Lightkeeper's Journal

Wood Storks and Expectancy

 

 Article and Photography by Norma Beaird

 

At the end of last August, Curtis and I were on our way to the Recycle Center (the dumpster where we take our trash). Usually, we have our cameras with us in case of a new bird sighting or just in case the good Lord provides us with a unique sunset. On this particular day, we were driving slowly down the country road when something caught my eye. There were a line of trees on the right side of the road, but behind those trees was a pond lined with old Cypress Tree stumps.  Standing on those trees was the most magnificent sight.   There were approximately 75 Wood Storks standing on those stumps, all over the pond, and in the woods behind the pond.

This was not a sight that we expected to see. It was as though we were peeking into a fantasy world. Consequently, we had been wanting to photograph Wood Storks for quite a while. We had once again missed going to a National Wildlife Refuge where the storks breed each year in Georgia, and we were disappointed that we had missed this opportunity. However, God knew the desires of our heart and He birthed a blessing on the way to the dumpster.

For many years, storks have been part of a legend involving the birth of babies. The legend of the stork delivering a baby began with the famous 1838 fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen entitled, "The Storks". Even though storks don't deliver babies, the association of the stork and birth actually birthed a thought process and a question in my mind.

What if we actually lived every day with an attitude of hope and expectancy,

as though each day God could birth a new idea,

a new blessing or a new miracle in our lives?

So many times, we go through the day, never expecting anything good to happen. It's the same 'ole routine, the same 'ole job, same 'ole menu, same 'ole.....everything. We never expect anything good to happen or to be "birthed" in us because things like that always happen to other people. However, on this very ordinary day, going to do a very menial task of taking garbage to the dumpster, God blessed us to see something that many people never see. Wood Storks. And not just one Wood Stork, but many Wood Storks.

Since that day, I try to look at life a little differently. Maybe on this ordinary day, after eating my ordinary breakfast and drinking my ordinary cup of coffee, God may have a surprise blessing for me. Maybe the Lord will open up a door that has been closed for a long time. Maybe He will show me a path where He would have me to walk. Maybe He has a job for me to do where I can bless others. Every time I look at these pictures of our Wood Storks, I am reminded to never take any day for granted. You never know when God has a blessing.....just around the corner.

Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths."

 

 

 

Copyright 2017, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.  

Becoming Spiritually Aware in a Very Dark World

 

An Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly on a Mexican Sunflower.  

As the butterfly takes nectar from the flower,

we must take spiritual sustenance from the wisdom of the scriptures.

 

Photography by Curtis and Norma Beaird

Article by Norma Beaird

 

2 Timothy 3:1

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

 

For the last few weeks, I admit that I have had a very difficult time posting an article on our blog.  To be quite honest, the constant barrage of bad news has really gotten to me.  I don't know where to start with the news. It just gets worse.  From the attacks on the police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge to the terrorist attacks in San Bernardino, Orlando, Nice and Munich, the sadness just seems to consume everything.  Then, I buy a copy of the Savannah Morning News and read that the 30th homicide this year has just occurred.  

If that isn't enough, we have the constant barrage of political circus, to include the conventions, debates and controversy.  It seems that we live under a cloud of deep spiritual oppression.  You don't know who you can trust.  Is it possible to even go to the grocery store and feel safe anymore?  Is it possible to buy a carton of eggs without fear that there's a lunatic on the same aisle looking at the low fat milk?

You wake up in the morning and attempt to motivate yourself, but then you learn that something else happened while you were asleep.  More shootings, more death, more protests, more terror and more scandal.  Walking to the coffee pot for that first cup of coffee doesn't begin to soothe the tension that lives in your soul.  For years, you heard them preach about it.  You read about it in the scriptures.  You know it's coming.  From what you can tell, it's already here.

Matthew 24: 4 - 8

4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled:

for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:

and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

In the midst of the madness and sorrow, there is life and hope.  In the last few years, our birds have been a constant source of inspiration and encouragement.  As I inhale the aroma of freshly made coffee and open the blinds, I look outside the kitchen window and see the adult Eastern Bluebird bring his immature toddler to the feeder.  This instantly brightens my day and helps to relieve the pressure of a world gone crazy.  God's glorious creation once again brings peace to my spirit.  

Papa Leonardo and his immature bluebird! 

 

Some days, it seems that the media doles out large doses of doom and gloom.  If you read the comment sections on social media or under any online news article, you can see that fear and the anxiety of  "what may happen" in the future is epidemic.  People are prepping and preparing, locking and loading and even moving out of large cities.  They are very worried, tired and frustrated.  And, I can understand how they feel. Things are not going well.  If the shootings and protests are not bad enough, we have the serious problems of illegal immigration, drug trafficking, unemployment and a common mistrust of the government and Wall Street.  

As it has been said before, it seems that the inmates are running the asylum.   Of course, if you're rich, highly successful and living in the lap of luxury, you may not be spiritually aware that we're living in a very dark world.  Somehow, when everything is going right, it's much more difficult to see that everything is going wrong.  Money and success cover up a multitude of problems.  Why?  Because you have the ability to separate yourself from a lot of misery.  How miserable can you be if you're in a hotel suite somewhere in the middle of the Caribbean?  As a matter of fact, if you're floating somewhere in a deep turquoise sea, you're probably feeling pretty good right now.  

On the other hand, if you're not on a vacation or a yacht, if you're not checking on your dividends, you may be more tuned in to the chaos that ignites on the evening news.   Living paycheck to paycheck and suffering through financial shortages will tune us in to worldly struggles.  However......rich or poor, black or white, young or old, no matter who you are, it's time to tune in to the cloud of oppression that hovers over this nation.  It's time to become spiritually aware in a very dark world.  Our very life depends on it.

Mexican Sunflower

 

It's time to pray, read the Bible and ask God for spiritual wisdom, discernment and guidance.  It's time to walk outside and listen for the the bird song. It's time to enjoy the colorful flowers, the fluttering butterflies and the sweet little rabbit hopping through your yard.  Prayer, Bible reading and observing God's glorious creation will make you more sensitive to spiritual matters.   When you pay attention to and learn about bird migration, cloud formations and moon phases, you become more aware in every area of your life, and this is very important.  God can use His creatures and creation to teach us very important lessons about life and spirituality.   God can even use metaphors of weather to help you understand the wrestling of the soul.    

Meet Oliver, the Eastern Cottontail, is taking a break next to the Rabbit Hole! 

 

At the risk of sounding apocalyptic, things are going to get worse.  It's Biblical.  We're living in perilous times. There is a storm brewing over this country.  So many people can feel it and sense it.  The spiritually aware know that it's coming.  The clouds are gathering and the demons are planning while some poor souls continue to fret over the color of their granite countertops.  What a shame.  They are the ones who will suffer the most when the Category 5 storm makes physical and spiritual landfall.  

In the past ten years, I have wondered why the Lord opened the door for me to move to rural Georgia.  At times, it has not been easy, not at all.  The rural South can be a challenging place to live if you're originally from another part of the planet.  Culturally, it's different from anywhere else, but God wanted to teach us a few things.  Over four years ago, around the time our house was burglarized, the Lord began to open doors to birdwatching and bird photography.  This has been a blessing beyond anything that we could have imagined.  We have seen wonders of nature that we would not have seen in a large city or town.  We have fed birds that we would not have fed if we lived in the midst of high rise buildings.

Peanotta, our female Red-bellied Woodpecker and defender of the buffet.  

 

We have seen birds nesting, migrating and taking care of their young.  We have seen different species of birds enjoying a lunch together at our very own Le Avian Cafe.  We have discovered that our birds have personalities, and from this discovery, we have given them names and stories.  Our birdwatching has fine-tuned our senses, making us aware of weather patterns and how they affect avian movement and migration. In addition to the joy of birdwatching, we have become more tuned in to moon phases; and, because we're not in the middle of city lights, we are blessed with clear pictures of the moon.  Our senses are no longer on auto-pilot because God has taught us to pay attention to everything around us, above and below. Consequently, being aware of nature has placed gratitude in our hearts for what the Lord has created for us. Through watching birds nest and raise their young, God has taught us about faith and provision.  These lessons of faith will be very helpful in the coming seasons in this nation.

Matthew 10: 30-32

30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

32 Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men,

him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

Peanotta, the Red-bellied Woodpecker and the Duchess of Soperton, our Northern Cardinal.

 

No matter who wins the presidential election, dark times are coming.  Many do not see this because they are not spiritually aware.  For the most part, our culture has become pagan and our churches are secular.  When you take God out of the equation, you will always end up with a minus instead of a plus.  You can't go against the natural laws of God and expect life to work out for you.  Even the birds live their lives according to the natural laws and seasons of their Creator.  When it's time to nest, they nest.  When it's time to migrate, they migrate.  They don't go against the laws of nature.  Therefore, life works for them on a level that is difficult for many to understand.  

In closing. I must say this.  It's time to become spiritually aware in this very dark world.  This is critical.  It's time to pray and seek God and read the scriptures.  Pray for discernment, pray for protection, pray for your family and pray for this nation.  It's time to let go of materialism and worldly desires and seek God's will for your life.  The only answer to this nation's woes is God.  Repentance and prayer will turn the tide of evil, not another political promise or declaration.  Don't get caught in this storm without a spiritual umbrella.  The clouds are gathering and the storm is brewing.  Only God can save us now.  It's time to confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and obey the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  God gave us a promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14.  However, it is up to us to reap the blessings of His promise.  The ball is in our court.  

2 Chronicles 7:14

If my people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves,

and pray, and seek My face,

and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven,

and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Titus 2: 11 - 14

11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts,

we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

13 Looking for that blessed hope,

and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

14 Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity,

and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

 

 

 

Copyright 2016, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.  

 

 

Finding Wonder in God's Lessons of Faith

 

Meet Cisco, the male Northern Bobwhite

 

Photography by Curtis and Norma Beaird

Article by Norma Beaird

 

We serve a God who loves us and wants us to talk to Him, no matter how big or how small the request. He's our Father, He created us, and He's interested in our thoughts, requests and desires.  Sometimes, Christians don't think about petitioning Him unless they have big requests that involve health issues, financial burdens, family troubles or problems at work. However, He's interested in every aspect of our lives. Why? Because we're His children and He loves us.

Curtis and I are avid birdwatchers and bird photographers. Since 2013, we have been submitting bird species checklists to eBird, a division of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. We recently passed 1,000 checklists for Montgomery County, Georgia. As Citizen Scientists, we contribute to avian research for our region of Georgia.

Last year, we kept hearing the entertaining call of the Northern Bobwhite and we kept hoping that he would find his way into our yard, but he never made a visit. This year, we heard him in the woods again. One morning I prayed in faith and said, "Lord, I wish you would send the Northern Bobwhite into our yard. I would really like to photograph him!"  Well, a few days later, not only did the Lord send Mr. Bobwhite, He sent the Mrs. as well. God answers prayer! Many times, He answers above and beyond what we could ever think or ask. Praise the Lord! 

God is good and He seeks to teach us lessons of faith.  We can find wonder in these small lessons of faith.  These small lessons will increase our faith when we have even bigger prayers that need an answer from the Lord.  At times, we can allow doubt to creep in and tell us that the Northern Bobwhite will never show up.  On the other hand, we can believe.  

Meet Coco, the female Northern Bobwhite

 

Matthew 18:3

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children,

ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

 

Mark 11:24

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray,

believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

 

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

 

 

 

Copyright 2016, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.  

  

Finding Wonder on Ordinary Days

 

A Pied-billed Grebe at the Southeastern Technical College Lake

 

Photography and Article by Norma Beaird

 

First of all, some information on the Pied-Billed Grebe, according to Birds of Georgia :

A Pied-billed Grebe is the smallest, shyest and least colorful of the grebes.  It is an extremely wary bird, but is easy to find on almost any pond or lake in Georgia.   These grebes build their floating nests among sparse vegetation, so that they can see their numerous predators - including Great Blue Herons, small turtles and water snakes - approaching from far away.  When frightened by an intruder, they cover their eggs and slide under water, leaving a nest that looks like nothing more than a mat of debris.  A Pied-billed Grebe can slowly submerge up to its head, so that only its nostrils and eyes remain above water.  

According to Cornell Lab of Ornithology, these amazing creatures are expert divers that are common across much of North America.  Cornell refers to them as part bird and part submarine.  These small brown birds have unusually thick bills that turn silver and black in summer.  They are rarely seen in flight and are often hidden among vegetation.  

It was an ordinary day and an ordinary, but dreaded trip to Wal-Mart, home of what seems like endless cash registers with only a few lines open. Since we live in a rural area, we sometimes must go to Wal-Mart to pick up the things that we can't find anywhere else. However, we are blessed because Wal-Mart is right next door to Southeastern Technical College and their beautiful lake.  This means that before we turn into the Wal-Mart Shopping Center, we take a spin through the campus of STC.  

And, on this ordinary day......on an ordinary shopping trip......there he was......Mr. Pied B. Grebe.  

Mr. Pied-billed Grebe was ready to spread his wings......and fly?

As you can imagine, we were very excited when we discovered this adorable grebe in the middle of the STC lake.  Mr. Grebe was just hanging out with 12 American Coots.  These birds usually shy away from a human presence.  On this particular day, I think he saw me standing at the edge of the lake holding my camera, and he floated towards me.  I couldn't believe it.  It was a gift from God.  I began to quickly snap his picture and thank God at the same time.  An ordinary day was blessed with an extraordinary bird....and a picture that, due to the grebe's shyness, was out of the ordinary.  

As if the Pied-billed Grebe wasn't EXTRA-ordinary enough, God blessed me with a picture of an American Coot, another bird that likes to shy away from the camera.  The American Coot is unique because it is the only bird in Georgia with a white bill, and it definitely stands out against the dark body.  Many people mistakenly think that the American Coot is a species of duck, but it is not a duck.  Their taxonomic order places them in the Rails, Gallinules & Coots category.  

The American Coot

So, the next time you think you're having a boring and ordinary day, try to develop an attitude of expectancy. I know that it's not always easy, but it sure helps us to have a more positive outlook on life.  You never, ever know what blessings God may send your way.  Sometimes that plain 'ole vanilla day may turn into a banana split with whip cream and cherries on top!  

God never fails to show us that we can find wonder on an ordinary day! 

 

Psalm 62:5

My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him.

 

 

 

Copyright 2016, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.  

 

Finding Wonder in the Baltimore Oriole

An immature female Baltimore Oriole visits Le Avian Cafe

 

Photography and Article by Norma Beaird

 

My last post was about "Finding Wonder in the New Year".  

I have learned that sometimes "wonder" will find you. 

We had always hoped that a beautiful Baltimore Oriole would one day show up at the feeding station.  We had read in the book, Birds of Georgia, that the Baltimore Oriole is uncommon south of the Fall Line in the winter, whereas they had previously been more common.  The area south of the Fall Line is Georgia's Lower Coastal Plain, where we are located.  We had heard of sightings in Treutlen County, but had not seen any in our particular area.  Therefore, we knew that there was a good chance that one wouldn't show up, even though we continued to hope for a Baltimore Oriole sighting.  

One year, we saw an Orchard Oriole perched in a tree in the backyard, but never the Baltimore Oriole.  On January 2nd, I walked to the kitchen window and there she was.....a beautiful female Baltimore Oriole.  We grabbed the camera and began snapping away.  She seemed to adapt to the feeding station quite well as she began to eat the food on the buffet.  On the buffet, we had black oil sunflower, shelled sunflower and unsalted peanuts.  She would hop from one area to another, looking for food.  

We had read that Baltimore Orioles have two favorites at a feeding station, grape jelly and oranges.  We went to the grocery store and bought both.  It turns out that she really loved the orange.  For a few days, she was averaging a half an orange a day.  Now, she's moved on to our Peanut Butter Tree Spread.  I have to say that she is not a picky eater.  

Chef Curtis has prepared exquisite cuisine for Susie Baltimore...

Le Orange Shish Kabob with a delicate peppering of Le Ants

 

Chef Curtis' dish is a success!  

 

 

 

Copyright 2016, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.  

Blessings, Praise and Thanksgiving

 

Ailey Baptist Church in Ailey, Georgia

 

Photography by Norma Beaird

 

Psalm 100

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

Serve the Lord with gladness:

come before His presence with singing.

Know ye that the Lord He is God:

it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves;

we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,

and into His courts with praise:

be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.

For the Lord is good;

His mercy is everlasting;

and His truth endureth to all generations.

 

 

 

 

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

God's Blessings Have Feathers

 

Peanotta, the Red-bellied Woodpecker 

 

God's Blessings Have Feathers

Photography by Curtis and Norma Beaird

Poem by Norma Beaird

 

Woodpeckers and mallards,

the cardinal and crow,

the warbler and Blue Jay,

a colorful show.  

 

Catalina, the Carolina Wren and the Duke of Soperton, the Northern Cardinal

 

The nuthatch and titmouse,

the sparrow and wren,

the grosbeak and House Finch,

our sweet feathered friends.

 

Bentley, the Tufted Titmouse, is working on the Black Oil Sunflower

 

The bluebird and kinglet

the bunting and dove,

the towhee and Barred Owl,

are birds that spell love.  

 

Leonardo, the Eastern Bluebird, poses for a portrait.

 

The falcon and eagle, 

the osprey and stork,

the hawk and Great Egret,

God's wonders galore.  

 

The Great Egret in flight, with a Hooded Merganser in the background.  

 

No matter the species,

the song or the call,

God's blessings have feathers,

and He made them all.  

 

 

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

 

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.  

 

The Homestead

 

 

The Homestead

 

Photography by Curtis and Norma Beaird

Poem by Norma Beaird

 

The goats and the roosters,

the ducks and the geese,

the hens and the guineas,

the fence and the trees.

 

The cabin and pasture,

the tractor and shed,

A day on the homestead,

with Mavis and Fred.  

 

Miss Mavis cooks biscuits,

while Fred milks the cows,

and gathers the hen eggs,

and pushes the plow.   

 

Their homestead is busy,

there's no time to waste,

The time's quickly changing,

and they must make haste.

 

They moved to the pine trees,

 and deep in the woods,

with oil lamps and cast iron,

and plenty of food.

 

 Their country is changing,

 and it's getting worse,

and freedom is riding,

in a long 'ole black hearse.

 

For freedom is dying,

and fear rides the wind,

the changes are coming,

and they're 'round the bend.

 

So Fred and Miss Mavis,

will homestead and farm,

and gather up hay bales,

for their weathered barn.

 

And they'll count their blessings,

and spend time in prayer,

while reading the scriptures,

in their rocking chairs.  

 

The times, they are changing,

but God's Word is true,

while skies may be stormy,

the Lord's sky is blue.

 

 So Fred and Miss Mavis,

will live free and dine,

when rich folks are losing,

their money and minds.

 

When freedom is buried,

and money is gone,

and chaos is reigning,

and life is all wrong.

 

Their homestead is quiet,

the table is spread,

with bounty and blessings,

the family is fed.

 

Like Fred and Miss Mavis,

let's trust God today,

and cling to His promise,

and He'll make a way.  

 

The times may be changing,

but cast fear aside,

Prepare and be faithful,

and He will provide.

 

 

Psalm 37:25

I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

Entire Chapter of Psalms 37 can be read here. 

Psalm 84:11

For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Philippians 4:19

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

 

 

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

 

God Meets Us Where We Are

 

Wood Stork flying away.....

Psalm 37:4

Delight thyself also in the Lord:

and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

 

Photos by Curtis and Norma Beaird

Story by Norma Beaird

 

I want to share a story that may help to build your faith. Sometimes, God meets us right where we are. Sometimes, He uses the simplest things to let us know that He is near and knows our innermost thoughts.

A few weeks ago, we were given the opportunity to have a personal tour of a popular National Wildlife Refuge on the Georgia Coast to see a rookery of Wood Storks. We were so excited, but then realized that we couldn't work out the schedule to take the trip. Needless to say, Curtis and I were both disappointed because we were going to have an amazing opportunity to photograph Wood Storks. 

Anyway, we were feeling a little discouraged as we were driving down a country road here in Montgomery County.  Backing up for a bit of history.....as most everyone probably knows by now, Curtis and I have been documenting birds in Montgomery County for 3.5 years. We submit our reports to Cornell University's eBird. We had seen a Wood Stork at Little Ocmulgee State Park in Telfair County over a year ago, but we had never seen one in Montgomery County; thus, the opportunity to get a personal tour of a National Wildlife Refuge was extremely exciting.

So.....back to our disappointment and the story......we ride down this certain country road a lot. On this particular road, we have seen birds like turkey, crows, cardinals and owls, but the trees are so dense in this area, that you don't see a lot of birds in the pines. Anyway, here we are riding in the Jeep....and Curtis says, "What is that in the middle of the road?".....and then he stops. We had a camera with the long zoom lens, so I said, "I'll get the camera!"

We couldn't believe it - it was a WOOD STORK!!!  He was walking down a country road. We had NEVER seen a Wood Stork in Montgomery County, much less on this road.  What are the odds of driving in the country and seeing a Wood Stork just casually walking on the other side of the road?

So, my lesson for today......God knows the desires of our hearts, and He knew that we were disappointed that we couldn't work out the schedule to go see the Wood Storks; therefore, He sent one to us. I must say that my faith was increased. We are grateful to God for sending us a beautiful Wood Stork in the most unlikely place.

This story lets me know once again that......no matter how big or how small, God cares about our concerns, joys, disappointments and requests. He cares about every detail of our lives. He truly cares for us. He has the hairs on our head numbered (Matthew 10:30) and He knows the birds that we want to photograph! 

This picture below is not completely clear because it was taken through the windshield, but that's okay, because God sent us a Wood Stork!

A Wood Stork is walking down a country road in Montgomery County, Georgia.  When I got out of the jeep, he turned and walked into the grass.  I guess he's a little camera-shy! 

 

 

 

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