Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Fall in the TX Hill Country...

Along the road from the Cody Center and Tennis Courts at Laity Lodge...
Japanese Maple at Laity Lodge
It's not just the northeast that has beautiful foliage in the fall.  The hill country of TX waits until Thanksgiving time to display its  glorious panoramas.  I have taken  photos of what we have in our hills right now.  I share these with you so you may see the way we experience God's creation each fall.
The Frio River at Echo Valley in the Canyon of the H.E.Butt Foundation property.
Another view along the Frio River...

Another view of the Japanese maple in the garden at Laity Lodge.
Welcoming guests to the rooms at Black Bluff at Laity Lodge.
 Psalm 19: 1-4
The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
Along the drive approaching Laity Lodge...
Romans 1:20
For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - 
his eternal power and divine nature - 
have been clearly seen, 
being understood from what has been made,
so that men are without excuse. 

Shining in a glorious, golden frock...


What joy is felt as I ponder the proclamation of God's hands through his handiwork that surrounds me - especially at this magnificent time of the year.  This is the "voice not heard" of a loving God who desires that all creation recognize and embrace his truth - revealed through what He has made.
We are "without excuse" - He has been revealing himself  
"since the creation of the world".
Along the road past the Hovde Houses...

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving!

I will thank you, Lord, among all the people.
     I will sing your praises among the nations.
For your unfailing love 
is as high as the heavens.
     Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens.
     May your glory shine over all the earth.

Mark D. Roberts used these verses to share thoughts in the Daily Reflection on Wednesday, November 21st.  That Reflection is part of the ministry of The High Calling.

With this scripture, I share words which express my desire as well as that of the psalmist, David.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

"Please Vote" Post Update...

A wonderful comment was shared on my blog yesterday after I posted my thoughts about the importance of voting.

It seems the critical importance of voting is also shared by Billy Graham.

Because I am grateful for the comment that was shared by a reader who lives in my home state of Wisconsin, I decided to print it in the body of this blog.  Thanks, Marge B. for sharing your thoughts and the wise words of Billy Graham.

"Our Sunday paper yesterday, included a full page ad urging people to VOTE BIBLICAL VALUES on Nov 6. This ad was paid for by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. It had a huge picture of Billy Graham & a quote from him: "The legacy we leave behind for our children, grandchildren, and this great nation is crucial. As I approach my 94th birthday, I realize this election could be my last. I believe it is vitally important that we cast our ballots for candidates who base their decisions on biblical principles and support the nation of Israel. I urge you to vote for those who protect the sanctity of life and support the biblical definition of marriage between a man and a woman. Vote for biblical values this November 6, and pray with me that America will remain one nation under God." I was proud our paper submitted this ad. I pray that those who share this belief, will flood the polls tomorrow. Marge (Wisconsin)"
As I await the results of today's vote, I pray for our nation.  May many remember to be a voice who speaks for all - including those whose voice is silenced before they are born. 

Monday, November 5, 2012

Please Vote!!!

To have a voice in this great nation, all eligible voters need to get prepared and get to the polls.  It is easy to complain about elected leaders if they are not conducting themselves as you think best.  But there's a solution for that situation and it requires of us some initiative -
Get Prepared - know the candidates and the values from which they will operate
and
Go to the Polls to cast your vote.
 For people of faith, prayer is also a component for any and all elections but that must be practiced along with action in order for your voice to be heard.

Do not assume your voice won't make a difference - it will.

Jesus' earthly life was lived during trying political times but he still encouraged and instructed his followers to...
Matthew 22:21
"Give to Caesar what is Caesar's,
and to God what is God's."
 Coins for paying taxes had Caesar's image on them.  

God's image is on humanity.  

We participate in the world as an informed, committed citizen.
We participate in God's kingdom as an informed, committed child of our heavenly Father 
whose image we bear.

Both are what God wants from us as he choses to be at work in the world.

Voting is our privilege and our responsibility.

 PriVilege
Of
    CiTizens
         PrEpared!!!

I have voted early and look forward to learning the outcome tomorrow of the voice of energized, faithful citizens.   Be certain that your voice is heard.  
VOTE!!!