Baptism

One Sunday when we were having a baptismal service I was inspired when the deacon poured the water into the font. It was a never ending stream of water coming from the pitcher to the font. I kept looking for a hose connection because it seemed impossible for one container to hold that much water. That stream of baptismal water reminded me of a mountain stream and its continual supply of water flowing over the rocks with its cleansing and healing power. Perhaps we should from time to time sit beside a mountain stream and let the water with the sounds and smells renew our souls and refresh our spirits. This will also renew our baptismal covenant.

While on vacation in England and Scotland we made a pilgrimage from Canterbury to Iona. We had visited cathedral after cathedral of exquisite beauty and detail. When we arrived at 

Coventry I was very disappointed, at first. After the bombing of World War Two they had not restored the cathedral to its original beauty. They built a new modern cathedral next to the old ruins. They kept the ruins as a reminder of the effects of war. They kept pieces of charred wood and tied them together into a cross with the inscription "Father Forgive" and reading further it says Father forgive...Both Sides!

I use this photograph when I come in contact with people in conflict as an illustration to motivate forgiveness on both sides of the issue. I never know whether this has any impact or not but it is worth the  try . There are many opportunities for us to be agents of forgiveness.  These opportunities come in many shapes and forms for us to share God's grace.

Father Forgive...Both Sides...

Consider The Lilies...
Luke 12:29

While walking on the Appalachian Trail one summer's day I was moved by the beauty of the many vistas from every direction presented to me for photographic possibilities. Ever changing, always moving as the lighting changed during the day is a photographers dream and challenge come true. Walking through a grassy field along the trail I came upon a large patch of Turk's

 Cap lilies. I was immediately reminded of the story we hear from the Gospel of Luke "Consider the lilies of the fields..." which played over and over in my mind. A powerful message of humility was presented to me at that moment; no words, no music, no commercials, just a gentle breeze on a pretty day. The perception of my "self importance" was put into perspective. Consider the Lilies...

Luke 19:2

Psalm 46:10