Encouraging Deep Roots

Dan came running in the house last night and told me to get my camera. Right above the house was a double rainbow. A beautiful reminder of how God keeps His promises.

I have so many things that make me feel warm, comfortable and peaceful. There are too many to list here, but here are a few. Warm cookies from the oven. Watching my children enjoy God's creation. Autumn decorations. Time spent with family. Walking in the great outdoors. What are some of your favorite things?

"If God sends us on strong paths, we are provided strong shoes." ~ Corrie ten Boom Discouragement.   Anxiety over the future.   Anger over circumstances.      Defeat.   So many times lately I have given in to these emotions. Our future seems so uncertain at times and it's hard to see the forest because of the trees.   However, we believe that God has a plan for us.  We have seen God work in wonderful ways over the past few years.  We trust Him and know He is has His best for us.  However those same emotions take hold at times.   Discouragement. Anxiety over the future. Anger over circumstances. Defeat.   Yet, even in the midst of these swirling emotions, I know that God gives us what we can handle. If we are walking in His way and keeping our eyes on Him, He will provide a way. There are many valleys and shadows in our lives. There are times when things seem bleak and overgrown with weeds. ...

Mother Teresa ~ "I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish that He didn’t trust me so much."

Everywhere I looked today, I saw beauty. It was in the roses in my garden. Plants loaded with yellow mums. Hay bales in the field. A swinging girl. And a gorgeous sunset. I'm so thankful that I stopped and took notice.

On Saturday, I put aside housecleaning and cooking and laundry in order to fulfill my children's desire to go hiking. As I walked through the woods, I could feel the stress and tension going out of me. Spending time outdoors in the quiet woods always leaves me a little in awe at God's wonderful creation. Thin, silver lines designed perfectly. A magical hideaway. Majestic trees reaching for the heavens. Sun dappled leaves. An unexpected meadow in the midst of thick forest. Fungus clinging tightly to trees. Warm sunshine peaking between the trees. A quiet oasis. The best creation of all....precious children made in his image.