Exquisite Sunset

I was visiting my best buddy's new home in Lincoln City a little over a month ago.  There was an incredibly low tide that evening, so we walked for hours along the beach--picked up wonderful agates and shells--and then came the sunset.  As you can see, it was incredibly beautiful.

Here the sun's rays were captured in a molten glow along the edges of the sea.

Such beauty.  When I see a scene like this, I am SO grateful to the creativity of our Creator.

Have a lovely week dear 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

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)