Take Time to Be Still Today...

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted."

I woke up thinking about spring this morning...after yesterday afternoon's beautiful sunshine and warmth, we know that spring is certainly in the air.  Here in Florida we've had many flocks of robins bobbing around for several weeks, even though it has been quite cold (for Florida).  I've noticed the azaleas starting to bloom here and there and beautiful lacy white flowered trees are blooming in the woods around our house. 

The other day I saw a pair of Eastern Bluebirds flitting nearby, so we immediately set  up a bluebird house on a tree in the back yard. I made sure that I could see it from my kitchen window so I can keep a close watch on any activity.  One year (in another location) I set up a bluebird house, and I watched Mr. and Mrs. Bluebird come and check it out several times over the course of a year before they finally decided it was suitable for their home.  I'm not sure why they were so finicky about it...the rent was extremely "cheep".   :)   Anyway, I sincerely hope we will be fortunate enough to attract this new couple to our neighborhood.  Bluebirds are becoming a rare sight in this part of Florida.

Of course, those of you who have checked out my facebook photos know that we have a very active Barred Owl community here in our backyard as well.  From our very first spring here in this house we have been privileged to observe the nesting activities of a pair of Barred Owls and the flight and hunting training of their resulting offspring.  The first year there was one owlet.  The next year there were none.  Then last spring there were twins!!  Now we are hearing the adult owls making their frequent "Who who cooks for you?" calls back and forth in the wee hours of the morning and often late in the afternoon and evening.  They are becoming more noticeable flying to and fro in the region of the hollow tree that is their nest, so I am anticipating that very soon we will be observing the debut of another baby owl.  I can't wait to see if there will be more than one owlet again this year!  Be sure to stay tuned for more details!

Maybe you really aren't into all this bird and nature talk.  Perhaps you are just too busy to notice the beauty of God's creation around you.

Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"

 I see the glory of God reflected throughout His amazing creation everywhere I go.  Here in Florida we are blessed with magnificent and glorious sunrises and sunsets...each one a unique creation in itself...no two are the same.  When I lived in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the majestic views of snow-capped  Mt. Washington could be seen from almost every direction ("on a clear day you can see Mt. Washington from here" was my favorite thing to say to our guests). In Ohio it was the waving fields of corn  and lush green meadows of the farmland surrounding the towns.  Even in Kansas we were astonished at the beauty of the thousands of acres of sunflowers arching their bright sunny faces upward to God as if to say, "Thank you for the warmth of your sunshine on us today." 

If all of creation can pause in their day to praise God, then what's wrong with us, the most precious creation  God ever made?  Why not take a moment out of your busy day today, find a quiet place away from the noise and strife, and just "be still, and know that He is God,"  and give Him praise for what He has done for you.  You will be amazed at the joy that will bring to your soul.

Have a blessed day!  I know I will!