Life got in the road this week. I will post, hopefully, next Wednesday.

May the good Lord bless and Keep you safe.

Remember to "Always Love The Details."

Live

 

I find both of these quotes profound. The first is a sort of warning. The second is the answer. First of all, if you are truly living your life there should be enough difference, variety, that you will never find a heavy resemblance to the majority of the people around you. The second quote simply states that if you live your life you will not be a clone of anyone. You will be uniquely your own person. In a world that demands you be like everyone else you will stand out as unique. (Romans 12:4-8; Ephesians 4:15-16) Each of us is called to be a part of society as a unique, functioning part of a greater good contributing to the well being of the whole. If all parts of the body were like every other part it would not be very functional or useful. What good is the heart without a body to supply life giving blood or lungs if there is no body to supply the air to? Each of us has been called to be a part of the body in support of its functions. If this sounds familiar it should. The body of Christ is the highest calling we are to function as. No part of the body is more important than the other. All parts are critical to the body's survival. Our spiritual body is the church. Each of us has a part to play, contribute, to the whole. As with the physical body, there is a functional hierarchy that is followed in that process. That process is far too complicated to outline in this post. I would liken it to a functional family. Each member has their place in the family function. Everyone does what is needed to allow the family to live and grow in harmony. Discord with any member will ultimately cause the family harm and may even destroy the family. If, with Christ as the head of our family (the Church), we follow His example in love and service, the life we live will be full and fruitful.                                                             
May the good Lord bless and keep you safe. Remember to "Always Love The Details."

Spiritual Awareness

Last post I spoke of being physically a part of this world and not of this world. It is a kind of dual citizenship. Know thy self and realize that the Christian is first a citizen of heaven and second a citizen of this world. As such, everything we do should be with a constant eye on heavenly things. Over this past week my wife and I have been put through the wringer. (A wringer was the manual or powered washing machine rollers in early 1900s washing machines that wash was fed through to wring the water out of just washed clothes. There was no spin dry in those days.) I got really sick early in the week and she got even sicker about three days later. She got sick to the point she was not able to even get out of a chair without help. Two days later we were both mostly over it. It forced us to rely on each other no matter how bad we felt. This is a reminder of what it means to put others ahead of your needs. Sometimes that takes the long route to serve God's purpose. In the 1800s a well known preacher had a sermon published in a news paper, a copy of which was sent to Australia. The page containing the article was used to wrap something and sent to the UK. The item was then sent to America. In the meantime that self same minister was asked to minister to a woman that was questioning Christianity. When he got to the hospital room where she was , he was surprised to find her praising God. When asked what had happened she said she was saved. He asked her how. She presented him with that self same newspaper article. For that article to make that round trip would have taken over a year to accomplish. The point here is that God's covenant is not going to be denied or prevented. The promise he makes for us is not negotiable nor preventable. Sometimes it is immediate and sometimes it requires extraordinary circumstances. We must always keep spiritual awareness of our Lord. The most trivial of things may very well be the most extraordinary. 

May the good Lord Bless and keep you Safe.

remember to "Always Love the Details."

Deception

 Our lives, whether we admit it or not, are part of the natural world. Our body obeys all of the things nature does without exception. It is born, matures, gets sick, suffers, experiences joy, sorrow and dies. The body returns to the earth from which it was formed. It is not separate from but is part of the nature we would like to think we are not a part of. We are a part of nature. However, the part of us that is not a part of nature is the spirit and soul that inhabits this body. It is the vehicle through which we experience life in all of its complexities. It is the womb through which we are taught what is needed to become citizens of heaven. It is a classroom for those whom the Lord has called to Himself. It is also a battleground of spiritual warfare. A place where we are tested and refined, strengthened in our faith. It is where choices are made that determine the direction our journey will take us, the place where our ultimate destination lies. This world has nothing lasting to offer us. physical things of this world are finite, are left behind when we die. They are treasures for this world, not the next. The things we love of this world will remain in this world. The spirit within can savor and love in both worlds. It is the very essence of God, through the Holy Spirit, That supports and causes us to grow. God is love (1 John 4:16). Love is what makes life eternal.

Remember to "Always Love The Details."

Dedication

 

This quote is especially meaningful for me. The month that I paused the blog was to pray about and deal with what is happening in my wife's life. She has been slowly becoming unable to remember things, suffering unsteady balance and becoming more dependent on me. The first line of the quote is her life right now. the rest is what I am going through. I tell you these things not for sympathy but to ask for prayer for her. She has a wonderful sense of humor through all of this that is amazing to me. She has been my support and at times my guiding light. She never failed to be there when needed with love and caring devotion. Even through her current struggles she is supportive. We are one and, no matter the circumstances, support one another. That is what Christ has done and is doing today. (1 Sam. 12:24 - Fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; for consider all of the great things He has done for you.) He did not abandon us in our time of need nor set us aside as no longer wanted. We are cherished as though we are the only ones in His life. The world would abandon those who are poor, sick, destitute and helpless. The world would take what little they have and discard those that are of no use to them any longer. That may very well be our fate. That is not the way of our Lord. That is not the way that we are to be. Charity and caring does not begin at home but with all that need it, then it comes home. This blog is dedicated to bringing the word of life to the world and showing there are those that care for all of humanity. The only way to do that sometimes is to say "Hey, We all struggle and have problems." There are those in this world that struggle openly with their conditions. There are those that are private and struggle in silence. No matter what the problem or the circumstance the Lord is still there no matter if we are aware or or not. We are blessed with His presence. We need to bless those in need with our presence.

This week I would like to share an image I have colored. I still have some 70+ images to do. I will not be sharing all of them. But from time to time I will share one with you. 

At this point I usually give the colors and media used to create the image. I did use Copic alcohol inks. I am still coloring images but not as steadily for obvious reasons.

Remember to "Always Love The Details." They always matter.

Becoming

 

It has been a hard road to travel in this life. Recent times have been a test of mental, physical and spiritual strength. It doesn't get easier but is steady and for the perseverance of the soul. Getting older is not for the faint of heart. We travel and survive with the assurance that if we fight the good fight our Lord will be with us the whole way. Many friends, loved ones and others that have already joined Him we pray are at peace now and forever. Those that are left behind must lean on the strength of the word of God and pray continuously for the day ahead. Our hopes and dreams are on the power of the Christ we serve and no other. in a previous post I quoted the passage on the cross I wear and I believe it completely. Acts 4:12 "there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved". Though I stumble and fall, I will get up and continue on blessing Lord Jesus always for His grace and love. If we stay down, do not get up and continue on in spirit and belief, we are in danger of a death worse than death. We will fall often in our walk with the Lord but He is always there to help us back up again. He takes us by the hand and guides us along the way and forgives us, telling us we are his and He loves us. He tells us our pain is His pain, our concerns are His concerns. He died on the cross for the whole of Gods creation to assure that if we believe in Him we are forgiven and will be with Him always. (from Lumen Fidei by Pope Francis) Believing means entrusting oneself to a merciful love which always accepts and pardons, which sustains and directs our lives, and which shows its power by its ability to make straight the crooked lines of our history. Faith consists in the willingness to let ourselves be constantly transformed and renewed by God's call.

May the good Lord bless and keep you safe. Remember to "Always Love The Details."

Looking Back to January 7, 2015

 SOME EDITING HAS BEEN DONE TO THE ORIGINAL POST.

January 7, 2015 Change

            There is little in this life that is guaranteed. Change is one of them. Much has happened in the roughly three months that I was absent from blog land. The world has gone on. It has moved on as it always has. Each of you has had your experiences in life that marks what change is all about whether unnoticed or traumatic. Change is always present.

            It is difficult to tell of the changes that have happened in three short months. There has been a sense of greater bonding in my marriage. There is greater awareness of life and how important it is to cherish every moment. Most of all, there is a sense of the presence of our Lord. Spending an hour or more in reading the word and praying and spending even a few moments of quiet time to listen or just be in His presence several times a day has profound effects on us. These things change us not only inwardly but outwardly as well. I used to take a one day pilgrimage to an overlook on a mountain south of Gettysburg, Pa at least once a year. It was known as Indian lookout point. It was a magical place that had a long beautiful view and a huge rock where you could sit and meditate and just be with the Lord. It is no longer accessible and I miss it. Change is inevitable but it need not be a bad thing. All things are given that we may become stronger and wiser in His ways. Always be glad for what you are living and thank Him for all things.

From my book of poetry and prose: (copyrighted)

      I often see others become envious or even depressed when  someone close to them experiences a powerful "revelation" or "touch" from God. It isn't the earth shattering religious experience that keeps us or makes us whole but the realization that every moment we live is an incomprehensible touch from God. Life continues but sudden experiences fade and become diluted with time. Life, on the other hand, renews itself constantly and is a constant, living, flowing revelation.

          

 I do have some photos to share from our recent visit to Longwood Gardens. Longwood is the estate of Pierre S. du Pont (1870–1954). It is one of the premier botanical gardens in the US and is located Near Kennet Square in southeastern Pennsylvania. It consists of over 1077 acres (1.68 square miles) of woodlands, gardens and meadows. The pictures are mainly of the summer gardens, conservatory and Christmas lights of last year. This will take awhile so grab a cup or glass of your favorite beverage, sit back and enjoy! 

The summer of 2014:

  
 This is a very small sample of the grounds. Next is the Christmas out door display. A large portion of the grounds were closed for a renovation. 

 The tree consists of lighted spheres.

The final area is the conservatory which is always spectacular. Again, this is only touching on the spectacular displays.

 The entrance

 The pink rose is for my DW. She loves pink.

This final picture is in the childrens garden.

(Since this post there has been significant construction and improvements to the grounds and displays. In a future post I will share the photos of those new constructs and displays.)

That is it for this post. I would apologize for the length of it but if you are reading this you must have liked it. LOL. As Darnell says, life is short. Stop and enjoy the beauty all around you. Until the next post, ALWAYS LOVE THE DETAILS.                           

All that you are I am

 

All that you are I am.

Do you have a phrase that you both love and hate? I have several but there is one in particular. It is "But for the grace of God there go I". It is true in one sense. Without Him I could not exist nor would it be possible to strive to be sin free. On the other hand, what a gross case of judgmental audacity to imply someone is better than another. That includes self. We were brought into this world with every sin, every possible tendency and fault of every other person that ever existed. Quite a paradox, huh! Want proof? Have you ever been brought to the point of saying or thinking you would like to kill someone for something they did to you? Or how about, I got an extra twenty cents in my change at the grocery store. It must be a gift from God. REALLY????? Give the twenty cents back because if you don't you just stole money from the store and cashier. She may have to make that up at the end of the day. Give it back even if it is a penny. Do you ignore "Do not touch", "Do not handle" or "Do not move" signs? Do you hold grudges? Do you get even? Should I go on? Didn't think so. The flip side to this and the reason for the statement is not that one person is better than the other but realizing you have been given a chance at redemption by changing the way you perceive things and how you act on events in your life. If you are invited to a party that will have 40 guests and you volunteer to bake a cake will you bring only half a cake to the party or the whole cake? I know someone who would and does bring half a cake. How self centered and crass. The "I and Me" must become the "You and They" in your life. There is only one place that "self" cannot be compromised and that is your salvation. This is the only place where self is number one. To get there means removing self when you are around others. Christ became a servant when dealing with others and became the example of what we are to be. We are to be the example of Christ working in our lives but always mindful that "all that you are I am but for the Grace of God." 

Listen closely to my words, be attentive, understand what I am saying. Does the ploughman plough all day to sow, breaking up and harrowing his ground? Once he has levelled its surface, does he not scatter fennel, sow cummin? Then he puts in wheat, millet, barley and, round the edges, spelt, for his God has taught him this rule and instructed him.

The New Jerusalem Bible. (1985). (Is 28:23–26). New York: Doubleday.

This post I want to share a few Hubble photos with you. The pictures are available for download at the Hubble picture album. God's glory is awesome. 

M51 The whirlpool Galaxy and it's small companion NGC5195 in the constellation Canes Venatici (The Hunting Dog).

The "M" stands for Messier and the "NGC" is for New General Catalogue.

NGC 5128 (better known as Cenaurus A) The two lobes or jets coming from the top and bottom of the galaxy disk are what are known as radio jets from a very active black hole at the galaxy core. Beautiful but deadly if you were in that galaxy.

 NGC 1300 is barred spiral in the constellation Eridanus (The River) 

This is a general idea of what our home galaxy would look like if we could see it from afar. Our galaxy would have more arms.

NGC 1073 in Cetus (The Sea Monster) 

This is another barred spiral. It is considered to be an archetypal type barred spiral.

A nearly perfect ring of hot, blue stars pinwheels about the yellow nucleus of an unusual galaxy known as Hoag's Object. This image from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope captures a face-on view of the galaxy's ring of stars, revealing more detail than any existing photo of this object. Notice the apparent second ring galaxy in the far distance between the ring and the core at the one o'clock position. Fascinating!

 

NCG 4313 in Coma Berenices

The ring is composed of hot new young stars. It is enhanced to show them more distinctly. 

Arp 148 in Ursa Major (the Great Bear or The big Dipper)

Arp 148 is the staggering aftermath of an encounter between two galaxies, resulting in a ring-shaped galaxy and a long-tailed companion. The collision between the two parent galaxies produced a shockwave effect that first drew matter into the center and then caused it to propagate outwards in a ring.

I hope you enjoyed my short tour of the wonders of my long time love affair with astronomy. The beauty and wonder of God's creation is mind blowing. It does not matter if you don't understand the jargon, just enjoy the beauty of the object and images. Thank you for joining me and allowing me to share the wonder and truths of our Lord.

Until next we meet, Remember to "ALWAYS LOVE THE DETAILS."

The Journey

 

To this point in time I have been publishing weekly for several years. Even though the fire within is stronger than ever I need to take a short break and take stock of everything happening in our daily life. My wife and I are getting on in years and more time is being taken up in health, financial and other issues. We are both slowing down and being pulled away to take care of those issues. I need to decide if I want to continue to post weekly, post every other week or once a month. I don't want to stop posting altogether because the Lord's word is important to me. It is life and salvation for me and others around the world, including those dear visitors to this blog. You are all precious to me in more ways than you know. It is a blessing to me to have so many visiting, whether you comment or not. If all goes well I will post again in about a month from now. Keep my family in prayer.

ACTS 4:12  - There is no other name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved  -  Jesus

May you always be blessed and safe in His care. 

Remember to "Always Love The Details."

Spiritual Fire

In recent days it has become harder to put into words the things that are going through my mind and the lessons in them. Spiritual awakening is not something easily explained. It is a process of allowing yourself to experience it and remaining present in it. It does no good to try to fight it or to pass it off. It will only return until it runs its course. The spirit that dwells in the heart and soul have lessons to teach us and to reveal all that we are. I have often tried to tell someone of the things revealed. It is a process of knowing ones self in order to experience God. Sounds crazy doesn't it? Knowing God is impossible. He is as far above us as we are from a bacteria, even more so. We experience God in our lives but we never really know Him. Science struggles to understand His creation on all levels. From the universe we can and can't see down to the smallest of the small we understand little to nothing of who God is. We struggle to understand Him in ourselves and daily lives. Scripture tells us He loves us and we can do nothing to earn that love. It is a struggle to remain still enough to hear His whispers, to feel the touch of His loving embrace. That can only happen on a very personal level for each of us. It cannot be taught. Everyone is different. Everyone will experience Him in a unique way. That makes it near impossible to put into words what it is like. The only way I can describe what it is like is to say it is Spiritual Fire. A warmth within that permeates every corner, nook and cranny of your being. Struggle as we may, we cannot cause that experience to happen, it just happens. Enough of my ramblings for now. 

Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke, because the LORD had descended upon it in fire; the smoke went up like the smoke of a kiln, while the whole mountain shook violently. 

The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition (Washington, DC: National Council of Churches of Christ, 1993), Ex 19:18.

  

In the mid 70's I had found this image in Better Homes and Gardens of a needle work kit that I fell in love with. It was titled "The Prophet." I had tried for some time to find this kit but to no avail. I finally gave up because I was told it was not being offered any more. I was really bummed out. I REALLY wanted this kit.

My DW, Jill, and her close friend at the time went to Allentown, Pa to a shop her friend knew about that had all sorts of craft stuff. It was a birthday present to Jill. Jill said when she saw the shop it was wall to wall to ceiling with everything crafty you could imagine. They were greeted at the door by a lady that said, "Welcome! Looking for something special? You name it! We have it!" Jill immediately thought of the kit I wanted and thought "we'll see about that and described it to the lady. She went somewhere in the back and came out with a kit but it wasn't the one she knew I wanted. The Lady then went to an area where clearance items were piled high and dug out another item and handed it to Jill. Jill said it stunned her. In her hands was "The Prophet." The last one, discontinued and on sale for a fraction of the original cost. She purchase it brought it home and gave it to me. To say I was excited would be an understatement. Remember, she did this on HER birthday with some of HER birthday money. I went right to work on it. The gold thread gave me fits and had to purchase more to finish it. We had it framed and it has hung on a wall somewhere in the house since that time. It is a prized gift From God and my dear wife that will always be displayed as long as I am around. Blessings come in small and large portions. What may seem insignificant is not. In fact, ALL blessings are significant. Be thankful for them. They are free. You can't earn them.

It is my favorite of all of the projects done over the years. It took weeks to finish. It is Spiritual fire on display.

Remember to "Alwasys Love The Details"