The Great Artist

One of my favorite NC spots is the Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Even though I missed the prime Springtime show, my most recent trip was hardly a disappointment (aside from the parking ticket, haha!). My husband graciously walked alongside me down various paths as my tunnel vision kicked in and beads of sweat began to form. My love for nature and photography is amateur, but very real! I enjoy taking pictures that remind me of other things in life; see the captions below.

However, my love for the Creator of these critters and plants is much greater (although yes, in many ways just as amateur...). Photography may be considered an art, but it only captures a glimpse of the beauty. The veins in a leaf, the vibrant hues, the fuzzy bees, transparent wings - they are all designed by God! The textures and patterns, sounds and smells, all are a masterpiece. This trip and these pictures remind me how creative and detailed is my God. If his work is this complex and lovely in simply the picturesque backdrop of our lives, how much more involved is he in my own body and soul. As humans, we are special and unique creations - valuable because we are given life by a loving and intelligent Heavenly Father who does not work haphazardly (Psalm 139).

Just as the short lives of insects and plants are ordered to promote thriving, we too are made for specific roles and under certain structures so that flourishing might occur. God has supreme understanding and authority in regards to all of life, so may we cling to his word (the Bible) and follow Christ in faith - faith that reaches into every nook and cranny of our lives.

And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so.

Genesis 1:11

 

But now, O Lord, you are our Father;
    we are the clay, and you are our potter;
    we are all the work of your hand.

Isaiah 64:8

That bee was digging away, like a woman scavenging through her purse!

Nature collage comes to mind...

Like a girl with a little flower tucked behind her ear.

Beauty is in the eye of the "beeholder" ;)

I imagine a little girl full of freckles.

Melting away...like an orange creamsicle!

A shy child in a busy crowd.

 

Conquering Everest!

Reminds me of an older lady who still maintains that hint of glamour.

Like a homeless person, with so many passing them by.

Beauty of youth and beauty with age.

I just want to jump in and take a nap!

Tea party, gather 'round!

 

Like a sunny girl who has seen better days...chin up, radiance is around the corner!

 I sought the Lord, and he answered me
    and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant,
    and their faces shall never be ashamed...

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
    Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

Psalm 34:4-5, 8

 

For further exploration:

Romans 6:9-14, Acts 10:34-43, 1 Peter 1:3-9

Song - "Thrive"

Matt Chandler sermon series (HIGHLY recommend) - A Beautiful Design