Voice of Triumph

This is a picture of some of my favorite flowers.  They are affectionately called "Johnny Jump Ups".  They are such delicate looking flowers, and they are so tiny, but yet, they are some of the hardiest flowers in the northeast region of New York.

 

To me these delicate flowers look bold, standing so straight.  It's as if they are not aware they are tiny and low to the ground.  It made me think of us as children of the Most High.  The world may not think much of us, so what, we know who we are, because, we know our Heavenly Father.  We are a hardy people.  Maybe at times we may feel small, like these beautiful flowers, but that is only because we are looking at ourselves.  Look away from yourself and look at your Heavenly Father. 

Stand tall, because, the Lord most high is a great King over all the earth and He is for us, He is on our side.  You are beautiful and hardy just like these flowers, because your God reigns over the nations

TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON

This has been a very unique winter here in the great Northeast.  We have been getting only dusting's of snow here and there.  "It is going to snow today," would usually mean one to three feet of snow. A warm spell this time of year would usually be in the upper 20's, it has been in the 40's on a regular basis.

I often wonder if I will see my furry hibernating friends coming out from their sleepy winter dens, but they seem to be staying put.  Do they know something I don't know?  Will winter hit us with a fury just when we are expecting it will be time to plan our gardens?  Though I have never had a winter with such little snow, one thing I have learned is to watch the animals.  God must have put some good weather sensors in them for they always seem to know when a storm is coming or when winter will be starting or stopping.  The chipmunks are still hiding and the robins are no where to be seen.

To everything there is a season; and a time to every purpose under the heaven....

TWO ALPACAS

I love this picture!  I loved taking it and it makes me smile every time I look at these TWO ALPACAS.  From the moment I saw these two, I could tell they were a couple.  Even amongst all the animals that were there with them, these two came across as true mates.  I think that is how it should be when we are with our own spouses; people should know without even asking that you and your spouse are one.

My husband pointed out the context of  Matthew 18:20 is forgiveness.  I thought this would be appropriate for Valentine's Day, for at the center of any good relationship is forgiveness.  I have seen people hold on to grudges thinking they were punishing the other person.  When in reality they are hurting themselves.  There is freedom in having a heart that can forgive.  Also, on the other side is the freedom to stop doing what it is that bugs your spouse.  Matter of fact, let it be a secret Valentine gift.  Then watch the peace you will also receive from giving the gift. 

SIX JOYFUL ROSES

It was a beautiful morning, the sky was blue, the birds were singing.  I looked forward to the day we had planned.  We would be packing the cooler with goodies, lemonade for our daughters and coffee for me and my husband.  All four of us would be bringing our cameras, it was always a family event.

We arrived at the gardens before anyone else.  The sun peeking through the trees and the morning dew that lingered, made us feel like we walked into a story book scene.  We walked quietly through the garden, savoring the time, not speaking a word.

The six joyful roses, as I like to call them, was but a piece of the memory of that story book morning.

Take time to come to the garden alone while the dew is still on the roses.