Friday Foto Friends: Spring Time and Thirsting for God - A Time for Renewal

What a week!  I think we are all still reeling over the passing of Billy Graham...those of us who grew up during the 50's-60's remember all of the crusades on TV throughout those years, and they would televise them every night...and everyone watched.  Only Jesus knows how many people truly gave their hearts to Him during those years of Billy Graham's ministry.  I can only imagine the excitement in heaven this week...would have loved to have been there.

This week has been rather low-key otherwise...mostly catching up from last week's busy time...birthday party for hubby, etc.  I've been resting, reading, and praying.  It seems like our prayer list for friends and loved ones keeps growing. So many going through difficult times these days. Keeps us on our knees.

But I've been enjoying the beauty of the beginnings of springtime here, so I thought I would share a few special moments and views with you for Friday Foto Friends:

This was the view on the pond early this morning when I went to check on our Sand Hill Crane mother in waiting...  she is over there, but you can't see her in this picture.

See that white lump in the middle? That is her...

This was taken this evening (Thursday)...no, she hasn't had her baby yet...and she faithfully sits day after day...I will definitely let you know when the blessed event occurs.

This tree is covered with Carolina Jessamine...it looks so pretty in the morning sunlight

 A closer look at the flowers.

Azaleas and camellias are blooming in the Secret Garden...I planted the azaleas last year and they are just starting to really bloom...

 Also the ferns that were killed by the frost/freeze are starting to come back in the Secret Garden.

This is the Memorial Garden, where I also planted some azaleas last year:

And this picture is especially for my friend Deb at Breathing in Grace, our hostess for Friday Foto Friends.  I know that Deb is particularly fond of owls, and a friend of mine gave me another little owl mug (front and center) this past week, so I decided to have a little tea time with the owlies one afternoon.  Debbie, I was definitely thinking about you when I did this. Wish you weren't so far away...wouldn't we have had fun? Thank you for being our hostess here each week.

And speaking of tea parties, earlier this month I found this lovely little February tea cup and saucer at our local flea market.  I bought it to give to a friend for her birthday, which is later  this month. However, we won't be getting together to celebrate her birthday until March 2nd, so I thought I should at least christen this cup with a little tea party while it is still February....I know she wouldn't mind my using it....and perhaps she and I will have a tea party when she does receive this gift....(I hope she isn't reading this...she'll know what she's getting for her birthday! )

So I set up this little tea time on the front porch this afternoon, however, the sun was really too bright to get very good pictures. It was also a little too hot to sit out there and drink hot tea!

So I moved the tea party to the Secret Garden, which is in the back yard, and much shadier.    I took a big risk in carrying this tray laden with china tea cups and tea pot and hot tea all around and through the house and yard...opening doors with one hand and holding the tray in the other...it's a miracle nothing was broken...and my friend's birthday gift is still intact!

By the way, the little book I was reading is entitled "Gifts from my Front Porch", "Inspirational Thoughts, Insights, & Reflections" ...no particular author, published by Popular Publishing Co.  I mention this little book because my friend who is having the birthday next week gave this little book to me for Christmas a few years ago.  I wonder if she will be reading this post...I hope not until after her birthday...I wouldn't want to spoil her surprise gift (the tea cup). Shhhh, don't tell her, okay?

After all of that activity...I should just go sit in my rocking chair and relax...

Someone needs to move those pansies first...

On second thought, I think I'll just go back inside where it is cool and write this post while it is fresh on my mind...it was 86 degrees on that porch!! And it isn't even officially spring yet!!!

A Psalm for this beautiful  (albeit, warm) day:

Psalm 63: 1-5

1.  "O God, You are my God;

Early will I seek You;

My soul thirsts for You; 

My flesh longs for You

in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.

2.  So I have looked for You in the sanctuary,

To see Your power and Your glory.

3.  Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,

My lips shall praise You.

4.  Thus I will bless You while I live;

I will lift up my hands in Your name.

5.  My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness,

and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips."

I hope you will have a blessed and glorious day and time of seeking and thirsting for God each day. 

What a joyous way to find renewal for our souls!

Now let's all run over to Deb's place at Breathing in Grace and check out what our other Friday Foto Friends are talking about!