textures

hunting for monarchs

We went hunting for monarchs

but found none,

only this green grasshopper,

some lovely dragonflies,

delicate wildflowers,

golden rod and purple asters,

yellow milkweed and green grasses

bright blue ponds,

and an autumn sky....

morning glory

It stretches and climbs,

wraps itself around stems and rails,

absolutely anything within grasp.

Its goal to reach upward and beyond,

and there to bloom.

Sweet flower,

you have bloomed in every garden of mine,

perhaps I can learn a lesson from you.

Upward and beyond to bloom.

Vacation Prayer

Loving Father, who didst make this earth so fair, open our eyes to see its wonders and our hearts to feel its beauty. In our days of refreshment and recreation, draw us nearer to Thee through the things which Thou hast made. May the joy of Thy sunshine, the quiet of Thy forests, the murmur of Thy streams, and the steadfast strength of Thine everlasting hills teach us the deep secret of Thy peace.

Renew in us faith and courage, physical strength and spiritual vision, that we may know ourselves to be safely held in Thy strong hands.

From this life, so near to Nature's heart my we drink in new strength to help us reach the restless hearts of men. May we go back to the world and its duties, stronger, simpler, sweeter, and thus become more worthy messengers of Him who saw His Father's goodness in the sparrow's flight and His Father's love in the beauty which clothes the lilies of the field.

Hugh L. Burleson

Camping with the little ones, in the quiet of a September Provincial Park, is a wonderful opportunity to teach and to learn. Art, theology, science, geography, and history all twisted together with recreation.

I am thankful for this opportunity to teach my children.

bible story

Abraham's children glowing beyond the forest canopy.

Adam's child dancing with the heavenly throng.

recreation

Sky

sand

"sea".

Warm Erie waters,

beautiful Long Point beach.

Skipping,

swimming,

shouting.

Giddy with gratitude.

geography

Port Rowan harbour. A lovely place to explore fishing boats and learn about harbours, inlets, peninsulas.

science

Discovering the beauty of pond life, flora and fauna with opa.

Feeling much like a child, walking, looking, discovering creation with my dad.

What a blessing to share this with the little ones.

What flower is this? Look at how intricately it is created!

Look how the pond is receeding.

Listen? Is that a wild turkey?

Smell the forest!

Feel the texture on this mushroom.

"Taste and see the goodness of the Lord!"

the woods

There is something about walking in the woods that refreshes, that relaxes. As the muscles work the eyes open and the lungs inhale deeply and...the spirit is rejuvenated.

It is a place where we discover mushrooms, woodland flowers, ancient pines and mighty oaks. Here we can hear the elusive birds. Marvel at creation.

late summer camping

In September the campers have mostly gone back to work and back to school.

Its just us and a handful of retirees in the provincial park.

A beautiful time to take nature walks, swim in the warm waters of lake Erie, and stargaze.

Opportunities to learn from creation around us.

september morning

glory in the morning

in a nutshell

The pigtailed girl squeezed my hand and sighed, "When I see the beautiful world that God has made for us it makes everything better".

Amen!