Delta Dawn When the Light Comes On: Week 31

Colorado may not be Heaven, but it is on the way! Happy 148th anniversary!

"And the Lord said, "Get out of your country, from your family and from your father's house to a land I will show you. I will bless you and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and in you all the earth shall be blessed." Genesis 12:1-3 God spoke these words to Abram of the Chaldees--and to me.

Grandpa Brands arrived in Colorado behind a herd of Morgan horses. Natives who knew good horse hay, sent him to North Park and Lake John. In 1872 the Brands homestead was registered. Today, our 7th generation lives on the land.

Seeing that I was a "proper child'', my father brought me to Julesburg under the tutelage of his sister. I arrived after school started and was accepted in a way unusual for me. Church-going was vital. There, I learned God was my Friend and I was encouraged to sing. I read 108 books before May, took piano lessons, attended movie matinees and babysat remarkable youngsters. When I got a D in math, I knew my father would not be happy. A change had to occur! I took command of my activities without fear of what people or peers might say.

Returning to the ranch in Walden, responsibility took on a new hue. As my parents' right-hand, there were younger siblings to guide, cows to milk, chickens to feed, hay to rake, hired men to acclimate, parts to fetch, bread to bake, butter to churn, a freezer to fill with chickens for frying and fruit pies assembled for meals at haying time. God's constant, faithful, unrelenting grace built within me, knowledge, wisdom and understanding. I learned to diligently keep my heart.

My heart warms remembering an August full moon hanging over the Medicine Bow, Rawah Wilderness area while sitting in a full hayloft, ready for winter. Or joyfully watching Northern Lights dance outside the milk barn window!

Father God faithfully shepherds each of us through the ups, downs, ins and outs of life, toward fulfillment of His unique call on each of us. Through faith we 'man up' at the exact moment He has anointed us to love one another.

Sing with me this song by Jill and Sy Miller:

"Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.

Let there be peace on earth; the peace that was meant to be.

With God as our Father, brothers all are we.

Let me walk with my brother In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me! Let this be the moment now!

With ev'ry step I take let this be my solemn vow:

To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally.

Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me."

"I have given you all things that pertain to life and godliness, so add to your faith, virtue (the doing of it) II Peter 2:12.

Next Week: Dandy Randy's.