However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
(Ephesians 5:33 ESV (emphasis mine))

Today, 30 years ago, I have met my beloved. Sometimes I wonder where the years went. Don’t get me wrong; we had our challenges over the years. The above verse was one of the verses that saved our marriage. I truly believe that love and respect go hand-in-hand. Both have strengthened our marriage.

I truly enjoy hanging out with him, and photographing together. And I still get a soft knees when my beloved hugs me and kisses my neck…

Thank you Sweetheart for the past 30-years. I am looking forward spending more with you!!!

Current Mood: Blessed †

“I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
and I will glorify your name forever.”
~ Psalm 86:12 (ESV)

This week, we are meeting at my friend Lynn’s website “Spiritually Unequal Marriage“. This will be the last time my dear friend Lynn is hosting the event. It saddens my heart, but I know that God is moving mighty in Lynn’s life…Lynn, I will always be thankful for your friendship!!!!

I had a perfect day today. Sleeping a little later than normal, having my morning devotions as usual (including my first coffee)…Having breakfast with my husband. Yes, I took the day off work . I had an appointment at the USCIS office to get my alien status renewed so that I can stay in the United States.

I am thankful that my sweetheart agreed to go with me; I was a little nervous. But the people at the Phoenix USCIS office were so nice!!!! And it was quick to get through the lines to get my fingerprints and photo taken.

After the appointment, my sweetheart and I stayed in Phoenix for several hours. We had an incredible lunch at Sam’s Cafe at the Arizona Center. I think the restaurant will become one that we will visit often when in Phoenix.

We also went through down-town Phoenix to take photographs. Phoenix has changed so much over the past 20 years we live here. The city is still changing, but thankfully they are keeping some of the landmarks in tact like the Luhrs Tower.

Yes, today was a perfect day…and that my friends I am thankful for.

Thank you for stopping by today. Remember: take every day a gift and be thankful.

Love and peace,
Iris

Current Mood: Blessed † & Thankful

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)

Wow, here we are in the month of September. It has been two months from my last post. Not sure what happened? My summer has been really busy at work…and it is still hot here in the Valley of the Sun.

The word ‘grace’ has been a huge part of my summer. I have messed up in couple of areas of my life; but I have been extended grace by many people, and specially by God. I have again turned the wrong way (running in front of God instead of waiting on Him).

Once I have realized how much grace I have had received, it made me think about the times I did not extend grace to others. So this summer I have been intentional extending grace to others. It makes life much calmer or even smoother.

I am very thankful for God hand’s in my life; especially for His amazing grace.

How about you? What are you thankful for this week? Please do share with us by leaving your Thankful Thursday link below.

Thank you for stopping by today. Remember: He extended grace, do likewise; it makes life this side of heaven much nicer.

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Current Mood: Forgiven † & Thankful

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
~ Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV)

I am thankful for the passage from Isaiah. Isaiah is proclaiming God’s grace and mercy to the ones who repent and turn from their ways; these particular verses give me great comfort.

I have tried so many times to do things my way, just to fall flat on my back. As I had mentioned last week, I have given it all over to the Lord. And no, I am not taking it back either. Many of you know that I love photography; I want to truly make a living off of it. But it is hard to find clients when you work full-time.

Over the last 5 months I had at least one client; which is really good for me. I am excited to have another booking this up-coming Saturday – Yahoo. Thank You Lord for Your provision in that field. Who knows where the next session leads – God is Good – All the time.

What are you thankful for this week? Please share in the comment section or by leaving your link to your Thankful Thursday post below; I will make sure to stop by .

Thank you again for stopping in; remember: God’s ways are much higher than ours, trust Him with your thoughts and dreams.

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Current Mood: Blessed † & Thankful

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.”
~ Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)

The other night I watched my all-time favorite, German TV show called Tatort (loosely translated “crime-scene”). The detective in this particular episode investigated a homicide that kept leading her back to her boyfriend she deeply loved…

Join me today over at Laced with Grace to read the rest of my short devotion.

Photo: 1st TV Station Germany

Current Mood: Blessed †

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.””~ John 11:25-27 (ESV)

There are days when your heart is heavy; you don’t seem to find a grateful heart or thought. Your husband is less then nice to you; your child(ren) live their lives as they please; your friend’s job is eliminated; your friends abandon you; you have to spend money that you had set aside for a specific purpose…Plainly said: your are exhausted from life’s blows.

Over the last several weeks I have found myself crying more often then in previous years. I had feelings of anger and hurt; I don’t understand the whys. Is there really a purpose in all of this? Does God hear my prayers and pleas? I have to trust God that there is a purpose.

Tomorrow we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection; my favorite holiday. Why? No matter what life throws at me, no matter how hard the evil one tries to discourage me, I have hope. A hope of a brighter tomorrow; a hope that God will answer my prayers in His time; a hope for life everlasting in the presence of God. God is faithful to see us through until the end.

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” ~ Hebrews 10:19-23 (ESV – emphasis mine)

My prayer is that tomorrow we will celebrate His resurrection with a renewed hope.

Have a blessed Easter Sunday,

Photo & Content Copyright © Iris Nelson

Current Mood: Forgiven †

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ~ Philippians 4:6-8 (ESV)

Goodness, it is Thanksgiving; where did this years go? This year has been a year of ups-and-downs; emotionally and physically. But nonetheless, I am grateful for the life God is allowing me to live this side of heaven.

The most important lesson I have learned this year is that God is using my weaknesses to keep me grounded and focused on what truly is important in life. Not all things that I had planned for this year have come to pass, but that is okay.

Many of my friends have been impacted by the economy, have lost loved ones, or have been robbed of their possessions. So, why should I grumble when some of my dreams did not come true. I have a roof over my head, food to eat, water to drink, and family and friends that bless me every day just for being there for me.

So, this Thanksgiving Day I thank God for the things I have, and not focus on the things I do not have.

What are you thankful for today? Check out more thankful hearts over at my friend Laurie’s blog “Women Taking a Stand“…

Thank you for stopping by today – Happy Thanksgiving and Thankful Thursday.

Current Mood: Blessed † & Thankful

She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

~ Proverbs 31:26 (ESV)

Lori, may you day be filled with blessings and wonderful surprises. I wish I could celebrate with you in Florida.

I am grateful that the Lord saw it fit to have us meet this side of heaven. I am thankful for your friendship. I love your honesty; even if it hurts to hear the truth. Thank you for cheer-leading my photography and your support in ministry. You keep me sane in this insane world!!!! Happy Birthday, my sweet friend!!!!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones.
~ Proverbs 3:5-8 (ESV ~ emphasis mine)

Oh, what a blessing not to have to get up at 4:30am getting ready for work. Although it does not take me 2 hours to get ready in the morning, I like to have a cup a coffee and meet with God. At any rate, vacationing this week (at home) by relaxing, reading, and refreshing body and soul.

Although I had plans to leave town, it is really nice to take my sweet time in the morning. Oh, and reading the marvelous book “Red Ink” brings to mind how truly blessed I am to live in a country where I can mention the name of Zhu Yesu Jidu without being thrown into jail. I can read my Shengjing in public if I need encouragement.

What are you thankful for this week? Please share with us by leaving your link to your Thankful Thursday post below.

Next month we will be meeting up at my friend Lynn’s blog “Spiritually Unequal Marriage“, and in the month of November we will meet up at my friend Laurie’s blog “Women Taking a Stand“…

Thank you for stopping by today. Remember: trust in Him who will strengthen you and do not lean on your understanding.

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Current Mood: Thankful

This week I thought I will give something away that you cannot buy (at least not yet). You might remember that I produced some postcards with 5 of my photographs I took this year at the Desert Botanical Garden.

You can see all five images on my Flickr page to get an idea on what they look like. They will ship directly from Moo.Com. I really like Moo’s print quality; they also created my portrait business cards. I wish Moo would print larger photographs, but they have specialized in postcards, cards, and business cards.

I was really excited when I got my postcards (I had a couple tears in my eyes); the colors are just amazing. I like to use mine to send off to friends; as a note of encouragement.

I also added a Scripture line on the back of the card: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:7 (ESV)…

So, if you would like something unique, this giveaway is for you. Like I said, you cannot buy the postcards anywhere. How to sign-up for this week’s giveaway? Simple; just leave a comment with a valid email address so I can contact you to get your snail-mail address.

Also, last week’s winner of Elaine Olsen’s book “Peace for the Journey” is (drum-roll): Denise from Shortybear’s Place. Congratulations Denise.

Thank you for stopping in today and celebrating my 50th birthday with me this month.

Current Mood: Happy