As early as I can remember, nature was a solace to my soul. There was always something that drew my heart in and calmed me. Even before I appreciated the Creator of it all.
When I couldn’t be outdoors, photos of nature drew me in. As a child, I loved a large nature scene in our living room. I remember it had trees and water. It was such a calm scene, far from all the evil and pain in this world. When my thoughts were jumbled, troubled, and confused, I loved to imagine myself sitting on the bank feeling the coolness of the water on my feet.
I’m now 66, but I still imagine myself sitting or walking in calm nature scenes. 🙂 When the cold winters keep me housebound, I sometimes search out old photos, including the one above from one of my favorite nature retreats. Now wouldn’t it be lovely to sit on one of those rocks and soak in the sights and sounds?
Here are a few more pics from this soul-soothing retreat:
“Some people, in order to discover God, read books. But there is a great book: the very appearance of created things. Look above you! Look below you! Read it. God, whom you want to discover, never wrote that book with ink. Instead He set before your eyes the things that He had made. Can you ask for a louder voice than that?” – St. Augustine
I am always delighted when my brother in Arizona shares photos with me. They always refresh my heart. He graciously allows me to share them with you.
Freed to Fly 
I feel the same way about the soothing nature of water, Trudy. In fact, my dream is to someday live in a home with a water view. 🙂 Your brother’s pictures are amazing, as always. I especially like the cardinal and green kingfisher. I hope you’ve had a good summer so far … can you believe it’s almost August? Love and hugs, dear friend.
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Oh Lois, living in a home with a water view is our dream, too. 🙂 No, I can’t believe it’s almost August. Some of our grandkids are not too excited about school starting soon. It does seem the summer is going far too quickly! Love and hugs to you, too! May God give us grace to keep noticing the beauty in His creation and allow it to sooth our souls!
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Dear Trudy, I also love to look back over my nature photos during the harsh times of winter. Your photos are gorgeous! What a soothing and peaceful place. Thank you so much for sharing your glimpses of God’s beauty with us. I pray you are having a blessed time this summer!
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Thank you, Bettie. Yes, “glimpses of God’s beauty!” No wonder it’s so soothing, right? I pray you and your husband are having a blessed time this summer, too! May God strengthen us for whatever lies ahead and give us His peace beyond understanding!
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Hi, Trudy. I always love nature photos and these are truly captivating. Looking at these photos make you feel calm and peaceful. 🥰🥰🥰
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I’m so glad these nature photos make you feel calm and peaceful, Adelheid! May we stand still and breathe in the beauty of God’s creation!
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I agree, nature is always very soothing and it points me to God. I love the photos you shared here, Trudy! The rainbow ones are amazing! I hope you’re having a good summer!
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Thank you, Lesley. I hope you’re having a good summer, too! Yes, those rainbows are amazing. 🙂 Filled with so much promise and hope! May the God of hope fill us with His peace!
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Beautiful post, Trudy! Nature always soothes my soul. I feel so close to God when I enjoy His creation! The photos you share are stunning! True portraits of God’s amazing creation! Thank you for sharing them with us!
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Thank you, Donna. I feel closer to God, too, when I drink in the awe of His creation. May we be encouraged to remember He is always in control and He’s got us no matter what!
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Trudy,
Great article.
My favorite place is the Great Smoky Mountains.
Sitting on a rock, watching and listening to the sounds of a cool mountain creek flowing by.
Seeing the mossy areas, rocks, trees, the different animals etc.
is one of my favorite places. Riding the back roads..
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That sounds so relaxing, Jane. Thank you for sharing this in a way where I can imagine it. 🙂 May we open our hearts to the beauty of God’s creation and find solace!
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I think it is time for a nature retreat! I haven’t attended one for years. I loved St. Augustine’s quote. I believe soaking in God’s nature is a form of worship. I’ve taken pictures this summer while away on mini vacations, and will get them off my camera cards to share soon! I want to fill the internet with God’s beauty like you do!
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Oh Lynn, a nature retreat would be awesome. I believe, too, that soaking in God’s nature is a form of worship. It’s His way of revitalizing our weary spirits to continue in this difficult journey of life. I love your nature photos. They are so full of God’s beauty and they calm my heart. May we listen carefully to God’s voice in the beauty of His creation!
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Nature has always been a soothing force for me too. And even looking at these photos brings a piece of that! Thanks for sharing, Trudy.
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I love that your heart is soothed looking at these photos, Lisa. 🙂 May our hearts be encouraged that the same Creator who has the power to create also has the power to strengthen our hearts and restore what is broken in our lives and the lives of our loved ones!
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Trudy, this was such an encouraging post! I love nature, too. It soothes my soul, and when I am not out in it for an extended period of time, I miss it. I often think of the Dolly Parton song, “God’s Coloring Book” when I am in the woods or near water, etc. He has created such a beautiful world for us to live in! In spite of all the evil that has infiltrated, it is God’s world, and He is still in control. That photo of the double rainbow is stunning! How I thank God for His beautiful bow in the cloud—His promise to mankind. So precious!
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Thank you for introducing me to that song, Cheryl! I had heard “The Coat of Many Colors” but not this one. It brought tears to my eyes. So does this truth you bring forth – “In spite of all the evil that has infiltrated, it is God’s world, and He is still in control.” Exactly how I’ve been feeling. It seems I need to focus on His “coloring book” more and more these past couple of years. May our hearts steadfastly focus on God and His faithful character and His unfailing love and amazing promises!
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Trudy, I’m sure you won’t be surprised to read that this post spoke to my nature-loving heart. The older I grow, the more I love being in the mountains, by the beach or anywhere with a hint of some sort of beauty. God’s creation speaks to me on a level nothing else can. Loved this and the photos.
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You’re right, Jeanne. I’m not surprised. Your nature photos really soother my soul. I so identify with this – “God’s creation speaks to me on a level nothing else can.” May we stand still and listen to what God is saying to us through His creation!
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Yes, He restores our souls just as He promises. And Trudy I’m so grateful that He has chosen His very own creation to minister to the deepest parts of who we are. Praise to the Master Designer!
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Yes, Linda! It’s amazing how He ministers to the deepest parts of who we are. Yes, praise to the Master Designer! May we truly appreciate His goodness!
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