Saturday, December 19, 2015

"How To Be Completely Fulfilled" - Inspirational Weekend


"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength......."  -  Mark 12:30




Mark 12:30 (quoted above) tells us to love God above all else, and to love Him with all of our very being.   If that is not right in your soul, then nothing in your life will be right.   God is love,    (1 John 4:16) and He wants to have a love relationship with you.   That is the purpose of your life, to have fellowship with God.    This close personal relationship with the Creator is the most important thing in your life.  And that includes being a follower of Jesus; a true believer in Him as your Savior.

Where to begin?   If you are not saved, have not yet accepted Jesus as your Redeemer and Savior, you need to come to God in prayer and confess all known sin and to truly repent and to bring your life into harmony with God's will.   Confess your belief in Jesus Christ and ask for forgiveness.   God will answer that prayer if you are sincere.

The next step is to pray continually.....the relationship with God cannot grow if you do not communicate with Him.    Also, read the Bible for in it you learn about God and Jesus, their attributes and character and their great love for you.  The love of God was manifested by Him sending His Son to die for us, that we might live through Him.     (1 John 4:9-10),    


In this modern world with all of its electronic devices to distract us, not to mention everyone seems to be living at an unbelievable fast pace with a long to-do list daily,  no wonder the majority of people do not find time to spend in prayer and fellowship with God.   This includes Christians.   How can we expect God to appreciate no attention paid to Him?   All the "stuff" in the world will soon be passing away.   "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.  If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world,  the lust of the flesh,  and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father , but is of the world.   And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof:  but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."  -  1 John 2:15-17

All distractions, whether it be electronic devices or just always wanting more, more, more......and striving after pleasurable pursuits continuously, will keep you from the most important thing in the world which is time and fellowship spent with the Lord.    All of the "stuff" cannot satisfy and fulfill you like a living and loving relationship with God through Jesus Christ.   Wake up !   This world and everything in it will be passing away and, for true believers, a new heaven and a new earth will be our home.  

"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, and the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burnt up.  Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,...........Nevertheless, we according to His promise , look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness."  -  2 Peter 3: 10-13

Previous posts here have discussed how we are living in the last days.   I am sure you have noticed how violent and crazy the world has gotten, not to mention numerous earthquakes and other natural disasters all mentioned in Matthew 24 and Luke 21 and Mark 13.   Human beings tend to get so caught up in everyday life that at times they don't even give God a thought.  How tragic !   For in God and Jesus is found true contentment, and meaning, and true fulfillment.   He gives peace and joy and comfort and contentment.    I used to be a wreck and a constant worrier; the Lord has taught me how to cast all my cares upon Him  -  1 Peter 5:7   

Spend time with God before you begin each day.  It will change everything !

Below is a lovely video for your weekend.



"These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace.  In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."    -   John 16:33

Monday, December 14, 2015

The Beautiful Island of Kauai, Hawaii (Photos and Videos)



Hanalei Bay Pier

Hanalei Beach is a must do on the island of Kauai.   Be sure to take photographs at sunset time if you can.....like I have missed doing each time I have been there.   Maybe next time.   

Kauai is the oldest of the main Hawaiian Island chain, and is found to the most northern point of the chain.  It is known as the "Garden Island."   Much information may be found on the Internet about Kauai; this post is meant primarily to be a visual feast for the eyes.  All photographs were taken by myself; the videos by others.


Hanalei Beach


Hanalei Valley Taro Fields

Taro is a staple in the diet of Hawaiians, and most of it is grown right here in flooded fields.  
Those "white patches" in the photograph are water.






Hawaiian Red Jungle Fowl

Hawaiian Red Jungle Fowl are everywhere to be found running wild all over Kauai as well as the other Hawaiian Islands.    Some are more tame than others; the genuine wild red jungle fowl are more in isolated areas and are not tame.  Many have interbred with domestic chickens.    Notice the rubber slipper.....again, found everywhere in the islands.   People dress very casual here, as a rule.


Kilauea Point Lighthouse


This lighthouse was built in 1913 and for 62 years its light guided commerce ships between Asia and Hawaii.   It is located at Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, which is  2 miles north of historic Kilauea town on the northern tip of Kauai.  

There are thousands of migratory birds that use the refuge for resting, nesting and foraging.  You will find red-footed boobies, brown boobies, frigatebirds, tropic birds, and wedge-tailed shearwaters here.
Also, in the 1990's, a few Nene, Hawaii's state bird which is an endangered species, were introduced here and are doing quite well.   Below are some Nene which are interested in a tasty apple.





There are quite a few videos on YouTube showing beautiful scenery found on Kauai.   Below are two I chose for you to enjoy.   Check out YouTube for others.






Kauai has the wettest spot to be found in the United States; check it out.
Go here to find out more about Hawaiian Red Jungle Fowl.
Some other information to be found on Nene, Hawaii's State bird, can be found here