Tag Archive for: Nature

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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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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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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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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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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