Category: Amazing Creations

Posted on in Traveling, Amazing Creations, Memories, Faith, Prayer, Challenge, Art, Trust, Look, Joy

Forward Day by Day

This appeared in Forward Day by Day devotional. We sent it to our friends in New Mexico. They took us to this church to see the wonder of the staircase. None of us took photos that day as the postcards were spectacular. The photos here are from online.

THURSDAY, March 19      SAINT JOSEPH

Luke 2:48b. Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.

There is a legend that Saint Joseph built a staircase here in New Mexico. In Santa Fe, the Sisters of Loretto built their chapel with the blessing of Archbishop Lamy. When it was nearing completion, they realized there was no way to access the choir loft. According to the story, the sisters prayed to Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters, and a stranger appeared. Working only with simple hand tools, this man built a spiral staircase with incredible technical precision and beauty. Carpenters to this day regard the staircase with awe. The man reportedly vanished when the stairway was finished, never accepting his pay.

Did Saint Joseph build the staircase? Many have debated, but as in the case of Joseph’s appearance in the gospels, the details are few. The question of faith also plays a role in the telling of the story. Rather than saying “Saint Joseph built it,” the story relies on the connection between the prayer and the mystery carpenter who arrived. It isn’t certainty but rather faith that has us reach out to God in our need and see God’s action in response.

MOVING FORWARD: Where could you use less certainty and more faith?

“a carpenter appeared with only a hammer and carpenter’s square. He built what is now known as the Miraculous Staircase with simple tools, wooden pegs and a rare wood that is not native to the American Southwest.” https://www.lorettochapel.com/our-story

Isn’t it just lovely?!? I always remember that Jesus was a carpenter, too!

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Beagle, Faith, Humor, Nature

Trying to Keep the Skunks Away

The skunks love to come through our back yard. Somehow their mighty bad fragrance drifts into our bedroom windows. It literally is enough to gag me. So I went in search of a solution.

Online it said they do not like unexpected noises or lights. Well, I figured getting a motion sensitive light was too expensive to begin with. Mom always said that hanging “tin pans” (or now aluminum pie tins) would repel critters.

Tin pans tend to rust and we simply do not use them much any more. Not even certain I could buy one if I wanted to. Maybe I could try an empty vegetable can? Aluminum pans though come with all kinds of tasty treats like fruit pies from the bakery or crumb crusts from Keebler. I have been collecting them.

I moved two small shepherd hooks close to our bedroom window. I put out aluminum pans on yarn strings. Bob saw they needed to be anchored there so he added a wooden clamp clothes pin. The winds have been strong and relentless lately. The yarn wraps around the hook. The wind has even blown a pan off the string a time or two. I refuse to surrender to the stench of skunk.

At first the clacking of the pans bothered me, but then I would remember their purpose. Eventually the sound just became a song the wind played for us. And I am happy to report we have only had one skunk (that we know of) stinking up the yard!

Someone mentioned that the skunk sprays because we have a dog. I have to say I do not agree as the dog is rarely even allowed into the back yard! She is more than likely sunbathing on the cordoned off deck if she is out back.

The winds are gusty again today. I have restrung a pan for the hook. As soon as I can get out without freezing or being blown away I will hang it up again.

Wind is in many places in Scripture. Psalm 104 says God walks upon the wings of the wind. In Job 38 God answered Job out of the whirlwind. And John 3:8 says

The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.

Listen for the wind. Avoid the skunks. Rest in the power of the Almighty God.

Posted on in Nature, Amazing Creations, Memories, Faith, Thanks, Challenge, Praise, Rest, Focus, Look

Glimmers

Remember those? Things that make you pause and be glad. Little things throughout the day that have you stop for a breath and rest momentarily? Here are some recent ones I experienced.

Grass is an impossible shade of green (after several days in the 70s and lots of spring rain)

The honeysuckle bushes are leafing out, a sure sign of spring

This sunrise with glorious shades of pink and gold

A truck center named Rush (my maiden name)

The Sandhill Cranes are in large numbers in Nebraska where we once saw them migrating.

It has been said that if we look for glimmers and for things to be grateful for we will see more and more of those things throughout our day. Have you tried this practice?

My granddaughter gave me a manicure as part of my Christmas gift (five of them actually). The first one was a couple weeks ago. My nails are still shiny and I think of our sweet conversation and her love each time I notice them.

The tulips I planted when we first moved in are emerging again. Each year I say I am going to dig them up. They never get to bloom because the rabbits eat them. (I think it is rabbits? Perhaps white tailed deer?) This year I decided those tulips are just a spring salad for some critter that likely needs the leaves more than I need the flowers. I hesitantly think, MAYBE. I am learning to smile when I see the mowing job the critter has done. It proves a Glimmer of life I do not get to witness, but I see the results from their presence under that front tree.

Watch today for things that delight your eyes. Even if it is just a momentary thing it can be important for your health.

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Faith, Family, Listen, Look, Nature, Praise, Prayer, Thanks, Trust

Glorious Sunshine

I wanted to go out on the back deck to marvel at the sun and look to see if the Thumbelina daffodils had started to bloom yet. The dog was in front of the door. She could not decide if she wanted to go out or not. I slid open the door and growled at her “Go in or go out! I do not care!” After she moved I stepped outside. Before looking at the daffodil leaves I looked up and to my left sensing something looking at me. I saw this wonderful hawk in the nearby tree. It was not startled by my growling.

I texted Bob “Hawk on back deck.” knowing he would grab his camera and come see. His photos were much better than mine. Here was our visitor! He likely saw our feeder as a bait station. Like Sonic says, “You gotta eat!”

r m dutina
My favorite by r m dutina
r m dutina

“Is it by your wisdom that the hawk soars
    and spreads its wings toward the south?
27 Is it at your command that the eagle mounts up
    and makes its nest on high? Job 39:26-27 NRSVUE

We often hear the hawks calling from high in the sky. Sometimes we can see them, sometimes not. We are always blessed when they come to close to us! God is in control of them, certainly not us!

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Collection of Quotes, Faith, Music, Nature, Prayer, Worship

Weary of Winter?

These blasts of snow and cold followed by spring warmth and sunshine have the Ohio Valley in whiplash. Never certain if we should layer up with woolens or wear spring weight slacks and short sleeves. It is definitely NOT shorts weather yet, though we have seen some folks sporting them!

The daffodils get a little taller everyday. Roofs are getting covered with snow this morning. Furnace is still needed. One night I had to open the window as bedroom was so warm! Next night I got my leg out of the covers in my sleep and awoke with a frozen limb.

Here is part of A Song of Creation, Canticle 12 from The Book of Common Prayer

Glorify the Lord, you angels and all powers of the Lord, *
    O heavens and all waters above the heavens.
Sun and moon and stars of the sky, glorify the Lord, *
    praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, every shower of rain and fall of dew, *
    all winds and fire and heat.
Winter and Summer, glorify the Lord, *
    praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O chill and cold, *
drops of dew and flakes of snow.
Frost and cold, ice and sleet, glorify the Lord, *
    praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O nights and days, *
    O shining light and enfolding dark.
Storm clouds and thunderbolts, glorify the Lord, *
    praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

We had a recent morning snowfall that was enchanting. Part of the enjoyment was knowing that this would not be a “shoveler” and was likely one of the last snows of the season. I will upload the video as soon as YouTube takes out the music that recorded in the background of the video. Here is a link to the song that came to me as I watched the snow.

Posted on in Amazing Creations

Not You Again!

Early morning meditation and I look down at the floor. No, it is not a piece of lint. Another pill bug! They seem to come in waves. I suppose the warm weather we were blessed with last week woke them up. Do they slumber in the winter? I am clueless, but they have not appeared for a several months.

“The pill bug goes by many names—roly-poly, woodlouse, armadillo bug, and potato bug, but whatever you call it, it’s an intriguing creature—or actually, 4,000 species of creature. These nocturnal crustaceans have seven pairs of legs, segmented sections like a lobster’s tail, and prefer humid environments.” https://www.thoughtco.com/fascinating-facts-about-pillbugs-4165294 The websites with information about ‘potato bugs’ say look under a rock. I just have to look around and occasionally I find one.

Roly-poly crustaceans in my bedroom. They are not prehistoric, but descendants of ancient crustaceans that evolved around 300 million years ago. Oh my!

So how do they keep getting in here? We have found them in several rooms of the house. Our house is built upon a slab of concrete and these guys can grow from about .25 to .50 in length. I have found ones that are very tiny by comparison. I guess anything that small can squeeze in where ever they want!

Armadillidium vulgare is their formal name. Armadillo like indeed. though they are not native to America. They were likely imported on wood products. We are so very far from and port, imagine how they have spread!

They do not bite or sting. They do not leave their waste products about. But they also do not belong in my bedroom, so I remove them.

I have not found any in the bed, thank goodness! Just sort of creepy to think about.

In action as it rolls into a tight ball!

Watch for something interesting in your home environment. You just might see a pill bug! By the way, being that tiny they do not move quickly!

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Faith, Look, Nature

Spring on The Edges of Ohio

Just last week a flock of FIVE female goldfinch showed up at the feeder. This was as the snow was still deep upon the ground. I was delighted to see them!

As the inches of snow melted, 37 mole tunnels appeared on the vacant field and the two lots adjacent. Those critters were obviously busy during the big accumulation.

The morning of February 14 I noticed the maple buds were beginning to swell. Last week the twigs were all smooth. Now bumps of growth have appeared.

Spring is on the edges of our days and nights here. The daffodils which had broken the ground surface before the snow storm are continuing to gain height. I have not seen any crocus yet.

There are still snow piles up and down the street. Soon we will complain that it is to hot or too humid. Never satisfied, are we?

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Art, Beagle, Challenge, Faith, Prayer, Thanks

Valentine

Recently our friend, Dan Cooksey posted this on his Monday funnies referring to Lucky.

Bob and I were sharing our joy over the photo. He began to wonder what if it said “Get a cat, they said, it will be fun they said.” What would happen if we had adopted a cat while Lucky was still living here. I reminded him that she has been known to curl up and sleep with a cat when other folks have housed her for us. He did not remember that.

With this being the traditional Valentine’s Day I thought I woudl share this with you.

I subscribe to a greeting card app called Jackie Lawson at https://www.jacquielawson.com/card/one-for-the-record/3563952

The card sends this video with the melody of “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” playing during the unfolding images. The final drawing reminded me of our conversation. If you click the link above you can watch and listen to the greeting.

Let me just take this moment to thank you, all of you, who read this blog. Occasionally someone will comment on the material and that just blesses me no end. I keep writing and posting hoping that something I send will help you along in your journey, perhaps boost your intention regarding how you live and worship.

Saint Valentine is said to have ministered to the faithful amidst persecution in the Roman Empire. In that case I raise awareness today to the many people who are speaking out against injustice and persecution amid this supposedly free country. May we move past paper hearts and commercial celebration of love in to real love for one another. May we pray for those who are blinded by darkness and who try to dim the Light of Christ, the Light of the world, in the United Sates of America, North and South America and around the world. May the powerful love of Christ reign and overwhelm the darkness. May even those who are blinded by the dark side be made aware of how much God loves them and wants them with the Trinity. May verbal and electronic persecution by our leaders end. God bring peace on earth we pray.

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Book quotes, Faith, Look, Nature, Poetry, Praise, Thanks

Daily Quote

I receive daily quotes from several sources. The ones from Every Moment Holy tend to be from one publication for a week or more. Then they will choose a different volume of liturgies to quote from. They books they publish run along a theme for the liturgies in each volume.

Here is their website https://www.everymomentholy.com/ They offer several volumes for sale, free printable liturgies from various topics and other materials on the site.

Let me glimpse in growing things, some hint of your unseen kingdom. Let me shape here a living poetry that whispers words of grace to all who pause to listen. From A Liturgy for Yard Work 1 from Volume 3. I would love to quote more from this, but I have loaned my books to a Pastor at our church!

Last autumn my sister sent me flower arrangements from a company in California that prides itself on sustainable arrangements with little environmental damage from pesticides and fertilizers.

Notice the succulent in the center of each arrangement?

The instructions said after the flowers faded I was to remove the succulent from the water tube it was in and plant it in a pot of soil to get it rooting.

They arrived in early November. This is how they appear in early February! The base of the flower pot is small enough to fit in the large plastic pharmacy pill bottle top for a saucer!

No, they do not look quite as nice as when they first arrived, but they are still alive!! I am tempted to trim off those outer leaves, but I decided not to do that yet. If they shrivel and look unhealthy by late winter/spring I might.

“Let me glimpse in growing things, some hint of your unseen kingdom. Let me shape here a living poetry that whispers words of grace to all who pause to listen. ” Do you glimpse in these growing things some hint of the unseen kingdom? Does the photo come to your eyes as ‘living poetry that whispers of grace to all who pause to listen?’

Apple photos identified the plant as Echeveria. https://worldofsucculents.com/grow-care-echeveria/ has detail on how to grow it. “Thanks to their charming rosettes and gorgeous water-storing leaves, Echeverias are among the most popular succulent plants. Echeverias are one of the easiest succulents to propagate. They are usually propagated by offsets or leaves, but they can also be grown from stem cuttings and seeds. The best time to separate offsets and take cuttings is in the spring.

Guess I do not need to worry about those shriveled leaves, “Echeveria is self-pruning. All you may need to do is pick out the dead leaves or flowers. Removing dead leaves prevents rot or disease from taking over the plant.”Seems the shriveled leaves may have been due to lack of water. (This house is SO DRY this winter I am tempted to purchase a humidifier!)

May your find reflections of glory and glimmers of God’s presence wherever you look today!

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Faith, Focus, Joy, Look, Nature, Praise, Rest, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth

Winter Abounds in Wonders

O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you? You are the God of great wonders! You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations. Psalm 77:13–14 (NLT)

I was not quite awake as I poured my coffee. Remembered there were snow flurries last night when I took the dog out. Flipped on porch light and looked at deck to see how much snow we received? Yikes!! The four inches that remained from the last storm is still there. This was not new snow but shook me up for a brief minute. No, I was not awake before but startled to reality now! Negligible snow in the night .

I do not remember the last time that snow lingered like this in our town. I just saw a forecast that calls for 1-3 inches of new snow tomorrow!

Our God of great wonders has blessed us with unusual weather this winter. I pray you can enjoy it?

We took a ride in the Sunday sunshine and Bob took photos of the snow and shadows. We knew a few older houses in downtown Batavia that would form icicles from the second story to the ground. Indeed, they did!

Our son took a vacation to Hocking Hills in the midst of this winter mayhem. Perhaps you are familiar with Old Man’s Cave?

photo by Jeff Dutina
photo by Jeff Dutina
photo by Jeff Dutina

Beauty from the Lord our God is every place we turn. Praying you will discover treasures in plain sight for yourself today!