Happy Easter!

My blogging journey is complete today.  Went to church and was able to have the whole family.  What a blessing.  This picture sums up the day...Faith and Family...

"The next day, the one after Preparation Day"

That's from Matthew 27.  Not much is said about the day after the Crucifixion.  I imagine this picture of the clouds would sum up the feelings of the early followers.  Christ said he would rise again.  The glimmer of blue behind the wall of grey here (to me) symbolizes how things looked.  Sad and grim but with a glimmer of hope for things to come...

 



Good Friday

I'm never sure what God is going to reveal to me or what it might mean.  Today I was fortunate to get a fairly decent picture of a male Northern Cardinal in a tree.  A common bird and a welcome bird for the color and song they provide.  I find it hard to get close so today was a good day.  But what meaning would this provide beyond enjoying His creation.

Later in the day I was reading through my bird book and went to the Cardinal page.  The name comes from the Latin word cardinalis meaning "important".  And there it was.  This is a very important day in the Christian faith.  Thank you Lord for reminding me of this.

 



What intricate detail goes into God's beauty

Tulips are a common sight this time of year.  The folks in Pella would like them to slow down and bloom in early May but that is out of our hands.   This flower is in front of my house.  Tulips are beautiful but upon closer inspection, look at the handiwork of our Creator!

 



Seems like a small thing

But this apparent act of kindness caught my eye this morning.  I'm assuming someone hung these keys up near where they found them hoping the owner would look in that area.

 



Day One

Today I started a new job.  Same profession I've been in since 2002 but I just left a job I was in for almost eight years.  And I'm moving from the workplace to being home-based.  We are so thankful for this opportunity and are trusting God in this new journey.  Nature is often where I see God and on my walk this morning, a Great Blue Heron flew over.  They are a large bird and impressive to see and to me it was a sign that this was going to be a good day.  It was too dark this morning for a picture (and too sudden) but here is my new workspace at home...

 

Thank you Lord for your Creation and the four seasons

Seeing blooms like this make you appreciate spring and the fact we have four seasons...

 



"Two Turtle Doves..."

Here is a pair of Mourning Doves on my house this morning.  Also known as turtle doves...so right there is a link to a Christmas song.  But doves are huge symbols in the Jewish and Christian faith.  Symbols of peace, fertility, the Holy Spirit...the list goes on.

Sadly, they are also the most hunted bird/animal in the country.  I liked seeing this pair on my house this morning.  They typically mate for life.  I hope to enjoy them again...

 



Changing colors for the season

Seeing a Goldfinch always makes me think of God.  It's the color.  Males are not always a brilliant yellow.  But it's that time of year when their coloring changes and today I was fortunate enough to see that...

 



Thank you Lord for another day and opportunity

That's one of the phrases I say everyday right after I open my eyes.  And here are the sights in the morning that have us giving thanks...

 



Thank you for squirrels

As I've mentioned, I like squirrels...especially how curious they are.  This one made me smile today and I thank God for that.

 



I don't always get to see things the way I would like to

For me, seeing certain birds is God's way of revealing His presence.  There are just some I'm more excited to see than others.  Lately, I have been more concerned with getting a good picture than just enjoying the moment.  Today was like that.  I saw two Northern Flickers.  Not unusual to see but also not like seeing Robins.  They catch your eye.  Here is a picture of what I saw.  Because I keep a photo blog of what I see from my backyard, I wished I could have had a better shot.  But I had the experience of watching them on the ground, flying up to a branch...that is the gift I got today.  I need to work harder on that being enough.

 



Caring for each other

This isn't the clearest picture but it was early this morning.  Two deer licking each other around the head and neck.  Apparently it's common behavior.  How awesome to know animals care for each other that way.  Our God is an awesome God!

 



The end of a matter is better than its beginning...

Ecclesiastes 7:8 (partial)

The end of a matter is better than its beginning...

Today was my last day working for Wells Fargo.  Almost eight years.  God is faithful and I'm excited for my next chapter.

 



Shelter me

I saw this bird (Northern Flicker) clinging to a tree during the rain.  It wasn't moving so it struck me it was just seeking shelter like we all do.  God provides for every living thing...

 



Just wait

Life can look like this at times.  We need to wait to see what God can do.  This tree in a month will be the prettiest on the street...