No More A Secret

This year We spent Thanksgiving away from our home in a hotel with a view of trees dressed in shades of autumn regalia, and a waterfront park, and joined family and friends for a time of celebration and festivity . My sister Molly and I captured these photos which demonstrated that much time was spent in planning, decorating the home, preparing dining arrangements, which all contributed to a time of laughter, fun and fellowship. After two days, we started our long drive back home. Approximately 100 miles later, this rest stop warmly invited us to take a much needed break. It was a welcomed sight. The day is over, and the memories will linger in our hearts but, thanksgiving to our God for all that He has done, and continues to do, will never never end! "O Lord my  God, I will give you thanks forever" ~ Psalms 30:12 (NLT) Photos: Night view from the Hotel, Hallway Decorations, Dining Arrangements, Rest

The full moon this month was the center of much discussion. As I captured several phases with these photos, it was easy to see why ... the beauty was astounding! I was also reminded of the astounding beauty of the  words of the Psalmist David, and trust that the photos and his words will mean as much to you as they did to me:   “ I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous, your handmade sky-jewelry, moon and stars mounted in their settings. Then I look at my micro-self and wonder, why do you bother with me ?  Why do you take a second look my way?” 1 Psalms 8:3-4 (MSG) italics ~ mine

This week, I celebrated my birthday anniversary. Family members and friends showered me with many kind words, warm wishes, cards, gifts, and telephone calls. I was also showered with kind words, warm wishes and precious promises from heaven: “even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you 1 … my thoughts of you outnumber the grains of sand 2 … and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. 3 ” I felt special to be surrounded by such a priceless display of thoughtfulness and love. Heavenly Father, I am grateful for family and friends that care, and I am grateful to You for Your gift of life.                         Amen! 1. Isaiah 46:4; 2. Psalms 139:18; 3. Matthew 28:20 Photo: Firehorn Bloom

The only way I can verbally describe the splash of splendor seen in these pre-sunset and sunset progression photos taken this past week, is to echo the words of the Psalmist David who said: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge … their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens, He has pitched a tent for the sun … 1 ” 1. Psalms 19:1-2/4 Photos: Virginia Beach & Norfolk, Va.

These leaves:  and blooms: announce the change of season, even as the Holy Scriptures continue to announce that the power 1 , the strength 2 , the peace 3 , the forgiveness 4 , the hope 5 , and the love 6 of God are changeless! 1.Matthew 28:18; 2. Psalm 24:8; 3. Isaiah 9:6; 4. Isaiah 43:25; 5. Psalms 39:7; 6. Jeremiah 31:3 Photos: Burning Bush; Purple Plum; October Glory; Autumn Carnival Azalea; Salvia Leucantha, Cassia Alata (Candle Bush)

My mother and I have just returned from a Women’s Encounter Weekend with a friend's Church, where we were encouraged to “come with an open heart, believing God for a life-changing encounter. Leave the world behind and come on the journey ~ He is waiting to meet you. ” We did that, and our lives have been changed.  The Encounter was held in a quiet location surrounded by a beautifully landscaped countryside: At night this light helped brighten our pathway:  Signs of preparation for Winter:  He became our friend: This bonfire represents burning "the past and looking forward to what lies ahead": ~ Phiippians 3:13   We can truly say, " We have seen God face to face, and our lives are preserved." ~ Jacob ~Genesis 32:30 (KJV), Italics - mine Thank you Heavenly Father, Amen! Photos: Spring Grove, Va.

As summer made its exit, and we welcomed the season of autumn, this flock of Seagulls and Cormorants all seemed to join in the glad refrain: “Through all the changing scenes of life, In trouble and in joy, The praises of my God shall still ~ My heart and tongue employ.1” Father, in every changing scene or season of my life, many welcomed and some unwelcome, may my heart and my eyes always be fixed on your changeless power, In Jesus name, Amen. 1. Nahum Tate, Nicholas Brady Video Mt. Trashmore Park, Virginia Beach, Va.

Recently my favorite Miss Universe contest finalist was asked the question “what was the one big mistake that you did in your life, and what did you do to make it right?” If I had been asked that same question, I would have had to request a box of Kleenex tissues, a sheet of paper and extra time to answer. Of course, all of that would have disqualified me. My only hope would be if they had allowed me to answer the second part of the question. Yes, it was not easy, but I have made it right by asking forgiveness from my Heavenly Father, and He has granted me total pardon. What about you? Have you made any mistakes in your life? What did you do to make it right? Forgiveness is extended to all ~ “come now let us reason together says the Lord though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool 1 … and I will hurl them (our sins) into the depths of the sea 2 .” I think that qualifies as

Much to the delight of the younger members of my family, I finally gave in, renewed my cell phone contract, and upgraded to a new cell phone. Since the last upgrade in 2006, they had constantly reminded me that technology was moving, and I should move with it. My reasoning was, if you were able to hear me when I called you, and I was able to hear you, why was an upgrade necessary? In the midst of technological and multi-media changes, I am grateful that one thing never changes, never expires, or never needs upgrading, the faithfulness of my Heavenly Father. Listen to excerpts from the original contract ~ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever 1 /I am the Lord and I do not change. 2 I am enjoying the features of my new telephone … lightweight … compact … camera … picture texting … and the list goes on. What about my Heavenly contract? No plans for change, never, no never! 1. Hebrews 13:8; 2; Malachi 3:6 Photo – old phone

 Recently as I took an evening walk through one of my favorite spots ~ The Norfolk Botanical Garden, the beauty of the Crepe Myrtles draping this pathway, quietly invited a diverted turn. Without hesitation, I stepped on to the delightful path, joined by a bright orange Monarch butterfly, and the music on my MP3, All Creation Worships You, sung by Tony Melendez. Memories were evoked … of paths that I have walked … paths that I would rather not remember, nor share. Then, I thought of the paths that I now walk that are creating memories … beautiful memories that I will be grateful to remember, to compare, and to share. “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it 1 … and I will guide you with my eye. 2 ” 1. Isaiah 30:21; 2. Psalm 32 8b(NIV)  

The events of the week were tiring … tests … x-rays … scans. Then the words of Dr. Walters, though soft and concerned, echoed in my ears “due to the size of the tumor, it’s most likely malignant.” The glorious buzz of the eve of Summer June 1989 became an immediate whisper, except for the loud pounding of my racing heart. The past, the present, eternity, became a mirage of frantic thoughts. I deliberately chose the long route home, and in between tears, prayed. The glowing turquoise waters, the brilliant sunshine, and the chattering seagulls darting lazily across the snow white sand calmed me. I wanted a second opinion. More tests, x-rays, scans ~ a few days later ~ my fears and Dr, Walters' words were confirmed … cancer ... ovarian cancer! According to Prescription for Nutritional Healing, “The American Cancer Society estimates that there are 170,000 or more deaths from cancer in the United States each year that could have been prevented.”  I was determined not to i

A Tribute to My Dad One who used words wisely Whose face reflected strength Strength     wrapped in love     love that held a tiny baby     while singing lullaby and goodnight Love  that held a shaking hand  fearing the first day of school Love   that supported a tiny body   teaching it how to swim above deeper waters Love   that listened as tiny hands   banged chopsticks on a Baldwin piano Love   that proudly presented his now young lady   to a waiting would be son-in-law Maybe it was that strength that hid the pain Brewing beneath your breast We should have shared that pain The pain that took you away     Earth has lost you     It cries     Heaven has gained you     It rejoices     still I cry     I miss you! © June 2003

--> A 15 minute wait to resolve a customer service issue … a 45 minute maneuver through the light-rail construction traffic … a half mile tunnel backup. By the time I pulled into my niece Lorna's driveway, I was grasping to collect fragments of my distracted peace. Then, I spotted him. This wild rabbit, refusing to be disturbed by the whirring of the neighbor’s lawn mower, the pickup from the mailbox next door, or the mockingbird sitting on the nearby satellite receiver blasting his rendition of Sunset Sonata. He then sat undisturbed for my 20 minute photo taking session. After, I was composed. Frustration had disappeared. Thank you Mr. Rabbit ... thank you! “Father, 'when my heart is overwhelmed and fainting; please lead me to the rock that is higher than I'.” 1 1. Psalm 61:2 (AMP)

Recently, I observed this Bald Eagle, as it sat at 90 ft, guarding the nearby nest of its young eaglets. I was immediately reminded of another favorite promise from the Holy Scriptures: “He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might, He increases strength ... but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” 1 The eagle … a symbol of strength and power. My heavenly Father ... the giver of strength and power! 1 . Isaiah 40:29,31 (NKJV) Photos – Norfolk Botanical Garden April 29, 2010

                             A M other    ~                     M otivates                                 is O ptimistic                                    T eaches                                       H ugs often                          E ncourages                 R adiates love!      “Her strength and dignity clothe her with beauty …       A heart of compassion she turns to the needy …      She teaches her children true lessons of kindness;      And shares with them wisdom the world can’t destroy.” 1             Happ y Mother’s Day 1. Elizabeth de Gravelles -She Will Be Called Blessed

His ~     greatness 1      powe r 2        wisdom 3            provision 4              mercy 5                 forgiveness 6    protection 7      healing 8        peace 9           love 10             is                unlimited! References 1. Psalm 145:3; 2. Matthew 6:13; 3. Ephesians 3:10 4. Philippians 4:19; 5. Psalm 103:17; 6. Hebrews 8:12 7. Luke 10:19; 8. Psalm 103:3; 9. Ezekiel 37:26 10. Jeremiah 31:3

-->              “ We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty. ” 1 We too like the butterfly can experience beauty in our lives in spite of the changes we have been or are going through: -->         mourning to joy 2           darkness to marvelous light 3                 ashes to beauty 4                    corruptible to incorruptible 5                mortal to immortal 6                   weeping to joy 7     eternal death to eternal life 8         1. Maya Angelou; 2. Jeremiah 31:13; 3. 1 Peter 2:9 4.Isaiah 61:3; 5. 1 Corinthians 15:53; 6. Ibid 7. Psalm 30:5; 8. John 3:16

I enjoy receiving an unexpected telephone call, a card or note in the mail, an email or text message, from friends or family members, telling me that they are thinking about me. Just this week, a lovely lady from my church sent me a text message saying: “listening 2 Joyful … Joyful … thought of u! Blessings.”  That song, I had recently performed  by flute, at the memorial service of a mutual friend of ours. Just knowing that I had been thought about, warmed my heart and made me feel special. The Psalmist David declares “how precious are your thoughts about me, O God! They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!” 1  It means that I am being thought about by my Heavenly Father much more times than I can number the sand. Now, that really warms my heart and makes me feel very special! 1. Psalms 139:17-18a (NLT)