A few memories and other verses pop up in my mind when I read this call to worship. The memory of driving through the Canadian Rockies for the first time is so different from the flat farmland that surrounded my hometown. We were so overwhelmed by the raw majesty and power of those mountains that my dad and I burst into hymns. 'For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.' 1 Corinthians 4:20 The memory of standing in the Badlands, staring at a dead tree in the center of a clearing. A bird came to land on its nest there and the Lord reminded me, like a whisper, “I provide for this bird and I will provide for you.” 'Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in all the earth.' Psalm 46:10 The memory of the rich, dark brown soil of my family’s backyard garden where the strawberries were so beautiful and delicious that our neighbors came with pots and pans when we offered to share. When we went back to visit our friends in Ohio, I was reminded of how beautiful and alive farmlands are. 'Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. Let all creation rejoice before the Lord. ' Psalm 96:11-13 The memory of seeing the lakes of the Northwest for the first time and being blown away that the water could actually be that blue, that I could see my feet, and that the rocks at the bottom could be so many different colors. I can still see the sun glinting off of Lake Coeur d’Alene and marveling at the royal blue color of the water. 'Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place.' Chronicles 16:27 The memory of walking to the car with my son on a grumpy morning and hearing a bird singing. It reminded me that God was with us. We stopped and listened together. I remember choosing to join in the joy of worshipping our Creator and how he transformed our day. 'Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.' Psalm 150:6 I could go on and on. I bet you can, too. This world is filled with reminders of the God who made it and us. They fill my heart like a roaring waterfall. As soon as I turn my ears to hear it, the sound becomes overwhelming. The world trembles before Him. It sings His praises. When I read, "Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth". I find myself joining in that mighty song.
In His Name, Naomi
5 Comments
Emily Rogers
1/28/2025 02:10:49 pm
Beautiful visions are created from your words. What a refreshing pause—thank you, Naomi!
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Ann
1/28/2025 03:11:45 pm
Naomi, God gives us the eyes to see the wonder as you have witnessed. He gave us the soul to experience the wonder as you have witnessed. Thank you for sharing with us.
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Carolyn Keefer
1/28/2025 03:17:34 pm
Your insights and your verses are wonderful Naomi! They are such a great reminders to me to pause and reflect upon the beautiful things God provides us in nature and the world.
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Teresa Brown-Douglas
1/28/2025 03:47:35 pm
Thank you for threading together so wonderfully the
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Jean
1/29/2025 05:49:57 am
Thank you, Naomi, for reminding me to God's good earth, His landscapes and creation that daily remind of His power and glory.
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