Category: Amazing Creations

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Humor, Nature

Humor and Grossness

The house has been mostly closed up for a couple months now. Occasionally though there is a gnat possibly coming form the basil plants I brought in for the winter? It is especially annoying when I am reading my iPad mini in bed and the gnat visits the screen lit up in the dark bedroom. O try to squish them then if I can. So tiny, so annoying.

I got up one morning and retrieved my denture out of the cup where it rested all night. Yuck! this is what I found.

Gnat drowned in the Polident.

Our lot borders on a lot that is outside of our subdivision. We chose it on purpose because they have large trees and their lots run perpendicular to ours, creating some interesting sights. The houses over there are not built like ours, more unique in design. We have become good acquaintances with the neighbors closest to ours.

Recently it was warm here both day and night. I was delighted to open the bedroom window to get some fresh air into the house. And then it hit me! WHAM!

Roaming the neighborhood and stinking up our bedroom! SO disappointing! No fresh air for us!!

Just a couple nights later it was really cold and the windows were shut tight. I asked Bob if he smelled something burning? I have had terrible sinus trouble the last couple months and do not always trust my olfactory senses. He smelled something but could not identify it. A few minutes later we were both certain. That darn skunk was back and even with the windows closed tight the bedroom was filling up with nauseating odor.

Another question to ask when we get to heaven, “Why God? What were you thinking with the skunk?”

Online sources have a few ideas on how to deter the skunks. Most of them won’t work for us and I have no intention of installing a motion sensor light either. They likely live in my neighbor’s fallen branches or overgrown vegetation. Might even bee under their porch, though I have never witnessed any activity there. They do have two dogs though. Hope neither gets sprayed with Pepe’s cologne!

NOT cute!!

Go back to sleep you dratted mammal! Finding it very difficult to thank God for this black and white pest. I read that they eat some of the garden pests. Wish they would choose someone else’s garden!

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Faith, Look, Nature, Praise, Worship

Remember Last July?

I could not remember when I posted this. I had to look it up! If you click on the link below it should take you to what I wrote on July 31, 2025 about the box turtle in our yard.

https://treasuresinplainsight.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=20444&action=edit

Last week I was wondering, with all the vegetation flattened by winter and storms, where is the box turtle now? Online nature resources says they are in a state of brumation. seehttps://showmereptileshow.com/resources/burrowing-into-winter-the-fascinating-hibernation-of-box-turtles

“As temperatures begin to drop, box turtles instinctively sense the impending winter and start preparing for their extended period of dormancy. This process typically begins in the late fall or early winter, depending on the region and specific climate conditions.

“Box turtles showcase their innate digging skills as they seek out suitable locations. These locations are often found underneath the leaf litter, in soils, or beneath fallen logs. The chosen site offers insulation and protection from the frigid temperatures above ground.”

I would love to witness this happening! Guess I will not complain about my neighbor letting fallen branches and logs lie between our properties!

“Once a suitable location is identified, box turtles begin the process of burrowing. Using their robust forelimbs, they tirelessly dig into the ground, creating a small tunnel that leads them to a depth below the frost line. Here, the temperature remains relatively stable and provides the necessary environment for their winter slumber.

“Box turtles use their hind legs and strong carapace (upper shell) to push the soil aside, creating a cozy hollow in which they will spend the entire winter. This burrow serves as their shelter, shielding them from below-freezing temperatures, the absence of food, and other environmental stresses.

“Brumation is a complex adaptation that allows box turtles to conserve energy and survive in conditions unfavorable for active life. During this period, their metabolic rate slows down dramatically, reducing the need for energy intake. This slowing of bodily functions helps them conserve vital resources and endure the scarcity of food throughout the winter months.

“While in this period of rest, the box turtle’s heart rate, rate of respiration, and overall bodily functions decrease significantly, resulting in a state of deep sleep. Their body temperature aligns with the surrounding environment, allowing them to survive even in freezing temperatures.”

So this might be our turtle right now, out back!! I would not disturb her, but I am tempted to go look for her!

How many are your works, Lord!
    In wisdom you made them all;
    the earth is full of your creatures. Psalm 104:24 NIV

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Challenge, Faith, Joy, Listen, Music, Nature, Prayer, Rest, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Surrender, Trust

Single Snowflake

Snow? Well, we are forecast to be in the high 60s later this week, so snow is unlikely. I am always amazed at how the air seems to change prior to and during/after a snowfall. The very air is charged with listening. Asking the web, “Does snow muffle sound?” this answer was written. “Freshly fallen snow significantly alters the acoustic environment. Its porous structure, composed of ice crystals and air pockets, effectively absorbs sound waves. This absorption reduces the reflection and transmission of auditory signals, creating a noticeable dampening effect on ambient noise.” Ha! Not just my imagination 🙂 Recently in church they played an instrumental version of “Still, still, still”. Do you know this song?

May you grow still enough to hear the stir of a single snowflake in the air, so that your inner silence may turn into hushed expectation.

BR. DAVID STEINDL-RAST

I love this Steindl-rast thought towards inner silence. Yes, Christmas has passed. The call to stillness continues throughout the year. Can you quiet your heart and mind this much? If not to the stir of a single snowflake perhaps to the quiet of a new fallen snow? The world will continue without our input or opinion for a few minutes. Practice, regardless of the weather. Next time it snows at your house go outside or open the door to experience this quietening effect of the crystals. It is good for your soul!

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Nature, Obedience, Rest, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Trust

Phrases that Catch Your Attention

I get a message from the Daily Liturgy Quote. This one was addressing grief, but I apply it to my overall life.

“Be nearer now, O Christ, than I have ever known.”

Don’t we all need this to pursue our walk with joy? I need God every hour. The hours I do not think of God are the ones in which I am most likely to wander.

I was given Amazing Grace Devotional by Stephanie Sample as a gift this Christmas. So far, I am enjoying the entries immensely! She wrote a morning and evening devotion using the same Scripture verse. The entry for January 3 especially caught my attention when she said, “Like a sponge in the ocean, at once saturated and contained by his vastness, our lives are forever connected.”

As a sponge, we can soak up everything around us. We as Christians can choose which source we absorb from.

Sponge harvester

Thinking about natural sponges that are harvested from the ocean, I found they are being grown and harvested even today across the world. Looking up on Sponge on Wikipedia they wrote, “The sponge is an aquatic invertebrate with a soft porous body. There are as many as 18 species of sponges, with the wool sponge being the most desired because it is soft, durable, and not susceptible to odors or mildew. The yellow sponge is less durable, lasting a year, while the wire sponge is abrasive and often used for manufacturing. The bay sponge is known as the flowerpot sponge and grows a plant or seed.”

Wool sponge

Remembering back to when I used a synthetic sponge in the kitchen for almost every cleaning job, but especially washing dishes, I would get so angry when it turned nasty with moldy odor and mildew. I never knew until now that this natural sponge is not prone to mold and mildew!

Am I willing to become like a wool sponge this year? Like the most desired of all the variety of sponges? Sponges are still harvested and sold at Tarpon Springs , Florida, and sold as well at many other places. There is a road trip that would be fun for shopping!

But more in keeping with the devotional thought, “Like a sponge in the ocean, at once saturated and contained by his vastness, OUR LIVES ARE FOREVER CONNECTED. We are influenced and changed by God in us. We are protected through residing in him.” Thank you Stephanie Sample for reminding me I am protected through residing in God.

“Be nearer now, O Christ, than I have ever known.” And make me more conscious of your indwelling and purpose for my life throughout 2026 I pray. Hold me close and help me reside in you always. Amen.

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Faith, Family, Focus, Joy, Just do it, Listen, Look, Obedience, Praise, Prayer, Special Event, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Thanks, Worship, Yield

A Thousand Lights

PBS reports that: “Jews across the religious observance spectrum — from Reform to Conservative to Orthodox — focus on the same theme of bringing light into the darkness and emphasizing that even a small, against-the-odds effort can have a transforming effect.” During their celebration of Hanukah they light a new candle each night on the eight branches menorah. As we mourn with the Jewish community in Australia over the murders and injuries there and beyond, I remember being awakened one night with a thought. Our life is to be like a thousand tiny lights of kindness.

How can you participate in this? Every tiny act of kindness that you do makes you a participant.

There was an elderly woman searching in the deep freezer at the grocery store among the frozen turkeys. She just wanted a small one. The one she had chosen did not have a tag on it. I was able to flag down an employee to help her get it weighed and tagged. He wanted me to follow him and I explained that he needed to carry the turkey and escort her slowly to wherever he was going as she was the one interested in the purchase.

There was someone in the same store using an electric shopping cart. She is tiny and seated. There is an item on a high shelf that she is interested in. I ask if I can reach it for her? She is grateful.

Just looking folks in the eye, greeting them with a smile and saying hello has become a practice that cheers many. Most older folks seem surprised that you see them and care. Every age is somewhat startled if you look them in the eye when you greet them.

A tiny thousand lights of kindness. Wishing a harried store clerk a good day. Telling them to take a deep breath while you find your credit card. Urging the world to slow down for one minute. Tiny light of kindness.

Yielding to a car in traffic and being genuinely glad about it.

Thanking the letter carrier for service. The last one I greeted was delivering mail in 13 degree weather. I asked how he stayed warm. He replied you just have to dress for the weather.

Giving the delivery man a home baked cookie when he brings your package to the door.

In the gospel of John we are told

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 NIV

The word light is used seven times in the first nine verses of John 1. In the passage above, a mere three verses, it is used four times. We are to pay attention to this idea. We are to shine the light God has given us. Shine and shine and then shine some more. No place does it say the light of the world got weary of shining and stopped. We too are called to this shine work.

Have you ever attended a concert where the performer asked people to turn on their cell phone flashlight? Or they were given wristbands they were to light up at a certain time? Can you imagine if all of those people left that stadium with the conviction to shine the light God gave them to others around the world? You can help with this effort every single day of your life. If you no longer leave the house you likely still have conversations with others. Smile through your words and bring light and life to each situation.

PBS goes on to report: “A menorah is lit in each household and traditionally is placed where it can be seen from the outside, such as a doorway or windowsill, to symbolize the spreading of God’s light to all nations.”

A thousand tiny lights of kindness. “Even a small, against-the-odds effort can have a transforming effect.” Yes, that means each of us. Just as we celebrate Jesus, the Light of the world, at this time of year (and always) we are to be set on fire for the Kingdom good news! Many are credited with this saying, Saint Francis most notably.

Posted on in Aging, Amazing Creations, Faith, Humor, Illness and Health, medical treatment, Thanks

Gratefulness

Obviously the woman in this photo has not yet tried her neti pot!!

And so

Our glad hearts, accepting the miracle of this moment, this breath, this day, this life—that is the foundation of all sanity. Terry Patten

The foundations of sanity. I am trying to complain and murmur less. That is hard when you have a cold/virus that is kicking your butt. But I am trying to maintain a glad heart, the foundation of all sanity!

I had an already scheduled doctor appointment. I got sick on a week ago last Monday and saw doc on Tuesday. He determined it was the nasty virus that is going around. At least it is not Covid or flu. He did say I was still contagious and should not participate in Senior Center crochet/knit group Christmas party. So Bob helped me drop off the decorations, set them up and then return home. I wore an N95 mask the entire time. Forgot how much I disliked those! He was gracious enough to return after the party and pick up the things I keep from party to party.

Doc strongly suggested I use a Neti Pot to rinse my sinuses. Have you had the joy of using one of those? Yikes. When I was a child in the 1950s mom would use saline nose drops on my sister and I when we got a bad cold. We thought she was trying to drown us. That was nothing compared to the neti pot!

Doctor stressed I am to use distilled water for this activity as tap water has bacteria in it. Gross. I warm 1 cup distilled water for about 30 seconds in the microwave to take the chill off it. Stir in salt packet designed for rinsing sinuses. Place in the neti pot. (I keep a soft towel handy for blowing my nose.) There used to be a vulgar saying about, “bend over and kiss your *** goodbye.” Yeah sort of like that! I try to just not think about it too much while I am enduring it!!

You let the fluid run into one side of your nose and out the other nostril. No drinking it or swallowing it, just flush. I bend over the sink to do it. There were some photos of people catching it in a basin. For me that would take too much coordination! This is a once a day ordeal.

Doc told me the benefit is to flush out congestion so the virus cannot grow into a bacterial infection. That would be worse than what I have. Who invented these things? Evidently the practice dates back 5,000 years and what we currently use in the USA is an improvement over the older methods. If I think too hard about it my mind wonders about waterboarding, no offense to any veterans who suffered that torture.

So I celebrate this day, THIS BREATH, this life and try to be grateful for the neti pot and our fine medical care. At least on this day, when our outside temperature is 9 degrees, I get to warm the water before I flush! Guard your heart and keep it glad!!

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Faith, Family, Humor, Joy, Look, Memories, Nature

Glimmers from the Past Week

Barberry shrubs? Not certain but the berries are obvious!

A car zoomed past us. I laughed out loud. Glimmer! Hanging from the trunk were Elf legs.

We visited the Krohn Conservatory for the annual creche scene. I usually delight the mos tin the toddlers visiting with their families. Animal sounds of “he-haw, he- haw” “moo” and “Baaa!” Laughter and eyes wide with wonder at the cow, donkey, sheep and figures.

This day the live sheep were wandering about outside. Not many other visitors at all. The sheep were digging in the leaf litter for fresh grass before the big snow storm. Each of them was wearing a bell on their collar. Eventually one wandered close to the fence where we stood. I put out my hand to feel the large woolly coat. It was wet! Glimmer! I had not expected that. It was inches thick. I told her I hoped she was warm and dry under it.

We stood inside the barn trying to get a photo of the nativity characters. Mine never do turn out right. The lighting there is subdued.

photo by rmdutina

While standing out of the wind I did notice the sheep at attention along the fence. These were the same sheep who moments ago would not give us their attention at all. And then I saw it too. Glimmer! A dog on a leash was parked by the fence. The animals were exchanging looks. Eventually the pet owner was ready to go home. The dog was totally resistant to that idea! He was stronger than she was and sat his butt stubbornly on the ground. Meanwhile the sheep had decided he was no threat and went back to grazing. With much tugging the dog gave up and went with his owner. He likely was wondering, “Where did those come from and what kind of dog smells like that!?!?”

Glimmer! I was also tickled to realize how the local birds at the conservatory were benefiting from the layer of straw on the ground. As many years as I have visited there I do not think I ever made that observation before this year! Maybe because it was not yet dark when we went this time?

In your heart prepare Him room! Watch for those glimmers of joy! And careful when you slam your trunk not to capture an elf unawares!!

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Joy, Just do it, Praise, Prayer, Worship

Advent with Every Moment Holy

I looked through the featured liturgies from the daily reading I get from Every Moment Holy. Here is a small portion from the one entitled Entering the Advent Season  by Lanier Ivester

God-With-Us, be my peace 
as I embark upon this holy season.
Help me to carve out quiet for
communion with you
sheltered moments in which to contemplate
the earth-shattering gift of a self-giving Savior.
And where quiet cannot be found,
so tether me to your presence within that
nothing without would unravel my calm.

I love the images there. Help me carve out, not turkey or the ham or any other delight, but more so “carve out quiet for communion with” God.

“Sheltered moment and earth-shattering gift.” This writer understands what we are celebrating right now!

And so, with the confidence your people 
have carried since your first coming,
I look toward your second with
expectant love,
echoing the cry your church
has intoned through the ages:
Even so, come, Lord Jesus

Commenting upon the word Maranatha, Wikipedia says: Use in contemplative prayer

Based on the teachings of John Cassian, John Main recommended the recitation of Maranatha as “the ideal Christian mantra“, meaning “Come Lord”, repeated silently interiorly as four equally stressed syllables Ma-ra-na-tha: “Not only is this one of the most ancient Christian prayers, in the language Jesus spoke, but it also has a harmonic quality that helps to bring the mind to silence. Other words or short phrases could be used but he saw it as important that during the meditation one doesn’t think about the meaning or use the imagination.”[5] Other Christian authors and communities cultivate similar practices centered on this recitation, such as Pablo d’Ors, who also recommends it as one of the linkages (along with the breathing and the hands) for the practice of contemplative prayer.

I have read both John Cassian and John Main. Making Maranatha a prayer to focus upon your breath is very powerful. The focus is upon the four stressed syllables but also upon the plea of the word prayer Maranatha. Come Lord, be with us. Come Lord i your power and glory.

Hearing the Messiah reminded me of the song of the angels in Revelation 7:11-2

All the angels were standing around the throne, the elders, and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before his throne, and worshiped God, 12 saying, “Amen! Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might, be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”

If you recite nothing else this Advent I challenge you to recite Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power and might. These be to our God forever and ever. Amen!

And again in Revelation 5: 11-/13

 I looked, and I heard something like a voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders. The number of them was ten thousands of ten thousands, and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who has been killed to receive the power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing!”

13 I heard every created thing which is in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the dominion, forever and ever! Amen!”

Is this what you think about during Advent and Christmas? If not usually, try this with the ten thousands of ten thousands!

power 
wealth 
wisdom
strength
honor
glory 
blessing
dominion
thanksgiving
might
Even so, come, Lord Jesus, come!

Maybe I have to get this printed as a card for next year!!

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Art, Faith, Joy, Listen, Music, Praise, Prayer, Rest, Special Event, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Surrender, Thanks, Worship

Come Unto Me

You might remember that when I made my last retreat the Lord gave me a couple passages of Scripture to cling to? One of those was as follows.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

I was blessed to hear Handel’s Messiah at the Cincinnati Symphony Music Hall last week with the magnificent May Festival Chorus. What a delight! Approximately 144 voices plus four soloists! I had never heard it performed live before. I told my friend who attended with me that I was unaccustomed to attending church at Music Hall!Being familiar with the Scripture passages that Handel used in his 1741 composition enhanced my enjoyment tremendously! (The lyrics were composed by Charles Jennens from King James Bible and the Book of Common Prayer.)

Now, a few days later, one melody is rolling around in my soul. It took me a while to identify and locate it among the many songs offered at the performance, but here it is! I have no idea what that instrument is behind the alto? Some sort of harpsichord/guitarish thing? It must be considered ancient. It was not used at the performance I attended.

I pray you enjoyed that snippet. Regardless, may you find rest in the arms of God this season.

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Faith, Joy, Look, Praise, Prayer, Thanks, Traveling, Worship

Fences

There is some advertisement on TV that has been playing this old song. It catches in my brain and then I can’t stop singing it. What does it say about our lives today?

I think there are few places where I can go where one can “give me land, lots of land under starry skies above,
Don’t fence me in.
Let me ride through the wide open country that I love,
Don’t fence me in.
Let me be by myself in the evenin’ breeze,
listen to the murmur of the cottonwood trees,
Send me off forever but I ask you please,
Don’t fence me in.”

Of course, there are the expressways through America. Come to think of it the song is probably being used by a car company.

Turns out the lyrics were a poem written by ” Robert Fletcher, a poet and engineer with the Department of Highways in Helena, Montana. Cole Porter, who had been asked to write a cowboy song for the 20th Century Fox musical, bought the poem from Fletcher for $250. Porter reworked Fletcher’s poem, and when the song was first published, Porter was credited with sole authorship. Porter had wanted to give Fletcher co-authorship credit, but his publishers did not allow it. ” Wikipedia

“After the song became popular, however, Fletcher hired attorneys who negotiated his co-authorship credit in subsequent publications. Although it was one of the most popular songs of its time, Porter claimed it was his least favorite of his compositions.” Wikipedia

I never want to forget that our United States of America is made up of so much land, and so varied in type and variety! We happened upon a television channel called Naturescape. We have been watching an episode entitled Death Valley. When we visited there we were amazed at the variety in the landscape. So VERY different from Southwest Ohio!

Another place of fascination is the telescope at Hilo, Hawaii. You can watch it daily. https://liveworldwebcams.com/subaru-telescope-live-webcam-hawaii/

I was hoping I could catch the glow from the recent volcano eruption for you. The emphasis today was the Meteor shower which we were totally unable to see here due to cloudy conditions.

Watch. Be amazed. Thank the Lord for this amazing land where we live!