Silver Lining Affirmation

Yesterday I sent an email to my inner circle of supporters privately declaring my official launch of the Silver Lining Project. It's been a long time coming - years - and not without a lot of inner obstacles and outer doubts. For something that seems so simple and right, there certainly is a lot of angst attached to it. As I should have expected, today brought an attack of proportions equal to the excitement I had just hurled out of my private space into the "real world".

Driving this afternoon, my iPod cranked more than usual in the car, I was asking (actually, whining to) God why there always has to be a struggle walking along side every blessing. I was hoping for a little tedium for a while, but wasn't finding it. God replied immediately, shouting through my iPod, in the lyrics:

Don't you give up now 

The sun will soon be shining

You gotta face the clouds

To find the silver lining

Whoa! One of my favorite songs was playing and, not surprising, I had not really heard this stanza before.  This time it was crystal clear, and loud. My cynical, and faithless, response to God, as I looked up and saw a sky completely full of clouds? "OK, so prove it and lets see the sun shine through!" Before the song was half done, this is what I saw:
(click to see larger)



Point taken.
I apologized for the cynicism.
Thanked Him for the encouragement.
Promised I wouldn't give up. 
Not like I really would have.
Don't think I can.

 

(Yes, I stopped the car to take the photo)

The song on You Tube with Lyrics
"What Faith Can Do" by Kutless:


Silver Lining Project:
"There is deep healing that occurs when the grip of secrecy and shame is shattered by the telling of one’s story. And there is equally deep hope, comfort, and encouragement for those who get to hear those stories and realize they are not alone. I am passionate about encouraging women to share their stories."

August at the Cabin

Almost There

(Click on photos for larger view)

Greeted by a Fungi

Looking Up on the Path

Lake View

On the way to the dock

An Important Part of the Cabin Experience

Last Hooray Before Home

Primitive Camping...in Style

Primitive because this is considered a primitive camp site at Crow Wing State Park in Minnesota. That means no electrical hookups or plumbing. Who needs electricity when camping? We were camping in good style. Our plumbing felt luxurious with the working well right on site, and our own private out-house! Food was served in the stylish, fully screened, shelter which houses 3 picnic tables.
Despite hot afternoon temps, perfect tent weather prevailed overnight. No desire to sleep indoors. And, we were able to drive right up to the camp site! No wagons or carts.
  Click on the photos for a close-up look.

Leaving the Nest

This morning I had the privilege of watching two baby cardinals venture out of their nest for the first time! It was precious!
Thank you to the neighbors who saved one of them from their cat. The cat is "grounded" indoors for the rest of the day. A few minutes earlier, he sure looked suspicious...and bold!
There is no facing backward for any of these animals. That seems to be strictly a human characteristic.
Click on the photos for a close-up look.