Finding the Beauty in Winter

We've been lucky that the worst of our winter storms have recently come on the weekends. Not having to fight the daily commute during a snow event helps everyone, including those removing snow from the roadways. 

But the truth is, I love snow! I know I'm perhaps in a minority here, but I think it's beautiful and refreshing and fun! And when it falls just right, well, just check out these pics from the latest snowfall -- the snow-laden tree branches are wondrously beautiful! 

The beauty of this snowy scene can often be ephemeral, lasting only until the winds pick up, or temps do. When the wind blows and fat clumps of snow come tumbling down, the freed tree branches heave a sigh of relief at losing their heavy loads.

Our gigantic Christmas tree "lives" on, in our backyard. Here it is, laden with snow, gracing the right side of the path that leads into our woods. The guys leaned it up against the clothesline post for me, and there she stands in all of her 18' glory. I was sad when the tree had to leave our house, but I'm glad I can enjoy its grandeur for a while longer.

I thought perhaps I'd be smart and outwit the squirrels by placing birdseed strategically on snow-covered boughs where I knew only birdies could perch. However, I forgot about that ephemeral quality of snow-covered boughs. The snow didn't last long on the branches, and the next morning I watched as three squirrels entertained my cats for hours, eating with glee, running 'round and 'round while chasing each other under the lowest boughs and up and down the tree trunk. Their antics were way too cute for me to chase them away from the treats. I let them have their day. 



Winter is best from the inside looking out, with a fire burning in the fireplace and something delicious baking in the oven. Even better when there is nowhere that you have to be. 






But even when we have to leave our cozy homes, the breathtaking beauty of newly fallen snow causes us to pause; to breathe in the fresh, unique scent, enjoying the stillness and muffled sound of a world covered in snow. 

And then, we plunge into our task of moving snow -- before we can go anywhere -- and before the deep freeze comes and turns it all into ice. It's all part of living here, and somehow I love the rhythm of it all. Although I can admit, it does begin to get old after a very long winter.

Sometimes it seems our winter is a crazy cycle of snow, cold, ice, melt, repeat, at least in our area of the upper Midwest. Lately our winters are warmer and bring less snow and bitter cold than the winters I remember from my childhood. So unfortunately that means that now we get more sleety snow than huge piles of the fluffy white stuff. 


But somehow we endure. Why? To behold Spring as she pokes her head above the ground. To once again feel warm breezes on our skin and gaze into a canopy of bright green leaves. This will come. After ol' man Winter is done. 

So, make some hot cocoa, and watch winter's view from the window. Or better yet, get out into the white stuff and breathe the cold, fresh air. Then you can come in and make that hot cocoa. 



I wish you winter's peace, my friends.  ♡

Summer Blues and Fall's Hues

When blue cornflowers and Queen Anne’s lace line the edges of country roadways, you know summer in the Midwest is coming to its end. As we grab hold of the last of our summer fun, cicadas can be heard buzzing their season-ending songs.

The bees seem more busy than usual, and you can sense a subtle shift in the life of the plants. The green canopy overhead rustles in the breeze, but there is a different feeling in the air, and afternoon skies seem nearer to the cobalt blue of autumn. Nights are much cooler, and heavy dews can cover lawn grasses until close to mid-day.

It seems everyone loves Autumn. Folks travel miles to see gorgeous views of the changing leaves. We’re lucky to live right in the middle of this beautiful fall spectacle, and we don’t have far to drive to see the hilly Kettle Moraine adorned in Autumn’s glory.

View from Observation Tower at Lapham Peak 

Lapham Peak is a beautiful State Park near my hometown, located in the ridge of the moraine left behind by ancient glaciers that forever affected topography here. 

Hiking the observation tower offers great views including area lakes, and if you time it right, you'll see beautiful fall colors, too.

Savor these late summer/early fall days. Bask in the quiet of a soft, golden afternoon, enjoying the lovely green canopies that have cooled us all through the heat of summer. They soon will display leaves in many hues, which will fall to the ground and ultimately become compost. 

That is Nature's way. While we glory in the colors of Fall, we know fully well what will come after months of splendor in the grass, and then the raking of the grass.

Winter, with all its fierceness and stark beauty, and its unbelievable persistence, will soon quiet the landscape into a long and hushed slumber; until once again the songbirds wake early to bring forth the sun in the early Spring.

Personally, I live by the seasons. Perhaps that’s why I returned to Wisconsin, as this cycle of life is born into my being. Do I wish that winters were shorter? Of course I do! As do many Wisconsinites. But having lived in warmer climates, I realize how fortunate we are to have such a relatively long summer season where we can celebrate being outside and sharing in nature’s beauty and bounty.

Breathe in. Draw deeply of the scents of summer, for they are quickly fading. Autumn has scents of her own, deeply satisfying and earthy. But nothing beats a nose full of soft, warm-from-the-sun flower petals, or tastes better than sun-warmed cherry tomatoes bursting in your mouth with sweet juiciness. 

Such is the character of summer. Bold, daring, and somewhat fleeting. Right now she is green in all her glory, but not for much longer. 

I recommend that you take a good, long breath and savor a peaceful moment under the shade of your favorite tree. As you gaze into its canopy, give thanks for the summer shade you have enjoyed. Tree hugging is highly recommended. Breathe deeply and feel the quiet peace that fills your spirit.  Life is good in nature. She is a healing balm for whatever ails you. ♡

One for All

“And we, though many, throughout the earth; we are one body in this one Lord."   *

Powerful words on World Communion Sunday. My heart was filled as I sang from the choir’s back row, my arms and my heart opened to the power of a world united in love.

Is it but a dream?

It is my lifelong dream.

Peace.

Love is my mission in the world, though I never really explored that thought before. I seek beauty, and love is beautiful. Now, before you think I’m stuck in 1969, let me explain.

To me, beauty is in God’s Creation. It’s all around us! The birds, the trees, the skies. YOU. You are God’s Creation.

Each being, special in its own gift of life that it brings. All meant to live together, if not in complete harmony, at least in symbiosis.

  

This beautiful World, given to us to live and grow on, and to love one another while we’re here.

It isn’t right that our species focuses on ways to kill and ways to heal at the same time.

We need to focus on spiritual growth, expansion of the mind into new perspectives, and understanding oneself and our purpose here on this earth.

Though we all have different thoughts on what or who our God is, it is safe to say that we are all living, breathing human beings walking this earth together. I see more similarities in that than differences.

Perhaps that is what we need to focus on. Understanding more of how we are alike. This involves compassion, acceptance and tolerance, as we learn to work together for the betterment of humankind.

All for All.

Is it just a dream?

I know it is not. I know there are like-minded people in the world who seek peace and justice over retaliation and restitution.

Learning to live together, in Peace.

Could that be the reason we're here? 







* One Bread, One Body , John B. Foley - United Methodist Hymnal

More than Mighty, He is Mighty to Save

Sunday Scripture

and a

Song

"Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,

mightier than the breakers of the sea— 

 the Lord on high is mighty."

Psalm 93:4

(NIV)

Nothing we ask of our Lord is too much for Him. No problem we give Him is too great. His love will comfort us; His peace will fill us beyond our ability to understand. 

Come to Him, and give Him all the concerns of your heart. Lay your troubles at His feet. Our God is mighty to save, and He will free you from your fears. 

Believe that the love of our Lord, our God, is greater than the world. 

Trust that He loves you, just the way you are.

Raise your hands and sing along to Laura Story's song "Mighty to Save" 

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Mobile users, click here to watch this video on youtube.

Thank you, & Blessings

The Power of Prayer

Courtesy Best Light Photography

This post has been rattling around in my brain for a long time. It has surfaced today because once again I am in need of prayers for healing. It’s nothing major, but my zest for life has been hindered while I am dragging this painful knee around with me. Procedures done today will surely help, and I will be on my way to wellness.

Less than two months ago I had also put out a request for prayers. This was when it was time to sing Handel’s beloved score, The Messiah, and I woke up with a horrible tightness in my throat and chest congestion on the day before dress rehearsal.

Best Light Photography

I didn’t want to ask for prayers, but I knew I should. So I boldly asked for prayers for myself, (a hard thing for me to do); and with the help of God’s grace and the support of so many wonderful, prayerful people, my voice held out throughout the rehearsal and performance.

At one point during the beginning of the performance I had to leave the stage for a coughing jag. You know how it is, when you try so hard NOT to cough, you can’t stop yourself when you finally do. I made it into the wings, closed the door, and stayed there ‘till I had it under control.

The day after the performance, as I reflected on how I made it through the concert, I realized it was only by my sheer will. But I also realized that this strength came from the many dear friends who know that singing is like breathing for me, and singing for the Lord is the joy of my song. My friends prayed, and I sang, and after it was all over, I let myself rest and recover.

There have been other times when friends have prayed, but none so great as my cancer journey in 2009. So many prayers were said on my behalf, that I could actually feel the power of everyone lifting me up.

If I ever needed reassurance that I wasn’t dealing with my illness alone, all I had to do was look up to my dresser top which was covered with get-well and thinking-of-you cards and reread the heartfelt messages. I still keep those cards, not as a reminder of my sickness, but to remember the outpouring of love and support from my relatives, church family and friends.

During that time I became aware of the palpable feeling of comfort from prayers. Now I can actually feel when prayers are being lifted for me. I could feel them this morning when I faced the tray of needles and my uncertainty as I put my trust in a doctor I hardly knew.

It is humbling and so beautiful to know that someone would take the time to lift my name to God’s ears. My hope is that I can share God’s love and grace to others through lifting my prayers for them as needs arise.

Too cute not to share!
He looks contemplative!

I used to think I needed a special time to sit down and talk with God about the various prayer requests that come my way. But sometimes I would forget, and then I would feel guilty.

Now, I take a moment, right away, and pray for God’s comfort and peace for whoever needs that reassurance in their life. By taking a moment to pause what I am doing, close my eyes, and offer my heartfelt prayers, I feel I stay connected with God all day long.

The conversation begins the moment I open my eyes in the morning, and continues with little prayers of gratitude and sharing my thoughts during the day. 

I like keeping that feeling of connectedness. After all, we are never alone. God is always with us, and desires to know our thoughts and share in the beauty and the sadness that touches our hearts.

Have you ever felt called upon to pray for someone you don’t even know? So much happens every day, and the news only shares the awful and disturbing side of human nature.

Sometimes a story in the paper will draw my attention, and I feel I am supposed to pray. Or sometimes I see a person whom I don’t know and I feel in my heart that I need to pray for God’s purpose and peace in their life.

This doesn’t make me saintly or any more sacred than any of you. I think I am just tuned into the spiritual side of existence, and if I stay out of my own head and stop dwelling on my troubles long enough, I can feel more aware of what is going on around me.

Perhaps when my wonderful friends and family share their prayers for me, this frees my own worry and concerns for my health. Then I can reach out into this hurting world and strive to find its beauty.

The search for what is good and beautiful in life brings me back to gratitude and connectedness to God. And when I can keep peace in my heart, I feel more connected to God and all living things.

Prayer is simply a conversation with God. When we lift our hearts to God, our prayers are truly heard.  And prayers lifted for another soul are powerful in helping us to feel the connectedness of all living things. There is great power in prayer.

May I pray for you? If you have a prayer request, please leave it in the comments below. You may post anonymously if you would like to. Thank you for the honor of praying for you.

What Do You Hunger For?

Sunday Scripture

and a

Song

I believe God puts a hunger in each of us that cries out against injustice, with a desire for what is right to prevail. I believe we are meant for peace, and that our purpose in this life to is to ease the suffering of those around us. 

If we are to live rightly, then we must honor our deepest desire for a world where suffering and hatred would cease; where the oneness of all living things would be honored and cherished. And I believe this begins within each one of us.

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled." Matthew 5:6 (NIV)

"Blessed Are the Ones" by Audrey Assad

Subscribers please click on Hope to find to view this video on my blog site.

Where I Get Inspired

Nature is a balm. When I step into the woods, I feel my countenance relax as peace spreads throughout my being.  The bright green canopy overhead lifts my spirits, and the path laid out before me beckons me to wander awhile.

Wild geraniums line the path

On a recent spring day, I headed into the woods for exercise and respite from my burdened thoughts. I felt my troubles fall behind me with each step further into the woods. The darting birds and busy squirrels barely noticed me as they pursued gathering their lunch, and even they seemed light-hearted at the hope of springtime.

Jack-in-the-Pulpit

The early spring woodland holds treasures in plant life that fade quickly and can go entirely unnoticed if one is not aware. On this particular hike, I saw so much beauty in the details of the wildflowers, I returned with my camera to capture these images of their springtime blooms.

Spring foliage is the brightest green of the growing season, and being surrounded with this bright energy fills me with delight and indeed energizes me. Soon the canopy will become more broad, changing into the deeper greens of midsummer, and I will find respite here from the heat of a hot summer’s day.

Trillium

But the spring green seems to shout out its joy of new life as I wander, and the feeling is infectious. I feed on the energy of new life all around me, and the sense of joy in new life rejuvenates my spirit.

I think God has given us Nature for this very purpose. The world man has created is so busy and harsh, with concrete and steel and glass. We design sharp right angles and symmetry, when nature’s edges are soft and free form. We may become accustomed to the cacophony of vehicles roaring by and flying overhead, but our spirits seek peace and quiet if we are to commune with our Maker. It is in the quiet that we are restored.

Spring is quickly growing into the long, hot days of summer. We become accustomed to seeing green all around us, and we settle into a rhythm that hums with the energy of a hot summer’s day. This beauty was birthed in the newness of spring; this life-giving energy growing from the roots to the treetops, and spreading out to form the peaceful canopy into which we might gaze and feel our spirits renewed.


We should take our cue from nature, and slow down to breathe in the life-giving energy of the natural world. Nature doesn't hurry or rush. Everything grows in its season, and we have the privilege of sharing in this beauty. 

"For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. " 

Ecclesiastes 3:1(NLT)

The Mountaintop Experience

Have you seen those ads where a climber reaches the peak of a great precipice and stands with arms outstretched as the camera pans around them? While I don’t harbor a fear of heights, if I were exhausted from climbing to the top of that mountain, I don’t think I would balance precariously on a jagged peak. Just sayin’.

The mountaintop experiences I savor are those I share with God, and I needn’t climb to places of thin oxygen to find Him. Mountaintop experiences can happen anywhere, and have more to do with my heart’s proximity to God’s than with where I am.

These intense feelings of joy and peace saturate my spirit, and I can’t help but smile and sometimes weep at the beauty of the moment. Feeling so connected to my Creator, in oneness of thought and pure joy, is exhilarating and peaceful all at the same time.

But I’ve come to realize I couldn’t enjoy these peak experiences if I hadn’t first walked through the deepest valleys. Because it is through the valleys of pain and sorrow where I met my Savior, or rather where He met me.

There have been times when I’ve been at my lowest, when my spirit was dark and my outlook on life even darker, and I couldn’t find any hope to start my day. It was from this deep valley of darkness that I was saved from my situation and from my own dark thoughts by the only One who could save me.

I cried out to God and He whispered into my darkness that I was not alone. That comfort helped me begin to find my way out of the pit of darkness. In my deepest sorrow, a voice spoke softly to my spirit “I am with you.” This ray of Hope shined like a beacon of Light leading the way out of the darkness. “Follow Me.”

I savor my mountaintop experiences with God, in pure joy and oneness of Spirit. Though these may be ephemeral moments, I treasure them knowing how far I have come to know this joy in my life through my relationship with God. I would not have reached these peaks had I not first walked the valleys. And through them I learned that I never walk alone.

"Even when I walk 

  through the darkest valley,

 I will not be afraid, 

  for you are close beside me."
           Psalm 23:4 (NLT)

Music speaks to my soul, and Mac Powell of Third Day shares my thoughts beautifully through this song, "Mountain of God." Subscribers please enjoy this video by clicking here.

Rest for Weary Souls

Sunday 

Scripture

and a

Song

Psalm 23 (New Living Translation)

    A psalm of David

 

The LORD is my    shepherd; 

  I have all that I need. 

 He lets me rest in green meadows; 

 he leads me beside peaceful streams. 

      He renews my strength. 

   He guides me along right paths, 

      bringing honor to his name. 

 Even when I walk 

      through the darkest valley,

   I will not be afraid, 

      for you are close beside me. 

   Your rod and your staff 

      protect and comfort me. 

 You prepare a feast for me 

      in the presence of my enemies. 

   You honor me by anointing my head with oil. 

      My cup overflows with blessings. 

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me 

      all the days of my life, 

   and I will live in the house of the LORD 

      forever.

    Relax and enjoy today's beautiful video. I have chosen 

"The Lord is My Shepherd" from John Rutter's "Requiem"

Let peace wash over you,

and let God's promise of His constant presence 

 rest in your heart.

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