Countless raindrops

The past week has been so lovely with its rain and clouds.  I have this thing for rain, cold weather, and clouds, which really grates on some of my friends and family members who are sun-only type of people.  Sometimes I can be almost obsessive about this type of weather.   It always gives me cause for long, wistful looks out the window as the clouds grow darker and the rain falls more heavily.  Last summer I wrote a blog on rain and pluviophiles, probably because I was dreaming of escaping the summer heat that was causing me to melt away.

But rain and clouds don't only produce happiness and relaxation.  They are definitely visually artistic and pleasing, too.  Raindrops are like thousands of tiny magnifying glasses that hang on to each leaf, gutter, and window.  They sit on leaves and flowers in little shiny, clear balls, waiting to be noticed.  After one of our rains earlier this week, I went outside with the camera and a mission to take pictures that would represent rain...and I found raindrops basking everywhere, still hanging around long after the rainfall.  What's not to admire?

"Before the Throne of God Above" is a good hymn to go to, particularly if you are overwhelmed by your sin.  It speaks of the life and hope we have because God has removed the fear and death.  It's hard to imagine, but we are actually united--one--with Him.  This doesn't mean that He overlooks sin, but He is eager to forgive when we are ready to recognize it.  He is always there for us when we are ready to admit our inadequacy.  Because He is enough.

Before the throne of God above

I have a strong, a perfect plea;

A great High Priest, whose name is Love,

Who ever lives and pleads for me.

My name is graven on His hands,

My name is written on His heart;

I know that while in heav'n He stands

No tongue can bid me thence depart.

(Can you imagine your name being written on His hand?! His love has no limit.)

When Satan tempts me to despair,

And tells me of the guilt within,

Upward I look, and see Him there

Who made an end of all my sin.

Behold Him there! the risen Lamb!

My perfect, spotless righteousness,

The great unchangeable I AM,

The King of glory and of grace.

(because of Him we are made righteous.  It is hard to imagine being righteous, but this is what He has come to be and do for us.)

One with Himself, I cannot die;

My soul is purchased by His blood;

My life is hid with Christ on high,

With Christ, my Savior and my God.

(We aren't just saved by God. We are ONE with Him!  He has truly humbled Himself to allow us--sinners--to be so connected with the God of all creation.  We are free because of Him.)

The newest member

Chara likes to be one of the bunch, and they usually don't mind.

Last summer I wrote about our beasts who have now been with us for almost 2 years!  Let me just say that my past 2 years would have been much more dull without Polly, Wally, and Doodle.  I have learned that I can run fast and do interesting stunts when my life is in danger; that fencing takes frequent repair; that Scottish Highlands have no respect for any fencing other than electric (the picture below is only for the effect; it does nothing to keep the cows under control.); that I can be much braver with horned beasts than I originally thought was possible; and that they have been a lot of fun and hard work.  Some days these guys would behave so badly that my parents would threaten to get rid of them, but the fun they bring outweighs the bother.

By some act of impulsive thinking, our cows were named Polly, Wally, and Doodle (named after the song) before we ever saw them.  The names stuck, even though we planned to change them.  It worked out well for the first year or so because we actually spent a majority of each day trying to out-smart the cows as they ran farther and farther from home; thus they were truly "all the day."  

Well, enough about the cows' origin.  I have better news to share!  On Wednesday a new member was added to our cow family.  Our first good look at Grasshopper was just a few minutes after he was born.  "Grasshopper?" you ask?  We knew we couldn't break the name theme now, but the song doesn't specialize in boy names.  I won't bore you with the whole song (which doesn't make any sense), but here's the verse to prove that "grasshopper" is mentioned in there:

"Oh a grasshopper sitting on a railroad track,

Sing Polly, Wolly, Doodle all the day.

A picking his teeth with a carpet tax,

Sing Polly, Wolly, Doodle all the day."

Since Grasshopper joined the family, the cows have gotten a lot more attention.  Wally likes the frequent feedings of "cow candy" so we can have undisturbed time watching Polly and Grasshopper.

Day 1: A tiny, wet cow on a cloudy, rainy day

One of these days Grasshopper will learn that he can't cross under the fencing painlessly anymore.

Doodle isn't so sure about his "big brother" status.  Maybe he feels left out.

Braving the rain and curious looks from Chara for the first time.

Grasshopper seems to be well protected.

Day 2: Polly hid out in the back of the field, so we had to walk through the tall, wet grass to get a look at our new baby.

Polly does not appreciate the curious looks and barks from Chara.  But Chara is still getting used to the new member and isn't quite sure what to think.  So she stands there barking, making Polly upset and skittish.
I have a feeling that Grasshopper and Chara will become fast friends when Polly is less protective.

Wally doesn't know what all the attention is for and why the camera keeps showing up all of the sudden.

Day 3: We got one distanced peek 

Day 4: Polly neglected Grasshopper long enough for us to sneak in a pet as he laid in the tall grass.

Many waters

 

A couple weeks ago a few family members and those 2 suspicious girls I had previously mentioned, Kea and Anna, took a little trip to the Murhut Falls just up the road from us.  I don't know how many times I have been to this waterfall in the past 3 years, but it's still fun every time.  I don't know that I've ever been there without crossing the river, playing on the rocks, and feeling the mist and wind off the fast-falling water.  You know, creation never stops being amazing.
I'm always impressed by the power of water, even in the sound. In Revelation God's voice is compared to the sound of many waters.  Strong.  Bold.  Powerful.  And a lovely, refreshing sound to those who do not have to be afraid.
I'm also thankful for an adventurous, "out-there" family who thoroughly enjoys life with me.

Ashnah

Elijah and Ashnah making the best of the cold.

Tirzah, Anna, and me.

Grandma keeping warm in the windy, wet conditions.

Auntie Tirzah and Ashnah

Caleb and the "big kids."

Those of us who made it through the water, up a rock side, and to the waterfall itself.

Caleb, Tirzah, and I behind the waterfall.
Rermember to always wear bright colors if you want to be seen in distant pictures. (Cheers for orange!)

Tirzah, Caleb, and I braving the slippery rocks and logs.

Caleb's family without Gideon
Elijah, Caleb, Kassie, and Ashnah

The whole party minus Gideon.  The selfie has been perfected to a max.  Bam.
Caleb, Kassie, Ashnah, Mom, Elijah, Tirzah, Kea, Anna, me!

Triple falls!

It's a spring thing

He is good, He is good.

His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.

He is good, He is good.

His love endures forever.

Give thanks, for He is good.

For His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds, 

Give thanks, give thanks to the Lord.

He is good, He is good.

His love endures forever.

Give thanks, for He is good.

Although the words to "He is good" are rather simple, they are full of truth and peace.  The words and tune together are so calming and seem to just welcome reflection. 

In the past year or so I often have had to tell myself "He is good!" again and again.  I need this reminder a lot, because sometimes life seems overwhelming, and I start to wonder where God is and why He is allowing various events.  Yet He remains ever faithful and good...always.  Yes, He allows painful things to happen, but that is refinement.  Dross keeps gold from being valuable.  In the same way, God cleans out the dirty things of our lives to make us beautiful and valuable in Him.

Even in hard times, we can know without doubt that God is indeed good.  He doesn't take breaks from being good.  He is always there for us.  Even in very painful situations, we can continue to say "HE IS GOOD," because it will never stop being true.

Excuse all the pictures of flowers.  :)  Every spring I find myself in awe at the new life of plants and trees.  Besides, flowers are so complex, each in their own way.  It's hard to ignore creation and the wonder of God.  Imagine what His care for you looks like if He designs each individual flower.   

Pictures of Chara have been rather lacking lately.  She doesn't like to sit still for long, especially if I try to get her attention.  But she's still quite cute and eager to learn and make friends.