Category: Kindness

An Evening Encouragement

As I study and glean words of encouragement from some of the devotionals I read, I like to pass those thoughts on to anyone who may need a little encouraging themselves. The biggest benefit for me is that it helps me to study knowing that I have to make sense about what I am trying to say. This morning Oswald Chamber in His devotion called My Utmost for His Highest made a statement I had never really thought about but it is entirely true. Those of us who call ourselves Christians know that we are all created by God for His purpose but if we don’t go to Him and follow Him, He can’t fulfill His purpose in us. He will not force it on us, its our choice.

God will not make me think like Jesus— I have to do it myself. I have to bring “every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” – Oswald Chambers

A lot harder to do than sitting on a soft comfy couch. Oswald reminds us that all thoughts matter…financial, intellectual, emotional, all matters that make us human, regardless of our circumstances.

Jesus never chose His own circumstances, but was meek, submitting to His Father’s plans and directions for Him. Oswald Chambers

We have a tendency sometimes to wallow in our circumstances never enjoying the serenity of life which is hidden in Jesus. But there is a better way.

So if you feel sometimes that you think “just a minute Lord, I gotta do this first” – rethink that process.

Make the determination to abide in Jesus wherever you are now or wherever you may be placed in the future. Oswald Chambers

It may seem like it creates more chaos, but in the end, more calm will be the result because you have allowed Jesus to drive the car. You know the old adage about Jesus driving the car don’t you?

a – You can wave at Jesus as you drive by Him as He waves at you when you pass, missing all the benefits of following him… or

b – You can stop and pick Him up but put Him in the back seat and listen only to what you want to listen to, again missing the benefits…or

c – You can stop to pick Him up, slide over and let Him drive the car, reaping all of His benefits. Its all part of obedience.

Make the determination to abide in Jesus wherever you are now or wherever you may be placed in the future. Oswald Chambers

And since you are choosing to abide in Him, remember to always be Kind.

Amazing Stonework, June 14

Good morning friend’s. It is Monday morning and time again for you pics of amazing stonework in your area. While my original concept was buildings, I had a post last week involving an amazing statue so that could be a possibility. My goal was to highlight the artwork created by builders of long ago but art in stone is art in stone, so share your beauties with us. Remember to attach the tag above so that others can follow you as well. Enjoy.

My pictures today are more about the tiny details.

Although the window itself has been replace with a more efficient style, the original stone around the window was left intact.

Yes, I am still stuck on the same building as last week, City Hall, but there are so many beautiful details. The intricate castings around the window arch and on top of the column are beautiful. The smooth block in the window is in contrast to the more rough texture of the main walls of the building. And remember this was build in 1895. There are other older and more intricate buildings around, so share what you see.

And as always, remember to be kind. Its a great way to start your week.

Always Be Kind

FOTD – June 12, Bee Balm

Cee’s challenge of Flower of the Day brings flowers normally not seen by some to be shared with everyone. It is interesting to see flowers from all over the world and fun to share the sights you see. Today I have Bee Balm. I was glad to see that it came back this year.

What seems to be flower petals are actually individual tubes.

As we enjoy the beauty of nature, remember the beauty of kindness.

Always Be Kind.

FOTD-June 11, Dianthus

I am always amazed at how the colors of flowers change depending on the amount of light you have. Tonight as I was taking pictures of a golden sunset, I noticed how these dark red dianthus almost had an orange tint to them.

I love the dianthus as they come back each year more beautiful than the year before. So, I planted several more of them this year of different colors.

As we slide into the weekend, remember to be kind. The weekend may be fun for some but lonely for others. Kindness can bridge the gap of loneliness to remind some that there is still love out there.

always Be Kind

Always be Kind

After the Storm

The last few days has really been hot for this time of year. Yes, it is summer but we don’t usually see this intense hot humid heat until end of July. And of course there was a popup storm of which was only a 5% chance of it happening. That felt like a pretty hefty 5% as the windows vibrated from the thunder booms. But nonetheless, it did pass and the sunset was beautiful as the clouds broke apart revealing a bright blue sky.

PSALM 107

29 He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. 30 They were glad when it grew calm

And as always, remember to be kind wherever you go and in all that you do. It reflects your inner being.

CFFC: Green Foliage

CFFC

Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge this week is green foliage. I have a bump out window on my house with a window box where one side gets no sun at all, but I wanted something green there. So, I planted a mini version of a Hosta hoping it would do okay there. Little did I know was that it is going to bloom. Added bonus.

As as always I remind you to be kind. You never know when just a kind smile may brighten someone’s day.

Always Be Kind

Some Afternoon Humor

Sometimes there are those pictures that don’t ever need words and then others cry for a caption. This picture of my granddog, Max, is a bit of both. The first thing that came to my mind was a horrid nursery rhyme we said as kids and for some reason came all the back to the front.

Nobody Loves Me

Nobody Loves me

Everybody hates Me

I’m gonna go eat worms.

I can’t remember the words to the second verse that describes the slimy juiciness of worms but this sad picture reminded me of that silly poem.

Don’t be alarmed as Max is not hurt or sad…he is asleep. Maybe his nose was cold. Who knows. But I thought I would share this cute picture as it makes me laugh. Chuckle along with me and remember what sadness can look like. So, always be kind.

Amazing Stonework – A New Challenge

Good evening friends. I give you a new challenge tonight to be on Monday’s. I will try to get this posted much earlier but summer thunderstorms took out our power so we are a tad late. In today’s world, it is somewhat scary knowing how dependent we are on a power source to survive. So, I think it is fitting that this challenge reflects on the beauty of “old”. Welcome to “Amazing Stonework”.

This is a photographic challenge to share the beauty of older architecture from yesteryear that shows the intricate artwork in the details of older buildings. So, look up at these older structures and marvel at how man created artwork out of stone, concrete and other substrates around windows, doors, and along roof edges – even on the walls themselves. Have fun and enjoy the beauty.

If you be interested in participating in this challenge, just take some pictures of details of older structures. You will be amazed at what you see when you really begin to look. Link back to each week’s post and enjoy what others are seeing. Be sure to add the Amazing Stoneware Challenge badge from above.

My post this week is more of the same building where I pulled the badge from – City Hall.

There are curved walls as well as a turret and this column with the ball on top. No exactly what the original concept was but I find it interesting.

Come join in on the fun and enjoy the sights of others and as always, remember to be kind.

Monday Window, June 7

Thank you Ludwig for posting such a fun challenge. I have not played in a while but with my new camera(non professional but fun) I had to join in. I take you to old windows…

This house just recently had a full renovation and restoration, I may have posted this window once before but felt it needed posting again. I would love to look out of this window.

Churches generally have wonderful windows and this one is no exception. I bet it colors are amazing inside.

Since I am a fan of older architectural structures, this last one had to be shown.

In closing I remind all the value of kindness. It should be used often. Open a window of far reaching kindness.