Chris Mace

Boundaries

There are hundreds of miles of old stone walls bordering farms and running through overgrown fields in New England. Glaciers buried field stones eons ago, only to have them resurface during deforestation and farming in Colonial days. As the fields were cleared for wood and farming, these frost-heaved stones were used to establish boundaries whichContinue reading “Boundaries”

Reflecting

Morning Reflections, Sorrento, Maine Joining nature’s music and rhythms can be soul releasing. Being drawn into flowing streams and rippling brooks, lulled by water gently lapping the lake shore, mesmerized by crashing surf, soothed with soft breezes whispering through pines, or touched by the hermit thrush’s evening song may become profoundly refreshing experiences during whichContinue reading “Reflecting”

Roaring Waters, Quiet Pools

Mariaville Falls, Mariaville, Maine (photo, Laura Mace Rand) Prior to and after these falls, peaceful streams flow into tranquil pools where heron fish and beavers build their houses. They are pleasant reminders of the 23rd Psalm’s assurances that God shepherds His people to green pastures and still waters where they are spiritualy safe, satisfied, andContinue reading “Roaring Waters, Quiet Pools”

Opportunity

Raking Blueberries, Whitneyville, Maine Working late, taking advantage of seasonal blueberry harvesting, this fellow is laboring a “second job.” Whether to provide for his children’s school clothes, to have a financial cushion for the upcoming winter’s utility bills, or to buy something special he wants, he is “redeeming the time.” That is an oddContinue reading “Opportunity”

Mountains Tops

Although they lack the towering, ragged grandeur of the Rockies and the Alps, the mountains of Acadia National Park are impressive and beautiful in a more refined way. There is something satisfying, even elating, about achieving a mountain top after a strenuous climb. On the heights, one enjoys an otherwise unappreciated perspective of distant mountains,Continue reading “Mountains Tops”

Coexistence in a Swampy World

Coexistence Although definitely not a Maine photo this one is shared because it generated some shareable thoughts. This swampy microcosm was spotted on a South Carolinian plantation while we were visiting family. Drawn to the smug almost gleeful countenance of the alligator and the naive inquisitiveness of the turtles, I immediately thought of Lewis Carroll’sContinue reading “Coexistence in a Swampy World”

Heads UP!

At first, I thought these ducks were “nodding off,” but they were paddling their way through the early morning mist fishing with their heads down. Interestingly, there were no apparent “lookouts” to warn of predators. Their vulnerability reminded me of the Bible story of Gideon, who watched his potential army recruits quench their thirst inContinue reading “Heads UP!”

The Wait…

There are moments and even seasons when we have no choice but to “wait it out.” Sometimes, we are powerless over our challenges. Solutions elude us, and we become overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed especially if the situation or change is irrevocable. Scripture speaks of waiting and then waiting some more for the Lord’s intervention inContinue reading “The Wait…”

Identifying a Good Tree

Some can tell the nature of this tree by its shape, bark, and leaves. Appearances can be deceptive, but all questions and doubts dissipate when this it produces apples. In Maine that occurs in August and is followed by apple picking and delicious pies in September. Like a tree, a person’s true nature may beContinue reading “Identifying a Good Tree”

Freedom Rings

Nestled in the picturesque Machias valley lies this historic New England village. The Church in this photo played a role in a Revolutionary War naval battle during which local patriots captured a British ship, the Margaretta, took it up Middle River, (foreground) and scuttled it. New England villages are steeped with the history and ambianceContinue reading “Freedom Rings”