A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....06-29-05....Celebrating Summer

Mama_Bear

[Mama_Bear]

[Mama_Bear]

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[STARWISE]

Just beautiful work, Mama!! Summer is the symphony of flowers blooming everywhere, the breathtaking sight of boats cutting through the splashing waves of the lake, the blueness of the sky, and NO snow, shivering, or gray skies.

But, since moving to the midwest, when I think of summer, I think of days on the beaches on the Atlantic ... the ocean air, the salt on my skin, the fishy breezes, the delicious tanning lotion aromas (like coconut), finding the surpise perfect shell, the soothing waves ..really strong sense memories, and my summer faves.

[The Mayor]

June 29, 2005

Come Back

Read:
Amos 4:4-13

"You have not returned to Me," says the Lord. —Amos 4:6

Bible In One Year: Amos 4-6

The Old Testament book of Amos has given us some memorable phrases: "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" (3:3). "Pre-pare to meet your God" (4:12). "Let justice run down like water" (5:24).

But the most-repeated phrase in Amos occurs five times in chapter 4. Time after time the Lord speaks of all He has done to discipline His wayward, self-indulgent people and draw them back to Himself. In every case the response is the same: "'You have not returned to Me,' says the Lord" (Amos 4:6,8-11).

As we read and marvel at their hardness of heart, we must also ask if the same could be true of us. If we have sensed that the Lord has been trying to get our attention, how have we responded to Him?

The prophecy of Amos contains warnings of judgment, captivity, and destruction. Yet there are calls for repentance and promises of restoration: "Seek good and not evil, that you may live; so the Lord God of hosts will be with you" (5:14).

The book of Amos has many memorable phrases, but we should never forget God's invitation to all who have wandered away from Him: Return to Me.

If you haven't returned, do it now. —David McCasland

I've strayed, O Lord, and turned aside,
I've disobeyed Your voice;
But now with contrite heart I turn
And make Your will my choice. —D. De Haan

True repentance turns from the wrong and returns to the right.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
The Way Back
Knowing God Through The Old Testament

[GailA]

Good morning ALL...summer is certainly here in Memphis...hot (95), dry (not had to mow in 2 weeks).

[Temple Owl]

Good morning Mama. Hope you have a wonderful summer.

[Billie]

Love your summer post, Lori - it's so pretty, but most of all, it looks 'cool', not 'scorching hot' like the weather we're having...temps above normal for this time of the year. Looks like it's going to be a "Long, Hot Summer".

Summertime as a kid....no school, swimming every day, Padre Island vacations, popsicles, going barefoot.....

[Billie]

Hi, EarthDweller,

Pinging you to today's "Summertime" thread by Mama_Bear. Come see. :)

[LadyX]

"Just beautiful work, Mama!!"

Oh, STARWISE - I was just going to wax enthusiastically over Mama_Bear's *always* wonderful and thorough presentations, and point out this one is truly

*OUTSTANDING!*

I, too, enjoy summer - ours this year, like last, rather mild - and usually COOLER than the entire northern tier of states!!

Where did you live/visit on the East Coast?
Adding to your memories of the beaches wading barefooted in the warm, foamy surf to watch the sun rise, coffee in hand....spotting a shark's tooth in addition to the 'lovely' shells..:))

[I still have paper bags full of treasures from my last visits - lol- now and then give one to a grandchild..:))]

Ah, Mama_Bear - just Sunday, I purchased 6 limes and am enjoying a pitcher of limeade!!

Here's some for you and Dinky Applebuns..:))

[Diver Dave]

I'll start............a few of my favorite "summer" memories from childhood; blueberry popsicles, catching lightening bugs, running barefooted through the grass, and ice cold watermelon juice dripping off my elbows. Okay, your turn! :-)

[dutchess]

What a beautiful fun thread from our own sunshine bear!!!!!

[dutchess]

Cuz, how can you be grumpy
When the sun shines out your bum

Now that is cute Mr. Diver!

Okay, waiting for the obligatory grandkids puppy pics!

[dutchess]

just Sunday, I purchased 6 limes and am enjoying a pitcher of limeade!!

Oh yum...fresh limeade. Just might have to try that!!! ((((maggie))))

[dutchess]

Hi Sistahs and Finest Friends....Isn't mama_bears thread just perfect??? One of my favorite childhood summer memories was the "Good humor man" turning the corner with his piped music...we'ld all run out of the water and get in line for "orange creamsicles"!!! Spent all day in the water....nights of bonfires and s'mors!!!

But sigh...playtime is over atleast until 5:00!!! Have a wonderful summer day all!

[Diver Dave]

Summertime = Riding around with the top down with the Beach Boys blasting away on the tape deck... Surf's Up, Dude and Dudessess!

[Mama_Bear]

Oh, you and I think alike when it comes to summer. Great memories! When I was in high school I lived on the east coast, within walking distance of the old Ocean View Amusement Park on the beach in Norfolk, Virginia. From what I hear, it was torn down many years ago. But what wonderful memories of summer my senior year there!

You mentioned the fragrance of suntan lotion. The smell of "Sea and Ski" (which I don't even know if they make now) takes me instantly back to the beach.

Thanks for sharing your summers with us. No matter what time of year it is, it will always be "summer" in our memories. :-)

[Mama_Bear]

Good morning, Gail. 95 degrees? That's pretty hot. But I love it! (The humidity I can do without, LOL).

[Mama_Bear]

Hello, Temple Owl. Hope you have a beautiful summer in PA!

[Mama_Bear]

Looks like it's going to be a "Long, Hot Summer".

Just the kind I like!

Love your summer post, Lori - it's so pretty, but most of all, it looks 'cool'

Thanks, Billie. Did you notice the little ladybug? My attempt at a simple animation. Also, the ants on the welcome ping graphic. I know there should probably be three ants and they are way too big compared to the picnic basket - (although you might have them that big in Texas, LOL!), but was too tired to work on it anymore. I am trying to learn my animation program. It is slow going, but I am making progress. :-)

[LadyX]

Another summer joy is a hammock in the back yard beneath shade trees, which I have...
nuthin like lazin' with a cool breeze...portable radio music...iced tea...book to read...snooze a little..:))

Oh, Dave! Found a perfect hammock, *made for you*!!

Of course, you *might* prefer an old
standard issue military one
like you had as a Navy diver..:))