Hearts in Service Blog

I cannot believe it's mid-September already. We are entering into the time of the year that is my favorite. I love all the colors and it's been beautiful. We are in a bit of drought, but the weather has been gorgeous. This weekend was probably one of the most relaxing that I've had in a long time. I wasn't canning or processing anything. I didn't have an agenda. I just relaxed. That's a good thing because I have major things going on for the next 5 weekends in a row.  The geese are starting to fly. The squirrels and chipmunks are busy collecting nuts. The bees are still busy collecting pollen. I've been getting out and walking as much as possible each day. I've also been a lot of my work out on the back patio. It's peaceful as long as my neighbors aren't out there mowing or blowing leaves. I have to laugh because almost every single time I sit out there someone decides that is the moment to do yard work.  It's pumpkin and squash season and ou...

Every so often, I will take a psalm and rewrite it in my own words. I find it helpful to put it in my own "language." I did that this morning with Psalm 16. Father, I find my safety and security in you so please place your hand of protection over me. The only thing of any value in my life is you. You are worth more than the collection of all earthly treasurers. Lord, I find absolute delight in those who follow your precepts and seek to live righteously. On the other side of that coin are those who reject you and consciously turn their back on you. It saddens me that they have chosen to reject your beautiful promises. Father, you are my daily sustenance. You are the author of my past, the God in my present, and you are weaving together my future.  You have set boundaries for my life. They are not restrictions, but protections to help me walk in the path you have for me. The boundaries are not something to fight against, but are a beautiful reminder of the unique plan you have ...

The weather is dreary today and my mood felt much the same way as I started my walk. But as I looked around me at all the beautiful signs of spring and as I began to pray while walking, I felt the dark mood begin to lift.  There were delicate things everywhere I looked.  Delicate birds. Delicate wild flowers. Delicate blossoms. I'm thankful for the opportunity to get out and walk and I'm especially thankful for this time of the year when everything begins to come to life. Have a wonderful weekend!

Spring is definitely in the air and has come a bit early this year. I've been getting outside and enjoying it as much as I can because it definitely lifts my spirits. The past few days have felt like a game of peek-a-boo! I walk along, lost in thoughts, when out of nowhere a head appears.  This doe was skittish, but curious about me. She stood there while I took pictures and talked to her, but definitely was ready to take off at the first wrong move from me.  There are always chipmunks scurrying through the dead leaves, but every now and then one will sit still long enough for me to snap a picture.  Tiny buds are poking their heads out as well. The birds are out and singing loudly. They seem to be happy spring is on the way as well! This little guy even seems so happy to see spring arrive that it decided to climb a tree which I had no idea they could do! We are supposed to get snow this weekend, but that won't dampen my spirits. Spring has sprung!  

There is Pleasure in the Pathless Woods by Lord Byron There is a pleasure in the pathless woods, There is a rapture on the lonely shore, There is society, where none intrudes, By the deep sea, and music in its roar: It's no secret that I love to be out in the woods and nature. So it was fitting that the first day of our staycation was spent hiking. Unfortunately, since I injured my knee last summer I cannot go on trails that are too strenuous. However, I'm thankful we live in an area where there are a lot of trails that are fairly flat or only have small and short inclines.  When I get out in the woods I can feel the tension melting away and it's an opportunity to disconnect from the world for a bit. The weather was beautiful yesterday so it was an especially pleasant hike. Sometimes Dan and I will chat as we walk and other times we are just quiet as we enjoy the scenery and one another's company. It's peaceful and calming. I love not man the less, but Nature more, ...