reflection

What do you call it?

The tree is this photo is native to Malaysia and Australia. It has been introduced throughout the tropics, and in Jamaica it is known simply as “Jamaican apple” or the more common Otaheite apple. There are a number of English common names – the Malay apple, Malay rose apple, mountain apple, rose apple, Otaheite apple, pink satin-ash and pommerac. In Jamaica, it is commonly eaten freshly picked from the tree. But it is often used to make a refreshing apple drink (often with ginger added). Other times the otaheite apple is stewed with brown sugar and ginger, which makes a very nice sauce that is sometime serve with ice cream as a dessert.

I call my reflections “Seeing God in All Things” and talk about experiencing God visually, but there are many other experiences that are God moments. Maybe you understand something clearly for the first time – an “aha” moment. Sometimes, they are experienced as an overwhelming sense of peace, awe, or joy. Whatever you call it, recognize it as God’s presence.

Reflection from seeinggodinallthings.com

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Seek the Lord

The song “Seek the Lord, while He may be found” has been going through my head this morning. Probably because the daily reading for today (Mark 1:29-39) has the disciples searching for Jesus after he went off to a deserted place to pray.

This photo is from our flight to Jamaica last week. In the distance, you can just barely see the airport runway lying next to the sea. I continue to be amazed by the technology that allows us to find a dot on a map from thousands of miles away. Thankfully, we also have the tools we need to find God.

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reflection

Winter storm

We just got back from Jamaica last night and were greeted with the winter storm that hit the area yesterday. I got up this morning to this scene in our backyard.

We like to believe we are providing for the birds, especially when the elements are unkind. We know that God provides for us, especially in difficult times.

Reflection from seeinggodinallthings.com

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Light for the World

Another sunrise. This one is in Jamaica.

The beginning of the day. Light for the world.

In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

He was in the beginning with God.

All things came to be through him,

and without him nothing came to be.

What came to be through him was life,

and this life was the light of the human race;

the light shines in the darkness,

and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:1-5

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New Year

This is a photo of sunrise at Kiawah Island from a couple of years ago. Kiawah is a regular destination for Marylynn‘s family and there are many routines that a part of these trips. As you might guess, spending time on the beach is one of those routines. Another is getting together with the whole family (40+ and growing) for dinner most nights. There’s riding bikes, game nights, and scavenger hunts. These vacations are highly anticipated. And they are over before you know it.

The sunrise is a good analogy for the New Year. There is anticipation and expectations. Some things are easily predicted; some events will surprise. Despite the tendency to look ahead, it is important to savor the moment.

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Looking Back

This photo was taken looking back as we left Kusadasi on our recent trip to Greece (with one day in Turkey). The wake leaves a clear sign of where we came from.

As we bring 2018 to a close, there is value in looking back and reflecting on the past year. To see where we came from and how we got where we are.

It was a good year; it was a difficult year. We welcomed our third grandchild (good); we watched our son move to Philadelphia (difficult). We said goodbye to the Grand Poopah (difficult); we celebrated Marylynn’s retirement (good).

In life, as on a cruise ship, knowing where you came from doesn’t tell you exactly where you are going. But it does give a sense of direction.

Blessings to you in the new year!

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