Reuse, Recylced Wreath

I love to decorate for the holidays and quite honestly I always check out the newest and latest decorations for each at every store I visit.  I always want to see what they've come up with that might be new compared to last seasons decorations.  Sometimes I find nothing that catches my attention and other times it's as if that new item just jumps off the shelf and says look at me.  One of the new items I noticed this year was a wreath with antlers and feathers on it.  I love nature and being outdoors and so it really caught my attention, so I checked the price tag.  I've become a  little more discerning in what I purchase these days for many reasons.  One I want to make sure I really like what I'm purchasing and that I will use it for a long period of time.  Two I am really trying to be conscientious about purchasing items made in the USA and it is shocking to discover how many things out there are NOT made in the USA.  Third, I am creative and I really enjoy making crafty items such as floral arrangements, wreaths, my own greeting cards, to name a few.  I really believe my creativity is a gift from God and I try to use it to bring happiness and joy to others.  So I decided I could make a wreath that was very similar to what I found and it would be mostly natural from things made in the USA and it would be cheaper.  So I began to gather all the items I knew I had on hand.  Wreath - check, red berry sprigs - check, frosted greenery and pinecones - check, floral wire and wire cutters - check, feathers - check, deer antlers - check.  You may be thinking to yourself - seriously she had feathers and deer antlers already.  (chuckle)  Yes I did, every year early in the spring my husband and I visit my mom's ranch that has a creek running through it.  We scour her acreage looking for deer sheds, especially on the meadow where we hay, so that the antlers don't puncture tractor or equipment tires.  We also have turkey, pheasant, owls, and hawks that consistently drop their feathers and we pick them up.  (We also make our own fishing flies.)  I've heard many times about reduce, reuse, recycle and my husband and I are very diligent in our effort to follow those principles.  So this year I put it to good use making a wreath out of items I already had that adorns the front of our home to welcome guests.  We've received a multitude of compliments on how cool it is and it did turn out very nice, it looks very woodsy and yet festive at the same time.  My mom recently saw it and she was talking about how unique it is and when I told her that the antlers and feathers on it came from her place, she smiled and said "that's a neat way to use all those things we find, good idea!"  She is also very creative and so then she started thinking about ways she could use the things she finds on the ranch to make gifts or decorate with.  Oh the inspiration that came from the most ordinary things - Made both of us realise that one may never know how God will inspire you to do something, but we need to be prepared for his prompting.     

Frosty Kiss

We've had two days of heavy fog and freezing mist/rain.  It really hasn't been to slick out on the streets or roads which is a good thing, but the ice or hoar frost that has accumulated on everything is beautiful.  The ice crystals look all fuzzy and white, almost like snow, but if you look closely you can see each tiny individual ice crystal that binds to the next one to make that effect that looks so cool.  It looks especially feathery on the tips of grass and on evergreen trees and since it is Christmas time and my railing has evergreen garland on it, my front porch is looking especially festive right at the moment.  Once the sun warms up it will be all gone, but not before I make it outside to get some great photographs and images of the pretty white frosty kiss that God planted on the world outside my window.  I'm reminded that if God can create something so beautiful as ice crystals and snow flakes with their intricate patterns, how much more care he's placed in creating each one of us and how beautiful we are to him, because we are his children.  This next time I see God's frosty kiss upon the world I will remind myself of the care he took to make me and all of the people in my life beautiful too.  Thank you God for your touch upon my life. 

Catching a Glimpse

I'm still not sure I appreciate it being dark by about 4:30/5:00 pm, because I have meetings and Bible Studies and various events at night that I sometimes have to drive to and so it seems that most of my driving here lately has been in the dark.  There are some things I like about driving at night - I get to see some great stuff in the dark, like incredible stars on clear nights.  I also get to see all sorts of critters - owls, deer, coyotes, fox, raccoons, etc.  You never know what you might see on any given nighttime drive.  One of the things I always love to see, but don't get to very often are Jack Rabbits - yes they do exist but not in very big numbers and it always makes me smile when I see those great big ears and those great big back feet.  They look a little out of proportion and awkward, and yet they fascinate me.  They represent one more thing that points to God's creativity and diversity.  He is bigger than anything we can ever imagine and what an imagination He has - to create so many different species of animals and plants.  I'm sure there is a purpose for those great big ears and those great big back feet on a jack rabbit.  Hhhhhmmmm, maybe I will have to do some research and see if I can find the reason behind those characteristics.  In the mean time I hope to continue to catch a glimpse of anything God has created, because each discovery makes me smile and reminds me that if God can put that much detail into each of the animals and plants, how much more detail he has put into creating each one of us, his precious children.  Thank you God for your love, grace and mercy and for making each of us just the way you designed us to be.

Who - oo's out there?

Had a great experience the other night.  Crisp, cool, clear evening and the stars were totally awesome again.  No moon, so if you found a dark spot to be you could see the milky way very clearly.  My husband and I had some time to just sit in the back yard and take in the beauty.  As we were sitting there we heard something land in the tree above us and didn't think to much of it.  We have seen all sorts of birds in our back yard from small sparrows and finches, to large birds of prey including hawks and owls.  Because it was dark we couldn't tell what kind of bird was above us, but knew it had to be pretty big because we could hear  the air being pushed about with it's wings.  We continued to star gaze and pretty soon we heard an owl begin to call from a distance off.  We love to hear them and we get very excited when we hear them answering one another.  Imagine our surprise when the "bird" that had landed above us began to call back.  Now we knew who was above us, we had an owl perched over our heads; it seemed oblivious to the fact that we were there and it was calling back and forth with the owl a few blocks away.  Pretty soon there was a third owl that joined them, because we could hear it's call coming from another direction.  We sat there in stunned silence, just listening to the different tones, pitches and lengths of the calls from these three owls.  We then started whispering back and forth about what they might be communicating to one another.  My husband made me giggle, when he suggested, "whoo-oo-oo's out there?"  We finally had to give up and go inside because we were getting cold.  Our owl stayed perched in the tree and didn't move a muscle and even after we made our way inside we could still hear it calling from time to time.  That made both of us smile in a satisfied way.  We love spending time out in God's handiwork any time we get a chance, even if it's in the dark and we don't know for sure "who-oo-oo's out there?" 

Late Night Drive

My husband and I make a trip to one of his churches last night for a meeting.  I went along to help with the driving and to provide encouragement and support.  As we began our journey it was just starting to get dusky, you know that time of night when the sun is making it's descent on the horizon and the light is beginning to fade.  We knew to be on the alert for deer and other critters because that seems to be their favorite time to move around - dawn and dusk as well as at night.  We weren't very far north of town when we were both pointing out something different, but in the same vicinity.  Let me explain.  I spotted a doe standing near the base of a telephone pole off to our left and Bill noticed an owl sitting at the top of the same pole.  It was a cool sight to see both creatures so close, yet not even aware of each other, both were looking at us.  We saw several more deer and even had to stop twice for them to cross the road.  Good thing we gave ourselves an extra half hour to reach our destination.  Then on our way back we were being alert and cautious again because it was completely dark and as experience has proven again and again, we rarely have a time when we don't see something.  The great thing about last night, is that the full moon was helping us out.  We could see further down the road and the peripheral vision on both sides was great.  We did see a couple doe and a family of raccoons.  Nothing we had to stop for, just slow down and move over.  We are always so thankful for the protection and safety God provides us as we drive.  We rarely put the vehicle in drive without saying a prayer first.  We trust God to clear the way for us, but we also drive cautiously and defensively, especially at night.  Our motto is we would rather make it there (wherever that may be) alive and in one piece than get there as fast as possible.  We just wish more people would do that, especially on those late night drives.  Be careful, you never know what you may encounter out there in the dark late at night.   

A Time for Every Season

We've had out first snowfall of the year (November 1st/2nd), and it's only 2 or 3 inches.  It didn't even stick to the streets or sidewalks.  There are people who can't stand snow.  Me, I don't mind it in manageable amounts, meaning if I don't have to scoop it off the sidewalk or it involves very little shoveling, scooping, snow blowing I'm good.  I think it's very pretty and I don't even mind the cold.  In my opinion, I can always put more clothes on and be toasty.  That doesn't happen the other way around, when it's hot, there's only so many pieces of clothing you can take off before it becomes indecent or something you'll get arrested for.  I can always get warm, I can't always get cool, so I'm all for snow.  I haven't seen a really good blizzard in a long time - oh sure last year we had a few 3 foot drifts in spots, but I'm talking can't get out the door or do anything blizzard.  When I was little we had those occasionally. I remember some of the pictures where the drifts were to the top of the house and you'd have to scoop out of the house, or into the barn and it seemed like it took forever.  One year we had a bunch of yearling calves we had to dig out, they were buried in a seven foot drift.  That wasn't alot of fun either.  We could hear them, but man it was scary wondering if we were going to get them out in time.  We didn't lose any, but we did lose a bull a couple years later.  We knew he was missing we just couldn't find him because he'd frozen to the ground and couldn't move.  Needless to say he either froze to death or suffocated under the snow, maybe both, it was sad.  Helped me gain a new respect for winter weather.  My husband gives me just a little bit of grief over the winter weather kits I put in our vehicles.  They include blankets, hats, mittens, scarves, flashlights, reflective vests, granola bars, beef jerky, dried fruit to name a few things.  They go in the vehicles at the first prediction of snow and they stay there until the snow is long gone.  Precautionary measures - because we travel alot in some remote areas and you never know that kit just might save our lives someday.  I am very aware that winter is one of the seasons that God designed and put into place, it is a time of rest for the plants and the earth.  The winter snows refuel our streams, rivers, and lakes.  I appreciate snow for many reasons, but I also have a guarded respect for it.  In Ecclesiastes 3:1 it says, "there is a time for every season." Now is the season of cold temperatures and snow.    

Interesting Visitors

It is interesting living in a small village (population in the 400 range) located in a remote area because you never know exactly what you are going to see right in your own yard.  I've mentioned deer before and we saw a doe again this morning, that is becoming a pretty common occurrence.  I've seen many rabbits too, and I've seen and heard owls and other birds, including doves, robins, nut hatches, jays, cardinals, sparrows, starlings, and even a hawk every once in a while, just to name a few.  Fortunately I've never seen any of the skunks I've smelled but I do know they are in town because occasionally I will hear a gun shot and the sheriff has given people permission to shoot them inside village limits because of the potential for rabies.  I've been told to also be on the look out for the occasional porcupine which kind of surprised me, I've seen them many times on the road side as I've been driving from one destination to another but never knew they'd been seen in town.  Another thing I was cautioned against are coyotes, which is another thing that surprised me.  It shouldn't because coyotes are very adaptable to any environment and aren't as shy as we would like to think - if they can find an easy meal they will take advantage of that.  If people leave food out for their pets, or put scraps in their trash that is an automatic draw, and coyotes have also preyed upon small pets.  I know I've heard coyotes very close to town from time to time, but I haven't spotted one in town yet and hope I don't, but I do have my .22 and the shells close at hand if I should ever need to shoot a skunk or coyote.  Something that I wouldn't seek to do for sport, but would most definitely do for protection if necessary.  I guess all those shooting sessions with my dad might have been necessary after all, just in case I encounter some interesting visitors from the animal kingdom.  My first response though is usually to wait and see what the animal is going to do and I ask my Heavenly Father for protection.  When I do have to be out in my yard in the dark or even at dawn/dusk, I say a prayer before even leaving the house or car and most often anything I "scare up" scampers off to the wooded acreage behind my house.  I've discovered that if I just wait, usually they will leave and I can get to the house or out to the car in safety.  If I do encounter one of those animals that are a potential threat I will pray and continue to trust God to care for me and try with all my being to leave the care of His creatures to Him as well. 

Night Vision

It is a well known fact that there are certain animals that move around and hunt at night, they are nocturnal in their habits.  Owls are one species for example that hunts at dusk, throughout the night and at dawn.  I've had many an owl swoop down in front of me when I've traveled at night to catch the tasty field mouse that is running across the road.  I hit an owl a few years ago near Ogallala, NE.  That wasn't a great feeling because I knew there was no way the owl survived, not to mention the fact that it was a big owl and it took out my headlight.  I've also seen many coyotes in my headlights and we all know that deer love to be out at night because we've had to stop for them when they are either running across the road or stopped in the middle of it.  A few additional things I have seen recently on the road at night are:  skunks, jackrabbits, a fox or two, an elk, and a couple mountain lions.   After last night I can add bobcat to that list.  A large bobcat ran across the road in front of me last night.  Not only was he in my headlights, there was also a full moon and no clouds so I got a very clear view of this magnificent animal.  I love photography and would love to get a picture someday of a mountain lion or bobcat.  I know these animals also grace the daylight from time to time and so maybe someday I'll capture the shot I want if I have enough time to sit in one spot and wait for it.  One of the things I always pray for when I'm driving, especially at night, is clear vision.  I honestly don't have as clear a vision as I used to when I was younger and it has gotten harder for me to drive at night.  Part of that comes form the fact that I'm highly light sensitive and any more the headlights on cars almost blind me.  Another part of that comes from the fact that driving at night has become more of a necessity for me to get from one meeting to the next or to make it home after a long day of classes.  Although I am not by nature designed to have the night vision of an owl I will continue to ask for clear vision at night and will trust that God will help me make it safely to my destinations.    

We sometimes run

Late last night as I drove up the street to my house I startled 4 deer.  I could see them in my headlights, heads popped up with wide eyes, white tails immediately flagged in the air and their legs started to spring into action  It was almost comical to watch them try and make the decision about which direction to run.  A couple of them started toward the back of the yard where there is a wooded area, one of them was headed to my right which is where my driveway is and one of them just stood there kind of looking back and forth at the ones that had already moved trying to decide where to go.  I carefully and slowly pulled into my driveway and the one that had decided to go that direction put on the brakes, did a 180 and started back toward the middle of the yard joining the one who didn't know where to go.  As I continued to pull up to the garage those two finally decided they better high tail it to the back of the yard to join the first two and it was a 50 yard dash to see which one could get there first.  Now I have to admit I hadn't seen any deer for a long time so they startled me just as much as I did them.  It was raining and that may have added to their confusion of the moment.  I sat in the car for a moment longer looking back toward the crab apple tree where all this commotion had started just to make sure there weren't any more deer that needed to run across my yard before I got out of the car to walk to the house.  Sure enough there was one straggler - not sure where she came from, maybe she even came from across the street in the neighbor's yard, but she went running through the yard and joined the other four.  Because is was raining I didn't exactly see where they went, but I'm sure they found a place to hide in the bushes or wooded area behind my house.  Later when I was safe and dry in the house I thought about that moment when the deer were trying to decide where to run and it made me realize we are just like them.  Sometimes we run too - from heartache, from fear, from decisions or responsibilities - the reasons we run are numerous and just like those deer we try to decide where to run to.  Are we going to take the quickest route to where we think it's safe and yet find that something is coming straight at us like the one who headed into the driveway only to have me maneuver the car there and present an obstacle.  Are we going to just stand their wide eyed looking at where others are going, not quite sure what to do and then finally realize we need to make a decision for our own good.  Are we like the straggler who came out of no where and we're not even sure what we're running from or where we're running to; we're just running because we saw the others running.  Or do we do what the first two did, we go straight to the safe place, the place where there is shelter.  God can be that safe place for us, that shelter.  Instead of running into obstacles, instead of standing there wide eyed and not knowing what to do, instead of running just because others are running, we can go straight to God and find shelter, because our Heavenly Father loves us and cares for us.

Beautiful Vacation

My husband and I just spent 5 incredible days in Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.  We had a lovely cabin with a small fireplace that was perfect for curly up and taking a nap.  We hiked in seven different areas and spent time sitting on one of our favorite rocks in one of our favorite valleys.  We were fortunate to make the trek up Old Fall River Road (not always open this time of year) to the Alpine Visitors center and trek back down via Trail Ridge Road.  The color was at peak and so I was able to get a ton of great photographs.  It always amazes me how one tree can have so many different colors within it's leaves.  The Aspens varied from green, to yellow, to orange, to red, it was an amazing sea of color.  We always go out into the park super early (before daylight)  to see what we can find at least one day of the trip.  This time was no exception; on Wednesday morning we were up and moving by 5:00 am and in the park before sun-up.  When the sun did start to make it's appearance the alpine glow on the mountains was spectacular.  We were also privileged to see a bull elk getting his morning drink in the middle of Big Thompson River as we listed to the other bulls in the valley bugling back and forth.  If you have never heard a bull elk bugle echo off the mountainside you are missing an incredible sound.  One of the areas we decided to hike was new to us.  It's called the Lumpy Ridge Trail and it takes you to the foot of a rock formation called the Twin Owls, although it was a little more up and down that we expected it was a great hike and we thoroughly enjoyed getting to see a new area of the park with some spectacular views.  One of the other things we enjoyed was watching the way Long's Peak (the hightest peak in RMNP) creates it's own weather.  We would watch the clouds come rolling in and hover for awhile and then move on or they would settle in and the bottoms would get heavier and darker.  We woke up Friday morning to discover all the mountains had been covered in a new layer of snow so we had to take one last drive into the park for more photos.  Everyday was filled with many awe inspiring moments and we considered each a gift from God.  We feel truly blessed!     

Creatures Great and Small

As a Pastor of two small rural churches that are located 36 miles apart, I spend a lot of time on the road.  This evening I had to travel to the one that is 36 miles away for meetings that were being held.  I always wonder just exactly what I will see on my journey.  Fortunately I have never hit anything, but I have had a few close calls.  One morning I topped a hill to discover a calf in the middle of my lane.  I stopped and honked to move him off the road and he didn't seem to want to go anywhere, so I got out of the car and chased him into the ditch so hopefully no one else would hit him either.  A few weeks ago I had a fox cross the road in front of me, that was a surprise and a delight.  Another time I saw an eagle soaring overhead.  I've had hawks and owls swoop down in front of me to capture the little field mice that like to cross the road.  I've seen a few snakes and lots of turtles, turkeys, grouse and deer.  I of course see cows and horses because I live in ranch country, but this evenings sighting surprised me a little, I came over a hill and there on the edge of the highway stood a badger.  I haven't seen a badger in years, and so I had to slow down to make sure that's what I was really seeing.  He flattened out and scurried off the road when I came close.  In an attempt to curb my curiosity about the animals, I did a little research online and discovered that badgers are a part of the weasel family and that there are nine species of badger.  Who knew?  I sure didn't!  But now I do and it was fun taking time to discover more information about one of God's smaller creatures.  God is so creative and I thank Him for his beautiful creation every day.

New Discovery

I was out for my morning walk and strolled past a neighbors home where the marigold's are beautiful.  Shades of yellow, white, orange and red all mingled together in a carpet of blooms.  I also noticed an archway covered in vines that hinted at another section of the yard.  I could just glimpse some pretty pink flowers and I was tempted to step up into the yard to take a peek because this area looked so inviting and yet mysterious at the same time.  Inviting because of it's beauty, mysterious because I couldn't quite see everything - I could see just enough to pique my interest and make me want to discover more.  I did remind myself that it was not my yard and that I shouldn't step into another person's yard without being invited; but I was also reminded that spending time with God should be like my desire to check out this quiet, mysterious, yet inviting section of my neighbor's yard.  God invites me to spend some quiet time with him every day and just linger in the mystery of faith and salvation.  So then I started wondering:  Have I set aside a place in my own yard, or in my home that is inviting and would make someone passing by want to "step inside" and discover what is there?  And if by chance they did step inside would the things they discover hold their attention and keep them there long enough for them to experience God and his majesty?  Hhhhmmmm - good questions to ponder.  I think I have some work to do to make an inviting and intriguing place not only for myself, but to capture the attention of others so they can discover the mystery of God for themselves.  I love it when a new idea is borne out of my morning walk with God.  Thanking and praising God for the awe of a new discovery. 

Fall is in the Air

Fall, Autumn, whatever you want to call it I love the season.  The cooler temperatures are most welcome.  Others may not appreciate them, but I love the crisp air or a cool morning.  The warm cup of coffee or cappucinno that accompanies me to my chair for morning devotion time, not only tastes great but warms the hands as well.  The beautiful orange "harvest moon" that graced the eastern horizon a few nights ago was a beautiful sight to see; I'm not sure how the moon can look 4 times the normal size and be that orange, but it happens every fall, and I marvel at the occurance every time.  Many have delivered garden produce that will soon be no more, at least not until next summer; as the cold nights are starting to take their toll on the plants and vines of this season.  The grasses on the hillsides have started to change colors, there you will see shades of pink, orange, and yellow.  The leaves have begun their change as well, yellows, reds, and oranges; there are patches of sumac that I love to watch as they change to a vibrant red.  The grouse, pheasant, deer and turkey have all started to move around again (be careful on the roads).  I've even seen small flocks of birds moving in from the north as they begin their journey south for the winter.  The bees and butterflies are really working over the flowers that are still blooming to get all the remaining drops of nectar.  The crab apple tree in the front yard is dropping apples in large numbers creating some work to rake them all up; but I don't mind because I get the chance to be outside on the beautiful blue sky days where the temperature is at a comfortable level.  The grass needs mowed maybe one more time before it goes dormant.  All of this marks off another season - seasons set in place by God.  Yes time does go by, but we can relish in the fact that even in the passing of time God is present for it is God's design.  Enjoy the season!   

Middle Loup River

My family and I had the opportunity to tank the Middle Loup River this past weekend.  Yes I said tank - for anyone who hasn't heard that expression before, you float in a stock tank down the river rather than using canoes or kayak's.  That's what makes the experience so unique and fun, every place we would have hung up in a canoe or kayak, we just bounced off of, spun around a little and continued on down the river.  There were only two times that we had to get out and push off a sandbar, which would have happened in any vessel and only two times that we really crashed into trees that were in the water both due to the current taking us places we weren't expecting because the river was up and running due to recent rains.  Although we had one minor injury from the tree encounters, we overall had a great experience.  We were able to witness horses drinking at the bank of the river, deer at the river side for their morning drink, tons of dragonfly's and butterflies.  A flock of yellow finches bathing in the river was a pleasant surprise and we startled two blue heron's.  The scenery was incredible as well, fields of bales, meadows, stately trees, wildflowers and some incredible clouds.  Even the river bank held shapes and patterns carved by rain and wind.  We laughed (sometimes so hard that we cried), we got wet, we had a great time.  More importantly we were able to relax, breathe deep of the fresh air and witness God's amazing creativity.  The words thank you Jesus were in my mind and on my lips a lot that morning.  We then returned home for a yummy lunch together - what a great way to spend time with family.  I am thankful.   

Clear Blue Sky

As I traveled from one destination to another today I noticed how incredibly blue and clear the sky looked.  Only an occasional puffy white cloud dotted the sky.  This was such a change from the previous two days with overcast skies and gray clouds hanging around.  There is nothing that can compare to the shades of blue in a cloudless sky.  Have you ever noticed them?  Yes there are different shades - take a moment some time to stand where you have a long distance view of the terrain.  Look straight up in the sky and you will see a darker blue than you will anywhere else in the sky.  Look at the horizon, anywhere that sky and land meet and you will see a lighter shade of blue.  I'm always intrigued by this phenomenon, I've even taken photographs of the sky at different angles to capture the different shades.  It's fun to look at them in sequence because you really see just how many shades of blue there are.  Sky watching and seeing the results in the photographs always reminds me that I have a very creative God and that nothing is impossible for him.  Thank you Lord for creating the sky. 

Marveling at contrasts

The crab apple tree in my front yard is laden with a large crop this year.  In fact the branches are bowing under the weight of the apples.  I've enjoyed watching the apples grow from tiny little green orbs, no bigger than the end of a pencil, to mini versions of a Gala apple.  Honestly, I'm not sure what species of crab apple this tree is, but it produces some healthy crab apples.  I'm guessing they are 1-1 1/2 inches in diameter.  It's fun to watch the squirrels try to cross the power line with a crab apple clamped in their little teeth.  I've found more than a few in my yard with tiny little bite marks in them.  As the temperatures get cooler at night, the apples are turning a vibrant red which contrasts greatly with the dark green leaves.  In the cool breeze of the day when the leaves are being blown around, there are times more red peaks out from under the canopy and I stand in awe and amazement.  Something so simple and yet so beautiful at the same time.  Then I start to admire other things in my yard, such as the purple Bee Balm and the yellow Shasta Daisies.  Thank you God for your beautiful creation and the fact that you provided this "contrasts of color" moment to remind me of your presence today.  I marvel at your handiwork.      

Small Wonders

Have been at the McCook house for the past two days.  Although I work while I am here, the pace is a little slower and not quite so structured so I can take some time to enjoy my back yard where the butterfly bush is currently in full bloom.  The purple blossoms are covered by butterflies and bumble bees throughout the day.  This afternoon I spent some time outside, soaking up a few rays and trying to capture these small wonders on film.  While spending time there I noticed at least 4 different butterfly species of varying colors and size as well as two very busy bumble bees and one determined honey bee.  The great thing about the butterfly bush is that the sweet nectar and the bright blossoms holds the attention of these little creatures while I click the shutter hundreds of times and hope for that perfect photo where the butterfly wings are fully open or the bumble bee is holding still enough to catch the perfect angle.  Being able to photograph some of God's littlest creatures makes me look more closely at all the other pieces of his handiwork that surrounds me and I always end up in awe and praise to our very creative God.  Thank you Lord for your wonders big and small. 

Seeing God Everywhere

I had the opportunity to spend some time at Camp Norwesca, located in northwest Nebraska a few days ago.  I love the camp for many reasons - the scent of pine, the fresh air, the singing birds, the wildlife that meanders through the camp, the open air chapel, and all the trails to hike - just to name a few.  One evening as I was waiting for others to finish up in the chapel, I found a really dark area where I could look up and see the incredible stars.  It was a very clear night and it looked like the stars were in 3-D.  I was praying that God would speak to my heart that I was really supposed to be in ministry; becuase honestly there are still moments when I scratch my head and wonder why God chose me.  I guess I was asking for some affirmation that I was really hearing God clearly.  I continued to watch the stars and wait.  I was overcome by the beauty of God's creation and the words from an old gospel tune came to me.....as I was looking at the night sky, stars winking at me, I whispered in praise and awe, "In the stars Your handiwork I see".  I had no more finished whispering those words, when a shooting star blazed across the sky.  God's gift to me - reminding me that I am His beloved and that I am doing what he's called me to do.  I am thanking God for that gift of affirmation, given to me at just the moment I needed it.  My words of encouragement to you for this day - is to look for God everywhere, because you never know where you might see Him. 
Blessings,

Pastor Shanon