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, January 14, 2022

Friday Foto Friends: Is It Spring Already?

My apologies to those of you who may be trapped in your houses with cabin fever due to frigid temperatures and mounting snowbanks and icy roads...but THIS is what is happening here where I live:

Yes, the wild plum trees in the woods where we love to walk each day are blooming profusely!

These two little trees are a bit overrun with Spanish moss, but that doesn't keep them from blooming every year...and then hopefully producing many tiny little wild plums to feed the wildlife in the summer:



Wouldn't this be a lovely crown for a little princess?


I know this is picture overload, but this season only is only for a little while, and I want to drink it all in while it lasts:


"The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them,
And the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose;"
Isaiah 35:1

I think you can tell that seeing these blossoms truly is a "delight" for me!


Song of Solomon 2:11-13
"11 For lo, the winter is past,
The rain is over and gone.
12 The flowers appear on the earth;
The time of singing has come,
And the voice of the turtledove
Is heard in our land.
13 The fig tree puts forth her green figs,
And the vines with the tender grapes
Give a good smell.
Rise up, my love, my fair one,
And come away!"


As I wandered around rejoicing and clapping my hands at such delights, I thought of these verses in the Bible:

Psalm 96:11-13

"11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;
Let the sea roar, and all its fullness;
12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it.
Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice
13 before the Lord.
For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth.
He shall judge the world with righteousness,
And the peoples with His truth"


And I came to this tree below.
Looks like judgment has already been passed on this old tree and its life is ebbing away.
But even in death, it has a strange kind of beauty and purpose


It appears there is some kind of fuzzy material there in the cavity of the tree, like something has been using this as a nest or a hiding place...a place of safety from predators.  It also looks like a little bear sitting there...if you step back and look at that blackened area...do you see the ears and nose? I sure do...but then, I'm always seeing faces in the woods and trees and sky...all a part of delighting in God's creation!

And it made me think about purpose...even as we get older and age begins to take its toll on our bodies, maybe we can still find a purpose in our lives...perhaps we can be a place of refuge and security for those still finding their way along the paths of life...for those still kind of tripping over the vines and roots and getting tangled in the brambles as they ramble around seeking truth and hope and still trying to see the beauty in life when all seems to be kind of dark and scary...

Maybe we can warn them when danger lies ahead, and to keep their heads up and eyes open before they get tangled in the web of this old world and all its dangers... (yes, I almost ran into this spider and his web again...but thankfully I was watching for it this time and stopped just in time...and took a detour around  him)

You know, we may not always have all the answers to life's questions, but we know WHO does, and where we can find hope and help in time of need...by turning our eyes to Jesus...

1 "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12:1-2

Yes, I believe we are here to run our own race with patience and endurance, and to also help lead others along the way who may become tangled in the web and vines of life's difficulties as God leads us.  That is why I am so thankful for you all here in Blogland...others who also come alongside when we need an encouraging word and a prayer for our journey.  Thank you for being those kinds of friends!!

Also, thank you to all who had some kind words for me yesterday as I had a medical test to go through. I did survive the test and the drinking of the horrible barium "milkshake".  Now we wait for the results, but I feel confident all will be well.

And one more thing...I had an update from our friend Martha Jane Orlando's husband Danny yesterday. Martha is still in the hospital, but seems to finally be turning the corner and is building strength and feeling so much better. He is hopeful that she will soon be discharged. Thank you all for your prayers and concern for her.  She is looking forward to getting back to her blog so she can share all the things God has been showing her during her confinement.

Have a blessed and "delightful" day!!!










 

37 comments:

  1. Our Banana Spider's seem to have disappeared lately. Didn't see many of them last year. Maybe they're further back in the woods now. God created such beautiful creatures and they keep the bugs in check.
    The photos and the Holy Scripture are so uplifting. Thanks for sharing all this.
    "Happy" to hear that Martha Jane turned a corner in her healing. We have many sick here too. One of our fellow parishioners is suffering terribly from Cirrhosis of the liver, Diabetes, and other ailments. It's not looking good for him but he is a Believer too. When it's time, it's time.
    I hope y'all are feeling good and enjoying the pretty surroundings.
    Love & Blessings In Christ xx

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    1. I didn't check on our Banana Spider this morning when we went for our walk, but he was staying in the same spot for several weeks. I guess I should go back and check again. He's quite HUGE, and I'm always afraid I'll walk right into his web before I realize I am there, so I've kind of started walking a different path. They are beautiful, but not when they get tangled in your hair or face! LOL. I am glad you enjoyed the photos and message. God's world is so beautiful when we take time to look and take note. Oh, I am sorry to hear of your church friend who is so sick. Praying for him now, that he will be comfortable even in the midst of so much sickness. May the Lord be especially close to him now. Yes, we are feeling better...today is a beautiful day with no appointments...I love that! Y'all might get some colder weather this weekend, so stay warm and cozy. Take care my friend. I can't wait to meet you.

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  2. That's good news! 🙏🏼

    So are these trees flowering sooner than usual?

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    1. Thank you, Vee. Yes, it IS good news re: Martha. Re: trees flowering...I am thinking they may be a bit early. It seems like they usually bloom in February, but I'd have to go back and look at previous years' pictures to be sure. It was quite warm for a few weeks, but now we are getting colder weather again so I hope we don't get a freeze that will keep the plums from developing. However, they are wild plums...not really very edible for us as they stay quite small and are kind of sour. But the birds and critters love them. So we shall see what "develops". Hope you are safe and warm and snug as a bug in your home!!

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  3. Beautiful pictures and wise words along with it.

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  4. This is a lovely post. I found your blog on a whim in the comments section of another book review blog, but I'm glad I stumbled here. I appreciate the pictures that you shared of nature in your community -- the trees are beautiful. I'm twenty and have recently encountered life challenges that can feel like that dark and scary place, where it can be hard to find the beauty in life. It's comforting to know that others before me have felt similarly and have had the resilience not only to make it through those times but to flourish enough to be able to still express gratitude for the small beautiful things around us :)
    claire @ clairefy

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    1. Hello Claire, and welcome to my blog! I am so glad you found me and stopped to visit and took the time to comment. I am sorry to hear that you have recently encountered such life challenges so young in life...but I can assure you that there is much beauty in this life when we open our eyes and hearts and ask God to reveal it to us. Yes, we all go through challenges and sorrows in this life, but I have discovered that having a relationship with Jesus Christ has given me HOPE for tomorrow, and great peace and comfort for my todays as well, no matter what the old world may throw at me. Without that peace that comes through knowing that I am loved by God, I would not be able to fully appreciate life in this world of woe. But He makes the difference in my heart, my mind and my soul. He gives me joy unspeakable, because I know this world is NOT my final home. I do hope that you know Jesus as your personal Savior...He will always be there to help you through those dark and scary places of life. Thank you again for visiting, and I look forward to getting to know you better in the future.

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  5. They looks so beautiful. It seems so early for them to be blooming.

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    1. Thank you. Actually, I looked it up and they were blooming this same time in the previous years, so I guess this must be right, although it seems early to me too! But spring does tend to come early here...even though we may still get some pretty cold weather.

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  6. That's wonderful news about Martha! Thank you so much for sharing Danny's news.
    Isn't nature bounty's timing spot-on? I love how one species(?) effortlessly cares for another ... and another. Your photography is delightful!

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    1. Thank you so much Myra. Yes, "nature's bounty's timing is spot-on". We don't understand how it works, but God does. He has everything on His schedule. Amazing!

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  7. I am so late getting around to blogs. You remain in my prayers and so does Martha Jane. The pink blooms around here are so beautiful but the petals have all puddled on the ground now. Not looking forward to our cold snap but I guess we should be used to it. At least we aren't getting 30s yet!! Happy weekend! xo

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    1. I don't know how you keep up with blogging every day and commenting, etc. and working too, even if it is part time! I can barely keep up and I don't work at all! LOL. We may have some 30's this next week I hear, but we are farther north than you. I want some of those strawberries! I hope they don't get frosted!! Take care and relax this weekend.

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  8. Such beautiful photos Pam. We sure are lucky to live here in Florida. I could see the bear in the tree, I like your imagination. I missed the post about your test, but glad all went well. So happy to hear Martha is doing better now too. Have a great weekend!

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    1. Thank you, Martha. Yes, we are lucky to live here in Florida, especially in winter! Oh, I'm glad you could see the bear in the tree. Now I know I'm not the only one seeing things! LOL. Yes, I am thankful Martha is doing better too. Praying she will soon be home and able to write to us all again. Take care and enjoy your weekend as well!

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  9. Pam: Up here it is cold.Part of our state,not our part, is expecting snow. I have adopted the phrase,"Spring is just around the corner". It helps me to keep positive thoughts. I love seeing your pictures of the trees in bloom. Praying for you as you await those test results. Peace and blessings.

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    1. I know you must be quite cold! I'm surprised your area isn't expecting snow. Seems like everyone above Florida is expecting something this weekend! Yes, keep that happy thought about "spring just around the corner". And before you know it, it will be spring!! Thank you for your prayers too! Peace and joy and blessings to you my friend.

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  10. Thanks for the beautiful flowers. Yes we are months away from those sights, but in the meantime I can enjoy these. Your comment about having purpose as we get older really struck a chord with me. I’ve been battling this idea for a while. I want to be active in my church, but often feel like I should back down, because I’m too old.

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    1. Oh my, Ruth, you are NEVER too old to be involved in some way at your church! I am sure there is always something you could do, even if it a "prayer ministry". What about Bible studies, choir, be a greeter...I am certain if you spoke to your pastor he could give you some ideas of areas where you could help. Our church is made up of mostly people over 60. I would say the median age is 75. But some of our older members are very active too. Pray about it, and I am sure God will lead you. (((hugs)))

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  11. Oh- I can only DREAM of spring here. It has been so cold that I didn't even walk the dog today. Held his leash and let him out the door to do his 'bizness' in the snow.
    Your images are beautiful. I am praying your tests all come back normal and that you have no further health problems.
    Love to you and Happy Weekend- xo Diana

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    1. Thank you, Diana! Oh, poor Scruffy! I bet he didn't even want to go out that far in the cold...or, did he want to run and play anyway? I hope you get an early spring. Thank you for your kind words regarding my tests, etc. I am trusting the Lord all will be well. I think I just need to learn to eat right! LOL. Hope you have a blessed and happy weekend too. Wish you could pack up your hubby and doggy and head south. (((hugs)))

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  12. BEAUTIFUL pictures, thanks for sharing; we need to see pretty growing things. Glad to hear things seem to be improving for Martha and hope you get good results from your test. It always seems there should be a better way to find out if we're ok, or have something going on. Good luck.

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    1. Thank you, Sandy. Yes, we DO need to see pretty growing things, especially when the winter becomes bleak and oh so cold! Thankfully, where we live, we don't get that terrible of a winter, but we will have some pretty cold weather this week, for us! I imagine you will also be having some wintry weather. Stay safe and warm!

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  13. I love your pictures (not the spider).

    That's good news!

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    1. Ha Ha! I don't think any of us would be happy to run into a spider like that! I am glad I saw it before I walked into his web. That would have been a real mess to get out of, not to mention the thought of having that spider plastered on my face! LOL. I hope you are having a wonderful week. Is it snowy where you are?

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  14. beautiful! I love the springtime and like others cannot wait today it is 27* real feel 14* and snowing. That tree is amazing and YES I saw the bear. I love finding old trees with strange looks.

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    1. Oh, dear, you are getting some real winter weather! It will be down to low 30's here tomorrow morning, but no fear of snow or ice here. I hope your new little house is safe and warm and cozy. Oh, I am glad you saw the little bear. Isn't he cute? LOL. Have a safe and good day.

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    2. My house is safe, warm and COZY the central heat works fantastic. and NO NASTY LANDLORD. No chance of falling thru the floor either. It's warm today but watch out come Thur it is spose to be 39 wed and 28 for the high on Thursday :( I do not do the cold very well. That little bear is super cute :) I have more bw photos posted that you may like. HUGS PS my friend I have been praying for to go to church with me, woke up yesterday am and asked me if I was going to church. He went and loved it! Get this the sermon, he said was preached right at him, I love when God intervenes and gives the preacher a sermon that somebody is needing.

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  15. Yes! I definetly saw the little black bear, immediately! Those wild pear trees blossoms are so pretty. Y'all are ahead of us, I haven't seen any of those yet here.It's been chilly here and I think today was in the 50s, i am sure that our Northern neighbors would think THAT IS WARM compared to what some of their freezing temps are, ha ha LOL! So i won't complain. Hope your weekend is going great so far my friend! Glad your test went quick...except for drinking that nasty stuff, LOL.

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    1. Are you in the area that got such cold icy weather yesterday? It is 40 here this morning, and will be in low 30's tomorrow morning. We had quite a wind and rain storm blow through yesterday, which I think was bringing snow and ice to GA, SC, and NC. But maybe since you are on the coast it isn't so bad there. Oh, I'm glad you could see the little bear! You and I both have good imaginations!!

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  16. "And it made me think about purpose...even as we get older and age begins to take its toll on our bodies, maybe we can still find a purpose in our lives...perhaps we can be a place of refuge and security for those still finding their way along the paths of life...for those still kind of tripping over the vines and roots and getting tangled in the brambles as they ramble around seeking truth and hope and still trying to see the beauty in life when all seems to be kind of dark and scary..."

    Pam, these words are exactly what I need right now! Thank you for reminding me. This whole post is delightful, and then you pop this deep truth in there and BAM! Got me!

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    1. OH, Susie, I am SO glad you are back! Thank you for these kind words. I am so thankful that God had them there for you! He knows exactly what we need, doesn't He? I can't wait to see you more often again...and I hope to see some pictures of all those sweet grandchildren again soon! I've missed you so much!

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  17. Nice to see signs of blooms in this post, Pamela, as I looked out our living room window earlier this morning and see a layer of ice. The temps have been in the single digits the past couple of days and there is the forecast of snow for overnight. As long as we are indoors, comfy and warm, there's no problem. Unfortunately, the only walking I have done this week is on the gym treadmill or supermarket aisles so outdoors will have to wait awhile longer.

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    1. Oh, I can imagine what that layer of ice must look like, and I know you are thankful to be able to stay indoors comfy and warm! And I know just getting to the supermarket can be tricky in this kind of weather, so please stay safe!!

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  18. I could see the bear and beautiful blooms. My plumerias are just losing their leaves and were budding a few weeks ago. We will be in the mid 70's later this week. Praying all goes well with your test! Enjoy your week Pamela!

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    1. Thank you, Susan. Your weather sounds similar to ours, although right now it is 40 degrees and won't get above 57 today, and down to low 30's tonight! Winter is here even in Florida, but it won't last long. Thankfully no ice or snow here! I hope you have a wonderful week too.

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