Tag Archive for: Encouragement

Thunder, Lightning and Smiles

One night several years ago, an incredible storm rolled through the area just before I left work. Although it was too early for the sun to go down, the sky had already grown quite grey and was growing darker by the minute. Finally, as I was getting ready to park my work truck in a building for the night, the sky opened up with an incredible show as lightning flashed remarkably close and the roar of thunder was quite deafening. Although I generally don’t mind storms, on that particular evening, I was thinking that it was just a little too close for comfort. As the storm came in, it didn’t help when a large bang and crackling noise, along with other loud static, came over my CB radio. I can assure you that my radio got turned off pretty quickly after that noise came through the speakers!

Thinking about that evening’s storm, let me share a story that I heard a long time ago. It’s one that I think about nearly every time I experience a thunderstorm.

A young mother was out running errands one day and got caught in a thunderstorm as she was driving. As she continued driving through the heavy storm, she would often look back to check on her daughter, who was riding in the backseat, to see how she was taking the thunder and lightning. Each time that a lightning bolt would flash, the little girl’s face would get a huge smile on it. Finally, intrigued, the mother asked her daughter why she was smiling whenever the lightning flashed. Without missing a beat, the little girl looked at her mother and said: “Because God is taking my picture!”

Think about it! What an incredible picture, isn’t it? The same God who created the terrifying storm, also created it to be beautiful – to display His power and glory for us to see. It’s so easy for us to forget how powerful God is. Sometimes we treat Him haphazardly – like one of us. We don’t give Him the honor that He deserves. And, to be honest, when we forget about His power and the reality of who He is, it’s easy to lose some of the awe and reverence that we should have for Him. Sometimes, we need something electrifying to jolt us back to reality. We need to remember that God isn’t always safe, but He is always good.

No one is promised a life that’s free of storms. In fact, we’re promised the opposite. We will all know storms throughout our lives. We may face financial problems, illnesses, family issues – or a host of other things. Sometimes the storms that we face seem to be too powerful for us. There are times when we may feel like we’re not going to see the sunshine and peaceful skies on the other side. Yet, we can have confidence that whenever we go through a storm, we don’t have to go through it alone. The God who created the storm also wants to walk with us through the storm. Even though He is so powerful that He can create the greatest storms, God is also gentle. We can rest in His presence – just like that little girl. Even as the storm rages all around us, we can still find the peace to truly enjoy God’s presence. Think about the peace and comfort that can be ours – just by finding our rest, peace, happiness and joy in Him.

Whatever storm we may be facing, God always wants to walk through it with us. If we allow Him to have control of the storm, then there’s nothing to worry about. We just need to relax and enjoy the lightshow! Of course, we need to smile. God may be taking our picture, also!

Have a great day!

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27 (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.)

 

/by

A Story of Tranquility

I first passed this country church on a delivery a couple months ago.

The building, with a small picnic shelter nearby, was well-kept. Seeing this church that afternoon, I knew that I’d have to photograph it sometime.

Several weeks later, my family was out for a Memorial Day drive to visit some cemeteries. We made a short side trip so that I could get a picture of this setting.

In a world that is marked with busyness and hurried reactions, this location speaks of peace and tranquility. It’s a great illustration of the kindness and mercies of God – asking us to rest and give Him our burdens.

Just like the gravel road that it’s along, this church asks us to slow down. It’s then, when we can truly enjoy the peace that the Father has to offer you and me.

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.)

/by

A Scottish-Type of Spring

On my way to a recent delivery, I passed this farm. In a pasture near the road, nearly a dozen head of Scottish Highland cattle grazed.

Separated by a vast ocean, these animals were thousands of miles from their native homeland. Yet, they seemed content eating the fresh, green grass of an early Midwestern spring day.

Like those head of cattle, we often find ourselves in places that may seem foreign to us. Do we adjust to, and perhaps even thrive in, our circumstances? Or do we make them a place of hardship and grief?

You and I may not always have a choice in where we’re placed. But, we can decide to allow our Creator to help us make the most out of each situation.

We may not find grass very appetizing. However, there’s always something that can help us grow in every situation if we’re willing to look for it.

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.)

/by

Drawing Water

At one time, the sight of a windmill was a common sight on many farms.  Used to power a pump, it was an integral part of helping to draw water out of the ground for both the people and animals that called the place home.  Rising above the house and other outbuildings, the metal framed structure stood like a lone sentinel guarding the property.

Windmills are still found in many places but aren’t as common today. They are still located on old farmsteads and also at Amish farms in place of electric power. Miniature reproductions can also be seen as part of landscape displays.

Just like the water that comes from the ground, there are emotions, attitudes and thoughts within us – beneath our surface. What comes out, when we find ourselves facing different situations, is a reaction to what’s inside.

How you and I respond to others is a reflection to what – and Who – is in us. Let me encourage you to trust the Savior – drawing deeply and finding satisfaction from the well that will never run dry.

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.)

/by

A Late Winter Sunrise

How often do we take our surroundings for granted? Many of us seem to be in a hurry. In our haste, you and I may not make time for others. Likely, we will pass through our days without taking opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenes that are unfolding around us.

The sunrise and sky in this picture may capture your attention.  Yet, if the scene was overcast or the sun was higher in the sky, would we notice the beautiful colors that are announcing the arrival of another new day?  We may see them – or our eyes may wonder to the ground below.  You and I may catch glimpses of the stubble from last year’s corn crop – waiting to be plowed into the soil.

Our perception can change how we see things. One person may choose to set their eyes only on the cold, late winter day that this picture was taken in. Another individual may envision the beauty of the surrounding hillside and the incredible sky that’s being illuminated by the morning’s early light.

The reality is that we often choose to view much of our lives in the same manner. Likewise, we also decide if we will trust our Creator. While there’s many things that you and I may not be able to change, we are able to adjust our vision of what we see. That, my friend, can make all of the difference in how we go through our life.

Each day offers beautiful scenes. It’s up to us to decide how we will choose to view what we see.

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.)

/by

How Great Thou Art!

How often do we stop to think about the greatness of God?  The reality is that we often live in such a busy, fast-paced world that we don’t give much thought to the blessings and gifts of our Creator.

Consider the lyrics of this old hymn and allow them to minister to you.  May we know and enjoy the beauty of our world in a new light.

HOW GREAT THOU ART

Carl Boberg, 1885

O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

When through the woods, and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: “My God, how great Thou art!”

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

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

/by

Old Barns and Backroads

Old barns and backroads have a way of going together.  They both seem to mark the passage of time – having stories to tell of the years that have gone by.

At one point, they were symbols that marked progress as our nation and its communities expanded.  Yet, at some point, they became bygone relics that now serve out their roles humbly, linking often forgotten places.

I’ve always loved both.  Backroads have taken me to some of my favorite places – to visit family and friends.  Out buildings may hold interesting items – often old farm machinery and other items from another time.

They also represent another lesson.  In a world that is in a hurry to go places, sometimes the best things in life are found when we slow down and simply enjoy where God has placed us with the people who surround us.

Those old barns and backroads may not take you and me to places that are found on a map.  Yet, they will allow us to travel to places that are special and have a significance that is rarely found in today’s world.

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.)

/by

Old Dirt Roads

I spend a lot of time on small rural roads. Some are paved, while others are gravel. After many years of bouncing around in a truck cab on those types of roads, one’s body begins to feel the impact of every rut, pothole and bump that’s been encountered.

Recently, as I was making a delivery on a gravel road, the lyrics of a country song by the group, Sawyer Brown, came to mind. It’s been many years since I heard that song, so I had to look it up to remember some of the words.

That song, “The Dirt Road”, talks about life along the dusty trails – like the ones that I’m accustomed to. 

If you know anything about a dirt road, it’s definitely not “Easy Street”.  There are plenty of bumps and bruises along the way.

Yet, there’s a sense of enjoyment, and even fulfillment and purpose, that comes from traveling along those backroads. It’s along those rural byways, that many life lessons have been learned. Just like in the song’s lyrics, my parents always taught my sister and I to work hard. We weren’t to expect preferential treatment or handouts. Rather, we were shown the importance of hard work and helping others out. 

What Dad and Mom taught us has served us well in life. It was a way of helping us to learn what’s truly valuable in life – loving God, treating others with respect and that life was about relationships – not things. We also learned the value of doing our work well – regardless of what the job was.

Those lessons sometimes seem to be missing today. It often seems as if we live in a throw-away world, where some people are never content and always looking for something to entertain them. In an age of increasing negativity and conflict, perhaps those old lessons in kindness and grace could mend more than a few broken fences.

That day on that gravel road, took me back to another time.  Although my back might argue otherwise, I for one am grateful for those old dirt roads.

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.)

/by

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.)

/by

Hang On!

It’s the middle of November, and the majority of the leaves have fallen by now. Yet, there are those stubborn ones that are determined to hang on to the end.

As we approach Thanksgiving, many of the last surviving leaves are beautiful. They seem to pop out against the brown of barren trees.

Looking at these leaves, they remind me that a lot of people are like them. These men and women are hanging on. They may feel that their circumstances are beyond control – and perhaps, without hope.

Yet, these leaves show us that we all need to hang on. In fact, like these trees, new leaves are just a few months away. That foliage reminds me of hope – returning in a new season of life.

Nature is often used by God to display His love. If the Creator can make flowers beautiful and provide for wild animals, He can, and does, care for each one of us.

As the leaves continue to fall, I hope that you’ll enjoy those last colors. Let them be a reminder for each of us to hang on!

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.)

/by