Bell Smith Springs

Southern Illinois's Bell Smith Springs is one the most beautiful recreational areas in the Shawnee Forest. It has a lot to offer the hiker from clear rocky springs, scenic canyons, to sandstone cliffs. The 12 miles of trail system features wondeful rock formations, such as Devils Bone and also a natural bridge. At one point the canyon floor can be reached by a stone stairway. I have never found the trails crowded. It is wonderful place to enjoy the great outdoors. Several geocaches are available in area too.

HAPPY TRAILS !! Pack it in pack it out !!

photos by Rick.

Pray with Thanksgiving

I would like to take this time to share my favorite Bible verse.

PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7
6. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

This verse became my favorite one evening when I was worried about my employment and at the same time anxious about the health of one of my children. I lay in bed and tried to pray but my mind just wondered off in fear and greater anxiety. I finally unable to sleep turned on the light and read my Bible. I am uncertain now how I came upon this verse but it was an eye opener. As I read in Philippians I came to realize that thanksgiving was missing from my prayers. No more whoa is me. I thanked God for the children I love so much and so proud of. I even learned to thank Him for difficult situations which have taught me so much.

This verse has been a lesson and blessing for me. Now when I take time to thank Him each morning when I wake it seems to improve my attitude. Pausing for prayer throughout the day it seems to give me comfort. I set my watch to beep on the hour and every time I hear the beep I just take a pause to pray, thanking God for my love ones. How peaceful I have found it to fall asleep counting my blessings.

A thankful spirit is the cure for many problems. Try praying with thanskgiving. You might even pray the words of PSALM 100.

Frost Flowers

While hiking at Bell Smith Springs in Southern Illinois an early cool fall morning we came along these "ice flowers" along the trail. This is what I found out about them at WIKIPEDIA.com.

Frost flowers is the name commonly given to a condition in which thin layers of ice are extruded from long-stemmed plants in autunm or early winter. The thin layers of ice are often formed into exquisite patterns that curl into "petals" that resemble flowers.
The formation of frost flowers, also known as "ice flowers," is apparently dependent on a freezing weather condition occurring when the ground is not already frozen. The sap in the stem of the plants will expand (water expands when frozen), causing long, thin cracks to form along the length of the stem. Water is then drawn through these cracks via capillary action and freezes upon contact with the air. As more water is drawn through the cracks it pushes the thin ice layers further from the stem, causing a thin "petal" to form. In the case of woody plants and tree branches the freezing water is squeezed through the pores of the plant forming long thin strings of ice.
Frost flower have a brief life span so early morning is the best time to find them. The first rays of sun will begin the melt down. On the average frost flowers begin forming with the first hard freeze continuing through early December.