The Happy Couple

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
(Deut. 6:24-26)

Our niece Brittany got married yesterday. I could probably go on quite awhile about how time flies and too soon they grow up and do things like this.  Suffice it to say that life is a vapor.  I'm deeply grateful for a loving family and ties that bind.

Trimmed and burning?

 

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.

As the children's song goes on we are admonished not to "hide it under a bushel" (No!) and to "let it shine 'til Jesus comes".  As you ponder these lampposts, consider not only the obvious obscuration of the one but the condition of its bulbs as well.

Inbound-Outbound

And he (Jesus) said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. (Mark 6:31)

I think this is what they call a "money shot".  Trying to capture American Eagle inbound to O'Hare, I inadvertently caught another "bird" outbound (look closely). It makes me think of how we much "coming and going" we do.

Settlers of Catan

This image is really about the warm feelings evoked by having Greg and Ryan home from college for a weekend.  Frankly, my experience with "Settlers" is mostly about getting beaten by these guys so it's best to let them duke it out. They've been friendly rivals for about 19 years now.  Next thing to twins.

When They Ring the Golden Bells

There's a land beyond the river,
That we call the sweet forever
And we only reach that shore by faith's decree
One by one we'll gain the portals,
There to dwell with the immortals
When they ring the golden bells for you and me.
(Dion De Marbelle, 1887)

Someday the bell is going to ring (I actually like thinking of the trumpet sounding a little better) and we'll be called home.  But the waving grain in front of this bell tower reminds me of the "fields white unto harvest".  So we press on for Just One More Soul!

The Little Chap Who Follows Me

Somewhere a few years back, young Emmaus picked our Ryan as his best church friend. Curious how God favors us with the challenge of revealing Him through the example of our life.  It makes me think of a poem I heard many years ago.

The Little Chap Who Follows Me

A careful man I ought to be;
A little fellow follows me;
I do not dare to go astray
For fear he'll go the self-same way.

I must not madly step aside,
Where pleasure's paths are smooth and wide,
And join in wine's red revelry~
A little fellow follows me.

I cannot once escape his eyes;
Whatever he sees me do he tries~
Like me, he says, he's going to be;
The little chap who follows me.

He thinks that I am good and fine,
Believes in every word of mine;
The base in me he must not see,
The little chap who follows me.

I must remember as I go,
through summer's sun and winter's snow,
I'm building for the years to be,
A little fellow follows me.

~Author Unknown~

Short Final

What can I say -- I love airplanes!  This United B777 was on "short final" to Runway 27L at O'Hare.  The main gear wheel trucks seem to be reaching for the ground while the proud bird knows it belongs in the skies!

Always Winter Never Christmas

Fellow Narnia lovers will recognize this line from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.  This shot from the front door of our friends in Fort Wayne, Ind. reminded me of the line describing the effects on Narnia of the Wicked Lady’s curse.  As we search for signs of spring in the frozen north, let’s give thanks that the One who promises spring will follow winter also freed us from the cursed effects of sin by sending a Redeemer (John 3:16).  And He gives us lampposts along the way to guide us home!

The Breath of God

By the breath of God frost is given: (Job 37:10).

I don't know how I'd really add to that thought other than to ponder that if an infinite God has enough "time" to paint each crystal of morning frost by hand, He surely has time to hear my prayers.

Watch the Conductor!

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. (Ps. 37:23).  Our "conductor" will lead in perfect time but we must keep our eyes on Him!

Yes, that's Nelson in the center of the sea of red and brass!