Differences in all that God created
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
Colossians 1:16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities–all things were created through him and for him.
John 1:3 All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.
Isaiah 42:5 Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes form it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it.
Today as I’m writing this, it is April 30. It’s an ugly day in many ways–my walk was interrupted by heavy winds that caused sand to whip about and feeling like a microdermabrasion! So after only a half mile, my friend and I called it, and returned home. As I entered my gate, there is a flower garden before me, and it dawned on me that my lovely irises are up and showing their finery. It felt a little daunting to see them standing looking lovely on their slim stalks, not bending or breaking in the heavy winds, and certainly not ducking in to avoid the nasty weather. God continued to support them on their fine stalks with the lovely showy blooms. Beside them are the amaryllis which have not fully blossomed for this season, again on stalks that are much thinner than I am, yet they were not wimping out. It made me smile….but I still did not continue the walk.
Anyway, it was a quick reminder of how awesome God is. He is in charge of my plants being sturdy enough to handle His winds, but maintain their loveliness and continue to show off the lovely blooms. For awhile we had torrential winds and rain…and again a thank Him is due. My windows and doors have had lots of sea spray and yuck on them, and I was planning on a wash again on Friday. But now no need! My windows and sliders are totally clean!
Now the wind and rain have subsided, and it just remains gray, the waves remain high and tumultuous and dangerous.
I am struck by the wonder of it all. This is an ever-changing world God has created. Even in our country alone, consider the differences among the different areas. The Gulf coast is so different than the Atlantic coast while the Pacific coast is different again from both. The coast of Maine is so different than the coast of North Carolina. The deserts have many cactus varieties and flowers alive only in the desert. There are areas of snow, evergreens, maple, and oak trees of the northern states, while Florida has palm trees, copious hibiscus, and many other colorful and flowering plants, and the western areas of Georgia and South and North Carolina have gentle mountains, reminiscent to me of New England. That’s just a very brief overview of some of the differences just in the United States.
Here are some different species of birds. Isn’t our Creator awesome??
I’ve lived for a time in Europe and have been fortunate enough to travel to France, Austria, Italy, Amsterdam and Poland while living in Germany. There were different cultures, ways of celebrating special holidays such as Christmas and Easter. I loved my time in Europe and studied the language and tried to immerse myself in the culture; getting to know and engage with my neighbors and have friends who invited us to celebrate with them, to explain some of the differences from America’s cultural practices and Germany’s. The locale of most of the countries was awesome. I shared with so many that I believe God was done with creating most of the world, had some excess material, and tossed it to form the Alps. It was beautiful area.
There were some areas, in Poland and the Czech Republic that was fiercely broken, sad and poor. As we traveled via train through these areas I continually wondered how one ever has children and tries to raise them in this area. My heart ached. It was a hopeless feeling area to me, and I repeatedly thanked God my children had always lived via US resources. Although living in Germany, they went to American schools attached to whatever base we were working. We were able to travel to many other areas, partake of different fests, holidays, and holidays. Farm animals are celebrated in early January and again on the first of May. It was interesting to see the celebrations of the different seasons and holidays. I learned so much, and it means a great deal to me to know much about other countries celebrations.
I thank God that He has enabled me the opportunities to see different cultures, countries, and to enjoy the fact that my lovely irises are standing tall with showy, bushy blooms during the heavy winds we had today. Thank You, Father for the opportunities and differences in the world and cultures You have given me. They have all helped develop my life and ‘mybellaviews.’
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