Sunday morning we had the first hard frost of the season—followed by a warming sun to give us the classic leaf fall in which the leaves seem to leap from the branch and carpet everything below. The first half hour after sunrise on a frosty morning would put Chicken Little into a virtual panic. Our Cascade township was indeed the home of a massive leaf cascade.
I was out early enough to feel like it was just me and the Creator enjoying up close the striking beauty created by moist air freezing leaving its lattice work on all vegetation. Like Job, I was made to understand again that it was not the hand of man who splashed the landscape with such beauty and I could only remain speechless at the wonder:
Who has cleft a channel for the torrents of rain and a way for the thunderbolt, to bring rain on a land where no man is, on the desert in which there is no man, to satisfy the waste and desolate land, and to make the ground sprout with grass? “Has the rain a father, or who has begotten the drops of dew? From whose womb did the ice come forth, and who has given birth to the frost of heaven? (Job 38:25-29 ESV).
See you outdoors!
Dean
Blackberry
Crabapple
Burdock
Maple leaves
Thistle
Apple sapling
October 13th, 2009 at 9:40 am
That is real beauty, and no matter where we may be, God’s hand can be seen, as Job so aptly said.
Down here in western NC, we’ve recovered from several years of drought, and I’m reminded of many verses that tell how God is in control of the weather. One of my favorites comes also from the book of Job, chapter 36: 26-33
26Behold, God is great, and we know him not; the number of his years is unsearchable. 27For he draws up the drops of water; they distill his mist in rain, 28which the skies pour down and drop on mankind abundantly.
29Can anyone understand the spreading of the clouds, the thunderings of his pavilion?
30Behold, he scatters his lightning about him and covers the roots of the sea. 31For by these he judges peoples; he gives food in abundance. 32He covers his hands with the lightning and commands it to strike the mark. 33Its crashing declares his presence.
Even though Elihu may have been confused about the reasons for Job’s calamity, his exaltation of God’s sovereignty regarding the weather is right on.
So this weekend, even with a threat of showers (thanks Lord for every drop you’ve sent our way) our Troop of scouts will be camping and enjoying whatever weather He so desires for us.
October 13th, 2009 at 9:48 am
Scout on, Bob!
You are doing a great work.
Dean
October 14th, 2009 at 11:55 am
Beautiful pics. People who don’t get along with pollen are breathing a sigh of relief. It is a beautiful time of the year; its own unique beauty. And we need to celebrate it.
Thanks, Dean.