Tag Archives: Psalms

Writing the Book of Your Wonders

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“I’m thanking you, God, from a full heart, I’m writing the book on your wonders.” Psalms 9:1, The Message

A beautiful Blue-headed Vireo (Vireo solitarius) photographed December 12, 2020 in  Greene County, Georgia. ©www.williamwisephoto.com

The joy and practice of writing about the wonders of creation is nothing new. The Bible tells us that in his four-thousand and five proverbs and songs (that’s a lot of blogging!), King Solomon “spoke of trees, from the cedar that is in Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of the wall. He spoke also of beasts, and of birds, and of reptiles, and of fish.”

While I’m no Solomon, I have been journaling and blogging for several years now. I confess that I don’t journal every day, and I’ve certainly gone through some dry spells. But even if there are gaps, it has proved to be an invaluable habit. While the whole process can seem introspective, and even self-centered, I see it as a form of worship.

Nature Photography Journal ©www.williamwisephoto.com.

How often did King David refer to the natural wonders around him as he wrote Psalms in praise to the God of heaven? “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained…” A view towards the mountains of Israel caused David’s heart to leap in praise, and his pen to write poems and songs of worship.

“My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.” Psalm 45

Even the simplest blog post and photograph can glorify the Creator. Pointing out the wonders of His creation exalts our God as the creator and sustainer of all things. Recognizing and delighting in the works of His hands, rather than in some other pursuit, is giving praise where praise is due.  It is not a replacement for the lifting of hands in the congregation, but can certainly produce a fuller, more vibrant life of worship.

Hi, I’m wildlife photographer and nature writer William Wise. I was saved under a campus ministry while studying wildlife biology at the University of Georgia. My love of the outdoors quickly turned into a love for the Creator and His works. I’m currently an animal shelter director and live in Athens, Georgia with my wife and two teenage daughters, who are all also actively involved in ministry. Creation Speaks is my teaching ministry that glorifies our Creator and teaches the truth of creation.  — “What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations.” Psalms 104, The Message.

Walking Snowy Egret Showing Off Yellow Feet

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Snowy Egret at Merritt Island NWR 1-1-2019 by Lee

Dan and I went over to the east coast of Florida during the New Year holiday. We were able to do some birdwatching at Viera Wetlands in Viera, Florida and also went to Merritt Island National Wildlife Reserve’s Black Point Dr. That is where I captured this Snowy Egret strutting with his yellow feet showing. Also saw the Snowy Egrets at Viera.

Many verses that refer to walking come to mind. Good reminders as we start the new year off. Here are a few of the verses:

“But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.” (Psalms 26:11 KJV)

Snowy Egret Viera Wetlands – 12-31-2018 by Lee

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.” (Psalms 84:11-12 KJV)

“Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.” (Psalms 86:11-12 KJV)

Snowy Egret Viera Wetlands – 12-31-2018 by Lee

“They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.” (Psalms 119:3 KJV)

“Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.” (Proverbs 3:23 KJV)

Snowy Egret Viera Wetlands – 12-31-2018 by Lee

“Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:” (Isaiah 42:5 KJV)

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10 KJV)

Gatorland’s Fearless Egret

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Brave or Crazy Great Egret Gatorland by Lee 3-6-18

“He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.” (Psalms 18:17 KJV)

Brave or Crazy Great Egret Gatorland by Lee 3-6-18

“Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.” (Psalms 64:1 KJV)

 

Lee’s One Word Monday – 2/15/16

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Mute Swan

SAFETY

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I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. (Psalms 4:8 KJV)

Mute Swan – Riding in Safety

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Only one person commented about whether I should continue these or not, but over 30 of you liked the last one I did. So, this will continue for a little bit longer. At least a week or two. I really enjoy doing them, and trust you are enjoying them.

Guess this can no longer be called Sandra’s New Kooky Challenge, since her challenge is finished. In fact, she was the one encouraging me to continue. I have now challenged her to do some like these, but she doesn’t have to use birds. Scripture, yes, birds, no. Any of you other bloggers like to try your hand at this? Maybe you are into flowers, butterflies, or donkeys, or whatever, for all I know.

If you come up with a name for this series, let me know. I am open to suggestions.

Have a blessed day as you continue reading your emails and blogs.

Sandra’s New Kooky Challenge

The unnamed Challenge – Any Suggestions?

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Birds In Hymns – Flee As A Bird

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Birds In Hymns – Flee As A Bird ~ by Mary S. Shindler

…A Psalm of David. In the LORD I put my trust; How can you say to my soul, “Flee as a bird to your mountain”? (Psalms 11:1 NKJV)

Words & Music ~ by Mary S. Shindler, 1842

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) chasing Western Great Egret (Ardea alba) by Ray

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) chasing Western Great Egret (Ardea alba) by Ray

Flee As A Bird


Flee as a bird to your mountain, thou who art weary of sin;
Go to the clear flowing fountain where you may wash and be clean.
Haste, then, th’Avenger is near thee; call, and the Savior will hear thee;
He on His bosom will bear thee; O thou who art weary of sin,
O thou who art weary of sin.

He will protect thee forever, wipe every falling tear;
He will forsake thee, O never, sheltered so tenderly there.
Haste, then, the hours are flying, spend not the moments in sighing,
Cease from your sorrow and crying: The Savior will wipe every tear,
The Savior will wipe every tear.

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He will swallow up death forever, And the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces; The rebuke of His people He will take away from all the earth; For the LORD has spoken. (Isaiah 25:8 NKJV)

for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:17 NKJV)

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. (Revelation 21:4 NKJV)

Most information from The Cyber Hymnal

See ~ Wordless Birds

More ~ Birds in Hymns

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Birds in Hymns – Like A Bird To Thee

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…In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? (Psalms 11:1 KJV)

Words & Music: W. How­ard Doane (1832-1915)

Like A Bird To Thee

Slaty-backed Gull (Larus schistisagus) by Ian

Slaty-backed Gull (Larus schistisagus) by Ian

Savior, like a bird to Thee,
Weary and wounded my soul would flee;
O let me fold my wings and rest
Peacefully, trustingly, on Thy breast.

Refrain

Like a bird let me fly to Thee,
In Thine arms kindly shelter me;
Then my soul no more shall roam
Far, far away from home.

Savior, Thou my grief hast borne,
Thou hast a balm for the hearts that mourn;
One gentle word, and I shall rest
Hopefully, lovingly, on Thy breast.

Refrain

Like a bird let me fly to Thee,
In Thine arms kindly shelter me;
Then my soul no more shall roam
Far, far away from home.

Slender-billed Gull (Chroicocephalus genei) by Nikhil Devasar

Slender-billed Gull (Chroicocephalus genei) by Nikhil Devasar

I was lost till found by Thee;
Thine, blessèd Savior, the glory be;
Gladly I fold my wings and rest,
Lovingly, tenderly, on Thy breast.

Refrain

Like a bird let me fly to Thee,
In Thine arms kindly shelter me;
Then my soul no more shall roam
Far, far away from home.

What a great hymn. As you read or sing the words, think about the words. What a comfort and rest we receive as we settle down, rest and lean on our Loving Savior.

Most information from The Cyber Hymnal

See ~ Wordless Birds

More ~ Birds in Hymns

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Birds in Hymns – My Refuge Is A God Of Love

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To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? (Psalms 11:1 KJV)

Words: Isaac Watts, The Psalms of Da­vid, 1719.

Music: All­mäch­tig­er Gott, Jo­hann Crü­ger (1598-1662)

My Refuge is a God of Love


My refuge is the God of love;
Why do my foes insult and cry,
“Fly like a timorous, trembling dove,
To distant woods or mountains fly?” 

If government be all destroyed,
That firm foundation of our peace,
And violence make justice void,
Where shall the righteous seek redress?

Emerald-spotted Wood Dove (Turtur chalcospilos) by Daves BirdingPix

Emerald-spotted Wood Dove (Turtur chalcospilos) by Daves BirdingPix

The Lord in Heav’n has fixed His throne,
His eye surveys the world below:
To Him all mortal things are known,
His eyelids search our spirits through.

If He afflicts His saints so far,
To prove their love and try their grace,
What may the bold transgressors fear?
His very soul abhors their ways.

On impious wretches He shall rain
Tempests of brimstone, fire and death;
Such as He kindled on the plain
Of Sodom, with His angry breath.

The righteous Lord loves righteous souls,
Whose thoughts and actions are sincere;
And with a gracious eye beholds
The men that His own image bear.

Most information from The Cyber Hymnal

See ~ Wordless Birds

More ~ Birds in Hymns

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