Lightkeeper's Journal

Spring's Glorious Arrival

 

The first day of Spring is Friday, March 20, 2015.  

 

Photography by Curtis Beaird

 

The bees are buzzing all around! 

 

 

 

Copyright 2015, 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.  

 

What Time is It?

Article by Curtis Beaird

Photography by Curtis and Norma Beaird

 

The clouds and rain told the time. They reminded me that "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."

At our house, the wind blew and the dust departed.  The rain washed the skies.  The strong storm settled into a breeze.  The trailing calm brought bird song and butterflies. 

There is, as I've been told, "a time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to harvest." 

Today, in my world it is time to see........

clouds without haze

leafy green trees glisten and dance 

alive with the bright reflection of the sun and it's rays. 

There is "…...a time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance."

Right now, for us, it is the time to enjoy ladybugs and butterflies swaying on the damp growth at the edge of a fire break.

I have also heard there is "a time to rend and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak."

Maybe even a time to notice that the doves and cardinals are paired.  That the Eastern Bluebirds have fledged their first nest of the year. 

Could it be time for beauty and celebration?  Could it be time for birth and hope?  Is it time to squint at the pearls of light reflecting in the face of the pond?  Could it be time for clarity and calm?  

"To everything there is a season,

and a time to every purpose under the heaven."

 

What time is it for you? 

 

P.S. I've also been told, "a picture is worth a thousand words."  That is why we used four photographs and 299 words.

Grace and peace.

 

Ecclesiastes 3: 1- 8

(King James Version)

 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

 

Copyright 2013, Curtis Beaird.  All rights reserved.