A recap of Summer via photographs

I had some time this morning to go through my summer pictures. I have decided to post some highlights here. I hope your summer was a good one. Mine went by quickly. I am ready for Fall and the colors it brings with it. For those new to my blog, I post pictures of nature from time to time. I love photography and enjoy capturing the things our Creator has given us. See you next week!

Summer began with the graduation of our daughters. They are a gift from God that I can't thank Him enough for. They are a miracle. They bring us much joy, much laughter, and much happiness!

A Gift

When you think of gifts you think of presents. They are wrapped in pretty paper or shiny bows. A couple of weeks ago, I received a gift. It didn't come in a box. It didn't come in a bag. It didn't even have a bow. It also didn't come on a holiday or a celebration. It came at 3:30 a.m. Thursday morning. The gift I received was Time...

My day was as your day. I had laundry to do. Lists to make and schedules to keep. I had emails to send, items to purchase and suit cases to pack for a family vacation. We were leaving the following day. I was watching TV with the kids and curled up with my favorite blanket. I was surprised I was so wide awake at 11:00 p.m. I had taken my usual allergy pill a few hours prior and that usually makes me extremely tired for the first 6 to 8 hours. That is why I take it in the evening. We were changing channels and laughing and then the phone rang. We looked at each other because 11:00 p.m. calls are never that good. Mine wasn't. Time froze for me from that moment until the following day. The call was the call I just knew one day I would receive. I had thought what I would do when that call came and I simply wasn't ready. My dad has having chest/heart issues. I watched his father die of the same thing. I remember so well the hospital visit and sitting on the edge of the bed and saying good bye. I knew when I turned the handle on the door, I would never see him again this side of Heaven. I had tears as I left, yet he was suffering and in pain. Now all these years later, it was his son, my dad. My dad. Not someone else's dad. My dad. The man I am so much like. The man you makes me laugh. The man who discusses nature stories with me. The man who discusses politics with me. The man who discusses the bible with me and challenges me. The man who was never going to die and always be in my life.

I got changed and grabbed a water bottle and blanket. I got my keys and kissed my family good bye with a lump in my throat and drove the quiet streets of Lancaster. I was calm and prepared. It was going to be a false alarm and they were going to send him home and regulate everything with meds and we were still going on vacation. I met my sister and her family in the parking lot and was ready to see Dad. She was heading home and I was staying for the night. I took a deep breath and opened the door. Time still seemed frozen as I headed up the elevator. I had flash backs of all my visits with my three month stay all those years ago. I had some concerns, but was on autopilot. I simply wasn't ready for what was coming.

I walked into the room and he looked good. The nurses were caring for him and he even smiled at me. Mom was great. Sitting by his side and helping answer questions. Then the reports started coming in. He was staying. Numbers were not matching last round of tests. Things were calm and steady. They got him hooked up and in his bed. By now it is 3:00 a.m. I was still wide awake. They got a cot for mom. I had the chair in the corner, but thankfully it reclined. My mom was ready for some rest and as she crawled into bed, she realized she hadn't said good night to dad. She hopped back out, walked to his bed and kissed him good night and said "I love you". He did the same. Then in a few minutes, they were both sleeping. Snoring began moments later and that is when my gift came. In the quiet corner of a hospital room I felt its presence. Time. "I am giving you time Sue". I can't say how long, but time is yours right now. Spend it as you wish. My mind drifted back 19 years to the same hospital only one floor up. That same voice whispered, "you are never alone and I will never leave you, but will you trust me? Fully trust me?" I looked out the hospital window and saw the night sky and all the street lights. Just I had all those years ago, night after night. I drifted back to current day and I watched as both my parents slept. One to my right and one to my left.

I realized in that moment the man who taught me so much and loved me so much was laying in a bed for the first time in his life hooked up to life saving meds. I didn't know what the night would bring or how I would ever say good bye. Are we ever ready? I thought about all the things we have done together and all the questions we have discussed. I thought about people who never knew their dads, didn't have a relationship with their dads and then I thought of how my dad loved Jesus and because of that love, taught me about Jesus. I could list so many things and I know this means more to me than anyone else. I also know unless it is you walking it, it really isn't the same. But in that moment I realized I have been given the gift of two loving parents. They have loved each other completely for 50 plus years. The one needs the other as much as the other needs them. I hope our daughters can say the same about my husband and I.

Life doesn't stop because you are in the hospital. The sun started to rise and morning was coming. He was still breathing and still with me. I had not lost him. The tests would show later in the day that he needed double bypass surgery. In the moments I sat in the hospital under the night sky were moments I will never forget. God really does care and he really gives you what you need when you need it. I needed to face the hospital again after all those years and I needed to realize my dad is in his care.

Dad has had his surgery and continues to heal well. We are grateful that surgery was an option and that his future looks great.

I learned something else through all this. God still loves us even if we don't always act the way we should. I felt in a strange way like Peter. I didn't deny Christ these past few weeks, but prior to this, I would have said my faith was strong and that Jesus will get me through life's circumstances. All those items are true. But like Peter who just minutes before told Jesus he would stand beside him and fight for him, how quickly things changed he couldn't stay awake to pray and when solider came he ran. When I got news of my dad's condition, I would like to say, I prayed and was filled with peace and understanding and calmness. But, I immediately became selfish. I wanted my Dad longer. I didn't want to have to say good-bye. I was worried what was going to happen. I found I would let my thoughts wonder, instead of praying for peace. I tried to keep myself busy so I didn't have to face the facts. Where is faith in that? But you know what, God didn't stop loving me because of that, He chose me and knew my weaknesses. He knew when life would throw me curve balls, that my human nature would be to run, to fear, to doubt. As the day of surgery arrived I had such mixed feelings. What if it is worse then they say? What if he has a heart attack on the operating table, what if he has a stroke and can't speak? What if? And then that still small voice whispered again, "Sue, do you trust me? It is a win-win for you today. Either you will see your Dad again or he will see Me face to face". I had peace the rest of the day. God even gave me another gift later that same night. We were told by the nursing staff that Dad would be medicated most of the night and we should all go home and rest. We did just that. I now know a new level of exhaustion. However, at 8:30 p.m. I just had the feeling I needed to call and get an update from his nurse, so I could sleep better. When I called, she put him on the phone! I was able to ask how he was and to tell him I loved him. I was able to hear his voice and know that he hadn't had a stroke and that he remembered things and that his speech was fine. I cried when I hung up the phone, the stress of the week was taking its toll. I then felt such guilt that I was the one who heard his voice, not my siblings, not my mom, but me. Immediately, I heard the words, "Really after all we have been through today, you are going to let guilt have its way with you. I gave you a gift. I left you hear with your own ears that he is fine and will be fine. It is a gift meant for you to enjoy". You see God knew I was mentally drained. I hadn't had a good nights rest in days. I went to bed with a smile on my face and slept for a straight 8 hours. God is Good ALL the time.

My dad is 75. I have no idea how long we will have together, I hope a very long time, but I was faced with the fact, that life has an end, we live life like it doesn't. We plan as if it doesn't, but it does. We attend others funerals, but don't realize some day it will be us or our family. We always assume it will be others. We know this to be true, but we don't live like we believe it. We need to cherish the time we have for as long as we have it. I heard several times while sitting by Dad's bedside, "Code Blue", "Trauma", etc. We are never promised tomorrow. I saw so many people laying in beds with no hope or visitors. My heart was and is still heavy for them.

I have learned that things that were important yesterday aren't so much today. Love your family and don't rush time. Time is a gift. Use it wisely.

~Dad, I know you will read this and I want to say, I am proud to be your daughter. Thanks for being a wonderful husband to mom and showing us kids how a loving marriage looks as well as loving us kids enough to work hard, discipline us, encourage us, teach us about Christ and for always loving us. I love you dad!

A Simple Smile

Sometimes I think we struggle on how to share our love of Jesus. We don't want to draw attention to ourselves. If we are honest we don't want to hear a negative response. We don't want to be rejected. It doesn't matter how many times we are reminded that we aren't the ones being rejected, but Him. Still, I believe we are hesitant and go about our daily lives. We aren't all called to be missionaries. Or wait, are we? Scripture doesn't say, those called to be missionaries, spread the gospel, but we are all to go into the world and spread the good news. So how do we do that when we are called to be parents, employees, employers, etc. Those are callings too. May I suggest a smile.

This past week, I was having a very normal day. I had errands to run and like you, was on a time table. I had one more stop to make and honestly, I was not looking forward to it. I needed new capri pants and sadly if you don't get them now in a few weeks, you won't find them among all the winter clothes. Drives me crazy when you can't find seasonal clothes during the actual season. I am getting sidetracked.  Anyway, I entered the store, tried on several pair, found two that worked. I had to wait longer in line and I decided to just wait it out. It is in those moments that I remember usually God is behind the waiting and so I need to be patient.

I was coming out the door  and I heard him before I saw him. He shouted, "you should try smiling a bit more". I turned to him and actually wasn't sure if this was someone who was bitter at the world or if he truly liked my smile. I didn't even think about what came out of my mouth. My response, "I have much to be smiling about". He then shouted across the parking lot, which at this point people were starting to stare and stop. When you focus on things above instead of down, you can smile. He shared with me that 30 years ago, he and his wife were expecting a child and she lost the baby. He was very angry about that and he said it wasn't until recently that he heard "the Jeremiah guy" (Dr. David Jeremiah) tell him that his son would be in heaven. So, that got him to thinking. He said he can't get enough. He listens to every program he can that the Jeremiah guy speaks on. He also said he had literature in his car if I was interested. I told him I enjoy Dr. David Jeremiah very much as well and I would rather someone who needed it, received it. He then shared he had been waiting for his twin aunts who were shopping in the store. I shared I had twins. I want to keep this short so I will not share all the details of our conversation, but I want to share the end of our time together. I shared about my testimony of our daughters. He smiled from ear to ear. I can't put into words the joy it brings me to see the excitement of Christ on another believers face. He was close to 60 and I am guessing many of those years were not with Jesus. But he now lives with a relationship with him. Sadly, his wife doesn't. Pray for her. I don't know names, but Jesus does. He said again how much the Jeremiah guy means to him and he wishes he could be friends with him or meet him some day. I turned to him and said, but if you have a relationship with Jesus, that makes you and him brothers! He beamed and turned to me and said, I need to give you a hug and kiss on the cheek. I got the biggest bear hug. He was beaming for Jesus! No hesitation. No fear. People still watching, still listening, some even laughing with us because of the joy on our faces. His aunts came out and he shared with them about me and asked me to repeat my story. Then he said to them, I have been preaching in the parking lot while waiting for you.

On my drive home, I realized, Jesus was shared and discussed in a hot, sunny, parking lot. Not a bible in hand, no tracts, no prepared speech. Just one believer with a new believer. The wait in the store was so I wouldn't miss him, as I had going in the store. Is it really that easy? Yes, it is my friend. It all starts with a smile and why we are smiling. People don't want preached at. People want to hear how you have been impacted. They want to see Jesus in you. Jesus works out the details. Jesus gives the words and the appointed time. We just need to trust and show up, even on a busy already full day. You never know what a day could bring. I encourage you to look for interesting ways to share Jesus with others, sometimes you may not need to say a word. I bet 10 people or more watched and paused. We were shouting back and forth for awhile. I don't know what they thought or what our actions caused in them, but they were listening.

One final thought: this time of year we have many things getting ready for harvest. Whether it be crops in the fields or our gardens. As I picked the green beans this week and watched the combine gather the wheat, I was reminded of Christ telling the disciples that the fields were ready but the workers were few. How sad that there could be people ready to hear the gospel, but we the workers are so busy with our personal lives that the harvest can't be done. What if you planted, weeded, watered and prepared your garden and then just watched the fruit and veggies ripen only to drop to the ground because you never gathered them? Is that how it is for God? I want to think he would send other workers, but I don't know that. I don't want to hear that this person isn't in heaven because I was too busy. I want to always be looking for ways to serve Him and do the part he had for me. Remember, my part isn't your part and vice versa. Pray throughout the day asking the Holy Spirit to guide you. Some days are quiet and other days you can feel His leading. Keep asking and being willing.

The harvest is ready. Are you a worker or a slacker?

A Packet of Seeds

A few months ago, we were dealing with freezing temperatures and snow, snow, snow. The wind would whip right through you and we needed to wear layers. On one of the cold March winter days, my husband and I went shopping for our garden supplies. We knew spring would be coming and we had the day to spend together running errands. While in the store we saw many, many goodies to be had. Seeds of sweet corn, green beans, onions, peas, lima beans, potatoes, etc. It helped to think of things warmer as the snow piled up outside. As we approached the register to pay, a packet of seeds caught my eye. They weren't on my list and honestly I don't know what made me see them. A packet of "mixed wildflowers" it said on the outside. Both he and I looked at each other and decided it was a packet of weeds. But then, he said to me " you know, you could try them and if they are weeds we can just spray them with Roundup and start something else later". I thought about it for awhile and thought what was the harm? So, we left that day with arms full of goodies.

The weather changed and the garden was plowed, the seeds for veggies were planted. The potatoes were starting to pop from under the dirt and the onions were in nice neat rows. The sweet corn was coming up and we had to make sure the rabbits and groundhogs didn't eat it before it had a chance to grow! When I went to get the green bean seeds from the closet shelf I saw our packet of weeds, oh, I mean wildflowers. Oh no! I had forgotten to plant them. I asked Bob to till up the soil in a sunny location and thought I would just see what happens. I was later than the directions said and Maggie thought the fresh dirt and moist soil was something she could and should play in. I sprinkled the seeds on top and lightly hoed a bit of dirt over top and walked away.

Imagine my surprise when a few quick short weeks later, tall blades of green were taking over the mud bed. I still thought they sure look like weeds. Bob wasn't too sure either that flowers were coming, but we decided to wait it out.

Today I took pictures.

 

 



As you can see, they are not weeds. They are beautiful wildflowers! Just as the packet said they would be. I smile as I walk past them and I even had our daughters come look at them.

Where is all this going? If you have read my posts in the past, you know God is in this post. As I thought back over the process, we are like those seeds. We may at first glance not look like much. We may compare ourselves to others and think we have nothing to offer. We think we aren't able to speak like he does. We aren't able to play an instrument. We aren't able to write beautiful songs, poems or messages. We aren't wealthy like they are, so we can't begin to do the things "they" do. The world looks at us and we at them and we all look the same, like the seeds.

But you see, God doesn't see plain simple seeds. He sees the beautiful creation you will be. He plants us in a garden that needs us. He plants us in a place that needs the special qualities only we can perform. I couldn't play a single note of anything to save my life. But I can teach, I can study His Word and share it. I can't financially buy everything the church needs, but I can give each week and that all adds up to something the church can use.

If you look closely at the pictures, go ahead scroll up and look, I will wait...there are many types of flowers. They aren't all the same plants. Some are taller, some are more colorful, some are short and are barely taller than the grass. There are also bees, bugs and even a grasshopper living life to the fullest because of those flowers. If we all had the same gifts and talents, it would get boring. If I could play an instrument, would I enjoy the music as much as I do at church, or would I be listening so carefully to see if they played it correctly. I don't listen for the missed note, I listen for the beauty of it.

I believe that when God looks at His garden He sees the beautiful flowers we will become. He needs to pull some weeds every now and then, you know those bad habits we have and the sins we need to confess, and then He sends just enough rain (showers of blessings) and sun(His Son) to help us grow. We grow as long as we have breath. My flowers will die soon, but the flowers in His garden (you and I) will all live different lengths of time on earth, but we all have to face the question of eternity. He placed you in a garden here to flourish with His help, but you get to decide where you will spend eternity. Will it be Heaven or Hell. That is our only two choices. By not picking one, you pick the other.

As the saying goes...Bloom where you have been planted. Unlike me who almost forgot and then just sprinkled them on the ground and walked away more sure they wouldn't survive than survive, you have been placed exactly where you should be. With the Holy Spirit's help and guidance, you can bloom just where you are, or maybe it is time for you to be transplanted to another part of the Master's giant garden. If so, hold on tightly to His hand and look for His leading as you get used to your new surroundings. If He moved you, it was for His purpose.

Lilies of the Field

Many of you have told me you love my pictures. While I am taking a break from my weekly posting, I did come across some pictures I took while at Longwood Garden's a few years ago. Today, while it is pouring rain, I was reminded of the waterlilies that I love to photograph if I go during summer or fall. They are gorgeous and the detail in each one can't be captured on film. Let the words of Matthew give you encouragement and peace this week, as well as, the pictures of His creation. Many of you are going through big issues right now. Sometimes we forget just how much we are loved, cared for and planned for. God has this. He knew it was coming and He is preparing you and helping you through it.

Matthew 6:28-30 NLT - "Any why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?"

 

 

God sees that the wildflowers have everything they need. Today, He is sending rain for them to have plenty to drink while the months of hazy and hot summer days are around the corner. He will send the sunshine so they don't drown in too much water. While some of my pictures are of waterlilies that live in constant water, they also need the right things in order for them to thrive and He will see to it.

 

Are we not much more precious to Him then flowers? How do we know you ask? He sent His Son to save us. So, while I know that there are things that frustrate us, worry us, scare us, consume our thoughts, He has a plan and a purpose for it or it would not be happening. He is not a time waster. He cares more about your character than your happiness. So, maybe the situation you are in isn't fun, it just may be building character. Have a blessed week!

A Reminder Midnight Gave Me

Farm life. I used to think everyone had the experiences I had growing up until I started having friends over and saw the pure joy on their face at all the things a farm has to offer. Sadly, not all people get to experience this. I have learned many lessons growing up on a farm and I while I still live on a farm, we don't have near the livestock or responsibilities that farmers have. We are crop farmers and have a few cats, a few chickens, plus one dog and four fish.

God often sends me reminders through songs, nature and the many creatures He has blessed me with. I could write of the many lessons farm life brings but that would be too long of a post. I learned early on in life that not every animal will survive and I learned that just because it is cute and sweet doesn't mean you can keep it forever. I learned that the cute beef calves that came were not my most recent "pet". They would be butchered and no you can't name them....I still like myself a good steak or a roast chicken. Life goes on. But every now and then there are times it is pure joy to have a sweet furry animal at your side. I have found that I love taking care of animals and love the response they give in return. I feel like we have communicated well when they let me hold them or scratch their chin. I love when they greet me and seem to say "thank you" when I turn to leave. This week I had two of those experiences. I may be going out on a limb for a few of you that don't necessarily love animals or have a connection to them. Please stay with me till the end or we will see you next week, the choice is yours.

I have written in the past about the cat my daughter had to twist my arm to keep. She was a runaway or drop off, I suspect drop off. She was pregnant and scared. She trusted no one and we called her Patches. Her first litter she blessed us with Snoopy. I have written about him as well. He and Maggie were buddies until she grew to be 70+ lbs. At the end of Fall she had another litter but I never found them. I assumed nature took care of things. However, one day to my surprise, there she sat. She was the cutest little thing I had seen and I knew we needed to keep her. I try to find homes for them. This one I wanted. She was "wild" to say the least. She had not been around people before and I was not what she expected when the door opened to the hen house. I later found one more up in the barn but I rarely see him. I called her Midnight. She was black with orange flecks of color all over. She reminds me of the dark black midnight sky and the orange flecks are the stars. She never wants held and she runs when she sees me. She comes to the food dish every now and then, but really she is gone most of the time. I kind of forget about her actually. Snoopy and Patches are the friendly ones. So, a few weeks ago, I noticed she had kittens. These would never be found. She was thinner that is how I knew she had them. Except, unlike her mom, Patches, she was always around. Laying in the grass in  the meadow. Sitting up on the barn rafters. Chasing after Snoopy. Sitting in the old corn fields. Not with kittens like a mom should be. I had decided she must have not been smart enough to take care of them. She carried on with life like usual. Days turned into weeks and I still assumed the kittens died. Until one sunny afternoon this week, I heard it before I saw it. The screaming was heart wrenching. I ran to see what was wrong. There it was. Black and white with whiskers just like his mom. White on the one side and black on the other. He was trying to get into the barn door that was closed. She was pacing inside. She growled at me and hissed. I tried to help. Things went from bad to worse. Next I saw three more trying to find her. She was panicked. I put some food in a dish and tried to help, but clearly that was not what she wanted. So, I left her alone. Days went by and no more kittens. Until yesterday. Laying by the food dish was a precious little lifeless body of a kitten that looked just like her. It had died. It was smaller than the rest and I am guessing it was a runt. I don't know if she put it there or what happened. I do know that she knew I was sure to find it there. I removed it and took care of it as she carefully watched from the side door. Today, I went out to feed my chickens and guess who is stretched out on the floor happy as can be with four of the fattest, cutest, kittens?! Yep, the others had survived. She was doing just fine. She looked at me as if to say, "Thought I couldn't do it..."

If you have been following me long, you know that I am about to attach a lesson God has reminded me of with His creation. You see, I fully believe He leaves fingerprints for us to follow to build our trust, to encourage us, to remind us He is real and that He wants relationship with us. As I watched her clean them and take care of them, I was reminded that I am not to judge others. I judged Midnight. I chalked her up as a young inexperienced cat. I assumed because she was always playing and sleeping outside that she had left the kittens die. I assumed she was a terrible mother. However, she was busy raising 5 kittens. Four of the five were healthy and ready to enjoy life. We may have a home already for a few, but a few are still available if you know of anyone wanting a cat. Here is the lesson I felt reminded of. I judge people the same way. I assume because I don't see them praying, giving in the offering, volunteering, etc, that they must not love Jesus like I do. They must not feel compelled to serve like I think they should be doing. During a recent service people were standing and singing. Some had hands raised in praise. Some just sat in their seats. I thought how can you just sit there when He is right here! I judged them. Some people may be lazy, some may not be doing what they are called to do. That is true. But who am I to say that others are not doing what God has called them to do. Maybe they are the best prayer warriors. Maybe they spent their day visiting the sick. Maybe they drive people to appointments. I need to worry about what I am to be doing and not why or why not certain people don't seem to be serving. Midnight had to be taking good care of these kittens. They are plump little guys. I will try and get pictures of them. They are still quite shy.

I want to remind you as I was reminded. I don't know what others lives are like and so the few minutes I see them in a day or week doesn't cover it. That is between God and them. Not me. Am I doing all that I am suppose to be doing. Am I doing it for others or for God. Some things we are called to do is done behind the scenes and only God sees. Do we will still do them? Midnight took care of her kittens when no one was watching.

Enjoy the pictures. I wish I had more. I also want to close by saying the next few months will be very busy at our home and I may not post every week. I am not stopping, but know that a week may pass or they will not be posted at usual times. You are all on my mind and I love that God has given me this blog. I don't ever want to rush things. So, in His time I will post. Thanks for reading!

Updated picture of Snoopy. He is still doing well and loving life!

Midnight

Midnight up close. I am glad I have a zoom on my lens. Notice white whiskers on the left and black on her right. Her son has the exact same whiskers!

Just for fun. The chicks are really growing! They are five weeks old already. Will not lay eggs till July or August.

One final story and since it may be a couple weeks why not two in one week.  I have 29 chicks. I treat them all the same. I give them fresh water, fresh food and clean shavings. I hold them a bit just so they get used to me and don't peck me when they grow up and are in the nesting boxes. Anyway, out of the 29 chicks only one will come to me. She usually runs up to my feet when I open the door and she runs after me when I turn to leave. What does she want? She wants me to hold her. She chirps and looks so relaxed when I hold her. Sometimes I just sit on a crate in the pen and let her rest for awhile. She really is sweet. I hope she stays that way. I share this story because once again Creation reminds me of Him. There is a story in the New Testament of Jesus healing some lepers-Luke 17:11-19. Jesus heals 10 but only one came back to say thank you. The others went quickly on their way. They had all been treated the same. They were all healed. Life would be possible for all of them, but only one came back. Are you the one that comes back and thanks Him each day for all the many blessings he has given you? Food to eat, house to live in, friends, family, eternal life, grace, mercy, etc. Are you the one that takes the time to just sit at his feet and enjoy the moment, neither one saying anything just enjoying His presence? Or are you one of the other nine? Do you have people to see, places to go, things to watch? She reminds me each day that I need to spend time with Him. I do not name my chickens. However, she was given a name today. I call her Rosie. Nosey Rosie. Yet, I am so glad she is nosey, she makes me smile. And you know what? When you spend time with Him, you make Him smile too. I got a quick picture of Rosie today. I wish it has around fresh shavings and a clearer picture but she kept coming closer to the lens, she is nosey and she is a chicken.