Picture of the day - April 3, 2009

"Horses in silhouette"

(Click on the photo for a larger view) As we prepare to lay my wonderful brother Mike to rest this afternoon, I find myself thinking over and over about the way our Heavenly Father looks over and protects us all as we make our inevitable journey from birth to death. Even as Mike struggled from day to day with his illness, he was never alone. Every second of every day, our loving and gracious God had His hand upon his shoulder, comforting him and guiding him until he finally made it through Heaven's open gate. It was a long, hard journey, but the Great Navigator's course was steady and true. Now, Mike's journey is over. He is finally home. By now you're probably thinking "What does this have to do with today's picture?". And a good question it is. But there is indeed a connection... Our God is a supremely loving God. He loves and watches over ALL of His creations - even the beasts of the field. While life on earth can sometimes seem cruel and unfair, we can take comfort in the fact that we are never alone. Whether it's a dear loved one lying in a hospital bed or a group of horses in a pasture field, the light of God's love is always present and powerful. The end might not always be what we had wished for, but it will always be according to God's plan. And God's plan is perfect. Always. Like the rays of sunshine bursting through the clouds above, God's love and mercy has the power to illuminate even the darkest day of our lives. Don't believe me? Just ask Mike.     Visitor Comments... Name: Phyllis Helton Town: Bristol, VA Let the light shine on.     Name: Ron Trees Town: Spokane, WA While the picture today is a very nice picture, it is the words that accompany that picture that really speak to me today. I look to this site for nice pictures everyday, but I also get to hear truth here, which IMHO, is what make this site one of the best on the web. We see beautiful photos of all kinds of things here, but we are always gently reminded of Who, give all good things. With out our Heavenly Father and His promises, this old world would be a truly dismal place to live. I am thinking of a song right now by the artist, Jeremy Camp. I hope it is ok to place the lyrics here. It is a beautiful song!! There Will Be a Day I try to hold on to this world with everything I have But I feel the weight of what it brings, and the hurt that tries to grab The many trials that seem to never end, His word declares this truth, that we will enter in this rest with wonders anew But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings That there will be a place with no more suffering There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we’ll see Jesus face to face But until that day, we’ll hold on to you always I know the journey seems so long You feel your walking on your own But there has never been a step Where you’ve walked out all alone Troubled soul don’t lose your heart Cause joy and peace he brings And the beauty that’s in store Outweighs the hurt of life’s sting I can’t wait until that day where the very one I’ve lived for always will wipe away the sorrow that I’ve faced To touch the scars that rescued me from a life of shame and misery this is why this is why I sing…. There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we’ll see Jesus face to face There will be a day, He’ll wipe away the stains, He’ll wipe away the tears, He’ll wipe away the tears…..there will be a day. There is a wonderful day coming and I am truly looking forward to it! Take care, Ron     Name: Olivia Falls Town: Amelia Court House, VA Mr. Rouse, you have my deepest sympathies concerning the loss of your brother. Your tributes were both touching and motivating, spurring me to go over to my own brother and hug his neck and kiss his cheek. Of course he thought I had lost my mind because I NEVER do that, but that's ok. I wanted him to know that he is loved. Thank you very, very much for lighting that spark in my desire to make things right with him after all these years. You and your wonderful website have a fan for life!   Comment on today's picture  |  View previous "Pictures Of The Day"  |  Submit a photo Why I publish the "Picture Of The Day"