Memory Verse - II Corinthians 4:18 - While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Introduction - Beauty is in the eye of the beholder; isn’t that what we’ve always been told.  I find beauty in many things and in most people.  There’s beauty in a flower, according to FTD as well, there’s beauty in trees,  animals, people, and I’d have to say, as I’m sure that most people agree that there’s beauty in watching a child grow.

Assignment - Look around your space, look into your heart and share the beauty you see or feel with the rest of us.

I've taken this assignment as the opportunity to swipe some of Myles photographs and share with you, not only our world according to how Myles sees it, but also how beautiful winter can be. Many of you are sick of winter, but come along on Myles Journey as he seeks to see the beauty in March 1st in Saskatchewan at -30.  About 9 years ago, Stuart came to me and said, "I have an interview in Regina". I remember where I was standing, at the corner of the hall in our old house. I burst into tears. WHY would God want to send me to REGINA!  'What a flat wasteland' I thought, 'Why send me to the middle of NOWHERE!'.  I knew the moment Stuart told me he had an interview that that's where God was sending us.

But over the years, I have learned to bloom in the dung pile. What I thought was going to be a terrible place has turned out to be a wonderful place. My faith walk has really bloomed into a wonderful bouquet. I don't see where I live as a terrible place, it's beautiful.  I think, as the assignment says.. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.. we can't see beauty if we think we're in a dung heap, we have to be the rose, we have to choose to see the beauty. It's like choosing Joy.

And so, on a very cold bright winter day, my son went out to see His Beauty.  The sentinel stalks of grass remind us of the summer past, and help us to hope for the summer to come.

 Doesn't this photo give off that feeling of COLD

 I'm trying to envision Myles journey. the above photo tells me he was on the road heading North. In summer, this field is filled with one of three crops, Flax, Wheat or Canola. It's always the first field in the area to be cultivated, the farmer is an early bird - that also means it's the first harvested. 

 I love how the wind plays with the snow to create these masterpieces of direction.

 Now where is Myles. This one has me a little questioning. I don't recognize the fence as ours, so it must belong to the neighbours down the road. It's meant to keep in the Llama's, doesn't look like it would be so effective if they got into this field, as the snow is rather high. Beauty is knowing your neighbours.. and knowing there's a distance between you to give you each your space.

 I love how this dark photo shows you just how bright it is out. Look at the reflection of the sun off the snow. The journey I've walked out here has caused me to be a better reflection of my Messiah. I now see beauty in the blessing of keeping His Torah, knowing what kind of Bride He wants me to be, and preparing myself like Esther did for a long time in order to be ready for when I'm presented to Him when He comes to get me.

 As the light is sifted through the trees. so I'm reminded that nothing that comes into my life, comes without first being sifted through God's hands.

 It's beautiful to know that YHVH's eyes are always on me. Despire how insignificant I may feel, He always has me in focus.

Iona is not a beautiful Great Dane.  She's got the wrong bone and muscle structure, her spots lack uniformity, her eyes sag, showing red inside the lids. but ths dog has been a beautiful friend, one whom I trust.  She protects us from coyotes and lets us know when the horses are out.  She's ever so patient with the little children, letting them tug on ger and use her as a climbing gym. She's obedient, walking at heel without a lead.. her doggy character is extraordinarily beautiful.

 Still in Mr. Lipp's field, Myles finds himself in the secluded spot, sheltered from the wind. Here deer find shelter and long grass in the summer, and use this as a hidden trail in winter. The long shadows remind me of the long winter. It's a cold harsh place to live here - and yet God has placed so much wildlife here - deer, raccons, coyotes, porcupies, ground squirrels, moose, prairie chickens, hares... not to mention all the birds. It's a beautiful place, but you have to look for it. It's not like a zoo where it's all just sitting there waiting for you to come stare. You have to be patient, and when you see it, take the time to sit and watch.

 It may be winter, but colours POP in the bright sunshine.

 What is it? Where is it? I suspect this is near the sheds and it's an old steering wheel. Finding beauty in old relecks, discarded junk, rusted out metal. It's not what it is today that might be beautiful, but what it once was - strong, sturdy, with direction. Now it sits, lonely, year after year, as the grasses grow around it, and the mice hide and run through it. It's only purpose now is to hold those ropes.

 Winter white means blue.

 Evidence.. is it friend or foe? A  hunter? or a faithful companion?

 It's not only farming equipment that gets old, trees do to. They take a long time to die, and even in death they serve a purpose, a home for insects and animals.  Just like us, death of this tree doesn't mean the end, it's just a new beginning. When we die, our lives will continue with the Father, we will continue to Glorify God, continue to dwell with Him with our New Heavenly Bodies as His Pure Spotless Bride.

 I wonder if this is someone's den? or just a windswept hole?

 The next set shows how fast the sun sets here, as Myles walks home from the end of his long journey. He hasn't gone very far, never more than a 1/4 mile from home, but he's been out for about 3 hours just wandering around seeing the world through the lens of his camera. Beauty is knowing that your son is exploring, is looking at things with intention, not just letting his life pass him by.

 And all snuggly and warm, we wait for him. Beauty is knowing that home is where the heart is. Home is where those who love you are. Home is where the food is. Home, it's a perfect picture of God's Shalom, his Peace. 

Thanks for the assignment Nancy.. We'll be back home in 12 days. 10 days on a family trip too is beautiful. A little warm weather will be nice.

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