Growing strong

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There’s something comforting about looking out across the field and seeing the strong, towering arms of the oak trees stretching heavenward.  Their strength and beauty often serve as a source of wonder and inspiration for me.

“When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.”  ~Peter Marshall

Finding a warm spot

Due to mild temperatures this past weekend, this turtle found its way up out of its muddy winter hiding place and found a nice spot to sit and enjoy a pleasant day.

“She thanked God that life was not always winter, that spring always came at last to chase away the cold and heaviness, and to release one to warmth and movement again.”  ~Janette Oke

Unruffled

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Despite several onlookers on the levee road below, this eagle appeared to be quite content as it sat on its private perch overlooking the Mississippi River.

“Surely there is something in the unruffled calm of nature that overawes our little anxieties and doubts … [and] seems to impart a quiet to the mind.”  ~Jonathan Edwards

Brown Thrasher

I spotted this brown thrasher along an embankment beside the road.  He was bobbing up and down between busy spurts of churning leaves and digging dirt.  My presence didn’t seem to phase him at all — as finding food was obviously of top priority.

” Give whatever you are doing and whoever you are with the gift of your attention.”  ~Jim Rohn

Hoarfrost

On one of my morning walks last week, I noticed these feathery ice crystals covering the blades of grass along the road.  They created quite an interesting, magical little world of their own.

“That’s the whole problem with science. You’ve got a bunch of empiricists trying to describe things of unimaginable wonder.”  ~Bill Watterson

White Pelicans

It is always a treat to be able to observe the White Pelicans wintering at Reelfoot Lake.

I love all beauteous things, I seek and adore them; God hath no better praise, and man in his hasty days is honored for them. ~Robert Bridges