God's Splendid Creation

This summer has just been splendid. Others say it's been too hot. It has been hot...and dry but I'm okay with that. I might not be if I were a farmer, or working in a hot factory but I'm not either so I've enjoyed the sunny, hot days. And there have been few clouds, at least few rain clouds. We've been able to enjoy the bright, clear sunshine and sky during the day.

And we've been able to witness the many iterations of the moon this year. The sky has been very very clear and just beautiful. We've seen the moon slivers slice through the night sky. (Similar to this photo)

And we've seen spectacular full moons. (Similar to this photo)

This morning I was blessed to see the full moon hiding behind the clouds against the horizon just before the sun came up behind me. I was walking my dog heading west. The sky was filled with puffy gray clouds, patches of deep blue sky and the full moon tucked just behind the clouds. It was wonderful to see the dark sky being illuminated by the huge white ball. On the return leg of our walk, heading east, I saw the sun peak through the clouds, creating a wonderful pink, purple, red cotton candy scene hiding the bright sky blue behind and hinting at sunshine.

When I got home I read my devotionals and my Bible. I opened my prayer journal and added a page just for praises. I praise God for His creativity. Who could have thought of two different scenes using the same sky at the same time? It made me think of a passage I read yesterday where the Israelites were stuck between the Red Sea and the Egyptian troops. Exodus 14:20 ... Throughout the night the cloud brought darkness to the one side and light to the other side..... This morning, I could almost picture the scene. Darkness on one side and light on the other.
I praise God for illustrating Bible passages for me.
I praise God that I could take that walk today, that I am able and have a reason (my dog).
I praise God that I have sight, can hear and smell.
I praise God for creating, and recreating. What a wonderful sky, ever-changing but always the same. God's creation is so full of wonderful things, images, odors, colors, all pointing to how great God is. It is a real shame when we take it for granted and don't thank him for allowing us to be part of it.
Forgive me, Creator, when I don't notice and give you thanks and praise. Amen.

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