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!
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Memorial Day weekend always brings a lot of mixed emotions for me. Of course we think about those who gave their lives in service to our country...those who sacrificed everything so that we can live in freedom. We don't ever want to forget them...or their loved ones who also made a huge sacrifice. I also think of those who may have come back home from war, but they were never the same. So many suffer from PTSD, battle scars and wounds that we may not be able to see on the surface, but they carry them with them deep inside and their lives are forever changed. And then of course those who have physical wounds that have altered their lives significantly as well. Yes, we honor and remember them, and pray for them and their loved ones who must also deal with the changes in their beloved that affects their whole lives and relationships. May we pause to remember them all, and do our part to live in such a way that is worthy of their sacrifices. Living here in our country is a privilege and a blessing that we should never take for granted. Our world is so full of strife and volatility...and if it weren't for those on the front lines making these sacrifices for us, we would not be able to continue to live in such peace and comfort.
Of course, Memorial Day Weekend also signals the beginning of "summertime" here in America...maybe not literally the Summer Solstice, which isn't until June 21st, but it seems to be the unofficicial kick off for summer vacations and activities. In many places school is already out or soon will be, and people are ready to head to the beaches, lakes, parks, picnic grounds and all other outdoor activities. We took a ride yesterday morning to go see where our son was set up with his products for a flea market. The community where he was is also a kind of outdoor activity destination in the Ocala National Forest. There are lakes and springs and a river and campgrounds and woods. The boats were lined up at the boat ramps and people were very anxious to get out on the water and enjoy a beautiful sunny day. Cars were lined up at the entrance to the Springs (Salt Springs State Park) for about a mile, waiting for them to open the gates.
These pictures were taken actually on our way back home, across the big bridge in Eureka, FL., which was built originally to be a part of the Cross Florida Barge Canal, but that project was scrapped in the 1960's.
Up Up and away!
At the top of the bridge...
Going back down the other side...
Blast from the past, this is me back in 2012, standing under that bridge...
This is what I wrote on Facebook with this picture (below) back in 2012: "You have to come see this very high long bridge out in the middle of nowhere to believe it. Our tax dollars at work (back in the 1960's) before the Barge Canal was scrapped due to environmental concerns." Click HERE for the history of this project.
Unfortunately not that many people were as interested in going to the flea market as they were in getting to the water. So it wasn't a great day for sales for our son, but he didn't do too badly. Here's a few pictures I took there:
He used to do a lot of signs back when we lived there in the forest and he used to be at this flea market all the time. I think he's decided to wait and go back in the fall when the snow-birds and weekend campers are there, and when it's a lot cooler.
I love these crosses...
There's usually a vegetable stand there, and I decided to buy a watermelon so we could have it today when "the kids" all came over for lunch...it was a seedless watermelon...and VERY SWEET and DELICIOUS!
Here's my piece! It REALLY was good!!! Question, do you put salt on your watermelon? I usually do, and I did today, but honestly, it was so sweet I probably didn't need to.
I didn't take any other pictures of the family here with us today...we were too busy enjoying our grilled hamburgers, hotdogs, baked beans, deviled eggs, corn on the cob, fresh sliced tomatoes and lettuce and onions and then the watermelon for dessert. It was all very good and very special, just being together.
I took this picture a little while ago, as I thought about this day and all that it means to us.
You see, for us, this day holds other special memories. Today, May 25th, 2025, is the 11th anniversary of the passing of our son Matthew from this life into heaven. So you see why Memorial Day weekend holds a lot of emotion and memories for us.
I know these pictures aren't very clear, but this is on the counter top of the island in our kitchen, and I keep these photos there to remind me of our son in his happier, healthier days, before he was struck with cancer in 2010, and fought it bravely and valiantly for 4 years before Jesus called him home in 2014.
And this photo is on our refrigerator door...this is the last "family portrait" of Matthew and his wife Nicole and their son Noah, taken in the spring of 2014 when they were down here in Florida for a vacation and to celebrate Matthew's 41st birthday with us and all the family. They spent a few days together at the beach before heading back to Maine. Three months later his battle with cancer was over and he was in heaven, totally healed and never to suffer any more pain.
So yes, Memorial Day weekend has a special significance for us.
I saw this quote from Martin Luther on the little devotional calendar yesterday, and it spoke to my heart:
Yes, that is so true...the "things" we have held in our hands that are temporal; houses, land, personal "treasures", those are all gone when we leave this world. But our loved ones, especially our children...they never really belonged to us...they are a gift to us from God...on "loan" from God for us to nurture, love, cherish and teach them to love and believe in God, but if and when God says it is time for them to come "home" to be with Him in Heaven, we have no choice but to let them go. They belong to Him, not us. But the good news is, because we have done our part to place our children in God's hands when we dedicate them to the Lord, we know that He will receive them back with love and tenderest care, and someday we will all be reunited in Heaven for eternity. That is the believer's great hope and prayer.
That's why this verse in Proverbs 22:6 is so important for every parent to know and believe...
Even if our child should wander away and go his own way for a time, I truly believe that if we have done our part as parents in teaching them about the love of Jesus, when that child is older he will come back to those "roots" that were planted so long ago. We personally may not live to see it here on earth, but I truly believe the time will come when that "child" will remember the faith that was taught to him/her as a child, and he will come "home" eventually. That's why we should never stop praying for our children no matter how old they are or how far away they've roamed. God hears our prayers, and He knows which children are His, and John 10:28-29 tells us that NO ONE shall ever be able to snatch them out of God's hand...
John 10:27-30 NKJV
27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.
29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.
30 I and My Father are one.”
I hope this brings some comfort to you today.
Thank you for hanging in there with me through this whole long post. It's been a difficult day, but a beautiful day, and I am so thankful for all that God has given me. I know that none of that which I have placed in His hands will ever be lost. Praise God!!
I hope that you and yours will have a peaceful and blessed Memorial Day tomorrow. Remember those who have given so much for our freedom, and perhaps also remember those that you love who have gone on before to their great reward and final rest. We have so much to look forward to someday!!!
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13
"Oh beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife
Who more than self, their country loved
And mercy more than life
America, America may God thy gold refine
'Til all success be nobleness
And every gain divine"
We sang this beloved hymn, "America, The Beautiful", yesterday in church. That is the verse that stood out to me as we honored the memory of those who gave their all for our country. It really makes us stop and think about all that we hold dear...how quickly it can be taken away, and if it weren't for the courage of men and women standing for what is right and true and good, and being willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country...what we have could be lost forever. Something to think about, and thank the Lord for these precious heroes.
So how are you spending today? Perhaps some are having a picnic or barbeque with friends and family? Our church is having an annual cookout at the Parsonage today, but we are unable to participate this year. Hubby is having a "medical procedure" tomorrow that requires extensive "preparation" today, and so we are staying home. We are sorry to miss out on the fellowship with our church family, but some things just can't be helped. We did have a nice lunch with our kids yesterday after church here at home. I cooked a Boston Butt Roast in the crockpot on Saturday and made it into pulled pork, so we had pulled pork BBQ sandwiches, potato salad, and Rose brought some deviled eggs. We also had coleslaw and/or a tossed salad with some of Rose and Benton's fresh cherry tomatoes from their own garden! It was all good, and there were plenty of leftovers for me to eat to today so I don't have to cook anything and tempt my hubby with tantalizing aromas while he is unable to have anything but liquids.
The only "picnickers" at our house today are the Sand Hill Crane Family. They pass through every so often to say hello and check the yard to see if there's anything good to nibble on. Can you believe how big George and Abe have gotten? They are now two months old, and the are just about as tall as their parents. I don't think they are flying yet, at least not that I've seen. From what I've read, they probably won't start flying until they are about 3 months old, so probably sometime toward the end of next month.
George and Abe, or is it Georgianna and Abby? Or George and Abby? I don't know. They are both very close in size, so it is difficult to tell if one is decidedly bigger than the other, which would indicate that it is a male. Time will tell...maybe...
Not sure if I showed you the latest pictures of the "Century Plant (Agave)." I showed them on Facebook, but not all of you are there. Yes, it is blooming, and the second picture shows you just how tall it really is.
As you can see, it is as tall as the electric pole! Pretty Amazing. It looks like a giant asparagus to me! LOL.
Kind of reminds me of "The Jolly Green Giant". LOL.
Well folks, I really don't have much to share today. Thank you all for your kind words on my recent post about the "anniversary" of our son Matthew's passing ten years ago. Your kinds words were very comforting to me. I did not take the time to answer everyone, but each and every message is a treasure to me. Thank you. These kinds of "anniversaries" are never easy, as many of you also know from your own experiences with the loss of loved ones. However, I think it is important to keep the memory alive of our dear ones in whatever way is "comfortable" for us. Sometimes it is just too painful for some to do that, and that is understandable. But we each do what is most meaningful to us. Thank you again for your understanding.
Okay, dear friends, I need to wrap this up. It is quite warm outside, about 94 degrees, and bright and sunny. I'm thankful for a cool house and that I don't have to go out and work in this heat. My thoughts and prayers go out for those who do. And also for those who are having bad storms and other serious weather issues. I have a feeling this is going to be a difficult summer. May God be with each one of you and your loved ones and keep you safe and sound.
Oh, in case you'd like to hear it, our choir sang a really pretty song yesterday entitled "Peace". It was very appropriate for times were are experiencing now in our world.
Here it is:
(be sure to go all the way to the beginning of the video to hear/see the song)
Yes, Memorial Day is a day set aside to remember those who have fallen in service to our country...I believe it started after the Civil War, to honor the memory of all those who sacrificed their lives in that terrible war between our states...and then of course there were subsequent wars, the Spanish-American War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Iraq, Afghanistan...did I leave anyone out? Too many wars...too many sacrifices...but Oh! How we thank those who gave their all for us, so that we can continue to live in freedom and peace. May we never forget...and may we always work to protect these freedoms that many take for granted and don't truly appreciate. I watched a documentary on North Korea this afternoon, and it made me really stop and give thanks to God that we live in the United States of America, the "land of the free, and the home of the brave!" I saw on the news that one family in North Korea, including a 2 year old child, were put in prison because they were caught reading the Bible. I am sure they are not the only ones, but can you even begin to imagine such a thing? And yet, if we are not diligent to protect our freedoms, that could be our nation. May we always remember the motto, "In God We Trust"...and never let anyone, whether from outside our country or from within, take away that great freedom to put our trust in God and be able to read our Bibles openly and share God's Word with anyone.
We were blessed and happy to celebrate this day with our church family at what has become a new annual tradition Memorial Day picnic:
Lots of great food and fellowship...
Happy people having a good time together
What a blessing to have the freedom to gather like this! Again, may we never take these freedoms for granted!
Back on the home front, we have a lesson going on in Nest Building 101:
Mrs. Bluebird has been very industriously bringing straw and grass and pine needles to build a new nest in the bird house again...
I believe this is the same couple that already had a brood of babies in this same house earlier this spring. This will be their second batch for the year!
But Mrs. Bluebird seems to be having some difficulty in fitting the nesting material through the door...
Maybe she is still a bit new at this...perhaps I'm wrong about it being the same couple as before and also from the last couple of years...she really is having a time with these grasses...
She looks around for Mr. Bluebird as if to say, "Where's a man when you need him??"
She keeps trying to figure it out...
"I don't remember having this much trouble the last time!! Maybe I need to get a different kind of grass!"
"Let me get back up here on top of the house again and look this situation over!"
"Okay, I'm going to try one more time! Maybe if I just plunge right in it will work out this time!"
"Success!!! I got the straw in the house!! Now to go find some more! Where is that man of mine anyway???"
"Oh, there you are!! Where were you when I needed you?" LOL.
"Okay, now we've got to get busy and get this nest ready! I think it's time to lay some eggs!"
Meanwhile, down below the birdhouse in the butterfly garden, there's a beautiful visitor:
This may be picture overload, but how often do we get to capture pictures of these beauties before they fly away?
Oh, look, a bunny with a nest and eggs...!
Must be the Easter Bunny, but he's a bit too late for Easter! Actually, those are two bluebird eggs that did not hatch from the other birdhouse. I cleaned it out yesterday since that family had fledged a few weeks ago, and was surprised to find these two eggs still in the nest. That happened last year too. Sometimes not all the eggs are viable and so they are left in the nest. I like to put them in the garden for as long as they will last.
One last picture of the beautiful butterfly before he flew on to other places and flowers...
Meanwhile, the Sand Hill Crane family came by for a visit:
Yes, those last two are Pat and Val, our "St. Patrick's Day" colts...They are two and a half months old, and you can barely tell them apart from their parents:
They still don't have the red head, and they are still a little more tawny brown than gray, but they are just about as big...
We do see them using their wings more often now and flying short distances. I am not sure if they can fly quite as high as their parents yet, but they are definitely getting stronger every day. This was the last view of them as they waded on around the pond and then back to their nightly nesting place for bedtime.
All the while that I'm enjoying watching nature at work, there is also another kind of work in the treetops going on around us:
Our neighbors have rented a big lift truck for the weekend (they are in construction business, and they know what they are doing), and they are trimming back lots of trees from around their house.
As we get into the hurricane season, which starts in June, they are concerned about a lot of branches that were too close to their house and hanging over their roof.
Some of the trees are actually on our side of the fence, but the branches hang over onto their side and over their house. They volunteered to take care of them, but just asked our permission to do so. Of course we said sure, as they were not asking us for any money to do so and they are doing all the work.
These trees below were water oaks, and they were quite dead inside the trunk. They said when they cut into them water just poured out of them, because once they start to die, they rot from inside out and they fill up with water. Although I will miss the shade of these trees in our side yard, I am thankful that we don't have to worry about them falling on our neighbor's house.
I guess that's all I've got for today. Here's a pleasant view of some pretty pink wildflowers along the shore of our Still Waters Pond...
And it appears that this female Cardinal is bowing her head in prayer at the close of this wonderful Memorial Day....maybe we should join in...
I do thank you all for your very kind comments on my previous post. Your thoughts and prayers made this time a bit easier for us to bear. We have had some other things going on in the background that I won't go into, but God knows all about it, and we always have to remind ourselves that God is in control always.
"But I know Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able, to keep that which I've committed unto Him against that day..." 2 Timothy 1:12
I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.
Refrain:
But “I know Whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.”
I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart.
Refrain
I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word,
Creating faith in Him.
Refrain
I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I walk the vale with Him,
Or meet Him in the air.
Refrain:
But “I know Whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.”
I hope you have had a blessed and peaceful Memorial Day weekend. And praise be to God again for all those who gave it all so that we could have so much to be thankful for.
Remember that Jesus paid it all for all of mankind...
