Ladybug tale page two

Ladybug tale page two. See preceding post to begin story. More to come...

Ladybug tale for children

I was inspired a few years back by a little girl's health struggle to combine ladybug photos with a story intended to encourage. This is the first page of that story, since expanded and shared with grandchildren.

Beware the comfortable nest

This may be a bit of a stretch, but a recent study that referenced the apostle Paul's "thorn in the flesh" reminded me of a story I once heard about immature eagles.

Purportedly, many baby eagles are more inclined to remain in the familiar comfort of the nest than they are to venture out on the first flight. Accordingly, the parent eagle begins at some point to disassemble the "cushy" elements of the interior of the nest, removing such things as fur and feathers that made the nest comfortable. At some point (no pun intended), the sticks and branches making up the nest begin to poke at the immature eagle, making life there downright uncomfortable.

This is where I was reminded that my repeated tendency in my walk with Christ is to "nest," putting my desire to be comfortable ahead of the course of action the LORD would draw me into. Even a brief reflection on my walk with Jesus reminds me that He has always been faithful when I submit my will to His.

As a dear brother continually urges in prayer with me and others: "Ask the LORD, 'What are you doing here? What is Your part for me in this plan, and how can I most quickly align myself with it?'"

I recognize that some young eagles eagerly test their wings and move into the adventures of life outside the nest. I fear, however, that regardless of our age, most of us need to be poked and prodded to "take flight" in a spiritual sense.

May I (we) be always aware of the temptation to "nest." May I (we) resist in Jesus' name, experiencing the exhilaration of flight -- with the Father providing "the wind beneath our wings."

God's healing hand

I created this card this morning in the wake of news that a brother in Christ has been declared cancer free!

Believe the promise

A wonderful e-card for this gray time of year, featuring a poem written by the late Ruth Kleven, a wonderful sister in Christ. Tulips are from past season in the Skagit Valley.

Spirit inspired poem

The poet whose words appear here is Ruth Kleven, a sister in Christ who recently marked her 104th birthday! Ruth credits the Holy Spirit with inspiration to write several dozen poems in the mid-Sixties, culminating with publication of a small book she titled: "For the Praise of His Glory."

Free in Christ!

I took this photo a few days ago in a local shipyard, thought immediately of how chains have been broken across the ages as lost souls surrender their lives -- their hearts -- to Jesus Christ! To God be the glory!