We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature—trees, flowers, grass—grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence. We need silence to be able to touch souls. ~Mother Teresa (borrowed from
Laura Delegal's blog. You need to go visit just to see her photo)
Our first Christmas together in Baton Rouge was quiet. The threat of tornadoes kept us homebound, squelching plans we had with my dad and his wife. Thankfully, we were spared. Hearing from each of my kids was the highlight of the day. We ate leftover jambalaya from Christmas Eve, listened to our favorite Christmas cd by The Carpenters, watched a little tv, played Bejeweled, and read. I tried to relax and get close to God, but my spirit is restless these days. I find it very difficult to be still and listen. My time out in nature, marveling over God's handiwork, is about the only solace I can find. I guess that'll do for now. I spotted this little house finch while I was photographing the yellow-rumped warblers.
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| Yes, God, I'm listening... |
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| and waiting |
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| with a hopeful heart. |
My faith continues to be tested. Praying that 2013 will be a year of miracles; actually just one miracle would do. Wishing you a blessed, healthy, and happy year ahead! I'd love to hear of any plans you may have for 2013.
38 comments:
Gail! oh my! those captures of the birdie are magnificent. I love them.
Thank you for your nice words and encouragement. I was hoping my nature was coming through, and you confirmed it. Makes me happy. Yay!
the finch is perfect. i hope your heart and mind can find peace. a wish for all of us, really.. :)
Gail, there is no better way to find solace than doing just what are doing . . . the icing on the cake is that you share it with us . . . enjoy!
Beautiful birds. We're sleeted in today, so feeling a bit restless here as well. At least we're nice and warm though!
Lovely pictures. I believe that if we just take the time to listen,God will speak to our souls. Sometimes He uses a more direct and unwanted way to speak,but that another chapter of my life. May you have a blessed day.
Maybe he sent this beautiful bird to you! Keep listening. Will pray that He'll send you some mighty miracles.
Beautiful little bird. I hope you can find some solace and peace. I think we are all feeling a bit restless lately.
Little beauties, they are.. and their colouring, along with that background sure make for gorgeous photos.
May 2013 bring you your every wish.
What a beautiful creature and you captured it so well...just wonderful to look at. Merry Christmas!!
What beautiful photos of this little house finch. The colors in the blurred background just really set off the colors in your little feathered friend. As for miracles...they're all around us every day. We just need to train ourselves to recognize them. That God loved us enough to send His Son to redeem us is the greatest miracle of all! But I understand the desire to see Him work more specifically and pray that you'll see the personal miracles you seek in the coming year.
Stellar captures!
Thank you.
Stellar captures!
Thank you.
What a beautiful post and a pretty bird!
Taking a few minutes to pop in to see some blogs. I see you are still taking awesome pictures of GOD's creatures. Yes, we all need to ger quiet to listen to GOD and his creations too. GOD bless you and the coming new year and may he keep you safe.
the photos make me feel peaceful already. peace and blessings to you at this stressful time.
Plans for 2013? I haven't really a clue. The wind blows me here and there, it seems. :)
About your test -- I can't really help with that as I'm not what you would call religious by any stretch, but I am a spiritual sort when it comes to nature. It is my faith.
Big hugs my friend.
Oh Gail....your post is right on!! learning to be quite and still is so difficult to do, in this busy world that we live in...
I'm not able to get out into the nature world like you do and for this reason...I love seeing your photos.. You would be amazed at how peaceful I find your blog to be.. In spite of the weather, I do hope you all had a wonderful Christmas day....
Sure wish I had some good ol' jambalaya...do you make it yourself??
Glad to hear you guys made it through those storms okay. We watched it coming across toward us in Atlanta. We only got rain.
Beautiful shots of the finch.
Gorgeous photos!! One can't help but see God in nature...and your photos help others to see Him too!
I'm wishing you a Blessed 2013
That house finch is a very lovely little bird Gail. Nice photos - Dave
what a sweet bird!
I love the blush like color
I wish you all sorts of miracles for 2013, or even sooner :)
Such fabulous shots! Here's hoping you have a miraculous year next year!
Gorgeous house finch! All the best in 2013!
I reckon you captured both the spirit and the colours of that House Finch Gail. What a lovely bird to see regulalry in your garden. All the best for the New Year, and look after Bob.
Beautiful capture to be certain and what a stunning subject he is! I have to agree with you dearest Gail, we surely must have been twins separated at birth because we seem to be dealing with similar life tests. I'm trying to be still and listen as well, and have actually decided that "kill 'em with kindness" may be the best strategy at this moment. We are so gonna have to get together some day. Big hugs to you! xoxo
I do hope the New year lets you find the peace you are looking for. Keep the faith my friend.
Your photos look amazing. I can see why you find solace in nature. As you say God's handiwork is awesome.
This year is going to be a Year of a lot of Changes for me.. I am excited and scared all at the same time. We will be renting out our home and hitting the road in our RV. Maybe we will even make it to your neck of the woods..
Hugs~
Great shots of your house finch - the bluebirds love the houses we put out...
Visiting from Cool Clicks....lovely captures and soothing to look at...be safe in the New Year♫
Fantastic post and your photography of that magical bird is awesome ~ ^_^
(A Creative Harbor ~ aka ArtMuseDog and Carol ^_^)
Gorgeous images, Gail.
I know that 2012 was a rough year for you -- wishing that 2013 is one filled with peace and joy. xo
In whatever form we find it, we all need to gather quiet around us at times. Most of the things we do will be done better with a clearer mind.
Looking forward to posts and comments in 2013.
Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
I feel the same way...trying to listen and have faith, watching and eager for miracles. Glad you were spared all the bad weather. We were, too, except for a little power blip and lots of wind. Wishing you all the best in 2013!
Beautiful photos, Gail, and wishing you a miraculous 2013!!
These shots are so incredible. The detail in this bird is so exquisite. Thank you so much for linking up with Cool Clicks...and sometimes staying still is what God wants us to do..a very difficult feat for the human heart. Continuing to keep you and your loved ones in prayer.
What beatiful thoughts and a beautiful finch!
The older I get the more I'm realizing silence is needed & even craved... I've always had music playing in the background of my life, but not so, anymore. I can't think or concentrate w/ noise these days.
I'm glad ya'll survived the tornadoes from Christmas day, that must have been pretty nerve wracking... The Weather Channel said the tornado outbreak broke a record for Christmas day! =0
Peace be with you, Gail, and here's to the miracles you're seeking & searching out. God bless you & your family today & everyday! =)
Happy, Safe & Healthy New Year's Wishes, too! =)
i have big plans for 2013....i hope 2013 feels the same way about me :)
xo
Happy New Year Gail -- and virtual hugs. I hope it will be a year of miracles (our family could use one too...we never get over being mothers do we?)
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