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

My Kind Of A Cloudy Day_Lake On The Mountain

 

 

Reflections Are God's Mirror

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am lost for words, I can only feel when I look at these photos. I was honoured to be able to stand before this view and say yes, I was here on a Beautiful Fall Day.   Dianne © dsphotocats

My Cross To Bear

A young man was at the the end of his rope, seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees in prayer.  "Lord I can't go on" he said. " I have too heavy a cross to bear."  The Lord replied, "My son, if you can't bear it's weight. just place your cross inside this room. Then open that door and pick any cross you wish."  The man was filled with relief and said, "Thank  you Lord," and he did as he was told. Upon entering the other room , he saw many crosses; some so large the tops were not visible, Then he saw a tiny cross leaning against a far wall. " I would like that one, Lord , he whispered. The Lord replied, " My son that is the cross you just brought in." When life's problems seem overwhelming, it helps to look around and see what other people are coping with. You may consider yourself far more fortunate than you imagined.

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Your Cross.....Whatever your cross- whatever your pain- There will always be sunshine after the rain. Perhaps you may stumble - Perhaps even fall - But God's always there to help you through it all!

 

 

I hope and pray you all have a good and peaceful week, and your burdens are light.

xx’s Dianne :)

Happy Thanksgiving

 

 

 

~~~

 

A Thankful Heart

Take nothing for granted,

for whenever you do

The "Joy of enjoying"

is lessened for you -

For we rob our own lives

much more than we know

When we fail to respond

or in anyway show

Our thanks for the blessings

that daily are ours ~~~

The warmth of the sun,

the fragrance of flowers,

The beauty of twilight,

the freshness of dawn,

The coolness of dew

on a green velvet lawn,

The kind little deeds

so thoughtfully done,

The favours of friends

and the love that someone

Unselfishly gives us

in a myriad of ways,

Expecting no payment

and no words of praise -

Oh great is our loss

when we no longer find

A thankful respose

to things of this kind,

For the Joy of Enjoying

and the Fullness Of Living

Are found in the heart that is

filled with Thanksgiving.

~~~

Author: Helen Steiner Rice

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanksgiving is more than a Holiday; Thanksgiving is an Attitude.

 

 

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving to my friends and fellow Canadians ,

and all who celebrate Thanksgiving around the world. I know we don’t all celebrate this holiday at the

same time. Next month our American friends celebrate their Thanksgiving.  

I personally have so much to be thankful for each and everyday. I will be honest in saying that I get

caught up in everyday life and can be guilty of taking things for granted, and not always having a

good attitude, as can we all from time to time.  So it is good to sit and reflect on our lives, and

Thanksgiving is a great reminder of how Blessed I am .

 It is a bright sunny warm Autumn day here today. I am busy cooking a turkey dinner , and eagerly

awaiting my family, whom I am very thankful for. I hope and pray you all have a wonderful day with

friends and family. Well I had better get myself in gear. I am hoping to go for a little walk and find

some leaves to walk on as I love the sound of leaves under my feet this time of year. :) In closing I

will leave this little light hearted story, along with some very good advice. A friend sent me this in a

e-mail message this morning and thought it would be nice to share here with you.

God Bless you all , and have a Blessed Day filled with Love, Peace and a Thankful Heart.

Sincerely Dianne :)

 

Attitude

There once was a woman who  woke up one
morning, looked in the mirror,
and noticed she had  only three hairs on her head.
'Well,' she said, 'I think I'll braid my  hair today.'
So she  did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up,  looked in the mirror
and saw that she had only two hairs on her  head.
'H-M-M,' she said, 'I think I'll part my hair down the middle  today.'
So she  did and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up,  looked in the mirror and noticed
that she had only one hair on  her head.
'Well,' she said, 'today I'm going to wear my hair in  a
pony tail.'
So she  did, and she had a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up,  looked in the mirror
and
noticed that there wasn't a single  hair on her
head.
'YAY!'  she exclaimed. 'I don't have  to fix my hair
today!'

Attitude is  everything.

Be kinder than  necessary,
for everyone you  meet is fighting some kind of
battle.
Live simply,
Love  generously,
Care deeply,
Speak kindly,
and pray  continually.
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to  pass...

It's about learning to dance  in the rain.

Author Unknown

Learning From Nature

 

 

Canada Geese In Formation At Sunrise

 

 

 

In Autumn, geese instinctively fly in a V-shaped formation when they travel South for the winter. The flock all work together in unison. As each bird flaps its wings , it reduces the wind resistance of the  bird behind it. Thus , each goose cuts an easier path for the one following it. This allows the geese to cover a greater distance than if each bird flew on its own. Some fly as far north as the Arctic Circle in the spring time and some fly as far south as Mexico for the winter. It is said, that they can soar as high as twenty- nine thousand feet. Wow! That is amazing!

When the lead goose gets weary , it drops back in the formation and allows another goose to fly point. The geese at the back of the formation honk to encourage those in front of them to keep going. The geese stay in perfect V- shaped formation , and not one goose is left behind.

Just as God has prepared geese for their migration , He also takes care of us as we journey through life here on earth. He did not create us to go it alone. He planned for each of us to be in relationship with Him and each other. Through His Grace we find comfort and strength, and He uses other people to love and encourage us along lives journey. We as believers are His arms to give hugs to others. We are His hands and feet and I believe we can make a difference in this world. We can pray but we can also put love and compassion into action. Faith without works is dead but works alone will never get us to where God intended us to be.( James : Chapter 2, Verses 14-25 ).

God shines His Light through His Creation which includes us as we are made in His Image. We can come along side and honk, so to speak , to encourage someone who is feeling the force of turbulence in their life. And when you are feeling the harsh wind on your face and feeling weary, drop back in the formation for a while to receive encouragement from God and others you can rely on , so you can gain the strength  to keep going.

In Summary: God never intended for us to “go it alone” on our journey through life. He designed us to be carriers of His Grace to encourage one another.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hope you are all having a good week. Blessings and Peace.

xx’s Dianne :)

The Little Tree On The Hillside

 

 

 

This little tree on the hillside caught my attention a couple of years ago. We still don't have a lot of Autumn colors unless you drive north .

I love the golden colors in the field and the little green tree that stands alone in solitude against the elements of life.

At times in my life I can relate with this little tree but no matter where I am or what season of my life God is always there and knows me like no one else can.

He is my closest friend.

I thank God for all those He puts in my path and for friends He has given me, including each one of you.

Make the best of each day. Each day that we live , love and laugh and sometimes cry is a miracle . Life is a gift! Embrace it and seek the Giver Of Life for He will make your life worth living. He is my reason for living!

 

Even when the little tree stands on it's own

it is part of something bigger than itself!

Blessings my friends, Dianne :)

A Late Summer’s Walk Along The Bay_ Sept.17th/10

 

 

 

Bridge Over The Bay

 

 

 

 

My View From A Distance

 

 

 

 

God’s Canvas In The Sky

 

 

 

 

Swing Low Sweet Chariots

 

 

 

 

Over Looking The City

 

 

 

 

A Different View Of The Bay With The City In The Background

 

 

 

 

One Lone Swan Posing For The Camera

 

 

 

 

A Glimpse Of A Change Of Seasons

 

 

I know Autumn has arrived but I am a little behind the times, and doing a little catching up here.

For those of you who know me, know that many of my photos are taken along the waterfront trails, along the city  where I live. I decided to step back from the trails, and show you  a little of the Bigger Picture. Those who know me know how I love to walk, and bike the trails that follow the Bay, and the river that flows into it. 

These photos only depict a small portion of The Bay, which is fairly large, and leads into Lake Ontario.

I decided on this hot, sunny, late summer, afternoon to take a walk along The Bay, from a distance, but did end up on part of the waterfront trail near the end of my walk. This was 5 days before the end of summer, and it was so Beautiful. I had the afternoon off work, and I just had to get out there with my camera, and enjoy the great outdoors.

I hope you have enjoyed the walk, and the view. Goodbye Summer and hello Autumn.

Have a wonderful Sunday, and remember…. When things look down, look up.

Blessings to all.  Dianne dsphotocats :)

Starting Over

 

Start Over

When you've trusted Jesus and you've walked His way,
When you've felt His hand lead you day by day,
But you're steps now take you another way,
Start over.

When you've made your plans and they've gone awry,
When you've tried your best 'til there's no more try,
When you've failed yourself and you don't know why,
Start over.

When you've told your friends what you plan to do,
When you've trusted them but they didn't come through,
Now you're all alone and it's up to you,
Start over.

When you've failed your kids and they're grown and gone,
When you've done your best but it turned out wrong,
And now your grandchildren have come along,
Start over.

When you've prayed to God so you know His will,
When you've prayed and prayed but you don't know still,
When you want to stop 'cause you've had your fill,
Start over.

When you think you're finished and want to quit,
When you've bottomed out in life's deepest pit,
When you've tried and tried to get out of it,
Start over

When the year's been long and successes few,
When December comes and you're feeling blue,
God gave a January just so you could
Start over.

Starting over means victories won.
Starting over means a race well run.
Starting over means the Lord's "Well done!"
So don't just sit there;
Start over.

 

Woodrow Kroll: I'm a Bible teacher, not a poet, but I was flying back from Chicago to Lincoln, Nebraska, here where our Back to the Bible International Headquarters is located. I was reflecting on God's grace, how throughout our lives, He gives us opportunities once we mess things up to start over and to get it right.

Actually, I took out a piece of paper and I began to write and I never stopped until this poem was finished. Let me share it with you.

http://www.backtothebible.org/index.php/Back-to-the-Bible-Radio-Program/The-God-of-the-Second-Chance.html

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Often when I am working at a client’s house, I listen to UCB Radio. One of the programs I listen to is Back To The Bible. I love the teaching of God’s Word. It strengthens my Faith, and makes my day that much brighter. I turn my focus to the Lord and listen to what He has to say to me. He uses people. He will even use us if we are willing vessels. I have so much to learn, and I just wanted to share this poem with all who take the time to read it. Maybe by doing so someone else may be Blessed and Encouraged as was I, as I listened to this poem on the radio, and now share it with you.

I have experienced God’s Grace so many times in my life. I thank God that He gave me a second chance, and continues to show me His Grace and Mercy, each and every day. I would be lost without Him in my Life.  I am far from perfect and have made many mistakes in my life, but the best thing I ever did was give my life to Jesus.

My one desire is that no one would ever put me on a pedestal, for I would surely fall off of it. Only the Lord Jesus deserves to be lifted up, and Praised.

Eph 2:8
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

Eph 2:9
not of works, lest anyone should boast.

That is what I mean when I say, “I am walking in His Grace”. I am a sinner saved by Grace and I strive to live for Him with the help of His Holy Spirit . I am human, I am not perfect, I make mistakes and I sometimes fall but He is always there at the mention of His name to pick me up and give me another chance if I truly have a repentant heart.

This is my thoughts that I share with you this day. Sincerely and with Love in my heart, Dianne :)

 

Morning Sunrise

 

 

The Beginning Of A New Day

 

 

 

 

The Light Of The Day Unfolds

 

 

 

 

Light And Darkness Mingling

 

 

 

 

Drawn Into The Light

 

 

 

 

Darkness Slips Away and Gives Way To The Light

 

 

 

 

Watching From A Distance As The Day Unfolds

 

 

 

 

The Clouds And Fog Moves In

 

 

 

 

It Is Like A Curtain Is Drawn As The Clouds And Fog Settle

For A Time, Obscuring The Sun.

 

 

Although you can’t see the Sun, it is there rising above the horizon. Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it is not there. It is rather silly to say, “I won’t believe it until I see it”.

It is Fact. You can’t always go by sight or by your  feelings, for sometimes what you see or feel isn’t baste on the Facts or The Truth of the matter.

 

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Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for,the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

By Faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. Hebrews 11:3

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The Promise Gives Us Hope, Which Produces Faith

To All Who Believe.

 

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Well I started this post on Saturday night, and now it is officially Sunday Morning.

I have been up since 5:30 Sat. morning. I woke up and the thought crossed my mind to get up and try and capture the sunrise. I rolled over and tried to go back to sleep to no avail, so up I got and threw on my clothes, made coffee, grabbed a granola bar, and my camera bag and out the door I went, leaving my hubby rubbing his eyes and giving me a kiss , my little dog by his side .

I headed down to the Bay, One of my favourite places to go. This is the same place I took the photo that is on my blog header up above. Just a different day.

I took a few photos , and then after the fog and clouds moved in, I headed back to the van and drank my morning coffee and did some reading, and some praying. Some of you came to mind. It was a wonderful morning , so quiet and peaceful and my soul was refreshed. Yes it was good to be still, after another long and busy week.

A little time later I got out of my van and went and took a few more pictures of things that crossed my path. I will save them for another day. Hope you enjoyed coming along on this small part of my journey. Hope you all have a wonderful Sunday. Blessing to all.

Sincerely, Dianne :) and Hugs to all my friends.

 

Morning Glory

 

Flowers have a mysterious and subtle influence upon the feelings,

not unlike the strains of music.

They relax the tenseness of the mind.

They dissolve it’s vigour.

Written by:  Henry Ward Beecher

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As I was walking by a house on my street the other day, I noticed these Morning Glories. I have walked by and drove by many times paying no mind, but this past Saturday as I walked by they captured my attention. It was a sun and cloudy day, and windy and so I took but one shot. This is the result. This was taken with a 28-200 lens, hand held. I was pleasantly surprised at how it turned out.

Our street has been a mess and under construction all summer long, since the first of May. It has been hard to look beyond the dirt and gravel, rusty pipes, trenches , and noisy machines on our street. They finally put the curbs in today, and hopefully soon will add sidewalks , and then pave our road once again. It has been a real challenge to see the beauty on our street this summer, but finally we can walk on it once again, and hopefully will be able to park on our street, and in our driveways again soon. Seeing these flowers has brought me a feeling that all is well in our neighbourhood and soon will be back to normal, and much improved. It will be worth it all in the end. Sometimes , things have to get worse before they get better.

I hope you all are having a good week and enjoying the beauty around you.

Sincerely Dianne :)