How Do You Catch an Elephant?

 Ha, I bet you never guessed this one! One banana at a time!

Then add a few fruits up high. 

Then sit back and wait.

Yep, that worked all right!

 And if you're lucky, you might just get two.

 

Especially if you are at Busch Gardens in Tampa.

Now, kids don't try this at home. It won't work. Although you might attract a rat, raccoon or some other type of animal which you don't want. It's all location, location, location and food.

 Did I mention food? What about spiritual food? How do you feed your soul? 

"God always does what he says, and is gracious in everything he does. God gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit. All eyes are on you, expectant; you give them their meals on time. Generous to a fault, you lavish your favor on all creatures." Psalms 145:13-16. (MS)

This refers to physical and spiritual food. Thank you Father for your favor and for making bananas.

Photos:karenrevans

Update: As of Wednesday, only 37 pythons have been killed, with more than 1,000 people signed up. Sneaky little snakes, they are. (See post below.)

Okay, I'm awake!

It's been a while since I've been in blog-land. I'm trying to wake up. Maybe if I admire my long nails, hmmmm a manicure would be nice but that would take up more of my time and won't help me write.

How 'bout if I sit up straight and pretend I'm alert, no one will notice my closed eyes.

But if I don't wake up, how will I know what's going on with ya'll? My head might just melt into the wall holding me up!

Okay, okay, I'm awake. A bit cross-eyed and dazed, but I'm awake and back. Oh wait, I see I put my name on this picture twice. Sooooo, maybe I'm not totally with it, but I'm here.

"Then He (Jesus) came to the disciples, and said to them, 'Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Behold, the hour is at hand.'" Matthew 26:45 (parenthesis mine.)

Lord, you didn't say I shouldn't rest, but that I am "still" resting. May I act on Your words and not become lazy. Each hour is at hand.

Photos:karenrevans from Busch Gardens, Tampa

Dad!!!

This gorgeous bird is in the Lory area at Busch Gardens. You can walk in, buy food and feed the birds.

A dad next to us gave his daughter two cups, one for each hand. These birds landed first, then two more landed on her other hand. She started squealing, then...

One landed on her head and started picking at her hair. Now scared, she called out to her Dad. His response, "It's okay honey, I'm video taping it." The bird started picking out strands of hair.

The park attendant came up and said, "Oh, he likes you! Must be nesting!" and walked away. Yes, another male.

What is it? She was ready to bolt, but was listening to her Dad. He finally rescued her...sigh.

When life starts pecking all sides and then dumps down on your head, what do you do?

"God, listen to me shout, bend an ear to my prayer. When I'm far from anywhere, down to my last gasp, I call out, 'Guide me up High Rock Mountain!' You've always given me breathing room, a place to get away from it all. A lifetime to pass to your safe-house, and open invitation as your guest." Psalms 61:1-4 (MS)

We can call to our Heavenly Father, who not only is watching, but will rescue us.

photos:karenrevans

Beauty and Strength

I love tigers. I took these photos at Busch Gardens. When we've been to the exhibit before, they've been asleep. But this was later in the day and some were prowling about. I'm in awe of the beauty that belies their strength. (Sorry about some of the reflection, all these pics were taken through the exhibit windows.)

We soon discovered that it was feeding time as this one kept going to the door. Some were getting a bit cranky, too.

My heart felt sorry that these animals who are physically able eat whatever they catch, had to wait for others now to feed them. I love Busch G., but I guess it's just seeing all that strength going to waste.
  
"My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit-not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength-that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in.

And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:14-19

Is my spiritual strength dependant on others? Church, teachers, friends? Or do I spend some time learning on my own to feed my inner strength through His Spirit?

May my aging exterior belie the inner strength. Praying all us'n live this year to the fullest!

Oh, this is just an extra picture. That's my son and grandson across the exhibit waving to us~ Photos:karenevans

Clean, Cool and Composed

We went to Busch Gardens while my family was in town. My daughter-in-love took these wonderful pictures of a tiger. He's beautiful, right?



He's clean, tended, fed and has everything but his freedom. How do you all feel about zoos and places like this?


My feelings are mixed. For the big animals, I'm kind'a sad. They can't run and fulfill their role in the wild. But for the little animals, or endangered ones, it might be a good thing.


"I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free." Psalm 119:32


As a follower of Christ, do I sit in my cool, clean tended house built by my mind and selfishness? Am I beautiful to me, but not fulfilling my purpose to others in the world? Do I watch the world pass me by, knowing I'm taken care of, but not caring for them? If so, my heart is not free, and I'm not following His path.


May I not be afraid to get sweaty, dirty and lean.


Photos: Melissa Evans