Another Bird Count

Yesterday I went on another bird count. This time I took my grandson. There were to be other youths as well. I took it would be a good experience for my grandson. But he was the only child who showed.

It was a very chilly morning. But my grandson was a trooper and got into the job of hunting for birds. The day worn on and he got bored. But for the most part he did well.

We went all over a section of Northern Harford County. I could not get any great pictures but it was fun trying. When we were done we drove around a little bit just to keep searching before I had to go to work. I had to visit my favorite spots before I could call it a day.

I am never disappointed when I am out looking for God's creatures. I think when we seek His beauty He delights in us and brings about all He has to show us. I thank God for all living things.

Crazy Yet?

Crazy yet? After all the business of the past weeks have you gone just a little nuts? Well, it is over. Now you can let your hair down and take a deep breath.

Wait a minute! There is still one more holiday before the year ends. New Year's day. Where will I go? Who will I spend it with? What will I bring, wear and cook? Oh no, I guess I am still going a little crazy.

One good thing, New Year's Eve give you a chance to bring about a new start. Instead of worrying about it, I will pray about it. New Year's Day I will welcome you with open arms. I am not crazy yet.

Merry Christmas

Today is the day we have been waiting for. Christmas Day. Present are unwrapped and food is in the oven.
Now to get the gifts packed in the car for other family members and make my deliveries.

I just want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

Santa is Coming

Tonight children will be waiting for the coming of Santa. They will be hoping that their names are on the good children list. What child wants coal in their stockings?

It will be hard for them to fall asleep tonight. I know I will have no problem falling asleep. I am tuckered out. Baking cookies, wrapping presents and addressing cards has worn me out.

Yet I do look forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus. I feel renewed when I think about the gift of His life.

Happy Birthday Jesus. I look forward to celebrating another year with you in my life.

Cookies

For the past three days I have been trying to bake cookies. The first batch turned out alright. But it was made from a mix. I like homemade cookies.

The next batch of cookies was to be homemade chocolate chips. After mixing the dough I notice something was not right.

I had somehow mixed two different recipe, one brownie and the other cookies. Realizing my mistake I decided to bake the mix as chocolate chips brownies. I am still trying to chisel out the mix from the pan.

The third try ended with me putting that batch aside to go shopping with my children. I began to think it just was not meant for me to bake. But I am not a quitter. I have just finish baking about 8 dozen cookies. And I did not burn one batch. Happy baking.

 

Curious

It looks like Curious George wants to know what is under this tree. I can imagine children everywhere are getting curious. Even I find myself wondering what I may get this year.

Christmas should not about the presents, the decorations or the food. It should be about family, friends and Jesus. Jesus being the most important of them all.

I wish people were more curious about the meaning of Christmas. Instead they are busy running around shopping and getting their homes ready for Christmas day. I am guilty of this very thing.

This weekend I want to focus my attention on Jesus. I am curious enough and want to learn as much as I can about Him.

Purple Friday

I sent my grandson off to school wearing a purple shirt. Today is purple Friday.

One of the things that bring people together is cheering for the home team. There are signs everywhere showing the fans support. Just like this ornament on the Raven Christmas tree.

This is also the time of year that all Christians come together to honor the birth of Jesus. We are all on the same team so to speak.

Even though I would like to see the Raven win the Super Bowl, my prayers are for people who do not know Jesus. I want to see them join the greatest team of all.

Making A List

It seems like old Saint Nick is too tired from making his list. I wonder if my name would be on the naughty list  or not. I would hope not.

I have to make my list each day of things I need to get done. Without it I forget things; like paying my bills, feeding the pets or going to work.

These past few week I had to make my list of meetings, lunch dates and holiday parties. If I don't put them on a list I will put events on the same day. I can't be at two places at the same time.

I got my list for Christmas shopping, food shopping and Christmas cards sending. Among all the list I find that I forget to put time with God at the head of the lists.  How can I hope to get anything done when I don't put God first?

So today I want God on top of all my lists. With out God i will end up like old Saint Nick and be too tired for anything.

Recycle Christmas

What do you recycle from Christmas? Everything on this tree was made from recycle products. Things were made from clothespins, Popsicle's sticks and construction papers. A lot of time and thought made this a special tree.

Do you ever regifted a present? I am guilty of that. If I get more than one of the same thing I will regift the other to give to someone else who would enjoy the present. I don't have the heart to tell my gifter that I already have that item.

I don't like throwing anything away. Even my Christmas cards are reused. There are some cards that are just too special to get rid of.

The thing I like to recycle the most is anything that has to do with the story of Christ. Each Christmas I am reminded that I am a recycle Christian. It is because of Christmas that this old used up person was made new again. I am ever so grateful that Jesus did not throw me away.

A little Elf

A little elf visited our store last night. He was there to welcome 60 plus children who were there to shop for Christmas. His gift was each child got to spend fifty dollar. So for the next several hours 60 kids went throughout the isles seeking their prize.

Who was this little elf? It was the head of Freedom Fighters bail bonds. This is his second year of making children who has a parent incarcerated receive a little joy.

I love how this time of year brings out the good in people. We get so busy with our own shopping list we forget that there are some who are not so fortunate.

This year lets be like this little elf and give something special.

French Hen

The French hen is one of the most colorful chicken that I have ever seen. I always wonder what one look like because of the "Twelve Days of Christmas" song.

In the year 2007 while on vacation I finally got to see what he look like. I wanted to pluck him up and bring him home. Since I would end up in jail if I tried, I decided to take a picture instead.

During Christmas there are many colorful presents, trees and homes where ever you go. It is a time to show off the beauty of the season. I just want it to last all year long.

One of the thing that does last from Christmas is the story of Christ's birth. This is one of the most colorful story that I have ever heard. I want to hear it over and over. I may never see another French hen, but I will always have Christ in my heart.

Christmas Bird Count 2013

Today I got to spend a day with a new found friend. She took me all around parts of Cecil County doing the Christmas Bird Count.

One of the highlights of the count was seeing several Bald Eagles. They seemed to be everywhere. We counted 43 different species of birds. I learn so much today and can't wait until next year.

Just before the end of the day my friend took me to the place where the sightings of the snowy owl has been. And yes, the owl was still there. But he was too far away for my camera. One of the other photographer there let me use his scope to view the owl. What a sight.

God has blessed me with a great day for counting birds.

Black and White

Things are not also black and white in life. There are many gray areas that makes decisions hard. I know my life would be so much easier if everything was that simple.

Bad or good, right or wrong, who do you turn to when you need an answer? Sometime a friend can help. Other times turning to someone with expertise brings the answer. But I find praying and seeking God's answer is the best way to go.

Throughout this holiday I know I will be facing many gray areas each day. When I do, I will give it to God and make the right decision.

Deck the Tree

This weekend I hope to finally get a tree. The past two weeks I have helped friends decorate their trees. The themes are different and yet the results were great.

I am thinking about getting a small tree for my room just to put all my elephants ornaments on. Maybe another for my husband golf ornaments. My grandson has his own little tree for his room.

I love decking the trees. I look forward to visiting the Festival of Trees and the retailers to see the many ideas.

Decisions, decisions how do I deck my tree this year? Whatever I decide Jesus will be the center of it.

White Owl

Today I tried to see if I could get a glimpse of the great white owl. I drove up and down the road of the last sighting of the owl. No sighting. No picture.

But I don't feel like it was a waste of time. I enjoyed the ride and listening to good Christian music. The day was sunny and I got to spend time with two close friends before the search.

Tomorrow I will try again. And the next day until I see the owl or the owl leave to head back north. Whatever happens I will enjoy the journey.

Christmas Circus

As I look at this tree I could not help but think that Christmas might seem like a circus at times. Trying to juggle a job, home duties and the demands of this time of season, makes it feel like a tree ring circus.

Everything needs your attention at the same time and it is hard to get it all done. Priorities get displace with the overwhelming attractions of the holiday.

I love Christmas. To keep it from seeming like a circus, I need to pay attention to only one aspect of the holiday. That is focusing on Jesus.

When I keep my thoughts on Jesus I can enjoy each day. This three ring circus becomes one solid ring of Jesus' story of birth, love and grace.

Looking Like Christmas

The past few days of snow has made it look more like Christmas. This is one of the few holiday that you want the snow. There is nothing like a white Christmas.

Of course there is the chance that all this snow changes to ice when it freezes. But it looks so pretty.

I wonder if this is a sign of whats to come? How much preparation will I need to survive this winter? Will this be a record year for ice, snow and freezing temperatures?

Whatever happens I just need to keep looking toward Jesus. When I seek to look more like Him I know that I will be prepared for anything.

Homemade Ornament

This year I want to make more homemade ornaments to put on my tree. I saw this one at the Festival of Trees. There were many different colors and pattern ornaments that it made this tree stand out.

It is the simple things that make the holidays specials to me. I don't need all the fancy trims or store bought items to make me feel the holiday spirit.

What I need is to keep my focus on the one who the Christmas Season is all about. The birth of my Savior.

So as I sit home making my ornaments, I will be thinking about Jesus. Jesus is the reason for this season.

Despicable Me Minions

It looks like the Despicable Me minions are getting ready for the snow and ice coming our way. It is always good to check the outside of your house when a storm is approaching.

The stores are filled with people shopping for the needed toilet papers and milk that you cannot live without for the next few days.

It is funny how our focus center around the weather many times. It determines if we go out or stay inside where it is warm and dry. I for one like to stay in.

But I must go out. Work calls me and I need to make sure the trash can lids are on, the grill is cover and the sand box is covered as well.

I will stop at the store, get my snacks and be ready to sit out the storm. Maybe I will take the time to watch the minions with a bowl of popcorn and a glass of milk.

Kitty's Wish List

Notice the list on this tree? Three blind mice, two turtle doves and a partridge are the things this kitty wants under her tree.

Starting on the 14 of December the Mountain Christian Church Writer's group will be posting the "The Twelve Days of Christmas" devotionals. This will be a chance to view some of the group's talents.

My wish is that these devotions will shine a little light to the readers to see the love of God. We had a lot of fun writing them.

Nut House

This ginger bread house was titled "Nut House". They used all sorts of nuts from coconuts to walnuts to create this work of art. I wanted to dig in and enjoy the sweet creation.

Working the weekend after Thanksgiving felt like I was working in a nut house. There were many forms of nut cases out shopping. I wonder was they put themselves through this just to save a few bucks.

So much attention is put on getting that deal instead of enjoying the sweet fragrant of the holiday. As I go forward I want to focus on the creator of the reason for this Christmas season. I want go beyond feeling like I an in a nut house into feeling like I am in the presence of the Lord's house.

Feet First

Ever notice that some bird go feet first while other go in head first while hunting for food? I have watched the eagle and the osphey with feet extended and pluck out fishes in one scoop. I watched as this eagle made several attempts before getting his meal.

One time I saw a bald eagle chase a osphey who had just caught a fish. What surprised me was how the eagle was able to fly upside down with feet extended and try to steal the fish from the osphey's feet. The fish fell back into the water to live another day.

I wonder what I am willing to go feet first into in my life? There will be time that I will miss the mark and have to try again. But with practice I will get what I am after.

Joy

Every year I get to go the the Festival of Trees for Kennedy Kreiger with my grandson and daughter. It brings joy to my heart to see all the work that is given to this endeavor.

This year we received a double blessing. While waiting in line to get our tickets a young couple gave my daughter two ticket for free and wished her a Merry Christmas.

It seemed there is still people who still believe in the gift of giving to others. There is something about this time of year that can bring the worst or best in each of us.

Tomorrow is give to charities Tuesday. How many people will give  of their time, money and other types of donations? Where I work we have a cantainer for Toys for Tots. That is where I will start my giving.

The joy I want to feel this year is the joy of giving.