Springs in the Valley

One of the simple country pleasures that fascinates me is a spring of water that bubbles from the ground - like this one in the family pasture.  The water is cool and clear and as you can see, the growth around it is lush and green.  When we visited this spot recently, we couldn't see the source because of fallen limbs, but I do know the ultimate source.  According to Psalm 104:10, He sends the springs into the valleys that run along the hills.  A perfect, fitting scripture for this beautiful spot in the woods where John David played as a boy. 

I am so thankful that God sends "springs of living water" into the valley times in our lives.  This year has been filled with much sickness and the death of my father-in-law and my oldest brother.  Several friends have also passed on since the beginning of 2013.  But in the midst of it all, God has made His presence very real.  He has not failed us!  He will not fail us!  He is our Source of life and strength!

Good things have happened, too!  We have enjoyed wonderful times with our grandchildren, taken a few short road trips, and enjoyed some restful days. Family and friends add joy to our lives, and we realize just how blessed we are.  So many - some of you bloggers - are carrying much heavier loads. Life has its ebbs and flows, but we remember Who is in charge.  "Many things about tomorrow I don't seem to understand.  But I know Who holds tomorrow, and I know Who holds my hand." And I know that His grip is better and more secure than mine!

I have not blogged much at all recently, but I am not leaving blogging behind permanently.   So at any time I may pop in again!  Have a blessed summer!

Be Still.

Remember . . . and Give Thanks.

Black Hills National Cemetery
South Dakota

He Cares!

Windows to the Soul

 

He Walks Among Us

 

I did not plan this picture; in fact, I had forgotten that Daniel, a local pastor, faithfully carries the Cross up and down the streets of our town on Good Friday. So, I was abruptly taken aback for an instant when he suddenly came into our view as we stopped at an intersection yesterday.  I like the way the pic turned out. Can you think of a more symbolic icon of American culture than McDonalds? And notice the American flag. 

 

I am reminded that Jesus walks among us - faithfully . . . oh, so faithfully. To those of us who have accepted Him as our Saviour, He says, "Stay close to me . . . listen to Me . . . trust Me . . . obey Me . . . share Me." And to those who do not yet know Him, He pleads, "Come unto me . . . I will give you rest . . . invite me in . . . repent . . . find life."

 

I can't think of a better time to draw closer to Him, the One who carried our sins all the way to Calvary!

 

Be Still.

 

No Vacancy

 

 

Travel On!

 

Connected

Aren't you thankful
that pouring rain
and stormy days
don't cause disconnects
and lost signals
between us
and our Heavenly Father?

Even There . . .

If I arise on the wings of the dawn
If I settle on the far side of the sea
Even there Your hand will guide me
Your right hand will hold me fast.
Psalm 139:9-10

Anchored

 

Reaching Up

I was struck by the intense emotions portrayed in this unique sculpture in Galveston, TX, along the beautiful Seawall. In 1900 more than 6000 residents of Galveston Island were killed in the great storm that swept across the island. This beautiful piece honors those who lost their lives and those who began work the next day to rebuild Galveston.

I am reminded that we still need to reach up when storms come into our lives.

 

Love my "new" birdfeeder . . . and the birds do, too!!

Note to my blogger friends: Are any of you having trouble with Blogger? I am very frustrated! I am not able to change the format on some elements of my blog . . . such as fonts and color on my blog title. Any suggestions? I'd like to resume blogging but not until I can make everything work again.