Birds and Blessings

As I think about what to post,I am drawn in different directions.

I decided on posting some pictures taken about a year ago.

You will notice the photographers name on each one.

This picture was taken just west of town at Lake Minniwasta.

This is the road that leads to the back of the lake.

The way the weather looks outside right now,tomorrow could look almost like this.

It is snowing fairly hard.

Today the temperatures are quite mild,so no build up of frost on the windows.

I enjoy the fancy designs the frost makes.

Again,this was taken last year,but before long,as the temperatures drop,there will be more fancy windows again.

I appreciate the feeder Jake put up,right in front of the dining room window.

The window seldom ever is very clean,but that is a small price to pay for having the birds so close.

The Black-capped Chickadee is a favorite bird,showing up all year.

Last year we had this Yellow-shafted Flicker staying around,well into December.

Here there is just the glass between me and him.

Isn't he a handsome fellow?

Jake caught him at the suet feeder.

This was his favorite food.

Since I make my own suet,the pieces don't always fit into the feeder neatly,but the birds don't mind.

On another note.

Yesterday would have been Jake's birthday and I was dreading this day.

I have to say,that I have some of the best in-laws,because they got together and came over,taking me out for lunch and then spending the afternoon with me.

We had a wonderful time together.

I also had the opportunity to pass along some of Jake's collectables to his siblings.

I believe he would have smiled as he saw the pleasure this was giving the recipients,especially his two young nieces.

I had a thought for the day picked,but as I looked up,another one jumped out at me,so I will use it instead.

 Thought for today:

Rejoice though your heart is broken in two;

God seeks to bring forth a rich harvest in you.

Memories

Allow me to do a little reminiscing.

For today's post I have picked a few of Jake's old slide scans.

Jake was always looking for a new challenge,when it came to photography.

Night shots are a challenge,but one which Jake enjoyed.

Here are two shots taken in Calgary,Alberta.

I recognize the Calgary Tower in the first picture,but have no idea just where the next one is,except that it is Calgary.

This next picture is a partial Lunar eclipse.

I know that Jake took several eclipse shots over the years.

Of course,sunset pictures are always special.

I happen to like this one,but could have chosen any of a number of pictures.

Jake enjoyed taking pictures at sunset.

I look at these images and remember a man who loved life and had so much to share.

The final image is one of a comet.

This one was taken on a very cold night,I remember because I was right there with him.

I do not remember the name of this comet,but it was fairly easy to see and photograph.

As I spend time looking at these pictures,I have tears in my eyes.

Oh how I would love to go out and spend time taking pictures together with Jake.

This is now only a memory,but what a special memory it is.

I have always known that making good memories was important,but now I realize just how important it really is.

Take the time today to do that special something with the ones you love.You will never regret these moments.

The thought for today is a verse that has become very meaningful to me.

When you pass through the waters,I will be with you;and when you pass through the rivers,they will not sweep over you.

Isaiah 43:2

Christmas Wishes

Since it is now less than two weeks until Christmas,

I want to extend my wishes to all who read this blog.

This past year,or more correctly the past few months have been some of the most difficult I have ever had.

I have had to say good-bye to the dearest one on earth to me.

I know that Jake is now eternally rejoicing,but my home is empty and my heart is broken.

In spite of all this I can still say that God has been and still is good to me.

The friendships that I have found and the support of people both near and far is,to say the least,overwhelming.

My Christmas will be very different from any in the past.

Before Christmas,on the 19th,would have been Jake's birthday,and that may be a difficult day.

I trust that as God has led me thus far He will continue to give strength for each moment.

I wish for each of you a Christmas filled with joy and a time of making memories that last a lifetime.

Thought for today:

God doesn't give us what we can handle.

He helps us handle what we are given.

God Keeps His Promises

God's promises are ever true.

I need to remember this daily.

Today,as I was reading another blog,I wept with her and also for myself.It is not easy to keep on moving forward,when all that the heart wants to do is give up.

Tonight I was reminded of the words found in Jeremiah 29:11

11'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

God does have good plans for me

I do also want to stay true to the title of this blog.After all it is a Photo Blog,so therefore I need to keep on posting pictures.

On Saturday some friends of mine picked me up and we went out in search of pictures.

Here are just a few of the many pictures I took.

This is just beside the road and the snow has drifted over the edge.

 Here are my friends,busy getting more photos.
This picture was taken,just facing in the opposite direction from the first.

A close-up of the over hanging snow.

I noticed this design in the snow,not too far from my feet.
The wind created such unique patterns with the snow.

A little further down the road we found this abandoned farm.
The other side of the barn roof was in much worse shape.

I have told several people that God has angels everywhere,and most of them are in blue jeans.

I believe that the friends who took me out on Saturday were two of God's angels.

I needed this outing more than I can tell.

The fresh air cleansed the mind and doing what I enjoy,in the company of good friends was a refreshing break.

Having said that I would have loved to have Jake there,but that is not an option.

Thought for today:

God always gives enough strength for the next step.

Some Of My Decorations

Today I will share some of my Christmas decorations.

I have only one new one for this year,and that was made for me by my Granddaughter.

This picture and the reason it is special needs no explanation.

Each time I look at the above decoration,I get teary eyed.

OK,I cry,would be more correct.

Below is a picture of a wreath that has hung in my house since 1979.Steve made this in school when he was in grade one.

He thinks it is ugly,but I have to put it out each year.

By now,it just wouldn't feel right if I didn't hang it up.

This little ornament is one of several,with similar designs.

Since I like Cardinals,but don't see them around here,I enjoy this Cardinal.He may not be red,but is still quite charming.

Jesus Is The Reason For The Season

I got this one from Steve,many years ago,and it always has a place near the top of the tree.

It is a reminder to keep Christ in Christmas.

My tree is quite small,but it works in a house that is also not very large.

The tree has lost some of it's appeal this year.

Somehow it is no fun to sit and watch the lights all by myself.

I dare not let myself dwell on the emptiness of the house,especially at Christmas time.

I try to remember that God is in control and knows what is best for me.

I wanted to end with some thought about Christmas,but this one seemed to be the one I needed for today.

Thought for today:

Because God is with us,we need not fear what lies ahead.

Winter Beauty

Winter has arrived in full force.

With this comes lots of snow,and of course shoveling.

Now don't get me wrong,there is also a lot of beauty.

The next two pictures are the seed heads of Tansy.

This bright yellow flower may be gone,but the remaining stems still carry a beauty of their own,especially when topped by a handful of snow.

Last week as I was sitting and having my devotions,

I looked out of the window and this is what I saw.

God had put a layer of snow on the evergreens.

This is taken right from my bedroom window.

I was intrigued by the shadows on the snow.

Somehow they don't look quite as pretty on a picture,

but still worth sharing.

The following three pictures are all taken while standing on my yard and looking at the trees on the south side of the yard.

Every little leaf sported a cap of white.

I thought that this one was especially cute.

I do enjoy trying my hand at winter photography,even if it means that I am in snow up to my ankles or more.

Each day I am trying to find something for which to give thanks.

The snow means that I get my exercise and fresh air all in one ,while clearing the walk and car for the 10th time in one day.

O.K. maybe it wasn't ten times,but only felt like it.

I found the following.Unfortunately I do not know to whom to give credit for this.

BE THANKFUL

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.

If you did,what would there be to look forward to.

Be thankful when you don't know something,for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for difficult times.

During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.

They teach your valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary,because it means you made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.

A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,and they can become your blessings.

Foliage and Flowers

It is time to connect with all of you again.

My days are filled with busyness,yet I feel like I am accomplishing nothing.

The following picture was taken earlier,when the trees still had their leaves.

If I recall correctly,I took this one on the last time Jake and I went out to look at nature.

I have so many memories,but each one is tinged with sadness at this time.

Lest you think I am all sadness,that is not the case.

God is showing me daily,some little thing,I can be thankful for.God is still good.

The next picture is right outside my back door.

I stepped out one day in fall and saw these beautiful leaves growing alongside the pond.

I quickly retrieved my camera and took this shot.

Over the last few months my home has been graced with so many beautiful flowers.

I wanted to remember how they looked,so,often I would take a picture or two or more.

My heart was not in the photography,but the pictures still turned out OK.

Here are two shots of two different bouquets.

Tomorrow my Steve and Kai are coming to help me set up the Christmas tree.

Perhaps with my granddaughter helping,I will be able to enjoy the process.

Thought for today:

Relying on God has to begin all over again every day.

A few More Memories

I find it difficult to make this post,but feel that I need to do it.

Many of you have asked how I am doing.

The short answer is 'pretty good'.

Having said that,there are times when the memories overwhelm me and the flood gates open up.

Here is the last picture of Jake ,taken about two weeks before his passing.

The puppy belongs to Jake's brother and his family.

This little bundle of fur,brought a smile to his lips each time she came.

Winter is now upon us and here is a recent picture I took through the back door window.

Finally I want to share just one picture of the many flowers I received.

The last day or so I have had the following song on my mind and in my heart.The words express my feeling perfectly.

He Giveth More Grace

He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,

1. He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
   To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
   To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.
2. When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
   When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
   When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
   Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
3. His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,  
4. His power no boundary known unto men;
5. For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
   He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
6. Thanks again for your faithful prayers and notes.
7. 
   

Fall Hummingbirds

I guess it is about time to share some new/old pictures.

The last 7 ½ weeks have been hard,and I know there will be more difficult days ahead,but for now,I want to share a few pictures I took on September 4,2010.

These pictures were taken on our yard.

The birds were getting ready to head south,so they allowed me to come fairly close.

I also want to take this time to once again thank each of you for your encouragement,prayers and phone calls.

I always knew that blogging was special,but during my time of need I really found out just how special you all are.THANKS.

Memories

Jake Hiebert was born December 19,1941.

He grew up south of Morden and spent most of his life in this small farming community.

He loved his Lord and Savior,Jesus Christ.

Many times I have seen him sitting and reading his well worn Bible,and other christian books.

Today will be a difficult day,as we say a final farewell to his earthly body.

I would like to share with you a tribute which his only child,Steve wrote for him.

I beleive Jake would be so proud of Steve and these kind words.

I apologize for the length of this post,but felt that I wanted to share the following tribute as Steve wrote it.

My memories of Dad start in 1973,but the stories I've heard go back much farther than that.Dad always loved hunting,whether it was with a gun in his younger years,or with a camera.I remember hearing stories of Dad and his buddies chasing some poor fox through ditches and across plowed fields with their cars..I was later told never to follow this example,but still laugh to this day when I think of some of those crazy things that I've heard about.These stories just don't seem to line up with the quiet,gentle man most of us knew him as,and loved.By the time I was forming my own memories os Dad he had matured..well at least to a point,he always kept his fun loving ways about him.I remember a father that always had time for the ones he loved.It didn't matter how tired Dad was from working all day,he always had time for a game of catch outside in the evening. There were countless walks in the bush as we'd go out with his camera and he'd point out out little details in the flowers to me.and explain how bees were not out to get me,but were just doing the job that God had created them to do.He taught me how to ride my bike for what seemed like forever,but I'm sure it was just a few evenings…he'd hang on to the back of my bike and run on the lawn with me…or so I thought..I'd look back  and realize that Dad was standing back and watching me ride on my own and as soon as I realized this,I ended up on my side and he would come running to make sure I was ok…with jst a little smirk on his face,knowing that I could ride on my own.At the time I'm sure I wasn't too thrilled with this teaching strategy,but he always knew what he was doing and now  laugh at this.

As I said earlier,by this time I started forming my own memories of Dad,he had matured..somewhat…I'm not sure how old I was ,but I recall wrestling with Dad one afternoon..in the living room,but I don't recall,but imagine Mom was probably telling us to settle down,when I got the upper hand and managed to push Dad over and we both fell backwards into a chair and bust the leg off the chair….my first response,oh dear,I'm in trouble now.Dad looked at me and started laughing..he was still that crazy guy that loved to have fun..even if it meant wrecking something.

As I grew up I was very interested in astronomy and wanted a telescope… I started saving to make the big purchase..funny thing is ,I think Dad secretly wanted that telescope as much as I did,so he ended up buying it for me as a gift…I think Mom even believed him that it was a gift for me.We spent many hours outside looking at the stars with it…from mosquito infested summer nights to −20C winter night…Dad was always there with me.

There are so many stories I could share about this amazing man that I call Dad..the last story starts only a few months back…I got a call from the hospital   Dad had not been feeling great for a little while,so he went to see the doctor.I remember getting the call and being told he had a large mass on his pancreas.The amazing part of this story is that faced with certain death Dad did not waiver…    I rarely saw him cry,he was not scared of death…even as he was laying in his bed in his last few days or even hours he was still the strongest man I've ever known.He knew he was going to be with Jesus and was excited about this.The last words he said were the morning of his passing…Mom leaned over and said,"I love you sweetheart"….She didn't think he was awake or alert and he whispered  "I love you too". A few hours later he quietly passed away to be with his Maker. 

I could go on for hours talking about all the amazing times that we shared,but as you can see Dad was much more to me than just my Dad…he was my best friend,and playmate and a loving and amazing husband to Mom.

I love you Dad.

Good-bye

Greetings Friends,

   At about 4:25 PM jake went to meet his Lord and Savior.

It was a very peaceful passing,and my first words were"Thank-you Jesus".

This is what he wanted and we are content knowing that he is no longer struggling.

I will post further once we have made the arrangements.

 Than-you for you love and prayers,we appreciate each one of you.

  Ruth and Steve

Update On Jake

Hi Friends,

  It is time to give a short update.

Things have changed rather quickly for us.

In just the last 3 days Jake has gotten so weak,that he is no longer able to walk at all.

Just getting him into a sitting position makes him extremely tired.

On Sunday he was admitted to BTHC.

At first it sounded like it would only be overnight,but by today,I can see that he is there for much longer.

We are still praising God that Jake has very little pain.

He is not eating at all and drinking only small amounts.

He told me today that he is at peace,and believes that he may not come home again.

I again encourage those who are near enough to stop by for short visits.

I can be reached on my cell phone at 204-823-0712,or after 9 PM at our home phone 204-822-3614.

Thank-you to all who call,send an email or stop by,your concern for Jake is heart warming.

    Ruth

To my friends in blogland,thank-you for your well wishes and prayers.

Each of you have in some way brought a ray of sunshine into my / our life.

When the time is right,this blog will once again be a photo blog as the title says.

Until then,thanks for being there for me.

Update Time

This rose was in one of the arrangements sent by a friend to cheer me up.

Here is the update as sent to many people.

God is our refuge and strength,an ever-present help in trouble.  Psalm 46:1

 This is a verse I cling to.Were it not for God in our lives,this would be a terrible time.

Jake,Steve and I feel God's hand in our lives daily.

Not much is changing from day to day.

We are now seeing the doctor every 5-6 days to drain fluid from Jake's abdomen.

On Saturday,he removed almost 4 liters.This usually gives jake some relief,being able to sleep,lying down.

We are scheduled to go back again on Friday.

The appetite is not returning,and according to the doctor,probably will not.

Because of the lack of appetite,jake has lost a lot of weight and is feeling weak.

Most of the time he is now using a walker in the home.

The other on going problem is that his feet are quite swollen,but again,the doc.says that this is because of how the body is not preforming as it should.

It seems that this too may just be the way it will be from now on.

He still has little or no pain and that is a praise worthy thing.

I think the doctors have finally found the right sleep aid for him.

Temazapam together with a long acting Morphine help him to have decent nights.

Thanks again for all your faithful prayers,phone calls,food and visits.We appreciate what each of you are doing to make this journey a little easier.

Once again,please feel free to drop in or call,for those of you close enough to do that.

    Thank-you to all,

        Ruth and Jake

I want to add that I am also very thankful for the many emails from you my blogging friends.

I look forward to reading each one and am encouraged by them.