Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Morning Walk

I took these pictures over a month ago but have been too busy to post them. Our lives are hurried and seem to speed by, maybe that's why we need pictures and blogs to help us recall the days of our lives.

When I take the time to walk in the fields, time stands still. The quietness with only the sounds of birds and the wind blowing quiets my soul. I sing, pray and quote scripture. The moments I spend in walking the land opens my mind to the blessedness of being alone with God. He speaks to me through the land and plants and sky. The Bible says that we are placed in God's timing on the earth "... so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us." Acts 17:27. When I deliberately seek God, I sense his presence.

These plants, growing without cultivation, give a simple beauty to the land.

Often I see them grow out of a mass of tangled briers and vines. So much like life, that has troubles and challenges and yet God provides a way out. He gives simple beauty with his peace that brings us contentment.

When we take time to think on what we see in nature it teaches valuable life lessons. The above picture is of a vibrant green plant. It can grow leaves the size of dessert plates and a vine as thick as a cable. Beware! All we see as healthy is not good for us. This is poison ivy.

I'm thankful for a place close to home where I can walk and pray and "make a joyful noise." No one to laugh at my singing voice and no one to discount my sometimes foolish concerns. I hope those who read this post will find a place to be alone, to walk in our beautiful world and be at peace.

3 comments:

Em said...
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Em said...

Just returned from worship. Then I decided to check the blogs. Your writing was so in tune with the lesson today. He suggested that sometime in the next 48 hours that we spend one hour of alone time with God.

He suggested that we pour out our hearts concerns and fears and disappointments and even our questions to God. Be totally honest in our prayer to God and then be quiet.

In reading your blog I can see that you took time to be alone with God.

I , too, gather strength and communion in nature.

What a talent you have Fran for combining thoughts and pictures and feelings.

Thank God for you.

Love,
emily

Mary Ann said...

This is a beautiful example of how God uses nature as a free and flowing reminder of His messages to us. Bless you, my friend. Happy trails, Mary Ann