No matter where you are or what time of year, never underestimate the power of a refreshing stroll in nature. Even now, with the first leaves of the season just beginning to peek into the world and the remnants of winter still floating on the chilly air, there is so much beauty to be seen. Have a blessed day!
I know my dad isn’t actually Indiana Jones. He’s not an archaeologist for one thing, although engineering seems close enough in my book. Many kids grow up revering their fathers as Superman but that just isn’t my dad’s style. My favorite moments with him are not displays of super human strength or laser vision to quell his challengers. He has a mind for history and numbers and a propensity for frequent off-trail quests, many of which make use of the rope or assortment of other outdoor necessities he carries in his hiking pack, ever the prepared eagle scout. More than once he’s come to the rescue of fellow hikers in tight spots while out on the trails. He long ago traded in his cape and tights for a stained, felt fedora and a faded leather jacket. To this day the theme from Raiders of the Lost Ark rings in our ears whenever we take a drive into the wilderness for some healthy outdoor adventure. I thank God for not giving me just another Superman.
As I was scrolling through the thousands of photos that my family has collected over the years I came across these and was newly amazed at God’s handiwork. My dad snapped these during a family trip to Arizona while we were enjoying a tour of Antelope Canyon. Can you see the candle, the fist and the bear?
This photo is a bit late but I can never keep from smiling when the hubby comes home with flowers. He went all out for a beautiful bouquet of roses on Valentine’s Day this year although these instances aren’t limited to holidays. Thank you God for sending me a man who brings me flowers!
After many tedious weeks of grey Midwest winter drizzle I was itching for sunshine and fresh air and the hubby has happy to oblige. On this particular weekend in late February, the sun finally peeked its yellow face out from behind the clouds for more than five minutes so we headed to the Indiana Dunes for a morning of hiking and wonderful views, yet another instance of God’s beautiful creation.
Soon it will be warm enough for all sorts of outdoor fun and games, even a chess match in the park. I couldn’t resist snapping this photo while visiting my sister in Little Italy once. I felt as if two elderly tweed clad gentlemen had just stood up from this very table to stroll down the street in search of some refreshing gelato after an intense game. I pray everyone is soon able to enjoy similar quiet, warm afternoons.
Often in life, much like in hiking, we can’t see our destination until we’ve arrived. We hear words of encouragement from folks traveling the other direction that “you’re almost there” and “it’s just around the next bend.” Sometimes in our fatigue we forget to look around and enjoy the views along the way. Even if this week feels like it’s been an uphill slog, I pray everyone can experience happy hiking in their lives today.
Northern Indiana is about to redecorate yet again with all the brilliant shades of early spring. I’m praying for the days when the world comes alive with color again.
“Sonny, true love is the greatest thing in the world, except for a nice MLT. Mutton, lettuce and tomato sandwich where the mutton is nice and lean and the tomato is ripe. They’re so perky, I just love it.” – Miracle Max
While I share Miracle Max’s foodie tendencies I also agree with his original sentiment. True love is heaven on earth. I also came up with my own definition during my days of being courted by the hubby. True love is like a high school calculus test. It’s not enough to state the correct answer. You have to show your work. Actions speak louder than words and just as in The Princess Bride, it’s an adventure that’s definitely worth living for.
Although my mom has been known to gripe about the difficulties of Colorado growing seasons, the stalwart weeds ever seeking to overwhelm her backyard efforts, and the neighborhood deer that annually invade to lay waste to her tulips, I’ve received hours of pleasure capturing colorful blooms like these which she keeps in her garden, little bright reminders of God’s work.
Blessed in the Midwest 