I love Spring. New life springing up where death has been. A celebration of dormant creation awakening.
"Awake, sleeper,
And arise from the dead,
And Christ will shine on you."
(Ephesians 5:14)
I'm also completely allergic to Spring. I sneeze, my eyes water and hurt, and I can't breathe. But I still love the cool sunny days and cold nights. I want to grab my camera every day and go out in search of beauty.
“For since the creation of the world
His invisible attributes,
eternal power and
divine nature, have been clearly seen,
being understood through what has been made”
(Romans 1:20)
Photography has become a powerful spiritual practice for me. With my camera in hand, I experience:
Stillness
Silence
Awe
Joy
Attentiveness
Patience
Focus
Celebration
Beauty
Miracles
Self-control
Perspective
Sovereignty
Renewal
Humor
Worship
Everything in creation points me to the Lord. “All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson
For me photography is more than pretty pictures. It helps me regain my perspective in the midst of the muchness and manyness of life. It reminds me that no matter how the world shakes, rattles, and rolls, the eternal Creator remains on his throne. When it all gets a bit too much, I go out and talk to the One who made me.
This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears,
All nature sings, and round me rings
The music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
His hand the wonders wrought.
This is my Father’s world, the birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,
Declare their Maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world: He shines in all that’s fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass;
He speaks to me everywhere.
This is my Father’s world. O let me never forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world: The battle is not done;
Jesus who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and heaven be one.
This is my Father's world:
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King: let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad!
(Maltbie D. Babcock)
“And though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.”
(1 Peter 1:8)
May you see Him somewhere out there today.
Grace and peace,
Linda
Need to regain some perspective? Have a matter to bring before the Lord? Are you trying to sort out the next step in a transition? Does your soul crave rest? Join me for the Psalm One Refocus and Refuel Retreat May 19-21. https://www.psalmone.org/refocus-and-refuel
Who’s invited? Men and women, anyone hungry for a deeper connection to Jesus. This is especially wonderful for those in full-time ministry. Take a break from pouring out. Come and receive in a setting where no one is asking anything of you.
What do we do? The weekend begins with time in the Word, state of the soul, and heart preparation. We end with time in the Word, considering what God has been whispering, and prayer as we return home. In between these gatherings, we are in complete silence except for meals and meeting with me for spiritual direction if desired.
When: May 19-21, Friday until Sunday. 48 hours to let the whirlwind cease, to let the noise subside, to let the dust settle, to be able to discern the important from the urgent, to keep what is valuable, to let the chaff blow away.
Where: Cincinnati, Ohio. Your own private room and bathroom. A beautiful quiet campus with gorgeous chapel, scenic neighborhood to walk, wander, pray, process, and be refreshed.
How much? $225 (until May 4), which covers housing, meals, and materials. Early Bird ends May 4, so register now at: https://www.psalmone.org/refocus-and-refuel
Click for a sample of my Father’s world, through the lens of worship.