Reflections from His Handiwork

As part of every RESTORE retreat, Kathy and I are sure to embed every element of our acrostic in making each weekend meaningful and special.  Retreating from the mundane to allow our soul to breath is just as important as food is to nourish our body.  I have been blessed these past two weekends to do just that!  My heart yearned for the beauty and majesty of the mountains and my soul was refreshed by the peace of the beach.  Allowing space between the chapters of my life has given me a small but necessary respite.  I guess you can say that I went on my own RESTORE retreat...and so did some of my friends.  I have asked them to take a picture of what speaks to their soul and to reference a scripture. I would ask that you ponder the scripture verses as you look deep into each photograph. I love how the beauty of God's Word speaks through His creation!

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​1For the choir director. A Psalm of David. The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.
                    Psalm 19: 1

In this image, I see the hand of God holding a conductor's baton as all of heaven and earth sing aloud and boldly of the Glory of His name!  

How often do I tell of the glory of God?  It should depart from my lips at every breath!

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The life of mortals is like grass,
    they flourish like a flower of the field;
 the wind blows over it and it is gone,
    and its place remembers it no more.
 But from everlasting to everlasting
    the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,
    and his righteousness with their children’s children--

​Psalm 103: 15-17

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​Psalm 139:7-10
Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? Or whither shall Iflee from thy presence?
If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there:If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, thou art there.
If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
Even there shall thy hand lead me, And thy right hand shall hold me.

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Psalm 139: 17, 18
How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God!
    How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them,
    they would outnumber the grains of sand--

Matthew 11:28 and 29

"Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls".  

This weekend I had the privilege of getting away with some girlfriends and going to my happy place - the beach....  Going to the beach, listening to the water flow, brings rest and comfort to my soul.   As I was watching the water, I thought about how vast it was, how it didn't seem to have any boundaries, how the sound of the surf is so refreshing to me.... And how unsafe it is  - if you don't swim you will sink and drowned.  Jesus walked on water.   I could almost imagine Him coming towards me there on the beach...  Asking me to take a chance- come out further into the deep with Him....  Where His yoke is easy and His burden is light.    ~ Anonymous 

By the word of Jehovah were the heavens made, And all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
He gathereth the waters of the sea together as a heap:He layeth up the deeps in store- houses.
Let all the earth fear Jehovah:Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
For he spake, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast. 
                                                                                                                    Psalm 33:6-9

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.  Psalm 139: 23, 24

I am so grateful to have had the time to break away! I needed Rest for my soul and body.  My creative journey has been Encouraged by the marvelous works of His hand. I Savored friendships of new and long standing ones. Transformation of my mind occurred as I meditated on His Word and enjoyed a timely book given to me by Kathy. Observing the wonder of God was especially wonderful as we laid on the beach at night, star-gazing! My heart was Renewed as time was spent in worship of the Father.  And what a sweet privilege to spend time in prayer together, going to our Father on behalf of another dear friend unable to be with us due to a serious illness.  My prayer-life was Enriched!    RESTORE!  

Let me encourage you to pull away if you haven't lately.  A trip isn't always at the right timing but simply retreat to your favorite "happy" place.  Spend time away with the One who loves you lavishly.  Who thinks about you more than number of the grains of sand by the sea. Contemplate His love for you.  He is calling...come!  Observe the wonder of His creation.  Open your heart and mind to see beyond those images.  He has a word for you!  Won't you join his conversation?

Listening,  
Sherry

​Join us December 12th for a beautiful evening of declaring His glory!  Tickets are still available.  Click the Picture!