This morning's.....

....fruit of my labor. I actually picked 4 pints, but had cash to purchase 2. When the gentleman ahead of me in line was charged $29.00 for his 10 pints, I knew I was in trouble. I did enjoy the cool morning breeze, birds chirping, geese making a low fly-by, and the sun warm on my shoulders. Memories of picking wild raspberries in northern Wisconsin with my aunts came to mind. I remember their chatter...sometimes in Norwegian, perhaps to protect my innocent ears...and their laughter. My grandparents farm also popped up in my mind. There was a row of raspberry bushes along the path that led to the woods. Grandma would hand my cousin and I each a pail with instructions to "go see if there are any ripe berries, but be careful of the stickers!". Raspberry picking is rather tedious; one by one, trying not to get stuck by a thorn, and gently, so not to squish the ripest berry.

I don't know what I'll do with these red beauties yet. Right now, they just look pretty on my kitchen table.

As far as the east is from the west....

"For as the heavens are high above the earth,

So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;

As far as the east is from the west,

So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

As a father pities his children,

So the Lord pities those who fear Him.

For He knows our frame;

He remembers that we are dust.

As for man, his days are like grass;

As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.

For the wind passes over it, and it is gone,

And its place remembers it no more.

But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting

On those who fear Him." Psalm 103: 11-17

On a motorcycle dinner ride Saturday night, we had the honor of witnessing another incredible sunset. This is one of the many things I love about living outside of a large city! During the winter, I get to see the sun rise on my way to work, and I watch it set on my way home. To me this is a promise from God. No, not that I am promised another day, but that His steadfast love has held me and will hold me from sunrise to sunset and to sunrise again. I'm safe in His care and am wrapped in His love and mercy.

A few words for thought.....

What to do when facing "the impossible"?

Take the example that Moses set for us:
Fear not! (know and trust God)
Stand firm! (take your stand and do not waver)
See the salvation of the Lord! (expectation rooted in promise)
Be still. (The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. Ex. 14:14)
Go forward! (No looking back!)

It happens in a blink,
It happens in a flash,
It happens in the time it took to look back.
I try to hold on tight, but there's no stopping time.
What is it I've done with my life?
It happens in a blink. (Revive)

Good question.....What have I done with my life?

Faith is...

"Faith is a bird that feels dawn breaking and sings while it is still dark." Old Scandanavian saying.

"When you come to the edge of all the light you have known and are about to step out into the darkness, FAITH is knowing one of two things will happen...

There will be something to stand on or you will be taught how to fly." author unknown

Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1