Living in His Garden

By George Springer

This devotional starts with page "Day 1" and ends with "Day 365," just an easy way of starting this book. Discover its simple language and expressions of admiration for God and God's creation and the truths of His word. This book of devotions and reflections is for the new believer or seasoned follower as well for the one who is just now seeking Him. I challenge all to read one every day, until all 365 have been read. Are you up to the challenge?

While everyone needs to hear the good news of Christ, I reach out to the outdoors sportsmen and sportswomen. For this is my niche, and my writing of each adventure is the gift He has provided me. All through my writings of enjoyment, and as I meet my fellow sportsperson in His wild, experiencing God in His creation, in the moment, brings an awareness and/or a renewed love for the Father. Through an outdoor adventure of fishing, hunting, camping, and backpacking, a deeper understanding of His Word comes to life.

As we enjoy our passions in life of the great outdoors, how amazing it is to share with others Christ and His love for them. Just as Christ taught the disciples while walking down a road or in a fishing boat, I get to share who He is with my fellow adventurers, making the connection of the outdoors with the Creator. Taking time to praise, worship, and pray while casting a line or walking a trail or waiting for the morning sun, He is there. Keeping us ready to carry Him into our everyday life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887513676

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

The Inspiration

Thank You

Ministry Opportunity

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Day 12

Day 13

Day 14

Day 15

Day 16

Day 17

Day 18

Day 19

Day 20

Day 21

Day 22

Day 23

Day 24

Day 25

Day 26

Day 27

Day 28

Day 29

Day 30

Day 31

Day 32

Day 33

Day 34

Day 35

Day 36

Day 37

Day 38

Day 39

Day 40

Day 41

Day 42

Day 43

Day 44

Day 45

Day 46

Day 47

Day 48

Day 49

Day 50

Day 51

Day 52

Day 53

Day 54

Day 55

Day 56

Day 57

Day 58

Day 59

Day 60

Day 61

Day 62

Day 63

Day 64

Day 65

Day 66

Day 67

Day 68

Day 69

Day 70

Day 71

Day 72

Day 73

Day 74

Day 75

Day 76

Day 77

Day 78

Day 79

Day 80

Day 81

Day 82

Day 83

Day 84

Day 85

Day 86

Day 87

Day 88

Day 89

Day 90

Day 91

Day 92

Day 93

Day 94

Day 95

Day 96

Day 97

Day 98

Day 99

Day 100

Day 101

Day 102

Day 103

Day 104

Day 105

Day 106

Day 107

Day 108

Day 109

Day 110

Day 111

Day 112

Day 113

Day 114

Day 115

Day 116

Day 117

Day 118

Day 119

Day 120

Day 121

Day 122

Day 123

Day 124

Day 125

Day 126

Day 127

Day 128

Day 129

Day 130

Day 131

Day 132

Day 133

Day 134

Day 135

Day 136

Day 137

Day 138

Day 139

Day 140

Day 141

Day 142

Day 143

Day 144

Day 145

Day 146

Day 147

Day 148

Day 149

Day 150

Day 151

Day 152

Day 153

Day 154

Day 155

Day 156

Day 157

Day 158

Day 159

Day 160

Day 161

Day 162

Day 163

Day 164

Day 165

Day 166

Day 167

Day 168

Day 169

Day 170

Day 171

Day 172

Day 173

Day 174

Day 175

Day 176

Day 177

Day 178

Day 179

Day 180

Day 181

Day 182

Day 183

Day 184

Day 185

Day 186

Day 187

Day 188

Day 189

Day 190

Day 191

Day 192

Day 193

Day 194

Day 195

Day 196

Day 197

Day 198

Day 199

Day 200

Day 201

Day 202

Day 203

Day 204

Day 205

Day 206

Day 207

Day 208

Day 209

Day 210

Day 211

Day 212

Day 213

Day 214

Day 215

Day 216

Day 217

Day 218

Day 219

Day 220

Day 221

Day 222

Day 223

Day 224

Day 225

Day 226

Day 227

Day 228

Day 229

Day 230

Day 231

Day 232

Day 233

Day 234

Day 235

Day 236

Day 237

Day 238

Day 239

Day 240

Day 241

Day 242

Day 243

Day 244

Day 245

Day 246

Day 247

Day 248

Day 249

Day 250

Day 251

Day 252

Day 253

Day 254

Day 255

Day 256

Day 257

Day 258

Day 259

Day 260

Day 261

Day 262

Day 263

Day 264

Day 265

Day 266

Day 267

Day 268

Day 269

Day 270

Day 271

Day 272

Day 273

Day 274

Day 275

Day 276

Day 277

Day 278

Day 279

Day 280

Day 281

Day 282

Day 283

Day 284

Day 285

Day 286

Day 287

Day 288

Day 289

Day 290

Day 291

Day 292

Day 293

Day 294

Day 295

Day 296

Day 297

Day 298

Day 299

Day 300

Day 301

Day 302

Day 303

Day 304

Day 305

Day 306

Day 307

Day 308

Day 309

Day 310

Day 311

Day 312

Day 313

Day 314

Day 315

Day 316

Day 317

Day 318

Day 319

Day 320

Day 321

Day 322

Day 323

Day 324

Day 325

Day 326

Day 327

Day 328

Day 329

Day 330

Day 331

Day 332

Day 333

Day 334

Day 335

Day 336

Day 337

Day 338

Day 339

Day 340

Day 341

Day 342

Day 343

Day 344

Day 345

Day 346

Day 347

Day 348

Day 349

Day 350

Day 351

Day 352

Day 353

Day 354

Day 355

Day 356

Day 357

Day 358

Day 359

Day 360

Day 361

Day 362

Day 363

Day 364

Day 365

About the Author

cover.jpg

Living in His Garden

George Springer

ISBN 979-8-88751-366-9 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88751-368-3 (hardcover)

ISBN 979-8-88751-367-6 (digital)

Copyright © 2023 by George Springer

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

The Inspiration

When Christ was on this earth, living His adventure for His Father in heaven, He spoke the everyday language of the common man. In this book, the purpose is to try to reach the common man with adventures that my Father has set before me through the experiences of the great outdoors. Christ taught His disciples, including me, on the shorelines, along the roads in travel, the top of mountains, fields, and in gardens.

He chose people from the communities He traveled—the everyday person—the farmer, woodworker, a doctor, a mother, and even a tax collector. He just wanted to share the love of His Father to everyone who listened. When on an outdoor adventure, I try to share the love of Christ with those one meets on adventure. And try to lead you, the reader, on an adventure through my experiences and the word of God, hoping to bring enlightenment to the goodness of who He is. My hope and prayer is that every adventurer knows that this book is for them, and on reflection, will realize He was also with you on your own adventures of the future and the past.

Thank You

Thank you to my father and mother, brother, and sister for all the camping, hiking, hunting, and fishing trips we had growing up. To my grandfather and dad's adventure partners, thank you for showing such a great love of the outdoors that inspired me. Thank you, editors, for all your hard work during this process. Above all, Christ that chose me so long ago on an old rugged cross.

Ministry Opportunity

The writer of this book desires to reach many for Christ. Please consider purchasing copies for your churches outreach ministries, so that others in the mission field of various outreach ministries such as prison ministries, homeless shelters, women's shelters, rehab centers, nursing home, and boys' and girls' homes can use this devotional/reflection book as an inspiration to bring change to many lives.

Day 1

Photo by George Springer

Truly enjoy the outdoors, fishing, camping, backpacking and hiking. More importantly my greatest love is a ten to twelve-mile walk on a deserted beach, when one can find one, is my greatest love. For me, it's a path to my soul, where all around is silent and still, with the exception of the surrounding nature and creatures are singing as we walk or wade through the water and trees. Be still, my son; be still and hear me.

He says, "Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth." (Psalm 46:10 NKJV)

Believing my generation, a child of the early 1950's was the last generation to spend so much time in the outdoors in our youth. After our generation, each generation has removed themselves farther and farther from the natural, wild, outdoor world—God's world for us.

This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.' (Matthew 3:3 NKJV)

Technology has not helped. Believe this is one reason more and more are self-medicating; they're searching but do not understand. There's an internal primal desire for something they do not even comprehend, beginning with Adam. God made us with an internal desire for Him and the land He gave to us. We are a living, breathing, natural part of this world and the land; many forget this. No matter how we try we cannot run from His truth and our identity in Christ.

But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ's triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. (2 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV)

I, for one, until that last breath, will continue to find those unspoiled, untamed places as I can and the answers to myself and all of us, through Him that we all are searching for, and seeking.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33 NKJV)

When life seems overwhelming, get outdoors, pause, search for Him; you will find Him. As He is there; His arms are open, waiting on you.

Coffee, devotional, and quiet time with Him.

Day 2

Photo by George Springer

Another rough day at the office; stories to tell, a little tattered, a little tired as the day of fishing and hiking is coming to an end. The gift of another day is a blessing from Him; never doubt it. Few are out here in this wilderness as evening closes and darkness washes over one's view and listening to the night, completely empty, except for the sounds of nature whispering in the night air.

He will guard the feet of his faithful servants,

but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness.

It is not by strength that one prevails. (1 Samuel 2:9 NKJV)

Strange, a feeling of insignificance bathes me for a moment, humbling me with gratitude. But do know God has a plan for me just as He does for each of us. As I slowly drifting off to sleep with the sounds of His nature and the creatures of the night, roaming.

This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth,

the Lord who formed it and established it—the Lord is his name:

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you

great and unsearchable things you do not know." (Jeremiah 33:2–3 NKJV)

And the outdoors is the best place to call Him, for sharing back and forth. Life fills the heart with gratitude for all He has done, all He does, and all He will do in the future.

Coffee, devotional, and quiet time with Him.

Day 3

Photo by George Springer

The office view for the next couple of days, creating adventures to write about and yes, wetting a hook—fun, fun, fun. Within a short radius, there are inlets, coves and runoffs, trees, and submerged brush. All excellent locations for fishing with a shoreline for discovery during the day.

So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. (Genesis 1:21 NKJV)

Thinking back on all the camping trips and our love for the outdoors, it all began with our parents and grandfather's love for camping and the outdoors themselves. Have often wandered in His wild, wondering, how can people not see there is a God, as great and wonderful, when all He has created is before us. So what is blocking their senses and vision to Him?

In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:

"You will be ever hearing but never understanding;

you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.

For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears,

and they have closed their eyes.

Otherwise they might see with their eyes,

hear with their ears,

understand with their hearts

and turn, and I would heal them." (Matthew 13:14–15 NKJV)

Already thinking of tomorrow's adventure in His wild; He never fails. Can only pray He awakens me for another gift of a day in His world—the wild.

The vision of the evenings and mornings that has been given you is true, but seal up the vision, for it concerns the distant future. (Daniel 8:25 NKJV)

Plant a seed today for Him.

Coffee, devotional, and quiet time with Him.

Day 4

Photo by George Springer

Wading along the shoreline, the grandeur of His beauty before me—impressive indeed—as the sun begins its descent. In my stillness, even the creatures are all frolicking and singing in my view and are starting to slow for this evening. Fish jumping and playing, frogs croaking with the deepest of voices, squirrels scrambling, chasing each other one last time. We have a fun God, no doubt, as we watch His creatures play and frolic with each other.

The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders;

where morning dawns, where evening fades,

you call forth songs of joy. (Psalm 65:8 NKJV)

Four bald eagles truly frolicking overhead in the sky above; most notably, a scene not ever viewed before. Just for my delight, from dawn to now—another gift from Him, one after the other this day. We each have the blessings of His gifts in our day, if we will pause and view.

Let it richly bloom; let it rejoice and shout with delight!

It is given the grandeur of Lebanon, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon.

They will see the grandeur of the Lord, the splendor of our God. (Isaiah 35:2 NKJV)

Thank Him for every moment in this day, as it was meant for you.

Coffee, devotional, and quiet time with Him.

Day 5

Photo by George Springer

Something sweet, something delicate, with a hint of yellow in the center, along the trail. Our parents are our first teachers, teaching the love of the outdoors, environmental issues, and stewardship of the land and life. We have seen the scenes after spring break—trashed beaches. And by the same youths that protest a pipeline because of a supposedly environment issue posed to them, yet leave the protest in a trash heap. Stewardship has not truly been taught. But true stewardship begins in the home, as most things do.

Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. (Deuteronomy 11:19 NKJV)

As children, my brother, sister, and I could never get enough of the outdoors. We would make tents and camps in the living room. Tents out of sheets, blankets, table clothes, towels, and bathrobes. It was not to hide from anything—there was no fear of any kind—it was more the adventure of it all, as children reliving the last adventure with our parents, until the next.

Then later, actual camping and fishing trips for just my brother and I, wherever our bicycles would take us—Munyon Island, Air Force Beach, Lost Tree before it was Lost Tree. One of our longest bicycle trips—thirty miles each way—was out to Donald Ross Road at the Turnpike in 1962, just to fish and camp the pond there. A little more adventurous we each grew, and courageous, discovering new personal limits than the camping in the living room.

By trifles in our common ways.

Our characters are slowly piled,

We lose not all our yesterdays;

The man has something of the child.

Part of the past to all the present cleaves.

As the rose-odors linger in the fading leaves.

In ceaseless toil, from year to year,

Working with loath or willing hands,

Stone upon stone we shape and rear,

Till the completed fabric stands.

And, when the last hush hath all labor stilled,

That searching fire will try what we have striven to build. (J. R. Miller)

Enjoy His outdoors however one can, doing whatever one loves; it is there for our enjoyment. And remember what is packed in, pack out; we are His stewards of His earth.

Coffee, devotional, and quiet time with Him.

Day 6

Photo by George Springer

Being on the water fishing or even in the wild hiking, backpacking, or hunting, it is not just about the activity. We are searching, seeking something. It's something in us, calling us, most never realize this. It is when we are still and listening we are the closest to Him; there is no doubt for me.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33 NKJV)

Because when in His places, one becomes amazed by all He has created and the intricacies of each beautiful item of nature or creature we see. How every little intricacy works together to create an environment and sustain the creatures and world we live in, as each are so important to the other and to the survival of the world He created.

They search the sources of the rivers and bring hidden things to light. (Job 28:11 NKJV)

There are dangers, no doubt, in the wild, yet there is no evil. The evil is in the cities as that is where the souls are; populists are ruling and feeding lies to the sinful populous. The Pharisees of today, whom plotted to kill Christ because he healed someone on the Sabbath.

Their vine comes from the vine of Sodom

and from the fields of Gomorrah.

Their grapes are filled with poison,

and their clusters with bitterness. (Deuteronomy 32:32 NKJV)

Now if a boy can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses may not be broken, why are you angry with me for healing a man's whole body on the Sabbath? (John 7:23 NKJV)

One only has to view our present world, country, and the political arena to see where evil dwells. Many deceivers have infiltrated this realm; the master deceiver presenting hate and a distorted Christ. The only escape is in the wilderness to clear one's view and refocus of Him.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8 NKJV)

The outdoors is truly a path to one's soul, so natural, unrehearsed, and unforced upon us. Such beauty, and this is not even paradise. He is the giver of all givers, eternity and paradise. Find Him, praise Him and accept Him, if you have not.

Coffee, devotional, and quiet time with Him.

Day 7

Photo by George Springer

My view this morning: in His wilderness, an exciting moonlit morning, reflections on the water sparkling with the ripples created by a soft breeze disturbing the waters of the surface. Getting the mind and body ready to wade fish, mesmerized by the view, it is hard to turn away.

As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. (Acts 9:3 NKJV)

The pleasures of the day are about to begin, just add the enjoyable views from morning to night. It's almost unbearable, as the adventure begins. The blessings of our Creator, we review, with coffee in hand through the last sip. Walking to the water's edge, slipping in, wondering what life will He show me today in His wild.

So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. (2 Peter 1:19 NKJV)

A deer in the underbrush, a raccoon at the water's edge, or eagles overhead or diving to catch a fish in its talons before our eyes. He never fails in letting me know He is there with me; He is always revealing in some form, when I am in His wild.

Coffee, devotional, and quiet time with Him.

Day 8

Photo by George Springer

Any day fishing is a great day, even when it's overcast, whether fishing Lake Sabine, Lake Sam Rayburn, Toledo Bend, or in Louisiana on the coast. There is wisdom in dormancy, simple acts of taking a moment, but who are we taking it from? Or are we giving it to ourselves, and benefiting others in the end? Both are very good questions one should ask of themselves.

They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—

and I will meditate on your wonderful works. (Psalm 145:5 NKJV)

Our personal indulgences as distractions of life are the perfect part of dormancy of our mind. Whether it be fishing, hunting, camping, or hiking a trail in His wild. As long as we place Him in the center, and see Him all around us at these times. Opening ourselves up to Him, and removing ourselves from a hedonistic world, which has no sympathy with weakness or illness, and no love or patience with either.

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:1–3 NKJV)

There is a good self-love and a bad self-love; the choice is ours of free will. Those who are strong should give strength to the weak. Those who have experience should share and be guides with the inexperienced. Those who have been comforted should provide comfort, on and on. It's called service without pride, Christian service. Love.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (1 Corinthians 13:4–7 NKJV)

Who are we to be so graceless in a world where we have received much grace; the eyes are swimming because of His grace. Forever grateful for all you do, Father.

Coffee, devotional, and quiet time with Him.

Day 9

Photo by George Springer

Discovered something today about impatience while in my garden. It is my impatience, but if I walked with more of a God mindset, I would understand my impatience is actually His adventure for me. In our daily life, just think of the times we become impatient. It is because we have forgotten to slow down and walk with a Christ mindset. How prideful can one be?

The end of a matter is better than its beginning,

and patience is better than pride. (Ecclesiastes 7:8 NKJV)

Every roadblock in our mind, every turn to the right or left, every up or down in our path, is meant for us, His adventure for us. His way of getting our attention, showing us something, just like the tiny grasshopper hidden within this flower.

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. (2 Timothy 4:2 NKJV)

Slow down, pause; He wants to share with us.

Coffee, devotional, and quiet time with Him.

Day 10

Photo by George Springer

Suffering a little self-imposed cabin fever this day, trying to stay healthy before, during, and after surgery, and now in need of a sunrise. But it's been raining and we've been having overcast mornings and days but can turn to any of the 500 sunrises or sunsets that I have photographed as with this picture. There is something magical about a sunrise, how the eyes wander over the changing palettes of colors, whether it is a sunrise or a sunset. A definite mood changer, no matter the mindset.

And as far as sunrise is from sunset, he has separated us from our sins. (Psalm 103:12 NKJV)

We all take pictures, but we can never get close to the real beauty created by Him with our pictures. Even the professionals have to enhance their pictures with filters or computer. Personally, will take it one step more—there is something spiritual about a sunrise or sunset as they truly touch our soul, providing hope and refreshing us as only our Christ can.

Because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1:78–79 NKJV)

There is only one way to refresh or change ourselves or changing our world for that matter: it is through Him; He is the only way. Next time you're watching a sunrise or a sunset, let Him come to mind and be refreshed; see His world through His eyes.

Coffee, devotional, and quiet time with Him.

Day 11

Photo by George Springer

No one is the artist our Creator is and never will be; that is the drawing factor. Why a sunrise draws our attention to Him, our Creator. Our souls automatically swell in worship, overflowing emotionally with gratefulness. Tell me differently. Tell me they do not affect you in a spiritual way and inspirit hope.

From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same

the Lord's name is to be praised. (Psalm 113:3 NKJV)

Our Heavenly Father really provided something special during the creation of our world. Sunrises and sunsets are something grand. We can appreciate and admire every day we are still in this world. Sunrises and sunsets are not controlled by anyone or anything. They are there for our pleasure and basically free. His gifts of the wild, and if one is blessed, the gift of a new day.

For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same

my name shall be great among the Gentiles;

and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name,

and a pure offering:

for my name shall be great among the heathen,

saith the Lord of hosts. (Malachi 1:11 NKJV)

One will always walk away knowing all is well within our world and with a greater love of Him. When was the last time you blocked the world out, and just lingered in awe watching a sunrise or sunset? But for now, there will be many camping, hiking, and fishing trips, chasing fish, sunrises and sunsets, and Him, in His wild, for this soul.

Coffee, devotional, and quiet time with Him.

Day 12

Photo by George Springer

Being single, we notice some things differently than couples, most likely. I was out to dinner with a friend last night, great night by the way. Noticed the couples around us—assuming married—playing on their phones or just ignoring each other, very little communication between them.

Truly the righteous attain life,

but whoever pursues evil finds death. (Proverbs 11:19 NKJV)

There are more ways of dying than death, in all aspects of life. For me, in this example, the slow death of a relationship. It got me thinking—when do couples and people in general stop pursuing each other, the important things of life, our children growing up before we realize, and stop pursuing things of life, period? Because in reality, life is about pursuing. From the time we are born, we are pursuing something—our parents' attention, to walk, to talk, our sports, grades, to drive a car, etc.

Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life,

prosperity and honor. (Proverbs 21:21 NKJV)

Told one day by a woman that I am just a big grown kid. Really don't mind, because one ought to pursue exactly what one loves in life, and that's life, as long as one is of sound mind and active. The word pursue of some form—pursue, pursued, pursuing, pursuer—is in the Bible at a minimum of a hundred times. So in my eyes, pursuing all there is in life, all life offers, and our Creator, is pretty important.

Our deceiver distracts us from pursuing the important things in life—God, spouse and family. He does this in so many ways. Slowly, softly, and in little ways so we cannot realize or see what is happening, like a wedge in a small crack. Deepening and widening us from the important things in our life, like a date night, in the case above, with no communication between a couple, or our children.

Houses and wealth are inherited from parents,

but a prudent wife is from the Lord. (Proverbs 19:14 NKJV)

We all know the important things of life as stated earlier—God, spouse and family, in that order. The rest falls into place from here if we pursue these three first and in that order. If you are not pursuing these, have no doubt the deceiver is ever pursuing you, without your knowledge. My question today, is what are you pursuing?

Coffee, devotional, and quiet time with Him.

Day 13

Photo by George Springer

Growing up in South Florida in the '60s, the males of the Springer family would go to Belle Glade, Florida, to hunt doves a few times every season. This was in the beginning of the growing season; seeds have been laid. Sugarcane, I believe, it could also be some other type of fields as well, like tomatoes, etc., at the time twelve to fourteen years old. One thing remembered was the blackbirds by the hundreds. One could not stop them from landing, as the temptation was just too great not to land, but they could be scared off once landed.

And God said, Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky. (Genesis 1:20 NKJV)

In fact, the growing companies would pay older gentlemen to walk the fields with a pipe about 2.5 feet long with a pouch full of M80s. They would put an M80 in the pipe, up to the fuse, then light the fuse, using the pipe to throw it out and in the air. This worked for keeping the blackbirds from landing or to scare the ones that did land. A good shepherd of the landowner's land, keeping the blackbirds away. We, too, have a Good Shepherd, and all we need to do is call His name.

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (John 10:11 NKJV)

All this came to me this morning during my devotional time. Really do not know what triggered this thought as I was reading and watching the sun rise over the back of the house. Thinking about how it crosses the earth, glistening over the water, turning our heavens blue and our fields green, for us to think all is well within our world.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10 NKJV)

Yet a wolf is coming for the lambs, to steal, kill, and destroy our lives. Temptation of this world is another tool of this thief. Oh, world, let me go as dust in the wind to join the flock profoundly changed and grateful.

Coffee, devotional, and quiet time with Him.

Day 14

Photo by George Springer

There used to be a television show called The Young and The Restless. Now it's The Old and The Restless. Folks, we are there, the years are flying away quicker every year. We are losing friends and classmates weekly, it seems. Hope all are prepared as a Christian to meet God, as we never know which will be our last day. One reason why I always say yes to a new adventure, no matter what it may be.

Lo, I am with you always. (Matthew 28:20 NKJV)

The outdoors are my favorite adventures. One can close our eyes and see the wildflowers dance to the breeze. Oh, the trees swaying, stretching to the music of nature as whispering winds flows through them. How He moves the heart as currents of waters drifting toward Him in the moment. As if saying I am with you. I am with you always.

Like valleys that stretch out,

Like gardens beside the river,

Like aloes planted by the Lord,

Like cedars beside the waters. (Numbers 24:6 NKJV)

Praise Him, praise Him, for He has opened the eyes to see, the ears to hear, the heart to feel and the mind to learn, His ways once again. Seek Him and Find Him. He is waiting on you to accept Him.

Coffee, devotional, and quiet time with Him.

Day 15

Photo by George Springer

His solitude is with us, whether we are wade fishing under the shade of trees, thick with underbrush; sitting in a blind waiting on a deer or ducks to fly in, bouncing off waves heading offshore; or hiking a deserted beach. There is no one else around today and only the tracks of the wildlife, birds, and hogs.

When God gets us alone, though, in our suffering, heartbreak, temptation, disappointments, and sickness of life, He gets us absolutely alone. And we are totally speechless, unable to ask even one question, then He begins to touch us, teach us, and heal us.

But Moses alone is to approach the Lord; the others must not come near. And the people may not come up with him. (Exodus 24:2 NKJV)

Remember, The best beauty product is to have a life. A real life. With challenges, disappointments, stress, and laughter (Veronique Vienne).

Never doubt it, as even He has warned us with His word.

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33 NKJV)

Bit by bit, in these times of difficulties, He is building our character, refining us for His uses in love, ministering to do good for others, comforting and serving others. One reason I enjoy long walks on a deserted beach or a walk in the wild, is craving His touch and our talks. Thoroughly enjoy miles and miles of a deserted beach, good quiet time with Him, whispering.

Coffee, devotional, and quiet time with Him.

Day 16

Photo by George Springer

This used to be one of my quiet spots; I would walk for about two miles to get to it. It's a washout; that's what I call it. The marsh and bayou drain into the Gulf. Been there as far back as can remember, the state has now made it open to all and part of the park; one can drive there now. When walking the shoreline today, this thought came to mind. Would get so excited upon reaching this area of the beach, a milestone.

Mike Yaconelli once wrote: Children live in a world of dreams and imagination, a world of aliveness… There is a voice of wonder and amazement inside all of us; but we grow to realize we can no longer hear it, and we live in silence. It isn't that God stopped speaking; it is that our lives became louder.

People were also bringing babies to Jesus for