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I stumbled on this video early this morning and thought this was worth sharing. A good many regions in the world are now in full blossom including our fair state. There are some really pretty sights here taken two years ago in Keukenhof, Holland. Otherwise known as the Netherlands. This flower garden spot is said to be the largest on Earth. It's a short clip just a couple of minutes in length, but well worth your time. Enjoy!

So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. We know from later in the story of Abraham and Sarah, that there is a ten year age difference between Abram and Sarai. That means then that Sarai here, is 65 years old. 11 As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, “I know what a beautiful woman you are. 12 When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me but will let you live. 13 Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you.” Now, I find this interesting, because in my society and time, it is hard to imagine, that if I had a 65 year old wife, that I would have to fear for my life, because a 65 year old woman was so beautiful, that others would seek to kill me to possess her. Really, I find it hard to believe that I would have to fear for my life, over the beauty of a woman, even if she were the most beautiful woman in the world. Seems to me that there are several observations to be made about different societies and their values. For my society, I am willing to admit, that we value the beauty of youthfulness, way out of proportion. Sure, I get that it is easy to see a twenty something year old model as aesthetically pleasing, but we have taken this standard to such an extreme, that we encourage women to hide their age, as it is is something to be ashamed of. Anti-wrinkle creme, makeup, hair coloring, face lifts, silicone enhancements, etc. entire fortunes are made, and lots of time and money spent on convincing women (successfully) they are of lessor value, because they have a few miles on the odometer, and show some signs of maturity. I am not a fan of appearance shaming, and that is not the Biblical standard for beauty. We all, know well enough, to what degree we have bought into the standards of the world personally, and I think it is worth considering as individuals. I will leave it at that, and move on to other things. Next, that these Egyptian would actually do as Abram feared, value Sarai so highly, that they would go to extreme measures to posses her. I suppose, it is at least better, that they would consider purchasing her from her "brother" instead of killing her husband to have her, but still, how weird is that? That they considered her to be more valuable than some sheep and cattle, male and female donkeys, male and female servants, and camels apparently, for at least in some way, Abram was able to make that sort of profit on his supposed sister. While people are more valuable that animals, the male and female servants, are people too. Evidently, it was Sarai's beauty that made her valuable, not the fact that she was human. So, the priorities of those Egyptians, were more messed up than the society of even my culture is, when it comes to the value of physical beauty. Then there is the aspect of treating people like property to be bought, sold, traded, and killed for. We (humans) are so messed up, no wonder we need a savior! Abram, is on this adventure, as an act of faith. He goes, because God said "Go!". That seems admirable, to just pull up stakes and go somewhere, not knowing where, based on faith. However, I cannot help but wonder about the faith of a man, who takes some risks to go on an adventure into the unknown, but then, thinks that God won't protect him enough as Sarai's husband that he conspires to lie and deceive strangers. Seems not only to be a bit shaky in his faith at that point, but perhaps even a bit cowardly, but I suppose he knew better than I, what the Egyptians might do, so I won't judge him too harshly there. Later in the book, we will see that Abraham, will be willing to sacrifice his "only" son, out of faith and obedience to God. I would say that is faith that has grown, and I think that that is also, a lesson for us. We are not always as faithful as we could of should be, but, God is able to grow us. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. As we go through these readings, let's be thankful, that God's word accomplishes what He designs it for, and one of those, is the building of faith.

I came across this web site today and I just have to share it. https://www.revelationillustrated.com/gallery.php#.VcgdXvkdFuM A talented professional artist, Pat, spent "thousands of hours" painting various accounts from the Bible; they are beautiful. Pat felt led to put her talents to work to help a teen Sunday School class grasp Revelation better with the help of a visual depiction of the entire Book. She did an amazing job...40 paintings in the series...and beautifully done! The series is on the right side of the gallery. Make sure you read about the artist too...great story.

Beauty for Ashes With Lyrics - Crystal Lewis He gives beauty for ashesStrength for fearGladness for mourningPeace for despair He gives beauty for ashesStrength for fearGladness for mourningPeace for despair When sorrow seems to surround youWhen suffering hangs hangs heavy o'er your headKnow that tomorrow brings wholeness and healingGod knows your need, just believe what He said He gives beauty for ashesStrength for fearGladness for mourningPeace for despair When what you've done keeps you from moving onWhen fear wants to make itself at home in your heartKnow that forgiveness brings wholeness and healingGod knows your need just believe what He said He gives beauty for ashesStrength for fearGladness for mourningPeace for despair I once was lost but God has found meThough I was bound I've been set freeI've been made righteous in His sightA display of His splendor all can see I once was lost but God has found meThough I was bound I've been set freeI've been made righteous in His sightA display of His splendor all can see He gives beauty for ashesStrength for fearGladness for mourningPeace for despair He gives beauty for ashesStrength for fearGladness for mourning Peace for despair

Our freedom ends where someone else's rights begin. Do you agree or disagree? For those more eloquent: "The beauty of one's freedoms wilts when the exercise of choice tramples on the rights of others."