Tag Archive for: Thoughts

A Path of Leaves

Like many people, I love to see trees display the changing fall colors of their leaves.

However, leaves often lose some of my interest once they have fallen off of the trees.

As they dry and decay on the ground, their vibrant colors fade.

I realize that the brown, shriveled remains make for a good compost and ground cover for gardens. Fallen leaves also provide the fuel for an autumn bonfire to be enjoyed with family and friends.

Yet, they also serve as a reminder that summer is over.

It was recently while making a delivery when I saw these newly-fallen leaves.

The fence helped them to form a type of path.

Still wearing their bright colors, they serve as a reminder that peace, and even joy, can be found in nearly every circumstance, regardless of where life seems to lead us.

These leaves help to remind us that when we keep our eyes on the One who colors them, then we will always find hope in every season and situation that we face.

Have a great day!

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

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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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Some Real Grit

Every season offers its own unique challenges and opportunities.  Driving truck in a largely rural area with hilly terrain, winter is by far the most challenging time – especially when it comes to backroads and getting in and out of driveways.  During this season, my truck has the opportunity to become a giant sled – taking me for rides to places where I don’t want to go!  So, being able to see a cleared or treated road is always a welcome sight.

I took this picture not too long ago.  It was on a backroad near where my grandparents once lived.  The terrain, mixed with the surrounding scenery stuck out as being “photo-worthy”.  Unfortunately, the grit made the picture – well, sort of dirty and unsightly!

The sight of that stone and salt combination adds another thought.  It allows an otherwise, snow-covered, icy road to become passable.

Grit isn’t just used to describe a stone mixture that’s reserved for roads or industrial applications.  It’s also a quality used to describe the courage, perseverance and passion that’s revealed in some people as they face challenging circumstances.

When I think of people with grit, images of Bible characters, pioneers, homesteaders and other historical figures toughened by life experiences quickly come to mind.  My thoughts also wander to stories that were told about my grandparents and other family members who had to deal with various, difficult challenges.

Yet, grit isn’t just about stone, or the people who lived before you and me.  It can also describe a passion and determination that God has endowed each one of us with.  Grit may be manifested in some people in extraordinary ways.  However, grit is most often lived out in our daily living and interactions with others.  It shows up in the kindness that we treat others with, and the humility that guides our interactions with them.  Further, that quality is lived out in the integrity that should guide and govern every facet of our lives.  Grit isn’t just courage to overcome, but a passion to do what is right – every time!

While that stone mixture may soil the look of a beautiful winter scene, it offers us a powerful reminder. That grit reminds me of our dependence on the Creator, and the ways that He uses to guide us and others safely home.

Have a great day!

(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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