God’s Gentleness

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flowers, swollowtail, may 001I got up early and headed for the woods. I asked the Lord to help me make my thoughts obedient to Christ. I just wanted to hear Him, not my own words in my head. Looking down at my feet, I thanked Him for being the Light to my feet and for shining His Truth on my path, each step at a time. My heart longed for His voice to me. I quietly walked, just looking down.

Then, there it lay. A beautiful Tiger Swallowtail, spread out right before my feet. It was too cold to move and lay still on the path.

I picked it up and intently studied this beautiful creature. An awareness of the gentleness of the Creator flooded my heart. His intimate knowing of our circumstances, His attention to details, and His creativity were all so evident to me here, holding this delicate butterfly.

I carried it for a little while. The warmth of my hand was enough to make the butterfly move around. I set in a nearby field of flowers and took a picture.

flowers, swollowtail, may 040

“Lord, open my eyes to the Truth all around me.
Your creativity and wisdom are beautiful.
You gently show me.
Open my heart to receive what You are teaching me today, 
so that I in turn will show kindness and gentleness
to the world around me.”
~~~
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord,
urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling
to which you have been called,

with all humility and gentleness, with patience,
bearing with one another in love,

eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit
in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV)
~~~
(pictures and devotional, Heidi Viars 2014)

 

21 responses to “God’s Gentleness”

  1. melodylowes Avatar

    I love the openness of your heart in listening and seeing what our God wanted to speak to your soul. Blessings on you!

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  2. Nancy Ruegg Avatar

    Your story of the butterfly highlights so well the gentleness of our Creator. Praise God that he is strong AND gentle!

    Just so you know, Heidi, I may not be commenting as often as usual for the next few weeks. Steve and I are moving and I’m taking a partial-break from blogging in order to pack and unpack. But don’t worry–I’ll be back!

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    1. Heidi Viars Avatar

      You will be missed, dearest Nancy! I so appreciate your kind and gentle encouragement to me and pray your move will go well. Thanks for letting me know 🙂

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  3. christinavarga Avatar

    Beautiful!! I find that I am most connected with God and most in tune with my spirituality when I am surrounded by nature, by God’s stunning creation. I am so happy I came across your blog and look forward to reading more! 🙂

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    1. Heidi Viars Avatar

      Nature testifies to our marvelous Creator. Indeed, His creation is stunning. Thank you for visiting. Look forward to reading at your place 🙂 So glad we crossed cyber paths, Christina!

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  4. D. Raymond-Wryhte Avatar
    D. Raymond-Wryhte

    Reblogged this on Word Wryhte.

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    1. Heidi Viars Avatar

      Thank you for the re-blog, Mr. D. 🙂

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  5. Debbie Avatar

    How I need to show gentleness and kindness to the world around me, starting in my own home! Thank you for sharing your times with God, with us. God bless you!

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    1. Heidi Viars Avatar

      I know exactly what you mean. His message of gentleness (and kindness) was straight to my stubborn and unkind heart. I am grateful He is patient with us and that He shows us His ways in such unmistakable ways 🙂 Blessings to you, as you serve your family in love, Debbie.

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  6. Stephen Nielsen Avatar

    Heidi, You wouldn’t have had to say any more than your first sentence: “I got up early and headed for the woods.” That’s something I use to do, but now I can’t seem to do it. Maybe some day. Well anyway, you have given me a challenge.

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    1. Heidi Viars Avatar

      Stephen, I do know what you are talking about. Like with any discipline, it can be hard to keep going or even getting started. You might want to ask yourself if it is the enemy keeping you from that intimate time with the Lord. Blessings to you as you pursue Him in His Word (and maybe on a walk too 🙂 )

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      1. Stephen Nielsen Avatar

        Thank you so much.

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  7. poetrycottage Avatar

    How beautiful … you’ve captured God’s gentleness and His gentle creation in your hand and heart. God bless dear Heidi xxx

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    1. Heidi Viars Avatar

      He is so good to us, Liana 🙂 Thanks, so much for being such an encouragement to my heart, sister!

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  8. Starralee Avatar

    Very reverent. God bless you.

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    1. Heidi Viars Avatar

      God bless you, BIG, sister 🙂

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  9. Susan Irene Fox Avatar

    What a wonderful and unexpected blessing! How marvelous to feel and see His tangible presence in your hand.

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    1. Heidi Viars Avatar

      Thanks so much, Susan, for reading and commenting. His presence is our delight. In Christ, we can come to Him in faith and assurance. What a blessing that is!!!!

      Like

  10. Rene Yoshi Avatar

    What a beautiful, inspiring testimony of God’s presence and fellowship! I love moments like that. Thank you so much for sharing your time with Him and images of His beautiful creation.

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    1. Heidi Viars Avatar

      I love that you used the word “fellowship”. What an amazing grace, that invites us to fellowship with the Creator of Heaven and Earth. In Christ we can come boldly before our Maker and freely ask for and receive His gentleness. Blessings to you, Rene. Thanks so much for taking time to read and comment.
      (I am so sorry for not having been more active in reading your posts. We have recently added three more kids to our family :-))

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      1. Rene Yoshi Avatar

        Aww, Heidi, please don’t apologize. Three more gifts of God? What a blessing! His grace truly is amazing! Blessings to you and your family!

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