Finding Faith......

                                  "My Church"

My favorite place of reflection and solitude has always been the Redwood forests in California. I can still remember, after 50 years, my first time entering the realm of these majestic symbols of time. The sun was literally blocked out by their giant size. As you stand there in "awe" you feel and see the mist rising and curling around your legs. You feel as though you have entered a mystical faerie land as you stand there waiting to be greeted by the wee folk. Time has stood still for these giants. I knew when I first saw them that this was "my church" and that my connection with God was stronger here than anywhere else in the world. All that had seemed impossible became possible when embraced in the magic of these giants. They had changed me forever.

To many that know me I'm a "tree-hugger" and a "dirt worshiper". As comical as it sounds it's true. I find joy in the simplest of things, like watching the colors change on a praying mantis or seeing how the moon rises over the tips of the trees on a clear night. I will never forget seeing my first "Twig" bug! They really do look like a twig! All this is magic to me and gives me peace within my soul and the strength to endure what comes my way. I want my grandkids to learn and enjoy the mystical psychology of the earth because it is a part of all of us. I feel it only makes you a better person and able to be more understanding and forgiving of others when you have a strong connection with nature. As John Muir quoted: "When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world". Okay everyone, now go out there and hug a tree, lol.....