Ok, Sisters, your replies to the previous post have inspired me to pen this one. As I read through your comments to our walk through the woods, I was stricken with a fresh sense of awe over the lovely grace of God to tie our lives together in Christ from so many different locations. We are a clickstream from a spider web in thousands of ways but this screen can also become a coloring book of connect-the-dots for people who love Jesus. Last night when I did Bibby’s Secret Closet with Annabeth and Jackson, I gave Annabeth one of those CraZArt Spiral Art sets. You know what I’m talking about:
Since I talked in the previous post about where I live, lots of your comments referenced your own surroundings. By the time I’d noted the locations of the first six, I practically had a lump in my throat. The gift I gave Annabeth last night popped right back into my mind. Your comments swirled the page like geographical Spiral Art, and of the sacred kind, bright and multicolored. Just take a look at a smattering of them and behold a glimpse of you. Each of these sentences are copied and pasted from comments to the last post that took us on a walk through the country.
I live in Guelph, Ontario, Canada and we are just waiting for Spring.
I’m here in the Mid Atlantic on the shores of the Delmarva Peninsula where the winter won’t loosen its grip and we still have snow on the ground when we should be about ready to cut grass for the first time this season.
Next time, let’s do a walk in New Zealand!!
I have been out enjoying our Spring weather too because before we know it we will be trapped indoors with the air conditioning here in Az. (Arizona)
We are still waiting for it here in Ohio—it snowed yesterday!
My family has the privilege of owning a cabin in the NC mountains and it’s a little slice of heaven on earth. (North Carolina)
Wave 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 in case we thought we might like to put our face outside tonight… (I loved this one because I don’t have a clue where it is but it’s a “fair island” and COLD. Thank you, Iris! You took me there through your words without my even knowing where I’d gone!)
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).
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.”
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. (She goes on to identify Fountain Hills, AZ)
Thanks for the refreshment…still feels like winter in PA…longest winter ever! (Pennsylvania)
Your back woods look alot like mine up here in Central Saskatchewan – except for the fact that we’re still layered in a few feet of snow.
Loved taking this walk with you! I love your wild woods! They remind me of the woods around here in TN. (Tennessee)
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…
Come on, somebody! Give the Lord some praise! Is that gorgeous, or what??
So here’s what I want you to do if you feel like participating. Leave a comment telling us where you live and, if you don’t mind, add a description heavy on adjectives so we can picture ourselves there with you. I am looking so forward to this!
I’m so blessed to serve you, Sisters. The beauty of sisterhood in Christ is a work of divine art. I kept thinking that last week at the Colour Conference in Sydney because my friend, Bobbie Houston, has been so phenomenally used by God to gather a sisterhood of servants around the world to aid the poor, the oppressed, and the abused. We are a part of the same sisterhood because we are also in Christ and called to do some good in this weary world.
What an honor to seek Him with you. Unity is not about lining up on 100 points of doctrine. It’s about faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the holy Son of God, born of a virgin, crucified for our sins, raised from the dead, and returning to take His Throne. If that’s what you believe, you’re blood to me. I think sometimes the stuff of unity is all the sweeter to Christ – not when we already see eye-to-eye on all our doctrine but – when we don’t. Sometimes just agreeing that Jesus Christ is Lord is bond enough. When we only agree to love people and walk with people just like us, that’s tantamount to making our goal to become more like ourselves. Ick. Somebody else can have that. I’m trying to figure out how to forget myself, not make a mirror out of every woman of God I see. I want people to sharpen me, to cheer me onward when I’m discouraged or harassed, to make me think, and to keep me growing. A mirror can only make me more like me. Give this girl a seat by the window and let her capture the features of Christ gathered from the faces of many.
OK, rescue us all before I get sappier. Let’s hear about your locations!
Delighted to praise God Up North in MN especially in the months when Lake Vermilion is glistening blue at our island $ in our bay, majestic loons colorfully designed by Creator God with collars and polka a dots!!! Today because ice covers the lake we are in town 100 miles from Canada~~can only dream of it with layers of snow covering everywhere so the intersections of streets are approached cautiously! what a winter but spring is coming and drips of water are happening off the roof!
Hello from Lincoln, Nebraska where we have winds gusting to 35mph today. No leaves on the trees or shrubs yet; just the tiniest hint of buds. The sun is shining and for that we are ever so thankful. It was a looooong winter.
I live in Rosamond, CA it is about 90 miles south of Bakersfield and about 90 miles north of Los Angeles. It is considered the high desert. The area is called the Antelope Valley and that is because all around us are beautiful mountains. In the winter I am surrounded by the white shiny and glittering snow covered mountains and the spring our valley floor and hills are covered with an ocean of bright orange, velvety, soft California poppy’s. Some years it is so unbelievable how orange the hills turn with all of the poppy’s. Add to the orange some vibrant and very royal purple, yellow, white and red of all kinds of wild flowers. Yes there are tumble weeds everywhere but even in their own way they are fun. I think God gave them to us for our joy of watching them tumble and jump and run down the streets on windy days, which is a lot of the time. I always say you can tell time here by the wind. About every afternoon about 3:00 the wind will some times gently and other times with more of a woman’s furry come from the hills in the west. There are days I like to stand in my front yard and just listen to the wind as it goes between the leaves in the trees or glides over the top of the grass. In the evening the place to be is outside facing west to watch some of the prettiest sun sets. Colors of Purple, orange, red and pink cover the sky. They are a perfect painting from God to all of us. Yes there is a lot of dirt, and dust, and brown, yet even that in its own way is beautiful as you watch roadrunners dash as fast as they can across the street, or see a mommy quail and her chicks scurrying down the side of the road to hide in the bush. Coyotes are seen all the time standing on the side of the road watching for on of many long legged jack rabbits who are usually as still as can be using their long, long soft furry ears to listen for danger. My grand babies love to see the little tiny velvet looking cotton tail rabbits. They will sit in the grass or bush and wiggle their pink noses and whiskers. For some the high desert is just that, a desert, for me it just another way God shows us the many ways he can give us beauty.
We get to live in beautiful Southern Oregon—the Rogue Valley. Spring sprang so breath-taking over a week ago. Warm golden sun bathed us chasing away winter’s chill…daffodils, forsythia, tulips, & the apple/cherry/plum trees were happy colorful spots around town…then, as usual the week of Spring break has been rainy and cold. But, more Spring is coming with the rhododenerns, roses & azaleas—with these will be the blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds and we will begin to smell the fragrance of honeysuckles woven in with the warming air. I love Spring!!! Spring is the anticipation of the wedding of Christ and His Bride…each Spring is the promise of the impending triumphant trumpet call. Love all that God has blessed us with day in & day out; season after season exclaims the goodness, the faithfulness of GOD!
In South Central Nebraska, we too are catching glimpses of spring. Yesterday we celebated with family a 1st, 5th, 22nd and 82nd Birthday in a small town park. It was in the mid-seventies with a light breeze. A beautiful day! We enjoyed cake, ice cream, bubbles, balls, pinata and most importantly FAMILY. There was definately a GOD sighting at this party. Today it is sunny, but 40 degrees with a 40 mph wind. We anxiously await green grass, the scent of lilacs and the laughter of children playing outside. I also anxiously await another walk with you in the woods!
New Albany, In
When my husband and I bought our home it was right at the edge of town. Just close enough to all the things and places one needs to have close by to survive. It was that perfect place, just a little bit of city and a lot of country. Our son was able to roam the country side with his buddies and enjoy playing in the woods. But now almost all the open land has been bought up by the industrial parks and we are sort of trapped in the middle, but it is not all bad. I can look out my kitchen window and look across the back yards of my neighbors and I may see a family of rabbits eating away, or lots of squirrels jumping from tree to tree, and just maybe I will see a deer eating the pears and apples off the fruit trees in the back yards. If I want to take a walk I can walk to side walks to the back of the industrial park and walk around five different lakes, watch the ducks a the geese feed and swim. So it is not all bad. Beth thanks for taking me on your walk through your woods. It was a beautiful walk and I just imagined what we would talk about.
Oh it has been a crazy first year in Houston but I am enjoying this beautiful warm day full of sunshine and pink flowers. Love just sitting outside on my porch glider enjoying this day.
I love this! Amen amen to all that you said about being a sisterhood. I LOVE IT.
I’m typing from my desk in Jeonju, South Korea! I’m looking out my office window at the sun breaking over the university, with students strolling through the courtyard under cherry and apricot trees that are just beginning to blossom in their springtime glory!
Korea comes alive in the spring. It’s been frozen and dull for so long (SO LONG), but April brings warmer temps (though not as warm as I like, being from Texas and all). The cherry blossoms bloom like fluffy white cotton candy on the trees, and in a few short weeks they’ll be falling in cascades of pinkish-white delight over passers-by. It’s the most dazzling sight to watch the blossoms drift along as the bright pink, red, and coral azaleas reach their full blossom. I LOVE SPRING! (as many great things as Houston has, seasonal variety is *not* one of them!)
Hi from Corrales, New Mexico. I am blessed to live in sweet little horse/agricultural village and still be ten minutes from all that the biggest city in our state has to offer. We have a fire department, “little store” gas station and post office. We’re a artist’s haven too. My favorite part though is the horses and the agriculture. Right now the fields are being turned and planted and soon small green plants will begin sprouting. We have lots of vineyards, so I think about all of the Bible teachings that include vineyards often. On any given day you might drive down the road and see a man on a horse leaned over talking to a guy in his car or find a horse tied up at the “little store” while its owner gets a grocery or two. Makes me want to stop and take a picture. All of this is pictured with the backdrop of the watermelon tinted Sandia Mountains. Takes my breath away every single day.
I am here in Lancaster, PA. Have been here 20 years and love the beautiful farm country. We rent a small house on an 85 acre Amish farm so there is lots of activity. Actually just five minutes ago one of the children from the farm went riding on a horse down our long lane outside my living room window. Their laundry hangs high on the laundry line on days like today. It has been a cold, long winter here in Lancaster. Just last night it was snowing…arg. Ready for spring around here. We have a lovely lilac tree in our front yard that I can’t wait to see bloom. I love it here. There is a covered bridge right down the street from us. Love the wide open spaces.
I spent yesterday in the whitest of white snow atop Mount Hood! We had blustery snow and wind with lots of clouds but oh what a gorgeous sight it was to have the clouds part to reveal a blue sky and a crystal clear view (if only for a moment) of the valleys below all the way down the cascade range; I could see every snow capped peak for almost 150 miles! Then I had the pleasure of driving down and off of the mountain descending into sunshine and the Portland, Oregon spring with every color on the pastel pallet making a show, white cherry blossoms dropping their swirling petals like snow, pink and white magnolias in full bloom, daffodils galore, bright pink camellia bushes and the sweet aroma of purple, white, pink and blue hyacinths and jasmin blooms in the air which overtook my senses as I rolled down my window and de-layered since it was 60 degrees in the city, a big change from 25 degrees atop a mountain. What an amazing blessing to have experienced both of these in one 12 hour period.
I am in Yuma, AZ…it’s a beautiful day (high 80’s or so) and I am so glad we strolled through your place. I feel like we’re your sisters. Thank you for sharing.
Living in Minnesota I know we should expect our share of snow, but this winter has been absolutely brutal. Between sub-zero temps, wind chills, and snow that never seems to stop falling. If I were to pick a view I would want to share with you, it wouldbea sight I sometimes see outside my window. I live in a high rise on the tenth floor and sometimes see the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets. The blues and pinks and the lavenders set in an array of color of the rising and the setting sun, its an array of wonder. I can’t help but smile and think Heavenly Father – Oh how marvelous the work of your hands…Did you set this beautyin the sky just for me to make me smile and for me to take a moment to stand in the wonder and the awesome beauty of who you are…
Being a native Central Californian transplanted to southwest TN recently, Yosemite National Park is my favorite hiking place. I feel God speaking to me there saying “All of this I created for you” He says, “I love to see how happy you are here with me.” I feel so close to Him there. It’s so awe inspiringly beautiful. On the other hand, living in the small town of Collierville, TN, (voted one of the top 5 safest cities in TN). I have an apartment with a manmade lake with a fountain outside my window so I can listen to flowing water that lulls me to sleep at night. I see deer walking across the street. I have a wooded area looking out my front windows. My favorite part of living here is the town square with a gazebo, just like a Hallmark movie where multigenerations get together in the summertime every Thursday evening for “Sunset In The Square.” Where you pack a picnic dinner, bring your lawn chairs and meet all your friends and about 1500 people and listen to a different kind of band each week. After the sun sets and it cools off a bit, people start dancing. It’s a beautiful site seeing little girls dance with their daddys and little boy playing on their knees with their toy trucks. Most precious is seeing the elderly from what age, I don’t know with their gray hair and humped backs line dancing. Seeing couples of all ages holding hands. It’s just so special. I can’t wait until it starts back up this year.
Looking out my kitchen window, I see the foothills dusted with snow, and the blue, blue sky with big billowy clouds suspended like Christmas ornaments on a tree over the river. Springtime here is windy, cool, sunny, and rainy all within a few hours of each other! Walk over the gate, and a few minutes down the path, and I am at the midst of the center of Boise, Idaho with the Boise River flowing through the center of the city. It’s a blessed thing to see, considering I’m a California beach girl at heart. Have a blessed day!
Angle Inlet, MN-the furthest north point in the continental US. We have had a blizzard all day today and will have 2 feet of snow on top of the 2 feet we had already! I can’t wait to go 8 hrs south to Eden Prairie, MN to Living Proof Life and You Lead next weekend!!!!
I live north of Dallas, Texas just two miles from the famous Southfork Ranch (think TV show Dallas) and there is a beautiful walking trail near my home that winds back and forth over a creek and through the woods and this time of year I am watching spring emerge and waiting for the honeysuckle to bloom and the wildflowers to also bloom. There is a huge patch of red poppies close by and every year I almost get stung by a bee trying to get pictures of the poppies. I have had many intimate conversations with God out on this walking trail. That is the best part of all.
Bradenton, Florida: like Paradise to me! Sunny, white sandy beaches with clear blue water lapping the shorelines, sea gulls, pelicans galore. Dolphins sometimes present to the delight of onlookers. Small birds scampering around as we often walk the beaches on our nearby island: Anna Maria Island. We also have a wonderful river running through our town called the Manatee River. It is said that the BAY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT is at the mouth of the river. I love that! Orange tree, grapefruit and all manner of fruit trees are common. Trees are almost always in bloom. Flowers too. Palm trees line many road and properties. We also have several offshore islands like Beer Can Island and Eggmont Key. Fabulous place to live. Fantastic place to visit! YOU ARE INVITED! Come for a visit and we will give you a great walk and would delight in your company. The LORD recently gave me a thought of me RESTING with JESUS at the beach on lounge chairs with a refreshing drink and laughter and joy bubbling from us both! I love the LORD and I love where He placed me to live!
The azaleas and bridal wreath are just beautiful here in Dothan Alabama. The dogwoods are just about to bloom the way they do, layer upon layer. Thank you God for all your blessings. I heard Beth speak about 15 years ago in Tallahassee. I had never really studied the Bible before that time. I have been in a Bible study ever since; many of Beth’s, presently Kay’s 1st John. The Word is a little like the dogwoods, beautiful layers.
Finally enjoying some sunny warm-ish dog park weather in Ohio. My pup is overjoyed!
Here in Savage, Montana. Heard of that place? Didn’t think so! We are a little town in the middle of nowhere, on a huge farm I might add!!! The weather here has been quite amazing. Spring is definitely I the air as the cows are giving birth to baby calves everyday!! It’s so exciting to go out to the pasture and see the new babies nursing or learning to walk. Saturday it was low 60’s with yesterday bringing in a blizzard lows in the teens “feeling like in the negatives”. Farmers are gearing up to plant seed soon. Beautiful season approaching here in good ole Montana.
In Murray, Kentucky waiting for spring to be sprung upon us! It has been a a long, hard winter like those when I lived way up north. This winter has been reflective of a very hard season of life. I’m praying as the daffodils come up God’s grace and strength pour down.
I am Kim from McKinney, TX a suburb in North Dallas that is considered one of the best places in America to live. We have a quaint downtown with restaurants and fun shops, and yet we are surrounded by lots of “big” as well. It is a wonderful town to raise a family in, and we are all embracing the spring that has recently sprung all around us.
Hi there from the city of Modesto California.
It a valley outside of the San Francisco Bay Area. It is the richest city of agriculture. Our rural roads are lined with blossoms for summer peaches, apricots, nectarines etc. And our trees are sprouting with vibrant green leaves on all the foliage this Spring.
On many street corners are signs promoting LOVE MODESTO. Actually this next weekend our city will be warmed by ” sparkling lights” all across the city. Anyone is encouraged to get involved with projects to love on our citizens and make the light and love of Christ shine. Whether its visitations at retirement homes, building with Habitat, praying around the offices of the first responders, painting off grafitti etc….It will be a Saturday filled with the hands and feet of Christ… Modesto is a little like the south. Many churches on corners across the town and many proactive. The good news is many surrounding cities have adopted the thought and you’ll see many other signs as you leave our city to others, displaying their city : LOVE ESCALON, LOVE STOCKTON, LOVE RIVERBANK……
Because of the drought many people have visible signs on lawns, fences, and walls . They read “Pray for Rain”. It has been a blessing to see the rain come. The fields are being drenched this moment PTL. So as you can read; God is truly magnified, in creation, provision, witness, and blessing.
May we in our community live as our city is named “Modest – o” . And continue to be kingdom builders as we await that great day of kneeling before the ONE who promises to appear in the sky ( maybe soon )
I live in Grand Island, NE. We are ready for nice, warm spring weather. It has been a crazy weather pattern all winter. Warm one day, cold the next and always very windy here on the plains. The 50 miles between Grand Island and Kearney, NE along the river banks is the area where 500,000 sandhill cranes stopover every year on their annual migration to Canada. It is a sight to behold as thousands of cranes leave their roosting places every day at dawn to go to the cornfields to feed. The sight and sound of them is amazing. Oh the wonder of God’s beautiful creation!
When our kids lived in Houston we were able to make numerous trips to visit them there. Beth, it was such a joy to attend the same church as you did and meet you in person in your Sunday School Class. Very thrilling!
I’m here on the coast of Washington state, where it has finally stopped raining, and it was a glorious 62 degrees today and very spring-like. We need weather like this, especially for the crews who are still dealing with the horrendous mudslide in Oso. All our hearts here are heavy with sadness for the tragedy there.
After six years in a tiny town in Wyoming, the LORD released us so that we could move to Colorado! Yo-yo FoCo {Fort Collins} The weather bounces between 30° and 60° from one day to next. I don’t mind, because I’m finally back in the city!!! And what a beautiful city it is!!! The university keeps it hopping, the mountains keep it from growing. Denver is close enough and far enough. But those mountains!!! Tall and majestic, protective, breathtakingly beautiful. I love it here. The people? Crazy friendly.
Ahh, Colourful Colorado.
Home.
Kenosha Wisconsin. Its got an old fashioned feel where just along the lake you can check out hometown style businesses. And this summer will be able to take a horse drawn carriage ride should you desire as the city now has a liscense. We however voted (I didn’t!) to tear down the outdoor movie theatre. Head west toward the interstate and there’s a variaty of restaurants and bigtown stores. More than I’ll ever have time to get to! And should that not satisfy you can head either North to Milwaukee or South to Chicago for the city style. As for me I’m just glad the Russian cold blew out and the birds are chirping. Spring brings hope round here. Its not my favorite season because its muddy and still cold but it IS my my hope filled season as I wait for the hot of summer and the crisp of fall. Nothing like a campfire in the yard and neighbors to chat with.
Hello from Cape Town in South Africa. Here we are blessed to be surrounded by the mountains and the ocean. I live in a suburb called Meadowridge within walking distance of a small shopping centre and a high school. I love hearing the sounds of the pupils, the crack of a cricket ball or the roar of the crowds supporting their rugby team. We are just entering our Autumn, or fall, as you call it. April is such a gracious month, with the leaves changing colour and the balminess in the air. We have had our first rains but nothing like we can expect during the winter when storms lash our city mercilessly and our streets become rivers. I enjoy reading descriptions of other places and just imagine the fun God had when He created all these beautiful – and not so beautiful – places. Bless you all xx
Chilly morning in White Hall Ar, will turn into a warm 75 with spotty showers like yesterday. Thank you for the walk thru the woods. It made me miss Louisiana since we had so many of the friends you have on your walk too.
Hey Haw…waken this morning to a 10 degrees, 20 mile an hour winds and a border collie that does not do well on windy days…he is crazier than usual! Thankful for another day of ministry with kids at risk and that He would use me! God is good, all the time, even on winters that never end here in northern MN.
Running up the hills around my neighborhood, I never tire of the grandeur of Pike’s Peak, our cerulean skies, the majesty of the mountains surrounding me. We tend to go from winter straight into the arms of summer, skipping spring entirely!Hubby is in Clute right at this moment working,and is basking in the warm temps there!!
Candace
Colorado Springs
I’m chiming in from the lovely state of SC that can’t decide if it’s Winter or Spring, so we decided to jump right in to Summer 🙂 (84 degrees today after freeze/frost warnings yesterday). I can look off my front porch and see wide open space- and a radio tower! The air is clean, fresh and the expanse of the sky at night is something to behold…oh the Lord has blessed me for sure!
I’m in East Anglia in the UK ( in the bulge on the left hand side of England!)and Spring has arrived here in technicolour…yellow flowers , red tulip bulbs, pink and white blossom, green grass…blue sky and a few white clouds, and amazing pinky-red sunsets – Only God could provide all that and know it would work together
Daesa-ri, Paengseong-up, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
It is a little town about one hour from the ocean that separates China and Korea. It is also about a four hour drive from North Korea.
A rice patty field is planted on one side of our house. Red, Hot, Chili peppers are planted on the other side of our house. Our little Honda is parked in front and the back yard smells like $$…and if you have ever been to Lubbock, TX then you know who lives in the back [mmooooo]
The South Koreans fiercely protect their skin. The lady pulling weeks from the Chili plants has on a pink wide brimmed hat, a pink face mask [think Michael Jackson’s children], pink arm protectors and pink work gloves.
Greenwood, IN… Spring has approached cautiously this year. Outside my front door the tulips have bravely pushed themselves out from the earth, and there are tiny buds of yellow and pink waiting to open and fill our barren land with colors. The vast farmlands look like they’ve been through a war, and considering this winter, I’d say they have. But with sunshine and care, in a few short months they’ll return to their green and yellow oceans. I can’t wait.
Beth, I’m in TN and spring has sprung. This brings excitment for new possibilities and also, many sneezes as the pollen here is terrible! I also had a comment about the “clickstream of a spider web” comment. I used to think of my life in the same exact way…that it was a spider web and things just intertwined and grew and connected and it was all the Holy Spirit’s work of connection in my life. However, I had an epiphany one day that a coorelation to a spider web might be “evil”. Although it works well for the spider, it is used to trap things. And causes death. (p/s-I think “world wide WEB” is the same way). I wanted a comparison that sympolized life to all. I finally figured out something more appropriate for me, and that was a VINE and BRANCHES. It grows, it’s living, and it’s life-giving. Obviously, this also has several scriptual references as well. Just thought I’d share. 🙂 Thanks for breathing life into my life.
hempstead, tx
OOOPS! Never was good at geography – East Anglia is on the RIGHT hand side of England!! ( Moderator please correct if you can!) G
Our typical spring in the Pacific Northwest has brought much rain and cold temperatures that give us our green landscapes. From our corner in Arlington, WA, spring has also brought the deadly mudslide in Oso, tainting the beauty somewhat. Pray for us! #530slide
I used to live in Scottsbluff, Ne. It was gorgeous up there. There was wide open spaces, bluffs, monuments. It was a wild and open country, and I loved it dearly. The only bad thing was that it didn’t have a good faith/word based church. So I moved to the buckle of the Bible Belt, Tulsa Ok. Here there are buildings, trees, and an abundance of churches and BIble Schools. Oklahoma has some of the most fabulous sunsets and sunrises I have ever seen. But what Tulsa lacks in appearence of wide open spaces, it more than makes up for in the beauty of the people. I have yet to meet a Tulsa or Okie who doesn’t hesitate to help, even if they haven’t actually met you. We are Oklahoma, and we are strong. 🙂
Hello! I am currently in Champaign, Illinois, home of the University of Illinois where I’m finishing up my senior year. It’s warm(er) here after the polar vortex winter which was awful! Now it’s around 60 and windy. They say Chicago’s the Winy City but I think Champaign is windier. I’m heading to Louisville next year for seminary at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and I’m looking forward to the warmer weather and new life there. 🙂
I live in southwest Louisiana and the weather changes here hourly! It’s in the 40’s when I leave for work, but is near 80 on my way home. It’s hard to know how to dress!
My azaleas are in full bloom and the grass is finally turning green again. Spring has finally arrived after one of the longest winters I’ve ever remembered. The beauty of God’s creation is everywhere!
A misty rain is falling, the sky is a soft and gray. The fields of grass around the house begin to show some spring. Spring grass has started spouting a crispy treat for cows. I see the mommas linger by; their calves close by their sides. Beyond the grass, I see the wheat, in designs of rows and swirls. The stillness of the morning calls, so clean, so fresh, so new.
I step into my muck boots, and darn my coat and hat. In my pocket, is my ipod, for worship is a must. My animals here me coming, my singing fills the air, the barn in so inviting, my love ones waiting there. I tend each chore and hug each cat, and now it’s time to go, for Beatrice and Cooper James are eager, and down the path we go.
I walk and sing, they run and dig and occasionally we pause, to relish in God’s presence to hear His Holy Call. It’s Eight Mile Ranch, that’s where I live, Eastern Oregon is my home. A canvas God has painted, for me and those he’s chose.
I am from Cranberry, Pennsylvania approximately 15 miles north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania . Today it is going to hit 70 degrees – the first time since December 23, 2013. Finally!!!!! The birds were chirping this morning as I headed to work at 6:30 a.m. It’s a beautiful day!!! Praise Jesus!!!
I am from Seymour, Tennessee, in between Knoxville and Sevierville (Sevier County). Today is a perfect East Tennessee day, chilly in the morning, war, in the afternoon, clear, sunshine and the tops of the mountains with just a little bit of snow visible in the background. Jonquils are blooming, all of my crocus’ are done. Hostas poking their little heads through the ground. We live in the country and plowing, mowing and even some planting has begun. I have just received my two pink flamingos for my yard, finally had to replace my old faded ones. This part of the world is amazingly beautiful all the time, but in Spring it really shows off. Our church is in preparation for Easter, and my grandson from Texas is getting ready to come for a visit. Thank you Lord, for planting me here, let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be wholly acceptable to you my Lord and my Redeemer.
I am from Seymour, Tennessee, in between Knoxville and Sevierville (Sevier County). Today is a perfect East Tennessee day, chilly in the morning, warm, in the afternoon, clear, sunshine and the tops of the mountains with just a little bit of snow visible in the background. Jonquils are blooming, all of my crocus’ are done. Hostas poking their little heads through the ground. We live in the country and plowing, mowing and even some planting has begun. I have just received my two pink flamingos for my yard, finally had to replace my old faded ones. This part of the world is amazingly beautiful all the time, but in Spring it really shows off. Our church is in preparation for Easter, and my grandson from Texas is getting ready to come for a visit. Thank you Lord, for planting me here, let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be wholly acceptable to you my Lord and my Redeemer.
I live in KathyLand, which is currently located in Belmont, North Carolina, just a few minutes west of Charlotte. Today, it was a beautiful 85 degrees and sunny! It has been an absolutely breathtaking spring as the pear tree blossoms are already giving way to beautiful green leaves, and cherry trees are clinging to their silky pink blossoms for just a bit longer. Daffodils made their bright yellow appearance a week or so ago, and now the tulips are beginning to pepper our landscape. And I cannot leave out the gorgeous red bud trees (which are actually a beautiful purple). And soon, (not soon enough for me)the North Carolina state flower will burst onto God’s glorious stage in white and pink blossoms on the dogwood trees, only to be further complimented by the varied colors of our famous azaleas! Ah North Carolina, how God has decorated you with such beauty! All praise, honor and glory to you, Father!!!
It’s been a long, cold winter in Malvern, AR. We’re used to shorter winters and longer summers here in AR. Alas, spring is finally springing. Trees are beginning to leaf, grass is getting a little green, redbuds, forsythia are in bloom and even the dogwoods are beginning to bud!!!! Daffodils and tulips are waning and we still have a ways to go but finally I see glimmers of warmth and color! My precious daddy passed away 10 years ago today and everything was in full bloom and warm that year. What a contrast! However, God is good all the time and all the time God is good! If you are a southern girl and more especially a country girl you will appreciated and understand that God probably had a plan for this winter, cause as my daddy always told us, we need a good, hard winter to get rid of all of these bugs!!!
We are finishing for good our 12th season as snowbirds in Palm Springs, Ca. This winter while others suffered greatly with heavy winter weather, we enjoyed the best winter in all the years here. We had sunny, warmer days, the full moons were incredible and were a light by night. As March rolled in the winds returned with a vengeance and moved the real estate sand from one place to another. Even our resident road runner has been in hiding. As we are packing to return to our beloved Oregon we know our beauty is guaranteed by the bountiful rain. We live in Wilsonville, OR on a man made lake in a beautiful subdivision which has a boulevard graced with mighty oaks. Our daily view is watching the ducks and resident blue heron trying to catch the many koi in the lake. Thank you Beth for beginning our walk across the world.