Summer – a new season is here! Sunshine! Warmth! Time for so many fun things. My summers are filled with swimming, fishing, kayaking, and ocean fun. I love it- it’s time to do all of these things all over again. Summer is also a time for cook outs – lots of hamburgers, dogs, steaks and sausages on the grill, macaroni salad, picnics and outings with family and friends. It feels like vacation every day. We also enjoy walks in the wooded areas and on the beach, bike rides and movies. We spend time planting flowers as well as watering and weeding them.

Summer is also a time for relaxation. Like the lizard I love in this photo, I want to sit back and take it easy, strum my guitars and enjoy. When I play my guitar, violin, or piano, I am reminded that I am not that great. Even with practice, practice, and practice, I still can’t play for anyone to hear. But I still enjoy making music. I am almost a musician.

I also dabble in artwork. There is nothing I like better in life that sitting and creating a beautiful picture. I work furiously with my art teacher to do this. She and I realize my limitations, but she still works with me. We laugh and joke and work on a given project for the day. We are friends. I don’t let my mediocrity stop me. She likes that. I am almost an artist.

I also enjoy writing. Beatrix Potter said there is nothing more delightful than sitting to create a new story – or something like that. I agree. I have so many ideas floating around in my head at one time I have to jot notes to remember all of them. I am currently working on a little story about some search and rescue dogs searching for Christmas. Many adventures await them in my story. I am almost a writer.

Time for dinner and it’s my turn to cook. So, what do I do? Well, I visit our local grocery store – Publix – where they claim it is a pleasure to shop. It is. Everything is fresh and delicious and there are many items to choose from. I rush in and out with my fried chicken and potato salad and home to have dinner with Dad. I am almost a cook.

Well, summer is beginning. We are off to a great start. Many things to do. Hope all is well in your neck of the woods and you are ready for adventure. Happy Summer 2018 to all! And enjoy everything – whether you are almost perfect of not.

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I understand today is the ‘real’ Memorial Day. We celebrated two days ago, but today I want to send a heart felt deep appreciation to all those who made it possible for me and everyone I love to live in our great Country.

I have had the privilege of being a free citizen and able to pursue my happiness for over 50 years because brave men and women gave everything for me to have everything. I hold the flag high as a symbol of all I have been allowed to enjoy.

My family contributed to the freedom we enjoy and the life I am blessed to live. I want to thank all my FB friends who share posts with me and serve our country proudly. I want to thank those whose families have also served to allow us to live under the blanket of protection we enjoy each and every day.

In these uncertain times, I continue to pray for my great Nation to prosper and continue the belief that we have all been endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights- and among those, the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We are in times that trouble can strike any moment, however, our Creator is Bigger and Stronger than any adversity we may encounter. We are told in the Bible of all the things that are yet to come and not be afraid. We are told to keep our eyes on Jerusalem and continue to pray for peace in Jerusalem. As we continue to help other nations, may God continue to bless us and ours.

May we never forget that each and every day is Memorial Day. Days to continually remember the sacrifice of the ones who made our dreams and safety possible. Thank you.

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My Aunt asked me once why I read the same Book over and over. She said she thought it would be boring. I said that I have read the Bible over and over for over 40 years because each and every day, the Living God shows me something new in His Word. It is the most exciting thing that happens to me. When I sit to read, I open my Bible and ask, ‘What will the Lord say to me today?’

I am never disappointed. The Word comes alive as I read it over and over. The Lord is faithful each time I need a Word from Him to show me a special Word for the moment I need it. Recently, I have been consumed with care for my loved ones. Sometimes I think God has forgotten us, but I am very wrong. He is on the job at all times, in all places, and for all things that concern me and my loved ones.

During Bible study one night, I experienced something that is old as something new to me. The Book of Exodus was written many years ago and I read this Book many times during the over 40 years I have spent reading my Bible. Somehow, I had never seen Exodus 28 in any particular way. In fact, the verses had no significant meaning to me until a few days ago. The verses read: “and you will take two onyx stones and engrave the names of the sons of Israel…” I sensed God whispering something new to me as He said, “and you will take two onyx stones and engrave the names of your loved ones..” The Word continues, “and Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord on his shoulders of remembrance…” God again whispered to me, “and you shall bear your loved ones’ names before the Lord on your shoulders of remembrance.” The Word continues, “there shall be ….stones with the names of….. and they shall be on Aaron’s heart, when he goes in before the Lord…” God again whispered to me, “your loved ones shall be on your heart when you come to Me.” And they are.

The ones I love truly are on my heart and I come before the Lord for them. The ones of my family, the ones I meet each and every day, the ones I know struggle. The poor and homeless I see. The ones that the Living God has not forgotten. They are on my heart as living stones that have their names engraved upon my heart as symbolism as I go before the Living God in prayer for them.

He has not forgotten us and reminds me in a special and personal way through His Word each and every time I open my beloved Bible to see what He will say to me today. What will He use to encourage me today? What will He use to teach me today? What will He use to guide me today? It’s all there, waiting for me to open the Bible and spend time with Him and His Word. He shows me He is waiting for me to bring the loved ones on my heart to Him in prayer. Who’s on your heart to take to the Lord today?

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In a movie about detective Elliot Ness, he repeatedly says, “Let’s go do some good.”  One day Mr. Ness walked into the locker room to overhear the men he worked with laughing and mockingly saying, “LET’S GO DO SOME GOOD.”  They stopped when they noticed him standing there.

I have always remembered these lines in the movie because, crazy as it may seem, I want to ‘do some good’ each day. I recently visited my farm and family and friends in Ohio. I imagine one day just going for fun, but needed to cut 5 of my 30 acres of grass/fields, take care of groundhog issues, substitute teach, and many other work-related things. I was also asked to do some veterinary work while in town.

On Thursday I arrived at my friend’s home to administer rabies vaccines to her many dogs. She shared one of her dogs was having discharge and was not spayed. Uh-oh. Problem for sure. Since my friend does not have abundant financial resources and Heidi is 12 years old, she knew the pet would eventually suffer if not spayed, so she asked me to not allow her to suffer. The difficulty in this situation was that the pet was still doing well and savable, but not forever.

I did not know what to tell her, so at first I said nothing. Being in town without any equipment, medication, a surgery table, and everything necessary to help her pet, I was at a loss, but really wanted to try to ‘do some good.’ I made a phone call to a man who fired me 5 years ago, but we have still remained friends. I told him about Heidi and how I had nothing to work with and would not be upset if he refused, but really wanted to help my friend and her dog. I asked for help.

On Friday, I was busy finishing up my farm chores when I received the news that this man graciously extended his facility and all I needed to help Heidi. Elated, I drove into town as fast as I could. I had limited time because my rental car needed to be returned, I needed to trade out a fan I purchased for a friend and return the first fan, and try to squeeze in a complicated dog spay. I phoned my friend to tell her the news that it would not cost any money to try. We have been offered help. I phoned her at least 10 times on her cell and home phone. She assured me her work was completed by 12:30pm and it was already 1:30pm.

I said to myself how I would tell her how angry I was that I was trying to get a hold of her, made these special arrangements, etc and she couldn’t even answer her phone!! After all, that’s why we have convenient phones. Finally, we connected. She cried when I told her we were going to try. I never did yell at her.

The surgery went well, Heidi recovered and my friend still has her precious pup. We did some good. It feels good. They have more time together.

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Pearls are one of my favorite gems. They are pretty, elegant, and feminine. I have several in the form of earrings and necklaces. Some white, some pink. I also love my Pearl of Great Price. The Bible talks about  “the kingdom of heaven (being) like a man who is a dealer in search of fine and precious pearls, who, on finding a single pearl of great price, went and sold all he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13.45-46.) God is the Pearl in this story and, I too, would let go of everything I own if needed to to know and obey God.  

I am convinced that people who do not know God, or about God in a personal way, have the conception that God is a ‘kill-joy’ and means only to take away from them to make them something they do not want to be at all. In fact, sometimes, I think people see God as hating what they are and wanting them to be something completely different. I don’t think so and I think God made each of us special and loves us more than we can comprehend. He only hates the things that hurt us. The real you is what He wants you to be and we can only be that when we experience the paradox of losing ourselves to Him to find our true selves. At times I did not see the ‘broken’ me as something that needed fixed or healed by God.

Many, many years ago, (sad to admit this) there was a television show called, “To Tell the Truth.” There were three contestants – one was the ‘real’ person the other two pretended to be. The players asked questions to determine who was ‘real’ person and who was pretending. The identity of the ‘real’ person was hidden until the players guessed who they felt the ‘real’ person was of the three. After the votes were in, the host of the show would say, ‘will the real …. please stand up.’ Then the real party would stand.

Sometimes I ask, “Will the REAL God please stand up.” At times in life, I have had an incorrect image of God. Often, I asked myself, ‘Who is this King of Glory?’
Is He a harsh taskmaster – like Pharoah – telling me to make bricks, make more bricks, make bricks without straw?
Is He a frightening being – just waiting to send fire and brimstone down to Earth and on me for making the same mistake over and over?
Is He a loving God Who is always there waiting to show me new ways He has to comfort and take care of me and love me unconditionally?                                                        Is He dependable? Trustworthy?                                                                                                                Is He the God Who can do anything and wants to do everything for me?

Who is He? Big question.

When I was a little girl, my mom took me to church. The church was big and everyone sang to organ music. I remember sitting in the pew looking up at the high ceilings, stained glass windows, and all the pictures and statues in the church. The whole atmosphere made me think God was big and stern and distant and unconcerned. He did not seem like the kind of Being I could tell all my inner thoughts and needs to. He was Someone I didn’t think I would like to get to know. Sadly, this is how I viewed Him.

I was told that sometimes we don’t see God as “He” is, we see Him as “we” are. I saw Him from a broken heart. Now I see Him much differently, I think I see Him more like He is- faithful, loving, dependable, just, and Holy. I am thankful for the change in seeing Him a little more clearly. I strive to know the ‘real’ Him better each day.

Our perception of God is important because it determines how we approach Him. If He is “Abba (Daddy) Father,” then we approach him as a small child approaches a kind and gentle father by crawling into his lap and expecting to be held and protected. If He is a harsh God, then it is difficult if not impossible for us to approach the Throne of Grace to find mercy and help in time of need. (Hebrews 4.16) If we find Him undependable, then we continue to trust in ourselves and our own abilities to figure out situations in life.

Who is He to you?

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There are over 300 different hummingbirds, over 2,000 different starfish in the ocean, over 300 different turtles, and many other different types of animals and fish and birds. Interesting and awesome as that is, there is only 1 you – 1 unique and wonderful you.

And God knows everything about you. He counts the number of hairs on your head (Luke 12.7), each day He thinks of you more times than sand particles on the beach (Psalm 139.18), died for you so you could be with Him in heaven(John 3.16), and is your Guide (Psalm 48.14), Teacher (Isaiah 30.20), and Healer (Exodus 15.26). Our Healer. Not only do some struggle with physical disorders, many struggle with deep hurts that cause sadness, addictions, compulsions, and more difficulties. God understands how this affects us because He said, “A merry heart is like good medicine, but a wounded spirit, who can bear that?” (Proverbs 17.22)

I have met many people who I know were hurt very deeply in life. I have been puzzled for years wondering why they do not ask God to heal those hurts. I experienced very deep hurts myself and availed myself to healing. A few people have honestly shared that they worry perhaps God will not heal them. I know one in particular felt if God did not heal him, he really would be doomed. I watched him suffer with low self-esteem, fear of success, depression, and other afflictions.

I believe Jesus died for each and every hurt and struggle and suffering we experience. The Bible tells us that we have a High Priest Who is touched with the feeling of our infirmity (any weakness, pain, inability to cope, etc) so we can boldly go to Him and find help in our time of need. (Hebrews 4.15-16) Sometimes I think we think God only heals one way. This is not true. As a matter of fact, He healed in many ways. For instance,

Sometimes He touched the person ( Mark 1.41),

Sometimes the person touched Him (Mark 5.24-34),

Sometimes He just spoke the Word (Luke 7.7) and commanded healing,

Sometimes He healed on the Sabbath (Luke 13.14),

Sometimes He spit on the ground to make mud and put the mud on the blind man’s eyes (John 9.6),

Sometimes He shouted with a loud voice (John 11.43) and called Lazarus from the dead,

Jesus even healed the man’s ear who was coming to arrest Him and crucify Him that Peter cut off with a sword (Luke 22.51).

Our Maker knows how to heal us. He sent His Word to heal us. (Psalm 107.20) and promised beauty for ashes (Isaiah 61.3). He may choose a way to heal us that is not just like He used to heal someone else, but the end result is healing. God’s Word is filled with healing and restoration and reconciliation throughout. He does not want us to be without knowledge because He tells us {His} people perish for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4.6) and He has give us His Spirit to lead us into truth (John 16.13) – the truth about what’s wrong and needs the touch of the Father. He leads us to the truth that sets us free (John 8.32). It is the lies we believe that kill us – the lies that we are defective, unworthy, cannot be healed, etc. Whatever the lie is, it is not from the Father of all Truth, it is from our enemy.

If we ask Him, He will show us our broken and hurt places, touch them, allow us to forgive the ones who hurt us, and heal us. He promises. What if He doesn’t? I don’t know. What if He does? It is worth going to Him for help. I believe the biggest miracle God does is heal a heart. He is still in the miracle business today.

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It is Spring again! I was born in and lived in the Northern states for most of my life. I always heard how people ‘loved the change of seasons.’ I do not think I ever loved the frozen unpredictable winters in the North. Nevertheless, I have experienced the strange, but true, fact that there is no real difference in the seasons in Florida. It is perpetually summer. A little cooler and less humid at times, however, mostly shorts, tanks, and flip flop weather. The flowers do not die. I never saw this as a problem since I like summer, but we can never tell what season it is. Only the shortening of the days gives a hint of Winter. Nature knows the seasons though.

One time, several Springs ago, my mother and I were walking a path in a nearby refuge. All of the sudden, we came upon the most beautiful site I have ever seen! A couple of Sand Hill Cranes were strolling along the path with a little yellow baby walking between them. As we passed, we did our ‘baby’ talk to everyone as the birds let us continue on. I regret I did not have a camera with me. There have been so many times I have been without a camera. Manatees came along in rivers I was walking by or kayaking on, an eagle landed on Daytona Beach while I was within camera distance, otters played in a little river, armadillos rooted in leaves along a path at Blue Springs State Park, a Wood Crane, gopher turtles trucking down the road, and many other sites I only have the incredible memories locked into my brain to cherish, but, sad to report, no pictures on my Nikon camera.

One of the signs that it is Spring again is the presence of the babies. This Spring, I set out with a mission to locate and take pictures of a family of Sand Hill Cranes. I hoped to have the same good fortune to see a family walking along the path again, so, outfitted with walking shoes and my camera, my good friend and I went to see if we would spot a photogenic family. No luck. Discouraged, I concluded that I only saw beautiful sites if I did not have my camera.

Then, a day later, while driving on a busy two lane to my brother’s home, WHAT DO MY WONDERING EYES BEHOLD? Eight tiny legs- 4 tinier than their parents- were a mom and dad Sand Hill Crane with – not one- but two – babies!!!! Yes, I slammed on the breaks, pulled over, tried to back up- didn’t go well- got out of my truck with little regard for the potential danger from oncoming vehicles, and shuffled my way to the family- WITH my Nikon camera in hand. They saw me and walked the other direction. I could not believe it! I called them to tell them the picture would be better if they walked my way. They disregarded my pleas. Without shame, I continued to try to get them to pose. Then, a couple very nice ladies saw me and the birds. They wanted a coveted photo, so they pulled over, interfering with traffic behind them- but who cares when the perfect photo is at stake-and they were able to get a photo of the family coming their way. This family was not having any of it though. Didn’t they know how lovely they are and how precious a photo would be? They began to turn and come my way!! Excited, I began to focus my camera, but they didn’t want to be by me either, so they ducked into the woods that bordered the road. Being the photographer I am, I began to follow them to try to get a photo. Then, the dad positioned himself between me and the rest of the family. He gave a warning coo- sounds like a wood pecker pecking wood. I assured him I was a friend and just wanted a picture. He assured me he would be forced into action if I did not retreat.

I didn’t get my prized photo yet like the one in this blog, but it’s still Spring! and my hopes are still high that I can snap the best pictures of these lovely creatures. Wish me luck! Remember to always take your camera.

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