Beauty

All around, hope is springing up from this old ground.

Out of chaos, life is being found in You.

Lord, You make beautiful things;

You make beautiful things out of the dust.

You make beautiful things;

You make beautiful things out of us!

~Beautiful Things, Phil Wickham

Today, I am thankful for the beauty of God's creation. I'm guessing that sounds cheesy and broad and vague, but there is so much variety and every person is unique in what God uses to speak to them here. John Eldredge talks about creation reflecting God in the way it is both epic and intimate... the vast beauty of the mountains, the ocean, the earth itself, and outer space vs. the intricacy of the human eye, a baby in the womb, a single rose, a butterfly. The power and presence of God is obvious in the sunsets and the many epic things that put us in awe of Him, while His love and care and comfort become obvious to us through the more intimate details of creation. Beauty is my word for 2016, and I am grateful for the beauty of falling snow, waterfalls, pine trees, mountains, autumn leaves, rain storms, roses, sunsets, music, and so much more!

He speaks, and the sound of His voice

Is so sweet that the birds hush their singing

And the melody that He gave to me

Within my heart is ringing.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own; 

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

~In the Garden