I just returned from a wonderful visit with my mother and my sister Peggy and her family in the little village in New York State where I grew up. The town is nestled in the Shawangunk Mountains, and seeing the mountains again is like seeing old friends. I always forget how much I’ve missed them while living in the flat Midwest. Peggy and I had a chance to go on several hikes while I was home, taking her new rescue dog, Franny, with us.
We hiked around a mountaintop lake.
And admired the vistas of the valley, below.
We let Franny swim in this creek and she “shared” the cool water with us as she shook herself dry.
We hiked across the Hudson River on a former railroad trestle that has been converted into a rails-to-trails pathway called “Walkway Over the Hudson.”
Hiking in the woods and enjoying nature always restores me. When I take time to look at creation, I’m reminded of what a glorious God we serve. Seeing His infinite creativity renews my own urge to create. And being with my family—the people who know me the best and love me the most—helps me remember who I am and where I’ve come from.
It puts my lifelong journey into perspective and helps me see how God has shaped me along the way. I returned to my home in Michigan refreshed and ready to dig into the work that God has given me to do. My prayer is the same one that Moses prayed:
“Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting, you are God. . . .Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. . . . Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. . . . establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.” (Psalm 90)
A Wonderful Visit
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2 comments
Haven’t yet read your books,but I’m an avid reader,please tell me about your Chronicles of the kings-series.Will really apprrciate it
As soon as I saw the above picture, I was sure that it was New York and not at all
surprised it was the Shawangunk Mtns.. My daughter lives in Gardiner, NY below
New Paltz with views of those Mtns.. I’m originally from CT (Milford btw Bpt. & New Haven)
My brother went to Southern CT. I now live in upstate NY (a little town called Andes).
My dad was born in Chicago (the first grand son of the former Governor of Illinois
Edward F. Dunne) And my youngest son just recently moved from Austin, TX to Chicago.
He says he really likes it there. I’m only mentioning all this because when I read your
blogs and read your books (I’ve read all but the most recent because it arrived on my
good friend’s birthday and she was the one who loaned me the first of your books,
I felt strongly that she should read it first – she says she’s half way through and
not surprisingly really likes it. So I am looking forward to reading it. My other son
actually ordered it for me in advance and I marked my calendar for Oct. 3rd for
it’s arrival) you mention so many of the places that I am familiar with. There are/is?
a growing group of us at our church that are your favorite fans and share your
books as soon as we read them. My favorite is “A Proper Pursuit” but all are really
great. I’ve shared “Waves of Mercy” with all my LA friends and am holding on to
it to read again shortly before next Oct. 3rd, since you said that one would be a
sequel, since I was one of your fans who thought there were a few “loose ends”
at the end of “Waves of Mercy” and was thrilled that you would soon tie them up.
I guess I’m rambling, but I haven’t been on your site for a while and my computer is
finally co-operating with me. Thank you, Thank you for being so lovingly tuned to
our Lord as your Divine Inspiration.
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