The Stress Factor

An apple tree was planted in the back yard of where we live a number of years ago.  It grew from a seedling to a mature tree bearing branches of apples, to the enjoyment of humans and horses. Just as we love the taste of apple pie, the horses salivate and slobber munching on apples freshly picked from the tree.  As the tree became a fixture in the yard, it also became witness to the growth of family in their changing seasons as well.  Daughters that surrounded the tree in their play and laughter, who also grew up from seedlings into maturity, eventually leaving to begin their own lives in fruitful adventure.  A swing was eventually fixed to the tree when a grandson came along... again, its branches played a part in giving pleasure. Apple blossoms became a part of spring with the promise of summer fruit.  The tree has never disappointed us in its yearly seasons.

This summer has been a particularly fruitful season.  Many locals have said that fruit trees of all varieties have been extremely full in bearing fruit.  Our apple tree was no exception.  I watched how the branches became ample in produce.  Then, I saw how burdened the branches became in holding such a heavy load.  Combined with the apple weight and the heat of summer, the branches now look miserable in such pregnancy.  The photo below shows a broken branch that could not bear up under the strain put upon it by nature.  I took the photos below to explain the tree's distress.  A bounty of apples for sure but I hope the tree will survive after this summer's labor of fruit.  As I write this post, there are more branches that are in the process of breakage as they bend further to the ground with so great a load.

I would like to use the illustration of the tree and its apples and apply it to the human condition of stress in our every day life.  Imagine the apples to be stress and you are the tree.  Pressures, pulls, strains and tensions all identify stress and if too many and carried too long, can bring about a breaking point.  It has been stated that stress is one of the major causes of illness, whether emotional or physical in our human makeup.  What is a counter to stress?  How can we relieve ourselves of the
burden of stress?  Books have been written about this but what it comes down to is one thing - our individual paths to peace.  Some look for peace in unhealthy ways but end up toxic in varied types of addiction.  Some look for peace in outward pleasures only to find a temporary fix and return to the cycle of stress upon their lives.

God does give us an antidote for stress but it requires an awareness that He is bigger than the turmoil of stress.  Instead of the old saying "mind over matter", it becomes of spiritual significance to remember that we need to go one better... God is greater ...  'Greater is the One living inside of me than he who is living in the world'.   Our minds only complicate stress in its many forms, whereas the Spirit brings relief in ensuing peace.  We can be like that tree planted by the river of life referred to in my post "Current"....  http://turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2016/08/current.html

Take time out to watch this short music video called "Greater" - it is a reminder that no matter our circumstance or condition, He is just a breath away with all that you need...   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXI0B4iMLuU

 
As we roll into September, I hope you will join me in two weeks at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, September 12.  Until then, here is a great little saying to ponder on... "Cherish Yesterday,  Dream Tomorrow,   Live Today".


 

Magic as Enchantment

Magic!  One of the definitions of magic is as enthralling as the name implies... "a mysterious quality of enchantment".  It can be something as enchanting as sunlight breaking through the leaves of a tree, leaving the viewer captivated with delight in its beauty and attraction.  We now how powerful tools to use in capturing such moments of magic to bear witness to God's wonderful creation of living nature.

This is the same tree that was in my last post, entitled "Current" and the photos used were taken with a Nikon digital camera.  The photos used in today's post were taken with my iPhone camera of the same tree at  different times and in varied angles.  The sun was in the right position to cast its light through the foliage and water, giving the picture an ethereal or magical effect in the play of filtered light.  It is mesmerizing moments like these that can transport the ordinary into an extraordinary viewer experience.  

We live in a day of explosive technology and the digital camera and the smart phone camera are two such inventions that are just an eye lens and shutter finger away in capturing scenes of life around us.  Both are in constant re-invention, applying science in the advancement of performance.  As it is with digital cameras, smart phone cameras are increasingly improving in capabilities and convenience.  The future may read.... "a good photograph is only a smart phone away" as zoom and wide lens features are developed in the progression of improvement for the sole purpose of photography all within a small package of the smart phone.
 

It is said that a camera is only as good as the photographer taking the picture.  Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder.  However, as technology improves, so does creativity in optimizing this technology to full potential.  I am amazed at the talent of photographers and how ingenious they become in attempting the unusual in a display of "magic" upon nature.  Fredrich van Schoor and Tarek Mawad are two such artists who are able to transform a forest into a fairyland of vibrating and luminous lights.  Please take time out and check their informative website, complete with a video that is awesome in their production of forest bio-luminescence.   http://www.bioluminescent-forest.com/ 

Another unique photography artist is Vitor Schietti who uses the process of tree lighting for his personal magic.  Here is a sample of his photos.  Read about him and see more of his photos at http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2015/10/tree-light-painting-schietti/

 
 

Come and join me at The Turn-Up Patch for another visit on Monday, August 29.  Until then, look for a bit of magic in your days and allow God to inspire the common into the exceptional....

Current

Today's post is simply entitled  "Current",  a word typically associated with movement.  This movement is in the moment; it is about progress now.  The below photograph of a river scene is an illustration that shows off the flow of current defined upon its waters.  I remember the feeling of peace that came as I watched the water move in gentle ripples accented by the play of light.  It reminds me of  the breath of God that stirs ripples of movement upon our spiritual lives.  If we are honest with ourselves,  there are times when movement seemingly has gone, stagnation has set in resulting in still water.   Too often we look outward anticipating an external action to stir up inward movement and when action doesn't come, leads to disappointment.  It is during such times as these to remember the character of God - the character of God whose very nature is to move upon still waters and bring life.

There are many references in scripture about water, but I chose several to use in relating to movement.  In Genesis, the very story of creation, speaks about how our God made something out of nothing.  There was emptiness, no form and darkness. That can aptly describe those inward times of stagnation in personal still waters.  But what did our Creator do?  The Spirit of God moved and He took darkness and brought forth light.  He brought forth form and substance to that which was void and empty.  Our wonderful God hovers over our still water to cause movement in new life and brings hope.

The above photos using ducks and water as an illustration of Psalm 23: 24, 23...."He makes me lie down in still waters; he restores my soul."   The ducks are in their natural habitat of water.  There they rest and are nurtured, content in the experience.   In the still waters of our soul, there is movement - a movement of healing, of restoration, to get back to the basics in the simplicity of "God and me".   It is a time to rest and allow God to expand our vision of Him and to bring forth a greater awareness of the eternal.  It is a time to be and not to do.  

One final thought before I close this message.  Most of you are familiar with Psalm 1:3: "They are strong, like a tree planted by a river..."   We gain strength during the learning process 'of being', an art of discovery in itself.   During this time of separation from the doings, we get our internal compass back.  We will be ready to produce in due season but meanwhile, symbolic as a tree, we receive nourishment from God's movement by the river of life.  We can imagine our personal leaves that bud and form that will not wither but be alive in vibrancy.  A greater enrichment occurs as we gain insight as to who we are and what really matters in our individual universe.   A tree has many leaves and God does not limit us to the familiar but rather brings forth a new day in the understanding of life abundant.  "Everything they do will succeed"  ....  In the prosperity of spirit as a tree planted by a river, the being  will propel success in the doings.  The movement of being must come first to flow as a current into doings orchestrated by our Father of Lights, who is all and in all.

 
Come, join me at The Turn-Up Patch for another visit on Monday, August 15....

Sheltering Wings

Wings!... described as a means of flight or ascent.  We use the word wings to explain the appendages existing on any flight orientated body, from birds to airplanes.  Using geese as an example, they have extremely strong wings to assist them in migratory flight.  Their wingspan is normally one and half times the size of their body and can be up to six feet in length.  Feathers on their wings are strong and stiff for protection from wind, moisture and sun.  To read more about this fascinating bird, check out a post that I wrote, entitled "Life Lessons from Geese" at  http://turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2013/12/life-lessons-from-geese.html

I took the following photos from a vantage point of a motel room overlooking the Deschutes River in Bend.  They had no idea that they were being photographed, thanks to a trusty 50x zoom camera.  I had the chance to watch them relax, play in the water, preen their feathers, sleep and guard their own.  I captured several shots of them stretching their wings and appreciate all the more how grand a waterfowl they are.

The below photo was taken during the early morning hour.  Several of the birds decided to take a nap and tucked their long necks back into their wings covering their beaks with feathered comfort and warmth.  The third goose appears to be a "guard" as the others slept.  The bird did not attempt to leave the other two but remained alert and vigilant over them until they came out of their slumber.

This can be an illustration of what we, as God's children, can experience within the shelter of His wings. Psalm 91:4 says...."He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and protection."  Scripture has examples of many metaphors that language uses in a figurative sense to present an image.  In this particular image of feathers and wings, it is comforting to know that His faithfulness not only guards and protects but is a refuge and a hiding place for renewal and ascendancy.  Take time out to watch this beautiful video by Highland Praise singing "In the Shelter of Your Wings" and be at peace....  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBV2WzjuhDA

Join me at The Turn-Up Patch in two weeks for a visit on Monday, August 1.... 

Respect? Within America

It saddens me to see respect  decline in America.... for God and for country - where God is marginalized and the flag is vandalized.  Other words for respect are:  regard, esteem, appreciate, consider, honor, to abide by, polite, to avoid violating.  Yes, the flag symbolizes and signals a declaration of freedom, among them being religion and speech in these United States of America.  People can say and do according to their own dictates to make a statement.  When it is not controlled by respect - honor and esteem are forgotten.  When the flag is burned and trampled, when secularism tries to minimize God...  we are in trouble folks.  When freedom is worshiped over and above the God who gave us freedom, we become a sinking society without the standard (level of excellence or quality) of respect for God, for country and for one another.  

The quote above from Ronald Reagan acknowledges that God is synonymous with America.  One cannot be separated from the other.  A great nation remembers not only the founding fathers in signing the Declaration of Independence but the dichotomy of its respectful Dependence on God.   We observe today as a national holiday in the celebration of freedom, known as July 4th - Independence Day.  I have written about this in past posts, one in particular on the American flag... link: http://turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2013/07/identity-of-american-flag.html
I hope you read it as the message reiterates the meaning and identity of our heritage as citizens and residents in these United States of America - let us not take it for granted.  Festivities are held in communities across the country in remembrance of the cost of freedom symbolic in the American Flag.  Old Glory was birthed in revolution and arose in the midst of struggle and bloodshed to gain independence.   The celebration of July 4th is not all about picnics, parades and fireworks... it's about freedom, liberty and the birthday of our country.  It's about a sacred right and adhering to the basic premise of respect aligned to our Creator. 

Join me at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, July 18.   I leave you with a quote from Abraham Lincoln...  "Don't interfere with anything in the Constitution.  That must be maintained, for it is the only safeguard of our liberties."



 


 

Talents, Towns and Glory

Living in a small rural community has its limitations that can turn a disadvantage into an advantage.  I was born and raised in city and my first exposure to small town living was in our move to Eastern Oregon.  I wasn't sure I could adapt but 40 years later, I am still alive and well!   From the onset of finding myself plunked in the middle of the John Day Valley, I became aware of the expansiveness of nature from the surrounding hills to brilliant star-studded skies.  It became more personable as time went on in the discovery of this area and the people who have also made this their home.  Small town living also emphasizes the talent that exists within many of the Grant County residents as their gifts become known.  There are amazing singers, musicians, artists, photographers, writers and poets who are transplants and natives, contributing to the uniqueness of this region.  

I'd like to introduce you to one such person, KA Simpson, pen name for Kim Chesley.  Through her poetry and 'doing for others', she makes a difference within the world of Grant County and people who have met her along the way.  With Kim's permission, I am honored to feature one of her poems entitled, "The Lord's Grandeur".....

THE LORD'S GRANDEUR

(c)  by KA Simpson 

I have a feeling of such smallness

As the wind whistles at night,

And I look out upon a sky

Lined with diamonds full of light.

And if I pull my wrap around

And venture out the door,

I feel then even smaller

Then I ever did before.

And this nighttime world that stares at me

As the wind blows in the trees,

And I smell the freshness of the earth

And shiver in the breeze,

Makes me wonder, truly, what am I

Amid the grandeur of this night?

I feel inconsequential,

As this sight in me ignites

An awareness of the Power

Behind the splendor of this scene-

And I know I'm not alone out here,

Where angels all convene.

And together we all lift our hands

In union and accord,

And let our voices

Sing the name of Jesus Christ our Lord!

And my smallness gains in stature

As I worship and am free,

To hail God as Holy Master,

Creator of all I see.

The heavens truly show the grandeur of God and how infinite He is.  The aurora borealis is another example of His Glory manifested.  The below photo and article appeared in the Daily Mail about a year ago.  The implication of the photograph is of "Christ the Redeemer" in the light of the aurora borealis. 

Please take time to read the article along with other photographs of Iceland, where they are privileged to witness the aurora borealis as we are privileged to God's color in rainbows, sunrises, sunsets and star-studded skies....
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2911437/I-light-Image-Christ-Redeemer-appears-aurora-borealis-Iceland.html


Come back  and visit The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, July 4th - which happens to be Independence Day!  Thank God for the freedoms we enjoy; let us not take them for granted.

The Feeling of Peace

What does peace feel like?  The words become illusive.  It is much easier to describe peace such as inner contentment and serenity.  We can describe peace as to what it is not such as turmoil, agitation and many negatives that run contrary to peace including war.   But what is the feeling of peace?  I have thought much about this lately in my quest to be peaceful in heart and mind as I live and breathe in my personal world.   

Peace can come to us in many forms that the diversity of our created world offers.  I took the above photo of several ranch horses contentedly munching on pasture grass.  Oblivious to the shower they were getting from irrigated water, their skin and manes were wet in a cool reprieve from the hot weather.  I watched the uncomplicated scene that gave back to me a feeling of peace.... a state of momentary being, I guess.  A space in time absent to the motion of doing, where there is no right or wrong with no thoughts behind me or ahead of me in a racing mind that wants to chatter.  Just simply watching.

There is a peace that passes all understanding as stated in scripture, Philippians 4:7 -  perhaps  that is why it is so difficult to attach a word description of the feeling of peace.  Perhaps  we really are the conduit of peace for it is God, who is Peace.  John 14:27 (NLT) ... "I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart.  And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.  So don't be troubled or afraid."    The beginning prayer of St. Francis of Assisi states... make me a channel of Your Peace.  Perhaps, if we learned to become that channel and open our clogged minds and hearts, we could experience God's gifting of that spirit of peace that was meant to flow within and without.  

A rose is a rose is a rose...

 And so it goes with peace in its experience - is and is and is.  Learning to be that channel, to take a step back and open up to exquisite peace.  Peace that can wash away tension and upset, splashing its presence upon the shores of mind and heart, not only to self, but unto others.  A Pericles quote: "What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others."   To be a weaver of peace is to be an open channel for peace.

In conclusion, watch this special YouTube video in presentation of the hymn, "Make me a Channel of Your Peace"....  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sE9std-lwXQ 

Until we meet again on Monday, June 20th at The Turn-Up Patch...