An Autumn Season Prayer

Many of us are familiar with the scripture in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven ..."    Today's post is centered on a beautiful autumn season prayer - the author is unknown.    

Father of Lights,  God of the seasons, there is a time for everything; there is a time for dying and a time for rising.  
Give us courage to enter into the change of transformation.

Father of Lights,  God of autumn, the trees are saying goodbye to their green, letting go of what has been.  We, too, 
have our moments of surrender, with all their insecurity and risk.  Help us to let go when we need to do so.

Father of Lights,  God of fallen leaves lying in colored patterns on the ground, our lives have their own patterns.  
As we see the patterns of our own growth, may we learn from them.

 

Father of Lights,  God of misty days and harvest moon nights, there is always the dimension of mystery and wonder 
in our lives.  We always need to recognize your power-filled presence.  May we gain strength from this.

Father of Lights,  God of harvest wagons and fields of ripened grain, many gifts of growth lie within the season of our surrender.  We must wait for harvest in faith and hope.  Grant us patience when we do not see the blessings.

 Father of Lights,  God of geese going south for another season, your wisdom enables us to know what needs to be 
left behind and what needs to be carried into the future.  We yearn for insight and vision.

Father of Lights,  God of flowers touched with frost and windows wearing white designs, may 
your love keep our hearts from growing cold in the empty seasons.

 Father of Lights,  God of life, you believe in us, you enrich us, you entrust us with 
the freedom to choose life.  For all of this, we are grateful.

 May this prayer be a blessing for today and in the tomorrow of your lives.
(Click on the photos for enlargement)

Until we meet again at the Turn-Up Patch on Monday, November 10 ....

The Bracelet And God's Colors

I discovered this simple little bracelet at one of the local stores in our area.  I was attracted to each color that diffused its own light, making a collective sparkling bracelet.  As I looked at the bracelet, the band of colors began to open a door in spiritual discovery.  The colors typify God's sparkles of Light and is a reminder of destiny that lies in His Hand of Abundant Life.  Colors of our Divine Creator have life - a force of beautiful energy that makes a difference in the human soul. When I reflect on what this bracelet represents to me, I am reminded of the ONE  available to live within us with His complete wholeness.  It takes me to Him in adoration of  His Divine Presence through the living facets of color.  No wonder He is called the "Father of Lights".

                              

Symbolically, there are bible meanings to individual colors.  Here are just a few that are mentioned....
                                         Red - Blood of Jesus, Redemptive Power, Protection, Love
                                         Blue - Living Waters, Holy Spirit, Revelation, Healing, Divinity, Grace
                                         Green - Abundant Life, Spiritual Growth, Eternal Life, Mercy
                                         Purple - Royalty, Dominion, Inheritance
                                         Fuchsia - Joy, Passion, Compassion
                                         Gold - Glory of God Deity, Righteousness, Faith
                                         Yellow - Light, Joy, Celebration
                                         White - Creator, Purity, Holiness, Triumph, Peace, Salvation
                                         Burgundy - New Wine, Cup of the New Covenant, Rejoicing
                                         Orange - Praise, Power, Fire
                                         Plum - Richness, Abundance, 
                                         Turquoise - River of God, Sanctification 
                                         Silver - Redemption, Word of God, Strength, Divinity     

A great woman wrote this.... "I believe that God is in me as the sun is in the color and fragrance of a flower - the Light in my darkness, the Voice in my silence."  That woman was Helen Keller.  She was not privileged to experience colors through physical sight, but she had the profound experience to touch God in His array of living colors within her heart.

I wrote a post in reference to Helen Keller - she left her mark in this world; one of inspiration, honor and character in the face of her sightless and soundless world.  You can read more about her in my writing entitled "Mountains, a Grain of Sand & Helen Keller" at this link: http://www.turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2013/03/mountains-grain-of-sand-helen-keller.html


Until we meet again on Monday, October 27 at The Turn-Up Patch, may God's colors enrich your inner life to transform into your outer world. 

Ireland - Murrisk & Westport Discoveries

Upon my return from Ireland, I gathered my photos and travel experiences, creating an album while all my memories were fresh.  I share with you several discoveries that I made in beautiful County Mayo, home to the towns of Murrisk and Westport.

The village of Murrisk lies between the shores of Clew Bay and the iconic pilgrimage mountain of Croagh Patrick.  Positioned between structures of recent and ancient past history, you also discover a few Irish horses grazing on pasture ground, including a frisky colt  showing off for the on-looking tourists.  

 A sobering sight in Murrisk is a reflective monument known as the National Famine Memorial.   The haunting bronze sculpture by artist John Behan, depicts a coffin ship with rigging of human skeletons and bones. During the years 1845-1850 between 500,000 and 1 million people died from hunger and epidemics due to the potatoe famine and politics of the day.   Many more escaped their country and emigrated mainly to the United States and Canada.  They crossed the Atlantic in overloaded ships.  The conditions were so hard that many people died during the trip, thus the name "coffin ships".  It is estimated that tens of thousands of Irish rest on the bottom of the world's oceans, their lives extinguished because of filthy and congested conditions on the ships with inadequate clean water and food, causing fever and disease.

The monument was commissioned "To honor the memory of all who died, suffered and emigrated due to the Great Famine of 1845-1850 and the victims of all famines".

In traveling from Murrisk to Westport, our tour bus passed this country scene where a herder was working his dogs in gathering a band of sheep.  It was fascinating to watch these dogs who efficiently followed the signals of the herder and grouped them according to direction given them.  It is said that one good sheep dog is better than 10 men trying to do the same job.  A dog with the right directive, can move in sync with the herder and using instinct and skill can gather a scattered flock into a collective band of sheep.

One of my favorite villages was the charming town of Westport with its flowers, colors, lights and fun atmosphere.  One of the town's outstanding features is the elegant tree-lined boulevard, known as the Mall.  Westport was overall winner of 2001, 2006 and 2008 "National Tidy Towns Award'.   In 2012, award-winning Westport was crowned "The Best Place to Live in Ireland, Ireland's Tidiest Large Town, Ireland's Best Kept Large Town and the Retail Excellence Best Town in Ireland".

Matt Molloy's in Westport was a great pub experience that is uniquely Ireland.  The music was toe-tapping and wonderfully executed by young musicians playing to the crowd. Nimble hands and fingers played stringed instruments in a blur of synchronized energy.  Pub life and music starts at 9:00 p.m. and lasts through 2:00 a.m in Ireland as it is all over Europe.  It was worth the late hour to enjoy this part of Irish culture.

Join me at The Turn-Up Patch for another adventure in two more weeks - Monday, October 13.  Until then, here is an Irish blessing for you....

May there always be work for your hands to do.

May your purse always carry a shilling or two.

May the sun always play on your windowpane.

May a rainbow chase after each spot of rain.

May the hand of a friend always be near you.

May God fill your heart with gladness and cheer you.

A Jewel

A jewel is defined as a precious or semiprecious stone, a gem.  It is also defined as a person or thing resembling a jewel in preciousness, brilliance, of being indispensable. I love the faceted sparkle of a jewel when it is caught in the light, diffusing transparent beauty of color.   Aspects of God's creation, caught in His Light diffuses wonder in color and form around us to enjoy.  Among a multitude of the Creator's jewels is a glorious sunset, a rainbow cutting its color across the sky and hilly mountains jutting out from a valley floor. Nature calls out the majesty of God from a petaled rose, exquisite in fastened shape, to the commanding presence in the noble horse.
 

So many wonders on this Earth
Great works of beauty, joy, and mirth
Living treasures of endless worth
From etched trees to us before birth

Creation forms one big picture
Painted with a colored mixture
Made by God of unknown stature
Sole designer of all nature - See more at: http://www.christart.com/poetry/poem6584.htm#sthash.pcsbkSQI.dpuf

  It is impossible to account for the creation of the universe without

the agency of a Supreme Being - George Washington

So many wonders on this Earth
Great works of beauty, joy, and mirth
Living treasures of endless worth
From etched trees to us before birth

Creation forms one big picture
Painted with a colored mixture
Made by God of unknown stature
Sole designer of all nature - See more at: http://www.christart.com/poetry/poem6584.htm#sthash.pcsbkSQI.dpuf

So many wonders on this Earth
Great works of beauty, joy, and mirth
Living treasures of endless worth
From etched trees to us before birth

Creation forms one big picture
Painted with a colored mixture
Made by God of unknown stature

Sole designer of all nature - See more at: http://www.christart.com/poetry/poem6584.htm#sthash.pcsbkSQI.dpuf

So many wonders on this Earth
Great works of beauty, joy, and mirth
Living treasures of endless worth
From etched trees to us before birth

Creation forms one big picture
Painted with a colored mixture
Made by God of unknown stature
Sole designer of all nature - See more at: http://www.christart.com/poetry/poem6584.htm#sthash.pcsbkSQI.dpuf

As we admire the jeweled handiwork of our timeless God in His creation, our Creator also looks upon His own as 'His jewels'.  Malachi 3:16-17 states 'I make them My jewels'  and in Zechariah 9:16... 'they shall be like the jewels of a crown'.  This jewel in the crown is described as the most valuable, esteemed or successful person or thing of a number.  It is a masterpiece classic - a treasure, a wonder, a prize, a darling, a pearl, a gem, a paragon, a pride and joy.  As we are described as living stones in this earthly realm, we are also described as jewels set in His Eternal Crown.

The image above can never depict the infinite glory of such a radiant crown.  However, it helps as a visual regarding eternal destiny and gives encouragement to our days.  As the saying goes, we are a work in progress in our life's journey, but God has the final vision of what we are becoming - His jewels.

Let's meet again at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, September 29th....

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So many wonders on this Earth
Great works of beauty, joy, and mirth
Living treasures of endless worth
From etched trees to us before birth

Creation forms one big picture
Painted with a colored mixture
Made by God of unknown stature
Sole designer of all nature - See more at: http://www.christart.com/poetry/poem6584.htm#sthash.pcsbkSQI.dpuf

Update  on Josiah, Daniel and Derek....  Yay!  The eagles have landed - in Yorktown, Virginia with Old Glory intact.  The trio arrived at their completed destination on Day 67, which was September 9th.  Thanks to Josiah who faithfully entertained us with his wit, humor and photos in daily writings of their adventure on their blog http://transamerica2014.squarespace.com/   They truly lived and shall continue to live their motto... 'Life is Good!  Go Big or Go Home'.

Thanks guys for spreading awareness from coast to coast regarding your cause for the family unit as the foundation of our society.   Check out the link at:  http://www.decicco.cccministry.org/pages/Ride+for+the+Family

As Summer Wanes...

Change is in the air!  You can sense the last days of summer melting into the season of fall.  The leaves on the trees have lost the vibrant newness of spring and now look tired from many hot summer days.  Black birds have appeared in abundance, shouting (in bird style) their last hurrah to summer.  Geese, becoming restless in the fields, prepare for their eventual journey to warmer climates as the weather grows colder.  Daylight becomes less.  Our children return to school and by-by to summer vacations.  We move into the glorious season of fall, where the landscape turns from dull green into gold, orange and red.  But for now, we enjoy the few days left of summer....

Nearing the end of haying season - 'hurray"

I was in Bend recently and saw a flock of geese that had decided to make a stop at a parking lot at one of the local stores.  I grabbed my camera and made my approach at this unlikely place for geese to settle, even temporarily.  Obviously, the birds were used to humans as they did not get agitated or fly away as I walked up to them.  They seemed unconcerned and ready for their photo shoot.

Getting comfortable on cement!

Geese are my favorite birds.  I devoted a post to them entitled "Life Lessons from Geese".  Check it out at: http://www.turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2013/12/life-lessons-from-geese.html
We learn much from these feathered friends.  The below picture represents such freedom, grace and power in winged strength that these birds possess.  Also traffic congestion as they arrange themselves in flight.

From geese with speed in the sky to horses with speed on the ground.  Both, a beauty to watch in motion.  From the top of a hill, I was able to view the pastured horses below putting on their own exhibition of freedom, grace and strength.  It was in the early evening hour, when the sunset glow casts its own color across the landscape....

Diversity reigns in the universe and in the world.  We cannot begin to count the stars, let alone number the galaxies in existence.  On our earth, diversity ranges in seasons, in nature, in humanity and in God's creatures - big and small.  What a tapestry in creation!  I leave you with this quote to ponder on diversity which bursts forth out of combinations of five....

"There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard.
There are not more than five primary colors, yet in combination they produce more hues than can ever been seen.
There are not more than five cardinal tastes, yet combinations of them yield more flavors than can ever be tasted." - Sun Tzu


We'll meet again at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, September 15.  See you in a few weeks.... 

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Update  on Derek, Daniel and Josiah - the three cyclists that passed through our area on Day 11 of  their cross country bike ride.  Two weeks ago they were in Kansas and since then, have traveled through Missouri and are nearing the end of Kentucky.  The trio are presently on Day 58 and will soon be in Virginia - only 560 miles to go until they reach their destination in Yorktown.  Derek continues to fly "Old Glory" as illustrated by their amazing photo that they have posted on their blog...   http://transamerica2014.squarespace.com
Many thanks to Josiah for his daily posts and photography and for permission to use the below photo that is on their blog.  It is great fun 'traveling' with you and also makes us aware of the hazards that bicyclists face on the road - some injuries sustained but nothing that God can't heal.  Not to be deterred, Josiah and Daniel bike on with Derek and "Old Glory".   What an adventure!

Continue cheering them on and for their cause....  http://decicco.cccministry.org/pages/Ride+for+the+Family

Wildfires and Supermoons

It's been a busy summer throughout the John Day Valley.  Conditions have provided the 'perfect storm' for wildfires with tinder dry forests, lightning strikes and shifting winds.  Throughout the state, wildfires have ravaged lands on both the west and east side of Oregon.  One of the larger fires in our area erupted about 20 miles southwest of John Day on state, federal and private lands.  Close to the town of Dayville, this particular wildfire has been burning for most of August up to this date. A level 1 evacuation alert is still in place for some who live near the fire area, which means be ready for possible evacuation. As I write this post on Sunday night, the containment is listed at 60% with nearly 65,000 acres burned. I took these photos to illustrate the seriousness of this particular fire that has consumed so much land.  Thankfully, cooler temperatures have moved into our region with some rain but more threats of lightning storms are ahead.

Fire view near Mt. Vernon

Fire views south and east of Dayville

(Click on photos for enlargement)

What a pity it is to view the ensuing damage done to the land after the fire has had its way in its assault on the pristine countryside. That was evident in a recent wildfire in the Ochoco Mountain range.  A portion of Highway 26 had to be closed because flames had jumped the highway. It has since been contained and the highway re-opened for travel back and forth between Eastern and Central Oregon.  Traveling to Bend the other day, it was sad to see chard hillsides and twisted stick remains of  once lovely Ponderosa Pine and Juniper trees.  We are grateful to all the firefighters who risk their lives in the face of such an awesome force as fire.

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On an entirely different subject, as most of you are aware, this is the year of three supermoons to grace our skies.  The first was on July 12, the second on August 10 and the next will be on September 9th.  A supermoon is defined as a lunar phenomenon where the moon reaches a point in its orbit closest to the Earth, where it appears bigger and brighter.  There have been many spectacular photos on the internet of various places across the world showing a specific setting of the supermoon.  Here are a few that I took from my back yard.  The first two were shot on August 9, taking advantage of a clear sky.  You never know what to expect on a given evening, where cloud cover and/or smoke can obscure the moon in viewing.  That is what happened on August 10, where the clouds covered the moon and stars in our area.   I kept hoping for the haziness to scatter and slowly, by 11:00 at night, there was enough visible supermoon to take a few photos before the clouds moved in again.  It makes for an interesting effect as you can tell in the third photo below.

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Next month, there will be a show of the Perseid meteor showers alongside the supermoon that will provide some amazing celestial pictures.  In 2015, there will be an occurrence of six supermoons, which will make photographers happy all over the world.

I discovered this quote which I like very much:  "The moon is a loyal companion.  It never leaves.  It's always there, watching, steadfast, knowing us in our light and dark moments, changing forever just as we do.  Every day it's a different version of itself.  Sometimes weak and wan, sometimes strong and full of light.  The moon understands what it means to be human.  Uncertain.  Alone.  Cratered by imperfections." - Tahereh Mafi, Shatter Me

I'd like to use this same quote and tweak it a little bit.... "The Presence of God is a loyal Companion.  The Presence never leaves.  The Presence is always there, watching, steadfast, knowing us in our light and dark moments - The Changeless One, overseeing our changing ways.  Every day we are versions of weakness and strength, the ebbing and flowing of light.  The Presence in Jesus, understands what it means to be human.  The Presence is The Certainty when we are uncertain.  The Presence is The Friend who is with us when we think we are alone.  The Presence is The Embrace which holds us in our imperfections."


You are invited to visit The-Turn Up Patch for my next posting on Monday, September 1.  See you then!
    
* Update on Derek, Daniel and Josiah....  My previous post was about these three young men cycling across the United States.  They are currently on Day 43 of their journey and presently in Kansas after traveling through Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Colorado.  They were set back a few days because of a mishap that Josiah had.  However, he bravely presses on with a cast on his arm as the trio continues their biking adventure.  Be sure to catch up on their blog:
http://transamerica2014.squarespace.com/         Stay safe guys!

Life is Good - Go Big or Go Home!

Last month, as I traveled along Highway 26 in Eastern Oregon, I encountered three young cyclists carrying the American flag on their bikes.  One cyclist in particular, had a huge flag fastened onto the back of his bicycle that flowed proudly in the breeze as he energetically rode down the road.  My curiosity peaked and I stopped to find out what they were all about and asked if I could take their photos.  They gladly obliged... 

Derek

Derek explained that they were taking the flag across the United States to make a statement for "FamilyLife", which is a nonprofit organization focusing on the importance of the family unit.  They are biking across the country this summer to raise money and awareness promoting Christ-centered marriages and families.  A quote from Daniel, "I believe if you want to change the world, you start with family first by living a Christ-centered life." 
You can check out the website at this link: http://townlively.com/ride-for-the-family/

As I talked with Derek, he mentioned that it was his first time out west from Pennsylvania and was impressed with the diversity of Oregon scenery.  I wondered to myself, if this is the first time west, why are they traveling east??  The mystery was solved when I started reading their blog and discovered that the trio flew from Pennsylvania to Portland, Oregon and began their trek across the United States from Astoria.  Their destination, after a 4,000 mile journey, is Yorktown, Virginia.    When I met them, it was on Day 11 of their journey and their goal was to reach John Day to spend the night.  I mentioned to them to stop at the Silver Spur Restaurant in Mt. Vernon and was pleasantly surprised that they took my advice.  In reading their post entry for that day, I noticed that Josiah wrote about enjoying root beer and milkshakes at the Spur.  Way to go guys!!

Derek, Daniel and Josiah

I watched them as they traveled down the road impressed with these young men who bike with purpose and intention to accomplish their 'miles with a message'.   By the time you read this post, they have completed about half of their route, gearing up towards the last stage of their journey.   I encourage you to check out their blog, TransAmerica 2014, and read the daily entries complete with photos.  The link is:  http://transamerica2014.squarespace.com/

Currently, the trio are on Day 29 and have biked through Oregon, Idaho, Montana and presently in Wyoming.  Catch up with their travels and join them in their adventure - Josiah does a great job of logging in their days on the trail in words and photography.  You can also read about the 'who, what and why' of these three young men cycling for a cause.  Enjoy their Facebook Page as well, which is - TransAmerica Bike Trip.  

My encounter was short with Derek, Daniel and Josiah but I felt richer in my spirit for meeting up with their inspiring energy.  I like the slogan that their daily posts end with...."Life is good.  Go Big or Go Home!"   Prayers from Eastern Oregon continue to go with you for safe travels.  God Bless!

At the time I met up with these three young men, Central and Eastern Oregon were plagued by wildfires ignited by lightning strikes.  Two weeks later, much has been contained and new ones have been set off due to these on-going storms.  The smoke has caused an eery cast to our skies but we have had some wondrous sunrises and sunsets as a result of these atmospheric conditions.  I took this photo the other evening as the sun was descending in the west, melting into the hillside....

August Sunset in Eastern Oregon

Join me in two weeks at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, August 18 for whatever "turns up" in my next post.   See you then!