For me a sunrise can be likened to the arrival of God’s presence upon my day. He arrives softly—at first peering. Then, with a sudden blink, He bursts on the scene. Sometimes gloriously loud, sometimes whispering soft as the morning shown above—misty … soothing … calm. I, sleepy-eyed, am roused suddenly awake. He nudges me to rise, for it is a new dawn.
When I stepped into this particular morning there was simmering excitement as I witnessed something I’d never seen, and may never again. The fog, clouds, and sun combined with early hints of spring to render a surreal palate of soft color and pattern. And clouds melting? I’ve witnessed a multitude of sunrises, but this—this was a touch of the heavenly. God’s hand painted for me another unexpected surprise. (See “Do It Again!”)
I become enveloped and embraced in soft warmth. Then I hear the whisper—no—the still … small … Voice.
My First Voice of each new day.
Good morning. I’m here. Take my hand?
He is … here. But, am I … here?
To hear … Him?
“… Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.”
1 Kings 19:11,12
And he said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Mark 4:9
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
John 10:27
“… but only one thing is necessary.” Luke 10:42a
Peace,
Alexandria
SimplySage 
jeannie
/ May 13, 2012Beautiful all around! What an encouraging way to start the day and TRUE!
SimplySage
/ May 14, 2012Yes, it is true. And with so many voices competing for my attention, it’s a reminder for myself first.
Thank you fo stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
simplymb
/ May 14, 2012This is beautiful and entices me to pay closer attention in the dawn. To listen to that still small voice.
SimplySage
/ May 14, 2012A dawn like this rivets attention so that you hear no other.
Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
Kari Andrews
/ May 16, 2012Beautiful. I love the question you ask: “He is here…but am I here?”
SimplySage
/ May 16, 2012It is the question I ask myself. I have to confess it is not always so. But when I do there is such clarity of thought and wisdom gained, I can then focus on His will alone. His voice drowns the clutter of issues pulling me, for He alone is enough.
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10a
“You will keep in perfect peace, all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you.” Isaiah 26:3
Thank you for visiting, Kari.
Savannah 希望 Hardcastle
/ May 17, 2012This was so touching. I use to do an experiment where every morning for thirty days I said, “Surprise me God.” And no lying, I had an interesting thirty days. It was more so I believe the fact that I would think about God. . .every morning when I woke and nothing else, not the plans for the day or what needs to be done, just Him and I’d smile and thank God he woke me up from my sleep to continue another day following Him.
SimplySage
/ May 17, 2012What you did was apply verses such as Colossians 3:2 and Philippians 4:8. Your simple act of that kind of faith rewarded you with His constant presence and yes, surprises. Setting your mind on Him takes an act of the will. Most will not set their minds on anything but just let whatever come on in. But to fix, to focus, to seek Him with all your heart, soul, and mind rewards you with joy unspeakable. And peace.
I always ask Him to help me see the things He has for me. I know they are there but it’s usually my own distraction causing my blindness. He is ever so faithful in this.
Savannah, I’m so honored you chose to follow my blog. I will definitely visit yours again.
Alexandria
Savannah 希望 Hardcastle
/ May 17, 2012You are most certainly an amazing woman of God. I will continue to read much of your work. Blessings
SimplySage
/ May 19, 2012May the words I write be a source of knowledge and encouragement for you.
In all my ways may I acknowledge Him so that He may direct my path … and my pen. Proverbs 3:6
Thanks again for your comments.
Peace,
Alexandria
Kathi
/ May 18, 2012What a beautiful blog! I love your mission to help us all decrease the sadness in our lives and increase our joy. Certainly savoring each sunrise and listening for his still, small voice is one great recipe. Thanks for spreading God’s love!
SimplySage
/ May 19, 2012Thank you, Kathi, and same to you.
Your comments bring great encouragement.
“You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy.” Psalm 16:11a
Peace of Christ to you,
Alexandria
apoetsjournal
/ May 25, 2012Beautiful pictures. Thanks for following! 🙂
SimplySage
/ May 25, 2012Thanks for the like and visit.
Alexandria
Rosa
/ May 25, 2012This is a very inspiring blog. Thx for sharing your dawn experiences.
lovely shots as well
SimplySage
/ May 26, 2012Thank you, Rosa, for your kind comments.
Glad you were blessed.
Alexandria
frizztext (@frizztext)
/ May 29, 2012greetings by
http://flickrcomments.wordpress.com/2012/05/24/the-v-photo-archive/
Albadr Nasution
/ May 29, 2012Nice picture. Love the first picture of morning.
SimplySage
/ May 29, 2012Thank you for coming by and for your comments.
Peace,
Alexandria
Myra GB
/ May 30, 2012Very inspiring and moving. Lovely photos. 🙂
SimplySage
/ May 30, 2012Thank you, Myra, for your visit and comments. I looked at your place and think I’ll stop in again. Very nice work you do.
Peace,
Alexandria
2e0mca
/ May 31, 2012The early morning voice for me is normally the birds planning out the day in our Rowan Tree. Nice idea and photos.
SimplySage
/ June 2, 2012Yes, the birdsong combined with the beautiful sunrise is the perfect way to begin a day.
Thank you for visiting my place and for your comments
Peace,
Alexandria
frizztext (@frizztext)
/ July 14, 2012thanks for your comment at
http://flickrcomments.wordpress.com/2012/07/14/the-sensational-nightingales/
LizEccentric7
/ August 30, 2012The morning sun and the sunset and even the sun shining on a meadow or in the forest make me wonder how God made such beautiful nature in such a short time. Yes, the Lord knows who are his children, and a strange they will not follow. This post made me smile. The birds (I birdwatch) also make me think of the Lord, and the Lillies, how they toil and turn (from the Bible). Beautifully written and positively from the heart writing.
GEE
/ August 31, 2013Beautiful. Am a new follower. God bless! 🙂
SimplySage
/ August 31, 2013Thank you. Nice to meet you!