Refuge

Simba, one of the barnyard cats, has found a place of refuge in the trough above the water wheel. There he is safe from coyotes, dogs, and other cats. He is shaded by a tree and has a beautiful view of the flower garden. He can sleep without worry or fear and is within earshot of the door so knows when I come out with some tasty morsel. It's a perfect spot of refuge.

The Bible says that "God is our refuge". Nothing touches us that He doesn't already know about. If trouble comes, He is our "very present help". Just like Simba retreats to the trough, we can retreat to the arms of our Savior. He doesn't promise that trouble will not come. He promises to be there and to help us through the trouble and He is faithful to His promises.

Psalm 46:1

God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.

The Earth Laughs

Genesis 1:11-13

"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. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the third day."

Cardinal Flower

I often think of how much fun God must have had when He was creating all the different varieties and colors of flowers. That thought plus showy flowers make me smile. Just the other day, while walking with my friend, we came across this red beauty on the edge of the woods.

Zinnias and butterflies

One of my Dad's favorites is Zinnia and he has lots of them which the butterflies really appreciate. Some of my favorites are Lantana, Cleome, and Verbena.

Sunflowers are
bright and cheerful.

It's very hard to keep a straight face when a bright, cheerful sunflower is spotted. Then there are the type of flowers that trail over the edge of the pot or planter like creeping Phlox and wave Petunias.

There are way too many varieties and favorites to name, but when you look around, you can see the earth laughing all around. I imagine the earth as God's canvas and picture Him smiling as he casts all these wonderful splashes of color on the surface for our enjoyment.

As much as I like flowers, Scripture tell us and we know from experience that flowers don't last forever. However, "the word of our God will stand forever". That is a promise from God that we can hold on to for all eternity. 

These petunias all reseeded from
last year and make a showy display.

Isaiah 40:8 (ESV) 

"The grass withers, the flower fades,

but the word of our God will stand forever."

God desires to speak to us every day through His creation and His Word. What flowers are your favorite? What is your favorite Bible verse or book of the Bible? I'd love to hear!