Thursday, December 20, 2012

Looking both ways

O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.


2012 is rapidly drawing to a close. That dawned on me as I was looking back on my blog and realized that my 3rd blogging anniversary had flown right on by. What started off as an 'experiment' back in Dec. 2009 is now in its 4th year (and I realize that it's still in its infancy compared to some stalwarts). I'm no longer posting at the torrid pace of 2010 (a Project 365 year), but God's wonderful creation continues to inspire.

It's good to look back also to see where God's hand has guided, and conversely where we have decided we knew the way better. Looking back provides a good perspective on life if we have eyes to see. I'm reminded of these words:

Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
Bears all its sons away;
They fly forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the opening day.


And 'time' for each of us is different - some are given much, others relatively little (think of last week's event in Newtown, CT). Relative to eternity our time here is barely a dream, and who among us will be well-remembered in a couple of generations ?

And yet we may look forward with confidence:

O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while life shall last,
And our eternal home.


Since we will be celebrating Christmas with family over the next week, it's unlikely I'll post during that time. [I'm still slowly visiting your blogs as our internet connection permits]. Thank you each and every one for your visits and kind words over this past year.

I wish all of you a Blessed Christmas.


26 comments:

Pamela Gordon said...

Hi Rick, I've enjoyed meeting you through your beautiful photos this year. Beautiful words and thoughts today. I wish you and your family a very blessed Christmas. Pamela

Ruth Hiebert said...

Thank-you for the beautiful wishes.I trust that your Christmas will be overflowing with love and joy.I appreciate you kind comments on my simple blog.I also look forward to seeing each of your posts,they are inspiring.

Amelia said...

Hi Rick, thank you for your beautiful posting and Christmas wishes. Nice to meet you in cyber world.

Love your hew header, very spectacular and beautiful.

Wishing you and family a very Merry Christmas. God Blessed.
Have a great week ahead,take care.
Greetings from Malaysia, Amelia.

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

Beautiful post Rick. Thank you for your encouraging words and comments over the year. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas with family.

Cloudia said...

I LOVE your header, new GREEN blog, and this smashing holiday post, Rick!


Aloha from Waikiki, my Friend
Comfort Spiral
~ > < } } ( ° >
> < } } ( ° >

Stephanie said...

Wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas! I have enjoyed viewing your photos for the past year.

darlin said...

Rick you've been blogging for 4 years now? It seems like it's only been a few. I remember when you were starting up and if memory serves me correctly you had only a handful of followers. I immediately fell in love with not only your photos but your words as well. You have inspired me immensely when I needed it most it seems. Your words or photos would give me that extra oomph I needed when I needed it so thank you ever so much for this.

I love your new header, welcome back to my reality; snow, cold and plenty of ice! After being in the sun do you find it challenging to adjust to this weather? I want to jump on a plane on Dec. 25th and fly back to Australia til this snow has disappeared, but that's a want and not all of my wants can be met... thankfully sometimes! lol

A beautiful post, and I also wish you and your loved ones a blessed and very Merry Christmas Rick!

Lasse said...

I wish you the same Rick !

ju-north said...

Thank you for the beautiful glimpses into your life showing us parts of the world we will never visit! Many blessings to you and your family!

Marty said...

joyeux noël Rick et merci à toi pour tous tes commentaires bilingues !
tu as fait des progrès en français !
je te souhaite aussi de bien finir l'année et de faire le saut en 2013 avec bonheur !

Lúcia said...

I wish you and your family a very Happy Chritmas and a wonderful 2013! :)

biebkriebels said...

Thanks for the nice words and all best whishes for 2013 for you and your family. Gelukkig nieuwjaar.
Marianne

Unknown said...

Very thoughtful words, they made me go to a mirror and have a look at myself . . .

Greetz,


Joseph

imac said...

Great post as always Rick, love your photography, also that headers a super shot.

Maybe twice a week posting would be good, one post for you and one post for the Headbangers hehe.

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year my friend.

Anonymous said...

Rick, I guess not many of us will be well-remembered in a couple of generations but the love we will give to people in our lives will stay in a magic way. I often feel in old buildings the life that passed through them and I guess it's the same with love. It adds a positive charge, doesn't it?

Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Unknown said...

Love your header and a wonderful poem. Glad to have met via blogger. Merry Christmas and Happy New year to you and your family.

Cheri said...

Rick, have a blessed Christmas and New Year. Cheri

Lea said...

Beautiful and insightful, Rick. Merry Christmas and a Blesses New Year to you and your family! :)

Teté M. Jorge said...

Merry Christmas, honey, and I hope that 2013 comes packed with love, health and peace!

Cheers to you and your family.
Lots of sweet beijos, flowers and friendship.

Missing you...

Lisa Gordon said...

Such beautiful words, Rick.
I wish you and your family a truly magical Christmas.

rose said...

Wish you a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Valentina Dragan said...

Merry Christmas! And my best wishes for the New Year!

Betty Manousos said...

merry christmas to you and your beautiful family!

love your header!

Betty Manousos said...

...and thank you for your beautiful wishes!

Bitch said...

A visit on your site is always a joy!!

Wish you very nice holidays surrounded with your friends and family!!!

Your new winter header is amazing!!!

Here I Am Carrie said...

Just catching up as this will be my last time for a few months. I love your ornament. I have yet to capture a really good one.