#239

... Evening glow

'He who binds himself to joy

doth the winged life destroy

but he who kisses the joy as it flies

lives in eternity's sunrise'

--William Blake

#237

Morning emerging in the mist...

#235

'See, I am coming like a thief!' (Rev. 16.15)

#231

Clouds clearing away yesterday just in time for sunset...

'Fear God and give him glory, for the hour of his judgment has come; and worship him who made heavena and earth, the sea and the springs of water.' (Rev. 14.7)

#230

Ogre-shaped rain clouds heading out to sea, chased by the light of dawn...


'Rejoice with me, I have found my lost sheep.' (Luke 15.6)

#227

Sunrise...

'There will be no more delay...' (Rev. 10.6)

#226

Twilight...

#225

Everything He does is perfect and beautiful...

#224

'When the struggle to be passionately expressive, coolly laidback, or fiercely authoritative leaves us unsatisfied, a feeling of futility sets in. We wish we could get to the heart of the music, and we feel at a loss as to what to do next.

Usually, we view this moment of uncertainty as a moment of defeat. We feel inadequate because we can't simply make music. This self-doubt drains us of music-making energy. Instead, we could see our uncertainty as a victory. we have shed our armor of false confidence and are being our real selves.

When we see a great performer, we may assume that since she appears to be completely sure of herself, she doesn't experience such uncertainty. We don't think about the long, difficult process she went through to master the piece she is performing. And we forget that her communicative warmth and brilliance come from being vulnerable and spontaneous -- that at the moment of performance she doesn't know exactly what will come out of the instrument or how the audience will react.

Wanting a smooth, finished performance, we try to avoid the discomfort of being bewildered and out of control when we practice. We want to feel on top of the piece. But the uncomfortable moment of uncertainty is charged with vital energy that can transform us and the music we make. if we reverse our usual logic and let ourselves feel this uncertainty instead of shrinking from it, we release this vital energy. This is Step Seven: Drop your attitudes and be simple.

When you sense the futility of your struggle, stop and feel that moment, in between one form of struggle and the next, when you're unsure of what to do next. Let yourself feel it exactly as it is. You may notice that you feel a little disappointed in yourself; you long to feel more connected to the music. Let yourself feel that disappointment and longing. You may notice that you feel anxious not knowing how to reach your goal, not having an answer. Feel that anxiety without rushing to try another strategy. Don't fight what is happening. Be as you are.

After a few moments, approach the music again without trying to do anything special. Play or sing with that soft longing and with the feeling that you don't quite know what you're doing. Just be your unadorned self. Let the music play itself, no matter how strange or tentative it may feel or sound. Simple and unexaggerated as it is, it won't sound dull. This is an energetic simplicty -- alive, pulsing, communicative.

As you continue playing or singing, you will sense a new intimacy with your instrument and the music.' (Madeline Bruser, The Art of Practicing, pp. 160-161)

#219

#218

#217

'Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!' (Rev. 5.12)

#216

"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created." (Rev. 4.11)

#212

#208

Silver lining...

'Beloved, do not imitate what is evil but imitate what is good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.' (3 John 1.11)

#207

Not quite dawn...

'For the director of music. A psalm of David.

The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech;

night after night they display knowledge.

They have no speech, there are no words;

no sound is heard from them.

Their voice goes out into all the earth,

In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,

which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,

like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

It rises at one end of the heavens

and makes its circuit to the other;

nothing is hidden from its heat.

The law of the LORD is perfect,

reviving the soul.

The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,

making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right,

giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the LORD are radiant,

giving light to the eyes.

The fear of the LORD is pure,

enduring forever.

The ordinances of the LORD are sure

and altogether righteous.

They are more precious than gold,

than much pure gold;

they are sweeter than honey,

than honey from the comb.

By them is your servant warned;

in keeping them there is great reward.

Who can discern his errors?

Forgivee my hidden faults.

Keep your servant also from willful sins;

may they not rule over me.

then will I be blameless,

innocent of great transgression.

My the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

be pleasing in your sight,

O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.'

(Psalm 19.1-14)

#204

Sparkling twilight

#195

Tired clouds dispersing after a full day's frolic in the pre-Autumn sun...

#193

Clouds looking foreboding at sunrise, but they have actually dispersed somewhat since into wisps...

'Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.' (1. Pet. 4.8)

#183

Clear night shot from yesterday - during a brief respite from thunder showers...

'Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.' (Col. 3.14-17)