Ten Things I Learned in June

I'm joining Emily today for something brand new. She has invited us to write a post about things we've learned in June. So here goes:

1. Cardinals really will build a nest in an artificial plant hanging from your front porch. They will have six babies and Papa will help with the feeding.

2. Despite the fact that I had to resort to an artificial plant for the front porch (having murdered two perfectly beautiful ones) I can actually plant flowers in the ground. And.....they will grow.

3. Deer will leave your flowers alone if their name is Lantana. I am so happy. They graze all over our land, but amazingly they haven't bothered my little flower garden. They turn up their noses at Oleander as well.

4. It is possible to spend eleven hours in doctors' waiting rooms over the course of only two days.

5. I never, ever spell "occasion" correctly. I spelled it with two s's that time too!

6. Feedly works! I have now made the switch from Google Reader - all by myself!

7. Walking is a great way to memorize scripture. I carry my little index cards with me and by the time I'm done - I've got another verse tucked away inside this aging brain.

8. I am hopelessly out of touch with the current batch of celebrities. I've learned I don't know who anyone is, what songs are popular or what's big at the box office. I really am getting old.

9. Learning to listen - really listen - is a very difficult discipline. Before every conversation, in recent days, I've promised myself I won't interrupt - not one time. So far I've been a complete and total failure.

10. Mama birds are very good at pushing little ones out of the nest. It's been fascinating to watch.

Come join us at Emily's blog. Lots of great stuff!

Blessings,
Linda

And Then There Were Four

 As soon as we walked in the door from yet another doctor visit (I've lost track at this point!), I went to the kitchen window. Two of the babies were perched precariously on the plastic branches of my lovely artificial plant.
 

They fluttered their little wings (which seem to have magically appeared over-night) and suddenly one of them took flight (I'm so disappointed in the quality of the picture. I hope if you enlarge it you can see the little out-spread wings.)

 Number two stepped to edge and sailed away into new life. Mama and Papa were close by. She flew down to the ground where they landed and offered encouragement.

 Papa stood guard from a nearby tree. He then resumed feeding duties. Of the four babies left, two are much further behind the others. They're the ones I worried about. They were scrunched under the others in the nest and seemed to miss out on a lot of the meals. I am hopeful they will do well, but Mama seems to have lost interest in feeding. She is all about getting them out of the nest.

And then there were four.

Blessings from your bird-obsessed friend!
Linda

The Secret Things

 “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law."
Deut. 29:29

God has revealed wondrous things to us through His word and through the magnificent "voice" of His creation. He has, in fact, given us all we need. But, true to my nature, it is the "secret things" I long to know - those things He has chosen to keep hidden.

I ponder the tragedies and the poverty and the evil run rampant. I wonder why good people suffer and little ones die. I try to understand the ways and the mind of Him who is so far above me. Like Job, I long for answers - just a glimmer of something that will make it all make sense.

Heaven remains silent - the secret things hidden from view. I am reminded of my smallness and His greatness; my bent to sinning and His holiness; my weakness and His might. In the reminding He offers me this - His peace. It is not hidden or secret. It is there, waiting behind trust.

                                                         

 By now you are probably bored senseless with these bird pictures. I can't help myself. They are endlessly fascinating. In this season of my husband's health problems, they are a constant reminder of a Father who loves beyond my comprehension and whose miraculous power is limitless.

There aren't four babies in that tiny nest as I previously reported - there are six! You can enlarge the pictures by clicking. I, like all the great National Geographic photographers, risked life and limb to get these pictures. I had to climb up on the kitchen counter - no small feat for this 66 year old grandmother!  However, no risk is too great in the pursuit of a good picture!

Have a blessed day dear friends,
Linda

Of Birds and Wind and Trust

I find it difficult to tear myself away from the kitchen window these days. This little "drama" is one I've never witnessed before and perhaps never will again.

I discovered that there are four little ones - not three. Every once in a while huge heads on reedy necks rise up from the depths of the nest. Impossibly big mouths open wide - they have an insatiable appetite.

Yesterday, one of the things I feared might happen did. The wind began blowing in earnest. Those babies have had a wild ride - sometimes spinning, sometimes rocking back and forth in an ever widening arch. I watch in alarm, waiting for them to tumble out of the nest.

 Papa has joined in the care and feeding of the little ones, much to my relief. I thought perhaps he was one of those "dandies" and was going to leave all the work to Mama.

 I am learning some life lessons from these seemingly fragile creatures. The wind buffets their nest, and they don't fly around in circles of desperation. They aren't chirping shrilly at the heavens asking where God is when, after all, He promised to watch over every bit of creation. They haven't enlisted an army of cardinals to come to their rescue and help still the wild pitching and spinning. They simply keep doing what they know to do - trusting that all will be well.

After all, there are four hungry mouths to be filled.

Blessings,
Linda

Wonder on a Sunday Afternoon

 The incredible view from the top of Canyon Lake Dam. The sky, the wispy clouds, the blue water against the gray rocks - all creation sings His praise.

 A busy Mama - tirelessly caring for her three little ones. I have been watching in utter fascination.

 If you click to enlarge the pictures, I think you can see three little hungry mouths waiting to be filled!

 

Oh Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!

Hope you had a "wonder-filled" Sunday,
Linda

Still Saturday - Waiting

"Thou art the Lord who slept upon the pillow,
 Thou art the Lord who soothed the furious sea,
 What matter beating wind and tossing billow
 If only we are in the boat with Thee?

 Hold us in quiet through the age-long minute
 While Thou art silent, and the wind is shrill:
 Can the boat sink while Thou, dear Lord, art in it?
 Can the heart faint that waiteth on Thy will?"

Amy Carmichael
"Toward Jerusalem"

Joining the others at Sandy's today:



Blessings dear friends,
Linda

"...his poor listening heart..."

There is a lovely scene in the movie "Out of Africa" where Robert Redford and Meryl Streep are sitting in front of the fireplace in her home. The fire, the only light in the comfortable room, dances and crackles. He looks at her and asks her, the weaver of beautiful tales, to tell a story. As requested, he gives her the first sentence, and she begins.

There is a part of the story, no - just a few words - that has stayed with me for years:

"Cheng Huan lived alone in a room on Formosa Street...
above the Blue Lantern.
He sat at his window...
and in his poor listening heart...
strange echoes of his home and country..."

"...his poor listening heart..."  I want a heart like his. One that hears the echoes of all that the Father has pored into my spirit. One that hears the heart of another - unhurried, not thinking about what I will say next - just listening with my heart. Listening so closely that I see and feel what is being said. Listening with eyes that see clearly not clouded by my own short-sightedness. 

It is this kind of listening that takes my breath away - this being known and heard. It is the way the Father listens, even when the weight is so heavy I cannot utter a sound.

"I love the Lord because He hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath."
Psalm 116:1,2

The great God, who created the heavens and earth, whose very breath breathed life into humanity, this God bends down to listen to me. He gives me the gift of a listening heart - a gift meant to be shared.

Blessings,
Linda

Hope

 I am torn between two opposing opinions. On the one hand there are those who say it is wise not to write when you are feeling down and discouraged. On the other are the ones who urge us to put the struggles into story so that others might be encouraged.

I've been waiting. There are real tragedies all around us, and my little struggles are so small in comparison. In fact, my devotional for today said:

"Learn to laugh at yourself more freely. Don't take yourself or your circumstances so seriously. Relax and know that I am God with you. When you desire My will above all else, life becomes much less threatening."
"Jesus Calling"  Sarah Young

For months my husband has been struggling with pain that has gone from little to great. Our days have been filled with doctors' offices, P.T, endless forms, medication, and waiting, waiting, waiting. The end result is back surgery early next month. In the meantime, he suffers; we suffer.

It is in these times discouragement and self-pity loom large. They plant seeds of doubt and send out shoots of worry and fear.  They dwarf hope and faith and blot out the heavens. And I let them.

I finally began the flower garden I have dreamed of for such a long time. I planned so carefully, mindful of the deer who wander across our land and help themselves to anything and everything - except a few, to them, thoroughly unappetizing things. Lantana, Oleander, Verbena and one brave Lavender plant sit quietly in the sunshine. I check on them first thing every morning, and every morning they are still there. However, they cannot do without me. By mid-afternoon their little heads are drooping. If I don't give them a drink, they will not survive this Texas sun.

I need refreshment too. I need it most when it is the very thing I push away.

I have been watching her for days. Except for quick little trips for food and water (I think), she sits patiently on her little nest. Sometimes the wind blows, causing her little world to rock back and forth. There has been thunder and lightning and scarey big people walking back and forth - and still she sits.

She holds a secret. There is a Father who is watching her tiny self. No matter what comes against her, she simply rests in the knowledge that He is in control. Her part, for now, is to sit and wait. A day is coming filled with joy and blessing.

Blessings,
Linda

Walking In the Mist

I lay in bed, sunlight peeking around the edges of the closed blinds, and whispered, “Lord, I just can’t face another day of the same old thing.” There was a weariness I could feel right down to the marrow of my bones.
Facing the inevitable, I sat up in bed, slid my feet into my worn slippers and stepped into the familiar routine. I made my way to my little armchair by the window, tucked my feet under me and picked up my devotional – “Hinds Feet On High Places.” I could lose myself for a time in Much-Afraid’s story.
When last I saw her, she had just weathered a terrible storm on her journey to the High Places.The storm was fierce and terrifying – lasting for many days. Much Afraid had come through with her faith intact and feeling much stronger. She continued her journey with her faithful companions Suffering and Sorrow. Before they had gone very far along the path they found themselves enveloped in a thick mist that blotted out everything around them. It never varied from one day to the next: .....

I am over at Laced With Grace today. You'll find the rest of this devotional there. I would be honored if you would join me.

Blessings,
Linda

Under His Wings

She is here - unborn babe tucked safely under her wing. The wind rocks the planter wildly at times, but she sits in peaceful serenity.

                                             (click to enlarge)

I am reminded:



"He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler."
Psalm 91:4

Joining my sweet friend Sandy:

 

Blessings,
Linda

Joy In the Midst of Plastic!

Grace.....it follows us into the dark, the worry, the heavy - and drops a beautiful gift wrapped in joy and tied with ribbons of love.

From the minute we chose the plans for our new home, I had visions of pots full of luscious blooms hanging from the headers of our front porch. Although my past is littered with the remains of innocent flowers, I am a glass-half-full sort of girl, and as soon as we moved in I bought plants.

And I killed them in record time. sigh......

My husband jokingly said we should buy artificial flowers for the now unoccupied pots. I thought that just a tad cruel, but on further reflection saw the practicality of the plan. A quick visit to Hobby Lobby, and voila!

 I found them lacking a certain "something," but apparently there were some who thought them just fine. Imagine my surprise when one morning I found this young couple considering the possibilities of setting up housekeeping among the prickly plastic leaves and blossoms. (I think you can see them if you click on the picture.)

 This is a particularly heavily trafficked area of our home - being the kitchen sink and all - and I couldn't believe they would choose to stay. But stay they did. They immediately set about making some improvements - the number one priority being a nursery.

 For long periods of time this is the way it looked - abandoned. Aha, I thought, they've finally figured out it isn't exactly what they thought it was. On the off chance that I was wrong (what are the odds?) I tippy-toed out to the porch and put a tentative hand into the nest. In a flash I pulled it out as if I had touched hot coals. There was an actual egg nestled deep in the nest.

This is pretty much the way it looked all day long - abandoned. I am ashamed to say I began to cast aspersions on the motherly instincts of Mama Cardinal. Poor little babe - rejected and all alone. I wondered how difficult it would be to hatch an egg. I know.

However, when I walked into the kitchen to make breakfast this morning, there she was - sitting on her nest. She sat with a beady eye on the window, and the moment I got my camera she took off. I haven't seen her all day, but I'm not saying anything. Perhaps this is the way of cardinals.

I can't properly tell you what joy I find in all of this. In the least likely of places...... Thank You Father.

Blessings,
Linda

What Do You Believe?

I walk and think, iron and think, drive by sunny fields where a spotted fawn follows its mother and think. The words tumble over themselves, and I try to put them in an understandable order. I cannot let them rest in my heart until they have sorted themselves out.

Once arranged, I imagine typing those words into this space and try to picture those who will read them. I know my friends will understand. They know the vernacular well. It has become a part of who we are. But what about those who might read them by chance - the ones who don't know the "language," or the ones who deem them foolish? How will I translate my heart so they will understand?

If you look at creation, and reject the idea of a Creator, what can I say to change your mind? If you ponder the brevity of life and believe it all ends at the grave, how will you understand? If your life experiences have convinced you that even if there is a God, it makes little difference; if you believe He is distant and uninvolved at best, unloving and cruel at worst, how do I communicate the deepest things of my heart.

I can only give you the words that are life and truth to me. They come from a belief that there is indeed a God. I cannot look at the world around me and chalk up the beauty and wonder to a random collision of particles somewhere in space. He has made Himself known in a way that can clearly be seen.

I believe the Bible is His word given to us so that we might know Him and the salvation plan He conceived before the beginning of time. I have read it, studied it, tested it, found it to be true. There is a consistency, a wisdom and a living, breathing quality that permeates every page.

It is a love story from beginning to end, and the central character is Jesus. I believe the eye witness accounts and having believed I must do something with Him - with His life, His words, His death, His resurrection.

Faith enters the picture and it is pivotal. God has done everything to lead us to the point of decision. He has given us everything we need. I believe His Spirit draws us, but He leaves the choice to us. He asks us to believe what we cannot touch or see. We are free to do as we please, but one thing we cannot do. We cannot remain neutral.

I cannot claim a perfect faith. I have had times of doubt and unbelief, but always, always I come back to what I know is truth. I cannot imagine a life without Him. So I will share the things I'm learning against this backdrop. I just wanted you to understand.

Blessings,
Linda

Quiet

It has, I know, been quieter than usual in this tiny corner of the blog world. I have things bubbling away in my heart that are longing to be transformed into words. Soon.

We've been struggling for what seems a very long time. I have a tendency to turn inward during such seasons. Even writing is too great an effort.

I understand those who say we must share our stories - that they are the "real" and help and encourage others.  But it takes time to process emotions, to mine the truths and tell the  story well.

Blessings,
Linda