No More A Secret

Celebrating the birth of the One who remains the Greatest Gifter of peace, 1 hope, 2 unconditional love, 3 truth, 4 mercy, 5 forgiveness, 6 and  abundant life. 7 Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas. 1. John 14:27; 2. Psalm 39:7; 3. John 3:16 4. John 14:5; 5. Psalm 86:15; 6. Psalm 86:5; 7. John 10:10 Photo: Harvest Red Winterberry Hollly  Taken at:  Norfolk Botanical Garden

On a recent afternoon stop at my favorite park, I observed these Cormorants taking an afternoon stop also. It’s always good on a busy day if possible, to locate a scenic stop, rest and be still before moving on with the tasks ahead of us.   "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth ... In quietness and confidence is your strength.   " ~ Psalm 46:10/Isaiah 30:15 Mount Trashmore Park   Kindly left click 3 times on photos for larger view.

It was: purchased in 1986 It has: been read every day since offered:the most effective emotional, physical and spiritual healing become my most valuable investment It is: my most prized possession It remains: my most life changing influence! “The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” ~ Jesus (John 6:63)

Today, trust is sometimes difficult to encounter. Widely advertised products fail to produce promised   results. Investments loose value. Friends and family members disappoint. Expected lasting relationships end. Amid all of this, there is One whose trust never fails. An article in Reader’s Digest 600 page book entitled “Strange Stories, Amazing Facts states:”   “Every minute of our lives the heart pumps 10 pints of blood – 30 pints during brisk exercise – through about 600,000 miles of arteries, veins and capillaries.” Just think. Created by the hand of the Great Creator who says: “And be sure   of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age 1 ." I believe these words are not difficult for me to trust. What about you? 1. Matthew 28:20b (NLT) Photo: Red-winged Blackbird   Kindly left click 3 times on photo for larger view

As I took my afternoon walk today along with my nine year old great-nephew Cairon, a Common Grackle seemingly joined me in proclaiming the words of the Psalmist David ~ “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.   My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. 1 ” “O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever!” 2  Happy Happy Thanksgiving to my blog readers and followers. 1. Psalm 121:1-2; 2. ~ Psalm 30:12

This Green Ash Tree dressed in full fall regalia recently commanded my attention compelling me to stop and capture its beauty. You and I also command compelling attention because of our beauty. Listen to some of the words captured by the Heavenly Creator : Beautiful 1 , precious 2 , valuable 3 , special treasure 4 , royal 5 , chosen 6 , holy 7 , loved 8 . These words command my attention. What about yours? 1. Song of Solomon 6:4; 2. Isaiah 43:4; 3. Luke 12:7; 4.  Deuteronomy 7:6; 5. 1 Peter 2:9; 6. Ephesians 1:4; 7. Ibid;  8.Jeremiah 31:3 Kindly left click on photos 3 times for larger view.  

It is claimed that the normal adult eye can experience about 35,000 different color sensations … When we consider the wonders of the human eye, we realize again and again that all the superlatives of our language are insufficient to do justice to it or to make intelligible these wonders of our being. 1 As David the psalmist so eloquently put it: “ You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb.” 2 Heavenly Father, for delicate eyes and the gift of sight that you have given me Your beauty and the beauty of Your creation, I am eternally grateful. Amen! 1. The Wonders of Creation –Alfred M. Rehwinkel 2. Psalm 139:13 (NLT) Photo: October Glory Maple Kindly left click 3 times to see larger view of photos .

Two of the definitions of the word stop in my Primary Dictionary Series 4 are: to “pause,” or to “cease moving.” Life’s journey is full of movement. During a recent full of movement day, this traffic stop allowed me a moment to “pause” and to “cease moving” and remind myself that on the journey, I am n ever alone. The European Starlings at the top of the light seemed to have figured that out way before I did! “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." ~ Matthew 28:20b (NLT) Photo: Virginia Beach Boulevard, Va. European Starling Kindly left click 3 times for larger view of photo.

One definition of the word shrub found in my Chambers Dictionary is: “a small bush.” To think that the Great Creator would place such beauty in a “bush” is another creation wonder that amazes me.  You and I too have been created with such beauty. What do you think of these words from the pen of the Psalmist David:   “I will give thanks to you because I have been so amazingly and miraculously made. Your works are miraculous, and my soul is fully aware of this.” 1 …   and this amazing and miraculous beauty defies age, culture or gender.    1. Psalm 139:14 (GWT) Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)   Photo: Norfolk Botanical Garden   Kindly left click 3 times for larger photo view

My nephew Timothy captured this Great Egret on Sunday as it seemed to be standing strong during Sandy’s 41 mph winds. Thanks Tim, I thought it  great example of what my reactions should be during the storms of life ~ stand ... then  rise above  them !                     “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” ~ Isaiah 43:2 (NLT) Please left click three times to see a larger view of photos

Early this morning, I participated in a Fall Tree Identification Walk at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. This tree was a part of the educational tour. Needless to say, it captivated my attention and I had to share it. I hope you enjoy its dazzling beauty as much I did. Heavenly Father for another day to experience family, friends, freedom and the beauty of Your creation, I am thankful!   "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” ~ John 15:5 Photo: Black GumTree (Nyssa Sylvatica) Please left click 3 times to see a larger photo image.

Eye stopping beauty ... beauty defying description … beauty delicately created by the hand of the Creator ... the Creator whose beauty defies human description and comprehension!   Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness. ~ Psalm 145:3 (NLT)   Norfolk Botanical Garden   Castorbean Plant (Ricinus Communis) Please left click three times for a larger photo view.  

Throughout the day, I often find it necessary to stop in the midst of an overwhelming moment and look up to the Great Creator. Then, a calming effect takes place as I remember that I am not alone to continue the tasks that lie ahead . “I lift up my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” ~ Psalm 121:1-2 (NLT) Photo Yellow-Eared Slider Norfolk Botanical Garden   Please left click 3 times for a larger photo image!  

To think these small seeds have the ability within them to produce such large trees - To think that these trees have sustained sunlight, rain, thunderstorms, snowstorms, northeasters and are still standing firm - is another creation mystery that simply amazes me! Then God said, "Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds." And it was so. ~ Genesis 1:11 (NIV) Seeds: Courtesy  Norfolk Botanical Garden , Great Nephew Paris

  During one of my recent mid-afternoon walks through the Garden, I observed this Great Blue Heron displaying agile gymnastic positions. Should there be Bird Olympics, the performance would have definitely qualified for the highest prize ... gold. I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I enjoyed capturing them!   I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God's heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 (GWT)   Photos : Norfolk Botanical Garden

When I see the intricate and miraculous beauty of this lily I am not amazed that you miraculously removed cancer from my body and restored my life. Thank You Heavenly Father Thank You  I shall be eternally grateful! Lord, your discipline is good, for it leads to life and health. You restore my health and allow me to live! ~ Isaiah 38:16 (NLT) Photo:  Mount Trashmore Park

The beauty of nature … blue skies … water   … trees … wild rabbits ... birds. To the Great Creator you and I are of  much much more value than all of  these! "And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows."  Luke 12:7 ~ (NIV) If you would like to see larger reproduction, please left click three times on each photo. Enjoy!!!!!