Hello again! We're still here...still breathing!
It has been quite a while since we've been able to post here, due to travels and computer issues. Even though were back home, the computer is still on the fritz, so I'm writing now from a different computer. I wanted to check in and let you all know what's been going since the last post.
The trip to see my grandmother went wonderfully, despite getting hit with heavy bands of rain from the Tropical Storm Beryl. The downpours gave us time inside together to visit, read, cook, and in general, slow down and relax. We definitely took advantage of the intermittent sunshine though to enjoy the fresh air and look for any birds crazy enough to hang around through all the rain. We found a few, including Mississippi Kite (a new one for us northerners) and family of Northern Parulas showing off their spring finery.
Since coming home, life has settled into a normal routine of keeping up with household chores, work, and enjoying being back in our home church. It's so refreshing and revitalizing to be worshiping with those we know and love, once more...to have your heart awakened again by the praising God in music...to have your soul convicted by the truth of God's word through the speakers. Personally, this last week showed me that I was getting my priorities off track and I needed to pull my focus away from life's daily chores and back to my Savior. My prayer now is one of thanks to the Lord for giving me yet another opportunity to do things His way. I have been reminded that I can trust Him in all things, for He is faithful.
Hopefully, your time recently has been filled with blessings to overflowing! Enjoy them and spread your joy to those around you.
Till next time,
Stephanie
Monday, June 11, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
On The Road Again
Yes, it's true! We 3 gals (plus some) are placing the last few things in the car and heading back out. This time we'll be spending a few precious days with a most precious lady . . . . my mom!
There's nothing like being with the one who gave you life.
See you tomorrow Mom : )
Virginia
There's nothing like being with the one who gave you life.
See you tomorrow Mom : )
Virginia
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Spring Birding in North Carolina
So...finally, we're getting around to posting about some of our spring birding adventures.
We'll start with our amazing vacation in the Lake Lure area of western North Carolina. For us coastal gals, a week spent exploring the mountains during migration season was a treat! Even though our final tally of 57 species wasn't stellar, we had several interesting encounters that I hope we won't soon forget.
Early in the week we visted Chimney Rock and climbed the stairs all the way to the top (and all the way back down!). Along the way we were serenaded constantly by Red-eyed Vireos and Black-throated Green Warblers. The Black-throated Green was a new life bird for both of us, and although we never actually got to see one, the song was unmistakable. My four-year-old niece even learned the song and kept singing "zoo-zee-zoo-zoo-zee" all the way along the trail. At the top of the rock, we had a great fly-by from a Peregrine Falcon.
In another part of the park, we were overwhelmed by the variety of bird songs surrounding us. It was like being on overload! But we could pick out a few that were distinct - like the Hooded Warbler (although we couldn't spot this one either).
Another day we traveled about an hour southwest of Lake Lure to Jackson Park, a county park just outside of Hendersonville. We had heard that this was a migration hot spot and ran into another birder shortly after arriving. He confirmed that it was indeed a great place to see lots of species since the park held a variety of habitats. However, he also said that the last week or so had been decidedly lack-luster. So even though we didn't rack up the number of warbler species expected, we were blessed to have some close-up time with a beautiful Northern Parula, several Indigo Buntings in brilliant plumage, and a couple of female Mallards with ducklings.
On a couple occasions, we took short walks around our vacation home's neighborhood to see if we could meet some of the "locals". A friendly flock of Cedar Waxwings, an excited pair of Palm Warblers, and many Eastern Bluebirds came out to welcome us. There were even the occasional gobbling Wild Turkeys adding their greetings in the distance. This sound was so unusual for us that we broke into giggles everytime we heard it.
Down by the lake shore one afternoon the first thing we noticed were the swallows zooming over the lake and even resting on the beach in small groups. To our surprise many of them were Northern Rough-winged Swallows hanging out with the familiar Barn Swallows. Then over in a nearby pine tree we saw a small bird foraging that turned out to be a beautiful Yellow-throated Warbler. After watching it for a while, our id was confirmed when it started singing.
Across the road from the local grocery store (local being a 20 minute drive through windy mountainous backroads) was a well-maintained network of trails. We spent a few hours wandering around one day tracking down Hooded Warblers and getting startled by Wild Turkeys gobbling and crashing through the underbrush. We also got to hear a new bird for us, a Broad-winged Hawk. Finding the Hooded Warblers was probably the highlight of our trip. Such gorgeous creatures, just singing their hearts out!
The night before we left we were serenaded by a distant Whip-poor-will. Then while we loaded everyone up in the car at 5am the next morning, a Chuck-wills-widow gave us a great send-off!
We'll try to post more later about our birding adventures in local areas.
Many thanks to Bill Hubick for graciously lending us some photos to illustrate our trip! For more see: www.billhubick.com/
We'll start with our amazing vacation in the Lake Lure area of western North Carolina. For us coastal gals, a week spent exploring the mountains during migration season was a treat! Even though our final tally of 57 species wasn't stellar, we had several interesting encounters that I hope we won't soon forget.
Early in the week we visted Chimney Rock and climbed the stairs all the way to the top (and all the way back down!). Along the way we were serenaded constantly by Red-eyed Vireos and Black-throated Green Warblers. The Black-throated Green was a new life bird for both of us, and although we never actually got to see one, the song was unmistakable. My four-year-old niece even learned the song and kept singing "zoo-zee-zoo-zoo-zee" all the way along the trail. At the top of the rock, we had a great fly-by from a Peregrine Falcon.
In another part of the park, we were overwhelmed by the variety of bird songs surrounding us. It was like being on overload! But we could pick out a few that were distinct - like the Hooded Warbler (although we couldn't spot this one either).
Another day we traveled about an hour southwest of Lake Lure to Jackson Park, a county park just outside of Hendersonville. We had heard that this was a migration hot spot and ran into another birder shortly after arriving. He confirmed that it was indeed a great place to see lots of species since the park held a variety of habitats. However, he also said that the last week or so had been decidedly lack-luster. So even though we didn't rack up the number of warbler species expected, we were blessed to have some close-up time with a beautiful Northern Parula, several Indigo Buntings in brilliant plumage, and a couple of female Mallards with ducklings.
 |
| Northern Parula, photo by Bill Hubick |
On a couple occasions, we took short walks around our vacation home's neighborhood to see if we could meet some of the "locals". A friendly flock of Cedar Waxwings, an excited pair of Palm Warblers, and many Eastern Bluebirds came out to welcome us. There were even the occasional gobbling Wild Turkeys adding their greetings in the distance. This sound was so unusual for us that we broke into giggles everytime we heard it.
Down by the lake shore one afternoon the first thing we noticed were the swallows zooming over the lake and even resting on the beach in small groups. To our surprise many of them were Northern Rough-winged Swallows hanging out with the familiar Barn Swallows. Then over in a nearby pine tree we saw a small bird foraging that turned out to be a beautiful Yellow-throated Warbler. After watching it for a while, our id was confirmed when it started singing.
 |
| Yellow-throated Warbler, photo by Bill Hubick |
Across the road from the local grocery store (local being a 20 minute drive through windy mountainous backroads) was a well-maintained network of trails. We spent a few hours wandering around one day tracking down Hooded Warblers and getting startled by Wild Turkeys gobbling and crashing through the underbrush. We also got to hear a new bird for us, a Broad-winged Hawk. Finding the Hooded Warblers was probably the highlight of our trip. Such gorgeous creatures, just singing their hearts out!
 |
| Hooded Warbler, Photo by Bill Hubick |
The night before we left we were serenaded by a distant Whip-poor-will. Then while we loaded everyone up in the car at 5am the next morning, a Chuck-wills-widow gave us a great send-off!
We'll try to post more later about our birding adventures in local areas.
Many thanks to Bill Hubick for graciously lending us some photos to illustrate our trip! For more see: www.billhubick.com/
Monday, May 21, 2012
Meditation Monday
Thankfully, today, I was reminded that I am in training. God is training me for something. I don't know what it is and, frankly, I don't really care since I trust my Trainer. I am not to rush God, for He cannot be rushed. No amount of pushing or pulling on Him, tugging or taunting can budge Him. I am to exercise patience with His timing and His methods. Although I'm tempted, I know better than to try to go on without Him - for then, I would be truly miserable.
Reminders from His word and from fellow believers are so helpful. Without them I would be left to my own devices and would surely find myself adrift, getting farther and farther away from my God and Savior.
Virginia
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Worshipful Wednesday: Lessons from the Garden, Part 2
Roots
We must be rooted in Jesus Christ. We may appear small or weak on the outside when our lives in Christ are new, but the roots should run long and deep so that no one, no power or influence could pull us up.
We must also be rooted in God's word. If our roots are not in a soil with an abundance of water and food, we, the plants, will grow weak and sickly. We may wilt down and even die. However, if we are daily watered and fed in the soil of God's word, we can reach up toward the Son growing stronger in faith. We can also reach outward, producing branches with fruit that can provide shelter and sustenance for others.
We must be diligent to uproot any evil thing that may take hold in the soil of our hearts. If the soil is dry and hard, it is difficult if not impossible to pull out the evil by the root. We may pluck it off at the soil line so that outwardly it is not visible, but the roots remain, growing stronger, stealing nutrients from the roots of goodness, righteousness, faith and love. Nevertheless, if we soften the soil with the water of God's Word, we can reach deep down to pull out the evil with all its roots, giving space for the things of God to grow and fill in.
Remember, we have a Master Gardener who wants to water and nourish the soil of our hearts. He also will help us remove the evil roots and strengthen the roots of righteousness.
Colossians 2:6-7
Matthew 13:3-52
Stephanie
We must be rooted in Jesus Christ. We may appear small or weak on the outside when our lives in Christ are new, but the roots should run long and deep so that no one, no power or influence could pull us up.
We must also be rooted in God's word. If our roots are not in a soil with an abundance of water and food, we, the plants, will grow weak and sickly. We may wilt down and even die. However, if we are daily watered and fed in the soil of God's word, we can reach up toward the Son growing stronger in faith. We can also reach outward, producing branches with fruit that can provide shelter and sustenance for others.
We must be diligent to uproot any evil thing that may take hold in the soil of our hearts. If the soil is dry and hard, it is difficult if not impossible to pull out the evil by the root. We may pluck it off at the soil line so that outwardly it is not visible, but the roots remain, growing stronger, stealing nutrients from the roots of goodness, righteousness, faith and love. Nevertheless, if we soften the soil with the water of God's Word, we can reach deep down to pull out the evil with all its roots, giving space for the things of God to grow and fill in.
Remember, we have a Master Gardener who wants to water and nourish the soil of our hearts. He also will help us remove the evil roots and strengthen the roots of righteousness.
Matthew 13:3-52
Stephanie
Monday, May 14, 2012
Meditation Monday
 |
| Marsh Wren, courtesy Bill Hubick |
Lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!..."
"Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship Him in humbleness,
O praise Him!..."
-Song excerpts from hymn "All Creatures of Our God and King" Francis of Assisi, c.1225
-Thanks to Bill Hubick for letting us use his beautiful bird photo for this post. For more, see his website: http://www.billhubick.com
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Worshipful Wednesday: Lessons from the Garden, Part 1
Several years ago, I sat down and started writing out the thoughts that had come into my head during the time I spent in the garden. It was like God was showing me how our lives are mirrored in the way His creation works. I'd like to share with you what God was teaching me (what I'm still learning to this day). Here is part one...
Soil
When we clear away everthing that is dead and rotting from our hearts, the ground is soft and open. Then God sends the rain that soaks in deep. This rain may be light and refreshing, but most of the time it is a downpour, complete with lightning and thunder and wind. It seems so harsh, as though it would uproot and wash away the seedlings that God planted. However, He has a perfect plan. He knows just how much rain to send to bring us back to life and into a right relationship with Him. Our job is to hold fast during the storm, trusting that soon the Sun will come again and we will be ready to grow, having been nourished abundantly by our Master Gardener, the Lord God.
Soil
When we clear away everthing that is dead and rotting from our hearts, the ground is soft and open. Then God sends the rain that soaks in deep. This rain may be light and refreshing, but most of the time it is a downpour, complete with lightning and thunder and wind. It seems so harsh, as though it would uproot and wash away the seedlings that God planted. However, He has a perfect plan. He knows just how much rain to send to bring us back to life and into a right relationship with Him. Our job is to hold fast during the storm, trusting that soon the Sun will come again and we will be ready to grow, having been nourished abundantly by our Master Gardener, the Lord God.
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13Stephanie
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