Sunday, July 7, 2013

Rise and Shine

     Saturday the McMorrow family got up at about 4:30 in the morning.   We went to the Walkway Over the Hudson to see fifteen beautiful hot air balloons launch from the riverbank.
     Pat and I wanted to surprise the kids so we didn’t tell them why they were being dragged from their beds so early on a summer Saturday morning.  There were more than a few groans.  Anthony sleepily pointed out that we were up before our chickens.
    What is it that makes hot air balloons so fascinating?  Is it their ability to defy gravity so effortlessly?  A hot air balloon is made up of three simple parts - the balloon, the burner, and the basket.     The burner warms the air that is blown into the balloon and because warm air is lighter than cool air, the balloon is able to rise up into the sky. 
     Many of the balloons flew over the river and then dropped down to touch the water.  Those fortunate to be in the boats and kayaks clustered on the river had an amazing, up close, and personal view.
     I was thinking, we could be like these balloons.  We could be filled with the warm breath of God, stretched taunt, and lighter than air, casting off the tethers that hold us down, lifting and soaring as He directs.  
     We could dip into the water of the Holy Spirit, allowing others to see our good works and give glory to God.
     And when we are deflated and depleted of His power and anointing, when we feel like we have been poured out and empty;  we could allow Him to fill us again.  Because being filled with God is not a one time thing, but rather a lifetime of repeated refilling with His Word and His Spirit.
 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
  ~Romans 8:11
       So, as we were making our way back to the car, I told Anthony the reason I woke him up so early.    God invites us to fly with the eagles, not to scratch with the chickens.

20 comments:

Lanaya | Raising Reagan said...

Wow ... what a beautiful site that was. We get to see the hot air balloons whenever we are in Napa and Calistoga. They are amazing.

Thank you for linking to Raising Imperfection.
Please come back Friday to see if you were featured. :)

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(¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo
Raising-Reagan.com

Foursons said...

Wow, gorgeous shots! I'm not much for early morning Saturdays either, but your trip would have been worth it.

Lisa said...

"to fly with eagles"... gorgeous photos and a stunning way to teach youth about God's far reaching intent for our lives!

Anonymous said...

What spectacular shots! Beautiful... as is your analogy and message here today. I love that... fly with the eagles, not scratch with the chickens! :) ~ Pam, apples of gold, http://wordglow.wordpress.com

Simply Beth said...

Beautiful! Love this! Your pictures are amazing and loved the words you shared. "Because being filled with God is not a one time thing, but rather a lifetime of repeated refilling with His Word and His Spirit." Amen!
A blessing to come here today. Visiting from Sunday Stillness.

Leslie @ Violet Imperfection said...

I love not air balloons. I would love to take a ride in one someday.

Thank you for linking up to Raising Imperfection!
Make sure to check back on Friday to see if you were featured.
Leslie
www.violetimperfection.com

BARBIE said...

I've never seen a hot air balloon up close. You are right in that we must be continually filled with the Holy Spirit. Thanks for sharing.

Janis Cox said...

Beautiful - the colours - the Scripture - perfect.
thanks for linking to Sunday Stillness.
Blessings
Janis www.janiscox.com

a joyful noise said...

I loved your story and your illustrations how we as Christians can be filled with the warm breath of God, soar like the eagles, and dip into the cool water of the Holy spirit. Thank you for sharing at "Tell me a Story."

Helene said...

The pictures are almost as awesome as the thought. We are lifted and filled with the warm breath of God!

mail4rosey said...

We have that event annually here too and I love it. It's nice that they went right down to the water like they did at your place!

Anonymous said...

This is a beautiful analogy of being filled with the Spirit of the Lord. The balloons are so beautiful, it must have been an awesome sight. Saw your link at Prowess and Pearls, thanks for sharing.

Hugs ~ Mary

Mamal Diane said...

What an amazing thing to be a part of. Simply beautiful :) Thanks for sharing at The Gathering Spot this week.

Tina at Mommynificent.com said...

Gorgeous pictures and beautiful words! Thanks for linking up to Raising Imperfection this week while I'm a co-hostess! Please come back to Mommynificent on Friday to see if you were featured.
Have a magnificent day!
Tina

SarahWK said...

When I was little balloons would take off in the field beside our neighborhood every Fall. I loved it and I appreciate your interpretation. What a beautiful post!

Anonymous said...

What a great illustration of God's love and our relationship with Him! And what a special memory to be made with your children!

Anonymous said...

Hi,
Visiting from Discovering Jubilee to say thanks for joining the Faithful Fridays hop today. I love your photos in your post today...gorgeous! And kudos to you for getting up at 4:30 to see them...I probably would have balked at that! :)
Blessings,
Julie

Unknown said...

Thank you for visiting I Love My Post! It's great to connect with you. I look forward to reading more on your blog! Ruth from Captain America & His English Rose This week's co-host!

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Beautiful comparisons! I think we all want to fly with the eagles. I have seen balloons take off and it really is something! Worth getting up early for. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann

Unknown said...

What an absolutely beautiful parallel! I have always loved hot air balloons but I never quite thought of them like that! Thank you! And thank you so much for linking up with me last week at Walking Redeemed. Please now the door is open and you are always invited!

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