Tag Archive for: Country

When the Sap Runs

Looking out of my dining room window as I wrote this, I could see remaining islands of white among patches of green grass.  It’s the last days of February and spring is almost here.  Robins have started to return to the nearby trees, as the last piles and patches of snow melt away.

Amongst this late winter backdrop is another common sight for this area are bags, buckets and plastic lines suspended from Maple trees. As the temperatures fluctuate, drawing the sap out of those trees, the rich brown liquid that’s collected is cooked down in many sugar houses like this.

Many of us enjoy the results of this processing as we pour the rich, amber liquid over pancakes or use it as the means to sweeten different foods and beverages.

These little shacks and the syrup that flows from them is also a reminder of the goodness of God. We see His blessings all around us – even if you and I don’t recognize them. Like the sap in Maple trees, God’s gifts are often given to us disguised in problems, adversity and times that stretch us. Further, like maple sap being processed into syrup, you and I must go through periods of refinement and “cooking down” that help to make us into the product – people that God can use.

Just like a Saturday morning treat of pancakes covered with butter and syrup, are God’s blessings given to us at the right time. These little shacks are a reminder of those gifts.

Have a great day!  😊

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.” – Psalm 34:8 (NIV)

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Winter Ridge

Each day – and season – offers unique challenges and opportunities. Often, we make our decisions based on our circumstances and what we see or experience.

As a truck driver, I don’t enjoy driving on snow-covered or icy roads. Yet, after they’ve been treated with grit, salt or gravel, many of these rural routes become passable. Needless to say, I’m thankful for anything that can give me some traction.

How often do you and I experience something that we don’t enjoy – a route that we find difficult to travel? In all things, aren’t there things to be grateful for?

Whether it’s on a snow-covered road, or through some difficult situation, we can be confident that we don’t have to travel alone. The One who created each individual is always there ready to go with you and me. All we have to do is to invite Him to walk with us.

Even in the cold of winter, there are many occasions to appreciate the landscape. Let’s choose to not travel it alone.

Have a great day! 😀

“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” – Psalm 31:24 (NIV)

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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When We Slow Down

I was on my way to make a delivery when I saw this sunrise. Driving down a frozen gravel road, the slower speed allowed me a few moments to enjoy this early morning scene. With no other traffic around, I stopped to take this picture.

As I drove away, I couldn’t help but think about the fast-paced world that many of us find ourselves caught living in. Even with all of our technology, life seems to continually grow more hectic.

It may seem like we’re accomplishing more things in our sped up world. But, at what cost? It seems as if you and I, along with our loved ones, often end up paying enormous prices as we try to find a balance.

Perhaps, it would be a good thing to slow down. After all, we weren’t made to continually be on the go. In fact, we see this in the Bible. In addition to Sabbaths, God appointed other times to rest and spend time in fellowship with Him and others.

As we go through life, we shouldn’t squander the time and opportunities that God gives us. Yet, I also believe that He doesn’t want us to be so busy that we lose our focus on Him and those around us.

This picture reminds us that something as simple as a sunrise or sunset can serve as a reminder to find our joy in our Creator, and to love the people who He brings into our lives.

Have a great day! 😀

“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’” – Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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A Constant In Every Season

As I write this, we’re in the middle of winter. It was just a few days ago that a storm went through and dumped about eight or nine inches of wet powder. Now, that half of the snow has melted away, it’s lost some of its fresh appeal. 

Alright… using the word “appeal” may be a stretch, because as a truck driver, snow is a “four letter word”. Yet, when I and all my loved ones and friends are safe, fresh powder is nice to see.

Even as I think about that storm, it doesn’t seem like it was too long ago that I was still enjoying the fall foliage. That was a little bit easier this autumn as it was pretty mild, allowing the colorful leaves to hang onto the trees longer.

The barn in this picture is along a backroad that’s a few miles from where I grew up. I had wanted to get a picture of this setting for several weeks. Finally, driving by one day afforded me the opportunity that I had been looking for.

In this early November scene, the leaves are finally starting to fall. Within a few weeks, those trees would be bare for another year. Yet, for the moment they’re holding their own against the autumn wind gusts.

Throughout our lives, we will face many seasons and storms. Yet, there’s one constant. God has promised to never leave us. Further, our Creator has repeatedly proven to always be steadfast and dependable.

Whatever season you may be going through, know that you’re not alone. Call out to God, and allow Him to walk along beside you.

Have a great day! 😀

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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A Seasonal Perspective

This little stretch of stream is a place that I like to visit. Each season offers a different, unique perspective. I enjoy seeing the spring and summer flowers growing on the banks. 

Fall offers yellow leaves dangling from the trees. Of course, the ice formations hanging from the rocks offer their own beauty in the winter. 

Regardless of the time of year, each season here offers something new. In fact, the same thing could be said about all of creation – including each experience that we’re given.

This picture also reminds me that each season is a gift from God. In fact, we see this on a daily basis. Each sunrise offers opportunities to know our Creator in new, awe-inspiring, loving ways.

We may regularly visit a place many times. Yet, each occasion offers an incredible chance to witness it in a different light.

Have a great day! 😀

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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What Are You Picking?

I captured this picture a few years ago. This Amish farmer is seen picking corn with a pull-behind corn picker.

A lot of work goes into a crop before it gets to harvest. There’s the initial time invested in fieldwork and planting. Afterwards, comes countless hours cultivating and tending the new crop to help it reach its greatest potential.

Of course, lots of hard work and care doesn’t ensure that a crop will turn out well. Weather, insects and other variables can wreak havoc on plants.

Ultimately, the success of a crop is in the hands of the Creator. Yet, He desires the farmer to work with Him.

It’s through that joint endeavor that we learn more about His character and care for us.

As we begin a new year, we will face many opportunities. Some things will succeed, while others won’t.

In the end, the outcome of the harvest depends on God. Let’s make sure that we make the most out of where He plants and leads us!

Have a great day! 😀

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Winter Barn

I drove by this old barn a few hours after some snow had dusted the scene. Although the snow would be history within a couple of days, for now it coated the ground in white.

As a truck driver, I don’t enjoy driving on snowy and icy roads. Over the years, I’ve accumulated a collection of stories from different experiences – winter driving being among them.

Yet, each season has its own unique beauty. There’s something peaceful and beautiful about nature being blanketed with white powder – at least when I can enjoy it from the comfort of my home!

Looking at this barnyard, I have to wonder how often we take things for granted. Just imagine the amount of work to make sure that livestock are well-fed and watered during the winter. Frozen water lines, cracked hands and long hours come to mind as farmers work to care for their animals. Of course, it seems that equipment will break down in extreme weather conditions – whether it’s cold or hot.

Regardless of the season, there’s always something to be thankful for. An old barn and some grazing cattle are a great reminder of the hard work of farmers and blessings of God. On a cold day, that gratitude can warm any scene or experience.

Have a great day! 😀

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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All Is Calm

You never know how the weather will be in November. One year, it will be cold and snowy. The next, it will be warm, mild and feel like an extension of October.

This snow was the result of a squall that passed through a few days after Thanksgiving. After making a delivery, I was offered this beautiful view as I was leaving.

The small barn stands silently in the pasture below. I’m sure that it once offered a place of rest and protection for livestock that grazed in the nearby pastures.

Looking at this picture, I’m reminded of another lonely barn. It provided a safe place for animals to be fed and cared for. Yet, that solitary structure provided much more. Within its walls, a young couple welcomed a newborn baby into the world.

Unlike the barn seen here, that old stable was not so quiet. Amongst the sounds of animals and excited shepherds, the walls couldn’t contain the joy of Heaven with the thunderous worship of a multitude of angels. Even in all of that excitement, I’m sure that there was a unique peace and calm.

Today, we know the story of the Christ child. Yet, our world has replaced the peaceful scene of His birth with the hustle and bustle of another holiday season.

This Christmas, let’s take time to imagine that silent night so long ago – when Heaven’s love came to dwell among men. Even in that evening of great joy, a calmness pervaded the scene when Jesus was born.

Have a great day! 😀

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” – Luke 2:11-12)

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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A Rural Blessing

Thanksgiving is a time when we remember our blessings. One of the traditional images that many of us have seen is that of cornucopias – filled with the fruits of a successful growing season. By the time that the holiday is held on the fourth Thursday of November, many farmers are done harvesting their crops.

This corncrib full of ears reminds me of a bountiful harvest. It means that livestock will have feed to eat during the upcoming winter.

As I look at this picture, I’m also reminded of how God provides for us. We don’t always readily see His provisions. Yet, God’s blessings are new every morning. You and I can be sure that He will always provide and work things out for our good.

On this day, let’s reflect on all that we have to be thankful for. As we do so, let us also look for ways to share God’s blessings with those in need.

Have a great day! 😀

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” – Psalm 118:1 (NIV)

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Counting Blessings (and Turkeys)

It has often been said that if one can’t fall asleep, then they should count sheep.  When I was growing up, my Mom put a little twist on that.  She told my sister and me to count our blessings if we couldn’t sleep.

A few weeks ago, I drove by a farm with this large flock of turkeys.  I’m sure that this pasture is now empty.  Those birds have gone from feeding on grass, to being the main feature of many Thanksgiving Day meals.

While I don’t know how many turkeys were in that pasture, it reminds me of sheep.

There’s no doubt that this year has been challenging for many people.  Yet, even in the midst of struggle, there’s often a glimmer of hope – something to give thanks for.  What if we thought of each of these birds representing a blessing that we have been given.

As we begin this holiday season, I hope that you’ll join me in counting our blessings.

Happy Thanksgiving!  🙂

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”  –  Psalm 118:1 (NIV)

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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