Weeds of the Soul

Our apple trees have weeds growing around the base like--well--weeds. Some are wiry grass, some are willowy. Even with wood chips put down last year, the weeds come. We are weeding and adding a heaping amount of wood chips this year.  While I was weeding I thought of some analogies of weeds to sins. I've thought of some of these before, and probably a million others have, too, but I think it is neat that God made His world--even the fallen world--to have correlations and lessons for our lives. Here are some possible correlations.

1. Weeding takes strength, perseverance, and a desire to clean things up.
2. Some weeds are more stubborn than others.
3. Sometimes we have to dig deep.
4. Some weeds are quite pretty . . . but sap strength and fruitfulness from the tree.
5. Sometimes we have to use a sharp implement to cut or dig around the roots.
6. Sometimes just a gentle wiggling and tug will get out a weed, especially if the weeds are surrounded by wood chips (like the Scriptures surrounding an individual).
7. Sometimes our hands get dirty or we get hurt while weeding, especially if we aren't wearing gloves (prayer or Word of God to protect).
8. Getting down closer to the roots helps in pulling out weeds.
9. Pulling out just one weed or two at a time instead of a huge clump can be helpful, making others nearby come up more easily--the roots may be connected in ways we didn't realize!
10. Weed control--constant upkeep--makes things easeasier.refreshing drink of water or encouraging word is always good.
11. Sometimes we skip certain weeds because they are too hard or seemingly insignificant . . . but watch out--they will grow!
12. The final results are beautiful and orderly, more pleasing to all around!

P.S. I don't always philosophize while doing yard work--usually I'm fuller of grumbling thoughts about the heat, bugs, or aching back. . . . There's one "weed" that needs to go!

Owls: Our Most Charming Bird - Book Review

This book is written and illustrated by Matt Sewell, a British artist and ornithologist.  He has created several books about birds, and this one focuses on the mysterious owl.  This is a readable and fun book. The illustrations are charming and the descriptions are a little zany, comparing owls with people and more. Besides the mention of myths/gods and one illustration of a woman who isn't too modest, it's quite a swell book, about pocket-size.  There is a place to check off owls you've seen, as well.

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

Biblical Portraits of Creation - Book Review, Part 1

I have been reading Biblical Portraits of Creation by Walter Kaiser, Jr., and am enjoying it.  Each chapter is a mini message about a certain Bible passage, with notes that include word meanings, related passages, and study questions.  The beauty of creation is laid out, as well as reasons for believing the earth was created in six literal days, not on top of an evolving past.  I look forward to finishing the book, as I am only about half-way through. This month has been a busy one for me!  I appreciate that each chapter is quite short, and has smaller sections dividing them.

Thanks to Cross Focused Reviews for giving me a copy to review!

A Morning's Delight

A caterpillar I saw last month

I decided to go outside to read my Bible this morning. No early riser today, but the temperature was still only 80, which is much better than the later, predicted 94.

So there I sat 'neath our porch in the shade, my feet propped up on our little green stool, a glass of ice water on the table next to me, and the Bible on my lap.

All around me the birds were singing--various songs both short and long, mourning dove and cardinal. I could almost imagine myself in a rain forest, under a deep canopy of green. (There are some trees overhanging our back yard.) I spotted the cardinal, a perched dab of scarlet in the branches, warbling away. Yesterday I had been inside in Mom's room, and a blue jay had smashed against the large window. Then he'd sat, tilting his head to and fro, looking up at me as if to say, "Who are you, and why can't I come in?"

And now, here was a blue jay's feather among the pebbles. Feathers are amazing things, but that's another topic that could fill a book.

As I sat, looking about, I noticed the leaves, which had fallen across the walkway and amid the flowers. Why do people think of dead leaves as ugly things to be discarded? They almost looked like rose petals strewn there. Oh, yes, I know dead leaves are not meant to last, but for now I smiled at their random cacophony, with their various shades of green and brown and yellow. Is it summer or autumn?

And then I saw one little leaf spinning wildly on its stem, hanging from a branch. Soon to fall, no doubt, but hanging on and having a merry-go-round ride.

Yes, I eventually read my Bible, but it was a delight to pause for a few minutes and admire the handiwork of the Author of that Book. . . . I try to see with fresh eyes the beauty of it all, whether it be our same old back yard, or a rock cliff at a National park. Jehovah made everything, and made it well.

Blue jay feather

Our walkway strewn with leaves

Must See...

I just watched this with my family here. It's WELL worth seeing! So amazing and chilling. God's creation is marvelous and can be used for great good, but what man wickedly does with it is unthinkable.

Please watch!