................... Brrrrrrrrrrr .....................

Have you ever marveled at the Lord's handy-work? So many things we take for granted in life with out ever a second thought... Every time I "really" look, I stand amazed, and am in awe!! Something like the change of the seasons is one thing that truly amazes me. The warm moves out and cold moves in. But not without a glorious display! Most people just sum it up as "natural" and never really take in how powerful God is, and never appreciate what He has made. God set the foundations of the Earth. He made the seasons. When I slow down and look, I can't help but praise the Lord for all He has made! Frost on a Holly just doesn't seem normal to me. Nothing really seems normal to me any longer. I love to look close, and marvel, at the handy work God displayed in even the smallest of things. I am so thankful He has given me sight to see! All around us we have opportunities to praise and worship God. But how often do we really take the chance or the moment to stop and glorify Him? God gave me the desire to see the little things... But even still ... I miss so much! What is truly amazing to me is this: No matter how close you look or how far back you stand, all things in sight are an opportunity to praise! Don't just pass by.. Stop, look, and listen. What God has made is great! The more we realize that, the more we will see. And when you see more, you have the chance to praise more. More chances to pray. More chances to marvel. More chances to stand in awe and amazement!. Don't let the everyday common things go by in your life without taking a moment and praising the Lord that made it all!

Which Way?

Have you ever wondered which way your life was heading and why? Do you ever ask yourself why do things happen to me? (good of bad) Our lives are most definitely moved in very specific ways for very specific purposes. We are guided along life's journey by God to accomplish one very specific purpose. To be conformed, molded, taught, and/or shaped........................................... Rom 8:28-29 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." ESV Once we understand we are being shaped, trials of any kind, are seen more as a learning or growing opportunity. But what is God "growing" us into? The verse clearly answers for us... "the image of his Son". I like to think of it as being a mirrored reflection of Christ who dwells in us, and guides us. And once Christ is guiding our lives people begin to see something different about us. And that change is evidenced in every aspect of our lives. We then begin to answer the call deep within ourselves.. and that call is mentioned in this photo..................................................................................................................................... Mat 28:19-20 "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." ESV ............ To make disciples..??.. Webster defines it as: "Discipleship DISCIPLESHIP, n. The state of a disciple or follower in doctrines and precepts."............................................................ Basically we are called to make followers to learn and do all that Christ has commanded. In a nutshell... First come to Christ. Accept Him in your heart as your Savior and trust in Him. Then, be conformed to His image, (i.e. a mirrored reflection), in every part of our lives. And then tell others and teach them. Of course this is a life long process and we will finally be perfected when we are taken to be with Him forever in heaven. What a day that will be! But until that day keep your focus simple. Accept, learn, grow, teach, and strive to win the race set before you.

Complexity of Color

Have you really ever thought about what your eyes see? We see things all the time... But have you ever thought about it? Ever wonder why something comes into your view at just the right time to create some moving reaction..? I have also asked the question, "Do you step, without seeing?" There are so many things placed at our feet that we never "really" see. We just move on with our busy lives and never take the opportunity to really appreciate what God has given us to see. And we pass up the opportunity to give Him praise for the wonderful things He has made.............................. Gen 1:11-12 And God said, "Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth." And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. ESV ........................................In this short piece of the account of creation, God spoke those simple words and so much was created. Just take that in for a moment. All of the "natural" systems of this earth were brought into existence simply by the spoken word of God! How complex and wise is the Lord God! Next time you pass by a beautiful sight, remember to praise God for what He has made. He gave us our eyes for a reason. Praise Him every chance you get. The more you do, the better your out look on your life will be.