I’m spending time with loved ones for the holiday weekend and pray that you are able to be among those you favor as well. Remember to practice developing your "rest" skills and we'll pick up with part 3 next time. For those who need to catch-up on the series here are the links: Ten Biblical Reasons for Rest and Relaxation: Part 1Part 2
As we are away from one another let us give thanks for the grace we have received from our Heavenly Father, and for the fellowship we enjoy together here on Daily Favor.
Until next time, have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!
Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also. Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.
Note: Emphasis may be given in some scriptures to show clarity or understanding and is not to take away from the inspirited Word of God.
When used, the words satan or devil are not capitalized deliberately, because we give him no place in our lives.
Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical issues but is geared toward spiritual awareness.
Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.
Unless noted, scripture reference in series was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway. Image credit: Image Creative Common License if not specified.
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How have you been doing
in penciling in time for rest?Did you
do it? I hope so., if not, why not?
There’s something
refreshing about turning off the electronics and simply enjoying what’s going
on around us.Stress seems to melt away,
our senses are heightened and we literally become calmer (even without the
assistance of pets!).
Last time we left off
with Biblical reason #5 for partaking in a period of rest, so we’ll pick up
from there.If you haven’t read part one
of this teaching series take a look at it here.
We could favor an
argument for taking time off of work, but there is a biblical reason why giving
your body and mind a break really works in the process of healing or overall
good health.There are numerous methods
and points on the wisdom of rest, however, in this series I’m briefly dealing
with what I deem as ten of the most important reasons.
In past teachings (such
as Life in God’s Garden), we focused on how favor for mankind was designed into
the masterplan of God.If we look even
deeper, we can see how God’s health laws including rest were given to us in
creation.
Genesis chapters 1-3
describes how God gave us rules for proper nutrition, exercise, enjoying the
outdoors, trusting in Him and observing a time for the body to rest.Learning from past mistakes, we don’t have to
fail at this practice of obeying God as Adam and Eve did.
Reason 6 – Rest Saves
Relationships
“Jesus replied: Love
the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your
mind.This is the first and greatest
commandment. And the second is like it:
Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39 NIV)
If we haven’t a clue on
how to take care of ourselves, how in the world can we possibly care for others
as Christ does?Loving others like
ourselves is probably the last thing most of us want to do if we base it on how
we treat ourselves.
I’ve witnessed
believers who look like they’ve been through the ringer and are never in a good
mood.Get away from me stinko!
Their spirit, soul and body reek of things I don’t want near me! There’s no way I
want them to treat (or “love” as the Bible says) me the way they treat
themselves.
What’s love got to do
with it?
How are you loving
others when you feel burned out, tired and need refueling?If you’re anything like me, when I’m in need
of rest I “may” over exaggerate things, get a little irritable, have an
outburst or two, become critical minded … maybe … okay probably!
Rest produces
soundness, clear thinking, proper attitudes and in general, a nicer person to
be around.Not to make light of the situation,
but relationships become much more appealing when sanity is present!
We can love others
(neighbors close and far) as Christ has loved us when doing whatever it takes
to literally get some shut-eye and rest.
Reason 7 – Rest Restores
Visibility
“For we
are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God
prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
(Ephesians 2:10NKJV)
When God created mankind, grace or favor was part of the creation
package for living a blessed life. However, sin changed how favor was given to
man from that point, changing how our “image” reflected His.
In order for us to carry out God’s original commands from the
Garden of Eden given to Adam, a restoration of workmanship (purpose and design
of man) had to be done.This is where
the cross of Jesus and redemption becomes significant for how Christians
function in this world.
When a person accepts Jesus into their life believing He is the
Only Begotten Son of God, who Redeems mankind of sin, they literally become new
creations as in the beginning of creation.Righteousness (a right standing with God) is restored. No longer are they
lost beings, but visible to God as His sons and daughters through Christ
qualifying them for active duty.
God’s grace activates Divine Favor for creating and doing things
that will ultimately build His Kingdom by drawing people to Him.This salvation favor makes us fit and ready
to perform good works.
A well-rested person can handle more responsibilities, because
they think more clearly and act instead of react to situations.When we follow the rest command, we may look visibly
rested to the world, but even more, the Lord sees how we followed His rules
concerning rest.
Rested people are more productive, or in the spiritual realm
“fruitful” in their work and calling.Seeing how obeying God comes foremost in living the life He ordained
will cause a person to grow in His grace and favor every time!You have to admit, it’s pretty hard not to
see when someone has the favor of God activated in their life!
King Solomon shared this wisdom from God in Proverbs for us to use
as a guide for living a favored life.
“My child, never forget the things I have taught you.
Store my commands in your heart.If you do this,
you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying.
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you.
Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
The you will find favor with both God and people,
and you will earn a good reputation.” (Proverbs 3:1-4 NLT)
Forming a reputation happens whether we want it to or not, so why
not form a good one that visibly shows the favor of God is working in your life?
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own
understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you
which path to take (in making wise decisions for your life).”
(Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
emphasis mine)
When we do as God commands (resting is just one of them) and seek
His will, it shows that we trust His judgement even in times where we lack
understanding.A rested soul is more confident
and likely to be bold in stepping out of their comfort zone in walking the path
on the good works road, which will always get God’s attention and those around
you as well.
“For we are God’s
masterpiece.He has created us anew in
Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago (to be
our way of life).” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT emphasis NRSV)
Reason
8 – Rest Leads to Worship
“Therefore,
while the promise of entering His rest is still open,
let
us take care that none of you should seem to have
failed to reach it.” (Hebrews
4:1 NRSV)
There
have been things that have happened in my life that brought me closer to the
Lord.At times it was out of
desperation, but surprisingly many of those relationship moments were based on
the magnificence of His Creative works.
I
can remember years ago when I first began spending hours outside sitting on the
top of our picnic table with my feet pressed firmly on the bench.It was during my graduate studies that I
found the scenic view so beautiful and calming, but it also took me to a place
of worship that I had not known.
Every
direction I looked the hand of God was visible and yet each setting was
extremely different.Corn fields, vast
woods, open roads, and abandoned train tracks surrounded the four corners of our dwelling
allowing us to experience the wonder of Creation through the hand of God and
mankind.
Those
daily quiet times caused my faith and relationship with the Lord to grow.Entering into His rest allowed communication
that gave me clarity and direction.
Leading
worship in church became more meaningful and everything I saw became a lesson
in teaching, preaching, writing or testimony of how awesome God is.Allowing myself to rest under the open skies
I marveled at His handiwork and praise flowed more freely from my lips.
Both
the Old and New Testaments give us direction on the validity of rest, but many
fail to see how it affects their relationship with God and His favor.Failing to obey the commands of God will have
consequences because of disobedience.
Believers in Christ and His eternal work on the cross, are able to enter
into rest here on Earth as well as in Heaven.We are given permission to cease or stop our labor from work as God did
His and are to make the effort to do the same so we are not disobedient. (see
Hebrews 4:9-11)
Taking
time to rest is more than getting a break from work; it’s maintaining a special
relationship with our Creator, Savior and God by worshiping Him with obedience.In turn our bodies are refreshed, restored
and healing can occur igniting more reasons to worship and serve an Awesome God.
When
we are privileged to enter a resting mode, we get to experience something God
enjoyed. He graciously shared rest with us because He knows how the human body
works and what it needs to be rejuvenated.
Giving
us the command to rest was a means of love, goodness, kindness and yes, favor
for His creation (that would be you and I).Spiritual, emotional and physical rest will cause the way you worship
God to change dramatically in your favor, because it’s something that pleases
Him.
God’s Truth Overrides Anything
A medical and psychological study published in 2017 by the Harvard
Business Review came to the conclusion that humans were designed for “periods
of rest, silence, and deep thought” because it’s a process needed to restore
the nervous system.Although their facts
may fall into place in some areas, the truth of God overrides anything man may
discover.
Rest was built into the creation design as a pattern for us to
follow.God said to do it and that settles
any questioning of the matter.
There is yet another thing we cannot overlook in the facilitating
of proper rest on a regular basis.Making
sure to get proper sleep definitely encourages healing in the body, but unless
we cast our cares on the Lord that “rest” isn’t sufficient to cover the mental
aspect of anxiety, worry, stress, doubt and fear.
We can be confident that in turning over our problems to Christ that
He will gladly receive them, because He loves and cares for us.Isn’t that a benefit of salvation – saving us
from the results of sin that bring us down?
Job said it well in how he responded when his whole world was
turned upside down in tragedy.
“You (Lord God) have granted me life and favor,
and Your care has preserved my spirit.” (Job 10:12 NKJV)
The Bible tells us that when we put our trust in God, our strength
to handle situations is renewed.We won’t
get tired or fret even during adverse circumstances because our minds are fixed
on Christ and His abilities to turn things around.
“But the people who trust (hope in; wait on) the LORD will become
strong again. They will rise up as an
eagle in the sky (with wings like eagles); they will run and not need rest
(grow weary);
they will walk and not become tired (faint).” (Isaiah 40:31 EXB)
During times of fellowship, focus on the Creator and not problems.Learn to rest as in sitting quietly to hear
from God, then to bed for sleep as an act of obedience, trust and faith knowing
that your life has been granted God’s favor of protection.
“I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone,
O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8 NKJV)
“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will
lie down and your sleep will be sweet.” (Psalm 3:24 NKJV)
This Week’s Challenge:
Do’s and Don’ts of Bed Rest
There’s no denying that the busier we are the more our bodies
crave quiet and rest.This week’s challenge
is to change the way we go about getting literal sleep so that our bodies can restore,
refresh and renew itself naturally as God intended.
One thing that we really need to change is our thinking on the
amount of sleep needed and the time to call it a night.This is where we’ll set our focus on changing
our ways in preparing for rest so that our bodies can do what they were
designed to do in the first place.
It’s back to the basics with some simple do’s and don’ts!
1 - Don’t exercise at night, it stimulates the body and triggers
the brain to get active.
2 - Don’t break out those late-night goodies.Restrict eating and drinking in the evening, because
the body will be busy processing and breaking down the food while you are
trying to sleep.
You may sleep, but the body will not have rested into that deep
sleep stage (called NREM not REM stage) where the body does most of its restoration
of damage that occurred during the day.Although
you may be sleeping your brain and inner systems are really active in fortifying
immune systems, building tissues, cells, bone, muscle or healing something that
may have happened during the course of your regular activities.
The body needs 8-12 hours of no food in order to rebuild, restore,
rejuvenate and renew itself naturally.Here’s
where breaking the “fast” in the morning comes into play and getting those 6-9
hours of sleep really matter.
3 - Don’t get on the phone or social media to catch-up on what’s
happening in everyone else’s life. This challenge is to restore our
relationship with God, ourselves and others so that favor through obedience
will be given.
4 - Don’t sleep with any lights on in the room including a night
light.Clock radios, phones or any type
of “light noise” interferes with the brain being able to make serotonin for
sleep and it increases the risk for diseases.
Serotonin is an internal clock and vital to the body as it stimulates
the sleep/wake cycle.It’s been referred
to as the “happy” chemical because it is mainly responsible for the mental or psychological
part of humans.
When it is active at the proper levels Serotonin helps correct depression,
mood swings, appetite or digestive problems, memory loss, sexual functions and adds
to overall mental wellness.So, if you
need a source of light for getting up at some point in the night, wear a face
mask to cover your eyes when sleeping to block out any light.
1 - Do get in the habit of going to bed before midnight.These hours are best for restoring the physical
body and resetting the thinking pattern.
2 - Do refrain from deep conversations before going to bed. Quarreling or talking through problems have to
be silenced in prayer together. We want
the quiet process to encourage every “body” and soul in the house to rest.
Let’s start by really concentrating on practicing these 7 things.
1 – Shut down all media at least 3 hours before you go to bed.
2 – Finish all eating including snack and drinking by 7 p.m.
3 – Turn off most of the lights in the house to set a tone of
rest.
4 – Wash-up, brush teeth, etc. signals the brain to prepare
for sleep.
5 – Find a place to sit, read or journal letting your body slow
down.
6 – Pray and meditate on the blessings and favor of the day.
7 – Give thanks with a grateful heart for what God has done for
you.It will lengthen the days of your life! Then go to sleep!
Friends, there’s no other way to put it than to say, if we want to
grow in God’s favor then we have to start obeying.Let’s go back to the beginning and fashion
our time of rest like Jesus did.
Okay I’m going to call it a day for this session. I know
you’re anticipating the final two reasons, but they will come in due time! (sorry … had to go there.)
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
We are truly blessed to be able to call you our friends!
Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to
have this kind of favor in your life also. Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more information on
becoming a child of the Savior.
Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.
Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible
Version provided by Bible Gateway.
Image credit: Google Images Creative Common License if not
specified.
Like
the majority of people who are blessed to experience a change of seasons, for
the past month my husband and I have been actively preparing our home and yard
for winter.Okay “preparing” … just how
active is probably a matter of opinion, but we’re moving!
With
hubby being sick since April and then ending up in the hospital things sort of
got away from us.He’s doing much
better; thank you for all your prayers and support.
Meanwhile,
there is always something to do with no slacking off if we are to beat the cold
weather in getting things done.The
potting shed is jam packed with plants, heat lights on and Jasmine (my
beautiful bush) is still looking great in her winter home.
Replacing
some of the plants we lost from the flooding and storms of 2017, the yard is
starting to recover. There’s still a
lot of debris from trees that are taking time to clean-up, because there was so
much of it.In addition, we needed to
make adjustments for the items that are too large to winter over in the shed
this year.
It
would have been easy to get stressed out, but I purpose in my heart not to let
material things rule over me.Instead I
prayed asking the Lord for a few more warm days and He granted my heart’s
desire.
Perhaps
not everything will be done as I hoped, but that’s alright.What I’ve learned from experience is that
although getting things crossed off my honey-do list may be important, it’s not
worth sacrificing relationships or my health.
What’s
more, not taking time to rest goes against God. You read that right; God rested and so should
we.It was a habit that He initiated
from the very beginning.Some habits
need to be kicked, but this one wasn’t supposed to be broken – ever!
To
set your mind at “rest”, I totally get it.Finding time for a few days off may be difficult, but what about one
single day or even a couple of hours for a mini-staycation?Surely that’s doable.
It
finally came down to me actually scheduling in a time (writing it on my
calendar) of not working so I can give my full attention to my husband or other
things.The trick is not to fool
yourself that those days are okay for catch-up, when in fact they are blocked
off for something else already.
In
order for this to happen there are days when I work longer.For me anyway, that’s what I need to do to be
away from the office for an extended period and hubby understands that (for the
most part).
If
you haven’t tried scheduling in rest days, get in the habit of it.When you see it visually penciled in on the
calendar (not in your head to remember to “not” work), your mindset changes and
eventually so will your habits.It’s
amazing how the pressure valve is slowly released knowing rest is coming
shortly.
Are
You Breaking God’s Law for Health?
You
may wonder why I schedule a “no schedule” work time anyway, besides the obvious
being tired bit there are other reasons.
Literally scheduling no work seems crazy, but
it’s something I had to force myself to do in order to be obedient to God in
receiving any blessings. Not taking time
to rest was breaking God’s law for heath, so I had to do it.You need to also!
When
we’re tired, weary, run down and overworked we can’t hear from the Lord because
of exhaustion.Trying to stick with it
sometimes is foolish, and we wind up making a ton of mistakes that we wouldn’t
have if only we took time to rest.
You
can read all sorts of articles, leaflets and information on why the human body
needs to rest physically and mentally, but I’ll let Jesus answer that with
these biblical reasons.This week we’ll
be discussing five of them.
Ten
Biblical Reasons for Rest & Relaxation
(aka Vacationing)
Reason
1 – Jesus taught the importance of getting away from work (even ministry).
Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and
rest awhile.” (from Mark 6:31 NLT)
At that particular time, He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and His apostles didn't even have time to eat. Not finding time to eat because of busyness is something people can relate to,
especially if they’re working long hours to get money for food they don’t have!
However,
the Lord reminded His Disciples that a time of rest was needed on a regular basis
and certainly demonstrated this through His behavior.Throughout the gospels we read how Jesus went
off to be alone so that He could pray, meditate, hear from the Heavenly Father
and yes, rest!
Do
you recall the time the Lord was sleeping on a boat during the middle of a
storm in the gospel of Mark?
"Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with His head on a cushion, The Disciples woke Him up, shouting, Teacher, don't You care that we're going to drown?" (Mark 4:38 NLT)
He
caught “wind” for that from the Disciples when they accused Him of not caring
about them, when all He was doing was getting a little shut-eye!Honestly, didn’t they think He needed a break
from their constant questions or badgering about things they didn’t understand?
Jesus
understood and followed the creation day of rest law with quiet time.He wasn’t necessarily exhausted each time, but
kept the habit of rest to stay on top of His calling.
When
we feel drained of energy it’s hard to remain focused on any task.Something always needs replenishing whether
it’s the body, soul or mind.
Reason
2 – Rest builds faith and trust in our Creator.
“Casting
all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
(1 Peter 5:7 NKJV)
When
we learn to put our faith and trust in the Lord, we can rest knowing that He
cares for all of us … meaning all that pertains to us besides the spiritual
side, including our physical and emotional needs.
You
can rest knowing Jesus is tending to the things that were preying on your
mind.He’s got things under control, so
stop trying to take back what He obviously can handle.By faith, let biblical trust do the work and
go rest.
Reason
3 – Rest forces humility.
“When you act with presumption, convinced that you’re right,
don’t
be surprised if you fall flat on your face! But walking in humility
helps you
to make wise decisions.” (Proverbs 11:2 TPT)
Sometimes
the reason people refuse to take time to rest is because of pride. They feel no
one can do the job like they can and take on the attitude of “the place will
fall apart without me”.
Confession
- “Did that, thought that, lived that attitude! … I was wrong!”
I’m
not a bubble popper usually, but in this case here goes the pin – “Life will go
on whether you are there or not, so get some rest!”
It’s
time to trade in the pride card and take on being humble; admit the fact that
you are not the motor that keeps the engine running at work.You, like everyone else, are “parts” to a
whole that make up a terrific group of people who are all important to God.
Reason
4 – Rest makes us more valuable.
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,
knowing that from the Lord you will
receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24NKJV)
Something
I learned from one of my bosses is the value of those around you.Shara made sure that the schedule of her
staff included workshops that cultivated fun, relaxation and peaceful times
away from the place of business.Activities were geared toward things we enjoyed, not necessarily things
that were class related.
This astute business woman also paid for college classes for those who wanted to extend their education,
knowing that one day they would probably leave.She welcomed the reality that “this is a stepping stone” for most.Her kindness resulted in people wanting to do
better and excel at what they did.
Not
everyone understood why our boss would want to do this for others, but I did. This is a gift from the Lord concerning how mankind will treat those who obey His commands.
"... Don't forget My law,
... keep My commands so mercy and truth don't forsake you;
then favor and high esteem will find you
in the sight of God and man."
(from Proverbs 3:1-4 emphasis mine)
I gladly received her favor and generosity.In turn I was able to advance in my academic degrees, and it caused my
teaching strategies to improve productivity in the classroom.
This
resulted in me being awarded the status State Teacher of the Year in my
field(s).Consequently, the school also
rose to new levels in the community.All
because of a wise administrator who placed value in people over things.
Shara encouraged me to take an extra day to enjoy time in Lake George and looked
forward to hearing the details of the respite … so did my kids!They were surprised to learn about the things
“teachers do” outside of the classroom.
I
returned to work rested, excited and full of new ideas (and stories).In the end, I became a better steward for
Christ and my testimony was more visible to those around me. Proper rest allows you to give God and others your very best!
Reason
5 – Rest releases the stress valve.
“Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary)
of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received
(as a grace gift
of favor through salvation) from God?
You
are not your own.” (1 Corinthians 6:19 AMPC)
It's no secret that people "stress out" over practically everything these days. Society doesn't understand that stress is a sign of fear. Maybe we don't either.
Did you realize that rest is actually a weapon given to us by God to defeat the devil? Failing to take up our weapon pleases satan, because it keeps our mind occupied focusing on the wrong things.
When we become anxious from situations or circumstances it shows that our faith is wavering, because ... if we are to be honest with ourselves, we aren't really resting in the Lord as He said. According to 1 John 4:18, if fear is involved it causes torment and has the ability to steal our faith.
Once stress moves in to our thinking it isn't long before it tries to take over the entire body. The Bible says that the Christian body is the temple (house - place to live) of the Holy Spirit. If stress is overtaking every room of the house, where is there room for the Spirit of God to move?
Long term anxiety or stress is the activator of premature aging, ulcers, sleeplessness, colitis, heart issues and the list can go on in how it affects the overall health of an individual. God knew that about the human body and this is why it's vital to be free of as much stress (if not all of it) on a regular basis.
Having a need to rest isn't shirking responsibilities or trying to run away from a problem. Stepping back from a situation helps clear the mind. In a way it's like releasing that "valve" so you can make sense out of things.
After a little time away from the daily "grind" our perspective usually changes allowing us to see the situation in a different light. With a rested body and mind the Holy Spirit can work in us, because we have already cast our cares on the Lord.
This Week's Challenge:
Plan a vacation or staycation.
Turn off the stress switch! Take a deep breath and do it right now by faith. Go ahead and "pencil" in actual days for time off to rest - literal rest! This is important.
Put it in your phone, on your computer, calendar(s), day planner ... wherever you jot down things you want to do or remember.
Remind yourself that Jesus taught on the importance of getting away from work. Besides, usually these things aren't eternal, and if it is that's another subject to deal with first anyway. (Read about that here.) If anyone gives you static over it, tell them you're obeying God. That usually quiets the majority of people.
Humble yourself before the Lord and your co-workers. Get it in your head that they'll muddle through somehow without you, but even more know that God had everything under control way before you came on the scene.
Be
encouraged that getting away from everything for a little while will release
the stress valve.When you return to
regular duties and “life” as it is normally, you will have a different
perspective and be calmer to handle any situation.
That's it for this session. Next time we'll pick up with reason #6. For now, dwell on and practice resting. As you learn to rest Biblically, your walk with God will become richer, and you'll be able to see His favor really has surrounded you as a protective shield.
"Lord, how wonderfully You bless the Righteous.
Your favor wraps around each one and covers them under Your canopy of kindness, joy and protection."
(Psalm 5:12 TPT emphasis mine)
Here's an idea of something we've done for a mini-vacation rest. Take a look! Anniversary Staycation ~ A Date Night Exclusive
Until next time, rest in God’s shielded favor!
“My favor continually shields during times of rest.”
- Jesus Christ
*Unless noted, the names in
articles are changed to protect the individual(s) privacy.
Note: When used, the words satan or
devil are not capitalized deliberately, because we give him no place in our lives.
Disclaimer: Article information is
not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared
toward spiritual awareness.
Maybe you don’t know the Living God
that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life
also. Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more
information on becoming a child of the Savior.
Content and Image Copyright from
Favored1. Do not copy.
Disclaimer Notes: Results may
vary due to lack of belief.
Scripture reference was taken from
the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway.
Image credit: Google Images
Creative Common License if not specified.
