The truth of God's love, the Encouragement we all need and occasional humor
Author: anitashope
Retired Quality Manager but still have the "Why" curiosity drive so I am turning my love for Christ and nature into my new why chase and am trying to discover more of His word as it relates to His love for His creation.
Sundays during the summer are busy for me as I help with the riverfront concerts. We only have one left for the summer as school starts soon but this Sunday I was reminded of a childhood poem.
The Riverfront Band Stand
It was a still windless night but the sky was amazing. I was reminded of a silly poem from childhood about “I see the moon and the moon see me” but I don’t remember the rest.
If we take the time, we can really see how beautiful nature can be if we will just look. Have a great week and remember to always be kind.
The weekend is a time we try to unwind and rest from the hectic week we just had or possibly still reeling from. My devotion this morning reminded me of some of the walks I use to have when I lived in the North Carolina mountains. Since I am 1,000 miles from there now I have to go there in my mind. Come walk with me and I will take you there with words.
Its early morning. The morning fog still clings to trees around you. It’s peacefully quiet except for the few birds fluttering in the trees. It’s the perfect time to be alone with God and feel His peace.
Picture yourself by a small stream. Its deep enough where it doesn’t babble over rocks, yet it moves slowly. Its surface is smooth as glass and reflects the beauty of the forest around you. Sit here and rest in God’s love that He has just for you. Give all worries and concerns to Him and let Him carry them for you. His shoulders are much stronger than yours.
When we are calm and relaxed, it is then that the blessings of God are most beneficial because we remember who we are. We are children of God.
Always remember He is walking beside you and if needed…He will carry you. So lift praises to Him and He will cover you in peace as you walk the day together.
And in closing I remind you of the positive power of kindness. Not only does it encourage others, it encourages the beauty that is within you.
Todays Flower of the Day is coming again from the mystery seeds that were embedded in a roll up of a ‘perfect garden starter’. I am afraid they are more weed than flower but weeds create flowers as well so it’s still up for debate.
The flower is quite small, about 1.5 inch in diameter and looks to be a multi-petaled flower.
But the macro shows that each one of the ‘petals’ is actually a tiny tube type flower. So the flower is a cluster of tiny flowers around a central pistil.
The amazing beauty of tiny flowers that you get to zoom in and see all the delicate parts of it shows you the unimaginable beauty of creation.
Lets remember to show kindness and create our own type of beauty.
In a world of confusion and mixed ideas of laziness vs work ethic, I think we can all take a cue from the animal kingdom. They have one goal in mind – take care of family and make sure there is enough food for everyone.
As I was out today taking pictures of the giant 12′ sunflower at the church’s community garden…
And the 10′ giants…
I noticed an extremely determined bee, trying to get to the richest part of the nectar of a misplaced marigold flower, with it’s head buried deep in the flower with a back leg sticking straight up in air for balance.
The bee was enjoying this accidental planting inside the raised tomato planter and I was able to snatch a timely macro photo.
Nature can teach us a lot about life is we stop long enough to see its beauty. And with all of the beauty you may or may not see, I remind you to share kindness in all that you do so that others see the beauty in you.
Cees’ Close Up challenge is always a reason for me to play with my camera and try to figure out what I am doing. Now that August is upon us, the bee are closing in on the end of summer rush to gain as much nectar as possible.
I am always fascinated at the details that come through with the macro lens. Its amazing how fuzzy bees are…and how they let me get that close.
Here is a reminder to always be kind. You can even be the fuzzy kind, up close and personal. but not for a macro amount. Be kind in a big way.
I enjoyed my devotion from Quiet Times with God this morning as it reminded me of how very unique each of us are. We have a tendency when seeing someone gaining success in their life to either imitate them or give up because we could never be like them. Scripture reminds us just how special we are and how each individual was purposefully made.
The more we try to be like someone else, the less we show how beautifully God created us, hindering the ability to share the gifts He gave each of us. We are handcrafted for a purpose.
We all have different shapes, different colors, different gifts…but the same God. He has poured Himself into each of us for us to be able to share His love. He created special plans for each of us so we must allow Him to use us in the ways that are uniquely us.
The things in your life that make you different are assets. Joyce Meyer
Stay encouraged in your uniqueness and let His love reflect from you to others. And remember to share kindness in all that you do. It shows the true warmth and love of God.
We all love our flowers, some of us more than others but still I think everyone enjoys flowers to some degree. And we all love summer and summer weather…most of the time. Sometimes summer weathers is just down right destructive. Case in point…todays weather…
This mornings storm
And with the wind and heavy rain we have damage…
These big blooms are heavy
With large heavy blooms, they easily fall victim to wind as it whirls down our street and up from the river valley. But we do have a little enjoyment left from these beauties…we bring them inside…
I still have some big beauties left to help my yard smile…
Even though the wind was not kind, I am still enjoying the kindness of the flowers inside. Remember to always be kind, even if you have to be creative.
I enjoy joining in with Hammad Rais and the gorgeous skies that can relax you at the end of the week, but we had a storm early this morning…that I spelt through. So I did not take these photos but thought they were awesome to share. The local TV station took them and posted them on FB. Spring and summer can create some pretty horrific storms here in the Midwest and with it being as hot as it has been, it is no wonder we had one this morning, only to be topped off with more triple digit heat. Enjoy the pics.
Hail stones size references
Even when we are faced with the rough side of nature, we can still find was to be kind. Being kind to others also brings peace to you.
While I do agree with Cee on the beauty of nature, but it can also has a fun whimsical side. My case in point, I give you the story of the potato family members where mother potato refused to let any of her children go out on their own. This family was pulled this morning from the community garden of my church.
The balancing act mom had to do did not bode very well so she used my juice glass from this morning to help stabilize herself. Even her other children stuck close to protect the baby in the center…
All in all, they are a very loving family. They must have been watching how elephants come in close to always protect the younger ones in the herd. And I am sure they will be tasty with my string beans tonight. 😊. Always remember the beauty of nature even when it looks funny.
Thank you for stopping by for a moment of silliness. I hope it made you smile. Remember that smiles are contagious so share them often.
Cee always amazes us with fabulous photos for Flower of the Day. It is still Monday, August 1, so I am combining FOTD and Macro Monday.
Fan Flowers
These are delicately beautiful flowers that only have petals on one side – therefore looking like a fan.
I have shared them before but some just need an encore.
They have been an exceptional tiny flower this summer with yellow centers that reach out to white, then bright pink that stretches out lightly to the edges of the petals that end in a point.
I also want to point out the magic of kindness and how it can brighten a person’s day just like these color brighten these flowers. So be kind and watch the brightness begin to glow.
For the Love of 