Beauty in the Here-Below
“Now if I believe in God’s Son and remember that He became man, all creatures will appear a hundred times more beautiful to me than before. Then I will properly appreciate the sun, the moon, the stars, trees, apples, as I reflect that he is Lord over all things. … God writes the Gospel, not in the Bible alone, but also on trees, and in the flowers and clouds and stars.”
— Martin Luther
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{unto the glory} Here are a few favorite web finds this week.
• INSPIRATION: For the days when you feel like your work, your art, or your life lacks originality. Read Kelly Sauer’s exquisite words here. ” … it’s hard to put myself out there with my astounding lack of originality and pretend that I still feel comfortable existing when so many other people are more original than I am.”
• A GOD-INCIDENCE: Do you think you’re headed the wrong way or took the wrong turn? Read Angie Smith’s story at Bring the Rain.
• CREATIVITY: Ann Voskamp shares 25 ways to be creative this weekend. (Wonderfully helpful resources!)
• A GOOD LAUGH: Do you remember those sweet little roller-babies? My girls’ Mema recently introduced them to this video, and we’ve been watching it over and over again this week. Guaranteed smiles!
Linking with Deidra Riggs and Sandra Heska King this weekend…
Love Martin Luther’s words here. And I am crazy for the barn photo too. All beauty. Wishing your His grace this weekend and some restful, peacefilled spaces too.
Hi Elizabeth,
This little barn houses our two baby calves. It’s the only “old” out-building on our place. Most of our buildings are new, including our house, because we moved back to the farm 10 years ago. My husband’s mother still lives on the home-place. Anyway, I love the nostalgia of old barns. Thanks for being here.
Oh, how I love old barns and Luther’s wisdom and you.
Thank you, Sandy. And I appreciate the gathering at your place every Saturday. xo
Omigosh – those babies are to DIE for. How in heck did they do that??
Diana! Hi there! You’re my first commenter since adding Disqus here a bit ago. Did you have any trouble. And can you tell me if you’re seeing this reply? 🙂 (You’re my guinea pig.)
Regarding the babies, here’s a short video that gives a little insight on the making of the roller babies movie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AokXh3lua7g
No trouble, though I was nervous when I saw it was the new version. And your reply came to my inbox. Haven’t gone out to see if it’s at your site, but I’m guessing yes.
Are people having trouble with the new version of Disqus? Additionally, I tried to import all of my WordPress comments, but it sort of stalled out. So most of my posts show ZERO comments. I hope they’re not gone forever. 🙁 … Thanks for helping me test this out, Diana.
Weren’t you in on that discussion over at The High Calling? Both Sheila and I had trouble posting at a couple of essays there this week. We tried switching browsers, etc., but each of us had difficulty no matter which one we used. So…I’m not updating mine just yet. I think there are some kinds still to be worked out. But I have found their help site to be pretty fast and kind, too. I installed disqus at my site about 3 or 4 months ago and everything worked. Thank goodness, because I am such a techno-phobe and dummy that I wouldn’t have a clue what to do if it didn’t work.
Yes, Diana, I was in on that. Did that get resolved for you?
I was able to post through Firefox – but without photo or moniker. Got photo and moniker through Safari – but no post. Weird. Sheila was using a completely different browser and had some problems, too. With both browsers, I got only a tiny comment box that did not expand as I typed, making it difficult to proof/change. I think there a few kinks in the new version still to be worked through.
Oh, and thanks for the follow-up video. What an enormous amount of work…but such a great end result!
I’ve read most of those you suggested and you’re right great reads! Thank you for your kind comment on my blog, I really appreciated it. Have a great weekend, friend.
Hi Alecia,It sounds like we’ve been running through the same cyber-neighborhoods this week. 🙂 … Alecia, did you have any trouble at all commenting on this Disqus system? I just uploaded it, and want to make sure it’s ok with my friends who stop by here in the comment box.
Weathered barns have a special intrigue all of their own. I like the way you have shared this in thought and image.
Thank you, Susan. I had to alter the color of the barn, darkening it, so I could post the words in a way that they would be seen. But the original is even better. 🙂 … This is where the girls’ 4-H calves are living.
Your photo is really neat. And connecting it to Martin Luther. That takes real insight in our present day and age. Thanks.
Hi Joanne! Thank you so much for dropping by this weekend. Did you have any trouble using my Disqus commenting system? I just uploaded it this afternoon. I couldn’t import any of my old comments from WordPress, so that was disappointing, but I’ll keep trying!
I haven’t had any trouble reaching you, but I’m such a non-techie person and I need to learn more, do more. MAYBE when I drop up to visit you [which I hope won’t be a long time from now], you can show me what to do. I’ll definitely bring my laptop.
The worn and ragged, the scarred and broken, tell a story only they could tell.
such powerful imagery. good job…
Thank you, Sharon. Grateful that God can redeem all things, make all things beautiful in its time.
Oh, Those babies always make me smile! Thanks for that! Love the quote, as well.
🙂 … They’ve stolen our hearts here at the Lee house.
I like that Martin Luther eventually narrowed it down to apples.
And I like that you notice such things.
glad yes…..grateful, glad Yes! to this:)
swooning over that weathered wood
and those wise words.
thanks for the stir,
Jennifer
Hi Jennifer!
Hope you’re having a blessed weekend. Thanks for stopping by.
worn & weathered like sinner becoming saints … It’s all a beautiful process with much evidence for the watchman to share.
Yes, yes, Sonya. I like that.
As a 12 yr severe chronic pain sufferer this verse really resonates with me. I thank the Heavenly Father for showing me the beauty within my pain.
I hope you have a blessed week.
That Martin Luther quote has been a favorite for a long time. Awesome photo, Jennifer.