A Place to See it!

Sunsets have always been, and sunsets will always be! But, we don't always see them--partly because they're sometimes obscurred by overcast skies, partly because we're not always looking for them, and partly because we're not always in a good place to see them!

I now live in a house that affords full views--incredible views of the sunset! Last night I saw one of the most awesome sunsets I have ever seen...and there was no film in my camera! I stepped out onto the deck to get a better look, and just stood there (on my rain-soaked deck), drinking in the indescribable beauty of the skies, and wondering, "Does it get any better than this? Is there anything more beautiful than what I am seeing right now?" My husband stepped outside to join me, and as we watched, the colors deepened and the glow intensified -- kind of like standing in a Thomas Kincade art gallery and watching the magical glow in the painting as the lighting on it is adjusted to various settings. Standing there on the wet deck, with our arms wrapped around each other, we were mesmerized as the scene became progressively more beautiful with each passing moment! Swept away by the romance of the sunset, and with hearts full of praise to God, we couldn't resist sharing a kiss and whispering a few "sweet nothings" to each other, before relucantly stepping back inside as the color faded. Oh the pure pleasure and wonderful delight of a few moments in such a place--caught up in total tranquility and exquisite beauty!

"...No eye has seen,

no ear has heard,

no mind has conceived

what God has prepared for those who love Him..."

(I Corinthians 2:9)

I cannot even begin to imagine what Heaven will be like! But I do know this: I'm going there someday! I know that for certain because I love Jesus and He loves me! And, I know that He is preparing a very special place for all those who love Him--a beautiful place where we will spend all of eternity with Him! In that place there is beauty awaiting us like we have never even caught a glimpse of here on earth! And, I'm going to be in the right place to see it! Will you? (Admittance is only by truly loving Jesus -- giving your heart to Him and believing that He is God Almighty!) Hope to see you there!

Click here for a follow-up about this sunset (and for pics)

"The heavens declare the glory of God! The skies proclaim the work of His hands!" Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds." (Psalms 19:1 and 36:5)

Minute Musings

"Children of God" -- Today I realized why those who belong to the family of God are called the "children of God". It's because we're not very grown up! We will spend our whole lives growing toward spiritual, emotional, mental, and behavioral maturity! God looks at us in love (as His dear children) just as we look at our young children with love -- fully aware of their (our) immaturity, and therefore, their (our) inability to behave in a fully grown-up manner! But, clearly, the goal is maturity!

"Fogginess and Haze" -- Yesterday morning, when I first got up and looked out the window, I noticed something unusual. The sky was completely overcast, as though a sheet had been draped down from heaven. There was no obvious pattern of clouds -- the sky was just a solid, opaque color that I couldn't see through. Yet, this phenomenom was only true off in the distance. The area surrounding me was clear as a bell, even up to a few miles away, but the hills way off in the distance (the higher elevations) were completely invisible, as though they didn't even exist!

The sight reminded me that this is how life is -- we only get to see this moment! God doesn't give us a glimpse of tomorrow, or even five minutes from now. So often it seems that what we see today makes absolutely no sense to us, and sometimes we wonder about the "how" and the "why" (of today) and the "when" and the "how" (of tomorrow), but only God knows the answer to our questions. He sees the bigger picture -- He sees clearly through the fogginess and the haze, and in His great wisdom and kindness, He protects us from knowing more than we need to know. What we can see right now is all we get for right now. We can trust Him even in the fog and the haze because He sees right through it! I'm so thankful He is that kind of God!

A New Interest

Yesterday I went to the mall and spent the afternoon shopping away my "blues". (Don't we all get a little "blue" now and then?) I must confess--it isn't really the indulgence in shopping that lifts me out of my doldrums--it's the indulgence of the Cinnabon! Several years ago I discovered this delectable treat! So, whenever I go to the mall, I treat myself to this sweet little pick-me-up--and it always works!

After getting my Cinnabon and a cup of coffee, I picked out just the right spot to sit and enjoy some pleasant moments of watching and listening to everyone around me, while I sipped and snacked. In fact, it was so enjoyable, I decided to make sure I do it frequently! All cares seem to disappear while paying attention to others! Amazing! I was refreshed and happy! (Then I was able to continue shopping with a much lighter heart! hee hee)

While I was browsing in the shoe department of a large department store, I noticed an elderly couple approach the display table next to me. The woman immediately picked up a particular shoe and made negative comments about it, comparing it to another shoe--a more preferrable shoe she had just considered elsewhere. Then she committed that common wifely error of attempting to gain her husband's supportive agreement in something that made no real significant difference to him, by asking, "What do you think?" Evidently, her husband wasn't paying close attention to her comments or to her mindset, because he cheerfully replied (apparently trying to appear in agreement with her), "Yes, this one is much prettier!" It was at that point I turned to get a good look at this couple. I just couldn't help myself--amazed and amused by their confusing, yet comical interaction, with the husband being totally oblivious to the fact that he had just completely missed his wife's clearly stated thoughts! The wife, flabbergasted by his misspoken, misunderstood "agreement" with her, quickly asked, "You think so? Well, why would you say that?" As I watched with great interest, this humorously serious moment in the life of a husband and wife, the poor husband lost his cheerful countenance, shrugged his shoulders, and said meekly, "Because you asked."

A giggle started to form within me and began making its way to my face. Quickly, I realized I couldn't contain my smile or the chuckle that was just begging to be let loose, so I moved on, without allowing myself to finish looking at the shoes that had originally captured my attention. Then I let the giggle loose! Oh, that felt so good!

People watching -- my new interest -- perhaps more fun (and much more theraputic) than bird-watching! Oh, the joys of life!