christian living

Blessings from God – 100 Followers (Plus 3?)

/ Bill Jones / 6 Comments
They seem to be watching for something.

They seem to be watching for something.

I thank the Lord and all of you out there who follow this blog. We reached a milestone of 100 followers last week. It is humbling to think there are that many people who went through the time and effort to sign up – and many who regularly read the posts, view the photos, and “like” or comment.

I’ve been extra busy with work these days so I haven’t posted much. I am trying to take some photos for future use, and it will soon be time to start the gardening stuff. Perhaps the Lord will bless it like He did last year.

Like several of you, I hope to self publish a book in the next few months. Most of it will be stories I’ve written over the last 5 or 6 years. I’ve posted some on the blog, but most haven’t been on here.

Like the sparrows above, it seems we’re all watching for something. I pray that whatever we see, it will be to the glory of God.

Warm Up With God to Start the Day II

/ Bill Jones / 4 Comments
Birds in the Birch Tree Awaiting Sunrise

Birds in the Birch Tree Awaiting Sunrise

I first posted this last winter, but I have a new camera since then, and it seems like a lot more birds, I wanted to re-post with some new pictures. I also included a bonus of the red Berries on the Savannah Holly.

The picture above shows birds sitting together in the river birch tree (and dogwood tree) in our backyard. This is an everyday sight during winter, as they wait patiently for the sun to come up over the tall pines on the horizon. When the sunshine hits them, they sit still and puff themselves up to expose as much of their body to the warmth as possible. It looks like they want to absorb all they can to warm up after the cold night, and get ready for the day.

Birds in the Dogwood Tree

Birds in the Dogwood Tree

Some of the birds stay longer than others, but one by one, they apparently decide they’re ready, and fly down to the feeders or make the flight to the woods to start their day.

It makes me think of our need to warm up and get ready for the day. I’m not referring to temperature, though. I’m writing of our need to start the day by getting close to our Lord and letting Him warm us.

Like the birds, some of us may be able to spend more time doing that than others. I know some who get up early to make sure they have the time before things get busy. Or perhaps some have other activities that they are able to combine with time with God (something that doesn’t interfere with the communication). I’ve heard of others who get through the early morning rush and then grab a cup of coffee and  sit down for Bible Study and prayer.

Savannah Holly Berries

Savannah Holly Berries

There are many different ways we can get close to God and prepare for the day. I encourage us all to choose whatever time and method works best for us, and follow the birds example and take a few minutes to bask in His warmth.

Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul. Psalms 143:8 NIV

Do you have a way you get close to God to start the day?

Learning in Life – Watch Where Your Shadow Falls

/ Bill Jones / 9 Comments

Shadow on the Shot

It would have been a lovely photo of Black-eyed Susans in our backyard. But, I wasn’t thinking or noticing where my shadow fell.

One point in my personal mission statement is “Pay Attention”. Obviously I wasn’t doing that with this shot. Sometimes when we don’t pay attention we can let our shadow fall on others – a sharp word or a bit of ignoring – darken their world or at least rub some of the brightness off.

Let’s picture the photo above without the shadow and take it with us as we pay attention.

“And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” Daniel 12:3 ESV

December Sunset – 2013 Rises

/ Bill Jones / 6 Comments
December Sunset

December Sunset

Here’s a beautiful south Georgia sunset in late December. Now 2013 has come in and we begin another year thanking God for the blessings He gives us and asking Him to guide us in what we do – all to His glory.

“Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day. Remember, O Lord, Your tender mercies and Your lovingkindnesses, For they are from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; According to Your mercy remember me, For Your goodness’ sake, O Lord.” Psalms 25:4-7 NKJV