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: Sunrise
Early Rising
If the Lord does not build the house, in vain do its builders labor; if the Lord does not guard the city, in vain does the guard keep watch. In vain is your earlier rising, your going later to rest, you who toil for the bread you eat, when God pours gifts on his beloved while they slumber. Psalm 127:1-2
I read this Psalm recently and was taken aback. I consider myself to be an early riser, and admit that I take some pride in that quality. This Psalm serves as a reminder of where my strength lies.
(Photo: Kiawah sunrise)
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)
Power
We encountered these wild (feral) horses shortly after entering the Theodore Roosevelt NP, driving on the South Unit Scenic Loop Road. These horses, also known as mustangs, convey an image of power. Hence the use of the term horsepower for engines and Mustang for a type of car and plane.
The Bible is filled with references to God’s power. It is more than an image.
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.
Peace
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:6-8
(Photo: Lake Josephine, Glacier NP)
Coincidence?
I saw this bird at almost exactly the same spot that I saw two eagles along the beach at Kiawah last year. Coincidence? Probably not.
I’m guessing this is a heron (I don’t pretend to be very knowledgeable about birds). Not really sure what herons and eagles have in common, other than being birds that you can find on the Atlantic Coast.
Our minds seems to work like that, always looking for an association. And it’s natural to assume cause and effect when we do observe an association. Scriptures are full of references to a beautiful and complex world pointing to a Creator. The ultimate cause.
Odd
Just back from another week at Kiawah Island. I took this picture during a bike ride on the beach. This possum caught my eye as I was biking along. He (or she) was just standing there as the waves kept coming in. It seemed quite odd.
I’m sure I do many things that seem odd to a casual observer. Run long distances for example. Often these can be chalked to everyone being different. But sometimes, we experience a strong calling that we know will make us stand out in a way that can feel odd. Follow that calling anyway.
Presence
I thank you, Lord, with all my heart; in the presence of the angels to you I sing. I bow low toward your holy temple; I praise your name for your mercy and faithfulness. For you have exalted over all your name and your promise. The Lord is on high, but cares for the lowly and knows the proud from afar. The Lord is with me to the end. Lord, your mercy endures forever. Never forsake the work of your hands! Psalm 138:1-2, 6, 8
Photo: Germantown MetroPark
Majestic
Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. Majestic and glorious is God’s work, God’s righteousness endures forever. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; prudent are all who practice it. God’s praise endures forever. Psalms 111:2-3, 10
Photo: Highline Trail, Glacier NP
Signs Along the Way 