Category: Praise

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The Power of Words: Hope Series #21

In “What’s in a Name” from this series, I talked about how wounding nicknames can be, and how we need God to give us new names to give us hope. There was an outpouring of response from you readers. So many of you have been cut down by hurtful words. Praise God for the healing He offers us, that releases us from the grip of those labels!

This week my topic is how words can either wound or bless; crush or offer hope.

Throughout my life, I’ve received many comments—about my work, character, appearance, parenting—that have devastated my soul. I’m sure you’ve experienced the same thing. Those words dig deep, and replay in our minds for years to come, even if others may compliment us about the very same things! Experts say it takes 5-7 positive comments to counteract every 1 negative.

A few people have made hurtful comments about my writing over the years, but while I was still in school, two incidents put a dream in my heart that I would one day become a writer.

In sixth grade, I had a teacher named Miss Korvar (which I’ve probably misspelled). I adored her.   It was the 70’s, so she had bleached blonde hair, and wore brightly colored dresses and hoop earrings. She wore long fake eyelashes that invariably came loose when she got sentimental about a story as she read to us. One day before Christmas I gave her a card with the lyrics to a song I had written. After she read it, she started to cry. Blinking through her eyelashes, she said, “I will treasure this. You’re such a good writer, Beth.”

In that moment I saw the power of the written word at work. It could touch people’s hearts.

The second incident happened my junior year of high school. James Walker taught my Creative Writing class. Each week we’d hand in our journals for him to read and make comments. Over and over he said things that encouraged my efforts. But the defining moment was when he told us to write a children’s book. I wrote and illustrated Louie the Lemon (which I later published). He loved it so much he took it home to read to his five-year-old daughter. When he brought it back, he said, “She fell in love with Louie and now she wants lemons on everything! One day, Beth, you’re going to be a writer.”

I learned that words can influence people.

I’m sure you have stories too; of horrible words that shredded your heart, but also, I hope, some beautiful, life-giving words that nourished your soul. The most hope-filled words we can ever receive, however, can only come from God. He alone knows exactly what we need and exactly when we need it. Most often, He speaks to us through the Bible—His Word.

God created everything there is, with just words. He spoke, and our world and all living things came into being! When Genesis one tells about each day of creation, it says “God said…and it was so.” God has unlimited power and authority over all the universe!

Psalm 119—the longest chapter of the Bible—contains 176 verses! And a lot of them are in praise of God’s words. They are truth, life, hope, and they give us direction:

43 Never take your word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws… 49 Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope…

50 This is my comfort in my affliction, For Your word has given me life. (NKJV)

74 May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word…

81 My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word…

114 You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word…

116 Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed…

147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word.

(emphasis mine)

Jesus, the Son of God, is also referred to as the Living Word. He was with God and actively involved in the creation process. And Jesus came in the form of a man to show as well as speak the Word of God:

John 1:1, 14: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

So, whose words should we believe, letting them shape our self-concept and our future? People can be kind and supportive, but they can also be deceitful, manipulative, and cruel, even when they don’t mean to be. It’s nice when people say good things to us, but God is the only One who always tells us the truth we need to hear. He infuses us with hope, the courage to do what is right, and tenacity to face the toughest days.

There is power in what God says! Look to Him today and listen to His words. I promise you they will be just what you need.

Will we believe what others say? Or will we believe what God says about us?

Lauren Daigle’s, “You Say.”

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When Hope Seems Far Away: Hope Series #15

My heart is aching today for those I love who are in deep distress. I feel helpless. I cannot heal their bodies, change their past, protect them against unfair accusations, or make others treasure them as they should. I can’t do these things for myself, much less for anyone else. These days my prayers feel like clouds around me, hanging, murky and thick.

So I’ve been turning more and more to scripture, to songs that give hope and declare truth. I turn to the One who CAN and does heal, change, protect, and treasure. Our good and loving God, sees what we cannot see. He lives in me, walks with me, and when I cannot form the words, His Spirit prays on my behalf with passionate groans I cannot begin to comprehend.

He understands our pain. He knows and He cares.

When David was in this place of desperate pain, he wrote out his prayers in the psalms. They have been such a comfort to me lately. Have you ever noticed this phrase repeats three times in Psalms 42 and 43? “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 42:5, 11; 43:5).

Songs or poems with repeating phrases have a way of getting our attention. And the message imbeds in our soul. This is powerful self-talk. What an example for us to follow!

“Why am I so upset? Have I lost all hope? Don’t I know God will get me through this?” I needed to hear and repeat David’s words to myself. It’s going to be ok, Beth. God’s in control.

The bad news is, our enemy, Satan, knows how to use repetition as well. You’ve probably noticed when you’re worried, you tend to repeat the same negative thoughts over and over, digging yourself deeper into a pit of anguish. In order to get out, we need to change our pattern of thinking. Instead of the automatic “Why me?” “Why now?” “Where are you, God?” questions, we can choose to quote scripture to the enemy.

In fact, Psalm 42 is so rich with treasures, I want to walk through it with you and weave in prayers of response. There IS hope for you, for me, and for all those we’re praying for.

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?”

Lord, I’m desperate for You. I feel so alone. You’re the only One who can fill me up.


“My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, ‘Where is your God?’”

They may not have actually said this, but it feels like that’s what they’re thinking, God. I wonder if others are questioning my faith. If I’m such a true believer why are these things happening to me? Why am I so depressed? Why can’t I pull out of this? Are You really there?


“These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng.”

I used to love to go to church and celebrate with other believers. I loved the singing, the preaching, and the great discussions about Your Word. I felt protected and joyful. But to be honest, it hurts now. I feel alone in the crowd. Unnoticed. Separate.

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.”

Here is that first repeated phrase. I’ve highlighted two key words—yet and therefore.

Lord, the circumstances of life have cast me down and I can’t seem to get up again. But it occurs to me that I don’t have to give in to this despair; You are my hope. I will yet praise you—now, by a determination of my will, but also later, when this darkness lifts. Because I am confident in who You are, I will praise You from the mountaintops.


“Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.”

Lord, some think this sounds like drowning, but I picture myself under the waterfall of Your outpouring love for me. The waters echo in the caverns behind the falls, magnifying the sound. It reverberates in my ears. I am surrounded. I can feel the booming thunder and hear the splash of water all around me. I choose to place myself in this fountain and be drenched by the flood of Your Spirit.

“By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me—a prayer to the God of my life.”

O Lord, let me rest in the music of Your love. Wake me with melodies of hope and praise. I will make them my prayers.

“I say to God my Rock, ‘Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?’My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, ‘Where is your God?’”

O Jesus, there it is again—the isolation, abandonment, mockery—creeping in. Why won’t these thoughts go away?

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”

I turn away from those dark thoughts, Jesus. You’ve always taken care of me, and You won’t leave me now. I put my hope in You. I will YET praise You. You have saved me from the chains of sin and shame. You are the only One worthy of praise. I determine now to give these fears and misery, all of them, to You. As many times as it takes, I will come and give You my anxious heart. Thank You, Lord, for listening, and caring for me. In Jesus name, Amen.  

The following song by Brandon Lake is moving and personal. Set aside the next nine minutes to just worship God. Go for a walk, sit in your car, get on your face, dance, weep, clap. Focus on each word, each note. Lose yourself in “Gratitude” and praise the God who loves you beyond measure.

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A LIVING Hope: Hope Series #8

Many things we hope for in childhood never come to pass. And usually, that’s a good thing, since we’re not always wise about what we want when we’re kids.

I used to hope I would excel in tennis and gymnastics, but despite my best efforts, my skills remained somewhat mediocre. However, because of all that practice, I’m able to enjoy tennis and pickle ball as an adult. I’m so glad I learned how when I was young.

I used to hope for impressive book sales, traveling and speaking to large groups of women. But God called me to homeschool my children, and a writing and teaching ministry that is not big, but immensely fulfilling. I’m content to write what God gives me, and let Him decide how to use it.

I hoped my marriage would last forever, but when my first husband decided he didn’t love me anymore, God healed my heart, and gave me new compassion for women broken by divorce. Then He brought me into a loving second marriage and new life I never could have imagined.

About the only hope of mine that has not died or changed over the years is my hope of seeing Jesus’ face when He takes me home, and to live forever with Him. It hasn’t happened yet, but I’m confident this hope will be realized.

Apostle Peter calls it a living hope, because it breathes life into us when all other hopes crumble and die. It’s about the only hope we can control. Once we say “Yes” to God’s offer of forgiveness and new life in Him, we’re in. It’s a sure thing!

I love the meaty words in the passage below; ones you can really chew on. See what I’ve emphasized in bold letters. These words are real and active, building our faith for what is yet to come. You almost have to pause after every phrase just to take it all in:

“Grace and peace be yours in abundance. 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Pet. 1:2b-5).

Many Christians, including me, like to spend Holy week (Palm Sunday to Easter) reading the details of Jesus’ last week on earth in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in the Bible. It makes me feel like I’m traveling with Him—as Jesus showed compassion to the lost and needy, as He challenged the spiritual leaders who settled for legalism instead of loving God and people, and as He purposefully strode toward Jerusalem, even though He knew what waited there for Him.

Knowing what brutality Jesus suffered, have you ever wondered why we call the day of His crucifixion GOOD Friday? It certainly wasn’t good when it happened–for Him or for His followers. But it’s good now, because we know that Sunday–the day He rose again–is coming. The day He showed His power over death and hell. Jesus is our LIVING hope!

This song by Phil Wickham is such a celebration. I pray you find yourself dancing, clapping, crying, and running up the hill with Phil i n the video, in exuberant praise!

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Hug and Be Thankful

I woke up this morning with a profound sense of gratitude. I heard our heat come on as the wind whipped furiously at our house. I snuggled deeper into the covers and praised God for our home, for food to eat and clothes to wear, for dear friends and family, and most of all for God’s saving, keeping love.

Kelly and I won’t be celebrating with our kids until Saturday. He’s wrapping up a project, so I’m taking the day off to read, walk, watch movies, plan, and eat the sweet little personal chocolate pie my friend dropped off this morning. I do not feel lonely; my heart is full!

However, like you, our family is having its difficulties—some down with a wicked flu; another struggling with debilitating pain that doctors can’t seem to diagnose, much less treat; relationship challenges; addictive behaviors; financial worries; and concerns about work, and the future. It’s tempting to let all those things get us down and lose hope.

That’s why I’m so glad we have this Day for feasting, family, and most of all, remembering to thank God, who is our Source of all blessings. If we know Jesus and His love, that is a great place to start with our praise list. And there’s something powerful we can do to encourage those around us, who may be having a hard time coming up with anything to be thankful for.

The other day I had a frustrating morning and was so worn out by lunch time, I had lost all desire to pursue the other things I’d planned that day.

My daughter and her kids stopped by to throw in a load of wash. Two-year-old Willow ran up to me and asked, “Back okay, Grandma?” her clear blue eyes full of concern. I had been out of action for about a week and they had been praying for me. She touched my back and gently rubbed it with her tiny hands and planted a kiss where it had been hurting to make it better. It did.

Ten-month-old Denver followed in an amazingly fast crawl. When he reached me, he stood up and hugged my legs. When he looked up into my eyes and gave me a dimpled grin, my heart melted all over again.

Although I wasn’t in the mood to entertain, I sat on the floor with my back against the wall while Launa got her load started, and the kids crawled around on me, inspecting my earrings and necklace, one of their favorite things to do. When Launa came out, she sat down next to me on the floor and held me in a long hug. She pulled Denver in to nurse and leaned against the wall as well, and the four of us savored the incredible healing of closeness and touch.

Today, and this holiday weekend, even if you and your family don’t agree politically, religiously, or whether it should have been turkey or ham at your feast. And even if your life or theirs is pretty tough right now—offer the gift of a hug, a meaningful touch, a listening ear. That’s what Jesus would do. It will bring healing, and refresh both their spirit and yours.

I pray you have a wonderfully Happy Thanksgiving!

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A New Nighttime Ritual

Have you ever read a passage or verse in the Bible and started to meditate on it, then have the Lord stop you short and give you a completely different message than what you first thought? That’s what happened to me this morning. I’ve just started the Old Testament book of Micah, and verse one of chapter two spoke to me:

“Woe to those who plan iniquity,
    to those who plot evil on their beds!
At morning’s light they carry it out
    because it is in their power to do it” (Micah 2:1, NIV).

I began to respond in my journal. I was thinking how easy it is to do the wrong thing when we have the power (or ability) to do it, whether it’s getting back at someone who has wronged us, stealing, lying and so much more. But just as I put pen to paper God spoke to my spirit.

You may not be planning evil, my child—coming up with wicked plots to hurt others. I know you want to please Me. But when you lay in your bed at night and allow worry, discouragement, or anger to fill your mind, that is what you will speak and act on in the light of day. When you say disparaging things about yourself, and beat yourself up instead of speaking promises from My Word, you wallow in self-defeat. And that depletes the confidence I want you to have in Me. Instead, memorize and repeat My truths of comfort, instruction, and encouragement that will energize you for the next day.

My heart did a double take!

I don’t know if you’re like me, and it takes your brain a while to settle before you can sink into blissful sleep. But my mind bounces all over the place—reviewing (analyzing) how I did that day, praying for those who need Jesus, or are struggling; the hurting, the confused, and the angry. In the dark, as exhaustion sets in, my focus is not always on how big God is to meet these needs, but how big these problems seem to be. And this diminishes my faith.

Through this one little verse, God challenged me to start a new bedtime ritual. Micah spoke these words to call God’s people to repentance; they really were plotting and planning evil! But for Jesus followers who truly want to live victoriously for Him, I’ve stated it in positive terms:

Blessed are those who plan to hope and trust in God,
    who strategize how to show His love to others as they lay on their beds!
At morning’s light they will begin to speak and act on those thoughts,
    because He will work through them by the power of the Holy Spirit.

This is what I want to focus on as I drift off to sleep each night—hope, faithfulness, love, forgiveness, truth, victory, and a life of joy in Christ, even when circumstances feel dark and confusing.

Each of us prepare our minds for the day ahead by what we focus on as we drift off to sleep. What is your nighttime ritual? Is God calling you to make a change?

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Three Reasons to Sing in Bed

Thanks to a verse from the psalms, I have a new idea on how to start and end each day.

courtesy of Luis Quintero, Pexels

Thanksgiving is almost here and I’ve been trying to focus on being thankful each day this month. It’s an uphill fight, not that I don’t have loads to be thankful for, but because I’m having a hard time finding Thanksgiving anywhere. As soon as Halloween is over, everyone seems to skip directly to Christmas without stopping for a breath. Christmas movies, Christmas music, and Christmas lights appear, along with Christmas candy and gifts for everyone on your list (and of course the “much deserved” treats for the shopper along the way).

Thanksgiving gets only a nod. There aren’t even any specifically dedicated songs of Thanksgiving on Christian radio or in church. Other than ingredients for the traditional feast and a few decorations, we pretty much move right past this vitally important holiday. I know three holidays, three months in a row can be a lot to get excited about. But why miss one that can mean so much to us spiritually?

My theory is, we’re much better at eating, dressing up, partying, eating some more, and giving and getting mounds of presents, than showing gratitude. Me included. Don’t get me wrong, I love decorating, feasting, and presents, but I believe it is extremely important to pause and reflect on all the ways God has blessed us. At least one day a year.

Since I easily fall into complaining when everything doesn’t go my way, I try to practice this year-round, with a 3×5 reminder in my Bible to list 10 Things I’m Thankful For each day. And when we have days off or are traveling together, my husband and I take turns listing our ten items. Talking about them magnifies our gratitude even more.

That’s why my favorite part of Thanksgiving is when I pass out three candy corns to each family member and we take turns telling three things we’re thankful for. This represents the scarcity of food during the pilgrim’s first winter in America, when they purportedly had only 3 kernels of corn apiece. I can’t wait for this! And now, thanks to a random phrase from Psalm 149, I’m trying something else to practice grateful worship.

Psalm 149:1-5 says, “Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of his faithful people….For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. Let his faithful people rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds.”

That’s interesting, I thought. I’ve never noticed that before. I know singing has tremendous power to lift our spirits and elicit praise, but I never thought about singing in bed before. Sometimes, I go to bed or wake up with a song playing in my mind. But I’ve never put voice to it. It’s hard to sing from your diaphragm when you’re laying down.

So why would the psalmist invite God’s people to sing in bed? I found three reasons in this passage:

  1. The Lord takes delight in His people.
  2. He crowns the humble with victory.
  3. It’s an honor to belong to God!

First, God delights in us. He loves it when we praise Him with others or singing to the radio in our car. So why not in the privacy of our own bed?

Second, out of gratitude for the victories He has given us. When we humbly seek Him, the Lord will help us conquer fear, addiction, bitterness, grief. So why not sing Him a nice praise song?

Third, no matter how hard the trials we face in this life, it’s an honor and privilege to be His children. We belong to Him. He is our Father, Shepherd, Guide, Comforter, Provider, Healer—our very life and breath! And He is preparing a place for His faithful people to live with Him in heaven.

I’ve been trying this—singing softly to myself before my husband comes to bed. The other night I started humming while we were both getting ready, and he surprised me by joining in. Morning is harder, my croaky voice doesn’t want to wake up and be cheerful, but as the notes rise, so does my spirit. Afterall, it’s not for show, but for Jesus.

I challenge you to try this. What other reasons can you and your family think of why we should sing in bed? How about singing a song with your kids as you tuck them in. Sing when you lay down, and when you awake. I’d love to hear how it changes your attitude of gratitude through each day and night to come.

I hope you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

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Come Let Us Adore Him

My sister Kathy walked into the room to find her grandchildren, Evan and Emma, playing with the nativity set. She had placed it on a low table especially for them. All the figures—Mary, Joseph, sheep, cows, and the wise men—were crowded in a circle around baby Jesus. Normally we arrange our nativities as if they are on stage performing for a crowd. But Evan and Emma were acting out the Christmas story and IN it all the way.

“Oooh,” Kathy said, “What’s going on here?”

“They’re ‘dooring Him,” Evan said, and Emma nodded in agreement.

Kathy remembered years before when their mom, Heidi, played with the same nativity set and did the exact same thing. When asked what was happening, she gave the same reply, “They’re ‘dooring Him, Mommy.”

Isn’t that what Christmas should be about? Our focus shouldn’t be our perfectly decorated home or tree. It doesn’t matter if the presents are all wrapped the way they look in magazines. Our food and clothes don’t have to be fancy. And even though we would like to be gathered with family, many of us won’t be able to do that this year. Yet Christmas can still be wonderful, magical, and take us to our knees. IF we gather round to adore Jesus our Lord.

My girls moved the people and animals around in the manger scene they were allowed to play with as well, and I love to see our grandchildren doing the same thing. It’s important for them to be able to understand it and feel like they’re part of the action. We adults need to do the same thing. We may not sit down and rearrange the figures like our kids do, but we can imagine ourselves at the scene.

How would it feel to be Mary—chosen to bring the Son of God into the world, receiving visits from angels, shepherds, and wisemen from far off countries?

How would we react if we were Joseph—responsible for Jesus’ protection, care, and upbringing; receiving instructions from God through dreams?

What would we do if angels appeared to us, even though we were lowly shepherds, and gave us specific instructions on how to find the newborn King, the Savior of the world, so we could go worship Him?

Would we trust a new star in the heavens and travel far from home to honor a king prophesied in Hebrew scripture, and bow before Him as the true King of all the world?

There were other people involved as well, who are not represented in the creche—Mary’s mother and father, Zechariah and Elizabeth (John the Baptist’s parents), King Herod (the king who tried to murder Jesus), Simeon and Anna (who welcomed baby Jesus in the temple as the expected Messiah), and many others not mentioned in scripture, but who knowingly or unknowingly took part in Jesus’ birth story.

Let’s pause from our activities and Christmas busyness to kneel at the manger–if possible, physically, if not, mentally and emotionally, to adore Jesus. He alone is worthy. He is Christ the Lord.

“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things” (1 Chronicles 29:11).

I pray as you bow to adore Him that all the other distractions will fade into the background and you can be fully present with Jesus our Lord and Savior.

Merry Christmas to you!

Here’s another photo a reader sent in of a Nativity scene addition. The potato heads are getting in on the action!

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Weird Oregon Day Five: Balancing Act

One thing Kelly and I realized after our wonderful day Monday—less is more. Although it sounds great to see eight things in one day, it is not relaxing. Since this was Kelly’s gift I wanted it to be enjoyable for him and not take him home exhausted. So on Tuesday, October 20, we reduced our itinerary from three destinations to one. It was such a good decision!

We will make a point to see Petersen’s Rock Garden and Museum in Redmond, and Monkey Face Rock north of there another time, when we can give them the attention they deserve. From this trip alone we will have enough places we didn’t visit for several more excursions.

With that settled we slept in, puttered around the house a bit, and got coffee on our way through Sisters to Cove Palisades. The entrance to the State Park was a little more than an hour away and it was quite a distance past that to the Balancing Rocks.

As we wound along crossing and re-crossing the Crooked River, we admired the deep blue water, rock formations, and a petroglyph on display along the side of the road.

As before, having the book and online information still wasn’t enough to get us there. So we pulled over at a market at the top of the hill, bought a couple candy bars, and asked a local.

“Keep going up this road.” she said, “When you get to the end of the asphalt take a right at an unmarked pullout and you’ll find a trail. That’s it.”

It was just as she said.

We could see the river snaking below. Kelly saw a snake making a hasty exit from the trail of buff-colored gravel. Then I was on the lookout for any more on our way to the lookout. You can either view the Balancing Rocks from there or venture down the scree-covered hill for a closer look. 

Of course we went down. What incredible weight each column must hold! A sign warned us not to tamper with them lest we destroy the wonder of what took years to form. Kelly had seen on the news this actually happened a few years ago. A couple troop leaders took their scouts to see the Balancing Rocks and encouraged them to push them over! Marveling at them now we were outraged. How long it takes for a masterpiece to develop; how quickly it can be destroyed.

I was excited to find these two completely different rocks side by side

The striking serenity of the rocks made me think how beautiful and rare it is to see a life lived in balance. It’s a constant challenge to maintain a healthy equilibrium between work and play, spending and saving, time with others and solitude, talking and listening. Balance in all areas of life, and keeping a solid foundation that won’t crumble.

I admire the wisdom of a man named Agur whose prayer is quoted in Proverbs: “Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God” (Proverbs 30:8-9, NIV). It’s easy to think we don’t need God when we’re doing well. When times are tough we’re tempted to despair and think God doesn’t care. But when we are thankful for what we have, our lives are balanced enough to worship Him and serve others.

It was early afternoon when we headed back for another night at Black Butte Ranch. I had surprised Kelly with a massage appointment and we planned to dress up for dinner out. The air had turned chilly so while he relaxed, I bundled for a walk to admire the fall colors. It had been a perfect day, with a much slower pace, and just what we needed.

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Weird Oregon Day Four: Our Favorite Day

Kelly and I were understandably hesitant to expect too much the next day of our trip, Monday, October 19. The weather was supposed to be warm and sunny, but it was in the 30’s when we got in the car and a thick fog made visibility difficult. Still, there was a surreal beauty to the fields of dried grasses and waterways on either side of us.

The sun-baked grasses glowed as the sun peeked through. Suddenly we spotted a huge bald eagle perched less than 20 feet from the car. Magnificent! This was only the beginning; throughout the day we also spotted fields dotted with plump hawks, lizards of brown and green, chipmunks galore, small herds of antelope, and about 8 coyotes out hunting! We think God might have been showing off a bit.

The sun burned through the fog in about an hour on our way to our first destination near Christmas Valley in south-central Oregon, Fort Rock. This impressive bowl formed in a volcanic eruption. Unlike Crater Lake, Fort Rock is dry and you can hike both inside and outside the rim. Kelly and I opted for the inside, accessible from the park entrance.

We were astounded at the beauty of this place. I hope you enjoy the photos; it was a challenge to only include this many!

I couldn’t stop taking photos!
Kelly added his own rock to the tower
A wonderful, easy trail
Kelly, king of the mountain
And me on my own smaller one

After seeing this we were so pumped, but wondered if the day would go downhill from there. Again, our GPS was no help, so we stopped at a market in Christmas Valley to get directions to Crack in the Ground, and a map! The lady who helped us was terrific.

“Go left at the highway,” she said, “turn left after the church and left again at the sign for Crack in the Ground. Its about 8 miles of gravel road and then you’re there.”

She wasn’t kidding! We drove 7.2 teeth-rattling miles of gravel road lined with rabbit brush, and an occasional house or scrubby tree. And then we were there—a pullout for about four cars and toilet. My heart rejoiced!

We took the short trail and suddenly there it was. A 20-30 foot deep crack, formed by underground lava flows. Originally two miles long it is now blocked in places where rocks have caved in. Kelly and I hiked the length of the first section and parts of the second and third. Most of the path is easy hiking while other spots you have to climb over, under, or around large rocks. We had so much fun! We felt like the good guys in a movie taking an underground passage to get away from the bad guys.

Again, we took so many pictures it was hard to decide which to share, but here are a few of our favorites.

View from above
View from below

 

After hiking both locations it was 3:00 and we were tired and hungry. Thankfully The Farmhouse Café in Christmas Valley has delicious hamburgers which we eagerly devoured. It was time to head northwest toward Black Butte Ranch near Sisters where we planned to stay the night.

Our final destination, The Hole in the Ground, was on the way. Although there was a sign off Highway 31, there were no markings after that. The forest is criss-crossed with dirt roads in every direction. After following several without any luck, Kelly and I decided to call it a day and headed for Sisters.

On our way we read about Kent Couch, a man from Bend who has made an impressive number of flights using lawn chairs and helium-filled latex balloons. Tons of research and ingenuity! But Kelly and I agreed we would stick to airplanes for our flying adventures.

As the sun began to set, the sky radiated orange, pink, purple, and gold against the central Oregon sky. Although Kelly stopped so I could take pictures, there was no way to capture the breathtaking beauty of the evening. A perfect ending to a perfect day.

As we snuggled into our home that night we thanked God for the day. It was delightful from beginning to end; filled with the astounding works of God. From the fog and wild creatures, to the rocks and crevices we explored. Our hearts were full of praise for God-given creativity to invent incredible flying contraptions, and God’s own handiwork in the sky. “Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them” (Psalm 111:2, NIV).

We went to bed that night so filled up that we only glanced at the next day’s schedule, choosing instead to savor the wonders of the day. We slowed down to enjoy the evening together and let our spirits catch up with our bodies.

The next day would prove to be another highlight of the trip. Come and join us tomorrow for our trip to Balancing Rocks.