A Wildflower Morning

Milbert's Tortoiseshells - A Great Find - And How They Survive the Winter It seems like our best nature explorations come during the spring and summer months, and some in fall.  Nature exploration in winter comes at a higher price and usually requires heavy coats, hats and gloves.  The flowers are dead, and there isn't much greenery.  But for the dedicated, nature exploration can be found in all seasons, as illustrated in the stories below. My son and I have decided to participate in the Outdoor Hour Challenges put out by Barb at http://handbookofnaturestudy.blogspot.com .  You can take a look at the November issue of the Outdoor Hour Challenge Blog Carnival, if you are interested.  December's issue will be coming out at the end of the month. Two days ago my son was out exploring.  He turned over some boards that covered a hole on the hillside, and to his great surprise, he found two butterflies.  He knew they were butterflies because they had knobs on the end of thei

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6. Are you hungry?  This time of year people are hungry for cookies and chocolate and red striped candies.  They indulge in parties and giant feasts until they are stuffed and feel sick. But are you hungry for righteousness; so hungry that you'd do anything to get more of God, more of his righteousness, more of his unselfish heavenly character in your own life? Maybe you are hungry, thirsting for God.  But you stop there; do nothing more but wish.  You hope and desire to be a Christian, a real, all the time Christian, but it just doesn't seem to happen.  You look at your life, and there is no change, no joy, no love, no peace.  Don't stay there if you are hungry for more.  God has promised.  You shall be filled. Exercise your will today with determination.  I will be a wholehearted Christian, starting right now.  I will do all so I can know the length and breadth,

My precious daughter has been playing the violin for two years now.  She got to play a solo in the church Christmas program this weekend.  All her hard work is starting to show; she's even learning to play vibrato now.  Our hearts our happy.  Glory to God, and thanks for the beautiful gifts He bestows on His children. Now Is Born the Divine Christ Child from Frohne Family on Vimeo .

Freezing fog settled in our valley over the last few days.  Temperatures were around 20 degrees in the day time.  Frost covered everything in sight.  It even took over my clothes line, dangling crystal spears the whole length.  The whole world seemed lined with intricately formed ice needles, winter artwork of the Creator.  Each icy needle grew to be almost 2 inches long.  I didn't know much about frost, so my son and I did a little research this morning and found out there are three main types of frost: window frost, rime frost and hoar frost.  Window frost forms lacy fern like designs on poorly insulated windows.  I used to see it when I was a kid, but I haven't seen it for years, probably because most houses have double pane windows now.  Rime frost is super cooled water droplets found most frequently on ship riggings out at sea during cold wintry weather.  It is more solid in appearance.  Hoar frost is white ice crystals that form on the ground or other exposed objects o

Lion's Park Bridge "Those who humbly study  the character of Jesus  will reflect His image more and more."   Review and Herald, March 19, 1894 "He who lives nearest to Jesus  shines the brightest." Signs of the Times, Aug. 16, 1905. "Continual devotion establishes so close a relation between Jesus and His disciples that the Christian becomes like HIm in mind and character." Desire of Ages, p. 251

My son has revamped is old neglected blog, The Young Naturalist , into a fresh, new blog.  In it he will be writing about his life and his nature studies.  His photography blog, Heavenly Light Photography , will remain as a showcase for his favorite photography work.  He would love it if you would regularly visit both of his blogs, and of course, he is greatly encouraged with comments.