Tag Archive for: God

The Oreo Cookie Cows

I was making a delivery to a dairy farm one day when I saw these two head of cattle.

At first glance, many people may think that they’re Holsteins because of their black and white coloring.  However, they’re a breed known as Dutch Belted – or around here, they’re sometimes referred to as Canadian Belted.

The breed originally came from Switzerland and Austria.  However, it was the Dutch nobility who officially established the breed.  Today, this breed is very rare in America, with less than two hundred head of cattle officially registered.

These cows brought back memories.

When I was growing up, there was a farm a couple of miles from my grandparents’ house who had several head of this breed.  My family used to refer to those animals as the “Oreo Cookie Cows” because of their white centers and black ends.

Seeing these cows remind me of the great diversity that we see in Creation.  Even something that’s black and white – in this case, cows – has the ability to show us God’s amazing handiwork.

We often think of majestic mountains, roaring rivers or the brilliant lights of the sky when we think about God’s greatness.  Yet, these cows are a great example of the extraordinary ways that He is always at work.

While many may see these cows as ordinary, they’re not.  Dutch Belted cattle were a nobility’s chosen breed that allows us to see the Creator’s genius at caring for us.

Have a great day!

“How many are your works, Lord!  In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.”  –  Psalm 104:24 (NIV)

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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A Cold, Worn Wagon

It’s obvious that this old wagon has seen better times. Now, it’s closing out its last days as a rustic lawn ornament – as it slowly rots and rusts away from the effects of the seasons and elements.

Perhaps, there are times when many people think that they can relate to this picture. Like this wagon, they’re given to thoughts of feeling lonely, worn – and, left out in the cold.

Yet, none of us are ever truly alone.

In Proverbs 18, verse 24, we read that God is a friend who is closer than a brother. Further, God promises Believers in Hebrews 13, verse 5, that He will never leave them.

These promises are great foundational truths of the Gospel. God promises them to each person who has accepted His Son, Jesus, as their Lord and Savior.

Friend, I may not know what you are facing, but God does. In fact, He wants to carry you safely through that experience. All you need to do, is place your trust in Him – leaning into the loving arms of the Savior.

That old wagon serves as a fascinating focal point. But, our lives don’t have to share its misfortune.

Have a great day!🙂

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Winter Solitude

I took this photograph on a January afternoon. The bare trees and faded paint on the barn add a sense of gloom to the winter scene.

As seen in the photo, the farm commands a scenic view of the valley below. One can imagine the work found here – perhaps made more difficult by the unique challenges of hillside farming.

Looking at this photo, there’s also a sense of solitude, as well. In the book of Ecclesiastes, we are told that it’s good for a person to find enjoyment in their labor.

There’s a certain beauty found in the quietness of winter. Perhaps, this farm is a reminder that it’s in this season where we may know God’s gift of rest.

Have a great day!

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Heart-Shaped Pancakes

On Valentine’s Day, many people exchange cards and give heart-shaped candies, chocolates and other gifts that offer sweet expressions of love.  A little angel, a Cherub named Cupid, is said to be the instigator of much of this emotional bliss – as his arrows are said to make people fall in love with one another.

While it wasn’t candy or chocolates, my wife made heart-shaped pancakes for our Valentine’s Day breakfast.  Covered with butter and maple syrup, they made for a very delicious treat.  That meal is just one of the countless examples of love that my wife shows towards me and our son – on a daily basis.

However, there’s so much more to Valentine’s Day than sweet foods and little angelic beings.

There are many legends surrounding the origins of Valentine’s Day.  Several of them include different Priests, named “Valentine”.  In many of these stories, these men died as they promoted the ideals of love and marriage.

Think about it!  They gave their lives as they attempted to help others find love.  Their example mirrored another man who gave the greatest gift – His life, for the love of others.  Jesus came to earth to give His life as a living sacrifice.  He chose to die for all of humanity.  It’s an ultimate expression of that love to allow us to have the choice whether or not to accept His great gift.

We live in a world where love is often shown with cards, sweet treats and hundreds of other gifts and trinkets.  In addition, Hollywood wants us to think that love is centered around candle-lit dinners and romance.

Yet, true love is much more.  It is sacrificial giving and forgiveness.  Love is honoring, protecting and looking out for another.  In the end, real love isn’t something that’s quickly discarded and forgotten.  Rather, it’s sacrificial giving and serving – putting others ahead of ourselves.

On this Valentine’s Day, consider the cost of real love.  Know that you’re worth it – an empty grave and a risen Savior proves that.  Now, it’s up to us to show His love to others.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

“Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails…”  –  1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (NIV)

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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A Reminder of Hope

Hidden on a township road is this scene that I’ve enjoyed driving past for years. The trees, stream and foliage here offer unique views each season – such as with the snow and icicles on a cold winter morning.

As the temperature was hovering near freezing, water was still flowing in the stream.

Many often associate winter with death or sleep. As many of the trees would attest, the idea of rest may be fairly accurate.

Yet, besides the water, there are a couple of pine trees in the photo that still show their color. Since pines never lose their colors due to seasonal changes, they are often viewed as a symbol of life.

For this reason, evergreens often are seen as a representation for the life of Christ, such as at Christmastime. It is through Him, that all things are made new.

In each season, this location allows us to witness different views of the Creator’s goodness. But perhaps, during the winter months, we’re reminded that He is the reason why we have hope.

Have a great day!

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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A Wagon, Corn Cribs and Nostalgia

There’s something about old farm scenes that often capture our attention.  Take this box wagon parked in a shed between two corn cribs.  We can visualize the sweat, toil and long hours that were involved in filling those bins with ear corn. 

Yet, there’s something about this photograph that also gives a sense of peace, quiet and solitude.  It brings backs a sense of nostalgia.  In fact, this picture reminds me of a Currier & Ives painting or a scene from a Hallmark movie.

This picture is a contrast to what most of us know today.  We’re used to the hustle and bustle of modern life, as opposed to being forced to travel at the pace of a team of horses – like the ones that would have been used to pull this wagon.  The picture also reminds us of the time and labor once involved in filling those cribs – especially when we consider how modern equipment handles much larger harvests in the same period of time. 

When I see this photograph, it also reminds me of the effort of many hands, often involving the whole family to harvest a crop.  There’s a sense of unity when we think about the relationships that were built as parents and children worked together. 

Seeing this picture is a reminder that we often need to slow down.  Great relationships and good work ethics are both realized when we take our time and invest in them. 

I’m also reminded of the simplicity and beauty of faith.  It’s in these simple illustrations when I sometimes see some of God’s greatest gifts in a new light.   

Let me encourage you to go for a drive in the country.  You never know what you may find. 

Have a great day!  🙂

(This post was first published at: theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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