Oh, What a Beautiful Morning!

I'm singing that Rodgers & Hammerstein song from their "Oklahoma" musical this morning right here from Texas! I’ve been that morning gal most all my life. I own it. When I wake up, I don’t feel the need to pull the blanket over my head and long for just a few more minutes. I don't need an alarm clock -- mine is built-in -- usually, around 5:00 am. My daily schedule hasn't changed that much during this shelter-at-home. I would usually take my walks in the afternoon when it was warmer outsides.

That changed this week. Now, it’s at 6:15 am when I'm out and about with my one-hour walk. I, not being a sunshine-lover on my white-lily-skin, realized I needed to escape to the outdoors before the sun rose! I was blessed to make the change. Being a part of a brand-new day is now my new normal for spring and summer. It seems it’s easier to be an early morning noticer. Yesterday my phone’s playlist wouldn’t play, so I couldn’t listen to my “walking” music. I took out my earbuds and whoa-la – I heard birds chirping in almost every tree I passed. I saw little youngster geese following mama goose on the water. I noticed the beautiful colors of spring in all the plants and flowers that were revealing the exquisite details of our Master Creator.

And, I relished in those morning skies that soon gave way to a brilliant sunrise. I started praising and thanking God out loud. I noticed this baby sidewinder rattle snake – sidewinding his way across the sidewalk. I heard about the sidewinder snake from a friend years ago, but I met one on this day. Indeed, he was maneuvering sideways instead of slithering forward. I didn’t disturb him in case his mom or dad were around. But, I made a quick shout-out to God: “Please keep me moving straight ahead on the narrow path with You!"

God is awesome to give me so many object lessons on a daily basis, but this day I realized that when I’m in my own little world with earbuds on and belting out hallelujahs from a play list – though it’s a sweet opportunity for getting into the groove with God, it’s still a vice that’s not needed. Especially when God has divine set ups for me -- like my noticing -- seeing and hearing straight from His divine creation set-ups. And, oh those skies that welcomed me: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." (Psalm 19:1)

I think I’m learning and understanding that the “Genesis” story of creation really doesn’t give God’s handiwork the justice it deserves. We have to get out in it to appreciate it. Creation is proof of how God is so very present in all the intricate details of our lives. Jesus spoke of God’s attention to detail when He talked about God’s concern for the lily of the field. He cares about details – the colors everywhere, the rich variety of plant life, wildlife, and the climate. But, oh the crazy chaos that the enemy wishes to use to take our eyes off of God’s creation. He wants us to be inside-minded -- side-winders – void of the treasures God has stored up for us. He wants us to be “it’s all about me”, instead of “it’s all about WE”.

This world is made up of a family of people from all different ethnicities, backgrounds, beliefs and values – all those realities that should unite us and never put us at odds with one another. Seriously, I grapple with this still, devisive country when, if ever there was a time to unite, it is now. God has given us an opportunity to display who we are as HIS people -- all for one and one for all. Made in His image, shouldn't we be the reflection of our sovereign, loving God? We are chips off the “old block” who were born to create and love, too. So let’s create! Let’s love. Let's celebrate that we can see, be, live, laugh, love, reflect, and show our true colors. We too are creators who were born as God’s masterpieces who can display God’s glory and creative genius to a world that needs those colors and example so much!

Got Mountains?

Seattle is one of my favorite places to visit -- of course, the main reason is because my kids live there, but, coming from the plains, I have a great appreciation for the massive, magnificent Northwest mountains – the Cascades, Mt. Rainier, Glacier Peak, and so many more. I’ve enjoyed hiking on them, fishing under them, driving through them, tubing and skiing down them. These amazing mountains were created by our Master Creator for a purpose, much of which is sheer enjoyment for His kids.

But, what about the mountains in our lives – those vast, enormous obstacles and circumstances that seem beyond overwhelming, that seem like a dead end to any progress forward? Our mountains might even be people who represent discomfort, annoyance, harassment, bitterness, and pain in our lives. We think that if only these mountains were removed, our lives might be more peaceful, comfortable, and a lot easier to be holy. And, we know Matthew 17:20 "Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." But these “mountains” might just be the very perfect plan of our Creator (the same One, who created the majestic mountain ranges) to help us become and achieve what He created us to be and do. Everything we encounter in our lives are part of the undescribable love He has for us -- part of His Master plan.

There must be mountains to appreciate the valleys. And perhaps, God, in all His wisdom, is wanting us to scale those mountains. He is wanting us to hike up those mountains, for a “mountain-top experience” where we are refreshed, restored, nourished, and where we receive divine revelation. His revelation is always intended to grow our faith, strengthen our resolve, and equip us to take on any mountain that may be standing in our way.

As I was writing this message, in my head was this song -- I think it perfectly describes God's unfailing love song to us. I know it's a secular love song -- but, after all, God IS Love and He is a mountain-moving God.

"There ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough
To keep ME from getting to you.

If you need ME, call me
No matter where you are
No matter how far
Just call MY name
I'll be there in a hurry
You don't have to worry

Remember the day
I set you free
I told you
You could always count on me
From that day on I made a vow
I'll be there when you want ME
Some way, some how

There ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough
To keep ME from getting to you.