He maketh the clouds His chariot

I've been thinking about clouds lately and about how often they are used to describe hardship in our walk through life. Stories and hymns both use clouds metaphorically to denote trouble on the horizon, storms in our lives, etc. And while that may be an apt analogy, I've been looking at them a little differently through the lens of my camera.

Yes, clouds can bring storms that cause destruction, but they can also provide much-needed, refreshing rain. They provide a bit of cool shade on a hot day. The big, puffy, white ones look stunning against a brilliant blue sky, and clouds turn ordinary sunsets into blazing works of art. 

So because the cloud show this spring has been one of the most fantastic displays I've seen in a few years, here are some views I've captured that remind me of the first verses of Psalm 104.

Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty. Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain: Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:

And here is a little music for your listening pleasure while you scroll. :-)

In the Garden

On my drive to and from work this week, I have been enjoying the Collingsworth Family's Hymns From Home album that released last year. 

I love singing along with the old hymns. They carry so many truths and promises from Scripture and are set to melodies that resonate peace and joy. And the Collingsworth Family have such powerful blend and harmonies, they make these old gems shine with new luster.

As I listened and sang along with Kim Collingsworth's piano instrumental version of In the Garden, I thought about the beauties of God's creation I have been privileged to witness this spring and decided to try and share the beauty of that old hymn with a few of the sights I've managed to capture. I hope you enjoy.

(Click here to listen to the hymn while you scroll through the pictures.)

In the Garden

Written by C. Austin Miles

Published in 1912

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I come to the garden alone,

While the dew is still on the roses;

And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,

The Son of God discloses.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am his own,

And the joy we share as we tarry there, 

None other has ever known.

He speaks, and the sound of His voice

Is so sweet the birds hush their singing;

And the melody that He gave to me

Within my heart is ringing.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And he tells me I am His own,

And the joy we share as we tarry there, 

None other has ever known.

I'd stay in the garden with Him 

Tho the night around me be falling;

But He bids me go- thru the voice of woe, 

His voice to me is calling.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own,

And the joy we share as we tarry there, 

None other has ever known.

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