I woke up this past Sunday to another beautiful, sunny, still, frosty morning. I thought I had better take advantage of this gift and go out on another photo shoot, even though it was cold at 8:00 a.m. (-18 degrees Celsius) I took a little Waterloo County tour and saw some spectacular scenery and had the added good fortune to witness seeing many horses and buggies carrying their Mennonite/Amish families to either their meetinghouse or someone's home, when I was standing at the covered bridge in West Montrose. While I am used to seeing Mennonite buggies, I have never had the opportunity to photograph them in such an isolated, beautiful setting and just be standing there with my camera in my hand innocently taking photos of the covered bridge. It was a thrilling experience for me.
When I arrived at my own church later in the morning, I experienced a particularly special time of worship. I think it is because my heart was well prepared. I had already been in God's presence and experienced His love and peace, as I was out admiring and appreciating His beautiful creation.
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| looking west from bridge in St. Jacob's, Ontario |
"Be still and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
Psalm 46: 10 NIV
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| still looking west from the bridge in St. Jacob's, and including the train trestle |
"I will extend peace to her like a river..."
Isaiah 66:12a
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| looking east from the bridge in St. Jacob's - Conestogo River |
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee;
because he trusteth in thee."
Isaiah: 26:3 KJV
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| Covered Bridge in West Montrose - frozen Conestogo River |
"The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."
Psalm 121:8 NIV
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| a family-sized buggy entering the covered bridge |
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- his good, pleasing and perfect will...
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
Romans 12: 2, 9-18 NIV
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| exiting the covered bridge in West Montrose |
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him."
Psalm 32:8-10 NIV
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| an open buggy on a cold winter day on their way to a Sunday gathering |
"His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man;
the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love."
Psalm 147:10,11
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| after crossing the bridge, they are continuing their trip to a Sunday gathering |
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
John 14:27
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