Mucha, Mary, Mariposa Skies...

"In the marvelous month of May
when all the buds were bursting,
then in my heart did
love arise.
-  Henirich Heine

Alphonse Mucha

"May"





"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit 

rejoices in God my Savior,

for He has been mindful of

the humble state of His servant.

From now on all generations 

will call me blessed,

for the Mighty One 

has done great things for me.

Holy is His name.

His mercy extends to those who fear Him,

from generation to generation."

Luke 1: 47-51

 L’innocence
 William Bouguereau,
 1893


Incarnation

The Lord is in His holy house

Oh, grace beyond describing,

That Christ in me should please to dwell,

Immanuel residing!

"My soul doth magnify the Lord,"

I sing with lowly Mary,

That God should choose to enter in

This humble sanctuary!

Not now in little Bethlehem,

As in the tender story;

Not now upon a mercy seat,

That bright Shekinah glory,

But in the body of His saint

He maketh His residing,

Both He in me and I in Him

In fellowship abiding.

Within my heart a burning bush,

Within, a mountain smoking;

This flesh of mine a temple veil,

The wondrous Presence cloaking;

Within this broken earthenware

A high and holy treasure;

Oh, mystery of mysteries!

Oh, grace beyond all measure!

"The Lord is in His Holy house"

Mysterious habitation!

I feel His presence here within

And offer my oblation.

Keep burning, incense of my soul!

Keep cleansing me, O Laver!

I want to serve and praise my God

Forever and forever!

-Anne Ortlund

One of my favorite

springtime flowers are the
lovely, delicately scented Iris,
which always bloom
in a striking profusion of color
during the month of May.

"Mariposa Skies"