Stick by Stick

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Stick by Stick.

Lots of ideological rock-throwing out there lately. I’ve heard the cracks and thuds. I’ve watched things break. Have wiped blood from my chin after direct hits.

And though I don’t like to admit it, my amygdala has retrieved more than a few word stones and returned them with wicked slingshot aim.

Even if they don’t leave my lips, my thought rocks ricochet, bruising my own gray matter.

And my heart.

Backfill.

.

Then I remember.

“. . . he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone . . .”
—John 8:7

*******

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With the enormity of it all, I wonder what difference I can make.

swallow-flies-to-nest
A Day in the Life 1
Tree-swallow-feeds-baby
A Day in the Life 2
swallow-in-nest-box
A Day in the Life 3
Swallow-flies-from-nest
A Day in the Life 4
Tree-swallow-on-nest-box
A Day in the Life 5
Baby-swallow-in-nest-box
A Day in the Life 6

.

Then I remember.

“Jesus said, ‘You’re tied down to the mundane; I’m in touch with what is beyond your horizons. You live in terms of what you see and touch. I’m living on other terms.'”
—John 8:23 MSG

*******

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Sometimes it’s all too much, and I end up overwhelmed.

Swamped.

.


Until I remember.

“Jesus looked at them intently and said, ‘Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.'”
—Matthew 19:26

*******

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Still, I ask “Why?”

Vole Patrol

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Until I remember.

“Jesus said, ‘You’re asking the wrong question. You’re looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do. We need to be energetically at work for the One who sent me here, working while the sun shines. When night falls, the workday is over . . . ‘”
—John 9:4-5 MSG

*******

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So I begin again.

I remember how.

Stick by Stick.

.

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”

—Galatians 6:9

******

Watching Nature, Seeing Life: Through His Creation, God Speaks.

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Love the outdoors? I can take you there. Rural & wild PNW posts and photos from a naturalist, faith writer, and author of three books, including the award-winning novel Sugar Birds. Member of Redbud Writers Guild.

15 thoughts on “Stick by Stick”

    2. Can’t put into words how much I appreciate this site. I go to it often to relook and reread what is so very meaningful to my heart and soul. Thank you for sharing this beautiful gift you have been given Dear Friend😘

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  2. Oh Cheryl, You Have Given To Me Once Again!
    My Thoughts, Like Yours, Never Left My Mouth, But We’re Uttered Under My Breath.
    Thank You For Reminding Of Our Lord’s Words.🙏🏻🙏🏻

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  4. Dear Cheryl
    I enjoy your posts and your photographs are beautiful. I don’t usually respond however and I apologize for my lack of expression for the gratitude I feel.
    This post today strikes a particular chord and the song you’ve shared is so lovely too! Within my tiny bubble I am bearing witness to my husband’s cognitive decline and not always with Grace. It is from this place that your words have such depth for my today. My gratitude for your post(s) is deep.
    Much love and many blessings to you
    Valerie Dawn

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    1. Your note this morning meant a lot to me, Val. Am so glad the posts resonate—especially as you travel your challenging path. Am praying today for courage, wisdom, strength, grace and love for you, minute by minute, hour by hour 💝. Thank you for your encouragement. ❤️

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  5. Remember….Sticks and Stones may break my bones…..not so true…Take it from an old teacher.
    Another old ditty…apropos…The Garden Song..”Inch by inch, row by row. I’ve come to watch my garden grow. All you need is a rake and a hoe and A PIECE OF FERTILE GROUND.” I think it’s it’s the fertile ground we are missing.
    You always give me something to ruminate on….and with Gordons no less.

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  6. You will always find your way to the still point in the centre of it all. And the Spirit will not fail to make you an instrument of His peace. Thanks for your vulnerable reflections. Love you.

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