A peaceful place. (Photo by Michael Zadal)
The beautiful scene above was photographed by a wonderful photographer, Michael R. Zadal, who lives up in my old stomping grounds of Tidewater Virginia. Now I don't personally know Michael, but he regularly posts such pictures on a Facebook site, Pics of Hpt Rds, one which I enjoy since it reminds me of the place where I lived for all of my young life. I asked him if I could use it, that I wanted to write about what it tells me and Michael graciously agreed, so here it is. I thought long and hard about what to say but, in the final analysis, it hit me square between the eyes and it is a simple but powerful message. It is to "PRAISE THE LORD."
PRAISE THE LORD, first and foremost for just being who you are and being there for us, loving and kind and always responding to us when we ask.
PRAISE THE LORD, for life itself and for giving us a fresh start opportunity every day we awaken, to change our ways for you and glory in what it reveals.
PRAISE THE LORD, for the beautiful Creation of earth and sky, for the land, with its majestic mountains and the rolling hills, the rich plains and croplands including the flat lands and the productive coastal plains, for the deserts, which are so heavy in minerals and rocks and the riches they provide. And for the streams and rivers and the oceans they flow into, which give us one of the key foundations of life, nourishing food and along with heat provide the basics that creates the rain. And for the skies which provide us air and the universe beyond with the heat giving sun, the moon, the stars and the beauty of the celestial skies on a clear night.
PRAISE THE LORD, for all living things, since each has its purpose in the chain of life. And for the beauty they provide and the amazing intricacies in each, including we humans as well. And for the provision of our stewardship over them which we must always remember and follow in a way that is pleasing to you.
PRAISE THE LORD, for our faith and the provision of the Church, a place to experience solemnity as well as joy as we worship you with praise while we learn more about what we must do from a gifted leader in word and song.
And most importantly, PRAISE THE LORD, for understanding how frail and weak we are. And so, by molding yourself into the Holy Trinity, including the Father, the Creator; the Son, the One who provides forgiveness to us through His death and is our Mediator with His Father; and the Holy Spirit, sent to us after Jesus returned to heaven and lives within us and, when we open our hearts, serves as our spiritual guidance counselor to connect us with our Mediator.
There is really nothing else to say but PRAISE THE LORD, and when I looked at that beautiful picture, it's what it said to me. Remember that He loves each and every one of us and He wants to help us when we call Him in need. He will take all of our troubles on, allowing us to find peace and solitude, just like the picture above displays. But He also wants us to praise Him for the many gifts we have been given and we should always PRAISE THE LORD before we ask for anything else. Have a blessed day, my friends and remember every day to PRAISE THE LORD.
PRAISE THE LORD, first and foremost for just being who you are and being there for us, loving and kind and always responding to us when we ask.
PRAISE THE LORD, for life itself and for giving us a fresh start opportunity every day we awaken, to change our ways for you and glory in what it reveals.
PRAISE THE LORD, for the beautiful Creation of earth and sky, for the land, with its majestic mountains and the rolling hills, the rich plains and croplands including the flat lands and the productive coastal plains, for the deserts, which are so heavy in minerals and rocks and the riches they provide. And for the streams and rivers and the oceans they flow into, which give us one of the key foundations of life, nourishing food and along with heat provide the basics that creates the rain. And for the skies which provide us air and the universe beyond with the heat giving sun, the moon, the stars and the beauty of the celestial skies on a clear night.
PRAISE THE LORD, for all living things, since each has its purpose in the chain of life. And for the beauty they provide and the amazing intricacies in each, including we humans as well. And for the provision of our stewardship over them which we must always remember and follow in a way that is pleasing to you.
PRAISE THE LORD, for our faith and the provision of the Church, a place to experience solemnity as well as joy as we worship you with praise while we learn more about what we must do from a gifted leader in word and song.
And most importantly, PRAISE THE LORD, for understanding how frail and weak we are. And so, by molding yourself into the Holy Trinity, including the Father, the Creator; the Son, the One who provides forgiveness to us through His death and is our Mediator with His Father; and the Holy Spirit, sent to us after Jesus returned to heaven and lives within us and, when we open our hearts, serves as our spiritual guidance counselor to connect us with our Mediator.
There is really nothing else to say but PRAISE THE LORD, and when I looked at that beautiful picture, it's what it said to me. Remember that He loves each and every one of us and He wants to help us when we call Him in need. He will take all of our troubles on, allowing us to find peace and solitude, just like the picture above displays. But He also wants us to praise Him for the many gifts we have been given and we should always PRAISE THE LORD before we ask for anything else. Have a blessed day, my friends and remember every day to PRAISE THE LORD.
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