I actually wrote this in 2015, but I came across it and realized it is not on my blog; so here we are.

Zephaniah 3.17, “The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save, He will take great delight in you, He will rejoice over you with singing.” (NIV)

My heart cannot cease to praise the Lord. I am a poet, which means I naturally burst into impromptu fits of adoration and praise. Some days, I will make melody to the Lord for hours. Never before, however, had I given thought to the ending of that verse. God is deserving of far more praise and song than I can produce, but He rejoices over me in song?!

Song is something sacred, and one of the highest forms of human, emotional expression. Although, it must be higher than humanity because here God rejoices to the point of song. It is inspiring to know that God is so concerned for my well-being and service to Him that it moves Him to make melody.

It is also a challenge. Songs can also be mournful, full of regret and disappointment. If God can be moved to holy chorus in joy, then He can be moved to lament a dirge over my disobedience. I do not want to move God to somber song, or yet worse—a wrathful aria, by my disobedience. I wish to keep my Lord singing ‘til He calls me home.

People standing by

The placid reflection pool ‘til

Gallery opens.

_______________________________

Boist’rous boy scouts shout

And dash around the calm pool

Enjoying the sun.

Serenity may be sparse,

But to view art in youth—good.

__________________________________

“Mountain Landscape”, Unkoku Toeki, (1606-1646)

While the Italian Renaissance was at its height, this masterpiece was painted. Simplicity and serenity. I can feel it: the temperature, the breath of wind, the smell, and the sound of the scene are all manifest in the painting. Masterful.

_________________________________________

“Vying Peacocks”, Ishizaki Koyo, (1929)

Unparalleled skill, rich colors and stark detail compliment the mood.

___________________________________________

“Unititled (Full Moon)”, Guillermo Kuiten, (2008)

Desolation, isolation, numbing fear. Chaos, confusion, impenetrable silence, waning time.

___________________________________________

The mastery of Baroque, Dutch painters is “awe-founding”.

____________________________________________

“Twilight Painting II”, Raqib Shaw, (2012-2013)

Embedded in spiteful war as the foundations collapse around; one would think they could stop long enough to see the futility, or at least pick a wiser field of battle.

____________________________________________

I like Richard Estes’ works.

____________________________________________

Serene winter day

As I appreciate art

Too warm near Christmas!

____________________________________________

Picasso would have been a great guy to hang out with, but a terrible role model.

____________________________________________

Nazarene, Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, and Presbyterian sanctuaries are fine, but they do nothing to put the mind in a frame of worship, nor echo the mood of eternity.

____________________________________________

“True painting is only an image of the perfection of God.”

____________________________________________

Chickadee flitting

Under the table for scraps;

No protest from me!

____________________________________________

Honey bees buzzing

Near a glass of Chardonnay–

Second of December.

How unseasonably warm;

God’s grace, or global warming?