God’s Creation

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April 8

Monday, April 8th, 2024

Today is a significant day in history. It is Eclipse Day. It is the day I have dubbed “the day Spencer stood still.” Spencer, the town I live in in Central Indiana, is supposed to be right in the path of the Eclipse. Businesses have closed for the day. Schools have gone to e-learning because the Total Eclipse is about the time school would be dismissed. Hotels are full. Some places are renting out “places to view” for (x amount of dollars). Some churches have even brought it port-a-pots and allowed camping…all for a price of course.

Me? I am, admittedly, indifferent. I told my wife I planned to ride my bike and she said, “You can’t. You’ll go blind.” No, no I won’t. I can’t watch the road and the sky at the same time. Then she realized I was joking. One, it is supposed to be pitch black and I don’t ride at night. Two, I don’t want to be out on the road right now with a bunch of crazies more intent on seeing the eclipse than watching for a cyclist. That is not a good combination in my book. In fact, for me I would call that a lose-lose situation. But I also wasn’t lying to her. I do plan on riding by bike…inside. She asked me to be home before the phenomena starts so I told her I would and that I planned to ride. 🙂

It’s not that I am not aware of the impressive display of God’s design. Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God and the skies show His craftsmanship.”  Psalm 90:1-2 says, “Lord, through all the generations you have been our home! Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God.”  Take a moment and read Psalm 104. I read it this morning for my morning Encounter Time. I marvel at God’s creative genius and His imagination. For a renewed perspective read Genesis 1 slowly.

I am aware of the significance of today’s event.  Tami read a meme to me last night that said something along the line of: “NASA has reportedly said that a rain date has been set for 2099 just in case the Eclipse is hard to see today.” I laughed. Actually, I prefer instead to worship the Creator of it all, and while I ride I will be listening to some music that draws my attention to Him.

{Note: All Scripture is from the New Living Translation}

February 28

Wednesday, February 28th, 2024

We are back! After a 7-day excursion to Gilbert, Phoenix, Sedona, Scottsdale, and the Grand Canyon, we arrived safely home last night…a 1/2 hour early and ahead of the storm (that didn’t come until around 2:00 a.m.). I suspect you may  be expecting a “book” from me about all the stops and shopping and sights…but words fail me. Surprise! Surprise!

Thanks to the graciousness of a friend and his very longsuffering wife, 🙂  Jo and I had the vacation many people dream of. Having the freedom of a car at our disposal allowed us the ability to just come and go. I had a chance on Thursday to meet a long time blogging friend, Floyd, in Scottsdale where Jo and I were treated to lunch (against my protests). We had some of the best pulled pork I have ever tasted, as well as some of the best BBQ sauce, along with the added enjoyment of meeting Dave and Susan’s family and extended family. We spent two nights in Sedona where the stories of the vortex and the center of the hippie/New Age Movement was/is focused. I stayed away from the psychics, etc. 🙂 We took a 5 hour round trip to the Grand Canyon where I felt like I was going to be blown away by a very chilly 20 mph wind and with the grandeur of God’s creation on display. The only words I could think of were “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display His craftsmanship.” (Ps.19:1)  “When I look at the night and see the work of Your fingers-the moon and stars you set in place-what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?” (Ps. 8:3-4)  But it wasn’t just the Grand Canyon! Camelback Mountain. “Snoopy Rock.” Tea Pot Rock. Red Rock City. So much more.

You know what I’m praying? That the wonder doesn’t go away. May I be ever mindful of the wonder of God’s creation, the joy of new things, and the value of friendships that will last well into eternity, even when separated by thousands of miles in distance. 

Thank you Dave and Susan for the gift of your friendship and the once in a lifetime trip. And “Thank You, Father, for the incredible display of your creative genius.”

{Note: All Scripture from the New Living Translation}