Chubby Little Robin

 

 

I came across this Chubby Little Robin the other day at Presqu'ile Provincial Park. He looks like an American Robin and quite young. I was surprised to see it here, and by the looks of it I think he has been living off the local bird feeders. I am thinking he may have stayed the winter for some reason. Maybe he lost his way or was too young to make the trip further south. He was the only one I saw. I have to say he was a sight to see. Just maybe a sign that Spring is just around the corner. I for one sure hope so.

As I get ready to post  this many of you come to mind. I Hope to find you all well.   Sincerely Dianne  :)

Words and photo by Dianne © dsphotocats

Walking With Nature By The Bay

 

 

Red Winged Black Bird Singing His Summer Song

High above me in this tree.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One little Goldfinch sitting in a tree

Looking as pretty as can be.

As He  looks down

I wonder what do you see

besides me,

perched way up in that tree?

Written by Dianne dsphotocats

 

 

 

 

 

 Seems He is following me,  posed for another picture

I have wanted to capture one of these for a very long time. And today he flew into my path.

I prayed God would Bless me and He did.

I believe God can and does use His Creation to Bless those who’s heart is open to see and hear, not only creation, but the Creator Himself.

 

 

 

 

 Queen Anne’s Lace is one of my favorite Wildflowers

Dainty and oh so Pretty is she.

I like how she stands out in her surroundings.

 

 

 

 

What a pleasant surprise as this Beautiful Butterfly

Fluttered by me and Landed long enough

for me to take this photo.

If anyone knows the name of this Butterfly please let me know.

 

 

 

 

He leads me beside still waters

He restores my soul. 

Words from Psalm 23.

That is what came to mind as I looked into the pond and saw this Water Lilly, and her reflection in the still waters.

Maybe you look at this photo and see something totally different , and that is fine too.

I hope that by looking at these photos , and reading this blog, you will be Blessed .

Hope to find you all well and enjoying the seasons of life where ever you may dwell.  May you see the Beauty beyond whatever circumstances you may face in this life. 

May God reveal Himself to you as you seek Him, and Bless You beyond measure.

Sincerely Dianne :)

P.S If you click on each photo you will be able to see a bigger photo.

Dianne © dsphotocats

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird- A First For Me :)

 

 

Male Ruby Throated Humming Bird

 

 

This is my very first time ever attempting to capture a Humming Bird. I just put up my feeder last night, and at noon today I spotted a Humming Bird . I went and got my camera and waited for it to come back. They are so quick and I am so slow, Ha! But I got this shot with a 55-250mm Lens from my deck. Hats off to those of you who have captured and taken such great pictures of these little birds. Now I know how much of a challenge they are.

The Ruby Throated Humming Bird is the only one that we usually see in Ontario, Canada, but they do say that every once in awhile another species will show up unexpected. Maybe they forgot to ask directions, Ha! I really don’t know too much about Humming Birds but will try and learn a few things about them. I was thrilled to see one of these beautiful tiny little birds in my back yard. Hopefully it will spread the word and bring some of his friends and family with him next time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a beautiful hot sunny day here today and I stayed outside in my back yard for most of the day, just enjoying the great outdoors.

I hope to find you all well and enjoying the weather , where ever you might be, and what ever season it is where you live. Right now we are enjoying Spring and before you know it summer will be upon us.

Take care and have a great week ahead.

Love and Care

Dianne :)

 

Dianne © dsphotocats

His Eye Is On The Sparrow

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." (Matt. 10:27-31).

"Sparrow" is the name given to several different species of birds in the Bible -- they ate grain and insects and gathered in noisy flocks. Sparrows would often build their untidy nests in the eaves of houses, but were not driven away when they built their nests in the Temple (Psa. 84:3). These insignificant little birds were such social creatures that a lone sparrow was the symbol of deep loneliness (Psa. 102:7).

In the days of our Lord sparrows were sold for a very low price -- two of them for a copper coin (Matt. 10:29). A copper coin, an asarion, was a very small Roman coin, was worth about 1/16 of a silver denarius, and was therefore worth less than a quarter in U.S. currency today. Those who were poor and could not afford to sacrifice a sheep or a goat might bring a sparrow to the Temple (cf. Lev. 14:1-7).

So insignificant were these little birds that if you bought four sparrows the seller would throw in one more for free (Luke 12:4-7). It was this extra sparrow of which Jesus said, "and not one of them is forgotten before God." His care for His creation is so great that even this extra sparrow is noted and observed by God!

The point our Lord was making is this: if God is concerned about the tiny sparrow and notes its fate, how much greater must His concern be for man, who is immeasurably greater in value than the sparrow!

God's Eye Is On Things We Deem Insignificant

Sometimes it seems that God is the only one who cares for sparrows. Cats and birds of prey like to hunt and eat them, and little boys have been known to torment them. Adults complain about how they multiply and consider them pests. Yet, Jesus said, "not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will" (Matt. 10:29). It is interesting that Jesus chose the most common of all birds to teach a profound truth: in God's eyes, no one is insignificant!

God not only provides food for "the birds of the air," but He also "clothes the grass of the field" (Matt. 6:25-34). The "lilies of the field" were the scarlet poppies -- they bloomed for only one day on the hillsides of Israel, and yet in their brief life they were clothed with a beauty which surpassed "Solomon in all his glory," and when they died they were "thrown into the oven."

In the days of our Lord ovens consisted of a clay box set on bricks over a fire. When it was desired to rapidly raise the temperature of it, some handfuls of dried grasses and wild flowers were thrown inside the oven and set alight. The flowers had but one day of life; and then they were set alight to help a woman to heat an oven when she was baking in a hurry; and yet God clothes them with a beauty which is beyond man's power to imitate. If God gives such beauty to a short-lived flower, how much more will he care for man?

Surely, the generosity, which is lavished upon a flower for one day, will not be forgetful of man, the crown of His creation.

 

God Does Not Always Prevent Evil From Happening To Us

Though God does provide care for the sparrows, the fact that "not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will" (Matt. 10:29) means that sometimes bad things can happen. Although He watches over the sparrows, this does not prevent them being hunted by predators. Although He watches over every one of us, this does not mean that our lives will be free from care.

God had placed a "hedge" around Job (Job 1:8-11), but allowed Satan to tempt Job (Job 1:12). In the midst of his trials he did not lose his trust in God (Job 1:21). In one of the most beautiful passages in the book of Job, we hear Job say of God, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him" (Job 13:15).

We can be assured that with every temptation there will also be a way of escape. "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" (1 Cor. 10:13). My brethren, there are no special cases! When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on!

God's Care Continues For Us

We may not esteem the tiny sparrow, but Jesus used it to illustrate our heavenly Father's watchful care: "you are of more value than many sparrows" (Matt. 10:31). If God is concerned about the tiny sparrow, how much greater must His concern be for man, who is immeasurably greater in value than the sparrow!

There is no place for worry in the life of a sparrow, and no attempt stockpile supplies for the future -- yet their lives go on. The point Jesus is making is not that the birds do not work; it has been said that no one works harder than a sparrow to make a living; the point He is making is that they do not worry. Sparrows do not strain to see into a future, which they cannot see, and do not seek to find security in the things they have accumulated for the future.

Worry is needless, useless and even injurious (Matt. 6:25-32). Worry, which wears out the mind also, wears out the body. Worry affects our judgment, lessons our powers of decision, and renders us progressively incapable of dealing with life. Worry is a manifestation of our lack of faith in God (Matt. 6:30). We need to learn to be content (Phil. 4:4-13).

In the midst of turbulent times Habakkuk said, "Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls -- Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation" (Hab. 3:17-18).

God's continued care for us should bring contentment in our lives. "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content." (1 Tim. 6:6-10).

Conclusion

In 1904, a songwriter, Mrs. Civilla Martin, went to visit a bedridden friend in Elmira, New York. Mrs. Martin asked the woman if she ever got discouraged because of her physical condition. Her friend quickly responded: "Mrs. Martin, how can I be discouraged when my heavenly Father watches over each little sparrow and I know He loves and cares for me?"

On her journey back home, Mrs. Martin completed the writing of her new text, which has since been a source of much encouragement to many of God's people:

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come, why should my heart be lonely and long for Heaven and home, when Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me...

"Let not your heart be troubled," His tender word I hear, and resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears; though by the path He leadeth but one step I may see: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me...

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise, when songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies, I draw the closer to Him; from care He sets me free; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me...

God's care for us is immeasurable -- He allowed His only begotten Son to die in our stead (John 3:16). When we consider the "riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering" this ought to soften our heart, "knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance" (Rom. 2:3-4).

God's care for us will sustain us throughout life, for "we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28).

God's care for us extends beyond the grave and into that home of the soul, for those who "do His commandments" have the right to the tree of life, and "may enter in through the gates into the city" (Rev. 22:14).       

His Eye Is On The Sparrow by David Padfield

 

 

 

 

 

I found this very encouraging and hope those of you who take the time to read it will be encourage also.

Hope all is well and you all have a great week ahead.

Love and Care

Dianne :)

 

Hanging Out At The Back Yard Cafe

 

 

Hey what’s for lunch?

 

 

 

I was kinda hoping for some carrot stew

 

 

 

Oops, I think I am on Candid Camera

 

 

 

I don’t know why they make these tables so small

 

 

 

No one told me it was standing room only

But the food is pretty darn good.

Think I will come back for seconds.

 

 

 

I didn’t know they had a Bouncer at this Café.

What do you mean I have to wait?

 

 

 

Hey mom, don’t forget my take-out order

 

 

 

Think I will check out the menu

Seems kinda nuts around here today.

 

 

 

Dear Lord… Thank you for our food,

that you have provided for us,

and Jesse who scares away that mean old puddy cat.

 

 

 

I told you we should have made reservations

 

 

The End on this episode, and I hope you enjoyed some of what I saw and heard at my Backyard Cafe on a Beautiful warm, sunny afternoon while sitting on my back deck.

All writing's and photographs by  Dianne © dsphotocats

 

I hope to find you all well and having a wonderful Spring.

For those of you who wonder about my mom, she is home once again , and we appreciate your prayers for her as she continues to battle Chronic Kidney Disease.

Love and Care

Dianne :)

My Watchdog, Jesse

Backyard Friends

 

 

 

 

Male Northern Cardinal

 

 

Last week it was like summer here, but on a March day. Usually we still have snow and lots of it. This winter we hardly had snow at all and when we did it didn’t stay very long. I got off work early and decided to grab my e-book, my camera and something cold to drink, heading to sit and relax on my back deck.

It wasn’t long until I heard that sweet sweet sound of a singing Cardinal. I looked around and finally spotted him in a Spruce tree in my backyard. I slowly picked up my camera and took this picture. I waited all winter but didn’t see or hear a Cardinal in my yard until a few weeks ago. I was so excited and it has been coming back ever since. A few times he has brought his female partner with him. It has only been recently that I have been able to capture him with my camera. If I hadn’t been sitting there waiting for nature to come to me, I would have missed this opportunity. It was a perfect afternoon, and I really did need to just sit and relax for awhile. Just to be Still … Something that is so often taken for granted. For me it was something wonderful, just to sit and be still with a good book, my camera, a cold drink, and oh ya ; my little dog Jesse by my side keeping me company. :)

 

 

 

He decided to stop long enough to pose for me, and have a bite to eat at my Backyard Café.

 

 

Hope to find you all well and wishing you a wonderful rest of the week.

Love and Care

Dianne :)

And I can’t thank you enough for all your thoughts and prayers for my mom , my family and I. God Bless each and every one of you, and I know He does.

 

Dianne © dsphotocats

 

A Touch Of Nature

 

 

 

Chickadee In A Tree

 

 

 

 

A Black-Capped Chickadee

 

 

 

 

A White Breasted Nuthatch

 

 

 

 

Oh cage me not, lest I become a prisoner of man’s ego.

Deny me not my right to fly in God’s blue sky

And spy upon these mortals there below.

Then when I see a friend, I may desend to serenade.

And when my song is o’er,

away on freedom ‘s wing to soar.

-May Hickman

 

 

 

 

 

 

One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.

– Shakespear

 

 

 

 

  In Harmony with Nature

Up Close and Personal,

The Look of Trust ,

Eye to  Eye,

It touched my Soul.

Written by - Dianne © dsphotocats

 

 

 

 

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. – John Muir

 

 

 

I Was Looking For Owls

I was looking for Owls, and I found  Chickadees, 

or should I say , “they found me”.

I was looking for Owls, and I found a Nuthatch,

and again, it found me.

If you truly love Nature you will find Beauty wherever you go.

Look! Expecting to find,

Leave your tunnel vision behind.

You may not find what you are looking for,

but treasures you are sure to find,

and you will be touched by nature of some kind.

What a Joy to be in Harmony with the Beauty that surrounds you, whatever that might be.

I believe it is God’s  intended plan for all of humanity,

and  Nature, of His Own  Creativity.

Written by- Dianne © dsphotocats

 

 

It was funny, while driving home on the 401 hwy. I saw a big beautiful owl perched in a tree along side the 4 way hwy. I admired its beauty for a moment, and then shook my head and laughed. It didn’t bother me that I didn’t get a photo with my camera. I treasured the moment with a thankful heart and I had just come from having little Chickadees and a Nuthatch in the palm of my hand. There little talons felt wonderful as I experienced a touch of nature that I will never forget. Now how special is that!!!

Hope to find you all well. Take care and God Bless each and every one who passes by.

ox Dianne :)

Special note: Pictures of me were taken by my hubby. Steve is legally blind but has great insight, and not bad with the camera either. I think he is pretty amazing. I am  Blessed to have him in my life.  :)

 

The Birdhouse Café Series

 

Male Cardinal Enjoying The Berries

 

There aren’t many leaves left on the trees, but there are berries, and birds. That is one thing I like about this time of year. You can see and spot a bird even in the distance. One thing for sure, you can’t miss the beautiful red Cardinals. They are one of my most favorite song birds. I love listening to them whistling. This time of the year has so much beauty to see, and hear. All one has to do is look beyond the bare trees, and see God’s little treasures no matter the Season.

It always takes me awhile to adjust to this time of year. It is like I have to learn to refocus and look beyond the grey skies, and dark clouds that hover above, and the colder weather.

The time really does fly by and even if the weather is cold, and sometimes damp, I am reminded of a few things about this time of year that I love.

I love sitting by my small fireplace curled up with a good book, and a nice hot beverage and  my little dog lying by the fire enjoying the warmth, keeping me company.

I love waking up in the morning feeling all warm and cozy and the feel of  flannelette sheets.

I love the seasonal foods such as homemade soups and stews.

There are others things I like about this time of year also.

So I will try not to dwell on the things I don’t like , and make the best of the things I do love. I do have my moments like everyone else but I am reminded of so many things I am thankful for.

Hope to find you all well. Hope this week is kind to you all.

Love and Care

Dianne :)

 

And when you offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the LORD, offer it of your own free will ... Lev 2:29.

Portrait Of A Canada Goose

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I took this photo back in July of this year. I was out for a walk along the water front trail, and I came across some Canada Geese. This one got my attention and I was close enough that I could have touch him. I would never attempt to do that. I have a great admiration, and respect for these Beautiful Water Fowl.  There are those who don’t share my love for these birds and think they are a nuisance. I understand their reasons but I don’t share their view.  I wonder if sometimes Canada Geese think we are a nuisance and get in their way. :) Just a thought! I really think this planet is big enough for all of us to share, and show each other a little Grace.

 

 

 

 

I love watching and listening to the geese as they fly in formation this time of year, as they prepare to fly south for the winter. They haven’t left yet, but they are practicing and training their young ones for the journey ahead.

Yes, there is a change in the air as we also prepare for a new season that is on our doorstep. We have a few more days of summer so enjoy them, and for all those who are looking forward to the long weekend, Have a good one.

Happy September one and all.

Love and Care

Dianne :)

Bath Time

 

 

 

One Little Black Bird

 

 

 

 

Taking A Bath

 

 

 

 

In My Back Yard

 

 

 

 

Isn’t He/She Cute

 

 

 

 

Splishing and Splashing

 

 

 

 

Having A Blast

 

 

 

 

Now Standing Tall

 

 

 

 

Tail Feathers and Wing Feathers All In Motion

 

 

 

 

Now Refreshed And Ready To Fly Away

Little Black Bird Please Come Back

Another Day.

Dianne © dsphotocats

 

May your weekend be refreshing, and I hope you all have some fun.

xoxo Dianne :)

 

Note that if you click on the picture you will see the bigger picture. :)

 

Bird Feeder Café Series by Dianne @ dsphotocats

Knock Knock …….

Who’s There?

What’s this, a role call or something?

Can’t I just eat with a little peace and quiet?

After all it’s Saturday

and I had a long week at the office.

Do you think they will miss us at the feeder this morning?

I say,”What the world needs now is Love Sweet Love”. 

Now wouldn’t that just knock your talons off!!! 

If everyone loved,everyone.

Dianne © dsphotocats

......................

The True Meaning Of Love

 4Love is patient and kind.
Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5or rude.
It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable,
and it keeps no record of being wronged.
6It does not rejoice about injustice
but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
7Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful
and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

The Inspired Word Of God

God has a very high standard of Love.
He Himself demonstrated True Love on the cross
where Jesus gave His Life,
that we could live by being born again, Spiritually.
There is no one in all the earth or universe
that can claim such Love, as God, our Creator.

 We know what real love is because
Jesus gave up his life for us.
So we also ought to give up our lives
for our brothers and sisters.
1John 3:16

So now I am giving you a new commandment:
Love each other. Just as I have loved you,
you should love each other. John 13:34

 ………………………………………………………………………………………………

As I read these verses, I see how
I have come short of God’s Standard.
but I know He loves me, and because of His Grace I am saved
and I pray that His Love will shine through me,
and my love will shine through to others.
He is the source of Love in it’s purest form.

Thank you one and all, who have taken the time to read my blog,
and for those who leave your heart prints by leaving a comment. 

May you have a wonderful day and God be with you.

Also, my mom is doing well after her surgery.
and I spend as much time with her as I can.
Baby Hope is doing amazingly well,
and is growing stronger every day.
She now ways approx. 6lbs.
Thank you all who have prayed for my mom and Hope,
and my family, and for me also.
Prayer is such an act of Love, and as one friend said,
Prayers are treasures sent to Heaven.
God sees them all when we come to Him with a sincere heart,
and humbly before Him.

Please remember Carole, our dear sister,
who fell and broke her wrist, and injured her knees.
She has prayed for so many of us, in our time of need.

I realize this post is long,
but I guess you could say I am making up for lost time,
as my life is full, and very busy most of the time.
I hope to come and visit you all real soon.

Love and Care

Dianne :)

A Walk Around The Block

 

If the daffodils are blooming then we know for sure that spring is here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Robin busily making a nest.

 

 

 

 

A Starling making a nest in a tree

 

 

 

 

 

A Squirrel in a tree having a snack

 

 

 

 

This guy was either posing for the camera or else he was ready to take me on. I thought it was so funny the way it stood up , and looked at me.

 

 

 

 

I couldn’t resist this pretty face.  Pansy’s are one of my favorite flowers.

 

 

 

These are a few of the things that captured my attention on my walk around the block of my city street, near my home. It is so nice to be able to finally see signs of Spring. I took these pictures last Sunday after noon. It was one of a few days where the temperature reached the mid 60’s, and it felt wonderful. It was a bright sunny Spring day.

 

Take care, and God be with you all, and keep you safe, and sound. I wish you all many sunny, and happy days ahead.

Love and Care

Dianne :)