Reflections of Canada

I loved seeing the reflection of trees, heron, and canoe in the lakes of Algonquin. They reminded me that my greatest prayer for myself is that people see Christ in me, and would be drawn to become his disciples. We, like the heron and many in boats, are fishers. Now, spiritually, we Christians are called to become fishers off women and men. We are sent out by the Great I AM to tell the story of Jesus.

This evening I get to go see my grand daughter get baptized. She has come to this decision herself, and it is the biggest decision of her life. I ask for all your prayers for her that she would mature in Christ and reflect the gifts of the Spirit as she grows in faith and discipleship.

Blessings Raining Down

A rainy day on vacation in a new place affords photographic opportunities otherwise not available on a sunny day. The showers we experienced at Niagara Falls, and later on while hiking trails at Algonquin provided opportunities to see beads of water on leaves, walkways, leaves, shiny moss; and a wonderful rainbow spanning the Falls. The heady scents in the forest as it became even more verdant with rain made me take deep breaths of the awesome aromas from boughs and flowers along the pathways.

Many times showers bring us abundant crops and blessings. We must have the rain for the harvest. The Lord knows how to pour out blessings and quench our thirst with His generous water of life. So when it rains I look for the water droplet on a flower petal and the rainbow that may follow the showers. His abundance of love poured out on us is extravagant; beyond what we can imagine.

Often, when it has not rained for awhile, I find myself going outside to just let a rainfall drench me into a fit of giggles. Often, rainfall is accompanied by lightning and thunder in the spring storms of Texas, so I try to constrain myself to staying inside when clouds are swirling and lighting is popping everywhere. (I can just hear my husband saying, "Yeah, right!") I really do have the 'constraint' gene, though it is not well developed. A stormy sky is one of my weaknesses, I confess! And standing in a gentle rain is one of my delights. Hiking in the rain in Canada will be a very special memory.

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See if I don't open up heaven itself to you
and pour out blessings
beyond your wildest dreams.
Malachi 3:10
THE MESSAGE

God's Timing

When we decided to go to Ontario for vacation I started to do research. We had wonderful experiences in western provinces of Canada, so I focused on provincial parks in Ontario along a route to intersect visiting our friends in Thornbury for a few days. When I came upon the huge Algonquin Provincial Park I was delighted to read their almost guarantee to see moose right alongside the Queen's Hwy 60 going through the park.

Our first day at Algonquin was a bust as far as seeing moose. The lakes, beaver dams, wildflowers, and trails and mosquitoes were numerous. However, it was rainy off and on, and we got pretty soggy, muddy, and a little chilly out on the trails. The rain did not seem to stop the mosquitoes. I had on bug repellent, but still managed to get bitten in my left eyelid twice!

The second morning we decided to go all the way to the eastern gate and work our way back through the park to take roads and hikes we wanted to see again, plus go down a few we had passed the day before. We saw a moose way off in the distance. I was a little disappointed, but when I later started to feel my heart quiet and fill with gratitude for all that we had experienced, it was only a few minutes later that the moose appeared right in the ditch at the side of the road!

When we left the west gate and returned to our room at Algonquin Bound, Jason encouraged us to go back into the park. He was sure we would see more moose because the sun had come out and they would be near the road. Eric graciously agreed to drive back into the park for a short distance. Within fifteen minutes we saw two other moose.

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So many times I feel driven to attain a certain goal or see a certain thing. I find that if I will trust God's timing and wait upon Him, I will be truly blessed. I may not get the exact thing that I wanted, but usually the things I do receive exceed that for which I asked. I don't think God responds to manipulation or formulas for moving him. I think what gets his attention is when a human heart truly surrenders its will to follow His will instead. Listening and watching through my photography has brought me more growth in patience, gratitude, and understanding in what He directs me to see and do.

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Listen for GOD'S voice in everything you do,
everywhere you go.
Proverbs 3:6
THE MESSAGE

Blueweed

One of the first wildflowers we noticed in abundance upon entering Canada was blueweed. At first glance I figured it to be part of the lupine family similar to the bluebonnets in Texas. Then I changed my mind and thought perhaps it was a type of pentstemon. When I got to look at a spire closely I realized it was something I had not seen before. I was able to identify it from a wildflower book at a store in the Algonquin Provincial Park.

The blueweed was stunning in a grouping by itself, but stood tall and in contrast often in patches of pink clover or ox eye daisies. In a field by itself lending a wonderful blue stripe to the panorama of trees and field, it took my breath away. It was exciting to find a new wildflower. I actually found a few more on this trip that I had not seen previously. Opening my eyes to the blessings of tiny things is as exciting as watching the tons of water flow at Niagara Falls. It is good to be able to be present in the present, no matter the size of its package. This was a delightful one to open, and see repeatedly in the landscapes as we continued on through the countryside of Ontario.
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If God cares so wonderfully for flowers
that are here today and gone tomorrow,
won't he more surely care for you?
Matthew 6:30

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