Saturday, August 24, 2013

Keeping on Track



Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not upon your own understanding.
 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your path. 

Proverbs 3:5-6

There's something about a lonely railroad track that mesmerizes me. I don't really know why. When I was out looking around for one to get a picture of, I was hoping to find one with a curve either to the left or the right...it would make a more interesting photo, perhaps. But it also got me to thinking about how life is. What's around the bend? Where do we go from here? What does my future hold? We could ask these kinds of questions 'til the cows come home, couldn't we? What would the ability to know all of those answers do for us—help us or hurt us? There have always been times in my life when I have been curious to know what's up ahead. (I'm pretty sure most of us do that.) Part of me wants to know. The other part—the sane, sensible part of me—knows better. 

Knowing what lies ahead takes away any reason we would have to trust in a loving God. And that's why He created us. Whether the path is laid out straight in front of me or there are curves ahead and I can't see what's around the bend, I'm so glad I trust in the One who will get me back on track when life sometimes gets me derailed. Trusting in my Father keeps me looking towards a future where there is hope—not dwelling on past failures and the fear of the unknown.

The Train of Life
~Marv Harding, author~

Some folks ride the train of life looking out the rear,
Watching miles of life roll by and marking every year.

They sit in sad remembrance of wasted days gone by,
And curse their life for what it was and hang their head and cry.

But I don’t concern myself with that, I took a different vent,
I look forward to what life holds and not what has been spent.

So strap me to the engine, as securely as I can be,
I want to be out on the front, to see what I can see.

I want to feel the winds of change blowing in my face,
I want to see what life unfolds as I move from place to place.

I want to see what’s coming up, not looking at the past,
Life’s too short for yesterdays, it moves along too fast.

So if the ride gets bumpy while you are looking back,
Go up front, and you may find your life has jumped the track.

It’s all right to remember that’s part of history,
But up front’s where it’s happening, there’s so much mystery.

The enjoyment of living is not where we have been,
It’s looking ever forward to another year and ten.

It’s searching all the byways, never should you refrain,
For if you want to live your life, you gotta drive the train.

http://www.thebeautyinhisgrip.com/2013/08/sharing-his-beauty-linky.html
http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2013/08/make-it-pretty-monday-week-64.html
http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2013/08/179th-inspire-me-tuesday.html
http://www.dwellings-theheartofyourhome.com/2013/08/amaze-me-monday-21.html
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2013/08/wow-us-wednesdays-133.html
http://www.deeprootsathome.com/encourage-one-another-wednesday-link-up-101/
http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/2013/08/perfect-scents.html
http://www.impartinggrace.com/2013/08/grace-at-home-no-71.html
http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/2013/08/europe-and-simple-sweet-fridays-78.html
http://www.create-with-joy.com/2013/08/friendship-friday-time.html
http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2013/08/time-to-declutter-show-and-tell-friday.html
http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2013/08/home-sweet-home-134.html
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46 comments:

  1. S. EtoleAugust 24, 2013 at 1:40 PM

    I like the light that is there to guide us.

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  2. Debby RayAugust 24, 2013 at 1:45 PM

    He IS the light...amen!

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  3. Mary GAugust 24, 2013 at 4:23 PM

    Wonderful post! and so true. Thank you for reminding us to keep looking forward and to the One Who is in control! Blessed be His name!

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  4. Decor To AdoreAugust 24, 2013 at 5:56 PM

    I have never read/heard that poem before and just love it. There are several train enthusiasts that I know and love. Be blessed!

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    1. Debby RayAugust 24, 2013 at 7:03 PM

      First of all, I love your name, Laura Ingalls! I am a tried and true fan of "Little House"! Thank you for visiting today!

      Have a blessed weekend :)

      Delete
  5. BARBIEAugust 24, 2013 at 5:59 PM

    Oh I LOVE this. The prefect photo for this verse, and the poem is beautiful. Thanks for linking up at The Weekend Brew!

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  6. Debby RayAugust 24, 2013 at 7:07 PM

    Barbie,

    Thank you for stopping by and hosting the party!

    Blessings, Debby

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  7. Dayle ~ A Collection of DaysAugust 24, 2013 at 9:31 PM

    Thanks for this wonderful post, Debby.

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  8. Simply BethAugust 25, 2013 at 5:58 AM

    Debbie, what amazing photos to go with this verse. I loved the poem you shared too. A beautiful message. Thank you so much for sharing.
    Blessings to you.
    Beth

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  9. PamelaAugust 25, 2013 at 2:37 PM

    I'm a planner. I like knowing where I'm going and what the journey will involve. Life isn't always like that, is it? I'm happy I have Jesus as my conductor! Loved the pictures, too.

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  10. GratefulPrayerThankfulHeartAugust 25, 2013 at 5:14 PM

    Love your photos and your thoughts!

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  11. AnonymousAugust 25, 2013 at 6:54 PM

    Lovely post. I watched Charles Stanley today and he used this scripture. Thank you so much for popping in to see me.
    be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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    Replies
    1. Debby RayAugust 25, 2013 at 7:15 PM

      I love Charles Stanley...such a wise and humble man... and teaches the word of God
      so simply.

      Blessings,
      Debby

      Delete
  12. jviola79August 26, 2013 at 3:53 AM

    What a beautiful combination of photos & Scripture & thought. Glad for the reminder not to be derailed today!
    I am visiting from Monday's Musings.
    Blessings,
    Joanne

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  13. CeilAugust 26, 2013 at 5:23 AM

    Hi Debby! What beautiful photos, and a great message too. I love how the tracks just disappear into the distance, who knows how far they go? It is better to sit up front and live in the moment. God has the past and the future, so no worries there. The 'right now' is the most exciting place!

    Good to see you today! From Monday Musings,
    Ceil

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    1. Debby RayAugust 26, 2013 at 9:26 AM

      Amen, Ceil...good to see today as well...glad you came by!

      Delete
  14. AnonymousAugust 26, 2013 at 7:15 AM

    Hi, Debby. I loved your poem this morning. Staying on track seems to fit for me today too. I am working on making it the best school year possible for my dauhgter. Your imagery and poems fit today. Thanks so much for sharing. I am loving God and trying to stay on track too.

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    1. Debby RayAugust 26, 2013 at 9:28 AM

      Mary, I hope your daughter has a fantastic school year! Thanks so much for your sweet comments :)

      Delete
  15. SharonAugust 26, 2013 at 12:23 PM

    Ah, great post, Debby!!

    I love that poem! I'm a big fan of trains, and I've loved the few times that I've gone on a train ride. Slow and steady - I like that. And, I am also praying that the Lord keeps me heading to my destination, and that He keeps me from getting *side-tracked*!

    GOD BLESS!

    (I've also taken a few photos of railroad tracks - they fascinate me, too!)

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    1. Debby RayAugust 26, 2013 at 1:47 PM

      Sharon, do you know that I have NEVER ridden on a train...well, a real one...not the kind in an amusement park. I really need to do that before I die. There is a lot of interesting info online I found when I was searching for the poem too. Thanks for stopping in!

      Have a blessed week!

      Delete
  16. Kim August 26, 2013 at 9:38 PM

    Your photos are absolutely beautiful, so are the sentiments that you have shared. I really like the straight track. It makes me think that even when the path should be so clear, sometimes we still need guidance to stay on it.

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  17. elizabethAugust 26, 2013 at 9:40 PM

    I'm right next to you at Barbie's linky. Your photos are beautiful and your thoughts as well!

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  18. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeAugust 27, 2013 at 6:12 AM

    Simply perfect. Great post. Thanks for joining Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

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  19. living from glory to gloryAugust 27, 2013 at 7:07 AM

    Hello Debby, I truly loved this post! Hey lets go photo shooting together :)
    I hope to get some new photos today, Hubby and I are going out and about for a day trip. It is our anniversary week. Have a good day!
    Blessings, Roxy

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    1. Debby RayAugust 27, 2013 at 8:13 AM

      Hey Roxy...sounds like fun! Glad you enjoyed the post and have a wonderful time on your day trip...Happy Anniversary too!

      Delete
  20. Small Talk MamaAugust 28, 2013 at 10:44 AM

    Just beautiful -- and the photo too! :)

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    1. Debby RayAugust 28, 2013 at 11:13 AM

      Thank you for your comment...and for stopping by, Shawnna! :)

      Blessings,
      Debby

      Delete
  21. Simply SimplisticatedAugust 28, 2013 at 1:56 PM

    My favorite verse! Railroad tracks have such a dear place in my heart as I was reunited with my daughter after 25 years at the train station and as the whistle blew as the train was approaching it will be forever etched in my mind.thank you so much for sharing this!

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    1. Debby RayAugust 28, 2013 at 2:48 PM

      Deidre,

      Thank you for your sweet comment and visiting me! I'm so glad this sparked just a neat memory for you!

      Blessings,

      Debby

      Delete
  22. LeslieAugust 30, 2013 at 4:15 AM

    Debby, I'm so glad I popped in to take a peak of your lovely blog. You pictures are stunning and words are so true! I love that verse. This year I've whole heartedly experienced what trusting in The Lord --really putting all your trust and hope--truly means! He has definitely lead me to an unexpected path that's greater than I ever imagined!!
    I hope you can try out the corn fritters very soon and you enjoy them as much as we did:)

    Blessings,
    Leslie

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  23. Debby RayAugust 30, 2013 at 12:58 PM

    Hey Leslie!

    Thank you for your sweet comments and coming to visit! Sometimes it sure is hard to stay on track, isn't it? Thank the Lord for getting us back where we need to be!

    I bought the items I needed to make the fritters so I will be making them sometime this weekend! They look SO amazing...I can't wait to taste them!

    Have a blessed weekend!
    Debby

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  24. NaomiAugust 31, 2013 at 8:09 PM

    The enjoyment of living is not where we have been,
    It’s looking ever forward to another year and ten.
    Debby Ray....I love this line in the poem. It's so true. It's nice to remember but its more about living to look ahead. Every day is a gift from God we should embrace. This was a great post to share at WJIM. Much encouragement here. Thank you.

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    1. Debby RaySeptember 1, 2013 at 3:10 AM

      Naomi...you are so right...everyday is an awesome gift! Thank you for stopping by and your kind comments!

      Have a blessed weekend :)

      Debby

      Delete
  25. Laura TurnerSeptember 2, 2013 at 6:08 PM

    We do so want to know what's ahead. I've just come through some very awful years only to see God work all things for good. He has been faithful, and this is giving me the peace and courage to accept each day for what it is and trust that He will continue to work things out for our good! Thanks for this message.

    Laura

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    1. Debby RaySeptember 2, 2013 at 6:22 PM

      I think it is only natural that we want to get a glimpse of what the future holds, as impossible as it is. Aren't we so fortunate to be able to rely on Him to take care of us? I often wonder how non-believers get through their lives without trusting someone bigger and more powerful than they are. I'm so glad this post was an encouragement to you.

      Blessings,
      Debby

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  26. Zuni, Chickadee Home NestFebruary 20, 2014 at 8:10 PM

    I hope you see this belated comment to your oh-so-timely post! Thank you! ~Zuni

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    1. Debby RayFebruary 21, 2014 at 2:40 AM

      Hi Zuni! Thank you for your interest and for taking the time to comment on this post. It has given me the opportunity to go back and remind myself how important it is to stay on track...everyday!

      Blessings!
      Debby

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Thank you for stopping by today! Your sweet comments are such an encouragement to me.