A Pleasing Palette

As I was driving home from our local pharmacy, I was struck by the beauty of the fall colors. Today is one of those dreary days of fall, cool, damp and overcast. The suns light is partially obscured by clouds, but as it passes through the clouds it causes all of the yellow-tones in the vegetation around me to fairly glow. It reminded me of Ezekiel's vision in Ezekiel 43:2.

Ezekiel 43:2, “And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and His voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with His glory.”

It is as though the entire world around me were rebelling against the overcast skies. The glowing yellows mixing in with the tones of red, brown and green create a most pleasing palette.

When I emerged from my van, I was smiling. On my way home I listened to Franz Schubert play a cheerful waltz. In my mind, I could see ladies in jewel-toned gowns and gentlemen in elegant coats and tails swirling to the music. A single breath of wind would cause all the leaves on the trees and brush to do the same. Oh how my mind was enjoying this fancy! God was truly using His gift of creation to minister to my spirit on this dreary day! Who would have thought that nature would give me so much pleasure on a day like this? Oh Dear Friends! Do take the time to notice the beauty God has created around you and point it out to your children as well. It will be like a breath of fresh air on a cloudy, stress-filled, hurry up day.

Now let me tell you about the trees. They are so beautiful! The sweet gums and Bradford pear tree in my yard are just starting to turn yellow, but there are others on this road that has already changed to a deep, purple-crimson. The red maples have already shown their gorgeous colors and gently drifted to the ground. The yard is so beautiful with this blanket of red leaves. The dogwoods have begun their transition as well with a slow change from green to a deep burgundy. Even the pines are getting in on the act. Their brown needles are diving to the ground to form a cozy blanket to insulate their roots from the freezing temperatures to come. When the wind blows we have to be careful! Diving pine needles can hurt!

When I look below these trees I can only smile at the beautiful footnote that God has provided. I see purples and yellows and white. The purple and white asters with their cheery yellow centers remind me of our children gathered about our feet, just as these flowers are gathered about the trunks of the trees. Each one is eager for nourishment from the sun (or Son) and soil (the foundation of our homes), just as our children are. Is the Son shining in your home today or is He obscured by the clouds of disagreement, doubt and attitudes? What about the soil, the foundation of your home? How is the palette you are presenting to our Dear Lord? Have you built it up today or was it depleted by the atmosphere?

There is red and green in the footnote as well to remind me that Christ's birthday celebration is fast approaching. It is a celebration of new life and new hope for all men. This celebration reminds us that we have a reason to continue in our journey and that the end result is always worth the effort. Each olive branch, each vine that has been grafted into our homes will take on the unique characteristics of our family. Each one was placed there for a specific time and season. Psalm 144:12 gives us a beautiful illustration of how our sons and daughters will flourish.

Psalm 144:12, “That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace.”

Looking further at the scene before me, I see mingled in as a backdrop the browns and greens of fallen leaves and dying grasses. All of nature is preparing for an active winter of root development. As winter progresses, every drop of rain that falls, every snowflake that melts, brings with it life-giving minerals to aid this root development. Just as every tear that falls in your home and every smile in spite of the tears bring a character-building opportunity.

As all of nature lays her plans and begins her work how about you? Do you have a plan for the indoor days approaching? Do you have a list of lively books to read aloud and nourish the young minds entrusted to your care? Winter is a great time for in-depth studies and map work. Rousing adventures with maps and biographical sketches will give your children hours of play and imaginative games. Bible drills and trivia games can make for wonderful evenings around the hearth or kitchen table.

Winter is also a wonderful time to allow our creative spirit, a special gift from our Creator God, to come to the forefront. Our Father God created us in His likeness and this includes His creative spirit. Since grandparents love gifts that have been crafted by the children, why not let your children design something special. Need inspiration? Just walk around in Hobby Lobby or Michaels or even Wal Mart's craft section. You will surely come away with at least one idea and probably a bag full of goodies as well.

Have you given thought to your pantry and freezer? Colder temperatures require our bodies to work harder to maintain warmth and support the immune system. Do you have the necessary foods? Proverbs 6:6-8 tell us to consider the ant as they prepare. Indeed you can look out your window and witness the squirrels stashing away their winter stores.

As you plan your meals try to include as many raw fruits and vegetables as possible. Root vegetables such as daikon radish, onions, garlic, sweet potatoes, carrots, butternut squash and turnips all have very health-giving properties. Don't discount these in your preparations. A daikon radish goes nicely on a vegetable tray to be eaten with dip and you can always use turnips in the same way. Don't like the raw taste? Try hiding them in mashed potatoes! Mashed potatoes can be made savory with the addition of onions and garlic.

The many colors of fall vegetables will also create a very pleasing palette on your table. In this season of dormancy and cold it is more important than ever that we feed our bodies living, fresh foods. We all get the “munchies” on those long winter evenings, this is the perfect time to set out some dip and raw veggies and let them have all they want.

Now let's turn our attention to our medicine chest. Don't wait until someone is ill before you buy the necessary supplements and medicines. Vitamin C, combinations from the Elderberry plant and from the Yarrow plant are all valuable to help our bodies fight off the viruses that plague us in the winter months.

Laying in our winter storage and laying up our treasures above (Luke 12:32-34), this is what we should be about this season. As you ever strive for more of Him who gives to all that earnestly seek Him, (Jeremiah 29:13), you will be modeling precious truths into the lives of your children.

A truly sweet time I spent with my son lately was during Bible study. I was doing my Bible study and he was doing copy work from Scripture. We sat together soaking up the word of God. As the words of the God of creation swept over us the pleasing palette of nature was just outside. The beautiful view of His creative work inspired me to look deeper within His word to find more of Him. As I watched my son's excitement as his chosen Scripture to copy that day came alive to him, I rejoiced that we were chosen to be his family. This was a holy moment, a precious gift from my loving Father God.

John 14:26, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

May He open your eyes so that you can see how truly pleasing His work in creation is around you. May He open your ears to hear the still, small voice of God speaking to your heart. May He open your heart to receive the abundance He has planned for you.

We wish you all a Christmas season filled with wonder and thanksgiving for the birth of our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He Who was and is and is to come! Hallelujah! He who has ears let him hear.

This article is copyrighted by Mary E. Woodis. If you would like to print this article in whole or part in your publication please contact Jessie and Mary Woodis at jessiew@hiwaay.net for permission and more details.


	Crooked Pines Ministries A Pleasing Palette By: Mary E. Woodis Background Passage: Psalm 144 Key vs.: 12-15 Ecclesiastes 3:1 As I was driving home from our local pharmacy, I was struck by the beauty of the fall colors. Today is one of those dreary days of fall, cool, damp and overcast. The suns light is partially obscured by clouds, but as it passes through the clouds it causes all of the yellow-tones in the vegetation around me to fairly glow. It reminded me of Ezekiel's vision in Ezekiel 43:2. Ezekiel 43:2, “And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and His voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with His glory.” It is as though the entire world around me were rebelling against the overcast skies. The glowing yellows mixing in with the tones of red, brown and green create a most pleasing palette. When I Arrived... When I emerged from my van, I was smiling. On my way home I listened to Franz Schubert play a cheerful waltz. In my mind, I could see ladies in jewel-toned gowns and gentlemen in elegant coats and tails swirling to the music. A single breath of wind would cause all the leaves on the trees and brush to do the same. Oh how my mind was enjoying this fancy! God was truly using His gift of creation to minister to my spirit on this dreary day! Who would have thought that nature would give me so much pleasure on a day like this? Oh Dear Friends! Do take the time to notice the beauty God has created around you and point it out to your children as well. It will be like a breath of fresh air on a cloudy, stress-filled, hurry up day. Oh! The Trees Now let me tell you about the trees. They are so beautiful! The sweet gums and Bradford pear tree in my yard are just starting to turn yellow, but there are others on this road that has already changed to a deep, purple-crimson. The red maples have already shown their gorgeous colors and gently drifted to the ground. The yard is so beautiful with this blanket of red leaves. The dogwoods have begun their transition as well with a slow change from green to a deep burgundy. Even the pines are getting in on the act. Their brown needles are diving to the ground to form a cozy blanket to insulate their roots from the freezing temperatures to come. When the wind blows we have to be careful! Diving pine needles can hurt! The Beautiful Footnote When I look below these trees I can only smile at the beautiful footnote that God has provided. I see purples and yellows and white. The purple and white asters with their cheery yellow centers remind me of our children gathered about our feet, just as these flowers are gathered about the trunks of the trees. Each one is eager for nourishment from the sun (or Son) and soil (the foundation of our homes), just as our children are. Is the Son shining in your home today or is He obscured by the clouds of disagreement, doubt and attitudes? What about the soil, the foundation of your home? How is the palette you are presenting to our Dear Lord? Have you built it up today or was it depleted by the atmosphere? There is red and green in the footnote as well to remind me that Christ's birthday celebration is fast approaching. It is a celebration of new life and new hope for all men. This celebration reminds us that we have a reason to continue in our journey and that the end result is always worth the effort. Each olive branch, each vine that has been grafted into our homes will take on the unique characteristics of our family. Each one was placed there for a specific time and season. Psalm 144:12 gives us a beautiful illustration of how our sons and daughters will flourish. Psalm 144:12, “That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace.” Oh how beautiful are children raised to honor our Dear Lord! The Backdrop Looking further at the scene before me, I see mingled in as a backdrop the browns and greens of fallen leaves and dying grasses. All of nature is preparing for an active winter of root development. As winter progresses, every drop of rain that falls, every snowflake that melts, brings with it life-giving minerals to aid this root development. Just as every tear that falls in your home and every smile in spite of the tears bring a character-building opportunity. Plans? As all of nature lays her plans and begins her work how about you? Do you have a plan for the indoor days approaching? Do you have a list of lively books to read aloud and nourish the young minds entrusted to your care? Winter is a great time for in-depth studies and map work. Rousing adventures with maps and biographical sketches will give your children hours of play and imaginative games. Bible drills and trivia games can make for wonderful evenings around the hearth or kitchen table. Be Creative Life Your Father Winter is also a wonderful time to allow our creative spirit, a special gift from our Creator God, to come to the forefront. Our Father God created us in His likeness and this includes His creative spirit. Since grandparents love gifts that have been crafted by the children, why not let your children design something special. Need inspiration? Just walk around in Hobby Lobby or Michaels or even Wal Mart's craft section. You will surely come away with at least one idea and probably a bag full of goodies as well. Be Prepared! Have you given thought to your pantry and freezer? Colder temperatures require our bodies to work harder to maintain warmth and support the immune system. Do you have the necessary foods? Proverbs 6:6-8 tell us to consider the ant as they prepare. Indeed you can look out your window and witness the squirrels stashing away their winter stores. A Pleasing Palette of Vegetables As you plan your meals try to include as many raw fruits and vegetables as possible. Root vegetables such as daikon radish, onions, garlic, sweet potatoes, carrots, butternut squash and turnips all have very health-giving properties. Don't discount these in your preparations. A daikon radish goes nicely on a vegetable tray to be eaten with dip and you can always use turnips in the same way. Don't like the raw taste? Try hiding them in mashed potatoes! Mashed potatoes can be made savory with the addition of onions and garlic. The many colors of fall vegetables will also create a very pleasing palette on your table. In this season of dormancy and cold it is more important than ever that we feed our bodies living, fresh foods. We all get the “munchies” on those long winter evenings, this is the perfect time to set out some dip and raw veggies and let them have all they want. Medically Prepared Now let's turn our attention to our medicine chest. Don't wait until someone is ill before you buy the necessary supplements and medicines. Vitamin C, combinations from the Elderberry plant and from the Yarrow plant are all valuable to help our bodies fight off the viruses that plague us in the winter months. Laying Up Our Treasures Laying in our winter storage and laying up our treasures above (Luke 12:32-34), this is what we should be about this season. As you ever strive for more of Him who gives to all that earnestly seek Him, (Jeremiah 29:13), you will be modeling precious truths into the lives of your children. A Season of More! Let this season be a season of more. Spend your time reaching ever higher for more from our gracious God. Look to Him for more: More life More belief More wine of gladness More insight More of His fullness More of His Spirit More fruit in our homes More enjoyment of Jesus More celebration of Jesus Those Holy Moments A truly sweet time I spent with my son lately was during Bible study. I was doing my Bible study and he was doing copy work from Scripture. We sat together soaking up the word of God. As the words of the God of creation swept over us the pleasing palette of nature was just outside. The beautiful view of His creative work inspired me to look deeper within His word to find more of Him. As I watched my son's excitement as his chosen Scripture to copy that day came alive to him, I rejoiced that we were chosen to be his family. This was a holy moment, a precious gift from my loving Father God. In closing, I pray that John 14:26 would be a reality in your life. John 14:26, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” May He open your eyes so that you can see how truly pleasing His work in creation is around you. May He open your ears to hear the still, small voice of God speaking to your heart. May He open your heart to receive the abundance He has planned for you. From Crooked Pines and The Woodis Bunch to your families: We wish you all a Christmas season filled with wonder and thanksgiving for the birth of our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He Who was and is and is to come! Hallelujah! He who has ears let him hear. back to the top This article is copyrighted by Mary E. Woodis. If you would like to print this article in whole or part in your publication please contact Jessie and Mary Woodis at jessiew@hiwaay.net for permission and more details. This page last updated November 2003