Tag Archive for: Scenery

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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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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The Pumpkin Wagon

Pumpkin patches and displays are a feature of autumn. This wagon sits at a farm that I drive by often that offers pumpkins and other decorations for sale.

On a weekend ride to see the fall colors, my family drove by this. Since I was driving, my wife took this picture for me.

I must admit that I’m already partial to the combination of green and yellow. Add the orange of my favorite season, and this wagon stands out against the weathered shop building behind it.

Think about the stories that this old wagon could tell. It may share tales of the people and loads that it hauled or the places that it visited – leaving scars as reminders of its years of use.

Each pumpkin shares its own story – one of perseverance, struggle and growth, from small seed to harvest.

Likewise, we all have stories. Think of your scars, and how they helped you to grow. The same Creator who watched over those pumpkins also cares for you and me. He’s lovingly watching over us to help us grow and mature into the “finished” people that we’re intended to be.

Autumn offers many opportunities to see beautiful colors painted across the landscape. Over the next few weeks, I hope that you’ll enjoy the scenery as you experience the Creator’s love for 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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