A Risky Hodgepodge

I know it's Wednesday because it's time for the Hodgepodge.

Click this LINK to join Joyce and the other bloggers for this week's questions.  And yes, you are at the right place.

This gorgeous, smart, athletic, sweet princess granddaughter turned 21 this week.  Happy Birthday, Savannah.  You are loved beyond measure.

Now, let's answer some questions.

1. Ever played the game Farkle? Are you a risk taker? In games only or also in life?

I have never played Farkle.

I asked my husband if he thought I am a risk taker and he said, "You married me, so I'd say you are a big risk taker!"

There aren't many games I play that require taking risks, so that is not a good measuring rod.

In life, I am willing to take some risks as long as I am pretty sure it will work out in the end.  Does that disqualify it as a risk? 

2. What's your favorite thing about your yard or whatever outdoor space you may have?

My favorite space and where I spend a good bit of my time is our screened back porch which overlooks our small backyard.  I love watching the birds, seeing the blooming flowers, and hearing the water feature.

We are in the midst of redoing the flower beds in the front of the house, so when that is finished, that may be a close 2nd.

3. Tell us about the most interesting building you've seen or been in.

I could say the Capital, the White House, and others that are both grand and humble, but perhaps the most memorable would be the following:

The Colosseum in Rome

The Parthenon in Athens

It isn't exactly a building, but the Catacombs in Rome were definitely interesting.

4. In this current season of social distancing, what's something you've come to realize you take for granted in more ordinary times? Do you think you'll make a conscious effort to appreciate whatever that 'it' is once normal life resumes?

Freedom to go and come as I please.  The freedom to gather for worship - to be able to make plans that involve leaving my house without a mask.

Yes, I do think I will appreciate them more for a while, and then we will most likely take them for granted again.  

5. Share a favorite song with a springtime flower in the lyrics somewhere.

"Ramblin Rose" by Nat King Cole

6. Insert your own random thought here.

As you can see, I have had a major makeover to my blog.  I started blogging in August of 2011 and have loved my blog design all these years.  Recently I started having formatting issues and decided it was time to do something new. I could not be more pleased with the transformation.

Thank you Lea at CiCi's Corner for recommending Linda and major KUDOs to Linda- My Fairy Blog Mother for envisioning what I couldn't and for being so patient through the process.

Gone to the Birds

It was such a privilege to be allowed to share a bit of the outdoors with these birdies this afternoon.

I hope you enjoy seeing these beautiful creatures up close.

"His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He cares for me."

After The Storm Passes By

"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord."

Psalm 31:24

Stressful days are an inevitable fact of modern life and right now, there can be a whole lot of stress.  Some days may feel like we are being stripped bare and all the fears and anxiousness is there for all to see.

When we seek to impose our own wills upon the world - or upon other people - we invite stress into our lives....needlessly.  The ugliness of foolish pride only adds to our stress and self condemnation.

Like the storms that have hit our neighborhood lately ,and possibly yours as well, stress can leave it's mark and the remains aren't pretty.

One day, everything is like a perfectly manicured lawn, and then BOOM!

 Something out of no where hits and all of a sudden, the debris of our lives lie around like mangled steel, blocking our way to peace and contentment that we so desperately desire.

What do we do then?

We look up!

We look up through the ugliness into the light of the One who turns our concerns and our storms into beauty and peace.

"God knows what each of us is dealing with.  He knows our pressures.  He knows our conflicts.  And, He has made a provision for each and every one of them.  That provision is Himself in the person of the Holy Spirit, dwelling in us and empowering us to respond rightly."

Kay Arthur

"Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you:  He will never allow the righteous to be shaken."

Psalm 55:22

"Rejoicing is a matter of obedience to God ---- an obedience that will start you on the road to peace and contentment."

Kay Arthur

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts ---- and be ye thankful."

Colossians 3:15

Today, as a gift to yourself, to your family, and to your friends, claim the inner peace that is your spiritual birthright:  the peace of Jesus Christ.  It is offered freely; it has been paid for in full; it is yours for the asking.  So ask.  And then share.

Springtime In My Yard

With so much negative, scary, and threatening situations around us these days, I needed to get outside and find something positive.  One thing we can trust is God's plan.  He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.  He never changes and we can draw strength from the evidence of this in His creation.

Spring is springing at our house in Northwest Louisiana.

The Bradford Pear trees across the street were the first signs that there will be a season change soon.

However, the big old Pecan tree behind us hasn't been given that message yet and when it does start blooming, we know spring has sprung.

I love the details of this old gnarled tree.

This is the first year we have had Eastern Bluebirds to nest in our birdhouse that has hung on our fence for almost three years.  We have loved watching these parents prepare their home for the next generation.

While daddy bird keeps watch, momma bird gathers materials.

Our yard is full of azaleas and they are beginning to make their showing.

Another indication Spring is here is the pollen that covers everything.

A new bud still wearing it's hat covering.

Mid March is the time hummingbirds begin to send scouts to our part of the country, so my first feeder went out this week.  The birdbath has been given its bath and is ready for all my bird friends.

I hope there are signs of Spring in your yard as well.