Karen at Karen's Got a Blog invited us to write to the prompt Still Waters
this month. Check out her post that transports us for a sensory filled paddle through Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
This prompt made me think of OSU where I attended university and experienced a time of spiritual growth as a young adult. My "OSU" is located in Stillwater, Oklahoma. We had Theta pond in front of our dormitory that was the site of many shenanigans during our college years.
When we lived in Washington State, Slater Park on Lake Washington was a favorite pocket park where I loved to pause, be still, and observe the sky and water through the changing seasons.
Our move to North Carolina put us just 1/2 mile from a lake with a pedestrian bridge that crosses the lake, so I walk to the water most days. I love capturing the lake in it's many different moods, mostly in the morning, but I do walk in the afternoons once our summer temps and humidity have calmed down.
Sunrise on July 4, 2024 (captured by my daughter)
Karen closed her post with these words from Psalm 23:
"He leadeth me beside the still waters."
In
Hebrew, “still waters” is “Mai Menochot,”
which literally translates to “restful
waters.”
These words relate to the next verse which states:
"He restoreth my soul."
I want to share a few lines from "Be Still (a psalm)"by Melody Newey Johnson.
Come to the temple of silence,
away from sounds of weary want,
from the grinding, tearing of time.
Come away from shouting daylight,
find me in the stillness of afternoon,
your ordinary afternoon.You can find the entire poem here.
May you be blessed and restored by still waters and find support for the storms which inevitably come.
Ramona, your travel guide through still waters is awesome. The photos actually provided me with a level of peace even though we are far away from one another. My daughter and her family are in your old home grounds in Washington State. I miss them but I am sure they are enjoying the scenery there also. Thank you for the poem also. It opens with amazing lines: Come to the temple of silence,
ReplyDeleteaway from sounds of weary want. Sometimes, I am in the midst of weary want so being in nature's temple of silence is an awesome place of restoration and stillness. Have a happy 4th of July.
Ramona, your pictures convey such peace. A temple of silence sounds so inviting especially when our minds are racing with thoughts. I find the morning hours to be the perfect time for me to contemplate, pray, and get my mind ready for the day. Have an enjoyable 4th. Bob
ReplyDeleteRamona-- beautiful images of your lake! I love seeing the clouds reflected as though they are underwater. I can see why and how this place is one of nature's temples for you..."away from sounds of weary want".
ReplyDeleteAs I read the Inspired words today about still waters, I have to compare that image to the horrid news out of the Texas Hill Country. The flooding of the Guadalupe River that has snatched so many lives and destroyed future plans in a flash. Oh, I pray for the comfort and calming of the aching, broken hearts that have suffered tremendous loss. I am especially mindful of the little girls who were campers, having lost friends & counselors & fought for their very breath to survive being swept away. Lord, comfort them all as only You can, with the still, calm waters of Your gentle spirit
ReplyDelete