FAITH FOR AN UPSIDE-DOWN WORLD
ASCENSION to PENTECOST
by
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Whether stepping singly and slowly across a wet meadow or filling the sky by the hundreds and thousands, Sandhill cranes have an elegance that draws attention. These tall, gray-bodied, crimson capped, long legged birds breed in open wetlands, fields and prairies across North America. They group together in great numbers, filling the air with distinctive rolling cries that can be heard from miles around.
Mates display to each other with exuberant dances that retain a gangly grace. Sandhill crane populations are generally strong, but isolated populations in Mississippi and Cuba are endangered. Their bugling calls are unique and your eyes will look skyward in anticipation of a very large display of their wide wingspan; their noisy call can help alert you to this species presence, particularly as they pass overhead on migration. Their wingspan is six to seven feet wide and very impressive when in flight.
“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is y portion; therefore, I will wait for him. The Lord is good to those whose hope id in him, it is good wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3: 21-26
This photo of two cranes in silhouette in a powerful intense sunset is spectacular. To say that it is inspiring and reflective of more than daylight or darkness is an understatement. Two matched birds in size, in position, at sunset, standing still for the camera and silent as if mesmerized by the beauty around them. If it were said that this photo and others like it are created to focus on the beauty in God’s world of wild things and to bring God glory, would you agree? Could god be reminding you that his love for you is like a beautiful photo of the faithfulness of God and the hope you have in him? Answer these questions honestly and then join in the following prayer.
Prayer: Lord God, my faithful Father and my Savior, thank you for your great love for me and for Sandhill cranes; You are the Lord who dies for me and rose from the grave to give me life eternal in heaven. I take great delight in photos like this who that speak so often and personally to me about your love and faithfulness. Knowing that your compassions are new every morning is an awesome blessing. Even though I do not like waiting, my hope is in you and I will wait until I hear your voice each new day. Speak, Lord, your child is listening., in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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About the Book
I have known Shirley for many years, as I was her pastor for while serving in the United Methodist Church. Shirley brings forth not only beauty through the photos, but her use of the Holy Scriptures to open to the reader the true understandings of Pentecost and the Resurrection of Jesus.
I highly recommend all her devotionals; they will draw you closer to God through the Word. They will open you to the beauty of creation by the Creator of the Universe.
- Rev. Patti Molik
United Methodist Elder of Upper New York Annual Conference
Shirley’s wonderful compilation of prayer, Scripture, photography, and devotional reflections, contained in “His Eye Is On the Sparrow,” provided me with a greater respect of the interdependence between humanity and creation and the way in which God’s presence sustains and maintains the fragile balance between the two. This inspiring devotional highlights insightful lessons to each of us through the life of various birds God has gifted to this world. I know I will look at birds differently from now on.
- Rev. Penny Brink
Elder, Upper New York Annual Conference
United Methodist Church
I am often asked to write an endorsement or a forward for a new book, but this time, I begin this endorsement with a “feeling of excitement.” I absolutely loved the idea of linking nature to a devotional. Nature has always been inspiring to me, and I often talk to God as I walk through the beauty of God’s creation around me. How can you possibly see the beauty and wonder of our planet and our universe without being inspired by the God who made it?
So, when I looked at even the very idea of this manuscript I was inspired. I read the book and then I sat down to write this. I first took a walk through the wonder and beauty of God’s creation around me. As always, I can not walk through the trees or along a creek or stream without being inspired. Therefore, as I write these words I am inspired not only by this book, but my last encounter with nature.
As I read the pages, I met an author who through the beauty of her writings has linked nature and Divine inspiration and truly inspired me. Just to think about nature and talking to God brings inspiration to my whole being.
So, with anticipation and great emotion, I endorse FAITH for an UPSIDE-DOWN WORLD by Shirley D. Andrews. As I looked at the beautiful pictures I saw nature, but I also felt the hand of God. As I read the words of this manuscript, I knew that this author would introduce me to God, because like the artist inside me, I would feel and experience God by what I was about to read, and I did. Thank you, Shirley for introducing me again to the God who spoke nature into existence.
You must experience this book and see the God who not only has his eye on the sparrow, but made the sparrow. Shirley, you will truly inspire the world.
- Dr. Thomas F. Reid
About the Author
Shirley is a graduate of Eastern School of Music in Rochester, NY and has a masters degree from the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, NY. She taught elementary public school music for 31 years. Most of those years were in the Scotia-Glenville School District. She also taught music education classes at Schenectady County Community College. She loved her career in teaching and Music industry. She has two children and two grandchildren. After retirement and the death of her husband, Shirley pursued a career as a Certified Lay Minister in the Upper New York Annual Conference, Adirondack District of the U M Church. She has had leadership positions at Porter's Corners UMC, Ballston Spa UMC, and led worship at Woodlawn Commons in the Wesley Community. Shirley continues to be passionate about Devotional writing Inspired by Nature for God lovers, God seekers, nature lovers, and the Family Altar. A future project might be "ON THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS" A Devotional inspired by the Nature: Volume 6, exploring the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul. Samples of Shirley's first 4 Devotionals can be seen on her website www.shirleyandrews.com.