O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness….
Psalm 96:9a
Photo taken at Rainbow Falls, Gorges State Park, near Cashiers, North Carolina, 2012
The Beauty of Holiness
Tag: God
God’s Gift of Love
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16
This is what Christmas is all about—God’s greatest gift of love to us. We don’t deserve salvation, but it is available nevertheless to all who will receive it.
One of my favorite things about Christmas is the church cantata—a production with music and drama that focuses on some critical life lesson we can learn during this special season. For many years I was privileged to take part in the cantata, most often as either a singer in the choir or as the pianist. But even though those days are gone for me, I still enjoy getting to watch all the hard work others have put into the program each year.
Here is one I’d like to share with you. So this evening, why don’t you cast this production to your television in lieu of your regular program. You will laugh, cry, and consider just what the greatest gift truly is.
Photo taken in the Great Marsh, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 2010
Praise the Name of the Lord
From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, the Lord’s name is to be praised.
Psalm 113:3
The holidays are upon us, and I sincerely hope you will remember to praise the name of the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works on our behalf. To help you think of ways to bless God, let me remind you of some of His names and what these names mean.
El Shaddai = God almighty; God all-sufficient (Gen 17:1-2)
Adonai = Master; Lord (Gen 15:2)
Yahweh, or Jehovah = the self-existent One (Ex 3)
Jehovah Jireh = the Lord will provide (Gen 22:14)
Jehovah Rophe = the Lord who heals (Ex 15:22-26)
Jehovah Nissi = the Lord our banner (Ex 1:15)
Jehovah Shalom = the Lord our peace (Judges 6:24)
Jehovah Rohi = the Lord our shepherd (Psalm 23)
These are just a few of the names God uses to describe Himself in the Bible. If you want to learn more, I recommend reading 32 Names of God and Their Meaning. But first, take a few minutes to enjoy the song below as it too reminds us to praise the name of the Lord.
Photo taken near Bodie Island Lighthouse in Outer Banks, North Carolina, 2010
Treasure Trove
O LORD, how manifold are Thy works! In wisdom hast Thou made them all: the earth is full of Thy riches.
Psalm 104:24
Photo taken in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, 2014
I Will Praise the Lord
I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of the Lord most high.
Psalm 7:17
Photo taken at Oak Grove Lake Park in Chesapeake, Virginia, 2011
Verses on my blog are taken from the KJV, but some archaic words have been modernized.
A Special Work of Art
Each one of us is God’s special work of art. Through us, He teaches and inspires, delights and encourages, informs and uplifts all those who view our lives. God, the master artist, is most concerned about expressing Himself—His thoughts and His intentions—through what He paints in our character…. [He] wants to paint a beautiful portrait of His Son in and through your life. A painting like no other in all of time.
Joni Eareckson Tada
Image by Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay
Piano Passion — Tonya LaLonde
When I was younger, the Lord, art, and nature were my great passions. Not much has changed except that awkward 20-year phase where men snuck into that mix. I love my family now, adore my children, but more rare-for-this-season moments of passion still center around the Lord, art, nature and music. I love playing the […]
Encore! Old Pianos with a New Song 