Aren't these sweet!?

I believe this is the epitome of free range chickens!

The Nanny Antedote

My sister has become a Nanny for several goats. This is my favourite picture as it captures my sister's care so well! She had to provide extra care to one of the kids after the mother abandoned all three at birth. Two had not survived by the time they were discovered and the one found alive needed a week of tender care and bonding to recover sufficiently.

Choosing to Remain Small

GOD is not confined to my view of Him as Shepherd, Lord, Ruler, Creator, Jehovah, Saviour. My views are tainted by my own humanity and life experience.

• The greatest shepherd who ever lived does not tend his sheep as well as the Master Shepherd.
• The best artist can only immitate a mere shadow of what has already been created by the Master Creator.
• The best father and provider can only provide within his means and abilities. This is nothing compared to the infinite resources and blessings of our Heavenly Father and Provider.
• The greatest rescue story of all time has never sacrificed so much as the rescue that took place on Calvary for every person who has ever lived and who is yet to be born.

IF GOD who is infinitely greater, bigger, more powerful can reduce Himself to a speck of dust to walk amongst us as a faithful servant and sacrificial lamb, then how much more should I desire to remain a servant to my Master who has called me by name. I should not desire to be loved and valued by mankind, only to bear the love of HIM WHO loved greatly. As I mirror Him each moment and meld my heart to His, may He alone be seen and get the glory.

I choose to remain small to mankind and great in His eyes!

Blessed Be the Name

For the past two weeks, I finished house and animal sitting for two different families. During this time, a journal full of events happened, but here are a few pages from that journal that note the give and take most poigniantly.

A pair of nesting Muscovy ducks from house #1 had no place to bathe. Although I visited the used childrens stores in town for a yard pool, I found none. However, in the woods at house #2, I found a brand new saucer sled with a 2.5 inch water capacity. This would be in the GIVE category.

My initial arrival at house #2 was met by opened doors and windows and two absent teens. Upon further discovery, the indoor cat was now outdoors in moose, bear and lynx territory (only the day before had a large lynx been photographed in the yard). TAKE. Another day I found the dogs outside with nobody home, but fortunately the largest breeds have electronic fence collars on which keep them nearly contained, but not safe.

As the midnight sun burned the candle at both ends of the day, the internal clocks of the teenagers switched modes, and friends came through the house by way of the electronically wired doors that verbalized which door on which level was being accessed at any time. Sleepless nights and concern for everyone's well-being ensued, as well as wondering how to relay necessary information to the parents. This again in the TAKE category.

Every day I scouted and kept an Eagle eye for the lost cat, until by day five I knew every rock and brush in the surrounding area. As I closed the bedroom blinds with my contact lenses out, I again surveyed one last inventory of my well known rocks; alas, this time I recognized one out of place! I grabbed coat and boots and shepherded my way down the hillside near her and called her to safety. Her voice was gone, she was shaken, cold and hungry, but unharmed. GOD had answered my impossible prayer. She never left my side the remainder of my time at the house. During that first night in safety, she laid across my neck with her tail and half the forest floor draped around my face, suction cupped by the pitch dots, while all four feet played a game of twister on my facial features. She could not get close enough and we neither of us noticed any discomfort; so great was our mutual gratitude of safety. GIVE GIVE GIVE.

Day five at house #2 also brought the departure of one of the teens to Columbia. I was very concerned for her safety, so much so that I was not at rest about it, feeling almost nauseous. Her blond naivete and sweet disposition did not lend itself to my confidence in the departure to her unsafe destination. TAKE.

As she left, she gave me the keys to her car to drive for the two weeks of her trip. GIVE.

After 24 hours of using her vehicle, her parents, who just arrived back in town, informed me that she was returning home due to illness. She would need to TAKE her car back, but infinitely more, GOD was GIVING her safety and GAVE me abundant peace of mind. I was amazed at His goodness to my mothering heart!

It was very overwhelmingly difficult to face walking home from work today. I had nothing left in me, the sleepless weeks and long work day had TAKEN its toll, but as I waited at the bus stop, a friend texted me to say that she was sorry that it had been so long. She just wanted me to know she was thinking about me and was caught up in mothering and work. What a gift she GAVE when I needed the extra encouragement.

It often feels like I am plucking daisy petals while saying "He Gives" "He Takes". Even when it seems like I have ended on something being taken, I desire to see what GOD has given me as a result.

"The Lord gives, The Lord Takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord".

At the Master's Call

I LOVE THIS DOG!!

Here is my semi-adopted dog Duke lying at my feet.

What a lesson in

waiting and anticipating,

loyalty and faithfulness,

devoted affection,

eager service

willing dutifulness.

Ruby Red Pendant

Here is the sunset preceding Memorial Day, like the darkest ruby pendant shining on the water below and illuminating the clouds. I wish I could have captured the reality of this image with the deep colouring resembling the darkest ruby. It was breathtaking, definitely rivaling the Serengeti's great ball of fire.

Sunrise, Sunset

One of these pictures was taken at 0046 and one was taken at 0252.

Can you tell which is which?

In between these two time periods,

the birds pause their songs,

the wind tousles the treetops,

the city lights twinkle...ever so slightly,

and the residents slumber.

Duke of Dogdem

I borrowed Duke from a co-worker to go on an excursionary walk. What delightful companionship once we got in stride with who was boss (definitely NOT him although he did make a valiant effort)
and where his place was (definitely NOT in front with my hyperextended arm and NOT under my feet).

Tethered to my side,
our feet running in sync,
enjoying a glorious day,
passing small goats in a yard,
sand pipers and gulls,
waterways, channels and falls,
a lagoon,
songbirds in chorus,
newly emerged leaves,
blue sky above,
Sleeping Lady shadowed in the distance,
waves lapping the shore,
interesting people,
myriads of pooches.

At our half way point,
we sat on a bench in silence,
his hot breath on my knee,
my hot hand on his head,
content with presence alone.
Pure delight!

The House of Muscovy OR Duck in a Dog House

This week, I have been house sitting for a friend who has a Muscovy pair of ducks. Here is the hen setting on a clutch of four, due to arrive tomorrow if all goes well! The drake knows that something is up with her and stays fairly close by, but it hasn't hampered his appetite. In fact, I shared some of my spinach leaves with them, putting some on the ground and some inside the dog house for her. After she got over the 'intruder alert' of my hand being so near her golden eggs, he helped himself up the ramp and gobbled her salad. I was a bit miffed, yet she seemed perfectly content to preen her feathers, rearrange the princess and the pea mattress beneath her, and settle back into contented maternal bliss. Note to self!!!

Kept in Stitches

Here is my most recent creation, a little clematis vine on muslin. 

This will become a little pillow cover for a two year old's birthday.

Her initials will be added just to the lower right.

To the Seventh Generation

While driving in to work this last week, I prayed fervently to GOD. Like Hannah, I have yearned for children and have asked GOD to bless me with little ones who will in turn become a blessing. On this particular morning, I said that perhaps when I had previously prayed for children I had not made myself specifically clear. Yes, He has answered by bringing many hundreds of children into my life to bless and be blessed and for which I am grateful, but I really longed for little ones that were my sole responsibility, my life's work, my occupation.

I will continue to be on my knees with a translator who will transform my wept, salty words into glorious heavenly petitions. Here are some verses while I prepare the nursery of my heart.

"Oh LORD,

 all my longing is before you;

 My sighing is not hidden from you.

 My heart throbs,

My strength fails me,

The light of my eyes has also gone out from me.

But for you do I wait.

 It is you Oh Lord my GOD who will answer."

(This posting is dedicated to all the longed for children,

and for the mothers whose hearts are longing)

Check the Wing Flaps!!

The past two weeks have been very challenging, and my weary factor has exponentially increased; not the weary in well-doing, but the weary one step in front of the other while trying to maintain balance sort of weariness. Fighting life's battle's weary. Keep on smiling, head up, chin up, sheer grit and determination weary. Surely you get the picture.

I was walking home from work and feeling that GOD's face was invisible. As tears welled up, I cried heavenward that I felt like Ishmael, close to the promise yet not the one designated to carry the promise, abandoned, unable to be cared for, somewhere UNDER a bush.

As soon as those words took off from my thoughts a childhood song flooded my soul, "Keep me Jesus as the apple of Thine eye; Hide me UNDER the shadow of Thy wing; Keep Thy hand upon me lest I die; Keep me Jesus as the apple of Thine eye."

I wasn't lying abandoned under a bush in the middle of nomad land; I was sheltered UNDER His wing.

Next time I feel insecure as to purpose and place, when I feel alone, when I wonder.....I will remember to peek through the wing flap and look up into GOD's face. I am near His heart.

"The nearness of GOD is my good." "A very present help in the time of trouble"

Meet Beatrix

Here is Penelope's daughter Beatrix!

I haven't seen her twin Bernard for a while.

Either he is off exploring his territory,

or the unpleasant alternative.

Come to think of it,

I haven't seen Penelope with this year's calves either.

And I even had the names picked out and the nursery decorated

with bark and boughs!

Baleen

This evening while walking home from work,

I felt like a baleen whale straining the air for airborne krill.........

otherwise known as gnats!

By the time I arrived home I hardly needed dinner,

just a few strawberries to balance out the protein.

Lovely!

The Faux Pas Cascade Effect

You have heard of the trickle down theory, or perhaps the snowball effect, but have you heard of the faux pas effect?

The other day I passed an older couple who was setting up a hotdog and beverage stand.. I greeted them and asked how their day was going to which he very enthusiastically smiled and said "We're doing GREAT".  Amused at his response I said "Thank You!"        Naturally!!

A few days later I was speaking with the most delightful lady who was suppose to be signing her name, but instead wrote down a word that I said. She laughed and pointed out her mistake but I merely responded that it was really nothing compared to my grand faux pas of all times. I told of the time I was praying intensely at work, answered the phone and said "Dear Heavenly Father".  She said 'Sometimes you just need to verbalize those prayers!

This is not the end of the story however! Read on.....

We went on talking about her baby's due date, chosen baby name, her maiden name and marriage details. As we were ending the conversation I mentioned how lovely it was to meet her and visit. She responed  "Love you too, baby"!

I merely smiled!

Counter Balance

It never fails.

When I am feeling overwhelmed by inadequacy at work due to anything that remotely might connect me to a flaw, whether perceived or actual, GOD sends in not just one, but several people who cheer me with kindness, pinpointed gratefulness, and obvious verbal compensation for the previous words ringing in my ears. GOD is so faithful to provide this, that I cannot think of a single time when He has not applied this salve to my soul.

Even though I feel so low on many days, I distinctly know that I represent a higher calling in my work place. I am not there for my benefit, other than to build character; rather, I am there as a light house to the sick and wounded in my community, to be a steadfast example of godliness and to do the very best in work performance.

I adore the people who walk through the doors.

 I value and appreciate my co-workers.

I choose to honour GOD.

Penelope Photo Shoot

There she is in all her glory,

enjoying warmer weather,

softer ground,

and a much tastier diet

after a winter of fiber!

And Then There Was Green!

During the last few days, the last vestige of snow melted away, taking with it all traces and effects of winter. In its place, leaf buds unfurled on the trees above and enmeshed the sky with verdant hues. The air, once silenced by snowfall, is adorned with bird song whose music dots the sky by day much as stars do by night.

SPRING HAS ARRIVED!!!

Loaded, But Not Weighed Down

Once again I am sitting in the airport, a-waiting a flight to ferry me between past and future concepts of home. My household goods are in limbo, in shipping crates awaiting some ferrying of their own until they reach their final destination of a new nesting spot.

At the end of this journey will still be the essence of me, my home, but in uncharted territory. I am so grateful that I can trust GOD to provide everything I need for every step of the way.

Sleep Studies

My sleep deprivation study is going quite well!

48 hours into it, I have discovered that:

There is a 100% survival rate.
There is an 85% functional rate.
There is a 60% clear communication rate.
There is a 45% comprehension rate.
There is a 25% multi-tasking ability.
There is a surprising lack of cognitive ability to discern that gum laden thoroughfares are NOT sleeping surfaces!!!

All in all, I am surprised at the midway results.

The Healing Balm of Joy

This week was Administrative Assistant's Week, where the typist, paper shuffler and phone intake person gets a card, perhaps flowers, a smile, and then back to work.

This week, I did not receive any of the above from my employer, mind you, I was too busy to notice who or what we were suppose to be celebrating that particular week. Instead, on Wednesday, one of my most cheerful, exhuberant, and ultimately enjoyable patients came in and dropped off a card, gave me a hug and left as deftly as she came. On the front was written Happy Admin Assist Day! It isn't often that customers give so much thought and consideration to a business.

When I read the card at lunch, the tears of sweet gratitude welled up. Here was someone I was not expecting, expressing detailed gratitude, on a day that I was feeling pangs of discouragement. Only GOD could have placed it on her heart to do this deed of kindness, and only GOD can mend the broken. So effective was the mending, that I do not even know the particular words that caused me to feel inadequate this week.

"He gave me beauty for ashes,

the oil of joy for mourning,

the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness,

that we might be called trees of righteousness,

 the planting of the Lord,

that He might be glorified."

Isaiah 61:3

Nesting or Nest Egg?

I have both nested and nest-egged, both serving their purpose and both having given pleasure and satisfaction whether by choice or circumstance. I am currently seated in an airport, awaiting a red eye flight to my former home state and the location of my stored household goods in order to bring them safely to my new northern nest that GOD has provided. GOD has graciously provided the means and I have been diligent to build this nest. Now, I am eager to make it a personal reflection of me, a haven for others and a blessing to GOD. This is a gift for my soul and a sweetness that I have anticipated for a very long time. SOLI DEO GLORIA!

GIVE OR TAKE

It is all a matter of perspective.....

This evening I returned the truck to its rightful owner and felt a twinge of sadness as I parted with something that was never mine to begin with.

The seat adjustment was mine.

The classical radio station was mine.

The temperature adjustment was set to my preferences.

And yet... it was still not my truck.

I walked home several miles and reflected upon this seeming loss,

when a new perspective crossed my mind:

I was given a great chance to get fresh air and exercise.

The sunset was storm clouds smattered across a flaming sky.

I was given some quiet and alone moments to sing to GOD.

I was given very marvelous scientific things to view and ponder.

I was given safety from many possible factors.

I was given this day, when the sun stays up so late, to return the vehicle.

The rain clouds withheld during my walk.

The presence of mad mama moose was withheld.

So, give or take, I am blessed by GOD's goodness!

"The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away.

Blessed be the name of the Lord."

Job 1:21

A Cup of Smiles in a Swirl of Coffee

Sometimes the simplest gestures can mean so much.

This cup of coffee was given to me on a day that I needed some cheer.

Wouldn't you know, when I thanked her for such a sweet gift,

she said it was the first time she had made this design!

She made a second cup for a new mother who joined me

and topped hers with a very pretty feathery flower.

The third lady who joined us had her cup made by a different barista who gave her...

nothing but foam!

Illuminated by Truth

"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."

Hauling Snow!

What a blessing!

One of my families has loaned me a truck temporarily!

I have been able to run my errands, visit families,

get to know my new home town a bit,

and have the ability to see sights that cannot be obtained on foot.

Grazie Mille!

Fondant and Filling

Recently, one of my little munchkins turned one, and I was asked by the mother to bake his cake. Although it turned out altered from the dream cake she sent as a sample, it is reasonably close!  Despite all of its imperfections and the hard work of learning how to use my very terrible oven (namely throwing out half the cakes), how to make and work with fondant (what decadence!), and how to put everything together, it was a labour of love and ulitimately rewarding in the end. The top cake is banana with custard and fresh banana filling, while the bottom cake is lemon with a lemon cream filling. I did not eat either!

The Imprint of My Expression

Leaving your mark on life is something we all long to do, We want to be liked, memorable, adored, and missed in our absence.

My hope is that as I go through my day, driving through each of life's moments, that I will be an empty vessel used by GOD to do my business and leave the impressions of my actions up to GOD. I relinquish the knowledge of any good I may do and instead live a life pleasing to GOD, with my focus on Him.

The Freedom of a Great Surrounding

A little bird I am,

Shut from the fields of air;

And in my cage I sit and sing

To Him who place me there;

Well pleased a prisoner to be,

Because, my God, it pleases Thee.

My cage confines me round;

Abroad I cannot fly;

But though my wing is closely bound,

My heart's at liberty.

My prison walls can not control

The flight, the freedom of my soul.

Oh, it is good to soar

These bolts and bars above,

To Him whose purpose I adore,

Whose providence I love:

And in thy mighty will to find

The joy, the freedom of the mind.

By Madame Guyon

Waking From Winter

It has been a long time since I have written, not due to any hibernation factors, but rather to the adjustments life brings and the business that ensues.
-I have changed employment and have worked long enough to know just how much I do not know about this office, yet GOD has instilled in me a desire to always do right and to labour well. Above all else, my time here on the frozen tundra is GOD's work as I step Heavenward.
-The winter has been breathtaking. Every snowfall is unique and beautiful, much like the snowflakes of which it is composed. The play of light and shadows from the sun, moon, mountains and trees is like a flowing live tapestry that changes as the earth revolves. Not a day goes by that I am not overwhelmingly amazed at how GOD has designed every detail to work so scientifically precise. He sure did a good job!
-The moose have been delightful to see here and there, hunkered down and munching on their fill of fiber; perhaps we should take note!
-GOD has blessed me abundantly. The road is not smooth or easy but His presence is strengthening and what He teaches me is encouraging. My vision of looking to Him first in all things is improving, but the many times where my eyes falter and discouragement washes over lets me know that I will be working on this quality all my days. Again, I reference my moments with children when they ask for 'help, please' and the pleasure I get from being near to help them in their moment of need. I never tire of it; I never think less of them. I adore the time together and kiss their foreheads. If I as a finite creature can feel this emotion, then how much more can the Infinite Creator feel, He Who created me and these emotions.