Country Sunset

My husband was packing his bags for our trip, had eaten supper, and I noticed the sky. I was done with most of my preparations, so I took off to capture the sunset. I knew just where I wanted to be at its peak. Didn't make it to the lake by the time the sky died down to grey, but I DID make it to the windmill.

A windmill, black against the coral sky, brings back so many memories of living in the country. We had a windmill on our farm, and the surrounding farms usually had one as well. We couldn't afford many toys. We were sent outside to use our imaginations and play old-fashioned games. I remember playing outside until it was too dark to see anything but the moon and the fireflies. I remember playing tag until you couldn't see anything but shadows of movement. I recall running so fast to beat being caught that my heart nearly beat out of my chest. I remember the rising up of giggles that could not be turned off.

The sunsets with silhouettes of barns, windmills, cattle, field implements, and all things 'country' breathe a peace into me. Tis a gift to be simple, as the song goes. I think that spending time with the bookends of the day is a good way to harvest serenity from the ONE who is the author of peace.

Peak to Peak

My friend and I were waiting in a small restaurant having a bite to eat while the innkeeper across the road got our cabin ready. A couple came in and started a conversation with us. They advised us to go back up the road the next morning and turn by the red mailbox. Continue up the mountain road for about 18 miles.

We did as they said, wondering a few times if we were still on the right road, and wishing perhaps our wise husbands were with us. As we came to the top of the ridge we could see the stunning aspen trees, the cloud covered valley, and the Sangre de Cristo range on the other side. Every few feet afforded a different perspective. There were a few lakes at the top also, adding an element to the almost overwhelming views. We felt very small, but very blessed to be on such sacred ground seeing such a display of God's glory.

I will be, in a few days, hopefully visiting the same spot with my husband. Snow on the golden aspen leaves is a layer that is exquisite, but not so fun for driving. We always seem to get breaks when it is time to capture the gift, and be able to navigate the roads. I hope to bring back some pictures for all of you that will encourage and increase your faith.

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Praise the Lord from the earth,,,
you mountains and hills...
Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted;
his splendor is above the earth
and the heavens.
Psalm 148:7, 9, 13

Skyscraper

Yesterday a plot was revealed to take down this beautiful Dallas skyscraper. 'Fountain Place' is a beautiful dark glass structure that reflects the skies to the passersby on foot and in cars. The angles almost give a feeling of spiraling to the structure. Its destruction would have been a great loss in human, economic, and architectural aspects.

On one of our TRE trips with our grandchildren I was able to get a photograph of this beauty. Aesthetically, it is one of my favorite skyscrapers of all the cities that I have visited. Having it be so close to where we live and being the target of terrorism gives rise to all sorts of concerns. But it will not put me in fear to stop traveling, or visiting Dallas with my kids, or stop leaving my house to enjoy the abundance of life my God affords.

I wonder and pray mostly about the difference in perception of God who says, 'Love your enemies' and God who commands to kill your enemies. I pray for this young man, only 19, who was perceived as being fun, hard-working, a great guy and friend to everyone he met. In contrast, on internet and behind the scenes he was planning the destruction and death of human life and a beautiful structure. To those who say, "How could God let this happen?" I have to present the fact that He gives us free will. Our trouble lies in that freedom.

Yet, our God is able to use for good what is planned for evil.

~~~

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

Directing the Universe

There is something
which is directing the universe,
and which appears to me as a law...
I think we have to assume it is more like a mind...
you can hardly imagine
a bit of matter giving instructions.

C. S. Lewis

Sanctuary

I finally finished a task that I had been contemplating even before our last trip. We will soon be headed out again to the mountains, so I wanted to get a photograph from the Yellowstone/Jackson Hole area matted and framed to put above my dresser. I wanted this choice, since I have several of just mountain scenes, to include some wildlife. I finally settled on the bull moose we spotted on Wilson Road headed out of Teton Village. He was magnificent, dripping water from his drinking and eating in the pond. He turned to look at me, and I was amazed at how awesome, beautiful, and graceful he was. Oh, I forgot funny-looking. I am crazy about foxes, moose, and bears. All wildlife, really; but these three categories are at the top of my list.

My photographs in my house, and this one will definitely do such duty, are sanctuaries. I can remember the roads, smells, circumstances where they were taken. It is a way I can enter into a spiritual sanctuary, thanking God for his wonderful gifts and be grateful for where all the roads have led.

~~~
Acknowledge Him in all ways and He will direct your path.

The Place Where it Sets

I was sitting at the computer catching up on the day's cyberspace when I noticed the outer space was on fire. It was a challenge to get to an open space to photograph the quickly changing sky. What a way to bookend a day, huh?
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From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised. The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens.
Ps. 113:3-4

Moving the Piano

The heavens declare the glory of God!
Ps. 19:1
~~~~~~~

I remember being afraid of lightning and storms when I was a little girl, but always being fascinated with clouds. My girls wish I was more afraid lightning now. I have been fortunate to get a few pictures of it, but really do have a healthy respect for the weather. The hail clouds came first this evening in their darkening marshmallow forms and I knew there was potential for a bad storm. Then the sounds of thunder began to pound their unpredictable rumbles through the thickness of the dark sky. Only the occasional lightning would lend some clue to what the forms of clouds looked like by that time.

~~~~

My grandmother told me that God was moving his piano in heaven when it thundered. I also remember my grandma Bessie sewing me five dresses for school. I would have one for each day of the week. I remember my grandma Lillie making awesome homemade ice cream. hot fudge sauce, great fried chicken and creamy gravy, and this great stuff called vinegar candy. You either love it or hate it.

My family on both sides had lots of problems, but I do remember some special foods, times, and talks with my grandmothers and great grandmother. The gifts of time, stories, tastes, and traditions carry forward with some things that remain as keepers to establish in the future generations. I wonder what my children and grandchildren will remember about me. I know we have made some good memories for them to carry forward.

New Pink Shoes

Do you suppose she is having
such a restful snooze
because she is wearing
her new pink shoes?

If you can't walk yet,
or you just walked a mile,
new pink shoes
have got to make a girl smile!
(c;

Aching for Aspens

My friend just got back from a trip to Colorado. I would be extremely jealous, but am heading that way in a few weeks with my husband. These pictures, except for the leaves on the side decking of the cabin on Evergreen Mountain, were taken on the road leading west from Crested Butte. This year I am so happy that I get to share that road with my husband.

Something about the 'quaking' of the aspen leaves on the trees is magical. You can hear the wind far off as it blows the leaves into dancing spins that make a raining sound rushing across the forest. I put some of that wonderful experience into a song a few years ago:

DANCING ASPEN, a love song
copyright Connie 2002

Your brilliant golden light shines through
against Your royal sky of blue.
Can't help but fall in love with You
who made the dancing aspen!
~~~~~~
Chorus:
The leaves say, "Sing and dance along;
join us in a sweet romantic song.
Show HIM your delight as you laugh and spin
with the ONE who made the wind."
~~~~

His breath makes us to dance and shine;
reflect the LIGHT of LOVE divine.
Oh, that I am HIS and HE is mine,
who made the dancing aspen!

As the grove has many members
all reaching for the sky...
so the Body who will be Your bride
seeks the LOVE who reigns on high.

Your brilliant golden light shines through
against Your royal sky of blue.
Can't help but fall in love with You
who made the dancing aspen!

Rain, Rain

Rain, rain, don't go away!
We want to stomp in puddles.
We'll step in shallow streams with Gram,
then go inside for cuddles.

~~~

One of the wonderful things about grandkids is how they remind you of the childlike pleasures of snowfall, making tents over tables, splashing in puddles of rain, making funny faces, getting uncontrollable giggles, and so on. The grups can get a little grumpy. Not saying that children don't get grumpy. We know that's not true.


But the majesty and magic of rain falling was captivating to these two. "Can we go outside to play, Gram?" "No, it's raining!" "But Gram, you got us this fun umbrella at a garage sale!" I came to my senses at the obvious conflict of the gift, the rain, and my response. We went outside and had a delightful time. And I felt years, maybe decades, younger. (c;

~~~~~~

He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said unto them, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."

Red Beret

While her mother was resting
we had hours to play!
I dug into her hats
to find her red beret.

We talked about Paris...
baguettes with gruyere...
croissants and hot chocolate
with this mademoiselle faire.

Should we travel to France?
Wouldn't we be a pair?
Perhaps she is dreaming
she's already there. (c;

Morning Light #3

Even the grasses charmed me this morning. Their heads were ready to loose the seeds for the harvest and the year to come. I watched and heard the birds out in the early light seeking some breakfast. The world God gave us is an amazing place.

~~

He covers the sky with clouds,
he supplies the earth with rain
and makes grass grow on the hills,
He provides food for the cattle
and for the young ravens
when they call.
Ps. 147:8-9

Morning Light #2

Here are some more of the flowers from my early morning rush to see the sunrise. They all looked so beautiful in the early light that it reminded me I might be missing lots not to be out early in the morning to see the sky and the chance to be surprised by what else is waiting as well in that glorious light! I remember it on vacations, but when I am at home I get lazy about getting out early to capture good light; to see what God has for me, to spend time giving him praises first thing.

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Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.
Psalm 57:11

My heart is fixed...I will sing and give praise.
Awake!...I will awake early.
Psalm 57:7-8

Morning Light

I got a 'heads up' call from my friend Gwen on her way to work about another stunning sunrise. I was around the corner to an open field on Old Denton Rd. in just a few minutes. The sun was amazing, and that is what got me out into the exquisite morning light. When I got home and loaded the pics to the computer, I was at first discouraged because I thought my lens was dirty. But the flecks in the sun picture are birds flying. A bonus! There is always more than meets the eye.

Traveling along this road in the middle of urban sprawl would not give one pause to think there was much pretty in this 'weedy' field. But as I was walking back to the car I saw a bounty of beautiful grasses and flowers that were food to my spirit. Simple broomweed, sunflowers, bindweed, and assorted grasses made the praise surge from my heart to my mouth. Don't we all look awesome when we reflect God's light?

Fields of Fall

I took a motorcycle ride with my husband last night and saw tons of the typical fall flowers of the fields in Texas. Once you see these you know that the pumpkin patches are right around the corner.

When 7:00 p.m. arrived I could see signs of a promising sunset. I took off with the camera to see if I might get a reflection in the small lake along Bonds Ranch Rd. The swirls did not match the Van Gogh sky of last night, but it was refreshing to take the drive in the country and enter into worship for the grand display of the changing season.

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To everything there is a season.
Eccl. 3:1