Living in the highlands gives you a million different views of God's masterpiece. Each bend in the road or stop along the trail gives another view that fights to be the best. Some of the best are in the mornings. The sun shines from above and behind the clouds... peaking out in such a way that makes you wonder how anyone could ever doubt His existence.
Big cities are few and far between out here. Some of the towns are not much more than a distant memory of their former glory. These are towns that lived and died by the railroads and factories. The towns that still have the railroad or the factory are hanging on. Like anywhere, there are plenty of reasons to feel blue, but the people... the people are still here and like anywhere... the people are what make the difference.
The hospitals, factories, and schools are filled with professionals who take pride in what they do, who they are and where they live.
Yesterday, we drove a ways and met a friend and her baby boy at a wonderful winery and had a picnic. Don't worry... we drank the baby's wine, too! :) We walked into the 'Tasting Room' which was located in a barn that was decked out with brass chandeliers and a large assortment of tables and chairs. We sat down at the bar and enjoyed the delicious fruits of the vineyard. We bought a bottle of white and found a spot downhill from the barn to set up our picnic. We laid down our blankets and sat down beneath the shade of cedar tree. The free-flowing conversation of friends is a greatness to behold.
There's a lot going on out here. I know I'll forget something, but I'll have more to share next week. Take care and God bless!
Peace,
Big Mac
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Thursday, September 6, 2012
After A Rain...
This morning... after copious cups of coffee (please pardon my unintended alliteration)... I opened the front door and stepped outside to evaluate the day. It had been raining the last couple of days and was dropping a light mist. There was a scent of what I can only describe as "wet earth". Lovely went off to work and my buddy and I went an explored our nearby town and state park. The clouds are still hanging low in the mountains and over the creeks. All this is just my way of saying that it's been a good morning and a great way to start the day.
The past week or so has been full of sweet reunions of family and friends. There's something sweet and fulfilling in getting to hangout and truly be present with those that mean so much to your life, but are unable to see them often due to the distance of the highways and byways.
God is the true source of strength in each of us. At times he uses others to whisper in our ears and build us up. Now it's not always praise that we receive from others because that's not always what we need. Sometimes we need to hear the difficult truths. Sometimes it's these truths that can push us on through the muck of hard work and what is right and brings us closer to becoming the best version of ourselves. Our close family and friends are able to offer these insights because sometimes they know us better than we know ourselves. Oh, the beauty of a good relationship... solid understanding... you just "get each other". And that's why you can trust what they say. Whether it's your spouse (best friend), grandparent, parents, or dear friends ... you value their opinion and trust it because often what truths they offer are the truths you speak or ponder in the silence of thought. Other times you disagree and there is that free exchange of conflicting ideas and we never know what may be the result.
Just like a hike in the mountains... as we push on... we will be rewarded with a spectacular view of what we accomplished. Now, I'm not just talking about the big battles and triumphs of life, I'm talking about the daily ebb and flow of life, too.
This posting is proof that I am back. I've decided to recommit to ya'll and my blog. Weekly postings sound reasonable. This past week, I talked with my best friend and valued advisor who turns out to be my lovely wife. We talked about the blog. She's thinking of starting one as well. Lovely (wife) and a few others are supporting me and I want to share my thoughts and experiences with you all. I guess that's part of our life mission... to share it with others. So, please post comments and share about your life and something neat that has happened recently. Keep me posted. :) I wish you good luck in the rest of your day and week. Have a wonderful weekend and God bless!
Peace,
-Big Mac
The past week or so has been full of sweet reunions of family and friends. There's something sweet and fulfilling in getting to hangout and truly be present with those that mean so much to your life, but are unable to see them often due to the distance of the highways and byways.
God is the true source of strength in each of us. At times he uses others to whisper in our ears and build us up. Now it's not always praise that we receive from others because that's not always what we need. Sometimes we need to hear the difficult truths. Sometimes it's these truths that can push us on through the muck of hard work and what is right and brings us closer to becoming the best version of ourselves. Our close family and friends are able to offer these insights because sometimes they know us better than we know ourselves. Oh, the beauty of a good relationship... solid understanding... you just "get each other". And that's why you can trust what they say. Whether it's your spouse (best friend), grandparent, parents, or dear friends ... you value their opinion and trust it because often what truths they offer are the truths you speak or ponder in the silence of thought. Other times you disagree and there is that free exchange of conflicting ideas and we never know what may be the result.
Just like a hike in the mountains... as we push on... we will be rewarded with a spectacular view of what we accomplished. Now, I'm not just talking about the big battles and triumphs of life, I'm talking about the daily ebb and flow of life, too.
This posting is proof that I am back. I've decided to recommit to ya'll and my blog. Weekly postings sound reasonable. This past week, I talked with my best friend and valued advisor who turns out to be my lovely wife. We talked about the blog. She's thinking of starting one as well. Lovely (wife) and a few others are supporting me and I want to share my thoughts and experiences with you all. I guess that's part of our life mission... to share it with others. So, please post comments and share about your life and something neat that has happened recently. Keep me posted. :) I wish you good luck in the rest of your day and week. Have a wonderful weekend and God bless!
Peace,
-Big Mac
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