I See Beauty All Around Me

Today is October 17. Of course, I realize that pretty much everyone across the planet realizes what day it is (although depending on where you live, it might already be October 18), but I make this statement because it was such an unbelievably gorgeous day where I live. It's fall on the East Coast and by now it's usually cool (if not outright cold) and sometimes a bit murky looking, but not today. Today was surprisingly (and pleasantly) warm and sunny—more spring like than fall, except for that crisp scent that seems distinctive of fall air.

As I sat in the garden during my lunch time, I had to take a break from my reading to just sit still and absorb everything around me. I was simply amazed by all the beauty that surrounded me: the trees, some with yellow, orange and red leaves; the still green grass; the newly planted flowers of various hues; the warmth of the sun; the sky. I soaked it all in for as long as possible so I could relive the experience again and again—seeing every color and pattern, hearing every sound, and smelling every scent—long after I returned indoors.

The Father's Blessing

Home again, home again, jiggity jig... Sorry, I had to go there. I arrived home safely today—a blessing I suspect many take for granted when traveling whether a short or long distance. Having driven by two accidents on the way back, one that looked pretty serious, I said "Thank you, Lord!" as soon as I turned the corner into my building's parking lot.

Anyway, I wanted to share a truly special video that one of the ministers I follow on Twitter posted on yesterday with the promise that watching it would change your life. It's a little more than five minutes long, but extremely powerful. You'll find it especially uplifting if you're going through a difficult season of life or have ever felt at some moment unappreciated, unloved, unworthy, discouraged, disconnected or, as one of my dear friends would say, "like a hot mess." Even if you're feeling perfect and all together, watch it for an extra bit of encouragement. I've actually decided to make this part of my daily quiet time.

The Father's Blessing

Life from the Beach

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28


Tonight's my last night at the beach where I've been for the past few days enjoying a much-needed vacation. I would love to spend another few days here, but I'm extremely grateful for the four days I've spent just laying on the beach, soaking up the sun's warmth, and being serenaded by the sound of ocean waves splashing up against the shore. I feel relaxed and renewed in mind, body, and spirit.

Today as I lie on the beach, I was awestruck looking out over the horizon where it seemed as if heaven and earth converged. And for a brief moment, I didn't have a care in the world. I had no deadlines to meet, no place in particular that I had to be, and—surprise of all surprises—my phone, which I carried with me to take pictures, didn't ring once. Everything was just calm. Perhaps, this was God's subtle way of letting me know that I create my own cares. In the midst of a seemingly chaotic world and life, I can experience peace by learning to rest in Him and discover true bliss by simply taking time to enjoy the earth He created just for me.

Tomorrow, I return home—a little bit browner and very definitely refreshed. I hope to carry my lesson from the beach with me.

My God is Awesome!

I promised when I found the second song that inspired me on Easter Sunday I would share. So here it is: Awesome.

Almighty. Holy. Provider. Deliverer. Protector. My God is truly awesome!

I Am Grateful

I am grateful, Lord, for all you've done for me.

I am grateful, Lord, even though I cannot see

all the things you have in store for me

or all that I will be.

I am grateful, Lord, for all you've done for me.

When I was tired, you were my strength.

When I was down, you were my joy.

When I was sick, you healed my body and my soul.

I am so grateful, Lord, for all you've done for me.

Lord, I Am Grateful by Donna Denise K © 2012

Take A Joy Break

"For the joy of the LORD is your strength."

- Nehemiah 8:10

After having such a wonderful experience yesterday, today, I was feeling rather blah, just kind of joyless. I'm not sure why. Maybe it was that I overslept, or that I hadn't much sleep the past two nights: uncooperative sinuses kept me up last night. Maybe it was the cloudy day. Maybe it's because the past few days have been a bit stressful, both personally and at work.

Whatever the cause, I don't like feeling joyless, walking around in a funk, all cranky and tired. It isn't who I am. I want to overflow with joy. God wants me to overflow with joy. (My mood did lift a little when on my way home I saw a rainbow—to me they're like pictoric "love notes" from God."

Lord, I need an escape from the blahs!

During my quiet time tonight, I looked up "joy" in the Bible and found 242 references (in the NIV). I started reading through them, quickly at first, then very slowly. I was on the 200th verse, when I noticed I felt about 100 times better. That was all I needed—to just take a joy break.

Do you need a joy break? Here's a sampling to get you started.

"Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place." - 1 Chronicles 16:27

"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." - Psalm 90:14

"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him." - Psalm 28:7

"With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation." - Isaiah 12:3

"… to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." - Isaiah 61:3

"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

"But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." - Luke 2:10

"Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." - John 16:24

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." - Romans 15:13

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." - Galatians 5:22

"Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy..." - 1 Peter 1:8

Remembering Eden

"Here comes the sun,
Here comes the sun, and I say
It's all right."

Here Comes the Sun by George Harrison ©1969

Oh. My. Gosh. Today was such a wonderfully beautiful day. My friend/co-worker said the temperature was expected to reach into the mid 80s.

After eating my lunch today, I decided to escape my subzero temperature office and venture outside for a mini-break. As soon as I stepped out and felt the warmth of the sun, I felt so energized, so... there are no words. I thought I might not go back in. Sitting out on the bench in front of the Administration building surrounded by Dogwood trees and grass, feeling the sun on my face, I seriously considered informing my boss that I would be working out of doors until winter—"I'll be in the courtyard with my laptop and cell phone if anyone needs me, thankyouverymuch."

It's a shame anyone has to work indoors. I don't think we were created for it.

Just think about it. Among all the things in the garden of Eden that God created, there's no mention of a four-walled dwelling for Adam and Eve. There's no mention even of Adam building a tent to live in until after he and Eve were cast out of the garden.

But surely they must have needed something to protect them from the elements, not to mention the lions, tigers and dinosaurs? According to Genesis (and Isaiah), the elements were all created to work for Adam and Eve, not against them. And there was no need to fear the animals either (well, except for that troublesome snake); they were all herbivores and quite friendly with Adam, like pets. He did after all name them.

I really believe that God fully intended for us to be outdoor creatures, working, playing and living continually among nature. Enjoying the warmth of the sun on our skin. Constantly surrounded by the fragrant smell of flowers and trees. Sleeping under the stars. Bathing in rivers and lakes. Relaxing to the music of robins, larks, geese and swallows.

I stayed outside for as long as I could, but work beckoned. So it was back to my subzero temp office with its hard desk, four walls, and fluorescent lighting. The weekend will be here soon enough.