#161

'one who has become a priest, not through a legal requirement concerning physical descent, but through the power of an indestructible life.' (Heb. 7.16)

#160

Manhattan looking 'old world' in this slightly humid, sepia tinted air...

We love because God first loved us. 'How to live the truth that love and wounds are never separate. We can only live it when we reclaim that first love, so that we can forgive those who love us poorly but also so that we can recognize in the love that we do receive a hint or a glimpse of that first love that is [in our heart]. God has created you and me with a heart that only God's love can satisfy. And every other love will be partial, will be real but limited - will be painful. If we are willing to let the pain not make us bitter but prune us to give us a deeper sense of our belovedness then we can be as free as Jesus and walk on this world and proclaim God's first love wherever we go.' (Henri Nouwen)

#159

'If you're not having fun, why do it?' - Randy Pausch

#158

From a sermon on Revelation 2.18-29 (Jesus' letter to the church in Thyatira):

We all have a universal need to be seen; at the same time, there is pervasive fear to be discovered for the frauds we feel we are. God sees us at our most vulnerable, sees our envies and jealousies, sees to the bottom of our souls, and yet loves us. If you only knew the one who sees you and what He thinks of you - then you would never desire the things the world idolizes, influence, recognition, status, 'love from the world.' His love is sufficient.

#157

Goblin-like clouds melting in the first light of dawn as a quick rain passes through...


'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.' (Heb. 4.7)

#156

Sparkling jewel of a morning

'I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.' (John 15.11)

#155

Picture perfect post-storm sky...

'For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is a gift of God not the result of works, so that no one may boast' (Ephesiais 2.8-9)

#154

Dramatic, thunderous rain - the kind that raps loudly on the window with lightening that slices the sky - started last night, has tapered this morning to a drizzle...



'Since therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sinsof the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.' (He. 2.14-18)

#153

The after-rain sky shimmering in a silvery light...

'Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. At the same time pray for us as well that God will open to us a door for the word, that we may declare the mystery of Christ, for which I am in prison, so that I may reveal it clearly, as I should.' (Col. 4.2-4)

#152

Currently raining outside with 0 visibility - this photo is from yesterday afternoon; what a glorious day it was!

'Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word.' (Heb. 1.1-3)

#151

A break in the relentless heat...

'But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our savior appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.' (Titus 3.4-5)

'And let people learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet urgent needs, so that they may not be unproductive.' (Titus 3.14)

#150

'To the pure all things are pure, but to the corrupt and unbelieving nothing is pure. ' (Titus 1.15)

#149

A pearlescent morning with only a puff of cloud alight with the rising sun...

'No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.' (1John 4.12)

#148

Frosted glass morning...

'In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus...' (2Tim. 4.1)

#147

Last night's sunset...

'All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.' (2Tim. 3.16-17)

#146

Cool, damp, still morning...

'You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well.' (2Tim. 2.1-2)

#145

Back from vacation in the countryside, where street lamps are an anomaly... will never forget the star-dusted sky there - infinite points of light covering the sky, not just here and there but everywhere like sand...

'Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filed with joy.' (2 Tim. 1.4)

#144

'Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways.' (2Thess. 3.16)

#143

Sunlight faintly coming through the monochrome haze...