Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography
This blog is for my insights on life, the Bible, hiking adventures with my grandson and whatever is important to me
This is my first time participating in XingfuMama’s Pull Up a Seat Photo Challenge. I hope y’all will enjoy my entries.
God Bless. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.
Brian from Bushboy’s World challenges all to post The Last Photo on the Card or on their phones for August 2022. The rules are simple and are as follows.
The rules are simple:
1. Post the last photo on your SD card or last photo on your phone for the 31st January (use current month).
2. No editing – who cares if it is out of focus, not framed as you would like or the subject matter didn’t cooperate.
3. You don’t have to have any explanations, just the photo will do
4. Create a Pingback to Brian’s post here
5. Tag “The Last Photo”
From my iPhone 13 Pro:
From my Canon EOS Rebel T3i:
God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.
Flowers from my hike along North Steele Creek at Anne Springs Close Greenway is my entry for Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge .
God bless. Thank you. I appreciate y’all.
God Bless. Thank You! I appreciate y’all.
God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.
A bench is a wonderful place to sit and catch your breath. A place you can enjoy the view. A place you can read. A place you can relax. A place you can reflect on life, On what God has done for you.
This particular bench is one I take advantage of when visiting Andrew Jackson State Park. I love the views from here of the lake. I thank God for His beautiful creations and the delight it brings me.
God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.
God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.
God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:34 NIV (New International Version)
Saying do not worry is a lot easier than actually not worrying. When you worry, you allow yourself to dwell on the negative, the difficulties, the troubles in your life. Worry doesn’t help anything, it doesn’t prevent troubles from coming your way. So what does worry do? It can lead to feelings of high anxiety and possibly cause you to become physically ill. It is natural to worry about our problems, our situation in life, however, it never resolves anything.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4: 6-7 ESV (English Standard Version)
God already knows our thoughts, our troubles, our concerns so why not talk to Him about what is on our minds? Pray about your troubles and concerns. Pray about what causes you to be anxious and worry. Do not lose sleep over your troubles. Give them all over to God through prayer instead. God cares about every detail of your life. Do not suppress your emotions, it is better to pour your heart out and lay your thoughts and concerns at the feet of Jesus.
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you, I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
John 14:1-3 KJV (King James Version)
Why should you pray? There are many healthful benefits of praying. God instructs us to pray. The following are a few reasons why we should prayer.
“Casting all your anxieties on him. because he cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:7 ESV (English Standard Version)
“When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.”
Psalm 34:17 ESV (English Standard Verion)
God takes care of you always. He has in the past, he is now in the present, and he will continue to take care of you in the future. Even though it is hard not to worry, giving your troubles over to God is for your betterment. God will not fail you. God loves you and only wants the best for you. Lean on Him. Let God be your strength in difficult times.
God Bless. I pray the Lord strengthens you, guides your every move, protects you from harm, and grants you the peace that passes all understanding. Thank you for listening. I appreciate y’all.
My Flower of the Day (FOTD) is one I took in August 2021. I hope you enjoy it.
God Bless. Thank you. I appreciate y’all.
Yesterday, August 22nd, was National Rainbow Baby Day. Have you ever experienced a Rainbow Baby? Do you know what is meant by a Rainbow Baby? I do and remember every year.
A Rainbow Baby is a baby born subsequent to a miscarriage, stillbirth, or death of an infant from natural causes. I actually have three Rainbow babies. Each of my three living children were born within a year of a miscarriage or stillbirth. I have not and will now ever forget the babies I lost. I treasure the babies, now grown, which God graciously allowed me to have.
The Rainbow represents beauty after a dark time. It is sad that nearly one in four pregnancies ends in loss. That loss could be due to miscarriage, stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy, or blighted ovum. My maternal grandmother lost a baby girl after fourteen days of her birth. I had two miscarriages and one stillbirth. The loss is one which is never forgotten, even though you go on with life. The majority of people would never know the experience you went through.
The term Rainbow Baby began to be used approximately around 2008. Before that time things like that weren’t really discussed. The term Rainbow Baby has gained popularity through social media and on blogs. The term has come to symbolize hope and healing.
On August 22nd, families throughout the country commemorate the lives of the infants they lost while also celebrating motherhood. I, myself, commemorate all three of the infants I lost and am very grateful for my three living children. Those of us that have experienced the loss of a baby welcome and celebrate our Rainbow Babies with joy, reflection, healing, and a deep set of mixed emotions. When one carries a Rainbow Baby after a previous loss, one can feel anxiety as well as joy. You grieve the one you lost while celebrating the new life growing inside of you. The feelings of anxiety come from not knowing if the new baby will survive, if you’ll lose it as well. You pray that the Rainbow baby will be healthy and that you’ll be able to hold him or her in your arms.
God Bless. Thank you for listening. Rainbow babies are very dear to my heart. Mine bring me joy, but I will never forget the ones I lost. I, truly believe I will see my babies I lost again one day. I appreciate y’all.
God Bless. Have a funtastic day. Thank you. I appreciate y’all.
These entries are from my hike along the Catawba River. The flowers I notice along the river are not always the same. Different ones catch my eye at different times. The wildflowers are beautiful to observe and enjoy .
My entries for Cee’s FOTD Challenge from 8/22. Hope y’all enjoy.
God bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.
My grandson turned three on July 25th and had never met the majority of his paternal relatives including his paternal great grandmother. His paternal great grandmother lives in Japan and hasn’t been in this country, at least not for a very long time. She recently got on a plane in Japan and flew to South Carolina. She is here because her daughter, my grandson, Coleman’s paternal grandmother, is extremely ill. She doesn’t seem to know where she is, hasn’t been eating for weeks before she was taken to the hospital. Her lack of substance and her alcoholism has destroyed a lot of the normal bodily functions, like walking, her organs, and her breathing to name a few. At this time, she has not been given a sufficient diagnosis and was sent to a rehabilitation facility. This does not make since to several people, but the only person who has any say in her treatment is her husband. She is on oxygen, is unable to walk, even for short distances like to the bathroom. Prayers would be appreciated on her behalf.
Most people that cross Coleman’s path on the trail or out and about know he is not usually shy, but very friendly and says hi to everyone. That was not the case today when he met his paternal great grandmother for the very first time. He backed away, hid behind me and didn’t say anything for a long time. I’ve never known Coleman to be shy. Coleman’s dad, David picked her up from his dad’s home and brought her to our home. The meeting was in familiar surroundings, but a strange person in his home seemed to baffle him. It took some coaxing to get him to sit next to her.
Since Coleman has a very strong attachment to me, I left the room to try to help him not to cling to me, but to allow him an opportunity to get acquainted with his paternal great grandmother. I feel gratitude that Coleman was given this opportunity to meet her. Thankfully she does speak a little English as her primary language is Japanese. My grandson’s father does not speak Japanese, it was not taught to him when he was growing up.
Thankful for the short time Coleman had to spend with his paternal great grandmother. Maybe she can come again to visit him while she is in the United States.
God bless. Thank you. I appreciate each and every one of y’all.
Here’s my entry for John’s Cellpic Sunday
God bless. Thank You! I appreciate y’all.
God Bless. Thank You! I appreciate y’all.
Today as Coleman and I hiked along Timberline Trail at Anne Springs Close Greenway we saw several groups of Mushrooms. Several of the hikers in the hiking club enjoy taking photos of mushrooms. Some refer to them as shrooms.
A Mushroom or toadstool is the fleshy, spore-bearing fruity body of a fungus. They are typically produced above ground, on soil, or on its food source. Most mushrooms have a stalk (aka a stem), and a cap, which is usually disc shaped.
The mushroom helps the tree extract minerals and water from the soil. In exchange, the tree supplies the mushroom with sugar compounds. An interesting fact is that mushrooms are genetically closer to humans than plants. You might wonder how that can even be possible. Well, I wonder that too. It is something I never knew before. It is always beneficial to keep learning new things. Below is a list of amazing facts regarding mushrooms.
I try my best to make sure that Coleman, my grandson, does not touch any mushrooms we see out on the trails. One question to ask: “Is it okay to Touch a mushroom?” There are many common mushrooms which contain toxins, so one needs to be cautious about touching them. It is important not to touch mushrooms growing in the wild. Why you might ask? They may be rare species which should not be damaged. It is difficult to tell if a mushroom is toxic, so it is pertinent to instruct your children to not touch or play with mushrooms. Mushrooms are typically fragile; therefore, it is best to leave them untouched. Touching them may damage or discolor them dye to the oils that are present naturally on our skin.
God Bless. If you come across wild mushrooms, think twice before touching them. You never know the harm that touching them might cause. Thank You for stopping by. I appreciate y’all.
My entry today for Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge (FOTD). A, I think, beautiful Tea Rose Hybrid.
I originally took this photo of a rose from my garden back in September of 2013. I loved having a small garden back then, but unfortunately I am unable to have one at present.
God bless. Thank you. I appreciate y’all.
Brashley Photography blog Mid-Week Monochrome challenge. This week I decided to post Monochrome pictures from my past.
I love to research my ancestry and visit my ancestral cemeteries when possible. It is fun for me to look back and enjoy the memories.
God bless. Thank you. I appreciate y’all.
All photos ©️gfpacificbee. Photo Credit: Debbie L Waters
God Bless. Thank You! I appreciate y’all.
My entries for Cee’s FOTD Challenge. I hope you enjoy them.
God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.
The sound of flowing water is calming to the soul. It can calm you spirit, help you to relax, and improve your sleep quality. I enjoy being near the flowing waters at the river and lakes. Do you? My grandson loves to be near any outdoor body of water. He enjoys watching the water flow, but he loves playing in it more. He loves to jump in water or throw things like rocks, tree limbs, or whatever he can find and watch them make the water splash.
The Bible often speaks about water. It uses water as a symbol for faith, salvation, and provision. Water is used as an example of our relationship with God.
When I see the river or lake waters flowing, I am amazed at the wonders of God’s creation. The natural calming effect the sounds of the flowing waters have upon me. It is truly miraculous how it all flows together for our benefit.
Take the time to enjoy nature and if possible watch the waters flowing from a lake, river, or stream and let me know how you are affected by them.
God bless. Thank you. I appreciate y’all.
Couldn’t pick just one. Catawba River and Coleman. Love ❤️ them both.
God Bless. Thank you. I appreciate y’all.
God bless. Thank You! I appreciate y’all.
Brashley Photography blog Mid-Week Monochrome challenge
God bless. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.
Cee’s Black & White Photo Challenge: Moving Water
God Bless. Thank you. I appreciate y’all.
“Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.”
~ Harriet Beecher Stowe ~
Never means that at no time in the past, present, or future; on no occasion; not ever. Simply put it means that we will never do something; not now, not ever. So don’t hold your breath for me to change my mind. I will never give up.
The Bible speaks several times about the term never. It speaks of what God will never do. The following is just a few of the things that God will never do.
“ Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
—- Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV (New International Version)
“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”
— Hebrews 13:5 ESV (English Standard Version)
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
— Psalm 55:22 NIV
“Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet I will not forget thee.”
— Isaiah 49:15 KJV (King James Version)
“And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.”
— John 10:28 NJKV ( New King James Version)
If God never gives up on us, how can we give up on ourselves? We need to follow God’s example and NEVER give up.
You may think life isn’t fair, what’s the point in going on? The point is your life is worth it, it is not over. Never Give Up! God has a purpose for your life, a reason for you being on this earth. Sure, you may fall, but then pick yourself up. You may stumble and when you do, stop, recover your balance and go on with your life. No matter what life brings you, always remember to Never Ever Give Up.
There are a few positive things regarding Never.
The list could go on and on. Let’s always remember to think positively and Never Give Up.
God bless. Thank you. Stay strong. Keep learning. Keep growing. Be confident. You are loved. You are worth it. Never give in to the war within. Remember I appreciate y’all.
God bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.
Today, August 9th is National Book Lovers Day. It is a day to encourage the joy and fun of reading. It celebrates literature and books, encouraging people to out down their smart phones and to simply enjoy reading. It harnesses all the excitement which bibliophiles feel about books into one celebration.
National Book Lovers Day is an unofficial holiday observed to encourage bibliophiles to celebrate reading and literature. You might ask what is a bibliophile? Simply put, it is a person who has a great appreciation for or collects books. This term I have not been familiar with, but I suppose you could say that I am one. I love books. I love reading books. I love the feel of an actual book in my hands and prefer a physical book to an eBook even though I do read eBooks on occasion.
It is unknown exactly when or how National Book Lovers Day became a part of the calendar. It is noted that people have been carrying around books with them for centuries. At one time books were extremely large and expensive so only the wealthy were able to afford owning them. Today books come in a variety of formats for the Book Lovers to enjoy. There are many different genres, authors, and books from various time periods. Book Lovers have the option to choose from thrillers, romance, non-fiction, and graphic novels. There are many subdivisions to each of these categories as well. Personally, I love to read Amish fiction, both romantic and mystery novels.
Books are easily accessible for everyone on computers, smartphones, tablets, and kindles, as well as the trusty old common paperbacks. As I stated earlier, I love the feel of a book (paperback or hardback) in my hands. I love to turn the pages while I am reading. Reading on my computer or smartphone just does not give the same feel, the same thrill or enjoyment for me while I read.
I want to take the time to thank all authors for their inspiration, their dedication, their research, and thought inspiring words they put to print so that I may escape to another realm, to be inspired and learn life lessons from their vast knowledge. Thank y’all for being dedicated authors who desire to write wholesome faith-based novels that continue to relate and captivate the interest of not only me, but many others also.
God Bless. Take time out of your day to read. Read a book, a magazine, read online or pick up a book in your hands and take pleasure in reading. Thank You! I appreciate y’all.
God Bless. Thank You! Remember I appreciate y’all.
Coleman used my cell phone. iPhone 13 Pro Front camera— 23mm f2.2. ISO 250 1/40s
God Bless. Thank You! I appreciate y’all.
Have a blessed day. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.
Public Art, what is it? Have you noticed any when you’ve been out and about? I’ve been noticing Public Art more and more the last several years. Almost everywhere you may wander there seems to be some form of Public Art to enjoy.
Public Art is art in any media whose form, function and meaning are created for the general public through a public process according to Wikipedia.org. Simply put it is art located in public spaces for the public to enjoy and admire. Some forms of public art are murals and sculptures mounted on buildings or other structures. They are usually large scale and highly visible on the street.
West Jefferson is a town in Ashe County, North Carolina in the United States of America. It is nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northwest region of North Carolina. The town was developed around the Virginia-Carolina Railroad depot in the early 1900’s.
West Jefferson’s art district features an array of colorful murals that are interesting to look upon and are part of the Appalachian Mural Trail. There are distinctive public art and numerous galleries. West Jefferson offers pedestrian-friendly streets. There are several bump-outs filled with attractive green and flowering plants adding beauty.
I visited West Jefferson, Ashe County, North Carolina in August of 2017 when I went up to Deep Gap, North Carolina for a family reunion. I made a long weekend of it and enjoyed seeing the sights after my reunion. The streets truly were pedestrian-friendly and the sights were amazing to look upon and admire. I was able to watch cheese being made which is a craft all its own.
Photo Credit: ©️DebbieLWaters @gfpacificbee
God bless. What Public Art have y’all spotted? I’d love to see them shared. Thank You! I appreciate y’all.
“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
Proverbs 17:17 KJV (King James Version)
The Bible speaks often about friendship and what characteristics qualifies a true friend. Do you have a true friend, a best friend who is always there for you? A good friend is a blessing, but not everyone has one. You may have had one at one time, but life got in the way and you may no longer have one.
“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
~ Proverbs 18:24 NKJV (New King James Version)
Ever wonder if you are the reason you do not have true friends? I never really gave it much thought. I have online friends, but can’t say they are close friends. I have had work friends, but they were never close friends. I have friends I’ve known since my childhood, but distance limits the closeness of the friendship.
A friend is a person who has a strong liking for or trust in another person. Good friends handle conflict respectfully and respect boundaries. True friends may have differences of opinions, you might upset one another, but they will tell you the truth and let you know if you’ve crossed a boundary or hurt them in any way. Do you have a true friend?
You might ask what qualities a true good friend should have. The following list are examples of those qualities of a true friend.
A best friend is a blessing from God. Is one who will forgives as Christ forgives. Is someone who prays for you continually. Is willing to risk their life for you.
I am thankful for the friends I have regardless of whether they are near or far away. They are all close to my heart and I treasure their friendship.
Thank you God for the friends you have given me, for the sharing & the praying, for the laughter & the encouragement they bring to me. Thank you Lord for their presence in my life. Please watch over them and bring hope and blessings to them. I trust you, Lord, to protect them, comfort them, and surround them with your loving arms. Lord, help me to be a better friend & remind me to pray for them continually. Amen.
God Bless. Thank You! Do not ever forget I appreciate y’all.
God Bless. Thank You! I appreciate y’all.
Did you see what my grandson, Coleman and I spotted on our afternoon hike? It is amazing what you can see out in nature if you keep your eyes open and observe your surroundings c l o s e l y. The only problem with our observations is that Coleman tends to speak real loud when he spots an animal that he scares them into running away.
God Bless. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.
God Bless. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.
The Anne Springs Close Greenway has a Trail Passport program that members and visitors may choose to participate if they so desire. The Trail Passport booklet is a guide for your benefit to assist you in exploring the over 40 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trials. The Greenway has 26 unique trails and points of interest. The Passport provides an easy way for you to keep track of which trails you have accomplished, and which trails you have yet to complete.
To earn the Passport Certificate, you need to participate in the Hiking Challenge. The following are the requirements for the Hiking Challenge.
The Greenway has a Trail Map that is a guide to let you know where the trails are located and from which Greenway Entrance is best to take for your desired trail. My grandson loves to carry a Trail Map with him whenever we go for a hike. When he looks at it you would think he knows exactly what he is looking at and can figure out which way he wants to go next.
While some members choose to participate in the Hiking Challenge, there are many that do not. Completing the challenge is not something that everyone accomplishes, however, it is well worth it. It takes dedication and determination to complete all twenty-six (26) trails consisting of thirty-six (36) miles of hiking, biking or horse riding in the Greenway.
My grandson, Coleman, picked up a Trail Passport on one of our visits to the Greenway. He indicated that he wanted to participate in the Hiking Challenge. He did not let his young age deter him from taking up the challenge or completing the challenge. He loves the outdoors and loves to hike and spend time out in nature with me. Coleman just recently turned three. He completed all 26 trails of 36 miles in the Hiking Challenge before his third birthday. He is amazing, but then again you might say I am biased.
Some trails in the Greenway are as short as 0.4 miles while others are over 3 miles in length. On some days we combined several trails and we hiked 5-6 miles. Was he tired by the end of the hike? Definitely, but that never stopped him from keeping going and finishing each day’s hike. After completing each day’s hike, he would lift his hands up and yell “I did it.” He really loves hiking and would do it every day if he could.
Congratulations Coleman! You did it. I am proud of you, your love of hiking, the outdoors, and your determination to succeed.
God Bless. Thank You for stopping by. Take time to enjoy the outdoors. Take a hike, a walk, admire God’s creations along the way. I appreciate y’all.
“See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before me.”
— Isaiah 49:16 NKJV (New King James Version)
No matter how we feel, God has never forgotten us, and He never will. We might at times feel lost and alone, however, we are never alone. Jesus Christ is always there with us. We are always on Christ’s mind. We might not think about Jesus constantly, but he always thinks about us. He is concerned about us. He loves us. He always watches over us and will never abandon us.
You might be like me, or you might be stronger than I am. Putting up barriers or walls, shielding ourselves from our troubles does not prevent Jesus Christ from seeing us, remembering us, loving us, and being our constant friend and companion. Jesus knows all our thoughts, He knows all our troubles, all our circumstances, and He loves us anyway. He will never stop being there for us or loving us. Always remember that Jesus is a loving, compassionate God that is committed to us one hundred percent. His love and compassion never waivers. We are His children, just like any parent, He will always be devoted to you, stand by you, and love you forever and ever.
God Bless. Never be afraid to turn to God. He already knows everything about you, and He will never leave you nor forsake you. Thank You for visiting. Remember I appreciate y’all.
“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
— Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV (English Standard Version)
“He may not get up and give you the bread, just because you are his friend. But he will get up and give you as much as you need, simply because you are not ashamed to keep asking.”
— Luke 11:8 CEV (Contemporary English Version)
Persistence is the act or fact of stubbornly continuing to do something. It is being extremely determined to accomplish a task regardless of how long it might take. When you are persistent, you might fail along the way, but you learn that in your failure you gain another opportunity to learn. You will learn to overcome any challenges you might face.
This is a wonderful quote, and it is so very true. Obstacles, problems, and circumstances may try to stop you, but the only person that can is you. Be persistent. Never give up. Keep trying over and over again until you succeed.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
— James 1:2-4 NIV (New International Version)
Willpower is possibly a tremendous incentive to enable you to push yourself harder and make you continue to strive for more. It is what gets you up after you have fallen, or experienced failure. It gives you the gumption, the resolution to forge ahead on your road to success. That is what is known as persistence.
You and I may at times feel like giving up, succumbing to our failures, but we need to Never Give Up and always be Persistent in every area of our lives. Why? Persistence is a virtue we need to cultivate. It is hanging in there and keep pressing on Irregardless of how tough our circumstances might be. It is at those times when we persevere that we are able to grow and become more spiritually mature in our lives. Perseverance, being persistent, builds a strong character within us. We develop a strong character by overcoming difficulties in our lives, sticking to our goals despite the difficulties, thereby making us stronger people in many aspects of our lives.
Let us all keep being persistent in our lives. Never Giving Up, but continually striving to become a better, stronger person by not giving in to our failures. Let us learn from our mistakes and grow through our perseverance.
God Bless. Thank You! Never forget I appreciate y’all.
Last on the Card or photo on your phone challenge from Bushboys world for July 31st. My last photo for this challenge is from my iPhone13Pro. Hope y’all enjoy the photo.
God Bless. Thank You. I appreciate y’all.
The
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God Bless. Take time to Go into the Woods with Family or Friends. Thank You for stopping by. I appreciate y’all.
All photos were taken by Debbie L. Waters, (c)2022@gfpacificbee.
God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.
God Bless. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 