Meditation on a Moose

We had prayed to see a moose on our girl trip, so we were thrilled when we rounded the corner to see this incredible guy at the side of the road. Friend Les at the wheel was well-acquainted with the habits of Colorado wildlife. She had cautioned me before about how fast a moose can move; but I was still taken by surprise at the quick mental and physical process he went through of choosing to charge us or retreat down the steep mountainside. Thankfully, he turned and picked up speed so much that he was but a blurry mass easily maneuvering the steepness of his escape route. His diminuative backside was quite a contrast to the massive shoulders and rack we encountered but a short distance from the car a few moments before.

I thought about how we all will find huge, dark, dangerous things in the middle of our paths at points in our lives. But those very things, passed, will have added a depth and maturity to our journeys. They will grow our faith and compassion, teach us perseverence, and give us witness to encourage others and extend to them the hope of conquering the huge darkness which seems impassible.

God's Garden

I was amazed when I looked out of my mountain window at this unexpected palette of colors in morning light. I expected yellows and oranges; even some reds. But this combination was quite stunning. I was equally drawn to the many colors on the pepper in my friend's garden. Both reminded me that God plants a garden pleasing to the eye and good for food (Gen.2:9)

Thank you Lord for how you paint the harvest and the autumn forests. Thank you for providing our food in such varied textures, colors, flavors, and shapes. Thank you for flooding your creation with such abundance and beauty!

Fan the Flame

I took this picture in my friend Fran's backyard. The flower captivated me because it looked as though it was shooting out flames. It brought to mind the terrible fires in California. The Santa Ana winds sometimes reached 100 mph as they fanned the flames of destruction. Evidence was found that some of the fires were the result of arson. The intention was to kill, steal, and destroy.
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One of my favorite life verses tells us that God did not give us a spirit of fear. But sometimes directly before or after a well-known verse, there is a pearl just as valuable. When I searched the book of 2 Timothy for the "fear" verse, I found these precious words leading into my life verse:

I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2Tim. 1:5-7

We believers, being developed by the Holy Spirit, are purposed to fan the flames of life.

The Search

Get in the wagon!
Let's have some fun
searching the field
for the very best one!

This one is skinny;
that one is spoiled.
The hunt is intense,
but undaunted we toiled.

A big one for mama;
two small ones for us...
all part of tradition
to make such a fuss...

Later, we'll call her:
"Gram, come to our place!"
The carving's completed...
each now has a lit face.

Children's Children

My journey in life has taken me through abuse, addiction, and cancer. Surviving each one has given me an appreciation for every day. I had the cancer occur when I had two young children. I wondered if I would get to see them grow to adult women.

Well...I spent this morning with my two grandchildren in a field of pumpkins. They couldn't wait to call me this evening, inviting me to see the finished jack-0-lanterns! It is a treasure beyond description to have the love and respect of my grown children and the giddy delight on the faces of my children's children when they see me. The Lord has done great things for me!

These are scriptures close to my heart:

...and may you live to see your children's children. Ps. 128:6

Restore our fortunes, O Lord,

like streams in the Negev.

Those who sow in tears

will reap with songs of joy.

He who goes out weeping,

carrying seed to sow,

will return with songs of joy,

carrying sheaves with him.

Ps. 125:4-6