Inspired by . . . Seasons

Always be joyful; pray continually; give thanks whatever happens; for this what God wills for you in Christ Jesus. 1Thess 5:16-18

*****

If only some of the seasons in our life would end as quickly as Spring does in Texas. The official start of summer isn't until Friday but Mother Nature doesn't abide by our worldly calendars. Evidence of spring's abundant rain is quickly disappearing under the sun's golden fire. And what moisture the sun doesn't extract, the wind beats dry.

It's been a bit dry around this place lately. Time is a fire that licks lustily at the river of words that long to flow freely. Streams of creativity are dammed up, waiting for release. Despite the lengthening days, my current responsibilities leave me with little daylight and even less energy.

There are books waiting to be released but no time to engage a launch team; characters from current stories stand frozen mid-scene; still others beg escape from the corners of my mind. These days, stories are written in my head as I struggle to fall asleep at night - - Only to be forgotten as priorities march in on the rays of the rising sun.

Just as the flowers bloom in the desert, I'm determined to "give thanks whatever happens" and embrace this season of my life. God's purpose is not always evident in the minutia of daily living. Yes, always, when life doesn't give us what we want - - God has something better.

Sometimes . . . it's just Him.

Shalom,

Inspired by . . . a slow rebirth

After the beautiful weather we've had these last couple of weeks, we are now back to much cooler temperatures and grey skies. Despite the laughing faces of the daffodils and the appearance of other spring flowers here in the southern states, parts of the north are still buried under several feet of snow. 

Time marches on, straight into April regardless of how much snow remains piled outside the windowpanes or the nip in the early morning air that causes the daffodils to bow their sunny heads.

As Jesus walked the dusty road to the reality of Good Friday, I wonder if He felt caught in the fabric of Time. Able, yet unwilling to stop His ascent to the cross, did the web of Time seek to pull and bind Him fast to things of this world?

We look forward to the end because we know that Sunday is coming. My friend so did He.

And yet, while He went willingly, even joyfully to the cross I can hardly believe that He welcomed the pain and suffering. 

This is the lesson of Lent. A time for us to identify and dwell with Him in the suffering. A time to tend and nurture the tiny sprouts of our faith. Faith that is never quite as strong as we believe it to be.

Some years the weather helps us along, giving us just small glimpses of the hope that is to come. For even creation groans against the constraining fabric of Time.

Each year we have this opportunity to join our Lord in the slow ascent to the cross. A time to pull back and match our stride to His. To soak up His presence, setting aside our own desires for a time so we can focus more fully on Him, without distraction.

Between the dormancy of winter and the blooms of spring, growth happens in the dark, shelter of the soil. So, too, God changes us from the inside out.

And He who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." (Rev 21:5)

If your faith is feeling a bit tattered and torn, pause a moment, fall into step with Him. Take this time, as we wait for the weather to catch up with the calendar, to delight in His presence.

Allow the light of His word to prepare your faith to bloom.

Shalom,

Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 32:52

We're enjoying cooler climes and a change of scenery this week. This is the perfect time of year to head to the mountains.

Texas and New Mexico provide plenty of eye candy along the way!

San Antonio Mountain, New Mexico

 We ran into quite a few storms. Nothing severe and it was nice to have the cloud cover while driving.

There are an abundance of wildflowers this time of year. I'm looking forward to getting more pictures over the next week.

In Taos, New Mexico we stopped at the Kit Carson home and museum. It is well worth your time. The gift shop has a lot of neat and beautifully made items, reasonably priced. 

The courtyard garden is a delight!

One of my favorite Colorado birds is the black-billed magpie. They are colorful, big and sassy!

I'm hoping to see some elk this trip, so come back next week, or follow me on IG to find out what I'm seeing through my lens between posts!

What are you seeing through your lens this week?

Have a wonder-filled week, friends!

Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Bird D’pot,
Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens,
Wild Bird Wednesday, Our World Tuesday,
Community Global, Photo Friday, Little Things Thursday

Inspired by . . . {un} answered prayer

The snow-on-the-mountain bobbed in the late summer breeze, beckoning me to come over and savor their glory. 

Looking down, I was surprised to see that they were growing out of the dry, cracked earth. Large 2-inch fissures wound their way beneath the sparse grasses. The side yard lay in stark contrast to the lush St Augustine grass adorning the front yard. Grass we had faithfully watered through the last two months of drought.

Blessed and prospering. Scorned and dying.

My friend's son was recently in ICU for eighteen days. When he first went into the hospital she asked for prayer. 

We prayed. 

God answered. 

He's not out of the woods yet, but yesterday they moved him out of ICU. Prayers for healing, strength, patience, comfort and a myriad of other things for him and my friend - answered. PTL!

But we all know that God does not always answer our prayers the way we would wish. Sometimes He says, not yet. Sometimes just plain, no. And sometimes, like Jonah, God asks us to do things we simply do not want to do. To go places and into situations, we don't want to face.

These answers and challenges can test our faith and our trust in God. 

It's important to remember that, as Believers, our transformation is not yet complete.

When we receive Christ as our Savior we are immediately justified. And, too, we have a change of identity. We are now in Christ Jesus. But the process of sanctification has only just begun. And it is a life-long process. Every trial and experience that comes into our life are used by God to shape us into His image. 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2Co 5:17)

When I'm tempted to feel cynical, hurt or self-pity over my unanswered prayer, I remember another prayer that wasn't answered and fall to my knees in humility and praise.

And He withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, "Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me. Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done." (Luk 22:41-42)

Who am I to say how my situation should end? It may be happening to me, but what if it's not really about me at all? Only God knows the truth of all things. He promises our good. Do we believe Him?

And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Php 1:6)

I've learned to pray as Jesus did; stating my need and requesting that His will be done. But it's not enough to say the words. My heart needs to be in line with my spoken request. 

Honestly, I'm not always ready to accept His will.  So what do I do then? I keep praying, asking Him to change my heart until I am.

Remember, He is in the process of transforming us. Day by day, He making us more like His Son.

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2Co 3:18)

When we pray, asking for His will, the Holy Spirit works within us to bring our desires in line with the will of God. 

We've had a week of much-needed rain. The snow-on-the-mountain is bowing low, heavy with thanks. The fissures are gone, reduced to mere squiggle lines running along the ground.

Rain.

Prayers answered for some, prayers denied for others.

A constant example of God's sovereign will.

How have you witnessed God's sovereignty
in your prayer life?

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
Small Wonders, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty

Inspired by . . . Psalm 134

I'm wrapping up my Psalms of ascent series and getting back on track with my posting schedule -that's the plan anyway!

As usual, God's word is perfect in timing and substance.

A Song of Ascents. Behold, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD, who stand by night in the house of the LORD! Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the LORD! May the LORD bless you from Zion, He who made heaven and earth! (Psa 134:1-3)

As this psalm suggests, even those who watch diligently over the house of the Lord day and night need a reminder to lift up their hands and praise His holy name. 

In this, the final psalm of ascents, the pilgrims have finally reached their destination - Jerusalem! They had been singing of His faithfulness during their long journey and they were now ready to worship and praise Him in the temple!

I wonder, did they find the night-watchmen sleeping? Or had the watchmen just grown bored? 

The pilgrims are neither bored nor sleeping. They cry out, filled with joy, "Behold! Raise your hands! Bless the Lord!" and then they pronounce a blessing upon the Lord's servants, "May the Lord bless you."

I wonder if our worship has become a bit mundane? A trifle bored? Are we beginning to see God as ordinary? rather than seeing His wondrous works IN the ordinary?

There's no doubt the cares of this world can weigh us down. Especially when we try to carry them ourselves. We weren't made to do that, friend.

Hand them over, those heavy trials, give them up. 

Surrender. 

Take on the easy yoke. Close your weary eyes and rest in Him. Trusting Him to renew your spirit.

Then, walk forth in the JOY of your salvation. See Him as He really is - in all His wonder and glory - with freshly opened eyes.

Behold! and praise Him!

Shalom,

Sharing inspiration here:
Small Wonders, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth, Let Us Walk Worthy,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends

Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 19:52

I got myself off schedule last week, posting Friday's post on Monday. Then I missed posting this on Wednesday, so here we are on Friday again. I should be posting on Psalm 133, instead I'll be showing you pretty pictures from last week's jaunt to Lake Buchanan.

I realize that my 'self-imposed' schedule likely goes unnoticed by you dear readers. But I'm one of those who tends toward schedule making, list making, eating the same thing off the menu every time . . . you get the idea. Anyway, I'll get this show back on the track soon, but for now here's a sampling from last week's lens-life . . .

***

Our pup, Sandy, had a tumor removed a couple of weeks ago. She's pretty much back to her old self. Digging holes to China, and then hiding in them. Does anyone else's pup do this???

The hole is deeper now, I can't even see her when she's inside. Crazy girl!

Our spring wildflowers are mostly faded, and we're seeing summer blooms here now. The Dreamer and I ventured north last week and WOW, what a show!

Prickly Pear Cactus, Firewheel (sometimes called Indian Blanket), Purple Horsemint

Prickly Pear Cactus Blossom

The firewheel (Indian Blanket - Gaillardia pulchella) will literally take your breath, but the purple horsemint is a favorite of mine. Such a neat flower.

Purple Horsemint in motion

Did I mention that the entire time I was standing beside the road taking these pictures, the wind was blowing about 18mph+ and my hair was in my face. I must have looked like a stick figure version of Cousin Itt from the Addams Family. {smile}

Further down the road I was pleasantly surprised to find bluebonnets still blooming!

Bitterweed and Bluebonnets

Bluebonnets and bitterweed

 I love it when I download a picture and find friends I didn't know where there.

Bitterweed

This is an odd picture, but I'm including it because it was interesting to me how many different focal points were in focus. It's probably a good example of what not to do in photography! However, when you're doing your Cousin Itt impersonation, it's difficult to see what you're focusing on!

Finally, we found some sweet mallards on the lake shore.

I was hoping to see more shore birds, but where we were was a pretty active place. They probably stick to quieter coves. Our daughter just bought some property near the lake, so we'll be visiting again soon!

What are you seeing through

 your lens this week?

Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Little Things Thursdays,
Bird D’pot, Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens, Wild Bird Wednesday,
Our World Tuesday, Community Global, Photo Friday

Inspired by . . . wildflowers

It's been a wonderful year for wildflowers. While the bluebonnets are beginning to fade, most of these are still going strong.

For those of you who follow me on instagram, you will recognize these as shots I've been posting to my "wildflower meadow." These are just a few of the wildflowers we are blessed to see everyday when we walk out our front door.

Indian Paintbrush and bluebonnets, blue-eyed grass, evening primrose, rain lily, Indian wheat, black-footed daisy, antelope horn, nodding thistle, grey vervain, Venus' looking glass.

Where flowers bloom, so does hope.

~Lady Bird Johnson

Have a wonder-filled day,

Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Little Things Thursdays,
Bird D’pot, Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens, Wild Bird Wednesday,
Our World Tuesday, Community Global, Photo Friday

Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 16:52

If you stand in a wildflower meadow long enough something magical is bound to happen.

Sharing the magic . . .

Common Buck-eye Butterfly

Black-chinned Hummingbird / Nodding Thistle

Black-chinned Hummingbird / Nodding Thistle

Orange Sulphur Butterfly

Orange Sulphur Butterfly

Variegated Fritillary

Variegated Fritillary

Some type of Skipper Butterfly - can't positively id

American Lady Butterfly on Nodding Thistle

Have a wonder-filled day,

Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Little Things Thursdays,
Bird D’pot, Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens, Wild Bird Wednesday,
Our World Tuesday, Community Global, Photo Friday

Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 15:52

I finally have some Texas wildflowers to share with you this week - those dazzling Indian paintbrushes - - and a somewhat different approach to the buddy system.

The Texas Hill Country is carpeted with wildflowers. She puts on one of the best shows around!

Texas Wildflowers

Indian Paintbrush

Common Buck-eye Butterfly on Bluebonnet

The buddy system is used for everything from workplace safety to children's field trips. But nature has her ways, too. The Cattle Egret shows us, once again, that man is not the Author of original thought.

Originally from North Africa, the Cattle Egret will buddy up with pretty much any large roving object. Camels, ostriches, rhinos, and tortoises. Or, more likely in this country, cows and tractors.

Although they do help some animals by removing ticks and small insects, in most cases, the Egrets are getting the better end of the bargain. They following along beside their "buddy", whether it be animal or machine, and eat the small insects that are stirred up from the ground.

After arriving in South America in the late 1800's, they were found nesting in the US by the 1950's and are now one of the most abundant of the North American herons.

I guess Longhorns like Indian Paintbrush, too.

That's probably more than you ever wanted to know

about Cattle Egrets. Incidentally, these are in their breeding plumage. 
So if you see one, they may not be so buff.

What are you seeing through

your lens this week?

Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Little Things Thursdays,
Bird D’pot, Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens, Wild Bird Wednesday,
Our World Tuesday, Community Global, Photo Friday