Reminders

We all need them. Reminders of God’s presence in our lives. In previous posts I have written about how the beauty of creation is often one of those reminders. God speaks to us through the beauty that surrounds us. We can also create reminders by surrounding ourselves with things that remind us of His goodness. Those things are different for everyone..but we all have them. Things that lift our spirits and bring up good memories..photos..art..special gifts or notes from a friend or loved one..cards….music..stuffed animals.. books etc.

It doesn’t matter where we live or how much we have..it is possible to create an environment that is full of reminders. Some people put scripture on the wall..some display their children’s art work. Some of us have green thumbs and surround ourselves with plants..some of us love animals. All of these things are created by our God..they tell us that He is actively involved with our lives. Some things remind us of seasons past..some things inspire us to continue when the present season is challenging.. everything can help us nurture grateful hearts that remember Him.

I am so comforted by the fact that God remembers us..no matter what we may think or feel. It makes me want to remember Him at all times in all circumstances. Fill your life with reminders of His amazing love for you..find ways to move toward Him and He will move toward you..giving you new reminders and creating new memories of His faithfulness.

“You are my flock, the sheep of my pasture. You are my people and I am your God. I, the Sovereign Lord have spoken!”

Colors

I just pulled out my watercolor painting called ” Colors of Worship.” It has been a long time since I looked at it and I decided to hang it up so I could add some color to the room where I write this blog. As I was hanging it I realized that it said something that I need to remember. God gives us a colorful life..one that is interesting..exciting..challenging and surprising. Colors speak to me..in nature..in art..in food..in clothes..in my home..everywhere. Colors breathe life into our lives.

Can you imagine living life in black and white? Not me. I love the colors that God uses to communicate things to us. Right now I can see orange trees from my window..I have an orange rose blooming on my walkway. I just added a teal blue lamp to my desk. My mouse is sitting on a lavender book. My laptop is pink. All of these things do something for me..God invented color. He uses it in creation to soothe us..to delight our eyes..to refresh our spirits..to remind us of His creativity and ours.

How do we respond to Him? With grateful hearts that recognize that every good gift is from His hand. We show Him we love Him by how we live our lives..by our choices..by living sacrificially..by realizing His sovereignty..by giving Him everything and trusting Him totally. These are the colors of worship.

“Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me.”

Fall

Today is the first day of a new season. I have mixed feelings about it. Fall is a beautiful time in the valley. The light comes through the trees in a new way.. the sky is often filled with dramatic cloud formations. Yet there is a sadness when summer is over. Fall seems to bring a seriousness with it. A back to work feeling..the fun is over. Maybe because school starts in the fall and church groups begin again. Fall prepares us for winter when we have less opportunity to be outside and we fight those winter viruses. Seasons..they are challenging aren’t they?

Yet each season brings opportunities. Fall has an excitement attached to it as well. New things are beginning. Rain may be coming and the hillsides will turn green and lush…families of deer move freely looking for that next meal ..we can hear the sound of rushing water as we walk over the creek. There is a beauty in the fall season that tells us that each season is from Him. He is the creator. The beauty that surrounds us reminds us that He is with us.

Is this a paainful season of your life? You may be waiting for a door to open..facing a great challenge that you never imagined facing..saying good-bye to someone you love..grappling with disappointment in your marriage..feeling lonely and isolated..looking for purpose…struggling financially. Keep looking for those reminders of His presence. He will not leave you without hope and encouragement as you draw near to Him. There is beauty in every season..surprises that come when the suffering is at its deepest. You are not forgotten. He has you in the palm of His hand.

” Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courgeous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”

Hummingbird Lessons

We have a hummingbird feeder on our deck along with many plants they enjoy. I planted each one with them in mind..sort of a hummingbird paradise. The other morning I was sitting in my living room watching them. Just imagining their delight as they move from plant to plant savouring all the different flavors of the flowers. My heart was overflowing as I saw the way they loved the garden.

 These birds are so small and they need so much food to survive.. isn’t it amazing that they make it at all? How do they continue to find provision.. their tiny bodies flitting from one place to another. Suddenly I saw the picture that God was showing me. We are like these tiny little gems. In the larger scheme of things we are very small and our needs are great. We cannot provide all we need for ourselves..we must rely on Him to lead us and guide us in order to survive. 

In the same way I created a paradise for these birds..God is creating one for us. It is not evident all the time..but we get glimpses. Have you ever enjoyed a perfect afternoon at the beach? A walk in the morning with the sun shining and birds singing? An hour in your favorite chair reading a really good book? A call from a friend right when you need it? An unexpected gift that came at exactly the right moment? God is providing for us.. all the time. He is planting that garden and watching us as we delight in His love for us.

My feelings for those hummingbirds and my desire to give them a beautiful place don’t come close to what God feels for us. He is passionate about us and longs to meet us in the deepest places. He creates beauty for us..He gives us unexpected gifts and He will always make sure that we have what we need. He watches each of us and knows every struggle and trial..His heart is filled with compassion and He wants us to know He is with us.

“ I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.”

Creativity

Our Creator made us and He made us with the ability to be creative. Every work of art or piece of music that moves us is a result of that creative link we have with God. The colors and shapes in nature..the beauty of the ocean..the forest..lakes..clouds..flowers.. we could go on and on. All of these things are His handiwork..created for our enjoyment and to bring life to our weary hearts.

I am so grateful that we have the capacity to enjoy beauty and to create beauty. So much of life is dedicated to responsibilities and tasks. It is so important to have times when there is nothing that has to be done..times when we just appreciate beauty and allow it to sooth us..to renew us. Maybe going a step further is even more healing.. create something wonderful..something that you can dive into.. forget your present troubles and worries. Let yourself be more of who God created you to be. Find that creative side that may be buried under a pile of overly responsible activities.

Enjoy this beautiful place..go into creation..listen to music..go to the art museum..the aquarium..the beach..the park..the mountains..walk through your neighborhood..take a bike ride..swim..dance..sing. He made you and He wants you to enjoy your life..to live freely.

“I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth.”