Reflection | A Daisy Garden

Archive for the ‘Reflection’ Category

Happy Father’s Day!

Posted in Reflection, tagged Family, Holidays, inspirational, Joy, Reflection on June 16, 2013| 13 Comments »

Today, in honor of Father’s Day, I’d like to mention my father.

He has been an inspiration and a joy to me my whole life.

When I was just a toddler, he left his country to bring his family (my Mom, my brother, and me) to a country in which he did not know one single person and could not speak the language. He gave up the career he was studying back in his country and signed up for some English language classes and a program in the nearest technical/career school. He graduated from both and though he did not become wealthy, he was successful in his field and was able to provide for his family. He is a hard worker and is also one of the kindest and most generous men I know.

Growing up, not a day went by that I did not know for certain that my Dad loved me. The older I get, the more I realize what a tremendous gift that was. I thank God for my father, and my desire is to show him everyday that I love him, too. I call him every single day, we chat for a bit, and always end every conversation by saying, “I love you”.

I feel very blessed and thank God everyday that my Dad is still healthy. I almost lost him many years ago and he was miraculously healed. I often tell people not to take their loved ones for granted. Cherish them. Call them. Tell them over & over how much you love them.

Happy Father’s Day everyone!

Daisy

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A Picnic in the Country

Posted in Photography, Reflection, Travel, tagged Country LIfe, Horses, photography, Reflection, Summer, Travel on June 11, 2013| 11 Comments »

I know I just posted a photo of a horse I met on a little country road…

but I couldn’t wait to share these pictures with you…

My husband and I were on our way to a church picnic…

I had no idea that we would be way out in the country…

But as we drove in, I couldn’t believe my eyes!

There were lots of cows, chickens, and these two beautiful horses!

I immediately took out my camera and began taking pictures.
The cows didn’t like me too much, they actually scared me.
But the horses were very nice and weren’t camera-shy.

If you’re from the city, a day in the country can be literally “a breath of fresh air”.
For me, it’s usually like taking a trip back in time.
A slower pace.
Time to reflect.
No signal… so no cell phone calls.
I can feel the stress begin to fade away.

If you’re with a loved one, or with a friend, it can be so special.
Or even if you’re by yourself, it can be a time for refreshing.
The breeze, the sounds of the outdoors in the background.

There’s something about getting away from the noise and distractions we are used to,
and going outdoors where we can slow down, be quiet, enjoy the ancient art of talking
to one another (instead of texting, or using the social media).

If you get the chance anytime soon,
to go out to the country…
go for it.
Enjoy the quiet, and the scenery.

Happy refreshing!

Daisy

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An honest look…

Posted in Photography, Reflection, tagged Direction, inspirational, Joy, photography, Reflection, Scripture, Strength on May 28, 2013| 23 Comments »

This entry is going to be very different from all the previous ones…
I usually have a photo, and have humorous things to say about it,
or I have some project I’ve been working on that I want to tell you about.
Not today…

The last few months have been a bit trying.

I’m not going to sugar-coat it or make it sound happy.

The main reason I started this blog
was because I wanted a place where I could have an outlet
for my creative projects, including photography, sewing, etc.

But also, I wanted to make new friends,
be a blessing to others,
and be able to write about whatever was on my heart.

Well, the last couple of weeks, I have had no desire to even open this page.
Or sew, or write, or do anything creative…
My health hasn’t been great, (severe migraines)
along with other challenging situations.

Dealing with a variety of things at once is a lot of what life is like
for most of us. It isn’t easy, or pleasant, and there are times we may feel
overwhelmed and even too weary to deal with one more thing.

Where does strength come from in times like these?

Looking back,
throughout most of my life, (from the age of 13),
I can honestly say that there has been a constant
that has carried me through very difficult times,
even those of great grief…

I’d sit with the Bible open on my lap,
the tears streaming down my face.
I’d pour my heart out to God
and knew and felt that He heard me
that He was with me.
I was not alone.
His strength and His comfort got me through so many
very difficult times.

And so it is still true today.
Whether severe physical pain,
in the ER, not knowing what’s going to happen the next minute…
or just simple challenges that come up everyday,
nothing too earth-shattering but still feeling the need
for wisdom and guidance,
for everyday strength and joy.

I was reminded this past weekend of a verse you’ve probably heard before…
“My grace is sufficient for you,
for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor. 12:9)

As I was writing here now, a song came on and I’d like to share it with you:
by Steven Curtis Chapman, His Strength is Perfect (click to listen).

I’m so thankful that some of you actually emailed me or commented
to tell me you missed me and wondering how I was doing.
That meant so much to me.
Thank you so very much!
I value your friendship more than you know.

May God bless you this week in a wonderful way!
Love to you all,
Daisy

“His strength is perfect.”

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Amy Carmichael

Posted in Photography, Reflection, Sunday, tagged Direction, Favorite Authors, inspirational, photography, Reflection, Sunday on January 20, 2013| 7 Comments »

I’d like to introduce you to one of my favorite authors, Amy Carmichael.
She was born in 1867 in Northern Ireland and became a missionary to India.

This is one of my favorites of her poems…

Flame of God

From prayer that asks that I may be
Sheltered from winds that beat on Thee,
From fearing when I should aspire,
From faltering when I should climb higher
From silken self, O Captain, free
Thy soldier who would follow Thee.

From subtle love of softening things,
From easy choices, weakenings,
(Not thus are spirits fortified,
Not this way went the Crucified)
From all that dims Thy Calvary
O Lamb of God, deliver me.

Give me the love that leads the way,
The faith that nothing can dismay
The hope no disappointments tire,
The passion that will burn like fire;
Let me not sink to be a clod;
Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God

Have a blessed Sunday!

Daisy

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JOY

Posted in Photography, Reflection, Sunday, tagged Family, photography, Scripture, Sunday on January 6, 2013| 15 Comments »

JOY…

This is the word I’ve chosen for 2013.

I’m keeping a journal, filled with photography and writing as I find joy in each day. I’m really looking forward to it!

As I look ahead to 2013,
Here are just a few of the many things in 2012 that brought joy to me…

Taking photos of our friends’ kids and blessing them with a scrapbook filled with the prints as a gift.

So much fun to take photos of children!

Trip to Venice Beach, FL with my daughter and son-in-law.

Playing with Kitty and finding a home for her and her kittens.

My son’s graduation from College!

Trips to the beach.

My son’s wedding!

Trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina.

Lloyd, the wonder dog 🙂

Trip to the Capital and the Smithsonian museums.

Sewing and Quilting…

And I have tons of other photos I could include here,
but I’ll look forward to many, many other reasons for joy in 2013
and I’ll be posting about them.

Have a blessed Sunday!!

Then our mouth was filled with laughter
And our tongue with JOYful shouting;
Then they said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
Psalm 126:2

Love to you all,

Daisy

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Old Hymn

Posted in Photography, Reflection, tagged Christmas, Music, photography, Reflection on December 21, 2012| 11 Comments »

Old Hymn, very timely for today…

Leading up to this Christmas, the words to this ancient hymn have been playing over and over in my head…

Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

Amen!

Written by Charles Wesley in 1744

Have a blessed weekend!

Daisy

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Where Was God?

Posted in Reflection, tagged Reflection on December 20, 2012| 6 Comments »

I have been away from the blogging world since I heard the horrific news of the tragedy in Connecticut.

Children killed.
Two words that should never be used together…

I had lots to say, and…
I initially wrote a long post about it;
but, since I don’t like long posts, and I still found myself at a loss for words…
I thought I would just share this video with you instead.

Where was God?

My prayers are with the families of the victims.

Tell your loved ones how much you love them.

Everyday.

Daisy