No Place Like Home

"There is nothing like this anywhere!" said Ian. 

"Do you mean nothing so beautiful?" asked Alister.

"No; I mean just what I say: there is nothing like it. I do not care a straw whether one scene be more or less beautiful than another; what I do care for is—its individual speech to my soul. I feel towards visions of nature as towards writers. If a book or a prospect produces in my mind a mood that no other produces, then I feel it individual, original, real, therefore precious. If a scene or a song play upon the organ of my heart as no other scene or song could, why should I ask at all whether it be beautiful? A bare hill may be more to me than a garden of Damascus, but I love them both."

What's Mine's Mine by George MacDonald

History Studies

Over a year ago I wrote about a big book I was reading in my sauna-treatment hours. With that reading completed months ago, I am on to one that may be even thicker.

For years I have thought about pulling out my high-school history books again since biographies and other books often spark questions about their times in history. Better yet, I decided to buy a new set of high-school history curriculum to enjoy. (Once a homeschooler, always a homeschooler... at least for my family and me!)

This American history - beginning with a quick overview from ancient history through the European discovery of the Americas - has much for me to add to my "Book of the Centuries." We didn't use those timelines much back in our school days, but here are a few highlights already in my binder.

Some may find history dry and boring, but I find it both interesting and encouraging. Even the books of Deuteronomy and Chronicles. When we can see how God has worked through faulty people and trying times in the past, we can trust Him better for the present.

"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."
Romans 15:4

A Catastrophic Anniversary

Forty years ago this month Mt. St. Helens erupted.

About a dozen years later our family set out to hike close up to the still-rumbling crater. Though one camera with all its photos was stolen where we left a backpack "hidden" along that barren path, we still have great memories!

Check out this interesting summary of the history of Mt. St. Helens and how it has turned into an important help for understanding geologic processes.

Colorful Growth

April 14th: Elsa and I got to visit the greenhouse
where Dad and Mom had already been helping
for several weeks. I love all the colors and textures of coleus!
At this point they remind me of viewing fields
from an airplane.

 

That day we also noticed weeks of growth
in our little nephew.

May 15th: My, how they've all grown!

A Look Back at February - Part VII

Another day in February we took a step back in history on the Kingsley Plantation.

(For my readers who also enjoy my sister's blog, I apologize for the repetition.)

We enjoyed the display showcasing the historic crop of this plantation - Sea Island Cotton.

The plantation house is no grand edifice as we read of in other parts of the south. It is smaller than many homes today but has a great view of the waterways that connect nearby with the Atlantic Ocean.

Behind the house and across what were once plantation fields stand the remains of the tabby-built slave cabins. 

What a mixed-up history the Kingsley family had as the master married and freed one slave woman who then became a slave owner with her own plantation as well.

Just down the road, also on Fort George Island, stands a different part of Florida's history - as a retreat for the wealthy.

The Ribault Club had some famous visitors, including Winston Churchill.

Driving a few miles back to our campsite, we enjoyed the present with a hot carob drink around the cosy campfire.

Sunshine!

Isn't it amazing what a shaft of 

sunlight can do for any view?!

Recently sunshine has been making me stop 

and take another look at my surroundings.

"Walking in sunlight all of my journey,

Over the mountains, through the deep vale;

Jesus has said, "I'll never forsake thee,"

Promise divine that never can fail.

"Heavenly sunlight, heavenly sunlight,

Flooding my soul with glory divine;

Hallelujah! I am rejoicing,

Singing His praises, Jesus is mine."

Hymn lyrics by Henry J. Zelley, 1899

Seeing with New Eyes

As I mentioned earlier, 

learning to watercolor is certainly 

opening my eyes anew to 

the wonders of God's creation.

"Loved with everlasting love,

Led by grace that love to know;

Gracious Spirit from above, 

Thou has taught me it is so!

O, this full and perfect peace!

O, this transport all divine!

In a love which cannot cease, 

I am His, and He is mine.

reference photo from our 2011 trip to Glacier Ntnl. Park

"Heav'n above is softer blue,

Earth around is sweeter green!

Something lives in every hue

Christless eyes have never seen:

Birds with gladder songs o'erflow,

Flow'rs with deeper beauties shine,

Since I know, as now I know,

I am His, and He is mine.

First and second tries

"Things that once were wild alarms

Cannot now disturb my rest;

Closed in everlasting arms,

Pillowed on the loving breast.

O, to lie forever here,

Doubt and care and self resign,

While He whispers in my ear,

I am His, and He is mine.

"His forever, only His;

Who the Lord and me shall part?

Ah, with what a rest of bliss

Christ can fill the loving heart!

Heav'n and earth may fade and flee,

Firstborn light in gloom decline;

But while God and I shall be,

I am His, and He is mine.

- George W. Robinson, 1890

First try

Second try