July 8, 2015
I remember the moment clearly. The moment that changed my life.
It was years ago at a retreat with a passionate group of God-loving college students from the campus church.
Unlike them, my passion was wobbly.
Deep down, I wasn’t convinced.
How could I be passionate about something I could not see?
Can you see the bear? Look closely at the trunk.
During the lunch break, I wandered down a woodland trail through an oak grove. Beside the trail an enormous tree had fallen, its massive roots reaching high, up towards the sky.
It was the perfect spot to sit and contemplate the passion I did not feel.
Although unsure of my intended listener, leaning against those reaching roots with my legs extended along the trunk in front of me, I began to pray. . .
If only, I had a sign, I pleaded.
Suddenly, a squirrel jumped onto the far end of that trunk and faced me as if ready to do battle.
It started running.
Running, faster and faster, straight towards me.
Surely it sees me, I thought.
As paws skittered up my leg, grabbed onto my shirt, leaped off my nose, tugged at my hair, and finally vaulted to the roots behind me, I had no chance of escape.
Louder than thunder, God had spoken.
When faced with life’s challenges. . .
A consequence of balancing on rolling hay bales on a hill is the troubling runaway bale. It just missed the water– definitely not in the farmer’s plans.
prayer is my greatest source of comfort.
May
your
prayers
be
answered
with
rumbling.
Dear and sweet. Peace on the Prairie.
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Thank you. Sending you thoughts of chicory and queen anne’s lace for your ‘alley’. A favorite combination of mine.
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I bought a peacock book bag because of you…I don’t even need a book bag. If you had a girl I’d mail it to you. The check-out girl was one of my former students. She gave me a discount. 🙂 Everybody knows the Flower is a push-over.
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Julie, your posts are so beautiful! They have so much poetry and energy! And they increase our optimism, even when we face doubts. Thank you!
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Oooh– poetry and energy! I like the sounds of that. It’s ok to have doubts just keep searching. Your answers will find you. Thank you kind Fabio.
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Great moment & tale – God’s signals are all around us, all we have to do is pay attention.
Lucky that bale stopped! 😉
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When I am open to God’s signals, I am amazed by all of the beauty that pours into my heart. Thanks for your visit, Eliza.
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Love this!
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Thanks, Becky. Love you.
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Thanks again for a lovely trip.
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Thank you. Here’s to more happy travels.
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Beautiful and apt combination of photos and text
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Thank you Derrick for always taking time to appreciate my efforts with such nice comments. Blessings to you and yours.
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A beautiful post .. Thank you
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Thank you beautiful Julie. We’re tipping towards fall over here, so spring should be heading your way soon.
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Beautiful!
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Thank you again. I’m glad you enjoyed.
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Another softly written creation from your luminous Self. Beautiful, Julie. That squirrel …. wow, what a sign! Usually when I ask for a sign, there is Silence. Other times, the signs come and I stand with my mouth gaping wide. Great post, my friend. Keep shining!!! Love, Amy ❤
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Thank you Amy. I’m glad you enjoyed.
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❤ this!
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Beautiful thoughts and photographs again! Thank you. 🙂
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