View of Mountain Springs from House/Goff Ranch
I love my four-wheeler, and we have taken many rides through the years with friends--sometimes on their property. Those trips "off the beaten path" are always exhilarating and a little nerve racking! Nothing is ever flat!! But the scenery is unbelieveably beautiful. I am grateful to them for sharing with us.
Our trip today started from the house (you can see our house at the very top of the picture). We made a short drive on the highway before turning off, unlocking the gate, and making our way slowly (in "Grannie gear" for me!) down the muddy mountain. The rocky road lead us around the pond and across an earthen dam. The dam is about 100 feet tall and very narrow. We always wonder if it will survive the next heavy rainfall. It was muddy today. As I crossed, I could see little sections of earth that had caved in on the sides during the snow melt. Then we traveled slowly up the other side of the mountain and through another gate to the open pastures. A herd of curious black cows rushed to meet us thinking we were bringing hay.
We made our way through the pastures once covered with snow--now covered with mud and muck, and then on to the top where the view anytime of year is breathtaking! We stopped and look back at the mountain where our house and cabin and the neighbors' places look much like a spot on a Google map. Below our mountain, you can see the road as it winds around the edge and drops down into the valley.
I am always in awe at the view. The sky was a brilliant azure blue with no clouds. The blue touched the brown and gray of the pastures and bare woods in a clear line across the horizon. I always say a prayer of thanks for the opportunity to see such a sight as this. When I look in the opposite direction, there is an old barn and bare oak tree silhouletted against that blue sky background. Another "thank you, Lord." We also thank our neighbors who graciously allow us to tresspass on their beautiful farm!
It is still just January, and many more cold days ahead. "Let it snow, let it snow!" Sitting by the fire in a cozy house, under a warm blanket with a cup of hot tea in hand on a cold day also ellicits a "Thank you, Lord". We are all so blessed.
As I write this, I hear our television news report on the heartbreaking stories coming from Haiti. Please join me in prayer for all the brave people there who are devastated by the earthquake. Pray for the volunteers and workers who will try to make some headway in relieving their suffering. Pray for our United States of America!
The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
a refuge in times of trouble.
And those who know Your name
will put their trust in You;
for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.
Psalm 9:9-10
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