As you are reading this post, I am enjoying a special time with my husband in one of the most beautiful places in the world!  Yosemite National Park is to me, the most spectacular place I have ever visited.  God's hand carved out this beautiful valley through the use of ice and stone and today it is home to a myriad of different creatures -- black bear, bob cats, coyotes, mountain lions, deer and chipmunks to name a few!  I love to sit at the base of one of the park’s beautiful waterfalls and look up to the incredible rock formations above me, each one chiseled to a distinctive shape by the Master Sculptor.
 
People from all over the world visit Yosemite on a regular basis.  It is not unusual to hear 5 or 6 different languages being spoken as you walk along the trails and paths in the valley.  I think the variety of life in Yosemite is a testimony to the creativeness of our God.  He loves our unique characteristics and personalities and He has gifted us each differently, one from another.  But, it is that uniqueness that makes His creation so beautiful! 

“God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God Himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to Him forever and ever! Amen” (I Peter 4:10-11).

Not everyone can do everything well. But, when we come together and use the individual gifts that He has given us, we can accomplish more through Him than we ever thought possible!  When we bring our talents and skills together and work as one, we are the Body of Christ. 

“All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it” (I Corinthians 12:27).

I am so thankful to be part of that Body.  All that we do for the Lord, whether using a humble or great gift is a true blessing and pleases God, especially when we work as one for the One who so beautifully sculpted us.

Living for Him,





I invite you to link up today for "Sharing His Beauty" and share the blessing that God is to you in your life. Simply click on the "You're Next" linky below and enter your blog information.


Or, if you choose, you may leave a comment on my post to tell of the beauty you have found in His hands.

15 Comments

  1. What a beautiful post and blog! It is amazing to me how the Creator of the universe takes the time to speak to us through the unique beauty of a snowflake or a cloud formation that exists only for the moment we view it. And even more amazing that He designed each of us with unique talents and gifts to perfectly suit His unique and specific plan for each of our lives within His body, the Church. I am blessed by your blog and will follow it, and I invite you to follow mine, Saved by Grace:
    http://savedbygracebiblestudy.blogspot.com/

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  2. Hi Joan, It's definitely good to be back here sharing the beauty of the Lord. And so glad to hear you're having a WONDERFUL time w/ your husband in a breathtaking place. Like you, God's beautiful creations never cease to amaze me.

    So grateful for His great mercy in redeeming my life and now a part of His Body.

    Take care and have a blessed week,
    Rina

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  3. Hi Joan - I love your posting today. One of the things I love about nature is how it so obviously points us to God and to round out everything, the importance of how we are play a part in the body. Different roles, equal importance. Great post.
    God bless
    Tracy

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  4. I join you in the blessing of belonging to the family (body) of God. There's beauty in us working together, each bringing our own gifts. I love my brothers and sisters in Christ!

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  5. Joan,
    I could just imagine the beauty surrounding you as you sat at that waterfall at Yosemite. I'm glad you are part of the Body also, and using your gift of writing to bless us. Thank you.
    I just saw His beauty in the Body last night as a small group shared goodbyes with a couple who are leaving to live in another state. As different ones shared memories and blessings, I was struck with how even the way we express thoughts and words are unique and a sign of His Master sculpting in our lives.
    Have a great week!

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  6. Greetings Joan,
    I saw someone else's linkup here and had to visit when I saw your blog title. For years I have been signing correspondence, as well as my blog posts with the phrase, "In His Grip." Clearly you have amazing good taste too!! =) So, your title grabbed my attention and then your post completely sold me. I think it may be one of the dumbest things ever, but I have lived in California for 30 years and have yet to visit Yosemite, which if you knew me and my heart for God's creation, you would know how completely ridiculous that is. So happy you are getting to enjoy it. I WILL get there someday!! Looking forward to many more Sharing His Beauty linkups as well as reading your blog!!

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  7. Yes, Joan - it is such a blessing and privilege to be used by the Lord for His many purposes. Each of us unique, and uniquely gifted - all for the purpose of bringing glory to the One whom we reflect.

    Oh, can't wait to hear about your adventures in Yosemite! Love that place! And there are few places better to marvel at the majesty and awesomeness of our Almighty God!

    GOD BLESS!

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  8. indeed, nature reveals the beauty and majesty of God. i hope to be able to visit this magnificent place one of these days!

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  9. Oh, I wish I could go to the beautiful park of Yosemite :). I am sure you and your husband had a great time.

    You are right, Joan, He gave us all different gifts. May I use mine to glorify His name.

    Thank you for sharing.

    Love & peace,
    <>< Iris

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  10. I have never been to Yosemite! But it sounds and looks gorgeous. It will be on my bucket list for sure Joan. It is amazing to see the beauty of God's creation.

    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

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  11. Beautiful post! I love the beauty of the Body of Christ and how we shine brighter when we are together! :)

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  12. Hi Joan - just a quick note to say I've awarded you a bloggy award (see my post today) as your blog inspires me.
    God bless
    Tracy

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  13. Hi Joan,

    What a lovely analogy of being our authentic selves. Yosemite is beautiful and one of a kind, much like each and everyone of us! :)

    I hope you are enjoying this peaceful and restful time in His beauty and grace! :)

    Blessings and hugs,
    Denise

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  14. Isn't God so creative? I love His handiwork. Hope you've had a marvelous time taking it all in. :)

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  15. HI Joan...we were in Yosmite last year. It's breathtaking and really shows His awesomeness. And what struck me when I was there....the God who made Yosmite with all it's beauty made all of us too. Have fun.

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