30October2012 Quickshot: Fallen

We are loving this time of year!  You can almost smell the rain on the fallen leaves in this photo. 

23October2012 Debate

America is abuzz with talk about the third presidential debate last night.  Although we've certainly tried, we cannot escape it.  It's times like this when we desperately long for a return to life overseas.  Escaping the lunacy, disguised in political rhetoric, is much easier across the pond.  

The ability to have your say in government, aka the right to vote, is not something we take lightly.  However, months and months and months of pundits and politicians and campaigning ad nauseum has taken a toll on our mental well being.  

The worst part is disagreements among believers.  It looks a little something like this on Facebook:

Friend A posts a status in opposition of a candidate.  

Friend B posts a rebuttal.

Friends C, D and E chime in.

Yelling, at least as much as possible using social media, ensues.

Feelings are hurt.

Friends are defriended.

It looks similar to that in Sunday school classes, prayer meetings and worship services across the country.  If it wasn't so disheartening it would be silly.  Have we forgotten that the election results, regardless of their seeming importance today, are temporary?  If your chosen candidate wins or loses, some things may change but eternity will not be affected.  Why trade insults, sew bitterness or soil your witness over the non-eternal.  We are citizens of a permanent Kingdom.  Our King is not up for re-election.  Our God is in control.  There is no debate about that!  

21October2012 Quickshot: Heaven

Z. led our family time the other day and his topic of discussion was Heaven.  Apparently his lesson had a big impact on A.  Check out A's interpretation above, complete with Throne, River of Life, etc.  Not bad for a 4 year-old!

20October2012 Quickshot: Thank God for pink!

M.turned 6 on Thursday.

Today L. turned 1

We're celebrating a couple birthday this week.  Thank God for pink!

15October2012 Quickshot: Prov.31 Woman

Here's D doing one of her four part-time jobs, making cake pops for a local bakery.  I'm so grateful for all her hard work and for the example she is to our children.  When I read about the Proverbs 31 woman this is who I picture!  p

7October2012 Quickshot: Beach Buddies

Grateful for wonderful friends to share fun adventures with.  I missed my buddies while living overseas!

5October2012 Quickshot: Carolina Fall

Carolina Fall I

4October2012 Quickshot: Transformed

Spotted this beauty today in the garden.  He was 3 inches long and over 1/2 inch thick.  A little research revealed this to be a luna catepillar and it will eventually become a beautiful luna moth (Google search for image).  
Today's encounter brought the following verse to mind. "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will."  (Rom.12:2NIV)  That word "transformed" is the Greek word "metamorphosis," which means in pretty simple English, "your inner nature is so changed that it shows on the outside."  That's our family's desire and prayer for today.  May we live in such a way that it's clearly evident to those around us that we've experienced an encounter with the Creator.  Different!  Changed!  Transformed!