Inspired by . . .  Life thru My Lens 04:52

Always be joyful; pray continually; give thanks whatever happens; for this is what God wills for you in Christ Jesus. 

The winter birds are helping me live out 1 Thessalonians 5:16 during this wet and dreary weather we're having.

Birds have a special place in my heart and in my life. Almost every time I can recall that I've been very sick or dealing with significant issues in my life, God has sent me birds. He has spoken to me through their gentle ways. Through their complete and utter dependence on Him.

As you can see, this winter has been crispy cold. Seeing the birds all fluffed up is amusing. Knowing that He has uniquely equipped them to deal with the cold reminds me that He has provided for me as well.

The Cardinals and the House Finches may be part of my regular backyard visitors but I will never take them for granted. I never tire watching them and delight in trying to capture their beauty.

This week we had some special visitors to the yard!

The Cedar Waxwings come through only once or twice a year looking for berries. They are always a challenge to capture! This year a flock of about thirty flew through. We don't really have any good berry trees or bushes - we need to plant some!  They often stop in the Tallow and Cedar trees briefly before moving on.

These were the only two pictures I managed to capture this time around!

There is one other bird that always brings me joy. Although I'm almost guaranteed never to see one in the wild!

I'm working on this cross-stitch pattern as part of a triptych for our new grandson's nursery.

I'll leave you with a few lessons I'm learning as I stitch . . .

Lessons from a Penguin

☆Mate for Life (Matt 19:6)
☆Always dress well (Col 3:12)
☆Always wear your happy feet (1 Thess 5:16)
☆Sing to each other (Eph 5:19)
☆Never forget your loved ones (Ex 20:12)
☆Stick close together (Ecc 4:9)

What are you seeing through your lens this week?

Have a wonder-filled week, my friends!

Inspired by . . . creation's manifesto

 

From the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature,

have been clearly observed in what He made. As a result, people have no excuse. Ro 1:20

 

Creation speaks to me of the character and attributes of God.

 

"Who shut the sea behind gates when it burst through and came out of the womb,
when I clothed it with clouds and wrapped it up in dark clouds,
when I set a limit for it and put up bars and gates,
when I said, 'You may come this far but no farther. Here your proud waves will stop'? Job 38:8-11

 

Consider the hummingbird. Her tiny feet, and barely discernable toenails fashioned by the hand of the same God Who commands the giant sea.

 

 

She weighs less than a nickel. The brilliant throat color on the male is not caused by feather pigmentation, but rather by iridescence in the arrangement of the feathers and the influence of light level, moisture and other factors.

 

 

What does she say to you about God?

 To me she declares His love of beauty. His creativity, and  gentleness.

 

Consider the Texas Spiny Lizard. You can see him {her?} clearly in these pictures. But if he were on an oak tree you'd be hard pressed to spot him unless he moved.

 

 kk_scrapit

 

Despite the name, these lizards are also found in Oklahoma and Northern Mexico. Their color and pattern varies greatly depending upon their habitat. They aren't quite as talented as the chameleon, but they are masters at camouflage!

 

What does the Texas Spiny Lizard say to you about God?

To me he speaks of God’s provision and preservation.

 

Consider the Chinstrap Penguin. {Ha-ha! I can see you smiling already!}

 

 

These, adorable, medium-sized penguins are easily recognized by their white face and fine black line across the cheeks. They are found predominately around the Antarctic Peninsula and their favorite food is krill.

What does the Chinstrap Penguin say to you about God?

To me he speaks of God’s personality!

Can anyone observe these creatures for two minutes and not be overcome by their cuteness? Not I.

 

“But now ask the beasts, and they will teach you;
And the birds of the air, and they will tell you;
Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you;
And the fish of the sea will explain to you.
Who among all these does not know
That the hand of the Lord has done this,
In Whose hand is the life of every living thing,
And the breath of all mankind?” Job 12:7-10

 

What have you observed in creation recently

that speaks to you of God’s divine nature?

 

Blessings,

 

 

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Wild Bird Wednesday

Inspired by . . . sweetness found

Some things just can't help but make you smile.

 

 

Hmmm, what could be in this sweet little package?

 

 

Prepare to be charmed. . . .

 

 

"Hello." {blush} "My name is Percy."

 

 

"This sweet lady adopted me from Sugar Crumbs.

She says she's fostering me until her niece is old enough to care for me property."

 

 

"I'm not so sure she'll be able to give me up when the time comes, though."

 

"'Cause I make her smile – all.the.time."

{blush}

"I hope I made you smile today, too."

 

Have a wonder-filled day,

 

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