Pray! And don't forget to vote.

"Cool Mountain Day" ~ Hand colored rural scene from the Blue Ridge mountains.~


"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."
~1 Timothy 2:1-2


It's Fall!  Glorious in color! A new season!
It's also a new season for leadership-- to be given a vote of confidence, or be changed for new ideas and policies.
In this election season, let's not forget that we should be praying for our elected officials.  We should do our due diligence to be sure we are informed about who we are voting for, and regardless of who is elected, we should be keeping them lifted up in prayer.


All leadership needs prayer.
It doesn't matter if it's local or national elections. Pray about these things. 
They are important to our present and future.
Ask God for the wisdom to make good choices.  Don't wait until election day to choose at the polls or decide not to go at all.
And don't stop praying after the elections.  Once leaders are in office, they need prayer more than ever to govern with wisdom and in the best interest of the nation, presently and in the future.


"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."
~James 1:5

Teach Me To Trust

Blue Ridge Mountains II, originally uploaded by CynDB.

"Teach me to trust when there is cause to fear, when trials come and storms appear. Help me to know that You are near.
Teach me to trust when skies are bright, or I grope alone on a sorrowful night.
Teach me to trust through life's tangled ways, through all disappointments and delays...
Teach me to trust when weary and frail, when sickness, pain and ills assail.
Your grace sustains, your promises real. Teach me to trust."

~~from the writings of John W. Peterson 1921~~

The Sand Dollar Sea Treasure Legend

The Sand Dollar Sea Treasure Legend, originally uploaded by CynDB.

I grew up on an island. I love the sea, and I love looking for sand dollars! When I read the story about the symbolism, years ago, I've never forgotten it and think of it every time I see one of these beautiful sea creatures. I created this image from a perfect sand dollar that I found several years ago at the Turks and Caicos islands.

The legend of the sand dollar is that Christ left the sand dollar as a symbol to help evangelists teach the faith. The five holes represent the five wounds Christ received while on the cross: four nail holes and the hole made by the Roman's spear. In the center of one side of the sand dollar, there is the Easter lily and in the middle of the lily is the star of Bethlehem. The Christmas poinsettia is on the other side which is a reminder of Christ's birth. If you break the sand dollar open, there are five white pieces of shell which look like doves. These are said to bring good will and peace.

"There's a pretty little legend
That I would like to tell
Of the birth and death of Jesus
Found in this lowly shell.

If you examine closely,
You'll see that you find here
Four nail holes and a fifth one
Made by a Roman's spear.

On one side the Easter lily,
Its center is the star
That appeared unto the shepherds
And led them from afar.

The Christmas poinsettia,
Etched on the other side
Reminds us of His birthday,
Our happy Christmastide.

Now break the center open,
And here you will release
The five white doves awaiting
To spread Good will and peace.

This simple little symbol,
Christ left for you and me
To help us spread His Gospel
Through all eternity."

~~Anon.