Sheltering Wings

Wings!... described as a means of flight or ascent.  We use the word wings to explain the appendages existing on any flight orientated body, from birds to airplanes.  Using geese as an example, they have extremely strong wings to assist them in migratory flight.  Their wingspan is normally one and half times the size of their body and can be up to six feet in length.  Feathers on their wings are strong and stiff for protection from wind, moisture and sun.  To read more about this fascinating bird, check out a post that I wrote, entitled "Life Lessons from Geese" at  http://turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2013/12/life-lessons-from-geese.html

I took the following photos from a vantage point of a motel room overlooking the Deschutes River in Bend.  They had no idea that they were being photographed, thanks to a trusty 50x zoom camera.  I had the chance to watch them relax, play in the water, preen their feathers, sleep and guard their own.  I captured several shots of them stretching their wings and appreciate all the more how grand a waterfowl they are.

The below photo was taken during the early morning hour.  Several of the birds decided to take a nap and tucked their long necks back into their wings covering their beaks with feathered comfort and warmth.  The third goose appears to be a "guard" as the others slept.  The bird did not attempt to leave the other two but remained alert and vigilant over them until they came out of their slumber.

This can be an illustration of what we, as God's children, can experience within the shelter of His wings. Psalm 91:4 says...."He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and protection."  Scripture has examples of many metaphors that language uses in a figurative sense to present an image.  In this particular image of feathers and wings, it is comforting to know that His faithfulness not only guards and protects but is a refuge and a hiding place for renewal and ascendancy.  Take time out to watch this beautiful video by Highland Praise singing "In the Shelter of Your Wings" and be at peace....  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBV2WzjuhDA

Join me at The Turn-Up Patch in two weeks for a visit on Monday, August 1.... 

Respect? Within America

It saddens me to see respect  decline in America.... for God and for country - where God is marginalized and the flag is vandalized.  Other words for respect are:  regard, esteem, appreciate, consider, honor, to abide by, polite, to avoid violating.  Yes, the flag symbolizes and signals a declaration of freedom, among them being religion and speech in these United States of America.  People can say and do according to their own dictates to make a statement.  When it is not controlled by respect - honor and esteem are forgotten.  When the flag is burned and trampled, when secularism tries to minimize God...  we are in trouble folks.  When freedom is worshiped over and above the God who gave us freedom, we become a sinking society without the standard (level of excellence or quality) of respect for God, for country and for one another.  

The quote above from Ronald Reagan acknowledges that God is synonymous with America.  One cannot be separated from the other.  A great nation remembers not only the founding fathers in signing the Declaration of Independence but the dichotomy of its respectful Dependence on God.   We observe today as a national holiday in the celebration of freedom, known as July 4th - Independence Day.  I have written about this in past posts, one in particular on the American flag... link: http://turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2013/07/identity-of-american-flag.html
I hope you read it as the message reiterates the meaning and identity of our heritage as citizens and residents in these United States of America - let us not take it for granted.  Festivities are held in communities across the country in remembrance of the cost of freedom symbolic in the American Flag.  Old Glory was birthed in revolution and arose in the midst of struggle and bloodshed to gain independence.   The celebration of July 4th is not all about picnics, parades and fireworks... it's about freedom, liberty and the birthday of our country.  It's about a sacred right and adhering to the basic premise of respect aligned to our Creator. 

Join me at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, July 18.   I leave you with a quote from Abraham Lincoln...  "Don't interfere with anything in the Constitution.  That must be maintained, for it is the only safeguard of our liberties."