This photo was taken a couple of years ago at Red Rock Canyon, near Las Vegas. I’m not sure why I thought this was a good photo to use for the end of the year. Maybe because it is in the desert and fairly barren. That is what the end of the year (and beginning of winter) feels like to me. And comes the new year!
If you look closely at these two photos, you’ll see that the water looks very different between the two. The first is a “regular” photo; the second is an iPhone “long exposure.”
I written many times about seeing things differently from different perspectives. I like how these photos illustrate what a difference it makes to view a situation from the long (time) perspective.
(Photo: Ohanapecosh River, near Mt Ranier)
This photo was taken earlier this month at Longwood Gardens near Philadelphia. It reminds me that during Advent, we wait in quiet and darkness.
Lord of Light, our only hope of glory,
your radiance shines in all who look to you. Come light the hearts of all in dark and shadow.
O Root of Life, implant your seed within us, and in your advent draw us all to you,
our hope reborn in dying and in rising.
For you, O lord, my soul in stillness waits;
Truly my hope is in you.
(Marty Haugen)

This photo was taken at the Virgin Islands National Park early this year. What draws your attention? For me, it’s the short cactus right beside the path. It is known as the Turks Head Cactus, due to the resemblance to a Turkish Fez. As an aside, Turks and Caicos is named after this plant or a similar looking plant.
For me, this image is a reminder that God uses the small the humble the mighty.
This photo was taken last weekend in Philadelphia during a hike with my wife and son at Wissahickon Park. Among topics discussed was a debate about the sky being cloudy, mostly cloudy, or partly sunny. As I understand, all three of these would be correct technically although partly sunny is less preferred because you can’t use the term at night. And cloudy is less precise than partly cloudy.
McKenzie and Nelson (2003) wrote about the importance of reference points and framing effects on how we might use different terms to describe the same situation. So if it had been raining, we might say that it is now only “partly” cloudy. If it previously had been a clear day, we might say it is “mostly” cloudy. These are simple examples of how our reference point influences what we “see“.
Which brings me to seeing God in all things. When we encounter things as we want them to be, it is easier to see God in the picture. It is more difficult to see God when we encounter things that are not the way we want.
This photo was taken from the train as we were approaching Glacier NP. I remember my anticipation of seeing the many sights we had been reading about. This view confirmed that we were about to see something very special.
The Israelites were looking forward to the promised land. Yet only Joshua and one other scout returned with a favorable report about the land. The others did not trust what God had promised.
How often do we ignore what is right in front of because we focus on the unknown?
This photo was taken a year ago in Jamaica. I’ve seen sun rays coming through the clouds many times before, but never such a focused beam in the distance.
The ocean can seem overwhelming in its vastness. Full of mystery. A reminder of how small and fragile we are. Yet some see only challenges to be overcome.
You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand
And I will call upon Your name
For I am Yours and You are mine
(Hillsong United, Oceans)
This photo was taken during a race out in Wyoming this summer. When they see a rainbow, some people may think about the proverbial pot of gold. My first thought is about the refraction of light (I was a physics major). But my next thought is about God’s covenant with Noah. And God’s faithfulness which is the basis of our hope.
Signs Along the Way 