Brick & Vine

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven-
A time to give birth, and a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to uproot what has been planted.
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time to tear down, and a time to build up.
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance.
A time to throw stones, and a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace, and a time to shun embracing.
A time to search, and a time to give up as lost;
A time to keep, and a time to throw away.
A time to be silent, and a time to speak.
A time to love, and a time to hate;
A time for war, and a time for peace...
I said in my heart, "God will judge both the righteous man and the wicked man, "for a time for every matter and for every deed is there."
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8, 17.

There are "times" which happen throughout the course of life. Some easier to bear than others. Sorrows, trials, trouble and pain can creep up on you like a vine on a brick wall or an unsuspecting tree. Yet in the midst of those "terrible times", God can turn them into a thing of beauty...if we have eyes to see it.

[Rick Schies]

A great portion of Scripture, and the challenge is to allow those times the freedom to teach us some valuable lessons. It is not always easy to do.

[PamSnaps1]

Exactly! It is a beautiful scripture! I like the way the vines make an interesting contrast and pattern against the brick!

[Ann H. LeFevre]

@digitalrn @potsbypam Thank you Rick- Amen! Thanks Pam. In some ways I wish I had a camera that was capable of taking the whole wall, but a small section did do it justice. This verse was very special to my Class of 2010. They chose it as their class verse after one student committed suicide. Whenever crazy things seem to be happening (like the events in Norway this week), it is one I always fall back on. I find it very comforting knowing that God has His hands on these times, even if I don't understand them. Thanks again to both of you.

[bkb in the city]

Perfect picture for your thoughts on the subject. Great use of this Scripture. It is so good to know that everything is in God's hands

[Mrs. Smith]

Perfect words for this picture. I'm still struggling through seeing the good right now.

[Ann H. LeFevre]

@bkbinthecity @mrssmith Thank you bkb. So true. Yes Mrs. Smith- I hear you- seems like I've been on a see-saw with those feelings lately. The heat and humidity are not helping. Let's not stop looking though. I fear if I stop looking, I will become hopeless and that's a scary thought.

[Wendy DeMent]

Very moving.....

[Ann H. LeFevre]

@wdement Thank you Wendy.

[Steve Harvey]

really really nice texture.

[Ann H. LeFevre]

@harvey Thank you Steve- have been thoroughly enjoying all the travel photos!

[Jennifer Jones]

Thanks for this, Ann. A close friend of mine is gravely ill and awaiting her 'time to die'. It's a comforting passage and a timely reminder that God is sovereign.

[Ann H. LeFevre]

@jmj Sovereignty is a tough aspect of faith to grapple with. But it can also bring great reassurance. My prayers are with you and your friend. May you both feel His presence and love surrounding you.