Saturday, January 29, 2011

Accept the Curves

I know, I'm a bit strange, but the twisted limbs on this pine tree caught my eye. I love the artistic curves and twirls. Most pine trees that I know are just straight-limbed. This one has dropped some of it's needles already, but that made this picture even more interesting.

People come in all different ways. Not all are straight and even. Some have lost their needles. (Isn't that a nice way to put it?) But shouldn't that make them more interesting?

Say, I might even be in that group.

"Wherefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God." Romans 15:7

Lord, let me rejoice in the uniqueness of each person weathered by their environment, heritage or personality.

photo:karenevans

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Okay, Who Does This?

Normally our garbage fits and stays nicely in these heavy duty bags. This particular week we did major
cleaning in the garage. Crushed down some metal items and stuffed them in the bags.

That's what you're supposed to do, right? Stuff them in?

Anyway, the ends still poked out through the bag. So being considerate of my garbage men, I placed duct tape over those "pokey" ends to keep the men from hurting themselves. (Or was it, I didn't want to look like the local junk yard?)

Tell me, honestly, has anyone else ever done this?

"He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds." Psalm147:3

When a major overhaul in life comes and the regular "bags" I use don't work, Lord please duct tape all the gaping open wounds.

Photo:karenevans

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Three Views, One Fact

OH, no, this plane is going to crash into the moon! At least from my view point. I'm down below next to this palm tree. (I was trying to get this neat picture of the moon during daytime and then this airplane flew right into my viewfinder.)

Now from the planes vantage point, the people inside probably don't even see me standing in my front yard waving my camera to the sky. But they can see the moon even better, yet know they aren't headed anywhere near.

Hang with me-the moon, if there was anyone on it, knows for a fact the plane's not gonna' crash into it.

But it sure looks like it to me......

"In Thy light we see light." Palms 36:9

This is how I feel sometimes. My circumstances are going to crash into something horrible, far away. I can see it in my mind's eye and heart.

But from God's vantage point, He knows half of what I imagine will never come to pass.

Lord may Your facts over rule what my worries see.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Vulture Vandalism

(Photo:Tampa Bay. com)

Check out this link .http://www.tampabay.com/components/video/vultures-are-vandals-at-myakka-river-state-park/750592958001/2652468001 to see video of these rather unattractive birds and what they are doing.

The newspaper article said Nissans was their car of choice. But they also like roof shingles, seat cushions on boats, and vehicles. Oh, and screens and pool covers seem to attract them. They really don't know why.

Vultures are not attractive to me, but I know God made them for a specific purpose. To clean up the dead animals. Now that I think of it, a nice dainty white feathered bird would look really gross eating a dead thing.

Diana Donaghy, a park biologist at Myakka River State Park has never touched one. Besides being mean and big, they smell. She states the Turkey vultures have a unique defense, they projectile vomit. OH YUK! Can you imagine dead stuff vomit??? Okay enough of that.

But I couldn't get over the question of  "why," why were they acting out?

"Post this at all the intersections, dear friends; Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God's righteousness doesn't grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage." James 1:19-21 (MSG)

How many times have I acted out in anger, only to make as much sense as these vulture vandals? Do my words stink? I probably look just as ugly, too.

Father don't let me dig in the garbage.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

I Toad You So!

This is me after all my Christmas goodies with the family. We had tons of food. My son helped me make the most delicious standing rib roast and dijon-marmalade ham to name a few. Then we had cookies, snacks and my daughter made wonderful truffles and other candies.

Of course with my amazing will power I ate all that I could, fearing there would be nothing left the next day. HA! There was even some left over after I sent everyone home with stuff. And I know it's sinful to waste things, so I couldn't just throw it out.

So here I am.

Now get this. Libbie at The Middlest Sister has a contest going for the best looking cupcake and I'm considering it!! (See her post dated, Monday, Jan. 10th.) Now you know you can't make just ONE cupcake......

I didn't take a picture of what kind of toad this is, so if anyone knows, please tell me. (Taken again at Busch Gardens)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy....gentleness, self-control (self-restraint.) Galatians 5:22-23

Why, oh why did that word get slipped in there? I guess my angst with it shows how much I need it.

Oh, Lord, just one more cupcake?

Photo:karenevans

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Creative Moments of Delight

I love the moment this picture captured. NOT that my mouth was going, but that my son and grand kids are all doing a craft together. My granddaughter and I went outside and found cool leaf and fern shapes. There were plenty around and she chose her favorites.

I supplied the acrylic paints, paper and crayons. It was a wonderful time. We talked, painted, and enjoyed each other.

This is what my granddaughter created. She went for the tie-dyed look. I love it with all the colors.

"You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus." Philippians 4:19

What craft does God want me to do? But, Lord....I don't have....

He has supplied all that I need to do whatever He calls me to do. And you know what's best? He enjoys creating that talent with us. He delights in those moments.

Photos:karenevans

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Beauty and Strength

I love tigers. I took these photos at Busch Gardens. When we've been to the exhibit before, they've been asleep. But this was later in the day and some were prowling about. I'm in awe of the beauty that belies their strength. (Sorry about some of the reflection, all these pics were taken through the exhibit windows.)
We soon discovered that it was feeding time as this one kept going to the door. Some were getting a bit cranky, too.

My heart felt sorry that these animals who are physically able eat whatever they catch, had to wait for others now to feed them. I love Busch G., but I guess it's just seeing all that strength going to waste.
  
"My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit-not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength-that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in.

And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:14-19

Is my spiritual strength dependant on others? Church, teachers, friends? Or do I spend some time learning on my own to feed my inner strength through His Spirit?

May my aging exterior belie the inner strength. Praying all us'n live this year to the fullest!

Oh, this is just an extra picture. That's my son and grandson across the exhibit waving to us~ Photos:karenevans

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

I'm Baaaaack!

My Christmas was wonderful. My home was filled to the brim with family. Enjoyed every moment and missed all ya'll. I will be visiting soon. But of course, like a proud Grammy, I have to show you pics of my fun. So hang with me.

No, really, I have to.....

I had young and old, sorry Mom and Dad (it's a football pillow)

and tickling and plopping

and smiling and "trying to be mean" (they all love the football)
to smooching and hugging


and all tired for the night. (Yes, I have 2 football pillows)
Whew, me too. 

I'm looking forward to this new year and all it's surprises. (I think)

"Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass." 1 Thessalonians 5:24

What I DO know is that God is with us all the way.

Blessings!!!