Portlanders are a rare breed. We get super excited about the weather. Most of us do not mind the rain so much, because when the sun does come out from behind those clouds, it is glorious! Green, blooming, fresh air. Yes indeed. Another beautiful spring day in Portland!
Everyone I talked to today spoke about getting out and enjoying the sun. And most of them also talked about how many mountains they could clearly see. Including me!
I began my day with a lovely chamber music rehearsal. Two sweet violinist females picked me up and took me to one of their lovely homes. This house sits on top of a hill and had the most clear view of Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams that I have ever seen! Plus her cherry tree was in full bloom.
Then I went home and made a bit of breakfast, cleaned and practiced. I was planning on going to the gym, but then my son called and asked me if I would like to walk the Tilikum Bridge since it was such a beautiful day. I, of course said I would love to. But then I kept thinking about the view of the mountains. And the Grotto popped into my head. I suggested we go there instead. He was a little hesitant. He has told me that he believes in God, but when I lecture, preach, or otherwise try to influence him spiritually he feels like resisting. So, I backed off a bit. I mentioned, when he got home that the view from the upper level would be spectacular today. He relented. And the view was spectacular. We even sat in the observation chapel and watched a plane descend and land at the Portland International Airport. He also walked the labyrinth with me!
A very good day indeed!
My psalm of the day matched the glorious weather. And it brought to mind a work by Haydn from "The Creation": "The Heavens are Telling the Glory of God." I have often played a piano arrangement of this for the end of church services. It is big and dramatic. I liked sending forth the congregation in a state of exilaration!
Everyone I talked to today spoke about getting out and enjoying the sun. And most of them also talked about how many mountains they could clearly see. Including me!
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| https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Hood |
Then I went home and made a bit of breakfast, cleaned and practiced. I was planning on going to the gym, but then my son called and asked me if I would like to walk the Tilikum Bridge since it was such a beautiful day. I, of course said I would love to. But then I kept thinking about the view of the mountains. And the Grotto popped into my head. I suggested we go there instead. He was a little hesitant. He has told me that he believes in God, but when I lecture, preach, or otherwise try to influence him spiritually he feels like resisting. So, I backed off a bit. I mentioned, when he got home that the view from the upper level would be spectacular today. He relented. And the view was spectacular. We even sat in the observation chapel and watched a plane descend and land at the Portland International Airport. He also walked the labyrinth with me!
A very good day indeed!
My psalm of the day matched the glorious weather. And it brought to mind a work by Haydn from "The Creation": "The Heavens are Telling the Glory of God." I have often played a piano arrangement of this for the end of church services. It is big and dramatic. I liked sending forth the congregation in a state of exilaration!
Psalm 19
The heavens proclaim the glory of God,
and the firmament shows forth the work of his hands.
Day unto day takes up the story
and night unto night makes known the message.
No speech, no word, no voice is heard
yet their span extends through all the earth,
their words to the utmost bounds of the world.
There he has placed a tent for the sun;
it comes forth like a bridegroom coming from his tent,
rejoices like a champion to run its course.
At the end of the sky is the rising of the sun;
to the furthest end of the sky is its course.
There is nothing concealed from its burning heat.
The law of the Lord is perfect,
it revives the soul.
The rule of the Lord is to be trusted,
it gives wisdom to the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right,
they gladden the heart.
The command of the Lord is clear,
it gives light to the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is holy,
abiding for ever.
The decrees of the Lord are truth
and all of them just.
They are more to be desired than gold,
than the purest of gold
and sweeter are they than honey,
than honey from the comb.
So in them your servant finds instruction;
great reward is in their keeping.
But who can detect all his errors?
From hidden faults acquit me.
From presumption restrain your servant
and let it not rule me.
Then shall I be blameless,
clean from grave sin.
.May the spoken words of my mouth,
the thoughts of my heart,
win favor in your sight, O Lord,
my rescuer, my rock!
and the firmament shows forth the work of his hands.
Day unto day takes up the story
and night unto night makes known the message.
No speech, no word, no voice is heard
yet their span extends through all the earth,
their words to the utmost bounds of the world.
There he has placed a tent for the sun;
it comes forth like a bridegroom coming from his tent,
rejoices like a champion to run its course.
At the end of the sky is the rising of the sun;
to the furthest end of the sky is its course.
There is nothing concealed from its burning heat.
The law of the Lord is perfect,
it revives the soul.
The rule of the Lord is to be trusted,
it gives wisdom to the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right,
they gladden the heart.
The command of the Lord is clear,
it gives light to the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is holy,
abiding for ever.
The decrees of the Lord are truth
and all of them just.
They are more to be desired than gold,
than the purest of gold
and sweeter are they than honey,
than honey from the comb.
So in them your servant finds instruction;
great reward is in their keeping.
But who can detect all his errors?
From hidden faults acquit me.
From presumption restrain your servant
and let it not rule me.
Then shall I be blameless,
clean from grave sin.
.May the spoken words of my mouth,
the thoughts of my heart,
win favor in your sight, O Lord,
my rescuer, my rock!
Happy Wednesday!
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