Masterpieces

These photos were all taken of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. The many stops at the rim of the Canyon were breathtaking. Then we took the steep incline down to the river. The grade was quite harrowing, and we met several deer along the roadside at dusk. The first two photos were taken at the base of the Canyon; the last two from the rim.

It is overwhelming, wonderful love that bubbles up in me when I acknowledge that the same hands that made this Canyon knit me together in my mother's womb. Neither decision was a mistake or accident, but fashioned by God out of dust. Amazing!!!

Rest in the Lord

I took this picture along the shore of Lake Louise in Canada several years ago. The sky was quite ashy because of some recent forest fires. This vista gave me a sense of peace and trust as I photographed the fireweed bent over the water from the shoreline. On the return trip a whole different view greeted us with clear skies, intense blue water, and peaks across the water. It was equally awesome, but the first had a greater sense of intimacy and private showing of God.

I believe that in heaven there will be no fear, no tears, no sickness. I miss my friend Mike today, but I take great comfort and joy in knowing he is well.

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Rest in the Lord.
Psalm 37:7

Circle of Life

Sorry I have not posted for so long. But today, in memory of my prayer warrior and wonderful friend, I felt the need to post my thoughts. He died this afternoon after a battle with colon cancer and the following chemotherapy that left him unable to fight off any infections.

I saw him at the hospital before noon. I went to sing to him, but was not allowed in the room. I trust that his spirit received the song. It was one I wrote and he had heard me sing before. 'Peace I leave with You.'

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All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.
John 14:25-28
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When I returned home to meet my daughter and new grand daughter, I got the news that he had passed. It did not take the ache away that Mike had died, but blowing into my grandbaby's tummy and eliciting a string of giggles was salve to my spirit. The inheritance and legacy of generations is amazing.

Looking at the autumn's loosing of seeds and the iced grasses wearing their first wintery coats, there is beauty in the passing of the seasons. One generation passes and another is born of the seed. The circle of life.

The grass fades, but the love of our God is forever. Blessings and great joy to my friend Mike for whom God has prepared a room. I know Mike has unspeakable joy in tossing the crowns at the feet of the one he served.

The Gardener

As we continued our journey out of Marble and over to the Carbondale area we pulled off at Paonia to visit a roadside market and vineyard. The swan gourds were beautiful, the Merlot grapes bountiful, and the Honey Crisp apples lip-smacking good! Come to find out, the owner knows my husband's cousin who is also growing vines for the wine up at Grand Junction.

Lee, the owner, welcomed me to take pictures of the the Merlot grapes. He explained that even though the top grape leaves were wrinkled and brown, the harvest would not take place until the lower leaves had given all their goodness to the ripening of the grapes. The grapes were draped with netting to keep the birds from destroying the crop. It was an enchanted time being able to see the work of the fields yield this beautiful harvest.

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I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. John 15:1

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers...

This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
John 15:5,6,8

There is a Season

One of the scariest drives on our Colorado trip was the mountain road between Silverton and Ouray. We entered low fog and sleet as the altitude rose. The turns along the canyons and gorges would have been difficult in good weather conditions, but this mix was terrifying. However, as we proceeded into some visibility the aspens with snow-covered evergreens popping through seemed to shout the changing of the season from autumn to winter. The snow on golden aspen reminded me of one of my favorite scriptures and songs:

To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.

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In our family lately there have been hardships and joys. But God goes with us always. Here is some of our list:

Having a baby,
getting the swine flu,
starting a dream,
losing a job,
seeing a moose,
bugling elk downtown Evergreen,
seeing snow and ice on golden aspen leaves,
precious hugs from kids and their kids,
a friend failing with serious illness,
a new cabin home for Colorado friends,
a wonderful husband that still adores me,
and me him...
knowing that God never leaves us,
no matter what season we are in!