Good and glorious Autumn morning to you, my sweet Siestas! Would you believe that it is actually under 112 degrees here in Houston? Everyone in the city is in such a great mood. Even at a four-way stop, drivers wave for you to go right ahead and turn in front of them. No one even tried to run me – the leading cause of road rage in America – off the road for my slow driving. The first few days of cool after a long, hot, humid summer in Houston are like Heaven on earth. All 3 million of us are so happy.
I’ve been on an excursion since I last talked to you. My man and I had planned a four-day getaway to our favorite place on the planet for this past weekend but the evening before our flight out, he had to cancel over a work issue. I was heartsick. My son-in-law Curtis felt so sorry for me that he told Amanda he wanted her to book a flight and join me. We couldn’t find available seats on Thursday so I went ahead and she joined me on Friday.
The Teton Mountains are my happy place. Years ago a group contacted the ministry and said that if I’d come and speak, they couldn’t provide an honorarium but they’d put me up in a modest condo for a week. I’d never been to Wyoming before and I asked a well-traveled friend about whether or not he thought I should go and he answered me with one question, “Are you out of your mind?” So I went. I had one of the strangest sensations of my life when I stepped off that plane for the first time. I felt the word “home.” I still can’t explain the feeling but I get it every time I go and those visits are now way more than I can count. I wasn’t raised in the mountains so it doesn’t make sense. Don’t get me wrong. I know what beautiful looks like. I was raised in the rolling hills of Arkansas in a home perched amid the piny woods. My older sister and little brother and I practically lived in a tree house built between two tall pines by our Dad and our Papaw. When our feet touched the ground, we shaped rooms out of pine needles in our imaginary house. We never played in doors in those days. Such good memories of bag swings and beetles. I love my home State. But for some reason I have the soul of a mountain girl.
So do my daughters. As my plane began its final descent into Jackson Hole on Thursday afternoon, I – a consummate rule-keeper – longed so much for Amanda and Melissa to be with me and feel the thrill that I – yes, I – slipped out my I-phone and clicked a picture (on airplane mode) from my window seat. It was this:
Michelle had made my flight and rental car arrangements. I’m not much of a car person and usually don’t know one make from another but it was so much fun to walk out to the designated spot down the Avis aisle and discover a cobalt blue mini hummer. I didn’t get a picture of it but AJ did later in our trip. Maybe she’ll insert it here later.
I drove straight to Albertsons and got a few necessities then drove out to Teton Village and checked into a hotel. Things can be really fancy out there and art work is a pretty big deal. For some reason, though, this piece of fine art in our hotel lobby amused Amanda and me. Sorry it’s not centered better. I was getting ugly looks while taking it.
Hmmmm. A fine piece indeed.
You don’t go to the Tetons to sit in your room so as soon as I dropped my stuff off, I headed straight into Teton Park. God was so sweet to me. I was sad that our plans to spend a long weekend in the mountains together (Keith and I) had not worked out but God went out of His way to tell me He was there. I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that within 20 minutes I’d seen a juvenile bear, a female moose, and several bull elk. I tried to get pictures with my cell phone but it was nearly dark and, needless to say, I couldn’t get close enough to get them to say “Cheese!”
The next morning I headed to my favorite bagel place in the area. It’s in Wilson, Wyoming and they make their bagels and stir up the cream cheese right there on the premises. They scorn toasters and hang a hand written sign on a chalkboard that says “We don’t toast our bagels. We serve them (all caps like this) FRESH.” OK then. I won’t have mine toasted. I love to get a Honey Sunflower bagel with Honey Walnut cream cheese and sit out at one of the picnic tables in the back to eat it. I took this from that spot:
I kept an eye on my watch while I ate my bagel and drank my dark roast and gave myself plenty of time to head to the airport to pick up Amanda around noon. I was the kind of happy to see her that you are when you haven’t seen your loved one for a year. It had been one day. We were hungry so we headed into town to eat at one of our favorite little restaurants. It’s called “Sweetwater” and the cranberry chicken salad sandwich on toasted raisin bread could almost give you a lump in your throat. We paid out then walked the square but weren’t really in shopping moods. The woods were calling. But, we did see these in one store and reflected on them for quite some time. There are times when the only word that comes to you is “Why?” The hand model is AJ.
We dropped Amanda’s stuff off at the hotel and headed straight to Jenny Lake. I cannot count the times I’ve hiked around that gorgeous place, often alone and other times with Amanda and Melissa (Keith is not quite as taken with hiking as we are. Maybe because I can out-last him in the altitude. He’s very athletic but I have him there. No brag. Just fact). Melissa was a dizzy mixture of happy and sad while her sister and I were in the Tetons. She’s wanted to join us so badly but couldn’t make the schedule work. She kept texting us with messages like, “Send me a pic!” with tandem feelings like, “No, don’t! Yes, do!” These spots on the hike do NOT do justice to the scene but I’ll show them to you if you’ll magnify them in your imaginations by about 100 times.
Yes, that is the Grand. She’s far more powerful in person.
It is already autumn in the Tetons.
The next day we hiked again a much longer way and had the greatest time. We love to eat at Signal Mountain Lodge after a good hike and watch the sun go down over Jackson Lake. I don’t have a picture of it because I’ve taken a thousand of them over the years but imagine it lovely. It’s main attraction is Mount Moran. On our last evening after dinner, Amanda and I decided to take a little stroll around Teton Village and see some of the houses that had been built since our last visit. We got to see a house we’d rented for Thanksgiving several years in a row way back when and also stood in front of the house where “When Godly People Do Ungodly Things” was taped. It brought back so many memories. Some good. Some painful. It’s just painful material. While we were walking (in a housing development no less) we somehow got into some mud. Amanda kind of freaked out and bolted from her shoes lest she perish in Teton quick sand. Don’t scorn her for not wearing boots at this point. We were taking a stroll through a neighborhood. Not climbing the Grand.
This is her in the aftermath before I braved the quicksand and retrieved her shoes. She looks like she did when she was about five years old in this picture.
While we were on that very walk with no expectations but to gaze upon dreamy mountain cabins, God had delights for us.
Foxes. And, yes, that close to us. It was getting really dark when I took this one and I had to enlarge it and crop it for you to get the idea. It’s not really post worthy but I might as well show it to you. They were just chillin’ at this point.
It was not the trip I had planned but it was a wonderful trip nonetheless. God was so gracious to us and the weather was spectacular, the sights restoring to our city souls. Thank you for taking a stroll back through it with us.
So, that’s my happy place. What about yours?
I have three happy places: Durango, CO, Saint Barth’s (Caribbean) and my Texas hill country. Durango for the mountains, mountainbiking, hiking and Serious Texas BBQ (best Texas BBQ in Durango), St. Barth’s for its sheer island beauty, and the Texas hill country for its hills, beautiful rivers, amazing oak trees and for BBQ/Tex-Mex food!
God is so good when he gives us time to rest in some amazingly beautiful places! Thank you for sharing!
My back porch is my happy place in my pool floating around…naked… hehehehe
I am opposite of you Beth, I was born and raised in Colorado but my happy spot is Ft. Worth! I hear it calling to me and can hear it echo through the mountains! I love Colorado and the mountains-God blessed me by placing me here, but I long for Ft. Worth!
Hey, Beth! Loved the pics from Wyoming! Glad you are getting some time away. We all need that from time to time. 🙂
My happy place is in the Texas Hill Country…. in a little place called Gruene… I absolutely LOVE the little shops there, and eating at the Grist Mill. Plus, I used to tube the Guadelupe when I lived in Houston about 25 years ago or so… 🙂
Hope you have a great time with AJ!!! (You and Keith will get some time together soon… Hang in there.)
My happy place is the ocean. Just the sound of the waves and the smell of the saltwater lifts all the tension right out of my shoulders and every part of my soul. I’m not a cold nature girl. Don’t get me wrong, I do love fall and all the wonderful colors and cool air. Just not the winter cold…I’m a wimp when it comes to that. I do like to hike through the woods. It’s the nature thing that really gets me quiet with God. I can’t even imagine not seeing HIM through the wonderful things He has created for us to enjoy. Glad y’all had so much fun!
I am so jealous, what a beautiful place! I was just looking at beach houses tonight, thinking how I would love to rent a house somewhere on the gulf and invite all four of my kids and their spouses, plus my two grandbabies to come with us for a week next spring! I don’t know if it will work out, but a beach vacay is my favorite get a way.
Beth your post reminds me of Beloved Disciple and the Momma Bear while you were looking for God to delight you. 😀 I think that was my favorite study of all!
How crazy is that? I, too, arrived into Jackson Hole…but on Saturday. It’s funny, but when we get off the plane, we go STRAIGHT to Sweetwater Restaurant to eat! (We are famished since we have traveled from Phx). Then we stop off at Smith’s (not Albertsons…I can’t figure out their aisles!) and drive out to our ranch. It is in Freedom, WY which is 40 miles outside of Jackson Hole. IT IS GORGEOUS HERE!! I feel like I’m on a retreat just being at our home! I thank God daily for this place.
You can check out all my ranch pics on FB…..or blog.
Have a wonderful time!! Let me know if you need anything!! love ya, sandi
Such a beautiful trip, Beth.
I have to laugh because my kids and I were talking about this the other day. My favorite happy place is Disney World. Yes, the minute my feet hit Main Street I am home. Can’t explain it except to say that I grew up in Florida and spent every summer at Disney World. I told my kids that they will have to figure out a way to spread my ashes there. A five day pass for each family member and baggies, that’s all I’ll say.
I grew up in the Fraser Valley just outside of Vancouver BC, and now live in Wisconsin. So my happy place is back home – either breathing in the salty air from the ocean or hiking in the mountains. I truly am the happiest though when I am spending that precious time with my parents and watching them just love my kids. That beats all!
Imagine my delight as I read your post from right here in Hotel Terra in Teton Village! I cannot believe we were sharing this beautiful part of the country (and that piece of artwork)at the same time. Definately my happy place.
OK. I think you need to consider another happy mountain place in your future- the Wallowa Mountains in Eastern Oregon. The Tetons are nice, but the Wallowas are even better- go ahead and google them. That’s all I have to say about that.
Really?! I grew up in the Wallowa Valley. Everytime someone’s told me about some great mountainy area, I’ve just laughed when I’ve gone, because I thought, this is nothing compared to the mountains I grew up with. My mom finally told me that once you’ve seen the Wallowas not much can impress you anymore! I guess maybe she’s right. I’ve never seen the Grand Tetons, but I’ve always thought even the pictures weren’t as impressive as my beautiful Wallowas! So take it from a native, they are amazing! I grew up with them in the midst of lots of strife in my life and still love them more than any other mountains I’ve been to in my life. Spent a lot of time riding horses in those mountains, just cause that was what I was into. Plenty of people hike up there, too. I have begun to love hiking as well. Let me know if you decide to go and what you thought of it!
Of course, I would love to go with you, but if you don’t want me to, I completely understand!
I grew up just on the north side of the Ozarks in Springfield, MO and I too love the Tetons, but now I live near the Canadian Rockies. To drive through them is so intoxicating I sometimes think I should have a designated driver. To hike them is exhilarating beyond belief. That is where I am most alive and most in tune to God’s voice.
Consider visiting (or better yet, film a future event) in Calgary, Kananaskis Village, Banff or Lake Louise (Alberta) in autumn. (Sept. 20-28 was the height of colour this year). Those who have hiked all over the world say this area is the most beautiful of all. Our Canadian Rockies national and provincial parks have been designated a World Heritage site for their beauty, wildlife, flora and natural resources.
We also had a thousand women attend “So Long, Insecurity!” this spring. We would welcome your visit with open arms, or let your wander the mountains incognito (but bring at least three friends you can outrun, there are lots of bears).
I don’t exactly have a favorite place but I love the The Great Smoky Mountains in TN. The best time to go is in the fall, absolutely beautiful. They have a place called Cades cove that is really pretty too its about an 11 mile loop. Last year as we were driving through I promise we saw and I know this is going to sound crazy but 56 deer running and playing with each other it was amazing. We also saw a bear which made me real excited and a little scared. I am certain you and Keith would love it in the Smoky Mountain’s. Please come you all could stay in a cabin and i could drop in for a visit. Yay !!! Sounds great doesn’t it. You should ask your sweet friend Kay Author I believe she has done a retreat in the Smokies. I’ll send you a picture or two because I’ll be heading that way soon.
As always its a joy to hear from you and I love you more!!!
I THOUGHT Wyoming seemed a little more light-hearted this past weekend!! It’s because you were here! Wyoming is always happier when you are visiting, dear Beth. Although…. I have rarely seen Wyoming in a bad mood.
Wyoming indeed is my happy place. I am so glad that I get to call this place HOME!
But there is something in me that longs to be near water. I am drawn to it…but rarely get to be in it, with it, near it, on it. Someday, I want to make a vacation to a beach. Never have…but someday I WILL! Wyoming has everything…but a beach 🙁
Melana (and Miesta Moose says hi, too!)
I knew I always felt a special kinship with you Beth, outside of the “Siestahood”. I also grew up in “ArkLaTexOma” as I tell everyone, and at the moment reside in Colorado. I have developed a passion for hiking in a canyon near our home here, my current happy place, and I love the mountains! I’ve learned to ski in my early 40’s! Oh how I do miss my Texas though! When we moved here almost 2 years ago, I was sad about leaving all my friends and family in Texas, but God kept whispering to me that none of these places were really my home, so I have embraced our new surroundings, and God has blessed us with many wonderful new friends, and even some dear “siestas”. 🙂 He is so good! Thanks for sharing your stories with us. Feels like a letter from home when I see a post in my inbox!! Glad you are getting some cooler temps down in Houston. It was near 90 in the Denver area today! I’m taking in all the warmth while I can, because I know the snow is not far behind!
Beth, I live in Pinedale, just 75 miles away from Jackson. I love to picture the places you spoke of in your blog. Ever think about doing a speaking engagement in this area? There are so many woman who love you and your ministry here! I’m glad you enjoyed your time in Wyoming…we feel as if we are a little closer to heaven than most! 🙂 (Pinedale is even higher in elevation than Jackson!) Come see us sometime!
Beth.. so glad you and Amanda had a great time together!! My happy place is absolutely opposite from yours… flat, sandy, warm most of the time.. yep. the BEACH!! Most often Crystal Beach in Destin,FL but sometimes Orange Beach, AL. I am headed there on Thursday with 5 of my best girlfriends for a few days of reconnecting and relaxing. We all lived in the same town and were very involved in the same church when our children were small. We lived at one another’s houses.. playing Trivial Pursuit or Spades or Rook…one by one God moved a family away until there are only two of left in our town. Now we are all grandmothers and live in empty nests. This will be our 2nd annual beach retreat and we are all very excited! Anyway, I think I got off the subject… but if the Good Lord is willing I will be at my Happy Place in two days with some of the people that make me happy when I am with them!
Hello friends! There is a young family in our area ( South East Iowa) that has a 3 year old daughter named Jordyn Gourley that has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. They have just made the decision to do treatment in Houston. Just the mom and the daughter will go and I just read their care page and she said that they are scared to death as they do not know anyone in the area and I thought, well I do!! So I thought I would let you know about this family. Here is the link to Jordyn’s carepage. Please pray for them and if anyone in Houston can reach out for a few weeks.. please contact them.
http://www.carepages.com/carepages/JordynGourley/updates/2796700
I live in my happy place,a little bit of paradise here in Australia.We have unspoilt beaches,bush tracks to walk,mountains nearby and river valleys,but most of all family and friends down the road.Blessed are we.
We were blessed to live in Wyoming for a few years when I was growing up (Daddy was in the oil business – we lived some pretty great places) and I, too, feel that “home” sensation when I am in the mountains. I guess we’re just closer to Heaven at that altitude, right?! God definitely shows off his creativity in the Rockies.
We moved to Houston when I was in 9th grade – and 37 years later I still wonder what I’m doing here when I am supposed to be in the mountains … but it has been lovely the past couple of days. Amazing what a little Canadian mountain air can do for your attitude!
Oh, wow. I think I might steal your happy place- is that allowed? I love anywhere with a view, actually. In LA, the best places for that are the Griffith Observatory and the Getty. Not sure I could pick my favorite between those two, but they’re both pretty amazing, and make for excellent study spots.
I agree, Elle! Those are incredible places for a view . . . when it’s clear 🙂
My husband and I lived in Ukraine for ten years and to REALLY have a day off we would have to go away. Our happy place was Yalta. Our hotel balcony would overlook the bay and we would be surrounded by mountains. Lots of fresh air and God’s beauty.
My husband is now with the Lord and I live in the states and I often long for Ukraine, and for our happy place there in Yalta. I have to say though, I truly am just happy being where God has me. I am fulfilled. It would take too long to tell about all the happy place that the Lord has provided for me in his grace, mercy and faithfulness.
Favorite happy place used to be my grandma’s house. I don’t tend to have a place I go to over and over. There are so many places I have never visited that I still want to see. I love the mountains of Colorado and the hills of Arkansas up around Eureka Springs. But, I must say my happy place is anywhere I can get my family all together. I live in Kansas (it was 42 degrees this morning) and my family all live in Texas. I am so excited to be moving back at the end of the school year. Hope you have a great time …. I have been to Jackson Hole once to ski. It looked a lot different covered with snow. It was beautiful. I will never forgeet the beautiful sunsets over the mountains and how it reflected on the snow. Just beautiful.
Jan
I am watching your series on Believing God. We just watched the week…I am who God says I am….I have one word….HALLELUJAH!!!!! In big font! This week’s video…has changed my life forever!!!! You read a story about a man who sinned against his family and the wife grew cold and bitter…and the man lived happily ever after…I want that book that you read that from. This story has CHANGED my life! Instantly…what was you reading that from? Thanks Beth!!! Loving this study!!!!
almost atop Signal Mt.:
hiking a switchback trail, stopping for breath, looking up AND. . . there it is, Mt. Moran {the rock} Tsuri.
the first time I was surprised by it’s magnifisance{sp I almost fell backwards into the sidehill of the mountain.
The perspective I had was as if I had climbed just high enough above the ridge in front of me and out of no where loomed this great piece of solid granite..And as I lookedup and out, It was if I could reach and almost touch the solid rock.
It took my breath away and now I was gasping from exhiliration not oxygen deficit.
God was good to me that Thanksgiving Day 2006.
I had just finished watching and note taking from the series HE IS. So what a sweet encore my LORD {Jah,Yah} ended with.
Kerry
Sheridan, Wy
Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina. Joy!
Beth, my happy place is on the Meditterannean Coast. Living in Turkey is hard, but once a year I go to a place where the mountains fall into the ocean. I wonder what the new heaven and new earth will look like? I think about that. Glad you got to be with your daughters. I have 4 and look forward to times like that with them when they are big girls.
Dear Miss Beth
My happy place is every Monday morning when about 20 or more God fearing women gather together in my living room on Manila soil (I think we can debate which part of our worlds are the hottest) We study the Word of God together and have just started doing The Patriarchs.
For the past 5 years we have had a session every Monday (time and weather permitting) and walked with you through Esther, Believing God, Breaking Free, Jesus the One and Only, Stepping Up, When Godly People do Ungodly Things, Daniel, A Heart like His and all the Deeper Still Events.
We have women from all over the world joining us every week as this is a melting pot of many nations and tribes.
Thank you for sharing your heart, your faith and your life with us, we have been blessed beyond measure. We kneel in God’s presence every week to say thank you for the grace He has poured into your life and for your obedience to be used in such a God glorifying way.
Much love from the Manila Girls …
PS: I wrote a prayer dedicated to you after we completed the Believing God series, I would love to share it with you, if you like.
WOW!Who could look at this and not believe in the Almighty Creator God!!!Thank you so much for sharing not only the pictures but your wonderful writing. I am with you on plans not working out like WE plan. God really does know what He’s doing all the time. What a wonderful time for you and your daughter Amanda.
My favorite places to chill: Golden Pond (my parents’ place in Saluda County) or the beach.
Creation is God’s megaphone!!!
Thank you for letting us get a “Mini-vacation” in our minds. It makes the day be blessed once again.
I am simply content to sit on my backporch with a cup of coffee, a good book, the birds chirping, and the sense of autumn in the air. So peaceful and a great way to spend time with God.
Oh Wow! I’ve always wanted to go to the Tetons, and Wyoming (and Montana). Maybe someday I’ll get to do that! Thank you for teaching us God’s Word, and sharing your life with us.
As odd as it may sound my favorite place is wherever my momma and daddy are. I have a family of my own and when we are at my parents house it’s like I was a little girl all over again. They want to make my favorite meals, take my girl’s wherever they go, play games, and just outright spoil us. It always warms my heart to be with them. Sorry that’s so corny.
Shonda
I actually have three,
1. Our cabin in the mountains of Colorado where we can go and cool off in the heat of our summers. I love that they are generally 30 to 40 degrees cooler than we are, and it is rest for a weary soul.
2. Maui, which we enjoy a couple of times a year. Gone long enough that we have dear friends that live there, or that we meet up with at our condo area. Joy to our hearts.
3. HOME! 🙂
I’ve been to Jackson Hole once, and it was amazing. My Mom passed in December that year and then in February we took a long weekend and flew into Jackson Hole. We stayed at a bed & breakfast out in the Teton’s, it was gorgeous.
Heading to my happy olace on Friday -the beach! Made happier by the fact that my daughter, son-in-law and grandbabies are joining my husband and I. Has something to do with all the childhood memeories of sand crabs and castles, pretzels mixed with sand and salt, the smell of Coppertone and books, books , books! My sister and I LOVED it! Now Mustang Island is not exactly the Atlantic, but right now, it will do!!!
By the way, been to the Tetons and have hiked Jenny Lake….One of the places my husband said we had to get our kids to…and we did. It is truly one of the most amazing displays of God’s splendor I have ever seen!
I simply love your posts about going somewhere gorgeous. Troy and I are leaving for Fayetteville, AR at the end of October to do a tour of the Ozarks in Fall. It is really fantastic there. I envy your trip to the Tetons though. Must be absolutely beautiful. Keep those posts a comin’. I love you, sweet friend.
Beth, my middle sister lives in Cody. I live in Michigan. To hear you talk about her back yard made me so homesick for her, but reminded me of times we’ve been together out there and the delights that God has given us too.
I am amazed when I am in the mountains (or at the Ocean) and see God’s glory that this is the fallen world. What will Heaven be like? Between seeing God face to face and the perfect resurrected world, how will we stand it?
Thanks for sharing this and making my day.
I know exactly what you are talking about! The Tetons are my happy place, too, and I also recalled that line from the old song “Rocky Mountain High”, where he says “coming home to a place he’d never been”…I don’t like that song much, but the sentiment is exact! I felt AT HOME!
I can also outlast my husband at altitude. Is it a girl thing?
On a family vacation some years ago, my daughter remarked that that AIR just smelled so good, almost like a hint of aftershave.. we decided it IS God’s aftershave! He’s so near you can smell him!!!
I haven’t been back in some time, thanks for sharing your trip, and reminding me of mine!!
I’ll give you three guesses what my happy place is!
🙂
Edisto Island, South Carolina
I read a quote today that said some people believe that waves crashing create some kind of mood lifting electricity in the air. I am not sure that this is very scientific. However, I could not resist telling my husband that this was yet another reason why we should go to this beach every year!
I am right there with you Beth – The Tetons are indeed my happiest of all my happy places! As you hiked around Jenny Lake you may have seen an object laying near the trail – it’s my heart. I left it there! I just know God has a mountain spot reserved for me for all of eternity!
Your pictures brought tears to my eyes and a longing deep within my soul! I can still hear the voice of the sweet yet hilarious gal in Kelly, WY who owns the adorable little coffee shop complete with bison in the side yard, backyard and driveway.
Checking on plane tickets right now….
I’ve got two- up high anywhere in the Rockies, and on the beach with a gentle breeze.
My happy place just changed….
Jackson Hole just made its way onto my bucket-list. Wow.
I’m kidding (kinda) – I’m a mountain girl with a wander-lust. So we rarely make it back to the same place twice.
But the mountains (anywhere) is my happy place. 🙂
However, our wonderful God has a wonderful sense of humor – so I’m off to the Keys next week (because my husband’s happy-place is the beach!)
My happy place is a window with rain hitting it pitter patter, pitter patter.
Oh my my my!! I so totally relate. A native East Texas girl, I soooo love the Tetons. Thank you for sharing this. I felt every moment and long for more. The mountains are my happy place also. Working in education, I never get to go in the Fall and long for the day I can.
Beth, thank you for sharing the pics and the mountain beauty. My “happy place” remains Alaska. I tried to narrow it down to just one place, but in the nearly 17 years we lived there (Fairbanks and North Pole) I marveled at the beauty of Denali, the peacefulness of picking blueberries at Tangle Lakes, the excitement of a whale breaching in Resurrection Bay. We camped on the Chatanika River, and our kids learned to fish and climb and play. We saw moose in our backyard (and yes, a yearling bull once got himself caught in our volleyball net). I welcomed my husband home from fishing and hunting trips. I literally stood outside in -50 darkness, in snow pants, bunny boots and parka to watch the northern lights dance through the night sky.
We live in Virginia now, in a suburb of Richmond. It’s really “big city” to me. God has given us a house in the woods with a sun room, no less, where I can have my quiet time and hear birds and the wind in the trees, and “almost” not hear the cars on the road just a mile away. My dear husband and I love to visit Yellowstone, as it comes as close to Alaska as you can get and stay in the “lower 48”
Beth,
I have been so excited about your coming to New England in just a few days. I was excited for you to see the beginning of the fall foliage, but seeing your post today and the absolute beauty of Wyoming, I’m a wee bit jealous. But I know you will still enjoy the Beauty here as well.
I have been praying for your time here with us in MA. Praying that God’s spirit would just pour out of you in a mighty way.
The gang that I will be traveling with from Central Baptist Church in Middleboro, MA have had a very difficult year. Our church has been through the “Pruning Wringer” Can I say that we are in Such Need of a Fresh word, that we are all chomping at the bit for Friday to come.
Thank you Beth for your love for the Word, your love for Jesus and your submission to the Father.
I look forward to sitting at His feet and hearing the Word he has for us through you.
Much Love! and Living to Praise Him!
Susan Silva
I can’t believe it! My husband, Michael, and I were in Grand Teton/Yellowstone at the same time! We probably passed each other on the roads. It was very beautiful! I couldn’t help reminding my husband that each of the wonders we saw were glorifying their Maker with every breath, doing exactly what they were created to do. The elk were majestic, the moose adorable in an ugly sort of way, and the bears were terrifying with their wildness. I’m an Autumn bloomer – I come alive for the Fall colors and the Lord blessed with me every Aspen and brilliant color He painted the forests with. I know how blessed you were while in Wyoming because God was blessing me too!! So glad you went even though the plan changed. It’s the flexibility in our plans that allows God to do the unexpected and wondrous!
Wanted to do the mountains this year but settled for Arkansas Ouachita Mountains instead. Since you, Beth, came from there, (Arkansas) can you tell me what the little critters are that bury themselves in your body. I know what ticks are but these things are soooo small. They stick their heads in and you can hardly get them out. Hubby and I both came home with a number of them. I am not usually bothered by ticks but this was ridiculous. Can you tell me what they are called and should we be worried. They can really leave a welt.
Been to Jenny Lake a few times and WOW is that ever God’s country. When we were there Jackson Lake was almost dried up at Coulter Bay.