By Janet Starr, Missouri
I was looking out the window of my home one summer morning, wondering why I always reacted a certain way to a particular situation. Suddenly I saw a very large woodpecker fly to the tree in my backyard. He began to loudly peck at a branch and was tearing apart the limb. Very quickly, I got the message: I needed to stop allowing my mind to peck on this situation. It was hindering my spiritual growth.
By Michelene (Mikie) Lee, Montana
On a warm, sunny afternoon, accompanied by our little Australian shepherd dog, Sadie, I was cleaning the chicken pen, feeding the chickens, and handing out daily afternoon treats. Unexpectedly I heard a goose flying low over the top of my head. It landed in front of our house on a nearby field.
By Harold Klemp
“Rose” works in a day-care center. Every day when she drives to work, she likes to sing HU, which is a love song to God.
When she got to work one day, she found she was to be in charge of twelve children, ages two to three. She gathered up her little flock and joined the other children and teachers outside. As the little kids began to play and enjoy themselves, Rose found a quiet spot where she could keep on singing HU.
While she was singing HU, along came a moth.
By Amanda van Kammen, Germany
My family and I decided to spend our autumn holidays in the Caribbean. This vacation was a dream come true. I immediately loved the island, with its sunlight, nature settings, and friendly local people. Almost immediately when I walked around the island, I started recalling memories of a past life there.
By Kristy Walker
As a wildlife photographer, I had always wanted to photograph swans with their babies. One year I spotted a swan in a marsh at a park near my home. I could hardly believe it, but this female was making a nest. Every day I visited the place in hopes of seeing her babies.
By Sheri Kramer, Minnesota
Some years ago, I was having one of those days where I felt particularly sad and lonely. Rather than stay home and sulk, I opted to spend some time at a nearby nature preserve.