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Give Thanks

Giving thanks to the Lord for our many blessings should be a daily event, not just for the month we celebrate Thanksgiving. However, this month does offer daily reminders to dwell on thankfulness.  I thought I would share with you the views my daily drive to work affords me...definitely a blessing. 
When I began working at a district office of a large school district, I jokingly told my parents that my drive reminded me of the Christmas carol with the lyrics, "Over the river and through the woods".  On a side note, did you know that the words where penned by Lydia Maria Child in 1844 and is actually a Thanksgiving poem?  Me neither! Anyway...I travel back roads the entire trip.  Don't you love the term "back roads"?  What do you think of when you hear the phrase?  For me, it literally is "over the river and through the woods".  I love the 25 minute drive.  It gives me time to talk to God and dwell in His presence.  I must tell you that I have often finished my prayer time only to look down at the speedometer and say "oops"!  I have yet to be stopped for speeding, but I do wonder if the local sheriff's department would really believe that I was praying? Come along for a shortened version of my daily trip.

I cross several happy creeks, a couple of rivers, and meander down winding roads.
 At this time of year, I am thankful for the few trees that do change colors!  They say,  Happy Fall Y'all!
This is one of my very favorite views.  I just love the reflective quality of water. The trees seem to sprout from the bed of water.   Isn't God's handiwork amazing?
I see lots of animals on my daily trip.  As soon as I leave our property, I pass a corral of  horses.  They are gorgeous to watch while the early morning mist flits around their legs.  They were not in the mood for photography today, so we will have to skip them.  I also pass by grazing cows, herds of goats, and have had a few deer gallivant across my daily path.  But I must tell you that I have to smile every time I pass my Longhorn friends! An unusual site for Mississippi.  They were more hospitable and didn't mind me taking their picture.  The Longhorns are a reminder of my many family members who call Texas home!  They make me want to head out to the Hill Country of Texas to visit my sweet relatives. Hi Aunt Rainey, Aunt Joanie, Uncle Emil and all my cousins!
I am not sure what type of tree this is, but I love the bronze color it displays at this time of year.
These are just a few of my "Over the River and Through the Woods" photos.  I urge you to think about your daily travels and offer thanks to God. 1st Thessalonians 5:18 tells us, "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you".  Be mindful of this verse as you make your daily traverse to work, running errands, or school.  Just make sure to watch the speedometer!


Comments

  1. SusyNovember 10, 2012 at 1:35 AM

    These are all wonderful pics of beautiful settings. That really is a great route to work ~ hope you weren't driving, praying AND taking pictures (: blessings.

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    1. Life at Still WoodsNovember 10, 2012 at 8:10 AM

      Hi Susy,
      I do multitask, but am not that good! Thanks for the smile this morning. Have a wonderful weekend!
      Blessings from Still Woods

      Delete
  2. Jeanette@Creating a Life StudioNovember 10, 2012 at 1:38 AM

    Beautiful! Thanks for taking us along for the ride : )

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  3. Susan in SCNovember 10, 2012 at 5:59 AM

    Thank you for taking us on your ride with you! I enjoyed it very much. I also pray while I drive to my school every morning. It is a 25 minute drive as well so I know what you are talking about! I live in a rural area and have a lovely drive as well. It calms and centers me for the day ahead.

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    1. Life at Still WoodsNovember 10, 2012 at 8:12 AM

      It does calm and center you, doesn't it? I also practice my singing which no amount of practice can help!
      Blessings from Still Woods

      Delete
  4. Debra at HOMESPUN: http://www.thehomespun.com November 10, 2012 at 7:05 AM

    WOW I think you should make this ride a monthly feature! :) We can just enjoy the view each month as the seasons change. Love it!

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    1. Life at Still WoodsNovember 10, 2012 at 8:14 AM

      Hi Debra,
      What a great idea! In the spring there are wild azaleas along the way...just beautiful. I may do that. Thanks for stopping by and leaving me a wonderful suggestion.
      Blessings from Still Woods

      Delete
  5. DianeNovember 10, 2012 at 8:01 AM

    How lucky you are!

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    1. Life at Still WoodsNovember 10, 2012 at 8:15 AM

      I am. I know that some people only see miles of pavement and lots of fellow commuters. I love this back road to work.
      Have a wonderful weekend!

      Delete
  6. ClaudiaNovember 10, 2012 at 9:31 AM

    What a beautiful drive, indeed! Now that I live in the country I see this kind of scene frequently and I don't take it for granted. I grew up in Suburbia and then spent years living in major cities (all of which I loved) but always dreamed of living in the country. Thank you for the wonderful photos!

    Thanks so much for joining in this week!

    xo
    Claudia

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    1. Life at Still WoodsNovember 10, 2012 at 12:08 PM

      Hi Claudia,
      I do love major cities! Living on the Gulf Coast of MS, I have the best of both worlds. We have New Orleans an hour to the west and Mobile 40 minutes to the east. My favorite though has to be the winding, country roads. Thanks for visiting and for hosting A Favorite Thing Saturday. Have a wonderful weekend!

      Delete
  7. J9sHappinessNovember 10, 2012 at 9:46 AM

    Goodness, your post has really touched a common thread with me. Since my accident 5 years ago, I now especially give thanks for the small things in life that bring happiness. It's so easy to go through life when it's hard to see only bleakness, but there are good things there if you are fully present to see them eh? When we use the term 'back roads' I think of the journey to my childhood home in deep Cornwall. An image burned into my subconscious!! Thanks for sharing! J9 x

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    1. Life at Still WoodsNovember 10, 2012 at 12:05 PM

      I am glad my post touched a common thread. Sometimes it seems hard to thank God "in all things", but I believe that even in unfortunate and tragic circumstances, God does provide us with hope and knowledge that the bleakness you mentioned will not be with us forever. As you stated, there are good things that bring us happiness. You will have to tell us more about your childhood home deep in Cornwall! As I shared with you on your post, I can't wait to go to your area of the world when we visit my niece who lives in Cambridgeshire. Thank you for stopping by and leaving your thought provoking comment.
      Have a wonderful weekend and blessings from Still Woods!

      Delete
  8. Tammy@T's Daily TreasuresNovember 10, 2012 at 10:30 AM

    I wish my drive to school every day looked like that. Just beautiful! Instead, I find myself quite stressed from the crazy drivers over here. Those horns certainly are long! Best wishes for a wonderful weekend. Tammy

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    1. Life at Still WoodsNovember 10, 2012 at 11:55 AM

      I can take the I-10 route and do encounter horns and weaving drivers, but who would when I can relax and enjoy the views. Thanks for stopping by for a visit!
      Blessings from Still Woods

      Delete
  9. Susan FreemanNovember 10, 2012 at 11:14 AM

    What a beautiful tour of your area. Is that Caddo lake? My husband and I used to live in Houston and that is where we met. I miss visiting the Texas Hill country, especially when it's time for the bluebonnets. It's a pleasure to meet you and I am now your newest follower. Stop by for a visit when you can. I will keep the gate open for you.

    Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

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    1. Life at Still WoodsNovember 10, 2012 at 11:54 AM

      I live in Mississippi, but my dad's family lives in San Antonio, Bandera, Kerrville, and Frisco, Texas. All the pictures were from MS, even the Longhorns! So glad you stopped by and thanks for following! I am looking forward to a visit to Ash Tree Cottage.

      Delete
  10. Leslie's GardenNovember 10, 2012 at 3:02 PM

    Lovely post, loved the spiritual along with the aesthetic. What a beautiful ride you have to work! I would spend my time conversing with the Lord also, but I only live 4 minutes from work. But hey! You can see an awful lot in 4 minutes to be thankful for!

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    1. Life at Still WoodsNovember 10, 2012 at 8:55 PM

      Thank you Leslie! I am lucky to have some beautiful sites along the way.
      Have a great Sunday!

      Delete
  11. SImple and Serene LivingNovember 10, 2012 at 3:11 PM

    What a beautiful post. We were on the same wave length today.

    Hugs,
    Laura

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    1. Life at Still WoodsNovember 10, 2012 at 8:56 PM

      That's what I thought when I read yours today! Great mind think alike!
      Have a restful weekend...what is left of it.

      Delete
  12. Sarah ~ Magnolias AtticNovember 10, 2012 at 7:40 PM

    How lovely that you live in such a beautiful area of (I'm assuming) Texas! I'm in Texas too but nothing looks like that!! If I had a drive like that every day, I'm afraid I'd never make it to work : )
    So glad you stopped by today!

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    1. Life at Still WoodsNovember 10, 2012 at 8:58 PM

      Actually, I live in Mississippi on the Gulf Coast. I know the Longhorn cattle are not what you would expect in MS! We have lots of relatives in Texas. Thanks for visiting!

      Delete
  13. Chenille CottageNovember 11, 2012 at 5:48 PM

    "Give thanks with a grateful heart, Give thanks to the Holy One...!"
    What a beautiful post. I love this season of the year with it's spectacular transition from colorful to foundational landscapes.
    Thank you for blessing my day and for giving God the glory for all He has done.
    Joyfully,
    Carolynn

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    1. Life at Still WoodsNovember 12, 2012 at 5:52 AM

      Carolynn,
      Thank you for blessing MY day! It warmed my heart to read your sweet comments. I love that hymn. I do hope we sing it soon at church, it is a perfect hymn for this beautiful time of the year or at any time to thank God for his abundant blessings and love.
      Have a wonderful week...filled with thankfulness!
      Blessings from Still Woods

      Delete
  14. TracyMB @ Crows Feet ChicNovember 12, 2012 at 10:32 AM

    I really enjoyed coming along on your drive! Such a different view from mine -- although we do go over the river to get to grandma's house! Gorgeous pics. Thanks much for your visit and sweet comments at my blog. :)

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    1. Life at Still WoodsNovember 12, 2012 at 8:35 PM

      Thanks Tracy for stopping by. Come back again soon!
      Blessings from Still Woods

      Delete
  15. UnknownNovember 12, 2012 at 11:46 AM

    Stopping by from The Rustic Pig! Love this post!! As I was reading, I couldn't tell where you live! The longhorns definitely threw me off!! We live in the Texas Hill Country, so I thought for sure you were a neighbor! :) Love the gorgeous pictures!! Hugs from your newest follower!

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  16. Life at Still WoodsNovember 12, 2012 at 8:50 PM

    Hi Claire. I am a Mississippi girl, but have lots of relatives that live in Texas. I love the Hill Country and each time I see the cattle along my route to work, I am reminded of Texas. Thanks for visiting and following along:) Looking forward to reading more of The Rustic Pig!
    Blessings from Still Woods

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  17. JocelynNovember 13, 2012 at 6:26 PM

    What a beautiful setting! Your pictures are gorgeous.

    Jocelyn @
    http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Just JennNovember 13, 2012 at 7:15 PM

    LOVE your photos!!!!! Looking forward to following you.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Buttercup BlissNovember 13, 2012 at 7:44 PM

    I love the pictures and this post!!! I also enjoy seeing those precious Longhorns every day!! Aren't we blessed to live in such a beautiful area?

    ReplyDelete
  20. BrookeNovember 13, 2012 at 9:40 PM

    Beautiful pictures! God has his amazing creations all around for us to notice and be thankful for!

    Great post!


    =)


    Brooke

    ReplyDelete
  21. Ramblings of a Southern Girl ~ Rhonda GNovember 14, 2012 at 7:38 AM

    Gorgeous scenery! What a blessing to have a beautiful drive to work!

    Enjoyed browsing your blog, which is great! Now following you! :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Suzi @ chores and chandeliersNovember 14, 2012 at 10:38 PM

    Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  23. UnknownNovember 15, 2012 at 9:43 PM

    Hey sweet girl! You've been nominated for the Liebster Award!! http://www.therusticpig.com/2012/11/liebster-award-woo-hoo.html

    ReplyDelete
  24. KimNovember 21, 2012 at 4:30 PM

    These photos are extraordinary. What a great way to get to work. Thank you for stopping by and visiting Reposhture. it was a true pleasure meeting you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Life at Still WoodsNovember 21, 2012 at 4:48 PM

      Thanks Kim. I am so glad you stopped by for a visit. Come back often!

      Delete

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