Lopez Island in the San Juan Islands August 2013

Our trip to Washington State is starting with these heavenly views from the sky.  We were getting close to landing and wanted to share!

 

 Jim and I were meeting our friends Steve and Teresa. Their dear friends Karen and Dave kindly loaned their piece of heaven to us for a long weekend, on Lopez Island in the San Juans.

 Lopez Island is part of this archipelago comprised of 175 named islands.  Lopez is the most rural of the 3 major islands with landscapes of woods to rolling farmlands and open spaces with shimmering vistas.

 A ferry ride is how we traveled over.  It is always fun for this Florida girl!

 The Love Dog Café has the most wonderful food.  Highly recommend it.

 When we arrived at the cabin, the sea fog was thick but the friendship was sweet, round about the coffee table working on a puzzle! A Very relaxing place to be!

 Teresa making her Dutch Babies! Yum!  We filled them with fruit and whipped cream.

Below are some memories I captured around the Island.  This place is heaven on earth!

 No matter what beach, we all tend to look around, then continually look down to find some treasure.

 Teresa showing off the fancy loo!

 Watmough Bay and surrounding area was donated to preserve the land and water.

 The Bay had the most wonderful salmon.

Our time ended with this little guy bidding us goodbye, and come again. 

Springtime Love

This year, the Spring season has been quite enjoyable for me. With inspiration from my sis in law Kathy, I created a butterfly flower garden.

 In the beginning the enjoyment was delayed, but knowing it would come - while digging the dirt with sweat every where, I knew the "sweat equity" would produce an abundance of flowers to enjoy, along with the butterflies.

 Our spirit  also has to create the "sweat equity" of discipline to study God's Word. To hold our "ground" requires the whole armour of God. Each piece of armor is designed to defend against any particular aspect of satan's kingdom.

 1. Belt of truth - it's a symbol of strength and freedom. The discipline - reading the Bible daily. John 8:44.

 2. The breastplate of righteousness. A breastplate protects vital organs.  The discipline - Memorizing Scripture. John 15:3.

 3.  Feet shod with the Gospel. The foot symbolizes authority after the battle is won,  the conqueror would put his foot on the neck of the defeated. The discipline - Meditating on Scripture. Psalm 119:11.

 4.  Shield of Faith. Added protection on vulnerable parts.  The discipline - fasting regularly.  Good judgment is for those who fast. Isaiah 58.

 5. Helmet of Salvation. A distinct advantage in combat which protects the face and eyes. The discipline - Rising early to spend time with God. Psalm 5:3

 6. Sword of the Spirit. The effectiveness of the sword depended on the hardness of metal, and the sharpness of the edges. A two edged sword was best as you could wield it at the enemy in either direction. The discipline - using God's Words in warfare. Jesus used it in Matthew chapter 4.

 7.  All Prayer. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.  The discipline - establishing priorities, choosing the excellent. James 5:17.

 Ephesians 6:11-18.

 Diligence vs. Slothfulness - Visualizing each task and using my energies to accomplish it.

 Initiative vs. Unresponsiveness - Recognizing and doing what needs to be done.

Gratefulness vs. Unthankfulness - Making known to God and others in what ways they have benefited my life.  Each one of you who takes the time to read my blog, blesses me.  I hope you have received a blessing too.  Happy gardening!

Acknowledgement and thanks to  the Institute in Basic Life Principles.