EXPLORE WITH THE LORD

I've discovered that I like to explore God's creation.    I've taken lots of photos, discovered some amazing things.  

I've also discovered that if I go exploring WITH the Lord, with an awareness of His presence, and an expectation to see, with a listening heart, He shows me things, catches my attention, and His artwork blows me away.  

I'm once again joining with the writers of Five Minute Friday, where we are given a theme word each Friday, and write for five minutes on that theme word.  

This week's word is EXPLORE.  

When I bring the photos home, there's often a great deal more to understand in the artwork that I've captured with my simple phone camera.     Like any good artwork, there are often layers and layers of understanding and learning to be had, in the weeks and months ahead, again as I wait and listen with expectation. 

 

These are some of the artworks I have captured over the last year or so, most of them fairly close by.  

A spider quickly and deftly taking down her web at dawn, before she scoots off to her hidey hole for the day - reminds me that He gives His creatures wisdom and strength.

Rivers that have been gouged out by recent floods - reminds me that He wants to stretch us to make more room for Him.

Beautiful papery flowers in obscure places - reminds me that He sees beauty where no one else does.

The sun shimmering off the water - reminds me that His love is reflected by us and to us.

Fog in the valley - reminds me of His fresh mercies every day.

A flower emerging from a plant that looked completely dead -  reminds me of the power of hope and redemption.

The sun coming up over the hills - reminds me to live with an expectation of Jesus' return.

Cows in a rich valley -  reminds me that He causes things to grow and flourish.

A log-jam in the river -  reminds me that there are often strongholds in my life that inhibit His flow in me and through me.

The very tree that I climbed as a kid - reminds me of His faithfulness to me over many years.

Water falling hundreds of feet into gorges below - reminds me of the depths of His constant love for me.  

Water carving new holes and crevices in a riverbed that was completely dry only months before - 

reminds me that His grace often carves holes in my parched soul that He can then fill with the real knowing of His love.

Bless the Lord, O my soul!

O Lord my God, You are very great:

You are clothed with honour and majesty.        Ps 104:1

O Lord, how manifold are Your works!

In wisdom You have made them all.

The earth is full of Your possessions........ Ps 104:24

I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;

I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.

May my meditation be sweet to Him;

I will be glad in the Lord.          Ps 104:33,34

As always, a song to finish.  

Hallelujah!

Let all creation stand and sing,

“Hallelujah!”

Fill the earth with songs of worship;

Tell the wonders of creation’s King.