It was Monday evening when the Mister called for me, "Hurry, come see!"

I headed into the kitchen and was amazed by the beautiful sunset view.

Captivating, amazing, a glorious sight to behold.

The sunset view changes second by second and quickly fades,

so I fetched my camera and headed out onto the front porch to snap a few pictures.

Pretty, but the best is yet to come.

Just Before Christmas...

The day was planned.

Christmas decorations were brought down from storage the day before,

each labeled box had been placed in the room it would be unpacked,

I was excited to begin decorating for this special Christmas season,

this most wonderful time of the year.

First thing first though;

the usual early morning gathering of shelled sunflower seeds and meal worms for feeding the birds,

putting on my coat, slipping off my slippers and sliding into my outdoor boots,

heading through the back door and onto the deck with the songbirds waiting for me at the feeders

and that's when this ordinary day turned extraordinary.

Pink hues seemed to engulf the world.

All was pink, purple and blue as my eyes gazed out past the deck,

through the trees and into the sky...it was a glorious sight!

There was calm,

a reassurance,

an instant importance of things so much grander than my plan for the day.

I was taken past the decorations and straight to the reason for this most wonderful time of year.

Joy,

Peace,

Hope,

there is a plan,

we have a future

and

it is secure.

Thank You!

With respect, honor and gratitude!

source

Rainbows and Sunsets

Rainbows

It's always exciting to see a bow of prismatic colors appearing in the heavens just after the rain;

even more special when two!

While at the beach for our annual week-long trip with mother and the girls in the family 

tropical storm Ana came and went, leaving a double rainbow.

A beautiful sight.

Reminder of a promise.  

Displaying Tiny Collections

The girls in our family pack up and head to the beach for a week every Mother's Day.

My mother,

my two sisters and me,

my daughter and niece,

my aunt and cousin too.

All us girls at the beach, it's such a special tradition.

We play games, watch movies, tell stories, dance, eat and eat, laugh and laugh, go for runs, walk on the beach, lay out by the pool, hop on tubes to mosey down the lazy river pool...it is SO much fun!

This year Tropical Storm Ana came in for the first couple of days of our stay and thankfully when she left the skies were clear and the temperatures perfect for the rest of our week.

After the storm passed, my daughter and I went for a walk on the beach hoping to find some sharks teeth and pretty shells.  We didn't find any sharks teeth, but did find some of the tiniest seashells I have ever seen, so I brought them home.

These shells are tiny...

Wow!

I recently placed this tiny orchid in an ironstone pitcher
for use on a cupboard in the great room.

Changes and New Beginnings

Heading out early this morning to feed the birds I found myself lost in thought

as I stopped to notice the broken and bruised.

So many lay on the ground...

A Special Day

For life, family and friends.

For those no longer with us.

For trials and our many blessings.

Today is a special day, a time to give thanks...

sources

Happy Thanksgiving!

"I will give thanks to You, Oh Lord and God, with all my heart, And will glorify Your name forever."

Psalms 86:12

Simple Living

Down country roads,

around the bend,

where time stands still,

life is simple,

and the views are amazing...

Country Roads ~ God is Good

It was like most mornings are these days.

Up way too early,

tons on the to-do list,

another crew coming to work on the kitchen,

and today the search for pantry door hardware continues,

so after getting the crew on task I hit the road...

Happy Easter ~ How Deep the Father's Love for Us...

"How Deep The Father's Love For Us"

How deep the Father's Love for us,

How vast beyond all measure

That He should give His only Son

To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,

The Father turns His face away

As wounds which mar the chosen One,

Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,

My sin upon His shoulders

Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,

Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there

Until it was accomplished

His dying breath has brought me life

I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything

No gifts, no power, no wisdom

But I will boast in Jesus Christ

His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?

I cannot give an answer

But this I know with all my heart

His wounds have paid my ransom

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Hoping 2014 will be a year full of beauty and blessings for you and your family!

Always remembering the Heavenly Father ...

And may each day of 2014 find us content and giving thanks!

Thank you sweet friend,

for each and every visit, comment, well wish,

and all the encouragement.

I am so thankful for YOU!

Blessings,

Cindy

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Thanksgiving is a special time to thank God for our many blessings.

A time to celebrate love and family,
as we gather around tables filled with scrumptious food,
sharing stories and laughter,
making memories.

This Thanksgiving may find us...
Married.

Single.

Divorced.
Widowed.

Loved.

Lonely.
Longing.

Family.

No family.

Great Relationships.
Broken Relationships.

In all things we can choose to be thankful.
For life.
Breath.

When our hearts are open we surely see God's love and provision wrapped around us.

There is always HOPE.

He will NEVER leave or forsake us.
Hebrews 13:5

So much to be THANKFUL for this Thanksgiving!

PICTURES

HAPPY  THANKSGIVING !

See you in a few days,

Cindy

MORNING BECKONS ~ SUNLIT BIRDS

The morning sun.
It's rays stream in through the window,
beckoning me to notice,
to be still,
and enjoy.

Early morning as I round the corner,
it catches my eye.
The morning rays of sunlight streaming into the darkness...

Quickly the room is transformed,

the darkness must leave.

Warmer,

brighter,

highlighting little birds on the kitchen table.

Their faces so bright and sweet...

Moments pass,

only a few,

when all darkness turns to light,

a new day is ushered in.

Counting my blessings.
A beautiful way to start the day!

Blessings,
Cindy

Hop on over for AMAZE ME MONDAY!

     

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