Melting Snowpile March 3, 2010

Melting Snowpile, originally uploaded by pictureapromise.

Trip to Fargo today. Stop at Hobby Lobby and I couldn't leave til I'd taken some pics of this giant snowpile on the parking lot. If you're familiar with Fargo, the building in the background is Denny's on 13th ave.

The Pile must be 10 feet or more. It's beginning to melt and there were icicles all around but the biggest here on the southwest side. Some as much as four and five feet tall!

Ready for spring but I really don't like how dirty everything will be til the snow is gone and the grass starts to grow!

Sometimes a photo is a work of art, some times it is documentation and sometimes it's just a photo. I think the icicles are a work of art!

Blessings~

Winter Field February 22, 2010

Winter Field, originally uploaded by pictureapromise.

Yep, nearing the end of February and fields of corn are still standing. This is not an uncommon sight in our area. We got a lot of snow this year so the farmers couldn't get in the field to finish their corn. Soon the spring thaw will start. I don't know if they will be able to finish their harvest or not. This field is on the bank of the Red River of the North. Last spring it was completely underwater. Most of the county was actually. We are praying for a slow melt and minimal rain til the river is flowing all the way to Canada.

Whatever happens this year, even if it is flooding like last year~I know that my Father God is in control, that whatever happens He has a purpose in it, for my good and His Glory. He has promised to never leave me nor forsake me. I give my worries, cares and concerns to Him, I trust Him.

Blessings~

Saying Grace February 20, 2010

Saying Grace, originally uploaded by pictureapromise.

When going thru my photos for today, this one was a delightful surprise! My little friend had been entertaining me again, climbing in and out of the feeder, running up and down the trees. I was just snapping photos..... I think he looks like he saying grace. Thanking God for all those good sunflower seeds. Thanking Him for a warm bed under the snow and so much more. My little friend reminded me that I ought to live with an attitude of gratitude. I have a home, family, clothes, shoes, good food and so much more. Like the gospel song I can sing "Thank you Lord for your blessings on me!"

We all have blessings to be thankful for, pick a few every day and say a prayer of gratitude!

Blessings~

Little Country Road February 15, 2010

Snow, Wind and Sunset, originally uploaded by pictureapromise.

This is a road less traveled. Follow it straight to the west and you will come to a dead end. A friend of mine lives at the end and to get to anywhere she must travel this road. Fresh snow, and strong winds keep filling up the road with pillow drifts. Some are small and easily driven thru but others are large and sometimes very hard. Hit them hard and fast and you're in trouble.

My life can be like this little country road sometimes. Not too much traffic it seems, the little nuisances of life pile up and can become big trouble. The wind starts to blow more frustrations, hurts and strife in my way. My tendency with this little road is to step on the gas and plow thru those pillow drifts. That's fine until I hit one that is too big and too hard and it sends me into the ditch or maybe i get stuck in it right there in the middle of the road!

The same is true of my life's "road", trying to ram thru those pesky roadblocks may work some of the time but eventually they will either throw me off my course or I'll get stuck right where I am. There is a time a a place for "plowing thru" but sometimes slowing down, using a little caution and praying for help is the best course to take whether you're on this little country road or traveling thru this life.

Blessings~

Snow Racer February 14, 2010

Snow Racer, originally uploaded by pictureapromise.

Today while watching for my birds, I saw this fella busy chomping down sunflower seeds. He entertained me for some time and made me laugh out loud a time or two. He would sit in the platform feeder or beneath it chomping seeds, the shells stuck in the fur near his tiny but busy little mouth! He would scurry across the snow to the tree, climb to a high branch and much his seeds some more. Then back down to the snow and when I expected him to fly across the snow he went beneath the snow at the base of the tree. It's a good couple feet deep there. So I figure he must have a little winter home under there. BRRR!! Next thing I know, his little head pops out of the snow near the base of the shepherds crook the feeders hang on. The little scamp has burrowed beneath the snow a beeline from tree to feeder. As I continued to watch, he was back and forth from tree to feeder, sometimes using his tunnel and others racing across the snow like he is in todays photo.

I took great delight in watching and was reminded of the verse Psalm 147:11 the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

In other words those of us who fear, love and trust God, He takes great delight in, so much more than I do of this silly squirrel. God loves me, wants to see me succeed, wants to heap blessing after blessing on me. Even when I fail, fall down, make a mess of things, that does not change how he feels about me. I change, circumstances change, the world will change but God is unchanging, the same yesterday, today and forever. My hearts cry to God is that His Spirit would place in me a delight for Him, for His Word, for His will.

Blessings!

Keep Looking Up! February 10, 2010

Keep Looking Up!, originally uploaded by pictureapromise.

Woke up to another frosty morning but it was shrouded in heavy fog. Gray dismal day or so it seemed. By 10 am the sun was shining and we were treated to the beautiful contrast of the pure white frost against the gorgeous winter blue sky. I found my self walking about with my nose in the air, gazing up at the gorgeous frosted treetops.

I need to walk about with my eyes looking upward in a spiritual sense as well. Looking up not at the sky but up to God. Looking up to Him for direction, guidance, instruction, wisdom, and even discipline. Keeping my eyes on Him keeps my eyes off the world, off my neighbor, off myself! Turning my eyes heavenward, brings peace and removes fear. Join me in keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.

Blessings~

Snowed In! February 9, 2010

Snowed In!, originally uploaded by pictureapromise.

After a long weekend of freezing rain, snow, blowing snow, more snow, drifting snow, snow day, no school, late start, we finally saw the sunshine! And the sun makes all that snow, sparkle and shine while casting wonderful shadows about creating beautiful abstracts on the snows surface. I walk by these trees every day on my way to work. Most day's I don't notice them, they're just trees. Today was different. their dark rough trunks stood in sharp contrast with the white softness of the snow. Planning to take at least one photo a day is training my eye to look at things differently, to notice things I may not have otherwise, to not just look, but to see. What will I see tomorrow? What will you see?

I hope you see BLESSINGS!

Hairy Woodpecker February 6, 2010

Hairy Woodpecker, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

While waiting for some friends to pick me up for a girls day out I was thrilled to see so many birds using my feeders again. Slowly the numbers are increasing and though most of the users are sparrows and finches it's a thrill! To date I have had sparrows, yellow finches, purple finches, juncos, pine siskins, chickadees, my beautiful cardinal pair that visit daily now, hairy woodpecker, downy woodpecker, one redheaded woodpecker and starlings (when I put out bread). The birds are such a joy to me, just so much fun. They are a wonder as well, such tiny fragile things withstanding snowstorms and blizzards, walking barefoot in the snow, and singing and chirping praises to the Father. Would that I be so grateful for all He abundantly provides for me that I have joy in my heart, peace in my soul and a song of praise on my lips.

Blessings~

He hears me! February 3, 2010

He hears me!, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

After filling my feeders again, I took a walk thru the deeeeeeep snow to the back of the house. Eyes on the trees, I was nearly on top of this guy before I noticed him. He was alone at the feeders and oh so very busy. He would stop, listen and then poke at the suet a bit more. I was able to take several shots but when I tried to move a couple steps to the left (the camera wanted to focus on the feeder not the Downy), I spooked him and off he flew.

Had I been content where I was, I could have watched him at close range a bit longer. A lesson there. Sometimes I need to just be still, enjoy the moment, be content.

Blessings~

One of a kind! February 2, 2010

One of a kind!, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

"How full of the creative genius is the air in which these are generated!
I should hardly admire more if real stars fell
and lodged on my coat."
--Henry David Thoreau, 1856

Moonscape January 28, 2010

Moonscape, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

Here in ND when you get a winter storm with blizzard conditions, that wind can be blowing at 50 miles an hour or more. It amazes me that little bitty birds aren't blown across the state. The creator has given them an amazing ability to ride out the storm. The wind can do terrible damage sometimes. Uprooting trees, carrying debris great distance and other damage can be expected. The wind also has the capability of creating beauty. Sometimes it piles up snow in lovely soft pillows as it fills in ones back yard. The strong wind blows tiny snowflakes into the trunks and bark of trees and in the sunlight they look to be wearing frosting. As a kid it would fill in our huge roadside ditches giving us a great place to slide and on the prairie it creates beautiful sculptures, each a unique, one of a kind masterpiece.

Sometimes in the midst of a winter blizzard you can't see what's a few feet away because of the snow being blown about. Yesterday a strong wind blew thru my life, my day. It was destructive, in part because I allowed it. I did and said things I regret but can't take back. I couldn't see the truth because of the fear, resentment, anger, frustration, fatigue and other factors swirling about. Later apologies were made, but damage had been done. I pray that God will heal the hurts I caused others to feel. It is my prayer too, that God will use this destructive wind to bring about something beautiful. I pray He uses it to teach me, to change me, to sculpt and mold me into the woman He would have me to be. In the meantime, I will draw ever nearer to Him whose love endures forever and whose mercies are new every morning.

Blessings

Wild Rice River in Winter January 27, 2010

Wild Rice River in Winter, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

Another sunshiny day here in North Dakota and quite cold. I took a run to town and on my way home I stopped to shoot this beautiful barn: http://www.flickr.com/photos/9199449@N08/4309902879/ I also took some of the Wild Rice River that the farmstead sits next to. As I was going thru the photos and playing with the black and white on some I got to thinking about how the river and the barn would look in spring. That thought led to planning to shoot both in each season. There are other ordinary spots, fantastic trees,old barns, buildings, parks and so on that could be photographed each season. I'm going to start a list and if I need inspiration for my pic one day I can just check my list.

This pic a day project has been great so far, early into it yet I know. I always have my camera and both lenses with me. If I hadn't today, I would not have driven back to the old barn and the river bank. It's a peaceful, quaint spot to visit and today, just what I needed. Shooting in manual has become much more comfortable. I even figured out the little meter in the viewfinder and I can change my settings without taking my eye away from the viewfinder! I have much to learn and for me doing is the best teacher.

Blessings~

Winter Beauty January 23, 2010

After an evening of freezing rain we woke up Saturday to a beautiful snow scene! The flakes were huge some as big around an a n egg! They were wet and heavy, the temps near freezing. They landed and clung to the ground, the trees and branches and each other. The result is a dreamy beautiful scene. Looking out into it can be deceiving however. Just past this tree, past my back yard, the conditions for travel are very dangerous. Ice beneath new wet snow makes for very slippery roads. Wet heavy snow on the highway (slush) can pull your car, make you lose control and put you in the ditch or worse. I am safe with my loved ones, tucked in our homes and so we appreciate the beauty of the storm.

Sin, can be like the winter storm. As an observer, it may look harmless, appealing, mysterious. Like the storm, it's dangers may be hidden. A friend of mine uses the phrase "slippery slope" when one flirts with sin. Like the icy roads of the storm, sin can pull us, drag us, and we find ourselves at the bottom. There are no "sin advisories" from the media like when a winter storm hits, but God has given us very clear warnings in the Bible as to the danger and the consequences of sin. Would that we study the Bible and listen to the wisdom therein.

I have on occasion, traveled during a winter storm. I've run into trouble, ending up in the ditch or stranded due to no visibility. Someone has had to come rescue me, so thankful I had someone to call (my hubby! we have a Wrecker LOL!.) The Bible says that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. He also tells us that we can call on Him to save us (my Savior, He died on a tree!)

Enjoy the beauty beware the dangers.

Blessings~

Little Red Shed January 19, 2010

Little Red Shed, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

Another frosty day in the neighbor hood! Usually the frost we have in the am is gone by noon. About 4pm this afternoon, I went for a drive in the country just looking for things to photograph. I had fun and got quite a few fun winter pics. I found an old house hidden amidst the frost laden trees. My favorite ancient cottonwood tree that stands guard over the prairie was covered with the heavy frost. Our little country road on the way to church was lined with trees whose branches were heavy with the frost. Beauty everywhere I looked, maybe because I was looking for it.

To some, this old weathered shed and its rundown peers is an eyesore. Something outdated, useless and ugly that should be removed, perhaps replaced. Without the contrast of the red of the little shed, this scene would be far less interesting. I'm glad it's still there, hope it stays there for a long time so that I can photograph it again and again as the seasons change.

If you'd like to see some of my other winter pics you can find them on Flickr

Blessings!

The table is Set~January 16, 2010

The table is Set~, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

Last week I shoveled a path thru two feet of snow to my bird feeders out back. I wanted to bring them to the front of the house hoping to entice some of my feathered friends back to my yard. I rescued my best feeders and filled them, hung them in the tree out front and waited. And waited. The feeders are still full after several days. Not even a squirrel has ventured near. I will continue to wait, to hope that the birds will slowly find their way to the feeders.

I can be like the birds at times. There is a banquet set for me. Psalm 23 says God prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies! Yet I am too busy, too comfortable or too proud to come and feast at the Kings table. The Lord has promised to provide for my every need. We ask Him for our daily bread and then break our back trying to provide for our selves. We live in loneliness, fear, despair, grief, poverty and defeat when God has fellowship, peace, hope, joy, abundance and victory waiting for us. His table is set, would that I go to His table, to His Word, to Him for all that I need this day, everyday.

Blessings~

Fog Magic January 13, 2010

Fog Settles January 13, 2010, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

When I was in elementary school (a very long time ago!) I read a book called Fog Magic. It was a story of a girl who would walk into the fog and find herself in history. She was befriended by a family and learned about their way of life, the joys and struggles of a pilgrim family. I have
since loved the fog. It is mysterious, beautiful, magic!

Today's fog came midday, unusual for us. It didn't take long to accumulate on the trees in delicate frost After running a few errands, I grabbed my camera and went for a little drive. I had an old barn and this cemetery with the adjacent church in mind. I had fun this afternoon running around in the fog, snapping pictures and capturing some of that Fog Magic!

I'll have more fog magic pics on my flickr page

Blessings~

Like Stone January 12, 2010

Like Stone, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

Today the sun was shining! What a treat. After work, I took my camera outdoors and took a short walk. The snow has been drifting in on the path I walk to work. This is a shot of the top of the snow bank. I tweaked it some in picasa, just a little contrast and warmed it up some. Reminds me of limestone. You can see a few more of the shots I took today on my flickr page. There are some unedited and a couple black and white. Snow makes such fun abstract pictures. I'd love to hear what YOU see.

Blessings all

sun on the snow January 7, 2010

sun on the snow, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

Yesterday we had snow, snow, snow, falling, falling, falling. Today the wind was still blowing but the sky was clear of clouds and it was the temps that were falling, falling, falling. We are well below zero here, add some wind and you have "quick freeze your skin" conditions! The older I get the more I dislike the cold and the more I feel it in my bones.

So on this very cold day, what do I do? I head outdoors with my camera! And not just once but three times I went chasing sun dogs! That's what a good cold clear day is good for. The last walk took me to the edge of town where across the field I could view the sun dogs and the sunset. The wind still blew snow across the drifts and the setting sun kissed the snow with pinks and orange. Such a beautiful goodbye to the day! I'm glad I didn't sit indoors bemoaning the cold and wishing for warm temps. Instead I opened my eyes and found surprises!

You can see more sun dog and winter pics on my flickr acct. Just click the link!
Blessings

broadway, Abercrombie January 6, 2010

broadway, Abercrombie, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

Well today is a typical winter day in ND. The snow was falling when I got up, and it is still snowing at 4 in the afternoon. The wind is going to pick up and then we will really have a mess on our hands! Good day to stay close to home. I love watching the snow fall. It brings a blanket of new to everything. I took a little walk thru town to get a few pics and two things stood out to me. First, the blanket of snow that covers over the old. It is fresh, white, untouched. Reminds me of what Jesus has done for me. He loved me, died in my place, paid my debt, forgave me and made me His child. All the old of me has been covered in the newness of Him. Bible says I am a new creation! My scarlet stains have been made white as snow.

The second thing that struck me was where kids (big and small) had played in the new snow. Run thru it, kicked it, even rolled in it. Reminds me to take each new day I am given and really live in it, whatever the day may hold. And occasionally we may even get the chance to frolic in it!

One thing I want to do this year is learn to use the manual setting on my camera. The pics I took today turned out a little grey. I hit the auto contrast on this one, neither is exactly how the day looks. You can see more of the weather around Abercrombie on Flickr.

Blessings~

Something New! January 1, 2010

Squiggles, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

I have so enjoyed getting acquainted with my new camera the past several months. Shooting with a DSLR is so very different from shooting with my little point and shoot. I use the Auto setting most of the time but venture out every now and then to the M setting. In Colorado, I tried to get the smooth looking water, some of them turned out fine. Today we celebrated Christmas with my oldest son and his new wife. I found the "bulb" setting and we had fun playing!

It's good to step outside one's comfort zone, to try something new, to learn something new. We have a brand new year ahead and it's like a field of freshly fallen snow. Each day we can leave a footprint in the snow. Where shall we step today and what new things will we experience? I want to explore the entire field, leave my prints all over the place. I don't intend to miss a thing.
Blessings~