Praise – All Things Work Together…

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Most of us have heard the wisdom of Romans 8:28 many times throughout our life, but it is still good to hear this good news again…and so today on the Sabbath I dwell once again on God’s extraordinary promise to mankind.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Roman’s 8:28

Praise – Monarch Butterfly

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“…May all who search for you
    be filled with joy and gladness in you.
May those who love your salvation
    repeatedly shout, “God is great!”

Psalm 70:4

Phavorites & Praise – Feather on Moss

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“Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise him, all creatures here below;

Praise him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.”

Purpose and Praise – Landfill Harmonic and 1 Corinthians 10:31

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

This amazing video trailer inspired me, gave me chills, and also brought a few tears to my eyes. I hope to be able to see the full-length feature when it is released.

“Landfill Harmonic is an upcoming feature-length documentary about a remarkable musical orchestra in Paraguay, where young musicians play instruments made from trash.”

Plants & Praise – Poppies/Winter Sown and Naturalized

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I love poppies of all kinds. Over the course of several years, I have faithfully sown the seeds in the spring only to have the heavy rains of April and May beat the small seedlings into sodden destruction. Finally, a year or two ago, I found a way to beat the rain; winter Sowing works for growing poppies. What is Winter Sowing? To winter sow a seed you cut a gallon milk carton, or other large plastic bottle, in half, punch some drainage holes in the bottom, fill with an inch or two of seed starting soil, sow a few seeds, close, duct tape and put in a sunny spot in your garden…oh and of course I forgot the most important part…you do this smack in the middle of the coldest months of the year.

Winter sowing is perfect for growing poppies. I have many new plants spread throughout my gardens, thriving and growing at the present time. I also have quite a few naturalized plants from poppies I grew last year, courtesy, once again, of winter sowing.

Here is a site that will tell you more about winter sowing: Winter Sowing

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I love the blue-green tones of poppy foliage. I also love the anticipation I feel when a bud is about to POP!

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An added bonus for me are the beautiful seedpods.

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Hello Gorgeous!

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I love this portrait I unknowingly captured of a little hover fly collecting nectar from the pink poppy. His or her face is visible, the delicacy of the wings highlighted and transparent against the bloom of the flower. God’s creations continuously amaze me. I must remember to thank him every day for the beauty all around me, the obvious glories that I see, and also the wonderful hidden things I often don’t notice.

Praise – Sunrise on Elk Neck River/Happy Father’s Day

 “From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’s name is to be praised.”  Psalm 113:3

Praise – For the Beauty of the Earth

FOR THE BEAUTY OF THE EARTH

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For the beauty of the earth,

For the glory 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.

Folliett S. Pierpont


Praise – Leaning on the Everlasting Arms (through the decades)

A friend sent me this delightful version of “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.” It was the fastest twelve minutes of my week. Take a listen…you’ll hear music from the 40’s through the present day. Priceless!

 

Praise and Phascination – Our Amazing World

 “My help comes from the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:2

I love the display of carnivorous plants in the Longwood Gardens conservatory. They are fascinating and unique. I find joy and peace in knowing that the Maker of heaven and earth loves all mankind, and is the ruler of all the earth, no matter what man might say. The creator of such diversity is able to bring salvation and healing to every man or woman’s heart no matter what their circumstances, past or present. He can bring beauty out of ashes and dust. I think that good thought deserves an, “Amen.” Have a glorious Sabbath Day.

Psalm 121

A song of ascents.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?

 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven  and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber;

Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm —he will watch over your life;

The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Praise – A Duet With Jesus

Creek at Hickory Run

I try to walk daily. Often as I walk I will softly sing songs of praise. A few days ago, as I happily strolled and sang, I heard another singer down the road a stretch. He was a jogger, with earphones, singing along to the tune. Suddenly, he let out a happy whoohoo in the midst of the song, and I smiled with happiness at the joy in his voice. The thought of his unabashed singing has uplifted me many times throughout the week.

I love this Bible verse: “For he (Jesus) says in the book of Psalms, ‘I will talk to my brothers about God my Father, and together we will sing his praises.’ ” Hebrews 12:2 (The Living Bible)  I like to think that when I sing songs of praise I am singing a duet with Jesus. Singing songs of Praise and Thanksgiving often ignites the presence of God within my life. It doesn’t matter if I harrumph along like a frog or trill melodious as a bird. The Lord God will inhabit the songs of his people.

I wonder how the world would change if people all around the world would stop throughout the day, lift up their voices in songs of praise, and sing a duet with Jesus.