Welcome to my "Open Window"...a place of hope, encouragement, and adventure as we journey down the road from "Closed Doors" to the new opportunities God places in our pathway. I hope you will take the time to go back and follow the trail of mixed blessings and fears, failures and triumphs from the past and side-trips in the present. Perhaps it will conjure up some of your own special memories, and be an invitation for you to share with others. I look forward to spending this time with you!
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!
Showing posts with label Day Is Dying In the West. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Day Is Dying In the West. Show all posts
This was the sunrise on 9/11/2026. A little bit foggy, but that just seems appropriate for the remembrance of this particular day.
Yesterday was September 11, "9-11", and I shared a post that I've been adding to over the past 15 years. I intentionally turned off the comments for yesterday, so I don't know if you read it or not, but that's okay. I mainly want to keep a record of current events each year at this time so see where we've been and how much has changed with each passing year of remembrance of that horrific event. For me, it is a solemn day and one that cannot be ignored or glossed over. We need to make sure our future generations are taught about what happened on that day, and we ourselves must never forget.
With that being said, I will tell you that I am not able to sit and watch the coverage of that event each year. It brings such overwhelming grief to my heart, and my emotions are just not able to bear it. So we usually try to take a ride and go someplace peaceful to help find some comfort and release of the pent up emotions. It seems our favorite go-to place is the Christian camp about 20 miles from us known as "Lake Swan Camp". If you don't remember me sharing our history with this camp before, HERE is a link to a time that we went there before and I shared the story of why it is so significant to us. Please take a moment to go back and read the whole story when you can, and you will understand more of why I love this place so much.
This is the main view that you see when you get into the grounds of the camp...this beautiful cross down by the water...
I always find myself heading straight to this spot first of all. There's just something about the cross that gives me peace, especially on a day like 9/11.
Maybe because it reminds me of this cross that was discovered in the rubble of the Twin Towers after they fell on that fateful day...
A Cross in the rubble at Ground Zero made from the steel beams
A poignant reminder that even in the midst of such horror and sorrow, Jesus Christ was there in the midst...bringing comfort and peace to others as they were reminded of His great love for us...a love so great that
"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 12:2
Here's the whole passage...
Hebrews 12:1-3 NKJV
"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.
3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls."
It truly was a lovely day here yesterday...such blue skies and smooth waters...
A perfect day to just enjoy the beauty of God's creation and reflect on the good things that He has done for us, even mixed with the sorrows of this world.
Here's another link. You don't have to read them all. I just like to add them to these posts so I can find them again someday.
Of course we had to play a game of Miniature golf, which ended in a tie. We didn't make it all the way through to the end of the course, but we still had fun.
Some of these signs are a little worse for wear after the long summer. I think they are still in the process of repairing and cleaning up now that the summer camps are over.
We had fun, but then it was time to get going back home.
Oh, but first I wanted to see this newly renovated old chapel building, which was the original chapel for the camp years ago, and more recently has been used more as a recreational building because they have a much newer modern chapel for their regular services. Through a LOT of hard work by many volunteers, they have completely renovated this old building and made it now available for multi-purposes...
I would love it just for porch sitting and relaxing
Inside is so beautifully done...it still retains its rustic charm and old bead board ceilings, but it is very lovely and functional...
I love the doors with the crosses on them.
They've even added a commercial kitchen and dining area for smaller groups when they don't want to use the much larger dining hall for large groups.
This beautiful quilted cross really captured my attention:
I'm sure there are some quilters out there in blogland who may have made one like this, but I find it really really special and meaninful in this location...the blue waters of the lake behind the cross. I love it.
Well, that was our day and it was very comforting and soothing. We ended the day with a beautiful sunset...here's what I managed to capture before the sun totally sank down behind the trees around Still Waters Pond...
This song is fitting after such a day of difficult memories and emotions...
Hey.. you're back! It's nice to see you again and you are so very welcome here at Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.
While Miss Kitty dreams by the fireside, let's do some November Day Dreaming of our own.
1. Of all the places you have been is there any place besides where you are now that you would like to live?
Well, with the exception of having to drive over mountainous, curvy, scary roads, I wouldn't mind living in the mountains of North Georgia, especially in the spring through fall months. Not too sure about winter there...icy hilly roads can be treacherous. So actually, I think I'd prefer to stay here in Florida and just visit the mountains when I can!
2. If you could dream a place into existence, what would you be dreaming it is like for you?
Something like this would be nice. Except I would hope there would be a nice porch on the other side overlooking the lake as well!
Not sure about that fire on the porch...I'd rather it be in the yard, but you get the idea.
3. Do you daydream often? What thoughts are usually in those dreams?
Happy thoughts of family all being together at a place similar to above, where everyone is just enjoying being together, laughing, eating, playing games, taking walks, long talks, sitting around the campfire, roasting marshmallows and making s'mores...very similar to what we just did on our vacation, but with our whole family there.
I know you've seen these pictures before, but this is the kind of place I daydream about...
4. What song or kind of music is perfect for day dreaming?
Hmmm, I don't know...maybe some nice soft country dulcimer music playing in the background...
This is just an idea...
So those are my daydreams...but I am content with where I am and am thankful to have a beautiful place right here on Still Waters Pond. If I could transport this to someplace a little cooler in the summer, it would be perfect! LOL.
I took these pictures last night at sunset. And this song, "Day is Dying in the West" came to my mind as I was watching the "day dying in the west". It was such a beautiful time...
1 Day is dying in the west;
Heav'n is touching earth with rest;
Wait and worship while the night
Sets her evening lamps alight
Through all the sky.
Refrain:
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts!
Heav'n and earth are full of Thee;
Heav'en and earth are praising Thee,
O Lord most high!
2 Lord of life, beneath the dome
Of the universe, Thy home,
Gather us who seek Thy face
To the fold of Thy embrace,
For Thou art nigh. [Refrain]
3 While the deep'ning shadows fall,
Heart of Love, enfolding all,
Through the glory and the grace
Of the stars that veil Thy face,
Our hearts ascend. [Refrain]
4 When forever from our sight
Pass the stars, the day, the night,
Lord of angels, on our eyes
Let eternal morning rise,
And shadows end. [Refrain]
Refrain:
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts!
Heav'n and earth are full of Thee;
Heav'en and earth are praising Thee,
O Lord most high!
So there you have today's Tuesday 4. Now we are off to an important eye doctor appointment for my hubby. He's has issues with the cornea in one eye, and it may require surgery, so prayers are appreciated.
Here it is Saturday again...and really there isn't much new to report, except the great news that we finally got some good rain this evening! I was enjoying it so much I had to take a few pictures, of course!
I always enjoy watching the rain coming down on Still Waters Pond...every drop helps replenish the waters in the pond, reviving and restoring it to good health once again.
I went out and sat on the porch to listen to the rain, but I soon discovered that I was bothering the local birds by my presence there. This is Mrs. Bluebird, waiting for me to leave so she can go back inside her nest in the birdhouse. They don't like to enter the birdhouse when anyone (or any other creature) is watching. It's a security thing. They don't want anyone to know they are feeding babies in there, but I definitely do believe they are.
And then, Mrs. Ruby Throated Hummingbird kept flying up to the birdfeeder, but wouldn't come any closer when she saw me sitting there on the porch. She flew back and forth a few times, but wouldn't eat as long as I was there.
So, I finally had to leave the porch and go back inside the house to watch the rain so the wildlife could carry on without interference.
The rain lasted for a nice little while and then finally stopped, but if my phone weather app is correct, we can expect more later on tonight, which will be very much appreciated.
Speaking of wildlife...This very young gray squirrel was sitting up in the tree like this for quite a while yesterday afternoon. I just thought he was cute like this, with his tail curled up over his head.
I mentioned the neighborhood cat in my last Tuesday 4 post HERE the other day, and said I was concerned that she might be "expecting". Well, I still don't know about that, but I discovered her (him?) hiding in these bushes yesterday afternoon, just lazily sleeping on this log. She wouldn't come out because actually the kids were here and they were taking the pups for a walk just then, so she stayed hidden here.
She really didn't seem to care one way or the other and just relaxed there on that log.
And then early this morning we looked out on our back porch, and there she was!
Actually, I think she was keeping her eye on that birdhouse, because I know there are baby birds in there now as mama and papa Bluebird keep coming and going, apparently feeding some new youngsters.
She just kept a close watch on the birdhouse...
And then suddenly she jumped down off the porch onto the ground and caught something and ate it. It wasn't a bird, but it may have been a frog or a lizard or some kind of tiny critter that only she could see. She sure has good eyesight!
So anyway, I debated on shooing her away, but after a little while she disappeared and I haven't seen her since all day, so I guess here again I just have to let nature do what nature does and leave well enough alone. Besides, I think Mama and Papa Bluebird will drive her away if she gets too close to their nest. They are very vigilant!
Thank you for those who asked about my hubby's eye exam yesterday. We had a good visit with the eye surgeon and she gave him a more thorough examination. However, she is going to be referring him to a different surgeon as it does appear that he is going to have to have some surgery on the cornea, and she doesn't do that particular kind of surgery. They will have to address this issue before they can tackle the cataracts. After examining his eye she said she was surprised he could see out of that eye at all, but praise God, yes, he can see pretty well, all things considered. Had our optometrist not referred him to this Ophthalmologist, we would have never known that he had this problem at all. So I give thanks to the Lord for His leading us before things progressed too far along.
Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good
to those who love God,
to those who are the called according to His purpose."
Well, tomorrow is Sunday, and it will be another full day with Sunday School and church, and then the kids are coming over after church and we are going to make spaghetti for lunch. We always enjoy these family times together and are so very thankful they are nearby to spend time with. Actually, they will be heading out to Minnesota for a few weeks, to go visit Rose's Dad and extended family there, so we will be missing them while they are gone. We are happy they are able to do this and pray for their traveling mercies. (but we will be happy when they get safely back home again).
After the rain...
Well, "Day is dying in the west..." reminded me of this old hymn:
Day is dying in the west, Heav’n is touching earth with rest, Wait and worship while the night Sets her evening lamps alight Through all the sky.
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts! Heav’n and earth are full of Thee! Heav’n and earth are praising Thee, O Lord, most high!
Lord of life, beneath the dome Of the universe, Thy home, Gather us, who seek Thy face, To the fold of Thy embrace, For Thou art nigh.
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts! Heav’n and earth are full of Thee! Heav’n and earth are praising Thee, O Lord, most high!
While the deepening shadows fall, Heart of love, enfolding all, Through the glory and the grace Of the stars that veil Thy face, Our hearts ascend.
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts! Heav’n and earth are full of Thee! Heav’n and earth are praising Thee, O Lord, most high!
When forever from our sight pass the stars, the day, the night, Lord of angels, on our eyes let eternal morning rise and shadows end.
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts! Heav’n and earth are full of Thee! Heav’n and earth are praising Thee, O Lord, most high!
Mrs. Bluebird says good-night!
Good Night!
"Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts! Heav’n and earth are full of Thee! Heav’n and earth are praising Thee, O Lord, most high!"
For those of you who know me or who have been following my blog for a while, you know how difficult it is for me to do anything "wordless". That's just not me. I have something to say about everything. But I am going to try and be wordless on the first few pictures anyway, and then when something needs explaining, I will, of course, jump in and explain! But I think these first few pictures will not need an explanation to those of you who have known me a while:
This coming Sunday is Palm Sunday!
The Triumphal Entry
John 12:12-13
12 The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,
13 took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out:
“Hosanna!
‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’
The King of Israel!”
(this picture was from last year's Palm Sunday).
And then the next Sunday is Easter already. Do you have any special Easter plans? Will you be able to attend church on Easter Sunday? Does your church have any extra special events or activities planned that pertain to Easter? We will have a Good Friday service on the Friday before Easter. On Easter Sunday morning our choir will perform an Easter Cantata entitled:
"O What A Savior"
We will be recording it for our church website if we can get all of the permissions and licensure agreements approved beforehand. If so, I will post it once it is available. It's a beautiful Easter musical.
Do any of you sing in a choir or other musical group? Will you be doing any musical for Easter? I would love to hear about it. Our choir isn't anything super great as far as talent goes, but we sing with our hearts for the glory of God. That is what really matters most.
Now, switching back to nature:
"Let Heaven and Nature Sing:
This is my "Room With A View" where I sit while I write to you...
And this is what is outside my window:
Mrs. Bluebird has a story to tell...or maybe I have a story to tell about Mrs. Bluebird and her family.
Mr. (or Mrs.-I haven't really noticed which). Black Cat loves to sit either under the bird feeder or lately under the bluebird house and just watch and wait. I guess he's hoping someday one of the birds will be too slow and he'll get lucky. Well, I am not too happy about that behavior, especially now that we have baby bluebirds in the birdhouse and also the baby "Colt" Sand Hill Crane in the yard frequently...which by the way, this cat was dumb enough to stalk "Colt" in the presence of the parents and almost got himself speared with the beak of a very irate Sand Hill Crane parent!
Anyway, the other night after dark I noticed Mr. Black Cat sitting out there under the birdhouse, just watching it. He was actually getting right under the house and looking up and sniffing and getting way too close for comfort. So I squirted at him with the garden hose and told him to go away, which he did then. As I said, it was getting dark, and we went to bed.
When we woke up in the morning, before it was very light, Mr. Black Cat was sitting out in front of the Bluebird house just staring at it. In the dimness of the morning light I thought something looked different about the house. I shined a flashlight on it and realized that the whole front door was totally open and I could see the actual nest inside the birdhouse, open to the whole world to see, and more importantly, to the cat. But he was just sitting there a little at a distance and watching, and waiting.
Well, I went outside and shooed him away and then I checked the birdhouse to see if the nest was destroyed. Actually, the nest itself was intact! It didn't look disturbed at all. I shined the light inside the nest and I could see what I thought were two very still, small baby birds, about the size of my finger. I honestly thought they must be dead. I was just sick, and very sad. But I closed up the door on the house and secured the latch and went back inside our house to wait and see if the parents would come back.
Sure enough, at daylight, there was Mrs. Bluebird, back in the house, looking out the window as if to say, "Thank you for taking care of my house and babies". Well, I didn't know what to think. I really thought the babies were dead.
But just like clockwork, Mr. and Mrs. Bluebird have been bringing food to that nest all day long...
She watches while he delivers, and vice versa.
I don't think they would continue to bring food to the nest if the babies were dead, so they must have just been sound asleep when I saw them!! I certainly hope so! I hope and pray that they will continue to grow and develop and maybe one day we will see them fly away to the world in the treetops with their parents. And I hope Mr. Black Cat will not be anywhere around on that day!!
Speaking of "Colt", the baby Sand Hill Crane:
He was having a good time splashing and bathing in the pond this morning.
under the watchful eye of his mother, of course...
Later he took a nap out there on the ground, while Mom and Dad ate their lunch. Then he woke up and was ready to run around and look for some food too:
I think he grew a few more inches while he was napping:
And then as it was getting later in the evening, the family took off back into the water to walk around and perhaps swim out to the island in the pond. That is apparently where they are spending the nights.
There they go! Colt runs as fast as he can to keep up with them!
And that was the last view I had of Colt before he joined his parents in the water.
And with that, I will bid you a good night as well.
