"When I remember you on my bed, I meditate on you in the night watches, for You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.  My soul clings to you; Your right hand upholds me."  Psalm 63:6,7

So many strengthening truths in this passage.  The other parts of this Psalm are powerful as well.  It speaks of seeking God in the midst of a dry and weary land and finding sanctuary in God.  There are promises of His lovingkindness and deliverance.  I choose to cling to the God of the ages - the Creator of the universe and the One who holds the world in His hands.  Meditate on those things.  There is much to lose - and everything to gain!

Just another smiling Spring face!

A frosty morning in St. Louis!  But "old man Winter" seems to be bowing to spring!

How are you doing today?  Do you have some "winter" pressing on you?  Are you having a difficult season?  Do friends seem far away?  Are you having trouble getting out from under a "shadow"?  Unfortunately, we all have "winter" from time to time.  Some of those more harsh than others. 

There is help.  We must take it to the Source of life and light.  God is still in control of the weather!  He offers promise and hope when all else is dark and cold.  Ask Him for help.  Ask Him for the Son!  When His perspective illuminates our heart, the things of earth "grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace."

Some of that sounds cliche' perhaps.  Funny thing, though...no matter how old or how often you may have heard it, it is still true.  Always has been.  Always will.  

Embrace Spring.  Embrace the One who overcomes darkness!

"I am the door, if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."  John  10:9,10 

The Pansies have come out to play!  Hearty, colorful and happy!  If those faces aren't smiling, I'm not sure what is!  

"...The Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome...!"  Revelation 5:5

Jesus.                                                                             Never changing, always loving, overcoming, unending, all knowing, Redeemer, Conqueror, Savior, Lord of lords, Corner Stone, Living Word, Rock of All Ages, Master, Mediator, Deliverer, Healer, Comforter, King of kings, Mighty God, Counselor, Prince of Peace, the Beginning, the End, Beloved Son, Ancient of Days, Immanuel, Lamb of God, Light of the World, Living Water, Bread of Heaven, Rabi, Resurrection, Shepherd, True Vine, The Way, The Truth, The Life, Wonderful, Worthy, Word of Life, Image of God, Author, Finisher, Bright and Morning Star, I AM! 

This photo was shot on a rather cool fall day while I was taking a little "therapy stroll" at the Botanical Gardens.  There are always so many things to look at there, but this graceful White Egret that was perched atop a very tall and distant pine tree stole my gaze! 

Fortunately one of my camera's better features is a powerful zoom lens. Sometimes I use it like binoculars because it brings things that are far away amazingly close!  I clicked a number of pictures hoping for at least one that would capture this beautiful bird from so far away.  I kept this one.

I can tell you that I have been in that garden area on countless days each month and have even seen several of these birds from time to time.  However, none provided such a photo op as this one!  It was all but posing for me!

Occasionally something beautiful just happens! Often we are not prepared, and yet, it can bring awe to an otherwise predictable or even mundane day.  

Sometimes we get those kind of rare glimpses of God in our lives.  A divine moment when clarity busts onto the scene afresh...a pleasant surprise...an unexpected visit or encounter.  Those points of time leave a thumb print of joy and beauty that becomes a memory we cherish. Catching this image was indeed one of those.

I have a hunch that if we develop a "seeking, asking, knocking" mentality, there may be more of those moments to find!

I have a prayer that stays on my lips..."Lord, visit our city."  With a deep history of racial tension, crime and struggle, St. Louis has managed to thrive as a city and community.  There is somehow a small town feel to this city of over 300,000 people.  What rich history lives here.  It was previously known as Mound City as the early Native American Mississippian culture was centered here and built around several earthwork mounds.

The area was claimed by La Salle in about 1678 and French settlements were built throughout the early 1700's.  France lost to the British in 1764 and St. Louis became a fur trade area and economy.  In 1803 after the Republic of France had it back for a few years, it was finally sold to the US and Missouri was admitted to the Union in 1821.  

St. Louis was a growing city until the Civil War, when immigration and industrialization sparked an even greater major boom.  It conintued to grow until the 1950s when the city suddenly began to lose people to the suburbs. There was an increasing demand for housing and commutes had become easier.  St. Louis has lost over 63% of its population since 1950, which is the highest percent of any major US city.  

The stats are a bit grim if you are a numbers watcher.  However, this city just seems to continue to  bounce back!  It's architecture and heritage brings many exciting stories and with them a pioneer spirit.

My heart desires to see Godly people arise and pray, asking our Lord to stir hearts and bring us back to a place of honoring He who has blessed us thus far in spite of the good and bad of the past!  May His church/body humble themselves, pray and see a renewal season under the silver arch!  God responds to obedience.  Lord, may righteousness abound here in St. Louis, and may You be glorified as a result!

Just a little shot of our "Lou" in living color!  This is Union Station...once the world's largest and busiest train station!  It truly is majestic in its late 1800's decor!

 The inside is just as beautiful, sporting stained glass, arches, marble, and ornate vaulted ceilings.  It was a hub of traveling activity at the height of its glory.  It was built in 1894 and expanded in 1903 to accomodate visitors to the St. Louis Worlds Fair.

As air travel slowly became more popular the railroad passenger services declined.  By the late 1970's the building became too expensive to maintain for the small amount of trains being used.  

In 1985, the building underwent a major development housing a hotel, shopping areas, a food court and restaurants.  It once again became a very visited attraction for St. Louis.

In 2010 St. Louis Union Station underwent yet another update with an expansion of the Hotel and a reduction of shopping areas.

It remains a grand and prominent attraction and tourist spot in our fair city.  The architecture is stunning, standing just as it did over a century ago!  If you visit, make sure to see the Grand Hall as you enter the north main entrance, upon which you can also experience the "whispering arch".  Two people can stand with backs to each other on either side of the arch upon entering and whisper into the wall.  The sound travels mysteriously up and over the arch whereas the other person can hear even a whisper!