M is for Mysterious
Most Christians are probably familiar with the phrase, "The Lord works in mysterious ways." The phrase is attributed to an English hymn written by William Cowper in 1774. It is actually a misquote, since the verse was written as, "God moves in a mysterious way." Although not actually found in Scripture, there are many Bible verses that may have inspired Cowper to write that verse. The following are a few of them.
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According to James Hollomn, (Hymn's words are found in the link) it may have been drawn from Isaiah 55:8-9 - "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than yours ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
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Alicia Purdy, in Deseret News - Faith, believes the hymn alludes to the idea found in various Biblical verses, such as that in Romans 11:33 - "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!"
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Although I have been involved in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Bible Studies my entire life, I am no expert. However, I found the words in Jeremiah 29:11 as a possible inspiration for the verse - "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
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If you've never listened to this very inspirational hymn, you may listen to it at YouTube's channel, AHymn aWeek. It was the last hymn Cowper wrote, whom apparently suffered with depression throughout his life. May he rest in peace. Thank you for taking the time to read my post, follow my blog, and/or taking the time to leave a comment. Blessings!
"The Earth Laughs in Flowers" page is a wonderful illustration - perfect!
ReplyDeleteGreat to have it with us at Try It On Tuesday! Thank you!
I love the origami-cat-card-- super idea with the wobble eyes, a lovely project!
The page with the Jeremiah words is AMAZING - and it beautiful fits the Art Journal Journey theme - THANK YOU to be with us again. I am now hearing the You Tube Mix of Gary's AHymn aweek channel- thank you for the link as well.
Last but not least the Cactus Trio phot is awesome and it is fantastic to have you with us over at Moo Mania & More !
I wish you a good and happy new week !
Blessings
Susi
Wow, wonderful projects. Thank you for joining us at TioT.
ReplyDeleteLovely work this week Arnoldo! I didn't know cactus could be so beautiful when it flowers.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous creations Arnoldo :-) the journal pages are fabulous and I love the origami cat too, super cute with his googly eyes :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining us on the Simon Says Stamp Monday and Wednesday Challenges
Luv
Lols x x x
all such beautiful works of art along with thoughtful inspiration to consider! thank you for all of it. xo
ReplyDeleteWhat an adorable origami piece! Your artworks are lovely and I enjoy your thoughtful words as well.
ReplyDeleteLots of beautiful work here, Arnaldo! Love the flowers, and then that origami cat with the butterfly is just so cool! Thanks for joining us this week at Simon Says Stamp for the Monday challenge! hugs, Maura
ReplyDeletewhat a pretty cactus photo :) and your flower page is so colourful :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful projects, the Jeremiah page is fabulous and fits in well with my theme for the AJJ challenge.
ReplyDeletexxx Hazel.
I always enjoying stopping by to see what you have been up to. Loving that journal page. Hope the week is going well. Erika
ReplyDeleteHow creative you are...almost feeling a little jealous ;-) ;-)
ReplyDeleteAnd wonderful choice for m too... M for Mystery, as His works are most of the time. Where would we be without hope and faith in Him?
Have a nice ABC-day / -week
♫ M e l ☺ d y ♫ (abc-w-team)
http://melodymusic.nl/20-m/
What a delightful meme Arnoldo,
ReplyDeleteI very much like the text from Jeremiah, although he struck
me as being a troubled man.
My Bible is the Authorised King James Version so the text reads
differently;
'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD,
Thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
'
Blessings dear friend,
Di.
ABCW team.
A fabulous set of art work and how beautiful cacti can look. Sarah #4
ReplyDeleteLovely art work and wonderful reminders of scripture wisdom ~ my favorite is that divine photo of one of nature's gems ~ thanks,
ReplyDeleteWishing you a delightful week ~ ^_^
This is great stuff.
ReplyDeleteI do marvel at your marvelous artwork. And thanks for your wonderful response to my post this week. I must assure you that I am happy and maybe would have been better off in the long run never marrying to start with.
ReplyDeleteLeslie
abcw team
Love your journal work and that verse in Jeremiah! Lovely post, thank you for sharing! #42
ReplyDeleteBeautiful journal pages! The cactus flower is beautiful! Is it your own cactus? The origami cat is very cute - I love anything "cat"! Thanks for sharing, Lindart #38
ReplyDeleteHi Arnoldo, Loving your art work. The cactus plant is gorgeous, it's quite difficult to get them to flower in the UK. Have a great woyww and happy crafting, Angela x24x
ReplyDeleteCool cactus! I like laughing with the earth. :D
ReplyDeleteYour artwork is lovely as always. I will have to go listen to that hymn at youtube.
ReplyDeleteApril #33
These are such wonderful creations! I love how you execute your ideas.
ReplyDeleteHappy ABCW!
There are a LOT of misquotes in the Bible, like the lion & the lamb. Doesn't alter the basic intent, but there it is.
ReplyDeleteROG, ABCW
I wonder why some people were compelled to alter Cowper's phrase. The change was a complete turn in meaning. I'd love to see Jeremiah 29:11 spread far and wide.
ReplyDeleteFabulous journal page and amazing art, as always, Arnoldo. Thanks for sharing your talent with us again. it's always a blessing to have you play along with us.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you,
Karen
Word Art Wednesday
Wonderful art, and thanks for linking the lovely journal page to TIOT. Cowper's hymns are really great, we used to sing them at school in London. Happy PPF, Valerie
ReplyDeleteStunning, beautiful paintings, Arnoldo, and I love the cactus photo.
ReplyDeleteHappy PPF and weekend xx
Great projects
ReplyDeleteYou always manage to bring love,light, inspiration and happiness through your posts. Your art is simply lovely. Thank you for your prayers. I am confident all will be fine.
ReplyDeleteThese are all wonderful images to relate to the mysterious quote, but the earth laughs in flowers speaks volumes to me. Stunning!
ReplyDeletewonderful art projects Arnoldo! Love the cheery flower page and quote. Fun to play with origami. My fave is your mystery tour page-great composition and imagery! And your cactus photo is gorgeous. Thanks fo sharing too about the scriptures and quotes. Happy PPF and happy weekend to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteWonderful quotes and thoughts about them.
ReplyDeleteYour flower piece is lovely.
Finally google/blogspot has that 502 problem cleared up. I'm glad it was not my computer. Arnoldo, your work today is gorgeous. I really love the earth laughs in flowers. Right now she is only giggling a little bit here, but I think in another week she will be laughing!
ReplyDeleteLuv the first piece best.
ReplyDeleteHappy PPF
much love...
Beauty and inspiration and that stunning journal page!!!
ReplyDeleteFantastic post Arnoldo!!!
Happy PPF~
Loving the look of your blog of late! Gorgeous art and photo! I always always refer to that quote because there is more truth in it than can ever be explained!! Wonderful post! The earth does laugh in flowers! We are so blessed with the beauty of nature!!
ReplyDeleteHugs Giggles
The flower-illustration fits perfectly with the quote. And I love that pen-drawing on the mixed media background. Great cactus too!
ReplyDeleteWhatever the root of the quote, it is so true... Thanks for inspiring verses and for the images, the flowers are simply gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteWow, wonderful projekts.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice weekend
Beautiful art and that card just made me smile. Lovely way to appreciate a friend.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful art as well as lovely picture of the bloom! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your sharing this week. I particularly like the sensitive photo of the cactus.
ReplyDelete~~ Irene
As a returning gardener I love this quote! I smile and feel so at peace everything I enter my gardens. All your art pieces made me smile tonight too. Congrats for being chosen artist of the week at Paint Party Friday! Have a lovely holiday with your family.
ReplyDeleteFabulous work. I especially like the 'Earth Laughs in Flowers' page, though I do have a soft spot for your cat greeting card. I have two cats, they are amazing creatures. All your work is bright and cheerful. Have a nice Easter.
ReplyDeleteYour top piece is lively and fun with wonderful details.
ReplyDeleteThe kitty, makes for a fun and unique card.
And the cactus flowers are beautiful. Still no flowers blooming in my little neck of the woods. Congrats on being honored on PPF.
A very thought evoking post, amazing art to go with too. Happy Paint Party Friday!
ReplyDeleteLove and hugs
Maarit
Congrats on being spotlighted at PPF today. This post is full of fun and happiness! Hugz, Rasz
ReplyDeleteLoving your Oragami greeting card! Also loving the topic, God works in mysterious ways, for He surely does. His ways are not our ways and we are not always pleased with His choices, but we must understand and believe that He knows what's best for us.
ReplyDeleteA day late but still very sincere ;-)
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday and many more to come in all the love, health and happiness!!
Melody (ABC-w_Team)