Lightkeeper's Journal

Take Time for Nature: God Shows us His Glory

 

The Great Egret catching fish on the Altamaha River

Bullard Creek Wildlife Management Area, Jeff Davis County, Georgia

 

Photography and Article by Norma Beaird

 

Every once in a while, we write an article about this...

A little over a week ago and on Sunday after church, we decided to ride down to the Altamaha River and the Bullard Creek Wildlife Management Area located in Jeff Davis County, Georgia.  We wanted to see if migration had brought us a few more birds to the river.  

As we were driving by the river, we saw a Great Egret doing some fishing.  In the picture above, the egret had caught three small fish in his bill.  He was fishing on the island in the middle of the river.  It was a blessing to see this magnificent creation of God and escape from this daily grind called life.  No matter how stressed we are about life's daily struggles, the birds keep on....keeping on.    

We can learn lessons from nature.  

We can find peace in natural surroundings.  So many times, we become entangled with the cares of this world, the frustrations, the disappointments, the waiting, the frightening decisions and uncertainty of the future.   We become entangled in this thing called life; however, it shouldn't be an entanglement, it should be a journey that we live with excitement and hope. 

Many times, people are caught in the daily "brass and glass" culture where the only thing we see are the insides of buildings, offices or cubicles.  We rush to work, rush to get home, and dread the cycle all over again.  No matter if we're going to work, the doctor's office or the mall, we're in a hurry to get things done (that reminds me of that famous song by the group Alabama).  

In the midst of this mad rush, we go to the grocery store, pay the bills, cook the dinner and check the mail. At some point, we collapse on the bed or the couch and attempt to free our mind by watching "Dancing With the Stars" or a college football game.  We may check out the latest news or selfies on Facebook. 

...and then we miss the Canada Geese leaving for their evening roosting location.  

A silhouette of Canada Geese 

We spend our lives attempting to live the "American Dream", burning the candle at both ends, and then we wonder why we're exhausted and frustrated all of the time.  The "American Dream" is exhausting because it requires you to be successful, have a fancy education, make lots of money, buy an expensive home and stay current on all of the latest gadgets.  It's exhausting and costly.  It's costly because many times we neglect the most important things in life that God has freely given to us.  

Even though work and our daily activities are very important, we need to spend time recharging our emotional and spiritual batteries.  It's important to walk outside and breathe in the cool morning air.  It's important to identify bird song.  It's important to look at something besides a contract, a calendar, a computer or a parking lot.   We overwhelm ourselves with full schedules,

...and we miss breathing fresh air and spending time among the tall pines trees.   

The boardwalk at the Towns Bluff Park & Heritage Center in Bullard Creek WMA

Jeff Davis County, Georgia 

Many parents spend unbelievable amounts of money to take their children to Disney World; and yet, they never teach them about a Northern Cardinal or introduce them to the beauty of a state park.  The child knows Mickey Mouse, but couldn't recognize a Blue Jay if it landed on the front porch.  Sad.  

Birdwatching is a science and a spiritual experience.  We learn about the taxonomy, behavior and habitat of a bird, but we also learn spiritual lessons of faith and provision.  In watching birds, we learn about migration and the times of year that birds travel north to south and vice versa.  In watching birds, we also learn about the weather and how the weather controls bird movement in an area.  

Birdwatching is free, natural, educational and spiritually uplifting.  Disney World is expensive, artificial, culturally insignificant in the greater scope of things and physically exhausting.  Nature represents reality while Disney represents a fantasy.

The American culture is teaching our children to work--work--work-- spend--spend--spend, work some more, and spend even more.  It becomes second nature to take hard-earned money and go stare at an underpaid employee in a mouse costume.   And yes, our family made the pilgrimage to Disney World and waved at Mickey.  However, we also drove through the Central Florida orange groves and breathed in that heavenly citrus scent.  

It's not a sin to go to Disney World, but it's destructive to the spirit to be unbalanced in our daily life.  We need time to rest, reflect, pray and free our minds from the chains of cultural demands.  It's a lovely testimony of the blessings of God to be able to work hard and be prosperous, but money becomes an idol when it's not balanced with the most important blessings from Heaven:  

God, family, love, faith and an appreciation and respect for God's creation.

We can sum this up by saying this....Life is beautiful. 

God Loves You.

Faith is Real.

Family is Important.

Nature is Invigorating.

Don't miss the joy.

Don't become so busy that you miss the Waxing Gibbous Moon.  

Our prayer for today:  

God, we thank you for your many blessings that you have bestowed upon us.  Even when things are not perfect and we must deal with trials and tribulations, we praise you because you're always near.  Increase our faith and give us a positive outlook on life so that we may be a Godly example to others.  

Help us to be ever mindful of Your many blessings and give us the wisdom to slow down and rest, and develop a deep appreciation for the lovely natural surroundings that you have given to us for free.

Thank you for your love and thank you for your son Jesus Christ, who gave His all so that we might be spiritually free.  Help us to implement balance in our lives so that we may lead a more productive life.

Please strengthen with relationship to You so that we may be reminded daily that our spiritual condition is more important than the acquisition of money and a lifestyle of materialism.  Guide us and lead us into a path of righteousness so that we may be a light in a world of darkness.      

In Jesus' name we pray.....Amen! 

 

Psalm 96

O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth.

2 Sing unto the Lord, bless His name; shew forth His salvation from day to day.

3 Declare His glory among the heathen, His wonders among all people.

4 For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: He is to be feared above all gods.

5 For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the Lord made the heavens.

6 Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.

7 Give unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength. 

8 Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name: bring an offering, and come into His courts.

9 O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. 

10 Say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: He shall judge the people righteously.

11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.

12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice 

13 Before the Lord: for He cometh, for He cometh to judge the earth: He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with His truth.

 

 

 

 

Copyright 2015, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.  

 

Nature's Artwork

 

 

Photography by Curtis Beaird

Article by Norma Beaird

 

When we think of artwork, we sometimes think of oil paintings displayed in a museum.  We think of lovely pencil drawings and watercolor canvases hanging on a wall in the home or office.  We may remember captivating sculptures in a foyer or unique handmade crafts of various cultures and traditions.  

However, each and every day, God provides us with beautiful artwork in nature.  Every time we walk outside, we behold a canvas of majestic color, such as blue skies covered in white, cotton clouds.  We behold enchantingly colorful birds perched high in the forest green trees.  Sometimes, we see a burst of sunshine in a sunflower or a delicate lavender Passion Flower touched by the wings of a skipper.  

One thing is for sure.....we see the hand of God.    

 

Nature's artwork

Every day, all day,

ever-changing,

a variety of color and texture,

all you have to do is walk outside

and experience the glory of God's divine creation. 

 

 

 

Copyright 2015, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.  

Beauty Lives in the Trees

 

Valentino, the Red-Headed Woodpecker, came back for a visit!

 

Photography by Curtis & Norma Beaird

 

The Great Egret is preening his feathers.

 

Opie, our juvenile Red-Bellied Woodpecker is probably looking for the buffet.

 

 

Copyright 2014, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.  

Pay Attention to your Surroundings

 

 

Photography by Curtis and Norma Beaird

Article by Norma Beaird

 

So many times, we lead busy lives and never take the time, as the old saying goes,  "to stop and smell the roses".  During these busy times, we sometimes miss the most beautiful clouds, fragrant flowers and colorful landscapes.  We miss the migrant birds landing in a tree in the yard.  Even when there is a forecast for a thunderstorm, if we're living in a hurry, we will miss the most incredible cloud formations.  

Sometimes, we just need to stop and look around.  Even on our most hectic days, we can alleviate some of the stress by taking the time to appreciate God's spectacular canvas of nature.  While striving for more money and success, we will inadvertently miss the obvious.  So today, take a few minutes and slow down.  Take a deep breath.  Look all around you.  Look at the cloud formations in the sky.  Smell the flowers.  Listen to the bird song.  Be thankful and praise His name.  

 

Psalm 19:1

The heavens declare the glory of God;

and the firmament sheweth His handywork. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Copyright 2014, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved. 

Bold is Beautiful

 

Red-Headed Woodpecker

 

Photography by Curtis and Norma Beaird

 

Rose-Breasted Grosbeak

 

Loggerhead Shrike

 

 

Copyright 2014, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved. 

Finding Beauty in Simplicity Inspires Creativity

  

Photography by Curtis and Norma Beaird

Article by Norma Beaird

 

Last week,  we awoke to a very cold morning, complete with miniature icicles on the trees.  Some trees had long lines of ice attached to the branches.  Living in Georgia, we don't experience ice and icicles on a regular basis, even in the cold winter time. However, an arctic blast seemed to make its way down South, bringing freezing temperatures and beautiful scenes.  

Water droplets delicately frozen in place, sparkling with reflections of light are absolutely spectacular.  We looked outside our window and walked outside.  Not only did the cold air awaken our physical senses, the miniature icicles awakened our sense of creativity.  We grabbed the cameras to take advantage of scenes that don't appear very often in our warm and humid climate.  

So many times, we miss the most incredible opportunities to enjoy the simple things in life, such as the simplicity of an icicle on a dormant tree.  It's as though God creates a piece of abstract art for us to behold.  We don't have to visit a museum or spend a lot of money to view an impressive piece of art.  Just take the time to walk outside during any season of the year.  

When you take the time to find the beauty in the simple things of life, many times it will recharge your creative batteries, giving you new and fresh ideas.  It will revitalize your senses and breathe life into a mundane project or a downtrodden spirit.   

Never take the simple things of life for granted.  Awaken your senses to all four seasons of the year.  Whether you are breathing in the air of spring or the frosty wind of winter, take notice of the changes in the trees and the grass.  Observe how differently the birds and animals behave.  

Study the changing colors, hear the sounds of rustling leaves, feel the warmth of the summer sun or the chill of an ocean breeze, and develop an appreciation for the splendor of creation.   God created a lovely world for you and me.  Allow your senses to be invigorated by the glory of nature.  Wake up and smell the flowers. Listen to the birds sing their songs.  Celebrate the raindrops on your face. Bask in the glow of a bright full moon.  Walk outside.  Enjoy the view.  

Give thanks unto the Lord.

 Genesis 8:22

While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

 

Copyright 2013, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.  

 

God Surrounds Us With Beauty

The American Painted Lady Butterfly landing on Lantana

Photography by:  Curtis Beaird

Article by:  Norma W. Beaird

 

Genesis 1: 11 - 12

¹¹ And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.

¹² And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.

 

Beauty surrounds us........and we keep on texting!

Sometimes, in the franctic pace of the day, we forget to look around us and see the beautiful world that we are living in, the world that God created for you and me.  Sales goals, busy schedules, technological inventions, workloads, ball games..... and the never-ending need to keep up with the culture seems to distract us from the beautiful creation that surrounds us. 

We have become so enamored with our busy lives and materialistic endeavors that we sometimes miss the wonders of nature.  I sometimes question........  Do parents take the time to introduce their little ones to a state park and show them the beauty of a butterfly?  Do they sit down for five minutes and teach their child or teenager how to fish? 

Do husbands and wives ever leave the noise and distractions of the city to take a drive through the countryside and admire the rolling green hills?  Do they take a cup of coffee to the front porch and sit and listen to the rain? 

Do college students or factory workers or housewives or CEO's ever take the time to identify just a few of the many species of birds?  Do folks ever walk outside during a full moon and photograph the big, round wonder that God put in place to light up the night?  Do dads teach their sons and daughters about the various stars and constellations in the sky? 

Do families ever go on vacation to places other than amusement parks, opting instead to visit a wildlife preserve?  Do you and your friends ever take the time to go for a walk in the park or hike through the woods?  Can you smell the honeysuckle?  Do you enjoy the fragrance of rain? 

When you go to the beach, do you notice things other than surfboards or jet skis?  Do you watch the seagulls and pelicans?  When you go to the mountains, do you notice the white mist of clouds that sometimes gather in the valley? 

If you answered "no" to most of these questions, then it is time to stop, slow down and closely examine your priorities.  It's time to lay down the cell phone, turn off the computer, take a break and relieve some stress.  It's time to walk outside and look around.  It's time to grab your camera or  binoculars and look towards the sky. 

The modern-day culture pushes us into a schedule of insanity.  From boardroom meetings to softball games to dance recitals to church functions to shopping malls......... to everything else under the sun, we are busy, entertained, stressed, exhausted or overwhelmed.   We network and knock ourselves out, hoping to reach that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.  Distracted and tired, people miss out on some of the most beautiful things that life has to offer.  

It's amazing........folks go to church and listen to the pastor read a passage from the Genesis 1 creation chapter, and they go home, never walking outside to genuinely experience the sights, sounds and fragrances of the Lord's creation. 

People see profit margins, but do they see butterflies?  

Therefore, my message for today.........

.......like the popular Mac Davis song encourages us to do, is to Stop and Smell the Roses.   Take the time necessary to teach your family about nature.  For those folks who are avid outdoor lovers or astronomers.......... or those who are hunters or fisherman.......or those who are hikers or environmentalists.........or those who are wildlife photographers or bird watchers, this message won't apply.  You already understand the necessity of enjoying the wonder of nature.  

However, for those who won't slow down enough to understand that there is more to life than the hurried existence of schedules, goals, meetings, games, technology and profit margins, this message is for you.  For those who keep a calendar so full, that you don't have time to eat a meal without getting indigestion, this message is for you.  Slow down and enjoy the fact that life is meant to be lived and savored.  Life is meant to be cherished, and that includes an observation and appreciation for the natural world of glorious beauty that God has created. 

God did not create exhaustion or chaos, and it is our job as humans who were entrusted with this planet, to be sure that we are not orchestrating exhaustion and chaos in our own lives.  Remember, God created the world and then He rested on the seventh day.  God has surrounded us with beauty.  Let us not forget to be observant, appreciative and thankful. 

 

Genesis 2: 1 - 3 (KJV)

1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.

² And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.

³ And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

 

Copyright 2012, Norma W. Beaird.  All rights reserved.