Paradise in New Hampshire
July 4, 2014//
Topics to Dig Into
Matthew 8:23-26 (NLT) – Then Jesus got into the boat and
started across the lake with his disciples.
Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the
boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting,
“Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and
waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.
started across the lake with his disciples.
Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the
boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting,
“Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and
waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.
I was recently privileged to visit
some friends in New Hampshire. I arrived
to a gorgeous sky and a peek at the lake through the trees. A short descent to the water’s edge revealed
a pristine wooded, seemingly uninhabited, paradise. Aside from a small beach on the far side, the
lake belonged to us and loons. My whole
body sighed. Peace flowed. The cooling breeze caused gentle rolls on the
water’s surface as my breathing slowed and stress evaporated.
some friends in New Hampshire. I arrived
to a gorgeous sky and a peek at the lake through the trees. A short descent to the water’s edge revealed
a pristine wooded, seemingly uninhabited, paradise. Aside from a small beach on the far side, the
lake belonged to us and loons. My whole
body sighed. Peace flowed. The cooling breeze caused gentle rolls on the
water’s surface as my breathing slowed and stress evaporated.
Later, the clouds darkened, wind
bent the trees and lightening split the sky.
While I enjoy playing in the rain, we watched from the safety of the enclosed
porch. The rustling leaves and pounding rain,
the strong gusts and churning waves – for some reason I love storms.
bent the trees and lightening split the sky.
While I enjoy playing in the rain, we watched from the safety of the enclosed
porch. The rustling leaves and pounding rain,
the strong gusts and churning waves – for some reason I love storms.
The next morning revealed another
glorious day. The lake was like glass as
we paddled and glided among sunbathing turtles, a pair of loons and a loner (a
quick battle ensued) and several other kayakers. Calm.
Beautiful. Welcoming. A fully clothed swim revealed a top layer of
warm water and refreshingly chilly temps down around our toes. Just perfect!
glorious day. The lake was like glass as
we paddled and glided among sunbathing turtles, a pair of loons and a loner (a
quick battle ensued) and several other kayakers. Calm.
Beautiful. Welcoming. A fully clothed swim revealed a top layer of
warm water and refreshingly chilly temps down around our toes. Just perfect!
As we floated in the water, I asked
my friend for inspiration. “God is like
the lake”, she answered, “sometimes calm and peaceful, sometimes agitated and
angry, but always good and beautiful.”
my friend for inspiration. “God is like
the lake”, she answered, “sometimes calm and peaceful, sometimes agitated and
angry, but always good and beautiful.”
How does God reveal Himself to you
in nature? Where do you find paradise?
in nature? Where do you find paradise?
To comment, click the title at the top of this email then
comment at the bottom of the blog. If you’d like to comment privately,
you can email me at [email protected].
comment at the bottom of the blog. If you’d like to comment privately,
you can email me at [email protected].
4 Comments
Leave a Comment
Spend a few minutes to plant a quick Seed. Or stay longer and plant a whole garden.
Life is indeed a lot like that!!!! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for taking time to read Don. -Cathy
Nature is paradise. The beautiful flowers, the trees, the birds in the air all have a message to give. And God does reveal himself through nature.
For me, it is especially a mountain lake. My husband and I debate whether we prefer an ocean beach or mountain lake. Both are relaxing, beautiful and reveal God's character. Thanks for stopping by.