Celebrating My Saviour . . .

My posts for 2010 are now coming to an end. My last post this year celebrates Jesus . . . the Saviour of the world . . . the Everlasting King, and the Almighty God. How blessed we are!

Is this your hearts desire? If not, don’t go away before I can share a thought I heard a long time ago about believing God and accepting Jesus as the Saviour of the world. "If I’m wrong, and there is no God, and His Word doesn’t matter–it’s all just lies, well, I guess it won’t make any difference for me when I die. I’ve lived my life in what I believed to be true and how I believe God would have me to live it. But if I’m right, and there is a God, and His Word is true, and Jesus is the Saviour of the world . . . and you don’t believe it or live by His Word, it matters greatly, because you will live an eternity without God."

I plead with anyone who doesn't believe or live by God's word to search for Jesus and let Him fill your heart and mind with the truth. His will for your life is far better than what you choose.

We celebrate Christmas because of Jesus, that He was born, that He lived, He died, and He lives again. There isn’t any other reason to celebrate Christmas other than Jesus.

May your Christmas be blessed and your heart full because of the Saviour of the world . . . Jesus.

Me and my friend, Abby, above, wish you a very blessed Christmas!

A Tribute to Jerry . . .

A milestone has been reached in the Mc Giffin household. Twenty-five years of married life. Now that’s something to be excited about!

I certainly take little credit for reaching this milestone. I know how difficult it is to live with me! I am thankful that God saw fit to bring Jerry and me together and equip Jerry with everlasting qualities that would keep us together and in good partnership.

I created a card just for the occasion (below) so Jerry would know how much I appreciate and love him. I’m thankful for all we’ve been through together, and that we’re still together.



Twenty-six years ago we met in an alley . . . a bowling alley that is, and I fell in love with Jerry's truck. At least, that's what he says. Jerry tells the story that his truck is what attracted me to him. (And I must confess, it didn't hurt any!) I wrote a story about that truck titled, Dream Ride. (And it was published in Ford Times, October 1990. They even paid me $100!) I think you’ll enjoy reading it below:

"A woman met her husband in a Ford pickup, and now they're two for the road."

"I grew up in the city, and my dad and all of our family friends drove cars. But I always wanted to ride in a truck. Trucks represented the country to me, and I yearned for wide-open spaces away from the confusion of the city.

One day, I got my wish. I had a date with a gentleman named Jerry, who drove a green 1977 Ford F-150 pickup. When he came to pick me up, I don't know which one I was more excited to see--Jerry or the truck.

What a date! Riding in the truck was everything I'd dreamed it would be. Being higher off the road gave a new dimension to riding around, and I discovered scenery I never knew existed. As for Jerry, we fell in love and married, so the green pickup became mine, too. I left the city behind and moved to the country, where Jerry lived.

His pickup was only the beginning. We replaced his several years ago with a blue 1985 Ford F-150 (which I helped select), but in my heart, I always will fondly remember the green pickup that changed my life.

During the week, I drive a 1989 Tempo to work, but whenever I get the chance, I sit high in the seat of our truck. Whether it's on my way to church on Sunday mornings or on a trip to my mother's, our pickup is the way to go."

And that's the truth!

One of the nicest things Jerry did for me was nickname me ""NOTE"worthy." And that, of course, is because of my passion to write notes to encourage others. Jerry is the one who encouraged me to write my first book, and he was 100% behind me when I started speaking to groups about note writing. He saw the benefit one receives when they get a note of encouragement. And God is the one who put that desire in my heart and gave me the gift to write.

I love you, honey. You’re number 2 in my heart, after our Saviour. I think we'll celebrate our next 25 years in heaven.

A Lady's Efforts . . .

Thanksgiving Day is almost here . . . a time to thank God for His blessings upon us. In this month's issue of Home Life, Nancy Lee tells us about the lady behind the holiday.

Sarah J. Hale wrote "hundreds of letters to presidents, governors, and other influential persons, urging them to establish Thanksgiving to be celebrated on the last Thursday in November. During the bitter fighting of the Civil War, President Lincoln issued the National Thanksgiving Proclamation: 'I do, therefore, invite my fellow citizens . . . to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of Thanksgiving and praise to our Beneficent Father.'"

Wherever you are . . . whenever you do it . . . whoever you are with, we have much to be thankful for. Our God has provided a way of salvation and given His Son, Jesus, to fulfill it. Now that's something to be thankful for!

Let's sing this wonderful song: "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing"

"Come, Thou Fount of ev'ry blessing, tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet sung by flaming tongues above; praise the mount--I'm fixed upon it--mount of Thy redeeming love." Robert Robinson, 1735-1790

The above picture is a beautiful tree. I had been waiting to snap it in all it's fall colors, but alas, I missed it. It just started to turn a week ago Wednesday. Then the weekend came, and being away at the annual meeting two days, and then the rain, and -- I missed it! On the way in Wednesday morning, I took a snap from a different perspective to see what it would look like. The cows decided to be a prop, and a good one I think! This was God's snap for me! I'll have to wait until next year to try again!

The Word . . .

I don’t remember now where I found this, but it thrills my heart at all the Bible is, and can be, for each one of us.

“Priscilla Howe once described the Word of God as the Book that contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Therefore, how can it ever fade from the grasp of man? Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy.

“It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed.

“Christ is its grand object, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure.

“It is given you in life, will be opened in judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred content.”

It is this and more, if you let it be.

The picture above was taken one cold February morning on the way to work.Below is another sunrise early one morning.

Good Listening

Recently my pastor posted Listening on his blog. I found it interesting, probably because I do more listening than talking. I have his permission to share it with you here:

“An eighty year-old grandfather went to his daughter’s home for Sunday dinner. When the meal was over, he announced he was going to take a walk through the neighborhood. ‘I’ll be back in fifteen minutes,' he said. Two hours passed before he returned. ‘Sorry I’m late,’ he said upon his return, ‘but I stopped to talk to an old friend and he just wouldn’t stop listening.’

“How good are you at listening? Have you ever thought about listening being a ministry? Sometimes we fail to appreciate the significance of just being a good listener. There is an old saying that says, ‘A self-centered person doesn’t feel the time is being used wisely unless the air is filled with the melodious sound of his own voice.’ Know anyone like that? Preachers sometimes are the worst offenders. We just think people always enjoy hearing us talk. Someone once said, ‘Remember, God gave us two ears and only one mouth.’

“There is a real ministry to be offered to someone who is hurting. It is called a ministry of presence. It means that you go to someone who is hurting without all the answers to their problems. It means you realize you don’t know why something happened to them, or what they should do now. Sometimes just being there without saying a word – not giving opinions or advice – can provide great comfort to that person who is hurting. By your being there you are saying that you care and that you share in the other person’s pain. Too often with the best of intentions we say things like, ‘I know what you’re going through’ when we don’t. Again, sometimes just being there is what is needed.”

I liked the idea of a “ministry of presence.” You really can make a difference just being there for someone. Yes, listening is a viable ministry. As my pastor's blog asks, "How good are you at listening?"

Some quotes to enjoy . . .

"Don't underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can't hear, and not bothering." Winnie the Pooh

"A good listener is a silent flatterer." unknown

"If you spend more time asking appropriate questions rather than giving answers or opinions, your listening skills will increase." Brian Koslow

"Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force. The friends who listen to us are the ones we move toward. When we are listened to, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand." unknown

"Everything has been said before, but since nobody listens we have to keep going back and beginning all over again." Andre Gide

"I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen." Ernest Hemingway

"A good listener is not only popular everywhere, but after a while he gets to know something." Wilson Mizner

I found the above picture at a Hospice Facility close to home. The pictures below are of some farms I found while I was out and about.

Sweet Sleep

“ . . . for he grants sleep to those he loves.” Psalm 127:2b

I am very fortunate to be able to sleep well. No matter what is going on I’ve always been a quick-to-sleep person. I’m talking one minute to begin snoozing! Now, that’s fast.

This post in no way suggests that God doesn’t love you if you have trouble sleeping. I recently read the above words from the Psalms and knew how thankful I am to be one who sleeps.

Sleep is very necessary if we’re to function normally. Some can function on very little sleep and others need more than average sleep. Either way . . . it is very necessary.

Following are some quotes I’ve read about sleep:

“It takes more than a soft pillow to ensure sound sleep.” Unknown

“Sleep recreates. The Bible indicates that sleep is not meant only for the recuperation of a man’s body, but that there is a tremendous furtherance of spiritual and moral life during sleep.” Oswald Chambers, 1874-1917

“O bed! O bed! Delicious bed! That heaven upon earth to the weary head.” Thomas Hood, 1799-1845 (I like this one!)

“Tired nature’s sweet restorer, balmy sleep!” Edward Young, 1683-1765

“Thank God for sleep! And, when you cannot sleep, still thank him that you live to lie awake.”
John Oxenham, 1861-1941

I smiled at this last quote. I guess if you can’t sleep, being thankful that you live to lie awake is the next best thing. And praying, of course.

I've posted both pictures in this post before, but find them approproiate here, well just because their sweet! The picture above is the lamb I caught beside its mother. The picture below my friend, Kathy Kreyling captured. Oh to be so dreamy-eyed as thee!

October Gave a Party

“October gave a party,
The leaves by hundreds came
The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,
And leaves of every name.
The Sunshine spread a carpet,
And everything was grand.
Miss Weather led the dancing,
Professor Wind the band.”
George Cooper

Isn’t fall grand! Sweatshirts . . . evening fires . . . falling leaves . . . wind blowing.

Recently I wrote to a lady in Florida who is living there because of her illness. Suzanne and her husband were in Brazil for many years teaching at a school for children of missionaries. Her health brought them home, and they spent several years in New Hampshire. Now they’ve been in Florida for many years. I asked her: “Do you miss the seasons?”

I can’t imagine living where there is only warm weather. Missing the beauty of snow, the glory of spring, the rest of summer, and the color of fall is something I don’t want to ever miss! For all the hardships each season may bring, their own special beauty outweighs it all.

The two pictures above were taken at one of my favorite ponds, each on a different morning, a different side of the pond. I waited 20 minutes one morning for the geese to fly, but they didn't. I still got a nice shot though. The second morning they flew! I’ve never gotten a good picture of geese flying; this is the best so far!

The two pictures below are of lightposts I pass on my drive to and from work. They both happened to be lite and it provided a special scene!




Below, I even found a fall calf nursing vigorously as I snapped!





"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” Albert Camus

Yes, fall is a gorgeous season!

Taming Thoughts . . .

“No! No! No! Get out of my mind! Jesus is in control, not you, Satan!” I’ve certainly had my share of thoughts that crippled me. Thoughts mostly of heartbreaking things that I have no control over. Early on in my years, I started a practice of shouting at Satan and reminding him that I belong to the King.

This practice has been fine-tuned over the years. What use to take months to stop dwelling on something, now only take me a few weeks before it’s under control. And it usually only takes me a few days to remind myself to begin the process to stop those bad thoughts.

In Diamonds in the Dust by Joni Eareckson Tada, one of her devotions is titled “The Thought Patrol.” And this is just what she’s talking about. “When I catch myself, I’m aghast at how many lazy, anxious, or lustful imaginations wheedle their way into my head. When they do, the “thought patrol” goes on alert . . .”

2 Corinthians 10:5 says it is possible for every thought to be made obedient, to become captive to Christ. The “thought patrol” that Joni speaks of is just another name for the Holy Spirit. “The only way you can exercise power over your thought life is to do so in the power of God’s Spirit,” Joni said.

Remember, when those thoughts just won’t get out of your head, attack them with the power of the Holy Spirit. Then think on good things, and you will have peace.

The above picture was taken one evening at a friend's home. Her husband walked past the patio with a bucket in his hand. As he continued his walk up the drive to the barn, cats started coming out of everywhere to follow him. I started laughing and my friend, Jackie, said, "He's going to feed the cats. This happens every evening." By the time I got a snap off he was up the hill aways. I cropped the picture so it would take in the fence and wheel, so you can't see many cats. But there was at least 20 following him to dinner. The picture below closes in on more of the cats.

Amish Proverbs

I recently purchased the book “Amish Proverbs” by Suzanne Woods Fisher. The Amish life has always interested me, and I thought reading the proverbs from the Amish community would be telling. I’ve listed some of my favorites below:

“Every mother crow thinks her own little crow is blackest.”

“Choose your love and love your choice.”

“Adopt the pace of nature; her secret is patience.”

“One thing you can learn by watching the clock is that it passes time by keeping its hands busy.”

“A task takes as long as it takes.”

“Nothing is all wrong; even a clock that has stopped running is right twice a day.”

“Remember, when you talk, you only repeat what you already know; if you listen, you might learn something.”

“We always admire the other fellow more after we have tried to do his job.”

“Those who let God provide will always be satisfied.”

“Standing your ground is easier when you are grounded in God’s word.”

“Good deeds have echoes.”

“Every hen will lay an imperfect egg now and then.”

“Nothing is quite so annoying as to have someone go right on talking when you are interrupting.”

I especially laughed at the first quote and the last. And there really isn’t “anything new under the sun,” so listening is indeed a worthy habit.

The rain and dark mornings have limited my picture taking opportunities each day, so I’m sharing one of my favorite pictures, above. Sammy was still a puppy. She wanted to be on the other side of that gate so badly.

Satisfied

Recently I was off work a few days, and one of my desires was to visit three ladies that I’ve been writing. One of the ladies had been in my SS class for a season. Another lady I’d seen only twice in morning worship, and one lady I’d never met.

Mrs. Brown is an older saint and isn’t able physically to attend church anymore. For the short time I had to enjoy her presence in SS, I came to admire her. It was a joy to sit with her a spell and, again, enjoy the saintly countenance of her presence. There’s just something special about being with one who has walked with God for many a year. I think of words such as satisfied, restful and serene.

It was a delightful country lane that took me to my second visit. Radean has multiple sclerosis. I’d only seen her twice before, and began writing her about two years ago. What a fun time we had! I discovered we grew up in the same general area, and her brother attended the same high school as me, possibly the same year. I’ll have to find my yearbook! She was comforting to talk with, and I hope we’ll get together again.

I met Janet at a coffee shop in Mt. Airy. This new friend has been fighting cancer for a number of years, but you couldn’t tell it. This lady was alive, focused and exuberant! As one who encourages others, she encouraged me! God has filled her with His work, as she goes around cheering the hearts of others struggling with cancer. I was transfixed for two hours as she shared her story and the things God has done through her. I look forward to being with her again.

I consider it a great privilege to have sat down with these three ladies as we shared our lives. Moments like these are what memories are made of. My vacation days were well spent . . . and I look forward to the time when I can make visits like these more frequently.

After writing encouraging notes for many years now, I know God will provide the words He wants me to share. This ministry has been a healing balm for me, as many times I suffered from heartache to headache when I’ve sat down to write. There is something much stronger that drives me to write, for it is what God has called me to do. His power goes before me. Yes, I am satisfied.

The picture above and below of this fine colt were snapped near Littlestown, PA. Jerry and I had just enjoyed a delicious lunch at one of our favorite restaurants, Hillcrest, and we took a different route home. (Actually the route would take us closer to a favorite ice cream store for a double dip chocolate cone!) I enjoyed taking a few snaps, although this colt wasn’t happy I was there. I still managed to bring away some pictures to enjoy, though.

My Little Acre . . .

My little acre of land, my little acre of influence, and travels, how well do I know thee? George Macdonald puts it this way:

"Few are needed, to do the out-of-the-way tasks which startle the world, and one may be most useful just doing commonplace duties, and leaving the issue with God. And when it is all over, and our feet will run no more, and our hands are helpless, and we have scarcely strength to murmur a last prayer, then we shall see that, instead of needing a larger field, we have left untilled many corners of our single acre, and that none of it is fit for our Master's eyes, were it not for the softening shadow of the cross."

This quote has always moved me as I've read it over the years. It certainly reminds me that I have much to do in my own little sphere of note. As I share when I speak on note writing: "This may appear to be a very small service in God's family, but it has the potential to change a life. I should know . . . my life was changed by a note."

And the same may be true as you share your gifts from God with others. It may seem very small, but in actuality, it may change a life.

In Look Upto Me: The Devotions of Charles Spurgeon, the September 10 devotion opened with Mark 3:13: "Jesus went up on a mountain side and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him."

"This is an example of God's sovereignty," Spurgeon wrote. "Impatient souls may fret and fume because they are not called to the highest places of ministry, but dear reader, let your heart rejoice that Jesus calls whom He wills. If He asks you to be only " . . . a doorkeeper in His house," Psalm 84:10, cheerfully bless Him for His grace in allowing you to do anything in His service."

Yes, my little acre is quite enough to fill my time in living for Jesus and sharing encouraging words. It is done because of His grace in me, and I can rejoice that I can do this for Him.

Whatever God has given you to do in your little acre, do it faithfully for you never know when your gift will change a life!

The picture above is of Sammy playing "stick" in our little acre.

I saw a fawn and doe by the side of the road the other morning and quickly turned around to see if I could get a picture. They moved into the trees so I turned into the next street, parked the car and walked just inside the tree line. It took about 5seconds before I spotted the fawn, who was looking at me. I was able to get several snaps before my camera said, "change the batteries." I never saw the doe.

It wasn't until I was working with the picture in Photoshop at home that I noticed the doe in the picture. It caught my breath! What a thrill.

The Missionary Warrior . . .

Steams in the Desert is widely known and widely read. Written by Lettie Cowman, better known as Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, her devotion book has changed many lives, including mine. As a new believer, an older Christian gave me a copy and it has encouraged me down through the years.

As familiar as Mrs. Cowman’s name is, what about Mr. Cowman? Is his name familiar? Where does he fit in?

In her September 8 devotion in Volume 1, Lettie Cowman tells us:

“It costs to carry the message. ‘Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone,’ were the words spoken by the Holy Spirit to a humble servant of His who had, after a day of heavy toil, gone aside into a quiet room to spend a night in prayer. What followed that trysting time with his Master during the brief hours of that night? What had happened that so completely changed his life thereafter? He had met Someone! To the one known throughout missionary circles as “the Missionary Warrior”–Charles E. Cowman–had come a revelation of God’s will that every home in an entire nation was to receive a portion of the sacred Scriptures, that a personal invitation was to be given to everyone living within that nation. That the time for such a crusade was now. When God says ‘today’ He does not mean ‘tomorrow.’

“The challenge was accepted and in the name of the God of the impossible, action began–for action ever follows vision. During the following five years the greatest gospel distribution crusade since Pentecost was launched when 10,320,000 homes in the mikado’s empire were visited personally and given portions of the precious old Book we so love. Thousands destroyed their idols and accepted the invitation of the One who said, ‘Come unto Me.’”

Mr. Cowman was the founder and president of the Oriental Missionary Society. His story is the history of a great missionary enterprise. So closely were his personality and the cause of missions linked, that it is impossible to separate them. His work was his very life.

Lettie Cowman wrote her husband’s biography in 1946, titled: Charles E. Cowman: Missionary Warrior . I haven’t read this book yet but I believe it will be an interesting story.

If you’ve never been introduced to Streams in the Desert I encourage you to purchase a copy and discover the pearls of treasures inside. In my young days of following Jesus, this book sowed bountiful riches in my mind that have played a huge role in handling the disappointments of life. There now are several books, written by friends of Lettie, who took her papers and combined them to continue her legacy of words.

Below is a picture of a buck I saw on my way in to work last week. There was a doe behind him, whose ears are barely visible over his rump. His antlers are visible, and the sun shining on half of the trees in the back is refreshing. He was quite a distance away, yet I love the effect of the snap.

Because of Jerry . . .

At least he says so. All summer I’ve tried to get the elusive Great Blue Heron, and I finally captured him. I see him most mornings when I drive a particular country lane, and I had only been able to get one decent snap of him.

Saturday, Jerry and I were coming home from a visit with my Mom, and Jerry chose the country lane. It has a nice little stream that runs beside it, is a refreshing drive, and it’s where I captured newborn lambs earlier in the season.

I wasn’t looking for Mr. Heron but spotted him on our drive through. I grabbed my camera and Jerry stopped the truck and backed up, unrolling my window at the same time. I only got two snaps off before Mr. Heron was gone again. But it only takes one . . . and this time I got him!

I guess I’ll have to give Jerry some credit in this capture. I couldn’t find the window button because I was rushing to be ready with the camera. Jerry saved the day when he unrolled the window without me even saying anything. I guess I’ll keep him a while longer. At least until December. That’s when we celebrate our 25th! Ah . . . I think I'll keep him another 25 too!

It can happen at anytime. That one snap that makes the difference. My commute to work keeps getting longer as I find more country lanes to travel. What a way to go!

The bird below was enjoying an afternoon bath!

Encouragement Divine . . .

Before I let it go . . . just another post from the book Amazing Grace . . .
I’ve had this book for many years, but my practice has been to skip over hymns that I don’t know. I’m not sure why I do this; possibly because I don’t know the melody of a particular hymn, or something crazy like that!

Recently, I didn’t skip over the assigned reading for the day and found a treasure. The song is “Thy Word Have I Hid in my Heart.” It is treasure for me to find because the hymn writer paraphrased a few verses from Psalm 119, which is one of my favorite Psalms.

Ernest O. Sellers wrote both the words and music around 1908. For the chorus, Mr. Sellers used the words directly from Psalm 119:11: “Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee.”
The first reads: “Thy Word is a lamp to my feet, A light to my path always, To guide and to save me from sin, And show me the heav’nly way.” Another verse reads: “At morning, at noon, and at night I ever will give Thee praise; For Thou art my portion, O Lord, And shall be through all my days!”

Throughout Psalm 119 we read about God’s word--obeying it, meditating on it, hiding it in our heart, delighting in it, and loving it. I may not know the melody of this hymn, but I can delight in the words.

Following are some quotes regarding Psalm 119:

“This psalm is a chest of gold rings, not a chain of gold links.” Matthew Henry

“A psalm dedicated to the praise of God’s Word.” Liberty Bible Commentary

“Although Psalm 119 is lengthy, it is not tiresome. Its subject, the Word of God, is more than worthy of its one hundred seventy-six verses." Liberty Bible Commentary

A few of my favorite verses . . .

“Oh that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!” Verse 5

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law." Verse 18

“Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws.” Verse 43

Verses 74, 81, 147 and others proudly proclaim: “I have put my hope in your word.”

“The entrance of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple." Verse 130

Now I have another treasure to sing in meditating on Psalm 119 in “Thy Word Have I Hid in my Heart.” I think I’m going to have to stop skipping over hymns I don’t know so I can find the gold nuggets meant just for me.

The above picture was unplanned. Imagine my surprise to find this blue heron in the stream when I went to take a picture! I had stopped at my very favorite scene to snap deer and decided to go past where I usually stop to get a different snap of the property. It was only when I checked to make sure I had the stream in the picture that I saw this guy just having an early morning shopping expedition for breakfast. My eyes jumped up from behind the camera and went "look who's here!" I only got three snaps off before he stepped behind the brush. For a hand-held, out the car window, from 60 yards or so, I'm pretty pleased!

The snap below is at that same location, but the first time I noticed a lamppost at the bridge. I can't ever remember noticing it before because I've always been focused on the deer. I am very pleased to finally have it in one of my snaps!

A MIRACLE

As you can tell from the above picture, this post is quite different from my usual writings. Maybe your curiosity has been where mine is . . . but if not, maybe you'll be moved . . .

I’ve been looking at a lot of pictures of baby animals. I believe my curiosity began because I love to photograph baby animals, mostly fawns, lambs and calves. Then my mind wondered what it looked like when the deer, cow and sheep actually gave birth.

I never had a dog or cat that gave birth, in which I could marvel at the puppies and kittens. Didn’t live near a farm or ranch where animal babies are born all the time. Perhaps this curiosity seems strange to you, but seeing a living being born was a desire I’ve carried with me for many years.

I found many videos on the web to satisfy my curiosity of each of these animal types. I even watched a horse giving birth. As my title says, IT'S A MIRACLE! What an awesome God we have. The picture above was an image from a video I saw on YouTube.
The picture below is the icy, cold February morning when I found this newborn following Momma.



Although I’ve seen no video’s of an elephant being born, I have seen pictures of newly born elephants. I laugh so! A tiny, tiny miniature of a giant animal. I keep saying to myself: “My God, my God, there is no one like you."

It drove my curiosity even further as I wondered at a new born baby’s entrance to this world. (Don't fear . . . there isn't a picture below of a human baby being born.) It’s very common now for families to be in the birth room and watch a baby being born. Today that curiosity was satisfied. I actually watched a human baby being born. I was shaking. Crying. Praising.

The picture below is the early morning when I captured these two calves right after they had been born. The one was standing for the first time.



I feel as though I’ve been given a special privilege into God’s miraculous works. What doctors and nurses, and farmers and ranchers, see everyday . . . and what family members are welcome to see if desired, I was now priviledged to see.

Baby’s being born are rather common place now. Unless the new born is in your family, it’s just another baby being born. But today, God opened my eyes to see what only He can do . . . give life.

I’m thankful for this opportunity to see a creation from God come to life. I've wondered about it for years. There really isn’t any words good enough to explain this. What an awesome God we have.

Below is a beautiful picture you will enjoy, celebrating another type of creation by our awesome God.

My "Melody of Hymns" . . .

I thought I’d written about my "Melody of Hymns" in an earlier post, but upon reviewing my posts I see that I haven’t. Enjoy . . .

Many years ago while working at a place causing me great distress, I felt heaven-led to create a "Melody of Hymns." I found myself in the law offices of the Carroll County Government. I was thrilled at first. I had always wondered what it would be like to work in a law office.

I found as time passed my experience was good for only one thing. I now understood why I don’t like attorneys! They take laws and make them into what they need at the time, whether it is the truth or not. It was indeed a very eye opening experience. (I’m sure there are some excellent men of faith who serve in this field, of course.)

As tears were my partner driving to and from my job each day, I needed something that might cheer my heart. In ushers my "Melody of Hymns." God planted this seed and grew it. I wrote down the first verse of 30 hymns I especially enjoyed, on 3 x 5 index cards, one verse each card. Every day I would sing those verses in the same order.


It only took a few months before those 30 hymn verses were memorized. This discipline has been a great joy in my life. There isn’t a week that goes by that I don’t sing my "Melody of Hymns" at least once.

I taped myself singing these hymns and sometimes would sing with the tape. Now, though, my car doesn’t have a cassette tape player. Since I have more senior moments as time goes by, I need a refresher on some of the words. What can I do? Can I transfer cassette tapes to CDs?

Back then I was younger, my eye sight was good, and I could read the words and drive at the same time. I thought about writing an article about this new discipline but figured no one would publish it because driving and reading would not be good advice.
So, I finally found an avenue to publish it! Arn't you special!

This little discipline I established, under God’s influence, has been a thrill to my heart! The following poem, in the preface of the book Amazing Grace, author unknown, rightly denotes why hymns are such a treasure:

“Hymns breathe the praise of the saints,
The vision of the prophets,
The prayers of the penitent and the spirit of the martyrs.
They bring solace to the sad, assurance to the perplexed,
Faith to the doubter and comfort to the oppressed.
They span the centuries of history and bridge the barriers of denominations.
Study them to be pure in heart;
Sing them to be joyful in sprit,
Store them in the mind to possess a treasury of worship.”

My "Melody of Hymns" is definitely a treasure to me. Why . . . I can even stand my own singing!

Lessons From Emma

This post comes from my second book, “A Note For You.” The book contains most of the notes I wrote to one woman to encourage her for an entire year, and remarks I added as to why I wrote each particular note. The two notes that follow mention Emma, shown above during a silly moment, who is now in doggie heaven.

Refreshment . . .
“I watched my dog, Emma, a large furry dog, soak up the afternoon sun, as she laid on the hot blacktop driveway just huffing and puffing away. I wanted to say: ‘If you’d get in the shade it would be cooler.’ I know God says that to me when I’m huffing and puffing: ‘If you’d get in the shade and be refreshed by My word, you’ll feel a lot better.’" God’s breath would surely flow through me and restore my soul.

If I don’t stay consistent in my time with God, I feel the consequences. Short-tempered. Uninspired. Unkind attitude. I also get mad at myself for roaming from my routine.

That’s why I try and live my life based on discipline. I don’t want to get out of the shade!

Thomas Kinkade agrees as he wrote in Lightpost for Living:” “But I learned long ago that I need routine in my life–and that I have more freedom when my days can rely on a predictable rhythm . . . Such repeated and dependable activities anchor my days, providing a sense of stability.”

Trust . . .
“My dog, Emma, is the most relaxed dog I’ve ever known. She rolls on her back and lays with all four legs spread apart. She has no concern or worry about being attacked, even though she’s so vulnerable at that point. I wish I could be that free from concern and worry. I must continue to have complete trust in Jesus, for I know He is my protector. Nothing can come my way except through His perfect will for me. My sweet Emma is a good example to me of displaying complete trust.”

I wish I could be that carefree. Concerns and worries are hard to overcome. When each new problem arises it takes a while to completely turn it over to God. There’s just something about trying to figure out what’s happening myself before I can let it go. My turnover time keeps getting shorter as the years grow. With each situation I conquer, I learn to trust even more.

Refreshment and trust . . . each are necessary as I follow Christ. Below, Emma and I love on each other.

Finally . . . the Introduction

Momma Doe presented her triplets late last Sunday afternoon, and I got to ohh and ahh! She has great timing. She presented her triplets last year three days earlier. Now that's near perfect.

Many of you know how this delight came about. Many years ago our neighbor decided to put corn out to see if deer would come up and eat. The attempt was successful and we've been seeing deer ever since. Jerry and I started putting out corn a few years later and the deer eat at our place too.



There is a safe haven for them between our backyards. Two sides are surrounded with trees and the other two sides are the ends of our yards. We've had as many as 14 at one time, a few bucks, several does and their fawn.



I'll never forget the evening a large buck came and ate under our maple tree. We were in the process of putting in a new split rail fence and the rails weren't up. Jerry and I were sitting out back and this buck just walked right up to the tree. Didn't seem to notice us at all. Below is a not so great picture of Mr. Buck.



And so many other times to remember . . . like the morning one doe was at one end of the yard and another doe at the another end of the yard. Three fawns ran as fast as they could back and forth, back and forth. I'm not sure what the lesson was, but I chuckled all the way too work! (They were way too fast for me to take a picture! The snap below is of this year's triplets. They decided they liked the other side of the gate.)



Another evening Momma Doe had her twins up. When they turned to leave I got up and started walking slowly to the fence to try and get some pictures outside the fence. Momma Doe stopped, looked right at me, and let me take a picture of the family. A great portrait! I have it matted in the living room.



One afternoon when I took a few snaps, the dominant buck was not happy I was there. He kept prancing around, stomping his feet. But I got the snap. We've also seen a few scuffles from both buck and does.



It makes me smile knowing I'll be enjoying the fawn through autumn when their spots disappear. We're able to sit about 30 yards from them. A few years ago we started waving (don't laugh) at them to identify where we were. I do believe they now take it as a sign they're safe!

They're not so friendly that we can start walking around outside. As long as we stay seated and just watch they'll stay and eat. I especially like the below picture of a doe eating in the rain. "Who cares that it's raining; I'm hungry."



As I recently shared in a note, "How I love to see my fawns! It's about the only thing I like about summer!"

A Bouquet of Praise

Last Sunday two individuals came up to me, at different times, and said “You are amazing!” They were talking about the notes I had sent them to encourage their hearts. Of course, I very quickly said that God is the one who is amazing.

It made me feel uncomfortable as I thought of their comments throughout the day. I’ve certainly received thank yous through the years from individuals, but this really made an impression in my mind. As God often does, my morning devotion on Monday gave me the food I needed.

The scripture verse was from Isaiah 42:8: “I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols.” The devotion is in “Diamonds in the Dust,” by Joni Eareckson Tada. Joni told how Corrie ten Boom, survivor of Nazi concentration camps, handled the world-wide accolades she received for her efforts to protect Jews during the World War II occupation of Holland.

“She often commented that she was able to accept each compliment as though it was a rosebud, gathering many words of blessings during the course of the day,” Joni shared. “Then in the evening she presented God with a big bouquet of praise. Corrie knew that glory, praise, and honor belonged only to the Lord.”



While pondering these words, I thought of the many notes I have sent my pastor to encourage his heart. He stands tall for Christ and his gift of teaching thrills my soul! How I love to hear God’s word taught with courage.

I suppose what I write to him is in the same vein as what the two individuals said to me. God gives each individual all the ability they need to serve with their unique gifts. And sometimes it does seem amazing what one can do for the Lord. The words God gives me when I write to someone certainly astonishes me.

So my heart is happy knowing the words God gives me to send to others does what it is intended to do . . . encourage . . . uplift . . . and point that person to God.

The next time someone tells you, “You’re amazing!” just think of the beautiful bouquet you can give God at the end of the day. Now that’s amazing!

The above snap is my friend, Kathy Kreyling's beautiful garden. The rose in the middle is mine Kathy's snap below is titled "Baby Buns."