe v. Wade can be reversed by the U.S. Supreme Court," he said.

"Moviegoers [at a screening] were excited or agitated on both sides, because the movie shows in dramatic fashion just how flimsy the legal footing stands for Roe. "New Justice appointees who believe in constitutional original intent will likely overturn Roe," he said.

Since the next president is expected to appoint at least a few new justices during the coming term, the tipping point for many of the previous 5-4 decisions that have upheld abortions could be approaching.

Welty noted it's possible a handful of voters in each precinct across the nation could make the choice between GOP candidate Sen. John McCain, who has a long record of largely pro-life votes, and Democratic Sen. Barack Obama, who has advocated for abortions beyond even the demands of the

National Abortion Rights Action League.

"If this new movie gets widely known, and it could break out because it's very controversial, then watch out," Welty said.

Escobar has worked in the American Film Institute and in Hollywood as a freelance story analyst. He was assistant to the director on several television shows and vice president of product technologies for Tele-TV, which then was headed by Howard Stringer, now CEO of Sony. The founder of Advent Film Group in 2007, he confirmed distributors already are bidding for the rights to distribute the movie.

"We know that Christians love 'Come What May,'" said Escobar. "What surprised us were the secular, pro-choice audiences, some of whom have told us that 'Come What May' is causing them

to reconsider their position." He cited the huge impact of recent low-budget movies, "Facing the Giants," and "Fireproof," as a sea change in the movie industry. "Giants," about a high school football team, was made by Sherwood Baptist Church in

Albany, Ga., on a budget of $100,000. It earned $10 million in box office sales and – so far – has sold more than a million DVDs. "Our mission is to change culture for Christ through media," said Escobar. "We are drawing from the outstanding talent and strength of the homeschooling community.

"If homeschoolers can turn the public education monopoly upside down, they can do the same for cinema," he said.

Statistics indicate homeschooling is growing at a rate many times the rate of growth for schools nationwide, and there now are estimates of more than 2 million students who are homeschooled.

Endorsing the project were Michael Farris, founder and chancellor of Patrick Henry College, the nation's only Christian liberal arts college established to serve homeschooled students; Graham Walker, president of the college; and Michael Smith, president of the Home School Legal Defense Association.

The project, in which students also received on-the-job training in the film industry, already has been

honored. It was given a Redemptive Storyteller Award for 2008 from the Redemptive Film Festival.

Kurt Ramspott, founder of the pro-life group Guys-For-Life, said the film "could be a tipping point in this dramatic battle of Good vs. Evil in our lifetime." "It is a 'must see' that will spur you onto action," he said.

Click below to watch the film (it's free):

http://www.onenewsnow.com/comewhatmay/default.aspx

 

Monday, July 21, 2008

China is NOT all fun and games

Will Olympics overshadow religious persecution?

Charlie Butts - OneNewsNow - 7/20/2008 4:05:00 AM

President Bush has drawn attention, and will continue to do so, to the plight of persecuted Christians.

The President made the remarks during a 10th anniversary ceremony to honor the International Religious Freedom Act, which was signed into law to deal with religious persecution. Todd Nettleton of Voice of the Martyrs

(VOM) is hopeful that when people see coverage of the Olympics in China -- and specifically, the opening ceremonies which Bush will attend -- they will see more than just the beauty of China and the competition.

"[I hope] they will also remember that this is a country that persecutes our brothers and sisters," Nettleton adds. "This is a country where Christians are currently in jail simply because of their Christian faith."

This week, President Bush said he always tells foreign leaders, including China's president, that they should welcome religion in their society, not fear it. Nettleton hopes that continues as the Beijing Olympics approach. "I hope that if he does get opportunities that he will really make a point of saying, 'This is not just about athletes and gold medals. We also want to remember our brothers and sisters who are suffering in this country,'" the VOM spokesman explains.

Nettleton also is hopeful Bush will have the opportunity to meet with Chinese officials on that issue. "You know, so much of our discussion with China is about trade and making money," Nettleton contends. "Some of it is about military relationships, and we need to always remember to keep the issue of religious freedom on the table."

According to VOM and other similar agencies, China has conducted a crackdown against the underground church in recent months as a way of striking fear in the hearts of Christians involved in the movement and putting their leaders in jail.

 

Friday, July 18, 2008

Refreshing Tunes

If you are wondering where to find inspirational, soothing traditional songs of faith and worship I'd encourage you to try Abiding Radio at http://loudcity.com/stations/abiding-radio/tune_in

This music has been such a blessing and peaceful respite to me especially in the evening, when unwinding from the harshness and hectic pace of the day.

Enjoy, and may God bless you today!

Friday, July 4, 2008

Just for a Smile....

 

Remember...

Once you get over the hill, you'll begin to pick up speed.



 
...If it weren't for STRESS
I'd have no energy at all.


Whatever hits the fan...

Will Not Be Evenly Distributed.


Everyone has a photographic memory.
Some, like me, just don't have any film.


Dogs Have Owners ~ Cats Have Staff


If the shoe fits... buy a pair in every color.



Just going to church doesn't make you a Christian.

Not any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.

 

 

Bills travel through the mail...

at twice the speed of checks.

 


Some days are a total waste of makeup.


Men are from earth.

Women are from earth.

Deal with it.


A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand.


 


Opportunities always look bigger going than coming.


Junk is something you've kept for years
and throw away three weeks before you need it.



Experience is a wonderful thing.

It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.


By the time you can make ends meet, they move the ends.


Learn from the mistakes of others.
Trust me... you can't live long enough to make them all yourself.

I've tried!!

Have A Wonderful Day!


Cherish each day -- it's God's gift to us.
His compassions fail not, they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Don't Forget to Celebrate I Forgot Day!

Did I forget something?

Today is a very important but little-celebrated holiday....

I Forgot Day


Well we’re 1/2 way through the year and today’s the perfect time to catch up on all those sundry things that have slipped our minds over the last 6 months or so. What were those New Year's Resolutions anyway? Did I remember to send a card to Aunt Tillie in Feb? How many heart worm preventative doses has Fido missed? Is it too late to get a flu shot (YES!) What about an oil change? Yikes - are those snow tires that I see on my car in July?? Are there any fast food plants I can put in my vegetable garden now that will have a chance to actually grow before frost? (like insta-onion or speedy asparagas? Do you want fries with that?  Maybe I'd better stick with winter squash.)

Whatever we've missed in 2008 we have time to make up for at least some of it today -- National I Forgot Day. Actually, I have made a personal decision to extend the celebration for a whole week....hope that's enough time.   I'd better get going before I start screwing up again. 2009 isn’t that far away!

Monday, June 9, 2008

Cardboard Testimonies




Life before and after Christ changed them. Don't miss this video -- it's a simple yet profound way to show how God is at work in the lives of His people today. It may encourage you and bring you joy, as it did for me!

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Changing Times!

I received this by email (thanks, Mom!) and found it very interesting.  I've always said I didn't like change, but maybe in some ways it is a good thing......read on, and travel back with me in history to a simpler day -- my Grammy was 10 years old and this was the world she knew,  an uncomplicated time (but sometimes scary -- especially the part about hair care!)

THE YEAR 1908

This will boggle your mind, I know it did mine!
The year is 1908.
One hundred years ago.
What a difference a century makes!
Here are some statistics for the Year 1908 :
************ ********* ********* ******

The average life expectancy was 47 years.

Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub.

Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.

There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles
Of paved roads.

The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.

The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower

The average wage in 1908 was 22 cents per hour.

The average worker made between $200 and $400 per year .

A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year,
A dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.

More than 95 percent of all births took place at HOME .

Ninety percent of all doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION!
Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which
Were condemned in the press AND the government as 'substandard. '

Sugar cost four cents a pound.

Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.

Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.

Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used
Borax or egg yolks for shampoo.

Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from
Entering into their country for any reason.

Five leading causes of death were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke

The American flag had 45 stars.

The population of Las Vegas , Nevada, was only 30!!!!

Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and ice tea
Hadn't been invented yet.

There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.

Two out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write.
Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school.

Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores. Back then pharmacists said, 'Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind,regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health.' ( Shocking? DUH! )

Eighteen percent of households had at least
One full-time servant or domestic help.

There were about 230 reported murders in the ENTIRE ! U.S.A. !

Now I forwarded this from someone else without typing
It myself, and sent it to you and others all over Canada & U.S.A
Possibly the world, in a matter of seconds!

Try to imagine what it may be like in another 100 years.
IT STAGGERS THE MIND!!!!!!!!!!!

 


 

 

Thursday, May 22, 2008

GOD RULES

 

I've been thinking alot lately about suffering. The needs are so great as many around us are going through various testings and trials. In our ladies' Bible study, we are slowly going through the Book of Romans. We meet on Wednesday mornings, and yesterday's lesson was about God's Peace -- peace with God and the peace of God. Once we have accepted Christ as Savior we have peace with God. We begin a personal relationship with God, based on the blood of Jesus. No one can take that away, for God has given it to us.

But the peace of God is a very different matter. "The peace of God is to have perfect peace of mind and heart, no worry, an untroubled heart in spite of circumstances." We talked about how to access that peace in the midst of suffering -- physical pain, emotional loss, loneliness, death of a child -- and then the widespread pain of global disasters -- cyclone, earthquakes, terrorism, war, famine. The Scripture teaches us that God has promised us peace. Our God is bigger than anything or anyone that can threaten or harm us. We are in His hands. Why do we not experience His peace? Because we have taken our eyes off Him. God has a purpose in all of our trials. We can trust God when He allows tribulations in our lives -- He is using them to some advantage for us.

Have you asked God what He wants to teach you through this painful circumstance?

Lord, You are faithful. We trust you. Even when we don't understand. You are God. Thank You for Your everlasting, powerful and tender arms that hold us. Yes, thank You for that peace that is beyond our understanding, yet so real. We look to you, our Creator, Sustainer, Shepherd and Savior. YOU RULE!

Here are a couple of verses to turn to today, tomorrow, or any time your feelings lead you to doubt or fear. I'm writing these down on index cards so they are handy at a moment's notice!

John 14:27, Philippians 4:6-7, Psalm 121 -- the whole thing!

P.S. I just love Elisabeth Elliott and her sweet yet deep insights into God's Word. Following is a link to her daily devotional:

http://www.backtothebible.org/index.php/devotions/authors/elisabeth_elliot.html

Hey, thanks for "listening".

Nancy