Water Jump

Thank goodness that this was never encountered on a cross country course!  

               "Eunice Winkless and her diving mare."

Diptych; or City of God, City of Man

"Who is wise and understanding among you?  By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.  But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.  This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.

For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, fully of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."  James 3:13-18

The Truth of the Matter

"Finally be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  And put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, and the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.  Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."   ~ Ephesians 6: 10-13

                                   Michael by Rafael

What Love!

Once upon a time in a faraway land where it is winter for much of the year, there was an orphanage where children waited for a family go come to take them home.  There were three little boys who waited five years for a family and they had become like brothers.  These little boys had to wait so long because they were considered "unadoptable", because they weren't physically perfect.  But, the little brothers loved each other.  

Then the time came when three families from America came and all three little boys went to new homes in another land.  But, they were no longer together.
Their new country was large and they were far apart now, but the new families understood how the boys loved one another and made arrangements for them stay in touch with each other.  

Then one day, one of the families got a phone call from another family saying that they were moving to the same town because of Dad's job!  And they did.  And not only that, they moved to a house just down the road, so now two friends, who loved each other like brothers, were together again.  The End.

This is a true story, and today I watched as the two boys celebrated their birthdays together at a local restaurant.  It was riveting to watch their great affection and love for one another, and to know that that love began in another place, faraway.  
But, is this not like the great love and kindness of the Lord?  That He would take orphaned children who were "unwanted" and not only give them families, but give them each other?  How great is the love of the Father, a husband to the widow and a father to the fatherless!  We will never be lost nor forsaken with such a Father as this.