Looking Beyond

China Beach, Point Lobos State Reserve

"The beauty of the created world was never meant to be the beauty that would fill the eyes of our hearts. It was never meant to be the beauty to which we would look for satisfaction and peace. It was never meant to be the beauty that we would give ourselves to search for, live for, cry for and die for. No, the physical glories of this created world are meant to be sign glories. The amazing beauty that surrounds us every day was designed to be sign beauty. All of the beautiful things that we see, touch, taste and hear every day were designed to be signs that would point to the ultimate beauty that can be found only in the One who created them.
 So when you are looking at the beauty that surrounds you in the physical world that is your present home, require yourself to look beyond the signs to the stunning beauty of God to whom each sign points. Only his beauty can give you hope, strength and peace. Only his beauty can give you life."
taken from...A Shelter in the time of Storm by Paul David Tripp... page 46

I found this an interesting read this morning as I have just been so struck with the beauty of Monterey and Big Sur. It was God's little reminder that yes, his creation is beautiful but it is only his beauty that can truly satisfy



Big Sur, California

Beauty That Points To A Creator

I have been overwhelmed with the beauty of this area, it is spectacular. My time away has been good and it has been fruitful...but more on that at a later time. For now I thought I would share some of the beauty I have been able to enjoy...it's beauty that points to a creator

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him.....Psalm8:4

It's The Simple Things That Make Me Smile

I heard him before I saw him,  I had let our dog out and because I am a multitasker I decided to pull some chickweed while I waited for him to come back

I kept hearing this tapping sound, but I was intent on pulling weeds, eventually the "light bulb" went off and I realized I should check out what was making the noise. I took a closer look in the trees around the house and spotted this little guy. He was quite intent on pecking a hole in this tree and was not at all deterred by my presence. He even waited for me to go inside and get my camera.

It doesn't take much to make me smile, sometimes it's the simple things that give me the most pleasure. Thanking the Lord for this little glimpse of a Downing Woodpecker today.

His Handiwork is Everywhere

               This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it  Psalm 118:24

Hummingbirds

The hummingbirds are back. We've heard them for several days now on and finally got our first glimpse of them last weekend. I decided to hang out at the feeder this evening to see if I could get a picture, actually it was a great excuse to just sit and chill. Soon enough this little fellow showed up, I watched him dart from one feeder to another.

This guy is pretty territorial, he sits on a branch in view of the feeders and chases any other interested hummingbirds away...we have other feeders scattered around the yard but he seems to think they all belong to him. We are thinking of putting a few more feeders out a greater distance apart to give the others a chance to feed.

We pass a lot of time each summer watching these guys...fascinates the grandkids...have to admit I'm a little fascinated myself. A much needed bright spot, thankful for this little blessing today.

"Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you"  Psalm116:7

He Waits

This is Angus, our fourteen year old dog. This is where you will find Angus most evenings following dinner... sitting... staring at the door ....waiting. My husband and I are both home, so who's he waiting for? Well that would be my youngest son...why would that be note worthy? Son has not lived at home for quite awhile now...been away at school. He did come home about two months ago, stayed about two weeks, worked a bit then went back north. This routine has started since he left, Angus stands guard at the door waiting for him to come back. He does eventually give up...until the next evening...when the routine starts all over again.