I’ve been blessed my whole life to see the mountains on the horizon. The few times I have had to be away I have almost ached to see them again. Then when I return, I look up and breathe a sigh mixed with wonder and relief…I am home. The mountains are a God place for me. It is almost as if His presence becomes inescapably tangible in the mountain air. I relish each breath.

I think that is why I am so fond of Psalm 121:

“I lift up my eyes to the hills ~ and where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip ~ he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you ~ the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm ~ he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

Painting is my natural response to God’s beautiful creation. I painted this scene as a gift to our church family, a way to look up at the hills, seeking God’s vision for our future. This will one day be our view! Thank-you for making that happen! The Reunion Dinner on Tuesday, April 14, was a spectacular reminder that we are all stepping out in faith, looking forward to what God will do through each of us!

Abba Father, Thank-you for this community of faith. Thank-you for stirring our hearts into action to build a home where we can build disciples and send them out into the world to feed your sheep!

Julie Weldon