Wood ducks paddle with contentment around Lake Minneola, Florida

Wood ducks paddle with contentment around Lake Minneola, Florida

Sometimes, religion can feel overwhelming. We fall short following rules and mess up. We wonder if God can love us. Jesus left the throne room to assure us that He understands daily struggles and temptations. He joins us where we are. No fanfare or ceremony. Just a quiet presence we can count on.

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity” (Proverbs 17:17).

Ducks paddle on Lake Minneola in Lake County, Florida. This beautiful region has several lakes connected by the 32-mile Palatlakaha River. Other full-color serene photographs by Tracy L. Smoak can be found in her 30-day devotional, Living Water to Refresh Your Soul. Bible verses and prayers highlight steps of faith in the Christian journey.

This 8x5-inch square hardback is available at

https://www.amazon.com/Living-Water-Refresh-Your-Soul/dp/1646457226/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2VG6EYW1GDZ3G&keywords=living+water+to+refresh+your+soul&qid=1702562183&s=books&sprefix=living+water+to+refresh+your+soul%2Cstripbooks%2C108&sr=1-1

Bird lovers may find more details about Florida ducks at:

https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/birds/waterfowl/wood-ducks/

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wood_Duck/species-compare/#