One of God’s greatest shows on earth occurs with the changing of the seasons when the greens of summer give way to the shimmering yellows, vibrant oranges, and flaming reds of autumn colored leaves. For the soul enthralled by the divine, the glistening golden grandeur of fall foliage reveal the beauty and creativity of our Creator. This theater of wonder opens up in spectacular fashion during the last two weeks of October on the slopes of the Smoky Mountains in eastern Tennessee. For four days, I joined David and his family as we drove and hiked through the enchanted autumn forests of one of our oldest national parks.
Whether it’s the majestic mountains of the Swiss Alps or the thundering waterfalls of Milford Sound, the towering trees of a red wood forest or the multicolored universe of a coral reef, the glimmering galaxies that fill our night sky or the delicate pedal of an iris flower, I see glimpses of God in the amazing world of nature. Scripture speaks volumes of truth when it says in Romans 1, "For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God."
The Scriptures also say that ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive’ so I was blessed at the beginning of the month to help Hannah and Daniel move into their new rental house in Marble Falls, TX. The house is big enough for a baby room ready to welcome Nathaniel when he makes his appearance sometime during the coming week. In the absence of Jan, nurse Martha flew to Texas last week to help with Hannah, the baby, and the daily meals. In a couple of weeks, the rest of us hope to travel to Marble Falls for a ‘welcome to the family’ party for Nathaniel.
Although my cancer continues to grow, my symptoms remain about the same. It’s been exactly two years now since I first learned that my cancer had returned. I’m surprised as anyone that I’m still here. But when the day of my promotion finally comes, my greatest joy will be to see Jesus – the giver of my faith, the author of my salvation, the forgiver of my sins, the source of my strength, the provider of my peace, and the delight of my heart. In addition, I can hardly contain the excitement I have in anticipating the eternal world of nature that God has prepared for those who love Him. If God can so adorn this fallen world with a dazzling palette of autumn colors, how much more enraptured will I be when I step into His heavenly world of stainless beauty, divine artistry, humble elegance, stunning splendor, and God-filled glory!
4 comments:
Mark, I grew up in Northeast GA and went to the Smokies many times. This is still my favorite place to go though I don't get to go often these days. During those years we stayed in Gatlinburg because Pigeon Forge was not nearly as developed as it is now. My parents wanted to take me one more time just before Bob and I married- 1957. Dad checked us into a motel, came out and said, "First time I've had to pay double digits for a motel- $12.00!!!" Times have changed!!
I know you are looking forward to your heavenly home just as I am but so thankful you are feeling better these days. Love to you and your family. I remember when you were strolling the seminary campus during mission mtg with your first born!! Maybe 1965??
Mark, all I can say is AMEN!! What a beautiful testimony and post to the glory of our AWESOME God!! We love you and continue to pray for you and to rejoice in your faithful testimony to the goodness of God and the glorious things that await you…and all of us who love God! I can’t wait myself!!! Stan and I are praying for all of you. Dottie
Happy Birthday, Mark! November 7 in my Diary. Here's. my message:An excerpt from Psalm 46:1: " God uses trouble to teach His children precious lessons. They are intended to educat3 us. When their good work is done, a glorious recompense will come to us through them. He does not regard them as difficulties but as opportunities."(Streams in the Desert)
Hey friend! I had no idea that you share a birthday with Summer! November 7? I just read one of the comments above and that's where I'm getting this date. I'm so blessed to be reading your blog. What a gifted writer you are and I'm so happy to see that you are doing well. It is amazing but then again, that's Who our God is. I'm so thankful for his grace in letting us hear from you. I do miss hearing Jan's wisdom. I just wanted to reach out to tell you how we're praying for you and we're thrilled at how you are feeling these days. Sara says you're having a little trouble with your eyes so we will keep that in our prayers. I hope that this will allow me to receive an update whenever you submit another post, or I'll just have to rely on my memory on when to look for it. Good luck with that. Take care friend. The Colemans love you!
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