Pictorial Lessons

February 4, 2015 by adaisygarden

I realized once again today,
that very often God uses what I call “Pictorial Lessons”

to remind me of something,
to teach me something,
to help me see things clearer or in a new perspective… etc…

I can remember times when I sat by the shore of the ocean
by myself, watching the sun rise (or set)…

Some of those times I poured out my heart to God,
and later, when I got up to leave, I felt I had been in His presence.
He had “heard my cry” as the Bible states, and I felt
Comforted.
Strengthened.
Even filled with peace
and joy.

The ocean… the sun rising or setting on the horizon,
the little sand birds running away from the waves
only to turn around and run towards it again….
So much like children running around, playing and laughing.

The rising & setting of the sun reminding me of the faithfulness
and steadfastness of God.
Many of us have experienced times when we were grieved or heart-broken…
It’s tempting to blame God.
But that is neither true, nor what will bring us healing or
help us to overcome and continue on…

The mountains that remind me that He is my strength..

“I love You, O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalms 18:1-2

Hiking in the mountains and suddenly coming upon a small waterfall, a river, a lake…
It is a reminder (another “Pictorial Lesson”) for me:
“For I satisfy the weary ones and refresh everyone who languishes.” Jeremiah 31:25

Oh, Lord, sometimes I’m weary and I need your strength.
Refresh my heart;
Strengthen me.

Looking at the mountain ridges, and seeing the beautiful colors…
I’m reminded that God is the magnificent Creator
and we are His most prized creation…
“I have loved you with an everlasting love” Jeremiah 31:3

Sometimes I don’t feel so loved and appreciated, Lord;
Thank you for reminding me that You have always loved me
and
you
always
will.

****************************

He has created beautiful things for us to enjoy
and to bring us joy…
“Splendor and majesty are before Him, Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.” Psalm 96:6

Here are a few examples:

I find rest in You, Oh Lord.

Children . . . they always make me smile
and remind me of Your tenderness towards me.

Flowers – what a wonderful array of colors and smells –
Oh, Lord, I marvel at Your amazing attention to detail.

Seek the Lord and His strength;
Seek His face continually.
Remember His wonders which He has done,
His marvels and the judgments uttered by His mouth,
Psalm 105:4-5

I pray this was of encouragement to you
as it was to me.

Daisy

Posted in Photography, Reflection | Tagged Beach, flowers, inspirational, Joy, Ocean, photography, Reflection, Scripture | 17 Comments

17 Responses

on February 4, 2015 at 2:36 pm | Reply Apple Hill Cottage

Oh, it was! Thank you.
- on February 5, 2015 at 6:14 pm | Reply adaisygarden
  
  So glad! 🙂
on February 4, 2015 at 3:07 pm | Reply Laura Conowitch

Beautiful!
- on February 5, 2015 at 6:14 pm | Reply adaisygarden
  
  Thank you, Laura! Appreciate your comment!
on February 4, 2015 at 3:56 pm | Reply quilt32

Such beautiful pictures and words. I have only been able to see the ocean twice in my 80+ years and I was enthralled, but as you showed in your post, there are many other beautiful sights and I’ve taken full advantage of those. Thank you for such a lovely post.
- on February 5, 2015 at 6:18 pm | Reply adaisygarden
  
  What a sweet comment, Lillian! It meant a lot to me. When I lived many hours away from the ocean, I must say I really missed it. But like you said, there are other sights that we can enjoy. The first time I saw “real mountains” — the Canadian Rockies — I was speechless. There was snow on the top and it was so beautiful! If I had to choose between the ocean or the mountains, it wouldn’t be easy for me 🙂
on February 5, 2015 at 11:14 pm | Reply Debbie

Thank you for encouraging me/us! This year has started off kind of rough and I know several other people going through really rough things too . . .so I will share you with them! God bless you as you bless others!
- on February 7, 2015 at 3:49 pm | Reply adaisygarden
  
  Thanks, Debbie. The past weeks have been a bit challenging for me also. I pray that the rest of the year will be filled with joy for you 🙂
on February 8, 2015 at 11:57 am | Reply Charis Psallo

Wonderful!
on February 9, 2015 at 12:26 pm | Reply Wendy L. Macdonald

Daisy, thank you for blessing us with these lovely words, scriptures, and pictures. Simply beautiful.

Hugs ~ Wendy ❀
on February 10, 2015 at 11:48 pm | Reply Anne@FromMySweetHeart

Your pictures are always so awe inspiring Daisy! And I know what you mean about a pictorial lesson. On a drive home from a very hectic day, a day which was so busy it felt like a blur…..I turned in a bend in the road to see a beautiful full moon partially hidden by some beautiful dark clouds….and I suddenly felt thankful for that one brief moment in my day. Wish I could have captured that as a photo! Thank you so much for sharing. : )
- on February 17, 2015 at 9:04 pm | Reply adaisygarden
  
  Thank you for that!
on February 15, 2015 at 8:35 pm | Reply Rhonda Sittig

Incredible photos Daisy (are they all yours?) and wonderful true words– You’re right we need to see all round us that draws us to God–not go rushing by it. Thank you for the thoughtful beautiful post.
- on February 17, 2015 at 9:09 pm | Reply adaisygarden
  
  Thank you, Rhonda! Yes, I’m happy to say I took each of the photos. I try to always have my camera with me. 🙂
  - on February 20, 2015 at 5:11 pm Rhonda Sittig
    
    They really were stunning Daisy– I wish I were close enough to get some photo lessons from you!
on March 14, 2015 at 8:42 am | Reply creativityandfamily

So beautiful a reminder of the wonders of creation and how we need to stop and appreciate them, and especially of a wonderful creator. Sharon x
- on March 14, 2015 at 11:18 am | Reply adaisygarden
  
  Thank you! There’s just something about “stopping and appreciating them”, as you said, that helps me remember the Creator and therefore I deal much better with the stress in my life.