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 into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
John 1:1-5
(Photo: New Smyrna Beach)
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)
In the morning fog, two lights are present. One is visible but barely seen. The is other not seen, but is the true source of light.
The heavens declare the glory of God; the firmament proclaims the works of his hands. Day unto day pours forth speech; night unto night whispers knowledge. There is no speech, no words; their voice is not heard; A report goes forth through all the earth, their messages, to the ends of the world. He has pitched in them a tent for the sun; it comes forth like a bridegroom from his canopy, and like a hero joyfully runs its course. From one end of the heavens it comes forth; its course runs through to the other; nothing escapes its heat. Psalms 19:2-7
(Photo: Bozeman, Montana)
I’m sure I will be mostly posting photos from our trip to Yellowstone over the next few weeks. So today, I wanted to post a photo taken nearby. This one is at Sugarcreek Park this morning.
It is fairly easy to see God in a place like Yellowstone. It isn’t always as easy to see God in our every day experiences. Or in people we see regularly, like family, friends, or coworkers. I guess that is another way of saying we often take for granted the people and things around us.
This is another photo from this week at Kiawah. When I look at it, the word that comes to my mind is “peace.” Certainly, this is a peaceful scene but it goes beyond that for me. It connects me with many happy memories from past vacations here.
Peace is so much more than the absence of conflict. It is more like an experience of true contentment.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”
John 14:27
This photo was taken earlier this week at Kiawah. It was not the first time I had seen so many birds gathered at this particular spot. There is nothing obviously different about this spot, as far as I can tell. Which makes me wonder why all these birds have gather here. Something must be attracting them.
In our lives, there is something similar which I would label a “calling.” God often leads us by placing desires in our hearts. These desires may make no “sense” from a worldly perspective. But they lead to fulfillment as we recognize the unique set of gifts/talents we have been given.
