The Beauty that Surrounds Us

Six months! Six months since my last blog post! My goodness I have a lot of catching up to do.

Where in the world do I start? First, three of those months were spent at home. Yep, some might say that I had me a nice three month vacation...well, that couldn't be farther from the truth. I was ready to get back in the truck just so I could have a vacation. From the time I got home until the time I left back out again it was go, go, go! I am always amazed at God's goodness. I can be gone for months and months and not have any requests to make a sign but as soon as I start home, I begin getting requests like crazy. The Lord knows how I like to stay busy when I'm home without Carlos and He certainly made sure that boredom or depression did not have room in my life for those three months. The next time I stay home though He and I are going to have a little talk cause I'm telling you...I was exhausted! It was a good exhaustion and I am thankful for all the work but still a nap every now and then should would have been nice.

I also started a new business with Rodan + Fields...it's clinically proven anti-aging skincare lines created by the same Drs. that created Proactiv. (Yes, I had to get a little plug in.) So, between getting my business started, making signs, church and family, I was a busy girl. What's the saying, "No rest for the weary!" Nope this weary little chick didn't get much rest at all. But, I wouldn't have had it any other way! I told Carlos when I got back in the truck not to expect any work out of me for two weeks. I was on vacation! Yea, that didn't happen either!

My mama asked me one time why I never write blog posts when I am home. "You don't have anything interesting to write about when you're home?" is actually what she said to me. "Yes, I do! I just never seem to have the time to sit down and do it." I was thinking about that question one morning as I was out walking when the Lord started pointing out all the beauty around me and said, "Lynne, here's your next post. I really think He meant for me to write it as soon as I got back home but sometimes I just don't catch on as quickly as I should. So here we are a couple months later but it's as fresh in my mind as the day I took that walk. I am always left in awe as we travel around this beautiful country of ours but on that early, crisp, overcast morning God showed me that I don't have to travel to the west coast or to the east coast or through the Rocky Mountains or the Great Smoky Mountains to see His beauty....it's right there out my front door! It wasn't just the things I could see but it was the sounds all around me as well. It was the beauty of dew glistening on a shiny, green, heart shaped leaf...the cows as they grazed in a green pasture and watched my every move as I walked past them...the wild flowers that grew in the ditches...the enormous oak trees that stood tall and strong...the rustling of the water as it flowed across the rocks in the little creek...the heart shaped rock on the dirt road...the birds as they sang to one another and after a very long walk it was a house that we call home! It's nothing grand or extravagant but it's where memories are made, stories are told and an overflowing  abundance of love is shared.

 

Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still, and know that I am God!" NIV  We get so busy and so caught up in our everyday lives...in just being...just doing...that we forget to stop to listen to God's voice or see His beauty that surrounds us even when it's out our front door. One of God's most beautiful creations is nature. Through nature, God is able to speak to us, teach us, and provide for us. Job 12:7-10 says, "But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind." NIV

I challenge you today and everyday to stop what you're doing and just be still...listen for God's still small voice...see the beauty that's right out your front door; whether it be the sounds of the birds, the sweet smell of the blooming flowers, the artwork of a sunset or sunrise, the wind blowing softly through the trees, or the sound of your children laughing and always remember that "The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love." Psalm 33:5 NIV

Till we meet again!
Only By Grace!
Lynne

Surrounded by God's Beauty

And God said, "Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear." and it was so. God called the dry ground "land," and the gathered waters he called "seas." And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:9-10

Working our way from Mississippi to Washington...one beautiful state after another. No matter how many times I ride through the Western states I am always amazed at the beauty of each one. The last time we were out that way everything was covered with snow. This time it was all green with bursts of yellows, purples and oranges from all the wild flowers. The streams, rivers and lakes were crystal clear....like looking through a piece of glass. I loved looking out my window watching the rushing streams as we were riding down the highway. It was like riding through a painting. We even got to travel in the light of a full moon and didn't have to try to peek through towering trees to see it.



Full moon peeking through clouds in Wyoming



Northern Idaho



Northern Idaho is a lot different from southern Idaho



Northern Idaho full of mountains. Southern Idaho is  a lot
flatter with farm land..potato country

 I am always hoping to see wild horses and cowboys. No wild horses this trip but I did get to see me some Montana cowboys. They probably thought I was crazy because I was hanging all out the window with my camera taking pictures. They just waved and smiled with a smile that said "You've never seen a man on a horse!" Why, yes I have but not one in a cowboy hat and tight jeans riding across the hills of Montana.



Montana Cowboys



Montana



Montana



Montana



Montana

The weather was perfect. Cool nights and mornings but as soon as the sun starting peeking through, the temperatures started rising. We got so tickled because Washington had weather advisories a few days before we got there. The temperatures would be soaring into the 80's....what?? We are used to temperatures soaring into the high 90's low 100's....now that calls for a weather alert. Even though the afternoons were warm, the water was still very cold..just think about it a few months ago there was snow and ice everywhere. But that didn't bother those people, they are some water loving folks. Every creek, stream, river and lake had people in it. We saw more people enjoying the water than we do when we go to Florida. Boats, jet skis, canoes, rafts, kayaks...if it went in the water they had it. I can't image swimming in freezing cold water but if you live up here and you love the water...you do what you have to do. I do love the water but swimming and skiing in freezing temperatures just isn't on my bucket list of things to do. We also saw a lot of bike riders....not motorcycle bikers....bicycle bikers...in the mountains.....up and down, up and up and up the mountains. I am sorry but riding a bike in the mountains is also NOT on my bucket list. Every campground was packed with campers, motor homes and tents. Oh my goodness, and if the campground was near water you can bet it was packed. Some of them looked like little towns with tents stacked on top of one another...it was crazy. I wouldn't mind camping in a camper with a toilet and running water but getting up in the middle of the night traipsing through the woods to a bathroom is not my idea of fun. So, I guess you know what else is not on my bucket list. By now you're probably wondering what is?



Couer d' Alene lake...Idaho



Rimrock lake, Washington



Wanetchee National Forest, Washington



Another lake in the Wanetchee National Forest

One of the things that amazes me the most is how the landscaping changes within each state. We saw more changes in Washington than any other state on this trip. The northeastern part was farm land nothing but fields as far as the eye could see. The northern middle part of the state was mountains then over to the northwest...the coast. Our final stop was the very top...coast and mountains....absolutely beautiful. As the landscaping changed, so did the temperatures. We went from hot to warm to chilly and from sunny to overcast to rainy. The one thing that never changed was the beauty of it all.


Washington farm land- outside Spokane, Washington



As far as the eye could see



Rolling hills and farm land..beautiful



LC is not a fan of the mountains



White Pass, Washington

Washington coast



Cathlamett, WA...riding the coast

It is always nice when we can find view points to pull into so we can take in all the magnificent wonders of God's work. Of course, those view points usually lead to some hiking. Carl quickly told me on one occasion before I had time to say a word "Now we are not hiking on this stop." Right...only because it was a steep cliff and there was no hiking trail...other wise you know what we would have been doing!


Columbia River, Washington
No hiking here...only because of the steep steep cliff



Carl is learning a little history



A river in Wanetchee National Forest, Washington that ran along side
of the road. Another beautiful stopping/viewing point.

Carl would not put his feet in



Just had to put my feet in and yes it was very cold!

Sometimes our loads can get us in a pickle and this was one of those loads. We had to travel some narrow winding roads along the coast to get to our destination. It was beautiful but I am afraid I am the only one that really got to enjoy it. Carl was having to focus on all his surroundings.. me on the other hand...I was hopping from one side of the truck to the other trying to take pictures. Carl tried to imitate me at one point and was like "Which way do I go...which way do I go?" There were views on both sides and I could not decide which side was prettier.



On our way to Cathlamett, WA to make our 2nd drop
Helena, MT was our 1st drop



Road to Sequim, WA for our final drop



Where we made our 2nd drop..Cathlamett, WA



Carl contemplating the game plan

God's amazing beauty is everywhere and in everything. We just happened to be in enjoying the beauty of the west. I hope no matter where you are that you can enjoy the beauty around you. The beauty of the stars shining bright at night or the sounds of the owls as they hoot in the dark. Sit outside and watch the sky change colors as the sun is setting. Watch and listen to the birds as they call one another during the day. Listen to the rain as it is falling on the roof. Just sit and take in all the beauty around you. Listen for the still small voice of Jesus speaking to you.
 "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10a

Til we meet again!

Only by Grace!

       Lynne