Wednesday Treasures and a Story

 

I have a lot to share with you today, but not everything has a picture so I will have to write a word picture of the adventure I had yesterday afternoon.  But first let's have some pictures of some beauty I found yesterday morning while walking in "God's Garden".   I call it "God's Garden", because man did not plant or cultivate it or make it grow.  There may have been a time many years ago when some dear old fashioned lady or ladies from the houses that are now long gone possibly planted or at least appreciated these flowers, but for the most part, I believe these are all growing wild from God's old fashioned gardens that He planted on the earth.

This is just a common Spiderwort (wild) that is growing profusely all around the area where we love to walk on the walking trails through our old historic downtown area.  I've told you about this area many times, it is where the railroad tracks used to go through town, and there were many old homes along the way back in the day, but eventually the train ceased its travels through our town and the roadway nearby became a four lane highway and the old houses were in the way, so they had to go.  But there are remains of their lawns and these wildflowers are taking over. I love it. Everytime we walk there it seems something different is blooming.

There was so much of this Spiderwort growing that I had to pick some and bring it home.

With the flash on the camera it looks more pinkish lavender, but it really is more like what you see above, a bluish lavender, and they were so full and pretty, you'd think they were cultivated flowers.

I love to see how the light shines through the vase, don't you? I know our friend Sandra from MadSnapper does.

Anyway, I did not realize that the flowers would close up overnight, but they did, and now this morning I see that new buds are opening up!  You know, there is beauty even in closed buds opening, isn't there? New life beginning new every morning...

Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV

22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;

his mercies never come to an end;

23 they are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

The same buds a few hours later:

Even the simple Lantana is putting on a beautiful spring bonnet already...

I didn't bring any of this home, because it has such a strong fragrance that I cannot stand to have in the house. So I left it there for others to enjoy...especially the butterflies and bees.

And the Coral Bean plant is really putting on its prettiest red dress for the party!

This beauty was a new one for me this spring! I'd never seen it before, and now I see it growing almost everywhere around the old downtown and also beside our church parking lot.  It is called Cat's Claw Vine!

Isn't it lovely??

Speaking of "Cat's Claw"...There are no updates on our kitty situation, at least none that I know of yet this morning. If anything new develops I will be sure to send out an announcement!  Just keep praying about this whole situation, because having kittens is not something I bargained for when I said I would feed these cats for my neighbor when she was no longer able to do so. For those of you who have always had cats and have been through this, you may not understand my angst over the whole scenario. But for me it is brand new territory and also something that I do not have full support from other members of my household to participate in, so it is causing a bit of stress here on the homefront.  So we are taking it one day at a time and waiting on things to develop, and praying it all goes well with no complications...or what's the name of that show, "Call the Midwife"?...I may need to do that...LOL.

Blackie Sue, just this morning...

Back to our walk downtown, I wanted to check on the progress of this old Brush General Store building that is being restored.  Progress is finally being made on the roof and the top gable! It's starting to look like there's real hope for this building afterall!!

Now,  for the story I promised...

Remember I told you the sad story about the Sand Hill Crane family having lost one of it's Colts HERE on Monday.  As we know, nature is often fraught with many dangers as it tries to dwell in our fast paced world.  We don't know what happened to that baby, but I'm sure the parents and remaining sibling have felt its loss.  How do I know that? Well, yesterday evening Mama and Daddy Crane very nearly lost the other colt, and their heart wrenching cries were so anxious and filled with urgency and pleading that I literally burst into tears in my own sorrow for their extreme panic as they searched frantically for their lost baby...they flew up into the air together and circled all around the area where they thought he should be...then they flew back to the pond and stood out in the middle of the pond on a little marshy bar and called and called for him.  After a few minutes of searching the surrounding waters and area of the pond, they flew up onto our yard along the shore and both parents called with their shrill, ear piercing call, desperately trying to communicate with their lost child to come home. They paced back and forth, never ceasing in their calls, and if birds could pray, I am sure they were praying for the return of their lost child.

Meanwhile, out in our front yard, there was another kind of commotion going on.  That is where the search for the colt had originated, across the street from our house where there is an empty lot. A man had been walking his German Shepherd dog, who was on a very strong harness/leash, and the dog had discovered the colt in the grass, lying down and curled up in a protective position.  My hubby was on the front porch, and the man told him the colt was over there, and he looked fine, just frightened.  So hubby came and found me on the back porch, pacing back and forth and crying for the heart broken parents and wishing I could do something to help them find their lost baby.  He said, come quick! The baby is across the street in the grass!  So I ran over there and went right up to him, and sure enough, there he was, crouched down in the grass, looking very frightened.  

By this time the parent cranes were walking around our house and crossing the street, but they were further down the street from where the baby was.  So I ran over closer to the parents and tried to get them to follow me to where their baby was, but they got frightened and started to go the opposite way.  So I told John to stay beside the baby so nothing would come near him, and I ran back in the house and got a cup full of bird seed (their favorite thing that we had quit giving to them in order to keep the ducks away from our house).  As I ran toward the parents I held out the cup and started scattering some bird seed toward them, and they immediately turned around and started to follow me! I kept leaving a trail of bird seed along the way as I led them back toward where the baby was.  I got ahead of them as they were still kind of not too sure about following me,  and so I went where the baby was and put some bird seed down on the ground in front of him, and he immediately stood up and looked at me and knew that bird seed was something he liked and wanted.  When he stood up, I called to the parents again, and now they finally saw the baby standing there and they came running toward him.  Hubby and I stepped back out of the way and watched as the family was happily reunited...and they immediately "told" the colt to follow them, and they headed off down the street in another direction together.  

As you can imagine, I was so emotionally spent by this experience, I was still crying, but now tears of great joy, for their lost child was found and thankfully this story had a happy ending.  And then I had to hurry up and leave for choir practice as I was almost late...but I was able to go with a happy song in my heart for God heard my prayers and the prayers of the Crane parents, and their only remaining child was restored to them.

In Luke chapter 15 Jesus tells several parables about things that were lost...The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin, The Lost (Prodigal) Son.  They all tell about how precious those things were to the one who had lost them, and how much they rejoiced and celebrated when that which was lost was finally found.

This one about the lost sheep is the one that is sticking into my mind the most,  as I watched how those parent cranes searched so diligently and anxiously and cried loudly for their lost child...and then I know they were rejoicing in their own way when they found their baby...just as I was...

4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ 7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance."

There is a song that I have always loved called "The Ninety and Nine".  Here it is for you to sing along with and enjoy with me.   As we approach Easter in the next couple of weeks, may we always remember that Jesus came here seeking for each one of us, and He was willing to go to the cross and die for us so that we would be rescued and saved.  And yes, there is was much rejoicing in heaven when we were finally rescued from our sins by the blood of  Jesus Christ.  

The Ninety And Nine

Song by Bill & Gloria Gaither and Guy Penrod ‧ 2011

Lyrics

There were ninety and nine that safely

lay

In the shelter of the fold;

But one was out on the hills away,

Far off from the gates of gold.

Away on the mountains wild and bare;

Away from the tender Shepherd's

care.

"Lord, Thou hast here Thy ninety and

nine;

Are they not enough for Thee?"

But the Shepherd made answer: "This

of Mine

Has wandered away from Me.

And although the road be rough and

steep,

I go to the desert to find My sheep."

But none of the ransomed ever knew

How deep were the waters crossed;

Nor how dark was the night the Lord

passed through

Ere He found His sheep that was lost.

Out in the desert He heard its cry;

'Twas sick and helpless and ready to

die.

"Lord, whence are those blood-drops

all the way,

That mark out the mountain's track?"

"They were shed for one who had

gone astray

Ere the Shepherd could bring him

back."

"Lord, whence are Thy hands so rent

and torn?"

"They're pierced tonight by many a

thorn."

And all through the mountains,

thunder-riv'n,

And up from the rocky steep,

There arose a glad cry to the gate of

heav'n,

"Rejoice! I have found My sheep!"

And the angels echoed around the

throne,

"Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His

own!"

And just as I was finishing up this post, the happy family came by to thank us for finding their lost "sheep".  

I love it when a story has a happy ending, don't you?

Praise God! 

"Rejoice! For the Lord brings back His own!"

Amen.

Thursday Thankfulness and Friday Foto Friends

Hello! Happy Thursday Thankfulness and Friday Foto Friends! 

I don't think Sgt. Joyce Kilmer had this tree in mind when he wrote the poem "Trees"

Trees

BY JOYCE KILMER

"I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree."

Joyce Kilmer, “Trees” from Poetry 2, no. 5 (August 1915): 153.

Thought I'd put something a little different than the usual to get your attention! LOL.  Even decaying trees can be beautiful in their own way...well, it might take a bit of imagination to see the beauty, but if you look hard enough, you will see it.

This is what happens when you stand up out in the woods too long.  The woodpeckers come and peck away at you and the insects eat up your insides and the squirrels and raccoons and birds make their nests in your hollow center. You begin to look like "The Walking Dead".  LOL. But even decaying trees serve a purpose!

Okay, here, this is a little bit better! This beautiful little Spiderwort wildflower was growing not too far away from that very sad looking decaying tree. Did you know that this little wildflower is not only "attractive, it is also edible. Try the flowers fresh on a salad or candied for a sweet treat. Stems and leaves can be eaten raw and leaves can also be cooked. The leaves are mucilaginous; the “juice” can be used to soothe insect bites in the same way one would use aloe."  So the next time you see one of these lovely little purple flowers in the woods or in your yard, don't destroy it! Just enjoy it!

It's been a busy week. Today (Thursday), is the first day I've been able to stay home and relax and try to get caught up on stuff here. I'm not complaining...it's all good...just been busy going here and there and everywhere it seems. I might as well start at the beginning and work my way through so you will understand...

Why don't I start with the Kentucky Derby on Saturday?  No, I didn't go. As a matter of fact, I didn't even get to watch it on TV as we couldn't find it in time to see the race.  I had not been paying attention to the fact that it was time for it until I saw someone post something on Facebook that they were having a Derby party at their community clubhouse. Well, if you've known me for very long, you will know that I love to use that occasion as an excuse to put on a pretty hat and pretend I am among the many hat wearers at the Kentucky Derby.  While hubby tried in vain to find the race on TV before it was over, I was busily donning my lovely tea party hat and sprucing myself up for the "party".

By the time he found it, the race was over, and we had to watch it on YouTube. No matter, I was having fun anyway. I have no clue who won the race or even who was running. To me, it was all about the hat. LOL.  I only get to wear a fancy hat on Derby Day or for some other fun or make believe occasion. This particular hat I had worn a year or so ago for a "High Tea with Mrs. Henry Flagler" tea party, put on by our local Historical Society. HERE is a link to that event.

Just wondering, do you ever wear fancy hats? If so, where and when?  We do have some ladies who wear hats to church, but since I sing in the choir it would not be appropriate for me to wear a hat. Besides, I am rather self-conscious about doing anything that might attract too much attention to myself in church.  Obviously, I don't seem to care about that at other times. LOL.  Just kidding. Well, those who really know me from childhood know the truth of that matter.  So let's move on to other things, shall we, rather than focusing too much attention on myself. LOL.

Speaking of Kentucky, I mentioned in a post about a month or so ago about a friend at our church who had undergone a 12 hour surgery (cancer) and had come through it very well, thank the Lord.  Well, this dear friend moved here with her hubby to our town a few years ago from Kentucky.  They fell in love with this sweet little Victorian Cottage in the historical section of our little town, and so they bought it and have been enjoying fixing it up.  On Monday I had the privilege to take my friend over to Gainesville for a medical procedure. She is doing very well following her surgery, but still has some hoops to jump through before she will be completely well. However, Praise God, they have declared that there is no more cancer, which is a huge miracle as she was originally diagnosed at stage 4. She is a walking miracle for certain!

I asked her if she would mind if I took some pictures of her beautiful home and share them here with you. She said she would be delighted.  

This is the front gate, which is covered with beautiful Confederate (or Star) Jasmine. 

The gate leads to the front porch...

which wraps around the house like this...

They have lovely gardens and yard all around their sweet cottage home...

And even a beautiful spoon wind spinner and a Pink Flamingo to add to the southern charm of this home!

Their home is within walking distance of our little church, and so it was only natural that God would lead them to come and join us for worship. They are a blessing to our church and community. Please continue to keep "Kim" in your thoughts and prayers as she continues in her recovery process. I know she would appreciate it.

On Tuesday hubby and I had our own doctor appointments to attend in St. Augustine, about an hour away from home. This was for a consultation to determine if and when we have our next colonoscopies.  Hubby will have one in a couple of weeks, but they said it was too soon for me to have another one, but they ordered a CT Scan instead because of some issues I've been having for a while. Well, that led to Wednesday, when I had to drink that yucky barium "berry smoothie milkshake" (LOL). I did manage to choke down two bottles of that stuff, but it was not without some difficulty. I quoted my verse  (and One Word) of the year all the while:  

Philippians 4:13

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

The CT scan was not too scary, but I found myself still holding on to that verse as I held myself perfectly still and held my breath when asked.  Not sure when I will get the results, but I am trusting God for good results.

Of course, our trip to St. Augustine on Tuesday was a good excuse for us to stop off at one of our favorite eating establishments on the way back home for lunch.  "Corky Bells", beside the St. John's River. in Palatka. Thankfully it was early enough that it wasn't too crowded or too hot yet, so we were able to get a table beside the river.  Here's our view:

This was my favorite view...

And his "favorite view". LOL.

It was breezy, sunny, and lovely all around us...

Oh, look out for alligators, but we didn't see any this time...

Easter lilies blooming in May!  I think mine here in my garden will be blooming in a few days as well...

Beautiful day to sit beside the river in the shade of this huge Cypress Tree.

There were many boaters out on the river enjoying a lovely day...

Back home again on our own Still Waters Pond, I shared this picture and verse on Facebook yesterday:

John 14:27

27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

I think this is a good place to stop for today.  We know that God is in control in all things, the world situation, things that happen in our own homes and communities, and even in our own personal lives. We can trust in Him no matter what...and He has promised us His peace. Therefore, we should not let our hearts be troubled or be afraid. Just hold on to His peace. Amen.