Angels at Christmas

"Love came down at Christmas,
love all lovely, love divine,
love was born at Christmas,
stars and angels gave the sign."
~ Christina Rossetti

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for your listening pleasure: Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
performed by: Craig Adams

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Wishing you all of the love which comes
during with the Christmas Season...
Thanks for stopping by
and God Bless,
hugs, Chris



created using my Christmas tree's Angel





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"Beauty is the gift of God."

"Beauty is the gift of God."
~ Aristotle





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"Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature."

"Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature."
~ Gerard de Nerval




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1 minute with God

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"Always look out for the sunlight the Lord sends into your days."

"Always look out for the sunlight the Lord sends into your days."
~ Hope Campbell


memories from Hamamatsu Flower Garden (Japan)



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"One is nearer God's heart in a garden Than anywhere else on earth."

"One is nearer God's heart in a garden
Than anywhere else on earth."
~ Dorthy Frances




memories from a garden...


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"Real prayer is life creating and life changing."

"Real prayer is life creating and life changing."
~ Richard Foster


There are so many people that need a prayer because of tragedies happening. These things happened over the past months. Please take a moment to say a prayer to help these people.

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Below are some of the most recent happenings which are not caused by wars or political difficulties...

~ On March 11th, there was the earthquake in Japan. Then, there were the tsunami that forced the oceans to visit the land in many parts of the earth.
~ There have been many earthquakes in New Zealand.
~ Recently, there are volcanoes that are erupting in different countries.
~ There are droughts where no rain or water is found in many areas of the world. And, just as there is no rain in one part of the world, there is too much rain in another hemisphere that is causing floods.
~ There have recently been many strong tornadoes resulting in life threatening difficulties. So many have hurt so many.
~ Now, there are fires that are causing lives to change in the United States. These fires are still not controlled. They are threatening people's lives and there are so many having to evacuate.

Yes, there are many people who need our love from your prayers. I know that there are so many other happenings not listed above.

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As I said above, please take a minute to say a prayer. Prayers are needed for so many people who have been hurt, have become homeless, and/or have lost a loved one.

Remember... your prayers can help...

God Bless, thank you for stopping by,
and thank you for saying a prayer,
hugs, Chris





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"There is no exception to God's commandment to love everybody."

"There is no exception to God's commandment to love everybody."
~ Henry Bucklew



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"All things are artificial, for nature is the art of God."

"All things are artificial, for nature is the art of God."
~ Sir Thomas Browne


Memories from the floral museum in Chiba (Japan)




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"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Romans 8:28
(New International Version, ©2011)



memories of a butterfly in flight at Sankeien Garden in Naka-ku (Yokohama, Japan)


all natural colors...



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"Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him."

"Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him."
Matthew 8:7
New American Standard Bible (©1995)




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~ He Loves Us ~ a slide show with music

Happy New Year!"

"Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever."
Psalm 136:3

New International Version


Please turn up your speakers and enjoy listening to one of my all time favorites!
for your listening pleasure: "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring"
written by: Johann Sebastian Bach



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A Dragonfly World

"When nature has work to be done, she creates a genius to do it."
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

for your listening pleasure: "The Entertainer (The Sting Orchestra Version)"
by The Scott Joplin


This slide show displays some of my photos taken during this past year
of dragonflies.
I am so fascinated with their speed and graceful approach.


Thank you for taking the time to watch my slide show..."A Dragonfly World".
God's work is fascinating and wonderful.

God bless,
hugs, Chris



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"The best of all... God is with us."

"The best of all... God is with us."
~ John Wesley



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"I asked... ~ He gave..."

"I asked God for all
things that I might
enjoy life. He gave
me life that I might
enjoy all things."
~ unknown



a memory from a flower garden



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Angel Of July

~Sitting in splendor
In heaven's sweet place
Showing the beauty of wings
Made of lace
Surrounded by flowers
With swans in her midst
The beauty of nature
Her glorious gift
Playing a tune that
Comes from on high
Gentlest breezes
This angel July
Sends love with her heart
That whispers on land
As trees rustle gently
In harmony grand
An angel so peaceful
She's sent with great love
Angelic in nature
Reflected above
Let her just fill you with
Warmth and all care
An angel to bless you with
Dreams we can share
Look to her innocence
Her power and might
While gently she sends you
All love that is bright.~

~ Francine ~


note: this was a birthday
card from a friend



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Love and Prayers

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"God's love is everlasting."

"God's love is everlasting."
~ Billy Graham

a memory from Ofuna Flower Garden in Kamakura (Japan)




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"Seek not outside yourself, heaven is within."

"Seek not outside yourself, heaven is within."
~ Mary Lou Cook

a memory form the flower museum in Inage (Chiba, Japan)




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Jesus and the Dog

Another story that was sent to me by email from a friend.



Here is a heart warming photo from the news in Sana Catarina, Brazil.

A Nativity Scene was erected in a church yard. During the night the folks came across this sight. An abandoned dog was looking for a comfortable, protected place to sleep. He chose Jesus as his comfort. No one had the heart to send him away so he was there all night.



Wonderful!






We should all have the good sense of this dog and curl up in Jesus' lap from time to time!!!


Note: The above photo came with my email...


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"Let's love so the world can see how much God loves mankind."

"Let's love so the world can see how
much God loves mankind."
~ anonymous


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"As Jesus stepped into the garden, you were in His prayers."

"As Jesus stepped into the garden, you were in His prayers.
As Jesus looked into heaven, you were in His vision...
His final prayer was about you.
His final pain was for you.
His final passion was you."
~ Max Lucado


A memory from the flower museum in Inage, Chiba, Japan.




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How and Why Dogs Were Created

Below is a story that I am sharing with you. I did not write it. I received from a good friend in an email. I just have to share it because it is so beautiful.




Adam said, "Lord, when I was in the garden, you walked with me everyday. I do not see you anymore and I am lonely. It is difficult for me to remember how much you love me."

God said, "I shall create a companion for you who will always be with you and shall reflect My love for you. His love shall be unconditional; regardless of how selfish, childish, or unlovable you may be, he will accept and love you."

God created an animal for Adam, and it was good. And God said, "Because I have created this animal to be a reflection of My love for you, his name shall be a reflection of My name, and you will call him dog."

The dog lived with Adam. Adam was comforted. The dog was content and wagged his tail.

Then it came to pass that Adam's guardian angel came to the Lord and said, "Lord, Adam has become filled with pride; he struts and preens and has come to believe that he is worthy of adoration. He has learned from the dog's devotion that he is loved, but he has no humility."

And the Lord said, "I shall create another companion for him who will see him as he is and remind him of his limitations, so that he knows he is not worthy of adoration and will become humble."

So God created the cat. The cat did not obey Adam, and when he gazed into the cat's eyes, Adam was reminded that he was not the supreme being. He learned humility.

Adam was greatly improved.
God was pleased.
So was the dog.
The cat did not care one way or the other.

~ Author Unknown






The above photo came with my email...




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"God never consults your past to determine your future."

"God never consults your past to determine your future."
~ Mike Murdock




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A Newborn's Conversation with God

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."

God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the small child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."

God said, You will simply call her, "Mom ."

~ Author Unknown



The above was sent to me by a friend. I just have to share it because it is so beautiful.



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"Nature is the art of God."

"Nature is the art of God."
~ Thomas Browne



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"The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good."

3 "The eyes of the LORD are in every place,
Keeping watch on the evil and the good."

Proverbs 15:3
(New King James Version)

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."

Hebrews 10:24
(New International Version)

24 "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."



my graphic creation using Karen's Whimsy ~ "Life of Jesus"

God's Weather

1. "Sunshine is healthful,
Wind is invigorating.",
2. "Rain is refreshing,
Snow benefits crops,",
3. "Heat makes cold attractive,
Cold makes heat appreciated;",
4. "ALL weather is God's weather.
THANK GOD FOR TODAY!"



fresh new Japanese red maple leaves with raindrops



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"Neither do people light a lamp..."

"15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house."
Matthew 5:15
New International Version (©1984)


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1. Kawaguchi-ko Hotel lamps (1), 2. Kawaguchi-ko Hotel lamps (2),
3. Kawaguchi-ko Hotel lamps (3), 4. Kawaguchi-ko Hotel lamps (4)



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OH, COME, LITTLE CHILDREN

A favorite song... my inspiration to this creation...
And, this is the reason for the Season.

For your listening pleasure... "OH, COME, LITTLE CHILDREN" the song...

OH, COME, LITTLE CHILDREN

"Oh, come, little children, oh, come, one and all,
To Bethlehem’s stable, in Bethlehem’s stall.
And see with rejoicing this glorious sight,
Our Father in heaven has sent us this night.

Oh, see in the manger, in hallowèd light
A star throws its beam on this holiest sight.
In clean swaddling clothes lies the heavenly Child,
More lovely than angels, this Baby so mild.

Oh, there lies the Christ Child, on hay and on straw;
The shepherds are kneeling before Him with awe.
And Mary and Joseph smile on Him with love,
While angels are singing sweet songs from above."

Another version's lyrics:

"1. O come, little children, come one and come all,
O come to the manger in Bethlehem's stall,
And see what our Father in heaven above,
Has sent to us all on this earth with his love.

2. O see in the manger so meek and so mild,
O see in the soft light the heavenly Child,
In swaddling clothes folded, his beauty more sweet
Than angels, whose voices his lowly birth greet.

3. His bed, little children, a manger with hay;
His mother and Joseph in ecstasy pray,
The Shepherds in wonder their glad worship bring,
While chorus of angels sweet Glorias sing."


Luke 18:16
American Standard Version of the Holy Bible (1901)

16 "But Jesus called them unto him, saying, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for to such belongeth the kingdom of God."



my graphic creation using this original image



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"Thank You to God"

A project that we have finished on flickr.




Group Project by those within the letters spelling "God":

(In the G - l to r - starting at top)

01) Cajunlady50's Images - Audrey
02) Free of the Demon - Ed
03) Clara's Rose - Clara
04) dubonnet - Sharon
05) martian cat - Chris
06) flickrpro - His says Cancer
07) Harlene2007 - Harlene
08) myheartandsoul - Joan
09) busykyork - Kathleen
10) Crismatos - Cris
11) Lala50 - Lala
12) The Couple Next Door - Sue

(In the O - l to r - starting at top)

13) HauntedFleurDeLys - Lynn
14) Aida Villaronga - Aida
15) Mimitalks - Mimi
16) artphoto2005 - Artphoto
17) Vivsirena - Vivian
18) Pixels&Beyond - Kashane

(In the D - l to r - starting at top)

19) anslatadams - Marlene
20) sylkky2 - Sylvia
21) Heart Windows Art - Kathie
22) marilynnm63 - marilynnm
23) joyousjoym - Joy
24) leta_miller - Leta

and also by Flickr friends:

25) fantartsy JJ (who did the 3 dark leaves with gold lettering at the top)
Hers say: God's peace, Friends, My family

and those at the very bottom - l to r:

26 Krissy's Robbie - Hers says: Robbie
27) Domesticated Diva - Hers say Joshua, Devon, Husband, Life
28) Sheila in Millstone - Hers says Cynthia
29) Elloree Creations - Hers says Doug

The remainder of the leaves say: (starting top)
Our Creator, Honesty, Prayers, Creative Energy, Angels
(and at the bottom) His Praise, Miracles, Memories,
Happiness, My Parents and were submitted by martian cat.


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"No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us."

"12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

1 John 4:12 (New International Version)



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"Thank you to God"

I am thankful. You are thankful, too! I know that with a little thought, you are...


We need your help with telling us who or what you are thankful for.



"14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."
John 14:14 (New International Version)



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The "Thank you to God" tree needs your help. Please join us...

I am thankful. You are thankful, too! I know that with a little thought, you are...



We need your help with telling us who or what you are thankful for.



"29 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever."
Psalm 118:29 (New International Version)


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"Love your friends, they help light your path."

"Love your friends, they help light your path."
~ a friend


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1. "Friends are your seeds of kindness.",
2. "Friends enrich your life.",
3. "Love is the harmony between friends.",
4. "A smile is a gift you can give everyday."


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All are memories from a hotel that we stayed at during a visit to Nagasaki (Japan).





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"We love because he first loved us."

"19 We love because he first loved us.

1 John 4:19 (New International Version)


my graphic creation using this original image


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"Arise, shine, for your light has come..."

1 "Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD rises upon you."


Isaiah 60:1 (New International Version)


a view from near my apartment

"He has made everything beautiful in its time."

"11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end."

Ecclesiastes 3:11 (English Standard Version)



a bloom from one of my cactus on my balcony




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"One is nearer God's Heart in a garden"

"The kiss of the sun for pardon,
The song of the birds for mirth,
One is nearer God's Heart in a garden
Than anywhere else on earth."
~ Dorthy Frances Gurney




blossoms from one of my cactus on my balcony



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The fruitful tree

7 "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.

8 He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit."

Jeremiah 17:7-8 (New International Version)


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Simple Gifts

SIMPLE GIFTS



1. 'Tis a gift to be simple,
2. 'Tis a gift to be free,
3. 'Tis a gift to come down,
4. Where we ought to be,
5. And when we find ourselves,
6. In the place that's right,
7. 'Twill be in the valley,
8. Of love and delight

~ Ninteenth~ Century Shaker Hymn



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Of love and delight

"Of love and delight"
~ part of a nineteenth-century Shaker hymn


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'Twill be in the valley

" 'Twill be in the valley"
~ part of a nineteenth-century Shaker hymn


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In the place that's right

"In the place that's right"
~ part of a nineteenth-century Shaker hymn

And when we find ourselves

"And when we find ourselves"
~ part of a nineteenth-century Shaker hymn



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"Where we ought to be"

"Where we ought to be"
~ part of a nineteenth-century Shaker hymn



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'Tis a gift to come down

" 'Tis a gift to come down"
~ part of a nineteenth-century Shaker hymn




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'Tis a gift to be free

" 'Tis a gift to be free"
~ part of a nineteenth-century Shaker hymn



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'Tis a gift to be simple'

" 'Tis a gift to be simple"
~ part of a nineteenth-century Shaker hymn




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"But now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love."

"But now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love."
1 Corinthians 13:13
American Standard Version


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1. Be courteous.,
2. Hope always.,
3. Make friends.,
4. Have faith.

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"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. ..." James 4:8

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. ..."
James 4:8


And, note... this is only part of this Scripture.
This is found listed here under World English Bible.


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'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' Acts 20:35

35"In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
Acts 20:35

From the New American Standard Bible


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"Everything is possible for the person who believes!"

"Jesus said to him, "'If you are able?' Everything is
possible for the person who believes!"
Mark 9:23
International Standard Version (©2008)


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1. "The mind grows by taking in, but the heart grows by giving out.",
2. "Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.",
3. "The starting point of all achievement is desire.",
4. "To me every hour of the day and night is an unspeakably perfect miracle."





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Sunshine is God's blessings.

"Sunshine is God's blessings."
~ anonymous


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