What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?

What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?
Remember: "When God closes a door, He always opens a window!" You never know what might be out there waiting for you!

Friday, June 30, 2017

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
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.



20 comments:

  1. What wonderful photos you got of the hawk! Just wonderful.
    Sketchers makes nice shoes and those look so good. Isn't it great to have comfy shoes?
    A lovely inspirational post. :)

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    1. Thank you Annie. Yes, I love comfy shoes! It's the ONLY kind to wear at my age! I'm glad you enjoyed the hawk. He was something else! Have a blessed day my friend.

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  2. Sweet, sweet Joey, left us too soon. She's singing in God's choir today and healed from all the cancer that ravaged her body. That hawk looks so majestic sitting there observing his kingdom! Love the sketchers. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

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    1. Thank you, Mary! Yes, Joey is released from her pain and singing in heaven's choir...so beautifully! What a testimony of God's grace. I'm glad you liked the hawk. He was amazing! My new skechers are great. Make me want to go walking again here in a few minutes, if it doesn't rain. I hear thunder...guess I'd better wait. Have a blessed weekend!

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  3. Those pictures of the hawk are amazing. Such a beautiful creature. I've seen a few cardinals here this year, but I've seen a lot of blue jays. I just haven't been able to catch a good picture of one yet. They are so fast. I've got the book about Joey and Rory on hold at the library. Can't wait to get my turn. Hope you have a great weekend Mary

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    1. Thank you Cathy. I must check out that book at my library...I never thought of that! Thanks for the idea! I'm glad you enjoyed the hawk pictures. He was a beauty for sure...and so patient with me while I took picture after picture! More patient than my hubby, who was waiting for me so we could continue our walk. LOL.

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  4. We have three resident hawks out behind our yard and though I see them often and they have perched on our back fence, I have never heard their call. If I did, I didn't recognize it. Your pictures are so good of them. Cute pic of you in your Skechers. I have heard good things about them from my sister and sister-in-law. It takes me forever to wear out a pair of shoes like that so it may be a while before I buy new ones. My Brooks pair is in excellent 2 years old.

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    1. The hawk's call is pretty much a loud, shrill shout, similar to a blue jay, only louder and longer. You could probably google it and hear it so you will know what to expect! With three near you, I am sure they must make noise sometime! Thank you for stopping by today! It's always so good to visit with you!

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  5. You took some great pictures of that hawk, they are so majestic looking. We have a pair nested in our neighbors tree on our farm. They have little babies in their nest, if we look really hard we can see their heads poke out when the parents fly over. You sure look cute in your fancy Sketchers - they are comfortable shoes. Have a great 4th of July weekend.
    Saimi

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    1. Thank you Saimi, and welcome to my blog! I don't believe I've met you here before, so thank you for stopping by for a visit! I just checked out your blog, and would so love to go camping like you! My hubby and I are talking about it now that we are retired...but just haven't gotten going yet. Maybe you will inspire us! Blessings to you and yours! Please come again!

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  6. Hawks are majestic! I think they are very smart and wouldn't be surprised if he was watching you out of curiousity.

    "For riches certainly make themselves wings;
    They fly away like an eagle toward heaven."

    Now I know I have read that verse before, but I don't recall ever reading that riches make themselves wings. That is profound!

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    1. P.S. I love Sketchers too! Great minds think alike. :)

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    2. That verse surely is true about the riches flying away...don't we all know it? I am glad you like Skechers. They are the most comfy shoes ever. And that hawk did just sit there and patiently wait for me to take those pictures. I know he'd rather be stalking his prey...but he/she must be a prima donna hawk! LOL

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  7. Pam, I simply love this post! Your photos of the hawk are simply amazing!! Have you considered entering your photos in your county or state fair (I'm guessing that fairs in Florida are held when it's less hot and humid? ) The music with Joey and Rory was so touching--it's one of many songs that I love. Their story is hard and beautiful at the same time.

    Blessings!

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    1. I'm so glad you like the hawk pictures. No, I've never considered entering my pics because I know there are so many others with such better quality out there. I take pictures for our enjoyment here where people appreciate them and aren't so picky about how perfect they are. That would take all the fun out of it for me. I am glad you appreciated the song/and the Joey & Rory story. What a testimony. Thank you for stopping by today. You've made my day!

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  8. What a wonderful post! Sometimes I watch hawks soaring and think how much fun it would be to fly. You got some magnificent photos. I have a pair of those shoes with the memory foam They are so comfy!

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  9. Pamela, your hawk photos are magnificent!!! Did you know you will meet some hawks (Old Ones) in my book series? I know you'll love them!
    And "I'll Fly Away" is one of my favorites - my daughter and I used to sing it together - I miss those days!
    Blessings for a wonderful weekend!

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  10. The fotos of the hawk are awesome! Love your new shoes... such a great picture of you. I'll Fly Away was my Daddy's favorite hymn. Thanks for sharing today... Hope you have a great weekend!

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  11. Oh my, I love that song. Amen!!

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  12. Raptors are such majestic creatures and you captured this one well! Your other photos are awesome to see, too. Love the old standard hymn!

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