Happy morning to you

I read and re-read the Moravian prayer for this morning (below). Then I determine to rejoice in the Lord and to live as a good alien in a foreign land.

Small and wonderful pleasures along the way:

• I love the smell of lavender crushed in my palm, plucked from a plant overhanging the sidewalk.
• There was no rain on our walk. No sun, but no rain either. Thank you, God!
•  Our friend, in surgery today, will soon be breathing easier and walking better.
• The dogs trotted along nicely, dragging the leash. They're freshly groomed and their hair is soft.
• Those ghastly drifts of maple leaves making the roadsides a slippery mess will soon be raked away or dissolve into mulch.
• The apple plucked from the tree along our driveway was crisp and cold. Pure delicious-ness.
• Yesterday's wind played a rowdy tug-of-war with the trees but some leaves proved tenacious and are still waving their goodbyes.
• A smoky bitter lapsang suchong refreshes me with its darkness.

And an enormous pleasure:

• They're done with presidential elections for 2 years.

Read more:
*The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble gird on strength. 1 Samuel 2:4

*Paul wrote: I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Moravian Prayer: Almighty God, we are strong when our strength comes from you. Help us in moments of weakness to remember that we can call on you and all that works against you shall be broken while we will be made whole. Amen.

Rainy beauty

I headed out to drizzle and came home in rain. 

Red on red

 As we walked, I stuffed my pockets with beauty.

Gingo

Sunday, I watched one-year-old Kinsey pick up fallen leaves
until her hands were full.

Dancing

On the road to adulthood, it seems we forget to look around

Mint

to treasure the simple pleasures of God's abundance.

Lace

Even the leaves were dancing this morning.

Moss tray

 

Now my office moss tray is bursting with color.

Granddaughter Kinsey stops picking things up when her hands are full.

Her Oma stops collecting when her coat pocket won't zip shut.

Sedum

**Oh God, thank you for beauty in the rain.**

Read more:

*O Lord, open my lips, that my mouth may declare your praise. Psalm 51:15 (NASB) 

*My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn! I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.

For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. Psalm 57:7-11 NIV 

*Praise our God, all you his servants, and all who fear him, small and great. Revelation 19:5

Moravian Prayer: Holy One, we thank you for blessings each day and we lift our voices to sing your praises. May our praise be acceptable to you, O God! Amen.