How to Connect with Gods Creation

orange wildflowers blooming in a field
orange wildflowers blooming in a field“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

Summer is here! It is the perfect time to get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors – fresh air, birds chirping, green grass, growing plants, blue skies, and incredible sunrises and sunsets.

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftmanship.”                                      (Psalms 19:1)

In seasons like this, we can’t help but take in and relish in God’s beauty. How often do you slow down from your busy schedule to take in the beauty? Well, there’s no better time to enjoy and connect with God’s creation, free from man-made distractions. Take advantage of this beauty by enjoying a walk in nature with a friend, sitting on the porch or by a campfire with family, going fishing, kayaking, or canoeing.

When we get out and connect with God’s creation, it allows us to clear our minds of negative distractions and be present in the moment, hear God’s calling, and provide clarity to what our purpose is in life.

“Stop and consider the wondrous works of God. Do you know how God lays his command upon them and causes the lightning of his cloud to shine? Do you know the balancing of the clouds, the wondrous works of him who is perfect in knowledge?” (Job 37:14-16)

Apart from the sunshine and beautiful weather, the Lord has also made thunderstorms to rain down on his creation and allow it to grow. There is beauty in this, too. Lightening brightens the sky and accentuates the clouds and the earth for a different view of His creation.

“He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate – bringing forth food from the earth.” (Psalm 104:14)

Everything around us can give insight into what God has meant for our lives. Sometimes we just need to stop, take things in, and listen. The simplicity of God’s creation can catapult us forth to see what He has made us to be.

So what can you do today to enjoy God’s creation and learn His purpose for your life? If you’re struggling to find time to connect with God during this busy season of life, here are five others ways to help keep God at the center of your life.

“O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom, you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures. Here is the ocean, vast and wide, teeming with life of every kind, both large and small.” (Psalms 104:25-25)

Prayer Practices

Have you ever wondered if you’re praying ‘the right way’? We’re here to tell you that there really isn’t a right or wrong way to pray. It’s all about enhancing your relationship with God and listening or focusing on what He is trying to tell you.

Prayer is personal. It brings you closer to God. Your relationship with God evolves and deepens the more you pray and spend time with Jesus.

Each time we pray, it is typically for a different reason or season in our life. If you struggle to make time to pray or aren’t quite sure how to start, here are a few best practices to consider.

  • Find a designated time each day to spend time in prayer, because developing a consistent routine results in healthy habits! Maybe start with praying at the beginning and/or end of your day. That could eventually expand into spontaneous prayer throughout your day when the spirit moves you to pray. Be aware and look for moments when prayer is needed.
  • Pray simply. You might think you need to have a lengthy prayer or something profound prepared, but God listens to our prayers during moments of need or times of thankfulness, no matter what words we use. God listens to even our shortest prayers in a sudden time of need. You can talk to God like you talk to a friend.
  • Read the Bible. Look up a Bible verse and pray by reflecting on the words. Taking time to read Scripture helps us get to know God even better. Let the words assist you in finding specific and effective ways to continue your conversation with God and aid in prayer requests of yourself and the people you love.

The prayer process can include finding something you are grateful for, acknowledging when you might not have been the best version of yourself, exploring significant moments in your life with God, asking for forgiveness, and lifting up certain people in your life who might need prayer, and asking God to bless them.

No matter how you pray, you are talking to God. He is your friend, and He is always listening.

St. Valentine

saint valentine

saint valentineAlthough Valentine’s Day is most popularly known as a day for roses, chocolates, romance, and wining and dining, it is also known as the Feast of St. Valentine.

St. Valentine is the patron saint of lovers, epileptics and beekeepers. He is one of only two saints – Valentine and Patrick – who have their feast days listed as holidays on ordinary calendars.

Though this saint’s name has become synonymous with love and affection, little is known about him, except that he was a Roman priest and martyr (a person considered to have died because of their testimony for Jesus or faith in Jesus).

“Although we may not understand why a priest is the patron saint of lovers, it’s easy to know why we have a saint especially assigned to the virtue of love. Love is an essential ingredient for life.” (365 Saints by Woodeene Koenig-Bricker)

What is a saint?

Some might ask what makes a saint, a Saint. According to Christian teachings, a saint (broadly speaking) is anyone who follows Jesus and lives their life according to His teaching. Saints with a capital ‘S’ are those who led lives of holiness and heroic virtue while on earth and are now officially declared and recognized by the Catholic and Orthodox traditions.

“Heroic” virtue refers to a saint’s ability to overcome sinful tendencies and temptations. They weren’t immune to sin, and many of them had to struggle for years to conquer their sinful passions. Saints weren’t perfect. They made mistakes just like everyone else. But what sets them apart with the title “saint” is that they did not stay down when they fell. By God’s grace, these holy men and women stood up, brushed off the dirt and kept moving forward.*

The remarkable thing about a lot of Saints is they were regular, everyday people. And they experienced life’s ups and downs just like the rest of us. However, they listened to God’s calling for their life. They made it their purpose to live an honorable and holy life.

So, as we enjoy this beautiful Valentine’s Day holiday, don’t forget the roots of the holiday from St. Valentine. Consider how you can also demonstrate your love for those around you, just as Jesus shows his love for each one of us.

* https://aleteia.org/2021/04/27/what-is-a-saint-in-the-catholic-church/