Let us always notice
the fine brushstrokes
that God has applied
to our created world.
These numerous gifts
of visible grace
worthy of our
gratitude.
May we always be
awake, and watching.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Home Sky - Cannonsburg, Michigan
2. Oro Valley, Arizona
3. Yosemite National Park - California
He sat close to the window;
writing, and watching summer mature.
As the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
zipped and sipped at the feeders and flowers.
And the Sandhill Cranes
yodeled from nearby wetlands.
As the White Water Lilies
floated their purity upon the lake.
And White-tailed Deer raised
another generation of fawns.
As wheat, stretching straight and tall,
ripened green to gold in dense rows.
And fireflies flashed green-yellow lights
in the silky dusk of evening.
As frequent thundershowers
kept the heartland green.
And the window to his world offered
daily scenes of summer theatre.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Home Feeders
2. McCarthy Lake
3. McCarthy Lake
4. Home Fields
5. Home Fields
6. Home Woods
7. Home Fields
Each morning opens the day
with an invitation.
Each evening closes the day
with appreciation.
Each day is an opportunity
to say a prayer of gratitude
to God who numbers our days
and calms our restless hearts.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
You may also enjoy: "Each Day" ~ July 22, 2021
Photo Locations:
1. Nanoose Bay - British Columbia - Canada
2. Buena Vista, Colorado
As dawn expanded into morning,
I watched this piece of earth
fill with radiant light.
A breeze stirred the leaves,
and colors awakened
in summer wildflowers.
Listening to the quiet start
of this brand new day,
birdsong sounds like praise.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. & 2. Glacier National Park - Montana
3. Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan
In the dead center
of the radiating rays
of the Queen Anne's Lace,
a speck of deep purple.
Have you noticed?
Or are you still
trying to overcome
your infatuation
with the perfect grace
of her white face?
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. & 2. Home Fields - Cannonsburg, Michigan
The necessity for solitude.
Sensitivity to your surroundings.
The significance of tranquility.
A reverent sense of place.
Awareness through all senses.
Recognition of the Spirit within.
The wonder of mystery.
A sincere love of nature.
Search for God's presence.
Pursue your curiosity.
Celebrate the seasons.
Write often. Revise more.
Honor the abundance of creation
with praise for the creator.
Gratitude. Every day, gratitude.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Location:
1. Louisville, Colorado
slender and agile
banked turn in synchronized flight
pair of Black-necked Stilts
© Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Eagle Lakes Park - Naples, Florida
2. Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch - Gilbert, Arizona
God speaks to me without words:
In the spectacular inflorescence
of dependable, seasonal wildflowers.
The mist blowing off
the crest of ocean waves.
Through the sweet songs of birds
unraveled effortlessly.
The music playing in the rapids
of a rushing mountain stream.
The atmospheric light
dancing with sky, clouds and rain.
Beauty in nature is not essential,
it's God's voice within gifts of creation.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Grattan Township - Kent County - Michigan
2. Sanibel Island - Florida
3. Cannonsburg State Game Area - Kent County - Michigan
4. Arkansas River - Buena Vista, Colorado
5. Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming
Open the windows of your heart.
Extend the antenna of awareness.
Examine the ordinary,
until it becomes extraordinary.
Be alert, and listen to your muse.
Prepared to capture ideas and images.
Then express what you truly feel.
Write of things that make your heart sing.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Location:
1. Home Garden - Cannonsburg, Michigan
