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The Black Hills

I've just returned from a week away from all that is familiar. No kids, no home, no friends, no computer, no telephone, no electricity.

I was lucky to have well water and a tent to cover my head. And it was wonderful! My lifetime lover and I celebrated our 10th anniversary in the Black Hills of South Dakota. We camped in the shadow of towering cliffs with the sounds of a rushing creek just feet away. The birds woke us each morning and the golden eagles soared overhead majestically.

We went hiking and fishing, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying God's handiwork all around us. It seemed there was something new and delightful around each corner. Wildflowers were abundant and little creatures were friendly.

A short hike down into a little canyon led us to this discovery.


Spearfish falls was only one discovery in a week filled with similar experiences.

Of course, we also experienced thunderstorms all night long, while we sat in a soggy tent. This trip could be labeled, "A River Runs Through It" although it didn't take place in Montana.

And only a little groaning was heard regarding the stinky outhouse and lack of modern bathing facilities. Frozen water + washcloth in the great wide open = sorta clean in a few places.

I won't be showing many pictures of myself since Heather - blow dryer = wild hair. But when you're roughing it, you don't care too much.

I was willing to deal with the inconveniences of outdoor living in order to experience the beauty of God's living room. I began my mornings with Him, in His beautifully decorated room and I ended my days sitting by the fire, enjoying the changing landscape.

Sometimes you have to rough it in order to see true beauty.

Comments

Amy L Brooke said…
Oh, it looks beautiful!

Thanks for all the readind and commenting. You are such an encouragement!
Melanie said…
Wow.. it sounds like a wonderful trip. What a great way to spend time together to celebrate your wedding anniversary. Nothing but the two of you and God's beautiful creation of nature.
Kathy Schwanke said…
That is beautiful and it sounds like you had a much needed time of refreshment. God bless you as you "get back into life" now.

Our family is going out west later this summer too. Sounds wonderful (minus the roughing it part:-)
Deborah said…
Thank you for your words this morning. I could hear God calling down to me with my new name. I needed that reassurance today.
much2ponder said…
I love your cafe entry so I stopped by. I have been struggling lately with my identity in Christ and have been trying to let go of myself in order to get a better grasp of who He is for me. Perhaps, it is not letting go totally that needs to happen, but accepting the new me in place of the old me. Thanks for your thoughtful post.

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