The view outside my office window is amazing, it just is!  And I’m grateful.  This three-story office building located beside the major through-way of our rapidly growing city is actually nestled between a couple of small groves of trees on either end and has a small lake directly behind it.  From my second story window wall, I am privileged to experience beautiful sunsets, lush green trees in summer, an array of fall colors, and a variety of wildlife.  I particularly enjoy watching the birds as they soar above the wooded area.  The other day a couple of buzzards caught my attention as they stopped for a chat atop a rather tall light fixture.  My mind began to go in many directions as I considered what concepts God might teach me. 

 

Almost immediately, I thought about the significance of togetherness.  There were two buzzards!  Have you noticed that buzzards are often found in pairs or even small groups?  It is rare to find a vulture alone.   Remembering a recent sermon with Luke 10:1-25 as the text, I again considered that Jesus sent out pairs of servants to spread the Word.  But sometimes, my heart feels alone.  How easy it is to become self-focused, embracing a martyr attitude much like Elijah when he said in I Kings 18:22, “I, even I only, am left a prophet of the Lord.”  In that sermon, my pastor emphasized the importance of community and fellowship with others.  God has replayed this same scene through-out the entire Bible demonstrating our need to be in relationship both with Him and with other humans.  During the creation story, as God reflected on each day’s work of creation, He concluded it was good.  However, in Genesis 2:18 after he formed man and placed him in the Garden of Eden, God determined that “It is not good that man should be alone” and began making a companion for him.  It is truly GOOD to be in this thing called life with others.  The example of these buzzard buddies encourages me to reach out to my buddies both to encourage and to receive encouragement.  I am grateful for the rich relationships in my life and overwhelmed at God’s goodness and provision.   I am NOT alone!

Perspective is another concept to consider while watching these old buzzards.  You can’t tell it from the picture, but that light fixture is pretty high up providing the perfect perch to get a “bird’s eye” view.  These two pals may be checking out the lunch choices!   At times, my perspective more closely resembles that of a busy, hungry mouse running around in a maze on the hunt for that next bit of cheese.  Vocabulary.com explains that perspective has a Latin root that means “look through.” Sometimes, in my head, I hear the voice of my former business partner say, “Remember to look at it from the client’s point of view.”  Whatever the situation, taking the time to intentionally consider other people’s perspective often leads to care and concern rather than argument and discord.  

 Looking for God’s perspective is always the best!  God’s word is the perfect place to learn about His point of view.  God speaks to the Israelite nation through the prophet Isaiah in chapter 43.  In verse 4 God says, “Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you.”  As an adopted child of God, He sees me that same way.  God also tells me to trust Him for direction and instruction.  He wants the very best for me and will not lead me into harm’s way.  He desires for me to put on the very mind of Christ.  A verse that has often calmed my anxious spirit is Isaiah 26:3, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”  Won’t you join me in seeking God’s perspective in everything and in every situation?  Let’s learn to “look through” God’s eyes. 

Perhaps the most important concepts I witnessed in the visiting vultures is that of identity and purpose.   Technically, the birds I saw are Black Vultures, but in Texas most folks just call them buzzards.  It doesn’t really matter what anyone calls them, God gave them their real identity when He created them.  He appointed them as creatures that serve a purpose.  Stating the obvious, they were created to eat the remains of dead animals.  While many of us find their diet offensive, we are also greatly blessed by the results.  We often joke about them and may even view their presence as an omen of impending death.  However, God entrusted to buzzards an important practical job.  God designed them without feathers on their heads, gave them excellent eye sight, and equipped them with talons and beaks well suited to fulfill their job responsibilities.  

Likewise, God tells us that He knits us together in our mother’s womb.  He creates each human being unique from every other human.  Just think, there is so one else just like you!  He gives each one of us special abilities and talents, unique personalities, and allows us to experience different life lessons so that we are perfectly suited to serve Him.  He really does give us all that we need to do what he calls us to do.  I am very blessed to work in a profession that fits me well.  I hope you can say the same thing.  May we all accept the attributes and even the challenges of our own personal identity as a gift from the Lord.  It is my desire to express worship to my Maker through my labor. 

These buzzards also help us to see that serving God is not limited to church work and mission trips.  Often the less esteemed jobs are the most needed.  We should watch for opportunities to express gratitude to those who serve us in both small and big ways.   

Who would have thought that a couple of buzzards could remind us what God says about relationships, perspective, identity, and purpose! Let’s keep our eyes open and our hearts ready to hear what God wants to tell us!    I can’t help but wonder what He’ll send to catch my attention next time.

 

Squirrel Watching

 

I recently bought a bird feeder, filled it with bird seed, and stilled myself to watch the birds.  After some extra stressful situations at work, I needed some relaxation and purposed to spend some time in nature.  The bible talks about birds and uses them as examples of how He cares for us, so I reckoned sitting on my patio watching birds to be spiritual restoration.   A couple of weeks of bird watching with the seed gradually decreasing was pure pleasure.  Then one day the whole feeder was empty in a single day.  I refilled the feeder.  In only a couple more days the seed disappeared rather quickly once more.  By this time, I’m starting to realize there is more than birds visiting my bird feeder.  And I started watching for squirrels.   I didn’t buy birdseed to feed the squirrels!  Those pesky squirrels were ruining my plans! 

Self-examination revealed that my head was full of “squirrels” too.   The squirrels in my head kept me from focusing on important tasks.  They invaded my thoughts and depleted my energy.  These distractions interrupted my sleep and tempted me to doubt myself and the goodness of my God.  Maybe you’ve seen the movie, UP and understand just how distracting squirrels can be!  Check out this clip from the movie.  https://www.youtube.com  

I can really relate to how a distraction can so quickly get me off course and then my day just crashes!  My prayers and prayer requests to friends now include pleas for God to help me learn to focus better.  My google searching includes articles to improve my focus.   Guess you could say I’m focused on improving my focus.

Then today, I literally found myself staring out my office window watching a squirrel scouring the ground for nourishment.  This squirrel really caught my attention!  It was using its tail as an umbrella!  It was quite interesting watching that persistent critter!  Even the rain didn’t stop him from finishing his task!  He just flicked that tail up, fluffed it out, and gathered his food.   It’s so amazing that when God designed a squirrel, He included an umbrella of protection for it.  Psalm 145:9 says, “The Lord is good to everyone.  He showers compassion on all his creation.”  What a vivid picture God gave to me while watching that squirrel.

In Genesis 22, we read of a time where God tests Abraham’s faith by asking him to sacrifice his son.  I’ve always loved verse 8, where Abraham answers Isaac’s question about why they didn’t bring a sheep to sacrifice.  He says, “God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son.”  As the story continues, we see that God does provide a ram caught in the bushes at just the exact moment when the need was urgent.  After Abraham and Isaac worship their God on that mountainside, the place is named Yahweh-Yireh which means “the Lord will provide.”   I am reminded again and again of the goodness of the Lord.  I’m reminded to trust God to provide all that I need in His perfect timing.  Trusting in God’s provisions quiets the “squirrels” in my head and brings peace.  If he provided the squirrel with an umbrella, why should I worry about the rain storms in my day to day.  I must learn from this squirrel…keep focused on the task and let God handle the rain! 

By the way, squirrels don’t like cayenne pepper and they will avoid it even if they don’t get to eat the birdseed.   Hmm, maybe I should learn to avoid some things too!  After all God instructs us in James 4:7, “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” 

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Philippines 4:19 

Be warned, squirrels, I’m watching for you!

Reflections of a Hummingbird

 

Recently, as I sat outside soaking in God’s Word on a cool summer morning, I spotted a hummingbird sampling the honeysuckle along the back fence. In all of my life, I’ve NEVER seen a hummingbird in MY yard! But there it was, sipping nectar and flitting from blossom to blossom. I was so excited! Through-out the years, I’ve bought a few hummingbird feeders, filled them with sugar water, and hoped to entice a hummingbird to enter my space. But after repeated episodes of cleaning up ants and spoiled “nectar,” I no longer looked for nor expected to see a hummingbird in my yard. This recent sighting resulted in a brand-new feeder, fresh syrup, and new energy in my morning quiet time with the Lord. Admittedly, my eyes frequently scan the area from the honeysuckle vine to the feeder in hopeful anticipation. These last few days I’ve been blessed by glimpses of this amazing tiny bird flying here and there. The brief seconds I spend observing this small creature in my backyard have become the highlight of my day.



Pondering my excitement over the hummingbird caused me to examine my relationship with God. Does God long for me to come to His garden for nourishment and energy for the day’s activities? Is He excited to see me partake of His Word? Psalm 34:8 invites me to "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him." Psalm 119 outlines the importance of God's Word to each of us. Maybe you can relate to these words from verses 28-29, "My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and teach me your law." The Word of God is such sweet and necessary nectar for my soul.

Does God watch and wait for the precious minutes I spend in His presence? That little hummer has no idea how it thrills me to watch it buzz around just doing its thing! Could it be that God delights in me? Does He find joy in simply watching me go about my daily life? Zephaniah 3:17 NKJV says He does. “The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” What strength and nourishment are offered from God’s own Word!

Do I feel safe in God’s presence? My hummingbird friend has not yet learned to trust me. The slightest noise or movement sends it off and out of sight. How often do I run away from God’s offerings of tender care? In what ways have I allowed sin and hurtful experiences of this earthly life to put doubt and fear into my heart? Do I really know just how good God is? Can I comprehend the extent of His love for me? Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV reveals God’s intentions, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Romans 5:8 assures us just how far God’s love will go to ensure our good, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He didn’t wait for me to turn my life around. He died for ME while I am doing the wrong thing! He is the solution! Running TO God with all our troubles is ALWAYS the answer. He welcomes us and provides safe keeping like no other. Romans 8:32 assures us, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” There is simply no safer place than the hands of God. Romans 8:38-39 lets us know that NOTHING can separate us from His love.

In Matthew 6: 25-34, we read as Jesus compares our value to the birds and the flowers during His sermon on the mount. Jesus implores us to not worry, but to trust God to supply all our needs. The passage ends with this plea, “33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33-34.

So today, I find myself humming…..

‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,

Just to take Him at His word;

Just to rest upon His promise;

Just to know, Thus saith the Lord.

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him,

How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er,

Jesus, Jesus, Precious Jesus!

O for grace to trust Him more.

All scripture verses are from the New International Version unless otherwise noted.

How long can you go between posts?

 Hello World!

Can you believe it has been 8 years, 10 months and 15 days since I last posted to my blog?

Me either!

A lot of life has happened during those years!  And while I haven't posted, I've taken lots and lots of pictures and written a few things.  

Lately, I've been thinking of how I might share some of these thoughts with other people.  A couple of friends suggested a blog and I said, I have a blog!  So then I wasn't sure if I should pick up where I left off or start from scratch.  So here I am....picking up the pieces and keeping on going!  

Let's see where this path may lead!  Shall we?

Still love my Arboretum

Right now the Arboretum has the Chihuly Art on display!  This stuff is INCREDIBLE! 

You really should go see it for yourself at the Dallas Arboretum!!!

It will be there until Nov 5, 2012.

Decorating

Finally, after 2 1/2 years in this house, I put up a valance in my kitchen.

 A new centerpiece to match.

 They match my cabinet top decor.

I have been on vacation from work this week.  It has been nice to play some while enjoying a visit from my favorite MIL. 

Since Graduating

The main thing occupying my time since graduation, has been studying for and taking the 4 parts of the CPA exam in between work, family, life, etc. 

At this point in time I am waiting for the results on the fourth and final part which I took on July 9th.  I should definitely get these results within this next week.  IF I pass this section, then I can finish up the paperwork to get my CPA license in about a month.  If I fail this section, then I must return to studying and re-take this part in October.  I am hoping this journey is over! 

I am pretty sure there will be tears when I get my score.  I just don't know if they will be tears of agony or tears of joy. 

If you've followed by blog long enough, you might remember this post from a little over 4 years ago when I started this journey.