Not too long ago these flowers made me think of summer. Someone came along with a weed wacker and did them in. I guess they would be dead soon anyway. Autumn is a great season, and I can enjoy it if I don't compare it to summer. They are different, but just as beautiful if I look at them the way God intended them to be.

People can be seen in the same way. Not one of us is the same as any other; each meant to be enjoyed in a different way. We get in trouble when we compare one against another. "You're not like so and so." That"s right! It is a good thing too, because it we were all the same or even too similar to one another we would be bored to tears.

What I love about my husband is that he is so different than me. I still giggle at the silly things he says, and the crazy things he says! Mostly because I would never say anything like what he does. He is so unique and before I meant him, I never knew anyone like him before. I was hooked after I got over the shock that he was like this all the time!

Ask God to show you the good side of everyone. Find something that you can pray about for that person. Show them the same kindness that Jesus has shown you. Sometimes that person who is negative or hurtful only needs you to show them some care, before they open up and show their true need for Jesus.    "They wandered in the wilderness in a desolate way; They found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, Their souls fainted in them. Then they cried out to the Lord, in their trouble, And He led them forth by the right way, That they might go to a city for a dwelling place. {Psalm 107:4-7}

Isn't this funny! I found this painted on the side of a building. Wouldn't it be great if all we had to do was eat a piece of chocolate and everything would be better! Actually I think it is better with chocolate, but it doesn't last long enough to make any difference. I hope I am not bursting anyone bubble, but it just isn't true, Sorry.

I hope you got a good laugh anyway. Since time began people have been looking for something to make them better than they were. Eve wanted something more than God gave her. The enemy is shrewd, but He is not all knowing, all powerful, or omniscient like our God. What we do know, is that he is divisive, predictable, and cruel. We know how he operates, and we have the weapons to take him out! Thank God for Jesus, because He won the battle on the cross, so that we don't have to.  We do however, need the weapons of our warfare to protect us.

"The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.        {2 Corinthians 10:4-5}     The Apostle Paul goes on to say, Don't boast in this, because this is when the enemy can get in and distract us. God gave us authority for our edification. It is not of ourselves. Allow God to be victorious in your life today, and listen to God. He is much more able to take care of every need. Love to all. Ann

I found this statue outside of St. Philip and James Church in St. James, and since it was a beautiful day, I had to stop and take a photo. For those who don't know, I taught 1st grade at Smithtown Christian School for 8 years before Rudy and I got married. Books and especially christian ones are a passion of mine. I had a full bookcase of children"s books that my hubby made me scale down to two boxes of very special books to keep for our grandchildren someday.

I love how this boy is looking up to the mother. I feel as if his whole attention is toward her as she reads. I read to our children from 3 months old, to however long they would allow me. Having that opportunity to sit down, in a relaxing environment and role play with the various characters was so amazing. Now I get to read and role play somewhat with adults. How blessed am I! I love teaching women the word of God. They are just as eager to soak up the Love and the word of God as those precious little faces that used to look up to me.

Time spent reading to someone is a very powerful tool. Maybe there is someone in your life that would benefit from this? Our society doesn't cherish those quiet moments as much as we should.
Take time to hear from God. If you make the space He will be happy to speak. "So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face as a man speaks to a friend." Exodus 33:11
"Then Eli perceived that the Lord had called the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, 'Speak Lord, for Your servant hears.' " I Samuel 3:8b-9

Why did I take a picture of a broken fence? It reminds me of a story on the Bible. Actually it is from Proverbs. "I went by the field of the lazy man, And by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding: And there it was, all overgrown with thorns; Its surface was covered with nettles; Its stone wall was broken down. When I saw it, and received instruction: A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest; So shall your poverty come like a prowler, And your need like an armed man." {Proverbs 24: 30-34}

Someone has to be responsible to care for these things. When its important to us we do, when something is not so important we let it go. This is the state of our nation. We have allowed the liberal forces that be, to arrogantly be the voice of our Government. We have allowed our schools to teach that America is not such a good place. History is not important,  and may be totally neglected.

The good, caring America that I knew as a child is now being portrayed as divisive and self absorbed. How could history change? It has not, but our values have. In order for socialism to prevail, our national heritage has to blend into the background and become as any other nation in the world. This cannot be.

When America first became a nation, a french Patriot came to America to see how it could work. He found the reason the government was able to function was the faith, virtue,  and self motivation of the majority of people. He did not see any of this in other countries. Our government was set up on biblical values, with the people walking, living accordingly. No wonder the liberals don't want to follow the Constitution the way it was written!

You and I can make sure our fences are secure around our spiritual lives. Stand on the word of God in every area of life, and do not wavier. A godly army is rising up to stand for justice and truth not only in America, but in their personal lives as well. God's people being who God has called them to be can change a generation, and equip the next.

This reminds me of days gone by! These homes were built in a very different time. Families were important to everyone, even those who were not of the faith. The foundation of most lives included and were built on family ties. My father was one of those who did not have a family to fall back on, and it was evident in every aspect of his life.

I think of Kathy Triccoli who has shared about the neighborhood who cared for everyone else's kids when she was a child. Ellie Lofaro who spoke about sitting on the stoop in Brooklyn as a child, watching all of the goings on. In my beginning years we ran and played from one yard to another, no fences. All of the neighborhood kids would come to my yard because my grandmother had purchased a little play house for us. I was the mother, of course!

I am mindful of my daughter Stephanie who lost all of her grandparents by the age of six. She is missing out on the rich impartation of those elders who have gone before her. Maybe this is why she has older parents! God knows how to impart what she will need.

 I was in shock when my Aunt died, because I realized that Rudy, my husband was now the oldest! Leaning on the Lord is always the way to go. He is a better father than any earthly father could ever, ever be. "Grace and peace from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and father, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." {Galatians 1:3-5} He will impart what is necessary, and sometimes He will even use you and me!

We may be at the end of pictures of flowers, but you never know what could happen! Can you imagine the flowers and other beautiful plants that will be in heaven? No decay or coldness to cause decay or rot! Maybe they will be singing praises to God with the rest of us, but most likely their beauty will shine as an offering of praise.

What is on your heart today? Whatever it is, God cares about it and wants to carry it for you. We were never made to carry a heavy load. All the cares about this world can seem like a ton on our shoulders. I have been there too many times to count. I know He can make the burden light because He is excellent at carrying the heavy end.

"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."{ 1 Peter 5: 6-7} Those of us that are parents know how to care for our children as if they were part of us. God feels the same way for us as His children. He wants to carry the things that trouble us so that we can walk in freedom of fear, disaster or heartache. Before  these things come, He will build a shield of protection around us so that we can endure them. Read the word of God, look to Him, and your shield is strengthened. Who am I that He should care for me? Amazing isn't it?

Could this be a house out of the 19th century? Yes, it could, but I don't know if it dates back quite that far. It is amazing the things we can find that were here long before we were born. I believe creationists have identified the earth as being between 10 to 12 thousand years old. What do we know of thousands of years? Our lives are no more than 100 years if we are blessed. Some people would not consider it a blessing to live to 100. I think of my mother who said she wouldn't like that.

These reminders we see of a day long ago reveal a different way of living. Life was precious, because people didn't live as long. If loved ones went to the other side of the country, there was a good chance that those left behind many never see them again. Friendships were dear because no one could hide behind a cellular device! I'm not saying you do that, but I'm sure you know someone who does.

Even with the many changes to society and culture God's word has not changed. His commandments have not been left behind. His word will always be a lamp and light to us. In the book of Ephesians we read about the belt of a roman soldier. It is very important especially because it helped to keep the rest of him up! It was his center of gravity, that girded him to put on the next 70 pounds of armor.
Paul writes to us from that generation to "Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth. " Ephesians 6:14.

 I remember my Grandmother putting on her girdle. That was one tight squeeze, with all due respect to my sweet dear Grandmother. Once it was on, it didn't come off. I think about my core when I exercise. I want it to be as strong as possible, because without that I don't stand straight. My body doesn't function the way I know it should. I draw from the core to keep me balanced which is something that is wanting as I get older.

 I can tell how much exercise I had the day before as I open my eyes in the morning. It is true in my spirit. I know how strong I am first thing because of the time spent in God's word the night before. Lies swirl all around us, from the moment we awake until we put our heads on the pillow, and sometimes even our dreams can be lies. Fill your mind with what God says in His word. "Let the word of God dwell in you richly in all wisdom;" {Colossians 3:16} Then we can see what others can't.

This is my backyard, looking into my neighbor's yard. No one lives there. I don't take this personally, because it has been empty for two years. It is a beautiful home, just over-priced. I pray for the right neighbors to move in, whatever that means. I want christians who love God and will be fun to be with. I asked my friend Kim who is a realtor, and is looking for a home to move in with her family. It is not for them.

My choice may not be God's choice which so often is the truth. When we think with our own needs in mind it doesn't give God room to lengthen our abilities and build our strengths. As women, we like planning to fit into our agenda. Nice and neat without any getting out of our shell.You know, that comfort zone that we hold on to? How would anyone grow to be more than they ever dreamed is we all lived like this?

 Jesus is saying to us today, step out with me, and life will be a wild ride like you never thought. Hold on because the roller coaster is about to leave the park! "My beloved spoke, and said to me:"Rise up, my love, my fair one and come away.{Song of Solomon 2:10} Can you put aside those things that so easily weigh you down, and seek the Lover of your Soul? Don't say that you are too busy, or another time. Today is a good day to seek the Lord. Be Blessed and know that I love you!

One of the reasons I love October is that you never know what kind of weather it will be from day to day. It has been really warm this week, so enjoy, because the cold winds will blow! I bought these hydrangeas because the ones I have didn't bloom. I think there was a blight or disease because others have said the same thing. I beat the disease at least for the time being.

For years I tried to play similar games with God. I would make everything look sweet and beautiful on the outside when really I needed to let go, and let God deal with my stuff. Judging others, and looking at their faults made me feel like I was better. What a weak platform to stand on! It failed every time.

 Now that I am beginning to allow God to deal, I revel in uplifting others and enjoy seeing them proceed in life, but especially in their walk with God.  Be the one who is able to give a sincere compliment and make someone's day. "Set your minds on things above, not on the things of this earth. {Colossians 3:2} When we do this, we rejoice with those who rejoice, and connections are made. Too often relationships are not made because of ear phones and distractions that take us away from others. We may never know how much a kind word means to hurting soul. This is what our enemy wants. Don't give him the time of day!

What a beautiful bouquet! It just goes to show you what creative gifting can produce. All of these flowers in and of themselves have a beauty all their own, but when decoratively placed by an artist with an eye to see the finished work, they shine all the more. Together they orchestrate a beauty beyond their original intent.

Can you see how the body of Christ is meant to do the same? By ourselves we have a fragrance that those who are hurting and empty will recognize as unique and compelling. When fitted together in the right spots we make a masterpiece that is impossible to ignore. Sit at Jesus' feet today, and allow His great grace and love for you fall like a warm silk blanket, covering every hurt and fear, soothing even the roughest of spots.
 "The Lord is my portion" says my soul, Therefore I hope in Him. The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the Lord." { Lamentations 3:24-26}

I know this isn't the prettiest rose bush ever, but it belongs to me, and it's the only one I have. It needs some care, and I know next season it will be full of life again.

I am so sorry that I didn't get to post anything yesterday. I was experiencing technical difficulties, or in other words, this machine wasn't doing what it was suppose to do. I think the quickest way to get me frustrated has to do with computers. It seems as if, "out of nowhere", what works for weeks all of a sudden doesn't. All the techies out there will say, that doesn't happen, but I know different!

I have asked myself, why does this bother me so. I think the only conclusion is that since my understanding is limited, and I don't know what to do when things don't work right, the unknown becomes a snare and a fear. Does this sound familiar to you?

It's the same in our spiritual lives. When we don't understand why God allows something in our lives, we can think that  He has forgotten us. What an absurd idea! He, who was marred, and impaled with nails cannot forget us; we are engraved on the palms of His hands. He will forever hold those scars as a reminder to us of His unfailing love and devotion. The reason those scars are there is for our benefit. Our freedom was costly, but it was sought in love and passion for us to be free, alive, and able to live this life to the fullest.

My rose bush reminds me of how I can be sometimes. My cup isn't full and overflowing. That is when I cry out to the Lord of life, to fill me once again. Are you feeling a little on the empty side on this Friday morn? Allow God"s word to satisfy your soul!

"I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of His righteousness. as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteous spring up before all nations.  {Isaiah 61:10-11}  Put on God's robe of righteousness, and be blessed this day!

       
Do you ever think about the people in your life? I mean in terms of whether or not they are ministers or ministries? Some people can cause you to soar or they can cause you to sink. Some are easy to be around and others well, it can be a little harder. Each one of these are sent to us for a particular reason, because God has a reason for everything he allows in our lives. He is not the author of fear, failure or hurts, but He can turn even the worst nightmare around for our good.

We are here to be salt and light and as I have gotten older, I have realized that I want everything I can to count for God's kingdom. This doesn't always work, but I am more conscience of it. I want to make sure I try to find common ground with even those who don't seem to have anything in common. For the sake of the cross, for the time I am here, Please Father, Help me to think outside the box, and more about the godly influence I can have, without being pushy or fake. I want to glorify you in everything, or at least a lot more than I am. You alone have answers to life's questions. Amen!

"Blessed be the Lord, Because He has heard the voice of my supplications! The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him." { Psalm 28: 6-7}

Thank God for this sunny shiny day! I am sure those in the south are thanking God for the sun as well. My sister is in North Carolina, and she has to wait until Friday to see if the cresting of the river by her house will cause any damage, but I have prayed a hedge of protection around them, and it looks like they will be fine. Enjoy the good weather as much as you can.

The fuchsia color of these flowers remind me of the depth and richness of God's love for us. They seem to hold their beauty no matter what comes their way, yet, they will fade. Jesus' love and compassion on those of us who have placed our trust in Him will never falter, fail or fade. We have a covenant, or very truly sincere promise from Him that He will never let go of our hands. We let go, but He never, ever will. Sometimes it may seem to us that He is distant, but God is not moved by our feelings. It can be that we have moved away from Him, but He remains constant!

"Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His Holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning." {Psalm 30:4-5} Thank God for His word, which also endures forever! Let's look at two words here. JOY COMES! That jumped off the page from me today. No matter what your circumstance, joy comes, it may seem late but it comes at the right time. JOY COMES!

October continues to hold on to some summer! I like that for sure. I get shortchanged on summer because of allergies. That is why we have big windows in our house, so I can see all of the nature, and not experience it. Ha Ha! I won't let those allergies get the best of me.

As we travel this life's road with Jesus, we can look to Him to give us blessings that might be an alternative to what other's experience. Our enemy wants us to complain, get angry or jealous because others don't have the same trials that we do. When our hearts look up, we can learn from Him how to overcome or be blessed in other ways. No one is blessed more than you!  Until we realize this, we can struggle with the "how comes" of life and not sit back and allow Jesus to show us the way.

" Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. {Philippians 4:6-7} I need to learn this truth and apply it more and more. We walk daily hand in hand with Him, growing as we go. Be Blessed and loved.

These flowers are in my yard, but the Montauk Daisies just started to bloom! Who said fall isn't as beautiful as summer? I think it was me. Anyway, we are experiencing some awesome days this week. No so in Florida, as Hurricane Matthew is bearing down on them right now. This reminds me that when I think life is stormy and blowing out of control, the calm can be right around the corner.

"For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God." 1Peter 1:23. The steadfast love of the Lord holds us and steadies us no matter what the storm may bring. His word endures forever, and will not loose its strength. Grab hold of His word, and it will satisfy the deepest longing of your soul! You will long for nothing else!

This is my dog, Buddy. He is a happy golden retriever, at six years old. He is everyone's best friend, which scares some people, but he is gentle. He doesn't jump on people anymore, which I  am glad, but there was this one time, when my friend was at the door and I opened it and buddy lunged into her and knocked her over. Her hands were full, and she couldn't balance. Oh, everyone has bad days! She wasn't hurt, and Buddy didn't know that he could have hurt her, to him everything is a party!

Life just isn't that way! I wish it were, but as christians we have to be on guard, and sober because of the days in which we live. Have you seen those signs that occasionally show up on trees? They say, "Watch and Pray." These two go together, and it is simply put, but it says a lot. "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."{ Matthew 26:41}  Jesus was speaking to His disciples about praying before he was betrayed, and a great injustice would be done. Watch and pray. I'm sure we could all come up with many injustices or evils that have been an onslaught to our nation. Watch and pray. Much good is set in motion through prayer. Watch and pray. He is coming---

What am I up to now, you might be saying to yourself. This is meaningless without an explanation. I found this precious, tiny rose bush imbedded in the smallest bit of dirt at the end of my driveway. I could not believe it.

 I have a large rose bush in the front of my house; only one because of the small amount of sun in our yard. I hope that I can get this big enough indoors so that I can plant it in the spring. It is really something that this tiny one could be found and thriving in the tiniest bit of dirt. Sometimes I can feel this way. How wonderful that God nurtured me, and cared for me when I was in the most vulnerable situations!

 Living with parents that were dealing with depression, both in very different ways tends to make for unstable children, but even though no one was saved at the time, God covered us. We all live pretty normal lives, to the glory of God. We are no different than you my friend! "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." {Romans 8:28} He is good to all who call upon in with their whole hearts.

I think I spoke too soon. The flowers around here are still pretty good! I know I will have some blooming in the next day or so, but that's for another time. If what we have here is just a shadow of things to come, which it is, then how much greater will the real beauty be? Our world is subject to decay, and death, but in the heavenlies they is no such thing! It is beyond our wildest imagination in terms of beauty, purity and strength. It is so beyond us, that the angels around the throne of God sing: "HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is the Lord God Almighty, The whole earth is filled with His Glory!           {Isaiah 6:3} We will be overcome with all that will surround us.

Think on these things. When everything around you seems to be closing in. When you don't feel well. When the dog wets the floor for the sixth time today. This world we be gone someday! It is not the reality, only a picture, a faded picture of what is to come. "So I will restore to you all the years that the  swarming locust have eaten- {Joel 2:25} "Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel; I am the Lord Your God And there is no other. My people shall never be put to shame." {Joel 2:27}

I hope you were able to enjoy your weekend. Here we have some roses that I saved from an occasion, I don't remember what. My Birthday maybe, but I don't like to throw them out. It's not that I can't throw them away, its just that I still enjoy them even when they are dry. The essence of what they are still peaks through.

I can relate this to my self. My outward man is perishing, but my inner glow is from the Holy Spirit, and that is stronger now than when I was younger. It is not a perfect example, but I think you get my point. I actually am more comfortable now in who I am that I ever have been. The more we yield to God, the better we are, physically, emotionally and mentally. Life is brighter and the future more wonderful because of Jesus, not me. I just have to get out of His way!

Can you let Him love you today? Meditate on God's word, " To console those who mourn in Zion,  To give them beauty for ashes,The oil of joy for mourning,The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they{we} may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord that He many be glorified."   {Isaiah 61:3}   Italics mine.

I pray a blessing over you today, that you may see the bright future that God has for you! AMEN.