“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10
Be Encouraged!
There’s something special about first light or last light. A chance to contemplate or consider our expectations for a new day, or reflect on what the passing day had to offer or reveal. This winter scene looks fascinating from any angle, but thanks to Appalachian Media, we can enjoy God’s handiwork from the air!
The northern groundhog named Phil predicted 6 more weeks of winter upon emerging from his burrow last Thursday. A local southern groundhog named Sam predicted an early spring on the same day. I could be confused by this contradiction, but I suppose it only means a longer winter for Pennsylvania and an early spring for Alabama. This Japanese quince has bloomed since late January so maybe Sam has it right?
An interesting note: This quince was once tended and cared for by Pam’s aunt and uncle, as was all of their yard, flowers, and plants. Her aunt and uncle have been gone for quite some time and no one has stepped up to maintain what they so carefully nurtured. But, it seems their influence remains as this plant blooms year after year. Good thought!
This could be supportive evidence for our local groundhog’s prediction. As I examined the blooms closely, I was surprised to find a bee, of all things, in early February. I had also forgotten about the thorns that are found on this variety of Japanese quince!
I couldn’t help but stop and get a pic of this little daffodil because of its location and age…yes age. This small cluster of flowers pops up every year, usually in February, which is of no particular significance. But, this plant stands alone in the edge of a wide open pasture and there isn’t another plant anywhere near. I mentioned age; we believe this little yellow early bloomer has greeted us every year for at least 40 years. We can never remember not seeing it in late winter.
From I Corinthians: Chapter 13…a chapter about love…an early Valentine wish!
EK will turn 4 next month and she is already excited about it. I find myself in no rush these days when it comes to birthdays!
The eagle that soared over the house a few days ago brought back memories of many previous enjoyable encounters. A throwback to 2012, as this bird was seen fishing on the river near our home. It had the same success with this attempt as I usually do when I go fishing…nothing caught!
On a recent drive in the countryside, we took note of one stretch of county road that seemed to have an abundance of unique (perhaps unusual is a better description) yard decor. All were within a few miles of each other. Maybe there is something in their water in this neighborhood?
Is this recycling in one of its finest forms?
People spend hundreds of hours in the gym working out to develop abs like this guy. I would say he is very solid!
I expect to encounter all kinds of wildlife when I am hiking or just roaming outdoors. There’s an occasional surprise, but so far I’ve not met up with a T-Rex. PJ doesn’t want one of these in the garden…but honestly, there was a lot of hard work and creativity to come up with this, and it is big, seemed life-size to me!
Most of last week was quite gloomy. This is a color photo which gives you some idea of our recent weather. I thought these large, black, eerie looking birds fit perfect with the scene. I believe these are cormorants. When they roost or nest in colonies like this, it is very detrimental to the trees and vegetation below. Their droppings are very acidic and will kill the trees and plants.
I found myself complaining about a cloudy, rainy week, therefore I thought it only fair to brag on how beautiful it was yesterday. Not too cold either. And again, a pic from an elevated viewpoint gives a different perspective!
Most of the time all I see is a white flag as a deer quickly disappears…but on some occasions one takes to the spotlight and provides a pose!
As the sun slowly sinks in the west, there is, at times, an overwhelming few moments before darkness arrives!
Have a pleasant and peaceful week!
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch,Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
Those amazing red skies…how can one not believe in the Almighty upon seeing that? I love to drive past old farms too, long gone yet the daffodils and even hydrangeas survive. That yard art really was spectacular! Was the ostrich real?!? Butch, I took your advice on our one sunny day and pulled honeysuckle for about 3 hours! It was a start, more to go, and thankfully no snakes!
Amen, Roxanne! Were you sore after pulling on the honeysuckle? Wishing you a wonderful week.
Pam
The sunrise and sunset shots are magnificent! That deer shot is really up close and an unusual get indeed. We had a 3 day ice storm last week, but were blessed in that we only lost power twice for several hours each time. I say that to note that our weather looked gray like your color pic for those 3 days. I can’t believe EK is going to be 4. She’s a cutie pie. The quince is beautiful. Our forsythia is trying to bloom. The daffodils are so pretty and it’s amazing that the bulbs last forever it seems. We have some that are that old as well. Enjoy your Sunday. Clara ❤️
Clara, I know you all were glad your power wasn’t out longer. We have bulbs coming up in our cottage garden! Enjoy your week.
Pam
Ahhh, the quince is so beautiful. I love it, and the lone daffodil, too. Happy birthday to Miss EK. It’s been a privilege having a view into your family’s milestones. Have a great week.
Thank you, Rita. Wishing you a lovely week!
Pam
Oh my goodness, that first shot is breathtaking. The whole of today’s sharing is joy -giving and spiritually insightful. A blessed Birthday EK..enjoy that special Birthday cake awaiting you. It is provocative to contemplate the message of the
quince and the daffodil ,, unattended, yet bursting forth almost out of season..
the spirit of the sowers; ever living. So enjoyed those roadside characters, but
best of all was the courageous deer almost insisting you take note of him/her.
Thank you Butch and Pam for this moving Sabbath homily.
Thank you, Mary. I hope you are thawing out. Have a joy-filled week!
Pam
Stunning post. Thank you for your encouragement. Hugs and blessings
Thank you, sweet friend!
Pam
I love it when you have beautiful sunrises and sunsets, just make you feel like God is sending you a message.
Now I must go check my Japanese Quince, to see if there are any buds. The hummingbirds just love it, when it bloom’s.
Nonie
Thank you, Nonie! Wishing you a joy-filled week!
Pam
Absolutely beautiful photos especially the skies,When I see a sunrise I am so eager to see what the day holds for me, when the sun sets, I am ready for a rest so as to begin again. Thank you for sharing.
Sue
Thanks so much, Sue for your sweet comments!
Pam
That opening picture of the sky view of the sunset and reflection down below was spectacular! What a painting God bestowed before your eyes. And the Quince… kind of matched the sunsets in color.
EK is going to have a birthday… she is looking mighty proud. What a sweetheart.
It’s always so nice to go on a Sunday Stroll with you.
Thank you and Happy Sunday!
Thanks so much, Nancy. Wishing you a lovely week!
Pam
Beauty – and wow! That Dinosaur!!!
Thank you and the dinosaur was huge!
Pam
I love flowering quince. It brightens up the usual dreary February.
Happy Birthday to EK. Yes, the birthdays seem to come quickly.
Fabulous sunset and drone shot.
Have a great week!
Thanks so much, Bonnie!
Pam
The photos of the sunrise and sunset are breathtaking! Miss EK looks so pretty. I can’t believe how fast she is growing up. Wishing you both a wonderful week ahead!
I can’t believe how much EK has grown up! No baby she anymore! She’s adorable!
They grow up too fast! Thank you, Jeanie!
There was certainly some interesting yard work – not sure I’d want it in my yard but can appreciate the work that must have gone into these creations. Beautiful sunrise and sunset pictures – that opening one is just spectacular! How nice to have a lone daffodil blooming in early February and the deer shot is amazing. Happy 4th to precious EK and hope you two have a wonderful week!
As always, thank you for your sweet comments, Kim!
Such lovely photos, as always! Isaiah 41:10 has long been my favorite verse since the Lord gave it to me at the age of 14. I am so thankful for His Word and His faithfulness to keep His every promise. May He continually bless you all.
Amen and Amen, Cheryl!
These were some beautiful pictures to see. Thank you for sharing such inspirational reminders. You did a beautiful job displaying God’s wonderous works in this post!
Thanks so much!