A Refreshed Soul

This morning I woke up to 6 of my 7 humming bird feeders

lying open~empty~and some broken

on our front and back decks.

The evidence was quite clear as to WHO was responsible!

No, it was not Boo boo or Yogi. :)

Little raccoon paw prints were everywhere

as he/she had tracked sugar water all over the deck.

I would be willing to say that this little guy

must have had quite the tummy ache today.

Serves him right!

This was such a surprise

as we have not had a problem all spring and summer,

but now...that little guy has tasted the goods

and I'm sure he'll be back for more.

~*~

We are blessed in deed with the surrounding beauty

of God's marvelous creation.

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits,

even the God of our salvation".

While I sit...listening to the creek which is right beside our home

the many humming birds are feeding and chasing

one another having a delightful time.

Our flock of humming birds consists of at least 30 birds.

amazing isn't it?!

We have the perfect spot for them,

and keeping their feeders full is sure to keep them around.

We are nearing 150 pounds of sugar so far

and still have two months to go.

Our home is nestled around many matured trees,

so these hummers live in a rather safe zone.

They are beautiful and bring us great joy.

~*~

Not only did I wake up to the empty feeders,

but one of my window boxes had been knocked 

to the ground leaving my beautiful flowers scattered.

We have a mischievous little guy!

I have one window box that a particular chipmunk

loves to eat out of.

He/she nips the buds before I ever see the blooms.

Why couldn't it have been that window box

that was dumped to the ground?

Wild life... they do as they please.

But such a delight to have around.

~*~

Today was a day of peace and tranquility for me.

A much needed day.

After enjoying time in my kitchen canning peaches

I sat outside...breathed in the fresh air...

and just relaxed in the beauty of God which surrounds me.
My friend, the chipmunk, kept coming around
and seemed quite surprised that I was home.
I believe I upset his routine of visiting my flower box
as well as my husbands garden.
I haven't been home much these days,
and, as the saying goes
"while the cats away the mice will play".
~*~
The Lord refreshes our weary souls doesn't He?
Today was a day of refreshment for me
and I give thanks to the Lord.
God loves and cares for our every need,
He can use even His beautiful creation through nature
to encourage, uplift, strengthen  and refresh us.
"The Lord will give strength unto His people,
the Lord will bless His people with peace".
Many times we just need to stop and allow God to meet
us right where we are.
When we do~He will never fail us.
~*~
The hand of God Is Everywhere

It's true we have never looked on His face,
But His likeness shines forth from every place,
For the hand of God is everywhere
Along life's busy thoroughfare,
And His presence can be felt and seen
Right in the midst of our daily routine.
Things we touch and see and feel
Are what make God so very real.

~Helen Steiner Rice~ 

Thank you precious Heavenly Father,
for Your goodness to us.
Some times the days seem long
but we can find rest for our weary souls
in You alone.
Amen

~Be Blessed~
Debbie