The Seasons Praise Him

Praise the Lord from the heavens! Praise him from the skies! Praise him skies above! Praise him vapors high above the clouds! Praise the Lord from the earth, mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars. Let them all praise the name of the Lord. For his name is very great; his glory towers over the earth and heaven! (Psalm 148:1 ,3, 4, 7, 9, 13 NLT)

How great must God’s love be for us that He would create nature in all its beauty for our pleasure and enjoyment! Autumn’s colors seem to be an offering of nature’s praise and worship at the end of the seasons of planting and harvesting! Many times words cannot adequately express the joy and worship in my heart for all of the blessings God has given, yet when I see the splendor of creation during the seasons, their sheer beauty exclaims that which I cannot put to words.

Is it what we see that brings us to an understanding of an existence of God? Is it what we cannot see or touch but what stirs inside us that tells us there is a God? Nature stands to witness the character of God, the master artist, and to His perfect design and timing. The birth of a newborn child or animal gives testimony to the existence of God. The timing of the seasons, the sun’s rising and setting, and the moon’s movement of the tides point the way. The tides and the very boundary of the oceans are His design.

May we recognize His hand in creation in all seasons and may we daily take time to give thanks for his gifts.

Heavenly Father, we join all of nature in offering You our praise and worship today and each day. Thank You for loving us so much that You would create this world for our pleasure. In Jesus’ name. Amen

All Saints Day

The memory of the just is blessed. Proverbs 10:7


As our pastor reminded us that today is All Saints’ Day, my mind immediately turned to my paternal grandmother, who went home to be with the Lord on April 13, 2007. Mother, Daughter, Sister, Wife, Grandmother, Employee, Sunday School Teacher, Friend …. Mary Jones was something special to each person who knew her.

One of my biggest regrets is that I didn’t recognize her legacy while she was still with us. I know it would have tickled her pink if I’d shared with her all that she’d done for me and meant to me. I can honestly say I never stopped to think about a life without her. Although I know that no one lives forever, Grandma was so full of life and had so much “go” in her that the thought had not yet occurred to me.

I have discovered in the months since her death that she is so much a part of me; that my life and all of my memories are molded and shaped by her place in my life. She’d have been proud to know this. One reason I know she would love it is that I have since found taped inside the cover of her Bible a copy of an article in the Calvary Baptist newsletter dedicated to her for all of her years as a Sunday School teacher. I can imagine her turning to it and reading it again when she found herself wondering if she’d ever made any difference in someone else’s life. It read:

This week’s note of appreciation is dedicated to Mrs. Mary Jones, and I ask you to forgive me for making this one more personal. Mrs. Jones has been a faithful dedicated teacher for a least 36 years – because I can remember that many. Mrs. Jones has taught practically every age group and has done a good job in any class she leads. She has influenced many people in a positive way through her example more than through the words she teaches. Mary Jones is loved and respected by all who know her, and her work here at Calvary has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated. Thank you, Mary Jones, from all of us you have touched! (November 29, 1992)

Material things never meant much to her, but being needed did mean something.

In her absence I’ve discovered she impacted my life in so many positive ways. I realize now that she has left a tremendous legacy to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. We all knew and can proudly tell you today that she loved us unconditionally. She was proud of us all and she was there for us. She loved us to the moon and back with her cooking. I believe our lives are a reflection of her prayers for us. I believe our lives are a reflection of her life.

May we continue to do justice to her memory and may the generations call her blessed until the end of time.