spring | From the Inside Out

Posts Tagged ‘spring’

Five for Five

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, Excellence, Faith, God, God's Goodness, God's Presence, God's Salvation, Intimacy with God, Jesus, Prayer, Seeking God, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Christianity, Corporate Worship, Creation, God, God's Glory, Jesus, Live out our faith, quiet time, serving others, spring, the five senses on April 18, 2024| 36 Comments »

After the cold starkness of winter, spring gleefully reawakens our senses with her:

Effusion of colorful flowers
Scents of hyacinth, lilacs, and freshly-mowed grass
Symphony of bird song
Flavors of tender asparagus, luscious strawberries, and tart rhubarb
Textures of furry pussy willows, fuzzy moss, and silken magnolia petals

Praise God for our abilities to see, smell, hear, taste, and touch, allowing us to enjoy Spring in so many ways!

Even better, those abilities allow us to meet God in at least five ways.

Our five senses help us understand God more clearly.

Consider how the far-flung stars and planets speak of his power; the clever camouflage of lizard, fawn, and frog display his wisdom; the endless variety of colors, shapes, and textures prove his creativity; the instinctive parenting skills of adult animals demonstrate his goodness.

The wonder of creation is

every encounter illuminates

something about God.

–Margaret Feinberg, Wonderstruck, 55

Our five senses help us experience God’s glory more profoundly.

We can see his power at work in the transformation of lives [1].
We can hear his wisdom in godly men and women, such as Thomas á Kempis or Corrie ten Boom (just two among millions!):

We can feel God’s loving touch through a hug that conveys compassion, a worship song that quickens the heart, or a landscape vista that gives us glory-goosebumps.

We can taste his goodness in all the variety of blessings we enjoy (Psalm 34:8).

We can smell the fragrance of his sweet presence (Psalm 45:6-8)—if we pay attention.

Our five senses help us connect with God more intimately in solitude.

Many people call it Quiet Time—moments they spend with God in scripture reading/study, prayer, perhaps journaling, and/or listening to peaceful worship music.

It’s in the quiet we begin to see important realities of the spiritual realm, hear God’s voice within our spirits providing wisdom and encouragement, feel his presence more palpably as we touch our knees to the floor in prayer, and again, smell the fragrance of his sweet presence as he meets us in our place of solitude.

Our five senses help us worship God more intently in community.

The whole person, with all his senses,

with both mind and body,

needs to be involved in genuine worship.

Jerry Kerns [2]

Kerns would have us fully engaged–first to bless God’s heart and then to elevate the experience for us also.

How?

See the majesty and splendor of God on his throne–in your imagination. This is who you are worshiping [3]!

Hear the music and join in with grateful, enthusiastic praise [4].

Feel the presence of God as you pray. Try placing your hands on your lap, palms up—open and empty, symbolic of humility and receptivity [5].

Taste the bread and wine/juice with prayerful gratitude. Jesus is our Bread of Life who satisfies our spiritual hunger, who shed his blood for us so we might one day enjoy heaven with him. May we never become desensitized to the magnitude of his sacrifice.

Smell the fragrance of God’s saints as they leave the perfume of kindness, uplift, and joy in their wake.

Our five senses help us live out our faith more joyfully.

When our heart’s desire is to serve God by serving others, we’ll aspire to live so people:

See the Light of Jesus in our choices, behavior, and attitudes (Matthew 5:14-15)

Hear us speak truth, wisdom, and encouragement (Proverbs 10:20-21)

Feel the love of God in our interactions with them (John 13:35)

Taste the flavorful salt of God’s divine grace within us (Matthew 5:13)

Smell the fragrance of Christ in our lives (2 Corinthians 2:15-16)

And as we engage all five senses in these five ways, what will happen?

We’ll bring more glory to God and enjoy more fully the satisfying, abundant life his Son provides.

That sounds mighty good to me. You too?

[1] Stunning examples include Jake DeShazer (https://nancyaruegg.com/2016/08/18/a-miracle-of-forgiveness/), Johnny Hart (https://nancyaruegg.com/2018/08/09/johnny-and-jesus/), and Isobel Kuhn (https://nancyaruegg.com/2024/04/11/goodness-and-mercy-followed/).

[2] https://www.experiencingworship.com/articles/general/2001-7-great-quotes-on-worship.html

[3] See: https://nancyaruegg.com/2023/07/06/in-awe-of-gods-magnificence/

[4] See: https://nancyaruegg.com/2015/09/07/when-worship-loses-the-wonder/

[5] See: https://nancyaruegg.com/2015/03/23/the-ultimate-delight/

Art & photo credits: http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.pexels.com; http://www.goodfon.com; http://www.stockvault.net; http://www.canva.com; http://www.pickpik.com (2); http://www.heartlight.org.

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A Spring Celebration

Posted in Blessings, Uncategorized, tagged Blessings of God's Word, Cinquain, Growing in God's Word, Lady Bugs, Nonet, Pantoum, Poetry Month, Ralph Waldo Emerson, spring on April 29, 2021| 20 Comments »

Since 1996 spring has become associated with poetry. That’s the year the Academy of American Poets established April as National Poetry Month.

This season does lend itself to getting creative with words. So before we turn the calendar page to May, let’s celebrate spring–with poetry.

To begin, allow Ralph Waldo Emerson to inspire:

In addition to those grand changes around us, we often find delight in minute pleasures as well. The following cinquain resulted from a small moment at our nearby nature center.

Beetle,

dotted and domed,

Pausing, watching, preparing

To fly away on hidden wings.

Lady bug

Delight is found in humor also. God had fun with us Midwesterners last week, supplying a day of outlandish weather. To celebrate I tackled a poetry form called nonet (non’-et): nine lines starting with nine syllables in the first and descending in number until the last line only includes one syllable.

April 21, 2021

Sun and Snow engaged in tug-of-war.

At dawn, Snow controlled the landscape,

cloaking every blade and branch.

But Sun fought valiantly

and gained back her ground.

However, Snow

returned! Yet . . .

. . . spring Sun

Won!

Sun and balmy breezes of April send many out to their gardens, preparing for May planting while dreaming of what’s to come:

Come fall however, our gardens will fade to pale stems and dried petals. “The grass withers and the flowers fall,” wrote the prophet Isaiah (40:8a). “But,” he added, “the word of our God endures forever” (v. 8b).

In celebration of the eternal spring of God’s Word, I experimented with the pantoum form—a poem that includes four-line stanzas in which the second and fourth lines of each become the first and third lines of the next. The last line of the poem is often the same as the first.

Growing in God’s Word

Thank you, Father, for the delights of scripture!

Your Word refreshes my soul.

Your promises produce security, hope, and comfort.

Your truth sows wisdom, encouragement, and strength.

Your Word refreshes my soul.

Understanding develops contentment.

Your truth sows wisdom, encouragement, and strength,

And diligent study causes my spirit to flourish.

Understanding develops contentment.

Your Word abounds with wonderful things,

And diligent study causes my spirit to flourish.

Thank you, Father, for the delights of scripture!*

* * * * * * * * * *

I praise you O God for Spring, its delights of birth and life that feed our souls. I praise you also for your Word, its delights and depths that provide the nutrients for a fulfilling spiritual life. May I send my roots deep into your truths.

*Psalm 119:24; 28 AMP; Ephesians 1:13; Psalm 119:14; 50 NLT; 19:7; 119:28 NLT & NIV; Proverbs 19:23; 119:15-16; 119:18

Photo credits: http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.hippopx.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.pxhere.com.

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Certain Glory

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Haiku, Isaiah 55:12, Poetry Month, Psalm 96:11-12, spring on April 23, 2020| 35 Comments »

Shakespeare was right when he wrote about “the uncertain glory of an April day.”* A balmy afternoon this time of year can quickly turn rainy and cold, right?

However. There is certain glory–even on the dreary days–if we look for it.

That’s what I attempted to do this week, and in celebration of God’s springtime glories, turned my observations into haiku. (April is Poetry Month, you may remember.)

Following are a few samples.

Early Spring

Tall, brave daffodils

Stand amidst gathering snow.

Season-confusion.

Rainy Afternoon

A scatter of books

Takes me away from the gloom;

My corner shines bright.

(Our middle granddaughter, 2015)

Cloud Skyscapes

Pushed into mounds or

Pulled by the wind into wisps–

Never the same twice.

Trees

Stable. Protective.

Majestic. Strong. Maker of

Trees is all of these.

Raindrops on Tree Branches

Sparkling spangles

Cling in a row. Beauty shouts

Praise into silence.

Young Robin

Lights on nearby perch,

Questions me with keen eye:

“And what might you be?”

Cherry and Pear Trees

On the avenue,

Dressed in pastel lace, dancers

Waltz on warm breezes.

Worship in the Woods

Newly unfurled, they

Flutter and flounce, clap and laugh.

Leaves praise their Maker.

(Isaiah 55:12)

Now it’s your turn to share in the fun. Just compose three lines containing five, seven, and five syllables respectively.

When you’re finished, please share the results in the comment section below.

And Happy Spring, Happy Poetry Month to all!

*from The Two Gentlemen of Verona

Photo credits: http://www.pxfuel.com; http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.rawpixel.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.commons.wikimedia.org; http://www.piqsels.com; http://www.pickpic.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.publicdomainpictures.net (2); http://www.pikrepo.com, http://www.canva.com.

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God-Thoughts on the Deck

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Presence, God's Protection, God's Provision, God's Refuge, Uncategorized, tagged backyard, God's Presence, God's Provision, lessons from squirrels, lessons from trees, outdoors, Psalm 27:1, quiet time, spring on May 30, 2019| 26 Comments »

(The view from my deck chair)

As spring approaches I look forward to spending my morning quiet time on our deck—taking in the new foliage-finery of the trees, the happy chatter of birds, the whispering breezes, and the sweet aroma of alyssum from the deck planter.

There’s something about sitting with God in his Living Room* that opens our eyes to his glory and draws our spirits closer to his heart.

Saturday was just such a day. And as I sat in His presence, God seemed to say:

I’m so glad you’re here, Nancy! I’ve planned several discoveries for you this morning.

From the Trees

First, lift your eyes to the trees. Rejoice in the reminders of:

My strength (Psalm 93:1)–in the stalwart trunks
My refuge (Psalm 25:4)–in their far-reaching limbs, offering shelter from the heat
My provision (Philippians 4:19)–as they produce oxygen, give shelter to birds and animals, even provide food

Note the evidence of competence in their design–for purpose, beauty, and sustainability. I am your God of Competence as well, and have designed you to fulfill an individualized purpose, provide the beauty of Christlikeness to those around you, and spend eternity with Me.

From the Birds

(white-breasted nuthatch)

You can also revel in the birds—symbols of reliance on Me, and again, My provision (Matthew 6:26). Note the variety of color, pattern, song, and habit. Let the joy you experience watching birds remind you how I value your uniqueness.

Choose to celebrate who you are: the colors of your personality, the pattern of your life, the song of gifts and talents I’ve given you to share with the world, the habits of goodness I continue to form in you so you can impact others.

From the Squirrels

Together we can enjoy the antics of the squirrels! They too provide reminders for the life of faith:

Even when they walk upside down on a branch, they do not fall. Similarly, I make firm your steps and keep you from falling (Psalm 37:24).

With great confidence squirrels jump from limb to limb. You can live in great confidence also, because I’ve equipped you for what I ask you to do. (Ephesians 4:12; Hebrews 13:20-21).

Every time they return to their nesting tree, they follow the same pathway through the branches. They remember well which branches offer the best proximity to the next tree.

I have provided a sure pathway for you to navigate through life. You can run in the path of my wise commands; my ways will bring you home safely (Psalm 119:32a; 139:24b).

Squirrels can sit quite contentedly, even take a nap, on the very end of a branch—never concerning themselves they might fall or the branch might give way. They provide an example of perfect trust (Isaiah 26:3).

I am your security (Psalm 112:8). Out of My love and faithfulness, I will always protect you (Psalm 40:11)—even as I bring you home to heaven one day.

So when you find yourself at the end of a branch, and fear starts to creep in, send it scurrying away with My Word—verses like Psalm 27:1:

(Another view from our deck)

The Lord is my Light—

[My Joy, Peace, and Guide]

The Lord is my Salvation—

[My Protection, Provision, and Security]

Whom shall I fear?

The Lord is my Stronghold—

[The Treasury of all good things]

Of whom shall I be afraid?

* * *

*a creative expression originated by Michael Hyatt, former CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishing

Photo credits: Nancy Ruegg; http://www.pxhere.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.maxpixel.net; Nancy Ruegg

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Springtime Joy

Posted in God's Power, Joy, Praise, Uncategorized, tagged Praise for God's Creation, spring on April 12, 2018| 17 Comments »

“The first day of spring is one thing,

the first spring day is another.

The difference between them is sometimes a month.”

–Henry Van Dyke

Van Dyke’s observation is surely proving true this year for those of us in the Midwest. Since the first day of spring March 20, we’ve enjoyed only a day or two of shirt-sleeve weather. Cold, unremitting rain and even snow dustings have occurred more often.

(Photo taken April 2)

But we know the warm euphoria of spring will eventually arrive; it always does.

“No winter lasts forever;

No spring ever skips its turn.”

–Hal Borland

And when warm sunshine spangles the sky once again, God’s springtime handiwork will proclaim his glory—from deep in the soil where tree roots awaken, to high on the mountains where overflowing streams roil.

We can join in creation’s celebration, singing our praise to the Maker of Spring:

O God of Defined Order,

You appointed four seasons to circle the year,

Each with its own purpose and characteristics—

Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn—

Inevitably and always in that order.

We praise you for your dependable constancy.

O God of Gracious Restoration,

You created foliage that returns to life each spring.

New grass suddenly appears, verdant and fresh,

Bush and shrub become draped in pale green lace,

And tree buds finally release their tiny leaf curls.

We praise you for your attentive sovereignty over all things.

O God of Inventive Design,

From winter’s death you ordained delicate blossoms

To emerge with varicolored vivacity–

Royal crocus, golden daffodils,

Blushing hyacinths, and flame red tulips.

We praise you for your infinite creativity.

O God of Marvelous Wonders,

You direct springtime rains to wash over the landscape

And replenish the earth.

Leaves sparkle, petals gleam,

And crystal jewels cling to slender limbs.

We praise you for your beauty-yielding renewal.

O God of Exuberant Transformation,

Songbirds, breezes, and gurgling brooks

Chorus together in euphoric strain,

Because you are the only One who can

Turn harsh winter into jubilant spring,

And we praise you for your miracle-working magnificence.

You are the Almighty God of invigoration.

And we celebrate you, the Gracious Giver of springtime joy!

_____________________________

P.S. Most of you know that Steve was diagnosed with liver cancer at the end of March. Radiation therapy beginning in early May will be the first line of defense, with a liver transplant expected in the fall.

Meanwhile, we praise God for his peace, presence, and intervention. One example of the latter: it just so happens (!) my nephew’s girlfriend is a profusionist. That’s the person who runs the heart-lung machine to keep a patient alive during transplants and certain surgeries. She sent an email full of helpful information and uplifting encouragement. Bottom line: there is every reason to expect Steve to fully recover!

Thank you VERY much for your prayers on Steve’s behalf. God IS working!

(Photo credits: http://www.flickr.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.pixabay.com (2); http://www.fickr.com (2).

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From the Inside Out

Impressions Becoming Expressions

Posts Tagged ‘spring’

Five for Five

A Spring Celebration

Certain Glory

God-Thoughts on the Deck

Springtime Joy

Nancy Ruegg

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