My fog is lifting and I am beginning to see the forest through the trees:)
We took a beautiful little hike last weekend and I was snapping photos like mad...the scenery was gorgeous! The funny thing is... This little park and hike- by- the- river is very close to home and it's crazy-silly that we had never been there. It just proves that there's always unexpected beauty waiting to be discovered right under our noses! (Note to self)
Spring has definitely arrived in our neck of the woods.
Spring has definitely arrived in our neck of the woods.
God's glory, at it's finest, is all around us.
It's still Easter and I'm singing Alleluia="Praise the Lord!"
With God, we can always find our way.
Yet why do I resist moving forward sometimes?
Why do I get so locked up?
Why do I get so locked up?
Is it because I know I will stumble?
Maybe.
Maybe.
The road ahead is sure to be a little unsteady, bumpy, and even dark at times.
Springtime always arrives (eventually), this I know, so what's the problem?
I recently read a meditation passage in the Magnificat that really spoke to me. (via Mother Mary Francis, P.C.C.) It said that when we are self-fixated, we tend to be static and obstinate, separating ourselves from Jesus because He is always on the move towards the will of the Father. Fixing upon ourselves literally causes us to get stuck. If we prayerfully (continually) shift our focus, fixing our eyes on the Father, we, too, will always be moving ad Patrem, towards the Father. We shall always be in via, always on the way.
I recently read a meditation passage in the Magnificat that really spoke to me. (via Mother Mary Francis, P.C.C.) It said that when we are self-fixated, we tend to be static and obstinate, separating ourselves from Jesus because He is always on the move towards the will of the Father. Fixing upon ourselves literally causes us to get stuck. If we prayerfully (continually) shift our focus, fixing our eyes on the Father, we, too, will always be moving ad Patrem, towards the Father. We shall always be in via, always on the way.
I love that!
I needed to hear that.
I am eager to be constantly in via, always on the way. Now this might seem Christianly commonsensical but I think we could always use the constant reminder.
I am eager to be constantly in via, always on the way. Now this might seem Christianly commonsensical but I think we could always use the constant reminder.
At least I do.
The follow up was a tangible hike...A"new foot path" towards being in via...
I get it.
I get it.
New vistas opened out before me.
Eyes off me, myself and I.
Forward motion and surrender to God's will screamed
Get moving!
Mobility is good:)
I am free.
Dealing with the unknown, practicing patience...
Yes! I am on my way.
(At least until the next time I get stuck;)
Only His light shines through the darkness...Helping us see the forest through the trees.
These images are helpful as we see the light of Christ triumphant (being the central image of the Easter season) that rescues us from the darkness of death.
These images are helpful as we see the light of Christ triumphant (being the central image of the Easter season) that rescues us from the darkness of death.
(John 1:5)
These trees were absolutely majestic...
Reaching out,
Pushing forward,
Lifting up,
Watching and rustling,
Like a canopy of forest angels.
Would they reach down and catch the ball flying through the woods?
Nope.
They let boys be boys:)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
on your own intelligence rely not;
In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths.~Proverbs 3:5-6
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path.~Psalm 119:105
Reaching out,
Pushing forward,
Lifting up,
Watching and rustling,
Like a canopy of forest angels.
Would they reach down and catch the ball flying through the woods?
Nope.
They let boys be boys:)
on your own intelligence rely not;
In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths.~Proverbs 3:5-6
There will always be bridges to cross...
But in faith we know that a helping hand waits on the other side...Keep moving, keep moving!
I am inspired to keep moving.
In Via!
In his mind a man plans his course, but the Lord directs his steps.~Proverbs 16:9
I'm on the way, again, as
A new path awaits...
And the forest is definitely through the trees!
No words ~ (peaceful and awe-filled sigh released in their place). That and a blogosphere hug from me to you!
ReplyDeleteThanks my friend:)
DeleteBeautiful... you should write a book... really. Your gift is with words. My four y/o daughter is at my side dancing to the music on your blog... she says it is perfect for ballet! Peace +JMJ+
ReplyDeleteAnnita, how are you? Great to hear from you and thank you for being so kind! Just the other day I was wondering if I even HAD any gifts;-) hee hee Your daughter sounds like a sweetie. I know you're like me and enjoying (almost) EVERY minute of those littlest ones! God bless:)
DeleteGorgeous photos! The view, your family, the Sun (SON!) - I love it. I'm glad the fog is lifting for you. I too loved that meditation in Magnificat, such a beautiful resource. Happy Easter Season!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jen! I was so thrilled with the photos. Sometimes photos can't do a certain landscape justice but in this case, they sure did:) Hope you are having a blessed Easter season as well, my friend!
DeleteWonderful post, spectacular photos. Glorious! And you asked a question of my own: "why do I resist moving forward sometimes? Why do I get so locked up? Is it because I know I will stumble?" Hmmm. Yes. For me, yes, that's it. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nancy! Funny you mentioned stumbling. Just a couple of days after I wrote this post, I came across this scripture..."The eyes of the Lord are upon those who love him;/he is their mighty shield and strong support,/ A shelter from the heat, a shade from the noonday sun,/ a guard against stumbling, a help against falling." ~Sirach :4-16 Isn't this perfect? It was just what I needed to hear:) I hope it helps you too. God bless!
DeleteTiffany, this is lovely! So glad that you're feeling better! I like the advice to always be on the way. Thank you for this post!
ReplyDeleteGod bless you for your thoughtfulness and prayer, dear Anne. You held out your hand just when I needed one. I will always be grateful! May the grace and peace of Easter always reign in your heart and soul:)
Delete"In via" - seems like it should be inscribed somewhere in the house.
ReplyDeleteThat park looks wonderful! And it came through the pictures beautifully. I am so glad you are seeing the light.
You are right about that, Nicole! Maybe I should tape it on my bathroom mirror! I need to stop over to your place and see what you're up to...I'm SO behind on my blog visiting! {I'm leaving to go and see my son in Texas so hopefully when I get back.} God bless you and know you continue to be in my prayers for that ultimate Easter peace!
DeleteHi Tiffany, so happy that God's grace is moving in you and lifting that fog. You shine bright for Our Lord Jesus is such a special way over the blogosphere. Your words glorify Our Loving God and your pictures magnify it!
ReplyDeleteWe all become locked up at times, so it's a reminder for us too. God bless my sweet friend!
"in via"!!
You are so sweet, Noreen, thank you! The encouragement is such a blessing from you. You are a shining light yourself, my friend:) May the graces of Easter continue to fill your spirit. God bless and Ave Maria!
DeleteOh Tiff, this is just what I needed to see and read. My nieces got in from Phoenix yesterday for mom's 95th birthday today, and they called me from the airport: "Uncle Tom. It's snowing!!!" They were not happy campers. Right now they are all wearing my sweatshirts (well, actually right now they are still sleeping).
ReplyDeleteYour comment that "Spring has arrived" is a hopeful one. Could you send it our way, please?
Hey Tom, I just beamed over some sunshine...Did you get it? WIsh I could send more of the real thing your way...It really does lift the spirits:) Hope your sweet nieces have a great time playing in the snow. They should soak it all up since Phoenix is sure to be burning hot before long! God bless your time together with unexpected blessings!
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