Incredible Bravery, Provisions, Soaring, and Knitting

Every year on our farm I learn great lessons from our wildlife friends. I consider it a great privelege to be in an area to view these incredible creatures and watch their interactions. I find it comforting to see how they survive on what is supplied from above, choose mates, raise families, and show such incredible bravery and dedication to their mates and young. If I am ever in need of encouragement, inspiration, or a reminder of our Heavenly Father's creativity and love, all I need do is look out any window.

The picture above is of a parent Purple Martin from last season attempting to drive away a Great White Egret that the Martin considered as being *too close* to its young. Now is that bravery, or what? The Egret is approximately 4 feet tall. The Purple Martin has a body weight of only a few ounces. How great is the desire to protect family for the Purple Martin? How much is the Martin willing to sacrifice for the life of those for which it cares?

My prayer today is that you know in your heart that there are those that care at least this much and more for you. And, that you will know that our Heavenly Father cares so very much more for you. His protection, provision, and love are unending.


Even the smallest birds survive winter and await the return of Spring to nest again. Seeing these little ones thrive is always a boost to my heart, and a reminder that the Lord provides well for his creation. : )

We are thrilled to provide feeders filled with seed, mealworms, fruit, suet, nuts and peanut butter. We enjoy serving meals to our wildlife visitors and enjoy their company at a closer range.


Today we have at least 25 Purple Martins back in residence at our colony site. They soar overhead effortlessly, feeding, visiting, and singing, then *dropping* in for a landing by folding their wings in and doing a vertical drop...opening their wings just in time to glide into their chosen cavity. I'm sure watching these acrobats come in for the evening is excellent for relaxing and calming...and reducing blood pressure, too.

Knitting

I haven't been as productive in knitting this week as I had hoped. I've had a fever since last Wednesday's treatment. This is a normal reaction and it should subside soon. I'm definitely ready to cool down. : )

I knitted quite a bit on the Trellis Scarf...only to be followed by frogging the exact amount that I knitted. I have come to the realization that I am unable to knit lace with a fever. I don't know why. I only know that it doesn't work.

I've started a second pair of fingerless mitts for the CIC caregivers and have 2 more planned. The two childrens vests, pair of felted clogs, and fingerless mitts will be mailed in the near future.

My husband has been busy with his lathe turning more nostepinnes. I have plans for them! : )

Our mail person has also been great this week. I received my *Stahman's Shawls and Scarves* from Patternworks and have joined a Faroese Shawl Knit-Along. The knit-along goes with this book. I'm sure this shawl will be an excellent knit. The book is great and I am looking forward to casting on.

My hope is that each of you have a very good week, lots of joy, lots of laughter, and knowing deeply in your heart that you are cared for beyond measure by family, friends, and most importantly, by our Heavenly Father.

Your Friend,

Shelly

KJV
Mark 10:45
For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

John 4:14
But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.