Happy Thanksgiving!!!

In all things give thanks.

~1Thessalonians 5:18

Thank you, Veterans! God Bless You and God Bless America!

Thank you, Veterans - with respect, honor, and gratitude.

United States Veterans, thank you for your service. For everything you have sacrificed and endured in the name of freedom, I am eternally grateful. Thank you to your families, also. May God bless you in every way.

 

Thank you, Veterans for your service and sacrifice -

 because Freedom isn't Free. 

My Fall Lake View - Maxfield Parrish Colors, Giant Rainbows, and More!

My view is always pretty, even when its gray and drab or stormy. I'm incredibly grateful. However, last week the view was exceptional - three days in a row! We've been having record amounts of rain for the month of October and we had one day last week of sunny skies and no rain.

Wednesday: Just look at it!!!! These photos are early morning, just after sunrise. There is still a mist and fog on the lake. The sky was such a bright blue and the clouds were fluffy and soooo white!

I threw open the back door and started taking pictures with such excitement. I mean, look at those colors! I felt like I had stepped into the middle of a Maxfield Parrish painting!

 It was so beautiful, I never wanted that day to end!

Finally, I went upstairs to my little studio to work and this is the scene from my desk. Aww... the colors and beauty were both inspiring and distracting.

Thursday: Thursday was so rainy and windy and gray and drab that I didn't take any pictures during the day, However, that evening, around sunset, as we were watching our favorite football team on TV (GO GREENBAY!) I noticed that the sky was turning an odd sort of yellow. Then a pink glow...

And quite suddenly, a huge, brilliant double rainbow appeared!

I ran outside to get these photos. It was so huge, that from my place on the porch, I could not capture all of it.

The clouds behind the hills across the lake were lit up and glowing. As the rainbow started to fade, the sky turned all kinds of pink, blue, and purple!

Friday Morning: Friday was more of a classic, foggy, misty, October Day-

with hints of gray, brown, yellow and orange. 

It rained all day.

Friday Evening: More fog and low clouds. The air smelled crisp with hints of wet leaves and a campfire - so peaceful. 

I LOVE FALL!!!!

I Love Living at the Lake and I Love this Lake Quote

A lake is the landscape's

most beautiful and expressive feature.

It is earth's eye;

looking into which the beholder

measures the depth of his own nature.

~Henry David Thoreau

I live on a beautiful little lake in Eastern Washington and I am grateful for it every single day! In fact, the image above was taken a couple of weeks ago on an evening cruise just before sunset. It was magical. I wanted it to last forever. Fortunately, every glance of my sweet little lake is almost this breathtaking. Ahhh...

Cheers! To all things beautiful

and all things good and wonderful.

God is good!

For more images with quotes see my Colorful Quotes page. I post lots of pics of my gorgeous lake view on Instagram. Follow me there!

Suffering, Holding on to Hope, and Using our Super-Powers for Good!

I discovered a few months ago that I have an auto-immune disease. Ugh! I was not surprised with the diagnosis. I knew I had it. I suspect I've had it for 20 years - maybe more. Although, it has become much worse over the last few years and I'm sooo tired of being sick and exhausted and in pain. I will write about it sometime in the hopes of it being cathartic and for the possibility of helping others who are suffering, as well. For right now, it just feels too negative to dwell on it long enough to write about the details. I'm not in denial. In fact, I am facing it head on, but somehow, I am not completely comfortable with sharing it so openly. Funny, if anyone asks, I have no trouble blurting out its yucky name. But, as soon as I say it I am torn between feeling a sense of relief and a sense of regret. I guess I am afraid of being labeled or limited in the eyes of others. Plus, I just don't want to give it negative energy. I am investing what energy I do have in healing, positive energy. This disease explains why I've struggled with pain, exhaustion, expanding waistline, and sooo much more. But, it doesn't change who I am. It has tried, but I won't let it define me. I hope you are able to do the same with whatever you suffer from in this life... I've learned through this that your pain is something you have - not who you are. And, there is always hope! I do cling to hope of remission, of healing. I woke up to this view a few days ago and it made me grateful and it made me think of hope.

There was never a night or a problem 

that could defeat sunrise or hope.

~Bernard Williams

I have such a heart of compassion for those of you with chronic suffering, whether it is a physical illness, a mental illness, addiction, or ongoing self-esteem issues. Whoever you are, I am sorry. I have found inspiration and the ability to persevere through my faith in God, the act of creating, and also from interacting, listening, and reading the stories of others.

I don't personally believe that God gives us illness and suffering. We live in a world that is flawed. It is part of the deal with being human - it comes with the job. I do maintain in my beliefs that God can and will make good come of any trial we face. I believe we are all given gifts from God - that he instills in us our deepest desires. Our gifts are our super-powers We all have them. I truly believe that our desires and our super-powers are the direct path to our purpose. What are your super-powers? Do you know? Do you use them with joy and gratitude? It's not bragging to claim them and use them. It is a beautiful thing. We need more super-heroes! Our talents are inspired. (God-breathed) If used with the purpose of honoring God, who gifted them to us and with serving others then our world is made better. By using our gifts we bring more focus to God, more light, and more beauty to this world. I consider my super-powers to be my treasure and I am incredibly grateful. My super-powers are: Kindness, Compassion, Empathy, Encouragement, Optimism, and CREATIVITY. (Oh, and mothering. I am a good mom.) I am owning them, using them, and contributing with them every chance I get.

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."

Philippians 4:8

So, life is hard. Life is full of pain and suffering. Focusing on and talking about pain, suffering, the negative, bad, ugly, the dark and evil of this world gives it energy.

I don't mean turning our backs to the suffering. And I'm not implying that sharing our personal stories of suffering contributes to this negative energy, especially if one of our super-powers is writing or public speaking! I have been comforted and inspired by people who have openly shared their struggles. It makes me know that I am not alone. It reinforces my super-power for compassion. And if per chance someone shares their triumph over their situation - I feel a sense of joy and celebration for their success. And, renewed hope.

For some, their super-power is fighting for justice, for freedom, healing illness, taking on and joining causes, saving lives, sheltering animals or the homeless. They are the more obvious heroes. But, we all can be heroes because all of our super-powers come from God and we all have them! Now let's use them for good - for God's plan- for the easing of suffering- for the creation of beauty. Let's be an inspiration! I feel deep gratitude and admiration for all of the heroes. You dreamers, story tellers, artists, poets, writers, cooks, makers; you soldiers, teachers, mentors, healers, you moms and dads and grandparents, you friends and net-workers who bring people together, you coaches, cheerleaders and encouragers - I am inspired by you.

And, for anyone needing something to cling to - how about hope?

"Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times."
~Romans 12:12

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

~Romans 15:13

Thank You Veterans!

How important it is for us to recognize 

and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!

~Maya Angelou

I am forever grateful. Thank you, Veterans.

Follow Debbie's board Sweet Land of Liberty on Pinterest.

Gratitude, the Best Way to Start Your Day!

God, thank you for this day!

Follow Debbie's board Thanks & Gratitude on Pinterest.

Beautiful Sunrise, Feeling Blessed

I rise to taste the dawn,

and find that love alone

will shine today.

~Ken Wilber

I love to wake up early and enjoy the taste of dawn. My morning view is always beautiful and I continue to be grateful for it.

This sunrise though! It was breathtakingly beautiful.

And, look closely at the Osprey that was hunting for fish. 

The light filled the sky in such a way that my camera (phone) could not capture it quite as grand and brilliant as it really was in person.

It changed quickly!

So bright and beautiful. Cheers to the day!

Follow Debbie's board Excuse Me While I Kiss the Sky! on Pinterest.

Hello September!

Hello September! I love September!

Please excuse my absence the last two months! I was busy resting, enjoying summer, playing with family and friends and working hard on overcoming a chronic health issue. I have yet to get my illness in remission, but I've made some progress and am excited to get back to work and finding joy in my days. This view of mine helps! I never tire of it, take it for granted, or forget to thank God for allowing me to see it every day! 

A Happy Surprise, Mama Deer and Her Sweet Baby

Yesterday, I woke up to such a sweet surprise. It was 5:30 am and I stepped outside to water my plants and saw a Doe in my driveway. I grabbed my camera and watched her. When she noticed me she stopped and stared for a minute, making eye contact. (which was so cool) Then she went back to her serious job of nibbling on the grasses, leaves, and such in my yard. I don't have a normal yard; it is wooded and natural, so I didn't mind at all. I was hoping she would not come on down and start eating my potted plants. That has happened before!

Isn't she beautiful? I looked right into those gorgeous eyes. What a blessing!

Finally, I had watched her long enough and needed to get back to work. I finished up my watering and went back in the house for an hour and a half. I had to go outside again and figured she was long gone, but she wasn't. She had moved on to another part of my wooded hillside. So, I stood there and talked to her awhile. Suddenly, I noticed that she was obviously a nursing mom!!!! Just as I was thinking about the fact that she had left her baby somewhere, she walked over to a big bunch of wild sweet peas, growing under and around a metal staircase that leads from my yard up to the road. She nuzzled them a bit and up pops a tiny fawn, who had to be brand new. I watched the fawn nurse for several minutes and then the mom began cleaning her. 

Look closely. She's licking her. (or him)

Still cleaning her baby. 

Precious little gift from God. I love deer so much. They are so sweet and beautiful. I'm thankful to have witnessed this. I love them so much, I even made a Pinterest board just for them.

Follow Debbie's board Oh Deer on Pinterest.

Memorial Day - Thank You!

Freedom isn't free...

Follow Debbie's board Sweet Land of Liberty on Pinterest.

Be Still and Know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

Be Still

and know that I am God.

~Psalm 46:10

I find I need to be reminded of this many, many times - every single day! As I struggle with my own personal difficulties and suffering and feel sadness and compassion for others - sometimes I feel like I can't handle another thing. It can be overwhelming. So, drawing nearer to Jesus always brings me a sense of peace and helps me to carry on and to be grateful. 

I snapped this picture of one of my Scripture Cubes and posted it on my Instagram two days ago. It was early morning and I was spending the first hour of the day sitting in my studio, in Prayer, as I always do. I find it absolutely essential to have quiet time first thing in the morning with Jesus.

In quietness and trust

is your strength.

~Isaiah 30:15

Add a cup of delicious coffee, an open window with a fresh-scented breeze, birds chirping and sunlight streaming through - it's the makings of a gratitude-filled day and just what I needed.

For more Inspiring images with quotes please visit my Colorful Quotes page.

Follow Debbie's board Faith on Pinterest.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

I am feeling especially blessed. I have an amazing, beautiful mom who has showered me with unconditional love, support, guidance, and friendship every day of my life! Because of her, I am also a good mom. I am - and I that makes me so happy. It's the one thing about me that I can proudly own and be comfortable saying out loud, without fear of sounding like I'm bragging. I say it humbly, for it is a gift from God. He blessed me with a loving, supportive mom, who guided me (and still is) to become the woman I was destined to be; and he blessed me with two absolutely beautiful, kind children, whom I have been able to lovingly guide, as well. I love being a daughter and I love being a mom.

(This image was created from a photograph of a glorious apple tree in my neighborhood)

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Be Still - Divine Messages

I find heart rocks and other hearts in nature. For me, they are signs from God; answered prayer and also validation that my prayers are heard. I only find or see them while praying or after praying about a particular subject. I have hundreds of heart rocks, many of which I paint. If I am praying for another person and I find a heart rock on their behalf I will often paint it and give it to them as a gift. 

During difficult times I may find as many as twenty all on one 30 minute walk. It's AMAZING!!! Soon I will do an entire post on just the subject of heart rocks! They are very special to me.

In addition to heart-shaped rocks, I often will see a heart in another form, either a piece of moss, a knot on a tree trunk, a patch of little weeds in the pavement, and even in the clouds.

This was the view from where we stopped and parked
 to finish up our long visit.

Recently, a good friend and I decided we needed to have some special girlfriend time to catch up, bond, and give each other support in some areas of our lives in which we have been struggling. We met at Starbuck's and got yummy coffees and then climbed into my car and went for a drive in the country, near my home. It's a drive that I have done many times in the last few years when I need thinking time, praying time, or even when I just want to feel gratitude for the area in which I live. I have shared it with my wonderful daughter, who is in her first year of college. It's still one of our favorite things to do when she comes home for a visit.

We talked about some pretty serious stuff; things that I have been going through and her, as well. I prayed about our meeting before we got together and felt that we were doing exactly what we needed to be doing. I left our visit feeling even more confident of success in my current journey/issue/path and that she was going to be great and successful too. It was a special day with my special friend.

Today, I was uploading photos from my camera and came across the only two photos I had quickly snapped while we chatted and enjoyed the view; a scenic shot of the valley below us (as shown above) and a picture of the beautiful clouds. And just look at the message waiting for me in the photo of the clouds. 

My heavenly sign, a sweet little heart

I created something with it that I can share with others. If you're needing a little boost, a sign from heaven that God's got your back, please enjoy and be comforted. 

Be Still

and know that I am God.

Psalm 45:70

Follow Debbie's board Heart Love on Pinterest.

Song of Solomon: The Flowers Appear on the Earth...

The flowers appear on the Earth;

The time of the singing of birds

is come.

~Song of Solomon 2:12 

I love spring; the flowers, the greening of a gray-brown world, the sunshine, the rain, the song of the birds, the Hope... It truly does feel like a love song. Everything is fresh and new, yet familiar and comforting. It's like the perfect combination of adventure and the comforts of home. 

Easter-Inspired Quotes for Spring

Yesterday was Easter. I love Easter. "He is Risen!" is one of my favorite sentences in the Bible. So full of joy and hope, renewal, redemption! My Easter was spent with family and close friends in our home - a joyful day of reflecting and celebrating Christ's love, sacrifice, and resurrection. It also happened to be my husband's birthday. It was a beautiful, sunny day, kind of chilly, but it looked like spring. Today it is cloudy, misty and snowing!!! Awww... spring in the Northwest!

Do not be afraid, for I know that you 

are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 

He is not here;

He is Risen, just as he said.

~Mathew 28: 5-6

I created the next two graphics early Easter morning from photos taken in my neighborhood. I planned to post them yesterday, but my family time beckoned.

Tomb, thou shalt not hold him longer;

Death is strong, but Life is stronger;

Stronger than the dark, the light;

Stronger than the wrong, the right;

Faith and Hope triumphant say

Christ will rise on Easter Day.

~Phillips Brooks, An Easter Carol

Joy comes in the morning.

~Psalm 30:5 

Follow Debbie's board Oh Joy! on Pinterest.

An Irish Blessing and a Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

I created this first image from a photo of a rainbow that I took this last summer. My porch is the best storm/rainbow watching place ever, and I am always cheered by the blessings God bestows upon me. I am grateful.

May you always have work for your hands to do.
May your pockets hold always a coin or two.
May the sun shine bright on your window pane.
May the rainbow be certain to follow the rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you.
And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home.

May good and faithful friends be yours wherever you may roam.

Count your joys instead of your woes;

count your friends instead of your foes.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!!!

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