Embrace each sunset Trust the sun will rise again Pray for clearer skies
Taken on the way home from Bozeman last night with smoke-filled skies
Psalm 65:8 “They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs; You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy.”
Embrace each sunset Know the sunrise is coming Count on God’s promise
One season follows After another each year Changing day by day
Enjoy the beautiful voice of Aled Jones in this lovely song that reinforces the Sunrise follows every sunset focus… Close your eyes and imagine your most beautiful sunset.
Tomorrow’s sunrise Brings with it great promises Embrace each sunset
See ya tomorrow (God Willing) Make the most of it! What will you do?
Tonight I am praying for my friend, {{{Derrick}}} Do you follow his blog? Check it out. The photography is as captivating as the text. I can hardly wait for the sunrise when we get to see him & Jackie in person! Stay tuned… I’ll share it with you.
His mum peacefully retired over her last sunset on earth. My heart goes to to Derrick & Jackie and their family. Rest in peace, Mum. God bless you. Leave the light on!
This old church in McAllister, Montana is a treasure! The bell in the dome still rings, though the organ in the church no longer plays and the roof and foundation of it are compromised. It needs a lot of TLC.
Its history goes back to 1885 – when the land was gifted to the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1887 the structure was completed. It was transferred to the Presbyterian Church (where Bob & I are members) in 1952.
We (as a congregation) love this old church, and many of our members, their friends, and their grandparents or parents or children or grandchildren have been married or baptized there.
Preserving precious old churches such as this one is an ongoing responsibility. It is costly and time-consuming. Respect for what it was and how it served its community in decades past keep us loving those old buildings.
Here are a few others that are treasures in their communities. If only they could talk!
Dilapidated Sadly abandoned old church Is God still in there?
Matthew 16:6. In many ways Matthew chapter 16 is a chapter about the church. Jesus was the first to mention the church. He only mentions the church twice, and both times are here in the book of Matthew.
In Matthew 16:18 Jesus said, “And I say unto you, That you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
This is the first time that Jesus used the word church. He used the word church only twice, so it is good to know exactly what Jesus taught about the church. It may be that the things that Jesus taught about church are the things that are the most important to know about it.
Church is a place to trust in God’s promised presence ( Matthew 18:20) as we worship Him together, out of a sense of love and obedience ( Colossians 3:16 ).
When the church is functioning biblically, it’s more active and alive when the seats are empty, and the community is filled with those seeking to activate the gospel in love for each other.
Many of these old churches were also home to the cemeteries that bear the tombstones of its deceased members.
What a shame to allow them to deteriorate and collapse. But, who has the money for restoration and maintenance?
Weekly church attendance is down in our society today. It sometimes downplayed into a legalistic ritual. According to Pewforum.org, 61% of churchgoers attend to feel closer to God, while a sizable majority of non-churchgoers state they practice their faith in other ways.
Which is the right way? Modern society may beg us to believe the choice is ours, but biblical truth is clear about going to church.
Jesus Christ seeks in earnest to meet us on a day set aside to commemorate His defeat of death, to equip us to sustain our faith until He returns.
I am so grateful for my friends who sit in the pews with me every Sunday. Indeed, they help me sustain my faith.
Old churches remind us of the value placed on weekly worship in communities gone by.
Let’s all work to keep our churches vibrant, healthy, and inviting. Don’t let it become a place of ruin!
Oh the church in the valley Is a place I know so well… Listen to Jim & Jesse sing to you about it:
Do you have a little old white church in your history?
I begin each day with devotionals That point me in the right direction. Then as I walk in His will the best I can, I try to spread His love and affection.
The “take-away” from each day’s reading Is a way to stay the true course. Let me share last month’s daily thoughts. “Daily Guideposts” was my source.
Daily Take-aways
Catch Problems Early
Support Others’ Efforts
Look for God’s Signs
Let Hope Abound
Embrace Today
Let God Lead You
Keep Moving Forward
Look for a Hopeful Future
Worship and Serve the Lord
Respond to Life Cheerfully
God Meets My Every Need
God’s Wellspring Quenches
Let God’s Word and Light Guide
Tend My Heart’s Garden Daily
Show Your Love and Appreciation
Trust God
Stop Worrying
Be Open to Opportunities
Be Thankful for Family
Trust God to Answer Prayer
Embrace Butterflies (Know the chrysalis important)
Listen for God’s Ah-Hahs!
Rest Secure in God’s Grip
Just Enjoy Life
Embrace Christ’s Power and Presence
We are One Family
Live Intentionally
See God’s Goodness
Fix Your Eyes on Jesus
Know God Knows
Thank God for Life!
Each sunrise is an opportunity To begin anew and make life better. Carry the daily take-away with you And live following Christ to the letter.
He led the way with His perfect life, Showing us how to love one another. He didn’t promise a bed of roses, Didn’t create puppets who would smother The good in each day or be down-trodden. God created us to be strong and tenacious. Gave us a heart we could stretch and broaden.
So, from sun up to sun down each day, Embrace the opportunities you are given To reach out in love and compassion And improve the place where you are livin’
What “Take-Away” speaks to you today? What can you embrace with open arms? What road beckons you to drive in and enter A place that needs your love and charms?
Embrace each day as a new beginning – A time to see what you can do To make the world a better place, And encourage those loved ones close to you.
How will you do that, my friend? What can you do to brighten the corner where you are?
My mom
My mom brightened her corner… That was one of the original “selfies” – (around 1989) Long before the word was coined with the use of our cell phones!
Such a character!!
Mmmmmm
I co-hosted fellowship after worship service today. Baked yummy, moist, gooey, chewy chocolate cupcakes… Mmmmm…
What will you do to brighten the corner where you are?
The world always seems brighter when you’ve just made something that wasn’t there before.
― Neil Gaiman
More than 500 people came to enjoy the display of art at the Madison Valley Arts Festival yesterday.
Sue Kinn-Brown created something new with pottery. I love her poppy motif.
Another artist created unique purses with beautiful fabric. I love this elegant belt as its closure.
Joe Gillispie used old wood to create a unique table (Thanks, Joe! )
This artist used her photography skills to capture unique images. Then she enlarged and framed them. Aren’t these fox kits adorable?
As a seamstress, “Joy” creates personalized gifts.
You can capture meaningful phrases and create unique wall hangings.
This is personalized fishing gear. Those rod cases and fishing nets include etched names – personalized for your favorite fisherman!
Start your children young – enjoying art festivals and creating their own art… Who says giraffes can’t have red eyes?
This children’s art area also gave kids a chance to paint rocks. Why not?
Always good to have a spot where young artists can create their own unique items that weren’t there before.
Let your photography enhance other folks’ homes! Do you have a wall that needs something that wasn’t there before?
Thanks, Margie Reck, for ordering our 25th anniversary cake. Baking and cake decorating is another way to create what’s not there. And within a half an hour it’s not there again! Festival customers enjoyed this dessert – celebrating with us!
Before these artists created their cakes, photo images, colored giraffes and painted rocks, rod cases and wall hangings, stockings and tables, purses and pottery, those items obviously were not there.
Use your God-given talents and unique inspirations to create what’s not there yet.
The world would be a very different place, a much less interesting place, an environment with much less beauty if we didn’t have artists. Thank God for our artists!
Today was our Madison Valley 25th annual Arts Festival. (well… almost annual… we had to cancel it last year because of COVID). Nearly 50 artists from Montana and Idaho gathered here in Ennis to treat us with their displayed talents. It was a delightful day. Come and join me to enjoy the festival vicariously.
That’s me in the pink top … Ennis Arts Assoc. President Chelsee Mahsman (sec.), Batb Bunge (volunteer coordinator) and Barbara Swan-Roger (treasurer)
People started setting up last night!
These two set up early this morning
They did very well with their sales
The Presbyterian Women (I’m a part of them) sold baked and canned goodies. Baking and cooking is an art, you know. They sold out!! That’s Cindy, Stephanie & Hailey!
It was a beautiful day in Peter T Park – a venue made possible by the Madison Valley Bank.
Benny and her hubby served a record number of lunches from their “Li’l Hogpit Trailer”
Starting at 11:30 and continuing until 3:00 pm, there was a line of customers at the Li’l Hogpit.
We really enjoyed the pulled pork sandwich.
The Tune Tanglers provided music from 10: to 2: That’s brother & sister, Peggy & Jim – Great musicians! Jim Groshong and the Ennis City Ramblers played from 2: til the rain chased ’em out about 3:30 PM
The musicians are setting up here… By 10: am all the chairs were filled with appreciative listeners
Here are some of the artists:
This is EAA member, Sherry Gold. One of Sherry’s paintings is in my entry at home.
I don’t know ALL the artists’ names… so forgive me for not telling you who each one is.
This gal was new to our festival this year.
These giant flies might catch a whale. You think?
Here are Sue Kinn-Brown and her hubby, Verne Brown. Sue was our Festival chairperson and Verne was the lead set-up person. Congratulations, Sue & Verne for a fantastic job!
Here’s some of Sue’s pottery
This beautiful cutting board sold quickly!
I love this donkey!
Joe Gillispie creates gorgeous tables. I have a cross up in my sanctuary that he made for me. I love the inlaid turquoise.
Joe’s wife Barbara, is an invaluable member of our EAA… a member of the jury committee and secretary of our Planning Committee. I love her!
These rustic originals are so whimsical!
Many of the jewelers used local stones as some of their materials.
Bob bought this for me as a birthday gift. I love it! It was created by Linda Sommer L Designs 411
One of the most fun things about events like this one is the opportunity to make new friends. We had a great visit with this couple from Idaho. Maybe Blaire will join our EAA and display his art here next year! Sonja and I became instant friends!!
This talented young artist was new to our festival. Such a cutie! Great talent!!
Gerry Mooney is an EAA member who is a terrific photographer.
We had such a wonderful assortment of various art medium in attendance!
Just look at this beautiful bowl!!
I worked most of the morning here at the EAA information booth, selling raffle tickets and answering questions about who or what’s where. That’s the chair where I sat…
Many of our vendors told us this one their most successful festivals in years. Customers were enthusiastically generous!
There was so much to choose from!
In addition to that beautiful turquoise cross necklace, Bob got me this antelope pillow!!
It looks great in my living room! Our neighbor and friend, BJ Radell, created it. Check out her fiber arts at BJ Designs … bj@rondack.net
Maybe next year at this time, you can can to come to Ennis and help us celebrate our 50 year anniversary as an Ennis Arts Association. I’d love to house a bunch of my Word Press friends and have us enjoy the festivities together! Think about it!
Thanks for taking my Art Festival tour with me. Which kind of art do you like best?
We may even take you out on the Madison. What do you say?
No one told me that my scribbles might lead to a creative talent that would be appreciated by others!
But, I was encouraged to sing as a child. That was a talent that did not go unnoticed. How could you ignore it when I was a 3-year-old singing “Appo-Tee, Appo-Tee, AppoTee” all the way through the hymns at church. Singing loudly and joyfully!
Hah! It was during the time of WWII and a popular song was “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree (with Anyone Else But Me).”
You’re probably not old enough to remember it!! Go ahead, click on it here. You’ll love it!!
So how did my “Appo Tee” singing graduate into a full-blown creative talent? Like any talent, it takes involvement, participation, practice.
I have been a member of a choir for as long as I can remember… … always in school, then in church, and eventually our community choir. I am not a soloist, but I love singing in a duet or trio or with a large group. Recently our church choir was able to start up again… it is such a joy!
Once I even got to sing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir during one of their dress rehearsals for their Christmas concert!
The rendition below of “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” was sung by the University of the Pacific Choir at Bob’s and my wedding 2/11/62. Here is the Mormon Tabernacle singing it. I love it so much!
If your talent is not singing or painting, maybe you developed a talent in another area – like cooking or woodworking or metal sculpture.
Of course, one major talent I forgot mention Is instrumental music … the piano or a woodwind or string or brass instrument… Such talent brings so much joy to the player as well to a world of listeners.
I played the accordion and the clarinet as a child and continued to do so until just recently. My accordion is not functioning, there’s a hole in the bellows.
Perhaps I will find another small accordion that I can handle… and will resume that creative endeavor. The children at the day care center and the residents at our local Nursing Home enjoyed it!
Here’s just a small clip – (it’s only 10 seconds!!) of me playing for the residents at my sister’s place in PA a couple of years ago. (I won’t burden you with too much of this!) Hah!
My cousin always used to send me comic strips about the accordion. One was a guy entering heaven and the angel said, “Welcome to Heaven, here’s your harp.” The other was a gal entering Hades. The angel greeted her and said, “Welcome to Hell, here’s your accordion.”
Hah! I miss Cliff and those jokes!!
The question remains: What are your God-given talents? Have you developed an area of creativity?
I forgot to mention writing!! Us bloggers imagine ourselves to have that talent or else we wouldn’t be posting here on WordPress, right?
But, even this writing talent doesn’t improve without practice, right? Never stop learning and trying to improve – regardless of the area of creativity… gardening & photography (Derrick) – poetry (Dwight, Richard, Pat, Rahul, etc.) cooking (Andre’ & Caralyn) You know who you are… and what you need to do!
Our library was having a book sale last week. For a dollar, I was able to buy this wonderful book. Copyrighted 20 years ago, it’s never outdated, and I can never stop learning how to be a better writer. Like any talent, it takes practice, study, and more practice. And feedback always helps!
Roses are red. Violets are pink. I’m an emerging poet. Man, don’t I stink?
No, don’t badmouth yourself!! Keep workin’ at it…
Embrace Creativity! Tell me about yours…
Thanks for sharing! See ya tomorrow (God willing) Love, JanBeek
A pup and kitty Best friends – inseparable Love that matching pair
Simple Love
Tucked under your chin I feel completely secure It’s true, simple love
Watching
Watching for a friend Positioned so demurely Aren’t I attractive?
Fawn is Flower
Tucked in beautifully Fawn waits patiently for Mom Remember Flower?
Beautiful Buck
Beside the lake’s edge A beautiful buck listens Are you thirsty, too?
Embrace Animal Photography
Embrace animals And those who photograph them They’re a happy lot
I hope my animal photographs Most of which are taken by an anonymous photographer Made you smile the way this darling baby and her pup are smiling They certainly cheered me!
If we don’t feel safe yet Traveling to places we want to go, Then let’s embrace virtual travel. Go with me to the most beautiful country: Switzerland!!
My daughter, DeAna, lives in this gorgeous country – I’ve shown you this picture recently of them in front of their restaurant:
De & Andre’ have three boys, Mike, Nick, and Chris. This week I received photos from Mike ( I think it was him who sent them) sharing a wonderful meal they all enjoyed at Mike and Tania’s apartment.
Natalia (Chris’ girlfriend) is in Colombia, so she was not able to be there in person. Thanks to ZOOM, however, she was in the room for an hour!! There is Nick with Celine:
(That’s Mike and Tania in the middle… And Chris with Natalia on the right)
I love the internet because it allows Long-distance grandparents To be part of their grandkids’ lives. Thank you, dear grandsons, for sharing with us!
Travel with me to other parts of Switzerland!
Doesn’t it make you want to go there? It really is picture postcard perfect everywhere you look!!
We forgive you, Andre’, for taking DeDe with you to this beautiful country. If there is some place in the world where we HAVE to travel because our family is there, we can think of no better place than Switzerland!!
Here is our daughter, De, singing a duet with our youngest grandson, Chris. At the end he says, “My ball of rice!” That’s his reference to Natalia. So sweet. Aren’t they cute?
Thanks for joining me, dear blogging friends. Sante’!! To your health!! Have a good night.
