From the Fullness of His Grace...

Ferns and moss along the trail

Yesterday, Sunday, May 17, 2009, was one of those perfect days to store in my "memory bank" to pull up when I need a cheerful thought. The church service at Boxley Baptist was special. We honored a member, and former missionary to the Phillipines, who after retirement, moved back home to his Ozark family farm. He is a distinguished white-haired gentleman who has been blessed with Bible knowledge and the ability to teach. He spent 28 years in the Philippines teaching and organizing churches, and has spent his retirement teaching Sunday School and being a blessing at our church. He has always kept in close contact with his Philipino churches and friends. And now, he has agreed to return to Manila, where he will teach this semester at a school he helped found. He will be training ministers to pastor churches throughout the country. As he said, "God has used this once 'barefoot mountain boy' to spread his word." We wish you God's blessing, Art.

On the way home from church, we turned into the river access road at Ponca. There was a flurry of people coming and going, unloading canoes and kayaks and other gear, for a float down the Buffalo River. We decided to take advantage of this beautiful spring day in the Ozark Mountains by taking a hike. The trail begins at the low water bridge. We would hike this section ending at Steel Creek Campground--two miles. This is only a small part of the Buffalo River Trail. After a quick lunch and little preparation, we were off! The trail was a delight--high above the river, shady with cool breezes blowing, across streams and waterfalls, through rock formations and up rocky slopes. The best part was near the low water bridge where one can stand on the rocky overhang and watch below as floaters make their way upstream. (We never laugh (too much) at the antics of those with "less experience" we've been there!) Along the way we see stretches of cool, green, mossy flats that are fascinating to me. We finished the hike with a light snack at Steel Creek Campground and a few minutes strolling on the river bank studying rocks--fossils and, my favorite, heart-shaped ones.

As we were walking back through the busy parking area, on our way to the car, dodging folks, cars, and canoes, we passed by an old man whose appearance reminded me of someone who may have spent a long winter in a log cabin on a mountain!) He was sitting in his old truck with the window and door open, watching the parade of hikers, floaters, and sightseers. He called out to us as we passed by,"Great day to be alive, isn't it?". We couldn't agree with him more!

From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another.

John 1:16

Sharing Boxley Favorites

Sharing Boxley Favorites Cookbook

Speaking of "the heavens", (see previous entry) our Ladies Ministry at Boxley Baptist Church is excited to announce the publication of our newest cookbook, SHARING BOXLEY FAVORITES. It is a collection of recipes by some of the "best cooks along the Upper Buffalo River".

And that's not all! Scattered throughout the book are photos and art work by professional and amateur artists in the area. The cover picture is by Tim Ernst a well-known nature photographer who lives on Cave Mountain. Other contributors (everyone, by the way, gave us permission for publication without charge) include Alice Andrews, Don Kitz,artists, and Ed Porter, Don Nelms, and Michael Dougherty, professional photographers who live and and work in the area. Other pictures are by members of the church.

You will also find a history with photos of the church and Boxley Valley.

It is truly a treasure for all who live or visit the Buffalo National River area.

For information on how to purchase a copy email me , Camille.

Price is $15 plus $5 mailing.
All proceeds go the the Ladies Of Purpose for mission projects throughout the year.

Trumpeter Swans Part 3

We didn't get down to the valley for the Trumpeter Swan release, but I slipped down there yesterday to check on them. The five young swans were happily bobbing around on the mill pond with a few wood ducks floating among them. They seemed very much at home on the icy pond. It was, for lack of a better word, an awesome minute or two as I sat there on the side of the road with the window rolled down feeling the cold wind and listening to the happy chatter of the swans and ducks. The snow clouds hung heavily over the top of the mountains as small snow pellets filled the air. It was one of those times I have always called a "memory moment"--something I can pull up in my head at future times for a little sweet memory.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission in conjunction with Iowa Department of Natural Resources, along with all of us hope this is release is successful. They also released 13 in the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge near Dardanelle. They admit it is a new idea called "reverse imprinting". And, it is hoped that the swans will find their way back north in early spring to spend their summer with other Trumpeters before flying south to winter again in this area.

Some information on Trumpeter Swans: Adults weigh about 35 pounds with wingspans of 8 feet--America's largest waterfowl. They nearly disappeared in the early 1900's due to over hunting and loss of habitat. There are now about 250, including 30 nesting pairs. Arkansas is to be commended for working to restore this elegant bird, I think. I also believe we are obligated to protect and save vanishing habitat for this species along with other wildlife including elk, eagles, and quail, and other creatures that are dependent on us for survival.

"He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains...The birds of the air nest by the waters; they sing among the branches." Ps. 104:10,12