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LeeAnn's avatar

I have been on backpacking trips in wilderness areas where the beauty of nature, especially rippling streams of water, has “restored my soul.” I’ve actually felt homesick for those places when I’ve come back home. (At the same time, it’s hard to accept that those same stunningly bucolic, tranquil areas can become what we’ve just seen in Texas.) Sometimes those hikes can be a dull (think miles of rhododendron tunnels) and hard slog, but I always come home renewed and awed to think that what I’ve immersed myself in over a few days exists there all the time, just waiting to be explored. All that’s holding me back from that is me. (Sort of like my relationship with God sometimes.)

Love your writing, Pastor Stephanie. I’m always happy when you’re able to publish another post.

Nerys is indeed cute!

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Rev. Stephanie C. Bradbury's avatar

I love how you connect time spent in the beauty of the physical world with a renewing of the soul. The physical and spiritual impact each other. They are two sides of the same coin.

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Lyn Brakeman's avatar

WE pray with the voice of our heart. Definitely

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Dr. James Dodson's avatar

I love your posts. Especially this one. Deep diving into these words ought to provide me another thin layer of wisdom that spans the universe. Thank you. Unfortunately, I'm high allergic to cats, so your words will have to suffice. 🤗

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Rev. Stephanie C. Bradbury's avatar

Sorry you miss out on the wonder of felines, but I'm sure there are other parts of God's good creation where you connect!

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Dr. James Dodson's avatar

I love their inherent beauty. I love the inherent beauty of electrons and quarks which, after all, make up cats and all in the universe! Strange, charmed, color - they all spin like whirling dervishers!

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