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
"I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." - Psalm 34:4
This photograph of mine was taken from an overlook which looks out over Hanalei Valley on the island of Kauai, showing the taro fields. Hawaii is often called Paradise, and indeed it is very beautiful here and if you are spiritually sensitive, it does cause you to dwell on the awesomeness of God and His power and might - and love - to create such beauty. Areas such as the one shown above give you a sense of peace and faith in a good God.
But when we feel threatened by anything, our sense of security is shattered and we can give way to fear and anxiety, which is normal and healthy when in danger. But things such as wars -- like what is going on in the Middle-East right now and Russia increasing troops and cruise missiles and fighter jets and other build up in Syria can make people fear it is leading up to another World War -- and it might be. In Ezekiel 38 and 39 the Bible speaks of Gog of Magog (which most scholars agree is referring to Russia) and it is a good description of what is beginning to happen right now. Another related note, Isaiah 17:1 says, "The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap." In other words, Damascus will be completely destroyed, and all indications are that that could happen soon. Russia is helping Syria and they are close to the Israeli border now. Isaiah 17:9 tells us that Israel will be the one who destroys Damascus : "In that day shall his strong cities be as a forsaken bough, and an uppermost branch, which they left because of the children of Israel: and there shall be desolation."
Some may feel that what is going on in the Middle-East doesn't concern them, perhaps because they are caught up in the struggle of everyday living and everyday problems and don't see beyond their own immediate needs. What happens in Israel and the other countries in that area will affect us.
"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars: and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring. Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh. " - Luke 21:25-28
Everyone will be affected. Unbelievers should tremble at the thought of what is in store for them if they do not turn to Jesus. Believers should not be afraid, but realize their hope and their Savior will soon take them home to heaven. Lift up your heads and keep looking up !
I had intended to write more about prophecy in this post....like about the war in Psalm 83 which many believe will occur before the Gog of Magog war ("They have said, Come, and let us cut them (Israel) off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance." - Psalm 83:4).
Psalm 83 goes on to list the nations that will come against Israel, and some of these nations are not mentioned in the Ezekiel 38 and 39 war, meaning they were no doubt destroyed first in the Psalm 83 war. God is going to protect and deliver Israel. I am sure most readers are familiar with how the Arab nations want to destroy Israel .."wipe them off the map"...because to them Israel is the "Little Satan" and America is the "Great Satan".
It is clear to me that I will have to touch on these subjects separately in future posts. Not only about Bible prophecy, but about fear and anxiety, and faith and courage. Below are some Scriptures to take into consideration ...and into your heart:
"The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe." -
- Proverbs 29:25
"It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." - Deuteronomy 31:8
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
- 2 Timothy 1:7
Following is a video (not mine) of some beautiful landscapes to keep your weekend happy !
You gotta love this happy enthusiasm in the photograph below! (Internet photo)
May your weekend be a happy one ! Think good thoughts and delight in the Lord!
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. " - John 14:27
