The Grand Masterpiece // By Elissa Tipps & Becca Nicholson

Standing at the base of the giant granite rock, I (Elissa) looked up and squinted to barely see the top. We had only one day to roam Yosemite National Park. I was stunned by towering waterfalls, oversized trees, and dreamy meadows. I could have spent a week there overwhelmed by the natural beauty surrounding me.

Traveling and singing with Becca in The Sonflowerz has given me opportunity to visit amazing places like the Grand Canyon, Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite National Park. Have you ever explored wild places that take your breath away?

Ranked among my favorite locations has to be my home state of Colorado with its majestic mountain ranges and exciting wildlife sightings (even in the neighborhood – ha!).

If I could pick one thing in all creation that is most beautiful to me, I’d say it’s the Aspen tree. Why, you ask? The Colorado hills sparkle with these gems! The tree flaunts an elegant white bark with soft, rounded leaves shifting to orange and golden colors in the fall. I’ve been told that the largest living organism is one Quaking Aspen tree in Utah – due to its root system covering over 100 acres underground!

God is the great Designer – He created everything around us. Aspens are one of His creations, along with the granite rock that stood before me at Yosemite. But, more importantly, He created you with the greatest care and attention of all. You – yes, you are His grand masterpiece!

Check out what Paul says about you in the book of Ephesians: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)

Inside of you, God placed His very likeness, His image. In all of creation, not even the Aspens or soaring bald eagles, possess this unthinkable treasure. It’s time to dwell on how valuable you are to God.

The author of this Psalm prays, “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous–how well I know it.” (Psalm 139:14 NLT)

God expressed His beauty when He made you! Let that sink in.

Your sisters,

-Elissa & Becca