Monday, April 26, 2010

Hey, Soul Sister

It was past 9:00 in the evening, and Norah and I were just getting home from an evening at a baby shower.

The radio was quiet because we were talking, but then we heard a song that both of my children like. It's catchy. It's fun.

It's "Hey Soul Sister" by Train.

Train - Hey, Soul Sister (Official Music Video) - The most popular videos are here


Instead of going inside and getting my child to bed, we sat in Casey's truck and danced, laughed, clapped, snapped and sang.

So Norah was up about 3 minutes later.... who cares?! I will always remember how we smiled, and had a moment together so filled with fun and joy. I will always remember that she sang the "hey's" a little off key. I will always remember that moment. It was a sweet mother-daughter moment.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

The Glory of Green

Living in Oregon has an advantage that none can deny. It is green. In fact, it is so green that we hardly notice how green it is, but today I noticed.

I was on my way home from running around with my daughter, and just was distracted. I ended up not turning where I was supposed to to loop back around to our home, and instead, began down the road towards my in-laws' home in the woods.

After getting irritated with myself, and turning around to get back on course, I was struck by the sheer beauty of the forest not 2 miles from our home.

It was green. It was an electrifying green. It was so green with the new leaves of spring that my breath was taken away and the irritation of having to turn around melted in the cool warmth of the shades and hues of growing things. I was so taken aback by how green and bright it all was!

And in that moment, my heart filled with praise. Our Creator made such loveliness, and it is only a glimpse of His beauty, His holiness, and His power.

There is nothing in the theory of evolution that accounts for such beauty. Beauty is not functional. Beauty isn't necessary for survival. Beauty is simply the revelation of God. For nothing is beautiful unless it holds the attributes of the Maker of beauty, and that is simply a gift of grace. Being able to see something beautiful, is being able to see a glimpse of God. And being able to see God gives us the greatest joy. Being able to experience joy in beauty is a gift. Being given a gift unearned is grace.

Isn't that glorious?!

Read Psalm 96