Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Creative blessings from my Father's World. . . . . . . . .


"O Lord, how many are Your works!
In wisdom You have made them all;
The earth is full of Your possessions."
Psalm 104:24


After days of cold temps and falling snow, today the sun warmed the earth and I rejoiced! This morning the uniquely shaped icicles hanging from the roof of our farm cottage caught my eye. I said to myself, "I must get out there and capture them on film before they melt!"

As it turned out, my timing was almost perfect. The sun was shining on the icy waterfalls frozen in time, reflecting God's handiwork. One particular ice sculpture had formed as a tornado from the drain gutter near the roof line. It nearly touched the ground and was awesome!

Others were smaller but were formed as if by the wind itself - like a flag waving in the breeze, their long sharp fingers were actually all curved in one direction.

Although I tired to capture these spectacular works of art on film - the camera just could not begin to adequately display God's handiwork. And as I reflected, I was reminded of just how great our God is and what a wonderful world He has created for us to enjoy.

By the time I returned from taking the dogs for a short walk, the sun was growing brighter and warmer. As I filled the bird feeder in our backyard, I turned just in time to see the windy icicles fall - it was a good thing I had photographed them when I did. The large one near our picture window was gone by noon - I actually missed it! The large pencil-shaped piece of ice had become a part of our surroundings for days.

As I reflect, I wonder, how many times do I miss special creative blessings from God? Do I take time to leave my daily chores and work to catch glimpses of God - geese flying across a baby blue sky, squirrels scampering about in our black walnut trees or a glorious sunset or sunrise? May God forgive me when I am just too busy to notice.

An amazing world created by our Heavenly Father greets us each day. As spring approaches, glimpses of the first spring flowers poking their colorful heads through the rich earth will soon appear. Will I be too busy to notice? I am going to try to watch for their delightful entries into our world once more! They will change and grow quickly. Will I miss the moment God has planned for me to see one of His wonders? And to perhaps try to catch the blessing on film or just in my heart?

Which of God's creative blessings have you tried to capture on film lately? And are you anxious for what He has in store for us for the next season? More importantly, are you too busy or are you ready to see what He has in store?

Friday, February 12, 2010

Glimpes of my heritage. . . . . . . .

"The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
You support my lot.
The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me."
Psalms 16: 5-6


Who would think a coffee cup would have so much significance? But, today as I sip flavored coffee from a Polish Stoneware cup, I realize it is important to me. Because. . . . . it links me to my Polish heritage. I feel closer to the Woznick family just from holding this warm, colorful cup in my hands. It was hand painted by a Pole - maybe even a relative of mine! Bright shades of blue, orange, green, yellow, and red are included in its design. And it is the only such cup ever made - there are no duplicates!

I reflect upon the distinctive personalities I remember when we Woznicks used to gather together when I was a child. My Uncle Friday's unique laugh, his robust voice filling the room as he visited with relatives. And still, he managed to smoke his pipe all the while - I loved that smell:-) My Grandma Nellie's white as snow hair curled upon her head, she almost always wore a colorful apron and had a sweet little giggle - it just always seemed to echo from wherever she was. A cheerful soul; I can still hear her bubbly responses in the corners of my mind.

She and Grandpa Tony's yard was unlike any in town and reflected the old country. A quaint, simple home, filled with this and thats. . . unique and vibrant and carefully arranged. No dust about either! Outside, I skipped along wooden sidewalks while chickens clucked from the tiny chicken coop. Blooming flowers and green plants in unique pots were both inside and out. As were several wooden bench swings my Grandpa made - one was smaller for us young ones! My cousins and I had so much fun swinging and playing in those!

This is just a small glimpse of my much loved Polish family who are mostly gone from this earth now. But the cup I sip from eases not seeing them anymore. Somehow, I feel closer to them just looking at it. And the hope Christ gives also gives me hope I will see them again some day!

As I reflect, I think about how God has given a heritage to anyone who believes in His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, as their personal Savior. Each of us Christians is a child of God and a part of God's greater family. We share a heritage with the God who made this earth - that is pretty awesome when you think about it. And it is quite beautiful as the Scripture says. Vibrant in His glory. Secure in His unconditional love.

I think, what if I could paint a cup to reflect my Christian heritage. What would it look like? What colors would I use and what objects would I include to tell the world who I am in Christ. I have some visions, some ideas.

What would your cup look like?

p.s. visit www.polishstoneware.com if you'd like!

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Isn't it refreshing to know. . . . our times are in His hands?

"But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord,
I say, You are my God.
My times are in Your hands." - Psalms 31

Much time has passed since I last posted any thoughts on my blog - I don't know where the time went but I do know that all those times were in the hands of my loving Heavenly Father. That is so reassuring to me.

I guess it just has not been the time to write at this point in my life. Perhaps it is time to start again - maybe just short entries though. Have had some health challenges which of course are no surprise to my Lord. They are not such that I cannot function or write:-) Thankfully!

But, the last few months have flown by it seems - with the holidays and all. I turned another year older too without much celebration but I am finding that is the case more often than not as we grow older.

I have returned to a former hobby - sewing - since my hubby got me a new sewing machine for Christmas. It has really been fun because the machines have been updated so wonderfully and they are so much easier to use. My first project was a set of aprons for my husband's daughter and granddaughter since they like to cook together. The gifts seemed to be a hit!

I also received a digital camera - finally! So, perhaps now I can do more posts on this blog of my work and also share photographic presentations set to my music with various groups. Speaking of - lately, my time has been spent organizing music compositions I have written through the years, organizing a Sunday School at church and teaching there, playing the piano for the children's choir and the prelude before worship. Seems music has taken the forefront these last few months. God knew this was the plan for my life.

When I first started my blog, I recall writing about how I needed to get settled. And during this settling process, I have finally returned to one of my passions - music. There's nothing quite like playing a melody from the heart on the piano - my deepest feelings just seem to flow over the keys and into the air. Hopefully, what I play touches hearts and helps others feel closer to the God who loves us all.

Music is one of the gifts God has given me. What gifts have He given you and how do you share yours with others?