Shadows of hope!

I encourage you to read Romans (particularly chp 4, the beginning of 5, and chp 8). I did so the other day, and it brought such inexpressible abounding hope, that I became misty eyed. To read stories of the ones who walked in faith before us, and see ourselves living in the same way is incredible! Abraham and Sarah are quickly becoming my favorite people in the bible. As I was reading Romans 4, verses 20-21 jumped out at me. They are a powerful poignant reminder of God's promises to myself, to John, and to the world around me:

Too often we don't give God enough credit. God is God; He is the ultimate supreme King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Compared to Him, we are nothing. We truly are. He created us, and He knows what our lives shall be like from this day forward. If we cling to Him, and those shadows of hope that linger during the hard times, we shall emerge victorious!

Two more verses I'd encourage you to look up are, Romans 8:37, and Romans 16:20. Romans 8:37 is my favorite verse. In fact, I wear it on a necklace quite often to remind myself that God knows what's going on, and I need only to trust Him. Romans 16:20 made me misty-eyed again when I finished reading through Romans. To see God's sovereignty over all is a humbling thing. To know He intercedes for us, is another.

Romans 8:24-28 (ESV)

For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV)

 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

I encourage you today to read the Scriptures, to not lose hope, and see the Lord working in the shadows (not the literal form, but behind the scenes) to bring us closer to Him!

Beautiful Blessings - 8/16/16

 

(photo taken by my coworker)

~ the sound of pouring rain on the roof

~ coming out the front door at work to see a double rainbow - a much needed sign to have hope

~ the brilliant white of the cloud above me

~ the golden yellow sky behind me

~ seeing the day draw to a close in a fiery orange,

Beautiful Blessings - 8/15/16

~ eating swiss chard and thinking of my friend who is missing it right now

~ wishing I could be a kitty and live at the library

~ seeing beautiful pictures in a puddle

~ and seeing a completely different one from another angle

~ looking up to see rippled clouds in a blue sea

~ a sun dog - a tiny rainbow of hope

Beautiful Blessings - 6/5/16

~ finding a rainbow on my cup

~ getting antibiotics for bronchitis

~ chatting with a friend throughout the whole day

~ a much-needed quiet night at home

~ a kitty happily joining me in that!

Photo-A-Day - Day 30!

"Future" - the past 2 days I have seen sun-dogs, moon-dogs, and rainbows! All have been poignant reminders of hope from God for me. What beautiful reminders they have been!!!

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Puddles!

After a much-needed day of rain, puddles were everywhere! 

Following the puddle stream down the road.

Oooh, this puddle looks good!

What do you think, Ansel?

My boot!

Even the little puddles are fun!

Who's the handsome kitty in the puddle?

Hmm....

this one???

Here's one that's my size!

Testing the waters....

Splash!! Perfect!!

We even had a couple double rainbows!!

And the clouds after the storm were beautiful!!

Science Saturday: Ladybugs, Blueberries and Rainbows

A few mediocre things that may spark your interest: 

• Ladybugs are very helpful with pest control in orchards and fields. 30,000 Ladybugs can protect 10 acres of produce.
• Ladybugs are one of the most recognizable insects to children.
• Ladybugs have a high birthrate, and a high survival rate which is surprising. They are a bright red to tell predators that they don't taste good. If that doesn't work, they play dead. If that doesn't work they emit a foul smelling fluid and then they are (usually) safe.
• Blueberries are native to North America. They thrive just about anywhere.
• There are many types of Blueberries. If they are cross pollinated (which often occurs) then they produce small berries at a later time.
• Many birds including grouse, scarlet tanagers, bluebirds, robins, and thrushes enjoy them. Bears, foxes, raccoons, skunks, deer, rabbits, chipmunks and mice also enjoy the tasty berries!
• The basic components for rainbows are water and rain. Most often they are seen after a storm.
• You can make your own rainbows with a water hose if the sun is low enough in the sky. Takes a bit of experimenting though.
• Rainbows are beautiful! I've seen quite a few partial ones, a few full ones, and few times I've seen full double ones! Those ones are REALLY cool!!!! :~D

Of the Moon and a Rainbow

These lovely sights were sighted on a walk to the library. A short rain shower passed through while I was in the library and the rainbow appeared. I was able to get a picture, (after going home and coming back), before it disappeared. The rainbow put me in good spirits and I was smiling and dancing the way home.

Oh and the Moon was a gorgeous sight, too. :)

Mother's day!

My Mom and I bonded on Mother's day.

We bonded in the prompt care room.



I have asthma and it is acting up. :(

(Hey, do you like my Dino mask? ;)

Happy Mother's day Mom! 

To top the day off, Mom and I saw a double full rainbow!