Tag Archives: nature

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Wind Beneath My Wings

osceolaflying

Look closely.  This guy is hang gliding, but tagging along for the ride is an injured Bald Eagle named Osceola.  Osceola is 35 years old now, but when he was two he was injured from being shot.  His wing had to be amputated because of the damage, so he’ll never be able to fly until……….

While making a trip through Rock City, Tennessee, Staci and I had the good fortune to meet John Stokes.  He has a passion for flying (hence the hang glider) and a passion for flying birds.  More specifically, birds of prey.  He gives a talk with his hawks, owls, and the Eagle Osceola sharing his knowledge to any and everyone.  I was more than impressed with his show and exhibit.  (Really enjoyed seeing the vulture or what you and I call a buzzard running around and flying around us as he talked!

He took the time to share with us the story about Osceola.  Watch the video of them flying at the end of this blog

How many of us get “shot down” at some point in our Earthly lives.  How many of us would ever think that we would “fly” again after getting “shot down”.  No way, especially with only one wing.  Yet a relationship exists between two entirely different creatures.  This relationship is difficult to explain, but so obvious to see.  The eagle is able to fly.  Not from it’s own ability or effort, but from a creature (John) that has a love for this eagle.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

You and I use our own abilities and efforts to “fly” in this world.  Only when we get “shot down” do we realize how our efforts are only temporary.  God’s Love comes along and carries us.  God sustains us, strengthens us, and most of all is there right beside us.  Even through all eternity.  Soar higher my friend.

Two entirely different creatures……. God,……. and you.  It may be only when we get “shot down” that we realize how we use our own abilities and efforts to “fly”.  But you and I and our efforts are temporary.  We can only fly so high and so far for only a short time.  Unless,….  you have the Love of God in your life.  Why would this most awesome God want to help me, uphold me, be with me to “fly” forever and ever?  Oh yeah, it’s because He Loves Me!!  I’ll tag along for this ride!!

Thank You John for what you do.

And Thank You Jesus for what you do.  (prayer) “Lord be with my friends out there who have been shot down.  Let them not be dismayed by their circumstances.  But let them experience and see You and Your Love as you are the wind beneath their wings.  Amen

See Ya!  Dan Ainsworth wilderness preacher

Watch this perfect example of someone’s love allowing Osceola the eagle to fly again

 

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Beyond the Horizon

oceanmeditate

As a man of the mountains, I must admit that there is something about the ocean that draws us in.  The vastness, the beauty, the mystery, all give a glory to the sight before me.  The rhythm of the waves add a calming effect as well.  The sand goes forever.  Early mornings give an opportunity to explore (new sea shells) and have a quiet time.

How, why, when, ….. lots of questions pop into my mind during this quiet time alone with God.  As calming as the waves and the view, there is a part of me that gets troubled. The part of me is also the part of you that says, “How can my difficulties be solved, why do bad things happen to good people (me and you), when will you God come and restore calm to a trying, difficult time.

Seems like the world is on purpose trying to create chaos.  Everyone, I mean everyone is out to prove their way of thinking is right, and what makes it worse, if you disagree then you are WRONG,WRONG,WRONG!!  Politics.  Whew, Let’s don’t even go there.  Let’s go back to the sea.

oceanstorm

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord
    as the waters cover the sea.  Habakkuk 2:14

Habakkuk?…..That’s in the Bible?….Yep, a minor prophet that doesn’t get much attention.  But he has got a lot in common with me and you.  See, he talks with God, even asks Him why do bad things happen.  In Habakkuk’s eyes, God is a Holy, Loving, Righteous, and Good God.  With all of God’s mighty power, Habakkuk wonders aloud why God would allow things to happen as they do.

What is so amazing to me about Habakkuk?  He never gets to fully realize God’s plan.  He definitely doesn’t understand about all the hate and hurt in the world, and yet,….. and yet, he fully trusts His God to remain in charge.  In charge of this whole world.  In charge of him.

I think I’ll join in that way of thinking.  While I will never understand why things are the way they are, I will continue to “talk with” and even question my God as to why. I will live like Habakkuk lived.  See, he had a lot of doubts about the ways of the world.  Even had doubts about how he himself lived.  He talked with God about these doubts.  BUT, he never let these doubts rob him of a true living relationship with his God.  May your journey (even though filled with doubts) be one of mystery and awe.

With all the doubts surrounding him, Habakkuk never doubted God!  Bam!  Now that’s how to live there.

See Ya!  Dan Ainsworth wilderness preacher, part time Beach Bum

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Here’s The Story of Why There’s a Wilderness Preacher

 

Click on the short video above to understand better why I write the wilderness preacher blog.  It’s my prayer that you continue to read and watch as we both travel on our spiritual journeys together.

My writings have allowed me to reach out and “connect” with so many of you.  Men, ladies, younger guys and gals, I treasure all of the friendships that have developed.  I look forward to continuing this connection with you.  It’s not about me, it’s about coming alive on our travels and not just going through the motions.  There is a need to share with each other that I pray can come from these stories each week.  Stay tuned……….

See Ya!  Dan Ainsworth wildernesspreacher, and your friend