A Mānoa Girl's Bloggie

What is she thinking, this wistful little girl with the skinned knee? She looks lonely. Her eyes speak volumes, her sadness palpable. If she were to talk, what would she say? Would she say that her life was unbearable much of the time? Or would she hide her pain and say everything was fine?

Today, looking back at her, I know that all along God was with her, fulfilling the potential He put in her from the very beginning. He gave her a future and a hope, even though in later years she had wondered where He was and how she could possibly go on. Then she called to Him, and He answered her and let her know in oh, so many ways, how He had been there with her all the time.

Traces of the wistful little girl remain. But in her heart she hears, “I have loved you with an everlasting love. I will never leave you or forsake you.”

Mokihana, age four, in Mānoa Valley.

This Flicker came to the suet feeders over and over during our recent snowstorm. I loved taking different shots of this beautiful bird; he kind of looks like he has apple cheeks!

I loved how two images in the verse were appropriate for this photo!
During the past seven months I have frequently felt assailed; by depression, sadness, and even apathy. It has often taken everything I have to cry out to Him, “Give ear to me and hear my prayer”, and through it all He has heard me. I feel His love, sometimes through the kindness of a friend, or a listening ear, or just having someone sit with me while I cry.

6 I call on you, O God, for you will answer me;
give ear to me and hear my prayer.

7 Show the wonder of your great love,
you who save by your right hand
those who take refuge in you from their foes.

8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings

9 from the wicked who assail me,
from my mortal enemies who surround me.”

Nolemana got me a new camera for Christmas, and with it I have been able to take the most amazing bird photos. This Cooper’s Hawk sat for quite awhile outside my office, and I was delighted to get this close-up. I often see Red-Tailed Hawks floating on the wind over our pasture, but they never get as close as this acccipiter hawk, who has the ability to come in swiftly through the trees.

Every time I see him, I am struck silent by his magnificence and by the piercing look in his eyes, and I thank the God who made him for allowing me to see the hawk in all his splendor.