Scribbles, Scriptures, and the Spirit: March 2019

AWAKENING to GOD'S BEAUTY

Lenten Devotions 2019

Source: PCUSA

This year's Lenten devotional, published in Presbyterian Today and written and photographed by Pastor Krin Van Tatenhove, provided the perfect transition as I completed John Philip Newell's book on Celtic Spirituality, Listening to the Heartbeat of God, and its theme of God's presence in ALL of creation. I shall continue to seek photographs from my hikes and travels to illustrate the scripture passages, with added prayers and closeup digital drawings. A haiku poem will summarize the scripture OR the essence of the day's devotions and prayers. Poem and scripture will either be included in the prayer illustration or separately when necessary.

Each day's post will be placed near the TOP of the blog.

4.21.19 Everything That Has Breath -

EASTER SUNDAY!

Trillium - A floral symbol of the Trinity, Father-Son-HolySpirit. Photograph taken in April 2017 outside of the rehab center Mom was in following her hip surgery. A month later Mom experienced her own death and resurrection in Christ. All creation sings this day!

PSALM 150 MSG

Hallelujah!

Praise God in his holy house of worship,

  praise him under the open skies;

Praise him for his acts of power,

  praise him for his magnificent greatness;

Praise with a blast on the trumpet,

  praise by strumming soft strings;

Praise him with castanets and dance,

  praise him with banjo and flute;

Praise him with cymbals and a big bass drum,

  praise him with fiddles and mandolin.

Let every living, breathing creature praise God!

  Hallelujah!

4.20.19 Into Your Hands
---I’ve put my life in your hands. You won’t drop me, you’ll never let me down. -Psalm 31:5 MSG
---Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father! In your hands I place my spirit!” He said this and died. Luke 23:46 GNT

Internet Photo

4.19.19 The Darkest Hour
---My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? I have cried desperately for help, but still it does not come. Psalm 22:1 GNT
---At three o'clock Jesus cried out with a loud shout,“Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why did you abandon me?” - Mark 15:34 GNT

Bandon, OR sea skies

4.18.19 The Bread That Sustains Us - Maundy Thursday
---God rained down showers of manna to eat, he gave them the Bread of Heaven. Psalm 78:24 MSG
---“I am telling you the truth,” Jesus said. “What Moses gave you was not the bread from heaven; it is my Father who gives you the real bread from heaven. For the bread that God gives is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” John 6:32-33 GNT

Internet Photo

4.17.19 Children of God
---I say, “You are gods, children of the Most High, all of you...” Psalm 82:6
---Jesus answered, “It is written in your own Law that God said, ‘You are gods.’ John 10:34

Bitteroot

4.16.19 The Power of the Unexpected
--The stone which the builders rejected as worthless turned out to be the most important of all. This was done by the Lord; what a wonderful sight it is! Psalm 118:22-23 GNT

--Jesus said, “Right—and you can read it for yourselves in your Bibles:

The stone the masons threw out is now the cornerstone. This is God’s work; we rub our eyes, we can hardly believe it! “This is the way it is with you. God’s kingdom will be taken back from you and handed over to a people who will live out a kingdom life. Whoever stumbles on this Stone gets shattered; whoever the Stone falls on gets smashed.” Matthew 21:42-44

Side peak in the Mount Baker region of Washington state.

4.15.19 Out of the Mouths of Babes
Out of the mouths of babes and infants you have founded a bulwark because of your foes, to silence the enemy and avenger. Psalm 8:2
‘Out of the mouths of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise for yourself’ Matthew 21:16

Internet photo of Palestinian children

4.14.19

SIXTH WEEK OF LENT -

The Living Word of God

Palm tree reflection, Big Island of Hawaii, 2014

This week's scripture focus on not one of the psalms, but many in which Jesus quoted the 'Living Word of God' during the events of Holy Week.

4.13.19 A Daily Reprieve
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thought. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24

Photo by Luke Rembold, Mt.Rainer, Washington

4.12.19 Even at the End
If I come to the very end, I’ll still be with you. -Psalm 139:18b CEB

Fall aspen glory along a Utah backroads highway.

4.11.19 REVERENTLY CREATED
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made….Psalm 139:14a

(Velela jellyfish washed ashore on Bandon beaches, Oregon)

4.10.19 THE LIGHT SHINES in the DARKNESS
...Even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you. Psalm 139:12

(Bandon, OR sunset)

4.9.19 HERE, THERE, EVERYWHERE
Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? … If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me…Psalm 139:7, 9-10

(View south from beach just north of Mom's place, Bandon, Oregon)

4.8.19 THE DEEPEST KNOWING

O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away… Psalm 139:1-2

(Cascade Pass, North Cascades National Park, Washington)

4.7.19 FIFTH WEEK OF LENT -

Omnipresence

(October at Cedar Breaks National Monument)

PSALM 139

(vs.1-2, 7, 9-10, 12, 14a, 18b, 23-24)

Lord, you have examined me. You know me.

You know when I sit down and when I stand up.
Even from far away, you comprehend my plans.

Where could I go to get away from your spirit?

Where could I go to escape your presence?

If I could fly on the wings of dawn,

stopping to rest only on the far side of the ocean—

even there your hand would guide me;
even there your strong hand would hold me tight!

Even then the darkness isn’t too dark for you!

Nighttime would shine bright as day,

because darkness is the same as light to you!

I give thanks to you that I was marvelously set apart.

If I came to the very end—I’d still be with you.

Examine me, God! Look at my heart!
Put me to the test! Know my anxious thoughts!
Look to see if there is any idolatrous way in me,
then lead me on the eternal path!

4.6.19 Gone With the Wind
As for us, our life is like grass. We grow and flourish like a wildflower, then the wind blows on it, and it is gone... Psalm 103:15-16 GNT

(Glacier Lily photo taken in Glacier National Park)

4.5.19 Dust to Dust
God knows what we are made of, he remembers that we are dust. - Psalm 103:14 GNT

(Seed curl from grasses along an autumn hike.)

4.4.19 Abounding in Love
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8

(Bellagio, Italy flower blossoms)

4.3.19 Our Part in the Passion Play
God makes everything come out right; he puts victims back on their feet. - Psalm 103:6 MSG

(Mountain goat we encountered near summit of Mt. Aeneas, east of Kalispell, MT)

4.2.19 Never Forget
He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He keeps me from the grave and blesses me with love and mercy. Psalm 103:2-4 GNT

(Yellowstone National Park hot spring pool)

4.1.19 Every Fiber
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
- Psalm 103:1

(Two Medicine Lake, Glacier National Park)

3.31.19 FOURTH WEEK OF LENT

All That Is Within Me

(Bryce Canyon National Park)

Psalm 103

(Vs. 1-4, 6, 8, 14-16)

O my soul, bless God.

From head to toe, I’ll bless his holy name!

O my soul, bless God, don’t forget a single blessing!

He forgives your sins—every one.

He heals your diseases—every one.

He redeems you from hell—saves your life!

God makes everything come out right;

he puts victims back on their feet.

God is sheer mercy and grace;

not easily angered, he’s rich in love.

He knows us inside and out,

keeps in mind that we’re made of mud.

Men and women don’t live very long;

like wildflowers they spring up and blossom,

But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly,

leaving nothing to show they were here.

3.30.19 Harmony
….the trees shout and sing together for joy. Psalm 65:13b

(Ginger Photo: Grove of aspen trees in NW Montana)

3.29.19 Girded With Joy

The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves with joy. Psalm 65:12

(Internet Photo:Superbloom California 2019)

3.28.19 Staffs of Life
...you provide the people with grain, for so you have prepared it. Psalm 65:9b

(Internet Photo because Ginger couldn't find the one she took -
grain elevator in the Palouse of Southeast Washington.)

3.27.19 Singing in the Rain

You visit the earth and water it, you greatly enrich it. Psalm 65:9a

(Ginger Photo: Silver Staircase waterfall near Mahrias Pass, Montana)

3.26.19 From the Mountains to the Seas

You set the mountains in place by your strength...you calm the roar of the seas and the noise of the waves... Psalm 65:6-7

(Internet Photo)

3.25.19 In Words and Silence

You hear us pray in words and silence; all humanity comes into Your presence. Psalm 65:2 (V)

(Ginger Photo: Chirichauhua National Monument, Arizona)

3.24.19 THIRD WEEK OF LENT

Our Bounteous Provider

(Ginger Photo: Plumeria flowers taken during Hawaii trip)

Psalm 65 (The Message)

Silence is praise to you, Zion-dwelling God,
And also obedience. You hear the prayer in it all.

2-8 We all arrive at your doorstep sooner or later, loaded with guilt,
Our sins too much for us— but you get rid of them once and for all.
Blessed are the chosen! Blessed the guest at home in your place!
We expect our fill of good things in your house, your heavenly manse.
All your salvation wonders are on display in your trophy room.
Earth-Tamer, Ocean-Pourer, Mountain-Maker, Hill-Dresser,
Muzzler of sea storm and wave crash, of mobs in noisy riot—
Far and wide they’ll come to a stop, they’ll stare in awe, in wonder.
Dawn and dusk take turns calling, “Come and worship.”

9-13 Oh, visit the earth, ask her to join the dance!
Deck her out in spring showers, fill the God-River with living water.
Paint the wheat fields golden. Creation was made for this!
Drench the plowed fields, soak the dirt clods
With rainfall as harrow and rake bring her to blossom and fruit.
Snow-crown the peaks with splendor, scatter rose petals down your paths,
All through the wild meadows, rose petals. Set the hills to dancing,
Dress the canyon walls with live sheep, a drape of flax across the valleys.
Let them shout, and shout, and shout! Oh, oh, let them sing!

END OF WEEK 2
3.23.19 What Qualities Attend Us?

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long. Psalm 23:6

(Ginger Photo: Mountain peaks of Central Colorado)

3.22.19 Overflowing Abundance
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Psalm 23:5

(Ginger Photo: Rock Lake near Continental Divide Trail, Colorado)

3.21.19 Assurance in the Shadows
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff – they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

(Ginger Photo: North Rim of Grand Canyon, Sunset)

3.20.19 Back on the Path
He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:3

(Ginger Photo: Continental Divide trail near Wolf Creek Pass, Colorado)

3.19.19 Our Need for Wildness
He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. Psalm 23:2-3a

(Ginger Photo: Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park....this should have a buffalo in it rather than bighorn sheep!)

3.18.19 No More 'Thneeds'
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. Psalm 23:1

(Ginger Photo: Sunset from CHRPA Camp, Tucson, AZ. The palm tree reminded me of
Dr. Seuss's 'truffula trees' in The Lorax.)

3.17.19 Second Week of Lent

STILL WATERS

(Ginger Photo: Bowman Lake, Glacier National Park, MT)

PSALM 23 (The Message)

1-3 God, my shepherd!  I don’t need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
    you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
    you let me catch my breath  and send me in the right direction.

4 Even when the way goes through Death Valley,
I’m not afraid when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure.

5 You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.

6 Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life.
I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.

END OF WEEK 1
3.16.19 The X-Ray of Mindfulness
But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults. Psalm 19:12

(Ginger Photo: Sunset on the Bandon beach, Oregon)

3.15.19 Pure Reverence
...the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. Psalm 19:9a

(Ginger Photo: Sajuaro National Park, East Unit, Tucson, AZ)

3.14.19 The Warmth of God

...and nothing is hid from its heat. Psalm 19:6b

(Ginger Photo: Arizona sunset)

3.13.19 The Course of Joy
In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy. Psalm 19:4b-5

(Ginger Photo: Sunset from CHRPA 'Camp' in Tucson, Arizona)

3.12.19 Hearing the Hidden Language
Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. Psalm 19:2-4a

(Ginger Photo: Asters surround tree trunk near Glacier National Park, MT)

3.11.19 Handiwork
The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. - Psalm 19:1

(Ginger Photo, taken at Anthony Lakes, Oregon)

3.10.19 First Week of Lent

GLORY!

(Ginger Photo: Peaks near Matterhorn, Switzerland)

Psalm 19 (Message)

God's glory is on tour in the skies

God-craft on exhibit across the horizon

Madame Day holds classes every morning,

Professor Night lectures each evening.

Their voices aren't recorded, Their words aren't heard.

But their silence fills the earth: Unspoken truth is spoken everywhere.

God makes a huge dome for the sun - a superdome!

The morning sun's a new husband leaping from his honeymoon bed,

The daybreaking sun an athlete racing to the tape.

That's how God's Word vaults across the skies from sunrise to sunset,

Melting ice, scorching deserts, warming hearts to faith.

The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together

The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road.

The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy.

the directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes.

God's reputation is twenty-four-carat gold,

with a lifetime guarantee.

God's Word is better than a diamond,

better than a diamond set between emeralds.

You'll like it better than strawberries in spring,

Better than red, ripe strawberries.

There's more: God's Word warns us of danger and directs us to hidden treasure.

Otherwise how will we find our way? Or know when we play the fool?

Clean the slate, God, so we can start the day fresh!

Keep me from stupid sins, from thinking I can take over your work;

Then I can start this day sun-washed, scrubbed clean of the grime of sin.

3.9.19 Responsibility

You have given them dominion over the works of your hands, you have put all things under their feet…. - Psalm 8:6

(Ginger Photo: Reflection of Fanes Range on Lee Lake near Santa Croce Chapel, Dolomites, Italy)

3.8.19 Why Me?

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them? Psalm 8:3-4