Three Little Girls with Big Hearts

This past Saturday, Cornerstone Christian Bookstore in Vineland, New Jersey, graciously hosted my first official book signing. You may or may not have noticed the little blurb on the side of my blog about my book called  ...And God Made Me!  This book started as an idea to let children know the truth that God made them and loves them. It grew into photographs and text, was accepted for publication by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, LLC, and was officially released on August 30, 2011. Here's the trailer they've produced for it.

As Mike (my terrific husband) and I were just getting things set up for this book signing, three little girls  excitedly came up to us. After looking at the book, they decided that they wanted to get three. I asked them to check with their mom and dad, so they did. I listened as they explained to their parents that they wanted to get these books to give to their friends! How wonderful is that?!?

Their mom explained that last Sunday was the first time some of their girls' friends had gone to church with them. Seeing the enthusiasm these young children had for sharing the love of Jesus with others was heart-warming and inspiring. That is what this book is all about. That is the purpose of it. I feel so privileged to have a small part in sharing this great news. Not only are children loved by God, you are, too. He created each of us and has a great design for us. You really are special. To find out more, please check out:

http://sarahshares.com/YouAreVerySpecial.html





 

Stranded



The Loyalsock Creek in the midst of the flooding.

We were stranded. Fortunately, our camp site was on higher ground, so the floodwaters weren't endangering us. The Loyalsock Creek flowing through World's End State Park in the Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania was rising quickly. It flowed over its banks and covered the road. The rushing, raging water even tore down trees in its path. The power of the torrent of water was astonishing. We watched and listened as one tree came crashing down and was flung along with the current. We took several walks throughout the day to check on the road and the water. Below are a few photos of the changing scenery that day.



This is what the Loyalsock Creek
 usually looks like.



The creek rose higher and higher...



Then it covered the road. (Don't worry,
they were perfectly safe.)

Eventually the rain stopped, and the waters slowly went down. Later that same day the roads opened again. There was evidence of the flood all around, in the mud-covered roadways, the trees left lying in various places, and the crushed corn stalks. In the midst of all this damage, one thing stood out to me. There was a tree right in the creek that was still standing, and there was another tree that had been torn out of the ground jammed against that upright tree. (see pic below)

As I looked closer, I realized that the tree that still stood tall was coming out of a rock. It was standing on a rock. What a great reminder! Jesus said, "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

(Matt. 7:24-25)

Storms and floods may come in a variety of forms, like job loss, sickness, accidents, or other challenges. Actually, storms will come. However, Jesus Christ is a solid rock and a sure foundation. If you know and rely on Him, you will not be swept away by anything. He promises to be near, and He can give you a peace that the strongest winds and most powerful waters cannot uproot.  

 

Dirt, Rodeos, and Tenacity

Covered in dust after a long wrestling match with a bull,
the cowboy walked out of the arena after being
cheered by the crowd.

The seconds ticked on and on and on as the cowboy determinedly wrestled the bull to the ground. At last he succeeded and the crowd cheered. He was covered in dust, and his time didn't put him near the top contenders for the cash prize. However, his tenacity and perseverance were admired by the rodeo crowd and his competitors. It certainly impressed me.

This was my first time ever seeing a rodeo. I was supposed to be working. When I was put on-call, Mike and I took advantage and went to the Cecil County Fair in Maryland. It happened to be Rodeo Night. Of course, before we grabbed a seat in the stands, we explored a little bit. Neither Mike or I had any idea what friendly creatures cows are. As Mike stood next to one for a photo, it suddenly licked the side of his face!

Mike goofing around after this cow licked his face!

After getting our fill of the fantastic food that is always available at county fairs: BBQ beef sandwiches, beach fries, and ice cream, we grabbed a seat in the bleachers for the rodeo. It was exciting seeing the riders bearing the American flag go racing around the arena then coming to a sudden stop for everyone to rise and sing the national anthem.

These cowboys made riding galloping horses while
carrying the American flag look effortless.

Next we watched as bucking broncos tried to lose their riders, cowboys leaped off their horses and tackled young bulls, and pairs of cowboys lassoed bulls in a race against the clock and other competitors' times. It was such fun to watch and cheer them on! I was wondering how one trains for a rodeo. It seems like it must take a lot of practice and falls and getting up again. Isn't that like life? At least for me it is.

That cowboy I mentioned at the beginning is a picture of inspiration to me. He stuck with it and didn't stop until he succeeded. No matter what you're wrestling with, don't give up. The struggles make us stronger and better if we let them. God can use anything and everything to shape us. After hearing bad or sad news at times I've heard someone mention "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose", but I always think they need to go a bit further and include the next part, "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son." (Romans 8:28-29)
What a great design! God has great plans for you and me.
                                                                                                                              ~ Sarah

If you'd like to see some more photos from the rodeo and other random places, check out:
http://sarahriddle.zenfolio.com/p1023182448

Treasures of Darkness



When our electricity went out one time, we grabbed
flashlights and started looking and laughing
through old photo albums - a treasure.

 Are you afraid of the dark? I know some people really are afraid of the dark. Someone close to me turns on every light along the way if getting up in the night for a drink of water or anything.

I have good news for you, whether you are afraid of the dark or not. There are treasures in darkness. Think about the stars. You can't even see them until it becomes dark. The darker it gets, the brighter the stars shine. You also notice more and more stars as the darkness deepens. At High Knob up in the Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania, in the late night when it's cloudless and dark, you can even see shooting stars. Of course, you have to look up to see those stars. Just like darkness in life - there are treasures there if we look for them.



Lightning in the dark, stormy skies at
the beach made the clouds appear
pink and glowing - a treasure.


Someone sharing a testimony of God's faithfulness and guidance stated that God doesn't waste anything. I agree with that. God can use anything and everything. He promises in Isaiah 45:3 "I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name."

I've gone through dark times of different varieties and have collected treasures along the way, like the treasure of knowing with certainty that God is always faithful and always loving. I just want to encourage you all to look for those treasures of darkness, too. They are there. Go ahead and look around!
                                                                               ~ Sarah

What I Like About Stop Signs

                                                                                        

This black cat was walking through the same meadow
as me when it decided to stop for a while.

Do you ever feel like you are going about a hundred miles per hour or maybe even a hundred kilometers per hour? Sometimes life goes rushing by in a blur, and sometimes I get caught up in doing so many things that they run together. That's why I kind of like stop signs. They make you stop.


Mike and I stopped for ice cream at a Dairy Queen. As we sat in the
parking lot enjoying it, we noticed this unusual bird. (a friend
kindly informed me that this is a blue heron:)


When I stop, I tend to notice things. It usually gives me a new perspective. The unimportant things fade and the important stuff comes into focus. Many times I discover things I hadn't noticed before. It reminds me that what is seen is temporary, and what is unseen is eternal.


Go ahead and look in every direction.
 There is beauty all around.






Stopping also gives me a chance to look all around. When is the last time you looked up at the clouds or down at the ground? Have you ever looked closely at the drops of water sitting on leaves after the rain?


When the rain stops, the raindrops left sitting on leaves are beautiful.



Stopping gives me the chance to evaluate what I'm doing. The other day I had my usual plan of doing way too many things within the day. Then I got a phone call from my daughter asking if I'd like to play a game (Imaginiff). Six of us ended up playing the game, eating popcorn, and laughing together. Now that was worthwhile!




I love how the afternoon sun always creates a golden glow

over everything, before the sky fades to black.



Recently I was thinking about Psalm 23 and how it says, "He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul."



All I'm trying to say and show through these few pictures is to go ahead and stop. Just stop completely for a while and allow God to restore your soul. He is faithful and will do it.       

                                                                 ~ Sarah





Walking along together, Mike and I stopped when
we saw these cool reflections.









Above the Clouds



Sometimes it's easy to lose your perspective. Recently I was in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and had the chance to explore the city for a day. I woke up early to a misty, cloud-filled morning. As I made my way towards Mount Washington, I realized that I was actually walking through fog and clouds.

The photos you see here are show how dense the mist was. It was strange seeing buildings and the city disappear behind the clouds.

Pedestrians crossing the Smithfield Street Bridge
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.



After crossing the Smithfield Street Bridge, I headed towards the incline and rode up to Mount Washington. When I arrived at the top, I gazed out on a completely different view!



On top of Mount Washington in Pittsburgh, overlooking
the clouds and the city.

When I was walking in the mist-filled streets, the sun was still there. I just couldn't see it from my perspective. Reality doesn't change even though we may view it differently or the view may be obscured. The sun still shines even when clouds, fog, and mist block your view of it.

As you can see in the photo to the left, the clouds were still floating through and embracing the city. There is a verse that says, "Sing to God, sing praise to His name, extol Him who rides on the clouds - His name is the Lord - and rejoice before Him." (Psalm 68:4) That is truth and that is reality. God is over all, and He loves us!

If you are walking in darkness right now, I encourage you to look at things from a different perspective. Count on God's promises. As it says in another Psalm, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." (Psalm 27:14)
There is hope, always.             
                                                                                                                                                                   ~ Sarah

Lost in Another Language

The music store in Germany where I had
one of my fun adventures.

I was lost, not terribly lost, but definitely lost. Let me explain a little. At the time, I was on a short-term assignment in Germany for the Air National Guard, and I had a day off. I really like adventuring in new places, so after some research and planning, I took a public bus from the base into the city. My goal was to shop at a music store for a harmonica as a souvenir for Mike, my husband, and then to explore the city a bit.

I found the store quite easily and even negotiated the harmonica section without too much difficulty. I was surprised at the wide range of prices, but I found one within my budget. With my purchase happily in hand, I left the store to wander around the city a while before I had to catch a bus back.

Knowing that I was in a foreign country with a language I knew nothing about, I was extremely careful to note my surroundings so that I wouldn't get lost. When I left the music store, I spied a tall tower with a clock facing me, so I made that my landmark.

It was a great day of walking around, looking at different shops, and trying some local cuisine. The time was passing, and the next thing I knew, it was time to start heading for the bus stop. I looked up at the clock tower in the distance and suddenly realized that it did not have just one clock. It had a clock on each of its four sides! Okay, you can laugh here at how naive I was. I had to laugh at myself.

A German bakery selling what appears to be
Philadelphia soft pretzels.

With my complete lack of ability to speak German, I was on my own. Fortunately, I was able to retrace my steps, and it wasn't long before I was standing at the bus stop ready for the return trip.

Through all of this, I learned to be careful what I choose to guide my steps. I thought I was smart and prepared, but I didn't notice one important detail that could have left me wandering for a long time.

It's rather easy to get lost in life, too, if you use the wrong landmarks or don't pay attention. That's one reason that I love how Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life." (John 14:6) He didn't say He was a way. He made it clear that He is "the way"! I can tell you from experience that this is true. If you trust your life to Him, He will never leave you. You'll never be really lost again.
                                                                                                  ~ Sarah