Poetry and Prayer

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A Lovely Book for Children. the Illustrater is Richard Cowdrey who did "A Very Marley Christmas " with John Grogan:

Review below

This is the Day! by Nancy White Carlstrom is a favorite book in our house. Written in free verse style, this gorgeous volume celebrates Psalm 118:24 ("This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.") by highlighting the beauty and wonder of God's creation. The text is airy, asking us to appreciate some aspect of nature each day of the week: "Sniff the garden's sweet rose, and your nose might meet a tiny tree frog. Clap for the river otter who flaps in water but waddles across the grass through cottonwood fuzz, finding his way from the pond to the bay." But it's the splendid illustrations by Richard Cowdrey, focusing on breath-taking landscapes and amazing animals, that really makes this book special. Each page brings "ooohs" and "ahhs," from the deer shown nibbling red apples, to the fox eyeing some rabbits, to orca whales playing in the ocean. Even the endpapers, showing a bird's eye view of luscious green islands at sunset, are spectacular. What I Like: The illustrations in this book are exceptional. My daughter also loves pointing out the blue heron found on every two page spread. The reminder to "Let all creation lift its voice. This is the day the Lord has made. Rejoice! Rejoice!" is also appreciated. What I Dislike: For the most part, I find the text a bit fluffy. More substance would make this book a classic. Overall Rating: Very good.

Some Contemplative thoughts on the Psalms by C.H.Spurgeon's "The Treasury of David".

Psalm 9

verse 1 - I will praise the Lord with my whole heart.

Remark: Half heart is no heart.

verse 1. I will tell forth all it's marvelous works.

Remark: Gratitude for one mercy refreshes the memory as to thousands of others.

• One silver link in the chain draws up a long series of tender remembrances.
• Daily rejoicing is an ornament to the Christian character, and a suitable robe for the choir of God to wear.
• Melancholy often takes flight from us, if only we would take up the song of praise.
• It is a rich comfort to know that He who sits on the throne knows our hearts and will not leave us to the judgement of erring people.

Verse 13 Have mercy on me, O Lord.

• We may call this sentence a little prayer book; for it has in it the soul and marrow of prayer.