Fall is setting in, leaves are changing ever so slowly their colors of Autumn with a patch of  bright yellows and a glimmer of orange . Yet, we haven’t received as much moisture this summer so watering is still needed for our gardens. This morning while watering some of our new pine trees we planted this year I saw this hummingbird come right up to me. It appeared it was taking a drink from the spray of the hose. It so captivated me that I started to talk to this little guy. (No I am not crazy) It stayed there for  what seemed like five minutes or so. The longer it stayed the more it inched up to me. It was within 12 inches away. It was the craziest thing but it was fascinating to see this bird so close. I found out that hummingbirds don’t just eat nectar for food like many of us have thought. They also eat insects such as beetles, ants and flies. Just a fact that I thought I would share.

Actually, this praying mantis is really not praying at all! It does have a resemblance of an insect praying which is often why we are attracted to this creature. It is actually waiting for an insect to pass by for its festive dinner activities.

However, there is a lesson in watching the praying mantis since the first thing we observe is a position of prayer. That is to pray! So many stories of people in the bible that never ceased to pray a  prayer of thanksgiving or a request to the Lord. The verse that I so often am reminded by is in Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by PRAYER and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Psalm 33:8

We went to a family camp in Nebraska. I am always amazed at the beauty of nature every where I go. How is it that God has climates made specific for  that creature or plant?

On my walk I came across this dragon fly. I was reading about this insect and found out that the male dragon flies compete for a specific area that they dominate over by raising their abdomen up. It is his way of showing leadership over his area. There are lessons that we can observe about leadership by watching this insect.  Perhaps you have dragon flies nearby your area. Watch and observe this little guy and see what the Lord shows you through His lessons in nature.

We went up to Estes Park this weekend. While walking along the river we saw this beautiful Elk sitting along the path and eating the grass.  Elk will typically gather in herds. While in a group, at least one of the animals is always looking up while the others are eating. Their senses can detect that something is moving closer. The ears of the Elk are very large and twist forward and backward listening for the faint wrestling of a possible predator. Their eyes are large and are on the side of their skull to see what is happening ahead of them and beside them.

As a Christian the believer should also be reminded of the verse in 1st Peter 5:8 that says Be of sober Spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Such a reminder that this world is not our home. We must be in The Word and always be aware that Satan is constantly looking to stumble you. He is prowling, watching and waiting. Look and listen intently just like the Elk…