reflections...

Tonight I was reflecting on what it is to be a reflection of Christ-- to reflect God, to reflect His glory--to show others what He looks like, acts like, loves like. Some of my favorite photos from my trip to Michigan this fall were photos of fall foliage reflected in a pond near my uncle's lakeside cottage. As we drove past the pond, I pulled the van to a screeching halt as I saw the beauty not only of the trees themselves, but also of the reflection of the trees in the water. It was stunning...

The colors themselves were lovely, but the reflection in the water was that much MORE amazing! The reflection made it doubly beautiful!

I began to think about what makes a really good reflection? Stillness of the water surface is the key ingredient. When the breeze blew, or a fish or frog jumped, the surface of the water was disturbed, and the reflection was unclear...more like a watercolor than a photograph... an artist's rendition rather than a clear reflection... But, when the water was still... mmmm. A beautifully crisp and clear reflection....
So, how do I become a clear and crisp and beautiful reflection of God?

Psalm 46:10 gives us a hint: "Be still, and know that I am God." If we will be still and know in the very depths of our being, in the depths of our spirits, that He is God, that stillness--that complete heart-and-mind-and-soul-and-strength knowledge of God--will be reflected in our lives. It will be reflected in the peace and joy on our faces and in our daily walks. (even in the midst of trouble or turmoil)

And others will see God's reflection...clearly, beautifully, fully. Then, like the water in the pond, they will not notice US, they will notice God in us. They will see a true reflection of God--of Who He is and what He is like--if we will be still in His love.

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory,

are being transformed into his likeness

with ever-increasing glory,

which comes from the Lord

~ 2 Corinthians 3:18

This, then, is my prayer for today... that I may be still and know that He is God...that others may see His glory reflected in me and in my life... that they may stand in awe of Who He is and know that He is Lord.

homeward bound...

Today I am homeward bound, winging my way 2500 miles across the country... my luggage is a bit overweight but then so is my heart --with the memories gathered over the past week spent with loved ones and with the emotions that go with the leaving. Whomever it was who said "Parting is such sweet sorrow" really nailed it on the head! (I also carry far too many photos home with me as well...many of which I shall surely be sharing with you as soon as I am back on DSL! There are just so many photo opportunities in the country!!)

(my plane flying over Michigan)

...Enjoy your Sabbath rest and worship...

• the mystery of flight (think about it!) (108)
• colorful views from above (107)
• having family and friends to miss (106)
• coming home (105)
• memories of time shared together (104)

seeing beauty...

Never lose an opportunity

of seeing anything beautiful,

for beauty is God's handwriting.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

rainy days and Mondays...

Perhaps you remember that old song by the Carpenters that says "rainy days and Mondays always get me down..." Well, today is a Monday, and it is also a rainy day here in Michigan. Unlike the Carpenters, I don't mind a rainy day much at all...not even when it's on a Monday! Especially since I live in sunny, barely-ever-get-any-rain southern California, I rather LOVE a rainy day!

I also find the colors of fall to be more striking on gloomy days when they do not have to compete with the bright sun. Since I can only seem to upload a single picture (or maybe two, if I'm lucky), I thought I would post one of my rainy-day tree photos (can't keep a nature-lovin' photographer out of the rain!!)...

Many of the trees have already lost their fall finery, but there are still some dressed in outstanding oranges, radiant reds, and grand greens. When we're driving somewhere, I continually pull the car over to the side of the road when I spot a pretty tree. I simply MUST take their photographs! (my mom is quite used to it by now and is very accomodating of my stopping-to-take-a-picture habit!)

...so here's to rainy Mondays ... and these wonderful fall colors!!

• beautiful colors made brighter in the gloom (101)
• rainy days! (100)
• Mondays to start off a new week (99)

a beautiful sunny fall day...

...for your viewing pleasure, and to contrast with yesterday's "post of gloom"--a few photos of the beautiful sunny and blue-skied fall day today in Chicago...
And here, from my hotel room window, is a teeny tiny view of the famous Sears Tower in downtown Chicago... far off in the distance yet still recognizable... And today, I went outside for a few minutes to get 'up close and personal' with that gloriously golden tree I showed you yesterday...It was quite lovely from underneath, especially in contrast with the brilliant blue of the sky and the wonderful fluffy white cotton-ball clouds... (I found a little surprise in the tree that I'll share with you another day!)
The leaves below were from yet another tree decked out in yellows... they were too marvelous to resist a few close-ups...

So, here's to another fine day of fall yellows, this time accentuated by a striking background of blue and white. Early tomorrow morning I'm off to the airport and Michigan where I hope to find some lovely oranges and reds in Michigan to share later this week!