Friday, February 26, 2010

Looks Are Deceiving













I posted this picture on my facebook page. Several of my friends thought they were sharks. They are dolphins. Being present and viewing with our own eyes, we knew the truth. However, from a distance and in a picture one might think otherwise. Looks can be deceiving.

A few years ago, my husband, Doug was approached by the chairman of deacons regarding a situation he was involved in. He said to Doug, "That just doesn't look right." Doug said, "What is more important? What is right or what looks right? Where would JESUS be and what would HE do in this situation?" The chairman of deacons was speechless.

My challenge for all of us, today is:

Look with the eyes of JESUS! Do not be quick to judge, your view may not be as clear as you think! When we look through the eyes of JESUS: "we will know the truth and the truth will set us free." John 8:32 NLT

In HIS grip,

Andrea

55 comments:

Beautiful Mess said...

That is an important truth my friend.

Thank you so much!

Nancy said...

Powerful! What could those fins be but sharks? Certainly not a toy of some kind. I had not thought of dolphins.

Your example hits home, too. We think we see the picture, but we have missing elements. So important to remember that to keep from judging.

Tammy said...

This is something I need to remember.

Auntie Cake said...

So very true! Have a wonderful weekend, and will keep praying for David and Amden, and oh, so many others...
Kate

Edie said...

So true.

I love the picture too. :)

Anonymous said...

Good for your hubby!!! We do obsess more with appearances than actuality! Good thinking fodder today!

Lori Mazzola said...

Jesus would be walking on the water!
We're still praying for everyone! :)

Lori Stanley Roeleveld said...

LOVE THIS, Andrea! We have sort of taken the whole "avoiding an appearance of evil" thing to unhealthy lengths. Stand in faith, woman!

Deborah Ann said...

I couldn't agree more!

Karen said...

Yes, look with the eyes of Jesus. In a particular situation I have struggled with recently, I started praying that God would help me see the situation and the person the way HE sees them. My perspective is changing. Praise the Lord!

RCUBEs said...

Truth cuts like a knife. But it's very liberating. Have a great weekend sister. My family and I love camping by the ocean, too. So calming, relaxing and makes you remember God's goodness and love.

Saleslady371 said...

Great explanation!

christy rose said...

So true! Looks can be deceiving. We need to be sure to look with the eyes of Jesus to find the Truth. Great insight Andrea!!

Warren Baldwin said...

Look with the eyes of Jesus, very good advice. John Ortberg says we should begin everyday trying to see things from God's perspective. He suggested we pray, "God, how can you use me? How can I view this person from the eyes of Jesus?

Unknown said...

LOVE IT! Lord give us eyes to see as you see and hearts that love as You love.

By the way...how is Amden?

His love extended:
Julie Gorman
http://hisloveextendedministries.blogspot.com

Beth E. said...

A very important lesson for us all to remember, Andrea. Thank you for sharing it!

Blessings,
Beth

Mari said...

Great point! We may be completely wrong in our assumptions.
Thanks for the update on Amden. I'll keep praying.

Kelly L said...

Great post - We all need to be like Jesus... see like Him, hear like Him, speak in His way and above all else Love like Him.
Thank you for a wonderful post
Love to you
Kelly

Rosemary said...

Very true Andrea.
You have a wonderful weekend,
Rosemary

Surprised By Joy! said...

Hi Andrea,
I am praying for God to make me less judgemental and to realize I don't know everything. To have mercy on others because they may be going through something I don't know about. Being a counselor has opened my eyes. When I hear people's stories, I would never know just by looking at them on the outside.

By the way, I started a new blog.
Would love to have you stop by. :)
Blessings,
Tammy

Nikki (Sarah) said...

yes...what great words and love that picture. Hugs to you.

Cathy said...

Amen! A great post, Andrea ~ Blessings ~

Anonymous said...

Yes, indeed, Andrea... looks can be deceiving and we truly must have our eyes fixed on our Jesus. He has clear sight and we need it.
Thanks, Andrea, for your encouragement today... "Beautiful Linda! I am always blessed when I come here and I thank you for that..it is a safe place of love, encouragement, and faithfulness! GOD bless you for being a faithful vessel." This really reminds me that the LORD has me out here for His purposes and I must stay clearly on those, and not mine!
I hold Amden and David in my prayers as well, sweet friend.
Loving you, ~ linda

The Red Brick Farmhouse said...

I am in agreement with you, sweet Andrea. Looks can be deceiving and unfortunately, our human nature has a tendency to jump to conclusions sometimes, before looking at the *big picture* or finding out the facts!

Blessings~
Laura

Samantha said...

Amen. So very true.
Blessings to you sweet Andrea.

Diana said...

Very nice story Andrea. It can be difficult to not be judgmental,I think that it's human nature. The challenge comes with trying not to be. I think it gets easier with age.
Love Di

Christine said...

Words of wisdom.
I will try to remember them before I look and judge.

Alleluiabelle said...

I love the picture and love your words even more!

Big Hugs,
Alleluiabelle

Loren said...

This is sooo good Andrea! May we all be sooo in line with the Lord and His ways that we only see things thru HIS eyes!

Love you

Denise said...

Such a precious truth.

Nicole said...

Andrea I just posted a similar post about that this morning! I consider this another echo from God to me. Wow, the Holy Spirit has floored me. I am amazed!

koralee said...

Love your advice today my friend...I do try to do this..but sometimes it is hard...I just have to remember...WWJD..hope your weekend if filled with JOY!

Wylie @ Shout A Joyful Noise! said...

SO TRUE!!!
Wylie

Tea with Tiffany said...

Powerful word today. Thank you.

Raymonde said...

I like that, thanks Andrea. xxx
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Heart2Heart said...

Andrea,

Great words are found in those simple little truths! I find myself asking that all the time, What would Jesus do?

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Deborah said...

That is so true Andrea. I never try to judge and I have tought my children not to judge either!
xxoo
Deborah

Just Be Real said...

Andrea, great post thanks for sharing dear one! Blessings.
GOD WHISPERS IN THE WIND

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

ah yes... I agree completely, and it's a good reminder for all of us!

Thanks Andrea...

Blessings!

Sonja

Charlotte said...

Often things are not as they appear and that sometimes can cause us more problems than any of us care to admit.

Time is precious, which is why I need to try and simply my life.

Fondly,
Charlotte

Regina said...

Beautiful post Andrea.
Thank you for sharing and for the reminder to look with the eyes of Jesus.
God bless.

XO
Regina

Nel said...

Very well said my friend! Thank you for sharing.

until next time... nel

Kathleen said...

Powerful!

While I wholeheartedly subscribe to the principle of not stumbling a brother, I also know WAY TOO MUCH focus is given to appearances.

I applaud your hubby's quick wisdom - - no doubt a gift from God, an Apple of Gold.

Blessings,
Kathleen

marylea said...

Thanks for the great reminder! Hope Amden is doing well.

Jackie said...

Great words of wisdom Andrea!

Sweet Blessings!
Jackie

Escapist said...

Hiya !
After i saw this pic and wrote the added text to it i remembered one of the good quote

"Don't believe of what you hear and half of it what you see"


Jolliieess:)

Kristie said...

So true! Thank you for sharing! :-)

Unknown said...

Very true!

Blessings to you,
Cheri

casiphia said...

Amen!

Cathy said...

So true

Deb said...

I've had the privilege of watching dolphins swim.

Sensational.

Thanks for sharing this pic.

And for sharing such an important truth.

He is truth.

Sweet dreams.

quietspirit said...

Very wise words for us during these difficult times.

Julie said...

Great words, Andrea.... Thanks for sharing them!

Prayed for David and Amden today...

Thanks for stopping by the blog and leaving your sweet words. Your visits always bless me.

I've been a bit preoccupied these last two weeks. Much has been going on here from my son breaking his hand to my older daughter coming home with her boyfriend to meet the family. Needless to say blog visits and writing have fallen by the wayside during this time. I hope to get back to it some today!

Thanks again for your visits~

HeartsMakeFamilies said...

Looks can be deceiving. There is so much more to this post.

Cheesemakin' Mamma said...

Great challenge!