Dylan & The Hawk

About four months ago, I received a call from my great-nephew, Dylan.  He needed the cell number of my friend, Viki.  One would say she is the female version of Dr. Dolittle. She has a gentle soul who assists people in finding homes for stray cats and dogs, relocate turtles who are crossing busy streets and finds medical assistance for feathered friends who are injured. 

Dylan was about to move the car into the garage, when he noticed a flicker a few feet ahead. Approaching the area, a hawk was standing on the pavement and not moving. In a daze, the hawk glared at Dylan and with his eyes he let Dylan know he needed help.  With a gentle voice and softly approaching the hawk, Dylan spoke.  Speaking words of life and that he would take care of him.

It amazed me the hawk allowed Dylan to pick him up and then place him in a carboard box. It was as if, the hawk understood Dylan was a caring, and sensitive individual.  Animals are in tuned with caring people.

There was not a peek from the hawk, as Dylan drove the fifteen minutes to Viki's home.  Viki was waiting for Mr. Hawk with a cage, water and food.  A call had already been placed to a licensed rehabilitator.

Dylan was sad to leave the hawk, but he knew he would be taken care of.  After an examination, it was discovered the hawk's wing had been injured. After several months with the wildlife rehabilitator, Mr. Hawk was released into the wild. 

Mr. Hawk was identified as a Missiissippi Kite. Their lifespan is eleven years. With Dylan rescuing the hawk, its life has been extended.

There is so much meaning to Dylan's encounter with the hawk. A hawk is a sign of balance, strength and hope. Biblically, the hawk is a symbol of divine guidance and that God is watching over you.

Dylan grew up with his great-grandparents. He is now twenty-one. They rescued each other. Dylan was not living in a safe environment at the age of four and his great-grandparents, my parents' forty-seven year old son had recently passed away. 

Dylan's caring heart comes from living with my parents for all these years. My dad passed away four years ago. During these past years, Dylan has been the designated driver and care receiver for my mother. I do believe that hawk was in tuned with Dylan's soul. and how he cares for others.

The hawk is a good reminder for Dylan to allow life to flow naturally and that he has the strength to face the challenges that come his way. Just like the hawk, Dylan needs to have hope and to not give up. God is always there, even when we don't think He is. Then there is insight. The Lord will give Dylan the discernment as he needs it. As the hawk is intuitive, Dylan is as well. The hawk was aware of Dylan's spirit and how he is a kind, thoughtful and cares for others. There are so many similarities between the hawk and Dylan.

God speaks in many ways to us. As you enjoy nature and wildlife take time to stop and to listen as God whispers. There is a lesson to be learn.

                                                                       

                                                                                    

                                                                                     

The Lost Pearl

This past week I learned a valuable lesson about God's love for me.

Bundle up with several layers of clothes and a stocking cap and a hoodie over my head, I took off on my three mile walk.  Even with the twenty degree temperature and several inches of snow and ice on the road, I would tackle the day with whatever was thrown at me.

Before stepping out of the house, I always make sure I have on lipstick and earrings. This morning, I picked the pair of a single pearl with a fourteen gold four prong mounting. These earrings were a gift from my parents about five years ago. 

On my walk, I called a good friend to help me forget the chill in the air. 

With every step, I was careful not to slip on the ice or land in the snow.

Arriving home, I began to peel away the layers of clothing. Looking into the mirror, I noticed my earring was missing from my right ear. In a panic, I began to check my clothing and the stocking cap. No earring!

Losing something, it is amazing how the adrenaline kicks in. After retracing my steps in the house, I knew I needed to backtrack through the snow and ice.

Throwing on my clothes once again, I stepped out into the frigid air. This time I was on a mission. Praying and asking God to direct my path and to help me find my lost earring.

To someone else, the lost of the earring wouldn't matter, but to me it did. Throughout my walk in life, I have learned God cares for me.  He tells me to come before Him with all my concerns.  1 Peter 5:7, says, "Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." He knew all of this would happen before I did. 

God isn't a genie. He wants me to come before him and to allow him to work in my life. What lesson or lessons do I need to be learning? 

I told a few friends about the lost pearl. They were praying, I would find it. Whether or not, I would find it, I had comfort in knowing my life is in His hands and I have friends who care.

I told my husband, trying to find the pearl was like looking for a needle in a haystack or a white pearl in the snow. It is impossible! Luke 18:27, says "What is impossible with man is possible with God."

As I slushed through the ice and snow for three miles, I did not find the pearl earring. I put the lonely pearl earring in a glass case on my vanity. As I looked at it for several days, I knew God was aware of the location of the lost pearl.

For several days, I walked the same path. The days were getting warmer and the wind was blowing. Snow was melting and the water was flowing from the street to the storm drains throughout the neighborhood. Would I ever see the earring again?

On Sunday after attending church, my husband and I decided to take a walk before lunch. As we walked, we talked about the sermon. The preacher spoke about how God owns everythng and we are stewards with what we are given.

The day was beautiful with warm temperature and hardly any snow left on the streets. As we walked past a home, my eye caught a glimmer of gold sparkling off the curb, next to the street. As I got closer, I knew it was my earring. I couldn't believe it. Picking up the pearl, I wiped away the moisture. It was on the same path as the driveway. It wasn't broken. It was perfect.

"Oh ye of little faith."  God reminded me once again, He does hear my prayers and my concerns!

                                                                                

There is Hope

 As I look out into the wetlands, all I can see is brown, dark foliage. It is 20 degrees outside and my surroundings are cold, gloomy and drab.

To think, four months ago the area was green, luscious and happy.

As my eyes move from the dingy area, I look up and see the fluffy, puffy, wispy clouds.

The seasons of life....

Some days I have no hope and then I look up and I feel His presence. He is not distant. He is concerned. He is listening. His timing is not our timing. He will answer in a way that will bring joy, happiness and laughter.

You are not alone. There is hope.

My Dearest Emily!

Some of my greatest pleasures in life are not only my travels, but the opportunity to observe my nieces & nephews & great-nieces & great-nephews achieve milestones in life.

One of my great-nieces will walk across the stage at Texas A&M on December 12th. In three and a half years, she is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management, Entrepreneurship.

A smile is on my face as I think about all she has accomplished during these years. It seems like only yesterday, Uncle Kenny and I were in the audience to see her obtain her high school degree.

Here is my letter to Emily!

My Dearest Emily, 

Your Uncle Kenny and I are excited as you will walk the stage once again. Your college diploma! Job well done!

Even though our hearts desire was for you was to attend the University of Texas. I do believe Texas A & M was a good choice and you have learned a lot.

You have grown physically as well as mature during these past years. You have blossomed.

Areas we have seen you grow are having a roommate and learning how to live with someone who was not family.  By having a roommate, you have learned valuable life skills like communication, respecting boundaries, compromising, responsibility and consideration of others. You have navigated from a small dorm to a two bedroom apartment with your roommate and have survived.

The friendships you have developed throughout the years have been very meaningful. What have you learned? You know how to interact positively with others. These friends have shaped who you have become. They have supported you and helped you face big changes in life. Some of these friends will be with you throughout your life.

There are the international people you have met through the international business club. These friends have assisted you with having a deeper understanding of the world we live in. They have brought unique viewpoints shaped by their cultures, traditions and experiences. You showed them the U.S.A. and all the great places to visit, such as Smoky Mountains, Colorado, Tetons, etc.

And of course, there were your professors. They taught you a lot. You learned not to be afraid to make mistakes. One does learn more from failures than success. Failure makes one stronger. You learned to be confident. Your teachers became mentors and offered you decisions about your career path.

Emily your spiritual life has grown. You became bold in sharing your faith and sharing the gospel to others who had no hope or direction.

Then there was romance. Romance is part of the process of understanding the opposite sex. You will never forget this time.

One can not forget your time of learning to country western dance at Harry’s.  This definitely built your confidence and skill in dancing and communicating with others and was great exercise. So many others learned to dance due to your excitement. The joy you brought to others was so invigorating.

As you look back, you will realize you have learned to much more.

What does it mean to graduate from college? You have successfully completed all the required courses and academic requirements set by your university.

You are now ready for the next stage of life.

We are excited to see the opportunities God has waiting for you.

Audrey Hepburn said “Nothing is Impossible! The word itself says I’m possible.”

The sky is the limit!

Continue to dream big!

The Best is Yet to Come!

“May He grant you according to your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans.” Psalms 20:4

We love you!

Uncle Kenny & DD

                                                                       

A Day of Thanksgiving!

Walking outside wrapped up in my coat, scarf, beret and gloves, the crisp air hits my face. Overcast sky, wind blowing with the fallen leaves chasing each other down the street, I am thankful for today. 

Official holiday for being thankful. I am grateful for so much. I know today, most of America is taking time with family and friends as they sit around the table and they are pausing to thank the Lord for their country, family and friends.

It is sad our country needs a holiday to stop and reflect. We should be pausing daily and thanking God for what we have. But I am thankful we have today.

As I walk down the street and the smell of wood-burning fireplaces fills the sky, I wonder what was that first Thanksgiving in 1621 in Plymouth County like.  Who was there? What delicious foods were suiting on the handmade table? There were no grocery or convenience stores to drive to get items they had forgotten.  I am sure they had been hunting for days for a deer. Also, what crops had been harvested? Corn, potatoes, squash….,

As I will eat dinner in a warm home and have a feast of food waiting to be eaten…turkey, ham, dressing, potatoes, bread, green beans and pecan pie and more, I will stop and thank the Lord for family, friends, food, shelter, jobs and so much more.

Today is that special day to reflect and “count your many blessings and name them one by one…”

Psalms 9:1-2 - “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, I will count all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exalt in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.”

                                                                         

Give Thanks!

As we begin a new week, I count my many blessings. With Thanksgiving only a few days from now, I have so much to be thankful for.  I get to enjoy another day of life.

Yesterday, I was reminded of this privilege when my husband and I were enjoying breakfast at a restaurant in Savannah.  We were in town to attend a friend’s wedding and to celebrate our wedding anniversary.

A couple sitting next to our table started speaking to us. In the conversation, my husband acknowledged our thirty-eight years of marriage. The young man spoke up, “not to be personal, but how have you reached thirty-eight years. My wife and I were married for nine years and have been divorced for several years due to my PTSD. We are wanting to get back together, but we are not for sure.”

Kenny and I knew instantly this moment was not by chance. It was God-ordained. We talked about how marriage is work and it isn’t easy. Our faith is the center of our relationship.

The couple lived in the area and we recommended them to find a Christian counselor and to not give up.

We had finished eating. Kenny and I moved to their table. I held the young woman’s hand and prayed for them. Asking the Lord for wisdom and direction as they seeked counseling. Praying for healing for them and their marriage. With tears in both of theirs eyes, they thanked us. We exchanged phone numbers. I am praying for them as they deal with their challenges. Prayer is powerful!

Walking out of the restaurant, Kenny and I were touched by this couple. We realized how we take each other for granted. Each day is a blessing and we need to acknowledge those around us and for what we have.

Thank you Lord for Kenny and our marriage!

This Thanksgiving take the time to thank your spouse for being there and for continuing to work on your relationship! Life isn’t easy, but we have a lot to be thankful for.

1Thessalonians 5:18 - “Thank God in everything, no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks."

                                                                                  

                                                                             

Turning 21!

Within the next 6 months, I have a niece and a nephew turning the age of twenty-one!  It is a milestone in their life and it symbolizes the transition into adulthood.  With twenty-one comes personal growth, new responsibilities and legal rights.  

One is graduating from college at the end of the year and the other is working full-time at a restaurant.  They both have separate goals and thoughts of life.

When I was twenty-one, I had been married all most three years and I was teaching pre-school, three year olds.  This was my first job..  I was growing up fast.

Six months ago, I turned seventy.  I am fifty years older than them.   I have seen and done a lot during that time.

I want to give them some profound direction and words of wisdom.  But I have none.

I want the best for them.

I do know you have to live your life to the fullest.  They have a lot of life before them.

So as I think about turning twenty-one, I want to remind them:

1.  Have fun and make good choicess.

2.  Don't lose your values and your character.  These are so important to who you are.

3.  Be kind to others and especially yourself.  Encourage others.

4.  If you need help, ask for it.  There is nothing wrong in needing assistance.

5.  Work hard and focus on your school and/or your job.  

6.  Eat healthy and exercise.  As you get older, you will be glad you did!

7.  Follow your dreams.  Embrace all the opportunities and challenges that will come with working and going to school.

8.  What fuels your passion?  This is who you are.  God made you for a reason.  Your DNA is not like anyone else.

9.  Travel - traveling helps you to learn about people, new cultures, perspectives and learn about yourself.

10. Don't allow the words, "no"; "I can't do it"; or "it is impossible" to stop you.  It is your attitude and how you will take life by the horns and solve the problem(s).  You may fall, but you may also soar.  The choice is yours.  Remember Nike's slogan "Just Do It!"

11. Your job provides for you financially, but it does not define who you are.  Do something you enjoy and you feel God has placed you there.  If you do what you enjoy, you will be a success.

12. Speaking of success.  Success is to be found in the way in which we live out our lives day in and day out.  It is to be found as we pursue what God calls you to be and to do.  Success is not the end of a process.  It is how we undertake the process called life.

13. God knows your plans.  Allow Him to direct you!

I am excited to see how you live your life.  

The choice is yours.

You can make a difference!