Tag Archives: landscape photography

A Rising Vapor

Posted on by
Reply
Mist Rising to the Heavens

Morning steam rising off Icicle Creek

Vapor rising to the heavens warms this scene on a cold morning.

My prayer rising to the heavens warms my life.

“Our Father, who art in heaven,…”

This beginning to The LORD’s Prayer is what makes my life worthwhile. It’s that God allows me to call Him “Father.” When I think about this astounding truth in my life… I am lifted to the heavens

He loves me.
He provides me with access to Him at all times.
He takes time for me, and He is never too busy for me.
He gives me grace upon grace.
He gives me hope for eternity.
He is concerned about me, from the direction of my life, to the hairs on my head.

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— John 1:12

What a wonderful thought for a new year.

Christmas Storms

Posted on by
7
Heavy snow storm in the woods

A cold heavy snow storm

Life is full of storms, most far worse than this snow storm. The Bible assures us that in such hard times, God is with those who love Him, even when we struggle with doubt. He promises to not only bring us through, but use our ordeal for his glory and our good.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Unfortunately, this verse has been used clobber people over the head. Minimizing their travail with “don’t worry, be happy.” Instead of helping, it makes those undergoing difficulty feel guilty for not being able to rise above their fear, worry, anger and sadness. Jesus in Gethsemane felt all these emotions to the point of sweating blood, so our own dark swings of emotion are shared by our Creator…He understands.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

The point of these verses is to plant a tiny seed of hope — not make us feel guilty. They are given to help us endure the howling winds of life by reminding us that morning is coming. A glorious Christmas morning like none have ever known before.

The two pictures below were taken the following morning. They would not have been possible except for the cold winter storm.

the morning after a storm

After the storm

SHg10_151222-1200-Edit

Icicles sparkling in the morning sun

A Prayer Plagiarized

Posted on by
5
snow covering a meandering stream

Pure peace, and gentle rest, wrapped in love for us to enjoy.

The LORD’s Prayer given to me.

And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one. Matthew 6:13

My prayer given back.

Deliver me from lust, and lead into into love.
Starve my stomach, and feed my heart.
Forgive what I have done, and reveal in me what You are doing.
Remove my shame, and drench me with Your grace.
Help me let go of my worry, and lead me in the pasture of Your peace.
Drown my pain with the hope of Your glory.
Remove the curse, and anoint me with joyful blessing.
Let me forget where I have been, by the power of whose I am.
Cover me with thy presence.
Rescue those I love, and bring us together in Your goodness … forever!

Alone at Christmas

Posted on by
1
lonely pine in the Methow Valley, Washington

Cold and alone, but the sun is coming

This time of year (Christmas) many feel terrible loneliness. This season brings that about because we are reminded of past holidays when departed loved ones were present. Also we look around and see others enjoying the company of family and we grieve at our loss. At such times it is good to let your heart and mind dwell upon God’s message to us at Christmas.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11

Christmas is about Jesus, coming to die for us, so we might live in Him and with Him never to be alone again.

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:20

Unfortunately in the holiday hubbub the message of Christmas becomes cliché and thus tossed aside when we need it most — when we feel lost and alone.

Christmas Preparation

Posted on by
4
Sun lifting the clouds on the mountain peaks

Mountains make ready for the sun.

A voice of one calling:
“In the desert prepare
the way for the Lord;
make straight in the wilderness
a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be raised up,
every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
the rugged places a plain.
And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the
Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 40:3-5

I prepare by humbly asking for the Holy Spirit to come and make a straight path through my wilderness. Allowing my Lord to raise me up from my dark valleys, to fill them in with His presence. Then ask Him to bring down the mountainous obstacles I have erected, such as my way versus His way, and a pride that rebuffs the notion I need changing.

“Build up, build up, prepare the road!
Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.”
For this is what the high and lofty One says—
he who lives forever, whose name is holy:
“I live in a high and holy place,
but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly
and to revive the heart of the contrite.” Isaiah 57:14-15