God Bless America

So here's a little patriotic fun. Match the descriptions below with the pictures above.

1. Directing the choir singing, "God Bless America"
2. Saluting the flag
3. yelling at daddy to grab her a hot dog
4. Looking for her torch, it's there somewhere...
5. Wow! Look at those fireworks!

We are so divided in this country right now about what is good for America. No matter what, we need to thank God for our blessings and go celebrate our independence!

Water of Life

During the storm last night we went to visit our friend in the hospital. When my husband took him to smoke I went outside to enjoy the storm and the rain drenched crape myrtle. It has been so dry that I found myself dancing in the rain. I saw the birds fly overhead through the dusky sky as the rain subsided. The cleansing of the air and the saturation of the vegetation brought a deep breath of appreciation for the gift of water.

~~

To the thirsty I will give water
as a gift from the spring of the water of life.
Revelation 21:6

Renewed Youth

I think most people that know me well would say I have an adventuresome spirit. My children even see that I am much braver now in trying new things that when I was younger. I have improved skiing, gotten over my fear of heights, gone on high passes without wanting to hurl, and gone in helicopter rides and hot air balloons. It feels in many ways like I have more 'joie de vivre' than when I was not so 'up in years'.

I seem to have kept my sense of humor (some would argue this), increased my spontaneity, and am enthusiastic about where I might travel next. I can't wait for the next trip with my husband and being at those trailheads before 7:00 in the morning to catch the cool morning and great sightings of wildlife. God never fails to surprise us with some stunning, unexpected possibility on each trip.

I so enjoyed my last trip with my friend in Colorado. Often my alter ego, Cornelia, answered in a shrill British accent when questioned about directions, "Well, I don't really know, now, do I?" Our tired bodies and spirits were lifted to a higher place as we giggled like young girls, gasping to catch a breath. We journeyed down the Colorado byways loaded with great joy and expectancy. That freedom to be totally who you are keeps you young!

Giggling, singing, praying, eating healthy, and exercising; all are important to keeping young. It also helps that I have a gorgeous, generous husband that loves me. We still very much enjoy a drive in the country, just talking or not. Being with each other is precious.

I find myself in awe of God's creation. I think that is a big factor in feeling like I have renewed youth. It is my passion to capture some of that beauty and pass it on to all of you. I find great awe in seeing the morning dew on grass, the tender new green color of the aspen leaves of spring, or the unbelievable beauty of enormous mountains covered with trees and snow. I tremble with thanksgiving as my youngest grand baby smiles broadly when I go to pick her up for the day. I thank God for the relationships He has given me, the most valued being the one I have now with him that extends into eternity.

~~~

Your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Psalm 103:5

Thoughts

In the midst of triple digit temps and continued expectation of those through the next week, I thought I would send out some of my pictures of Independence Pass. From the previous post just outside of Aspen we were soon on a road that was so narrow at times that cars had to allow one way traffic on parts of it. It was cold, exciting, and adrenaline producing! We actually saw a lone cross country skier at the top.

In contrast, very hot and humid days make me lethargic. The desire to go out and get in a hot car goes way down on the list of priorities. So, I will stay inside with some Fresca Peach soda and play under the ceiling fan with my grand daughter.

Sometimes we cannot physically escape our circumstances, but we can go to our thinking and change it. What we are thinking about can drastically change our relationships, our acceptance, our quality of life. We have some good instructions:

"Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable...think about these things."
Philippians 4:8

Come Away

This beautiful scene was one of those that elicits the following general conversation between my friend and me on our road trips through Colorado byways:
(me)"Wow! Look at that!"
(friend) "Do you want to go back?"
(me) response 1, "No, go on."
(me) response #2, "Yes!"

This one was a "Yes!".

We were headed out of Aspen gaining altitude as we neared the narrowly carved roads of Independence Pass. We were still in the marshy green area just outside of town. We curved around a beautiful home that had a lake to its side. The fence came into view, and soon after I noticed the bright red canoe resting in front of it. The ethereal quality of the place seemed like it froze us outside of time. It was one of those vistas that hit me in the spirit and stirred up my soul. It deeply moved me, and God would reveal later what He wanted to show me. All I knew at the time is that I wanted to stay for awhile. The vista drew me in to quench my tired mind and body with God's peace.

A few things that really help me rest when I go to Colorado are no television and radio, a shut down of most news, and lots of quiet time to read other things. We talk and laugh, and I get to minister to my friends with some cooking and massage. I melt into the mountain life as I watch the birds squirrels, deer, elk, and foxes close to the cabin. I have the freedom to go hike and take photos in a beautiful place. I give myself the gift of solitude and long talks with Jesus.

As I have often returned to these two photos I have come to understand that it speaks to me about being a 'fisher' of women and men. Even as we are called to tell the story of Jesus, we are also called to rest so that we can be filled again to go and tell the good news. Jesus preached to the crowds, then slipped away to be with the Father. The 'coming away' is important to being restored and revived so we can joyfully carry the message of love and grace. Must be a good plan if Jesus did it.

~~~

Come away to a deserted place
all by yourselves and rest awhile.
Mark 6:31