Experiencing the Creator in Creation

Photo by Andrew Allen Photography

Since the dawn of time, God has given us beautiful waterfalls, mountains, sunrises and sunsets, forests, streams, stars, moon, flowers, animals, and ocean waves.  As a mother or father creates environments for their children to learn, grow, and have fun in, so too God has created environments for each of His children and invites us into His creation.

We will always be attracted to and seek out beautiful things. Rather than settling for cheap imitations or counterfeit beauty, choose to experience the authentic beauty of God’s creation.

You are special to Him and He wants to you to experience all that He has planned for you. No matter where you live, there's always some part of nature you can enjoy. If you haven't intentionally gone outside to enjoy nature recently, unplug the technology, turn off the noise and get out in the Father's world. That might mean a hike in the forest, checking out a starlit night, a trip to the lake, waking up early to see a sunrise, sitting on the beach and watching the tide roll in, or some other beauty of creation.

Take a Bible and maybe a journal and just spend time enjoying nature and talking with God. Some of the best times of connection with Him can come in those moments of experiencing the beauty of His creation.

This happened for me recently when I hiked to the top of Stone Mountain to watch the sunrise. Part of my reading for that morning was Psalm 65 which talks throughout the chapter about creation and God’s blessing. One verse particularly struck a chord as I watched the sunrise: “...where morning dawns and evening fades you call forth songs of joy.” -Psalm 65:8

You are the pinnacle of the Creator's creation; take hold of His blessings and experience His creation fully.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Mountain Top Experience

I stand upon this mountain top looking all around

for on this mountain top your presence I have found.

Oh God of wonders you’ve brought me to this place where I can see

majesty and glory Lord you reveal to me.

I feel as though I’m soaring Lord flying high and free

encouraged, thank you for this time I’m energized with thee.

Forever I would like to stay and make this place my home

but I know it’s not possible forever to postpone.

So when you lead me from this place wherever I may go

let me Lord shine a light for all to see and know.

I cannot must not keep your truth only to myself

I must tell others of your love so they may share your wealth.

Pinestraw

The idea for this song came to me while out running this fall and seeing pine straw on the ground. I couldn't get the driving beat out of my head and this was the result. A lot of songs that I write cover deeper subject matter but this one was just for fun and to celebrate southern culture.

Pinestraw
By: Andrew Allen

Work hard all week 8 to 5 that’s just what we do
Get a little rowdy on a Friday night Sunday sitting in a pew
Football Saturday watching our team play ‘gainst it don’t matter who
Grillout tailgate drinking sweet tea eating some barbecue

In the pinestraw come on y’all head on back into the woods
With the pinestraw come on y’all get a little crazy out in the woods
Pinestraw come on y’all head on back into the woods
Pinestraw come on y’all get a little crazy out in the woods

Spring time green time pollen all around moving in to June
Down by the creek on summer nights swimming by the light of the moon
Sitting round a camp fire starlight outside whippoorwill singing his tune
We’re all here to have a good time ain’t nobody leaving soon

Pinestraw come on y’all head on back into the woods
Pinestraw come on y’all get a little crazy out in the woods
Pinestraw come on y’all head on back into the woods
Pinestraw come on y’all get a little crazy out in the woods

Got a little money spend it on my honey we going out tonight
To a hoedown throw down out in the woods tonight
Swing your partner round and round hold her close and hold her tight
Out on the dance floor that’s what we’re here for keep on dancing till we see the sunlight

In the pinestraw come on y’all head on back into the woods
With the pinestraw come on y’all get a little crazy out in the woods
Pinestraw come on y’all head on back into the woods
Pinestraw come on y’all get a little crazy out in the woods

No matter where you go, remember where you’re from and come on back now ya hear
No matter where you go remember where you’re from and come on back now ya hear
No matter where you go just remember where you’re from and come on back now ya hear
No matter where you go remember where you’re from and come on back now ya hear

To the pinestraw come on y’all head on back into the woods
Pinestraw come on y’all get a little crazy out in the woods
Pinestraw come on y’all head on back into the woods
Pinestraw come on y’all get a little crazy out in the woods

San Diego: Torrey Pines, Padres, Historic Gaslamp District

This past week I took a trip to San Diego and while there got to visit the Torrey Pines nature preserve along the Pacific Ocean as well as go to a Padres vs. Cardinals game and checkout the historic gaslamp district. Here are a few photos:

Runners be not jealous, I got to do a mile repeat speed workout along this stretch.

This guy was hanging out around my hotel along with a few of his buddies.

Glass Recycling

If you're interested in recycling glass in Kansas City, a new glass recycling company has opened for business. It is called Ripple Glass and they will have collection sites at quite a few locations around Kansas City. Their website is www.rippleglasskc.com. The website has a drop off location finder by zip code as well at this link.

Fall Colors

This weekend I went hiking close to Smithville Lake, Missouri and got a few pictures of the fall leaves. I also took some pictures of the stunning fall colors in North Kansas City, MO.

Powell Gardens Flowers

Over Labor Day, I went to Powell Gardens which is about 45 minutes east of Kansas City. They have lots of nice flower gardens as well as some agriculture exhibits.