For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies. They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. ~ Romans 1:20-25
It has been an exceptionally wet spring, raining quite often here in Michigan. So with the advent of summer, we sure do welcome a change. And if the last two days are any indication, HELLO Summer!! We are ever so thankful for the dew from heaven, but farmers are struggling to plant their crops. May this season bring a more balanced measure of wet and dry, storm and sun.
I am no green thumb, so a few years back when I learned the vital importance of lightning to the growth of living organisms, I was amazed. Electricity from the sky helps our plants and food grow! It’s no coincidence that the morning after a thunderstorm, the tomatoes look bigger. This video gives a brief, cool explanation.
This may not seem mysterious if you are a botanist or meteorologist, but novice gardener that I am, the science of it is well beyond my pay grade. Similarly, the fact that trees and phytoplankton are responsible for recycling air, is nothing short of astounding.
It was only about 300 years ago that the process of photosynthesis was discovered. How much more don’t we know about creation that we have yet to discover?! This link describes relatively recent biological evidence with ample support for a young vs. old earth. Similarly, Dr. Stephen Meyer has upended the conventional arguments for origins in his book Darwin’s Doubt.
Last fall, I read this wonderfully thought-provoking article about trees. I really hope you’ll take the time to ingest. It’s so beautiful. Settle into your favorite cozy chair and enjoy. Since the publication of the article, the author has published a book on the same subject that is on my summer reading list.
As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper,
and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
This will be for the Lord’s renown,
for an everlasting sign,
that will endure forever.
To close, I have compiled a rather lengthy collection of springtime 2019 photos from Michigan. Just as I am no gardener, I am no photographer. My fancy iPhone XR gets the credit. Giving credit where it is due, our awesome CREATOR gets ALL the credit--from cushy moss to fanciful fungi, brilliant trillium, tulip and apple blossom to deciduous and coniferous bark alike, I am in awe of His wonderful creation.
So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise!
