Beautiful One!

Beautiful one, I love
Beautiful one, I adore
Beautiful one, my soul must sing.

One thing I have desired of the LORD,That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD ~ Psalm 27:4

I woke up yesterday morning with the song "Beautiful One" running through my head over & over. So I decided I would take my camera out with me & seek some of God's Beauty in the great outdoors. It was a beautiful warm morning & so I went to a spot where I knew I would find it.

What surprised me though, is most of the 'beauty' in this area had been man made! I found the trails I was walking on, lined with beautiful flowers to be a great example of God's work THROUGH man!

Even the river no longer had its natural meandering route, it was straightened & trenched by man to provide for agriculture & farm lands. The bridge over it with its bright yellow paint was beautiful to me on this photo morning. The neighbouring farms with the bright green fields - beautiful! I even found beauty in a row of fence posts through thick lush grasses!

Oh yes, I could have journeyed beyond this agricultural area, up into the mountains to seek God-created beauty, unassisted by the hand of man, but here in the place I had chosen, I was surrounded by such beautiful things that I could only thank God for allowing man to contribute to the beauty of the world. I did not find any of it actually took away from the beauty of a natural landscape but added to it.

And in the stillness of the morning, I could also HEAR the beauty of God around me. Birds, thousands of birds, dozens of species were calling out their morning praises everywhere around me. And so I watched, tiny bright yellow ones flittered all over, too fast & small for me to get a photo. Vibrant blue swallows, darting & swooping across the sky. And making their nest in a knothole in an old wooden cattle chute, one of my favourite things to photograph. Quail, sparrows, red-winged black birds & starlings. All with individual voices, all singing the morning away. Yes, this was God's beauty unassisted by man at its finest!

What a beautiful morning it was!

Beautiful One

Artist:Jeremy Camp

Wonderful, so wonderful

Is your unfailing love

Your cross has spoken mercy over me

No eye has seen no ear has heard

No heart could fully know

How glorious, how beautiful you are.

Beautiful one I love

Beautiful one I adore

Beautiful one my soul must sing.

Powerful so powerful

Your glory fills the skies

Your mighty works displayed for all to see

The beauty of your majesty

Awakes my heart to see

How marvelous how wonderful you are.

Beautiful one I love

Beautiful one I adore

Beautiful one my soul must sing

You opened my eyes to your wonders anew

You captured my heart with this love

Because nothing on Earth is as beautiful as you

My soul, my soul must sing,

My soul, my soul must sing,

My soul, my soul must sing,

Beautiful One.

Beautiful one I love

Beautiful one I adore

Beautiful one my soul must sing

Voice of the Martyrs Update

UZBEKISTAN Imprisoned Pastor Transferred to Harsher Camp Forum 18 News/ VOM Sources Imprisoned Pentecostal pastor, Dmitry Shestakov, has been transferred to a harsher labor camp in Navoi, Uzbekistan. The new camp is a longer distance from his wife and three children. In May 2007, Shestakov was sentenced to four years in an open work camp, in Andijan, for "religious activity." Christians in Uzbekistan told Forum 18 News, "The authorities claim he misbehaved in the open work camp and thats why they ordered his transfer to a harsher camp. We believe this was deliberately set up." Forum 18 News reports that Pastor Shestakovs transfer comes as authorities prepare administrative trials against members of his congregation in his home town of Andijan in the Fergana Valley in eastern Uzbekistan. Pray for Pastor Shestakov and his family. Ask God to watch over them during this difficult time. Psalm 32:7, Psalm 91:14-16

CHINA House-Church Leader Assaulted by Police China Aid Association: On May 15, 2007, Liu Fenngang, a house-church leader in Beijing, was assaulted and detained by police, while he was going to a birthday celebration. According to China Aid Association (CAA), Liu's family was threatened and told not to draw public attention to his unlawful arrest. Liu told CAA, "It was at 7:15 a.m., and I was stopped by a plain clothed police man while walking down stairs. After a bit of shoving, I managed to work my way to the bottom of the stairs. Then, more policemen confronted me, saying they had no good reason or legal basis to arrest me, but they simply couldn't allow me to leave the building." CAA adds that some police officers told Liu they knew arresting him was illegal, but said if they let him go, they would lose their jobs. Pray Liu Fenngang and his family remain strong in their faith. Pray his health will not be affected by the assault. Isaiah 38:16, Acts 4:29-30

ERITREA Twenty Christians Arrested by Security Forces “ VOM Sources / Release Eritrea: At least 20 Christians, including several children, were arrested and detained when security forces raided a home south of the capital, Asmara. According to Release Eritrea, authorities went to the home expecting to arrest a group of Christians gathered for prayer. When they did not find a meeting they arrested the families living in the home and several Christians in the neighborhood, including a well-known Bible teacher and church leader, Pastor Michael Abraha, of the Kale-Hiwot Baptist church. There is considerable concern for the pastor's health because he is diabetic. Pray the arrested Christians will be encouraged. Ask God to raise up more believers in Eritrea to take the place of those who are imprisoned. Pray for Pastor Michael's health. Psalm 91: 1-2

TURKEY Pray for the Families of Martyred Christians “ VOM Sources Continue to pray for the families and loved ones of three men martyred in Turkey in April. Pray God will heal their hearts and meet their needs. Some Christians have been singled out in media coverage of this case; pray for their protection and God's provision for them. Pray that Muslims in Turkey will be drawn to ask why these three men were willing to die, and through their testimonies will be drawn to faith in Christ. Psalm 68:5

When We See God: Sunday Theology

"For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!" Job 19: 25-27

I was reading some more of "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn yesterday and he was talking about the moment when we see God with our own eyes, in our resurrected bodies.

I guess there is a bit of debate in the Christian theologian world as to whether or not we will be seeing God with 'spiritual eyes' or our own physical eyes. And whether or not any human had ever seen God's face.

In Exodus 33:20 the Lord is speaking to Moses "But He said,"You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live." but in Exodus 33:11 it says "So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend."

So it leaves some confusion there. but if you look at the verses previous to verse 20, you will see that Moses asked the Lord if he could see His GLORY. And that the Lord shielded Moses with His hand so that it would not harm him. Can you imagine how awesome & bright that would be? And in our resurrected bodies, we will be able to look upon it without shielding or fear!

Revelation 22:4 says "They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads."

How amazing that will be, the first times we see God with our own eyes - How amazing it will be to see God even with spiritual eyes! I don't know if it will be how we see when we die, for we will not be in our resurrected bodies at that time. Will we be seeing Him differently in Heaven than when we will when we are resurrected back on Earth? Either way it does not really matter, what matters is that we WILL see God.

I can't really comprehend how that will feel! My loved ones don't live too far away, we talk on the phone often enough but it doesn't quite fulfill the need like when we do get to see eachother face to face. There are many friends I only talk to on-line. How I would love to meet many of them face to face as we have shared so much of eachother through emails or blogs.

Imagine then, meeting God face to face. He has shared in our entire lives. He longs for us to talk to Him more, share more with us, but even that won't be enough to satisfy our longing, even when we don't know what it is we are longing for. All the restlessness, and everlasting longing deep within our souls, the only thing that will satisfy it is the moment when we see God. Like Job "our hearts yearn within" for the day we can look upon His face!

Waiting

"Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!" Psalm 27:14

"Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him;Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass." Psalm 37:7

"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

Are you waiting on the Lord for anything in your life right now? Do you find it difficult to wait? I'm waiting right now, trying to have the patience to allow God to unfold the path in front of me instead of leaping onto the path of my own choosing.

Its in regards to me working...or not working. I don't have any contentment just 'being at home' but there are many things I could be doing from here. I just don't know which way to follow yet. And financially, more is needed from me so that the entire burden of our lives isn't placed on my husband & his business.

So I wait but I'm not sure what I'm waiting for.

I have been offered jobs that I have turned down. I have applied for jobs that have already been filled. I have done some photography. I have queried some writing articles. I have taken some leisure time. I have spent hours on the computer researching ideas. I have wasted time. I have used time wisely. I have spent more time with my husband...but he has spent more hours working. I have tried to balance the day. I am hungry. I am weary. I have eaten. I have napped. I have exercised early. I have slept in later.

And I still wait. And I will continue to wait, to watch & to research. I will try to have the patience to trust that God knows what He is doing.

Prayer for you

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy." Philippians 1: 3-4

Let me start todays blog by telling you I prayed for you lastnight, you, my blog friends! I had gone to bed early, thought I would read some Philippians and the above verse was about as far as I got. My eyes too tired to read but my head not tired enough to sleep, so I took it as a sign to pray for my friends. And I chose my blog-reading friends! And I've included the photos I took through the Similkameen river valley yesterday as I went out for a leisurely drive with my camera.

First I prayed for those of you who read my blog but do not comment. I am so glad you take the time to visit my blog & I hope you can be blessed by what is written here.

Janice: I prayed for you as your prepare for your upcoming mission trip with excitement & anticipation following God's leading

Sharon: I prayed for your family & strength for your son.

Susan Kelly Skitt: I pray for the hurts in your past & how they have strengthened you for your future & that sharing them in your blog will strengthen others.

Shona: I prayed for you & the decisions you will be facing. I prayed for Zimbabwe & the politics that are causing extreme inflation & the outpouring of people leaving your country.

Amrita: I prayed for you and the situation with your pastor & the court case you will be facing soon & I prayed for India that those persecuted for the gospel will be reminded of God's love for them so they stay strong in their faith.

Barb: I prayed that we will have a fun day together & that your blog will continue to bless & inspire the digital scrappers world.

LGS: I pray for you & all of Malaysia that God will be doing His work through you to touch the people around you & thanked God that I could have insight into other countries through friends like you.

Rebecca: I prayed for you & your dad to have safe & memorable travel time together

Dave: I prayed for you in hopes that things are alright in your quiet world.

Vanessa - I prayed for you & your boys at your beach house ministry. I pray you will be a place for spiritual retreat & a place where the young people of your community can come & feel loved & be blessed by your welcoming attitude!

Gina - I prayed for the hurts in your heart that God would shower you with His comfort when you find yourself needing it.

Karla: I prayed for you & your beautiful family. How I enjoy reading your stories about the children & the photos you include.

KPJara - I prayed for you to find the church your heart & soul is longing for so that you will find a place of fellowship that meets your needs & desires.

Ed & Judi: I pray that God will encourage you and strengthen you for your awesome ministry & empower you to continue on this new path of 'stepping out' to do church different.

SunnySusan: I prayed for your writing & the way your encourage & bless through your blog.

Mom & Dad: I know you both stop in to read my blog from time to time so I prayed for you too and for all the decisions you have to make about your upcoming purchases.

Janine: another silent reader - always praying for you

I thank you all who read my blog, who comment and who's blogs I can read as well. "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you."

My Dad

Me & Dad in Venice trying to 'punt a pigeon' - Photo by Mom :)

Happy Father's Day DAD!!

I know I'm a day late but yesterday was a busy one. After a very moving church service in the morning, we spent the afternoon with my parents for Father's Day! Dad just wanted to take it easy and visit so we did. Mom cooked a delicious roast beef dinner. It was a great afternoon. I'm very thankful my parents are close enough to drive to for visits!

The Vine

"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." John 15:5

How can a branch bear fruit without a vine to attach itself to? How can a branch bear leaves or flowers without the trunk of the tree nourishing it and giving it life? We cannot show the love of God if we are not connected with Him, if He is not flowing through us. If we do not abide in His love, we cannot be filled with this love. And without it, we can do nothing...so we are nothing.

The cherries are being picked this week in the valley - vibrant red, sweet & ready to stain the closest white shirt. Next will be the apricots, the plums, the nectarines and the peaches.

The vineyards are bursting with green but their fruit won't be ready until the fall. If we were to cut off these teeny tiny clusters from the vine now, it would be too soon, they would not be strong enough to last through the summer & become those full plump juicy grapes ready for the winepress in September.

So it happens with us & God. We attach ourselves to Him, feel His spirit flowing through us, and His love. We feel strong but we are still new. We cannot let go of Him and think we can make it on our own just because we had the nourishment from Him. Abiding in God is not something we can detach from & think that we can continue on as before. Or like those premature clusters of grapes, we will wither, we will shrink & eventually we will die.

He is our true vine and only when we are part of the vine will we gain our strength.

The Great Commission

"Go into all the world and preach..." Mark 16:15

Africa! Always on my mind! An obsession or something I'm waiting for? I just don't know yet! I think about going there constantly. I think about the people there constantly. I think about our sponsor child Vicktor & wish we could do more.

I'm so thankful for the internet that allows us glimpses anywhere in the world. Last night I spent time browsing Africa's orphanages sites. There are just so many! Its overwhelming. And almost every site has a sponsorship program much like Compassion and World Vision do. You can sponsor a child there thru the orphanage they live at. Or you can go & volunteer at any number of them. I just spent the evening looking at them, wondering if its something we would want to do some day.

Also the ships. Mercy Ships and OM Ships. I had a chance when I was in Bible College to spend some time with one of Operation Mobilisation's literature ships while it was in port. It was fascinating. We spent an afternoon building crates & pallets for them as well (the first time I ever stepped on a nail - it went right through the sole of my boot) So because I was familiar with them already, I spent some time on the OM site, checking out their needs, where they are going, etc. These ships are mostly deliverers of good news. Like a floating library of Christian literature. They amazed me with their stories of how God provided for them at different ports!

I think about family members & friends I know that serve in the mission field or that have served. I think about the wonderful people who serve in their own communities, sometimes that is the hardest place of all.

Have you ever had a missionary experience/ a mission trip/ or a story of servanthood for Christ that you would like to share? Please share with me!

I draw your attention friends to the Great Commission, one of the last things Jesus said on earth to us: "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15 Please pray for our fellow missionaries as they obey God's commandments!

Voice of the Martyrs Update

INDONESIA Three Sunday School Teachers Released from Prison “ VOM Sources/ Compass Direct NewsPraise God! Dr. Rebekka, Mrs. Eti and Mrs. Ratna have been released after two years in prison. We rejoice and thank you for your prayers. According to Compass Direct News, a crowd had gathered to welcome the women as they walked free from Indramayu district prison in West Java. An eyewitness told Compass, "The women appeared happy and peaceful as they emerged from the prison gates. All three said they had no fear for the future and were convinced that God would protect and guide them forward." Psalm 46:7, 1 Peter 2:9-10, Psalm 32:7

CHINA UPDATE: House-Church Leader Sentenced to Six Months “ China Aid AssociationOn June 4, 2007, Beijing house-church leader Hua Huiqi was secretly sentenced to six months in prison at Chayang District People's Court. According to China Aid Association (CAA), Hua's wife and lawyer were not allowed to attend the trial which lasted about two hours. CAA expects Hua to be released from prison next month. Pray Hua and his mother are strengthened and encouraged in prison. Pray for their release and for God to heal Shuang Shuying. Psalm 103:1-5

INDIA Two Christian Leaders Killed, VOM Coordinator Attacked “ VOM Sources

UTTER PRADESH - On June 2, 2007, two Christian leaders were stabbed to death at a Christian school and orphanage in Etah District, Uttah Pradesh. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts, it is believed Samuel Masih and Aman Singh, leaders at the school, were brutally killed by anti-Christian Hindu extremists. "Aman Singh's body had more than 20 stab wounds, while Masih had been stabbed five times. Police are investigating. Robbery has been ruled out as a motive, and the family suspects that religion was a factor," the contacts said. Pray for the families of those killed. Pray believers in this area will be strengthened and encouraged despite the hardships they face.

BANGALORE “ On June 8, 2007, a coordinator for The Voice of Martyrs was attacked at his home by Hindu extremists. According to VOM contacts, more than 150 extremists were bussed in from different areas and gathered at his house, which also serves as a house church. "Brother N hid in a room while other believers contacted the police. While the police arrived, the crowd grabbed him and beat him severely. He has cuts and bruises and was nearly unconscious when he was taken away to the police station and hospital." Pray for healing for Brother N's injuries and for believers in India who are experiencing an increase in persecution. Psalm 147:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 3:7-10

LAOS Believers Forced to Pay Village Leader for Being a Christian “ VOM SourcesThe head of Nam Thuam village has set a rule that people in his village cannot become Christian. According to The Voice of the Martyrs' contacts, anyone who converts to Christianity has to pay 500,000 Kip (about $52 U.S.) or their family will be evicted from the village. Three families have accepted Christ and they do not have money to pay the leader of the village. Pray for protection for these families and for other believers in Laos. Psalm 5:11-12

Rest?

"Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

A day of rest! After this past week, oh how I need it. In fact, I think I need a couple because I could hardly keep my eyes open yesterday. As you know, last week I was busy finishing up the training for the job I was at. Also, I was getting prepared for the weekend.

On Saturday, I photographed a wedding for the first time. Because I had never done a wedding before, I was a bit nervous at being inexperienced. But I had lots of good help. A friend from my photo club lent me an external flash that attaches to my camera that I could use for the wedding. Another friend spent an afternoon with me giving me some wedding tips as he has done some weddings in his past. Then my good friend Barb had me over for a visit & let me practice with the new flash, with her as my pajama-clad model, until I had a good feel for the techniques I was trying. Thanks jammy-girl for letting me practice on you.

So the big day came on Saturday for the wedding. It was difficult weather-wise because it was darkly over-cast & the wind was HOWLING. Bridesmaids were freezing & nobody wanted to do photos outside which made me have to deal with light challenges. But I had fun. My friend got to come along as my assistant so she took this photo of me half way down the (grass) aisle photographing the bridesmaids & brides as they walked down.

I spent most of Monday & Tuesday processing the photos & editing them for the bride & groom. A few good ones, a few ok ones and a few to be deleted. I think they turned out ok considering my inexperience, the light challenges & the fact that the bride hates her photo being taken so most of them have her looking away. Oh well, it was a great experience.

On Sunday, my same friend Janine & I took an all-day rock climbing lesson. What FUN we had!! We learned so much. And I think our instructor had fun teaching us. He quickly realized that we were not your typical women. Crazy, laughing, etc. It was a lot of hard work, some serious fears to conquer (like rappelling for the first time) but mostly it was fun! We can't wait to get out there & practice all the stuff we learned again! I got to take a break from belaying her to get some photos of her climbing. Hopefully next time I can get someone to snap a few of me too.

After a full day of rock climbing & sore muscles, I drove home & hubby & I went up to our pastor's acreage & farm for a bonfire evening with some of the church people. They have a huge beautiful property that I hope to go back & spend some time taking photos on. There is so much beauty & tranquility there that the photo opportunities are endless. After everyone else left, we stayed & visited with them & found the time just slip on past. I just love good conversation with good friends and like us, they love to visit around the table! It was a wonderful evening!

But my busy week carries on & although I'm tired, I find my mind is at such rest. Oh, there are a million things to think about now that I have the time and sneaking in a nap here & there to catch up is a bonus as well. But I am at peace. My time is suddenly my own & its amazing the things that I can fill it with this week!

Tomorrow I will visit with some people that are dear to me and that itself will be another form of rest as good visits are peace for the soul. I haven't seen my grandma in weeks & weeks. How I look forward to catching up with her.

I thank you all who visit my blog for all the encouragement & comments and I hope to be back into a blog rhythm soon.

Voice of the Martyrs Update

Oh how busy & crazy it has been this week. I'm so glad I got a chance to finish my Proverbs before this craziness started!

Today is the last day of my job. I have been training two new gals during the day, rushing around with a zillion projects after work & falling into bed at night. The end is in sight. After a very busy weekend, this Monday I will be able to take a deep breath & take stock on myself! Phew! I can't wait. First got to get through the weekend.

I apologize for being a bit anti-blog this week but I just have been go go go! So with that said, I'm grateful to give you a Voice of the Martyrs update today!

RUSSIA Church Risks Losing Property and Pastor Could Face Imprisonment - VOM SourcesOn May 31, 2007, a pastor in Russia was warned to leave the area where he is ministering, after authorities threatened they would confiscate his church property. According to The Voice of the Martyrs' contacts, the church has not violated any laws, but authorities have decided to start a criminal case against them, and have threatened the pastor with imprisonment. Authorities have interrogated members of the church and threatened to take away their children. A hearing in court is scheduled for June 6, 2007. Pray for this pastor and church members. Ask God to protect them and for a favorable outcome at the hearing. Psalm 68: 29, Psalm 91: 1-6

AZERBAIJAN Arrested Baptist Pastor to Face Three Years in Prison - Forum 18 NewsPolice have told members of the Baptist church in the remote village of Aliabad in north-western Azerbaijan that their pastor, Zau Balaev, is to face a criminal charge of "resisting government representatives," which carries a maximum three-year prison term. The authorities claim the pastor set a dog onto police who raided the church's Sunday service on May 20, 2007. According to Ilya Zenchenko, the head of the Baptist Union, the region around Aliabad is the worst in Azerbaijan for Baptists. "It is a place where officials insult our believers, won't allow them to gain legal status and deny birth certificates to their children," Zenchenko said. Pray for this pastor and his family. Ask God to protect them and other Christians in Azerbaijan. Pray God uses their testimony to draw non-believers into fellowship with Him. Psalm 32: 7, Psalm 91: 7-10

INDIA Missionary Threatened with Death - Gospel for AsiaAnti-Christian extremists in Utter Pradesh have threatened to kill Gospel for Asia missionary Daya Marandi, if he does not leave the area where he is ministering. The extremists have also made threats to harm more than 50 people who worship in Daya's church and are demanding believers in the church denounce Christianity. Pray for Pastor Daya, his family and believers in India who are facing escalating persecution. Pray God encourages them to stand steadfast in their faith despite the challenges they face. Romans 5:1-5, Psalm 91: 10-14

Let It Rain!

Who covers the heavens with clouds,Who prepares rain for the earth, Who makes grass to grow on the mountains. Psalm 147:8

It is absolutely POURING rain this morning, Praise God. This is a very VERY dry & thirsty land and we need it so very badly. Everything is soaked and overflowing but it is wonderful. It is also lightning & thundering which is not so good because the mountains & hills are also tinder dry so hopefully it won't spark too many new forest fires!!

then I will give you rain in its season, the land shall yield its produce, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. ~Leviticus 26:4

The LORD will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. Deuteronomy 28:12

He gives rain on the earth,And sends waters on the fields. ~Job 5:10

Morning Paddle

Image free from morguefile.com
I don't take my camera with me kayaking so I have to borrow some shots from the net

Saturday morning! Calm smooth clear quiet waters. A kayak. A paddle. Me.

It was a perfect morning for kayaking. The waters on both sides of Hayne's Point were glassy. Hubby dropped me off on the marshy side. Today I chose to opt for less exercise & more tranquility. I found it! It was bliss.

I paddled slowly, mostly just floated, and observed the life along the reeds & grasslands of Hayne's Point Provincial Park.

The sounds were enchanting. The call of a redwinged black bird, my favourite of all. Different types of ducks quacking around their nests. Gulls squawking on the shore. Big yellow sucker fish flopping & tousling in the shallows, making the reeds go wild.

The water was clearer than I've ever seen it. I could see every stone, ever single thing sitting on the bottom. When I quit paddling I would watch for the fish. Sometimes they would spot me first and I would only know they were there by the cloud of mud swirling beneathe me. Sometimes they'd swim along right beside me & then notice me and panic. More clouds of mud everywhere. And even one big silly fish bonked the bottom of my boat and I laughed.

No clouds. No breeze.

I heard some sort of water bird making all sorts of noise in the reeds. I paddle by. Hmm, do birds & big fish fight? I don't know. I paddle around the bend where the water gets deep fast. I don't like it there. It drops off like a cliff into blackness & seaweed. I hate paddling through seaweed. I go back to the shallows & hear another racket in the reeds. I see two masked eyes looking at me. The biggest raccoon I've ever seen. Probably stealing eggs or baby birds. I don't like raccoons at all. Luckily, I appear bigger to him and he gallops off through the reeds, leaving the bird nests alone, at least for a little while.

I paddle. I float. I talk to God. I think deep thoughts. I think nothing at all. I paddle some more.