Friday Foto Friends-Flights of Fancy

It's Thursday evening and I'm thinking about what to post for tomorrow's Friday Foto Friends. I didn't have many interesting pictures to post until a few minutes ago, when we took our evening walk.  As we walked toward my favorite pond area, I saw a young deer bolt and practically fly right out in front of us before disappearing down somewhere around the pond.  Of course, he was too quick for me to take his picture, but in my rush to follow where he ran, I kept hearing the call of a hawk from up in the trees above me.  It took me a few minutes to actually locate the hawk, as he was quite well camouflaged against the backdrop of the trees...but when I finally zeroed in on where his voice was coming from, I was surprised to see he was right in front of me the whole time!  Duh! I couldn't "see the forest for the trees!"  Or in this case, I couldn't see the hawk...even with my "hawk-eyes"!  So here are the pictures I was able to capture as he sat there and posed for me:

Isn't he magnificent?

I think this is a Red-Shouldered Hawk, but any bird experts out there please feel free to correct me if I am wrong!

After this picture he flew away...and was too quick for me to capture a picture of him flying...

I told my hubby that my fancy new "Skechers" walking shoes helped me to "fly" down the road to  find something to photograph:

Aren't they great?  I just got these in the mail (UPS) today...I love Skechers and generally that is the ONLY shoe I wear anymore. When one pair wears out I order a new pair, because they fit my foot better than any shoe I've ever had.  I got these specifically for walking as my old pair of walking shoes was breaking down and causing my feet to hurt...but I've walked a lot of miles in them over the past 5 years, so it's about time!  Skechers aren't cheap, but I got these online and if you check out their online specials/coupons, you might get 20% off, depending on which day you order, along with free shipping!    I do not buy many shoes...and when I do, it is more for comfort than style.

What else have I seen this week that I've not already shared with you? Let me think:

I don't know if you can see the two young cardinals in the Secret Garden above?  They were perched above the Welcome sign...only for a minute. We have lots of young cardinals flying around here all the time these days! Such fun to watch them chasing each other...just like children playing tag!

Speaking of birds that chase one another...

This male Ruby Throated Hummingbird was taking a short break between feedings and chasing the other hummingbirds away from the feeder.

And speaking of flying things...These two Navy Fighter Jets were buzzing around over our house again this morning!  They fly over the national forest on training flights...all the way from the Jacksonville Naval Air Station, which is about 100 miles northeast of here.  I ran outside and waved at them...but I couldn't tell if they waved back!

I guess that is enough about my "flights of fancy" for one week...
Here are a few scripture verses that have to do with "flying"... perhaps one of these will speak to you today...

Proverbs 23:4-5

4.  "Do not overwork to be rich;

Because of your own understanding, cease!

5.  Will you set your eyes on that which is not?

For riches certainly make themselves wings;

They fly away like an eagle toward heaven." 

Psalm 55:6-8, 16

6.  "So I said, 'Oh, that I had wings like a dove!

I would fly away and be at rest.

7.  Indeed, I would wander far off,

and remain in the wilderness.

8.  I would hasten my escape from

the windy storm and tempest.'

16.  As for me, I will call upon God,

And the Lord shall save me."

Psalm 90:10, 12

10.  "The days of our lives are seventy years;

And if by reason of strength 

they are eighty years,

Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow;

For it is soon cut off, and we fly away....

12.  So teach us to number our days,

That we may gain a heart of wisdom."

Here's a favorite little song about "flying" that you might appreciate today:

Joey + Rory : "I'll Fly Away"

I'll Fly Away

Alison Krauss, Gillian Welch

Some bright morning when this life is over

I'll fly away

To that home on God's celestial shore

I'll fly away

I'll fly away, oh glory

I'll fly away in the morning

When I die, Hallelujah by and by

I'll fly away

When the shadows of this life have gone

I'll fly away

Like a bird from these prison walls I'll fly

I'll fly away

I'll fly away, oh glory

I'll fly away in the morning

When I die, Hallelujah by and by

I'll fly away

Oh, how glad and happy when we meet

I'll fly away

No more cold iron shackles on my feet

I'll fly away

I'll fly away, oh glory

I'll fly away in the morning

When I die, Hallelujah by and by

I'll fly away

Just a few more weary days and then

I'll fly away

To a land where joys will never end

I'll fly away

I'll fly away, oh glory

I'll fly away in the morning

When I die, Hallelujah by and by

I'll fly away

I'll fly away

I hope you've enjoyed this "flight of fancy" today. Perhaps the Lord has spoken to you through some portion of this post. I hope so.  The lady singing above, Joey Feek, has already "flown away" to glory.  For more about her remarkable life story, click HERE.

Now fly on over to Deb's place, "Breathing in Grace", and check out what our other "Friday Foto Friends" are posting today.