Light Shine From Above - Autumn - Missoula, Montana

“God knows I was due a little Light Shining on me from Above, whether I believed in such things or not. Like most people, denying it never got in the way of relying on it. “ 

-Woody Nickel in West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge, p 75 

Epiphany Light Shine - Missoula, Montana

Epiphany - what a lovely day to celebrate - the very name full of promise of new beginning, of life-light diminishing soul-darkness, of suddenly realizing life-altering simple somethings previously shadowed, just out of reach.

May the Lord’s kindness shine bright upon you and then through you. 

Sunflower With Light Shining Through - Missoula, Montana

 Extra happiness during a neighborhood ramble at sight of the sunset backlighting the delicacy of  sunflower petals....!

Campfire Girls - Paradise, Montana

"You don’t have to say everything to be a light. Sometimes a fire built on a hill will bring interested people to your campfire." 

- Shannon L. Alder

(And then there are times you do have to say something...it comes back to being fully present and paying attention. 
But roasting marshmallows is always a splendid idea. 
Good times....)

Seed Shine - Missoula, Montana

It's official: my hiking season is closed until the first summer heat wave.

Why, you ask? Particularly since nature daily beckons with all her springly wiles, "Come closer!"??

Well, The Best Husband Ever - who does not traipse about in nature - found a tick on his person.

If that doesn't give you the heebie-jeebies, you've a stronger constitution than I, my friend. Or you've never had this brand of sneaky little creature tickle your neck a couple of days after you were last in their terrain. (Shudder!) And you haven't seen the giant tick at the Ravalli County Museum's historical display of Rocky Mountain Tick Fever research.

On the bright side, I suppose this qualifies as is a sure sign of spring.  Which I will happily enjoy from the safe distance of concreted city streets, and a few select treeless, grassless hilltop trails. After I vacuum the house (and husband) one more time.

Christmas Star, Missoula, Montana

“For we have seen His star… and are come to worship Him.” Matthew 2:2

The original star was prob’ly shinier, but the reminder is the same: draw near, and let your life be changed.

Merry Christmas.