ADULT AND BABY MALLARD DUCKS ON JUANITA BAY, LAKE WASHINGTON AT KIRKLAND by Wilson, Doug, 1939-, Photographer (NARA record: 8464433
Good morning, beloved!
A quiet, still morning around here..it is gray and calm which is to say that yesterday was not. 🙂 We were in the midst of doing school and getting through our work and breathing and God chose that moment to teach me about ducks. (Pausing for that to take effect..)
For all of a sudden, my dog, Starburst decided that jumping up on couches, chairs and then a table was a good idea!?!? Ahem. Not really. So everyone jumped up to find out what Star was so excited about…because this can be as easy as a leaf dropping to the ground or our next door neighbor cat, Patrick loves to come over and sleep right in front of the window where Star can see him. Then Patrick will get up, wave, clean himself for what seems like an eternity all the while Starburst is having a fit of monumental proportions behind the glass…The kids and I think it’s a hoot. Patrick goes to the neighbor dogs to do this..Anyway, Patrick wasn’t here yesterday and I caught a glimpse of a bit of yellow fluff…
Mallard duck with ducklings by Stonebridge Pond on West Street I saw this duck last night in the pond with the ducklings swimming round her and I counted 21! Surely they are not all hers but today she literally took them under her wing. When I arrived she was sitting with her wings spread and there was no sign of the babies. Then she moved – and revealed her cushion of fluff and beaks. by pam fray
And I blocked Starburst and went outside ALONE to check out this bit of fluff hoping I was wrong…I was not…there was a baby mallard duck in our garden. No mama anywhere. I will post pictures later if I can. Well, the kids came rushing out and we all were just admiring this beautiful little guy/girl…when I realized where is your Mama? No mama. He was so frightened.
Then the loud children who meant well went back inside and I called the police to ask for a phone number. Ha! I just wanted to get animal control’s number and then they were sending out a poor guy to help with a duck. Can you imagine the call that went out there? Sigh. During that time, my job was to make sure this silly little guy (who, by the way, was NO longer frightened) did not injure himself. I guarded him. I protected him. I blocked him. I let him go certain places. I picked him up when I had to..Yes, I know you are not supposed to but give me a break..Mom’s gone and it wasn’t as if Office Friendly was coming to go to the Lake and interview all eligible Mallard Mommies…
Anyway, what was impressed upon me by my loving Heavenly Father was this…I’m that duck. You are that duck. And thank the Good Lord we are ducks. Or sheep. God is watching over us so tenderly. He allows things to happen, yes. He allows us to get lost and now this little guy is on a new track in life. Yet, God has a good plan. He blocks paths. He picks us up and moves us. He says no. He says yes. Isn’t that cool? And we have free will too. Ahh, the great mysteries of life…
6Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ([b]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
7And God’s peace [shall be yours, that [c]tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall [d]garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
8For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].
How about it, friends? His peace..yours! Fear nothing and be content…it transcends all understanding….because what we must do is continue to keep our minds fixed on…
Now onto a couple more of the identity we have in Christ:
1. I am a member of Christ’s body: 1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you [collectively] are Christ’s body and [individually] you are members of it, each part severally and distinct [each with his own place and function].
2. I am assured all things work together for good. Romans 8:28 We are assured and know that [[j]God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.
3. I have been established, sealed and anointed by God. 2 Corintians 1:21But it is God Who confirms and makes us steadfast and establishes us [in joint fellowship] with you in Christ, and has consecrated and anointed us [[a]enduing us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit];22[He has also appropriated and acknowledged us as His by] putting His seal upon us and giving us His [Holy] Spirit in our hearts as the security deposit and guarantee [of the fulfillment of His promise].
Pray on, friends..pray on.
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Love it!