Happy Sunday! I hope you are having a marvelous day today! It's been a beautiful day here in our neck of the woods so far. First I would like to share some pictures from a ride we took yesterday that were especially meaningful.
As we were enjoying a leisurely Saturday morning drive on a particularly lovely, cool autumn day, we passed by some open fields, and suddenly I noticed in the tip top of a dead tree in the middle of the field these two amazing Bald Eagles, sitting there as pretty as you please, as if to say, "Why don't you tell your husband to pull off the road and stop the car immediately so you can take pictures of us before we fly away!" Which of course I did exactly that. Poor hubby had to find a place to pull over because there were cars behind us, and then do a u-turn in the middle of the two lane road on a curve so he could go back to where these eagles were perched high in that tree, so that I could get out safely and take their picture. What a great guy!
Thankfully the eagles sat right there just as pretty as you please, waiting for me to climb across the grassy shoulder of the road to get a little better vantage point.
I love they way they posed for me, giving me both profile views.
Also another car pulled off the road not far from us and took a few pictures also. Others driving by were definitely looking to see what the excitement was about. I'm glad no one had a collision in the process. Thankfully it's not a real busy road.
I took as many pictures as I could manage. Thankfully my batteries were working.
The sun was bright, but still the pictures are good enough for you to see how beautiful these magnificent creatures are.
Suddenly, without me realizing it because I was so busy trying to focus and shoot pictures, I realized that one of the eagles had flown away. I looked up and around and couldn't see him anywhere.
So before this one decided to fly away too we decided we had taken enough pictures, and got back in the car, did another u-turn to get back in the direction in which we were originally headed, and took off.
Although I could not get a picture of it, as we drove down the road I looked up in the sky in front of us, and there was that eagle flying high above us and in front of us, as if leading the way. I actually hung my head out the window and tried to get a picture as we drove down the road (imagine that picture, if you can), but he flew up and too far above and away before I could get a shot. So my hubby told me to get my head (and camera) back inside the window and behave before something crazy happened, like me falling out of the window or something. (I'm not that crazy...but you never know).
What a wonderful surprise to find these marvelous eagles! And even greater to have that one eagle soaring up above us and leading the way, as if he wanted us to know he was there especially for us!
I just found these Bible verses that I had not noticed before, and I thought they went along with this particular experience in a way:
Exodus 19:3-5
3. And Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain, saying, "Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel:
4. 'You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to Myself.
5. 'Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine..."
Even though this was spoken to the children of Israel, I feel like it is also a message for us here in America today, and even to us as individuals. If we will indeed hear and obey God's voice and keep His covenant, then we will be a special treasure to Him.
With this election looming and so much at stake in our nation's freedoms and even the very sanctity of life...it is clearly something for us to consider.
Now back to our little ride in the country. As we continued on up the road, I asked my husband if he would consider stopping at another place that has some very special memories for our family. He was apparently in a very cooperative mood, because he actually agreed to make another stop. (This doesn't always happen, friend, trust me! LOL) And so, when we saw this sign I asked him to please turn in.
Now you may wonder the significance of this place, and so I will tell you.
You can click HERE for their website and more information.
We pulled in and took some pictures around the campground, this one being the most significant:
This was the giant slide going down into the lake. Looks like a lot of fun!
Yes, I was feeling a little crazy...thought I'd climb up and slide...well, not really...I wasn't exactly dressed for it, but if I were, I would have...maybe, but not that day. It was only about 66 degrees...
That big trampoline in the water looks like fun too. I may just have to go back up and play some day.
Looking back at the camp and that cross again:
This is just one of the dorms for campers. I liked that it had a lakeview and some rockers and chairs on the porch.
The reason this place is significant to me is that many years ago when our three sons were little, our church children went to this camp for summer camp. Now, as I said, our boys were young, maybe 12, 11, and 7 or thereabouts, and anyway, they had never all been away from home at the same time before, and especially not the "baby", who was just finishing 1st or 2nd grade. At first my hubby and I thought it would be kind of "fun" to have the house to ourselves and spend some time alone without the kids. But after about the 2nd or 3rd day I was going a little crazy, missing the noise of the kids in the house, and especially worrying about our youngest, who was used to me singing songs with him at bedtime, saying prayers, and then he'd sleep with his teddy bear. I just knew he was missing us so much and probably couldn't sleep and that we'd probably get a phone call mid week asking us to come pick him up. But no phone call ever came, and my empty nest syndrome was kicking in full blast. By the time Saturday morning came when we were supposed to go pick them up at camp, I was fit to be tied with worry and missing them, and couldn't get there fast enough. So you can imagine how I felt when we drove up to the camp and parked our car, and saw the boys come running toward us from the cafeteria. I was so happy to see them and see how much they missed us written all over their faces...well, maybe not. Our "baby" came running up to us and gleefully yelled out,
"Hi Mom, Hi Dad! Can I stay another week?"
Of course I immediately responded a loud resounding, "NO!" I couldn't believe my ears or eyes...my "baby" hadn't missed me at all! He hadn't missed his teddy bear or my goodnight songs and kisses and prayers...he wanted to stay at camp another week!! After I got over my shock and we gathered up all their dirty clothes and got them all safely back into our car and headed home, we listened to story after story of what a great week it had been and how much they loved it and how much they all wanted to come back again next year, on and on and on.
I guess I really was happy and relieved that it had been a wonderful experience for them, but it was the beginning of the realization to me that our kids are not our own...they belong to God, and He may have plans for their lives that don't always include us as their parents. Yes, our boys did go back to other camps in the future...not that particular one because we moved away from that area the next year, but they continued to have happy camping experiences all the way through their school years, with our oldest son even working at a camp all summer one year. I guess they kind of took after me, because I loved going to camp and was a camp counselor after high school one summer. And actually, quite a few years later I actually came back to this particular camp as a counselor with our youth group from a church where my husband was the pastor. I spent that entire week participating in all the camp activities with the kids, doing the obstacle course, playing the games, swimming in the lake, as well as leading them in nightly devotions and making sure the campers obeyed all the rules. It was a very rewarding and exhausting experience for me, one I will never forget. So this little jaunt into visit the campground again held many many memories. I hope you enjoyed the trip.
Now, for today's message, and the Praise Team singing "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" , click on this video below. I hope you will enjoy the music as well as our Pastor's message from I Peter 4:12-19.
Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
Your song should be His eye is on the eagle!! What great photos, Pam!! What a blessing! And how fun to visit the church camp and write about those great memories! I love hearing your praise team! Wishing you a great week ahead!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Terri. I was beyond thrilled to get those photos, as you can imagine! That was even better than the raccoons the day before, although they were cuter. And it was fun to go to camp again. It was so peaceful and beautiful...I told hubby we ought to just go spend a weekend there sometime and enjoy it, even if it is only about 20 miles from our home! Glad you enjoyed our singing. We definitely aren't professional, but we enjoy singing for the Lord. I hope you have a great week too!
DeleteWhat a thrill to see those eagles up close and personal! (But did you feel a little like Thelma -- or Louise -- hanging out that car window?) What a chuckle I had, reading how your little son wasn't pining away for you. My 11th summer I spent the best 8 weeks ever at a horse camp in Colorado. I didn't shut up about it until my parents told me they'd signed me up for another 8 weeks the following year. Sadly, that summer was the worst ever: How I begged to come home. The campsite you visited looks so cool; and yep. I wouldn't bet against you going down that water slide. Wouldn't it be fun to have a camp like that for grown-ups?
ReplyDeleteWell, you CAN go to that camp as a grown up. I was thinking about us spending a weekend there while they are in their off season. It isn't very far from our home, but it would be such fun. I am sorry your second summer at camp wasn't so great. You were a year older and entering adolescence...everything looks different then than when we are children. And yes, I probably did look a bit like Thelma or Louise hanging out the window. I was having a great time!! Thanks for visiting.
DeleteGorgeous photos of the eagles. One of my favourite birds. I also love the sparrows and how God uses them to illustrate his care for us. I'm so glad your husband was agreeable to going to the camp. I can understand why your boys loved it so much. I always think back very fondly on my time at camp. It was so much fun and such a spiritual experience as well. Have a wonderful week ahead.
ReplyDeleteYes, where would we be without our positive camp experiences? That is where I truly accepted Christ when I was a teen, even though I already "believed", I just hadn't really made a commitment to Him, and that summer that I worked as a counselor was a big turning point in my life. So very thankful for the camp ministries in our land. I hope you have a wonderful week as well.
DeleteTWO EAGLES!!! I need a bigger font and more exclamation points! HOW AMAZING! That really is something to see and how great that sweet hubby found a place to pull over so you could take these photos. I hope I see one this week! I'll be on the lookout now for sure! WOW!!!
ReplyDeleteI think they have arrived back from wherever they were! My son said that "his eagle" is back where he works. He does greens keeping at a golf course south of here, and watches the birds there. So yes, be on the look out for them. 'tis the season!
DeleteVery nice of the eagles to sit and pose for you! I agree with your thoughts about the passage from Exodus being for us today, too. Have you read "The Harbinger II?" The first one was a bit of a wake up call, this one is pretty much strictly about the U.S. today.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Stacy. I have not read the Harbinger II. I've been meaning to get it. I had the first one. Yes, we need to wake up and be prepared before it is too late. Praying very hard about all that is going on right now. Praying people will open their eyes!!!
DeleteThe eagles are absolutely amazing, Pam! How fortunate for you that hubby was willing to stop so you could capture them with your camera - he's a great guy, isn't he? And your detour to the camp brought back my own memories of sending my children to our church summer camp, which they loved, and where they both eventually became counselors when they were older. Camp is where my daughter met her husband-to-be!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, my friend!
Oh, how wonderful, Martha! I didn't know your daughter had had such a great camping experience, especially meeting her future husband! What a blessing! yes, Christian camping is a wonderful opportunity for kids to draw close to God and perhaps even make some commitments to serving Him. It changed my life, which is another story for another time. And yes, my hubby is a great guy! He's getting more used to these sudden stops along the way when we take rides so I can get that perfect picture! He knows if he doesn't stop I will probably pout and talk about the one that got away all the way to our destination, so he may as well stop and save himself the grief. LOL. I love him...He's a keeper (after 51 years, I guess so!)
DeleteThe pair of eagles is spectacular. That is a rare gem. We always have two places we look for an eagle sighting and have seen them often, but not a pair of them.
ReplyDeleteI loved your story. They really are not our own. They are a precious gift that we get to have for a little while and every day is a blessing AND I know you know that.
Thank you, Sandy, yes I do know that all too well. God prepared me for that in many ways over the years, and I am thankful that He did. Otherwise I would be disconsolate over the loss of our middle son to cancer. But I know where he is, and we will be together again someday. Those early camping experiences also helped him make a firm commitment to Christ, so his heart was prepared for the future as well.
DeleteThank you. We always need more prayer, especially for our country during these times.
ReplyDeletePamela, i would have done the same thing with those eagles. As a matter of fact, I have made many a turn around in order to get that 'perfect' picture.That is the fun of photography .Your camp story reminded me of my childhood and camp experience . My Mom was sure I could not do without something, can't remember what it was, so after one day Mom and Dad arrived at camp and as soon as I saw them, I was done and went home with them. I'm sure I would have been fine, had they not showed up.That was my one and only camp experience .
ReplyDeleteOh Ruth, I know you and I are kindred spirits when it comes to our nature photography. We could have such fun traveling around taking pictures of God's beautiful creation! Now, your camp story is sad. I am sorry you didn't get to finish out your week at camp. Some camps actually tell parents they must not come during the week unless it is an emergency, probably for that same reason. Kids will be just fine as long as they don't see Mom or Dad. But you still turned out good in spite of that "unhappy camp experience." Camping away from home isn't for everyone.
DeleteI love that cross! (No one complains?)
ReplyDelete"I actually hung my head out the window and tried to get a picture as we drove down the road (imagine that picture, if you can)..."
I kind of hope that eagle had a camera too and posted a photo of that on the eagle Internet! 😄
You are so funny...the eagle with a camera thought...I often wonder if the birds and critters are watching us like we watch them, and what kind of comments they must be making to their companions about us. That could be very funny. As far as the cross goes, this is a Christian camp, and no. no one would complain about the cross there. Billy Graham actually spent some time at this camp when he was very young. They have recently renamed their chapel in memory of him. You can click on the link I put above for the camp and read their history to find out more about it. This camp has a great history and purpose. I pray it can keep going with all of the crazy restrictions out there for "covid". Thank you for visiting and for your fun comment!
DeletePam, your photos of the eagles are stunning--such a majestic, regal bird. It's always a treat to see them. Your sense of adventure makes me smile. Many people do seem to have such amazing times at camp, making memories that last a lifetime.
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings!
Thank you, Kim. My "sense of adventure" sometimes makes my husband scratch his head and say, "Why me, Lord?" LOL. But we have fun. And yes, we were blessed to have positive camping experiences. Going to a good Christian camp is the reason. Jesus met us there and made it a blessing that lasted for a lifetime. I hope you are having a good week! Thank you for visiting. (((hugs)))
DeleteHi Pam. I have enjoyed listening to your pastors sermon and the message in song. I will find myself humming that hymn as I go about my day. Your eagle photos are marvelous. What a thrill. Cute story and memories of your boys at camp. Looks like you ar enjoying lovely weather. Xoxo Mildred
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mildred. I am glad you enjoyed the sermon and the music. We enjoy singing for the Lord and for His people. Yes, the eagles were a real bonus blessing this past week! Makes me want to take that ride again and see if they are still there! And thank you for enjoying my little 'camp' story. The boys did enjoy it and it made lasting positive impressions in their hearts and lives. Weather...it has been getting a little cooler...and yesterday/last night we had some good rain for a chance. We were needing it, so I am very thankful! Hope you are having a good week so far. xoxo
DeleteWhat sweet pictures of those eagles. WOW! What wonderful memories of your boys at camp. It's crazy...but I went to church camp when I was around 9 years old and I can't help but wonder if this might have been the same camp we went too. It was in Florida, on a lake and when I pulled up pictures of it it made me have a flashback of church camp days! LORDY! Hugs and blessings sweet lady. Cindy
ReplyDeleteIt just might be! This camp is in Melrose, just beyond Keystone Heights, if you know where that is. It's a beautiful little camp and my boys sure loved it when they were kids. It's been around for a long time. They actually have two lakes. The one I pictured here, and another across the road where they did lots of boating activities, like teaching water skiing, etc. It's a wonderful Christian camp.
DeletePam, I think this is the same camp!!!! CRAZY! Yes, I do know where Melrose is. It's only a little over an hour drive from me! Lordy! Bet it's same camp.
DeleteWell, maybe you should take a ride down and visit...it is only about 20 minutes from us. We could meet and go have lunch or something! Did you always go to a Baptist Church? This camp is owned by the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination, but it is and has always been open to all denominations. Just wondering. We were pastoring the Hilliard Alliance Church when our boys went there, in Hilliard, FL.
Delete