Let the Fields be Jubilant

I went to one of the local libraries on Saturday to listen to a poetry reading.

On my way in I noticed these lovely double daffodils, 

and of course I had to stop and take a photo.

God created the most amazing plants. 

He timed them to bloom at different times of the year

and in so many gorgeous colors. 

This quote by Albert Einstein makes sense to me.

The more time I spend in nature, the more I embrace God.

Through His creation, I get to know him better and 

understand how much love He lavishes on us.

 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
    let the sea resound, and all that is in it. 
Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them
let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. 

Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes,

    he comes to judge the earth.

He will judge the world in righteousness

    and the peoples in his faithfulness.

Psalm 96:11-13

Always Find a Song

 I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, 
O Most High. -Psalm 9:2

During the time we were cloistered in our homes due to COVID, the goldfinches and house finches kept us company, outside our window.
I heard them sing every morning. 
They had no idea our world had turned upside down.

I'm thankful for those little birds and their songs. 
They taught me to keep singing. 

My daughter painted this beautiful picture of the goldfinch, 
and it's a wonderful reminder to me to rejoice and be glad. 

Go With Joy

Luke 19:37-40

When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:

“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”

“I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

Nothing is more peaceful than sitting on a rock by Lake Erie and listening to the natural world.

I hear the waves crash on the shore. Birds splash in and out of the water. Leaves on the trees rustle in the wind. In that moment, I hear the voice of God through his creation. Even the people chattering behind me, as they visit the nearby lighthouse, remind me of God's glory. His incredible creation, so complex yet simple.

When Jesus traveled to Jerusalem on the back of a colt, his followers praised his name. They shouted their love for him and worshiped. The disciples placed a coat on the colt for Jesus to rest on and others laid their coats on the ground. Folks even cut palm leaves and placed them on the dusty road. All because they loved and respected Jesus.

Yet amid the rejoicing, a group of people taunted Jesus. The Pharisees, a religious bunch, ordered him to tell his followers to be quiet. I love Jesus response. He basically said, what good would it do, if the people are quiet, then the very creation my Father made will cry out with joy, even the rocks.

No matter what Satan tries to do to quiet those of us who love Jesus, rejoicing and worship will not stop. The world God designed, every mountain, tree, bird and flower continue to adore the Savior.

Go with joy and praise our incredible Lord!

You will go out in joy    and be led forth in peace;the mountains and hills    will burst into song before you,and all the trees of the field    will clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12

Fall Findings Friday: Rejoice

In autumn, when the leaves have fallen, 

there are so many other things to see in the woods.

Even the fungi that grows on the logs is beautiful.

Wake up Grateful!

Rejoice!

Rejoice!

©Penny Frost McGinnis