Stormy Skies

Ah, Lord God!
You have made the heavens and the earth
by Your great power and outstretched arm.
There is nothing too hard for You.
Jeremiah 32:17

~~~

This past Saturday lots of folks were watching the skies waiting for the end of the world. The thing is, nobody knows when that will happen. Today brought stormy skies, but nothing parted the stormy formations to reveal the return of Jesus.

I was out trying to solve a few problems today when I noticed the awesome clouds. I didn't get anything accomplished, but instead got a new set of decisions to make. Several of those in a row make me a little nuts. However, asking advice and not making quick decisions was the path I chose to take.

No matter when Jesus returns, it is a worthy goal to walk in the spirit: pressing in to think, do, and be in line with his return at any time.

Cathedrals

Wildflowers this season have been filled with those seeking their nectar. I especially loved how these two butterflies entered deeply into the pink primrose blossoms. It is as if the flowers are cathedrals that draw the butterflies, moths, and bees in to seek the sweetness of the Lord. It is their purpose to carry the sweetness and pollinate other flowers; to serve in spreading the splendor of the Lord; to enable others to bloom.

The fragrance and quiet places of these blooms helps me, as well, enter into a cathedral of the spirit, teaching me to be still and taste His sweetness. When I have been quiet and filled with this splendor how can I do less than the butterflies and carry in service the message of his great love and beauty?

~~~~

Worship the Lord
in the splendor of his holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth.
Ps. 96:9

Thistles

Depending on where thistles are found they are poisoned, dug up, cursed, or admired. These were not in my front yard, and I found them exceedingly beautiful. The whole ridge of thistles afforded a periwinkle invitation to the beautiful pastoral scene beyond.

As I began to take my focus from the crowd to the single thistles I found each to be very different from the other. I don't think I have ever seen two entwined thistles like the couple in the second photograph. I have rarely seen thistles with white centers like the first and last. But I am often drawn to photograph the bees, bugs, and butterflies that find them irresistible.

It is fun to watch the stages of flowers in the field as they speak of the miracles and mysteries of God's creation. Even if they are but thistles, they have their 'day' before they are gone. Though they are small, we can see God's hand in the masterpiece of each one.

~~~

When you send your Spirit, they are created,
and you renew the face of the earth.
Ps. 104:30

His courts

Sometimes I cannot help but feel that a wildflower cropping is nothing less than one of God's courts. The flowers are glorious as they all turn their faces to the sun. Be they tiny or grand, they fill my heart with gratitude as I perceive how wonderfully each one is made.

~~~

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
Ps. 100:4

For the Birds

Last night, since there was no choir practice, we headed out after dinner to enjoy the sunset and find some water. We are well trained from our travels to know the wildlife sightings increase at dawn and dusk as they are out finding food. We are also prone to sit awhile at a riverside, or walk around a small lake, taking in the tranquility of ripples in the water and the wind blowing through the grasses and trees alongside.


We are fortunate to still have a lot of undeveloped country around us, and even where there are neighborhoods they have been nestled to wisely use the creeks and ponds to add to the water elements being enjoyed by the residents. Last night we enjoyed seeing a white egret, many flocks of birds, a blue heron, and several ducks and geese. I love seeing the large water birds. Hope you will enjoy these as well.

~~~~

But I have stilled and quieted my soul...
Ps. 131:2