Summer's Peace

 

I have photographed the chapel in the field behind us many times, and I love how the trees framed it this summer. This is a close-up, as the chapel is a bit further away then this photo shows, but I wanted to get another shot to remember our view of it. The field behind us will be getting developed in the months to come, and eventually new houses will block our view of the field and the chapel. Time often brings changes, and this is one change I am not looking forward to, yet I understand it and will adjust. We knew when we moved here it would happen one day; we just hoped it would be several more years before we lost the view.

 

Hopefully, there will be several more moments to photograph the field and the chapel before they fade out of our sight.

 

 

Many times, we have left from a visit with our extended family members in the Midwest with our memories and photographs to keep us until we see them again. I cherish these photographs, for they help to keep my memory of this time together clearer.

 

I have found many if the words of our Savior a comfort when change happens in my life. I share these words in John 14:27 as a reminder that He alone brings us peace. In this world of change, He is our one and only constant.

 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.

I do not give to you as the world gives.

Do not let your hearts be troubled

and do not be afraid.

John 14:27

 

Where does My Help Come From?

 

We live 60 miles from Red Lodge, MT, billed as

"The Gateway to Yellowstone Park via the Beartooth Highway."

Indeed, it is a beautiful drive through this part of Montana up to the summit  into
Wyoming and over to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone Park.

 

To get up the Beartooths to the Summit, you are aided up the steep climb by the road of switchbacks,
and this photo shows what they look like...

 

 

When we are at the base of the mountain, the Beartooths seem to be overwhelmingly difficult to drive over without the help of switchbacks. The road climbs slowly and it turns one direction to the opposite direction, making the climb easier to do. This "switchbacking" makes the climb not only easier, but the views are fantastic,
with each turn a new, awe-inspiring view of the mountains.

 

If I were to walk the Beartooth Highway, it would be an arduous task,
and I am sure I would want to give up before reaching the peak.

 

Life seems like that sometimes.

 

The "mountains" we climb may not be the Beartooths,

but they may be overwhelming at times.

These mountains may be as mundane as

a week's laundry to do,

a test to study for,

or the pile of paperwork on a desk.

 

Or, these mountains may be so big

that we cannot see the peak because of the clouds,

the summit where we may claim victory seems out of reach

due to difficulties and hardships such as;

illness,

divorce,

the death of a loved one,

and overwhelming financial problems,

just to name a few.

 

But God, in His infinite wisdom, knows we cannot climb these mountains

without His help. He will lead us up these mountains as the switchbacks

lead travelers up the Beartooth Highway.

He will provide the way through His word.

 

 

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip—
    He who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, He who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm—
    He will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.

Psalm 121:1-8