Three

To the artist's eye a grouping of 'three' is very pleasing. I have been extremely blessed in the past few days with some amazing 'three's'. The blossoms and gulls almost took my breath away as I saw them strongly resonate with my spirit in how they spoke to me of Christ on the cross. One of the gulls seemed to be turned away, and the other toward the one with his wings outstretched. The blossoms as well, against the tree, spoke also of the same scene.

Jesus, the very son of God and man, was without sin. Yet, he was crucified between thieves. The thief to one side rebuked him, and the other defended the Christ, saying that he did not deserve the crucifixion. Jesus responded to the second man wanting to be remembered, that the man would be with him the same day in paradise.

God created us, yet we turn away from him. He gave us redemption through the cross. Yet, it is still, by free will, our choice to love him. Amazing, simply amazing! So where are you 'hanging' in response to his amazing love?

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For God so loved the world
that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him
may not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

In Bloom

I have been out being blessed by the earth in bloom. The Bradford Pears are in full bloom, as well as redbuds, forsythia, clover, dandelions, plums, daffodils, and magnolias. The bees are going crazy with the wonderful banquet provided for them. Spring is in the air (achew!!!); and it is good to sing our praises to the Lord, as I was reminded by the song of the dove.

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...the flowers appear othe earth;
the time of singing has come,
and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.
The fig tree puts forth its figs,
and the vines are in blossom;
they give forth fragrance.
Song of Solomon 2:11-13

Underneath His Wing

I love scripture that says our God sings over us. I also love the thought that He advises that we take shelter underneath His wing.
When I saw these two gulls such a scripture came to mind. It seems like the gull underneath is looking not straight ahead, but getting off the track; perhaps a little rocky and insecure; losing focus. Hello, me. Yet the one above hovers and covers the one below.

It gives me comfort to know that the Holy Spirit guides me and dwells in me. It also is a wonderful comfort that I am underneath His wing. He abides and guides. I am not alone.

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Let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
so that those who love your name may exult in you.
Psalm 5:11

In the Waiting

Yesterday morning was an exercise that became exceedingly blessed as the hours passed. I began the journey by going out to photograph new blossoms of spring. Yes, trees are budding out in Texas and I will be seeing the first bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush any day!

Then my flower journey took a turn to photographing birds as I saw a dove in a tree and a flock of gulls flying overhead. I proceeded to the gull hangout in the Sam's parking lot and was richly rewarded with time spent there with two others enjoying the time apart from the busyness of the day.

While I was there I got a call from a wonderful friend inviting me to lunch. I proceeded to the Braum's at Western Center and I-35. She was not there yet, so I went inside to wait. The clerk at the front check out wanted to know what I had been photographing as she commented on the camera around my neck. I showed her my pictures of the gulls. Then a gentleman came over to check out and said he had just been with the gulls and a lady had been up there taking photos. I said, "That was me!" What were the chances of us both going there to eat? But God... I gave them each my card with my blog so they could see the gull pictures and the stories with them.

Since my friend had not come yet, I got the 'nudge' from the Holy Spirit to go across the street to the water while I was waiting. I could see the parking lot from there as I kept a watch. As I neared the water I could see some white motion above the water. There is often trash and those white plastic bags, so I knew it could be a white trash bag stuck on a limb that was catching my eye. But as I got closer I could see my reward in the waiting. This beautiful egret was not only by itself, but seemed to be holding school for two turtles intent on hearing what it was teaching.

I am amazed and excited on my little treasure hunts what God puts in my path. He invites me to turn directions and find something I had not even imagined I would see in the waiting. I love listening and following when I feel the nudge to take an alternative path to the one I planned. He shares a secret place and leads my longing heart to follow the call and see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living...

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Wait for the Lord; be strong,
and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!
Ps. 27:14

My Spirit Soars

I went out this morning to capture some blooms of spring that I had noticed yesterday. My quest quickly was diverted to the flight of gulls as I caught sight of the beautiful lone flyer. I remembered seeing gulls in the parking lot of Sam's before, so headed there to get gas and see if there might be more. I was delighted to find several, and a few other human travelers enjoying them as well. One fellow was throwing bread up into the air, and that lent itself to some fabulous antics and wing configurations as the birds fought to grab the morsel first.

You know, I don't think these creatures could have been any more beautiful if they had been on some swanky beach in Florida. The graceful gliding indeed reminds me that God has liberated me. My spirit soars as I thank my Savior for setting my soul free!

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Now the Lord is the Spirit,
and where the Spirit of the Lord is,
there is freedom.
2 Cor. 3:17