I hope your spring has been a good one. We who live in Texas have had an unusually mild and cool spring, accompanied by much rain. The rain has caused the Texas wildflowers to flourish, adding stunning beauty to the landscape. I recently read Psalm 96, verses 11 and 12:
Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
Psalm 96:11-12
Jubilant is one of those words that is not used much in our current culture. Jubilant means “feeling or expressing great happiness and triumph.” The Hebrew word that is translated “jubilant” in the above version means “to celebrate, to rejoice, to exult, to be jubilant.”
“Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy!…” NLT
“Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein…” KJV
“Let the fields and everything in them celebrate!…” NET
In a world that seems to be on the “brink” most every day, it’s good to remember that God gives us simple things for us to find joy in; things we often take for granted.
God is indeed an awesome Creator-God of beauty.
Every spring I try to participate in the Annual Plein Air competition sponsored by the Ellis County Art Association. The Plein Air work shown above was one of 5 pieces (other 4 works shown below) I created during the event and entered in the competition. The rules for this competition requires all work to be painted on the spot, or en plein air in Ellis County during a few weeks in April and May. I was blessed to receive a Second Place Award in the competition for “Hiding Place”, a 12 x 9 oil on panel.
