Dog Praying

Too cute not to share! Enjoy!



"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9

(Photo taken 8.18.10 - Sixth Street Park, Downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan)

The Twenty-First Time by Monk & Neagle

Nowhere to live
Nowhere to fall
He used to have money
But he’s wasted it all
His face is a photograph burned in mind
But I pretend not to see him for the twenty-first time

He sleeps under stars, it’s all he can afford
His blanket’s an old coat he’s had since the war
He stands on the corner of Carter and Vine
But I pretend not to see him for the twenty-first time

He may be a drifter who’s grown old and gray
But what if it’s Jesus and I walk away
I say I’m the body and drink of the wine
But I pretend not to see him for the twenty-first time

She’s 29 but she feels 48
She can’t raise three kids on minimum wage
She’s crying in back of the welfare line
But I pretend not to see her for the twenty-first time

She may be a stranger trying to get through the day
But what if it’s Jesus and I walk away
I say I’m the body and drink of the wine
But I pretend not to see her for the twenty-first time

This is a call for a change in my heart
I realize that I’ve not been doing my part
When I needed a Savior, I found it in Him
He gave to me, now I’ll give back to them

Drifter or stranger, daughter or son
I’ll look for Jesus in everyone
‘Cause I am the body and drink of the wine
And I’m thankful there’s more than the twenty-first time

(Photo taken 8.18.10 - Downtown Grand Rapids)

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
Isaiah 43:2

(Picture taken August 2007 - Sartell, Minnesota)

When Your Hut's On Fire

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.

Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, 'God! How could you do this to me?'

Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him! 'How did you know I was here?' asked the weary man of his rescuers. 'We saw your smoke signal,' they replied.

The Moral of This Story: It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.

No one can build ultimate security on things or people.
Real strength comes from relying on God.
(photo taken in September 2009 - Grand Haven, Michigan)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13

Worry is like a rocking chair.
You may feel like you are doing something,
But it won't get you anywhere.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34

A week ago, Grace and I went on the third annual World Wide Photo Walk with some friends. Essentially, everyone around the world walks around taking photos on the same day. You can then enter photos into the world wide contest and/or local contests. A couple friends own The Memory Boutique and they sponsored a walk in beautiful downtown Rockford, Michigan. It was a great time!!! We got some beautiful scenic photos (which I'll share with you in another blog post) and made some new friends! As we were coming back from walking along the Rogue River, we came upon a man walking his two dogs - both were sweet husky-mixes. And one of the poor honeys had a cast on her leg!! :( She got hit by a car but was walking around like a champ.... except that it was hot out, so she decided lay down a bit (reminds me totally of my Lady Isabelle) while we chatted with her owner. Of course I asked if I could take a picture of her and her owner was more than happy to let me click away! :) This beautiful dog's photo reminded me of a beautiful verse in the book of Psalms.


The Lord heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.
Psalm 147:3

Daily Devotion - Glorious Day by Casting Crowns

Casting Crowns is amazing.... a ministry so huge! So huge that I can't even imagine how many people have been saved through their music! This song is right up there with the very best of their music! And another huge reminder just what Jesus did for us! The lyrics (especially the chorus) makes me emotional. I just know that when I get those chills and warm feelings that the Holy Spirit is working in me!

"LIVING HE LOVED ME
DYING HE SAVED ME
BURIED HE CARRIED MY SINS FAR AWAY
RISING HE JUSITIFIED FREELY FOREVER
ONE DAY HE'S COMING
OH GLORIOUS DAY"



And I just found this!! Casting Crown's lists on their website all of the scripture associated with a song! This is what they have listed for just THIS song... wow! I can't wait to look these up in my Bible while listening to this song!

John 1:1 / John 1:14 / John 2:11 / Isaiah 40:5 / Isaiah 7:14 / Luke 1:26-38 / Ephesians 5:2 / John 3:16 / 1 John 3:16 / 1 John 4:9 / Romans 5:9 / 1 Corinthians 6:10-11 / Psalm 103:12 / Matthew 26:28 / Ephesians 1:7 / Colossians 1:13-14,19-20 / Psalm 49:15 / Galatians 4:4 / Philippians 2:8 / Acts 2:23 / Romans 6:4 / 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 / Colossians 2:12-15 / Isaiah 53:6 / 1 Peter 2:24 / Matthew 28:1-10 / Revelations 1:18 / Revelations 22:12 / Revelations 22:20

Daily Devotion

One of the things I'd like to do with my new blog is to post a daily (or nearly daily) devotion for all my readers! There are so many great resources out there to share God's love with others! Of course, there is no substitution for the Bible, but I get excited everytime I see a different and new way that God's word is reaching people. My friend Tabitha's mom sends a daily email with God's word that has touched my heart for many years. I'd like to share some of those as well as things from other resources and things from my own heart. These devotions won't always necessarily be words. Anyone that knows me, knows that music is one way that God grabs my heart! So you may see YouTube videos, links to websites/blogs, etc. I am SO excited to see how God uses me to get his word to others!

So for my first, I am going to share with you a daily word from Tabitha's mom that touched me. I hope it touches you just as much! Have a blessed day!



Without God's mercy and comfort, you will remain lost at sea - unsure of your direction and with little hope of finding port.

The LORD your God is with you,
He is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
He will quiet you with his love,
He will rejoice over you with singing."
Zephaniah 3:17