The Lord’s Paintbrush

“As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.” Genesis 8:22 (NLT)

Today Dale and I headed for the hills. Actually we drove to North Carolina to pick up some apples. It’s that season, after all.

As we drove towards Hendersonville, the Blue Ridge Mountains enveloped the landscape. I love mountains. They hold peace to me. I get very calm when heading there. Today was no exception.

The closer we got to the exit the richer the colors became. God has had His paintbrush out, dabbing a bit of yellow here and a bit of red there. The colors are not peak colors yet, but nonetheless, they were beautiful.

Looking out over Lake Lure, NC

We meandered today, we took our time, enjoying the company of each other and the day.

After apples, we headed to Lake Lure for lunch. Our restaurant over looked the lake and the mountains. It was a perfect day to dine alfresco, but we ate inside as our stomachs could not wait any longer for the outside and view.

The photos do not do justice to the view, but you get the idea. A beautiful fall day, filled with apples, food, great company and the artistry of our Creator, what could be better?

Anchored in the Rock

Last week we took a trip to Looking Glass Falls in North Carolina. It was a beautifully sunny day, although the wind at times was brisk.

I took many photos of the falls, and then my eye caught sight of this tree.

This tree was literally growing out of the rock. The roots appeared glued into the rocks around it. It was at the edge of the water and was majestic.

“They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.” Jeremiah 17:8 (NLT)

When I saw this tree, I thought of this verse. A tree planted by the water. It’s roots go down deep where we cannot see. It is fixed in it’s position. It withstands the wind and the rain and snow. It remains firm.

We need to remember where our roots are. Are they anchored in solid rock? Do we hold fast to the promises of God? Or, are our roots in shallow ground where they can be plucked away?

“On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand.” This hymn is a declaration of how we should attempt to live. Anchored. Firmly Planted. Fixed. Healed.