Early in the morning as the sun is starting to peek above the horizon, a melodious whistling can be heard.  The variety of pitches and tones is a joyous sound and signals that a new day has begun.  This whistling is made by a little black bird with a red beak.  (I cannot find the correct name for it Online.)  It lifts its harmonious voice once again as the sun goes down.  It’s a blessing to hear this bird sing and to think of God’s watch care over us both day and night.  It reminds me of a stanza from the song, “This Is My Father’s World.”  ---This is my Father’s world, the birds their carols raise; The morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker’s praise.

Along this line, Frank recently brought out this verse in a sermon, “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them.  Are ye not much better than they?”  Matthew 6:26.  As we sometimes take a walk around a nearby pond, we see the fowl there waddle along the shore or else glide along the water and then suddenly duck underneath when they spot some food.  The only time that we have seen them nervous is when their babies have hatched out in the spring.  Otherwise they go about their lives in a simple and trusting way.

    Neighbors –
Sergev and his family moved into the house next door to us this past month.  They are from Kazakhstan, which borders Russia.  Across the street from us live Aub and his wife.  His heritage is Norwegian.  Our other neighbors were born and raised here in Australia but from different areas.  All are friendly and hard working.  I find it amazing how God brings different people together in a particular place and time.  I’m eager to find out who our new neighbors will be once we get moved.

    Spiders – Oh No, Please Don’t Mention Them Once Again –
On one scheduled “open house inspection” that Frank and I went to, we walked in amongst a horde of other people also wanting to find a rental place to live.  When we got to one of the bedrooms, I noticed that right where the bed would be located; there was a big black spot on the floor/wall molding.  I didn’t have on my glasses but immediately knew what it was.  Though I asked Frank to be sure and said, “Is that a spider as big as the palm of my hand?”  He said, “Yeah.”  Well, in my book, that was definitely a negative on renting the place.  However the real reason we decided not to put in our application is the house was all electric, which is a soaring cost here, and we were holding out for a place with gas appliances.  I can’t help but wonder though who did put in an application and if the one “chosen” came armed with some kryptonite spider spray.

    A friend in Christ,
    Sister Cyd James