A Few of My Favorite Things

 

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Evening sunset

Two things intersected this morning. The first was while I was reading in Philippians. This is one of my favorite letters of Paul’s and I found myself focusing especially on Phil. 4:8.

 

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Phil. 4:8 NIV

 

 Often when I am focusing on a particular verse, I will read it in multiple versions. I did that again today. Let me share just one other translation.

 

“Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].”     Phil. 4:8 Amplified

 

 The passage brought to mind a song. This second thing overlaid the passage with a fresh set of reflections. Most all of us have most of the words memorized from “A Few of My Favorite Things”. I am sure I don’t need to repeat them here. The Sound of Music gives us so many oft-remembered songs with lyrics full of meaning.

 

The scripture passage combined with the lyrics reminded me of some of my own favorite things that I have tried to capture in my photos. Each of them has given me a glimpse of something beautiful created by God that has brought praise to my heart and lips. In praise to Him and with the hope of blessing you in whatever state you may find yourself today, I wanted to share a few of the many I have taken.

 

Charlottesville, VA
Charlottesville, VA

 

Summer in Savannah
Summer in Savannah

 

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Orchid room in greenhouse at the Biltmore, Asheville, NC

 

African violet, TN
African violet in Main House at Blackberry Farm, TN

 

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Coffee in a favorite bookstore in Asheville, NC

 

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Dock at Lake at Blackberry Farm, Walland, TN

 

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Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park

 

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Boom Lake, Alberta, Canada

 

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Sweet Bay Magnolia Blossom, Ohio

 

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Water Lilies, Frederick, MD

 

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Cheekwood Botanical Gardens, TN

 

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Stowe, Vermont

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”   Phil. 4:8  NASB

11 thoughts on “A Few of My Favorite Things

  1. I love that verse too. It was one that I often reflect especially when led to transforming my thoughts to God’s ways. And beautiful pictures. They have stirred an idea for me to get on a road trip some time this summer!

  2. Pam another post full of meaning, Thankyou. I couldn’t agree more that focusing on the positive lends much to our lives. Thanks for sharing at Five Star Frou-Frou this week. Love, Mimi xxx

  3. I am touched by these images, so lovely, gathered from so many different places–things for us to think on and dwell in wherever we are! Thank you for sharing these today, encouraging my heart to look all around to find His Virtue and Praise! –Blessings to you!

  4. I’m so happy to be your neighbor again on a linkup:) I just can’t get over how beautiful your photography is!! Thank you so much for sharing it with all of us.

    1. Thanks, Meg! I love photography and don’t consider myself an expert, but I think the Lord nudges me to see things He wants me to capture. That is one of the reasons for my site’s name (A New Lens). Whether in words that might allow us to see something differently or the photos, that is really my desire!

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