This little scene intrigued me one afternoon as I was walking in a quiet, magical place.  It happened to be a day full of special joys...endless blue sky, billowing snow white clouds, sunlight and smiles.  I remember feeling surrounded with peace and a comfortable, almost tangible companion.  The presence and embrace of my Father seemed to meet me and caress my face as I looked up through the boughs towards sparkling, brilliant sun rays.  Here on the ground lay the picture of a rich, lush woodsy garden...a fairy's delight...God's miniature living room, complete with lavish carpet and it's own stools.  A little house of hobbitry and impish dances, that had me suddenly participating as I skipped alongside the setting.  I'm thankful for these tiny glimpses of make- believe places and color-filled moments.  Places to play - places to dream - places to twirl and laugh with abandonment and pleasure.  I am thankful for love and the simple treasures of life.

A bench to sit and contemplate

Memories sweet and rare

A place where I can mediate

Close my eyes, or stare

At lively creatures great and small

A canopy of green

Oaks and maples, pines so tall

Sunlight through the leaves

Chipmunks scurry, cardinals say

That they are pretty too

How is it that today

I have this perfect view?

Sometimes life just offers gold

And serves it with delight

We can only breathe it in

Grateful for the sight

Moments filled with majesty

Colorful and fair

Makes me smile and warms my heart

Oh to linger there

Beneath the sky with billowed clouds

Canvasses so blue

There is nothing quite so right,

So beautiful, so true

Think I'll sit and stay awhile

Hear the crickets play

Another earthy symphony

In this perfect place

"Two great liquid eyes stared down anxiously at the little calf and it answered with a high-pitched bawl.  Soon a deafening duet was in progress."

This is a short quote from a wonderful compilation written by James Herriot, author of "All Creatures Great & Small".  I have been so enjoying these stories centered around a small fictional village in England where the author is a country veterinarian. 

Herriot literally takes you into the days of his life as he experiences the unique ups and downs of being a doctor for animals in a quaint community.  His humor and writing talent paint colorful pictures of the world in his shoes.  I have been delighted with every page and mesmerized by his ability to beautifully recreate vivid stories of his veterinarian career in an earlier time period.

Most of all, these pages tell us about a simpler time and place; real human hearts and happenings that involve hard-working people, a town - and lots of animals!

It seems we all do well at times to sit down with a good book, relax, and enjoy another's intriguing story.  

Because sometimes you just need to post a picture of chickens! 

I'd like to say I came up with this title....but actually it is a song title and used in a movie.  I watched the end of "Forrest Gump" AGAIN today, and AGAIN the same lump formed in my throat as the feather floated gently into the sky and memories of Jenny turned to hope for another day.  It is so easy to allow circumstances and hurt to consume us.  Heartache is a real part of life...and a part that is often incredibly difficult to continue through.  Sometimes trials last for long periods of time, or in some cases forever.  I am reminded today to keep looking up.  It occurs to me that there is beauty all around...even in our memories and dreams.  Those can become hope.  And....hope indeed can float if we allow it wings....  

This photo was taken a couple of years ago.  I'm not even sure why I decided to display it here tonight.  Perhaps because it is living proof of something bigger than life.  These horses are incredibly beautiful...and extremely strong.  Somehow that makes me better understand that God is in the business of doing powerful things - miraculous things.  I gaze at the magnificence of an animal such as this and suddenly get a glimpse of anything that I might not otherwise be able to imagine.  Maybe that's why He gave us oceans and mountains?  Maybe that is why we have never discovered the beginning or end of the universe - so we will continue to be filled with wonder and awe!  So that we come to the conclusion that He indeed is God - and we are not.  Lord, help me to trust and not doubt You! 

I have always loved this old hymn, written long before I was born.  The chorus seems appropriate here.   Life has always been full of unknowns for us who walk it's roads.  We cannot see what tomorrow brings and we cannot predict the turns and surprises it will bring.  The older I get the more I see how limited my sight really is!  However, there is one thing I do know....there is One who holds the unknown in His hands.  Once again I have no choice but to lean in and give Him my hand.  I am basically blind as I try and find my own way through life.  His guidance is essential and I must give Him the helm, or I am simply floating alone in an open ocean.  Precious Lord, take my hand....    

Precious Lord, take my hand

Lead me on, let me stand

I'm tired, I'm weak, I'm lone

Through the storm, through the night

Lead me on to the light

Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home.

This has been a new experiment for me....working with photos and music together in the form of a video presentation.  This song is one I have always loved by one of my favorite singers and musicians, Eva Cassidy.  I wanted to try and accompany it with some of my photos and communicate how beauty can leave us speechless and in awe of an amazing God.  It is He who designs magnificent life and love.  It is He who stirs our hearts and causes us to smile.  It is He who keeps us in the state of awe and even stupor at His incredibly creative hands - if we but open our eyes and notice the miracles around us.  

My prayer is that it might also capture your heart by way of gratitude for all He has and continues to do in us.  Life has challenges and heartache.  He offers a sanctuary in the midst of its storms.  Embrace the sweet.  Take in the joy of those moments.  Let His gifts bring you hope and promise.  Enjoy.