Living Art
Did you know that you can appreciate beautiful works of art without having to go to a local gallery or museum?
You certainly can!
In fact, it’s right within our reach.
You can find these artistic masterpieces everywhere – in your garden, a local park, during a walk through the woods, and, my personal favorite, at the seashore.
We are gifted from God with “living art.” A magnificent creation was made by Him, for Him, and as an expression of His glory.
Living Art Under The Sea
I’m a huge fan of underwater adventures.
Snorkeling in Oahu, and also in the Bahamas, were unforgettable experiences.
I’m not even that great at it.
No fancy gear or flippers – just me, my mask, and my snorkel.
Take me snorkeling, and I’m a happy girl.
It is so peaceful to spend the day relaxing in the crystal blue water, scouting out schools of colorful fish, and observing the underwater rock formations.
Those beautiful beaches are calling my name right now.
I could have stayed forever, just taking in the sights and the beauty of God’s creation.
Turning Off The Clutter
I believe in Biblical creation, despite the loud protests of evolution theorists and progressives who want to deny creator God.
I trust God.
My belief is in His Word, not in man-made theories.
My faith in Biblical creation wouldn’t make me popular in scientific think tanks, but that’s okay.
God doesn’t lie.
*3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. – Hebrews 11:3, English Standard Version (ESV).
“Created by the word of God…”
It’s pretty clear.
God spoke the world into existence.
And this world is nothing short of fascinating.
Thank you, God
for creating this world
of beautiful colors
to inspire us,
and spark our imaginations.
Let’s take a peek at a few unique creatures.
We’ll start with this twirling Feather Starfish. I’d never seen one before until this video. Did you know this little guy even existed?
He’s stunning and graceful, but I’m glad I’m not a twirling Feather Starfish.
Too much twirling, and I would get awful tired.
The Mandarinfish Of Many Colors
The Mandarinfish has caught my fancy before. I’ve never seen one in person so I can only admire him from afar.
The Mandarinfish is quite the beauty, plus I think he knows it!
Created By God
**24 O Lord, how many are Your works!
In wisdom You have made them all;
The earth is full of Your possessions. – Psalm 104:24, NASB.
I bet you haven’t heard of the Nudibranch.
Mollusks inhabit the oceans throughout the world. Kinda cute to look at, but some of the species are toxic.
Remember the cute movie, “Finding Nemo?”
My husband and I just bought a couple of Clownfish for our home.
We nicknamed them “George and Gracie.” You wouldn’t believe the fun personality of these two. They see us peering at them through the aquarium glass, and they get very excited. Kind of like me when it’s almost dinnertime. 🙂
This next little guy cracks me up.
It’s a Peacock Mantis Shrimp.
I won’t even try to pronounce his classification name, Odontodactylus scyllarus. Okay, smarty pants, I know you just tried to say it. 🙂
Delightful Beasts
I couldn’t resist posting a few pics of sea creatures on the opposite end of the beauty spectrum.
Meet the Viperfish.
My guess is he’s never happy and in need of a good dentist.
Then there’s the Cape Rain Frog below.
Kinda resembles Jabba the Hutt from the “Star Wars” movie.
Who said God doesn’t have a sense of humor?
Although we should never “worship” God’s creation, we sure can appreciate it.
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*Scripture quotation is from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2016 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
**Psalm 104 quotation is from: New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.
***Viperfish image, courtesy of Personnel of NOAA Ship PISCES (2017). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Department of Commerce, Viperfish (Chauliodus shoani), Image ID# fish9129, NOAA’s Fisheries Collection. Available at: http://www.photolib.noaa.gov/htmls/fish9129.htm [Accessed 2 Aug. 2017].
****Cape Rain Frog image, courtesy of By Abu Shawka (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.
