Rushing Waters

We just returned from a wonderful week in Ontario. We entered Canada from the Buffalo area, and got to experience Niagara Falls for the first time. The massive, rushing waters were incredible. I had to use both lenses to capture the depth and close up aspects that were so thrilling to behold. The specks at the top right of the first photo are boats carrying people to the base of the falls.

The weather was a little cold and rainy, but provided the conditions to experience the rainbow over the falls. We took the tunnels tour of the Journey behind the Falls, and got quite soaked. We decided, already being chilled to the bone, to pass on the Lady of the Mist boat ride. On the return trip to the airport we saw the falls from the U.S. side, and the sun provided a clearer vista.

I am always amazed at seeing such awesome wonders that God has created. Those experiences fill me with gratitude that we have a Creator of wonders, yet we are each significant to the God who created the universe.

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Stop and consider God's wonders.
Job 37:14

Keep Watch

My friend and I know better than to think we are ever in a place where there is nothing to see. We keep watch and so many times are led to see amazing things in unexpected places. These three photos were taken in the backyard of a garage sale right in Evergreen. The woman and young man told us about a bee hive that had collected on a limb in the back yard. I saw a single bee close by on the flower, but it was awesome to see the number of bees altogether hanging on the limb, They were not aggressive, and I had a telephoto lens, so proceeded with caution to get a photograph.

There are always things going on around us, but we must keep vigilant and quiet ourselves to hear and see them.

Simple Elegance

My Colorado friends have taught me much about simple elegance. They don't have lots of things, yet the way they serve each other and their guests is nothing less than simple elegance. Dale puts love into the preparation of fish for the grill, or making us a fire to enjoy the millions of stars seen after it gets dark on the mountain. Lessy knows how to add the finishing touches to her meals with a flourish of decoration or simply delicious sauces and dressings for veggies, salad, and pasta.

One of our traditions is to exchange prezzies (presents) upon my arrival to their cabin. They are never very expensive, but often found at garage sales or second hand shops. But they bring squeals of delight upon opening. We anticipate the reaction of the other as much as the anticipation of what our treasures will be.

I learn how to be a servant with a glad heart, and also a child in receiving with delight and gratitude the simple gifts we exchange. One of the prezzies I received this last trip was a set of delightful cloth napkins with a moose in the corner. Upon returning home I found two green pottery dishes at a garage sale that had an orange clay rim that matched the napkin. When I served my husband dinner tonight with the cloth napkin and the plate filled with baked chicken, baked potato, and sliced avocado he got a big smile on his face. It made him feel special.

We all are. You know, special. When we take a few extra minutes to find ways to serve others we glorify God. We can take joy in completing jobs and blessing others. It is the secret of simple elegance. And I believe God smiles in pride as He sees his kids maturing and sharing love in these simple, serving ways.

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If anyone wants to be first,
he must be the very last,
and the servant of all.
Mark 9:35

Small Wonder

These small wonders are SUGARBOWLS. I have seen them usually farther north than Colorado. However, this time the forests and meadows around Evergreen seemed to have an abundance. I saw them in colors ranging from dark blue, periwinkle, shades of purple, and maroon. They are called sugarbowls because the sepals flare outward and give the flower a fancy Victorian sugarbowl appearance.


I think some of my fascination with these beauties is their feathery plume and silvery hairy stems. The fingerlike leaves stretching in beautiful lines remind me of beautiful ballet dancers. The last photo, in particular, almost brought me to tears. I caught this lovely dancer on an early morning walk through the meadow. It seemed as though she was just waking up, and in her graceful stretch allowed me to photograph her in an upright position. It evoked a small writing which I put on a note to myself on my cell phone...

'Stretch, Lady Sugarbowl. Awake to let your cup be filled by the sweetness of the Son! Dance with your Maker, and celebrate the Life He has given you!

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A quite proper way to start the day, before our feet hit the ground, is to acknowledge and be filled by the sweetness of our Lord. It is indeed sweetness for God to use such a small wonder He brilliantly designed to remind me of how to wake up!

Telling Stories

Generation after generation stands in awe of your work;
each one tells stories of your mighty acts.
Psalm 145:4
The Message

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These photos were taken at Lake San Cristobal near Lake City, Colorado. I had seen the lake from an overlook a couple of times on previous trips, but never traveled around its perimeter before. The scenes of peaks, water, grasses, and trees were intoxicating.

There were lots of inlets and grasses extending into the lake to provide places for wildlife. I spied this family of Canadian geese from afar, and slowly made progress towards them in hopes that they would stay close for a photo op. I saw the parents scoot their youngsters toward the water, where they embarked for a swim. The youngsters were surrounded by their parents as they left a beautiful "V" of waves behind them.

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My blog is about telling stories of the Lord's power and majesty. As I stand before mountains, wildflowers, waterfalls, butterflies; wherever He sends me, I an indeed in awe of His work. I especially love to see generations of wildlife. I have been privileged to see moose, elk, deer, bears, buffalo, fox, marmots, and waterfowl with their young.

As these particular youngsters found themselves surrounded by their parents, I hope you will have a hunger to travel alongside God and your hearts will increase in love for Him and your fellow travelers, including all the wonderful animals that have been put on the earth.