Man’s Best Friend

Just sitting here looking out at the retention pond. It is so still it looks like glass. The juvenile Sand Hill cranes are almost as big as their parents. We should expect another brood around next March. I need to fill the bird feeder–we are so fortunate to be able to enjoy God’s awesome creation. Red winged blackbirds visit often, a pair of cardinals, blackbirds, and an  occasional woodpecker feast on the seeds as well as ground-eating birds, when the seed falls, like Common Moorhens, doves, and the cranes.

Sunday night, Jud wanted to watch a movie on TV.  It was late and I really wasn’t in the mood, but he has been so good sharing me with my new FB group as I work on photos and projects to post, that I acquiesced.

We found a free film On Demand titled Duke which is based on a true story. If you don’t mind using a box of tissues, this one is a must. Not to be a spoiler, but it was about a homeless veteran and his stray dog being reunited. My blog on the Love Bags let’s you know how I feel about the homeless, and I am a dog lover. Combine the two and I become a sappy mess!

Jud and I both can relate to this special relationship. When we married, our canines, Abby/his and Fiona/mine were a part of the package bringing our family to four. Unexpectedly, in June 2016, we adopted J.J.–increasing us to five! Abby, our Australian Blue Healer, became an angel in November 2016–a very sad time for us. She was amazing. If you are faced with that dreaded decision, please get in touch with Lap of Love (I can let you know more about them).

Not everyone is a pet lover. And, yes, they are a huge responsibility, a great expense (still cheaper than sending a kid to college 🙂 ), can be naughty at times, need a babysitter if you can’t take them with you, and so on. But, the everyday rewards far exceed the responsibilities.

In 2012, before we met, Jud and I both lost our spouses. Our dogs became our loving, loyal, constant companions–there when every one else went home, there when we grieved and laughed, there when we needed unconditional love, there to meet us at the door when we came home, there first thing in the morning and the last at night.

Is it any wonder they are called, Man’s Best Friend?  Oh, and not to be disrespectful, but did you realize that God spelled backwards is dog!

Blessings, Patty

 

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🎼 Getting to know me, getting to know all about me . . .🎶

Hello everyone. . .

My name is Patty Joyce. I am a spirit-filled Christian and love the Lord with all my heart. I live in Florida with my wonderful husband, Jud, and our “kids,” Fiona Joy, a Malte-poo and J.J. a Dachshund. Between us, we have seven grown children.

My hobbies are photography, crafting, this blog and art journaling. My photos are primarily nature (especially flowers), some contemporary paintings, theme pieces, and other interesting and pleasing to-the-eye subjects. Please visit my FB Business, Though the Flower Fades Photography and Art, and let me know what you think. Feel free to ask  about any of the items you may wish to purchase. What makes my work so unique is that I can add any Scripture verse or quote to any picture of your choice.

I am blessed to have the best immediate and extended family in the world. Jud and I have a blended family of seven grown very adult children (in their 50s). I have two beautiful sisters, cousins, nieces and the delight of the family, Milania Mia, my grandniece (see pix).

I am anxious to read your blogs and to get to know you better. Please stop by to say hello.

Until next time,  Patty

 

 

Art, Craft, and Photography Lovers

Good afternoon creative minds . . .

I am taking the Fundamentals of Blogging offered by WP Blogging University. This is day four of class, and my assignment is to brainstorm what kind of people I would like to read my post. That was easy.

I cannot NOT be creative.

I suppose I inherited it from my mother who could oil and china paint, sew anything you wanted, crochet colorful afghans, work with pottery (we had a kiln in the basement) and make a pie that looked just like the one on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens. Unfortunately, we never has a chance to collaborate. She passed away while I was still working full time. Almost every room in my home has something that showcases her awesome talent.

My creative expression, (if you want to call it that 🤔), started while in high school. For some unknown reason, I began writing short three-stanza poems about my friends. The “expression” took a long hiatus while being, wife, mother and
career woman (a role I never wanted to play).

Years—and I mean decades— passed and I became interested in photography. My interest is primarily nature. I have hundreds of pictures living temporarily on several scan discs until I make time to review them, delete probably fifty-percent and save the rest to my external photo drive.

Enter Pinterest and Art journaling! Pinterest opens a world of anything and everything. You can’t just dabble. You dive in and can drown in a sea of subjects too vast to ever explore. Art journaling is just that—creating a journal of your favorite kind of art. The journal can be small, big, bigger. Contents can range from rubber stamping to acrylics, to stencils, to any kind of background paper and pattern you imagine, embellishments such as buttons, ribbon, cloth, glitter, dried flowers, tape, not to mention lettering and/or your own handwritten verbiage on any page.

I love it all, so much so that I started a small business called a Though the Flower Fades Photography and Art taken from Isaiah 40:8. I believe my work is good and pleasing to the eye, but my sales have been minimal of late. Please visit my Facebook Business Page of the same name and let me know your opinion or suggestions.

I have ventured into other forms of art such as acrylic paint pouring to create abstracts, customizing and framing that special invitation, poem, birthday wish or any form of memorabilia, and most recently centerpieces. What do you think of these two?

Well, I think I’ve completed the fourth day’s assignment. I hope I passed.

Until next time, Patty

 

Patty‘s Point of View

Good morning everyone. . .

I am writing this post under my already-established site, Though the Flower Fades. After trying to understand and navigate all over WP, I thought it best to register for Blogger University and learn from the experts.
So, here I am, hoping I can glean what it takes to be an experienced and interesting blogger.
Learn first and then use your knowledge—you’ll save time and avoid frustration. And, that is my point of view!

Be still and know I am God. Ps. 46:10

It’s been quite a while since I have blogged. As I sit here healing from a left heel procedure, I try to think of tasks I can do for two weeks (one week is almost over) that don’t require walking or standing up. For those who know me well, that is a fate worse than death! Hence, I have sorted through receipts, am continuing a Hebrews Bible study, writing Scripture in a journal, watching too much TV and some Pureflix movies that stream on my iPad.

Hubby, Jud, has been  great waiting on me and daughter, Denise, has graciously prepared chili and shepherds pie. Tomorrow, Fathers Day, she will come through the door with spaghetti—surprise Jud!—and she and husband, Chuck, will dine with us.

The Scripture in the title seems fitting for me as I sit here with my legs up, trying to be still. This experience has made me realize that it’s difficult to communicate with God in the rat race world we live in.  Although I have had a devotional time for years, it sometimes suffers because of life in general. I find myself saying, “I’ll be there soon Lord. I hear Your still small voice calling . . . just let me load the washing machine and clothes can be washing while I spend time with you.”  How ridiculous—making God part of my multitasking! And yet, isn’t that what  we do? Why?

I really don’t know. You may have some reasons of your own. We serve the one true God. He is the Creator of the universe and yet He is practical. He expects us to carry on in everyday life—to fulfill the roles He has given us.

We have a written guide and the indwelling Spirit that enables us to know God. Can you really imagine that the Creator of the universe wants us to personally know Him? How? Maybe as the Father you never had or a friend to confide in or a counselor when a major decision is looming or whatever your need.

So as I lie here struggling to be still, I am reminded that God Himself wants me to know Him. What an awesome thought!

Until next time, Patty

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Green

Green is that color that we associate with the foliage that surrounds us, that accompanies red at Christmas, is the result of mixing blue and yellow together, may or may not become you in wearing apparel, and other definitions as well.

I thought of this while photographing these leaves after one of our summer storms. The wind so graciously blew rain on our back porch leaving tiny droplets on the plants. One morning this week when I opened the blinds on the sliding glass doors, I was greeted with a sea of green grass glimmering in the sun as if each blade was covered with minuscule diamonds. Hmm, I wonder what it would have looked like if it was blue, purple, orange or bright red. Another question to ask the Lord when we see Him. Here’s a little chemistry lesson for you.

Green plants are green because they contain a pigment called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll absorbs certain wavelengths of light within the visible light spectrum. As shown in detail in the absorption spectra, chlorophyll absorbs light in the red (long wavelength) and the blue (short wavelength) regions of the visible light spectrum. Green light is not absorbed but reflected, making the plant appear green.  You may understand this–I don’t, but wanted to investigate it anyway. And green does make a nice background color for all of those beautiful plants we enjoy.

I was very pleased with the photos my new CoolPixB 500 camera gave me. Although we are “bugged” more than we want here in Florida, I just had to get a close-up of this Common Thread Wasted Wasp that was in our hanging basket. I took several shots to be sure I got all the details. These little critters are often easy to find and fascinating to watch says one insect guru. This widespread and common Ammophila species has a thin red abdomen with a swollen black tip. She hunts moth caterpillars to provision her nest. More of their habits can be found on-line. What amazes me, as it always does if I take the time to really look, is the trillions-upon-trillions (and I am sure the number is infinite) of characteristics across this world’s spectrum that make each of God’s creatures unique.

This insect instinctively knows what to do without any direction or training. Oh, that we would be so blessed! But, by the same token, this creature has no free will. We do. Hence, our daily choices can affect the rest of our lives . . . it is entirely up to us. Scary, huh! I can think back over the years and wish I could undo some pretty foolish choices and yet, were they part of the chain that has me where I am today . . . another thought to ponder.

Well, it’s time to eat last-nights leftovers from the Olive Garden and settle in for the evening.

In closing, there’s a whole world of wonders out there just waiting for us to discover. Who knows, you just may meet up with a Common Thread Wasted Wasp!

Blessings, Patty

P.S. Be sure to visit my FB Group Though the Flower Fades Photography and Art to see       what I am featuring. It just may be something you would like to purchase.   🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you following me?

Just checking to see who is following my blog.  👠

Please let me know

Thanks so much, Patty.  🌹😊

Shells

 

It’s 7:17 a.m. I’m sitting on the little balcony of a condo on Sanibel Island. It’s been a great 4-day getaway with my sister, Mary Jean. My two nieces, Cara and Gina, and grandniece, Milania, visited on Wednesday. It’s always a joy to be around them–especially since the little “munchkin” has arrived. She is in constant motion and at 16 months is fiercely independent and very smart for her short time on this earth. Cousin Susie and her granddaughter Annabelle and her friend Autumn arrived yesterday to enjoy the tail end of our short stay.

Although rainy the past few weeks, we were fortunate to have beautiful sunny weather. We check out today at 10 a.m. Saying goodbye to the beach is difficult, but we are grateful for this brief interlude of surf and sand. Life changes when you stay on the beach. Daily routines are tossed to the wind and “beach mode” enters. Freedom from housework, appointments, telemarketers, alarm clocks and the norm are enjoyed. Too much snacking–even after a full meal at a local restaurant (no cooking dinners!)–is the lament followed by, “We’re on vacation. Dieting can wait until we get home.”

This island is famous for its thousands upon thousands of sea shells–a shell collector’s paradise. My sister has helped me gather only a few handfuls for another project I have in mind. My niece, Cara, asked, “How do they get like this . . . ”  Mary Jean and I answered in unison, “God.”

The Scripture that made its way from my heart to my head during this brief discussion was Job 38:8, 16 . . . “Who kept the sea inside its boundaries, as it burst from the womb . . . Have you journeyed to the springs of the sea or walked in the recesses of the deep . . . ”

Looking at the intricacies of the shells–their ridges, varied colors, shapes and sizes tells me that only a mighty, and yet tender God, could give us such beauty in even the smallest of His creations.

I think I will look at shells differently now—how about you?

Until the nets are full, Patty

 

 

 

 

Morning

Here I am at 5:15 a.m. in New Port Richey waiting for first light so I can drive home. I babysat my great niece, Milania, and didn’t plan on spending the night. However,  my “Amazing,” niece Cara–after a day of work–spent a great deal of time helping me set up my FB group, Though the Flower Fades Photography and Art. Please visit me. All of details are included there.

I love the morning. The scent of a new day is like no other. The chirping of birds breaks the silence as the sun begins to peek through the dark sky. The moon may still be visible, but slowly fades away giving way to the light. I took the personal photo on FB and added the verse. I saw the rays as God’s glory blessing another new day.

What are your plans for today?  Maybe sunbathing at the beach or pool, catching up on housework, sending that belated birthday card to a friend, or a host of other things on your list.

Have you added the Lord to your list? Take a few minutes to thank Him for giving you another day to praise Him, to love and enjoy your family, to help someone less fortunate or whatever you are most grateful for this June 3, 2017. Hurry–because we are not promised another day. Make the most of this one.

I think I see the first light so will be on my way.

Until the nets are full, Patty

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Blog E-mail Address

Good morning everyone . . .

And what a beautiful morning it is. I am looking out at the retention pond, the birds are chirping and visiting the bird feeder. Thank You Lord for creating such a glorious world for us!

I finally got my e-mail address changed on my new blog from inhimabide@aol.com to thoughtheflowerfades@aol.com

Please direct anything having to do with the blog, my photography, etc. to the new address. Hopefully, by tomorrow I will have a Private Group set up on Facebook that will direct you to my blog as well.

OBVIOUSLY, I AM NOT SHARING THIS POST ON FACEBOOK!

This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!

Patty

The “Love-Bag” Challenge

To regress a bit, last August I saw a post on Pinterest of each month of the year with a Scripture verse for each day. The suggestion on the top of each month was to write out the Scripture which would only take 10 to 15 minutes. Hence, I began on September 1, 2017, and have continued to this date. Another friend shared Scripture writing specifically for the Lenten Season which listed 40 Scriptures (from Ash Wednesday to Resurrection Sunday).

On March 5, 2017, the Scripture was Isaiah 58:6-7 (True and False Worship–the section heading in my Inspire Bible):

       “No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongfully  imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free , and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to them that need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.” 

When I read this, the words that I have italicized jumped off the page. I knew I had to do something for the homeless and help family members when needed. It is difficult for me to type this as what we do for others we are supposed to keep to ourselves–which I have pretty much done. However, after today’s experience I felt led to share with you.

Shortly after that reading, I started to think what I could do and what I could give to the homeless. The following are the items (most of which came from the dollar store):

A bottle of water, a can of spaghettios/ravioli or the like, a can of Vienna sausages, a granola bar, a toothbrush/a small tube of toothpaste, a bar of soap, a washcloth (I get dishrags as they are less expensive, but serve the purpose), a small roll-on deodorant, plastic fork, knife and spoon, about 3 napkins and old socks if you can spare them. Important: the cans must have poptops. Also, I enclose a spiritual encouragement card (which I get from the Christian Book Club) or a handwritten note, e.g., God loves you, don’t give up, the Lord will direct you or something like that.

I take the toothbrush/paste, soap, napkins and the plastic ware and wrap them in the dishrag and secure them with a rubberband. These along with the other items, I put in a plastic bag and carry in my car. If your car stays outside, it is best to keep the bags inside until you go out.

Most importantly, I pray that the Lord will put the homeless in my path. Since I started this in March I have given away seven bags. And now for today, I  was sure to have two bags in the car with me because I have seen a homeless man on an old bicycle near the gym I attend. After my workout, I looked for him, but he was not there.

I continued to drive out of the parking lot praying that I would see someone, and praise God, there was a young man and his dog sitting on the pavement out of the sun. I gave him a “Love Bag” and needless to say, he was so appreciative. We had a short conversation and he mentioned a friend was going to meet him, so I gave him the other bag as well. I then felt lead to pray for him and Roxie, his service dog.

Please don’t think I am patting myself on the back–I am not!  The joy I experience when I give a bag away, is double the joy the recipient has.

So, my challenge to you is, if you feel God is leading, visit the dollar store and fill a few Love Bags. We have so much and they have so little. I promise you, the Lord will put these poor souls in your path, and you will be blessed with the pure joy of giving.

If called, will you take the challenge?  If so, let me know.

Blessings, Patty

 

Hello everyone . . .

My name is Patty Joyce. Somehow I already messed up with this new blog. I had a duplicate site and deleted the first post which you may have seen. Soo, here I go again.

I have entered my “About” information and hope that it has remained.  In it, I shared about my immediate family and that my hobbies are photography and art journaling and at times combine the two which makes for some interesting pieces. I will be displaying some of my photos here as I become more familiar with the functions of this blog.

I had a blog years ago on another site, but a dear friend has WordPress so here I am!

I hope this post was done correctly. If you see it, please leave a comment.

In the meantime, stay close to the Lord. He loves you with an everlasting love!

In Him, Patty