Standing in Awe...

Neighbor Bill's barn on a late winter afternoon

I was thinking about the birds at our feeder and the wood for our stove. I just can't get over it: Here we are, a sinful, rebellious people on this earth, who ignore our Creator after all He's given us, and even  though we've contaminated His Creation, even though we try to stuff our lives with every possible thing to take His place, He still allows us not only to 'live on His earth and breathe His air,' but leaves us among so much residual beauty!

 Nuthatch and Downy at their 8 AM breakfast

 Bluejays on the basswood

 Finches at the north feeder

I am in awe every time I see the cardinals, bluejays, flickers, downies, sparrows, finches, and other winter birds at the feeder. They are perfect. They are beautiful. They are amazing creatures that do exactly what God wants them to do. And as much as I enjoy these creatures, it is God who is the source of all creation, God of whom we should be in awe.

 My Snowdog

My littlest Snowdog

And then I was thinking about the dogs and cats who live in our house. How strange it is that creatures completely different from us can live among us, communicate their desires, and enjoy our company.

A snuggly afternoon

Enjoying a snack together under the birdfeeder

Eating the leftovers, early evening

And then I was thinking about wood...what an amazing thing that is! It shades us, it works for building our homes, and when we're cold, we cut the tree down because it will combust (spell check is telling me that this isn't a word) ... and in doing so, it will give off heat to protect us against sub-zero outdoor temperatures (not to mention all the other uses there are for wood.) Yet another of God's many gracious provisions for us.

Wheelbarrow of wood brought into the house.

There is so much to think about...

There are so many reasons to bow before the Creator and give Him praise.

And so much for which to be thankful...on a cold January night.