June Caedmon's Blog, page 53

Inspired by . . . personality

I think everyone would agree that dogs and cats have personality. But that camp divides strongly when you start talking about other animals, like fish, for instance. Until you’ve owned an aquarium and experienced different kinds fish you’re unlikely to believe they have much personality at all.

Keep on swimming, keep on swimming, keep on swimming . . . but I digress.

Point being, the longer you spend with any creature, observing them, interacting with them, etc. the more likely you are to start seeing, and even begin understanding their personality.

I mentioned in a post last week that I had seen two new-to-me birds recently. I shared number one with you already. I think you’ll agree that number two is Mr. Personality!

The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Isn’t he adorable?

I thought wrens were quick. This little guy is in constant motion! I had so much fun chasing this little guy with my camera. Trust me, he displays some serious cuteness!

As he moves through the outer foliage, he flicks his tail back and forth scaring up insects which he then chases, captures and eats. Pairs use spider webs and lichen to build their nests. Sounds like a fairy house! Wouldn’t it be neat to find one!

These energetic little birds are wide-spread, but not abundant. I encourage you to check out the range map at allaboutbirds.org to see if they might be seen in your area. Since they often incorporate snippets of other bird’s songs into their own, they’ve been nicknamed the “Little Mockingbird.” All-in-all a delightful little bird to add to my list!

Now I have a favor to ask. I spotted another new-to-me bird just this morning and can’t make a positive id. The photos aren’t the best, as I was just trying to get enough to id the bird. I think it may be a Grasshopper Sparrow, maybe a juvenile, but I’m not sure. Can you help? Keep in mind I’m in south Texas and a lot of birds are migrating through this time of year.

Even though it might not feel much like it in Texas, there is a sense that the seasons are changing.

Critter behavior is a clear sign of change.

We’d do well to watch and listen.

Blessings,

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Published on September 23, 2015 06:53

Inspired by . . . ten minutes of breathless

I had just finished saying goodbye to my sweet man, when I turned back toward the cottage and there he was . . .

. . . dancing from bud to blossom. A bit of sunshine, laced with night. His tail dipped in sky and scarlet.

My camera might as well have been on the moon for all the good it was doing inside the cottage.

I knew this fairy-like creature to be fickle. Any movement in his direction would likely mean loss.

I stood for a moment, mesmerized and thankful, before deciding I had to try!

It was still there when I reached the door and slipped inside. Camera now in hand, I peaked outside, disappointment at the ready.

Delight!

Planting that butterfly weed was one of the best decisions I’ve made all year!

I spent the next ten minutes standing on my porch, motionless except for my trigger finger, in a state of pure JOY, as he danced with the hummingbirds {he is bigger than a hummingbird!!} and drank from my flowers.

Giant Swallowtail

Have you ever watched a butterfly dance with a hummingbird?

What are you seeing through your lens this week?

Have a wonder-filled day,

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Published on September 22, 2015 12:12

Inspired by . . . who should bury the dead

To another He said, "Follow me." But he said, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father."

And Jesus said to him, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead.

But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Luke 9:59-60

A hard teaching, is it not?

The words come to me as I stand crying over a batch of homemade brownies. I’m not crying over the brownies. Dad’s wooden spoon, worn to a silky sheen in spots from years of use, rests in my right hand. I forgot to shell the pecans . . . again. Dad always shelled the pecans for me.

***

Let us not think of Jesus as being harsh or disrespectful here. Scripture clearly teaches we are to honor our father and mother and be devoted at home. One of Jesus’ last acts before He died was to take care of His mother. {see John 19:25-27}

Jesus is reminding us of our human tendency to put worldly things first. not if, but when God calls us to something, we should take care that we do not allow the affairs of this world to entangle us and so prevent us from obeying His call.

No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits,

since his aim is to please the One who enlisted him. 2Ti 2:4

There are some who care more for the dead than they do for the living. Grief and regret can be dangerous bedfellows.

While I don’t think I am guilty of this with respect to my grief and my dad’s memory, I would be foolish not to examine all areas of my life in the revealing light of these scriptures.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching,

for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2Ti 3:16-17

***

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword,

piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow,

and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Heb 4:12

Yes, there is some piercing here. His breath, breathed out over my soul reveals places that have not been surrendered to Him. Is this not so with all of us?

Jesus says, “Follow Me.” and there are times I still say, “But, Lord.” instead of “Yes, Lord.”

But then He turns to get into the boat {Matt 8:23} and all my excuses turn to dust at the prospect of His departure.

You see, God’s will and word will be accomplished whether or not I obey. Jesus doesn’t need us to accomplish His will. He chooses us, invites us, to be a part of His story. He delights in blessing others through us and blessing us through others.

Because of His gift of free will we can choose to obey Him when He calls . . . or not.

As it is said, "Today, if you hear his voice,

do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion." Heb 3:15

So today, when He calls, which will we choose?

To bury the dead, or get in the boat?

Blessings,

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Published on September 21, 2015 07:42

Inspired by . . . travelers by air

So far the Fall 2015 migration has been an exciting event around here! There has been so much going on, it’s a wonder I can keep myself inside and away from the windows!

Okay, well, maybe I can’t . . .

If you follow me on Instagram {please do!} you will know that the ruby-throated hummingbirds have arrived in force . . . literally! They blew in with the rainstorm we had last Thursday and, to my delight, have decided to stay around for a few days! I can’t seem to stop taking pictures of them, an intervention may be in order . . . .

I’ll share just one photo with you today, because as much as I love my hummers they are not the most exciting occurrence in my yard this week.

In fact, I saw two new to me birds this week. One is common to Texas, but not abundant, and now that I know what to look for I’m sure I’ll be seeing his cuteness again, and the other is a migratory traveler.

It’s the traveler whom I’m going to share with you today.

I “just happened” to look up from my work and noticed two yellowish/orange-ish, medium-size birds at the birdbath. Larger than my beloved finches, at first I thought they were the Kingbirds that I shared about previously. Sneaking down the stairs, I grabbed my camera and zoomed in on them through the window. Definitely not Kingbirds.

I really had no idea what they were, so proceeded to take pictures with the thought of identifying them later, when suddenly . . .

“Hello, handsome!”

I nearly dropped the camera! I can’t tell you how long I’ve wished to see a Baltimore Oriole, in real life!

They come through Texas only twice a year during the spring and fall migration. From everything I’ve read, if you can get some jelly or oranges out BEFORE they fly through, you have a CHANCE of one visiting your backyard. In the past I’ve always put my sweets out too late. And this year, I never even put them out at all!

This visit, I think, is a blessing of the drought.

I know one thing for sure . . .

. . . it was a blessing!

What are you seeing through your lens this week?

Have a wonder-filled day,

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P52 Sweet Shot Tuesday with Kent Weakley

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Published on September 15, 2015 16:33

Inspired by . . . a desolate place

The grasses crunch beneath my feet, dry and brittle. The sound reminds me of dry snow, but this air isn’t crisp and cold. Summer is no longer baking . . . it’s burning. The high heat index means the air I’m breathing wants to suffocate, rather than invigorate. I’m already weary, and fighting the oppressive air as I make the short trek across the field to my special place brings tears to my eyes.

“Lord, I’m so tired.”

The little fawn that comes to drink from my birdbath every afternoon was killed by the neighbors dog last night.

It was the first thing I saw when I looked out my kitchen window this morning.

It reminded me of a child laying face down on a beach on the other side of the world.

No, it’s not a just comparison. The boy’s life is infinitely more valuable. Don’t doubt that for a second, no matter what anyone tries to tell you.

But that sweet fawn was just the beginning of a day filled with things that broke my heart. The faces of children, of women and men. Hope-less, angry, dead. Whether in this country or in countries around the world. The places don’t matter.

I enter the shade of the trees, welcoming the relief. Giant metal stairs yawn before me.

“Lord, I’m weary of all the hate.”

The stairs creak and sway as I make my way upward, into the trees. There is a peacefulness here, despite the wind that always seems to be blowing. I’m reminded that the wind makes the trees stronger. A lesson from the Biosphere.

But there are plenty of days that I don’t feel strong, despite the winds of trial that come against me.

I know God allows these trials, I know He uses them to refine me. To make me more like Him. I know this is good and true and right.

But right now, I’m tired.

The field is below me now, laying in stark contrast to the peace of the tree tops.

Down there everything is dead.

Desolate.

Not even a hint of green, no cheery yellow faces. Nothing.

Desolate. Bleak. Dismal.

Like my spirit.

And then He reminds me.

Now when Jesus heard this,

He withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by Himself. Mat 14:13

“I am with you.”

He is here with me, even in the desolate places. He sees the way through.

He sees me.

So she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her,

" You are a God of seeing," for she said,

"Truly here I have seen Him who looks after me." Gen 16:13

***

He made the way through.

He made me.

Elohim

And His heart breaks, too.

El Ro’i

Shalom,

Footnote: Part of the purpose of this blog is to inspire. Knowing that, this post may seem a bit inconsistent. But I think we do ourselves a disservice when we seek only the happy things. The pretty things. Allowing ourselves to feel sorrow, to look tragedy in the face, and to feel pain is the catalyst that births in us true compassion. It reminds us how fragile life is, and how much it truly matters. Jesus wept. He mourned. What had Jesus heard in the above passage in Matthew? He had just been told of John’s death.

He was acquainted with grief. And so we are, too.

And, yes, He laughed. And so shall we.

Then, after writing all this, I read this.

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Published on September 14, 2015 02:00

Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 37:52

We have a bully in our yard.

Mr. Ruby-throated Hummingbird is in town and he refuses to let anyone else come near the feeders. Even the females.

Isn’t she lovely?

He has chased my black-chinned hummers off for now . . .

. . . but they’ll be back as soon as Mr. Ruby-throat heads further south!

What are you seeing through your lens this week?

Blessings,

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Published on September 08, 2015 13:15

Inspired by . . . come boldly

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Heb 4:16

Do you come boldly?

I don’t mean the times when we rattle off our shopping list of requests, without ever really acknowledging to Whom we are speaking.

GOD ALMIGHTY, THE MAKER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH!

No, I mean the times when we truly STEP INTO HIS PRESENCE. Acknowledging WHO HE IS.

Really.

Yes, those times. Do you step.into.His.presence . . .

. . . and ASK? Boldly.

I’ll admit, I struggle with coming boldly.

It’s like when Moses demanded to see God’s face. Or Gideon put out the fleece. Again and again. I read those accounts and shrink back. I could never be bold like that with God.

But scripture tells me I can. Maybe even that I must, to obtain mercy and grace in my time of need.

I think I need to learn a few things about this boldness.

First, it is not a boldness without reverence. It is not charging forth, demanding things with an assumed air of entitlement.

Rather, the Greek word here {parrhēsia} suggests a confidence, an utterance pouring forth with assurance.

We come to the throne in the context of the preceding verses which speak of our High Priest, Jesus Christ.

Matthew Henry says, “A throne speaks authority, and bespeaks awe and reverence. A throne of grace speaks great encouragement even to the chief of sinners.”

It’s beautiful really. This idea, this TRUTH, that I can, in all my filth and depravity, come freely before Him, confess, repent and receive . . .

. . . GRACE.

Unmerited favor.

If we confess our sins,

He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1Jn 1:9

Not only that, but unlike Esther, we don’t have to wait and hope that the King will extend His scepter toward us each time we dare to enter His presence. The Scepter, Jesus, has given us access to God, once for all, when He died on the cross, taking our sin upon Him. The veil of the temple was torn in two, forever removing the barrier between God and man.

We can approach Him anytime, anywhere, for any reason.

The writer of Hebrews continues on, especially throughout chapter 10, reminding us of the privileges we have in Christ. He encourages us to draw near to God with a true heart and with a full assurance of faith.

Beloved, prayer is a mighty weapon against evil. If you’re anything like me, you don’t wield this sword often enough.

Whatever my reason, whatever your reason, for not coming boldly, for not coming often enough or consistently enough into His presence, we need to ask God to give us the Faith and the will to overcome our reasons and to STAND, by the power of His word and the Holy Spirit.

We must do this, Beloved.

The time is now.

Blessings,

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Published on September 07, 2015 02:35

Inspired by . . . Lessons from the Fig Tree: Faith

Last time we looked at the fig tree, we saw Jesus’ judgment on unbelief. We paused and asked the question, “Is this, in any sense, a picture of me? When Jesus looks at me, is He finding in my life fruitfulness and faith?”

Then, suddenly it seems, in almost the next verse, Jesus is talking about faith, prayer and moving mountains into the sea!

And Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain,

'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart,

but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer,

believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Mar 11:22-24

The lesson of the fig tree reveals the mystery of how fruitfulness in a believer’s life comes out of faithfulness and prayer. Out of the absence of prayer in the temple, Jesus gives His disciples, and us, instruction.

We have the power of God at our disposal, when we act in believing faith.*

The object of our faith is God, Himself. The issue is always the object of faith that gives faith its significance. Ours is not a faith for the sake of faith, or faith in ourselves.

Examine your faith. What is the nature and extent of your faith in God?

Are you, like Abraham, fully persuaded that God has the power to do what He has promised?

In hope he {Abraham} believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations,

as he had been told, "So shall your offspring be."

He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body,

which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old),

or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb.

No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God,

but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God,

fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.
Rom 4:18-21

I want my faith to be audacious! To believe in a God Who can do the impossible!

A God Who is:

~too wise to make mistakes

~too kind to be cruel

~too powerful to be subjugated to the natural universe (unless He choses to be)

The verse about the mountain was used figuratively about incredible things. The term was used in Rabbinic circles and would have been understood by those to whom Mark was writing, and to whom Jesus was speaking. Just as with Abraham, whose body was a good as dead when God promised to make his descendants as numerous as the sand on the seashore, it is a picture of doing the impossible.

We need to believe that God is more than willing to respond to our cries of faith.

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer,

believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Mar 11:24

Now before you take this bold statement and gallop off with it in one or two extreme directions, remember it is important to interpret scripture with scripture. And we should keep asking, keep knocking until we have a clear view of what scripture, as a whole, teaches. So what does scripture teach us about prayer?

Some characteristics of prayer include:

Humility, consistency, sincerity, charity {love for all}, sovereignty and submission to God’s will.

This is the scriptural framework for our prayers.

We can also learn about prayer {and many other teachings} by looking at how it played out for Jesus in His earthly life.

Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane is a good example. It shows us a balance.

Jesus prayed with complete confidence in God’s ability to answer His prayer. “all things are possible”

And He prayed in complete submission to God’s will. “yet not what I will”

*Has anyone ever told you that you did not receive what you asked for because you did not have a enough faith?

Do you think Jesus lacked faith?

It was only the sovereign purpose of God that restricted Christ’s prayer. Not a lack of faith.

Beloved, the same is true for our prayers.

“Those who trust God for the right things, in the right way,

may have confidence that God will always make the right response.” ~Alistair Begg

***

I hope these words have encouraged you today.

Won’t you would share some aspect of your faith journey with us in the comments?

Blessings,

Words and reflections inspired by a sermon series by Alistair Begg, Truth for Life Ministries

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Published on September 01, 2015 02:16

Inspired by . . . a month in photos: August

I missed doing a look back at July last month. We were so busy getting our camper trailer ready for it’s maiden voyage, I didn’t have much writing/computer time. Unfortunately, we had car trouble and had to make some adjustments to our plans, which didn’t include the camper. {sigh}

All is not lost, however, as we did enjoy a few days away and the camper has become a quiet little retreat where I can sneak away to write.

August has been mainly just HOT. As south Texas is want to be this time of year. Heat indexes have been high, meaning you can’t really breath if you go outside. A temp of 96=104, you get the idea.

I do feel we have been blessed this summer though, as the really hot weather didn’t arrive until early this month. And there is already a hint of fall in the air.

And then my nephew made an appearance five weeks early and stole everyone’s heart!

Favorite Quote of the month:

“Sometimes the smallest things

take up the most room in your heart.” ~Piglet

Sprinklings of God’s mercy and grace:

1. New life!

2. Travel mercies

3. Rest for weary souls

4. Hope for despair

5.Encouragement from His word

What about you, when you look

back at August, what do you see?

Blessings,

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Published on August 31, 2015 02:00

Inspired by . . . musings and an introduction

I wonder if all endings aren’t really beginnings in disguise?

The wildflower, Snow-on-the-Mountain {Euphorbia marginata}, which many Texans have affectionately renamed, Snow-on-the-Prairie, heralds the end of summer. These plants, which can easily grow to over 5ft in height, appear hardy and plentiful no matter what the yearly rainfall totals reflect.