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~ by Pat Luffman Rowland

Prayerful Pondering

Category Archives: nature

For the Beauty of the Skies

27 Friday Apr 2018

Posted by Pat Luffman Rowland in nature

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clouds, color and shape, creation, freedom, God's love, inspiration, morning, nature, new day, openness, serenity, skies, stillness, vision

Several springs ago, I spent a lot of early mornings on my patio. I didn’t keep a journal, but I did occasionally make notes in a spiral bound notebook that held a variety of musings. I came across some of my “patio notes” yesterday and thought how often we miss the simple beauties all around us. It takes sitting still and emptying ourselves of all else—something very hard to do in our fast moving age.   

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pink sky - CopyI’m enjoying this new morning on the back patio with coffee and a granola bar. The sky is especially beautiful today and I find myself grasping for words worthy of describing the clouds, but I just can’t find them. The clouds are changing in design and color, reminding me of a child’s kaleidoscope being turned to form different shapes and color. The Master Artist had something very special going on and I have a front row seat as the Lord’s hand stirs the skies right over my head.

I look upward at the unconfined space and think how the openness gives a sense of freedom to my heart just as Jesus gives freedom to my soul.  My head rests on a garden chair and I continue to drink it in. What an awesome sight it is! There are pink cotton candy-like swirls. There are smears of white over blue canvas. There are wisps of clouds that look like sheered cotton plucked fresh from their bolls in the field. The sun is beginning to peep through my neighbor’s trees, hailing the new day.  Surely, this must be a bit of heaven’s glory coming down this morning right in my very own backyard.

I begin to think what it would be like if a large billowy cloud suddenly appeared and with it came Jesus. What if the Lord stepped out on such a cloud and brought with Him brightness greater than the sun? God’s word says we will need no more sun in heaven because the glory of God will give light and the Lamb will be heaven’s lamp (Revelation 21:2). What would it feel like to be caught up in the air with Him and move through the sky’s beauty? To pass by the wispy clouds and then the thicker clouds and continue on while holding His hand until we reach the heaven of heavens? What a glorious journey–and someday I will make it.

I know as I sit on the patio watching these clouds move across the sky and hear the birds make their morning calls, I am seeing something far greater than nature. I am seeing Jesus. For this is His creation. This is His beauty on loan to me this morning. This is His marvelous gift of a new day trimmed in wonder and awe and presented to me right outside my back door.

I have received an unexpected, priceless gift of God’s love and somehow I have to hold on to this morning vision of God’s beauty and grace. So I close my eyes and let it all settle deep into my heart.  I need nothing more, Lord. I’ve had a visit from you.

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For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. –Colossians 1:16 (NIV)

Thinking on the Rain

13 Friday May 2016

Posted by Pat Luffman Rowland in anticipation, birds, blooming things, comfort, communication with God, earth, God's faithfulness, God's love for us, gratitude, love, nature, observation, rain

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nature

“Drip down, O heavens, from above, And let the clouds pour down righteousness; Let the earth open up and salvation bear fruit, And righteousness spring up with it. I, the LORD, have created it” Isaiah 45:6 (NKJV).

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A grey cloud hovers overhead. It is the promise of drink for dry ground and the uplifted faces of blooming things; the promise of water enough for birds to bathe in a forsaken fount. The grey cloud covers the sun and provides shade and a cooler day for man and animal alike.

Thunder grumbles and the rain comes, spreading its kindness over the day’s needs.file0001836239952 The earth smells fresh and colors deepen as flowers and grass are clad with glistening drops of rain. The world seems to slow a bit and I can’t hold back a smile, for I love a rainy day!

It occurs to me that the simplest things color my life with happiness. Watching showers march upon the ground and sidewalks, seeing a bird wash insects from his wings in a DSCF4397new pool of water. Pondering the buds of roses about to break forth into full bloom and how their deep drink of rain will lend a hand to the process.

I think of how rain promenades on ponds, lakes, rivers, and even the sea. The larger the body of water, the more mystical a rain appears in its stroll. What sight is grander than the downpour of heaven joining waters of the yawning deep? What vision sweeter than blooming things with lifted faces catching a morning shower? DSCN4082What image more right than birds making use of a shallow basin with its fill of afternoon rains?

Lord, I long to linger in the splendor of how you’ve made things, to think on the beauty of nature without man’s interference. Where could I go and pay a price for something as wondrous as this? You give so generously of all you have fashioned; let me not miss it. It is a demonstration and continuing promise of Your love. I bow to you with grateful heart.

“For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God”(Hebrews 6:7 NKJV).

Photo credits to morgueFile, with appreciation.

Our Creator Sets Limits

03 Friday May 2013

Posted by Pat Luffman Rowland in faith, nature

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

nature, trust

Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and wrapped it in thick darkness, when I fixed limits for it and set its doors and bars in place, when I said, “This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt”? 

Job 38:8-11(NIV)

The ocean is my favorite part of nature.  I love to watch the rhythmic movement of the waves, hear the sound of them rolling into shore or crashing on rocks.  The waters have a vastness that seems wild and free, yet it is restrained by God’s command, the boundaries He set.

How can I trust that God’s boundaries for the ocean will hold?  How can I walk by the edge of the water, and not be afraid that a boundary will give way and I will be swallowed up?   It is by faith in the One who created the seas and determined how deep and wide they would be, by faith in the One who spoke that they might come so far and no farther.

Such is how we must trust God with the problems and perils of our lives.  Sometimes it seems trials go on forever, pile one upon another.  We begin to ask if God has forgotten us when relief is slow to come.

It helps to think of the ocean and how God has it in control.  Just as He limits the oceans’ reach, He limits how much His children go through.  We don’t always understand our tribulations, but God has said He uses all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).  We must place our trust in that word from God.  We must trust that the same One who created the boundaries for the seas, created limits for how much happens to us.  We must trust that all will have its place in forming us for eternal life.

The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this?  Even the winds and the waves obey him!” Matthew 8:27 (NIV)

God Is!

09 Wednesday May 2012

Posted by Pat Luffman Rowland in comfort, nature

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birds, God's presence, love, nature

He delivered me because He delighted in me.

–Psalm 18:19 (NKJV)

I love to read the many descriptions of God in the Psalms and how He has provided for us.  He is our shelter and fortress, a place to hide from the enemy and a place to be replenished.  He is revealed as our shield, guide and comforter.  He is the one who gives us strength and sets our feet upon steady rock.

God is ours in companion sense, but also in all that He has created for our pleasure.  He is the warmth of the sun and the coolness of the breeze.  He is in the rain that nourishes the earth and causes seed to grow.  He is in the moon and stars as they declare the end of one day and hope for another.  God is in the birds that sit among the trees and sing, and in flowers that delight with rainbows of color.

God has given Himself to us in every way we could ever possibly need.  He delights in His children and has made His provision for us full and complete.   What an awesome and loving Father our God is!

Father, how grateful we are to find you revealed in so many ways.  Thank you for delighting in us.  We bless your holy name!  Amen.

God’s Beauty Revealed

19 Monday Mar 2012

Posted by Pat Luffman Rowland in nature

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

companionship, devotion to spouse, love, nature's beauty, observation

I have seen the beauty of God this week.  I’ve seen cattle on green hills, the bloom of redbud, and forsythia under mighty oaks yet to leaf.  I’ve watched the sun climb into the sky and declare a new day, as birds heralded its arrival with chirping song.   I’ve seen an abused dog made healthy again by gentle and kind fostering, and the happy play of two puppies, always side by side.  But the most beautiful thing I’ve seen in a while was the love between an elderly couple – surely in their 90s.

In a nursing home reception area, I watched the kindly gentleman push his wife’s wheelchair to a bird aviary.  There, she pointed to her favorite birds and wished them good morning.  Her husband took a chair beside the aviary and drew her wheelchair close to him.   As she talked to the birds, she would touch her husband’s arm to share her delight with their movement and chatter.  Shortly, the man took her hand and began singing softly to her.  It was a love song.   His eyes sparkled with affection and a smile gave shape to his mouth.  She leaned toward him and whispered something I could not make out, but his answer was clear:  “I would never leave you for anything in the world.”

Thank you, Father, for this unexpected blessing in my day.  Bless them, Lord, as long as they have breath, with the certainty of one another’s love.  Bless them with the certainty of Your love and Your pleasure in them.  May they still know unexpected joys here on earth and wear the crowns of righteousness in Your kingdom.  And someday, may I have the chance to tell them of the delight they put in a stranger’s day.  I am sure they had no idea anyone was watching.

From Corinthians 13:  (Love) bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never fails.  (v 8, 9)

The Sea Tells Us Of God

26 Saturday Feb 2011

Posted by Pat Luffman Rowland in nature

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calm, nature, sea

The seas have lifted up, O Lord,

the seas have lifted up their voice,

the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.

Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,

mightier than the breakers of the sea –

the Lord on high is mighty.

Psalm 93:3-4 (NIV)

Perhaps this scripture tells why I love the sea so much.  It is the very reflection of the Lord God Almighty.  The seas do indeed speak and the sound is irresistible; we must listen.

It croons and calls out, it exclaims, and softly murmurs.  It is like a love song from the Lord.  When the waters glide slowly onto the beach in soft quietness of a peaceful morning or ending day, we are calmed by the beauty and discipline of so great a mass.  We find rest for our weary souls.

When the waves thrash the shore, we both see and hear the majesty of the sea, and are reminded of the strength and power of Almighty God.  As roiling, pounding waters rush back into their depth, going we do not know where, we are told again of the Lord’s supremacy and mystery.   The clap and thunder of the waters cause us to stand still and respect what it can do.  Only the Lord controls the seas.

We marvel and exclaim this work of Your remarkable hands.  That you could create and then draw a line the seas must respect.  Only if You decide, may the deep waters crawl or dash further than you determined.

You have designed the seas with many facets that describe You.  Their sounds still us and draw us, caress with a music that soothes.  Yet they can crash and quickly remind us they are also to be feared.  The great waters move with obscurity.  We both see and do not see; much remains secret.  There is gentleness, grandeur, and might.  It is all a reminder of You, Almighty God, and we sing with the seas, praises to Your Magnificent name.

The sea is His, for He made it.  Psalm 95:5

God’s Incredible Design

08 Tuesday Feb 2011

Posted by Pat Luffman Rowland in nature

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

birds, nature, snow, trees, wind

The skies are grey with snow.  Big and small flakes fall from the sky.  There are drifts and whirls and a white frosting on the trees and ground.   It is beautiful.  I stand at the window and watch as this creation falls quietly to the earth, bringing calm to the day and whispers of sweet peace.  The cold winds push the snowflakes here and there; at moments they seem to stand still, waiting to be told where to go.  It is a glorious sight, Lord.  Glorious.

In the white frosted tulip magnolia, I see five little bird nests – evidence of another season, another glory.  It is a reminder of warmer weather and the small winged creatures who built nest there through the years.  You made those little birds, covered them with feathers, told them how to fly, and gave them the knowledge of home-building.  For their shelter, You made trees with high reaching branches, shaped just right to hold their nest homes, and protect their young.  Your design there alone is incredible, Lord.

There is such purpose of dependency and support as You link one creation to another.  How seldom we slow down enough to recognize all that went into Your perfect design, the kindness and goodness.  It is shown in the strength of a tree and the fragility of a bird.  It is shown in the softness of snow against hard ground.  Your are a God of love and majesty, of power and wisdom, of beauty and graciousness.

Father God, please forgive us for the abuse and destruction we have placed on Your perfect order.  We have wrongly thought the world was ours to do with as we pleased.  Forgive us, Lord, and give us new commitment to appreciating and caring for all Your creation.  Thank You for the promise of that day when all will be restored, when we will live in concert and joy with nature.   When we will live with You in Your new kingdom on earth.  It is our hope for tomorrow, and we give You praise.

A Walk By the Sea

01 Saturday Jan 2011

Posted by Pat Luffman Rowland in insight, nature

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

communion with God, dreams, interpretation, nature, observation, sea

I have always loved the sea and some years back, I would imagine myself there as a means of relaxing into sleep.  It helped me to bring closure to lingering anxieties of the day and provided a kind of sanctuary.  There I would surround myself with the sounds of the water and think how the dampness of the sandy shore would feel under my bare feet.  There would be just enough breeze to set my hair in backward sway.  The wind would softly caress all of me as I moved along the shore.  The gentle push of the wind was welcoming and not at all a cause for resistance.  It was blissful.

I found such pleasure in my walks by the sea, and I would often return, thanking God for this incredible creation of His.  It has always been my favorite part of nature.

As time went on, I began to see more.  I noticed that I would always look first toward the right, where the waters rippled like diamonds under a golden sun.  The meeting of the waters and the sky could not clearly be distinguished, for the horizon was hidden by the brightness of the sun gathering the sea unto itself.

Then I would look to my left, to a scene of contrast.  Buildings, old and deteriorating, were there and they were without light and without any sign of use or life around them.  Dead and forbidding was all the scene seemed to be.

As I continued walking, straight ahead of me I could see a place that was like a busy and lighted city.  I couldn’t yet hear the noise but I knew it was there.  There was some kind of indiscernible activity.

This seemed to be the extent of my journey:  a look to the right, a look to the left, and a look to the place ahead. I seemed to gain no distance in my walk, ever.  And it always seemed to be at dusk, just before dark was gathered, that I mentally walked beside the sea.  Yet, this being so, how did I account for the brightness of the sun that cast diamonds over the moving waters?  Just what did all this mean?

Then, during one morning’s quiet time with God, it came to me.  I realized it was about life.  All was symbolic.

The sea is the part of nature that cleanses and soothes me most.  I find it healing and to place there was chosen for that purpose.  To walk with bared feet was to let myself feel the truth, to know reality.

The dark and dismal scene on the left was symbolic of all the parts of my life that were filled with regret, those things past and non-productive.  There was no attraction to any of it.  It was there to let me know that it was just as it looked – dead and gone.

The lighted and heavily populated scene ahead was the world, things that had their certain appeal and temporary fascination.  Because others were there, it drew my curiosity.  I knew that if I continued to look that way, I would be tempted to explore it, but there would be nothing of lasting value.  Rather, there would be ventures of wasted time and most likely the adding of more buildings to that place of darkness on my left.  It was the world and its crooked and beckoning finger, ready to take me in and produce more fruit of human confusion and every kind of mistake.

That glorious view on the right – the scene where waters and heavens met — that was the abode of the Lord.  And there I could see Jesus, laughing in joy, and asking me to come.  He walked on the waters toward me with arms outstretched.  All in that direction was beautiful and good and full of hope and love.  And it was always bright there because no darkness can ever touch Him.

The part of covering no distance seemed to say I was at a decision point, though I don’t remember that being the case.  I remember my walk by the sea as a time of reflection, of reminding myself as I drifted off to sleep, there is only one direction to ever choose, only one place where there is ever true life.   Focus on the past and all that was no longer?  No.  Focus on the world and its vain glories?  No.  Focus on the Lord and all that He desires for me?  Oh, yes!  Father, I will walk on the water (in faith) with my Lord, trusting Him through every stormy sea.  For He alone is able to see me safely on this life’s journey.  His is the voice that is strong and right and rings with a melody of eternal gladness.

Father, thank You for Your creation of the sea.  You gave us so much to enjoy in our time here on earth.  The beauty of Your nature is an incredible blessing. And Father, I ask that You cause me to always remember my walk by the sea and how clear you made everything about life.  There is only one place of focus for a follower of Christ.  He alone is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  I thank you for Jesus, Your perfect Gift for all who would receive Him.   Amen.

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The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 ESV

If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

God has not given us a spirt of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:4-5

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

© Pat Rowland and Prayerful Pondering, 2010 - 2013.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Pat Rowland and Prayerful Pondering with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Hope must be in the future tense. Faith, to be faith, must be in the present tense. Catherine Marshall
Everything over your head is under his feet. Dr. Tom Lindberg
What an excellent ground of hope and confidence we have when we reflect upon these three things in prayer--the Father's love, the son's merit and the Spirit's power! Thomas Manton
Our Christian hope is that we're going to live with Christ in a new earth, where is not only no more death, but where life is what it was always meant to be. Timothy Keller

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