Winter in Sullivan, Maine The way these trees and chairs have successfully held up under a heavy snowfall remind us that courage and strength withstanding the whims, burdens, and trials that life tosses at us are “beautiful”. Difficulties (whether self-inflicted, other-inflicted, or the complications of a broken universe) are the crucibles which reveal our coreContinue reading “Burdened but Beautiful”
Tag Archives: redemption
Above the Mountains
J. Greshem Mechen, a Presbyterian theologian and founder of Westminster theological Seminary, was an avid mountain climber. His love for majestic peaks and beautiful vistas included hiking the peaks of Maine mountains. In a 1934 article for Christianity Today, he wrote: “There is far above any earthly mountain peak of vision a God high andContinue reading “Above the Mountains”
Getting a Grip
These roots are reminders of the phrase to “ get a grip,” which can have various meanings such as securing a physical hold on some item, exhibiting emotional control in an intense situation, or rethinking one’s position during a heated discussion! However, it also raises other considerations. We attach ourselves to relationships, “things,” actions, orContinue reading “Getting a Grip”
Singing Sheep
Sung by “the people of (God’s) pasture” and “the sheep of his hand,” Psalm 95 overflows with thanksgiving and gratitude to the Almighty, Sovereign Creator and Redeemer who is worthy of worship because of His wonderful, protective salvation. Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us comeContinue reading “Singing Sheep”
The Light that broke the darkness…
Sunrise, Sullivan Harbor, Maine What will come with the rising sun? Aggravation or happiness? Dispair or hope? Disaster or blessing? Or even a long desired but barely noted and unexpected miracle? Who could have known? When the sun rose that morning “the light of the world,” the “true light that lighteth everyone” was arriving toContinue reading “The Light that broke the darkness…”
The Last Leaf
King Solomon wrote that “There is a time for every purpose under heaven.” Although heaven has plenty of “time,” we live in increments and stages which have beginnings and endings. Darkness recedes in dawn’s early light. The sun sets. Transitions eventually complete. Projects are finished. A final page is turned. The last leaf falls. YearsContinue reading “The Last Leaf”
Thanksgiving
The anxiety and folly of trusting fallible men and women have been very evident during our recent election. Our country remains strongly divided over social, moral, and economic values, and mistrust has led to wide spread disappointment and even despair. However, Isaac Watts redirects us to an encouraging truth. He pulls us back to theContinue reading “Thanksgiving”
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”
Sweet Words from Maine 