Seeing God in Everything

I was power walking with a spring in my step yesterday. That's when I heard this song on my playlist AFTER I posted a photo of the skies that were filled with, what I called “cotton candy” clouds. My post read: “For days God fills His skies with cotton candy – oh, it’s going to be a sweet, sweet day.” Right on God’s queue came Toby Mac’s song, “I see you in everything all day.”

It was a “Way to go, Donna!” from God. I just know it. He saw me recognizing Him in everything little thing, and I’d love to think, “all day”, but I need to work on that! And, I think He was telling me that, too! “Donna, don’t just see me on your walks, but see Me in everything – the beauty all around you AND even the not so beautiful things, but in My hands, they can become beautiful. EVERYTHING is in My hands to produce in you both the desire and the ability to do what pleases Me!" (Philippians 2:13)

The truth is this. Every day we have the choice of looking for the good in everything or focusing our attention on all the negativity and bad that is out there. Let's be good-lookers! If you have the chance – listen to Toby’s song, “Everything” first thing in the morning – it will surely put some spring in your steps for the entire day, too!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RIp_t3gKZw

"I see You in everything, all day
And every beat of my heart keeps reminding me
I see You in every little thing, all day
No matter where I go I know Your love is finding me
I see You in everything
You're all up in everything

I did a little research and found out where the inspiration came from for this song. Here’s what Toby said on Twitter and Instagram on July 25, 2018: “I was on my way to the studio one day to write this song, a song I had in my head but not really in my heart. So, on the drive, I said a really simple prayer. I said, ‘Daddy, if You want me to write a song other than this one, will You show me something?’ As I continued drivin’, my eyes began to open and I could hear Him saying, ‘Nah, Toby, I’m not gonna show you somethin’. I’m showing you everything.’ Isaiah 43:19 says, ‘I am doing a new thing in the land. It’s springing forth; do you perceive it?’ I walked in the studio that day with a fresh song to write. Yep, a new song in my heart. And I’m gonna fight to keep lookin’ for God in everything all day.”

So, there you go! No wonder Toby’s God spoke to him, like our one and the same God speaks to us. Instead of seeing the ugly and nasty around us – we just need to open our eyes to all the wonders of our wonder-working God! I’m so glad to be on THIS side of blessings! How about you?

"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." Colossians 1:16

God's Remarkable Color Palette

Take a look at these beautiful “Spring” flowers. Breath-taking – literally! Not just the beauty, but the fragrance is exquisite. Well, these flowers should be – they’re growing in this exotic climate of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico where my Austin family and I are here celebrating Spring break and family love. I was delighted when they invited me to be a part of the fun. There is something about being entertained by God’s beauty in another area of God’s beautiful earth.

As beautiful as this week is for me, it only holds a candle to a little over eight years ago, when I went to Cabo with this family after a whirlwind previous couple of weeks of major decisions to be made, funeral preparations, and all the responsibilities that went with my sweetheart's graduation to heaven. Cabo was just what I needed – to get away – find that place of consolation, peace, and comfort. Everything about the previous few weeks – in fact, the last eight months had seemed quite surreal. But, I had walked through the valley of the shadow of death, and, because of this profound place of peace, I literally feared no evil. God was there to comfort me – that was His promise in Psalm 23 – He had kept His promise. I was comforted.

Of course, I'm nostalgic being back here in Cabo this “Spring Break” week and, I’ll admit, I’m savoring the memories – especially those that were so healing to me. Embraced by family. Embraced by God and His creation. Embraced by the sounds of laughter of my grandchildren. Embraced by the knowledge of knowing that God has given me so much tender loving care during this life-after-death. It was a choice I made early on and it seems the more life I live on purpose, the more life gives back to me in monumental ways.

I assure you, it is possible to feel the loss for a while in those times of life, but NEVER to stay there. To grow and celebrate this season of life, we must pick ourselves up and be willing to go to a NEW SEASON. As Spring is surfacing and the trees and flowers are blooming, we can see God’s reminder to let go of the old things and expect the new things He’s wanting to do in our lives. Expect that there are good and beautiful things to come. As the flowers are being resurrected to new life, the trees are sprouting from what seemed to be a lifeless state, the green grass is peeking through the brown remains of winter, may we SPRING FORTH in fresh, new strength and vitality that comes from taking off those grave clothes, and putting on garments of praise and joy! It's a new day, it's a new season, it's a time for great expectation that this will be the BEST day and times of our lives!

Isaiah 43:19 "Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert."