Monday, May 18, 2015

OH DEER...TRACKS!


Snow.

Yup, the last few days we have had an unseasonable (but oh so welcome) Spring snow.

Curled up in my blankets, with a roaring fire going, I have enjoyed watching the big, fluffy flakes fall to earth.

One of the things I really love about living in the mountains is the snow.

It covers everything with a powdered-sugar coating.

It's so pretty.  

And peaceful.  

Snow brings a *hush* over the landscape.  There's nothing like the feeling of being tucked warmly inside during the storm.  It's like there's no one else in the world but me and "The Hub."

Oh, and the deer.

That's something else I love about living in the mountains.

The wildlife.

And I especially love the deer.

We have a watering trough just down the slope at the side of our house. And we've added a salt lick.  Reassured by the "locals" that salt licks don't interfere with the deer's natural feeding patterns, we couldn't resist.

Our salt lick looks like a boulder!

So, it's great fun to peep out the window during the day to see if we have any company!

Last year we saw one mother deer with two babies.  And another mom with one baby.  They still drop by for a visit – though the babies are bigger now. And one of the mothers looks a little "chubby" – more babies soon to be born?

But where on earth are the bucks?

I do remember "The Hub" encountering one rather majestic male deer just down the road to our house.  (His picture is down below).  Oh, what a sight he was!  Wish we saw more of those guys!!

But he's been the only one.

We've seen some "teenagers" with little antlers just forming, but sightings of Mr. Stag have not happened since.  But, we have had the fun of finding some shed antlers on our property.

So, I know those guys are out there…somewhere.


I wonder…

Where do the deer go when we don't see them?

Where do they sleep?  Where do they go when it's cold and rainy and snow covers the ground?  Where do they give birth?  Where do they call home?

I know they're out there – and I've seen evidence of their movements in the snow.  Footprints galore.  And once, I saw a little guy following a bigger guy.  Little footprints carefully following in bigger footprints.

Which brings me to today's rumination.

(By the way, deer are known as ruminants.  So, clever pun, huh?!)

I am thinking about those deer tracks, and specifically about how those little ones follow their leader…

Deer have well-traveled paths that they traverse over and over.  They know where they're going.  And the little ones follow the big ones to find shelter, nourishment, water, and safety.

Such an example of how we should walk with the Savior!

He alone knows the path we should take.  He alone knows the well-worn ways. He alone is qualified to lead us.  His footprints are the only ones we should follow.


He knows when and where we sleep.

"You know when I sit down or stand up…You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.  You know everything I do." (Psalm 139:2-3, NLT)


He is the place we must run to when life gets stormy.

"You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat." (Isaiah 25:4, NIV)


He has been with us since before we were born.

"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb…You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.  You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book.  Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed." (Psalm 139:13, 15-16, NLT)


He alone is our true Home.

"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God…" 
(Ephesians 2:19, ESV)



And He will eternally be our source of shelter, nourishment, water, and safety.

"He will cover you with his feathers.  He will SHELTER you with his wings.  His faithful promises are your armor and protection." (Psalm 91:4, NLT)

"Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation.  Cry out for this NOURISHMENT, now that you have had a taste of the Lord's kindness." (1 Peter 2:2-3, NLT)

"'…those who drink the WATER I give will never be thirsty again.  It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.'" 
(John 4:14, NLT)

"In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in SAFETY." (Psalm 4:8, NLT)



As I enjoy this beautiful and unexpected snow, as I ponder the lessons of deer tracks, I am warmed by the thought that my Lord leads me.

All I have to do is follow…

…in His tracks.


"You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him." (Deuteronomy 13:4, NASB)





He makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
He causes me to stand on the heights.
As the deer longs for streams of water,
so I long for you, O God.



"This is what the LORD says: 'Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.'" (Jeremiah 1:16, NIV)

"You shall be careful therefore to do as the LORD your God has commanded you.  You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.  You shall walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you..." (Deuteronomy 5:32-33, ESV)

"I have refused to walk on any evil path, so that I may remain obedient to your word.  I haven’t turned away from your regulations, for you have taught me well." (Psalm 119:101-102, NLT)

"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." (Psalm 16:11, ESV)

"Your own ears will hear him.  Right behind you a voice will say, 'This is the way you should go,' whether to the right or to the left." (Isaiah 30:21, NLT)

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." 
(Psalm 119:105, ESV)

"Enter through the narrow gate...For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matthew 7:13-14, NASB)

"Therefore Jesus said again, 'Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep...whoever enters through me will be saved.  They will come in and go out, and find pasture.  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 10:7, 9-10, NIV)

"The One who breaks open the way will go up before them; they will break through the gate and go out.  Their King will pass through before them, the Lord at their head." (Micah 2:13, NIV)



How closely are you following The Leader?



Linked with:

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BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

32 comments:

  1. Hi Sharon - Don't really share your liking of snow. But following His tracks sounds good,

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  2. Wow...that is ONE majestic deer! I never tire of seeing them...they are truly one of God's most beautiful creations. I wish I could share your enthusiasm for the snow...but wait a few months and I will! I do know what you are talking about though...the snow acts as a buffer to the other sounds and there is nothing like it's quietness! In the mean time, I will continue to do my best (which is not always good) to follow in His tracks. Great post!

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  3. Oh dear Sharon ... this precious post on deer has me pining for my pines in MN where the deer seek refuge. That is such a magnificent stag photo and a wonderful correlation of deer, tracks and our Refuge! I'm trying my best to keep my GPS tracking after the only One that matters but sometimes I falter and lose sight of following. I do enjoy a light snow but not out of season and certainly not in May. It's such a joy to see tracks or the actual deer enjoying a lick of salt. I'm so happy to hear that you find some reasons to like living in the mountains (as hard as the change was, I knew you loved wilderness journeys and nature). Our minds are running on the same "track" ... only I had "footsteps" or "footprints" in mind (but mine is my planning ahead for the 31 day challenge later this fall along this line). I love how you intersperse God's Word between your main points plus all the extra at the end. As far as your final question: well, I thirst as the deer and seek His Refuge frequently from and in the storms but as I've indicated my tracking the Leader is not always right in sync or in His Steps (at least not as much as it should be for all the years I have been given the grace to know and walk with Him). I will try my best and get on track and stay there. Thanks for your wisdom and always sharing God in the daily nature of life and His creation.
    I love deer! I love watching them. Hope you are snuggled up and getting better!

    Many blessings and much love,
    Peggy

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  4. Hi Sharon! Whoa!!! That is a HUGE stag! I'm glad it was happy to just stand, and then move along. They are such strong, agile creatures.
    Your snow and fire sound so cozy (even though it's May, and it's going to be warm today!). I'm glad it put you in a reflective mood, and that you could hear the message that the Lord wanted you to hear about the deer and following Him. May we always follow in His tracks in the snow, dirt or sand. Where He goes, I want to follow.
    Blessings!
    Ceil

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  5. Sharon,
    I love how you wrote:
    Deer have well-traveled paths that they traverse over and over. They know where they're going. And the little ones follow the big ones to find shelter, nourishment, water, and safety.

    Such an example of how we should walk with the Savior!

    Such a great analogy! :-)
    Blessings to you,
    Stacey

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  6. How cool to get a May snow!!! Probably won't stick around too long and fun to watch!! That would be neat with the salt lick; I'd have fun seeing if any came to visit :) Here I wonder where the birds sleep at night :)

    I definitely do want to follow in God's path for me!

    betty

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  7. Following in obedience is what we have been called to do. The example is so perfect and gives me a good visual which I learn best by!
    Sharon, tell your husband that that buck is beautiful! What a sight to have seen right there in your own mountain yard.
    Caring through Christ, ~ linda @Being Woven

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  8. Oh, dear friend! What a beautiful post! YES, dear Lord, help us to follow in your footsteps, being ever mindful that there are other "little feet" following right along behind us who will more than likely trace those steps of ours. We have all seen what happens when one generation "drops the ball" and veers off-course. God help us to leave behind a Godly legacy that will steer our children and those who come after us in the right way. I always find so much inspiration and encouragement in every, single thing you write. God bless you, sweet friend. I do hope you are feeling much better by now. Praying for you and love you!

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  9. We live in the mountains too, but not high enough for snow. Deer are prevalent here too, and I never thought about it, but we usually only see the doe and her little fauns. God must show them where to sleep and bring their babies into this world. Your example of their tracks and the little ones following are so true. We follow Jesus as well. I notice your scriptures are from various translations. That takes a lot of work to select the one that sounds just right. I enjoy different translations, even though New King James remains my favorite. Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a True Story.

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  10. Beautiful rumination, Sharon! :) Yes, the Lord has laid our paths straight and we need only to see His tracks and follow Him faithfully.
    Oh, and we have deer in our woods, too, and I've often paused to wonder the same things you have here about their comings and goings and why we rarely, if ever, spy a buck.
    Blessings to you!

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  11. Any of God's creation is relaxing to watch. How blessed you are to see them in their wildness instead of in a zoo. They can teach us a lot about the Savior, He has put them in the areas that suits them and provided His creation to feed and house them in all seasons. If He feeds the sparrows He will surely feed me. Good post Sharon.

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  12. Sharon, I am your neighbor again on #RaRaLinkup! Love this verse! It's a favorite! "He will cover you with his feathers. He will SHELTER you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection." (Psalm 91:4, NLT)" Thank you for walking us through God's paths with you in your beautiful mountain landscape! I love my visits to your site! Blessings from "Espressos of Faith"! I trust you are feeling better this week!

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  13. Your words place me in a calm serenity today. I like the ocean but I love the mountains and deer especially. I get really excited when I see them. I see horses, donkeys, lots of chickens, llamas, here but deer are so graceful just like your words today. I love the thought your scriptures brought out to me of how God protects his children with the perfect outcome if we learn to surrender totally.

    It was wonderful to see your blog featured on Dean Hackett's website today, sis. Could you hear me cheering? (You're only one state away...)

    God bless your coming week!
    Mary

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  14. Yep. All of nature and this world point to the sovereignty of God. And where He leads, when, why, and how as well, brings eternal life and peace within while we stumble around down here. Some of us in the dust… others in the snow, but all steps known by our Father. Love the analogy and the pondering.

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  15. Beautifully said Sharon. May we each be found following closely after the Savior wherever he may led us even when the path seems unclear because we can trust that He knows the way we take.

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  16. It is an exciting life you have there in the mountain.
    Yes, we should follow our Savior in every area of our life. Without Him, life has no meaning!

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  17. Seems like our Winter finally arrived! We had a great downpour and the mountains had snow on them the next morning. I love seeing deer when we are in Mammoth Lakes. How wonderful that you get to see them often. Lovely post.

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  18. Ruminants- I love that. Beside you at Women with Intention Wednesdays. Ruminants, ruminations. I don't think there is a mistake even in the language and my heart is blessed at the way you brought the scripture into the natural realm and showed us how Jesus wants us to walk!

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  19. Oh, man, I don't know what I'd do with spring snow! You have a such a good perspective on your weather - and life! :)

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  20. Snow?! oh my. Nature teaches me so much, it's such a gift. Be blessed, Sharon.

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  21. Snow. I love nature the rain but snow, too cold for me. Great post. I am your neighbor at Live Free Thursday.

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  22. We are kindred spirits. I am a lover of all things nature, deer especially. And I love the Lord...I love the way you tie the two together. I have the Habakkuk verse mounted under a deer in our home. I love that verse. So glad I found you on Ember Grey today. I look forward to following you and living in your snow! Texas is too hot!

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  23. After moving last year to a place in the middle of nowhere, the deer have become of my neighborhood gang. I certainly cannot eat deer meat anymore!
    Empty-nester isa big change, but wait till you become a grand parent - a whole other ball game:)

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  24. We don't get a lot of snow but it is nice to curl up in the warm with a good book and a hot drink when it is cold.
    I enjoyed your post today :)

    Diana
    http://adifferentlenslens365.blogspot.co.nz/2015/05/otago-harbour.html

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  25. Dear Sharon, I read your posts several times before I even think about commenting. I need your words to soak in. I need the scripture passages you have carefully selected to ring true for me. Snow in May...you turned it into a life lesson for me.

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  26. Glad you're enjoying the snow. I'm trying to feel that way about the rain. It's not necessarily quiet, but it does leave the earth feeling clean and new. I like that. And on days like today when it's a gentle misting, it is soothing.

    I didn't know deer ruminated {like sheep} that is interesting and leave it to you to work it in to a beautiful lesson. Your stag reflects the majesty of his Creator. I wish him a very long life. We have a lot of deer on our property. I love their gentle nature, but hate that they like to eat the blossoms off my flowers, especially when there is an abundance of other choices!

    Beautiful post, Sharon. Enjoy the quiet, let it speak to your soul, my friend.

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  27. I could feel the tranquility as I read your words. Beautiful story, beautiful words, beautiful country you must live in! Thanks for sharing...

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  28. Great post. Very well written. You might enjoy my Friday post on 'Following'
    Thanks for sharing.

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  29. Wait! Don't you live in California? Or was it Colorado? I know it was still snowing on the mountains in Yosemite. So I guess it could be California. When are we going to get the beagle and piggies together? 😉

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  30. Another beautiful post, Sharon! Thank you so much for sharing at Waiting on...Wednesday! We were lucky enough to come up on a tiny little fawn the other day while out on a walk. We didn't get too close but it sure was sweet seeing him laying there waiting on his mom to come back!

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  31. Beautiful thoughts! We don't see many deer around our neighborhood, but we used to have a mother and her fawn with spots cross our backyard. It was a lovely sight.

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  32. What a beautiful word picture. I love nesting and critters. I'm enjoying spring so I'd like to wait a bit before snow returns. Your message just soothed me. May we faithfully follow wherever He leads. Blessings!

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

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