Inspired by. . . clouds
When Bonnie announced this month's theme {sky} I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I've always loved clouds. They stir my imagination and encourage me {somehow} to think of things above.
Living in Vermont, I remember many lazy summer days spent sprawled on the grass, gazing up at the billows of puffy white overhead. Finding pictures in the clouds.
When I moved to Arizona, well, let's just say, you stop taking clouds for granted. There aren't any 99% of time.
Now that I'm {home} in Texas, it seems like the perfect mix. Especially this time of year.
I don't sprawl on the grass anymore {smile}, but I still look for pictures in the clouds.
Can you see the angel?
During the past month, as I was taking pictures of clouds, there were days when I would head outside with my camera only to find a cloudless sky. It was rather disappointing, but it made me appreciate the clouds all the more when they did reappear in the sky.
Can you see her now?
I've been thinking about the things and the people that are in my life every day. Big things like my family, water, food. And little things like my hairbrush, my favorite lavender lotion, fancy clothes. It is so very easy to take these things for granted.
So I've been asking myself: What/who am I taking for granted? am I so focused on the things I want or don't have that I miss out on the things I do?
What is my attitude toward the things I have? Am I thankful? appreciative? caring? or do I have a sense of entitlement – after all I deserve these things, etc.
I have found that when I take things for granted, they become ordinary, boring, worn. I lose the JOY and excitement that the person or thing brought to my life.
However, I have also found that when I cultivate an attitude of gratitude, and intentionally seek to be thankful for everything in my life, even the ordinary, everyday things, something magical happens. There is another dimension to living.
"in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thes 5:18
I challenge you to experience that other dimension.
Have a wonder-filled day,
Images used to create the images above:
Bonnie's dream wonder and ornate linen textures.
Sharing inspiration here:
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Such great words to live by. I think gratitude makes a huge difference in how we view life!
ReplyDeleteDear June
ReplyDeleteWhen we really know that all good gifts come from Pappa's hand of love, even those gifts we think are horrible, we soon learn that our Pappa disciplines His children because He loves us so unconditionally.
Blessings XX
Mia
Wow, June! You create gorgeous art from your photos of clouds. I must be blind - I cannot see the angel. But I don't mind the beauty of your clouds is enough.
ReplyDeleteI'm grateful that you participate in PAF. :)
I love clouds
ReplyDeleteBeautiful captures of these lovely clouds. Yes, that angel is very visible. so cool!
ReplyDeleteHi June! I am coming over from Bible Love Notes. How nice to meet you today!
ReplyDeleteHow fun that you really connect with clouds. I saw the angel right away :)
You have lived a lot of different places, haven't you? It sounds like you really like Texas. Thank you for challenging me to look at my life with the eyes of gratitude. What a beautiful way to live!
So happy to visit :)
Ceil
I love finding things in the clouds, if you use your imagination all sorts of things are up there to see
ReplyDeletemollyxxx
Yes, I definitely see the Angel. Your post reminded me that I have one that looks as if the face of Jesus is peering out of the clouds and looking down on his world. I'll have to find it and post it to my site.
ReplyDeleteYour words touch home because I've been going through a 'the grass is greener' stage a bit lately, and reminding myself that I have so many things to be thankful for because it always ends up they're the better ones than the ones I might choose. I've found when I let go and let God give me the things I need instead of the things I whine about, it is a better decision.
Also discovered Photo Art Friday on your site and posted a link there. Been enjoying these blogs hops to meet other photographer/bloggers. Happy Friday. :)
Wow you created a gorgeous art piece from your cloud photo. I love t gaze at clouds myself. It's fun to imagine what you see in them. Couldn't quite make out the angel clearly but I'm thinking that she has a halo around her head (?).
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I see the angel! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLovely work and a sweet reminder of child-like wonder . . . finding images in the clouds,
ReplyDeleteI love looking at the clouds too. Unfortunately I cannot capture all the beauty they hold with my camera! I'm thinking of starting another gratitude journal - I know I take a lot of things and people for granted. Even the small things - like a refreshing shower - I don't want to ignore! Thank you for this gentle reminder! Have a blessed weekend!
ReplyDeleteYour work is beautiful, as well as your words. Congratulations on being featured on Inspire Me Monday. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteI CAN see the angel and the texture you have created is magnificent!!
ReplyDelete