Winter on The Bay and Christmas on it’s way!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“ Oh “… Hello there. Just thought I would stop by. It has been awhile since I posted anything on my blog. It has almost been a whole year. Lots has happened in my life since my last post. Some good , and some challenges along the way. A few health issues of my own , and my mom as well. I have learned to take  one day at a time, and God gives me new Grace for each day.

Life goes on and is to be embraced, and celebrated, and not taken for granted. I am thankful for the life God has given me, and I strive to walk with Him day by day.

I have a new Granddaughter and her name is Marina. Now Mikey has a baby sister. She was named after my mom. That makes me smile. I am truly Blessed in so many ways. Yep! 7 Grandchildren. Six girls and one boy. Everyone loves Mikey. He doesn’t seem to mind and I don’t think he knows the difference at this point in his life. He gets lots of attention and he doesn’t mind that a bit. :)

Well I sure hope to find you all well. As I write this little message I think of so many of you I have met over the yrs. and often think of you even though I haven’t been blogging as of late.

I want to wish all who read this, a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year, filled with Love and Joy, Laughter, and Good Health, and the Peace that passes all understanding. God Bless each and everyone of you.

I will try and visit some of your blogs in the next little while.

As I close I would like to leave you with this verse of scripture which many of you are familiar with but it speaks of the reason for the Christmas Season.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour  which is Christ the Lord.  St. Luke 2:11

But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God.  John 1:12

So yes! We have a lot to be Thankful for, and to celebrate.

God Bless each and every one of you, and may each one of us be a blessing to the Lord Jesus Christ as we celebrate His Birthday once again.

Sincerely Dianne :)

Dianne © dsphotocats

Christmas

 

 

"Christmas can't be bought from a store . . . Maybe Christmas means a little bit more." Dr.Seuss

 

"Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day." Helen Steiner Rice

 

 

 

Christmas is a gift of Love

that can't be bought or sold -

It's ours just for the asking,

and it's worth far more than gold ...

And this priceless gift of Christmas

is within the reach of all -

The rich, the poor, the young, the old,

the greatest and the small ...

So take God's Christmas gift of Love -

reach out and you receive -

And the only payment that God asks

is just that you believe.

Written by Helen Steiner Rice

 

 

 

 

From my home to yours, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas, and a Blessed New Year, filled with Good Health, Love, Joy, Peace In your hearts, in your homes, and where ever you might be.

Love and Care

Dianne :)

 

"May peace be more than a season, it is my hope that it may be a way of life" Author Unknown

 

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Colossians 3:15

 

Where’s The Color,Where’s The Light?

 

 

Watching The Rain Coming Across Lake Ontario

 

 

 

 

There was Sun and Clouds behind me,

And the Storm in front of me.

Soon to be over my head.

The sun shining on the clouds changed their color.

It was like a natural filter.

And then it was time to head for the van just in time,

before the downpour of rain.

 

 

 

 

 

This picture was taken about an hour earlier

And I was hoping for a break in the clouds.

This is what I saw and this picture is out of my camera.

Dull and so needing some light to brighten the colors and my view.

 

 

 

 

This photo was taken earlier in the day as we were driving along looking for Autumn colors in Prince Edward County. So Beautiful. It was a day when one minute the sun was out and the next several minutes was dark and dreary. It was like driving in and out of the clouds. No consistency, but inconsistency itself.

 

 

 

 

I am not sure where I am going with this,

But going back to the storm ahead of me, then minutes away from me.

I look behind me and this is what I saw.

As the Dark clouds moved in there was still a window of light shining through the darkness, now threatening  to surround me.

 

 

 

 

And over to my right I looked up and saw this image above the clouds. Again these cloud pictures are not altered in any way other than resized.

Funny, but I didn’t take a close look at these pictures until tonight. These pictures were taken October 20th/2012.

 

 

 

 

What I see you may not see. But as I look at these pictures I feel the Love, and Presence of God.

Though storms may come, I know that they will also pass. My God is watching over me, as I walk with Him, He is watching over me, day by day.

I am reminded that as a Believer, and a Child of God, I am to walk by Faith, Not by sight.

And I know that Brighter Days lay ahead, and Jesus is my Light that shines in the darkness. All I have to do is Hope and Trust in Him, in every circumstance of life. Living the Christian life is not always an easy road to travel, but it is worth more than silver and gold.

Jesus said, that in this life we would have trouble but fear not for He has overcome the world. So take heart brothers and sisters. We have a Glorious Hope in Jesus. Jesus said, He would come back to set all things right. I believe Him. Jesus is Coming Again.

Are you ready?

As we get ready to celebrate Christmas, remember there is more to the story.

I could go on but it is time to call it a night.

This post is made up of my thoughts and images.

I have shared from my heart.

God Bless and be with all those who pass through and take the time to read this.

Sincerely Dianne :)

All script and Photographs by Dianne © dsphotocats

Accept for the picture with me in it which was taken by my husband, 4% Vision.

In the month of Oct. we had continued rain and grey skies for all but 5 days of sun. It was a long month. I didn’t get out much to capture the Brilliant Colors of Autumn this year accept for a handful of pictures, and for that I am grateful.

My thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by Hurricane Sandy. May the storm clouds disappear, and you all experience Brighter days ahead.

Nature’s Music

 

 

 

Nature Is Music To My Ears

 

Nature is music to my ears. As I hear the birds singing their songs. Red Winged Black Birds in the marsh. Loons on the lake. A Blue Heron on the river bank. Geese flying over head. The flutter of a Humming Bird’s wings, among other things.

The cry of a new born baby. The laughter of children, and adults alike.

The sound of the wind blowing through the trees.

The sound of crickets on a hot summers night. Frogs in the pond.

Listening to the rain falling softly, and sometimes falling hard to whatever  surface it may hit.

I hear the thunder rolling across the sky, and the sounds of lightning as it strikes.

As I walk by a trickling brook, or a flowing river. The stillness of a lake, and waves hitting the shore. The roar of rushing waterfalls, and the ocean waves hitting the shore and the rocks with force.

These are a few of my favorite sounds of nature, and I have many more. I am eager to listen. I am in “Awe” of nature, and those peaceful moments it brings.  It is music to my ears.

And my heart sings as it beats to the music like an inner drum. Yes, I can hear my heart beat and my own breathing in and out. I am alive and enjoying my Creator God and all He has made.

I love all the senses that God created me with as I hear His still small voice telling me to be still and know that He is God! God is real, and loves me, and you. He is near and to be found at the mentioning of His name, with a sincere heart.

Having even one of the senses should be enough to know there is an “Almighty God and Creator” of all things. 

I can hear, see, taste, smell, and feel. I am Blessed and have so much to be thankful for.  God provides everything I need, and all He asks is that I trust Him with my life, and for my Salvation through Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son.

He is my Lord and Savior. I am Blessed and have so much to be thankful for.

I will be honest and say, that sometimes I forget that. The cares and concerns of life can alter my focus. The picture gets cluttered, and out of focus. Then I need to ask the Lord of my Life to do His work in me, so the picture is clear, and composed according to His Will. I am His creation, and according to His Word, I am fearfully and wonderfully made. That is found in Psalm 139.

Lord please forgive me for the times in my life when I take things for granted. Help me not to complain when things don’t go my way. Instead to pray with a humble, and grateful heart. and always give thanks in every situation , knowing you will work all things for my good. Help me to walk in your ways, and to live for you. To die to my own selfish ways, knowing you will take care of me. You are the Source of everything Good in my life. Help me to be all you want me to be. I am yours dear Lord. Bought with your precious blood you shed for me on the cross at Calvary. Thank you  Father God for giving us your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, who died for me, and has risen from the dead and is sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and is coming again according to your Word. Amen

Although Jesus Christ is offensive to this world system we live in … He is the only Way, The Truth and The Life. (John 14:6). The Greatest  Gift to all mankind. The Greatest Gift to me. Thank you Jesus. :)

Script and Photography by Dianne © dsphotocats

 

 

 

 

Young Chickadee In My Back Yard

 

 

Have a Blessed Sunday!

Sincerely Dianne :)

All Is Calm … Swans On The Bay

 

 

 

A Calm and Peaceful Day  Along The Shore Of The Bay

 

 

 

Mr. Cobb is on guard watching over his family. He is not showing off today. All is calm, and all is bright.

It is a Beautiful Day filled with warmth and light.

I love watching these swans and photographing them when I can, as you all know by now.

It is often very challenging to capture what I see due to the bright harsh sunlight as it shines off the water of the Bay.  But it is worth the effort. I forget about the world around me for a time, and all the cares of life. All is calm, and all is bright. It brings a peaceful moment filled with Joy.  I am in “Awe” of what I see as I witness the nature that surrounds me, and the Creator of it all.

I don’t get to travel very often and so I do appreciate the Beauty that surrounds me, even if it is common to some.

Ah! But I do get to travel  through the eyes of each one of you, and other wonderful bloggers, and photographers around the world. We all have something to share, and what is common to one, is new and exciting to another. At least that is how I see it. Thank you for all each one of you share. And now on to the next photo. I never know what I am going to write when I start my update. It truly is “Random Thoughts and Photographs”, and comes from my heart. Oh ya, I guess I better stop jip japping and get on with it. Ha!

 

 

 

 

A Very Touching Sight To See

As mother swan tends to her swanlings.

 

 

 

 

Mrs. Penn and her 9 Swanlings (Cygnets)

Just before coming on shore for a time of preening, and a time of rest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Off they go on yet another adventure and to get a bite to eat. I think they were out to have some Bay Vegetable Soup. :)

 

That is it for now. These photos were taken on May 29th.  I may never get caught up but what’s a gal to do.

Just take it as it comes and share when I can.

  There is a time for everything and life goes on. I hope life is good to you, and full of wonder at the things you see around you.

And I pray for those around the world who due to their political environment and circumstances among other things, do not see the Beauty. There is Hope in Jesus. God help us all to love one another, and some how  make a difference in this world we live in.

To all my blogger friends and those who drop by, may you have a good day filled with Peace, Hope and Love.

Sincerely, with Love and Care

Dianne :)

Hug A Zebra Day

 

 

 

 

Hug A Zebra

 

Did you know

Today is hug a Zebra Day?

You say oh my gosh

I did not know!

So hug your Zebra with all your might.

If you don’t have a Zebra,

Then hug The One your with.

If you are all alone,

then hug the First Person or Zebra you see!

Or give Yourself a big old hug,

and say I love me.

You say oh my gosh

I could never do that.

What would people say?

Can you imagine that?

You could always send a hug,

to all your Blog Friends,

Or go out and find a Zebra.

No matter what you decide to do

or who you hug .

Have a wonderful day!

Poem written  by Dianne dsphotocats

Dianne © dsphotocats

 

 

 

 

These photos were taken a few years ago at the Toronto Zoo. It was a very bright sunny summer day. The sun was harsh in the top photo but the pose was perfect. I just happened to be around at the right time. I will gladly sacrifice perfect lighting for this perfect pose. I couldn’t believe my eyes when the mother zebra put its legs around her baby in the form of a hug. Isn’t nature wonderful! I think it is awesome how God makes even the animals to have such affection towards their own. God uses His Creation to show us His Love. At least that is my experience. God can reveal Himself to anyone who is truly seeking to find Him.

Romans Chapter 1:20  For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead so that they are without excuse.

Isaiah 55:6  Seek The Lord while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near.

I even think of our dear pets and how they show us so much Love and Affection. What a Blessing they are to us. God can use anything that He created to reveal Himself to us. God is not limited. He is Almighty, and the Author of Love. God is Spirit, and God is  Love in it’s Purest Form.

Although it is not until Feb. 14th, I would like to wish you all a Happy Valentines Day.

Love and Hugs to all my Blogger Friends

Dianne :)

Times Are Changing

 

 

Like An Old Photograph

 

 

 

Times are changing

As leaves are falling to the ground.

A Tapestry in the making

Red and yellow,

orange and bronze

A blanket covers the grass

Summer is gone

Fall will soon pass

There is a chill in the air

As the wind blows

Times are changing

We can fight it

We can grin and bare it

We can accept it

We can embrace it

or some may even run from it

No matter what we do

We can't control it

Times are changing

What will be will be

Nature will take its course

For in everything

There is a Season.

Poem written by Dianne © (dsphotocats)

 

 

 

 

 

Every Season Is Beautiful in it’s own way.

I hope to find you all well, and enjoying life.

I know life has it’s problems, difficulties  and  challenges galore. Take heart. Your not alone. We need each other, and together we can make a difference. We were never met to go it alone.

Sorrow looks back.

Worry looks around.

“But”

Faith looks up.

True Faith and Courage

are like a kite -

an opposing wind

raises it higher.

……

 

But they that wait upon the Lord

shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings as eagles,

they shall run and not be weary;

and they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

 

If you are going through a hard time, may this encourage you.

and …

If not, may you encourage someone who is.

I thank the Lord for family, and friends, and I thank the Lord that He is their at the mention of His Name.

Take care and God Bless you.

ox Dianne :)

 

 

Bird Feeder Café Series by Dianne @ dsphotocats

Knock Knock …….

Who’s There?

What’s this, a role call or something?

Can’t I just eat with a little peace and quiet?

After all it’s Saturday

and I had a long week at the office.

Do you think they will miss us at the feeder this morning?

I say,”What the world needs now is Love Sweet Love”. 

Now wouldn’t that just knock your talons off!!! 

If everyone loved,everyone.

Dianne © dsphotocats

......................

The True Meaning Of Love

 4Love is patient and kind.
Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5or rude.
It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable,
and it keeps no record of being wronged.
6It does not rejoice about injustice
but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
7Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful
and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

The Inspired Word Of God

God has a very high standard of Love.
He Himself demonstrated True Love on the cross
where Jesus gave His Life,
that we could live by being born again, Spiritually.
There is no one in all the earth or universe
that can claim such Love, as God, our Creator.

 We know what real love is because
Jesus gave up his life for us.
So we also ought to give up our lives
for our brothers and sisters.
1John 3:16

So now I am giving you a new commandment:
Love each other. Just as I have loved you,
you should love each other. John 13:34

 ………………………………………………………………………………………………

As I read these verses, I see how
I have come short of God’s Standard.
but I know He loves me, and because of His Grace I am saved
and I pray that His Love will shine through me,
and my love will shine through to others.
He is the source of Love in it’s purest form.

Thank you one and all, who have taken the time to read my blog,
and for those who leave your heart prints by leaving a comment. 

May you have a wonderful day and God be with you.

Also, my mom is doing well after her surgery.
and I spend as much time with her as I can.
Baby Hope is doing amazingly well,
and is growing stronger every day.
She now ways approx. 6lbs.
Thank you all who have prayed for my mom and Hope,
and my family, and for me also.
Prayer is such an act of Love, and as one friend said,
Prayers are treasures sent to Heaven.
God sees them all when we come to Him with a sincere heart,
and humbly before Him.

Please remember Carole, our dear sister,
who fell and broke her wrist, and injured her knees.
She has prayed for so many of us, in our time of need.

I realize this post is long,
but I guess you could say I am making up for lost time,
as my life is full, and very busy most of the time.
I hope to come and visit you all real soon.

Love and Care

Dianne :)

Train Of Life

 

 

 

Train Of Life

Some folks ride the train of life
Looking out the rear,
Watching miles of life roll by,
And marking every year.
They sit in sad remembrance,
Of wasted days gone by,
And curse their life for what it was,
And hang their head and cry.
But I don't concern myself with that,
I took a different vent,
I look forward to what life holds,
And not what has been spent.
So strap me to the engine,
As securely as I can be,
I want to be out on the front,
To see what I can see.
I want to feel the winds of change,
Blowing in my face,
I want to see what life unfolds,
As I move from place to place.
I want to see what's coming up,
Not looking at the past,
Life's too short for yesterdays,
It moves along too fast.
So if the ride gets bumpy,
While you are looking back,
Go up front, and you may find,
Your life has jumped the track.
It's all right to remember,
That's part of history,
But up front's where it's happening,
There's so much mystery.
The enjoyment of living,
Is not where we have been,
It's looking ever forward,
To another year and ten.
It's searching all the byways,
Never should you refrain,
For if you want to live your life,
You gotta drive the train.

Author Unknown

 

 



 

 

I was riding my bike one day, and I stopped dead in my tacks,or should I say train tracks.

It was a late summer afternoon, and I had gone for a ride on the waterfront trail, and was on my way back home.

Out of the corner of my eye I looked in both directions, and this is what I saw. This is a little moment in history. I am looking forward to what lies ahead, but since I haven’t been out with my camera in awhile this is from my archives. :)

><><

 

I have had a lot going on in my life, and that of my family. I would ask that you remember my Daughter-In Law (Sandra) and my little granddaughter who as of yet hasn’t been born. They are in the hospital in a NICU, because the baby is only 33 weeks old at this time. She is expected to have a premature arrival. I would appreciate your prayers for them, and that the baby would have a safe, and healthy arrival.

The last few weeks have been very unsettling for all of us, and stressful as well.

I know they are both in God’s Hands, as we all are.

The Medical Team is hoping that the baby can stay safely in the womb until the 34th week, and then if need be they will induce her labor . This is the short version of what has been happening without going into too much detail. Please remember my son who is the daddy, and Tesa, Jenna, and Courtney who are missing mom, and looking so foreword to having another little sister to be part of their family.

><>< 

My other son and daughter-in-law are also expecting a little baby boy in August. :)

I had the pleasure of watching a 3D ultrasound, live broadcasting on my computer, yesterday. I got to watch my not yet born little grandson, in his mom’s womb. He was blowing bubbles , and was quite active. It brought me to happy tears as I watched the miracle of life before my very eyes. I only wish I could have seen the expression on my son’s and daughter-in-laws face as they watched their son. I am so very happy and excited for the both of them.

Life is good, and so very Precious!

Well there are other things going on in my life also, but this is more than enough for one day.

God Bless and be with you all. Have a good week.

Sincerely Dianne :)

 

God On A Cross? The Creator Of The Universe!

 

 

At The Foot Of The Cross  

 

 

 The Dawn Of Heavens  Dream. God on a cross. Humanity at its worst. Divinity at its best….God isn’t stumped by an evil world. He doesn’t gasp in amazement at the dearth of our faith or the depth of our failures. He knows the condition of the world…and loves it just the same. For just when we find a place where God would never be ( like on a cross), we look again and there He is, in the flesh.

God on a cross? The Creator of the universe sacrificing himself for his creation? How could this be? Who was this Jesus?

He was – and is- a God of tears. A creator with a heart. Bloodstained royalty. A God who became earth’s mockery to save his children.

How absurd to think that such nobility would go to such poverty to share such a treasure with such thankless souls. How incredible to know that God himself died on a cross for his children.

But he did.

Incredible.

Yes, incredibly.

 

 

 

 

Jesus was given to you, and with the help of those who don’t know the law, you put him to death by nailing him to a cross. But this was God’s plan he had made long ago; he knew this would happen. God raised Jesus from the dead and set him free from the pain of death, because death could not hold him. (Acts 2:23,24).

The cross was no accident .

Jesus ‘ death was not the result of a panicking cosmological engineer.

The cross was not a tragic surprise. Calvary was not a knee jerk response to a world plummeting toward destruction. It was not a patch up job or a stop gap measure. The death of the son of God was anything but an unexpected peril.

No it was part of an incredible plan. A calculated choice. “ It was the Lord’s will to crush him” (Isaiah 53:10)

The moment the forbidden fruit touched the lips of Eve, the shadow of the cross appeared on the horizon. And between that moment and the moment the man with the mallet placed the spike against the wrist of God, a master plan was fulfilled.

 

Excerpt from Max Lucado’s book entitled "The cross"

 

 

 

 

 

I hope and pray you all have a wonderful Easter as we celebrate the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus, who will one day return for His Church, which is made up of all who believe, and receive Him as Lord and Savior, and soon coming King .

Happy Easter one and all.

With Love and Care

Dianne :)

Mourning Doves Sitting In A Tree

 

 

Making Reservations at the Bird Feeder Cafe 

 

 

 

Love was in the air on this warm Spring day

 

 

I took my camera to work a couple of weeks ago , and captured these two love birds, sitting in a tree. I had just finished for the day, and now that the days are longer I was able to have a little fun with my camera.  So on this day I was thankful for work, and play.

I haven’t been out much with my camera as I have had a lot going on with work, the house being up for sale, among other things.

I hope you are all doing well, and have a nice weekend.

These Mourning Doves aren’t white, but they reminded me of an old song. 

 

 

On the Wings of a Snow White Dove
Words and music by Bob Ferguson

On the wings of a snow-white dove
He sends His pure sweet love
A sign from above
On the wings of a dove

When troubles surround us, when evils come
The body grows weak 
The spirit grows numb 
When these things beset us, He doesn't forget us
He sends down His love
On the wings of a dove

 
On the wings of a snow-white dove
He sends His pure sweet love
A sign from above
On the wings of a dove

 
When Noah had drifted on the flood many days
He searched for land 
In various ways 
Troubles, he had some but wasn't forgotten
He sent him His love 
On the wings of a dove

On the wings of a snow-white dove
He sends His pure sweet love
A sign from above
On the wings of a dove .

 

 

^Matt.11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

 

^{Romans 8:28} And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[ have been called according to his purpose.

 

I leave you with just a few things to ponder. 

May your burdens be light, and may you find rest in Him.

Love and Care

Dianne :)

Wishing You A Happy New Year

 

 

I didn’t go shopping on Boxing Day, but I did find a few Boxing Day Specials.

 

 

I got up early and went out with my camera and took a few shots. It has been awhile and it felt good to be out in the fresh morning air with camera in hand. I went to a friends house to check out her bird feeders. The birds slept in , but the squirrels were out and about, hustling, and bustling, gathering up some nuts for breakfast. They were fun to watch and photograph, as I swept the dust off my camera so to speak , and starting clicking away.

 

 

 

 

There were Black, and Grey Squirrels, and some in between. They never cease to amaze me, as I watched them running across this fence with barbwire on top, and it didn’t seem to hinder them at all. They are so sure footed as they run on almost anything, and jump from tree to tree, up and down and all around. I had so much fun watching them. Soon after a few birds flew in to see what was on the bird feeder menu. I will save them for another day, or maybe until next year. Ha! Which isn’t too far away. :)

 

 

 

 

 

I want to thank you all for your friendship, and all that you have added to my life through your wonderful and unique Blogs, this past year. Thank you for visiting my blog also, and leaving your comments, and kind words. Thank you for your love and support, and encouragement, and sharing.

I am not sure where this new year will take us or the world. We live in a fast moving world where things can change very quickly for the good, or the not so good. I am an Optimist at heart and I do look for God's Beauty in His Creation that surrounds me each and every day. I see the good, and I see the bad in this world, but I try to live my life by Faith, Hope and Love, and that is what I pray for each one of you, as we continue this journey of life. May we all embrace it, for life is precious and each one of you are Precious!

Have a wonderful and safe time as you celebrate the birth of the New Year. In closing I leave you with this little story called, "The Optimist".

 

The Optimist

The optimist sees the doughnut, the pessimists, the hole.

                                           Quote by: McLandburgh Wilson

 

Their is a story of identical twins. One was a hope-filled optimist." Everything is coming up roses!" he would say. The other twin was a sad and hopeless pessimist. He thought that Murphy, as in Murphy's Law, was an optimist. The worried parents of the boys brought them to the local psychologist.

He suggested to the parents a plan to balance the twins' personalities. "On their next birthday, put them in separate rooms to open their gifts. Give the pessimist the best toys you can afford, and give the optimist a box of manure." The parents followed these instructions and carefully observed the results.

When they peeked in on the pessimist, they heard him audibly complaining, " I don't like the color of this computer... I'll bet this calculator will break... I don't like the game... I know someone who's got a bigger toy car than this..."

Tiptoeing across the corridor, the parents peeked in and saw their little optimist gleefully throwing the manure up in the air. He was giggling, "You can't fool me! Where there is this much manure, there's got to be a pony!"

Source Unknown

 

I Hope this New Year is kind to you all!  May you have a Happy, and Healthy New Year, filled with many Blessings.

xx’s Dianne :) 

A Gift Of Love

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas is a gift of Love

that can't be bought or sold -

It's ours just for the asking,

and it's worth far more than gold ...

And this priceless gift of Christmas

is within the reach of all -

The rich, the poor, the young, the old,

the greatest and the small ...

So take God's Christmas gift of Love -

reach out and you receive -

And the only payment that God asks

is just that you believe.

Written by Helen Steiner Rice

 

 

 

From my house to yours

I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart.

xx’s Dianne :)

Autumn Roses In My Garden

 

 

 

Yesterdays Rose Still Blooming In My Garden

 

 

 

The Rose

Some say love, it is a river
that drowns the tender reed.
Some say love, it is a razor
that leaves your soul to bleed.
Some say love, it is a hunger,
an endless aching need.
I say love, it is a flower,
and you it's only seed.
It's the heart afraid of breaking
that never learns to dance.
It's the dream afraid of waking
that never takes the chance.
It's the one who won't be taken,
who cannot seem to give,
and the soul afraid of dying
that never learns to live.
When the night has been too lonely
and the road has been to long,
and you think that love is only
for the lucky and the strong,
just remember in the winter
far beneath the winter snows
lies the seed that with the sun's love
in the spring becomes the rose.

~ Bette Midler

 

 

 

If I had a rose for every time I thought of you,

I'd be picking roses for a lifetime.

 

 

I would like to dedicate this blog to my dad who was planted this past spring. He is now a Rose in Bloom, in God’s Garden up above.

In a round and about way my dad gave me a gift which I just received . My dad was not a rich man but was generous with what he had. I was able to choose that gift, and these photos were taken with my new camera. I would not have this camera if it weren’t for my dad. I think he would be very happy to know he contributed to one of my life passions. That being photography. I have a lot to learn, but it is fun learning what I love. I enjoy sharing what I see through my lens. I love trying to capture a glimpse of the Beauty of God’s Creation.

I still have roses in my garden. These are the first pictures I took with my new camera. The top photo was taken in late afternoon , and the second one was taken the next morning. I look forward to taking many more photos , and sharing some of them with you.

God Bless you all , and don’t forget to stop and smell the roses along your path, and have a wonderful week whatever you do or don’t do.

Sincerely Dianne :)

 

We can complain because rose bushes have thorns,
or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.
-  Abraham Lincoln

A Father’s Love

A Father’s Love

Every Sunday afternoon, after the morning service at the church, the Pastor and his eleven year old son would go out into their town and hand out Gospel Tracts. This particular Sunday afternoon, as it came time for the Pastor and his son to go to the streets with their tracts, it was very cold outside, as well as pouring down rain. The boy bundled up in his warmest and driest clothes and said, "OK, dad, I'm ready. "His Pastor dad asked, "Ready for what?" "Dad, it's time we gather our tracts together and go out." Dad responds, "Son, it's very cold outside and it's pouring down rain." The boy gives his dad a surprised look, asking, "But Dad, aren't people still going to Hell, even though it's raining?" Dad answers, "Son, I am not going out in this weather." Despondently, the boy asks, "Dad, can I go? Please?" His father hesitated for a moment then said, "Son, you can go. Here are the tracts, be careful son. "Thanks Dad!" And with that, he was off and out into the rain. His eleven year old boy walked the streets of the town going door to door and handing everybody he met in the street a Gospel Tract.
After two hours of walking in the rain, he was soaking, bone-chilled wet and down to his VERY LAST TRACT. He stopped on a corner and looked for someone to hand a tract to, but the streets were totally deserted. Then he turned toward the first home he saw and started up the sidewalk to the front door and rang the doorbell. He rang the bell, but nobody answered. He rang it again and again, but still no one answered. He waited but still no answer. Finally, this eleven-year-old trooper turned to leave, but something stopped him. Again, he turned to the door and rang the bell and knocked loudly on the door with his fist. He waited, something holding him there on the front porch! He rang again and this time the door slowly opened. Standing in the doorway was a very sad-looking elderly lady. She softly asked, "What can I do for you, son? With radiant eyes and a smile that lit up her world, this little boy said, "Ma'am, I'm sorry if I disturbed you, but I just want to tell you that *JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU* and I came to give you my very last Gospel Tract which will tell you all about JESUS and His great LOVE."With that, he handed her his last tract and turned to leave. She called to him as he departed. "Thank you, son! And God Bless You! " Well, the following Sunday morning in church Pastor Dad was in the pulpit. As the service began, he asked, "Does anybody have any testimony or want to say anything?" Slowly, in the back row of the church, an elderly lady stood to her feet. As she began to speak, a look of glorious radiance came from her face, "No one in this church knows me. I've never been here before. You see, before last Sunday I was not a Christian. My husband passed on some time ago, leaving me totally alone in this world. Last Sunday, being a particularly cold and rainy day, it was even more so in my heart that I came to the end of the line where I no longer had any hope or will to live. So I took a rope and a chair and ascended the stairway into the attic of my home. I fastened the rope securely to a rafter in the roof, then stood on the chair and fastened the other end of the rope around my neck. Standing on that chair, so lonely and broken-hearted I was about to leap off, when suddenly the loud ringing of my doorbell downstairs startled me. I thought, "I'll wait a minute, and whoever it is will go away." I waited and waited, but the ringing doorbell seemed to get louder and more insistent, and then the person ringing also started knocking loudly. I thought to myself again, "Who on earth could this be? Nobody ever rings my bell or comes to see me." I loosened the rope from my neck and started for the front door, all the while the bell rang louder and louder. When I opened the door and looked I could hardly believe my eyes, for there on my front porch was the most radiant and angelic little boy I had ever seen in my life. His SMILE, oh, I could never describe it to you! The words that came from his mouth caused my heart that had long been dead, TO LEAP TO LIFE as he exclaimed with a cherub-like voice, "Ma'am, I just came to tell you that JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU." Then he gave me this Gospel Tract that I now hold in my hand.
As the little angel disappeared back out into the cold and rain, I closed my door and read slowly every word of this Gospel Tract. Then I went up to my attic to get my rope and chair. I wouldn't be needing them any more. You see---I am now a Happy Child of the KING. Since the address of your church was on the back of this Gospel Tract, I have come here to personally say THANK YOU to God's little angel who came just in the nick of time and by so doing, spared my soul from an eternity in hell."
There was not a dry eye in the church. And as shouts of praise and honour to THE KING resounded off the very rafters of the building, Pastor Dad descended from the pulpit to the front pew where the little angel was seated. He took his son in his arms and sobbed uncontrollably. Probably no church has had a more glorious moment, and probably this universe has never seen a Papa that was more filled with love & honour for his son... Except for One. Our Father also allowed His Son to go out into a cold and dark world. He received His Son back with joy unspeakable, and as all of heaven shouted praises and honour to The King, the Father sat His beloved Son on a throne far above all principality and power and every name that is named. Heaven is for His people! Remember. God's message CAN make the difference in the life of someone close to you. "Faith is the affirmation and the act that bids eternal truth be present fact.

 

   

  I found this story in my archives and I thought I would share it. Some of you may remember when I posted this on my other blog , and some may not.

We can all make a difference in some ones life by just being kind, and showing a little Grace. It doesn’t always have to be something big. Some of the best acts of kindness are the little, simple things that can make all the difference in the world, and you may or may not ever know what it means to that person. A smile as you are walking by another person , or a prayer for someone you noticed as you are driving by on your way to work or wherever.

I just want to say that many of you have made a difference in my life with your thoughts , prayers, kind words, comments, and all that you share. Thank You! Dianne :)

A Mother

 

A Mother

 

After 17 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to
take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She
said, 'I love you, but I know this other woman loves
you and would love to spend some time with you.'
* * *
The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit
was my MOTHER, who has been alone for 20 years,
but the demands of my work and my two boys had
made it possible to visit her only occasionally.
* * *
That night I called to invite her to go out for
dinner and a movie.
* * *
'What's wrong, aren't you well,' she asked?
* * *
My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a
late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign
of bad news.
* * *
'I thought it would be pleasant to spend some
time with you,' I responded. 'Just the two of us.'
She thought about it for a moment, and then said,
'I would like that very much.'
* * *
That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick
her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her
house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous
about our date. She waited in the door. She had
curled her hair and was wearing the
dress that she had worn to celebrate her last
Birthday on November 19th.
* * *
She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an
Angel's. 'I told my friends that I was going to go
out with my son, and they were impressed,' she said,
as she got into that new white van. 'They can't
wait to hear about our date'.
* * *
We went to a restaurant that, although not
elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my
arm as if she were the First Lady. After we sat
down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only
read large print. Half way through the entries, I
lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at
me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips. 'It was I
who used to have to read the menu when you were
small,' she said. 'Then it's time that you relax and
let me return the favour,' I responded.
* * *
During the dinner, we had an agreeable
conversation- -nothing extraordinary but catching up
on recent events of each other's life. We talked so
much that we missed the movie.
* * *
As we arrived at her house later, she said,
'I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me
invite you.' I agreed.
* * *
'How was your dinner date ?'
asked my wife when I got home.
'Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined,'
I  answered.
* * *
A few days later, my mother died of a massive
heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn't
have a chance to do anything for her.
* * *
Some time later, I received an envelope with a
copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place
mother and I had dined. An attached note said: 'I
paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I
could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two
plates - one for you and the other for your wife.
You will never know what that night meant for me.
I love you, son.'
* * *
At that moment, I understood the importance of
saying in time: 'I LOVE YOU' and to give our loved
ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is
more important than your family. Give them the time
they deserve, because these things cannot be put off
till 'some other time.'
* * *

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back
to normal after you've had a baby.... somebody
doesn't know that once you're a mother,
'normal' is  history.
* * *
Somebody said you learn how to be a mother by
instinct .. somebody never took a three-year-old shopping.
* * *
Somebody said being a mother is boring .......
somebody never rode in a car driven by a teenager
with a driver's permit.
Somebody said if you're a 'good' mother,
your child will 'turn out good'....
somebody thinks a child comes with
directions and a guarantee.
* * *
Somebody said you don't need an education to be a
mother.... somebody never helped a fourth grader
with his math.
* * *
Somebody said you can't love the second child as
much as you love the first .... somebody doesn't
have two children.
* * *
Somebody said the hardest part of being a mother
is labour and delivery....
somebody never watched her 'baby' get on the bus
for the first day of  kindergarten ...
or on a plane headed for military 'boot camp.'
* * *
Somebody said a mother can stop worrying after her
child gets married....somebody doesn't know that
marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a
mother's heartstrings.
* * *
Somebody said a mother's job is done when
her last child leaves home....
somebody never had grandchildren.
* * *
Somebody said your mother knows you love her, so
you don't need to tell her....
somebody isn't a mother.

A friend sent this too me and it touched my heart and I wanted to share it with you all.

My heart goes out to all who have lost a parent or both and I am sorry if this causes you pain. This is a very sad and lonely time of the year for so many who have lost loved ones. I have lost two brothers and miss them very much. My mom and dad are still with us. Steve has lost both his mom and dad.

Lets not take our families for granted. Tell someone close to you that you love them and how special they are. Spend time with them for we know not what tomorrow may bring.

Love and Hugs to you my friends, Dianne:)