Stormy winds that do His bidding

I'm having one of those dreamy mornings that only come along every now and then. I woke up after a peaceful night's sleep next to my warm, drowsy puppy. Nowhere to be. Nothing to do. Feeling healthy and strong. Blessed beyond measure. Content in every fiber of my being. Aware that even if it lasted only a few minutes, this was a gift from above.


And then God blessed me some more. 


I opened the door to let my puppy out and discovered a fresh new snow was falling. Big beautiful flakes floating thickly through the air, covering the earth and transforming the bare trees into art that makes my heart sing. Cool. White. Pure. I stood there taking it in and all was quiet, except for the sounds of birds calling and flying from tree to tree, and Ella happily snorting and hopping around in the snow.


Oh, how You bless me, Lord! The whole world declares Your praise. Your ways are beautiful, and everywhere I look I see Your creation. I give thanks for Your overflowing blessings. I do not deserve Your perfect gifts, but I am grateful. Help me to honor You with my life. Bless those who are alone. Grieving. Hurting. Hungry. Cold. Unable or unwilling to see Your beauty. Open their hearts and overwhelm them with Your love. You alone are to be praised, God of the heavens and earth.

Hallelujah! Praise God from heaven,
      praise him from the mountaintops;
   Praise him, all you his angels,
      praise him, all you his warriors,
   Praise him, sun and moon,
      praise him, you morning stars;
   Praise him, high heaven,
      praise him, heavenly rain clouds;
   Praise, oh let them praise the name of God—
      he spoke the word, and there they were! 
He set them in place
      from all time to eternity;
   He gave his orders,
      and that's it! 
Praise God from earth,
      you sea dragons, you fathomless ocean deeps;
   Fire and hail, snow and ice,
      hurricanes obeying his orders;
   Mountains and all hills,
      apple orchards and cedar forests;
   Wild beasts and herds of cattle,
      snakes, and birds in flight;
   Earth's kings and all races,
      leaders and important people,
   Robust men and women in their prime,
      and yes, graybeards and little children.
Let them praise the name of God—
      it's the only Name worth praising.
   His radiance exceeds anything in earth and sky;
      he's built a monument—his very own people!
   Praise from all who love God!
      Israel's children, intimate friends of God.
   Hallelujah!    Psalm 148