“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” II Thessalonians 2:16 & 17. NIV
Tread carefully and carry a sharp hoe. That’s what I do now while traversing across the uneven terrain in my back yard where tree roots have created a rough surface above ground making it difficult to maintain or mow. Trying to keep up with the yard maintenance is not an easy task and one that requires a lot of work as I am now single and on my own. I spray, hoe and dig up all kinds of weeds, fight off swarms of flies, filled a dozen trash bags full of raked leaves from the huge trees in my front yard, cleaned out the wet, slimy gunk from my gutters, shoveled and scooped huge piles of snow off my deck, driveway and walk numerous times from record snow storms and cold harsh weather, freezing temperatures, lightning and thunder storms. But when the storms passed I planted and potted new plants in containers for the front and back yard, then enjoy them feeling rewarded from all my labor.
Lately, I have added snake killing to the current list of activities after seeing several garden snakes slithering about from open holes and crevices in an area where I had planned to plant a vegetable garden, but have since scratched that idea.
One day I saw a green metallic colored snake slithering around under my deck just a couple feet from my patio swing where I love sitting while watching and listening to the birds in my yard and trees. I am no Annie Oakley, but am beginning to think I should have come out here to Nebraska’s farmland with a whip, saber or machete.
Jokes aside, it isn’t always the forces of nature or the unexpected chaotic interruptions in life that bring about character building I see God using to make me more the person He wants me to be, but the things and ways each day and the growing process He takes me through that leaves the biggest impact.
The one thing I am sure to learn through this is perseverance, patience and determination.
James 1:2 & 3 & vs 12, New Testament, NIV says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Vs 12, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
This brings me comfort and assures me that whatever new challenge or test that comes my way I have God to lean on and trust that He is there, directing my every step.
I have two of the most thoughtful, loving daughters anyone could wish for. They have cried and laughed with me, loved me through the worst of times, supported me, and helped me adjust and get settled in a new place after my move last year. When I recently had a birthday my youngest girl brought me this little bouquet. We went out to dinner as a family that night and I was so thankful and grateful for all the ways God has provided for me and blessed me with good kids and grandkids. They are not perfect and I was not a perfect mom. No one is. But to see how they have turned out I am confident I did a few things right.
As Mother’s Day approaches I hope and pray for all the mothers, young and old out there that God will pour out His blessings and riches on all, for there is no greater calling or responsibility than being a mother. I pray they have guidance, wisdom, courage and strength.
Wishing you all a happy spring and a happy Mother’s Day out there to all moms, grandmothers , young and old.
The Sea of Galilee, Tiberias, Israel, May, 2001 photo credit: Joyce (Johnson) Mannhalter
The Galilee, quiet, cold and still
but for the ripples under a bright orange sky
lies in mournful praise. It was here
where once they’d gathered sharing life,
they’d fished and prayed,
but now the sea is silent like His grave.
as the sun sets, its reflections seen
over what looks like a stained glass sea
merging colors of purple, crimson red
for the bruised and broken Son of God,
the crucified Christ who suffered and bled.
Now their boats sit idly by with empty nets drawn in and dry.
His disciples aren’t here, gone to mourn their loss,
the Messiah, Savior Lord, whom they followed to His death.
the One who stilled the storm and taught
from a boat about faith, and hope
and how to believe for miracles received.
Did He not promise he’d return one day?
And find them again before going away
to reign with His Father and they would know
that what He said, He would do,
and that in His place would the Comforter come too?
So they left their nets and boats to moor
on the Sea of the Galilean shore.
_________________________
Joyce E. Mannhalter – April, 2019
The story of the Sea of Galilee and Jesus’s disciples can be found in the scripture passages here below: Matthew, 8: 23-27, chapters 14: verses 22-32, and chapter 17: 22 & 23. The promise Jesus made to his disciples of the Comforter (the Holy Spirit) that would come after he went away (after the resurrection) can be found in these scriptures here: John 14:16, 26, 15:26 & 27,and in chapter 16: verse 7. His promise made then for them and for all is the same today, and always. We have the assurance that whatever we face in life with all the challenges, the problems, the good, the bad and the ugly we have the assurance that our Redeemer lives, is still on the throne, and we will be comforted and shown grace and mercy. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today and forever.” KJV
I took this photo from a trailhead in Loveland, looking west towards the Rocky Mountains while hiking on what is called, The Devil’s Backbone.
Looking west towards the mountains from River’s Edge Nature Preserve, Loveland, Colorado
A view of the white water rapids of the Cache La Poudre River northwest of Fort Collins after a heavy rain storm.
Our city is one of several along the front range of the Rockies where roads and highways leading up to Rocky Mountain National Park are most often congested with the traffic of tourists going up in the winter months to ski at popular ski resorts, or in the summer to hike the trails, ride the white water rapids or just to enjoy the changing colors of autumn. After the summer months the bright golden hues of the Aspen trees cover much of the Rocky Mountain slopes before the first frosts. Estes Park, a town at the foot of RMNP is a popular tourist destination throughout the year. We have an abundance of hiking trails and mountain and water sports to choose from living along the front range with an often unpredictable swing in temperatures and climate.
Longs Peak, RMNP, 14, 259 foot elevation, second tallest peak in Colorado.
A view of RMNP peaks off Trail Ridge road.
Lower elevation at the foot of RMNP, a clearing where herds of elk are usually seen grazing. Towards this time of night at sunset hours they will hunker down for the night. The sun was just beginning to go down, and the skies lit up with soft hues of pink and orange. These clouds seemed to descend down upon this peak, and I thought it was an awesome sight to photograph.
Elkhorn Ave. and The ‘Old Church Shops’ in Estes Park lit up for Christmas.
A view of the southeast side of Estes Park. Notice the large star lit up on the side of the mountain.
Sometimes the Christmas season gets hectic with the business of shopping, decorating, program events, parties, and family gatherings. There are times when things came too soon and hurried right after the Thanksgiving Day holiday and often just having a moment to sit and relax with a cup of hot chocolate and a favorite Christmas movie seems like a luxury I don’t have or take time for and regret it later.
But, through the years we have tried to keep a few favorite Christmas traditions and even started new ones as we tried to prioritize what meant the most to us. Things like going up to the mountains to cut and collect our own greenery and pine cone branches to make our own wreath was a favorite event. Browsing through Christmas shops and antique stores to find a new Christmas ornament or antique toy to place under our Christmas tree was another.
But, our favorite thing is to just drive up to the mountains during the holidays and spend the day exploring the territory. This year we went up to Estes Park that sits at the foot of Rocky Mountain National Park, then drove up part way to Trail Ridge road. After the first snow storms of the season they close the first gate to the higher elevation areas when snow cannot be cleared and it becomes too dangerous to pass or drive through safely.
I took these shots above this last Friday (12-15) when we went up with our dog, Maggie, had a bison burger and fries at a favorite place and walked around town in Estes Park on our way down before returning home. Making a day of it makes it a special memorable outing. Colorado has not seen too much snow this season thus far, so it is pretty dry along the front range except for brief snowfalls in the higher elevation. Snow skiing is a very big sport industry here in Colorado so the ski slopes are waiting anxiously for some really good snows that keep them busy into spring. But, for those of us who are happy to find just enough to tramp through the white covered ground in brisk temperatures, and see Christmas lights glimmer off its white sheen it is enough to make our day.
I hope your Christmas will be merry and bright, memorable and special. Merry Christmas to all.
The little village of Madrid, Nebraska is not officially a town. It does not meet the population requirements of 500+ to qualify, so it is called, a “village”. But the quiet, laid back atmosphere of this small farming community with its historical beginnings has the kind of country charm and character found on postcards from the 1800’s era. Walking down a gravel road one sees corn fields, tractors and combines at work planting or harvesting, hay balers, grain elevators, mammoth piles of grain and corn, and huge semis lined up, loading their haul to transport goods to processing plants or distributors.
In the old General Store owned and operated by the Mennonite people one can find all kinds of sweet treats, candies of every color, shape and flavor stored in large jars, gum balls and my favorite, their almond date nut, coconut rolls. Farm fresh eggs, nectars, syrups, fresh-baked breads and rolls can be found there also.
In the evenings when the sun goes down the sunset is as serene and picturesque as a Norman Rockwell painting. The air turns cooler, the roads look almost deserted and one can hear the sounds of hawks screeching across the open skies in search of prey. Neon signs light up Main street, but a soft glow of lights can be seen from the windows of houses up and down the streets that branch off the county roads.
The trip to Madrid for Thanksgiving to be with our daughter and family was memorable, and the setting serene as we drove away with some reluctance to come back home to our congested heavily trafficked city of Loveland, Colorado.
I took this photo with my iPhone 6 camera. I have not had this phone long. It was given to me by my granddaughter. She had lost it on a hiking trail, was rather new still, and though she searched for it then she did not find it until two weeks later. Since she had immediately gotten her a new phone of the same model and make, she gave me this old one which surprisingly was still there in the same spot where lost and her dog picked up her scent on it. It was not broken or damaged, and still in excellent condition for me to use after transferring my phone carrier account over to this one. I experimented with the camera some while on a walk with my dog when the sun was going down over the lake when I took this. You can see just a tiny opening of color still from the reflected color and sheen off the lake through the trees, and a glistening wet look on the fallen leaves along the trail.
I walk this trail a lot. On this particular day I noticed the drooping branches, bare and void, looking as if little if any life remained in the tree. But, I know this is a well maintained and popular walking trail at one of our busiest campground sites, so knew that come spring it would no doubt be again budding with leaves and new growth, if it remains rooted and connected with the source which gives it life.
It was the day after the Texas church massacre, and my thoughts and prayers were focused on the victims and families of those, and those killed or surviving other attacks in New York, Las Vegas and elsewhere. We all have questions; why, how does this thing happen, and so frequently anymore. There are no answers, no easy solutions. We cannot be guaranteed we will have a tomorrow, but we can be guaranteed that we are ready to die if we don’t see tomorrow. God assures us of that. It is His promise to us that with new life in Him we have hope, and that hope assures us we will know Him and see Him.
Psalms 42:5 (NIV) says, “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
In Matthew 5:4 (NIV) Jesus spoke to the throngs of people on the mountain in a message known as the beatitudes. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
I photographed the (second and present) jumping rope here at the jump site just off the walking trail at the Big Thompson River, Loveland, Co. The kids still use the rope and jumping site and have for years. To my knowledge there has not been a serious accident or one reported with the kids using the rope and jump site, but the dangers from the river during flood stage is real and has resulted in deaths, from the devastating flood of 2013.
“It’s just what kids do,” grownups said when kids met up at the river during the hot summer months, jumping into the water from the old rope that hung between two trees.
But, once again, the river rose higher, and the current ran faster through the Big Thompson from the rain with little letup. It could be a clear flowing stream at its lowest point, a murky green at its deepest, or a raging menace at its worst. Today, it was the latter. Yet, they paid little attention to the warning signs posted, ‘High water. Dangerous current. Potential for flash flooding.’
“Will this work? I found it in the garage.” Shawn asked, holding up a spool of plied rope.
“It isn’t going to be as good as the old one, but it might.” Nathan said.
“I bet that old rope was at least an inch thick. I wonder what happened to it.” Danny said.
“Don’t know. Maybe someone took it down. Or maybe it broke off and washed away in the flood.” Nathan replied.
The wooden ladder rungs were still there, nailed to the side of one tree allowing the kids to climb up and jump into the water from the top. Nathan climbed up one side, tied a length of rope around the tree and threw the other end over to Shawn, waiting on the other tree. He caught the rope, pulled it taut, tied that end, and each boy secured their side with double knots. Danny stood below with a longer section of rope and threw the loose end over. They tied it off, then made knots for hand holds.
“Done. Let’s try it out.” Danny said.
They took turns launching themselves out over the water. Long enough to jump to either side they grabbed the rope, swung out and landed on the opposite bank. Then, they dove off the trees lunging at the one swinging from the rope. They played the game of, ‘Catch me if you can,’ when Danny caught hold, hanging onto Shawn, but neither saw the loosened knots tied at the trees, or noticed the fraying threads on the rope, straining under their weight.
“Dudes. Stop! Get off! The rope…it’s…loose!” Nathan yelled, but they did not hear.
A tree branch cracked. The frayed rope snapped, and Shawn and Danny tumbled into the water. Their sounds and yells were not heard above the roar of the river as they were swept downstream.
It had been a month since the accident. Nathan stared down at the still water. He kept seeing Shawn and Danny as they fought against the current that threatened to swallow them up.
A park ranger walked over. “Your friends almost died that day, Nathan. If they hadn’t found that broken tree limb to latch onto they might not have made it out safely.”
Nathan nodded. “I know.”
“Using good common sense to make right choices is a better way to learn a lesson, don’t you think?”
“Yes, sir.”
_______________
Joyce E. Johnson (2017)
Footnotes: The above story is a work of fiction, but the following scripture verses seemed appropriate to share in emphasizing the truth or lesson illustrated in the story above. Proverbs 8:34-36 on wisdom- “Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoever finds me finds life and draws forth and obtains favor from the Lord. But he who misses me or sins against me wrongs and injures himself, all who hate me love and court death.”
The Cache La Poudre river is a very popular one in northern Colorado for river rafting, but can be very dangerous when the river swells, spills over and causes floods from too much rain as in the Sept. 2013 flood. I took the video above of the river overflowing to levels of spilling over its banks making it dangerous to rafters. Below is a video link where you can view the video portion in Amazon where I have it saved in the Amazon cloud.
Rafters on the Cache La Poudre River, northwest of Fort Collins, Colorado, May 15th, 2015. We drove up to see what the river looked like after getting so much rain and got there just as these rafters were ready for their trip down. The river levels out here and is a starting point where rafters board their rafts for the trip down. JEJ
I’ve always considered myself patriotic. A flag hung where a slight breeze could send it waving a humble salute up to the sky. Parades and picnics, hamburgers and hot dogs, sweet corn, ice cream and watermelon always seemed the standard, typical fare I enjoyed in celebrating a holiday that pays tribute to the freedoms we share in this great country. All of the day’s events and festivities climaxed and culminated in the final grand display of fireworks and sky show after the sun went down and the sky lit up with color and boom.
But, it is the privilege of walking into a church to worship that I count as perhaps the greatest and most important of freedoms we have in the U.S. as we near the July 4th holiday on Tuesday. More and more now we are seeing less and less of those freedoms we hold dear as the threat becomes greater all the time with those who want to destroy our rights and freedoms as a believer, a Christian, an American, a Patriot, or one who chooses not to worship any. This is not meant to be a political statement of any kind, or to proclaim which side I stand with, but instead to just proclaim my right as a Christian believer to exercise my freedom to worship and serve my God where I choose. However and wherever you celebrate the July 4th this year as an American or even a new immigrant into this country I wish you a happy July 4th. JEJ
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Reflections 