hummingbirds

Ruby Throated Hummingbirds are extremely curious and are easily attracted to my feeder. It’s neat to see these tiny little beings chase other flying creatures away from their bright red feeder. They don’t seem to be frightened of us human beings, unless we get too close. Maybe because we’re too large to perch on the fake yellow flowers and drink the fake red liquid. No worries, the food does contain nutrients and it’s healthy for the teeny little birds. I’m sure they prefer real nectar from real flowers, but they’re a bit lacking this year due to the drought. It’s a pleasure to help out some of God’s remarkable little ones.

From my kitchen window, it’s a joy to watch them hover at the feeder with wings a blur. It fascinates me the way they zip and zoom around the yard. I wonder how such a tiny bird and fly so fast. Since they're only around for such a short season, I definitely don't take these amazing hummers for granted.

the Hummingbird
A flash of harmless lightning,
A mist of rainbow dyes,
The burnished sunbeams brightening
From flower to flower he flies.
Author:John Banister Tabb

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Matthew 6:26 (NIV)

coloring outside the lines

No matter what – I can not achieve perfection. It’s an objective that’s completely and utterly impossible. Yes, my life is to be lived in a manner that emulates Jesus Christ, the only one to ever flawlessly walk this earth.

So, I’m not perfect. I say things I shouldn’t and I do things I shouldn’t. Even though I really do strive to be as God would have me, I inevitably don’t get it right. If only I’d consistently remember to stop and think before I act or react or speak or not speak. Striving to be perfect is a struggle that takes a lot of determination, perseverance, and practice. God has provided His Word and a personal relationship with Him to guide me thru life.

When I was a child, I loved to color. My first coloring books had simple pictures with thick lines. As hard as I tried, I just couldn’t stay within the lines. When I was older, the pictures were more intricate and were drawn with very thin lines. By this time, I could color much better, but no picture was ever perfect.

It’s okay to color outside the lines. I’ll keep on practicing while I’m here, and when I leave this earth, I’ll finally be complete.

Perfect, Perfection – Brought to consummation or completeness; completed; not defective nor redundant; having all the properties or qualities requisite to its nature and kind; without flaw, fault, or blemish; without error; mature; whole; pure; sound; right; correct.

“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Matthew 5:48 (NIV)

My conscience is captive to the Word of God.
Author: Martin Luther

jacob and boaz

There’s a small garden pond in the backyard. Its home to Jacob and Boaz, two happy little goldfish. When Jacob was living all alone, he was very sad and didn’t swim around very much. After Boaz was brought home, the two soon became happy little buddies. It's entertaining to watch them chase and race, swirl and twirl, dive and soar, and splish and splash. They depend on me for a safe and secure home, clean clear water, healthy green plants, and nourishing fish food. They eagerly appear in the dining area of the pond when meals are delivered. Recently, Jake began allowing me to put a piece of food into his mouth.
It's feedin' time...

Hum,
God created the world and all that is in it
He never intended for man to live alone
Our life depends on the Heavenly Father
He cares for us and has given us the bread of life
We only need to accept...

For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world.
John 6:33 (NAS)

Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst".
John 6:35 (NAS)

becoming a grandmother - a life transition

The smile that melts my heart


I absolutely adore being Olivia’s grandmother! Each visit with her is especially precious. How wonderful a blessing she is to my life! When looking at her newborn portraits (we just had to buy four different poses) I am amazed just how quickly she is growing.

Becoming a grandmother has created a new responsibility for me. I pray that I will always be mindful of this and do my very best (with God’s guidance) not to ever disappoint Olivia. I want her to always know how immensely I love her. And yes, this "grandmother's love" is a new kind of love that has filled my heart - so very dear and precious.

As her Nana, I look forward to making lots of unforgettable memories with Olivia -

relaxing in a rocking chair
going for a walk hand in hand
enjoying rice krispie treats
listening to the chirping of baby birds
reading a favorite story over and over
baking chocolate chip cookies
singing favorite children's songs
settling down for a little nap
telling her all about Noah’s ark
playing with Daddy’s old teddy bear
looking for beautiful yellow butterflies

I could go on and on and on...

When a child is born, so is a grandmother.
-Unknown

There is nothing like a newborn baby to renew your spirit - and to carry on your resolve to make the world a better place.
-Unknown

singing in the rain

(Photo: Showers of Blessings)

It has been awfully hot and dry around these parts. The garden is wilted by mid-day. Since the lakes are very low, water should be limited to necessary uses. It has been an unusually hot and dry summer, with several weather records broken.

Two evenings ago, our local news carried a story about a church in Shelby NC. The congregation had gathered together to pray for rain. The faith of answered prayer was evident when umbrellas were handed out. Yesterday brought rain not only to Cleveland County NC, but to much of a thirsty NC.

Prayer is asking for rain and faith is carrying an umbrella.
-Barbara Johnson

I will bless them and the places surrounding my hill. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing.
-Ezekiel 34:26 (NIV)

When I close my eyes…
I can imagine relaxing on a cozy warm rock
in the middle of a gentle flowing stream,
with chirping music of birds on the breeze
and the crisp smell of autumn in the air,
from a blue cloudless sky far above
peacefully in the beams of an afternoon sun.

(Photo: Watuaga River, Boone NC)

birthday

Yesterday was my birthday. We met our Granddaughter, her Mommy and Daddy, and her Grammy and Bumpy for dinner. I really enjoyed myself. Visiting with Olivia made the evening extra special. There’s just something about the miracle of a grandchild – rather difficult to adequately explain. She has a smile that melts my heart. Her sweet expressions and budding personality remind me just how awesome a new life is. I feel so honored to be her Nana.

(Photo: Nana and Olivia)

A grandchild fills a space in your heart that you never knew was empty.
-Author Unknown

fibromyalgia

I have Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FM or FMS). This link explains it rather well: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079.
I deal (or not deal) with a variety of symptoms every day. Most days, I manage it reasonably well. The last several months have been a little more difficult. My life has been blessed in spite of FMS. I have a wonderful husband who loves and supports me thru it all.

Do not fear the winds of adversity. Remember: A kite rises against the wind rather than with it.
-Author Unknown

(Photo: Backyard Beauty - Joseph's Coat Rose)

i've had nothing to say

Over a month ago I finally decided to begin a blog. So why have I not posted since? Guess I'll begin all over again...tomorrow! Until then, a few quotes about Faith I've reflected on:

Faith is a living and unshakable confidence,
A belief in God so assured that a man would die a thousand deaths for its sake.
-Martin Luther

Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light.
-Helen Keller

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
-Hebrews 11:1 (NSB)

(Photo: Sky Sundog, near Boone, NC)