When morning gilds the skies… you are greeted with an amazingly stunning uniquely crafted invitation direct from God that was created just for this day.
This time of year, it’s as dark as night at seven in the morning.
I peered through the sliding glass door into the darkness to check on the weather. As I turned my head to the right I saw the most stunning colors etched across the sky. It took my breath away.
As I walked into the kitchen and turned the faucet on over a pan of eggs before putting them on the stove, I began singing in my heart the words of an old hymn I remember singing in church as a child.
Old German hymn by Joseph Barnby (translated by Edward Caswall)
When morning gilds the skies,
My heart awaking cries:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Alike at work and prayer,
To Jesus I repair;
May Jesus Christ be praised!
After placing the pan on a burner and turning the knob on the stove to high, I grabbed my camera and went out onto my balcony into the chill of the crisp morning air. Setting my camera down on the railing to steady it, I pressed the shutter a few times and returned to resume my tasks in the kitchen.
A few minutes later, Tim came to the window to see this glorious sight and share in my joy.
The sun had crept a wee bit higher and my camera and I were beckoned out another time.
With tall oaks all around me, there is just a narrow opening from my balcony perch, through which I can see the early sunrise, but it is all I need to enjoy the beauties my Heavenly Father has created for me.
The world around me was quiet and sleepy as if that glorious moment were created just for me.
Tim is busy getting ready for work, and I stand outside taking in the spectacle.
And in those few moments, I snap a few more photos and sing praise to God in my heart.
How could I not praise him?
The sunrise is my call to praise.
When morning gilds the skies, does your heart awaken to God’s beauty and respond with praise?
In the beauty of those fleeting moments, it occurred to me that each morning’s uniquely created sunrise and sunset are visual reminders of God and his presence… his grandeur and beauty… at the beginning and end of each day.
Quietly, spectacularly, God makes himself known to us and invites us to respond.
Whether you are flying down the freeway or opening your blinds to the morning… take in this magnificent moment that was created for your visual enjoyment… and give God the response he desires… worship and praise.
The Westminster Catechism poses this question…
What is the chief end of man?
And gives this answer…
Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever.
God in his infinite love, wisdom, and goodness desires for us to grasp this important concept… we are better off when we give him praise and glory from the start of the day and through every moment of the day… good and not-so-good.
When we give him honor and praise we enjoy him for who he is.
When we respond to his invitation to praise him as morning gilds the skies we set the tone for our day.
When we praise God and enjoy him and his creation, we experience life on a much higher plain.
So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. —1 Corinthians 10:31
For all things were created by him, and all things exist through him and for him. To God be the glory forever! Amen. —Romans 11:36
What else do I have in heaven but you? Since I have you, what else could I want on earth? My mind and my body may grow weak, but God is my strength; he is all I ever need. Those who abandon you will certainly perish; you will destroy those who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, how wonderful to be near God, to find protection with the Sovereign Lord and to proclaim all that he has done! —Psalm 73:25-28
Tomorrow… look early for morning to gild the sky and respond to God’s invitation to start your day Praising HIM.
It’s JoyDay!
One way we can praise and worship our God is through thanksgiving.
Please join me in looking back over the past week and counting all the wonderful and amazing things God has done. And with hearts of praise list just seven here. It will cause your joy meter to soar. Guaranteed.
I’ll start…
Thank you, God for…
- unexpected work… it may have been hard and tiring… but it was a generous provision by your loving hand.
- a couple of hours spent at the workshop with my wonderful friend.
- protecting Tim at work and travel.
- this unseasonably warm weather… just glorious.
- glorious sunrises and sunsets that proclaim your majesty.
- being able to pour truth into my young neighbor and treat her to dinner out.
- YOUR amazing love, goodness, and grace. Thank you!!
Now…it’s YOUR turn!
List your ‘seven’ in the ‘share your extraordinary thoughts’ section below. You’ll be glad you did.
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ONE MORE THING…
Do wish you could take better pictures… for your family or sharing on Instagram or maybe for your blog?
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I’m thrilled to announce that Jennifer has indeed created such a course!
I have had the privilege to preview the course and have already put to work several of her many tips. You may have noticed an improvement in the photos here on the blog. I’m totally amazed by my new found confidence and skill.
If you would love to create magazine-worthy photographs for Instagram, Facebook, family, or your blog… then you absolutely MUST sign up TODAY for a FREE video training of her new course.
In the previews, Jennifer is generously sharing some incredible tools you can immediately use, at no cost to you.
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Thanks so much for popping by today!
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Joy Day to you my friend!
The pics you take are lovely. Thank you for sharing.
I always notice the beauty in the sky absolutely calls us,(at least me) to give praise. It’s sad to think some people never even notice it.
This week has been a week of “one of those days”, so my 7 will be strange to some folks but The Lord and I understand.
Lord I thank you for,
1. All the dirty dog foot prints from one end of the house to the other. I would rather have my fur babies then a clean house.
2. The absolute mess made in living room after I cleaned out the fireplace. That fireplace gives us great joy and comfort on the cold winter days and nights.
3. Washer up and died. “Bleed” water all over the laundry room. Every inch. But it is MY mess in MY house.
4. The mess left in the yard after the wind storm. Freebies for fall and winter decorating.
5. Non stop kitchen clean up. It means there is food to eat.
6. Clothesline dried clothes. As I do this chore I hear my dogs playing and the birds singing and the trees whispering. I’m reminded of doing this little job with Grandma. I feel the sun on my face, and the laundry smells wonderful.
7. My husband…mess making, sports watching, junk food eating, home full time and under foot, constantly confused by most of my ideas husband. Thank you Lord.
Have a beautiful week Diane.
Blessings to you!
Minnie
Awww… Minnie, you do have a rich full life and a full-time job cleaning up. 😉 I love your heart and how you choose joy in the midst of some unpleasant circumstances.
May you sense God’s presence throughout your days and may your JOY cup overflow. {{hugs}}
Yes. Joy day. I will focus on this moment
1. Sunshine so pretty
2 birds are singing
3. I can still hear
4. My vision changes but I can see
5. I figured out something and that is a miracle
6. Time to rest my brain
7. Smell of herbs and spices I heated on the stove
My dear sweet friend, my heart was pierced when I read your prayer request. Oh, Gwen… I just want to give you a big hug, I’m so sorry. You know I will be praying… Please don’t hesitate to email with specifics or updates.
And yet… you choose to focus in the moment and count. Praying peace, provision, healing, mercy, and God’s loving embrace in the days ahead. {hugs}
This is beautiful. I’ve missed coming here for my daily dose of joy!
Barbie, it is such a treat to have you visit!! {hugs} I’ve been amiss on visiting around lately too. So much on my plate these days. Thank you for letting me know you stopped. Be blessed!!
It truly is a gorgeous Fall “Joy Day”!!!
Thank You God…..
1. for the wonderful report from my angiogram! Everything is completely healed …
2. for feeling your presence walking with and guiding me all throughout my day….
3. for the opportunity to minister to one of my neighbors….
4. for a beautiful,relaxing and productive day on Friday…
5. for the glorious sunsets I see on my drive home each evening…
6. for your grace and blessings on my family…
7. for the unexpected and generous gift of an iphone 6 from my brother to replace my little slider….
Thank you Diane for sharing the beautiful photos of God’s awesome glory… I pray that you have a wonderful Blessed week!!!
Debbi, that report is the most wonderful news and answer to prayer you could receive! My heart rejoices with yours… praising God! Praying peace and provision over you this week and may your heart overflow with JOY!! xo