The Wonder of it All!

Psalm 9:1 I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all Thy wonders.

The seasons take their sweet time coming upon us here in the Southland. Fall seems to be officially here when the Halloween candy disappears and the pyramid display of Mrs. Cubbison's stuffing is teetering at the entrance of every favorite grocery store.  

Just once I'd like to...nah...

This week the sun shined bright and a few records were set in the high 80's and even the 90's. Finally, Friday felt like fall.  I missed snapping a picture, but the leaves piled everywhere on campus; thick and rustling underfoot. I thought of my good friend and co-worker traveling back to Indianapolis this week, supporting her daughter and our high school band and color guard at the National's, the major high school band competition. Christina and her husband took some time to see "fall" in the midwest (or is that back east?) and she sent me this picture. 

My niece who attends ASU in Tempe, sent me this desert perspective of the Arizona sky. 

  

Capturing the full moon last night, a glowing ring around it and a smattering of clouds starting to form, a promise of sprinkles made me hope for more. My skin begs for it.   

Today, while leaving campus, the trees clapping and shedding, blackbirds swooping in, unafraid of teenagers, I looked to the Heavens and captured this moment. 

A lesson in a short, beautifully depicted video shared this week in one class, benign of any deep spiritual stand (for that could not happen), encouraged one to look at all that surrounds and take in the WONDER, the specialness. Let's be intentional in recognizing that every day, every moment for some...for all of us, lies a gift. God in His Word said it very clear, "Be still, and known that I am God." 

I agree. While some seemed amazed by this "revelation," this inspirational wisdom, it only confirmed to me what I already know and soak in everyday through God's Word.  No cinemotographer scripted this.  God's Word says it loud and clear. 

Gratefulness births peace. 

Thanksgiving heals. 

Everyday miracles around us, humbles.

The Heavens declare His Glory

And in His Wonders, I bring Worship.  

Thank you Lord, that peace, healing, humbleness, and true worship comes in fluttering fall leaves and the chipper of a blackbird, in the swirling orange sherbert and angel contrails of a desert sky, in the moonbeam reflection of a nightime canvas painted by Your hands, and in the promise of a soaking of Your love, billowed up in graceful clouds framing Your Light, the Light in which I count my blessings and tell of Your Wonders.  Amen. 

Wisdom, Yes, There is an App for That!

Proverbs 8:17 "I love those who love me; and those who diligently seek me will find me." 

Wisdom. It's knowing the right thing to do and/or say at the right time and pleasing God as you do it. Wouldn't it be great if there was an app for that?

Well,  actually there is. It's called God's Word, The Holy Scriptures, The Bible.

In Proverbs Chapter 8, all the downloadable info and instructions are there.

Wisdom is omnipresent. Wherever our spiritual soul dwells,

...the highest mountain
                                    ...a crossroad, freeway
                                                                       ...our living rooms and kitchens
                                             
Wherever out paths take us,
                                            ...a city council meeting,
                                                                                  ... a doctor's office,
                                                                                                                 ...a coffee house
Wisdom is for all men, for men to teach to their sons.

There is no virus in God's wisdom. It is not crooked or preverted.

Some may try to buy wisdom, but silver and gold to not equate with it's value.

Wisdom does not sit at the same table as pride, arrogance, evil and ugly, mean words.

Wisdom hangs out with discretion and knowledge. (That's praying and studying).

Wisdom is powerful, yet understanding,
                                                             rich yet righteous,
                                                                                          honorable and just.

Wisdom watched and applauded as the heavens and earth whirled together at God's commanding breath. Like a construction site Superintendant, Wisdom oversaw the building of the foundations of creation,the depths of the sea, the rising up of the pillars of mountains, the rooftop skies above and the flowing rivers that sustain life.

Wisdom rejoiced in all Creation.  

Wisdom knows who loves, who seeks after Him, and those who are diligent...
Those who are humble, who are true...

WILL FIND ME!

"Listen, says Wisdom. Keep my Ways, He instructs. Do not neglect Me. Watch for me. I hang out where you can find me. Are you looking in the right places? Are you only going so far where you are comfortable, set in a routine, afraid you may have to give something up to get me?

Maybe so.

But in return, this is what I give you...
                                                            LIFE!

If I am not what you seek, I'm afraid your injuries become fatal."


Lord, every minute of every day, decisions in life affect us. To have the promise of Godly discernment, counsel and wisdom is a gift of the Holy Spirit. I seek Your wisdom and I ask that you provide a generous portion in these times. Lead me to the righteousness of your Word and inscribe onto my heart Your Truth. I long to do the right thing at the right time and above all else, please You, my Lord and my Savior. Amen.
                                   
                                 

Endeavour

Colossians 1:13-14

New International Version (NIV)

 For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves,  in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

"Heaven, we have a problem. I've lost communication with my Creation. The atmosphere is thick with my sorrow for their choices. One small step for man in the direction I warned them about, and it is now one giant leap for all of mankind into some pretty messy stuff."

"Heaven, Let's set forth the rescue mission, a voyage into grace. I've had this plan all along. Entering earth through a force field of majesty, I, the Lord, will boldly go where 'no man" has gone before; into the hearts and souls of my earthlings. Some will accept my rescue mission, some will not."

"Heaven, Three days until lift off. My mission is complete. Father God, beam me up."

I wait for their signal now, their blip of communication; every one recorded in my Captain's Log, as the Heaven's declare My glory. Do you feel it, the gravitational pull towards Hope? The Final Frontier stretches for Eternity, and the view from my perspective...?

OUT OF THIS WORLD!

Lord, I cannot contemplate the vastness of your love, only to compare it to the vastness of our universe and then realize it still goes beyond. I am insignificant in all this, yet you know the number of hairs on my head and purposed my life.  May I always hold close to Your flight plan as You guide me towards Your light. Amen. 

Awe in Arizona

Psalm 78:16 He brought streams out of a rocky crag and made water flow down like rivers. 

                                

Psalm 98: 8-9  Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy;
 let them sing before the Lord,
for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples with equity.

Cross references:

1. Psalm 98:7 : S Ps 93:3
3. Psalm 98:7 : S Ps 24:1
5. Psalm 98:8 : S 2Ki 11:12
7. Psalm 98:8 : Ps 148:9; Isa 44:23; 55:12
9. Psalm 98:9 : S Ps 96:10

Job 37:16 

Do you know how the clouds hang poised,

those wonders of Him who has perfect knowledge?



Psalm 50:10 For every animal of the forest is mine and the cattle on a thousand hills.

Luke 12:27
“Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these."

In a world where every day seems so out of control,  remember your Creator , the sovereign God of all creation including you, who He knows intimately.   Praise the Lord God for His beautiful creation; what He gives us on this earth and what He has transformed your heart to be. Yes Lord, I give you praise and I glory in your creation.  Allow me to be a light among all, those who know you and those who still seek you.   Amen. 

(all scripture is NIV).
(For more pictures of Arizona, see my Facebook. )