What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?

What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?
Remember: "When God closes a door, He always opens a window!" You never know what might be out there waiting for you!

Sunday, August 4, 2024

Sunday Morning Thoughts

Today is Sunday, August 4, 2024.  Here in the state of Florida we are anticipating a tropical storm and/or Hurricane "Debby" to arrive later today.  Where we live we will most likely get a good bit of rain, but I don't think this storm is expected to have very high winds. There is always the threat of tornadoes, however, so we must be on guard and prepared for anything.  We are as ready as we can be. 
I am thankful for this beautiful gift from God, sent to us the other evening after a quick rainstorm...this beautiful rainbow...to remind us of God's promise to us that He would never again destroy all flesh on the earth with a flood.  Yes, there may be floods in various places, and some people here in Florida along the coast may experience some storm surge and high waters that bring floods to their neighborhoods and perhaps even their own homes. I hope and pray not, but it is a real possibility.  But God has promised us that He will not destroy all flesh with floods ever again.

Genesis 9:13-17 New King James Version

13 I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. 14 It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud; 15 and I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16 The rainbow shall be in the cloud, and I will look on it to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” 17 And God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant which I have established between Me and all flesh that is on the earth.

We are so very thankful for God's promises to us, and for this beautiful reminder that He is with us through all of the storms of our lives.


The other morning we took a walk in our usual walking place, and this lovely Red Spotted Purple butterfly came flitting all around me. Yes, I know it looks blue to me too, certainly not purple, but that's its name none the less.  It was so lovely, and as it flew from plant to plant, I asked it sweetly if it would please be still for a few moments so I could take some pictures.  

And apparently he heard me and did exactly that! I thanked him, and I also thanked God, who is the Creator of all creatures big and small, and He sent this little beauty to me to bless me at that moment.


We know that butterflies are creatures who have gone through an amazing transformation before they become these beautifully colored butterflies that we enjoy watching.  God's Word tells us that we too will all be changed one day as well..."in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye..."  

1 Corinthians 15:51-55 New King James Version

51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

55 “O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?”


Did you know that a butterfly, once it reaches this state of the life cycle, will most likely only live about 2-4 weeks? Some may live longer, but seriously, they don't have a very long life span once they reach maturity.  So they must live life to the fullest while they can...

And so must we as humans! None of us knows how long our life span may be. Some may reach the ripe old age of living into their 90's or even a few may reach 100.  However the majority of us may find it a stretch to make it past our 80's.  Sadly, there are many who never make it very far into adulthood before they are called home to heaven.
What we do with this life we've been given is for us to decide...but perhaps God has other plans for us that He is calling us to do, if we will just listen and heed His call.
Our choir sang a song about this a few months ago..."Jesus Calls Us"

(recording was actually from March, 2024, hence the long sleeves!)

Jesus calls us o’er the tumult of our life’s wild, restless sea;
Day by day His sweet voice soundeth, Saying, “Christian, follow Me.”

Jesus calls us from the worship of the vain world’s golden store
From each idol that would keep us, Saying “Christian, love Me more.”

In our joys and in our sorrows, days of toil and hours of ease,
Still He calls, in cares and pleasures, “Christian, love Me more than these.”

Jesus calls us by Thy mercies, Savior, may we hear Thy call
Give our hearts to Thine obedience, serve and love Thee best of all.

Today, being a Sunday, might be a good day to ask ourselves if we are listening for God's call and then if we are giving our "hearts to Thine obedience," and "serve(ing) and lov(ing) Thee best of all."

I actually am at home this morning instead of being at church, so perhaps this message is my little sermonette to take the place of being in church. I am not feeling well in my tummy and it would not be wise for me to be in a public meeting house under these conditions. Enough said.  But still, I am here listening for God's voice as He calls me o'er the tumult of our life's wild, restless sea.  I still want to follow Christ and love Him more than all of these things in the world.  And I want to be ready when He calls me to come home to heaven. That could be at any moment..."in a twinkling of an eye".  I believe I am ready.  I hope all of my friends/family are ready as well.

Meanwhile, a little silly photo from this week that I posted on Facebook. I found these toadstools out in the yard, all kind of lined up together in a group.  I asked if this is how the toads play leapfrog? Hopping from toadstool to toadstool?   Perhaps they do...I mean, what else are toadstools for anyway? One of my friends said she used to think that the fairies lived under the toadstools.  I asked her back, "You mean they don't???"  LOL.   

Nah, the fairies don't live under the toadstools...they live right here inside, and they are having a tea party right now:

And with that little bit of frivolity I will close this post.  I do pray that you and yours are safe from whatever kind of storms may be coming your way.  May you know that God is with you in all of life's trials and storms, and He will never leave us or forsake us.  But He does want to have fellowship and communion with us on a daily basis. That's the key to living in peace no matter what storms befall us.
May God be with you and yours.  



 

24 comments:

  1. My flight is tonight to Clearwater. Anticipating cancellation. In Indy with family. Granddaughter got home to nyc with no delays like when she was flying to Indy…I had delays also in Florida. I plan to get home this week. Alas…I lived here before Florida so am enjoying time with my family. I live on the coast so this is normal as you know. Prayers Brenda

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    1. I hope you are safe wherever you are. I am thinking you probably weren't able to fly home yet as the weather along the coast has been pretty bad. I would stay put where you are and let this thing pass! So far we are okay here, but the storm is still just now really getting to our part of the state. We are far enough inland that I don't expect too terrible of effects, but we are getting a lot of rain and gusty winds. The main threat they say for our area would be tornadoes. So we have to stay vigilant and ready. Take care and enjoy your family while you are there. Thank you for writing. Prayers for you too.

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    2. Flights are a mess. Am in Indianapolis still trying to get home to Palm Harbor. Thanks for prayers. Brenda

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    3. I am sorry things are so difficult in getting flights back home. However, I know you are thankful that you are still there with family where you are safe. I do pray that a flight will open up for you soon. Sending you a big old Florida (((HUG))).

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  2. the rainbow is beautiful and full of promise and I enjoyed seeing more of the beautiful place you live in.. hoping to soon see the home in all its glory after put together . Sorry about the tummy, but you are right. not a thing to have while in worship service. your choir really sounds great.. Makes me cringe when I remember how our tiny church sounded singing this old hymm

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  3. I need to come back and really read this post of yours. We are on our way to church right now. the first part of your post made me think of the old hymn ... Standing on the promises.. Yes that's what I need to do each day ... Stand on the promises of God.
    Sue

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  4. Beautiful butterfly! When I had my daycare, every year I would order a butterfly kit that would eventually birth 2-3 butterflies that we’d set free. This particular butterfly only lived about a week. Most of their transition was in the cocoon form. There definitely is a lesson to that! I believe God has placed many lessons in His creation. We just have to have the eyes to see it.

    Okay time to get ready for church. God bless and I hope your tummy issues subside.

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  5. I hope you get to feeling better soon. As for the storm, it looks to be a rain maker and spell out some tornadoes. We shall keep an eye on it. Wishing you a beautiful day, smiles.

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    1. Thinking about you this morning and hoping you didn't drive to work in this mess. I am praying for you either way.

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  6. The rainbow photos are so pretty and always a comfort to remember that promise when we see them.
    Praying you stay safe from any storms coming your way.
    The butterfly is so pretty! Isn't God good to send such beauty our way?
    Sorry you couldn't be in church today. Praying you are soon feeling good again!

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  7. Such a gorgeous butterfly and I'm always sad to know that they don't have long to live once they get to this stage. The rainbow is gorgeous too. I just saw a little while ago that the top wind for your hurricane is expected to be 60-65 mph so that won't be too bad. Our winds topped out at 103.9 mph on Wednesday night. No one was pre-pared at all. Trees are down and electricity is still out in many places. Our church just got it back at 8:00 this morning, just in time for church but not enough time to cool anything down since our temps have been in the upper 90's and humid. Trampolines and swingsets were flying everywhere along with anything else you can imagine. We had no warning at all. Well, about a 30 minute warning but that's not much when most people are still at work then.
    Enough of that, we will survive. To my knowlege no one was seriously injured and that is such a miracle from the Lord.
    I pray that you will soon be feeling that all is right with your tummy again.
    Blessings and hugs,
    Betsy

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  8. The Red Spotted Purple butterfly is really beautiful! Have I seen a blue butterfly before? I don't think so!

    I hope you feel much better very soon!

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  9. Rainbows always speak hope to me and your photo is lovely. I hope your tummy is better now and am sorry you had to miss church. I almost didn't go because of the storm but went and am glad I did. The rain didn't start until 3:00ish. It is pouring here now. Brighter days ahead, I hope!!

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  10. Those pictures of the rainbow are beautiful. And God's promise shows just how kind and loving He is to us. That butterfly! Your pictures are stunning. I love that the Lord asked it to 'be still' long enough for you to take a picture. :) I truly believe He did! He loves you SO much!

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  11. That rainbow is mesmerizing, isn't it? And what comfort it symbolizes!
    Interesting about the butterfly, living its short life to the fullest. I love that it seemed to know what you were asking and stayed still!
    I'm sorry you're having tummy 'issues' and hope it has calmed down. I always want to be close to my very own 'throne room' when that happens.
    Keep safe and dry if you can!

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  12. Such a gorgeous rainbow, Pamela! Yes, every time I see one, I remember God's sacred promise to all creatures living on earth, and it always gives me hope. Yes, I'm praying for you and all my friends in Florida and for my brother and his family in Brunswick, GA. Floods probably will happen when Debby hits.
    Blessings and stay safe!

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  13. Hi Pamela! I love the rainbow pictures - and the butterfly is gorgeous! I sure hope you are feeling better and that you will safe from the storms. It's always good to hear what you are up to. I look forward to your posts. Be well and have a good week!

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  14. I hope you only get some nice lovely cooling rain that feeds the gardens but not a hurricane or even tropical storm. Pretty rainbow my friend.. such a lovely reminder of God.

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  15. Back with family in Indy…airport long air…delays…cancels…leave Thursday now for Florida…prayers for everyone Brenda

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  16. Beautiful rainbow, and yes, created by God! Those kind of butterflies 🦋 are so pretty!! Debbi at debbisfrontporch, not anonymous! LOL 😆 🤣 😂

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  17. Love the rainbow photos and also the butterfly. Beautiful, just beautiful!!

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  18. I'm so glad I came back to read the entire post.
    Yes, the sign of the rainbow means a whole lot to me too. I will private message the "story" sometime later today.
    I hope your tummy is feeling better. I'm with you on not being in public when that happens.
    Love your little choir. The blend and sound are truly wonderful. I do miss singing in a choir. Those songs and hymns have stayed with me for many, many years. In fact they have helped me memorize some scripture which i have a very hard time doing.
    Love your Blog and feel so inspired just reading it and savoring the scriptures you add to the photos.
    Sue

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  19. Pam: I enjoyed reading this post. We had toadstools in our side yard until the man came to mow our yard. Jim says we had them due to the amount of rain we have been getting. I understand about the stomach issue. This past Saturday, I stayed home from a wedding at church for that very same reason. Peace and blessings to you and yours.

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  20. Thank you Pam, And how love I to see such a butterfly and rainbow. Thhank you for the words too.

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Thank you for visiting here today. I would love for you to sign my guestbook and let me know you stopped by. I always enjoy reading your comments and words of encouragement! May you be blessed as you go on your way. Please come back and visit again soon.