Snow Birds and Maine Coons

Good Sunday morning to ya,


I can't begin to tell you how excited I was when I woke up this morning to a dusting of snow.  It really made all the little snow birds pop with color. There were Cardinals, BlueJays, Nuthatches, Wrens and so many others. I know I'm gonna have to stock up on my bird seed.

My trusty companion, Harper, was running all over the place this morning.  Harper is my Maine Coon. She stays inside and tries her very best to charm the birds right through the glass. As I type this, she's on "point", looking out the window. It really is true that Maine Coons are very dog-like!!  I would not be surprised to hear her bark!!

Animals can be such a blessing!

I pray that everyone has a wonderful Sunday. The temperature is dropping. So, don't forget to take a little extra care for your outside pets. Fresh water, warm bedding, delicious chow and bring em in on those super cold nights!!  Thanks for stopping by. Until next time, Harper says "meow."

God Bless~

Black Bears and Safaris

So, I just got back from vacationing in Pigeon Forge, TN.  I love it down there. I honestly think I could retire and move to the mountains and become a hermit.  Maybe my posts would become more regular...lol

It was a fantastic trip. We took our time getting there. Of course, I had to snap a gazillion pictures. Once we arrived at our cabin we found ourselves facing 35 steps to get to the porch. Yes, it was a climb, but the view was gorgeous once you huffed and puffed your way to the top. The Lord gave us gorgeous weather the entire way there and back.

Our first excursion was a trip to a place called Circle G Ranch. If you ever get the chance to visit, do it. It's a drive through Safari and the animals come right up to your window. We bought some pellets to feed them and away we went. 120 acres of Water Buffalos, Red Deer, Donkeys, Camels, Goats, tons of exotic animals that I can't name. All of the animals were unique and had tons of personality. However, I fell in love with the Alpacas. Who Knew?!

The next day we went to Cade's Cove. It wasn't until after we left the park that we saw our first and only black bear.  She was a beauty. People had stopped on both sides of the rode and were taking pictures and video. It was amazing.  For me, it made the trip perfect. Black Bears and a Safari all in one trip.







Needless to say, I had a blast. The mountains were on fire with color...just another reminder of God's love for us. The animals were so sweet and friendly. I would definitely go back to Circle G Ranch.

Quite honestly, sitting by the river on those giant rocks was amazing. Just finding that moment of stillness inside yourself and letting God speak through all creation....that's what it's all about.

If I get a chance I'll post some more vacation pics.

Until next time...have a wonderful day.

God Bless~

New Pics in The Shop

Hello everyone!

Hope you all have been enjoying this gorgeous Fall weather. I have added some new pics in my Etsy shop. Hope you can check em out.


Here is the first pic

Here is the second pic!



Thanks so much!

Beyond The Veil

What do we do when a loved one passes beyond the veil of this life? What can we do? Mourn, remember, celebrate. Life on Earth passes so quickly. Sometimes that can be a blessing. If we see our loved ones suffering and fading away. Still, even when we know the parting is coming soon, there is nothing we can do to prepare.

Oh, we can make arrangements and get papers in order. We can divvy up the keepsakes and heirlooms. But emotionally, what do we do? We are left hurting and empty. Hoping we said all we needed to say. Or maybe, wishing we would have said "I love You" one more time. We start second guessing everything we did, telling ourselves we could have done more, said more, been around more. It's perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed with the could haves and should haves.

However, in the midst of our hurting and grieving there is a silent listener to our crying. A strong and steady anchor holding us together. An ever-present comforter waiting for us to call on Him. Just whisper his name. Jesus. And He will take you in His arms so fast. You will experience peace like you have never known. 

Truly, I have no words that can describe the peace and comfort that I experienced when my mamaw and papaw passed. Nothing in this world can give you that. Not your spouse, your children, your pets, alcohol, drugs...you name it. There is nothing or no one but Jesus that can give you that peace.

I pray that you find that peace. I pray that your heart be lifted from the burden of unanswered questions and second guesses. Be gentle with yourself and remember This Too Shall Pass!!

For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor  powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8 38-39

Feeling Like a Kid

Isn't it funny how a pile of leaves can turn any adult into a 6 year old?!  I was heading out my driveway this morning and the whole lane was covered in bright, yellow leaves. I just couldn't resist. I floored the car and split those leaves wide open.  Yes. I was giggling the whole time and no I didn't mess up anyone's hard work. These leaves were hot off the branch!

I was feeling like a kid all over again. It made my heart light. I think as  an adult we have to relish those moments when we find them.  We get so weighed down with work, family, our health, bills, trying to decide if we can get through one more winter before replacing all four tires. It's nice to find a moment where all those worries disappear and a twinge of childhood innocence sneaks in, taps us on the shoulder and says, "tag! You're it!"

All that worry. And worry is such a waste of good energy but we all do it.  I read a sign once that said, "worry ends where faith begins." Boy, ain't that the truth!!  I try my best to surrender daily to Jesus all my cares, worries, plans...everything!  Seems like worrying is the first thing to raise its ugly head.  Still, when the going gets tough, I know Jesus is there and will get me through anything.

Matthew 6:25-34

Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 

Always Count Your Blessings!

I'm gonna try to not worry this weekend!  And should I start to feel the pull of anxiety...I'll remember to count my blessings!  That should put things in perspective!

Thanks for stopping in and taking time to read my ramblings.  I pray you have a wonderful day today!  

Laugh. Smile. Sing a song!

~ God bless

Ramblings of a Tired Mind

Ahhhh, I'm sitting in the recliner drinking a fantastic cup of coffee from McDonalds. Sometimes they get it right....sometimes they're not even close. However, tonight they are baby bear soup!! Aka...Just right!!

And so the day closes with my cat, Harper, curled up on her bed looking out the window. I hear the crickets and every now and then see a bird flutter by, which drives Harper crazy!! I love the crickets!

I close my eyes and can picture myself as a youngster. Playing until the edge of dark, chasing lightening bugs and any other critter that would give chase. Well, except for grasshoppers!! But that's another story!

~ ~ ~

We picked up some apples at a local shop that is "famous" in these parts for its cider and apple butter.  Oh how I love fresh picked apples.  In fact, I would love to try my hand at making an apple crisp. If you know any good recipes let me know.  Me making my way around the kitchen is like a scuba diver trying on a parka....yeah...it's that bad!





I have so much I would like to get done but I'm having a hard time getting in gear. Ever have those days? At any rate, I'm feeling so very blessed. I pray you are too.


So, I shall leave you with this scripture.

Psalm 23:1

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Most of us are familiar with this Psalm. However, I challenge you to really think about this one line. Understand the depths of what it means. I welcome all comments!

Thanks for stopping in. Have a great night.

God bless,
Rachel

Rejoice in The Day

Ya know, we were out in the Jeep yesterday taking every back road we could find, just trying to get lost. The day was so gorgeous. How could one not rejoice in the day? We saw fields of gold, red and green. Hay rolled into tight little balls that dotted the horizon. Lakes and creeks and streams.




We were already taking our time but we slowed even more as we came upon some Amish buggies. They waved and smiled as we cautiously passed them. I loved hearing the clopping of the horses.


We continued on our way, both of us silent and simply taken by the beauty of the day. The sun streaked through the clouds creating a Heavenly canvas.

When we did talk, we spoke about how blessed we are in our lives. How the Lord has provided us with everything we need! We talked about the things making headlines....Isis, Syria, Terrorism, hunger.

All those things that seem insurmountable. However, we both quickly reminded one another of God's promises. And as usual one of my favorite versus sprang to mind...

 John 16:33 


These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

After all the horrible news and disasters, all the tribulations, the Lord is saying...be of good cheer!! I have overcome the world!  It makes me feel so small. It makes the world feel small too. However, I'm reminded that I know how this story turns out. I know the ending. I know the plot line, the antagonist, the hero and the love interest! I praise God for that love.


Well, until next time, have a great day. Smile. Love. Surrender. Rejoice in The Day.

God bless,
Rachel

Fall is in the air!!

Wow! This day is gorgeous!!

In my opinion this would have to be a near perfect day! The breeze is crisp and light.  The sunlight peeps ever so often from behind the clouds. I can hear the crunch of the already fallen leaves as they tumble by the window and who could not mention the beautiful songbirds! It just doesn't get much better than this. At least, not here on this earth!!

I'm inclined to go to the Pumpkin Patch, which is a little market just up the street from where we live, and see what kind of mums they have. I love fall and decorating for the season.

 I have a new *burlap flag* to hang under our little tree. Everything is so exciting this time of year don't cha think?


It's a great day to be alive. I hope you are aware of all your blessings today. Sometimes it is hard to see them through pain and suffering. However, they are there...more than you know.

I have struggled with severe depression most of my adult life. I understand that life can be a dark and lonely place. I have felt like things were hopeless and life had no meaning.

At times, I felt as if I was only existing from one second to another. I praise God that He never let me go...even when I let go of Him.

He guided me and carried me when I couldn't  pick myself up. Now, my life is so different. I still struggle some days...but not like before.
Yes. I take medication. The chemicals in my body were not sufficient to keep me at an even keel. But the storm has passed. And when the waves stir, as cliche' as it may sound, I know who my Captain is! And there are no waves to rough for Him to weather.

I pray that you find peace today. Joy in all of creation that surrounds you. Our Lord created all of this for us to enjoy. May He touch your heart today and always and may you follow His voice.

God bless,
Rachel

Welcome to CreationOvation!

Hi there!

Welcome to my little spot on the web. I hope you have had a blessed day. I know I have. I guess I could share a little about what I hope to accomplish with this blog.

More than anything I want to share my faith!  I believe Jesus Christ is the son of God. Born a virgin birth and lived a sinless life. He died a horrible death so that I might have salvation. Through His death he conquered death and rose again in three days.  AND....I believe He is coming very soon!!

I believe that our talents, the things that come easy for us, are gifts from our Heavenly Father and we should use those gifts to glorify Him!  That is what I most hope to do.

Along the way I'll pick up a few recipes here and there. Share some crafting ideas and talk about current events and how we are seeing Bible prophecy fulfilled!!!  So many exciting things....


I love good conversation, so jump in and leave your  comments!  Let's have some fun.  If you feel inclined go check out my Etsy page!!  I would love to get some feedback.

Until next time...God bless!!

~Rachel