I am back from Australia and have a whole week off. See?
That means I’ll take lots of walks in these country woods that I pined for while I was away. If we could walk these woods together, you and I, this is what we’d do:
We might first take one of these…
…since bright yellow flecks of smiling sun are blanketing every surface in sight. Negative people might call it pollen but let’s try to be positive. It makes it easier if you will simply agree to see sneezing as cathartic. Use it to get some stuff out of your system. Go ahead and yell out from the gutter of your soul while you sneeze and make yourself heard. Scare somebody. It will do you some good.
We’d then put on our snake boots. What basic black pumps are in the city, snake boots are in the country. A must, and you wear them with everything including shorts. Before we put them on, let’s have a quick tutorial on which snakes out here are poisonous:
This is a Coral Snake. A bad mama but she’s a pretty thing, isn’t she? Sometimes we find one curled up on our front porch, a fact that I find somewhat unsettling.
This is a Water Moccasin. That’s a bad dude right there and an ugly one at that. We’ll be most careful to watch for him when we’re near the creek.
While our black snakes are not poisonous, they tend to score high on the creepy meter. You sort of have to talk yourself out of a panic attack when you see one because they tend to be impressively large. They’re often right on the dirt road or up the side of an oak tree.
As a bonus for still agreeing to go on our walk, I’ll let you choose which pair of boots you want to wear and I’ll put on the other ones. The camos are most comfortable but let’s just say that no pair of fangs on earth is getting through that steel mesh on the other pair. Those are my rattlesnake boots for the cactus land in West Texas. You can breathe a sigh of relief that we do not have rattlers here in the country. So, which pair do you want?
The dogs have already spied us putting on our boots so they are yelping to high heaven at the iron gate in the back yard, begging to be set free. They will race down the path toward the creek like their tails are on fire but Queen Esther, my Border Collie, will come in a distant second to Geli (short for Angelina), Keith’s bird dog. She soars like a greyhound. They love the unabashed joy of the wild as long as they get to come home to the air conditioner, eat a fine supper peppered with people-food, and sleep on giant pillows. A few weeks ago I had them on a walk and nearly fainted dead-into-the-dirt when Geli ran through the brush back onto the path with a coyote right behind her. I’m not making this up. It’s almost like we live in the African bush surrounded by hyenas.
I yelled and waved my arms like a crazy woman. It might have been a good time for cursing which Keith has tried diligently to teach me to do but, as it was, the coyote sauntered off, probably out of embarrassment for me. I have yet to capture a good picture of Queen Esther and Geli romping the path so you’ll have to confine the image to your imagination. Sometimes, however, we have to wait to go outside until a rabbit finishes its breakfast. Why? Because Geli is also hungry for breakfast.
We’ll walk on down the path and talk about all sorts of things. These woods are good for that. Trees don’t tattle. If you tend to be bigger on manners than honesty, you’ll probably try to tell me it’s beautiful out here but that might be a stretch except to us. We chose not to manicure these acres so it’s mostly wild and bushy and viney right at eye level but if you’d lift your chin, you’d see oak and pine and sycamore limbs stretching out like everlasting arms over your head. This time of year, you’d also catch a tease of wild dogwoods peeking out like they don’t want anybody but you to know they’re there.
You’d have to come soon to catch this little glimpse of Texas Spring because they’ll disappear with the late April heat. We have a little meadow on our walk that sprouts a tiny patch of wild bluebonnets this time of year. Nobody but God planted these. Keith and I discover a few more every year and it delights us to no end.
If you’ll stay alert and wide-eyed, you might get to see a pileated woodpecker swoop overhead like I did yesterday, then you’ll hear all manner of hammering.
Think Woody.
We’d probably pass by Jackson and Annabeth’s swing set on our walk.
They love it so much and, when they’re on it, I’m usually somewhere on it with them. If you haven’t been on a swing set in a long time and swung as high as you could, you don’t know what you’re missing. It makes me laugh really hard which makes Annabeth laugh really hard.
While we’re on our walk, we might stroll past our neighbor’s fence and say hi to the donkey he got to keep company with his steer. Ever since this mischievous little guy wandered up in my yard a month or so ago, I’ve been in love with him. I’ve asked Keith to buy me one but he’s been as stubborn as a mule about it. He says the next thing we knew, that donkey would be up on the couch watching TV with us. This was taken the first time I met him.
Come on, now! Just try to tell me he’s not fabulous! We’d then pass around by Big Pops’ and Memmaw’s house and visit their chickens. Big Pops and Memmaw will be sorry that Annabeth and Jackson aren’t with us but the chickens won’t.
We’d circle back around to my house by way of this bridge. It is just over a gully but, when it rains a lot as it often does in Houston, it turns into a respectable creek. Jackson and his friends love to look for frogs and tadpoles under here. This bridge is my favorite man-made thing on our property. My man built it for me long before the house went up. I sit on it often just to think about things.
We’d then make our way back to my front porch, pull our boots off, and sit on this bench, just the two of us, and talk.
We’d say that the Lord is good and that His love endures forever.
And we’d be right.
I sure love you.
Thank you for the stroll. I took the boots on the left. 🙂 It seemed kind of crazy that I was thinking, “Man, I’ve missed you my friend” until I skimmed through a few of the other responses and realized I wasn’t the only one. 🙂
Thank you for the walk in the woods, momma Beth, it did my heart and soul a world of good.
& Yep, The Lord IS good and His love endures forever. (Thank goodness!)
Love you!
A
Thanks so much for the meander with you. Wish we could see outside here today winds have been sustaining at 80-90 kilometers and hour with the guts hitting 160 kilometer an hour and snow snow snow 30-40 centimeters We are kinds of winter weary and would love a break in this unkind weather… So windy out there it is roaring like a jet liner has parked on the field behind us. Waves surges are shockingly high my fair Island will be swallowed up in the storm surges. So thank you for the glimpse of Hope in Spring.. -6 C wind chill feels like -29 just incase we thought we might like to put our face outside tonight…
Oh Beth! I love you and would love to take a walk with you….but mercy me….not after seeing the local reptile community….auuughhh!!!!! Not even boots would give me courage. I know the Lord said we would stomp serpents….but I just apply that in the spiritual realm! You are a brave girl! Seeing this has enhanced my prayer life for you!! =0)
Bless you Beth! Enjoy your vacation <3
I LOVED gettin to go on a walk with you. I could never fit into your boots though, with these big ol size 10 feet. I hope Keith is ok with me borrowing his!!!
Thank you for the fun walk. The pollen did not even bother my allergies a bit:) That donkey is such a cutie. Your good man did a great job on the bridge!
I am so glad you are home again after your trip. My little one needs some TLC right now so I will talk to you later.
Beth,
Thanks, I needed that!
I love your heart:)
Beth, I’d love to see your bluebonnets and your pileated woodpeckers, but could you make the snakes hide if I come? 🙂 Enjoy your vacation!
Dearest Beth,
It never ceases to amaze me how entirely crazy you are!!
I felt truly loved as you walked me around your beloved spaces!! (and to really believe in someone really loving someone else is a big HUGE deal for me)
Thanks for the laughs and the loves!!
Oh, and totally the steel mesh!!!!!
Today we had our final study in “Breaking Free”
It is amazing what Jesus did in all of us!!!! So to read this and go for a walk with you, is a wonderful finish to a blessed journey!! Thank you for posting this!!
Thanks, Beth. This post totally cracked me up. I love long walks in the country, but being from Illinois, I don’t quite have the same scenery you have (and might I say in a whining voice…I also don’t have your TexMex), especially those slithering things (except the black snakes). I’ll let you keep those! Enjoy your week off!
I love you, too, Beth! Thanks for the walk. I needed to slow down and soak in some beauty and fun. Wish I could be there but almost feel like I was. :). You are a treasure!
does this article mean “these boots were made for walking”??!!
love the reference to snakes!! I l appreciated, being a California girl, all the references to various snakes, and remember the “rattlers” we used to see all the time..
now living in Costa Rica, snakes have taken on a whole new meaning: we have some deadly AND aggressive snakes here, not shy, like the rattlers, but snakes that will actually “hunt you down”……! I remember that Satan, roars around, looking for those he will devour…but not me..by the grace of God, I got my boots on!!!
And I sure love you! Made my heart smile to see some flowers in the picture of Geli looking out the window. I’d want to walk around your back yard with you too, I’m sure your flower garden is lovely.
Living on the Portage River for nine years In MI, I experienced lovely spiritual moments: our giant blue heron flying low down the river, a white mother swan swimming down stream with a baby swan on her back, a shy deer family eating apples from under our apple tree.precious moments I’ll treasure now that we are living in the desert in AZ. I’m storing new precious nature moments–mountains changing from peach to purple; stars so brilliant you stare breathless; fat prehistoric javelinas eating my newly planted geraniums. And yes, I’ve been a couple of feet from a hissing rattler. God’s creation refreshes and inspires me too, Beth. I am praying for you in AZ. And I’m privileged to be leading your studies in Fountain Hills, AZ. May the dear Lord always bless you. You are God’s cheerleader! Thank you for helping me lead women to Christ and His living Word!
oh, sweet beth, how this made me wish i knew you as a friend and actually *could* take a walk through your woods with you!!!! loved this post lots. and love you. =)
whew….after I got over the pictures of the snakes, I began to relax and actually enjoy the “walk!” You make us feel like we are right there with you…your family is like our family and so on….thanks so much for including me (us)…you make us all feel so appreciated…sure do hope you realize how much we appreciate you and your obedience to share with us all your God-given wisdom and anointing!! God bless you and all yours! You are a dear!! And we all love you as well!
I would love it all, except the snakes! Glad you get a break!
Thank you, Beth, for the lovely country walk. My husband and I just got inside from a town walk. We miss the country sometimes–but we know that no place here is our final home. We saw some swans fly overhead towards the sunset…kinda like us in that they’re staying together for the entire journey.
Blessings ~ Wendy ❀
That was the most beautiful and enjoyed hike I’ve done in a long time! I didn’t hear anything but nature and our own voices! Thanks for sharing your awesome area and time with us! I was only scared of the sneaky snakes! Enjoy your well deserved time off! I hope it goes s-l-o-w-l-y for you!
Know you are loved and appreciated! God bless you sister!
Oh Beth…I wish I could have taken that imaginary walk in the woods with you but I didn’t make it past getting the snake boots on. In fact, I shuddered so loudly my husband from the other room called out and said “what is it?!” To get to the bottom of this page to comment, I had to cover the screen with the exception of the scroll bar. There is no doubt you’ve written words my tired soul needs to hear, but the fear of the snakes has me stuck here at the bottom. Isn’t that just the way the evil one works… trying so hard to keep us from what God has for us. I don’t know that I can read your post tonight, but I’m going to spend some time reading God’s promises and maybe I’ll try again tomorrow. 🙂 Enjoy a much deserved vacation!
Beth, thanks for letting us tag along on your walk. I think I could have camped out on that bridge, whipped out my journal and been content for hours! Glad you are back home and enjoying some time off. Last night our Bible study group did lesson 3 of Sacred Secrets, and your Starbucks story left us all laughing! It has been a pure joy to facilitate this (my first time ever), you are the teacher, I just ask a few questions, and our group of 12 is very helpful to me with responding. You have brought a widely diverse group of women together, and we have loved the journey. Hope your week off is very blessed! Much Love…
God is so gracious to do that, isn’t He, Sister? I would love your group so much. The more diverse, the better. I am so honored to serve all of you. Was just thinking about those verses this morning that Sacred Secrets came out of. They truly altered my perspective. Love to you.
If we could walk those woods together, I’d tell you how God is (again) using the Breaking Free material in my life. It’s my fourth time through the material (my first time as facilitator), and every time, God takes down a different stronghold (or two)! The timing of this Bible study semester is interesting, in that we’ve had three cancellations because of snow. That puts us beginning Week 4, and Rebuilding the Ancient Ruins, the week that is hardest for me because if the generational stronghold survey. I told my Bible study ladies on Tuesday, “I know it will be tough, but I also know that when I press through it, so much victory waits for me on the other side!”
If we were walking together, I’d tell you how the Holy Spirit brought to mind two relationships to dig into that surprised me; how the person in one of those relationships had back surgery today, had complications during the surgery, and us now in ICU; how I’m paying close attention to what God’s doing in this situation, because His timing is never coincidental. I actually don’t think it’s my stronghold He’s going after this time, but my dad’s (it’s his sister in ICU) and my uncle’s (the middle brother), and this whole generation filled with bitterness and grief and unbelief.
I’d tell you how your journey through Isaiah and the other Breaking Free scriptures gave me the words and gumption to encourage my dad today as a brother in Christ, to call him forth to counsel his brother and sister with the truth of God’s character: His faithfulness, His goodness, His absolutely trustworthy sovereignty.
If we could walk these woods together, Beth, I would thank you for loving Jesus so fiercely, and for being obedient to His calling on your life. I would tell you that He is mighty on you, and He blesses me so much through you.
And I wouldn’t be afraid of the snakes or coyotes. As long as we can watch them from a safe distance.
Thank you, Beth.
What a tremendous testimony, Sister. I have a feeling God is using you powerfully as a facilitator. Nobody has a passion for freedom in Christ like somebody who’s been bound then freed. Honored to serve you.
One of my favorite posts… ever! Blessings, Beth!
Thanks for the refreshment…still feels like winter in PA…longest winter ever! Yes, the Lord is good and His love does endure forever! I’ve been a student of yours for years. I started with you in 2006 with Believing God. I had always been a Christian, raised Southern Baptist, but I’m afraid I never really “got it,” till I began the study with my Seventh Day Adventist friend at her ladies Sabbath School. Still a baptist, but it still makes me giggle when I think I first became aquainted with you there. My dear friend took me under her wing and showed me what a relationship with Jesus is really like. and When I think of her, I think of you. Thank you for following God’s call. You have a lifetime student and friend named Telena 🙂 Thank you!!!!!!
I am so glad that you girls are back from “down under.” It seems you had a great time both in ministry and free time. As for this “walk and talk” session”, you get rid of them snakes and you got a deal! I’m a country girl, bare foot in the dirt, drinkin’ from the water hose, playin’ til dark and all that stuff, when snakes come into the picture I LEAVE IT!! I Love U and all but I just can’t go on no walk with no snakes! Maybe some day God will grant me the privilege of coming to Houston or meeting you when you come to Memphis and having that talk at some coffee shop. Ya that sounds better, LOL Love in Christ
This post just filled me with JOY!,
I just wanted to say how very much I love your heart, the Spirit of God that you allow
to shine so beautifully, your laughter, your passion, your love for God, your family
and for me. I love you and thank you for sharing you and the God that loves me
unconditionally. You are precious!!!!
I am praying His Presence, Power, Protection, Provision, Peace, Blessing and
Favor over you, your precious family and ministry!!!!!
AHHH where were those boots last night? We had a black snake on our porch and here in my neck of the woods in Uganda… black snakes are assumed poisonous…. it was a small little thing…but rumor has it small means untamed venom. Called around for help and two men came to the rescue. And yes, a snake can make one turn all panicky… that was proven last night. ( : We do have some pretty nice “snake sticks” … the only thing with them is you have to be brave enough to use em….
I love you to pieces to the moon and back. Thanks for the beautiful stroll through the countryside with commentary. I thoroughly enjoyed it but this is about as close as this city girl who is petrified of all things that fly, crawl, jump or slither will ever come to a country stroll.
Welcome Home Siesta Mama. May you be recharged, renewed and well rested during your week off.
Oh going on a walk with you would be so fun and oh so relaxing. Life has been moving a brake neck speed that last couple of week that I could use the peace of a walk like that. In fact I sort of skip out on bible study tonight. I was in the nursery for part of it and just to tired to sit down and be still for the rest of it. Thanks for sharing with us.
I would so enjoy the walk…but would love the visit on the front porch! I would have so many questions. You have blessed my life and taught me so many things. Enjoy your time off and I know you will be enjoying your family! I have to tell you I do think my grandchildren are the best gift God and my girls have ever blessed me with. I know you will be loving on those kiddo’s this week…enjoy!!
Oh, Beth, you almost lost me at hello with those snakes. But I came along anyway… Loved the visit. I have been going through some kind of anxiety onslaught and wouldn’t you know God led me to download “no longer.” I need every word! Bless your heart. Thinking good thoughts for you and yours.
What word pictures you can paint!!! Do feel like I’m there. And let me tell you, you are the ONLY person I would go for a walk with in a snake infested area, snake boots or not!!!!
Beth, I am really being blessed by your messages on James Robison’s program! I hear something new in you, see it in your manner. A new “desperation” I guess. At any rate, I identify with it as I am desperate for revival – the kind that caused the donkeys not to be able to understand the miners in the Great Welsh Revival because they quit calling them all kinds of vile names and the donkeys couldn’t understand their new language. I’m sure Keith doesn’t come anywhere near them! I call it a “donkey confusing” revival, is what I long for. And you are such a blessing and I love you dearly.
Thanks for the walk, dear Beth! It was lovely. 🙂
Love being your friend. On our specific walk there would be a baby in my hiking backpack with us. She’d be squealing and giggling making our walk lively with her sweet disposition. Also I would be RIDING ON YOUR SHOULDERS because of how terrified of snakes I am. Can you imagine it?!! Seriously I broke out in a sweat and almost lost my hamburger from dinner when I scrolled down to a page of surprise snake pictures. HAHAHA! It would be a rough hike for you my dear friend as I am not of the feeble variety of a woman either. You let me know when this is going down. HA! Love you Beth and your sweet staff too!
Beth, while I would love to have joined you live,I do thank you for the walk via blog. I must say that I learned some new things on our journey, especially in reference to the snakes!
I do pray that you will find a time recreation, renewal, rest and refreshment. You are honored and loved!
The generous will prosper;
those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.
Prov. 11:25 NLT
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How totally delightful! I smiled all the way through your post.
We sure need these times together amidst the challenges of
life, don’t we? God bless you with a joy-filled vacation,
dear Beth. Hugs!
It is so wonderful to have you back! Like others have already posted, I really needed this today.
Oh how I wish we could take that walk together. It would be an Ephesians 3:20 time to me for sure! Thank you for all you do.
That was nice. Thank you for sharing your woods! Next time, we should take a stick and a bottle of water. Love you too!!
Loved hearing from you! The snake boots aren’t anywhere near big enough, though. I’d want some hip waders on!!! Glad you’re home safe and sound!
Oh Man Beth. I once took a photo with me holding a python I think it was. I think I’ll never visit you though. Not that I would have the honor but wow–if that would ever happen it’d have to be at starbucks. 🙂
What a beautiful walk!! Thank you for letting me tag along….love you even more!!!♡♡♡♡
What an awesome walk….thanks for letting me tag along!! love you beyond wwors dear one!!♡♡
Love, love, love this post…so open, honest, and transparent…looking through the window with your sweet pup, such joy…laughing out loud…thank you!
Dear Beth, the snakes grossed me out but I sure enjoyed reading this blog post. Your digital videos have blessed me to no end these past few weeks. Thanks for offering them on the lproof store. I download them directly to my kindle and work out on my treadmill, getting a lesson at the same time. I overcame a terrible fear of the DENTIST (of all things) by applying the wisdom from “The Great Forsake and Take”/”From Fear to Courage”. God spoke mightily through you in that simulcast… I planted the words in my heart, made the dreaded appointment, and now I have a pain-free back molar! Thanks Beth.
Thank you for a wonderful start to my day. I hung my anxieties on one of the trees in the woods, so I am ready to face the day with a spirit of joy!
Hello Beth. Thank you so much for that walk. But I must admit I am terrified of snakes. I can’t even look at pictures of them without getting goose bumps – so I didn’t really enjoy those 3 photos. You sure do live in a beautiful spot. It is my and my husband’s dream to have a home in the country one day. Bless you xx
Oh, how refreshing that was!! I haven’t been able to take a walk thrugh the woods like that in years. I didn’t realize how much I missed it. Loved it!! I don’t think I would ever leave your place if I lived in those surroundings. Have a great vacation. I know you will definitely get renewed & refreshed!!
Sorry Beth…I will stick to walking with God in the Northwoods of MN, still only 10 above, and looking forward to bugs verses snakes. That just would freak me out and I would not have a peaceful walk knowing poisonous snakes are around. We have a border collie pup…he loves life! Gods’ blessings as you enjoy your days off!
Thanks for the walk this morning! Loved it all but the snakes. I do know you need to be aware though, having had an episode with a copperhead sunning itself in our SC backyard! Our small pup jumped so far that I thought he had been bitten. After an emergency trip to the vet with remains of snake in a bag (thanks to my man and his shovel), we were relieved that pup only had jumped out of fright (somewhat like me) and had not been bitten. Needless to say, we are more aware of sunny areas near the heavy bushes! And we don’t wear boots, just flip flops, not much protection against anything! Anyway, I enjoyed the lovely walk from my bedroom recliner 🙂 and think that any woman as sweet as you should have her own donkey! It surely looks like you have room ~ and what’s wrong with a donkey watching TV? It’s just when they decide to climb in bed with you that there is a problem! Personally, we have deer and my raccoons (plus some feral kitties) in the backyard, expecting to be fed daily! They send our little pup into a frenzy with the voice of a Rottweiler that drives my honey nuts! Of course, without his restraint, I’d probably invite them all in to be part of the family! Lol! Our Father certainly has given us beauty in all areas ~ even the cursed ones ~ by His grace and for us to enjoy or of which to be wary! It always amazes me that the weeds that He cursed the ground with in the Garden are just as pretty as some of our cultivated flowers! His grace is everywhere, we just need to open the eyes of our hearts to see! Again, thanks for the stroll with you and yours! Come visit our Critter CafĂ© in SC someday! I’ll try to make sure the snakes are out of town :)!