The colors of the sunset on this evening reminded me of our flag. Remembering on this Veterans Day all those who have served our country. Veterans Day is observed on the 11th month, 11th day and 11th hour – when the Armistice went into effect in World War I.
“All we have of freedom; all we use or know – This our fathers bought for us long and long ago.” ~Unknown
I never tire of looking toward the west to see the lighting, shapes and colors which combine to create a unique masterpiece in the evening sky.
“How great is it to live under a sky that is repainted every day by the greatest artist.” ~Unknown
Since our house faces the west, we get to see some beautiful sunsets when we step out on the porch in the evening. Between our house and the sunset stands a tree. There was a time when it was a pretty tree with two long, full branches and companion trees standing at its side. However, at least a couple of times over the last few years, straight-line winds have come through and done major damage to parts of the tree and taken out some of the other trees. Still, today, the tree is thriving, and continues to stand strong in the foreground of many a sunset photo.
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Watching a beautiful sunset over neighboring farm fields is always a good way to end the day.
“Sometimes I need only to stand where I am to be blessed.” ~Mary Oliver
After spending a lot of time in the house, we got out last night and walked on our country road shortly before sunset. The beauty of the clouds at sunset, the colorful meadow flowers and the full pink moon were refreshing. I have to say the walk was good for my soul.
“Walking is good for the soul.” ~Andy Rooney
“Decorate my soul with spring. Fill its depth with lovely things.” ~Angie Weiland-Crosby
“Nature’s palette is calming to the soul.” ~Unknown
“There is a serene and settled majesty to woodland scenery that enters into the soul and delights and elevates it, and fills it with noble inclinations.” ~Washington Irving
“I was surrounded by life and beauty. My soul was content, and my life felt full.” ~Jennifer Pharr Davis
“A little bit of country is good for the soul.” ~Unknown
“A daily dose of daydreaming heals the heart, soothes the soul, and strengthens the imagination.” ~Richelle E. Goodrich
“A walk in nature walks the soul back home.” ~Mary Davis
“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God … because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.” ~Anne Frank
This is one of my favorite places to watch the sun set at Reelfoot Lake. On this day, as I watched the lake reflect the golden color of the sky, two eagles which had previously gone undetected suddenly took flight. It was all quite a lovely sight and a free gift for the taking.
One midnight, deep in starlight still,
I dreamed that I received this bill:
… Five thousand breathless dawns all new;
Five thousand flowers fresh in dew;
Five thousand sunsets wrapped in gold;
One-million snow-flakes served ice-cold;
Five quiet friends; one baby’s love;
One white-mad sea with clouds above;
One hundred music-haunted dreams
Of moon-drenched roads and hurrying streams;
Of prophesying winds, and trees;
Of silent stars and browsing bees;
One June night in a fragrant wood;
One heart that loved and understood.
I wondered when I waked at day,
How—how in God’s name—I could pay!”
~
My favorite time to walk on our country road is shortly before the sun goes down. Each sunset has its own color and design as the light of day fades away.
“God is always seeking you. Every sunset. Every clear blue sky. Each ocean wave. The starry hosts of night. He blankets each new day with the invitation, ‘I am here.’” ~Louie Giglio
The sunsets this past week have really been beautiful. They inspire me to walk out into God’s great cathedral and praise Him for His goodness. Occasionally an old song that I didn’t even remember that I knew, will well up. The other night, I found myself singing this old Disney song, “Johnny Appleseed (The Lord is Good to Me)”. Whether it was out loud, or just in my head, I’m not sure, but it described well my feelings at the time.
Oh, the Lord’s been good to me.
And so I thank the Lord
For giving me the things I need:
The sun, the rain and the appleseed;
Oh, the Lord’s been good to me.
~ Kim Gannon and Walter Kent
““Peace is seeing a sunset, and knowing who to thank.” ~Unknown
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” ~C. S. Lewis
walking on a country road 