Can you imagine my delight when I came out of the house and found this beautiful Monarch Butterfly resting on the bushes!
Isn't she lovely in her beautiful gown?
It looks like her petticoat is showing out from under the gorgeous orange, black and white wings, which would remind one of a stained glass window!
I wonder if she is making a stop here in my yard on her way south for the winter?
I don't know much about their migration, but the link I posted above may give more information if you are interested.
You know, watching for special moments is just as important as listening for them. We need to keep our eyes and ears open for the blessings that are all around us, waiting to be discovered.
This kind of reminds me of the story of the "Wise and Foolish Virgins", which Jesus taught His disciples regarding being prepared for His return someday...
The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins, Matthew 25:1-13
1“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them,
4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
6 “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’
6 “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’
7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.
8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’
9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’
10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.
11 “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’
11 “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’
12 But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’
13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming."
13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming."
With the way things are going in our world today, the return of Christ may be more imminent than ever before in history. I would think it would behoove us to be like the wise "virgins" in this parable above, and have our lamps trimmed and ready, with plenty of oil...because we "do not know the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming..."
I remember this song from way back in the late 1980's (1989 1970's (actually 1969 was when it was published.exactly), and it had quite an impact on me then, as it still does today. For a little better understanding, might be good to read Matthew chapter 24 first.
Not meaning to leave you with something that may seem a little depressing, but it doesn't have to be! For those of us who know Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord, there is nothing to fear or regret. We will be ready for His return, no matter when it takes place...or even if He calls us home to heaven sooner...we'll be ready.
Here's what Jesus says at the end of the Book of Revelation:
Revelation 22:16-21
"16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."
The important question to ask is this: Are you ready? My prayer is that each and everyone of us can say with full assurance, YES, I am ready... and if not, it's not too late to ask Jesus to come into your heart today...then there will be no regrets! Be Ready!! Amen.
Yes, I am ready! What a glorious day that will be!
ReplyDeletePam: I have never heard this song before. It is very impressive. I never realized that the Monarch Butterfly had a "petticoat" showing. We don't really see many of them up here, at least, I don't. Peace and blessings to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteI have no regrets, Pamela, and I live each day with fresh expectation. Jesus will return all in His good time!
ReplyDeleteYour photos of the Monarch Butterfly took my breath away. Oh, the vibrant colors of those delicate wings! Could there be any creature more delightful?
Have a wonderful and blessed day, my friend!
Amen!!!!
ReplyDeleteYes, I am ready!! It is such a relief to feel so loved!! A beautiful post, Pam!
ReplyDeleteNot depressing at all. Excites me. Do you remember the movie, "A Thief in the Night" An evangelical Christian film series about the rapture and the Tribulation? That song was the theme song, except sang by a girl very simply. There was also, A Distant Thunder and Image of the Beast. Late 1970's early 80's. They were cheesy movies however they had impact. IT got everyone thinking and many came to the Jesus.
ReplyDeletehttps://youtu.be/s8a4fiqfADU?si=gbiX7FhF38t7KqJo
Good post Pamela.
Oh, you are right! I do remember those movies and that is probably where I heard this song. I think it was written before 1989. Not sure where that date came from, but that is what I had found on the internet, but I thought I knew that song way before then. Yes, I remember we watched those movies at our church with our very young kids, and they made quite an impact on them as well. As a matter of fact, I believe it helped lead our middle son, Matthew, to the Lord, and he is the one in heaven today...
DeleteThe butterfly is so pretty and I really like your reference to petticoats. Now I'll always think of that when I see one.
ReplyDeleteI remember that song from when I was young. It's a very good question.
Great post! Great song, yes I sure do remember it and even alot of the lyrics. Have you heard a song called "the Midnight Cry"? Another great one. "Son, go GET MY CHILDREN".
ReplyDeleteThose are gorgeous photos of the monarch butterfly. I love her petticoats.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm ready! I'm SO ready, and have been for awhile now. May Jesus return and take his children home with Him soon and very soon. The song is new to me but I'm going to listen again.
Blessings and love,
Betsy
What a lovely post, Pam. I think at this point in time, anyone who is truly a Believer in Jesus is more than ready for His return. But I know that your invitation to accept Him is so important so that others can be ready as well.
ReplyDeleteWow. That butterfly's sure got it's Autumn Splendor going. Funny (not funny) you should mention this. I was awake at 3-something this morning with thoughts of Jesus' coming. I'm ready!
ReplyDeleteI just love butterflies. When I was visiting Florida a few weeks back we went to The Butterfly Rainforest at University of Florida in Gainesville. They were every where! I had no idea there were so many colors! I could have stayed there all day.
ReplyDeleteI remember that song so well. I remember when there was as flux of "Rapture" movies that came out about that time - Thief in the Night was the one I especially remember. We need to be ready. At any moment. . . . in the twinkling of an eye. Great post.
Lovely butterfly. I love watching them in our yard and the hummingbirds too. I agree, we need Christ more than ever. The world is in a bad place.
ReplyDeleteI love the butterfly pictures. It seems as though we have had a lot more this year than usual. I am ready and remember that song.
ReplyDelete