A place where my thoughts, words and feelings converge…
Category: Portraits of Life – Seeing God in All
I have discovered a new and exciting hobby of taking photos and sharing God’s Words as they inspire me to be in complete “AWE” of how great our God is! I hope you enjoy the photos.
We are all God’s children and it is our responsibility to spread the good news. We are messengers sent out into the world to share the love of God. I am thankful to those individuals called to missionary work in remote parts of the world, there is a need. The need is also within our own neighborhoods to share the love of God. I understand that with the some may work in environments were topics of religion and politics are discouraged, it is our actions that speak the loudest to others. Being kind and considerate to others speaks volumes of your character and your walk with Christ.
Romans 10:12-15
“For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed the below.
“Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work—you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns.”
Rev. Sam shares a story with her readers that she once heard the fourth commandment described as a bridge between the first three commandments and the remaining six. *Page 22 of “The Sanctuary for Lent 2020.”
The first four commandments describes how we love God:
• No idols
• No worshiping other gods
• No misuse of God’s name
The remaining six describes how we love our neighbors:
• Honor your parents
• No murder
• No adultery
• No stealing
• No false witness
• No coveting
Rev. Sam suggests that how well we love God and our neighbors depends on how well we practice sabbath.
I’ve used this phrase before and hopefully you will recall it, “Practice does not make one perfect; Only perfect practice makes one perfect.” I really like how Rev. Sam put it, “Practice leads to progress, not perfection.”
“Practice leads to progress, not perfection.”
I simply love that phrase! This week we will be talking about REST, keeping the Sabbath! We are robbing ourselves of precious time with God by not keeping the Sabbath. When we fail to get enough rest, it effects all aspects of our lives. Our family and friends, our coworkers and even strangers. When thinking of the commandments the words: murder, adultery and stealing sound harsh, even distant to us. When we are grumpy and express our discontent, could that be a form of stealing joy or happiness from others(?). When we see others with nice expensive things and we turn a little bit green 🧩✳️ with envy or jealousy, isn’t that coveting. I’ll admit sometimes these situations are challenging but if we are loving our neighbors the way God has instructed us, we should share in their joys! Celebrating one another is a great way to build and strengthen relationships. When we rest, allowing our physical bodies to relax, and our emotional and spiritual counterparts to do the same; we are happier and healthier. Rest by reading your bible, watch an inspirational movie, read a book and take a trip with the author. Spend time doodling, coloring, taking pictures of nature, listening to music…the options are endless.
Psalm 55:6-7
“And I say, “O that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest; truly, I would flee far away; I would lodge in the wilderness.” Selah
Mark 2:27-28
“Then he said to them, “The sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath; so the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.”
Practice:
Choose one thing you will do for the next three days to connect with God, otters and yourself (read for 10 minutes, go to the park with your family, take a walk, meditate or color).
ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below.
Today the ACC Lent Photo-a-Day Challenge is LIGHT!
Merriam-Webster: LIGHT
• something that makes vision possible
• the sensation aroused by stimulation of the visual receptors
• a particular aspect or appearance presented to view
I love taking pictures of the sun; sunrises, sunsets and anytime the sunshines. The picture collage above is some of my favorite photos I’ve taken over the years. I hope they bring you as much joy as they do me.
2 Samuel 23:3-4
“The God of Israel has spoken, the Rock of Israel has said to me: One who rules over people justly, ruling in the fear of God, is like the light of morning, like the sun rising on a cloudless morning, gleaming from the rain on the grassy land.”
Psalm 113:3
“From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the Lord is to be praised.”
Numbers 6:24-26
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.”
ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed the below.
“But now more than ever the word about Jesus spread abroad; many crowds would gather to hear him and to be cured of their diseases. But he would withdraw to deserted places and pray.” ~Luke 5:15-16
It’s Monday! For many people today marks the beginning of a new work week, while others it’s just another day. For instance, today is my Friday, the end of my work week. In some of our cultures today, there seems to be a demand or an urgency to work longer hours or work harder to gain another step on the ladder to the top. Hard work, commitment and striving for betterment are all good and worthy things. But I caution all of us to remember to make time for God, time to talk with God, time to read His word, and time to study and learn. We should also spend time with our brothers and sisters in Christ, supporting one another and worshiping God. Keeping the Sabbath holy is a phrase I learned early in life. It used to mean Sunday for me, while others celebrate the Sabbath on Saturday. I have learned through the years that the Sabbath can be any day of the week set aside especially for God. I have lots of friends who are required to work on Sunday and attending Sunday worship cannot be accommodated, this by no means makes them any less Christian. The most important thing is making time for God. With the world being a 24/7/365 operation in most places many churches have started having services at different times and on different days making it easier for individuals to attend. Try to find other activities sponsored by your church or other churches so you can get involved on your days off of work.
In the scripture verse today Luke tells us that Jesus would go off by himself to a deserted place to pray. Jesus created space and time to be with His Father. Not only would Jesus do this when He was with His disciples but also when large crowds were around asking to be healed. Jesus, in the midst of the business of healing and preaching, slipped away to be with God. Jesus was setting an example for us.
People often run themselves to the point of empty exhaustion by working long hours and in some cases working more than one job. Please remember to take time to refuel and be filled by the sustaining power of Jesus Christ. Never let your cup become empty and dry, seek to be filled and fulfilled.
Practice:
Take a cup and fill it with water. As you pour it out, tell God where you feel empty in life. (Leave a little in the bottom to represent the desire to never be completely empty.) Then, full the cup back up again, asking God for what you need.
ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below.
“Ever since the creation of the world his eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things he has made. So they are without excuse.”
Psalm 23:1-3
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.”
My you find God revealed through nature today! Please take good care of one another! ❤️🧡💛💛💚💙🤎🤍💜🖤💗❣️
ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed the below.
Today, I am celebrating, celebrating the tenacity of the human race! Our faith in God, no matter your religious affiliation; this coming together for the good of all humans and caring for one another is something to CELEBRATE!
John 15:12
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.”
And the Apostle Paul writes these words in Ephesians 4:1-6
“I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.”
ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed the below.
Shalom – Namaste, my dear friends on this blessed third Sunday of Lent 2020. I know several people are unable to attend church services today due to the COVID-19 crisis that is affecting people around the world. I pray that you find words of comfort and encouragement as you navigate these trying times. My the Spirit of God refresh your soul today, quenching whatever needs you may have. I am a messenger, a vessel to share God’s love to the best of my abilities. I’m so thankful for this opportunity to share with you. Today is the Lord’s Day, a day of REST! The Sabbath, which is sometimes called “Holy Rest” is an opportunity for each of us to spend time with God, allowing Him to give rest to our tired and weary souls. Please find REST in God today.
Scripture verses go for today:
Exodus 17:3-6
“But the people thirsted there for water; and the people complained against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?” So Moses cried out to the Lord, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” The Lord said to Moses, “Go on ahead of the people, and take some of the elders of Israel with you; take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.” Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel.
Poor Moses, once again the people complain to him and this time they are thirsty. The Israelites were angry that they were in the wilderness and they took their anger out on Moses. Moses went to God, pleading for answers and protection. In verse 4, “So Moses cried out to the Lord, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” -Exodus 17:4
God heard the cries of Moses and gave him instructions where to go and what to do, to get water for the people. Exodus 17:6
Do you ever find yourself grumbling or complaining? Is there anyone specific you tell or direct these things to? I have experienced grumbling and complaining and too often I take it out on my friends, and none of it is their fault (usually). Sometimes it happens before I realize what I’m doing, thankfully my friends know me, understand me and frequently forgives me. Just like the Israelites, I’m taking my frustrations out on the wrong person.
Do you think the Israelites were really angry with Moses?
Do you think the Israelites were angry with God?
When I am expressing anger, its typically not at the person on the receiving end.
When I am upset, angry or frustrated it is usually at myself for a bad decision or missed opportunities. And, I realize I have neglected my spiritual, emotional and physical needs. We all benefit from regular physical activities, routinely cleaning up our emotional garbage, and constant interfacing with God. These make up a well balanced life. If we expect God to fill us, we need to make room for Him in our lives. We need physical and spiritual food and water. Let go and Let God!
I’m not a theologian or have vast biblical knowledge but if I were to guess, I think the Israelites were angry with themselves for their lack of trust in God and in God’s servant Moses. Or perhaps they were so used to being told what to do and when to do things by the Egyptians they had no practice in thinking for themselves and trusting someone, even Moses.
Practice:
The next time you drink water or wash your hands, name how you need God to quench the dryness of your soul.
ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below.
The Israelites struggled with resting on the Sabbath and lacked faith in God to provide for their basic food needs. God had given specific instructions on collecting food on Saturday but in Exodus 16:27, we read that on the seventh day some people went out to gather and found none. Rev. Sam offers, what I believe to be a great observation. The Israelites had been captives and slaves for over 400 years in Egypt. They were most likely made to work every day and for long hours building for the Pharaohs. Perhaps, they were unfamiliar with “resting” on the Sabbath in a practical manner. Old habits are hard to break.
We can learn and apply lessons from this passage as well, especially given the current global circumstances we are facing with COVID-19. I saw first hand yesterday some of the devastation caused in the local grocery store near me. I simply wanted to purchase some bologna, chips and buns for to my lunch intake to work. I found the aisles practically empty, the luncheon meat choices I had were 2, neither were bologna. I settled for pickle loaf. It is truly sad how people are reacting to this situation. I will admit the media has not helped to calm the masses and people are simply not listening to sound advice. People are living in fear! Following the basic instruction of the CDC and local health officials is vital. Many people will have the virus and show little to no signs based upon their health and immune system. Taking safety precautions such as washing your hands frequently and not touching your face will increase your protection as well as limiting your physical contact with others through hand shaking and hugging. If you are feeling ill, do not go out into densely populated public areas or to work. These simply guidelines will assist you and protect others. Use cell phones for staying in touch with friends and loved ones. Go old school, hand write some letters, journal, rest and relax by watching movies, reading a book, and investing in you!
Practice:
Pick a full day or half day when you can practice resting and not working. 🙏🏻💤🌙☀️🌺😊🌸💙
ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below.
• having mature knowledge, understanding, or judgment
Today’s word seemed difficult for me to grasp at first. The first and only thoughts that came to mind regarding, “ripe” was food items that have grown and are ready to be harvested. So I did what I typically do for inspiration, I googled images of RIPE. That’s where I got the idea of pictures of fall with leaves turning for the end of the growing cycle. Trees and leaves entering the final stage of their growth pattern and preparing for shedding, hibernation and renewal.
I still wasn’t completely satisfied so I continued my search and found a correlation that made sense to me. I hope you see the connection as well. The Bible offers many verses that speak about bearing fruit, being fruitful, being know by our fruits, and that one reaps, what is sewn I found a helpful article at: https://pcg.church/articles/2188/how-ripe-is-your-fruit
We read the words of Jesus in the verses below:
Matthew 7:16-20
“You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits.
John 15:8
“My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”
The Apostle Paul shares these words with us:
Galatians 6:7-9
“Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up.”
Galatians 5:22-23
“…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.”
Right now is our time to become ripe and mature, just as fruit does so we can be the individuals God created us to be. Each day, moment by moment we are to be learning, growing and maturing. We are meant to ripen!
Hello Friends around the world! Wishing you a beautiful Friday!
Exodus 16:13-15,21
“In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat. Morning by morning they gathered it, as much as each needed; but when the sun grew hot, it melted.”
thetorah.com
Trusting in God’s faithfulness(?). Since the beginning, humans have doubted the faithfulness of God. Starting in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve did not trust God, they did not follow his instructions. Then, here in Exodus, the Israelites did not trust God to provide for them. They complained and failed to follow His instructions regarding food. They stored up food even though they were instructed not to and it became spoiled and foul. They did not trust that God would continue to provide (food) quail in the evening and frosted flakes in the morning.
Please understand that I am not placing myself or others in the world above the actions of the Israelites. Just in the past few days I’ve seen people displaying actions that speaks volumes of not trusting God regarding the COVID 19. People are emptying shelves of toilet paper, hand sanitizer and other disinfectants…hoarding items and making them unavailable for individuals who actually need them. Turning things into a PANIC will in not way help the situation. Listen to the instructions of the medical professionals. The best thing you can do, if possible is limit your interactions with others, most importantly WASH your hands frequently. Avoid body contact and respect personal space. If you feel sick, stay HOME, if you experience symptoms call your doctor or your local health department…DO NOT GO TO A CLINIC OR DOCTORS OFFICE, if you do have the virus you will be putting others at risk. Use common sense! Be proactive and self-isolation or self-quarantine if you think you have the virus or been exposed, this will help to protect yourself and others. STAY CALM. BE RATIONAL. Listen and follow instructions.
Practice:
• Thank God for three things you have enough of.
• Consider three things you have in abundance and give them away.
Numbers 6:24-26
ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below.
DISCOVER 
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