For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Since wildflower season is coming to an end, we decided to make one last trip to see them. We headed out early so we could get a parking spot. We began our walk in the quiet, peaceful morning walking beside the stream. There were small flowers at almost every step. We made it to the place where I knew there was some lady slippers and other wildflowers and had decided to head back when we happened to meet two park volunteers who talked us in to going further with them to the place where there were many more wildflowers. It was truly an amazing place - flowers everywhere. With the help of these two ladies I found several wildflowers that I had only seen in my wildflower books.I am grateful for these ladies who led us to find the wildflowers. When I saw the beauty of this special place my heart overflowed with joy. Truly the wildflower covered hills were singing of God’s beauty.
Prayer Creator God, Thank you for the beauty of wildflowers and the people we meet along the way that lead us to you. Teach us to break forth into singing when we think about your love for us. Lead us in the way of peace. Amen
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Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. The door handle is something that can be easily missed in Ogle cabin built in the late 1800’s. If you take the time to look closely you will see an intricately carved design made with only hand tools. It served its purpose well - it kept the door closed and opened it when needed.
In this letter to Timothy, Paul encouraged him to work hard to know the truth of God. We, too, must work hard to know God’s word. When we know his word then we can more easily share the word of truth. Study God’s word, learn of him. Give it more than just a quick read each day, but work hard to study and you will be able to serve the purpose God has for you. Prayer Great King, Open our hearts to your word and teach us your ways of truth. May our work always bring you glory. Amen May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you! It is wildflower season in the Smokies. Until I started taking photographs I had no idea that many people come to the mountains this time of year for the express purpose of finding wildflowers. If you are going to find wildflowers you have to know something about them so you will know what they look like and where to look. It also helps if you find people who know where the wildflowers are and go with them on a hike. After a couple of years of wildflower seeking, I now know exactly where to look to find special ones. I remember the first time I saw one that I had been looking for I was so excited and filled with joy that I cried.
Seeking and finding wildflowers is a small taste of the joy that comes when you seek and find God. Seeking wildflowers brings joy, but a joy that quickly fades when the season for wildflowers is past. Seeking God is something that doesn’t have a season, there is no withering and fading with him like with wildflowers. The joy you find when you seek him is a deep joy and when you find this joy, the only possible response is to say evermore, “God is great!” Prayer Great God Thank you for the joy that finding wildflowers brings. But, oh so much more, thank you for the joy we have in your salvation. Amen The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. Yesterday was my only day to get to spend a full day at the Wildflower Pilgrimage in the Great Smoky Mountains, an event that I had looked forward to for 6 months . . . and it rained . . . all day. I have never intentionally hiked when I knew it was going to rain all day but yesterday I got out my heavy duty rain jacket and pants and my camera cover and headed out at 6:00 am to the mountains. And I am so glad I did. Not only did I see wonderful flowers that I had never seen before but I had a wonderful day in the rain. The forest was that beautiful light green of early spring and the rivers and waterfalls were full. The rain seemed to slow things down and it was peaceful in an unusual way.
I almost missed this beautiful day in the mountains because of the rain. Instead of being stolen by the rain my day was like a special gift. Jesus promised us this kind of life. No matter our circumstances he gives us beautiful things. We can only find this kind of abundance when we look to him instead of focusing on our circumstances. Jesus came to give us life, a full and abundant life, even on rainy days. Prayer Life Giving Lord, Thank you for my day in the mountains, my walk in the rain. Help me to always see beyond the rain to the beauty that you have given us. Amen To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. Before I had a camera and would go on hikes I might not even notice the small flowers along the way. And if I did happen to notice them it would be a quick, “oh that’s pretty.” Having a camera has taught me to slow down and look for wildflowers. I want to know their names. I purchased a book on wildflowers and have learned the names of several. I can now tell you that this flower is Dog Hobble, at least that is its common name. To be able to call a flower by its name means that I know what color it will be, the shape of the leaf, when it blooms, and its size.
Being able to identify wildflowers and call them by name is a wonderful skill. But even more amazing is the promise that Jesus knows us and calls us by name. His call is specific, he knows our deepest thoughts and dreams. He cares enough to know our name. Prayer Loving Shepherd, When I think about the wonder of being known by name I fall on my knees in humble praise and gratitude. Write your name on my heart. Amen Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. Flowers are beautiful but the interesting thing is that their beauty is a by-product of their purpose. Their colors and shapes help in pollination and the spreading of seeds. The real purpose of the flower is to convey the seed for new plants. A flower’s purpose is rooted in its connection to a plant without which it wouldn’t exist.
When our lives are connected to Christ he gives us a mission and purpose to fulfill. When we abide in that purpose, in the love of Jesus Christ, our lives become beautiful as a by-product of his love. It is that beauty that draws people to him and it is our purpose to share the love of Christ. Prayer Jesus Christ, Source of Our Being, Teach me to abide in you, to dwell in your presence. Open my eyes to the mission you have for me and remind me that I can only fulfill that purpose when I abide in you. Make my life a beautiful reflection of your glory. Amen A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; Each day is a new day, a new chance to follow God’s leading. Each day we need to let God’s light shine into our lives like the sun shines into this valley. We must prepare our hearts to follow him even on the days when we are in the wilderness. We must make straight the road into our hearts clearing out the clutter that twists us away from him.
Prayer Lord Shine your light in our hearts today. Help us to clear the twisting path of sin and prepare a way for you straight into our hearts. Amen Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Flowers bring great joy, especially in spring. After a cold, dark winter we rejoice in seeing the first buds of spring and the promise of beautiful flowers. To live a joyful life we need more than just the emotion of seeing flowers in bloom. We need the joy that can only come from the security of the saving love of Jesus. When we walk securely with Jesus we no longer have the anxiety of trying to save ourselves. We trust him to hold us and it is in that security that he gives joy. We are now free to share Christ love and salvation with others so that they can can come to know the joy of Christ’s love.
Prayer Loving Savior, Thank you for the flowers of spring that remind us of the promise of salvation. Restore our joy and hold us in your love. Amen Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. I was attending my first photography workshop which happened to be close to home in Cades Cove. After our instruction session we were to go and photograph some of the buildings, but I have been to the cove many times and already had those pictures. So I started looking around for something else and this clump of dandelions caught my eye. As I looked closer at them I saw something I had never seen before. It was rather chilly that spring morning and there was frost on the dandelion. I didn’t have my macro lens so I just took the image with my zoom lens that was on my camera. When I looked at the picture on the back of my camera I was amazed - small crystals of ice clung to the seed head. I squealed with delight and the other participants came running to see what I had found.
Something so small that many people see as a weed was beautiful that day. At one time or another I think that all of us have felt that we have no value, that we are just a weed. We fear that we don’t matter. But our Father loves us. He knows us - what we are now and what he see we will become. Just like I saw the beauty in that weed, God sees the beauty in us. As we follow him we become more like him and more able to see the beauty in people and all creation. Prayer Good Father, In those times when I feel like a failure and doubt if anything I do is any good, remind me that you value even the smallest thing about me. Open my eyes to see the beauty in all you created. Amen The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. I left the camper with only my camera and started up the path to the lake. The sun was up but just barely and since it rained during the night a light mist lay over the lake. It was so quiet and still.
It is hard to find quiet in our noisy world. We must make a conscious effort to shut out the noise of the world and listen for the voice of the Good Shepherd. He knows our name, knows us better than we do ourselves, and he is calling us. We will only hear his call when we are quiet and listen. He will go ahead of us for he knows the best way to go. Prayer Good Shepherd, Quiet my soul and open my ears to hear you calling. Thank you for calling me by name. I want to always follow where you lead. Forgive me when I go my own way and pull me back to your fold. Amen Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, A simple cross is all that adorns the alter in this church in the cove. The cross represents both goodness and mercy - the goodness of Jesus who knew no sin and the mercy his death provides us. It is this goodness and mercy that draws us to him; that makes a place for us at his table; that makes us feel the comfort from his guiding rod and staff; and that makes us want to live in the house of the Lord forever.
Prayer Shepherd of My Soul, I stand amazed at your goodness and mercy that shines so clearly in the cross. I want my greatest desire to be to always dwell in your house. Amen You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Most of the time picnic tables sit empty, waiting to be used by anyone who comes along. Sometimes that is just a simple meal of sandwiches, but other times picnic tables are places for wonderful celebrations. A lot of work goes into one of those outdoor celebrations that are overflowing with joy and love. God has prepared a celebration for us. He has done the work, he has prepared the table. Don’t let the picnic table sit empty. Come to the table and sit down unafraid in front of whatever enemy you face - loneliness, betrayal, physical illness. Feast on the table God has prepared in his Word. Trust him to meet your needs for only God can fill your cup to overflowing.
Prayer Lord, Preparer of Banquets, Thank you for the table that you have prepared for us - that allow us to look straight into the difficult times we face without fear. Fill us with your joy and may our overflow bless all those around us. Amen Even though I walk through the darkest valley, Our last stop that day at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park was the pinnacle overlook. From this easily accessible lookout you can see for many miles and on this day we could see the storm clouds rolling into the mountains and valleys.
Just as we did that day, sometimes we can see the dark valleys ahead. Other times we arrive at them unexpectedly. Whichever way we enter dark valleys, we know that we don’t walk alone. It is true that people may not be there to walk with us, but the great Shepherd will always be there to guide us. He will use his rod and staff to protect and guide us and we can walk without fear. While we may not be able to avoid the storm, I know that it is in the darkest valleys of my life where I have walked closest to my Lord. He gave me the courage to walk on. Prayer Great Shepherd, When we walk into and through the darkest valleys lead us with your rod and staff. Give us courage and strength and comfort us until we walk through the dark valley and into the light of your love. Amen He restores my soul. In the Appalachian mountains where I live, there are mountain tops that have mostly grasses and a few trees called balds. On the mountain top the wind can be strong so the trees tend to be shorter than usual, many times these are rhododendrons or other evergreens. You have to climb to get to the top of a bald but once you are there you can rest from the uphill climb and look out over the mountains and valleys. The balds are places of great beauty, especially in the early summer when the rhododendrons are in bloom.
Living a full life means there will be times when we will have to walk uphill. If we are following the Good Shepherd we can be assured that the uphill path we are walking will lead us to a clear and level place. The path will not be easy, but we will be able to truly rest because we know we have taken the right path. We will know that the work we have done will be used to help others and glorify God. We will be able to look out over the mountains and valleys and see the path God has for us to follow. Prayer Great Shepherd, Open our eyes to the path you have for us to follow. Give us the strength to climb uphill and restore our soul as we look out over your beauty. Amen The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. This is the image that comes to mind when I hear this familiar psalm - a beautiful green pasture with shade trees surrounded by a fence. What we can sometimes overlook in the familiarity of this psalm is how it starts - the Lord is my shepherd. To say we have a shepherd means that we are following someone. We are not going our own way, we are going the way the shepherd wants us to go. We are trusting that the shepherd is taking us to the best place even when it doesn’t seem like the way we are going will ever get to green pastures and still waters. We are trusting the shepherd to provide what we need to survive instead of going off and looking for it on our own. We must learn that the assurances of this psalm only come when we are willing to be led.
Prayer Good Shepherd, I forget sometimes that the only way to green pastures and still waters is to follow your lead. Teach me to trust that you will give me everything I need to walk with you. Amen Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. Although not an active church now, many generations worshiped in this church in the park. Fathers and mothers teaching their children the greatness of God, praising God for his goodness. Even though my family live in different places now, we all worship and teach God’s greatness to our children through the churches of which we are a part. This morning I watched my son and daughter in law hold my granddaughter while she was baptized. I am so grateful for my parents who taught me the greatness of God. And now to see my children commend the works of the Lord to the next generation brings me joy beyond words.
Prayer Great and Loving Father, Thank you for the promises of your word that I have seen fulfilled in the life of my family. Amen On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. I had stopped at this spot many times and had never noticed these trees before. Maybe it was because the golden leaves stood out so strongly against the clear blue sky or that they seem so large against split rail fence that day, but it was like I saw them for the first time. These strong, straight trees with their golden leaves remind me of the majesty of God that I almost missed seeing that day. Sometimes we can get so busy that we can miss the splendor and majesty of God. We will see God’s majesty and beauty mo re clearly and more often when we take time to meditate on God’s awesome deeds.
Prayer O Great King, Slow us down and show us your majesty today. Open our eyes to your majesty that we so often overlook. Remind us to bow in humble praise at your greatness. Amen But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” One of the things that a photographer must do is to see the way the camera sees. No camera can capture exactly what the human eye sees. Sometimes the camera is limited. For example, cameras can’t capture the range of light that the human can see. Sometimes the camera can see things in ways a human can’t, like waterfalls that look smooth and silky. Pictures like these were achieved by slowing down the amount of time the shutter stays open.
Like the difference between how the camera sees and the way a human sees, God sees differently than humans. And like the photographer who must learn to see what the camera will see in order to make beautiful images, we need to learn to see ourselves and others more like God sees. As the photographer must study the capabilities of the camera, we need to study the word of God. Only then will we see ourselves they way God sees us. Prayer Loving Father, Teach us your ways. Open our eyes so that we can see the way we look in your eyes. Help us to see others the way you see them. Amen You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. There is something about seeing a beautiful sunset that just makes it easier to rest. We have seen the beauty of God’s world and sleep just seems to come much easier. Not every day has just the right amount of clouds in just the right places for that beautiful sunset. Even on days when the clouds cover the sun, if we put or trust in God we find a security that gives us peace and rest in even the most difficult circumstances.
Prayer Lord, Teach us to trust in you even when our circumstances seem to be filled with darkness. Show us your beauty and give our weary souls the rest that only your peace can give. Amen For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. The Blue Ridge Parkway is an amazing road that will take you high up into the mountains. There are look-offs and trails that give you the feeling of being on top of the world. Along the Parkway, there are mile maker posts each mile of the way and with a guide book you can know when you get to a place where there is a trail that will give you a special view.
Sometimes our journey in life is like traveling on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We know where to stop and which trails to take to get the best mountain top views. Sometimes in our lives we can’t seem to find a mile marker and we have no idea where we are going. At those times we can look to our God who made the mountains and trust him to guide us to the mountain top where we can see his beauty. Prayer God My Guide, When I seem to not know which way to go, show me your way. Guide my feet to where I can see your beauty and show me how to follow you. Amen |
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Soli Deo Gloria,
1 Corinthians 10:31
© 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Karen Milligan
1 Corinthians 10:31
© 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Karen Milligan