Monthly Archives: May 2024

They Don’t Care; They Just Keep on Sipping

22 Wednesday May 2024

Posted by in Encouragement, Through my window

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“Casing all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” I Peter 5:7

The sky has darkened, wind is gusting and rain is falling. Our resident hummingbirds dart in for another of many meals throughout the day. As the wind picks up, one female is left to continue receiving the nectar and eventually a gust tosses her under the covered porch and whips her back out into the crepe myrtle limbs. She disappears a moment, and as I hear her clicking chatter resume she circles the feeder triumphantly, resuming her natural duty – survival.

Neither the gathering clouds, nor rain, nor rumbling thunder gave these tiny troopers pause in their itinerary. I, on the other hand, pretty much close up shop; at least head for the cover of a porch. And if lightening joins the fun, I am done. Inside, checking with Alexa for the latest storm warning, and lighting a candle, I nearly forget any purpose I had for the day. With a fresh cup of hot coffee, I stand at the window and observe the way of nature.

In my observation, I remember the One who created the birds of the air; the One who sent rain over Noah’s ark; the One who calmed the storm. With one breath, one word, one touch of His hand, all creation – even the wind and the waves obey Him. “And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, ‘who can this be, that even the wind and sea obey Him?’ ” (Mark 4:41)

I allow too many clouds to overshadow my joy. This is not good. If I hide from the storms and run from the rain, I miss the beauty of knowing I am already in good hands and receiving the peace this brings. Leaning into the storm, I find the One, Jesus my Savior, who already has command of my life. “For He commands and raises the stormy wind, which lifts up the waves of the sea.” (Psalms 107:25)

Lovely little hummingbird, I learn from you. God provides; I must not fear. “For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” (Psalms 107:9) My survival in this stormy world of chaos, and the darkness that persists in a world who has rejected God’s way, depends on the sustaining nectar of God’s Word. Go ahead storms, toss me around like lady hummingbird, and I will be directed back to His way by the breath of His word.

Happy Mother’s Day 2024

12 Sunday May 2024

Posted by in Reflections

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As many ministers point out, Mother’s Day is not always a joyful occasion for all; thus they speak more important lessons on this day. One reason mentioned why this is not a happy day for all is because of the sadness of having lost Mom. I can think of several more reasons why this is definitely a dismal day for some, but having lost Mama is not one of them. On the contrary, though it may be through a tear or two, I awake praising God for that amazing package of wonderful that He named ‘mother’. After all the milage they give us, they deserve a rest, even an eternal rest, and to be remembered. This blog was originally dedicated to my mother, and today is for her.

Dear Mama, Another Mother’s Day dawned with my feeling of ‘something’s missing’. Little sister beat me to it in wishing each other Happy Mothers Day, and her comment that we had the very best Mama; as well as both of us being blessed to have a son and a daughter also. But I kept that nagging notion on and off that I haven’t done something important – oh yes, calling you, of course! And so, I write.

I do appreciate the lovely site you selected, where we would be able to visit your grave. But Mama, I’m remembering you here – in my heart; in my flowers, grabbing at the weeds as I walk by just as you did. I am visiting with you as I watch the little wren and listen to the busy song he sings. Watching my bluebirds feed their young, I imagine the fun you and I would have together in this backyard where you had tried to imagine how it would someday be.

I miss you. Boy oh boy, do I miss you. But, I still have you; when I look in the mirror; when I pull those stinkin‘ weeds; when I see hot tea served in a restaurant; when someone asks for “just a little bitty bite of that’; when I look upon and enjoy the shade of this amazing maple tree you saved just for me to plant. It’s a real winner and a great deal like you – taller than our other trees; smiling shade to cool the soul; and a ready refuge for birds, and for me. Tall, good for the soul and a comfort to all.

So thank you Mama, for your generous heart and your thoughtful acts of love. Many think theirs is the best, and for them, they are. But for us, you were just what we needed – our best!

I don’t need to wish you happy mothers day because I know you’re happy; and because of you, I am too. You gave us everything we need to thrive and survive, to love and be loved. Enough to last a lifetime, and beyond.

Love, Trisha