Peace in the Storm

We had a huge set of thunderstorms roll through last night.  Thunder, constant lightning, rain, but mostly wind.  Wind gusts up to 70-80 mph.  After losing power and restlessly going to sleep in the hot house (Virginia was around 104 degrees yesterday), we heard a crash outside, and my husband said, “There went a tree.”  We awoke this morning to sun, blue skies, and an intact house.  There are leaves and branches down everywhere, and one small tree came down in our side yard, but God was good.  No major damage.

As I was laying in bed last night, listening to the winds howl, I felt strangely fatalistic and amazingly peaceful.  I know that God controls the winds and the rain, and I also know, I’m not sure how I know but I do, that He loves me also.  I just kept singing in my mind, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus…”  and somehow I fell asleep.  Now I know compared to storms that others have gone through, this one was a small one.  But at the time, it was scary.  And Jesus was my peace, my calm, in the midst of it.  And I am thankful for that this morning.  Praying that all of you are safe and secure this morning.   Slainte, Lisa

“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.”  (Mark 4:39)

 

On the Edge of Ireland

My husband felt like he was falling off the edge of Ireland as he got this shot, especially with the fierce wind pushing him in that direction also.  But isn’t it amazing?

Near Bray’s Head, County Kerry

Have a wonderful weekend, filled with long walks, air conditioning if you live near my part of the country, swims, bike rides, great conversation, amazing food, and topped to the brim with lots of God’s love.  Slainte, Lisa

The Way Things Look Vs. The Way Things Are

Things aren’t always what they seem.  I heard that saying so much growing up.  Wise words with much behind them when you really think about it.  The older woman who still feels 28 inside.  The “old soul” 9 year old child who feels more comfortable around adults.  The disreputable-looking man who is quite nice and safe, but no-one will get close enough to discover that.  The polished, attractive woman who is sour and mean inside.  Here are some pictures that are not what they seem.

In this picture, I appear to have a very short body and big head. No snide comments, please! haha 🙂

My son appears much farther away than he really is.

Jesus said once, “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.” (Luke 11:39)  This verse really makes me think, because I know I’ve been guilty of this sometimes in my life.  Trying to polish up the outside and make it look good, while inside I’m full of not-so-attractive thoughts.  I am so thankful that God is still working on me, and He will never give up!  🙂  Be encouraged!  Slainte, Lisa

Blarney Blog Log

First of all, you have to say the title of this entry three times, fast:

“Blarney blog log, Blarney blog log, Blarney blog log…”

Laughing yet?  Ok, I tried.  🙂

We found this log in a play area near Blarney Castle, Ireland.  It was surprisingly hard to climb up, but as usual, my guys showed their climbing skills off to great advantage.

“Climbing is as close as we can come to flying.”    — Margaret Young, aviator and alpinist

(Yes!  I got a flying reference in!  🙂  ) May your day be blessed, whether walking, riding, climbing, or flying.

Slainte, Lisa

 

For the Love of a Good Sheep Picture

For a person who owns no sheep, I certainly seem to be fascinated with them.  People who do own them tell me that they have their share of problems. (As do we all.)  But you have to admit, they are cute and furry, with their little plump bodies and small legs.  Hence, I have an excessive amount of sheep pictures.  Today, I am sharing two of my favorites with you.  And if you see a sheep today, baa happy.  Slainte, Lisa

Two content sheep with Joshua at Kell’s Priory

Sheep with nice haircuts