Seeing Through Kaleidoscope Eyes

These images were created with Kaleidoscope software (Photoechoes.com) using my original photographs of nature as seen on this website.

Kaleidoscope: Changing Perspectives

Unity of the Spirit*

Unity of Women*

Have you ever looked through a Kaleidoscope? When I was a kid, peering at life through this magical tube offered hours of entertainment. Whole new worlds of color, light and patterns came into view. With a quick twist or turn of the tube, the images changed and transformed into new perspectives.

Life often resembles a Kaleidoscope...with its multitude of experiences constantly changing and evolving with each twist and turn along our sojourn through this world. How we perceive these experiences (positively or negatively) depends upon whether we view these experiences with 'Light' or in darkness.
"The Lord will be your everlasting light" (Isaiah 60:19)

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)


*Note: The image (Unity of the Spirit) was created from the photograph (Unity of Women, 1997) using Kaleidoscope software from Photoechoes.com.

Lean on Him

Why is it so difficult to let go of what I want, what I think I need, what is best for me and to completely and unreservedly surrender to God's will in my life?

Maybe, because I think I know better than God what's best for my life? No...I've disproved that theory too many times to know it's not true.

Why then? Well...it's simply FEAR.

I've spent a good part of my life making my own decisions, determining what's best for me, pursuing relationships, jobs and that next 'thing' that will satisfy that place inside me that longs for relief, comfort, hope, excitement...

Now, I'm asked to surrender 'My' will to God's will. My fears rise up in mutiny at the thought of letting go of the 'reigns' of my life and allowing God's will to guide me. How many times have I told myself, "I can handle it myself or if I only get what I want, then I'll be happy"?

If I'm honest with myself, when I reflect back on 'my decisions' (especially the ones where I didn't consult God) the results usually ended in disaster. I'll admit that I'm predisposed to selfishness. Who doesn't enjoy the rush of Immediate gratification when we get what we 'think' we want? On the flip side, however, when I don't get what I want, I tend to pout, sulk and blame God for his lack of timing, unfairness and any other blame I put on Him.

I don't like to WAIT for His will to play out in my life...especially when it comes to relationships, jobs, friends, creative pursuits, family...basically, any area of my life.

God's will for me isn't always easy to understand or accept at times. It's often frustrating, exasperating, baffling and confusing. Though, to God, His will is perfect for me. My mind doesn't see the whole picture...the intricate plans woven through time that unfold daily. When I look back over my life, it's easier to see the 'big' picture, the view from God's eyes.

What is needed if I want to be at peace with His will and not My will?

When I learn to be open and willing to believe that God's will is always so much better for me than my feeble attempts, then I am more able to let go and trust in Him.

Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight." (NIV)

"Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for GOD'S voice in everything you do,
everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep
you on track." (MSG)

Becoming a Butterfly

God's power to transform our lives from the inside out is not only visible in outward appearance. More importantly, our hearts and minds are renewed and transformed at a very deep level.

When I'm ready and willing to change, the first thing I must be willing to release is all that I think and believe that I am. Letting go of the old self is required for a new life. Am I willing to let go and trust God to transform me into a new creature? God's design for our lives is always perfect. Trust and let go!All that I was, All that I am and All that I am to become...I will surrender to Him. Lord, create in me a pure and clean heart that lives for you. Let all that I do be a reflection of your Divine love and grace. Let your light shine through me that others may see your Glory.

Transformation of the Butterfly

SHE HAD ME AT MOO

Spiritual Transformation

Butterfly: The Mysteries of Transformation
[a short video presented by Humanity Healing Foundation]





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*If you landed on my site looking for more detailed information about the phases of a butterfly, check out these links:

The Glorious Butterfly
[site includes information on raising monarch butterflies, videos of butterfly metamorphosis, christian perspective of transformation process, stories and images of butterflies, lesson plans for kindergarten and pre-schoolers]

Butterfly emerging from the chrysalis
[site includes slide show of complete metamorphosis of the butterfly]

Picturing God Through His Creation
[blog includes images of the metamorphosis of a butterfly; offers a Christian perspective on transformation]

The Butterfly Site
[#1 site for the most complete and current Butterfly information; includes biology, pictures, links and more]

The Children's Butterfly Site[site includes information, photos of life cycle of butterflies; links to Butterfly and Moth resources on the web; translations available in Français, Deutsch, Español,Italiano, Nederlands]

Butterfly Sites on the Web
[this site includes a list of resources on the web with full description of websites]