Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Friday, December 10, 2010

Sunset on the Blue Ridge Parkway

During our Thanksgiving trip to the Asheville, North Carolina area,   after visiting the Mount Mitchell area,  we were driving back to our motel in Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway....  It was perfect timing since we saw some gorgeous skies --and a beautiful sunset.  Here are some pictures --which need no explanation.
































Isn't God's creation just magnificent?  While I was watching that sunset,   I almost felt as if God was truly talking just to us.   We've seen many sunsets before,  but this one was definitely one of the best.  It was AWESOME. The only thing which would have made it better is IF you had have been there with us!!!!!

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I will end this post showing our Nativity Scene which is sitting on our coffee table.  I am reminded of the true meaning of Christmas. And I also am reminded,  even with all of the joy, the parties, and the fun during this wonderful season, that there are people out there who are hurting in one way or another.

A very good friend whose husband is really struggling with various health problems needs extra prayers right now from all of us.  May God Bless ALL who are sick, or in pain --both physically or emotionally.

Have a blessed weekend.  I will see you on Monday.
Hugs,

64 comments:

amelia said...

Beautiful pictures again Betsy!! Sunsets have to be among the most spectacular sights on this earth!!

Darla said...

Beautiful captures of the sunset...Love the Lord's artwork. Nice nativity and a gentle reminder...

Valerie said...

Beautiful sunset - truly reminding us of the awesomeness of our creator!

So many folks are hurting now - thanks for the reminder to keep our eyes, ears and hearts open to those around us.

Catherine said...

Have a beautiful weekend Betsy!
xo Catherine

Neal said...

Beautiful sky! Those are absolutely gorgeous.

Jane said...

Lovely photos! Have a great weekend,

Jane

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Such beautiful photos of the skies Betsy!!! It's cold here!!!

June said...

Oh, I love those pictures!
That sunset gold/pink . . . there's just nowhere else to find that/those colors!
And as beautiful as your photos are, I know they don't hold a candle to the real thing, with the light behind...
It's a gift to be able to watch a sunset like that. And it's a gift to be able to appreciate it!

Arkansas Patti said...

Aren't cameras wonderful. Other wise that sunset would have to live in your memory and memories do fade.
I look at your Nativity scene and can only imagine what my cats would do with it. It wouldn't be pretty. Sometimes, no pets is a good thing.
Have a good weekend.

diane b said...

Sunsets do give you a tingle especially lovely ones like this. Have you learnt the tick to under expose sunsets then you get a truer stronger colour.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Betsy,this is a post of such beauty.The sunset pictures made me smile as I thought how beautifully God puts the world to sleep.This is just like our God to do this for us.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Blessings,Ruth

Sharon said...

Beautiful sunset pictures, Betsy! I seldom see a sunset, they are on the wrong side of my house :-)

Very nice nativity scene! Love the red cloth!

Have a great day!

Velvet Over Steel said...

Praying for your friends husband and esp. you friend with cancer. So sorry for them and their families! They are lucky to have you as their friend though, Betsy!! You are amazing.. just like your pictures!!!

You have a very blessed weekend too!!
HUGS Back,
Coreen

MadSnapper said...

awesome skies, you were blessed to see them. my mother had a nativity almost exactly like this one. she did what you have done, she put it where my kids could see it and she let them rearange it over and over, they loved to move the pieces from place to place and now i am wondering what happened to it.

Dorothy said...

Hi Betsy, Those are gorgeous sunset pictures! I know what you mean about feeling like God is speaking just to you! I am praying for our friend and her husband, too. I hope you and George have a Blessed and joyous weekend!

Janice K said...

Breathtakingly Beautiful! A picture only God could paint, and He gave it to you as a gift. Thanks for sharing, and have a great weekend.

Out on the prairie said...

God truly did catch your thoughts about the world around you with that sunset. Now you see why I go running when there are clouds and color.wiorking in the NE sandhills we went every night to a bluff to photograph the sunsets and every night it would change to blank sky. Finally one night we had a nice capture and silly me forgot to bring extra film. I got 3 while everyone was clicking away.LOL I got up the next morning for the sunrise and have my best shot in my living room, blown up 20 x 30.

NCmountainwoman said...

Beautiful photographs. The mountains are indeed lovely no matter what time of day or time of year.

Jo said...

I feel as though I was there with you, Betsy. You share your experiences so well. I also love your Nativity scene. Yes, not only are many people ill or down and out at this time, I just read an article that divorce courts are packed out before and after this festive season. Sad, hey. Glad you visited me and my sunny garden this week and could thaw a little. You and George wrap up well now and give each other a big hug from me. Have a blessed weekend. Jo

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Hi Betsy,

Beautiful sunset photos! They are so beautiful sometimes it just leaves me nearly speechless. I thank God often for eyesight to enjoy all He created.

Hugs,
Cheryl

CottonLady said...

Love the sunset, Betsy. Prayers for your friends, also.
Blessings!
CottonLady

Busy Bee Suz said...

Gorgeous Skies Betsy.
I love your nativity scene; the really important part of Christmas.
Love and hugs to all those who need it.
xoxo

mudderbear said...

Surely God reaches out to us by giving us beauties in nature. And you reach out with these wonderful photos. They are awesome, as are you.

DayPhoto said...

Prayers for your friends are coming your way!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

Kay said...

Oh wow, that is beautiful.

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

Gorgeous! again I say...Will pray for your husband!
kim

Karin said...

Another beautiful posts with gorgeous pictures. Such peaceful scenes! Going through a very hard time because our son and his family is going through a very rough stretch with his family - yet we have the PEACE that passes all understanding. That PEACE is Jesus! Thanks for your love and prayers!

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, I like the fourth picture best plus the scene of your manger Nativity set. Have a fantastic day today (Hooray it is warmer for a while!).

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

Sunset photos are among my favorites, and you captured some beauties. Thanks for sharing.

KathyA said...

Love the sunset (I would have loved to have been there, too!) and love the creche.

Ginny Hartzler said...

Yes, a georgous sunset!!! It seems that I am the only person on the face of the earth who doesn't have a nativity!! I love looking at them in the stores, there are so many different kinds, though, and I love them all!!

Linda said...

Awesome photography. We all need to remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Brenda Kay Ledford said...

Betsy,
What magnificent photos of the sun setting over the Blue Ridge Mountains. I just love to watch the sunsets. You've captured stunning photos. Beautiful!!!

Tracy said...

Betsy, thos photos would made magnificent puzzles...wouldn't they? a beautiful sunset as only god can provide...
I love your nativity set...

Rose said...

That is a beautiful sunset for sure...it is hard to choose just two or three photos to show, isn't it?

I will pray for your friend's husband...

floweringmama said...

Hey Betsy,
Sunsets are amazing we've had some beautiful ones here lately that's been making up for the grey dreariness of the winter days.

Beautiful pictures.

Jackie said...

Breathtaking sunsets! God must have created them to give us a hint of the majestic glory yet to come! your nativity scene reminds me I need to get me a small one. i gave the beautiful porcelain one that was my mother and daddy's to my daughter.

Diane said...

That surely is a beautiful sunset Betsy. The nativity is so special and so are your thoughts. Diane

SquirrelQueen said...

Awesome sunset Betsy, your photos captured it beautifully. Sunsets in late autumn and winter have got to be the best of all.

Hope you and George have a great weekend.

Hugs,
Judy

Andrea said...

Hi Betsy, those are truly, truly great sunsets, all tranquil and inspiring. You are right they remind us of who and what we are. My prayers for the hurting, like Mother Earth hurting from our inflictions to her!

Fred Alton said...

Beautiful talking pictures you captured there Betsy. Our nativity scene is out on the table. An angel serves as our tree. I'm contemplating a simple wooden cross in our front yard with the message, "A Real Christmas Tree". Haven't done it yet but am considering it seriously.

carolina nana said...

Every time I watch a beautiful sunset I feel close to God an it makes me wonder how anyone can witness something so beautiful and doubt that God exist.
Merry Christmas
Marilyn

Mary said...

The sky shots are beautiful...God is very talented as an artist :-) I like that nativity. The holidays can be so hard for some people with illness and sadness. I do pray for those people to seek God's help and comfort.

DeniseinVA said...

Good morning Betsy. That is a magnificent sky and your nativity scene is beautiful. My prayers go to your friend and his family, and to all those in need of them this day.

DIGITAL WORLD PAGES ARCHIVE said...

Hello!
Wonderful photos!

DIGITAL WORLD PAGES ARCHIVE said...

Very beautiful place!

Connie said...

Such gorgeous photos, Betsy. Sunsets can be so magical. Prayers here for your friend. I hope you have a nice weekend. We are expecting more snow here tomorrow.

DIGITAL WORLD PAGES ARCHIVE said...

Have a good week-end!

Shelley said...

Those skies were so beautiful and dreamy Betsy! Your camera takes wonderful photos. Enjoyed seeing your nativity scene - reminds me I have to put mine up. Prayers to your good friend. And warm hugs to you and George! We have a lot of snow in northern Michigan right now so let me know if I need to send some to you! :-)

Unknown said...

There's something to be said for an amazing sunset. We have been blessed with many each evening.
Very cute nativity scene you have there too.

Ida said...

Lovely Nativity Scene & photos - wish I was there with you! Your friends are in my prayers - you're a good friend, Betsy... (((Ida)))

mariel said...

i love those pics!! the sunsets are just gorgeous in winter...i think it's God's way of sharing color with us while all else is white and bare!

Rose said...

beautiful photos i love asheville. yes we need to pray as there are alot of people hurting , mind and body. take care rose

Chad said...

Great pictures and yes, they are definitely demonstrations of Gods creation! Very touching!

A Brit in Tennessee said...

What a spectacular sunset, just perfect.
Yes, we are all so very fortunate to have the comforts in life, and say a special prayer for those who are needing help in whatever their struggles.

Lisa said...

Beautiful captures

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

so beautiful!!! Love the header...m..

Carletta said...

Gorgeous photos Betsy! My thoughts are often as yours when I see a beautiful sky - God's work and it is magnificent!
What a precious Nativity Set.
My daughter told me a couple of days ago she bought Lily and Lucy the Fisher Price Nativity Set. She said that way they could put in under the tree and play with it without hurting it. :)

eileeninmd said...

Betsy, your sunset photos are beautiful. It is a lovely end to the day. I will keep your friends in my prayers.

Joe Todd said...

Beautiful photos and thoughts. I'll bet you thought about sneaking in a waterfall LOL

Small City Scenes said...

Sunsets are always worth the wait. MB

Glenda said...

Simply breath-taking! Reminds me of the saying: "It's not the number of breaths you take but the moments that take your breath away!" I agree that moments like these seems to bring God so near and He says, "My faithfulness continues!"

Love your nativity! The angel band is very unique and adds such joy to that holy scene!

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

I like your Nativity Scene, how long have you had it? Among some of the natives in Borneo, they build a big one along the road.

I did not slide down because in between, there were big rocks, but at other places here, we have giant sand dunes, there we really slide down,

http://annkschin.blogspot.com/2009/01/bethellste-henga-sand-dunes.html

Twilight Man said...

The skies look awesome and very heavenly too. It's a clever idea to place the Nativity Scene on your coffee table as a constant motivation to think and care for others. God will always bless your for being so caring and thoughtful. You have just taught me an idea to create one too, for my office desk!