Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Do You Really Trust God?

by Donna L. Watkins

View Enlarged Image
Gray Treefrog Hiding in Flower Pot Foil
See More Treefrog Photos
God has been directing my focus toward trust for a couple of years now. At first I didn't understand what He meant since I knew I already trusted the Lord. What a laugh God must have over us at times ... or is He more moved with tears at our deceptions? The more the word trust would jump out at me the more I sought the Lord for revelation and He gave it.

He showed me where the root was in my childhood and how it had layered itself very deep within my very soul. The experiences I had of my great grandparents, whom I was very close to, both dying on the same day when I was 9 and hearing people say, "The Lord wanted them in Heaven today."

We all have lots of experiences we remember, and many that we don't, that lead us to not trust God, but as we attend church and learn the Christianese language we get used to saying "the right thing" even if our hearts condemn us.  I found in this healing journey walk that I really had no trust in the Lord. I was quite shocked. He pointed out to me that the foundation of my healing journey is faith and without trusting Him, faith is not activated. [Related Article: Totally Forgiven, Is That How You See Yourself?]

A good visual example of this is when a father asks his child to jump into his arms. That looks pretty risky and the child will initially hesitate until the father convinces him to come. After that first time, the child's trust builds upon experience.

We've been told that God does a lot of bad things in this world. We're told He kills people because He needs them in Heaven. He sends tornadoes and hurricanes to destroy towns that have sin in them (what town doesn't have sin in it). He puts AIDS on people who live in sinful lifestyles. He makes bad things happen to you to teach you something. Although we might say we love this God, it's not hard to understand that our minds and heart would definitely not agree with that.

We have to know that evil comes from the devil and good comes from God. We must begin to expect good from God because what we expect or imagine will become real in our lives. But that puts a bit too much responsibility on some folks who would rather just blame it all on God.

Don't we all know people who talk negative all the time. "If this is going to happen to somebody, it's going to happen to me." "I'm the first one to get the flu every year." And as one lies down in bed thinking, "Another night of insomnia, why bother?" Pay attention and you will see people stand out that prophesy doom and gloom all over their lives ... and they get it.

View Enlarged Image
Squirrels Waiting For The Sweepstakes Delivery
View More Squirrel Photos
Jesus said He was the exact representation of the Father (Hebrews 1:3) and Jesus never put disease on anybody. The Bible tells us many times that He healed ALL. If it was God's will for somebody to be sick and diseased, then Jesus would not have been able to heal all. Many people will believe that disease is God's will. They believe that He can heal, but that He probably won't heal them.

The question I ask when somebody tells me that God puts disease on people so they can learn something is this: "If you truly believe that, why are you going to the doctors to fight against the will of God? If you don't learn the lesson this time, you'll be going around the mountain another time with another disease."

We don't understand everything that happens to us but the Holy Spirit will teach you if you are open to learn. What a great promise this is (if we believe and receive it):

"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you" (John 14:26).

I've heard people reply to that with, "Well, I sure don't hear Him speaking." And when asked how much time they spend "being still and knowing" before the Lord, the answer is .... well, let's just say it's more Martha than Mary. People fill their lives with busyness so they don't have to think about what is going wrong until it blows up in their face, and then because they have not established a habit of just sitting in the Presence of Jesus on a regular basis, they send up "flare prayers." We tend to think God can be used like a vending machine. Pop in a prayer request, pull a knob and get your answer. God wants relationship.

Faith comes from Hope - "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). The devil attacks our hope with wrong thoughts of who God is. He did this with Jesus. All three temptations related to "IF You are the Son of God."

View Enlarged Image
Gray Catbird Taking Off From Lamp Post
View More Catbird Photos
Two of my major verses right now that I am using to meditate on (take it from my head to my heart) are Proverbs 3:5 and Isaiah 26:3:

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You."

When we can truly trust God, we will be able to stay in peace no matter the circumstances. It's not a quick process ... at least it wasn't for me, but when I look back, it's pretty incredible what God has done.  Being in peace makes the whole process of changing your heart beliefs a lot easier.  Trust will activate our faith and in truly believing with the heart, not the head, will bring forth those things we desire:

"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them" (Mark 11:24).

All we can do when things go South is to say, "Lord I trust you! You are faithful and you have provided for this situation before I was ever conceived. I will believe in your faithfulness and trust that all is well no matter what I see. I believe in what I know of You and what my spirit is telling me."

Related Articles
No Hope Left
The Power of Hope


Backyard Buzz—Beyond the Honeybee

Photo:  Donna L. Watkins
View Enlarged Image
Metallic Green Bee
(Agapostemon, Halictid Bee, Halictidae)
on Black-eyed Susan Flower
by Christie Peterson

Honeybees are only one representative (and an alien one at that) of a fascinating and varied group of insects.

Their cousins include the teddy bears of the insect world, the bumblebees, bright-colored sweat bees, tiny carpenter bees, mooching cuckoo bees, and the popular mason bees.

Last year I made it a goal to notice and then photograph as many bee species as possible in my own backyard. I was staggered by the variety—I still haven’t identified them all.  

Here are just a few of the kinds I discovered.


Monarch Waystation in Mall

Monarch on Sedum
At the Healthy Living Market, which occupies the old JC Penny’s space in the Wilton Mall of Saratoga Springs, NY, there is a new Monarch Waystation site.

How exciting!  As people see this it will encourage others to change their own landscapes.  We are a certified Monarch Waystation also here at Bluebird Cove.  It's an exciting thing to know you are helping this butterflies.  Their numbers are so quickly receding, but we can make a difference.

Read the rest of this good news story.


Jogging With Your Dog (Video)

by Dr. Sarah

This month’s episode of Pet Talk with Dr. Sarah is for anyone considering a new exercise routine.

Let’s face it, starting any sort of new exercise routine can be brutal. Even with the added bonuses of losing weight, sleeping more soundly and feeling better, it’s hard to fully commit yourself. It can even prove too much of a challenge for some … unless you have the right partner.

Fortunately, Dr. Sarah’s latest video reveals six important steps towards starting and maintaining an exercise routine with your canine companion. Watch the latest episode of Pet Talk now


Friday, August 22, 2014

Overcoming Trouble

Overcome Tribulation
by Andrew Wommack

John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

Jesus said we would have tribulation. He did not say that He was the one bringing the tribulation or what the tribulation would be, but He said it would come. Then He made the amazing statement that in the midst of tribulation we were to be of good cheer.

Tribulations exist because there is a battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of the devil. When we operate in faith, God is able to grant us such victory that we are actually better off because of the battle.

It's just like when a army goes to war. If they win, they gain spoils. But if they embrace their enemy because of the spoils they were expecting to receive, they will be killed instead of blessed. First, you have to fight and win the war and then, and only then, will the spoils be available. The enemy doesn't come to be a blessing, but a blessing can be obtained from the enemy if we are victorious.

Likewise, tribulations and adversities are not blessings from God. They are attacks from the enemy intended to steal the Word of God out of our lives. No man should say that the temptation came from God, for God is not the one who tempts any man (James 1:13).

If problems were what perfected us, then most Christians would have been perfected long ago and those who experienced the greatest problems would be the greatest Christians. However, that's not the way it is.

God's Word is given to us to make us perfect, and thoroughly furnished unto every good work (2 Timothy 3:17). God's Word does not need to be supplemented with problems to accomplish its work.

Sponsored by The Herbs Place - Wholesale Prices Always - What's on Sale Now?

Slugs - Give Them a Chance to Steal Your Heart

Photo by Donna L. Watkins
View Enlarged Image
Great Gardenslug aka Leopard Slug
Kemper Park, Charlottesville, VA

by Christy Peterson

“Slug” is a word that garners an instant response, from a general “yuck” to downright vitriol. Slugs have few champions and many victims.

The slugs that ravage most gardens and greenhouses are nonnative species, in my case, the great gray garden slug and the European black slugs.

In their native habitats (and in my backyard too) slugs are important cogs in the food web. They break down decaying plant material, help disperse seeds and spores, and rid the world of poop (another favorite slug food).  Read the entire article.




Sponsored by The Herbs Place - Wholesale Prices Always - What's On Sale Now?
 
Women * Men * Children * Essential Oils * Cleansing 
Weight Loss * Pets - Heartworms * Mood Support 
Air Sanitizer * Products A-Z * Most Popular Products

Can We Control Emotions and Feelings?

by Dr. Caroline Leaf

Every thought is a memory, with both information and emotion embedded into it. When a thought moves from the nonconscious to the conscious mind and we become aware of it, we feel these emotions. It is in this state of feeling the emotions that we have to reach out to God and ask Him to guide the choices we will make based on the perceptions these feelings generate.

If we don’t let God control, we will draw on our weak human wisdom and make a bad decision. Emotions are wonderful - when driven by the Savior; but can be torturous when driven by carnal wisdom.

Watch this video episode to see how to let God control your emotions and feelings.

It's Not About Who You Are ... It Is Who You Have Become

Each time we think and choose, we build a new thought into our brain, which literally changes the internal landscape of our brain. This contributes to how we perceive life and how we make the next set of choices.

We can easily fall into a negative cycle if we don’t stop, stand back and reconnect with God asking Him to show us who we really are: an incredible human being made in His image.

Each bad decision changes who you are at the core, but it’s not who you really are - it’s who you have become. It’s not your destiny and every bad decision can be changed. if you have wired it in, with God’s help you can wire it out!

Watch this video episode to see how to overcome the past and wire out those bad decisions!


Lyme Disease - An Emerging Pet Problem

by Dr. Jane Bicks

The call of the Great Outdoors ... it’s hard to resist in the summer months, especially for dogs craving a bit of adventure. However, this year, many pet parents are concerned about the prevalence of Lyme disease, as well as its symptoms like joint pain.

How can you protect your canine from this illness that’s on the rise in the U.S.? Our pet product formulator, Dr. Jane Bicks, brings you all the details about the recent outbreak, including steps you can take to keep your pet kids safe this summer. Read the latest from Dr. Jane now ...


Friday, August 15, 2014

The Nature In Us Newsletter - 8/15/14

  The Nature In Us Newsletter - 8/15/14 
  by Donna L. Watkins  



Hello Dear Friends!

Benjamin with 1st Annual Balloon Release
to Heaven for Nana and Granddaddy
on His Birthday - An Annual Tradition
Our only child, Benjamin Christopher, celebrated a birthday on the 10th of August.  The 35th one.  Hard to imagine my cute little boy being so old ... or is it that I can't imagine me being so old to have a son that is 35?  Regardless, he had a good one.

When he was younger we would get a balloon to release into the heavens for his Nana and Granddaddy.  They died when he was 6 years old and it became a tradition to do that.  He would kneel down and pray and then let it fly.  We would stand and watch until it became invisible.  Sweet memories.

My husband and I were having lunch one day and heard a sound we'd never heard before and it was repetitive.  I said it's probably a fawn since I saw two of them playing back there today.  Fawns from different mothers will often play together since the mothers sometimes browse together.  A few months back we had a fawn right at our screened porch letting out this bleating sound that made it sound like a goat.  Different from the sound we heard at lunch recently, so I thought I'd see what sounds they do make. 

View Enlarged Image
Baby Deer in Front Yard Waiting For Mama
More Deer Photos
More Fawn Photos
Upon Googling for this, I came across this delightful video of a herd of deer that frequented a home and property daily since they had a lot of clover.  The deer, both mom and fawns, were very vocal when trying to find each other.  They would rest in the yard and over the years even allow the people to sit near them and touch them.  View YouTube video on deer and fawns.

I've seen videos where people feed deer, even on plates at a picnic table.  I didn't see any of that here which I don't agree with.  "Our" deer occasionally get corn or sunflower seeds because we put some down weekly as a treat for the squirrels and ground birds like the doves.  If the deer come by while there's still some left they eat some, but that's not less "wild" than happening upon anything else to browse on.  The location of the corn is also changed quite a bit and some is placed under bushes or concrete benches so the deer can't access it easily.

View Enlarged Image
Dragonfly Looks Like He's Got BIG Front Teeth
View More Dragonfly Photos
We've had a lot of damselflies and dragonflies this year.  We have a backyard frog pond and they get to visit and produce their offspring in it also.  It's amazing what all will come and live in a small backyard pond.  We love frogs so that was our motivation for digging it, but I also love some of the pond plants that have beautiful blooms.

This dragonfly in the enlarged view looks like he's got huge front teeth.  Haven't noticed this before so wondering if it's something he's in the process of eating.  Anybody have any comments?

We live in a small enough house that my husband and I can simply shout back and forth with questions or reminders about something.  Lately it seemed that I was repeating everything I said to him, so I wondered if there was a hearing test that could be done online.  There is a test and it was fun and simple to take.

Randal At Work - 2005
It seems hearing isn't an issue as much as "tuning in" on what's being said.  Randal works all day on the computer with programming code and some complicated tasks (in my mind anyway), so he's just processing some bit or byte of information when I begin to speak and doesn't "tune in" as quickly, so that's why he keeps asking me to repeat everything.  Want to take the hearing test?

A newsworthy tip: IRS recently renewed its Oct. 2013 warning about a pervasive phone scam that continues to target people across the nation, including recent immigrants. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration called it the largest scam of its kind. As of March 20, TIGTA reported that it has received reports of over 20,000 contacts related to this scam. TIGTA also stated that thousands of victims have paid over $1 million to fraudsters claiming to be from the IRS.  Read the article.

The Green-headed Coneflowers are in full bloom to the delight of all the pollinators and the American Goldfinches that love the seeds.  Now that I'm back to garden work I am feeling more complete.  When all I could do was look through the windows or sit on the porches longing to be walking in it ... making mental lists of all the things that needed to be done ... and feeling so deprived of "being me" ... I was not a happy camper.

View Enlarged Image
Green-headed Coneflower With Wasp
View More Wasp Photos
However, at all times I realized the blessing of having such a place to view, even if I could not step into it.  It offered much solace and comfort.  Not only watching things grow and bloom, but the wildlife that it attracts which is the most delightful entertainment there is for me.

I'm not a city gal any more.  As many young people do, I enjoyed living in the big city of Atlanta that offered everything under the sun to do, but when we built our first home in an acre and a half of woods, I began to fall in love with God's Creation and nothing competes with the thrill of that now.

Rachel Carson said in The Sense of Wonder, “There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature - the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter.”  It has seen me through many a sorrow or grief or loss by making me so aware of the closeness of Jesus when we are hurting.  You can create a garden wonderland even on a small balcony.  The visual delights will carry you away to peaceful places where your spirit and soul can refresh and be made whole again.

Some things that I find in the garden are not an exciting adventure.  These guys are stink bugs and if you've read anything about them, they are causing a lot of trouble in the agricultural world (read more about this).

View Enlarged Image 
Stink Bug Eggs (Pentatomidae) and
Babies on Blue-Black Salvia Leaf

These bugs can become a nuisance pest for homeowners when they are attracted to the outside of houses on warm fall days in search of protected, overwintering sites.  They find their way inside and in Spring as the weather warms they begin emerging and you can find stink bugs all over your home.  We have had some on our screened porch, but fortunately not in the house.

If you find something that looks like these eggs, do not assume they are stink bugs.  Many insects lay down this style of eggs and they can be beneficial like the Green Mantidfly that laid eggs last year on the front porch lamp.  I mentioned this with photo in the 8/1/14 newsletter with information about the benefits of the Green Mantidfly.

This is not the first sighting of Stink Bugs on our property.  We've had them for years but we rarely see any now.  There are a variety of Stink Bugs. View photos of all that I've discovered on our property. The only ones I've seen this year were 3 that appeared on the screened porch.  We have a large area of these salvia plants and I did not see any other leaves affected other than this one, so we will let nature balance itself out since so few will surely be eaten especially since we still have Mamas and Papas feeding their babies.  They aren't increasing in numbers at all.

Matter of fact the first year I saw them they were all over the butterfly bush and other plants.  We decided then to wait and see.  Seems we've done that.  Somebody is eating them up just like the Japanese Beetles we used to have in large numbers.  Read about our disappearing Japanese Beetles.

View Enlarged Image
Donna on Caboose at N&W Train Station
Historic Farmville, VA
Last Saturday we decided to take a day trip to Farmville, VA.  The town is mainly known for being a furniture outlet, but there is a lot of history there also.  Lots of cool architecture and information on historic areas in downtown Farmville.

There was a train station and a bright red caboose which I loved.  I used to climb all over and inside cabooses when I was a kid.  My great grandfather would take me down to the train tracks to do so.  Anytime I see a caboose I can climb up on ... I'm on it!  We walked the Sarah Terry Trail at Wilck's Lake, visted Longwood University and Hampden-Sydney College and even took a step back in time having lunch at Walker's Diner.  View photo albums at above links.

The Bible says that we either speak life or death with our words:

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." (Proverbs 18:21)

"Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be." (James 3:10)


The only way to get out from under circumstances that threaten to overtake us is to focus on Jesus and not the problem(s).  If we speak and think what the Bible says about our problems, we can overcome.  Whatever we place our thoughts on will become magnified.  Read: When Unbelief Consumes Our Heart

www.StuffJesusNeverSaid.com
If we have family problems with children or relatives, we must speak blessings over them so God can work a change in both hearts.  If you are seeking healing, don't look at the problem, look to what the Word tells us about healing (by His stripes you WERE healed).

Jesus told us that in this world we would always have troubles, but that He has overcome them.  He came to give us life abundantly.  He did the suffering for us.

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." (Isaiah 26:3)

There are Bible promises to release you from every problem you may have, but they must be voice-activated.  Just as God created the entire universe by His words, we have the same power within us to speak "to the mountain" as Jesus said (Matthew 21:21), and deliver ourselves from the problem.

We are told to meditate on the Word.  Chewing, absorbing and sinking it into our hearts.  Quantity Bible reading is not the best way to approach the Word. Biblical meditation is focused thinking about a Bible verse that speaks to you, so you can more effectively apply its truth to your life. True application of the Bible in your life requires Biblical mediation.

My Heart Belongs to Jesus
God's love for us is inescapable, insurmountable and irrefutable.  We are simply awesome.  If you're not certain of this, just ask our Dad!  

Begin to recognize that God loves you so much!  Speak to yourself in the mirror if you have a hard time believing this.  Speak blessings over yourself and your family.
The blessings of God encircle me, (Psalm 103:4)
Go before me and overtake me. (Deuteronomy 28:2)

Choose to take time to be with the Lord and ask Him what Bible verse will help you get through the challenging situation you have now.  Then choose to meditate on that verse until you believe it to be true in your heart ... not just your head.

Have a blessed time with the Lord this week.  Be still and know Him!
Donna


P.S. Anything in here that might help somebody you know?
Here's a link to the online version of this newsletter:  
http://www.thenatureinus.com/2014/08/the-nature-in-us-newsletter-81514.html

Photo Galleries

Critters & Garden Photos
Videos
Travel - USA & International
Costa Rica
Pets

View Posts By Topic

being 60
creation-nature
gardening
going green
health
my healing journey
newsletters
pets
photos
simplify-frugal
spiritual
travel
travel-costa rica
written by Donna

Posts Since Last Newsletter

Seeing The Word Alive In Me  (DLW)

Living Near Trees Reduces Stress

Composting Cardboard

Baffling Behaviors of Pets

Newsletter - 8/1/14  (DLW)

Previous Posts You May Have Missed

God Wants YOU Well

Sodas and Fructose Dangers

Water Striders In Our Pond  (DLW)

God Is Not Mad At You

Alternative Therapies for Pet Joint Problems

Worm Composting

Newsletter - 7/15/14  (DLW)

Prozac for Pets Grows in Popularity

God's Kind of Love

Benefits Of The Black Gum Tree

Newsletter - 7/1/14 (DLW)

Christian Mockingbirds (DLW)

Controlling Army Worms in Your Garden

The Power of Preventive Care for Pets - Video

Natural Grocers Bans Confinement Dairy Products

Thoughts, Doubts and Fears

Walmart Drives Down Organic Food Prices

Newsletter - 6/15/14 (DLW)

No Thought Is Harmless

How to Attract Pollinators to Your Garden

The Mysterious Brown Thrasher  (DLW)

Ants Are Gardening Assets

Newsletter - 6/1/14  (DLW)

The Power Of Hope

More Than Just Sowing and Reaping

6 Best Headache-Healing Foods

Not All Beetles Are Bad: Beneficial Garden Bugs

Pet Safe Fertilizers for Lawn & Garden

Abba, Daddy, Papa and God the Father (DLW)

Natural Way to Get Duckweed Out of Your Pond (DLW)

Newsletter - 5/15/14 (DLW)

You Are Wired For Love

Our Abba Daddy

The Ethics of Native Plant Gardening

Doctor Speaks on Vaccination Indoctrination

Believing Is More Than a Choice

Mr. Bud Survives The Crimes  (DLW)

Soldier Beetles Are Pollinators

Hard Hearts

Recover From Germ Phobia

Bathing Pets at Home

God Adores You! (DLW)

Simple Nest Boxes for Cavity-Nesting Bees

Miniature Ponds – How To Build

Heart Health for Humans and Pets

I Can't Is Not A Good Decision




Sponsored by The Herbs Place - Wholesale Prices Always - What's On Sale Now?


Air Sanitizer * Products A-Z * Most Popular Products



© All photos unless otherwise noted are the property of Donna L. Watkins and cannot be displayed without approval. 

Saturday, August 9, 2014

Seeing The Word Alive In Me

by Donna L. Watkins

Recently I've been chewing on and digesting God's Word. I have been studying very deeply over the past three years. I used to think quantity of Bible reading was important, but now I see it's a loss. When God tells us to meditate on it day and night for good success, it means we are to take a Word that He has given us or that we have seen in the Bible that jumps out at us to be pondered.

Meditate is to ponder, consider, picture, imagine, etc. Asking God to show you more and more of what it means for you. If it's a healing Scripture then you meditate until you can see yourself totally well. Until you can see it on the inside, you won't see it on the outside.

View Enlarged Image
Bee in Rose of Sharon Bloom
Time To Return to the Hive
After Andrew Wommack's prayer over me at one of his seminars, God instantly healed me of Rheumatoid Arthritis and I began getting better with the heart issue as a gradual healing. I had studied a lot even by then and thought I believed it all. How often we grasp something with our minds and think we really know it when it's just information at that stage of time.

The progressive healing was exciting and I was so grateful and yet my mouth would speak that I couldn't believe it. Too late I saw that was an open doorway for the devil. We have to be careful of what we think since we become the sum of our thoughts. Jesus turned the mourning people out of the house and told Jarius that only he, his wife, the three disciples and Jesus would remain. The faith of the parents needed to be present, which is why Jesus said, "Don't be afraid, just believe." The people he told to leave were already mocking Jesus for saying she wasn't dead, but sleeping.

Another time when trying to minister in His own town, He had to lead a blind man out of the town to get him healed. This story is in Mark 8:23-25: "And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw anything. And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly."

Was Jesus' faith not quite on target that day? Again, our own faith must meet the provision of God to receive it. It's very interesting to also note in the next verse that "He sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town" (Mark 8:26). The doubt and unbelief of others affects our hearts and when we begin to doubt we begin to lose whatever provision the Lord has provided for us by faith.

View Enlarged Image
Dwarf Bee Balm
I am certain that a level of pride was also involved in my eagerness to share all this good news about healing since so many of us have been taught things not true to Scripture. I didn't see it as pride, unless you would say I was so proud of our Abba being such a good God, but rather that I wanted to glorify God in all that He'd done and that I wanted to share all that I had learned.

However, as stated I now realize that learning something with our minds is not necessarily "getting it." Information is a good thing. We must first have the knowledge that God is good and that He has already healed us before we can renew our mind to what the Word says.

But hearing nor teaching of somebody else's revelation has an anointing on it and can cause confusion when you can't SEE what is true in the physical realm. As humans we are geared to living by our senses, but we were created spirit beings with a body to house that spirit and a soul [brain] to run the body.  God gave us 6 senses with the spiritual realm being the one to rule.  That's why Adam and Eve didn't know they were naked.  They walked in the spirit, not in the flesh (5 physical senses).

God wants our souls to bow to the direction of the spirit and that's where things get complicated. I have repented to the Lord for my unbelief that ran the faith out that had produced the healing. It only allows me to understand it all so much better now and I am putting out all those "mourners who are laughing" [the Enemy's attacks on our thoughts] and standing on God's Word.

"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen"  Hebrews 11:1) 

 The spiritual realm has substance and when we hope for (imagine it to be so in us), we bring that substance into our physical bodies.  Our bodies respond to what we believe and think.  As we believe and think differently our bodies will respond accordingly.  TRUTH always trumps REALITY!

WHAT LIES ARE YOU BELIEVING?
You are a thinking being:
You wake up in the morning and the first thing you do is think
All day long you are thinking, processing information
through your five senses, activating existing thoughts
in the networks of your mind. The last thing you do at night
as you fall asleep is think. And even while you are sleeping
you are sorting out your thinking. The fact of the matter is
you never stop thinking! It is the creative force that leads to choice
producing real physical entities in the brain (thoughts)
which affect your spirit, soul and body.


Living Near Trees Reduces Stress


View Dramatic Enlarged Image
Live Oak Tree - Mepkin Abbey, Moncks Corner, SC
If you're in need of a little stress relief, it might be waiting just outside your front door ...

A new study from the University of Wisconsin in Madison reveals that people who live near trees and green spaces report lower levels of stress, anxiety and depression than those in more concrete- and asphalt-lined neighborhoods. Researchers collected health survey data from 2,500 Wisconsin residents, then paired the data with satellite images showing how much vegetation was in residents' neighborhoods.

The results: People who lived on blocks with less than 10% tree canopy were more likely to report feeling stressed or down. The findings were true regardless of race, age, income level, marital status or education.

"A poor person living on a logging road in (a national forest) was more likely to be happy than a wealthier person living on a treeless block in Milwaukee," the researchers said in a statement.  Read the entire article.



Composting Cardboard

By Susan Patterson, Master Gardener

Using cardboard in compost is a rewarding experience that makes great use of boxes taking up space. There are different types of cardboard to compost so knowing what you are working with beforehand is important when learning how to compost cardboard boxes.

... cardboard waste makes up over 31% of landfills, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Composting cardboard is a practice that is becoming more popular now that people are beginning to realize the benefits of composting.   Read the entire article.


Baffling Behaviors of Pets

by Dr. Jane Bicks

Fur-kids can be fascinating. And sometimes, a little confusing. In the latest from Dr. Jane, our holistic veterinarian takes a look at a few of the baffling behaviors that make pet parents scratch their head.

From your dog circling around the ground just prior to eliminating wastes, to the real reasons behind your cat’s meow, don’t miss this intriguing exposé on creature curiosities.

To find out the skinny on common-but-puzzling pet behaviors, read this Dr. Jane post now



Friday, August 1, 2014

Newsletter - 8/1/14


View This Newsletter On the Website.



Hello Dear Friends!

View Enlarged Image
Baby Caroline Wren Just Out of the Nest
View More Photos of Carolina Wrens
Happy Watermelon Day!  Did you know August 3 is National Watermelon Day?  I didn't.  It's amazing the amount of holidays that have been added to our celebratory options.  I love watermelon so I don't have a problem celebrating this one any day of the year.

I was outside photographing a Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly and a baby Carolina Wren flew right at me and stuck to my t-shirt.  There were four (4) flying about as they obviously were enjoying their first hours out of the nest.  So very cute.  A bit of downy feathers for a special hairdo and that short little tail is so funny.  What a blessing to be out there at the right time. 

Speaking of baby birds ... what a treat to have a family of Gray Catbirds nesting less than a foot from the breakfast area window. A bit difficult for good pictures since holly leaves blocked a view of nest straight on.  Shooting at an angle between the leaves and the window grille embedded into the glass leaves a milky shadow, but it was so wonderful to see the show and get some photos and videos.

View Photo and Video Journal 
Three Baby Gray Catbirds
View More Catbird Photos
It's amazing how fast they grow when they hatch.  They fledge (leave the nest) 10-11 days after they hatch and this crew were out of there early on the morning of the 10th day.  They seemed so fragile and delicate.  I have done a photo and video gallery for the pictures I took of this wonderful event.  View Photo and Video Journal of Gray Catbird Nest.

We have a lot of different bees here in our gardenGod thought of so many little details to put into insects and everything He created.  And of course even some amusing things, like fannies that light up on Lightning Bugs.  I'm still a kid at heart when it comes to them.  They are fascinating to watch in the back woods and for some reason we have a lot of them this year.

View Enlarged Image
Tiny Bee on Black-eyed Susan Flower
View More Bee Photos
We've also had a lot of really tiny bees this year.  Many of them like the Black-eyed Susan flowers on the deck.  They feed on the seed head along with the butterflies.  You can see this one has its legs full of pollen.  Seems like it's time for a trip back to the hive.

The American Goldfinches have been happy with the Black-eyed Susan blooms also since they love the seeds.  Fortunately the squirrels haven't attacked the plants this year.

In previous years they have tore them up pretty badly by jumping up into the big pots and pulling plants down to the deck so they can chew up the seed pods.  (View Video of Squirrel Attack on Black-eyed Susans) We don't have that many squirrels this year.  I think the hawk and fox have been busy campers.

Talk about busy ... as I am typing this newsletter a young growing buck came into the backyard and shortly thereafter a doe was chasing him away.  I knew why only a moment later when her fawn came up behind her.  They look so precious with all those white spots and innocent behaviors.  We are so blessed to be able to see some of God's Creation close-up every day and there's nothing more peaceful and joyful to me than that.

View Enlarged Image
Female Azure Bluet (Enallagma aspersum)
Pond Damsel on Blue-Black Salvia 
View Photos of Dragonflies
While gardening with my hubby one day, we saw a tiny little damsel flying about the Blue-Black Salvias.  It was so thin and small (1.2 inches).  I took many photos since it was darting from one plant leaf to another and I didn't know if any of them would turn out okay.  Only one did, but very grateful for it.

It's always amazing to me the incredible diversity of beauty God has put into the Creation He made for us to enjoy.  What love He has for us!

Last year we had a Green Mantidfly (Zeugomantispa minuta) laying eggs on the bottom of the square "globe" of our porch light. This interesting and rare to be seen bug is like a cross between a green lacewing and a praying mantid. They are only distantly related to mantids, but are instead related to antlions (known as doodlebugs as larvae), lacewings, and owlflies. On a side note ... Praying Mantids are actually cousins of cockroaches.

View Enlarged Image
Green Mantidfly
They live throughout much of the Eastern United States and are found in a variety of habitats from late June through early October.  They are nocturnal creatures so it was grand to be able to see this one busy about her business.  They are considered beneficial since the larvae eats spider eggs and the adults capture and eat all kinds of small insects in captivity, but little is known of their food preferences in the wild.

We love our spiders since they are bug-eaters also, so hoping our habitat will balance that out.  I checked on You Tube and found a video of a Mantidfly (a different variety than the Green Mantidfly I photographed).  It was quite interesting.

There's also another video of the molting of their skin.  It always fascinates me how bugs grow from shedding a previous "shell."  Seems to take an awful lot of work to get out and move on.  Check out the molting Mantidfly.

If you live near Tuscon, there's a big Bird and Wildlife Festival that's taking place there from August 13-17.  If you're going to be in that area don't miss Ramsey Canyon Preserve, a hot spot for hummingbirds.  I'd sure like to be there but there are birding and wildlife festivals on our side of the country also. 

View Enlarged Image
Male Northern Flicker at Bird Bath
View More Flicker Photos
One that is in Virginia will be the Eastern Shore Bird and Wildlife Festival in October (10th to 12th). 

We've never been to that area of Virginia on the coast.  Rather than go during the festival since slots for the best field trips are filled in quickly, I'm taking the information provided on those points of interest the birders will be visiting and we're planning on going a week later when things have quieted down.  A great time to visit the beach since we will be passing by Virginia Beach to get there.

Then there's Williamsburg on the way home where there are a lot of outdoor trails to explore.  Check out the birding and wildlife festivals in your area and use the information to plan a trip for the beautiful Fall weather.  Search site for festivals.

Since we're on the topic of birding.  I recently discovered that there is a blind birding group in Michigan and it would be nice if this type of training began to be available all around the country and world.  I found groups in Texas, Idaho and Massachusetts, so it's beginning to spread.

The foundation of it is to learn the bird songs and calls by ear.  This is part of what birders normally do since there are birds you rarely see but can know by their songs.  It has opened up a natural world to blind folks who can fall in love with birds and also learn so much more about nature and wildlife itself just by being out there.  Check out this article about it and CBS video


View Enlarged Image
Donna Picking Apples at Fruit Hill
View Photos of Fruit Hill Orchard
We went to a local orchard to pick a bushel of apples this past Tuesday.  It was a beautiful day, rather chilly in the morning before it warmed up.  We're having 58 degree nights here in Central Virginia.  Strange weather.  I love picking fruit almost as much as I love eating it.  I like "shopping" local also, especially when it comes to farmers since they're having a rough time of it these days.

On July 18th we attended one of Andrew Wommack's meetings in Woodbridge, VA.  We were two hours away but have been to his meeting before and it's definitely worth the trip.  In March 2012 I was prayed for and was healed of rheumatoid arthritis.  There's been no pain/inflammation or more damage since which has been absolutely awesome!  Some healings are not instant and those are the hardest to hang on to, but I am doing that now as I see things improving from what they were. 

He holds meetings across the country and there's an incredible time of worship before the message.  Check out his website's listing of events.

Spend some extended time with our Lord this week or weekend.  He'll bless your socks off!  Be still and know Him!

Donna


P.S. Anything in here that might help somebody you know?
Here's a link to the online version of this newsletter:  
http://www.thenatureinus.com/2014/08/newsletter-8114.html


Photo Galleries

Critters & Garden Photos
Videos
Travel - USA & International
Costa Rica
Pets

View Posts By Topic

being 60
creation-nature
gardening
going green
health
my healing journey
newsletters
pets
photos
simplify-frugal
spiritual
travel
travel-costa rica
written by Donna

Posts Since Last Newsletter

God Wants YOU Well

Sodas and Fructose Dangers

Water Striders In Our Pond

God Is Not Mad At You

Alternative Therapies for Pet Joint Problems

Worm Composting

Newsletter - 7/15/14

Previous Posts You May Have Missed

Prozac for Pets Grows in Popularity

God's Kind of Love

Benefits Of The Black Gum Tree

Newsletter - 7/1/14 (DLW)

Christian Mockingbirds (DLW)

Controlling Army Worms in Your Garden

The Power of Preventive Care for Pets - Video

Natural Grocers Bans Confinement Dairy Products

Thoughts, Doubts and Fears

Walmart Drives Down Organic Food Prices

Newsletter - 6/15/14 (DLW)

No Thought Is Harmless

How to Attract Pollinators to Your Garden

The Mysterious Brown Thrasher  (DLW)

Ants Are Gardening Assets

The Power Of Hope

More Than Just Sowing and Reaping

6 Best Headache-Healing Foods

Not All Beetles Are Bad: Beneficial Garden Bugs

Pet Safe Fertilizers for Lawn & Garden

Abba, Daddy, Papa and God the Father (DLW)

Natural Way to Get Duckweed Out of Your Pond (DLW)

You Are Wired For Love

Our Abba Daddy

The Ethics of Native Plant Gardening

Believing Is More Than a Choice

Mr. Bud Survives The Crimes  (DLW)

Soldier Beetles Are Pollinators

Hard Hearts

Recover From Germ Phobia

God Adores You! (DLW)

Simple Nest Boxes for Cavity-Nesting Bees

Miniature Ponds – How To Build



Sponsored by The Herbs Place - Wholesale Prices Always - What's On Sale Now?


Air Sanitizer * Products A-Z * Most Popular Products


© All photos unless otherwise noted are the property of Donna L. Watkins and cannot be displayed without approval. 

Share This Post