Thursday, July 19, 2012

MOUNT RAINIER


 I posted most of this about 2 years ago.  During this past year so many new blog friends have asked me if I live in the Northwest because of the Mountain.  I've explained the reason for my photo several times to individuals, but decided this would be a good way to fill in the gaps.  So... here goes.

During worship at my church here in Omaha, the last song was I Stand in Awe of You. It's one I like, but I had no idea it was going to overwhelm me. As soon as the lyrics showed on the screen, so did Mount Rainier.-- [An especially wonderful treat to swarm my heart and eyes here in the not-overly-hilly place] -- A beautiful picture. My favorite sight ... period. Even though I've been blessed to see wonderful, breath-takingly beautiful scenery in other places in the States and the world ... this one is "it" for me. My sisters who live in the Northwest have told me that when they see the Mountain in all its glory they think of me and how much I would enjoy that particular sight at that particular moment in time.

I have lots of photos of the Mountain, but even the best of them lacks the true reality of the view.

Back in March, 2003, while I was in Tacoma, checking up on my Mom, a time when seeing the Mountain is not so frequent because of the cloudy spring days, I was seldom able to have the blessing of seeing it. However, there were a couple of times... and I wrote some less-than-wonderful prose/poetry about it. But decided that I would pop it your direction and you can laugh/roll your eyes and wonder about my addictive personality -- well not "wonder" about it, but have it proven once again.

====================

MOUNTAIN GROUPIE


I’ve pleaded with The Creator for just one more look -
Climbed atop my car in a parking lot to take a photo
 sans poles and power lines.
===

I’ve begged for a seat on the Mountain side of a plane
so I could gaze
 just one more time
 When exiting the Cascade Mountain range.

 

I’m not sure why any of this is true.
Maybe I have a hole in my faith 
that needs visual reminders
that no matter the problems
or the challenges

The God Who made the Mountain –

Can handle my molehills.
=============================

MOUNTAIN GROUPIE – PART 2


I’ve never thought of myself as a “groupie”
I’m not easily OVERimpressed.
But, today,
on a plane –
rubbernecking and photographing –
I realized

I am an unabashed,
uncontrolled, uninhibited, overawed
Mount Rainier groupie.


I don’t, like some, worship the Mountain,
I worship the Maker of the Mountain –


He who made the rain –
Made Mount Rainier.
I’m so glad He did.
=====================

FROM THE FERRY

Seattle to Bremerton --



I despaired of never seeing
“my” Mountain 
during the weeks-long visit –


Too many gray days,
overcast, clouds plumping
around the sky edges...


BUT – on the ferry – out on Puget Sound –
we broke ‘round an island
and
in majesty

SHE rose off the horizon
– Center stage –
Robed in Light.


[I was ready to jump up and down 
and scream with delight!]


If you’ve never seen The Mountain –
You can’t possibly understand
the rush of awe, of joy,
I find with every encounter.

9 comments:

Kara said...

Beautiful sight! Marvelous Maker of this sight! WOW, Lord!

Alicia said...

There's nothing like a mighty mountain to turn our eyes to its Maker. Beautiful!

Floyd said...

What a wonderful thing to be moved to art by the creation of our Father. If we can't see the power and majesty of the world through the creator, I think we need to back up and find or remember what this life is all about.

I also appreciate the reminder of the power of our Father. Who doesn't need a reminder? He is above comprehension, even as we gaze with the very breath that He provides at this moment to appreciate the gifts He's made...

I believe He's smiling when we see and ponder these things...

Anonymous said...

When you come in Oct. we need to determine to take you up the N.W. slope of the Mt. (in the Carbonado area) to see Lake Mowich. It is BY FAR the most amazing view of the mountain (and extremely close up) that you've ever seen. Rick and I went up there on his motorcycle right after we were married and I've never forgotten it. Actually, we had hoped to take Mom up there sometime but it didn't happen.

caryjo said...

Believe me, I appreciate the encouragement and the comments. Keeps my heart moving forward with the blogging, which is a good thing, since the Lord is the One who has nudged me more and more often.

Floyd, thank you so much. Good thinking and sharing. So true.

Niki, will plan it, if possible. I'd love to take a side trip. Have almost never actually been ON the mountain... but it is definitely ON my heart.

Again, thanks much.

S. Etole said...

I do miss the mountains in all their majesty. Love the perspective in that third shot.

Anonymous said...

I'm from flatland Kansas, but the mountains have always moved me when I realize the awesomeness of God's creating them. It makes me think of His majesty and power. I didn't roll my eyes at your poetry - I thought it very poignant.
Me

Unknown said...

Beautiful! I have seen Mt. Rainier and it is lovely! I live by Mt. Baker which is also gorgeous! :)

Joan Hall said...

You have some lovely photos here. Thank you for pointing me to this post. There is something majestic about mountains.

Blessings,
Joan