What's in the Woods?

I love to hike in the woods with Tim and Rosie in the spring. 

The wild flowers are poking their heads out of the ground.

Their blooms are not as glamorous as the tulips or the daffodils, 

but they're just as beautiful. 

When I see the toadshade trillium and the yellow trout lily, 

I know spring has arrived.

I also spotted the delicate, lavender blossoms of Jacob's ladder and flox.

God created so many lovely blooms for us to enjoy and appreciate.

Take a hike and discover what's in the woods.

 

Rest in His Shadow

Psalm 91:1-2
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
   will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress
   my God, in whom I trust.”

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,  
But I have promises to keep, 
And miles to go before I sleep, 
And miles to go before I sleep. -Robert Frost

Tim and I enjoy walking Rosie May at the local park. We often take her around the paved path, then let her run and play catch on the tennis court. The other day, as the heat of the day increased, we chose the wooded path for a short hike. As we trekked along the gravel trail, I looked up and admired the canopy the trees made as they bowed over the walking path. I welcomed the shade as the sun rose higher and the temperatures went up. The blue sky peeked through the green leaves and created a picture of the beauty God created. The woods were indeed lovely.

The canopy of trees reminded me of the shelter God provides. On that hot morning, He provided shade. The times when my heart hurts for this world, God offers comfort and confidence in Him. I'm thankful He is in control of this mess, and He will never leave me.

I rarely watch the news because I'm disappointed in how it's presented and in how people are falling for Satan's antics. They fling so much tragedy in our faces. It truly is a sad state of being, but my friends, we have hope and a place to go for comfort. As I continue my journey on this earth, with miles to go and promises to keep, I know without doubt, Jesus walks with me and His joy fills my soul. He keeps me moving forward.

Jesus' love gives us the hope we need to walk in this weary world, and God offers comfort and peace as we rest in His shadow. He is my refuge, and I trust Him.

Seek God's shelter.

Be Still and Know...

Psalm 46:10-11
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”
The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

"The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep..."-Robert Frost

We traversed the curvy hill into town. Foliage slept in an array of gold and brown on the ground. Trees rested their slender, naked limbs. Even in winter without snow, the scene took on a lovely glow and a story of hope.

Deciduous trees conserve water, a scarcity in the cold or dry months. Their time of rest allows them to re-energize and prepare for the coming spring when leaves sprout again.

The gray of winter often brings on sadness, depression, anxiety, or lack of energy. Yet, I've learned from the trees to rest in winter, to be still, and embrace the quiet. Even when the world isn't quiet, I cherish time to sit with God and seek his wisdom.

God knows I need winter. I crave a time to reconnect and kneel before his throne and worship the Creator. Like the trees, I raise my arms to him and let the stress of life drop like leaves.

Even as he asks me to be still and know, the Lord promises to sit with me. He is my refuge and fortress. I see him in the evergreens, a constant reminder of the steadiness of God.

This spending time with God isn't always easy. Some days I wake up prepared for the quiet, the prayer, the listening. But other days, I've struggled. I want to sleep instead of rise and worship—Some days chaos trumps stillness—Sometimes dread overwhelms and frustration lingers. But I won't give up. I continue to strive to find the quiet and be still before the King, to offer gratitude for everyday life.

Find moments in the winter days to stop, be still, and hear from the God who loves you.

Woodland Santa

Woodland Santa is my latest needle felting project. 

I love his curly beard!

I started in the spring, but couldn't muster the desire to needle felt 

in summer's 90 degree temps. 

So as the weather cooled down last week, I finished the tree and put it all together.

Even with learning curves and a few broken needles, I enjoyed the process. 

One thing I learned is to use a lighter hand and not punch the needle so hard. 

Smaller jabs meant less broken needles and less frustration. 

Needle felting is a satisfying craft. 

There is no such thing as perfection.

Each piece is unique. 

The process relieves stress.