Tag Archive for: Pictures

The Hidden Ridge Farm

I’ve driven by the farm where this barn is located for years. In fact, it was only about a mile from where I was raised.

Yet, it’s only been in the past two or three years, that I’ve gotten to see the historic building. This barn sits about a quarter mile from the road. To get to it, one must follow a lane uphill, through woods to get to the ridge where the farm is located.

How often do we go by places without really seeing them? In fact, it’s probably safe to say that we do the same thing with people. We pass by others without getting to know them.

While I’d never encourage anyone to trespass, I believe that we must take time to get to know the people around us. It’s through these opportunities that we learn and grow as we invest in one another.

Have a great day!😀

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

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Looking Down Your Nose

I was driving down a steep driveway from a delivery when I saw a red barn across the valley in front of me. By road, the old structure was probably more than a mile away. Yet, in a sea of green, it stood out.

From my vantage point in the truck cab, the barn looked closer than it appeared. It definitely made for a unique picture! But, since I was on a steep grade, I didn’t really want to stop there and climb out of the truck for even a few seconds. So, I opted for a photo from behind the steering wheel.

As I was thinking about that view later, I was reminded of how I had looked down my nose – or, rather the truck’s nose to get that shot.

We live in a world where people are often comparing themselves with others. In fact, that’s been the case since Adam and Eve were here with their first two sons, Cain and Abel.

There are so many things that vie to separate us. Yet, God created each of us as equal beings with specific gifts and abilities to meet our individual personalities. The fact that each person is born and will die should be enough to make us acutely aware of our need for a Savior, and keep us humble in our dealings with others.

We really don’t have any reason to compare ourselves with others. This instance, where I looked down and over the nose of my Peterbilt, allowed me to have a unique perspective of the countryside – and of life.

Have a great day!😀

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

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Between the Ditches

You have probably heard someone say “to keep it between the ditches”… or, between the lines. Perhaps, you’ve told someone that, as well.

On many small, rural roads like the one in the picture, it may be hard to always stay inside the lines. This is especially true if you’re driving a large truck or piece of farm equipment. But, keep between the ditches… definitely!

As I look at this picture, I’m reminded of something that I used to hear my Grandfather say. Grandpa said that he paid for both sides of the road – so, he was going to use them. Of course, Grandpa said it in good humor. Driving truck for sixty years, he definitely spent plenty of time driving country roads.

Seriously though, we can learn from narrow roadways.

Lines provide a path to help us move forward. They won’t stop us when we cross over them.

Ditches, however, carry the possibility to stop us. If you have ever slid into a ditch then you understand this truth.

We face many challenges going through life. Each of us have “lines” that help to guide us. Sometimes we stay safely on the road – while we crash at other times.

The Bible talks about how the narrow road leads to eternal life, while the wide road leads to destruction and separation from God. We see evidence of this often in the choices that we make.

Let’s keep it between the lines and ditches – arriving safely at our destination. We don’t want to crash off course and hurt ourselves and others!

Have a great day! 😀

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

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The Tranquility of an Old Dirt Road

A few miles from here, sits a farm that my wife and I like to drive by.  The house, barn and outbuildings are separated from the gravel road by a pasture with a small creek winding through it.  With some beef cattle or sheep often grazing there, it’s a tranquil setting where we often appreciate slowing down to enjoy the view.

When I see this farm, I’m reminded of a feature in a rural magazine that I used to receive that was called “The Prettiest Place in the Country”.

This farm, I’m sure, would be a contender for that article.  Its owners have spent countless hours transforming a small farmstead into a beautiful oasis.

Each season finds the house and landscape decorated for that particular time of the year.  Beautiful flowers and landscaping highlight the fences and house during the spring and summer.  In the fall, with the colors of the surrounding trees and green of the nearby hills, the white painted farmhouse and springhouse, along with the red barn and outbuildings stand out as they add to the muted colors of autumn.

We live in a world where the ability to multi-task is often seen as something that’s considered to be virtue-like.  But, were we really created to always run at whirlwind speed?  I seriously doubt it.

In a world that seems to be increasingly marked by hustle and bustle, we need to find time to unwind – perhaps, more often than we think.  Old dirt roads, sheltered by shade trees and winding past quiet meadows and beautiful farms, are among those places that I find restful – perhaps, almost therapeutic.

Slowing down and enjoying the scenery allows us opportunities to allow our minds to wander.  A drive in the country may allow us some much-needed peaceful, restful time away with family or friends.  It’s also in these moments that we are able to enjoy the beauty of creation – and have time to enjoy fellowship with our Creator, which is the primary reason why we’ve been placed here.

Reflecting on this farm and the little roads that lead to it, I’m reminded that life isn’t just about successes or reaching milestones and destinations.  Sometimes, the real joy and success is found in the journey.

Although we can’t slow down the world around us, you and I have the ability to alter the speed of our own lives.  Let’s make the most of this time that we’ve got – and enjoy the journey.

Have a great day! 🙂

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.”  –  Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

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

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An Old Barn Under a Summer Sky

I found this barn on a small dead-end road. While the structure is still in use, the paint and roof show signs that it has seen better days.

As I took the picture, I noticed how the summer sky illuminated the old building. It brought a new dimension to the scene – bringing a sense of life to the old barn.

One could almost imagine hay being brought in from the fields. Perhaps, laughter can be heard from children playing in the hay. Or, a young calf or colt is taking its first steps in the lower level.

Buildings are like people. While we often look at the outer appearance, there’s so much beauty and life laying beneath the surface. This barn, on that beautiful summer day is evidence to this.

Have a great day! 😀

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

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Happy Fourth of July!

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…”

On this Fourth of July, we remember the sacrifices of many!

Have a great day!😀

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

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Just In “Case”

I made a delivery to this Amish farm. Before leaving, I had decided to get a picture of this old Case tractor. It didn’t wear the green and yellow implement colors that I love, but the unique setting had a vintage feel – like it should have been seventy or eighty years ago.

Some may wonder why a tractor would be on an Amish farm. While those farmers are often only allowed to use horses in the fields, many are able to use tractors for stationary power or to pull wagons and trailers on local roadways. In “Case” you missed it, this picture shows a belt linking the tractor to a pump that is out of sight.

Looking at this photo, I’m reminded of how many details we often don’t notice. There’s so much that we miss as we hurry through life. Perhaps though, the thing that most often suffers are our relationships with God, our families and friends.

Every generation has its own issues and trials. Yet, this tractor was built before all of our modern conveniences and distractions. It’s a testament to simpler times – and, the values that our minds fix to that era.

Have a great day! 🙂

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

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The Equipment Shed

An important building on any farm is the equipment shed. It’s the structure where machinery is stored out of the weather and often worked on.

While not as impressive as many barns or farmhouses, these sheds are still a vital part of the farm. They help to protect the family’s investment in equipment. These buildings are also a place where important conversations are held – often around tractor hoods and tires.

As I think about these buildings, I remember going with my father to a neighbor’s farm as a child. While it was fascinating to watch the hogs and cattle, I thought that it was more exciting if we went to the shed. It was always fun to climb on one of the tractors – especially if Dad was going to use it.

Looking at this picture, I wonder how many memories were made at that shed. One may imagine a child watching as his or her father worked on a piece of equipment. Or, think about the cold meals that were served and hastily eaten there as something was being repaired.

You may have a building like this on your farm – or, where you were raised. Perhaps, this picture will bring back enjoyable memories of conversations and tractor rides for you as well.

Have a great day! 🙂

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

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For the Beauty of the Earth

We live in a world that is often filled with commotion, turmoil and noise.

Sometimes we need to unplug and get away from the distractions around us, allowing us to reflect on God’s love for us.

As I was thinking about this photograph that my wife took a few weeks ago, this song came to mind.  It had been awhile since I had last heard it, but I believe that the words capture this picture beautifully.

Have a great day! 🙂

For the Beauty of the Earth

‎Written by:  Folliott Sandford Pierpoint‎, 1864

Public Domain

For the beauty of the earth,
for the glory of the skies,
for the love which from our birth
over and around us lies;
Lord of all, to thee we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise.

For the beauty of each hour
of the day and of the night,
hill and vale, and tree and flower,
sun and moon, and stars of light;
Lord of all, to thee we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise.

For the joy of ear and eye,
for the heart and mind’s delight,
for the mystic harmony,
linking sense to sound and sight;
Lord of all, to thee we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise.

For the joy of human love,
brother, sister, parent, child,
friends on earth and friends above,
for all gentle thoughts and mild;
Lord of all, to thee we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise.

For thy church, that evermore
lifteth holy hands above,
offering up on every shore
her pure sacrifice of love;
Lord of all, to thee we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise.

For thyself, best Gift Divine,
to the world so freely given,
for that great, great love of thine,
peace on earth, and joy in heaven:
Lord of all, to thee we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise.


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

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A Tranquil Delivery

We often find unexpected beauty along the paths that our lives take.  That was the case when I delivered lumber to a new house being built at the end of this lane.

When I reached the delivery address, I found a narrow lane disappearing into the woods.  The first few dozen feet of driveway had grass growing in the middle.

Seeing the condition of the driveway out at the road, and not knowing where it might lead, I was a little hesitant to turn in.  However, the thought of carrying lumber to an unknown location was not a very attractive idea, either!  So, I started back the drive – grimacing at the number of tree branches reaching out to scrape against my truck.

Soon, the grass-centered drive gave way to a nice, gravel path that skirted a small, quiet stream that wound its way through the woods.  The filtered sunlight coming through the trees made for a tranquil scene that reflected peace and solitude.  As I entered the clearing for the new home, it was easy to see why someone would want to build back there.

Thinking about that drive through the woods, our lives often take unexpected twists and turns that lead us off into the unknown.  There are plenty of distractions that vie for our attention as we go through life – some good, others bad.

The journey may leave us with questions and doubts – and perhaps more than a few scratches and bruises as we travel along that path.

Yet, there’s also beauty along the road that we travel.  The people and opportunities that you and I encounter may be seen as blessings in our lives.  Along the way, they may offer moments of rest, refreshment and encouragement on our journey through life.

Seeing this picture, I’m reminded of the Twenty-Third Psalm.  Even though there are times when we may walk through difficulties and troubles, there is One who wants to walk with us – if we allow Him to.

Every new day, and each trip, offers opportunities for us to experience beauty in life.  Sometimes we just need to slow down, turn off the road and allow the Creator to guide us along that peaceful, calm stream.

Have a great day!

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.  He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.  He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.  Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”  –  Psalm 23:1-6 (NIV)

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

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