What Does Your Eyes See?

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— 1Corinthians 2:9 ESV

This morning, that verse jumped into my thoughts as I was looking at his creation.  I do enjoy getting up early - I've mentioned before I miss my quiet times.

My morning started around 6 and as I was looking out the window watching changes taking place I thought I had better grab my old friend~

It took some time (from 7- 7:30) to take the first three shots.  It was pretty cool out while watching the clouds rolling over the mountain, I was trying hard to capture what I was seeing.  However, pictures don't seem to do justice to the beauty and to the moment.  Sometimes taking pictures isn't that easy, at least at times it seems to be that way.  :)

Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.  Isaiah 64:4 NIV

The clouds did come rolling in and while moving faster it started snowing - flowing into lower elevations.  We face storms sometimes; we see them coming from the distance like clouds rolling in. As they're picking up speed, we see them nearing us - that lower elevation.

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12 NAS

There's so many things happening in this world - things which aren't pleasant to see.  Daily we are being ever reminded of the injustice out there.   But as birth pains of labor the Bible tells us these things are to come.  But don't lose heart my friend, always rely on the Lord.

“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind." Isaiah 65:17 ESV

Now just as there are bad things out there that we see and hear - there are many things we don't see and hear that are good, and of the Lord.  Our hope is in Him! Our strength comes from Him! Our peace and comfort - all that is good - He supplies every need. 

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 ESV

When I look at the pictures I see the clouds - yes, a storm was coming in fact, the clouds swallowed the mountain scape up and has now just lifted.  In all of that I still see His beauty, His glory and His grace.

Happy New Year!

I'm not into making New Year's resolutions that are made for fun or those that are always broken and, in the end, disappointing.  Also, I don't believe I'm a stick in the mud that can't have any fun either; I just don't and never have been into making New Year's resolutions - plain and simple! :)  I will say, however, I've always liked quoting this verse:

Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do:  forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize (eternal life) of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3:12-14

I'm not going to pretend that 2010 wasn't a very difficult year and I'm not going to lie and say I wasn't blessed throughout the difficulties.  I will remain forever thankful to the Lord - for all His provisions and supplying for every one of our needs.  As well as, all the faithful family and friends, old and new alike, that gave of themselves with their love, prayers and support.

As we enter the New Year there's no doubt that it will hold a continuation of and, new challenges for our family.   And we know that the Lord will get us through them all as in the past.  

Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on.  .  .  .  Often times when people talk to me and about faith, they share they wished that they had more or that theirs were stronger.  I believe we all have thought that way a time or two and maybe you still do?  But God gives all to start the same measure of faith.  (Romans 12:3) Are you surprised?  Your faith will grow as you exercise it; the problem is the unbelief not the measure of faith.  Even Abraham had unbelief:

yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, Romans 4:20

If you know the Lord my prayer would be out of Ephesians 3: 16-19 19 And, if you don't know Him ~ My prayer would be out of Ephesians 1:17-19.  And, if you were to make a New Year's resolution it would be to exercise your faith.  Get into His word, get to know Him and His promises for "those" who believe, "His children that have excepted Him into their hearts, by receiving His free gift." 

Though 2 are missing, Happy New Year from all of us~

 HAPPY NEW YEAR!