Tuesday, May 1, 2012

"Here in My Cathedral . . ."

Psalm 48:9
Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love.


When we visit Washington, D. C., last May, my husband, Danny, and I decide to see the National Cathedral on the one day he is not in business meetings.  And, what an awe-inspiring place it is!



 





From the vaulted ceilings soaring heavenward to the breathtaking stained glass to the many varied and beautifully adorned chapels, the cathedral holds wonder upon wonder for our eyes to behold.




 And, seemingly endless places to sit or kneel or stand.  To meditate, amidst the grandeur, on the unfailing and steadfast love of God.






 But, the National Cathedral, as grand and glorious as it is, cannot hold a candle to the place where I retreat, more than once a day, to pray and meditate upon God's unending love for me.  My towering Cathedral of Green . . 

~
Where do you go to meditate upon the unfailing love of God?

Will you pray with me?
 No structure, no matter how magnificent, Father, can match the glory and majesty of Your marvelous creation.  May we take time each day to celebrate and thank You for this world, this Eden, You have given us.  Help us to be good stewards of the earth.  Amen.

"And out here in the stillness, I find my house of worship, with column trees and canopy of stars, here in my cathedral." ~Chris Rice, Run the Earth, Watch the Sky"

Readings
Psalms 45 or 47, 48
Exodus 32:21-34
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Matthew 5:11-16  
 

25 comments:

  1. Loved this one Martha, God's creation is far better than anything man can do :-)

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    1. Thanks so much for coming by, Mike!
      Glad you liked the post and, yes, God's creation is so amazing!
      Blessings!

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  2. Beautiful pictures Martha, great post!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, RoseAnn!
      So glad you enjoyed the photos and the post. :)
      Blessings!

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  3. Martha, what lovely pictures and the prayer was so appreciated. I love both places that you posted but the green wins out hands down. :-)

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    1. Great to see you here, Tameka!
      Glad you enjoyed the photos and the prayer. The National Cathedral is totally awesome, but, the green tops it. :)
      Blessings!

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  4. Martha, those are lovely photos! I agree with you, the National Cathedral can't hold a candle to God's creation. I walk when I want to commune with God. Sending love!
    Leah

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by, Leah!
      Danny took the photos, so I'll be sure to tell him to check out the comments today. :)
      I think it is lovely that you commune with God when walking. I have often done that, too, and find it infinitely refreshing.
      Love to you and blessings!

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  5. Oh how beautiful Martha. My eyes delighted on the images you have posted here. The cathedral's awesome and majestic and so is your place of retreat.

    I was reminded of Psalm 27,4: One thing I ask of the Lord; this I seek; To dwell in the Lord's house all the days of my life, To gaze on the Lord's beauty, to visit His temple...

    His temple is everywhere, not confined to the wall of the church as you said. He is present where I seek Him ~ inside me, in other people, in His creation.

    I so love your reflections this day as you reminded me to be mindful of God's presence in my midst.

    I pray with you ~ I feel so much love and am grateful for this.

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by, Melissa, and for leaving that beautiful video that goes perfectly with the post today. I hope many will take time to view it. :)
      And, yes, God's temple IS everywhere and He is ever present amongst us. Oh, how comforting that thought is!
      So happy to know you really enjoyed today's reflection.
      Thank you, as always, for sharing in the prayers.
      Blessings!

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  6. What a beautiful cathedral, so awe inspiring. But you're so right, nothing can compare to the beauty of Nature, it is where we're closest to God!

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    1. It truly is an awe-inspiring place, Corinne, and the photos, while beautiful, can't really do it justice. But, I'm glad you agree that nothing can outdo the glory and splendor of God's creation. :)
      Thanks so much for taking time to stop by today!
      Blessings!

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  7. Stunning place.. reminded me of when I was visiting Italy, London's churches were my favorite but only because of their age. And as you say, nature is where we are closest to our hearts and the heavens, here there is nothing to distract. Beautiful as always, Martha.

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    1. Thanks so much, Brenda, for stopping by today!
      It is so stunning. I would love to visit Italy one day; have been to London and loved Westminster Abbey! Gorgeous!
      But, nature, for me, is the best way to feel close to God.
      Blessings to you!

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  8. The Heaven's declare the Glory of God....

    Wherever we go should to commune with God should be special...although it does not compare to either DC or the towering green canopy you pictured.

    It usually is in my car or in the bed after a long day

    God bless and Keep the Faith

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by, Luther!
      Isn't wonderful that we can commune with Him any time and in any place? I have gotten in the habit of leaving the radio off in my car just to have time with Him.
      And, I will keep the faith!
      Blessings to you!

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  9. Ok...one to many shoulds in there :)

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  10. So true Martha, you don't need a structure to be present and talk with God.

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    1. Isn't it great that we don't, Cathy? :)
      Thanks so much for stopping by in the midst of your hectic schedule. So appreciated!
      Blessings!

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  11. Nice pictures...good post.

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    1. Thank you, Janaki, and thanks for stopping by!
      Blessings!

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  12. The Cathedral is SO Beautiful!!!!!

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    1. Oh, yes, it is, Nikky! Thanks so much for stopping by!
      Blessings!

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  13. I love cathedral architecture. It gives this sense of being bigger than I am...not humbling, but empowering.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, J. R.!
      Yes, I thought it was magnificent - simply awesome!
      Blessings!

      Delete

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