beauty – some comfort and joy

Blessing

Just as every good and perfect gift comes from above May the beauty of your life be an offering to the world Just as a tree planted by a stream yields fruit in all seasons May the beauty of your flourishing bring much joy Just as the earth is full of God’s good creatures MayContinue reading “Blessing”

Joy: Beauty is a Gift

“Every good gift, every perfect gift, comes from above.” -James 1:17 The crunch of leaves underfoot, the riot of color in waving petunias, overhearing a giggle shared between young siblings. There are many ways that beauty breaks into the ordinary of our lives. Something given voluntarily without payment in return. Something bestowed or acquired withoutContinue reading “Joy: Beauty is a Gift”

Comfort: Beauty is a Counterpoint to Despair

“God has made everything suitable for its time;” –Ecclesiastes 3:11 One of my morning rituals is to read through the newspaper. Of course there is no shortage of griefs. From droughts and famines, wars and rumors of war. On the days this practice proves more devastating than delightful, I remind myself it is important toContinue reading “Comfort: Beauty is a Counterpoint to Despair”

Joy: Beauty Draws Us Closer to God

Spend time today with a form of sacred beauty. Perhaps it’s a beloved scripture passage, a song that makes your heart swell, or taking a walk in a place that brings peace to your soul. Consider the places and spaces in which you feel the presence of God. In the face of limitations, whether thatContinue reading “Joy: Beauty Draws Us Closer to God”

Joy: Awe & Wonder

A few times each year, our family would take a trip to Lancaster, PA. My sisters and I loved going to visit our cousins. My mom’s youngest brother has four boys, and I am the oldest of three girls. Our ages lined up pretty nicely, and we had a ball playing together. We had lotsContinue reading “Joy: Awe & Wonder”

Comfort: Beauty in Creation

“O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” –Psalm 104:24 When you don’t know any differently, it is easy to take the seemingly ordinary parts of life for granted. While I have a deep love for the rhythm of the year andContinue reading “Comfort: Beauty in Creation”