Ardent Flames

O that Thy ardent flames were kindled,
Unfathomable depth of love!
May all the universe acknowledge
That Thou art King and Lord above.
(Zion's Harp #73)

We had a wonderful night last evening as a church (hence the table arrangement pic from my dad and mom's retirement dinner) in which the ardent flames of Christ's love were manifest!

Fall Colors

I'm reading a fascinating book on Abraham Lincoln (entitled "Team of Rivals") and am learning a lot about the Civil War period.  I just finished the part where the Secessionists cut off the resupply of the beleaguered Fort Sumter, in essence firing the first shot of the War Between the States.  Instantly, that act of aggression elicited a patriotic response in the North in which formerly feuding factions came together in a purpose to preserve the Union.  The things which divided soon became clearly less important than that great and noble purpose.  Amazing how that tends to happen!

Aaron & Hur

OK, it's quite a stretch to compare the biblical account of Aaron & Hur holding up Moses' arms to the often unseen support aircraft of the Blue Angels known affectionately as "Fat Albert".  But it's worth it to draw some attention to the unsung heroes who lend their loyal, quiet and unassuming support to those who are more visible.  The famous "Blues" get the focus but they'd attest to the reality that the show would not go on if it weren't for their ground, maintenance, and logistics crews.

Thanks to all who selflessly serve in so many places, lowly and great.  The Lord is your reward.

Autumn

While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. (Gen. 8:22)

I love fall!  And this year we've been blessed with an abundance of those wonderful clear, crisp, cool days.  Among the delights of a climate with distinct seasons is the quarterly reminder that God has promised that the seasons will continue "while the earth remains".  Enjoy!

ISU

I took this picture during a college visit and wasn't really sure if or how to use it.  I like the image but couldn't think of a fitting caption or thought. 

Then along comes the news today that my little girl Julie was accepted to Illinois State University!  More than enough reason.  Congratulations, Julie--I love you!

Fractals

frak' tel. A geometric pattern repeated at ever smaller scales. (American Heritage College Dictionary).

I love a good zoom lens.  So functional for bringing up close an unsuspecting subject.  But what's really fascinating is that when you zoom in on God's creation, the complexity never gets fuzzy.  It's crystal clear and ever more beautiful as you discover the never-ending patterns.

Every Beast is His

 

 "For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills." -- Ps. 50:10

No, this one isn't on a hill in this picture, but he's a noble beast, don't you think?

Necessary Stones

"He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it...Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith;" --Eccl. 10: 9, 10

Which of the stones from the iconic Altgeld Hall could safely be removed before the tower would fall?  Good question to ask when we start assuming the things we think are unnecessary can be forsaken.  Maybe someone older remembers why the stones were placed in the first place.

Yes, I realize things can and do change in any organization.  Maybe that's why it's so important we understand the difference between principles and rules. We must understand the principles, doctrine, etc. if we are ever to know which stones must stay fast and be shored up.

Dayspring

"Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us." -- Luke 1:78

Dayspring isn't a term we use anymore but I understand it to mean the rising sun. How appropriate that old Zechariah would prophesy that his son, John the Baptist, would prepare the way for this "dayspring from on high", Jesus Christ. 

There something in a beautiful sunrise that gladdens the soul with the promise of a fresh and unspoiled day.  It's even more beautiful to link this explosion of color with God's tender mercy towards us.

Alma Mater

Alma Mater; literally "nourishing mother".  That certainly evokes warm feelings as one looks back either upon their childhood--if blessed by such a mother as I was--and, in the more common usage, to the college or university from which we graduated.

This image is literally of the Alma Mater from my Alma Mater, the University of Illlinois where two of our sons now attend.  And, in recent days, our daughter has decided to attend Cindy's Alma Mater, Illinois State University.  Plenty of warm feelings to go around these days!