Tag Archive for: Faith

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.)

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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.)

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An Iced Fence

This fence was along a driveway to a place where I made a delivery.  Sleet and freezing rain had gone through the area the night before.  While the roads had been pretreated, many of the driveways were still slick.

Ice is useful for keeping food items cold.  It can even look attractive as it reflects light whilecoating fences, trees and other objects.

However, it isn’t very much fun to drive on – or walk across. I won’t tell how I know that last fact!

I don’t know anyone who enjoys driving when its icy.  We all like to have control – being able to keep our vehicles safely on the road.  In fact, this reality isn’t just about vehicles, but how we often go through life.  We like to minimalize our risks.

Yet, as I look at this picture, I’m also reminded that we can’t control everything that happens to us.  This is where trust and faith come into play.

There are many times when God calls us to take a step of faith in life and follow Him into some new endeavor.  We don’t always know the outcome – and sometimes that can frighten us.  Those moments have an opportunity to cause us to panic and try to flee from the unknown.  On the other hand, we can choose to step out, knowing that even if you and I fail, it’s giving us an opportunity to possibly see something beautiful.

In those moments, we must ask if we’re going to trust our Creator and follow His direction.  Or, are we going to try to play it safe – possibly missing out on some great gift or opportunity.

If you don’t need to go out on the ice, I’d recommend that you enjoy some time at home.  Yet, if you must head out, please be safe and take your time!

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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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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