Appearances, Perspective, Priorities, and Knitting

The picture above is of a juvenile male Northern Cardinal that lived on our farm a few years ago during his change into adulthood. He was a joy to watch mature. Much like the story, *The Ugly Duckling* he became the most beautiful adult male imaginable. However, during his molting phase, he was a sight to behold.

His lack of mature, adult male beauty (as seen here) never seemed to bother him in the least. He was confident when with other birds and seemed to be very comfortable in his own skin. Oh, what we could learn from this little fellow!

He was undaunted by his missing and mis-matched feathers. An incomplete tail never slowed him. His trust that *all was well* was obvious. Our Heavenly Father provides completely for each of these small creatures, so how much more does he desire to provide for and comfort us....if we will only believe and accept that provision and comfort.

The worldly obsession with how we look, what size we are, where we live, how we dress, what our status or job may be, are all methods by which our confidence and trust are sapped to depletion, if we allow it. I, for one, when faced with these traps, will choose to refuse to allow this to rob joy from my day or peace from my heart. I hope that you will join me in doing the same.

Several years ago when diagnosis of a chronic health problem changed our lives, we made many new choices. We sold our nice home in town, purchased the farm land of our dreams, and moved out to our *little mobile house on the priairie*. : ) We have never regretted it for a single moment.

Our children had acres to enjoy, fishing in our *back yard*, plenty of safe room to run and play, wildlife to enjoy, and the luxury of having pets and farm animals to care for and watch grow.

My husband and I have had long walks in our back pasture, seen deer drinking at our ponds, and enjoyed wildlife families that we have come to recognize and know over the years. What have we missed by not striving to have the biggest house, the fanciest car, or living in an exclusive neighborhood? Nothing. We have gained more than we can count!


Another example is of our white goose that was released at our site after rehabilitation from an injury. After successful rehabilitation at WildCare she was released at our site with only one eye intact. She was fully accepted by the other geese and helped by each of them. It was of no consequence to any of her friends or suitors that she had only one eye. She seems to be unaware of any limitations and thrives in her group of friends.


I am currently on high dose corticosteroids as part of a medical treatment protocol. One of the side effects of steroids is weight gain and especially facial roundness. I am getting chubby cheeks that are record setting. I choose to see this change as having power cheeks and *all the better to help me smile bigger*. : ) It is not easy to see yourself looking differently in the mirror every day. However, any day that I can enjoy friends, family, knitting, and wildlife outside our windows is a wonderful day. I choose to fill my days with activities to encourage others. And, nothing lifts my own heart like knitting or making something for someone else!

My prayer today is that each of you know that you are just fine *as you are*. You don't need to measure up to anyone's standard or the world's view of *pretty*. Your heart and mind is what creates true beauty and is beauty that is ever-lasting. And, please remember that our Heavenly Father loves you unendingly.

Knitting

I'm hoping to post an update soon on the Trellis Scarf and more completed fingerless mitts for the caregivers of CIC. Progress has been slow because of a continued fever.

I've also been spinning some on my Bosworth Drop Spindle. This is a fun treat! Although I'm doing some great thick Cormo, the consistency sure isn't where I hope it will be someday. I'll keep practicing!

Prayers

Thank you so much to everyone that joins me in praying for Susan and Will. Both Susan and Will are currently battling cancer. Please lift them in prayer often and pray that they always feel the comfort and unconditional love of our Lord and each of their family and friends. We Love YOU Susan and Will!

Your Friend,

Shelly

NAS
Mark 8:36
"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?

I leave you with the following cute picture. You will see that even a juvenile Ruby-throated Hummingbird can have a *bad feather* day! : )