Cloud Filled Skies

I am pretty sure that all my friends know that I love watching clouds.

Today's post proves that, once again. The following pictures would not be as good without the clouds in the sky.

All the pictures in this post were taken around southern Manitoba about the middle of June.

I am adding random quotes that I have found.

Sunshine and fresh air are blessings much too grand to take for granted. 

We’re all a little broken, but last time I checked, broken crayons still color.

Be happy, not because everything is good,

But because you can see good in everything.

It’s up to us to see the beauty in everyday things. 

Today is a beautiful day simple because God made it.

These are wild Saskatoons. When ripe, they can be turned into tasty pies or jams.

My prayers are with the many who are feeling the effects of Hurricane Harvey and it's aftermath.

Closing Thought:

Instead of focusing on a to do list,why not start a to be list? 

Things I want to be: 

Happy

 Calm 

Loving 

 Healthy 

Awesome  

Caring

The Wonder Of It All

Heading out to watch the setting sun,I am never sure of what I'll see. The sky may be spectacular, or not.There may be other sights that need to be photographed,or not.

Recently,while waiting for the sun to set,I was busy capturing beauty all around me.

A small bird,I won't even guess at the identification, was sitting on top of this rather large rock.The setting sun was already painting the sky a lovely soft gold,so it made a great backdrop.

OK,most of you know that I love thistles.Even an unopened thistle bud has amazing beauty. The low angle of the sun was creating a beautiful golden glow around this plant.

The grasses along the roadside were not to be ignored. Once again, they had a golden glow in the light of the setting sun.

Sometimes the beauty is not in the west, but in the storm clouds that have passed and are in the eastern sky.

The setting sun paints the storm clouds these lovely shades of peach and blue and purple.The colors defy description.

Just a few clouds on the western horizon, make for a stunning sight as the sun sets.

I enjoy watching the sun sets, each one is different,yet each one has some beauty.

Closing thought today is from the song "The Wonder Of It All"

There's the wonder of sunset at evening,

The wonder as sunrise I see;

But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul

Is the wonder that God loves me.

Refrain

O, the wonder of it all! The wonder of it all!

Just to think that God loves me.

O, the wonder of it all! The wonder of it all!

Just to think that God loves me.

The Ever-changing Sky

The ever changing sky seems to be in my view finder a lot these days. I find such variety and beauty in the sky.I have challenged many folks to make it a habit to look at the sky and take note of the beauty there.

As I scrolled through my photos from the last few months,I found many sky scenes.

A looming thunderstorm is sure to bring good photo opportunities.

Looking to the west at Lake Minniwasta,those clouds looks both amazing and threatening.

While I tend to watch the sky,I am also keenly aware of the beauty at ground level.A head of grass flowers, is so delicate and also easily missed.

 Some time ago,I got a text from Steve.He suggested that it would be a good idea to grab my camera and get out of town, to watch the skies.I was very thankful that I followed his advice.

The skies were amazing.

The evening light gave some amazing colors and contrasts.

The beauty didn't end with the clouds. God put out the most  beautiful double rainbow, for us to enjoy. I had failed to mention that when I went out on Steve's advice,I drove out of town and down a country road.I had seen a car on this road, but as I got closer I realized that Steve and I had picked the same spot from which to photograph the scene.The photos in this post are all ones I have taken.

Friends,please do yourself the favour and watch for the beauty in the skies. We don't have to travel far to see that. Now,if you'll excuse me,I will have to get out of town and see what scenes await me in the sky today.

The Storms Around Us

The problems that we face each day

Can seem too much to bear

Until we turn our eyes to Christ

And trust His tender care.

 Sometimes words fail.It is during times like this that I will allow the words that others have written to speak for me.

I had picked these pictures a long time ago, but as I looked at them today,I somehow thought they were fitting.

I know that some of you are going through dark times.It seems that the storms of life are almost overwhelming.One of my dear friends and a friend to many of you is right now facing a difficult loss.

Betsy,this post was made with you on my mind.

 There comes into every person's life a time when the dark clouds of despair and sorrow are on the horizon and even almost on top of us.

God is the One who makes it well with your soul,

even when it is not well with your circumstances.

 I have often seen so much beauty in the sky and even a dark and stormy sky can have beauty.

Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.

When the storm clouds of life gather we can't see the beauty, but I can say from experience that God can turn a dark experience into a  time of drawing closer to Him and that in itself becomes a blessing. 

One thing is certain, dark skies and dark times in our life do not last forever.

When the storm clouds have passed and the rain has fallen, the beauty is all around us.

As we remember the ones who left us much too soon, tears fall.Let's just remember that,

both tears and smiles bring God praise.

To Betsy and any others who are going through storms of any kind, it is my prayer that God will give you the strength you need for every day.May He hold you in His loving arms and give you the needed peace.

Closing Thought:

I was thinking of you today and prayed for you today…

I asked that whatever you need will be answered in God’s time,

and that you have the strength and endurance to keep going.

Dramatic Skies

Every time we encourage someone, we give them an infusion of courage.

I trust that you will find at least a small measure of encouragement in this blog.

All photos are taken by me,Ruth,unless otherwise noted.

Most of you know that I love watching the sky and here are a few scenes that I have been privileged to see and capture with my camera. I will add some quotes which I have found and enjoyed.

"May God give you eyes to see beauty only the heart can understand."

"When God opens the door of opportunity, we can be sure He will give us the strength to walk through it."

"God still speaks— we just have to open our Bibles and listen."

"Give what you have.

To someone it may be better than you dare to think.'

Be Kind Today

"Rather than argue, agree to disagree."

Closing Thought:

No matter how far apart we are,

I'll always be thinking of you, my friend,

because you mean the world to me.