Tag Archive for: Faith

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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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.)

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Hills and Curves

Each trip offers a chance of a new adventure. Most of the time, we have a destination in mind. But, once in a while you and I may just decide to take a drive and see where we end up.

The rolling hills here, along with the curvy roads, create many unique views. One may never know what to expect over the next hill or around an upcoming turn.

That’s how life is, isn’t it?

We often have our lives mapped out. You and I seem to know where we’re going. Yet, how often does something come along that throws us off course? In fact, we may experience something great – just totally unexpected.

Yet, even in these unplanned moments, we don’t need to worry. Nothing surprises the One who created us. When we trust Him, you and I can be confident that we’re in safe hands.

Let’s enjoy the ride – looking forward to what may next come into view!

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 Brilliant Autumn Sky

As I look at this picture, one of the first thoughts is how the blue sky reaches to the horizon. Yet, the vistas afforded by the Appalachian foothills of eastern Ohio offer some terrific views. The blue skies, fall colors and cattle grazing in the distance offer a peaceful, restful image in an often chaotic world.

By late October – when this picture was taken, you never know what colors will be left. Or, if any will even be remaining. As can be seen, autumn rains haven’t caused the leaves to fall just yet.

Looking at this picture, I can’t help but think of God’s handiwork. His creation speaks of His brilliance and love for us.

Each season offers unique glimpses of beauty. It’s when we deliberately slow down that we will truly find the peace that these scenes offer 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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A Worn Fence and Autumn Leaves

I recently made a delivery to an old farm. As I was leaving, this scene caught my attention. The worn fence was a nice contrast to the trees’ leaves.

Fences often have a way of blending in with the landscape.  We often take them for granted – until animals get out.

As those of us who have ever lived in the country know, fences are an important part of farms.  In addition to managing animals, they help to prevent predators from attacking livestock.  Fences can also serve as markers for property lines.

A well-maintained fence can add value and security to a property.  Worn, dilapidated ones are often an eyesore.

Whether we realize it or not, there are fences in each of our lives.  These come in the form of the ideas, values, religious views and other perspectives that form and shape who we are.

How well we conform and remain consistent to these beliefs and ideals tells a lot about the fences that we’ve built.

Next time that you or I drive down a rural road, let’s take a look at the fences that we pass.  What do they say about the farms that they’re a part of?

Then, let’s think about the fences that we’ve placed in our lives.  Let’s check to see how well they’re holding up.  Are they protecting us, or do those fences need some mending?

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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Slowing Down

Backroads have a way of making people slow down. It may be the loose gravel, mud or potholes. That, or a desire to go slower may be because of the scenery that seems to appear only in places that are off of the beaten path.

I’ve always loved these roads – except when they’re covered with snow and ice.  They offer an opportunity to get away from the hustle of the world around us.  Along the way, we’re able to unwind and allow our minds a chance to rest as we enjoy the views that change around every curve and over each hill.

Each season offers unique glimpses of the changing countryside.  But, it’s autumn that I always enjoy the most.  Old farms and falling leaves offer a journey down “Memory Lane” – as I recall stories that my parents and other family members have shared with me over the years.

Along these narrow roads, we’re also allowed to experience the hand of God in new and unique ways.  As we cross over streams, wind our way through woodlands and pass by old buildings and pastures, each new scene allows us a different perspective of the Creator’s handiwork.

The trees will soon lose all of their leaves as the air grows colder. Yet, there’s beauty just out of sight as we travel along on these backroads.

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 Millcreek Perspective

“How did you get that picture?”

My father asked that after he first saw this picture. As the son of a milk hauler, he knew this valley well from his childhood.

Growing up, I learned many of these local landmarks and farms from Grandpa, Dad and my uncles. Traveling these roads between home and my grandparents, I learned a lot of these places by the names of the farmers who once lived there – when my grandfather picked up milk cans. In fact, more than four decades later, Dad can still recite the can numbers for some of those farms.

Today, I deliver lumber and building supplies in this area. Most of these farms have changed hands – some several times in the past half century.

Yet, there’s something about traveling the same backroads and country lanes as Grandpa and Dad did years before. Even today, many of those old names are referred to as I talk to Dad or my wife.

We live in a world that seems to be becoming more divisive and fragmented. Yet, these narrow country roads help me have a greater sense of community – and being able to serve those who live nearby.

We all have a responsibility to care for and serve those around us. Let’s look for opportunities to build up our communities!

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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Fall Colors and Holiday Caramels

Autumn is my favorite season of the year.  I enjoy seeing the fall colors and watching farmers harvest their crops.  

With the days growing shorter and the air brisker, autumn has another appeal.  I’ve always loved that it leads into the holiday season.  Thanksgiving and Christmas have special activities and family get-togethers that are highly anticipated.  In addition, I’ve always looked forward to seasonal holiday foods.

This picture was taken about a half mile from my grandparents’ place.  It’s been a number of years since they were here to enjoy the season with us.  Yet, that time with them was always special.

What you may not see is how the road leads over two streams.  Like the old Christmas song says, “Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house we go.”  The writer forgot to add “… and up the huge hill”.  But, I suppose that they didn’t know the way to my Grandma’s!

One of my favorite seasonal things my grandmother made was her caramel candies.  They were rich, sweet and creamy!  Actually, creamy may be an understatement.  I suppose that is because those candies started when Grandpa used to haul milk.  They continued long past that, since Dad works in a cheese factory.  So, there was always sweet, rich cream in those caramels – nothing diluted there!

Now that my grandmother is gone, my wife continues that caramel tradition.  Grandma didn’t leave her recipe to anyone, so my wife found one that was very similar – just for me!  

Looking at this picture and thinking about those caramels, reminds me of the importance to slow down and “enjoy the scenery”.  Life is too short, and in the end, the things that are most important are our loved ones and the memories that were shared with them.

I’m also reminded of the beauty with which the Creator has painted His universe.  Thinking of that, and Grandma’s caramels, I remember the passage in Psalm 34, where we’re told to “Taste and see that the Lord is good…”

This autumn, I hope that you’ll take time to enjoy the beautiful fall colors.  Along the way, I hope that you’ll take time to remember years past, and look forward to what lies ahead.

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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