Simple But Beautiful In Her Own Way

 

 

 

Simple But Beautiful In Her Own Way

 

 

She’s not a Rose

And not a Bleeding Heart.

She is wild and beautiful,

In her own way!

You can’t help but notice her.

She’s hard to ignore.

She smiles a vivid color,

Is strong and determined.

And is quite social with many friends.

You will see them on lawns,

Fields, among other flowers,

and many other places.

They dance and when they grow old,

they will stand tall, and then quietly depart,

You will see them blowing in the wind,

or

floating away quietly.

And soon they rise again,

giving birth to their offspring.

Who will live, and learn to dance,

and fly away again.

Life goes on.

Written by Dianne © dsphotocats

 

 

 

Hope to find you all well.

Love and Care

Dianne :)

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

How Can We Know The Way?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jesus’s disciples felt confused when he talked about going away. “You know the way to the place where I am going,” He told them. Thomas voiced the question burning in all their minds: “Lord we don’t know where you’re going. So how can we know the way? Jesus’s answer was simple and direct: I am the way, the truth and the life. No one goes to the Father except through me.”

It may be popular to claim that many paths lead to God, but that contradicts what the Bible teaches. Jesus taught that access to God can only come through placing our faith in His sacrificial death and resurrection. The way is clear and open to everyone, blocked only by a person’s unwillingness to believe. There is no alternate route. People who denounce the gospel as narrow minded miss the wonder that God provided a way for us to come to Him at all.

Jesus is more than the path to salvation and eternal life: He shows us the way to live a life of true meaning and purpose. Nurturing our relationship with Him and following the directions in God’s Word are the only way to travel. We may be temped to let our life be guided by sources that seem more exciting, but we’ll only end up feeling confused.

Jesus answered him, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one goes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

 

 

I want to wish you all a Happy Easter as we celebrate the Life, the death and Resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ , The Son of Almighty God.

For God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son that who so ever believes in Him shall not perish but have Ever Lasting  Life. John 3:16.

 

Love and Care

Dianne :)

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

 

Mom’s Is Home :)

 

I just want to give a quick update on my mom to let you all know that she was discharged from the hospital yesterday, and is feeling much better than she was 3 weeks ago tonight. I want to thank those of you who keep mom in your thoughts and prayers. She has an onward battle with kidney disease , but has won this battle, and thanks to the Lord who answered our prayers.
God Bless you all and have a wonderful weekend. Much appreciation, Dianne :)

A Beautiful March Day Down By The Bay

 

 

This photo was taken with my Mobile Phone

 

I got off work early on Friday, and the weather was unbelievable for this time of year. I remember past years in March I was still cross country skiing. Seems we hardly had winter this year. I am not one to usually complain about the weather. I just take it as it comes. Seems each day just goes by too darn quickly.

I had already made up my mind that morning while at work that when I got home I was taking my pony (bike) (for those who don’t know me), for a ride down to the Bay. Hubby had it out and ready to go. I grabbed my camera and off I went. Felt so good to be riding again. It gave me a sense of freedom from the cares of life, with the breeze blowing against my face. It was a warm, sunny day and I felt it’s warmth.

As I road along the Bay I saw geese and ducks flying by, and heard my first Red Winged Black Bird. Lots of turtles lying on driftwood, and rocks sunning themselves. I stopped and listened and admired the view, and then went on my merry way. Some of you would asked did you take a picture. To be honest, not at this time. I was just enjoying the ride , the view, and Natures Songs along the way.

I did finally stop at my Special Place and sat on my favorite bench and looked out over the Bay. The place where I sometimes like to capture the sun rising. It was so quiet accept for nature itself, and so peaceful. It felt wonderful to be sitting there just enjoying the moment.

 

 

I did take a few pictures but to be honest I think I am a little out of practice. Ha! Well I did get the dust blown away off my camera, and hopefully will find more time to use it in the near future. :)

My mom is still in the hospital but making progress, and starting to feel better. We are hoping in the near future that she will be home again, and enjoying this wonderful time of year soon to be called Spring. A time for new beginnings. A time of renewed health and strength for her I hope and pray. Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement along the way. It means so much to me. More than you will ever know.

Well it is another beautiful sunny warm day. Hubby just made brunch, and now I need to go get ready to go for a little drive, and pack up the cameras just incase something catches my eye. Got to seize the day!

Hope you all have a wonderful day.

Love and Care

Dianne :) 

I will come and visit and do some catching up when I can. Sorry I haven’t been by and hope you understand.

Many of you remain in my thoughts and prayers , and I am thankful for your friendship. xoxo D.S

Prayer Request

 

My mom is back in the hospital in ICU. She went into the hospital Friday night with a irregular heart rhythm and shortness of breath. They were concerned that she may have a stroke or a heart attack. The drug they gave her stabilized her heart .  Tomorrow they will do a cat scan as she has fluid on her lungs. They are not sure what is causing that. My mom has chronic kidney disease. I would ask that you would pray for her, and the Lord’s will for her life.

Thank you, Dianne 

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.  :)