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Monday, January 12, 2015

Barns and Beasts

"The beast of the field shall honor me, the dragons and the owls:
because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.
This people have I formed for myself; they shall show forth my praise."  --Isaiah 43:19-20

The beasts of the field honor God by being exactly what He made them to be: examples of His great handiwork and design.  We can honor and praise God too by acknowledging Him as our Creator and Savior and thanking Him. 

But God is not the only power working on this earth.  The devil is working overtime to fill people with hurt, hatred, and bitterness.  He's claiming as much territory as possible while he can, and every time I see the news, I can tell he's making progress.

It's not our part to stand idly by.  If we're on Jesus' team, we need to get to work.  Where the devil sows doubt, we need to speak of trust in an unfailing and all-powerful God.  Where the devil brings despair, we need to whisper words of hope.  Where there's bitterness, it must be replaced with the sweetness of God's love.  The Bible says "Resist the devil and he will flee."  Someone must stand and fight the good fight.  Let that someone be you.
Orthodox Celts: Stand Up to Your Devils
"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love." --St. Frances of Assisi
Linking with: The Barn Collective and Roses of Inspiration

117 comments:

  1. TomJanuary 12, 2015 at 12:41 PM

    What a stately looking farm. The classic gambrel roof barn glooms with it's white paint job. Tom The Backroads Traveller

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    1. Bethany CarsonJanuary 16, 2015 at 8:11 AM

      It's good to see barns in good shape and well cared for!

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  2. eileeninmdJanuary 12, 2015 at 12:55 PM

    Hello Bethany, I love the cute sheep and the wonderful barn and farm.. I am always happy to see working farms.. They seem to be disappearing around here. Have a happy day!

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    1. Bethany CarsonJanuary 16, 2015 at 8:13 AM

      You too, Eileen! Here in Iowa there are lots of little farms everywhere, but the number is decreasing every year as the older farmers die or retire, and the bigger farmers buy them out.

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  3. Bob BushellJanuary 12, 2015 at 1:25 PM

    The picture is excellent.

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  4. GailJanuary 12, 2015 at 1:53 PM

    Great farm. We have thought of raising sheep.

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    1. Bethany CarsonJanuary 16, 2015 at 8:16 AM

      It was neat to see this farm as we drove around the area. Raising sheep sounds like work to me, but so is raising any animal.

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  5. Tori LeslieJanuary 12, 2015 at 2:02 PM

    I love this post and that farm is so nice! Btw, glad the Packers won, for your family's sake! ;0)

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  6. BirgittaJanuary 12, 2015 at 2:25 PM

    Lovely, nice photos!

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  7. GosiaJanuary 12, 2015 at 4:02 PM

    Bethany, farm is lovely but the worlk is very hard. Definitely not for me..

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    1. Bethany CarsonJanuary 16, 2015 at 8:18 AM

      Life in the country is peaceful, but you are right that a farm takes a lot of work.

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  8. TexWisGirlJanuary 12, 2015 at 4:09 PM

    lovely farm and sweet sheep!

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  9. DebbieJanuary 12, 2015 at 5:04 PM

    oh now you are really talking my language!! LOVE these images!!!!

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    1. Bethany CarsonJanuary 16, 2015 at 8:20 AM

      Thanks Debbie; it's a lovely part of the country.

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  10. aimeeJanuary 12, 2015 at 5:28 PM

    Love the rural pictures and your comments too!
    Blessings, Aimee

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  11. MargieJanuary 12, 2015 at 5:46 PM

    Wonderful photos, Bethany and I love the quote of St. Frances of Assisi

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    1. Bethany CarsonJanuary 16, 2015 at 11:33 AM

      St. Francis said many wise things. I watched an interesting movie based on his life once.

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  12. ellen bJanuary 12, 2015 at 6:04 PM

    Wonderful Bethany. Love all these barns and photos you've shared.

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  13. LoisJanuary 12, 2015 at 6:52 PM

    I have always loved that quote by St. Francis of Assisi. Beautiful pictures!

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    1. Bethany CarsonJanuary 16, 2015 at 11:34 AM

      Thanks Lois! The prayer that quote comes from is beautiful.

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  14. Plowing Through Life (Martha)January 12, 2015 at 7:11 PM

    Gorgeous photos, Bethany! And I love the quotes you've included. Love heals all.

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    1. Bethany CarsonJanuary 16, 2015 at 11:36 AM

      True. The Song of Solomon says "Love is as strong as death," but Jesus proved that love, God's love, is stronger than death. God is love.

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  15. AnonymousJanuary 12, 2015 at 8:43 PM

    love the pictures and the scriptures...just what i needed to hear...thanks friend

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  16. StephanieJanuary 12, 2015 at 9:07 PM

    Fabulous thoughts and fabulous photos! "The beasts of the field honor God by being exactly what He made them to be." Perfectly said, Bethany! Have a wonderful week!

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  17. Abigail LennahJanuary 12, 2015 at 9:15 PM

    Oooh, rural areas! I love areas; and I love animals, too; following God's vision. XD

    xoxo Morning

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    1. Bethany CarsonJanuary 16, 2015 at 11:39 AM

      The country is a nice place to be. It's peaceful and people are friendlier.

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  18. Rick WatsonJanuary 12, 2015 at 9:28 PM

    We live in a beautiful world Bethany. I love your take on life. You do good work and honor the Good Lord.
    R

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  19. MariJanuary 12, 2015 at 10:49 PM

    I grew up on a farm and loved seeing those farm pics. Adding your thoughts made this a great post!

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    1. Bethany CarsonJanuary 16, 2015 at 11:41 AM

      Thank you Mari! I'm so glad my family moved out to the country when I was a little girl.

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  20. LindaJanuary 12, 2015 at 11:28 PM

    I love the Scripture verses, Bethany, and this farm is beautiful. I love this post. :)

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  21. PaulJanuary 12, 2015 at 11:52 PM

    A fine looking farm, nice pictures and encouraging words, thank you!

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    1. Bethany CarsonJanuary 16, 2015 at 11:42 AM

      Thanks Paul! We were driving through the countryside looking for barns and bridges, and the farm with the sheep really caught my eye.

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  22. PaigeJanuary 13, 2015 at 12:18 AM

    Beautiful rural phoots! Good work finding the beauty in simplicity. :)

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    1. Bethany CarsonJanuary 16, 2015 at 11:42 AM

      Thanks Paige. Sometimes the most simple things are the most beautiful.

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  23. IrmaJanuary 13, 2015 at 2:55 AM

    Hello Bethany.
    Beautiful pictures, I love sheep.
    Love conquers all.
    Best regards, Irma

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  24. Optimistic ExistentialistJanuary 13, 2015 at 7:34 AM

    Oh how I love farms...farms just have that "home" feel to them :)

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  25. Hootin AnniJanuary 13, 2015 at 7:39 AM

    I loved this!!! Your thoughts, your wonderful animals, and farm life. Filled with inspiration and love of mankind....life itself! Well done.

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    1. Bethany CarsonJanuary 16, 2015 at 11:44 AM

      Thank you Anni. I can't claim the animals, though I suppose since I shot them, in a way they are now mine--at least their pictures are!

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  26. DiannaJanuary 13, 2015 at 7:45 AM

    Bethany, the pictures brought back very pleasant childhood memories for me, as I grew up on a farm. We did not have sheep, but I loved being out and about with my father and grandfather as they went about the farm doing their chores.

    As for the topic...you are so right...it is not our part to stand idly by. Thank you for speaking it out for us to hear.

    I enjoyed the Celtic music as well. :)

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    1. Bethany CarsonJanuary 16, 2015 at 11:44 AM

      There's nothing like growing up in the country, Dianna!

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  27. John's IslandJanuary 13, 2015 at 8:00 AM

    Wonderful post. I like your commentary. As always, the photos are excellent.

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  28. Cranberry MorningJanuary 13, 2015 at 10:30 AM

    I love photos like this! Barns and sheep!

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  29. Judy GoddardJanuary 13, 2015 at 10:37 AM

    Hi there.
    I'm listening to your youtube link right now. I'm visiting from Stephanie's Link Party. I like what you've written in this post. The devil may seem as if he's gaining but we know that his battle is lost! But I'll stay vigilant against his onslaughts! God bless you in all you do!

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    1. Bethany CarsonJanuary 16, 2015 at 11:46 AM

      Thanks for visiting Judy, and God bless you too. In the end the Lord will give us the victory!

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  30. DeeJanuary 13, 2015 at 11:13 AM

    What a great post and I loved all the pics. I was just reading this morning, Psalms 36:1. Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts. They have no fear of God to restrain them.

    We live in a fallen world and watching the news is pretty scary. I'm just glad that I'm a daughter of the one true King.

    Enjoy the rest of your week, Bethany... :)

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  31. AnonymousJanuary 13, 2015 at 4:16 PM

    I like the post and pictures, Bethany. Did you take them? Do you live on a farm?

    Love,
    Ashley
    creatingpreciousmoments.blogspot.com

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    1. Bethany CarsonJanuary 16, 2015 at 11:49 AM

      Yes, I took the photos Ashley. I live out in the country. It's not a real farm, but we have a dog, cats, chickens, fruit trees, and a garden; probably it would be best to call it an acreage, but our chickens think it's a farm. ;)

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  32. UnknownJanuary 13, 2015 at 5:31 PM

    I love nature and this farm is just so nice. You inspiring me to plan a trip out of the city :) Lovely post!

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    1. Bethany CarsonJanuary 16, 2015 at 11:50 AM

      If you do get out of the city, I hope you have an enjoyable outing!

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  33. Scrappy quilterJanuary 13, 2015 at 5:55 PM

    Wonderful pictures brought back so many memories of my grandparents farm.

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    1. Bethany CarsonJanuary 16, 2015 at 11:54 AM

      That's awesome. My grandparents moved out to the country and were the ones who inspired my parents to do the same.

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  34. Carola BartzJanuary 13, 2015 at 7:50 PM

    Beautiful farm and sheep - but as someone said before, hard work.

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    1. Bethany CarsonJanuary 16, 2015 at 11:54 AM

      True! I don't think I'll be getting sheep any time soon!

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  35. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiJanuary 14, 2015 at 12:37 AM

    Beautifully written Bethany! I love your photos, scriptures and he prayer of Saint Francis is one of my favorites

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    1. Bethany CarsonJanuary 16, 2015 at 11:54 AM

      It's one of my favorite quotes as well. Thank you Pat!

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  36. Inspired By JuneJanuary 14, 2015 at 8:05 AM

    Well written, Bethany, as always. Enjoyed your farm photos, too! and your call to action. What we see happening can be overwhelming, but there is much we can do. Not the least of which is to pray. The devil would be much happier with our inaction and feelings of despair. I'm honored to stand with you in this fight. Blessings!

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    1. Bethany CarsonJanuary 16, 2015 at 11:56 AM

      It's good to know fellow Christian soldiers like you, June. The devil does encourage feelings of despair, but we can always look up to Jesus. He has already conquered death and hell, and He will lead us on to victory.

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  37. Debby RayJanuary 14, 2015 at 10:00 AM

    Oh what wonderful photos of those beautiful sheep and barns. A beautiful message too...great post! Blessings!

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  38. CarlettaJanuary 14, 2015 at 10:20 AM

    What a beautiful farm! I love everything from the peeling paint on the barn to the brick to the painted top of the silo!

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  39. Deborah MontgomeryJanuary 14, 2015 at 11:08 AM

    Love the photo of the sheep. It is so important to continue to hope and have faith, and not be discouraged by all the awful happenings in the world. Discouragement is a great tool of the enemy.

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  40. Lisa @ Two Bears FarmJanuary 14, 2015 at 11:13 AM

    It is a very beautiful photo!

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  41. sweetbriardreamsJanuary 14, 2015 at 2:10 PM

    This all looks very similar to what we have around us at the moment. The sheep here are now pregnant and we are waiting for the lambs - beauty will fill the fields soon. Take care x

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  42. AnonymousJanuary 14, 2015 at 2:25 PM

    Really nice photos that go well with your writing! I love peaceful farms.

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    1. Bethany CarsonJanuary 16, 2015 at 11:59 AM

      Thanks Kira! The countryside is a nice place to be.

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  43. cedarmerefarmJanuary 14, 2015 at 3:22 PM

    That's a great looking farm and the animals are so adorable.

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  44. Algodão Tão DoceJanuary 14, 2015 at 4:05 PM

    Palavras gentis são um favo de mel, doçura para a alma
    e saúde para o corpo.(Pr 16,24)
    Lindas fotos...parabéns pela postagem!!!
    Obrigada amiga, pela visita atenciosa!
    Beijo grande, Marie.

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  45. NanaDianaJanuary 14, 2015 at 7:12 PM

    Wonderful pictures, Bethany. My uncle that lived next to us raised sheep and I always loved them. In the Spring my brother and I each picked one out and brought it home after it was weaned. We would keep it as a pet until it was a bit bigger and then take it back to my uncle's farm. I always picked the black sheep-no surprise there I bet! xo Diana

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    1. Bethany CarsonJanuary 16, 2015 at 12:00 PM

      That must have been a fun experience, Diana! I have friends who have children and sheep--each child has his/her own lamb.

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  46. EG CameraGirlJanuary 15, 2015 at 7:11 AM

    I like very much the way the barn is aging!

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    1. Bethany CarsonJanuary 16, 2015 at 12:01 PM

      Old barns have something special about them. Back when they were first made they must have been their owners' pride and joy.

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  47. Amy BurzeseJanuary 15, 2015 at 11:50 AM

    Nice barn and the beasts are wonderful also. Nice post. Thanks for sharing and inspiring this week!

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  48. marshylnerd.blogspot.comJanuary 15, 2015 at 12:23 PM

    A call to arms. I am ready to pick the mantle.

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  49. AnonymousJanuary 15, 2015 at 2:55 PM

    Lovely photos, great quotes and verses -they are strong ones- Thank you for sharing.

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  50. Dreaming of VintageJanuary 15, 2015 at 3:54 PM

    Lovely post and a lovely farm!

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  51. jon bearJanuary 15, 2015 at 10:25 PM

    Wonderful pictures and message Bethany! "All we like sheep have gone astray"!

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    1. Bethany CarsonJanuary 16, 2015 at 12:03 PM

      Yes. I like the last part of that verse best...but have now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls. He's the Good Shepherd.

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  52. Coloring Outside the LinesJanuary 16, 2015 at 7:29 AM

    Super message, thanks for sharing. Mat 18:12- Hope for those who stray..always. The devil is everywhere.

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    1. Bethany CarsonJanuary 16, 2015 at 12:04 PM

      That is a good verse. The Lord cares about each and every one of us.

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  53. Bethany CarsonJanuary 16, 2015 at 11:38 AM

    Amen! I really prefer books and movies with happy endings. For us who are on the Lord's side the ending is very happy indeed. Jesus will reign.

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  54. John's IslandJanuary 16, 2015 at 12:23 PM

    Stopping by again to say thanks for your kind comments on my blog. Have a good weekend Bethany!

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  55. AnonymousJanuary 16, 2015 at 5:08 PM

    Such nice photographs. The sheep look very happy! :-)

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    1. Bethany CarsonJanuary 18, 2015 at 10:06 PM

      It looks like they have a nice place to stay and plenty of good food.

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  56. Ni de Aqui, Ni de AllaJanuary 16, 2015 at 10:50 PM

    Hi Bethany! Nice barn and sheep pictures! And the scripture that is always good to hear about. Well I haven't been around here for awhile now, and because of other things in my life I don't know when I will be back. But I think I will have time to come visit you. I hope you had a great Christmas! And I wish you the best for 2015, with lots of God's blessings for you and your family.

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    1. Bethany CarsonJanuary 18, 2015 at 10:10 PM

      Thank you for taking the time to visit, and may the Lord bless you as well! I'll look forward to when you do decide to start blogging again.

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  57. BasiaWJanuary 16, 2015 at 11:46 PM

    Wonderful pictures and a lovely farm:-)

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  58. PoppyJanuary 17, 2015 at 3:46 AM

    Wonderful texture in these photos of barns and beasts, Bethany. Your words are timely.

    Poppy

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  59. Janey and Co.January 17, 2015 at 6:57 AM

    Hi Bethany,

    I see hundreds of sheep in the Colorado when I summer there
    Thanks for the instructions for cleaning up my reading list. but, there was nothing in the top right hand corner, except edit profile. I googled instructions...they were very complicated but finally it worked! Janey

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    1. Bethany CarsonJanuary 18, 2015 at 10:11 PM

      Glad you figured it out! Colorado has some beautiful countryside (or should I say, mountainsides)!

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  60. A Colorful WorldJanuary 17, 2015 at 11:19 PM

    Wonderful scripture and words of inspiration for us all in these times of great trouble and despair, dear Bethany. And loved your photos. We cannot give satan an inch, but should be willing to go as many miles as our Lord can ask of us. And stay in prayer to be clothed in the full armour. Bless you and your family.

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  61. Lovable DerekJanuary 18, 2015 at 5:27 AM

    Thanks for these delightful photos.

    Have a good week.

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  62. AnonymousJanuary 22, 2015 at 11:21 PM

    Preach it, young Miss! It needs to be heard.
    Loved all your photos -

    Lindy

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  63. NatureFootstepJanuary 28, 2015 at 6:46 AM

    I love to watch sheep. But I never touch them. I´m allergic to them.

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    1. Bethany CarsonJanuary 28, 2015 at 10:30 PM

      Ah, that is too bad. I haven't found too many occasions to touch sheep myself, but was able to pet a friend's lamb once.

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