Tag Archive for: Travel

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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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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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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An Old Stone House and Its Springhouse

There is an old stone house that sits along one of the gravel roads that led to where my grandparents used to live.  I don’t know the story behind the house; but, it’s pretty fascinating to look at.

The exterior is made of large cut stone – much like what is used in barn foundations.  Almost as impressive is the front door, which has massive wood jambs that fit the oversized exterior walls.

Over the years, the house and accompanying farm have become a country favorite for my wife and me to drive by.  Nestled among rolling hills, trees and pastures, and sitting along an old rural road, it’s picturesque and invokes memories of a time when life seems to have been simpler and slower – at least by today’s standards.

An old bank barn, equipment shed and corn cribs are all nicely painted and well maintained.

Perhaps, of all of the outbuildings on that property, it’s the old spring house that stands out in my mind as I write this.  Once a necessity to most farms, these little buildings have largely become obsolete – if they even still exist on farmsteads today.  This little structure stands in the shade of nearby trees, providing a ready source of cool water for the household.

One can almost hear children’s laughter coming from the springhouse as they splashed little toes in the water – or, perhaps tried their hand at catching little crayfish that might occasionally come out from hiding beneath the slippery rocks lining the spring basin.

You can see a man coming from the barn – stopping at the spring to splash some water on his hot, tired and dirty face in an attempt to look halfway presentable for supper.  Or, he may get a cool drink from an old granite dipper hanging on a nail in the building.

Then again, perhaps you can imagine the vegetables and melons that were placed in the fresh spring water to cool down for an evening meal.

As I think about that old farm, several thoughts come to mind.

I can’t help but think about the stability of the home. With those massive stones and the heavy front door, I imagine that it has the ability to withstand many storms.  It reminds us that in life, we all face various types of storms.  That house seems to ask me to consider Who I am placing my trust in and what am I allowing into my life.

My mind also wanders to the cool, refreshing water that may be found in that spring house.  As I think about the refreshment found there, it causes me to reflect on the ways that I find peace, joy and rest in my life.

Gravel roads often have a way of making us slow down.  Along the way, scenes like this old stone house and its accompanying buildings help us to reflect on what is really important in life.

Have a great day!

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

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Experiencing God

We live in a world that is always in a hurry. In the process, we often lose focus on what really matters: God and people. As a result of this misguided view, the rest of our lives, work and many of our best intentions become mediocre.

What if we took the time to experience God and listen to others? Perhaps, if we order our lives in a slower more orderly way, you and I can then say that we have given our best.

(Photo Credit: My wife.)

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

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The Old Brick House

This farmstead sits just down the road from where my grandparents used to live. Ever since I was a boy, it has sat abandoned – causing me to be intrigued by this setting.

Old brick farmhouses built in this fashion are not as common around here as wood-sided structures. This causes me to wonder about the uniqueness of the place, and the family who might have built and called it home.

There’s beauty and a story in every house – and the life of each person. Even the most dilapidated structure or grievous offender can display the Creator’s love.

Every trip is an chance to see something new. It’s up to us to find diamonds – even in the rough.

Have a great day!

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

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Going for a Drive

Ever since I was old enough to remember, I’ve enjoyed going on drives. Each trip is a new adventure. You never know what will be seen on each outing.

I think that there’s something almost soothing about a small rural road. It is here, where I can often slow down as I get away from the hustle and competing noises of the world that we live in.

It’s out on these small roads where I enjoy a front row seat at watching the Creator’s hands at work. All of creation speaks of God’s wonderful love and affirms His goodness.

So, let me encourage you to take a drive on some small, rural road. Take your time, roll the windows down and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. You’ll be glad that you did!

Have a great day!

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

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The Places I Go

You may have heard of the Dr. Seuss title, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go”. Perhaps, you have even read that story.

Different things, like this picture, remind us of people who we’ve met, experiences that have been had and places where you and I have gone.

Each of our journeys look different. Yet, the ebbs and flows of our lives help us to be unique – allowing God’s love to be shown in different ways.

It’s been said that our lives are a gift from God – what we do with our lives are our gift to God. Let the journey and the places that we go be a means to see and reflect the Father’s love.

Have a great day!

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

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Going Home

I’ve traveled this stretch of gravel road hundreds of times. It was one of the ways that I could reach my grandparents’ place.

It’s been a number of years since they have passed away. Yet, I still go through here occasionally as I make deliveries.

Seeing this picture reminds me of all of the times that I spent visiting with Grandpa and Grandma. If they were home, the doors were unlocked, because they loved having family stop by. There was always something interesting to talk about – often with a cup of tea or can of pop, along with something to eat. They made it feel like home for many of us who would stop by to visit.

This photo also reminds me of one day going Home – not to visit, but to stay. I look forward to the meal and conversation when I’m seated with other “family” at the table in the Father’s house. I hope to chat with you there!

Have a great day!

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

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Reflecting on Change

We often take things for granted. People will always be around. Places will never change. It’s as if you and I expect that things will always remain the same.

Yet, transitions are a part of life. In fact, it’s been said that the only constant in life is change.

Take this scene. I was leaving a delivery and was met by the view that’s seen here.

Living in this region for my entire life – more than forty years, I’ve often enjoyed scenes like this. Yet, sometimes they seem to become ordinary as I go from one thing to the next.

The small barn was a central part of some farm at one time. Animals were cared for, crops stored and many conversations were had inside the walls of that old structure.

One can imagine the crops that were raised on those rolling hills. Or, perhaps the dairy cattle in a neighboring pasture bring to mind the countless animals that have grazed in those meadows over the years.

A little church sits out of view to the right of the scene. One can imagine the voices of children playing outside. If you stop long enough, it may almost seem possible to hear hymns coming from that chapel.

If you reflect just a little further, it’s hard to imagine that this area was largely forested just over a couple hundred years ago. This land, once home to the Lenape Delaware, was part of America’s original “western frontier.”

Considering all of this, it’s especially easy to see how often we take the Creator for granted. Just as this scene looks like a patchwork quilt, God is busy sewing every part of our lives together.

In this world that constantly encourages movement, please take a few minutes to stop and reflect. You will likely find a sense of peace as you feel His encouragement.

Have a great day!

“Taste and see that the Lord is good…” – Psalm 34:8 (NIV)

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

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