February 11, 2014 The Journey

Solitude is not isolating but an opportunity to talk with Jesus.

Quote for Today:  Were I to wander with no purpose to the thoughts of my mind, the eternal force of God's hand would ever guide me on my way. (From my book) Copyrighted

Today is a new beginning. It contains lessons of yesterday and the promises of tomorrow. The journey is only guaranteed for the moment we are in, not for what is yet to be. We often find ourselves facing obstacles to our faith. Everyone faces them. Sometimes we find ourselves in a place of personal let down, a vacuum. Any number of things can cause this. How do you treat this and where do you go with it? Who do you blame? Should you blame God? His purpose is far above ours and not within our understanding. This is a form of solitude and an opportunity to talk with Jesus. Some will close themselves off because the result was not what they wanted. My answer will be a question. Where do you want me to go from here Lord? The answer might not be fourth coming but you will be answered. I have waited years for an answer and am still waiting for some answers. Luke 11:9 “ So I say to you: Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” Remember, it took multiple tries for the door to be opened. Answers are provided at the proper time, his time not ours. Don’t turn your back on Him because the answer was not immediate. It WILL come in HIS time.

I thought maybe it is time for some spring thoughts. It is obvious that just about all of us northern latitude dwellers need some warm sunshine. With yet another snow storm looming we need some HOPE that SPRING is on the way. First let me say that where I live the promise of spring is when the male Northern Cardinals begin to sing their territorial song. I have such a cardinal doing just that. That brings a coast to coast smile every time I hear it. This does not mean spring is just going to happy tomorrow but it gives a spot of hope that it will be beginning soon. Sunshine amidst a foot of snow and ice is reason to celebrate. I love photography of our feathered friends. I recently shared some of them privately and they were well received. So! Guess what? Right! Today is yippee, the birds are coming.

Since my favorite winter bird is the cardinal and he is singing the song of spring, he will be first. 

I was filling the feeder when I stopped to take this picture. Decked out in his finest he was singing his territorial song. Beautiful bird any time of the year.

Here he is on the feeder. This is what he was waiting for.

  

His mate is always there when he shows up. Difficult shot. She is first to take off with any sudden moves or noises.

The next series is of a bluebird that was kind enough to pose for me. She was not afraid of me so I was able to get fairly close to take her pictures. That was my explanation to the inn keeper where we were staying at the time. She had tried and couldn’t get this kind of picture. Enjoy.

Next is a fun picture and a VERY hard one to get. This is by, the way, our smallest falcon at 9” long. As a teen I was privileged to hold one of these little beauties on my hand. It had flown into a window of a friend and been dazed. It was released when it recovered.

This was a shot taken from 50 or so feet. He was at the top of a pine tree on the neighbor’s property. This is a favored spot for birds of prey. I have a bunch of pictures using this spot.. Note the very distinct facial markings.

Next and finally a woodpecker. This is not just any woodpecker. This is the largest woodpecker in North America. The Pileated Woodpecker is 16” long with a wing span of 29” this is one large bird. The photograph and the one of the Bluebird was taken at the Feathered Nest Inn in Woodstock, Virginia.

  

I hope you liked the spring/summer detour. I very much enjoyed bringing it to you. I may share some more thoughts of spring in the near future. As always, LOVE THE DETAILS