Spinning, Knitting, Nature and the Blessing of Friends

This has been a very busy spinning and knitting week. I've continued to make progress on the Trellis Scarf, added to my collection of fingerless mitts for the caregivers of CIC, made some saavy yarn and fiber purchases, met with knitting pals, have really got the hang of using my drop spindle, and even made a decision about which spinning wheel I hope to purchase one day in the future, and had a wonderful Bible study and prayer time in our ladie's Bible study group. What a week! : )

I've got to spend quality time with hubby and our son, Zach. Kim, DH, has been busy in his shop with his lathe and is creating many items of great beauty... and some are just for knitters! He also has plans on items for spinners, too. I've been gifting some of his items to local knitting friends...so keep your eyes open....you may find something for *you* soon!

Nature

Look closely at the picture above. If you look carefully at the far left side of the picture, you will notice a second Hummingbird. : ) This certainly isn't one of my best photos, but it speaks volumes to me. (You may need to click on the picture to enlarge the photo to see the second Hummingbird.)

I'm unsure if this is a Ruby-throated Hummingbird pair. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are notoriously territorial and will defend feeders in their territory fiercely. Their very high metabolism and energy needs requires them to feed approximately every 15 minutes. So, a good source of food (nectar feeder, flowering shrub, etc.) will be guarded with vigor. A continuous food supply is extremely important for parents raising young during the nesting season. Not only do they have their own very high nutritional requirements, but that of their young to meet, as well. Hummingbirds also require very large numbers of very small insects for adequate protein requirements. Hummingbirds do not live by nectar alone.

So, what is the lesson that these tiny ones are demonstrating? I see several.

1) Conserve your resources wisely
2) Tirelessly provide the necessities for family and young
3) Might is not equal to size
4) Dedication to a task often requires a lot of work and vigilence

Now as to their interpersonal skills, I think Ruby-throated Hummingbirds could improve a bit. : ) Thankfully, the Lord has gifted us with minds and hearts to *choose* to overcome our human nature to act like *bossy and aggressive R-t Hummingbirds*. We do not have to follow our natural or selfish impulses...we have a *choice*.

Please join me this week in praying to make the correct choices that are before each of us, so that we may help others, serve our purpose here and further the good work of the Lord....and to not be as a Hummingbird around others. : )

Friends

I have been blessed with many new friends in the past several weeks. Our knitting group is growing as well as friendships. This is a wonderful group of people, and I am so very thankful!

My online group of friends is also growing. And, my relationships with several of my family members are better than ever. What an incredible blessing! My cup truly runneth over.

My hope is that I can be a blessing to each of you, just as you have been so generously to me. I promise to be honest, to not take advantage, to always try to lift your heart, and be helpful whenever possible. I also hope to reflect our Heavenly Father's unconditional love and acceptance and pray that you walk closer with Him each day. I may dissappoint you, since I am human, but I promise to try never to do so with intent. And, I want each of you to know that I am thrilled and blessed to have each of you in my life. : )

I now leave you with a picture of one of our horses, Redford. He always loves playing with his ball and is a carefree fellow. I hope that we all have a *Redford* week! : )

And, please remember to pray for Susan and Will every day. Their battles with cancer continue and their treatments are taking a toll on their stamina. *We Love You* Susan and Will!

Thank you to all my friends, old and new.

Your Friend,

Shelly



HCSB
Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a difficult time.

III John 1:2
Dear friend, I pray that you may prosper in every way and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.