My Father's World

This is my Father’s world, And to my list’ning ears All nature sings, and round me rings The music of the spheres. This is my Father’s world; I rest me in the thought Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas— His hand the wonders wrought. Those beautiful words from one of my favorite hymns have been an inspiration to me as a photographer to look for and appreciate and try to capture God’s grace and beauty … whatever the season.  And even in the dead of winter, God's grace and beauty embrace us. You can find them in bare tree limbs, their silhouettes gracefully framing a picturesque river scene.  In the bright GREENness of ivy growing in the wild … And in coppery leaves, stubbornly clinging to a twisted tree on the side of a road. The leaves of magnificent old southern magnolias are as shiny-bright as they were in the summer ...  Rustling overhead, defying winter's icy breezes ... While their massive roots gently cradle fallen seed pods below ... The branches of twisted and gnarled cedars are heavy with beautiful clusters of  blue berries. Wouldn't they be lovely in a winter bride's bouquet! God's grace can also be heard in water cascading over a fall in a winding creek ... And as it trickles around the rocks along the water's edge. And ...  "In the rustling grass I hear Him pass, He speaks to me everywhere." I hope you find God's grace in whatever the winter brings your way, and remember that no matter how cold it gets, or how long the days seem ... the flowers of Spring are quietly sleeping beneath their blankets of snow and leaves ... patiently waiting for God's "wakeup call. " I hope WE can wait as patiently!