tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79968593398021867392024-03-29T01:30:31.928-04:00Joyful WriterWelcome to my blog! I hope to fill this spot with both travel articles, inspirational pieces and my photography. Hopefully, you’ll choose to read both. I love to travel and experience the world, whether it’s in my own hometown or across the globe. I also love to study and learn more about our awesome God and His plans for me and this amazing world He has created. So, if these interests are up your alley too – join me for some thoughtful “ramblings” from a Joyful Writer.Joyful Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830659078659147639noreply@blogger.comBlogger487125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996859339802186739.post-27286957850795415052024-03-29T01:30:00.048-04:002024-03-29T01:30:00.445-04:00Guide My Path<div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ93U6bO1mZVUXVVAiMrOvygU3HvN2M3O4G-K-lA4GUc_jWWAqeobC_05WNLx8xwbj9Q1DzvpCWs5swgee2QV0PljMUt0Lk2hvuczfTTObCARDpkgRtWryIkhJtyiV7yr_Reh-lG3Is4VLaCzqH38Sm66HsEulbiXVd6r8VBwatz1X0dq4q06uQZTiJX0D/s4000/2623.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ93U6bO1mZVUXVVAiMrOvygU3HvN2M3O4G-K-lA4GUc_jWWAqeobC_05WNLx8xwbj9Q1DzvpCWs5swgee2QV0PljMUt0Lk2hvuczfTTObCARDpkgRtWryIkhJtyiV7yr_Reh-lG3Is4VLaCzqH38Sm66HsEulbiXVd6r8VBwatz1X0dq4q06uQZTiJX0D/w480-h640/2623.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Guide My Path</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Just as I need oxygen to breath, I need you, O Lord, to guide and direct my path. I can't seem to go two minutes without messing up in my own strength -- or more precisely -- my own weakness. I need You to tell me what to do and then to help me to do it. Empower me, O Holy Spirit, to live out those powerful verses in Proverbs 3:5-6:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I like the song by the group Hillsong, that speaks of trusting without borders and walking futher than you would wander. I want that close walk with Jesus of continual newness and renewing of mind. I love this life of adventure with my Father! He "graces" me in beautiful ways.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">In Psalm 32:7-8, God is saying to us, "<i>I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go."</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Psalm 37:23:<i> "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way."</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Photo:</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i> </i>I took the photo of a path through the woods years ago on a trip to Scotland. Hmm...wonder where the path leads? I'm sure thankful that God knows that answer!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><br /></i></span></div><br /></div>Joyful Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830659078659147639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996859339802186739.post-14187856579810509252024-03-19T12:58:00.001-04:002024-03-27T17:08:08.994-04:00Anxiety -- What's That?<div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCqOywV5g38yZ-no47KWXfsSD8hDMu1ud3Y71g6zSveQnQVWM7r8-TtA7OSKZjt4QNI-0vnLxKL6Inw5pTtHbWoHT6z-v3a7ozBkuCXfr72cmmFzSYkJdF5aZoQxeaN9sMZPirmhc9jSHGL-d3aYdvPkjKaICnccLJpGcJ9mCiHOhME2al60sAjIm8VXX/s2016/IMG_1714.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCqOywV5g38yZ-no47KWXfsSD8hDMu1ud3Y71g6zSveQnQVWM7r8-TtA7OSKZjt4QNI-0vnLxKL6Inw5pTtHbWoHT6z-v3a7ozBkuCXfr72cmmFzSYkJdF5aZoQxeaN9sMZPirmhc9jSHGL-d3aYdvPkjKaICnccLJpGcJ9mCiHOhME2al60sAjIm8VXX/w480-h640/IMG_1714.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">ANXIETY -- WHAT'S THAT?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Jesus asked a question of His disciples: "...<i>why are you anxious</i>...?" He went on to explain to them how God would take care of their needs and that, by the way, "<i>which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?" </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The answer would be, "Uh, that would be -- none of us."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I love when Jesus pointed out how the flowers "<i>neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you. O you, of little faith?</i>"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The white camellia pictured above is a work of art from the Master's Hand. The way the delicate petals whorl outward from the center into a circle of beauty looks much like a rose. And notice the blush of pink faintly coloring the white, along with occasional strokes of deeper pink. And it's all framed by deep green leathery leaves. Yet, this exquisite work of art will only show forth such beauty for a few days before it begins to wilt and eventually fall from the bush and wither away.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> One of the truths I believe Jesus was pointing out is the comparison of the detailed care God gave to this beautiful short-lived camellia in comparison to the detailed care He gives to His beloved followers who are created to live eteranally. How much more will He even take care of our needs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> When the Apostle Paul was in a Roman prison, he wrote to his dear friends at the church in Philippi, "<i>And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus</i>," Philippians 4:19. In the previouis verse, as he gazed out the barred window of his cell, he wrote, "<i>Indeed I have all and abound. I am full</i>." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Paul was able to make these statements while behind bars because he had the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding that was guarding his heart and mind through Christ Jesus (4:7). And how was he able to write all these things with such certainty? Because he believed and lived the admonition found in the preceding verse: "<i>Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God</i>."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo:</i> taken by me on the UNCW campus in Wilmington, NC early this month.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Joyful Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830659078659147639noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996859339802186739.post-19494959900586185742024-02-27T15:13:00.001-05:002024-02-27T15:14:59.306-05:00The Battle Rages<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoN8wIVeiJpEP0pSsAt7tvRiAvjM7s8Y05X44RrFAfEcACXkTYWu9vnvCAwJk7xLcSHF3L8uO6OPWeZk4LNVe7G_Em_krdu3ImFwYGddm9y_gkzVYmNrR0auWQSw-5w6yyqt64is7aVcOREnp-QNFs3Q4Fd5l9YEHTpBQ_KncXigJpgDkIAvG3XT6HJ1Fx/s5184/IMG_0577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoN8wIVeiJpEP0pSsAt7tvRiAvjM7s8Y05X44RrFAfEcACXkTYWu9vnvCAwJk7xLcSHF3L8uO6OPWeZk4LNVe7G_Em_krdu3ImFwYGddm9y_gkzVYmNrR0auWQSw-5w6yyqt64is7aVcOREnp-QNFs3Q4Fd5l9YEHTpBQ_KncXigJpgDkIAvG3XT6HJ1Fx/w640-h480/IMG_0577.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #783f04; font-size: medium;">THE BATTLE RAGES</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> The ugly picture above is a version of Satan on display at the St. Catherine Church in Brussels, Belgium. The statue depicts Satan under the foot of the angel Michael, but I prefer to think he is under the foot of Jesus Christ. I see this as being a picture of the fulfillment of Genesis 3:15, when God cursed Satan in the Garden of Eden and said to him, "He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel."</div><p></p><p> This version of Satan's appearance also gives us a better glimpse of his true nature which is evil and ugly, beastly and vicious. The sharp teeth are used for tearing apart his hapless victims. While he sometimes disguises himself as angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), his true nature is the epitomy of evil and he is the father of lies (John 8:44). </p><p> Sadly, too many people fail to see Satan for what he really is and they fall for his honey-laced lies over and over again. He's actually not very creative, because he's using the same lie that he's been using for thousands of years -- the same lie he used with Eve in the garden when he said, "Has God indeed said..." (Genesis 3:1).</p><p> In her book, "Praying God's Word," Beth Moore wrote, "Tragically, Satan has successfully duped the vast majority of our churches into imbalance regarding all things concerning or threatening him. We tend to give the devil either far too much credit or not nearly enough. A war of unprecedented proportions is raging against the church and the people of God. We must put on our armor, learn how to use our weapons, and fight with the confidence of those who know they are destined to win."</p><p> I love the way she ended that quote -- we are indeed destined to win in the battle against our enemy Satan. He will not win and he knows it. Therefore, he fights tooth and nail to keep sinners from being saved and to keep Christians off their knees and distracted by the world. We need those weapons described in Ephesians 6:10-20, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places," verse 12.</p><p> Suit up for battle, sisters and brothers! We are definitely on the winning side, but we don't want the enemy gaining any ground in the meantime. Stay true to our commander, Jesus Christ, and He will give us victories that will thrill our hearts and set the enemy running for cover. I love the verse in 1 John 4:4 that tells us of the awesome power who resides in us as children of God: "He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world."</p><p> </p><p><br /></p>Joyful Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830659078659147639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996859339802186739.post-50740890863763157112024-02-27T13:21:00.000-05:002024-02-27T13:21:05.495-05:00Like a Phoenix Rising<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWHbWtZRfb8eGrZTc_bObvuQTiIFMWlTrGTz6uGx1wng53pro25QugnYWoU9EEal7_VFZxc-JcdLz4hl-Lspt7QLABU1BAv6WZefjMHyVBZYDBKFIwI0_0D7HP9PrUwee5fMKkj1XRxx9JkIKzd03J4QvnfRO4xKCp1DXk-DXFRL-aehMHYKWJaO6rd7h/s1670/IMG_8330.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1670" data-original-width="1420" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWHbWtZRfb8eGrZTc_bObvuQTiIFMWlTrGTz6uGx1wng53pro25QugnYWoU9EEal7_VFZxc-JcdLz4hl-Lspt7QLABU1BAv6WZefjMHyVBZYDBKFIwI0_0D7HP9PrUwee5fMKkj1XRxx9JkIKzd03J4QvnfRO4xKCp1DXk-DXFRL-aehMHYKWJaO6rd7h/w544-h640/IMG_8330.jpg" width="544" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">LIKE A PHOENIX RISING</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> This piece of artwork in my daughter's home reminds me of a bird in motion, which makes me think of the story of the Phoenix rising from the ashes.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">In Greek mythology, there is a bird called the Phoenix. At some point in its life, it burst into flames and burns up. The Phoenix then rises from the ashes of its burning death and is reborn more beautiful than before.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> While the story of the Phoenix is only a myth, the work God does in the lifes of His children is very real. By the power of God, you can rise from the ashes of your burning sorrow. You can come out of it stronger and more beautiful than ever before and be a light in a dark world with your story of God's miraculous work in your life.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">One of my many favorite verses offers us God's variation of that myth with His real life promise. In this verse, God is saying that He will "<i>give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified</i>," Isaiah 61:3.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> This verse tells us that when something bad happens in our lives, God will turn the bad into good. He will lift something beautiful from those gray ashes and lift your heart from mourning and change your sad garment for one of praise. The outcome of that miracle is that you will be planted by the Lord to stand firm in His righteousness, and all of this wonder and grace will result in God being glorified. And - in the process, you will experience joy that is beautiful!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> To experience this wonder and grace and joy, we need to be open to God's work in our lives. Sometimes people hang onto their grief, bitterness, and/or pain as if it was a life-ring keeping them afloat when all the time, there is a lifeboat floating right beside them, just waiting to pick them out of the tumultuous sea and bring them to safety. That lifeboat is God's loving grace and plan to give them "<i>beauty for ashes</i>..." </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> There's an old song we used to sing that goes like this, "Let go and let God have His wonderful way. Let go and let God have His way. Your sorrows will vanish, your night turn to day; let go and let God have His way."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> G</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">od says, "</span><i style="font-family: helvetica;">I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness</i><span style="font-family: helvetica;">," Jeremiah 31:3.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></div><p></p>Joyful Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830659078659147639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996859339802186739.post-7352070885827730152023-12-23T21:44:00.002-05:002024-01-13T12:54:41.219-05:00Celebrating Our Lord<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQp1_0vZLPgPzRVoBJF20pKJ7v7w_gaxJ_v7-eG6uMc5NoRpyp50hCSKFt3N-yVXNU1Z_OFR1jDWZxTaoYLb5zAreZ-Kse9qrOIAmkw7q-Gt6jkBZmfNj9YsPVxIzMyRBd3yZs6sPTlzjyV-vpyj1HTYis1fuB0RGQUBJkR-RDzz592F2CmR7Ts__zHz8k/s3000/01-IMG_0448.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2972" data-original-width="3000" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQp1_0vZLPgPzRVoBJF20pKJ7v7w_gaxJ_v7-eG6uMc5NoRpyp50hCSKFt3N-yVXNU1Z_OFR1jDWZxTaoYLb5zAreZ-Kse9qrOIAmkw7q-Gt6jkBZmfNj9YsPVxIzMyRBd3yZs6sPTlzjyV-vpyj1HTYis1fuB0RGQUBJkR-RDzz592F2CmR7Ts__zHz8k/w640-h634/01-IMG_0448.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">"For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given;</div><div style="text-align: center;">and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God,</div><div style="text-align: center;">the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace,"</div><div style="text-align: center;">Isaiah 9:6</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"...when the fullness of the time was come, </div><div style="text-align: center;">God sent forth His Son..." Galatians 4:4</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Praise God from who all blessings flow and praise our precious Savior. We celebrate Your birth, Your love, and Your amazing sacrifice! Thank You for saving me and for keeping me!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Joyful Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830659078659147639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996859339802186739.post-49219942434807031422023-12-01T10:59:00.206-05:002024-01-13T12:53:46.504-05:00Italy and Turkey Ports<div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIEwibMi0e5Wt572Xg2N0-Wm1P0v6PYG-MIX1wnyXkKRBYDiS7Z8VtjuJah4npfVvPfCAzPotiewyx3zQ4oECvOW8FCyUHlWHVWkS-hpGyycD44Fcafe1qXOvxuQjVsV83m-oDgBMyF43BEDZ-Ut1BNFth4wUEEhtx_iKzCplyEaGuulkgHqPpEFiQvIm/s1024/Naples%206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIEwibMi0e5Wt572Xg2N0-Wm1P0v6PYG-MIX1wnyXkKRBYDiS7Z8VtjuJah4npfVvPfCAzPotiewyx3zQ4oECvOW8FCyUHlWHVWkS-hpGyycD44Fcafe1qXOvxuQjVsV83m-oDgBMyF43BEDZ-Ut1BNFth4wUEEhtx_iKzCplyEaGuulkgHqPpEFiQvIm/w640-h480/Naples%206.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A QUICK GLIMPSE OF Italy and Turkey Ports</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> On October 13, my sister Ava and I left for a two-week trip around the Mediterranean. After leaving NYC in the evening, flying across the Atlantic and riding an hour to Civitavecchia, Italy, here we are enjoying our first meal in the land of pizza. It was yummy! Here is a brief glimpse of our stops in Naples, Ephesus and Bodrum Turkey.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsNbziOakY1G3TjqqSRfxKa2LLkJg2u_MoMQcJRAQui4vn5dkeH1DmANV9UIZ3GZNlack0c7i0kNyNPhtt3DO30_BQ0nT-K6DWy7PuJHqRCHYXFTriAybE0aoJUZ10ewsUsKycMgVYj-nCFdp-ud_aPugpjBo6Pt45IanED-R0XCJlHkG9FgxxO8Ggc24/s2016/IMG_8641.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsNbziOakY1G3TjqqSRfxKa2LLkJg2u_MoMQcJRAQui4vn5dkeH1DmANV9UIZ3GZNlack0c7i0kNyNPhtt3DO30_BQ0nT-K6DWy7PuJHqRCHYXFTriAybE0aoJUZ10ewsUsKycMgVYj-nCFdp-ud_aPugpjBo6Pt45IanED-R0XCJlHkG9FgxxO8Ggc24/w640-h480/IMG_8641.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div> The next day, we boarded the Odyssey of the Sea for a 12-night cruise (with 8 ports) and sailed to our first port -- Naples, Italy. We were up early the next morning and walked to Piazza del Plebiscito where we went inside the Basilica Reale Pontificia San Francesco seen in the photo. It was pouring rain when we came out and walked across the piazza to the Royal Palace.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtMNXHjasctuKH0duNSnbJAZI1Iv16ozCdX7C96JO1hvDzwA3m354rfgn09VX0kvuo4jiYkkIPv9THE5AWk6lWv1VASOPoqSU4tz8tUzdVucRSCXRya9TDjSp-URT9SJ5LQWy6CIWB_zhx-wpELGtlO_AGnI6R085ot6heNkohwkdmFV8bggmkffrHXcd/s2016/IMG_8646.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtMNXHjasctuKH0duNSnbJAZI1Iv16ozCdX7C96JO1hvDzwA3m354rfgn09VX0kvuo4jiYkkIPv9THE5AWk6lWv1VASOPoqSU4tz8tUzdVucRSCXRya9TDjSp-URT9SJ5LQWy6CIWB_zhx-wpELGtlO_AGnI6R085ot6heNkohwkdmFV8bggmkffrHXcd/w480-h640/IMG_8646.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div> We spent two hours in this beautiful, grand palace. The staircase itself is a work of art and led into a set of many ornate royal rooms which we enjoyed walking through. This was my favorite site to see.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNkb1PF6scl1lxRDiDx_bcuBmiS-TyKapn8GWdcl_nG96gmafh2-y6kxivEKlb2ZtBtin4GexKmcdU4nchwt8akJNGck99ncAjq5i0MfXm7y9WZr7gW9AokuNQ1Q3XxJAyBrDFB8Gg5egptB1omeZ8nwUQ4HpdsALQyU5rCdSGxubpvy80Xvt0oITTe7iM/s2016/IMG_8672.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNkb1PF6scl1lxRDiDx_bcuBmiS-TyKapn8GWdcl_nG96gmafh2-y6kxivEKlb2ZtBtin4GexKmcdU4nchwt8akJNGck99ncAjq5i0MfXm7y9WZr7gW9AokuNQ1Q3XxJAyBrDFB8Gg5egptB1omeZ8nwUQ4HpdsALQyU5rCdSGxubpvy80Xvt0oITTe7iM/w640-h480/IMG_8672.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div> This tiled cloister garden in the Church of Santa Chiara Napoli was another beautiful and unique place that I visited in Naples (Ava went back to the ship after the palace). The garden was intersected by these tile paths that were lined with ornate columns and lovely seats. Unfortunately, visitors are not allowed to sit on these tiled seats as they are reserved for the nuns and monks. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvOFRzHs5TflilkTJDuwHU7dG8zUhHCyl6NEEZB0TBr8CMgoNC8kQWid2oy8KbLYYE_wjR5fhNlfUcp1wrOPQQcQlltJrzmp56WWFfsxTapBxXoZsYMOTfJfvAzxfDdMdEIoS7_AHYHd6uj3hfp2wrQlYkpJyikgmOVOezq3Iv5GjtcgwUGXP1AeUlsgz/s876/Eph%201-trim.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="725" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvOFRzHs5TflilkTJDuwHU7dG8zUhHCyl6NEEZB0TBr8CMgoNC8kQWid2oy8KbLYYE_wjR5fhNlfUcp1wrOPQQcQlltJrzmp56WWFfsxTapBxXoZsYMOTfJfvAzxfDdMdEIoS7_AHYHd6uj3hfp2wrQlYkpJyikgmOVOezq3Iv5GjtcgwUGXP1AeUlsgz/w530-h640/Eph%201-trim.jpg" width="530" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Our next port was Kudasi, Turkey, and we enjoyed a tour of the ancient site of Ephesus. This was our second visit to this wonderful site and, even though it felt like a whirlwind visit, it was good to see it again. Just imagining the apostles Paul and John walking around in this city was meaningful for me. In the background is the famous Library of Celsus, completed in 117 AD. While we're looking at ruins, Paul and John would have been looking at a sparkling new building!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtbo-KL8VMtu434NcimhXGHvdTjWT8uYyH6LRNjMeg-mEVF_Fy10OZ5IV95zxEUDxsWRmOD5KXOxJJcSXO24gqOJi8sjcJkywEyS6NNxzn2om3dDs81Msz7KXezJ7hRmKUjj2mHcuMAWOkrM0MZHTsZ9XbD3hXDJbIC6nJHBxcl4MQaNpH5csiAtQsfqF/s5184/IMG_4501.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtbo-KL8VMtu434NcimhXGHvdTjWT8uYyH6LRNjMeg-mEVF_Fy10OZ5IV95zxEUDxsWRmOD5KXOxJJcSXO24gqOJi8sjcJkywEyS6NNxzn2om3dDs81Msz7KXezJ7hRmKUjj2mHcuMAWOkrM0MZHTsZ9XbD3hXDJbIC6nJHBxcl4MQaNpH5csiAtQsfqF/w640-h480/IMG_4501.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I love taking photos of doorways -- and wondering where they lead. This is one of my favorite photos in Ephesus. It's quite amazing how well-preserved these ruins are. And - who is that guy in the green shirt??</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM-NbY_4pmngcvKtNF5TKatyHlddyjTWXlD0ktPdXwC3asfFf7vG1Uv2EXTqUYQaKChqB3f7PjPd9z1dbHoZMHNjopqwwoOTlOQsL-UIZR2qiv0Ktr4XXoO5zUlr-JXmlO2PtSC6gRoIOqMpCSqRBy00VGI_E3rRhMPSGMRSb5SCBLbcN78f-_lVbb2jm/s5184/IMG_4592.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM-NbY_4pmngcvKtNF5TKatyHlddyjTWXlD0ktPdXwC3asfFf7vG1Uv2EXTqUYQaKChqB3f7PjPd9z1dbHoZMHNjopqwwoOTlOQsL-UIZR2qiv0Ktr4XXoO5zUlr-JXmlO2PtSC6gRoIOqMpCSqRBy00VGI_E3rRhMPSGMRSb5SCBLbcN78f-_lVbb2jm/w640-h480/IMG_4592.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> This is a section of the Terrace Houses. They are under a giant cover to preserve them and allow continuing archaelogical work on them. This is a vast "neighborhood" of apartment houses built on a hillside. You can see rooms and separate apartments throughout this large section of Ephesus that is on a hill to the left just before you get to the library. It's interesting to see the ornate mosaic floors and the paintings on the walls of these homes where people lived around two thousand years ago and imagine their lives there. Paul and John may have visited or lived in one of these homes. I did a lot of climbing to see this amazing layout of ancient homes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2oxxzVXyuXDL1OLQimgWr-AOQ1vEb3f1uSf8IHH80FLVSfp-aWJ22yBAhm3fnE43SPR9bvmYpcKihUcVR4adix74HqmM8YXjXVcLZUqZTdO6ifNM6uCv6ywHtKFpdGSaVpaasGKmaOu9LlWRTuC-kS1PTQjR1k-0gRlJ-acm1Ljzl3k3vszS9GaQ7gQ-8/s5184/IMG_4514.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2oxxzVXyuXDL1OLQimgWr-AOQ1vEb3f1uSf8IHH80FLVSfp-aWJ22yBAhm3fnE43SPR9bvmYpcKihUcVR4adix74HqmM8YXjXVcLZUqZTdO6ifNM6uCv6ywHtKFpdGSaVpaasGKmaOu9LlWRTuC-kS1PTQjR1k-0gRlJ-acm1Ljzl3k3vszS9GaQ7gQ-8/w640-h480/IMG_4514.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I was excited to walk in the footsteps of Paul and John, who would have walked on these same marble slabs which make up one of the roads through the city (they are also slippery when wet). Most Ephesians worshipped the goddess Artemis (AKA Diana). You may remember that Acts 19:21-41 gives an interesting story about a riot in that city. A silversmith named Demetrius said to other tradesmen in the city, "<i>Not only in Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands. So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the gread goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed..</i>." Acts 19:26-27.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> This verbal attack on Paul and his teaching about the Lord Jesus almost turned into a physical attack. Here's what happened: See photo below.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixh0J2dlz4gyPzabwx9pnpwE1oWQDb-xFEjO413v0ItFmaG2XtTzbudH6zL2t5dArYeEHIpNAPoUMHz860Xs-Nao1HSSnIn7UPf2O_w7o81qxDWjkxdZkm_UeGAQ_iRZ_nScwvwhv5lt5c9RoRus_oFQ0K2tjiGSaN2J-lizjYTlRs13Dn5KpBbW_iUOCk/s5184/IMG_4643.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixh0J2dlz4gyPzabwx9pnpwE1oWQDb-xFEjO413v0ItFmaG2XtTzbudH6zL2t5dArYeEHIpNAPoUMHz860Xs-Nao1HSSnIn7UPf2O_w7o81qxDWjkxdZkm_UeGAQ_iRZ_nScwvwhv5lt5c9RoRus_oFQ0K2tjiGSaN2J-lizjYTlRs13Dn5KpBbW_iUOCk/w640-h480/IMG_4643.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The great ampitheater of Ephesus rises up the hillside in the distance. After Demetrius riled up the tradesmen and more of the city, they all rushed into the theater in the photo above. They had seized two of Paul's traveling companions and for two hours screamed, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!" Paul wanted to go into the theater and talk to the people, but the disciples would not allow him to go into that dangerous situation. And so, the riot ended peaceably and Paul left the city to go to Macedonia. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> It was very special to be in those places that we read about in scripture and to walk in the literal footsteps of men who God used to write the Holy Bible that we read today.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8eW2b2TbGxfwf0TK2srowsZI9VxUaO_ADzNn0zUE_BqLdd8un9oNmRygsl1QmaQ5CWbl5xi4PeELHWxzHWv1Uo7R5xhLmRckgGi5X_UjaZDhQrzaEPBxHTMaJL45NzPvSjPw2UeTgghQ79PuK8zfHLavDelDJsIUlTcCMmYvWYox9hUzYPwQn_eFePbc/s5184/IMG_5041.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8eW2b2TbGxfwf0TK2srowsZI9VxUaO_ADzNn0zUE_BqLdd8un9oNmRygsl1QmaQ5CWbl5xi4PeELHWxzHWv1Uo7R5xhLmRckgGi5X_UjaZDhQrzaEPBxHTMaJL45NzPvSjPw2UeTgghQ79PuK8zfHLavDelDJsIUlTcCMmYvWYox9hUzYPwQn_eFePbc/w640-h480/IMG_5041.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Our second stop in Turkey was in what is considered an upscale port in Bodrum. This was unexpected as it was one of three substitutes for our missed two-day port in Israel. Due to the October 7 War, of course, all tourist visits were cancelled. Our ship was docked in the picturesque Bodrum harbor with this view of St. Peter's Castle directly across the bay from our ship.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnZ6ipEfg40P1dVaCfqkDNi0z5L-XjmtcHiL98J7xZmasBMy3kaJlzsfAzTiviOB6GuJIJgJ0OqKgFM_dZDwqqr4MzxWJGVECQrEakw16h-E5FCTm1sfPAN8soNZhfzCGjqvQp9wukcpYx1AT23PUYDK8R0ii1FREhZ8Rqd_brh8sFMRecDT1imAEKlmS/s5184/IMG_5055.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnZ6ipEfg40P1dVaCfqkDNi0z5L-XjmtcHiL98J7xZmasBMy3kaJlzsfAzTiviOB6GuJIJgJ0OqKgFM_dZDwqqr4MzxWJGVECQrEakw16h-E5FCTm1sfPAN8soNZhfzCGjqvQp9wukcpYx1AT23PUYDK8R0ii1FREhZ8Rqd_brh8sFMRecDT1imAEKlmS/w640-h480/IMG_5055.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div> I enjoyed my solitary 40-minute walk around the curved harbor to get to the castle. It was early morning and shopkeepers were just opening their shops. It was pleasant and uncrowded, which changed later in the day to hot and crowded on the way back to the ship. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ilFjXWNRP8ZZBBeBh_cCASMXaRRY1H56yUxoEZOt6pL20PWbmPkuEisn0Ge_YVQXMsIw5UWy1Rq09pyf3jTJYTx9fsrJiJQK7iS_HoTDbXpl2euOyMsPCovlhzu12Ap-mtd_xDyOO6Al-wrl18pS-bPINQhVmnvsMofx_-qmZjQ6oT_jrpVxBz71ohci/s5184/IMG_5096.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ilFjXWNRP8ZZBBeBh_cCASMXaRRY1H56yUxoEZOt6pL20PWbmPkuEisn0Ge_YVQXMsIw5UWy1Rq09pyf3jTJYTx9fsrJiJQK7iS_HoTDbXpl2euOyMsPCovlhzu12Ap-mtd_xDyOO6Al-wrl18pS-bPINQhVmnvsMofx_-qmZjQ6oT_jrpVxBz71ohci/w640-h480/IMG_5096.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The "castle" was more like a fort with thick stone walls and many coats of arms displayed from various grand masters and commanders from the 1400s and 1500s. There are a lot of stone steps and uneven walkways which require careful climbing. The photo shows parts of ancient columns along with a female peacock.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79qS_P5oCXbG6TpWJ1_7BmhI3stJfS8sqduH3_wg6ElbadfVHXarbYJaKYW0f8iL4HHJ1i1FMARnNExmZux-ApAKzmA4tup11hR_hclOXW1vtqBkzRYY_13uncT6rHmPSXP78rv-rkjLghwZCoI7URzvyOdJa4wmanNG_z94iaOy7vrkG4oULDj_vijQO/s2016/IMG_9173.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79qS_P5oCXbG6TpWJ1_7BmhI3stJfS8sqduH3_wg6ElbadfVHXarbYJaKYW0f8iL4HHJ1i1FMARnNExmZux-ApAKzmA4tup11hR_hclOXW1vtqBkzRYY_13uncT6rHmPSXP78rv-rkjLghwZCoI7URzvyOdJa4wmanNG_z94iaOy7vrkG4oULDj_vijQO/w640-h480/IMG_9173.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div> One of the highlights of our visit to Bodrum was the Air Show we watched over the harbor. This just happened to be the day they were celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of the modern republic of Turkey. We had been "warned" there would be jets flying overhead at 2pm so no one would be alarmed and wondering if we were being attacked (after all, a war was being fought not far from Turkey in Israel). So, Ava and I sat on our balcony and watched as two jets that looked like raptor birds zoomed and dove and climbed through the sky for about 20 minutes. It was exciting!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vxao1bz8Fp_Sr4z5CZVq6_RrhA_qjVrA0oGFnl_zTaLjid0h68VJSqNSI1ORbT18ekt04JQuJjBOAXPjtOorJTgTDwcedFc5qgXOHi1r38H-LwYe5J1FHQpembJxxhUyyhCQo_uDC-DjzAapXQIq0OKVR7zLd_72sXalXkrZbYO_3ChyphenhyphenCYa_4PdG9_7H/s4095/IMG_5091trim.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4095" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vxao1bz8Fp_Sr4z5CZVq6_RrhA_qjVrA0oGFnl_zTaLjid0h68VJSqNSI1ORbT18ekt04JQuJjBOAXPjtOorJTgTDwcedFc5qgXOHi1r38H-LwYe5J1FHQpembJxxhUyyhCQo_uDC-DjzAapXQIq0OKVR7zLd_72sXalXkrZbYO_3ChyphenhyphenCYa_4PdG9_7H/w380-h400/IMG_5091trim.jpg" width="380" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I end this post with a picture of an anchor which was on display in St. Peter's Castle, Bodrum. I am always reminded of the fact that as a Believer of the Way (as it was called in Paul's day), Jesus Christ is my anchor in stormy seas as well as placid waters. Paul writes in Hebrews, saying, "<i>This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.</i>.." 6:19. He is, of course, speaking of the hope and assurance of our safety in Christ. Even a giant ship like the Odyssey of the Sea needs anchors. No one is beyond the need of an anchor for their soul. Jesus Christ is the Only Anchor we can depend on! "<i>And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus,</i>" Philippians 4:19.</div><br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div>Joyful Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830659078659147639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996859339802186739.post-48666038343788402522023-09-29T20:46:00.003-04:002023-10-02T13:10:19.622-04:00The Rapture - New Book Release<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdDQyC7yHIFGsi-uWFVHOX8aBJGTnFE8asOrP01QKGPoLzImqxYpeA5FsskHjogkb_T976I5C8IeI-Lecw3PVCsxF_fkgHX63inWBRqyqKKHNt68YLCMPkRgC4tphiVkje8im30V94Ai6otUS9EYzPzkVezOONbaWwfDa4HahuNka-yztUXnNvni2TY2bJ/s3300/Cover-5-pdf-page-001%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2550" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdDQyC7yHIFGsi-uWFVHOX8aBJGTnFE8asOrP01QKGPoLzImqxYpeA5FsskHjogkb_T976I5C8IeI-Lecw3PVCsxF_fkgHX63inWBRqyqKKHNt68YLCMPkRgC4tphiVkje8im30V94Ai6otUS9EYzPzkVezOONbaWwfDa4HahuNka-yztUXnNvni2TY2bJ/w494-h640/Cover-5-pdf-page-001%20(1).jpg" width="494" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: medium;">NEW BOOK RELEASE -- THE RAPTURE</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">I just finished my latest book and released it today. I'm excited about the topic and the short stories I've written for the book. The sub-title is "Imagining the Day that Changes the World Forever." </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The ten short stories in the book each have different scenarios featuring people going about their everyday lives when boom! The Rapture happens and their world is turned upside down. In a few of the stories, the characters are Christian believers and we see them caught up to Jesus and their amazing first-hand experiences of Heaven. In other cases, the unbelievers that are left behind go through a variety of frightening, confusing experiences on the day that millions of people disappear. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span>One reader wrote, "It was impossible to start reading a story and not finish it." </span><span>Another reader said she cried through every story -- which is a real compliment to an author! That same person said, "You knocked it out of the park with this one!" </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Along with the fiction short stories, there are chapters of fact-based information about the times surrounding the upcoming Rapture. One chapter tells about the War of Gog and Magog written about in Ezekiel 38-39. Another chapter is entitled, "What's the Deal with UFOs?" There are seven fact-based chapters.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The ebook version of the book is only 99 cents for the first month of its release. I won't have print copies available for another month, although they will be available for purchase on Amazon by Sunday.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Thank you to each person who reads this book! I hope you will be blessed as you read about an exciting upcoming event in the history of the world -- an event that changes the world forever! Link to book: </span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/Rapture%20Short%20Stories/Amazon%20-%20The%20Rapture" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="text-decoration-line: none;">Amazon - The Rapture</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><p><br /></p>Joyful Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830659078659147639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996859339802186739.post-91326922689948739472023-09-19T11:16:00.002-04:002024-01-13T12:39:46.659-05:00Blessing/Miracle Box<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh385jQPvrKoVU4MKoLZ1-TJ3nsOxgtDk4yJQF-sS2ilwYTVYm9kno6dIpP4WsFwVy8bMisUciB6Mvarri87JG7SgDVR3-Q58hqCom5V9yCBBHz7z2mwpGaqKM0U_WuPFsojG8pt_Q_oNmvvaGKh-aEbQRVkKvjRL5AuUY77-Q5k3BsDBP5nWU0XPE7OvE7/s4032/IMG_8370.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh385jQPvrKoVU4MKoLZ1-TJ3nsOxgtDk4yJQF-sS2ilwYTVYm9kno6dIpP4WsFwVy8bMisUciB6Mvarri87JG7SgDVR3-Q58hqCom5V9yCBBHz7z2mwpGaqKM0U_WuPFsojG8pt_Q_oNmvvaGKh-aEbQRVkKvjRL5AuUY77-Q5k3BsDBP5nWU0XPE7OvE7/w480-h640/IMG_8370.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: medium;">BLESSING / MIRACLE BOX</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: helvetica;">Four years ago, I heard a speaker talk about having a Blessing box. When God sent her a special blessing, she wrote about it on a slip of paper and put it into her Blessing box. Occasionally, she pulled out a slip and it reminded her of blessings she'd forgotten about. This can be especially helpful if you're experiencing a down-day and need a reminder of God's love.</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> I liked that idea and decided to add the idea of "miracle," which is often what a blessing is anyway. So, I found this lovely box sprinkled with stars (I love stars!) and I've been adding stories of miracles and blessings since then (when I remember to do so). I just added a new one today.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> This morning, I was once again blown away by God's attention to detail and to me and my tiny life in the midst of this vast universe! </span> <span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I was trying to read my morning devotional in </span><i style="font-size: 12pt;">Jesus
Calling</i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, which said, “There is a mighty battle going on for control of your
mind.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Heaven and earth intersect in your
mind; the tugs of both spheres influence your thinking…”</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As I read and reread the opening, I was unable
to focus. Myriads of thoughts were zipping through my mind, the sound of the
dishwasher was churning, and the noise of a large-scale tree-cutting project
around the corner was drowning out everything.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It reminded me of the verse, “<i>Be still and know that I am God."</i></span></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> Immediately, another thought popped into my mind. Hmmm…yesterday I saw a
truck with a <i>Jesus Saves </i>decal and a license plate border with the words: Psalm 46:10. I remember thinking that I was going to look up that verse and see what it said. So, at the very time I had the
Jesus Calling book and the Bible in my hand, seeking a quieter place to
meditate, I felt the need to look up that verse. Oh - the precious hand of God! It was a pure miracle of my sweet
Father. That verse says, “<i>Be still, and
know that I am God</i>.” Recognizing the
hand of God in that whole thing, I began to weep. When I feel God's direct Hand in my life, I am overwhelmed by His grace and it always brings tears!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Such amazing moments when God reaches down and works what might appear to some to be a small miracle (I think it's huge!), Heaven and earth do indeed intersect and we can feel the loving Hand of God reminding us that He is here with us all the time - every moment of every day. There is nothing too large, or too small for God to work through for our good. God says, "<i>Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you,</i>" Jeremiah 31:3. What a blessing!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></p><p>
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></p>Joyful Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830659078659147639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996859339802186739.post-63781545530866705312023-09-15T21:12:00.001-04:002023-11-29T10:58:56.634-05:00License Plates Again<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPT3mSKAyXHiUwPB2DC-UM9cQj2THRSWatCmNf6NThZ_7a7hdGJB08dF0BW8DeISUjOAoLXJTvH4x8S0_cOtGusx8tQVLN4l28d1Mu-2XmNkLqfuJPw_Ggv5NU39wb6tgmKMLUDQrvXr_mrQbSixXP7iG6OhofYKkcWnbcLu8i_qJS3tAHYNWONTNF3kw9/s2016/IMG_7939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPT3mSKAyXHiUwPB2DC-UM9cQj2THRSWatCmNf6NThZ_7a7hdGJB08dF0BW8DeISUjOAoLXJTvH4x8S0_cOtGusx8tQVLN4l28d1Mu-2XmNkLqfuJPw_Ggv5NU39wb6tgmKMLUDQrvXr_mrQbSixXP7iG6OhofYKkcWnbcLu8i_qJS3tAHYNWONTNF3kw9/w640-h480/IMG_7939.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: helvetica;"><b>LICENSE PLATES -- AGAIN!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> I like to picture some form of transportation when I feature license plates and this is the best I could do. This Gypsy wagon sits in the forest at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia. Put a couple of horses in front of it and I'm sure it would be good to go.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> Here are my latest entries into the world of cute and clever license plates:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">--Some plates that are food related can make you quote this plate: </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I HANGRY</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> EAT RICE C8KELDY 00FUDGE MAI TAIS </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">--Other plates will tell us how they feel - </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> JST DUKY CRZY4EW LV FLWZ N2 WILD ANML SVR DRMA-LMA</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">---These are just cute and clever</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">GOT2WK STA SHRP 4RPAPA BR3THE GAS GUZLA (on a big blue pickup truck) </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> MCYMS H20LVR R3NGAD3 O1DCRO </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">--The two who designed these plates should get together</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> LALAAAA GGRRRR</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">--a couple of my favorites: STRMTRPR FLT ERTH</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">--Then we have the plates that always warm my heart and make me feel like a brother or sister in Christ is in that vehicle</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">1 GRTGOD 2BLESS LIV4HM LOK2GD YES JESU HS SRVT XAULT HM</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Praise God for the testimonies that turn our eyes toward God that we sometimes see on license plates. I'm reminded of the verse in 1 Corinthians 10:31 that tells us, "<i>Therefore, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God"</i> -- and that can include license plates too!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Joyful Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830659078659147639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996859339802186739.post-1438790181525381072023-08-04T01:00:00.076-04:002023-08-04T01:00:00.140-04:00Beautiful Butterflies<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WChud9pmQlsYDfjo8IIDu2CBl0FZjK8sUW6y7EAoCTMYNkA2hPmFHnQ24LsMyuNW4EL7lcBKyUrhslrbXaK2AU0irV9bvuoZ2UGcdF2XKFaycx0qXk2AXRJwfqC99HFfdacss2721TeDwlkfVHeem6e6P0CN4esPclwqD3Hqi2Et_dWfLAlptkIQK7Aj/s2016/IMG_7319.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WChud9pmQlsYDfjo8IIDu2CBl0FZjK8sUW6y7EAoCTMYNkA2hPmFHnQ24LsMyuNW4EL7lcBKyUrhslrbXaK2AU0irV9bvuoZ2UGcdF2XKFaycx0qXk2AXRJwfqC99HFfdacss2721TeDwlkfVHeem6e6P0CN4esPclwqD3Hqi2Et_dWfLAlptkIQK7Aj/w480-h640/IMG_7319.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;">Beautiful Butterflies</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> This little beauty sat on a leaf in the Butterfly House at the Life & Science Museum in Durham, North Carolina. I use past tense because butterflies have such a short life span that this little guy is no longer around. The thing is -- this butterfly was created by God for a specific purpose, it fulfilled it's purpose and then left us.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> Some years ago, I wrote a piece about the brief life of the butterfly in my book, <i>Joy in the Journey - a Traveler's Tale with a Twist. </i> I'm going to share excerpts in this post:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span> “<i>The butterfly
counts not months but moments and has time enough</i>” is from the short poem,
“Time,” by Rabindranath Tagore. </span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">This
fragile little creature has a life span that varies according to species from
three days to six months. </span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">The
average lifespan for an adult butterfly is 20 to 40 days. </span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">So, when we say, “</span><i style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">The butterfly counts not
months but moments</i><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">…” that’s no exaggeration. </span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">A butterfly that lives for three days has
slightly over 4,000 minutes to perform its entire life purpose – yet – the last
part of that quotation reads, “…</span><i style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">and has time enough</i><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">.”</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Although
its life is short to our viewpoint, the butterfly does not frantically rush
about trying to accomplish as much as possible. No, rather this dainty creature gently
flutters its wings, flitting from flower to flower, unhurried -- quietly doing
its job. Along the way, the butterfly
not only pollinates flowers and vegetables as God ordained, but also provides
bright spots of delicate beauty for those who see it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The
butterfly brings glory to God, its Creator, during its short life journey
because it faithfully performs the duties for which it was created. It reflects the beauty and creativity of God
by its mere existence.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XKxK3eZPRWHbmcUFdKs4dR46gS8VVCwKSCTO0KQDpUaaneht-m7Iezu3-dmHkDfO0idjFabulK6dPwM6RG0oHzmXEU_KT0jrZUtd350vloe-NXjuramE1nNmABK2NwJvYnfZbxlxb8apwXccyViTXQSk5aCC7Wp7hiv2ZUzJq1637WCz2Dprkj_K_FdW/s2016/IMG_7312lighten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XKxK3eZPRWHbmcUFdKs4dR46gS8VVCwKSCTO0KQDpUaaneht-m7Iezu3-dmHkDfO0idjFabulK6dPwM6RG0oHzmXEU_KT0jrZUtd350vloe-NXjuramE1nNmABK2NwJvYnfZbxlxb8apwXccyViTXQSk5aCC7Wp7hiv2ZUzJq1637WCz2Dprkj_K_FdW/w640-h480/IMG_7312lighten.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">Certainly,
we all have responsibilities and there is no easy, one-fits-all-answer to the
accelerated age in which we live. “Time”
tends to be an enemy far too often. A poem came across the Internet recently that
started out: “I knelt to pray but not
for long, I had too much to do. I had to
hurry and get to work for bills would soon be due…” This poem states a major problem in the Christian’s
life – being too busy to pray.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">Jesus
knew the vital importance of prayer. His
journey on this earth lasted only 33 years. Most of us would say he died young or before
his time. In fact, He lived the perfect
amount of time for the purpose God had for Him. In John 17:4, Jesus said, <i>“I have brought
you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.”</i> He finished the work He was brought on earth
to do, and it was time to move up and out. Although He lived what we might consider a
short life, He “….<i>had time enough</i>.”</div><div style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">God is
not bound by time and neither is His purpose for your life. How can we be sure that we too will be able to
say with Jesus – “<i>I have brought you glory on earth by
completing the work you gave me to do</i>”?</div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"> How?
By using this time He has given us to do
what He created us to do. Jesus knew how
to use His time wisely and He spent much of it communing with His heavenly
Father. In spite of all the preaching,
healing, and traveling, He never became too busy to pray.</div><div style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">We are
told to, “<i>Be still and know that I am God</i>” Psalm 46:10.</div><div style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">That’s
the key to “<i>having time enough</i>” -- spending part of it in God’s
presence. When we meditate, praise and
bask in His presence, we are lifted above time and the world. Ask God what purpose He has for your life
journey. “<i>Seek ye first the kingdom
of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you</i>”
Matthew 6:33. If you sincerely seek the
answer, He will show it to you in His time.</div><div style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">If you
cannot yet verbalize what you believe your purpose is, don’t despair. God has said, “<i>Seek and ye shall find</i>”
– in His time, not yours. Learn the
lesson of the butterfly and you can rest in the Lord.</div><div style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">Like
the butterfly, we are beautiful creations with a purpose. Let’s live that purpose for Him and we too
will have time enough.</div><div style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">“…<i>He who began a good work in you will
carry it on to </i></span><i style="text-indent: 0.5in;">completion until the day of Christ Jesus</i><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">.” Philippians 1:6</span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>Joyful Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830659078659147639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996859339802186739.post-32406034809014911912023-07-21T00:30:00.075-04:002023-07-21T00:30:00.141-04:00An Unexpected Hike<div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPsv6OXiz_BrdNaScQoy2vIhpVPGGTCBghmNYvtVOqXAHFGLKS3kQV5DQk-cuB4_ni1To1BJR8ARtQoCUxE1ivQu-GUxyil-JAh7_eGZ-H5v01XWK8NOkcvKObahfIe8_wtJ2xftxmxAq3m4VzLgp47VAoUqpJX7E075Pt5MJDC_Hgddg7HLdeGlGMBOl/s1544/IMG_7686.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1158" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPsv6OXiz_BrdNaScQoy2vIhpVPGGTCBghmNYvtVOqXAHFGLKS3kQV5DQk-cuB4_ni1To1BJR8ARtQoCUxE1ivQu-GUxyil-JAh7_eGZ-H5v01XWK8NOkcvKObahfIe8_wtJ2xftxmxAq3m4VzLgp47VAoUqpJX7E075Pt5MJDC_Hgddg7HLdeGlGMBOl/w480-h640/IMG_7686.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f6000;">AN UNEXPECTED HIKE - to Stone Mountain</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing"> The end of June, we stopped by Stone Mountain State Park in Roaring Gap, North Carolina, part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our intention was to walk along an easy one-quarter mile trail to a scenic view of the stone mountain. At least, that is what I thought I read in the brochure. However, it appears that I must have imagined such a trail, because it doesn't seem to exist.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"> These words by Alexander Graham Bell had special meaning when we ended up taking an unexpected two-mile hike in the woods: "Don't keep forever on the public road, going only
where others have gone and following after the other like a flock of
sheep. Leave the beaten track
occasionally and dive into the woods.
Every time you do so you will be certain to find something that you have
never seen before." <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoJAcY_GL4xzda-TcDlkQnOmX7Hb2w22HTM412acMcixkAXT8hAapLs8bZf9y06eVUeb62mUib-vGbzjzM89HCAq_gakSfvykf2B4Rr2bL1RnFWjiMzijVff01k__-vpSGMk3ntWcfXwT1-HhJAHpXbfc5jfErfvwb1z6betqbKQm0A9ycz6uZV8eVST5/s2016/IMG_7690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoJAcY_GL4xzda-TcDlkQnOmX7Hb2w22HTM412acMcixkAXT8hAapLs8bZf9y06eVUeb62mUib-vGbzjzM89HCAq_gakSfvykf2B4Rr2bL1RnFWjiMzijVff01k__-vpSGMk3ntWcfXwT1-HhJAHpXbfc5jfErfvwb1z6betqbKQm0A9ycz6uZV8eVST5/w480-h640/IMG_7690.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeeWsClcfz88V-7MF4sdeWgvlOJGvshZtxB7sD7XVGnfa0HOfHAUWs0Zse1NLiTPuOZkfu8N-s2zQE_Zb-NXR5KZdp5iBRZNb8HO0zXvvBVuS-u35WkdFZJmBndczYeMFDnfiXt7Z5g_xZkWtwWSj5nOBAB2LLj3MmkPopb_6iq8QnuQhAQ_5udYDjMWrL/s2016/IMG_7688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeeWsClcfz88V-7MF4sdeWgvlOJGvshZtxB7sD7XVGnfa0HOfHAUWs0Zse1NLiTPuOZkfu8N-s2zQE_Zb-NXR5KZdp5iBRZNb8HO0zXvvBVuS-u35WkdFZJmBndczYeMFDnfiXt7Z5g_xZkWtwWSj5nOBAB2LLj3MmkPopb_6iq8QnuQhAQ_5udYDjMWrL/w640-h480/IMG_7688.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div> Well, we did "dive into the woods," and in spite of everything it turned out to be a nice adventure with a lot of good exercise - up and down and all-around on what seemed at the time to be a never-ending trail. We were able to maneuver over tangles of roots, fallen trees, numerous wide steps, and a sad lack of signage to finally arrive at our destination -- a stunning stone mountain, complete with a furnished homestead and outbuildings from an extended family who lived there for over a century, beginning in 1855 when they built the house. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3oNoNxuWLDVSlLena2An7qX5OegYHbwNs5gk68jvrLXNzhguctckD7cq7PDWfpUPkRG-NMqnngLLifh0cXkDsdprbCZQ2XtsnW1b4YAmI04JzczT7ciRyc1P0Rx5d3qEiLSYDdIrNMQTySJsOcfToEBFq5_W3dUStTFbdOW8R0v5uQJcXEqlwesPFFMa/s2016/IMG_7693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3oNoNxuWLDVSlLena2An7qX5OegYHbwNs5gk68jvrLXNzhguctckD7cq7PDWfpUPkRG-NMqnngLLifh0cXkDsdprbCZQ2XtsnW1b4YAmI04JzczT7ciRyc1P0Rx5d3qEiLSYDdIrNMQTySJsOcfToEBFq5_W3dUStTFbdOW8R0v5uQJcXEqlwesPFFMa/w640-h480/IMG_7693.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div> I'm reminded of the many wonderful Bible verses that speak of mountains, here are just a few:</div><div><br /></div><div>--"For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands," Isaiah 55:12.</div><div><br /></div><div>--I will lift up my eyes to the hills -- from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth," Psalm 121:1-2.</div><div><br /></div><div>--"Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God," Psalm 90:2.</div><div><br /></div><div>--"He puts His hand on the flint; He overturns the mountains at the roots," Job 28:9.</div><div><br /></div><div>--"For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you," Isaiah 54:10.</div><div><br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Joyful Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830659078659147639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996859339802186739.post-71546159410846535572023-07-14T01:00:00.015-04:002023-07-14T01:00:00.138-04:00Pulaski, Virginia<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabk-7eAzWXU7KCrcgMTZl_oX-2h2OkHL6CG1etvE9WuzEJWMw1IhI1NAKLZfnfjOXJZrkX9Btd1YeA_IUp_fTwNdXLwZofBgbt4Nugx-_kBYf7zzpCmvFlhY12ADCncRIstYttQyKu_sCij09kvqH65UmmTQfurkC7EKXH03Nc6C_oPIvtNyzGYIm2h_M/s2016/IMG_7736.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabk-7eAzWXU7KCrcgMTZl_oX-2h2OkHL6CG1etvE9WuzEJWMw1IhI1NAKLZfnfjOXJZrkX9Btd1YeA_IUp_fTwNdXLwZofBgbt4Nugx-_kBYf7zzpCmvFlhY12ADCncRIstYttQyKu_sCij09kvqH65UmmTQfurkC7EKXH03Nc6C_oPIvtNyzGYIm2h_M/w640-h480/IMG_7736.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">PULASKI, VIRGINIA</span></div> </div><div> The end of June, we spent an evening in Pulaski, Virginia - located near the Blue Ridge Mountains. The photo is their park which sits beside an active railroad track. The hotel we stayed in is the brick building at the end of the street. The town of Pulaski was incorporated in 1886 and named for Count Casimir Pulaski, a Revolutionary War hero and nobleman from Poland.</div><div> We stayed at the Jackson Park Inn which is a lovingly converted 1920's grocery warehouse. An outer wall of original brick, exposed post and beam timbers and wide plank wood floors offer a wonderful glimpse of early craftsmanship. The three floors are beautifully decorated and we very much enjoyed staying there (my second time).</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVa_CSHnX53n6FmHifhNvM3Z8JM1VaOnFkOE-ibLaUHYH4Q8u24-M7tDRhfRf_7skzAKOB9caVzwJDcgTEejsTHfjHOWCGiaY9EXxs8KmwjjKNan5PFNC1856J0wpTXlw4SLry4xfvoV41FstgJ2g0sM1Lc8PiUb767nLD0ow4Ya4Cf2I2LL6YzRDt-yBi/s2016/IMG_7733.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVa_CSHnX53n6FmHifhNvM3Z8JM1VaOnFkOE-ibLaUHYH4Q8u24-M7tDRhfRf_7skzAKOB9caVzwJDcgTEejsTHfjHOWCGiaY9EXxs8KmwjjKNan5PFNC1856J0wpTXlw4SLry4xfvoV41FstgJ2g0sM1Lc8PiUb767nLD0ow4Ya4Cf2I2LL6YzRDt-yBi/w400-h300/IMG_7733.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div> We enjoyed a walk around the quiet town. There are many nice, old buildings that are empty, but there is evidence of revitalization taking place and hopefully, the town will soon be vibrant again. There's a lot of potential there. Here are a few photos from our walk:<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0cy6CdTRUrHNFdL6r7bCE4DiMl5BAB_H13JNpj0P3NflPjMH00m8T_l3XswM6FYhYQEfXK3NxZspvCnj6cIzGnBcJCCgpDmFV2Mgds_jxQdHPgpsjyTLsCGqHun77j89b50cQofFhKHCDBQMFBb0gWarp3zI5erTqBi-lJRHmNBPemZFlMmF1LyV_nsW/s2016/IMG_7741.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0cy6CdTRUrHNFdL6r7bCE4DiMl5BAB_H13JNpj0P3NflPjMH00m8T_l3XswM6FYhYQEfXK3NxZspvCnj6cIzGnBcJCCgpDmFV2Mgds_jxQdHPgpsjyTLsCGqHun77j89b50cQofFhKHCDBQMFBb0gWarp3zI5erTqBi-lJRHmNBPemZFlMmF1LyV_nsW/w640-h480/IMG_7741.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> This picturesque Episcopal church sits right beside the river running through the town.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwGkXL-nU6zmQefGa2DS0OTgUfS6UrWHO5IVHqbK1lV_zI2BGv7OVLjNM1xlBrBUe4ehmZTcmmgPlXODyD7PxyEMgRsiFslMgYxQ8dCCFkT23TNaJwAqR2M2ZC7QvLOpRwKMi45EzbarxuxiJC9gGX-HnOamCc0ili7ZkpWvEw9Q7DnRqSG0XdIKBGlBx/s2016/IMG_7767.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwGkXL-nU6zmQefGa2DS0OTgUfS6UrWHO5IVHqbK1lV_zI2BGv7OVLjNM1xlBrBUe4ehmZTcmmgPlXODyD7PxyEMgRsiFslMgYxQ8dCCFkT23TNaJwAqR2M2ZC7QvLOpRwKMi45EzbarxuxiJC9gGX-HnOamCc0ili7ZkpWvEw9Q7DnRqSG0XdIKBGlBx/w640-h480/IMG_7767.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> This triple stone arch has quite a history. It was built in 1907 for a display at the Jamestown Exposition of 1907 (right near us in Norfolk!). After the event ended, they dismantled the arch and brought it back to Pulaski where it was erected as a permanent entrance for the stately granite courthouse below (ca 1896). Our good friend Martha is from Pulaski and I would love to hear some of her stories of growing up in that town.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbb_DrzUZoAhWncoHDD9D8M9O-MQi02wz42lcpJ895ZtGXtjdnSRj7M9Xz0yi3MiiNlP0o600fIETVlHL06A1CAacEd8lsaiCgX2Rhm0Fzlc-bu0Uw7z78M2EvujF9U1mImOuzDQ8FdmJpdKi9h8JY_z2yVlk3c_xwrIJuO0QDV2IPqA_D4heBpzP4sQCl/s2016/IMG_7765.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbb_DrzUZoAhWncoHDD9D8M9O-MQi02wz42lcpJ895ZtGXtjdnSRj7M9Xz0yi3MiiNlP0o600fIETVlHL06A1CAacEd8lsaiCgX2Rhm0Fzlc-bu0Uw7z78M2EvujF9U1mImOuzDQ8FdmJpdKi9h8JY_z2yVlk3c_xwrIJuO0QDV2IPqA_D4heBpzP4sQCl/w640-h480/IMG_7765.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUkecDiY6YqG3TqWdiGoTN9ksJcM8qVjlO3DGcLQs2jF7qIQ6_mENomuT6lLRYYWpUtaFt3qh6Av4vFl95H5YEldktUe-3_xEbCu0sysMpnSPJIDwcqZwuIJUpK0lSC5_xeSNOXw8l97FJkM3lbrQpQ_Cq0J4XoA1uxeOviimjHXse5xggZ9G3hl9s9b6/s2016/IMG_7772.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUkecDiY6YqG3TqWdiGoTN9ksJcM8qVjlO3DGcLQs2jF7qIQ6_mENomuT6lLRYYWpUtaFt3qh6Av4vFl95H5YEldktUe-3_xEbCu0sysMpnSPJIDwcqZwuIJUpK0lSC5_xeSNOXw8l97FJkM3lbrQpQ_Cq0J4XoA1uxeOviimjHXse5xggZ9G3hl9s9b6/w640-h480/IMG_7772.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I'll end with these beautiful pink hydrangeas growing along the </div><div style="text-align: center;">black iron fence across the street from the courthouse.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We enjoyed our brief stay in the small town named after Count Pulaski of Poland! It's always nice to explore a new place. So thankful the Lord "<i>will
watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now
and forevermore,</i>" Psalm 121:7-8</div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p><div><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><p></p></div></div></div></div></div>Joyful Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830659078659147639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996859339802186739.post-27194115434648463812023-07-04T01:00:00.001-04:002023-07-04T01:00:00.145-04:00National D-Day Memorial<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBeXyQhQKG_0jBrfGB1JzbBQhEbAmOzABNqaYZaedy1E9wF-u4n1xFHg-B8vyF6LgQekikGiV3AA5MrrdZJ7Y8npmEE2dqzF2FmTpSY0Eu3WEta_I7119jMOrDItn6bpxZOKMeC7ZpEZUj5bzXlk3OJcUqgStc-9IOx2Cato2Uec_7lsSlvaWyLLTzqx7/s2016/IMG_7849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBeXyQhQKG_0jBrfGB1JzbBQhEbAmOzABNqaYZaedy1E9wF-u4n1xFHg-B8vyF6LgQekikGiV3AA5MrrdZJ7Y8npmEE2dqzF2FmTpSY0Eu3WEta_I7119jMOrDItn6bpxZOKMeC7ZpEZUj5bzXlk3OJcUqgStc-9IOx2Cato2Uec_7lsSlvaWyLLTzqx7/w640-h480/IMG_7849.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f6000;">NATIONAL D-DAY MEMORIAL</span></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"> The end of June we visited the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia, not far from the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 50-acre monument reminds us of the sacrifice of more than 4,415 men who died on June 6, 1944, when allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy France. D-Day was the largest amphibious assault in human history as well as one of the most pivotal battles of World War II.<br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67lhSdjGSCoLYNAxUaB-FNc2aRkQY3amQTjWUehcFhTgvg2YauMx8m4htEiuJrAAYtkZrwe4MpFvZ2ZKwOE-_tdGJOoa1jBy9-rC1RURaR_OPBCVzT27HOMkLTbFY5gCiBNpMa99k0oXUJnzfm1ner9wU_tKA-kkxAwAIEj6Hp_WE8CCHNXA4vDgs-2SU/s2016/IMG_7819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67lhSdjGSCoLYNAxUaB-FNc2aRkQY3amQTjWUehcFhTgvg2YauMx8m4htEiuJrAAYtkZrwe4MpFvZ2ZKwOE-_tdGJOoa1jBy9-rC1RURaR_OPBCVzT27HOMkLTbFY5gCiBNpMa99k0oXUJnzfm1ner9wU_tKA-kkxAwAIEj6Hp_WE8CCHNXA4vDgs-2SU/w640-h480/IMG_7819.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> The most touching and dramatic scene represents a soldier wading through water as bullets whiz around him, another soldier lying in the sand, and life-size soldiers storming the beach. The pops of water representing bullets is especially chilling.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgwfr4imAgGaZ6hUOIQh_VKTrMqfGLoVBR8ibrPGcP5KZTGM7fimrmDl2LW6LYEMg391HatkELwsLmHy7jBCdGDId4-PuXoQMnrDJiwobUv8hmTzPIiL6EwViW_HcDkYmt-kQIqs15mWAQ_7St1VDkkmUnA6Xa8_9SBgN3OwPKzOzZ3vlWazeHb8Q3PDX/s2016/IMG_7831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgwfr4imAgGaZ6hUOIQh_VKTrMqfGLoVBR8ibrPGcP5KZTGM7fimrmDl2LW6LYEMg391HatkELwsLmHy7jBCdGDId4-PuXoQMnrDJiwobUv8hmTzPIiL6EwViW_HcDkYmt-kQIqs15mWAQ_7St1VDkkmUnA6Xa8_9SBgN3OwPKzOzZ3vlWazeHb8Q3PDX/w640-h480/IMG_7831.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipE9jvoecPPfjM2olxfyQyPPMsvpn1U_Vy7y5LKYALVzfMSSUnmkmJ__hnDEp3Zck8GqZ96Q30txMv1EI5PyTzarQUbus4S4LHJUcLCSyr-f26a8305VrNu5Kzb-hp_tFJDTdH7Y8d8oXsria_rYr6vznb9m1VzYuhv_2LRcxE0de0qG5mhJQ06V-tNU9J/s2016/IMG_7820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipE9jvoecPPfjM2olxfyQyPPMsvpn1U_Vy7y5LKYALVzfMSSUnmkmJ__hnDEp3Zck8GqZ96Q30txMv1EI5PyTzarQUbus4S4LHJUcLCSyr-f26a8305VrNu5Kzb-hp_tFJDTdH7Y8d8oXsria_rYr6vznb9m1VzYuhv_2LRcxE0de0qG5mhJQ06V-tNU9J/w300-h400/IMG_7820.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A soldier bravely climbs toward the enemy bunkers</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsa5Fgea-nm8QbqL7MZRjv_mnYlFQvU55nQN97f2NE5rcfkt1qcmdYK9fK1DQ7-AoU2PS_rh5_HXG0zCPxHcJjaRGodJFim7zpncoVH0iY6Rh3v-KwWhaAltlHySekNDAGDMdrPewnitJAUI3VLa4u5n8NK3lBRYKOMt9zsfkqR_5yLia4L9Sbl1y3YkT/s2016/IMG_7848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsa5Fgea-nm8QbqL7MZRjv_mnYlFQvU55nQN97f2NE5rcfkt1qcmdYK9fK1DQ7-AoU2PS_rh5_HXG0zCPxHcJjaRGodJFim7zpncoVH0iY6Rh3v-KwWhaAltlHySekNDAGDMdrPewnitJAUI3VLa4u5n8NK3lBRYKOMt9zsfkqR_5yLia4L9Sbl1y3YkT/w480-h640/IMG_7848.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> This statue of a soldier is a special memorial to the Bedford Boys from that county. On D-Day, that small, rural county lost more young men per capita than anywhere else in America. There were 44 Bedford Boys in the battle that day -- 20 of them were killed. Certainly a mighty sacrifice for this small tight-knit community.</div><div><br /></div><div> We are reminded of the courage and bravery of all those men that day -- and throughout the history of our country. Some who gave their lives and others who fought long and hard in the trenches to bring freedom to those held in the clutches of evil. We thank God for His blessing on our land. </div><div> "<i>Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for His inheritance. From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from His dwelling place He watches all who live on earth - He who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do</i>," Psalm 33:12-15.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">GOD BLESS AMERICA!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div>Joyful Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830659078659147639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996859339802186739.post-56241632874788210092023-06-30T01:00:00.086-04:002023-06-30T01:00:00.184-04:00Flowers and Friends<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmLWa1CwWC7iZLECdxamZ1OU3UQZ3YTdekaAOJoT9wWfjNI8CvZCF8IGmsVuzSrSMmckDwT512zrqho6K1bxuQJX0XDvtszkYIY1IURtBMK0ZhOdQEQbp2oFWMa0hVi6uzkDwsrvCwcMhGgh1DnLLMjf8kBLFdt_mbLK4N_8wjuWQiIntDBlKF0KoHWl4/s1815/IMG_7578trim.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1815" data-original-width="1474" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmLWa1CwWC7iZLECdxamZ1OU3UQZ3YTdekaAOJoT9wWfjNI8CvZCF8IGmsVuzSrSMmckDwT512zrqho6K1bxuQJX0XDvtszkYIY1IURtBMK0ZhOdQEQbp2oFWMa0hVi6uzkDwsrvCwcMhGgh1DnLLMjf8kBLFdt_mbLK4N_8wjuWQiIntDBlKF0KoHWl4/w520-h640/IMG_7578trim.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;"><b>FLOWERS AND FRIENDS</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> On our way back from NC in June, we stopped in the charming historical town of Edenton. This beautiful bouquet of hydrangeas sat in the hallway of the Barker House and I wanted to share their beauty with you. In 1774, the home's owner, Penelope Barker, led 50 other women in an act of protest against the British government and the unfair Tea Tax forced upon the American colonies by King George. It must have been a real act of patriotism by these ladies to forego their beloved cups of tea! I'm not sure this "Barker" would have been able to toe the line -- I do like my morning cuppa!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGe5zkmd0exLoy1vYf8eHFL89HLNd7fnCl1mjUquYH-uttR52PX2HxqPAqgdJ57ukf7qfA05kOJPtFi5sTIUEoZ5jWvIVAVN6mgJTxcJAYSG_3L9GCQWh2bbyCsNrREVvFmD_eWkp5GyzCdHcTd9-uOEHQWEpVcdjzQoAxF3-ru7jSUvoT7U9WmmATRGkz/s2016/IMG_7526.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGe5zkmd0exLoy1vYf8eHFL89HLNd7fnCl1mjUquYH-uttR52PX2HxqPAqgdJ57ukf7qfA05kOJPtFi5sTIUEoZ5jWvIVAVN6mgJTxcJAYSG_3L9GCQWh2bbyCsNrREVvFmD_eWkp5GyzCdHcTd9-uOEHQWEpVcdjzQoAxF3-ru7jSUvoT7U9WmmATRGkz/w640-h480/IMG_7526.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> These lovely Mimosa blossoms grow in my son Nathan's yard in NC. The delicate, silky flowers and elegant dark green leaves have such an exotic look to them -- I just love it! They are originally from China and the Middle East, and have been called the Tree of Happiness by some people. It always makes me happy to see them fluttering in the breeze.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtWIru-xId3agNiqJuWdweiU11Tk-sXeWdLFQt4NKhZS_i6eUYGBCWMwkK_CHIgSoWHlXj5NwouT8kdvZtnjtS1QPZXu44Dw3mWYeX0qbgN99pXeKh8y0G4avkFMpkREKIeqr9ukOl6oUDbS1U5s4socuNpoBNe2-HfBr2uWMugZaiZLmW7GEji_AyirB/s2016/IMG_7242.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtWIru-xId3agNiqJuWdweiU11Tk-sXeWdLFQt4NKhZS_i6eUYGBCWMwkK_CHIgSoWHlXj5NwouT8kdvZtnjtS1QPZXu44Dw3mWYeX0qbgN99pXeKh8y0G4avkFMpkREKIeqr9ukOl6oUDbS1U5s4socuNpoBNe2-HfBr2uWMugZaiZLmW7GEji_AyirB/w480-h640/IMG_7242.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Yet another flower from NC, this time at the Asheboro Zoo. This interesting flower is a Red Hot Poker in the lily family, native to Africa. Guess that's why we saw it growing in the elephant enclosure at the zoo. My mother loved these flowers and every time I see one, I immediately think of her and imagine how pleased she would be to see it. I wouldn't be surprised if she's included a whole section of Red Hot Pokers in her heavenly garden in the sky.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> A dear friend of ours from church, C.H. Powers, wrote a poem about Flowers and Friends some years ago and he gave it to us. C.H. is now up in heaven too -- enjoying the many things he missed out on when he was here on earth. Here's what he wrote,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> For friends are flowers, of the Garden of Life,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> And some flowers grow, on a long narrow sod;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> There's red ones and yellow ones, and many other colors,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> But greatest of all, they were created by God.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Now some flowers bloom, only in their own season,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> And true friends bloom, and stay in season all year long;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Just as the flowers, we also need the Sunshine,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> And the Son shines in our hearts, and gives a glad song.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSbj2M8ZSEkK696Na9imL-jGQ_Ahxx9YfXLyCK3a6I1H0dxcB--rNaXbYHWWn5DCBGdCBh85rhBwxgPA7q4OjcKjcBaB1Uf11sfIDX1zQcl4vk4rwpDzg-ljTXa3RE_5P_Mm1uEzZkCqLhNzYiCEQfq8dRFndLclEMt3IPoXnQtUbeueW28usg6un9wyl/s1677/IMG_7217trim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1246" data-original-width="1677" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSbj2M8ZSEkK696Na9imL-jGQ_Ahxx9YfXLyCK3a6I1H0dxcB--rNaXbYHWWn5DCBGdCBh85rhBwxgPA7q4OjcKjcBaB1Uf11sfIDX1zQcl4vk4rwpDzg-ljTXa3RE_5P_Mm1uEzZkCqLhNzYiCEQfq8dRFndLclEMt3IPoXnQtUbeueW28usg6un9wyl/w640-h476/IMG_7217trim.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> This is not usually considered a particularly beautiful flower, but I think the contrast of the prickly tough green leaf with the delicate yellow bloom is quite interesting -- and even a bit courageous. I give the cactus flower points for its fluffy beauty atop an inhospitable base and usually found in the desert. This plant resides along the edge of the baboon enclosure at the Asheboro Zoo. "<i>The desert shall rejoice and blossom...it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice</i>," Isaiah 35:1-2.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> God "<i>has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts.</i>.." Ecclesiastes 3:11.</div> Hope you enjoyed a bouquet of varied blossoms from God's amazing creation!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Joyful Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830659078659147639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996859339802186739.post-83004940266261176672023-06-23T01:00:00.001-04:002023-06-23T01:00:00.140-04:00Book Review - Jesus Calling<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QLrf-3XSDzglHuI47ZeLNY_m-GOtxwV_D_MDcvhn7Hu9E5fbr3YjuGRw4PVDmJ9kvhsrSE8xu2vL9RiKEhw8G2uMYNgeY6gjdd2YyclvOinVwLYe-Y1ecCVyG0e_zgOLUtVcVkhT8hZ_nVsFYcBRYeXM9Z-woBYAZ-1J4wcghYE4cQ7tRzkEaoTpRfC4/s1633/IMG_7470trim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1633" data-original-width="1315" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QLrf-3XSDzglHuI47ZeLNY_m-GOtxwV_D_MDcvhn7Hu9E5fbr3YjuGRw4PVDmJ9kvhsrSE8xu2vL9RiKEhw8G2uMYNgeY6gjdd2YyclvOinVwLYe-Y1ecCVyG0e_zgOLUtVcVkhT8hZ_nVsFYcBRYeXM9Z-woBYAZ-1J4wcghYE4cQ7tRzkEaoTpRfC4/w323-h400/IMG_7470trim.jpg" width="323" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;">Book Review -- <i>Jesus Calling</i></span></div><div> <br />I began using <i>Jesus Calling</i>, by Sarah Young, as a morning devotional back in 2010. I've continued to use it over and over again every year except for one. The Christmas of 2017, my daughter Sara gave me the daily devotional, <i>New Morning Mercies,</i> by Paul David Tripp, which was a blessing as I read it throughout 2018. But the next year, back to Jesus Calling, which has never grown stale for me. </div><p></p><p>The writer, Sarah Young, is a seeker of God. When she sought to hear from Him, He began speaking to her heart and she began writing down His messages. She said, "God...guides our minds as we think things out in His presence." In this book, Sarah shares God's Words as if they were written to each of us personally. </p><p>One of the things I like in this particular edition is the space on the lower half of the page where I can write my own feelings about that particular message from Jesus. It's interesting to see the difference in my attitude from year to year, or in some cases, how there has been little change.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAIxLYht4UsINmuCR7EQrIvVUHHkQtR-2CC8aCSsL_XWvOBKtYLXRXBWbQhJ2_1NIMizsk7d0nWQQ4S3aKZQ6T3EUGCtKTV9q_AN6vnuE1gRkM4BJDmjg18wc_MidBfEqJdnFBMbCvSjcY-hrqSYIJUxMJmVl0L79Lj0fAp_xmYO9kfPCX9fStDPDAb-W/s1714/IMG_7593trim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1714" data-original-width="1361" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAIxLYht4UsINmuCR7EQrIvVUHHkQtR-2CC8aCSsL_XWvOBKtYLXRXBWbQhJ2_1NIMizsk7d0nWQQ4S3aKZQ6T3EUGCtKTV9q_AN6vnuE1gRkM4BJDmjg18wc_MidBfEqJdnFBMbCvSjcY-hrqSYIJUxMJmVl0L79Lj0fAp_xmYO9kfPCX9fStDPDAb-W/w318-h400/IMG_7593trim.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Each day's entry answers a need, offers a challenge and/or gives encouragement. Sometimes, we're shown something we never thought about in that light. It's actually amazing how God seems to tailor each day's devotion to the needs of that day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are a few of my favorite lines, to be read as if Jesus is speaking them to you: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">---"You are My beloved child, I chose you before the foundation of the world, to walk with Me along paths designed uniquely for you."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">---"You need a buffer zone of silence around you in order to focus on things that are unseen...The curse of this age is overstimulation of the senses, which blocks out awareness of the unseen world."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">---"I am all around you, like a cocoon of Light. My Presence with you is a promise, independent of your awareness of Me."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This book has been a great blessing to me and I highly recommend it to you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Joyful Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830659078659147639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996859339802186739.post-75656334316251478652023-06-12T13:51:00.000-04:002023-06-12T13:51:56.099-04:00Book Review -- Heaven<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VxY6e0f9ChrVwEW1XUKgQl6YHDFAxUXS_RpSEVee8Mh0gMr778fXHXfEZpq7JMCh0Cn8dYsWE1v8bFqR6QIGge3hHxk_pjaJTy-IxwszWvsLF1EGUiXQziYs8xXCpzs0wUxXQUDAb0onqAqZQzcVrwtavfBKYTQdHDjEk_DiH608_wCh0JZZEX0CYA/s1721/IMG_7468trim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1721" data-original-width="1243" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VxY6e0f9ChrVwEW1XUKgQl6YHDFAxUXS_RpSEVee8Mh0gMr778fXHXfEZpq7JMCh0Cn8dYsWE1v8bFqR6QIGge3hHxk_pjaJTy-IxwszWvsLF1EGUiXQziYs8xXCpzs0wUxXQUDAb0onqAqZQzcVrwtavfBKYTQdHDjEk_DiH608_wCh0JZZEX0CYA/w289-h400/IMG_7468trim.jpg" width="289" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BOOK REVIEW - HEAVEN BOOKS, by Randy Alcorn</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> My previous blog post on "Books" was a nice introduction for a series of book reviews I'm doing. My first review features three books by Randy Alcorn. Each of these books have been a huge blessing in my life and I encourage you to read them. They will change your outlook on Heaven -- for the better!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The book pictured above was given to my husband and I by a dear brother in Christ in our church (thank you, my friend!). I had previously recommended to him another book by Randy Alcorn, entitled, "In Light of Eternity." When he read it, he was deeply impressed by the amazing truths in that book and he promptly purchased this other book by that author and then shared it with us. We've all been so blessed by these two books and I want to encourage you to read them as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PTjjQxccnCGfiPmGa5luCXt0g27YF675ZGFw5qF4koWhAQSFsW4CXVMMzuPPvf2nufZ8yZyd1eX3RAuqKT5pHytlVyk5H-D1YlFxqDxNcuxFMaKjbqxlhhjtb1ItsvYfHNTfdHDKfslqus9NumzMfuOZ7DM2SuGMqW4u8TkL8IL_QlAhI_BDxn_igQ/s1684/IMG_7472trim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1684" data-original-width="1234" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PTjjQxccnCGfiPmGa5luCXt0g27YF675ZGFw5qF4koWhAQSFsW4CXVMMzuPPvf2nufZ8yZyd1eX3RAuqKT5pHytlVyk5H-D1YlFxqDxNcuxFMaKjbqxlhhjtb1ItsvYfHNTfdHDKfslqus9NumzMfuOZ7DM2SuGMqW4u8TkL8IL_QlAhI_BDxn_igQ/w293-h400/IMG_7472trim.jpg" width="293" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">---<b>"50 Days of Heaven," </b>contains 50 daily devotionals about Heaven that will introduce new ways of looking at Heaven -- all completely Biblical. Here's a blurb from the book, "If you've always thought of Heaven as a realm of clouds, disembodied spirits, and eternal harp strumming, you're in for a wonderful surprise. These thought-provoking meditations will forever change the way you think about the spectacular new universe that awaits us: new heavens and a New Earth, where Jesus will be the cosmic center, and joy will be the air we breathe." </div><div style="text-align: left;"> Just this morning, I read Day 14 and was blown away by the wonder of Heaven. Here's the note I wrote on the page, "I am overwhelmed by the beauty and truth in this chapter. I weep as this truth resonates deep within my soul!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">---"<b>In Light of Eternity.</b>" You might think these books would be repetitious of one another, but they are very different in their thrust, even though Heaven is always seen in a similarly wonderful light. This book focuses on how we should be living in the world today to be ready for our eternity in Heaven. We've all read in scripture that God will be giving out rewards in Heaven and how we need to lay up "treasures in Heaven where moth and rust do not corrupt." But, how seriously are we living in that light? This book will explain, challenge and encourage you in your walk here on earth. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> Here's what Randy wrote, "The greatest weakness of the western church today is arguably our failure to think of the long tomorrow - to take seriously the reality that heaven is our home. Out of this springs our love affair with this world and our failure to live now in light of eternity. To derail us, all Satan needs to do is minimize our passion for two things - the person of God and the place of God."</div><div style="text-align: left;"> Randy writes, "Our lives on earth are a training course to get us ready for heaven. It's not just that God is preparing a place for us. It's that he's preparing us for that place." After reading this book, I do see eternity in a different light and I realize how important our preparation here on earth is -- after all, I believe that's one of the reasons He leaves us here after we're saved.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSXUkY2xaYNaKxFdSVQkS2uio1yERegW18d2wr8vNlmv95OBeQMCW2BC1U5djj7_bfVrrHPMArzM3qIEbOLrk1YHKCgVGHzgwpiW_7xb87GiDzNbL-FPCLfWkt2hS_lFBlsN4YdFwnc14hy6ogBN-q7L0BViJt30tDdiLYeWGIk3K27SulVcYFZG1BQ/s1684/IMG_7471trim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1684" data-original-width="1270" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSXUkY2xaYNaKxFdSVQkS2uio1yERegW18d2wr8vNlmv95OBeQMCW2BC1U5djj7_bfVrrHPMArzM3qIEbOLrk1YHKCgVGHzgwpiW_7xb87GiDzNbL-FPCLfWkt2hS_lFBlsN4YdFwnc14hy6ogBN-q7L0BViJt30tDdiLYeWGIk3K27SulVcYFZG1BQ/w301-h400/IMG_7471trim.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">----"<b>Heaven</b>" - a workbook: This book was published in 2006 and I have done the study twice. I believe this book is out of print, but I've been able to purchase several of them on thriftbooks.com. I just checked and thriftbooks had 10 copies for $5.79 each -- a bargain. This is a fantastic book that you can read without even filling in the few questions in each chapter. Here's what Randy writes in the introduction, "In this book we'll see an exciting yet strangely neglected truth -- that God never gave up on His original plan for human beings to dwell on earth. In fact, the climax of history will be the creation of New Heavens and a New Earth." He goes on to write, "I want us to be so excited about Heaven that we will have maximum effectiveness in this present world."</div><div style="text-align: left;"> I cannot stress enough the great value this book will have on your life! It's my very favorite book on Heaven! Read it and find truth and hope that you never imagined. It's that good!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There are some great songs about Heaven. A recent song by Big Daddy Weave is called, "Heaven Changes Everything," and indeed it truly does. Here are a few lines from that song:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">These tears would just be tears fallin' down my face</div><div style="text-align: left;">And this hurt would just be hurt with no healing on the way</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thank you, Jesus, Heaven changes everything.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A goodbye would be goodbye with no "I'll see you again,"</div><div style="text-align: left;">And when a life is over, that would simply be the end;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thank you, Jesus, Heaven changes everything.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I can live for the day when my eyes will finally see</div><div style="text-align: left;">Every piece that was broken, restored and redeemed</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thank you, Jesus, Heaven changes everything.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Let's rejoice in the wonderful promise from God and His Son Jesus who has gone to prepare an amazing place for us to live with Him forever. A place where those who have trusted Christ as Savior will live their fullest life in a beautiful world without end!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Joyful Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830659078659147639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996859339802186739.post-52261811575538036532023-06-06T13:15:00.001-04:002023-06-11T17:39:26.828-04:00Books<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPlnFv7WnhKs9D1GAcxt3VKk6UjMzXTGVcnzgAEJovNh0Z6nENw2oZfI3xyD5gYZe3YZmrMG-79hfVA7j7ztf3NehOaHWNjEbdbYdT_bUIujLCy8i5odB6C7THZE8UFWP9S1ygXqJsp0sOiKQnIoXZq6TISOvbFHcW9_hxHh0B1qLNwMmv_JSOI-GIA/s2012/IMG_507trim.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="2012" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPlnFv7WnhKs9D1GAcxt3VKk6UjMzXTGVcnzgAEJovNh0Z6nENw2oZfI3xyD5gYZe3YZmrMG-79hfVA7j7ztf3NehOaHWNjEbdbYdT_bUIujLCy8i5odB6C7THZE8UFWP9S1ygXqJsp0sOiKQnIoXZq6TISOvbFHcW9_hxHh0B1qLNwMmv_JSOI-GIA/w640-h330/IMG_507trim.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: medium;">BOOKS</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Books! Reading them and Writing them -- both rich activities. The shelf of books pictured above was on display in the Colonial Williamsburg book bindery building when we visited last year. These beautiful books are hand-bound in fine leather -- something few of us can afford. All the books I own are either soft or hard-bound in paper and cardboard, or electronically stored on my Kindle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I prefer reading fiction on my Kindle and non-fiction in print copy. When I read non-fiction, I like to underline or put brackets around information that is most important to me, that way I can go back and easily spot something I've made note of. What is your preferred way to read? Do you prefer to read fiction or non-fiction, or like me, a bit of both?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As most of you know, I also like to write books. People might wonder, why? Well, it's a passion within me which leads me to believe that God must have put it there. When I don't write for a few weeks, I feel restless. I have a need to write. The writer Leo Buscaglia said, "Your talent is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God," which goes along with the words of author Valerie Fay, "The gift God has given you is not separate from His purpose for our life." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Famous poet William Wordsworth wrote, "Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart..." This is something I have done over and over again, hoping that what is in my heart will touch a chord in another heart and be meaningful and helpful in some way -- that it can be used by God for His good will.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We all need to fulfill the purpose God created us for. Oliver Wendall Holmes, Sr., wrote, "Many people die with their music still in them. Why is this so? Too often it is because they are always getting ready to live. Before they know it, time runs out." That quote goes along with a poem by Rabindranath Tagore, that begins, "The song that I came to sing remains unsung to this day. I have spent my days in stringing and in unstringing my instrument." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We don't want the song God put inside our hearts to remain unsung. Find your voice and use it for your Holy Father -- in whatever form He has gifted you. I like what Erma Bombeck wrote, "When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say, 'I used everything You gave me.'" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"<i>Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day. Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples. For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised...</i>" 1 Chronicles 16:23-24.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Joyful Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830659078659147639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996859339802186739.post-64991773089725280412023-05-20T20:35:00.001-04:002023-05-20T20:35:57.084-04:00Psalm 23<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDqofbVp3ERk2yP1ZEOgzwr6aXmeZM7IUNZWrEIJ4WnxNyWEgfZOLvZX8lDp6I3GMaXa5d5_Q50ljsxa4IN877rMeks2EiJ5wBAWx74yM2_Kwi40N8O1UN0YrgTCVnBI1ALxi-y82qk493MKOxZJRYM9GNYJjQCo3VWnSpBbSJ_UbZISDvHPnLs3tIA/s2016/IMG_7141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDqofbVp3ERk2yP1ZEOgzwr6aXmeZM7IUNZWrEIJ4WnxNyWEgfZOLvZX8lDp6I3GMaXa5d5_Q50ljsxa4IN877rMeks2EiJ5wBAWx74yM2_Kwi40N8O1UN0YrgTCVnBI1ALxi-y82qk493MKOxZJRYM9GNYJjQCo3VWnSpBbSJ_UbZISDvHPnLs3tIA/w480-h640/IMG_7141.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">PSALM 23</span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> This watercolor was painted by Debbie
Cunningham. I’m not sure what her vision
for the painting was, but when I saw it, I immediately thought of the “<i>valley
of the shadow of death</i>” from Psalm 23.
There is something about that stark, skeletal tree and solitary path
that brought the thought to my mind.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Debbie passed through the “</span><i style="font-size: 14pt;">valley of
the shadow of death</i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">” in the spring of 2021 as she lived with brain cancer
and faced her impending earthly death.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">
</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The shadow of her mortality and disease must have looked a bit like that
lonely, dark tree.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">But, I also know that
Debbie had a positive spirit about her journey because her Shepherd Jesus
walked beside her and “</span><i style="font-size: 14pt;">restored her soul.</i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">”</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> With the Psalmist, Debbie was able to
say, “<i>My cup runs over. Surely
goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life</i>…” Indeed, her cup did run over and she enjoyed
a life well-lived and well-loved. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> When Debbie’s time came to leave this
life, I imagine her continuing down the path and slipping past the gate of
death as she did on June 20, always with a view of green mountains in the
distance, verdant with the hope of “something more.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> Psalm 23 ends with the promise of
something much more: “<i>And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever</i>.” What a beautiful ending to a life well-lived
for God – a life that is truly just beginning!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p></div><p style="text-align: left;"> </p>Joyful Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830659078659147639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996859339802186739.post-6606874963136666772023-05-12T01:00:00.004-04:002023-05-17T19:36:48.569-04:00Stacking Stones<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqIfYNPvfsyqWjJyYGutIbYCOoMY7MOjPSo2rqb-pu5eyfxrSJdo6QukQgIpsLdttATvQFCfys76SpSZUh7vJOo8mj0wDZVXuGtGP28juguy1bh0Ia9WwZ7A2OJCN6VbLuyDVqLL_5r3pUAq-3J8ezMSJsHmLb8umDpOnBCtrcpLWx6gJDYm-f-ZedDw/s4000/IMG_5299.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqIfYNPvfsyqWjJyYGutIbYCOoMY7MOjPSo2rqb-pu5eyfxrSJdo6QukQgIpsLdttATvQFCfys76SpSZUh7vJOo8mj0wDZVXuGtGP28juguy1bh0Ia9WwZ7A2OJCN6VbLuyDVqLL_5r3pUAq-3J8ezMSJsHmLb8umDpOnBCtrcpLWx6gJDYm-f-ZedDw/w640-h480/IMG_5299.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: medium;">STACKING STONES</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">God says, "<i>Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me</i>," Isaiah 46:9.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The photo of stacked stones above was beside a river outside Skagway, Alaska. A number of people had stacked stones in this very stony area. Stacked stones can mean a number of things, but one of them is as a memorial for something. That's what God meant when He had Joshua take 12 stones from the center of the Jordan River after God had miraculously pushed the waters back so that the Israelites could cross over to the other side. Those 12 stones were set up in Gilgal as a memorial of remembrance to remind the people what God had done for them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> God knows how quickly we humans tend to forget so many things. Not only do we forget names and birthdays, but we forget more important things like how God rescued us from a dangerous situation or worked a miracle in our lives in the past. It only took a month for the Israelites to forget what God had done for them when He brought them through the Red Sea and delivered them from slavery in Egypt. They began to complain that things weren't running smoothly at the moment and they were ready to turn back.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> God had to remind them, "<i>beware, lest you forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage</i>," Deuteronomy 6:12. Two chapters later, He said, "<i>And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not</i>," 8:2.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGa9tUdEmFXyJQbgIBPd0SsLqS9jrtQ3_jfrVvk1-_dehcb6YM_fpnXAyu42pY29FLhPoY3nhtBQ5VRBZMdqOi9QOqrQHxBqFbvm9ZrmA0SwVNR1mj4VNj7beibWj-CE6cq-9q0vkOqv0SK-PRG_3Mv6nljwW9iCGD3He_LqpfTSoju6Me1ETELr2B7A/s2592/IMG_5720.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGa9tUdEmFXyJQbgIBPd0SsLqS9jrtQ3_jfrVvk1-_dehcb6YM_fpnXAyu42pY29FLhPoY3nhtBQ5VRBZMdqOi9QOqrQHxBqFbvm9ZrmA0SwVNR1mj4VNj7beibWj-CE6cq-9q0vkOqv0SK-PRG_3Mv6nljwW9iCGD3He_LqpfTSoju6Me1ETELr2B7A/w300-h400/IMG_5720.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The first time I ever saw stacked stones was on a trip to Utah way back in 2007. There on a trail were several places where people had stacked stones. You can see me adding a rock to the stack.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> In her Bible study workbook, "One Thousand Gifts," Ann Voskamp writes, "The people of Israel had a tradition of stacking stones as a memorial to remind them of something great that God had done. Cross the Jordan ... stack some stones. God delivers us from our enemies ... pile up some stones. Then, when children and grandchildren saw a stack of stones and asked, "Mama, what does that stack of stones mean?" She could tell the story of God's faithfulness again."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Ann goes on to say, "When we get moving too fast, we no longer collect memories, stack stones, or write journals. We don't have time to gather our thousand gifts and revel in God's goodness. We no longer tell the stories of God."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiew2OICaTjUuyDToTdouBZDcFzdMfW3xHeT2Hu8BXHI-267W9NrS9N1KLl09ZxgWlQOI6nV4Qstqglo1zQ5ni-mgATutjowcLOHwRyL74WulraONaBW2MnP7NfcToWBWsWOJe0OkGjjingMqBgCMItmO7pgKPKYnnzKeGgGp0QVlWd4PQj6Dk0tIGiZA/s2016/IMG_6283.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiew2OICaTjUuyDToTdouBZDcFzdMfW3xHeT2Hu8BXHI-267W9NrS9N1KLl09ZxgWlQOI6nV4Qstqglo1zQ5ni-mgATutjowcLOHwRyL74WulraONaBW2MnP7NfcToWBWsWOJe0OkGjjingMqBgCMItmO7pgKPKYnnzKeGgGp0QVlWd4PQj6Dk0tIGiZA/w640-h480/IMG_6283.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> The latest stack of stones I came across was in Savannah, Georgia, in March. This short stack was</div><div style="text-align: left;">atop a granite memorial with a plaque that read, "Original 1733 burial plot allotted to the Savannah Jewish Community, with the name James Edward Oglethorpe." I wonder who put the stack and the surrounding rocks on top of the memorial?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> The Apostle Paul knew the importance of remembering and he applauded his Corinthian friends, saying, "<i>Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you,</i>" 1 Corinthians 11:2. These were Christians who walked the walk and followed the teachings of Paul - a man who followed the teachings of Jesus.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> "<i>I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all your work...Who is so great a God as our God</i>?" Psalm 77:11-13</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Let's stack some stones in our heart this week and remember all the good things God has done in our lives -- beginning with His greatest gift of all -- His Son Jesus Christ. Let's praise God from whom all blessings flow!</div><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p></blockquote><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Joyful Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830659078659147639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996859339802186739.post-87754223874209477422023-04-28T21:05:00.000-04:002023-04-28T21:05:05.057-04:00Flowers<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSyyb7mZXAlFsFqPhPpmyVvWfdAERfJpqh3G26Rv1g-NAyjwrBIcb2YOLrmzXmZqnS0cEKEsHMMLrMmyIFaUpqkUP1HSZpeAKBQjsXWf0wtk77xNhoZ7sfucCiL71zz5_kwPDzwTAJOunJfiKMz3-aZqwBGhO5Ty44NV9skjE3sj089nZOtmwiL0MNQ/s2016/IMG_6818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSyyb7mZXAlFsFqPhPpmyVvWfdAERfJpqh3G26Rv1g-NAyjwrBIcb2YOLrmzXmZqnS0cEKEsHMMLrMmyIFaUpqkUP1HSZpeAKBQjsXWf0wtk77xNhoZ7sfucCiL71zz5_kwPDzwTAJOunJfiKMz3-aZqwBGhO5Ty44NV9skjE3sj089nZOtmwiL0MNQ/w640-h480/IMG_6818.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">FLOWERS</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We spent a few days in Williamsburg this past week and I want to share pictures of beautiful flowers that we saw as we wandered through gardens in the Colonial section of that city. I'll also share some of the things God says about the colorful flowers He created. Hopefully, this post will make you smile and feel like you've received a bouquet of lovely flowers from a friend -- me!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsP4R15aPl8iTGLqApLEQoA9loWBP8NU8Gvt7uST7HV0_oQ8pNI7Nzi9n_Lbeex0i4dWUhymGkRJHKlvGxAOf9zlztre0mGKEy6DbvqA1yHPeSpZsW2FDfLnwYynQAeP9IB_GXCs99sAscdAGBfJ8AL2xRrxfJO-E0nlpWLoSzY3oa-bkaXDOaoKZ8KQ/s2016/IMG_6810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsP4R15aPl8iTGLqApLEQoA9loWBP8NU8Gvt7uST7HV0_oQ8pNI7Nzi9n_Lbeex0i4dWUhymGkRJHKlvGxAOf9zlztre0mGKEy6DbvqA1yHPeSpZsW2FDfLnwYynQAeP9IB_GXCs99sAscdAGBfJ8AL2xRrxfJO-E0nlpWLoSzY3oa-bkaXDOaoKZ8KQ/w480-h640/IMG_6810.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Although a lily is used in this verse, I believe all of these flowers fit beautifully into the following description: "<i>Consider the lilies, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these,</i>" Luke 12:27.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdcouzp7CE5aCYi6BSk-jvGbXsYa1na2BXs_6wgtMBJDP3RHziqIWPZHON6CSp5qDSYU2DQvnHKPKbWIsliwv5PUhe6Qg60iIMS23PVJC885IOI2KlDahST28M1v9U9vmMP0dQS_6OnxJ9DyncCZ8LH6KL-CAVrf1ScldMdslP9DH2DjaklGwqZbnFw/s2016/IMG_6821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdcouzp7CE5aCYi6BSk-jvGbXsYa1na2BXs_6wgtMBJDP3RHziqIWPZHON6CSp5qDSYU2DQvnHKPKbWIsliwv5PUhe6Qg60iIMS23PVJC885IOI2KlDahST28M1v9U9vmMP0dQS_6OnxJ9DyncCZ8LH6KL-CAVrf1ScldMdslP9DH2DjaklGwqZbnFw/w640-h480/IMG_6821.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">While these verses speak of Israel, it's a happy verse that uses the fragile beauty and fragrance of the rose to make a mighty point. "<i>And the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, even with joy and singing,</i>" Isaiah 35:1-2.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJE59PiPONJjzeSZG98cJW3hL0xAmvz7JkF3H-wyXUDAwHC6PYcTONirHd5TcWyBKItAo_kaG5ES7bNo6Ssz0dve58ftNc_ft6vCxa5nS6aXxU1dey5gBudFB_IucAKWdjkfTSsv4ORJv-aEf8wlBvtXzLlvtOgU6gZwhIPTYW_vmDPhXnv_JaIE6QZA/s2016/IMG_6798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJE59PiPONJjzeSZG98cJW3hL0xAmvz7JkF3H-wyXUDAwHC6PYcTONirHd5TcWyBKItAo_kaG5ES7bNo6Ssz0dve58ftNc_ft6vCxa5nS6aXxU1dey5gBudFB_IucAKWdjkfTSsv4ORJv-aEf8wlBvtXzLlvtOgU6gZwhIPTYW_vmDPhXnv_JaIE6QZA/w640-h480/IMG_6798.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span> </span>"<i>The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land</i>," Song of Solomon 2:12.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <span> </span><span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4Ae-HY9mDMNGDaX92M6w0-LvaGIIpd-XoQlOBAl6byuQ_54STCUwY3SLAmDWcPNCmPwmXpeY1Dzrq0BOexAtXMtJp8v6VHvACc4G71CXzaIUCh8sBSxeo-PCUPFxchk4qCoBEyMC615Nmme3rtMPROYGpSvLLgVNWM3xTLb6QawWRPW7dttVrRfS_g/s2016/IMG_6820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4Ae-HY9mDMNGDaX92M6w0-LvaGIIpd-XoQlOBAl6byuQ_54STCUwY3SLAmDWcPNCmPwmXpeY1Dzrq0BOexAtXMtJp8v6VHvACc4G71CXzaIUCh8sBSxeo-PCUPFxchk4qCoBEyMC615Nmme3rtMPROYGpSvLLgVNWM3xTLb6QawWRPW7dttVrRfS_g/w640-h480/IMG_6820.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Here are a few thoughtful quotes about flowers: </div><div style="text-align: left;"> --"Where flowers bloom so does hope," Lady Bird Johnson</div><div style="text-align: left;"> --"Minds are like flowers; they only open when the time is right," Stephen Richards</div><div style="text-align: left;"> --"There are always flowers for those who want to see them," Henri Matisse</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0goWnG18zE2qVIqX0DYeZXplQYPS3q8IMUdL5t0B2sLj5UBOSXSq8YV9tTyPlESQDyTOSymCW9xsMlKkrbofUeM0Rzz6c5ErXboQIcAvtAy-_nKeLlVxMsfoYpOsWYOBv1lcqLe0VyHiyx2AQNgcbe7ZP0j_Ggaph8rj9-wTMtfdqMW9whb9ScntHlA/s2016/IMG_6823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0goWnG18zE2qVIqX0DYeZXplQYPS3q8IMUdL5t0B2sLj5UBOSXSq8YV9tTyPlESQDyTOSymCW9xsMlKkrbofUeM0Rzz6c5ErXboQIcAvtAy-_nKeLlVxMsfoYpOsWYOBv1lcqLe0VyHiyx2AQNgcbe7ZP0j_Ggaph8rj9-wTMtfdqMW9whb9ScntHlA/w640-h480/IMG_6823.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The Apostle Paul uses plants in an allegory about serving God when he says, "<i>I planted, Apollos waters, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor,</i>" 1 Corinthians 3:6-8.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And finally, I'll borrow a quote from an unknown source and say, "I'd rather wear flowers in my hair, than diamonds around my neck!" Enjoy your bouquet!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xLWuRMWCakUjaXOnu8QmrdugbSxkuS1Mv9opWbZ_3VlqxGvbIbN8ZdyfH8LFLPtorA31j7qNGSHJ7nUCU7-rKae2-xpJ1ucpw2LHfimqlLpnqIVHMN1fJWiZIJAmndulMEpuqNrIsusGXn9X9lwk-MGx_uIIUSAKqS8l5M4zCDwOKgOzp8cT247X_w/s2016/IMG_6816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xLWuRMWCakUjaXOnu8QmrdugbSxkuS1Mv9opWbZ_3VlqxGvbIbN8ZdyfH8LFLPtorA31j7qNGSHJ7nUCU7-rKae2-xpJ1ucpw2LHfimqlLpnqIVHMN1fJWiZIJAmndulMEpuqNrIsusGXn9X9lwk-MGx_uIIUSAKqS8l5M4zCDwOKgOzp8cT247X_w/s320/IMG_6816.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /> </div><p></p>Joyful Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830659078659147639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996859339802186739.post-35767511382480720812023-04-14T01:00:00.001-04:002023-04-14T01:00:00.232-04:00Wildlife in the Wild<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimaPcQyQIesQsO1RLVDHr6kC5Y6oEYUPcq6YrPxNrr26UXDuiwQEI2WkdSkG3k8JVLNNmMwwBw4e-uvBQoXFgMURZbhSZWtTVSf1IWvoE3seIRvtdsJiz9LCFd5bNLS2grGG76zsA3ySmda4Z6RENknvyReywvZt8sodZZIOKJYcLT3G3mTAwwjgPdiQ/s1484/IMG_5990trim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1403" data-original-width="1484" height="606" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimaPcQyQIesQsO1RLVDHr6kC5Y6oEYUPcq6YrPxNrr26UXDuiwQEI2WkdSkG3k8JVLNNmMwwBw4e-uvBQoXFgMURZbhSZWtTVSf1IWvoE3seIRvtdsJiz9LCFd5bNLS2grGG76zsA3ySmda4Z6RENknvyReywvZt8sodZZIOKJYcLT3G3mTAwwjgPdiQ/w640-h606/IMG_5990trim.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> This rooster seems to be strutting proudly with his showy tail feathers. We saw many, many chickens roaming freely in both Ybor City in Tampa and in Key West. Rooster crows are common sounds in both of those cities.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZcEQ50U9_QQvb5tJl_ACdo_AwSjnIxXmDzTckcySKktrAJmXlAWS7x6TGlhWT5_iqayEylzXz11eYVuQsMVkh9MduX8EI5R3_D4d61MuS5JGj3dLq2TPo3L5mb0Xf9_mznCHFuy0E0JhQdgEJhfRtcVaxnFOcNXSRCQhIZptq3kb3VHjsyGhValGng/s5184/IMG_3613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZcEQ50U9_QQvb5tJl_ACdo_AwSjnIxXmDzTckcySKktrAJmXlAWS7x6TGlhWT5_iqayEylzXz11eYVuQsMVkh9MduX8EI5R3_D4d61MuS5JGj3dLq2TPo3L5mb0Xf9_mznCHFuy0E0JhQdgEJhfRtcVaxnFOcNXSRCQhIZptq3kb3VHjsyGhValGng/w640-h480/IMG_3613.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> A cayman was resting in a shallow pond at the Cocao Plantation in Costa Rica. A cayman is a small species of alligator that lives in Central and South America. I'm pretty sure they still have razor sharp teeth!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYiBVYyRZw-hEMAgPvfVG3Z-2q2m5EDH1lUGIyEb3yJ2-fh7tS8b44hHrrF673v6SyB8RaoS7cnbgg3Q-2gJsR8ZygpFolgT7zrsrvFcF4VfM-Gw2V-qZqfbjZ8nb2NPm-F-Dy71XtjBSpYVpsWMhbYCJOd2Pl1tCl0Xd3sfyeZ8B0vFtTRHZ_nuf4A/s5184/IMG_3245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYiBVYyRZw-hEMAgPvfVG3Z-2q2m5EDH1lUGIyEb3yJ2-fh7tS8b44hHrrF673v6SyB8RaoS7cnbgg3Q-2gJsR8ZygpFolgT7zrsrvFcF4VfM-Gw2V-qZqfbjZ8nb2NPm-F-Dy71XtjBSpYVpsWMhbYCJOd2Pl1tCl0Xd3sfyeZ8B0vFtTRHZ_nuf4A/w640-h480/IMG_3245.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> There were so many colorful macaws at the port in Cartagena Colombia. They have a bit of a tropical habitat there, with macaws, loads of peacocks, flamingoes, and monkeys.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4-qGBWJLz8Cy9S2ReWExwqYmkEIFUfS_5EbxlUb-4srpoxXb8BCYP1TP6-hWg0QBcrkHo6DDxeHRjC7oJXoLqRV-gc_1NtzxJDKuFtMY6I4Vg7PE4npRcMn9dKfJVCbEg5-wQ_bZwT6WPmfuJtSDzHGMQVMdfKxpDgxpSVa1OpFwhZSgkDdBjM6uIg/s5184/IMG_3254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4-qGBWJLz8Cy9S2ReWExwqYmkEIFUfS_5EbxlUb-4srpoxXb8BCYP1TP6-hWg0QBcrkHo6DDxeHRjC7oJXoLqRV-gc_1NtzxJDKuFtMY6I4Vg7PE4npRcMn9dKfJVCbEg5-wQ_bZwT6WPmfuJtSDzHGMQVMdfKxpDgxpSVa1OpFwhZSgkDdBjM6uIg/w640-h480/IMG_3254.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> Here is a peacock with attitude -- but then, don't peacocks always seem to be showing attitude!<div>There were peacocks on top of the roof, peacocks all in the trees, peacocks perched on poles, peacocks strutting around the grounds -- I've never seen so many peacocks in one place ever!!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OqbWuxbaqID2bQ0WEL6dPeF1y9j7z9za5KvtSj9nnU4sWggikBLnsZ1QyrYzQBCMeNacdTtBnPmVxOuECmP5dz7flD4g-ZVZP4-KCTJuLPimYwwj7mCJYqRDZSu_N7KtMBxxUEQPi8sewMgbyvlUxuIpNFHVjnzjUHqh6LXwV2ym7gmCV5qRnc-yEg/s5184/IMG_3237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OqbWuxbaqID2bQ0WEL6dPeF1y9j7z9za5KvtSj9nnU4sWggikBLnsZ1QyrYzQBCMeNacdTtBnPmVxOuECmP5dz7flD4g-ZVZP4-KCTJuLPimYwwj7mCJYqRDZSu_N7KtMBxxUEQPi8sewMgbyvlUxuIpNFHVjnzjUHqh6LXwV2ym7gmCV5qRnc-yEg/w640-h480/IMG_3237.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> There were lots of monkeys high in the trees at the port terminal. I learned that these cute little things are actually quite naughty (or, downright mean!). Not far from where I was standing, a deluge of liquid poured down from the tree. It was one or more monkeys peeing on unsuspecting people below. I was shocked, never having been around monkeys outside of a cage. I tried to be very careful walking under the trees after that!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjk_m0lsXeyrOiyzg5YSjHxaPy9NAPPv14mRvlZtglg8_l3Wdn0sZxhOaFbItfWHWwL8Xgomqgr55a06URNyvxDK4tKDfrHAiDex5hdt6q9yCxR6sa4f4JWpzWzEG9VVsvyxfMDDozjeuqlw4b2s65wMzuyNJCoHl-4DAsrnalpCAo1Gz2YG-07uZNg/s1510/IMG_6118Trim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1510" data-original-width="1301" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjk_m0lsXeyrOiyzg5YSjHxaPy9NAPPv14mRvlZtglg8_l3Wdn0sZxhOaFbItfWHWwL8Xgomqgr55a06URNyvxDK4tKDfrHAiDex5hdt6q9yCxR6sa4f4JWpzWzEG9VVsvyxfMDDozjeuqlw4b2s65wMzuyNJCoHl-4DAsrnalpCAo1Gz2YG-07uZNg/w552-h640/IMG_6118Trim.jpg" width="552" /></a></div> My most favorite picture I took is of this sloth with her baby clinging to her chest. As we walked back to the terminal in Cartagena, this sloth was very slowly climbing a tree just on the other side of a small ditch. We stood there and watched for several minutes and it was such a delight to see this gentle animal in motion (slow-motion)!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGz9e_ITiyOGkHq9RFesQcuBVzxvJch_iGpmC2NfRBkfC8rsMvLs3gHfO2_pa1ZXAuVNC30bGzE_yHY88hAyXG4FF21QXWmewYf9BEzhy6LNWswK9fUFH4qXJ0RxDjQDbtqj_hdZ2JOM_sKtj6JH90yDnKEfdqxi5QMKLD1r9EnSiqRRMG4yGG_LXvvA/s5184/IMG_3606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGz9e_ITiyOGkHq9RFesQcuBVzxvJch_iGpmC2NfRBkfC8rsMvLs3gHfO2_pa1ZXAuVNC30bGzE_yHY88hAyXG4FF21QXWmewYf9BEzhy6LNWswK9fUFH4qXJ0RxDjQDbtqj_hdZ2JOM_sKtj6JH90yDnKEfdqxi5QMKLD1r9EnSiqRRMG4yGG_LXvvA/w480-h640/IMG_3606.JPG" width="480" /></a></div> No, this is not a picture of an animal, but I do consider it "wildlife," because it's alive and it also looks quite wild. This is some sort of spiky tree that grows in Costa Rica. The entire trunk of this tree is covered in these sharp-looking spikes. I didn't even know there was such a tree -- guess I just don't get out enough! Travel is definitely educational on a variety of levels.<div><span> All of this very varied wildlife - from roosters, cayman, monkeys, macaws, peacocks and sloths, to this alien looking tree trunk -- all of it points to the great creativity, sense of humor, and attention to detail that's part of Almighty God. I am in awe of His abilities, which are, of course, limitless in every way.</span></div><div> Several verses come to mind when I consider God's wonderful gifts to us: </div><div> "<i>He has made everything beautiful in its time</i>," Ecclesiastes 3:11. </div><div> "<i>What a wildly wonderful world, GOD! You made it all with Wisdom at your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations," </i>Psalm 104:24 the Message.</div><div> "<i>You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created</i>," Revelation 4:11. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p></div></div>Joyful Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830659078659147639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996859339802186739.post-48196277107430208252023-04-11T01:00:00.001-04:002023-04-11T01:00:00.198-04:00Puerto Limon, Costa Rica<div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBVM7FyPR2w8XoFNfH6GZCvQD2kKWw1tEzpv0nsqgh18ZKhWjgQKX24g5JbD5ontz_0UzwoTBoBFORXkNkK5yyOFdlavoP4pWcVSwhUwFUJU5gG3V-fpnzLGIZN6RBO0gOj2axmw7dBFj1uhFrSy5QLf45lc3lm8d4hQjmRj2IdXEhCm17iQcyYj6QA/s3318/IMG_3551trim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2208" data-original-width="3318" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBVM7FyPR2w8XoFNfH6GZCvQD2kKWw1tEzpv0nsqgh18ZKhWjgQKX24g5JbD5ontz_0UzwoTBoBFORXkNkK5yyOFdlavoP4pWcVSwhUwFUJU5gG3V-fpnzLGIZN6RBO0gOj2axmw7dBFj1uhFrSy5QLf45lc3lm8d4hQjmRj2IdXEhCm17iQcyYj6QA/w640-h426/IMG_3551trim.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> It's Monday, so I guess we're in Puerto Limon, Costa Rica! Our guide Dennis took the picture for us. He was such a nice young man and told us so many interesting things about his country. Our 5-hour excursion took us one-hour from the port and into the countryside of this Central America country. We passed so much lush green forests and numbers of lakes. Even so, the homes along the sides of the road were mostly poor looking -- even more so than in Panama.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7SmCT4VuRe2p5g7Ro8DhMc-FIy33N3N-Vpfa9FusY6rWmh_ZaZcxfFG9UDPQz5riFUzxo199uFSqJDaEG7S0eXgClfcGpzAH28sXgDW5CMrytKu4JbgFVOXinesV2u7jNLjGnWkhzORfxAukgOHcomsO-MYZIOfjRr4xFt1CiAANyRPSUJTq6IWKIQ/s2016/IMG_6195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7SmCT4VuRe2p5g7Ro8DhMc-FIy33N3N-Vpfa9FusY6rWmh_ZaZcxfFG9UDPQz5riFUzxo199uFSqJDaEG7S0eXgClfcGpzAH28sXgDW5CMrytKu4JbgFVOXinesV2u7jNLjGnWkhzORfxAukgOHcomsO-MYZIOfjRr4xFt1CiAANyRPSUJTq6IWKIQ/w480-h640/IMG_6195.jpg" width="480" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Bananas are a big deal in Limon. We passed many banana plantations on our one-hour drive out to a Cocoa Plantation. These stalks were hanging at the plantation and we could eat fresh bananas from the stalk. They taste really good! Cocoa is also a major product in Costa Rica. Photo of cocoa pods below.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuJayy3dL1bUB9h2AM90U4jkFU3qztcavS1v1PnmhQgqritwDBbYrBmP7gqQT_kfZ-5thPTJMUyFcuSNqEAp1Eub6XRjzzAWwbSJ4AJfWEpDmQqiYsY2Yb8fc3Df1ELXXAL0LNMa6QdZRtW_QlAe9NfDG2iCwp_0kE2OMiGn6RGKL5I4RoVuZB8dlSA/s5184/IMG_3664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuJayy3dL1bUB9h2AM90U4jkFU3qztcavS1v1PnmhQgqritwDBbYrBmP7gqQT_kfZ-5thPTJMUyFcuSNqEAp1Eub6XRjzzAWwbSJ4AJfWEpDmQqiYsY2Yb8fc3Df1ELXXAL0LNMa6QdZRtW_QlAe9NfDG2iCwp_0kE2OMiGn6RGKL5I4RoVuZB8dlSA/w400-h300/IMG_3664.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWAkN7ZDEzaaQfbm4Y3JHdXl1Q_aCHtKOiqeUEdAxiZPW6czLdeebEj6djgeuXDHri8rtyMMdVfxbZdi_KeyRSnUY8PRoM695hbUS-H_MJNvK5TEqFzazw_wbyWCYk5sLPu_l-l3ivwk8PB1uOA5XAZTVpmcgBPvaKBTiGwpkijNm6iEXtflE5y9LEIQ/s5184/IMG_3663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWAkN7ZDEzaaQfbm4Y3JHdXl1Q_aCHtKOiqeUEdAxiZPW6czLdeebEj6djgeuXDHri8rtyMMdVfxbZdi_KeyRSnUY8PRoM695hbUS-H_MJNvK5TEqFzazw_wbyWCYk5sLPu_l-l3ivwk8PB1uOA5XAZTVpmcgBPvaKBTiGwpkijNm6iEXtflE5y9LEIQ/w640-h480/IMG_3663.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> These men took natural cocoa powder, mixed it with a bit of raw sugar and powder milk and made delicious fudge for us to eat. We also tried freshly roasted cocoa bean which was also good.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rf-Cd9jr2XZiNHziZRP03g896DhA7TUqtrUMgoKz7QEUt_g53MZKkZK1pzLj5xP-64S90Ma-1f98xYbstP-VSLE9I_VKwuM2bmXRCPj4PZlAxm5NW0H-vSe2NEkx987sGncdsraUs_--F-Mrupl_XVfhznOcapNIPv1-GUGNeWBu6wGGNYXorTUGqA/s5184/IMG_3572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rf-Cd9jr2XZiNHziZRP03g896DhA7TUqtrUMgoKz7QEUt_g53MZKkZK1pzLj5xP-64S90Ma-1f98xYbstP-VSLE9I_VKwuM2bmXRCPj4PZlAxm5NW0H-vSe2NEkx987sGncdsraUs_--F-Mrupl_XVfhznOcapNIPv1-GUGNeWBu6wGGNYXorTUGqA/w640-h480/IMG_3572.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> This is a common house along the side of the road, but surrounded by lush green as are most of the homes. Below are nicer homes, but still a bit hodge-podge and usually surrounded by a high fence.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEDjntUN_ztkGpDlCjnz2PzDqvIvdY5PD5pNQKtMGKKi7IMfR3XJhloFb6piJb3govWc_APO2uhlzXNUf4X3ENHeVgh3T3VBM17erJGGwjHwHDlfuas6uKc56NW165OuheP5lvlBplZ8F_AaxF8htND2OUEJCKlkvsuKdWhALkv56CI-fbl1Nxji1_w/s5184/IMG_3721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEDjntUN_ztkGpDlCjnz2PzDqvIvdY5PD5pNQKtMGKKi7IMfR3XJhloFb6piJb3govWc_APO2uhlzXNUf4X3ENHeVgh3T3VBM17erJGGwjHwHDlfuas6uKc56NW165OuheP5lvlBplZ8F_AaxF8htND2OUEJCKlkvsuKdWhALkv56CI-fbl1Nxji1_w/w400-h300/IMG_3721.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJP4mRm8Amx3k4CkkjhY_RnK7UmlKBUY817G5OueCnFbDzEvXAeUVp_gnbEUyQPUe1XXDL7dLOHn1dY_8KQVF8bBXeYH6YPXs03q0DPculFibKwV9b1CylPBUabm5VMTb3iRcezCBvRjcDI-_mi05p6XaH3OZ2veraDAGnArawL7fajNPRnBSv1MshQ/s5184/IMG_3552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJP4mRm8Amx3k4CkkjhY_RnK7UmlKBUY817G5OueCnFbDzEvXAeUVp_gnbEUyQPUe1XXDL7dLOHn1dY_8KQVF8bBXeYH6YPXs03q0DPculFibKwV9b1CylPBUabm5VMTb3iRcezCBvRjcDI-_mi05p6XaH3OZ2veraDAGnArawL7fajNPRnBSv1MshQ/w640-h480/IMG_3552.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is the downtown that we passed by. Too bad, tours don't stop in places like this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw04s933QZkhr1KT63APWoiTo2yyqGy52bTVtxJbD9lr75fnL_DpHLD2l5HEEUMZrtRFcA8IHQKDR-owjgBgCq-pn_ldUmqdMwhPfkB24OYe3N1oWxw_eWaG0Go4c_wQ-yImQIn714QKifzPZbSXPqWXiRZ3HfzwElQWYqPkQpTVv5LDBjBAppF9BgKg/s5184/IMG_3631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw04s933QZkhr1KT63APWoiTo2yyqGy52bTVtxJbD9lr75fnL_DpHLD2l5HEEUMZrtRFcA8IHQKDR-owjgBgCq-pn_ldUmqdMwhPfkB24OYe3N1oWxw_eWaG0Go4c_wQ-yImQIn714QKifzPZbSXPqWXiRZ3HfzwElQWYqPkQpTVv5LDBjBAppF9BgKg/w480-h640/IMG_3631.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I'll end our visit to Costa Rica with this delicate vanilla blossom growing at the cocoa plantation. Did you know that vanilla is actually an orchid? That was news to me! The plant thrives in the tropical lowlands of the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. I'm very thankful for the wonderful vanilla plant since it adds such delicious flavor to so many foods. I'm reminded of the verse in Psalm where David writes, "<i>Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!</i>" 34:8.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div>Joyful Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830659078659147639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996859339802186739.post-23658944878680607912023-04-07T01:00:00.001-04:002023-04-07T01:00:00.206-04:00Colon Panama<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10WgfSWyn7doy8JuKZ45KKXwdFtFq_we8lp9GxBAd9Y5G2f0U_lQI-fd_cBuSpcS7kfjtxXZ-GIYKeQgbZRMuu8IR_y3Pn9ITN7oDCCvMN_JY4mMhcZb-yCjrnGadl72h6ROBhAoNDR6cWCailFy-ghMMWyW_sYKw3RJjb6115GSCnYBp81NNOqlyRw/s2016/IMG_6190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10WgfSWyn7doy8JuKZ45KKXwdFtFq_we8lp9GxBAd9Y5G2f0U_lQI-fd_cBuSpcS7kfjtxXZ-GIYKeQgbZRMuu8IR_y3Pn9ITN7oDCCvMN_JY4mMhcZb-yCjrnGadl72h6ROBhAoNDR6cWCailFy-ghMMWyW_sYKw3RJjb6115GSCnYBp81NNOqlyRw/w640-h480/IMG_6190.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> (March 12) Our next stop was Colon Panama. One of our excursion stops was at the Agua Clara Locks and a very nice viewing facility. We watched a ship pass from Gatun Lake (behind us), enter the locks and then proceed to go in and out of two more locks until it exited into the Caribbean Sea. It was less than an hour from start to finish. Photo below.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6c8YutmJwFYiMwd34PFXpCABu6ET8usZdV50aLQD47tFasALxPAGCu_GwEYc0Ji01ACSVJ4WdoDoAO3E-HO6n-u2z8ISodPcipAdGElBiT3AoOCRjEXZfD2hiRLR0Gj0CY1Bgy2Lb2sVZ4sbmqXkrV0HxkxSr_rB0KEXUEG-VT1Xm1Fu8-BWQ2PvKw/s4738/IMG_3472trim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2892" data-original-width="4738" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6c8YutmJwFYiMwd34PFXpCABu6ET8usZdV50aLQD47tFasALxPAGCu_GwEYc0Ji01ACSVJ4WdoDoAO3E-HO6n-u2z8ISodPcipAdGElBiT3AoOCRjEXZfD2hiRLR0Gj0CY1Bgy2Lb2sVZ4sbmqXkrV0HxkxSr_rB0KEXUEG-VT1Xm1Fu8-BWQ2PvKw/w640-h390/IMG_3472trim.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcTDUi7YVUT0iKHd2JwlvyjWPKedkhROnJdtYOfGy3edMLMzYbsHnzcIyB--j_mPrtElQzwtXupsSfgUBjdGaBOFVmMgeeA5zcxaRYtZND1vnoK5OSKHzu94TBYlrB-pxSgUcY8sEaUzCQ6iYsi1a0hyEYugqd02Qr_UPm01iWUMus47PnUYvIjUKqQ/s5184/IMG_3371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="481" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcTDUi7YVUT0iKHd2JwlvyjWPKedkhROnJdtYOfGy3edMLMzYbsHnzcIyB--j_mPrtElQzwtXupsSfgUBjdGaBOFVmMgeeA5zcxaRYtZND1vnoK5OSKHzu94TBYlrB-pxSgUcY8sEaUzCQ6iYsi1a0hyEYugqd02Qr_UPm01iWUMus47PnUYvIjUKqQ/w641-h481/IMG_3371.JPG" width="641" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> The other stop on our excursion was the UNESCO World Heritage site of the town of Portobello. The photo above was the prettiest spot on our visit there. It seems to be a rather poor town in spite of its status and importance. There was a surprise visit by a former president of Panama and she was gracious to allow us to have our pictures taken with her. She was the first female president of Panama - Mireya Moscoso Rodriguez de Arias. Our guide said she was visiting because of the importance of the small town.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCedu8_DXyGPwmgRjztcnPNkuuPqU80af5-2dhuTil0fQcfhlzypGo5enZ0i8nXOuBjWiHF1oj5tJ2pp0KPvtOr-cva5rkWKarwqUWK0IIuviO_bzHj1Oh11_bQBKBCoZqXK3bxqF6EOcCH1bis0blv5deLpyZHAGbdv_lkCGkBpHDGf8AGnEcroMrA/s3888/IMG_3376trim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="3453" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCedu8_DXyGPwmgRjztcnPNkuuPqU80af5-2dhuTil0fQcfhlzypGo5enZ0i8nXOuBjWiHF1oj5tJ2pp0KPvtOr-cva5rkWKarwqUWK0IIuviO_bzHj1Oh11_bQBKBCoZqXK3bxqF6EOcCH1bis0blv5deLpyZHAGbdv_lkCGkBpHDGf8AGnEcroMrA/w355-h400/IMG_3376trim.jpg" width="355" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaTCFedDFW_maiODjv2xt5I_7D444qL3yOe9tg7ptVbX2RM8Ke_aogDpKv2HM-xrd50YytzKwdtWxHXs7Iim8NMUHUqVuK8qW6nIMXk-a3mHSnxnisfx3FNqjTM8HXXvGc-ZiiCg4UE9OgVNLpabVv2kDfI__hscfiuJWH2rH0m7mOMZ7xa6hf1Y5CA/s5184/IMG_3403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaTCFedDFW_maiODjv2xt5I_7D444qL3yOe9tg7ptVbX2RM8Ke_aogDpKv2HM-xrd50YytzKwdtWxHXs7Iim8NMUHUqVuK8qW6nIMXk-a3mHSnxnisfx3FNqjTM8HXXvGc-ZiiCg4UE9OgVNLpabVv2kDfI__hscfiuJWH2rH0m7mOMZ7xa6hf1Y5CA/w400-h300/IMG_3403.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> We danced with some of the local dancers and learned steps for their national dance. This lady was very cheerful and colorful in her dancing clothes. We were inside the broken walls of a fort that had been there for centuries and once helped keep pirates from attacking the town.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihTimiL38cz01uAR821fQSzTD4itE9V50KTiAxUkdPGxzEEGfaPWh6H4kr-r0apECJTpwI6T4FQWTDP7NahmamdPuMbME4pFO9Tm3_foy-HJIyQGVVhLOyCSTdzboIXCYEonXmNrk6hkPlimuT9v39ac3NbkjlVo--r_qyptF-Jhy0_hEjn2uw0-uAQ/s5184/IMG_3410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihTimiL38cz01uAR821fQSzTD4itE9V50KTiAxUkdPGxzEEGfaPWh6H4kr-r0apECJTpwI6T4FQWTDP7NahmamdPuMbME4pFO9Tm3_foy-HJIyQGVVhLOyCSTdzboIXCYEonXmNrk6hkPlimuT9v39ac3NbkjlVo--r_qyptF-Jhy0_hEjn2uw0-uAQ/w640-h480/IMG_3410.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> We visited Portobello on a Sunday so this church was in session during our entire visit. The Iglesia de San Felipe (ca 1814) is unique as it houses a statue of Cristo Negro AKA the Black Christ. Legend has it that the statue was found on the shores of the harbor and is responsible for numbers of miracles in the town.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7DZt84h9gVvd3NOI5ZWUXJ8b3k-2smcFi49Fd2l-FEck0G4133Y_CQzBpu45lS7DDSvWvEVnQt2zJKfo11I2s7Nwy3JdA-yrj5mORMVCFT_tPlCT2ttU4gGubwo1dvwWSIH2cKGlXRRMOlem1mF-0CU6Kftnp5xn4QAEKo1sewSE4ATexzYaYtB1hA/s5184/IMG_3386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7DZt84h9gVvd3NOI5ZWUXJ8b3k-2smcFi49Fd2l-FEck0G4133Y_CQzBpu45lS7DDSvWvEVnQt2zJKfo11I2s7Nwy3JdA-yrj5mORMVCFT_tPlCT2ttU4gGubwo1dvwWSIH2cKGlXRRMOlem1mF-0CU6Kftnp5xn4QAEKo1sewSE4ATexzYaYtB1hA/w640-h480/IMG_3386.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a nice photo of the shoreline of Portobello. There is nothing fancy in the town.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZg64y05vBQx35D7JhifbeNO5LrWgkEKQqKMupKcGsT5G5AVUJ-3WcAq_uBMQXtn4dR-oW4oWjSI9Z2c-j9sopiAtyOec5oKpGKvW875xiDkd60OwzOvlbCl3WAPyL1z7gYgBrhbuN1kQDj08uAYhcwxV7mEy6ftxQJXh_B-6qKeNGzsyC22dk6qRwA/s5184/IMG_3440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZg64y05vBQx35D7JhifbeNO5LrWgkEKQqKMupKcGsT5G5AVUJ-3WcAq_uBMQXtn4dR-oW4oWjSI9Z2c-j9sopiAtyOec5oKpGKvW875xiDkd60OwzOvlbCl3WAPyL1z7gYgBrhbuN1kQDj08uAYhcwxV7mEy6ftxQJXh_B-6qKeNGzsyC22dk6qRwA/w640-h480/IMG_3440.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> We drove for an hour to get to Portobello and then, of course, an hour return. These are the kind of houses that most of the people appear to live in. Primarily concrete and always with a dish on top.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVV33TFjTHDko1Eh8qpTP8Yh2Qi9LTaIVXeCHWk_vwvC5kd8l-eeyTIxJDNEADN8TCkG6j28Uv7MW3YX245ziwmfbN6aPcLFXUJY7rGvthKkRvj-HcNO27WCWY7YNXBFms63rvSE-wMGQpVUMMGGaFUlxXS2kpsKeBmH8l1dBS5UJ6BaJ45drWlc9vQ/s5184/IMG_3445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVV33TFjTHDko1Eh8qpTP8Yh2Qi9LTaIVXeCHWk_vwvC5kd8l-eeyTIxJDNEADN8TCkG6j28Uv7MW3YX245ziwmfbN6aPcLFXUJY7rGvthKkRvj-HcNO27WCWY7YNXBFms63rvSE-wMGQpVUMMGGaFUlxXS2kpsKeBmH8l1dBS5UJ6BaJ45drWlc9vQ/w640-h480/IMG_3445.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> We passed several ball fields each of which had kids playing baseball on Sunday afternoon. Here, I was able to snap a photo of their makeshift team "dug-outs." With so many lush trees around, gathering palm fronds to create shade from the hot sun seems to work well for the teams.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vvPsqYQIHRbuNC3UCb4L1Aufy-cRj8elf7LRuN81aLeUwM5Q87aWV-petcc7JJS6cwY5w1JyI9-eXpsfxfGF4OsjgNcqN-S7ZedYMG_E3-JT5CzD0d9SzSyiJtPrJEkCPUfHrdl5cinyfscjwldN-sf98-5sWOmuP587RNN1DTU-CDqDrqI2NVXnrA/s5184/IMG_3404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vvPsqYQIHRbuNC3UCb4L1Aufy-cRj8elf7LRuN81aLeUwM5Q87aWV-petcc7JJS6cwY5w1JyI9-eXpsfxfGF4OsjgNcqN-S7ZedYMG_E3-JT5CzD0d9SzSyiJtPrJEkCPUfHrdl5cinyfscjwldN-sf98-5sWOmuP587RNN1DTU-CDqDrqI2NVXnrA/w640-h480/IMG_3404.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> This lovely tile is on the wall of a building in the town of Portobello. The compass rose always reminds me of direction. There are so many aspects of direction that we should consider. One is -- what direction are you following and what do you hope to find along the way as well as at the end of your journey. I am so thankful for all the many directions our feet have carried us on this delightful journey. I love the verse in Psalm 16:11 that says it all for me: "<i>You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore</i>."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Joyful Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830659078659147639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996859339802186739.post-44027090399286722352023-04-03T19:26:00.001-04:002023-04-03T19:26:11.474-04:00Cartagena Colombia <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6pL-iWMPhW7I1J6SLVCEnI8nRgtydLcraQn5fuVn50RBTHoGHyu5B2MiUbHiAFM2gsJhiezeqFeEI_yC0cHK1KBRpTPWLsaWI_Yt40QmQeVsw6lthtavgSeDGRGl42QJzHwIcfv9K-yOaLusfEifW21pZtbNRgnR9PCw4ooTErbkRf6EOxnvOM-rJg/s5184/IMG_3059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6pL-iWMPhW7I1J6SLVCEnI8nRgtydLcraQn5fuVn50RBTHoGHyu5B2MiUbHiAFM2gsJhiezeqFeEI_yC0cHK1KBRpTPWLsaWI_Yt40QmQeVsw6lthtavgSeDGRGl42QJzHwIcfv9K-yOaLusfEifW21pZtbNRgnR9PCw4ooTErbkRf6EOxnvOM-rJg/w640-h480/IMG_3059.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Larry and I spent a beautiful, sunny day wandering around the Old City of Cartagena Colombia. It was our first visit to South America and we were excited about our adventure. The photo above is taken in the San Pedro Claver Plaza. This lovely ochre colored building faces the San Pedro Claver Cathedral. The plaza features whimsical metal artwork by Edgardo Carmona that show glimpses of everyday life - like the two figures below playing chess.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHdAAXr1fuT2cJq_Wv4dBRcz-3W0pChDPhdg_-85ydBpEBCfTF01vBW_G3FIxsPj0FQyAe9_5MpBzvYcb81fIJNcaRuiuzPV4HCDNvLTYn2gJyIkU2glGsMI1woC9QMWD1SrLSP72ht2mX4D8Ca4LkEjA5OCOQ6nlfMekRiNSxcB0Pr-GNnu0pSoZ_A/s5184/IMG_3065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHdAAXr1fuT2cJq_Wv4dBRcz-3W0pChDPhdg_-85ydBpEBCfTF01vBW_G3FIxsPj0FQyAe9_5MpBzvYcb81fIJNcaRuiuzPV4HCDNvLTYn2gJyIkU2glGsMI1woC9QMWD1SrLSP72ht2mX4D8Ca4LkEjA5OCOQ6nlfMekRiNSxcB0Pr-GNnu0pSoZ_A/w400-h300/IMG_3065.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklWWhwaqSEI6ZF909oYWvmjwnUfdNP2SjSRnvtOXjJNwfoHHIcmR6U3TkiP8-Sg0C8apcK2idjhXN_abn7CPr7GOC4wcZUua-J_CV0xNqhRbjKGi5UeBbfdiJ1bMNJV60ssJnhdRzqCO0muJ2zSmyd7koPOpVGdP25N8LLb6tikWomOZeBbSeam582w/s5184/IMG_3109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklWWhwaqSEI6ZF909oYWvmjwnUfdNP2SjSRnvtOXjJNwfoHHIcmR6U3TkiP8-Sg0C8apcK2idjhXN_abn7CPr7GOC4wcZUua-J_CV0xNqhRbjKGi5UeBbfdiJ1bMNJV60ssJnhdRzqCO0muJ2zSmyd7koPOpVGdP25N8LLb6tikWomOZeBbSeam582w/w480-h640/IMG_3109.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We went inside the cathedral (only $4 admission each) and ended up spending over an hour in there. This was the view of the sanctuary from the gallery on the third floor. To get to the gallery, we climbed wide stone steps and then narrow, curving stone steps tucked away in a corner (in photo below). We considered it an adventure 😀<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhL-COPru4Yo9pDb6a1TYkbApDMqfW_E3cPdw_3dfwT5VmuY4-2efo-p6cjpY33MMQNwNnX8srvpk7JDTgu_mAsnocqhL_NfOMxEwnL4q4qrtX38K0ekXjcnp46YC2Jo22bD5v3reFhpX48WIeKyCc9RKp_ing9Ozkim5KmsDyIPNNBLnsRYq26CSlA/s5184/IMG_3108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhL-COPru4Yo9pDb6a1TYkbApDMqfW_E3cPdw_3dfwT5VmuY4-2efo-p6cjpY33MMQNwNnX8srvpk7JDTgu_mAsnocqhL_NfOMxEwnL4q4qrtX38K0ekXjcnp46YC2Jo22bD5v3reFhpX48WIeKyCc9RKp_ing9Ozkim5KmsDyIPNNBLnsRYq26CSlA/w400-h300/IMG_3108.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58NC_6Dd7eeUWIIFTQ0MsesIJ4WJ-I_APL-G8Lvmtj4ZtfitdJEU_L6LHV2N9315T8JgBT9O37F1zWwVNXHkXs5ld3LfmfsNC3xCin7zahohaIueI928ShOlHzE9KaGCoEPoHR_lahrckDEVXwqaz7dpn_ScsVIKzlzgW4i1Hf5GKD7cTQd7mwJq5yQ/s5184/IMG_3110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58NC_6Dd7eeUWIIFTQ0MsesIJ4WJ-I_APL-G8Lvmtj4ZtfitdJEU_L6LHV2N9315T8JgBT9O37F1zWwVNXHkXs5ld3LfmfsNC3xCin7zahohaIueI928ShOlHzE9KaGCoEPoHR_lahrckDEVXwqaz7dpn_ScsVIKzlzgW4i1Hf5GKD7cTQd7mwJq5yQ/w640-h480/IMG_3110.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></div><br /><div> This is a nice stained glass window showing Peter Claver, a Spanish Jesuit priest, telling slaves about Jesus' love for them. His primary work was with the many slaves who passed through the port town of Cartagena. It was a major slave market of the day. He helped the slaves not only spiritually, but also with food and physical care. He was truly a man of God. He died at the church in 1654 and his remains are in a coffin on the altar of the church.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTq9-3o001I-fgiqnZs75AG-KSAb7et_E524e69osXs3W513lJw1Xgradr4VV2jX0gQxRZWjqHuoLmn4-xvFRLxIMlHWhXTovppPVK8dQitP9wzgT7MeOjzQxae7EVKBUOkL6R02Kfo8IbmM5hdK9WrEuu6TfbZrZL6jNPZkLjUo1_6W1pZq3WpE5Jxw/s5184/IMG_3119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTq9-3o001I-fgiqnZs75AG-KSAb7et_E524e69osXs3W513lJw1Xgradr4VV2jX0gQxRZWjqHuoLmn4-xvFRLxIMlHWhXTovppPVK8dQitP9wzgT7MeOjzQxae7EVKBUOkL6R02Kfo8IbmM5hdK9WrEuu6TfbZrZL6jNPZkLjUo1_6W1pZq3WpE5Jxw/w640-h480/IMG_3119.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> There are many beautiful buildings and balconies in the Old City. In the background are towers for the Cathedral (ca 1603). Cartagena was founded in 1533 and didn't become independent from Spain until 1821. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0fgLGL1Ps2CFVQPsfD_ZSEfmMAAnPKDVBlK1y9C7tIHPKijajSIHsA3ULgaTw_JtLUHYkBZAbxyCy1g4QQaj5vvpKsbvcgDp2BZuiOzN0vHlBkxcKUvYZDyaSCjf_y8A91IvjUI1ZduZmIOjejmYXCSVcDTUOzK4nhpTOori9F3AKqZ6YxJpbz21mw/s5184/IMG_3140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0fgLGL1Ps2CFVQPsfD_ZSEfmMAAnPKDVBlK1y9C7tIHPKijajSIHsA3ULgaTw_JtLUHYkBZAbxyCy1g4QQaj5vvpKsbvcgDp2BZuiOzN0vHlBkxcKUvYZDyaSCjf_y8A91IvjUI1ZduZmIOjejmYXCSVcDTUOzK4nhpTOori9F3AKqZ6YxJpbz21mw/w640-h480/IMG_3140.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> We walked up one street and down another along narrow sidewalks, some of which were cracked, broken and had holes while others, like these, were in great shape. Shade is my friend on such a day and this was a nice street to walk down.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Vg18KeJfG-oEto3IN7-ZUGYwuoi02NLEw09EOn1t2JTXsM72D7scpLnZopWH0-Y4ElFdSW98g-7NY_b-dcZcdqQIIPDvqRy5XFMtZjKlh67j8q0MebrRF7CKGEGU3ddDt1svJ26bdWd31nzfPQvAvkHVk6_5Fo_ezMI3A9HTtpwlRmbl5yDHixbVJg/s2016/IMG_6082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Vg18KeJfG-oEto3IN7-ZUGYwuoi02NLEw09EOn1t2JTXsM72D7scpLnZopWH0-Y4ElFdSW98g-7NY_b-dcZcdqQIIPDvqRy5XFMtZjKlh67j8q0MebrRF7CKGEGU3ddDt1svJ26bdWd31nzfPQvAvkHVk6_5Fo_ezMI3A9HTtpwlRmbl5yDHixbVJg/w400-h300/IMG_6082.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Here, we are standing in front of the famous Clock Tower which stands above the entrance to the walled Old City. We took a taxi to this spot and after our "walk-about" within the walls, we took another taxi back to the ship. It was a 13,000 step day! Thank you, Lord, for giving us an opportunity to enjoy a glimpse of South America!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div>Joyful Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830659078659147639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996859339802186739.post-48000672484227189942023-03-03T01:30:00.008-05:002023-03-03T01:30:00.214-05:00Laughter is Good <p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDWVYn2C1U4SpNMF3ymdjUUZbeZODGPRcVyWHe-Lni16XI4olPWOc-fzdU8fK8AGWjWggR5m6eVpjykmojzh7CE3t2kW4bbbUwthL6eq62NsYgTIYz-bZjmWyNVmyMnescLYR6MmxCzG18n92FkZmUJMQ7IaRmuE5RZkMX4qrdTZe34Fl5yyRE7OFuPQ/s1399/IMG_5402.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1399" data-original-width="1330" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDWVYn2C1U4SpNMF3ymdjUUZbeZODGPRcVyWHe-Lni16XI4olPWOc-fzdU8fK8AGWjWggR5m6eVpjykmojzh7CE3t2kW4bbbUwthL6eq62NsYgTIYz-bZjmWyNVmyMnescLYR6MmxCzG18n92FkZmUJMQ7IaRmuE5RZkMX4qrdTZe34Fl5yyRE7OFuPQ/w608-h640/IMG_5402.jpg" width="608" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">"<i>A cheerful heart is good medicine</i>," Proverbs 17:22</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> With that verse in mind and an appreciation for a bit of humor, I thought I'd find some pictures that offer a humorous, yet true, glimpse of my life. Perhaps you'll find a kindred spirit in some of my foibles (definition: minor weakness or eccentricity in someone's character).<br /></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> This first picture of a bear at her computer is me - minus the curlers in the hair. I never wear curlers in my hair! Otherwise, it's a pretty accurate depiction of my mornings.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVvQossi5M_1HKD39rndtplZmuMloc_BQZdDnLWiJ0dlIkhuT0MCx0LqUrZOvb7oYuUNum3p7MDjuAzkIOf_cyixl23RfP4wyZ64wa0N65LNknl_00scRpQH1QLHzhoUA76eTqLRex_RDi6FSt922D6uW3ztblHDtT7BSCGKd9WGocL8g8jgsDqkYqQ/s1584/IMG_5440trim.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1226" data-original-width="1584" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVvQossi5M_1HKD39rndtplZmuMloc_BQZdDnLWiJ0dlIkhuT0MCx0LqUrZOvb7oYuUNum3p7MDjuAzkIOf_cyixl23RfP4wyZ64wa0N65LNknl_00scRpQH1QLHzhoUA76eTqLRex_RDi6FSt922D6uW3ztblHDtT7BSCGKd9WGocL8g8jgsDqkYqQ/w640-h496/IMG_5440trim.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> When I saw this picture, I had to laugh! I will confess to being guilty of this woman's cooking habits, in the fact that we both have no cooking habits since we rarely cook. Actually, I do cook a nice meal about twice a month - and yes, that meal is made to last for two, or even three days. But somehow, we manage not to go hungry -- as evidenced by our ample waistlines!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6QSy9NwNOApiIqqd-m51C6Tnwb2xLKCoeCpQI0YNsFhGwjV11kQgxvhAcu7szlylaoKNkJkkQGhaa34ZeE-rFbjoT9ATfsyb-JGODV6iXVTnRIczVyHoVy8LvNc4Ky0gI5eq2QZdTI9clGHZhAdQwPPNHFUFlFc7Uo4mjVMsiS9hc7fzqNdanv_83Q/s1600/IMG_1446.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6QSy9NwNOApiIqqd-m51C6Tnwb2xLKCoeCpQI0YNsFhGwjV11kQgxvhAcu7szlylaoKNkJkkQGhaa34ZeE-rFbjoT9ATfsyb-JGODV6iXVTnRIczVyHoVy8LvNc4Ky0gI5eq2QZdTI9clGHZhAdQwPPNHFUFlFc7Uo4mjVMsiS9hc7fzqNdanv_83Q/w400-h300/IMG_1446.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> I've always wanted to use this picture and never had an opportunity, so here it is and I think it's good for a chuckle. We were in Spain in an obviously scenic area and I think it's funny that my sister and I are both trying to capture the view - me, with a very serious expression. And note the man behind us waiting his turn. Family and friends are well-aware of my propensity for taking pictures - after all, they ARE worth a thousand words!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMu_z-lIm8Q_SIbDS7XH2y_XUySHnrXS8lewE5B5eFgyAOLYL-5zKXOyKiC3SHrt0zJKlfQrSkPNpT_mRn01xjuEPrbchMiQezfbX529rEcGyd7bzoFvgrMEUnIEODofyotM8l_5cOnkUynpZ44dYlO7TUPwHO8lc1CNaLuGCRmOvwifAMW-bzGwUJQ/s2325/IMG_6221-trimmed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1943" data-original-width="2325" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMu_z-lIm8Q_SIbDS7XH2y_XUySHnrXS8lewE5B5eFgyAOLYL-5zKXOyKiC3SHrt0zJKlfQrSkPNpT_mRn01xjuEPrbchMiQezfbX529rEcGyd7bzoFvgrMEUnIEODofyotM8l_5cOnkUynpZ44dYlO7TUPwHO8lc1CNaLuGCRmOvwifAMW-bzGwUJQ/w640-h534/IMG_6221-trimmed.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> You must admit, this one is good for a laugh! I love mugging for funny photo ops. I call this one, "Giant Ant Attacks and Eats Frightened Woman," or you can make up your own caption.<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw19C5Dw_Zn2M2sLvx5l3I6hOU1HkfPtemQT1XTYtz1kgECQrXHZUS-t6Zm7hoWPo2DKAFgoY5EWE9i7RS4ShJX8VOnOGUZt_qXsawzpdKPaSNhBgAcpZwZHEw721aBF6pz6EJDr89_t1LQmOaUa3MPM_Mqr1J2Cxlgv-d06w5mjm03fl-w8cZKwkOaQ/s2592/IMG_4725.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw19C5Dw_Zn2M2sLvx5l3I6hOU1HkfPtemQT1XTYtz1kgECQrXHZUS-t6Zm7hoWPo2DKAFgoY5EWE9i7RS4ShJX8VOnOGUZt_qXsawzpdKPaSNhBgAcpZwZHEw721aBF6pz6EJDr89_t1LQmOaUa3MPM_Mqr1J2Cxlgv-d06w5mjm03fl-w8cZKwkOaQ/w640-h480/IMG_4725.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> Loveland, Colorado is blessed with many bronze statues. I love interacting with statues and this happy group of children invited me to join their fun walk across a log. We all balanced and laughed together. I was able to hop off the log after a moment, but those children are still in that same spot years later. Guess you could call it a "frozen in time" situation. They haven't aged, but oh my, I certainly have!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrrUNWTPIL8bcdezyFwKKefdPMaXEQlYNubRA0zuwtQWTS3275IQHMkJfL_v6r5QtUOVbeAM1C2nycdrXyN30R_dd7HTx6LgCw5gee3PeZTCR7S87wuhk3N63a6SaPgyB36pq3-zRcL-EkIDHUHvyvc1g1jvtHEJbZNEqheKMnqfM8-FK43O2nhqk0A/s3930/IMG_1443.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3784" data-original-width="3930" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrrUNWTPIL8bcdezyFwKKefdPMaXEQlYNubRA0zuwtQWTS3275IQHMkJfL_v6r5QtUOVbeAM1C2nycdrXyN30R_dd7HTx6LgCw5gee3PeZTCR7S87wuhk3N63a6SaPgyB36pq3-zRcL-EkIDHUHvyvc1g1jvtHEJbZNEqheKMnqfM8-FK43O2nhqk0A/w640-h616/IMG_1443.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="text-align: left;"> I will end with this picture taken at Virginia Beach - and no, I don't consider myself to be an angel by any stretch of the imagination. I just like this picture and consider it a depiction of the impressive wing span of the angel who stands behind me -- protecting me as my Father has instructed him to do. Such a thought makes me smile. We are so blessed to belong to such a great God Who loves us in spite of our foibles (: "</span><i style="text-align: left;">I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well</i><span style="text-align: left;">," Psalm 139:14.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>Joyful Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830659078659147639noreply@blogger.com0