The other day Mr. Graham invited us to have a picnic and hike at a beautiful lake not far from home; he didn't have to ask us twice! We had a lovely picnic in the covered pavilion, then hiked down to the lake and back. The Japanese call spending time in the forest "tree bathing," and they claim that the trees offer healing from stresses and even strengthen the immune system against cancer cells (but we didn't need to be told this, did we?).
Our hike was not without hazards, however, as we soon discovered that the local tick population was out to have a picnic, as well (you can see AnnaMarie brushing one off in the photo below)!
It was still a wonderful time, despite the ectoparasites, and we made a lovely memory to treasure, as we made notes of our finds in our nature journals. Tasha even saw a turtle swimming in the lake!
Lake Jacomo
Redbud "peas"
May Apple
Red Mulberry
Yarrow
We've recently purchased the book "Eat the Trees!" by Linda Runyon, and our eyes have been opened, yet again, to the abundance all around us, if we are open and receptive (and hungry enough!). There is no reason to panic or worry about starvation, were something drastic to happen the world around us, since God has promised to feed and clothe us as He does the sparrows and lilies.
If you are in a situation of apparent lack in your life, we would plead with you to keep the faith, keeping your eyes on the Lord and His greatness, and not on the problems around us. As we "magnify the Lord" in this way, we minimize those scary things that seem so big when we magnify them by constantly worrying and fretting about them. God is bigger than whatever you are up against, and you are His beloved child.
Love,
Marqueta
What a wonderful place! So much scope for imagination there. Wonderful message at the end Marqueta! So when can we expect tutorials on feasting upon trees? Very interesting!
ReplyDeleteLovely photos, we just love going for long walks in the forest. I try to do one every morning since my walking trail is through the trees on our property. Towards the end today there was a very long black snake. I let him have the trail and went way around.
ReplyDeleteYour right about keeping your eyes on th Lord, so many scary things are happening in the world it can be so overwhelming for those without the Lord in their lives.
We will have to look into that book looks good.
Love
Erika
I L O V E nature! There surely is something about the trees that bring stress levels down. The lake is gorgeous, and I especially think the last photo is a precious one.
ReplyDeleteI really REALLY enjoyed the last video you and your girls put together.
They are encouraging, and have certainly caused me to keep my eyes open to the ground beneath me while I am outside:)
Your love for the Lord God is beautiful.
God bless you, Deanna
Marqueta, thank you for sharing your picnic and nature walk with us. The pictures are gorgeous! What a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteI love your encouraging sentiment at the end. Amen!
What a beautiful nature hike! Indeed I agree about Tree Bathing. I always feel renewed and uplifted when I am surrounded by trees - Nature is a wonderful and powerful thing! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for all your teaching and things you share Marqueta! I have learned so much from you! I am sure you came home with lots of goodies! I am going to the mountains this Saturday to get some Nettle (my first time!) and am excited. :)
Isn't it so true about panicking about things? Fear is the opposite of faith, and we let it get in the way many times instead of reflecting faith and love and peace that the Lord gives us. The Lord is always aware and always there guiding and helping us through ~
Anyway, have a lovely weekend.
Lots of love,
Emily Fay
There is nothing more soothing that a walk in the woods. It is so awe inspiring.
ReplyDeletem.
Beautiful post Marqueta...I would really like to take a course on all the many edible plants there are available in nature for us to consume. However I am gaining knowledge from you,that is very helpful. :) God is so amazing...he does supply our ever need if we only trust and believe. Blessings
ReplyDeleteLooks Beautiful!! Love all the green and Wow Tasha must have loved seeing that turtle...I have had spiders dropping on me for days they are everywhere around here right now. But thankfully I have not been bit...those ticks are nasty aren't they I have had to remove them before. not fun!! Thanks for sharing all those wonderful pictures ~Love Heather
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place to have a picnic, though I am not too sure about the tics! I am a bit squeamish about some forms of bug life. I love the crinkly bark on the tree photo and the lake itself looks very inviting...are you allowed to swim there? I am with the japanese on their theory about trees. There is something infinately calming about walking through or lying under a tree and watching the light play through the leaves. I just wish it was warm enough here to have a picnic outdoors. It has remained cold despite some blue skies and sunshine. I can't believe that we are half way through May. Love and hugs Dev x
ReplyDeleteWell, you've stripped my vocabulary of worthy superlatives again! That picture with Natasha in it is mag...NIFICENT!
ReplyDeleteGen 1:29 ¶ And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which [is] upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which [is] the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat (i.e. "food").
Gen 1:30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein [there is] life, [I have given] every green herb for meat: and it was so.
Sincerely,
Daniel Robbins
What a pretty day you had, Marqueta!
ReplyDeleteExcept for the leeches, of course.
The scenery is beautiful and just perfect for a picnic.
I think the Japanese are right about "tree bathing"and the benefits of it!
Your photos are lovely..as usual :-)
blessings..Trish
Gorgeous photos! What a beautiful place. The ticks are out in large numbers already here as well. We'll have to take care around them. Happy Belated Mother's Day, by the way!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Lynn
Dearest Marqueta,
ReplyDeleteThese are the best ways to bind Family memories!
I so enjoyed all the pictures!
Many many Blessings and lots of love, Linnie