We hung these bird feeders last week and have thoroughly enjoyed having birds and squirrels playing in the yard again.
The squirrels love the barn because it's big enough for them to lay on the ledge. I don't mind. I want to feed them too. They are playful with one another and it's entertaining to watch.
As I was sitting outside, sipping my hot coffee, with the sun shining on my face, I spent some time in prayer, asking the Lord to show up. I don't need all the answers. I just need to know that he's nearby.
I need to know if this house we just bought is worthy of our future dreams. I need to know direction on David's health issue. I need to know that my husband will find a job soon. So...I want all the answers, but I realize that I don't need them. I need Jesus. There's the difference.
I'm not good at waiting or guessing. I never have been. Being in the waiting period means turning over control and that's not really my thing. I like to know where I'm going and how I'm getting there, but this life with God is anything but predictable.
Anyway, as I'm praying and thinking, a huge red bird landed on the tree in front of me. Like many of you, red birds have always signified God to me, especially if I'm in the middle of prayer. Thank you, Lord!
🌳
Later, David came out for a few minutes and asked if I had noticed the blooms on this tree that we thought was dead.
I had not even noticed!
This tree is right by the back gate we come and go from and I've mentioned that we should get rid of it because it has looked dead since we bought the house.
But as I looked at the pretty blooms popping out, even while the rest of the tree still looks dead, it reminded me that life is just like that.
Even where there seems to be dead things looming, there is life. There are blooms. But are we noticing them?
It's so easy to focus on the parts that seem to have lost their life, but when we focus on those parts, we are missing the pretty parts...the parts that are thriving.
Just this morning I was finishing up a book and I copied this quote onto my phone, so that I would have a reminder that God is all around...I just need to look.
This quote fits perfectly with the blooms on this tree and the red bird that visited today.
It's up to us which one we focus on.
I hope you have a blessed Sunday 💚🌺
Until Next Time...
Blessings!
Thank you for this.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome :)
DeleteOh to sit out on the patio!! Lucky you!
ReplyDeleteGod always gives us an answer if we listen. It takes time - all in God's time. Be patient sweet girl.
Thank you Cheryl :)
DeleteThis is such an encouraging and uplifting message. The birds are wonderful to watch. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you Mrs. White :) I love watching them.
DeleteI am like you. I don't always look to God for understanding. I've had to be "in control" for so much of my life and it is so very hard to not be. I, also, miss the beauty in the struggles even though they are right there in front of me. Thanks for the encouragement. I love the quote and would love to know which book it is from.
ReplyDeleteGrace & Peace,
Pa
Hi Pam :) The book was a fiction series I was finishing and it was just something the character said at the end. It was called the If I Run series by Terri Blackstock.
DeleteWe had a similar discussion this morning, and let me tell you, want to make God laugh? Tell him your plans, right? That is one of my husband's favorite sayings. Thanks for the encouragement, I truly appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteLinda, that is so true :) His ways are not our ways. I'm glad this encouraged you :)
DeleteThis is such a wonderful uplifting post.
ReplyDeleteLoved "Even where there seems to be dead things looming, there is life. There are blooms. But are we noticing them?"
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for stopping by today :)
DeleteThanks so much for visiting my blog, and for your encouraging comments.
ReplyDeleteI notice you have written some books as well, and will check them out later (when I get back from my dentist appt).
Would you be willing to send me your e-mail address? Blogspot used to let us respond by e-mail, but it seems that features is no longer active on may of the blogs it used to be active on before.
Sandra, my email is ourfrontporch@gmail.com
DeleteI could not love this post more dear Friend! And boy did you get some beautiful signs yesterday. You know He's hearing those prayers and already been working on it all in your favor. I pray for you to have answers soon and for the continued patience and peace until they arrive. That tree looks like it will be stunning!
ReplyDeleteBlessings xo
Carrie, thank you :)
DeleteYou've made some beautiful observations regarding the red buds on the tree that's turned out to not be dead!
ReplyDeleteThank you Barbara :)
DeleteThis post absolutely sounded like you were describing me. I think I have a type A personality but included in this is needing immediate answers. Waiting is so difficult. I love your words in speaking of your prayer time and how we don't really need answers, we need Jesus. Love you birdhouses and especially your visit from the gorgeous red bird. They bring me peace. Your saucer magnolia tree has some very pretty blooms and I so glad that you didn't cut it down. Hoping that answers to your needs come quickly but also come with great favor. Enjoy the rest of your week and thank you for always posting such inspiring post.
ReplyDeleteShug, thank you so much :)
Delete