Memorable Marmots

It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a child-like, "What's next, Papa?" God's spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what's coming to us~~an unbelievable inheritance!
Romans 8:16-17
THE MESSAGE

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This passage really puts into focus the way my friend Lessy and I travel through Colorado. We make a loose plan, but we are also very flexible to take a different road. We often change with the nudging of the Holy Spirit to a different plan or route. We know God has divine appointments for us. His best for us. Our plans would have us settle for less than what He had in store for us.

Getting prepared for this last trip, I began hoping to see bear and moose. They are my favorite, besides the deer and fox that I have come to identify and revisit on the mountain. I am ecstatic to say that the most delightful wildlife I saw on this trip turned out to be a few hilarious marmots.

I saw my first marmots a few years ago. Never having known of them before, I thought perhaps that they were beavers. But I knew the tail wasn't right and couldn't see any water in sight. Then I thought they were a type of gigantic prehistoric squirrel. Then I saw a picture and description on a wildlife sign posted near a trailhead. Alas, I knew they were marmots.

The first family of marmots Lessy and I encountered was crossing the road near Kebler Pass. They seemed to be in a mood to stop and chat, and were not in any hurry to get out of harm's way. As we tried to get them out of the road, the last little guy lifted his back foot and finally scooted to safety. We giggled about how funny he was.

Our second encounter was with a family just off the trail around Maroon Lake as we walked towards the Maroon Bells. The male peeked out of the den. We talked to him, and he decided we were safe and he was a little curious to pursue further conversation. He looked back down the den as if to say to his mate, "I'll be right back. There are a few nice women out here that stopped by to chat. Don't worry...they mean us no harm. They are quite funny looking!"

Mr. Marmot came out near us as a leaf shadow marked his side. He gave us a profile, then turned as if to say, "Get this full face shot, too. I am quite handsome, yes?"

So, of all the wildlife we saw on this trip, the marmots gave us delightful memories. We giggled remembering the funny way the little guy got out of the road. We were tickled to see the marmot pose for photos. Would I have picked a marmot on my list of must-see's on this last trip? No. But I'm glad God did!

On the Wild Side

I have just returned from my 'other' home in Evergreen, CO. Dale and Lessy are gracious to let me call it as home. I have taken two trips each year to go spend time with them and the rest of the creatures on the wild side. Lessy drives me around for a few days as we wander and wonder to show up for the divine appointments.

I have come to know many animals that frequent the mountain, meadow, and town of Evergreen by their faces. The little red fox that stopped in the meadow as I talked to him is surely of the line of Sparky. The mule deer with her endearing crazy ears is 'Little' Flock. I first saw her several years ago, during my first visit to the mountain home. She now brings her daughter and granddeer to the cabin. I feel extremely blessed to be trusted by them.

The elk and young buck were right in Evergreen. They are in strong migratory routes, and are used to people. Their ancestors traveled these routes long before the town of Evergreen was established. Yet, my heart becomes very tender to each animal as I speak blessings over them. I couldn't help but be pleased with the young buck's beauty as his nubs were turning into velvety racks. Yet his youth was striking as he munched on the dandelion and stopped to look at me without fear. Many of the elk cows were pregnant, and close to giving birth. Perhaps I will see them again and recognize their faces as ones I have spoken to before.

During each trip, as I spot a familiar face and rekindle a relationship, I am overcome with love for them and for God.
I think about how God has formed each of us in the womb, and knows us by name. Pretty awesome and personal God to specifically make each of us for a unique loving relationship with Him, don't you think?

Precious Moments

Today I get to keep my youngest grand child. She and I play, sing, eat, shop, and giggle lots. Today I thought it would be fun to try to get a picture of her in the pink chenille rocker I found. Even better would be if she would wear the hat that matched her outfit. She is not one for leaving a hat on very long, but we had great fun with all the steps in between. Lots of teasing and giggles. Precious memories.

Two of the ways I show that I care for someone are to spend time with them, and to feed them. In the last couple of days I have been able to spend time with, and feed a very young life, and one that is close to going from his weakened body to his mansion. These times have blessed me so much. It is for relationship with God himself and each other that we were made.

Peachy Peden Rd.

I headed out after choir practice to go home. I kept getting a 'tug' to go the long way and drive Peden Rd. circling back to HWY 287. It turned out to be a good nudge as I reaped the peachy rewards. I saw a car in front of me parked off the road as well and began to realize that someone else had stopped to take a photograph. I was enchanted with what was happening to the sky. The sun had gone behind the single big cloud in the west and it was causing a brilliant lining at the top.

I began talking to the other watcher. He was already in place for the sunset because he had stopped to photograph the amazing cactus covered with multiple blooms. We talked awhile and shared our excitement and love of photography when two police officers came up with lights on telling us we were not far enough off the road. We got in our cars and continued on our way, with our spirits drenched in wonderful coral cactus blooms and clouds.

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Ps. 96:11
Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad!

Singular Sensations

Just wanted to remind all of you today that you are a singular sensation crafted and purposed by God! Each was stitched together in a mother's womb, fashioned for God's glory.