Sandra Heska King

daring to open doors

  • Home
  • About
  • DISCLOSURES
    • Amazon Affiliate
    • Book Reviews
  • Published
  • Contact
  • Blog
    • Commit Poetry
    • Dared

Still Saturday: Wilderness ( And Giveaway)

October 9, 2015 By Sandra Heska King

 

WILDERNESS

 

 

I didn’t dare tell anyone I had grown soft for Nebraska. But on the inside, I found myself marveling at the astounding vastness of the cornflower blue skies that unfurled each morning right over my head. I was captivated by the way the sunlight skipped around on actual amber waves of grain. I hiked trails through the prairie and took my time, gazing at columbine and prairie grass and monarch butterflies feeding on goldenrod. I rode my bicycle on miles and miles of straight, flat trails, with cluttered thoughts falling from my mind with each round of the pedals and frogs singing to me from the tall grasses that lined the trail. I stood stock-still and watched the most fantastic sunset and then turned in the other direction and practically fell into the harvest moon . . .

But spending time in the middle of the wilderness had changed me . . .

But remember, the glory of God is in the wilderness. As much as we want to resist it, in the wilderness of our lives, God works to transform us more and more into the image of his Son and a reflection of his character.

~Deidra Riggs in Every Little Thing: Making a World of Difference Right Where You Are

 

WILDERNESS2

 

In the stillness,

Sandy

EXTRA!

I have an extra copy of Every Little Thing to give away.

Just leave a comment by Wednesday, and I’ll high-techly select a winner

by drawing a name from a basket.

god wilderness

 

Sandra Heska King - Still Saturday

Welcome to the Still Saturday Community where we pause after a busy week, move in quiet pilgrimage, maybe linger a while in some still place, and soak in the beauty of images and reflect on the depth of sparse words. We’d love for you to join us. Grab the button and link up below. We all love to hear if something especially speaks to your heart, but please don’t feel pressured to comment. Simply take some time to be still together, to gaze long and drink deep.

An InLinkz Link-up


Share this:

  • Email
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Filed Under: Blog, Still Saturday

Comments

  1. Patricia Krank says

    October 9, 2015 at 9:39 pm

    The prairie sounds wonderful and totally different from city lights. Finding joy in all circumstances 🙂
    Patti

    • Sandra Heska King says

      October 12, 2015 at 10:30 am

      Just reading her description is calming, right? And can’t you feel those cluttered thoughts dropping?

  2. Lyli @3dlessons4life.com says

    October 9, 2015 at 9:54 pm

    Pick me! Pick me!

    • Sandra Heska King says

      October 12, 2015 at 10:30 am

      😀 😀

  3. Pam says

    October 9, 2015 at 9:56 pm

    I’d love to have a copy of her inspiring and beautiful writing – like everyone else here! :)Thanks for the giveaway!

    • Sandra Heska King says

      October 12, 2015 at 10:33 am

      Crossing my fingers for you, Pam. 🙂

  4. Jutta K.Deutschland says

    October 10, 2015 at 3:24 am

    It`s so true !
    Greetings from Germany

    • Sandra Heska King says

      October 12, 2015 at 10:34 am

      We don’t want to admit it, though, do we Jutta? I’m so glad you traveled so far to join us. 🙂

  5. Tehila says

    October 10, 2015 at 3:31 am

    This looks like a wonderful book! I always enjoy visiting your site, Sandra. It’s like taking a breath of fresh air and is good for my soul!

    Blessings to you, sister!
    Tehila

    • Sandra Heska King says

      October 12, 2015 at 10:35 am

      Blessings to you, Sheila. Your comment makes me smile.

  6. Patricia @ Pollywog Creek says

    October 10, 2015 at 6:01 am

    Don’t you just love “Every Little Thing”? I’m giving away a copy, too. (So don’t include me in the drawing) Have a wonderful weekend, my beautiful friend. xoxox

    • Sandra Heska King says

      October 12, 2015 at 10:38 am

      I know… right? I hope you had a beautiful weekend, friend. The weather was gorgeous here yesterday.

  7. Michele Morin says

    October 10, 2015 at 6:06 am

    No need to include me in the drawing either — I just finished Deidra’s book last night, and when I read your excerpt this morning, immediately recognized it!
    Blessed weekend to you!

    • Sandra Heska King says

      October 12, 2015 at 10:41 am

      Yay. I hope you had a beautiful weekend, Michele. Maybe you took a walk and gazed on the goldenrod?

  8. Beverly says

    October 10, 2015 at 6:35 am

    Wonderful words reminding me to seek Him in my wilderness—
    Thank you for offering the giveaway.

    • Sandra Heska King says

      October 12, 2015 at 10:42 am

      He’s there, Beverly. Hugs to you.

  9. Lizzy says

    October 10, 2015 at 6:47 am

    Love your high techly way of drawing the gift, I was thinking of doing the same thing for my husband’s business giveaway.

    • Sandra Heska King says

      October 12, 2015 at 10:42 am

      I like to be on the cutting edge. 😉

  10. Lane says

    October 10, 2015 at 6:55 am

    More wilderness, yes! More of the wildness of God!

    • Sandra Heska King says

      October 12, 2015 at 10:43 am

      Wilderness and wildness. Yes. (Nice to see you, Lane. 🙂 )

  11. Constance Morrison says

    October 10, 2015 at 10:11 am

    “The glory of God is in the wilderness” If even Jesus spent time in the wilderness, then maybe I can/should, too. It’s a rough, wild place, sometimes filled with thorns, but always beautiful. Glory!

    • Sandra Heska King says

      October 12, 2015 at 10:43 am

      Some of the best things happen there, yes?

  12. Mary Townsend says

    October 10, 2015 at 10:15 am

    Sandra, sometimes our wilderness is just the place we need to be in all our weakness…our sorrow…our feeling alone…the place we go to be found by God…He is always with us, but sometimes we forget…

    • Sandra Heska King says

      October 12, 2015 at 10:44 am

      Yes and yes… and yes.

  13. Lorretta says

    October 10, 2015 at 10:29 am

    What can I say except I met God *for realz* in my own place of wilderness. Those of us who truly love Him….when we say “Here am I, Lord…” well, that’s typically our next destination in the journey; Wilderness Training.

    • Sandra Heska King says

      October 12, 2015 at 10:47 am

      Next stop… Wilderness Training. So true… And sometimes we circle back…

  14. Anastasia says

    October 10, 2015 at 11:02 am

    I’ve just started seeing this book on social media! It definitely looks like a great read! New to your link up! Glad to be here! Thanks for hosting 🙂

    • Sandra Heska King says

      October 12, 2015 at 10:48 am

      Welcome, Anastasia! I’m so glad you’re here.

  15. Abby Breuklander says

    October 10, 2015 at 11:04 am

    Oh I love this!! I’ve heard so many wonderful things about this book, I can’t wait to read it for myself!!

    • Sandra Heska King says

      October 12, 2015 at 10:49 am

      You’ll love it, Abby. You’re kind of living in your own wilderness right now, too, right?

  16. Jason Stasyszen says

    October 10, 2015 at 11:10 am

    Ah, the wilderness… Not a favorite for the discomfort, but a must for seeing more of our God. It’s about trust. Whatever season He decides for us, it’s a good season. 🙂 Thanks Sandra!

    • Sandra Heska King says

      October 12, 2015 at 10:50 am

      I know, right? We need to keep reminding each other of that.

  17. June says

    October 10, 2015 at 1:05 pm

    Beautiful words from a beautiful lady, thank you for sharing!

    • Sandra Heska King says

      October 12, 2015 at 10:50 am

      Beautiful words from one beautiful lady to another–you. 🙂

  18. Andy Delmege says

    October 10, 2015 at 1:12 pm

    Wonderful! Thank you

    • Sandra Heska King says

      October 12, 2015 at 10:52 am

      You’re welcome, friend. I’ll be putting your name in my high-tech basket. 🙂

  19. Pam Steinke says

    October 10, 2015 at 2:53 pm

    For so long I missed the simple truth that it’s all about being transformed into the image of Christ. Somehow I got the idea that the journey was about figuring out how to do some great thing for God. Talk about being in the wilderness of my own making! Thankfully, He always meets us wherever we are, and leads us where we need to be! I’ d love to win this book!

    • Sandra Heska King says

      October 12, 2015 at 10:53 am

      Oh, Pam. Wise words.

  20. Corena says

    October 10, 2015 at 2:56 pm

    I take a few moments on Saturdays which are as busy as Monday through Friday for us to be still as the sun comes up. I love this post. I just found it and slowly reading all the older posts too….Be still and know I Am are 2 things Holy Spirit convicts me of when life is in the valley or busyness threatens to overwhelm. Cannot afford to buy this book but would love love love it to read and share with my community of believers. God Bless

    • Sandra Heska King says

      October 12, 2015 at 10:55 am

      So very glad to meet you, Corena. Check back Thursday to see who wins her words. In the meantime… take a few moments today to be still, too.

  21. Liz says

    October 10, 2015 at 3:06 pm

    I’m been missing the wilderness lately. My usual trek has been cut off by road repairs and walking the city parks just doesn’t bring me as close to stillness and God’s whispers. Must make time to find a new place to be still. Lovely words today! Thank you!

    • Sandra Heska King says

      October 12, 2015 at 10:56 am

      Oh, I hear you, Liz. City parks aren’t the same as going deeper into the still places. I hope they finish those roads, soon.

  22. Shelly Hendricks (@Renewed_Daily) says

    October 10, 2015 at 3:19 pm

    I would love to win! Everything I’ve seen and heard about this book just draws me closer in! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3

    • Sandra Heska King says

      October 12, 2015 at 10:57 am

      I hope God gets this book in your hands somehow, Shelly. Heart hugs right back to you.

  23. Dea says

    October 10, 2015 at 6:06 pm

    Throw me in. I’ve been on a novel binge…and poetry. I love Deidra and maybe I’ll win? If not, I’ll get one of Amazon’s drones to drop over here to the wilderness and sit it by the door….;)

    • Sandra Heska King says

      October 12, 2015 at 10:59 am

      Alrighty then. Tossing. And calling all drones.

      I have a mess of novels sitting on the shelves I keep meaning to get to… but the poetry’s been winning lately.

  24. Janis@Heart-Filled Moments says

    October 11, 2015 at 12:46 am

    Sandra, that was so peaceful going on your journey into those amber waves of grain capped by the cornflower skies. Peace oozed throughout your whole post. i didn’t feel I was in the wilderness but basking in God’s glorious creation. i really don’t want to go into the wilderness again–unless it looks like this!
    Blessings, Janis

    • Sandra Heska King says

      October 12, 2015 at 11:00 am

      Maybe it’s all about our perspective. 🙂

  25. Joanne Viola says

    October 11, 2015 at 6:21 am

    I loved the quote you shared! I have been hearing so many wonderful things about this book. It’s on my “to-read” list so I would loved to be included in the giveaway. Thank you so much for the opportunity!

    • Sandra Heska King says

      October 12, 2015 at 11:00 am

      You’re in the basket, Joanne. 🙂

  26. Nina says

    October 11, 2015 at 12:47 pm

    The wild life in Nebraska sounds wonderful … the love for nature must have been planted in your heart in those childhood years! And the solitude … the wilderness … Yes, those seasons in life come and may seem overwhelming, yet, also as oasis, where we better hear, see, feel and focus.
    Thank you for the giveaway … Blessings and sunshine to your Sunday,
    Nina

    • Sandra Heska King says

      October 12, 2015 at 11:03 am

      You know Deidra grew up in Detroit, right, Nina? Don’t you wonder how God chooses to send someone to a certain place? I’m not sure how some people hear in the city. And I should shhhh… cuz that would be wilderness for me. 😉

  27. Kelly M. says

    October 11, 2015 at 4:41 pm

    I would love to read (and re-read) this book… it’s such a needed reminder that God is in every last detail of my journey

    • Sandra Heska King says

      October 12, 2015 at 11:04 am

      And sometimes we don’t grasp the power of that until we look back, right, Kelly?

  28. Jaime Wiebel says

    October 11, 2015 at 9:17 pm

    I love going on long bike rides. Love the long trails that let you just unwind and be a part of nature. Thank you for sharing.

    • Sandra Heska King says

      October 12, 2015 at 11:04 am

      Me, too. I do prefer to walk, though. It’s much easier to stop and go 😉

  29. bluecottonmemory says

    October 11, 2015 at 10:21 pm

    I was there for the retreat – I’d never been to Nebraska – and my spirit softened for it, too!

    • Sandra Heska King says

      October 12, 2015 at 11:06 am

      I never had either, Maryleigh, and I’ve been twice now. I could live there. 🙂

Trackbacks

  1. Still Saturday: Time - Sandra Heska King says:
    October 16, 2015 at 9:05 pm

    […] winner of last week’s drawing […]

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Meet Sandra

I’m Sandra, a camera-toting, recovering doer who’s learning to be. still. Read more…

Get updates from the stillness by email

Your personal information is safe and will never be shared.

Archives

Categories

Instagram Inspiration

sandraheskaking

Happy first day of fall from my backyard to yours. Happy first day of fall from my backyard to yours.
Just another backyard photo… Just another backyard photo…
From my backyard tonight. From my backyard tonight.
Just another sunset. Just another sunset.
“I would like people to remember of me, how inex “I would like people to remember of me, how inexhaustible was her mindfulness.” ~ Mary Oliver in “ A Little Ado About This and That.”
Current situation. Current situation.
“This spark of life that wavest wings of gold” “This spark of life that wavest wings of gold” ~ Thomas Wentworth Higginson in “Ode to a Butterfly”
🦋
We pulled all the milkweed because it just could not support all the caterpillars. They were eating it bare and most of them died because they ran out of food. This one butterfly found this one lone volunteer.
"I would feel more optimistic about a bright futur "I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving that he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority." ~ E.B. White (as quoted on today's page in my Franklin Planner)
"May you experience each day as a sacred gift wove "May you experience each day as a sacred gift woven around the heart of wonder." ~ John O'Donohue in "For Presence" from To Bless the Space Between Us
🌴
Tri-colored heron stalking breakfast in my backyard.
“. . neighbor’s tree hangs heavy with mangoes “. .  neighbor’s tree hangs heavy with mangoes. They are moving in a week. They say a family from Belarus bought the house. I hope they don’t care much for mangoes.”
**
“Beautiful Sweet Things” at https://sandraheskaking.substack.com/
"People do not grow old. When they cease to grow t "People do not grow old. When they cease to grow they become old.” ~ Emerson

It's been a while since I've written anything on my blog. Like 3 years. But I just wrote my first post on Substack. Come see?

https://sandraheskaking.substack.com/p/ten-years-ten-things
Spent a couple hours this morning with friends fro Spent a couple hours this morning with friends from @spanishriverchurch picking up beach trash. Little bits of colored and clear plastic, big bits of plastic, bottle caps, broken glass, strings, ropes, straws, socks, fast food containers, paper, cigarette holders and filters—and a couple unmentionables. Took extra care around the turtle nests. Last count was about 70 pounds, but there were also some bigger things like an abandoned chair and a plastic tent. And a big piece of burlap or something with a fishing lure and giant hook attached. D found a Macy’s gift card that he almost tossed in his bucket. But we brought it home to check the balance—$24.60! We should be able to turn that into something useful for someone. 😊
H Already dead, I am living my afterlife here in t H
Already dead, I am
living my afterlife
here
in the form of a human.
~ Xueyan from Time Peels All to Original White

Thanks to @tspoetry for introducing me to this beautiful collection via an Every Day Poems selection.
The cats attacked the window all night. The dog wo The cats attacked the window all night. The dog woofed all night. This morning we discovered the would-be burglar imprisoned between the screen and the glass on our bedroom slider. 

When I stepped out to release it (no bail), I was surprised by this brief bit of backyard beauty.
For most of us, knowledge of our world comes large For most of us, knowledge of our world comes largely through sight, yet we look about with such unseeing eyes that we are partially blind. One way to open your eyes to unnoticed beauty is to ask yourself, "What if I had never seen this before? What if I knew I would never see it again?" ~ Rachel Carson in The Sense of Wonder
#prayformsu #spartanstrong #spartannurse #michigan #prayformsu #spartanstrong #spartannurse #michiganstateuniversity
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faith Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. ~ Psalm 136:1
A tale of two iguanas... I did not see the iguana A tale of two iguanas... I did not see the iguana in the background until I downloaded the photos. That, I believe, is the one that got caught in one of the openings in the neighbor's chain link fence. We tried in several (safe) ways to dislodge it without luck and could think of no other option but to leave it. Somehow it apparently dislodged itself. We also believe this is the pair that was getting into another neighbor's garden. We haven't seen either one since the last cold snap, so we are wondering if they survived. 
🌱
Thinking some may have tumbled from their perches last night. Pretty sure it will be raining iguanas tonight since we are under a frost advisory. It's cold. And windy.
Just sing... sing a song... Singing our way into Just sing... sing a song... 

Singing our way into the weekend.
"We don't just see. We learn to see." ~ Russ Ramse "We don't just see. We learn to see." ~ Russ Ramsey in Rembrandt is in the Wind
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Get the Mug

Embrace the life you have t s poetry mug

Privacy Policy

Full privacy policy is available HERE.

I Read Light

TSP-Red button

bibledude-net



Sponsor a Child

Join the Compassion Blogger Network

[footer_backtotop]

Copyright © 2023 Sandra Heska King · Site by The Willingham Enterprise, LLC on the Genesis Framework by StudioPress · Log in