Trudy

Hope Breathers and New “About” Page

Why “Freed to Fly?”

Sometimes readers wonder what the name “Freed to Fly” signifies. I have changed the “About” page to explain the reason and purpose of this blog. I hope you check it out. 🙂

Hope Quotes

🦋 “Don’t equate how you feel today with your worth, your usefulness, your attractiveness or your future fruit-bearing potential.” ~ Lois Flowers

🦋 “Imagine taking a precious vase and using it as a hammer. That’s not what it’s meant for, and it will shatter that beautiful creation. Sometimes, despite our efforts to protect that vase, it can be shattered by someone else’s selfish actions. Now imagine God, who created that vase in the first place, gently picking up the shattered pieces. There is no condemnation in His eyes, only sadness for the brokenness. You think maybe He is going to throw away those broken pieces because they are not useful to Him anymore.

But then, to your surprise, He lovingly handles each broken piece — sorting, cleaning, straightening. You see tears in His eyes for the brokenness, but so much love that it squeezes your heart and you weep. As He touches each piece, it is transformed into something astonishingly beautiful.” ~ Broken and Beautiful

“O Lord, how many and varied are Your works!
In wisdom You have made them all;
The earth is full of Your riches and Your creatures.”
Psalm 104:24 AMP

Nature Retreat

Thanks again to my brother John
for sharing such awesome photos!

Sunset in Green Valley, AZ
Western Banded Gecko
Rock Squirrel
A female water bug laid these eggs on the back of this male.
Green Heron
Barn Owl

28 comments

    • There is such a need for respite in these days of this messy world, right, Mary? It can be so exhausting. We so need soul rest in Jesus. May we lean into Him with all of our unrest and trust Him for the uncertain future!

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  2. I love your new “About” description, Trudy! All true and worthy of praise, just as God is.
    Your brother’s photos always boost my spirits, too. God can always be seen in this world He created when we take a moment to look.
    God bless you, my friend!

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  3. You had me right at the top with that stunning image … God Is Love, the Dove of Peace, the Holy Spirit, the Scripture. What a wonderful takeaway for me this evening, friend. Thanks for blessing me yet again.

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    • I’m so glad you were blessed, Linda. It’s such a comforting promise, isn’t it? A hope that never disappoints. May the Holy Spirit keep pouring God’s gracious love into our hearts and strengthen us for each day!

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  4. Once again, thank you dear Trudy for sharing these moments of beauty with us! It’s been such a hard summer for lots of us. Even the smoke reached to us and bothered my daughter’s asthma too! But oh! Your photographs from your brother and your precious quotes help us to lift our heads and look to our great Father! He still holds us in the palm of His hands. I will always remember your precious post about that! Love and hugs to you dear sister! ❤️🤗

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    • I’m so sorry your daughter deals with asthma, Bettie. That smoke that drifted down affected so many. I can’t imagine how hard it must have been for those living near it. I’m so grateful you found encouragement here to look to our great Father! Yes, He still holds us in the palm of His hands no matter what befalls us! May we rest trustingly in Him!

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    • Thank you for your kind words, Donna. I’m so glad you were inspired and encouraged here today. May God further strengthen you through the losses in your life!

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  7. Your new about page is interesting, Trudy. I have loved butterflies since I was a little girl and often kept butterfly stickers on the walls of my many rooms growing up. When my dear, sweet mom had a near-death experience just three days before she actually died, she saw butterflies. After she died, I had a very significant visit from a special butterfly, and I think of Mom each time I see one. They will forever be very special to me, and the process of how they come into existence is so amazing. God bless you today.

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    • Oh Cheryl, I love how God sent you and your mom butterflies to comfort you. Butterflies are so special to me, too. When I see a butterfly, I feel God whispering to my heart, “I am with you, My Child.” His timing and grace are amazing, aren’t they? And the process of transformation teaches us so much. God bless you, too! May we cling to our only HOPE in life and in death!

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    • I’m glad you enjoyed the photos, Jeanne. And that quote really touched my heart, too! Yes, “such a beautiful, tender picture of God’s love for us.” May we rest in Him and trust He’s got us always! Blessings and hugs to you, too!

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    • It’s so comforting how God can transform the broken into beautiful, isn’t it? Thank you, Laura, for stopping by! 🙂 May His faithful love fill our hearts and strengthen us for this journey on earth!

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  10. I love your “about” page and–of course–your brother’s photos. The one with the female water bug is so interesting! It was a sweet surprise to see my little quote up there … thanks for sharing it. So glad we got to see you and Len last month. Love and hugs to you both.

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    • Thank you, Lois. Also for all your encouragement! It was your quote, your thoughtful visit and “freed to fly” gift, and kind encouragement that God used to revive my heart to keep going with this blog, even if it was only an occasional post. I was beginning to feel that maybe my usefulness at my blog was finished since my life is in a different season. I thank my God for you, my dear friend! May our hearts be freed to fly to Him and for Him and His honor!

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  11. The photo of the sunset is stunning! As always I love the collection of photos and words of encouragement you’ve collected, Trudy. The illustration of the broken vase stood out to me too.

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    • Yes, my brother captured a stunning sunset. I’m glad the photos and quotes here encourage you, Lesley. When I read the one about the broken vase, I couldn’t help thinking of your Kintsugi series. It still leaves warm encouragement in my heart. May we lean into Him who has the power to turn our brokenness into beauty!

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  13. I love the photos Trudy, and your words! Yes, God places all our broken pieces together into a design that shows His love, compassion, and grace.

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    • Thank you, Lynn. I love how you word this – “God places all our broken pieces together into a design that shows His love, compassion, and grace.” Amen! May we see ourselves through His eyes as His unique and beautiful design!

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