Fall and Snow Pictures

 A collection of Fall and Snow Pictures

Duckie likes being up on things like this pile of dirt.

I love the detail of fall leaves... God is such a creative God. 

Duckie was our first duck and he belongs to my youngest daughter. He is certainly a pet.

It has been a different kind of year to have snow on top of fall leaves.

What a joy to see the beauty of the earth especially in times of difficulties.

A layer of snow added to the already colorful scene. 

We appreciated being there to hear this woman practicing bagpipes on a cold day.

Weeds, barbed wire fence and fall...

We have had several bonfires so far this year... nice to have the heat on cold evenings while enjoying chili and hot dogs by the outdoor fire while watching the stars. .

 Did you see a picture that interested you more than others? I'd love to hear about it. I love taking photos of the beauty God surrounds us with in our lives. Thank you for visiting.

Hard Times? We All Have Them ...

Are you walking in a hard time? Is life heavy, overwhelming and even scary? 
 

   

Sometimes, the dark path we are walking makes us feel so alone.....

A friend recently lost a loved one and has fears for another... 

  which is certainly a dark path to walk.....

Sometimes the path we walk is painful and frightening... and even more so....

because we feel alone..... 

Praising God isn't magic, but it is what God tells us to do... and it really

does help to change our focus.....  from our problems and pain

to Him and our blessings.... 

We know He hears us if we know Him.... and we know He will make a way for us

even through the pain....

We walk faithfully, even in the hard times, keeping our heart fixed on Him... 

and in His time, He can put a song in our hearts.... 

I hope you can feel and hear those songs of praise to God

even in the hard times.

Thank you for visiting.... and may God remind you of His love for you

as you read His Word and walk with Him... 

Renewed In the Early Morning

                                Renewed In the Early Morning

Early morning is a precious time of peace and quiet
The sun just rising to dispel the fog and chase the shadows
As the morning glories open their brilliance in the dawn
And the birds sing their songs to begin their day

The world is waking up at such a time, yet is quiet still
Like lingering in bed for just a few more minutes
Waking up but remaining hushed in the early morn
A perfect time for reflecting and for praising God

How I enjoy that brief time before the day’s busyness starts
A time to focus on the One who made me and all the earth
A time to thank Him and set my thoughts before the rush
Becomes a time for the peace of the morning to seep into my soul

As I stand on the deck and look at the garden and trees
The distant horizon in view through a bit of fog
And the sun beginning to stream through the trees
It’s rays dispersed in a magical way

The garden with drops of dew on the green plants
That will later feel the heat of the sun
Currently soaks up the moisture and continues to grow
In this time of early morning refreshment

I too feel renewed in those early morning minutes
Soon the sun will gain its full strength for the day
Those early moments of the morning only a fleeting memory
But a memory that will stay with me through the day

My time with God in that quiet place is precious and vital
Reflecting on His Word and praising Him
Fixing my heart on Him as I prepare to walk in the day
Glorifying Him in the day after my dose of early morning with Him

 I hope you have a place to meet with God in the morning or sometime in the day. I couldn't get through the days if I didn't spend time with Him often. I hope you also find strength in your time with Him.
   Thank you for visiting and I would love to hear from you.


          Cheryl, over at Homespun Devotions, recently had a good post that you may be interested in:
10 Ways to Have a More Successful, Effective Prayer Life

Scenes From the Garden...

The garden is a place of changing scenes...

A garden visitor who has just snacked in the garden and seemed to consider going back for more.

A place of quiet in the early morning stillness and light fog. 

The fog wraps around the fruit trees and highlights their beautiful shapes.

The view from a distance seems peaceful in the light of the rising sun.

                  Thank you for visiting today.  I would love to hear from you in the comments.
   

Hard Winter and Spring Floods

The winter was painfully long and hard
With snow, sleet, ice and treacherous roads
Bitterly cold temperatures and much wind
It seemed a winter that would never end 

The ground saturated from snow and ice
As well as lots of rain, usually the freezing variety
Finally gave way to big spring rains
And led to much flooding in the area

 The river carried additional water from the north
To add to our already soaked ground
The river spread into devastating lakes
The usually welcome spring rains turned threatening

Despite the still swollen river land
Grass is turning green and flowers are popping up
Spring is a time of new beginnings again this year
Even as the floodwaters remain and slowly recede

 

Some have lost much to the floods, others have lost all
Four states and many people with lots of devastation
Plans forcibly changed and futures now uncertain
Yet, life goes on and new plans need to emerge

Much of life is similar in its disappointments and losses
What hidden pain and loss is each person carrying
As we see their smiling face and confident smile?
A deeper look and a kind smile may be necessary

We all need hope... and a kind smile can encourage
Heavy burdens remain, but can feel just a little lighter
We can be isolated and uncaring in our own little world
Or we can spread thoughtful kindness and hope to those around us 

   So many have been affected by the floods this year and the flooding will continue yet for weeks or months. I watched a farmer sitting in his truck on the side of the road gazing out at a huge lake that developed from the flooding. We stopped to talk with him and with a sad expression, he told us he was looking at his farm.

 Thank you for visiting Gentle Joy Photography today. I hope you haven't been affected by this year's flooding, but I hope you will pray for those who have.  Also, if you have been affected by the flooding, I am praying for you. I look forward to your comments. 

"Have not I commanded you? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest." Joshua 1:9



#flooding #Nebraska #Iowa #Kansas #Missouri #spring

Migrating Geese

 The lake is pretty at many times of the year, but seeing (and hearing) the huge flocks of geese on the lake was a new experience.

 There were many huge flocks of snow geese and also Canadian geese.





 Sometimes they looked a bit awkward as they flew.

 What a variety... and as always, I am amazed by what our creative God has made.

 So much beauty to enjoy in the nature around us. I hope you notice and enjoy such also.




The geese in the field below with the lines in the field drew my attention.




Thank you for visiting my blog.

Winter Wonderland

Winter wonderland pictures are fun to see and take.  Everyday scenery becomes special with a coating of white. What was once plain becomes a bit magical......

 A small stream area through the woods gives the appearance of an inviting path to adventure....

 A quiet lake on a very cold morning...  and the surprising sight of a man paddling back and forth on the lake.

An old tower, now cordoned off for safety, yet still standing in the snowy trees.......

 A bit of nostalgia comes with this picture....

Snowy picnic table by the lake.... a peaceful scene.  I love the beauty God has created in our world... and something like snow can enhance that beauty. I have sure enjoyed taking many photos and I hope you enjoyed seeing a few of them. Thank you for visiting my blog. 




For other winter blogposts, click on these.....

The Winter Garden... In Pictures

Bobsled Run.... Off the Deck???