The Malvern View
A Texan farmer goes to Australia for a vacation. There he meets an Aussie farmer and gets to talking. The Aussie shows off his big wheat field and the Texan says, "Oh! We have wheat fields that are at least twice as large!"
Next, they walk around the ranch a little and the Aussie shows off his herd of cattle. The Texan immediately says, "We have longhorns that are at least twice as large as your cows!"
Meanwhile, the conversation has almost died when the Texan sees a herd of kangaroos hopping through the field. He asks,
"And what are those?" The Aussie asks with an incredulous look,
"Don't you have any grasshoppers in Texas?"
I do love that joke as I can picture the characters involved and the type of people that they are. As many of the readers know I have just returned from a trip to California which was a very enjoyable experience and privilege. I have reminded myself of the above joke partly by the way in which Texan’s were the butt of a joke I heard while in California but also by a souvenir that I brought back for myself. A fir cone! It is rather large to say the least from one of the giant pine trees that grow in that part of the world. I do love being outside and exploring all that creation has to offer, the fir cone was from Mount Lasson volcanic park (an active volcano) where despite it being t-shirt & shorts weather there was still plenty of snow (or rather ice) on the ground. As we walked around Lake Manzanita in the shadow of Mount Lasson we disturbed a huge eagle sat on top of a dead pine tree. As it flew across the path in front of us it had in its talons a huge rainbow trout of such size that the eagle had to work really hard to fly. I remarked to Ruth that it appeared to be more successful than fisherman on the lake. It was a truly remarkable sight, something that we have all probably seen on the TV but a bit special to observe first hand.
We combined our trip with some holiday but also to attend a conference at Bethel Church in Redding Northern California. On the Sunday we went to the service but afterwards went along to the Alabaster House (in the church grounds) which is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week for prayer. It is a beautiful and very peaceful place, I went to sit outside in the grounds while Ruth went inside to pray (or rather enjoy the air conditioning!) As I sat there taking in the spectacular view to the mountains in the distance, I watched an eagle soar on the air and just take in its effortless flight, I was reminded of the following verse from the bible:
But those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed.
They will rise on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary;
they will walk and not grow weak.
Isaiah 40:31
We all need to be renewed whether by sleep, rest or a holiday, but as this verse points out if we turn to God we can all be reenergised and strengthened in whatever tasks or trials we may well be facing.
God Bless &
I hope & pray you enjoy the summer and all it has to offer!
Chris
