Inspirational Weekend - Encouragement , "Help, I Need Somebody"

"Be assured, if you walk with Him and look to Him, and expect help from Him, He will never fail you."  -  George Mueller

Happy weekend, everyone!  I hope the beautiful orchids above brighten your day(s) as we share special thoughts together now;  thoughts to encourage you and give you hope.   We all need encouragement and at times a helping hand.

Internet Photograph

Someone to help us hang in there and hold on.   Friends and family are wonderful supporters, but ultimately only the good LORD can give us the exact help and encouragement we need through His Word and the Holy Spirit.   I speak from experience, because  I have been through some horrendous times and only prayer and God's Word and the Holy Spirit have seen me through and given me strength and endurance to ride out the storm.   I am very thankful and give Him all the glory.

One Scripture I have memorized is Isaiah 41:10 =   "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  Another comforting verse is Hebrews 13:5 b  =  ".....I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

What wonderful and encouraging promises from God !     

Bird Of Paradise 

"May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word."    .... 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Calla Lilies

Remember, our attitude has a lot to do with how we respond to various trials and tests.   So it is good to be absorbed daily in Scriptures so we will be inclined to always have a Christ-like attitude.   Then we will not be overcome by our circumstances but will triumph over them with the Lord's help.   

"When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."   -  Franklin D. Roosevelt

"When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it."  -  Henry Ford

Remember, true friends and supportive family is a big plus, but even they can oppose you and turn against you unexpectedly.    If you are  a true believer, the Lord will never forsake you or leave you and, ultimately, He is our true source of help....our counselor, our redeemer, our comforter, our Savior.     Yes, I need somebody....we all do....and first and foremost that is God and Jesus.   

Below is a beautiful video (not mine) with soft music to relax you and to awe you with beauty:

Below is a photograph (not mine) for humor :

Psalm 55:22... Cast your burden on the LORD, and He will sustain you;  He will never permit the righteous to be moved.

Inspirational Weekend - Where Your Treasure Is

"For where your treasure is there will your heart be also." - Matthew 6:21

The treasure hunter above was up at sunrise at Waikiki, searching tirelessly on the beach for what he could find to claim as his own.   So many people search in vain for material things to bring them happiness; a fleeting happiness that, as time goes on, needs to be replaced by something newer, shinier, fancier, to fill a void they find in their soul.  It reminds me of that hymn by Marty Haugen, "Where Your Treasure Is".....where it says, "All that you possess will never set you free. Seek the things that last; come and learn from me."   There is nothing wrong with nice possessions, just don't let them possess you.   

There are many things that I have treasured over the years.   Of course we all treasure our children and grandchildren, and that is well and good.   But I went to the excess to find something fulfilling to fill the void .....at one point I had over 100 African Violets, not to mention over 50 rose bushes and several persian cats.   I had a full time job and also painted every spare minute and attended various art shows.  All of this going on at the same time.  I get tired now just thinking about all that !

Let me share with you some things I still treasure, but now in moderation.

Frosty Cherry Russian African Violet

Orchids

Fall Foliage

Sunsets and the ocean

Wildlife and beautiful birds

Beautiful Scenery

This is Hanalei Valley on Kauai, Hawaii

We all treasure things such as these.   I am drawn to beautiful things found in nature.  And of course I derive much pleasure from photography and my painting.   But these things do not have control of me like they used to.    I have found not just the temporary happiness through material things or selfish pursuits, but true joy and peace and contentment from the good Lord.   Isaiah 33:6b says "....the fear of the LORD is his treasure."

I say all of that because this world we live in is not the same as it was even 20 years ago.  There is uncertainty about the future and fear in people's hearts.   We need something true to hang on to; something - Someone- we can trust and rely upon.    Let's keep looking up !  

Below is a photograph (not mine) for humor :

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Orchids

"If you get simple beauty and naught else, you get about the best thing God invents." - Robert Browning

Orchids are just breathtakingly beautiful and I enjoy them so much.   I have a good "green thumb" except when it comes to orchids; I rarely buy an orchid plant because its fate is doomed in my hands as most of the time they do not survive under my care.   Other plants, especially African Violets, do very well for me.

I have taken more photographs of orchids which I will share soon.   Hope these beauties above help make a  pleasant day for you.   

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