Tag: Michigan

  • How’s the Weather?

    My friend posted a comment on Facebook, “What a beautiful day! Praise God from whom all blessings flow … God’s beauty is apparent in all weather conditions.” While some may complain about the cold and ice, she chooses to be positive and uplifting. Finding beauty can sometimes be a chore.      IMG_20150103_092214311_HDR

    You see, she’s home in the frigid, icy, white conditions up North in Michigan while my husband and I took a vacation down south. She could choose to be negative, but she doesn’t operate that way. For me, temperatures were warm enough to wear shorts and sandals. She and others didn’t note comments of jealously, but rejoiced with me.

    We can find beauty anywhere with an open heart. I’ve come to realize that beauty, as well as joy, doesn’t have to be contingent on circumstances or our environment. Joy is a choice. We choose to find beauty which leads to joy within.

    •  Look around you. Name a few things you see that make you think of “beauty.”
    • What type of emotions or feelings come forth as you view your surroundings?

    Dear God, thank you for Your handiwork in creating such beauty. We have so much to be thankful for! I want to be present in every moment and acknowledge the part You play in my daily life. Amen.

  • Beauty and Majesty on Mackinac Island

    I just returned from a dream-come-true mini vacation. Three days on Mackinac Island, located in the State of Michigan between the states’s upper and Lower Peninsula.

    The island is a national historic landmark and a motor-free environment since 1898. Only walkers, bicycles, and horses are permitted. The experience is truly stepping back in time. To top it all off, the 3.8 square miles in land (eight miles in circumference), the island is totally surrounded by water accessible only by boat or airplane. In the winter, snowmobiles are allowed if Lake Huron is frozen. More than 80% of the island remains preserved as Mackinac Island State Park.     purple flowers on Mackinaw Island (Copy)

    Whenever I visit the Island, it’s a brand-new experience for me. Riding the ferry over, I still marvel at the majestic landscape, hotels, and homes as we approach the dock. The distinct smell of horses hits my nose first. Followed by sweet smells of fudge, candy, and popcorn. Clothing and trinket shops abound.

    It’s only natural for me to get caught up in the pursuit of finding just the right souvenir. Will it be a shirt, hat, jacket or other item? Would this fit my grandchild? Or, so & so would love this!

    I see this/that and I either say out loud or to myself, Liberty, Elijah, and Ezekiel would have fun riding on a horse-drawn carriage. My daughter, sister, and nieces would love shopping in this jewelry or clothing shop. Look at those beautiful flowers — wouldn’t my Mom love to see those? And, she’d known exactly what they are called.  

    But there’s always a problem. Actually two problems.

    1. I want to bring back some token of the trip for everyone I know! And it’s difficult to know where to draw the line.
    2. I also would like family members and my friends to be there with me. Is that crazy or what?

    Whenever I see beauty or experience something unique or out-of-the-ordinary, this is where my mind goes. If only given enough time and money.

    Am I odd to wish my loved ones were there with me? Does anyone else ever think like this?

    Mackinaw Island Marina
    Mackinaw Island Marina

  • The God of All Creation

    “You blanketed earth with ocean, covered the mountains with deep waters; then you roared and the water ran away — your thunder crash put it to flight …  you set boundaries between earth and sea; never again will earth be flooded.” (Psalm 104:6–9; The Msg)

    Grand Haven pier (Michigan)
    Grand Haven pier (Michigan)

    Father, God, you are great and greatly to be praised!   

    All of creation stands ready at your beck and call. You didn’t just create beauty, but you continue to maintain control over land and sea. This created world brings joy and contentment to my heart in the midst of a confused and sometimes dark world.

    You also created each of us human beings uniquely. No two are exactly alike. We each have a story to tell. My story is different from my sister’s story, from my neighbor’s story and so on. That’s why it’s important to tell others my story of salvation and lessons learned along the walkway with God. I must share with my children and children’s children so they can be strengthened and encouraged to carry on.

    Help me, God, to live in the present. I realize that each day carries with it troubles of its own. My desire is to live in today and not borrow tomorrow’s troubles. Thank you for saving my soul and watching over each of us.

    Is there something troubling you today and causing you to remain immobile? Can you step aside for a period of time and tell God your heartache? He created you and he loves you best.

    ***

  • 1st day: Maranatha Christian Writers’ Conference

    Again, this year I’m privileged to attend the 34th Maranatha Christian Writers’ Conference.  Today, I met the first speaker of the day, Debbie Taylor Williams/Hill Country Ministries from Texas.  She shared with us that the greatest gift to give my children is to come and meet with God every morning.  At the end of her talk she prayed, but not standing up. She actually knelt and prayed and cried out to God. I appreciated her sincerity and openness.

    Bill Meyers’-Author topic: “Just Say Yes!” Promise to always say “yes” to God – no matter what! Key to my success: I’m a crybaby, a coward and a moron. And I’m someone who keeps saying “yes” to God regardless of how stupid it makes me feel.  

    Bill left us with the following question:  Do I want to eat Kibbles & Bits, or would I prefer to live more abundantly?

    “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord,” Colossians 4:23.

     ***

  • Day #17

                                                                                                                                       

    Steve and I rode the Lake Express from Milwaukee, Wisconsin over to Muskegon, Michigan.

    Lake Express docking station
    Steve waiting his turn to board the Lake Express
    Lake Express - Muskegon, Michigan
    Lake Express – Muskegon, Michigan

    I knew we were in trouble when I saw white caps on Lake Michigan and the first thing the stewards did was hand out sea sickness bags!

    Fortunately, neither Steve or I had the occasion to utilize the bags (however I was close).  Motorcycle in Lake Express holdAs we neared the ferry dock, we spotted a couple of tall ships docked also.  

    Bob, Vicki, and Angie, greeted us upon arrival at our marina in Muskegon—our own private welcome committee. They handed us a cold drink before we even climbed off our motorcycle. LYH Marina Welcome CommitteeHow’s that for service? If that wasn’t enough to be thankful we were home again, they prepared steak and fresh corn on the grill for dinner that evening.  Sure is great to be home again!  

    Muskegon Lake Lighhouse
    Hello Muskegon, Michigan!

    ***  

  • Today’s the Day!

    Road trip day – soon to begin.  Anticipation high and somewhat difficult to sleep. After tossing some in the early morning hours – decided it was time to rise and shine (even though the sun had not.)  My mind/brain kept adding just one more thing to do or cram into my bags.

    This evening: Muscatine, Iowa (355 miles from Grand Rapids, Michigan).  Plan to post again when arrive at our destination with Internet access. Until then, blessings to you all this day. 

    “The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:26).

    ***

  • It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…

    Long down coat–check; 2 layers under that–check; tall warm boots–check; scarf–check; Hood–check; Large goggle-like glasses–check (not for sun, but to reduce wind chill on face); Deer skin mittens–check.  Yup, guess I’m now ready to walk outdoors to clear my head and then be ready to write again!
     
    I’ve experienced my fresh-air fix for the day…my doc would be SO PROUD! As I glance at my reflection in the mirror, I imagine I’m a movie star hoping to avoid all media contacts.

    .

  • Fall – 2010 – Lower Michigan

    Hardy Dam, near Newago, Michigan

     

    Hig-h Rollaway Park-Newaygo, Michigan

    Leaves fall…Pine needles drop…Just like loosing a friend…Summer’s drawing to a close…Winter’s just around the bend!

    .

  • Picture of calm

     

    Pictured Rocks at sunset
    Miner's Beach near Munising, Michigan

    Picturesque.  Calm and serene.  Untouched.  Set apart from human spoiling.

    It’s amazing to me that the setting remains virtually the same whenever I return whether in 5, 10, or 20 years. 

    Steadfast.  Faithful.  Vigilant winds toss young saplings and mature, strong trees just the same.  Do I hear the Maker of the winds say, “I may be strong and mighty, but compassionate and caring when it comes to my people.”

    “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.”  (Psalm 24:1)

    .

  • Jet Lag?

    Is it possible to experience jet lag traveling from Michigan to Minnesota (duration 5 days) via an automobile?

    Boy, I sure feel it today! Regardless of the “where did March go while I was away?” feeling, Steve and I had an absolutely marvelous visit with our two precious (and favorite) grandchildren and our son, Andrew, and his wife, Bethany.  More to follow on our trip…

     .