Day # 4 A Picture Paints a Thousand Words . . .

I really think I could probably write 1000 words about this picture, especially if I gave in to the urge to anthropomorphosize - - -  they look like a little birdie couple in love.  *grin*

What's this got to do with an entry expressing thankfulness? Only everything! I am so thankful that I can TAKE pictures in the first place!   That includes thanks for my camera . . . for my "eye for a picture" . . .  for subjects to photograph that I am interested in . . . for my appreciation of the beauty around me and for people who are so kind as to look at my pictures.

That takes care of my gratitude for photography and my ability to participate in it to whatever degree I can . . . for the people who help make it possible for me to have equipment I can use in spite of some of my physical limitations (weak wrists for one that can't hold a heavy camera steady) . . . for a husband who indulges my attempts . . . a dear friend who goes out to crazy places with me at odd times of the day to get a picture . . . and on and on . . .

Where do the "words" come into the equation?  I am grateful for the ability to express myself in writing . . . through using "words".  I can't pass by this without expressing gratitude for my education . . . for some wonderful teachers along the way who encouraged me to write . . . Mrs. Keith in fourth grade . . . Mrs. Burgess in 11th grade . . . Mrs. Jones in the 12th grade . . . who really stand out in my memories and whom I wish I could go back and say "thank you" and "you changed my life".  Imagine the great joy I felt when I found my biological family and discovered that my beloved Aunt Evelyn (my mother's sister) was an Educator and very encouraging of my yearnings to write.  

I'd love to know what YOU see in the picture of the little birds above.  I like to think about them together raising a family and gracing my feeders and my backyard with their beauty.  

This may seem like a rather trivial "Thanks", but I assure you - it's a VERY big deal with me. 

Sorry this was late - - - I can't post from my phone very well and we've had power issues at home.  

Later . . .  

Attitudes of Gratitude - # 5 - November 5th 2012

His Eye is on the Sparrow

Why should I feel discouraged,  why should the shadows come,

Why should my heart be lonely and long for Heav'n and home?

When Jesus is my portion, my constant Friend is He:

His eye is on the sparrow,  and I know He cares for me;

"Let not your heart be troubled,"  His tender word I hear,

And resting on His goodness,  I lose my doubts and fear;

Though by the path He leads me but one step I may see:

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;

Whenever I am tempted,  whenever clouds arise,

When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,

I draw the closer to Him,  from care He sets me free:

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He cares for me;

His eye is on the sparrow,  and I know He watches me.

Refrain:

I sing because I'm happy,  I sing because I'm free, 

For His eye is on the sparrow,  And I know He watches me.

As I face the various interventions of the medical community later this week (on Thursday),  I am discouraged and at times lonely.  My heart is troubled, in addition to needing surgery on it to replace an Aortic Valve, and I'm not sure what else.  I can't exactly see the path I must travel . . . there are clouds in my sky, and I'm tempted to give up at times.  It's difficult to sing and I have many cares and concerns.  The song mentions these things, and more,  and it asks me rather directly, "Why should you feel this way?  Have you forgotten who you are and "WHOSE" you are?"

I am thankful tonight that I believe that I have an Advocate with the Father and that I can draw ever closer to Him and lean on Him and on His promises that He will never leave me comfortless  .  .  . will never desert me or stop caring for me and restore the joy to my days.

I am thankful that I believe that I am worth more than so many Sparrows - or in this case, Robins - and that I can rest on His promises and sing again.  If God knows how many feathers are on a bird and how many hairs I have on my head, "Why should I feel discouraged?  Why should the storm clouds come?  Why should my heart be lonely and fearful?"

I can sing, "Hallelujah!  God has provided a Lamb".  That's enough for me and enough for now.  My yard today was full of signs of the everlasting love and care of God for me and for *YOU* . . . so, sing with me because you are happy and because you are free, and know that God's eye is on the Sparrow and the Robin and the Blue Jay and the Eagle and the Whooping Crane and the Cardinal, and rest in the assurance that He watches me and He watches you.

"Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 

Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."  

Luke 12:7 KJV

This 'n That