A southern wind

A southern wind has stretched the clouds as thin as filament,
threads intricately woven into the stark blue fabric of the winter sky.

A swaying tree lifts her branches
in thankfulness and expectation that change is near,
even now budding within her branches,
pressing to escape the bonds of dormancy.

Hints of the tropics are borne on the stiff breeze,
reminders of a sloop setting a tack across the wind
with the melody of laughing voices as the backdrop,
the smells of summer and sun and the sea
calling us from winter into spring.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,

Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,

Join with all nature in manifold witness,
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Great is Thy faithfulness!  Great is Thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see.

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.

 

Beginnings

"For the beauty of the earth,

For the beauty of the skies,

For the love which from our birth

Over and around us lies.

Lord of all, to Thee we raise

This our hymn of grateful praise."

These words inspire the beginnings of this journey in word, combined with images that help tell the story of the wonderful, powerful, artistic, caring God we serve.  

King David felt awe and gratitude when he stated:

"The heavens declare the glory of God; 

the skies proclaim the work of his hands." (Psalm 19:1)

In the days to come, we will think together about why the beauty of the earth matters so much, especially to me and to others who are struggling through desert times or other difficulties.  if you have photos, I would be happy to share them here if you'll tell me what they have meant to you.  Until then, do me a favor - look up at the skies!  Look down at the small beauties many miss.  Look around at the faces of those made in God's image.  Imagine that they are sweet gifts from someone who loves you dearly.  And that is what they are.

Grace and peace,

Rendi