A Beautiful Morning - Celebrate

I wake this morning to see the beautiful sunrise. It glitters through the leaves and the blue jays seem to dance among the rays of light and the leaves of the trees as a gentle, almost undetectable breeze flows by. There is beauty in the stillness of the morning that is soothing to the soul. God is present and provides a reassuring Peace that no matter what the day may hold, all will be well.

I look forward to the unfolding beauty of the new day.

I woke up leaving a silly dream behind. Someone I know dressed in an outfit that was a cross between what Maria made out of the curtains for the children in the Sound of Music and that of a leprechaun...He was singing in a new children's television program....reminiscent of the Friendly Giant...bizarre, yet mildly amusing. Dreams are really interesting phenomena...

I read the Word this morning and reflected upon how I made a posting not too long ago on the same topic. Unity in the Body of Christ. How we are to build each other up and not strive or compete against one another. Sometimes we are too insecure to do this, we are overwhelmed by our own problems and need to shut out the needs of others. We cannot think clearly enough to deal with others, so they seem to become toxic to our souls, a distraction, or a painful reminder that we are not alone on this spinning globe.

Sigh....

What else will this day hold? Yesterday, I shared laughter with family and friends. Today, I pray to share more...Tomorrow, well...I will let tomorrow be. Time to live in the now. This is the last Sunday of the summer holidays for us. School starts this week for the kids and myself. We all have mixed feelings about going back. But for today, we celebrate. Celebrate this new day, the wonders of God, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the fellowship we have with one another. Fellowship is a beautiful thing, messy and frustrating at times, but a beautiful thing overall.

May you celebrate this day also, rejoice in the Lord, be encouraged, and know that you are not alone - God is with you, wherever you are.

Smiles and Blessings to your day!

~mp:)

Hope yet...

....And you will go out and leap like calves released from their stalls...

You mean there is hope yet?

...With God all things are possible...

Lord, make straight the path, please.
Hope yet...
Peace fills my heart and soul.
Endurance, perseverance, faith.
Beautiful Lord, Wonderful Saviour, I know for sure all of my days are held in Your hands, crafted into Your perfect plan.

...They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up on wings like eagles and soar...

Truly, I can trust God.

...The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it.

Morality

Morality may keep you out of jail, but it takes the blood of Jesus to keep you out of hell.

~ Charles H. Spurgeon

1 Corinthians 1:18

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Proverbs 8

I was led to this passage in scripture this morning. It talks about Wisdom. In our world today, Wisdom is essential to Life. Not that Wisdom was not essential in the past, but with our world of technology and information now available exponentially - information that blesses our walk and information that would lead us astray, we really do need to be vigilant and seek God's Wisdom.

Proverbs 8
Wisdom's Call

1 Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?

2 On the heights along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
3 beside the gates leading into the city, at the entrances, she cries aloud:
4 "To you, O men, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind.
5 You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, gain understanding.
6 Listen, for I have worthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right.
7 My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness.
8 All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse.
9 To the discerning all of them are right; they are faultless to those who have knowledge.
10 Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold,
11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
12 "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.
13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.
14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power.
15 By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just;
16 by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth.
17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.
18 With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity.
19 My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver.
20 I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice,
21 bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full.
22 "The LORD brought me forth as the first of his works, before his deeds of old;
23 I was appointed from eternity, from the beginning, before the world began.
24 When there were no oceans, I was given birth, when there were no springs abounding with water;
25 before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth,
26 before he made the earth or its fields or any of the dust of the world.
27 I was there when he set the heavens in place, when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep,
28 when he established the clouds above and fixed securely the fountains of the deep,
29 when he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.
30 Then I was the craftsman at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence,
31 rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind.
32 "Now then, my sons, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways.
33 Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it.
34 Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.
35 For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the LORD.
36 But whoever fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death."

Waymaker

I was reading Waymaker last night and I came across this paragraph. It spoke straight to my heart and I thought I would share it with you.

"The answers to our deepest questions never come to us in the season we deem best, nor in the respectable ways we imagine they should. Instead they come quietly and out of time, in ways both absurd and offensive to our souls. The true test of the human heart, then, is not in proving we are worthy of the answers we seek, but whether, when they come, we will be humble enough to surrender ourselves to their call. -The Kyrinthan Journals, Musings, Chapter 7, Verse 33-34."

~Excerpt from Michael D. Warden's "Waymaker"

Another excerpt:

"Just then, a rogue gust shot across the bow from the cliffs to the west. The wooden masts creaked heavily under the strain, forcing the ship to heave far to starboard. Aybel grabbed Gideon’s arm to keep from losing her balance, even as she shot a worried glance back toward the cockpit. Gideon’s eyes followed hers. Captain Quigly was not at the helm, but his bondmate was, cursing the wind with a zeal that matched—or perhaps surpassed— her strained determination to hold the wheel on course. Like the captain, she was excessively squat, with a barrel-shaped torso and legs so..."

This book is the second in a trilogy of fantasy called The Pearlsong Refounding. It is about a present day man who ends up in another world where the very words spoken can destroy or heal or otherwise....Mr. Warden has quite a gift for weaving words, and his books are interesting and exciting. The cliffhanger at the end of the first book (Gideon's Dawn) left me begging for more and now it (Waymaker) is available. Click on the link to read more or to buy a book. http://thepearlsongrefounding.com/purchase

A Conversation With God

Father, how can this be?
~It is My Will.
But, what am I supposed to do?
~You do not need to do anything.
How do I walk then?
~Walk with me.
What does that look like?
~Daughter, my children all over this world are struggling to walk with Me just as you are. You are to learn from one another and encourage each other, and together we will arrive. As you walk with Me, you will see that you are walking with your brothers and sisters. Do not strive against one another. We must walk in unison. One in Spirit, One in Purpose, One heart after Christ Jesus. Love one another as I love you. Others will see this and know that you are My disciples. Then you are doing the work of My Kingdom. Peace will reign forevermore. I will guide your steps. Focus on Me and all else will fall into place. You will rejoice in Me and My Name will be glorified, souls will be saved, and together you will bring praises before My Throne. You will be filled and satisfied, you will weep no more, My Joy will be complete in you. Rejoice, my daughter, rejoice, for I am coming soon to claim what is rightfully Mine. Rejoice!

Indian Moon Moth Caterpillar?

I found this guy in my back yard. He is about 2 inches long (in this picture) and I was unsure what he was. The closest thing I first found to resemble this guy was an Indian Moon Moth. This is Canada, by-the-way, so it would be surprising if it were an Indian Moon Moth, which is usually found in Asia...And then, as I researched further, I found his true identity - a Polyphemus Moth! I had never seen one of these before and I almost missed him as I was working around my garage. The dog took an interest in him, so I thought it would be prudent to safely relocate him to another area in the garden. When I returned a few hours later, he was gone...hopefully he will survive and transform into the beautiful moth that he is meant to be.

This what the moth will look like, it is about 4-5 inches across. This is a female, there is an egg by the lower right wing on the post.Photograph of female Polyphemus Moth used with permission.:)

Two From One

Blue eyed wonder, laughter genuine;
Creative, inspiring, funny and wise is she.

Another.

Musically talented, fair and intelligent;
A novel monster, clever and quiet to read.

Both.

Beautiful, loving, full of life;
Treasures from God, dear to me.

Peaked Mountain

So, it is Sunday night and I am sitting at the EconoLodge, overlooking Lake George...The day has been fantastic...I decided last night that I would do some hiking today and I "randomly" picked a mountain trail to climb. I had no idea the difficulty level or the distance. God said He would guide me, and so He did. I went to Thirteenth Lake, found the trail head, loaded my Camelpak with some water and food, a bar of soap, some safety essentials, and off I went. For those who are hiking experts, please have mercy, okay, just don't laugh! I had no compass, no map, no whistle...I did have a cell phone....no matches, etc., etc. I wasn't being intentionally foolish, I really had no idea what to take with me. For what it was worth, I needed none of those things, although I could have used more water.

....And off I went. There was a sign at the start of the trailhead saying that visitors should register...."It may save your life." (Ummm....what am I getting into?) I forwent the registering and found the trail, then I headed off. It followed the lake for a couple of miles (?) and then it branched off along a wonderful creek. It was beautiful and fun, and the blackberries were delicious too;) On and on I went until the trail stopped at the creek. I was a little confused until I realized I had to wade through the creek to get to the other side....it cooled my feet nicely, but it also was a precursor to blisters....that'd be 5 in total by the end of the trip.

As I continue on, what seems like forever, the trail does a disappearing act! At this point I am thinking that I have made a wrong turn and I am tired..."Lord what do I do?" He says just go a little further...I test this and I am now just a little unnerved, the trail still has not formed, so I ask again.

...Actually, I was having this conversation with God that started back, say, 30 minutes before, asking God where exactly was I going to end up...at which point, I looked up to see this rock face 600 ft. in the air...."You have got to be kidding! You want me to go up there???" I laughed to myself and shook my head thinking, "Its okay, I am on an adventure..." Over the next 30 minutes, I prod along, getting a little tired, thinking I need to eat (it had been over 2 hours) and then the trail disappears (like I mentioned).

Now, God does have a sense of humour...You see, when I originally turned on to the trail that branched away from the lake, I met a small group of 9 or 10 year olds with a couple of leaders...I asked one of the kids if they were going to the peak. She thought so. Cool, I thought. If these leaders were confident enough to take six 10 year olds, dressed in nothing but bathing suits and hiking boots, then, surely, I was good to go with little experience and the few supplies I had.

...Back to the disappearing trail....

When I got to the point where I thought I wasn't hearing God correctly, I decided I would turn around and go back....yep. Wait...Nope...on the trail I just came from, emerged this little group - kids and leaders still plugging along...I laugh...I didn't make a wrong turn, and the one of the leaders, Mike, had a map and a guide book that described the trail. God did want me to continue, and sure enough, just a little further, was the bottom of the summit. Now, it was a good thing God brought this guy along because the trail to the summit was a little tricky and that guide book gave me some insight into how to navigate the trail. Ahhhh, 600 feet of zigzagging and fun...did I mention steep?

I continued on and made it to the top! My first mountain climb....next Everest!

Seriously though, I took time at the top to eat, take in the view, and converse with God. And to think that I was going to give up 4/5ths of the way there! But, I didn't and here I was at the top! I didn't even mind the trip back. I thought I would be too tired to go all the way back, but not at all! I think I was running on adrenaline.

I discovered on this trip that it really was the journey that was more enjoyable (and perhaps more important) than the actual destination. The summit was great, but there was no one to share it with...Which got me to thinking of all the people who would love to do a trip like this...maybe I could lead some trips in the future (with just a tad more preparation of course). Anyhow, when I got back to the trailhead, my one shoe was bloody and both my feet ached...and I wasn't exactly smelling like vanilla and lavender. (Hence the biodegradable soap stash:) Three days of camping, with no shower, and a day of hiking...I got a change of clothes and a towel from my car, set them on the shore, and then I walked straight into the lake...hiking clothes still on....oi, did it feel good! (Exactly what a woman of sense and spontaneity would do, right?!)

I made a slide show of my travel up the mountain. In one slide you can see the lake and the three beaver ponds I passed. If you are interested in climbing this mountain, google 'Peaked Mountain in the Adirondack' or just leave me a message ...I may have a tour prepared...ages 9 and up. lol:)

Things I Hate...

...People in the hotel room next door that do not have the courtesy or the sense to SHUT OFF THEIR ALARM CLOCK BEFORE THEY LEAVE, thus leaving it beeping incessantly...

Words to Ponder...

"True, faith demands courage; courage which is not a synonym for risk-taking. After all, stepping out unto the hand of God, though unseen it be, is not taking a risk but a sensible course of action. I proved this in this place. "

~ Frank Juelich, Missionary

The Adirondack?!

Ha Ha...God is so good...He spoke to me about going to the mountains originally and I assumed that meant Colorado? or there abouts, but I ended up at my friend's house...So, I went home and prayed and pondered and another opportunity appeared. Time alone with God...so I hopped in my Vue (which I hadn't unpacked) and headed off again, this time to the east! I figured the Lord was taking me to the East Coast, which is great! I love the ocean; maternally, my family is from Newfoundland and I have not been out east in almost 20 years! LOL...wrong again Pearl...

The Lord has led me across the border into the Adirondack! I laugh because I knew of the Adirondack, but I had no idea where it was and that it had mountains! LOL...

Immediately I knew that this is where God and I would have some serious one-on-one...It has already begun...I may write on it later, but for now, I thought I would reassure friends and family with some pics...
This is the campsite the Lord led me to...a spot available for me...Site #8:) By-the-way, I slept in the back of my Vue...did I sleep much? Not really, but I am on an adventure, so it is not a problem...I can sleep when I get home;) This is me the next morning...nice head eh? I am really not as grumpy as I may look...

The Cafe below was recommended by the staff at the campsite, I drove by it the first time....missed it completely...but my nose for coffee kicked in:) It was great food and the banter of the staff was very entertaining...And thank-you to the young blue-eyed man who left the stove to get me a coffee while I waited for service!!

As I am pulling into a new town, I came to an intersection to see some deer grazing on this person's front yard...not 1 block from hundreds of tourists! Some local (no doubt) honked in irritation for me to get my vehicle moving (annoying tourist!...I used to live in a tourist town, so I know how they feel), so I pulled over and took these two shots...apparently the deer are not bothered by an amateur photographer, 10 feet away...they posed quite well for me.

I have no idea where I will be staying tonight...everything is booked, everywhere...for now, I think I will go for a hike...(I have yet to go for a ride...maybe tomorrow?)....Lead on Lord and I will follow:)

Titus 2:2,3

2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.

3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.

Will the Journey Continue????

Well, I am (I believe) at the end of this particular trip...What I have neglected to mention, thus far, is the onslaught of opposition to me spending alone time with God. I have been surrounded by family or friends this entire trip. I have not been able to escape very far or for very long. I really could have stayed home and gotten more alone time than what I have experienced on this trip. This has struck me as odd until I started thinking differently about my situation and what I attempting to accomplish.

I am seeking to commune with God in a quiet, safe, and peaceful (deeply, personally peaceful) place. I need His guidance, His assurance, His touch of love to my heart. I wanted to go somewhere and tap into it and bask in it, without interruption. Instead, I have had downpours and hail hindering my driving, attacks of anxiety, and the 'busy-ness' of family and friends all around me.


Honestly, I was expecting a "mountain top" experience with God, rather, I feel like how Elijah must have felt when the wind, the earthquake, and the fire occurred. 1 Kings 19:10-12 (in Context) 1 Kings 19 (Whole Chapter) Disappointment, confusion, frustration...


Now, unlike Elijah, who had no idea that a gentle whisper would come next and it would be the Lord, I expect the Lord to speak to me. I have no doubt, I am just unsure of when and how. I am looking for it and I long for it! Oh, so desperately do I long for God to call my name and speak to me.


I have learned a few things on this trip, despite the apparent setbacks. I have learned that I can trust God to lead me. I have also learned that I want to deny God's voice when it isn't exactly what I want to hear. For example, when I was considering this trip and making Texas my destination, I had doubts...actually, I had this sense that I was not to go across the border. I wanted to go south of the border, so I still headed that way. However, I decided I needed to be true to my goal....to let the Lord lead me....so, I gave up my intentions and let God lead.

Now, I am back at home processing all that I have experienced thus far...but wait! What's this?? I need to pray.....something has presented itself to me...hmmm....The Journey continues????.......

Proverbs 31

Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Proverbs 31:29-31 (in Context) Proverbs 31 (Whole Chapter)

I Am Where?!!!!

LOL...Am I anywhere where I thought I would be? Nope. (For those close to me, do not laugh. )

I am still listening to where God would lead me, and thus far, it has been places of familiarity. I was looking for foreign places and God has, so far, placed me in areas that I am familiar with. Now, the trip is not over, by any means...but I am finding it interesting that even though I was ready for anything, anywhere, I have been led here. Here, being a friend's house that is near the border. Not a campground, not a B&B, not a hotel....a friend's house...hmmmm....

And getting here was interesting, I entirely relied on God to tell me which roads to take...I chuckle to myself as I think about it because I figured I would be across the border right now. It is not to be...and I do not mind. I want to follow God and He has led me here. It has been positive. Surprising, but fun, in the sense that it feels right to just be - allowing God to show me the way and accept it without resisting is a good thing.

Trusting Him to lead has not been as difficult as I thought it would be either. You see, I released my desire to go to any one particular destination, figuring that where God wants me would be the best place to be, right?! Giving up my desires to Him has turned out quite well. This is very encouraging for me because I have much "bigger" desires that I am reluctant to completely hand over to God because (I will be very frank - ) I wasn't sure I could trust Him. Oh sure, I keep telling myself 'I trust God', but when push comes to shove, I still want things done in my timing and my way. I am learning to walk the walk I talk with more integrity...being integral with God.

Often in the past several months I would sense that God was asking me, "Do you trust me?" and I would say, "Yes, I choose to trust you." I choose...Perhaps God is being gracious with me, showing me that I can trust Him outright...The choice could be effortless. In the past, choosing to trust God would take effort. I would conciously think, "I must trust God, and I will do this by choosing to trust Him". In my mind, I would think I was being a good Christian because I was choosing to trust God, which is what you are suppose to do, right?! But really, I think now that I was just trying to convince myself of something I only believed half-heartedly. With this trip, I am coming to the realization (slowly, but surely) that I really can trust God. God is faithful, He will do it.

I will meditate upon this some more and keep you posted...My gracious hosts have informed me that I can stay as long as I like:) (I do believe there is some small print about painting the rec room somewhere in there though...ahhh...what are friends for;)

By-the-way, my friends don't have kids, but they do have two cats and, Snuggles, the one above, had a 'fur-cut'...only because his fur got terribly matted...Snuggles is sporting the lion cut...smashing, don't you think?

His Banner Over Me Is Love

Hello Beautiful People,
I thought I would drop a note before I continue on...Here are some pics from the cottage.. Wind in the pines...

This pic needs no comment.

This is how I get water inside the cabin:)

The screen door...the cottage would not be complete without it!

My Poppa.

It is not about the destination, but about the journey....

Haliburton Forest and Wildlife

Well, my voyage starts at the Haliburton Forest and Wildlife. I grew up in this area and I have seen many changes over the years. It is a beautiful area. This place holds many beautiful memories for me. Mostly swimming in the lake...my Grandmother was sure I was part fish. I remember picking blueberries and wintergreen berries...the creak of the screen door, the mice in the cabin, exploring the forest, the big egg and leftover breakfasts at the break of dawn, Poppa fishing, the wind in the pines and the comfortable mat of pine needles beneath my feet....and the hammock...ah yes, playing in the hammock!

There is no electricity here, although I understand you can get cell service now (not like I have tried...) This is a place to enjoy God through His creation...and to enjoy family and friends that would pop in for a visit. Many a tale have been spoken on this point, for the conversations have been hearty and thoughtful...it is amazing what a person will discuss when they have no technology to distract them...


This place is sacred of sorts...to me...this place hold precious memories of family, childhood, exploring nature, and laughter...much joy.


Here, my journey begins...

You know what? As I am writing this, I am praying that others would have the blessing of having a place like this in their world. A place where memories are sweet and joyous...I pray this for you, whoever reads this. You deserve beautiful, sweet experiences, everyone of you. I believe God desires this for each of us, and I pray that this season, each of you would receive the beauty and sweetness of God's gift to you. Whether it would be family, friends, nature, or His Presence. Look for it. Receive it. And gratefully bask in it! ...All to the Glory of God.

Go Where? Texas? Nova Scotia?

Okay....well, I have been feeling the need to get away. On my own. Take a break from routine - and spend some intimate time with God. For weeks I have been thinking and praying about where I should go. A road trip...

I have been trying to get to Texas for the past four years and every time an opportunity presented itself, it was somehow thwarted and I was unable to go. So, I thought, this time I will head off to Texas, but then I had doubts...Should I go there or should I head somewhere else??? After praying some more and speaking with my friends, I have decided to do something a little... well...unconventional. I am going to let the Lord lead...totally.

A little risque...perhaps. I am usually up for an adventure though and I know I can trust God. I do not know what the Lord may have in store for me, but I am willing to step out of my comfort zone and let Him lead.

So, whether I end up in Texas or Nova Scotia, I don't know...but I do intend to blog on my trip with pictures and stories, so keep an eye out. Perhaps, I will pass through your town.

Please keep me in your prayers - thank you.

Smiles and Blessings ~ MistiPearl

Oi

Bizzare little situation here...my blog won't let me in, my vehicle all of a sudden is rattling - just days before a major road trip, my computer is not sending emails - nor receiving certain emails...mmmm

And, I am sitting here trying to take it all in stride...

LOL...I don't even know if I can post this...Oh, well...

I am about to dive into some serious one-on-one time with my God, perhaps He will explain what is going on...

By-the-way, this is just a test to see if I can post anything...here goes....

Friends...

Proverbs 27:6

Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

Proverbs 27:5-7 (in Context) Proverbs 27 (Whole Chapter)