Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts

Monday, May 2, 2016

The Bird

The window
By Angie Quantrell Angie Quantrell

I had just finished reading two separate blog posts.

The first post was about clean windows and how they look great - until the sun streams through and we can still see the smudges and streaks left despite our efforts. You can read this Lynn Austin post here. A Clear View

The second post asked the question "Just How Big is God?" The author encouraged readers to consider how God knows every little detail, even down to when a sparrow falls to earth. Every sparrow! Read this post by Leslie A. here. Just How Big is God?

A few mere moments after completing these readings, I heard a loud thunk.

In our house, a thunk usually means a bird has flown into our large picture window.

This window, speaking of clean windows, streaks, and smudges, defies my every attempt to make it clean and sparkling.

I raced towards the front window, glancing down into the flower bed beneath the brick ledge.

Sure enough, a stunned sparrow twitched on the bark. I went out and saw that it barely breathed. I gently picked it up and stroked its back, watching for signs of being stunned or on the edge of death. Some birds survive our window. After a few moments of being knocked out, they flip over and fly away.

This little guy did not. He didn't take more than 2 or 3 breaths as I held him cupped in my hand. I watched the still breast, hoping that I just couldn't see the ribs move. But the glass wall was too much for his tiny body.

And there I was. Crying for a tiny sparrow who died from smashing into my window. Even though I could see the dirt and smudges on it, it looked clear and invisible for my feathered friend. There was nothing I could do.

But God knew. He knew the exact moment the sparrow crashed into the window and the second it took its last breath. And He cared that it happened.

God knows all things. He cares about everything in our lives, down to the tiniest detail. Though He is the God of the Universe, He knows and cares.

About us. About that poor sparrow. About me crying when the sparrow died. About my frustrations with daily life or big events or fears that seem silly. He cares.

God cares.

Friday, January 23, 2015

Reading with Kitty - Always Easier

What paper? What table?

Mabel, the skittish and hands-off member of the Motley Two gray girls, has adopted her 'acceptable-to-touch-me-zone."

That would be on top of the AM newspaper.

Yes. Now we know it's appropriate for loves if one is at the table, has the paper spread out or held up, and the reader is engrossed in perusing the news.

There's a cat on the newspaper?

Maybe because she has figured out WHEN it's ok (?) to be on the table. Or maybe just because she wants to be in the know about current events.

Either way. Reading with the assistance of a furry, four-legged, clawed feline is the way to go.

I do not see a cat on the table. Are you talking about Monet?

Angie Quantrell has seriously adopted many new house rules and redecorations as the result of adopting two gray kittens.

Friday, November 28, 2014

A Month of Thanks - November 28 - Rubber Stamps (& Hobbies)


Today, November 28, I am thankful for rubber stamps. And all things hobby.

I have several favorites when it comes to crafting and hobbies. Rubber stamping is at or near the top of the list. But I also enjoy

crocheting
water color painting
reading
decorating
baking
cooking
making pottery
photography
blogging
writing
sewing
eating (hey - that can count as a hobby, right?)
looking at Pinterest (yes, now I have to count this, since I spend so much time doing it)
thrifting
walking (I really need to move this one to the top of the list)

oh, I could go on and on,
but not enough hours in any given day
or year
for me to enjoy all of the
things I love to do


So, let's just say, hobbies are an excellent outlet for creativity.

And at Thanksgiving dinner, rubber stamps and a create station occupied three very energetic children after the eating-of-the-turkey was complete.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

too many books, too little time

It's true. My 'want to read' stack is growing ever taller, even as my free time to spend on discretionary reading dwindles as much as pocket change after purchasing petrol at the station...

I love reading.

I adore reading.

I love books.

Now. If I could just get my students to love and adore and enjoy reading as much as I do, we'd be A-all right.

Already starting on the sweet little grandson, who especially loves any book with tires and tractors...