Sun, Fun …and Doors

What a beautiful day today. Blue sky, bright shining sun, temp in low 70s, flowers are smiling, birds are singing, actually, they are raising Cain because I am out of food, I will fix that shortly. But the flowers and Mimi are happy as Mimi basks in her favorite morning spot.

But today is Thursday and Norm’s day for doors. I have been waiting since August of last year to be able to get out and look at all the marvelous older homes in our area. Some have some really interesting doors, so today, I am walking…

IMG_20190523_142246 — Not a lot of walking but some

I found interesting other things for later post as well but today is door day. It is always interesting how government building are these massive stone buildings with columns and such. Then when the building gets deemed no longer useful, they tear it down. Such a waste. We are fighting tearing down our courthouse. I didn’t take any pictures of it as its boarded up. But below is the county office building.

Then the side door to the bank which I thought interesting.

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Then I went down to the river front to see where I could possible set up face painting for the 4th. I took a couple of pictures to show how we on this side of the river survived Flood ’19 vs. the other side of the river, where I work. We built a wall in ’65 after a bad flood then during the historic flood of ’93 we were safe as we were this year, which beat out the flood of ’93. No wall still on the other side.

Even from here you can still see the flood waters surrounding the trees along river park that are still surrounded by water. They are expecting another rise with all this rain. Oh, well…on to houses and doors.

I could have taken pictures all day but I do have grass to cut so I didn’t want to wear out my legs. To start with, I think we should all have gargoyles on our front stoop…right?

IMG_20190523_130814 — Dare anyone to take the package from the front door

Other doors of neat vintage eras are below. Wonderful history and architecture.

I miss the era of big front porches and neighbors visiting while sitting in rockers and such. It was a more simple time I guess. But was it?

I don’t think the basic principle of love thy neighbor has ever changed. Jesus was over 2000 years ago and that was part of the great commission. So I challenge you to remember the gentleness of the seemed eras gone by and bring forth the gentle kindness that seemed to be more prominent than now. Let the kindness of Christ shine through you to brighten someone else’s day.

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Bullies…Even in Birds = Brokenness, #1LinerWed

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After reading the scifihammy post this afternoon about a Fiscal Shrike bird she likes, she also made the comment of it having the reputation of being a bit of a bully. I looked on-line to see how many birds are considered mean and was shocked at how many there were. I have one in my yard that I run off when it gets on the feeder because it bullies the other birds and is known to destroy the other bird’s nest and break their eggs. My bully is the European Starling – taking survival of the fittest to the next level I guess.

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The iridescent coloring really is remarkable. But I was surprised that one of the meanest birds is a bird I have been familiar with all my life – also a beautifully marked bird, the Red Winged Blackbird, known also for its loud mouth.

I saw a story with a video of an adult killing one of its young. I didn’t watch the video. I know this world is broken and meanness is abounding but I don’t want to watch it on purpose. But I remember back to a couple of stories written on the meanness of birds, like Edgar A. Poe’s poetry or Alfred Hitchcock’s movie. Such a tiny creature in the grand scheme of things.

This is a true visual representation of just how broken this world is. We see the large animals in Africa fighting and we are kind of accepting of that but I don’t think we realize birds are just a smaller version of wildlife where the survival of the fittest reigns.

That was not God’s initial intent. Not that I have any clue as to what God really thinks but I believe in my inner most part that meanness was not on His agenda. That came from that other “being” trying to discredit all the good that was created for its beauty and enjoyment by his lies and trickery.

So I remind you even more the importance of kindness shared throughout your world, to man and beast alike. Will the beasts understand what you are doing? Not at first but in time, repeated kindness is always remembered. Will man understand your kindness without thinking you have an ulterior motive? Maybe not but be kind anyway. Kindness is a reflection of God’s love and a shimmering hope of better things to come. Be the good example of trying to show unbrokenness in a broken world and always be kind.

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Rainy Day Ramblings

Its funny when you are stuck inside on a Saturday how your mind wanders on off the wall stuff you never much think about otherwise. Or that could just be me and my “special” way of thinking.

Thursday was beautiful with warm sunny skies and then yesterday we got 2 inches of rain. Now we are receiving the possible morning inch with maybe another tonight …chances of rain tomorrow as well. The flood clean up was halted yesterday as the still flooded areas are expected to rise again to 20’…5 feet above flood stage…which we are still flooded. And the storm lines are running northward into Wisconsin and that water will just flow into the Mississippi and down to us. But enough of that, let’s move on to random ramblings.

This morning I was out of milk, pooh, no cereal for breakfast. Hmm, I stare at the fridge and I have ham, cheese and eggs, lets make an omelette. That will cheer a dreary day, oh and there is still raisin bread. So omelette and raisin toast with apple juice. Score!

So I cracked in the pan the first egg as the ham was getting sizzly then added the 2nd egg – oh look at that, a double yolk. You don’t often see that, from the store anyway.

And then my mind started rambling on the amazing phenomenon of twins. I grew up with a set of twins, Joe and Jim. The parents in the neighborhood called them Joe-Jim because they could never tell them apart. To us kids, it was easy. Joe’s facial features were a little sharper than Jim’s softer features. They were cool kids and I have many fond memories with them. But as a adult, I have worked with some twins that I wonder how mom was surviving. I remember when I was pregnant with my last child, they were concerned about twins as I got so big so fast. They did run in my husbands family. Fortunately for me just one, albeit a big one; nearly 10 pounds – kind of made me grateful for the c-section.

Back to my double yolk…I did some research to see if “twin” chickens were a thing and while they did remark on the chickens that throw double yolks, not much has been known of hatchlings occurred from it. Yes we are clearly bored but maybe I made you smile today from my silliness. We all need silliness form time to time to get away from all the seriousness going on. Helps keep balance. My hope for you today is to enjoy your Saturday and if silliness happens…smile and move on. Remember that a smile is just a frown turned upside down so I challenge you to flip some of those frowns around and reflect much joy with silliness, kindness and maybe the occasional hug. Kindness can always brighten a really gray day.

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For the Love of…Beauty

beauty

noun

beau·ty | \ ˈbyü-tē \

plural beauties

Definition of beauty

1: the quality or aggregate of qualities in a person or thing that gives pleasure to the senses or pleasurably exalts the mind or spirit.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What an odd but very true statement. Which is why

we have so many types of visual art expression.

Then there is photography with just as many ways to take pictures. Art comes from the

heart of the individual which is kind of what the definition states, pleasure to the senses.

I love nature and see much beauty in nature whether it be in the form a painting or a

photograph. And the sense of pleasure can be from the massiveness of the art or the

delicateness of the art.

In my opinion, the best artist of nature is God. He can take moisture and heat and roll

them together to create a dangerous system that boils and billows in the sky until it can

no longer contain itself before it falls again to the earth anywhere from a gentle rain to

dangerous winds and hail that are destructive. I watch this upcoming storm today as it

moved into our area and was moved by its massive and fearsome beauty.

While earlier today I was enamored by the beauty of my miniature blooms in my

hanging baskets. So tiny and delicate but an equally beautiful creation of God.

And I think that bares in mind how he created us. We are all different sizes, colors, have

different likes, talents and gifts from Him to do His purpose. Even those who seem like

they have nothing to give or are trapped in a body that doesn’t function like others and

we have to have artificial means to be able to function. Praise God for those devices. The

point is, we are all valuable, gifted, needed and used by God. Regardless of our

circumstances or our mobility issues. Nothing is ever wasted by God.

So I remind you of your beauty so that you can remember the beauty of others and

always show kindness as a means of this beauty.

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Sunshine…Finally, #1linerWed

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Even though we are schedule for some thunderstorms over the weekend, we got good sun today and can now start planning for summer. Looks like there is going to be a lot of this…

PUNCH Skeeter Face Painting May 5 2018 — Fun with Skeeter

As the sun begins to warm you on the inside, let it shine outward so that others can see your beauty in kindness.

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And if you enjoy Linda G Hill’s 1 Liner Wednesday, then come in and join the fun.

In Keeping With Mother’s Day

In service today, Pastor Rob showed how parents, and today, mothers are innately equipped to follow His lead in care for our children like he is forever caring for us.

Deuteronomy 33:27 says ‘The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.’ How many times have we as Christians run back to His arms of safety. Don’t think I can count that high.

Mother’s are forever spreading their arms of protection. Think about how our arms fling out when we have to stop in car suddenly…even when our children are young adult…or older. I have even seen my daughter do it with me. Protectors or those we love.

Now I am fully aware that not all children got that protection or love, but remember, you have a father in heaven that does have that protection and love to even a greater scale than our mothers. After all, we mothers are human and make mistakes. But God does not make mistakes. Psalm 23 tells us over and over how much he loves. ‘The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.’ Although in our humanness, we may want something different, He provides us what we need. ‘He makes us lie down in green pastures, He leads us by still waters, He restore my soul.’ He provides calm and comfort for us in a chaotic world. He is our encouraging force that has no limit. And my favorite verse, ‘I will fear no evil, for you are with me.’ Can you name any of the times he protected you. How about your mom. Can you remember the times she stood between you and danger.

So this day I salute all mothers, all mothers….

We are all trying to protect the little ones we love. May you all understand the important role you serve and never forget…He’s got your back.

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Rise and Stand Tall

Life can be scary and overwhelming when those floodwaters of life seem to dump on top of your head and threaten to drown you. But I encourage you today to rise and stand tall. God has not forgotten you. Scripture tells us over and over that he is always there beside us. Deuteronomy 31:6 says ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified…the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.’Then all through Joshua, II Chronicles, Psalms, Isaiah and Hebrews, he reminds us over and over ‘I will never forsake you.’ Then there is a full page of reference notes of God saying how much he loves you- I Chronicles 17:13, ‘I will never take my love from you.’

Here in the midwest we are beginning to see the river start to go down. Second street in sections is dry and the chairs at the Le Claire Park band stand can be seen poking their backs out of the water, standing tall. I thought the picture below showed the resilience that nature shows us about their survival and if they can rise and stand tall, then we must as well. God always shows us small signs that he is with us every step, just look around.

These tulips are a testimony of survival as their street is still underwater and we should follow their lead, rise above the floodwaters of life and stand tall. God will be standing right next to us.

May you all have a calm and beautiful weekend. I know some parts of the nation are still having major issues of storms; my prayers for you is safety and feeling God’s peace. And in the midst of all storms, there is usually a moment when kindness will be needed. I remind you to always be kind when the helplessness of life can effect us all.

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Bloom With Encouragement

This week I have had several “situations” which were not meant to be hurtful but to a more fragile person, it could have been devastating. I am always aware of how powerful words are and how they can uplift or tear down and I push always to build up. We are all creations of a loving God who we, as a creation, sometime forget and walk away form that love, sometimes because of a harsh word from another. Today I read a post that needs reposting as it affirms God’s continual love for us and how he is forever encouraging us. I saw a picture on Pinterest the other day that really speaks to me…”What ever you are praying for…hold on. I am already on it and help is on the way.” Don’t let the discouragement of this world wilt your beautiful bloom but reach to the Son who loves you. Enjoy this post by Gracespeaker and be encourage for the love all around you. And as always, remember to be Kind.

Five Actions to Prevent Wilting

Finding Assurance

While this post is strongly Christian inspired and maybe not really your thing, I do you will read on a little bit as we all need assurance that we are going in the right direction in our lives, that we are hoping to make a difference and last but not at all the least…that we are loved. While the word love is so vastly over used, it is still the most powerful word God created, after all God is love and he proved His love for us by giving us a part of himself, Jesus. Love is a noun and a verb. It shows up in the most unexpected places sometimes and in many unexpected ways.

It shows up in the beauty of a sunrise of the dainty fragrance or color of a flower.

I comes in the form of many works of art, from writing, to painting, to photography, to music and so many more.

In 1873, Fanny Crosby and her friend Phoebe P. Knapp combined Phoebe’s tune that she could not,get out of her head along with Fanny’s words and came up with the song Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine. Fanny was blind at a young age but never let it stop her form sharing the love she had for God and his wonderful love for us.

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O, what a foretaste of glory divine! Can you feel what that says. A foretaste of glory in being assured of Jesus’ love.

Heir of salvation, purchased of God, born of His spirit, washed in His blood. An heir is a person who receives items at the death of another. So we are heirs of salvation, purchased by God with Jesus’ blood. What do we need salvation of?? Think about that.

Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. Filled with His goodness, lost in His love. What an awesome thought, lost in His love. I think this pictures expresses that.

First day — The living water of the First Day.

I have strong assurance of His love for me and I hope you do as well. Fill your selves with His love and let it flow from you to others with kindness reflecting God’s love for all.

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Winter Didn’t Kill Them

This past winter was brutal for a large part of the US. We had a week of -30 temps with wind chills reaching -51. Crazy, right. It’s not like I live with Santa or anything. But with the temps that cold,the heating systems in the area really struggled and so did my indoor plants. I though I may loose my violets because they are so sensitive but as you can see below, they are doing well. My thumb is more brown than green.

I love the delicate flower in rich purple with the bright yellow…stamens? I think that is what they are called. See, brown thumb.

Regardless of thumb color, I am enjoying the flowers inside as well as out. Once I finish planting, I will show my outside flowers, that last week were brought inside due to threat of snow…in May!!

I am also enjoying my bird watching. I guess its a retirement thing as I never had time before to really enjoy them. Saw my first Gold Finches this week. Awesome beauties.

IMG_20190501_185805_233 — Gold Finch, Wood Pecker and Cardinal

IMG_20190430_153843 — Wood Pecker & Gold Finch

If you are wondering what the white stuff is all over the pole of the bird feeder…squirrel deterrent…Crisco shortening. They can’t climb the greasy pole.

As we enjoy the fun, warmth and the beauty of spring, lets remember to share the warmth, fun and beauty of kindness. Kindness is God love shining through our action, even if its just a smile. A smile is a frown turned upside down and a smile can turn your upside down mood back into a light mood of love. Always be kind.

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