Category Archives: Arts

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Cast Off

This week I’m sharing quotes from my “Word of the Year” — “Cast.”  What a strange word, but it has such deep meaning when you consider really casting something away from you with great energy.

God grant that we may each of us cast off our own works of darkness, whatever they are, however we can, and put upon ourselves the armor of something at least like light as we wait for the truth of Christ to come finally and fully true at last.  — Frederick Buechner, Secrets in the Dark, pg. 285

Our preparation and coming into His presence has to do with cultivating the simplicity of our lives.  That is, getting rid of (casting off) everything in our lives that hinders our sincere devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ.  — A. W. Tozer, My Daily Pursuit, pg. 37

…for verily I say to you that whoever may say to this mount, be taken up, and be cast into the sea, and may not doubt in his heart, but may believe that the things that he saith do come to pass, it shall be to him whatever he may say.  –Mark 11:23 (YLT)

We often are in danger of casting off the wrong things.  Take this scripture to heart and you will not be disappointed.

So do not throw away (cast off) this confident trust in the Lord.  Remember the great reward it brings you!  Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will.  Then you will receive all that he has promised.  — Hebrews 10:35-36 (NLT)

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Imagine

Here is an excellent quote from Beth Moore that uses my “Word of the Year” — “Cast.”  Can you imagine the scene?  In this crazy world of uncertainties and division, this is real and pure–no negativity, pain, criticism or pride.  This other world is real, and will certainly win the day.

Think of some of your greatest challenges.  Picture them then go back and stamp the words “before the throne” in front of each of these challenges.  The heart of prayer is moving these very kinds of tests and trials from the insecurities and uncertainties of earth to the throne of God.  Only then can they be viewed with dependable accuracy and boundless hope.  Close your eyes and do your best to picture the glorious seraphim never ceasing to cry, “Holy, Holy, Holy!”  Imagine the lightning emitting from the throne, and hear the rumblings and the thunder.  Picture the elders overwhelmed by God’s worthiness, casting their crowns before the throne.  Approach the throne of grace with confidence, with eyes on Him, not on yourself.  Our God is huge!  Our God is able!  –Beth Moore, Portraits of Devotion, pg. 496

My favorite hymn is “Holy, Holy, Holy,” although, sadly, it isn’t sung much any more.  I still love playing this hymn on the piano in various arrangements and styles, just alone in worship and wonder.

  1. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
    Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
    Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
    God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
  2. Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
    Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
    Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
    Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.
  3. Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee,
    Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
    Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
    Perfect in pow’r, in love, and purity.
  4. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
    All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
    Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!
    God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!                              –Reginald Heber, 1826
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Crystal Awards

Today I’m sharing “sign” pics from the Crystal ship Symphony that we enjoyed so much.  First, a safety sign:

Next, the first sign I saw every morning before going out on the deck for a morning walk:

I discovered an interesting room in the ship that displays all the wonderful gifts they have received from each port they have visited around the world.  It’s impressive!

There was also a huge display and blessing provided by the craftsmen of the shipyard in Finland, where Symphony was built in 1995:

Finally, I’ll share a couple more menus from our week at sea:

 

 

 

 

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Costa Rica

Our next stop on the cruise was beautiful Costa Rica.  We started the day with salmon eggs benedict on the ship and watched our arrival at Puerto Limon.

As we disembarked we could hear music off the deck of the boat, and it was a welcoming marimba duo that was wonderful!

Once again, we had a driver to take us to various places for the day and he was very nice and helpful in many ways.

First we went snorkeling and saw some wonderful fish and corral.

Before leaving the area, Oscar pointed out a sloth in the tree.

It was a great start to our day!

 

 

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Grand Cayman

Our  first island stop was at Grand Cayman.  We were ready for adventure after a delicious breakfast.

At this particular stop we needed a boat “tender” to get us from the ship to the main land.  Here’s the view of the ship as we left it.

We passed this cute little church on our way through town.

This is some artwork we saw somewhere, and it shows what my next post will be about.