“Look at that, mommy. I think God made it beautiful just for us.”
Those were my daughter’s words as we exited Wal-Mart not long ago. I’ve learned to keep my camera in my purse for moments such as these … times when God shows up and shows off just because he’s … well … God.
The pictures don’t do our beholding any measure of justice. The pinks were rich and deep and amply encased in the sky above us. Even before my daughter put thoughts to her vision, my thoughts stirred in the same direction.
Sometimes God paints a vivid explanation point to his presence; sometimes we take notice. Not all will give credit to the painter, but many will, knowing that such extravagance speaks a language beyond human understanding. Each and every day we’re presented with the handiwork of our Creator. His language is rich with a beauty that cannot be replicated in full. Words that…
Bloom a flower.
Paint a sky.
Stir an ocean.
Spark a fire.
Blow a breeze.
Bend a tree.
Wet the earth.
Ice the ponds.
Strip the trees.
Scorch the desert.
Dew the mornings.
Indeed, creation speaks a language all its own; in doing so, you and I are given the invitation to take notice. To see beyond the constraints of a civilized tongue and to accept God’s summons to converse at a deeper level. A holier level where our words are few and his are on display adding chapter and verse to our limited vocabulary.
Sometimes it takes the brilliance of a night sky to capture our interest, our notice and our acknowledgement. Sometimes it takes the heart of child who better understands her Father’s intention behind a vivid painting and who isn’t afraid to voice her praise along those lines. Sometimes it takes a trip to Wal-Mart where the contrary nature of such an expedition speaks in stark opposition to what is waiting for its customers beyond its doors.
Regardless of the methods God uses to get our attention, he intends to do so. He is worthy of our notice and is pleased with our acknowledgement regarding his creative genius—his goodness because of his “God-ness”.
This week will be filled with such occasions for each one of us. Times when God will pour forth his language via his creation. He will tailor make an invitation to suit our contrasting lifestyles and busyness. Most likely, it will be unexpected and unforeseen. But God will speak; there is nothing unexpected in his promises to do so. The unreliable factor regarding the “hearing” lies with us. Therefore, let us not miss the grace of God as it arrives; instead, let us open our ears, our eyes, our hearts and our minds, to believe and receive God’s language of invitation this week.
God is making something beautiful just for us. Notice him and find your praise.
The whispers of home are calling your name. As always…
PS: I will post the winner of the Bebo CD with my next post; happy Labor Day!
"The unreliable factor regarding the “hearing” lies with us." Indeed, it is so. My prayer often is to have eyes to see and ears to hear Him but alas, maybe not often enough.
As you can imagine, this is quite timely for me. :o)
Shalom,
Denise
I have become more aware of God's handiwork since living in the country–deer in the field, sunrise and sunsets, even just my simple flower garden, which He blessed with so much color this year. Thanks for the reminder that we need to listen and see Him in the every day things. Donna
I immediately thought of Elijah, and how God both whispered and ministered to him with the still, small voice – – even though it was wind & rain that summoned Elijah's attention. Nature is ever beckoning us in God's direction.
God's creation has long been my tutor. Like your little one, I'm captivated by the sheer magnitude of it as well as the sheer simplicity of it. To think He reveals that to us is nothing short of incredible.
And I love the way He whispered to you in that glorious sky as if to endorse His less dramatic (if such were even possible) whisper in your sleep some days ago. What a confirmation!
Hugs,
Kathleen
Yes!! I am well acquainted with the creative and show off character of my God. He totally amazes me, entertains me, and gets my attention. In fact nature is my museum and art gallery of choice. I love Him for sharing His beaty with us!
I love the beauty God gives us through His creation each and every day and especially love the communion with Him that it inspires. Blessings to you this Labor Day, Elaine!
Nothing is more beautiful than what is created by God.If we can only take the time and effort to drink it in, and remember Who it came from.
Blessings, my friend!
Love this one! It has a touch of elegance in the writing and beauty of God in the pictures – and the writing! Great message and method.
"Therefore, let us not miss the grace of God as it arrives; instead, let us open our ears, our eyes, our hearts and our minds, to believe and receive God’s language of invitation this week."
Thank you, Elaine for such a beautiful post!I love it when God speaks through His creation. You ministered to my heart today…
Be blessed,
Susan
Beautiful pictures, beautiful words, all God's handiwork.
Thanks.
I love the verse that you quote.
And if the heavens declare His majesty.
His glory.
His power.
Then I want to do the same.
The problem is that I need to slow down.
And see what He's offering.
Sweet dreams.
Moments like those dear Sister are God whispers. I'm so thankful all creation shouts His majesty. There is no excuse for "not believing", when all creation testifies to His majesty. Glad you're back. ((hugs))
Beautifully said!
Love the photos and your precious daughter!
Blessings and love dear friend.
I walked outside after an unexpected and very uncomfortable incident this last week. I have to admit I was proud of myself for holding my tongue. As I stepped into the gray tones of the sky I thanked God for His promises in my life…..I KID YOU NOT…there before me was a beautiful rainbow. Yep He sure does come along and bless us with His handiwork.
I love this. A friend and I were talking the other night about how God created the moon and stars and beautiful sunsets and so forth just for us. He didn't have to make them beautiful, but He did…just for US! Because He delights in us. He delights in doing good things for us! And when we look at the wonder of Creation, we can see Him and His hand in it!
It's funny how often God stirs a similar message in your heart and mine. Yesterday I was downloading photos from our most recent trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I'm planning to post a couple of them for Wordless Wednesday this week. Seeing the color and creativity and wonder of the entire world that most of us never even see is just another reminder of our amazing Creator. I love those moments!
Beauty! God's the original artist! Praise HIM. Paul, my husband, calls me a shutter bug because I'm always taking pix of something.
Happy Tuesday!
Beautiful. I have noticed some amazing sunsets in the past week, as well, and soaked in their beauty.
How true when we pause to look, listen to all that's around us, we find the Almighty has His fingerprints all over it.
I'm an outdoorsy person and continually marvel at God's handiwork.
Blessings and happy official end of summer,
Kelli
Hey Mrs. Elaine:)
That is a beautiful pic, and I think God painted for you and your daughter too!:)…I read your post, I am having just one, and that's interesting 'cause my man was like, you keep saying "they"? Oops:) I am having one, and I am having a GIRL!!! YAY! I wanted to let you know Mrs. Elaine:)
Blessings to you today, ((HUGS)), love in HIM,
katiegfromtennessee
Amen Elaine! Everything God does, He does for us, the one that He loves. If only we completely understood that. If we knew God's motive was to love us, bestow upon and around us all that is beautiful, just for us. I think that we might just stop and appreciate it even more. Kind of like the value of it all is so much more so because we have found out the meaning behind it all.
I had one of these experiences on Sunday. The colors of the landscape were so vivid as only God could paint them. Sadly I didn't have my camera but it is etched in my memory. Maybe because earlier in the day we had attended a funeral who is now in the arms of Jesus and the world just seemed that much closer to Him for that brief moment. Thanks for the beauty you shared.
It's so easy to walk thru life and not take notice of the beauty God has given to us. I am trying so hard to not let it pass me by. I have the privilege of teaching this to my little 5 year old Sunday School class this month… it is really making me stop and think!
You are so right! I love it when God reveals Himself and I've stopped long enough to see, hear, and touch Him in His creation!
Your new blog design looks great! (At least, it's new to me…)
Blessings to you…
Jennifer
What beautiful pictures…God's handiwork at it's best! I love it when God, as you said, shows up and shows off. His beauty is all around us…we just need to stop and take notice.
I like the new blog layout and the pics…it looks great!
Elaine, I haven't been blog-hopping lately, but wanted to stop here tonight. I was so delighted to come here — not only for this post, but to see your beautiful new blog design! Wow.
You bless.
Elaine! I loooove when He shows off! How could I never admit to His beauty? Love you!
Hey friend. I love your new blog design!! it is fabulous.
Thank you for joining us for the online Bible study. I have corrected the link.I am not sure what happened to break the link, but thanks for telling me. I got that fixed. I am not sure if our web master has put up the High Stepping for Heavenly Places book yet or not. If it is not up today, it should be available tomorrow at http://www.jeanstockdale.com. The study will begin on Sept. 24 online. We have a new blog site coming that will be dedicated to "High Stepping". We are so excited and hope to connect with lots of MOMS online.
If you would not mind, please blog a post to invite any of your readers to join us. If you will link to my post at this site
http://jeanstockdale.typepad.com/jean_stockdale_/2009/09/moms-online-bible-study.html
they can read all the details. Thanks in advance for all your encouragement and support! I am off to teach at First Baptist Collierville. They are doing the Philippians study via the DVDS. Blessings.