Inspired by . . . a month in photos: March

 

March has been a lion! And with only two days left this month, I’m hoping it does indeed go out like a lamb. Looking back over the month, I can see why I’m so tired.

I wanted to post this yesterday. But we were gone all day, and so here I am posting on Palm Sunday when I should be talking about other things. Events that happened over 2000 years ago, that I’m processing anew today. So I’ll write about them later. And maybe that will be okay.

March was, again, a month of settling into the new. Accepting grief. Learning it’s boundaries. Testing them. I know that makes it sound like a tangible thing.

Some days it is.

But March was also a month of digging deeper with God. Using His word as the Lamp on my path. Continuing the journey.

Finding JOY. Every day. Deliberately seeking it out.

Spring arrived somewhere along the way. I reJOYice as I watch God dress-up His world in new frocks of green, and paint the roadsides and meadows with orange, blue and yellow. He’s still hard at work, He has only just begun.

So here is March. From ice crystals to the return of the Hummingbirds.

 

 

Favorite photo of the month:

Male House Finch

 

In all things of nature

there is something of the Marvelous.

~Aristotle

Sprinklings of God’s mercy and grace:

1. Fish therapy - we have a new aquarium - so tranquil

2. Sunshine and blue sky

3. Planting pansies - love their happy faces

4. Quiet walks

5. Inspiration and encouragement from His word

 

When you look back at March,

what do you see?

Blessings,

June

#oneword365

Sharing inspiration here:

Mona’s Picturesque

#GiveMeGrace

    

Inspired by . . . a month in photos: February

 

I’m joining with Mona once again for a look back at the month, in photos.

February continued on where January left off. My dad once again has a new home. This time an eternal one. I can think of few events that would have such a profound effect on my world as his passing. Except for a few years in my early twenties, my dad and I have lived together all of my life. His absence is profound, and it will take a long time to  settle into this new normal.

My dad’s life-work was genealogy. As an on-going tribute to him I’ve created a blog www.arandompost.com For those of you who are interested in personal stories, or anything with historical significance, you may eventually find something of interest there. Postings will be very random, and my dad’s last name was Post, so it’s a bit of a play on words. {smile}

In the meantime, here’s a look back at February 2015:

Quote of the month:

 

Grief never ends . . .

but it changes. It's a passage, not a place to stay.

Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith . . .

it is the price of LOVE.

~ Author Unknown

 

 

Favorite photo of the month:

 

 

 

Sprinklings of God’s mercy and grace:

1. Gifts of love and new life from a dear friend

2. A gentle and compassionate man that helped us with end of life decisions

3. God’s strength to get through each day

4. Prayers and support of family and friends

5. Cards and letters filled with memories of Dad

 

When you look back at your February,

what do you see?

Blessings,

June

 

Sharing inspiration here:

#oneword365

Mona’s Picturesque

Inspired by . . . a month in photos: January

 

This January lived up to its reputation as the month for new, and so far, my #oneword365 is coming on strong.

A little too strong.

I’m not happy about my new schedule, or my dad’s new home, but I am trusting God’s purpose in all of this new-ness.

As January comes to a close, I’m joining in Mona’s new “a month in photos” linky.  (Mona’s even offering a free template if you want to participate!)

While it’s normal for us to look back at the end of each year, I’m looking forward to taking a look back each month of this new year.

Here’s a look back at January 2015. . . .

 

Quote of the month:

The experiences in our lives, when we let God use them,

become the mysterious and perfect preparation for the work He will give us to do. ~Corrie ten Boom

 

 

 

I admit, I cheated a bit using this picture of my dad. It wasn’t taken this month. It was taken sometime last year, late summer, I think. It’s a favorite of mine. And it represents a goal; an expression and a place of health that I’m praying we can get back to soon.

Favorite photo of the month:

 

Sprinklings of God’s mercy and grace:

1. The gentle hands of nurses and aids that truly care for the people in their care.

2. God’s strength to get through each day.

3. Healing rest.

4. Prayers and support from family and friends.

 

When you look back at your January

what do you see?

 

Blessings,

June

Sharing inspiration here:

Mona’s Picturesque

Inspired by . . . new

 

There is a reason why Narnia was covered in snow and ice when Lucy stumbled through the wardrobe and came upon the lamp post. You may remember, if you’ve seen the movie or, better yet, read the book, that as the children made their way to the valley where Aslan was  preparing his army, they met Father Christmas and the earth began to show signs of spring. In fact, by the time they reached the valley the earth was in full summer attire, flaunting rich green grass and fragrantly blooming trees.

Winter represents death. The kingdom of the enemy.

Except for a few places on earth where winter never arrives, these months are a time for plants and some animals to die. For the earth to rest, to lay quietly in waiting. The ground becomes hard and cold. The weather harsh, and unforgiving.

 

 

Yet the same ice that covers the tree limbs, breaking them , and causing so much damage, shines like a multi-faceted jewel when touched by the rays of the sun.

We catch our breath in wonder.

The sparkle invades our senses and we feel JOY.

Despite the death evident all around us, we see beauty in the freshly fallen snow and the feathery etchings left after an ice storm.

Just as Jesus speaks each snowflake into existence, and we marvel that no two are alike, we are each individually fashioned by Him.

Isn’t it just like God to come into the winter of lives, into the cold, hard ground of our heart and speak something new?

To give us hope.

To renew the expectation and wonder we first had, when things were new.

The new-ness wears off so quickly, doesn’t it? I’ll wager that a few of you have children who are already bored with the gifts they received for Christmas last week.

I don’t want to bored with one thing in this life! But I do want to be finished with a few!

I’m ready for new!

Mostly.

To be honest, new scares me.

But I know it’s time. He has been preparing me. So really, I wasn’t too surprised when God whispered this word softly to my soul as I was praying about my {one} word for the year.

 

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?
(Isa 43:19 KJV)

 

Yes, Lord, I do want to know it, this new You have for me.

Even though I don’t know for sure what new looks like, I know You go before me.

My life is in Your hands.

 

Blessings,

 

June

 

 

#OneWord365

Texture {earth} by Mona

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Inspired by . . . the Hope of His Coming Vol. 8

 

 

A Psalm. O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things:

his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory. The LORD hath made known his salvation:

his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.

He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel:

all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth:

make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.

Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.

With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King.

Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together

Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth:

with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity. (Psa 98:1-9 KJV)

 

 

I have a confession to make.

2014 has been a hard year.

Emotionally taxing and exhausting, we’ve dealt with some tough things this year, that will continue to play out and impact the rest of our lives.

I don’t think I’ve ever looked forward to the new year more than I am this year.  And yet when my friend Lisa first mentioned her one word for 2015 (she hasn’t revealed it yet!), I thought, “Already? We’re doing that again?” I was determined not to even think about it until after Christmas - - if you’ve been around here much you know I like to savor the seasons.

But God . . . .

I’m talking about new today because that is what God has laid on my heart. This is the HOPE He has given me for 2015.

 

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?

I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
(Isa 43:19 KJV)

 

Although God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, He is all about NEW! He may remain the same, but He changes us and our circumstances. Can I get an Amen and Hallelujah! I, for one, am so thankful that He doesn’t leave me in my pitiful, wretched state. Not only has He redeemed me from my state of sin, but He carries me through the wilderness and makes rivers in the desert. The locusts have descended. 2014 is lost, but the Lord has promised to redeem that which has been eaten.

 

And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, (Joe 2:25 KJV)

 

Our scripture today is a prophetic Psalm. It points to the coming kingdom of the Messiah. The establishment of it, and the bringing of the Gentiles {unless you are a Jew, then this means you!} into it. Will you sing it with me? this new song unto the Lord. A song of redeeming Love.

A song of praise for the marvelous things He has done – the more we learn and understand about God the more we know this to be true.  Praise Him for the conquests He has won – our Lord has gotten victory over Satan! Praise Him for the discoveries He has made known - the victories He has won, He has revealed to us through His Son. Praise Him for the extent of this discovery - revealed to Gentile and Jew alike. Praise Him for the fulfillment of the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament!

 

 

How about you, is there room in your life

for God to do something new?

Do you welcome Him?

 

Blessings,

 

 

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