“No, in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that not even death or life, angels or rulers, things present or things to come, hostile powers, height or depth or any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!”
Romans 8:37-39
Nature is a Retreat of Hope
“All my life through the new sights of nature made me rejoice like a child.” Marie Curie
Thank you to my brother John for these stunning photos. 🙂 Please respect copyright laws. 🙂
“He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater, He sendeth more strength when the labors increase; To added afflictions He addeth His mercy, To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance, When our strength has failed ere the day is half done, When we reach the end of our hoarded resources Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision, Our God ever yearns His resources to share; Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing; The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.
His love has no limits, His grace has no measure, His power no boundary known unto men; For out of His infinite riches in Jesus He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.”
Joy Lenton offers a free gift, an ebook to help us rise up to face life’s challenges:
“This book is for you if you’re feeling drained, depleted or discouraged. And for all who need a supportive word or inspiring thought to help bring hope and encouragement back to their heart. These words will remind you that you are more courageous than you realise, you are not alone in your struggles, and you’re stronger than you know.”
I love this mural at the Empire Mall in Sioux Falls. Created by THE KIND WAY
“Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.” Albert Schweitzer
Nature is a Retreat of Hope
“Any glimpse into the life
of an animal quickens our own
and makes it so much the larger
and better in every way.” John Muir
Thank you to my brother John
for these stunning photos.
🙂 Also for the interesting facts. 🙂
(Please respect copyright laws.)
The American Dipper can walk on the bottom of streams or dive for insects, etc.
Notice the American Dipper’s white eyelids? It is equipped with a third eyelid membrane for underwater, but the upper eyelid is covered with white feathers visible when it blinks.
“Who goes there?” wonders the coyote.
He is barking at my brother because his den or a kill must be nearby.
This juvenile Northern Jacana showed up near where my brother lives. It is only spotted in Arizona about once every 10 years. It usually lives in Mexico and central America. I hope he finds his way back home!
The Northern Jacana has the largest feet of any bird in proportion to its body size. It is sometimes called “The Jesus Bird” because it appears to walk on water when walking on lily pads and other floating vegetation.
Isn’t it beautiful how the yellow shows up when he’s flying? Another interesting fact is that the male builds the nest and incubates the eggs.
I’ve been trying to put less pressure on myself to post every week. So since my husband is taking some time off work, I want to free up some of my time. I hope to be back on either the 13th or 20th of October. One step at a time, right? 🙂
It’s always interesting to see what neighbors put up in the hallway between our separate condos, either hanging from their doors or on a small table beside their doors. This is one of my favorites so far this year. 🙂
Yes, kindness matters. I recently read that when a great author, Leo Tolstoy, met a homeless man, he reached into his pocket to give him some money. But his pocket was empty. He said, “I’m sorry, my brother, but I have nothing to give.” The beggar replied, “You have given me more than I asked for – you have called me brother.” (Grace For the Moment by Max Lucado)
“Too often we underestimate
the power of a touch, a smile,
a kind word, a listening ear,
an honest compliment,
or the smallest act of caring,
all of which have the potential
to turn a life around.” Leo Buscaglia
Who We Are
In Christ
Jesus Is a Faithful Friend
Who Can and Will
Carry Us Through
Footprints In the Sand
by Leona Lewis
“I heard you say I promise you I’m always there When your heart is filled with sorrow And despair
And I’ll carry you When you need a friend You’ll find my footprints in the sand”
Nature is a Retreat of Hope
“There are moments
when all anxiety and stated toil
are becalmed in the infinite
leisure and repose of nature.” Henry David Thoreau
Thank you to my brother, John, in Arizona for the photos of Coues deer and javelinas and to our son, Glen, for the Florida sunset while vacationing with his family. (🙂 Please respect copyright laws. 🙂)
Thank you to all of you who share beautiful nature photos on your blog posts. They always breathe hope into my spirit. 🙂
