Arkansas Autumn

Last weekend we made a quick getaway to Eureka Springs, Arkansas. We were hoping to see some beautiful fall foliage, and we certainly weren't disappointed.  The trip up Hwy 23, known as The Pig Trail, was breathtaking.  The colors were as pretty as I can remember seeing here in Arkansas.  We were fortunate to see the colors at their peak.

We have been visiting Eureka Springs for almost 30 years, but in all that time we had never visited Pivot Rock.  The Natural Bridge and Pivot Rock have been tourist attractions in Eureka Springs since the late 1800's.  They have actually attained historic status as an attraction.  We decided that we would visit them on this trip.  The attractions are along a short but steep trail.  When we visited it was a perfect fall afternoon and the short hike was beautiful.  To see a 360 degree view of the area click here.

On this trip to Eureka Springs we stayed at Sherwood Court Cottages. We have stayed there several times before really like the quaint cottages.  It was a very relaxing weekend.  We spent most of our time simply driving around this interesting town.  For a little bit of history and perspective on Eureka Springs, click here.  The fall colors were exceptional and I had a great time taking photos.

Whenever you go spend time in Eureka Springs, you will see and experience some things that are out of the ordinary.  This weekend there was a Zombie Parade.  Many of the locals dressed as Zombies and paraded down Spring Street.  I must say that it was a unique, only in Eureka, kind of experience.

Each year we try to make a trip to Eureka Springs when the fall colors are pretty.  I won't say that this has been the most beautiful year ever for fall color here in Arkansas, but I will say that I have never seen it more beautiful.  I hope that wherever you are , you were able to see some autumn beauty.

Danger!

Although it is definitely not the kind of thing that I normally do at my business, a while back I painted a Bandit Wood Chipper. Wood chippers have powerful feed systems with large chipper openings that allow you to break down limbs and branches. One of the things that had to be done was the removal of all of the decals and stickers before painting. So that we would know where to put the new decals when we finished painting, I took pictures of all the decals and locations for reference.

Wood chippers are very dangerous machines. I have never used one, but after reading all of the warning decals I have new found respect for the dangers involved.



This one reads DANGER! STOP TO THINK!! Reaching or kicking into the infeed spout can cause serious injury or death! DO NOT reach with your hand or kick with your foot inside the feed spout. The feedrolls are very powerful. Once your hand or foot is grabbed by the feedrolls, you can be pulled into the chipper. Do not think you will be able to pull yourself out of the feedrolls. They will not let go!



This one reads DANGER! SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH CAN OCCUR! UNLESS THESE INSTRUCTIONS ARE FOLLOWED.

Do you think Bandit Industries Inc. is serious about their warning? Are they plain enough for you to understand? The wood chipper I was working on was literally covered with these warnings. I took 30 pictures of warning labels. The manufacturer wants to make sure that you understand the dangers of working with this machine.







This one is very serious. BRUSH CHIPPERS ARE VERY DANGEROUS MACHINES TO OPERATE! READ AND BELIEVE THIS WARNING DECAL!

One line on this warning decal reads "There have been MANY ACCIDENTS involving the feed rolls, resulting in the amputation of hands, arms, feet, legs and DEATH. DO NOT let this happen to you!

All of these warnings made me think of the Bible, and all of the directions and warnings that God has placed in it.

In Jeremiah 6:10 the Bible says, "Who will listen to me? The people of Israel have closed ears, so they cannot hear my warnings. They don't like the word of the LORD; they don't want to listen to it!"

Why is it that we don't want to listen to the word of the Lord? When I read the warnings on a piece of machinery I take them seriously, but if I read it in the Bible I don't want to listen.

In Romans 6:23 there is a clear warning. As clear as the warning decals on a wood chipper. It says "The wages of sin is death". That is clear. Thankfully the verse doesn't end there. It also says "But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord".

The warnings on the wood chipper were not placed there because Bandit Industries Inc. doesn't want you to have any fun. They were not placed there just to restrict the user. They were placed there for the benefit of the user.



God's commandments are like the warnings on the wood chipper. They are not to restrict us, they are for our benefit.

Many times we look at God's law as a jail. We feel that it creates uncomfortable restrictions. We need to ask God to give us a love for his commandments, to instill in us a desire for the peace and safety of His law.

1 John 5:3 tells us "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome".