I love the clouds in this photo, taken recently at Sweet Arrow Preserve. God painting in the sky.
Monthly Archives: June 2020
Out of the fog
This photo was taken last Sunday during a run at Sugarcreek Preserve. It was very humid with a layer of fog. Despite running there on many humid mornings, I don’t ever remember seeing the sunlight coming through this tree like that.
God is revealed in new ways sometimes when least expected.
History
This photo was taken flying over Provo, Utah. The snow capped mountains create a stunning visual. What strikes me most though is the river traversing through the mountain ridge. How does that happen? Geologists probably have a good theory. Whatever the explanation, I’m sure you have to go way back in history for it to make sense.
Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy history much when I was in school. I certainly enjoy it much more now. In large part, that is because I want to understand why things are the way they are now and I recognize that you need to go way back in history for an understanding. I’ve learned a lot over the past 3 weeks. History that isn’t taught in schools. Experiences that others have had that I have not.
I pray that each of us will have the humility to listen and learn.
The Color Purple
Purple is a color associated with wealth or royalty, likely because purple dye was very expensive in ancient times. In the church, it represents preparation as in Lent and Advent.
When I see purple, I see the touch of God.
(Photo: Cedar Cliff Falls)
Obstructed View
This is a photo near Berea, Kentucky. It was taken while looking out through an opening in the trees. The trees were not quite dense enough to create a “tunnel” view, but they definitely made it difficult see everything along the hike. In other settings, we might talk about an “obstructed” view. Or even “blinds spots.”
Recent discussions have shown me how many of us have blind spots regarding racism in our society. The reflection from Jesuitprayer.org this morning reminded me that as followers of Jesus, there is no “neutral,” in the face of injustice. There’s only racist or anti-racist. Taking action requires moving (being open) to a different point of view to see beyond our “obstructions”.
Our Help
I lift up my eyes toward the mountains;
whence shall help come to me?
My help is from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2
(Photo: View from Mt Ranier Panorama Point)
Age to Age
This is a photo at Indiana Dunes State Park. These dunes have been formed over the past 20-40,000 years.
O Lord, you have been our refuge,
from generation to generation.
Before the mountains were born,
or the earth or the world were brought forth,
You are God, from age to age.
Psalm 90:1-2
Connectedness
This is a photo I took at Yellowstone last year. It is just now re-opened; I saw a video yesterday with the scientist in charge of the volcano observatory talking about activity in the park recently. Steamboat Geyser erupted on May 31 and was still emitting steam which it does for days after an eruption. Cistern Spring, which is located nearby, had started emptying out because there is some type of underground connection between the features.
I don’t think it is an exaggeration to compare recent events in our country to volcanic activity. And note that we are all connected in complex, often hidden ways.
Signs Along the Way 