Eye See U

Hearts and Love

2012-02-11T14:12:00.000-08:00

I wonder how much of our lives are spent in an attempt to get others to love us, to accept us, to appreciate us? Do you think it's ten percent, fifty percent; more? If I had a dime for every time time I let someone get to me and take away my feelings of being valued and loved I'd be rich. If I had a dime for every time I allowed myself to become offended I'd have even more.

People talk about loving their families, but I don't know too many families that are very loving. I did not come from a particularly loving family and I certainly did not marry into one. But inside my heart I felt love, and I always seemed to have enough to give out. So this being the case, where did all my love come from?

We tend to associate love with the human heart, don't we? For the most part we believe that hearts are red. Red is also the color of spilled blood. We mostly think of spilled blood when one is hurt or wounded. When one is hurt or wounded is it generally because of an accident or incident, both of which lead us to believe that the spilling of blood is not good. So if all this is true then why do we associate the human heart, with being red, and with love?

There can only be one reason. Because God sent his son, Jesus, to die on the cross for us, to shed his red blood in forgiveness of our sins, because He loves us from His very big heart.

If you are not loved by a single soul on this earth, you can always know that God loves you. He fills your heart with His love even if you don't ask for it and refills it as you need it. It doesn't take another person to fill your heart with love. It only takes God and Jesus!

Reasons I love being a Christian

2012-01-28T12:43:00.000-08:00

Reasons to Love being a Christian

I love being a Christian because we can believe in what the bible says. It never changes and never will. Because it never changes we can rely on it. If it changed to satisfy us, it would be no more dependable than the daily news or our government. We may not always understand it, but it does have the answer for everything. It shows us the character of God and allows us to decipher His voice from ours, and from Satan's. We may not like what it says, but if that's the case, we are not seeing it from the heart of God's love. God's word always has our best interest at heart.

I love being a Christian because we can know how much God loves us! We can really know this! He loves us so very much, and if I was him I wouldn't. We are so imperfect. We make so many mistakes. We do so many things wrong. We hold on to so many wrong thoughts. If I was Him I would be disgusted by all the things we have done. But He loves all his children and wants to save us from ourselves. That's why He gave us His son, Jesus. God wants to see us in Heaven! I truly believe that he leaves a whole in our heart that can only be filled up by Him.

I love being a Christian because we can know and love Jesus! He died on the cross-for us! He took all our sins with Him when he died, and He gave us the opportunity to accept his death, as our gift, as our means to get to Heaven. It's the only way to get there. And when we arrive, because we accepted Jesus gift, we will all arrive sin free!

I love being a Christian because God gave us Jesus who understands our human experience. Jesus lived in this world, but was not of this world. Some people didn't like Him, Jesus was tempted, some rejected Him, some betrayed him, some didn't understand Him, some didn't appreciate Him, some were downright cruel to Him, some wanted to see Him dead, some killed Him. Jesus understands what we go through, so I love it that as a Christian, we can all get through this life with Him.

The Holy Spirit! Oh, how I love The Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit tells our hearts when we are doing something wrong and it prompts us to do many things right. We as Christians benefit so much by listening for this voice. The Holy Spirit is powerful! The Holy Spirit gives us gifts! The Holy Spirit lifted up Jesus and transported Him up and into Heaven. The Holy Spirit is a powerful friend!

I love being a Christian because God allows bad things to happen so that we can learn good things from every bad situation. This helps strengthen our character. Being a Christian is not for the weak because you will come under Spiritual Warfare with the dark side. For anyone who thinks that only weak people believe in God, they couldn't be more wrong. Satan doesn't come against those who are already his. Satan comes after Christians. We are only weak in that we allow God to aid us in fighting Satan; in this, God becomes our strength. Jesus defeated Satan at the cross! Jesus has already won! Satan had already been conquered! Now, Satan is just a big nuisance!

I love being a Christians because there is so much to know and understand about God that it would take more than just this one lifetime to get it all. Christianity is an exciting journey of learning and growing and becoming better than we were yesterday.

I love being a Christian because God is all about Grace. Grace is God's goodness and kindness. He doesn't want us to live in condemnation. He gave us the 10 commandments to show us that none of us could keep them, on our own strength. He gave us the 10 commandments to show us why we all need Jesus. Jesus was sent to provide us with forgiveness for our sins! Jesus is the only way for us to get into Heaven! It's because of God's grace that we were given Jesus! As Christians we have the abundance of God's Grace everyday and we have the gift of righteousness through Christ blood on the cross.

I love being a Christian because I am living in this world, but I am not of this world. This can be difficult at times. It encompasses everything we encounter in this life. Each of us will have to fight our own strongholds such as addiction, anger, fear, jealousy and offense, but the Trinity is here to help us. It should be our goal to proceed in life with faith, and to become as Christ-like as we possibly can. This makes the life of a Christian exciting!

Sadly, I know many who have given up their walk with God. They felt their prayers weren't being answered during trying times and they lost faith and gave up on Him. But giving up on God is never the answer. It is never okay just to quit! Just because you quit God doesn't mean that he doesn't exist, it only means that you quit! God will see you through your tough times, but you have to keep your faith and your hopes upon Him. Don't blame God if you give up before he chooses to help you. One more day of faith could have made all the difference!

Many items with this image I created can be purchased at cafepress.com/Samaraka or Zazzle.com/Samaraka...Made with Love

Happy New Year!

2011-12-26T12:32:00.000-08:00

Well, 2012 is just around the corner and I am believing that it is going to be one of the best years ever. The number 12 happens to be one of my favorites because if you add the numbers together they equal 3. There are so many Good/God things surrounding the number three that I believe we are in for some blessings!

It is in the number 3 that God works out His purpose and will for our lives. We first start with the Trinity; The Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Then we add many words from the bible such as: In the beginning, The love of, Let their be, and, the Patience of. These are just a few of my favorites. But, I think that what Jesus said is our greatest gift of God's will and purpose for our lives when he said passionately and profoundly," Father, forgive them."

There are so many lives being spent trying to figure out what it is that I can do, what I can achieve, and how I can make things happen. It took me years to realize that I cannot do anything on my own. God's will and purpose for our lives is not in or of our own doing. It is in and of our own believing. Oh, I tried so many times to do things on my own and thought I was doing a pretty good job too, but then as things began to happen beyond my control I had to make some choices and changes. It was during these times of struggle that God touched my heart and allowed me to see that I can do a lot of things on my own, but I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. To embrace Christ is God's will for our lives and he aids us all in our purpose.

It's my prayer that in this coming year you will surrender your own will to the Lord and let him do a good work in you and through you. Let Him show you His purpose for your life. Let Him show you how He can make things happen. God does absolutely amazing things, and He wants to do them for you too!

I understand that surrendering can be difficult. Giving up our own control, our own willful nature, seems unnatural,foreign and scary. I've learned from personal experience that it is something that can take time. It often requires a lot of practice.

If you haven't yet arrived at this point,then I'd like to suggest you take another step in your faith. This may give you the confidence you need to place your trust in God and aid you in the future to surrender.

God knows our hearts and he knows how much we love him, but what matters so much to our Lord is that you know how much he loves you! He gave you this whole world. He gave you free will and choices. God loved us so much that he sent his Son, to die on the cross, and with his death He took away all of our sins;he forgives us. This is a God who loves you.

Don't let the enemy plant doubt in your mind about God's love for you. Don't let him ruin you with his lies and rejections. God is not the master of confusion and fear. God is the creator of love and you can trust him.

It is with the love of God in my heart that I wish you these final three words. I hope they bring you peace and many blessings...Happy New Year!

Antichrist

2011-11-22T07:53:00.000-08:00

In the last chapter of the bible, Revelation, it speaks of the Antichrist. I will not chose to be Anti-Christ during this Christmas season. I enjoy wishing a Merry Christmas to folks and do so with a grateful heart. I am not trying to insult you or hurt your feelings, in fact it's quite the opposite, I am sending you a greeting of love. I hope that you'll try to receive it in the spirit it is intended.

If you don't believe in Jesus Christ, then I truly believe you should stop celebrating his birthday. If you would like to have a Happy Holiday celebration, then by all means do so, but please choose another day to do this. I promise that I wont kick and scream like a sensitive child if you wish me Happy Holidays. Christmas is my celebration with my Lord and Savior. Please respect my holiday and I will respect yours. I'd like to see us all just try and be kind to one another and put away all this ultra- sensitivity. We can all live in peace in the great USA while celebrating in our own ways if we really want to.

Peace and Blessings to all and I wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Simple Satan Says

2011-11-03T06:33:00.000-07:00

He twists the truth to justify self; he kills, steals and destroys. One moment, one day, one lie at a time, until wrong feels so right it's enjoyed. So question yourself in all that you do; in all that you hear and you see. One day it will be you he comes after. Be prepared to tell Satan to leave!

Lust and Heaven's Tear

2011-10-25T10:25:00.000-07:00

I recently became aware that a Christian friend of mine has taken to hanging out at a strip club and has befriended one of the strippers. I told him that Jesus would not hang out at places like this and he responded by telling me that Jesus hung out with a lot of bad people.

Lust is a powerful drug and can be an insult to the Holy Spirit within us. It sneaks in and slowly begins to control the way we think. It's addicting and it's only goal is to self satisfy. Sadly, it affects the lives of many and has destroyed more than a few lives.

When I think about how sad this makes me feel towards my friend I can't help and think about how God feels about us. We are all so weak. We can't keep God's commandments. We can't do anything on our own. How sad it must make God to have created us, whom he loves, and we do everything on earth that disappoints him.

Fortunately for us, instead of drowning us with his tears or sending fire down on us from above, God sent his only son to die on the cross for us and to forgive us. Those who call themselves Christians, should walk in gratitude for what God has given us and we do this by becoming living examples. We do this by following Jesus, we do this because we Honor God.

Are you living your life serving Jesus or are you living your life serving self? This is a question I must ask myself each day. I ask God to give me my answers.

Afterlife

2011-10-17T09:08:00.000-07:00

Someone recently posted this on my Facebook wall. At first I felt very offended, then sad for the ones who believe this.

This is hard for me to understand. If there were only a chance, a slim chance, that God exists, and that there is an afterlife, wouldn't it make sense to strive for the best life possible? Isn't this a truly perfect opportunity? Isn't hell on earth enough for them?

Kathy Lee Gifford recently referred to how we will all become dust one day. This is so true. No healthy living plan is going to keep our bodies living on this earth forever. We are all going to die.

Some people believe at death we will all turn into nothingness. But, just wonder if this is not true. Is it really worth taking a chance on?

Why is it that some folks put all their eggs in the earth basket, which is profoundly limited? Why wouldn't they strive for the life that lives on forever, and offers them the best of everything?

These and other questions I can never answer. But I believe God has. In His book, he calls them Fools.

Communication

2011-10-12T06:36:00.000-07:00

If you don't know me very well then you may not understand the way I communicate.

If you don't know God very well then you may not understand how He communicates at all.

I hope you'll get to know Him! Peace and Blessings

Encounters

2011-10-10T23:14:00.000-07:00

Each time that I have an encounter with the wind, I'm reminded that it exists.

Each time that I have an encounter with God, I'm grateful that He exists.

Let it be said of us...

2011-08-28T10:14:00.000-07:00

Recently, God has put on my heart a concern for what is going on with our relationship with Israel. I truly believe that God wants us to be in support of that small country and for us to help keep it together.

Nowhere in history has a civilization survived and thrived like the land of Israel. In reality it should not even be alive. But God's own hand has protected that land and I believe he wants us to help protect it too.

I do not believe in coincidences. I believe that coincidences can often lead us to a truth. In saying that, God has put upon my heart that Jerusalem contains in it's center, the letters usa for a reason. I believe it is our responsibility to help keep that small country together. I pray that we will do the right thing and I hope you'll pray with me too.

The Prayer of Jabez

2011-08-22T06:28:00.000-07:00

I have recently taken to repeating a prayer and have found it to bring blessings in my life. I would like to encourage you to say this prayer, every day for a month, and see what happens for you.

Before I write down the prayer, I'd like to suggest that you repeat the prayer, then repeat it again, replacing the word in red with a word specific for you.

Also, Dr. Bruce Wilkinson wrote a book on this prayer, which I really enjoyed and recommend. It is entitled, "The Prayer of Jabez"

And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying,

"Oh, that you would bless me indeed,

and enlarge my territory,

that your hand would be with me,

that you'd keep me from evil,

that I may not cause pain."

So God granted him what he requested.

1 Chronicles 4:19 NKJV

It's that simple. I replace the word in red with things like peace, friendship, love and opportunities.

Peace and Blessings to you all and let me know how this prayer works for you!

For Crying Out Loud!

2011-08-12T18:01:00.000-07:00

I woke up early one morning and all I felt was pain.
I looked outside for sunshine, but all I saw was rain.
I grabbed by navy checkbook and sat to pay some bills.
There wasn't any money and my life just felt like hell.

I screamed for God to help me, but I heard not a sound.
"You don't care about me! You're nowhere to be found!
Then lightning struck a tree;I watched it catch on fire.
I felt God was angry; my thoughts had gone haywire.

I stayed real still and waited, to see what he would do.
Then He spoke unto my heart and said,"I do, love you!"
He said that we can chose to use our better words.
Nowhere can be now here, so prayers can be heard.

Strawberry Moon

2011-06-15T17:23:00.000-07:00

Photo by Samarazone

I hid behind the Pines
and sat amongst the trees,
trying to find some time;
a bit of quiet for me.
Then came the strawberry moon,
which revealed my hiding place.
Reminding me I'm never alone
because I have God's grace.

Can your Heaven Wait?

2011-05-25T11:35:00.001-07:00

Photos By: Ben Teunissen

My son recently took these pictures while flying above the clouds. This view especially touched me because it lends to the promise of the beauty that awaits us in Heaven.

Heaven is the gift that God made available to us all. He gave us his only son, Jesus Christ, and when he died upon the cross, he took with him each and every one of our sins. His death was an extreme payment for all we have done wrong and all we will do wrong in the future.

None of us can be perfect, no matter what we do or how hard we try. God knew this. So he provided us with a way out.

Will you take the Jesus way? Will you accept Christ's death on the cross as payment for your sins? The choice is yours; you have to make it.

I hope to see you all one day in Heaven.

The Gossip

2011-02-16T09:55:00.000-08:00

She handed me a package and told me it was good.

It really didn't feel the way, I assumed it would.

I paused before I opened; wondering what's inside,

Then I heard a whisper telling me it's a lie.

I stopped to look up at her, a smile upon her face.

I knew she'd brought a morsel of someone's pain; their disgrace.

I paused for just a moment then handed back her gift.

Peace is what I'm looking for instead of causing rifts.

Then she turned away from me and headed to another.

She calls these folks her friends, her sisters, and brothers.

So be careful of the gifts that come, as gossip, lies and hate,

And beware of these people, for they contaminate.

Heart Speaks

2011-01-10T14:30:00.000-08:00

Written by Samarazone

If I speak in fear, my heart will fill with holes

overcome my life and complicate my soul.

If I speak in jealousy, I've wasted so much time,

it adds nothing to my growth, showing I am blind.

If I speak of past, my hurts and my pains,

never forgiving, my legacy is stains.

If I speak in lies, deceit and deceptions,

it only changes me into ugly perceptions.

If I speak in hate, I leave my good side behind,

thistles choke my heart and contaminate my mind.

If I speak in gossip soon I'll discover,

my soul starts to wither, I may never recover.

If I speak in pride, shame will conquer me,

I'll be mowed down, for everyone to see.

But if I speak in love I am planting tiny seeds,

that one day may grow up to be flowers instead of weeds.

Christmas with Alzheimer's

2010-12-09T10:33:00.000-08:00

Last night I went to my dad's Christmas party at the Assisted Living home. He has Alzheimer's Disease. He couldn't remember the words to his favorite songs, tried to cut his steak with a spoon and believes that I'm an old maid. Towards the end of the evening looked at me, smiled, and then said," Honey, I just want you to be happy." I almost broke down and cried.

The what ifs...

2010-11-01T12:06:00.000-07:00

What if you only had one chance to go somewhere exciting, but you were not given the details about how long you would be there? Would you go?

What if you had the opportunity to meet and interact with many different kinds of people; some you would like and some you won't. You are told that at times you may feel alone, but you will always know that you are not. Would you do it?

What if you could be in a place where you could appreciate all the colors of the rainbow and more. You would be surrounded by various textures and enjoy an assortment of scents. It would be yours to chose if you like them or not, and the ones you dislike you can ignore. Would you like that?

What if you could wake up feeling secure with all you have, grateful for who you are, and on the look-out for ways in which you could help others. Does this sound like something you'd want to do?

What if you were told that sometimes you may feel afraid in this new place. It will take a lot of courage to be there. But you will have with you a book of examples from a man that was once there before you, and in this book are all the answers to everything you might feel. Do you think that might be helpful?

What if once you are in this new place you long to go back home. You don't feel as though you fit in anywhere or with anyone and nobody seems to care. You have tried over and over to be successful, but many times you have just failed. Then a man tells you that he has a gift for you and has paid for your fare to get home. He even guarantees that all your failures will be forgotten. Would you take his gift?

If these ideas appeal to you then I'd like to welcome you to the wonderful world of earth. I hope you enjoy your stay here and don't forget to thank the one who was sent here before you. He has provided a special gift just for you and he is known by many as, Jesus. Peace and Blessings with all Thanksgiving!

Playful Pinks

2010-10-27T10:32:00.000-07:00

Photo by Samarazone

This day began with wicked skies,

I watched the shades of grays go by.

The warnings came of tornados too

and afterwards were skies of blue.

The winds picked up and scattered leaves,

my puppy hid behind the trees.

He sneezed a bit and shook his head

then took a nap on his house-warmed bed.

He woke again, I took him out

and surprised was I when I looked about.

The daytime gloom had changed to pink

so I grabbed my camera and made her wink.

Then I thanked God for ending this day

on a colorful note so my puppy could play.

Autumn in Michigan

2010-10-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

Photo by Brent Nollar

Aristotle's Law of noncontradiction states that," One cannot say of something that it is and that it is not at the same respect and time." But, this is how I experience the season of Autumn here in Michigan.

For me, the fall season is all about contradictions. It begins by providing relief from the summer heat, but I don't need that kind of relief. I much prefer the comfort of warmer weather. Soon, the trees begin changing with colorful leaves, but I would rather change colors by way of paint, and prefer to look outdoors to see shades of green. Then the low, cumulus clouds begin to hide our beautiful sunshine and nature will become stripped down to her feet.

For many reasons, I associate God with our Autumns because he Is and can seem as though he's Not, all at the same time. I always know that God is with me, but sometimes it feels like he is not. Many times I don't appreciate his reasons for change, but I find that if I wait, and I am patient as I go through it, that God brings about a new season. And my favorite season happens to be Spring.

Waves at the Pier

2010-09-08T12:13:00.000-07:00

Photo by Samarazone

As I was trying to capture this photo I rested my camera on a large rock, hoping to avoid a blurred picture caused by pressing winds. My hair blew into my eyes a few times and I couldn't see, but I continued to press forward and hold on.

A group of voices shouted, "Watch out! The waves are coming!"

I had no idea they were speaking to me.

Soon my shoes were soaked and I was wet up to my knees, but I was determined to finish what I had started.

That's how it is for me with God, I rest in his strength and continue to hold on. Other people don't always understand me, in fact, I'm often told I should be doing things another way, but it's not their voices I must listen to. I want the big picture, not just something mediocre. God's voice is the guiding light for me. I want a good finish to the life that he started.

Heart-shaped moon

2010-08-31T16:14:00.000-07:00

There is one thing I'll miss about the warm nights of summer; sitting under the stars where I dream and I wonder.

Animusic - Aqua Harp

2010-08-20T18:22:00.000-07:00

I imagine Heaven with sounds as wonderful as this!

Awesome!

2010-08-20T17:53:00.000-07:00

Courtesy Woodtv.Blogs shar.es

A recently released picture of a nebula called IRAS 05437+2502 taken by the Hubble Telescope Advanced Camera. It shows a whispy ghost-like scene with a tent-like hat on top. Astronomers don't know what is lighting up this glowing object. This relatviely small nebula is in the constellation Taurus. The vastness, the complexity and the beauty of the universe is beyond our ability to comprehend and appreciate it. Sitting on the blue planet,we are but the tiniest pixel on a mos giant screen.What billions of secrets are waiting for us to discover?

More than a Rose

2010-08-17T12:18:00.000-07:00

My husband and I recently celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversary. We couldn't afford to do much of anything, but he did take me out for ice cream and I got my favorite...a banana split!

As I was wandering around our yard looking for a blog photo I noticed the beautiful color of the roses he had planted for me years ago. Almost every day throughout the summer he goes out and picks one. I may sit down at the kitchen table and see one waiting or be surprised that he snuck one on my desk. The roses are never perfect-just like me, but I'm always very grateful for all the represent.

My Deer, My Dear

2010-08-11T13:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was startled awake by the ramblings of an ending storm. I am not a trained meteorologist, but I do know that right before a storm leaves our area it sends one long and lasting rumble of thunder as if to say, 'remember I was here.'

Moments later I looked outside I saw two playful deer. One would leap high into the air followed by the other and I could sense their feeling of joy. Eventually the mother showed up and they respectfully followed her way.

I couldn't help thinking about how nature resembles our lives and that as we try to weather the current storm we are looking for that final blast before everything turns out all right. And as we pray for help we cant always see God, just like I couldn't see the deer until after the storm is over.

Plants hug too.

2010-07-25T17:31:00.001-07:00

Isn't it wonderful that God created plants for hugging too?

My type of friend

2010-07-12T11:41:00.000-07:00

The old typewriter was pretty simple. We used it to write letters, complete a variety of forms, and type page upon page of a good book. At the end of the day when you had finished using it, you just stood up and went on your way.

Today,the computer has obviously replaced the typewriter and it has so many uses that one could sit there keeping busy all day. For some the computer has become their life. It's the only time they socialize and make friends. But, I often wonder if this is really good for us.

These days most of us are on Facebook or Myspace or some other type of social media. But, when someone says LOL, I wonder how their giggle sounds. When they use FYI, I wonder if they are using an attitude. When they say ROFL I wonder what they look like while doing that and when I've seen PSML I wonder if they are in any way feeling embarrassed. I miss my hugs with a thank you, THX, and in our family when we tell someone we love them, ILU, we hold their hand and squeeze it three times.

Computers are here to stay, there is no doubt in my mind, but I sometimes miss seeing my old friends. I miss those quirky, individual mannerisms and the soothing sound of their voice. Words on a screen can never replace that.

Sometimes, late at night when I can't sleep I find myself hoping to find someone on the internet to talk to. Occasionally someone is there, but many nights they are just not. It's during these times when I find myself all alone, that I thank God, because he doesn't need a computer for us to make a connection. TTYL

Balloon Festival in Battle Creek, Michigan

2010-07-04T18:19:00.000-07:00

Illume in Battle Creek at the Balloon Festival. God Bless the USA!

Jesus and the Lightning

2010-06-23T20:34:00.001-07:00

I asked Jesus to help me get some good pictures tonight during a storm. I think he actually posed for me. Thank you!

National Day of Prayer

2010-05-06T16:06:00.000-07:00

Photo by: Samarazone

Dear God,

On this National Day of Prayer, I ask for your continued blessings upon our Nation. Return in us the desire to please YOU first. Renew our spirits, Bless our hearts, and let us show and let us share your great love. Amen.

Messed up.

2010-04-29T00:08:00.000-07:00

God gave man and woman the Garden of Eden.
-Messed that up!
God provided sex to be enjoyed between a married man and woman.
-Messed that up!
God gave us the 10 commandments.
-Messed that up!
God gave us food to nourish our bodies.
-Messed that up!
God gave us eyes to see the pure beauty in our world.
-Messed that up!
God gave us language.
-Messed that up!
God provided us with beating hearts so we could fill them up with love.
-Messed that up!
God provided us with work, so we could produce, and then we could share it with one another.
-Messed that up!
God gave us a book, that we could believe in, and it showed us how to live.
-Messed that up!
God provided us with America, the land of the free.
-Messed that up!
God gave us his only son, Jesus Christ, who died for all our foolish sins.
- Are you gonna mess this one up too?

Praying Hands

2010-02-04T11:28:00.000-08:00

As you're putting your hands together for prayer, God sneaks in between them.

Written by Samarazone...

In the End

2009-12-29T10:48:00.000-08:00

It's my wish that we come back to the place where we put God first. That his voice will be heard over all others. Our nation is in a mess. So much of that is our fault. We have tried to please others more than we please God. We have been contining to push him away.

The video I'm posting was made by me. I hope that it will inspire you to make a choice for love. May your new year be full of Peace and Blessings!

Never Alone

2009-10-21T10:57:00.000-07:00

Photo taken At Grand Valley University by Ben Teunissen

Here on the bench I sit all alone

waiting for someone to join me.

And if they happen to call me by name

Their heart will be filled and set free.

They can tell me they're sad, feeling afraid,

been rejected by those they call friends.

As I take hold of their hand, they'll understand

that I've felt their same pain, but it ends.

We talk for a while, I give then some strength,

they begin to feel Spirit again.

Then they get up and go and I say hello

to the next one who seeks to tune in.

Written by:Samarazone

ArtPrize

2009-10-16T12:10:00.000-07:00

Photo taken by Ben Teunissen

The largest Art competition in the world was just held in our great city of Grand Rapids, Michigan. One of my favorite entries was the Nessie Project, submitted by AAG, who were among the top ten finals. Although they did not win and receive the top prize of $250,000.00, their creation was enjoyed and admired by many.

Perhaps next year God will throw out an idea and my arms will stretch up to catch one. I'd love to participate in Artprize. I hope Nessie is still there next year, hanging around in the Grand River. I'd like to go and see her again.

The Sounds of Silence

2009-09-30T11:16:00.000-07:00

Picture taken from the website of http://www.missionhopeproject.org/

Please visit there and see how you could help them.

Do you ever wonder where all those missing children may have gone?

Do you know that young blond haired girls are a favorite among human traffickers?

Are you going to be a part of the problem by putting this in the back of your mind and remaining silent or are you interested in helping, perhaps one life at a time?

If you thought slavery was a thing of thing past in our country you would be wrong. It's become a very serious problem. How would you feel if it was you or your child?

Other sites to visit and give help:http://humantrafficking.change.org/ and http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/civilrights/slavery.htm

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.-Galations 6:2 ESV

Goodbye Summer 09

2009-09-29T15:11:00.000-07:00

Speak thee of beautiful things and there you will find me... God

Photo taken at Shrine of the Pines

The Holy Family. Photo taken at The Cross in the Woods

Photo taken in Petoskey,Michigan

Heart Cloud

2009-09-18T19:17:00.000-07:00

Who can complain about a day like this where God lets you get a peek at his heart?

The Cross in the Woods

2009-09-07T13:32:00.000-07:00

I wonder what that day was like when God hung on the cross.

Did the sun hide itself behind darkened clouds refusing to come out?

Was the color of the sky that day dark blue or was it light?

Was it hot or was it cold as the day turned into night?

Did the birds continue singing did the breeze refuse to blow.

One day I will know these answers when I ask the one who knows.

Photos by Samarazone. Taken at Indian River, not far from Petoskey, Michigan. The cross stands 55" tall. For more information visit http://www.crossinthewoods.com/

The gift of a Rainbow

2009-08-10T13:27:00.000-07:00

My husband and I had been celebrating our 24Th Wedding Anniversary when big storms came rolling into Michigan. Afterwards, I went outside to look for any damage and saw this. I ran into the house and told my husband to come and see what God had sent us! That's' my story and I'm sticking to it.

Once Upon a Tree

2009-07-29T11:56:00.000-07:00

If I could collect anything it would be trees.

I love how they stand tall yet sway in the breeze.
I watch as they change and prepare for a season.

They provide shelter and hide dear for a reason.

They ask me for nothing, they give me so much.
They hide me from sun and allow me to touch.

I remember the days when I use to climb them.

I'd sit on a branch and dwell on my problems.

It was hard to get down after what I was smoking.

But then I found God whose words were provoking.

He told me he loved me; I thought it a joke.

I just knew that fathers tortured and spoke.

But he wasn't like that he was strong as a tree.

He gave me free will so I could chose to be me.

And because of his love I wanted to please him.

Behave with a purpose instead of foolish whim.

So God is to me as birds are to trees,

a place to find safety with faith to be free.
He provides what I need and holds out his branches
of love and forgiveness and life ever after.

And one day my leaf will fall to the ground

but I have been saved and will live with the crowned.

I hope there are trees with God up in heaven

and he'll give me the job of helping take care of them.

Photos and Writing by Samarazone. Taken at Shrine of the Pines in Baldwin, Michigan

Imagine No Religion

2009-07-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the Alabama Freethought Association put up a billboard Near Pell City that reads, "Imagine No Religion." So I gave this idea a moment of my time.

My first thought was of the present... The people I know. Most of them live their lives without religion. I like most of them. Sadly, they may not be going to heaven, but I like them.

Then my thoughts went to the past...to Sodom and Gomorrah. They didn't care much about religion. They had lots of fun doing whatever they wanted. They imagined no religion too.

Then my thoughts went to the future..and my thoughts went straight to Hell. I guess I'm now a freethinker.

The Free and the Brave

2009-07-04T00:02:00.000-07:00

Thank God that we still have some Freedoms and we that we still have some that are Brave.

Who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth and makes us wiser than the birds of the heavens? Job 35:11 ESV

Photos By:Samarazone

Taken at John Ball Park Zoo, Grand Rapids, MI

The Impossible Dream

2009-06-24T18:14:00.000-07:00

There is no dream or problem that is to big for our God!

The Impossible Dream from Man of La Mancha. Don Quixote.

A Love Revolution

2009-06-01T18:24:00.000-07:00

Why do you believe I've put these problems upon you? Maybe I'm not to blame.

Why do you think I've done this to punish? That's not a game I would play.

Where did your hope go? How strong's your faith? Whens the last time you thanked me?

You can make changes, it's in your hands. Stop worrying about what you are lacking.

Share with your neighbor. Help a stranger or friend. Live life with a Spirit of Giving.

Then lights will ignite;one at a time, and with love and abundance you will be living.

I do hear your prayers. I feel all your pain. I love all of you so deeply.

But darkness has made you forget what you have so start sowing what you want to be reaping.

Written by: Samarazone

Kabongers

2009-05-26T12:07:00.000-07:00

Have you ever done something over and over and over and you get the same results every time, but you keep doing it anyway? I know that I have. I recently found an old toy from back in the 60's or 70's called, Kabongers. Kabongers were two acrylic balls with an attached string. You would hold on to the top of the string and rotate the balls up and down, hitting each other over and over and over. First up then down, then up then down. Oh, how I loved this toy! I believe they finally took it off the market for safety reasons.

Maybe today is a good day for us to look at the things we do over and over and get the same results. Maybe today is a good day for us to take our habits off the market.

Blowing in the Wind

2009-05-16T19:05:00.000-07:00

The Wind
by Robert Louis Stevenson

I saw you toss the kites on high

And blow the birds about the sky;

And all around I heard you pass,

Like ladies' skirts across the grass

Oh wind, a blowing all day long,

Oh wind, that sings so loud a song!

I saw the different things you did,

But always you yourself you hid.

I felt you push, I heard you call,

I could not see yourself at all

Oh wind, a blowing all day long!

Oh wind, that sings so loud a song!

O you that are so strong and cold,

O blower, are you young or old?

Are you a beast of field and tree,

Or just a stronger child than me?

O wind, a blowing all day long,

O wind, that sings so loud a song

!t worth going out to see.

The Golden Tree

2009-05-15T19:18:00.000-07:00

If each leaf on the Golden Tree represented what it is that you hold dear in life what would your tree speak of? These are a few of my whispers...

Don't wait around and ask God what you can do to help. Help whoever needs you and then ask God to stop you if your doing it wrong. Remember too, that you can never out give God.

Forgive everyone and don't forget to forgive yourself.

Speak well of others. We all have our good points. You never know when God is listening.

Smile at your child when they walk into the room. They will remember that you were always happy to see them.

The only thing you can control in life is yourself.

Gratitude blots out the fear.

When I say out loud, " I will never give up!" The angels hear me and send help.

Words are cool and have such power. Use your best words.

You have to fill yourself up with Love so that you always have enough left over to give away.

It's not what you put into your mouth that hurts you, it's what comes out.

Give away that which you want and it will come back to you.

If you don't think you can make your life better, whose life can you make better?

Enchanting Forests

2009-05-14T19:29:00.000-07:00

As Angels dance in forests
And winds blow through the trees
Chimes break sounds of silence
While green shows up in leaves

And as our God looks down
A smile shines on his face
For happy days like this will come
To all who share his grace.

Written & Photographed by: Samarazone

Family

2009-05-12T19:12:00.000-07:00

There's one sad truth in life I've found
While journeying east and west -
The only folks we really wound
Are those we love the best.
We flatter those we scarcely know,
We please the fleeting guest,
And deal full many a thoughtless blow
To those who love us best.
~Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Photo by Samarazone

Beauty

2009-05-04T17:46:00.000-07:00

Don't you just want to know all about the one who created these?

Pictures by Samarazone. Taken at Tulip Time in Holland MI.

Long Story Short

2009-04-19T17:41:00.000-07:00

Painted and Written by:Samarazone

God created the earth and the seas.
He brought forth Adam then he made Eve.
They messed things up and now we all die.
So he sent Moses to help us see why.
He gave 10 commandments, to all of his people.
They built up churches and threw in a steeple.
They made more rules and called it religion.
God shook his head and knew he'd forgive them.
Then he sent Jesus who lived without sin.
He died on the cross, but then rose again
After three days he went to heaven,
He promised his followers he come back and get them.
There was one catch, it was a bit of a shift,
You had to accept Jesus, he came as your gift.
After you do you will be known as a Christian.
You won't be perfect, but you'll be forgiven.
A change will take place deep in your soul.
What's right and what's wrong will be your new goal.
You'll want to be good, helpful and kind.
People may hate you with God on your mind.
You'll still have free will and you'll have a brain.
The choices you make may give you some pain.
But when your life ends and you stand before God
Jesus will be there and towards Heaven he'll nod.

My Light Shines

2009-04-13T18:24:00.000-07:00

Whenever I embrace you...My Light Shines.

When I tell you the truth...My Light Shines.

When I'm playful and happy...My Light Shines.

When I tell you I'm sorry, and I mean it...My Light Shines.

When I forgive you...My Light Shines.

When I help you in any way...My Light Shines.

When I use my kind words...My Light Shines.

When I keep your secret...My Light Shines.

When I pray for you without your knowing it...My Light Shines.

When I only have nice things to say about you...My Light Shines.

For at night, when it's dark out and I'm all alone,

My Light Still Shines

because today, I had an encounter with you.

Samarazone

Stairway to Heaven

2009-04-09T18:52:00.000-07:00

Will you be filled with fear or take a step of Faith?

Will you be walking alone or bringing others up?

Will you carry Love or didn't you care?

Weren't you aware... of how much you mattered?

Gifts for the Heart

2009-04-05T13:15:00.000-07:00

Today I was feeling sorry for myself and focusing on my Lack Of list. I was thinking of what I use to be able to do and buy when our money was more plentiful. My day had become consumed with these thoughts and I wasn't feeling very happy.

As my husband and I sat at a local restaurant having a cup of coffee a four-year old boy came up to me with his arm outstretched and said, "Here, this is for you. It matches your shirt."

His faced smile bright as I took hold of the cute pink bunny he had just won in a vending machine game and my eyes filled with tears at his thoughtfulness. I reached down and gave "Connor" a hug of thanks as I refocused on how life is still full of God's blessings.

The Cry

2009-03-25T19:05:00.000-07:00

When times of trouble come, as they often do,
We find ourselves in worry, trying to get through.
Looking for solutions to help us win our fight,
Longing for some peace so we can sleep at night.
We think to ourselves, I have done my best.
There are no more answers, I have no happiness.
It seems that all is lost, my heart is broken too.
I have no more answers, I don't know what to do.
My problems overwhelm me, I can barely think what's right.
I'm ready to give up, I have no strength to fight.
With my head down on my pillow, I can not get to sleep.
The darkness hides my face and allows me time to weep.
All I feel is sadness, hopelessness and pain.
Why has this all happened? Why does misery reign?
I need so much help, I don't know what to do.
Please, God, just help me, help me to get through!
Then I hear this voice speaking in my head,
I wondered when you'd ask for me, you know, I'm not dead!
You thought you were alone, but I was always near.
I waited for your call so I know you're thinking clear.
You're world has many troubles, but I know what to do.
Great changes are coming, I've arranged them all for you.

You're faith must be tested, is it great or is it small?

Some have given up and they have no faith at all.

I want you to be strong and I want you to surrender,

I can do amazing things, don't you remember?

I hold all your heartbeats in my gentle hand.

Have faith and be patient and know that I AM!

Written by Samarazone-Eyeseeu

A Small Faith

2009-03-24T20:52:00.000-07:00

Today my faith feels very small,
But at least I have some faith at all.
God seems too quiet, he won't speak to me,
I'm asking for help, his light I can't see.
I turn to my anger, I ask where he's gone,
I blame him for things he shouldn't have done.
I question his motives, I use my bad words.
Why doesn't he hear me, is my faith blurred?
Maybe his silence is really a blessing.
I should be grateful instead of just stressing.
I have my health, my family an friends.
He's giving me time for a heart cleanse.
Then when I'm ready his voice will be heard
And I will be sorry I've been such a nerd.

Happy World Water Day!

2009-03-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

Today is the international observance of World Water Day. It is a day The United Nations has dedicated to increasing people's awareness of our water's importance in the environment, agriculture, health and trade. Remember, Water is for Life!

From a chair-like iceberg on Lake Michigan

To deep inside the ground at Ruby Falls

From atop Lookout Mountain

To the beautiful Gulf of Mexico

Happy World Water Day!

The Book

2009-03-18T12:23:00.000-07:00

The abandoned house

where lessons were taught,
waits, in stillness and silence.
A Book on a table with answers inside
for the curious, questions about us.

The Samaritan Woman
For more information on women in the bible... "http://www.womeninthebible.net"

Gerber Baby

2009-03-08T16:34:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we put my Mother-in-law in an Assisted Living home after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. Upon going through her household belongings I came across this cute photo. Scribbled on the front were the initials DHS. With over sixty kids running around her house at any given time, (grandchildren and great grandchildren),I figured one of them had defaced the picture. Well, I was wrong. After doing some research I discovered that the picture was sketched by Dorothy Hope Smith and is a 1931 Lithograph of the original Gerber baby, who became the official trademark of Gerber in that same year.

Ann Turner Cook is the name of the baby in Dorothy's picture and I think Ann is just as cute today as she was then. (See Photo Below)

This posting is in honor of my Mother-in-Law, Johanna, who raised 12 Gerber Babies of her own. May God Bless her.

A Family Tree

2009-02-21T12:49:00.000-08:00

Zen Meditation Chimes

2009-02-20T12:00:00.000-08:00

Please enjoy this opportunity to make your own music. Just grab a hold of the stick and play.

Zen Meditation Chimesgreat free widgetsWidgetbox

I've Seen the Light

2009-02-19T17:07:00.001-08:00

This photo was snapped by my husband in Cancun. He looked right into the sun to take it. Now he thinks I look beautiful in the mornings!

When Dolphins Smile

2009-02-18T12:53:00.000-08:00

As a kid I loved to watch reruns of the show Flipper and envied all the exciting adventures he had with his friend, Bud. I can vividly remember Bud holding on to Flipper's tail, riding along without a care ... until he inevitably encountered some sort of trouble. So when my husband and I decided we would take a trip to the Riviera Maya in Mexico I really looked forward to swimming with the dolphins.

Once we were there, I witnessed the narrow canal which jailed these amazing creatures. I watched as each of their jumps became higher so that their glimpses at the ocean nearby could be long. I listened to their sounds and heard cries for help. It's my belief they were begging to be set free.

A Winter Bypass

2009-02-16T19:05:00.000-08:00

Winter Blues have claimed my day and I long for Summer Hues.

My toes would shine with pink polish, while walking without shoes.

I'd lie in green grass with my dog, Moses, who'd remain by my side,

And watch the clouds turn into shapes through a sky that's open wide.
But back to my reality, where there's cold, white snow and twigs,
I can still view colors in photos while munching on my bag of figs.

The kid in me

2009-01-30T12:43:00.000-08:00

I love the feeling of going up then down while using the force of my legs and arms for strength. My mind pushes out all the clutter and I focus only on the freedom my body feels at the moment. My eyes stay shut as I throw my head back in hopes of reaching my peak, although I am aware of how much I'm enjoying the ride.

Yes, I'm 50 and I love to swing; with my favorite being on wood with a firm seat. It makes me feel so free!

I don't know if there is a proper age where you are not suppose to do this anymore, but I don't care. I plan on doing this for as long as I'm able. My kids are embarrassed that I still do it; especially in front of their friends and my mother doesn't think it's ladylike.

I don't know about you, but I think swinging is a blast and I truly hope there are many places to swing in heaven!

Picture drawn with my Bamboo Pad

Alzheimers- A Blessing

2009-01-28T19:20:00.000-08:00

About two years ago my dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and what I'm about to write here may seem odd. I know this is a terrible disease, but for me it has been a blessing.

My dad was a verbally abusive man who obviously did not want children, From the time I was around five years old I knew...that I would never be like him.

I spent almost 47 years of my life putting up with his insults, bullying and control. Finally, the day came where I realized that I couldn't take it one more day. I sat down on my bathroom floor and cried. I cried out to God in intense pain saying, "He's always so mean to me! I can't take this anymore! I give up, God! I surrender!"

A few weeks went by and I began to receive phone calls from people that had known my dad for years telling me about his recent strange behavior. He was visiting his bank numerous times a day for exactly the same thing. A long time dentist was concerned about the way he was forgetting. He had paid his monthly rent three times. At first I wasn't sure what I should to do. When I asked my dad questions he wouldn't answer.

Some time went by before I was able to get a diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease, but when I did I felt such a great sadness. He'd never taken the time to get to know me. He'd never taken the opportunity to tell me that he was sorry.

As I was packing up dad's belongings to move him into a home I came across notes on pictures and papers. There were photos of me with the words he'd written, "My beautiful, lovely daughter, I love my daughter so much." Next to my phone number it said, "I'm so proud she's my daughter."

I now sit and watch the man who use to be my dad and realize for the first time in his life, he is happy. He smiles and laughs and sings. He is no longer able to control. He no longer remembers to be mean. Alzheimer's stole my dad's memory, but gave a gift to me.

.

"Under God...In God We Trust"

2009-01-26T21:39:00.000-08:00

I am a bit of a rebel when it comes to my faith, but I haven't yet felt a need to protest to the courts when my same beliefs are not held by others, like Michael Newdow. I understand that he does not like the words, "Under God and In God We Trust" and would like the references to God removed from our currency. I assume he would like it removed from everything. I'm not sure if he will ever be successful in this endeavor, but if he is, his name will go down in history and he will at least be remembered for something. I suppose we all want to be remembered for something. I'm assuming Mr. Newdow feels strongly about this and truly believes he is right.

I wish I had all the right words to change Michael Newdow's mind, but I don't. I wish he could feel the love of God as I do, but obviously he doesn't. The only thing I can do is watch him as he spends his life here on earth pursuing his cause. As for myself, I will remember Mr. Newdow in my Prayers and I hope that others will do the same. And if Mr. Newdow manages to have the words, "In God We Trust," removed from our currency I will immediately drive to the nearest store and purchase a permanent marker. As I said before, I am a bit of a rebel.

Changes

2009-01-26T21:20:00.000-08:00

And the days went by like paper in the wind, everything changed then changed again-Tom Petty

I love this quote and how it truly expresses how I feel about my life, although I'm often quite resistant to change. Some days, perhaps many, I wish my life would just stay the same. But over the years I've come to realize that growth and compassion cannot enter a still heart, and that the heart must be challenged. It's my hope that I will meet those challenges with honesty and integrity. That I may learn my lessons before they become huge problems and mostly, that I chose to forgive each and every hurt. For the one constant in my life has been my faith and as it grows, I believe, so will my wisdom.