Today’s Reflection
To stand at the edge of the sea, to sense the ebb and the flow of the tides, to feel the breath of a mist moving over a great salt marsh, to watch the flight of shore birds that have swept up and down the surf lines of the continents for untold thousands of years, to see the running of the old eels and the young shad to the sea, is to have knowledge of things that are as nearly eternal as any earthly life can be.
—Rachel Carson, foreword to Under the Sea-Wind, quoted in Sam Hamilton-Poore, Earth Gospel: A Guide to Prayer for God’s Creation (Upper Room Books, 2009)
Today’s Question
Which aspects of creation enable you to meditate on God’s eternal work? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
I know that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; God has done this, so that all should stand in awe before him.
—Ecclesiastes 3:14 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
Creator Spirit:
As the earth,
so beautiful, so warm,
receives and reflects the sunlight,
so may I receive and reflect your love.
—Sam Hamilton-Poore, Earth Gospel
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
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Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Palm/Passion Sunday
Liturgy of the Palms
Liturgy of the Passion
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4 Comments
While all God’s creation is amazing, lakes ands mountains speak to me more than the ocean, probably because I grew up near a large lake and not far from the mountains. In the woods near either one of these places I’m very at home. Spring is coming, can see plants pushing up through the ground. Easter is on its way.
Progress with plans that are all part of the move. Furniture donation will hopefully happen, a trip to my daughter’s will lessen the load on moving day, and hopefully next week a trip to the Poconos.
Lenten study with hymns soon, this has been a very moving study. Music is very spiritual, up lifting, encouraging. Thank You, Lord. Will walk with my 88 year old friend this morning.
I also grew up near moutains and find them more majestic and awe inspiriing. They feel like home and I crane my neck to watch them recede when we leave my hometown. I feel more “at home” when I see them and can feel something in me relax.
I need to signup h and I for healthcare as soon we will lose the ability to receive it through his job. He reminds me of this several times a day…every…day! I am working on it and even given him information each day that shows my progress. And yet he still comes at me relentlessly. Tomorrow I have a doctor’s appointment with a kidney specialist and I am leaving first thing in the morning for a 3:00 appointment. I will have a day to myself.
Prayers for Ally and David, Jill and Roger and Robert and his Bible study with hymns. Prayers for improved finances, for great reviews and for smooth transitions.
The colors He uses are astounding. The color of the Gulf of Mexico on the Florida coast. So mesmerizing that I painted my bedroom this color – to remind myself of the beauty. I love my “beach” bedroom. The colors of the sunrise on a Carolina beach are stunning. I love to watch all the birds zig zag across the sunrise sky. I also treasure moments in the car, returning from my god childrens’ outdoor activities in the evening – taking in the sunset…I am always facing west on my way home – and get lost in the beauty.
Will be taking in my god son’s game this evening – but not sure I will be able to see the sun setting as it is fairly cloudy. He pitches for varsity. On days he doesn’t pitch, he plays the JV game. Today is the JV game. This will be the first baseball game I have seen him play in for his high school. Not incredibly warm, but should be comfortable enough at the game.
Finally setting my gaze on next Thursday, the last day before spring break. Having caught up on all my grading – I am visualizing a spring break with no school work to do. How wonderful. Still have about 50% of work to do for my program’s deadline. Will keep working at the stack.
I can see God’s handiwork as I use my 5 senses: The sight and song of the bluebird couple who nest in our neighbor’s bluebird house; how fresh the air feels and smells after our rain today; the sharp and refreshing flavor of the grapefruit we had with our breakfast. The azaleas are blooming and the colors are incredible. I think also of the north Georgia Blue Ridge mountains on a spectacular fall day. And watching the dolphins frolic at St. Simon’s Island Georgia, my favorite place in the world. The beauty of God’s world is amazing.
Our county was under a tornado warning, but it expired not long ago. A small tornado touched down near the home of David’s best friend in Macon, not far away. Thankfully, not much damage and no injuries. I lift all your concerns to the Lord and hold you close to my heart.
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