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