"Don't wish me happiness I don't expect to be happy all the time....It's gotten beyond that somehow. Wish me courage and strength and a sense of humor. I will need them all." Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Saturday, 18 July 2015

Arms and feathers

There was something I wanted to share with my daughter so we put some of her favourite books in her wee ladybug backpack. I told her we were going for a walk and that we were going to read some books. I took her little hand and brought her into the forest where whispering giants grow. We climbed over blowdown and waded through sword ferns until we came to the ancient maple tree I remembered. I came here long ago, as a girl, a young woman searching to find my way. I never stopped coming. There are three enormous arms spaced equally apart on this tree and they are all a footstep off the earth. We settled down in the dry moss sprawled out in arms to big to hold us to read little books and my mind wondered at the loveliness of it all. Over us leaves in sea breezes sang a hymn. Beyond the chorus of greens I caught a glimpse of pureness. I thanked God for this life- our days a breath of peace and gentleness. I thought of Deut. 33:27," The eternal God is a dwelling place, And underneath are the everlasting arms..." When it was time to leave the beaming angel stepped down by herself and we headed home. We had hardly taken a half dozen footsteps before I spotted the wing feather of a pileated woodpecker. Several more and I located another. I knew where the feathers came from - it was too obvious and I knew one was meant for each of us. Turned out that backpack was a little to big so when we got home we found her chocolate brown corduroy one - with the patchwork dog and it fits properly. It's hanging on a hook by the door for next time.

Sent from my iPhone
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21 comments:

  1. Castles Crowns and Cottages18 July 2015 at 07:27

    Your scripture share for today has placed me in the Everlasting Arms....I needed to read this. Thank you Ronda. Enjoy another day under the shadow of His wings. Anita

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    1. Ronda@islandmother18 July 2015 at 17:32

      In His arms is the best place to be. It is the ultimate security. Thanks for coming by Anita.

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  2. Kim 18 July 2015 at 10:01

    Some of your days are filled with very hard work, I know, but whether you are describing such chores or lovely days like today, it all seems so peaceful and relaxed. Our days are filled with traffic, schedules, suburban noise and a pace that doesn't seem to slow. I appreciate your posts and long to live in a world like that, if even for a little bit.

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    1. Ronda@islandmother18 July 2015 at 17:37

      Thank you Kim. Yes I live a very quiet life... It is busy filled with the tasks of how life was lived a hundred years ago. Wintertime it does get slower but then it is defined by daylight and as always the weather.

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  3. Carla from The River18 July 2015 at 12:49

    I needed this today!
    Thank you.
    Carla

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    1. Ronda@islandmother18 July 2015 at 17:44

      I'm glad Carla that my words were a blessing to you. I have that bible promise memorized and now I have that beautiful memory of our afternoon to go along with it and so for me it too is a blessing.

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  4. Terra 18 July 2015 at 15:32

    What a magical adventure with your daughter and visiting the ancient maple tree. That is the perfect Scripture for your visit to the tree.

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    1. Ronda@islandmother18 July 2015 at 17:49

      Thank you Terra. I am blessed to be able to share it. Thank you for coming by.

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  5. DELETED19 July 2015 at 07:35

    lovely post!

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  6. DELETED19 July 2015 at 07:35

    lovely post!

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    1. Ronda@islandmother21 July 2015 at 17:32

      Thank you for your kind words and for your visit.

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  7. Angela21 July 2015 at 14:11

    Precious moments with your daughter. Love that you shared the scripture passage. Wish blessings up you both!

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    1. Ronda@islandmother21 July 2015 at 17:31

      Hi Angela Thank you for your sweet wishes. It's often the most simple moments make the best memories. Thank you for your visit.

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  8. A Joyful Cottage22 July 2015 at 06:59

    Thank you for this lovely post, Rhonda. I can picture you and the little angel in the woods; reading and enjoying each others company, safe in the arms of our Everlasting Father. I'm so glad you shared that scripture. I'll carry it and the image you've created with me all day. Hugs, Nancy P.S. Beautiful feathers. . .love your photography.

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  9. Ronda@islandmother22 July 2015 at 17:43

    Thank you Nancy and it is really nice to hear from you. Hugs Ronda

    Sent from my iPhone

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  10. tammy j23 July 2015 at 05:16

    you live in a church. the best kind.
    the grandeur of a cathedral ... and the simplicity of two feathers.
    thank you for sharing your life there with us!
    i can almost hear the forest silence full of bird sound. xoxo

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    1. Ronda@islandmother23 July 2015 at 17:32

      Thank you for your kind and perceptive words. Yes I was describing it as a church in my use of the words God, hymn and choir. Those words make me think of a church and this is mine. Thank you Tammy for noticing this and posting your comment.

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  11. Dewena25 July 2015 at 17:13

    How fortunate your daughter is to have you reading to her in this lovely place. And for her to be learning of it being an example of the Father's arms. Even the word dwelling is one of my essential words, along with shelter. A place that is safe.

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    1. Ronda@islandmother26 July 2015 at 17:49

      Thanks Dewena. I am trying my best. I like the word dwelling and shelter too- It makes me think of something rustic, beautiful and warm.

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  12. Kim27 July 2015 at 19:07

    You really should write children's books, Ronda. You have such a lovely way of describing what you see. At least it could be for your daughter to read. Have you ever thought of creating books for her? If you ever do, please make an extra one for me. I'd so enjoy reading it and paying for the privilege. You are a talented lady, my dear!

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  13. Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice28 July 2015 at 17:33

    Such special moments with your daughter in the most beautiful church, not built with man's hands! The best kind! Moments like those are to be treasured forever!

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