Fire and Ice

The morning after our first snowstorm I drew back the drape from the small window that faces the east. Immediately I recoiled from the startling cold. Condensation had formed and frozen between the screen and the pane. A heartbeat later I was mesmerized by the kaleidoscope images from the rising sun.

Feeling the chill against my face and the heat from the stove at my back, the world is a marvelous place.

  

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.”

Psalm 19:1 (NLT)

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More Clarity

17 December 2017:

Same day, same time next year:

 

“The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Psalm 19:1 (NIV)

 

Thaw – Walk #22

Here in our little corner of the Northwest we’re beginning to sense spring is near. My walk today was to the western rise of the north pasture and back. On the way I noticed even the ground seems to be awakening from winter rest.

Last year’s 70 Challenger project out of mothballs by sunrise.

Sunrise makes its way down the trees behind the shop.

Grounds around the pasture fence begin awakening.

 

Gravel foliage springs to life

 

Steely Dan the lawn art, weary of holding down tarps on the wood cribs.

 

  “Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12 (NLT)

Crowing and Growing

I mostly wake up happy and often amused.

 

It’s Darrell’s fault.

 

An adolescent rooster, he first found his voice around noon one lovely summer day. Then he began some serious practicing.  All. Day. Long.

Gradually he began announcing the new day just after dawn. Now he starts around four a.m.  I once wondered if I’d sleep in without him, but it’s not an issue. Once I fill a mug, I actually like easing into the day as the sun rises. Besides, Darrell’s bio clock will stabilize before winter rears it’s testy ol’ head around here.

Today Darrell got me thinking about how much I didn’t know coming in here and all I’ve learned.  Despite all the changes, and aside from my impressive but minor injuries, we made it through my first year relatively unscathed.

Now that we’ve all settled in, with fewer chores and less distractions I get to concentrate on my relationship with God, practicing His constant presence*.

I don’t know about most people, but for me this is going to take lots more practice.

This morning Sarah Young** encouraged me with her perspective (excuse my paraphrasing):

• All people fail.
• Don’t flip out when you do.
• Keep trying.
• Try seeing yourself as God sees you.
• He sees “the progress we make every time we reach out to him.”
• Celebrate every tiny success.

 

Darrell seems to get this. I’ll keep working at it too.

 

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” Romans 8:38 (NLT)

 

*The Practice of the Presence of God, Brother Lawrence

**Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young, November 01

Carpe Diem

With clear skies soon after sunrise, the yellow and gold that’s been gradually topping the trees seemed to be waving to me at my window, urging me back outdoors again this morning.

I did my best to dismiss the notion while hoping to get back around to it. Heaven forbid I defy my routine. That was when I heard, “tomorrow’s not promised.” I turned on my heel to check for some unannounced guest, but the time was perfect to catch the changing light outside my window. Perhaps my heart spoke out.

That’s when I saw the cloud bank rolling across the distant hillside, caressing the giant fans of the wind farm, ribbons of light vignettes radiated from the blanketed hillside. My resistance caved.

Not thinking to take my camera, I bolted out the door. I’d seized the day. I didn’t capture the ground fog image, but my mind’s eye did.

Back at my desk I’m glad I defied routine. I reflect upon the leisurely moments, thankful for the memories.

 

“Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.” James 4:14 (NLT)

 

 

Wind mill image courtesy Pixabay