546. God writes the Gospel not in the Bible alone, but also on trees, and in the flowers and clouds and stars. ~Martin Luther

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The Fall of the year
is more than three months
bounded by an equinox and a solstice.
It is a summing up without
the finality of year’s end.
~Hal Borland

Screen shot 2014-11-12 at 5.54.25 PM

As we backed out of the garage not long ago, we saw this, the clearly defined, edge of a line of the thunderstorms. As I took the photograph, it occurred to me that in a much slower progression, that’s the way all of the aberrations of nature pass over the earth during the course of a year. Sunny days come and go, hot and cold periods come and go, flowers come and go, fruitings and harvests come and go–in other words God’s good provisions are always in a never-ending flux of comings and goings. Autumn then, as Borland says, is indeed a summing up of what’s happened throughout a year’s trip around the sun, and thankfully it only takes away what the gardener holds dear a little bit at a time. We may be just steps away from winter, but given earth’s history of unfailing continuance we are not too many steps further away from spring. So to recall a familiar phrase, all’s well that ends well, especially when we’re blessed with the divine promise for more. Is there any way God’s enduring love and goodness could be even the slightest bit more grand!

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.
the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.
~Psalm 136:1-9    ✝

29 thoughts on “546. God writes the Gospel not in the Bible alone, but also on trees, and in the flowers and clouds and stars. ~Martin Luther”

  5. Natalie… I’m so touched by Luther’s quote because I really believe in… beautiful and instructive post as ever… maybe you’ll be interested in reading one of my favorite poem… it’s very simple and humble, and M. Luther’s quote made me think of it… thank you & much ♥

    My church has no wall
    My church has no roof
    Birds are flying through
    Stars are shining above
    My church has no door
    My church has no window
    Shy owls are welcome there
    Secret lakes are stained glass
    And bluebells go to the mass
    It is a shelter in my heart
    Hugeness in my soul
    My church is nowhere
    And everywhere at the same
    As fragile as a snowflake
    As strong as love
    For it is the breath of life
    For it is just made of faith

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    • Oh I had to use your poem for my blog entry today. You and it are just too amazing to ignore!!!! I pray you’ve been having a good week. It is very cold here at the moment and I’ve been worrying about my seedlings. So far they are holding their own. Hugs and love, N ❤ ❤ ❤

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  10. That’s an amazing quote by Martin Luther. I noticed Frederic’s comment to you, and I’ve read that poem of his before. It is so befitting for Luther’s quote. And might I add, stunning photo Natalie. The light from the sun up top and then the whiteness of the clouds, greying towards the bottom. Good stuff girl.
    Love and blessings. Hope you’re having a nice weekend, and no pain.
    🙂 ❤

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  13. Breathtaking work. I really enjoyed this. I actually stopped to view this as I am making my way slowly through the mountain of replies people have left for me. I really thank you for giving me a Gift tonight. Bless you. Love, Amy

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