Reflecting Back on History

Man has the arrogant attitude that he is superior to all beings because he can communicate and analyze situations. I question that theory as all things were created by God and God doesn’t make mistakes…and the animals were created first. Hmm, ever thought of that? Just because we can not communicate with the animal kingdom, does that mean they don’t communicate. Watching Animal Planet on TV tells you that the animal kingdom is more complex than ever first imagined.

Eden was the beautiful place God created for beast and man, along himself, to enjoy and thrive in. Then when he created man in His likeness and gave him free will, things began to change. In theory, as Adam looked around Eden and saw how magnificent it was, that should have been enough, right? No, but that snake of a fellow, with his lies and twists on words ruined it for all creation and he has been using those same tactics on man ever since for further destruction of this world.

Humans

I bring this up due to a painting on a building that is downtown. A reminder of the cruelty of man since the beginning or rather since the banning of Eden. I won’t open this can of worms any wider as it misses my point of what I am trying to make. When Europe first discovered America, thinking it was India and thus calling the people Indians, that was the first sign intelligence.(Sorry for the sarcasm.)And that wasn’t the first time man ran over a people to prove one groups superiority over another but again we are not opening that can of worms as there are so many many opinions. But today I want to talk about the beauty of art. Wow, that is a full right turn isn’t it? Not really. While I was out walking last week when the sun did dare to shine I ran across this mural and was reminded of the plight of the Indians. Not just in running them off, but the diseases that were brought to them from another people.

This area was inhabited by the Sauk tribe of which Black Hawk was a leader. Because I am not from this area, I do not know a lot of the Indian history or if this mural is of Black Hawk or one of the other prominent leaders. I just know there is a lot of reference to Black Hawk here. A college, a shopping center, banking, street names and so on. When you first walk up to the building you see that the building is flat but when you walk to the front to see the mural, it has a 3D effect and is truly beautiful.

IMG_20190523_125639 — Ordinary flat face building.

IMG_20190523_125732 — Amazing art looking like he is inserted into the building and standing on a protruding rock.

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So remember that sometimes we all have our own agendas but those agendas must be thought on correctly so that we don’t overrun someone just because. And the “because’s” could have as many reason as there are sands on the beach.

I challenge you to remember the love and kindness God initially intended for all of us and that if we truly stand with Christ then we must remember to reflect His love, not our history. Let the love of Christ flow from you and reflect the graciousness He lavished on all of us and always be kind.

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My Heart Breaks

Words can not be found to console families across this word when useless meanness and violence erupts destroying the precious lives God made when he created each and every individual. As we gain ever closer to the last days, and only God knows when that will be, we see the evil one ramping up his efforts gaining more and more control of the minds of people who never were taught or refused to be taught the beauty and love of God. As a Christian my heart breaks for all of mankind who suffers from the after effects of the evil one’s rampage and as a warrior of Christ I stand firm on His word and send my prayers out to all who need them. God will direct as needed. I post these thoughts below to help encourage us all that even though the evil one seems to be winning these battles, in actuality, he lost a long time ago. Reach up to the hand offered down to you and feel encouraged knowing God is still in control.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) - Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is Godâs will for you in Christ Jesus — Pray continuously

Sharing our testimony of what God has done in our life encourages others to have faith in Him. #testimony #faith #encouragement — Stand Firm, Don’t lose Hope

This happens in my life all of the time. I'm so grateful God is in my life because He always knows what is best for me and always has perfect timing! — Just Believe

And as you watch other’s struggle in life, offer kindness to help bridge the gap from I can’t to I can.

Elephant with girl

Healing Powers of the Sun

It is amazing how fast nature can recover from harsh weather or natural disasters. We have now had 4 sunny days in a row. Still flooded down at the river but at least its sunny. That has been a major blessing in so many ways and my flowers are drinking it in like warm sweet honey. They have exploded in bloom like I had given them a shot of medicine. Well, they did get a shot of medicine, God’s glorious sunshine. It make all of us feel good with it’s warmth on our backs.

Even my peonies all of a sudden have burst into bloom, literally with 2 days of sunshine.

Its amazing that the healing power of a ball of fire can give us as we rotate around it. Sometimes it can be too much but for now it is welcome.

I still have 3 large planters to fill but am waiting to see how the week goes. Maybe get some hardy mums for summer. My flowers make me smile and I wanted to share that smile with you. And I am reminded that even the smallest gesture of a smile can actually be a bright spot for someone’s day of gray. So smile often and always be kind.

kind smile

White, a Positive Color, Weekly Prompt

Today is June 1, the start of a new month. When we think of starting anew as it were we feel we can start with a clean slate. The weekly prompts is a continuation on with the monthly color challenge and June is the color of “white”. Appropriate color as June brides dress are usually white but out of a day of total relaxing I took the time for a little research.

White is a color of innocence or purity. It is also a color for completion, as in finishing one status and wiping the slate clean for newness. I think of the biblical purity or cleansing purity associated with white. Psalm 51:7 states – Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. But we also think of things in heaven as white like the robes of pure white, angels as being white, God or Jesus being in white. White is a positive color.

In the manufacturing word of plastic injection molding, some people don’t realize that white is actually a color. You have to add white color beads to get white product. White is not the absence of color, it is actually a color.

But for me today, as the sun is in its 3 rd day of shining, my flowers are finally reaching out to the beauty of the light and are showing off a bit. Below are my white blooms.

I am joining in with SueW and GC to play with the weekly prompt for June and white color.

Photo Challenge White

So join in with us and show of you ideas, thoughts or pictures on white. And in closing as I like to do, I encourage you to be kind. Kindness through a gentle smile can brighten someone’s day.

kind smile

Escapist Coloring Prompt for June

Each month Linda Hill gives us a prompt for those of us who still enjoy coloring and now books, calendars and such have pages to color and enjoy. It is relaxing, as mine stays by the bed on nights when the brain will not shut down.

I think it very appropriate that my color page this month has a river in it as we are fighting the mighty power of water in a river.

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And in closing, I remind us to always be kind.

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Morning Silence, #SoCS

As the morning wakes today, the birds are chirping, sun is ever shining reminding us of the hope of survival. This morning’s reading came from Isaiah 41:13 says, For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear, I will help you.

That is so profoundly true as we watch and wait for the Mississippi to once again crest, hopefully for the last time at this stage for many years, currently at 21.54. But this morning is beautiful and as I sit and watch the birds fuss over the feeder, I am reminded of God’s care and love of them. Then I see the sun as it shines over my violets, their flowers shimmering like they are covered with tiny glitter.

And then I remember the history of this beautiful plant. I had bought three little violets to have in my office area when I was still working, you know, the $2.00 variety at Walmart. We were under florescence lights so they should do well. I worked in a manufacturing facility that make plastic buckets. The presses were on one side of the building and my office along with maintenance and the print shop were on the opposite side of the building, a building more long than wide. One day a hydraulic line ruptured from one of the presses just across from my no wall office shooting my side of the building with hydraulic fluid. Talk about a mess. And of course the three little violets were covered in oil, plants where the leaves should not get splash with water as it could cause them to spot and die. Now what. Well the thought was they are going to probably die but lets at least try to save them. So I gently washed them off and re-potted them in fresh soil and clean pots. I only lost one and you see how big they are today. This is proof of survival beyond visual odds with God’s loving hand.

So silently this plant reminds me every day, this too shall pass. So, grab God by the hand as he offers his love and strength and hang on. He will get you through. And as you are trudging through, remember others are trudging as well, although you may not realize it. We all trudge through life’s ups and downs. So remember to always be kind. Kindness reflect God’s love and hope for all.

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As Linda’s prompt for today’s SoCS of silence, I am reminded of the healing powers of silence. So come along and share your silent thoughts.

TGIF Silliness

Today is Friday and after the week I have have ’tis time for some silliness. So I have asked my friends here to join in on the relief.

“Does the mean I can come play…

“Sure come on and join in.”

“How about all of us…?” Image result for winnie the pooh picture

“Sure, everyone is welcome.”

“Cool. I like joining in on silliness. I will play music for us… amusicdog

“Well, that may not be necessary but OK.”

“I don’t know what you guys think is so great about Friday. We are still flooded for weeks. wet cat

“That’s true there big guy, but the sun is shining today and may shine again tomorrow. You have to look at the good with the bad sometimes, so come join in. Here have a towel. They are still warm.” Image result for picture of towel

“Thanks. How much water did you get?”

“Pulled over 100 gallons from my basement over the last 2 days. It finally quit coming in. And it may rain this weekend. But we are not going to think about it because…

cheers1 IT’S FRIDAY!!

Seems overrated…. cat2

And I don’t get it…. dog

“Dude, there is nothing to get. WE are choosing to be happy regardless of the hard week we have had…”

So anyone else who wants to join in on our silliness, stress relieving Thank Goodness Its Friday, come join along, the more the merrier. Just remember, it can’t always be the top of the mountain and it won’t always be the bottom of the valley…so smile, be happy and know that God always has a plan and that He is in total control. And as always…Remember to Be Kind.

321 Quote – Happiness is….

What a fun thing to quote on, regardless of your situation. Thank you Sadje of Keep It Alive for thinking of me. A good day to bring happiness quotes to the fore front.

321 Quote Me Created by A Guy Called Bloke and K9 Doodlepip!

Rory says;

Once a week, l will pick a random topic, post two quotes on that topic and nominate 3 bloggers, who in turn will post 2 quotes on the topic and nominate 3 bloggers of their own.

Guidelines: 3.2.1 Quote Me!

Thank the Selector

Post 2 quotes for the dedicated Topic of the Day.

Select 3 bloggers to take part in ‘3.2.1 Quote Me!’

Please Note Rory will be reblogging your responses unless you wish for me to NOT do so.

So Happiness is our theme for today’s quote. My quotes are:

happiness

Too many time we get confused on understanding what happy is. I promise it’s not the newest, greatest, fastest, most colorful item on the market that you just have to have to be happy.

Be like….

You know when you see someone smiling it makes you smile…just wondering what they are smiling about.

And for choosing bloggers who may or may not want to play, I chose ones who’s blogs inspire me the most as there blogs always make me smile.

Shelley of Quaint Revival

Irene of Heaven’s Sunshine

Margret of Margret’s Life Journey

And in closing as I always do, I remind my readers to remember to be kind and make someone happy.

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Precious Time

In the mornings I read from Sarah Young’s devotional Calling Jesus. It really spoke to me this morning as I know today’s labors are going to be intense as I work to clean the damages of these intense spring rains in my flooded basement. It reminds you to turn your focus to Him first before dealing with the demands of the day. “Bring Him the sacrifice of your time. This creates a sacred space around you permeated with His Presence and Peace.” Jesus Calling, May 30

The Psalms also have many uplifting verses to help with you when you think no strength is left.

Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which can not be shaken but endures forever. Psalm 125:1

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105

Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth and it endures. Psalm 119:90

For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the sky. Psalm 108:4

So even when life seems to be drowning you, remember His hand is always reaching down to you, so reach up and grab it.

a cross

In my reading this morning I also read a verse that goes along with how I always close…

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16.

Some many think only of sharing physical items but sharing of your time when others are in a desperate need is critical. A simple smile and gentle hug can share the warmth of Christ to provide endurance to finish a hard task. So remember to share of you, which shares of Him, and be always be kind.

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Here We Go Again, #1LinerWed

You are probably as tired of hearing about this as I am tired of living through it.

flood2 — We are above major flood stage **AGAIN**

Do take into consideration we have yet to leave any flood stage status since March. Some areas along the Mississippi have been at flood stage since February 17th, 2019. On May 3rd we reached the new record of 22.7 feet and you can see the projected path on the chart above but that may change since we got 3″ Tuesday. For Memorial Weekend, a weekend we will remember, we took in 2.79 FEET of rain. And yes, my basement is flooded. There is simply no where for the water to go. And rain is in the forecast for the next week plus. So my dear friends in South Africa, I wish I could send you some of what we have. You don’t have enough and we have too much.

In this Friday, May 3, 2019, aerial file photo, flood waters from the Mississippi River surround Modern Woodmen Park in Davenport, Iowa. Officials in Davenport say the city's public works department has spent over $1 million on flood-fighting efforts and that figure will surely rise as more costs are added in preparation for the potential of future flooding. — In this Friday, May 3, 2019, aerial file photo, flood waters from the Mississippi River surround Modern Woodmen Park in Davenport, Iowa. Officials in Davenport say the city’s public works department has spent over $1 million on flood-fighting efforts and that figure will surely rise as more costs are added in preparation for the potential of future flooding. (Photo: Kevin E. Schmidt, AP)

As of Tuesday, more than 370 river gauges along the Mississippi were reporting levels above flood stage in the central U.S., the weather service said. And of those, 71 gauges reported major flooding. There is a reason the Mississippi River is called the “Mighty Mississip”.

But even with this tragedy, we can be ever thankful that there have been no fatalities. And as hard as it is, sometimes these tragedies bring out the best in us. So try to remember to always be kind. Even when frustrated beyond your means, take a deep breath and let go to allow God to shine, and be kind.

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Today is Wednesday and time for Linda G Hill‘s #1LinerWed. I know mine is longer than a line, sorry. But do come join in on the fun and say hi to everyone.