I was sitting in the basement watching “The Five.” My Dell notebook on my lap. A glass of Pepsi and some chips by my side. As I thought about today’s post, my ruminations were interrupted when Norma Jean came down stairs and said, “Come up and sit on the deck!”
“I can’t. I need to write my blog for tomorrow,” I replied.
“Well, come up here,” she said, “and you’ll get inspiration!” That sounded like a good idea. Plus I could tell she just wanted me to come and be with her. Maybe I will see a deer come up in the woods behind us, like they often do. Or a humming-bird sipping from the feeder on a nearby tree. That will give me inspiration! But it’s a little too early for the deer. And I think the humming birds are on the way South!
But as we enjoy a cup of coffee on this mild Fall day, I am struck by the peacefulness of it. The serenity. The tranquility. I soon notice the blue jays jutting from tree to tree. A red bird here and there. I hear a woodpecker. I see a squirrel scampering across the back fence. Some butterflies wing across the deck above us. I feel a slight gentle breeze. I notice a tinge of color on some of the trees. The sun peeks through the trees and reflects a beautiful glow off the bronze leaves.
But you know what I really see in a big way?
GOD!
As I relax and enjoy nature, I am reminded that God made it. He formed it. He fashioned it. The first verse in the Bible affirms it. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” The Psalmist was right, “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made….O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all. The earth is full of Your possessions — Living things both small and great.”
I am reminded of the hymn we sometimes sing, This is My Father’s World. The writer, Maltbie Babcock lived in Lockport. He would frequently take walks along the Niagara Escarpment to enjoy the panoramic view of upstate New York’s scenery. As he left, he would tell his wife that he was “going out to see the Father’s world” which became the inspiration for the poem. After his death, his wife published his poems and this one was later set to music. Some of the lyrics go like this.
This is my Father’s world,
and to my listening 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.
This is my Father’s world,
the birds their carols raise,
the morning light, the lily-white,
declare their maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world:
he shines in all that’s fair;
in the rustling grass I hear him pass;
he speaks to me everywhere.
Indeed it is my Father’s world. Whether feeling the power of Niagara Falls. Or seeing majestic Rocky Mountains. Or hearing the breakers crash the Pacific shore line. Or sitting on my deck in Lee’s Summit. God is there. His eternal power can be seen. His presence felt. His creation experienced.
So, slow down. Look around. See the wonders of God. And take the time to think about the Source. And thank Him for His goodness. Oh, and thanks, Sweetie, the time on the deck was well spent!
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
ThePreachersWord 
Ken,
When I first read your headline, I misread it. I thought it read, “What I see from my desk.” I thought, “I see a mess!” Because my office usually is …. a mess. Ha
Always enjoy your thoughts, though the busy schedule does not allow me to read them all. We are well – and I hope your work is going well also. Our love to Norma. Wilson
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LOL! Funny, Wilson! Well, maybe that’s a sign you need to slow down and go out and sit on your deck, not desk! Thanks for your kind words. And regards to the lovely Becky
Ken Weliever 400 NW Highcliffe Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Home Phone: 816-600-5001 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 Church Office: 816-761-2659 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net/ blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com/ Church web site: http://hickmanchurch.com/
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A wise woman!
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We love our deck…but why did God make mosquitos? (smile)
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WHAT A WONDERFUL REMINDER OR ENJOY OUR DECK ON THE LAKE. WE HAVE DECKS TO GAZE AT N.MEX. MOUNTAINS, DECKS TO GAZE AT VIRGINIA WOODS, DECKS ON THE LAKE IN FL. JUST NEW WE HUNTED SO LONG FOR A LAKE IN OKC, WHERE WE CAN AGAIN REST IN PEACE WHILE GAZING AT ALL OF GODS WONDERFUL CREATIONS FOR US TO JUST TAKE THE TIME TO ENJOY. LETS ALL GET OUR TO THOSE PATIOS OR PORCHES, BEFORE THE SNOW BLOCKS THE DOOR.
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Yes, Billie, let’s get out on those decks before the snow comes!
Ken Weliever 400 NW Highcliffe Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Home Phone: 816-600-5001 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 Church Office: 816-761-2659 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net/ blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com/ Church web site: http://hickmanchurch.com/
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Thanks! Ken. Reminds me of the poet whose line reads “only God can make a tree.” That is my first treat of the morning, to see the trees and thank Him that I’m blessed not to live in the ‘neon’ and concrete world…Fae
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It amazes me that people can look out on the wonders of nature and say there is no God or that He didn’t create all of this incredible beauty. A walk in a forest will show you the most beautiful cathedral ever. How can man think that the works of his hand in building things will impress God who made it all?
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Yes, listening to my family… actually stopping. actually listening. It always fills my heart and provides better inspiration than staring at the computer thinking about my own goals. Thanks for sharing!
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You’re welcome! Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment
Ken Weliever 400 NW Highcliffe Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Home Phone: 816-600-5001 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 Church Office: 816-761-2659 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net/ blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com/ Church web site: http://hickmanchurch.com/
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Nothing like the change of seasons to reaffirm there is a God who created all the beautiful things we take for granted. Thanks for your thoughts Ken. Hope you and Norma are doing well in Lee Summit.
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Thanks Camille! You’re right. Yes, we are doing well and lovin’ LS!
Ken Weliever 400 NW Highcliffe Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Home Phone: 816-600-5001 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 Church Office: 816-761-2659 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net/ blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com/ Church web site: http://hickmanchurch.com/
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Just a little note to say thank you for sharing…….:) Suzi
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You’re welcome, Suzi! Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment
Ken Weliever 400 NW Highcliffe Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Home Phone: 816-600-5001 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 Church Office: 816-761-2659 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net/ blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com/ Church web site: http://hickmanchurch.com/
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When I look around & see the beauty & majesty of His creation, I think about what a magnificant artist our God is! Thanks for the inspiring words! Betsy
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