How To Get A Glimpse Of Eden

#Christianity, #Gardens, #Heaven, #Nature, #Photography

 

How to get a glimpse of Eden is really to try an imagine what our Eden home would be like. There is a clip in the video that says “Let your fantasies be founded on truth.” What I mean by this is; for Christians, we believe the words of the bible to be true, so we try to imagine what it would be like to get a glimpse of Eden, and imagine ourselves once again living in that beautiful garden. Of course the bible tells us that we just can’t imagine how beautiful it will be. I would rather think on these things than to think on negative and dark images.

Thinking on beautiful things always uplifts our minds. Who wouldn’t want to live in a beautiful garden, a perfect garden! Who wouldn’t want to be able to touch a rose and to know we wouldn’t be pricked by the thorns! Who wouldn’t want to have the perfect temperature…no complaints of too much heat, no complaints that its too cold.

A glimpse of Eden would be to live in a place with no threats of hurricanes, no threats of earthquakes, no disasters, no massacres, no more threats of global warming. Houses wouldn’t have to be boarded up when hurricanes are in the forecast. No running into the streets for earthquakes. We would gather together regularly without the fear of being shot and massacred. We would walk the Streets of Gold, no chance of a disaster taking place there.

Living in Eden would mean to live in perfect harmony with each other, no more black and white issues, no more police shootings. Everyone there will be like minded. We will uplift each other, we will know the meaning of true love, we will live joyously, walking the streets of gold forever and ever. When we keep reading scriptures, we will get glimpses of Eden, we will get glimpses of our eternal home.

Photo Challenge: Windows

#Photo Challenge, #Photography

Windows

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By now many of you know that I love nature and wildlife photography, however, I am also drawn to barns and old buildings. I was going through some photos for this week’s video and came across this photo. I was drawn to the way in which the wild flowers framed the window.

I often wonder why the houses are left standing this way. Did they have a good life or a bad life? Was there some type of loss? There was also machinery and a very old truck that was also left behind….I wonder why?

Questions, questions, and no answers. So I guess each one of us could make up a story as to what we think happened here.

Comfort

#Christianity, Encouragement

 

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I pray that I will always be able to look to the Lord in the good times and in the bad times, because it is so easy to feel comforted by Him will all is going right in our lives.

I pray this night for the people in the Caribbean and in Mexico, and I pray that they will still find the strength deep within to hang on and not let go.

Photo Challenge: Layered

#Christianity, #Photo Challenge, #Photography

Layered

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This photo was taken from one of the trails near Whistler Village in BC. I was actually looking at it not too long ago, my eyes catching first the two trees in the foreground. Then you have a layer of water making the separation, then you have some more trees. A little further back the mountains can be seen, making up yet another layer, and then in the distance you have the clouds above, and above that you have the blue sky peeking out. So there are many layers to be seen in this photo.

Photo Challenge: Corner

#Christianity, #Photo Challenge

Corner

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We all turn corners at some point in our lives. They are never at the beginning or never at the end, they are always somewhere in between.

As I look at the point in this picture where the boardwalk makes the turn, it seems to say to me, “The Sky’s The Limit,” as I look at the expanse of the sky over head.

 

Photo Challenge: Ooh, Shiny

#Photo Challenge, #Photography

 

Ooh, Shiny!

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I’m sure I must have posted this one before, but I don’t see humming birds often in my backyard, so when I do, I always try to capture them.

While standing in the kitchen today, I looked out, and there was a humming bird on my zinnias. I was in a conversation on the phone, but had to put the person on hold, however that hummer got away.

This is my first humming bird that I captured a few years ago.

Photo Challenge: Elemental

#Photo Challenge

Elemental

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This photo was taken when we went whale watching. Here we can see some of the elements. We have rock formations forming little islands out in the ocean and in the distance we can see the mountain and some of the erosion of the earth as it falls away. Though unseen, the air was fresh and cool and lovely.

Photo Challenge: Satisfaction

#Photo Challenge, Encouragement

Satisfaction

So once again it’s Wednesday, and with this day comes the photo challenge. As I was thinking about what to post, I thought, why not share my most recent Face Book post here.

I love flower gardening, and for years now at the request of my husband, I’ve planted vegetables, but at harvest time there was always ….nothing. Either the plants got eaten, or they died. I decide it was a waste of money, and would do it no longer, but somehow this year, while in the garden shops, I thought I would try one last time, and this is what we have so far, plus we’ve eaten quite a bit of lettuce and spinach already. So I’m feeling great satisfaction with the bounty of our harvest.

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Photo Challenge: Unusual

#Photo Challenge, #Photography

Unusual

Today’s photo challenge is to post a photo which I find unusual. I didn’t think I had any, but remember how unusual, but beautiful I thought this photo was.

This was taken on my last trip to Victoria BC. As my sister-in-law law and I were out for a walk, enjoying the view around us, we came upon this man, playing this beautiful piano, right there in the open, as he enjoyed a breath of fresh air at the same time.

 

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Daily Word Prompt: Edible

#Christianity, #God, #Health

Edible

Edible: fit to be eaten as food.

Synonyms: Digestible, eatable, harmless, nourishing, nutritious

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If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. 1 Timothy 4 : 6

When we follow God’s commands on a daily basis, you could say we are digesting His words and our bodies, minds and souls will be well nourished by them.

Daily Word Prompt: Tailor

#Christianity, Encouragement, Spirituality

Tailor

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Tailor (verb) conform, convert, mold, reconcile

If we allow Him, God will transform our bodies, so that they may be “conformed” (tailored) to His, and one day we will eternally live with Him.

Philippians 3 : 21 ………who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

 

For more of my photos check me out on instagram

https://www.instagram.com/leoladurantphotography/

 

Nature’s Collage

#Christianity, #Nature, #Photo Challenge

Collage

At first this challenge seemed most difficult for me, but then I realize that even nature produces its own natural collages.

The photo below is one that I’ve edited a little more than usual, to highlight the beauty in these river rocks below the clear water, that appeared on a very beautiful sunny day.

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God’s planet earth with all its flaws, still have much beauty for us to enjoy.

Photo Challenge: Delta

#Christianity, #Photo Challenge, #Photography, #Raptors

Delta

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So today’s photo challenge is about transitioning from one state to another. This is a Juvenile Bald Eagle and it is in a state of change. As we know, in its adult stage, the beak will be yellow, it’s head will be white.

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You can see follow me and see photosat my https://www.instagram.com/leoladurantphotography/

Transient: Broken Sea Glass

#Christianity

Transient

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Broken Sea Glass

A few years ago while bathing in the ocean, these pieces of Broken Sea Glass caught my eye. I didn’t know what I would do with them at the time, but later it would come to me and I learned a Spiritual Lesson and ended up writing a poem, called Broken Sea Glass.

If you look closely at the glass, you will see that the edges are smoothed. This is because the glass has been washed up on the sea-shore and then pulled back again by the waves. So what was once sharp and able to cut, has now been transformed into something smooth.

Sometimes, we may start off in our lives being discourteous, but after suffering much, just like the pieces of broken sea glass, our rough edges can also become smooth.

 

Photo Challenge: Out Of Focus

Encouragement

Focus

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Embrace every moment, even the times when your life may seem out of focus. It can be these very moments that eventually bring more clarity to you.

I took this photo some time ago. It wasn’t the outcome I was hoping for, but I still love it and could never delete it.

You can see more of my photos here: https://www.instagram.com/leoladurantphotography/

Volume Of Water

Weather

Volume

Last year, spring time was a time of unusual dryness. This year, it is totally the opposite. An unusual volume of water has left parking lots flooded, marshes overflowing, and trees appearing to be growing out of Lake Ontario.

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Flooded Parking Lot

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Viewing The Parking Lot From The Bridge (Rouge Hill Water Front)

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Marsh Overflows at Rouge Hill

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Tree Appears To Be Growing In Lake Ontario

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Lake Ontario Swells

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Cliffs Eroding

The change in our local landscape is very evident, due to the volume of water that we received recently.

Brassy

#Christianity

Brassy

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Brassy: bold (adjective) careful, cautious, prudent, humble (antonyms)

Many times in the bible, the men of God were referred to as being bold or doing things with boldness. So in the right circumstances, especially if you are being a faithful witness for God, it’s alright to be brassy. On the other hand, the wicked who one may think to be bold, they will easily lose hope and become fearful, even when there is nothing to fear.

Photo Challenge: A Great Friend

#Animals, #Pets

Friend

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Her name was Calypso, and she was a great friend to both me and my hubby. So many things we remember about her which still brings laughter. While I was the one who wanted her, she came into our home and immediately bonded with my husband…..the one who didn’t want her.

Over time, they became best friends, and I was the one left fighting for her attention. Calypso brought much joy to our home for 18 years, but a few years ago, just shortly after my husband finished his last chemo treatment, she would succumb to a growth that she apparently had.

 

The Flicker & Starling Battle Continues

#Animals, #Birding, #Nature, #Photography

Detonate

Flicker with Starling's egg

Photo Provided By: Joe Tundra. You can also see more of his amazing photos on Flickr.

Much chaos surrounds us in this world today. People are having to deal with missiles  going off and bombs detonating more and more.

Nature also comes with its set of battles. In my earlier blogs, I spoke of the Flicker Family and how they were happily building their nest, then along came the hostile Starlings and took over the Flickers’ nest.

I haven’t been able to get back to the nest lately, but I have heard through my friend; Joe Tundra, that the battle goes on. Joe has been kind enough to share this photo with me. In the photo, we have the Flicker flying away with the Starling’s egg in it’s mouth. He refuses to drop the egg close by, as though it may destroy his nest, and instead he takes it away in his mouth, like a bomb about to detonate.

Joe has also been kind enough to share this article with me. Apparently the battle between the Flickers and Starlings has been going on for quite some time.

https://www.purplemartin.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=445

The Notorious Squirrel

#Animals, #Birding, #Nature, #Photography

Notorious

At this particular time I abide peacefully with my neighbors, and that is how I would like it to remain. If this disreputable squirrel has its way, our peaceful state of harmony could be broken.

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So, this ball of twine originates in my neighbor’s yard, Mr squirrel brought it over the fence, to our yard, anchored it beneath our patio table and then twisted it around one of our lounge chairs.

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He then ran back and forth, filling his mouth with the twine, breaking some off and taking it off to his nest.

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Hopefully my neighbor has enough sense to know that I would not try to claim his twine by wrapping it around our patio furnisher.

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Not Fowl But Farce: Unusual Behavior

#Animals, #Birding, #Nature, #Photography, #Woods

Farce

 

On this day, I would see a Ruffed Grouse for the first time. I happened to be there with another photographer, and it kept following him everywhere he went. A lady walking her dog along the path, told us it had followed her friend for quite a distance. As if on cue, a man walked by and the Grouse started running after him. I did my best to try to stay out of it’s way. It was on the ground a lot, and at this point, I wondered if it could even fly.

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We stayed for a bit, took some photos and headed back down the path, when we heard loud screams coming from behind us. We turned around to see a young man on a bicycle screaming loudly, cursing, and hollering….” LEAVE ME ALONE.” He had just rounded a corner, and I was scared, as I assumed that he was being chased, and was thankful I was not on the trail alone. He rode into a fence, almost falling off his bike. Then he was back on it in a split second and screaming once again, as he rode toward us, but we didn’t see anyone behind him.

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So, we were quite puzzled as we stood and watch. Then the other photographer said to me, “O look, look.”  as he pointed in the direction of the cyclist. At first, I didn’t see anything, but on looking closer, there was the Ruffed Grouse, his pretty tail feathers all fanned out, flying low and chasing this young lad down the trail and pecking him in the back.

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When he finally reached us, he cursed the bird some more. Well we all got a good laugh, and the bike rider went his way, probably never to become a Birder, or Wildlife Photographer.

Hostile Take Over Of The Flicker Family

#Animals, #Birding, #Nature, #Photography

It was just another day as usual, with The Flickers taking turns removing the unwanted trash from their home. You can see the debris around his head, and the brown, just at the bottom right  of the picture.

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After a while, Mrs Flicker came by to see if her mate was keeping on top things, in the making of their home.

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As soon as Mr Flicker saw his mate, he flew the coop, in search of rest and relaxation.

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Off he went.

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Then the unthinkable happened. It happened so quickly, that I missed the actual take over.

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The Starling must have been observing the Flickers upgrade their home, and he waited till one flew away, then he took his chance at the take over. He flew right into the nest, flushing The Flicker out, and he simply took over their home. The poor Flicker is left on the outside, patiently trying to oust the bully.

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So this is how I left the Flicker Family….fighting to keep what is rightfully theirs. Perhaps the battle is still ongoing.

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Reflecting On The Past

#Animals, #Birding, #Nature, #Photo Challenge, #Photography

Reflecting

As I spend some time reflecting on last year’s bird migration, I can’t help but think about this year may bring forth.

Some of these images have been posted before, but they also fit into this challenge.

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Green Heron

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Male Wood Duck 

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Spotted Sandpiper

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Spotted Sandpiper

 

Lifestyle Choices

#Christianity, #Health, #Nature, #Photography

Lifestyle

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

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I choose to practice healthy lifestyle choices, and in doing so I am now seeing that my Spiritual Health must come first, after trying for many years to put my physical health first.

As a result, what I have found, that once I am under the leadership of God, through His Holy Word, it’s easier to deal with my emotional and physical health. It’s really that simple.

Sometimes the road less travelled is the better way to go, which means we need to restructure our whole way of thinking.

The Flicker Family

#Animals, #Birding, #Instinct, #Nature, #Photography

The woods are awakening. A multitude of sights and sound echo the arrival of spring. The Flicker’s voice can be heard most of all on this day. We happened upon this Flicker Family as they are preparing to expand their family.

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The male and female Flickers are both taking turns to sit on the eggs. Above, the male Flicker sticks his head out as he awaits the return of his mate. It was wonderful to see these two as they work together, sharing their duties, all for the sake of family.

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Now that his mate has safely returned, the male Flicker can now fly off and take a short break. They already know their responsibilities and what it will take to raise their family safely in the woods.

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Panicked

#Animals, #Nature, #Photography

Panicked

Today they are calling for more rain. After a long winter, I feel the need to spend as much time as possible in nature, so while out in the woods today, looking for Flickers, we saw a Raccoon quietly sitting in a tree.

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I remember the first few times we came upon Raccoons, we were quite panicked. The more time we send in nature, the more relaxed we have become around the Raccoons. Of course, we keep a safe distance, but we are no longer fearful of these creatures.

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Raccoon

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Raccoon

NONE

#Christianity, Encouragement, Inspiration

None

Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare. Psalm 40 : 5
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Peony

Beautiful flowers You give us to brighten our days.

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The fruit trees you supply so that our bodies can be nourish.

Control

#Christianity, #Nature, #Photography, Encouragement, Inspiration, Spirituality

Control

One thing God will never do is to control human beings.
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Badlands in Ontario

[ The Believer’s Freedom ] “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.

1 Corinthians 10 : 23

Cormorants

#Birding, #Nature, #Photography

Being out in nature on a regular basis tends to make you more observant; more aware of your surroundings. All the birds I saw flying overhead before looked the same, but not any more. I am now able to distinguish shapes of wings and sounds.

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Cormorants in tree

I remember seeing these birds for the first time and wondered what they were. The people I met along the trail, would enlighten me about the Cormorants and their habits.

Most people speak of these birds with disdain, and I would soon see the reason why. As my hubby and I wandered along the paths, we would spot trees that were clean of any leaves, and looked as though they were about to die, we were told, that it was the doing of the Cormorants.

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Apparently there is something in the droppings of the Cormorants, and it will kill the trees. This tree still had a few leaves  on it at the time the picture was taken, but I’m sure it will probably remain bare this year.

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Cormorant high up in a tree

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The Christian Apprentice

#Christianity, #Jesus, #Nature, #Photography, Encouragement

Apprentice

We, as disciples of Jesus, are like apprentices and by patterning our lives after His, we should become quite skilled and knowledgeable, so that this gospel  may be spread to the ends of the earth.

The Master said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. Mark 8 : 34 & 35

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The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”

Luke 8 : 24

 

Knackered

#Christianity, #Health, #Nature, #Photography, Encouragement

Knackered

There are many reasons why one may feel knackered, it could be from health reason, or it may be from over exertion, or it could be from the lack of proper nutrition.

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The Lord will sustain and strengthen him on his sickbed; In his illness, You will restore him to health. Psalm 41 : 3

Blanket Wisdom

#Christianity, #Wisdom, Encouragement

Blanket

Many years ago when I was quite ill, the one thing I could do, and would do, was to crochet. I would learn many valuable lessons along the way as I crocheted.

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Blanket made with love

At first, I found it very difficult to finish a project, because I wanted the finished project to be perfect. I would pull out the project to start over, becoming more and more frustrated along the way.

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Dress donated to fundraiser & my top

Looking back now, I also know that God was leading even then, but at the time, I thought they were just random thoughts coming to my mind like:

“Don’t let your mistakes hold you back, keep going forward.”

“Keep striving for perfection.”

It was only when I read in one of the craft magazines that every mistake could be a design, that I felt a bit free to continue.

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Evening Purses

Anxious moments came when the projects were finished, and someone wanted to purchase an item. They seem to see only the beauty, while the mistakes still loomed large before me.

So, I guess you could say my blanket wisdom all started with my passion for crochet.

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My Craft Show Projects

Isaiah 30 : 21 …Your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This the way; walk in it.”

Photo Challenge: Wanderlust

#Animals, #British Columbia, #Nature, #Photo Challenge, #Photography, #Whale Watching, #Whales

Wanderlust

A few years ago I visited Victoria to attend a wedding which was held in the Empress Hotel.IMG_5123 Empress copy

It didn’t take me long to discover the beauty of the place.

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On the grounds of the Empress Hotel

We visited the Esquimalt  Lagoon, went whale watching and we would also visit the famous Butchart Gardens.IMG_9124 Butchart Gardens copy.jpg

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We would leave Victoria to spend a little time in Vancouver. While there we visited, Whistler Village and Grouse Mountain.

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I enjoyed seeing these creatures at Grouse Mountain, even though it was in a controlled situation.

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I had an absolutely wonderful time visiting the West Coast of Canada. There was so much to see and to do, but most of all, I enjoyed being able to look out and see the mountains each and every day.

 

 

Well Rooted

#Christianity, #Nature, #Photography, Inspiration

Roots

It’s a good thing to be well rooted whether referring to families or to plants. My family roots come out of the sunny island of Barbados.

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Barbados Sunset

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Barbados Sunset

On my last visit, I became fascinated with the beauty of the trees, also with the roots that seemed to force themselves above ground as they continued to grow.

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We also need to be well rooted in Jesus, as He is the one who sustains our life.

If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. Romans 11 : 18

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Undeterred By The Gray

#Animals, #Birding, #Gardens, #Nature, #Photography

Gray

Today the Daily Post Word was Gray, and it just happened to be a very gray, wet and rainy  day out. In the afternoon the rain subsided and we were able to venture away from the skyscrapers, to see the blooming trees.

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Nothing was going to stop us on this day, and even though the skies remained gray, the blooms remained bright.

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Cherry Blossoms

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The water also reflected the gray in the sky.

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Wood Duck


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Male & Female Wood Ducks

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The Magnolia is also just about ready to bloom.

These Photos were taken in High Park Toronto

Photo Challenge: I’d Rather Be….

#Christianity, #Gardens, #Nature, #Photo Challenge

I’d Rather Be… IMG_1921wp

I’d rather be……living outdoors in God’s big beautiful garden, where I would constantly enjoy the melodies of the birds. The wind kissing my skin would forevermore rejuvenate my body, and the sweet fragrance of the flowers would perpetually evoke the feelings of peace and joy.

Photo Challenge: Cheeky

#Nature, #Photo Challenge

Cheeky

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I would certainly say that this little guy is cheeky. He literally stuffed his cheeks with the safflower seeds, then off he would run to hide them, and then he would come back for more until all the seeds were completely gone.

I’m sure I posted this before, but thought it fit so well into this photo challenge.