You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it. (10) You drench its furrows and level its ridges; you soften it with showers and bless its crops. (11) You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance. (12) The grasslands of the wilderness overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness. (13) The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing.
Psalm 65:9-13

 

 

Admiring the flowers, we were struck with how tall and vibrant they had become. Just a few weeks ago they were planted at the church at the end of the street from our house.

 

Over the past few weeks we’ve had a lot of rain though. In fact, last week over a three day period we received 8 inches of rain.

 

The flowers are just gorgeous. We talked about picking some, but then thought better of it, as someone had gone to great lengths to plant them and keep them alive.

 

Such beauty in a world of darkness. I needed that little bit of sunshine on our walk.

 

A few weeks ago I was taking a stroll through a poetry book and came across one of my all time favorite poems. I loved the memories it evoked within me, learning and reciting it as a child. So, instead of sharing one of my own poems, I thought how lovely it would be to share this one with you.

 

Because, right now, we all need a little reminding of All Things Bright and Beautiful, and how God does (and has made) all things well.

 

Read slowly. Savor each line. Feel you lips curve into a smile as you inhale the scent of nature.

 

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.

Each little flower that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colours,
He made their tiny wings.

The purple-headed mountain,
The river running by,
The sunset, and the morning,
That brightens up the sky.

The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden,
He made them every one.

The tall trees in the greenwood,
The meadows where we play,
The rushes by the water,
We gather every day.

He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell,
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.

~Cecil Frances Alexander
1818-1895**

 

Oh, dear friend! Don’t you just want to be out in God’s creation after reading that? If you have a chance, go out, explore God’s world. AND if you take any pictures or write down any lovely thoughts, I’d love to see and read them.

 

From My Heart to Yours,
Marcie 🙂

 

**All Things Bright and Beautiful. Alexander, Cecil Frances. 1818-1895. (742 Heart – Warming Poems, compiled by John R. Rice. #527.)