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 26, 2020

A Peaceful Interlude


I decided to take another kayak ride around Still Waters Pond today. (Friday). It was a beautiful, peaceful morning, and the pond was filled with fresh new water from last night's rain storm, so I was anxious to get out and enjoy the beauty.


As I rounded the bend in the pond, I heard a lot of screeching from the trees and also saw the flapping of giant grey-blue wings pass by...if you look very closely you can see the wings of the Great Blue Heron as he flew away from my presence. I guess I was interrupting his morning fishing for breakfast.


He flew up and all around the pond and eventually flew off into the distance. I shouted my apologies to him, but I don't think he heard me. He was a frustrated fisherman today...


He probably couldn't hear me over the cries of this Red Shouldered Hawk who was sitting up in this tree overlooking the pond.  He was not very pleased with my presence in his territory either.


He kept calling out as I passed underneath his perch. I prayed that I wouldn't become his "prey". Again, another frustrated bird because his breakfast was probably interrupted. They sure were grumpy birds this morning!


Of course, I was just out there for the joy of enjoying the beauty of the water lilies on the pond and feeling the fresh air in my face as I paddled around on the peaceful water.


"First keep the peace within yourself,
then you can also bring peace to others."
Thomas A Kempis

Don't you just love the way these lilies reflect on the surface of the pond?
"Besides the noble art of getting things done,
there is a nobler art of leaving things undone.
The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of nonessentials."
Lin Yutang

I think I could look at these beauties all day.
"Nature is the art of God." 
Thomas Browne
I did have to keep watching out for the bees that were buzzing in each of these flowers. 
You can't see them in these pictures, but trust me, I was well aware of them and making sure I didn't make them mad too!! Actually, they did just like the heron and the hawk and flew away as I came near.
I almost hated to paddle back into shore, but knew I couldn't stay out there all day.

Later this evening I looked back outside at the pond, and noticed this haze in the air. That, my friends is the Saharan Desert Dust that is blowing across our land right now.  It has been very hazy all afternoon and the air quality is not very good. It is also quite warm and humid, so better to stay indoors and write to you from my nice cool room....

I am reminded of the words of this Psalm:

Psalm 121:5-8
5.  "The Lord is your keeper;
The Lord is your shade at your right hand.
6.  The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7.  The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.
8.  The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in
from this time forth, and even forevermore."


I am very thankful for the Lord being my "keeper", and for the knowledge that He is by my side, shading and preserving me from all evil forevermore.  
What a joy and blessing to be so lovingly cared for by our Lord.

I hope you will be at peace in your heart and soul during these difficult days.
May God be with you, always!
Amen.

16 comments:

  1. What a beautiful post, Pamela! I love your lily pond! My brother and I used to live across the street from a big "experimental farm" which had a lily pond and we used to play pretend there for hours; fairies and frog princes. Such wonderful memories I have of him. I enjoyed your quotes too as I know you are aware I'm big on quotes. It's lovely that your rose bush knows exactly when to bloom! I'm sure the Lord has something to do with that. Yes, He is our keeper and how blessed we are that He is! Thank you dear friend for your visits. You always encourage me. Have a wonderful weekend. Hugs...Sandi

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  2. I just love that you are able to get out on the water of your lovely pond and enjoy the waterlilies. They are so beautiful! A perfect Psalm to compliment your post. xo

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  3. I enjoyed "going along" on your trip around Still Waters Pond. The water lilies are gorgeous. Love the reflection you captured of the lilies. Thank you also for sharing the Psalm.

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  4. Beautiful pictures of Still Waters Pond. I love the waterlilies!

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  5. Beautiful tour of Still Waters Pond, Pam! Those water lilies are stunning, and I bet they give off a lovely fragrance, though I'm just guessing here. :) We have yet to see the Saharan dust in our neck of the woods, but will be on the lookout for it.
    Blessings, and have a great weekend!

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  6. The water lilies are very pretty indeed. Very relaxing way to start your day and ponder things. I always enjoy your quotes and Scripture.

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  7. What a peaceful way to begin a day and it is very pretty. We had some dust last evening and it was obvious. Not thick but noticeable. Happy Saturday.

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  8. "First keep the peace within yourself,
    then you can also bring peace to others."
    Thomas A Kempis

    Amen to this!!!

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  9. Oh wow! Those Water Lilies are just so gorgeous . The reflections just double the beauty. I am pretty sure the birds will forgive you for disrupting their meal.

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  10. Pam: I loved the pictures of the Water Lilies. They speak of God's beauty and of peace. We need to see that beauty and we need to experience His peace in our world today. Peace and blessings.

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  11. Beautiful photos and post, Pamela. I love this look at your peaceful Still Waters Pond and the gorgeous water lilies.

    We're on vacation in the West and have seen many glorious, majestic views, but these simple water lilies are a balm to my soul.

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    1. Thank you for writing even while on your vacation! I am SO glad you were able to go! Hope we will hear all about it when you get back home! Stay safe and have a wonderful time with your family!!

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  12. Thanks, Pamela! ��

    Yes, I do plan to blog about the trip upon our return. We've taken tons of photos and I hope that they will jog my memory enough to help me write some good posts to share. ��

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  13. Such beautiful pictures with a sense that there is PEACE. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  14. Beautiful photos Pam. Nature is so amazing, even with its dangers. All of creation declares praise to its Creator.

    Love and blessings!

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