‘And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. ‘ Philippians 4:8(NLT)
‘The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.’ Psalms 19:1(NLT)
‘He covers the heavens with clouds, provides rain for the earth, and makes the grass grow in mountain pastures.’ Psalms 147:8(NLT)
‘When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place— what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?’ Psalms 8:3-4(NLT)
By Krystle Porter
Summer monsoon storms have been coming and going through Phoenix the past couple of weeks. It has brought some much-needed reprieve from the oven-like, 110 degree temperatures! Tonight, I listened to the thunder roll while cooking dinner and serving it outside on our table. Then, I put an old record on our player, lit a couple of candles, and spread out a pretty tablecloth. I called my family when dinner was ready, and my kids “oohed” and “ahhed” at the dark, cloud-filled sky and the “fancy” table I had prepared for us. We had a beautiful night. My sweet 5-year-old ended our time saying she wished every night could be like this.
Let me give you a little background to the above scene. First, we had a bare fridge, so dinner was rice and beans! Next, my “fancy” tablecloth was actually an old curtain I had lying around, and the record I played was 99 cents from Goodwill! I always imagined I needed to have a lot of money and time to create a “fancy” experience for my family to enjoy. It didn’t occur to me that it can happen in the smallest of ways. Tonight was simple and cheap, but no one minded what we were having or where it came from; it was all about the feeling and love it was coupled with! We do not need expensive things to create a beautiful memory for our family or children. We just need to be intentional and aware of the beauty God has already placed in front of us!
I love how Philippians 4:8 encourages us to focus on beauty and goodness. God has created beauty all around us through nature. Just like the verse in Philippians, I could not help but ponder and “ooh” and “ahh” over His lovely and praiseworthy creation tonight! God gives us so many opportunities to partner with Him in His creation. Choosing to partner with God tonight as I enjoyed His beauty with my family was a precious memory I hope not to forget.
Partnering with God and His creation helps to give us perspective; perspective on the majesty and goodness of God. He created this earth for us to enjoy and draw us to Him. And He wants us to share this with our children too!
What’s Next?
from The Wise Woman Enjoys Part Two