TWA: NE (27) Acadia’s Ocean Path—How We Walk Matters!

The most helpful advice we received on what to do at Acadia National Park was from a ranger who recommended Ocean Path as the best-of-the-best hike and then counseled us on how to walk it. Ocean Path is Acadia’s coastal trail. It’s about 2.3 miles and takes 1.5-2 hours depending on how often you stop to soak in the glory. Without a doubt, this is everybody’s first choice for spectacular views without breaking a sweat (at least not much).

Ocean Path is highlighted in red. Google Earth Image*

The ranger pointed out that most people get off at Sand Beach because the bus stops there first, and then they hike to Otter Cliff, but he always goes the opposite direction. He even gave three rationales: #1. Hiking from Otter Cliff to Sand Beach is predominantly downhill rather than uphill. Otter Cliff is 110 ft high, which isn’t that much, but it’s one of the highest Atlantic coastal headlands north of Brazil, so it makes a pleasant difference if you’re walking downhill rather than up for a couple of hours. #2. The sun is at your back, so the colors are brighter and the photos better #3. Most people walk from Sand Beach, which means the lines are longer if you want to catch a bus home from Otter Cliff, and sometimes you have to wait. I would add a #4. in the summer: Sand Beach is one of the few natural sand beaches in Maine (most are rocky) and popular with bathers in the summer. So, if you end your hike at Sand Beach, you can jump in for a cool-down swim while you’ve got lots of body heat!

The ranger’s advice turned out to be spot on! Since most people get off at Sand Beach, the bus nearly emptied, and it was very easy to get a seat boarding there when we were done hiking and tired! On our trip home (after we were comfortably seated), the bus stopped at 4 places where the driver only had room to take one person, but most people were in couples so waited for other buses. We felt very thankful to have received this helpful advice from the ranger about which way to walk! It was so much easier!!

The walk was grand! It was a cool, cloudy, 57°F, but we wore double tops and our long johns under our outer slacks—with umbrellas and fleeces in our backpack—so we were prepared! Autumn after the first frost is particularly splendid because there are no bugs (which is a problem at various times during the spring and summer months).

In addition to the leaves turning color, the path was lined with bright red rose hips, purple New England asters, goldenrod, crown vetch, and various berries.

And the sea breeze! Fresh and exhilarating! I paused often to sniff the breeze but ended up drawing in huge, deep breaths . . . gulping to fulfillment!

The most unique feature of this coast is the pink granite.

Glistening pink granite boulders along Ocean Path in Acadia National Park

Cadillac Granite and Somesville Granite are predominant, and both have rich, rosy hues from orthoclase feldspar.

The pathway was fairly level, although there were some roots and rocks protruding here and there. I was hanging on to Alan’s arm but managed to trip and fall so hard and fast that I pulled Alan over too. I really bruised my left hip, skinned my left knee, and cut my right hand but thankfully didn’t break anything!! It definitely hurt, though, and attracted the attention of a kindly couple who offered to help or drive us out or whatever. I dusted myself off and ascertained that nothing was broken on Alan or me (not even my camera), so we finished our hike. (Thank you, Father!)

I had been walking on Alan’s left side for support because I was still recovering from left hip surgery, but it occurred to us that I should switch and walk on Alan’s right side. It’s my left leg that doesn’t have much clearance and will cause me to stumble on even small protrusions.

Hopefully, if I fall again, I’ll fall into Alan but not with enough force to knock him over. He always teases that he wants to “present me fall-less before the throne.” I guess he can’t keep me from falling (nor can anyone), but he’s sure kept me from breaking any bones when I do fall!

Just a question, but do you have anyone in your life to give you good counsel about where to walk and how to walk through life? Do you have a friend to support you and help break your falls if you stumble? If not, I can’t really lend you my husband, but I’d like to recommend my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus teaches us in the Bible where and how to walk, which makes life so much easier than it might otherwise be. He also has “everlasting arms” we can lean on to help keep us from stumbling!

Alan and Kathi at Sand Beach— the end of our hike

“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen” (Jude 24-25).

“The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”
(Deuteronomy 33:27)

New England Asters

(Credit: *The Google Earth image of Ocean Path is from the National Park Planner, which has more helpful information and photos about the trail: https://npplan.com/parks-by-state/maine-national-parks/acadia-national-park-park-at-a-glance/acadia-national-park-hiking-trails/acadia-national-park-ocean-path/)

“God” (by Jim Cooper)

God
Our Creator… Made all that is
He conceived it in perfect wisdom
He designed it to exist in delicate balance
With power we cannot imagine He spoke it into existence
We marvel when we grasp the complexity of even the smallest part
Immense amounts of matter and energy in space and time
All programmed with perfectly specified information
The mind and will of our Creator built into everything
On the surface it is beautiful to behold
This beauty alone clearly testifies to us of its Creator
Below the surface lie the unmistakable fingerprints of God
Look hard at any part of it and you will see them there
His active will sustains it and holds it together
Without His continued will it would instantly cease to exist
And then… on top of all this 
Life
In all its diversity… expressed in millions of forms
On a planet specially designed to support it
Hundreds of precise conditions maintained in a mix of elements and information
That all point to our Creator
Our only proper response is love and praise and gratitude to Him
Yet… it is otherwise
Something foreign influences our attitudes
Something competes with what ought to be and once was
This darkness is found in human hearts and minds and darkens all of creation
We all bear the mark of twisted disorder overlaid upon wondrous order
How are we to understand this? What could account for it?
God alone has made this known to us
Communicated to us through His Word
Without this revelation we would only struggle blindly in the aftermath of sinful rebellion
Yes… Sin!
A poison that has infected all creation
It came through man
Tempted by the allure of evil the first humans made willful choices contrary to God’s commands
They knowingly rejected God’s authority hoping to become like Him
This led to the consequence of alienation… separation from God
And Death
Horrible!
Life separated from its Source
What now? How can we be restored?
Try as we might there is nothing we can do
We breached the trust! We barred the door!
And the key is on the other side…
Our only hope is that our Creator will graciously set things right
But what is His plan?
How can this be accomplished? 
A promise was made at the beginning in the aftermath of the fall
In the shadow of curses we rightly deserved
From our covenant-keeping God
A Messiah would be sent to rescue us
His mission would be to reconcile us to our Creator
He would be both heavenly priest and the perfect sacrifice
and He would pay the awful price!
“Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins”
“But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our
iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him,
and by His wounds we are healed”
God Himself would come in the person of His Son
“He who knew no sin became sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God”
“He who was rich became poor that we who were poor might become rich”
This is a very generous proposal… very good news for us
But just as a willful choice led to the problem, so a surrender of the will in faith must be made
by each of us to apply His loving solution
The same Spirit that brooded over the waters of creation to form it
now speaks to our hearts drawing us back to God
To form in us a New Life to make us part of a New Creation
Have you felt the effects of sin in your life?
Would you like to be forgiven of all your wrong choices?
He is speaking to you now…
“But I, when I am lifted up from the earth,
will draw all men to myself”
 The price has already been paid
God’s judgment on sin was totally poured out on Christ
Now He waits for you to respond by trusting in His Son
The Mighty Creator desires to become your Savior
Your sins can be forgiven
A glorious, eternal future with God can be secured
Repent of your sins and by faith accept His offer
His Word is True
His Promise can be trusted
Come
(Written by Jim Cooper, 2020)

I am a retired 70-year-old resident of Grand Rapids. I was born again in 1974 after many years in rebellion and the drug culture and am very thankful to have known and walked with Jesus Christ now for 48 years. He is my Creator, Lord, and Savior, and based on current events I believe my soon coming King!

Jim and his wife Mikki at Arches National Park in Utah
(All photos are Jim’s)

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (I Peter 3:15).

Amen, Jim! Thank you so much for sharing! April is National Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo). If anyone who reads this has an original poem you’ve written about your faith journey, I’d love to hear from you! You’re welcome to share them in the “Comment” section below, or send them to me with a photo, date, and a bit of bio, and I’ll try to share them as I’m able. (kathrynwarmstrong@gmail.com) Blessings~

 

Ham and Egg Bagel with Spicy Cream Cheese

Here’s another pretty quick but very yummy breakfast sandwich. Takes under 10 minutes to make, but the memories will last well into the day!

Ham and Egg Bagel with Spicy Cream Cheese
(Per Serving)

Ingredients:
1 everything bagel (or your favorite)
2 thin slices of ham
1 egg
Sauce made from:
2 tablespoons softened cream cheese blended together with:
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
1 teaspoon capers (can leave out if you don’t like them; you can also use
1 teaspoon pickle relish instead if desired; they’re both good!)

Toast your bagel while you’re frying your egg and ham. After the bagel is toasted, smear half the cream cheese sauce on each side.

My ham was from a deli and very thin, but I overcooked it in this photo, although the eggs should be over pretty hard. (The photo is of my making the ham and eggs for two bagel sandwiches.)

Top the bagel with the fried ham and eggs, place the seeded half of the bagel on top, and serve immediately. I think it’s always good to have some fresh fruit, so I served it with an orange.

“Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress” (Psalm 71:3).

Encanto: Can You Decode Its Hidden Message?

Are you going to be watching the Academy Awards this weekend? Disney’s 60th film, Encanto, is my top pick! It’s an enchanting, computer-animated musical comedy. Just out for a few months, Encanto‘s soundtrack has gone viral, and it’s already won the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film. It’s also been nominated for the 94th Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature, Best Original Score, and Best Original Song! We watched it with our kids and grandkids, and I’d say it’s an “A+” absolutely worthwhile film. The simple storyline is how a young girl who doesn’t feel very gifted attempts to save her family and rural Columbian community from collapse. With signature Disney creativity, the color, movement, and sound keep you mesmerized from the opening scene through the credits, and even our baby was awake at the end!

If you aren’t a believer, the story is completely delightful and the message clear: Every person has an important role in serving their community. Amen! We can all agree with this statement no matter what you might believe about God. God is not mentioned, nor is Jesus Christ. But, there was an underlying message so striking I woke up in the middle of the night to solve the mystery.

Whether or not the writers intended Encanto to be a Christian allegory about the Church, it is. Unmistakably. Let me mention a few parallels, and then if you haven’t seen it yet, please think about how these mirror spiritual realities and look for more, because the story is deep and beautiful! We learn that the grandmother (the Church) fell in love and married a wonderful man (Christ) who died saving his family and community.

But, when he died, his wife was left with tiny triplets to guard and a miraculous candle that gave light to their family. If you don’t know the scripture, I will tell you that when Jesus died, He promised us the Holy Spirit (like a light to guide us into all truth [John 16:7]) and the Word of God for us to cherish and protect, but which also provides life and direction for us.

In Encanto, the grandmother and her children and grandchildren all live in a magically wonderful mansion (the kingdom of God) where each child receives a gift when they are old and bold enough to enter the door to their room. (In my Father’s house are many abiding places [John 14:2]; Jesus is the Door [John 10:9].) When the child comes of age (is born again by faith in Christ), they receive a miraculous gift to be used to bless their family and the surrounding community (just as the Holy Spirit endues each believer with spiritual gifting).

Allegories and parables have a way of allowing people to experience different aspects of some truth, so every believer who watches Encanto will have their own interpretation, but I want to share a few more ideas that struck me. The triplets could be the Scripture: the New Testament represented by Mirabel’s sweet mother, whose gift is “healing;” the Old Testament Law represented by the moody/rainy/cloudy/sunny aunt. Keeping the law is meant to bring sunshine, but when we fail, it also brings sorrow and clouds. Bruno, the uncle who was cast out for his gift of prophecy, is all too easy to recognize in the Church today! Nobody wants to hear any negative reports about the Church’s failures and our need to repent and repair the cracks before we collapse (Psalm 11:3).

The children of the New Testament include Mirabel (who has no clue what her gift is) and her two sisters, strength, and beauty, but they grow tired of the overwhelming workload and stringent standards for pleasing Grandma. Mirabel holds the key. She can either fight her way through her fears to find and open the door of faith and join the battle for blessing, or she can give up and let go. But, if she lets go, she fears her home and family may not survive.

The story is about Mirabel’s quest to figure out what Uncle Bruno saw in his vision and how to enter the magic door before it’s too late. Does she succeed? And, what about the community? What’s their role? Let me know what you think after you watch the movie. I have a theory, but I’d also love to hear your surmisings! Ultimately, the Christian story is all about the grace and goodness of God, but He also uses people to love and care for one another. That’s one of the most “magical” things about life on earth!

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
(John 15:13)

P.S.—If you watch the movie and find yourself identifying with Mirabel—bewildered and somehow unable to enter the door of faith, please continue your quest! God will help you find your way, and it will be wonderful! Don’t give up! Keep searching! (Click on the “Coming to Christ” tab at the top of this page.) The Church needs you. Your family needs you. Your community needs you!

To Drink Or Not To Drink: Are You Willing To Ask That Question?

After nearly a generation of being taught that moderate use of alcohol is good for our hearts and helps us live longer, this myth has been debunked, and in a report that came out recently, the World Health Foundation (WHF) now says that no amount of alcohol is safe for the heart: https://world-heart-federation.org/wp-content/uploads/WHF-Policy-Brief-Alcohol.pdf

This flies in the face of the alcohol industry, which has been busy promoting “moderate” alcohol consumption as good for us. According to Monika Arora, who co-authored the above brief, “These claims are at best misinformed and at worst an attempt by the alcohol industry to mislead the public about the danger of their product.” In a news release, she spoke candidly: “The portrayal of alcohol as necessary for a vibrant social life has diverted attention from the harms of alcohol use, as have the frequent and widely publicized claims that moderate drinking, such as a glass of red wine a day, can offer protection against cardiovascular disease.”

The facts of the matter, according to the WHF brief (above), is that “over the past several decades, the prevalence of cardiovascular disease has nearly doubled, and alcohol has played a major role in the incidence of much of it.”

To put this in perspective: Since the Coronavirus Pandemic began in 2019, there have been 5,869,585 global deaths (when I looked it up for this article; there may be more today). By comparison, there are about 3 million deaths attributed to the harmful use of alcohol each year, so since 2019, that’s about 9 million deaths: https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/alcohol-facts-and-statistics In America, it’s “the third-leading preventable cause of death in the United States.” Why is it that we continue to applaud worldwide freedom to drink? Wouldn’t we be wiser to encourage people to wear a mask whenever they’re tempted to imbibe alcohol??? I do not personally have a single friend (my age, who’s close enough to be open with me) who doesn’t have at least one relative who is an alcoholic and brings grief to their heart. Do you? Even if you aren’t personally susceptible to addiction, are you willing to risk the lives of those you love? Or, let me ask it this way: Are you willing to give up something you enjoy to protect someone you love?

Finally, if you’re just thinking about yourself, please consider this article that suggests there is no safe level of alcohol consumption: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/901126. So, even if you have no one but yourself to worry about, please start being concerned about your own health!

“Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup
and goes down smoothly” (Proverbs 23:31, ESV).

TWA: NE (26) Good Enough To Die Of* Blueberry Pancakes

Jordan’s Restaurant in Bar Harbor, Maine, lives in the memories of our family as home to the world’s best wild blueberry pancakes.

Menu at Jordan’s Restaurant in Bar Harbor, Maine

It was started in 1976 “to fulfill a need for homestyle cooking” and is still going strong forty-five years later! We had breakfast there almost thirty years ago, and ever since that magical morning, it’s been among our family’s favorite breakfasts.

Alan outside Jordans (still wearing masks in 2021)

Alan and I were delighted to be able to have breakfast there together again during our recent trip to Acadia National Park and highly recommend it! The food was just as delicious as we remembered!

Breakfast at Jordan’s in Bar Harbor, Maine

I virtually never have a supply of wild blueberries anymore (seem only available in August in truly northern wilds), so Jordan’s still holds the record for “wild” blueberry pancakes, although I’ve come as close as I can to frying up fabulous flapjacks. Shockingly (to me at least), I’ve never written up my recipe, which is simple and easy but always wins kudos for the kitchen!

Blueberry Pancakes
(Makes 8 medium-sized pancakes)

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1 cup of your favorite pancake mix (I’ve used “Aunt Jemima” for 50 years, although the name has recently changed to “Pearl Milling Company.”)
3/4 cup milk
1 egg
1 tablespoon oil (can be canola oil, melted butter, melted bacon fat, or whatever. I know it’s not P.C. to use animal fat these days, but it certainly adds flavor.)

Whisk only until lump-free, then add 1 cup of fresh blueberries. (You can use frozen, which we sometimes do in the winter. You can either defrost them in a separate bowl, which will stain your mix blue, or you can add them frozen, but then it takes longer to fry them and you need to lower the temperature. My family has gotten used to blue pancakes. 🙂 )

Divide the batter equally onto a griddle that’s been heated to 350° and well greased with butter. Without the blueberries, pancakes fry best at about 375,° but I’ve found blueberry pancakes get too brown before they cook through with the berries so use a lower heat for a slightly longer period of time.

Once the pancakes start to bubble and look a bit golden underneath (usually just 2-3 minutes), flip them over.

Depending on how dark you like them, they probably won’t need to fry as long on the other side to get them crispy and golden underneath.

Blueberry Pancakes and sausage for breakfast

Serve them right off the skillet with butter and syrup. They’re perfectly great this way, although you can always add a little sausage or bacon and an egg to be even more festive, and some of our kids like a swirl of whipped cream on top.

“Be present at our table, Lord, be here and everywhere adored.
Thy people bless, and grant that we may feast in paradise with thee. Amen.”
– John Wesley
(who was from England but used mightily by God
to bring revival to the Northeast)

“Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people.”
(Psalm 3:8).

(*When my beloved German daughter-in-law first moved to America, she used to say something was to “die OF” instead of to “die FOR” [which is the common American idiom]. She has since learned to say “That’s to die for it’s so good!” but our family now likes to say something is “good enough to die of!” 🙂 )

TWA: NE (25) Acadia National Park—Tips from Some Old Pros

One of the best things that happened to us on our trip to Acadia National Park was having an RV too big to travel around the Loop or drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain.

At first, I experienced this as a very sad disappointment, since the last time we visited (30 years ago with our seven kids) we drove all over everywhere in our van and hopped out whenever we wanted, rather like touring on a London Bus.

Cadillac Mountain overlooks Acadia National Park and the Atlantic Ocean

Most expansive in my recollection was the glorious view from the top of Cadillac Mountain. It’s the highest point on the North Atlantic Seaboard, with stunning views of the ocean, distant rounded mountains, and forests dotted with glacial lakes. From Oct. 7 through March 6, it’s also the first place to glimpse the sun rising in America, so it’s a very special spot! However, I gave up trying to figure out how we could hike to the top after consulting with two healthy young men who were dripping with sweat from their climb. 😦

Even trying to park our RV at the visitor center was a major problem that seemed solved by a minor miracle when an RV pulled out right in front of us while we were gloomily circling the overfull lot. Rather desperate for advice, we waited in a long line to speak with someone at the information booth who encouraged us to take the free bus that travels around Park Loop Road, the scenic 23-mile drive around the east side of Mount Desert Island and the heart of Acadia National Park. As a parting comment when queried about “the best seat in the house,” the concierge counseled, “Sit on the left side behind the driver.”

Can you believe? The bus was pulling out as we found our way to the line, but that allowed us to be the first on for the next bus, and we “just happened” to be able to sit on the left side right behind the driver (which has more ocean views). There weren’t many people on the bus, and the driver was in fine form! He’d just moved up the previous year from Massachusetts after retiring, but his family has been vacationing in the area every year for the past twenty years. So, he wasn’t burned out yet from his new volunteer position, but he was bubbling over with enthusiastic advice about where to go and what to see over the next couple of days. Super helpful!!

Low Tide and Lobster Traps. Bass Harbor, Maine

A newly retired couple from Grand Haven (next town to Grand Rapids, MI!) “just happened” to sit down behind us and joined the conversation. As it turned out, they were Christians and had a deep affection for one of our dear friends, who’s a psychiatrist and had been a great blessing to the husband. “He saved my life!” he praised. I looked a bit surprised, so he rephrased his adulation: “Well, Jesus saved my life, but Dr. — saved my life from a miserable case of OCD that I just couldn’t conquer on my own.” Beautiful couple. Great neighbors!

Lunch at the Seafood Ketch, Bass Harbor, Maine

What are a few tips? For amazing seafood, try Seafood Ketch in Bass Harbor.

Scrumptious Seafood Casserole at the Seafood Ketch

That’s where we celebrated my birthday dinner, and both the food and the views were exceptional.

This overpass is high, but some in Acadia are too low for RVs or trucks

More typical—beautiful but low, old, stone bridge

If you drive a car, by all means, drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain, but if you’re in a vehicle too long or high for the road, you can catch a ride to the top via “Ollie’s Trolley” in Bar Harbor (near the harbor).

“The Bubbles.” Acadia National Park

Cadillac Mountain is definitely worth the trip if you have the time!

Bass Harbor

If you want a romantic sunset view apart from the top of Mount Cadillac, try the patio behind Seafood Ketch!

If you’re brave, another beautiful place is the Bass Harbor Lighthouse. (Not recommended with an RV, as the lines are long, the road too narrow to turn around, and the parking lot too small to accommodate large vehicles. Stressful for Alan, but he let me run ahead and snap some photos as he inched his way along!)

Gorgeous Coastal trail between Otter Cliffs and Sand Point

If you can only take one hike, walk along the coast from Otter Cliffs to Sand Point. Next time I write on Travels with Allie, I’ll share more.

“The Loop” Road around Acadia National Park

To end today, I want to say: Alan and I have been on organized tours to many places around the world that cost mucho deniro (English slang for “a lot of money!”). In America, we gratefully used the free bus services during our days at the national park, and it was wonderful! Alan could relax and not worry about the low overpasses or twisty roads. We met lovely people. Made new friends even! Enjoyed the expertise and kindness of the volunteer drivers. Only in America, I think! If you’ve been somewhere with similar free services, please share your experience so we can appreciate what other countries are doing, but I want to give a shout-out to some of the amazing benefits and blessings of living in America. Our national park services are awesome!

Sunset from viewpoint at Bass Harbor Lighthouse

And, above all that, I want to give a shout-out of my precious Savior, Jesus, who orchestrates so many unexpected blessings, even at times when I initially think of our circumstances as being unfortunate! He is God Almighty, the Creator of the ends of the earth, the world’s greatest Old Pro who does all things well and gives the very best of advice when asked! Got a problem? Why not take it to the Lord in prayer?

“What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and grieves to bear
What a privilege it is to carry
Everything to God in prayer

“Have we trials and temptations
Is there trouble anywhere
Our precious Savior
He is still our refuge
Take it to the Lord in prayer

“Some things we have not
Because we ask not
When we have a friend who’s there

“When we’re weak and heavy laden
Cumbered with a load of care
We should never be discouraged
When we take it to the Lord in prayer

“Some things we have not
Because we ask not
when we have a friend who cares

“Oh what peace we often forfeit
Oh what needless pain we bear
Oh what peace we often forfeit
Oh what needless we bear
Oh what peace we often forfeit
Oh what needless pain
Oh what needless pain
Oh what needless pain we bear
We should never be discouraged when we
Take it to the Lord in prayer.”

(Original Poem by Joseph M. Scriven, 1855)

Evening at Acadia National Park, Maine

“And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.”
(Mark 6:46)

Compassion is No Match for Convenience—By Jane Anderson

The phone rings and I hesitate as caller ID flashes into view. I don’t have to press “Answer.” I already know the question.

My eyes wander back to the screen where the half-written email waits patiently for the return of my attention. I reach for the phone. “This isn’t a convenient time,” I think. “Say, no. You have to say no.”

There’s a laundry hamper brimming with activewear – after all, we are busy people. And our fridge is stocked well for a feast, as long as it’s made completely of condiments. I desperately need to go shopping. The dentist appointment tomorrow and the hair appointment the day after that.

The phone has now rung twice.

Oh, shoot! I promised to babysit all day Thursday. And when will I find time to write get-well cards? My thoughts are like springs, bouncing from cell to cell, gathering reason.

The phone has now rung three times.

The freelance editing job I promised to complete lies on my desk, thesaurus and grammar guide wide open, purple ink pen at the ready. This job I prayed for, and now time escapes as though the Earth has cracked and minutes are slipping through.

The request just inside the ringing phone is not convenient. But I answer.

The voice on the other side is weak and tearful. “I’m having a hard day,” she says. “Would you be able to take me to lunch soon?” I think, but then do not say, what I’m thinking. I already know the right answer.

“Could I take you to lunch tomorrow? I can pick you up right after my dentist appointment.” Doing the next right thing colors outside the lines of convenience. 

Retirement has turned the virtues of a non-scheduled life into a teeter-totter of chaotic commitments. The things that are convenient rarely align with those of highest value. 

Instead of clambering to meet a deadline, I took my friend to lunch, and afterward we took a long, quiet drive over miles of country roads, revisiting the area where she once lived, married, and raised her children for over 90 years.

Love isn’t a matter of convenience; it’s a matter of compassion.

“The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.”
Psalm 145:8

(Jane Anderson is not only a BFF, she’s a gifted writer and one of my favorite guest posters! But, by the way, I’m guessing most of you have at least one story to share! If you do, please send it to me, along with your name, a photo of you if possible, and a couple of lines of bio. As the focus of this blog is to uplift and encourage, I’m always on the lookout for true stories about how God works in our lives to bring out the best and orchestrate good overcoming ill. If you have a photo and verse to illustrate and tie everything together, that would be great, but if not, I can provide photos and verses. You can reach me at kathrynwarmstrong@gmail.com. Also, April is National Poetry Writers Month, so I’ll be looking for poems too. Thanks, and God bless you!)

Pigs in a Blanket

Here’s a breakfast so fun and tasty that even the name makes me smile! It’s easier than pie to make but oh, so delicious!

Pigs in a Blanket
(Makes 8 or more servings, depending on how many pastries you have)

All you need is one or two tubes of crescent roll dough and a pound of sausage links!

Preheat your oven to 375°F. (or whatever temperature is recommended on the side of your crescent roll cannister). Fry the sausages until they are thoroughly cooked and starting to brown a bit. I usually steam mine in a covered pan with about 1/3 cup water on low heat for 6-7 minutes to make sure they’re cooked, then let them brown after the water has evaporated.

Separate the crescent dough into how-many-ever triangles and add one sausage (or two, although I think one works best) near the top of the wide part of the crescent.

Roll each sausage up inside the crescent roll so it looks the least bit like a pig wrapped in a blanket and lay them on a baking sheet.

Bake them in the preheated oven according to the directions. If your sausages are still hot, it really doesn’t take much longer than what the rolls would take without the sausage, but check to make sure the piggies’ blankets are a toasty, golden brown.

Most people can eat 3-4. They go down like popcorn, but they’re very caloric, so If you serve them with some fruit you’ve got a very filling meal but probably won’t get anybody sick from pigging out! 🙂

Serve piping hot, preferably with a little pool of mustard/s on your plate for dipping.

“Salvation belongeth unto the Lord:
thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah” (Psalm 3:8).

“Blessed are you, Lord our God, maker of heaven and earth and Father of all your people: we give you glory for your goodness and for your loving care for us. Bless this food and grant that all who eat it may be strong in body and grow in your love. Blessed are you, Lord our God, for ever and ever” (Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops).

TWA: NE (24) Smokin’ Cold Mount Washington Cog Railroad

The world’s first mountain-climbing cog railroad with the world’s second-steepest rack (average grade of over 25% and a maximum grade of 37%) ascends almost to the top of America’s highest New England peak: Mount Washington (6,288 ft.).

Standing at the top of Mount Washington: note my plastic clogs
with heart-shaped holes. We had NO CLUE how cold it was going to be!

Furthermore, their museum says they are the windiest place on earth (231 mph recorded on April 12, 1934,* although Typhoon Olivia was recorded at 253 mph on Barrow Island, Australia in 1996).

Marshfield Base Station for the Mount Washington Cog Railroad

I say, do your homework before you travel! I failed big time on this one! A few years ago, Alan and I had taken a spectacular trip on the Flåm Railway in Norway from the fjord Sognefjord up through the mountains. This railroad is also one of the world’s steepest, and the scenery was wild and magnificent—one of our most thrilling train adventures ever—but the weather hadn’t dropped more than about 15° at the top, and we hiked comfortably in our sweaters.

Mount Washington Cog Railroad heading into the wild, grey yonder

What saved us on this trip was the advice of the couple camping next to us at Camp Jefferson. When they heard we were heading up the mountain “tomorrow,” they warned us that they’d gone up “today” and been caught in a blizzard.

A BLIZZARD? It was October 1, and the temperature was 57°F. We could see clouds hanging over the mountains so had planned for rain, but not snow!

Thankfully, we took our neighbors up on their advice and brought our warmest gear in a backpack “just in case.”

The Cog Railroad has assigned seats which you sit in coming and going, so you get the same view both ways, although they turn the seats so you’re always facing forward. We were among the first going up who became the last going down!

Despite being somewhat aged, the trains and tracks are kept in pristine condition.

Before long, we entered the halo of clouds covering the mountains.
Notice the tall trees lining the track.

As we gained elevation, the vegetation diminished and eventually disappeared.

Suddenly, we were enshrouded by clouds of mist and snow.

Near the top, the views seemed completely other-worldly and alien.
The closest visual experience I’ve had on earth is looking down at the ocean’s floor.

When our train reached the top, we all made a beeline for the shelter, as the wind was blowing 65 mph, making the temperature feel like 9°F., and it was almost a whiteout!

View from the top of Mount Washington on a clear day (Photo from their museum)

At first, I was disappointed because I was expecting to see vistas of 60 mountains.

(Sometimes visitors can see all the way to Mt. Mansfield in Vermont, where we’d been the day before!)

Instead, this was our “view out” the window of the observatory on Mount Washington!

On the other hand, this trip gave us an experience unlike anything we’d ever felt before: the sensation of deadly danger and the awareness of how quickly one would die without protection in such intensely cold conditions! Terrifying visions of hikers around the world who’ve died during sudden mountain blizzards stormed my memory. It happens.

Thankfully, at the top of Mount Washington, there’s a cafeteria and a museum to sustain body and soul while sojourners await their turns to descend the mountain.

The museum was especially fascinating for me, and it helped me interpret what I’d seen on the way up. For instance, I saw this (above) on our way up but had no clue why snowy feathers were growing sideways.

In case the print is too small for you to read, the poster above explains the feathery sculptures known as “Rime Ice”: “When temperatures fall below freezing, supercooled water droplets (liquid water droplets which exist at temperatures below freezing) suspended in the clouds enshrouding the summit instantly freeze upon contact with any solid object. These delicate, feather-like structures of rime ice grow into the wind, forming at the astonishing rate of up to 12″ per hour.”

Journal entry recording 221 mph wind at the Mount Washington Observatory

More rime ice on the rocks. This is a color photo, not black and white!

Although not what we expected, Alan and I both left feeling thankful for such an unusual opportunity. We’ve never been anywhere that high winds froze precipitation instantly! We’ve never been anywhere on earth where the temperature dropped almost 50 degrees just by climbing 4,000 feet. Our only experience with that much temperature change took longer, and it was by flying from Michigan to Florida during a January blizzard!

I’ve thought back to that morning many times, and I recall Jonathan Edwards’ famous sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of An Angry God” (based on Hebrews 10:31, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God”). I know God as my Father, as the source of all love, as the merciful forgiver of my sins and redeemer of my soul. I live in the warm valley of His love and am covered by the blood of Jesus. I experience that perfect love that casts out fear (1 John 4:18).

View from the top of Mount Washington on October 1, 2021

However, those who’ve never experienced God as their father usually either deny his existence or see him as a terrifying adversary—like a deadly wind blowing across the top of Mount Washington. You may have heard about the need to prepare to meet God when you reach the top of life’s mountain, but it’s hard to imagine what it will really be like. None of us could survive the encounter wearing the “warmest” clothing of good works we possess. Our preparation is no more effective than plastic shoes and a light coat!

We need effective shelter from the storm of God’s wrath against sin! We need Jesus, who will clothe us in his righteousness (Isaiah 61:10). He alone is also the shelter in which we can find safety! He is the propitiation for our sins. He is the One whom we can trust to save us. Through faith in Jesus, we can go from experiencing God’s wrath to becoming His children and experiencing the fullness of his unfailing love!

View from the Cog Railroad on the way back down

Have you been to the mountain top with God? Have you hidden in the shelter of Jesus? Have you allowed Jesus to bring you back down the mountainside into the Valley of Hope and Love?

“And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing” ( Psalm 64:9).

“For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods” (Psalm 96:4).

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love” (I John 4:18).

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels” ( Isaiah 61:10).

Back to the valley after our trip to the top of Mount Washington

(*Footnote concerning Mount Washington’s status: “The new record does not diminish the fact that Mount Washington is one of the fiercest places on the planet,” says Ken Rancourt, Mount Washington Observatory’s Director of Summit Operations. “It remains consistently one of the windiest places on Earth . . .” (quoted in Mount Washington Observatory, https://www.mountwashington.org/press-releases/mount-washington-world-record-wind-toppled/131/).)