Morning

Because of the LORD's great love, we are not consumed; for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lam. 3:17

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Ps 90:14


In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
Ps. 5:3


I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Ps. 16:8


Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.
Ps. 143:8

Discovery

On the spur of the moment Friday night, a couple friends and I decided to go watch the launch of space shuttle Discovery. So we drove to Space View Park in Titusville and got there just in time, finding a place on the grass next to some serious photographers and their tripods. I'm sure they got some excellent shots. But here's what I took.

Pre-launch.
Makes me think of how things were before God created light.

We heard a roar of people cheering from the stands at Cape Canaveral.
Then we saw this.

Instantly, the sky was full of light -- like sunrise.

Hundreds of people fell silent in awe and wonder.

Completely breathtaking!

Then the sound waves hit.
I set down my camera and just watched. Awestruck.
It was incredibly beautiful.

There is something so completely amazing about a group of people hurtling through the atmosphere, sitting on top of all that fire. What tremendous courage they must have!

Later, while we waited for the crowds to thin, we wandered around the park looking at the monuments honoring all the astronauts over the years.

Here I am, touching the handprints of Neil Armstrong,
the closest I'll get to the man who walked on the moon.

As amazing as it was to witness the launch and read the names of people who have been in space, I started thinking about all the unsung heroes whose names we'll never know. The ones at Houston, making sure that everything goes well and that everyone comes home safe, the men and women who built the rockets and space shuttles and those who work tirelessly to maintain them in perfect condition. Men and women of honor, courage and integrity who do their work with excellence and give their lives for something greater than themselves.

I'm so glad we went that night. I came away inspired.

Beach Therapy

Yesterday was the first day of school.

After the morning rush of getting my very excited (but slightly nervous) kids out the door and on their way to school, a friend and I headed east -- for the beach.

She had flown in from Arizona for a long weekend and I was obligated, as a good host, to show her the sights. (I know, it's a sacrifice, but someone's gotta do it!)

The weather was sunny, the beach was nearly deserted. It was in a word -- perfect.

Out there in the sunshine, breathing in the salt air and listening to the pounding surf, all the stress and anxiety of the past week just melted away. After a while, I got up and started walking along the shore, knee-deep in waves, thinking.

This ocean is so vast, so untamed, so beautiful and mysterious. It can be both gentle and fierce. Nothing can withstand its relentless force. Just like the love of God.

Sometimes God tenderly wraps me in His love with soothing comfort, like the gentle waves swirling around my ankles. Other times His love crashes over me, taking my breath away, sweeping me off my feet, pulling me deeper into His irresistible passion. The contrast is terrifying and exhilarating. Either way, I'm completely fascinated.

I long for more.


The seas have lifted up, O LORD,
the seas have lifted up their voice;
the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea --
the LORD on high is mighty.
Psalm 93:3,4

Poem

Dropping in on Monica@My Big Three today, I fell in love with a poem she shared by Frederick Brook.




I also loved how she spoke so honestly and openly about her pursuit of joy.

This poem captured my attention because it puts into words some of the things I feel.

My goal is God Himself, not joy nor peace;

Nor even blessing, but Himself, my God.

'Tis His to lead me there, not mine but His...

At any cost, dear Lord, by any road.

So faith bounds forward to its goal in God,

and love can trust her Lord to lead her there.

Upheld by Him, my soul is foll'wing hard,

Till God hath full fulfilled my deepest prayer.

No matter if the way be sometimes dark,

No matter though the cost be oft-times great,

He knoweth how I best shall reach the mark,

The way that leads to Him must needs be straight.

One thing I know, I cannot say Him nay;

One thing I do, I press on towards my Lord.

My God, my Glory here from day to day,

And in the glory there, my Great Reward.

- Frederick Brook

"Show Your Heart"

My creative friend, Melissa, has tagged me to "Show My Heart". Here are the rules:

"With as much creativity as you can muster, show your heart in: a picture, a poem, a song (or piece of music), a phrase (or quote), an item of clothing, a place, and (just for fun) a Disney princess (or hero). If you want to join in, tag six more blogs."

So here's my heart in . . .


a photo:

The two most amazing kids in the whole wide world!

a poem:

His lamp am I, to shine where He shall say
And lamps are not for sunny rooms
Nor for the light of day;
But for the dark places of the earth
Where shame and crime and wrong have birth;
Or for the murky twilight gray
Where wandering sheep have gone astray,
Or where the light of faith grows dim
And souls are groping after Him.
And as sometimes a flame we find,
Clear shining through the night
So bright we do not see the lamp
But only see the light
So may I shine -- His light, the flame
That men may glorify His name.

- Annie Johnson Flint

a song:

a quote:

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the fullest."
- Jesus
(John 10:10)

an article of clothing:

Jeans and heels. That's definitely me!

a place:

This is where I went to boarding school as a kid.
Located in the Colombian Andes foothills, it was a child's paradise (aside from missing your parents).
Surrounded by beauty and plenty of fun things to do
and places to explore and have adventures -- I have many happy memories here.
This recent photo doesn't do it justice. The place was really amazing back in my day.

a Disney Princess:

I'm skipping this part because, honestly, I can't think which one best describes me. But I like the songs from Beauty and the Beast. Also Little Mermaid.

So now I'm tagging whoever wants to join in the fun and "Show Your Heart". Just leave me a comment so I can find out what you share about yourself on your blog.

Let the fun begin!

Convinced

Who
shall separate
us
from
the love of Christ?





Shall trouble
or hardship
or persecution
or famine
or nakedness
or danger
or sword?

No,
in all things
we
are more than conquerors
through him
who loved us.

For I am convinced
that
neither death
nor life,
neither angels
nor demons,
neither the present
nor the future,
nor any powers,
neither height
nor depth
nor anything else
in all creation
will be able
to separate us
from the love of God
that is in
Christ Jesus
our Lord.

And I pray
that you
being rooted
and established
in love,
may have power,
together with all the saints,
to grasp
how wide
and long
and high
and deep
is the love of Christ

and to know this love
that surpasses knowledge
that you
may be filled to the measure
of all
the fullness of God.

(Romans 8:35, 37-39; Eph. 3:17-19)

Just because I think it's cool

I love this video!

Tiny

This morning, I was lured outside by the dance of two orange butterflies. Barefoot in the backyard, camera in hand, I stood mesmerized by the dazzling sunlight and a world fresh with dew and alive with insects.

It's not easy to capture a butterfly. I chased this one around the yard until she stopped briefly for a sip of nectar, allowing me to snap a quick photo.


Then I noticed the little, white flowers, barely visible among all the green. Who sees such tiny beauties, except bees and butterflies -- and God?

Sometimes God hides His treasures in plain sight -- underfoot, unnoticed, unappreciated.

And we, preoccupied with the cares of life, remain oblivious. Until something beautiful catches our attention and we are drawn in.


I saw a glimpse of the lavish heart of God, as He spread a delectable feast for the insects, and delighted me with beauty.


"How many are your works, O LORD!
In wisdom, you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.
These all look to you to give them their food at the proper time.
When you give it to them, they gather it up;
when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things.
May the glory of the LORD endure forever;
may the LORD rejoice in his works."
Psalm 104:24,27,28,31