Lightkeeper's Journal

In the Wilderness of Life, You Can Find the Cross

 

 

Photography and Article by Norma Beaird

 

Romans 10:13

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

The picture above is our newly decorated coffee corner. It was time for a change. After we wake up, the first thing that we do is go to the coffee corner, unless we decide to go outside first and check on the plants. Curtis likes his coffee. I like my coffee. Regular or Decaf, coffee helps to get us in gear. Sometimes, it puts us in Drive, or gets us out of Neutral. Coffee helps us to focus on the day ahead. No, we’re not addicted, but we’re not 21 anymore. We need a little assistance.

In the wilderness of life, evil attempts to steal our focus.

The world. Well, what can I say? It doesn’t matter where you’re living. Our communities, towns and cities are experiencing chaos on a widespread scale. To turn on the news is to fall into a ditch of despair and to be exposed to unending propaganda. Therefore, we decided that it was time to be reminded every single morning of what is important. Each morning, when I go to make coffee, I see the Eastern Bluebird picture and the three crosses. Each morning, I am reminded of what Jesus did for me on Calvary. So, before I get too discouraged over shootings, wars and upheavals, I am reminded that God is still in control.

For the last few posts, I’ve kinda had a theme going, “Manna in the Wilderness…..”, “…..Finding Peace on a Front Porch”. Sometimes, life is just difficult. The world around all of us refuses to make it any easier. In many ways, it always has been difficult, especially if you’re a Christian. At times, you feel like a fish out of water and wish that you could find the right river to swim in. You always feel that you’re swimming upstream, while everyone else is happily tubing downstream, catching the rays and drinking their favorite carbonated beverage of choice. You continue to swim upstream, tired and worn out, hoping that someone will throw you a life preserver attached to a rope to pull you back to the river bank.

Does this mean that we’re unhappy, pining away in this world, drowning our sorrows in Eight O’clock coffee and Chocolate Chip Cookies? Of course not! However, as Christians, if we think for one minute that this world is not becoming more spiritually wicked, then we haven’t been paying attention to the signs and people all around us. Have you noticed the constant anger in people? The rudeness? The bad attitudes? Have you paid attention to the number of people who are lost in a world of chemical enhancements? You attempt to pay for your items at the store and the clerk is so stoned that they can barely count the money back to you. Heartbreaking, to say the least.

Sin will keep us in the wilderness.  

The number one problem with the world that surrounds us falls under the category of “Spiritual Wickedness”. Everywhere we look, we find people who are living in opposition to the Holy Scriptures. They are living in sin. There, I said it. It’s called SIN. We find people who live life, not before a holy God, but they live a life bowing down to the god of “self”. Anything that you worship more than Almighty God is an idol. People bow to the gods of materialism, narcissism, selfishness, drunkenness, lasciviousness and desire. They bow to greed, lust and envy. They bow to their careers and put their family last on the list. They bow to everything and everyone but God. And, they can’t figure out why they’re so incredibly miserable.

Some people bow to these gods and still go to church. They may outwardly do and say the right things, but all that they have is a head knowledge of family tradition, a tradition of “every once in a while” church attendance. They know about God, they know about the Christian holidays and events, but they don’t know God on a deep, personal level. They don’t pray and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. They don’t talk to God because they're busy.

Their prayers are reserved for when they get into trouble, physically or financially. They may pray if they sense that a relationship is in trouble. But, they don’t seek God on a daily basis and praise Him for His many blessings. Unfortunately, many people don’t want to know God on a deep, personal level. He may reveal some things that they need to change. And….change is not always negative. Our lives constantly need the positive change that only God can bring.

Going to church does not spiritually save a person. Only Jesus can save people and forgive them of their sins. Good works and generous contributions won’t buy a ticket into Heaven. Confessing Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and repenting of your sins will pave the way to peace and eternal life in Glory. Salvation is not a tradition, it’s an experience with God. Traditions are nice, but they’re not life-changing. Tradition can enhance family relationships and make a holiday more fun, but a tradition will not save your soul.  Going to church encourages the congregation in their Christian faith, but church must be about the worship of God, not a family tradition.  

Right now, we are living in a spiritual desert, a wilderness, wooded acreage with buried sins. Some people live in a high-rise of sin. The city beats them up every single day. It’s much easier to pretend that sin doesn’t exist, to ignore it, to look the other way. Because, with admission of sin comes a burden of necessity, the necessity to ask for forgiveness and to make a change. Why change when you can just cover it up with pretense?

 

1 Peter 5: 6 - 10

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you in due time:

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion,

walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Whom resist stedfast in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus,   

after that ye have suffered a while,

make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.  

                                                                                       

We’re living in very dangerous times. People have an agenda; and today, most agendas are rooted in selfishness. Everywhere we look, we find unhappy, discouraged and depressed people. They don’t lean on God for help, they lean on prescription medications, alcohol, and illegal drugs. They are angry and stressed. They scrap and fight every day to make another dollar to buy another gadget or item that they believe will bring them happiness and satisfaction.

About satisfaction……we are all born with a spiritual void that can only be filled with Jesus Christ. You will never find peace and satisfaction until you find Jesus. There is a reason that He came to Earth in human form as a baby, endured ridicule and scorn and then died a horrible death on the cross of Calvary. He knew that all of us come into this life born in sin. He knew that we needed a loving Savior to rescue us from eternal damnation. He knew that we needed to feel the true love that only a loving Savior can give. Jesus loves us like no one else can love us. He always has and He always will.

Turn to Jesus. Confess Him as your Lord and Savior. Repent of your sins before Him. Lay your burdens at the cross. As the old hymn says, “Leave them there….” Don’t try to carry what God has already carried for you. Lay down the substances and pick up the Bible. Start reading. Start praying. Find a place of prayer and call upon the Lord. Make your prayer requests known to God. He hears your prayer.

In the wilderness of life, you can find the cross.

 

Romans 10:9

"That is thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, 

and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the sea,

thou shalt be saved."

 

 

 

 

 

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

The Garden of Life - Finding Peace on a Front Porch

 

 

Photography and Article by Norma Beaird

 

Finding peace on a front porch.  That sounds rather simple and it possibly sounds quaint and sweet, but it's the honest truth.  We've said it before in various ways, using different phrases and words, but here it goes again......the world has gone crazy.  If we're looking to find peace in a world that has taken a nosedive into hedonism, violence and mayhem, then we will be looking for a very long time.  There is no peace in chaos.  There is no peace in materialism.  And, there is certainly no peace in the world's version of success.......because.....with the world, enough is never enough.  

There comes a time in life when we need to slow down and question why we're doing what we're doing.  Do we only see a brass and glass world?  Do we only see interstates and highways?  Or, do we ever notice the blooming Crepe Myrtles or the wildflowers growing on the side of the road? Do we ever notice the buzzing bees or the chirping of the birds?  

We've written about birds and nature for several years, and each day, God surprises us with new joys of nature.  On some days, it's the Northern Bobwhite Quail that brings his missus into the yard for dinner.  On other days, it's the beautiful colors of Coleus that brighten our days with shades of Neon Green and Burgundy.

Coleus, Peppermint, Spearmint and Asparagus Fern

 

On some days, the Lord blesses us with a collage of glorious color!

The lovely shades of Coleus.

 

Rex Begonia

 

Persian Shield

 

Peace doesn't appear out of thin air.  We must live in a way that brings peace to our mind and spirit.   This year, in addition to feeding the birds at Le Avian Cafe, we decided to have a front porch garden.  We kinda got carried away.  After all, you can't stop with just one plant.....or two plants.....or three plants.  Having a front porch garden has increased our physical activity and emotional calmness.  It's difficult to be stressed when you're watering the Basil and Rosemary.  It's not easy to complain when you're digging in the soil and picking out colorful pots.  And, you can't be frustrated when you've just cut some Basil leaves to place on top of Mozarella Cheese, on top of a tomato, with a little Extra Virgin Olive Oil on top! 

 

From Left to Right:  Italian Basil, Persian Shield and more Italian Basil

 We love Persian Shield.  It's grows beautifully in a hot and humid climate.  

This plant is perfect for the Deep South and Florida

 

Yellow pot - Purple Coneflower (Echinacea) and the multi-color pot has Aloe Vera 

Aloe Vera plant is essential to have on hand for cuts, scrapes or burns.  It speeds up the healing process.

 

   Yellow Pot - Rosemary (Barbecue)

Orange Pot - English Lavender

Colbalt Blue Pot - Rosemary (Barbecue - and yes, it's smells like a barbecue)

 

L to R:  Coleus, Purple Coneflower (Echinacea), Coleus, Peppermint and French Lavender (Lavandin)

We found the landscaping stones at Lowe's.  We were having problems with weeds, so we cleaned out this area, placed stones on top (bought some of the stones for 84 & 88 cents).  The stones work perfectly for keeping a lot of the weeds out and they give the pots an even surface.  These lovely plants came from The Garden House in Vidalia, Georgia.  

 

 

 

This planting and growing season has also been a learning process.  To the left is Persian Shield in a striped pot.  This is the rich beautiful color of Persian Shield.  In perfect humid conditions, it has the appearance of purple leather leaves.  The terra cotta-colored pot in the middle has Electric Lime Coleus in the back and Persian Shield in the front.  We have learned that Persian Shield needs to be in a pot by itself.  This particular Persian Shield does not have a rich, vibrant purple color. The Electric Lime seems to be halting the growth of the Persian Shield.  To the far right is French Lavender or Lavandin (a hybrid of English Lavender).

 

Moving the plants to more sunshine! 

 

Sometimes, after watering the plants and moving them around, my back muscles are a little sore.  However, my spirit is refreshed.   When we are connected to nature, we are connected to God.  This is not New Age thinking, it's Genesis 1 thinking.  Genesis 1 is the Creation Chapter of the Bible.  God created the Heavens and the Earth.  He is the God of Creation.  God created the plants, the herbs, the birds and the butterflies.  We can experience the presence of a Holy God through appreciating and caring for His creation. He provided the herbs and plants for us.  And, in His physical provision, we can experience a heavenly peace.  

Psalm 50:10 says, "For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills."  

God owns it all, to include this adorable little frog who was making his home in the pot of Rosemary.  

Genesis 1:29 - 30

²⁹ And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree,

in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.

³⁰ And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth,

wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.

L to R:  Spearmint in the red pot and Purple Coneflower (Echinacea) in the yellow pot

All of it belongs to God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth.

 

Red Rubin Basil

 

Peppermint - this herb is great for repelling spiders and mice.  

Spider Repellent Recipe.  You will need a plastic spray bottle.  Mix 16 ounces of warm water, 10-15 drops of pure Peppermint Oil, and a drop of dishwashing liquid.  Shake well. You can spray this mixture inside or outside, around doors, windows and anywhere spiders or mice can creep in.

 

As much as the American Dream encourages climbing the ladder to success, people will burn themselves out to make another dollar for another day.   As people rush here, there and everywhere, many times, they will miss the beauty of it all.   They go home exhausted beyond measure and dread the thought of doing it again tomorrow.  Mark 8:36 says "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?  Even though work is very important, we must never go through life missing the things that can't be bought with gold or silver.  

A front porch garden is a garden of life.  A garden is about life because a garden is about the Creator.

God is our Creator and everything that He creates or touches generates life.

 When the world is involved, we will find chaos, confusion and spiritual death.  

When God is involved, we find peace, promise and eternal life.  

 

 

 

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

  

Lights on the Water

 

A Montgomery County, Georgia pond nestled in the trees  

 

Lights on the Water

 

Photography and Poem by Norma Beaird

 

In the cabin by the pond,
Looking out the window pane,
the light danced on the water,
on this chilly Georgia day. 

 

She moved back home from up North,
Leaving parties, clothes and cars,
to introduce herself to peace,
the birds, the moon and stars.

 

She found the peace in scripture,
and the faith in quiet prayer,
the freedom in the pine trees,
in the humid Georgia air. 

 

Her thoughts reclaimed in sunlight,
while the truth shined on her soul,
the lights danced on the water,
and the Lord had made her whole.

 

 

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

Birds and Peace

 

The Osprey was working on his seafood dinner when I decided to take his picture.  He didn't particularly appreciate the interruption, but he allowed me a great portrait of him and his stylin' hairdo!  After I finished, he took his fish and went to eat in peace.   

Sorry Mr. Osprey, but I couldn't pass up this photo opportunity.  

  

Photography and Article by Norma Beaird

 

During these times of crime and crisis, stock markets and store closings, polling and politics, we look to God and His creation to find an avenue of peace in the midst of chaos. After all, the evening news does not provide us an escape from the constant barrage of "Stocks are falling" or "Who is leading in the polls?"  If anything, it adds to the stress that has proven to cause physical problems and worrisome consternation.  

So, how can a bird help us?  No matter what is going on in the world, a bird is still a bird.  They continue to migrate, mate, nest, raise babies, feed babies and migrate again.  If bad weather is coming, they make adjustments and fly to a place of safety.  If they can't find a suitable place for nesting, they keep looking until they do.  In other words, they don't stop and they don't give up.  

The Canada Geese are flying to their evening roosting location.  

 

In order to find peace, we must "keep on keeping on..."  We must make adjustments when necessary; and, if bad weather is on the horizon, we go to our place of safety.   We continue to work and feed the family, move when necessary and migrate to that refuge of spiritual tranquility.  As a bird flies ahead of the storm, we must move away from the cloud of bad news that surrounds us on a daily basis.    

So, like the bird....

Stay alert, take care of the family, spread your wings and fly to your place of peace. 

After a swim, the Anhinga spreads his wings to dry out his feathers and warm up.  

 

John 16:33

These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. 

 

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

 

The Birds Still Sing on Cloudy Days

 

The Duchess of Soperton, our Northern Cardinal

 

Photography by Curtis and Norma Beaird

Article by Norma Beaird

 

I've thought long and hard about writing this particular article.  I've wondered if it's necessarily the best idea, considering the fact that we're still living in the same area that is the subject matter of the article.  However, sometimes it's easier to be honest about your situation than try to hide the truth of the matter.  

For the last three years, we have been documenting the birds of rural Georgia and submitting our reports to Cornell University's eBird.  We photograph, count, document and write about the amazing avian community in our backyard and in the surrounding counties, state parks and wildlife management areas.  Our birds have been a blessing beyond words to both Curtis and me.  I cannot properly describe with words what our birds have meant to us.   As a matter of fact, our backyard birds have been just one of the reasons that we have kept our sanity in the midst of a very dark place called rural Georgia.  

Within the last three years, a dark cloud has crept in over this part of Georgia.  Drugs, drug trafficking, meth labs and the subsequent meth lab busts have increased and are the subjects of the weekly newspapers. Two of our small-town weekly newspapers have the monthly Jail Report.  This edition of the newspapers feature almost full pages of mugshots, mostly due to drug possession, assault or theft.    

....Talk about the myth of Southern hospitality....

Almost three years ago, I remember having, what felt like, a very dark cloud to descend over me, a cloud of fear and dread.  It felt as though something bad was going to happen and the feeling produced an anxiety about the unknown.  Curtis felt the same thing.  A few weeks later in May 2012, our house was burglarized and approximately $7,000 worth of stuff was stolen, to include a laptop, camera, jewelry, tools, not to mention photos that can't be replaced.  We were devastated.  

We had just returned from a doctor's visit in Dublin, Georgia and Curtis had received wonderful news, thanks be to God and a great doctor.  Later that day, we had driven into Riverbend Wildlife Management Area in Laurens County and photographed the beautiful Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron, a bird that we had not photographed before.  We celebrated the good news with one of our favorite pastimes, birdwatching.  

The Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron scratching his head as we photographed. 

 

We were overjoyed to have found this entertaining bird hanging out in a very swampy area of the WMA.  We had a good doctor's visit, a nice lunch and a fun excursion back on dirt roads in a rather remote avian hangout.  And then we came home....

When we arrived home, our front door was open, a door that was locked when we left.  My heart just sunk.  I knew what had happened.  It had happened twice to my mother and me when we lived in Augusta, Georgia. Words can't describe that sick feeling in the pit of your stomach, knowing that some low-life thief has busted through your door and stolen precious treasures that can never be replaced.  

For a while, Curtis and I were simply devastated.  They had even stolen a one-of-a-kind custom pocket knife that I had given to him on a special occasion, a knife that cannot be replaced.  They had stolen my beautiful Native American Squash Blossom Necklace that was a gift from Curtis, a necklace that I dearly cherished.  

Talk about going into the emotional dumper.....  Many people say that things can be replaced and "just be thankful that you weren't at home...."  That's not the point.  An alarm was sounded that we were no longer living in Mayberry.  We had known for a long time that the seemingly innocent small town that we moved to wasn't the same anymore.  Now, we knew for sure.  

Even though there has been an increase in drug arrests and subsequent takedowns of meth labs, we continue to feel the dark cloud of spiritual oppression.  Drug addiction is a strong, demonic force and drug trafficking is the result of greed and selfishness.  Law Enforcement has a difficult task in taking down a criminal element that has affected this area for decades.  There is a constant battle of good versus evil.   Law-abiding citizens must remain vigilant and alert.     

At times, in various counties over rural Georgia, crimes are committed that are never solved.  Some shootings have occurred that seem to disappear off of the front pages of  newspapers.  Some burglars are never caught.  We have read reports of drug dealers being arrested and then released.  

Sometimes, it feels as though communities remain complacent while the Jail Report continues.  No matter how many arrests are made, it never seems to jar the community as a whole.  Law Enforcement can only do so much.  Communities must rally together and look out for each other, patrolling their own streets and forming neighborhood watches.      

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure things out.  And, no one wants to talk about it or deal with it.  It's easier to ignore it than admit the truth.  Many locals would prefer to turn a deaf ear even though they know what is going on.  As Curtis says, "We are living in a pine straw ghetto."  When people refuse to admit there is a drug or crime problem, then a once-safe community can turn into a crime-ridden ghetto in a matter of months.  

An Umbrella of Faith

Why am I writing about all of this?  Hopefully, we can encourage you to open up an umbrella of faith in the midst of a raging storm.  That's what we had to do and are still doing.  We pray constantly for God's wisdom, guidance and protection.  

In the midst of this dark place, God sent us the most beautiful birds to photograph and document.  We have bought bird identification books, researched them and studied taxonomy. We have fed the birds, filled up the birdbath and even named our avian friends.  We have talked to chickadees, woodpeckers and crows and we have felt their love when we walk outside to greet them in the morning.

In the midst of your dark place, God can send powerful reminders that He created this world and that He is still in control.  

Rocky, the Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker

 

Therefore, do not despair and don't give up hope.  The answer is on the way.  Don't allow distrust and bitterness to take root in your life.  Allow God to show you the big picture and introduce you to His magnificent creation.  

In the Old Testament, the prophet Elijah had delivered a message to the evil King Ahab, husband of Queen Jezebel.  Elijah told King Ahab that there would be a time of neither dew nor rain.  After the message was delivered to the king, God told Elijah to turn eastward and hide by the brook Cherith.  He would drink of the brook while a raven would bring him food in the morning and evening.  

Whenever I think about how God sent birds to us in the midst of a bad situation, I think about the prophet Elijah and the raven.  The Lord used a bird to physically feed Elijah.  God used birds to infuse our hearts with joy and teach us about migration and nesting behaviors.  Birdwatching increased our focus and our faith. The majesty of God's creation will bring a sense of peace to your spirit.  

In the midst of spiritual hunger and despair, God will feed our souls with the bread of Heaven.  Sometimes, He gives us great joy in the midst of sorrow.  At times, He sends us a distraction from the cares of this life that breathes hope into a seemingly hopeless situation.  He knows all and He sees all.  He is still in control.  

No matter how long you've been in a dry barren land or how desperate your situation, I pray that God will send you manna in the wilderness.   May He brighten your day with blue skies and cotton clouds or the fragrance of a Honeysuckle vine.  May He send you an encouraging word or laughter in the midst of tears.  

Just remember, the birds still sing on cloudy days.  

 

1 Kings 17: 1 - 6

And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab,

As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand,

there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.

And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying,

Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward,

and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.

And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook;

and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.

So he went and did according unto the word of the Lord:

for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.

And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning,

and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.

 

 

 

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

Peace Within My Soul

 

Southern Magnolia

 

Peace Within My Soul

 

Photography and Poem by Norma Beaird

 

She was making morning coffee,

on a hot and humid day,

thinking 'bout how things were changing,

in a most uncertain way.  

 

She remembered in her childhood,

days were tough, but God was there,

He is faithful in the struggles,

when life doesn't seem so fair. 

 

As these thoughts consumed her minutes,

then she thought to step outside,

for she heard the birds were singing,

in the golden, bright sunlight.

 

The magnolia tree was blooming,

bees were buzzing all around,

while the wind sent gentle whispers,

here you stand on holy ground.

 

For no matter what is changing,

in this world of toils and fear,

nature still produces beauty,

in the midst of pain and tears.  

 

For when man has thus destroyed,

all that's good and pure and whole,

just to gain a few possessions,

and a bank account of gold.  

 

Birds will sing their song of morning,

butterflies will spread their wings,

red wildflowers bloom in meadows,

for in chaos, nature sings.  

 

As she watched the Eastern Bluebird,

feeding fledglings from the nest,

she's reminded that the good Lord,

only wants for us the best.

 

Even when the world around us,

has decayed in sin and shame,

God is there if we will touch Him,

and will call upon His name.  

 

He reminds us with the sunrise,

and the butterflies and birds,

in the clouds and white magnolias,

and His faithful Holy Word.

 

That when man has thus destroyed,

all that's pure and good and whole,

as I behold God's grand creation,

I'm at peace within my soul.  

 

 

Matthew 6:25 - 34

25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.  Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

 

 

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

   

Peace on Earth

 

Luke 2:14

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

By: Norma W. Beaird

The holidays, a manger scene, bring thoughts of “Peace on earth”,
A phrase proclaimed by angels giving news of Jesus’ birth.

God’s messengers declared His peace to shepherds in the fields,
Then Christ spoke peace unto the waves when He said, “Peace be still”.

So why must people live in fear, devoid of hope and faith,
For God desires we live in peace, to trust Him and obey.

So friend, if you are troubled with the cares this life may bring,
Let Jesus give you endless peace and joyful songs to sing.

For storm clouds gather in our minds, but faith will send us light,
God’s perfect peace will shelter us and calm the stormy nights.

For peace will not be found in worldly treasures or possessions,
If only youth would teach us of this most important lesson.

When we open a Christmas card declaring “Peace on Earth”,
It means much more than shepherds and those three inspiring words.

Sweet peace arrived one Christmas night, born in a humble manger,
For Jesus came to break the chains of fear, despair and anger.

This world will try to give you peace, but there’s no substitution,
Salvation born in Bethlehem brought quiet revolution.

So if you’re overwhelmed with pain, the guilt of sin or hurt,
Seek Jesus as the Answer and discover “Peace on Earth”.

 

 

Copyright 2003 - Revised 2012, Norma W. Beaird.  All rights reserved.

The Road that Leads to Heaven

 

Poem by  Norma W. Beaird

Photography by Curtis and Norma Beaird

 

 The road that leads to Heaven is a road that’s long and steep,

 

Sometimes it’s full of rocks and mud

and cracks within the street.

Sometimes the road is winding

and the stops to rest are few,

We go around in circles and

we don’t know what to do.

 

And then sometimes the narrow road

reveals no end in sight,

You travel long and travel hard

and deep into the night.

You look for signs to light the path

and signs cannot be found,

In fear you steer off course again

and you must turn around.

The road that leads to Heaven

is a road that’s hard indeed,

But on this road you won’t be lost

for Christ will take the lead.

He’ll guide you on the dusty road

and through the wind and rain,

 

 

He’ll take the wheel when all you see

is hurt, despair and pain.

For God has sent a Road Map

that will safely lead you home,

To where the Lord will meet us

at His bright and shining throne.

 

 

The road to Heaven is a road that’s sure and yours to find,

For on this road are paths that lead to love and peace of mind.

 

The road may bend and curve a while

until the journey’s end,

Just know that God was steering you

for He’s your dearest Friend.

The Lord may take you down

some roads

that you don’t understand,

But don’t turn back or be afraid

of God’s unchanging Hand.

For with His hand He leads us

to a cool and peaceful shore,

Where sorrows are forgotten

when we call His name once more.

The trip may leave you battle-scarred by burdens you will bear,

But as you turn the curves of life,

the Lord is standing there. 

 

So don’t despair my friend when life is not as you had planned,

You won’t get lost for God will lead you to the Promised Land.

 

Don’t exit off, just hang on to the Road Map you’ve been given,

For this my friend will guide you on the road that leads to Heaven.

 

The audio version of The Road that Leads to Heaven

Windows Media File

from our "Because of You, I'm Free" CD

 

 

Copyright 2006, Norma W. Beaird.  All rights reserved.

"Because of You, I'm Free" CD project produced by Jerry Richardson

Poems on the CD by Norma W. Beaird

Poem recitation by Curtis Beaird

 

 

Finding Peace on Planet Crazy

 

Article and Photography by:  Norma W. Beaird

 

The picture above is how it feels.  We want the peace of that lighthouse......that beacon of hope.....that symbol of guidance........ and here comes the cargo ship full of stuff that we can't live without.   Here comes that load.....that responsibility........that heaviness.

We are represented by the fishing boats who must go out into the sea of life, to cast our nets, to weather the storms, and make the living......... to afford the stuff.......to lift the load.

It's overwhelming, exhausting and consuming.......can we find peace on planet crazy? 

 

Romans 8: 5 - 6

⁵ For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

⁶ For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

 

Being busy and being productive can reside at opposite ends of the scale.    Sometimes, having more means having less.  Rest and spiritual renewal are worth their weight in gold.  We cannot alleviate our need for peace and contentment. 

I want to share seven thoughts, ideas and motivations that can lead us to a more peaceful existence.

1.  Don’t live beyond your means.  Don’t go into debt for things that will be in the landfill next year.  We were created in the image of God, not the Mall of America.

Be happy with what you have and learn to be creative with less.  It’s not as difficult as is sounds. After all, you’ll be tired of it in two months, but you’ll still be paying interest on it.  Don’t fall into the advertising trap. 

Learn to ask, “Do I really need that and will I actually use it or wear it?”

If you can't afford the big house, the designer sports car, the bass boat or the latest iPhone, be thankful.  Celebrate the fact that your friends won’t be jealous (a little humor here).  Owning less doesn't make you any less of a person.  Ownership equals responsibility.  Ownership equals upkeep.  Someone has to pay the taxes, utilities and insurance.  Someone has to mow the lawn. 

Plus, the debt for high-ticket items creates a financial, emotional and mental prison that can affect every aspect of your life in a very negative way.  Debt and stress will actually affect your family relationships and spiritual life.  Don’t let your wants overrule your needs.  Give yourself some financial breathing room.  Money doesn’t buy happiness…….neither does a maxed out credit card. 

Love and family makes a house a home, not granite countertops.      

The void we have is a spiritual void, not a physical void.  Material things cannot replace a spiritual need. We must turn to Jesus Christ for true peace and contentment.  We are spiritual beings.  We were created in the image of God.

Stop tweeting for five minutes........embrace your family and tell them you love them.  Cherish your true friends.  Learn to appreciate the things that are really important, not the things that rust, break down, end up in the dumpster or eventually fall apart.  

What is more important.......your health or a garage full of stuff?  Think about the time we spend during the course of our lifetime just hauling and moving stuff from one place to another.  We buy it, get tired of it, yard sale it, donate it to charity……and start the cycle all over again.  Fun….isn’t it?  You spent your Saturday having a yard sale when you could have been playing with the kids, hiking through the woods or grilling hamburgers on the patio. 

Sometimes, Curtis and I find writers and bloggers who serve as an inspiration.  There is a website called Zen Habits that confronts the problem with materialism and clutter.  The writer of the blog, Leo Babauta, has an incredible perspective on stuff.  He promotes the minimalist lifestyle in such a way that will truly make a person think twice about what is important when it comes to the things we buy and hoard on a daily basis.  His emphasis:  Less is truly more.   

2.    Learn to exercise your creativity by using your talents, gifts and abilities.   Be willing to explore your interests and hobbies.  Put your energy into developing the talents that God gave to you.  Don't spend your precious energy trying to keep up with a culture that is desperately trying to empty your wallet.  God gave everyone talents, ideas and abilities to be used for His glory. 

Who knows?  Your talent or ability may be the catalyst to a business that could free you from the job that is driving you crazy.   You can turn a hobby into a business.  Get creative.  Explore. 

3.  Stop comparing yourself to those who seem to be in a better situation than you.  Just because they seem to be successful, have more money or live in a bigger house, doesn’t mean they have a Swiss bank account or an investment in the Cayman Islands.  They may be head-over-heels in debt. 

Perception and reality can lie at opposite ends of the spectrum.

Don’t compare your style of dress, education or career with your friends, co-workers or next-door neighbors.  Everyone is different and unique in their own special way.  Celebrate the fact that God made you unique.  Everyone has different talents, abilities and educational pursuits.  People are mentally and emotionally wired for different jobs and careers.   What may work for your friend or neighbor may not work for you. 

The world wouldn’t work if everyone was alike. 

Everyone is physically different.  People have different tastes in clothing.  There is nothing more destructive to your psychology than trying to compare yourself to someone else.  Learn to appreciate the uniqueness of your individuality and capitalize on your strengths and downplay your weaknesses. 

4.  Explore the natural things that fascinate and amaze you.  Learn to enjoy the beauty of nature.  Experiment with gardening.   Hang up a few bird feeders in your yard and watch the different species of birds land on your feeder. 

Plant some flowers or hang some ferns on the front porch or back deck.   Take a walk through the park or the woods.   Take a drive through the countryside.  Take pictures of a cotton field, a valley or the coastline.  Notice the smell of rain before a storm.  Don’t be ruled by neon lights, social media and the latest gadget.   Don't allow the artificial to overwhelm the natural.  Walk outside and breathe. 

The Tufted Titmouse on one of our bird feeders

5.   Learn to laugh.  Learn to laugh at yourself.  A sense of humor can get you through some really difficult times.  Laughter is truly a gift from God.  The Bible says that "a merry heart does good like a medicine, but a broken spirit drieth the bones." (Proverbs 17:22) 

Stop being so serious about everything.  Let your hair down and laugh.  Find the humor all around you.  Watch a light-hearted, funny movie.  For our laughs, we take pictures of funny signs and sometimes post them on our photography site. 

We live in an unstable world, constantly dealing with serious issues.   But........24/7 doom and gloom will have a very negative impact on your mind.  Emotional stress can lead to physical problems.  There are times when our minds need a rest from all of the constant bad news, crime reports and political propaganda. 

6.  Have faith in God.   This is the most important.   If you are a Christian, you read in the Bible that “without faith, it is impossible to please Him"(Hebrews 11:6).   Life is hard.  Living without faith is harder.  Yes, it’s a supernatural experience to trust that God will answer prayer when you don’t see anything physically transpiring.  But, that’s the joy and satisfaction of learning to trust, wait and be content. 

Knowing that you’re not alone on life’s journey will help you to take life one day at a time.  It will increase your faith.  The answer will come. 

God may not be early.  He’s never late.  But, He's always on time.

7.  Don’t over-commit yourself.......to meetings, schedules, games, appointments, committees or even good deeds.  After all, you’re only one person.  Yes, we all want to feel productive; and, if we’re living the Christian life, we obviously want to be community-oriented.  We want minister to those around us.  We want to press on.   

We want to keep the kids busy.  We've all heard the old saying, "An idol mind is the devil's workshop".  However, in an attempt to discourage laziness or temptations, don’t engage your family in too many activities, especially if they never have time to sit down and rest. 

Don’t fill up their calendar every night of the week.  Children need to rest and study for school.  Husbands, wives and grandparents need to rest and meditate upon the Lord.  Even church activities other than services can turn into a tiresome experience if you never take time to rest and renew your spirit.  There is definitely such a thing called burnout. 

There are 24 hours in day.  About eight hours are reserved for sleep.  A few hours are reserved for meals, showers and going to the grocery store.  About a third of the hours are reserved for work and career or managing a business or ministry.  

Keep your life in perspective.

Currently, our culture demands 24/7 busy-ness and 24/7 entertainment.  Many husbands and wives pass each other in the driveway.  Sometimes, a family can live in the same house and rarely see each other. 

On top of this, social media demands that we report our activities with location, date and time.    Keep up the stressful pace and you’ll finally have another appointment on your calendar….. with the doctor. 

Never neglect your spouse or your family.  If the entire family is non-stop busy, you never have time to listen to each other’s needs, hopes and dreams.  Why?  Because you have to be somewhere in five minutes.  Learn to say “No”.  Most importantly, don't neglect your time with God. 

Your time with God will give you peace on planet crazy. 

Keep it in order…….God, family…..and everything else.

It's your decision, though.  

 

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

 

Why We Became Bird Watchers

Article By:  Norma W. Beaird

Photography By:  Curtis and Norma Beaird

 

Genesis 1:21

 And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.

 

For years, when I heard about bird watchers, I always envisioned a professor wearing a khaki photographer's vest with a matching safari hat.  He would be holding a pair of expensive binoculars while standing in the middle of a wildlife preserve.  In my mind, I would picture him on an exotic safari, gazing at the many colorful bird species or lobbying for the protection of a rare bird through environmental causes.  Consequently, we have learned that bird watching is an intensely exciting adventure for people from all backgrounds and all walks of life, something enjoyed by college students, professors, environmentalists, photographers, housewives and grandmothers!

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is the leading authority on the study of birds in the United States.  On Facebook, they announced a fun event called The Great Backyard Bird Count.  This event got us started and off to Lowe's we went for a bird feeder!  One Backyard Bird Count and we were hooked.  My only regret?  I wish I would have started watching birds years ago.  This has brought a sense of peace, joy and excitement that has fired me up spiritually, emotionally and mentally.  I have been utterly fascinated by the many different species that I never realized existed.....until now.  God has truly created a beautiful, colorful and fascinating world!

I have always admired the beautiful exotic birds, such as Parrots, Parakeets, Cockatoos and Scarlet Macaws, but for years, I didn’t give much thought to the many species of birds that surround us every single day.  Like most folks, I was busy with college, work or various family responsibilities.  One fond memory that I always had as a child was sitting on the front porch with my grandmother and listening as ‘Ole Bob White whistled his loud and cheerful bird song in the woods across the street.  This sweet memory leads me into a heart-warming story about my grandmother. 

Before I was born, my grandmother had a parakeet that she dearly loved named Billy.  He would sit in his cage while she was cooking dinner or supper (in the South, lunch is dinner and dinner is supper), and she would teach him to talk.  “Billy is a pretty boy!”  “I love you!” or “Give me some sugar, darling!”  My grandmother became attached to Billy as he became a very entertaining member of the household. 

On one particular occasion, my grandmother went into the hospital for surgery and was hospitalized for a week.  During her hospitalization, my mother said that Billy completely stopped talking.  It was as though he went into a depression because my grandmother wasn’t there.  The day that she came home from the hospital, my mother said that Billy looked at her and checked her out from top to bottom, and the next day at breakfast, he would not hush.  Talk, talk, and then talk some more.  He was so happy to see my grandmother.  It was so special that a precious little parakeet had such an affection for my grandmother.  After Billy died, my grandmother didn’t seek to have another bird because she became so attached to him, and it is so sad when the beautiful creatures you adore pass on to bird heaven. 

So, now that there is a bit of history, why do Curtis and I have a fascination with birds?  Well, it’s actually a long story, but then again, we can sum it up in several paragraphs, to include the life lessons that are learned through years of experience, decision-making, introspection and observation.  Hopefully, as time moves on, we gain a little wisdom and clarity, realizing the spiritual need for peace and contentment in our fast-paced modern culture. 

When we are all younger, we think that the only way to “make it” or “succeed” is to go ninety-to-nothing, blowing and going, meeting and greeting, shaping up or shipping out.  We have to network and nitpick, upsize and modernize, friend and trend, look the part, act the part and keep up with the Joneses.  It’s never enough to be ourselves; we must be what the culture demands we should be. 

We work and work and spend and spend, saving nothing emotionally or spiritually for the future.  We store and hoard, pay room and board, stipulate and congregate, prioritize and monetize; and finally, when it’s all said and done, we burn out the candle on both ends. 

We become tired, empty, discouraged, and a shell of what God created us to be. 

We may have the distinguished career, the office with a view, the perks of upper management or the nicely-manicured home; however, if we have high blood pressure and plaque in the arteries, was it really worth it?  Emotionally and financially, our culture is stressed to the max and the ever-busy worker bees come home every evening to eat, sleep, shower and start the tiresome process all over again.  Rest has become a four-lettered word.   In our restless, non-stop, activity-laden culture, there is little time left to enjoy the awe-inspiring gift of God's creation. 

People rarely take time to smell the roses, watch a sunset, or......feed the birds.

 

Stories like these can go on forever.  But, you get the point.  We make life more difficult than it needs to be.  The Bible says in Philippians 4:19, "But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."  However, in most cases, our wants overrule our needs and our desires overrule our better judgment.  Thus, we end up with a lot of stuff and a nice facade, but little peace or happiness.  Why?  Because working constantly to attain more stuff leads to utter exhaustion and the need to insure it, store it or repair it.  Sometimes we fix it, sell it or trade it, and then start the cycle all over again.

For example, when people acquire the objects of their wildest dreams, they never really learn to appreciate them.  The object or thing....... the home, the car, the boat, the jewelry or even the achievement will become another notch on the belt of accomplishments and acquisitions.   It seems that nothing can be treasured, cherished or admired.  It is calculated, measured and stacked.  An oil painting or a unique piece of jewelry is not viewed as a work of art, but rather another material object to be checked off of the list that's entitled, "I Couldn't Live Without It".   It's no surprise that this attitude devalues the object's personal meaning.  People want it.......but do they really appreciate the creativity, talent, technical expertise or artistic ability that went into the acquisition on their list?

Inevitably, spiritual discontentment brings people to their knees.  After folks graduate from the school of hard knocks with a Bachelors Degree in Stress and a Minor in Exhaustion, they step back, re-examine their priorities and start searching for a better life.  This is not a life that includes more titles, more money or more stuff, but a life that includes an appreciation for what God set in place for us…… absolutely free of charge.  This includes the gift of His salvation, the breath of life, the love of family, the beauty of nature, the joy of contentment, and the birds.   Peace....... without a price tag. 

 Philippians 4: 5 – 8 says it best:

⁵ Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 

⁶ Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 

⁷ And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

⁸ Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

 

When we read these verses of scripture, it we take heed of verse 8 especially, we will understand that many of the worldly things that we seek do not fall into “whatsoever things are pure, lovely or of good report”. 

Why? 

Because the things that most people seek are temporal, not eternal.  Material possessions will rust or fall into disrepair.  They will pass away.  

 

The spiritual always supercedes the physical.

Remember these words of Jesus?   

Matthew 6: 19 - 21

¹⁹ Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 

²⁰ But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 

²¹ For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

So, even if we lay up vast and immense treasures upon the earth, when it’s all said and done, what have we really accomplished?   Have we acquired or have we made a difference?  It’s not about the grind of success or the accumulation of material possessions.  Real living is about serving the Lord, loving our families, helping our neighbors and taking care of this lovely earth that God has entrusted into our care. 

How many times have you heard about a dying man or woman lying on their deathbed and lamenting, “I wish I would have made more money,” or “I wish I could have had a bigger house.”  Most people wish they would have spent more time with family and had appreciated the relationships and beauty that God has placed all around us. 

Therefore, we have learned to appreciate the excitement and gratitude of a little bird as he lands on our feeder, inspecting every seed to be delivered to the nest.  There’s nothing like it.  The world may never learn to say “thank you” for your hard work or achievement.  Your material possessions may never bring you peace; but, all of this is suddenly forgotten when you see that the little American Goldfinch at your thistle feeder has brought three more to partake of your offering.  That may seem miniscule to most, but it means a lot to folks who finally figured it out.  Life is best enjoyed through the truth of God’s Word and the beauty of His creation, not through the conventional results of worldly pursuits.

Another positive aspect of bird watching is that it requires the bird watcher to be still and quiet.  How many times do people take the time to be still and quiet, to watch and wait?  When we photograph an inspiring picture of a Blue Jay in flight with a peanut in his beak, we realize that the time and silence required to capture the moment was absolutely worth it.  Sometimes, silence is truly golden! 

Sometimes......opportunities in life work and sometimes they don't.  My grandmother always said, “Sometimes life’s disappointments are God’s appointments.”  I have found out that she was right.  Life is full of ups and downs, laughter and tears, celebrations and disappointments.  Sometimes, our earthly journey brings us to a place that requires us to look at life through a different set of spiritual glasses.  The things that we once thought were so important were mere blips on the radar screen of life, as we were on our way to living a life infused with the fruits of the Spirit. 

Galations 5: 22 - 23

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

²³ Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Things don't always turn out as planned; sometimes they actually turn out better.  Sometimes we learn to be still and pray, meditating upon the goodness of the Lord and knowing that God has it all under control.  Sometimes, we learn to rest and be at peace.

Today, we appreciate God's blessings all around us, finding inspiration and contentment in the beauty and wonder of nature.  ........and that's why we became bird watchers!  

 

 

All scripture is King James Version

Copyright 2012, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.