Let's Get the Order Right, Shall We?
Correcting the mixed-up thinking.
Almost daily I hike the trails to the creek. I walk the edges of our neighbour’s farmland and step carefully down the hills. Prairie spring wind rustles the branches and budding leaves of the aspen and poplar trees bordering the trails. Sometimes I’ll hear the knocking of a woodpecker, and the call of the chickadee that echos its’ name. But the sound that freezes me in my tracks is the beating wings of a Ruffed Grouse.
If you haven’t heard the beating wings of a Ruffed Grouse, just imagine the rumble of a motorcycle engine firing up. Unlike other grouse species that dance and coo in meadows to attract a mate, the male ruffed grouse perches on fallen logs in the forests, rapidly opening and closing their wings. The escalating beat of their wings sounds like the rhythmic thump of a motorcycle starting.
But, hang on…does the grouse sound like a motorcycle or the motorcycle sound like the grouse? I catch myself pondering. How often do I compare a man-made item to nature? How often do I get into that mixed up thinking that I created something when actually everything comes from God first? Do I place God first as the creator of all things?
In Genesis 1, we read how God created the light: the sky: the land and seas; the sun, moon, and stars; fish and birds; animals; and man and woman. He “created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (27)
God created all creatures then directed man to “rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” (28). He’s directed us to be good stewards of His creations.
Getting mindful that all came from God first naturally puts God first in all things. It takes our mixed-up, upside down thinking, and perfects it’s syntax. It corrects our similes, elegantly reforming (restoring) our sentences (thinking).
“In the distance, I hear a motorcycle firing-up like the beating wings of ruffed grouse.”
Take a Breather
Sounds and sights around the farm. A woodpecker knocks, and a porcupine hides.
Watch the Male Ruffed Grouse — be ready to click the play button over and over!
“But that’s what I love about our friendship-our differences enhance our shared experiences.”
Mighty-Great May Moments:
A fun evening class with my girlfriend learning how to make natural body products. She added purple tones to her lotions, bath steamers, and body butter, the absolute opposite of me (as you see below)! But that’s what I love about our friendship—our differences enhance our shared experiences.
It was the facebook ad that first hooked me on “Every Salad Ever.” When this cookbook released this spring exclusively at Indigo, I quickly got mine, posted an Instagram story, and was delighted when author Greta Podleski responded! (Note to writers: your readers do love to hear from you!) So far I’ve made a dozen new salads—yes, this is my cookbook pick to make every recipe before the end of 2025—a head of lettuce at a time. (Did I mention the pictures are as pretty as a blooming summer garden?)
What I’m Reading
Everybody Writes by Ann Handley - A recommended read for all writers, and we are all writers, so that’s all of you!
The Selected Journals of L.M Montgomery, Volume II, 1910 - 1912 - It’s not a book you can read in one sitting (500 tight-font pages), but for Anne of Green Gables fans and history lovers, you’ll find yourself hurrying through daily tasks, so you can get back to reading the diaries of this late Canadian author.
Willow and Sage Magazine - A friend remarked that I was becoming a (modern) homesteader. “I know, crazy, hey?” I replied. This “quick stop to the grocery store” gal now has cases of pickling jars, and spends hours researching the best way to grow herbs indoors. (If you know, tell me in the comments!) I was delighted to see that my library’s e-magazine collection includes editions of Willow and Sage. It is filled with recipes (and gorgeous photography) of natural face creams and lotions that I’m starting to dabble into….stay tuned! (If you have suggestions to avoid skin disasters, please tell us!)
Sharing is Caring - Community Reads
Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. Romans 12:4-5
Art is a Portal - Shauna Niequist
Rita's Seasons - Not What It Looks Like
Tell me… What has nature shown you this season?
Rejoicing with you in your daily trek to the creek, the beautiful farm, learning healthy ways, and continuing to grow wholeheartedly. Beautiful, Lynn!
How fun to get a peek at what you're reading, Lynn!