For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: Ecclesiates 3:1 ESV
While I do enjoy seeing the amazing photography of Gary Fultz displaying the beauty of the frozen Winter wonderland where he lives, You should check out his latest post: Winter Wonder Wander However; I with my back against the wall and tired of hanging my head in shame over our own special brand of winter here in Florida, I thought I would share a few snap shots of my own.
God has made everything as well as every place with its own special personality. Those that move to the Sunshine State, thinking Disney, Spring Break and fishing aren’t completely wrong, but the unique features of living here are only appreciated after a few years. Here are just a few of my January favorites. A couple of Sand Hill Cranes hanging out in my friend’s yard, and a juvenile Blue Heron watching the Ibis’s chowing down on my left over chips. Then on on day trip to walk the causeway out to Howard Beach there is a look back over the Inter Coastal Waterway to the mainland, some afternoon clouds kissing the tops of palm trees and the newly painted life guard station. The last two are a wind surfer, just hoping for a bit more wind and a Black Bellied Plover, just hanging out with his buddies. Oh yes, the featured image is the unlikely duo of a Snowy Egret with a Small Blue Heron, tip-toeing across the top of a hedge, and the one at the bottom of the page is a sunset at a local beach. Each of these shots, tells a story and carries with it just a trace of the glory of the Great Creator. So, I tip my hat to you who love shushing through snow drifts, or hiking mountain trails in mid- January. Just don’t forget that God has also created beauty in warmer climes. The wonder of His creation, needs an entire universe to tell just the first chapter of the story of His glory!
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I recall a story about two college friends, one who went to work in Florida, the other in Minnesota. The Southerner sent a personalized Christmas of a picture of himself in shorts with a tall glass of iced tea in hand, leaning against his lawn mower and said, “Merry Christmas and sorry for your snow.”
The Northerner sent back a card of himself sitting by his fireplace in a bulky turtleneck drinking hot chocolate and said, “Merry Christmas to you, too. Sorry you have to mow the lawn on your holiday.”😂🤠
Haha! I will try to remember that one!
Great pictures Pastor Pete! I especially liked your words, “Each of these shots, tells a story and carries with it just a trace of the glory of the Great Creator.”. After this most recent cold snap I know my husband would like more than ever to retire to a warmer more tropical climate.
Thanks for your comments Beth. If you two get serious, about retirement in Florida, I recommend that you not only pray but take your time and really spend time in the community you are thinking of. The ones who rush into moving here spend way too much money and then some end up moving back home.
Thank you for the sage advice, Pastor Pete. We have about 7 years before he can retire from teaching, which gives him ample time to convince this 4 seasons gal that a move to a tropical climate is the ideal move.
When you are thinking know that Jacksonville South to Tampa is not quite ttopical. We do get some seasonal changes. South of T-Bay to Miami is for warm weather folks. (We’re about 20 miles north of Tampa).
I really would not mind trading places for a couple of weeks Pete. Your pictures look inviting. I have pitched a tent under palm trees and slept under the stars in three feet of snow. There are less bugs in the snow but I suppose there are many reasons to lean toward beach life. Being content where we find ourselves is great gain.
Yes, Gary, that contentment is what I am striving to learn. It is too easy to waste life wishing for what we used to have (youthful strength) or being jealous over what others appear to be blessed with. God’s glory fills the earth and is anywhere we happen to find ourselves if we will just focus our camera lense to the right settings. Blessings my frozen brother. You are teaching us almost as much with your photos as with your words.
I have often thought that God created us like a camera with a “Fixed Focus”. We only see everything in life clearly when our eyes are fixed on Jesus.
Oh that is a great thought Gary. I just may quote you on that some day. I am an expert on blurry photos or videos, because I forgot to set the focus.