DARK, BUT LOVELY

I stood there for what seemed like forever, looking up at the glowing wonder in the evening sky... silvery blue, with a aura of mystery that surrounded its clean-cut edges. The words came off my tongue instantly as if I had no control of them...

"God, how is it that you can take something with such an ugly, desolate surface and use it to reflect pure light and beauty?"

I have gazed upon this lunar body a thousand times, but never in this frame of mind; His majesty and glory had overtaken me and I was stunned by it. Who in heaven can hang a lantern like that, allowing a soft glow to cover a sometimes brutal existence, but God. Who else can light our darkened paths with His still, small whisper of illumination?

I stand in awe of Him and the magnificence He gave us in the heavens, a reminder to a weary people that we too, are dark, yet lovely.

"I am dark, but lovely, like the daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon. "

Song of Solomon 1:5

For your listening pleasure, please go this link and let the words of this song sink deep.

http://www.myspace.com/sarahedwardsihop

CyberPsalmist

THERE IS A RIVER

The wooden bench which sat next to the edge of the mighty St. Johns River, was the perfect place to stop and rest along the Southbank. Hypnotized by the sound of the wake as it knocked against the bulkhead, I gazed out at the glistening waters before me. I am so blessed to be living near this beautifully wound waterway, spiraling through my coastal city.

There are nine major bridges that cross the river, all of them busily serving every extension of Jacksonville, moving people from one place to another. Under those bridges are houses, businesses, shipyards and restaurants; from fishing holes to athletic fields, the banks of the river welcome all to her shores. Traditions such as the 4th of July fireworks, annual lighting of the Christmas tree, as well as various boat parades and exhibits keep residents coming back year after year.

Like the divine grace of God, the river is smoothly flowing, bring all who rest beside her, sweet refreshing. Faithfully flowing, it neither overtakes us by monstrous waves nor meanders in a direction of its own choosing, but stays on course.

I sat and pondered the itinerary of the river. Uniquely flowing north instead of south ( just like that of the Nile,) its 310 miles of lazy liquid aquifer make it the longest river in Florida with a three mile expanse at the widest part. These brackish, cypress stained waters have been flowing long past the currents of time.

David speaks of yet a greater river . . . one whose waters bring pure delight to the body of Christ. Her tributaries are a life source to all who prefer the canals and creeks over the main stream and her main purpose is to refresh and renew. The Lord God inhabits the praises of His people, dwelling in the midst of those who worship His name.

If you have not paid a visit to the river recently, come and delight yourself at the waters edge. Allow the gleaming reflection of the Son to warm your soul and lift your spirit. Dip your feet and allow yourself to laugh with God again. He longs to enjoy you!

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy dwelling places of the Lord. God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved: God will help her when morning dawns. Psalm 46: 4&5

Cyberpsalmist

HIS TIMING IS PEFECT

The morning air briskly hit me in the face as I rounded the corner leaving the cul-de-sac. A sudden rush of wind nearly blew me off my 2-3 mile walking course. Tightening the drawstring of my hoodie to cover my exposed ears, I was reminded that spring had not yet sprung and we Floridians still have a few cold days left to deal with.

That's OK, because I know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that I will soon have my fair share of hot days, wishing I could recall what a cool morning felt like. It won't be long until this transplanted Southerner is begging the weatherman to give her some kind of a contrast between one day and the next.

The heat index confronts me with the truth that the temperature is not what it seems, especially when the relative humidity gets factored in, a meteorological in-law I could easily do without. Fans move soggy air from one place to the next and the air-conditioners are set to positions such as "no mercy. Then once again, I will long for the days when I can sit next to my toasty buck stove, stoked full and blazing, complaining about the cold.

I've always loved the fact that seasons change and temperatures vary. Growing up in the North provided me with numerous ways to adapt to my ever-changing surroundings. From ice-skating to swimming, I managed to enjoy every quarterly equinox, grabbing the most from each. But I think the best part was knowing a new season was almost on it's way.

Life's seasons are similar. Just when I think I can't take any more, God has a wonderful way of modifying my environment. Sure, it's good to be content in whatever season we find ourselves in, but God is also preparing us for a change in scenery just the same.

He is never early and certainly never too late when it comes to making these necessary adjustments. In fact, I am always stunned by His impeccable timing. The funny thing is,

contrary to the seasons of the earth, I always forget this fact and begin to lose heart on the back side of the season I'm in.

Jeremiah 5:24 says, "Let us now fear the Lord our God, who gives rain in it's season, both the autumn rain and the spring rain, who keeps for us the appointed weeks of the harvest."

God Himself, has a grip on the seasons of my life. According to this truth, He brings me refreshing rains when I need them the most. He is not only in charge of my harvest, but keeps watch over it until it's mine to reap. His timing is perfect!