Minus 1 Degree

This morning we woke to a dreary sky and bitter-cold minus 1 temperature. I am fully aware it is February but man it was cold. It stayed dreary most of the day with off-and-on clouds but late in the day the sky cleared and warmed all the up to 15 degrees. A proverbial heat wave.

But the evening sky is amazing. I do not have the best photography equipment, so you can’t really appreciate its full beauty but I promise it was an amazing hot pink purple – if that is such a color. Nature has a way of creating color that, as hard as we try to replicate, we usually fall a little short.

But I wanted to share what I saw so that you could at least smile at the possibility of its beauty.

Always remember the beauty we see in nature as gifts from God. They are given to us to remind us how much He loves nature and wants you to enjoy it as much as He does…for He loves you that much.

Have a safe and blessed weekend and remember always – Be kind, for someone is probably hurting more than you are.

Always Be kind

Grays of Winter

Now that I live in the mid-west, winter means no more sun for a few months. We do see it periodically but the gray of winter really settles in for the season. But even with the grayness, there is still beauty if you know how to look. Nature still holds the key to the beauty of creation – even in the gray of winter. Sunsets seem to be the most colorful…when you see it.

But when the snow starts to fall you see a purity that covers even the ugliest ground reminding you that even in the grayest season, beauty can still be found.

Aside for the beauty you see in the trees, small collections of snow are just as pretty, even on weeds.

So regardless of grayness or sun, winter can still be beautiful. You just have to look a different way. And sometimes in the still of night, the beauty is amazing, especially reflecting off of the snow.

So, look at the gray of winter as another way of seeing the beauty of creation taking in another side of gray. And remember whichever season you are in you can always find beauty and kindness. Share the kindness and watch the beauty grow.

Beauty & Peace

Sometimes those two words go together, and sometimes they don’t, but this last week of the year has shown some beautiful peaceful evening skies. As we think on closing out a new year – the beauty of the heavens encourage our hopes for the new year.

Sunrises are a beautiful way to start you day, but in truth I enjoy my sleep. But sunsets make me awe in the beauty of creation and the calming speechless words they show us that remind us God is in control.

The storms we had last week that threw their destructive way eastward causing damage and death can not overshadow the peace that can come from the peace of Christ and for me, beautiful sunsets are after severe weather reminder of His promise to always be our caretaker – even in hard times. below are sone shots I took from my deck that faces west. I hope their colors and beauty help remind you that, even though the new year coming will have its problems, His peace can be felt if we allow it.

Sincere wishes for a wonderful and peaceful year. We all need one. And may you feel the power of kindness as part of your new year.

Weekend Sky #77

Its Sunday so technically, in my mind, it is still the weekend. I wanted to share this beautiful sunset. That is one thing I really love about fall and winter – the evening skies. Their colors are so rich and beautiful.

Hope you all have a good week ahead. I myself will be glad when this week is done and the political adds will stop. Take care everyone and remember to be kind.

Weekend Sky, Sunset

Sunday found us at an outdoor concert by the river and the sky was fascinating. Hammad Rais had a fascinating photo on his #68 post that looked like a lion. Our weekend sky was much less dramatic but still beautiful.

First it was building…

Then its color started changing and it started falling…

Then it fell away and got swallowed by smaller ones…

The sky is always fascinating as it moves and changes. In closing I remind you to never change from being kind. Kindness is a trait we should always keep with us.

We can always use more joy in our lives – so always be kind.

Weekend Sky 60 – Update

Typical with most passing storms, the appearance of a spectacular sunset. I just wanted to pass along that this sunset meets that criteria after all of the menacing gray clouds that seemed to just hang around forever today.

“They” say that behind every gray cloud is a silver lining but todays lining is orangey gold and quite beautiful. I know my photography skills are not as good as some but this needed sharing. May your weekend turn out just as beautiful.

Remember to 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.

Tuesday Writing Prompt, If I Never…

If I Never…

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If I never explored the garden, of it’s love and beauty that be

I would miss yellows and purples or other colors to see

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If I never felt the raindrops, as it gathered on leaves around

I would never hear the beauty in its quiet, gentle sound

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If I never saw the sunset and it breathed after the storm

I would never see the beauty in the clouds as they form

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If I never saw the snowfall as to clung to trees above

I would never hear its quietness like the cooing of a dove

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If I never loved another how profoundly sad to be

For missing all those gifts from God that He would give to me.

Anita Neal

Devereaux Frazier and Beth Amanda are currently hosting the Tuesday Writing Prompt Challenge which was started by our star writer Christine Ray. The prompts are designed to be quick challenges that can be written in 10 to 15 minutes, inspire you creatively, are fun, and get everyone interacting.

Today’s prompt: Write a poem using the phrase “if we never”

Come join in and as always, remember to be kind, it shows you true heart regardless of who, or what you are kind to. Let your kindness ripples be released into the world.

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Day is Over

Sunset Alltona

Day Is Over

The day is over and the night is near

Memories were made to hold so dear.

I think in earnest and reflect over this day

Of memories I made leaving nothing to say.

All memories made, some scary some fun

Will all be stored once this day is done.

Lift memories, thoughts and deep felt cares

To the Lord above who will always be there.

He watches with love as we close out each day

And promises to refill us with hope as we pray.

For the day is now over and night is near

So gather those thoughts and memories so dear.

Anita Neal

Photo Courtesy of Judi Beeler

There are times when God paints beauty in the sunset to remind us of His power and glory. When you day is over, take times to reflect on the gifts of that day and remember to always be kind.

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Beauty, Power and Encouragement, A New Day

Rising Above the Horizon — Photo courtesy Irene Tron, Heaven’s Sunshine

The first light of day breaks through darkness and lets shine forth the beauty of a new day. The last light of day brings rest and fulfilled hope for yet the new day tomorrow.

Habakkuk reminds us of God’s likeness to the new day in that “His splendor is like the sunrise; rays flash from His hand, where is power is hidden.”

Tomorrow when you see the sun climb up in the sky, watching the rays as they filter through the clouds, feel His love, His power and see the beauty of a new day that He created for you to enjoy.

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As this joy, peace and love overflow in you, allow it to also overflow from you to others who need to feel this peace. And always be Kind.

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