Sunday, July 27, 2008

Words

I saw words. I saw how our words are powerful. They express our thoughts and emotions and affect those around us. Words reveal who we are and must be chosen wisely because words have a lasting effect.

I saw words spoken in anger and frustration change the atmosphere of a room and build a wall between two people.

I saw words of encouragement bring hope.

I saw words of love bring joy.

I saw words of repentance bring forgiveness.

I saw words of praise and adoration bring peace.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

It's the Week-End

It's the Week-End! Yeah!My husband, who drives a truck, is home after being gone 18 days. He usually comes home more often than that, but sometimes stuff happens. Both of our sons were off work so we spent today with them and their girlfriends. We ran errands together, had TCBY, played video games and we tried to stay dry when the sky opened up and poured rain. Mostly we simply enjoyed spending time together before everyone starts back to work.

I was reminded today of our summer before we bought our farm. We spent 6 weeks camping while we waited for the sale to close. It was an unusal and very interesting summer. This is from that time.

CAMP AT THE FARM, Summer 2002

The days are long, hot and dry. The nights are cool and starry. As the sun sets behind the rolling hills, lightening bugs dance in the dusk. A full moon, so huge it seems close enough to touch, rises steadily. It lights up the night like a spotlight.

A mist so thick you can almost cut it forms over the creek and fills the hollow. From our vantage point on the hill, the fog hides all but the tree tops so they appear to float on a silver lake.

Today was a good day. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Friday, July 25, 2008

What Will I See

Rain falls again today. No angry storms, only gentle drops to refresh the earth. Tomorrow the sun will shine again.

Flowers drink thirstily. Their leaves shine through the washing drops. Birds and insects retreat until the shower abates and then rush to find food for themselvess and their young.

Clouds hang low in the sky. Shades of gray, they block the sun for now. Heavy with life-giving moisture, they drip to the earth. God's design shows in the beauty of the shifting light.

Water rolls down the roof of my house into gutters and onto the soaked ground. From there, it flows down the hill to the creek and joins countless drops on a journey to the sea.

I cannot follow those drops. They are a world to themselves. My world of family and obligations tethers me to this spot. What wonders would I see if I flowed with the water?

What wonders will I see from my vantage place here? Will I seee Jesus? Will I recognize His hand at work? Will I hear His voice directing my path?

What do you see?

The View from My Window

My bedroom window is small. It allows only a postcard picture of the world outside. But, oh, what a world!

From my window I see God's handiwork. The brilliant blue of a spring sky. Snow white clouds gently floating. Tall oak trees with leaves fluttering in the wind. Barn swallows climbing high, suddenly going into a dive, pulling up again just before hitting the ground then swooping up and off to their nest with a tasty tidbit.

From my window I see my Mom Lois' house. Her door is always locked, but her heart is always open. The soft light from her window is a welcome sight in the night.

From my window I see my husband's workshop. I can see him moving around looking for tools or putting things away before coming to our house. I hear him singing to himself as he works.

From my window I see my sons as they crest the hill to come to our house. They usually stop at the shop first to see what Dad is doing. Such tall, good-looking sons. Hard working, caring and compassionate, they're just like their father. They bring joy to my heart, a lump of pride to my throat and a smile to my lips.

From my window I see my granddaughters chasing butterflies. Their brown eyes flash as they run in the sun then collapse in laughter. They're growing up so quickly that I hardly believe my eyes. It seems only yesterday they were babies, all soft and cuddly. Today, they are busy children giving quick hugs and kisses on the run as they explore the world around them.

From my window at night I see the countless stars as they twinkle. It seems as though they are talking to each other.

From my window I see my blessings. I am reminded of God's goodness and love. It doesn't take a big window to see how big God is. His never-ending mercy and grace abound in the everyday view from my window.