Tag Archives: water

Drop by Drop Beauty Forms

Posted on by
5
RAW_080222-2552-Edit

A beautiful ice chandelier

Just like this ice sculpture is being formed drop by drop, layer upon layer into something beautiful, we too are being carefully molded by the Holy Spirit into the likeness of Christ.

For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. John 1:16 NAS

Undeserved grace upon grace,

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Corinthians 4:17

Unnoticed blessing upon blessing

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.                 2 Corinthians 3:18

So take heart God is not done yet, but know this He is faithful to carry us onto completion.

…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

Looking Down Seeing Up

Posted on by
2
reflection in rock2

Clouds and trees reflected pools of water along the Icicle River.

With all the alarming things in the news, I need to see the heavens instead of the frightening rocks.

I will lie down and sleep in peace,
for you alone, O Lord,
make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

Killing Time Till I Die

Posted on by
2
Crystal clear water of Iceberg Creek

Crystal clear water of Iceberg Creek

This stream coming down from Iceberg Lake reminds me of a hiker I met on that trail. He had diabetes and lived out of his car. He had a little money saved, and with it was able to buy gas, food, and insulin. Stopping at various camp grounds his days were spent hiking the trails of national parks. As we hiked and talked he spoke of the many regrets in his life. He really wanted to do something meaningful, something to make his life worthwhile. After a pause he woefully admitted: “Right now I’m just killing time ‘till I die.”

How sad to wander through life with such an epithet. It made me think of my own life. How do I avoid falling prey to similar regrets? The pursuit of what seems worthwhile, only to find in the end that it is mirage, empty of any lasting purpose.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.  John 10:10

In truth there is a spiritual battle going on. One side wants to steal and make my life worthless — “killing time, ‘till I die.” On the other side Jesus wants me to have a full life, a life with lasting significance.

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last.  John 15:16

This “fruit” is explained in the rest of John 15. The big thing for me is to know is life has a good purpose beyond the years of my existence an eternal purpose.

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.  Ephesians 2:10

God has good things for me to do, so instead of “just killing time ‘till I die,” I want to follow Jesus, being filled with “living water” and flow like this stream — in the fullness of life.

The End of the Trail to Iceberg Lake

Posted on by
Reply
Iceberg Lake

Iceberg Lake

When I was young I wished to be older,

now that I am old I wish to be younger.

Life taken for granted is wished away,

until their is no longer room for today.

Ice floating on a lake is a metaphor for human existence “here today, gone tomorrow.” Psalm 103 reminds us of of this truth concerning life so that we might dwell upon what is truly important.

For he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, Psalm 103:14-17

Thank goodness the Lord’s love is from everlasting to everlasting. That love anchors each day no matter what comes. It is the living water for our dry days. It is the sun breaking through on our cloudy days. It is what gives us hope when all seems hopeless.  The love of God is the most important thing for each day of my life. It will triumph over my  yesterday, provide joy for today, and be my hope forever, even though I am melting away.

His love is given to us in Jesus Christ that who ever believes in Him will be saved and live in His love forever (John 3:16-17)

Wildflowers of Life

Posted on by
Reply
Wildflowers Along the Icicle

Balsamroot along the Icicle River

All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.  1 Peter 1:24-25

Sometimes I just read the Bible like a homework assignment…and get very little out of it. Then there are those moments when I meet God in the Word, resting in His presence. I lay still, letting the words and the Holy Spirit wash over me to change me and refocus the day. The funny thing is I never seem to develop any skill at being still and resting before God. Instead, I have to start from scratch each time, going over the same terrain of reigning in my will and submitting to his will. I know God endeavors to make it easy to rest. I am the one who makes it hard.

Light of Life

Posted on by
4

morning light
The right light makes this photograph beautiful. It is the same for our life.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Later in the chapter Jesus explains what He means by, “I am the light of the world.”

“Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. John 8:14

I struggle with that fact all the time. When traveling I hate to ask for directions, because then I have to admit I do not know what way is right. It is the same for the right way to go in life.

With all the debate about how to stop the mass killings, how to deal with immigration, what to do with millions of refugees, we need to admit we don’t know where we are going, and follow the light of the world.

He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

The Rocks Cry Out

Posted on by
2
The Rocks Cry Out Glory

The Rocks Cry Out Glory

There are times when the closeness of God compels me to give praise.
This joyous epiphany is not due to anything I have done, nor can I command it.
Sometimes it follows a harrowing intervention of God, but not always.
Sometimes it occurs upon witnessing a miracle, but not always.
Sometimes it is just God comes near and I am overcome with worship.
And then even the rocks cry out, rejoicing along with me.
What a wonderful and full moment — to be overwhelmed by His presence.
A fleeting taste of the riches that await those who love, and seek Him.
But all to soon, this moment passes and I am back to living by faith.
With a photograph of rocks declaring my Lord’s majesty,
Gleaming stones to remind me of what is to come.

Reflection On Life

Posted on by
5

It is because we see so imperfectly that faith is so important.

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1Corinthians 13: 12

Icicle River reflecting pool

Icicle River reflecting pool

Drowning In Trouble

Posted on by
1

Icicle Creek cold and frothing

Icicle Creek cold and frothing


There are times I feel overwhelmed.
Lost to anything good,
Drowning in fear.
Floundering in guilt and shame for falling so low,
I drink the cup of tears, with no end.
How will I ever live again?

But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;”
Isaiah 43:1-3

Living Water

Posted on by
1
Icicle River Spring snow melt

Icicle River Spring snow melt

Water running so pure and refreshing, it is life giving, it is cleansing, it is soothing for tired feet after a long hike. But, if we realized it is just a metaphor for the living water Jesus wants to give us, then we would let go of everything else to partake in this blessing. Adding to the joy would be helping our family and friends to join the jubilee. One important fact is it matters not how tired and dirty you are, for the living water will wash it all away. Step in, the water is wonderful.