I realize I have not spent much time on this blog last year. That is because I have been spending a lot of time on the road doing ministry work and simply haven't had a lot of time in front of the computer...or when I am on the computer I am writing a sermon or a funeral message or something ministry related. All very important in my line of work as a Pastor. We did get to take a vacation in late October to Wyoming/Idaho and we had an incredible time while there. We were able to stay in the cabin of a friend. This cabin is more like a house and it overlooks Palisade Lake in southeastern Idaho. Stunning mountain scenery surrounded us and we were witness to many bird species flying overhead, including Osprey and Bald Eagles. It was truly a time of refreshing and renewal for my husband and I. It was much needed time spent with God for ourselves, away from the demands of ministry for two Pastors. We love what we do, but didn't realize how run down we had become with the day to day tasks and the amount of time we devote to ministry between the two of us.
Our time in Idaho - was restful simply because we chose to truly rest on this vacation. We didn't sleep in a lot, but we didn't pack our days with 100's of things to do either. We just enjoyed the area. We went for several very short drives in an area we'd never explored before. We found little creeks, ponds, lakes, beautiful stands of Aspen in full color, wildlife, and fishing spots. We discovered Turkeys at one of the creeks, fished for trout in the Snake River, found Moose tracks around our cabin, spent an evening star-gazing and actually had time to read a good book (both of us read a book of our choice). We also attended a small local church called Chapel of the Valley and truly enjoyed worshipping together (which we haven't been able to do since we both became Pastor's four years ago). Did I mention how wonderful this whole vacation was? (Insert huge satisfied smile and sigh here.)
We chose to take only a couple of long full day trips - one was in the first week we were there. We traveled to Yellowstone National Park, the other was to Grand Tetons National Park in the second week.
In Yellowstone we were blessed with a beautiful, warm day of about 55-60 degrees (very unusual for that time of year). We were able to witness God's creation in all its beauty and were very fortunate to see a lot of wildlife. We saw a herd of Bison, Elk, Coyotes, a Red Fox, Eagles, and a Grizzly Bear. Yes, a Grizzly Bear, something my HH and I have always wanted to see in the wild. It was amazing and breathtaking. As an amateur photographer, I was on cloud nine with the opportunity to take pictures of a Grizzly Bear in its natural habitat and surroundings. To say we were awestruck doesn't even begin to describe how incredible this experience was for us. We were giddy with excitement and uttered thanks to God for giving us that glimpse of something he created. The whole trip was one of praise and adoration.
Then while in Grand Tetons National Park we were able to witness some amazing things as well - we went for a hike and as we came around a corner we discovered an alpine lake that was completely still and the mountains were reflected in it. Again the camera came out and I snapped several pictures of this pristine setting. Again, we began to praise God for the beauty that surrounded us. Fresh, crisp air. Crystal clear water, so clear you could see the trout clear across the lake (which made my fisherman husband drool). As we finished our day, we were then blessed with the sighting of several pronghorn antelope, more bison, and a huge bull moose. Needless to say my very patient HH stopped again and let me take a ton of photos and we were again left in awe at our awesome God and how creative and caring He truly is.
We chose a different route home so we could see some different country - we came home via southern Wyoming and Northern Colorado. We traveled through Craig, Steamboat Springs and over Rabbit Ears Pass to Walden, then down through the Poudre River Canyon to Fort Collins. While in Wyoming we saw countless Pronghorn Antelope. Then in Colorado we were treated to Elk, Bighorn Sheep, and another Red Fox sighting. Not to mention the beautiful mountains in all three states. Each step of the way we thanked God for not only what we were seeing, but for the time to be together and for the safe travel.
As I reflect back on that trip it makes we realize just how important it is for all of us to have times of refreshing with our Heavenly Father. So in this New Year, you will see new posts about the times I get to spend with God and how they refresh, renew, and revitalize me and my HH. Hopefully what I share will renew and refresh you as well.
Blessings on the New Year and all God has in store for you.
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