During the season of Lent it is common practice for people to 'give up' something. I often hear friends speak of 'giving up' chocolate, or snacks, or coffee, or Coke. All good things to sacrifice....if it is indeed a sacrifice. I must confess that in the past I have never really taken this Lenten sacrifice seriously. However, this year, I felt like it was something I needed to prayerfully consider. For a few weeks leading up to Lent, God was nudging me. And then...just days before...he actually woke me up early. The same time each morning. You see, he was getting me ready to get … [Read more...]
Have you ever thought about the intricate complexity of the human eye? It amazingly allows us to not only view objects, but to view depth, color, size, and every little detail of the world around us. Really, the eye is a super complicated machine with many parts. And usually we take it so very for granted. For fun today, my husband and I went on a 100 step walk. You may remember the 100 step walk we took last fall. Today we stepped off in a different direction, through the alleyways, and into the business area of our small town. Every 100 steps we stopped and my challenge … [Read more...]
Faith in tough times... Several years ago a co-worker gave me a copy of Streams in the Desert, a devotional with 365 daily readings. Over time I would pick it up and include it in my daily routine. And then it would set on my shelf, waiting as I enjoyed another more current devotional. The other devotionals might have been more contemporary, but not more current. At this time in my life, it seems that it was written just for me, right now. I am in the desert, again. Thirsty for God. It's as if I am walking through vast stretches of nothingness and yet, … [Read more...]
Lovely. Floating. Flakes. Gathering. Whiteness. Snowfall. The other evening we had an unexpected snow at dinner time. Look closely and you can see the large falling snowflakes. It was a magical few hours. Truly extraordinary!! Supper was ready and I sat down to eat. However I could not contain myself. It was getting late and the light was getting low. So, I excused myself from the table, grabbed my camera, and attempted to capture the moment. The windows which had been locked against the winter winds were cranked open to capture this photo and many more. Such a … [Read more...]
Happy Valentine's Day! On this day of hearts... red and white and words inspiration to live a life of Love. Images ~ White Keyhole :: Sweater Heart :: Heart Knocker Images ~ Red Door :: Tin Heart Images ~ Barn & Banner :: Heart Cookies :: Gift :: Ticking Hearts :: White Twigs Images ~ Red Mug :: Red Door :: Patterned Heart And now I leave you with this.... "Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier." Mother Teresa OO & XX Diane P.S. This photo gallery is an … [Read more...]
Did you wake up this morning with a twinge of anxiety? Do you fear the unknown? Or maybe you have a fear of the future? Fear. Most of us are afraid of something at sometime in our lives. I grapple with it. I bet you do too. Think back to when you were a small child. Do you remember a time when you were out in the great big world and mom or dad took hold of your hand to keep you safe? Your small hand nestled inside that larger stronger hand. Firmly holding on to you. Did it make you feel protected? Maybe you were completely unaware that there was any concern for your … [Read more...]
I finally settled on my word for the year... Joy. If you read my previous Joy Day! post you already know that. And so I thought it would be fun to show you how I put together this little Wintry Wall Vignette over my sideboard and share a little more of the behind the scenes meaning. Plus, a brief tutorial! Ready?! The JOY Basket. Last year during the Christmas season I created this basket of joy. This year I didn't have a place for it. After all the gold and glitz of Christmas got put away, I came across the joy basket again and propped it up on … [Read more...]
Joy. I write about it here all the time. I even have a regular feature called, Joy Day! So then, why did it take so many nudges for me to realize that it is my word for the year? Last night I was working on the weekly Joy Day! post. It was 10:30 and I had been at writing and reading scriptures and sharing my heart for nearly 2 hours. The post had been completed except for photos and I wanted my husband to read it to see what he thought. So, I hit the preview button on my WordPress dashboard, and nothing happened. And again. And then Chrome couldn't connect to the server. … [Read more...]
Twenty-five days ago I embarked on a new leg in my life's journey. My goal was to do my part to make this journey, though challenging, a God-honoring one. I did not want this to be about me....I wanted it to be a time where those around me will say, "Look what God has done." One of the ways to accomplish that is to mediate on God's Word, pray boldly, and trust Him. Have you noticed that trails aren't usually flat, and their surfaces may be marked with stones, roots, and in the snow, unforseen areas of treachery? What happens if on this journey you receive an unexpected … [Read more...]
Rose of Sharon husks. Long forgotten blossoms. A nod to Cotton Bolls. Frozen crystals. Snow. Snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things, but just look what they do when they stick together. Verna M. Kelly Today I walked to the grocery store. A pleasure I have living in a small town. School buses and travelers were filling up the main street so I elected to walk a half block over...down the alley way....on my return home. Roasting chicken in hand. The journey turns into a wander as I forget the falling flakes and see new shapes and wonders enhanced by … [Read more...]
Beauty for your day.... "Winter is on my head, but eternal spring is in my heart." Victor Hugo Whether you're enjoying snow or milder climes.... know it's what's in your heart that counts. Love, Diane Please “Like” An Extraordinary Day ~ A Place of Joy & Inspiration on Facebook. To receive bits of inspiration like this in your inbox or reader, subscribe now. Sharing with Scenic Weekends + Weekly Top Shot + Simple As That * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Thanks so much for reading! Please stop … [Read more...]
Have you come across a pretty picture, a great quote, artwork, or even a Bible verse that you thought was unique or special in someway and you pinned it? Just because? Somewhere online I came across the artwork of Peggy AplSEEDS. I love the spirit and style of her art. And yes....I had a pinning frenzy. You'll see if you visit my Pinterest board. This morning I went to my boards to pick something to share on Facebook. This sweet piece of art was inspiring and encouraging to me. Peggy AplSEEDS And then I read it again. And felt the power of the words. Do you have a … [Read more...]
Do you find yourself stopping to admire a beautiful sunset? Have you noticed how time seems to stand still for just a moment or two when you do? And your soul is refreshed? A sunset is such an everyday (possibly ordinary) occurence. Or is it? The only difference between an extraordinary life and an ordinary one is the extraordinary pleasures you find in ordinary things. ~ Veronique Vienne This weekend...look for ordinary things in which you can find extraordinary pleasures. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ … [Read more...]
Watching the setting sun and seeing the colors dance, refract, and saturate melts away the cares of the day. Late in the afternoon, we went for a walk. From one end of town to the other. We live almost at the end of our road. Just as we rounded the corner to our house I happened to look back and see the sky coloring. We proceeded a bit further, hoping to get a good look at the setting sun. And maybe a few pictures. Without telephone poles and wires marring the magical moment. Peace is seeing a sunset and knowing who to thank. Isn't it lovely? I don't know about you, but … [Read more...]
[An Extraordinary Day now has its own Facebook page! Please take a second now to click the icon on the right and "Like" our page!] Many of us are going through something right now. If we aren't, then most likely someone we are close to needs our support. That something might be a job loss like what we are experiencing at our house. It could be physical or emotional illness, a challenging relationship or a break in a relationship, finances, even death. The journey is difficult. And my words sometimes seem empty. One thing I know for sure..... This is true. … [Read more...]
We face all types of obstacles in life. But, this I know is true: ...nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Romans 8:38 NLT There are so many things running through my mind these days. So many things I want to do. Yet, when life gets turned upside down it takes time to sort it out. [sigh] I have tutorials and posts underway which I'd like to complete and post for you. I want to create vignettes and show you a few things before I get it all packed up for wherever God moves us. I really do. But, if I don't...if I write posts like this one or this one...for a little while....will … [Read more...]
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16 - NLT What is the feeling that comes over you when you read this verse? Me? I feel empowered. Picture someone in your mind who is wonderfully wise, strong, and loving. He knows you well. He truly cares about every. single. thing. in your life. He always wants the best for you. He has all the time in the world for you...to listen and to talk. And he has every resource available to make things … [Read more...]
