At the end of each day, we may sometimes feel frustrated because we could not get accomplished what we thought we should.
As I watched the sun setting on this November eve, I realized that we have 24 hours in each day. We can only accomplish so much within those hours. The only measurement of accomplishment we need to use is whether we have somehow or in some way touched a life to make it better. The work we do is here today, gone tomorrow...but the lives we touch each day is a lasting legacy we leave behind.
Photo’s taken November 3, 2007, Fairhope, Alabama © JanNetG Inspirations
Sitting at the pier one evening, I noticed a lone bird perched upon a martin “condo.” I often try to imagine the conversations and thoughts of these creatures. I wonder why they stay perched in one place for an entire day…appearing to be doing absolutely nothing.
After amazing patience, the creature finally took flight. With an intentional and successful swoop, it captured the long awaited delicacy of the nights dinner.
I am sure there were “other fish in the sea” that would have been sufficient, but to satisfy the soul is worth the wait.
Patience is a quality few possess...and we wonder why we are unfulfilled?
Photo’s taken November 5, 2007, Fairhope, Alabama © JanNetG Inspirations
I love to see the reflections on the glassy waters of a calm day. Everything looks so clear and crisp. I sat watching the sun reflect on the water as it disappeared from the horizon. I learned a great lesson as I reluctantly looked back into the mirror of my mind. Everything began to look crisp and clear. Crystal clear.
Taking the time to reflect each day will put things into perspective and give you clear vision to begin again tomorrow. To reflect brings a calm as the day disappears, allowing ourselves to let the waters of today roll off our backs as if they never existed.
Photo’s taken November 9 2007, Fairhope, Alabama © JanNetG Inspirations
When I was a child, I had a secret place I would go where no one else could find me. When I wanted to run away from home or just be alone, I would go to my secret place and find peace. It was safe; it was my sanctuary.
I have found, as an adult, that I still need that secret place. During a difficult time in my life, God sent a friend who allowed me to escape to her sanctuary. I found what I needed by accepting the opportunity to step away from life for one brief moment.
We all need a sanctuary to find peace in our day, a place to rest from the pressures of life. God will send you what you need at the time you need it. He will provide a sanctuary for you. You must make the choice daily to take the offer given to you. You will find rest and you will find peace when you step into your sanctuary.
Photo’s taken November 9, 2007, Fairhope, Alabama © JanNetG Inspirations
We all go through rough waters at one time or another during our lifetime. We need time and we need a place to heal from the storms of life. For each of us there is a place we can go to release the agony that our tormented soul has endured. Find that place.
There is a God in the dark places who will pass through the waters with us. There are glimpses of hope each day when the sun rises and when it sets. He is consistent and compassionate. There is healing beyond the horizon. There is hope. There is healing.
Photo’s taken November 6, 2007, Fairhope, Alabama © JanNetG Inspirations
Being the task oriented person that I am, I set out on a mission. The wind was cold and I wanted to get to my destination. Since I was traveling on foot, my determination to arrive quickly grew with each step. Suddenly, a flash of color caught my eye. I hesitated to look as I rushed past becoming aggravated at the thought of stopping. Then it occurred to me that if I passed this moment by, I would never capture this experience again...it only comes once in a lifetime. Each moment in life comes only once and then it is gone. Seize the day; slow down and don’t pass life by!
Photo’s taken November 8, 2007, Fairhope, Alabama © JanNetG Inspirations
Alone
There is something about the quiet moments of the early morning. Before the world is stirring, there lies a peace that overwhelms you. It is there, in the garden, we have our quiet and private conversations. It is there we can be alone and without distraction. It is there we can finally listen and we hear...the still small voice.
Just sit for a while and observe the beauty. Just sit for a while and listen to the silence. Just sit for a while. When you rise up to walk, you will be refreshed with the morning dew like the rose. It will be your living water for today.
Photo’s taken August 3, 2004, Bellingrath Gardens, Alabama © JanNetG Inspirations
Purpose
After being married for 25 years, all of the children were grown and left the nest, my husband and I took a long awaited trip to Hawaii. It is indescribable and to say the least, breathtaking! I found at this time in my life I had to rediscover my purpose. I was no longer needed as wife and mother in the same capacity as before. In the two glorious weeks I discovered my purpose to be the same as it always had been...changing the world one life at a time. Whether it be my own family members or others, my purpose remains the same. Whatever good I can do to make a difference, changes the world. It builds a lasting heritage.
Photo’s taken June 24, 2004, Oahu, Hawaii © JanNetG Inspirations
Hope
The empty feelings many of us have during the holidays can be devastating. It seems impossible to embrace the holiday spirit. If only there were something that could give us the hope to make it through another day…
One should never underestimate the smallest gift given or received. The acts of love we receive daily sometimes are overlooked and taken for granted. Be sure to embrace the gifts of hope that come your way in small places and in small packages. Share the small things in life with others...you may be someone's only touch of hope for that day.
Photo taken December14, 2004, Grand Canyon, Arizona © JanNetG Inspirations
Photo #2 taken November 28, 2007, Pineville, LA © JanNetG Inspirations
Time
The photo opportunities in Hawaii are limitless. As we traveled the island, I was over zealous in my endeavor to capture the most breathtaking landscape and sunsets that I had heard so much about. To my dismay, the sky held a dense thick fog that hid the beauty of the landscape. Disappointed, I began to put the camera away considering it hopeless to find any beauty in the fog. To my amazement, the fog began to lift and a display of lush green mountain tops appeared before my eyes. What beauty awaited me beneath the fog!
With time, the fog is lifted from our lives and God reveals the beauty that lies beneath the heaviness we may feel. There are seasons that we must go through and at times the fog seems to linger hiding life’s beauty. In His time the fog will lift and the beauty will be ours once again.
Photo’s taken June, 2004, Oahu, Hawaii © JanNetG Inspirations
Team
It was 5:30 a.m. on a humid Louisiana morning. I was photographing one lone Canadian goose when I suddenly heard the sound of water moving behind me. I turned in time to capture a team of Canadian geese taking flight skimming the top of the glistening lake. Sunrise had just occurred and the sight of the geese rising above the water made me wish I could fly away with them.
Together we can accomplish great things if we take flight and use the unique gifts we each possess. Build up and encourage those around you to rise above mediocrity and fly to new heights. Invest in one another and be a part of something bigger than you can imagine. Spread your wings and fly and take others with you!
Photo’s taken August 16, 2006, Hodges Gardens, LA
© JanNetG Inspirations
Vision
Originally I am a city girl. Being a transplanted Yankee in the heart of Louisiana is an experience in itself. One is expected to master the ATV four wheeling adventure...it is a way of life.
My first ATV encounter was in Colorado one cool September. Riding the trails through the golden Aspens was glorious...until we began our steep incline over boulders and rough terrain. Fear of flipping backwards and tumbling to my death almost caused me to abandon the adventure. With eyes closed and holding on for dear life, I braved the journey trusting that it would be worth it in the end.
I had no idea what my eyes would see when we reached the top of the world. I didn’t have the vision to see what beauty there was to behold. I had to rely on the vision of one who knew the way to the top of the world...of one who had the vision to see what I could not. Just think what I could have missed without vision.
Photo’s taken September 27, 2003, Creede, Colorado
© JanNetG Inspirations
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