Back in the saddle again . . .

Hello out there! I am finally back to blogging and I think I am finally slowing down a little, though that is a relative thing these days.

Many thoughts to try to communicate. Last weekend my husband and I celebrated our 22nd anniversary. What a blessing it was to get away to Estes Park. Though it was only for 2 1/2 days, it was restful, joyful, meaningful, playful, romantic. From roaming the shops in town, to romantic evenings at the bed and breakfast, to deep discussions, to hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, it was all perfect. In a nutshell, it was hard to come home. :)

The absolute beauty at Rocky Mountain National Park was amazing. I hadn't been there in probably 10 years and the stunning vistas and clear lakes reflecting the jagged mountain peaks moved me deeply. There is something unique to being out in nature. It calms the heart and mind. It soothes and refreshes the soul. I hadn't realized how much I had missed that or how much I need it. Even back at our cabin at the B & B, we had some time to read our Bibles and reflect before our breakfast was delivered each morning. Sitting out on our little deck, basking in the morning sunshine, surrounded by rugged mountains and watching wildlife forage just a few feet away restored parts of me I didn't know were missing.

Being out in nature, away from the everyday demands of life, where it is quiet, I can hear so much more clearly and I get glimpses of how great our God is. The awesome Creator of the universe cares so deeply for the details in all of His creation. I saw incredible waterfalls thundering with tremendous power. I also saw delicate blue flowers gently swaying alongside a creek. From the gigantic boulders and imposing mountains to the quiet streams bordered by lacy ferns, I saw the hand of our Creator God. He delights in the details of creating beauty. He made this world for His pleasure and yet, it brings pleasure to us as well. How awesome to know that He created each of us with the same attention to detail for both the large and small things in our lives: from the obvious gifts to the smallest freckle hidden below our ear. And He delights in every part of us.

Blessings.