No More A Secret

to be patient  to be kind    now. to laugh   to forgive      now.   to enjoy    fully    the gift of life     now.   this is my prayer     now, in Jesus name,  Amen! “Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation."  ~ 11 Corinthians 6:2a Photo – View of lake and formal gardens – Founders Inn, Virginia Beach, Va. Previously posted 6/5/2010

--> Me : F a ther, Do you really mean that apart from You, I can do nothing 1 ? Father : Would you rather be concerned about your past 2 , your present 3 , your future 4 , or would you choose leaving it to me who can do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that you can ask or think 5 ? Trust Me my child 6 … Will you trust Me 7 ?           Me : Yes Lord   ~                                                                 1. John 15:5; 2. Philippians 3:13b; 3. Matthew 6:25-33 4. Matthew 6:34; 5. Ephesians 3:20: 6. Psalms 125:1; 7. Isaiah 12:2 Previously posted 2/6/2010

Thursday past, I became frazzled. Frazzled, thinking about all that needed to be done.  24 hours seemed so little time. Somehow, a glimpse of creation always calms me. So I stopped to a favorite spot, and watched this Mute Swan as he drew me into silent conversation … displaying his gracefulness … his beauty … frazzle free … as he searched for food, unmoved by the activity around him.   An hour later, I left calmed, ready to face 24 ~ one moment at a time ~ unfrazzled! Father, thank you for slowing me down. and showing me how to live each eternal moment frazzle free, In Jesus name,  Amen! “"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." ~ Psalm 118:24 (NIV ) Photo: View of Lake and Formal Gardens – Founders Inn, Virginia Beach, V a . Previously posted 2/13/2011

After returning from taking my niece Lorna to her business, I exited the interstate at 6:01am yesterday, and this sighting was breathtaking. The side street gave me time to capture these two photos and as I did, my heart birthed this prayer: Father I thank you for the beauty of a brand new day another opportunity to love and to be loved to forgive and to be forgiven to speak kind words to hope to dream to expect to fulfill the plan that you have for my life in Jesus' name,      Amen! Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly ~ Psalm 5:3 (NIV) Previously posted 5/24/2011

I learn so many necessary lessons from nature. This week, I observed this red-eared turtle as he moved through the water around him with ease, agility and comfort. He seemed to say "this is how you keep your head above water." Thank you Mr. Turtle ... thank you!  “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.1 ” Isaiah 43:2a (NLT) Photo:   Red-eared Slider Turtle ~ http://www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/home http://www.buzzle.com/articles/red-eared-slider-turtles.html Previously posted 5/13/2011

One of the definitions of the word watch is: “to guard, to tend, or oversee, especially for protection or safekeeping.” This chubby tabby cat watched me cautiously on one of my recent early morning ventures searching for interesting photos. As his keen eyes followed me, I was reminded of Scripture which speak of the watchful eyes of my Heavenly Father ~ “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go 1 … I will advise you and watch over you 2 … I will watch over your life 3 … I will hold you by your hand and watch over you .4.” Tabby didn’t seem to feel safe with me watching him, because he ran when I tried to come nearer. Regardless, I thought his photos  spotlighting today's powerful Word was well deserved! What do you think? 1. Genesis 28:15; 2. Psalm 32:8; 3. Psalm 121:7 4. Isaiah 42:6 Previously posted 3/29/2011

That You would call me:     Forgiven 1       Accepted 2          The apple of Your eye 3              Chosen 4                  Loved 5       Just  ~ Overwhelms me! 1. Psalms 32:5; 2.Ephesians 1:6; 3. Zechariah 2:8; 4. John 15:16; 5. Galatians 2:20 Photo - Crepe Myrtle Cluster - Mt.Trashmore Park - Virginia Beach, Va. . Previously posted 8/21/2010

  What is ~       unmatchless 1 ?             unlimited 2 ?               unconditional 3 ? God’s love for you and me! 1. John 3:16 2. Jeremiah 31:3 3. Romans 5:8-10  Photo: Cranberry Crush Hibiscus  Taken at: Norfolk Botanical Garden Previously posted 08/06/2010

when i reflect on the rest you gave from troubled thoughts the rest you gave from tormenting memories i bow in awe at the magnitude of Your Power to heal and to forgive a shattered past! © 2009 “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 1   … and I will bless you with peace.” 2 1. Matthew 11:28 (NLT) 2. Psalm 29:11b (NLT) Photo: Cockscomb/Madagascar Periwinkle ~ Norfolk Botanical Garden Previously posted 7/22/2010

Last summer, I saw it several times as it cautiously fed, then disappeared in a moment with any distraction. This summer, it arrived mid-July much more confident, and less timid. Now, I sit and wait as its trips become more frequent, sometimes hourly. I clean and fill the feeder more often to ensure food never runs out, and it finds an uncontaminated place for daily refreshing. So it is with our Heavenly Father. As we sit and wait in His presence, and read words from the Holy Scripture, we find an uncontaminated place for daily refreshing, and are rewarded with food that fills, and refreshes our soul.   He restores my soul. ~ Psalm 23:1 “Those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” ~   John 4:14

For many years, I missed the enjoyment of swimming and aquatic activities, simply because I had heard numerous stories and seen movies of the underwater world that negatively influenced my mind. I became fearful of the undersea. Moses too almost missed the joy of being a deliverer because he thought and believed that  he could not speak. 1 Sarah almost missed the joy of motherhood because she felt limited by her age. 2 Joseph almost missed the privilege of being Jesus’ earthly father by thinking about the possibility of the shame and disgrace that he and Mary could face. 3 Fear is a thief that threatens to hinder us from living the abundant life that our God has promised us in His Word. 4 Father, help me never to let fear rob me of the hopes, the dreams, and the plans that you have for my life,                        In Jesus name,   ...

Some of the activities planned to celebrate this Independence holiday weekend include parades, concerts, vendors with food, children's rides and fireworks. What a tremendous demonstration of pomp and patriotism to remember this occasion and those who made it historic. Whatever your celebration consist of ... Happy 4th July! 

As I stopped to watch these adult geese lead their young goslings to safety, I remembered that I too am being lead safely. The question is do I like these goslings follow in simple trust?  Heavenly Father, teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing . 1 Let Your goodness and Your loving kindness follow me all the days of my life. I want to dwell in the house of the LORD forever.. 2 1. Psalm 143:10 (NLT) ; 2 . Psalm 23:6 ( NAS) Previously posted June 10, 2011

Life changes for us daily. Maybe a new job ... new neighbors ... a new church ... a new car. One thing that is changeless, and that is the Words found in Scripture. We see repeated over and over again, precious promises spread throughout the Holy Scriptures. Over the years, I have acquired many favorites, and realize how necessary it is for me to always be reminded of these and to keep them close to my heart. I need to be reminded daily of the promises that God loves me, and that He has forgiven me. His Word says: "I have loved you with an everlasting love." ( Jeremiah 31:3b) "If we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong." (1John 1:9) Father it is only because of your love and your forgiveness that today, I can live life free from the guilt and regret of my past. For that, I am truly grateful. In Jesus name, Amen! Previously published 7/12/2009

--> Exclusive Daily Appointment  –         At The Master’s Feet It teaches me that I am loved – and how to love others 1 . It teaches me that I am forgiven – and how to forgive others 2 . It teaches me wisdom – and how to share this wisdom with others 3 . It teaches me how to pray and receive answers for me – and for others 4 . It is the most vital part of my day! Have you had your appointment at the Masters Feet today? 1. John 13:34; 2. Ephesians 4:32; 3.Psalms 51:6; 4. James 5:16 (Taken from -  Hand In Hand With The Master )

Father, in moments when I am distracted by negative thoughts, help me to re-focus on your many instructions for experiencing peace, love, and forgiveness, which are of far more  value than gold or silver, In Jesus name, Amen! “Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver.” Psalm 119:72 (NLT)

Not only did the Resurrection of Jesus Christ defy death, but promises the same for we who believe in Him. Jesus said, "Don't be so surprised! Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God's Son, and they will rise again.” (John 5:28-29~NLT) Paul the Apostle wrote in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17~NLT), “For the Lord himself will come down from Heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves.” The Resurrection … a great historic event that promises hope over life after death. Happy Resurrection Season. Photo: Saucer Magnolia Taken at: Norfolk Botanical Garden

The detailed beauty of this Northern Shoveler as it paused quietly for me to drink in its beauty during a recent visit to my favorite Park , was special.   Our beauty too is detailed and in the Holy Scriptures, we are referred to as God’s Masterpiece. I think that’s a significant way to describe you and I. What do you think?    For we are God's masterpiece. Ephesians 2:10   Photo:  Mount Trashmore Park, Virginia Beach, Va.

“Few animals hold as much symbolism or generate as much excitement, and emotion as eagles. Strength, courage, honor, majesty, and freedom are all characteristics that have been represented by eagles around the world for thousands of years. 1 ” As I observed this Bald Eagle at my favorite Park during the recent Virginia snowfall, it reminded me of Scripture verse that personifies us with these same eagle traits: “ But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint . 2 ” I receive every word. Do you? 1. The Avian Conservation Center 2. Isaiah 40:31 Photos: Mount Trashmore Park,Virginia Beach, Va.  

This sunset captured on Wednesday was not intimidated by the 10 inches of snow that covered the ground outside our balcony as seen in this photo taken by my sister Molly . I t was truly a warming sight. Today, I pray that:   “The LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace."~ Numbers 6:25-26