The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who lived in a land of gloom a light has shone. Isaiah 9:1
(Photo: Sunrise at Galena Breeze, Jamaica)
Tag Archives: Jamaica
Be Imitators
A stone is not the sun, but this one is imitating the sun. It is said that imitation is the highest flattery. Even more importantly, we are encouraged by Paul to “be imitators of God… and live in love” (Ephesians 5:1-2).
(Photo: Sunrise at Galina Breeze, Jamaica)
Crossing
On our recent trip to Jamaica, we went out picking guava one afternoon. As we were walking back to get picked up, these donkeys were following us. When we crossed this small stream, they stayed on the other side. I’m not sure why, I’m guessing it is easy for them to cross.
How often do we allow a simple obstacle to hold us back?
Change
We returned to Jamaica last week, the first time since 2019. Some things were the same, others very different. Sunrise the morning of this photo was really the only day we saw sunrise. Between cloudy days and the dust cloud from Africa, there wasn’t much to see most mornings. But this photo was certainly a familiar site.
The Ministry of Health has not given permission to have our usual clinics, but we were able to spend a couple of days doing children’s check ups. And another day getting the Wellness Center ready for clinics. ACE, the NGO we work with, has grown significantly and now owns a several hundred acre farm.
It is quite inspiring to see God’s hand at work.
Changes
This is one of my favorite views – sunrise in Jamaica. I was at this spot every summer for over 10 years, but not since 2019 due to the pandemic. We are planning to return this summer, but things will definitely be different this year. Some things are back to the way they were before. Some are not likely to ever go back to the same.
One thing is certain. God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Pleading
O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I plead my case to you, and watch. Psalm 5:3
Photo: Sunrise at Galina Breeze, Jamaica
The Light
This photo was taken a year ago in Jamaica, a little before sunrise. The light in the boat (just left of center) had caught my eye.
In the midst of darkness, there are many lights that we see. But there is only one Light.
The Deep
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)
The Wind
This photo was taken on our last morning in Jamaica. This spot is one of my favorites at Galina Breeze, especially to watch the sunrise. We had a couple of days with beautiful sunrises, then 3 or 4 in a row that were very cloudy (ie, you couldn’t even see the sun rise). On our last day, I remember looking out our window and commenting to my wife that it should be a good sunrise because there were no clouds overhead. When we got down to the “beach”, there was this dense haze on the horizon. I can’t remember ever seeing so much haze there before.
After we got home, I began wondering if the haziness had anything to do with the winds. Every morning, it had been unusually windy. So much, that it was actually comfortable (whereas I usually sweat through breakfast). A quick internet search found that the source of the haze was …(dramatic pause)… dust from Africa. Blowing across the Atlantic sea into the Caribbean.
I certainly didn’t need a reminder of the power of the wind, but it was a nice reminder of the positive effects of the wind. God’s spirit is described as wind many times in the Bible. I like to think of the Holy Spirit as a cooling breeze. Refreshing.
Signs Along the Way 