~Lady's Mantle, Ajuga, and Sedums along side the entry walkway to our home.~
Every day now I hear news of friends and family who have lost their jobs, or are waiting to hear they are losing their jobs. The news is full of the bad times, bad economy, bad, bad news. It seems there is no end to it, doesn't it? Then, after a day of bad tidings it is so easy to become fearful and anxious. "....human life is characterized by two great fears that animals are protected from: the fear of life and the fear of death..." Ernest Becker
My little frizzle bantam hen protecting her eggs and chicks. She does not even weigh a pound but you're in for a ferocious battle if you try to lift her off her eggs and chicks, as I found out while trying to photograph them. "How often I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you would not have it." Luke 13:34
These tiny chicks are fast and their mama was too, as soon as I put them down to photograph , mama and chicks would rush together and the little ones would disappear under her. There are more eggs to hatch!
Isn't this chick cute? I wonder when the other eggs will hatch.
"The hens they all cackle, the roosters all beg,
But I will not hatch, I will not hatch.
For I hear all the talk of pollution and war,
As the people all shout and the airplanes roar,
Si I'm staying in here where it's safe and it's warm,
And I WILL NOT HATCH!" Shel Silverstein
~Our front porch garden. Ajuga , Bleeding Hearts, and Hostas.~
"Don't waste life in doubts and fears; spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours and ages that will follow it." Ralph Waldo Emerson
~My kids will tell you I am often a worrier. I have noticed though , the things I have worried about the most either did not happen, or did not end up being the horrible tragedy I had envisioned. Now, things I never did imagine to worry about did happen..some very bad things took me by surprise even, and somehow....things have worked out. I believe God helped me persevere, gave me perspective, and He also encircled my husband and I with people who prayed for us, encouraged us, helped us. That is what we are supposed to do for and with each other. Isn't that wonderful? We can all do this! No matter what , anyone can be an encouragement! Anyone can pray! Anyone can find ways to help, and anyone can do these things without money, just the desire to do so, and the willingness to think beyond ourselves. "Expect the best, plan for the worst , and prepare to be surprised!: Denis Waitley
"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not evil, to give you a future and a hope, In those days when you pray." Joshua 29:11
19 comments:
Good Morning Kathy, Such a sweet post today. Your home looks so lovely and inviting with all the pretty plants blooming. I am a worrier too but as you say, isn't it comforting to be able to call on our friends in Christ to pray for our concerns. May you and your family enjoy a wonderful weekend.
Thank you so much for today's post. I am going to copy it and read it often!
I used to help gather eggs in Grandmother's chicken house. I met the wrath of mother hen one day. May I defend my loved ones in prayer with that much boldness!
That is one of my favorite scriptures. It leads me to putting my fears aside, and helps to ease any worry. I, too, can be a worrier. But I am much better at putting the fears in a jar (in God's hands) and jumping into what I did see as a ring of fire, to ensure life is as peaceful as it should be. We were not promised an easy life, we were told to gain wisdom. And I feel, keeping the eyes open to whatever life brings to us, looking at the good, not the bad, is a precious gift in itself.
Thank you for your wonderful post, Kathy. Always appreciated!
And the photos of your front yard. I need to get out and work on mine. Beautiful and inspiring, everything that you do! Your children and husband, and friends (including myself), are blessed.
Was that short and concise? No...per the comments on my blog post!
God bless.
Those little chicks are adorable! And I love your front porch - looks like a nice place to relax, reflect and pray.
LOL, your hen sounds like our Muscovies if you get even close to their ducklings, they will attack you, I've had the Muscovy hens cling to my chest before and they have claws on the back of their feet too and they have a 6 foot wing span!
Those are great words of encouragement Kathy and they are very true.
The chicks are adorable, can't wait to see them all.
Your pictures are beautiful, The chick is as cute as can be. It looks so cool and shady in your porch garden. How I love shady cool spots surrounded by God's creations. For me there is no worry in that moment.
Hi Kathy, so loved your inspiring words. I too am a worrier, and it really is a waste of time to do so. These unstable times seems to be like walls closing in. I just count every day as a blessing. Enjoyed your post. blessings,Kathleen
Lovely photos and that's always been a favorite verse. Worry is so unproductive, in positive ways, but we all do it at times.
Hi, Kathy;
Isn't it the truth about worry. My mom said once that she felt she HAD to worry sometimes or she felt guilty. The philosophy was catching, but I'm getting over it.
Your blog is a thing of beauty. You are so talented in choosing just the right things, subjects and writing. Every bit of it is interesting.
Audrey
Mildred, thank-you, and yes, it IS comforting to know we can call on our friends...and hopefully they on us!
Karen,I think everyone should try to gather eggs from a broody hen just once in their life....to know just how far a hen will go to protect her chicks, in the shell or out.
Mary, I like your analogy God's hands as a place to put your fear., "fear in a jar", and that has been a theme of mine for years, we were not meant to have an easy life, preach it sister!
Shellmo, we do spend a lot of time sitting on our porch...we can see the bird feeder from it too, so it is also a good bird watching post..
Amy, I know about those Muscovies...they are great moms and definitely inflict more damage on a person who threatens their young! I have been scratched by them but never had them latch onto my back, ouch!
Noble Pig, I have lots of chicks hatching out now, it's so much fun to see them.
Leslie, your words are encouraging...yes, it is nice to sit on the porch and rest in the minutes there, and forget troubles as I remember to be thankful .
Kathleen, I have to remind myself of what you said many times....don't you think we have to cultivate a thankful mindset? Meditating on God's word, remembering our blessings, leaving troubles in His hands...
Sandra, I guess that is where dwelling on Gods' ways and His gifts helps...but sometimes those worries..well, they are just nagging me to think on them!Not profitable , huh!
Audrey,thank-you! I consider your words a high compliment, and I believe you hit the nail on the head with what your Mom said...I feel guilty if I am not worrying. Talk about false guilt!
Kathy, your comment at my blog got me inspired to make a visit and I am delighted I came over. Your home is gorgeous and lush, well designed and I bet it smells like a million bucks! Your fabulous quote about the inner life of animals moved me deeply. There are reasons aside from food that we should always treat them with respect. They are, after all, as much about "us" as they are about themselves, once we become stewards. My favorite ever quote:
"I don't know if dogs go to Heaven or not when they die. All I know is, when I die, I want to go where they go."
Will Rogers
Our chickens are just getting to the point that they don't screech when I come near them - I've been using the "stale bread to make them love me" - chicken whisperer technique! I've always savored the passage as Christ talks about wanting to gather His children in like chicks - amazing how much we are loved and how we can actually go through life ignoring that love. A wonderful post and those little chicks are coming into a good life at Cedar Pond!
Good thoughts for sure, good comments one and all therefore I have nothing new to add.
LindaSue, Chicken Whisperer....my chickens get excited when they see me approaching with a pan in my hands..table scraps are a favorite of theirs. And wouldn't it be if I remembered how God wants to help and protect us, but we ( I ) run away because I want to do it myself!
Lanny, thanks!
Steve, thank-you for your comment. I like that Will Rogers quote, and like to think my special dogs will be there in Heaven, they sure seem to deserve it more than me. My dogs love and adore me in a way I should ever hope to adore Jesus!( and I don't deserve that kind of love)
Cute chicks and mom! It's very true that the things we usually worry over never happen. It's the surprise things that get you.
I enjoyed this post so much, Kathy- I have a bookmark with the same verse from Joshua on it and it always meant so much to me after my Mom passed away.
Those cochin hens are so sweet most of the time- until they become mothers, then you better look out! LOL
Very nice post, Kathy. That little chick is such a cutie, and I love Shel Silverstein.
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