Nehemiah 8:10
Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
At the ripe ol' age of 50 I have been blessed so many times to experience this "joy of the Lord." First experienced as a child through observing the handiwork of God through nature, animals and people.
Nature-trees with sturdy branches reaching upward in an effort to reach God, praise Him even. Grass, that carpets the world be walk in, and flowing rivers that flow through replenishing natures thirst served as testimony of God's glory, power and love.
The banana, with God's special design of easy opening of his "package" by grabbing the top stem and peeling down to reveal the tasty treat inside (who's special ingredient is TLC from God Himself!)
Seeds, little tiny seeds, produced from the hand of God, to plant into the ground to grow with special care from us, into food to replenish and flavor our food supply.
These are but a mere few examples of nature displaying God's glorious handiwork I observed in my youth.
Animals-different sizes, shapes, and attributes. Some for food, others with their different furs, and skins used for clothing. Some special ones such as dogs and cats that become friends, family even as they work their way into our hearts through their different personalities and looks.
People-we don't run on batteries or carry long extension cords and are not solar powered...we are God-powered! Different races, sizes, no two people are the same!
From the family dynamic I observed my daddy, the protector, provider, taught me about my Father in Heaven. My mother, wise, loving and nurturing also taught me about God. My brother and my sister, who were my friends, hero's, and protectors too, taught me about Jesus.
These things mentioned were such a source of joy as a child and continue to be as my knowledge of each has grown with age! Daily God reveals Himself to me through each and every one not to mention so many more!
I read a saying somewhere once that said, "God has your picture on his refrigerator!" ME! YOU! Imagine that if you will and if that doesn't set your insides to tingling with joy, pray that God will bless you by opening your eyes that you may see His handiwork, too. And pray that He opens your heart and mind to understand what a marvelous privilege it is to understand this!
Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
At the ripe ol' age of 50 I have been blessed so many times to experience this "joy of the Lord." First experienced as a child through observing the handiwork of God through nature, animals and people.
Nature-trees with sturdy branches reaching upward in an effort to reach God, praise Him even. Grass, that carpets the world be walk in, and flowing rivers that flow through replenishing natures thirst served as testimony of God's glory, power and love.
The banana, with God's special design of easy opening of his "package" by grabbing the top stem and peeling down to reveal the tasty treat inside (who's special ingredient is TLC from God Himself!)
Seeds, little tiny seeds, produced from the hand of God, to plant into the ground to grow with special care from us, into food to replenish and flavor our food supply.
These are but a mere few examples of nature displaying God's glorious handiwork I observed in my youth.
Animals-different sizes, shapes, and attributes. Some for food, others with their different furs, and skins used for clothing. Some special ones such as dogs and cats that become friends, family even as they work their way into our hearts through their different personalities and looks.
People-we don't run on batteries or carry long extension cords and are not solar powered...we are God-powered! Different races, sizes, no two people are the same!
From the family dynamic I observed my daddy, the protector, provider, taught me about my Father in Heaven. My mother, wise, loving and nurturing also taught me about God. My brother and my sister, who were my friends, hero's, and protectors too, taught me about Jesus.
These things mentioned were such a source of joy as a child and continue to be as my knowledge of each has grown with age! Daily God reveals Himself to me through each and every one not to mention so many more!
I read a saying somewhere once that said, "God has your picture on his refrigerator!" ME! YOU! Imagine that if you will and if that doesn't set your insides to tingling with joy, pray that God will bless you by opening your eyes that you may see His handiwork, too. And pray that He opens your heart and mind to understand what a marvelous privilege it is to understand this!
