Columbia River Gorge, Washington looking to Oregon Isaiah 43:2 GNT When you pass through fire, you will not be burned; the hard trials that come will not hurt you. Smokey Bear has been on a mission of wildfire prevention since 1944. As a part of the WWII war effort following Pearl Harbor, the Forest…
Willamette National Forest, OR John 20:27 GNT Stop doubting and believe. I have a sticker that reads, “Bigfoot doesn’t believe in you either.” It’s been a long-standing joke in my family to keep your eyes open for Big Foot if we leave our high desert and travel over the mountain passes to the valley. According…
Psalm 121:8 NIV The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forever When embarking on a journey, short or long, we may wish our friends and family Safe Travels. Expanding that to mean, I hope your flight isn’t delayed or I hope you don’t have a flat tire or a multitude of various wishes…
Liam the Lizard (aka Gecko) Proverbs 18:24 ESV A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Liam the Lizard (actually a gecko) came to live at our house at the request of my son. I was impressed by the tiny creature’s abilities, and…
My dad’s painting purchased in Spain, painted with a knife Proverbs 15:1 NIV A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. “I HATE YOU!” I regretted screaming those words at my mother before the screen door ever closed behind me. I had no reason to be that angry with…
Ephesians 4:2 GNT Be always humble, gentle, and patient. Show your love by being tolerant with one another. I appreciate how much others love me with their patience and tolerance! I get so excited about the most random things that I burst out like Menthos in Diet Coke splattering my enthusiasm all over others like…
Northern Pygmy Owl Riley Ranch Nature Preserve, Bend, OR Proverbs 3:7 ESV Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. Ancient Greek, Roman, and European cultures have long associated the owl with wisdom. One theory suggests the round, glasses-looking, pensive eyes of an owl along with the bird’s…
Black Crater and horses, Black Butte Ranch, OR Psalm 42:5-6 NLT Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God! Before Elizabeth Taylor grew up to be a stunning, seductive Hollywood star, she was…
Philippians 4:8 NIV Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Watching an eclipse reminds us that when the chaos around us is roaring, remember to look up! Keep your eyes focused on…
Three Sisters Mountains, Sisters, OR John 14:2 NLT There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. Even though my mom has been gone from this earth for nearly 30 years, in my mind’s eye, I still see her sitting in her green chair reading a book. When I was far from home, at…
