Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Dream In Living Color!

Hey bloggers...I don't know if it was my imagination or not, but I thought I smelled a little fall in the air this morning when I walked outside. Maybe I was just wanting to smell it, but whatever the case, I'm ready for it when it gets here! This is the poem I wrote for October in AYITN - A Month to Dream Different Dreams - and since I'll be somewhere on the equator next week on the first day of autumn, I thought I'd go ahead and use it today to welcome the new season...




Autumn...a time to dream different dreams . . .

As creation makes its demand for diversity,

the hills and mountains abandon their usually unvaried uniformity,

and come alive with ornate originality . . .

The plummeting temperatures conduct a symphony of color . . .

Falling, flaming foliage makes the landscape resonate with rust-toned rainbows of

glorious golds . . .

radiant reds . . .

brilliant browns,
accented by occasional ostentatious oranges . . .

Sleep deeply in the clean crispness of the cool and chilly nights,

and dream your dreams in living color!


. . . behold, I will set your stones in fair colors . . .
(Isaiah 54:11 AMP)





See you tonight...

26 comments:

PattiL007 said...

Ahhhh...Fall. I love fall...it's one of my favorite seasons. It's so wonderful...those crisp, cool mornings and evenings...and I agree, Bishop...I thought I smelled fall in the air as well...it definitely has its own aroma, doesn't it? It's an exciting aroma that reminds me of my glorious childhood...hayrides, bobbing for apples, the sweet creamy goodness of caramel apples and cotton candy from the carnivals and festivals that honor God and the bounty (harvest) He has given us throughout the year. That aroma makes my heart leap because it's so connected with many golden days of kid-dom, and with the amazing colors that you have depicted so well in both the visuals and the words of this post.

Then, of course, another of the most wonderful things that immediately comes to mind when I feel that chill and enjoy that aroma...ahhh...can you hear it? I can...I can hear it now...the siren's call of fall...GET READY! NOW GET READY! ARE YA READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!

Blessings Blog Fam!

Anonymous said...

SIMPLY AMAZING!

Anonymous said...

"In Color"

I said grandpa whats this picture here its all black and white it aint real clear is that you there? He said yeah i was 11 times were tough back in '35 thats me and uncle Joe just tryin to survive a cotton farm in the great depression.

If it looks like we were scared to death like a couple of kids just trying to save each other you should've seen it in color.

Ohh and this one here was taken over seas in the middle of hell in 1943 in the winter time you can almost see my breath that was my tail gunner ole Johnny Magee he was a high school teacher from new Orleans and he had my back right through the day we left.

If it looks like we were scared to death like a couple of kids just trying to save each other you should've seen it in color.

A pictures worth a thousand words but you cant see what those shades of gray keep covered you should've seen it in color

This one is my favorite one. This is me and grandma in the summer sun all dressed up the day we said our vows. You can't tell it here but it was hot that June and that rose was red and her eyes were blue and just look at that smile I was so proud. Thats the story of my life right there in black and white

And if it looks like we were scared to death like a couple of kids just trying to save each other you should've seen it in color.

A pictures worth a thousand words but you cant see what those shades of gray keep covered you should have seen it in color.

You should have seen it in color

Yeah a pictures worth a thousand words but you cant see what those shades of gray keep covered you should have seen it in color

Anonymous said...

Autumn Leaves

Artist: Andy Williams

The falling leaves drift by the window
The autumn leaves of red and gold
I see your lips, the summer kisses
The sunburned hand I used to hold

Since you went away the days grow long
And soon I'll hear old winter's song
But I miss you most of all, my darling
When autumn leaves start to fall


I see your lips, the summer kisses
The sunburned hand I used to hold

Since you went away the days grow long
And soon I'll hear old winter's song
But I miss you most of all, my darling
When autumn leaves start to fall

Anonymous said...

anon @ 3:01,

Enjoyed the poem, it made me think of pictures I've seen of my Mom and Dad.

An interesting note to the beautiful autumn color is that most of the green leaves of summer only appear to be green but are actually what ever color that is revealed in fall when the changing climate causes the tree to slow production of clorophyl and drop most of the trees moisture into the root system. There must be some kind of poetic parallel to the true colors being revealed.

Bishop,

Prayers are on going for a safe and prosperous mission to Uganda for everyone. I know that Larry Usher is excited about it. How is Pastor Henry? Have you heard from him? So looking forward to good reports to go with the upcoming events at CITN.

union

Anonymous said...

Hey all,
beautiful pics, love fall, its my favorite season. Got a big day planned, I am busier now that I am retired doing what I supposed to be doing...... than I was when I was working for the State. Love this weather!!!! gotta go, maybe I will have time to write more later....

Peace,
Dennis

NTL said...

The picture with the view of the mountains and the full moon, reminds me of a poem I wrote to my wife, on our second date.
We had climbed Blood Mountain with another couple to watch the sunset. Here's the poem I wrote:

As we sat upon Blood Mountain,
The air was crisp and clear.

I felt really good inside,
Just having you near.

We talked of different things we've done,
And things we'd like to do.

And ever sine Blood Mountain, mama,
My thoughts have been of you.


That was thirty three years ago.
Thanks to You Lord, we're still
dreaming in color.

Kistah said...

Nicole Nordemann's "Every Season" is
a song that ministers to me everyday of the year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dwpdZdvCl8

Anonymous said...

Pastor Scott and Pastor Lindsey,

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

May your dreams come to fruition,

in living color!

We love you!

Lisa said...

I Love the Fall. It is so crisp and alive. A season of Blessing. The end of the year for our Jewish brothers and sisters. The harvest is being brought in here and God is preparing to give everyone their shares.
The leaves are starting to turn here in Indiana and the temps have dropped requiring sweatshirts and sweaters. My little girl started school last week for the 1st time. It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!
I can't wait to go to the apple orchard for cider and a bushel of apples. Apple crisp, apple sauce, apple butter, and pie are on the agenda to make in the next weeks.
On a side note we are still waiting for final approval of the adoption of our son. The government over there is behind I guess and it has been almost 11 weeks. We want our approval so we can travel. Our child has some medical things that need to be cared for and 5 yrs of needing Love to catch up on. If you could say a little prayer for him.

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Union,

I received a cc of this which was sent to Pr. Marilyn,

Pr. Ben said: Pr. Henry arrived in Uganda at exactly 10.00 am, no sooner had he walked out of the port authorities than I spotted him. He’s already had his first meal in Uganda. As I speak, he’s resting and we will be connecting his phone as soon as he wakes out of his rest.

Thanks for sending him and all the stuff he came along with. We’re very grateful.

Thanks so much and God bless,

Pr. Ben

Yvonne said...

I am sending a word of protection, safety, God's anointing, God's favor with Him and man, supernatural healing, angels encamping around Pastor Henry Baker as the spirit of the living God's continues to use him in a mighty way on the missions trip in Uganda. I plead the blood of Jesus over him and all of the ministers, Pastor Ben and the other Ugandan ministers and population that will be touched by this CITN missions trip.

I am asking the entire BITN nation be agreement for all of the ministers there and preparing for departure.

Bishop the pictures are so very beautiful and fall is also my favorite time, maybe because I am born in October. The colors are phenomenal, where are you finding all of these photos. They are absolutely gorgeous. Thank you!

In Jesus name,
Yvonne

Anonymous said...

I look forward to those first cool enough evenings when you first smell the smell of firewood smoke.

Anonymous said...

And that last time to cut the grass for the season.

Thank Ya Jesus.

Donald said...

Those pictures make me yearn for next month. I always love to go up to the Smokies in October and hike way back along one of the creeks where people rarely ever go and flyfish all day long. Sometimes the colors really get better than other times and it is always so nice to take a break from fishing and kick back and have a picnic along side of the creek all by myself. A nap is not totally unheard of either. And then go to Gatlinburg that night and have a steak at the Peddler. Lord have mercy!
Those pictures also make me a little bit jealous of my daughter's boyfriend who is coming through New Hampshire now on the Appalachian trail. Wow, I bet he is seeing some beautiful sights.
And there is not much better than sitting out in the backyard after work this time of year with Her Majesty and enjoying the cool temperatures under than huge live oak with a cup of coffee.
And anon@12:25, I still have people ask me why in the world I wanted to put a fireplace in my house. Like the old saying goes, when you cut your own firewood, it warms you twice. And me and this old dog (not Lynn, but Doc) will lay out on the floor next to the fireplace and take some serious naps in the wintertime. I realize that should have been "that old dog and I" but it sounds better the other way.
Ah-h-h-h-h!!!
Looking forward to tonight!

Donald said...

Now I realize that I had a dangling participle in that last post. That huge live oak is not actually the one with the cup of coffee.

Anonymous said...

Love the fall.
The pics. are awesome.
Can't wait till the leaves change.
I'm ready to take a drive up to Helen .
Octoberfest will be here before you know it.
Loving these cooler temps.

Donald - That was cute even if you didn't mean it to sound that way. It put me in mind of The Wizard Of Oz. (the tree scene). I could see the trees chilling out with a cup of coffee. LOL

Son of Zadok said...

Hey Ya'll!

Wow we really got a "blast" up here in Ohio after the service Sunday afternoon. Major sections of the entire state lost power. Hurricane force winds in this part of the country?! I never really thought that was possible. Still hundreds of thousands without power, but we're not complaining. I think times like this probably give people a different perspective for awhile when their everyday routines and comforts get messed with a little. God help those who really face seriouse destruction due to forces such as these.
Well, I've really missed everyone this week. Service was really awesome Sunday! I decided today to come to the library to check in and say hey. We'll get everything up and running again here sooner or later.

I'm part of a book club right now who is meeting once a month to discuss "The Shack". Last night was out first meeting and it was really good. Truly the Good News is finding its voice in the earth for such a time as this.
Hope to find some way to be with you all tonight, we'll see.

Love you all! May God's richest blessings be upon you this day and every day. May His love and light shine upon your face, and your heart be filled with exceeding joy and praise. May the hope and faith in Christ surround your thoughts and ways, overwhelming your troubles, leading you into all truth, being a rich blessing to all those He leads across your path. He is entwined in you and in all things! Lord we bless you and give you praise today!

Anonymous said...

Dear Lisa,
It is done!
I am also in agreement with you and your family regarding the release of the final papers. I plead the blood of Jesus Christ over these papers. No weapons whatsoever will come against this Adoption shall be able to prosper! IN Jesus' Name.
The Lord will keep you, your family and this adoption in perfect peace because your minds are stayed on Him. (Is 44:3)

Father, I love you. I thank you for the power of your word upon this family. In Jesus’ Name! Amen.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Bishop,
for the information about Pr. Ben, and Pr. Henry'arrival in Uganda.
love D.K.

Son of Zadok said...

Yes Bishop, preach it!!!

This sermon is right on and needs to be heard. Politics, Christianity, Conservatism, Traditions. Tear down these walls that are dividing. We can support our virtue and still love each other always. Let us judge ourselves in prayer and not others. Let us give our sole allegiance to Love, not anything short of that.
I'm at the library and wanted to get one post in while I had access here for a bit longer. Found this in a book here today and thought it was beautiful and wanted to share it with you. Love each and every member here, in this body, and the world!

I always love the garden analogy Bishop. If we cultivate ours, God will bring others to it. Let us extend the paths in our lives that lead to it, so shine our light into others lives. If you build it with God they will come. Your bad qualities are just misguided good things that need realligned in your life. Yes!!.


The Spotless Mirror

Happy is the soul to whom it is given to attain this life with Christ, to cleave with all one's heart to Him:
Whose beauty all the heavenly hosts behold forever,
Whose love inflames our love,
Whose contemplation is our refreshment,
Whose graciousness is our delight,
Whose gentleness fills us to overflowing,
Whose remembrance gives sweet light,
Whose fragrance revives the dead,
Whose glorious vision will be the happiness of all the citizens of that heavenly Jerusalem.
For he is the brightness of eternal glory (Heb 1:3), the splendor of eternal light, the mirror without spot.

St. Clare of Assisi

NTL said...

IT'S THURSDAY!!!

WHOOO HOOOO...

NTL said...

Today, is yesterdays tomorrow,

and

Today, is tomorrows yesterday..

Anonymous said...

To everything, turn, turn, turn
There is a season, turn, turn, turn

My first thoughts were of Chris Rice' song;

deep enough to dream in brilliant colors I have never seen,
deep enough to join a million people for the wedding feast,
deep enough to reach out and touch the face of the one who made me,
oh the joy and all the peace...
do I ever have to wake up now?

Anonymous said...

Adding my agreement with Yvonne, and that the blessings Pastor Baker brings will be a little foretaste, a little breeze, of the beautiful blast coming their way next week!

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Thanks, dreamers!