Category: Perspective

Perspective – Remembrance & Reminder

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective20 Comments

Today, Good Friday, I wanted a reminder from nature of the Cross of Christ Jesus. Venturing into the woods, I fashioned a cross of twigs, fastened it with hardened twirls from thorn plants, and set it within a rustic stump. A good remembrance I thought as I snapped my photo.

I began to make my way out of the woods and felt a pull to turn instead in the opposite direction. As I walked, I glanced down at the trail below my feet and there before me lay a perfect natural cross composed of tree roots.

I was reminded again that all so often God has the perfect moment, word, or circumstance waiting for me if I just heed his spirit and walk in the way he opens to me.

I have found this verse from Isaiah a blessing throughout this past year…perhaps you will too. It’s a good one to memorize as a reminder that God is willing to lead all of us if we will but listen for his voice.

“And if you leave God’s paths and go astray, you will hear a voice behind you say, “No, this is the way; walk here.” Isaiah 30:21

Perspective – Rain and Rainbows

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective24 Comments

Rain or Rainbows – What a terrific subject for this week’s Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge. I went to one of my favorite places over the weekend, Fortescue, New Jersey, on the Delaware Bay, only to find that the weather was contrary to what we had hoped for when we left home.

The sky was cold and grey and the temperature reflected it. The rain pelted those fishing off the beach; we think they were trying to hook some winter flounder, striper or bunker. We saw a fishing rod bend with a possible bite, but whatever nibbled at it got away.

Where there is rain you will find rainbows. Although I didn’t see a rainbow in the sky, the upturned oyster shells scattered by the surf on the beach reflected a brilliant iridescence, the only rainbow I found.

When they dry, the oysters are plain and bluish-gray in appearance.

The last rainbow is a throwback photograph and video of last year’s vacation in Jamaica. In the early morning, on the way to breakfast, my husband spotted this amazing spider web, damp after the gardener’s early morning watering; the web’s moisture captured the sun and reflected it as a shimmering rainbow.

My 30 second YouTube Video will give you a good look at the spiderweb as it danced in the wind and reflected rainbows.

Perspective, Pheathers and Phascination – Hello Friends!

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective, Phascination, Pheathers7 Comments

Today I conceded that WordPress Blogs are the most user-friendly, and paid the fee for my blog’s overabundant media library. This will give me another year blogging at WordPress. I suppose I should say…I’m back.

I’m sharing the Cornell Lab Bird Cams as a start-up post. I’ve been especially intrigued with the Hawk, Fruit Feeders, and Savannah Osprey Cams. I’ve included them in my post. The bird cams are one of my favorite places to visit online. Enjoy!

Perspective & Plants & Quote – Seedlings/You Do Too Much? NO!

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective, Plants, Quote14 Comments

The coleus seedlings have begun to thrive. After their typical slow start, they have developed roots and are now reaching toward the sun on a kitchen windowsill. I’ll let you in on a secret…this is only a portion of the coleus I have growing, there are dozens more under lights. Yes, it seems like a lot of plants, when you add in the tomatoes, eggplant, zinnias, cardinal flowers, moon flowers, etc., etc., etc., but today I came upon a quote in ‘One Woman Farm,’ by Jenna Woginrich, that perfectly described how I feel about what others might view as an excess of activity and objects in my life.

Jenna writes in a chapter titled, ‘I Do Too Much:’
“I do what I do because it fills my mind, body, and spirit. I live in this frenzy of activity not as a victim but as a celebrant.”
and…
“You know what I think? I think wasted potential is a lot scarier than feeling overwhelmed. There is no monster greater than regret.”

I agree Jenna, and so I say when I spend a good half hour watering all my seedling babies…”Onward!”

One of the ‘mother’ plants of my coleus seeds.

Perspective & Phavorites – Don’t Worry

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective, Phavorites6 Comments

“Don’t worry about a thing
‘Cause every little thing gonna be alright
Singing’ don’t worry about a thing
‘Cause every little thing gonna be alright.”~ Bob Marley

As young as they are, my grandchildren already talk about memories they have of ‘Nanny’s house.’ My middle grandchild said to me recently, “When I was a baby, I came here, and I would sing.” It turns out this singing was Bob Marley’s song, ‘Three Little Birds.’ When my grandson was a toddler, I watched him several days throughout the week, we’d play Reggae and when our favorite, ‘Three Little Birds,’ filled the living room with its lilting notes, I’d pick him up and we’d dance together. He remembers these moments.

img_4685-2

I came to love Reggae music later in life. I’d definitely say ‘Three Little Birds’ is one of my favorite songs. I’ve said before in these posts, the wisdom in the song, echoes Jesus’ words in the Bible.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

                                                                  ~ Matthew 6:25-27

Today I read an article with a little more proof that Reggae music will make you smile. Dogs prefer Reggae.

Another Reggae group that fills me with joy is Christafari Band.

The dreariness of winter can put a blight on your happiness…take a few moments to listen to some upbeat music and smile.

Perspective – Wisdom on Wednesday – HALT

On By TimelessladyIn PerspectiveLeave a comment

halt

“We are wise to be aware of our mental state as we approach decisions. The acronym “H.A.L.T.” stands for hungry, angry, lonely, and tired—four states in which we will likely make poor choices. When considering options, it is well worth waiting until a better time.” ~ Dr. Charles Stanley – In Touch Ministries

This is wonderful advice to follow all year through, but in the wintertime, when many of us spend every day in close contact with others, it can save us from countless problems and broken relationships. I sometimes add an S to this acronym, and make it HALTS. It reminds me to also be still and silent, and to make no quick decisions when I am stressed or sick.

I enjoy listening to Dr. Stanley’s daily devotionals while I am working on the computer or creating art and pressed flowercraft. His word from God is heartfelt and biblical, and always turns my eyes toward the Lord and away from myself. In Touch Ministries

I used the color brown for the word Halt. Brown seems to me a color of strength and determination. It often is in the background, highlighting the brilliance of the other colors in the box. Color Your World – 120 Days of Crayola

Perspective – Let Me Be Resilient

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective2 Comments

brrr
WordPress Photo Challenge – Resilient

“I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.” ~ Philippians 4:13

We often visit our favorite seashore towns the week after Christmas. Winter and summer ocean-scapes couldn’t be more different. You can almost feel the cold and hear the wind blowing when you study this photograph of the beach at Strathmere, New Jersey. In this view we are looking across the water to Corson’s Inlet and Ocean City. It takes a hearty and resilient attitude to walk along the ocean water on a cold, windy December day. It takes even more gumption to attempt kitesurfing in cold weather. I doubt I will ever kitesurf, but I’ve walked on a wintry beach many a time. Here’s to maintaining a resilient attitude toward every worthwhile goal, dream and task in 2017.

Perspective – Here’s to Percolation

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective6 Comments

Percolation (from Latin percōlāre, “to filter” or “trickle through”)

img_4019-2

When we camp in a campground without electric hook-ups, we often use a percolator for making coffee. According to Wikipedia, coffee percolators went out of fashion in the 1970’s in favor of automatic drip coffee makers. Percolated coffee is often strong, and drinking a few mouthfuls might put ‘hair on your chest.’

I use the process of percolation in my creative thinking and projects. Often I’ll have a vague idea, nothing concrete will come of it, but it percolates away in my subconscious, gaining strength for the right moment to emerge as a fully formed idea or insight.

I also use percolation in my Bible reading and devotions. There are times I don’t immediately understand how a verse or chapter applies to my life. I am confident though, that as I read, the truth of God’s Word will take root within me.  There have been countless times in my life that the Holy Spirit has brought to the forefront of my thoughts a verse or chapter I have read in the past that will perfectly illuminate a current situation or problem. When you percolate the goodness of God’s Word through your heart, mind  and spirit, you will find many instances when his Good News will bless your life with exactly the guidance, promise and love you need to better live for Him.

Perspective – Cast Your Bread

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective9 Comments

img_3462-3

“One of the very wise sayings in the Book of Ecclesiastes is:

“Cast thy bread upon the waters, for you shall find it after many days…”

Which means: Always be ready to do a good turn even if you don’t expect a reward for it. For, some day, you will surely find your reward waiting for you. ~ Chabad.org

The photograph of the feasting fish was taken in Jamaica. The ocean was so clear you could see sand and rocks on the  bottom through several feet of water. I was prepared with a bit of bread from lunch and cast it out upon the water. My reward was an amazing view of an array of tropical fish feeding off of the bread.

“Yeshua(Jesus) said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers for men!” ~ Matthew 4:19

I hope I am ready and willing to cast the “Bread of Life” upon the waters every day in any way I can. Let it be so Lord!

img_3448-2

Tiny minnows found the bread first.

Perspective – Look Up – Revelation Song

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective1 Comment

“Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, and the one who formed you from the womb, “I, the LORD, am the maker of all things, Stretching out the heavens by Myself And spreading out the earth all alone.”
~ Isaiah 44:24

It’s not so much about what divides us, the important thing is what UNIFIES us. Look up!

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
~ Psalm 121:1

Take a moment to witness some unity in a shattered world. ‘Revelation Song’ by Jennie Lee Riddle, sung in languages from all over the world.

This song tells the story of one who will stay with you through all your time on this earth, and throughout eternity in the next.

Product and Perspective – The Laminator

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective, Product8 Comments

img_3577

My husband recently brought home this cute photocopy fellow employees at his workplace had posted around the store. I loved the way the photo captured the twinkle in his eyes, and wanted to protect it as a keepsake.

Photocopy paper is fragile, so to protect it, I pulled out the laminator I purchased for just over $10.00 this past year at Aldi Supermarket. Years ago, laminating artwork or important papers was expensive; I was charged for lamination by the inch. Now the lamination of items is an easy do-it-yourself project.

img_3578

The hat my husband is wearing in the photo expresses his opinion concerning the upcoming election, the button expresses mine.

The quote below is from the transcript of the second debate, and one I agree with wholeheartedly:

TRUMP: We have a divided nation. We have a very divided nation. You look at Charlotte. You look at Baltimore. You look at the violence that’s taking place in the inner cities, Chicago, you take a look at Washington, D.C.
We have an increase in murder within our cities, the biggest in 45 years. We have a divided nation, because people like her — and believe me, she has tremendous hate in her heart. And when she said deplorables, she meant it. And when she said irredeemable, they’re irredeemable, you didn’t mention that, but when she said they’re irredeemable, to me that might have been even worse.
COOPER: She said some of them are irredeemable.

I find the word irredeemable to be a prelude to the word expendable, much as it was applied to those sacrificed in Benghazi in 2012. As a conservative and Follower of Jesus, I feel I must be on my guard concerning Mrs. Clinton. I also found Anderson Cooper’s immediate interruption on Clinton’s behalf, using the word ‘some’ as clarification, to be another example of the mainstream media being biased for Hillary Clinton.

Those who consider themselves the ‘Educated Elite’ are being led to vote for Mrs. Clinton by their egos, and they will be the next to be lumped into the deplorables basket when they wake up with wide-open eyes to the destructive changes she means to bring about in our country and the Supreme Court.

I’m horribly ashamed of, and disillusioned by, all the Republican politicians who have changed allegiances.

Never in all the years I have voted have I felt my vote is more important.

Perspective – WordPress Discover Challenge/Here and Now

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective2 Comments

Here and Now:

“Choose a moment and capture it in the medium of your choice.” ~Wordpress Discover Challenge

img_3044

When I wrote this post I was sitting on my back porch pecking away on my laptop, listening to the symphony of crickets and other singing insects all around me. The sun was shining, my wind chimes were swinging, a light breeze lent a bit of coolness to the early September air. For some reason I wondered what the opposite of here and now would be called. I looked it up, googled it, and didn’t really come up with too much, so instead, came up with my own: Elsewhere and Later.

Hmmmm…where will I be in my Elsewhere and Later? Here is a list that came to mind:

1. In the Caribbean
2. In a public garden
3. At a local park playing with my grandchildren
4. Gathered around a table, having a meal with my family
5. At the beach ( Or as we say in southern NJ, ‘Down the Shore’)
6. Walking woodland trails
7. Riding my bike
8. Watering my gardens and pulling weeds
9. At a desk, with paintbrush in hand, creating a masterpiece
10. Pressing flowers and creating cards
11. In a library or at a book sale

Elsewhere and Someday in the Future:
12. In the heavenly realms with my Lord and Savior, praising God, filled with the Spirit and singing ‘Hallelujah!’
AMEN! (Let it be so Lord!) – Translation of Amen

Perspective – Your Own Backyard

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective8 Comments

img_2945

We often load our bikes into the back of my husband’s truck and search out new bike trails. Oh my, how behind the times we felt when we discovered there is a bike trail that begins/ends in our own back yard. The Monroe Twp. Bikeway runs between Williamstown and Glassboro, New Jersey, and has been available for walking, biking, in-line skating, etc., for near ten years. Sunday was the first time we rode the trail. What a joyous outing we had. While researching the trail I came upon an extensive list of other biking trails in our Tri-State area. Bike Trails in New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania. I can’t wait to try out a few more.

Moral of this tale: Check out your own town for interesting things to do. You might be as surprised as we were at what you might find.

Perspective – The Coming Storm

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective4 Comments

IMG_2895

Tropical Storm Hermine is on her way. She is forecasted to hit the New Jersey coast tonight. It’s hard not to think of the damage left behind by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. There are still many areas in the state that have not been repaired.

IMG_2915

We spent Saturday morning fishing on the beach in Fortescue, catching quite a few small stripers, and watching in awe as the fisherman beside us brought in several good-sized fish, and then wrestled in this large ray.

IMG_2917

The hook he used was not large, but the ray sure was a big one. The fisherman landed him on the beach, removed the hook, and sent the ray back on his way.

IMG_2921

Later, while lunching at The Landing in Newport, NJ, we watched the Sundog Marina crew pull boats from the water. Many owners are ready to take their boats out of the water at this time of year, and the expected storm surge prompted many to get the job done today.

IMG_2934

We’re hoping the next time we visit this charming area we will find no storm damage caused by Tropical Storm Hermine.

Perspective – Circumstances

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective14 Comments

God-breathed

Treasure Beach, Jamaica, is an earthly paradise, but in this beautiful place you can also find extreme examples of land and seascape: warm inviting water, threatening jagged reef. Like the photograph, life is so often a portrait in extremes. In the hours of one day it is possible to experience the sweetest, uplifting highs, only to find yourself cut to bits by unexpected, devastating lows. We’ve all experienced these contradictory days. Yet, through it all one fact holds true, the Word of God stands eternal. Whatever I am going through in my life, whatever injurious circumstance I, or someone I love, might be experiencing; the Word of God is a lifeline if I reach out and open the book.

002 (2)

This small devotional, “Daily Food,” contains timeless Bible verses. It is one of my “treasures.” Given to my grandmother by my grandfather in 1939, the inscription is a tribute to the love he had for God and his, “Beloved Buddy.”

001 (2)

Dear friends, in these trying times, when life deals out its many highs and low, hold fast to the timeless Word of God, and let Him be your hope and strength every day.

Perspective – World Affairs

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective2 Comments

Friends, I try for the most part to keep my blog light, infusing posts with my daily experiences of ordinary living combined with the extraordinary experience of loving and worshipping the Lord God Almighty. Do I have the normal high and low moments peculiar to all mankind? You betcha. Do I accomplish anything good? Well, I try and sometimes succeed, but there are bad moments when I fall flat on my face. Do I make mistakes? Of course. Do you know who is always there to forgive, steady and point me back in the right direction? Yes…my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will always be my Helper and Friend.

There is an old game doing new damage in the media, blogs, and everyday conversation…it is the blame game. The new twist is deeming UnChristlike anyone who expresses a cautionary attitude about opening borders to refugees without protocol in place to properly help them once they are here. Masterful spin doctors are picking and choosing Bible verses condemning anyone who urges some caution.

It is very easy to enter into the fray as Christians to prove our point by picking and choosing our own Bible Verses in response. Today in “My Utmost for his Highest,” by Oswald Chambers, the daily devotional spoke about being consumed by the “cares of this world.” I took the words to heart and decided to bring to an end any posts I might make on world affairs. Instead of adding one more voice to the cacophony of spoken and written opinion, an area where I am prone to make mistakes, I will “intercede” in prayer, leave it on the altar, and give the consequences to God.

“Beware of ‘the cares of this world,’ because they are the things that produce a wrong temper of soul. It is extraordinary what an enormous power there is in simple things to distract our attention from God. Refuse to be swamped with the cares of this life.”

“God never gives us discernment in order that we may criticize, but that we may intercede.” ~ Oswald Chambers”

My Utmost For His Highest – Daily Post