Praying all is well with everyone! So many devastating storms across the country … are any of you being affected by them? The fires in southern California are also affecting the air where Ian is, but they are now saying that it’s 60% contained. Thankfully, there are no fires here, and our weather has been beautiful the past couple of days. They are saying we may get some rain for the first half of the day today, which may put a damper on our friend’s annual Memorial Day picnic. I’m hoping they don’t postpone it … I have tons of Ziti casserole, and dessert, that I don’t want hanging around here for us to gain that extra poundage on! Besides, we really enjoy the day there every year. I know I’ve been MIA around here, of late … I’ve been sitting at the computer, editing wedding photos of their son’s wedding … I shared a few of the photos, a couple of posts back, but what I’ve been working on all week was done for their family, and friends, to see while they are waiting on Tim’s professional copies. I was telling a friend on here earlier, that I feel like I have ‘computer exhaustion’! I really wanted to be outside yesterday, enjoying all that sunshine and, repotting my geraniums … the pots are shrinking! We also talked about going to the zoo to see the koalas … it would have been a perfect day for that, but alas, I was getting requests to see these photos, and I finally got them finished and copied to a CD … I need a break, so we’re heading over to their house to just relax for the day. Do you have any special plans? I’ll be back to do some visiting and catch up with you later tonight … I wanted to let you know that I’m still here … just been busy. Do have a blessed Memorial Day, and pray for the families of those who have made that ultimate sacrifice, and for those serving now in our military who enable us to have the freedoms we so enjoy! 
Hugs,
~ Deborah <><
Don’t forget … this is the second week for the ‘feet’ contest over at iliveinmycamera … I did enter one that is showing there this week, so be sure to vote for your favorite! Also, over at BetsaflyGallery, you’ll see photos of a variety of different types of ‘dishes’. See ya soon!
Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground:
for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.
{Hosea 10:12}
USE YOUR VOICE
- Gail Rodgers
The early morning was overcast and dark. The rain drizzled down bringing with it the outlook of a dreary day. I put the coffee on and opened the window to smell the fresh rain. The pleasant sound of birds singing floated in on the morning air. It took me by surprise. I expect to hear the birds when the morning sun is streaming in … but today, in the rain, their song was beautiful music. These birds were doing what they were created to do … they were praising God with their sweet voices … even in the rain.
A verse from God’s Word ran through my mind …
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. You praise the Lord!”
{Psalm 105:6}
I thought of how easy it is to praise God when the sun is shining in my life. Yet when I choose to praise Him, even in the rain and when the forecast is dreary, it changes my outlook. It declares my trust in Him as my all knowing, all caring God.
Our word declarations can be powerful in the spiritual realm. Declaring God’s praise is more than positive thinking. As we choose to rejoice in who God is and thankfully place our circumstances in His care, something happens. His amazing peace comes in and shields our hearts and minds … even in the rain. {Philippians 4:4-7}
Today, in spite of rain … or sunshine … and no matter what the forecast is … choose to lift your voice in praise to God. Praise Him as your all knowing, all caring God who has promised to never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5b). He promises to strengthen you and help you {Isaiah 41:10}. Let your breath praise the Lord today!
Father God,
Today I choose to lift my voice to You in praise. I thank You that You are with me in the sunshine and in the rain.
I praise You because You are all knowing … You see my circumstances and understand them better than I do.
I praise You because You love me and You care about me today. Thank you for Your promises to stay right beside me
and give me the strength and help I need. May my life be my song of praise to YoU … even in the rain.
In Jesus’ powerful name I pray, Amen.
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