The Writing on the Wall: With My Song I Will Praise Him

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

With My Song I Will Praise Him

I am in one of the most beautiful places on earth. I have never been a big fan of Florida, but perhaps I was in the wrong places. Hubby and I are on vacation in Palm Coast, staying at a resort right on the intercoastal waterway. I walk about 500 feet, and put my kayak in the water. Since I am always prepared, despite never having been a boy-scout, I have a kayak cart. My kayak straps to the cart, and is easily wheeled behind me wherever I want to go on land. When I launch, the cart easily straps to the back of my kayak. But first, we explored the surroundings by land.

We arrived early enough Sunday that we got to go on a bike ride along the waterway. We are told there are a hundred miles of bike paths in the area. The bike path meanders mostly through heavily shaded areas, so the 90 degree Florida sun did not bother us (too much.) I kept thinking, God, you sure made a beautiful world. May I always be so grateful and expansive in spirit for all you have provided.

The next morning, I was up early, eager to find dolphin and manatee. The hubster does not love kayaking like I do, so I was on my own while he snoozed. I have been assured that dolphin and manatee are always out there, and often seen. Plopping my kayak in at 7:30, I was hopeful. The sun had just risen and was low in the sky, casting long shadows across the waterway. Heron and osprey were already hard at work searching for breakfast. No one else was out on the water. Magical!

On my way back downstream, after paddling an hour upstream, I passed a fisherman. He called me over telling me he had caught a puffer fish and perhaps I would like to see it. I had never seen a puffer fish, so quickly kayaked to his dock. He stroked the puffer fish's belly, and the fish ballooned into a fat puff ball. The fisherman told me this dissuaded prey from attacking him. What an incredible provision in the kingdom of God! Wonders did not cease after the puffer fish, released, swam quickly away. The fisherman also pointed at a heron atop a live oak tree across the waterway.

"That's Bubba," he told me, "When I catch fish and whistle, Bubba comes right next to me and takes the fish from my hand."

Oh, how I wanted to be that fisherman!

Since he was clearly knowledgeable, I asked him many questions. Did he see dolphin? All the time!

Were there alligators? Yes, but they won't bother you. Will I see manatee? Yes, but you want to go on the other side of the bridge downriver where it is less salinated. Are there sharks? No, never. Too far from the ocean for them.

Whew. I will take frightened alligators over sharks.

Waving goodbye, I kayaked homeward. Bubba sat on the top branches of the oak, watching me. He didn't move despite my belting out a few choruses of "How Great Thou Art!" No dolphin or manatee showed up, despite my three-hour tour. It didn't matter. I don't know if I could have handled a drop more of ecstasy.

Psalms 28:7

Verse Concepts

The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.
- See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/ecstasy#sthash.Rdu1z9mI.dpuf

Psalms 28:7

Verse Concepts

Psalms 28:7

Verse Concepts

Psalms 28:7

Verse Concepts

Psalm 28:7

⁷The Lord is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart greatly rejoices,
And with my song I will praise Him.

2 Corinthians 12:3-4

Verse Concepts

And I know how such a man--whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows-- was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak.
- See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/ecstasy#sthash.L39yPyG2.dpuf

Psalms 28:7

Verse Concepts