More of Our "Own" Backyard

Krape Park . . .

















crisp, clear, sunshine . . .





















great trails . . .
















and beautiful scenery . . .
















makes for a lovely afternoon.

He Made It!!

HAPPY 13th BIRTHDAY, JOSIAH

What are big brothers for?
















Why, everything from leading the troops . . .















. . . to sharing secrets















and snuggling.















Josiah, as your family,
we are blessed to have you.
Your cheerful ways,
thoughtful heart,
and desire to grow
are an encouragement to us all.















We love you, Buddy!

Thanksgiving . . .

. . . the giving of thanks.

Is it not interesting how the meaning of the holidays gets lost amidst the preparations for and execution of the traditions? Thanksgiving is not defined as the preparation and serving of a large, fancy meal or the gathering together with those you are thankful for. While these are both enjoyable aspects of the day, they are not the purpose. In fact, those two elements were originated to facilitate the purpose of Thanksgiving . . . . the giving of thanks. The meal is meant to be a reminder of the abundance of God's provision for His own through out the year. The gathering with others is really an assembly of the saints to give an offering of thanks.

This is a day dedicated to the Lord, Maker of Heaven and earth in gratefulness for His work in our lives and His sustaining hand. There is much for those who are called by the name of Christ to be thankful for. What an incredible blessing to be able to say, "It is well with my soul". That alone breaks open the floodgates of thanksgiving. Add to that the many promises of our Father; the sweetness found daily in His word; the unspeakable wonder of communing with God Almighty and a future of eternal bliss, not to mention the fellowship of the saints and we find that one day dedicated to thanksgiving falls short.

All praise be unto the Ancient of Days - the King of Kings - the Lord of Lords - the only One worthy of honor! May we truly enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. May we seek an audience with the Author of life; bowing before the throne of God in humble adoration, grateful above all else for the sweet wonder of being His child.

"Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible,
the only wise God,
be honor and glory forever and ever.
Amen."

I Timothy 1:17

Beauty In Our "Own" Backyard

We live about six miles from a lovely place called Krape Park.

Since moving, we have adopted it as our new "backyard".

This is the beautiful waterfall there.

You can walk right up to the base or hike to the top and

enjoy the view from there, very nice.

Our new "backyard" also has acres of peaceful woodlands,
lovely walking and hiking paths,
a delicious smelling grove of white pines,
a pond with a flock of white ducks to feed,
a wandering stream for boating
and an old fashioned merri-go-round
offering rides on the painted stallions for a quarter.

We will be sure to post more photos another day.

Well Worth Reading

Some books are worth reading; some well worth reading; some are worth reading more than once. It is not so often that you find a book that is not only well worth reading repeatedly, but one that so eloquently states the truth that it is worth meditating on as well. We have just such a jewel in a small book titled "IF" by Amy Carmichael. A family favorite, it's pages hold an incredible amount of food for thought along with encouragement and exhortation. Here are a couple of samples to wet your appetite and give you a taste of the richness in it's pages.

"If . . .
I can easily discuss the shortcomings
and the sins of any;
If I can speak in a casual way
even of a child's misdoings,
then I know nothing of Calvary love."

~

"If . . .
I fear to hold another to the highest
goal because it is so much easier
to avoid doing so,
then I know nothing of Calvary love."

~

"If . . .
I take offense easily;
if I am content to continue in a
cool unfriendliness, though
friendship be possible,
then I know nothing of Calvary love."

~

If . . .
a sudden jar can cause me to speak
an impatient, unloving word,
then I know nothing of Calvary love.*

*For a cup brimful of sweet water cannot
spill even one drop of bitter water,
however suddenly jolted."

If you are interested in this gem, it is available through www.keepersofthefaith.com

Lunar Experience

We found this beautiful Luna Moth in the midst of packing the trucks to move a few months back and I just recently found the photo. It is rather majestic, for a moth. It was really amazing to see it live. It let us get up close and examine it, a wonderful testimony of our Lord's endless creativity.

Lake Le-Aqua-Na

In exploring the neighborhood we have found that there are many beautiful parks in our area. Lake Le-Aqua-Na is one that is about 20 minutes from us.















Lake Le-Aqua-Na

















The men heading down the beach.

















Sunlight dancing on the water.

















What's up in that tree?

















I don't know. I can't quite make it out.

















Beauty everywhere.

















What did you find?

















Hmmm . . . . interesting.

















Even this dead tree was picturesque in this setting.

















Off to explore!

















A turtle basking in the sunshine.

















Taking a breather.


















So peaceful.

















A great day!