Blanket of Snow, Blanket of Love

Christmas is the gateway into the new year.   As the new year approaches seven days later, it is good to take the celebration of Christ and carry its spiritual momentum into the days and months of 2019.  As the angels declared good tidings and joy with the birth of Christ unto humanity, may it become a living reality in bringing hope and peace in our daily lives.  Just as new-fallen snow blankets nature may His Presence, in the blanket of love, provide shelter from anxieties and storms of life.

New fallen snow came to Grant County this past week and with its arrival brought beauty to the countryside and fun in winter recreation.  I don't have to travel far to capture a beautiful photo moment, since these were taken from the front yard.  Not such a delight for travelers on winter roads but for those who live in winter climates, they are prepared with snow tires/chains and maneuver the winter roads with dexterity.

There are several quotes that I end this post with.  Combined, there is a message of God's love for one and for all.....  "A snowflake is one of God's most fragile creations, but look what they can do when they stick together! (anonymous)
God loves each of us if there were only one of us. (St. Augustine)

I'm sorry I did not show up for my December 17th post but will try to keep our regular 'date' every two weeks in 2019, starting on Monday, January 14....

   

Nature, Solace and Anne Frank

Just as winter fights spring in its impending arrival, so does fall fight the approaching season of winter.  I was amazed to see this startling and vibrant rainbow while traveling home.  It didn't seem warm enough for a rainbow with a forecast of imminent snow.  This scene reminds me of our personal journey in life when an unexpected blessing can cross our path to brighten and cheer our day. 

Snow eventually caught up with the weather and as predicted, blanketed our area with the first carpet of white.  Travel becomes more difficult in Eastern Oregon in winter because of mountain roads that lead north, south, east and west.  For those that have lived in this area for any length of time, they have become seasoned travelers and know the wisdom of equipping their vehicles with snow tires and carry a set of chains 'just in case'.

The trees can look so barren and lifeless after they lose their cloak of green leaves.  However, transformed by their nakedness, the exposure of bark and branch brings a dimension of beauty that can be missed by summer foliage. 

I feel blessed to live in an area where beauty abounds no matter what the season.  This morning, the sun peaked out from snow clouds casting light that dispersed shadows on the surrounding hillside.  Afternoon clouds cleared to blue sky that gave its own contrast to snowy Canyon Mountain.

Anne Frank, whose young life was cut short by the cruelty of twisted evil in the hostility of antisemitism, had this beautiful quote.   Her words live on in depth of inner beauty and wisdom...  "The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God.  Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.  As long as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be.  And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles."


Join me at The Turn-Up Patch in two weeks on Monday, December 17th....

Freedom and Norman Rockwell

Norman Rockwell is a name that is fondly remembered as an artist who depicted Americana in innocence.  His paintings showcase respect, honor and humor as his paint brush splashed over the canvas that revealed stories in human living through his eyes.  One of his quotes..."Without thinking too much about it in specific terms, I was showing the America I knew and observed to others who might not have noticed."

He was born on February 3, 1894 and he died at 84 years of age on November 8, 1978.  He was a beloved author, painter and illustrator and known for his covers on the Saturday Evening Post.  In 1977, he received the nation's highest peacetime award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, by President Gerald Ford.

Among his collections, Norman Rockwell's Four Freedoms became a phenomenal success after their publication in 1943 during the 2nd World War.   These paintings are a poignant and powerful reminder of what we hold dear in the name of freedom....  Freedom of Speech,  Freedom of Worship, Freedom From Fear, Freedom From Want.                     

As we approach Thanksgiving this week, let us all be thankful for the liberties that we enjoy and appreciate.   Freedom should not be taken for granted for it was won and is sustained by the sacrifice of many.

Freedom is a dynamic that began with God who gave humanity the choice in free will. Let us not worship freedom over the Creator who gave us freedom.  He alone is Omnipotent!  And we should never get so arrogant as a nation to dismiss His Sovereignty in replacing Him with lawlessness in the name of freedom.

Until we meet again at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday,  December 3rd...

An Annual Tradition in Dayville

Since we just had Halloween, I am doing a repeat of a post on Dayville's fun and festive community in harvest celebration.  It is an annual event, always with scarecrow street decor to the delight of residents and visitors passing through.  I had to take this picture of a brand new addition to the scarecrow creations displayed at the Dayville Cafe.  This meet and greet group are the most lovable harvest characters to have by your door.....

 

 

By the way, the restaurant food is the best in the county and so is their varied pie selection - try a slice of the apple jalapeno caramel pie... yummy!!  You'll want to take home the whole pie.

 

 

Harvest Time and Community of Dayville, Oregon    (Posted on October 24,2016)

Today, as we journey through Harvest Time, we take a little trip to Dayville.  I wrote about Dayville in October 2013 when the community was celebrating their Centennial including a fun video I put together of the creative scarecrows that lined their main street.  You can check out this post at the below link, which gives some background history about Dayville. 
http://turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2013/10/centennial-scarecrows-dayville-oregon.html
Three years later, the friendly town of Dayville carries on their harvest time tradition, complete with this welcoming sign featured in the park. 

In all kinds of weather, through storms and sunshine, the sturdy scarecrows remain vigilant during October welcoming travelers driving through on Highway 26.  The residents who join in the creative fest for best harvest scarecrow, outshine in individual handiwork and it is difficult to make a choice as to a favorite ragamuffin.  Here are just a few samples...

 

Not to be outdone by scarecrows, pumpkins come into display with their whimsical faces drawn by a talented Dayville resident.  Featured at the Community Fall Festival, they were a hit as well as the food fare, prepared and served with plenty of delicious cuisine choice.

Many thanks to the Dayville residents who make Harvest time in the John Day Valley unique with creative scarecrows and to Ruthie Moore for her 'funtastic' pumpkin faces - all done for our viewing pleasure!

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Join me at The Turn-Up Patch in two weeks on Monday, November 19th....  See you then!

Thy Kingdom Be Lived Within Me

Throughout the centuries, our beautiful earth has been home to multiple species of life.  Humanity was put in place to oversee, enjoy and nurture boundless forms of living organisms.  However, the human race is caught in the struggle of life itself, which has confluence of good and evil; both consist of four letters and both are polar opposites.  We can see the effects or fruit of good in the world and also the effects or fruit of evil. 

There is a higher realm that exists called the Kingdom of God.  An elusive term to some, but those that become awakened to this reality know that this is their true home.  Many scriptures reference to the Kingdom of God.   Jesus states in John 18:36  "My Kingdom is not of this world".  Often a sense of being a pilgrim in our personal journey becomes a heartbeat of knowledge that our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20).  The Kingdom of God!  Is it a place or a state of being or both??

We can have moments of glory in the world's continuing drama of existence but it cannot come close to what the Kingdom of God offers.  Much has been written regarding this subject and space does not permit me to expand other's collective conclusions.  At this time of my life, I can only relate to you my personal reality.  God is my Source and as my Source, He offers me all who He is and I truly can live and move and have my being in Him.  Therein lies His character that I become one with... I can choose to wrap and hide myself in His robe of embracing love, forgiveness, grace, mercy, peace where joy, hope and healing are found.  My soul becomes soothed and infused in that dynamic.  I have discovered that the Kingdom is available here and now and is constant to sustain, strengthen and satisfy.

Thy Kingdom be lived within me!

Visit me again at The Turn-Up Patch in two weeks, on Monday, November 5th....

The Art of Relaxing

Intensity comes in many forms and we can often find ourselves stressed trying to keep up with daily tasks that scream for attention.  Moments to catch our breath seem elusive but so necessary in gathering energy for the next chore at hand.  To relax becomes an unfamiliar luxury that is often put aside until it is time to collapse in bed at the end of the day.

Other words for relax are - decompress, unwind, loosen up, slow down.  My cat is a perfect example that gives a visual for this meaning....

We can always learn from our furry four legged friends who can teach us some valuable lessons in life.  A quote by Charles Spurgeon  - "Rest time is not waste time.  It is economy to gather fresh strength... It is wisdom to take occasional furlough.  In the long run, we shall do more by sometimes doing less."

Join me at the Turn-Up Patch in two weeks on Monday, October 22nd.  And remember to take a few mini-furloughs during your day.

A Wyoming Escape

I apologize for missing the September 10th posting due to a vacation and lack of internet along the way.  Actually, it was a welcome reprieve not to be connected to the chattering noise of information that high tech provides.  We stayed at a campground about six miles from Jackson, Wyoming that was quiet, peaceful and scenic.  Taking a walk around the camp, came across this sight and had to take a photo.  I can't imagine sleeping in a tent on top of a cab on a pickup truck but to each his own, as the saying goes....

The beautiful Teton mountains were not sharply visible since smoke drifted into the area from so many wildfires.  It cleared just briefly for a photo or two that I was able to get from the camp-site area.

Sunsets are beautiful, no matter what part of the country you are in

Driving into Jackson, we noticed a group of people by the side of the road with cameras in tow.  Not to miss an opportunity for a photo shoot, I joined them to see what the fuss was all about.  At the bottom of the hill was a moose with her two calves.  They were enjoying themselves eating and drinking on one of the banks by the river.  The calves were large - at least 300 pounds each and still nursing!  The following photos show the story in sequence....

I think Mama Moose was getting tired of her large babies nursing at her side and broke loose to head to the other side of the river with her calves scrambling after her.  It was a great photo shoot!  There is always something unique to photograph in such an amazing part of Wyoming.  We were able to visit Jackson last year and the weather was a little more co-operative with less smoke.  You can check this link to my post entitled "The Awesome Tetons".... https://turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2017/09/the-awesome-tetons.html

Please join me at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, October 8th....  As we enter the Fall season, I leave you with this thought that echos my heart.... "Fall has always been my favorite season.  The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale." - Lauren Destefano