"And by His good grace I will praise Him still"

Here it is a scant several days before Thanksgiving, the mere twenty-four hours which so many of us fill with food and family, forgetful of the Giver in our busyness, and I am grateful. Can I ever analyze all that God has done for me and rationalize that I have deserved it? Can I do Him the dishonor of attempting to number His extravagance into a list of tangible blessings? That is what eternity is for. But in the meantime, why wait for Thursday? Who woke me up this morning, right on time? Who has sustained me since birth? Who has brought about all my trials in order to polish me as a gem? With each word and action a carefully crafted prayer of Thanksgiving let me begin now... and continue, ever filled with gratitude.

Ravenwood Sarmone (Grayson)

14.3 Hands to Leap On

Flea-bitten Grey
17 Years Old

Egyptian Arabian
7 Year Friend
All Ears (Forward)

4 Athletic legs
Honest as they come
100% Teacher (For the Brave-Hearted)

Not for Sale

A Dash of Salt- October 27, 2007

Windy, damp, and enlivening: the coast of Newport, RI on a overcast day, anything but dismal with the sound of the waves dashing themselves repeatedly against the snail encrusted and seaweed draped rocks. With the crisp scent of salt tingling in one's nose and the air buffeting one's clothes and hair and body added to a day of rest and the company of friends, it has just the right amount of seasoning.

October 20, 2007

In short, I feel forgetful. Here it is two weeks and one day later and I am just now remembering; it has taken 15 days worth of essays, quizzes, and discussions for the light to once again appear, finally showing itself much like the sun streaming though these branches in Heath, MA.

But is that the only thing I've forgotten? It seems as if another lesson can be brightened though the illustration of this beauty--I have been called to be a sunbeam, a witness to those around me, as if they are indeed like these solemn woods and autumn leaves, in need of illumination. And there is joy in such remembrance, and wonder, and enthusiasm: sure, I will not deny that cloudiness happens, but God has granted renewal and I am once again filled with a mission... might I only be as gentle as the light playing about the forest floor as I attempt to fulfill it.