Sun Sparkle

Though the day is beautiful and there is hardly a cloud in the skies.  I find my heart is sad.  Perhaps it is in response to the lull after all our Easter Activity.  I had the joy of working with a group of young people whom my husband and I had mentored in drama over the years.

This Easter, Dramatic Difference Ministries, and Scarlet Chord  Theater put Alan's drama, When I am Free onstage for the first time.  We performed it three times over the weekend and it was a great success.  I loved hearing the comments of those who saw the play.  I know Alan would have been so pleased.

My darling had talked about that drama--describing it, working on it, for over 20 years.  But unfortunately, he left this life too soon to see his dream come true. 

There is much to be done for other upcoming projects, but today I am sad at heart.  I miss Alan.  I wish he could have seen that drama--I would have loved to hear his comments and watch his face.  I even wonder if somehow he knows about the on-going impact he made in so many lives.

In the meantime, I'm looking for those sparkles God puts into the day.  I know they are there.

God bless you, sweet Friends.  You are always close to my heart and in my prayers.

Don't Give Up Hope

Though sometimes the circumstances of life seem dark and hopeless, the darkness must always flee before the power of the Light.

I have experienced more dark days than I ever thought possible.  Yet even so, the Light of the Lord shines into that hard place--and I lift my hands and my face to the Light of Hope.

Here is a promise for all of us who have suffered great loss in our lives.  You know who you are--and so does the Mighty One Who loves you.

Arise, shine; for your light has come, 

And the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. 

For behold, darkness will cover the earth, 

And deep darkness the peoples; 

But the LORD will rise upon you, 

And His glory will appear upon you. 

And nations will come to your light, 

And kings to the brightness of your rising. 

Lift up your eyes round about, and see; 

They all gather together, they come to you. 

Your sons will come from afar, 

And your daughters will be carried in the arms.  

~Isaiah 60:1-4.

My treasured Friends.  Trust God.  There is always hope and the light of hope will overcome misery, darkness and despair.

I am praying for you, dear ones, as are countless others.

God bless you, Beloved Friends.

A Sparkling Christmas

This photo is from last year's tremendous snowstorm. The sun came peeking through the clouds to  illuminate the world wearing its snowy coat. 

This Christmas will be so different without my darling husband who flew away to heaven just under two months ago.  Our children and I are heartbroken--but we know we will see him again someday, along with my Dad, brother, grandparents and many precious friends.

Some of you have experienced even greater grief, sadness and loss--my prayers are with you.  Dear friends, may God bless your Christmas with unexpected sparkles of joy and gladness.

Here is a promise from the Prophet Isaiah, who speaks of God's anointed.  He is the One Who has been sent to bring comfort, hope and gladness to those who are brokenhearted.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,

Because the Lord has anointed me

To bring good news to the afflicted;

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

To proclaim liberty to captives,

And freedom to prisoners;

To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord,

And the day of vengeance of our God;

To comfort all who mourn,

To grant those who mourn in Zion,

Giving them a garland instead of ashes, 

The oil of gladness instead of mourning,

The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting.

So they will be called oaks of righteousness,

The planting of the lord,

That He may be glorified.

~The Prophet Isaiah

The Old Testament of the Bible

Isaiah 61:1-3

Sun Star -SkyWatch Friday

I took this wonderful photo of the sun sparkling through the clouds.  Do you see the jet?  I think back over the centuries, and wonder what Native Americans would have thought of such a sky.  

I also think of all the people who watch the skies as I do.  

I watch the news, and my heart is sad for simple folk like me around the world who see things in the skies I have never experienced.  Our prayers are with you.

Happy sky watching!  If you love clouds as much as I do--join SkyWatch Friday to see all the amazing things to be found by looking up.  Happy SkyWatch Friday and have a lovely weekend.

Red Brilliance -Guest Heart Thursday

Sissy has injured a nerve or bone in her neck, which affects her ability to move.  She can't sit at her computer for more than a few moments.  Because of that, she also was not able to come down for the Fourth of July this year.  So, of course, I watched for hearts to share--this is a heart from the fireworks display in our town.  (This one's for you, Sissy!)

It was a lovely time, but I must admit to missing my darling Sis.  I know, though, that Clytie was there with us in spirit!  Please pray for her quick recovery.  She does so many things for so many people, I know she must be incredibly frustrated.  Thank you in advance for the gift your healing prayers!

Happy Guest Heart Friday!  

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.

Gorgeous Heart -Guest Heart Thursday

We were climbing the rocks along the bottom of the cliffs.  It was an especially low tide, so I'm sure that is why I found this vibrantly beautiful heart--the sun was in just the right place.

The waves were amazing--though this was taken at the same spot a few years ago, it brings back memories of this year's lovely time at the beach.

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.

Rainbow Sun

I took this spectacular photo several years ago.  With all the disturbing and terrifying news we're hearing all across the world--including our own nation...I had to remind myself that there is hope.

There will always be hope.  Hope is my heart's cry for every person who feels helpless and afraid.  You may live worlds away, or you might be my next door neighbor.   Wherever you are, know you are not alone.  The God of Hope walks with you. 

I don't know what it is like to walk in your world, to savor life from your viewpoint.  But God knows.  He is with you. 

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, 

My God, in whom I trust."  

A Psalm of David.  

(Psalm 91)

Rainbow Around the Sun -SkyWatch Friday

I took this picture last Fall.  I have never seen so many rainbow sun circles in my entire life, as I have in recent years.  They are amazing to my eyes.  I just can't get over how beautiful they are.

Have a wonderful weekend!

If you love clouds as much as I do--join Skywatch Friday to see all the amazing things to be found by looking up.  Have a lovely day and Happy Skywatch Friday!

Sparkle Heart -Guest Heart Thursday

Monday, my husband and I took Mumsie to visit Daddy's place on Memorial Day.  Unexpectedly, the sun came out and I was able to capture the sun's rays as they burst over the top of the wall where Dad is.

Then of all things, the sunshine touched the cut glass cross necklace Dad gave to Mom--sending sparkles next to his name.  Daddy--forever in our hearts.  And did you notice?  The sparkle is in the shape of a heart. 

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.
 

Whimsical Wizard

Our weather has been so rainy and moist over the past three years, many trees are covered with trailing grey beard moss.  In my vivid imagination, this tree could be a whimsical wizard!  Grey beard moss usually grows near water and can look creepily mystical as it blows in the gentle breeze. 

Have a lovely day, everyone!

It is Well With My Soul

Daddy is getting ready to slip into heaven any time.  When I was there a few days ago he was having a hard time breathing, before the nurse came in with his medications.  So I sang his favorite song to him, holding his hand.  As I sang It is Well With My Soul, Daddy squeezed my hand.

I want to share this song with you--the words are so beautiful.  It was written by Philip P. Bliss in the mid-1800's.  This man had just lost his entire family at sea.  Philip Bliss knew terrible, unrelenting grief.  Yet he penned these wonderful words:

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll

What ever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, 

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought

My sin, not in part, but the whole,

Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more'

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Oh, my soul.

And Lord, hast the day, when my faith shall be sight

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll: 

The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend,

Even so, it is well with my soul.

It is well...with my soul

It is well...with my soul

It is well!  It is well!

With my soul.

God bless you all.  Please be praying for my family at this time.

UPDATE:  Daddy flew away to heaven this evening.  He took a piece of my heart with me.

Here Comes the Sun

I was helping a friend move on Thursday, when the clouds began to fluff and stretch in a spectacular show of beauty.  There was a storm moving in from the coast.   As always the clouds heralding such a storm were incredible.

I was in awe at the breathtaking display.

Hearts of Comfort - Guest Heart Thursday

Yesterday before I drove to the doctor's office, I washed the dishes.  What did I see?  A near perfect heart floating in the bubbles.  What a sweet reminder of God's tender care.

As I stepped out the back door to get into my car to make my anxious 45 minute drive into town, I saw this heart wisping overhead.  I felt a hug from my Creator--the One who loves me.

The news I heard was frightening--swollen lymph nodes, lumps on each side and an ugly mole where it shouldn't be.  The specter of Breast Cancer haunted me all the way home.  I know it might be nothing at all, but I felt scared.  Tears blurred my vision as I drove home to deliver the uncertain news to my dear husband.

Later that afternoon, after talking with my darling Sissy, a good cry and a nap, I stepped outside with my camera.  There it was.  A sparkling heart, halted for a moment in the embrace of the trees.  Another hug from Him who loves me.  I can rest in His arms, take refuge in His tender love.

Next Monday early morning, I go for a diagnostic mammogram at the hospital.  It's the best cancer hospital in the entire Pacific Northwest, I'm told. This may be just a false alarm.  I pray that is what it is.  Sweet friends, I would appreciate your prayers for a good outcome. 

Clown Face Heart Cloud - Guest Heart Thursday

I was fortunate to capture this gloriously brooding heart, as our first Fall storm clouds began to boil across the skies.  I didn't expect to capture such beautiful colors--or to see the face of a clown smiling down at me.

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday!

Holly Berry Jewels!

My darling Sissy Clytie has a way of catching the light. I have always envied her ability to capture nature's gorgeous jewels.
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Just this morning I was half way up the front stairs when a rainbow flash caught my eye through the window--there in the holly tree sparkled one of those illusive jewels. My camera was in my bathrobe pocket, of course. Here is the result!

I'm convinced the sparkle above is actually a little faery from my garden, twinkling a Happy New Year greeting!

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If you click on the first picture--you can see a heart at the center of that sparkling jewel! This one's for you, Sissy!