PEACE

Every once in awhile I will get a picture that translates the one word I felt at that moment. This one spoke 'PEACE.' I had to stop for awhile and stay in that place. I remember my shoulders dropping, letting out a big sigh, and resting in HIS PEACE. Surely my blood pressure dropped and my earthly struggles were put aside. I felt as though I melted into the scene, and let go of everything else but His presence and promise:

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. Jn. 14:27

Heavenly Cotton Candy

We hit some turbulance on the way home from Utah. The pilot took us above the clouds to get out of it. As we burst through the clouds I could hardly breath looking at the moon in blue sky hanging out with the Father-made heavenly cotton candy. I am led to believe our God, in showing himself through creation, delights in taking our breath away and giving it back again.

I count myself blessed to be in this generation where I can see clouds from both sides now, as Judy blue eyes Collins sang. Cloud-watching from the Earth's surface, or from an airplane above the planet, I am so amazed at His creative love.

Whom have I in heaven but you? Ps. 73:25

Sunrise, Sunset

I just got back from Utah, where I got on skis again after 24 years. Needless to say, I stayed on the greens. My wonderful husband, who is a great skier, stayed with me for the first day and half of the second. I never got much speed up, but did remember the rhythm and had the satisfaction of accomplishing my goal.

I always prefer the mountains when going on vacation, and knew getting on skis would get me to the top of them to see what I could see. I couldn't ski with my camera, so will remember those scenes in my heart. But I did get these incredible sunrise and sunset photos from our friends' patio.

The Mighty One, God, the Lord,
speaks and summons the earth
from the rising of the sun
to the place where it sets.
Psalm 50:1

My First Train Ride

Last Monday we took our two grandchildren on their first train ride. We rode the TRE to downtown Ft. Worth to see her all decked out for Christmas. It was a memorable experience for all of us.

Faith was delighted to find out that she could walk around on the train. For one who does not like to sit still, this was an awesome bonus. Brother Charlie was captivated by all the scenery passing by, and being able to watch the engineer operate the train. You could not wipe the smiles off their faces.

Freddy, the conductor, was truly an angel. He took us under his wing and told us lots of stories. He directed us to some seats at the front of the train so we could have a terrific view of the tracks. He wrote his name and other information including a blessing on one of the train schedules as a souvenir for the kids.
What a gem!

Before we took the grandchildren back home, Faith made sure she had my full attention, and summed the day up with: "Gram, this day is going to be one of my first best memories!" Charlie impressed upon us his interest in going for another train ride soon in the opposite direction to Dallas. Freddy, the conductor, had suggested that to us. I imagine he will not let us forget!

I can tell you, as a parent or grandparent, nothing is better than knowing your children and their children love to spend time with you, and knowing they feel safe and protected in your care. We have been so blessed in these generations to make such wonderful, loving memories together. That is worth more than gold and silver.

A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children.
Proverbs 13:22

Angels on High

We took our grandkids, by way of a train, to downtown Ft. Worth last Monday. The walk to Main Street took us by Bass Hall. Its architecture, as you can see, is magnificent.

Any time of the year these angels leave an incredible impression on me. But at Christmas I imagine they are part of the angelic choir trumpeting the good news of great joy that was for all the people:
Today your Savior was born in the town of David.
He is Christ, the Lord. Lk. 2:11